Cruising and Passports

Cruising and Passports

Cruising has become an extremely popular vacation in the past few years. With all of the changes in our national security people are confused about the need of a passport on a cruise vacation. Years ago you didn't need a passport to take a cruise to the Caribbean. As long as you returned to the port you left from.

After 9/11 things changed. Our border security was tightened and more regulations put in place. You can still cruise without a passport, but its not a good idea! Three years ago we did it! We went on the Disney Wonder and you didn't have to have a passport, an original birth certificate was all you needed. Now, you can still use your birth certificate but it won't get you back in the U.S. if miss the ship, or something happens medically and you are transported to a hospital.

Protect yourself and your family. Get a passport. There are now two options when getting a passport. You can get the Passport Book which is the full passport. You can fly anywhere in the world, cruise on any cruise ship and cross any borders you want (as long as you don't need a visa to visit that country too!).

The Passport Book costs $110.00 plus a processing fee of $25.00 if you don't apply yourself online and/or are getting a renewal passport. There is an alternative to the Passport book. The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.

The price for the Passport Card is $55.00 for first time adult passport applicants or $30 for an applicant that has held a passport before. That is a great savings if you never plan on flying to Europe!

Still confused? No worries! Consult a travel professional before making any decisions. It could be a savings and certainly a savings of your sanity!!

What is an All Inclusive Vacation?

What is an All Inclusive Vacation?

An amazing way to vacation! That is what an All Inclusive Vacation is! You pay for your vacation before you go, you’ve paid for your room, dining, alcohol and water sports. There are adult only resorts and family resorts, there are even clothing optional resorts.

MackeyMouse Travel is very fortunate that we have been able to visit many of these resorts and have many more to go! We can tell you which beach has sugary sand and which resort will put you to sleep! Nightlife? Most have nightly entertainment and some have theme nights.

No need to board a ship, keep up with a card, pay for your alcohol. You can relax, play in the sand with your kids, drop them off at the kids club and have a fabulously romantic sunset dinner on the beach!

We are here to help you navigate your way through all of the choices. You will need a passport so go ahead and apply for it! You are going to want to do this vacation, and soon!

For the cost of gas, snacks, groceries, condo at PCB, those outrageously overpriced rides, dinners out, and so much more you can have a relaxing, worry free vacation that truly lets you snuggle in with your main squeeze and/or your babies!

Let’s do it!

 

 

Families Are Time Starved

American Families are Time Starved......

Is Yours?

Contact us today to find out how you can connect with your children today! mackeymousetravel.com

Is your Travel Agent Biased?

Is Your Travel Agent Biased?

I just read an interesting article encouraging me to be biased. At first you might think this a strange concept. We are trained and taught to believe that being biased is unacceptable and down right rude. But, in the instance of picking the right vacation for your family, a little bias is in order.

I love Walt Disney World. I love the resorts, I love the attention to detail, the Disney Service, the desire to make sure that every day of my vacation is the best day yet. With that, when I am asked why should I pay more to stay "on property", I have to fall back on why I love Disney so much. I usually use the normal canned answer of, free Disney transportation, extra magic hours, package delivery and on and on.

But what I really need to say, is I love Disney. I wouldn't want a vacation just like the one I took when we went to visit Aunt Gladys in Omaha and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. While there is nothing wrong with Holiday Inn Express or Omaha, I specifically chose Disney World for the magic and enchantment of the entire destination. The resorts on property that Disney owns and operates are as much a part of that experience as the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella's Castle.

Not convinced yet? Disney has 3 categories of Resorts (plus the Home Away from Home resorts) that can meet any budget. Each resort has a unique theme that Disney carries through the entire property. If you choose the new Art of Animation Resort, you will live, if only for a week, in the world of Pixar and their most popular movies; Cars, Finding Nemo and The Lion King. Each building, each hallway, each room is decorated to reflect the world of the movie down to the light switch! Everywhere you look, you will see parts of the movie.

