LOTS OF DISNEY, ORLANDO AND PLACES THEREABOUTS !!

Tag archive

disney trip planning - page 2

Be Our Guest Restaurant – New Prix Fixe Menu

in Orlando/Walt Disney World by

On Friday, July 27, 2018 Be Our Guest Restaurant debuted its new prix fixe menu for dinner and I was there to experience it!

The new prix fixe, 3-course menu features French-inspired dishes and includes an appetizer, main entrée and a trio dessert as well as non-alcoholic beverages and bread service. Adult beverages may be purchased for an additional charge.

For our appetizers we chose the Maine Lobster Bisque and Assorted Meats and Artisanal Cheese Selection. Both were very good, and the meat and cheese tray was much better than the previous cheese plate they offered at dinner service.

While all of the new menu items sounded amazing, we chose the Spice-Dusted Lamb Chops and Saffron-Infused Seafood Bouillabaisse as our entrées. Both were delicious and prepared to perfection! I am looking forward to trying other entrée options available on the menu.

Dessert is an amazing trio served on a platter with a ‘stained glass’ overlay that is edible. Every single bite was oh so delicious – but I do love my desserts!

And, for everyone wanting to know… The Beast still receives Guests in the library following dinner but, as many have anticipated, Belle was not one of the new additions to this Signature Dining experience.

I highly recommend the new prix fixe menu, my only disappointment was that they no longer do the “rose” napkins…

For dinner service, Be Our Guest Restaurant is a Signature Dining experience which requires 2 Table Service Credits when using the Disney Dining Plan. Current pricing, when not using a Dining Plan, is $55.00 for adults ages 10+ and $35 for children ages 3-9, tax and gratuity are not included. Breakfast and Lunch are still Quick Service options but do require reservations as well.

And here’s a little tip – if you reserve your dinner about 1 ½ hours before ‘Happily Ever After’ you will be able to view the fireworks show from the bridge just as you are leaving the Beasts’ Castle! #wishtips

Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

2019 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages Open June 19, 2018!

in Walt Disney World by

Are you thinking about a 2019 Walt Disney World vacation?

NOW is the time to request your quote! Resort Packages open June 19, 2018!

Check out reviews from my clients that have booked through me >>> travel reviews

Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

UP! A Great Bird Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

in Orlando/Walt Disney World by

The newest attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, ‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’, is located at the Caravan Stage in Asia, former home of Flights of Wonder, and debuted April 22nd for the 20th Anniversary celebration.

Similar to Flights of Wonder, this new show entertains with bird species from South America, North America, India, Africa, and other locations around the globe, but now also features Russell and Dug from ‘UP’.

During this 25-minute show you will join Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug for an all-new adventure as they discover bird species from around the world.

More than 15 different species of birds make an appearance, including parrots, toucans, macaws, and a marabou stork that flaunts a magnificent 10-foot wingspan!

‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ is now performing daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and you can experience the show as standby or with FastPass+ access.

After the show, head on over to Discovery Island for a meet & greet with Russell and Dug!

*Park tickets required to experience this show.

Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

Why You Should Use a Vacation Planner that Specializes in Disney Destinations

in Disney Destinations by
A Disney vacation is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a magical experience. It’s the ideal location for any life celebration – family vacations, honeymoons, couples getaways, graduation and more! Planning any vacation, especially a Disney vacation, can be a complex endeavor. During your planning you’ll make many decisions that will affect all aspects of your vacation. Throw in the complexities of the many varied promotional offers and it can become an intimidating experience. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you use an Authorized Disney Vacation Agency with knowledgeable agents Specializing in Disney Destinations and I am a Travel Agent with such an agency and knowledge! Here are my top reasons to use a Vacation Planner that Specializes in Disney Destinations…
  • Less Stress
  • Using a Vacation Planner that Specializes in Disney Destinations can take all of the stress out of planning your Disney Destination vacation. I will guide you to the right decisions, using my extensive knowledge of all things Disney and offering tips and tricks for the optimal experience for you and your family. When you book your vacation through me you are able to do as much or as little of the planning as YOU want. The only thing that must go through me are payments. Some people feel that they lose control when booking with a Travel Agent, however that is not true at all… As your Vacation Planner Specializing in Disney Destinations I will never make changes without your permission, so you control what happens 100%.
  • I KNOW Disney
  • Unlike traditional Travel Agents or online self-serve websites, I have completed training specifically designed for Travel Agents Specializing in Disney Destinations by the Disney Travel Company, as well as continuing education including online training, resort tours, ship tours, personal experiences and more!
  • I LOVE Disney
  • I became a Vacation Planner Specializing in Disney Destinations because I love all things Disney and I love planning Disney vacations. I have planned many Disney vacations of my own and my experience, knowledge and LOVE of all things Disney always goes into my planning for every Guest.
  • I Am Knowledgeable About Disney
  • While I do book and plan other vacation destinations, my passion and focus is Disney and I am very knowledgeable when it comes to booking and planning a Disney vacation. I strive to stay current with everything new and exciting happening at all Disney theme parks as well as other Disney Destinations.
  • No Extra Fees
  • There’s no cost to you! As a Vacation Planner Specializing in Disney Destinations, I am paid a commission by Disney Travel Company for the vacations I book. Neither Disney nor I will add any extra fees to your cost when you book and plan through me! So you pay the same if you book on your own BUT you gain the benefit of my knowledge and expertise of all things Disney when you book through me!
  • You Save Time & Money
  • As your Vacation Planner Specializing in Disney Destinations my planning services save you time and money and I watch out for you! I will help with all of your planning including assistance with advance dining reservations and FastPass+ selections, touring tips, and more. PLUS, I know when new promotional offers become available and will automatically apply the best offer you qualify for, even if you are due a refund.
  • Award Winning Service / Knowledgeable Team
  • I work for an Earmarked Agency for Disney Destinations and there are only a select group in this elite classification of Authorized Disney Vacation Agencies. While other agencies may have one or two individuals with Disney experience, Authorized Disney Vacation Agencies have a large number of agents with extensive Disney experience so you will always benefit from a team of knowledgeable professionals when you book and plan through me. I am proud to be a member of this distinguished group and strive to meet the high expectations of every family that entrusts me to help book and plan their vacation! So let me help you with your Disney vacation plans, Check out reviews from my clients that have booked through me >>> travel reviews

    Follow me…
    Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Cruise With Your Travel Agent

    LET’S TRAVEL!

    SPECIALIZING IN LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
    An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency – EarMarked GoldProducer
    Beach Vacations | Cruise Vacations | Theme Park Vacations | Babymoons
    Tours & Experiences – Choose Your Destination | U.S. Destinations
    Disney Area Vacation Homes | All-Inclusive Destinations
    Sandals Resorts [Adults Only] | Beaches Resorts [Family Friendly]
    Virgin Voyages | Royal Caribbean Cruises | Viking River Cruises | Viking Ocean Cruises

    The Disney Wonder

    in Disney Cruise Line by

    I recently returned from my first experience on the Disney Wonder, this was my final new Disney Cruise ship experience until the new ships debut in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

    There are so many things that I enjoy about sailing with Disney Cruise Line… large staterooms with under-bed space, exceptional dining experiences, friendly and accommodating crew, brilliant Broadway-like entertainment, Castaway Cay and I can’t forget the Towel Art – a fun treat when you return to your stateroom each evening!
    On a Disney Cruise, you experience rotational dining. I enjoy getting to know the dining team while also being able to experience different dining options. As this was my first experience on the Disney Wonder, I also enjoyed 2 new dining experiences – Triton’s and Tiana’s Place. While Animator’s Palette is still my favorite of the rotational dining options, Triton’s and Tiana’s Place did not disappoint. I dined at Animator’s Palette on my final night so breakfast on disembark day was also at Animator’s Palette.
    While I have toured the other stateroom types, we have always chosen a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah and we prefer the starboard side so that we have a great view of the island when we arrive at Castaway Cay. The staterooms are good sized with under-bed storage for your luggage. We have never felt crowded in our stateroom when cruising with Disney – and the Disney Wonder was no exception. This was a 3-night cruise, but I still enjoyed 2 ports of call – Nassau and Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is always my favorite port of call and I especially love the “double-dip” sailings that offer 2 full days at Castaway Cay – I will need to get back on one of those sailings soon! And, if you have read some of my other blogs, fireworks are a big deal to me, Disney is the only cruise line that is granted permission to display fireworks at sea.


