Posts Tagged ‘recreation’

#4 Grand I Yacht

She is the queen of the Disney Fleet, the seventh largest marine fleet in the world; the beautiful Grand I – the only vessel at Walt Disney World that boasts a bed and bath.  With salon, cabins, galley, and head complete with shower, it’s a comfy and indulgent “watercraft rental” that’s a world away from the pontoon boats.

Your captain and deck hand welcome you aboard for an unforgettable luxury cruise experience around Bay Lake and The Seven Seas Lagoon.  A truly special occasion calls for special arrangements, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Private Dining is happy to oblige with everything from champagne and strawberries to a multi-course dinner served by a private butler.  Whether it’s cake and ice cream for a birthday party or hors d’oeuvres for a sunset sail, they will help to make your voyage magical.

Cruises are available throughout the day, but the most popular time is during the evening when you can enjoy an amazing view of Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, complete with stereo sound.

Variously listed as accommodating 13 to 18 guests, the space is tight for more than ten or twelve passengers and we suggest fewer if you are planning a sit-down meal.  Prices increase often and are currently more than $500.00 per hour; definitely a significant splurge with your significant other, but more reasonable when shared amongst you and a dozen of your closest friends!

#3  concept^tm Itinerary

Expect White Glove treatment as you experience the Walt Disney World Resort in a unique new way with a customized itinerary from Whimsical World Travel’s concept^tm program.

Each themed vacation includes a comprehensive package of arrangements, events, recreation, and entertainment designed to appeal to guests who are looking for an innovative and immersive experience.

Choose from some of our most popular offerings:

Boo to You! Halloween is a month-long celebration at Walt Disney World® and we’ve arranged a frightfully good time!

Over the River and Through the Woods Share the joys of the holiday season with family and friends at the beautiful Wilderness Lodge; dressed to impress in its Christmas finery.

Honeymoon Dreams Celebrate a marriage or vow renewal in unforgettable Disney style with romantic activities and memorable surprises.

Grand Indulgence Relaxing, rejuvenating, restorative – sybaritic spa treatments and sumptuous accommodations make this vacation special.

Other current themes include golf, birdwatching, theater, engineering, hot-air balloons, horses, architecture, history, animals, and transportation.  Or, let us craft a one-of-a-kind stay especially for you.  From autographs to zebras, we have creative ideas for your next significant splurge!

Those looking for something unique can skip over to Downtown Disney and jump on Characters in Flight. Soaring 400 feet in the air, the tethered balloon offers a glorious panorama of the Disney property for many miles.  Up to 29 passengers are welcomed aboard for a one-of-a-kind view. Unlike the usual hot-air balloons, this helium-filled model doesn’t require a noisy heater, and guests can enjoy a tranquil experience floating above the ground. It’s fun to pick out familiar landmarks from a completely new perspective high in the sky.  The pilot, certified by the FAA, is happy to point out famous sights up to ten miles in the distance.

On windy days, the maximum capacity is reduced and flights may be cancelled due to inclement weather.  Consider going when there’s a bit of a breeze as fewer passengers make for better viewing.  Keep in mind that the “night flights” are completely different from the daylight voyages and worth another ride!

Characters in Flight

Downtown Disney

Daily 9:00 a.m. to midnight, weather permitting

Approximately 8 to 10 minutes

$18.00 adults

$12.00 children ages 3 to 9

To make a Walt Disney World vacation stand out from the rest, consider adding one of these enhancements:

Tours

From an hour-long stroll Behind the Seeds, to the all-day Backstage Magic extravaganza, guests can choose from a number of programs that offer an in-depth look at what makes Disney, well…Disney.

Designed for a variety of age groups and interests, tours might involve a treasure hunt through the Magic Kingdom, an overview of the holiday decorations, or a swim with the sharks.  Many provide a rare peek behind the curtain at the incredible infrastructure and efforts that support the onstage experience for millions of guests each year.

Cirque du Soleil

Few productions on earth are more mesmerizing than a Cirque du Soleil performance, and the show at Walt Disney World, La Nouba, may well be the very best of them all.

