Check-In & Check It Out: What’s New at Port Orleans French Quarter

 Check-In & Check It Out:

What’s New at Port Orleans French Quarter

By Disney Destinations May 20, 2025

 

There are more than 25 uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World, each inviting guests to immerse themselves in a different world between adventures throughout the theme parks and beyond.

When guests stay at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter, they are transported to the  lively streets New Orleans. Colorful building facades, grand walkways and lush greenery evoke the feeling of walking through the city’s historic streets.

Now, with over a thousand room refurbishments officially completed, there’s even more festive flair for guests to discover at this fan-favorite resort.

Enjoy Refurbished Rooms with Charm at Port Orleans French Quarter

Throughout each room, colorful fabrics and patterns inspired by the city’s charming architecture bringing the lively spirit of “The Big Easy” to life, just like the buildings’ vibrant exteriors.

Guests will also notice nods to Mardi Gras celebrations, including artwork featuring those iconic purple, gold and green beads.

New portraits add even more character, featuring Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis and Charlotte La Bouff from “The Princess and the Frog” all dressed in their Mardi Gras best and dancing through the French Quarter in style!

Guests can take a closer look at the intricate detailing on the bathroom door and mosaic-style pattern above the beds, and catch hidden details like Tiana's sparkling tiara, as well as drums and trumpets -- and homage to New Orleans' jazz roots.

The refreshed bathroom is as relaxing as it is functional, offering plenty of storage options and a spacious counter – perfect for those mornings when the family is getting ready before a fun-filled day at the at the theme parks.

Get Transported to New Orleans

Outdoors, the theming continues with updated surfaces and vibrant designs throughout the newly refurbished Doubloon Lagoon pool area and Mardi Grogs pool bar, now featuring a brighter, more upscale look with airy blues, black-and-white tiles and wrought iron details.

They perfectly weave in those recognizable New Orleans elements while complementing the relaxed poolside vibe.

“This resort is all about transporting guests to the heart of New Orleans, and the recent enhancements bring that story to life in a exciting new ways,” said Diane Petit, General Manager, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. “Everything ties back to the charm and culture that our guests love.”

Experience All the Resort Has to Offer

When guests are not relaxing in these newly reimagined spaces, there’s no shortage of fun to experience around the resort. From taking a spin down the colorful sea serpent waterslide (named Scales!) to catching a movie under the stars, there’s something for everyone.

Many guests love listening to the live jazz music at Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge, taking a stroll along the scenic Sassagoula River, renting bikes or even hopping aboard a boat to Disney Springs – one of the complimentary transportation options available as part of their stay. And of course, no visit to the French Quarter is complete without Mickey-shaped beignets from Scat Cat’s Club – Café!

At the heart of the magic of a Disney Resort hotel stay is the exceptional service provided by Disney cast members. Whether it’s a friendly greeting after a day at the parks, a day at the parks, a surprise magical moment to celebrate a special occasion or just a helping hand when guests need it most, cast members are known for creating the kinds of memories that last a lifetime.

Stay in the Magic This Summer

There is so much fun in store this summer as we get ready to kick off Cool Kid Summer, coming to Walt Disney World May 27 through September 1. Families can make a splash with special deals and Disney-themed activities at select resorts.

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel offers more than just a place to rest – it provides convenient access to the magic, early theme park entry and complimentary transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort, and even admission to a Disney water park on check-in day.

With special offers available throughout the year, it’s easier than ever to create unforgettable memories with loved ones.

Stay tuned for even more updates as the Disney Resort renovations continue, and as they say in the French Quarter, laissez les bons temps rouler!

Why Use a Travel Agent to Book Your Disney Vacation? Why Use Pixie Dusted Memories Travel?

Why Use a Travel Agent to Book Your Disney Vacation?

Why Use Pixie Dusted Memories Travel?

The internet has made it easy to book your own vacation. You can even just call any Disney Park or the Cruise Line and book your vacation yourself. So why use a Travel Agent? There are many good agents and agencies out there. Find one that feel right for you.

 

First off you should find an agent who has specifically trained for Disney. They should be able to show you their College of Disney Knowledge Certification if asked. This training is covers every Disney Destination you can think of. You will have access to a wealth of knowledge by going with a Disney specialist. If it is your first time they can tell you the ins and outs of the destination.

