Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023

Disney Travel News

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023

By: Disney Destinations

February 20, 2023

At D23 Expo 2022, we announced to much fanfare that Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park will turn into San Fransokyo from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Award-wining “Big Hero 6”

Those of you who have recently been to the park may have seen that this exciting transformation has already begun. Later this summer, during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, Guests will be able to step ito the new area – named San Fransokyo Square – and discover new offerings inspired by Baymax and friends.

Today we’re excited to tell you more about the Walt Disney Imagineering story behind San Fransokyo Square and some of the fun that awaits.

San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo. As the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses where Guests will be able to eat and shop.

An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tied pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. Once guests cross the bridge, they’ll catch a view of the floating wind turbine atop an old fishing net tannery, powering the district from high in the sky. Clues to the area’s storied and charming past can be found in the details throughout San Fransokyo Square.

Outside the converted warehouse at the south end of San Fransokyo, Guests may have the opportunity to encounter Baymax. Today, Pacific Wharf is home to eateries featuring sough dough bread, ice cream sundaes, delicious Mexican fare, Asian dishes, and more. Guests will still be able to enjoy all your favorite Pacific Wharf dining locations during this transformation.

When the transformation to San Fransokyo Square is completed this summer, Guests will find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, as well as many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria draws inspiration from its tri-cultral influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.

The San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department is hard at work on this transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Travel News for more details, and we look forward to bringing San Fransokyo Square to life in Disney California Adventure park this summer!

Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit https://DisneyTravelTradeInfo.com/DLR for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

New Details for Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Castaway Club Tier

Disney Travel News

New Details for Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Castaway Club Tier

February 23, 2023

As part of our countdown to Disney Cruise Line’s “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration, we’ve been sharing details about the newest tier of Castaway Club, Pearl. We’re excited to reveal more of the magic awaiting our most loyal guests.

 

Castaway Club is our special way of recognizing Disney Cruise Line guests who have continued to sail time and time again. Members are rewarded with exclusive at-home and onboard benefits that add an extra layer of magic to their Disney Cruise experience.

 

For nearly two-and-a-half decades, members of the Castaway Club have played an integral role in the Disney Cruise Line story. The new membership tier was named “Pearl” to honor the valued relationship we have formed with guests over the years and is inspired by the time it takes for a pearl to be formed in nature with the launch of Pearl this summer on May 1, cruises who have sailed on at least 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations will have access to more rewards and perks than ever before.

Unlimited Digital Downloads: Bring Home Memories That Last a Lifetime

On every Disney Cruise Line sailing, professional photographers capture pictures to help families preserve their most precious vacation souvenir of all - the memories made at sea. As a special “thank you”
from Disney Cruise Line, Pearl Castaway Club members will unlock unlimited complimentary digital downloads, so they can cherish each magical moment for years to come.

The First to Know: Book Disney Cruise Line Vacations Before Anyone Else

When it comes to the ever-expanding list of exciting Disney Cruise Line itineraries, Castaway Club Pearl members will be the very first guests to reserve their spot! The new membership tier introduces an early booking window that opens four days before the general public will gain access.

 

Early Access: Customize Your Cruise Ahead of Time

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of onboard and onshore activities that let guests customize their cruise. From character dining experiences and adult-only beverage tasting seminars to Port Adventures and Senses Spa & Salon appointments, there is something for everyone. Pearl members will have the added benefit of scheduling activities before everyone else with an exclusive booking window that opens 123 days before the date of their next cruise beginning later this summer.

Stateroom Surprises: Receive a Warm Welcome from Disney Cruise Line

This summer, all Castaway Club members can look forward to a refreshed assortment of welcome aboard gifts awaiting them in their staterooms. As part of this special surprise, Pearl members will receive a pair of beautiful pearlescent tumblers that are perfect for hydrating in style during their Disney Cruise vacation. Gifts will be limited to one per stateroom and are always subject to change and based on availability.

Complimentary Dinner at Palo: Be Our Guest During a Signature Dining Experience

Beloved by new and returning cruise goers alike for its Italian-inspired cuisine and romantic atmosphere, Palo is one of Disney Cruise Line’s signature adult-exclusive restaurants. Being hosted for dinner at Palo has become a favorite perk for Platinum Castaway Club members over the years. Guests who have earned Pearl membership status can also look forward to a complimentary dining experience at Palo during their next voyage, based on reservation availability.

Sailing Disney Cruise Line with Special Needs/Disabilities

Sailing Disney Cruise Line with Special Needs/Disabilities

Let me share our experience sailing Disney Cruise Line with special needs. DCL is amazing in the way it makes everyone feel included.