    While I did not have a day at sea during this cruise, I was still able to enjoy the ship – character meet & greets that you often cannot find at the parks, recently released movies, pools, water slides, walk up dining, entertainment, deck parties, dance clubs, karaoke, trivia, unlimited room service – it’s all included!! The onboard Pub even offers a buffet of light snacks early evening with another buffet for late night snacks later each night. There is definitely enough to keep you busy on a Disney Cruise if you aren’t the lounging at the pool or beach type and you won’t go hungry!

    As I mentioned, Castaway Cay is my favorite port of call when cruising with Disney and it was a perfect island day – not too hot, sunny skies and low wind!! The tide even washed out a bit to create a sand bar that was easily reachable by walking into the ocean and we were able to see beautiful starfish and stingray there!
    Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island and is consistently rated by Disney Guests as their favorite port of call and it’s reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers. The ships will dock right at the island to allow you to come and go as you please while enjoying experiences such as snorkeling, boating, swimming and sunbathing. Bicycles can also be rented if you want to explore the island’s nature trails. While all areas of the island can be reached by walking, an island tram offers four stops to help you easily get where you want to go. Dining is also included at Castaway Cay as part of your cruise package with covered outdoor restaurants serving burgers, BBQ chicken and ribs and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. And there are even some special character meet & greets on the island too!
    I am a runner and, weather permitting, Disney Cruise Line offers a 5K on every stop at Castaway Cay. It’s very informal but you do get race bibs and a medal at the finish line. If you want to participate in the 5K on Castaway Cay, you can register at Guest Services once onboard your cruise. Your registration ticket, “Key to the World” and photo ID are required the day of your event to participate. The 3.1-mile out-and-back event is free and family friendly; it’s open to walkers and runners ages 10 and older. The race takes place first thing in the morning on the island, typically with a meeting time onboard of 8 am, and participants are the first Guests off the ship at Castaway Cay This is a very casual fun experience worth the early wake-up!
    Families can have fun together at the Castaway Family Beach and, if you are traveling without children, Disney offers a secluded beach exclusively for adults – Serenity Bay. Your “Key to the World” card works for all purchases on Castaway Cay except at the local post office where you can send mail to your loved ones back home with a Bahamian postage stamp; the post card postage rate is approximately $0.65 USD each.

    Cruising with Disney is a very casual experience – I wear sun dresses and flip flops while my husband wears shorts and polos – we do dress up a bit for dinner but “cruise casual” attire is appropriate for dinner. The only exceptions are if you reserve adult only dining experiences at Palo or Remy which both have dress codes.

    Are you ready for YOUR Disney Cruise experience?

    Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
    Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

    Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

    Toy Story Land – Opening June 30, 2018

    in Walt Disney World by

    This Summer, Get Ready to Play Big in a New Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

    I was invited to a special industry showcase hosted by the Walt Disney Company to learn all about the park-wide reimagination for Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

    In this NEW eleven-acre playland in the larger-than-life setting of Andy’s imagination, Andy has designed the perfect play space decorated with more than 400 toy blocks and towering toys from the hit Toy Story franchise.

    Toy Story Land also brings the addition of new attractions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

    Slinky Dog Dash, with a 38” height requirement, this is a family-friendly toy-filled coaster that twists around curves, hills and drops.

    Concept Art – Slinky Dog Dash

    Alien Swirling Saucers, with a height requirement of 32”, is designed to be your very own toy rocket. Hang on tight as the Aliens take you on a spin through space. But, watch out, you may be “chosen” by the Claw!

