Tag Archives: Deals

Jan 14 2015

Helpful Information For Your March 2015 Disney World Vacation

Disney World Spring

Planning Your March 2015 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in March 2015? Lucky you! March is a wonderful time of year to visit the “happiest place on earth”. The temperatures begin to moderate, the flowers are in full bloom and the park hours are extended. Keep in mind that this is the month that crowds begin to pick up as all of us people with school-age children who live in snowy places (like my state of Colorado 🙂 ) flee the cold over Spring Break to soak up some of the Florida sun.

Weather

Mickey Mouse and Friends Zip Hoodie for Women - Walt Disney World 2015The weather in Disney World during March can be beautiful. The average high is about 78 degrees, the average low is about 54 degrees and the average rainfall is about 4.01 inches. March is the fifth rainiest month of the year with generally mild temperatures. Hurricane season has not yet begun, however there are the occasional severe storms with tornadoes during this time of year. Remember that although it can reach the upper 70’s by afternoon, low 50’s waiting for the bus in the morning can be very chilly, especially given the high humidity levels in Florida. When traveling in March, I always pack a couple of Disney hoodies to keep me warm in the mornings and evenings.

Crowds

March typically begins with moderate crowds and by mid-month when a lot of schools begin their Spring Breaks, the crowd levels become high. With Easter occurring fairly early this year (April 5), the crowds are anticipated to pick up the weekend of March 14 and 15 and to continue to be high the rest of the month.

March 1 – March 7 – Average Crowd Level 5.6 out of 10
March 8 – March 14 – Average Crowd Level 7.1 out of 10
March 15 – March 21 – Average Crowd Level 7.2 out of 10
March 22 – March 28 – Average Crowd Level 8.0 out of 10
March 29 – March 31 – Average Crowd Level 9.0 out of 10

Park Hours

Magic Kingdom ClockWith bigger crowds comes longer hours at the Parks. As the month goes on each Park stays open later.

  • Magic Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 10pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Epcot: Open from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Hollywood Studios: Open most days from 9am – 8:30pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)
  • Animal Kingdom: Open most days from 9am – 7pm (or later during last half of March, plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during March, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often extended during the busier seasons.

Events

Epcot International Flower And Garden FestivalAnother terrific part about visiting Disney World in March is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year the event will run from March 4 – May 17 and features over 100 topiaries, interesting gardening demonstrations, beautiful flowers, weekend music concerts and several outdoor kitchens serving delicious foods and beverages. For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please check out this article.

Raglan RoadFor an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration, head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney for music, food, and fun. For more details, please check out this article.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the scheduled closures during March (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom

  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: March 4 – March 5, 2015
  • Central Plaza Area (between end of Main Street and Cinderella Castle): Ongoing – To Be Completed In 2015
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table: January 5 – March 6, 2015
  • Harmony Barber Shop: February 2 – March 30, 2015
  • Stitch’s Great Escape: March 1 – March 2, 2015
  • Peter Pan’s Flight: March 5 – March 6, 2015
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid: February 2 – March 6, 2015

Epcot

  • Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: March 14 – March 15, 2015

Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
  • Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – April 22, 2015
  • Kali River Rapids: March 10 – March 13, 2015

Water Parks

  • Blizzard Beach Water Park: January 4 – March 14, 2015

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016. Please check out this article for more details and photos!

Resort Hotels

  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In August 2015; Stormalong Bay Lazy River and Bridges 3 & 4 February 2 – March 3, 2015
  • Contemporary: Main Pool Closed March 9 – March 11, 2015
  • Grand Floridian Resort: Beach Water Activity Pool March 6 – April 9, 2015
  • Polynesian Resort: Ongoing Nanea Volcano Pool Refurbishment To Be Completed In Spring 2015; Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto To Be Completed In 2015; DVC Polynesian Villas & Bungalows To Open In 2015
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2016

Planning Tips

Disney's Animal Kingdom Tree of LifeIf you are traveling to Disney World in March 2015, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to customize your Magicband on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name.
  • Whether you are staying onsite or off-property, now is the time to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days out (midnight EST time) if you are staying onsite, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying onsite, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation now by clicking here.
  • Now is also a great time to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, ask a question in the comments section, or take a look at the Planning section here.

