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No, this is not on the new ship (the Disney Dream)-SORRY!  :)

However, this is still an amazing deal!  Keep in mind that the Disney Cruise Line only has 3 ships--2 at the moment!  So, they simply don't have the inventory other cruise lines have, and therefore the deals are fewer and far between AND they go fast...

KIDS SAIL FREE ON SELECT CARIBBEAN CRUISES
Book a verandah (balcony) stateroom and kids ages 17 and under, traveling with two full-fare paying guests in the same stateroom, sail FREE on most 7-night Eastern & Western Caribbean cruises!

Sail Dates:  January 8-March 5, 2011 (excluding February 19 sailing)

Taxes & fees are additional and the number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited (after all, they only have one ship-the Magic-on the Caribbean route!). 

Highlights of a Disney cruise: 
-Visit Castaway Cay, Disney's private island for cruisers, which features a Family Beach, Adults-Only Beach, Scuttle's Cove (ages 3-12), new water park, & more!
-Lots of onboard character experiences (including the princesses!)
-All onboard meals, including soft drinks & room service, are included!
-Amazing live Disney productions, including Toy Story: The Musical

Contact me for a quote and I'll get right back to you! Time is definitely of the essence with this offer.  Any questions about a Disney Cruise Line experience-ask away, as our family went this year and it was an AMAZING CRUISE VACATION!!!
 
 
Disney has given you even more time to take advantage of their FREE Dining Plan offer this fall! 

Yes, there are lots of black out dates, but there is still plenty of availability for this promotion.  And remember, you can even use the table service meals in this plan for Character Dining events!

Technically you have to book this Free Dining Plan promotion by 8/14, but keep in mind that there are a limited number of rooms at the Disney resorts available for this offer...

Disney Dining Plans are ONLY available to Disney resort guests, in addition to complimentary round-trip airport transportation and  Extra Magic Hours at the parks. 

Interested in some dates & prices for YOUR family's Disney vacation with this promotion?  Give me a call or shoot me an email soon!
 
 
Disney speaks...and the world listens!  :)

New cruise ship, new Orlando resort, new Hawaii resort...what next?
 
 
The Disney Dining Plan is a good deal even if you have to pay for it.  When you get it FREE--of course that's even better!

Disney just released this promotion today:  book at least 3 nights in a Disney Moderate Resort (e.g. Port Orleans, Coronado Springs) and receive the Disney Dining Plan FREE for all guests!  Travel between August 15th and October 2nd, 2010.

The Disney Dining Plan includes 1 Quick Service Meal, 1 Table Service Meal, and 1 Snack for each guest in your room.  The Table Service Meal can even be used for a ton of different Character Dining options, such as Chef Mickey's Buffet. 

Interested in a quote?  Give me a call or shoot me an email and I'll get back to you right away!  See my contact info to the right.

BTW, did you notice my latest work in progress-the Disney Helpful Hints page?  I'm adding new stuff to it EVERY DAY, so keep checking back for new Disney info!
 
 
Great marketing job, Disney Cruise Line.  Your first new ship in 11 years, the Disney Dream, doesn't set sail until January 2011 and you keep releasing these delightful little tidbits to keep us intrigued and wanting more.

If you have a 30", HD virtual porthole in your Inside Stateroom, expect to have real-time outside views AND catch a glimpse of Mickey, the balloon house from the movie Up, and Finding Nemo's Peach the starish popping in!  These staterooms are actually selling out faster than Oceanview Staterooms and I want one too!

Some may find this shocking, but sometimes parents want to occasionally spend time away from their children while on vacation.  It happens (frequently to me...).  And you may think a Disney ship is one of the LAST places you might find such a kid-free oasis.  Thoughtfully, Disney has provided multiple places to escape Disney on the Dream.  For example, Skyline is an adults-only cocktail bar featuring views of some of the world's most amazing skylines (think Tokyo, Paris, & London) on 'window' screens.  One moment you're looking over the Eiffel Tower, the next you're in Hong Kong! 

Ah, but what to DO with the kiddos while you're sipping champagne in Paris?  As it turns out, the kids will be even more interested in ditching YOU for the Oceaneer's Club, where they can play in Andy's Room from Toy Story, study at the Monster's Academy, or chat with a virtual Crush from Finding Nemo

True, the Dream isn't finished yet, but don't let that stop you from booking a stateroom through me now.  It will be taking over the Wonder's route in the Bahamas on 3, 4, or a new 5 night (2 stops at Castaway Cay!) cruise. Interested in how much this adventure would cost you?  Give me a call or shoot me an email and I can let you know!
 
 
Just as a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation is unlike any other family vacation, a cruise aboard the Disney Wonder is a unique experience with something for everyone in the family!

More 'Steamboat Willie' than 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse' in ambience (think classic Disney), our family of 4 couldn't have had a more amazing experience aboard the Disney Wonder.  Our 4-night Bahamian Cruise out of Port Canaveral, FL (about 45 minutes from MCO) took us to Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers. 

Why we had happy kids (ages 2 & 4):
-'Bye, Mom & Dad!':  organized activities, character interaction, computer games, & climbing equipment in the Oceaneer's Club & Lab (included in your cruise price! ages 3+)
-Flounder's Nursery with care & activities for ages 0-2 ($6/hr)
-Scuttle's Cove on Castaway Cay-organized outdoor activities for ages 3+
-Mickey-shaped ketchup poured on your plate & waffles
-Ahoy there, princesses! (Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, & Tiana (Princess & the Frog)
-It actually SNOWED in the theater during the performance of Disney Dreams!
-Free self-serve ice cream!

