Archive for September, 2009

Take advantage of Disney’s latest offer for vacation packages from November of this year through March 27 of 2010.  Purchase a regularly-priced Magic Your Way package and receive additional nights and park tickets free.

For stays in select Disney Value Resorts, guests who purchase a package that includes five nights and a five-day park ticket will get two additional nights and two extra days of park admission free of charge.

Those choosing a Disney Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort can book a four-f night stay, four-day ticket package and receive three more nights and tickets at no additional cost.

This exceptional offer must be booked by December 20, 2009 and is applicable for most nights from November 1 to 24, 2009, December 8 to 24, 2009, and January 3 to March 27, 2010.  Special pricing includes a base ticket and accommodations.  Ticket options and dining plans can be added to these discounted packages at regular prices.  Only a limited number of rooms are available; contact Whimsical World Travel to start planning your magical vacation soon!

Disney Parks will continue the popular “What Will You Celebrate?” theme in 2010 with a new focus.  At a time when many are facing challenges, Disney has chosen to celebrate volunteerism for the coming year.  Hoping to inspire one million people in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada to contribute a day of service, Disney will reward program participants with a one-day ticket to a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.

Guests who are visiting on a vacation package or have an Annual Pass or Passport can choose one of the following:

• a special FastPass for the participant and up to five additional guests
• a collectible Ear Hat figurine with trading pins
• the option to donate the ticket to a designated non-profit organization

Beginning January 1, 2010, individuals six and older may log onto the dedicated “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” program website to search and sign up for a selected activity.  Upon completion of the service, Disney will email a confirmation certificate which can be exchanged for a ticket to be used on the day of redemption or upgraded to a multi-day ticket or Annual Pass at additional cost.  The one-day ticket will be valid for most days through December 15, 2010 with the following exceptions:

• March 29 to April 8, and July 4, 2010 at the Walt Disney World Resort
• February 13 and 14, March 21, June 21 and 22, July 4, November 21, and December 11 and 12, 2010 at the Disneyland Resort

For more information about the program, and to sign up for email reminders, visit the website and start planning your own special celebration!

Shopping – it’s consistently rated as one of the top vacation activities, and Walt Disney World offers plenty of shopportunity.  At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, there are shelves filled with the popular park- and character-themed creations as well as stores that feature more unique merchandise.

Guests wishing to bring home a plush spa robe or a tee shirt with a glittery Grand Floridian logo can visit Summer Lace, a lovely shop that specializes in women’s clothing and accessories.   There is always a nice selection of swimsuits and resort wear, as well as jewelry, perfume, sparkly sandals, and pretty essentials for the traveler.

The bride-to-be will enjoy featured items from Disney’s Couture Wedding Collection which includes everything for the wedding party, from gowns to guest books.  Located on the first floor next to the Garden View Lounge, Summer Lace is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Photo by Jacob Nadolski

What does Snow know that you don’t know?  If your party numbers eight or more, then you are not just a group; you are a Grand Gathering!  Traveling in a group qualifies you to participate in special Grand Gathering Experiences:

The International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception is held at the Odyssey in EPCOT and boasts a buffet with flavors from around the world.  After enjoying the entertaining Disney characters, you’ll be treated to a dessert buffet and viewing of IllumiNations in a private, reserved area.

For 2010

Adults $69.99 to $73.99
Children 3-9 $33.99 to $35.99
Theme park admission required

The Kilimanjaro Safari Ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom kicks off your Safari Celebration Dinner. Then it’s on to Tusker House for an evening of African food, entertainment, and a wildlife meet-and-greet.

For 2010

Adults $69.99 to $73.99
Children 3-9 $33.99 to $35.99
Theme park admission required

Begin your day with the Good Morning Character Breakfast at Tony’s Town Square in the Magic Kingdom.  Sing and dance with Tony, Mickey, and Friends before heading off to your reserved seating at Mickey’s PhilharMagic.

For 2010

Adults $34.99 to $38.99
Children 3-9 $20.99 to $22.99
Theme park admission required

To make your stay memorable, you can arrange for custom gifts and floral creations, special tours, spa, and recreational activities, even the services of a professional Disney photographer.  Let your travel concierge help you plan a gathering that’s truly grand!

It’s what makes Walt Disney World such a perfect destination – there’s truly something for everyone.  Whether you’re a great grandmother riding Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, or a two-year old riding Dad’s shoulders to see the parade, you will find something to enchant you.

As travel agents, we’re often asked why Walt Disney World does not offer a discount for senior citizens.  I always use the explanation I heard years ago from a cast member:  there are no discounts for seniors because at Walt Disney World, everyone’s a kid!

