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Making Memories on a Budget

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Let’s get right to the point. Vacations are not at the top of many peoples “Priority List”, and in all honesty they aren’t cheap.  And, I get it! We all have bills that come first, so that much desired trip to WDW tends to get put on the back burner. While I wish I could wave a pixie dust filled wand and make everyones trip the cost of the change we find in the laundry, I can’t… BUT I can give you a few tips to help make a dream come true trip a reality and a little easier on the wallet!

 

~BOOK EARLY~

    Call as soon as the idea hits!

I cannot stress this enough. BOOK EARLY! When you book your vacation as soon as your desired travel dates are available, you are locking in those rates. To secure your vacation, all it takes is a $200, refundable deposit! Prices can go up at any time, without notice. But you will keep your lower rates. My favorite part of this is, it also allows you more time to save!

 

~WATCH FOR PROMOTIONS~

             Keep Your Eyes Peeled

While nothing is guaranteed, even WDW occasionally does release money saving promotions. A promotion can be applied to your existing reservation. Simply call and speak to a Cast Member (or if you are using the FREE services from our friends at Destinations To Travel, they will do it for you!) and see if your package qualifies!

 

~GIFT CARDS~

Use Discounted Gift Cards or ask for them as gifts!

Disney Gift Cards are a fantastic (and often overlooked) way to budget for your WDW Vacation. You can even find them at a discount using your Red Card at Target, as well as other locations such as some wholesale stores (BJs, etc). While the discount may not seem like much at the time, those savings add up… quick! Gift Cards can be applied as payment on your vacation package, as well as for food and merchandise at the resorts, in the parks and at most locations at Disney Springs. * Bonus Tip – If your family is looking for gift ideas for Christmas or Birthdays, ask them for a gift card!

I truly believe everyone deserves time away and something to look forward to. By working a “vacation fund” right into your budget and following the tips above, it can be done. And with plenty of time to experience the INCREDIBLE 18 Month Long 50th Anniversary Celebration! How will you Make Memories This year?

Do you have a favorite budgeting tip? Please share with us in the comments below!

photo credit : Disney

 

If a trip to WDW to celebrate the 50th Anniversary with Mickey and friends is on your mind, I would love to help! You can find me on Facebook at Destinations to Travel with Christina Smith, request a FREE, No Obligation Quote here, or join in the fun in our group Living The Magical Life.

INFO: Bringing Your Pet to Disney World

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If there’s one positive outcome of the pandemic, it’s the surge of pet adoptions over the past year, right? Maybe you’re one of the many who now have a four-legged best friend that kept you from insanity as we all stayed indoors.
Now, the part you didn’t think through when you adopted: how to go on vacation. Better yet, a Disney vacation. You may have heard some horror stories from the local pet hotel (Cruella is real!), or there’s no one available to watch Fido while you go on your Disney getaway (they really just don’t want the responsibility). Now what?
Alas! Worry not! There are a select few Disney resorts that have dog-friendly accommodations! 
There are a few restrictions. Dogs are the only pets allowed (sorry cat lovers). Have two dogs? That’s ok, as two is the maximum permitted per room. Also, other than service animals, dogs are not allowed in any of the theme parks nor common areas at your resort (restaurants, pools, etc.). Yet, your dog can stay at your room, which will have access to designated spaces and walkways for pet relief and exercise. You’ll even receive a special welcome- dogs and their owners are greeted with a Pluto’s Welcome Kit! How sweet is that? The kit includes a mat, bowls, puppy pads, dog walking maps, and more. There’s even a “Do Not Disturb” Pluto door hanger to alert staff that your pampered pooch needs privacy.
More important facts to know:
  • Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room for more than seven hours, and must remain silent
  • Housekeeping services must be scheduled while you are in the room
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times
  • Furniture is off-limits in public areas
  • Vaccinations must be up-to-date and documents at hand
  • Dog food is not provided
Resorts with designated rooms for families with dogs are: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Interested in Disney’s campsites? Simply request a pet-friendly loop ($5 per night). Additional charges apply per night for each resort, starting at $50 per night. 
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is both cat and dog friendly, yet their policy limits to only one pet up to 25lbs.
Don’t forget to alert your Disney resort of your four-legged guest (or leave that to your Disney Travel Agent), and be sure to bring a pet carrier if using transportation.
Note, only service animals are permitted on the monorail, skyliner, and boats. 

Best Friends Pet Hotel

Best Friends Pet Hotel

Afraid your dog won’t behave if left alone while you have fun at the parks? Best Friends Pet Hotel may be a better option. The animal care facility at Disney World welcomes other small animal friends as well. There are web cams that allow pet owners to check in on their pet, and side yards for popping in on their dogs as well. VIP Suites include a television, raised bedding, and a private yard. Boarding starts at $47, and daycare starts at $28 per day.

 Have you ever brought your pet on a Disney vacation? Would you consider it for your next trip?

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Disney Parks Podcast Show #693 – Disney News for the Week of February 15, 2021

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #693 – Disney News for the Week of February 15, 2021

In today’s show, we have news about Walt Disney Imagineering and ABC team up for a new interactive series, Walt Disney Animation debuts a special look at ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’, key takeaways from Disney’s first quarter, headline news, meet-ups, trivia and so much more.
Continue Reading …

By Bus, Boat or Skyliner – SUPER Ways To Travel Around WDW

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Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World knows how much planning is involved. If you haven’t been there yet… buckle up for the best experience ever! But even the most experienced WDW visitor can still have questions about the one thing we can easily overlook… How to get from point A to point B. Disney Transportation is by far the most magical way to travel around the “World”.  From arrival day to the day you leave and head back to reality, you don’t have to worry about how to get around. Here are the common forms of transportation, and where you can find them!

