The promotion is dead, long live the promotion...

As the "7 for 5" & "7 for 4" free night promotions end, a new "gift card" promotion is launched!

And as I am going on vacation in 2 days, I am glad to see that it isn't better than what was originally offered, so I don't have to spend days changing over bookings... phew...

Still it is a decent offer, and it MAY just be better than the last offer if you weren't able to travel the full 7-nights that they last offer required as this one only requires 5 nights... and you plan to spend while at Walt Disney World! (And yes, it can be used for dining...)

In a nutshell, if you stay for at least 5 nights in a value (on a non-discounted package) including passes, and optional dining, then you get a Disney gift card valued at $300. If you stay in a moderate resort, you would get a $500 voucher and a deluxe or home-away-from-home resort you would get a $750 voucher...

You can use this Disney Gift Card at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for merchandise, recreation and dining.

This offer is available for stays most nights Jan. 3, Jan. 10-12, Jan. 18 — March 27 and April 11 — June 3, 2010. Book through March 27, 2010. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.

Last few days for the Free Night Promotion... must book by Friday

A reminder that this excellent promotion comes to an end this Friday (well actually Sunday, but we aren't around at the weekend!)

Here are the details:
3 nights free if you stay for 7 at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
2 nights free if you stay for 7 at Value Resorts
for stays most nights 11/1/09 – 11/21/09, 11/23/09 – 11/24/09,
12/7/09 – 12/24/09 and 1/3/10 – 3/27/10

Must book by the 20th December.


Read more in my previous post

Wow - no posts for more than a month...

Busy, busy times.

Introducing - The Disney Dream!!!

There was no live announcement - well, I am sure there was, but it appears that I wasn't invited...! So no live-blogging from me - even if I would have had time to fit it in today!

So the new Disney Dream cruise ship and itineraries have been unveiled. I'll be trying to add a bit more detail in the next couple of days.

In the meantime, check out the new Disney Dream page at DisneyCruise.com...

End of post

Another deadline - October 29th - more live-blogging to come --- ooooooohhh....

Note for your diaries.

At 4.15 PM on October 29th Disney Cruise Line will be making a "big announcement" about their latest cruise ship the "Disney Dream". We suspect that we will finally find out where it will be sailing when comes into service in 2011.

My aim is to "live-blog" - YAY! - during the press release. I am sure you are all very excited...

Handy article re Disney Dining

I ran across this article today - it offers some handy, practical tips for getting more out of the Disney Dining plan...

http://hotels.about.com/od/disneyworld/a/dining_tips.htm


End of post

Reminder: OCTOBER 27th -- dunnh, dunnh, dduuuuuunnnnnhhh

An important deadline to remind you about:

OCTOBER 27th 2009
Disney World Dining reservations are swapping back to being able to book 180 days in advance (rather than only 90 as has been the case for the last number of months). See my earlier blog post for details.
The day this will happen is October 27th 2009.

So, if you are already within the 90-day window to your travel - book your reservations before the 27th to avoid congested phone lines!

And if you will be within the 180 day window shortly (for travel right up to 24th April 2010) then,
a.call on the 27th if YOU REALLY WANT TO BOOK a particular meal, or
b. wait a few days to avoid waiting too long on hold while all the people in option "a" do their thang...

More about the "Give a Day - Get a Disney Day" initiative

Check out these two videos to learn more about this new initiative (mentioned on a previous post).



Launch highlights


I wonder if any of our clients would like to get involved? Please comment below if you might be interested...

Much more can be found at DisneyParks.ca website - by following this link

The New "Free Night" Promotion - download the flyer...

Now that the Free Night promotion has been officially announced, you can read up on the full details on this flyer.

And yes, March Break is included!

Click here (or on the picture) for the flyer...

End of post

Where are you?! Where are all my Disney Cruisers?

The deadline to start booking Disney Cruise Line's exciting new itineraries for 2011 came and went (it was September 28th) and I had ..... zero interest!!!

What happened people?!

Not interested in Alaska? Mediterranean? Panama Canal?



End of post

Give a Day of Volunteering in 2010, Get a Day of Disney Theme Park Fun - Free

Disney Parks Hopes to Inspire 1 Million Volunteers Beginning Jan. 1

TORONTO, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - Disney Parks today announced a new program that celebrates the spirit of volunteerism with a simple proposition: "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day."

Disney hopes to inspire families to volunteer in their communities during 2010 through this first-of-its-kind program. One million people who volunteer with a participating organization will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park.

While the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program kicks off Jan. 1, right now guests can learn more about the program and how to get their free one-day admission to a Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, or a Disneyland Resort in California theme park by visiting www.DisneyParks.ca (for Canada) or www.DisneyParks.com (for the United States and Puerto Rico).

In the past year, guests have been celebrating all sorts of special moments in their lives at Disney parks - from birthdays and anniversaries to reunions and graduations - as part of the "What Will You Celebrate?" campaign.

"In 2010, we want to recognize and add one more reason for celebration: the contributions people make to their communities every day," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We want to inspire 1 million volunteers - people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighbourhoods a better place."

The campaign officially launched today, with events across North America to celebrate the program. Disney Parks is working with HandsOn Network, the volunteer arm of Points of Light Institute. Volunteer Canada, an international partner of HandsOn Network, will bring the campaign to Canada.

By working through its network of volunteer centres and 161,000 nonprofit agencies, Volunteer Canada is delivering the infrastructure needed to enable people to sign up for an eligible volunteer project through www.DisneyParks.ca.

