The Disney Dream will kick off their long-awaited return to cruising from the U.S. on August 9th with tropical voyages to the Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. The three and four-night cruises will visit Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, for an unforgettable vacation at sea.
As always, the ship will be overflowing with magic—from beloved character encounters to enchanting Broadway-style musicals and a spectacular fireworks display at sea. And, you’ll be pleased to know that Disney has come up with new and exciting ways to create memories together—tailored to our times and presented with all the care you’ve come to expect from Disney Cruise Line.
Here are the procedures that are being implemented for the well-being of our Guests and Crew Members:
All Guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test (at the Guests’ expense) taken between 5 days and 24 hours prior to the sail date.
All guests will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid test provided by Disney, in the terminal prior to boarding and comply with other health and safety requirements. The $65 test fee will be charged to the folio of all Guests 12 years and older.
For cruises departing from Florida through December 31, 2021, guests 12 years and older must provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy
Guests who are fully vaccinated may choose to provide proof of vaccination in order to be exempt from pre-trip and embarkation testing requirements (unless arriving from outside the United States) and travel insurance requirements.
Guests ages 2 and older are required to wear a face covering on the ship and at our terminals , except in designated areas and situations
Certain onboard venues, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and availability and may be subject to advance reservations.
https://wishesandwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2499093f-b535-4eb7-9a22-10bd60a4d3b1.jpeg6581000Cherihttps://wishwavestage.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Logo_2-1030x184.pngCheri2021-07-31 10:51:002023-04-15 11:09:23Disney Cruise Line sailings to resume in August!
Disney has announced brand-new ways for adults to pamper and play, sip and swim, escape and indulge aboard the Disney Wish, which is being purposefully designed with adults’ vacation needs in mind – including more relaxation, more variety, more accessibility and more storytelling than ever before!
Outdoor Oasis at Senses Spa
For the first time aboard a Disney ship, Senses Spa will feature a dedicated outdoor relaxation space! This open-air oasis is a brand-new extension to the signature Rainforest experience – which is a real treat! This area has been reimagined for the Disney Wish to provide even more ways to relax and rejuvenate. The Rainforest will introduce the fleet’s first ice lounge, allowing you to combine thermal therapies, which promotes both physical wellness and tranquility. It will also include favorite elements like heated ergonomic loungers; sensory spa showers; and sauna, steam and dry chambers.
Untangled Salon
At Untangled Salon, you can let their hair down (and have it styled any way you want) in a light and airy environment that is perfect for pampering. Inspired by Rapunzel, this chic, high-end salon will be adorned in shades of purple and gold, decorated with floating lantern light fixtures and outfitted with custom cut-metal privacy screens depicting Rapunzel’s own paintings. One side of the space will even gleam and glow with the golden light of a signature chandelier that evokes the iconic flower that gave her hair its magical qualities! In addition to haircuts and styling, the menu of services at Untangled Salon will include manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening and skin treatments.
Hook’s Barbery
Hook’s Barbery will be a unique twist on a traditional European men’s salon, offering cuts, shaves, and nail and skin care. Decked out in dark woods, handsome leather chairs and ornate golden mirrors, the space will brim with narrative details inspired by its namesake, Captain Hook: an inlaid wooden map of Never Land, a hidden pocket watch and — of course — a hook, to name a few. A trio of seemingly nondescript lanterns will occasionally come to life with lighting and audio effects to signify Tinker Bell jumping from one fixture to another.
Not only will Hook’s Barbery provide salon and barber services, but it will also boast the ultimate toast to a pirate’s life: a hidden bar! This (not-so-secret) treasure trove of pre-Prohibition bourbons, vintage whisky and port, aged rum and premium spirits will be a liquor enthusiast’s paradise, ideal for low-key hangouts, romantic date nights, hosted tastings and special evening events.
Keg & Compass
Keg & Compass is a pub that celebrates the adventure and romance of the sea, designed in the rustic architectural style of a late 1800s Norwegian sailor’s map room and drawing inspiration from the rich folklore of Norse seafaring. Spanning the entire ceiling will be a grand, fantastical map in old maritime style that features, among other references to ocean lore, a homage to Disney characters and stories related to the sea. In addition to such characters as Ursula and Moana (appearing in the geographically accurate locations of their stories), the map will call out important locales related to The Walt Disney Company and, specifically, the design and construction of the Disney Wish.
This casual setting will be the perfect place to kick back and watch live sports, news and major broadcast events while sampling a specialized selection of beers, including three custom craft brews available exclusively aboard the Disney Wish, along with an assortment of liquors, wines and cocktails.
Nightingale’s
Nightingale’s is a refined piano bar inspired by Cinderella’s lyrical rendition of “Sing Sweet Nightingale” in the 1950 film, offering an extensive menu of fine wines, bubblies and hand-crafted cocktails. Classically modern with a soft metallic palette, the predominant design feature will be a glittering chandelier perched above the piano — a swirl of pearlescent bubbles and music notes displaying the titular song’s melody meticulously crafted out of shimmering rose gold. This vibrant lounge will be a thematic extension of the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall from which it stems, with large doors that allow the twinkling tunes to spill out across the atrium, inviting passersby to stop and stay for a while.