I worked for The Disney Store for 2 years in the mid-nineties. I learned so much more about Disney and the philosophy of Disney Service. There is on stage and off stage. We, the guest, are always on stage so everything we see is part of the "play" and considered in production. Disney and all of their cast members know this and work extremely hard to make sure our part of the production is flawless.

Does that mean we will have a vacation without hiccups? No, I don't think that is even humanly possible! What it means is, if something doesn't go right, Disney will do everything in its power (and its a mighty power!) to make sure they can correct the situation. Even if a simple heart felt "we apologize" with nothing monetarily attached is all you receive, it is 100 times more then what most hospitality companies will do for its guests. Disney truly believes you are their guest, just like when you visit Aunt Gladys in Omaha, you are visiting your cousins in Orlando. No one does it like Disney.

So the next time you are thinking about a trip to Disney, don't be bamboozled by a few dollars off your "hotel" stay. Choose to be enwrapped in Disney Theme, Disney Service and Disney Family and stay "on property".

MackeyMouse Travel is a graduate of Disney Knowledge and Disney Genius. We work hard at staying educated at all Disney has to offer. Call or email us for a free no obligation quote today. Remember, to use a travel agent is free, but our knowledge and bias is priceless!

20th Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is Set

20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 6-May 19 Celebrates with New Blooms, Food, Music, and ‘Oz’ Playground

A blooming bounty of festival firsts will welcome Disney guests to the 20^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.  First, the news:

• Epcot chefs will cook up first-time festival food and beverage fun, with special cooking stations offering exclusive-to-the-festival bites along the park’s World Showcase promenade.
• A new circus-like “Land of Oz Play Area,” based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz: The Great and Powerful” to be released in March 2013, will debut a kaleidoscope of interactive fun.
• Disney topiary experts will grow, shape and manicure a Fab Five Disney character topiary with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) featured in a celebratory floral cookout scene in living topiary color at the park’s front entrance.
• New illuminated gardens in the park’s Future World and World Showcase will cast a colorful glow over each festival evening.

Throughout the 75-day garden party, guests will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, colorful garden displays, a butterfly bounty, HGTV celebrity designers, interactive gardening seminars and whimsical children’s play areas.  On weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform.

Every Friday through Sunday, HGTV design celebrities will host Festival Center seminars.  During opening weekend, March 8-10, Chris Lambton of “Going Yard” will appear; other designers scheduled to take the stage include Brandon Johnson of “My Yard Goes Disney” and Meg Caswell of “Meg’s Great Rooms.”

For more information contact MackeyMouse Travel today! Great deals are available!!

Two NEW Experiences to add to your Universal Orlando Vacation!

 

“Universal’s Cinematic Dining Experience”

Make it an evening to remember at Universal Studios^® with the Universal Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Lombard's Seafood Grille. Then afterwards, you'll have access to an exclusive viewing area and dessert bar for the dazzling new Universal's Cinematic Spectacular–100 Years of Movie Memories nighttime show. Experience classic scenes from a century of Universal Pictures' most iconic films, all on cutting-edge waterfall screens surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics.

For $44.99 per adult and $12.99 (3-9child) this experience can be added to any vacation package with Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations.  The price of your ticket includes: 1 appetizer, 1 entrée, 1 non-alcoholic drink, a full dessert bar and access to an exclusive viewing area for the nighttime show!

Price includes Tax and Gratuity.  Does not include theme park admission.

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“SuperStar Character Breakfast at Universal Studios”

Start your day at Universal Studios^® with a fun-filled breakfast featuring the stars of Universal's Superstar Parade.

Join your favorite characters from Despicable Me; Nickelodeon's Dora & Diego, SpongeBob SquarePants™ and Patrick; E.B. from the film Hop; and more as you enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Later that day, feel like a celebrity as you get special VIP viewing access to enjoy Universal's Superstar Parade – an all-new entertainment experience that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology, hundreds of energetic street performers along with some of today's most beloved animated characters.