    Concept Art – Alien Swirling Saucers

    BOTH of these new attractions will be eligible for FastPass+

    The entrance to Toy Story Land is near Toy Story Mania!, which remains one of the top attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Toy Story experience that stared it all!

    And don’t forget about the food… As “honorary toys” you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Woody’s Lunch Box. This new dining experience will be a Quick Service option and will accept the Disney Dining Plans. Woody’s Lunch Box features classic American fare, old-fashioned soda floats and other Toy Story-themed specialties with tasty treats like three-cheese grilled cheese and a banana split parfait. Be sure to check My Disney Experience for updated menu information.

    Concept Art – Woody’s Lunch Box

    So buckle up your space ranger utility belt, set your lasers for big fun and get ready for the biggest play date of all time – June 30, 2018!

    Toy Story Land—where kids of all ages can play and experience new adventures.

    Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
    Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

    Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

    Disney Magic– Marvel Day at Sea

    in Disney Cruise Line by

    I recently returned from my first experience on a Marvel Day at Sea cruise on the Disney Magic.

    This was my second experience on the Disney Magic and I cruised just before the ship goes in to dry dock for a few updates – most notable, reimagining Carioca’s into Rapunzel’s Royal Table! But more about that once I cruise on the refurbished Disney Magic…

    This was also my first 5-night itinerary, with 2 days at sea and a first visit to Cozumel – lots of firsts with this cruise experience!

    Since we had just sailed on the Disney Magic in December, we knew our way around the ship and, even though we did not have the same stateroom as December, we were lucky enough to have the services of our same stateroom Hostess, Esther. She was always so friendly and accommodating, taking care of our every need – even things we didn’t know we needed – and she creates the best Towel Art!
    [Rich_Web_Slider id=”13″]
    One of the things we love about a Disney Cruise is the rotational dining. It’s fun to get to know your server team but to also be able to experience different dining options. As this was a 5-night cruise, we were able to experience Animator’s Palette twice – it’s my favorite in the rotational dining options. And, this time, we dined at Lumiere’s on our final night so our breakfast on disembark day was also at Lumiere’s.

    While I have toured the other stateroom types, we have always chosen a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah and we prefer the starboard side so that we have a great view of the island when we arrive at Castaway Cay. The staterooms are good sized with under-bed storage for your luggage and we have never felt crowded in our stateroom when cruising with Disney, even on the smaller ships. My favorite feature is the elevated bed frames for under-bed storage of suitcases and other large items.

    This Marvel Day at Sea sailing offered Marvel Character Meet & Greets and entertainment in addition to the normal onboard fun! We signed up in advance for meet & greets with several characters – including Black Panther – and then met some without “reservations”. [Rich_Web_Slider id=”10″] There were also characters roaming about the ship during our Marvel Day at Sea and an evening show with fireworks – Disney is the only cruise line that is granted permission to display fireworks at sea. [if you have read some of my other blogs, fireworks are a big deal to me!]

    Even though this was a 5-night cruise, we only had 2 ports of call – Castaway Cay and Cozumel. While Castaway Cay is always my favorite port of call, Cozumel was a new experience for us. We were able to check out some “local” shops and also found a restaurant chain that we frequent back home.
    While our Marvel Day at Sea was filled with lots of Marvel fun, on our second day at sea we were more able to enjoy the ship – movies, pools, water slides, games, dining, entertainment – it’s all included.

    We also signed up in advance for the Mixology session during our second day at sea. It was a very fun and informative session and, for $20.00 per person, the price was great as it included the 5 adult beverages that were featured during the session. I highly recommend any of the adult beverage sessions offered during a Disney Cruise.
    [Rich_Web_Slider id=”11″]
    Castaway Cay is my favorite port of call when cruising with Disney!! Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island and is consistently rated by Disney Guests as their favorite port of call and it’s reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers. The ships will dock right at the island to allow you to come and go as you please while enjoying experiences such as snorkeling, boating, swimming and sunbathing. Bicycles can also be rented if you want to explore the island’s nature trails. While all areas of the island can be reached by walking, an island tram offers four stops to help you easily get where you want to go.

