My daughter and I experienced a weekend Adventures by Disney vacation to New York City.  We loved this quick getaway!  The trip started on Thursday and ended on Sunday.  From booking to heading home, the whole experience was stress free!  Here is a quick guide to an Adventures by Disney experience.

Arriving to the Destination

When booking my trip, I included airfare into my package.  This way I had some support of Adventures by Disney, if anything went wrong with my flight.  The flight was an easy direct flight and all went well on my flight into New York City.  As a travel expert, I normally book my own flights, but I do recommend including your flights into your Adventure by Disney (ABD) package.

Once we landed in NYC, we walked down to Baggage Claim to find our town car driver holding a sign with our name on it.  I was traveling alone with my 9 year old daughter, so this made me feel safe and again stress free.  In addition, our driver was a careful driver!  If you have ever taken a taxi in NYC, you know exactly what I am talking about.  Our driver was careful maneuvering around the traffic to our hotel.

Hotel Accommodations

Adventures by Disney is a luxury tour company.  You enjoy exclusive experiences and top rated hotels.  Our hotel was near Times Square, just a few minutes walk.  It was a quaint hotel.  The highlight was the size of the rooms.  They were suites, not just typical smaller NYC rooms.  We had a mini kitchenette, two bathrooms, a huge living room, and a separate bedroom.  For NYC, these suites were HUGE.  That is one of the benefits of booking an Adventures by Disney vacation.  You stay is more exclusive hotels.

Dining

Most of your meals are included with an Adventures by Disney tour.  These meals are little hidden gems around the city.  On the first day of our NYC tour, we dined in a private area of the old church renovated into a pizzeria called John’s Pizza.  This restaurant is always a “must do” on our New York City vacations.  The entire meal was planned for us with appetizers ready to go, once we arrived to the restaurant to a selection of pizzas and desserts.  We left the restaurant stuffed!

This is just one of our experiences.  Several of the restaurants were in private areas, just for our group.  Many of the Chefs would come out and give us the history of the restaurants and NYC.  It was not just dining, but an experience!

Experiences

The experiences is why I book and Adventures by Disney!  You will enjoy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you would not get to see or do on your own or with any other tour company.  During our Adventures by Disney, we had so many highlights.  Here are just a few of the behind the scenes opportunities we got to experience.

• Behind the Scenes at Good Morning America:  This morning was an early day, but AMAZING!  We walked from our hotel (as a group) to Good Morning America in Times Square.  We walked right into the backstage area to the green room.  We had coffee and treats waiting for us!  They first took us to the control room.  We were right in the middle of the control room for the Good Morning America show.  I was so close to the action that I could have pushed one of the buttons.  It was incredible to see the behind the scenes of how they run the show.  After seeing the control room, they took us to the set.  We stood in the back while the hosts and film crew filmed Good Morning America LIVE.  In between takes, the hosts came over to say hi and get pictures.  My favorite part was waving to all of the fans outside the windows.  In the past, I had been one of those fans.  Today, I was inside waving back at them.
• Front Row for Jason Derulo:  After Good Morning America, we hopped on a tour bus to Central Park to another surprise.  It was the GMA Concert Series.  They had blocked off a front row area, just for us for the Jason Derulo concert.  We literally showed up, were escorted to our area, and then the show started.  It was amazing!

• Behind the Scenes at the Prop Room:  As a Disney fan, we have our favorite Disney movies turned into Broadway Shows like the Lion King and Mary Poppins.  Imagine our surprise, when we show up to the theater to be escorted to the Disney Prop Room.  We got to learn about some of the props from the Broadway Shows and even try them on.  It was amazing!
• Learn a Song & Dance from Aladdin:  This day could not get better, but it did.  We were then escorted to a dance studio.  We met up with (2) choreographers from Aladdin.  They taught us one of the songs and dances from the Aladdin Broadway Show.  This was so much fun!  Later in the evening, we got to see the Aladdin Broadway Show.  It was spectacular to look at everyone in our group singing and mini dancing to the same routine as the actors.  That was truly a VIP experience!

