Category Deals

Jul 14 2017

Easy And Economical Ways To Visit Walt Disney World And Universal Orlando In A Single Vacation

Like so many of us traveling to Orlando from across the county or around the world, you are probably looking for a great way to see as much as the city has to offer in the most affordable way possible. And if you’re like me and have tweens or teens in your family, then one resort just might not be enough. Does one of your children have their heart set on meeting the Disney princesses, while another loves all things Harry Potter? If you’re looking for some easy and economical ways to make both of their dreams come true, check out these fantastic tips from Destinations in Florida Vacation Planner, Jennifer Hardy:

Jennifer HardyMany guests who come to the Orlando area want to visit both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando in the same visit, especially the Harry Potter fans. Guests want to be able to see Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and Mickey Mouse all within the same trip! However, guests are not aware of the most economical ways to visit both resorts.

There are 2 great ways to visit both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World in the same vacation:

Option 1

Cinderella CastleStay on site at Walt Disney World and purchase a Park-to-Park ticket with shuttle transfer included. Both one and two day tickets are offered, and these tickets are only available through Universal Orlando Authorized Travel Professionals such as Destinations In Florida Travel Planners. The shuttle will pick you up at a pre-arranged time right in front of your Walt Disney World hotel. Then when you’re ready to leave the theme parks, they will pick you up in the taxi/shuttle area adjacent to CityWalk. This avoids the need to rent a car and pay for parking at Universal Orlando. It’s also a great way to nap on the ride back to the hotel!

Option 2

Book a split stay at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. This comes with a Take 2 Transfer that provides one way airport/Universal Orlando hotel transportation as well as one way transfers between your Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando hotels. This transfer can be set up with either Universal Orlando at the beginning or end of your trip. The benefit of doing a split stay is that you can take full advantage of the on site benefits at both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. And again, it eliminates the need for a costly rental car. Plus if you book Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or the Hard Rock Hotel as your Universal Orlando hotel, you’ll get free Universal Express Pass benefits too. We recommend at least two nights at Universal Orlando for this portion of your trip.

Both of these options are great, affordable ways to visit Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World during the same vacation.

Destinations in Florida – Official Travel Partner Of Disney World Enthusiast

Jennifer HardySo have we got you thinking about a Walt Disney World/Universal Orlando vacation now? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let me tell you more about my friend, Jennifer Hardy. Jennifer is a vacation planner with the Destinations in Florida travel agency. Now before you close this page thinking a travel agency is not for you, give me just a moment to tell you more. Destinations in Florida is absolutely free to use! Not only are they free, they guarantee the lowest prices on Disney vacation packages!

And that’s not all, by booking with Jennifer you’ll receive all sorts of amazing benefits like:

  • Discount Watching – As soon as discounts are released, Jennifer will update your reservations, so you get the best deal available. She does this even if your vacation is paid in full!
  • Restaurant Recommendations and Reservations – Jennifer can make restaurant recommendations for you, and then she’ll wake up at the crack of dawn and make all of your dining reservations too. No work for you and no phone calls to make. You just sit back and relax. This service is valued at $69, but is free for Disney World Enthusiast readers that book with Jennifer!
  • Personalized Travel Itinerary – Jennifer will help you plan your days at Disney World so that you can avoid the crowds, ride the attractions best for your family, and even hit the restaurants you will love. On average, Destinations in Florida guests save four hours in lines at Disney theme parks, and you know that saying about how time is money. This service is valued at $149, but is free to Disney World Enthusiast readers that book their package with Jennifer!
  • MousePerks – Valued at $299, but free to you if you book with Jennifer; MousePerks are Magic in your Inbox! Do you want insider information from Disney Cast Members? Do you want fun Disney activities for the kids to get them ready? How about a few exclusive discounts? Every week Jennifer will email you a MousePerk to get you excited about your Disney vacation!
  • 501 WaysGifts For The Kids – Jennifer mails clients free fun gifts for the kids when she mails your final travel documents. Kids love the special items like pencils, stickers, and autograph books!
  • Gift For You – For a limited time, clients that book a Walt Disney World vacation package valued at $2,000 or more with Jennifer, will receive a free copy of my new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation“!

Still not convinced? To learn more about Jennifer and Destinations in Florida including recognitions, licensing, experience, Better Business Bureau record, testimonials and more, please click here. By the way, they are impressive!

Ready to price your vacation? Please fill out this form and Jennifer will having pricing details for you shortly!

