A View from The Contemporary Resort

Today we are taking an in-depth look at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort. This resort is a deluxe property situated on the monorail line at Walt Disney World. It is most easily accessible to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Disney's Contemporary Resort was one of the first two resorts on Disney property. It was built as a futuristic hotel as you will easily notice once inside. The monorail sails directly through the middle of the hotel which is pretty neat!

A fun fact about the Contemporary Resort is that the rooms were actually all built offsite and then put in place once the infrastructure was built. 

This deluxe hotel boasts many amenities including Chef Mickey's restaurant which features a character breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Mickey and his friends. A popular venue for anyone coming to visit mouseland. 

Another personal favorite of mine on any Disney visit is dinner at The California Grill where you can schedule your dinner to have a front row seat of the Wishes fireworks extravaganza. It truly is an amazing view while indulging in some of the best food at Walt Disney World. Look at this amazing video below to see for yourself. 

These amazing restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg at the fabulous resort though. The resort also features a pool with a poolside bar, valet parking, free wifi, gift shops, valet service cleaning, and so much more!

Where is your favorite place to stay when you come down to Walt Disney World? Comment below and let me know. 

Planning a trip to Disney soon? Contact me today for a FREE quote and to book your magical vacation! As always my services are absolutely free and you will receive the excellent Disney customer service you know and love! I can't wait to hear from you.

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Top 5 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Happy Wednesday readers! We are halfway through another week, can you believe it? Today we are discussing the top reasons why I think everyone should have a great travel agent in their corner. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about travel agents and I'm here to clear up some of those this morning. Read below to find out:

1. Their services are 100% free to use - Any good travel agent will not charge you to use their services, why? Because travel agents are walking and talking marketing for the products they book. When you book a vacation through a travel agent, that agent makes a small commission off of your trip. Hence why we want to make sure your needs and expectations are met so you'll in hopes be a return client and recommend us to others. 

2. They have access to a vast array of discounts and savings exclusive to travel agents only - One of the biggest perks for me when I book a vacation is being able to save the most money as possible why still making sure I get a quality vacation for my family. A travel agent knows this and expects you want the same thing as well. Who doesn't want the most bang for their buck right? A travel agent will spend countless hours scouring all the discounts and savings they are privy to just to make sure you get the best price possible on your unforgettable vacation. The best part? You don't have to spend those hours searching because your trusty travel agent is doing it for you!! 

3. They offer excellent customer service and concierge services to take care of your every want and need - Travel agents want to make your vacation the best ever and because of that they want to do the majority of the work for you! Travel agents are the best at taking your wants and needs for a vacation and putting them into a plan of action so the stress of planning a vacation is virtually non-existent. Plus, most travel agents have extensive knowledge about the products they are offering either by going on vacations themselves or going to conferences to learn about the products. This means that things you haven't even thought of for your vacation a travel agent is right there with you to help you have the best vacation ever! 

4. They can help navigate any hiccups that arise on your vacation - We have all had those nightmare trips where our luggage is lost upon arrival or we booked a dining reservation and when we arrive to eat the restaurant has no knowledge of our reservation. These are often very stressful pinpoints and can certainly damper anyone's vacation. A great travel agent is only ever a phone call, email, or text away. They can work directly with the hotel, restaurant, or any other vendor you are having trouble with to get a solution quickly. This means that you can go on with your vacation, making memories, and when you return a solution should be waiting for you. 

5. Travel Agents rely on their clients to earn income - Without clients a travel agent has zero income! This reason alone should motivate your travel agent to provide the best service and meet most of your needs and wants and even exceed those. Without you travel agents would not have a job, simply put. Therefore, the best tip I can give you is your travel agent should be over the moon to work with you. They should go above and beyond and help you plan the best vacation for your family.

If you are in the market for the best travel agent you'll ever need, contact me today! I pride myself on going above and beyond for my clients. Planning your Disney trip is just like planning my own and I want it to be just as special! 

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

QUOTE TUESDAY!! Featuring Promos Released Yesterday!