The Bayou
If Guests are looking for New Orleans-inspired good time aboard the Disney Wish, they’ll want to go down to The Bayou, an informal lounge themed to “The Princess and the Frog.” Flourishing with magnolia blossoms, lily pads and a canopy of twinkling fireflies overhead, this space will evoke the magical marsh where Tiana and Naveen take refuge in the film. This centrally located venue will offer creative cocktails, specialty coffees and signature beignets in a lively, social atmosphere complete with live entertainment and musical performances.
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Make this the best summer yet with a getaway to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort!
Stay at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and immerse yourself in the magic of Disney day and night, conveniently just steps from Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney District.
Each hotel experience is distinctively Disney and unique, from the stunning Craftsman architecture of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, to the nostalgia of the mid-century modern Disneyland Hotel and the seaside whimsy of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – all three magical and memorable!
Save up to 25% on select rooms at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort on most nights now October 2, 2021 when you book through September 16, 2021!
Separate theme park admission and reservation are required to enjoy the parks. Park reservations are limited and subject to availability, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access.
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One of my clients recently returned from the incredible Royalton Mystique Blue on Isla Holbox (pronounced HOLE·bosh). Known for its beautiful sunsets and calm blue water, Isla Holbox is about a 2.5 hour drive from the Cancun airport by car plus a 30-minute ferry, or even faster via a quick chartered flight. There are no cars on this beautiful and low-key island, so you get around by foot, bike, or golf cart taxi.
Isla Holbox has a moratorium on development, so instead of big all-inclusive hotels, you will find lots of smaller boutique hotels. There are tons of great restaurants, from inexpensive and delicious taco stands to modern Mexican small plates, to fresh smoothies and vegan options. The island specialty is lobster pizza, which is made with pesto sauce. My client even took a Mexican cooking class and learned to make ceviche, shrimp tacos, and more.
Check out some of my client’s amazing photos! Contact me for more information and to book your trip to Isla Holbox!
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After nearly fifteen months, fireworks will once again be lighting up the night sky at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.
Starting July 1, “Happily Ever After” will return to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics, as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage Guests to grab hold of their dreams and make them come true. And as part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT, “EPCOT Forever” will produce a spectacle of fireworks, music and lighting effects over World Showcase Lagoon, highlighting the themes of innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration at the core of the park’s past, present and future.
The fun starts July 4 at Disneyland Park in California with “Mickey’s Mix Magic” presented nightly throughout the summer. State-of-the-art projections, show lighting and lasers will transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and the façade of “it’s a small world” into a dazzling, family-fun dance party that goes sky high with fireworks to celebrate the leader of the club, Mickey Mouse.
To book your trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Park in California, contact me today.
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There’s a lot to think about when preparing for any vacation – flights, reservations, packing, pet care, etc. Do you ever use apps when you travel? Like everything else in the digital world, there is an overabundance of travel apps, but choosing the right ones can help you stay organized. Here are my top 5 suggestions for apps to download before your next Disney vacation.
Weather Of course we all want blue skies and warm temperatures but let’s be realistic. Rain happens. The app that comes with your phone may suffice but if you want detailed hourly predictions, you’ll want something a little more robust like Dark Sky, AccuWeather or The Weather Channel.
Airline If you don’t already have your airline’s app, you should definitely download it before you fly. Not only can you download your boarding pass for easy access but you will also get updates if there are any changes to your flights. Pro tip: After you download your boarding pass, take a screenshot of it just in case you run into issues with the app when boarding.
Ride Share Sometimes it’s faster to call Uber or Lyft rather than take Disney transportation, especially if you have an early morning character breakfast or a super tired toddler who can’t wait in bus lines at the end of the day. Make sure you have both of these apps downloaded before you go. If you’re using one of them for the first time, use my referral links for a discount. Click here for Lyft and here for Uber (or use promo code cheris1827ui for Uber).
My Disney Experience You must download this app. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Just download this app! You will have the entire Walt Disney World in the palm of your hands with attraction wait times, showtimes, park hours, park maps, dining reservations and so much more.
Play Disney Parks We all know that wait times can be difficult when traveling with children. This new app offers interactive experiences, games, trivia and other fun while you wait for shows and attractions (or if you just need to take a break from the rides). For instance, when you’re waiting for an attraction in a galaxy far far away, you and your family can interact with droids, take on jobs to help outpost residents or help your faction in the battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
If you’re looking to streamline your travel experience, you’ll find these apps to be extremely helpful. Once you have your travel apps downloaded, I suggest creating a folder to put them all in. Voila!
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AMResorts, known for their collection of luxury resort destinations, has announced the opening of two new Secrets-branded properties in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The resorts, scheduled to open December 1, 2021, are located on a white sandy beach within Corasol, a gated community with an 18-hole golf course. If that’s not enough golf for you or your loved one, the resorts are a short five-minute drive from the Mayakoba, an 18-hole golf course designed by the famed Greg Norman.
