Planning a Disney Cruise vacation can be overwhelming to navigate.  But it doesn’t have to be. With five Disney cruises under my belt I want to share tips and tricks to help make it a little less overwhelming. Fortunately, setting sail on a Disney Cruise is a far less complicated experience than visiting one of the theme parks.

These six tips should set you on the right course!

Disney Cruise Vacation Tips

1. Choose The Perfect Stateroom

Frequent cruisers are particular about staterooms, and for good reason: not all of the rooms are the same. Choosing a stateroom seems pretty easy, since there’s inside, ocean-view, and verandah. On a Disney Cruise there are actually several secret verandah and porthole staterooms, as well as mini-suites and over sized rooms, and often these are priced lower. Disney will sell out of the most popular staterooms up to a year in advance, so if you are eyeing up a particular one book it as soon as possible.

While a verandah is nicer for long cruises, an ocean-view room will save you money on a three or four night cruise.  The only time I suggest a verandah no matter the length of cruise is for Alaska voyages, this is premium whale watching territory.

The staterooms on Disney are made for families, and generally larger than standard cruise lines. Some cabins will even sleep a family of five!

Tip: You can decorate your stateroom doors, this helps you find it easily.

2. Use The Personal Navigator

You’re provided a Personal Navigator each day with the schedule of events on it. I like carrying this in my day bag, but I also recommend downloading the Personal Navigator App to use on board. This will be your guide to everything happening on the ship, from dining, to shows and special events.

It will be in your stateroom the night before with turn down service.

3. Choose a Late Dinner

This is always our choice when we cruise with Disney. If you are traveling with older kids or adults, choose the later dinner seating (8:15) and earlier showtime (6:30.) I can assure you that both your dinner and your show will be less crowded with fewer small children. Another great perk of  late dinner seating? The Oceaneer Club counselors come in at 9 p.m. to take any restless children over the age of 3 back to the kids’ clubs so the adults can finish the rest of their meal in peace or attend an adult only show after dinner.

I cannot tell you how many times my youngest has eaten her meal as fast as she can and eagerly awaited the kids club pick up.

4. Stay On The Ship

Just because you are in port doesn’t mean you have to disembark. There is so much to see and do on a Disney Cruise the only way to enjoy it all is to stay on the boat! Port days mean less crowded public spaces on-board. This will also save you some money, as excursions can be quite costly.

We have been able to get some really great photos of the ship while in port, because the crowds are so minimal during the day.

5. Enjoy FREE Room Service & A Movie

This may be my kids favorite part of the cruise. At the end of a long day they go back to our stateroom and order cookies and milk, or other tasty treats off the room service menu. Then they get comfy and find a classic Disney movie on the TV. Disney movies are on 24/7 in your stateroom and you can find classics such as Fox and The Hound or Cinderella playing each night.

6. Tipping and Your Key To The World

When you embark on your cruise at the terminal you are given a  “Key to the World” card that serves as your wallet and ID while on-board. You can swipe it just like a credit card to buy items such as adult beverages or popcorn before the nightly featured film. Be careful as those expenses add up fast! You can go to guest services and see your bill during your cruise and apply cash or Disney gift cards if you so choose. They will charge the card on file at midnight on the last night of cruise, so be prepared.

Tips are also handled a bit differently at the end of your cruise. If you prepaid tips, you will get four envelopes as well as four vouchers containing each of your service staff’s name and amount of tip they will be receiving from you. At this point you can add extra cash tips if they went above and beyond. I will assure you that on a Disney cruise they will absolutely go above and beyond, so take the extra cash.

Are you ready for your 1st cruise?

New Despicable Me Character Meal at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

What could be better than waking up, putting on your flip-flops, and digging into a delicious breakfast? Meeting with some of your favorite Despicable Me characters, that’s what. Starting January 13, 2018, every Saturday morning at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, you can head to the Cayman Court to fill up on a buffet of morning favorites including pancakes, bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs and more.

Take in the tropical surroundings and get ready to meet some of your favorite Despicable Me characters including Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the Minions. You’ll get one free digital download photo when they stop by to wave hello and pose for pictures. Theme park admission and/or hotel reservations are not required, but dining reservations are required 24 hours in advance

LOCATION

Cayman Court

DAY AND TIME

Saturday: 9:00 am–11:30 am

Best Tips to Make the Most of Holidays at Universal

It’s that time of year – the time for Christmas trees, an endless amount of cookies, hot chocolate and quality time with family and friends. If you’re in the Orlando area and looking for a fun holiday activity, look no further than Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort running now through January 6.

