New Disney Cruise Line 2024 Itineraries!!

Disney Cruise Line Announces EARLY 2024 Itineraries!!

Just wanted you to know DCL is releasing new itineraries for early 2024! These are sailings from January 1st to May of 2024. Why is this so EXCITING?!?!?! Because these are the LOWEST prices you will be able to get on these cruises!!! Within a month or so of the new release dates the prices WILL start to go up!! All it takes to hold the new release price is a small deposit!

 

Just think you can put a Disney Cruise under your 2022 Christmas Tree and have until the middle or late 2023 to pay it off! (Pay in Full date is usually 90 days before the sail date.)

 

When can you book?? December 15th is the date for the general public to start booking! Castaway Club Members get to book up to 3 days earlier!! When you can book depends on your Castaway Club Levell!! Have you sailed with DCL before?? I can help you figure out when you can book!!

 

Here are the dates for booking!

Bookings open to the public on Dec. 15, 2022. guests that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:

 

Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

 

Gold Castaway Club Members: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

 

Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

 

Bookings open to all Guests: Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

 

Let me help you book your 2024 Disney cruise!!

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

818-391-9936

Special Offer for Disney+ Subscribers with Disney Cruise Line

 

Disney Travel News

Special Offer for Disney+ Subscribers with Disney Cruise Line

By: Disney Destinations

September 7, 2022

Beginning September 8, 2022, Disney+ subscribers can a book special offer for Disney Cruise Line.

As a special offer for Disney+ subscribers, third and fourth guests sail free with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom on select Disney Cruise Line voyages! 

This offer available for select staterooms and sailings on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy departing Jan. - April 2023 and does not include taxes, fees and port expenses for each guest, which are due at time of final payment. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.

The following sailings are not eligible for this offer:

• Disney Magic: Jan. 2 & March 13, 2023
• Disney Dream: Jan. 2 & April 10, 2023
• Disney Fantasy: March 11 & 25, 2023

Are You Too Old or Disabled for a Disney Trip?

 Are You Too Old or Disabled for a Disney Trip?

Simple answer is NO!!! As long as you can move and not bedridden you can go!! Disabilities, cognitive and mobility along with other health issues should not stop you if you REALLY want to go!!

Is it a good idea to go to Disney if you are older? Emotionally I believe so! I’m a strong believer if taking anybody who wants to go to Disney, Parks or Cruise, no matter what limitations they have!!

Of course, there are some major things to consider. First off you must consider if you are strong enough to travel to get there and deal with the stress of going all day or good parts of a day. Set limits!! Know what you can and cannot do. Know how long you can spend up and about. What devices can you take to assist and make things easier? Walker, crutches, wheelchairs, and scooters can help with mobility and stamina issues. Consider using them even if you don’t usually need them! Remember you will be walking further than you usually do. If you don’t own them rent them if you can! Disney Parks have Wheelchairs and Scooters to rent. DCL does not so you would have to use an outside service to rent or take your own.

At the parks know what rides and attractions you can do. Look at them closely and maybe look at YouTube videos so you can make wise decisions. On the cruise look closely at things to do on and off the ship and make well informed decisions.

Know how long you can stay up and about. Is your stamina limited to a 6-8-hour day? Don’t expect a change in your stamina just because you are at Disney. Limit how long you stay in the parks! Head back to the hotel and take a nap if you want to do something in the parks later in the day. Maybe hit a show instead of a ride so you can relax while watching it. Breaking up your day is super easy on the cruise!! Your cabin is never to far away to head back for some rest and quite time.

Be aware of weather! You need to make sure you are not out when it is too hot or cold for you. Know your bodies limits! Just because you want to see the summertime fun or holiday decorations it may not be best for YOU. Choose the best time for your body then for the things you want to do/see.

Arrange for HELP while there!! Make sure there is someone in your party physically able to assist you if needed. Cast Members and Crew cannot help you physically move from your wheelchair/scooter to a chair, ride, or tinder boat. Someone from your travel party must help if you need assistance or you can’t do it.