"Volunteers play a crucial role in keeping the Canadian social fabric together," said Ruth MacKenzie, president of Volunteer Canada. "We are so pleased to be working with HandsOn Network to inspire individuals and families to volunteer and to celebrate the work they do for the betterment of their communities."

Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, " 'Give a Day, Get a Disney Day' fits perfectly with our long history of supporting and participating in volunteer efforts. It's a great way to honour guests who are making a positive contribution to their communities."

Starting Jan. 1, 2010, guests can go to www.DisneyParks.ca (for Canada) or www.DisneyParks.com (for the United States and Puerto Rico) to search for volunteer opportunities available in their area. Many of the opportunities will be for projects that entire families can participate in together.

To raise awareness for grass-roots community volunteerism and the 'Give a Day, Get a Disney Day' program, Disney VoluntEARS joined local volunteers in cities across the United States and Canada today. Work projects involving 1,000 volunteers were coordinated by HandsOn Network in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami, and by Volunteer Canada in Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day details:
Must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity at www.disneyparks.ca. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. Other terms and conditions apply. For details, see www.disneyparks.ca (in Canada) or www.disneyparks.com(in the United States and Puerto Rico). -------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Walt Disney World Promotion - still not officially announced, but it IS real..........

You probably will not yet have seen much (any?) fanfare about another special promotion that Disney have not yet quite officially announced just yet...

Well, whether you heard about it or not, there IS a new promotion, giving free nights on selected packages on quite a wide range of dates (Nov 1st-Dec 24th and Jan 3rd through March 27th - yes, even March Break).

Briefly, the details are:

• You can buy a 4-night/4 day vacation package at a Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe villa resort, and get a 7-night/7-day package for the same price. (You can stay longer, but the maximum number of free nights is still 3.)
• For the Value resorts you need to get a 5-night/5 day vacation package to get the 7-night/7-day package. (Here again, you can choose to stay longer, but the maximum number of free nights is still 2.)

This new promotion works out well for some (particularly for those booking for the New Year). It is no advantage for others, particularly those already taking advantage of the Free Dining Promotion, though this does depend on the resort, and the party size. I have checked all of my current clients to make sure and have changed those over that saved money. You should have received an email from me, by now, one way or another, whether I could get you something better, or not!

While this is not necessarily the most spectacular promotion Disney have put on, it works out particularly well for:

• couples or smaller families
• people looking for deluxe properties
• those looking for exactly one week of vacation.

I encourage you to call (613-594-5633 x103) or email me "alex AT lttk.ca"

Another Westjet seat sale plus JetBlue from Syracuse

Westjet just announced another seat sale.
50% off flights to Orlando. From lots of Canadian gateways. Sale rates from now through the end of January, so far.

Book by September 24, 2009 (11:59 p.m. MT) for travel until January 31, 2010. Blackout dates between December 18, 2009 and January 4, 2010.

JetBlue (direct flights to Orlando from Syracuse) now have their schedules out through the end of April. A good choice, often at a better price than the Ottawa options, though the Westjet seat sale rates have been so good lately, there has not been much of a compelling reason to drive to Syracuse... still, it's a good option to consider...


End of post

Disney Specials and Info - a nice mixed bag for you...

There are lots of things still ongoing... and quite a bit of new info for you...

• Walt Disney World Specials
• A reminder about passes
• New Online Check-in
• Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruises
• Tuesday 27th October
• Disneyland
• Disney Cruise specials
• Extra options for cruise and stay
  

it may be worth your while to read on a bit - there's good stuff "after the jump".

Walt Disney World specials

• Last 5 days left on "Free dining" promotion - must book by 26th September.
  
• If you miss the free dining, there is also a room-only offer - for travel til October 3rd... - while not as good as free dining, it's still better than nothing.
  
• There is also another Fall room-only offer - travel most dates Oct 4th-Nov 24th and Nov 29th- Dec 24th - booking dates Jul 27th-Sep 26th - with a decent reduction...
  

A reminder about passes:
You can add the Park Hopper to a Magic Your Way Base ticket for a  flat rate of $45 US, no matter how long the stay. (In my opinion worth it for almost everyone, particularly if you are on the dining plan.)
Water Park Fun and more option is $50 also flat rate - and again, you get better value, the longer your stay...
FYI regular admission to a water park is $45 per adult and $39 per child and 1-day into Disney Quest is $41 adt, $35 chd - so if you are going to go to even one water park you should take this option. That way you can go multiple other times for free.

NEW: Online check-in available from 10-days prior to arrival. I wasn't sure about this, what it was and what the advantage would be and now I know a bit more about it...  This can actually save a bit of time at check-in, as instead of lining up, your welcome package will be ready for you already.

I can do it for you, or you can do is at www.mydisneyreservation.com/guest

Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise - now available for anyone, not just "Grand Gatherings".
Departing from Cntemporary resort. Pirate grub and grog. Sail with Captain Hook, and Mr Smee - Disney trivia quizzes, songs and sea-shanties, firework viewing, stories and prizes. Then a "very special guest" upon arrival at the dock.  - the cost is $54US per adult 31 per child

Tuesday October 27th - big day for meal and event pre-registration. Disney will be going back to 180 prior to arrival. In my opinion this is much fairer for those that have booked well in advance. Thing is, this will be one busy day, the computer system will inevitably crash, so you will need to be patient!

Disneyland, California
$400 saving - 4-day package - booking Aug 12th-Dec19th for travel Aug 23 - Dec 20
only 4-night stays offered

3rd night free at participating Disney Restort Good Neighbour hotels

Disney Cruise Line
Kids Sail Free - see previous posts

• Med
• Caribbean
  

Extra Disney World options for 2010 cruise and stay.
Can purchase pre or post-stays (post stays are new) for any duration (this is also new), at nearly all of the on-site hotels (which is sort of new).
You can only add the Park Hopper tickets (1-5 day duration) which is odd, and if you want to upgrade to include the Water Park Fun and More ticket, you will have to do this at check-in.
You cannot add the dining plan, either, (except for the "standard" 7 night land-sea packages).

