Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2016 Dates

Happy Friday Traveling Through Disney family! Today the dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party have been released. 

Tickets are not on sale just yet. 

This special event is separate from your entry ticket into Magic Kingdom. It features a special parade, meet and greets from rare and favorite characters, and also a great firework show!

This is one of the highly rated events of the holiday season! Crowds are very low at the beginning of November and December so take advantage of this special event and low crowds at the same time!

More information to follow once it is released. 

Walt Disney World Trip Day 1: EPCOT

If you've been reading the blog lately you know that the Traveling Through Disney family went on vacation last week to none other than WDW. We had a week filled with lots and lots of memories and had so much fun! We can't wait to do it again but it does feel nice to be back home and in the swing of the routine. 

This week I will highlight our trip and show you some of our favorite things we did while on vacation. 

Today we are starting out with Day 1 in the parks! We spent it at Epcot and it was a great start to our week. We could not have asked for better weather. It was supposed to storm in the afternoon but never did. 

To start out our day we had breakfast with the Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall located in Norway. We were on the Disney Dining Plan last week and took full advantage booking as many character meals as possible. The best thing about Akershus is you meet up to 5 Princesses for only 1 Table Service credit per person. 

Ariel and our Princess

My Little One with Aurora

Snow White and our Princess

We had a great meal complete with fruit, bagels, potato casserole, sausage, eggs, and bacon. We were super full!! Akershus does a great Princess Processional where all the kids get to walk around with the Princesses and wave to all the adults. It was a great time and my Princess enjoyed it immensely.

After breakfast we spent the majority of our day in Future World and hit up all the rides we could. I will not lie to you and say the park was empty. It was spring break after all and it was very crowded. However we got to do all of the rides we wanted and even met a cool character in between.

If you are a fan of Big Hero 6 you must make sure to hop on over to the Character Spot in Epcot to meet Baymax. He was so cute and cuddly. We enjoyed meeting him, he does not sign though so no autographs for him.


Our highlight ride of the day was Test Track, Soarin is closed until Summer 2016 unfortunately so we went to the next best thing. :)

We had a fastpass and thank goodness because the wait was 90 minutes!! Here's our fabulous shot below zooming around the track. We tried to make all of our photos as funny as possible. We had Memory Maker on this trip and took full advantage!


After all the riding we needed to rest our legs and found sanction in the World Showcase United Kingdom. There was an amazing band called the British Revolution playing so we sat back, had a few drinks, and listened to some great 80's music.

We had dinner reservations that night at Rose and Crown Pub which is known for their delicious Fish and Chips. Seriously, I spent 2 years dreaming about having them again and they did not disappoint! We also were seated on the patio and had front row viewing for the fireworks.



All in all it was a great first day! We had lots of laughs and enjoyed ourselves immensely. What's your favorite thing to do at Epcot? Comment below and let us know!!

#QUOTETUESDAY Featuring Sandals Ochi Resorts in Jamaica

For all of those that need some rest and relaxation this summer I have a new quote coming your way today from the Adults Only All Inclusive Resort of Sandals! 

I love the Sandals resorts because they always make you feel like a VIP and provide you with the utmost in luxury and make sure every need is attended to. Best of all it's an all inclusive resort as well so make no mistake you will eat, drink, and play like a king or queen all week long!! 


Sandals Ochi Resort in Ochos Rios, Jamaica

2 Adults - 18+

Check In: 9/10/16 - 9/17/16

7 Nights in a Riviera Bamboo Grove Premium Room

    

Arranged across the first to fourth floors in the delightful Bamboo Grove, these premium rooms feature soft, muted decor, traditional hardwood furnishings including a four-poster bed, marbled en-suite bathroom and flat-screen TV. Each room has a generous private balcony or porch with views of the nearby mango grove and wild orchid gardens.

55% Off Sale

$185 in Spa Credit

Complimentary Sunset Catamaran Cruise for 2 

All drinks, food, water and land sports, group exercise classes, as well as nightly entertainment included. 

Total Package Price: $2751.60

Ready to journey into a luxurious vacation made just for adults? Email me today and let's chat!! s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com 

QUOTE TUESDAY Featuring Awaken Summer Promotion

‪#‎QUOTETUESDAY‬ SHARE WITH FRIENDS OR SAVE!!!

Featuring the Awaken Summer Deal!

2 Adults + 2 Children (Ages 8 & 10)

Check In: 7/31/16 - 8/4/16

5 Days/4 Nights at Port Orleans Riverside Moderate Resort with Garden View

5 Day Theme Park Tickets

Free Transportation to and from resort to parks and Disney Springs

Movies on the Lawn + Nightly Campfire and more

3 Fastpass+ per person, per day

3 Awaken Summer Magic Bands + Magical Extras

Total Package: $2,221.18

**receive a special “Awaken Summer” MagicBand per person included in the same package. This one-of-a-kind band will activate a special sound and lighting feature at select touch points throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for valid travel dates during this special offer.

Ready to book? Let's Chat today!! My services are 100% free to utilize.

QUOTE TUESDAY: Featuring Universal Studios

#‎QuoteTuesday‬ featuring Universal Studios!!

2 Adults + 2 Children (Ages 10 & 8)

6/5/16 - 6/10/16

5 Days/4 Nights at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando - Standard Room - Sleeps 5 Adults

4 Day Park to Park Tickets 

City Walk Party Pass

Early Park Admission

Free Universal Express Unlimited Ride Access (skip the line)

Total Package: $2303.64

Ready to book or want to customize your vacation? Let's chat now! My services are always 100% free to use and I can usually save you some money on your vacation as well as some added perks. smile emoticon

Breaking: Walt Disney World tickets increase at midnight

Breaking news from the Disney executives and confirmed by cast members at Disney's Reservation Center. 