Plan well!! Make a list of Must Does for each park/day. Schedule things in the parks so you are not going back and forth across the park(s). Plan breaks! Ride then sit and relax before moving onto the next thing. Understand you may not be able to do all you want because of availability and your physical limits. Go for the biggest things first. Set reasonable goals.

Taking a service animal? Make sure you know the policies and procedures. Follow the rules for where to take your service animal to relieve themselves and be aware they can’t go on every attraction. There are crates to place them in while you ride or someone in your party must hold them for you. Yes, service animals are allowed on the Disney Cruise but there are extra procedures you need to follow. They will need a health check before they can go. Disney Parks and Cruise are very accommodating to service animals.

If you are eligible for a DAS (Disability Access Pass) at the parks USE IT!! You still need to wait your turn, but it is not in a line so you can find a place to relax. You get a return time to ride a ride and you can go get a meal, find a ride with a shorter line, wonder in an air-conditioned store, or just find a place to sit and people watch until the return time comes. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. I have another post describing DAS so check that one out for more information.

If cruising, make sure you notify Disney Cruise Line of your needs. Do you need an extension cord for your CPap or water? Let them know before you go! Tell them of your allergies and things like diabetes that affect what you can eat. If you need an accessible cabin, make sure you request it when booking. Do you need a sign language interpreter? Make sure to request it ahead of time! You can also request a cabin equipped for those with hearing loss. Whatever the special need, talk to them!! Make sure to tell your travel agent of your special needs so they can help you make the requests.

Here is an example of a trip working for a disabled person. My mum-in-love wanted to go on a Disney Cruise for her 90^th birthday. She had never been on a cruise before. She had dementia and physical limitations. We took her and she loved it!! It greatly improved her quality of life and mental, emotional stability.

I am a travel agent who loves helping people with special needs travel! Ask me any question and I’ll be happy to answer. Let me help you book your next vacation! I can make it happen!

 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 Line August 2022 Covid Testing Changes

Disney Cruise Line August 2022 Covid Testing Changes

By: Disney Destinations

August 29, 2022

Beginning Sept. 23, 2022, for sailings aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish and Disney Wonder and beginning Nov. 7, 2022, for sailings aboard the Disney Magic, fully vaccinated Guests are no longer required to participate in COVID-19 testing in order to sail. Guests who are NOT fully vaccinated must continue providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken one to 3 days before the sail date. However, Guests who are not fully vaccinated will no longer be required to complete a second test at the terminal on embarkation day.

The following SeaMail will be sent to guests who have booked through travel agents on impacted sailings:

Dear [Guest Who Booked Through A Travel Agent],

All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard soon. We are reaching out with important updates to the COVID-19 testing requirements for your sailing.

Earlier this month, we communicated that beginning on September 2, 2022, for sailings departing U.S. and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line will only require Guests ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Additionally, beginning September 23, 2022, for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings departing the U.S., fully vaccinated Guests are no longer required to participate in COVID-19 testing. Unvaccinated Guests (ages 11 and younger) will need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 1-3 days before the sail date. Unvaccinated Guests will no longer be required to complete a second COVID-19 test at the terminal on embarkation day. Acceptable vaccines and testing information for Guests ages 11 and younger can be found in the Know Before You Go section of DisneyCruise.com. 

COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish sailings from the U.S. beginning September 23, 2022 Face Coverings

Fully Vaccinated Guests

(All guests ages 12 and over)

  No testing required.

  Optional

Not Fully Vaccinated Guests

(Ages 11 and younger) Pre-Embarkation Testing:

COVID-19 test 1-3 days before the sail date. The test must be a rapid or lab-based PCR test, or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

  Optional, Highly Recommended

 

Upload Proof of Vaccination and/or COVID-19 Test Results

In order to sail, all guests 12 and older (who are required to be vaccinated), plus those under 12 that are vaccinated, must upload their proof of vaccination to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Unvaccinated Guests must upload a negative COVID-19 test result to the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. Uploading these documents is a requirement for adults and children, regardless of age. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. To learn more about how to provide proof of your negative COVID-19 test result, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go.

