#disneygram Archives | Disney Parks Podcast

Making Memories on a Budget

March 1, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

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.

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

February 15, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

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!

Experience The Magic of A Couples Excursion To WDW

February 1, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

It seems that as adulthood sets in, many people believe their time has come and gone to experience all this wonderful place has to offer. But for those of us that refuse to grow up, I assure you that is NOT the case! Don’t believe me? Let me show you.

~Choose Your Ideal Resort~

Sunrise over Port Orleans Riverside

On Property Disney Resorts are not “one size fits all”. And planning as a couple can actually open up a whole new realm of possibilities. While Value Resorts offer wonderful, nostalgic memories, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts offer a more mature (and romantic) setting. This is a great time to watch a sunrise over Port Orleans Riverside, enjoy overlooking a safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or watch the sunset over Magic Kingdom with a drink in hand on the “beach” at the Polynesian!

~ Experience Incredible Dining~

The Ultimate Dining Experience

Whether you are looking to expand your palette or just love food, you can experience dining on a whole new level on a couples trip. Enjoy Signature Dining without worrying what’s on the kids menu. Want to really splurge? Treat yourselves to Victoria & Alberts (a AAA 5 Diamond restaurant) located in the Grand Floridian. Maybe even spend some time sampling drinks from around the World (Showcase, that is) at Epcot. No matter what your preference, let your adult inner foodie out!

~Enjoy Real Downtime~

Enjoy Your Resort

You finally started your much deserved vacation. You’ve planned for months (or maybe you had free, expert assistance from our friends at Destinations To Travel). It’s tempting to GO, GO, GO… especially at WDW… but HOLD BACK. Yes, I said hold back! It’s important to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks together. Spend time enjoying your resort & the pool. Head over and experience evening adult entertainment at Disney Springs. Maybe even sleep in one morning! With no little ones in tow you have the freedom to take everything at a leisurely pace. It IS a vacation, after all!

~Take In All The Details~

Painstaking detail in Animal Kingdom

Enjoying WDW as a couple allows you to not only enjoy time together, but reconnect with each other on a totally different level. While taking the time to appreciate the many intricate details the Imagineers have painstakingly put into place, you get to experience the childlike happiness in each other when the magic hits. A couples trip to Walt Disney World is truly a whole new level of MAGICAL!

Tell us, have you ever done a couples trip to Walt Disney World? What was your favorite part of the experience?

If planning a future couples trip to WDW is on your radar the Valentine’s Day, I would love to assist you! Reach out to me on Facebook at Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or join us in Living The Magical Life. And be sure to “stay tuned” as we explore more on resorts, restaurants and experiences for adulting in Walt Disney World!