Lots of Disney specials - no time to post!!!!

Hello Disney fans,

Well, some of you have been wondering why I have not posted the new Disney specials that have been announced in the last week. Well, first, I have been off work most of the last week with sick family members, which has severely limited my blog posting opportunities. Second, my priority was (and always has been) first to my clients that are already booked, to try to get them the special deals if they are available for them. In the last round of specials, I was able to change over all but one of my clients (their dates, though covered in the special, did not actually have any space...). Clients saved between $500 and $1900 dollars (and that is US dollars, Canadians...)

So what're the latest specials and are they worth it? I will briefly mention them below, and then as time allows post a bit of a follow up with more details on dates etc.

• Disney World "Pay for 4, stay for 7" promotion. For most dates from the beginning of January right through to June! you can stay for 7 nights while only paying for 4. Packages include accommodation, based on regular season prices and any of their Magic Your Way passes. Dining plans are at regular price. This is probably the best promotion that Disney have offered since 2003. So yes it is certainly worth considering...
• Disney Cruise Canadian residents special. As many of you know Disney cruises rarely if ever discount their cruises. For select dates from the beginning of Feb through the end of March (unfortunately not including our March Break dates) they are offering very special prices for Category 11 (inside cabins). Space is limited. While the price may still not be "cheap" (a Disney Cruise never is), it could be a chance to cruise with Disney for a lot less than normal, especially if, like many Canadians you don't like to book many months in advance...)
• "Paradise Twice" promotion with Disney Cruise Line. If you sail this winter, you can get a second cruise (in 2009) for only $99! (plus taxes, fees, airfare etc, of course). Well worth a look, this is a saving of at least $1000 for a family of 4. Of course, you do need to have enough time and money to cruise twice in one year...
• These two cruise deals seem to be mutually exclusive - I don't think you can get both...
  

I will post follow up details - essentially a full flyer for each promotion - later today (hopefully soon).

P.S. For our Ottawa clients, if you can travel in January there are charter flights to Orlando with Sunwing and Transat Holidays (using Westjet) that are currently selling for around $70 (plus tax) per person. Total around $300 per person. Limited dates (middle two weeks in Jan) and days of the week (Thu and Fri only). Well worth it as many flights to Orlando are still over $600pp normally...

What about the other Disney ship - the Disney Wonder? What'll it be up to?

Unlike last time that Disney Cruises headed to the Med, and left just one ship doing the 3 and 4 day cruises only from Florida, Disney have changed their plans for the Disney Wonder during the Disney Magic's extended season in Europe...

New Disney Wonder Itineraries
The Disney Magic isn’t the only Disney ship embarking on new itineraries in 2010. For the summer of 2010, the Disney Wonder® will shift to 4- and 5-night cruises sailing to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The shift is designed to accommodate Clients looking for slightly longer cruises while children are enjoying their summer break.

Rates for the special 5-night voyages to Key West or two stops at Castaway Cay start at $899 per person. The 4-night voyage begins at $849 per person for a category 11 stateroom.

In my opinion this is a nice move. While the regular 7-night cruises are not able to be offered, last time a number of our clients wanted more than just a 3 or 4 night cruise. Now that Disney have "split the difference" between the 7-day and shorter cruises, that should help a lot...

Let's fill in some of the blanks re the new Disney Cruise European Itineraries

Here is some more info from Disney Cruises about the new Mediterranean and Northern European Itineraries just announced for 2010, and available to book from October 14th 2009... (excerpted from disneytravelagents.ca)

Northern European Cruises
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where you can experience breathtaking fjords, historic city centers and Viking lore at enchanting Scandinavian ports such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. The Disney Magic® will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing you time to experience the city known as the “Cultural Capital of Russia” or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow.

“In 2007 we discovered a large contingency of Disney Cruise fans had eagerly awaited the opportunity to explore the Med with us,” said Ed Fouché, senior vice president of travel industry sales and marketing for Disney Destinations, LLC.

Departing out of Dover, England, the Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European Capitals in June and July 2010. Rates for the 12-night Northern European Capitals itinerary start at $3,649 per person for a category 11 stateroom.

Mediterranean Cruises
Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10-night and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when Disney Cruise Line last sailed the region in 2007. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the ship will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta and Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France known as the birthplace of Napoleon.

Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. Rates for the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises start at $2,529 per person for a category 11 stateroom.

Repositioning Cruises
Disney Cruise Line is also offering four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a 7-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England and an 8-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.

Interested? As mentioned, bookings can be made from October 14th. As always when Disney Cruises put out a new product, there will be a surge of demand. If you want to go, contact us now, and we'll contact Disney for you on the morning of October 14th and get you the best price that they have...

Disney Cruise Mediterranean 2010 some more details...