After appropriate documents have been uploaded and reviewed by Inspire, Guests should see the words “Clear to Arrive” or “Clear to Sail” in the Pre-Sail Screening section when they log into their Safe Passage account before arriving at the port.

It is also recommended that Guests bring a copy of their proof of vaccination or negative COVID- test result with them to the port. Guests who fail to upload proof of vaccination and/or COVID-19 test results may be delayed or denied boarding. If you have any questions about your Safe Passage registration or status, please contact Inspire Diagnostics at 877-250-5132.

Back-to-Back Sailings

Guests who are not fully vaccinated and traveling on back-to-back sailings will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, paid for by Disney Cruise Line.

Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19

In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11 to 90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered,” with the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval. Not-fully vaccinated Guests who are considered “90-Day-Recovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the pre-embarkation phase of their voyage. For details on what documentation is required, please visit Before Leaving Home: Know Before You Go.

Online Check-in

You must complete Online Check-in beginning 30 days prior to your sailing. You will need to submit the required documents as well as select a Port Arrival Time. All Guests, including our Platinum Castaway Club Guests, will need to select a Port Arrival Time. Please be aware that Guests will not be permitted at the terminal or in parking areas before their scheduled arrival time. Guests who arrive early will be asked to return at their scheduled arrival time, and Guests arriving after their scheduled time may be delayed and asked to wait behind those arriving at their scheduled time. Online Check-in can be completed or modified up to one day prior to sailing. After completing Online Check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival Form by email. Bring this with you to the port to expedite your arrival.

As our health and safety protocols and operational guidelines are subject to change, please visit the Know Before You Go section of our website for the latest information and answers to many frequently asked questions.

Guests booked on the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy or Disney Wish September 23, 2022, through December 31, 2022 may modify or cancel their sailing by September 12, 2022 without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees. Please contact your travel agent for details on how to cancel or modify your booking. Please note that change fees and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, as well as travel insurance, are not refundable. Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply for any cancellation or modification requests received on or after September 13, 2022.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.

Sincerely,

The Cast and Crew

Disney Cruise Line

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Adding Money to Your Onboard DCL Account Before You Sail

Adding Money to Your Onboard DCL Account Before You Sail

It is not hard to add money to your Shipboard Folio to pay for Gratuities, Merchandise, Adult Dining and Port Adventures before you sail. You can use a Debit/Credit Card or Disney Gift Cards. It is a great way to prebudget your vacation expenses! You can also specifically put money on the account for kids, so they have a little spending money for special drinks or merchandise. It gives you a way to set a limit to that spending!

If using Disney Gift Cards, there is one extra step! First thing to do with the Disney gift cards is COMBINE THEM. Go to DisneyGiftCard.com. If you have never used that website, just use the standard log in that you use for all of Disney. Upload the cards and transfer all the money to one card. You can load up to $1,000 on one card. Remember you can save money purchasing discounted Disney Grift Cards!!

The reason you combine the cards is in case they need to refund money. It will go to one card that you keep and control. If you upload one at a time refunds returned to any and all of the cards a little bit per card. Make it easy on yourself and combine those Disney Gift Cards! Pro Tip: Use Discounted Disney Gift Cards to pay for your Cruise!

Once you have all the cards combined or have your debit/credit card handy go to the DisneyCruiseLine.com website and go to your reservation. At the bottom of the reservation page is the purchase onboard gifts. Once there click on the center pull down menu, Shop by Category. When you click on that a pull-down menu will show up and you see Onboard Credit on the far right. Click on Onboard Credit and fill in the amount you wish to add and the name of the person you wish to have it delivered to. Follow the step-by-step directions to upload the funds choosing the payment method of you desire.

Happy Sailing!!!

Update to Disney Cruise Line Health and Safety Protocols

Update to Disney Cruise Line Health and Safety Protocols

By Disney Destinations

August 15, 2022

Today August 15, Disney Cruise Line announced an update to our Health and Safety Protocols regarding vaccination requirements.

