Disney Dish by Enchanted Destinations

Magic Kingdom looks forward to the new Be Our Guest restaurant

2011-07-27T07:26:00.000-04:00

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Be Our Guest Restaurant will be located in Magic Kingdom as part of the new Fantasyland expansion. The restaurant themed from the Beauty and the Beast film will offer a lavish dining experience in an elegant ballroom, gallery and West Wing of the Beasts castle. The restaurant will seat 550 guests, by day it will be a counter service dining room and by night full table service dining. Look for this to open in spring of 2012.

Another first at the 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival- HGTV celebrities

2011-07-26T08:01:00.000-04:00

HGTV home entertaining seminars will take place each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the 45-day Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. A different HGTV design star will appear each weekend at The Festival Center in Future World to share their own party throwing secrets.

Seminar Line Up:

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Vern Yip, HGTV Design Star and HGTV Urban Oasis
Oct. 7-9 Monica Pedersen, Designed to Sell
Oct. 14-16 Erin Loechner, Design Happens
Oct. 21-23 Taniya Nayak, Designed to Sell
Oct. 28-30 Kim Stoegbauer, On-line Party Inspiration
Nov. 4-6 Lisa LaPorta, Designed to Sell
Nov. 11-13 Emily Henderson, Secrets From a Stylist and HGTV Design Star, winner Season 5 “Design Star”

The appearances are included with Epcot admission designers and schedule are subject to change without notice.

Hawaii a new offerings at the 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival September 30 to November 13, 2011

2011-07-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

Hawaii Marketplace offering for 2011

The Marketplace will feature a new tasting this year from Hawaii; this is first time Hawaii has been represented at the festival. I’m sure this is no coincidence, Disney’s new resort Aulani is opening late this summer on the island of Oahu Hawaii. There is no better way to plant the seed of trip than through a taste of the destination.
The Hawaii marketplace will offer Kalua pork sliders; tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips. You’ll want to pair your tasting with a refreshing Seven Tiki Tai, a Kona Long board or a Pipeline beer.

Special Events at 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

2011-07-21T08:54:00.000-04:00

16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Tickets for the special events at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13 will be available Aug. 16, 2011, for purchase set your alarms for 7 a.m. That’s when reservations open for all special culinary and beverage programs offered during this year’s 45-day food, wine, beer and cocktail extravaganza. These special events have proven to be extremely popular and availability is limited.

Schedule of Events:
• First Bites Opening Reception (Sept. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.)
• 3D Disney’s Dessert Discovery (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
• Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5)
• Epcot Wine Schools (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 5)
• Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining
(Oct. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10)
• Kitchen Memories — formerly Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
• Cheese Seminars (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12)
• Party for the Senses (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5, 12 at new times: 7:30-10 p.m.)
• Food & Wine Pairings (Mondays, Tuesdays)
• Sweet Sundays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13)

Additional special events slated will include Italian and French pairings and lunches, as well as Mexican tequila events. To make reservations: 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378).

16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: A Passport to a World of Flavors

2011-07-20T12:52:00.000-04:00

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an annual fall event at Walt Disney World. This year’s festival takes place from September 30 to November 13, 2011. Epcot is turned into a Foodies playground with specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties, and live musical entertainment are all part of the fun.

This is great opportunity to try foods that you might not ordinarily consider. International cuisine from six continents is served up at twenty-five international market places each serving tapas-sized portions. These portions are priced from $3.00 to $8.00 each and most market places will offer a wine or beer option too.
Admission to the Epcot Theme Park is required and some of the Festival events require additional ticket fees. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

A great way to navigate the Festival without fumbling for cash or credit cards is to get a Food & Wine themed mini Disney Gift Card which is sold throughout the theme parks and resorts. You can load your card with $5 to $1500 and away you go, purchase food, merchandise and more with it. Plus, if you have included a Disney dining plan with your vacation, you can often exchange snack options for food selections throughout the marketplaces.

Festival Welcome Center
The Festival Welcome Center hosts wine seminars and book signings and offers sparkling champagnes and wines at the Wonder Bar. It's also the place to pick up Festival keepsakes, including limited edition Festival pins and cookbooks. And while you're there, be sure to check out the lists of famous personalities who will be appearing plus the times of their scheduled signings.

Eat to the Beat! Concert Series
Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! Concert Series. Enjoy a varied lineup of classic rock, soul, R&B, jazz and funk hit-makers!

Seminars and Demonstrations
Learn from the masters with the Festival's exciting schedule of seminars and demonstrations featuring the fresh ingredients and secret techniques that go into some of the world's most extraordinary dishes and drinks.

Special Festival Experiences
A special series of programs and experiences brings you renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers. Wine and beer tastings let you sip from the best in the world while delicious experiences such as the Party for the Senses dish up unforgettable tastes.