Disney sometimes has discounts, free dining or other offers. Travel Agents are notified of these and can apply them, sometimes even after you have already booked. Travel Agents are aware of other ways to save a money and will assist. A great example is using Discounted Disney Gift Cards to pay for your vacation. Another way to save money is when you book and when you travel. Agents see the prices and how they change. They can also offer their experience on when pricing is lowest for where you wish to go.

Besides saving money a Travel Agent can help you understand what you may need to bring on your vacation. Are you cruising? Do you need a passport? What about Trip Insurance? Land or Sea considering Trip Insurance or Trip Protection is important. What does it cover? When do you purchase it? What are the risks of not purchasing?

 

What happens if something goes wrong and you cannot go on vacatin? Do you know the cancelation policy of your vacation destination? How do you get a refund? What if something goes wrong on the trip? Were you disappointed in the service or quality of the experience? Were there issues with your room? A Travel Agent can help you figure out how to talk to Disney to get assistance.

 

Do you need help with accessible accommodation? Do you need information on a destination and what is available for YOU with your accessible needs? A Travel Agent you specializes in Accessibility can be a great asset! Pixie Dusted Memories Travel does this!

 

Here is a big reason to consider using a Travel Agent. It is YOUR time and stress level. When new itineraries for Disney Cruise Line or Booking Opens for new dates at the Parks or Resorts the phone lines get overloaded. There can be a one to four hour plus hold before you can talk to someone to book your trip or make a modification/payment on an existing vacation not in the new booking time frame. Do you want to be on the phone stressing about making your Advanced Dining Reservations, Booking Port and Shipboard Adventures or adding special magic to your vacation? Would it not be wonderful to turn that over to someone else to handle for you? A Travel Agent does the work so you can PLAY!!

 

The best thing about the majority of Travel Agents that book Disney is there is no fee!! The first thing to ask any Travel Agent is do you charge any fees! The answer should be NO! Travel Agents get paid by commission. That commission is built into the price of the vacation. It does not matter if you book with a Travel Agent or directly with Disney, YOU pay that commission! The total will be the same for the exact same booking. Why not let someone else do the work for you?

We are Pixie Dusted Memories Travel. We do not charge any fees for our travel-related services. We do the work so you can play. We are here to answer any questions you may have. We will watch for special discounts that we may apply to any reservation you book with us.

Go Off-Roading with New Vehicles for Cars Ride

 Go Off-Roading with New Vehicles for Cars Ride

By Disney Destinations March 8^th, 2025

 

Life is an off-road rally race, and Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the rest of the Cars from Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars are going to ride it all night long.

 

First announced at last year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, and brand-new Cars themed area is speeding in to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Here, the Cars crew leaves Radiator Springs behind and heads off into the frontier to put their wheels to the test.

 

Now at The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Doctor, and Imagineer Michael Hundgen teased that guests will need to strap in because they’re in the process of creating a new type of ride vehicle for this experience.

 

“Our primary goal is creating an emotional experience for our guests,” Hundgen told the crowd. “For this Cars attraction we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle. No one builds these in a factory because it has to do so much more than just carrying you from one place to another. We have to create a car that conveys a feeling when you ride it.”

 

The team took a trip out to the Arizona desert to jump in a real off-road vehicle to see what it felt like driving over the rocky terrain. These are all things Lightning McQueen and Mater haven’t experienced before like racing over rocky terrain, ascending to mountain peaks, and dodging around geysers – how do you take these real-world elements and put a Cars spin on it?

 

From there, the Imagineers worked with a motocross company to build a real dirt track to race around on and took that data back to begin working on creating how the ride vehicles will eventually move and race.

 

“We’re using a customized production vehicle,” Hundgen continued. “It has sensors all over it, and we’re taking it for test drives on our dirt track to gather data on how the vehicle responds to different terrain. This is where we turn that feeling we want into real-world engineering,” Michael explained.

 

But all this talk about cars, what do they look like?

 

That’s where the Pixar team steps in. for some show and tell to get the crowd revved up, Doctor shared some early concept sketches with the audience, teasing that they’re creating “new race car personalities for this attraction. Each vehicle in the ride will have its own name and number, just like a real reace.”

