Doug Travels Orlando

Travel – FACTS not Rumors…

Published on April 1, 2020 in Airlines/Aulani/Cruise Vacations/Disney Cruise Line/Disneyland/International Travel/Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

As a Travel Agent specializing in Disney and Universal vacations, I have been working to take care of my Guests directly affected by resort and park closures as well as cruise itinerary cancellations for Disney Cruise Line.

While working with my Guests I have received many questions related to rumors posted on other blogs and social media pages. I am here today to explain the current situation with information direct from Disney and Universal – this is not rumor, this is FACT!

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

UPDATE – MAY 24, 2020 – Plans Unveiled for the Phased Reopening of Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, Resort Hotels and Disney Stores

I have advised all my Guests with upcoming travel plans of the current situation and offered the options available to them at this time. Each Guest must choose how to move forward with what works best for them and their family. I can help you book now.

Disneyland Resort in California:

UPDATE – April 2, 2021 – Disneyland Resort Reopening on April 30, 2021
I have advised all my Guests with upcoming travel plans of the current situation and offered the options available to them at this time. Each Guest must choose how to move forward with what works best for them and their family. I can help you book now.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa:

UPDATE: September 24, 2020 – Aulani Resort will plan to begin a phased reopening on November 1, 2020
I have advised all my Guests with upcoming travel plans of the current situation and offered the options available to them at this time. Each Guest must choose how to move forward with what works best for them and their family. I can help you book now.

Disney Cruise Line:

UPDATE: July 23, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Resumes Sailings on the Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Line announced plans for a return to service, beginning with the Disney Dream, which will depart Port Canaveral starting August 9, 2021. New health & safety updates will be in effect for all sailings. I can help answer any questions you may have or assist you with booking your next cruise now.

UPDATE: June 8, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Extends Suspension of Sailings
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings.

Disney Dream departures through 8/6/21
Disney Fantasy departures through 8/28/21
Disney Wonder departures through 9/19/21
Disney Magic departures in the U.S. through 11/4/21

UPDATE: May 14, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through July 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings for all Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings through July 2021, and all Disney Wonder sailings through July 12, 2021.

UPDATE: April 6, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through June 2021, and Disney Magic European sailings through Sept. 19, 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings.

UPDATE: February 24, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through May 2021 and Disney Magic Sailings thru August 10, 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings. Sailings are cancelled aboard the Disney Fantasy, Dream and Wonder through May 2021; and Disney Magic through Augsut 10, 2021. Additionally, based on the conditional sail order provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line must cancel sailings longer than 7 nights.

UPDATE: January 27, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through April 2021 and Select Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Sailings in May 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings. Sailings are cancelled aboard the Disney Fantasy through April 24; the Disney Dream through April 30; the Disney Magic through May 6 and Disney Wonder through May 12. Additionally, based on the conditional sail order provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line must cancel sailings longer than 7 nights.

UPDATE: January 12, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Sailings Suspended Through March 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of all sailings through March 2021.

Adventures by Disney:

UPDATE – April 1, 2021 – Adventures by Disney Departures Suspended Through April 2021
With the well-being of our Guests and Guides as our top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Adventures by Disney has decided to suspend most of our adventures through the end of April.

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations (Florida & California):

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations in California will reopen on April 16, 2021

UPDATE: June 5, 2020 – Universal Orlando Resort Hotels and Parks are open and welcoming Guests again!

Other Cruise and Land Vacation Destinations:

While I do specialize in Disney and Universal vacations, I also help book and plan other cruise and land vacation destinations and I have been keeping my clients that have been directly affected by closures and cancellations updated about their options.

Cruise Lines:

UPDATE: April 6, 2021 – Currently, many cruise lines have suspended all sailings each with different dates to resume sailing. Please check with your Travel Agent or whoever you booked thru for specific details about your specific reservations.

Land Destinations:

As for land vacation destinations, it depends on the destination, please check with your Travel Agent or whoever you booked thru for specific details about your specific reservations.

Airlines:

Airlines are still operating but on a limited schedule and are adjusting travel dates and times based on occupancy of certain itineraries. Please check with your Travel Agent or whoever you booked thru for specific details about your specific reservations.

If you booked your travel plans thru a Travel Agent and they have not yet reached out to you this is likely because your travel dates are not yet directly affected and they are working to take care of their clients with travel plans that are currently directly affected by closures and cancellations, April and some May travel dates. Please be patient, in this type of situation, it is typically in your best interest to wait until your trip is cancelled by the supplier before making any decisions about cancelling or rebooking your future travel plans.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or if you would like more information about anything. I will share as much as I know and can share. I will also post updates as they become available on my social media platforms, please see the links to each below.

