New Fantasyland Overview

Magical Mondays

Have you seen the GLOW?  Disney California Adventure is glowing this summer with the help of "Glow in the Show".  Special Mickey Ear hats that use the latest infrared trigger technology to allow guest to be part of the Disney magic as they travel through the park at night.  The hats sync to the beat of the music and colors change with the show.  

Azul Fives

Azul Fives is a member of the  Karisma family of resorts.  It is   the first tri-generational luxury hotel in the area. Catering to multi-generations and focused on luxury family fun.

Every Riviera Maya resort has its niche, and the Azul Fives is no exception.  Along with 24 hour a day gourmet dining, this resort caters to large families and groups by offering 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms suites.  A feature that can be difficult to find.  These over sized chic contemporary suites offer beautiful views, especially from the roof top of the 3 bedroom suites.


The Azul Fives partners with Fisher Price to provide interactive educational toys for all ages.  Children can check out their toy of choice from the lobby and exchange it for something else the next day or the next hour.  Need to entertain the children in the dining room, ask for the selection of Fisher Price toys that available in the dining room.

Another unique feature the Azul Resorts offers is the Bride's Dress Rehearsal.  For a low promotional rate, a future bride and groom can enjoy a 3 night stay at one of the Karisma Resorts and plan their wedding.

Azul Fives is also one of the few luxury all inclusive resorts that offers an European dining plan.  The suites are equipped with a full size and stocked kitchen for those who enjoy experimenting with the local cuisine.  

Magical Mondays

Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa celebrated their one year anniversary August 29.  Aulani is Disney's newest resort located just outside Honolulu, HI.  Dedicated to bring the family experience to the Hawaiian culture.  

Part of the birthday celebration included more details about the new water features and quick service restaurants.  A new family themed pool will be highlighted by a misty grotto where swimmers can relax while watching the sunset.  And after dark the grotto will be encased with glimmering lights from above and below.  A new kids splash zone resembling tidal pools will hold many playful surprises including water jets and creature images on the pool floors.  The new water area will of course include an expanded deck, chairs, chaise lounges and cabanas.  

Quick serve dining options offer continental breakfast and a lunch and dinner menu that can be enjoyed on the open air patio.  There will be a new quick serve dining option near the new family pool and an other eatery will be located beachside for grad and go snacks as well.  




Plan now to go to Aulani before December 18, 2012 and get 5 nights for the price of 3!

Magical Mondays

Adventures by Disney is a newer Disney Product that has been around only a few years.  Adventures by Disney provides guests with special perks they would most likely not find traveling on their own.  Private events and private guided tours, family programs as well as kids only and adult only tours are just some of the highlights of the Adventures by Disney.  This year, one of the most popular Adventure by Disney tours, Backstage Magic, will include admission to Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland Park and Mickey's Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular during its October 28, 2012 departure that is a 5 night tour.  
Trip Highlights include Special access to Walt Disney Imagineering, Behind the Scenes tour at Disneyland with a two day VIP pass, that includes Disney's FASTPASS and reserved parade seating.  Enjoy an exclusive visit to Jim Henson Company Lot, home of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy , that is not generally open to the public.  And visit the apartment where Walt Disney himself spent endless hours during the construction of Disneyland.
This tour has limited availability and must be booked by September 25, 2012.  Call at talk to our Disney Specialist for more information 877.543-0815.

Travel Tip

When packing for your cruise, remember to pack a carry on bag.  Use a large purse or small suitcase with wheels as your carry on bag,  Some things you want to carry on along with your boarding passes and passports, are medications, cameras, make-up, bathing suits, laptops and anything else of value.  I usually pack a change of clothes for dinner just in case the suitcase is delayed.
Bonus:  Cruising with children? A permanent marker can be invaluable.  Label soda cups and such to reduce confusion.

Cane River Cottage Natchitoches, LA

We recently spent a weekend at the Cane River Cottage and Guest House with my husband's family celebrating his Father's 80th birthday.  Let me just say that was one beautiful house and location.
Natchitoches, LA is known for being the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase and the home of the famous southern movie, Steel Magnolias.

Both the Cottage and Guest House will accommodate up to 8 people.  They are fully furnished and beautifully decorated and include luxurious bedding, a full kitchen, spacious living areas and screened porches facing beautiful Cane River Lake.

We found this was a perfect place for a family reunion.  I think it would also be a great place for a romantic getaway or girl friends trip.

Magical Mondays

The Walt Disney Travel Company offers some of the best travel insurance that is comprehensive to protect you and your travel investment.

Not only is the cost of your Walt Disney Vacation covered, but also non-refundable, pre-paid airfare regardless of whether it was purchased through the Walt Disney Travel Company, travel agent or on your own.

The insurance plan includes a 24 hour direct service hotline is staffed by trained travel counselors who will help you find medical care, obtain a cash advance or replace a lost prescription.

Trip cancellation coverage includes employee termination or layoff, being called into active military duty, or having leave revoked.

Trip delay, baggage delay and coverage for lost or stolen items are also included in the insurance along with the standard medical and emergency coverage.  These are just the highlights of the travel insurance offered by The Walt Disney Travel Company.  Talk to your travel agent for more details.

Should you purchase insurance for your Disney trip?  If the reasons above are not enough, consider how much you are paying for your magical vacation.  Insurance is a flat rate per traveling adult over 18 years old and children 17 and under are covered for free. (Current rate $75.95 per traveling adult)