 

 

Launch Into New Adventures 4.5.2024

Launch Into New Adventures 4.5.2024

By: Disney Destinations

 

Over the years, we’ve been working hard to keep our Star Wars experiences in Disney Parks evolving alongside the expanding galaxy far, far away. That is also part of what makes Star Tours: The Adventures Continue so special. So now, starting April 5^th, 2024, at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be taking guests on some all-new adventures. These new additions will feature characters and locations from some of guests favorite Disney+ new series -  “Ahsoka”, “Andor”, and “The Mandalorian”.

With these additions, guests will now have an opportunities to experience one of more that 250 storyline variations aboard the attraction, including a visit to the planet Peridea from the Ahsoka series.

 https://youtu.be/Xw9iGd7sc4s

Urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu may soon be part of guests next Starspeeder flight. These Iconic characters will continue to add to the galaxy of stories aboard Disney’s first Star Wars attraction.

 

Also starting April 5^th, Season of the Force will arrive at Disneyland park for a limited time through June 2^nd, 2024, with Hyperspace Mountain, themed food and beverage, merchandise and more. Debuting during the celebration, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park on select nights, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens this Summer at Walt Disney World

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens this Summer at Walt Disney World

We are excited to announce Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is opening this summer in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. With Mardi Gras season underway and construction milestones flying by the magic of Tiana is coming to life like never before!

In addition to the opening season announcement, we’re getting a sneak peek at one of the dozens of new Audio-Animatronic figures. Guests can look forward to seeing Tiana in her adventure outfit, as well as familiar faces and new friends that will fill up the bayou.

We can’t wait for guests to “come join the party” when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida this summer, and later in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California.

Check out the amazing Audio-Animatronic here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3ShmsiL7ms/?igsh=bXcwajJqb3Ewc2Qz here

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3ShmsiL7ms/?igsh=bXcwajJqb3Ewc2Qz

Monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia

 Monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia

By: Disney Destinations

August 28, 2023

 

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guest and Cast Members.

 

Guest may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Travel Agents can now modify or cancel online for the impacted period and fees will be automatically waived.

 

For the most up-to-date information about the weather, visit the Weather Updates and Information Page on DisneyWorld.com.

Weather Updates WDW:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/weather-updates/

Wait, What?? A Disney Cruise is a Better Value Than WDW?

Wait, What?? A Disney Cruise is a Better Value Than WDW?

Let’s pick a date and compare prices - 6/15-22/24 2 adults 2 kids 7/10. We will do the same dates and family size for both locations.

 

Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Oceanview on the Disney Fantasy out of Port Canaveral - price is $10,240.

Walt Disney World 7-Night 7, 1 Per Day Base tickets, Port Orleans Riverside (equivalent to DCL Oceanview room) - price is $5,191.99.

 

Wait!! The WDW package is almost ½ the price!!! Really?? How can anybody think DCL is a better deal? Let’s think about this and take a deep dive.

 

What is included in your WDW package, Room, Park Tickets, Transportation around the Resort.

 

What is included in your DCL package, Room, Port Fees, Taxes, Fees, 3 meals plus snacks all day (including dinner each night at a find dining restaurant equivalent to Be Our Guest), Soda, Regular Coffee/Tea, Juice, Milk, Hot Coco, 3-5 live shows plus first run movies, Daily 2 times per day Room Service, Dedicated Main Dining Room Dinner Servers, Entertainment all day, and Kids Clubs so parents can have adult time. Check the link at the bottom of the page for all that is included in the Cruise Fare.

 

Now let’s add up what is not included at WDW:

For this to be fair we need to include high-end dining every night and 4 shows while there. You would get these included at DCL so it is not fair to compare less. Remember these are higher end shows on the cruise and not the Park shows. They are equivalent to Drawn to Life and what you would expect on Broadway, even if a little short, average 45 minutes.

2 quick service breakfast and lunch ($75 per meal), 1 sit down equivalent to the restaurants on the ship ($250 per day - Be Our Guest for example) and snacks $100. Total $450 per day or $3,325 for 7 nights or $3,500. Yes you can eat for less but that is not a fair comparison to what you get on the ship. If you only ate quick service and snacks you may do $325 per day with a total of $2,275. This would save $1,050

Live shows like Drawn to Life $125+ per person average. $500 per show with 4 for the week. $2,000. You get at least 4 live shows on the cruise and maybe a movie. You can skip the shows and save but is that a fair comparison to what you get on the ship? I think not.