Stay tuned for more detailed Blog post about 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

You can make an appointment to meet Mickey Mouse...Well sort of.

2011-02-23T09:14:00.000-05:00

Artist rendering of the new Exposition Hall Main Street, USA

The next best thing to an actual appointment at Walt Disney World is a FastPass, and for the first time ever coming this spring you will be able to get a FastPass to meet Mickey Mouse!

Mickey Mouse is at the top of most guests must meet list while visiting Walt Disney World. Now visitors will be able to do it conveniently with a FastPass. Mickey Mouse will be in a permanent new location in Town Square at Magic Kingdom, later this spring. Park guests will be able to obtain a FastPass ticket specifying a one hour window when they can return to meet Mickey Mouse and have their chance to take photo's and get that precious autograph.

Exposition Hall at Magic Kingdom is not being renovated it is being re-imagined to fit the stardom of Mickey Mouse himself! The Exposition Hall will have a grand Victorian theater elevation, including a marquee that is trimmed in with gold leaf and shines bright with lights. Inside will shine with a mosaic floor, posh curtains with glamorous gold rope tie backs and brass chandeliers. Guest will have an opportunity to experience interactive ques and new themed retail shops.

Mickey will be waiting backstage in the rehearsal-room to meet and greet guests. Currently Mickey is meeting friends in Tomorrowland at a location just to the right of Space Mountain.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Highlights

2011-02-16T16:30:00.000-05:00

2011 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden- Located at the Test Track Speedway Walkway
Presented by Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games
Play structures designed for ages 2 to 5 but all ages will enjoy a glimpse into the garden world of Pixie Hollow and enjoy your favorite fairies transformed into topiaries.

Bambi's Butterfly House- Located at Imagination Walkway, presented by HGTV
This is experience is a festival favorite by the young and young at heart. This year the butterfly house is almost double in size. Come and have a butterfly experience like no other, with hundreds of butterflies floating around your favorite Bambi characters in topiary form.

Healthy Living Garden- Located at Imagination Walkway, presented by Syngenta
Take part in fun actvities that can help improve your health and well bing.

The Art of Green Living- Located adjacent to the Morocco Pavilion, presented by FNGLA
You can create an environmentally friendly, low-input garden, explore this one and learn how.

This Years Not To Miss Topiaries!

Toy Story 3- Located at the Main Entrace

Cars 2 Topiary- Located at World Showcase Plaza

Winnie the Pooh Topiary- Located between Future World and World Showcase

Beauty and the Beast Topiary Gardens-Located at the France Pavilion

Rapunzel's Tower- Located between Germany and Italy Pavilions

The 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2011

2011-02-12T09:04:00.000-05:00

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival 2011

The International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot is a special event that takes place every spring. This year’s event will be held from March 2, 2011- May 15, 2011 and you need nothing more than admission to Epcot to enjoy it. You don't have to be a gardener to appreciate this event. Literally there are millions of blooming flowers, topiaries that will awe you and get close up with hundreds of colorful butterflies. If you are traveling to Walt Disney World during this very special time make sure you allow extra time at Epcot because you’re going to need it!
If you are garden enthusiasts’ or hobbyist this is a great opportunity to take part in Garden Town Programs and learn helpful gardening tips. Check the Park Times Guide
For public demonstrations of gardening techniques from around the world.
Weekends are extra special during this event with HGTV sponsoring the event this year there will be a HGTV celebrity line up of special events. Another weekend event you won't to miss is the 2011 Flower Power Concert Series. Artist from the 1960's through the 1990's will be on stage every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performances will take place in the America Garden Theater at 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm. Here is a tentative line up all shows are subject to change without notice.

March 4 to 6- Jose Feliciano
March 11 to 13- The Guess Who
March 18 to 20- Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 25 to 27- Melissa Manchester
April 1 to 3- Starship starring Mickey Thomas
April 8 to 10- Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
April 15 to 17- Juice Newton
April 22 to 24- Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
April 29 to 30- May 1- Paul Revere & The Raiders
May 6 to 8- Davy Jones
May 13 to 15- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone

Keep an eye for our next Dish on this years Topiaries and HGTV's celebrity line up.

Star Wars and Walt Disney World come together for themed Weekends in 2011

2011-02-04T18:18:00.000-05:00

2011 Star Wars Weekends Official

Star Wars Weekends have become an annual event at Hollywood Studios Theme park at Walt Disney World, Florida. If you are a Star Wars fan this is the place to be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20^th to June 12^th, 2011.

The Star Wars theme takes over the park during this time with themed parades, limited edition merchandise and memorabilia. You can take part and test your Star Wars knowledge in trivia challenges, take part in behind the scenes presentations and star conversations.

Start making your plans today to be a part of the Star War’s fun, there are several great Disney promotions going on now to get you there including Kid’s Stay and Play for Free.. www.EnchantedDestinations.net for a Free Quote.

