Un-Magical Things Happen

 Un-Magical Things Happen

 

Sometimes we plan a trip to be special. We dream, spend time and money to get it all right. Yet things do not always go as planned.

 

Sometimes a Travel Agent makes a mistake in planning the trip. They forget to inform the destination of a need you have, make a mistake in the type of room or some other item that is important to you. Remember Travel Agents are human and make mistakes. It is what they do AFTER you let them know that counts! A good Travel Agent will take responsibility and try to fix the issue.

 

Things happen on vacation. Airlines lose luggage. A  bad experience at with transportation or the staff makes you uncomfortable, the service is not good. The Hotel is not up to your standards. Things are not as shown in pictures. Not a clean as you like or the service is not friendly. You talk to Guest Services and things are not resolved to your satisfaction or they seem to blame shift or have to go to someone else to solve the issue. Long run the problem is not resolved.

 

When one thing goes wrong early in the trip it is easy to see every little problem as bigger. It becomes overwhelming and takes the joy out of your vacation. Is it wrong for you to feel this way?? NO!! Should you give up on that vacation spot for good? That depends on what other people have had happen. Does it seem to be a pattern of poor service? Look closely at your heart and the location. It could be a onetime issue.

 

Another thing to consider is the power of a letter. The destination may not know there is a problem if you do not write a letter and tell them about the problem how can they fix it? There is power in letting the destination know there is a problem. Maybe they can solve it for the next guest. Maybe the destination will give you some compensation. If you used a Travel Agent, tell your Travel Agent about the problems! Your Travel Agent may be able to help resolve the issue. At the minimum the Agent may solve the problem for the next guest and possible future trip for you. If the problems are big enough and the destination is not working with you to resolve it tell your Agent! Send them an email, text, or phone call while you are still there if possible! Maybe they can make a difference. Good Travel Agents will try and do the best they can to resolve issues. Just remember Agents are not magic Workers and cannot resolve all issues, just let us try.

What you should NOT be ashamed of when booking with a Travel Agent

There are two things you should never feel ashamed about when planning a vacation with a Travel Agent. These things are too important to feel ashamed about them.

 

1.      Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is the job of the agent to answer questions. Truly it is the job of a good agent to know and give you the answers to the questions you do not know you needed to ask. No question is stupid unless it is the one you do not ask. No question is too basic. It is YOUR vacation, and you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

2.      Needing to cancel or reschedule your vacation after booking. Life happens, schedules change, people get sick, cars break, jobs change, and kids need braces. Yes, the agent spent time getting necessary information and giving you the information needed to book. They take the time to book and even make special requests. BUT!!! That does not mean you need to feel ashamed or guilty for canceling. It is an agents job, and we know a percentage of bookings will get canceled after deposit.

 

If you do not feel comfortable enough with your agent to ask questions and cancel/reschedule your booked trip, consider changing agents/agencies. They are not a good match for you. Remember it is YOUR vacation paid for with your hard-earned money. It should be your way, at your time, with no stress or pressure. Yes, agents only get paid when a client actually travels. Canceling does reduce their income. But that is no reason to feel guilty.  You should never be just a commission to your agent. An agent should understand life happens. Your vacation enjoyment should be the agent’s priority. A great agent thinks your vacation is as important as their own. Honestly, we agents have as much fun booking your trips and thinking about the fun you will have as we do our own trips!

 

Take the time to get to know your agent. Ask questions. Share vacation goals and dreams. Be ready for the agent to ask questions so they can get to know you and find out what you want/need in your trip.

Disney Cruise Line Adds Pearl Castaway Club Level, Makes Changes to Booking Windows and Online Check-In Policy!

Disney Cruise Line Adds Pearl Castaway Club Level, Makes Changes to Booking Windows and Online Check-In Policy!

Fun changes are rewards are here for returning Disney Cruisers!! Let me share some updates to Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club!!

Disney Cruise Line’s Loyalty program for returning cruisers is called the Castaway Club. The program now has 4 levels as of May 1^st, 2023!

Castaway Club Levels:

Silver: You have sailed 1-5 Cruises {Starts on your 2^nd Cruise)

Gold: You have sailed 5-10 Cruises (Starts on your 6^th Cruise}

Platinum: You have sailed 10-25 Cruises {Starts on your 11^th Cruise)

Pearl: You have sailed 25+ Cruises (Starts on your 26^th Cruise)

Here are the most important things to know about Castaway Club Benefits!