    We are runners and, weather permitting, Disney Cruise Line offers a 5K on every stop at Castaway Cay. It’s very informal but you do get race bibs and a medal at the finish line. If you want to participate in the 5K on Castaway Cay, you can register at Guest Services once onboard your cruise. Your registration ticket, “Key to the World” and photo ID are required the day of your event to participate. The 3.1-mile out-and-back event is free and family friendly; it’s open to walkers and runners ages 10 and older. The race takes place first thing in the morning on the island, typically with a meeting time onboard of 8 am, and participants are the first Guests off the ship at Castaway Cay. This is a very casual fun experience worth the early wake-up!

    Your “Key to the World” card works for all purchases on Castaway Cay except at the local post office where you can send mail to your loved ones back home with a Bahamian postage stamp; the post card postage rate is approximately $0.65 USD each. Dining is also included as part of your cruise package with covered outdoor restaurants serving burgers, BBQ chicken and ribs and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Families can have fun together at the Castaway Family Beach and, if you are traveling without children, Disney offers “adult only” areas at Castaway Cay – Serenity Bay, a secluded beach exclusively for adults. After our 5K and lunch I spent my afternoon on Castaway Cay laying in a hammock on Serenity Bay – it was a simply amazing day and a great way to kick off our cruise!

    Cruising with Disney is a very casual experience – I wore sun dresses and flip flops while my husband wore shorts and polos – we did dress up a bit for dinner but “cruise casual” attire is appropriate for dinner. The only exceptions are if you reserve adult only dining experiences at Palo or Remy which both have dress codes. We enjoy the rotational dining exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, experiencing a different restaurant and menu with the same servers each evening. And, unlimited room service is also included!!
    [Rich_Web_Slider id=”12″]
    In addition to exceptional dining experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers many entertainment options including Broadway-like musical productions, viewings of recently released Disney movies, character meet & greets that you often cannot find at the parks, deck parties, water slides and pools, dance clubs, karaoke, trivia and so much more! O’Gills Pub even offers a buffet of light snacks early evening with another buffet for late night snacks later each night. There is definitely enough to keep you busy on a Disney Cruise if you aren’t the lounging at the pool or beach type and you won’t go hungry!

    And be sure to give a big wave to Goofy as you disembark, he’s busy helping the crew prepare the ship for the next cruise…

    From January to early March, 2019, 10 special five-night Disney Magic sailings will take Guests to the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe during Marvel Day at Sea.

    The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

    Marvel Day at Sea 2019 will only be on Disney Magic five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami, departing Jan. 6, 11, 20, 25, Feb. 3, 8, 17, 22, March 3 and 8.

    Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
    Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

    Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

    Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

    in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by

    I have eaten at many of the Signature Dining locations on Disney property, with plans to try the rest very soon – but they keep adding more!

    Narcoossee’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, was definitely a favorite! The venue is not very large, and the restaurant location is a bit hidden, but it does offer a panoramic view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant from the waterfront verandah.

    Narcoossee’s offers steak and seafood – including whole-steamed Maine lobster. And, like all Walt Disney World Resort restaurants, a tasty kids menu too! Dining Plans are accepted and this Signature Dining experience requires 2 meal entitlements per person.

    I shared my dining experience with my husband and a good friend. To start, we ordered the Artisan Romaine Wedge with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Herbed Mascarpone, Tomato, Avocado, and Parmesan along with the Shrimp and Crab Cake with a Creamy Rémoulade Sauce and Red Quinoa-Cabbage Slaw. Both were visually appealing and well prepared.

    Artisan Romaine Wedge
    Shrimp and Crab Cake
    Our entrees were both sea & land selections and we shared the Narcoossee’s Signature Mashed Potatoes made with Boniato-Russet Mash, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Tillamook Cheddar, Scallions. This dish was excellent! The portion size was large, the potatoes were perfectly prepared, the bacon was thick and very flavorful and it was hot when delivered to our table.

