Jill's Magical Travel

The Disney Fantasy Sails March 31, 2012.

2012-02-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

The sister ship to the incredible Disney Dream is ready and sailing her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. The Disney Fantasy is the 4th ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and just like its predecessors the Disney Fantasy will be a reminder of the golden days of cruising but with state-of-the-art features such as virtual portholes in interior staterooms that will showcase real time views of the outside of the ship.

Bringing back a Disney Cruise Line favorite, Animators Palate will also have a new addition called the Animators Magic. Dinner guest will be able to have their art work shown throughout the dinner show. Other great places to eat will be the Enchanted Garden where day turns into night, The Royal Court where elegant French dining is the theme, and for more casual dining you can always head to Cabana's.

No matter the age every young person will never have a dull moment on the Disney Fantasy. For Pirate night the kids can go to the on board Pirate League where they will get a awe dropping transformation into a pirate. If pirates are not on the the top of your little princess wish list then take her to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where she will become a beautiful princess.

Just like the other Disney Cruise Line ships the Fantasy has clubs for all ages. They each have their own activities and something unique that makes them special and fun for that age group. And just like her sister ship the Disney Dream, the Fantasy also has the Aqua Duck Water Coaster which is an adventure in itself.

Disney Cruise Line never forgets about the adults. Whether you are traveling with kids or an adults only vacation, you will have many different adult only areas to choose from. Not only do you have an adult only pool you will also have adult only clubs and a adult only private beach on Castaway Cay, you will also have adult only restaurants. Whether you want to relax and have a drink, watch the game, or dance the night away the Fantasy will have you covered.

The Disney Fantasy will be sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries switching between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The Disney Fantasy will also be stopping at Disney's own private island Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Disney Cruise Line has been rated #1 for family cruising and there is a reason why. Disney takes pride in making sure that you not only have a vacation but that you have an experience. If you would like to find out more about this experience or if you are ready to book your magical 7 day Caribbean Cruise on the Disney Fantasy, contact me at Jill@magicaltravel.com or visit my website at www.jillsmagicaltravel.com

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

2012-02-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite times of the year to visit Walt Disney World is during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 7- May 20, 2012. Not only can you see beautiful flowers, unique Disney topiaries, you can also hear some great bands.

This year's theme is Fantasia. You will be in awe as you look at the 8 foot tall floral Sorcerer Mickey topiary standing on top of a 12 foot floral Mountain topiary. Mickey will be directing characters from the Fantasia movie such as the broomstick and alligator also done in beautiful flowers and topiaries.

If you have a green thumb or not you will enjoy getting gardening tips from not only Epcot's gardening experts but this year you will be able to get them from Sabrina Soto and Geneviere Gorder from HGTV just to name a few of the special guest speakers. In addition to the special guest appearances, HGTV will also have twice a day the Gardening at Home series, where guest can join workshops and take home their gardening project.

You will be amazed when you see some of your favorite Disney characters made into topiaries. Be on the look out for Buzz Light Year and some of the cast from Toy Story 3, you may even see Lotso. Your little princess will squeal with delight when she looks and sees Belle from Beauty and the Beast or Tinker Bell made into topiaries. This is just a few of the many characters you will see.

One of the not to miss at the Flower & Garden Festival is the Bambi Butterfly House. Now 3 times larger then the original house you will walk through hundreds of butterflies and see some of your favorite Bambi characters in topiaries.

When you are ready to relax you can take in some music with the Flower Power Concert Series. You can hear some legends perform such as Chubby Checker and Davey Jones.

Schedule of preformers:

March 9-11	Jose Feliciano
March 16-18	Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
March 23-25	The Guess Who
March 30-April 1	The Spinners
April 6-8	Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
April 13-15	Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 20-22	The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
April 27-29	Chuck Negron Formerly of Three Dog Night
May 4-6	The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
May 11-13	Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 18-20	Davy Jones

Whether you are into gardening or not this is a not to be missed event. People of all ages can either learn new gardening tips or just enjoy the scenery.

To book your vacation to see this amazing even contact Jill at jill@magicaltravel.com or visit my website at www.jillsmagicaltravel.com

Test Track gets a new look.

2012-02-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney has announced they will be making changes to the Future World attraction, Test Track. The very popular ride will be closing in April 2012 to get ready for the new experience.

