SPONSORED POST: New Tropicana with 3x Vitamin C and Zinc

I wanted to share this new product from Tropicana with you all today. I love adding little healthy things to my family and this is one that no one will even notice! The new Tropicana with 3x Vitamin C and Zinc is a great addition to our health routine. Pick up yours today and message me for a free coupon!!

How To: Thank a Cast Member

We are halfway through the week my friends, we will be sailing into the weekend here in just a few short days and I don't know about you but I am so ready for the weekend to be here! 

Today, I started thinking about all of those amazing and truly excellent Cast Members (CM's) that go above and beyond during all of my trips to Disney. Everyone knows that Disney prides themselves on having the best customer service and if you've been to a resort, park, or restaurant you have surely felt nothing but welcome and overjoyed at the service you receive. 

Did you know that many of the CM's work a 10 to 12 hour shift daily and in the summer it can easily reach upwards of 95 to 100 degrees?!? These CM's are always in character and ready to please though and so today I wanted to talk about how you can thank a CM that goes above and beyond for you or your family when you are on vacation. 

1. Offer them your sincere thanks to any cast member you never know when Pixie Dust may fall upon you! - Remember these CM's many times work 10 to 12 hour shifts and I don't know about you but I would be mighty tired after working a 10 to 12 hour shift in the parks. I always make it a point to give a sincere thank you to any CM I see, you never know when they need it. Just a simple sincere thank you can go so far to them! It's how many of them get through their day! 
2. Make conversation with them - CM's love to tell their story and many of them have a specific story line to keep in the park as well. Do not try and make them break character they won't! However, what you can do is ask them about themselves. Each CM wears a name badge that states their name and where they are from. Find a CM that's from your state? Chat with them about it. These CM's are happy to have conversations with you and in fact welcome it. It creates lasting memories as well not only for you but for them. 
3. Create thank you cards before you go to the parks and when you find a cast member that has gone above and beyond give them a personalized thank you card! They will love these mementos and will happily accept them. 
4. Visit guest services at the entrances of the park and tell them about your experience - Guest services loves to hear about CM's that go above and beyond and will ask you to fill out a card so they can give it to the manager of the CM. These cards called 4Keys Cards are not only given to the manager but also entered in drawings for prizes and money for the CM's that receive them. The cards also go into their permanent record with Disney. 
5. At Epcot ask any CM from that country to sign your guest book - They will sign it and also sign it in their language giving you a personalized autograph book that not many others can say they have. It also delights the CM to sign an autograph book as many of these CM's are not "costumed characters" and would otherwise never sign an autograph book. 

What ideas do you have to thank the CM's on your next vacation? Comment below and let me know! 

As always, if you are looking into a Disney vacation or are ready to book contact me today so we can start planning your vacation. My services are always 100% free to utilize and I give you the customer service from Disney that you know and love. Let's chat!!

QUOTE TUESDAY!!! 3 Night Bahamian Cruise on Disney Cruise Line

How many of my readers have ever wanted to go on a Disney cruise with their family? Or better yet how many of my readers are avid cruises and love the Disney Cruise Line? 

Whether you are just starting to look or are an avid cruiser this quote today is especially for you! I'm always amazed at how Disney Cruises just keep getting more and more affordable! These magical ships have been voted the best cruise line year after year and it's no wonder why. Take a look at the quote below and see if it's something you'd be interested in. If it is then shoot me an email and let's start planning your vacation today!! 

QUOTE TUESDAY featuring Disney Cruise Line!!
2 adults + 2 Children ages 9 & 7
3 Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Standard Inside Stateroom - Upgrade to an Oceanview Stateroom for just $3 per person
Second Seating Dining - all meals are included
Access to pools, on board activities, and kids activity centers
Character interactions and nightly entertainment

Disney Premier Service and Excellence that no one else has! 

Access to Castaway Cay - Disney's exclusive island only for DCL cruisers. 

Total Package Cost: $3,445.48

Contact me today to book your trip or for a free quote!
s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Must Have FastPasses

Happy Monday readers and friends!! I hope most of us were able to weather the big snow storm this past weekend and all are warm and snug in our homes or work today. As most of you know, the Disney Traveling family will be heading down to Orlando in late March to have a wonderful time at MouseLand!! We are so excited and half of our excitement is just in planning the whole trip. Who's with me?!