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, we think this beautiful image by Jacob Nadolski, which captures all the warmth and fun of a Disney holiday,  says it as well as any song.

Merry Christmas to you!

Reindeer are another recurring theme at Walt Disney World, and are found in some unexpected places.  At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there’s a twinkling deer family grazing on a ledge over the main entrance.  They add to the beauty of the lobby in the evening, when it glows with light and good cheer.

For the holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom, Santa’s reindeer have left their post to join the dancing on Main Street U.S.A.  Wearing their “hollyday” bows and sleigh bells, they’re a favorite year after year.

Nestled in fields of flowers, the beautiful twig deer at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa draw visitors outside to enjoy the perfectly manicured grounds of this splendid resort.

Look for a reindeer motif featured on everything from antenna toppers to chocolate.   Take the time to visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness and enjoy the fantastic holiday displays at the campsites.  You’ll see lots of reindeer prancing through the woods.

But, do they really know how to fly?  Oh, yes!

Santa is a familiar sight at Walt Disney World, showing up in many locations.  In EPCOT, the different countries participate in “Holidays Around the World” and storytellers present their nations’ own special traditions which often include some type of Santa or Father Christmas figure.  Find the familiar jolly “American” Santa Claus at the American Adventure.

He also makes appearances during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and, of course, is always part of the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade.  There’s generally a Santa Claus meet and greet in the Magic Kingdom during the day, beginning in early December.  In addition, he somehow manages to make his way to Downtown Disney for Christmastime in the City.

Those looking for something a little different in a Santa will find Santa Goofy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Look for him at Santa Goofy’s Wild Wonderland reading to pose for pictures. He also makes his appearances in the Jingle Jungle Parade.

On Christmas Eve, he visits the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels to discuss gift lists and provide photo opportunities.

Families with small children who have decided to spend Christmas at Walt Disney World will often arrange for packages to be shipped to their resort hotel to ensure that there are lots of toys and goodies on Christmas morning!

There are some traditions worth keeping wherever you may find yourself during the holidays.  At Walt Disney World, the familiar Christmas dinner is served as an option at many restaurants throughout the parks and resorts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Of course, the Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom celebrates this favorite meal year round with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing as part of the everyday menu.  Turkey is also regular fare at the Garden Grill in EPCOT.

A number of venues, including many of the Signature restaurants such as the California Grill, Artist Point, and Citricos, have a special prix fixe holiday menu.  Some offer holiday items as well as a la carte, while others serve only the holiday meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Most buffets feature holiday items in addition to the usual array of choices.  Those looking for “tradition” with a twist can find the enormous turkey legs at carts located in the parks.  If you’re planning a visit over Christmas in 2009, contact your travel agent, or call 407-939-3463 (407-WDW-DINE) for more information.  The 90-day window will still be in effect for the holiday this year, and it will open up in just a few days.  These reservations go very quickly, so be sure to make your plans early.

While you may come across some mistletoe growing in the water oaks of Florida, we suggest you bring along your own.  Holding a sprig over the head of a character makes for some great holiday photos, and decorations brought from home add a bit of Christmas cheer to your hotel room.  You can also order a Christmas tree from the Disney florist which arrives complete with lights and decorations.  Disney will pack it up and ship it to your house at the end of your vacation.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying in a suite at a Walt Disney World Resort over the holidays, most will already be decorated in keeping with the themes of the hotel.

One of the pleasures of a holiday stay at Walt Disney World  is the seasonal entertainment.  Everywhere you go, the air is filled with the sounds of the season.  The parades adopt a holiday score; the parks ring with Christmas cheer; even the ambient music at the resorts takes a yuletide turn.

Fountains bounce and lights twinkle to a holiday beat.  The Voices of Liberty appear in bonnets and top hats at the American Adventure for special performances of a decidedly wintry repertoire.  Of course, they also join the cast member and guest choruses for the annual Candlelight Processionals.

You’ll hear cheerful Christmas music as you wait for the busses at Downtown Disney, and enjoy sidewalk choral offerings in the evenings.  Arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park opening ceremonies and enjoy the carolers at the holiday tree.

As Christmas approaches, the resorts begin a schedule of nightly concerts featuring small chamber ensembles, bell ringers, and choruses.  A favorite is the Cast Member Choir at the Wilderness Lodge which includes a number of executives.  They don red and white scarves and gather around the lobby tree to sing carols, much to the delight of both visitors and other cast members.

Guests can expect to be enlisted as participants, so polish up your tambourine and sleigh bell skills and make sure you know at least two verses of every Christmas song!