Planning a Trip From the USA to Europe in 2024? New Information to Know!

Planning a Trip From the USA to Europe in 2024? New Information to Know!

Until now Americans traveling to the EU have not been required to have a Visa/ETIAS. All they required was a Passport. Starting in January 2024 US Citizens will now be required to obtain a VISA/ETIAS along with their Passport to visit any of the 30 European Union Countries. A Visa is a physical paper while an ETIAS is electronically linked to your Passport.

 

It is a relatively simple process requiring you to answer a few simple questions. Where are you going in the EU? Why are you going to the EU? How long will you be in the EU? And you will be required to show proof you have the financial ability to take provide for yourself during the trip. There is a time limit of 90 days with a Visa. You may get some extensions but shortly after you will have to apply for temporary residence.

 

If you are planning a Mediterranean Cruise or a trip to England, France, Rome, Italy or any of the other EU countries early in 2024 get ahead of the game and get yourself a Visa/ETIAS. Start the process now as it can take a few weeks to a few months. You don’t want to get to the airport to be turned away because of Passport/Visa issues!

Here is a website to apply and find out more about it:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

What is Adventures by Disney?

What is Adventures by Disney?

You want to see the history, culture and art of an area when you travel. You have a limited amount of time and wish to get the most out of it. Where to you stay? How do you get around from location to location? You may not be sure what exactly there is to see, but you know it is historical and interesting.

 

Most people understand what a tour company is. You call a Tour Company and say I want to see Rome, Spain and Greece or some other beautiful location. The Tour Company may pick you up at the airport and take you to a prearranged hotel. They may meet you at the hotel. The Tour Company arranges your itinerary and takes you around. Simple, right? Well not so simple. You need to check out your chosen Tour Company to see what their ratings are. What do they provide? Do they book hotels and transport you and your belongings from location to location? Is that included or extra? Do the same guides stay with you the entire trip? How do they handle entrance fees into tourist spots like museums? Is it paid in the package price or do you pay it when you go? These are things you must know before you go!

 

Disney has their own Tour Company taking guests to 6 of the 7 continents! They go to most major tourist destinations and hit all the major spots. Adventure by Disney (AbD) Adventure Guides are highly trained specialists who know the area you are going to. Many are locals. Some are Americans that go over to lead tours.

 

What is included in an Adventure by Disney package?

Transportation.

Airfare to and from your home airport if desired.

Ground Transportation at your destination(s),

Admittance to all locations you go to.

Most meals.

Hotel(s).

Private Tours.

Special adventures such as learning to make local foods, crafts, or things like archery.

 

How does AbD work? It is rather simple. You get on the airplane and fly to your destination. Your AbD Adventure Guides (There are always two of them.) will meet you at the airport with your Driver and tour bus. Your Adventure Guides and Drivers will be with you for the entire trip. Your party will consist of travel party and maybe a group of up to 40 people depending on the tour location. You will be taken to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time they will get you a meal and time to relax.

 

Depending on your tour schedule you will get up in the mornings and have breakfast then head out to hit a tourist spot. Often you will see museums when they are closed and may even have a meal there. You will have an additional guide at places like museums called a Local Storyteller. The Local Storyteller is a local person who will tell you stories behind the locations and items you are seeing. This is not just dry history lessons it is stories of the people, places and things you are hearing bout. Your small group gets a guided tour of the location, given by one or more Local Storytellers. Your Adventure Guides are also with you to help as needed. Have kids that are getting antsy listening to stories about the Mona Lisa or other piece of art? No problem. An Adventure Guide will take them off for some private fun time.

 

On some trips where they are specifically catering to families your Adventure Guides will take the children for an evening outing while the adults get some adult time!

 

Your Adventure Guides also take care of your luggage as you move from hotel to hotel during your adventure! You pack your bag and leave it in the room and your Adventure Guides make sure your bags show up in the next hotel room for you.

 

Your Adventure Guides will be aware of any medical needs you have and make sure you are safe. Are you diabetic? They will make sure they have appropriate snacks for you and watch to make sure you are ok. Is it hot where you are visiting? Your Adventure Guide will have bottled cold water for you along with snacks. They carry first aide kits and know first aide. In case of an emergency, they will be there to help.

 

AbD does cost more than other Tour Operators but in my opinion you get more than your monies worth! You get Disney Service, Special Access to Locations, Guided Tours and special one of a kind things like meals in museums.

 

Here is an event that was shared with me by an AbD guest. They were at a hotel in Thailand. The hotel’s fire alarm went off early in the morning, before they were to get up. There were many other tour groups with other Tour Companies there. People rushed out of the hotel and stood outside in a mass of confusion waiting to be told what was going on. Quickly the Adventure Guides came rushing up and they gathered all the AbD guests together and accounted for all of them. The Adventure Guides did not come empty handed either! They had coffee and baked goods for the guests! The other Tour Company guests were left wondering around waiting for anybody to tell them what to do. The Adventure by Disney guests were taken care of while they waited for the situation to be resolved.

