Question of the Week

What is the best time of year for a Disney vacation?

Orlando is often listed as a top choice for family vacations any time of the year. Walt Disney World and other area attractions draw countless families each year and it is easy to understand why. Families appreciate that there is something for everyone on a Disney vacation.

As a Disney vacation specialist, I often have families ask, “When is the best time to plan a Disney vacation?”  My top recommendations for families looking for a great time to visit Disney are early May and October if you are looking for a good balance between mild weather and manageable crowd levels. If you are looking for the absolute least expensive and least crowded time to plan your Disney vacation, consider January and early February.

Changes coming to mickeymagic.net

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well.  I know I have not posted a lot lately and I apologize for that.  I am excited to announce that the Miller family is expecting our second child this September.  The first couple months were a little rough, but I am feeling a lot better now and I am looking forward to updating my Mickey Magic blog.

In the next several weeks, you will see some changes to how mickeymagic.net looks.   Some of the additions you can look forward to are a current list of special offers, a page with useful links to help you plan your Disney vacation, and a FAQ page.   In the meantime, consider visiting me at my facebook page – www.facebook.com/amymiller.mmt– to stay up-to-date on the latest news, tips, and special offers.

Have a magical day!

-Amy

A Magical Disney Vacation

I recently booked a trip for a client who decided she wanted to surprise her son with a last-minute birthday trip to Disney World.  She also wanted the little boys grandparents to go if possible.  The problem: her son’s birthday was in three weeks!

This client didn’t really know what exactly she was looking for.  She just knew she wanted her son’s birthday (and first Disney World visit) to be special.

Despite booking this trip only three weeks in advance, I was able to book a room at the All-Star Movies resort for my client, her son, and the grandparents to share.  I was also able to help this client obtain a reservation for a character breakfast at the Animal Kingdom on her sons’ birthday.  Her son is going to be thrilled!

Even though this was a last minute trip, with some effort I was able to find this client what she was looking for.

This particular booking sticks out in my mind because I love the satisfaction of making a client’s dreams come true – especially when the odds are not on our side.  This client thanked me profusely for not giving up on this trip, which is something I would never even think of doing.

The best thing about my job is that I get to help families create magical moments.  I want each and every vacation to be special and I treat each client’s vacation as if it were my own.

Are you ready to plan your own magical Disney experience?  Contact me for more information.

The Magical Memories Travel Difference

I consider myself to be a Disney specialist simply because I know Disney.  I have been working in this niche for over a year, but I have been planning Disney vacations for family and friends for several years.  My services are unique because I customize each vacation to each clients individual wants, needs, and budget.  No “cookie-cutter” vacations here.  I keep up to date on Disney Destinations by participating in Disney’s training and taking advantage of as many Agent Education Programs as possible.  I have been to Disney World more times than I can count and I have sailed on the Disney Cruise Line once (my second cruise will be this December).

When you book a vacation with me, you get the expertise of our entire Magical Memories Travel team.  We are a very close group of agents who share ideas and offer suggestions to one another.  We also have access to many contacts at Disney, which helps me provide you with the most magical vacation possible.  The most important benefit that I provide is that my services don’t stop after you book your vacation.  Whatever you may want or need, I am only a phone call or e-mail away.  This means that before, during, or even after you vacation, I am available to help you in any way possible.

If you are considering traveling to a Disney Destination, please feel free to send me an e-mail at amy.miller@magicalmemoriestravel.com or call me at 484-602-5653 so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.

A Review of Garden Grocer

For years I have heard people talking about Garden Grocer and how you can get groceries delivered directly to your hotel in Orlando.  Over the summer, my family stayed at the Boardwalk Villas and decided we would give Garden Grocer a try since we had a full kitchen.  A few weeks before our trip, we ordered breakfast items, drinks, and snacks.   When we arrived at the Boardwalk Villas, bell services had our order and they delivered it to our room immediately.   As I was putting our bag of groceries away, I noticed that one of our items (donuts) was missing and we had a pack of diapers that we didn’t order.   After a quick call to Garden Grocer, I was told to take the diapers to bell services and they would pick them up the next day when they delivered our donuts.  Sure enough, the next day we stopped by bell services and our donuts were there waiting for us.   While our experience wasn’t perfect,  I was pleased with the way Garden Grocer handled things.   I will definitely order from them for our next big family trip.  They may be a smidgen more expensive than a regular grocery store, but the convenience of eating breakfast in the hotel room before heading out to the parks in the morning was priceless.  Plus we still saved money compared to what we normally spend when we grab breakfast in a restaurant or in the parks.