Back to New York, now a presentation from Samantha Brown - travel channel host...

She is recounting her own experience on an actual "vacation" vacation, not a "work" one... had a wonderful time, on a Disney Cruise of course!

Explaining more things about some of the new ports of call. Her favourite is Stockholm, Sweden - 14 islands, fairy tale architecture. Also Copenhagen, culture and shopping...

She reminds us that the new itineraries will still be offering some old favourites - such as Rome, Florence - two of her favourite cities.

So how do we get on these sailings?
The new 2010 Mediterranean season will open up for bookings October 14th 2008.

Last time Disney Cruises headed to the Med, their itineraries sold out in short order. Also, as you know, the earlier you book, the lower the price, so if you have been waiting for Disney to go back to the Med, then why not lock-in your vacation at the lowest price possible...

OK, Disney Cruise announces New 2010 itineraries

In Summer of 2010 the Disney Magic is going to the Mediterranean for an extended Summer - 5 months in the Med doing 10 and 11 night cruises.

Uniquely, they will be including 4, 12-night cruises to the Baltic, including St Petersburg (with overnight stay in the port, giving 2 full days in the city)

For the main Mediterranean 10 and 11 night cruises, 3 new ports of call

• Malta
• Tunis
• Corsica
  

Also new Disney staff on land... not "shore excursions" but "port adventures"... (according to Jim Urry - reporting live from St Petersburg...)

• Fairy tales, princes/princess and Disney characters.
• Vikings (and other pirates).
• Actual trips to see the new Disney Cruise ship being completed in the shipyard in Germany...
  

More to come...

Disney Cruise New News

Tom McAlpin - President of Disney Cruise Line is live in New York, letting us know

He's starting by re-iterating some of great and unique things that Disney offer for all the family. It's all good! The kids programs, the teen areas, adults-only sections, famous deck parties, great dining and more. (I've been there, it really is good...)

He's mentioning the itineraries - particularly the "special" ones (as distinct from their regular 3/4 or 7 day cruises). I sense some new itineraries coming...

Some big Disney Cruise Announcement is coming...

I am waiting in nervous anticipation(!) listening to some jazzy big-band interpretations of famous Disney melodies as I am "on hold" waiting for the start of a live webcase (scheduled for 12.45 EST) - where a "major announcement" will be made...

I will be "live-blogging" - (how cool!!) and posting every few minutes, I guess...

Hope it's worth it, reader...

Important News about the "Water Park Fun & More" ticket option

The Water Park Fun & More Option would make a great addition to your Magic Your Way Ticket! But we wanted to make sure you were aware of some news that will impact the use of that option.

By September 28, 2008, all of the nightclubs on Pleasure Island will be closed. So as of that date, the Water Park Fun & More Option will no longer include the choice of admission to those clubs.

Instead...you can choose to use a visit to enjoy once round of golf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course - a relaxed, nine-hole walking course designed for the entire family! Tee times are required and subject to availability. To make a tee time, visit disneyworldgolf.com.

And remember, the Water Park Fun & More Option still gives you a certain number of visits to your choice of:

• Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
• DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park OR
• Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex

Announced Today - New Disney World October-December Discounted Special

You can now get a specially priced packages at selected Walt Disney World resorts for select dates in the fall...This package is available most nights between

• 9/28/08-11/25/08,
• 11/29/08-12/3/08 and
• 12/13/08-12/23/08.
  

The room rate is discounted. The dining plans and wine plans can be added on at regular prices.

Example prices that you may see advertised in the press (for example $1168 for a family of four as shown in the banner ad above) would be for 5 nights/6 days in a Disney Value resort in "Value" season.

As this special includes dates in "Value", "Regular" and "Holiday" seasons, the actual rates for your package for your dates could vary hugely... (i.e. most packages will be considerably higher than the advertised price...)

As with all of these types of Disney offers, space is an issue (some room types are already sold out on certain dates and will not be available) and the number of rooms on the special is limited. It is not a "blanket" rate. So it is in your interests to try to book early for this promotion.

There are many different variations of this offer - essentially all "Magic Your Way" packages, with or without dining, are included.

You must book by 9/24/08 but don't wait! The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. No group rates or other discounts apply. 3 night minimum stay is required. Contact me by email or by phone at 613-594-5633, to start the process...

As always, today I will be trying to change over all of my "already-booked" clients travelling at these times to take advantage of these new rates, if available... just one of the many advantages of choosing to book your Disney vacation with a Disney Specialist at Let's Take the Kids Travel...

More details about 2009 packages - there is a NEW dining plan option - it looks good too...

Hello again,

As I posted yesterday, the 2009 packages for Disney World are now available to book. There have been some changes, and I will post them as I work out what's what.

For now, here is some detail about the newest dining plan.