Your Park ticket is your Admission to the fun and admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios is required.

Characters:
Encounter over 50 Star Wars characters from the entire saga. From Darth Vader to Darth Maul and Anakin to Chewbacca, you'll find heroes and villains from throughout the galaxy.

Celebrities from Star Wars will attend each weekend and participate in:

Autograph Sessions
Legends of the Force – Celebrity motorcade
Stars of the Saga – Talk Show and Q&A

Here is glimpse at the line up but there is much more to come.

Anthony Daniels, known worldwide for his portrayal of everyone’s favorite protocol droid, C-3PO, will return this year for Weekend 1 (May 20-22) and Weekend 2 (May 27-29). Trivia fact: C-3PO (or “See-Threepio” as many fans remember) is one of the few characters to appear in all seven Star Wars feature films.

Ashley Eckstein (pictured above), the voice of Ahsoka Tano, in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will appear each weekend this year as Celebrity Host of a behind-the-scenes talk show entitled “Clone Wars: Behind the Force.” Ashley is no stranger to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ashley, who grew up in central Florida, had one of her first show-business roles as a parade performer at the theme park.

A more detailed Star Wars Weekends celebrity lineup will be released soon, well keep you posted.

Jedi Training Academy:
Young Padawans will learn a light-saber combination and have an opportunity to face the dark side!

Behind the Force:

Experience the Clone Wars
Explore the excitement of Star Wars: The Clone Wars with a fascinating look behind the scenes of the all-new animated adventure!

Star Tours Attraction:
Scheduled to reopen on

Padawan Mind Challenge:
Kids under 12 can test their wits before the Jedi Council!

Hyperspace Hoopla:
Star Wars characters and Guests gather for an entertaining conclusion to each day's events.

Call Upon the Force!
Call (407) 827-2799 and choose from either the Light Side or the Dark Side of the Force to hear a special message from a Star Wars character inviting you to be a part of this special event! I’m a huge Star Wars fan and I thought this was well worth the long distance call…I did both sides of the force…

*Tip:
Grab a Disney's FASTPASS before the Park opens to ensure your place in line for celebrity autographs. Find the autograph FASTPASS kiosk outside the Front Gate entrance. Quantities are limited.

Availability is limited for some events. Events may be canceled at any time.

Dreaming of the New Disney Dream Ship

2011-01-04T12:05:00.000-05:00

A Disney Cruise is one of our most favorite family vacations, that is why I have been dreaming about the new Disney Dream cruise ship for two years. The features and innovations on the Dream are classic Disney magic - from the first of its kind water coaster that sends you out over the ships edge to the state of the art virtual portholes with live outside views and magical surprises. Everyone is going to want an inside cabin on this ship!

We love a Disney cruise vacation because it is the perfect balance for kids and adults it is also a great opportunity for multi-generations to come together for memory making family time.

The Dream has almost an entire deck dedicated to kids ages (3 to 10). The Oceaneers Club entertains children with Disney Pixar’s Toy Story replica of Andy’s room and kids can explore the laugh floor with Monsters Inc.’s Mike and Sully or visit Tinker Bell’s fairy forest. In The Oceaneers Lab children can try animating like an imagineer, become a pop star, or navigate digital seas. These two children’s areas offer animated interaction with characters such as Crush, Nemo, and Stitch. I imagine this to be much like the Turtle Talk experience at Walt Disney World. Both areas will also feature a cruise industry first - a Magic Play floor which blends gaming technology with Disney storytelling. The floor is interactive and allows children to participate in group activities where their movements control the action. Some of the activities include flying over the streets of London with Peter Pan and riding the ocean waves with Crush, the sea turtle. It makes me wish they let adults in, because this sounds like fun!

I get asked all the time about older children on a Disney Cruise, well the Dream certainly has covered the tweens and teens. There are the Chill Out Zones which are located inside the forward funnel. The club for tweens (ages 11 to 13) is called the Edge and is filled with hi-tech entertainment, video postcards, and karaoke to name just a few of the things to keep tweens busy. Teens (ages 14 to 17) have their own club called the Vibe which is a 9,000 square foot entertainment mecca! Teens can create videos, mix music, and play computer games. Teens also have their outdoor area for sunbathing, deck games, water jets, and a wading pool for cooling off.

Disney didn’t forget the adults on the Dream, with exclusive areas and offerings designed exclusively for adults. The District is a nighttime area with five unique venues - truly a grownup playground. These are sophisticated lounges each with there own unique design and palate pleasing delights. Senses Spa & Salon offers 17 private treatment rooms, spa villas with indoor treatment rooms and private outdoor verandahs. Relax your mind and body in the Rainforest room with steam, heat, and hydrotherapy. The Disney Dream is going to offer two adult only restaurants: Palo, with sweeping ocean views that set the scene for a romantic dinner or you can dine al fresco on a private outside deck; and Remy, which debuts on the Disney Dream as a premier dining option. With French inspired gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, these restaurants are exclusively for adults and they both have a small additional dining fee.

