Category Archives: Adventures by Disney

Step into Pixar’s new movie, Brave with Adventures by Disney

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Disney has always been, and will continue to be, an entertainment company at heart. They have perfected the art of storytelling. Yes, they do travel too but there is storytelling at the heart of everything they do. You see it in the queues at the theme parks, in the set up of the water parks, it’s everywhere at Aulani but nowhere is it more apparent than on Adventures by Disney vacations.

The movie Brave rolls in to theaters in just under a month. This latest addition to the Pixar collection is highlh anticipated and is getting great “buzz” from those who have been fortunate enough to have attend an advance screening. It’s no surprise that Disney decided to give families a chance to visit Merida’s world and learn more about her native land.

Earlier this week Adventures by Disney announced their newest itineraries for 2013. Earlier this year we learned that guests will have the opportunity to visit Southeast Asia inclduing Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Adventures by Disney Vice President Josh D’Amaro announced on Tuesday that the newest location for 2013 is none other than Scotland.

“‘Scotland: A Brave Adventure’ combines the creative genius of Pixar Animation Studios with Disney’s ability to bring iconic stories to life with in a whole new way,” says Josh D’Amaro. “For the first time ever, our guests will be fully immersed in the legends and locations that inspired the film. ‘Brave’ is the perfect tale for Adventures by Disney to share; Merida’s experience speaks to the importance of the family bond – a cornerstone of any Disney vacation.”

I will admit that Scotland intrigues me quite a bit! There are several Adventures by Disney itineraries that are on my wish list ”to do list” but this Scotish adventure just leapfroged over several of them claiming it’s spot up at the top (the #1 pick changes with my mood!).

As with all Adventures by Dinsey trips, this itinerary is designed to appeal to everyone in your family no mater what their age (Disney recommends a minimum age of 8 for this tour). You’ll visit some of the most historic and scenic locations in Scotland including a private, after hours VIP tour of Edinburgh Castle and passing through the Calanais Standing Stones. Your family will also have the chance to take part in some of Merida’s favorite activities too. You’ll ride a highland pony through the Rothiemurchus Fores, try your hand at archery taught by a local expert on the grounds of Glamis castle, whip up some traditional Scottish pastries and show off your artistic side as you learn Celtic music and dance.

Of course no trip to Scotland would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness! Your family won’t just stand on the shores gazing out at the loch. No way. You’ll be out there gliding across Loch Ness in a canoe in search of the elusive Nessie. If that’s not quite your style, you can conduct your search for Nessie from a motorboat as you listen to your skipper regale you with tales of hunting the Loch’s most infamous inhabitant.

You’ll even visit the sites that inspired some of Brave’s locations. The Witch’s cottage was inspired by the Black Houe of Arnol and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and Merida’s home is modeled after Dunnottar Castle…and you’ll see them all first hand!

There are even special events just for the kids, or “Junior Adventurers” as Disney calls them. Imagine the tales your children will be able to tell their friends and teachers about how they participated in the Disney Highland Games during their visit to Scotland. No boring “what I did last summer” essays for them! These are the type of memories that will live with them forever.

This 8 night, 9 day adventure will begin departures in March of 2013. They are available for booking now and the key to getting the best possible pricing on an Adventures by Disney vacation is to book early! As the departures begin to fill, the price only goes up.

So, who’s with me? Are you “Brave” enough to tackle this adventure? Disney, in case you are listening, if you need someone to test out the itinerary for you, I’m available! Have passport, will travel…I just need a few hours to pack!

Ready to start planning your next Adventure?
Request a quote online or contact us
at 678-744-4939 to get started!

Book any Adventures by Disney vacation by July 1, 2012 and receive a gift card worth up to $750 as our gift to you.

We’re Celebrating With Gift Cards for You!

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Free Disney Gift Card Offer

General Foods International Coffees may have been the first to remind us to “Celebrate the Moments of our Lives” but no one does celebrations better than Disney!

