For most couples, a Disney wedding is a destination wedding so most of your planning must be done from afar. When you purchase your wedding gown at a local bridal salon, you are faced with the challenge of how to get your wedding dress to your Disney wedding. Here are a few suggestions for how to get your wedding dress to your Disney wedding:

• Carry it on the plane with you. Many airlines will understand the importance of your big day and be willing to place it in a closet at the front of the airplane for you. However, you should also be prepared in the event that they make you place it in an overhead bin.
• Ask your bridal store to ship it to an Orlando location. If you purchase your gown at a major retailer who has locations all over the country, they may be able to send it to their local store where you can pick it up all pressed and ready for your big day.
• Ship it straight to your resort. You could also send it via UPS or FedEx straight to your resort so you know it will be waiting there safely for your arrival. Plus, you can make sure it’s packaged safely inside the box.

Have you thought about how to get your wedding dress to your Disney Wedding? What did you decide? I’d love to help you plan your Disney World wedding and/or honeymoon at no cost to you! Contact Siera for more information or to request your free, no obligation quote.

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is one of the value resorts located near Disney’s All-Star Movies and All-Star Music Resorts. All are in close proximity to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort features huge decorative icons and fun décor that’s all related to sports.  This resort will allow you to enjoy the all the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort with value pricing with great kid appeal!

As you walk around this resort, you’ll see big, bright icons including football helmets, tennis racquets, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, surf boards and more!

Two heated outdoor pools, Surfboard Bay and Grand Slam are perfect for a relaxing afternoon outside of the theme parks. There’s also a kiddie pool located at Surfboard Bay.  The Grand Slam pool has a very cool Goofy statue that squirts water.  Other recreational opportunities include a jogging trail, an arcade, movies under the stars and a few play areas.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort has ten three-story buildings with outside corridors and elevators.  There are five sections of rooms:

• Touchdown
• Home Run Hotel
• Center Court
• Surf’s Up
• Hoops Hotel

Standard rooms are relatively small but adequate for 4 people at 260 square feet.  Each has two double beds, a vanity area and a table with 2 chairs and a small refrigerator.

Dining options include the End Zone Food Court that has recently been renovated.  It open at 6 am serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks until midnight.  There will be no problem finding something tasty for everyone here!  There’s also a poolside bar and pizza delivery.  Sport Goofy Gift & Sundries offers Disney souvenirs and a small grocery section.

For a Walt Disney World vacation that’s affordable to most everyone, consider Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort.  You’ll definitely have a blast!

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and RV travel.  Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

Here are the answers to a few more questions that you might have for your first cruise with Disney Cruise Line.

1. How do I know what activities are going on and how do I find them? The Personal Navigator is your key to what’s happening on the ship.  You will be given your first Personal Navigator when you check in.  Each night your stateroom attendant will leave the Personal Navigator for the next day of your cruise in your room.
2. How do I book excursions? You can book excursions before you go on your cruise on the Disney Cruise Line website.  Just go to the “My Cruise Activities” under the Planning Center. Once onboard you can book excursions at the Port Adventures desk.
3. What if there’s an emergency or inclement weather?  Your safety is extremely important to Disney Cruise Line.  There is a mandatory safety drill on the first day of your cruise so you can familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures.  Disney has the latest technology and monitors the weather throughout your cruise.  If needed Disney will change course to avoid inclement weather in order to ensure your safety.
4. How do I keep my children occupied?  No one tops Disney when it comes to entertaining children on a cruise vacation.  The youth clubs have hours of planned programs and interactive activities just for kids.  If you want to spend time together, Disney has many family activities, live shows, and character experiences to help you fill your day with fun.
5. What if I get seasick or have a medical emergency during my cruise? Pick up an over the counter medication for seasickness from your local drug store before your cruise to be safe.  If you need medical care while onboard there is a physician and nurse on call 24 hours a day.  Disney Cruise Line offers vacation insurance to all guests that will cover the cost of unexpected medical emergencies.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney & Orlando Digest – Week of January 12, 2014

Orlando Discounts with Destinations in Florida Travel

Disney Discounts 

Walt Disney World® Resort

• NEW!  Save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels:  Savings apply for stays most nights March 14, 2014 – April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014 – June 15, 2014.  Add more Character to your vacation, with this advance Card member booking offer.  Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE! (Minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket required.)  Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

• Florida Resident Rates:  Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through April 8, 2014.  For example, save up to 37% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts from January 4- January 18 and March 14- March 29, 2014.  Book December 2, 2013 – April 8, 2014.  Plan a winter getaway to Disney or a Spring Break trip to the Disney Water Parks.  Book today with this incredible deal, just for Florida Residents.