From beloved classics like Grinchmas and Mannheim Steamroller to exciting new experiences like Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Since the parks do get busy during the holiday season, it’s best to come with a plan so you can see and do everything you want to do. To help with your planning, here are 6 insider tips to help maximize your visit.

1. Watch The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle Later in The Evening

Instead of rushing to Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure to see the first showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, head over for a later viewing before the park closes for the day. The first official showing is at 6:30 PM now through Dec. 17 and then 7 PM Dec. 18 – Jan. 6.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle runs intermittently until park close – so take your time, enjoy the new decor throughout the parks and grab a Hot Butterbeer (my favorite type of Butterbeer).

2. Take the Scenic Route to Universal’s Islands of Adventure

I know what you’re thinking – “you want me to walk?” Just trust me! Although boarding The Hogwarts Express is popular route, by walking to Islands of Adventure from Universal Studios Florida, you’ll be sure to reach your daily step goal.

Once inside Islands of Adventure, hang a right and head through Lost Continent to the main entrance of Hogsmeade. This is the quickest way in, not to mention, you’ll be able to walk through Grinchmas in Seuss Landing where you’ll see beautiful Christmas decorations from the bingle balls to whofoo fluff.

3. Arrive Early and Grab a Hot Chocolate for the New Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s

What is the holiday season without a parade? And the new Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is one that you really don’t want to miss. With 16 new balloons and 15 floats, the parade is truly larger-than-life.

To get the best view, my tip is to hunker down along the streets of New York or Hollywood Blvd. at Universal Studios at least a half hour to 45 minutes before the start time of the parade. That way you’ll be up front and center in the streets of New York, where it snows! Can you imagine snow in Florida? Let me tell you – it’s magical.

4. Take a Closer Look at the Details

When enjoying Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, make sure you take a close look at the decor throughout the lands. The decor on the individual storefronts are specially themed for each shop. For example, the garland on Spindlewarps Wool Shop in Diagon Alley includes balls of yarn!

In addition, if you look at the Santa float during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, you’ll see a wish list wrapped around the globe that includes items that our Entertainment Team Members want for Christmas this year.

5. Dress Up For Grinchmas

And by dress up, I mean transform into a lean, mean, green machine. Grab your Grinch hat, gloves, shirt and frown before you make your way to the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday classic in the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. That way you’ll feel in character when you sing along with the holiday music you know and love.

6. Rock Out to Mannheim Steamroller

If you’re a fan of live Christmas music with a rockin twist, you need to see Mannheim Steamroller. Make sure to plan your visit on a night when they are performing at Universal Studios Florida.

BONUS TIP FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS:

For all my fellow Floridians, I have a bonus tip just for you.

7. Best Time to Experience it All is Before or Right After the Holidays

Yes, you read that right. Even theme parks experience the holiday rush, so I recommend planning a day trip (or staycation at one of our amazing on-site hotels!) either before or after Christmas and New Year’s. Our holiday celebration runs now through Jan. 6.

I hope these tips help you have the best holiday season ever at Universal Orlando Resort. If you have any insights from visiting yourself, comment below. Be sure to grab your tickets to join in on the fun and have a wonderful holiday season.

Looking for ways to get around at Disney? Here are a few ideas (including one that’s coming soon!)

Minnie Van Service Now Available Resort Wide

A new transportation service featuring vans themed to the oneand-only Minnie Mouse will soon be taking you everywhere you want to go at the Walt Disney World Resort. Just arrange a Minnie van and a Disney cast member will arrive and drive you anywhere you wish at the Resort in a magical way that only Disney can do. Through collaboration with the US’ fastest growing rideshare service, Lyft, guests at these resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone.

With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then whisk you away to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort. This service accommodates up to six guests and provides two versatile car seats so even the tiniest of passengers can travel in style! Minnie Van service will be available between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (subject to change). Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can learn more by visiting their Bell Services desk.

Disney Skyliner Transportation Announced

A brand new transportation system is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort to add even more magic to your future vacation experiences. Disney Skyliner will soon give guests a bird’seye view of Walt Disney World Resort. The transportation system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot. And many of the gondolas with Disney Skyliner will feature favorite Disney characters.

Disney Vacation Club Announces Next Planned Developments

At the recent D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif., Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced the next planned development for Disney Vacation Club will be an entirely new resort near Epcot called Disney Riviera Resort and that a new skyway transportation system will connect the new resort to other areas on Walt Disney World property.

