Archive for the ‘Vacation Planning’ Category

After a prolonged transition away from the class structure featured onboard traditional ocean liners, many cruise lines are once again embracing the segmenting of passengers into different categories, offering a number of special perks to a select group willing to pay the price.  “Clubs,” “Havens,” “Concierge;” whatever the nomenclature used, they represent an elite level of accommodations and service.  Disney Cruise Line has always provided a Concierge staff to assist guests staying in suites on Disney Dream and Disney Wonder, but with Disney Dream, and soon on Disney Fantasy, they have also upped the ante with a more definitive Concierge experience.

It begins with pre-cruise assistance from a delightful shoreside staff.  Your Whimsical World Travel concierge works hand in hand with these cast members to ensure that your preferences are noted, your arrangements are booked, and your questions are answered.

On embarkation day, regular passengers are assigned a specific group number and must wait until their number is called before they can board.  As a Concierge guest, you can arrive, check-in, and board at any time once the ship begins boarding, typically beginning at about 11:00 a.m.  There is a special check-in area reserved solely for Concierge guests and Platinum Castaway Cay members.  After your documents have been processed, you are personally escorted past the waiting crowds and handed off to a crew member who conducts you up to the Concierge Lounge on Deck 12.  There, you will be greeted by the onboard Concierge staff at a private welcome reception and invited to enjoy snacks and beverages until your stateroom is ready.  One of the Concierges will review your personal cruise itinerary with you and assist with any additional arrangements for the youth activity programs, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, etc.  Don’t confuse this  custom itinerary with the Personal Navigator which is distributed daily to all passengers.  Your itinerary is created specifically for your group and lists all your activities and reservations as well as events of note.

Access to the Concierge areas is facilitated by your special Key to the World card.  A gentle touch of the card opens doors for you!  Tucked behind the locked filigree gates on Decks 11 and 12 are the beautiful Concierge staterooms and suites.  Corridors have been upgraded to reflect a decidedly yacht-like environment with beautiful wood tones and metallic finishes, and the accommodations are marvels of design and technology.  The color scheme with its more vibrant colors is a pleasant change from the beige and greige of so many other shipboard suites.

Family staterooms have the trademark “split” bath which features a vanity, sink, and toilet in one room, and an additional vanity and sink along with the tub/shower in a separate room; a boon for families.

Suites have two full baths; one with a large shower and the other having both a shower and an indulgent oval Jacuzzi air tub.  Lovely fixtures and accessories sparkle and the wonderful behind-the-mirror television is perfectly positioned to enjoy while taking a luxurious bath.  You’ll find robes and slippers, upgraded bedding, and a fabulous “Pillow Talk” program offering a wide selection of pillow options for the perfect night’s sleep.

There are two additional televisions in the suites, one in the bedroom and another in the living area.  Additional closet space, dining tables, and large balconies ~ particularly in the Royal Suites which also feature a private hot tub outside ~ make these accommodations the perfect home-away-from-home for your next vacation.  You can spend quality time with your family right in the suite, enjoying complimentary DVD’s and popcorn, as well as in-suite dining from any of the rotational restaurants if you prefer to “stay in!”

The Concierge Lounge is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and offers a variety of food and beverage items throughout the day including breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts.  There are two “Special Gatherings” each evening prior to both dining times during which guests can enjoy complimentary cocktails in addition to non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.  Board games and magazines are available and the Concierge team is always on hand to answer questions and assist you with every request.  Photo Gallery folders for Concierge guests are conveniently stored in the Lounge rather than down on Deck 4 in Shutters.

Accessible from both the Concierge Lounge and Deck 13 forward is the lovely Concierge sundeck.  With padded lounges and sunbeds, a misting station, cushy chairs and pillows, and baskets of bottled water and sunbathing amenities, it’s a peaceful and pleasant oasis, particularly on port days.

Concierge guests can also take advantage of complimentary iPad rentals as well as 100 minutes of free internet use per room.

If you are already considering a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah, you may be pleasantly surprised by the difference in cost to move up to the Land of the Starfish (next to every stateroom door is a small sea creature – fish for port side, seahorse for starboard on each of the other decks, but starfish for all Concierge staterooms). We invite you to contact a specialist at Whimsical World Travel to start planning your own amazing Concierge cruise!

Guests visiting Walt Disney World during the 2011 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which runs from September 30 to November 13, 2011, can now begin planning their culinary adventures!

Some of the changes this year include the addition of booths in the World Showcase that represent the Caribbean and Portugal.  A complete listing of the participants and menus, along with a schedule of the popular Eat to the Beat concerts, is included in the Festival Guidemap.  Fans of Party for the Senses will be happy to learn that cast members from Cirque du Soleil will once again add their special brand of fun and excitement to this popular event.