The food and entertainment adds $5,500 to the cost bringing the total package to $10,691.99. If you when without shows and only quick service meals that would save you $3,050 making the total $7,641.99. For a little more you get a higher-end experience, relaxation, and the cruise experience. Well worth it to me!

 

This is a fair comparison between the two vacation destinations. DCL is far more inclusive and in fact more budget friendly than WDW in my opinion. You know what the prices are before going. You can plan for the expenses and prepay almost everything.

 

I did not add Port Adventure to the DCL package. Those run from $30-$300 per person depending on the experience. Honestly we usually just stay on the ship or explore the area around the port rather than doing an expensive Port Adventure.

 

I did not add Spa, Adult Dinning, or Alcohol because we don’t usually do it and it is not required to have fun. Spa prices depend on what you are having done, Adult dining runs $50-$300 per person depending on ship, restaurant, Alcohol is $6-$18 per drink average but can go way higher for some specialty drinks.

 

I think DCL is a much better deal. You get all the higher things added in and there are no surprises with added fees! Even the “added things” such as Spa, Adult Dining, and Port Adventures you can budget for them and even prepay by adding funds to your onboard account/folio before boarding. Budgeting for a DCL vacation is a lot easier. And don’t forget to check out Money Saving Tips, such as using a Target Red Card to purchase Disney Gift Cards!

 

This is not to say a DCL vacation is cheap. It is not. This is to show the value of a DCL Vacation. This is a fair comparison between the two destinations. The choice is yours.

 

What is included in your DCL Cruise Fare:

https://pixiepranks-panstinkerbell.blogspot.com/2023/07/whats-included-in-disney-cruise-fare.html

 

Disney Vacation Money Saving Tips:

https://pixiepranks-panstinkerbell.blogspot.com/2023/06/disney-cruise-line-money-saving-tips.html

 

Disney Travel News Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World with EERIE-sistible Tricks and Treats!

Disney Travel News

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Returns to Walt Disney World with EERIE-sistible Tricks and Treats!

By: Disney Destinations

It’s #HalfwayToHalloween here at Walt Disney World Resort and, in celebration of the wicked occasion, we’re excited to share that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park late this summer and will run through this fall. Get ready for a spook-tacular celebration with plenty of tricks and treats when the series of parties kicks off August 11.

With Spellbinding entertainment, favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more, celebrate the most haunting time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. This limited capacity, nighttime event starts at 7 p.m. and allows guests to experience shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and beverage and more. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. The event dates are:

August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29

September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29

October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31

November: 1

In honor of #HalfwayToHalloween, check out some of the most ghoulish moments to look forward to when this guest-favorite event returns.

Watch a Ghostly Promenade with “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”

It’s good to be bad, and your favorite Disney villains are back to stride down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside Disney heroes, the iconic Haunted Mansions graveyard diggers and other favorite characters. Guests may even spot some ghoulish new faces this year.

Get the Party ‘Started’ With “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular”

Jack-o-Lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World the Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” Featuring projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney Characters, guests won’t want to miss this!

Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Candy and Sweets

M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS, OH MY! Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party by stopping by trick-or-treating locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park.

See a Spellbinding Spectacle With the Sanderson Sisters

The Sanderson Sisters, stars of the iconic “Hocus Pocus” films, will unite for an adventure and call on their comrades to summon the ultimate “Hocus Pocus” Party Potion during the “hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.

Also during the party, guests may have the opportunity to experience some of their favorite attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle/Run will us a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. Stay tuned for more details!

Gests won’t want to miss the hair-raising happenings at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. Stay tuned for more exciting details about all the scream-worthy surprises in store as Disney Parks celebrates #HalfwayToHalloween.

*Virtual queues are limited and subject to availability, times are subject to change, and joining a virtual queue does not guarantee entrance to any experience.

10 Recent Additions that Make Memory Maker the Best Souvenir

10 Recent Additions that Make Memory Maker the Best Souvenir

By: Disney Destinations

March 21^st, 2023

 

Disney PhotoPass Service continuously adds new photo ops, o there’s always something exciting for you to download when you have Memory Maker. Below, check out 10 recent or soon-ti-launch experiences offered by Disney PhotoPass Service that Guests can download with Memory Maker.

 

1, Disney PhotoPass Video Memories

 

The newest addition to Memory Maker is access to the Disney PhotoPass video memories, which launched yesterday!

