Fall and Winter Onboard Credit Offer – Disney Cruise Line

We are pleased to announce the following offer:

All Disney Cruise Line bookings made between now and September 23, 2011, with sail dates any time from September 21, 2011 through March 21, 2012  will receive the following in onboard credit …

 

Total cruise fare $3,500.00 – $5,000.00 — $100.00

Total cruise fare $5001.00 – $6,000.00 — $150.00

Total cruise fare $6001.00 – $8,500.00 — $200.00

Total cruise fare $8,5001 – $10,000.00 — $ 250.00

Total cruise fare $10,001 + — $300.00

Additional $100.00 in onboard credit applied when booking any suite.

 

In addition to onboard credit, each booking will receive a special onboard gift; one per stateroom.

 

rhonda@magicalmemoriestravel.net

866-610-0499

 

 

 

Walt Disney World Itinerary

The best part of my job is helping my clients plan their Magical WDW holiday! First time clients are particularly special because they are so excited and they have a million questions – they don’t want to miss anything, and who can blame them?

Disney world is an intense vacation experience!  Just deciding which resort to stay in can be overwhelming and then there are ticket packages and dining options to consider … not to mention character experiences,  shows, parades and let’s not forget Cinderella’s Royal Table!

Time for a little expert help …

The following is an itinerary I created for clients who are at WDW at this very moment!  A couple with four children ranging in age from 2 – 8.

They choose All Star Movies for their resort stay; connecting rooms which allows for more space and two bathrooms!   The walk through Andy’s Room, a feature of this resort, was sure to delight their son!

As they had eight days to discover the Magic of Disney, they opted for Base tickets, saving the expense of Hoppers, and they choose  to add Disney’s Dining Plan to their package.

I listened to their requests: Cinerella’s Royal Table for their daughters, true Princess fans, a more traditional character dining experience, and lots of time to discover the parks *on their own* but with expert guidance … this is what I came up with:

DAY 1 – Wednesday August 17^th. 

 

 

9: 25 am – Breakfast at Park Fare at the Grand Floridian.  Please check the bus schedule and allow yourself plenty of time; you’ll need to check in for breakfast 15 minutes prior to your scheduled dining time.

 

After breakfast, take the monorail from the Grand Floridian to EPCOT. 

 

EPCOT hours of operation today:  World Showcase – 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.  Future World – 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. 

 

Illuminations Reflections of Earth (Fireworks spectacular) 9:00 pm – this show takes place around the World Showcase Lagoon and can be seen from many wonderful vantage points.  We like to plan dinner for about 7:00 – 7:30 at the Counter Service Restaurant in *Mexico*  choose a table near the water, have dinner and enjoy the show. (food is good and there are lots of kid friendly options)  I did try to get reservations for The Rose and Crown Pub for you but there was no availability on any evening during your stay.  The view isn’t better than from Mexico, but the restaurant is table service and that can be nice at the end of a long WDW day! 

 

 

 

You should arrive at EPCOT between 11:00 and 12:00 depending on how long you linger over your character breakfast (this one is really fun and very very well done) 

 

Make sure you grab a park map …

 

Now, go directly to The Living Seas where you’ll find Finding Nemo OR to Soarin’ Over California, inside The Land, – pick which one you want to *Fast Pass* and which one you’ll wait in line for.  Get your fast pass and note your return time; now queue up and wait for the other … the wait will be approx.  40 minutes to an hour.  (if you have a smart phone, you can download an app that will keep you up to date on wait times … very useful!) 

 

Also in this area, The Land.  Minimal wait times (usually) and very informative/educational.  Also, this has an indoor queue and that’s a lifesaver if the weather is hot or rainy.    

 

There are other more minor attractions in this same area – Universe of Energy for example, this is fun and interactive; also indoors and minimal wait times.

 

After you’ve taken in everything you care to here, check your map and head over to Test Track and Mission Space.  Again, try to fast pass one and wait for the other. 

