Disney Digest February 18, 2013

What’s New

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Debuts Illuminated Blooms and Garden Marketplace Dining

The 20th Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV, taking place March 6 – May 19, 2013, at Walt Disney World® Resort, offers new festival additions that include food-and-beverage Garden Marketplaces, a circus-like “Land of Oz” play area and nighttime illuminated gardens.

Debuting this year:

Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice. Chefs are perfecting menus for marketplaces that will include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others around the World Showcase promenade.
Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush.
A new, circus-like “Land of Oz” play area based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz: The Great and Powerful” to be released March 8, 2013. The interactive children’s play zone will feature play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed to stretch kids’ imaginations and muscles. Midway-style games, red-and-white circus-themed tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants will capture the spirit of the upcoming film.
Larger-than-life Fab Five Disney character topiary. Floral versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) star in a celebratory cookout scene in living topiary color. The 14-foot-tall Goofy topiary will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms.
Illuminated Gardens in the Park’s Future World and World Showcase will twinkle and glow over the festival’s world-famous Disney gardens and topiaries each festival evening.

Throughout the 75-day garden party, you will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, a butterfly bounty, whimsical children’s play areas, HGTV celebrity designers, daily hands-on gardening seminars and a Festival Center packed with events that offer innovative ideas, gardening know-how and design tips. On weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform. Every Friday through Sunday, HGTV design celebrities will host Festival Center seminars.

In all, more than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape.

Mardi Gras The Biggest Bash this Side of the Bayou
Saturdays & Select Nights • Feb 9 – Apr 20

It’s the most spectacular celebration of the Big Easy spirit outside of New Orleans itself – Mardi Gras at Universal Studios®. Bring the whole family for a party filled with music and fun as only Universal Orlando® Resort can throw. The air will be filled with the sound of live concerts featuring top recording acts on the Universal Music Plaza stage. Catch beads by the handful as our dazzling parade winds its way through the park with incredible floats and colorful street performers in glittering costumes. Plus, our French Quarter Courtyard sizzles with authentic Cajun food* and live music from bands direct from New Orleans. There’s nothing else like it this side of the bayou!

NEW Walt Disney Travel Company Luggage Tags

Samsonite, the world’s leading luggage brand, has entered into a multi-year agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, making American Tourister the “Official Luggage of the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts.” As part of the agreement, American Tourister will receive branding on the luggage tags included in Walt Disney Travel Company Florida and California Guest Documents. Beginning in the next week, your luggage tags will feature fun, Disney-themed artwork, as well as the American Tourister logo.

NEW Adventures by Disney Launches Tours Specifically for Multi-Generational Families

In 2013, Adventures by Disney®encourages you to bring the whole family along on multi-generational departures to Italy, London/Paris and Ireland.

While all Adventures by Disney tours are designed for families, these specialized adventures are specifically tailored to support the needs of groups traveling with multiple generations.

Each departure features a professional photographer on-hand throughout the adventure to capture memory-making moments. And, you will experience the Disney Differences that Adventures by Disney is known for, including dedicated Adventure Guides, knowledgeable local experts, hands-on educational activities, VIP privileges, private ground transportation and extraordinary accommodations.

With all of the details planned in advance, it’s easy for grandparents and parents to relax and immerse themselves in the most valuable experience of all – quality time with their family.

Adventures by Disney presents three multi-generational departures, created with the whole family in mind:

The Emerald Isle
Aug. 13, 2013 – 8 Days/7 Nights
Dublin, Cashel, Killarney and Newmarket-on-Fergus
Families will feel like they have reached a pot of gold as they discover the treasures of Ireland with Adventures by Disney. With excursions through legendary castles and authentic Irish dancing lessons, one can’t help but embrace the luck of the Irish.

Cities of Knights and Lights
July 22, 2013 – 8 Days/7 Nights
London, Windsor, Stonehenge, Paris and Versailles
Your Clients will step into the stories of fairy tale characters and kings in two of the most magical cities in Europe. From Buckingham Palace to the Eiffel Tower, Westminster Abbey to the Notre Dame Cathedral, they will experience unforgettable sites through hands-on experiences designed just for families.

