Archive for July, 2009

In the travel industry, there is always a great deal of attention paid to the concept of “value.”  Value is not simply about the cost of a commodity, but rather the perception of how the product measures up to its price.  While $75.00, for instance,  might not be considered an inexpensive price for a day’s entertainment, consider just a few of the many things included with that one-day admission to a Disney Park: 

• a safe, clean, well-planned and meticulously-maintained environment with extraordinary buildings and exquisite grounds and facilities, representing hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure
• countless rides and attractions
• the ability to meet and interact with iconic characters
• several world-class parades
• Broadway-quality stage shows
• elaborate fireworks
• numerous musical and dramatic performances throughout the day featuring singers, dancers, actors, jugglers, magicians, acrobats, artists, and musicians playing everything from trombones to trash cans
• multiple modes of transportation including bus, boat, train, monorail, even a horse-drawn trolley
• thousands of smiling, helpful employees dedicated to guest satisfaction
• twelve to fifteen hours of enjoyment

When compared with the cost of tickets to special museum exhibits and historic buildings (admission to Biltmore is as much as $59.00), or tickets to concerts (a Boston Symphony Orchestra seat can run up to $115.00; want the best view of a Coldplay concert? try $803.00), plays (lowest price for The Lion King on Broadway, $80.00), and sporting events (standing room only for Red Sox/Yankees – more than $125.00), it begins to look like a bargain.  The $26.00 per day cost of a ten-day base ticket now seems like an absolute steal.

The Walt Disney Company has just announced that third quarter revenues for its parks and resorts reflected a 9% decrease.  At the same time, overall attendance numbers for U.S. parks are up 3%; something quite obvious to anyone who has tried to get a room or dining reservation this year.  A number of outstanding promotions during 2009 have underpinned these surprisingly strong figures at a time when many travel products are showing much higher losses. 

More interesting are the comments from Disney executives, who spoke about the visitors themselves.   It seems that these special offers have attracted an entirely new guest demographic, a group who had never before visited and would never have come if not for the promotional pricing.  These specials have also enticed many past guests to take an additional, unplanned Disney vacation. 

But, most tellingly, research revealed that there has been a positive change in visitors’ perceptions of the “value” of a Disney vacation, something that loyal Disney guests have long appreciated.  There is the expectation that this renewed sense of the intrinsic worth of the Disney experience will result in return visits.  While the term “inexpensive Disney vacation” may well be an oxymoron, there are many who feel there is no better vacation value.

Photo by George Thomas

I’ve unexpectedly decided on an extra visit to Walt Disney World this fall, and I’m excited because I’ll get the chance to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party; one of my favorite special events.

Halloween is such a great time of year because we have all the fun without any of the stress associated with other holidays.  Not only has it become a much bigger occasion at home, but Walt Disney World has been expanding the celebration yearly with additional party dates and increasingly elaborate decorations in the Magic Kingdom.

The party starts at 7:00 p.m. and requires a separately-purchased admission ticket rather than the standard park admission.  However, party-ticket holders can generally gain admittance to the Magic Kingdom around 4:00 p.m.  There’s lots to see and do after 7:00 so plan to have an early dinner in the park or at a nearby resort.

While costumes are absolutely optional, many guests wear them, and some are incredibly elaborate, with many “themed” family groups, lots of princes and princesses both big and little, and an enormous range of amazing, and sometimes questionable, choices in between.  Visitors from other countries who may not celebrate the holiday in our uniquely American way, with costumes and trick-or-treating, are especially enthusiastic and a source of much merriment for all the guests.    Trick-or-treat bags are handed out to  each party-goer and all guests, even adults, are encouraged to visit the candy stations located throughout the park.

There’s a special fireworks extravaganza, Happy HalloWishes, and the wonderful Mickey’s Boo to You Parade which follows the highly-anticipated ride of the Headless Horseman.  With spooky lighting and special fog effects, lots of new character costumes, dance parties, face painting, mixing and mingling with the Villains, and numerous opportunities for character meet-and-greets, it’s a not-to-be-missed occasion.

At Whimsical World Travel, we think it’s one of the very best times of the year to visit Walt Disney World, and we’ve developed a special itinerary, Boo to You!, which includes lots of special surprises for an unforgettable Halloween visit.

Tickets are available on the day of the party and for pre-purchase at a reduced price.  Weekends and dates closer to October 31^st do sell out, so pick up your tickets early if you know your plans and expect to pay a premium for Halloween night.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Magic Kingdom

7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on select nights 9/4 to 11/1/09

Adults  $55.38 to $68.16

Children ages 3-9  $48.99 to $61.77

Park admission not required

The Orlando Sentinel had an article a few days ago about the testing of a centralized FastPass system at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the Walt Disney World® Resort.  Located in the FastPass area formerly used for It’s Tough to Be a Bug, it allowed guests to obtain FastPasses for three of the most popular attractions:  Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. 

