Archive for the ‘Mousellaneous’ Category

Walt Disney World visitors looking for a different kind of souvenir might consider posing for a caricature.  Unlike the traditional portraiture available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, caricature artists showcase their subjects in a truly unique way.

One of the most well-known permanent locations is at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but other kiosks can be found at all four parks as well as Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, and many of the other Walt Disney World resorts.

Guests can choose black-and-white or full-color portraits, and there are options for heads only, or head and body with a playful background.  Artists’ hours vary by location but are typically longer in the parks and run from late afternoon through the evening at the resorts.  Prices can change at any time but currently, they range from about $18.00 to $56.00 for one subject .

The beginning of each new year is traditionally a time to look forward, and many people start dreaming about vacations.  It’s easy to forget that the actual trip is just a small part of the overall vacation experience.  You may only travel for a few days, but the planning process can last for many months, and the memories will be with you for a lifetime.  Disney vacations are a great source of family fun and there are lots of ways to involve everyone in the process and keep them excited about the trip, which may seem very far away:

As soon as your make your reservation with Whimsical World Travel, your Concierge will arrange to have a Disney Vacation Planning DVD delivered to your home.  We suggest setting aside an evening, making some popcorn, and watching it with your entire group.

Have each person make a list of their must-see attractions at the different parks.  Particularly when you’re traveling during peak times, following our top tips, and having a plan to visit these attractions first, will keep everyone happy.

Download a countdown clock for your computer to keep abreast of the exact time until your departure   disneytime15

Wrap up a number of small gifts for the kids.  Once a month, give them one to open.  These can be practical items they will need for the trip, or Disney-related treats to help make the vacation special.  Your final document package from Whimsical World Travel will also contain a special surprise or two!

Print out these special coloring pages for a Disney fix on a rainy afternoon.

A Disney Halloween isn’t only about pumpkins and parties.  It’s about spooky sightings and devilish details.  There are endless ways of capturing that “not so scary” spirit!  Here are just a few of our favorites.

It’s the time of year when fireworks wear their autumn colors,

Villains come out to play,

and all the cool guys are hanging around.

Some old friends just fit right in;

while others get all dressed up

to celebrate!

We look at the everyday details; architecture,

attractions,

and ambience;

with new eyes.

And discover that some of the most spooktacular subjects of all

are the classic favorites!

Many people dream about the chance to combine a personal interest with a career opportunity.  If you have a passion for travel and enjoy helping others plan memorable vacations, the role of Whimsical World Travel Concierge may be the perfect fit.

While previous experience in the travel industry and/or sales is a plus, we only have two basic requirements:

• You should be familiar with, and enthusiastic about, Disney Destinations.  Our Concierges offer a depth of knowledge and personal experience that adds an extra dimension to the planning process.  They are frequent visitors to the parks, resorts,  and cruise ships, and utilize a number of resources for keeping abreast of news, announcements, updates, and policy changes.
• You must be very detail-oriented.  Planning a Disney vacation can be a complex process and keeping track of all the specifics of each trip demands excellent organizational skills.

We offer a number of benefits:

• You can pursue your career as a full-time travel professional or as a rewarding avocation.  Each Concierge is an independent business person, choosing their own hours, place of business, and clientele.
• Support and encouragement are just a phone call or email away.  You will enjoy personal one-on-one training sessions that walk you step-by-step through the process. You will always have access to our Concierge Guide, and the knowledge and assistance of other Concierges.  You will be provided with all the tools you need to embark upon an exciting new chapter in your life.
• You will earn generous commissions and have the opportunity to increase earnings by means of various contributions to the company’s content and reputation.
• After completing the College of Disney Knowledge program and meeting minimum sales goals, you will be eligible for exceptional discounts on travel to Disney Destinations.
• In partnership with our luxury travel division, Travel Repertoire, you can expand your areas of expertise and sell travel to exciting destinations around the world.