Viva Italia
July 18, 2013 – 9 Days/8 Nights
Rome, Orvieto, Tuscany, Artimino, Florence and Venice
From exploring the masterpieces of Rome to pasta-making with an Italian chef and floating along the grand canals of Venice, you will experience the spirit of Italy from the moment they arrive

NEW Hands-On Experiences with Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney® allows you to become active participants in incredible stories, experiences and cultures through immersive activities that only Disney can bring to life. From biking around the grounds of a historic French chateau to meeting Aboriginal tribe members in Australia, Guests become travelers and adventurers, instead of simply tourists.

Here’s just a sample of the amazing hands-on experiences, Adventures by Disney offers.

Viva Italia –9-days/8-nights
You will live the stories of Italy’s most famous sites through unforgettable experiences on this breathtaking vacation. Guests journey to a Tuscan estate for private pasta-making lesson, followed by an al fresco picnic surrounded by rolling hills and farmlands. In Venice, they create their own Carnevale mask with the help of a renowned mask-maker.

Cowboys and Canyons –8-days/7-nights
You will experience the awesome expanse of the Grand Canyon, the power of the mighty Colorado River and the quiet majesty of the Southwestern desert. In Monument Valley, Guests take in the sights from an off-road vehicle. Next, in the Grand Canyon, they set off by foot on a stunning hike led by a naturalist guide. Finally, you will enjoy an exciting, yet leisurely, rafting adventure, followed by a Cowboy Cookout on the banks of the Colorado River.

Enchanted China –12-days/11-nights
This unforgettable vacation immerses you in China’s history and culture. Guests observe delightful pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding –China’s premier institution devoted to the preservation of these rare animals. And, in Beijing a pedicab takes you through the ancient Hutong neighborhoods. Along the way they can participate in demonstrations of traditional crafts such as knot-tying, decorative paper-cutting, as well as a display by a yo-yo master

Coming Soon to the Walt Disney World Resort

At Disney Parks, we’re always working to improve our offerings and add new, magical experiences. New Fantasyland® is now open at Magic Kingdom® Park and there’s even more on the horizon at the Walt DisneyWorld® Resort.

Guests Can Soon Interact with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in New Immersive Queue–In the works in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is about to get a new interactive queue.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park – Imagineers have laid the first pieces of track in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction in the New Fantasyland expansion, set to open in 2014.

Development of AVATAR-Themed Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park Continues – Work continues to bring the epic fantasy world of AVATAR to life at Disney Parks.

Starbucks Locations at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot®Set to Open Next Year – The first two Starbucks locations at Walt Disney World Resort will open next year, one at Magic KingdomPark and one at Epcot.

New Kids Free on Select DisneyCruise Line® Cruises from Miami in 2013

Kids Sail Free is coming to Miami, FL! For a limited time, kids under age 17 can sail FREE on select 4-night and 5-night Disney Cruise Line® sailings from Miami, FL! Guests can choose from a 4-night Bahamian itinerary or a 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary, and most sailings include a stop Disney’s own private island paradise, Castaway Cay.

Offer Details:

Kids Sail FREE with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in categories 4A –11B on select cruises from Jan. 14 – Feb. 25, 2013. Government Taxes and Fees are not included.

Celebrate Miami Inaugural Season with Kids Sail Free Offer

Disney Cruise Line® is celebrating its inaugural season in Miami with a special Kids Sail Free offer on 5-night Western Caribbean cruises. Select itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Offer Details
Kids 17 and under sail FREE when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in Categories 4A – 11B on select Miami sailings January 14 -February 25, 2013 and April 8 – April 27, 2013. Rate does not include Government Taxes and Fees of approximately $65 per person (all amounts subject to change). See Additional Details below.