So I decided to put a list together of Must Have FastPass+ that are enjoyable for everyone in your party. Some of us love the thrills and many of us travel with our families so our FastPass+ have to be all ages friendly. Read on below to find out some of my go to tips and tricks for getting the FastPass+ you want and what to do if you are traveling at Peak Times and cannot get the FastPass+ you want. 


1. Animal Kingdom Must Have FastPass+ - My favorites at this park are hands down: DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids, and Expedition Everest. My runner up would have to be Kilimanjaro Safaris. 




2. Hollywood Studios Must Have FastPass+ - My favorites here are: Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, and Tower of Terror. Runner ups in the list are a plenty: Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride, Voyage of the Little Mermaid. The important thing to keep in mind with Hollywood Studios is they operate on a tiered ride system. Meaning that you get one pick from Group A which includes: Rockin Roller Coaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, The Great Movie Ride, Beauty and the Beast Live, and Fantasmic. You get two choices from Group B which include: Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones Stunt Show, Muppet Vision 3D, Frozen: A Sing Along Celebration, Star Tours, Disney Junior Live, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid. 
You really have to look at what works best for your family at this park as there are so many great rides to choose from and they are still expanding the park!! 




3. Epcot Must Have FastPass+ - Epcot is another park that is changing and with that so do my FastPass selections. I always make sure to get Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Mission Space. This is another park that has recently updated their tiered system in groupings. Group A you can pick one ride from: IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Soarin', Test Track, Living with the Land. And in Group B you pick two from: Disney/Pixar Short Film Festival, Journey Into Imagination With Figment, Mission: SPACE, Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, Epcot Character Spot





4. Magic Kingdom Must Have FastPass+: Oh that amazing amount of rides and things to do at this park one could easily do 3 or 4 days in just this park alone! However, I know many of us will just be visiting for 1 or 2 days so look at my choices below. This is absolutely a park where it will be different for every family so make your selections based on your party. Mine always include: Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Space Mountain. So many runner ups here but just to name a few: Splash Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, Jungle Cruise, Big Mountain Railroad, Enchanted Tales with Belle. 





So there you have it. Those are my top rides that the Disney Traveling family always tries to get when we go! What are your must have FastPass+? Comment below and let me know.

How do you get the best FastPass+ choices and windows? Well that's a simple answer. Any resort guests 60 days out from arrival can make FastPass+ selections beginning at 7am CST. It is so important to log on and make your selections as soon as possible. If you are traveling at Peak Times then expect the prime FastPass+ windows to be grabbed up quite quickly. 

Now let's talk about what to do if you can't get a FastPass+ for your favorite ride. My top answer is to keep trying. Especially if you are a resort guest and trying to make reservations 60 days out, some people change their FastPass+ windows or even cancel their vacation all together. Many things can change and happen in 60 days so keep trying. Leaving for vacation and still don't have the FastPass+ you wanted? That's ok! Make it to the park for rope drop or closing and high tail it to your favorite ride. The wait times will be lowest at park opening and closing and while there is a parade or fireworks show going on. Take advantage of this time and ride your favorite rides you didn't get FastPass+ for. 

Of course, always remember that once you have used all of your FastPass+ for that day you can make your way to a kiosk and make another FastPass+ selection. It's a great way to keep getting those FastPass+ and keep riding rides knowing you are not having to wait in line for your favorite rides. 

Ready to book your vacation? Please contact me below for your free quote or to book. My services are always 100% free to utilize and I provide you with excellent customer service and a concierge experience from booking to travel. 

Royal Caribbean 100 Hour Sale

I know here at Traveling through Disney we always talk about all the exciting things going on at Disney but I wanted to switch gears for a second and focus on another one of my favorite traveling companies, Royal Caribbean! I love going cruising with them on the off chance that I get an adult trip to myself. Of course if the kids are involved we are always going with Disney cruise lines, hands down! But sometimes I like to relax with my husband or friends and do adult things and that is what I like about Royal Caribbean. They cater to everyone but you will most likely encounter more couples and adults on this cruise line. 

