Tag Archives: Disney Travel agent

Best times to visit Walt Disney World

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Of all of the questions I am asked about Walt Disney World, by far the most frequently asked questions is “when is the best time to go?”  There is no one answer that is right for all families, but by and large people are wanting to know when can they plan their visit where they will find low crowds and low prices.

True “empty park” weeks are pretty much a thing of the past at Walt Disney World now but there are definitely some weeks that are better than others. I have listed the best week for each month but to read more information, check out this article on examiner.com. If you are ready to start planning your Disney vacation, click here for a free vacation consultation call.

Keep in mind that “least crowded week” is relative! The least crowded weeks in April and July are still going to be more crowded than the most crowded week in January or February. If you are looking for the lowest crowds all year, those will be in bold italics. Other weeks with low to moderate crowds are noted in italics. Continue reading →

First Impressions of the Disney Dream

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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?

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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

Is the “Disney Difference” Really Worth the Price Difference?

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Disney’s Cruise Line is on the “wish list” for many families but quite often when they begin to look in to the possibility, they are faced with a bit of sticker shock. Yes, Disney’s cruise prices are often higher than those of other cruise line and the question most families ask is “do you think it’s really worth the difference in price?”  My answer is most definitely, yes!

Don’t get me wrong, you can have a fantastic cruise vacation on another cruise line, but when it comes to family cruises Disney stands head, shoulders and mouse ears above the rest.  Disney is proud of the little things they call the “Disney Difference” that sets them apart from the other cruise options out there.  “Disney Difference” translates loosely into “the things Disney does right.” It’s those little details that helped earn them the distinction of being named the #1 cruise experience by the Annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler magazine.  Those little details also keep Disney Cruise Line in high demand.  With only 3 ships (as of January 26th with the addition of the Disney Dream), the supply of staterooms is relatively small for any given week.  High demand, small supply…you do the math!

So what specifically is it that makes a Disney Cruise vacation worth the higher price? Continue reading →

Magical Disney Memories – Why I Became a Disney Specialist Travel Agent

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Disney’s latest marketing campaign is called “Let the Memories Begin.”  I’m sure you have all seen the commercials with excited families telling their kids they are off on a Disney Vacation.   I love these commercials!  I admit, I’m a softy (especially with the subject matter at hand!) but I think these real life memories say more about what a Disney vacation can mean than any overly produced ad staring actors who didn’t even know each other before they arrived at the shoot that morning.

I look back at my own Disney memories and it is those moments that made me decide that this is what I wanted to do – I wanted to become a Disney Specialist travel agent and help other families make the dream of a Disney vacation a reality.  As I considered some of the standout memories from these vacations, I realize I have different “landmark” memories from Disney vacations throughout each stage of my life.  Continue reading →

The Dream is Home and Ready for Disney Cruise Vacations!

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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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New Enhancements to Downtown Disney Planned

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Downtown Disney Enhancements

Model of Reimagineered Downtown Disney

Construction will begin soon on a re-imagined Pleasure Island and other one-of-a-kind experiences as the Walt Disney World® Resort continues to bring new stories to life at the Downtown Disney® Area. A nostalgic, yet modern, take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier will evolve Pleasure Island into “Hyperion Wharf.” By day, the bustling port district will draw guests in with its stylish boutiques and chic restaurants, and by night thousands of lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland.

Taking its name from Hyperion, the Greek god of light, as well as the street on which Walt Disney built his first animation studio, the wharf district will feature a relaxing lakeside park and enhanced pedestrian walkways. New diverse eateries will also expand dining availability at the Downtown Disney Area by more than 25 percent.

Continue reading →

Welcome!

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Can we go to Walt Disney World?” It’s a question most parents expect to hear from their children at some point. For the kids, a Disney World vacation evokes images of skipping down Main Street USA with Mickey Mouse towards the towering blue turrets of Cinderella’s Castle, spinning happily on the teacups or even dining with their favorite characters. For parents, those images are usually somewhat different. Mom and Dad see sky-high prices, overcrowded theme parks with long lines and hot Florida sun. Fortunately for the kids, it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right information it is possible to plan a very enjoyable Disney vacation on a budget and though not much can be done about that hot Florida sun, careful planning can help you beat the crowds and avoid those long lines.

There are a dizzying number resources available online dedicated to the discussion of vacations at Walt Disney World.  Enough to overwhelm someone planning a frist time visit.  After spending hours reading through these countless resources you will likely find conflicting information and opinions.  Don’t get overwhelmed by all of the information available and don’t get tied in to thinking that if you aren’t staying in “the” resort with dining reservations at “the” restaurant that is currently a favorite on whatever message board, that your trip is destined for failure.  Remember, you are planning the trip YOU want, not the trip they want!

At visitmickey.net, we do our best to provide useful and unbiased advice for planning your Disney vacation! You will find information on the latest special offers at each of Disney’s exciting vacation destinations, resort and restaurant reviews, vacation planning advice, theme park tips and tricks and much more! Be sure to check back often for the most up to date information!

See ya real soon!

Lori Hardegree
Magical Memories Travel
lori@magicalmemoriestravel.com