Travel Window
Select sail dates January 14 – February 25, 2013 and April 8 – April 27, 2013

Additional Details

Must mention booking code KFM
This offer is available to residents of the U.S., Canada and Latin America.
Offer applies only to stateroom categories 4A – 11B.
Excludes suites, category 11C staterooms and GTY categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT and VGT).
The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Stateroom accommodations for four or more Guests are limited and based on availability at the time of booking.
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
For children age 17, verification of age is required within 48 hours of booking. Failure to submit complete identification will result in a cancellation with applicable cancellation fees. Additional Terms and Conditions apply.
Early Fall Savings on Disney Dream

You can get a great rate – plus an onboard credit up to $100 – when they set sail on a 3- or 4-night cruise aboardDisney Dream departing from Port Canaveral Aug. 25 – Sept. 26, 2013.

The following lead rates are per person, based on double occupancy:

3-night cruise – Inside stateroom starting at $399, Oceanview stateroom starting at $449 and Verandah stateroom starting at $499.
4-night cruise – Inside stateroom starting at $499, Oceanview stateroom starting at $549 and Verandah stateroom starting at $599.
Onboard Credit Offer Details:
Book a 3- or 4-night cruise on Disney Dream departing Aug. 25 – Sept. 26, 2013, and receive a $50 onboard credit for an Inside stateroom, $75 onboard credit for an Oceanview stateroom or a $100 onboard credit for a Verandah stateroom.

Booking Window:

Jan. 2 – March 15, 2013
Travel Window:

Most 3- and 4-night sailings on Disney Dream Aug. 25 – Sept. 26, 2013
Additional Details:

Must mention booking code DRM at time of booking
Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures not included
Government Taxes and Fees are approximately $65 per person for 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises (all amounts subject to change)
Excludes categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT and VGT)
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers
See Disney Cruise Line brochure for cruise details and applicable terms and conditions
Shipboard credit is non-refundable and non-transferable
Disney Cruise Line Unveils New 2014 Itineraries and Ports

In 2014, Disney Cruise Line® will offer new itineraries, including an expanded collection of European cruises highlighting the Greek Isles. Plus, Disney Cruise Line will depart for the first time from homeports in Venice, Italy, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Mediterranean from Venice and Barcelona

Departures from May 31 – Aug. 30, 2014
Disney Magic® returns to the Mediterranean with exciting new ports and popular destinations, treating your Clients to the best of Europe.
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will use Venice, Italy, as a homeport for select sailings. During these cruises, the ship will overnight in Venice, giving your Clients the opportunity to experience an evening in the spectacular city.
Other new destinations include Katakolon, Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini and Corfu, Greece, and Catania, Sicily.
Caribbean from San Juan

Departures from Sept. 20 – Oct. 11, 2014
Disney Cruise Line will homeport in San Juan for the first time in 2014, sailing four cruises to the Southern Caribbean, including Grenada – a new port of call for Disney.
Known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada offers your Clients a lush and lively destination filled with spice estates, tropical gardens, beautiful beaches, thrilling diving, snorkeling, fishing and exploration through mountain landscapes and waterfalls.
Alaska from Vancouver

Departures from May 24 – Sept. 1, 2014
Disney Wonder® will sail 7-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. One special 9-night cruise calls on Sitka, Alaska – a first for Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer a variety of sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami, Florida, in 2014. Most itineraries include a visit to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. For a quick reference guide, download this flier.

If you are a Platinum or Gold Castaway Club Member, you can book the new itineraries by phone beginning at 8 a.m. ET, Feb. 13, 2013. Bookings open to all Guests on Feb. 14, 2013 – perfect timing for a magical Valentine’s Day gift!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure®

Disney Discounts

Walt Disney World

Save Up To 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Save up to 30%* at select WaltDisney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Feb. 18 – March 23 and April 2 – June 14, 2013.

Add minimum 4-Day Magic Your Way Tickets to make it a package and get a discount on the tickets too!**

Offer Details:

Disney Value and Moderate Resorts

For stays most nights Feb. 18 –March 23 and April 2 – June 14, 2013:

Transfer Week Is Here!

Have you booked a Disney World vacation package in the last 30 days directly with Disney, whether online or over the phone? Have I got a deal for you!  Transfer your Disney vacation package to me and, as my way of saying thank you for trusting us with your reservation,  you’ll receive a Mickey treat cooler from Disney Florist, a $75 value!

The cooler includes a Mickey plush, a Mickey clock and snacks and is delivered to your room at your Disney resort.  The cooler is perfect for taking snacks into the parks or keeping the magic alive at home after your vacation!