Quick Service Dining Plan
For each PACKAGE NIGHT, clients with this package will receive:

2 Quick Service Meals	One entrée OR one complete Combo Meal One dessert (Lunch or Dinner) or one juice (Breakfast) One single serving non-alcoholic beverage
2 Snacks	Choose from: - Frozen ice-cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar - Box of popcorn - Single serving grab bag of Frito-Lay's chips - One 20oz bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani water - Single piece whole fruit - Medium fountain soft drink or apple juice
Resort Refillable Drink Mug	1 per person, per package.

• We can see this being really popular, as families with small children especially may not want the hassle of doing the whole sit-down restaurant thing. Now there is an alternative...
• Also, as you can't pre-book quick service meals, this is a dining plan option that will suit those clients that really don't want to have to plan so far in advance. (There is no doubt that you DO need to plan and pre-book your sit-down meals on the regular dining plan, and this means that you really need to plan even which park you will be visiting on what day, sometimes months in advance). With this plan - there's just no need to do that. You can "wing-it" if you want. (Now, honestly, I would still advocate planning your trip to avoid the feeling of being a headless chicken due to the overwhelming amount of stuff at Disney, but you don't have to...)
• Also, of course it will be less expensive than the existing dining plans. Just how much it will cost, I am not sure right now. I'll post when I can find out...

Walt Disney World package rates now available for 2009

As suspected, the long-awaited 2009 Disney World vacation packages are now available to book. Those clients that are waiting for me to get on with changing over their "room only" bookings, I am doing that as I type this...

As for the rest of you - what are you waiting for?!!! Contact me to book your Disney vacation!

ONE IMPORTANT CHANGE IN BOOKING PROCEDURE...
We can now only "hold" a booking for ONE week, not TWO (as in previous years). A significant change...

Adventures by Disney Announces 2009 Vacation Itineraries

Adventures by Disney continues to get bigger and better. For 2009 there are even more itineraries (8 more than last year) and they, as always look truly fantastic. This is a long post - (my "read more" link thingy has broken and I can't truncate my posts any more for some reason) as ALL 23 ITINERARIES are described there...

What is it to truly be an adventurer? To travel above and beyond, and see what most ordinary tourists will never see. Now your Clients can share a world filled with wonder, enchantment and remarkable adventures with eight brand new Adventures by Disney vacations in 2009 – a total of 23 exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations! From exploring the Galapagos Islands with a naturalist to hiking with huskies through the European Alps, your Clients will be there as the world’s authentic wonders come to life.

As a special thank you, past Adventures by Disney Guests are eligible to receive a $100 credit per person when booking a 2009 season Adventures by Disney vacation by Nov. 30, 2008.

