Princess 1/2 Marathon Weekend, Here I (sort of) Come!

Happy Thursday, friends! Hope you're doing well and enjoying your day. The weekend is SO close - you're almost there!

Today, I head back up to Orlando for the Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend. Don't get excited - I am not doing the 1/2. I am doing the 5K, and while I don't feel prepared running-wise (I do the jog and walk combo), at least I will look cute. Because that's what matters, right?!

In all seriousness, one of the things I like about runDisney events is how friendly they are to the non-runner. Of course, you'll see awesome athletes at runDisney events but you'll also see average Joes and Janes, just like you and me, who are out there having a good time. There are characters on the race route, ready to take pictures. There are also lots of fun, sweet people along the race route, cheering you on. It's a pretty fun experience and even if you would never classify yourself as a runner (I am raising my hand here), you WILL have a great time!

Tonight we head to the race expo, where you pick up your race packet. There are also quite a few vendors there selling items like cups, tee shirts, headbands, shoes, etc etc. I hope to stop by the Raw Threads and Sparkle Skirt booths; they are two of my favs! (In the picture above, my tee is Raw Threads and the skirt is from Sparkle Skirts.)

I'll be cheering my aunt and cousin on in the 10K on Saturday morning, as well. One of my favorite parts about race weekend is seeing all the runners come across that finish line!

Keep an eye on my social media accounts for pictures and video. You never know, I might get brave an do a Periscope from the 5K. :)

Take care and have a great weekend!

Have a magical day!

Guest Blogger - Mindy Walbesser: A Trip to the Senses Spa

HELLO everyone! I am here! January was a ZOO of a month, moving to Fort Myers and all, but February WILL be better. I am getting ready to go to Disney World and on a Disney Cruise with some other Mouse World Travel agents, so stay tuned for all that fun info!

In the meantime, reader (and my MWT colleague) Mindy Walbesser was kind enough to write about her recent experience at one of the spas at Walt Disney World. Thank you SO MUCH for your writing, Mindy - take it away!

As many times as I’ve been to the Walt Disney World Resort, and stayed at so many different resorts on the Disney World property, I had never taken the time to experience any of the spas that Disney has to offer, even after buying a DVC membership, with Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa as our home resort in 2007.  But that all changed this month.

My sister is a runner, and when she found out that the full Disney marathon would fall on her 50^th Birthday, she just knew that is what she wanted to do to celebrate her birthday.  We invited a friend of ours whom we have known since toddlerhood to join us as her 50^th birthday fell less than a week alter.  I booked a studio villa at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, bought tickets and made some dining reservations…we were all set…or so we thought (as Dame Judy Dench says on Space Ship Earth about the loss of the great books of the world).  I was looking for a special experience that would be perfect for our celebration.

I decided that a spa experience would be ideal.  I viewed the spa website, and looked over their offerings, and prices.  As a DVC member, I get a discount on various spa services.  I decided that after running 26.2 miles, a pedicure would be the perfect choice.  I chose the Renew-Pedicure Ritual:  Renew your spirit with this evocative Jasmine aroma, known to soothe the nerves, produce a feeling of optimism and euphoria, and reduce stress.  The time allotted is 1 hour.  It sounded perfect!  I called in November 12^th for an appointment on January 10^th.  I was disappointed to find out that Saratoga Spring’s Spa appointments for Renewal Pedicures that day so I agreed to take an appointment at the Grand Floridian Spa.  Now, The Grand Floridians is not settling in any way, and would be most people’s first choice, but the convenience of walking a short distance to our appointment would have been a big time saver.  Traveling that far across Disney property on Disney transportation is not a quick proposition. 