 

By now, it will be late afternoon.  If you’re feeling tired, head back to your hotel for a short swim or rest; if not go ahead and begin World Showcase.  There is only ride in this area – in Norway.  Young children aren’t usually smitten with this area of EPCOT … lots of shopping, food and educational opportunities.  You’ll know if your kids are up for this …

 

Whatever you opt to do now, be sure you don’t miss Illuminations at 9:00 pm!  Spectacular! 

 

DAY 2 – THURSDAY AUGUST 18^TH. 

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – hours of operation; 9:00 am – 10:00 pm.   Sci Fi Drive In reservations: 1:50 pm.  Parade 3:00 pm  Fantasmic: (evening show)  9:00 pm and 10:30 pm. 

 

Have breakfast in your hotel’s food court and be at the park at 9:00 am. 

 

Grab a map.  This park is full of things you’ll want to see and do.  The morning and late evening will see the lightest crowds for the most popular attractions:  Rockin’ Roller Coaster, (RRC) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, (TZTT) the Backlot Tour, and Star Tours.  There are also two not to be missed shows in this park for the Princess lovers:  The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.  Beauty and the Beast is in the area near RRC and TZTT so I recommend you begin here.  Decide which to *fast pass* and which to wait for (between RRC and TZTT) and check your map for the show time …

 

This should take you very near to lunch time.  Check your map – it’s a long walk so allow plenty of time and remember to be there at least 15 minutes prior to your assigned dining time.  If you have time, and lines are short, take in Star Tours along your way – or fast pass it and hope for a time just after lunch!  

 

 (Remember, the parade begins at 3:00 so if you’re going to that you’ll need to allow time to get there.)  

 

Now that you’ve eaten, decide on how tired you are.  Return to the hotel for a swim/rest or take in The Little Mermaid and The Great Movie Ride (check show times and decide)  Remember, this will be a late night – Fantasmic plays at 9:00 or 10:30.  As lunch will be late, you probably won’t be ready for dinner until later in the evening.

 

The other major attraction(s) in this park is/are The Backlot Tour and Stunt Show Spectacular.  If you’re up for it, go ahead and do it today – if not, put it on your list for the last few days of your trip …

 

Dinner tonight – try counter service options; check your map and choose somewhere close by!  If you’re at the hotel, try room service pizza or the food court. 

 

Plan to queue up for Fantasmic at least one hour prior to show time – check map or ask a cast member for location. 

 

 

DAY 3 – FRIDAY AUGUST 19^th.   (Day 4 – Saturday August 20^th)

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Hours of operation 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.  Parade – 3:45.  Dining at Tusker House 5:05 pm (August 19^th) 

 

As this park opens late, now’s your chance to sleep in a little!  Do plan to have breakfast and plan to be at the park at 11:00. 

 

The major attractions here:  Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, Jungle Trek, the Tree of Life, A Bug’s Life, The Oasis, and two shows; Finding Nemo the Musical and The Lion King. 

 

This park is HUGE.  Just HUGE – so here is my recommendation.  Plan to do this park in two days:  the 19^th AND 20^th.  (hours for the 20^th:  9:00 am – 6:00 pm)

 

Take in Kilimanjaro Safaris in the morning – the animals are much more alert.  Plan shows for the afternoon when the weather will be warm outside.  Fastpass everything you can but especially Expedition Everest (do this early as they tend to run out of them quickly)  and take these two days at a leisurely pace. 

 

There is so much to do here and so much for the kids to explore … this will be a favorite so take your time and enjoy! 

 

All the counter service restaurants here are good – choose one near you when you feel hungry. Remember:  eating at odd times will cut your wait time dramatically.