Today I am so excited to give you this quote for a great summer vacation for you and a few friends or for you and your family! Either way you choose to travel you cannot go wrong! Take a look at the quote below featuring the Family Time Vacation Offer valid for bookings now through 3/31/16. If this a good fit for your family then please contact me today to customize a quote for your trip or to book your vacation today. A simple $200 deposit is all it takes today to secure your spot at Walt Disney World this summer. Are you ready to take the plunge into a magical world of wonder?

Family Time Vacation Offer 2016

Travel dates for this quote 5/30 - 6/5/16

2 Adults + 2 Children (ages 5 & 10)

6 Days/5 Nights at Moderate Caribbean Beach Resort

6 Day Park Passes

Free Transportation to and from all the Disney Parks + Disney Springs

Total Cost: $2475.34

It's amazing how affordable Disney is making vacations these days. Make sure to make some magical memories this summer by booking a trip today. All quotes are fully customize-able to add flights, dining packages, special experiences, and we can also decrease your length of stay or park experience to make it more affordable. 

Contact me today!! 

2016 Travel Offers from Walt Disney World Released

Very exciting travel offers this morning coming out of Disney! Just like I promised I'm here to report on all of the best travel offers Disney just released. Scroll down to find out more!!

Just released this morning - Spring Vacation Offer

This offer includes saving up to 25% off of select Disney resorts. I have to tell you this offer is going fast!! When I just checked there was only a few rooms left at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside. This offer includes most of your moderate, deluxe, and a few value resorts. The Grand Floridian is not included in this offer. This offer is also for travel dates from 2/22 - 6/11. You must book your vacation by 3/31 in order to take advantage of this offer. 

Kids Size Offer 

This offer is great for the family who wants a small trip and may also be on a very strict budget. Valid for stays most nights between 2/22 - 6/11. This is a package offer for 3 days/2 nights for 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3-9). This offer includes a standard room at the All Star Music Resort with 3 day theme park tickets.  See the travel dates below for a quick quote.

Wave 1 (3-night, 2-day stay in a standard room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort with theme park tickets for a family of 3 for $908):
Booking Window: Dec. 28, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2016
Travel Window: Feb. 22 – Jun. 11, 2016

Wave 2 (3-night, 2-day stay in a standard room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort with theme park tickets for a family of 3 for $927):
Booking Window: Feb. 29 – Mar. 31, 2016
Travel Window: Apr. 14 – Jun. 11, 2016

Family Time Package Offer

This package rounds out the release of amazing offers this morning. It is for 5 day/4 night vacation package for a family of 4. This package is available for most stays at the All Star Music Resort from 2/22 - 5/26. You must book the package by 2/28 to take advantage of the savings. See the quote below to find out if this package is for you! 

Wave 1: (5 day/4 night stay in a standard room at Disney's All Star Music Resort for a family of 4. 2 adults, 1 Junior (10-17), and 1 child (3-9) with 5 day theme park tickets for $1714)
Booking Window: Dec. 28, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2016
Travel Window: Feb. 22 – Jun. 11, 2016

Wave 2: (5 day/4 night stay in a standard room at Disney's All Star Music Resort for a family of 4. 2 adults, 1 Junior (10-17), and 1 child (3-9) with 5 day theme park tickets for $1714)
Booking Window: Feb. 29 – Mar. 31, 2016
Travel Window: Apr. 14 – Jun. 11, 2016

What are your thoughts on the newly released travel deals from Disney? Will you be taking your family on a vacation this year?

If so, be sure to use me as your free travel agent. My services are absolutely free to use and I would love your business. Contact me today for a free quote and planning guide at:

S.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Something Big is Coming!!! New Disney Promotion!

Happy Sunday All!! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday and enjoyed your time with family and friends! I know Disney was packed over the last week with no low crowds in sight going into 2016. As we all know the parks will settle down right after the New Year holiday and Disney knows that too. I got an enticing email this morning from Disney stating that tomorrow morning they would be releasing a great promotion for 2016 travel dates. 