At Home Castaway Club Benefits:

Booking New Cruises:

Silver: 1 day before general public

Gold: 2 days before general public

Platinum: 3 days before general public

Pearl: 4 days before general public

Booking Window Opens for Port and Shipboard Adventures:

If your cruise is Paid in Full you can start booking the extra fun things to do!

First Time Cruisers: 75 days before sailing

Silver: 90 days before sailing

Gold: 105 days before sailing

Platinum: 120 days before sailing

Pearl: 123 days before sailing

Online Check-In Dates:

When can you do your Online Check-In to get your Port Arrival Time!

First Time Cruisers: 30 days before sailing

Silver: 33 days before sailing

Gold: 35 days before sailing

Platinum: 38 days before sailing

Pearl: 40 days before sailing

All Castaway Club Members have:

There is also Castaway Club Communications to keep you up to date on things happening with the Disney Cruise Line.

Dedicated Castaway Club Phone Number – 1-800-449-3380.

Welcome Back Aboard Gift. This will be in your cabin when you board. It does change with your Castaway Level.

Pearl, Platinum and Gold Members also get Onboard Discounts and an Onboard Reception on 8 night or longer cruises.

Platinum and Pearl Members also get free Brunch or Dinner at Palo.

Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Experiences Bringing the Imaginative Worlds of “Encanto” and “Soul to the Disney Magic

Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Experiences Bringing the Imaginative Worlds of “Encanto” and “Soul to the Disney Magic

By: Disney Destinations May 5^th, 2023

From the magical mountains of Colombia to the bustling streets of New York City, the colorful worlds of two fan-favorite Disney films – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” – have come to life for the first time on the high seas with the debut of new family-friendly experiences aboard the Disney Magic. In addition to “Encanto” themed entertainment and a “Soul” – inspired lounge, the ship’s concierge accommodations were enhanced with new theming and spacious refurbishments during a three-week dock project in Freeport, The Bahamas.

“An Encanto Celebration” Brings the Family Madrigal to the High Seas for the First Time

Guests can join the fantastical family Madrigal during an all-new immersive experience, “An Encanto Celebration,” designed to engage families through music, crafts and storytelling. The interactive experience gives guests an opportunity to meet and take photos with Mirabel and the family member we don’t talk about Bruno, during their Disney Cruise Line debut. Families can also join a spirited sing-along of beloved “Encanto” songs and create butterfly and flower crafts inspired by the film. During the show, Guests can experience a true taste of South America thanks to a selection of local Colombian beers, cocktails and sodas along with film-inspired mocktails.

New Soul Cat Lounge Hits the Right Note for Evening Entertainment

The heartfelt story of “Soul” was the inspiration for the brand-new Soul Cat Lounge designed to look like Joe Gardner’s favorite music sport from the film, the Half Note Lounge. The space, located on deck three near Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant, instantly transports guests to a classic New York jazz club appointed with decorative details like bricks walls, wood accents and plenty of rich leather seating around the stage set for live music, so guests can grab their partner and head to the dance floor for a swinging good time each evening.

The Soul Cat Lounge is adorned with custom artwork from Pixar featuring nods to the film including record labels, concert posters and portraits of jazz legend Dorothea Williams and her bandmates, thoughtful “Soul” – inspired details are subtly layered throughout the design including record players, instruments and Joy’s hat.

Adults can enhance their big city experience with table-side Manhattans and martinis or choose from a selection of native brews and cocktails made with New York spirits. A fun collection of mocktails, specialty coffees and sodas are also on the menu. In addition to new drink options, guests can take a bite of Little Italy with an order of zeppoles, the classic Italian pastry similar to a fried doughnut, while enjoying the live music.

Redesigned Concierge Retreats Provide an Elevated Experience

For guests seeking the ultimate comfort and service at sea, the concierge spaces aboard the Disney Magic have been elevated and enhanced. The concierge lounge was reimagined and expanded to feature a sophisticated new theme and tropical color palate inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” and an additional outdoor covered seating area on deck 10 where guests can relax with a refreshing beverage while enjoying the ocean breeze. All concierge suites, including one- and two-bedroom accommodations and the two signature royal suites, have been completely refurbished with fresh fixtures, furniture and elegant artwork, further elevating the premium experience for concierge guests.

Shore power technology was also installed as part of the ship’s dry dock project, continuing Disney Cruise Line’s longtime dedication to minimizing its impact on the environment. When available at the port, this will allow the Disney Magic to “plug in” to the port’s electrical grid, reducing the ships emissions.