From Boyfriend to Betrothed:  A Royal Proposal at Cinderella Castle

From Boyfriend to Betrothed: A Royal Proposal at Cinderella Castle

Written by Magical Tripcations Team Magical moments both big and small happen every day at Walt Disney World.  What could be more romantic and magical than getting engaged at the most magical place on earth?  But where do you start?  Do you just “wing it” in front of Cinderella Castle with a few thousand of your closest friends?  It’s nerve-racking enough to reach the point of proposing.  And saying it OUT LOUD to friends and family that you intend to make your princess your wife…and hope she says yes…can be down-right daunting!  Needless to say, planning the perfect proposal can be overwhelming!  Sounds like work for a Fairy Godmother.  Recently, a Magical Tripcations client facing this task took a big step towards going from boyfriend to betrothed with the help of his own Fairy Godmother.  Well, a Fairy Godmother he found in the form of a Magical Tripcations Travel Planner.   Meet prince charming, our client Jonathan, and his Fairy Godmother, Mary-Morning, a Magical Tripcations Travel Planner.  Mary-Morning and Jonathan had already been hard at work planning he and his girlfriend’s vacation to Disney World when he contacted Mary-Morning with the exciting news.  Jonathan knew that he wanted to get down on one knee and propose to his love.  He knew beyond a doubt who he wanted to marry but he needed the how and where to propose and the magic.   Instead of winging the proposal on his own, he needed a little extra help to plan this one last enchanting detail for their upcoming trip.   Mary-Morning went to work to find the most romantic way her client could propose...
Top 6 Things We Love About Disneyland

Top 6 Things We Love About Disneyland

Written by Jennifer Jamieson – Magical Tripcations Travel Planner For 60 years, Disneyland has welcomed and enchanted the young and the young at heart.  It is as charming as it is magical.  Coming up with reasons to visit is never a challenge; however, narrowing down our favorite memories and why we love Disneyland is a bit harder to do.  After much reminiscing and recent travels to sunny California, here is our list of the top 6 things we love about Disneyland. 6)  Disneyland is Walt’s park. Disneyland is the only theme park that Walt Disney himself spent time in.   The moment you walk through the gate, you can feel that you are in a happy place and you can experience it, too.  If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the Opera House.  There, you’ll not only find a special presentation by the Great Emancipator but, you will also find the park bench on display that Walt Disney sat on as he dreamed of building Disneyland. While you’re at the entrance hub on Main Street, U.S.A., be sure to look up above the Disneyland Fire Dept. where you will see a lamp in the window.  This window is in Walt Disney’s personal apartment that he built and stayed in when visiting the park.  He would turn the lamp on when he was there and today, the lamp is left on at all times in remembrance of him.  You can read more about it here: Image: ©Disney 5)  Disneyland is compact. Whereas Disney World has four theme parks, Disneyland is comprised of two and you...
Character Hunting at Disney World:  Tips to Magical Moments

Character Hunting at Disney World: Tips to Magical Moments

Written by Jennifer Jamieson – Magical Tripcations Travel Planner Do you remember the first time you met Mickey Mouse?  Or do you know someone who dreams of meeting their favorite princess or a character from a galaxy far, far away?  A trip to Walt Disney World© is as magical as it is memorable and no experience adds to the magic more than meeting your favorite character, princess, or villain.  However, quite a bit has changed over the years when it comes to meeting Mickey and the gang. Most characters do not roam the parks but have set spots or venues where they reside and you line up to meet them, grab an autograph and snap a picture. There are four Disney Parks at Disney World and not all characters can be found at one single park.  Being prepared ahead of time with an idea of which characters are at the top of the list will save you time and ensure that you capture moments with the favorites on your list. So, where do you start?  Before leaving for the house of the mouse, do a little research on where to find the characters you are most interested in meeting.  You can find information on specific park attractions, shows and character meet and greets on the Walt Disney World© website.  Or you can ask one of us!  To help you in your quest to meet Mickey, a Princess or two, Chewbacca or Winnie the Pooh, here are our go-to resources for character hunting at Disney World and tips to magical moments. Minnie is so sweet! Character Meet and Greets Each...
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 –...
Why Use A Disney Travel Planner?

Why Use A Disney Travel Planner?

Why use a Disney Travel Planner?  We’re so glad you asked! So, you want to go to Disney World, take a Disney Cruise or learn more about the value of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort® but are overwhelmed with the massive amount of information you stumble upon on the Internet.  You may be asking yourself where do I start, when do we go, where do we stay?  Look no further, as Magical Tripcations is here to help answer any and all of your questions and save you hours of research and stress that comes with planning a dream vacation!  We would be honored if you allowed us to share our love of Disney with you. Our team of Disney travel planners is well educated and knowledgeable in all things Disney!  We are graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge and collectively, we have hundreds of Disney vacations under our belts that provide invaluable experience.  We’ve done just about everything there is to do at the theme parks, including getting married & honeymooning, celebrating birthdays & anniversaries, attending many special events, and running in several of the Walt Disney World® Marathons.  We’ve also enjoyed time with Mickey and friends aboard the Disney Cruise Line!  We know the Disney tips and tricks to make your vacation magical and memorable from first-hand experience. Our travel planning services are FREE!  That’s right, free.  When you book your Disney Destinations package through Magical Tripcations, our planning services are free!  We are paid a commission through the Walt Disney Travel Company for booking your vacation.   And, we don’t stop at the booking service.  We...