 

DAY 5 – SUNDAY AUGUST 21^ST

 

The MagicKingdom (finally!)  Hours of operation – 9:00 – 11:00 (plus Evening Magic Hour as a resort guest!  So midnight for you!)  Parade times:  9:00 am and 6:00 pm.  Dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table: 9:30 pm.  (fireworks are at 10:00 so do them the next time you are in this park) 

 

Have breakfast at the hotel and take the first bus to the MagicKingdom.  Take the ferry across the entrance gate.  Grab a map. 

 

This park is also deceptively large and there is a great deal to accomplish.  Here you will not want to miss Pirates in the Caribbean, The Jungle Cruise, The Haunted Mansion, SplashMountain, Mickey’s Philharmagic, ThunderMountain, Fantasyland attractions including Small World et al … this park, like Animal Kingdom, is best accomplished in two days.  Decide where to begin and fast pass all that you can.  I recommend a long break in the afternoon of your reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table – that will take about 90 minutes and you still have your extra magic hour and with the lighter crowds a lot can be done in this time. 

 

Save the MagicKingdom parade and fireworks for your 2^nd day here.

 

Please let me know if you’d like a priority dining reservation for the MagicKingdom on August 22^nd and one for Animal Kingdom on the 20^th.  These would likely be at odd times, but it might also work to your advantage. 

 

 

By now you’ll be familiar with all of the parks and you’ll know what you want to return to or what you have yet to experience.  You still need to get to Downtown Disney and perhaps take in the Bob show at Port Orleans Riverside (ask your hotel concierge for times on the night you’d like to go)  There is a nightly light parade on the lake that encompasses the Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts; this is free and lots of fun. 

 

When you check in at All Star Movies  you’ll be given a schedule of Extra Magic Hours … plan your last few days according to this and take advantage of it whenever possible. 

 

The phone number for priority dining is 407-WDW-Dine … if you see someplace you’d like to try give them a call and try to reserve.  Remember odd times will be the most successful. 

 

Drink lots of water and make sure you get inside often to cool off! 

 

 

 

Rhonda Sherman

 

Certified Disney Destination Specialist

 

866-610-0499 – toll free

209-639-4541 – direct

 

Rhonda@magicalmemoriestravel.net

 

Visit us online: www.magicalmemoriestravel.net

 

Walt Disney World Free Dining Dates for 2012

The following 2012 dates are now available for booking with Free Dining:

 

§                    January 8 – January 14, 2012

§                    January 22 – February 4, 2012

§                    February 12 – February 18, 2012

§                    March 4 – March 10, 2012

§                    March 25 – March 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For booking or  more information:

 

rhonda@magicalmemoriestravel.net

866-610-0499

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aulani!

Aulani Grand Opening – 13 Days and Counting!

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Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, will offer a new way to vacation in Hawai’iwhen the Resort welcomes its first Guests on Aug. 29 – less than two weeks away!Aulani is located on the island of O’ahu and is perfectly placed just far enough from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, but close enough for your Clients to enjoy the world-class entertainment for which O’ahu is known. Situated in an idyllic beachfront setting, the Resort is nestled between lush green mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Aulani is the perfect Hawaiian vacation for your family, created by the family experts at Disney. Here you can climb aboard a tube and glide through misty caverns on an enchanting water slide. Set sail on a catamaran for dolphin-spotting and whale watching, and party poolside with favorite Disney Characters at an all-ages celebration. Learn the secrets of Disney animation while painting an Aulani-Exclusive Animation Cel, and join Uncle for hula, games and music at the Aulani Starlit Hui. From toddlers to teenagers, Aulani features a variety of programs and activities that you family can enjoy together.

Disneyland Value

 

Your family Can Save up to $450* on This Vacation Package, and Get a Free Character Meal, Too!

Book by Sept. 24, 2011, and your family can save up to $450* on a 4-night hotel/3-day ticket package at the Disneyland® Resort, and a FREE Character Dining experience is included! This offer is valid for arrivals most nights Aug. 14 – Sept. 28, 2011, and travel must be completed by Oct. 2, 2011.

