On May 28^th, Disney World started rolling out information on some of the Health and Safety measures which they will be implementing when the parks start their Phase One 2020 reopening on July 11^th and 15^th.  This news was met with an avalanche of reactions, both positive and negative, that have thrown many guests with upcoming reservations into a quandary when it comes to the question:  should we still go?

As an Earmarked Agency that carries an Authorized Disney Travel Planner designation, Castles and Cruises Travel has been on the receiving end of many calls from clients looking to us to tell them what to do.

The reality is whilst, as a Travel Advisor, I can’t decide for my clients, what I can do is present information in an objective way and, if asked, share my personal opinion.

Would I go, you ask?  Read on below!

NOTE:  The views expressed below are the opinions of the author – they provide an insight into a personal perspective and, having read them, invite you to form your own opinion to guide your decision.

Question: Would I Still Go?

Yes, I definitely would.  Why?  Because none of the measures announced sound out of place in the context of our new global reality, our “new normal”.  Enhanced sanitation, distancing, smaller crowds, contactless transactions, temperature screening, and wearing of masks are all measures being recommended by health authorities around the world as the best ways to stay safe in public environments.

Question:  Won’t it be less Magical?

Personally, I don’t think so.  The Walt Disney Company has spent the last 96 years making Magic synonymous with the Disney brand and the Disney Theme Parks are key vehicles for delivering that Magic in a tangible way: magical moments, magical experiences, magical memories.  I am therefore confident that Disney is going to do whatever they can to deliver the magic during this time. And I think guests will be pleasantly surprised by how they do that because exceeding expectations is something that Disney truly excels at!

Question:  What do you think the biggest advantage of going will be?

I’m a germaphobe at the best of times!  And not a big fan of huge crowds.  So navigating the Disney Parks with significantly less crowds and experiencing an environment which is being cleaned and sanitized in an even greater way, and with significantly higher frequency, sounds ideal to me

Question:  What do you think the biggest disadvantage will be?

I think adjusting expectations is going to be a huge challenge.  There are several things which have joined together to comprise the must-do list for a perceived “Perfect Disney Parks Experience”.  And some of those things (fireworks shows, character meet and greets and character dining, for example) may have limited availability or may remain closed.  Is it possible to have a magical experience without them?  Absolutely!  I have many clients who skip fireworks to avoid the crowds or because their kids are just too tired or because the noise may be upsetting and they still have a magical time!  Same for character meet and greets and meals and other Disney Parks offerings.  The reality is that Disney invests heavily in cultivating their park environments to be magical and having a fantastic, memorable experience is not predicated on a to-do list – it’s about being there, being present, and spending time with loved ones whilst soaking in the energy and magic of this happy place.

Ready to head to Disney World?   If you don’t currently have a reservation and would like to book one, please get in touch! Our Dream Makers use their expert knowledge of  Walt Disney World, to help you plan a truly magical experience that’s customized to your family’s needs!

The post Should We Still Go? The Key Question Facing Many Disney World Guests with Upcoming Reservations! appeared first on Castles and Cruises Travel Company.

Did you know that the Disney World resort you choose plays an important role in determining how quickly you get to the theme parks?

In addition to the complimentary bus transportation service provided to all Disney Resorts, some resorts offer direct walking paths (for true express access to the parks) or additional complimentary transportation options (like the monorail, Skyliner or water taxi service) that can get you to the parks a lot quicker than the bus service!

Plus, choosing the right resort can make a huge difference to your family’s day – especially if you have little ones that you would like to take back to your resort for a nap if you’re planning on enjoying a fireworks show or late night extra magic hours!

Here’s our list of recommended resorts for each theme park so that you can minimize your travel time and maximize your fun!

Park:   Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Recommended Resort:   Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Why: This iconic Disney  Resort has a dedicated walking path that leads directly to the Magic Kingdom!  A quick 10-minute walk and you’re at the park entrance!

Bonus:  The Contemporary Resort also offers direct monorail access to the  Magic Kingdom and connecting monorail service to Epcot for an iconic Disney Transportation experience.

Resort Update:  As of Late 2020, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has also added a direct walking path to the Magic Kingdom!  The walk time averages between 12 – 16 minutes (depending on your pace) which makes this monorail resort a fantastic option if the Contemporary is not available!