So, for most people, I am not seeing this as a major advantage - you are still going to have more flexibility by breaking the booking into two parts, I suspect... (cruise with Disney Cruise Line, stay with Walt Disney Travel Co.

Adventures by Disney -
I still haven't had a moment to post all that I learned from my last webinar, but I have tons of stuff to tell you that I hope will get you interested in taking one of these fantastic family vacations...

New cruise ship the "Disney Dream" 2011 itineraries - to be announced October 29th?? Maybe??

Rumour? Possibly.

Don't forget about booking the new 2011 Disney Cruise Itineraries - starting 28th September

I was just speaking with one of the Disney Cruise Line booking agents about the new Alaska itineraries. While these go on sale to the general public next Monday, "Gold and Platinum" castaway club members (people that have cruised with Disney more than 5 times and 10 times, respectively) were able to start booking today. The interest was steady and sustained all day - at some points 140 phone lines were in the queue (which is pretty busy)! As well as the new Alaskan itineraries, the repositioning cruises were also doing brisk business. Still, as of close of business, there is still availability on everything. I would hope so! So if you are interested in snagging a new Alaskan Disney cruise for 2011, then mark Monday on your calendar (or contact me this week to get in the line up for you!)

End of post

Disney Unveils New Attractions, and Announces Expansion Plans

I am going to be uncharacteristically lazy today, and post a complete press release from Disney without my own comments - I am too far behind with all the necessary, boring paperwork (invoices etc.) that I just have to do... I also have another couple of posts of my own which are almost ready, and I'd rather work on them than re-invent this particular wheel. Anyhoo, some of this stuff looks pretty exciting!

So, over to you Jay Rasulo...

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo detailed plans for future lands, attractions and adventures at the first D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, including the confirmation of a new Star Tours attraction and the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Rasulo announced that a new 3-D version of the popular “Star Tours” attraction will debut at the Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2011. Based on the iconic Star Wars films, the attraction will include immersive new elements that will take guests to many familiar places in the Star Wars galaxy.

For Walt Disney World in Florida, Rasulo outlined expansion plans of the Magic Kingdom, vastly increasing the size of Fantasyland by 2013. Guests will soon be able to visit their favourite Disney Princess in her castle, cottage, or chateau to share a dance with Cinderella; celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s birthday with the Good Fairies; or join Belle in an enchanting story performance in the Beast’s castle library; dine in one of three enchanted rooms inside the Beast’s castle; fly with Dumbo high above new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction with a new interactive, three-ring circus tent; journey under the sea with Ariel, The Little Mermaid, in her very own attraction -- also opening at Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim in 2011; and meet Tinker Bell and her friends in the magical world of Pixie Hollow. Rasulo also provided updates on the multi-year expansion of Disney’s California Adventure, including the new “World of Color” attraction slated to open next spring and the addition of the five-hectare Cars Land scheduled to open in 2012 where guests will literally step into the town of Radiator Springs and its 2.4 hectares of hand-carved rockwork.

Rasulo noted the progress of several other recently announced projects, including the three new lands coming to Hong Kong Disneyland by 2014; the Disney Dream, the new ship being built by Disney Cruise Line; the many diverse itineraries being offered by Adventures by Disney that take guests on 19 unique, once-in-a-lifetime guided vacation experiences; and Disney’s first family destination resort on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

(Source: TravelPress.com http://www.travelpress.com/PHP/news.php?sid=9014)

Disney Cruise announcment - live blog part 5

That's it!

But nothing about the new ship the "Disney Dream".... hmm.... must go searching...


I may be back...

Disney Cruise announcment - live blog part 4

A New Offering!

Castaway Club (previous cruisers on the Disney Cruise Line) will now have silver, gold and platinum levels, with enhanced benefits, based on number of sailings with Disney

• Silver - 1-4 sailings
• Gold - 5-9 sailings
• Platinum - 10 or more sailings

Benefits include

• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in
• Early booking for onboard experiences
• Special onboard activities and...
• the big one (maybe)...
• while these 2011 itineraries become available to the general public on September 28th 2009 (mark your diaries), GOLD and PLATINUM Castaway Club members can book from 21st September. That could be huge - especially for that Panama Canal Cruise...

Disney Cruise announcment - live blog part 3

The Disney Magic - what is it up to?

From Port Canaveral -

• 7 night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries in January to May, and 
• September to December.

And back by popular demand, it will reposition to

• the Mediterranean in the summer, for a season of 
• 10 and 11 night itineraries out of Barcelona, Spain.

Hightlights:

10-night cruise departs on:
June 8, Jun 29th, Jul 20th, Aug 10, Aug 31st 2011

• Wed - Bacelona, Spain 
• Thu - at sea
• Fri - Valetta, Malta
• Sat - Tunis, Tunisia
• Sun - Naples, Italy
• Mon - Citavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Tue - La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Italy
• Wed - Ajaccio, Corsica
• Thu - Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes), France
• Fri - at sea
• Sat - Barcelona, Spain
  

11-night cruise offers 5 sailing dates between May and Aug 2011, offering all the same ports as the 10 night cruise, with an additional day at sea.

