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How to make a Disney Dole Whip at home!

Snacks at Disney World are taken very seriously. Many visitors have snacks that they MUST have on every trip. The Dole Whip is one of those iconic snacks. I can remember visiting Disneyland as a child and always having a Dole Whip while we waited in line for the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Disney recently released the a recipe for the Dole Whip and we decided to give it a try. While this isn’t the recipe that Disney uses to make Dole Whips in the parks (because those are dairy free and this is not), it was delicious and super easy to make!

This is the Disney Dole Whip recipe that I used:

  • 1 big scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • 4 oz of pineapple juice
  • 2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks

Add all of the ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth!

Here is the ‘real’ Disney Dole Whip recipe from Dole: https://www.dole.com/recipes/d/DIY-DOLE-WHIP

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Disney Cruise Line Special Sailings

As if sailing on a Disney Cruise wasn’t magical enough, chart a course for more magic as you share in special day-long celebrations on select Disney cruises. You can step into the epic saga of Star Wars or thrill to an amazing Marvel Day at Sea. As you sail, delight in enchanting entertainment and activities throughout the ship.

Star Wars Day at Sea

Celebrate the ways of The Force with a special deck party, photo opportunities with characters, and deck party with fireworks! Kids can take part in an onboard version of Jedi Training Academy and special food and beverages will be served. Each week a different guest presenter will share their stories.

Star Wars Cruises
2020 – Disney Fantasy: January 11 – February 29

Star Wars Day at Sea will only be offered on nine Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral:

  • Departing Jan. 11, Jan. 25 and Feb. 22, 2020, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
  • Departing Feb. 8, 2020, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Castaway Cay.
  • Departing Jan. 4, Jan. 18, Feb. 1, Feb. 15 and Feb. 29, 2020, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica and Castaway Cay.

Marvel Day at Sea

Meet your favorite super heroes, including Black Panther, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, Loki, Doctor Strange, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, plus Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy. Kids will take part in Marvel-themed games and activites, then the whole family is invited to see Doctor Strange host an interactive show that allows children train in the “fundamentals of the Mystic Arts,” and finally an action-packed deck party with fireworks closes out the day.

Marvel Cruises
2020 – Disney Magic: select sailings January 9 – March 9

Marvel Day at Sea will only be offered on nine Disney Magic Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami.

  • Departing Jan. 9, Jan. 27, Feb. 10, Feb. 24 and March 9, 2020, the Bahamian itinerary includes Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
  • Departing Feb. 1, Feb. 15 and Feb. 29, 2020, the western Caribbean itinerary includes George Town, Grand Cayman and Castaway Cay.
  • Departing Jan. 18, 2020, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico and Castaway Cay.

To experience Star Wars Day at Sea or Marvel Day at Sea or any other Disney Cruise Line sailing, contact me here.

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U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Cruise Line Rankings

U.S. News & World Report rates more than 150 cruise ships based on an analysis of expert and user opinions that factor in traveler type, overall cruise ship quality, reputation in the industry, types of itineraries, approval ratings and more. To read more about their ranking system, click here.

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

#1 Royal Caribbean International

#2 Celebrity Cruises

#3 Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for the Families

#1 Disney Cruise Line

#2 Royal Caribbean International

#3 Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

#1 Viking Ocean Cruises

#2 Seabourn Cruise Line

#3 Crystal Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

#1 Disney Cruise Line

#2 Royal Caribbean International

#3 Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

#1 Seabourne Cruise Line

#2 Crystal Cruises

#3 Viking Ocean Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Lines

#1 Viking Ocean Cruises

#2 Seabourne Cruise Line

#3 Crystal Cruises

To plan your next cruise and experience any of these cruise lines for yourself, contact me today!

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Give the Gift of a Getaway in the New Year at a Disneyland Resort Hotel

Surprise your loved ones this holiday with an unforgettable present underneath the tree—a fun escape near new and exciting experiences at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure!

Save on select rooms available at all 3 Disneyland Resort hotels—valid for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 5 through April 16, 2020

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

  • Save 25% on Premium rooms
  • Save 20% on Standard rooms

Disneyland Hotel

  • Save 25% on Premium rooms
  • Save 20% on Standard rooms

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

  • Save 10% on Premium and Standard rooms

Book from November 12, 2019 through March 14, 2020; travel must be completed by April 17, 2020. Some restrictions apply.

Consider adding theme park tickets to this room offer. Staying at one of these Disneyland Resort hotels makes it easy and convenient for your family to check off popular must-dos from their list—including the chance to experience the thrilling and immersive attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (opening January 17, 2020) and fly Han Solo’s famous ship on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park!