So today I thought I would share with you the current promotion they are offering. All bookings between now and January 26th qualify for this offer and you can travel almost anytime throughout the year which makes this deal even sweeter. Most cruises start out at the low price of just $549 a person which is an amazing price considering they are sweetening the deal even further by offering up to $350 on board credit!

I don't know about you but I love a good deal with some perks included. I posted a video below to showcase one of the ships that cruises quite regularly - Freedom of the Seas. This is a beautiful ship and offers so many perks you are sure to never get bored! On ship casino, spa, activity centers for the kids, pools, bars, and a nightly theatre showcase. There is no end to the fun on a Royal Caribbean cruise!! 

So take a look at the video below and if a Royal Caribbean cruise is in your future then definitely shoot me an email or comment below! If you've been on the fence about cruising let's chat! I'll give you all the knowledge you need to make your decision for your next vacation! 

Contact me now for your free quote or to book! 

S.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

QUOTE TUESDAY!!! New Disney Offer

Good afternoon everyone! I don't know about anyone else but I have been crazy busy this week and it's only Wednesday!! Disney released a new promotion yesterday and I've been busy booking trips for friends family, and all around Disney lovers!! I just have to share this new promo with you all and please feel free to share this with your friends or pin it! 

SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!! QUOTE TUESDAY!!! W/new Summer Meal Promo

August 5-11, 2016

2 adults & 2 kids (3-9)

7 day base tickets

Pop Century Standard View

$2,411.62 ~ 1 Quick Service Meal per person, per night (Disney Quick Service 1 FREE Meal Plan)

DINING UPGRADES AVAILABLE

$2,847.36~ 2 Quick Service Meal, 1 Snack per person, per night + 1 refillable resort drink mug (Disney Quick Service Dining Plan)

$3,117.24~ 1 Quick Serivice Meals, 1 Table Service Meal, 1 Snack per person, per night + 1 refillable resort drink mug (Disney Plus Dining Plan)

$3,855.12~ 3 Meals (quick or table service), 2 Snacks per person, per night + 1 refillable resort drink mug (Disney Deluxe Dining Plan)

+$272.64 to upgrade your base ticket to a hopper ticket

+$272.64 to upgrade your base ticket to a waterparks & more ticket

+$383.40 to upgrade your base ticket to a hopper + waterparks & more ticket

As always if you would like to take advantage of this offer please contact me today for a free quote or to book your trip! A $200 deposit secures your magic today!! 

S.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

QUOTE TUESDAY! Walt Disney World Spring Vacation Offer

QUOTE TUESDAY!!
Walt Disney World Spring Vacation Offer
2 Adults + 2 Children (ages 5 & 8)
Check In: 5/29/16 - 6/4/16
7 Days/6 Nights at Disney's Pop Century Resort - Standard Pool View

5 Day Theme Park Tickets
Free Transportation to and from Resort to Parks and Disney Springs
4 Magic Bands + 3 Fastpass+ per person per day

Total Package: $2100.22

Contact me today for your FREE customized quote! A $200 deposit reserves your spot. Let's make Magic together!

Inside Look: Newly Renovated Polynesian Resort Expansion

I know there are some Polynesian Resort fans among us and maybe you've never even been to mouseland and are just interested in seeing the inside of each hotel. Well you are in for a treat no matter which side of the fence you fall on. Each week I'm going to be delving into a different resort on Disney property and giving you the inside look at the resort. In this new series, we will talk about all the rooms available, restaurants on-site, fun things to do on the resort, and much more! We will focus in on the Walt Disney World resorts first and then make our way to Disneyland. 

For our 2nd week we are looking at the newly renovated Disney's Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World. In fact, some renovations are still currently going on, but should be finished by early 2016. Read on below to find out more!

Disney's Polynesian Resort was one of the two very first resorts on Disney World property. The resort opened with Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971 and has been a fan favorite ever since. As you can imagine from the name the theme is tropical with Southern Pacific flair. The resort has undergone many renovations and changes since it first opened and that still rings true today. 



The resort is situated on Seven Seas Lagoons and features 218 Villas and the newly added 20 Bungalows. The bungalows are situated right on the lake giving guests an experience unlike anything else on Walt Disney World property. There are also several "longhouses" that feature standard rooms, club level rooms, and suites. The main building on the property is call The Great Ceremonial House and is very colorful and tropical looking. It is three stories and greets guests when they arrive for check-in. Let's look at the rooms shall we? 