There are two 14-night trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises
Port Canaveral to Barcelona (May 14th, 2011)

• 8 days at sea, 
• ports of call: Castaway Cay, Madiera (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), Gibraltar (UK)
  

Barcelona to Port Canaveral (Sept 10, 2011)

• 8 days at sea, 
• ports of call: Gibraltar, Madeira, St. Maarten, Tortola, Castaway Cay
  

Disney Cruise announcment - live blog part 2

Disney Wonder continued

7 night Mexican Riviera

• 23rd Jan 2011 - April 2011 & September 25 - 18th December 2011
• Sun - Los Angeles
• Mon - at sea
• Tue - at sea
• Wed - Puerto Vallarta
• Thu - Mazatlan
• Fri - Cabo San Lucas
• Sat - at sea
• Sun - Los Angeles

To reposition:

15 night Panama Canal Crossing

• departing Jan 6th
• Port Canavarel, 
• Castaway Key, 
• Aruba, 
• Panama Canal, 
• Costa Rica,
• Manzanillo, 
• Puerto Vallarta, 
• Cabo San Lucas, 
• Port of Los Angeles.

This cruise includes 7 nights at sea.

As this will essentially be the last time (for who knows how long) that a Disney Crusie ship will transit the Panama Canal, I feel certain that there will be massive advanced interest in this cruise. Last time, this cruise sold out in TWO HOURS, so if you've always wanted to do this trip, then you are going to have to get prepared!

Disney Cruise announcment - live blog part 1

What's new for the Disney Wonder?

NEW! 7-night cruises from Vancouver to Alaska
Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal again

Alaska first...

• May 3rd - August 30th, 2011
• Tue - depart Vancouver
• Wed - at sea
• Thu - Tracy Arm Fjord
• Fri - Skagway
• Sat - Juneau
• Sun - Ketchikan
• Mon - at sea
• Tue - Vancouver

Tracy Arm Fjord - located in Tongass National Forest, glacial blue waters, breathtaking scenery including the iconic twin Sawyer Glaciers.



Skagway - still retains the feel of the gold rush - many shopkeepers wear period costumes...

Juneau - in the inside passage, is the only US state capital accessible only by ship or air, there are no roads in or out... there is plenty to see and do both in the city itself, or with visits to nearby Glacier Gardens of Mendenhall Glacier.

Ketchikan - the Disney Wonder docks right in the hear of the town. It is known as the salmon capital of the world, and is home to the Totem Heritage Center.

Who will want to cruise?

• Families, 
• multi-generation groups, 
• couples, 
• repeaters, 
• first timers to Alaska, 
• first time cruisers, and 
• "Disney Fans". 

(I challenge you to find anyone that ISN'T included in that list!)
There are also two repositioning cruises when the ship gets itself to and from Alaska... these are also sure to be popular, due to their unusual ports of call...

6 night 27th April 2011
day at sea, San Francisco (2 nights), day at sea, Victoria B.C., Vancouver.

5 night 20th Sept 2011
Vancouver, Victoria, 2 days at sea, Ensenada, Los Angeles

Disney Cruise announces 2011 itineraries

Well I blew it... due to a family mishap I was not able to be glued to my laptop at 12 noon today to hear Disney Cruise's big announcement live in order to be totally up-to-the-minute. Please, dear reader, forgive me!

The webinar/webcast was pre-recorded and so I am going to live-blog my viewing of the webinar - which is probably just as lame as it sounds...

Disney Cruise - now kids can cruise for free in the Caribbean too!

A few days ago, I posted about the kids cruise free in the Med. To complement this special, Disney Cruises are offering "kids cruise free" for their 3-night and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral too. There is a much wider choice of dates for this special.

• most 3-night cruises January 7th - April 15th 2010
• most 4-night cruises January 10th - April 11th 2010
  

Obviously, the child fares on these shorter cruises are not usually particularly high, so you are not saving as much as with the Meditteranean promotion, but still - who wouldn't take several hundred dollars of savings when offered!

Kids must share the same stateroom as 2 paying adults, and the taxes and port charges must still be paid for the "free" kids! Offer applies to new bookings only. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Other special offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for applicable Terms and Conditions.

Disney Cruise Line - BIG announcement - THIS FRIDAY!

This Friday - Sept 11th - at noon EST, Disney Cruises will be making an exciting announcement about all their new 2011 itineraries for the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder AND the BRAND NEW Disney Dream cruise ships!

The announcement will be made via webcast, and I plan to attend. I will be "live-blogging" - whoo-hoo!! - so all your Disney Cruise Line nerds fans set your alarm clocks and join me on Friday!



End of post

Another Westjet Seat Sale - includes Orlando...

For those Canadians that like to fly with friendly Westjet, they just announced another 48 hour seat sale for the fall - price are pretty decent too...

UPDATE (1st Sept)
This seat sale is now over, though there are still quite a number of "seat-sale" fares still in the system, so it's still worth checking...

UPDATE (9th Sept)
Another seat sale - including Orlando - just announced. Prices from $145 (plus tax) each way from Ottawa!



There is no more to read in this post...

I just activated RSS on my Disney News blog...

Breaking News! Now, if you

1. are excited enough about Disney travel to want to know the instant that I upload a new post
2. can't be bothered to look-up my blog address whenever the mood strikes you to find out if/when Disney if offering anything noteworthy, or
3. you just don't have much of a life (ha ha!!)...

now you can follow my blog in a couple of different ways!

It's all a bit new for me, and I'm not sure if I have done it right - some older articles seem to be being "broadcast" rather than the latest ones, so we'll have to see how what happens over the next few days and blog posts...

• Via RSS (Really Simple Syndication) requiring an "RSS reader" or a plug-in for your browser, 
• or by "following" with Google Friend Connect (shh... don't tell anyone, but I don't know what this is, yet...)

