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)

Travel Tip

A good travel agent will not charge you a service, processing, or membership.  Professional travel agents are paid by the vendor they use to book the trip. For example Carnival pays the travel agency a commission for booking a Carnival Cruise.  A good travel professional will work with you to find the right vacation for your expectations and budget.

Magical Mondays

The Storybook Circus in Fantasyland at Walt Disney World Florida recently opened.   This is the first of several phase expansions that will eventually double the size of Fantasyland.

I think one of the best features of the Storybook Circus is the addition of another Dumbo the Flying Elephant rides.  Yeah TWO Dumbo rides!  I know from experience that line moves slow and the target audience of riders makes the line even slower.  I'm sure a second ride will stay just as full.  While in the Big Top, enjoy some time together and play a family theme circus game.

The Fantasy land Station is the newest addition to the Walt Disney Railroad and restrooms are located at the train station.  The Walt Disney Railroad is a great way to get from one corner of the park to another while enjoying the scenery and resting your feet!  Need to occupy sometime waiting for the train?  Splash around in the circus theme Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station just outside the train station.

Magical Mondays

You can now book your 2013 vacation at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!  Plan ahead to reserve the perfect magical vacation for your family.  All it takes is a $200 deposit per reservation and the resort of your choice is secure.

Our travel agency recommends booking early to secure your resort and room of choice.  Of course this far out, Disney is not offering extra discounts or free dining but if they become available for your selected vacation time, we will gladly add any applicable deals or discounts to your reservation.

By the way, Disney is offering FREE DINING for select travel dates in 2012.  Check your dates, you may be eligible for some free Disney food!  Clients who book through our agency will be upgraded to the free dining option if applicable.

Travel Tip

Traveling for the sport?  Instead of shipping sports equipment such as skis or golf clubs, it may be cheaper to rent them once you arrive. The benefit of renting is that you may end up with better equipment or at least get a chance to try out a different brand or style.  

Many all inclusive resorts such as the Iberostar Paraiso Beach Hotel in Riviera Maya include free golf and club rental with a minimum stay.  

The Royal Hideaway

Reception area and check in

 Located inside a beautiful private gated area of Riviera Maya, the Royal Hideaway Playacar is a luxurious adult only all inclusive resort situated on the newly expanded beaches of Riviera Maya. The magnificent villa style accommodations and attentive concierge  service blends world class style with impeccable service.  

Quiet place

Stepping out of the car and gliding into the marble lined reception area is just the beginning of a luxurious vacation in this serene upscale resort.  The soothing atmosphere almost instantly relaxes you with a private welcoming sensation.  

View of the Beach from one
of the beach front restaurants

In addition to the beautiful setting and surroundings, Royal Hideaway Playacar is nestled on one of the most beautiful beaches along the Yucatan.  The beach was recently rebuilt and extends far the from the beach front a la carte restaurants.  The oceanfront solarium decks as well as the beach are perfect for lounging in the sun.  Small gazebos, hot tubs, and quite spaces are strategically placed through out the resort for quiet time alone or a place to meet up with others.

Mexican Night at the Dinner Theater

The resort features six very different a la carte specialty restaurants (reservations required), 24 hour in-room dining, chef;s dinner table (surcharge) and a dinner theater at least twice a week featuring different shows. Reservations are not required for the shows, so get there a little early have a glass of wine and meet some of the other guests staying at the resort. Daily and evening activities are offered every day and a private concierge service is available in each villa.

Beach Front Dining

In my opinion, The Royal Hideaway Playacar is one of the Occidental Hotel Resorts finer upscale resorts.  It is a nice small to mid size resorts, spread out so that it feels like a smaller resort.  The attention to deal and excellent attentive service truly makes this a perfect get away for the couple who need down time and pampering.  

Marble staircase to the Spa

An all inclusive resort compared to a cruise is really apples to oranges.  However comparing amenities, service and over all quality of the resort I would compare it to a Holland American or River Cruise.  This is not to say the demographics are the same, but feel, aesthetics, mood are very comparable.  