Magical Memories Travel has more than one thing to celebrate as we kick of a new year tonight. 2012 marks our 5th year as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We are very proud to have received the honor of being “EarMarked” by Disney for 2012. On top of that, 2011 was our best year yet representing a more than 200% increase over 2011 for us as a company. We think that calls for a celebration!

To celebrate these accomplishments, we’re thanking YOU for your support in helping us to not only achieve, but surpass our goals. Every Disney vacation booked through 2/1/2012 for travel by 12/31/2012 will receive a bonus gift from Magical Memories Travel. Guests planning a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation will receive a Disney gift card valued at up to $100. Guest setting sail on a Disney Cruise will receive a shipboard credit of up to $250. Guests planning an Adventures by Disney vacation will receive an AMEX gift card worth up to $500. Already have a vacation booked with Disney? Transfer your reservation to Magical Memories Travel by 2/1/12 to take advantage of this offer as well!

Want to know more? Request a quote from one of our Disney Vacation Specialists today for more details!

Magical Memories Travel - Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Experience Alaska With Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line

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Adventures by Disney Alaska Wonders Cruise

Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line are both widely considered to be among the finest ways to take a family vacation. Both feature well thought out vacations with something for every member of your family no matter what their age. Both take you to beautiful destinations and help capture time with your family reconnecting and making memories to last a lifetime. Both come with Disney’s legendary service, attention to detail and storytelling. So what do you do when you can’t decide which vacation to take?

Fortunately for those of us who want the best of both worlds, Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line have joined forces to offer another great combo-vacation!  During the summer of 2012, guests can enjoy a fabulous cruise to Alaska on board the Disney Wonder combined with Adventures by Disney excursions and events on the Alaskan Wonders Family Cruise Vacation.

This 7-night, 8-day vacation begins in Seattle, WA as you board the Disney Wonder for your adventure. Your trip will include highlights such as:

  • Gold Panning in Skagway
    Known as “Gateway to the Klondike,” the historic port town of Skagway is home to unspoiled natural beauty and wilderness wonders. Whether you’re panning for gold or braving the Yukon Suspension Bridge, feel the excitement of the pioneer spirit!
  • Seaplane Tour in Juneau
    Venture to Alaska’s capital, home to the Mendenhall Glacier. Marvel at the North American frontier when you sweep over the majestic land in a seaplane. The glacial beauty will take your breath away!
  • Ziplining and Totem Pole Carving in Ketchikan
    Welcome to Alaska’s first city! Feel the adrenaline as you soar over the rainforest canopy on a zipline. Then watch a Native master demonstrate the art of carving a totem pole.
  • Salmon Bake at Taku Glacier Lodge
    Your seaplane lands at Taku Glacier Lodge, where you will sit down for a mouth-watering salmon bake. Your drinks are chilled with actual glacier ice!
  • Plus special onboard events and receptions with your Adventure Guides and fellow Adventurers.

Available dates for the Alaska Wonders cruise are June 4, 2012, June 11, 2012, June 18, 2012,  June 25, 2012,  July 2, 2012,  July 9, 2012,  July 16, 2012,  July 23, 2012,  July 30, 2012, August 6, 2012,  August 13, 2012 and August 20, 2012.

Interested in learning more? Contact Magical Memories Travel for more information or a personalized quote!

 

More info from Disney night!

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Our ask a question link was not working during the web cast but I can see the questions now. Here are the answers to your questions:

Ally from Long Island, NY asked: Do you need to make advance resrvations for the spas on the Magic and the Dream?
Yes, it is always a good idea to make advance reservations for spa appointments but you can make them once on the ship as well. For the best availability, book in advance but they will generally have some availability once you are on board.

Theresa from Fishers, IN asked: Has anyone done the Fireworks Dessert Party?
Yes! It’s a great option  for fireworks viewing in the Magic Kingdom! You definitely want to make advance reservations for this as soon as possible if  this is something you are interested in. Feel free to contact me if you want more info!