Unlike the normal FastPass kiosks, which are still operating at the individual attractions, no ride times were posted, but cast members were available to answer questions about return times. 

It’s difficult to calculate whether or not part of the success of the current arrangement has to do with the fact that many people are unwilling to crisscross the parks in pursuit of passes and return times.  If every guest who steps through the turnstiles immediately heads over to the FastPass area to pick up passes for the entire day, will the result be huge lines here with frustrated guests, much longer waits in the FastPass lanes, or an orderly distribution of passengers at each attraction throughout the day? 

As always, there’s a great deal of speculation and controversy surrounding the experiment.  Some are concerned that such a system would regiment their day; others are afraid that this is the first step in a plan to offer some type of “premium” FastPass, available at an additional charge or as part of a stay in one of the Deluxe Resorts.  While the concept is clearly in its early stages of development, it will be interesting to see how it plays out. 

Walt Disney World has just announced an extension of free dining with a bit of a twist.  Rather than just one version with resort room, park tickets, and standard dining plan, those choosing at least three nights at a Value Resort will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan at no additional charge with the option to upgrade to the standard plan at a discounted rate.  For stays of three nights or more in Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa resorts, the standard Disney Dining Plan is included free of charge, and guests may upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan at a discounted rate.  These special offers are valid for most dates between 9/29 and 12/17/09. 

From 10/4 to 12/24, excluding 11/24 to 11/29, there are also some very attractive room-only rates currently available including concierge-level rooms at select resorts.  In some instances, these reduced room rates are being offered as part of a Magic Your Way package.  There is limited availability for these special rates which may not include all resorts and all dates.  Pricing begins at $59.00 plus tax for Value Resorts; $109.00 plus tax for Moderate Resorts; and $149.00 plus tax for selected Deluxe Resorts.

We suggest you contact your travel concierge to check availability, review the various offers, and decide what works best for you. Make your reservations by 9/26/09 to take advantage of these great opportunities.

The spa experience, appreciated by other cultures for generations, has truly been embraced by the American audience over the past ten or fifteen years.  Disney has risen to the challenge, offering facilities at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa in Disneyland; Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World; the availability of in-room treatments at the Disney Resorts; spas onboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder; and even cabana massages on Disney’s beautiful private island, Castaway Cay. 

It is a highlight of many Disney park and cruise vacations, and we get such glowing reports from guests about their spa experiences that I wanted to be able share my own spa stories.  Alas, I was the last spa holdout on the planet.  

Now, the whole thing sounds so wonderful in theory: gentle, restorative massages; brisk, citrusy exfoliations; warm, petal-strewn baths; relaxed, limp-noodle results.  Say all you want, however, about professional draping, and professionals pursuing their professions with professional professionalism; the bottom line:  you’re in a room naked being rubbed by a complete stranger.  Relaxing; are you crazy?  I would leave with so much tension in my neck and shoulders, I wouldn’t be able to move my head for a month.    

Still, I did want to familiarize myself with the spa, so I decided to try a manicure – how traumatic could that be?  I made appointments at the Grand Floridian Spa and went with a friend.  We were ushered into a quiet and peaceful area with subdued lighting and shown through the treatment rooms, the lounge and locker areas, and the whirlpool room.  The atmosphere was hushed and serene and even a simple manicure was made special with a pampering hand and arm massage.  

I had a chance to chat with a number of different patrons in the pleasant lounge where cool drinks and herbal teas are available.  It turns out that almost everyone was fairly intimidated by the idea of their first spa treatment.  Each person had a story, but all agreed that the Disney cast members go out of their way to make the experience as comfortable as possible.  If you’re not thrilled with the idea of fully undressing, you can dip your toe in the spa waters by choosing a type of treatment, such as a facial or reflexology massage, that doesn’t require it.  Even full-body massages can be accomplished while wearing a swimsuit, although a better treatment can be provided if you are willing to disrobe.  Keep in mind that you will be left alone to undress and untreated areas are fully covered by a drape at all times. Also, you can indicate your preference for a male or female massage therapist.  Generally speaking, swim suits and/or robes are worn in most other areas such as the whirlpool.  Expect to tip about 20% and don’t be surprised at the sales pitch for the spa products.  

While I did find this all very interesting, and even somewhat reassuring, I still haven’t made the leap.  Meanwhile, current spa aficionados looking for a truly luxurious and inclusive spa vacation are invited to consider our Grand Indulgence itinerary.