COVID-19 Vaccination: For sailings departing US and Canadian ports through September 1, 2022, Disney Cruise Line requires Guests ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Beginning September 2, 2022, for sailings departing US and Canadian ports, Disney Cruise Line will require Guests ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the CDC. In consideration of CDC guidance, Disney Cruise Line highly recommends that Guests ages 11 and younger be fully vaccinated before sailing.

In consideration of guidance from the CDC and the Worlds Health Organization, Disney Cruise Line accepts the following vaccine types for Guests ages 5 and older: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, CoviShield, Novavax, Sinopharm BBIBP-CovV (VeroCell), Sinovac-CoronaVac and Covavaxin (Bharat Biotech).

For guests ages 5 and older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving one of the following:

·         A single dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine.

·         The second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine.

·         The full series of active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the US-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials.

·         The second does of any “mix and match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart).

Disney Cruise Line accepts Pfizer and Moderna for Guests ages 4 and younger; Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV, VeroCell) for Guests ages 3-4; and Sinovac (CoronaVac) for Guests ages 6 months to 3 years old.

For Guests ages 4 and younger, the CDC defines fully vaccinates as receiving one of the following:

·         3 doses of Pfizer: the second dose administered 21 days after the first; and the third dose administered 56 days after the second.

·         2 doses of Moderna: the second dose administered one month after the first.

·         2 doses of Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (VeroCell): the second dose administered 21-28 days after the first.

·         2 doses of Sinovac-CoronaVac: the second dose administered 14-28 days after the first.

COVID-19 Testing For Guests Full Vaccinated: Fully Vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian Ports must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken one to 2 days before setting sail to be exempt from embarkation testing at the terminal. Completing pre-trip testing prior to embarkation day enhances the efficiency of boarding and confirms that you are negative for COVID-19 prior to traveling to the terminal. Pre-trip test results must be uploaded into the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day.

Antigen Tests must be completed using a proctored in-person or telehealth service and come with a digital result that can be uploaded to the Safe Passage website. A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or PCR test also is acceptable. Guests can purchase COVID-19 tests through the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website or obtain a test from any independent online testing supplier or pharmacy.

Fully vaccinated Guests who upload their pre-trip test results to Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day will be exempt from embarkation testing. Fully vaccinated Guests who do not upload test results by midnight prior to embarkation day must be tested at the terminal on embarkation day before boarding the ship and will be charged for the cost of the test. Guests with positive COVID-19 test results are required to complete a second confirmatory test. Guests with confirmed positive test results – as well as those sharing the same stateroom and other close contacts – will be denied boarding.

The cost of the embarkation tests for full vaccinated Guests will be $74.00 (USD) plus tax for the initial antigen test, and, if needed, $125.00 (USD) plus tax for a confirmatory PCR test, charged at the time of service. For Canada sailings, the cost of embarkation tests for fully vaccinated Guests will be $95.00 (CAD) plus GST for the initial antigen test, and, if needed, $160.00 (CAD) plus GST for confirmatory PCR test, charged at the time of service.

COVID-19 Testing For Guests Not Fully Vaccinated: Guests who are not fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 tests taken one to 3 days before the sail date. The test should be a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), a rapid PCR test or a lab-based PCR test. Rabid antigen tests are not accepted. This will be the first of 2 tests required for Guests not fully vaccinated; the second test will be conducted at the terminal on embarkation day.

Upload Proof of Vaccination and/or COVID-19 Test Results: in order to sail, all Guests (adults and children, regardless of age) must upload their proof of vaccination of negative COVID-19 test results on the Inspire Diagnostics Safe Passage website by midnight prior to embarkation day. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. Inspire Diagnostics is Disney Cruise Line’s third-party partner for COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification. To learn more about how to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result, please visit DisneyTravelTradeInfo.com/DCL.

Back-to-Back Sailings: All Guests on consecutive, back-to-back sailings, regardless of age and vaccination status, will be required to complete a COVID-19 test between sailings, paid for by Disney Cruise Line.