Interested in placing an order with Garden Grocer for your next trip to Orlando?  Visit www.gardengrocer.com.

The Disney Dream/A Disney Cruise Line Review

The lobby of the Disney Dream

Set sail on the Disney Dream and experience the same enthusiasm and energy you find at the Walt Disney World Resort.   The ship has six themed restaurants, including two for adults only.  Experience Broadway-quality productions, first-run and classic Disney movies, and nightclubs.  Separate areas of the ship were designed exclusively for adults and children.

One of the things that makes the Disney Dream, and the Disney Cruise Line, special is that there is something for everyone.  Adults can take advantage of the adults-only restaurants, swimming pools, and nightclubs.   Children can take part in the excellent children’s programs available.   Of course, there are also plenty of activities that Guests can do as a family.   With the Disney Cruise Line, families can choose how much time to spend together and how much time they want to spend pursuing separate interests.

Staterooms range from downright comfy to absolutely luxurious.  Even the least expensive staterooms are decorated in radiant, warm woods and include a television,  phone, cooler, and in-room safe.  The vibrant and cheery bathrooms include a hair dryer and tub.  Deluxe staterooms include a split bathroom, which makes family travel particularly comfortable, and almost half the staterooms offer a private verandah.  Staterooms that sleep four usually have one queen bed, a single daybed, and a single berth.  They are great for families but not so great for two couples.  At the high-end, the two-bedroom Walter E. and Roy O. Disney suites are a feast for the eyes, decorated with exotic wood paneling and cut crystal.  These luxurious suites even include a whirlpool tub!

The Disney Dream has three pools.  One has a Mickey Mouse motif and waterslide and is intended for families.  The second, a little less elaborate, is also set aside for families.  The third pool is adults-only.  The Disney Dream also offers a play area for toddlers who are not fully potty-trained and who wear swim diapers.  This whimsical venue features spurting water jets, bubble makers and fountains.  Special to the Dream (and the Fantasy) is AquaDuck, a 765 foot water coaster that winds up and down through four decks and even extends over the side of the ship.  The pool area can also can be a stage for deck parties and dancing.

Cruises include all food onboard and lunch at Castaway Cay.  Soft drinks are free at meals and at the beverage station.  Alcoholic beverages are extra.  Each night Guests are assigned to a different dining room.  Royal Palace is the most formal dining room and it also open daily to all for full-service breakfast and lunch.  Enchanted Garden is more causal, and also hosts the breakfast buffets.  Animator’s Palate is an extraordinary room that transforms before your eyes.  Palo is the ship’s intimate, adults-only restaurant with an elegant Italian menu and marvelous service.  You may reserve a table at Palo in advance online or in person on the afternoon that you board, and seats can go quickly.  There is also the adults- only Remy, a fine French restaurant.  Breakfast and lunch buffets and snacks are served on Deck 11.  Fountain drinks are complimentary from the beverage station on Deck 11.

The Disney Dream is a modern cruise ships that calls to mind classic ocean liners, but with instantly recognizable Disney touches.  The interior combines nautical themes with Art Deco inspiration.   The ship has two lower decks with cabins, three decks with dining rooms and show rooms, then five upper decks of cabins.   There are plenty of outdoor public areas to relax in.   All of the private and public areas have extensive childproofing, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones falling overboard.

I would recommend the Disney Dream to anyone who wants to relax and have a good time while experiencing the legendary service that only Disney provides.

Romance at Walt Disney World

 

View of Cinderella’s Castle from the Polynesian Resort.