Park:  Disney’s Epcot

Recommended Resorts:  Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Beach Club, and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Why:  All have a direct walking path to Epcot!  A quick 10 – 15-minute walk and you’re at the international gateway entrance! Perfect for those visiting Epcot during one of its signature  festivals (like the International Food and Wine Festival or the Flower and Garden Festival)

Bonus:  These resorts also offer a water taxi service to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  You can also walk to Hollywood Studios from these resorts!

Honorable Mention:  Disney’s Riviera Resort – features direct Skyliner access to Epcot (a quick 9-minute ride)

Park:  Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Recommended Resort:  Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Why:  The direct Skyliner service between this resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets you to the park in a speedy 6 minutes!

Bonus:  You can also use the Skyliner system from this resort to get to Epcot – About a 14-minute journey.

Con:  Bus service to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot is reduced at this resort.

Park:  Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Recommended Resort:  Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Why:  It is literally a quick 5-minute bus ride between Animal Kingdom Lodge and its namesake theme park

Bonus:   Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best-themed resorts on property – its immersive design and beautiful theming will transport you to a faraway land.  It’s like having two vacations in one!  Plus you get to enjoy the sights of Zebras, Giraffes, Antelopes, Elks, Kudus, Gazelles, Wildebeests and other animals free-roaming the property’s savannah!

Honorable Mentions:

These resorts don’t offer direct access to a theme park, but they do offer bonus transportation options

Resorts:  Disney’s Pop Century, Disney’s Art of Animation,

Pros:  Access to the Disney Skyliner system for transportation to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios

Cons:  You do have to change stations at Caribbean Beach Resort when going to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. These resorts  also offer reduced bus service to Epcot and Hollywood Studios

Ready to plan your Disney Vacation?   Please get in touch! Our Dream Makers use their expert knowledge of  Walt Disney World to help you plan a truly magical experience that’s customized to your family’s needs!

The post Choosing the Right Disney World Resort Can Save You Time And Get You To The Fun Faster! appeared first on Castles and Cruises Travel Company.

This was a hard-learned lesson for me.  About 15 years ago, before I became a travel advisor,  I decided to try cruising for the first time – I wanted to see what the hype was all about.  I based my decision on price and destination and did not pay attention to the cruise line.  The result:  I didn’t enjoy my first cruise experience at all!  This had everything to do with the cruise line I chose for my cruise:  their “party hearty” vibe just didn’t sit well with me – too much noise, too many rowdy people, too hedonistic, too gaudy.

Added to that was the fact that I just felt “lost”. I had booked this cruise myself and not through a travel advisor and I didn’t really understand how cruising and being onboard “worked” – what was included, what wasn’t, what I could do, what I should pre-book, what options were available to me for dining/recreation/exploring ports-of-call, what I should pack/take/have – all the knowledge that as a Travel Advisor I now arm my clients with.

Luckily for me, I didn’t give up.  I had seen, read, heard too many wonderful glowing reviews about the joys of cruising and I chose to try again with a different line.  And long story short, twenty-something major cruises later, I am now hooked for life!

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced one looking to try something new, here’s a look at some (not all) major cruise lines to give you a sense of how they differ from each other:

DISNEY CRUISE LINE –  For The Ultimate Family Cruise Experience!

Cruising with Disney can be summed up in one word:  Magical!  Disney Cruise Line combines customer service excellence with Disney entertainment, Disney Characters and Disney Theming to deliver an experience that is memorable and truly special.

Noteworthy features:

• Disney staterooms are larger than most lines and they are the only line whose rooms have a split bathroom configuration – which is really convenient for families
• Adults are well catered for – there are several adult-only options (bars, lounges, restaurants, activities)
• The kids/teens clubs are beautifully themed and offer a fantastic range of supervised, planned activities
• Service and onboard experience second to none – Disney has been voted the #1 Large Cruise Line in the world 8 years in a row by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, largely due to Disney Cruise Line’s ongoing commitment to excellence and delivering magical experiences

What experienced cruisers need to know:

There’s no casino (on any Disney ship); There is a greater emphasis on live activities vs built self-serve entertainment facilities, which is how Disney creates an experiential and immersive environment.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE – For Active, Adventure Seeking Families!

If your family doesn’t like to sit still, and loves being active and on the go, Royal Caribbean might just be your cruise line soul mate!  With its plethora of entertainment facilities and planned activities, Royal Caribbean literally serves up more than you can do in one cruise.