Guests Recently Recovered from COVID-19: In some cases, people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may still test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If Guests have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 11-90 days of their sail date, they may qualify to be considered as “90-Day-Recovered.” With the appropriate documentation and subsequent approval, Guests considered “90-DayRecovered” are not required to participate in COVID-19 testing during the Pre-Sail, Embarkation or Debarkation phases of their voyage. For details on what documentation is required, lease visit DisneyTravelTradeInfo.com/DCL.

 

Navigator, White Wall or Clear Plexiglass Wall Veranda What is the Difference and How to Tell When Booking

 Navigator, White Wall or Clear Plexiglass Wall Veranda

What is the Difference and How to Tell When Booking 

What is a Veranda?? It is a private balcony you can go out on attached to your cabin. You can sit and enjoy looking out over the ocean or the shoreline if you are in port. There are at least 2 chairs or a chair and a bench and a table for you to use there.

Are you booking a veranda and want to know the differences between the different kinds and how to tell what you are getting?? First off understand that SOME verandas can be partly or mostly obstructed. That simply means that there is something blocking your view off of it. Usually that is on Decks 5 or at the back of the ship on other decks where the white wall scoops to give the ship it’s beautiful lines.

Disney Cruise Line does not always make it easy to tell if your cabin is White Wall or Clear. I do not know why they are so nonspecific on something people really feel is important. But there is a way to know!

When you book if it says Navigator Veranda it may be a white wall with a big hole in It or a short white wall. If it is the big hole you are partly obscured from looking out but it is wonderful because you get less breeze while sitting there. It is harder to see out without standing but still nice for getting some fresh air.

Navigator Veranda also includes just white wall that is about 2.5 feet high with the upper area completely open. Being a Dwarfish Giganticus (giant dwarf), I’m only 4ft 9in tall sitting on these verandas I can not see over the wall. Still, I like these because they are slightly less expensive than the Clear Wall, more open than the Navigator with the hole and I still get to enjoy the sun in quiet.

Clear Wall Verandas have a Plexiglas wall that is about 2.5 ft high. You can easily sit in the chairs provided and enjoy the full view!! If you have connecting veranda cabins you can even open the walls between to get a larger veranda for your party.

Now how to you tell if you have a white or clear view wall?? Look at the cabin category cabin you have picked. If it is category 6 or 7 it will have a White Wall. If it is category 5 or 4 it will have a clear wall. Category 8 are white wall Navigator with the hole or partly obscured.

When booking make sure you tell your Travel Agent or the DCL representative you speak with your Veranda Wall desires! You do not want to get to the ship and find you have a Navigator Hole when you want White Wall or a Clear Wall. If you don’t tell them they can’t know.  Sadly, the DCL website does not tell you the category of the cabin when you are looking. If you book yourself, it will only tell you when start to check out.

Protecting Your Valuables When Boarding and Disembarking from a Disney Cruise

Protecting Your Valuables When

Boarding and Disembarking from a Disney Cruise

You are ready for your cruise! Excited to go. What do you put in your Carry-on vs your Check in Bags?? How to you get your valuables off the ship at the end of your cruise?

Things that should only go in your carry-on bags are when boarding a Disney Ship:

·         Wine/Beer (Each adult can take on 2 bottles of wind or 6 bottles of beer.)

·         Water can not go in check in bags. It must be carried on by you

·         Valuables, jewelry, cash, credit cards.

·         Electronics, camera, cell phone, tablets, computers.

·         Fragile items that could break if mishandled.

·         Things you will need for the first evening.

Things you should pack in your carry-on bags when disembarking:

·         Valuables, jewelry, cash, credit cards.

·         Electronics, camera, cell phone, tablets, computers.

·         Fragile items that could break if mishandled.

·         Any items you need to declare at customs

·         Things you will need to Disembark, ID, Key to the World Card, Customs declaration.

·         Things you will need on your travel home.

Not everybody that touches your checked bags works for DCL. Many at the port are hired by the port authority. Disney can’t guarantee that even their crew does not have some disreputable people in it. No company can weed them all out. I honestly believe Disney does a really good job. I know people have things go missing. It does happen. I personally have never had anything stolen. There is also the airline baggage handlers if you fly.