(i.e.: If you are not my client I cannot legally or professionally advise you about your current travel plans, you will need to reach out to whoever you booked thru. But, if you are not yet booked for future travel and wish to discuss future travel plans, I can assist and advise to the best of my ability with the information I have available).

While the White House has issued an April 30, 2020 social distancing guideline, please follow this or the guidelines set by your local state or county. If you are not an essential employee, please stay home. These guidelines are being implemented for the safety and well-being of everyone and the more of us that follow the guidelines the better off we will all be in 14 – 30 days and we will then [hopefully] be able to get back to a more normal way of life again very soon!

Stay healthy, stay home and practice social distancing!

CDC / WHO

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Working with a Travel Agent for Your runDisney Experience

Published on February 21, 2020 in runDisney/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

You train hard for your runDisney experience, let the planning be taken care of by a Travel Agent Specializing in Disney destinations and experiences!

It’s the best of both worlds when you work with a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney who also knows all about runDisney – they can expertly assist you with ALL of your plans!

As a runner you are dedicated to your training and preparing for your runDisney experience. Your training should continue to be your main focus and you shouldn’t need to stress over the details of your travel plans.

There are many avenues for finding a Travel Agent and many that specialize in Disney and runDisney, but you want to be sure to find the “right” Travel Agent to help you with your runDisney travel plans!

runDisney races are unique. You want someone who will partner with you and help you navigate the process. When running at a runDisney event, you do have to earn your placement. This system is in place to be inclusive of all people that want to join in.

And be cautioned – if your Travel Agent offers you higher corral placement that hasn’t been earned or unusual package requirements outside of those required by runDisney – BEWARE. Just like in any industry, there are some people who take advantage of the system and this affects everyone and can cause disqualification to participate.

Even if a Travel Agent is recommended by others in runDisney groups, be sure to check reviews before selecting your Travel Agent.

Do they have extensive travel planning experience?
Do they take the time to understand your wants and needs rather than a “one size fits all” experience?
Do they have personal experience with runDisney events?
Do they have personal experience with resorts on property so that they can offer the best recommendations for you?

Once you decide on the best Travel Agent for you, it’s not out of line to expect the following:

ACCURACY – All information for your reservation and race registrations should be accurate and correct. Having extra people on your reservation or other inaccuracies should be brought to the attention of your Travel Agent. You should have no surprises at check-in.

Are your travel dates correct?
Are you booked at the resort hotel with the park ticket type, dining plan and race bibs that you requested?
Are all names on your reservation the same as you requested for your travel party?

RESPONSIVENESS – A good Travel Agent will respond to your emails and phone calls efficiently and effectively and will help you beyond just making your reservations. A good Travel Agent is there to help you with as much or as little as you want or need.

Having a Travel Agent to help guide you thru the runDisney process can add value to your experience! They have a passion for what they do, so it is a win-win for you. Make sure your Travel Agent is a good fit while being knowledgeable, ethical, and responsive to your needs.

Contact me today to assist you with your runDisney plans – Happy Running!

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Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

Published on January 8, 2020 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

During the holidays I had the opportunity to experience the newest dining experience on property – Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood opened July 2019 and has been a hit from opening day! The new Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is quite amazing, feeling more like a Deluxe Disney property than a Moderate resort.

This unique rooftop dining experience is just one of three new options at Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offering both food and beverage, with Toledo and Dahlia Lounge offering spectacular views as well!

The menu choices are inspired by the flavors of Spain and include tapas, steaks and seafood created in the on-stage tapas kitchen.

The atmosphere and experience was amazing and the service top notch! The food presentation was impeccable and everything was prepared to perfection!

We started our meal with an order of Tronchón Cheese Gratinado from the Cazuelas (Spanish for cooking pot) menu. This was essentially a cheese bread with tupelo honey and lavender, it was very flavorful and you could smell and taste the lavender.

Our entrées included Scallops (fava hummus, olives, harissa vinaigrette, roasted carrots, yogurt powder), Manhattan Filet (olive oil-potato purée, grilled onions, dates, sherry vinaigrette) and the Red Wine-braised Chicken (grapes, sherry vinegar, roasted tomato ‘bomba’ rice). In addition, we ordered the Roasted Cauliflower and Olive Oil-Potato Purée as sides to share.
My only critique was regarding the descriptions and recommendations from our server – – – my husband and I ended up switching plates once our food arrived because our server was not accurate with his information.