• Military Discount:  Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27th, 2014.  Thank you for serving our country.  

Disneyland® Resort

• Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel:  Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 5th through April 10, 2014.  Book through January 28, 2014.

Disney Cruise Line®

• Special Rates for Cruises from Port Canaveral:  You can escape on your own carefree, tropical getaway with Disney Cruise Line® and save 20% off prevailing rates on select 3- and 4-Night Bahamian Cruises sailing from Port Canaveral in January 2014.  All voyages include a visit to Nassau and an unforgettable day at Disney’s private island paradise, Disney’s Castaway Cay, with its sparkling turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.  Available sail dates:  3-Night Bahamian Sailings on the Disney Magic®: January 31, 2014 and 4-Night Bahamian Sailings on the Disney Dream®: January 26, 2014.

• Canadian Resident Offer:  Canadian residents save 20% off prevailing rates on 3 and 4 night Bahamian sailings aboard the Disney Magic® for most sailings from January 10 – February 28, 2014 (excluding January 17, 20, February 14, 17, 2014) for categories 4A – 11B.

Aulani Hawaii

• Get a Free Night and Free Breakfast:  For a limited time, when you purchase a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll get the 4th night free – including breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe.  

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

• Save up to 25% at Cabana Bay Beach Resort:  Discounts begin at 4 nights at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening early 2014.  Travel back to the 1950’s and 60’s for endless family fun at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. With its ideal location and fun retro atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy everything Universal Orlando® Resort has to offer. The value and moderate accommodations feature family suites (sleeping up to 6) with kitchenettes, and standard rooms (sleeping up to 4).  Rates valid for travel September 1st, 2014 through October 2nd, 2014 and November 30th, 2014 through December 11th, 2014.

• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort:  This new resort is opening in early 2014 with an incredible preview discount.  This resort is inspired by iconic beach resorts of the 1950’s and 60’s.  For a limited time, the whole family can experience Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s new family suites with rates starting at $104 per night for a seven-night stay to $134 per night for a three-night stay. Offering up to 47% savings off regular prices, this introductory offer is available now for purchase for stays from March 31 to June 14, 2014. Package is available for purchase now through January 31, 2014.

• Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation for 2014:  Take a day away from the Disney World Parks to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket.  This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.

Sea World Discounts

• Expedition Antarctica at SeaWorld®:  Experience the Freeze! Package includes free Quick Queue (front-of-the-line) at SeaWorld’s Antarctica:  Empire of the Penguin™, dining at the Expedition Café, a free photo and a third hotel night FREE!

• NEW!  SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando for $99: Enjoy two amazing parks for one amazing price. Get all the splashes of SeaWorld® Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ Orlando. This ticket gives you one single-day admission to each park and is valid until February 28, 2014.

• NEW!  SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa for $99: Enjoy two amazing parks for one amazing price. Get all the splashes of SeaWorld® Orlando and the thrills of Busch Gardens® Tampa. This ticket gives you one single-day admission to each park and is valid until May 15, 2014. With this offer, take advantage of FREE round-trip transportation from SeaWorld to Busch Gardens. For pick-up locations and to make a reservation for the Busch Gardens Shuttle Express. Reservations are highly recommended, due to demand.

• 5 Incredible Parks, 1 Ticket, Orlando’s Best Vacation Value:  See more for less!  This package features the Orlando FlexTicket, offering unlimited admissions to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Wet ’n Wild during your stay.  Perfect for your Orlando vacation.  Stay at least 5 nights and enjoy the best of Orlando!  Plus, free transportation and other great benefits available when you choose an Official Hotel of SeaWorld.  Package requires a 10-day advance purchase.  Stay a minimum of 5 nights and as an added value, your 5th night is FREE!