 

With this brand-new offering, Guests can create and hare video memories using your Disney PhotoPass photos or their personal photos. They can create and customize these Disney-Themed video templates with stickers, music, and text – or, Guests can let us completely create the video memory for them in a matter of moment using the photos from their Disney PhotoPass gallery. This exciting new offering is available exclusively in the My Disney Experience app.

 

 

2. Tiny World Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom Park

 

Photographers offer a number of Tiny World Magic Shots across the theme parks, with our newet launching last week at Magic Kingdom Park! Guests can fund this 360-degree photo op next to Cinderella Castle during daylight hours.

 

3. Indoor Photo studio at EPCOT

 

Disney PhotoPass Studio are located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Springs, and now EPCOT too! At the Wandering Reindeer in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT, Guests will find our newest studio location. Like all of our studios, it’s staffed by our talented photographers, no reservations are required, everyone is welcome to visit, and the photos captured are included with Memory Maker at no extra cost.

 

4. Seasonal backdrops at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs

 

Speaking of photo studios, our location at Disney Springs recently tarted offering backdrops with themed deigns and props that change with each season.

 

5. Return to dining locations

We know when Guests visit one of our incredible dining locations, their focus is probably on the food. Fair! But we love putting icing on that cake by offering Guests a photo op with a Disney Character. Guests can now find photographers at Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Story Book Dining at Aritist Phont with Snow White.

6. Attraction photo and video onboard TRON Lightcycle/Run

 

Let’s talk TRON! TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise opens at Magic Kingdom Park on April 4. Guests can relive their race through this computerized world when they preview an onboard photo and video automatically linked to their My Disney Experience account through one of the following methods:

Use an eligible mobile device, enable Bluetooth for the My Disney Experience app* before riding, ensure they’ve logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day, and keep their device out of low power mode.

Wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to their account.

 

Guests can also use the methods above to link and download their photos taken onboard more than a dozen attractions across Walt Disney World Resort – all included with Memory Maker.

 

7. Prop available soon near TRON Lightcycle/Run

 

Guests can find numerous Disney PhotoPass props during their visit, but our newest will be available near TRON Lightcycle/Run when it opens April 4!

 

8. More Classic Magic Shots

 

Photographers currently offer more than 70 classic Magic Shots. These photos are so unexpected and fun, with Disney Characters and other themed effects applied to photos. We’re constantly adding new Magic Shots, our newest being Bruni, a large assortment for EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and TRON Magic Shot (available starting April 4). More new offerings will be released very soon! Guests can ask each photographer which options they have available to capture at their location.

 

9. Fairytale photos at Enchanted Tales with Belle

 

Enchanted Tales with Belle recently reopened at Magic Kingdom Park. And it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we share photographers are now capturing memories in the library as Guests relive a tale as old as time. This is one of the nearly 40 locations where you can find Disney PhotoPass Service ready to capture their encounter at character experiences.

 

10. Transformation photos at Magic Kingdom Park’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

 

When a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice helps a princess or knight undergo a royal transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park, a photographer will be there to capture it. Tip: Visit the Royal Portrait Studio nearby in Sir Mickey’s where a photographer can capture more photo of the child’s transformation.

 

Note, Guests can save when they purchase Memory Maker at least three days prior to their vacation.**

 

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

**Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day from Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advanced purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand, or an eligible mobile device with Bluetooth technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app, is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photo in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photo. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

Disney Education? Yes PLEASE!!! ~ Disney Imagination Campus

Disney Education? Yes PLEASE!!!

~ Disney Imagination Campus ~

 

Walt Disney once said, "You can not entertain without educating. You can't educate without entertaining." He believed in something he called Edutainment. The combination of Education and Entertainment.

Disney Imagination Campus is at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. So what is Disney Imagination Campus?

 

There are 4 different education programs in the Disney Imagination Campus.

• Performing Arts
• Performing groups will receive the rare opportunity to hone their craft while learning from real working Disney professionals and perform on Disney stages.
• Arts & Humanities
• Students will solve a real-world challenge around the design of one of our theme park’s lands, areas, or attractions as it relates to storytelling.
• Science & Technology
• Students will use scientific principles such as gravity, force, and peed to understand how these principles apply to the design of new and classic Disney theme park attractions.
• Leadership & Innovation
• Students will discover how to become future leaders by developing a common passion for knowledge, global vision and innovation.

