Best time to go?

I am often asked when it is the best time to go to Disney World or take a Disney cruise.  Some agents answer anytime.  I disagree. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding the best time to go.  first and foremost  what is best for YOUR family. Do you mind crowds?  Do you care about taking your kids out of school?  Do you want to see the decorations for a certain season? Do you have a set budget? What are you celebrating - is this a surprise for Christmas, a birthday, a honeymoon?

I have some clients who can't take their kids out of school due to state laws or they feel school comes first. They usually travel during more busy times of the year - spring or fall break, summer - times when the ships and parks are busier and more expensive.

If you are not a crowd person and don't worry about removing kids from school I always suggest the from mid October to mid December (excluding Thanksgiving week) and then again from Jan 3 to mid January.  This is my favorite time to travel and do anything Disney.  The prices are lower, the decorations are up for Halloween or Christmas (even the first week of January you get the decorations at a Value price) Cruise ships during this time have a difficult time filling the ships and there are price drops galore.

There is always something going on at Disney.

Another benefit to October and early November, especially if you are a foodie is Epcot's Food and Wine Festival!   A great chance to drink and sample foods from around the world as you travel your way around the world   This year there are 25 International kiosks offering food and beverages.

 In October, Disney celebrates Halloween in style with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.   A hard ticket event that limits the number of people in the park for the ultimate Halloween party.  The Villains take over, there are special meet and greets, parades, and trick or treating around the park.  Guests are encouraged to dress up and visit the candy kiosks and fill their bags to the brim.

November and December ushers in Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. Sip hot chocolate and eat sugar cookies while it SNOWS ON MAIN STREET!  The characters are dressed in their holiday finest.

This year I was there in May and got to take part in Epcots' Flower and Garden Show.

Topiaries abound during this time. 

 I was also there for the beginning of STAR WARS WEEKENDS

Disney is divided in to seasons that determines the prices for resorts.  Holiday Season is always the highest price. That is the time when the parks are the the most crowded.  I can't think of anyone who hasn't dreamed of being in the Magic Kingdom on Christmas morning.

Peak Season is the next most expensive time at Disney.  This typically runs Mid February to mid April. It coincides with Spring Break.  The crowds are very large but not as bad as during Holiday season.

Regular season is when there is average attendance in the parks usually April 18 to August 28 for Value and Moderate Resorts or April 18 to July 4 for all other resort types; and September 30 to October 30.  

Value season is when the crowds are historically at the lowest and Disney offers the best rates to try and fill the parks.  Value Season runs from January 1 to February 11, August 29 to September 29 for Value and Moderate Resorts or July 5 to September 29 for all other resort types and October 31 to December 19.

Ultimately, you have to decide when it is the best time for your family.  There is no BEST or WORST time to do anything Disney.  It is about what is BEST for your family. 

Contact Destinations by Cathy - 720-387-8279 to discuss the BEST TIME for your family and let us make your MAGICAL dreams come true.

VISA Stay Play and Dine offer just released!!!!!

Call me 720-387-8279 or email me at travelnwiththink@gmail.com for the details on the new Disney Promotion. Currently only for Disney VIsa Card Holders. We can't guarantee it but we may hear in the near future of this being open to the general public.  STAY TUNED

New Disney Visa Promos are out today for travel January through Mid April. 

Stay, Play and Dine
Discounts room. tickets and dining plan..must have tickets for length of stay to get that portion discounted (staying 4 days/3 nights must have 4 day ticket..etc)
For Most Stays January 5-March 5 2014
3 Night Minimum Stay Required
Excluded: ALL OF ART OF ANIMATION, Grand Floridian Villas and Campsites

Room Only Discount -
Travel dates January 5, 2014 -April 12, 2014
The week of March 6 - March 13 (discount is 5% less than what is listed below)

All Star Sports, All Star Music, Pop Century - 20%
Art of Animation Family Suites - 15% (Little Mermaid Rooms excluded)
All Star Movies - 5%

Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Riverside, Cabins - 25%
Port Orleans French Quarter, Junior Suites at Coronado Springs - 5%

Wilderness Lodge (Standard and Woods View), Animal Kingdom Lodge (Standard and Pool View), Beach/Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, Polynesian, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Contemporary - 35%

Wilderness Lodge (Club Level and Courtyard View), Animal Kingdom Lodge (Club and Savanna View) - 25%

Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Beach/Yacht Club Villas - 35%

Bay Lake Tower - 5%

Deluxe Suites - 5%

Excludes - Campsites and Villas at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Past Year - changes to GAC

I am sorry dear readers that I went missing for a year.  My agency was still around and it is growing but life got in the way of my favorite thing - letting you know about the goings on in the travel world.

There are any changes going on at the Mouse House.  Some that have caused great distress for families of children with disabilities.  I can understand the worry because I have a child with a disability and we have used the GAC many times to lessen the stress on our son.  We are keeping an open mind because we know any change like this will require tweeking on the part of Disney.  It will also take some adjustments and patience on the part of visitors.  If everyone works together this should be a better system and should lead to less abuse by those who don't need the pass.

Here is the latest on what we are being told. - thanks to Mousekeerz for this update

Procedures

After getting a DAS card, guests will approach the attraction they wish to visit. Each attraction will have a cast member at the entrance to assist you. (Not a kiosk as first reported)

§  If the wait is less than 10 minutes, they are admitted through an alternate entrance or Fastpass queue.