Noteworthy features:

• There’s something for everyone when it comes to fun, activity and entertainment. Royal Caribbean’s extensive list of facilities and scheduled events offers options for a range of ages, tastes and abilities, making it easy to find your fun
• There are several equally amazing quiet spots onboard where you can catch your breath and just (gasp) relax
• Whilst major activity facilities (like the wave riders and slides) and entertainment options used to be exclusive to Royal Caribbean’s newer and larger ships, they have embarked on a fleet-wide “Amplification” program. As a result, many of their older and smaller ships now have, or soon will have, similar features and facilities to their mega-ships
• Impressive range of included dining options to keep you fueled for fun
• Suites that are like apartments at sea! From 2 story split level or expansive layouts to exclusive suite-level service and facilities (like an exclusive restaurant and sun deck), Royal Suite Class will make you feel like Royalty.  And yes, there is a suite that comes with your own personal Genie (I’m not kidding!)

CELEBRITY CRUISE LINE – For Travelers Who Like A Bit Of Luxury

For those looking to upgrade their cruise experience, Celebrity is the business class equivalent of the major cruise lines.  Known for service and sophistication, Celebrity is a perfect choice for those looking to indulge in a more selective and refined experience.

Noteworthy features:

• Celebrity’s onboard experience is crafted on the concept of a modern take on the “grand old days of ocean cruising”
• On all ships, the décor is amazing and unique – from tastefully decorated public spaces and rooms, to stunningly beautiful architectural details and accents, to amazing works of sculpture and art waiting to be discovered as you explore her decks
• Celebrity’s level of service is set to “pamper” – their attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction, shines through and you will feel spoilt.
• Celebrity’s dining style leans towards providing guests with an epicurean experience so there’s a large focus on culinary experiences and offerings. Perfect for Gourmands and Oenophiles!
• For a Downton Abbey type experience, upgrade to a suite to be assigned your own personal butler. You’ll also enjoy complimentary pre-dinner aperitifs in a lush exclusive lounge, and a fixed table in an exquisite suite-only dining room!

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE – For Families Who Want A More Laid-Back Experience

Back in May of 2000, Norwegian introduced a concept called Freestyle Cruising – whereby guests have no fixed dining times for meals and the option of more relaxed onboard attire.  Still going strong today, Freestyle cruising helps Norwegian to offer a more unstructured cruise experience to those looking for a little more flexibility and freedom.  It’s a good choice for Royal Caribbean regulars looking to try another line.

Noteworthy features:

• With freestyle cruising, dining is more of a land-based experience: you choose the restaurant you wish to dine in and make a reservation, or you show up and wait for a table to become available
• You don’t have to “dress” for dinner – a casual dress code is valid from day to night
• Norwegian is family-minded, so there’s a range of family-friendly activity and entertainment options and facilities available on board (not as extensive as Royal Caribbean though)
• Norwegian is also famously known for its “Ship within a Ship” concept – the Haven is a large restricted-access area set aside exclusively for Suite Guests – it houses accommodation, a restaurant and bar, a private pool and sun deck, private spa access and dedicated staff. It is a perfect choice for those looking for an even quieter and more exclusive cruise experience that’s akin to sailing on a luxury private yacht.

AND FOR A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CRUISE EXPERIENCE – Try A Viking River Cruise!

Smaller, more intimate, more experiential and definitely more immersive, River Cruising is a truly unique and unparalleled way to explore Europe!   A Viking river cruise lets you glide your way through the heart of European towns and cities using some of Europe’s most famous rivers (like the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro).   Breathtaking scenery combined with stops where you literally step off your ship into the heart of iconic cities or charming towns, plus a small handpicked staff of experienced service professionals and guides, lends to a relaxing, exclusive and truly unique experience.   Added plus:  the smooth, gentle gliding nature of river cruising makes it a great cruise option for those prone to sea or motion sickness!

Noteworthy features:

• With a maximum guest capacity ranging between 100 and 250 guests, Viking’s Longships offer an intimate and highly personalized experience
• With so few passengers on board, you get to know your fellow travelers and many guests make life-long friends!
• Like with an ocean cruise, your cruise fare includes accommodation, dining, onboard activities and some beverages. The added plus: a lot more is included! Shore Excursions, Wi-Fi and Alcohol are just some of the additional amenities included in your cruise fare
• Viking is famous for its onboard Culture Curriculum which includes lectures on history and art, tasting of vintage wines, restaurant menus inspired by local cuisine, informative destination talks, and local folkloric shows and musicians. All of which lends to a truly immersive and enriched vacation experience!
• Apart from Europe, Viking also offers river cruises in Asia and Egypt

Ready to book your cruise?  Your Castles and Cruises Travel Advisor is ready to help you set sail!