The Disney Dream will be sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida offering 3, 4, and 5 night cruises. The Dream pulled into it home port this morning making its debut and will sail several pre-inaugural sailings over the next few weeks. I’m embarking on the January 22^nd one and I’m sure I will have lots of pictures and tid-bits to share with you. The official inaugural sailing is January 26, 2011. If you have questions or comments please let us know here.

Sincerely,

Celeste

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-03T16:24:00.000-05:00

It seems like Disney is taking over the world in 2011 literally!

We will have so much to talk about from Adventures by Disney now offering families tours to Egypt, a new Star Tours experience at Walt Disney World. Disney Cruise Line is sailing Alaska for the first time and launching a brand new ship from Port Canaveral in Florida appropriately named the Dream! A new beach resort will grace the shores of Oahu, Hawaii.

Follow the Disney Dish for more details about these and other Disney travel happenings. Please feel free to offer your thoughts and comments.

If you have questions let us know we would be happy to answer them for you and our answers come straight from the top…we are an Authorized Disney Agency that means were in the know!

Disney Cruise Line and the kids are free!

2009-09-06T12:00:00.002-04:00

Whew... it's been a busy weekend for me
and a Happy one...

I just LOVE sharing the Disney Cruise Line Experience with my client friends....

Disney rolled out some INCREDIBLE rates for January 2010 through April 2010... Folks are able to Sail with their kiddos FOR FREE...

For example; a family of 5, in a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah, can sail, in January 2010, for around $2600 and this includes Travel Insurance! That same cruise would cost over $7000 in June... WOW..

The caveat? The ships are filling at an unbelievable fast pace... Call or email the Magic Makers today if you wish to take advantage of this incredible vacation for you and your family.

Bon Voyage,

Cydne

The Disney Wonder - Deluxe Inside Stateroom

2009-08-24T22:35:00.008-04:00

What image do you have of an Inside Stateroom on a cruise ship? A closet? Well... Fear not with Disney Cruise line.

On board the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, I find the inside staterooms also to be comfortable and having a split bathroom gives much greater comfort for families. This makes having your children in the stateroom with you much more pleasant.

The bed is Queen sized and sleeps 2. At night, the sofa converts to a bed and if the stateroom sleeps 4, there will be a pull down berth for the 4th guest. All of the night time preparations are taken care of by the superb Disney Staff....

What is a split bath? Well the bathroom is designed as 2 separate rooms. One side has a toilet, sink and storage. The other side has a tub/shower combination and an additional sink. No bumping into one another during showers and getting ready for dinner.

Cruising with The Disney Channel Stars...

2009-08-23T01:26:00.004-04:00

When given the chance to cruise with The Disney Channel Stars, my daughter Merritt said "how soon can we leave"...

My dear 8 year old IS a DIE HARD Disney Channel Fan. And, since my office is within ear shod of the family room, I have also become a fan.

Disney Cruise Line's Summer at Sea with The Disney Channel Stars has been a huge hit with my daughter's crowd and their families.

So.... we set sail aboard The Disney Wonder with the Stars on a 4 Night Cruise to The Bahamas; including a stop at Disney's private island; Castaway Cay.

I really had no idea what to expect. I have been on several Disney Cruises but never with "the stars"... Even though I know how incredible a vacation the Disney Cruise is, I was a tad bit concerned that this sailing may involve a little more screaming and over zealous tweens than I've experienced in the past. Was it? Absolutely not... Most travelers would not have even known that the Stars were aboard. The events were well planned and well attended but NOT over the top or in your face. And actually, the "stars" were vacationing too so in most instances, they relaxed along with us.

The band All Star performed on Deck 9 while Chelsea Staub (white jacket) and Nicole Anderson danced along. Jason Dolley is partially obstructed by the band.

All the Disney Channel Stars were such good sports and so open with the littlest fans. Here you see Jason Dolley learning a dance with some of the young cruisers.

Was it fun? You bet!... These young stars were so cordial and unassuming. My daughter got in elevator one day, alone, with Chelsea Staub as was THRILLED by the conversation she had with Chelsea.

So... This sailing was another magical voyage with The Disney Cruise Line...

Always Incredible... Always....Always Magical... Always....