For now, if you see a stiff, obviously unmassaged person (with nicely-manicured nails) walking around Walt Disney World – that would be me!!

As someone who has celebrated Christmas at Walt Disney World for the past ten years, I can appreciate how special it is to start new holiday traditions.  This year, consider one of the featured Adventures by Disney Holiday Getaways for a unique and unforgettable vacation.  Enjoy a VIP backstage experience at Disneyland.  Visit the lands of Knights and Lights with a memorable journey to London and Paris.   Hike, bike, and swim through the deserts, rainforests, and reefs of Australia.  Explore the extraordinary world that is South Africa.  For more information,  contact us.  We’d be happy to answer your questions or email a brochure!

Park Tickets can be one of the most costly components of a Disney vacation, and there are seemingly infinite combinations of days, park hopping, water parks, and expiration options to choose from.  We thought we’d pass along a few suggestions for minimizing the ticket turmoil:

• Extra days can help you save!  Many people on a tight budget purchase park tickets for only a few days of their stay in an effort to economize, not realizing that after four days, the cost of additional days is minimal.  As an example, the difference in price between one adult (ages 10+) Park Hopper for FOUR days and one for TEN days is less than $20.00, or about $3.00 per day,  substantially reducing the cost per day to visit the parks.   Don’t forget that you can always add days to a ticket as long as the total admissions do not exceed ten days.  These upgrades must be made prior to, or within, 14 days of first use.  Taking advantage of the low prices for extra days allows you to visit a park at night for the fireworks only, or enjoy a farewell character breakfast on your departure day.

• Decide whether you truly need the Park Hopper option.  If your children are very small, or you are first-time visitors, there is generally more than enough to see and do in a single park to fill an entire day.  Arrive early, take a break, and return to the same park for the evening entertainment.  Plan your dining reservations in the “park of the day” or at a resort restaurant located nearby.

• Consider an Annual Pass.  Now that Annual Passholders have access to packages that include the dining plan, the pass becomes even more attractive for anyone making multiple trips within the span of a year, or planning an extra-long stay.  Historically, excellent room discounts have been made available to Passholders for selected dates throughout the year.  Annual Passholders are also entitled to a number of additional perks which currently include discounts on dining, merchandise, special events, tours, spa treatments, and recreation, as well as a subscription to the Mickey Monitor quarterly newsletter, and eligibility for Tables in Wonderland membership.

• Remember that a hard ticket to a special Magic Kingdom event such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will generally get you into the park around 4:00 p.m.  If you’ve decided against the Park Hopper option, this is a great way to visit two parks on the same day, using your regular park ticket for one park, and your party ticket for the Magic Kingdom.  The parties don’t begin until 7:00 p.m., giving you several hours before the festivities begin to enjoy the attractions or grab an early dinner.

• Tickets can get lost.  If possible, make photocopies of your tickets and keep the copies some place other than where you’re storing the tickets.  While Disney makes every effort to resolve lost-ticket issues, replacements can be issued far more painlessly if you have all the ticket information available.   If you purchase your tickets after arrival, take a clear picture of the backs using  a digital camera, or simply write down the numeric information.  If  you’re staying at a Disney Resort and purchased tickets separately rather  than as part of a package, you can generally have new, unused tickets loaded onto your Key to the World (resort ID) card.

How does she do it?  Each photo of a pristine beach is made fascinating by a flash of color.  Every difficult interior shot reveals her mastery.  Her magnificent Disney Cruise Line series, the best body of work we have seen on this subject, perfectly captures the joy and fun of the cruising experience.  Her work adds immeasurably to our appreciation of all things Disney.  A big thank you to Candis!

Neal Stephenson has a beautiful mind, one that roams both the highways and back roads of human knowledge with equal ease.  As a writer, he is willing to grab you by the hand and take you along, pointing out new concepts, and asking you to follow a different route when revisiting the familiar.

In his book Anathem, he talks about the “story” and the way in which organizational work life has sucked most of the individual stories out of people’s everyday lives.  Their stories have become those of the institution, rather than those of their own making. People who find it difficult to sacrifice their personal storytelling to the constraints of economy and efficiency may strike out in a different direction, choosing a more entrepreneurial or adventurous way of life. 

Could it be that this is why the idea of travel seems so much more like a necessity than a luxury?  Perhaps it’s not just that people feel they “deserve a reward for working hard all year.”  Perhaps travel fulfills a very basic need that we all have to tell a tale; to have an experience with a beginning, a middle, and an end; one that is unique to us; one we can cherish in our memories and in the retelling; a story of our own.