If you find something is missing once you get home report it immediately to DCL!! This allows them to look and see if they can find your item. It also alerts them to a problem. If they get multiple reports for missing items from cabins being serviced by the same crew member they can see a pattern and will look into it. They will also look to see if the same port authority staff are involved. Notify the airline if something is missing from a checked bag. No company can fix a problem unless they know about it! If you say nothing you allow the problem to continue.

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

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

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+.

 

Disney Cruise Line Releases New Itineraries for September – December 2023!!!

 Disney Cruise Line Releases New Itineraries for

September – December 2023!!!

Disney Cruise has released the newest itineraries for the end of 2023!! 4 out of the 5 ships are listed. There are some shakeups in what ships are going where!! Dream will do some trips out of New York and then go to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale; Fl. Fantasy will return to 7-Night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. The Wish is scheduled for 3 & 4-Night Bahamian taking over for the Dream out of Port Canaveral. Disney Magic will be doing some cruises out of Galveston, Tx and then coming to San Diego California for the end of 2023 before returning to Galveston.

The Disney Wonder is strangely NOT on the list! I do not know if they left the Wonder off because they are not sure what they will do with her yet or if maybe they are taking her into Drydock for some maintenance and upgrades. Either way Wonder is off the schedule from September to December.

The change in the itineraries is exciting to see! This is just the first of many changes to come over the next couple of years! In 2024 Disney Cruise Line will add a 6^th ship and in 2025 a 7^th ship will join the fleet! DCL is also adding a new private port, Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. This will accommodate the extra ships and give an additional exciting place to see!

You can start booking these cruises July 28^th, 2022! BUT there is early booking for Castaway Club members!!

·         July 25^th Platinum Castaway Club members can book! (You’ve sailed 10+ Disney Cruises)

·         July 26^th Platinum & Gold Castaway Club members can book (You’ve sailed 6+ Disney Cruises)

·         July 27^th Platinum, Gold and Silver Castaway Club members can book (You’ve sailed 2+ Disney Cruises)

·         July 28^th Everybody can book a Disney Cruise.

You may ask why the rush to book?? Historically the prices for Disney Cruises goes up quickly after they are released to the public. Historically within 3-6 weeks after the cabins are released the price will start to go up and may go up as much as $300 or more for the same cabin. Placing a small REFUNDABLE deposit holds the cabin at the current price and protects it from going up in price. If for any reason you can not go the deposit can be refunded before the Pay in Full Date for the cruise.

I’ll be honest, not trying to scare people into booking just stating facts. I’ve seen the price of a cabin go up $300 in a matter of minutes. A client asked me the price on a particular cabin. I told them. They asked me to price a different cabin without holding the first. I give them the price and they decided to take the first one. The price on the first cabin went up $300 while I looked at the second cabin. So, booking early WILL save you money!!

I’ll also be honest and say in 2021 and 2022 the prices are not going up as fast as they historically use too. Still, people are returning to travel and therefore as things pick up the prices will rise faster. I feel if you have the money to make the deposit it is best to book it and cancel later if you must. Your final payment will not be due until 105-90 before the cruise sail date So you will have into the middle of 2023 to pay it off. You can make the deposit then Pay in Full when the date comes or make payments as you can. Whatever works for YOU.

Want to book a Disney Cruise?? I’ll be happy to help!! I’ve been on 9 DCL Cruises so far and have 2 more booked and will sail both by January 2023. I’ll be happy to share my information and help in any way I can.

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

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

https://www.facebook.com/CarolynsPixieDustedMemoriesAtEliteMemoriesTravel

Why the fuss and Concern about Accessibility on the Disney Wish

Why the fuss and Concern about Accessibility on the Disney Wish

WARNING!!! THIS IS A PIXIE RANT!!!