Also new for 2011 is the addition of Sweet Seats to the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery, The Discovery of Chocolate series, the Cranberry Bog Display, Home Entertaining Seminars Hosted by HGTV, Mixology Seminars, Scent Demonstrations, Italy Food & Beer Pairings, Italy Dessert & Wine Pairings, Italian White Truffle Lunch, Mexico Tequila Lunch, The Magic of Healthy Living Dinner, and the Kitchen Memories seminars.

For your convenience, we’ve  put together a series of printable guides which highlight the program offerings for this year.  Those wishing to attend any of the special events and seminars can begin making reservations on August 16, 2011.

Premium Events and Experiences

Premium International Events

Special Festival Seminars and Experiences

Special Sweet Events

You can also get further details about past Festivals by reviewing earlier posts.  It’s a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World ~ the weather is beautiful, the Magic Kingdom is festively dressed for Halloween, and there is so much to see and do and taste!

It’s a rite of passage for many smaller Disney guests – discovering that they are finally tall enough for the attraction of their dreams.  For every adult who’s terrified of Disney’s mountains, there are three fearless young children begging to be allowed boarding privileges.  They’ve stood and watched sadly as older brothers and sisters happily stepped into ride queues while they were left behind; victims of the dreaded “baby swap.”  Or worse still, they might be forced to walk off with one parent to do allegedly “fun things” while the others went in a different direction to enjoy all the really cool stuff.  Finally, their day has come; they are able to “hit the mark” and board that highly-anticipated ride!

Many of the most exciting rides have specific height requirements.  These guidelines help ensure that all passengers are safe; tall enough to be protected by the headrests, belts and other safety features built into the ride vehicles.

Typically, there will be two checkpoints at an attraction and children must not be able to walk under the bar.  Although shoes are allowed, this regulation is very strictly enforced and cast members do not make exceptions for “almost.”

We’ve included a link to Walt Disney World’s most recent official listing of height requirements for specific attractions:

ATTRACTION HEIGHT CHART

Joining the ranks of the Big Kids – one of the many reasons families return to Disney Destinations year after year!

It is a month of contrasts.  The beginning of December is a favorite of Disney veterans who take advantage of the great weather and lower crowds during the first couple of weeks.  The week between Christmas and New Year is the single busiest one of the year.  During this holiday period, it’s not unusual for the Magic Kingdom to reach full capacity and close the gates to new arrivals as early as 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.

It is festive and beautiful – perhaps the single most beautiful time of year to visit Walt Disney World – with parks and resorts dressed to impress and the daily schedules a whirlwind of special events, activities, and holiday performances.  There are so many different things going on it’s impossible to list them all!  As the calendar counts off the days until Christmas, each resort begins to add its own roster of special holiday happenings.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party continues, typically until about December 19th, at which time the Christmas Parade replaces the daytime parade in the Magic Kingdom for the remainder of the season.  The Castle Dream Lights sparkle and Wishes becomes Holiday Wishes for a few special days.  There are regular performances of the Candlelight Processional and the storytelling of Holidays Around the World in EPCOT.  Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom can enjoy Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights draws the crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Festival of Seasons offers seasonal entertainment and Santa meet-and-greets.  In fact, Santa really gets around the Walt Disney World Resort!

The Voices of Liberty don their holiday finery for concerts of seasonal music at the American Adventure and many of the resort lobbies ring with good cheer as various choruses, choirs, bell ringers, soloists, and musical groups serenade guests.

Attendance levels: From the sublime to the ridiculous – expect lower attendance for the first couple of weeks escalating to the highest numbers of the year during Christmas week.  Guests visiting for the first time after the middle of the month should understand that crowds will be fierce.  The parks are crowded, the parking lots are jammed, the roadways are busy, the buses and monorails are full; it’s difficult to overstate just how massive the crowds are.  Expect long waits for attractions and transportation; be prepared to wait at every turn.  Be certain to make dining reservations well in advance and plan to visit with a relaxed attitude, knowing that this will be a time to slow down and enjoy each moment as it comes.

Weather: It can be breezy and balmy or crisp and cold.  In the past few years, the temperatures have climbed well up into the 80’s and crashed into the 20’s.  December of 2010 was the coldest ever recorded for this area.

Packing: If there was ever a time to pack for all possibilities, this is it.  As the departure dates nears, we suggest checking the ten-day forecast at weather.com!