I had been reading online about parking restrictions at busy times at the Magic Kingdom resorts, and was hesitant to drive to the Grand Floridian to find out I couldn’t park there.  I also didn’t feel like driving.  So after the race, we took the race bus back to Saratoga to get ready for our spa experience which was scheduled for 3:30pm.  They had told us to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to our appointment time, but we were welcome to arrive even earlier.  We would have full access to the spa’s amenities for the entire day!  I was told that I could bring my swimsuit if I wanted to enjoy the hot tub, and they also have a fitness center.  There was a lot of figuring out the logistics of the day, as we had an 8:25pm reservation for dinner with the Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway, EPCOT.  We also had afternoon fastpasses at Hollywood Studios.  The weather was cooler than we had hoped for, and it was cloudy and drizzly through most of the day. 

We took the bus from Saratoga to Magic Kingdom, and then took the monorail over to the Grand Floridian.  I wore my exercise black capris, yellow top and matching fitness jacket to go over to the race finish line and to the spa.  I find it nice to wear fitness wear around Disney when it is rainy, as they dry quickly and you avoid the horror of wet jeans.  The big question was what to bring with us to the spa.  We debated bringing the dresses that we’d be wearing to dinner and getting changed into them after the spa, but then for me, that would involve bringing all my hair and make-up products, and I’d have to figure out then and there what I needed to have with me that evening at EPCOT, so I decided I would bring my swim suit, a beach towel, flip flops, and my cotton embroidered Mexican dress to throw on to wear back to the resort, where I’d then shower, do my hair and makeup so we could head to EPCOT.  At this point, fastpasses and Hollywood Studios were out the window. 

In order to get to the spa once you arrive at the Grand Floridian, you walk through the building and outside, and head toward the Villas building, you can walk around or through the villas building to get to the spa building, which is now separate from the main buildings. 

When we arrived at the spa, we were about an hour before our appointment.  When I checked in, I was given the opportunity to pay for our services either before or after our treatment.  I decided to pay right away so I could relax and not worry about it.  I was paying for all of us.  The renewing pedi was $80 before the 20% gratuity that they automatically add on.  With my DVC discount, I ended up paying $85 per person total with tax and tip.  We were taken back into the changing room by a spa castmember.  We were each given a locker, and shown how to work it.  We were asked for our shoe size for a pair of comfy spa slippers.  These were plastic, but not the hard jellies plastic.  Then we were given spa bathrobes to wear.  They only come in sizes XL, 3XL and 5XL. My sister and I had to go with the XL which was huge..but I’m 5’4”…my sister is 4’ 11”, so it was even bigger on her.  They are comfy, terry on the inside, cloth on the outside, but they do not have pockets for your phone.  Phone goes into locker (hence my lack of photos).  Once we were changed into our swimsuits and robes, and our clothes and supplies into the locker, we went into the hot tub room where my friend and I relaxed in the hot tub for about 15 minutes.  I then changed out of my swimsuit and put on just underpants under the thick robe.  Then we went back into the lounge room where we found my sister relaxing in a lounger.  In this lounge room, there are complimentary beverage and snacks.  The beverages were citrus water, cucumber water and iced tea.  I believe they also had hot tea.  The snacks were different kinds of trail mix and party type mixes with yogurt covered raisins, pretzel bits and such.  We thought this was very nice.   

When our names were called, the Pedicurist came out to greet us and take us into the treatment room.  First we were shown a display on the wall that was filled with nail polish of all different colors, and we were told to select the one we wanted.  We were then seated in very comfortable massage chairs.  They showed us how to operate the remote control for the chairs.  There were 3 chair set-ups on each side of the room facing each other.  I would have been seated next to my friend and my sister, but the 3^rd chair on that side was not operating properly they said, so I was on the other side facing my sister.  There were also a row of manicure stations on the other side of the room, but the whole time we were there, there was just one guest receiving a manicure at that time. 

The Pedicurist was very sweet and pleasant.  We were treated to a soak in some kind of magical solution that made our feet relaxed and very soft.    Let me tell you that the knead setting on the massage chair was heavenly.  My back felt so happy!!  Our feet and legs were treated to such wonderful pampering.  At the end, they presented us with two little bags, one was the nail polish that we’d selected, with the buffer and emery that they’d used on us.  The other bag, they said, had a special treat because we were celebrating.  It contained a little box of 4 specialty spa chocolates, two other squares of spa branded chocolates in interested flavors like dark chocolate lavender, a little tube of spa hand salve and a sample of SPARITUAL brand body butter and body lotion.  I am not sure what they give you if you are not celebrating, but I think maybe the box of the 4 chocolates would be the special extra, and the other chocolates and samples would be included for everyone. 