Coming this fall guest will no longer be testing out safety features, instead guest will be testing out design elements. Even though the name will more then likely stay the ride will be geared more around guest taking on the role of car designer and make their own custom vehicles. Once the guest has completed their design they will get into a six person simcar and test out their new design on the test track.

After the ride there will be a new show area that will have some neat special effects and show the guest their score on how well their car design did.

Disney and General Motors has renewed a multi-year corporate alliance to make this all happen. The companies have worked together for over 30 years.

As sad as I am to see the original Test Track go, I have no doubts that the new and revised Test Track will be even more exciting.

Camping at Walt Disney World

2010-03-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can camp at Walt Disney World? It is true. Fort Wilderness Resort is Disney’s camp ground. Whether you want to get back to nature in a tent, live a little bit more comfortable in an RV, or relax in a Cabin, Disney has made it possible to have the best of two different vacations in one.

Camp out under the stars Disney style! Bring your RV or rent a tent and relax amid 750 acres of cypress and pine woods bordered by lush greenery and a sparkling lake. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers 4 different types of campsites: Tent/Pop-up Campsite, Full Hook-up, Full Hook-Up Campsite, Preferred Hook-Up Campsite, and Premium Campsite. Campsites range from 25 to 65 feet in length and differ in amenities; each has a maximum occupancy of 10 Guests. All include privacy, water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Air-conditioned Comfort Stations throughout the campsite loops feature private toilets and showers, laundry facilities, telephones and ice machines.

If you want to be near nature but want the comforts of home then the Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins are for you. Nestled among towering pines and native cypress, each peaceful cabin sleeps up to six and features a large private deck and BBQ grill. The kitchen is fully equipped - and Disney does the dishes! Special touches include vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and convenient private parking.
Don’t think that you will be losing any of the amenities at the campground that you would have at one of the other Walt Disney Resorts. Not only will you have the same amenities such as pools, arcade, and transportation to the parks but you will have some extra fun right at the resort:

Tri-circle D Ranch- Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers guided tours on horseback, carriage, or wagon through the lush natural wilderness of Central Florida.
Chip 'n' Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long & Movie- Every evening, Resort Guests can gather around the campfire for songs and fun (including roasting marshmallows) hosted by Disney's famous chipmunk pals, then watch a classic Disney movie under the stars.
Bay Lake Beach- Soak up the sun or kick up the sand on a white-sand beach along tranquil Bay Lake.
Electric Water Pageant-This magical aquatic parade of multi-colored fish, turtles, whales and Americana like stars and flags drifts past Fort Wilderness beach at 9:45 p.m. nightly.
Fishing- Go down to the marina and reserve a fun-filled, catch-and-release fishing trip for the entire family. (Fee applies.) You may also fish in the many canals running through Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.
Trails- Run the 2.3-mile rugged Fort Wilderness Exercise Trail.
Dog Park- Guests staying in pet-designated campsite loops can let their canine pals roam and romp off leash in Waggin' Trails Dog Park. Pet walk areas are also located throughout the campground.
Wilderness Back Trail Adventures- offer tours of the stunning surroundings of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort on a Segway Personal Transporter. Guests must be at least 16 years of age for this 2-hour tour. Fee applies.
Bike and Watercraft Rentals- Rent a bike and cruise around the wilderness. Or, spend time on Bay Lake in a pontoon boat, canopy boat or Sea Raycer. You can also sign up for professional waterskiing or wake boarding instruction at Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre. (fees apply)

If you are interested in experiencing a new side of Disney give me a call or email me and I will be happy to tell you more and book you an exciting camping trip to the most magical place on earth. I can also help you rent an RV if that is what you are looking for.

www.jillsmagicaltravel.com

Free Disney Gift Card!

