More info from Disney night!

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]

First Impressions of the Disney Dream

As I struggle to catch up on the work that piled up while I was on vacation – or rather “conducting field research” last week, I wanted to take a second to share my impression of the Disney Dream. WOW! This ship is spectacular! Disney managed to strike a perfect balance between “state of the art” and timeless elegance.

The ship itself is beautiful. From the gorgeous chandelier in the atrium to the elegant dining rooms and the classic colors used throughout the ship, the impression it leaves is one that is reminiscent of a classic ocean liner. There are countless Disney touches around the ship, but they are understated. The theme of Mickey and friends is whispered quietly throughout the ship but it doesn’t scream Mickey Mouse, a fact that will likely please adults travelling sans children.

You can’t sail on this ship without acknowledging that Disney is first and foremost and entertainment company. It shows in countless ways on the Dream. This is a big part of what sets Disney apart from competing lines. The shows are magnificent and broadway caliber, you won’t find anything lik this on another cruise line. Entertainment doesn’t stop at the shows. even the art on the ship gets on to the act. Many of the pictures on board are what they refer to as “interactive art.” what appears to be a regular picture comes to life when you stop to look at it.

Let’s not forget the long awaited AquaDuck! I think this was the #1 thing my sons were looking forward to. It was overcast, windy and not even 70 degrees when we boarded the Dream for our preview cruise and yet the moment we boarded they looked at me with eyes filled with excitement and said “can we put on our bathing suits and go try the AquaDuck?!?” my oldest clocked in 20 rides on the first day alone and totaled almost 40 for the entire cruise. I’ll let my kids speak for themselves with their review of the AquaDuck:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBGelR8v4E4&w=640&h=390]

Between all of the Magical Memories Travel agents who were inboard the Magical Preview Cruise for Disney’s EarMarked conference we have over 2500 photos of the Dream! We are working hard to edit them and prepare them to share with you very soon.

Lori Hardegree
Magical Memories Travel

Will Disney’s New Ship Help Make Your Dream of a Cheap Disney Cruise Come True?

As a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely. This week the buzz has been all about the new cruise ship, the Disney Dream. This spectacular new 4,000 passenger vessel was Christened yesterday with appropriate Disney fanfare.

Disney Cruise Line has become a well established leader in the cruise industry, especially when it comes to family travel. Disney’s ships consistently sail at or near capacity most weeks during the year finding a cheap Disney cruise is not something that happens often! A big reason for this is that with only 2 ships, the number of available staterooms is low. With the addition of the newest ship, the passenger capacity nearly doubles. The Disney Fantasy will be delivered next year adding another 4,000 berths per sailing.

What will this increase in availability do for pricing of a Disney cruise vacation? There are a lot of families hoping that increased supply will drive prices down and cheap Disney cruises will become more readily available. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. I believe the Disney brand, and the reputation they have earned for the quality of their cruise vacation product will keep those ships full for much of the year!

Disney has already sent the Disney Wonder to her new home on the West coast where she will be sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries. Between visits to Alaska, Europe and the Mediterranean, the number of berths available for the popular Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries will still be relatively limited.

While a cheap Disney cruise might not be available any time soon, I can assure you that the Disney Cruise experience is definitely worth its price tag! If you are looking for the best pricing on a Disney cruise vacation, your best bet is going to be to book well in advance! As you get closer to sailing, and more and more staterooms are sold, the price will continue to go up.

The Disney Dream will depart on her official maiden voyage on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 but before she does, I (and my very excited family!) will be on board for a magical preview cruise departing January 23rd!  Stop by the Magical Memories Travel Facebook Page or either Visit Mickey on Twitter or my personal Twitter for photos and impressions of the new ship.

See ya real soon!

Lori Hardegree
Magical Memories Travel

The Dream is Home and Ready for Disney Cruise Vacations!

Fireworks, water pageantry and cheering fans greeted the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line® fleet as it arrived for the first time at Port Canaveral, Fla., on Jan. 4, 2011.

Hundreds of people lined the shores to welcome the Disney Dream™ to its new home. The 4,000-passenger luxury liner cruised into the newly expanded, state-of-the-art port facility at sunrise accompanied by a flotilla of watercraft.

The arrival of the Disney Dream in Florida will allow Disney’s existing ships to depart for adventures to other parts of the world. On January 6th, the Disney Wonder departed for West Coast-based itineraries including the Mexican Riviera and our first-ever cruises to Alaska. This summer, the Disney Magic will return to Europe for visits to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, plus stops in Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta. The Disney Dream will sail 3-, 4- and 5-night cruises to the Bahamas beginning with its maiden voyage on Jan. 26, 2011.

The Disney Dream, and in 2012 her sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, are exciting additions to the Disney Cruise Line fleets. The Dream will boast several cruise industry firsts including virtual portholes in a all inside staterooms and the AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea

My family will have the pleasure of checking out the Disney dream during a Magical Preview Cruise on January 23rd for Disney’s EarMarked conference. Check back the week of 1/23/11 for photos and my impressions of the ship!

See ya real soon!

Lori Hardegree
Magical Memories Travel
lori@magicalmemoriestravel.com

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