The post Which Cruise Line Is Right For You? appeared first on Castles and Cruises Travel Company.

Disney World VIP Services

There’s no better way to experience Walt Disney World’s four theme parks than with a VIP tour guide at your side.  Here are some of the highlights:

• Ultimate Customization – I love that I can totally customize my experience – from focusing on one theme park per day and literally exploring all that that park has to offer, to enjoying an over the top park hopping day. We once visited all 4 parks in an extended day for a special birthday celebration and our VIP guide got us on ALL of the headline rides!
• Backstage Access – your Disney VIP tour guide picks you up from your resort, drives you around and gets you into the parks using backstage entrances. Finished riding Test Track and want to do Frozen the ride next?  No need to walk – your guide drives you from the backstage door of Test Track to the backstage door of the Norway Pavillion!  It’s an amazing opportunity to get a peek behind the scenes! Remember the kids from that episode of Black-ish when they did VIP?  That was totally my 7-year-old nephew –turning heads as he emerged from a secret doorway and strutted into a ride pavilion.
• Reserved Viewing Areas – all VIP guests have guaranteed premium reserved viewing areas for the Magic Kingdom Parade as well as for fireworks. I have some amazing photos as a result!
• Premium Seating For Shows – whether it’s Lion King the Musical or Enchanted Tales with Belle, your VIP guide will get you the best seating in the house.
• Tier 1 Unlimited Access – whilst park guests can only make advanced fast pass reservations for one Tier 1 ride per park day, having a VIP guide means you get to do ALL of the Tier 1 rides on your park day (and more than once if you want to).

Disneyland VIP Services

The charm of Disneyland is truly enhanced when you stroll these parks in the company of a VIP guide.  They take the time to point out all of the special spots that Walt Disney himself enjoyed and share interesting stories and trivia about the history of this magical place where it all began! Here’s what you can expect:

• Your Experience Starts In The Lobby Of Your Hotel: your VIP guide meets and greets you in the lobby of your Disney Hotel and gets your day off to a magical start from the get-go.  We usually stay at Disney’s Grand Californian where the giant fireplace is the meeting point from which our VIP guide whisks us into the parks via GC’s private entrance!
• You Can Opt-Out – not up to doing a ride that your kids really really want to do? Your VIP guide is there to ensure no-one misses out. They’ll find you a comfy spot to relax in while they ride with your kids. If you find the Matterhorn is hard on your back, you’ll really appreciate this!
• You Can Split Up – does half your family want to ride Mr. Toad while the other half wants to ride Alice in Wonderland? No worries!  Your VIP guide will work it out so you ride your preferred rides around the same time so no-one is just sitting around waiting.
• Reserved Viewing And Premium Seating – just like at Disney World, you have reserved viewing for all of the special shows, parades and nighttime spectaculars World of Color and Disneyland Forever!
• Front Of The Line Access – for rides at Disneyland that have no FastPass entrance, you literally get front of the line access and expedited boarding! For rides with FastPass entrances, your VIP guide is your human FastPass.
• Priority Character Meet And Greets – have a special character you want to meet? Your VIP guide can get you priority access (and some extra time with that character too!).
• You Will Feel Like A Celebrity – the one thing you will need to get used to at Disneyland when doing VIP is people staring intently at you trying to figure out who you are! Add to that the fact that you will possibly rub shoulders with actual celebrities (who may be doing an attraction with their guide the same time as you) and you are in for an unforgettable experience!

Pros of Disney VIP

• You can literally see and do everything you have the energy to do – your VIP guide acts as your human FastPass, and there is no limit to how many times you can repeat rides!
• Total customization – your VIP Guide is there to ensure you have the experience you want to have and that you get to do all that you want to do. Anything you want, just ask and they’ll get to work – think of them like your personal genie for the day!
• Navigating Crowds – your VIP guide has the intel they need to whisk you around the park (even on the busiest of days) to maximize your time and your experience.
• Umbrellas and ponchos on hand – in the event of unexpected weather, your VIP tour guide has you covered…literally!
• Being able to say YES!!! to “Can we do that again?” over and over again for favorite rides and attractions.
• Special extras – from entertaining your kids with silly stories, to magically producing ice cold treats or water just when you need them most, your VIP guide makes sure your day has a liberal sprinkling of Pixie Dust for an extra magical experience!
• One fixed hourly price – whether your group consists of one person or ten, you pay the same price. This means splitting VIP with friends or family can make it a more affordable add on for your trip!