Regardless of whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, your first vacation without the kids, a honeymoon, any other special occasion, or just want a romantic escape, there is no better place for a romantic getaway than Disney World. Here are some fantastic ways you can spend time with that special someone:

• Stay at a romantic resort or splurge on a romantic view. If it is a special occasion, think about splurging for a theme park, water, or preferred view at a Deluxe resort. There is something cozy and romantic about relaxing on your private balcony watching fireworks or observing boats as they sail by.

• Begin the romance the moment you get there. Arrange to have flowers, champagne, chocolates, or a special gift delivered to your room. Walt Disney World Florist can deliver items to your room before you check in or shortly after your arrival.

• Book a relaxing couples massage. The Grand Floridian Spa and the Spa at Saratoga Springs offer a couples massage and other soothing spa treatments. Spa treatments must be booked in advance.

• Book a horse and carriage ride. Ride around the romantic Port Orleans Riverside or the rustic Fort Wilderness on a horse drawn carriage.

• Discover romantic things to do in the theme parks. In the Magic Kingdom, ride Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland and take a relaxing ride on the Liberty Belle Riverboat in Liberty Square. At Epcot, stroll around the World Showcase and browse in the shops, break for wine and cheese in France, and take the time to grab a friendship boat to get to the other side of the lagoon. If you go to Animal Kingdom, check out the often overlooked trails and enjoy the animals. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater if Fantasmic! is showing and watch the show beneath the starry sky.

• Watch the sunset. While you can find various places to watch the sunset, you can’t beat the ambiance of the beach at the Polynesian Resort. You can find a nice peaceful spot, or maybe a hammock, to relax and watch the sun go down.

• Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks outside of the park. Head to the Polynesian Resort or the Grand Floridian and watch from a secluded location on the beach. At the Polynesian they even pipe the accompanying music over the speakers. If you want something truly special, you can book a Specialty Cruise and watch the fireworks from the Seven Seas Lagoon. (You can also book a Specialty Cruise to watch IllumiNations at Epcot.)

• Make reservations at romantic restaurants. Enjoy dinner at Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge while enjoying the view of wildflowers, the lake, a waterfall , and an erupting geyser. Eat dinner under the starry sky while boats sail by and a volcano rumbles in the distance at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. Make reservations at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort for a time that is about an hour before the Magic Kingdom fireworks are scheduled to start. When it is time for the fireworks, the California Grill dims the lights and pipes in the accompanying music so you can watch the fireworks from the comfort of your table while enjoying a wonderful meal. They will also let you out on their private 15th floor deck to view the show. If you want to really splurge on a romantic dining experience, make reservations at Victoria and Albert’s for an unforgettable five-course meal. You can even “upgrade” to a 10-12 course meal by booking the Chef’s Table. This is the only restaurant in Central Florida to be awarded AAA’s Five Diamond Award. Victoria and Albert’s is extravagant and expensive. Jackets are required for men and evening attire is required for women. Also, Victoria and Albert’s is one of the few places in Disney World where young children are not allowed.

• Explore the resorts. Take a stroll along the beach of the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, wander along the river at Port Orleans, explore the grounds of the Caribbean Beach Resort, observe the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or walk the boardwalk at the Boardwalk Inn and Villas.

• Get a button from city hall. If you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday or are on your honeymoon, request a button at check-in or at City Hall in the Magic Kingdom that announces your special occasion. It is not guaranteed, but you may possibly encounter a tiny bit of extra magic while donning one of these buttons.

• Pop the question. If you are not married yet, you would be hard pressed to find a more romantic location to propose than in front of or in Cinderella’s Castle. Disney even has a special engagement package available for those dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

• Get married or renew your vows. If you want the ultimate splurge, take advantage of one of Disney’s wedding or vow renewal packages. There are various enchanting spots where you can hold your ceremony. With Disney, you can live the fairytale.

Even though Disney World is known for being for families, there are romantic things to do all over the World – you just have to know where to look.