I would definitely recommend the Manhattan Filet (which is what I ended up eating) and feel that the Red Wine-braised Chicken is a heavier meal (which my husband ended up eating). And, definitely order the Roasted Cauliflower side dish – I am not a fan of cauliflower but this dish was amazing!

If you aren’t looking for a table service dining experience, but have the time, I highly recommend simply going to this new resort on property to check it out – the new lobby, Barcelona Lounge, Dahlia Lounge and Three Bridges Bar & Grill all offer amazing experiences and the feel of a Deluxe resort. And, yes, I have experienced and enjoyed it all!!

**I am in LOVE with the lobby area – the lighted panels randomly change colors and the tables all have charging ports!**

Barcelona Lounge

Three Bridges Bar & Grill

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Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Published on December 6, 2019 in Galaxy's Edge/Star Wars/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

I was there opening day for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which was also Walt Disney’s birthday.

Below are photos I took during my experience as well as a couple videos. Be sure to also to check out my other Star Wars blogs for more information about
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and using Boarding Groups for the virtual queue option.

Ask me how YOU can experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance WITHOUT securing a Boarding Group for you or those traveling with you!

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The NEW Disney Skyliner

Published on October 1, 2019 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

The newest transportation option is the Disney Skyliner – magic in the sky!

Check out this video of my ride from Disney’s Pop Century Resort to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Magic is in the air at Walt Disney World® Resort with the new Disney Skyliner transportation system.

Disney Skyliner connects Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to four Disney resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the forthcoming Disney’s Riviera Resort, set to open December 16, 2019. The system serves as a magic carpet, floating Guests through the air aboard approximately 300 gondolas, nearly half of which are wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes of beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, theme park attractions and more.

While riding Disney Skyliner, you will be treated to never-before-seen views of Walt Disney World Resort as you float along the treetops and waterways alike. The system provides bird’s-eye vantage points of Disney icons such as the Hollywood Tower Hotel and Spaceship Earth.

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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Boarding Group Virtual Queue

Published on August 30, 2019 in Boarding Group/Galaxy's Edge/My Disney Experience/Star Wars/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

EFFECTIVE JULY 30, 2021: Face Coverings are required for all Guests ages 2 and up in all indoor locations at Walt Disney World Resort, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all indoor attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, including shuttles, buses, monorails and the Disney Skyliner. Face coverings remain optional for all Guests in outdoor common areas.

UPDATED: 9/10/2021

With the reopening of Disney’s Hollywood Studios Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is also open again in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and, while the Boarding Group process is very similar as originally introduced, there are a few changes and face coverings are required at all times…

Confirming a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app will still be the only way to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Most importantly – as availability allows – you will have an opportunity at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. to request to join the virtual queue. This means there is no need to arrive early to the park to check the virtual queue.

Ask me how YOU can experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance WITHOUT securing a Boarding Group for you or those traveling with you!

Here are a few important details to know before arriving:

Guests with a valid ticket or annual pass and a Disney Park Pass Reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to access the virtual queue system and check for an available boarding group starting at 7 a.m. on the day of their park reservation. This can be done before you leave your Disney resort hotel, or wherever else nearby you might be at that time.
In addition, the virtual queue will reopen daily at 1 p.m. for anyone who was not already able to join a boarding group earlier in the day. Note: Guests must be inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios to access this second virtual queue opportunity, access to a boarding group is subject to availability and not guaranteed.

The attraction’s virtual queue is only accessible via your My Disney Experience Mobile App. To maximize your opportunity to secure a boarding group, here are a few tips for prior to your day at the park:

Register an account in My Disney Experience
Download the My Disney Experience mobile app on your smart device or ensure you are using the most updated version of the app before you arrive at the park
Have a valid Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the day you are visiting
Link all park tickets in your party to your My Disney Experience account
For the best opportunity, it’s best if all members of your travel party attempt to access the virtual queue for everyone in your group
Remember, virtual queue boarding groups are limited and subject to availability

NOTE: Only Guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Even with Park Hopper tickets, Guests visiting from another theme park will not be able to request to join the virtual queue.

You can follow the Boarding Group information provided below to join a Boarding Group and should receive a notification when your Boarding Group opens. It’s now easier to confirm your party prior to the Virtual Queue opening. Starting 1 hour before the boarding group queue opens, you can now confirm your party.

There are now also tips within the app telling Guests how to “refresh” right at 7 a.m. to join the queue, streamlining the process. You can see this reflected in the screenshot below.

