Tag Archive for: Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Portage

Disney Cruise Line’s Fall 2023 sailings are now available to book!

Disney Cruise Line’s Fall sailings will once again include Halloween on the High Seas from mid-September through October, and then from mid-November through December Disney’s Very Merrytime sailings.

Disney Dream

After her summer in Europe, the Disney Dream will take a Transatlantic cruise back to New York City where she’ll sail to Bermuda throughout the fall.

Disney Fantasy

The Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral, with 7-night itineraries to the Caribbean.

Disney Magic

Beginning October 5, 2023 the Magic will sail Eastbound through the Panama Canal to its Fall home port in San Diego. She’ll sail two to seven-night cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera throughout the fall before returning through the Panama Canal to Galveston in early December.

Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Wish, will continue sailing from Port Canaveral, with 3–4-night itineraries to the Bahamas.

Disney Wonder

No information was released on what the Wonder will be doing this Fall.

If you would like to book your Fall 2023 Disney Cruise, contact us today!

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More and more Disney World updates!

With the steady return of live entertainment to Walt Disney World Resort, park guests are once again creating special moments with their favorite Disney characters. Let’s kick things off with some exciting news for Magic Kingdom Park…

  • Encanto’s Mirabel made her debut in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade” on June 26! According to TikTok, the fans went wild!
  • July 6th – the always iconic Minnie Mouse will join Mickey Mouse in Town Square Theater once again. Both will be decked out in their EARidescent fashions designed specifically for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, and they will be ready for hugs and photos.
  • July 10th – keep an eye out for familiar Fantasyland friends Peter Pan and Snow White as they greet guests at Magic Kingdom Park once again.
  • July 31st – look for the Harmony Barber Shop to begin creating magical memories on Main Street again!
  • Aug 25th – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will soon welcome young guests once again for royal head-to-toe transformations. (Only the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Resort locations are reopening at this time)

At our beloved Ft.. Wilderness…

  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is stomping at Pioneer Hall once again!
  • July 6 marks the return of Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where you can join the nutty friends for a campfire celebration followed by a Disney Movie!!

At Hollywood Studios…

  • July 17 – Star Wars Launch Bay Reopens! A celebration of the legendary space saga, Star Wars Launch Bay is your place for a warm embrace with Chewbacca, a face-to-droid encounter with BB-8 or a run-in with Darth Vader himself for those brave enough.

And those are just the next few weeks! We have even more fun, hugs and memories on the horizon. In the coming months, a visit to Magic Kingdom Park will bring chances to meet Aladdin, Jasmine, Merida, Pooh, Tigger and Storybook Circus pals like The Great Goofini in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Your favorite toys will be ready for playtime in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Donald Duck and friends will rejoin their prehistoric party at “Donald’s Dino-Bash!” in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Returns to Walt Disney World!

When it comes to holiday magic, nobody does it better than Disney, and I am thrilled to announce the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park! The party kicks off on November 8th and runs through December 22nd. This separately ticketed event is scheduled on 24 select nights. Here’s what’s in store:

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – a variety show Mickey and his pals at the Cinderella Castle stage

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks – castle projections, fireworks and seasonal songs

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade – Santa with Mickey Mouse and friends

Special treats – complimentary cookies and hot cocoa throughout the park

Jingle Cruise – the Jungle Cruise transformed with yuletide cheer

Holiday makeovers for some of your favorite attractions – Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas – dance party on the Rockettower Plaza Stage

50th Anniversary celebration keepsakes and photo opportunities – themed for the holidays

Tickets are limited and go on sale on July 7th, so in between trips to the baseball field and the pool, you’ll want to check your calendar.

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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced

As they say, April showers bring May flowers and May brings . . . thoughts of Halloween. Not what you were thinking? Since May is halfway to Halloween, you might want to start thinking about it because Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning to Magic Kingdom Park this fall during their 50th Anniversary celebration.

Attendees are invited to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy exclusive entertainment, Disney villains, frightfully delicious menu items and more. New additions to this year’s party include event-exclusive step-in photo opportunities and a Halloween-themed 50th Anniversary celebration commemorative print on the reusable trick-or-treat bags.

Tickets go on sale May 18th and sell out quickly for this limited-capacity event. The fun begins in mid-August on 4 select nights. There are 13 dates in September and 18 nights in October, with the final party on Halloween night.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as May 12. Prices range from $109-$199.

While you may be enjoying the scent of spring blooms, take a few minutes to dream of pumpkin spice and buy your tickets before they sell out. We now return you to your regularly-scheduled springtime activities.

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Pixar Day at Sea

What could be more fun than spending a day at sea with all your favorite Pixar toys, monsters and heroes? Disney Cruise Lines is introducing their all-new Pixar Day at Sea aboard special sailings on the Disney Fantasy in early 2023.

