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Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

Disney Parks Podcast Show #829- Disney New For The Week Of August 19, 2024

August 21, 2024 By Tony Caselnova

Disney Parks Podcast Show #829- Disney New For The Week Of August 19, 2024

In today’s show, we have news about Broadway-Caliber Stage Shows on the Disney Treasure & Disney Destiny, New Tiger Lily scene now in Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom, headline News and so much more.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #827- Disney New For The Week Of August 5, 2024

August 7, 2024 By Tony Caselnova

 

Disney Parks Podcast Show #827- Disney New For The Week Of August 5, 2024

In today’s show, we have news about New Skipper’s Adventure Mug Coming to Disneyland, Extended Evening Hours Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Fall 2024, headline News and so much more. 

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #827- Disney New For The Week Of August 5, 2024

Disney Parks Podcast Show #826- Disney New For The Week Of July 29 2024

July 31, 2024 By Tony Caselnova

 

Disney Parks Podcast Show #826- Disney New For The Week Of July 29 2024

In today’s show, we have news about Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Menu Revealed, Disney Imagineering Files Second Permit for EPCOT Test Track Revamp, headline News and so much more.

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #826- Disney New For The Week Of July 29 2024

Disney Parks Podcast Show #824- Disney New For The Week Of July 08 2024

July 11, 2024 By Tony Caselnova

 

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. 

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  • Disney Parks Podcast Show #824- Disney New For The Week Of July 08 2024

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

 

Take A Road Trip For Your Next WDW Vacation

September 20, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

Welcome Home!

As many of us have learned over the past year, things can change pretty quickly! From learning about the end of Magical Express (as we knew it) on January 1st, 2022, it’s subsequent replacement option – provided by Mears –  and even looking to the airlines themselves with flights often getting changed or cancelled at the last moment, many are opting to forego air travel and take on the adventure of a Road Trip!! Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and “Need To Know” tips when considering a drive to your WDW vacation.

 

~ Pros To Driving ~

Depending on where you live, driving can be a great advantage, especially with the struggles many airlines are facing right now.

~ You are in charge of your schedule – Choose the time and day that’s best for you to leave. Check out the routes beforehand, and see how long the trip will be for you to see what works best for you and your family.

~ Take a Break – When the kids (or adults!) get a little antsy, pull over and take a little break. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee and regroup before hitting the open road again. There’s no constraints and limits within the airport or the plane. And don’t forget to stop at the Florida Welcome Center!

~ Overpack – There’s no need to worry about bringing that extra pair of shoes – or anything else for that matter. No measuring or weighing your luggage. Pack whatever you need (or even what you don’t need) without worries of size or space. And be prepared for a chilly spell with a set of warm clothes that can take up a lot of extra luggage space.

~ Save Money – While this is definitely something that needs to be looked into based on each families situation, many can save money by driving instead of flying. Instead of purchasing airline tickets for each family member, by traveling in one vehicle, even the cost of gas can be a significant savings.

~ Save Time – While on property instead of waiting for Disney transportation, you can hop in your vehicle and drive. Resort guests don’t pay extra for parking at the theme parks. And you can easily access and enjoy some of the incredible restaurants located at the different resorts across WDW property.

 

~ Things To Know ~

With all the advantages to driving, there are some things to keep in mind before loading up the car.

~ Extra Vacation Days – For many, vacation time is limited. You’ll need to add extra travel time, so keep that in mind and determine if that is doable for you and your schedule.

~ Resort Parking Fees – The resorts at WDW (along with many others, including off property hotels) do charge a nightly fee. Currently they are : Value Resort $15 per night, Moderate Resort $20 per night, and Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts $25 per night (these fees can change at any time). This fee is charged to your resort folio on the last night of your stay.

~ Keep them occupied – Pick up little things to keep the kids busy on the drive. Travel games, like these bingo cards can be found numerous place online and even your local dollar store!

 

 

 

Truthfully, there are many advantages to driving for your WDW vacation. If you have questions or are looking for help deciding which way to travel, reach out to Destinations To Travel and your agent can help you figure out what will work best for you and your family!

Let us know –

Do you drive or fly to WDW? Have you considered (or will you now) making your next vacation a road trip?

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios 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.

INFO: Top 5 Walt Disney World Resorts for the Holidays

August 16, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

Courtesy of Disney

Christmas is Almost Here!

Walt Disney World recently announced the coming of the most anticipated holiday celebration of the year – Christmas! Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours will take to the streets of Magic Kingdom Park this year! We cannot wait to see the parade, fireworks, the snowfall on Main Street, and, of course, Santa Clause! 

Since we’re in the booking season for a holiday getaway (even for 2022), I’d like to share with you my Top 5 Walt Disney World Resorts for a stay during the holidays.

#5 Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Though not as decked to the halls as deluxe resorts, this is one special, value resort where you can get a taste of Christmas at a reasonable price. By taste, I’m referring to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, which is easily accessible from this Skyliner hotel. Yet, there’s more to the Pop than meets the eye – it has the most awesome retro holiday décor that brings us all back to those old Polaroid pictures around grandma’s silver Christmas tree.

#4 Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. As a moderate resort, the Riverside offers a budget-friendly stay at Walt Disney World for the holidays. The setting recalls the pleasantries of a Southern comfort, country holiday. If you want to see Christmas a tad more jazzed up, you can just walk on over to the French Quarter. Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts are just a ferry ride away from Disney Springs- home of endless holiday shopping, entertainment, and the ever popular Christmas Tree Stroll – making it an even more ideal choice for the holidays.