When we were finished, I decided to go ahead and shower and wash my hair there, to save time.  That way, when I got back to Saratoga, I’d just have to put my make-up on and throw on my dress and shoes.  I had planned to wear flip flops, because who wants to have a pedicure and then have to hide it in shoes, but the temperatures were dropping quickly, and I didn’t want to be stuck in EPCOT all night with my feet cold, so I ended up putting on my peep toe espadrilles and throwing my flip flops in my Vera Bradley tote that was my park bag for the evening, just in case my espadrilles didn’t work out.  I’ve never walked a theme park in them. 

Important details noted for future…and there will be future…trips to the spa.  The spa provides you with the robe and the towels, so really, the only thing I did with my towel was roll my wet swimsuit up into it after I was done.  They do not have any kind of swimsuit centrifuge to dry your swimsuit like they do at the town swimming pool in my town.  I suggested that and they seemed to think this was a good idea and would submit it. 

The spa also provided amazing bath products such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, spray antiperspirant-deodorant, and hair spray.  They also have jars of safety razors, cotton balls, Q tips, and free hair brushes and hair scrunchies.  I was very impressed with the spa products.  My hair felt so soft afterwards.  That is no easy feat with my thick curly, frizzy hair.  All of the spa products except the hair gel seem to be available for sale at the front of the spa.  All the products were in pumps bottles with the Senses spa logo on them.  In the locker/dressing area, there was even a vanity with make-up mirror and hair dryers to use.  This is where the hairspray, hair gel and spray deodorant were kept. The razors, cotton balls, Q tips and hairbrushes were over on a counter where towels were kept in cubbies rolled up and ready for you to use.  There was also a return bin for the wet towels and for the slippers.  The only thing not provided was facial moisturizer and make-up. 

Our day at the spa was so relaxing and enjoyable that I definitely want to do this again in the future.  I noticed that the health club/exercise room was connected to the spa by a door, so you could easily visit the exercise room, work out, then visit the spa.  Just allow more time.  You are encouraged to spend as much time there as you like.  Oh, there are also men’s services at the spa, so you may pass men in the hallway, on the way from the woman’s locker room and lounge and spa areas to the health club or the main desk.  

Thank you so much, Mindy! What a great experience you and your sister had, a memorable addition to your vacation!

Have a magical day!

2016 Walt Disney World vacation packages - Available for booking on June 22nd!

Good morning, friends!

Today, Disney let us know that the 2016 Walt Disney World vacation packages will be ready and available for quoting and booking on Monday, June 22nd.

I have already reached out to those of those who wanted information about 2016, but if you're looking to travel to Walt Disney World next year and we haven't spoken yet, please reach out to me. You can email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com, and we can start to chat about your trip, resort, dates, etc.

On the 22nd, I will be ready to go bright and early, so if you're interested in a 2016 vacation please reach out, and I'll have you on my list for a no-obligation quote.

Have a great Thursday!

Top 5 Reasons This Walt Disney World Veteran Fell in Love with Disneyland

I've been going to Walt Disney World pretty regularly since the last 90s. After my first trip to the World when I was in high school, I was hooked.

I always knew I wanted to visit Disneyland but I'd never made it a point to go out there. When I was deciding on my next vacation, for whatever reason Walt Disney World always won out, and I'd say to myself, "One day I'll get out to Anaheim."

As you know, that "one day" came last week and can I tell you, I CANNOT BELIEVE that I didn't make it a priority to get out here sooner.

After an incredibly fun and successful first trip to Disneyland, I wanted to do a comparison between the two. Not a "this vs that" type of post, but one that lays out the Top 5 reasons that I, a Walt Disney World veteran with approximately 30 trips under her belt, fell in love with Disneyland.


