Top 9 Disney Cruise Tips

Top 9 Disney Cruise Tips

Written by Jennifer Jamieson – Magical Tripcations Travel Planner Ahoy, mateys!  No doubt about it, any Disney fan worth their pirate’s booty will tell you that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is hands down a swashbuckling load of fun!  And we all know how the trek to a forgotten jungle outpost is not-to-be missed.  But today, we’re going to “sea” what magic awaits you aboard the Disney Cruise Line. And just so you know, the Disney Cruise Line does not disappoint when it comes to pirate adventures.  So, what sort of insider knowledge can we share to ensure that you have the most magical time aboard the Disney Cruise Line?  Here are our top 9 Disney Cruise tips. ©Disney # 1 Keep Up with the Navigator The Navigator is a newsletter delivered nightly to your stateroom and contains the listing of the next day’s events.   It is your go-to-guide for everything from ship to shore.  Carefully review it to plan your excursions, character meet and greets, and to take note of hours of operation, etc.  Take it with you when you leave the ship as it contains information such as emergency contact information and when you need to be back on the ship. Before you board the ship, download the Navigator App available for iPhone and Android phones.  You will be able to connect to it using the ship’s free WiFi; however, the free WiFi is only available for the Navigator App.  The app lists restaurant menus and other helpful information only accessible via the app. ©Disney #2 Dining Part of the fun of cruising is noshing on...
Disney Speak – Top 10 Terms to Know

Disney Speak – Top 10 Terms to Know

Written by Jennifer Jamieson – Magical Tripcations Travel Planner “Welcome Home!  We’re so glad you joined us at the Most Magical Place on Earth!  Tap your MagicBand here and take a stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. and on to your first FastPass+ reservation!  If you need directions, reference this park map or the My Disney Experience App for up to minute wait times and interactive park maps.  Have a magical day!” If you followed right along with this conversation, congrats!  You are fluent in ‘Disney Speak’ as this is just one example of any conversation you could have with a Cast Member at Magic Kingdom Park or a similar one at the other theme parks.  When we speak with someone about a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, we quickly find ourselves speaking ‘Disney’…terms and phrases like “FastPass+”, “ADRs”, “Rope Drop”, “Extra Magic Hours” and the like.  It must sound like we’re speaking another language and to a guest that hasn’t been to the park in years or if ever, we are.  After all, it is Disney WORLD and it makes sense that the World of Walt would have it’s own special language.   Let’s take a closer look at ‘Disney Speak’ and the top 10 terms you  need to know. 10.  Memory Maker – This photo package can be added to your Disney vacation package. Guests who purchase Memory Maker will have online access to any photos taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer throughout their trip; access to all photos and videos taken while riding on select attractions.   You can view, edit, download photos, and print them at your...
Which Disney Dining Plan is Right for You?

Which Disney Dining Plan is Right for You?

A trip to Disney has many moving parts beyond deciding when to go (that’s a post for another day!) There are many options to choose from in building your dream vacation from resort selection, ticket options to the dining plan. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices in front of you, you’ve come to the right place! Your Magical Tripcations travel planner is armed and ready to assist you in each step of your Disney vacation planning. Today we’re tackling which Disney Dining Plan is right for you. If you’re debating whether or not to add a dining plan to your package or which one is right for your travel party, read on as we’ve got you covered with the ins and outs of how the dining plans work. What does each dining plan cost and what does each include?   2016 Disney Dining Plan Pricing:   Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan: 2 quick-service meals 1 snack 1 refillable resort mug Adult 10+ Years and Older Per Night:  $42.84   Child 3 – 9 Per Night:  $17.47   Disney Dining Plan: 1 quick-service meal 1 table-service meal 1 refillable resort mug Adult 10+ Years and Older Per Night:  $61.84  Child 3 – 9 Per Night:  $20.96   Disney Deluxe Dining Plan: 3 meals (any combination of table-service and quick-service) 2 snacks 1 refillable resort mug Adults 10+ Years and Older Per Night:  $111.73  Child 3 – 9 Per Night:  $32.56 Which Disney Dining Plan is Right for You?   Disney offers 5 different dining plan options so there is likely one perfect for you and your party. Dining...
Magical Tripcations Top Disney Dining Picks

Magical Tripcations Top Disney Dining Picks

When it comes to dining at Disney, there are so many wonderful options and experiences to explore.  The Magical Tripcations travel planners have put together a list of their top Disney dining picks to help you as you plan your next vacation to the Walt Disney World® Resort.  Whichever dining package you add to your Magic My Way Package, your travel planner is equipped to provide you with dining guidance and assistance.  Here are our top Disney dining picks for quick-service meals, not-to-miss character dining and table-service restaurants. Top Disney Dining Picks – Quick-Service   Quick-service dining is counter service meals much like dining at a fast-food restaurant. Most counter service locations have both inside and outside dining tables. Magic Kingdom Park Top Pick: Be Our Guest, Fantasyland – quick-service options offered at breakfast or lunch only. Gaston’s Tavern, Fantasyland – Don’t miss the cinnamon rolls and LeFou’s Brew (non-alcoholic frozen apple juice treat) Pecos Bills Tall Tale Inn, Frontierland – Great for meal sharing with their amazing fixings bar! Golden Oak Outpost, Frontierland – Don’t miss the crispy waffle fries with pulled pork on top. Columbia Harbour House, Liberty Square – Don’t miss the battered fish! And, there are plenty of healthy options, too. Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe, Tomorrowland – Don’t miss the alien entertainment! Sleepy Hollow, Liberty Square – Don’t miss the waffles or the ice cream cookie sandwich.   Epcot World Showcase La Cantina de San Angel, Mexico Les Halles Boulangeries-Patisserie, France   Epcot Future World Sunshine Seasons, The Land Pavilion – “There is sure to be something to please everyone in your travel party because...
10 Magical Steps to Planning a Disney Vacation

10 Magical Steps to Planning a Disney Vacation

Planning a Disney vacation doesn’t have to be overwhelming especially when using a Magical Tripcations Disney Travel Planner!  We have created this list of 10 Magical Steps to Planning a Disney Vacation to show you how easy it is to plan your dream Disney vacation.  Magical Tripcations is an Authorized Disney Vacation Travel Planner and full service travel agency with accredited membership under Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).  We are a team of highly qualified travel planners and are dedicated to providing you with superior customer service, expert advice and truly personalized travel planning services.  Best news?  Our planning services are FREE when you book your vacation package with us.  We will save you hours of research, answer all of your questions, and provide you with a seamless vacation, one magical step at a time.  Need more information?  See our Why Use a Disney Travel Planner blog post here. 10 Magical Steps to Planning a Disney Vacation Step 1 – Contact Magical Tripcations for a Package Quote A travel planner will be in touch with you within 24-hours of receiving your request for a quote and provide you with a travel questionnaire to.  Or, if you prefer, he or she can give you a call.  After you complete the questionnaire, your travel planner will prepare a quote based on your travel needs and email the quote to you within 48-hours. Did you know if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World® or Disneyland®, a $200 deposit is all that is required to book your reservation and begin the planning process?  Read on for how this makes planning your Disney vacation even easier! Step 2 –...