NEW TRIPS

• South Africa – Safari to South Africa – Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
  Imagine riding with your family in a safari jeep as a skilled tracker leads you through one of the most stunning and diverse game reserves in all of Africa, or learning age-old survival secrets of the wild on a ranger-lead Bushwalk. Exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with bustling markets, a lively waterfront and sumptuous food. Discovering beautiful Boulders Beach, then meeting African penguins in their natural habitat. And concluding your grand adventure at a Boma, a torchlit barbecue feast and show that is, like everything else on this trip, one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet.
• Northern California – Golden Path to Yosemite – Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Yosemite
  Blaze an adventurous trail through the land of legendary gold and natural glory. Soar to the top of Squaw Peak and behold Tahoe’s aquamarine jewel among the mountains. Float along the idyllic Truckee River and swim in a setting more beautiful than any painting. And make the Yosemite Valley your family’s incredible backyard as you hike and ride through its unspoiled majesty. Then spring from the wilderness to explore San Francisco’s hilly charm by bike and private trolley – on your unbelievable expedition from the gold-streaked Sierras to the famed Golden Gate.
• Alaska – Taming the Last Frontier – Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula
  Get ready for untamed, unspoiled, unbelievable family adventures in the foothills of our country’s highest peak: mighty Mt. McKinley. Come frolic with the sled dogs of the legendary Iditarod. Explore deep icy fjords and jet boat along a pristine river in search of wildlife that’s still completely wild. Learn how to track majestic wolves through their forest empires. And float among the iceberg remains of calving glaciers that have existed for centuries. You’ll discover this distant wilderness with its native people, making new friends and memories in the land of the midnight sun.
• Northeast U.S. – Beantown & The Big Apple – Boston, Newport, and New York City
  Embark on a traveler’s tale from the revolutionary streets of Boston to the electrifying avenues of New York City. You’ll explore New England’s coastal wonders as you breeze through Boston on a duck boat. Take in Newport’s mansions from a seafaring schooner. Relive one of the original American stories in the halls of Ellis Island. And break into show biz on Broadway. From the Green Monster in Fenway Park to biking around Central Park – you’ll uncover ingredients of our melting pot nation and add a new chapter to your family history.
• U.S./ Southwest Canada – Rocky Trails & Mountie Tales – Glacier National Park and Banff National Park
  Come raft mighty rivers, hike flower-filled meadows, and ride horses on trails through the clouds in the unspoiled Northern Rockies. Imagine your family surrounded by the snow-capped peaks, towering forests and impossibly blue lakes of two immense national parks in two countries. You’ll sleep high in the sky, between glacial lakes and ancient limestone – with tribal tales of when the world was young still dancing in your mind. And after canoeing, hiking and biking in land roamed by Lewis and Clark and beyond, you’ll never want to come down to earth again.
• Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands – Gateway to the Galapagos – Quito, Otavalo Valley and The Galapagos Islands
  There are some places in the world that have a story all their own. Standing on the equator in sight of a snow-capped volcano. Living an authentic Andean life on a 400-year-old hacienda. Stargazing from your shipboard home in the middle of the South Pacific. Hiking and snorkeling with wild creatures so rare, they only exist one place in the world. From high Andean fields to the Galapagos Islands’ clear blue depths, you’ll live the stories of these magical places – collecting vivid family memories with every step.
• European Alps – Alpine Magic – Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
  Experience an Alpine adventure that puts the “great” in great-big-beautiful outdoors. Get out there as you cruise past the cascading towns of Italy’s lakes. And shape pasta the traditional way at a Como cooking school. Then zigzag through mountains, dotted with chalets, to the incredible Swiss Alps. You’ll soar past distant peaks on thrilling ziplines, bike the scenic paths of a lofty village, even hike grassy trails with faithful huskies. All from well-appointed hotels in an Alpine playground of lakes, mountains and glaciers – ready for your family to come out and play.
• Italy – Bella Italia – Sorrento and Florence
  The Italian roads less traveled are an adventure all their own – from the silent mysteries of Pompeii to Pisa’s eternally Leaning Tower. Cruise the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as you explore Amalfi’s dramatic coast by boat. Craft your own Sorrento pizza from fresh ingredients in a farmhouse kitchen. And peddle through paradise along Tuscan walls that have survived since the Renaissance. You’ll taste fresh limon cello, discover Florentine treasures and swim in the azure waters off Capri – sharing more of Italy with your family than many see in a lifetime.

NEW SIGNATURE TRIPS

For select departure dates to South Africa and Northern California, Adventures by Disney is pleased to offer brand new Signature Trips which feature additional special elements for an even more extraordinary vacation experience.

• South Africa – Safari to South Africa – Cape Town, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
  Imagine riding with your family in a safari jeep as a skilled tracker leads you through one of the most stunning and diverse game reserves in all of Africa, or learning age-old survival secrets of the wild on a ranger-lead Bushwalk. Exploring cosmopolitan Cape Town, perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with bustling markets, a lively waterfront and sumptuous food. Discovering beautiful Boulders Beach, then meeting African penguins in their natural habitat. And concluding your grand adventure at a Boma, a torchlit barbecue feast and show that is, like everything else on this trip, one of the most extraordinary experiences on the planet.

Special Signature Features:

• VIP meet & greet at aircraft and luxury sedan transfer
• Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town’s lively Waterfront area
• Upgraded accommodations to the five-star Main Lodge in Kapama Game Reserve
• Exclusive VIP gift in-room amenity
• VIP memento gift from the Gold of Africa Museum’s exquisite gift shop
• Special entertainment from the Township Boys Choir in addition to the Cape Minstrels at the Castle of Good
• Hope exclusive dinner
• Exclusive “African Skies” themed dinner with dance entertainment
• Exclusive “Sundowner” dinner experience at the Knysna Elephant Park
• Exclusive Catch & Release Fishing for Junior Adventurers at Kapama Game Reserve
• All included dinners feature complimentary wine and beer

• Northern California – Golden Path to Yosemite – San Francisco and Yosemite
  Blaze an adventurous trail through the land of legendary gold and natural glory. Soar to the top of Squaw Peak and behold Tahoe’s aquamarine jewel among the mountains. Float along the idyllic Truckee River and swim in a setting more beautiful than any painting. And make the Yosemite Valley your family’s incredible backyard as you hike and ride through its unspoiled majesty. Then spring from the wilderness to explore San Francisco’s hilly charm by bike and private trolley – on your unbelievable expedition from the gold-streaked Sierras to the famed Golden Gate.