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your March 2015 reservations, Disney has some great offers going on right now!

  • Save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between now and March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.
  • As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

To take advantage of these incredible deals, please click the image below and fill out the form to receive a quote from my friends at Destinations in Florida.

Any planning questions or tips? Please leave a comment!

Jan 13 2015

Thinking Of A Disney Cruise In 2015? Read This!

Canada Place Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Have you always thought about taking a Disney Cruise? 2015 is a perfect year to make that dream come true! I’ve taken two Disney cruises so far – one in 2013 on the Disney Dream to the Bahamas and one in 2014 on the Disney Wonder to Alaska. Both sailings were exceptional and unique.

Disney Dream Cruise to the Bahamas

On our 2013 voyage, we took a 4 night cruise on the Disney Dream that departed from Port Canaveral and sailed to Nassau and Disney’s private island – Castaway Cay. We booked a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah which was spacious and a perfect choice for our first adventure. While it was nice to have the verandah, with such a short cruise we didn’t get to use it very much. We loved the large ship and all of its amenities. Next time we would skip our Port Adventure to the Atlantis. It was a beautiful resort, but the surrounding area was not, and with a short 4-night cruise, we could have had more fun staying on the ship and saving the money. Our day at Castaway Cay was by far the best day of the cruise and we are not even swimmers! The island is beautiful and there is plenty of space for everyone so that it doesn’t feel crowded. We spent the day playing in the sand, renting giant tubes to float around in and enjoying a plentiful BBQ lunch. That evening was pirate night on the ship, where we dressed in our Pirate costumes, had a tasty pirate meal and ended the night with a lively show, fireworks and a dessert buffet. My boys still talk about that night even two years later.

Disney Wonder Cruise to Alaska

On our 2014 voyage, we took a 7 night cruise that departed from Vancouver and sailed to Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. On this sailing we booked a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with One Large Port Hole. Although this room was slightly smaller than the one we had on the Dream (214 square feet versus 299 square feet), it did not feel that way, because most of the additional square footage on the Dream is actually the verandah. The Disney Wonder itself is considerably smaller than the Dream giving it the ability to navigate the tight inside channels near Alaska. The Wonder can accommodate 2,400 passengers in 875 staterooms where the Dream can hold 4,000 passengers in 1,250 staterooms. Despite the difference in size, the Wonder still felt large and actually less crowded than the Dream. We loved the coziness of the Wonder and the feeling of really getting to know the ship and the crew. During our 7 night sailing, we enjoyed many delicious meals, lots of family fun and some exciting port adventures like dog sledding, a float plane flight and a train to the Yukon. Although the Alaska cruise was considerably more expensive (more than twice as much) than our cruise to the Bahamas, it was our 25th Wedding Anniversary so we were looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it did not disappoint! If you would like to read more about my adventures (and Disney Mom Panelist – Erin Foster) in Alaska, please check out these articles:

Fairmont Vancouver Hotels Before A Disney Alaska Cruise
What To Do The Night Before Your Disney Alaska Cruise
Canada Place – Vancouver Cruise Terminal Basics
White Pass & Yukon Line Railway Train Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure
Disney Alaska Cruise Dog Sledding
Classic Misty Fjords Flightseeing Port Adventure
Disney Cruise Line Bingo
Desserts Aboard The Disney Wonder

Still Not Convinced?

Believe me, I was a hard sell for my first cruise. Despite my life-long love of all things Disney, I was very apprehensive about taking a cruise. You can read more about my concerns in my article: Disney Cruise Line For People Who Hate Cruises.

Disney Cruise Line Deal

Disney Cruise Line has an incredible deal going on right now on any 2015 sailing that is reserved by February 15, you only pay half of your deposit on the day you book. The remainder of the deposit will not be required until the final payment is due. The deposit amount varies based on the cruise and is generally 20% of the Stateroom cost (excluding taxes, fees and port expenses), but with this offer you will only be paying 10% up front. To receive a quote from my friends at Destinations in Florida, please click the image at the bottom of the article and fill out the quote form.