Infinity Pool

Magical Mondays

Want to maximize your fun in Disney’s Magical Theme Parks? Stay on site at a Disney Resort Hotel and be surrounded by Disney Magic 24 hours a day. Each day you can enter a different Theme Park 1 hour early. On select nights stay up to 3 hours after closing time at the Magic Kingdom. When the crowds become too much during the day, take a break at your resort pool, rest up and clean up before returning to the parks for the evening.

Want to try a different resort?  The Disney Art of Animation Resort opened in May 2012 and offers a new complete Disney experience.

Enjoy free complimentary Disney transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort including Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach and the ESPN Wild World of Sports Complex. Buses run from all the resorts to the different parks and complexes. Catch a water taxi from Disney World to Epoct or jump on the monorail for an overview of the beautiful complex.

Playacar Palace Resort

Playacar Palace is perfectly located on the beautiful white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen, 1 block off Fifth Avenue and next to the Cozumel Ferry this is a wonderful bright clean modern all inclusive resort is perfect for romantic honeymoons, beautiful weddings, family vacations and working meetings. 

This all inclusive resort includes 208 guest rooms and suites, most with balconies and ocean views of the Caribbean.  In room amenities include a double Jacuzzi in every room, 24 hour room service, luxurious bath products, free phone call to the US and Canada, and free internet just to mention a few. Great for the vacationer that needs to stay in touch at home.

Enjoy sensational international dining with unlimited wine by the bottle and name brand liquor throughout the resort.   

Hop on the Cozumel Ferry for a visit to the Cozumel Palace.  Palace Resorts offer exchange privileges among its other resort.

Infinity pool above a beautiful be

   

 Right now Palace Resorts are offering up to $1500 resort credit for a seven-night stay.  Resort credit?  You thought this was an all inclusive?  Yes, Playacar Palace is an All Inclusive Resort – all drinks, in-room stocked bar, all food, room service, resort entertainment and non motorized water sports.  What is not is not included are services in the state-of-the-art spa and green fee on the Robert Van Hagge world-class 18-hole golf course.  Guests can also use the resort credit for tours in the area including Tulume, Xcaret, and snorkeling.

Magical Mondays

Disney Magical Express is complimentary transportation from the Orlando International Airport to your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.  You must sign up for the Disney Magical Express prior to arrival whether you book your flights with Disney or on your own. 

Upon arrival, take the tram from your gate to the main Terminal and proceed to the Disney Welcome Center which is located on the B Side on Level 1 and bypass baggage claim. If you arrive on the A Side, please proceed to the B Side before taking the elevator or escalator down to Level 1. Follow the airport signs to Ground Transportation. At the Disney Welcome Center, confirm the number of bags checked and your outbound flight information before boarding a complimentary motor coach that will take you to your resort. Your motor coach may make up to 3 stops before arriving at your resort.
Once you arrive at Orlando International Airport, you have two options.


1) You can pick up your luggage at baggage claim and proceed directly to the Disney’s Welcome Center. You will be responsible for taking your luggage with you on the motor coach.
2) Or you may proceed directly to the Disney’s Welcome Center. You do not need to claim your luggage. Disney will gather your claim check numbers and a brief description of your luggage at the Welcome Center. They then collect and deliver it to your resort room. Your luggage may take up to 3 hours after you check-in to be delivered. You do not need to be in your room to receive your luggage. Remember to pack any valuables, medications or anything needed immediately upon arrival into Orlando in a carry-on bag. If you will be attending a function the day of arrival, we recommend that you pack any items needed for that function in your carry-on bag as well.


Returning home
You will receive a Transportation Notice the day prior to check-out advising you of your motor coach pick-up time and other general information. Your motor coach pick-up time is based on your flight departure and will be approximately 3 hours prior to that time to allow for multiple stops by the motor coach


Resort Airline Check-In Service
Upon departure, you may take advantage of Disney’s complimentary Resort Airline Check-In service for participating airlines. You can check your luggage and receive your airline boarding pass at your Disney Resort hotel so there is no need to check-in at the airport. At this time, the service is available for guests flying domestically on these airlines: Alaska, American, Continental, Delta (including Song), JetBlue, Northwest and United (including Ted).

Travel Tips - Alaska

Packing for Alaska:
From May through September, temperatures range from 40°F to 70° F during the day and drop into the 30’s and 40’s at night. The best way to prepare for this range of temperatures is to dress in layers and to be prepared for anything from bright sunshine to light rain. Here’s a list of items to include when packing for an Alaska trip.