Feb 6 2017

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Special “Escape The Cold” Rates Through April 16, 2017

If you’re looking for a fantastic way to escape the cold and snow this winter, check out the amazing deal being offered by the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels now through April 16, 2017!

Disney Springs aLooking for a cure for the winter blues? You should consider taking advantage of the special “Escape The Cold” rates that are being offered by the seven Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels in Central Florida. Available for stays through April 16, 2017, the special rates are a great way to escape to the Sunshine State, experience such special events as the first-ever Epcot® International Festival of the Arts and the 2017 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. It also is a wonderful time to take in the many new offerings in the Walt Disney World® Resort, including the many exceptional new venues at the dramatically transformed Disney SpringsTM area, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® Area. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, the vibrant new waterfront Disney SpringsTM offers a high-quality diverse mix of shops, an impressive variety of new upscale and casual dining options, and outstanding live entertainment options, with more than 150 establishments across its four outdoor neighborhoods.

Safari at NightThe special rates also provide the opportunity to take in such exciting new offerings at the Walt Disney World® Resort as Star WarsTM Launch Bay and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®; Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot®; Kilimanjaro Safaris® for a full day to night experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire stage show at Magic Kingdom® Park.

In addition to the seven Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels having an ideal location with an easy walk to the significantly expanded Disney SpringsTM, these seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels also provide shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and at night to the Disney SpringsTM area.

house-of-blues-1Plus, as a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “Disney SpringsTM Passport” booklet that features exclusive discounts and specials from Disney SpringsTM merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at Splitsville Luxury LanesTM, House of Blues® Restaurant, Ghirardelli® Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, STK Orlando, and Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea.

The Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels’ “Escape The Cold” Rates for stays through April 16, 2017, are:

  • B Resort & Spa – rates from $104 per room, per night (which is 30% off)
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates from $89 per room, per night.
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — rates from $139 per suite, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $116 per room, per night
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $116 per room, per night
  • Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney SpringsTM Area – rates from $129 per room, per night
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney SpringsTM Resort Area – rates from $77 per room, per night.

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, visit DisneySpringsHotels.com. The special rates are available for stays now through April 16, 2017, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.

Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalVisiting provides the opportunity to take in such special events as:

  • 2017 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts – weekends (Fridays-Mondays) between January 13-February 20, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Atlanta Braves Springs Training – February 25 – March 29, 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
  • 2017 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017 at Epcot®
  • Garden RocksTM Concert Series – Fridays-Mondays March 1 – May 29, 2017 at Epcot®

Note that Theme Park admission may be required, and some events require a separately priced ticket.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels include:

  • The ability to purchase Disney Theme Park admissions at each hotel
  • Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses
  • Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel
  • The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Disney Springs 1The reimagined Disney SpringsTM area overflows with the sights, sounds and flavors that come together in a beautiful outdoor environment with a charming waterfront setting. Set amid beautiful open-air promenades and bubbling springs, this vibrant destination features four distinct outdoor neighborhoods:  The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace, and West Side.

Among the many new offerings that are open at Disney SpringsTM are such outstanding retail tenants as kate spade new york, Vera Bradley, Tommy Bahama, PANDORA Jewelry, Under Armour Brand House, ALEX AND ANI, Sephora, UGG, and TROPHY ROOM.

In addition, Disney SpringsTM features such new specialty dining locations as Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina, renowned Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Amorette’s Patisserie, STK Orlando, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., D-Luxe Burger, Morimoto Asia Street Food, Sprinkles (cupcake bakery), The Daily Poutine, and YeSake.

Ganachery 9Among the other appealing offerings which opened during the past year are the Indiana Jones-themed Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, The Ganachery chocolate shop, Vivoli Il Gelato (serving Italian gelato like its sister shop in Florence, Italy), Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (which specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods), and Exposition Park (the home to Disney-owned food trucks, with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks).

Plus, there are two new parking garages with a total of 6,000 spaces, and the new Village Causeway, which provides guests another path of travel through the area. In addition, a pedestrian bridge from the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels to the Disney SpringsTM area is now available, making it even easier for guests.

Among the many other offerings open at Disney SpringsTM are:  World of Disney store, AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24, The Art of Disney, The LEGO® Store, Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Disney Design-A-Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy, Orlando Harley-Davidson (apparel and accessories), Pearl Factory, Starbucks® at Disney SpringsTM Marketplace, and Shop for Ireland.

Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels that includes:

  • B Resort & Spa — the stylish resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
  • Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – the 18-story, 325-room resort overlooks scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort, and offers two restaurants, a lounge, and wireless internet
  • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Orlando Lake Buena Vista — the luxurious and recently renovated resort hotel features 229 spacious suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area
  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace (formerly known as the Buena Vista Palace) – situated on 27 lush acres just steps from the Disney SpringsTM Area, the 27-story hotel is nearing completion of an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, and features a Character Breakfast every Sunday
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – the closest hotel to Disney SpringsTM, the resort offers two pools, a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, seven restaurants and lounges (including Benihana® Steakhouse), and 24-hour fitness center
  • Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney SpringsTM Area — offers the ideal setting to stay, meet and play, featuring modern Florida décor and complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney SpringsTM Resort Area — featuring Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.

With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney SpringsTM area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Considering a winter getaway?
Which Disney Springs hotel do you like best? Please leave a comment!

Jan 31 2017

Vivoli il Gelato Celebrates National Hot Chocolate Day In Disney Springs

il-gelato-1

Happy National Hot Chocolate Day!

January 31 is National Hot Chocolate Day and Vivoli il Gelato is grabbing the steaming cup with both hands and giving a complimentary hot chocolate to guests with any in-store purchase (limit of one per person).  At Vivoli il Gelato, guests can enjoy the authentic taste of Florence with original gelato recipes dating back to the 1930’s. Overseen by third-generation gelato maker, Silvana Vivoli, this team of expert gelato-makers create Italian masterpieces with fresh ingredients just like they did at her grandfather, Raffaello’s, shop in Italy. Indulge in a variety of unique flavors of signature gelato, milkshakes, affogato, sorbet and more, all within the newly reimagined Disney Springs.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you visited Vivoli il Gelato yet?
Did you love it? Please leave a comment!

Dec 5 2016

New Benefits For Walt Disney World Passholders During Resort’s 45th Anniversary Year

Magic Kingdom Holiday Fireworks

Wrapped in exciting events, the merriest of holiday happenings and a 2017 filled with spectacular openings, Walt Disney World Resort is marking its 45th anniversary — and unwrapping three special offers for passholders.

Popular Walt Disney World passes, good for theme park admission, valuable Disney savings and other perks throughout the year, gets even sweeter to mark the anniversary:

  • The EmporiumNew dining and merchandise benefits – Passholders can receive 10 percent off food and nonalcoholic beverages at select table-service restaurants at theme parks and Disney resort hotels and 20 percent off purchases at Disney owned-and-operated merchandise locations. These new benefits will continue even after the anniversary comes to an end on September 30, 2017.
  • Skipper Canteen 17Even more savings exclusively during the 45th anniversary – In addition to the ongoing benefits, passholders can save up to 20 percent off the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages at select restaurants in the theme parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs, as well as dinner shows. Passholders can choose from 45 restaurants participating in this special offer during the 45th anniversary year that runs now through September 30, 2017. Among the great restaurant choices: Signature Dining (Flying Fish, Artist Point, Citricos) and Family Dining (Jungle Skipper Canteen, Wave of American Flavors). And, for the first time, savings are available at select quick-service locations.
  • France PavilionGet 13 months for the price of 12 – Guests who purchase a 12-month pass will enjoy 13 months of unsurpassed passholder magic filled with seasonal events, unique attractions and stellar entertainment. New passes must be purchased between October 2, 2016 and January 3, 2017. Prices vary depending on pass type selected – Weekday Select, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus.

In addition to offering theme park admission, passes include special savings on resort hotel rooms, merchandise, recreation, sports, tours and spa treatments. Passholders will find still more savings on admission to special events and entertainment. Passes also add value and convenience with benefits like standard parking, park-hopping privileges and a Magic Band.

For more information on the offers or to sign up for a pass, please click here.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you Walt Disney World Passholder? Which benefits do you use?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Nov 29 2016

Walt Disney World Resort’s Special U.S. Military Ticket And Room Rates For 2017

4th of July Castle Fireworks

At Walt Disney World Resort from now through December 16, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active or retired members of the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney World Independence DayDisney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $209 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $209 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $246 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $224 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $224 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $261 each, plus tax.

Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 1, 2017, through December 19, 2017, except that the tickets may not be used April 9 – 23, 2017.

Independence DayActive and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2017.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. This offer is valid for stays most nights from January 1 – December 19, 2017, except for April 9 –23, 2017.

For information on Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407-939-5684 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

Here are some other details guests should know about:

  • 4th of JulyDisney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
  • “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
  • The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
  • Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
  • Subject to certain exceptions, Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options expire and may not be used after December 19, 2017. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
  • No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
  • Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Thank you for your service!