Imagine being fully immersed in this day-long celebration with the characters from “Toy Story,” Monsters, Inc.,” “The Incredibles,” “Finding Nemo” and more!

Character Encounters. Pixar characters will be everywhere on the ship from morning until night, dancing, playing and interacting with guests. You’ll get the chance to see Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep from “Toy Story”; Mike, Sulley and Boo from “Monsters, Inc.”; Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out”; and Dug and Russell from “Up.” And let’s not forget those incredible characters – Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone – all from “The Incredibles!”

Immersive Entertainment. In addition to encounters with the characters, guests will also enjoy immersive entertainment with them. You can help the Incredibles save the day in a new nighttime spectacular, join your favorite characters for a dance party bash or enjoy a first-of-its-kind theatrical experience that will bring to life the beloved story of Miguel and his family from “Coco” through live music and puppetry.

Dining Filled with Character. It wouldn’t be a Disney cruise without magical dining experiences. A new, interactive character dining experience hosted by Sheriff Woody, Jesse and Bullseye will kick-start the day with sing-a-longs, cowboy serenades and all the country breakfast fixins. You can enjoy a Pixar-themed dinner or immerse yourself in undersea magic while dining in Animator’s Palate with visits from some of your favorite “Finding Nemo” friends, including interactive conversations with Crush.

Pixar Day at Sea will be included on nine select Disney Fantasy cruises from January through March 2023, departing from  Port Canaveral, Florida. Itineraries include the eastern and western Caribbean, with every cruise including a visit to Disney’s private island oasis, Castaway Cay.

Contact us today to reserve your sailing and experience Pixar Day at Sea for yourself!

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Marvel Day at Sea

If you have ever been on a cruise, you’re familiar with the day at sea. There are various games and activities offered throughout the day along with that coveted pool time. Disney Cruise Line takes the day at sea one step further with their Marvel Day at Sea.

This is great news for Marvel fans looking for an epic vacation in early 2023, and for the first time ever, the largest assembly of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains on one ship will be sailing out of Miami on the Disney Dream! This day-long celebration on select five-night Caribbean cruises features encounters with some of Guests’ favorite Marvel Super Heroes, action-packed entertainment and Marvel-themed activities designed for the whole family to enjoy. 

Don’t worry if the entire family isn’t interested in Marvel. With Broadway-style shows, themed dining, activities for every member of the family and Disney’s classic service and attention to detail, there truly is something for everyone.

The Marvel Day at Sea itineraries include Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas. These special cruises set sail in January, February and March, 2023, and are available for booking now.

To book your Marvel Day at Sea, contact us today!

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Walt Disney World Dessert Parties

The Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration is the gift that keeps on giving! To make your magical evenings even more special, Disney is bringing back a new lineup of Appetizing Occasions. From sweet treats to international fare, there’s no shortage of options for making the most of your nighttime spectacular experience.

Disney Enchantment, a brand-new, dazzling nighttime fireworks spectacular, debuts Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom Park. Watching the show at one of several different dessert party options will put you right in the middle of the magic. Talk about icing on the cake! If you prefer a viewing party in Magic Kingdom Park, Disney has three offerings in Tomorrowland:

Disney Enchantment Pre-Party. Sweeten your evening at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant with 50th anniversary-themed desserts, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Then, before the show begins, Cast Members will escort you to a reserved standing viewing location in one of the plaza gardens with prime viewing of Disney Enchantment.

Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats. This party also includes 50th anniversary-themed desserts, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Experience the fireworks views from the comfort of dedicated reserved seating at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Disney Enchantment After-Party. Like the Disney Enchantment Pre-Party, this experience includes reserved standing viewing of Disney Enchantment in one of the plaza gardens. After taking in the sights and sounds of the spectacular, visit Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for a spread of 50th anniversary-themed desserts, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included.

If you prefer to view fireworks outside of Magic Kingdom, you may enjoy Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise. You will set sail from the Transportation and Ticket Center on one of the iconic ferryboats for a magical evening on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Once onboard, taste a variety of bite-size signature sweets including build-your-own mousse, key lime tarts, cupcakes and specialty beverages with and without alcohol. Kids can even participate in an ultraviolet scavenger hunt. During the cruise, guests can observe the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks accompanied by stunning water views.

Looking for a little more than dessert? How about dinner with a show? Harmonious, one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for Disney Parks, will soon light the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT beginning Oct. 1. With choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers in a 360-degree view, Harmonious shows how Disney music and stories have the power to bring people from all around the world together to unlock the magic of possibility. Two delectable World Showcase restaurants are offering an unforgettable dining and viewing package:

Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package. Dine under the stars on the patio at Rose & Crown Dining Room, which serves classic British fare, while you sit back and enjoy the wonder of Harmonious. This package features a prix-fixe menu including one appetizer, entrée, dessert platter and unlimited beverages. 