Don’t Forget About Disney World

And don’t forget that you can add days in Disney World before or after your Disney Cruise out of Florida. We did that after our Disney Cruise to the Bahamas and it was a fabulous way to wrap up our vacation!

Do you have any questions about Disney Cruise Line?
Please ask in the comments section and I will be glad to answer them!
Bon Voyage!

Jan 9 2015

Celebrating Valentine’s Day Disney Style

Disney World Valentine's Day

Last weekend while I was shopping with my family at Target, I was amazed to see that right next to the Christmas clearance section was an area filled with everything imaginable for Valentine’s Day. It’s hard to believe that we are already well into January with February 14 less than six weeks away! If you are one of those lucky people who will be celebrating in Disney World this year, you have lots of romantic options available and if you are like so many of us far away from that magical place, I have a few ideas for you to bring a little Disney magic into your celebration as well as some gift ideas.

Here are just some of the many possibilities available at Disney World from WDW News:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ Together… – What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone.  The new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, both feature a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407-WDW-SPAS.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – Fly through the sky with your special someone on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heights can spend 10 minutes soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407-939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Sunset in the Sky – A very different kind of flight is aboard a tethered balloon rising gently into the Florida sky. Located on the waterfront at Downtown Disney, Characters in Flight gives romantics a chance to take their love to new heights.  Operating daily, the giant balloon provides breathtaking sights from 400 ft. up in the air with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and beyond. Flights take place between 8:30 a.m. and midnight (weather permitting) and last approximately 8-10 minutes. Romantics who time their flight to sunset or fireworks bursting above the parks are in for a special treat. Tickets can be purchased at Downtown Disney West Side; tickets are $12.00 per child and $18.00 per adult.

Magical Resorts – From the tropical splendor of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the Victorian era of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407-W-DISNEY.

The Love Boat – The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Callers to that same number can ask about Magic Kingdom or Epcot fireworks cruises aboard gently floating pontoon boats. To turn up the romance, lovebirds can order up champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for their fireworks viewing.

Disney Dining Serves Romance – Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

  • Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Situated on the 15th floor of the resort, the onstage, market-inspired kitchen boasts breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and nightly fireworks.  The menu is creative, seasonal, sophisticated and fun.
  • Beneath shimmering chandeliers, lovebirds can dine in fairy tale elegance at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Known as the place where Belle and Beast fell in love, the grand ballroom in Beast’s Castle is the perfect setting for romance as ‘snow’ falls on the French countryside outside the windows and guests dine on French-inspired cuisine and fine wines.
  • One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose. For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom-tailored to their palates by Chef Scott Hunnel.
  • Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.
  • There’s nothing more romantic than a champagne toast with classical French cuisine. Monsieur Paul restaurant at the France pavilion at Epcot pays homage to one of France’s most celebrated chefs, Paul Bocuse with upscale French creations. The second floor vantage point of the newly redesigned restaurant offers stunning views of the nightly IllumiNations fireworks display.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE.

Nature Lovers – A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Romantic Evening – Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long. For reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Looking to bring a little Disney magic into your Valentine’s Day celebration at home? Here are a few of my Disney inspired ideas that would work not only for a romantic evening for two, but for the whole family as well.

  • Decorate the space like a rustic Italian restaurant, make a simple spaghetti or lasagna dinner, open a bottle of wine, put on some romantic music like Andrea Bocelli, and then after the meal pop in Lady and the Tramp.
  • Decorate the space like an old library, make some easy French desserts like cream puffs or éclairs, add a little French wine and music, and follow it up with Beauty and the Beast.
  • Decorate the space like you are “under the sea”, make a tasty seafood meal, turn on some lively Caribbean music, and watch The Little Mermaid.
  • And of course, for those Frozen fans out there, decorate the space like a winter wonderland, make a delicious chocolate fondue and cut up fruits and cakes for dipping, and don’t forgot some yummy hot chocolate while watching the movie.