    Narcoossee’s Signature Mashed Potatoes
    For our main courses we chose Benne-crusted Herbidean Salmon with Haricot Verts, Vidalia Onion Soubise, and Peanut Romesco and the Grilled Grass Fed Filet Mignon with Yukon Gold Rustic Mash, Seasonal Vegetable, Red Wine-Oxtail Reduction – the filet was my choice and I requested the Roasted Brussel Sprouts in place of the Seasonal Vegetables. I am particular about my Brussel Sprouts and these were some of the best that I have had on property and my steak was cooked to perfection!

    Benne-crusted Herbidean Salmon
    Grilled Grass Fed Filet Mignon
    We all chose to skip dessert, although there were many sumptuous offerings that sounded very tempting – especially the ‘Narcoossee’s Candy Bar’ – a Dark Chocolate-Mocha Bar with House-made Guanaja Chocolate Gelato!

    In addition to a delicious meal, we were pleased to learn that Narcoossee’s also carries a couple of our favorite adult beverages – Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Oak Aged Beer for my husband and Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon for me.

    If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort, I highly recommend Narccoossee’s for food, service and atmosphere.

    Reservations are recommended at this and all Signature Dining experience restaurants and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Menus are subject to change.

    All Signature Dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort have a ‘business casual’ dress code…
    Men may wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jackets are optional.
    Women may wear dresses, skirts or dress shorts with blouses or sweaters.
    Not permitted in the dining room are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and shirts with offensive language or graphics.

    Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
    Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

    Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

    Minnie Van Service – Walt Disney World Resort

    in Walt Disney World by
    Have you heard about the new Minnie Vans at Walt Disney World? I recently had the opportunity to experience this new way to get around property. *UPDATED: September 17, 2018 – Check back for future updates. With the new Minnie Van service, all vehicles are driven by Disney Cast Members and the vans are owned and operated by Disney. Service is offered from 6:30 am – 12:30 am daily (subject to change). Currently, you use your Lyft app to request a ride. Disney has a fleet of Minnie Vans and offers rides from all resorts and locations on property, and plans to add the service to the My Disney Experience (MDE) app. It’s a good idea to have a Lyft account already set up on your phone before arriving for your vacation. New pricing went into effect mid-September 2018 – The flat rate of $15.00 plus a per mile fee will get you anywhere on property and, if you would like to tip your Disney Cast Member, tipping is also available through the Lyft app. See below for sample pricing from three resorts on property to Magic Kingdom. Note: Once on Disney property, your Lyft app should offer the Minnie Van service as a vehicle option – scroll through the regular Lyft options to “MORE”. If you don’t see the Minnie Van option, just inquire at the front desk, any Cast Member at Bell Services or the front lobby desk can assist you with set up and questions. Once you are set up with the service, you are ready to request your first ride! You should plan to reserve your ride about 15 minutes before your preferred pick-up time as wait times can be 15-20 minutes. The standard Minnie Vans will seat up to 6 guests and all carry 2 car seats and each will accommodate rear facing up to booster. Vans are configured with bucket seats in the front row, captain’s chairs in the second row, and a third row bench seat that is best suited for your little ones or smaller adults. All vans offer phone charging via USB ports, and rear seat climate controls to help you adjust the temperate to your liking. And our driver even had Disney music on the radio! If you require a mobility van, which will accommodate one mobility scooter/vehicle and up to a total of 8 guests, you will need to ask the front desk to request this type of van for you. There are 2 mobility vans currently in the fleet. The Minnie Vans will only provide service on Disney property and they will make multiple stops if needed – for example, if you originate at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and you have friends staying at Pop Century that you would like to stop and pick up – as long as you are all going to the same destination and you all fit in one vehicle you’re set! The Minnie Vans will also make quick stops (around 5 minutes) at non-Disney locations on property, such as gas stations and McDonald’s. **UPDATED**The Disney Minnie Van service, is also now available for travel to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) for guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Unlike the regular Minnie Van service, however, Minnie Van airport shuttle service reservations must be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, not through the Lyft app. The shuttle service is available for flight arrivals from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and for flight departures from 9 a.m. to midnight. Each Minnie Van can hold up to six passengers and eight medium-sized suitcases. Up to three complimentary car seats can also be provided and ADA accessible vehicles are available. The price is $150.00 one way.**UPDATED** If you are headed to experience the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, your Minnie Van will drop you off right at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort so you can skip the bus. At Magic Kingdom, they drop off and pick up at Bus Stop #8 in the bus loop – however, the Lyft app will show Ticket & Transportation Center. At the larger resorts, the Minnie Van will pick up and drop off close to your room. And, if you take a Minnie Van to a destination on property from your designated originating resort you can absolutely request a return ride! If you happen to lose any items during your Minnie Van ride, they will try to get your Lost & Found items back to the location closest to where you were dropped off or originated from.
    I would definitely suggest trying the Minnie Van service, especially for early morning dining reservations, signature dining experiences where you a bit more dressed up or getting back to your resort at park closing after a full day of parks. It’s quick and convenient and, well, it’s just FUN to ride in that red polka dot Minnie Van!! I invite you use my offer code for discounted rides with Lyft. Lyft: WISHWITHCRYSTAL – Redeem offer at https://www.lyft.com/invite/WISHWITHCRYSTAL *UPDATED: September 17, 2018 – Check back for future updates.