Emerging Vacation Trends for 2013

I am pleased to say that 2012 has been a great year for travel.  Bookings are strong thanks to the many special offers that are enticing people to take some much-needed vacation time.    My clients seem to be booking one or two longer vacations instead of several smaller ones.   For 2012, all-inclusive resorts and vacation packages were in high demand.  Travelers like knowing that everything is paid for in advance and that they don’t have to worry about budgeting for every little thing they may experience while on vacation.  Whether travelers are looking for adventure, relaxation, or romance, they want to make sure they are getting the best value for their vacation dollar.  Vacationers are tending to book their vacations more in advance to ensure that they are locking in any packages or special offers that are available.  Because they are in such high demand, I expect to see a lot more all-inclusive packages and offers in 2013.

Travel Tip:  When booking a vacation package, make sure you are choosing a package that suits your needs.  You want to make sure that your package has components that you will actually use – otherwise you may be actually losing money.  Analyzing a travel package or special offer can be confusing and you may want to consult a travel professional.

Enjoy a Customized Disney Vacation with Magical Memories Travel

Experience the magic of Disney with a vacation that is customized just for you.

This morning I was thinking about how much I love my job.  There is nothing more rewarding than helping families create magical and memorable vacation experiences that they will remember forever.  While I truly enjoy working with all of my clients, I have one family who particularly touched my heart.

This past spring, I received an e-mail from a single mother of three kids.  She had been thinking about a vacation to Disney World for years, but had always assumed that she couldn’t afford it.  She was refered to me by a friend and decided to contact me, but she didn’t have high hopes that this trip was something she could pull off.

After I received the e-mail, I asked this client if I could call her to find out a little more about her family and what they were looking for in a vacation.  As I talked to her, I realized that all this family wanted was to be able to go.   They didn’t care about all the fancy “bells and whistles”.  They didn’t need a vacation package that included everything available.   They just needed a fun family vacation… which would be their first family vacation ever.

After asking and answering a lot of questions, I was able to help this family create a customized vacation package within their budget.  Together we worked through which package features were needed and which ones they could go without.  We ended up booking a five night stay at a value resort with 4-Day Magic Your Way base tickets plus dining.  We knew that they would not have time to go to the theme parks on their departure day and they wanted to spend one day just hanging out at the pool.  Also,  this cautious mother didn’t want any budget “surprises” along the way, so she felt better knowing that her meals were paid for ahead of time.

I received the most amazing e-mail from this family while they were on their vacation.  I could actually feel their excitement as I read it.   This was a vacation of firsts for them – first time flying, first family vacation, and first stay at a hotel for the kids.  While this wasn’t the biggest or fanciest vacation I ever booked, it was definitely the most special.  I get the privilege of knowing that I had a part in making this family’s dream come true.

Think you can’t afford a Disney Vacation?  I can customize a vacation specifically for your wants, needs, and budget.  Contact me for a no obligation quote. 

Review of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue

My son playing a washboard at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue.

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is an entertaining hoedown in an Old West-style dance hall at the Fort Wilderness Resort.  The song-and-dance vaudeville act is based greatly on slapstick comedy, hokey gags, goofy puns, and plenty of audience participation.  The Wild West performers interact with the audience, and guests celebrating birthdays and anniversaries might be singled out for special attention.

The all-you-care-to-eat meal consists of salad, barbecue ribs, fried chicken, corn, baked beans, and bread, with strawberry shortcake for dessert.  Complimentary drinks include soda, beer, wine, and sangria.  Cocktails and bottled beer are not included, but can be purchased at an additional cost.

The show is extremely popular.  I recommend that you make your reservations 180 days in advance. You can make your reservations on-line, by calling 407-WDW-DINE, or by contacting your travel agent.  The sooner you reserve, the better your table will be within your category.  Full payment is required with all reservations and is refundable up to 48 hours in advance.   Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is located in Pioneer Hall at the Fort Wilderness Resort.

To get to the Hoop-Dee-Doo, take the boat to Fort Wilderness from the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, or Wilderness Lodge.  Special buses may run to and from some resorts, or take any Fort Wilderness-bound theme park bus.  Driving is an option, too.