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

2009-05-19T10:58:00.002-04:00

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which takes place on select nights every year in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Party dates: September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 / October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 / November 1. 2009.
Tickets go on sale May 1st, 2009
Ticket Prices:
• Discounted Advance Ticket Prices: $52 USD + tax (Ages 10+) / $46 USD + tax (ages 3-9).
• Sept. 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29,
• October 1, 2, 6, 12, 13, 18, 20, 22, 25 27. /November 1
• Halloween Night Prices: $64 USD + tax (Ages 10+) / $58 USD + tax (ages 3-9).
• Day of Event Prices: $59 USD + tax (Ages 10+) / $53 USD + tax (ages 3-9). This is also the cost for Oct. 9, 15, 23 parties.
Magic Kingdom from 7:00PM to midnight A separate ticket is required to attend the party – your Magic Your Way ticket will not provide entry to this event.
You may enter the park as early as 4:00pm on this day with a Party Ticket, this is subject to change but has been a past practice.
There are a limited number of tickets available for each party night and Halloween night generally sells out first.

Enchanted Destinations Feature Magic Maker Mary-Belle

2009-05-19T10:32:00.002-04:00

Name: Mary-Belle

From: Staley, NC

About Me: I love Disney on so many levels. I love the marketing genius that creates the Disney magic, the Imagineers that continue to dream and create, and the Resorts that allow our family to make wonderful memories. For 10 years, I planned Disney vacations for friends, relatives, and friends of friends. I’ve acted as personal tour guide more than once at Walt Disney World. It’s wonderful that what was once a hobby is now a job I love!

My Family: I am married with nine children, ages 1 to 19. My children have grown up vacationing at Walt Disney World. We’ve taken children of all ages, beginning at just 4 weeks old. Brian and I have been married for 20 years! Other than a trip as a child that was just a few hours long, he was the first to take me on a Disney vacation. There’s no place like it on Earth!

My Favorite Walt Disney Resort: Pop Century, currently
My Favorite Disney Restaurant: Ohana

My Walt Disney World tip: Plan a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. You never know when it might be your last opportunity. Once your there, don’t stress about the plan – just enjoy the time with your family, because it is a priceless treasure. Some things may not go according to your plan, but the memories you create will be worth everything.

Contact Mary-Belle at Marybelle@EnchantedDestinations.net

See our Enchanted Destinations Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Enchanted-Destinations/66646126227?v=wall&viewas=1502646992#/home.php?ref=home

Think the Princesses are Just for Girls?

2009-05-09T15:16:00.004-04:00

Have you avoided Disney with your young sons because you feel castles and tiaras are lost on your young gentleman? Do Not....

I recently had the pleasure of planning a trip for a family with 2 boys; I do mean rough and tumble kind of boys. Their Christmas card involved Chamoflauge.

So, were these boys really excited about going to The Magic Kingdom? No...Not really... But BOY did they fall hard for the Pixie Dust....

I think you can tell by the photos that Master Will was caught up in the magic...His word after meeting Cinderella?... "awwwwwsooooommmmmeeee"... He would NOT allow his mother to wash the lipstick kiss bestowed by Her Royal Highness.

So...families with rough and tumble boys... Go to Disney....Even little boys are dazzled by the magic..

Ask William.....He's just coming down from the clouds...

Cydne....

“What Will You Celebrate?” Disney 2009 Promotional Theme

2009-02-15T16:35:00.001-05:00

I love this theme! If you didn’t already have enough reasons to go to a Disney park this year, they have given you extra incentive: “Free” admission on your Birthday!!! And don’t worry if you are traveling on a package or annual pass for your visit - Disney has you covered with optional birthday treats.

You can choose one of the following birthday treats:
• A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of either:
A Walt Disney World Resort 1-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket, or
A Disneyland Resort 1-Day/1-Park Ticket
This is yours to use for select merchandise, recreation, or fun activities (as applicable) at select participating locations at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort; or
• A special birthday FASTPASS badge for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or

• A one-day, one-park ticket that can be used anytime until your next birthday. This ticket may be used by the birthday celebrant only.
It all begins when you register your birthday at www.DisneyBirthdayTreat.com before your vacation. Registering will help expedite the process for receiving any of these special options. Then, you can select from these options once you arrive at the Theme Park of your choice.
To get the party started, Disney has added some great entertainment in conjunction with this promotion.
• Disneyland will offer:
o “Celebrate a Street Party”. Rock to party tunes while balloons and streamers fill the air. Crazy conga line and swing dancers, along with Disney Characters, will take to Main Street for this party.
o Don’t miss the cowboy style hoedown at the “Celebration Roundup Barbecue” at Big Thunder Ranch. This BBQ includes live entertainment and a petting zoo; so make a priority seating reservation and mosey on over pardner!