Social Networking. Huh?
Well, I haven't started Tweeting yet, and I am way behind the curve on Facebook (I don't even have a profile)...
However, I am LinkedIn for those who would like to establish (or reestablish) contact and/or recommend me - yes please!! - and a glance at this blog will show that I have been a blogger since November 2007, with at least 3 known readers... !

I'll be back with some more stuff shortly - I still owe you that "Adventures by Disney 2010" info - it's awesome...

Kids Sail Free in the Mediterranean

I have been meaning to post this offer for nearly a week, so I hope I am not too late for you!

Disney Cruise Lines are offering free sailings for your kids on an (admittedly somewhat narrow) range of sail dates at the very beginning of the Mediterranean cruise season for 2101. The cruises on the Disney Magic are 10 or 11 nights, and take in amazing, interesting ports of call in Italy, Spain, France, Tunisia, Malta and Corsica...

If you don't mind pulling your kids out of school for a couple of weeks (and on these cruises they will certainly have ample opportunities to learn Geography and History first-hand) you take an amazing family cruise, for WAY less than otherwise might be the case. (I booked a family of 4 in an inside cabin for $5800 USD for 11 nights - before airfare, but including all other taxes and fees). Compare that with a 7-night cruise in the Caribbean, for the same family and cabin type which could easily be $4600 or more...

Accommodations can range from standard "inside cabins" right up to the deluxe balcony staterooms (but not suites). Kids up to 17 years of age sail for free, as long as they are travelling with 2 paying adults. The dates to consider are between April 24th, 2010 and May 26th, 2010. While there is no actual last "booking date" to take advantage of this offer, space is limited, so if you are interested you should book as early as you can, as prices continue to increase (as per most cruise bookings) the later you book...

See below for more details (source, DisneyTravelAgents.ca)

You can travel through time and enjoy the ageless charm of the sun-kissed Mediterranean with this special offer from Disney Cruise Line!
Offer Details:

• Kids 17 and under sail free* on most
  10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises when traveling with two full-fare
  Guests in the same stateroom.
• Government Taxes and Fees not included.
• Offer applies to stateroom Categories 4 -12.

Travel Window:

• Sail dates April 24 – May 26, 2010.

During these voyages, you will visit captivating locales such as Barcelona, Rome and the French Riviera.
Onboard, you’ll discover something magical for every member of the crew with separate areas for kids, teens, adults and families.
*Offer applies to new bookings only. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for details and applicable Terms and Conditions.

Adventures by Disney 2010!!!

In just a few moments, I will be taking a seminar from Disney about their new 2010"Adventures by Disney" offerings. I will blog with insights on these great vacations, immediately after (or perhaps even during the webinar... oooohhhh!) with what I find out.

In the meantime, here is a bit of blurb that I received a couple of days ago:

Discover Adventures by Disney Vacations 2010


The 2010 Adventures by Disney vacations were created especially for families, with breathtaking trips spanning six continents – from Alaska to Australia, Costa Rica to Canada, and points in between. With Adventures by Disney, your will meet enthralling local experts, enjoy backstage access, VIP treatment and other exclusive experiences. ...

Discover these incredible vacations that are fun for families, with special thrills just for the kids. Your and your fellow travelers are hosted by two Disney-trained Adventure Guides. Best of all, Adventures by Disney will handle the details, so you can spend their time having the time of your lives.

Click here for more reasons why the only way to see the world, is to see it with Disney.

Stay tuned, dear reader...

A bit more info on the Walt Disney World packages for 2010

I have been snooping around to fill in the blanks on the new 2010 packages for Walt Disney World, and to see if they have added anything and/or made any changes. In general, most things are the same. A summary of differences is given below (if anyone has found any others, please let me know)...

Ticket prices:
Ticket prices did go up at the beginning of August, as I predicted - I will try to get the list of new rates posted on our agency website in the next couple of days. This price increase will be reflected in the package rates, as well as for those buying tickets individually.

Clarification:
Not all resorts are available to book for all dates in 2010, just yet. Some of the "Disney Vacation Club" properties (such as the Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort) are not be able to be booked until 8 months in advance of travel... so some of you will still have to wait a bit, if booking for next summer. Winter bookings are, of course, no problem...

2010 Dining Plans - approximate costs:
The inclusions in the various dining plans are the same as 2009, but the prices have increased just a little (deluxe plan prices are unchanged).

New costs (for most of the year) are:

• Under $42 US per adult per night, under $12 US per child (3-9) per night on the "regular" Disney Dining plan
• Under $32 US per adult per night, under $10 US per child (3-9) per night on the Quick Service Dining plan
• Under $69 US per adult per night, and under $20 US per child (3-9) per night on the Deluxe Dining Plan (price unchanged from 2009)

One additional note on dining.
Disney has introduced "seasonal pricing" for the dining packages, meaning that if you are travelling at certain peak season times, the cost of your dining will actually be higher than these amounts. As it will be built into your package price, which isn't "broken down" into component pricing, most of you are unlikely to notice this change, unless you choose to check the room rate, and pass cost separately. Then maybe you will notice that, like lots of restaurants, the prices on the menus go up a bit at their busiest, most popular (and most profitable!) times. At the time of writing, I am not certain when these "seasons" are, and/or how much extra the dining will really cost... I am thinking Christmas/New Year fo' sho'

Finally, for video game enthusiasts...
in 2009 each package came with a voucher for 30 minutes of consecutive play at the resort video arcade. This inclusion has been significantly improved, to 100 "game credits" which can be used non-consecutively. This may make some of you happy!

2010 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Packages are available!!