For $26.99 per adult and $10.99 (3-9 child) Enjoy your choice of (1) one plated breakfast and choice of coffee, tea, juice or milk.  The Superstar Character Breakfast is offered daily with seatings at 8:30AM, 9:30AM or 10:30AM at Cafe Labamba in Universal Studios Florida.

Price includes Tax and Gratuity. Does not include Theme park admission.

'Brave' the Competition

Copyright: Tom Smutny, photographer

'Brave' the Competition -- Immersing the whole family in traditional Scottish rivalry, Brave -The Highland Games Tournament at Epcot is a kid-focused offering that includes games like Mini Caber Toss, Cake Toss, Haggis Flip and archery. There also is a kids' playground with free enhanced wireless. The attraction will take place through July 8 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on the Rose Walk. Epcot admission is required.

Copyright: Tom Smutny, photographer

The Harmony Barber Shop

1st Hair Cut at Walt Disney World?

I wish I had thought of this for my children!! A few years ago, my sister took my niece to our favorite place for her first visit. This was the visit my sister found this fabulous barber shop in the Magic Kingdom!

The Harmony Barber Shop is located on the left as you enter the Magic Kingdom, past City Hall, tucked in between the "car barn" and the Emporium.You sit in the chair and get stickered up and get an old fashioned hair cut! They will cut hair on anyone male or female from 1 to 101 so next time you are there, give it a try!!

at 7 months they can be a bit squirmy!

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
Cost for a haircut is $19 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Colored hair gel, $5. Beard and mustache trims are $10. "First Haircuts" is the establishment's specialty. Young Walt Disney World guests who receive their first haircut at the Magic Kingdom barbershop are treated to many delightful surprises, from "pixie dust" and bubbles to Mickey Mouse stickers, and an extra-special "My 1st Haircut" set of Mouse Ears and certificate.The "My 1st Haircut" special is priced at $18.

Super proud of her new ears!!

 Now not to be out done, my dad decided it was time for his usual Jar Head cut.....they gave him a little more :)

How to Prepare for a Vacation at a Disney Park pt 3

New Series: How to Prepare for a Vacation at a Disney Park

Making the Most of Your TIME! 

If “a penny saved is a penny earned,” then what of time?  Shouldn’t it follow that saving time is also merit-worthy? Certainly using time purposefully is important, given that a guest has invested both money and time in a vacation. What is “purposeful” varies from person to person, however. Some guests at Epcot once shared that they were so enamored with the gardens that they hadn’t done any attractions – but they weren’t complaining; rather, they were complimenting … and beaming.  Here are some ways to “make time,” save time, add time and use time during a Disney park visit…

♦ Disney’s FASTPASS System allows guests to avoid waiting at designated popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks.  Here’s how it works:

• At the entrance to experiences offering FASTPASS, two times are posted – (1) approximate wait time using the normal queue and (2) return time for FASTPASS tickets currently being issued.
• If the wait in the normal queue is long, guests can choose to obtain a FASTPASS ticket (at no charge) with an assigned return time (an hour-long window) and then use the time until then to enjoy other experiences in the park.
• Upon returning to use their FASTPASS, the guest can experience the attraction with little or no waiting.

♦ A “rider swap” program lets both parents enjoy a ride – one parent waits with a child who is unable to ride an attraction while one parent rides.  Afterwards, the other parent can board the ride with minimal wait time.

♦ Tip Boards located at strategic “crossroads” in each theme park provide guests with a heads-up concerning attractions’ wait times.  Guests can save time – and “steps” – by consulting the boards throughout the day.

♦ Select mobile devices are capable of running downloadable apps that allow the user to obtain real-time wait information.