Over the past couple of weeks things that are no so accessibility friendly are coming out. Things like not being able to walk around the walking Decks like you could walk around on Deck 4 on the older Disney Ships. What’s the big deal! Just walk back and forth or go inside and grab an elevator. Right?? No, not right. You see, the disabled already have a hard enough time getting around as it is. To tell them they can’t go the same way able-bodied people go makes them feel second class. Add that pushing yourself in a wheelchair, using a walker or crutches is very tiring! The further you go the more tired you are! The less you can and will do.

Think this way. You are on a walk with friends and family around the ship. Suddenly you come to a pole you have go climb over, there are other ways around, but YOU can’t climb over that pole. You have your choices. Turn around and just walk back and forth in the same area, dull and boring. Quit the walk and find something else to do. Let your friends and family go ahead without you, ending your time together. Or, you can go find an alternative route, but that stops the conversation you were having with your friends/family. Can you see why this is upsetting? I’m not disabled but I can sure see it!!! Do you want to make your friends and family walk out of their way because of your special need? No you want to feel NORMAL!!!

Disney Wish has some issues for sure!! One is the outside walking deck(s) and the stairs. The other is the kid’s clubs. The “cool kids” can go down the slide or even stairs that go DIRECTLY to the club. Disabled kids have to go the elevators to go down to one of the ENDS of the club instead of being brought to the middle of the action. Medically fragile children may not be able to use the slide or the stairs! The Disney Wish is dedicated to the Make a Wish Kids, yet it makes it harder to get there for them. It makes them feel less included.

A little more about the Elevators!! There are fewer elevators on the Wish than the other Disney ships. Not all elevators go to ALL decks. What elevator do you take to get where you are going? How long will it take for you to get an elevator??? I have a disabled friend who missed dinner AND the evening show because it took over an hour to get an elevator! People were jumping over her son to get in the elevator before him. The elevator would come and be full and people would laugh at them and say, “catch the next one.” Will you be considerate to the disabled on the ship and step out to let them in? Will you stop those jumping line over them so they can enter? Maybe let them ahead of you?? I do. How would you feel if this happened to you?? Just “catch the elevator” is not a great option often on a Disney Ship.

For those of you who think it is a little inconvenience to go “slightly” out of your way reconsider the emotional toll to those with special needs. We can’t help you at this door, go to the back. That sounds and feels like “Go to the back of the Bus.” Yes, I’m old enough to remember the Civil Rights movement, Freedom Rides, Lunch Counter Sit In, MLK and Malcom X. The disabled get it all the time!! They can’t wonder most clothing stores freely because the racks are too close together. They can’t take a “walk/roll” around the block because the sidewalks are broken or don’t have ramps for them. Don’t you think if they are paying thousands of dollars they would like not to have to feel “different” or be treated as a 2^nd class guest? We have an entry for you but you need to go to a different deck, door or further out of your way to get there.

Next time you are on a Disney Cruise Ship please be kind to those with special needs. Offer to hold a door, carry a tray or for God’s sake step out of the elevator so they can use it! Show people curtesy and inclusivity. 

Disney Cruise Line Accessibility & Accessible Cabins Listed by Ship

Disney Cruise Line Accessibility &

Accessible Cabins Listed by Ship

Accessibility is a trademark of the Disney Company and in particular Disney Cruise Line. Inclusion is the newest of the Disney Keys to how they want to do business and how they want their Cast Members to handle things. This includes race, color, sex, sexual preference and disabilities.

I’ve been hearing that the newest ship of the DCL fleet is not as accessible as the older ships. I can see where the concerns are and agree with many. YET looking at the numbers DCL has upped its game with being able to accommodate more disabled guests on the Disney Wish.

The first 4 ships of the DCL fleet have approximately 2% of their cabins as handicapped accessible. This means 2% of the cabins can accommodate someone in a wheelchair or ECV. The Disney Wish has 90 accessible cabins, over 3 almost 4 times the number of accessible cabins! I’ve listed the cabin numbers for each accessible cabin on each DCL ship with the number of cabins on each floor and how many total each ship has.