Orlando Attraction Ticket Discounts

• Kids Eat Free Card:  Save money on over 100 different restaurants in Orlando from the quick serve restaurants like McDonald’s to sit down restaurants like Nascar Cafe at Universal CityWalk.  Purchase the Kids Eat Free Card and receive a free child’s meal with any adult meal at select restaurants.  Click here for more details and to purchase this special card.

• Kennedy Space Center Tickets:  Pre-order your tickets to Kennedy Space Center and save money with special prices.  Experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis, US Astronaut Hall of Fame, and more; just an hour from Orlando.  Click here to more details and to purchase tickets.

Royal Caribbean Cruise

• Discount Cruise Out of Ft. Lauderdale:  Extend your Orlando vacation with a relaxing cruise on one of the newest ships called the Allure of the Seas.  Less than 3 hours from Orlando, you can set sail with those fun loving DreamWorks Characters on the world famous Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.  Sail for 7 Nights to the Caribbean in an Interior Stateroom from $749 per person plus taxes/port charges or $949 per person plus taxes/port charges in a Balcony.  Select cruises this January-February 2014.

• NEW! Up to $300 to Spend During Your Cruise:  Book select 2014 cruises by February 28, and Royal Caribbean Cruise will give you up to $300 to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Go snorkeling, dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.

• NEW! Up to $400 to Spend During Your Cruise:   Book select 2014 cruises in Europe by February 28, and we’ll give you up to $400* to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.

• NEW! Celebrate Miami Cruise Month Up to $50 in Spending Money: Book any Majesty of the Seas® sailing in 2014 between January 1 – January 31, 2014, and receive up to $50 to spend on just about anything. Go parasailing in Nassau or put it towards a massage at the VitalitySM Spa. 

Book Today!  Call Destinations in Florida at 877-918-8941 or Request a Price Online

Why Vacationing with an Extra Grown Up is a Great Idea

I recently met up for coffee with my dear friend Kate who just returned from her gazillionth trip to Disney World. I could not wait to hear all the details about how she liked her MagicBands, the new FastPass+ process, her adventures and the crazy things she did on her trip. To know Kate, is to know something hysterical or completely unbelievable happened!  When in the middle of our conversation she mentioned her in-laws! Not sure I heard her correctly, she mentions them again! I politely interrupted her and asked, “Why on earth would you go on vacation with your in-laws?”

“Are you kidding me? Why wouldn’t I? We always travel to Disney World with an “Extra Grown-up!””

But for the life of me, I couldn’t fathom why anyone would!  She proceeded to tell me all the positive and rather awesome reason to travel with an “Extra Grown-up” (EGU) like your in-laws, parents or even a babysitter!

1. You and your husband can enjoy dinner on our own. How often does that really happen?  You don’t have to cut up someone else’s food.  You don’t have to share (if you don’t want to). Have that extra glass of wine.  And you can go somewhere that doesn’t serve chicken nuggets and French fries!

 2. Go on “Big Kid” rides together. Let’s face it. Adults like the rides too! If you have little ones, you may not be able to enjoy rides like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, or any other ride that has height restrictions! Or, if you do, one parent is always left behind! The “EGU” can hang with the kids while mom and dad get to ride something together!

 3. You can sit for 5 minutes without anyone asking what’s next and generally have a few moments of adult time together. You can sit and people watch or enjoy an ice cream together.

 4. Have the “EGU” sit with the kids while you stand in the food line. Standing in line can be such a drag for kids! Especially when it’s at the height of the lunch or dinner rush. Lines can be a 20, 30 even 60+ min wait without reservations! They can grab an open table and hang while you get the food!

 5. Grab FastPasses – Even though this is being phased out, it’s still nice to have someone run a head grab your FastPasses while they are available.

 6.  Have someone stay with the little ones during a parade so that you can do a bit of shopping.  I don’t’ know about anyone else, but shopping with kids can be tough. They want everything they see. They touch everything, and can get lost.  Go do some shopping without them and look at the things in the adult section too, not just the kid section!