Once upon a time, there was a Cook who was known for her skill in the kitchen, her thriftiness, and her appreciation for quality foods.  The Cook decided to prepare a feast for her family.  She wanted to allow plenty of time to make it an unforgettable event, so she selected a date exactly one month away.

She decided to choose a fruit as the theme of her meal and after listening to recommendations from friends and neighbors, made her way to the shop of a local Greengrocer.  She entered his lovely store and was immediately impressed by the many displays of wonderful fruits; there were so many to choose from it was quite overwhelming!

Luckily, the friendly and knowledgeable Greengrocer was happy to assist her.  Together, they discussed her plans and the Greengrocer made a number of suggestions.  He carefully explained the differences between one fruit and another, and answered dozens of questions she had:  how many courses should she serve; how should the fruit be prepared; which fruits were most popular, most visually appealing when cooked, best served cold?  She spent many hours in the shop listening and learning.

Finally deciding on oranges, she was delighted to discover that the Greengrocer was able to provide many details about the different types of oranges – where they were grown; how they were shipped; their various sizes, shapes, and colors.

After the Cook had chosen the most suitable oranges for the wonderful meal to come, the Greengrocer told her the price.  He explained that the Farmer sometimes offered special prices on his oranges, and that, if she was able to have her feast in two weeks’ time, rather than a month, he could offer her the oranges at a lower price.

If she wanted to stay with her original plans, he promised that, if the Farmer called him with a special price for oranges in a month, he would still pass those savings along to her, even though she had already placed her order.

The Greengrocer also mentioned that he would send her recipes and ideas for different ways to prepare her oranges.

Satisfied that she had the information she needed, the Cook thanked the Greengrocer for his help, and went home to think about all that she had learned that day.

Two weeks passed, and the Greengrocer still had not received the Cook’s order for her oranges.  He sent her a polite greeting and inquired if there was any further information she needed.

In response, he received a note from the Cook stating that she had gone to the grocery store down the street, found the fruit was being offered at a lower price, and placed her order there.

The Greengrocer was very upset!  The Farmer had promised him that the oranges would be the same price for all of his customers!  He called the Cook and explained his great distress, asking that she share the details of her transaction so that he could contact the Farmer to complain.

“Oh,” said the Cook, “I actually purchased those apples we talked about rather than the oranges, and decided I would only get two dozen instead of three.”

The Greengrocer hung up the phone sadly.  Why, he wondered, had the Cook not returned to his shop?  He had spent such a long time with her, generously sharing his vast knowledge of fruit.  She knew that he was very well-informed about his produce, and very fair about pointing out ways that she could save money.

Instead, she had walked into the grocery store and, armed with everything he had taught her, bought the apples at the self-service checkout, for exactly the price that he charged for those very same apples in his own store.

The wife of the Greengrocer saw his unhappiness.  She patted his hand and reminded him of the excited couple who had entered his shop just the day before.  They were thrilled by the success of their own special banquet and had come to thank the Greengrocer for the excellent recipes he had shared, and extra savings they had enjoyed when the Farmer decided to lower his price just before they picked up their order.

The Greengrocer nodded in agreement.  “Why, you’re right,” he said, “it was a pleasure to help that couple with their produce.   I guess I am just puzzled by people who come to my shop for help and end up purchasing their fruit elsewhere without taking the time to realize that they are comparing apples and oranges!”

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.

November is a month of transformation as the World dons its gay apparel for the holiday season.  Guests can revisit a park or resort hotel to find it completely changed from the day before.   Working through the nights, cast members perform magic as they bring Christmas to life throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.  Although this wonderful photo was taken onboard the Disney Magic, we think it is a beautiful illustration of the holiday mix found at all Disney Destinations during this special time of the year.

The thermometer is something of a quick-change artist, as well, marking cool morning temperatures that can turn into sunny, warm afternoons in the blink of an eye.

As the entire resort gears up for Christmas, Thanksgiving is celebrated with traditional meals, and appropriately-costumed characters.  Before the month is over, the festive decorations are in place, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties have begun, the Osborne Lights are dancing, and EPCOT is celebrating Holidays Around the World.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Enjoy the last two weeks of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival; the start of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Holidays Around the World at EPCOT, and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Attendance levels: November offers a wide range of attendance from some of the lowest annual numbers during the week after Thanksgiving to the heavy crowds of Thanksgiving Day and weekend.  Once EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival winds down, the days leading up to Thanksgiving are among the most pleasant of the year.

Weather: Typically a glorious month with temperatures ranging from the high 50’s to the high 70’s and little rainfall.