 

In 2005 we sailed on the Disney Magic. We were a group of 15 family and friends traveling together. None of us had ever done DCL before. 3 were elderly with mobility, using Scooters, vision and hearing impaired, and cognitive issues. 1 person used a CPap, 1 had diabetes, 6 had food allergies, 1 child with ADHD in the spectrum, and 1 adult with ADHD. yes we covered the spectrum of disabilities. DCL was amazingly accessible and helpful. From boarding the ship to disembarking the Crew took spectacular care of us.

 

The attention given to those with special needs that have been to the Disney Parks and Disney Cruise with us has been amazing. We believe that it has improved and lengthened their lives. Trips to Disney Parks and Cruise have given them a reason to fight on. Those with cognitive issues it has given a reason to improve and has in fact improved their functions. Those with emotional issue we have seen it bring joy back into their lives and give them a reason to keep positive.

 

For Guests with Mobility Issues:

Accessible cabins can be found in most cabin category levels. Accessible Cabins have larger doors with no lip to make it easier for wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers to access. There are wider walkways in the cabin for getting around. Instead of a split bathroom there is one bathroom with a roll in shower. Again, the bathroom door is larger for easier access.

 

For the hearing impaired there are the following services:

that flash the lights, emergency alarms are flashing instead of audible, both also shake the bed to awaken a sleeping hard of hearing guest. The Disney Wish has hearing impaired cabins and does not have portable devices for the hard of hearing. Make sure your request a cabin for the heard of hearing when booking. If you contact DCL ahead of your trip they will arrange for ASL interpreters to be at the shows for you. There are a limited number of DCL cruise out of Europe that you can request ASL interpreters. There are also amplification devices and Closed Caption Screens for the hearing impaired. All is no extra charge and available upon request.

 

For the blind there are the following services:

Alternative format on select communications, audio described movies and Braille signage. The DCL Navigator App features the daily schedule and menus with audio and magnification functions. Additionally, Crew Members can assist with reading menus, price tags, and other forms of Guest Information.

 

For Children with Disabilities:

The kids clubs are designed to be age appropriate. Children 3 years old that are potty trained can go to the kids clubs. There are clubs for kids 3-17 years of age. Your child needs to go to the AGE-appropriate area. The Clubs are accessible for those with physical disabilities. If your child is 15 but functions at the level of a 8 year old they can not go into the younger age area. They can go into the area with the teens of their age. If your child is 18 and functions at the level of a much younger child they can not go into the kids clubs. Everything is based on age not cognitive ability. The Crew does not have the training, numbers, or resources to provide the care your child needs.

 

Guests with Medical Needs:

Do you need to bring medical equipment or medication? This includes things like CPap, Oxygen, IV Pump, medication that needs to be refrigerated, need for a 2^nd refrigerator, sharps disposal box or anything else? Just ask DCL and they will make sure you have what you need. There is a Sharps Container in every cabin and public restroom.

 

Here is a link to the DCL book for guests with disabilities:

https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/dcl/finder/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/DCL_Guidebook%20Rev.%2020%20Feb.%202018%20version.compressed.pdf

 

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

Scott@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

Sailing Disney Cruise - Food Allergies – Diabetes – Dietary special Needs

Sailing Disney Cruise - Food Allergies – Diabetes – Dietary special Needs

 

There is nothing worse than food allergies. If you are at sea and eat something you are allergic it could be a major issue that ruins your trip and possibly life threatening. How does DCL deal with allergies?? The last thing DCL wants is someone sick when it could be avoided!

 

Before you sail make sure to fill out the Special Needs form and let DCL know you have an allergy. Tell them what you are allergic to. Then first night at dinner on the cruise your Server will ask you if you are allergic to anything, tell them. They will make a note of that and if you try to order something with the item you are allergic to in it they will say now. For those looking to cut back on sugar or who are diabetic there are lots of sugar free options offered.

 

When you go to a sit down breakfast or lunch, Quick Service or Adult Dining, they will ask you about allergies. If they don’t ask, make sure to tell them! The same goes for Room Service. If they can make the requested food without the item that you are allergic to they will. If they can’t make it without the allergen, they will tell you to pick something else. If there is nothing available you like without something you are allergic to they will often make something special for you that is allergy free. Challenge the chief! I’ve had them come out and ask what things you like to eat. Then they fix something with those ingredients in it. I got a delicious Italian desert in Palo that was completely off menu because of my allergies! The chief made it specially for me. If you are in the Main Restaurant and they don’t have something you can or want to eat and there was something from the night before you enjoyed, go ahead and ask for it! It can be done!