• Walt Disney World will offer:
o “Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade”. This parade will surely capture your imagination.
o “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party” this is an interactive street party hosted by Genie, Lumiere, Sebastian and the Mad Hatter! This takes place in front of Cinderella’s Castle; you don’t want to miss this party!
o “Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration” (due to open in April) is an interactive experience hosted by Stitch.
If you are planning a special celebration at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland, check out the following link. It gives you lots of options for making your celebration extra special! You can order cakes, decorations, and/or special gifts - you might find things you would have never thought of.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/celebrations/customizations/dta/

Celeste Koutavas
Disney Travel Specialist
www.EnchantedDestinations.net

Take a Walt Disney World Vacation in a Tough Economy with the “Buy Four, Get Three Free” Offer

2009-02-15T16:07:00.005-05:00

If you are still planning on taking a vacation this summer, there could not be a better opportunity than now to go to Walt Disney World®. If you travel through Aug. 15, you qualify for a great offer - “Buy Four, Get Three Free”

A couple things you will want to know:

•Disney is offering a great value on resort stays and tickets. Keep in mind they are making up costs on food products and souvenir items in the parks so you will want to add a dining plan to your package. Disney has a variety of dining plans to fit your needs.

•You will also want to book this early. The longer you wait, the higher the price will go. You will still be getting the “Buy Four, Get Three Free” offer, but as inventory sells out the price will increase!

•When you purchase a 4-night, 4-day (non-discounted) Magic Your Way Package, you will get 3 additional nights (with tickets) free!!! This offer is now valid for most nights during Feb. 15 – March 9, March 17 – April 4, and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009.

•And, if you take advantage of this offer while staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa you will receive a $100 Disney Gift Card! (Available for arrivals beginning March 30 – April 1 and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009)

Request a quote today at www.EnchantedDestinations.net

Celeste Koutavas
Disney Travel Specialist

Disney Cruise Line 3 nights aboard the Wonder

2009-02-08T07:12:00.002-05:00

Disney Wonder

3 night cruise, Family experience December 18-21, 2008
Cabin 2106 in Category 9 Deluxe Outside.

Day 1

From the moment you step off in front of the Disney Cruise terminal you know this is going to be a great trip! It does take a little bit of navigation to get through security and up to the check in level. If you are traveling on birth-certificates and not a passport (even if you have done the on-line check-in) you will be directed to a separate podium for a brief stop - I’m not sure why this happens, but within a few moments we were in the main line for check-in. I waited to check-in while Mark took the girls to say “hello” to Pluto and check out a model of the ship on display. The terminal was bright and nicely decorated for Christmas. The line went quickly because there were about seven cast members checking guests in. We were asked if anyone in our party had been sick in the last 48 hours; thankfully that answer was “no”. It is my understanding that if someone has been sick they will require you to see the physician there to determine whether or not you can sail. This is why it is good to have insurance. So, we are checked in and we head toward the ship when we are stopped for another document check and then for a photo-op (put everything down, tuck away the papers, and smile!). We gathered our things and continued on to yet another check point, where they re-checked our cruise cards and drivers licenses, cross the gang plank, and we are on board.

Greeted in a true Disney fashion, we are announced (loudly) and applauded in. This was a little cheesy, but everyone deserves a hand now and then! The lobby was beautiful, simple elegance, but not overwhelming. Those little Disney touches were everywhere. A statue of Ariel just outside Triton’s restaurant was the first thing to catch my eye. We needed to find a restroom for the girls and some get lunch; lucky for us, the restrooms were right next to the Parrot Cay restaurant. Lunch was buffet style with a lot of options like shrimp, fish, chicken Marcella, soups and salads. The kids loved making their own Sundaes at the ice cream bar. If you are looking for other types of lunch food (such as wraps, burgers, or pizza) you will want to head to the upper decks. After lunch we registered the girls with the kid’s club and got to see what they have to offer. Zoe being 6 and Sophia being 3, I think the club has some nice activities to offer. Later, we met some older kids who weren’t as enthused about the club. The club, in addition to “ala carte” activities, acts as a full “drop-off” babysitting service; we were told that some people drop their children off in the morning and pick them up at the end of the day. The club is open from 9:00am to 1:00am.

After checking out the kid’s club, we headed up to the party. It was great! They pumped out the music and some Disney characters were there too. Once the ship set sail, we headed to our cabin where we unpacked, freshened-up, and headed to a show. Our cabin (Cat 9-Deluxe) was really a nice surprise. It had an ocean-view via a super sized port hole with a ledge large enough for the girls to use as a window seat. The space was good and the cabin was very comfortable. The show was fun, very “Disney-esque”. If you have never done a Disney cruise, the show was comparable in quality and theme to one you would see in the parks. One of the ‘perks’ of seeing it on the ship though, is that your seats have a cup holder for the beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non). After the show, it was time for dinner; our seating assignment was for the Parrot Cay restaurant (again) the first night and I have to say, I think this might have been my favorite one for dinner. It was tropical, casual, and a nice meal. The servers were excellent! They even cut the girls meals so Mark and I could enjoy our food while it was still hot.