Cons of Disney VIP

• It’s not cheap! Disney’s VIP service comes with an hourly charge and a minimum of 7 consecutive hours booking requirement.
• The hourly charge varies according to time of year – holiday seasons and special dates (like July 4^th or attraction opening dates) carry a higher hourly rate.
• If you are planning to book Disney VIP for a holiday trip, you need to book well in advance – there’s a limited number of VIP slots available each day, and they get booked up fast during peak times.

Ready to experience Disney like an A-Lister?  Your Castles and Cruises Travel Advisor is standing by to make it happen!

The post Experience The Disney Parks Like a Celebrity! appeared first on Castles and Cruises Travel Company.

Why Stay At A Monorail Resort?

Location! Location! Location! Gracefully arranged around the Seven Seas Lagoon and strategically placed to offer you stunning views of the Magic Kingdom, a stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort truly puts you at the heart of the action.  Add to that the convenience of having the monorail on your doorstep to whisk you away to both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot; on-site character dining and epicurean rated fine dining; plus flagship-level service, facilities and decor and you might never want to stay anywhere else!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Well known for its iconic shape and design, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the two original Disney World Resorts that opened on the exact same day as the Magic Kingdom! Here are some quick facts about this resort:

• Its design style is retro-futuristic and it was directly influenced by the vision of Walt Disney himself!
• It features 655 oversized Guest rooms, including 50 concierge-level rooms and 23 suites
• The central atrium features a 90- foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair which celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest

Pros:

• Spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake, and the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Has a direct walking path to the Magic Kingdom (a 10-minute walk with dedicated security line for quick access)
• Has an interior monorail station on the 4th floor (the monorail literally goes through the contemporary resort – which is a treat to see)
• Has an observation deck to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks
• Incorporates the iconic theme and décor of Walt Disney’s mid-century “vision of the future” – this resort truly feels like Walt’s creation
• Dining options include California Grill, The Wave…of American Flavors, Contempo Café and Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Buffet (an interactive children’s character and dining experience).  There’s also a  lounge serving appetizers, a quick service grab and go location, a coffee shop, a  poolside snack bar and room service
• Recreational amenities include two heated pools with slide, whirlpools, an interactive water feature, a leisure pool and poolside cabana rentals, a Health Club,  tennis, fishing, a beach for sunbathing, and a jogging trail
• Recreation activities include Disney movies under the stars and the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage.
• The Contemporary Resort is the first stop the monorail makes after leaving the Magic Kingdom

Cons:

• It is the smallest of the monorail resorts (in terms of number of rooms) which can make snagging a room at this high demand resort challenging during popular vacation times
• To ensure you get your preferred room choice (for example if you want a fireworks view room) you will need to plan your trip well ahead of time

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort, which delivers the spirit of the South Pacific with some fun Disney touches, is a warm and welcoming tropical paradise!  Here are some interesting facts:

• Located along the beach of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the resort features South Pacific Island theming inside and out

• It features 478 traditional hotel rooms, 6 suites in addition to 20 over-the-water bungalows and 360 deluxe studio villas as part of the Disney Vacation Club Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and bungalows

• The Beatles were officially dissolved at the Polynesian Village Resort. The legal dissolution papers were signed by Ringo in the UK, by Paul and George in New York and then shipped to John who was staying at the Polynesian. He became the final Beatle to sign the papers that officially broke up the band

Pros:

• Immersive, relaxing theming that truly transports you to Polynesia – from being greeted with a flower lei and a cheerful “Aloha,” to lush tropical landscaping to the breathtaking look and feel of the Great Ceremonial House (the resort’s main building and hub)
• Features stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom and its nightly fireworks! There are three locations on property to see the fireworks (with music piped in for the full experience)
• Has a direct walking path to the Transportation and Ticket Center (a handy shortcut that lets you board the Monorail to Epcot directly, so you get there faster)
• Has a monorail station on the 2nd floor of the Great Ceremonial House
• Dining options include the “Spirit of Aloha” dinner show (a true Polynesian musical spectacular), ‘Ohana (family style all you can eat table service dinner as well as daily character breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch), Kona Café, Kona Island for coffee and pastries, Captain Cook’s for quick service meals,  Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and room service
• Themed heated pool with a volcano waterslide, leisure pool, interactive water feature, aquatic play areas, poolside cabana rentals, health club (accessible at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), fishing, marina watercraft rental, surrey bike rentals and recreation activities including Disney Movies Under the Stars and a picturesque running trail

