All the Disney Parks in One Podcast
Disney Parks Podcast Show #830- Disney New For The Week Of August 26, 2024
In today’s show, we have news about Disney Imagination Garden, New Features Revealed! Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, headline News and so much more.
Disney Parks Podcast Show #824- Disney New For The Week Of July 08 2024
In today’s show, we have news about New Funnel Suite and More Coming to the Disney Dream this Fall, 2024 EPCOT Eat to the Beat Concert Series Lineup, Dear Disney segment, headline News and so much more.
Disney Parks Podcast Show #822- Disney New For The Week Of June 24, 2024
In today’s show, we have news about Disneyland Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets Go on Sale Next Week, Fantasy Springs Opens at Tokyo DisneySea, Dear Disney segment, headline News and so much more.
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
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!
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
~ Raglan Road
~ The Edison
~ Maria and Enzos
~ Earl Of Sandwich *(Holiday Turkey Sandwich)
Liberty Tree Tavern
~ Restaurantosaurus
~ Satu’li Canteen
~ Tiffins
~ Tusker House
~ Liberty Tree Tavern
~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.
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.
“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.
This summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters.” This limited-time concert event will showcase memorable music from Pixar Animation Studios films, complete with a live orchestra and appearances by beloved Disney•Pixar characters.
Starting May 26, “The Music of Pixar LIVE!” will be presented three times nightly at Theater of the Stars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (following the regular daily performances of “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage”). The show will also feature highlights from some of Pixar’s greatest scores, from films like “Toy Story” to “Cars 3.” Guests can also expect appearances by Woody, Jessie, Mike and Sulley, the Incredibles and more.
Stay Tuned for More info!
The Japanese beef known as “wagyu” is famed for its soft, buttery texture, high marbling ratio and superior taste. For steak lovers, it’s often attested that there is no better steak experience than wagyu. In February 2016, Matsusaka beef, the ultimate within the Japanese beef industry, was directly imported from the Matsusaka Region of Mie Prefecture, Japan and introduced at Capa restaurant at
“I’m very happy to partner again with the Matsusaka Region, as the strength of its flavour and delectable fattiness makes it like the ‘dessert’ of beef,” says Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi. “Japanese wagyu meets extremely specific characteristics and must come from one specific breed. I love to share this exceptional meat with our guests.”
For ten evenings, February 10 through 20, 2017, the Matsusaka beef is available at Capa, in a special tasting called “From Matsusaka with Love” – perfect for Valentine’s Day. The tasting menu is offered for USD 225 per couple, including a trio of wood-grilled special grade Matsusaka beef: 3-ounce strip loin, 3-ounce tenderloin and 3-ounce ribeye. An optional wine pairing is available, as well as the full Capa menu for choice of a la carte side dishes.
Matsusaka beef from Mie Prefecture has been recognised and honoured with the highest rankings for decades in the Japanese beef market.
By definition, Matsusaka beef cattle can only be virgin female cows of the Japanese black wagyu variety that have spent the majority of their lifespan, up till the time of slaughter, in Matsusaka City and its surrounding area and are registered under the Matsusaka Beef Identification and Management System. Some cattle farmers provide beer to cows to stimulate their appetites and give them thorough massages to improve blood circulation and encourage even fat distribution. Many farms raise their cows in individual rooms so they can be finely managed and assure a comfortable, stress-free life for their cows. Matsusaka beef producers spare no effort to produce the highest quality, richest, most finely dispersed marbling possible while managing their cows on a day to day basis. The rich marbling results in an exquisite taste.
Reservations to experience the Matsusaka beef tasting for two at Capa can be made by calling 407 313 6161.