 

DCL wants you to enjoy the food on the ship, even if you have dietary limitations. Do you need Sugar Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, your food Pureed, or other special requirements? Let DCL know and they will go out of their way to make sure you eat well! I’ve seen them deal with all sorts of dietary needs. You just need to talk to them.

Where do You Eat Breakfast & Lunch On the Disney Cruise Ships?

Where do You Eat Breakfast & Lunch

On the Disney Cruise Ships?

You know that for dinner each night on a Disney Cruise you are in one of the Main Dining Restaurants. The Navigator App will tell you what restaurant you are in and what table you will be seated at each night so you have no problems figuring out Dinner!

 

What do you do for Breakfast & Lunch? Let me tell you! About your 3 choices!

 

Choice one:

One of the Main Restaurants will be open for Breakfast & Lunch each day. To find out what restaurant is open, and their hours look at your DCL Navigator App. The information will be there. Main Dining Restaurants for Breakfast & Lunch are sit down table service, first come first served, unassigned table. And your Evening Main Dining Servers will usually not be the ones serving you.

 

This option is great for those that enjoy feeling spoiled and served. Realize it may take longer to get your food than the other options. It is a great calm way to start the day.

 

Choice two:

Call room service for a continental breakfast or light lunch if you don’t want to leave your cabin quite yet.

 

If you need to eat soon after you get up and can’t get ready fast enough in the mornings to control the morning hunger I’d go for this option. Maybe keep it to a small snakish type breakfast then go for a full meal when ready. This option is also great if you just want some quiet down time.

 

Choice three:

Quick service on the pool deck. Most if not all of the quick service locations serve breakfast and lunch and 99% of it is included in your cruise fare. No extra charge. This also makes grabbing a free cup of coffee, juice or hot chocolate.

 

This is a wonderful option for those sun worshipers who wish to relax on the pool deck. It is also great if you have kids who want to spend time at the pools. Great choices from hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Chicken Strips to Pizza and BBQ. Of course there is Ice Cream aplenty!

 

Choice four:

Cabanas Buffet. Cabanas will be open for breakfast then close for a couple of hours to clean and reset for lunch. It is a casual buffet style meal with a variety of foods that will please the pickiest of eaters.

 

If you wish a quick meal where you can pick exactly what you get and how much of each I recommend Cabanas! This Buffet has a wide variety of foods. From Mac & Cheese, Chicken Fingers all the way to Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce. Your choice!! I find this option quicker than the sit down and I get just want I want!

 

No matter what you choose you will find plenty of great food.

 

Snacks are available throughout the day at the quick serve locations. Soda, Juice, Regular Coffee/Tea, Hot Chocolate, milk and water is available at the drink station on the Pool Deck.

 

Quiet Cove Café is the Adult only coffee shop on the cruise line. You can go in there and purchase specialty coffee or tea for an extra charge. You can grab a cup of coffee at the regular drink station and take it into Quiet Cove Café with you. The baked goods in there are free and it is a calm relaxing way to start the morning.

Family Travel on the Disney Cruise – Who Can Take the Kids Off the Ship or pick them up from kids clubs?

Family Travel on the Disney Cruise – Who Can Take the Kids Off the Ship or pick them up from kids clubs?

You are traveling with extended family or friends that are like family. Auntie, Uncle, Grandparents and friends you trust want to take your child off the ship while in port. Is that allowed?

 

Having someone take your child off the ship can be an amazing break and a huge perk of traveling with family and friends. You can get a chance to relax in the adult pool, get a spa treatment or enjoy an adult port adventure that your child could not handle.

 

General policy is only parents/legal guardians can take a child off the ship. This is understandable as it can help protect children. There is a way for you to let a responsible adult take your child off the ship. All you need to do is fill out a form stating who can take your child.

 

Here is the link to get the form:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/kids-teens/minor-authorization-form

 

You can also add your family and friends to the list of people allowed to pick up your child from the Kids Club. Just stop at the club and talk to the crew there.

What Time Should You Fly In For Your Cruise?

What time should you Fly In for Your Cruise?

 

Many people want to fly in the day they board the ship. The thought is the ship leaves at 4 pm so I have plenty of time to get to the port if I arrive at the airport at 8 or 10 am.

 

It is highly recommended that you fly in the day before and get a hotel for the night. You Don’t want to take the extra time off work or from school? Don’t want to waste the money on a hotel for the night? here is something to think about. Is that extra day off or the money spent on a hotel worth missing the cruise? Is it worth losing the money you spent for the cruise? Consider that earlier flight and the hotel as insurance for you getting to your ship on time. Scroll to the bottom of this article for some statistics on flight delays.