2009-12-21T07:46:00.001-08:00

FREE Gift Card with Jan-June 2010 Packages

With this special offer, get a FREE Disney Gift Card when you book a full-price Walt Disney World vacation package (including accommodations and tickets) for a minimum of 5 nights/5 days between 1/3/10-6/3/10 (some dates are not available, and rooms are limited and subject to availability).
Stay at a Disney Value resort and get a $300 Disney Gift Card with your 5-night or longer vacation package.
Stay at a Disney Moderate resort and get a $500 Disney Gift Card with your 5-night or longer vacation package.
Stay at a Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort and get a $750 Disney Gift Card with your 5-night or longer vacation package.
The Disney Gift Card can be used for almost anything at Walt Disney World, including souvenirs, tours, spa treatments, watercraft rental, gratuities, alcoholic beverages or meals.
You can add the Quick Service Dining Plan, the regular Dining Plan or the Deluxe Dining Plan to this package.
The package includes standard Magic Your Way Base Tickets. You can pay extra to upgrade them with the Park Hopper, Water Parks & More and/or No Expiration option(s) if you choose.
This offer cannot be applied to the Premium or Platinum packages or to "split stays" (for example, 2 nights at one hotel, 3 nights at another).
Note that if you need only a 4-day ticket and you have an undiscounted package, it may be worthwhile to switch to this package (which requires a minimum of a 5-day ticket) because the cost of that extra day on your ticket is low compared with the value of the gift card.
Also note that if you've already booked the "7 Nights for the Price of 4" or "7 Nights for the Price of 5" package (now discontinued) and are staying at least 7 nights, it is a better deal than this new offer. If you have one of those packages with only a 6-night stay in a Value resort, the new package may be a better deal.

You must book this special package by 3/27/10.

Please contact me at jill@magicaltravel.com to find out more information or to get a price quote.

The New Disney Dream

2009-11-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Inspired by her sister ships, Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®, the classic design of Disney Dream™ celebrates the grandeur of classic ocean liners. Our newest ship features innovations, imagination and wonders that will make dreams come true in brand-new ways—a true, one-of-a-kind Disney Cruise Line® experience. At just over 1,115 feet long, and 14 decks tall, Disney Dream™ offers immense-level enchantment never seen before on the sea.

Families thrill to the first water coaster at sea, the AquaDuck! A wild, watery blast, this 765-foot long winding attraction splashes you up, down and around the top deck, through one of the ship’s funnels, over the edge and down a full four-deck drop.

Kids enjoy new, enhanced spaces designed to delight and ignite their imagination like never before. Pixie Hollow and Andy’s Room, (inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story films) are just two of the new creations that will transport kids to new realms of wonder.

Kids from 11–13 take control of the forward funnel with their own private club called The Edge.

While the entire onboard experience for Teens from 14–17 has been completely re-imagined with Vibe, an exclusive indoor escape and outdoor hang out area—that reaches out to the bow of the ship.

Adults can savor new indulgences and a brand-new take on a Disney cruise classic. Sail away in the Senses Spa & Salon with couple’s villas and an all-new Rainforest Room. The amazing nighttime entertainment district features five distinct clubs, including: Pink, an elegant champagne bar that just might be made of bubbles; and the Skyline bar that offers a spectacular new city view each evening. While, high up on deck, everyone’s favorite romantic escape, Palo, enjoys a brand-new look, al fresco dining and more.

To fin out more go to http://www.disneytravelagents.com/disneydream/minisite/ If you would like to book a Disney Vacation, please visit my website at http://www.jillsmagicaltravel.com/

2009-10-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Disney Visa Rewards Offer

Book now and enjoy 40%* off room rates at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts. Take your family on a fairy tale journey and, as a Disney Rewards® Cardmember, you can save 40% on select Walt Disney World® Resort room rates. Plus, with this special offer, you can make a fantastic vacation even more magical.

Please contact Jill's Magical Travel to help you book this magical Disney Visa Offer at

1(800) 883-1535 ext.35 or at jillsmagicaltravel.com

Magical Beginings

2009-10-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

At least once a week someone ask me or I read on a forum someone asking what the right age is to take a child to Disney World. My response is always the same, any age is a good age to go to Disney World. Whether your child is 6 months or 16, any child can enjoy what Disney World has to offer them. Now we know that a 6 month old will not remember, but you, the parent, will have the pictures and memories of that trip that will last a life time, plus your baby will enjoy the lights and sounds of the ride.

I thought today I would tell you about a few of the rides and activities that a young child could enjoy. Right now this subject is in the forefront of my mind as we will be taking our 14 month old to Disney in a few months. I know all that my older two children can and will do, but it will be a different experience for all of us this trip because of our younger son. I want to make sure that he gets to experience all the adventures that Disney offers a toddler.

