Come take a virtual tour of Disney's Private Island

One of the definite highlights of my family's Disney Cruise vacation was the day we spent on Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay.

To give you a bit more of an idea of what you might expect to see there when you take one of their awesome cruises (all Caribbean and Bahamian cruises spend at least one day here), Disney have created a new "mini-website" with various virtual tours of the island.


It's a fun way to see the beaches, attractions, kids activities and more. If you want to see the whole thing, click on the "Grand Tour" link for a 10 minute video treat...

Free Dining - dates extended!

Hello again, Disney Fans!

Just announced: the "Free Dining promotion" has been extended for many dates right up to Dec 21st 2010. There are blackout dates, and the number of rooms are limited. (Yes, I know they are always limited, but the agent I spoke to today explained that there are fewer rooms available on this promo than other similar ones, so it sounds like it will be worth booking early.) Today it took well over an hour on hold to even get to speak to a Disney reservation agent, so people are already booking for sure...

The extended dates are:

• Aug 15th-Oct 7th
• Oct 22nd-Oct 28th
• Nov 12th-Nov 18th
• Nov 27th-Dec 2nd
• Dec 10th-Dec 21st

So let's get booking!!

New Shorter Options for Holiday Cruises with Disney Cruise Lines...

While I am not an enthusiastic advocate of Disney vacations at Christmas/New Year (particularly at Walt Disney World, due to the larger-than-usual crowds and higher-than-usual prices), cruising with Disney Cruise Line at that time only has one of those minor drawbacks. (The ships usually sail at full capacity anyway, so the crowds are not very different on a holiday sailing...)

Here's a new development from Disney Cruise Line that they recently announced to us...
 

Based on feedback from Guests, Disney Cruise Line® has modified its holiday sailing schedule, replacing a 10-night sailing on Dec. 29, 2010, with two 5-night sailings. This provides you new opportunities to help Clients celebrate the holidays at sea with sailings departing Dec. 29, 2010, and Jan. 3, 2011.

If you are interested in booking one of these cruises, please contact us!

Kids Sail Free in Northern Europe - hurry though, sail dates are fast approaching!

Many of you know that two of our agents have sailed with Disney Cruise Lines. Their cruises are a family vacation experience like no other.

To be absolutely frank with you, probably the only downside to a Disney Cruise vacation is the fact that they tend to be on the expensive side. So, when your kids get to travel for free - it makes sense to check out how that might work for you...

This summer, for the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line sets sail on an enchanting 12-night cruise of Northern European Capitals, including Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and St. Petersburg, Russia. You can be part of this historic voyage - and save too - when you book this family-friendly offer.

To find out much more...

• Offer Details:
  Kids ages 17 and under can sail free* on select Northern European cruises departing June 12 and June 24, 2010, when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. This offer applies to stateroom Categories 8-11. Government Taxes and Fees not included. 
• Travel Window:
  June 12, 2010 (itinerary includes Helsinki, Finland)
  June 24, 2010 (itinerary includes Tallinn, Estonia) 
• Onboard Credit:
  You would receive a US $25 onboard credit when you book through us. 
• Additional Details:
  Verification of age is required within 48 hours of booking for children who will be 17 years old by the sail date.

For more info check out this flier (Adobe PDF).

Also, don't forget great rates are still available on select Mediterranean cruises departing in August and September 2010.

*Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures not included. This offer applies to new bookings only and is non-transferable. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply (including without limitation the Mediterranean Thank You Onboard Credit offer). Changes to the vacation date or category may result in a loss of any offer. Offer is only available to U.S. and Canada residents. See Disney Cruise Line website for applicable details and Terms and Conditions.
Ships' Registry: The Bahamas

Other specials still on at Walt Disney World - late summer room-discounts

There's even one more!! For the same dates as the Free Dining offer, there is also a reduced room rate special which could actually be better value for some people. With room-discounts up to 40% off the rack rate, the smaller your party size and the longer your stay, the more likely this promotion will work for you...

If you are getting bamboozled, wondering which promotion would work best for you - please contact us...

Late Summer Room Offer
You can stay at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and save up to 40%* with special room-only rates.

• Offer Details:
• You can save 40% off the non-discounted price when you stay at select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts for stays most nights Aug. 15 - Oct. 2, 2010. Plus, there are other great savings at other resort categories.
• Booking Window:
  May 3 - Oct. 2, 2010
• Sample Pricing:
  * 30% savings at select Disney Value Resorts; book for as little as US $58 per night (plus tax) in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights Aug. 15 - Sept. 30, 2010.
  * 30% savings at select Disney Moderate Resorts; book for as little as US $108 per night (plus tax) in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights Aug. 15 - Sept. 30, 2010.
  * 40% savings at select Disney Deluxe Resorts; book for as little as US $144 per night (plus tax) in a standard room for stays most nights Aug. 15 - Sept. 30, 2010.
  * 40% savings at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts; book for as little as US $177 per night (plus tax) in a studio room for stays most nights Aug. 15 - Sept. 30, 2010.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room. This offer excludes suites and 3-bedroom villas. No group rates or other discounts apply.