Standard Rooms:
Sleeps 5 Adults
331 Garden View Rooms
19 Lagoon View Rooms
26 Magic Kingdom View Rooms

Club Level Rooms: 

Most rooms sleep 5 adults except the Honeymoon suite which is 2

57 Garden View 
20 Lagoon View
25 Theme Park View 
1 Honeymoon Room
1 1 Bedroom Suite
1 Princess Suite 

Waterside Bungalows:

Sleeps up to 8 Guests

20 Waterside Bungalows

Dining at Polynesian Village Resort

Some of the most delicious restaurants are here at the Polynesian. When the renovation took place some new restaurants were added and they have seen an outpouring of guests lined up at opening just to get a seat inside. 

Character Dining

O'Hana's Best Friends Breakfast - Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch

Dinner Show: 

Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show - a nightly family feast style buffet with fire and hula dancing. 

Unique Dining:

Kona Cafe - A relaxed cafe with American fare but also featuring an onstage sushi kitchen. 

Lounge:

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto - This new restaurant is all the rage right now. It opens daily at 4 and people start lining up at 2 just to get a seat inside. Take a look at the video below for an inside look. 

What are your thoughts about this amazing resort? Would you like to stay here? Or maybe just visit? 

If you are ready to book your Disney World vacation contact me today for your free quote! As always, my services are 100% free to utilize and you will receive excellent Disney service and all the benefits of having a personal concierge with you from booking to your trip. 

Symphony in the Stars: A Star Wars Event

I hope everyone had a great and memorable weekend! As we get ready to go back to the work week grind I am back at it giving you reviews and reasons to visit the best place on earth, Disney! 

Today we are talking about the new Symphony in the Stars Desert Party at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Read below to find out more about this great event going on now through March 19, 2016. 

For those of you with a sweet tooth this special event is for you! Even more so if you are a lover of all things Star Wars. Going on now through March 19, 2016 you and your family can participate in the Symphony in the Stars Desert Party. This event allows you to enjoy reserved seating for the Star Wars themed fireworks show with Star Wars themed deserts and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). You even get a commemorative stein to take home with you! 

The party is outdoors but in the case of inclement weather they will move the party inside. Check in for the party is at Center Stage located next to Min and Bills dockside diner. Disney dining plan is not available for this party. Nor are discounts or promotions. 

The price is $69.00 per adult (ages 10+) and $39.00 per child (age 3-9) tax and gratuity are included. A valid park admission ticket is also required to attend. 

Contact me today to book your table or book your trip! As always my services are 100% free to use. I provide you with a customized quote during booking and concierge service leading up to your trip. Let me take the stress of planning a vacation off of you and book through me!

Disney Cruise Line - New Promotions Released!!!

Happy Thursday readers!! While we were sleeping Disney released some great promotions on most of their Disney Cruise Lines. 

Read below to see if any of these promotions will benefit you and your family. 

Disney Cruise Line is one of the best cruise lines out there and because of such they hardly ever offer promotions. This deal won't last long rest assured. 

To take advantage of most of these promotions you have to book your reservation by 1/31/16.

 Now remember with Disney most reservations can be booked with a small deposit so you are not on the hook for the entire vacation right out of the gate. 

Also, when you cruise on DCL your meals, kid's clubs, pools, on-board accommodations, and most on-board activities are included in your price. Plus you are able to visit multiple places whereas if you chose one destination for your vacation you would just be there and not experiencing multiple places. 