There are many travel agents who sell Disney Destinations but are not at all familiar with the Disney product. There are also many individuals who truly are “Disney experts” but not travel agents! Our company mandate can be summed up by our trademarked phrase, “Embrace the magic and it will hug you back^tm.”  Our job is not just to make travel arrangements for our clients, but to instill in them that sense of excitement and fun that we ourselves experience each time we visit.  If you share our philosophy and would like to explore career opportunities, we invite you to complete our application.

Those of you who experience the annual frustration of trying to make reservations for the special events at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will want to hear more about a new food and wine celebration vacation package to be offered from Sunday, October 24 to Wednesday, October 27, 2010.

Although the details are still sketchy, we know that it will be limited to only 100 guests and, much like an Adventures by Disney itinerary, will be filled with wonderful, exclusive experiences.

This unique and exciting vacation package, Disney’s Grape Getaway, will be available inclusive of resort reservations, or without the accommodations for those who have already made their travel plans.  It will feature three days of exclusive events including a special private party.  Although the members of the Tables in Wonderland program will be notified as further information becomes available, including the cost and the booking window, this package will be open to all guests.

If you would like to be notified when the delicious details are released, please email Whimsical World Travel using the form on the Contact a Concierge page, or call 888-373-2752.

They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors.  Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is!  Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding.  There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.

Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back.  While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.

It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas.   A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship.  Boats travel between these parks,  stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.

Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings.  If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman.  His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!

Today I came across a photo which reminded me of a piece written some years ago.  I thought I would publish it again.  This image, of a different soldier, speaks more eloquently than words, and we are grateful to the family for allowing us to use it.

I stood by the railing, upstairs at the train station, looking out over Main Street, U.S.A., and hoping to catch sight of a family I had never met.  Having left my friends behind enjoying the last of our tea at the Grand Floridian, jumping on the monorail and rushing into the Magic Kingdom, I would be very disappointed if I didn’t find them.  But no, there they were:  mother, father, and handsome little son, waiting near the flag.  I had been corresponding with Rita via email and, when we realized we’d all be staying at the Boardwalk during the same week, we had made tentative plans to meet.  Both she and her husband, Chuck, are in the Navy, and when I learned that Chuck would be participating in the Flag Retreat at the Magic Kingdom, I knew it was something I wanted to make an effort to attend.  I was aware that this ceremony was performed each afternoon but had never been there at the right time to see it.

After I’d introduced myself to the family, three cast members met with Chuck and walked him through the program: brisk step this way, stop here, sharp turn there, move to this side, hold your arms just so; once through and he was set to go.  I remember thinking that military training must come in mighty handy here. It would have taken me a dozen rehearsals, at the very least, to get it right.

Suddenly, there was music and I turned to see the Main Street Philharmonic launching into a medley of patriotic tunes.  I have several European friends who often comment on the large number of different songs we have which celebrate our country.  I think about all those songs that we learned as children, every year, when I listen to them played on the Fourth of July by the Boston Pops, but I didn’t realize that the U.S. is somewhat unique in this respect.  And, hearing them again this day, played by a group of musicians dressed in brilliant red, who managed, despite the heat and the hour, to perform them with skill and enthusiasm, filled me with pride.

We watched as the four stepped through the ceremony, lowering the flag and skillfully folding it in the special way reserved for our flag alone:

“The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.”

and with a formal announcement to the crowd, is presented to the one being honored that day.

Even though I was only connected to these people by the most tenuous of threads, I was surprised at how affecting it was.  We were all honored by this observance; the serviceman and his family, the company which has chosen to include this solemn tribute amongst its many, more lighthearted activities, and each American who stood there watching.  I don’t know if that little boy will remember listening as his father’s name and rate were called out, echoing across the colorful, sunny park; I hope he does.  I hope, too, that next year, he will watch his mother’s service acknowledged in the same manner.   And, I hope that more people will plan to be near the flag at 5:00 p.m., to share in this moving and respectful ritual. I promise you’ll walk away with an extra little spring in your step.