Plus, each day during your stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you will receive benefits and a host of welcoming amenities with distinctive Disney touches that will enhance your overall experience.

To give the gift of Disney under the tree this Christmas, contact me here.

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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World

Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World are now on sale!

Disney has announced a few special enhancements for select Magic Kingdom attractions that will take place during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party beginning this year:

  • Thousands of lights and holiday decor around Tomorrowland Speedway
  • A brand new holiday show at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
  • Holiday tunes and dazzling lights on Space Mountain
  • Special holiday lights and music at the Mad Tea Party

There will also be a brand new Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show! Of course fan-favorites like snow on Main Street , A Frozen Holiday Wish, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration will all be returning!

To start planning your trip to Walt Disney World this holiday season or to purchase tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, contact me HERE.

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Give the Gift of a Magical Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel this Holiday

Surprise your family this holiday with a getaway to Walt Disney World! With the help of this merry offer, you can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels—valid for stays most nights January 1 through April 25, 2020 when you book by January 1, 2020.

Plus, receive a $30 Disney Gift Card per person (ages 3 and up) on the reservation when you upgrade to a package by adding 6-day or longer theme park tickets―a wonderful opportunity for everyone to pick out their own special souvenir.

Some restrictions may apply.

Contact me today to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation!

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Getting Around Walt Disney World

One thing many first-timers underestimate is the size of Walt Disney World. Covering nearly 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two islands of Manhattan. This means that you need to go with an understanding of how to navigate Disney World transportation. It is no different than navigating through the city on the cable cars or subway.

You have quite a few options to get around Walt Disney World – buses, monorail, boats and ferries, gondolas (aka Disney Skyliner), Minnie Vans, Lift/Uber or taxis and even walking.

Buses

Buses will take you just about anywhere you want to go within Walt Disney World. You can catch a bus at any of the Disney World Resorts to the Theme Parks, Water Parks and Disney Springs. You may check bus times for your resort hotel on the My Disney Experience App by going to your resort hotel and tapping on bus times.

Disney Springs does have buses to all of the resorts, but not directly to the theme parks, so you will have to take a bus to a neighboring resort and transfer busses there. If you want to go from a theme park to Disney Springs before 4 pm, you will need to take a bus to a neighboring resort (Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter or Saratoga Springs) and take a boat to Disney Springs or walk over.

Monorail

Guests staying at some of the Magic Kingdom area resorts – The Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, can take the monorail to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. If you drive at Walt Disney World, you will park at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) if you are visiting the Magic Kingdom. You can take the monorail from the TTC to get the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.

Boats and Ferries

Guests staying at all of the Magic Kingdom area resorts – The Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge and Ft Wilderness can take a boat to the Magic Kingdom. If you park at the TTC, you can also take a ferry to the Magic Kingdom.

There is also a boat from Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter to Disney Springs. You may also take a boat between Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.

Disney Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner connects Caribbean Beach, Rivera Resort, Art of Animation, and Pop Century to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The Skyliner station is at the back of EPCOT and is easily accessible from the Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club and even the Swan and Dolphin.

You may also take the Skyliner between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Minnie Vans

Minnie Vans are a premium service that costs a flat rate of $15/ride plus an additional cost per mile and provides you with door-to-door service within Disney World.

Lyft/Ubers and Taxis

Lyfts, Ubers and Taxis are readily available throughout Disney World, but note that they do have specific pick up and drop off locations. For example, they cannot take you directly to the Magic Kingdom, you would need to be dropped off at the TTC and take the monorail or ferry, or The Contemporary and walk over.

Walking

There are a few instances where you can walk to get to where you need to go within Disney World. The Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Swan & Dolphin are a short 5-minute walk to EPCOT and a 15 or so minute walk to Hollywood Studios. The Contemporary Resort is about a 10-minute walk to Magic Kingdom. Saratoga Springs is a 10-minute walk to Disney Springs.

Traveling Between Resorts

Traveling between resorts is one of the trickiest things to figure out at Disney World. This can be frustrating if you have a dining reservation at one resort and you are staying at another. The quickest way to get between resorts is by Lyft or Uber, but the cost for these can add up. The better option is to find a connection point where you can transfer. This connection point is going to be the theme park (or maybe even Disney Springs) closest to the resort you wish to visit and catch a bus, monorail, boat or even Skyliner from there to your destination resort.

For example, if you are at The Polynesian and want to get to Animal Kingdom Lodge, you could take a bus to Animal Kingdom and then a bus over to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Or if you’re at All-Star Sports and need to get to Ft Wilderness, you’d want to take a bus to Magic Kingdom and then take the boat to Ft Wilderness.