♦ Extra Magic Hours provide guests of select hotels at Walt Disney World Resort an opportunity for exclusive time in a Walt Disney World theme park.  The details:

• The exclusive time is one hour prior to scheduled park opening or up to three hours after park closing.
• The park varies from day to day.
• In all, there are up to 16 extra theme park hours available each week.
• The time is exclusively for guests of the Walt Disney World owned-and-operated hotels plus Walt Disney World Dolphin, Walt Disney World Swan, Shades of Green and the Hilton at Downtown Disney.
• Disney water parks sometimes open one hour early for guests of select Disney resort hotels.
• To take advantage of the additional time in the parks, guests must have a Magic Your Way ticket valid for the park(s) offering Extra Magic Hours – and, of course, their hotel ID.
• The Park Hopper option on Magic Your Way tickets allows guests to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours in a park or parks different from where the guest spends the rest of the day.

♦ Guests arriving at park opening frequently head to a favorite attraction and enjoy it before it gets busy.

♦ Guests who decide to forego viewing a popular parade frequently discover it’s a time to experience a popular attraction with less wait.

♦ Festivals and special events are times when the theme parks feature extra entertainment and excitement – included with regular admission.  Several long-running events are the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (spring), Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (fall), Star Wars Weekends (spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and elaborate decorations and seasonal entertainment at all four parks for the holidays.

♦ The “best time” to visit…depends.  The busier times to visit Walt Disney World parks are when school’s out for major holidays, the summer and three-day weekends.  The very busiest times typically are Christmas to New Year’s and around Easter.  Some considerations:

• Avoiding the busy times likely means shorter waits for attractions and shows and better access to dining reservations.
• Busy times can mean extended operating hours and sometimes special incremental entertainment.
• Disney planners attempt to schedule periodic attraction closures for refurbishment at times other than vacation peaks.

♦ Quick Service meals can cut down dining time – and sometimes cost. Add in “flexibility” because you can catch a gulp on the go without a reservation, and quick service can make consummate “good sense.”

♦ Table Service restaurant experiences can enhance the theme park experience. There are restaurants that are worth the extra planning effort of a reservation, the extra time at the table, and possible extra expense.  These eateries, replete with elaborate theming, extend the entertainment experience of the park to mealtime.  Dining and relaxing in an ambiance reflecting a different time or place is an entertainment experience worth the time sitting.  Sometimes these restaurants serve up entertainment acts along with meals.  And sometimes the meal may be part of a package that provides preferred seating at no extra cost for a signature entertainment performance (such as Candlelight Processional at Epcot or “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios).

♦ A longer stay can yield a vacation at a more comfortable pace.  Guest surveys show higher satisfaction ratings for longer stays – with “pace” typically cited as the reason.  After a week-long visit, guests have reported that they “didn’t feel rushed” and they “discovered a pool at the hotel.”

♦ For a short-duration visit, make a short list of “must-sees” and “must-dos” based on the vacationing group’s interests.  One of the worst mistakes a guest can make is over-scheduling.  Be realistic in planning.  Don’t attempt to see and do everything.  Vacation shouldn’t feel like a track meet!  And remember to take into account any relevant factors such as height restrictions or ambulatory concerns.

One of the many services MackeyMouse Travel offers is a daily itinerary designed for your party along with Tiny Tidbits to help you make the most of your time! Email us today: mackeymousetravel@yahoo.com.

Adventures by Disney® Wyoming/Yellowstone Vacation

Adventures by Disney® allows you to discover the untamed spirit of adventure in North America. From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone National Park, “Southwest Splendors” and “Quest for the West” explore the sweeping natural landscapes and unspoiled nature of the American West.
On “Southwest Splendors,” you will embark on an adventure of epic proportions as they experience the awesome expanse of the Grand Canyon and the power of the mighty Colorado River. Guests will marvel at the quiet majesty of the Southwestern desert as they explore geographical wonders of Monument Valley and Arches National Park.
A true cowboy adventure awaits you on “Quest for the West”. After exploring the beauty and wonder of Grand Teton National Park, Guests experience explosive power of Old Faithful and other geysers, mudpots and thermal features in Yellowstone National Park. Then, it’s off for a  Wild West adventure, as you learn to rope ride, hoot and holler like real wranglers at the historic Brooks Lake Lodge – an authentic dude ranch.
These two Adventures by Disney itineraries provide you with a vacation of a lifetime! Just see for yourself!