 

About the choice of hotel! Many hotels near the airport have a free shuttle to/from the airport. You can catch the shuttle from the airport to the hotel when you land at the airport. Then take the Shuttle back to the airport to catch the DCL shuttle to the port the next morning!

 

With the number of flight delays going on now a days you never know if your flight will be canceled or delayed to the point where you miss your ship. You miss the cruise!! If you do not have travel insurance you lose the money you spent for the cruise!! This is not said to scare you, it is just simply the facts.

 

When should you fly? According to people in the airline and travel industry it is suggested you take a flight early in the morning the day before you board the ship. Get that hotel for the night and have a relaxing morning before you board the ship!

 

Booking a flight for 5-9am that gets you to your destination the evening before allows time for delays! If your am flight delays you still have time to catch a later flight and get to your destination on time. Those on the AM flights are the first canceled/Rescheduled. They will be the first to be rescheduled for the next flight.

 

The final decision is up to you. Just take a moment to consider words of wisdom I’ve gotten from Flight Attendants, Pilots, Booking Agents at DCL and guests who booked flights that got them there “just in time” but missed their cruise. Think about that Hotel.

 

For flying home after the cruise, the timing depends on the port you are at. If the airport is near the port, you should be ok with a 12:30 pm flight if you do a walk off and do not check your luggage the night before for the crew to carry off the ship. Later is better if you wish to have them take your bags off and be able to make sure you get breakfast. 1:30 pm or later is better. If the port is farther away consider a 2-3 pm flight. You need to make sure you can get to the airport without undue stress. Orlando Airport (MCO) is over an hour drive from the port. Also, you must consider going through TSA and customs.

 

FlightAware.com/live/canceled/today tracks flight delays at many key airports. Here are some of the numbers from the today and the previous 3 days. I think it speaks for itself.

 

02/06-09/23

Orlando

·        Total flights 4,747

·        Delayed 490

·        Percentage delayed 10.3%

·        Total Departure 2,447

·        Total Delayed 259

·        Percentage Delayed10.6%

·        Total Arrivals 2,300

·        Total Delayed 231

·        Percentage 10.45

·        Canceled 1

 

Miami

·        Total flights 6,398

·        Delayed 576

·        Percentage delayed 8.9%

·        Total Departure 3,145

·        Total Delayed 323

·        Percentage Delayed 10.2%

·        Total Arrivals 3,253

·        Total Delayed 253

·        Percentages Delayed 7.8

·        Canceled 10

 

Los Angeles

·        Total flights 7,041

·        Delayed 556

·        Percentage delayed 7.8%

·        Total Departure 3,392

·        Total Delayed 306

·        Percentage Delayed 9%

·        Total Arrivals 3,649

·        Total Delayed 250

·        Percentage 5.8%

·        Canceled 15

 

(These number were calculated from daily data. There is a very small margin of error due to the methodology. The complete daily accounting is available upon request. Just send an email to us.)

 

Palo – What is it – Where is it – How to get in – Policies

Palo – What is it – Where is it – How to get in – Policies

What is Palo? Palo is a Adult Dining experience on the Disney Cruise Ships. It is on the upper Most deck of the ship. Palo serve Northern Italian Food.

 

Palo is in high demand and there are never enough reservations to get in.  To make a reservation go to your Navigator App or online when your Booking Window open for Port Adventures. Go to adult Dining then pick your date and time. It

 

You will be charged the following:

·        Brunch $45

·        Dinner is Prix Fixe Menu:

o   All included on the Prix Fixe Menu is $45,

o   You can add $70 per person and include Wine Pairing with dinner.

o   Ala carte items are charge extra. (They are clearly priced in the Menu.)

 

Brunch is the preferred time for many guests to go to Palo. Brunch/Lunch use to be a Buffet. Now it has a menu. You can get all you want off the menu. Pick 2 or 3 of every course if you wish! You can try it all! With Brunch you also get 1 glass of Champaign or Sparkling Cider. You will not know when you are going to Palo until just before you sail or when you get on the ship. Usually Palo is only open for Brunch on Sea Days, not in port. There are some exceptions.

Dinner is a Prix fixe menu. You get to order 1 of each course. If the dish you wish is not on the Prix fixe menu you will pay extra for it.

The restaurant has an elegant, tasteful theme. The food is excellent and worth the extra cost. The service is over the top amazing and never fails to please. It is worth the $45 per person just for the experience, even if you don’t like Italian food.

 

Dress to Impress!! Palo is an Adult-Exclusive restaurant about the Disney Cruise Line Ships. Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s sophistication. Formal or Semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress casual attire with a polished look is permitted (such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collard shirts and blouses and lifestyle shoes). Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire is not permitted.