As we all have heard it has been rumored that Walt Disney world tickets will increase effective tomorrow. The price increase comes after Universal increased their prices just last week upping the price $5 more per day.

Now what you may have not heard is when the ticket increase announcement finally makes its debut it will be a shock to most of us. Disney is revealing a new tiered system in order to maintain crowd control and also get people on vacation at slower times.

Here is the information we have obtained so far:

Three tiers will be offered for ticket prices with the first ticket price the lowest of the increases.

Value 

Regular 

Peak

We do not yet know how much the tickets will jump but many are expecting a one day Magic Kingdom ticket to cost upwards of $125 per day whereas it is now $105. 

Stay tuned here for any news we receive. Also, if any of you are planning a trip down to WDW during 2016 or early 2017; I encourage you to put a deposit down on your reservation now to lock in those current cheaper rates. Tomorrow you may find a higher cost for your magical vacation.

Email me now if you need to book a trip or have been on the fence. I'm happy to help and get those rates locked in.

BREAKING: Rivers of Light Dining Packages Confirmed

With the new show Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom debuting this Spring there have been many a rumor swirling around that a dining package will be offered for this new event. 

Much like the dining package that is currently offered for Fantasmic, guests can enjoy a lunch or dinner at one of the participating restaurants and receive a voucher for priority seating at Rivers of Light. 

Earlier this morning the packages were leaked on Disney's site but you were not able to make reservations. Now when you go to this site Disney URL you are greeted with a message stating the page is unavailable. 

No other information is currently available but stay tuned here for the most up to date info as it develops. Look for Disney to make a big announcement regarding the dining package this week. 

A Review: Port Orleans French Quarter

Situated along the Sassagoula River you will find a New Orleans/Mardi Gras themed hotel named Port Orleans French Quarter. This hotel is the sister hotel to it's neighbor Port Orleans Riverside. You can travel by boat to Port Orleans Riverside or even down to Disney Springs. 

Port Orleans French Quarter boasts 1,000 guest rooms and 3 types of rooms. There is a standard view rooms which face the parking lot, the garden view rooms which face the inner walkways of the hotel, and the water view which could face the river or the pool. All of the rooms were recently redecorated in the Summer of 2011. 946 rooms feature 2 queen beds and 62 rooms offer a king bed. They also have 75 disabled and/or accessible rooms with 50 having wheel in showers. 

Port Orleans French Quarter is a moderate hotel and offers a few different perks. However, please note that many times POFQ is excluded from Disney promotions. 

A standard view room costs anywhere from $160 - $230

Pool and River Views start at $187 - $261

King Bed Rooms start at $187 - $270

Garden View Rooms start at $170 - $240

POFQ is the perfect place for any family traveling with children. They offer a playground, huge pool with water dragon slide, as well as an arcade. POFQ also offers in-room babysitting so Mom and Dad can have a night out to theirselves.

 

POFQ is also perfect for the couple without kids as it can be a very romantic setting, especially if you book a king bed room. 

POFQ has refrigerators in all of the rooms as well as a full service food court onsite. For those interested in a more formal dining experience POFQ has two lounges on site. Scat Cat's Club is open from 4pm to 12am most nights and offers up a great selection of food and draft beer as well as live music. This is more of an adult only place so leave the kiddies in the room with a babysitter. 

Also on site is Mardi Grogs, another great lounge on site. This lounge is right by the huge pool and the great thing about Mardi Grogs is you can take your drinks to go and have a stroll along the Sassagoula River while relaxing with a drink in your hand. 

Now for some fun adventures for the entire family while on your stay at POFQ. Each night the hotel hosts a cajun campfire for the resort guests. This a great fun event for all as you hang out by the fire and roast marshmallows with your friends and family. After you get your fill of marshmallows head on over to the main lawn where each night the resort hosts "Movies Under the Stars." A different Disney movie is featured each night of your stay and complimentary towels are provided. Bring some snacks and enjoy a movie under the stars. You may want to bring bug spray too, it is Florida after all. :)

For a minor fee these fun activities are available as well. 

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Pirate Adventure Cruise

Bike Rentals

Surrey Bike Rentals

Fishing

This is a great resort and no matter if you are out at the parks all day or taking a rest day there is plenty of fun to be had right off the steps of your resort room.

Interested in taking a vacation? Ready to book? Let's chat!! I'm an earmarked authorized Disney vacation planner and my services are always 100% free to utilize. Let me help make your vacation dreams come true. 

50% Off Deposit Sale - Disney Cruise Line

NEW PROMO!!! 50% OFF REQUIRED DISNEY CRUISE DEPOSIT - SHARE WITH FRIENDS!!

Take half off the required deposit when you book a Disney cruise of 7 nights or longer that's scheduled to set sail between August and December 2016.

Book a tropical 7-night Disney cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas—or choose from one of the other fun-filled itineraries throughout Europe, Alaska and beyond. With departures from a variety of ports, there are so many convenient options!

Booking Window: Book by March 27, 2016.

Travel Window: Valid for new reservations on cruises that set sail between August and December 2016.

Booking Information: Contact me at 901-606-5397 or at s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com
Important Details:

Valid on all 7-night or longer sailings that do not require final payment at time of booking and take place between August and December 2016.

The remainder of your required deposit and your remaining balance will be due at final payment.
Valid for new bookings only booked by March 27, 2016.

Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact me by calling: 901-606-5397
Or s.marx@magicalvacationplanner.com

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

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! 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!

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!

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

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