Special Signature Features:

• Upgraded accommodations to the five-star St. Regis hotel in San Francisco
• Upgraded accommodations to the magnificent Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite
• Exclusive rock climbing class at the Yosemite Mountaineering School
• Exclusive professionally guided camera walk of Yosemite Valley
• Exclusive VIP gifts in-room amenity
• All included dinners feature complimentary wine and beer

RETURNING TRIPS

• New Name! Spain – Treasures of Spain – Barcelona, Seville, Madrid
  Discover family adventures more dazzling than Spanish gold –exploring the lavish private rooms and soaring towers of a Spanish alcazar. Gazing at the intricate carvings of an Gaudi’s unfinished architectural masterpiece. And savoring a sea of tiny tapas plates overflowing with flavor. From the Flamenco’s whirling colors to Andalucia’s welcoming farms – you’ll uncover Spanish treasures that many people never find and memories that never lose their luster.
• New Name! Czech Republic & Austria – Storybook Kingdoms – Prague, Salzburg, Vienna
  Follow the kings and queens of old for a storybook adventure through their fabled castles and kingdoms. Learn the secrets of the strings at a colorful marionette show. Then hang on the sweet notes of a young prodigy’s violin serenade. You’ll unlock the whimsical trick fountains of a country palace, fly along the wooden chutes of a former salt mine and even dine among the animals at the world’s oldest zoo. It’s the stuff royal legends are made of and this time the imperial family is yours.
• China – Enchanted China - Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai, Hong Kong
  Remote and remarkable, exotic and enchanting, China – one of the world’s most enigmatic destinations, is waiting to share her secrets with you. Explore ancient mysteries and modern splendors in the profound Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Make friends with giant pandas at Chengdu Research Base, then cruise the otherworldly beauty of Guilin’s gumdrop mountains aboard your exclusive private boat. From defending against foreign invaders atop the Great Wall to catching flying acrobats in Shanghai to VIP treatment at Hong Kong Disneyland, this is a chance for your family to discover not just another country, but another world.
• Australia – Discovery Down Under – N. Queensland, Ayers Rock, Sydney
  Plunge into the largest coral reef system on earth, where schools of color explode from every hollow. Ride camels through the desert to watch the sun set on Ayers Rock, the island mountain. And feel the rush of adrenaline as you zoom around famed Sydney Harbour on a high-speed boat. From a candlelight dinner above a croc-filled river to Jackaroo high jinks at an outback sheep station, you’ll explore the land of Oz from ocean to desert, rainforest to reef – with family adventures you’ve got to hike, bike and swim to believe.
• Peru – Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities – Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco
  Live the legends of the Inca among the patchwork green, red and gold fields where their descendents still thrive. You’ll dance in the hilltops with colorfully costumed friends. Raft a twisting river in the shadow of surreal peaks. Enjoy a Peruvian feast cooked by mother earth herself. And wind through Andean mountains, discovering impossible stone creations like Machu Picchu – the mysterious city in the clouds. Let weavers, artists, even wooly llamas share Peru’s secrets with your family, on sky-high adventures around the unforgettable Sacred Valley.
• Southern California – Backstage Magic - Hollywood, Disneyland
  Go where the magic happens – to places few will ever see, places your family will never forget. The El Capitan Theatre, The Jim Henson Company Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering – places where sketched-out dreams become vivid reality for your family to experience firsthand. Then live the magic as you explore every whimsical corner of the Happiest Place on Earth – transforming a trip to the park into a VIP experience far beyond imagination.
• Costa Rica – Path to Pura Vida – San Jose, Arenal, Manuel Antonio
  Pura Vida. The Pure Life. A life dedicated to nature’s beauty and harmony. Where you’ll fly high over rainforests, soak in secluded thermal springs, and conquer whitewater rapids with your family. It’s a life filled with fiery dances, fresh-picked pineapples, and volcanic light and sound shows. Where butterfly families gather by the thousands and Adventure Guides find the most secluded rainforest trails. And where natural adventures become the colorful family memories you keep for a lifetime.
• Ireland – The Emerald Isle – Dublin, Killarney, Shannon
  Watching foamy waves crash from high atop the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, you’ll realize why Irish eyes are always smiling. Let us wrap you in old-world charm as you ride jaunting carts to a country manor, listen to ancient tales in Celtic brogue and spend a few cozy nights in an ivy-covered castle. From sheep herding in Shannon to jig lessons in Killarney to cathedral tours in Dublin – Ireland’s earthy warmth and lively melodies are sure to add a spring to your step for years to come.
• England, France – Cities of Knights and Lights – London, Paris
  Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messieurs, welcome and bienvenue to a tale of two famous cities. Let London charm you with storytelling beefeaters, proper English high tea, a jolly good spin on a double-decker bus and a special West End theatre experience that’ll have you roaring for more. Then say “bonjour” to Paris as you explore gargoyle-guarded cathedrals, bike the très elegant gardens, dine in the Eiffel Tower and find inspiration among the world’s greatest masterpieces. Two wonderfully different capitals for one unforgettable family adventure.
• Italy – Viva Italia – Rome, Tuscany, Venice
  From Trevi Fountain wishes in Rome to masquerade balls in Venice, no taste of Italy would be complete without a dash of local flavor. Explore the Eternal City’s ancient wonders as Rome reveals its mythic tales. Learn to shape your own pasta in the rustic kitchen of a Tuscan chef. Experience Michelangelo’s David and fall for Florence’s Renaissance charm. Then glide by gondola along Venice’s famed canals. You’ll dine al fresco in Tuscany, spend nights in an Italian villa and become part of the famiglia on an adventure worth savoring.
• Germany – Once Upon a Fairy Tale – Heidelberg, Trendelberg, Rothenburg, Munich
  Journey through the land that inspired so many beloved Disney stories – a land where magic still lives. Let Sleeping Beauty show you around her charmed castle gardens and towers. Learn to wield a bow and arrow just like the knights of old. Walk mysterious cobblestone streets lit by a night watchman’s lantern. And travel to the place where the teddy bear was born. With so many colorful characters to meet and so many enchanted places to explore– Germany is just the setting for your very own family fairytale.
• France – Flavors of France – Aix-en-Provence, Paris
  Treat your senses to the best of France, from the rippling lavender fields of Provence to the bustling sidewalk cafés of Paris. Discover Provençal pleasures with your family as you kayak the waters under an ancient aqueduct, sample the sun-kissed wines of a country vineyard, and sail through the wind on a mountain crest bike ride. Then it’s off to Paris by bullet train to indulge in the avant-garde – from the heights of the Eiffel Tower to the shops of the Champs Elysées – before bidding adieu to your delectable French adventure.
• American Southwest – Southwest Splendors - Sedona, Grand Canyon, Moab
  The Southwestern stage is set for your family adventure. Get ready to raft the majestic Colorado River. Tear through Red Rocks in an off-roading 4x4. And discover parts of the Grand Canyon most will never see. The desert will speak to you through naturalists, Navajos, cowboys, even native creatures. And as day becomes star-dusted night, you’ll gather ‘round the campfire to share memories from your very own tall tale.
• Mid Atlantic States – Spirit of America - Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Williamsburg
  Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one and all to the legendary cities where our nation was born. Pedal past larger-than-life monuments that voice our country’s heroic tales. Walk in the footsteps of our forefathers, and even meet a few of them. Gather where Revolutionary plans were once laid, savoring authentic dishes from 1776. And travel back in time to live the colonial life, just as it was hundreds of years ago. You’ll eat, sleep and play in places steeped in national nostalgia – and experience a family adventure you won’t find in any book.
• Wyoming – Quest for West – Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
  Grab the reins and see the world from a saddle as you get to know the true American West. Find your frontier spirit with horseback riding, roping and fly-fishing beneath wide-open skies at an authentic dude ranch. Raft the writhing Snake River, and explore the whimsical sights and Western charm of Jackson Hole. Then discover the soul of Yellowstone as you hike among its cascading rivers and iron-streaked canyons to watch Old Faithful burst from the earth. Come explore Wyoming – and realize that home on the range is just where your family belongs.

