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Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

Transportation Options For Your Next WDW Trip

February 4, 2022 By Tony Caselnova

Welcome Home!

With the departure of our beloved Magical Express, many were left wondering – What Now? But happily we can assure you, there are plenty of options still available to get you to and from the airport, safe and sound, even if there is a small cost involved. Here we’ll show you some of what is available, or when you book with an agent at Destinations To Travel, they can help you decide which option fits you and your family the best!

 

~MEARS CONNECT~

Mears Connect offers 2 Options

Mears Connect offers 2 options for transportation between MCO and your WDW Resort – Standard and Express. STANDARD SERVICE is a shared service with a monitored wait time, and limited stops. EXPRESS SERVICE offers a limited wait time, and a direct shared service (not considered a private service). Keep in mind both of these options do require you to retrieve your luggage and take it with you upon arrival to MCO. You can prearrange your transportation (or have your Travel Agent take care of this for you) so you can all set to go. Prices vary depending on number of guests and which option you choose.

 

~SUNSHINE FLYER~

Sunshine Flyer offers a fun take on traditional transportation (photo credit: Sunshine Flyer)

Sunshine Flyer brings the fun of the 1920’s rail travel. With its wrapped busses and drivers and staff dressed as engineers and conductors, no two vehicle designs will be the same, so you can experience a new photo opportunity and way to travel each time you use it. They offer either round trip or one way shuttle service. Current prices are: ROUND TRIP – $35/adult, $25/child (age 3-8) or ONE WAY – $17/adult, $12.50/child (age 3-8). Children under 2 can travel on the lap of an adult for free.

 

~PRIVATE TRANSFERS~

Private Transfers now available to add to your WDW resort reservation

Recently it was announced that Private Transportation can be added right into your WDW Resort Package! There are many options available, depending on the size and needs of your family. Note that this can be connected to your existing reservation once you have your flight information all set. Simply call and have it added, or let your Travel agent know and they can arrange it for you. Another advantage to consider is the ability to arrange this option for other airports, such as Sanford. So depending on your preferred airline, this is a great option to have at your disposal. Prices may be a little higher, but isn’t it nice to arrive in style?

 

~RIDESHARE~

Uber or Lyft may fit your needs

Of course there is always the good ol standby of using Uber/Lyft services. This option certainly gives you the most flexibility and control over your transportation, and for some, can be the most cost effective route to take. Keep in mind that your cannot pre schedule a pickup from the airport, but you can pre arrange to be picked up from your resort to head back. By booking your return trip in advance, you can usually lock in better prices.

 

There are certainly plenty of options to choose from, and there is one that will fit your families style (and budget!) available. Do we miss our Magical Express? YES! But who’s to say we won’t find a new favorite?

Have you used any of these transportation options yet? Tell us which one, and how was YOUR experience?

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney Destination, Universal Studios, or Cruise vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith

 

16 Restaurants Around WDW To Enjoy A Traditional Thanksgiving Feast

November 8, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

 

As the “forgotten holiday” of Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I wanted to give this Fun, Family and Food Filled day a little bit of love. The week surrounding this holiday is generally one of the busiest weeks of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, and while nothing is impossible, your best option if you want to visit the parks during this week is to book early ( as in, prepare this year for next). With these higher crowds comes higher demand for dining. Many WANT that traditional Thanksgiving Feast, and reservations can be hard to snag, but here is a list of 16 places all across WDW property where you and your family can enjoy a traditional meal – maybe even some you never knew about!

 

~RESORTS~

Coronado Springs Resort

 

~ Coronado Springs Resort : Toledo, Three Bridges Bar and Grill

~ All Star Resorts : Intermission Food Court, World Premier Food Court

~ Boardwalk Resort : Trattoria al Forno

~ Riviera Resort : Toppolinos Terrace

 

~DISNEY SPRINGS~

Disney Springs

 

~ Raglan Road

~ The Edison

~ Maria and Enzos

~ Earl Of Sandwich *(Holiday Turkey Sandwich)

 

~IN THE PARKS~

Liberty Tree Tavern

 

~Animal Kingdom~

~ Restaurantosaurus

~ Satu’li Canteen

~ Tiffins

~ Tusker House

~Magic Kingdom~

~ Liberty Tree Tavern

~Hollywood Studios~

~Hollywood and Vine

 

And of course, there’s always the option of enjoying a Turkey Leg! Stop by Yak & Yeti (Animal Kingdom), Tortuga Tavern, Prince Eric’s Village Market, Liberty Square Market (Magic Kingdom), or Fife and Drum Tavern (EPCOT) for one of these park staples.

*Pro Tip – If you don’t immediately get the reservation you want, don’t give up! As Thanksgiving Day approaches, more restaurants often reveal holiday menus, and quite often reservations open up and become available.

It’s never too soon to start planning a Thanksgiving Vacation to WDW. By staying on property, you can have an edge with your reservation window opening 60 days prior to check-in, and allowing you to book dining for the entire length of your stay! And you can even get help with getting those reservations for FREE when you book with one of the agents at Destinations To Travel.