1. Disneyland was Walt's park. The nostalgia is off the charts, folks.

Disneyland can boast something that Walt Disney World can't. Although Walt was a part of the creation of WDW, he passed away before the park was completed so he was never an actual physical presence in the parks. To be able to walk down Main Street, and think, Walt walked here. To ride it's a small world and know that Walt rode it, too. To watch kids laugh on the carousel and know that he watched his own grandkids on the same one. Ladies and gents, it made my heart soar.

2. The proximity of resorts to both theme parks CAN'T BE BEAT.

I stayed at the Grand Californian and let me tell you, was SO glad I did. At most, I was a 5-10 minute walk (10 minutes if I was very slowly strolling) from my hotel to both parks. Actually, I was much closer to California Adventure because there's an entrance from the Grand Californian into that park.

Having stayed there, The Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier are also on my list. Both are also a short walk from the parks and allow you the same "close to the magic" experience.

It was incredibly nice to be that close to both theme parks. Now, you can have sort of this same experience when, for example, you stay at the Beach Club or Boardwalk resort and their proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. But there's no resort on WDW property where you can walk to all the theme parks, so that was huge.

Staying onsite can be pricier than staying at one of the myriad of hotels in the general area of Disneyland. However, for all my future trips I will plan on staying on-site for the sheer convenience of time and energy. It was amazing to watch the Disneyland Forever fireworks show on Main Street, and then be in my hotel room 10 minutes later. Not on a bus 10 minutes later, not waiting in line 10 minutes later. I was in my room. Amazing.

3. Disneyland is NOT just a two or three day vacation destination.

One opinion that I kept hearing was that Disneyland was, at most, a three day vacation. You needed to go to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm, etc in order to really make the most of a week and make your travel to Anaheim worthwhile. Now, nothing against those destinations at all but after having been at Disneyland, I could have easily stayed another day. I had an awesome time at the parks but didn't have a whole lot of time to explore my resort, or stroll around Downtown Disney. Next time (in November! Eeek!!) I'm planning on being here an entire week.

4. Three Words, people: World of Color.

I might cause a minor Disney fan revolt by saying this, but the fireworks shows and parades aren't usually on my must-do list. (dodges flying objects.) I enjoy them, but I'm not a person who will sit on a curb for two hours to get a viewing spot before a parade. They're fun, but no thanks, man. There are other things I prefer doing instead.

I knew I wanted to see World of Color at California Adventure. I'd read about it and seen clips of the show and from everything I'd heard, people raved about how awesome it was. We decided to do a WoC dining package (more on that in another post!) to get FastPasses for a special viewing area. The appointed time came, we got in our AWESOME location to watch and waited to be dazzled.

And dazzled we were. There aren't words in the English language that can adequately convey the rush of love and emotions I had when watching this show. It's been recently re-done a bit for the 60th Anniversary and it's just AMAZING. I won't tell you every single detail because A) we'd be here all day and B) I want you to experience it for yourself.

And when they played a version of the song "Forever Young? Tears, tears everywhere.

5.  Foodies - you won't be disappointed.

Disneyland is no slouch in the food department, either. On this trip I had my first churro; it was delicious! I wore most of the sugar on my shirt, but it was very yummy. I also enjoyed a Disneyland corn dog; I can only assume they put actual magic in that batter because GOOD LORD it was amazing - and I'm not really a hot dog fan. If you're a soup person, you MUST go to the Pacific Warf Cafe and enjoy their Clam Chowder or Broccoli Cheese soups. TO DIE FOR.

Needless to say, there will be many posts on this here blog solely about the food because y'all, it was stinking good. Many times we had "progressive dinners" and shared food so we could all sample a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Nom nom nom.

So there you have it - some of the many reasons I fell in deep, passionate, abiding love with Disneyland. I'll be back in November and can't wait to experience it all again!

Have a magical day!

Get "Inside Out" at the Flower and Garden Festival!