Other specials still on at Walt Disney World - up to 30% off the room rate

Another promotion is still on for travel in the summer too. This one can actually provide a saving that is as good as the Free Dining promotion (if you intend staying for a somewhat extended stay at a Deluxe Category resort, for example) as it is based on a 20%, 25% or 30% saving off the prevailing room rates.

Again, the travel dates available on this special are very wide - from now 'til August 14th (when the free dining kicks in...)

For more details...

Summertime is Family Time!

You can stay at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and save up to
30%* with special room-only rates.

Just add Theme Park tickets to take advantage of all the summer fun, including the return of Main Street Electrical Parade, which is now more dazzling than ever.

Offer Details:

• You can save 30% off the non-discounted price when you stay at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts for stays most nights May 2 - Aug. 14, 2010. Plus, there are more great savings at other resort categories.
• Booking Window:
  March 29 - Aug. 14, 201
• Sample Pricing:
  * 15% savings at select Disney Value Resorts - Book for as little as US $90 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights May 2 - June 3, 2010.
  * 20% savings at select Disney Moderate Resorts - Book for as little as US $140 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights May 2 - June 3, 2010.
  * 25% savings at select Disney Deluxe Resorts - Book for as little as US $180 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most nights July 18 - Aug. 14, 2010.
  * 30% savings at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts - Book for as little as US $207 per night, plus tax in a studio room for stays most nights July 18 - Aug. 14, 2010.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per adult charges apply if more than two adults per room. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom villas. No group rates or other discounts apply.

* Download this flier (Adobe PDF 3.17MB) for more details.

Other specials still on at Walt Disney World - Kids Stay Free

There's been a fair bit of hoop-la over the super-popular 'Free Dining' promotion which was announced recently for late summer this year. Because of that you may have missed that there is also another promotion (not so spectacular, but offered over a much wider range of dates throughout the Spring and Summer) if travel after August 15th is not on the cards for you this year...

Families Stay and Play for Less

Kids ages 3-9 stay and play FREE* when you purchase a 4-night, 5-day Magic Your Way vacation package at a select Disney Value Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort for stays most nights May 2 - October 2, 2010.

For full details...

Offer Details:

• This Walt Disney Travel Company package includes accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort and Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets.
• Booking Window:
  April 8 - August 14, 2010
• Travel Window:
  May 2 - October 2, 2010

Sample Pricing:
US $499 per adult, based on adult double occupancy for this 4-night, 5-day Magic Your Way Package, at a select Disney Value Resort in a standard room for stays most nights May 2 - June 3, 2010.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Child must stay in same room with adult. Maximum of four Guests per room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required.


Ask about other select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and packages for other lengths of stay.

Free Dining is Back at Walt Disney World!

Well we've been waiting for a while to see if Disney would put the "Free Dining" offer back on - and they just did!
As usual, I'll be changing over my clients' files (those that qualify) - just as soon as I get through to Disney! For the first time that I can remember I have only been able to get a busy signal on the Disney Travel Company phone lines!

For more details of this year's offer...

Buy this Walt Disney World Resort vacation package with hotel and Theme Park tickets and get a Disney Dining Plan FREE!

• If you prefer to purchase a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package with accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort you would get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.

Booking and Travel Window:

• Booking Window: May 3 - Aug. 14, 2010

• Travel Window: Valid for stays most nights Aug. 15 - Oct. 2, 2010

Sample Pricing:

• US $1,843 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort. That's like paying US $77 per person, per day! 

• US $1,440 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. That's like paying US $60 per person, per day!

Ask about packages for other lengths of stay and accommodations at other select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.
For more details download this flier (Adobe PDF - 1MB)
* Price based on 2 Adults, 1 Junior and 1 Child. The number of packages available at these rates is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets are for 1 theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Offer is nontransferable. Advance reservations required.

** Excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3-9 must order from the children's menu if available. Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

Last two days on gift card and 30%-off promotions - expring 27th March

Yes, I know I have not posted in the last 3 months. There has been quite a lot that I have wanted to post, but the business of the winter season has made it a lower priority than simply getting on with trying to make bookings! Sorry about that dear reader...

But for now, I did just want to mention that a couple of Disney's promotions (for Walt Disney World travel) come to an end this Saturday, 27th March, so you still have a couple of days to get in touch and take advantage...

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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


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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...


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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!)

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