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for that special Disney fan in your life? Here are a few of my favorites from the Disney Store. Just click the images for more information about each item and if you place an order, be sure to use promo code SHIPMAGIC to receive free shipping on purchases over $75. This is just a small sampling of what is available. The Disney Store has items for Princesses and Prince Charmings of every age and prices range from just a few dollars to thousands (contains affiliate links)!

Mickey Mouse Dangling Icon Earrings by ArribasMickey Mouse Dangling Icon Earrings – $19
Mickey puts the ear in heart with these Mickey Mouse Icon Earrings. His distinctive silhouette features a large Swarovski crystal and dangles from a heart on this pair of sparkling earrings by the renowned Arribas Brothers.

Minnie Mouse Icon Necklace by ArribasMinnie Mouse Icon Necklace – $39.50
Minnie’s iconic outline is crafted with Swarovski crystals and accented with her fa-mouse bow on this dazzling necklace. Crystals add extra sparkle to the polka dots on this glamorous reminder of your visit to the Park.

Disney Sketch Wristlet by Dooney & BourkeDisney Sketch Wristlet by Dooney & Bourke – $88
Carry your small essentials in this strapping handbag by Dooney & Bourke. Mickey’s fine fashion fun-purse comes to you direct from the Disney Parks and the designer label you love.

Mickey Mouse Icon RingMickey Mouse Icon Ring – $175 (Silver)
Mickey puts his head together and comes up with this contemporary styled ring. Part of the Disney Dream Collection, this band of alternating Mickey icons is available in a choice of sterling silver ($175) and gold ($1500) so Mickey will always be on hand.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Jan 5 2015

Disney Discounts For The Week Of January 5, 2015

Please check out this week’s amazing Disney discounts!

Walt Disney World® Resort

  • Save Up to 30% Off Hotels through Summer: Save up to 30% off your hotel accommodations for a 2015 Disney World vacation.  Select dates from now through June 15, 2015.
  • Kid Sized Deal for Families of 3: Book your family of 3 at a Disney Value Resort for select nights from April 12 – May 28 for 3 nights with 2-Day Tickets for as little as $909! Click the banner below and fill out the quote form for more details and restrictions.
  • Active/Retired Military Rates: For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.
  • Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Rates: Florida Residents and Annual Passholders can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels up to 35% off through Spring 2015.
  • RunDisney Group Rates: Are you a runner? Do you want to run a race with Mickey Mouse? Join the VIP runners at Destinations in Florida for some of the favorite races including Disney Princess Run and Expedition Everest. These exclusive rates are only with Destinations in Florida.

Click the banner below and fill out the quote form to take advantage of these great offers!

Disneyland® Resort

  • Save up to 25% Off Spring 2015 Vacations: Save up to 25% on Disneyland Resort Hotel stays now through February 12, 2015 and save up to 20% on stays February 13 – March 26, 2015.
  • Active/Retired Military Rates: For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.

Click the banner below and fill out the quote form to take advantage of these great offers!

Disney Cruise Line®

  • Half Off Disney Cruise Deposits: Book your 2015 Disney Cruise vacation by February 15 and you only pay half of the regular deposit to hold your reservation.
  • Canadian Residents Save up to 20% Off: Through March 2015, Canadian Residents can save up to 20% off Disney Cruise prices on select cruises.
  • Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military: Take advantage of special deals for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.

Click the banner below and fill out the quote form to take advantage of these great offers!

Dec 31 2014

Spring 2015 Disney World Discounts

Spring Disney Discounts

Please check out these incredible Spring Walt Disney World discounts!

Discount Offer 1
You can save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when you book between December 29, 2014 – February 16, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015.

Or save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between February 17 – March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2 – June 15, 2015. Great rates are also available for stays most nights February 22 – March 1, 2015.

As an added bonus you can receive one more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

Travel Window:
February 22 – June 15, 2015

Discount Offer 2
Families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $889 most Sunday through Thursday nights April 12 – May 21, 2015 and May 25 – 28, 2015 when you book December 29, 2014 – February 16, 2015.

Or families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $909 when you book February 17 – March 28, 2015.

Travel Window:
April 12 – May 21, 2015
May 25 – 28, 2015

Please click the banner below and fill out the quote form to take advantage of these great offers!