• Waterproof jacket or Travel Unbrella
• Wool or fleece sweater or liner
• Turtleneck or a comfortable protective long sleeve shirt
• Comfortable footwear suitable for hiking and walking in wet conditions (Be sure to break in new shoes before your trip and bring good socks)
• Warm hat/rain hat or headband and gloves
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Light weight tote or backpack
• Lip Balm
• Good camera with extra batteries and variety of film speeds or extra memory card
• Travel-size binoculars

Playa del Carman

It has been 20 years since I had been to Riviera Maya in Mexico.  Wow, have things changed.  I was fortunate to visit several resorts and attractions as a travel agent guest of US Airways Vacations.  Our day in Playa del Carman began at the Playacar Palace Resort just steps from the Cozumel Ferry Pier and famous Playa del Carman 5^th Avenue full of shops, restaurants, bars, and specialty boutiques.   

As we left the resort, it was very evident we were Mexico.  Scattered in the foliage along the side walk ruins of the Mayan people enhance the landscape.   The Mayans built temples in Playa del Carman as a place to prepare and purify themselves before traveling to Cozumel and worship the Gods. 

At the beach there are two ferry companies that run ferries from Playa del Carman to Cozumel every hour starting at 4:00 AM.  The ferries usually run through midnight, but it is better to check the schedules prior to boarding.

Just up the road from the pier is the bus terminal.  This is where you can arrange transportation on your own to visit different areas of Riviera Maya.  Transfer rates are posted and are very reasonable.  Taxis are also available near the bus station.  Just like taking a taxi in any large city, make a note of the taxi number in case you accidentally leave a precious souvenir in the cab.  It is easier to ask for taxi number 867 than a yellow taxi driven by a short man with black hair. 

Diagonally across the street is a neighborhood Catholic Church.  This small pretty chapel can be used for religious wedding ceremonies.  Get married here and the locals and other tourist will clap and congratulate you as you leave the church.  Thinking of getting married in Mexico, don’t forget to check out the marriage laws. 

Fifth Avenue is lined with tourist shops, restaurants, tequila bars, jewelry stores, boutiques and pharmacies.  The bricked streets are for pedestrians only.   Shops open around 9 am and stay open well into the night.  Keep in mind this is a street with low buildings in Mexico a couple of blocks from the water.  There is little shade and very few shops have air conditioning.  It will be hot!  Shops and bars along 5^th Avenue accept pesos as well as American Currency.  American currency can be used for any purchase, however I recommend using a credit card for large purchases.  (Always call your credit card company before traveling to a foreign country so that your credit card will be accepted)  If you need cash, go to one of the local banks and use the ATM inside the bank for a better exchange rate.  There are plenty of ATMs along the street that will cost you at least double the exchange rate.   

Remember these next time you fly

I am always searching for new tips and tricks for travel. Thanks to Sarah from Licorice and Olives. a guest blogger at Ruffles and Truffles! for the following tips. The link to their blog is at the bottom of this post.

Pashmina scarves are popular right now, so take advantage of your Pashmina all year long. It is small and packs well in a carry on bag. Since planes and airports are often cool, throw it over your shoulders or legs to fight a chill. Need a pillow? I wouldn't call it a pillow but it will keep your head from bumping against the window of the plane if you are trying to sleep.

Tooth brush, tooth paste, chap stick, and moisturizer are all necessary for long or overnight flights.

Water, water, hydrate! Before you even leave home or the hotel, drink a liter or two of water. Hydrate early and you will not be playing catch up during or after your flight.

Always carry your medications on board with you. You never know when your flight could be cancelled or your luggage get lost. Better to be safe than sorry.n the Sky {Sara: Licorice and Olives}

This Vegas Story should be told!

Kudoos to the Flamingo Resort in Las Vegas.  I am here for a week of training that is taking place at Caesar’s Casino and Resort.  Being the typical travel agent (cheap) I was having a hard time justifying the price to stay at Caesar’s and decided to stay across the street at the Flamingo Resort, a member of the Caesar’s family, for about a third of the price. 