7.  Your child will always have a hand to hold. This is great with multiple children! Don’t need anyone getting lost!

 8.  She/he will always had someone to ride with.  I can only stand the Tea Cups so many times! Let the EGU take a turn!

 9. You have someone you can split the cost with of a larger, more expensive, Deluxe Resorts or a Cabin. What a great way to stay in that nice resort you’ve always wanted! Or a villa or suite! Having someone to help/split the cost with now makes it possible!

 10. The added benefit of special time with with Grandparents in the most magical place on earth!

Now, I don’t want this to sound like Kate doesn’t like to vacation with her child, because she does. It’s just nice to have an extra set of hand to help along the way!

The next time you are planning any Disney adventure think about taking that EGU with you!

**A special thank you to Kate Thomas Delise for sharing her time and amazing stories with me for this article! You rock!**

Written By Heather Butler – an Agent with Destination to Explore. Heather is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  To book your next vacation with Heather, contact her for a free quote at 717-587-9233 or heatherbutler@destinationstoexplore.com !

 

Walt Disney World and The Disney company itself is well known for it’s efforts in conservation and it’s amazing dedication to animals not just at the parks, but around the world. They support multiple charities around the world and utilize Animal Kingdom park as not only another “theme” park, but to further research and conservation efforts involving multiple animal species.

As a zoological park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is engaged in research and conservation efforts involving its animal species.Since the park’s opening in 1998, the resident giraffe herd has produced 11 newborns, with 4 of those being in 2008 alone. The resident elephant herd has produced 6 calves as well, starting in 2003.

In 1999 Nande, a white rhino, was born in the park to the resident herd. In 2006 Nande and Hasani, another of the park’s rhinos, were transferred to Uganda’s Ziwa animal sanctuary. This was an attempt to re-introduce the white rhino to the country, since they have been extinct from that area for some time due to civil strife. In June 2009, Nande gave birth to a male calf at the sanctuary, which was the first such birth in over 25 years in Uganda. The success of the rhino breeding program was highlighted in January 2010, when news was released that 8 white rhinos have been born at the Animal Kingdom since it’s opening, with the latest being born to another Animal Kingdom born mother.

Which brings us to this week’s trivia question. Somewhere on our facebook page is an article about all the new babies that were born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this past year. Search through our posts and email me the answer to this question..

How many animals were born last year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? 

Did you find the answer? Email the answer to me at ErinBenge@DestinationsinFlorida.com by Sunday, January 19th, 2014 12:00pm Eastern Time. A winner will be chosen at random from all correct responses.  The winner will receive this Walt Disney World Adventure Guide.

Written by Erin Benge. Erin is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  She specializes in traveling with toddlers and multiple generations.  Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Erin at ErinBenge@DestinationsinFlorida.com!

Trivia Tink came back with a question this week about one of our favorite parts of Disney, the princesses. She asked you..

Which Disney Princess doesn’t have a song ? (She sings one with someone as a child, but after her teen years there is none)

 

Did you guess…..

 

 

Merida ? Leslea did ! Congratulations Leslea, be on the lookout for your email. 

Stay tuned for the this weeks trivia.

Written by Erin Benge. Erin is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  She specializes in traveling with toddlers and multiple generations.  Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Erin at ErinBenge@DestinationsinFlorida.com!

Many couples plan to celebrate their new life together by spending their honeymoon at Disney World so I wanted to share with you some of our favorite tips for making the most of your Disney World Honeymoon:

• Go slowly and relax for the first day or two of your honeymoon and schedule more adventurous activities a few days into the trip
• Take advantage of Disney’s free PhotoPass® photography service in the theme parks to capture your memories
• Allow at least thirty minutes of travel time to get to and from your dining locations if you are using Disney World transportation
• Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, available exclusively for Walt Disney World® Resort hotel guests
• Ask your resort front desk or any Theme Park Guest Relations for a set of “Just Married” buttons
• Use the Tip Board and My Disney Experience app at each theme park to find park hours, show times and attraction wait times
• Learn about special festivities, events and parties that may be scheduled during your honeymoon
• Book a couple’s massage at one of the luxurious spas on property
• Send your theme park purchases back to your Disney World Resort hotel for no additional charge
• Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at any Magic Kingdom area resort
• Snuggle up with your special someone while watching a complimentary Disney movie at your resort pool one evening
• Share a nostalgic sundae at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Book a horse-drawn carriage ride at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Enjoy a romantic lunch at the Plaza Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom® Park
• Search for “Hidden Mickeys” throughout the resort
• Arrive up to one hour early for the nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ to get the best seats
• View Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular from the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.
• Make a reservation at California Grill on 15th floor of the iconic Disney’s Contemporary Resort to dine and watch the fireworks
• Be sure to check out the “post-show” game area at the Mission: SPACE® attraction at Epcot®
• Use complimentary Disney Bus Transportation that can take you from your Disney Resort hotel to almost any other Disney location
• Take the complimentary, romantic boat ride that runs between Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and the Downtown Disney® area
• Schedule your FastPass+ before you ever leave home
• Pack a rain poncho if you don’t want to get soaked on a water attraction or in case of afternoon showers
• See the live shows in the middle of the day and visit the more popular attractions during Extra Magic Hours
• Frontierland® and Liberty Square are great places to watch the Magic Kingdom® Park parades
• Surprise your honey with a special in-room gift

What’s your best tip for making the most of your Disney World Honeymoon? I’d love to help you plan your Disney World honeymoon at no cost to you! Contact Siera for more information or to request your free, no obligation quote.

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.

If you happen to be a tad hungry during breakfast or lunch hours while visiting Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, I’ve got the perfect solution for you!  Starring Rolls Café is a wonderful place to fill your need and treat your taste buds!

As you’re strolling down Hollywood Boulevard, take a quick right onto Sunset Boulevard and it will be on your left.  You’ll first notice the California style architecture with the orangish Spanish-style roof.  Starring Rolls Café is small counter service location that only features outdoor seating on a pretty terrace.  Since it’s quite popular, you might have a member of your party snag one of the umbrella shaded tables while you’re ordering.  The operating hours are 8:30am until 3:00pm.

Starring Rolls offers a limited number of sandwiches as well as sushi.  The sandwiches are huge, with tons of filling and are served with chips or fresh fruit.  The children’s menu features peanut butter and jelly or a Power Pack that includes tasty and healthy kid-pleasing options.  There’s a wide variety of hot and cold beverages available as well.

The biggest draw for most people, (including me!) is the wide variety of cupcakes, pastries, muffins and treats.  Starring Rolls is the only place that you will find the famous Butterfinger Cupcake.  This delicious culinary delight deserves a post all its own (one day)!  Seriously, the cupcakes here are huge!  Quite often, when using the Disney Dining Plan, my husband and I will split a counter-service meal here and be quite satisfied.  The desserts are also a great choice and value when using snack credits.

Do yourself a favor and visit Starring Rolls Café on your next Walt Disney World vacation.  You’ll start a new tradition!

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults.  Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

Taking your first Disney Cruise is a very exciting time!  Here are the answers to some questions that you might have about your cruise vacation.

1. What type of rooms can I choose from? The answer to this question will depend on your personal preference.  The four main categories are inside, oceanview, verandah, and suites.  The price and size increase as you move up to the next category.  Make sure you talk to a travel professional to pick the room that best meets the needs of your family.
2. What’s included in the price? Almost everything is included in the cruise fare. Tons of entertainment options, kids clubs, adult only spaces, and your stateroom are included in the price of your cruise.  All of the food and non-alcoholic beverages are free with the exception of the specialty restaurants.
3. What documentation do I need to bring to board the ship? The safest option is to get a passport before your cruise.  If your cruise starts and ends in the same port the cruise line will accept a birth certificate and government issued ID or a passport card. Parents will need to bring birth certificates for minor children.
4. What do you need to pack? Of course you need to pack the basics that you would take on any vacation (clothes, medications, sunscreen, swimwear, cameras, etc.) In addition to those items, make sure you bring proof of citizenship.  You should also pack a pirate outfit so you can join the festivities during the deck party on Pirate Night.  You will find H2O Plus shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.  Cribs, Pack n Plays, and Diaper Genies are also provided in your stateroom if needed.
5. What if you forgot to pack something important?  You can buy most essential items in the shop onboard.  There are also lots of places to shop at each port.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.