When I went to Epcot in April, there was a fun display, an Emotion Garden, for the upcoming Pixar animated movie, "Inside Out", as part of the Flower and Garden Festival displays.

It featured plants and flowers as each of the emotions shown in the movie: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust.

I took some pictures to share with all of your - check them out! And be sure to mark the weekend of June 19th on your calendar, as that's opening weekend for this newest Pixar flick! I can't wait to see it!

 

 

 

 

Have a magical day!

My Room at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

About a month ago, I stayed for three nights at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It was my first time at that resort (crossing another off my list!) and although I'd been to the resort before, I hadn't seen the rooms. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of decor but I really liked it! I wanted to share with you some pictures of my room.

I booked a regular room but was happy to see that when I arrived, I had a King bed, vs two Queen sized beds. So nice!

I felt like the room was a good size. Upon entering, there was a small hallway with a dresser in an alcove, and a coffee maker on top of it. In the dresser was a mini fridge, which was very nice to have. Then I walked in a bit more, and to the left was a sink area, and the toilet/shower room. I love that the rooms have these separate areas; if you're staying with others, makes it VERY nice to have space to get ready in the morning.

I loved the shower - seeing the tiles with some of the Disney animal characters was super cute.

The room itself was very nice, a good layout. In addition to the King bed there were two nightstands, a dresser with a TV, a desk with two chairs, and a lounge chair with ottoman. I also felt like the room had plenty of storage space, as well. I have the Owners Locker and had plenty of room for that, my suitcase, shoes, etc. I hate feeling cramped in a hotel room but this size was perfect.

But, by FAR the best part of this room was the view. Check it out!! How amazing, right?!

On my balcony I had the PERFECT view of the pool area, and see the water just beyond it? Each night about 9:30 I would see the Electrical Water Pageant go by in the water - and I never had to leave my room. It was AMAZING.

The only slight negative was the construction going on at the resort. To the immediate left of my balcony were rooms with scaffolding over top of them; it appeared they were re-painting and doing some cosmetic work on the resort. I didn't think it was bad, but there was some noise in the afternoon.

I LOVED staying here, and would do so again in a heartbeat. Here are some more pictures I took of the room - enjoy! Have a magical day!

Where in the World?

It's time for everyone's favorite game, Where in the World!

(I mean, it's MY favorite, at least.)

Where at Walt Disney World can you find this sign?

Have a magical day!

Club Cool!

One of the fun (and free!) things to do at Epcot is visit Club Cool. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Club Cool has all sorts of fun Coke merchandise including cups and tee shirts.

But perhaps the best reason to visit Club Cool is that you can try sodas from all around the world, for FREE!

Right in the middle of Walt Disney World, you can enjoy drinks from Thailand, Japan, Peru, Brazil and more!

Next time you're in Epcot, make sure you stop by Club Cool and try them all.

If you've been to Club Cool, which ones are your favorites? What sodas were perhaps less enjoyable for you?

Have a magical day!

The New Central Plaza area - The Magic Kingdom

When I was at Walt Disney World in April, I got to see the new Central Plaza area for the first time. I was super excited to see if for myself, as I'd seen pictures and was just amazed.

And folks - it did NOT disappoint.

It's like a beautiful, peaceful oasis in what can be the chaos of the Magic Kingdom.  Nestled between Main Street and the area around Cinderella's castle, the plaza area is the perfect spot to rest and relax for a spell.

Here are some pictures I took of that area; I think the Chip and Dale statue is my favorite! Enjoy!

Where in the World am I?

Every so often, I'm going to post an image that's located at a Disney destination. It could be Walt Disney World or Disneyland, or on the Disney Cruise Line. Leave a comment below, or on Facebook - here's today's image:

Where in the World can you find this handsome fellow?

Have a magical day!

Book review - 501 Ways to Make the Most of your Walt Disney World Vacation

Today, I'm excited to bring you a book review! I was given a copy of Kristi Frederick's book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation. 501 ways, you say? I'm in!