Not only do you get this great thank you gift, but you get our legendary service for FREE!  As usual nothing on your reservation will change when you transfer your reservation to us.  You’ll receive added benefits like time-saving tips, itinerary planning, dining recommendations and bookings, MousePerks and more!

To qualify you must have booked a Magic Your Way package directly with Disney in the last 30 days and only paid the deposit.  Packages must be $2,500 before taxes and airfare in order to qualify for the free in-room gift.

What are you waiting for?  Make your Disney vacation even more magical.   Contact me at gretchen@destinationsinflorida.com today for more information and to transfer your reservation!

Water Parks and More For Only $23?

Have you ever wanted to try the Disney water parks?  Have hankering to visit Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?  Upgrading your Magic Your Way Park Hopper tickets to the Water Parks Fun and More option is only $23 per ticket!  Not only will you get access to Disney’s two phenomenal water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, but you’ll also get access to Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, and DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park.  What are you waiting for?  Ask me about adding this option on to your existing package or when booking a new Disney vacation package today!

Make It Yourself Monday

This is the first of my many Disney oriented projects I’m working on for our trip to the World next month.  The joys of a surprise trip mean that I can only work on things when my oldest son is not home so I’ve been trying to check some of these off of my to do list while he’s gone so I can focus on the other projects when his eagle eyes and ears return!  I, of course, have a million Disney ideas pinned.  There’s one problem…I don’t sew.  For some reason in my home ec class we never learned how.  However, I CAN sew on a button so when I saw this project on Pinterest I knew I could handle it!

These adorable button shirts were so cute and so easy I couldn’t resist.  Plus, all the materials for these four shirts cost about $25 tops so I made four shirts for the price of one at Disney and they are much more unique.  As I said this project is so easy I can do it so here are some quick instructions in case you don’t want to click the link:

Little Man’s Shirt

1.  Cut out a Mickey silhouette shape.  I imported an image into my Silhouette Cameo, but you can google to find one online and size it as needed.

2.  Trace around the Mickey cut out with Tacky glue.  (The gold bottle in the craft section of Wal Mart or found at your local craft store.)

3.  Place buttons in colors & pattern of your choice on glue outline.  Wait for them to dry.

4.  Sew buttons in place permanently.

5.  Done.  You are the creator of a super cute Mickey shirt for your Disney trip or your Disney fanatic.

The Big Boy Shirts

The little brother’s shirt looks similar to the inspiration post, although it might be a wee bit crooked now that I’m staring at a picture.  But I don’t think he’ll care!  I decided though that my 12 year old and the husband may not want a giant Mickey made out of buttons so I got them polo shirts and put the Mickey on the breast of the shirt.  (Although according to my husband Mickey is ‘huge” so I guess it’s all a matter of opinion.)  For mine I put Mickey in the lower left corner of the shirt for a little something different.

The youngest counting buttons on Mum’s shirt

I wanted the shirts to be matchy matchy without being too matchy if that makes sense.  Even the husband says they’re cute so I think these shirts are crowd pleasers, even if they are cheesy!  My plan is to where them to our first day at Magic Kingdom.  Hopefully they’ll make for some cute pictures!  I’d better make sure I pack a Tide to Go stick since we’ll all be wearing white!   I just can’t wait to see my whole family in our shirts.  That will be the true reward, even if the almost teenager rolls his eyes at me!

How to Score a FREE Meal at Disney World!

I LOVE the Disney dining plan with a passion.  It makes meals and snacks at Disney effortless and stress free.  I don’t have to worry about how much that Mickey ice cream bar is going to cost when my kids “have” to have one!   However, we also like to enjoy a Signature dining experience on our trips, which requires more than one dining credit.  And like many other families we are all about getting the most bang for our buck!  I’ve been couponing to Disney with the help of my friend Kristin at the website of the same name so I want to make sure I get every pennies worth while I’m visiting Mickey and friends.