Our first stop will be the Magic Kingdom. I believe that the Magic Kingdom has a lot to offer a toddler/preschooler. Most of the rides do not have ride restrictions which allow any age to be able to ride. There are great rides that many people know about like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and we can not forget It's a Small World or Peter Pan. But there might be some rides or attractions you did not know were at the Magic Kingdom, such as Donald's Boat, where kids can splash in fountains, Mickey and Minnie's houses that you can go inside and explore, and Toontown fair where your child can get up close with their favorite character and have their pictures taken and get autographs.

Next is Epcot. I think a lot of people are surprised at how much fun your toddlers or preschoolers can have at Epcot. One ride I highly recommend is The Seas with Nemo and Friends. This ride takes you through a real live aquarium as your child enjoys visits from their favorite Nemo characters. Also there is Turtle Talk with Crush. Your child will laugh as Crush from Finding Nemo talks and interacts with the kids. A hidden treasure that most people don't know about is at Epcot World Showcase. As you visit each country, children can visit kidcot. Your child will do some kind of activity that will be associated with that country. It is a lot of fun for the kids and they have their own souvenir that they made that they can take home with them.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a great park for the little ones. You can watch Playhouse Disney Live on Stage. Your toddler or preschooler will enjoy watching all their favorite characters from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and many more. This is a must on our itinerary. Honey, I shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is a great way for you to take a little rest while your kids run around a larger-then-life backyard play area. And don't forget the new Toy Story Midway Mania ride. Its a 4-D adventure ride that allows your child to play games. It is an amazing ride and a must do!

And who could forget Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Your toddler or preschooler will love all the animals they will see on the 110 acre Kilimanjaro Safari or the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail where they will see gorillas and underwater hippos up close. And like Disney's Hollywood Studios there are also shows that will entertain your young kids. Finding Nemo-The Musical mesmerizes children with the life like looking fish flying around the stage singing and talking.

Another great thing that Disney offers at their parks and resorts is the character dining. These are usually buffet style dining with Disney characters walking around talking and meeting with each child. You will have to check and see which characters are at your meal. Some are Mickey and Friends while another can be Cinderella, Prince Charming, and her Fairy Godmother. Children love to watch as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy dance around the room as they eat.

No matter how old your child is, Disney is a great place to visit and you and your family will enjoy it, Disney has made sure of that. They have baby swap, where if you and your spouse want to ride a ride you can each take a turn, the baby center where mothers can change diapers, rock their baby, or buy formula and diapers. So if you have every thought you would have to wait a few years before you take your child think again, Disney is waiting for you.

To find out more information or to book your Walt Disney Vacation, please visit www.jillsmagicaltravel.com

Free Nights at Walt Disney World

2009-09-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

To Find out about Free Nights at Disney World, click on the picture below. Don't miss out on this great deal!

Food Saving Tips for Walt Disney World

2009-09-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

As you have probably already guessed, going to Disney World can get expensive. There is the tickets, hotel, souvenirs, and most importantly food. You could easily spend the same amount in food that you did on your hotel and theme park tickets. I have put together a list of different ideas and techniques to cut your food bill and still enjoy great meals.

When my husband I took our kids to Disney World the first time, I did a little research on what to expect and what to plan. The one thing that kept popping up was eating breakfast in our room. Everyone just kept saying that was the way to start your day and boy were they right. Not only does it save you money on breakfast, but it also saves you on time. I love to have the kids eat a bowl of cereal while I am getting ready and packing up for the day. We get out the door and to the parks a lot quicker and they are not sitting there asking me 20 times when are we going to leave. And it is so easy now to bring the cereal with you. I have found cereal in ready to use bowls at my local grocery store and I stock up on them before our trip. The only other things I need is spoons and milk. Luckily, most Disney Resorts have refrigerators in the rooms and you can purchase milk from the resort dining area or a local grocery store. If your resort does not have a refrigerator already in the room, you can ask for one at a minimal charge per day.