Disney World Packages due out next week!

We are expecting the Disney World package rates (Disney hotels, Magic Your Way Passes and/or dining plans etc) to be released early next week.

So if you have been impatiently waiting to book your Disney vacation - just a few more sleeps and you'll be able to! Whoo hoo!

I am willing to give you the benefit of my experience, if you need it... you can call me at 613-594-5633...

(I'm the one on the right as you look at the photo...)

Ottawa residents - Wonderful prices on charter airfares from Ottawa this winter...

Sunwing Airlines are a charter outfit that have been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years. They are offering more and more destinations from more and more cities. And they just announced Ottawa-Orlando flights starting on the 11th December 2008.

The flights are Thursday to Thursday, so may not be suitable for everyone, but the price sure is nice. For their first departure in December, their price (including tax and service fee) is around $350!! Compare that with other airlines! We haven't seen that price from Ottawa except for extraordinary short seat sales, for years!

Now, I doubt if all their flights are going to be available at this kind of price, for all their dates, but it is sure worth us checking for you (if you can fly Thursday to Thursday). At that rate, you don't even need to think about saving money by driving to Syracuse...

As the beginning of December is a good time to travel to Disney for a number of other reasons, (Christmas decorations are up, crowds are light, possibility of discounted package rates from Disney etc) then maybe "Let's Take the Kids Travel" will put 100 families on that plane! A worthy goal. Sign up to be first!! Contact me now!

Rumours of a new fall discount special...

While I can't be certain until announced, it appears that Disney are considering a discounted Magic-Your-Way package promotion for travel this fall (one of their traditionally "slower" times made perhaps a bit worse by the economic slowdown in the States). They put on a similar discounted rate last year, so it seems likely that something will be coming on-line shortly.