§  If the wait is more than 10 minutes, they are issued a return time on their DAS card. The return times will be based on the current posted wait time minus 10 minutes.

§  Only 1 (one) active return time can be written on a DAS card placing you in a virtual standby queue. Just like a regular guest in a standby queue, you can’t be in multiple lines at once. You are free to go stand in line for another attraction, go shopping or eat.

§  The DAS card holder (photo and name) does not need to be present to receive a return time which allows families with children with autism a chance to stay clear of the attraction while a member gets the return time to avoid potential meltdowns by not getting to ride right away.

§  Once the return time has arrived, you will arrive to the attractions alternate entrance or Fastpass line to redeem.

§  Once a return time has been redeemed it is crossed off and no longer active allowing you get a new return time.

§  Crossing off a return time also voids or cancels it to the equivalent of getting out of line.

§  Fastpass & Fastpass+ are not tied to this program and can be used in conjunction. So you can technically be standing in two lines at once.

Here is a difference between a DAS & a Fastpass

DAS Return Times have the same policy as a Fastpass when it comes to early arrivals, but they do not expire at a certain time of that day allowing those with special needs to not be restricted to returning back by a specific time if it doesn’t work for them. The catch however is that it will still remain active and additional return times can’t be gotten until it is used.

§  The DAS card holder (photo and name) must be present and experiencing the attraction in order to use the return time. If the person isn’t present or choose to sit out and let their family ride, they will be turned away and potentially have their card revoked. After all, the card is designed to assist the card holder and a few other companions or family members, but it is not designed to solely assist the family or companions when the card holder chooses not to or can’t ride.

§  If an attraction is broken, they can’t give you a return time. If you return and it’s broken, they will accommodate you by giving you a Fastpass to come back later and clearing your DAS return time to allow you to get another.

§  If all your return slots get filled, you have to return to Guest Relations for a new one. This would likely only fill up for someone that is staying on property for all 7 days.

Additional Procedures

§  Attractions that are not fully accessible through the standby queue may also have return cards. These are only for guests with wheelchairs, scooters, & strollers acting as wheelchairs who do not have a DAS card. Space Mountain is an example of a place that already does this, but additional attractions will soon be getting a similar procedure. The return times for these are just like DAS, but because they are attraction specific cards verses a global DAS card, you are able to grab multiple at once if you visit attractions that require it. Not all attractions will have this.

I promise I will be back tomorrow.  I have to share my incredible experience at an advanced training at Disney World this summer.  And I have to talk about my upcoming cruise on the Disney Wonder and I have to talk about the new dining changes. Oh yea, there will also be a new give away and a little bonus if you book with Destinations by Cathy and a way you can help charity by booking with us as well.  WOW everyone stay tuned lots coming up!

Cathy

Gift card offer with Disney reservation

Everyone wants to spend the Holidays at Disney.  I know I do.  Right now if you book a WDW package, Disneyland Getaway or a Disney Cruise I am offering up to a 50.00 Disney Gift Card to help enjoy your vacation.  Restrictions apply and offer expires October 15, 2012.

Contact me via the button in the right hand corner or email me at travelnwithtink@gmail.com

book with me for Disney

Did you book your vacation directly with Disney?I am offering $25 Disney Gift Card if you  allow me to be your Travel Agent! I will take excellent care of your booking, offering you my free concierge level of service. I will make your advance dining reservations for you and create a detailed itinerary to fit your families needs. I will also offer great tips and advice for your families magical vacation. This applies to any Disney Vacation or Disney Cruise.

Disney Halloween Cruise 25% off

This just in from the Disney Park Blog!!!!!!!

Looking for a different way to have a spook-tacular good time this Halloween? Check out this special treat we announced on Facebook – 25% off prevailing rates for the October 27 Western Caribbean Disney cruise from Galveston, Texas!

During late October, all Disney ships transform into a ghoulish wonderland filled with hair-raising activities. There are special decorations, unique menu items in the restaurants, and themed dance parties on deck.

Check out the details of the deal at this link, and read on for a glimpse at the treats awaiting your family aboard a Disney ship this Halloween:

• Haunted Parties: Your favorite Disney characters, wearing special Halloween costumes just for the occasion, will join you for a fun-filled Halloween costume party – Disney Cruise Line style, complete with live music, dancing and lots of candy! For adults, the nighttime entertainment district on the Disney ships becomes the ghoulish setting for a costume contest and party sure to bring chills to everyone.
• Spooky Movies: Halloween-themed movies will be shown on Funnel Vision by the family pool and in guest staterooms.
• Ghoulish Delights: Disney Cruise Line chefs have conjured some very special treats for Halloween, including chocolate cake with pumpkin filling, spider cakes and “Witch’s Brew.”

Let us know in the comments your Halloween costume ideas for guests celebrating aboard a Disney ship!

I have been to Disney World and Disneyland for Halloween adventures.  Imagine Trick or treating on a giant ship with Mickey and Minnie.  I bet they have the best candy stash around.  

For a quote today email me at travelnwithtink@gmail.com or click the envelope in the upper right hand and let me know where I can send you and you will get a quote back in 24 hours.