If you have any questions or need assistance with joining the virtual queue, Cast Members at Guest Experience Team locations throughout the park are available to assist. While waiting for a virtual queue group to be called, you can enjoy other experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including the newest experience, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

You will be assigned a Group number and estimated wait time for return to the land to join the line for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Your MagicBand or park ticket will be scanned again before you are allowed access to the ride queue. During this time you are free to enjoy any other experiences at Disney, including going back to your resort to sleep!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open and you can use a Boarding Group feature in your My Disney Experience Mobile App to reserve your spot in line to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance rather than waiting in a physical line. Access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge does not currently require a Boarding Group.

There may be times when a virtual queue will be used to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, allowing you to enjoy the rest of Disney’s Hollywood Studios while waiting for your turn to enter Batuu. Guests should check either the My Disney Experience mobile app or with the Guest Experience team that can be found within the park for the land’s current status.

To make sure that you’ll be able to join the virtual queue, you’ll need to have the latest version of the My Disney Experience mobile app downloaded on your phone. If you’ve enabled push notifications for the app and you have entered the virtual queue, you should be notified when it’s time to return to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. If you don’t, you’ll be able to view the boarding group status in the app, or check the various digital status boards throughout the park.

To see if the land is open or if Boarding Groups are available, you’ll launch your My Disney Experience mobile app and look for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Status and Access section – tap the “Find Out More” button.

If there are Boarding Groups available, and you want to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you will then click the “Join Boarding Group” button.

Once you select “Join Boarding Group” you will see the information below in your My Disney Experience mobile app. Click “Continue”.

In the next screen you will select your Party and click the “Join a Boarding Group” button.

You will then be assigned a Group number and estimated wait time for return. Click the “Done” button.

You will be assigned a Group number and estimated wait time for return. If you have push notifications set up on your phone you should receive a message when your Boarding Group opens with a return by time.

For those who don’t choose to use the My Disney Experience mobile app, and you would like to join a boarding group, you’ll need to visit a Guest Experience Team kiosk.

As a reminder, for those with reservations for Oga’s Cantina, Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, or Droid Depot, if the land is full and you have a reservation, you will be allowed into the land.

Enjoy your travels to Batuu!

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Disney Area Vacation Homes

Published on July 18, 2019 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Are you looking to rent a vacation home in the Disney area for your next vacation?

I CAN HELP!!

Just click the image above to search available vacation rental home options in the Disney area and, when you find what you are looking for, simply include the link with your
Quote Request – it’s that easy!!

Or, if you aren’t sure what the best location is for your plans, just Request a Quote and let me know about your plans and that you are interested in a vacation rental home in the Disney area, be sure to let me know how many bedrooms and bathrooms you would like too!

Once I receive your quote request I will then confirm pricing and availability for your dates and we can confirm your vacation rental home reservation.

Please note, there is a 4-night minimum requirement for non-peak season and a 5-night minimum requirement for peak season.

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LET’S TRAVEL!

SPECIALIZING IN LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency – EarMarked GoldProducer
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Resort Day Passes For Cruisers!

Published on June 16, 2019 in Cruise Vacations/Day Pass/Port Adventures by Crystal Boston

Looking for a relaxing resort/beach day at your next port of call? Purchase a ‘Resort for a Day’ pass at some of the Caribbean’s top resorts and beaches.

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LET’S TRAVEL!

SPECIALIZING IN LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency – EarMarked GoldProducer
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Walt Disney World – 2020

Published on May 13, 2019 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Are you thinking about a Walt Disney World vacation in 2020? Resort packages will be available to book mid-June 2019!

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The Disney Magic – Rapunzel’s Royal Table

Published on March 21, 2019 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

My last sailing on the Disney Magic was just before it went in to dry dock for refurbishment and part of the refurbishment was to change Carioca’s to Rapunzel’s Royal Table which I had the opportunity to experience during my recent sailing on the Disney Magic.

Rapunzel’s Royal Table is a fun and entertaining experience from the time you enter the dining room. The character interaction with the “Vikings” was especially fun while Rapunzel and Flynn seem to move along quickly (it was a challenge to get a good photo of either), but they are entertaining as well.

During your dinner you are entertained with a birthday celebration for Rapunzel and everyone is invited to join in a big finale parade.

*Due to connectivity at sea my video is not high quality, but my connection is better a few second in.

The food selections were delicious and our service team was amazing! Disney Cruise line dining experiences never disappoint!

Be sure to check out my blogs about my experience on all 4 Disney Ships –

And if you are interested in cursing with Disney Cruise Line, and would like to have me on hand as you experience your Disney Cruise Line vacation, be sure to check out my upcoming events and request your quote today > Cruise with your Travel Agent

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