Approximately 3 weeks earlier than I expected, Disney announced yesterday that their 2010 package vacation packages are now available to book...

So, if you are looking to book your March Break vacation (or any other celebration planned for 2010) then please contact me and we'll get started on that!

New Free Dining Plan Update

In the small print on the latest "Free Dining" offer, it states

Ask about other package offers with the Disney Dining Plan at select Disney Moderate Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels.

There is a distinction to be made here that is not all that clear...

To clarify:
With the Moderate category of resorts, and up, the Free Dining that is offered is actually the regular "Disney Dining Plan". The "Quick Service Dining Plan" is offered as standard only at the "Value" resorts in this promotion (and even there could be upgraded by paying the difference).

This makes this promotion even better than it first appeared, particularly if your were interested in Moderate, Deluxe or Home-Away-from-Home accommodation at Walt Disney World.

Just thought you would want to know...

Free dining plan has expired. Long live the NEW FREE DINING PLAN!!!

One day after the much-vaunted "Free Dining" promotion ended, the Walt Disney Travel Company have announced another "Free Dining" promotion at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida!

The new promotion includes the less-expensive, "Quick Service Dining Plan" - not the regular dining plan - but you will be able to pay the difference to upgrade to the regular plan (which is significantly better value in our opinion) if you so desire.

• New travel dates are most nights Sept 29 - Nov 24th, and Nov 29th - Dec 17th 2009.
• The new "book-by" date is Sept 26th.
• Please check out this flyer for details.
• If you are not familiar with the Quick Service Dining Plan, you can find out more about it with this flyer; you can compare with the "regular" Disney Dining Plan by referring to this flyer.
  

Please note that the number of packages available at this rate is limited.

We will be swapping over all "Let's Take the Kids Travel" clients that already are booked in these dates and whose package qualifies...

Walt Disney World Ticket Prices to go up??

Speculation alert...!!

In previous years, the Disney company has raised theme park ticket prices (and Magic Your Way Passes) on the 1st of August. We have NOT received any information to indicate that prices will be going up again this year, but it is a reasonable assumption... If you know that you will be travelling and staying off-site some time in the future, then buying your tickets now could help you save a few bucks in the long run, as tickets only expire 13 days AFTER FIRST USE (i.e. you could hold on to them until you need them).

Shhh, don't tell anyone but...

Did you know that the Coronodo Springs Resort (at Walt Disney World, Florida) now has ALL QUEEN BEDS? No, nor did I! But it does... This upgrade has been quietly done, and as far as I have seen it has not been announced with much of a fanfare, if at all...

However, for some of you, this could be significant, as all of the other "moderate" resorts continue to only have double beds...

So if you

• have kids of different genders,
  
• are (shall we say) somewhat "large"!, or
  
• are just plain used to sleeping in a king or queen size bed, and don't like the idea of squeezing into a double on your vacation
  

the Coronado Springs should definitely be on your radar screen.

The only downside of these rooms is that, as has always been the case at the Coronado Springs Resort, there is only one sink in the room (all the other Moderates have two, which does speed things up a bit for you in the morning...)

Last few days on the "Free Dining" promotion for Walt Disney World

Hello dear reader,

Just another quick reminder - there's now LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LEFT TO BOOK the FREE DINING promotion at Walt Disney World - click for flier

It's a great deal, and well worth considering. Nobody knows how long these kind of specials will continue to be offered, but it surely won't be forever...

CALL ME & BOOK IT (613-594-5633 x103)!

What did I find out from the head of Disney Travel Co in Toronto yesterday?

Well, dear reader, 10 hours on the train later... I am back!

Was it worth the trip? Sure!

First up, Mr Garfield came over as a really nice guy, especially considering he runs a company that controlled over $10 billion of business last year... (I was half-expecting a Donald Trump) but was pleasantly surprised!

It was great to meet some of the other sales managers from the Disney company too, as I know have a better idea of who I am dealing with. I also met a number of other Disney specialist travel agents, and we bounced some ideas around.

So, did Mr Garfield give us any bombshell insider information?

Weeeell, no, not really! The Disney Travel company likes to keep things up their sleeves a little bit so that they can make their big announcements when they want to...!

But, without adding any detail, we were told a bit more about the two new Disney cruise ships that are coming on line in 2011 and 2012...

In a similar way that the first two Disney ships were very ground-breaking with the new things that they did first (some of which have been copied by other cruise lines in the meantime) - things like:

• "Broadway style" shows
• full-on kids programming
  
• split bathrooms with mini-tubs
• their own island with a real dock - no need to tender
• old-style ocean-liner retro look

the new ships, we were told, will offer design and programming that will be just as groundbreaking compared with what the other cruise lines are offering now. Tantalising - but don't ask for more details, cos they aren't forthcoming!!

For those of you that didn't know that Disney even had more ships in production - you can go here for more details (including all the details that Disney HAS seen fit to announce at the time!)

We also found out that there will, of course, be some type of special celebration in 2011 to commemorate Walt Disney World's 40th birthday, but there will also be a new twist on the "What Will You Celebrate?" theme for 2010... you're just going to have to keep reading, and waiting...!

Disney have also bought property in Hawaii - and in Washington DC - so there are bound to be some interesting developments in the years to come.

So, a long day, but a good one.

Oh, and another quick reminder - there's only TWO WEEKS LEFT TO BOOK the FREE DINING promotion at Walt Disney World - click for flier - so CALL ME & BOOK IT (613-594-5633 x103)! And then once you realise what great value the promotion tell all your friends and get them all to call me and book it too...

