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.

A Review of Disney’s California Grill

The California Grill is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Disney World. It is located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort and provides sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom area. The California Grill is on the dining plan but requires two table service credits per meal since it is a signature restaurant. The dining area is stylishly decorated with its focus being the open kitchen and the incredible views. This restaurant does have a tendency to get a little bit on the noisy side, perhaps because it is so open. The menu changes weekly but features sushi, appetizers, grilled or roasted seafood and meats, sinful desserts, and fine wines. My personal favorites include the oak-fired beef filet and the sushi. The sushi rolls on the menu tend to be incredibly creative and unique. Also, the extensive wine selection is absolutely amazing. The typical entrée will cost between $30 and $45. Kids meals range from about $8 to $14. The California Grill is great for couples, guests celebrating a special occasion, and those who just want to add something a little special to their vacation. Although it is a more sophisticated dining experience, you will see plenty of children in the dining room.

The open kitchen at Disney’s California Grill.

I rate the California Grill as not to be missed. To make your experience a bit more memorable, make your reservation for about an hour before the Magic Kingdom fireworks begin and ask for a table by the window. The lights are dimmed in the restaurant for the fireworks and the accompanying music is piped in. Don’t be concerned if you can’t obtain a window table as you are able to view the fireworks from the restaurant’s deck while the music plays over speakers. This is an extremely popular restaurant, so I recommend making your reservation 180 days in advance, especially if you are planning to watch the fireworks.

A Review of Disney’s Old Key West Resort

 

Studio at Disney’s Old Key West.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort mainly serves Disney Vacation Club members, but other Guests can reserve rooms  as well.  Old Key West is located between Downtown Disney and Epcot.

This resort is unique because of its dressed-down and laid-back atmosphere.  Lush plants and low, white clapboard buildings with sky-blue eaves evoke genuine Key West style.  The public areas of the resort  make Guests feel as if they are in a small town.  The charming waterside shop, cafe, and bar are connected by wooden pathways.  The Conch Flats Community Hall provides many different activities for Guests to take advantage of.  The atmosphere is vibrant, friendly, and relaxing.  Accommodations are roomy, comfortable, and attractive.

Despite the intimate feel, Old Key West is big enough to get lost in.  The resort’s 761 “homes” range from studios with kitchenettes that sleep 4-5 adults, to huge one-bedrooms with full kitchens that sleep 4-5 adults, two-bedrooms also with full kitchens that sleep eight adults, and the amazing three bedroom Grand Villas that sleep up to 12.  All have a private patio or balcony.  All but the studios consist of a master bath with a huge two-person whirlpool tub, an expansive living area with full kitchen, dining area, and queen-size sleeper sofa, and a washing machine and dryer.  Villas offer views of the golf course, waterways, or woods.  Amenities in all rooms consist of a TV , fridge, microwave, coffee machine, high-speed Internet, and voice mail. One-bedroom and larger villas feature a fully equipped kitchen area, big-screen TV, DVD player, and in-room safe.

For swimmers, three leisure pools and a large themed pool with a water slide, hot tub, sauna, and sandy play area round out the “R.E.S.T. Beach Entertainment Division.” A kid’s wading pool is near the main pool.

There are several dining options available to Guests.  Olivia’s Cafe is a cozy, informal restaurant that serves good food in a homey atmosphere.  Goods’s Food to Go over by the main pool serves breakfast, hamburgers, and snacks.  Also by the main pool, the Gurgling Suitcase has drinks and snacks.   Turtle Shack by the Turtle Pond Road pool serves snacks seasonally.  Pizza delivery is also available.

The Old Key West Resort is ideal for playing and relaxing. There is something for everyone.  Tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, and volleyball courts are available.  Guests can also rent boats and bicycles at Hank’s Rent ‘N Return, golf at the nearby golf course , or try out the walking and jogging path.  A fitness center has Nautilus equipment and a sauna, plus massages are available.  The Conch Flats Community Hall provides activities and organized events for children.  Play areas are near some of the pools.  The two arcades have plenty of games to keep the children happy.  The Conch Flats General Store sells general and Disney products, plus food and sundries.

Disney’s Old Key West is perfect for groups and families who wish to stay together. Location is important at this expansive resort.  I recommend requesting a room near the Hospitality House or a bus stop.

A Review of Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

 

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

For my family vacation in August, I had the privilege of staying at the Boardwalk Villas.  For the most part, I was very pleased with this resort.  As a matter of fact, I think this may be my “new” favorite resort.

Hands down, the best thing about this resort is its location.  The Boardwalk Inn & Villas are located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Guests can walk to Epcot from the Villas in approximately ten minutes.  You can also take a boat to Epcot, but I recommend you walk if possible. Taking the boat most likely will take just as long if not longer than walking.  Also, you get to enter Epcot through the International Gateway, so you can avoid all of the hustle and bustle of the main entrance.  Hollywood Studios is approximately a fifteen minute walk or you can take a boat.

Because of the prime location of this resort, the amount of dining options we had was outstanding.  Besides the restaurants on the Boardwalk, we could walk to the restaurants at the Yacht & Beach Club and the Swan & Dolphin. Best of all, since we had park hopping privileges, we also had the option of walking to the World Showcase and eating at one of the many restaurants there.

As for the actual Villas, they were clean and spacious.  We had a water-front room so we could see parts of Epcot from our balcony.  My favorite activity on this trip was watching the fireworks from Illuminations from the comfort of our balcony.  We had a one bedroom villa which consisted of a master bedroom with a king bed, a bathroom, a living area with a pull-out couch, a kitchen, a closet with a washer and dryer, and two balconies.  My twelve-year-old son was very comfortable on the pull-out.

The infamous clown slide at the Luna Park Pool.

The Boardwalk Villas share amenities with the Inn. The only amenity we had time to take advantage of was the Luna Park Pool. My son loved the clown slide at the pool and my husband and I loved Leaping Horse Libations (the pool bar)!

I also want to mention that the Boardwalk itself can be pretty entertaining.  There is something for everyone.   Guests can rent surrey bikes, shop in the stores, hang out at a bar, visit one of the adult-only venues, watch entertainers such as jugglers and magicians, or just stroll along Crescent Lake.

The only negative experience we had was with the Disney buses.  We had to rely on the buses to get to and from Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Downtown Disney.   Unfortunately ,the Boardwalk Inn & Villas share buses with the Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, and Dolphin.  Stopping at all of these resorts made for some really long rides.

Despite our disappointment with the buses,  the Boardwalk Villas now tops my family’s list of our favorite Disney resorts.   I highly recommend Disney’s Boardwalk Villas for adults and Guests with older children.