An important thing to remember is that it will take you close to if not more than 1 hour to get from one part of Disney World to another. A lot of visitors underestimate how long it will actually take to get from one place to another, but once you get to the bus stop, wait for the bus, take the 20-minute bus ride and go through security, it is easy for an hour to go by.

As you can see, there are many options to get around Walt Disney World. Hopefully, by understanding these options, you will be easily able to navigate around the parks and resorts.

Contact me today to start planning your next Disney World vacation!

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Disney’s Delicious Dining Offer – Free Dining for Kids 3-9

Disney is now offering a free dining plan for kids (ages 3 to 9) when you buy a non-discounted 3-night/3-day package for you and the kid(s) that includes a room at a select Disney Value Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. This special offer is valid for arrivals most nights from January 1 – March 7, 2020 when you book through Jan. 1, 2020. Plus, receive one “Frozen Welcome Pack” which includes themed merchandise, one stroller rental for the duration of the stay, a photo and tasty treats. Guests may also ask about packages for other lengths of stay.

All 3 dining plans—Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan and Disney Deluxe Dining Plan—are eligible with this offer, but everyone on your reservation must be on the same package. For instance, if you purchase a package with the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, then your kid(s) (ages 3 to 9) on that package will receive the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.

Make your first visit even more special with an extra dash of magic. With this offer, you will receive the Frozen Welcome Pack, including:

  • Voucher for one stroller rental for the length of your stay
  • Voucher for one in-park 5×7 photo print per room
  • One merchandise bag per room including a plush, book and 2 treats.

To start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, click HERE.

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Dates Announced for the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return to Disney World from January 17 – February 24, 2020!

The Festival of the Arts “invites guests to immerse themselves in the visual, culinary and performing arts in ways that only Disney can offer, including live concerts and art performances, workshops, art signings and much more.”

Unfortunately, we don’t have too many details about next year’s Festival yet, but we do know that the popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series will return.

Will you be attending  Epcot International Festival of the Arts in 2020?


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Disney Cruise Line Announces Return to New Orleans, Popular Itineraries to Tropical Destinations in Early 2021

In early 2021, Disney Cruise Line will return to New Orleans for a limited-time engagement with sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, including visits to Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. A lineup of popular itineraries will continue across the Disney fleet with cruises to tropical destinations from Texas, California and Florida.

Return to New Orleans

Back by popular demand, the Disney Wonder will return to the bayou from late January through February 2021 with a series of magical voyages. A pair of four- and five-night cruises to the Western Caribbean kick off the season from New Orleans. The five-night voyage includes a visit to Progreso, Mexico, a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line on the Yucatan Peninsula. This quaint town is filled with treasures for families to explore together, from ancient Mayan ruins to hidden swimming holes filled with crystal-clear water.

Three seven-night sailings to the Bahamas with a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, plus a 14-night Panama Canal cruise, round out the departures from the Crescent City in early 2021.

Guests sailing from New Orleans will experience the flavors and flair of the Big Easy both onboard the Disney Wonder and ashore. The sounds and sights of New Orleans come to life at Tiana’s Place restaurant, where families are transported to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz and street party celebrations with live music and other surprises inspired by the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Before or after their cruise, your Clients can savor the city’s distinct cuisine, visit family-friendly museums and parks, and take in the sounds of world-renowned live jazz music. 

Popular Itineraries from Texas and California

The Disney Wonder will also return to the popular home ports of Galveston and San Diego in early 2021. Guests sailing from Texas can enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Western Caribbean on a series of four- and six-night cruises to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. One seven-night departure will feature stops at Key West, Nassau and Disney Castaway Cay.

Following the season in New Orleans, the Disney Wonder heads to the West Coast for a variety of sailings to Baja and the Mexican Riviera departing from San Diego. Families can hunt for gold aboard a pirate ship in Cabo San Lucas, embark on an off-road adventure in Ensenada or sunbathe on glittering sand beaches on cruises ranging from three to seven nights.

Bahamian and Caribbean Getaways from Florida

Disney Cruise Line will have three ships sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida in early 2021, and every cruise includes a day at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. This award-winning destination, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests, is the ultimate escape for everyone in the family.

  • From Miami, the Disney Magic will sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises.
  • From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
  • From Port Canaveral, the Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises.

Platinum, Gold or Silver Castaway Club members, can take advantage of the opportunity to book early 2021 itineraries before they go on sale to the general public on Oct. 3, 2019.  You can book either online or by phone during the designated booking window:

  • Sept. 30, 2019: Platinum Members
  • Oct. 1, 2019: Platinum and Gold Members
  • Oct. 2, 2019: Platinum, Gold and Silver Members
  • Oct. 3, 2019: all Guests

Contact me today to start planning your next Disney Cruise!

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