Of course the Canadian economy is still doing well and as our dollar continues to hover around par with the US dollar, it's a great time for Canadians to get a real "bang for your buck".

As always, clients of "Let's Take the Kids Travel" will be automatically upgraded (or strictly-speaking "down-graded" at least in price!!) if any such offer is announced as long as it is available for your dates/resort. If necessary I will contact you in case you may wish to consider changing resort to take advantage of the offer.

For any other Disney bargain hunters around, keep checking back with this blog to see if you can take advantage of any of Disney's specials.

As a possible double whammy, if you can travel at the beginning of December, please check out my next post...

There hasn't been much to say lately, but hold on to your hats - there a lot coming as soon as I can type it up!!!

Last Few Days for the Disney Free Dining Promo!

Must book this week!

Click for details...

WestJet on sale again!

Our good friends at Westjet continue to put on their occasional (regular?!) one-day seat sales. Only for travel up to June 25thv (for travel Tuesdays and Wednesdays only), they are offering some "50% off" fares to Orlando, so, if you need a seat real soon, then check them out, and/or contact me...

Avoid Disney Cruise Fuel Surcharges - book before 28th May....

Well, the global price of oil keeps going up, so we're seeing fuel surcharges everywhere we look these days.

Disney Cruise Line will be adding a fuel surcharge to their cruises shortly, but are at least giving us a month or so of "heads up" time. If you book your cruise before May 28th 2008, then you will not be charged the surcharges.

After that time the surcharges will be:

$8 per person, per day for the first two Guests in a stateroom and $3 per day for all other Guests. It is effective for new bookings only made on or after May 28, 2008. Additionally, the surcharge will be capped at $112 each for the first and second Guests in a stateroom and $42 each for all other Guests in the stateroom.

Eat free and one child flies free too!

Canadian tour operator Nolitours has a new Walt Disney World Resort offer available in which one child flies free with a Disney vacation booking, as well as the free Disney Dining Plan (mentioned previously).

The child flies free offer is available for bookings made by June 22 for travel Fridays and Saturdays May 2 to June 20 and Aug. 30 to Oct. 25. Nolitours features Montreal and Toronto departures only, at this time of year. One child flies free (ages 3-9) when travelling with two paying adults staying at a Disney Resort Hotel (the child pays taxes only).

The free Disney Dining Plan is valid with a seven-night stay at a select Walt Disney World Resort Hotel combined with a 7-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket. Disney packages must be booked by June 22 for travel Aug. 24 to Sept. 20. Disney’s "Magic Your Way" packages include round-trip airfare from Toronto, seven-night accommodation at a Walt Disney World Resort, 7-day Magic your Way Base Ticket, Free Disney Dining Plan and transfers. Prices start from $699 per adult and $349 per child (ages 3-9) at a Disney Value Resort and only $949 per adult and $349 per child in a Disney Moderate Resort.

Some useful links for the Disney Dining Plan

As the Disney Dining Plan is very popular, and individual restaurants can be booked 180 days in advance, you are strongly recommended to book your dining in advance - the earlier the better!

As for helping out with making some dining plan decisions, here are a few resources that should be helpful...

For the calendars of events - invaluable in working out what is going to be on day-by-day at the various Disney parks - go to Disney World Park Overview page - choose each park in turn, and click on the "calendar" link (about a third of the way down the page on the right). This may be your first stop, in case it influences your location for dining...

Link to the document showing all the restaurants participating in the 2008 Dining Plan.

Complete list of Disney restaurants, menus and prices (unofficial website, but generally very accurate as it is updated frequently).

You can book all the restaurants through one central number 1-407-WDW-DINE.

Hope this helps.

It's Back!!! Free dining plan from Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort is launching a specially discounted Magic Your Way Package that includes a free Disney Dining Plan for stays most nights from Aug. 24 to Sept. 20, 2008.

For example, for a limited time only, you could purchase the five-night, six-day Magic Your Way Package for a family of four including accommodations and Theme Park tickets and get a free Disney Dining Plan included for as little as US$1,354 (price based on two adults, one junior and one child at select Disney Value Resorts in a standard room).

Other lengths of stay and resort categories are also available, but availability is limited.

This offer includes

• select Disney Value Resort accommodations,
  
• a Magic Your Way Base ticket (though you can add the Park Hopper and/or the Water Park Fun and More too if you want)
  
• the Disney Dining Plan.

With Disney's Dining Plan, you can choose from more than 100 participating restaurants. For each night of your package, you will enjoy: One (1) table-service meal; One (1) quick-service meal; and One (1) snack. The offer excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from the children's menu if available.

