Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Latest Updates from the Disney Treasure: New Details for the Haunted Mansion Parlor

 

Latest Updates from the Disney Treasure: New Details for the Haunted Mansion Parlor



By Disney Destinations February 27th, 2.24

Welcome to the official ship’s log for the Disney Treasure! Follow along for an exclusive look into the complex ship building process as we document all the important milestones of the Disney Treasure’s journey. The Disney Treasure’s story began with the start of construction in January of 2023 and has continued to evolve ever since. Return here for the latest developments in the Disney Treasure’s progress as the world patiently waits for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship to officially set sail in 2024. The adventure is just beginning!

A new sculpture, bound for the Haunted Mansion Parlor onboard the Disney Treasure, is being crafted at a dedicated Walt Disney Imagineering workshop at Walt Disney World Resort. Who inspired this mysterious bust? The sculpture was modeled in the image of the famed Disney Legend, Rolly Crump. And the fact that today is Rolly’s birthday makes this Ship’s Log reveal all the more special as the world remembers him and his many contributions to Disney Parks.

Nicknamed “Rolly” by Walt Disney himself, ­ during the early days of the company and played an integral role in designing the original Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort. Six decades later, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will unlock the next chapter of the Haunted Mansion saga for Disney Cruise Line guests. The venue will be imbued with Crump’s unique brand of humor and is a proud continuation of his legacy, celebrating the weird and the fantastical.

Part of Rolly’s larger creative concept for a “Museum of the Weird” in the Haunted Mansion, his original vision included a character that appeared to be melting like a candle. It was only fitting for the design for Rolly’s memorial bust to stem from his own ideas, which led to the sculpted drips on the side of his face and a memorial plaque that reads, “BROTHER ROLAND- FOREVER REVERED FOR EMBRACING THE WEIRD.” When the Disney Treasure sets sail, Rolly Crump’s statue will have a place of honor within the Haunted Mansion Parlor. 

Friday, February 16, 2024

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

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Reservations for the New Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Open March 21

 Reservations for the New Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Open March 21

Mark your calendars! The Wilderness is Calling!

Here are some key dates to keep in mind to book one of the brand-new Cabins a Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

  • March 20 – Walt Disney World Annual Passholder can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.
  • March 21 – All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639.

Tucked away in the wonderous woodlands of Disney Fort Wilderness Resort, each spacious one-bedroom cabin villa will offer the comforts of “home” and the joys of staying in the great outdoors the first loop of the cabins will open July 1, with more loops opening through the year.

 And if you haven’t heard there are some showstopping activities guests can enjoy during their stay! Here are some fan-favorites:


Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Clap those hands and stomp those feet at one of this beloved Disney dinner show, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review.

This rootin’ tootin’ dining experience boasts toe-tapping musical performances from the Pioneer Players and scrumptious all-you-care-to-enjoy feast! We highly recommend bringing an appetite and making reservations in advance.

Did you know that Hoop-.-Doo Musical Revue is the longest-running live show at Disney World? This historic experience is a beloved tradition at Fort and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.


Tri-Circle D Ranch

Over 90 horses from all around the Disney World theme parks call Fort Wilderness home!

Tri-Circle D Ranch has various types of horses, from Cinderella’s elegant ponies to the Headless Horseman’s trusty steed. Everyone can tour parts of the Settlement area barn daily (free of charge), allowing plenty of time for guests to learn more about these beautiful animals from our knowledgeable Cast Members.

Ready to giddy up go? Take a horseback riding adventure along one of many rustic riding trails or embark on a carriage ride with the whole family. There is something for animal lovers of all ages. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or via the My Disney Experience app. Pony rides and wagon rides are only available on a walk-in basis.



Outdoor Recreational Activities

There’s no better way to immerse in the wilderness than with one of the many outdoor activities available.

Embark on a paddle adventure to explore the many scenic waterways and streams with kayak and canoe rentals, or reel in some fun and try a hand at bass fishing with a guided catch-and-release outing held year-round for guests of all ages.

Suppose guests are looking or something a little less aquatic. In that case, they can jog through the lush meadows and cypress groves or embrace their inner Robin Hood during the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience. We highly recommend making reservations ahead of time for this family-friendly archery class.

Beyond these activities, there are also playgrounds, pools, and sports facilities – a little something or everyone to create their own adventure! 


Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along

Looking for s’more fun? Join everyone’s favorite chipmunks, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and sing a singing cowboy for an evening of country songs, roasted marshmallows, and a Disney movie under the stars at Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along. This nightly celebration is a great way to enjoy some fresh air with family  after a day of play in the theme parks – plus it is included for all guests staying at the resort.

Guests can purchase a s’mores kit from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar or bring their own marshmallows and sticks

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Sunday, February 4, 2024

The Hardest Decision to Make When Booking a Disney Cruise!

 


The Hardest Decision to Make When Booking a Disney Cruise!

 

You have decided to go on a Disney Cruise. Congratulations!! You have chosen one of the most relaxing and fun-filled vacations choices! You can do as much or as little as you wish and everything you need is right there! It is the epitome of a no hassle all-inclusive vacation! This is a long read but if you take the time, it will make picking a cabin easier. There is always something for everybody to do.

 

Now that you have chosen to cruise the crucial question is what category cabin is best for you. There are three basic categories of cabins, Inside, Oceanview, Oceanview with Veranda and Concierge Level Cabins. There are subcategories in each type of cabin. Start off picking one of the 3 types of cabins then look at the subcategories. They are Inside, Oceanview, and Oceanview with Veranda.

 

Inside Cabin:

As the name suggests the Inside Cabin is on the inside of the ship. It has no Porthole/window for a view outside. On 2 of the Disney ships, Dream/Fantasy there are Virtual Portholes that show the view you would have if you had a Porthole. Every 15 minutes or so a Disney Character will go by the window and wave at you.

 

There are 2 subcategories of Inside Cabins, Standard Inside Cabin and Deluxe Inside Cabin. The major difference between the 2 subcategories is the Deluxe Family Inside Cabin is slightly larger and has a Split Bath while the Standard Inside Cabin is a little smaller and has a single traditional bathroom. Subcategory of cabin is also based on location of the cabin.

Pros:

Pricing, these are the least expensive cabins on the ships. If you don’t think you would mind not being able to see out and the smaller size this is a good place to book.

Many families feel these are perfect for their families. These cabins allow them to be on the ship and be near each other. They don’t mind the limited space and like being near each other.

Cons:

You have no Porthole, and some people feel claustrophobic in these cabins. They are smaller and some people feel they are too small, especially for families.

 

Oceanview Cabin:

The Oceanview Cabin has a view out of 2 small Portholes or 1 large Porthole. The Porthole does not open but offers a beautiful view. There are some that have an obstructed view. Some on Deck 4 will have a lifeboat hanging outside your window blocking the view. The obstructed view cabins are discounted some.

There are 2 basic subcategories, Standard and Deluxe. The major difference between the 2 subcategories is the Deluxe Family is slightly larger and has a Split Bath while the Standard is a little smaller and has a single traditional bathroom. Subcategory of cabin is also based on location of the cabin. Some of these cabins can sleep up to 5 guests.

Pros:

Price vs the cost of a Veranda/Balcony is better. You can save several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the number of guests and category of Veranda you look at.

You have a beautiful Oceanview to see when in your room and enjoy natural light inside your cabin.

Cons:

The price is more than an Inside Cabin.

You have no private outside Veranda to enjoy a morning cup of coffee on.

You cannot open your Porthole so no fresh air.

 

Oceanview with Veranda/Balcony Cabin:

As the name suggests these cabins not only have an Oceanview they have a Private Veranda/Balcony. There are several subcategories of these cabins. Some of these on Deck 4 may have an obstructed view due to lifeboats. There are both Standard and Deluxe like the other categories.

White Wall Navigator Veranda:

These are the least expensive of the Veranda Cabins. They have a smaller Veranda with a white wall that covers the outside of the Veranda. There is a large Porthole shaped hole in the white wall that you can look out of. This Porthole offers a limited view, much like looking out of an open window.

Pros:

Beautiful views off your private veranda where you can spend private time with your morning cup of coffee/tea/hot coco. Great place to relax for some quiet time during the day.

Cost, these are the least expensive way to have a private Veranda. On a cold weather cruise, such as an Alaskan cruise, the enclosed space is warmer than a traditional open veranda. The wall breaks some of the sea breeze.

Cons:

These are the smallest of the Veranda Cabins. If you are looking for more space, they may not be for you. They are found at the back of the ship and therefore are nosier than the midship and forward verandas. You can hear and feel the ships’ engines when moving.