Another great money saving tip is to bring your own bottled water and snacks with you into the park. At one time Disney did not allow you to bring in your own food items, but they have since changed that rule. This is great if you don't want to spend a lot on just a bottle of water, it can really bust your budget. There are different companies such a Staples or Costco that will deliver your water to your resort for you. That is a great way to have it shipped if you are flying down. My family also likes to bring along the single serving packs of lemonade or Gatorade to add to the their water. And don't forget the snacks! All that walking can wear you out and you will need some kind of pick me up. Instead of spending a few dollars on a snack, you can bring in a bag of your favorite snack to eat. Depending on how long you are staying, it can save you around $20 per person for the week. Just remember that the Disney parks do not allow hard side coolers, glass containers, or alcholic beverages. They also do not allow straws in the Animal Kingdom Resort and Park for the safety of the animals. You can bring in a small collapsible cooler though to hold your water or even some sandwiches if you want.

Inexpensive meals are hard to find at the theme parks, but you can find some cheaper options for real food that will fill you up. An example of this would be Casey's Corner on Mainstreet in the Magic Kingdom. You can get a large hotdog and fries for around $6.00. Or if you are in Epcot at World Showcase, you can visit France and have a ham and cheese croissant for around $3.25.

There are many different options, just know that you don't have to pay for items you don't want. If you go to Casey's Corner and you just want a hotdog, then you can just get a hotdog. The counter-service menus often only list complete meals. The truth is you can order anything you want a la carte. You may save up to $2.00 on an item you might not want. This does only apply to adult meals though.

Another great idea is to share your meals. I know that the last Disney trip my family went on, my daughter did not eat a lot. She and I ended up sharing a lot of counter-service meals and saved a few dollars in the process.

The last money saving tip I have for today is the Disney Dining Plan. It is a prepaid plan that you can purchase when you have purchased a Magic Your Way Package. There are different dining plan options, but I am only going to list the first two since those are the best options for your money.

If you plan to take the park head on and don't have the time to sit and eat, you can purchase the quick service dining plan, which includes 2 quick service meals and 2 snacks per person, per package night, plus a resort refillable mug per person. Be sure to really check out the menu's at the counter-service area's. They have a lot more to offer then just a hamburger or chicken fingers. You can get some healthier options there also.

If you enjoy sitting down to eat a meal or if you plan on doing some character meals, then the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining Plan is for you. You get 1 quick service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per package night. My family loves to have a nice dinner after spending our days in the park or even before we watch the fireworks. It is a nice down time to talk to each other and talk about the events of the day, because even though you are together all day there is so much going on that it is hard to really talk.

You don't have to be overwhelmed with planning your Disney World Vacation. There are many low cost ways of going, and I have only listed a few of them. I would love to help you plan your vacation and show you all the ways you can do it even if you are on a budget. My services do not cost you extra and may end up saving some money in the process.
jillsmagicaltravel.com

Flooding in Georgia

2009-09-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

I felt that I should write a few words on the past few days of the destruction and loss that has been surrounding my great state of Georgia and my local counties which have seen death to young and old.

As of today, my children have missed 2 days of school and will not be returning tomorrow due to harmful conditions. The roads are not safe for buses to drive on, some are washed out or still flooded. Flooded plants are dumping sewage into the Chattahoochee River. Grocery stores are running out of bottled water because we are not allowed to drink or bath in our tap water.

It is a sad day for many Georgians who do not have a place to call home or have lost someone that they love. Please, keep our great state in your thoughts and in your prayers as we try to rebuild the things that were lost or grieve for the ones that we lost.

2009-09-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

New- Holiday D-Lights Tour: The holidays are a special time at Disney. Get an insider's look into how Cinderella Castle sparkles during the holidays. Enjoy the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. You will experience the Osborne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and you will meet the Disney event team responsible for planning and executing all the displays at WDW