I don't know about you but I'm very exciting and I'm certainly intrigued just like Disney wants me to be. :) 

Everyone stay tuned here as I unveil the new offer and let you in on the promotion that can benefit you and your family in 2016. I don't know what it is just yet but rest assured if you want to travel in 2016 I'll be happy to book your trip with a deposit tomorrow once the promotion is revealed. I can also adjust your existing reservation if you have already booked with Disney.

As always if you have a current reservation with Disney you can always transfer your reservation to me to save the most money and have a personal concierge right by your side. 

Stay tuned friends, I can't wait for the big reveal tomorrow. 


s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Quote Tuesday - Featuring the Disney Cruise Line

Ever wanted to hop aboard the Disney Cruise Line but thought it was too much money? Take a look at the below quote and see how surprisingly affordable a Disney Cruise really is.

4 Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral - Nassau, Castaway Cay
2 Adults + 2 Children
Cruise fare includes:
Shipboard accommodations
Dining
Entertainment
Character experiences and select onboard activities

Total: $5,200.28

A small deposit holds your spot today! Contact me for a customized quote to meet your family needs!! s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Adventures by Disney - Travel Weekly 2015 Reader's Choice Award

Are you aware that Disney offers trips around the world? Adventures by Disney is a product that most people have never heard of yet it has been winning travel awards yearly for it's amazing services and locations offered. Most recently Travel Weekly named Adventures by Disney the #1 adventure destination for 2015. If you've never been out of the country before it can seem intimidating trying to navigate your new locale and communicate with the locals. Adventures by Disney takes this worry out of your hands as they provide you with two tour guides who plan every aspect of your vacation and also offer you world class service. 

Adventures by Disney offers destinations to almost every place around the globe to fit anyone's schedules. Whether you want a long weekend getaway or a 12 day trek Adventures by Disney has something for everyone. Current locations include: 

12 Day Trip through Australia

12 Day Trip through China

12 Day Trip through Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos

10 Day Trip through South Africa

8 Day Trip down Italy and the Almafi Coast

4 Day Long Weekend to Nashville

6 Day Long Weekend to Southern California including Disneyland Visit

9 Day Trip through Spain

Each Adventure by Disney trip includes: two tour guides, a daily itinerary, most meals, and amazing hotels. The adventure is a great way to travel to far away lands and get the most hands on experience possible. With tour guides to help you navigate through your stay you will never have to worry about where you are going and getting lost. There is also plenty of downtime on these adventures for you and your family to go exploring on your own. Tour guides are available to suggest restaurants or places to see and make sure you get where you are going. 

Take a look at the video below for more information. As always if this looks like a dream vacation for you let me price a vacation for you. Contact me below for a FREE quote and planning guide. Happy travels!!

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Walt Disney Resort with Toddlers

Heading down to Walt Disney World soon? Have small kiddos in tow? You'll want to check out this post regarding the best things to do with your toddlers and how to make the most of your trip. 

1. Stay Close to the Magic - Disney's Art of Animation Resort is the ideal resort for preschoolers and their families. This resort offers special kid size packages so little ones can experience all of the characters, stories, and magic for a discounted price. 
2. New Disney Junior themed Magic Bands - Disney has recently released three new Magic Bands that are sure to delight your little prince or princess. These three new bands feature Jake, Sofia the First, or Doc McStuffins. Be sure to get these ahead of time online at disney.com or in stores.
3. Pool Parties - Are the parks too much for your little one? Relax poolside each day at your resort and let the little ones take part in sing alongs and games inspired by their favorite TV shows. 
4. Disney Junior Meet and Greet Lunch - At Hollywood & Vine inside Hollywood Studios your little ones will be so excited to meet their life size TV heroes. Everyday at lunch these characters come to life and visit with your child at your table. Characters include: Doc McStuffins, Jake, Sofia the First, and more. This is a great way to beat the lines and let the characters come to you. 
5. Disney Junior Live on Stage - Make extra magic with your little ones by making sure to check out the Disney Junior Live on Stage show. This show is full of music and dancing all with your child's favorite characters. They will love interacting with them. 