White Wall Veranda:

As the name suggests the White Wall Verandas have a white wall with an open space above the wall.

Pros:

Beautiful views off your private veranda where you can spend private time with your morning cup of coffee/tea/hot coco. Great place to relax for some quiet time during the day.

They are a little roomier than the Navigator Cabins.

Cons:

For shorter people it is hard to see out over the white wall when sitting on a chair on the Veranda. Some people just don’t like the obstruction of the White Wall.

Clear Wall Veranda:

These are the higher-end Veranda Cabins. As the name suggests the Clear Wall Veranda has a Clear Plexiglass wall that is open above it. You have a clear view of the ocean and ports. These cabins are mostly Mid-Ship and are choice cabins. Some of these are also used as concierge cabins.

Pros:

Beautiful views off your private veranda where you can spend private time with your morning cup of coffee/tea/hot coco. Great place to relax for some quiet time during the day. Put the kids down for a nap and take a book out to the veranda and relax! Largest of the Veranda Cabins.

Cons:

Cost is the biggest concern.

 

Concierge:

There are both Oceanview and Oceanview with Veranda in the Concierge as well as suits.

Pros:

These cabins come at a primum price, but you get extra service. You get to book your Port and Shipboard Adventures 10 days before any other guests. You have a Concierge attendant you can speak to (Your PDMT agent can handle it for you, acting as a bridge between you and the concierge services saving you time.) to set up your special requests for Spa Time, Adult Dining, Nursery, Port Adventures, Cabanas on the Private Islands, and other things. Once on the ship you have Concierge services to adapt or add things during your cruise. You get priority boarding, Celebration Gathering at boarding, access to the Concierge Lounge with all Alcoholic drinks and food included. Full breakfast and even dinner from whatever restaurant you want can be brought to your cabin.

Cons:

Price. Honestly if you can afford concierge, it is worth it.

 

After picking your category you will want to consider location. Are you concerned about seasickness? Consider a lower deck in the middle of the ship. Forward has a little more up and down motion. Aft has some more motion than Midship but it also has the rumble of the engine. The choice is yours.

If you are claustrophobic, consider an Oceanview or Oceanview Veranda Cabin. Are there just 2 people in your travel party? A standard cabin might be for you. Have a family? Consider a Deluxe or a Deluxe Family Cabin for the extra room and split bath to make getting ready for dinner or a day at the port easier!

If you have any questions, contact your PDMT agent for assistance in picking out your cabin. If you have not picked out an agent reach out to Info@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com and an agent will get back to you. We are here to help you with your travel!

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Pixie Dusted Memories Travel Fee Policy

 

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Pixie Dusted Memories Travel Fee Policy

 


I saw several posts online today, one from a newspaper and one from a Disney Blog related to a Travel Agency discussing how some Disney Travel Agents are charging fees. This is strictly against Disney Policy! Disney pays us Travel Agents a commission. A Travel Agent can charge a small fee for doing extra things that are not directly related to Disney such as booking air and hotel that are not part of a Disney Package.

 

An agent has 2 options:

1.      A Travel Agent can offer to do things like Online Check-In, book additional things like flights, Gennie+, Dinning and on the Cruise Port Adventures, Adult Dining and Spa. They will be doing them as part of their service, not charging a fee. Advertise “Concierge Service at NO extra fee!”

2.     A Travel Agent has the right not to offer to do those things. Be upfront when booking  your client that you do not offer these services if this is your choice.

 

Each Pixie Dusted Memories Agent has the right to make one of the above choices. Pixie Dusted Memories Travel does NOT charge any fees for our Travel Related Services. Disney or non-Disney trips there will be no fee. If there is no commission related to all of the trip you should decline to book it. Most flights (unless booked as a package with a hotel on Expedia) and non-commissionable. Feel free to tell you clients you do not book flights. You can book flights if you with but not charge a fee.

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Cruising Ducks Hiding is NOT Allowed on Disney Cruise Line

 Cruising Ducks Hiding is NOT Allowed on Disney Cruise Line

 



Very brief description of Cruising Ducks for those who don’t know. It started on another Cruise Line in 2018. A little girl asker her mother if she could bring a couple of Rubber Ducks to hide to “Make People Smile”. 5 years later thousands of people are still smiling on many different Cruise Lines!