Day 2

The Disney Wonder arrived in Nassau and we had an amazing view of the Atlantis Resort from our cabin. With this being only a 3-night cruise, we decided to stay on board instead of trying to entertain the girls in Nassau. It turned out to be a great decision; we had a great sit down breakfast at Triton’s Restaurant (fantastic French toast). We swam in the pool, the girls got their hair braided Caribbean style, we made kites, Zoe made ‘flubber’, and we even saw a first run 3D movie: Bolt! It was an awesome family fun day! We cleaned up in time to have a family photo taken and watch another show. Dinner tonight was at Triton’s, where we were looking forward to a very nice meal when Zoe said she didn’t feel well. I left Sophia with Mark and took Zoe back to our cabin. Just a few minutes after we got to the cabin, there was a knock at our door. It was our Assistant Waiters with my dinner entrée! Now that is service!

Day 3

Castaway Cay – ok, I’m going to say the same thing you hear most everyone else say: It was out of this world! Spending a day here was worth every dollar of a Disney Cruise! The ship docked very early in the morning and our cabin happened to be on the dock side, so we could see all the morning activity. It was like a military operation - Disney style! Crates of food and other items were being unloaded and moved onto flatbed trams where they were quickly whisked away - all directed by the Chefs. It was done with such grace and precision that I was half expecting to see the jungle book elephants lofting by any moment singing a tune. We got into our swim suites, had a quick breakfast, and headed off to the island.

We had made friends with another family the night before and we ran into them on our way out. They had picked up an island scavenger hunt in the lobby so we joined them on the adventure. There are a ton of photo opportunities on the Island from the moment you get off. A big statue of Mr. and Mrs. Frosty-the-Snowman (dressed island style) with blowing snow was our first stop. Then it was down the path, past the post office, and off on our adventure solving clues to find the next one. We had a great time and it made us aware of so many things we probably wouldn’t have even noticed if we would have just headed for a lounge chair. We found our treasure just where a treasure should be: under a pirate flag, in a treasure chest, marked by a big X! After this I was ready for a cool drink and the girls wanted to do an activity in Scuttles cove, which is the Disney Island’s version of the kid’s club. After the girls headed there, we sat on the beach for little while where we enjoyed a mango daiquiri. The girls wanted to eat lunch with kids in the club so Mark and I ate with our new friends. Lunch was excellent, it was a buffet style BBQ under roof and there were many covered areas to sit and enjoy your lunch. They had everything from BBQ ribs and chicken to burgers. So it was easy to find something here that we all liked to eat and if you can’t, you can always head back to the ship. After lunch we picked up the girls and headed back to our spot on the beach. Here’s a tip: the areas closest to the ship were very crowded; as you continue down the beach, the further away from the ship the more open the beach. We enjoyed the rest of the day playing in the water with girls and we were probably some of the last people off the island and back aboard the ship. We went back to our cabin for showers and a little rest before dinner. Unfortunately, I’m going to say everyone else was showering too, because the shower was barely warm. So if you need a hot shower I wouldn’t try to take one between 4:00pm and 6:00pm on Castaway Cay day! After our cool showers we headed up to do some pin trading in the lobby. Zoe was chosen to be honorary crew member that night and they gave her lanyard to wear loaded with pins to trade with ships guests. She had a wonderful time and while we were at the dinner, they delivered two boxes of miscellaneous pins to our cabin (one for her and one for Sophia). Our last dinner on board was at Animator’s Palette, I have to say I didn’t get to see the show that they put on because the girls were worn out and we left right after we ate. Mark stayed to give the wait staff their tip envelopes and thank them for the phenomenal service we received for the past three days. When he got back to the room, he said that the restaurant really came alive and when they “colored” the walls, it was another amazing Disney touch. The food was very good, service of course excellent. The girls were exhausted and they were asleep pretty quickly. Our luggage had to be in the hallway by 11pm so Mark and I packed up and collapsed into bed. The next morning Zoe awoke pretty early so she and I headed up to Beach Blankets where we ate some breakfast. It was great too, everything you could want. We had to be off the ship by 9:00am so after we got dressed and we headed to Shutters to pick out some photo’s and then back to Animator’s Palette so Mark and Sophia could have breakfast; your departure breakfast is in the same restaurant you had your dinner in the night before. We took some last minute photos and then disembarked. Getting off the ship was almost as pleasant as boarding it was. Someone quickly met us in the baggage area and helped us to meet the bus that took us to the rental car location. It was very smooth, not congested at all, and you never felt like you were being herded around. We got our rental car and headed back to Orlando. We had several hours before we had to check-in for our flight, so we did a little bit of souvenir shopping and enjoyed the last few hours in the sun shine before we headed back to cold, wintery Pittsburgh, PA.