Don't be discouraged by thinking you can't do Disney with young ones. In fact, this is the perfect time to get a relaxing vacation in and slowly immerse yourself in all things Disney. Give your family the gift of Disney today by contacting me for a free quote!

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Disney Cruise Line HyperLapse

A busy day today has gotten me off to a late start with blogging so please excuse my late posting today. Have you ever wondered what a typical day on a Disney Cruise would be? You're in luck today because Disney released a hyperlapse video showing everyone what a typical day looks like. If you are an avid cruiser and have not vacationed on the Disney Cruise line I highly recommend it. Gone are the days of thinking this cruise line is only for kids. Adults let out their inner kid as well aboard this fun cruise! Families can also let loose while taking full advantage of all of the pools, great cuisine, and kids clubs throughout the ship. 

One of my favorite parts of the cruise line is that in your stateroom boats an interactive porthole. Each day you can look out of your porthole and you just may be surprised to see a character or two pop up right on the window. 

Take a look at the video below for an in depth look into Disney Cruise Line. If this seems like a vacation you or someone you know would love to explore then contact me today for a free quote and planning guide. 

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Paint the Night Parade Dining Packages at Disneyland

If you love Disneyland then you are familiar with the ever popular 'Paint the Night' Electrical Parade that goes on most nights at Disneyland. This parade lights up the parks with its whimsical lights and festive floats. Adults and kids rave about this parade! As Disney is always trying to improve they have now added a 'Paint the Night' parade dining package at Blue Bayou Restaurant and Aladdin's Oasis. 

Blue Bayou Restaurant is offering a table service option complete with an appetizer, entree, and choice of desert. Kids' meals are available for ages 3 to 9. Starting at 4pm to close you can take advantage of this dining package and get a voucher for priority seating for the parade later that evening. This is a great way to get a dinner and a show package! 

Aladdin's Oasis is offering "grab and go" meals that include 'Paint the Night' viewing. Meals can be picked up beginning at noon each day and they include salad with choice of dressing, dinner roll, marbled cheesecake, and a beverage of your choice as well as your choice of chicken and veggies or lasagna. Kids' meals are available for ages 3 to 9. 

Add this dining package to any vacation package today by contacting me for a free quote and package planning from start to finish. s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com 

Disney World Quote Tuesday!!!

It's Quote Tuesday everyone!!! I'm starting this weekly post to show everyone how easy it is to plan your perfect trip to Disney. I for one always thought I would never be able to take my child on a Disney trip because you always hear how expensive it is right? A good vacation is always a little pricey but some may learn to find out that it is not as expensive as you once thought. Read below to find out how easy it is to budget and save for a Disney World trip. 

2016 Early Room Offer

Dates through 4/3/16 - for this quote we are using Check in dates of 3/20 - 3/26/16

2 Adults + 2 Children ages 5 and 9 

6 Nights at the All Star Sports or Movies resort

7 day Theme Park Tickets

Disney Dining Plan - 1 Quick Service, 1 Table Service, and 1 snack per person per night of stay

Total cost: $3,374

If you were able to put back a few hundred dollars a month you could easily have this vacation paid for. You can even skip the dining plan and make it even more affordable. All quotes are easily customized to each family or person. Contact me today to take advantage of this amazing offer!! 

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Skipper Canteen - Soft Opening at DisneyWorld Magic Kingdom

The highly anticipated Skipper Canteen restaurant will officially open on Wednesday this week, December 16th. The restaurant had a soft opening last week and now pictures of menus are popping up everywhere. We finally got a look at what this new restaurant will look like and while they are currently not taking ADR's (advance dining reservations) they will be sure to add this very soon. 

So let's get started with the fun eats on the menu. First up....drinks. Currently alcohol is not offered at this restaurant, no hints as to if they will add it later. The drink menu features bronze plated mule cups for their fruit inspired drinks. You will notice that there is hot and cold beverages available. Looks like an extensive tea menu. 