 

I recommend trying for Brunch and not going for dinner. If you go for dinner you are missing the fun in the Main Dining Room. You may miss the show or other events scheduled. Even if you knew what night you are going to be in Palo you don’t know what Main Restaurant you are missing.

 

Palo also has a Private Table! You can enjoy some time in a private space with a group of family and friends. Depending on what ship you are sailing on the Private Table will seat 8-14 people. On the Classic Ships (Magic/Wonder) the minimum number of guests in your group must be 8 and the Maximum is 14. For the Dream Class ships (Dream/Fantasy) the Minimum is 10 and Maximum 14. If you do this for brunch/lunch you have the same menu as the others in the restaurant. Your price is the same as well. There is no Private Dining on the Disney Wish.

 

To get the Private Room/Table go to DisneyCruiseLine.com and hover over “Our Ships” Click on “Dining” in the pull down. Now you will see a list of all the restaurants on the ships. Scroll down to “Palo” and click on it. Scroll down to “La Dolce Vita at Sea” and click on “read more”. Scroll down to the place where you see “Private Dining Request Form” and click on it. The form will come up and you can fill it out. Email it back to DCL at the email Address on the form. You will be told about 30 days out if you were able to get the reservation for the Private Table.

 

To make a reservation for a regular table for 1-6 people you can do it on the Navigator App or online at DisneyCruiseLine.com. When your Booking Window opens for Port Adventures. Click on My Reservation and go to your reservation. I highly suggest making the reservation as soon as your booking window opens! If you don’t get a reservation before hand you can try again for one once you get on the ship by going to Guest Services. If non is open they will put you on a wait list.

Main Dining Restaurants of the Disney Wonder / Where you will eat dinner on the Disney Wonder

Main Dining Restaurants of the Disney Wonder

Where you will eat dinner on the Disney Wonder

 

There are 3 Main Dining Restaurants on the Disney Wonder. You will rotate through them throughout the cruise. Your dining staff will follow you from Restaurant to Restaurant.

 

The Main Restaurants of the Disney Wonder are:

Triton’s:

Located on the side of the Main Atrium Lobby, Deck 3.

French/American food in an upscale restaurant.

Themed after Little Mermaid.

No show but Characters MAY walk through the restaurant as you eat. No stopping or visiting.

Menu:

Tiana’s Place:

Located Deck 3 Aft.

New Orleans, Cajun and American foods.

Themed after the Princess and the Frog.

Live Jazz Band playing throughout your meal. Tiana and Louis come to visit with Tiana stopping at the tables to visit with the guests.

Menu:

Animator’s Palate:

Located Deck 2 Aft.

American food.

Themed to look like a Disney Animators workshop.

The room starts out of stark black and white. As the meal progresses the pictures on the wall go from simple pencil sketches being drawn to colored, to fully animated. On Pirate Night the theme is slightly different and the pictures are from Disney Pirate films. Soccer Mickey comes out and dances through the restaurant.

 

You will also find one of these restaurants open for Breakfast and Lunch for sit down meals. Just check your Navigator App to see what restaurant is open for Breakfast and Lunch each day. If you don’t want to do a sit down service meal for breakfast or lunch try Cabanas or the quick service options on the pool deck.

Your Disney Cruise Line Key to the World Card

Your Disney Cruise Line Key to the World Card

 

Let me introduce you to your DCL Key to the World Card!

 

You will find your Key to the World Card on your cabin Message Fish when you board. It will be in a sealed RFID shielded envelope so people can not access your cabin without making it obvious.

 

What does your Key to the World Card do for you?

• It unlocks your cabin door.
• It is your card to charge things to your shipboard account.
• It is your Identification for disembarking and Boarding the ship at all ports.

You must the Key to the World Card and photo ID (Passport or State Issued ID.) when disembarking or boarding the ship at EVERY port. This includes Disney’s Castaway Cay.

 

What information does your Key to the World Card have on it?

1. Dates of your Cruise
2. Disney Ship Name
3. Are you an Adult or Minor (Adult is 21+)
4. Your Name
5. Your Castaway Club Level and Number
6. Your Assembly Area (Where do you go if the ship must be evacuated.)
7. DVC showing you are a DVC Member (Disney Vacation Club Member.)
8. DCV to show you have the DCV Credit Card and get the 10% Discount (Disney Chase Visa Credit Card.)

 

If you lose your Key to the World Card just go to Guest Services and they will give you another. If you are traveling with a family/group that is in several cabins you can request a Key to the World Card the linked cabin. This is really good if you are traveling with children that are in a connected cabin. You. If you lose your Card or need one for a linked cabin it will be replaced with a blank card.