I am meeting with the CEO of the Disney Travel Company tomorrow

Tomorrow will see me on a whistle-stop trip to Toronto at the invitation of the Walt Disney Travel company, to meet with Randy Garfield, the CEO of the Walt Disney Travel Company and Executive VP of Worldwide Sales and Travel Operations for Disney Destinations...

Our agency and a handful of other travel agencies (mostly from the Toronto area) were invited, based on our sales numbers. Despite the fairly small size of our agency, our Disney sales are among the highest in Canada, apparently (perhaps understandably, due to our family travel target market)...

Although Mr Garfield has visited the Toronto Disney travel sales office before, usually to meet with Disney staff and travel wholesalers, this is the first time that he has asked to meet the "front-line" travel agents, to get our take on selling Disney, so we feel suitably honoured to be invited.

We have some questions to ask, and hopefully will learn some good things from this meeting. Any good stuff I will report here on my blog (as well as probably on our regular website - www.letstakethekidstravel.com)

I am traveling by train tomorrow, and will get a chance to try out the wi-fi internet service on the Via train on my way, so if any of my clients have any questions or comments that you would like to see if I could put to Mr Garfield, please add your comments below!

Ongoing Disney Specials - Part 3 - Walt Disney World

The super-popular "Free-Dining" Promotion is back fro 2009. This has arguably been Disney World's most popular promotion over the last few years, and always gets lots of attention. As I mentioned earlier, many dates are now sold out, so if you are hoping to have Disney pay for you to eat, then you need to contact us as soon as possible, and you may need to flexible with your dates.

Here's the full info:

Note, that although they mention a 5 night package below, you are not limited to 5 nights, and you simply get even more value if you stay for longer (right up to the maximum 10 night stays...)

Free Dining Offer - (MYW + FREE DINE)

Buy this Walt Disney World Resort vacation package with hotel and Theme Park tickets and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!
Are you hungry for some fun? At this affordable price, you can celebrate any magical milestone – with meals and a snack included for every night of your visit! What a delicious way to enjoy their Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
Offer Details:
A family of four can save US $654 when you purchase this 5-night, 6-day Walt Disney Travel Company package for the Walt Disney World Resort, with accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Value Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket, you’ll get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!
Booking and Travel Window:

• Booking Window: Now – July 26, 2009
• Travel Window: Offer available for stays most nights Aug. 22 – Oct. 3, 2009. (Block out dates for Disney Value Resorts: Aug. 22-26, 2009 and Sept. 21-27, 2009; Disney Moderate Resorts: Sept. 21-26, 2009)

Pricing:
US $1,390* for a family of four, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. That’s like paying US $58 per person, per day!
Ask about packages for other lengths of stay and accommodations at other select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.
Download this flier (Adobe PDF - 921kb)

Click here for new Passport requirements for Canadians travelling to the USA.
*Price based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply.

Ongoing Disney Specials - Part 2 - Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise lines has two specials at this time...

1. Kids sail for 50% off, and
   
2. up to $700 onboard credit when you book a verandah cabin

Details are as follows:

Offer 1

Lucky Ducks... Kids Sail For 50% Off

It's a ducky time for you to sail on Disney Cruise Line®! Kids 12 and under get 50% off prevailing cruise fares at time of booking when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom.

Offer available for 3-, 4-, and 7-Night cruises on most sail dates from now through September 5, 2009 in select stateroom categories. Government Taxes and Fees not included.

Offer good on inside and oceanview category 8 through category 12 staterooms only, except for the following dates when offer is also good on inside, oceanview and verandah category 3 through category 12.

7-Night sailing on August 15, 2009 and September 5, 2009
4-Night sailing on August 16, 2009
3-Night sailing on August 13 and August 20, 2009

Offer applies to new bookings only. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions.

Offer 2:

Book a Verandah Stateroom, Receive Up to US $700 Onboard Credit

This summer, you can escape on an exciting 7-night Caribbean Cruise and receive up to a US $700* onboard credit from Disney Cruise Line! Offer available on most sailings June 20 – Aug. 8, 2009.

Book a verandah stateroom during a 4-night sailing and receive up to a US $400* onboard credit on most sailings June 28 to Aug. 9, 2009 – or a 3-night sailing to receive up to a US $300* onboard credit on most sailings June 25 – Aug. 6, 2009.

With this special offer, you can explore a wide range of activities and experiences. For example, you can use onboard credits for shore excursions, souvenirs and more – including rejuvenating spa treatments!

More Details:

• This offer is for new bookings only in Categories 3-7.
• Not combinable with other offers
• Onboard credit is per stateroom and is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Flier (Adobe PDF)

*Offer is subject to availability. Changes to the vacation date or category may result in a loss of any offer. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for cruise details and applicable terms and conditions.

Ongoing Disney Specials - Part 1 - Disneyland

While we don't book many people to Disneyland (California), at least from this part of Canada, there are deals to be had right now...

Get 2 more nights FREE, when you buy 3!

It’s a Disneyland Resort offer as exciting as the summer itself!

Your next Disney vacation could be the summer of a lifetime! With this incredible offer of extra nights, you can celebrate the magic of summer with a Disneyland Resort vacation you’ll never forget.

Offer Details:

Now through Sept. 26, 2009, you get 2 extra hotel nights—plus 2 extra days of Theme Park admission—FREE* with the purchase of a 3-night or longer Walt Disney Travel Company Disneyland Resort vacation package.