Kristi is a frequent traveler to Walt Disney World, and according to her author bio, "she is thrilled to share her passion for the Disney parks and feels that there is nothing better than enjoying a Disney vacation with the ones you love." I couldn't agree more!

In addition to 501 Ways, Kristi is the author of A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World: A Traveler's Reference. She's also a blogger for TouringPlans.com, operates her website www.DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com, and lives in Colorado with her husband and two sons.

Kristi asked if I'd like to read her book, and share my review with all of you. Even though I've been to Walt Disney World somewhere between 25-30 times (I lost count a while ago!), I'm always game to read about ways to enhance my vacations. To me, you can always learn something from another WDW fan and I was excited to read her tips.

She divides the book into 6 sections; Before You Arrive, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Mousecellaneous. I loved this way to format the book, because although you can read tips 1-501 in order, you don't have to - it's super easy to go to the section you're most interested in, and start there. As you can see in my picture, I used sticky notes to tag all the tips I was most interested in, so I could reference them for later.

Some of my favorite tips of the 501 were:

 - If you like to wear hats and plan to ride lots of wild rides, buy an inexpensive carabineer at your local sporting goods store to clip your hat onto your belt loop so that you won't lose it while experience rough attractions. (page 112, Mousecellaneous) Raise your hand if you've lost a hat (or multiple hats) at WDW. Yep, I see you!

 - If you would like to get some incredible photos of the Tree of Life, don't snap them as soon as you get into the park. Instead, take one of the Discovery Islands Trails near the tree itself. These tranquil paths will take you up close to the park icon for a spectacular photo opportunity. (pages 81-82, Animal Kingdom)

 - Believe it or not, gum is not sold anywhere on Disney property. If you're a fan, you'll need to bring your own, (page 11, Before You Arrive) - this is a tip I knew about, but it bears repeating and most guests don't realize it. No gum is sold at WDW!

Kristi's book is a great resource for Walt Disney World novices, as well as experienced travelers. Those of us who've been to Walt Disney World can attest - you can NEVER know everything about the parks, touring, planning, etc and having a resource like 501 Ways is a great way to learn more about Walt Disney World, and also get yourself excited for your upcoming trip! And I have to say, Kristi's final tip in the book is my absolute favorite; you'll have to get a copy yourself to see what that is!

You can purchase Kristi's book on Amazon (link HERE). It comes in both softcover AND an ebook format (the ebook format would be GREAT for taking on vacation - just link to your smartphone and you can have the tips on the go!) Please make sure you check it out, and let her know you read about the book on The Most Delightful Place!



In addition to www.DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com, you can also find Kristi at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Disneyworldenthusiast?fref=ts and on Twitter @DWEnthusiast.

Thank you Kristi, for sending me a copy of your book!

If you're a writer who'd like me to review your Disney-centric book, please email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com.

Have a magical day!

I was provided with a complimentary copy of Kristi's book for the review. All opinions are my own.

What Can Be Learned from Free Dining 2015

Yesterday, Free Dining was released to the public. We'd heard rumors about it over the last week or so, but nothing was confirmed until the early morning hours of April 27th. I'll spare you all the details, but essentially, there was far fewer availability of Free Dining rooms than there has been in the past and people were NOT happy.

Do I understand the frustration? Sure. But a lot of this could have been avoided. Most of it could have been, in fact. So what can we learn from the rollout of Free Dining 2015?

 - Nothing is guaranteed. NOTHING.

Has Disney World rolled out a Free Dining promotion in the last for years for the fall season? Yes, but never do they say or guarantee that it's going to continue every year, until the end of time, for all eternity. To be honest, I'm surprised they still offered it, for a myriad of reasons.

 - Fan sites need to be more careful about "scoops" or posting rumors.

I know that most fan sites come from a good place; they love Disney and when they hear rumors of something like Free Dining, they want to share it with their readers. But folks, you're doing more harm than good.

When you post about Free Dining coming, and it's going to be open to Disney Visa holders one day, and then the general public another, and here are all the details about dates and resorts......and it turns out not to be true? You have lots of upset Disney fans. And that's on YOU, not on Disney.