So how do I get a FREE meal at Disney?  Simple, I use SwagBucks.  SwagBucks awards you Swagbucks for simple things you do each day like searching the web or using print at home coupons.  You then redeem these points for prizes.  I like to save mine for gift cards.  Last year I used Amazon gift cards I earned for free with SwagBucks to buy Christmas presents and I just redeemed a slew of points for a $50 Landry’s gift card.

Available in $25, $50 & $100 increments!

Landry’s is one of our favorite restaurants, but better yet, they own The Rainforest Cafe, Yak & Yeti and T-Rex!  This means that you can use a Landry’s, or Rainforest Cafe, gift card to eat for FREE at Disney!  We plan to use ours at T-Rex in Downtown Disney since we have a toddler who loves dinosaurs.  However you can use it at Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney or inside Animal Kingdom Park.  You can also use it at Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom Park, which is delish by the way!
So, what are you waiting for?  If you haven’t already, sign up for SwagBucks and get searching!  If you print coupons at home, print them and redeem them to earn points towards your free meal at Disney World!  It’s free, it’s legit and it saves you money!  What could be better than that?

If you could eat anywhere at Disney World for free, where would your dream dining location be?

New Disney Stay, Play, Dine Special Offer!

Are you looking to travel to Disney World in early 2013?  Longing to see the new Fantasyland?  Dying to eat at Be Our Guest Restaurant.  Can’t wait to stay at the Art of Animation Resort or see the recently refurbished Grand Floridian?  Or do you want to be among those who have experienced the redesigned Test Track at Epcot?  Look no further, a great discount was just released for you!  If you would like to travel between January 4th-March 1st, 2013 you can save up to $600 through Disney’s new Stay, Play and Dine offer!

StayPlayDine_Ad_Retail early 2013

STAY, PLAY, DINE AND SAVE UP TO $600*
with the purchase of this 5-Night/6-Day Walt Disney Travel Company room,
ticket and dining plan package at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels
(based on a family of four).
This package includes:
• Accommodations for 5 nights at a select Disney Resort hotel
• Admission to one Disney Theme Park for each day of your package stay
• A dining plan
• Special Guest benefits, like enjoying extra time in the Theme Parks
• And, more
For stays most nights 01/04–03/1/2013.  Book 10/10–12/31/2012.

* The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited so contact me today for pricing if interested.  Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same package for 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Excludes campsites, 3-Bedroom Villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms

Contact me today to book your magical vacation at gretchen@destinationsinflorida.com.

Save Up To 30% On Your Disney World Vacation This Holiday Season!

Disney World would like to wish you a very happy holiday season!  They’re giving an amazing gift of up to 30% off select hotels for select dates so you can celebrate with Mickey and friends.  The offer is quite specific so I wanted to share all the details with you!  If you were thinking of traveling this holiday season, don’t pass this offer up!  As always, contact me at gretchen@operationdisney travel for pricing.  In the meantime, here are the details to help you decide when to travel and where to stay!

Disney Value & Moderate Resorts:

For stays most nights Nov. 1-3, Nov. 11-16, Nov. 24 – Dec. 1 and Dec. 10-22, 2012:

• Save up to 25% at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Save up to 20% at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Save up to 15% at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites

For stays most nights Nov. 4-10 and Dec. 2-9, 2012:

• Save up to 20% at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins
• Save up to 15% at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

 

Disney Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts:

For stays most nights Nov. 1-3, Nov. 11-17, Nov. 24 – Dec. 1 and Dec. 10-22, 2012:

• Save up to 30% at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard view rooms), Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani/Jambo standard view rooms and 1-bedroom villas), Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Save up to 20% at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (excluding rooms with a view of Magic Kingdom® Park), Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani/Jambo club level rooms and 2-bedroom villas)

For stays most nights Nov. 4-10, Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-9, 2012:

• Save up to 25% at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard view rooms), Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani/Jambo standard view rooms and 1-bedroom villas), Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Save up to 15% at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (excluding rooms with a view of Magic Kingdom Park), Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani/Jambo club level rooms and 2-bedroom villas)

This offer must be booked by October 31, 2012 so don’t delay, contact me today!  Email me at operationdisneytravel@gmail.com for a quote.  I look forward to helping you plan a magical, holiday visit to Walt Disney World!