Matt from Kennesaw, GA asked: What is the big differences between the Disney World moderate and value resorts? What do you recommend for a first time visitor with two small kids?
There are a few differences. The biggest differences, in my opinion are that the value resorts have a very high energy feel with bright colors and lots of larger-than-life statues of Disney characters. They are largely concrete areas – themed with Disney to the max and lots of fun. but still concrete. The moderate resorts are beautifully landscaped and have more of a relaxing feel. They are a nice break from the parks. The themeing is accomplished through architecture and landscape rather than Disney characters. It’s a totally different feel! The rooms are also noticeably larger at the moderate resorts. The value resort rooms are 260 sq ft whereas the moderate resorts are 314 sq ft. You really feel that difference when you have 4 people in the room! Another big difference, that is of vital importance to my kids, is the pool! Value resorts have a large themed pool and a smaller quiet pool. The pool has water features like sprinklers but no water slides. At the moderate resorts, the themed pool has a water slide and there are usually more than one quiet pool.  As far as which I recommend, that would depend on the age of your kids and your budget. My rule of thumb is usually that if you can comfortably afford the moderate resort, it is worth the upgrade but if it will not be comfortable within your budget, then opt for the value resort. You won’t go wrong either way but the relaxing feel, larger rooms and upgraded amentities are worth it if you have that option!

 Pam from Kennesaw, GA asked: I live in Cobb County and school will start back after Christmas holidays on January 10. Is the first week of January a good time to travel? Is this an off season? What deals are available?
January is the perfect alternative to our lost September break (I’ve had to reschedule my vacation too!). As a matter of fact, I wrote an article on that for Examiner.com! They have not released discounts for January yet, but you can rest assured that there will be some sort of special offer starting January 2, 2012!

Anonymous asked: Is it still hot enough to do the waterparks in September?
Oh yes! Absolutely! September is a great time to travel in terms of crowds but you still have the heat and humidity so the water parks are a welcome break from that heat!

Jen from Stone Mountain asked: How does Disney go about helping families with children with special needs such as Austism?
You won’t find another destination that is more accomodating of guests with special needs of any type than Disney. It’s tough to give a short and sweet answer for this. Look for a blog post addressing this on Thursday morning!

Check out the following videos for more information from our virtual Disney night!

Take a ride on the Aquaduck with Orlando Attractions Magazine Kid Reporter Mindy Strater:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3WqoCSsn5w]

Meet the Adventure Guides with Adventures by Disney:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APAsCc3j4Ts]

A closer look at Aulani Resort and Spa:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5EW8lBEPn4]

Join me for a Disney Vacation Planning Webcast!

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Imagine a stress free vacation with activities for everyone, where the adults have as much fun as the kids. A vacation customized to your family’s likes, dislikes, wants and needs. Your family is one of kind, shouldn’t your vacation plans be as individual as you are? Register now for the virtual Disney night to learn more about planning an amazing Disney vacation.

We know you are investing a lot in your vacation and you want to spend your time having fun and creating those “magical memories” your family will cherish forever. You don’t want to spend your theme park vacation waiting in long lines. You don’t want to worry about if the stateroom you selected for your cruise is right under the morning aerobics class or if you have the right documentation for citizenship requirements. If you are planning the once in a lifetime escorted tour of Italy you have dreamed of your whole life, you don’t want to have to deal with crowds, language barriers or even something as mundane as luggage transfers.

Come join us for a Disney vacation planning web cast where you can hear about all of the new and exciting options at all of the Disney Destinations. Learn how stress free your vacation can be when you are taken care of every step of the way. You’ll hear vacation planning tips from our team of Disney vacation experts.

Of course like any good Disney night, there will be door prizes! Register now to enter in the drawing. If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Disney, you won’t want to miss our grand prize drawing!

Can’t make it on the 26th?  Hakuna Matata! No worries, a recording will be available for 7 days after the event but you must register in advance to get the link to the recording and to register for the Disney giveaways!

Thanks for registering and please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Complete the form below and log in details for the webcast will be emailed to you.
[contact-form subject="Disney vacation webcast" to="webcast@magicalmemoriestravel.com"] [contact-field label="First Name" type="name" required="true" /] [contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /] [/contact-form]

I’m looking forward to “seeing” you on the 26th!

Lori Hardegree
@DisneyMomATL