This package includes a 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket, giving your family the time to enjoy two amazing Theme Parks filled with favorite attractions, shows and more. And with a Character Dining experience, your family can share a meal with favorite Disney friends at selected Disneyland Resort restaurants.

 

Rhonda@magicalmemoriestravel.net

866-610-0499

Mediterranean Magic

Great Rate on 7-Night European Cruise   Embark on an unforgettable Disney cruise along the Mediterranean coast and experience the enchanting wonders of Europe. Sail from Barcelona, Spain, to visit breathtaking villages along the French Riviera and dream destinations on the Italian coast. From the awe-inspiring architecture in Rome, Pisa and Florence to the elegant, sweeping vistas along the shores of France; new wonders and excitement await. Create memories that last a lifetime with the world class entertainment, dining and recreation aboard the grand Disney Magic®. Details Set sail on the August 20, 2011, 7-Nights for as little as $1,150* per person for a family of four (2 adults/2 children, ages 12 and under, total voyage fare $4,600), standard inside stateroom categories 11A and 11B.

Disney Cruise Line 2012 Itineraries

After one sailing with Disney, you’re hooked for life.  True story.  Disney has the highest repeat cruiser ratio in the industry.

When there were only two ships, The Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, DCL primarily sailed in the Eastern and Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.  Occasionally they would embark on *Special Itinerary* voyages, these included: The Mediterranean, The Mexican Riviera, the Southern Caribbean, and of course last summer’s stint in Northern Europe.

Now that the Disney Dream has joined the fleet, DCL is exploring new horizons!  The Disney Wonder is currently home ported in California and doing 7 night Mexican Riviera cruises – in late April she will reposition to Alaska where she will spend the summer months – a first for DCL!

The Disney Magic is currently sailing the Eastern and Western Caribbean, but she will once again be spending the summer months in the Mediterranean.

The Disney Dream is slated to continue her 3 and 4 night runs to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay for quite some time.

However, DCL has yet to announce all of their plans for 2012 and that has led to speculation among those of us who await this news with eager anticipation!  ”Where is Disney Cruise Line taking us next?”

Could it be new and exciting ports along the Mediterranean … places such as Egypt, Greece, and Croatia.  Although Egypt seems to be a long shot given the current political climate in the region, new ports in European destinations would be fantastic!

Bermuda …

Fall foliage cruise along the Eastern seaboard of the US  …

Perhaps Hawaii is a possibility with the Disney Wonder home ported on the West Coast these days …

Or the South Pacific …

Or Asia …

The possibilities are endless – and so is the speculation.

Can’t wait to know for sure!!  And neither can my clients!

The Magic, The Memories, And You!

In a dramatic new projection show filled with special effects and magic, Cinderella Castleat Walt Disney World® Resort and “it’s a small world” at Disneyland® Resort transform into shimmering canvases for images of park Guests and the memories they made that day.

In the nighttime spectacle, photos of Guests captured that very day in the park are projected larger-than-life among the spires and turrets of Cinderella Castle and onto the “it’s a small world” façade. The ten-minute experience – called “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” – dazzles park Guests on both coasts in ways never before experienced, themed to beloved Disney stories and with playful animated sequences that seem to defy the architecture of the buildings.

As many as 500 images shot that day project onto the icon surfaces each night the show is presented, producers estimate.

As classic Disney music weaves in and out of the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song, these classic park icons magically transform in playful and exciting ways to accompany the Guests’ memories of fun, adventure and family experiences.

As Disney Parks encourages families to “Let the Memories Begin,” Guests have been celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their stories and by uploading photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

Special Offer From MagicalMemoriesTravel.net

Book any Disney Cruise between now and April 15th, 2011 and receive up to $300.00 in onboard credit.

Offer based on sail date, selected ship, itinerary, and stateroom category.