Another nice feature this year, is that if you would like to upgrade to the "Deluxe Dining Plan" offering 3 table-service meals per day, plus 2 snacks, you can still get it on this special - you would just pay the upgrade cost of $30 per adult and $9 per child. FOOD-A-RAMA!!!!

This discount must be booked between April 10 and June 22, but if previous years are any indication the availability will likely be gone within a few weeks.

See More of the World for Less

This spring, let us help you plan a family vacation to some of the world's greatest destinations — and help you save money too.

For a limited time, Adventures by Disney is offering savings on select itineraries.

You can save up to $650 per adult and $600 per child off the regular rate on these select

• Grande Espana
• Backstage Magic
• Spirit of America
• Path to Pura Vida
• Imperial Cities and
• Taste of Tuscany.

Just be sure to book by May 31, 2008 and the world will be at your fingertips!

Free dining promotion? Coming soon?

We've heard rumours that Disney will be announcing their super-popular "Free Dining" promotion for travel in August/September 2008, soon - on April 10th, we think...

Watch this space!

New Disney Special for the Spring

How about a wonderful springtime visit to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida? There’s so much going on with The Year of a Million Dreams celebration, Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, the new Block Party Bash and more!

Now you can save on accommodations at select Disney Value Resort hotels with this limited-time offer.

• From $84 per night, plus tax
  
• at Select Disney Value Resorts
• for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights
• April 20 – May 21, 2008
• in a standard room.

Hurry! Book by April 19, 2008. At these rates this offer is likely to go fast.

Package discounts (based on the same room discount) are also available, with or without the Disney Dining Plan, or Disney Deluxe Dining Plan.

Contact us for details...

Another short sweet Westjet sale...

Today only!
Westjet are advertising Orlando flights "from" $109 each way plus tax... again.

Why not check out your dates, and see if you can find space at this great rate. Couple it with a nice strong Canadian dollar, and an ongoing Disney World special and you could find a really nice price for a Disney World vacation...

If you need someone to help plan and book everything - you can contact me!

Cheers!

A busy day of saving my clients' money...

I believe that I have now researched all of my clients that potentially could benefit from the new Disney special announced the day before yesterday - see previous post.

I was able to swap over every one of the files that I worked on today!! Guests saved, on average, nearly $100 per person. It took a long time to do, so I have not contacted most of my clients yet - indeed it make take a few days to get around to everyone - so in the meantime, if you are one of my clients and you think you qualify for the special, drop me an email and see if I got it for you...

If you have already paid in full, you will see a refund from Disney. If you have not yet paid your final balance, the final amount will be reduced.

Have a magical weekend!

A Disney World Offer So Good You'll Have to Take It For A Spin!

Just announced... Free Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More ticket upgrades when you purchase this 5-night / 6-day package including Theme Park Tickets. Now you can come live out more Disney dreams because The Year of a Million Dreams celebration is continuing for one final year. And with this special package you can do it all with FREE upgrades to the Park Hopper Option and Water Park Fun & More Option. Enjoy enchanting new entertainment, fantastic new attractions and the dream-making magic Disney Cast Members create for Guests every day. It’s the best way to experience all the magic the world has to offer. Select Disney Value Resort hotels in a standard room. Available for stays most Sundays through Thursday nights 3/30/08 – 4/6/08, 4/10/08-4/20/08 and 4/27/08-5/21/08. Hurry! You must book by March 21, 2008! *The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Water Parks subject to seasonal and weather closures. ©Disney (Source Disneytravelagents.ca)

Westjet Vacations - Parents Fly Free!

Yes, it does say "parents", just for a change!

For selected dates, every child taking their parent to Disney will get a free ticket for their parent. So two kids can get 2 free parents. Taxes are additional, of course, as well as the accommodation, passes and all the rest of the goodies. Still, it should be several hundred dollars in savings.

Travel dates are advertised as being from March 30th through May 21st, though this may be a little misleading, as the only dates that they outline in the detailed web page (linked below) are in April... if I can clarify that later, I will.

For full details of the new special please please click - "Parents Fly Free Special"

So what's the use of having a blog if you don't actually blog?!!

Yes...

Well I knew that I had not been adding posts much lately, but I didn't realise that it was nearly 3 months since the last one!!

For many of my clients you will know that the months of December and January are our busiest months of the year at the office. Those same clients will hopefully understand that blogging was not my priority at this time!

Plus, there have not been any "specials" as such to tell you about for Disney World in the last 3 months - I would have made sure that I added that to the blog.

Today, though Westjet Vacations introduced a special on their flight-inclusive packages.

There are also various items if Disney-travel news that I will be catching up with, as I can - such as the new cruise destinations for the Disney cruises, Pirate and Princess parties back at Walt Disney World, some operational updates on various Disney World hotels etc.

Hopefully I will be a bit more visible online in the near future!

Happy New Year! Ha ha!