“We’re thrilled to announce plans for a new Disney Vacation Club property called Disney Riviera Resort coming to Walt Disney World Resort,” Chapek said. “Our Vacation Club Members are among our most loyal fans, and we think that they will love what we have planned, especially the rooftop restaurant that will offer unbelievable views of nighttime spectaculars at both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.”

In addition, Chapek announced that a whole new transportation system of gondolas is planned, called the Disney Skyliner, to give guests a never-before-seen birds-eye view of Walt Disney World and connect the new Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

Estimated to open in fall 2019, this new resort experience is slated to be the 15^th Disney Vacation Club property with approximately 300 units spread across a variety of accommodation types.

On July 17, Disney Vacation Club will welcome its 14^th resort with the opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, featuring 184 rustically elegant vacation accommodations including Deluxe Studios, one- and two-bedroom Villas, three-bedroom Grand Villas and unique waterfront cabins.

Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Disney Vacation Club, said, “The opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in just a few days and the announcement of our next planned development, Disney Riviera Resort, demonstrate the incredible momentum underway at Disney Vacation Club. Our members tell us over and over again how much they love the outstanding accommodations and the value and flexibility of a Disney Vacation Club Membership, as well as the unique location to our growing and evolving theme parks and the exclusive member experiences and benefits they get from our Membership Extras program.”

New Disney World Copper Creek Opens for Disney Vacation Club

Today, Disney Vacation Club welcomes its 14th resort with the opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the latest vacation ownership property in its growing portfolio. Offering one of the widest ranges of accommodation types at Walt Disney World Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins features 184 rustically elegant accommodation options, including Deluxe Studios, one- and two-bedroom Villas, three-bedroom Grand Villas and unique Waterfront Cabins.

“Copper Creek Villas & Cabins offers members and guests a uniquely designed and exquisitely appointed home base for their Walt Disney World vacation, and it is truly a gem in the growing Disney Vacation Club portfolio,” said Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club. “This resort offers the best of everything, including immersive theming, accommodations in a variety of sizes to suit any type of family, high-quality amenities, and the ideal waterfront location that is just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom Park.”

Inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the resort features natural elements, such as wood and stone, in its design, as well as subtle nods to the American transcontinental railroad. The Deluxe Studios offer room for up to four guests, while the larger one- and two-bedroom Villas and three-bedroom Grand Villas seamlessly blend the comforts of home with the wonders of the wilderness to create a tranquil retreat for families of any size. Each Villa is thoughtfully designed with today’s families in mind offering full kitchens, expanded storage space for belongings, and private patios or balconies with scenic views.

The 26 all-new luxurious waterfront Cascade Cabins are the centerpiece of the resort. These two-bedroom, two-bath cabins sleep up to eight, offering modern luxuries with a homey, yet upscale feel. Large dining and living room spaces, along with a screened-in wraparound porch, allow for plenty of space for families. Amenities throughout the cabins include a full kitchen, flat panel televisions, a washer and dryer, a hidden pull-down bed featuring artwork of Chip and Dale, a built-in hot tub on the porch, an indoor/outdoor fireplace and a number of special Disney touches.

The resort is a short water taxi ride away from Magic Kingdom Park, and offers easy bus access to the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort, making it the ideal home base for families looking to explore a wide range of new Disney attractions, including the recently opened Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and the reimagined Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment district.

While staying at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, guests have shared access to all of the amenities and activities available just steps away at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Geyser Point Bar & Grill, which opened earlier this year, offers picturesque views of Bay Lake, as well as explorer-worthy feasts and trails-end spirits in an open-air lounge. Roaring Fork, the resort’s original quick-service restaurant, has recently reopened featuring a refreshed look and expanded outdoor seating.

The resort’s new leisure pool, Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, is themed to the legendary mining history of the Northwest featuring a zero-depth entry pool, a whirlpool spa and first-come, first-served cabanas. Additionally, a brand-new sports court, BBQ pavilions and a refurbished fire pit and movie area have all joined the lineup of resort amenities. Those in search of extra pampering will want to stop by Salon by the Springs, opening later this year, for pool-side manicures, pedicures and hair services.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is the second Disney Vacation Club resort at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. For more information about Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Disney Vacation Club, visit DisneyCopperCreek.com.

Swim with Sharks at Discovery Cove in Orlando

In celebration of Shark Awareness Day on July 14, guests at Discovery Cove can now take part in exclusive new animal experiences at the park. Discovery Cove has always been known for its memorable dolphin interactions, and now guests can enhance their visit with one of-a-kind, hands-on encounters with sharks and stingrays.