Choosing a Disney Resort

How on Earth do we Choose a Disney Resort??

There are many things that go into choosing a Disney resort. There is no rule or set of rules that you need to use. Your resort is a preference, a tally of all the things that you and your family need/want for your vacation. Our preference changes depending on the type of trip we are taking. Is it a family reunion of sorts? A simple 5 day 4 night trip with just us and the kids? Are we going to spend extra time at the resort participating in the amenities?

All of these questions lead up to your decision. And don’t worry, it’s Disney, no matter which resort you choose you can’t go wrong!  One of the biggest selling points about staying on Disney property is the Disney experience. Now Mickey won’t tuck you into bed, but it’s undeniable that Disney knows how to put the extra touches into everything they do! So if you need to take a couple of extra months to save up for a Disney resort or should I say THE Disney resort of your dreams, then by all means do so!

Disney has three classifications that makes deciding much easier. Value, Moderate, Deluxe.  And you are in luck! Your travel agent has stayed in all catagories! Not all resorts, but we have toured them all!

Value: An economic choice! Disney doesn’t chintz on theming in this category. You have The All Stars (Movies, Music and Sports), Pop Century and the newest gem opening in Late May 2012 Art Studio Suites. Value resorts are a great choice for an extended stay, a large family that might require 2 rooms and budget minded travelers. We have stayed at Pop Century and All Star Sports. You will find them lively and colorful. The each have a great food court, 2+ swimming pools, play areas, laundry facilities, guest services, airline check in, Disneys Magical Express and more.

The newest resort, Art Studio Suites will boast the most suites in this classification. This will allow as many as 8 people to stay in a single suite (with 2 bathrooms!).  Art Studio Suites is going to use animation from movies by Pixar to make this resort come to life. We will be trying this new one next year so we can give you a full report!

Moderate: Is exactly as the name implies. It’s a mid-level between the basics and the posh. Our favorite of all them is Port Orleans Riverside. We’ve stayed here many, many times and love it every time! You get the feel of a condo type resort and the rooms are slightly larger than the Value Resorts. Some even offer a trundle bed for a 5^th person to sleep in the same room.

The other resorts in this category are Port Orleans French Quarter, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Coronado Springs. Disney also considers their Cabins at Fort Wilderness Campground to be a part of this category but I think they are in a class all their own!  You have a food court, multiple pools (some with slides), play areas, laundry facilities, guest services, airline check in, Disney’s Magical Express and more.

Deluxe: Disney is certainly the best at Deluxe. The resorts in this category have the largest rooms of all the categories, pools with large slides, 3 are located on the monorail, while the others give you a up close and personal touch at other Disney Theme Parks. The resorts you can choose from in this category are: The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary, The Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, The Yacht and Beach Club, The Boardwalk, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

We love the Wilderness Lodge! It is by far our favorite for 2 reasons: it’s just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom and the theming is spectacular! Now many people will argue with me on this, because once you find your favorite Disney resort, it’s your favorite no matter what someone else says!  The amenities include close locations to either the Magic Kingdom (via monorail or boat), Epcot (boat or walk, Hollywood Studios (boat or walk) and Animal Kingdom (bus). 

Your choice isn’t simple but is a fun part of the process! The 3 things I use to decide are price, type of trip (quick or long) and number (how many in the group).  If you have trouble deciding and narrowing it down give us a call or email us and we can help you whiddle it down!  We are here to help you make the most of your Disney vacation and make sure that you have special memories to bring home with you!

Now Let’s go PLAN!