Have you ever enjoyed a Thanksgiving Trip To WDW? Where did you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day Meal? Tell us your MUST DO Holiday Dining choice!

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney Destination, Universal Studios, or Cruise vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.

3 Must Do Steps After Booking Your WDW Vacation

May 5, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

“WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD”!!! It’s always exciting to say those words! Now, whether you are a First Time visitor to Walt Disney World, an “Old Pro” or if you haven’t been in a while, there have been many changes to the way we plan our magical trip. Technology keeps changing and bringing us new things, along with the many changes that have had to be made due to the pandemic. The best thing you can do is be in the know on how to get off to a great start. By doing these 3 things upon booking your trip, you’ll be more than halfway there!

 

~Download the MyDisneyExperience App~

If you haven’t traveled to WDW before, you’ll want to download the MyDisneyExperience (MDE) app to your phone. Here is where you can link your reservation, see your plans, make dining reservations, do online check in, and even set up MagicMobile! This will be your most valuable tool in not just PLANNING your trip, but while you are in the parks. *It is also important to note that when logging in, use ANY current Disney log in information you have. The Walt Disney World Website, shopDisney, Disney+ and MDE will all use the same username and password you already have.

 

~Visit MyDisneyExperience.com~

My Disney Experience on your Computer or Laptop

After you have your app set up, your next visit will be to your computer or laptop. Go to the My Disney Experience page and get a grand over view. Here you can order your MagicBands, and double check everything is set up properly. While this site does offer all the same features as the MDE App, this area is a bit more detailed and laid out with the ability to see All your plans on 1 page. Here is where THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR TRIP PLANNING COMES IN, and it must be done via your laptop/computer (currently not available on the app).

 

~MAKE PARK RESERVATIONS~

Click on the link to make your park reservations immediately upon booking

 

This is absolutely the MOST important step… you MUST have both a Valid Ticket AND Park Reservations to enter any of the theme parks. It is not uncommon to see some parks unavailable for certain days, so it is recommended to select your parks and secure those reservations right away. While initially this may seem like an extra step, trust me… knowing that you are guarenteed access to the park of your choice, without getting turned away due to capacity limits, is really nice! If you’re looking for assistance in planning a course of action or which parks are best to visit on which days, we suggest reaching out to our friends at Destinations to Travel to book your trip and have them by your side each step of the way, including walking you through the process.

Park availability calendar

*Note that currently, due to a waiver, park reservations must be made by the reservation holder and cannot be secured by a travel agent*

 

Things may be a little different, but change is not always bad. Follow these steps and the rest of the planning for your trip will be a breeze!

~Have you been to WDW since the Park Reservation System was introduced? What do you think?~

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner! Email : christinasmith@d2travel.com . Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram. 

Disney Parks Podcast Show #327 – Disney News For The Week Of November 22, 2016

November 24, 2016 By Tony Caselnova

dpp-327bDisney Parks Podcast Show #327 – Disney News For The Week Of November 22, 2016

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss the D23: Destination D Amazing Adventures announcements, new offerings at Epcot, Disneyland at Hong Kong and Tokyo, and much more.

Don’t miss our Infotainment Show this Saturday! 

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #327 – Disney News For The Week Of November 22, 2016

Disney Parks Podcast Show #325 – Disney News For The Week Of November 8, 2016

November 9, 2016 By Tony Caselnova

dpp-325aDisney Parks Podcast Show #325 – Disney News For The Week Of November 8, 2016

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss Christmas at Disneyland Paris, Big Hero Six, Holiday programming for Disney TV, and so much more.

Don’t miss our Infotainment Show this Friday! 

Pick up a copy of Dining at Disney’s new Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Guide today and use DPP at checkout and save 20%!

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #325 – Disney News For The Week Of November 8, 2016

Disney Parks Podcast Show #324 – Interview with Steve Sanders and His Trip to Shanghai Disneyland Resort

November 4, 2016 By Tony Caselnova

dpp-324bDisney Parks Podcast Show #322 – 10 Ways to Enjoy Walt Disney World Resort During The Holidays

In this episode of the Disney Parks Podcast, Tony and Parkhopper John interview Steve Sanders about his recent trip to Shanghai Disneyland Resort.

Don’t miss our News Show this Wednesday! 

Pick up a copy of Dining at Disney’s new Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Guide today and use DPP at checkout and save 20%!

Continue Reading …

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #324 – Interview with Steve Sanders and His Trip to Shanghai Disneyland Resort

Disney Parks Podcast HALLOWEEN Show LIVE

October 31, 2016 By Tony Caselnova

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Join Tony and Parkhopper John as they celebrate Halloween with prizes and give-aways!  Plus they record the weekly Disney Parks Podcast!


Disney Parks Podcast LIVE Show – October 19

October 19, 2016 By Tony Caselnova

Come join Parkhopper John and Tony Caselnova as they discuss the news and rumors from around the world of Disney Parks and Resorts!


 

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