For more information, please contact me:

Rhonda@magicalmemoriestravel.net

866-610-0499

Disney Cruise Line Dining

 

Disney Cruise Line® dining is sure to satisfy the appetites of your entire family—thanks to fresh, expertly prepared dishes made available 24 hours a day. Featuring diverse menus inspired by some of the world’s most intriguing destinations, and restaurants that are distinctly themed and brimming with charm, it’s the finest dining at sea.

Featured dining options include:

• Main Dining – Disney‘s innovative Rotational Dining system lets you “rotate” to one of 3 distinctly themed restaurants each night, while your servers follow you from venue to venue.
• Adult Exclusive Dining – adults 18 and older can enjoy the magic of a more romantic and elegant dining experience during their vacation.

Other onboard food and beverage options include:

Casual Dining – a wide range of fresh, self-service food items and mouthwatering, made-to-order delicacies for breakfast and lunch.

Quick Service – satisfy those between-meal cravings with a variety of well-balanced and delicious offerings throughout the day, be it morning, noon or night.

In-Room Dining – order room service 24 hours a day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

 

Main & Adult Dining Venue Descriptions

Animator’s Palate
Ships: Disney Magic®, Disney Wonder®, Disney Dream™
Dress Code: Changes nightly, check stateroom newsletter for information. Tank tops, swim wear or shorts should not be worn for dinner.
Cuisine: Contemporary Pacific Rim cuisine with an American flair

Cost: None, included with cruise fare (except specialty or alcoholic beverages)

Inspired by the magic of Disney animation, this spacious yet stylized restaurant is filled with everything you’d expect to find inside an actual animator’s studio. Character sketches, maquettes, light boxes, paint brushes, computer work stations and other tools of the animation trade delightfully decorate the venue; and scenes and characters from popular Disney films adorn the walls—creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

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Parrot Cay
Ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder
Dress Code: Changes nightly, check stateroom newsletter for information. Tank tops, swim wear or shorts should not be worn for dinner.
Cuisine: Breakfast/Lunch: classic American – Dinner: Caribbean grill specialties
Cost: None, included with cruise fare (except specialty or alcoholic beverages)

Inspired by the relaxed feel of the tropics, step into a festive and brightly colored room that recalls careless days on the beach. Parquet wood floors, shutters, large green leaves and khaki bamboo furniture mingle amid a turquoise-blue setting. During the 4-course dinner, enjoy a selection of Caribbean-island grill inspired cuisine for Guests of all ages.

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Enchanted Garden
Ship: Disney Dream
Dress Code: Changes nightly, check stateroom newsletter for information. Tank tops, swim wear or shorts should not be worn for dinner.
Cuisine: Market-inspired Continental
Cost: None, included with cruise fare (except specialty or alcoholic beverages)

Inspired by the picturesque gardens of Versailles, this restaurant boasts a market-inspired menu from around the world for breakfast, lunch and dinner – while transforming magically from day to night over the course of the meal. Flower light fixtures “bloom” in color and the ceiling changes from a brilliant blue, to golden red and finally into a constellation of twinkling stars. Adding to the idyllic atmosphere is a 7-foot tall cascading fountain with a Mickey Mouse stone cherub.

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Lumiere’s
Ship: Disney Magic
Dress Code: Changes nightly, check stateroom newsletter for information. Tank tops, swim wear or shorts should not be worn for dinner.
Cuisine: Breakfast/Lunch: classic American – Dinner: continental with French flair
Cost: None, included with cruise fare (except specialty or alcoholic beverages)

Named after the candelabra in Disney’s animated film Beauty and the Beast, make your way into a spacious ballroom, where glowing rose flowers hang in glass domes with Art Deco columns. Offering a scrumptious 4-course dinner, enjoy a selection of cuisine with a distinct French-inspired twist. Breakfast and lunch boast American-inspired classics for Guests choosing to either remain on the ship or forgo the buffets.