Next up, Entrees and Deserts! These are sure to fill you up. With steak, stew, fish, and shrimp there is plenty on the menu for all to enjoy. I think this restaurant offers a lot of variety and a great bang for your buck as it seems the entrees are very generous portions. The deserts look yummy as well boasting a chocolate cake, coconut bar, and pudding. I cannot wait to try this new restaurant out the next time we are down in mouse land!



What are your thoughts on this new jungle cruise inspired cuisine? Would you make this a must visit the next time you are in Magic Kingdom?

Need help with planning your perfect magical vacation? Contact me today for a free quote and to help you plan the best vacation for you and your family and friends. 

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Play, Stay, Dine, and Save up to $500 on Disney World Vacations!

Disney World is offering up a great promotion for those of you who love Disney or are on the fence about taking a vacation to the world of Mouse! I promise once you visit you will want to go back over and over again! Book by 12/23/15 to take advantage of $500 in savings. Valid for arrivals now through 12/23/15 and also 1/2/16-3/7/16. 

Contact me today if you need a FREE QUOTE on your vacation! s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

5 Reasons to Visit Disney for Christmas

Hello my fellow mouseketeers! Have you or your family ever wanted to vacation at Disneyland or Disney World for the big holiday in December? If so, this post is surely to delight you! The land of mouse is always decorated so wonderfully during December and it almost seems more magical than any other time of year in fact. Read below to find out my 5 top reasons for visiting Disney at Christmas. 

1. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - Magical snowfall fills the grounds during this party at Magic Kingdom each night. You will receive complimentary hot cocoa and and cookies as well! Main Street USA is transformed into a winter wonderland and you can meet some of your very favorite characters at this party. A magical stage show performed by no other than Ana and Elsa will make this party a hit with your little ones! (note: this is a separate ticketed event)
2. Crowds are at their lowest - At the beginning of December is one of the best times to visit Disney as many people are working and the kids are in school. If you can swing a week off though you will experience mild temperatures and the lowest wait times for rides of the year. Crowds start to pick up the week of Christmas though so be sure to plan accordingly. 
3. Candlelight Processional at Epcot - The candlelight processional is an event that is not to be missed nightly after Thanksgiving through December 30th. A tradition for many families this processional is complete with carolers, a live orchestra and choir, as well as a guest narrator telling a biblical story to get you in the Christmas spirit. 
4. Seasonal Inspired Food and Drinks - All around the parks in December you can find seasonal inspired food and drinks. This is the perfect time to indulge in all the treats you've turned away from all year. Some of my favorite treats are: hot cocoa, hot applejack cider, and of course the sweet potato casserole pancakes! Yum!!!
5. Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights - Most important to note this event is ending on 1/3/16 and will not return to Disney :( The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights has been around for 20 years and is one amazing experience. Millions of lights don the Streets of America at Hollywood Studio and "dance" to the music of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. It truly is a sight to see and we are sad to see it go. 

Please comment below and share your most favorite reasons to visit Disney during Christmas.

As always if you are looking to book a vacation to Disneyland or Disneyworld please contact me for your FREE QUOTE and let me plan your magical vacation. s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

What to Pack for Your DisneyWorld Trip?

Heading out to Disney this year or next? You definitely want to tune into this post and find out the best way to pack for your trip! Are you flying or driving? All of this effects what you can and cannot pack. Follow me down this journey to the perfect packing list and be prepared for any obstacles that may come your way. 

My fellow Disney World lovers I am all about pre-planning to make your trip as magical and stress free as possible. Because of that I take packing very seriously for my long trips down to the land of mouse! Whether you are traveling to Central Florida or Southern California the weather can sometimes be tricky to pack for, this post we are focusing in on Disney World in Florida. Below you will find the most traveled times of the year and what to pack to make sure you are fully covered!