Stress FREE

As a female travelers with a child traveling alone in New York City, it was such a relief to have (2) NYC local guides (that were Disney Cast Members) there to assist us every step of the way.  We literally woke up and arrived on time.  The guides would take us everywhere.  They would tip the town car driver.  They would pay for the meals and tip the servers and singers.  Everything was included.  I did not have to take out my wallet once.  I did not have to worry about any lines or tickets.  It was truly a stress free vacation.

For some of the visitors in our group, our guides did a little bit more.  There was a family in our group that had a sick child.  Our guides helped them with doctors, a pharmacy, arranged transportation once they felt better to join our group, and was there for support.  When traveling to a new city, it is incredible to have a local there for guidance along with a concierge to make sure you have the best experience possible.  That is exactly what happened to this family during our trip.

Extra Magic

It is Disney, so there is always extra magic!  The guides are always taking pictures.  Of course, you still want to bring your camera, but they will be taking a lot of pictures for you during your vacation.  At the end of the vacation, they will email you all of the pictures to download from home.

Disney loves pins!  With the Adventures by Disney tours, you get a new pin each night (commemorating your experience that day).  You can add all of these pins to your lanyard to wear during your adventure and it is a great souvenir after your vacation.

Lots of swag!  Before you even leave for your Adventures by Disney, you will receive goodies.  For our trip, we received a nice documents/passport holder and bag.  These were fantastic for our Adventures by Disney getaway.

Our Adventures by Disney experience to New York City was a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.  We had such a great time and we cannot wait to take another Adventures by Disney vacation with the whole family.

How Can I Afford It?

The Adventures by Disney vacations are a luxury tour with truly exclusive experiences. With that, comes a higher price tag!  I suggest starting your Adventures by Disney experience with a weekend trip like San Francisco, Nashville, or New York City.  These trips are shorter weekend trips and are much more affordable.  There is a reason Adventures by Disney has a huge repeat guest ratio.  Once you take one ABD, you will take more.  Try a shorter weekend to test it out.  It is less expensive and it is a good jumping point for Adventures by Disney.

Another tip is plan early.  As soon as Disney releases the Adventures by Disney trips for the next year; go ahead and book your trip.  You can pay the deposit and then make small monthly payments until the final payment.  It is like a travel layaway plan.

Start planning your 2017 Adventures by Disney getaway today!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

It’s a Christmas party like no other, with joyful music, a shimmering Cinderella Castle, characters in their festive finery and the Magic Kingdom decked out and even more magical for merry-making guests of all ages. Disney princes join princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall. Guests can meet Nick and Judy from “Zootopia” in Tomorrowland. The special party – complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries – begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. Dates for this year:

November 7,8,10,11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29

December 1,2,4,6,8,9,11,13,15,16,18, 22

All new! Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

New to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey and his pals host some of their friends for an unforgettable Christmas soiree filled with medleys of delightful classic and contemporary holiday songs, and magical holiday projections on Cinderella Castle building to a sensational, snowy finale. (Also available Dec. 23 – 31 during regular park operating hours).

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

The enchanting holiday parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party transforms Main Street, U.S.A. Santa Claus, gingerbread men, elves, reindeer, toy soldiers and other friends from the North Pole join Mickey and his pals. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf from “Frozen” join in the fun.

(Ryan Wendler, photographer)

SeaWorld Orlando Penguin Receives One-of-a-Kind Wetsuit

Guests visiting Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando can see one penguin that does not quite look like the others. She’s wearing her very own wetsuit. This SeaWorld Orlando penguin received this one-of-a-kind wetsuit.

The female Adelie penguin recently experienced feather-loss, which can happen to penguins in their natural habitats and wild populations. As a result of her feather-loss, the bird had a hard time naturally regulating her body temperature. SeaWorld’s aviculture team set out to assist her and created a wetsuit to mimic her former coat of feathers. The coat was designed and sewn by SeaWorld’s wardrobe department and custom fit just for her.  