Along with the classes Disney allows the group to purchase theme park tickets at a discount.

 

Do you have a class, youth group, choir, band, or club that could benefit from this program? Let us know and we will help you book it!

Disney uses their curriculum and learning environment to foster creative thinking, fearless exploration and Disney Magic. The mission is to provide students with tools they need to express themselves creatively and academically and prepare them for real-world challenges.

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

Scott@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

 

 

MagicBand+ Launching July 27 at Walt Disney World

  

MagicBand+ Launching July 27 at Walt Disney World

By: Disney Destinations

July 21, 2022

At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ can do everything a MagicBand can do and more – from entering theme park with a tap* and connecting guests Disney PhotoPass memories, to unlocking Disney Resort hotel rooms and more.

MagicBand+ also had great new features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition – plus it pairs to a smartphone using the My Disney Experience app. Once MagicBand+ launches, guests can pick the perfect band from more than 25 designs and enjoy several new experiences available at launch.

Disney Fab 50 Quest

As part of Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary celebration, guests can interact with the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” Help Tinker Bell bring the sculptures to life across all four Walt Disney World theme parks using virtual pixie dust from Tink.

Guests can wave their hand to sprinkle virtual pixie dust at each Disney Fab 50 Character sculpture for different reactions! To unlock even more, use the Play Disney Parks app to collect the sculptures and enter the worlds of favorite characters through an augmented reality feature.**

Tar Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters

On Batuu, the bounty hunting business is booming. MagicBand+ is the guide to seeking numerous virtual bounties hidden across Black Spire Outpost with the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters experience. Vibrations and lights on MagicBand+ guide guests down the right path. When you find your Bounty use the Play Disney Parks app’s augmented reality thermal viewer to reveal who’s hiding in the shadows.** Local guild members Raga Bua will reward guests with galactic credits.

Nighttime Spectaculars

MagicBand+ brings the magic of Disney nighttime spectaculars closer than ever before during “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT! MagicBand+ complements the magic in the skies, lighting up and vibrating in sync with the fireworks, visual effects, and music. Guests MagicBand+ will also engage as all four them park icons transform into Beacons of Magic!

Before Guests embark on these experiences, make sure the MagicBand+ is charged, up to date and paired to a device.

Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online at special prices before their arrival. Annual Passholder discounts will also be available on MagicBand+. All guests can buy MagicBand+ at select stores across Walt Disney World and online at shopDisney, starting at $34.99

At Walt Disney World, guests can purchase a MagicBand+ at the following locations:

·         Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium

·         EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center

·         Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders

·         Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company

·         Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders

·         Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels

Although features and experiences across Disney Parks will vary, Disneyland Resort guests will be able to get in on the MagicBand+ fun later this year. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting future for MagicBand+ at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts!

*With valid admission and park reservation

**To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand+.

 

Disability Access System – DAS

 Disability Access System – DAS

DAS is the Disability Access System available at the Disney Parks. This system is not a one size fits all or a front of the line pass. PLEASE do NOT ask for or get a DAS Pass just to cut the lines. Abuse of the system makes it hard for all of those who really need it.

There are two ways to get your DAS Pass:

1.       You can either go to the DLR app or to your WDW My Disney Experience App and do a Online Video Chat with a Cast Member between 2-30 days prior to your arrival. If you sign up Online you will get 2 return times for the first day. You can pick 2 attractions to ride on when you get there!

2.       You can go to Guest Services (either at the Guest Services Building or at a Guest Services Umbrella placed throughout the parks) and talk to a Cast Member and get your DAS Pass.

Y    Once you have ridden your chosen attraction you can either return to Guest Services to obtain your next return time or you can get a new return time in the App!

What does DAS do for your special need.

DAS is not a go to the head of the line pass. For all special needs you will be given a return time to ride the attraction. You will return at or after your return time, show your DAS Pass Return Time on your App and enter the Lighting Lane. The wait time from there is usually 15-20 minutes.

Cognitive Issues:

This includes ADHD, Autism, Traumatic Brain Damage, Behavioral Issues, any issue that makes long lines impossible. (PLEASE do NOT use this unless you really need it.)

Mobility Issues:

The DAS system is not that big a help for those with mobility issues, it does allow you to have an accommodating access if a wheelchair does not fit in the line or there are steps involved.