Cons:

• It’s a bit of a sprawling resort with rooms spread out over 11 buildings (called longhouses)
• If you are riding the Monorail to and from the Magic Kingdom, you have stops both ways (you have to stop at the Grand Floridian when heading to Magic Kingdom, and when leaving you have stops at the Contemporary and the Transportation and Ticket Center before you arrive at the Polynesian

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort offers a world of Victorian Charm, unique Disney experiences and five-diamond dining! Here are some facts you should know:

• The Style and decor of this elegant resort are best described as turn-of-the-century elegance mixed with modern sophistication – it is considered the most luxurious and opulent of the Disney World resorts
• It features 842 rooms, 25 suites and 147 Villas
• It is home to Victoria & Albert – one of the Southeast’s most prestigious restaurants and recipient of AAA’s illustrious Five Diamond Award, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award, glowing Zagat reviews and a host of other accolades

Pros:

• This resort is stunningly beautiful – from its elegant gleaming exteriors and architecture to its ornate 5 story grand lobby festooned with chandeliers, bird-cage elevators, and gingerbread trim, to its well-appointed guest rooms
• There’s live music in the grand lobby – from a solo piano player that plays classical versions of Disney hits during the day to a live orchestra that plays ragtime, jazz and Disney tunes every evening
• This resort offers the largest collection of  Disney Character Dining Experiences – from Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea, to the Wonderland  Tea Party, to the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, to Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner
• This is the only Disney Resort which houses a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique onsite
• Dining options include: Cítricos, Victoria & Albert’s, Gasparilla Island Grill, Grand Floridian Cafe, 1900 Park Fare, Narcoossee’s and two lounges (including the recently opened Beauty & the Beast themed Enchanted Rose lounge)
• Recreation options and amenities include boat rentals featuring the Grand 1 Yacht, fireworks cruises, a beautiful pool with cabana rentals, fishing activities, playground facilities, campfires and games on the beach, game room, Disney movies under the stars, health club, daily complimentary yoga, basketball courts, jogging trail, multiple gift shops and stores, and  a full service Spa
• Your journey from this resort to the Magic Kingdom via monorail is non-stop, making it quick and easy!

Cons:

• This is an active resort with lots happening – so if you are looking for a more peaceful vibe, Disney’s Polynesian next door might be a better choice for you
• Despite being located next to the Magic Kingdom, there is no walking access between Grand Floridian and the Magic Kingdom (we understand that work is underway to build a walkway, so this may yet be resolved in the future)

Upgrade Your Experience With A Club Level Stay!

Want to make your Disney vacation even more magical?  Ask your Castles and Cruises travel advisor about upgrading to Club Level accommodation at any of these resorts.  Upgrading to Club gives you access to additional perks, amenities
and concierge-level services.  Here’s an overview:

• Expedited check-in via a dedicated VIP desk reserved exclusively for Club Level Guests
• Club-level rooms are clustered together in premium locations at the resorts – secure access means that these areas can only be accessed by club guests, so traffic levels are low
• You have access to an exclusive lounge which serves complimentary light meals, snacks and desserts, as well as hot and cold beverages, from 7 am to 10 pm daily (complimentary adult beverages are available every evening)
• You have a dedicated concierge team on hand to take care of all of your needs – from answering questions, assisting with dining and other requests and resolving issues, to delivering theme park shopping directly to your room and handing you bottles of water to take with you to the parks!
• Your rooms feature upgraded toiletries and amenities (such as nightly turndown service complete with chocolates on your pillow)

PLUS!

Club-level guests have special access to additional FastPass opportunities!  When you book Club, you will be offered the opportunity to purchase 3 additional FastPasses per day – bringing your total to 6 pre-booked FPs. What’s even better is that Club Guests who purchase additional FPs, can book all of their FPs 90 days in advance!   This guarantees that your travel advisor will be able to secure all of the high demand FPs for popular rides; plus this will allow you to bypass the Tier 1 FP restriction!  Have park hopper tickets?  You can spread your FP selections across more than one park! Check out these photos for a glimpse into what your day could look like!

Ready To Book?

Treat yourself and your family to a truly magical Disney Experience with a stay at one of these fine monorail resorts – Contact your Castles and Cruises Travel Advisor today to get started!

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Monorail Resorts! appeared first on Castles and Cruises Travel Company.

The annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards is one of the longest-running and most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the travel industry – and winners are widely regarded as “the best of the best of travel.” And best of the best is a title that Disney Cruise line truly deserves!  Their magical blend of Disney entertainment and customer service, along with the excitement of ocean cruising, results in amazing and unforgettable onboard experiences that keep families coming back year after year!

Here’s where Disney wins out over other cruise lines:

• Enchanting Entertainment: Broadway-caliber musicals, lively deck parties and fireworks at sea (Disney is the only cruise line that does this! And don’t worry – the fireworks are specially designed and are eco-friendly!).
• Spacious Staterooms Designed for Families: extra space and storage, sitting area, and split bath to allow more people to get ready at the same time. In fact, Disney’s regular staterooms are the largest at sea!
• Disney’s Private Island: Castaway Cay is truly paradise discovered!
• Magical Themed Dining Venues! Disney’s organized rotation system ensures every guest gets a chance to experience the magic of these special dining rooms.
• Imaginative Youth Clubs: these themed clubs are so cool, you’ll wish you were a kid again! Plus they’re staffed by some amazing specially trained Disney counselors.
• Nightclubs & Lounges: The kids aren’t the only ones who get to have fun! Disney ships feature special adults-only areas that include a variety of bars and pubs
• Characters at sea: on a Disney Cruise, Disney Characters are everywhere!  And oh boy is it magical!  You never know who you might run into when you turn a corner!
• And last but not least, Disney’s commitment to customer service truly shines through on their ships. Making sure you have a truly magical experience is something that every crew member truly commits to and delivers! It’s really hard to say goodbye to them at the end of the cruise!

Ready to plan a Disney Cruise?  Email or message your Castles and Cruises dream maker today!

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My family never gets tired of seeing this magical, dynamic spectacle of color and characters dance its way past us – and no trip to Disney World is complete without us seeing it!  I particularly love the fact that this familiar parade continues to reveal something new each time we experience it:  some magical detail or nuance previously un-noticed, that once discovered, reinforces how much care and intricate detail goes into creating this magical experience.

Here are 12 fun facts about this parade:

• Festival of Fantasy features a cast of more than 100
• Disney characters from more than a dozen classic stories are represented among nine parade floats
• 40 additional characters are presented in animated or sculptural form
• Performers appear on stilts, swings and pendulums, bringing a kinetic energy to the procession
• The Princess Garden lead float stretches more than 50 feet long
• The Jolly Roger atop the Peter Pan float flies 28 feet above the parade route
• Mickey’s Airship finale float is the tallest float topping out at 32 feet
• The trio of finale floats span more than 90 feet along the parade route
• Elaborate costumes were crafted by 10 different costume houses, in eight cities, in two countries
• It takes 28 separate fabrics to make up one Swing Thug #1 Costume (Tangled unit). His vest requires vinyl to be cut into 75 separate diamond shapes and then stitched onto cool max fabric.
• It takes 30 yards of fabric to make one Seashell Girl costume which includes 12 different colors of Nitex Mesh.
• The socks worn by the Lost Boys (Peter Pan unit) are custom designs that were knitted to order in Hong Kong.

Do you have a favorite costume, float or parade experience? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Disney Wonder is one of the classic ships. It is one of the smaller ships in the fleet which is why this is one of my favorites. It does not feel crowded and even first time (and hesitant!) cruisers will enjoy the Wonder. It was refurbished in 2016 when restaurants were upgraded to include interactive experiences. Staterooms and common areas were refurbished as well.

Sail Dates:

• 2/7/2020- 7 Night Bahamian Cruise
• 2/14/2020 – 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 2/21/2020 – 6 Night Western Caribbean Cruise – Mardi Gras
• 2/27/2020 – 4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 3/2/2020 – 4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 3/6/2020 – 14 Night Westbound Panama Canal Cruise (From New Orleans to San Diego)

Kids Clubs and Programming:

The Wonder has dedicated space staffed with a high counselor to child ratio to entertain children of all ages.

• The Oceaneers Club and Lab – Ages 3 to 12
• Edge – Ages 11 to 14
• Vibe – Ages 14 to 17
• It’s A Small World Nursery – Ages 6 months to 3 (additional cost per child, per hour and must be scheduled)

There are themed activities offered in the kids clubs throughout the cruise and there are free play times as well. Kids can come and go and stay as long as they like (Oceaneers Club, Lab, Edge and Vibe only).

It is important to note that while toddlers will enjoy the shows and characters, swim diapers are not allowed in the swimming pools. Children must be potty trained in order to swim onboard.

What is included in the cruise fare?