 

The rules are simple:

  • Hide the Ducks only in public areas.
  • Do not hide Ducks in Shops or in the Pools.
  • Place a tag on the Duck with the following information:
  • Something funny like, ConQuackULations You found a Cruising Duck! or Oh What Luck You Found a Cruising Duck!
  • Keep or Hide You Decide! (Lets the finder know they can keep or re-hide the duck.)
  • Your Last Name and City/State you are from.
  • Sail Date of the Cruise and Name of Ship.
  • Comment like, Take a selfie picture of you and the Duck where you found the Duck and post it on Social Media with the Hashtag #CruisingDuck.

 

In a Plan Disney post, in response to the question, “Where are approved locations to hide Cruise Ducks” the Plan Disney response was hiding ANY item in public spaces is forbidden! This comment is from a December 29th, 2023 post on Plan Disney.

 

Why and exactly when DCL made this decision is unknown. Can DCL be persuaded to change their minds? I do believe so. All we DCL Cruisers need to do is let them know we want to continue to safely hide our ducks!

 

I believe DCL can be convinced to change their policy. All it will take is knowing what their loyal guests want! So, write DCL and tell you if you want to continue hiding Cruising Ducks on the Disney Cruise Line!

DCL.Guest.Communications.DisneyCruise.com

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Disney Cruise Line Placeholder and Future Cruise Booking and Why Should You Spend $250 on a Placeholder?

 

Disney Cruise Line Placeholder and Future Cruise Booking

and Why Should You Spend $250 on a Placeholder?

 

Let’s start with what Future Cruise Booking and  Placeholder are and how to use them. While you are onboard a Disney Cruise ship you will see an offer for a Placeholder or to book a Future Cruise on the Navigator App. Many cruisers overlook this not knowing the fantastic thing it is. You can also go to Guest Relations for help with this matter. You are investing in your future vacation and saving money!

 

If you choose to pick a date/itinerary and book a Future Cruise while on board, you will make the standard deposit (approximately 20% of the cruise fare) and you get a 10% discount on the cruise! That is $100 for every $1,000 of the cruise price!! That can be a $200-$500+ savings, depending on the length of cruise, location of cruise and cabin category! You will still need to make payments later before the Pay in Full Date, but you save some good money.

 

A Placeholder is a $250 partial deposit on a future cruise. You don’t need to pick a date. You just need to sail within 24 months of the Placeholder being booked. For example, if you book a Placeholder on December 1st, 2023, you have until December 1st, 2025, to sail. When you finally choose your sail date the $250 will be used towards your deposit, reducing the initial deposit. You or your Travel Agent will need to call DCL to use this Placeholder once you decide to use it.

 

If for some reason you can’t use the Placeholder by the end of the 2 years, the funds will be returned to you by refund to the payment used. If you used a Credit or Debit Card, then the Credit or Debit Card will be credited that amount. If you used a Disney Gift Card, then the funds will be refunded to the Disney Gift Card. Keep those Disney Gift Cards!

 

Why all the talk about Disney Gift Card use?? There is a way to save another 5% by purchasing Disney Gift Cards at Target or other locations. Look for these discounts and how to take advantage of them! Instead of saving $100 per $1,000 of the cruise you will save $150! That can significantly increase your savings! You can request more information if you are interested or check out the blog for this information.

 

Here is some extra must know information! If you booked with a Travel Agent and you wish to have them help with this Placeholder or Future Cruise, make sure you do the following three things:

1.      If going with the same agent/agency, ask for the cruise to be booked with them. There is usually a button to click stating stay with the same agency/agent.

2.     Let your Travel Agent know you booked a Placeholder and give them the Confirmation/Reservation number, so they know to watch for it.

3.      If you decide to go with an agent/agency AFTER the cruise or were unable to book it asking for the agency to handle it ask your agent for a Booking Transfer Form to transfer the reservation to them.

a.     This MUST be done within 30 days of the booking being made. If you did it December 1st you must request the booking transfer by December 30th.

b.     The sooner you do it the better. Sometimes email bounce/get missed/lost and it is good to have extra time to deal with this. If you give the transfer request to the agent at day 29 or 30 they may not have time to get the transfer to go through. Disney may not have the time to process the transfer for you. Then YOU will have to handle it without the agents help.