Booking and Travel Window:

For Clients staying at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

• Booking Window: Mar. 24, 2009 – Aug. 11, 2009
• Travel Window: Apr. 1, 2009 – Sep. 26, 2009

For Clients staying at a Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel

• Booking Window: Mar. 24, 2009 – Aug. 11, 2009
• Travel Window: May 1, 2009 – Sep. 26, 2009

Each Package Includes:

• 5-Nights accommodations at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort or at a conveniently located Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel
• 5-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket

Plus, These Special Benefits:

• Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness** - You can enjoy fun and games with Mickey and his friends one hour before Toontown opens to the public
• Downtown Disney District Fun Card – Add more fun to your shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences with special offers (one per person)
• Preferred Seating – Available at select attractions in Disney’s California Adventure Park
• Disney Character Calls – Get a complimentary phone call from Mickey Minnie, or Goofy (This is an extra benefit for online bookings only).
• Plus More!

View a sample flier (Adobe PDF - 655kb)

Offer is valid for bookings from 3/24/09 through 8/11/09 and for arrivals from 5/1/09 though 9/26/09 with travel being completed by 10/1/09. Upon the purchase of a 3-night package, with 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir tickets, at a participating hotel, two (2) consecutive free nights will be added to the hotel stay and two (2) days added to the tickets. Limited to two (2) free nights per package/reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers associated with longer night stays. The Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first day of use or 10/13/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Offers subject to availability and blockout dates; advance reservations required. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. **Entitlement available for one morning throughout the length of your ticket on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, and days and times are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. ©Disney

Update long overdue...

Hello to my loyal fan - are you still reading?!!! I have to admit that there hasn't been much here for a while, as the promised posts have still not materialized. Those that are still relevant will be completed very soon, I promise.

The main thing to tell you, right now, is that the FREE DINING promotion at Disney World has been extended. The new booking deadline is July 26th. I have to tell you, though, from personal experience, that availability is now proving to be a problem for many dates in the booking window. This promotion is just so popular, that many room types at many resorts, are SOLD OUT for many dates, so you're probably going to need to be flexible...

Still, as the economic slowdown continues to leave travel sales pretty sluggish, there are still "deals" to be had. Not just the opportunity to have Disney pay for you to eat (typically a value of around $700 US per week for a family of 4), but also some very decent airfares... contact me, to see if this could be the time for you to make your Disney dreams a reality...

You can check out the flyer for this offer at the following link - Walt Disney World Dining Offer (PDF - 920kb)

Deals!! Much more info coming... I'm working on it...

Here's a summary of some of the Disney news that I feel that I owe my reader(s?) and have not had a chance to post yet. Sorry.

• The "get 7 nights, pay for 4" promotion has officially ended. Oh well, it was great while it lasted!
• There is a new 35% off "room-only" special for dates in the Spring, which can be booked with passes and dining, which in effect is a very similar price to the "7 for 4" anyway, so all is not lost! However, it's not for the summer, though... Boooo...
  
• FREE DINING is back! For travel dates from 16th August through 3rd October. Must book by June 21st.
  
• Notes on "Celebrations" and free admission on your birthday.

I also have some news re the Disney Cruise line - see another post on that one.

Watch this space...

Thoughts on March Break "last minutes".... hmm...

Hello all,

I know it's been a while since I posted. This is mainly due to an unprecedented amount of people booking (or trying to book) their Disney vacations "last minute" - some even for March Break!

Much of the March Break space was long gone by the time potential clients asked us, and indeed air rates had been going for than $1100 per person (from Ottawa) for months. We did have some (albeit limited) success. Disney's 7 for 4 promotion was still theoretically available for our March Break dates, but again, most of the space was booked a long time ago. The only available hotels were in the deluxe category. Now, actually when you are getting 3 nights for free you are getting a bigger "break" in a deluxe category than Moderates or Values, but you are sill paying a fair chunk more for these resorts. This is fine if you really wanted the extra amenities offered by the deluxe resorts (and/or the larger rooms, bigger beds and or have 5 people in your party), but for those looking for the less expensive options at Disney, the rule is still that (even in a down economy) you shouldn't plan on being able to get a deal at the most popular travel times (Christmas, New Year, March Break, Easter.)

Pay for 4 - stay for 7 promotion extended for dates into the summer!!

In a move that I think is unprecedented (at least in the last 7 years since I've been selling Disney vacations) Disney is offering a great promotion right through their normal "high season" summer vacation dates.

They are continuing the promotion that has been so successful (for them) and such great value (for their clients) for dates right through to the middle of August...

This offer is valid for stays most nights Feb. 15—March 9, March 17—April 4 and April 19—Aug. 15, 2009.

For my clients that are already booked, I'll be trying to swap you over today (though as you may expect, wait times are long on their phone lines). For those of the rest of you that were holding off to see if anything special would come along, wait no longer. THIS IS IT!!!

Contact me to start off you Disney vacation planning... and/or please read my popular "How to do Disney" section of our agency's website, as a "primer" for your trip. While this section of the website is "general" i.e. it doesn't mention this particular special, the same principles apply... it's just even better value now!

As this is our busiest time of the season for "sun" bookings, I have not posted some other Disney articles explaining some aspects of Disney's latest "Celebration" that I am working on yet, but I hope to do so soon, so watch this space.

Last few days to book "7 for 3" promotion

Disney's 3 free nights promotion (having been extended once already) is now finally coming to an end. This excellent special ends as of the 24th Jan (this Saturday). So if you are hummin' and hawin' about whether to book, you're going to need to decide this week!

Briefly, if you book a 7 night package for dates up til June this year (some blackout dates apply) Disney will give you 3 nights of accommodation for free. This can save hundreds and hundreds of dollars. And you will save the most if you stay at the deluxe resorts (so maybe this year would be a good year to see animals out your window at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your balcony at the Polynesian...) Passes and dining plan are at regular prices.