All lines at WDW are wheelchair accessible. Many of the lines at DLR are accessible and those that are not accessible have an alternative entrance. You will get the DAS to obtain a return time or speak to a CM at Guest Relations or at the attraction.

Wheelchair and ECV rental is available at the parks or you can bring your own.

Hearing Impairment:

If you have hearing impairment you can get an assisted listening device or portable live caption. Disney Parks also have ASL interpreters available. You can check showtimes for live shows to see what showing has an ASL interpreter. Just tell the Cast Member when you arrive at the show that you need to be where you can see the ASL interpreter.

Visual Impairment:

Disney Parks has multiple ways of assisting those with Visual Impairment:

Service Animals are allowed in the parks.*

Audio Description Device is available to use with a refundable deposit.

Braille Guidebooks is available to use with a refundable deposit.

Portable Tactile Map Book is available to use with a refundable deposit.

Stationary Braille Maps.

*Service Animals are allowed in the parks:

You must be able to leave your dog while riding on some attractions. Either a person traveling with you needs to hold your dog or they must be crated. Cast Members are not allowed to hold your dog. There are crates available to leave your animal in while riding an attraction.

There are Service Animal Relief areas around the parks. You are responsible for cleaning up after your animal.

Links to more information on the Disney Parks Websites about Disability Access:

Disneyland

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

Walt Disney World

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/search/?searchQuery=guests%20with%20disabilities

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney Vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

 

Disney Cruises are So Expensive - Walt Disney World Must be Less Expensive!

Disney Cruises are So Expensive -

Walt Disney World Must be Less Expensive!

I have clients say they will go to Walt Disney World rather than on a Disney Cruise because it costs less. Let’s check the facts!

Many people like to go for 7 nights to WDW so let’s price a cruise and a park stay for 7 nights at a deluxe level. This will be for a family of 4. 2 adults and 2 children, ages 10 & 5. I chose September 2^nd-9^th, 2023.

7-Nights at WDW Port Orleans French Quarter with 7-Day 1 Park per day tickets costs $4,418.

7-Nights on the Disney Fantasy in a Oceanview Cabin costs $6,452 with suggested gratuities or $13.50 per night per person. Honestly everything else is optional.

Ok, WDW for the win, right?? WDW is $2,034 less than the cruise! Oh wait!!! Let’s look at what is included in both packages.

WDW - Room and Park Tickets only. Food and other entertainment is extra.

DCL – Room, Taxes, Port Fees, Fees, Food (3 meals and all snacks), Entertainment, Kids Clubs, Adult entertainment, Life shows, and Activities. We also added the suggested gratuities.

Ok let’s be conservative and add $360 per day for food at WDW. Some days will be less some days more. Figure you may do some sit down meals or a character meal. Remember Mickey Bars add up!! That adds up to $2,520 for 1 or 2 sit down meals, quick service meals, and snacks 7 days for a family of 4! That brings your total price to $6,938! Add more if you wish to do things outside the parks like, Cirque Du Soleil, Hoop De Do Review, Bowling, more sit down/character meals, Genie+ ($15 per person per day) and individual prices for rides ($7-$20 per ride), or other activities such as Water Parks.

End Results:

WDW    $6,938

DCL        $6,452

DCL Saves $486 to start! If you add more sit down/character meals and other activities at WDW the price difference is more! The difference can be in the $1,000+ range.

What people do not realize is DCL includes most things in the price, including all the Mickey Bars you want. The only extras on a Disney Cruise are OPTIONAL Alcohol, Specialty Drinks, Specialty Coffee/Tea, Adult Dining, Port Adventures, Spa and Merchandise. I can do without most of the Optional things. Merchandise is another story! LOL But that is the same at WDW.

Yes, there are less expensive options. You can stay at a Value Resort and book an Inside Cabin. Still there are all the “additional fees” that do not change at WDW. The prices for this date have gone up slightly for the cruise. If you book a cruise as soon as the itineraries are released the prices are less.

Do you want to book a Disney Cruise Line or other Disney Vacation? Let me know!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

 

 

Disney Cruise or Walt Disney World? How to Decide?

Disney Cruise or Walt Disney World? How to Decide?