There are truly no bad seats in the dedicated theater at Downtown Disney and their somewhat expensive price tag is an investment in the extraordinary.  The swirling colors, music, and unbelievable physical feats will astonish and delight.

Private Car Service

While you can’t beat the price of Disney’s Magical Express (free!), there’s no better way to start your Walt Disney World vacation off on the right foot than an airport meet-and-greet.  As you wearily disembark from a long plane ride, your driver is waiting with a smile, a helping hand with the luggage,  and a private car ready to whisk you directly to your destination.

Our hands-down favorite is Sunray Transportation, a company which not only offers great pricing, but the very best service of its kind that we have experienced.  Prompt and friendly with meticulously-maintained vehicles and car seats for the kids on request, they will even schedule a complimentary 30-minute stop at the grocery store to stock up on snacks.

It’s one of those niceties that quickly become necessities!

Spa Treatment

Yes, Walt Disney World is all about kids but it’s also about adults – after all, it’s everyone’s vacation.  What better way to indulge than with a rejuvenating treatment at the Grand Floridian Spa with its citrusy offerings, or the Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs featuring decidedly woodsy themes. There are romantic couples’ massages, a variety of facial and body therapies, hand and foot treatments, even special experiences for guests as young as four.  After several frenetic park days, a spa appointment is something to be savored – indulge.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Event

Each fall, the World Showcase at EPCOT becomes a tasteful showplace for world cuisine.  Booths and pavilions feature specialties from every continent, and visitors can sample the foods and beverages of many countries and enjoy complimentary demonstrations and tastings during the Festival’s six-week run.

Those guests looking for a really memorable experience can make reservations for some of the very special programs offered throughout the Festival.  Options include seminars with celebrity chefs, wine schools, and a variety of fabulous dining experiences.  The competition for the limited tickets to these exclusive events is fierce, and prices can be daunting, but they draw a devoted crowd year after year.

So, you’ve been to Walt Disney World several times, and you’re looking for ways to add something extra to the next trip.  Whether it’s accommodations, dining, souvenirs, recreation, or just plain fun, Disney has options for every budget.  We’ve compiled our favorite suggestions for splurging, from small to stupendous.  We’re starting simply with a few that won’t break the budget:

Temporary Tattoos

We’ll bet most of you have passed by the tattoo stands scattered around the parks a dozen times without giving them a thought, but a temporary tattoo is a GREAT way to add a memory that will make you smile for years to come.  Choose from a huge variety of images, add a touch of glitter, and flaunt your favorite character for a week.

Harmony Barbershop

Whether you’re a little guy earning your Mouse Ears for your first haircut, or a Dad going for a festive new look, the wonderful folks at the Harmony Barbershop stand ready to add that perfect touch – sparkles, sprinkles, Hidden Mickeys, colored gels, and a dash of magic.

Filled with antiques including a working telephone and cash register from the turn of the last century, the shop also features daily visits from the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet.

Customers are served on a first-come basis; step up early and treat yourself to the best look on Main Street, U.S.A.

Gift Delivery

Arrange for a special delivery to your resort room to surprise your family.  Each resort has a different selection of available sweet treats through Private Dining:  consider a wonderful white chocolate monorail car if you’re staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; choose from a variety of “Turndown Treats” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; order a chocolate replica of the beloved character totem pole at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

There are hundreds of different floral arrangements and gift baskets available from the Disney Florist, and they will be happy to discuss any special requests.

Sea Raycers

They’re zippy and fun and they let you see the World from a different perspective.  While rentals are available at a number of locations, including many of the resorts as well as Downtown Disney,  our vote is for the marinas in the Magic Kingdom area.  It’s exhilarating to roam around  Seven Season Lagoon and Bay Lake,  exploring the shoreline  and enjoying the water traffic.  Current Magic Your Way packages include an offer for extra minutes with a purchased rental.

Photo CD

Photos are a big part of any vacation and the Disney photographers located all around the parks make it easy for the entire family to be in the picture.  The cost of purchasing individual photos can add up quickly, but the Photo CD allows for an unlimited number of images with the addition of captions, borders, signatures, and special effects.  Choose the pre-purchase option for additional savings.