Bahamian Cruises: 

3-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral, Florida) from $678* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $72 per person not included 

For 01/20/2017 and 01/27/2017 sailings aboard Disney Dream 

Category 5A Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah 

4-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral, Florida) from $904* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $72 per person not included 

Available most sail dates 01/16/2017 – 01/30/2017 aboard Disney Dream 

Category 5A Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah 

4-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral, Florida) from $652* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $77 per person not included 

For 01/29/2017 sailing aboard Disney Wonder 

Category 9C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom 

3-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral, Florida) from $507* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $78 per person not included 

For 02/02/2017 and 02/09/2017 sailings aboard Disney Wonder 

Category 9C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom 

4-Night Bahamian Cruise (Port Canaveral, Florida) from $700* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $77 per person not included 

For 02/05/2017 and 02/12/2017 sailings aboard Disney Wonder 

Category 9C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Caribbean Cruises: 

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (Port Canaveral, Florida) from $1,260* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $106 per person not included 

For 05/08/2016 sailing aboard Disney Magic 

Category 11B Standard Inside Stateroom European Cruises: 

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise (Barcelona, Spain) from $1,337* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $138 per person not included 

For 09/03/2016 sailing aboard Disney Magic 

Category 11B Standard Inside Stateroom 

7-Night Mediterranean Cruise (Barcelona, Spain) from $1,575* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $138 per person not included 

For 09/10/2016 sailing aboard Disney Magic

Category 9C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Unique Cruises: 

14-Night Transatlantic Cruise (Port Canaveral, Florida) from $3,038* per person 

Based on double occupancy 

Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses of approximately $160 per person not included 

For 05/15/2016 sailing aboard Disney Magic 

Category 5C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

With all these amazing offers are you ready to book your vacation? If so, call or email me now so we can get you a FREE customized quote. As always, my services are 100% free to utilize. Using a travel agent means you get all the amazing customer service you know and love from Disney as well as having someone take the stress of planning off of you. Let me help today!

QUOTE TUESDAY!! Featuring Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort

It's my favorite day of the week readers!! Each Tuesday I come to you with an amazing deal at one of the Disney properties either in the US or around the world. Today we are venturing over to Hilton Head, SC to look at the amazing resort that is Disney's Hilton Head Island! This amazing resort features 2 quick service restaurants, 2 table service restaurants, tennis courts, 2 heated pools, sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, and even boasts golf lessons and a kids activity center to keep the little ones entertained while you relax!

What is not to love about this beach side resort? See below to find out how much a week at this resort will set you back. 

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Check-In: 6/12/16 - 6/18/16
2 Adults + 2 Children 
Deluxe Studio 
Full access to Atlantic Beach, Pools, Beach House, Kid Activity Centers, Nature Walks, Tennis, and more!
Total: $2,567.40

Need your own full service vacation planner to take the stress of planning a vacation for you and your family? Contact me today! As always my services are 100% free and I would love to work with you!

s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

Pirate Crazy at Walt Disney World

Do you have a pirate in your house? Think Walt Disney World is only for Princesses and Fairy Tales? Think again! Read on to find out how you can make your little pirate a magical vacation filled with special experiences. 

1. Special themed pirate rooms at Caribbean Beach Resort - did you know that Caribbean Beach offers specially themed pirate rooms jut for your little matey? The beds are shaped to look like pirate ships. The door to the bathroom is an ultra cool skull logo sure to impress everyone in the room.

2. Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial at Magic Kingdom - your little pirate will delight at the thought of taking a real pirate lesson from who else but Captain Jack Sparrow! If you've never seen Captain Jack at Magic Kingdom you are missing out, he is a real hoot! Parents will enjoy the show just as much as kids. Don't worry parents Captain Jack keeps it PG. :) Make sure to sign your little one up for this special experience. It happens daily right outside of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

3. Get a Fastpass for Pirates on the Caribbean ride at Magic Kingdom -

Want to avoid he lines at this ever popular ride? Make sure to get a Fastpass after your pirate tutorial and head straight to the front of the line for a ride down the sea with Captain Jack Sparrow. Yo! Ho! All the way with your favorite pirates as they send you through the Caribbean and all your favorite scenes from this ever popular movie! 

4. Lunch with Disney Junior Characters at Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios - have a jake and the never land pirate fanatic in your house? Make sure to set up your lunch plans at Hollywood and Vine inside Hollywood Studios! During this character featured lunch you'll come face to face with Jake and he will take pictures and sign autographs. Your pirates will surely be talking about this lunch for ages!! 

5. The Pirates League at Magic Kingdom - Sign your pirate up to be transformed into a real live pirate! This special experience features pirate makeup, a sword, and bandana, and temporary tattoos. Your pirate will be ready to take on the day in style once the pirate league finishes with him.