While wearing her wetsuit the penguin swims, sleeps and eats alongside her fellow penguins. This is just another extraordinary example of how SeaWorld Orlando cares for the marine animals at the park.

 “Once Upon a Time” is a Nighttime Show on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

Disney Storytelling & Technology Share the Spotlight in Projection Show Premiering Nov. 4 at Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World Resort

Classic Disney fairy tales light up a fairy-tale castle as the projection show “Once Upon a Time” begins beaming its magic onto Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort.

The fantastic and heartwarming show begins regular performances for Magic Kingdom Park guests on Nov. 4.

The new show uses projection-mapping technology to produce a dazzling three-dimensional effect that fits every nook and contour of the Castle, from its base to the tips of its towers and turrets.

The result: Cinderella Castle opens like a storybook and becomes living art, the canvas for a kaleidoscopic and eye-filling feast of fantasy.

Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the timeless animated classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the new projection show is narrated by Mrs. Potts who shares “once upon a time” bedtime stories with Chip.

Projected scenes let guests relive some of their favorite Disney moments. They’ll fly with Peter Pan above the rooftops of London to Never Land, drop in on a whimsical tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter and watch Winnie the Pooh rise to the top of the Castle while he hangs from a colorful balloon. These are just some of the enchanting tales that come to life in “Once Upon a Time.”

The awe-inspiring show culminates with classic scenes from Beauty and the Beast – the Beast waltzing with his beloved Belle, his duel with Gaston, and finally his transformation back to the Prince. As Mrs. Potts and Chip conclude their bedtime story, the show moves to its grand finale including appearances by characters from some of Disney’s most beloved animated tales. Fireworks bursting above the Castle add to the magic.

“Once Upon a Time” is part of an exciting Fall lineup of offerings at Walt Disney World Resort. It joins the spectacular fireworks show “Wishes” among exciting nighttime offerings in the park.

“Once Upon a Time” takes its inspiration from a projection show that has thrilled guests at Tokyo Disney Resort since May, 2014. The new show replaces the “Celebrate the Magic” Castle projection show that will end its four-year run on Nov. 3.

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil announces savings for Florida’s first responders

As a thank you to those who keep Florida safe, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is offering first responders (Florida police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel) tickets at 39 percent savings on Category 2 tickets for themselves and up to five (5) guests per show. With the discount, tickets for first responders are $49.

Florida first responders can visit the La Nouba box office to take advantage of the savings. Offer is valid for Category 2 tickets. Florida emergency responder personnel ID required. The first responder offer is available for sale now for shows running through Dec. 16.

800-Pound Pregnant Manatee Flown to SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Facility by U. S. Coast Guard for Care

The SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Team is now caring for an 800-pound pregnant manatee that arrived today on a U.S. Coast Guard plane from Connecticut – an amazing 1,300 mile journey. The manatee, named Washburn was picked up in Nantucket Sound and sent to the Mystic Aquarium for rehab. Manatees are not native to Massachusetts and the water is too cold for them to survive.

SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue team partnered with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) to coordinate today’s move. The manatee will receive expert care from SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Team and veterinarians until she is ready to be returned to her natural Florida habitat.  

So far this year, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued 20 manatees and returned 17 back to local Florida waters. Washburn is SeaWorld’s 21^strescued manatee. Upon arrival, she immediately began to eat and swim in the rehabilitation pool. The SeaWorld Care Team will continue to monitor her and her unborn calf around the clock.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the ocean. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 28,000 animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned – for more than four decades.

SeaWorld Orlando will work closely with the (FWC) to determine when Washburn is ready to be returned as well as the proper time and location for the return to take place.

Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), SeaWorld Orlando is an acute care rehabilitation facility that provides life-saving medical care to rescued manatees.