Meals and snacks (even room service) and a 24 hour beverage station are included in the fare. Broadway style shows, kids clubs with supervised activities, character meet and greets, access to the pool and water slides and first run movies are included. Character interaction is great on the cruise and the meet and greet lines have super short wait times compared to the parks.

What is not included in the cruise fare?

Gratuities, select onboard activities (such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique), spa services, alcoholic beverages and port adventures are available for an additional cost. However, you are permitted to carry on wine, beer and champagne as described in Disney Cruise Line’s alcohol policy.

Booking Information:

Disney Cruise Line has prevailing rates which means that as the ship fills, the rates rise. Quotes will be available October 1 – 4, depending on whether you are a first time cruiser or Castaway Club member.
Castles & Cruises Travel Company is offering a FREE onboard credit to all of our guests! This credit will be applied to your onboard account and go towards your onboard expenses.  The amount of the credit will be calculated based on cruise fare. You always enjoy complimentary planning services and a dedicated agent to work with you from start to finish when you book with Castles & Cruises. Members of our team have sailed on each and every Disney ship and have first hand knowledge of the cruise planning process.

Get a Free Quote on the quote form Here or by emailing info@castlesandcruisestravel.com. Please email with the number in your party along with children’s ages and your preferred sail date.

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This itinerary was an emotional journey of Walt’s courage and dreams in luxurious settings of fabulous hotels, perfectly chosen restaurants and unparalleled service for the 5 night/6 day vacation. Let me share another part of this dreamy service, our fabulous guides took hundreds of photos, documenting the entire vacation!  I would love to share some moments from my experience but am omitting some of the surprises that made it most magical so we can save those moments for your adventure. I would think that the itineraries might vary slightly depending on the schedules of the venues visited on the tours.

IT ALL STARTED WITH A MOUSE…IN HOLLYWOOD!

We began in Hollywood, California where we toured both well-known and private historic Hollywood sites. A private tour of Grauman’s Chinese Theater was fascinating and complete with a private showing of a film on the history of the theater. The next stop was Jim Henson Studios for an exclusive tour. This studio is packed with history as it was the original site of Charlie Chaplin Studios. The Muppet memorabilia sure brought back memories!  The kids enjoyed learning the art of old fashion puppeteering and the digital forms as well. We visited a working sound stage where a familiar cartoon was being produced. No photos allowed in the sound stage!

And the Emmy goes to…Kermit!

We sat in Walt’s favorite booth at his favorite lunch spot where imagineers’ carvings are still visible in the tabletops as they bounced ideas around for future parks. Looked to me like the vision of Epcot started right there in that booth!

AT THE CORNER OF MICKEY AVENUE & DOPEY DRIVE 

We spent some time at Walt Disney Studios. We felt like true insiders walking the halls of the Animation building and seeing the various departments such as Ink & Paint and Voices! Amazing that Ariel’s tale has several rows of slightly different colored paint, each individually coded to the various shades of blue and green in the movie, in case animators need to reference a specific scene in the future. A visit to the Walt Disney Archives to see some prized Disney possessions was a hi-light. Pretty cool when LUCAS FILMS was one of my WI-FI choices! Can you believe that Walt built an underground tunnel so that the animator’s cels could be carefully walked out of the weather elements over to the next department?  When Walt was ready to purge cels, he would tell the animators to take some home to clear out the clutter! Can you imagine owning an original cel from Cinderella? How many famous voices worked behind that Character Voices door?

1401 FLOWER STREET

We thoroughly enjoyed our next stop, Walt Disney Imagineering. After walking through a hallway that looks like you are riding the monorail,  imagineers were hard at work on the park attractions and resort details that we know and love or that were in development stages. Seeing the face and head molds for the attraction characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow and the presidents from the Hall of Presidents was unreal to me! Stories about the history of attractions and sitting in on immersive processes of attraction development were fascinating! Fun Fact:  WED Imagineering stands Walt Elias Disney. We may or may not have gotten to shop the exclusive Imagineering store!

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!

Say no more! The tour comes full circle when you arrive in Disneyland! VIP access to several attractions made the visit extra magical! Daily character breakfast ensured a happy start and each evening ended with a special surprise. We could hardly wait to see what the next day would hold! Enjoying the parks before opening time, the over-the-top Dream suite, Walt’s personal apartment over Town Square, the behind the scenes tour of Soarin and VIP viewing of World of Color were extra special moments for me! So many of my childhood memories wrapped up into one amazing vacation.

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