Celeste Koutavas
www.EnchantedDestinations.net

T-Rex Restaurant - Downtown Disney

2009-02-08T06:49:00.001-05:00

T-Rex Restaurant - Downtown Disney

What can I say? Mark and I, Zoe, Sophia and Uncle Stan a.k.a. Uncle “Steve” loved it! For a restaurant that did not take reservations or priority seating, the line moved very quickly and that night, it didn’t seem to be as long as the one at Rainforest Café’s either. The restaurant has a nice feel to it and we loved the changing colors of the ice cave and the Dinosaurs as they came to life. My tip: if you go, see if you can get seated in the ice cave. The Dinosaurs kept the kids attention and even entertained us. Dinner was kind of what you would expect, it was good. Maybe a little overpriced, but quality food and service. We ate and ducked out because it was getting late, but it looked like there was quite a bit to do in the restaurant. There was a dinosaur dig, a place to build your own dinosaur, and of course, a little store to shop buy a souvenir or two. My tip: Take money! I’d say this won’t be a value stop if you have kids, but worth putting on your list. So go get a good meal, watch the show, and pet a baby dinosaur. It’ll be fun.

Celeste Koutavas
Disney Travel Specialist
www.EnchantedDestinations.net

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

2009-02-08T06:42:00.001-05:00

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
On-Site at Walt Disney World

This resort was a pleasant surprise, it was our first stay here and we really enjoyed it. I did forget how small the value resort rooms feel - especially for a family of four. The rooms have either two double beds or one king bed, no fridge, and no coffee pot. The coffee pot thing gets me every time! You cannot, for love or money, get coffee until 6:00am. We were in a standard building near the piano pool. I thought it was the perfect location because it was quiet and secluded. As an agent though, I have to tell this: if you are staying more than a few nights and you don’t have a car, you want a preferred building because it is quite a hike from the main building to the back of the property. We took the bus to down town Disney and it took about 45 minutes between the wait and the transfer time. The return trip was much quicker, but the bus was very crowded (even for off season).

I loved the grounds of the All-Star Music; it had a relaxed comfortable feel to it. The pools were both nice and there was even a pool party with cartoons one night on a huge blow up screen. Another tip: check the schedule of resort activities because Disney Resorts always have great things happening on property. This is handy, especially if you feel the need for a break from the parks. If you haven’t tried the All-Stars Music, I’d say give it a whirl. I would say the biggest negative about the resort would be that it shares a bus with the other All-Star Resorts and I imagine that during the peak season, the buses would always be overcrowded. You might consider renting a car if you were going to stay a week or upgrade to a moderate resort.

Celeste Koutavas
Disney Travel Specialist
www.EnchanedDestinations.net

Adventures by Disney wine tasting La Casa Narcisi

2009-01-30T05:55:00.004-05:00

Adventures by Disney wine tasting January 29, 2009

La Casa Narcisi couldn’t have been a better place for this event. The winery was warm and inviting on this very cold, icy day in Pittsburgh, PA. The Narcisi family has been producing wine for many generations and it all began in Giulianova, Italy. Denny Narcisi was a wonderful host and gave us the opportunity to see him work today. We sampled 6 wines and even if one didn’t suite your taste you couldn’t deny that is was good! Maryann did an excellent job of guiding our tasting plus she added one she thought we would like and we did! The intimate table with its white table cloth, wine glasses and cheese plate really put you in the mood to think about a trip to Italy.

I’m thinking Bella Italia Adventures by Disney, beginning in Sorrento and ending in Florence. What an amazing escorted tour this would be, I can see the girls making their own pizzas in a farm house in Sorrento while Mark and I sip limoncello.

Adventures by Disney has so much to offer, this vacation relieves you of all the stressful planning and execution of a dream family vacation. I have heard so many people say, I’d love to do a trip like this but I don’t want to do it with Mickey Mouse. Well I promise you won’t see Mickey Mouse but you might get a glimpse or two of Walt. With these tours it’s all in the details (the “Disney Difference”) and the VIP treatment is everywhere! Two adventure guides escort every tour and no waiting in line here for you, it’s reserved or express access almost every place you go – ok, the only place that isn’t is Vatican City. However, Disney is going to make you comfortable while you wait. If you are thinking about wanting a snack or needing a drink a guide is probably about to hand it to you or is on his way with it. Truly they are going to make your vacation just that, a vacation for the entire family. This is an opportunity to experience everything together; no detail is left undone from luggage handling to hotel check in. As a mom, and person in charge of all the planning and vacation arranging, it would be wonderful to know someone else had the admission tickets and had already found the quaintest restaurant in town with a children’s menu! If you love the idea of trip, but don’t love the idea of the kids, you’re covered - some tour dates are Adult only!

Celeste Koutavas
Disney Travel Specialist

www.EnchantedDestinations.net