The Flamingo has been great.  I am in one of the FAB rooms that was recently renovated.  The room is large and modern with faux wood floors and has plenty of accessible outlets.  The bathroom is also large – full counter with lots of surface and a large deep tub. Best of all everything is very clean!

Now for the story, I returned to my room about 7 pm and found a letter stating power and water would be turned off from 12 midnight to approximately 10 am the next morning for maintenance.  Along with the letter they left 2 bottles of water (always appreciated) and 2 glow sticks. 

Ruth at the front desk was very helpful.  At first she offered to change my room.  Not my first choice because I had been here for two days and am settled and comfortable.  So she offered me a spa pass to shower and primp so that I could get ready for my 8 am meeting the next morning.  A little inconvenient but I can live with that.  Funny thing while standing in line I was listening to other guests complain, demand room changes, comps and etc.  I really felt sorry for the staff.  They did not decide to turn the power and water off, but they just had to listen to the complaining.  Most guests were offered a food and beverage credit.  In some cases, the value of the credit was more than they paid for the room and in my case, a visit to the spa.  This morning while visiting the spa, something I rarely get to do (perk) I got to thinking about maintenance in these large buildings and thought, ok when is a good time to shut down a tower of rooms in Vegas?  Can any resort really afford to shut down an entire tower even for one day?  Guests expect a certain stand when staying at a resort and that standard has to be maintained even if it means a little inconvenience for some guests.  Thank Flamingo Resort for handling this matter professionally!

SECRETS and DREAMS Launch New FREE Mobile Apps

MOBILE APPS THAT ENHANCE STAY EXPERIENCE AND ALLOW GUESTS
TO BE CONNECTED FREE OF CHARGE

PHILADELPHIA, PA - March 27, 2012 - AMResorts, management for Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, and Secrets, Dreams, Now and Sunscape Resorts & Spas, announced today the launch of its new, interactive Unlimited-Connectivity® app. Now available for the company’s most recently opened properties, Secrets Vallarta Bay and Now Amber Puerto Vallarta, the innovative app will be rolled out to all AMResorts brands and resorts by the end of 2012. The free digital application developed by AMResorts and Telmex, a world leader in communications, is accessible for mobile download to iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Blackberry phones.


Unlimited-Connectivity® allows guests to stay connected and communicate with family and friends back home using the app-to-app calls feature to call local and international (U.S. and Canada) phones and send messages over the hotel’s Wi-Fi network without incurring any international cell phone roaming charges. Users can register the app with their room number, allowing them to instantly view their folio and request hotel services.  The easy-to use, cost-saving app registers as a room extension so guests can send and receive calls throughout the property as if they were in their room.

Disney's New Art of Animation Resort Opens early!!!!

Cover of Finding NemoThe Art of Animation is Disney's new value property that is primarily family suites The Art of Animation will immerse you  into the magical worlds of classic Disney and Disney•Pixar films.

Each wings is dedicated to one of the popular films "Finding Nemo", “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid”.  The grand opening for the "Finding Nemo" wing is May 31.  The other areas will open as scheduled below:
 • “Cars” – Opens June 18
• “Lion King” – Opens August 10
• “Little Mermaid” – Opens September 15

This beautiful new three-story resort will immediately put you into the worlds of your favorite Disney characters and animated films.  Call me today to book your Magical Vacation!  
Leisure Travel Enterprises is an authorized Disney Vacation Planner

CARNIVAL DESTINY will soon be THE CARNIVAL SUNSHINE

In the most ambitious refit and transformation project ever, Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million dry dock next year. The makeover will be so extensive and wide-ranging that the ship will be renamed Carnival Sunshine following the 49-day dry dock, which will take place from February to April 2013.

      New Features include:  2.0 dining, bar and entertainment features, 182 NEW cabins, adults only Serenity Pool.  

      After her makeover in Europe, she will sail 12 day Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona to Venice.  When she returns to the US, her new home will be New Orleans where she will sail three different 7 day itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.  

A

Leisure Travel Enterprises, LLC is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Image via CrunchBaseLeisure Travel Enterprises, LLC has been designated by Disney Destinations as an "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner" based on strong support in selling Disney vacations.  


Leisure Travel Enterprises has been in business for 5 years and is known for their commitment to family and group travel. 