Spice Road Table Dining Package. Dine in the covered, outdoor dining area reminiscent of the cafes from the Moroccan seaside with a stunning view of Harmonious. Spice Road Table offers a variety of Mediterranean small plates, including Grilled Lamb Kefta, House-made Hummus Fries and Spiced Chicken. The Spice Road Table Dining Package includes two small plates, a dessert platter and unlimited beverages.

Advance reservations are highly recommended for all dessert parties and dinner packages and can be made on DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app. For experiences located at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT, valid theme park admission and reservations are required.

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Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Opening Announced!

The much anticipated Star Wars hotel, the Galactic Starcruiser, officially takes off March 1, 2022. Reservations open October 7th for Club 33 members, Disney Vacation Club members, and Annual Passholders for arrival dates March 1 – May 4. Reservations will be available for everyone else on October 28. 

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary new 2-night experience where you are the hero. You and your group will embark on a first-of-its-kind Star Wars adventure that’s your own. It’s the most immersive Star Wars story ever created—one where you live a bespoke experience and journey further into a Star Wars adventure than you ever dreamed possible.

Arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser. Stay in a cabin or suite with an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with an eclectic collection of characters, sit down to exotic galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together.

As the itinerary continues, you’ll take the story further and deeper. Choose your path. Seek out the inner workings of the legendary starship, learn the traditional art of wielding a lightsaber and even jump on a transport to the planet Batuu—where your mission continues at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

While we don’t yet know prices for all dates, these reservations are likely to fill up quickly, especially for the first few departures. Contact us today to be notified as soon as more information becomes available.

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Grocery Delivery at Walt Disney World

Using a grocery delivery service is a money-saving way to get food brought to your hotel. It is very easy to do breakfast in your room, as you are getting ready, or to throw some snacks in your park bag. Some guests even make dinner in their room – think cup-o-soup or even sandwiches!

The absolute easiest way to buy groceries (aside from bringing them yourself in checked luggage) is to go to the gift shop in your Walt Disney World resort hotel. Every hotel has a limited selection of groceries, including refrigerated stuff, and you pay a premium for them.

An alternative to this is a grocery delivery service that delivers the items directly to your Walt Disney World resort, leaving them with bell services. They will keep your groceries stored and refrigerated or frozen (if needed) until you can pick them up from the front desk or you can have them delivered to your room for a handling fee of $6.

There are lots of choices when it comes to Disney World grocery delivery services. Personally, we use Amazon Prime Now, but below are all the options available to you. You might want to look at a few as some have inflated pricing, limited selections and fees or minimum order requirements.

Amazon Prime Now
Garden Grocer
Walmart Grocery Delivery
Instacart 
We Go Shop
Orlando Grocery Express
Shipt
Dizzy Dolphin Delivery

You can also ship groceries or other items directly to your resort. Disney does charge a $6 fee for deliveries via USPS/UPS/Fed Ex, etc. To make sure they arrive on time, ship your items about a week before your arrival. Use the official shipping address listed for your Disney World hotel. This can be found on the Disney World website. Simply search for your resort hotel, and on the main page for each hotel, on the righthand side, you’ll see the mailing address for the
resort.

How you address the groceries for delivery to your resort is as follows:

Name on the hotel reservation
c/o your Disney World hotel’s front desk
arrival date: xx/xx/xxxx
street address
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
 
Before you order anything, make sure you consider space in your fridge – a gallon of milk and a six-pack isn’t going to fit in your dorm-sized fridge – and the size of the items. (Are you really going to eat a family-size box of Cheerios in 6 days?)

We generally order a few cases of bottled water so we can each grab a few to take into the parks each day, some coffee creamer, pop tart or breakfast bars, and some snacks for our park bags or late-night nibbles. Sometimes we will order sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner or lotion and when our son was little, we ordered diapers and baby wipes.

People think of Disney vacations as being tough on the wallet. However, having your own groceries on hand can help you save a bundle. Why not save a few extra bucks for the souvenir shops?

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Capture the Moment at Walt Disney World

Are you headed to Walt Disney World to celebrate something special? If so, I highly recommend the photo service offered at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom called Capture Your Moment. During your personalized 20-minute photo session, your Disney PhotoPass photographer will find the perfect spot to catch the fun and excitement of your special day. Imagine capturing the moment that he dropped to one knee and proposed in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle or the Tree of Life!

This service is also perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, graduation and more. Or maybe you just want to use the service to get that perfect family photo for your next Christmas card.

Do you need a little extra time for your photo shoot? Just book 2 Capture Your Moment sessions back-to-back and you’ll get 40 minutes plus the chance to visit at least two different Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom photo locations.

The cost is only $50 for a session, and, as they say, the memories are priceless. While photos are not included in the price of the session, Guests who have Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day or a qualifying Walt Disney World Annual Pass with a Disney PhotoPass benefit can download these photos at no extra cost. What an amazing price! I know a few travel advisors who have taken advantage of this opportunity and they received over 100 images.

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