Gingerbread Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club

Life-Size Chocolate Stitch by Emilee Biegel

Christmas Railway Diorama at Disney’s Yacht Club by Mike Beyer

#3 & #2 Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. These sister resorts equally deserve a spot on the list, and, since they are attached, I have paired them together. Though connected to each other, the two resorts elicit a very different feel of Christmas, with the Yacht Club starring as the most unique. At the Yacht Club, a Christmas railway diorama takes center stage with a Disney Christmas Village and beloved characters getting ready for the holidays around the tracks. Equally impressive are the model ships and boats that deck the trees throughout the resort. The Beach Club implores your sense of both sight and smell, as the scent of gingerbread wafts the halls, leading you to the stunning Gingerbread Carousel which changes in theming every year! What’s more, both resorts are a stroll away from EPCOT’s World Showcase where you can experience the holidays celebrated around the Lagoon.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Lobby by Melissa Reed

#1 Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This is, beyond any doubt, the quintessential holiday resort at Walt Disney World. It’s cozy, rustic, woodsy – a typical winter getaway. I know I could stay in the grand lobby all day, looking up at the magnificent 60ft tree, and rock the night away on a rocking chair by the crackling, warm fire. You will feel worlds away from everything, yet it’s only a short ferry ride to the festivities at Magic Kingdom Park. One especially festive touch found only at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the nearby Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, are the horse-drawn holiday sleigh rides! Board a festive, decorated sleigh for a ride through scenic trails in the secluded woodlands of Fort Wilderness  – no other resort can top that for the holidays, right?

 

Keep in mind, resort hopping is a holiday tradition that allows you to see all the wonderful decorations that each of the resorts display during this most wonderful time of year. That said, no matter where you stay, you can always set aside a day to take in all the sights, sounds, and scents of the holidays at Walt Disney World!

 

Which Walt Disney World Resort hotel do you prefer for your stay during the holiday season?

 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
                                                                                                                        Find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.
Special thanks to fellow travel agents, Mike Beyer, Emilee Biegel, and Melissa Reed. You can find them on Facebook:
  Destinations To Travel – Mike Beyer;  Destinations To Travel with Emilee Jaworowski-Biegel; Destinations To Travel with Melissa Reed.

 

Why EPCOT IS A Perfect Park For Families

July 26, 2021 By Tony Caselnova

It breaks my heart that one of the most overlooked parks is EPCOT – especially by those with children. Often viewed as an “adult” park, (mainly due to the idea of  “Drinking Around The World”) there are so many edutainment opportunities that are often overlooked or forgotten about. From Future World, to World Showcase, there’s an abundance of opportunities to learn and explore for both adults and children alike! Here are a few reasons why a day at EPCOT is not to be overlooked.

 

~Future World~

Spaceship Earth – The iconic geodesic sphere that greets many guests as they enter the park

Future World – This iconic feature is the first vision of many guests as they enter the park, and it hosts a ride that takes you through time and the evolution of communication. But in addition to this beautiful attraction, Future World hosts The Land Pavillion – home to the immensely popular “Soarin’ Around The World”. Also found here is “Living With The Land” – a leisurely boat ride that focuses on agriculture and takes you through the 4 working greenhouses that help supply some of the restaurants on property! You can pop over and spend some time with Nemo and Friends at the “The Seas with Nemo” – an adorable ride that takes you below the water. In addition, you can visit SeaBase, which hosts rehabilitating manatees among other undersea creatures, and includes a 360 degree view of sea life when you “enter” the aquarium. Make sure you secure a reservation at Coral Reef Restaurant, with floor to ceiling viewing windows to the aquarium – Best View in town! Looking for some excitement? Head to Mission Space and choose either the Orange or Green Mission, and then take a drive on Test Track!

 

~World Showcase~

The Stunning Moracco Pavillion in EPCOT’s World Showcase

After exploring Future World, head over to World Showcase! With 11 countries represented, there is no shortage of incredible (and beautiful) places to explore –  and learn about! This is a great way for those children that may need to write a report about something they learned while absent from school. There are Scavenger Hunts available for families to take part in,  and of course the rides – the ever popular “Frozen Ever After” found in Norway, “The Grand Fiesta Tour” inside the Mexico Pavillion, and “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” (coming October 1, 2021) in France!

 

~Food, Food, FOOD!~

Regal Eagle Smokehouse at The American Pavillion

It was almost as though much of this park was thought out with families in mind… especially those with young children who aren’t quite adventurous eaters. The numerous Festivals (Arts, Flower and Garden, Food and Wine & Holidays) offer a vast array of opportunities to sample small plates from around the world – on a snack budget! The Table Service options available in every “country” cannot be beat whether you want to eat in Japan, Germany or Mexico. And the Quick Service options, also available in each country, make sure that every person in your party will never go hungry (*PS – The Mac and Cheese at Regal Eagle Smokehouse is AMAZING!!)

 

EPCOT is truly a park to EXPLORE, not just visit. Take your time, soak it all in. I promise, if given the chance, you and your family can find a newfound adoration for all this park has to offer. Looking for assistance in planning your next WDW vacation? Reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel!

Tell Us, is EPCOT a must do park for you and your family, or do you pass it by?

Will it be in your plans for next time?

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios 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.

 

 

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