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen will both offer a variety of luxury amenities, including:
Gourmet cuisine by world-renowned chefs
Three man-made cenotes (underground chamber/cave for snorkeling, swimming or floating)
Seven heated pools
One interior, beach-inspired pool designed for intimate gatherings
Close proximity to snorkeling, diving, and the famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, a 5-mile pedestrian-only walkway dedicated to tourists
Breathtaking rooftop sky wedding gazebo overlooking the Caribbean Sea
Contemporary sports bar to watch games, unwind and socialize
Expansive Spa by Pevonia® with elevated focus on wellness
The names of the resorts are so similar. What are the differences?
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen will offer 485 rooms, including the Preferred Club and Secrets’ signature Unlimited-Luxury concept. All suites will have luxurious rain showers, Nespresso machines, and large terraces. These gorgeous suites will feature exquisite architecture and the finest comforts that allow for private celebrations, cocktails, events and relaxation. There will be nine unique dining selections, including seven à la carte restaurants, one buffet, Barefoot Grill, and Coco Café.
Preferred Club guests at this resort will enjoy additional upgraded offerings, including large upscale enhanced suites. There is also a rooftop terrace offering magnificent views of Cozumel with a private lounge, bar, infinity swimming pool and exclusive restaurant. Preferred Club also offers an upgraded mini-bar and special access to Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen’s author’s signature restaurant for an additional cost.
Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen introduces the exquisite and highly unique Impression concept to the Secrets brand. Think upscale lavish suites, extravagant beachfront villas and a more private personalized experience for those looking for the highest level of luxury. The suites, which begin at 947 square feet, include a full marble bathroom with rain shower, furnished balcony or terrace with marble soaking tub, Nespresso machines and more. Some suites come with elevated concierge and butler service. In addition to the nine restaurants at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen boasts three exclusive Impression restaurants – the rooftop Impression restaurant, complimentary access to the author’s signature restaurant with a daily rotating set menu and wine pairing, and a beachfront restaurant.
Both resorts will offer green practices and will feature the CleanComplete Verification protocols on property.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation that offers sun-soaked beaches, elegant accommodations and a next-level luxury experience, contact me today so we can determine which resort is right for you.
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights brings together the stories and visions of the world’s most notorious creators of horror. From cinematic greats and crazed current cult favorites to the park’s original abominations—every year, the legend grows and the experience reaches beyond your wildest nightmares.
As the sun sets on days filled with thrills in all of Universal’s theme parks, the night awakens with a frightening chill at Universal Studios Florida™. Surrounded in shadow by screams and mad laughter, you’re never quite sure if your spine is tingling with dread or sheer excitement. Step by step, you enter into terrifying haunted houses, inspired by the biggest names in horror. Face nightmarish creatures on streets twisted into sinister scare zones. Lose yourself in outrageous live shows filled with diabolically entertaining surprises. Then escape to some of Universal Studios’ most exhilarating attractions where heart pounding takes on a different meaning—until the horror calls you back.
Halloween Horror Nights is select nights Sept. 3–Oct. 31. Contact me today to reserve your tickets to the world’s premier Halloween event!
https://wishesandwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HHN_Hero_O4A9443.jpg12801920Cherihttps://wishwavestage.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Logo_2-1030x184.pngCheri2021-06-18 11:38:182021-06-18 11:38:21Tickets now available for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort
Disney After Hours Boo Bash tickets are now on sale! Join in the spooky fun at Magic Kingdom with three hours of lower wait times for 20+ favorite attractions, ghostly Character Cavalcades, trick-or-treating, and performances from the Cadaver Dans.
Disney After Hours Boo Bash will take place on select nights from August 10 through October 31 (dates below)
You may enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 7:00pm giving you even more time to enjoy park favorites before the event begins! These dated tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation.
Admission to Disney After Hours Boo Bash can be purchased online for $129 to $199 per adult or child (plus tax), depending on the event date. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $10 discount on event dates in August and September.
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The new Disney Wish cruise ship is taking dining to a whole new level. You will find places to grab a bite in the three themed districts with everything to quick casual fare to a smoothie bar to a poolside bar and chic café.
However, the true magic happens at dinner. The Wish will debut three new dining concepts that incorporate dinner into various Disney stories. There’s a reason they are called dining concepts – they go way beyond dining in a restaurant and instead offer an entertainment experience along with world-class cuisine.
The first is Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. This first-ever Frozen-themed dining experience features all your favorite characters – Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf – in an immersive show while you enjoy a menu influenced by Nordic dishes.
The second venue, Worlds of Marvel, will appeal to Avengers fans as you play an interactive role in this cinematic adventure. The menu will feature worldly items inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The third experience, 1923, is named for the year that The Walt Disney Company was founded. Imagine a celebration of this golden age of animation while choosing from a menu of fresh California-inspired cuisine.
Each of these three new concepts promises to deliver its own unique experience with something to offer everyone in the family.
If you want to experience the new Disney Wish and these amazing staterooms, contact me today.
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