I’m hoping to go on the Wish in 2024 so I can judge the accessibility of the ship for myself. Some areas seem to make you go out of your way to get there if you can’t do stairs. The kid’s clubs require stairs or slide from deck 3, unless you go out of your way to go to the elevators. Speaking of elevators there are fewer of them on the Wish than on the older ships. This can be an issue for those who can’t use stairs. Some areas are not accessible by elevator, some have wheelchair lifts to get you from one deck to another. An example of the lift is from the Quiet Cove on Deck 13 to the sun deck on Deck 14. For other areas you need to find an elevator. An example of this is Deck 4. You either have a short straight walk on either side of the ship or you go up a flight of stairs to Deck 5 to complete your loop. You can go inside and get an elevator to Deck 5. But again, you have to change direction and can’t go the way everybody else does.

Not all the elevators go to every Deck. So sometimes you must wait for a specific elevator to go where you wish. Somehow this does not seem as inclusive as it should/could be. I’m waiting to talk to more people about their experiences and go myself before making my final say on the accessibility of the ship.

I’ve seen poles in accessible cabins that look like they obstruct walk/wheel ways in the cabins. I’ve heard some guests say their small pediatric size wheelchair did not fit in the cabin. I’ve seen other posts that say they had no problems accessing the cabins.

I do know all pools are accessible if you request a lift be brought to the pool, just ask 2-3 hours ahead of time and they will accommodate you!

I do know all the theaters, lounges, and restaurants ARE accessible on all the ships. All public areas are accessible. On the older ships you must use a second door to get into the restaurants off the Lobby if you can’t do steps. But it is not “a handicapped” door. It is just a 2^nd entrance. There are alternative entrances on the Classic ships (Magic/Wonder) for accessing the front row accessible seats. You go through a lounge that is on Deck 3 Port side and you ask for someone to take you through the Backstage area to get to the front row. Those are the only 2 places on the first 4 ships I see secondary entrances.

Here is the list of all the Accessible Cabins on each ship:

Disney Magic 18 of the 875 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 6 6000/6500 6147/ 6154/6647/6654 6

Deck 7 7509 7131/7136/7138 7631/7636/7638 7

Deck 8 8094/8100/8102 8600/8608 5

 

Disney Wonder 18 of the 875 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 6 6000/6500 6147/ 6154/6647/6654 6

Deck 7 7509 7131/7136/7138 7631/7636/7638 7

Deck 8 8094/8100/8102 8600/8608 5

 

Disney Dream 25 of the 1,250 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 2 2033-2035 2533/2535 4

Deck 5 5552 5186/5686 3

Deck 6 6060/6014 6500/6504 6088/6090 6186/6686 8

Deck 7 7500 1

Deck 8 8090/8092 8588/8590 8184 8500 6

Deck 9 9170 1

Deck 11 11000/11006 2

 

Disney Fantasy 25 of the 1,250 total cabins or roughly 2%

Deck 1 0

Deck 2 2033-2035 2533/2535 4

Deck 5 5552 5186/5686 3

Deck 6 6060/6014 6500/6504 6088/6090 6186/6686 8

Deck 7 7500 1

Deck 8 8090/8092 8588/8590 8184 8500 6

Deck 9 9170 1

Deck 10 0

Deck 11 11000/11006 2

Deck 12 0

 

Disney Wish 90 of the 1,250 total cabins or roughly 7%

Deck 2 2068 2559 2575 2580 2592 2628 6

Deck 6 6006/6504 6509 6026 6524/6526 6088 6106/6108 6604 6136 6146 6640 6648 6174 6193 6194 6200 18

Deck 7 7016 7510/7512 7088 7106/7108 7122 7136 7602/7604 7608 7146 7644 7194/7196/7198/7694/7692 18

Deck 8 8014 8073 8086 8593 8104/8106 8120 8602/8604 8608 8134 8144 8187 8644 8190 8194/8692 8688 8184 8680 19

Deck 9 9004 9076 9589 9602 9126 9630 9136 9638 9170 9175 9180 9682 9680 13            

Deck 10 10132 10138 10632 10636 10120 1094 10588 10070 10564 10046 10

Deck 11 11504 11054 2

Deck 12 12512 12026 2

Deck 13 13028 13510 2