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Triton’s
Ship: Disney Wonder
Dress Code: Changes nightly, check stateroom newsletter for information. Tank tops, swim wear or shorts should not be worn for dinner.
Cuisine: Breakfast/Lunch: classic American – Dinner: continental with French flair
Cost: None, included with cruise fare (except specialty or alcoholic beverages)

Named after King Triton from the Disney film The Little Mermaid, this grand ballroom recalls a transatlantic ocean liner with a dazzling Art Deco theme. It brims with ornate chandeliers, stained glass walls and a mural with an “under the sea” theme. Enjoy a 4-course dinner with a distinct French-inspired twist. Breakfast and lunch boast American classics for Guests choosing to either remain on the ship or forgo the buffets.

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Royal Palace
Ship: Disney Dream
Dress Code: Changes nightly, check stateroom newsletter for information. Tank tops, swim wear or shorts should not be worn for dinner.
Cuisine: French-inspired continental cuisine
Cost: None, included with cruise fare (except specialty or alcoholic beverages)

Find yourself in the center of a classic Disney fairytale where much of the restaurant’s décor is inspired by classic Disney films like Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast. Resplendent décor includes ornate marble floors, a luxurious rose carpet and an elaborate chandelier brimming with glass slippers and roses, along with hand-painted portraits of Disney princesses and princes.

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Palo
Ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream
Dress Code: A dress shirt or jacket is required for men and a dress or pantsuit is required for women. No jeans allowed. At brunch and high tea, attire is cruise casual, however, no shorts, jeans, swimwear or tank tops.
Cuisine: Northern Italian
Booking: Guests will skip the regularly scheduled Main Dining restaurant. Reservations are required.

Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club: 120 days in advance

Gold Castaway Club: 105 days in advance

Silver Castaway Club: 90 days in advance

First Time Cruiser: 75 days in advance

Cost: Brunch/Dinner: $20 per adult, High Tea: $10 per adult
(specialty or alcoholic beverages can be ordered for additional cost)

Over subtle classical Italian music, this restaurant offers nightly dinner, brunch (4-night or longer cruises) and high tea (7-night or longer cruises). Named after the long poles used to push and pull gondolas, Venetian masks adorn the walls, a backlit bar sits at the center and an open kitchen adds to the magic. Elegant glass, inlaid wood paneling and sweeping panoramic floor-to-ceiling ocean views make this the perfect setting for Guests 18 or older looking for a more intimate or romantic experience.

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Remy
Ship: Disney Dream
Dress Code: Men: A jacket (sports, suit or tuxedo) with dress pants/slacks and shoes is required. Ties optional. Ladies: Cocktail/evening dress, pant suit or skirt/blouse required. No jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.
Cuisine: French, featuring superior seasonal ingredients from around the globe
Booking: Guests will skip the regularly scheduled Main Dining restaurant. Reservations are required.

Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club: 120 days in advance

Gold Castaway Club: 105 days in advance

Silver Castaway Club: 90 days in advance

First Time Cruiser: 75 days in advance

Cost: Dinner: $75 per adult (plus cost of specialty or alcoholic beverages)

Offering the most upscale dining experience onboard for Guests 18 and older, relish spectacular ocean views and sophisticated décor. Like an authentic fine-dining restaurant in France, the luxurious dining room is softly lit and designed in a timeless Art Nouveau style. Adding to the refined ambience, tables are set with Frette linens, Riedel glassware, Christofle silverware and china created exclusively for the restaurant. The gourmet menu was created by Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise—a Michelin 2-star restaurant just outside Reims, France—and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Pre-Dinner Service
Guests can meet with a sommelier in Remy’s wine room to taste and pre-select their wines for the evening. Please note, alcoholic beverages are available for an extra charge.

Private Chef’s Table
A special Chef’s Table room (8 Guests Required) offers a unique multi-course menu while interacting with the head chef. The room has elegant décor, shimmering chandeliers and scenes of Paris on the walls.

The Wine Room
Dine in a luxurious glass-walled room with marble flooring amid more than 900 bottles of rare selection Old World and New World wines (Note: not private, part of main room).