Disneyland Special

2009-09-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Wicked fun for everyone!
Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort is coming! Spend all day playing in the Parks—enjoying special seasonal excitement, like Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy and new nightly fireworks show—then spend the night in the middle of the magic at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort. You’ll have so much fun, it’s almost scary! Package includes:
• 4 Nights at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort
• 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket
• Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness**–A special and exclusive hour with Mickey and his pals!
• Preferred Seating*** at select shows in Disney’s California Adventure® Park
• EXCLUSIVE! Collectible pin, lanyard and luggage tag (one per person)
• Disney Character Call–Receive a "Welcome" call froma Disney Character when your Travel Agent books
your package online (one per package)
Hurry! Packages can book up fast–purchase yours today!
SAVE $400*
on a 4-day/4-night Disneyland®
Resort vacation package!
(Book 8/12/09 through 12/19/09)
Sept. 25 thru Nov. 1
*$400 savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same 4-night package, with 4-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets, at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel for a family of 4 (3 adults and 1 child (age 3–9)). Offer is valid for bookings from 8/12/09 through 12/19/09 and for arrivals from 8/23/09 through 12/20/09 with travel being completed by 12/24/09. Not valid for previously booked rooms or for suites. Check for offers associated with different package lengths of stay. The Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 12/30/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. The number of rooms allocated for this package may be restricted and subject to the Blockout Dates of 11/25/09–11/27/09; advance reservations required. Not valid with group rates or any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. **Entitlement available for one morning throughout the length of your ticket on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, and days and times are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. ***Preferred seating and show capacity is limited and subject to availability. Walt Disney Travel Company CST# 10222259-50 ©Disney DLRSWDTC-09-11897 MP2009-1631

New Pirates of the Caribbean Movie!

2009-09-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

Johnny Depp sailed onstage in a pirate ship at the D23 Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in California to announce the upcoming 4th installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Depp, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, announced the exciting new to about 5000 fans. Depp will reprise his role as the flamboyant Captain in the Pirates of the Caribbean: On stranger Tides, scheduled to be released in theaters the summer of 2011.

There have been many different leaks about the movie and from what I can tell so far it will center around Jack Sparrow and the fountain of Youth. If you are a fan of the Elizabeth and Will story line, you will be disappointed that they will not be returning, but you can look for Barbossa to return.

With all the mixed reviews of the movie going around, I for one am excited to see Johnny Depp reprise his eccentric but gorgeous role. I do hope that the story and effects meet the standards of the last 3 Pirates movies.

Disney Cruise Line Now Sails to Alaska

2009-09-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska in 2011

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder® in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

As part of the new Alaska itinerary, Disney Cruise Line Guests will be able to experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. On their Alaskan adventure, Guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale, and explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, Guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line Guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.

Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

The Disney Magic® will once again return to the Mediterranean in 2011 with 10- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta.

Contact me at jill@magicaltravel.com or visit my website to learn more about planning your Disney vacation.

Disney Announces Expansion to Fantasyland

2009-09-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

Disney Announces Expansion to Fantasyland

There has been a rumor going around that Disney was going to be expanding Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. I am here to tell you it is all true! At Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim yesterday Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo revealed that the plans for Fantasyland would be the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Guests will begin to see changes in 2012, with everything planned to complete in 2013.

This concept art gives you a view across the new Fantasyland expansion area as if you were hovering above the Cinderella Castle. If you look to the front left you will see some castle walls -- you will walk through these to reach the Princess Realms where Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Cinderella and Belle will have their own meet and greet areas.

Guests will be invited to share a dance with Cinderella in her chateau, join Belle in an enchanting story book performance in the Beast’s castle library and celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s birthday with the Good Fairies. Of course Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will continue to reign over Pixie Hollow.

The Beauty & the Beast realm will also be home to a new ‘Be Our Guest’ dinner show which I can’t wait to experience.

Ariel will get her very own attraction: Journey under the Sea with Ariel, The Little Mermaid; which will also open at Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim in 2011.

The much-loved Dumbo attraction will also get the pixie dust treatment as part of the Fantasyland expansion. Parents will be pleased to read that the enhanced attraction will have two spinners, increasing the capacity and hopefully decreasing the wait time! It will also have a circus theme -- and a more interactive queue to keep the kids entertained while you wait.

The new Dumbo attraction and the Pixie Hollow meet and greet area will replace the existing Mickey’s Toontown Fair area of the park. Imagineers have yet to announce where the existing Mickey Mouse and friends meet and greets will be moved to.

The makeover will not extend to the west side where attractions such as Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World will remain untouched.

It sounds as if the enhancements appear to be very little girl orientated with all the princess elements, but Imagineers have assured us that the new Fantasyland additions will be very interactive and should appeal to little boys too.

You don’t need to worry about a lack of Fantasyland attractions if you’re planning a Disney World vacation before 2011 -- the new construction work will not affect the existing Fantasyland area and we shouldn’t see any major closures. If your children are fans of Pooh’s Playful Spot then you may wish to note that this small play area is likely to close.

Contact me at www.jillsmagicaltravel.com to learn more or book a Disney vacation.