Why we had happy parents:
-See everything under 'happy kids' :)
-The adults-only Cove Pool & Cafe area
-The adults-only gourmet restaurant, Palo
-The adults-only beach & spa treatments on Castaway Cay
-Service:  ask & you shall receive!
-Free 24-hour room service (the cheese, fruit & cracker plate is particularly great for late-night cravings!)
-The fact that Disney somehow managed to serve us a 2 hour, 4-course meal every night AND keep our kids happy at the same time?!  
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In upcoming blogs, I'll be sharing more details about our cruise, including entertainment, dining, accommodations and all about Castaway Cay.  Browse my MANY photos by clicking here or the photo above! 

This is also a special year for the Disney Wonder, as she will be saying goodbye to the Bahamas and hello to Disney's new-for-2011 Alaskan itinerary!  The new Disney Dream will be taking over the Bahamas itinerary in 2011. 

 
 
My next stop? A 4-night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Wonder, January 24-28 with my husband and our two kids!

Just like a vacation at any of the Disney Parks, cruising with the Disney Cruise Line is a different kind of experience.  Here are some of the reasons we chose to cruise with The Mouse:

--Lots of Disney character experiences-they are everywhere, both onboard & even on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay!  Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and the Princesses all make appearances at the onboard parties, in the shows, and even at special Meet & Greets (photo opps, naturally!).  On 7-night cruises, they offer Character Breakfasts as well.  And all of your entertainment, including a Pirates IN the Caribbean party (don't forget to pack your pirate gear!) and different Disney show each night, is included in your cruise price.

--All of your meals & most beverages, including 24-hour room service, are included!  Did you know that many cruise lines charge for soft drinks?  Not on a Disney cruise. Everything but alcoholic beverages is included.  Also, Disney has 3 unique dining rooms that you rotate to each night of your cruise or you have the wonderful opportunity to dine without the kids in their luxurious, ADULTS-ONLY Palo restaurant. 

--Need time away from the kids?  Not a problem on a Disney ship (or on Castaway Cay).  The Oceaneer's Club (onboard) or Scuttle's Cove (Castaway Cay) for ages 3+ is also FREE OF CHARGE!  This is not just babysitting, either--kids can choose from a computer lab, dress-up, a reading area, a dance floor, movies, arts & crafts, and more at each & every visit! I know my 4 year old, William, is going to freak out when he sees this place...

--KIDS 0-17 SAIL FREE!  Why are we cruising in January?  Thanks to a Disney promotion, we saved around $700!  Kids 0-17 sail FREE on most 3 & 4-night Bahamian Cruises from January-April.  They frequently run this promotion for the Mediterranean cruises as well. 

I promise to have all sorts of helpful hints, photos, & more when I return--so stay tuned to find out what a Fish Extender is and why you might need one (and why I'll be frantically making one this week)... ;)
 
 
Spring & Summer vacations will be here before you know it!  Have you been thinking of where YOU would like to go?  Looking for something or someplace different or have a treasured spot you'd like to return to?  Let's talk--I really enjoy doing research for my clients (and remember, it doesn't cost you a thing!).  And, I work within YOUR budget! 

Here is just a sampling of the interesting adventures I'm planning for others:
  • A girlfriends' getaway to a Mexican all-inclusive resort in March (Funjet Vacations has some great packages including flights right now!)
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  • A 3-night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Wonder OR a few days at a Walt Disney World Resort in March?  Decisions, decisions for a family of 4!  FYI, Disney has a great promotion going on right now:  Book a 5-night, 6-day (or longer) stay at participating Disney Resorts & receive a FREE $300-750 Disney Gift Card!  And yes, you can use it during your vacation at the Parks on just about everything--dining, merchandise, & recreation!

  • A couple vacationing in Ireland without the kids in February--there are some really cool, economical independent travel packages through Sceptre ToursThey are looking at round-trip airfare for two, 7 nights of accommodations in Bed & Breakfasts (choose from B&Bs all over Ireland), full breakfast daily AND a rental car for under $2100 total!
  • Another girlfriends' trip, this time to Boston!
  •  A couple interested in a European river cruise and/or exploring Germany's Rhineland region, with a possible excursion to the landing beaches of Normandy.
 
 
Are you wondering what a I can do for you?  Not sure if I can help you with the intricacies of YOUR travel needs?  Seriously, no request is too big or too small for me to handle, so  it can't hurt to JUST ASK!  :)

I am working on a wide variety of travel itineraries at any given moment-take a look at what's on my plate recently! 
  • Several "Grand Gatherings" (8+ people) of family members at Walt Disney World.  FYI, as a Grand Gathering, you are eligible for some fun extra events and you can use your Disney Dining Plan meals for many of them!
  • A couple heading to two of my favorite locations, Munich & Vienna, planning to ride Falkor (from The Neverending Story-great movie!) at the Bavarian Film Studios (I didn't even know you could do that!).
  • Two sisters, their families, & their parents taking a Carnival Cruise to the Mexican Riviera next summer (now that is what I call quality family time!).
Hmm, I wonder what will be next? 
 
 
If you have been waiting for a sign that it was the right time for you to book a vacation to Walt Disney World...well, THIS IS THE SIGN! :)  Can you get to Disney by March 27th, 2010?  It just might be worth a try for THIS one! 

Click here for The Disney Deal!
ALSO, did you know you get some fun, absolutely free amenities just by booking your Disney vacation package with me?  Oh yes!
***Sparkly keepsake luggage tag (1 per person)
***Planet Hollywood voucher & keepsake
***One round of Disney miniature golf
***15% off Spa Treatments
***Walt Disney World Marina discounts
***10% off bass fishing excursions
***10% off Sammy Duvall's Watersports (parasailing, water skiing, tubing trips)
***100 points game play in arcades located in Disney Resorts