Trying to decide between a Disney Cruise and a Walt Disney World vacation? Both are wonderful vacations! Think a stay at Walt Disney World is cheaper than a Disney Cruise? It can be if you stay at a value resort, eat only quick service and do not go to any shows such as La Nouba that cost extra. You can add a dinning plan but that brings the price of a Walt Disney World stay up near the cost of a Disney Cruise. If mom and dad want grownup time without the kids you either need to take someone along with you on vacation to watch the kids or pay for child care services at the resort. Room Service not included, any extra snacks come out of pocket.

The Disney Cruise Line lets you pay know up front what your entire vacation will cost. Once you pay the cruise fare you don’t have to spend a dime more if you don’t wish too. 100% of food and entertainment is included. For soda you will need to make trips to the pool deck to refill at the soda fountain if you want a soda between meals or to take to your room, but it is there and free. Even room service is included! Free Kids Clubs for all children ages 3 (and potty trained) to 17! Hours for the kids clubs are the longest at sea and are 9 am to midnight and 11 am to 2 am for teens.

Are there costs above the Cruise Fare? Yes! The adult only restaurants, Palo and Remy’s do charge (Palo $30, Remy $65-75) if you want but even with one meal the price is not outrageous. Take soda, coffee or tea with you into a lounge and listen to the music, dance, play adult trivia or listen to a comedy show. Or you can spend extra and purchase an alcoholic beverage of your choice. Port Adventures to explore your Ports of Call do cost extra but you can just get off and walk around the port area if you wish. Spa and Salon treatments are an additional charge.

With a Disney Cruise you can pay in advance for your Port Adventures, Spa/Salon treatments and Adult Restaurants. You can add wine packages that allow you to purchase a predetermined number of bottles of wine to have with dinner. This way you can budget for them. If you don’t want to pay in advance you can keep track of the costs and know what funds you need to bring.

Other than the above stated extra costs the only other thing to spend on is merchandise. Many of the ports have good deals on jewelry and other local crafts. There are shops on the ships where you can purchase many wonderful items, some that you can find in the parks.

In my opinion a Disney Cruise is an easier to budget for vacation. With a Disney Parks stay you have to consider many variables that are not included. The cruise adds most of them in and those it does not you can generally figure out the amount you will need to bring. 

Navigating Disney Parks Disability Access System (DAS) Quick Overview and How/When to Ask for It

Navigating Disney Parks Disability Access System (DAS)

Quick Overview and How/When to Ask for It

The DAS (Disability Access System) at the Disney Parks is to assist those with disabilities have access to the attractions.

In simple terms the DAS system is to help those with Disabilities have the access they need. With the fact that Walt Disney World Parks and Disney California Adventure Park were built after the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) went into effect it means they comply with ADA laws. That means the lines for the attractions and show areas are designed with disabled access in mind. The lines are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters and if the loading area is not accessible they have a secondary loading area. Disneyland on the other hand was made before ADA laws and lines do not always accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Many of these lines can’t be changed due to space limitations. Disneyland has separate lines set up for wheelchairs/scooters where applicable. What does this all this ADA information mean? It means that just because you have a mobility issue you will not automatically be given a DAS Pass. You can sit on your scooter/chair in the regular lines.

So if the DAS is not for “physical disabilities” that require mobility devices what is it for? It is for those with issues that make being in long lines hard or impossible. Mostly it is for those with cognitive disabilities. Autism, extreme ADHD, Panic Attacks and PTSD are several things that fall into the list. But that is not the only thing. If you have a physical disability that makes sitting or standing in one place impossible/dangerous then you can get the DAS Pass.

So how do you get a DAS Pass? Go to Guest Relations in any park. Be ready to explain your disability. Tell them in simple terms why you need help and what your limitations are. BE HONEST!! Do not lie and ask for the DAS when you don’t truly need it. Be persistent if you truly need it. If you tell them you can’t stand for a long time they may well tell you to go rent a wheelchair or scooter so you can sit. Don’t be intimated by their questions nor the fact they may say no at first. They are not there to outright deny you the pass or judge you. They are there to weed out those that are faking and taking advantage to “cut lines”. They are there to find the best possible option for you. As long as you honestly need it and you are willing to explain why you need it they will at least try. If your disability makes you nervous talking in a loud room ask to be taken to a back stage quiet room to discuss your needs.

For further information on how DAS works check out an earlier blog post:

Yes it does repeat some of the same information I just gave but it is important information and people have told me they can’t get DAS when I know they should.

http://pixiepranks-panstinkerbell.blogspot.com/2014/11/changes-to-das-disability-access-system.html