The awe-inspiring Shark Swim program provides closer-than-ever encounters with legendary predators. While guests have always been able to view park’s sharks, the new program takes them on a daring next step – swimming freely among five species: Pacific blacktip, reef whitetip, nurse shark, zebra shark, and a spotted wobbegong.

The immersive session is divided into two unique interactions and begins as guests meet with the park’s shark team and head into the water. Through hands-on interaction, guests learn about shark anatomy and the threats the animals face in the wild. Guests can also join the sharks in the deeper part of their habitat and embark on an exhilarating snorkel experience.

Discovery Cove works to dispel myths about sharks and to inspire guests to learn more about these mysterious creatures. As top predators, sharks play an essential role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems worldwide by monitoring fish populations. Sadly, shark finning and overfishing threaten many shark species and disrupt that natural balance. Guests who take part in the new Shark Swim program will walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for these fascinating ocean ambassadors.

The Shark Swim experience is available to Discovery Cove guests ages 10 and older. The cost is $85 per person. For every shark swim package purchased, SeaWorld will donate 5% of the proceeds to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) in support of shark conservation and research.

In addition to the Shark Swim program, Discovery Cove has launched a new Ray Feeding experience. This exclusive opportunity gives guests the chance to feed the stingrays during a private tour of the Grand Reef. Guided by one of the park’s aquarists, guests ages 6 and older spend their session in the Grand Reef learning all about the species of rays as they hand-feed the incredible creatures. The Ray Feeding program is $50 per person.

The new interaction programs require a Dolphin Swim or Day Resort reservation at Discovery Cove to participate. Space for each program is limited and guests are encouraged to book in advance.

Beginning August 1, Florida residents who book a day at Discovery Cove will also receive unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, through January 2018 – including SeaWorld’s special holiday events.

New Killer Whale Up-Close Tour at SeaWorld Orlando

Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando now have the opportunity to experience the park’s majestic killer whales in a brand-new way. The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour gives guests the opportunity to meet the park’s killer whales in ways never before offered at the park. The 45-minute tour includes learning from the park’s killer whale trainers, meeting the whales and understanding their unique personalities and even taking part in an interaction with one off the whales.

 

During the tour, which takes place daily, SeaWorld’s trainers share stories and information about the killer whales, demonstrate how the whales take part in voluntary husbandry sessions and discuss their healthcare, feeding habits and more. The engaging and interactive tour also gives participants the chance to try their hand at a session with the whales alongside a trainer. Throughout the entire experience, guests can take photos to help forever preserve the memory of the one-of-a-kind experience.

 

The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour is the latest in the SeaWorld’s collection of memorable, educational and inspirational tours. Popular guest experiences, including the Dolphin Up-Close Tour and Penguin Up-Close Tour provide hands-on interactions with some of the park’s most popular animals while encouraging guests to care about all of the animals found in the oceans. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour, a guest favorite, provides an inside look at the park’s amazing animal rescue operation and ends with the opportunity to touch a shark and meet a Magellanic penguin.

 

The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Space is limited, and guests are encouraged to make reservations online in advance. Prices start at $79 per person. For more information on SeaWorld’s tour programs, park hours and to purchase tickets, visitSeaWorldOrlando.com.

Sea Turtles Returned to Ocean by SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Team

Two loggerhead sea turtles are back home in the wild thanks to SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Team. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) the turtles were returned to the ocean at Pineda Beach Park this morning.

Rescued in December 2016, a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle was transported to SeaWorld Orlando from Massachusetts, where the animal received initial treatment from the New England Aquarium. Upon intake, the turtle had a dangerously low body temperature and a large wound under its right flipper. As a part of the turtle’s wound care, SeaWorld utilized radiographs, antibiotics, and laser therapy to heal the injury.

The second turtle released, a sub-adult loggerhead, came to SeaWorld in March after it was found upside down in the surf at Port Canaveral. The animal was covered in barnacles, emaciated, and lethargic. At SeaWorld, the veterinary team discovered blockage in the turtle’s digestive track caused from seashells. Through fluid therapy, the team helped the animal pass the impaction and gain 28 healthy pounds.

With two more sea turtles back in the ocean, SeaWorld has now returned 14 total turtles this year. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued nearly 2,000 sea turtles since 1980.

It is critical that beachgoers are mindful of the impact they leave on Florida coastlines as sea turtle nesting season is in full swing now through October. Debris and trash left on beaches can threaten the survival of sea turtles during this vulnerable time of year.

The successful rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles is another great example of SeaWorld’s commitment to protecting sea life. For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. More than 30,000 animals have been rescued by the expert animal rescue team that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.

All turtle return footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911 and FWC Permit Number MTP-15-035.