 - Disney fans should not count their Free Dining (or any discount) chickens before they're hatched.

Hearing a rumor about a discount, or Free Dining, or whatever is just that - a rumor, until Disney confirms the details. Don't let yourself get psyched up for something that very well might turn out to be false. It's perfectly OK to ask your travel agent, "Hey, I heard such and such might come up, can you let me know if it does?" so he/she can be ready to quote you a vacation package if/when a discount becomes available. Just don't set your hopes on every rumor and innuendo you've heard.

This is why I personally am always VERY cautious about talking Free Dining with clients when the details haven't been announced. The last thing I want is for someone to feel like they were promised a deal or discount that doesn't come to pass.

- Disney phone numbers being busy for hours and websites that are jammed is not something new. 

Fellow travel agents can attest - days like Free Dining rollouts are notorious for phone lines that ring busy for hours and websites that don't work or work part of the time. It's not unheard of for travel agents to wait for HOURS on hold during these promos. Disney recently rolled out a modification for our travel agent site that allows us to make some changes to a booking without calling in (and that's awesome) but it doesn't allow online modification in all instances and so many people still needed to call for quotes and to make changes. The site also experiences VERY high traffic on days like Monday, and so sometimes we're not even able to log into the website to change reservations or make new ones.

While I understand the public's frustration with the phone number and website, this was nothing new. Does Disney have some room for improvement here? I believe they do, but that's a separate issue.

 - Travel agents found out about the Free Dining promo exactly when everyone else did - Monday morning.

Part of our job as travel agents is to monitor new information and let you know if/when your vacation is available for any discounts or promos. We are looking out for you, and rest assured we're on the phone and on the Disney websites for hours, sometimes all day and all night, helping you book the best vacation for your family (whether that's Free Dining, or not).

I think one misconception about travel agents is that we get details from Disney days or even hours before the promos are launched. Nope! We hear the same time you do. So when you found out on Monday morning that there was very limited availability for Free Dining, we found out the same thing at the same time. We were working in the wee morning hours once the details were confirmed, but we found out when you did. We'll always keep you in the loop if/when promos or discounts are announced, but we don't have any special insight or confirmation as to when those are going to be released.

So, in short, folks - - let Monday, April 27th be a lesson to us all. If you get your hopes up for something that has not been verified, you very well might be disappointed. PLEASE do not count on or expect a promotion from Disney (or any other vacation vendor, for that matter), even though historically they might have released one. And finally, be very wary of what you read online before promos are released. Let your travel agent know you're interested IF something comes out, and rest assured they will stay in touch with you and let you know specifics when they become available.

Stay tuned later this week, I have an awesome book review coming up on Thursday! In the meantime, have a wonderful rest of your week!

Free Dining Details!!

Hi folks ~ today we got definite information about the Free Dining promotion at Walt Disney World for this fall, and I wanted to share that information with you!

(Edit as of 9:15AM central time - Availability is already VERY limited - not as many room choices as in the past. The websites are giving us issues, as are the phone lines. I will continue to try and reach Disney, and keep you posted.)

To get a no-obligation quote, please email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com, and let's start planning your Walt Disney World vacation!

This promo is available for booking starting today, April 27th.

The offer is valid for trips booked by July 10th, 2015. Availability is limited!

Free dining is available by booking a room and ticket package (minimum number of nights and number of ticket days required) that includes a room at select Walt Disney World resorts, and a ticket with Park Hopper or Water Park Fun and More option.

The travel dates are:

August 28 - October 2, 2015
October 25 - 31, 2015
November 8 - 19, 2015
December 15 - 21, 2015

When you stay at a Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe villa resort, you get the Disney Dining plan; for stays at Value resorts, the Quick Service Dining Plan is available!

Please note: Offer excludes The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard View Rooms, campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort (for select dates).

If you're a current client of mine, I'm already working to get Free Dining applied to your reservation!

For a no-obligation quote, please email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com, and let's get started planning your Walt Disney World vacation!