All of Leisure Travel Enterprises  travel counselors have received extensive training on Disney theme parks, resorts, cruises, vacations packages and more, and can provide the highest in professional assistance in planning customized Disney vacations. In fact, one reason the agency has been designated an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” is that ALL of our leisure travel counselors are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth online comprehensive training course that allows agents to develop an expertise in planning Your family Disney vacations

Are you wondering "Why should I use a travel professional?"

In today's world of instant online access to unlimited information on so many travel options, you may be wondering why you spend the time talking to a travel professional like me when planning your next family vacation.  
I believe I just answered the question.

Instant online information is great, I use it all the time however not all information is created equally or projected in a way that is easy for the consumer to navigate and understand.  And with all the options for travel, resorts, hotels, cruises and destinations, how do you evaluate what is you are really looking for.

As a travel agent it is my job to know the great destinations.  My resources and expertise give you an inclusive view when planning your next vacation.  My extensive knowledge of cruise lines, resorts, airlines, and tour operators means I can help you get the family vacation you really want.  As a travel professional I have access to discounted rates, professional only offers, and exclusive benefits that will save you money, gain upgrades,  or give you additional amenities.  Through a global network of trusted travel partners, I can customize your family vacation to match your needs and desires.  When you have questions, you can pick up the phone and give me a call.  Need to make changes, you can call or email me with your requests.  I am responsible for your vacations.  My Job is Your Vacation.

Are Cruises really safe?

Image via Wikipedia

In the wake of the Costa Concordia tragedy, many vacationers are asking if a cruise is really safe.  The Costa Concordia incident is extraordinarily rare, especially since the cruise industry has been deemed the safest form of commercial transportation. 

To place this tragedy into perspective, Cruise Market Watch points out over 19 million passengers have enjoyed safe cruise experiences around the world in the last year.  And according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) over 90 million passengers have safely enjoyed cruise vacations over the past two decades. There are currently 456 cruise ships sailing throughout the world’s waterways with a total capacity of over 425,000 passengers. 

The cruise industry complies with all International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards governing the operation of cruise vessels worldwide. These regulations are closely monitored by both flag and port states. These internationally mandated standards govern the design, construction and operation of ocean-going vessels and are codified in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and its amendments. (CLIA)

As a travel agent, we strongly advise our clients to heed all passenger preparedness drills in the event of an emergency.  Muster Drills are mandatory on all cruise ships prior to leaving the port of embarkation.  As boring as they seem, we should all pay a little more attention to what is being said and demonstrated during these drills for our own safety and the safety of other passengers and crew.   

Aurora Borealis a.k.a. Northern Lights

Image via WikipediaThe aurora borealis is a natural occurring phenomenon where light dances across the sky near the north pole. Otherwise known as the Northern Lights, the best time to see nature's show is between April and October.  So the next logical question is "How do I get to the North Pole?".  


You can actually see quite a show in Alaska, northern Canadian, Iceland, and many of the Scandinavian countries. 
Consider a family cruise to Alaska.  The Alaska cruise season is from May to September.  Most of the major cruise lines offer Alaska cruises either north bound or south bound from Anchorage to Seattle or Vancouver or round trip cruises through the bay from Seattle and Vancouver.  For extended families, consider a Disney Cruise as they cater to all ages of children.  Families with older children will appreciate Celebrity and Princess Cruise lines for their educational programs geared toward teens and young adults.   
Not really the cruising type, the Rockie Mountain Railroad provides an up close look at the true sights and sounds of the lesser traveled regions of Canada and Alaska.  
Want to go someplace unique?  Scandinavian and Baltic Sea cruises offer a wealth of options. From Helsinki it is a short helicopter ride north to see this spectacular show from the sky.   .  

24 Hours of Magic

In celebration of LEAP DAY, for the first time ever, both Disney Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in California will be open for 24 hours beginning at 6 a.m. on February 29, 2012.  Visitors can enjoy non-stop day and night magic on select attractions and entertainment.
Enjoy one more day and night of Disney Magic FREE when you buy a 3 night, 3 day non-discounted  room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort hotels. Must book by January 31, 2012.
Leisure Travel Enterprises is a preferred supplier of Disney Travel.  Call us for the best rates and offers available.  We have the inside scoop!   877-543-0815