The MRP is a cooperative group of non-profit, private, state, and federal entities who work together to monitor the health and survival of rehabilitated and released manatees.  Information about manatees currently being tracked is available at www.wildtracks.org. The Florida manatee is at risk from both natural and man-made causes of injury and mortality. Exposure to red tide, cold stress, and disease are all natural problems that can affect manatees. Human-caused threats include boat strikes, crushing by flood gates or locks, and entanglement in or ingestion of fishing gear.

LEGO^® NINJAGO^®World Opens Jan. 12, 2017 at LEGOLAND^®Florida Resort

LEGO NINJAGO World will add an immersive area filled with several hands-on, outdoor activities where kids can sharpen their ninja skills before the ultimate showdown on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, a dazzling new attraction that blends 3D computer animation, “4D” effects and groundbreaking technology never seen outside a LEGOLAND theme park.

Starting in early 2017, kids are invited to enter a magical martial arts kingdom where you become the ninja in your very own LEGO^®NINJAGO^®  adventure when a whole new theme park land opens at LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort.

Inspired by the popular LEGO building sets and the “LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu” TV show, LEGO NINJAGO World puts guests at the center of the action in lots of fun ways

• LEGO NINJAGO The Ride – a state-of-the-art “dark ride” where guests score points using ninja hand moves to blast animated fireballs, lightning and more at waves of 3D villains
• Zane’s Temple Build – a giant LEGO building experience where kids can contribute to a model of a mountaintop NINJAGO monastery
• Kai’s Spinners – master the ancient art of Spinjitzu at these twirling, whirling, single-person platforms
• Cole’s Rock Climb – an outdoor climbing wall to test kids’ balance and endurance
• Jay’s Lightning Drill – measure your reflexes with these “lightning fast” light-up targets

The lushly landscaped area also will feature daily meet-and-greet opportunities with sibling ninjas Kai and Nya and Wu’s Warehouse, a themed retail shop stuffed with LEGO NINJAGO building sets, clothing, souvenirs and more.

Princess Elena of Avalor Meet n’ Greet at Magic Kingdom Park

Beginning Nov. 24, Princess Elena of Avalor – the first Disney princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures – will begin to greet guests alongside other royal friends at Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom Park. At Princess Fairytale Hall, guests can choose between a meeting with Elena and Cinderella or a visit with Rapunzel and Tiana. FastPass+ reservations for dates that include Elena appearances will become available today, Oct. 14.

(David Roark, photographer)

Princess Elena of Avalor first made her grand debut at Magic Kingdom Park back in August, with Cinderella officially welcoming her to the kingdom in “The Princess Elena Royal Welcome” stage show. Guests can continue to experience this show throughout the fall.

A brave and adventurous teenager, Princess Elena embodies all the qualities of a classic Disney princess, displaying thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion. She has the heart and mind of a true leader, making her a princess for everyone.

(David Roark, photographer)

Elena’s arrival at Walt Disney World Resort follows the launch of the new animated series, “Elena of Avalor,” which premiered in a simulcast on Disney Channel and Disney Junior in July. It ranks as the #1 series telecast among all kid-targeted TV networks in total viewers, kids 2-11 and adults 18-49, for 2016 to-date.

Muppets star in an all-new live show at Magic Kingdom Park called “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.”

(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Muppets Sam Eagle (the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard) joins Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, and town crier of Liberty Square in this new show at Magic Kingdom Park. They gather outside The Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom to present historical tales in hysterical Muppets fashion. From the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Muppets will appear throughout the day to share their own unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of the United States of America.

(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

“The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History” is presented multiple times daily and features an original song and wacky humor. The kids will love the flying streamers at the end! This fun show inspires learning for the whole family. After the show, they even encourage everyone to join them at the Hall of Presidents (right next door.)

You can watch this new show with Disney Vloggers, The Jones Family, on their day at Magic Kingdom Park.

You can find the Muppets around the Walt Disney World Resort, including at Muppet Vision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Muppet Mobile Lab at Epcot using popping in around the World Showcase near Spaceship Earth.

Do you love the Muppets?  Who is your favorite character?