Packing: For months other than May through September when it is reliably hot, visitors should always pack for the possibilities and November is no exception.  It is definitely a time to think “layers.”

Guests looking for perfect Florida weather should consider a visit in October, when the humidity begins to drop, particularly toward the middle of the month, and is replaced with warm, breezy days, and cooler nights.

Over the years, October has become a time of great activity at Walt Disney World with the advent of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and an increasing presence of Halloween decorations and festivities.  Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party runs throughout the month, and there are many special activities at the resorts and Downtown Disney on Halloween night.

The Food and Wine Festival is a big draw with many visitors planning their annual vacations around this wonderful event.  Plan on the World Showcase being particularly crowded on weekends when many local residents turn out to enjoy the Festival.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival are in full swing all month.

Attendance levels: In general, crowds are moderate, particularly during the first week. Exceptions are EPCOT, which will be a busier park due to EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, and the Columbus Day weekend when all parks will experience a surge in attendance.  Visitors should plan for the Magic Kingdom to be closed to the general public on a number of nights for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Weather: While great weather is never a guarantee in central Florida, the odds favor October!  Each passing day seems to bring increasingly more beautiful mornings.  Average precipitation levels are half of September’s and the humidity begins to drop to comfortable levels.

Packing: Summer wear with light cover-ups for cooler nights should cover the possibilities during October.  Although it can certainly remain hot and humid during the day, there’s also an excellent chance of cooler, drier weather with lower temperatures at night.

During a recent luncheon hosted by Disney executives, one of them made a fascinating comment.  The discussion at the time was about the differences between the Disney Cruise Line and other cruise ship companies.  As we chatted about the current efforts of some to ramp up their shows and add character interactions to their onboard experience, he pointed out one factor that sets Disney apart from all the others:  they are cruise companies trying to move into the business of entertainment; Disney is an entertainment company which has moved into the cruise business.

This was underlined in a statement made by Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft, the shipbuilder for the new Disney Dream.  He said that Disney approached nearly every space onboard as a venue for entertainment; an opportunity to tell a story.

We have come to expect all manner of storytelling from a Disney cruise – spectacular shows; wonderful character appearances; first-run movies shown both in elegant cinemas and on deck via the magic of Ariel Vision; dining rooms and public areas that weave a tale.  The décor; the color choices; the hardware; the furnishings and accessories; each element is chosen to draw us into a subtle narrative.

On Disney Dream, and its sister ship Disney Fantasy which will set sail in 2012, the storyline is broadened to include such things as Enchanted Art, interactive framed animation; Virtual Portholes that allow those choosing interior accommodations to reconnect with the ocean; video-screen walls that transport guests to other places; even special food and beverage items.

In the Disney Cruise Line Brochures for 2011 and 2012, there are dozens of voyages to choose from, including 3-, 4-, and 5-night Bahamian itineraries; 7-night Caribbean sailings; and magical trips to Mexico, Panama, Alaska, and the Mediterranean.

Entertainment – it’s one the great strengths of a Disney Cruise experience; one that draws guests back again and again and sends them home with their own stories to tell!

Those who think of September as an autumnal month may be surprised by the levels of heat and humidity in central Florida, where it is still very much summer.  Although temperatures remain pretty much the same as August, spanning the low seventies to the low nineties, the humidity actually ratchets up a notch and often lingers through the night.

Prices are at annual lows for pretty much the entire month and Labor Day is the only major American holiday that does not reflect any rate increases.

Historically, this month has been recognized as a quiet month and years before the advent of deeply-discounted packages, the Magic Your Way program, and the Dining Plan, Disney offered special deals that included such things as meal vouchers and savings on recreation and shopping.

The Christian music festival, Night of Joy generally takes place near the beginning of the month, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party runs on a number of evenings.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Both the Night of Joy, which runs for two evenings, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, generally offered on six or seven nights during the month of September, are held in the Magic Kingdom which is closed to all but holders of these hard tickets.  Other guests should plan accordingly.

Attendance levels: Few families take vacations at the very start of the school year and the low room rates reflect the light crowds.

Weather: Expect a continuation of summer heat and humidity.  Although this seems to be the time when guests express the most concern about hurricanes, the season typically runs from approximately June to November.  Located in the center of the state, Walt Disney World faces a lesser risk than coastal areas and has been constructed to exceedingly high standards.  There’s also a decrease in precipitation and more days without the afternoon showers so prevalent in June and July.

Packing: Bring summer clothes, but toss in a light jacket or sweater if you’re visiting towards the very end of the month.  Although it generally remains hot, cooler weather starts to arrive in October and occasional lower evening temperatures are not unheard of.