 

 

~Bus Transportation~

                   Resort Bus Transportation

As an on property guest, you have access to bus transportation to and from the parks and Disney Springs from most resorts. Simply head to the marked area at your resort and get whisked away to your reserved park or Disney Springs! At the end of the day, look for your resorts bus stop, and have a worry free trip back “home” (and yes, it’s ok if you take a little nap on the way back to your resort).

 

~Skyliner~

                                  Skyliner

The newest (and for many, the most fun) form of transportation is the Skyliner Gondolas. The skyliner route includes POP Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach and Riviera resorts. If you are staying at any one of these, the skyliner will be your best form of transportation to and from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The main hub is located at Caribbean Beach, so depending on which resort you are coming from, you will transfer to a new line depending on your destination. One of the best parts of this form of transportation is the stunning views you can see along your journey… especially at night!

*If you have travelers in your party who struggle with heights, be aware that if staying at a resort on the skyliner route, it is a possibility that busses MAY not be available to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. For free, expert assistance with choosing which Resort is right for you and your family, we recommend reaching out to Destinations To Travel

 

~Friendship Boats~

                         Friendship Boats

Friendship Boats are available to certain resorts and will shuttle you to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs (depending on your location). These are ideal for a relaxing, trip back to your resort after a long day of playing in the parks!

 

Of course there are many who prefer to drive themselves or rent a car to get around. Resort guests do not pay to park while at the parks (however there is a nightly resort parking fee). And a ridesharing service has become a popular option for many as well.

Tell us, which form of Disney Transportation is your favorite?

If you have questions about Disney Transportation or are ready to start planning your WDW vacation, I would love to assist you! Reach out to me on Facebook at Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith. Or we would love to have you join us in Living The Magical Life. I’m looking forward to Seeing You Real Soon!

 

 

 

INFO: Character Dining Outside the Parks

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One experience that seems to appear on everyone’s must-do list during a Walt Disney World vacation is character dining. Many people pair that experience with a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom. The two go hand-in-hand, and though the latter should be done at least once in life (yes, that should be on your bucket list whether you love Disney or not), it isn’t the only dining location where one can meet Cinderella, or any character for that matter.

Since the start of the pandemic, many restaurants are still temporarily unavailable. Add the need for a Park Pass in the process- the planning involved in making a reservation can easily become an overwhelming task. How to make your vacation simpler? Look into dining experiences outside the parks.

Character dining has been modified for the sake of social distancing, amongst other COVID restrictions. Rather than stopping by tables for hugs, photos and autographs, characters now march on through the restaurants as a cavalcade. Autographs are presented at the table, usually, on a card before the end of the meal. Meals that were once served as a buffet are now brought to the table either family style or with a prix fixe menu instead. Despite all of this, a character dining experience should be enjoyed during your stay, especially if little ones (and young ones at heart) are part of your travelling party. 

The following are all the places you can find yourself dining with a character outside the parks- some even rarely seen anywhere else! Note: Advance reservations strongly recommended. For booking at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, call (407) 313-6161. Experiences with an asterisk (*)  are currently unavailable during the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resorts and restaurants. 

 

Chef Mickey’s Family Feast

Location: Chef Mickey’s, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Highlight: Celebration Mickey Pancake, Loaded Potato Cheese Casserole, Harvest Sweet Rolls

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Mickey, Donald Duck, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals

Location: Ravello, Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Saturdays only.

Highlight: Meals include Bakery Basket and Sliced Fruit.

Price: Adult $48/Child ages 12 and under $28

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

Breakfast a la Art with Mickey and Friends. Riviera Resort. Photos by Destinations to Travel with Jenni Maier

 

 

Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends

Location: Topolino’s Terrace, Disney’s Riviera Resort

Highlight: Meals include bakery basket

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy Duck

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

 

*Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast

Location: Cape May Café, Disney’s Beach Club

Highlight: Mickey Waffles, Chocolate Pancakes

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy Duck

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

 

*Best Friends Breakfast feat. Lilo & Stitch

Location: ‘Ohana, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Highlight: Hawaiian Pork Sausages and Ham, Island-Style Fried Potatoes

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Lilo and Stitch

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

 

Prince Eric at Trattoria al Forno. Photo by Destinations To Travel with Tina Farmer.

*Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast

Location: Trattoria al Forno, Disney’s Boardwalk

Highlight: Flounder’s Flapjacks, Steak & Eggs, Poached Eggs w/Sausage, Polenta, & Focaccia

Price: Varies

Characters: Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

 

 

The Evil Queen, Story Book Dining at Artist Point. Photo by Destinations To Travel with Tina Farmer.

*Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Location: Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Highlight: Shared Appetizers and Shared Desserts

Price: Adult $60/Child ages 9 and under $39

Characters: Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, and the Evil Queen

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

This last location has 3 Character Dining Experiences…

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner, and Wonderland Tea Party

Location: 1900 Park Fare, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

1900 Park Fare. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Photo by Destinations To Travel with Katie Prevot.

 

*The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast includes character visits from Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh.

Price: Adult $45/Child ages 9 and under $29

*Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner presents Cinderella and Prince Charming with a worldly menu.

Price: Adult $60/Child ages 9 and under $39

*Wonderland Tea Party is a dining and crafts event for children ages 4 to 12, Monday through Friday, from 2-3pm. Features Alice in Wonderland and The Mad Hatter.

Price: Child $49.

 

 

Have you dined at any of the locations listed? Would any of these replace the iconic Cinderella’s Royal Table at Cinderella’s Castle?

Where have you enjoyed the best character dining experience?

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Special Thanks to fellow colleagues and independent travel agents at Destinations To Travel for their collaboration with photographs from their own travels!