    Follow me…
    Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Cruise With Your Travel Agent

    LET’S TRAVEL!

    SPECIALIZING IN LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
    An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency – EarMarked GoldProducer
    Beach Vacations | Cruise Vacations | Theme Park Vacations | Babymoons
    Tours & Experiences – Choose Your Destination | U.S. Destinations
    Disney Area Vacation Homes | All-Inclusive Destinations
    Sandals Resorts [Adults Only] | Beaches Resorts [Family Friendly]
    Virgin Voyages | Royal Caribbean Cruises | Viking River Cruises | Viking Ocean Cruises

    The Pirates League – Magic Kingdom

    in Walt Disney World by

    Show your Pirate side the next time you visit Magic Kingdom park!

    Similar to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience, which is for ages 3-12, The Pirates League is a makeover experience that the whole family (ages 3 and up) can enjoy together! Choose from pirate, empress or mermaid options, all with coordinating accessories to complete your makeover.
    Most pirate packages include facial makeup and hair, sword and The Pirates League logo sash, reversible bandana, earring and eye patch, The Pirates League bag, temporary pirate tattoo, unique pirate coin necklace, pirate’s key, official pirate name and personalized pirate oath. The mermaid packages include luminous mermaid makeup and makeup palette and nail polish, mermaid hairstyle and color-changing hair clip, distinctive mermaid necklace, mermaid sash and bracelet.

    Our little pirate chose the zombie pirate makeover because it was scary. Your first task for your makeover is to determine your pirate name by spinning a wheel which turns a treasure chest to roll the dice. The numbers on the dice lead you to your pirate name. Our zombie’s official pirate name was ‘Benjamin Sharkstench’.

    All of the ‘Pirate Masters’ are friendly and very good with the little ones, telling jokes and sharing pirate stories as they transform your pirate. If it’s your birthday, be sure to let them know and they whole crew will sing you a pirate birthday song!

    Once your makeover is complete, you are sworn in to The Pirates League and taken to a hidden chamber where your Pirate Master will surprise you with a bit of pirate treasure.

    Our little pirate enjoyed this makeover experience. One of his favorite parts was that during our day in the park everyone was looking at him and commented how awesome his face paint was.

    For the money and the experience, I highly recommend this makeover. It’s much easier to confirm a reservation than the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and adults can participate too – I think, one day soon, my husband and I might just have our own pirate makeover experience!

    The Pirates League is located between the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean and Plaza del Sol Bazaar. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance, packages start at $39.95. Options for the basic pirate and mermaid packages can even include an entire pirate or mermaid outfit, for an additional charge.

    Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
    Like my Facebook Page | Follow me on Pinterest | Follow me on Instagram

    Disneyland Resort | Walt Disney World Resort | Disney Cruise Line | Aulani ~ Disney Hawaii Resort & Spa | Adventures by Disney | Other Destination Vacations

    Go to Top