• Spring Break (March - May) - In March through May you will find the average high temperature reaching the high 70's and the average low's reaching the high 50's. So that means warm during the day and chilly at night and first thing in the morning. For these trips I pretty much pack two sets of clothes for each day. I make sure I have a light jacket or two for the week and also some warm pants and long sleeve shirts. I always pack my bathing suit just in case we hit a warm day during the week and we can enjoy the resort pool. 
• Summer (June - August) - If you are visiting in the summer be prepared for some hot temperatures. The high's reach 90 easily everyday and there is not much relief in the evening either. You will need to bring plenty of water on these summer trips to keep everyone hydrated. Also make sure to bring shorts, short sleeved tops, and easy breezy clothing that will not make you uncomfortable. There is nothing worse than being hot and uncomfortable. 
• Fall and Winter Holidays (October - December) - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and Mickey's Christmas Party bringing you to the area? Great! These are some of the most decorated times to visit the parks because they are completely transformed to fit the holiday at hand. In Central Florida the high temperature for this time of the year is high 70's and the low's are low 50's. You will need a light to medium jacket for the mornings and evenings here and it's probably best to stick to pants as well unless you hit a high temperature day. 

Some of my must have bring along's for anytime I visit are:

• Chewing gum - remember you will not find this on any Disney property as Walt did not want gum stuck to his grounds. 
• A good pair of worn in walking shoes - there is much discussion between people on what the best walking shoe is, for me I just take along my trusted running shoes to get me through. Either way you go make sure you can comfortably walk up to 8 miles a day in those shoes. 
• Small first aid kit - this can be placed in your car if you are driving down or can be easily placed inside your checked baggage if you are flying. It's always good to be prepared for those little scrapes and cuts that could potentially happen from too much excitement. 
• Extra cash - We are big on a budget in our household so our trips to Mickey are meticulously planned out and budgeted in advance. No matter how much we try to stay on budget we always end up going over. I highly suggest having some extra cash in your pocket for those moments you just can't pass up. 

What are some things you cannot live without when you go on a trip down to Disney? Feel free to add your comments below!

As always if you are thinking about going to Disney please contact me for your FREE quote and planning guide at s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com 

The 6 Best Reasons to Visit Disney in 2016

Are you contemplating a trip to the land of mouse in 2016? With all the current renovations going on 2016 is looking to be a great year to go an visit Mickey and friends whether you go on a Disney Cruise, DisneyWorld, or Disneyland. Below you will find my listing of the 6 best reasons to visit Disney in 2016. I hope you enjoy this list, please feel free to comment below and add your best reasons to visit. 

1. Club Villain Dining Event at Hollywood Studios will open January 16th. This is a fun adult only dining event featuring New Orleans style cuisine and many different cocktails. The adults who are kids at heart will love this new event as you can mingle with all your favorite villains from Maleficent to the Evil Queen and dance the night away as a DJ spins your favorite jams. 
2. "Rivers of Light" at Animal Kingdom will be opening in the spring. This fun nighttime spectacular will feature floating lanterns, water screens, and entertainers for a show stopping performance you won't want to miss out on. 
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris will start running a night safari fit with nighttime animals and a gorgeous sunset. There is sure to be a line for this one so make sure to get a fastpass ahead of time!
4. Frozen Ever After will be opening in the old Maelstrom spot at Epcot in May! For all you Frozen fans out there this is sure to be a great ride and you will not want to miss out on this. I have a feeling lines will be long for this one as well so make sure to get your fastpass!
5. 2016 will also be the year that Disney Springs will finally be done with renovations. It feels like Downtown Disney has been undergoing to change to Disney Springs for quite a while now. I'm excited to see all of the new shops and restaurants added. 
6. Soarin will be adding a new track to minimize wait times in 2016. This ride will be closed the majority of spring 2016 as they add a new track to the ever popular ride. They are hoping with the addition of a new track wait times will decrease. 

I hope you enjoy my list of the best things happening at Disney in 2016. If you are gearing up for a trip to mouse land be sure to contact me at s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com to price your vacation and plan it FOR FREE!! Be sure to leave a comment below on the things you love most about mouse land.