Booking Port Excursions on a Cruise

Booking Port Excursions on a Cruise

One of the most exciting things about cruising is seeing all the new places. Almost every day you are in a different port with different opportunities to see things. But what do you pick and how?

 

Port Excursions are a great way for you and your travel group to learn about new cultures and destinations. Visit a port and see if you would like to go back and visit there for a while! You get a taste of the history, art, culture, and foods on a Port Excursions. Port Excursions are also a great way to turn a family vacation into a fun and interesting educational experience for your kids.

 

You can visit a museum, historical site, fantastic shopping area, learn about local customs, and things they make. Go dancing, learn traditional dance or how to make local liquor and foods. Explore the local wild areas and learn about the wildlife there. Dare yourself, and your group to zipline over beautiful vistas. Try a sport you may have never considered. Take in breathtaking views or relax at the beach. The list of things is endless!

 

The first thing to know is you either book with the Cruise Line you are sailing with or wait until you get off the ship and look for a local tour operator. Some people even just hop into a waiting taxi and go looking around.

 

The second thing to understand are the risks. Traveling in a different country, especially one you don’t know has it’s own risks. Do you know the safe areas and the areas that are a No Go due to safety concerns??

 

The third thing, and most important thing to know is it is YOUR responsibility to return to the ship on time! If you are late the ship can and most likely will leave without you! Then it is your responsibility to find your way to the next port of call to meet up with the ship or get yourself home. Do not be late!!

 

It is highly recommended you book Port Excursions with your cruise line. Why? They are insured and have been checked out for safety. If for some reason the Port Excursion needs to be canceled, weather issues, or a change in port of call for example Port Excursions booked with cruise lines are refunded to you. Add to that most lines have an agreement with the tour operators they book with stating the operator will call the cruise line if they are running late back to the ship. The ship will wait for you. Want to swim with the dolphins? Personally, I want to know the location has been checked to make sure they care for the animals well.

 

Catching a tour operator at the port or finding one online before the trip there is no guarantee of safety performance, insurance or returning to port on time. If you book online ahead and for some reason the ship does not stop at that port you may lose your money for the Port Excursions book outside of the cruise line. Even if you or the operator called the cruise line they may not wait long for you to get back to the ship if you are late. Grabbing a taxi at the port has its own set of risks. Who knows who is behind the wheel of that taxi? Do they have insurance? Do they know where to go or are they just taking you to where they want because they get paid to take you there. This is not fear tactics, it is reality. If you do decide to go off on your own check out US State Departments Travel Advisories for where you are going.

 

Do go on Port Excursions and enjoy the ports!! Trust that the Cruise Lines are looking out for your safety with their chosen Port Excursions. Remember if you have a bad experience or the cruise line books you with a disreputable tour operator it is their responsibility and reputation at risk. They will not take risks with your safety. Lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and others do not want their reputation damaged.

 

Interested in a Cruise Vacation?? Let us know!

 

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club New Welcome Back Gifts

Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club New Welcome Back Gifts

When you sail DCL you become a Castaway Club Member the moment you get off your first Cruise. Let me tell you about the goodies!! This post is JUST about the goodies!! So what do you get??

Silver Castaway Club Members – 2^nd-5^th cruises:

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Tote Bag per cabin

1 per guest in the cabin a DCL Castaway Club Silver Lanyard

Gold Castaway Club Members – 6^th-10^th cruises:

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Tote Bag per cabin

1 per guest in the cabin a DCL Castaway Club Gold Lanyard

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Wet/Dry bag per cabin

Platinum Castaway Club Members – 11^th-25^th cruises:

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Tote Bag per cabin

1 per guest in the cabin a DCL Castaway Club Gold Lanyard

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Wet/Dry bag per cabin

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Beach Towel

Pearl Castaway Club Member – 26^th+ cruises:

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Tote Bag per cabin

1 per guest in the cabin a DCL Castaway Club Gold Lanyard

1 DCL Castaway Club exclusive Wet/Dry bag per cabin

1 per guest DCL Castaway Club exclusive Tumblers

        Pearl Members also get to board 1st and do not need to pick a Port Arrival            Time. 

Here is a look at the front and back of the lanyards.

Here is a link to the post for more information about DCL Castaway Club. 

https://pixiepranks-panstinkerbell.blogspot.com/2023/06/disney-cruise-line-castaway-club_01249435428.html

Looking for a Great Option for a Multi General Family Vacation?

Looking for a Great Option for a Multi General Family Vacation?

Your family is looking for something to do together. Kids, Parents and Grandparents all together looking for fun! Where do you go? You know vacationing with kids is not always a vacation for parents and grandparents! How can you make it a true vacation for everyone?

 

You can go camping. While it is great for the younger generations, many older adults find camping difficult. Sleeping on the ground or air mattresses is not comfortable for older backs.  Let’s face it, camping is not much of a “vacation” as you will have to set up your site, cook and clean up your site, just like you would have to do housework at home. You also need to breakdown your site. If you have children with you, they will need to be supervised at all times. No adult time unless it is sitting by the campfire after the kids go to sleep. Still fun and well worth doing. I did a lot of camping myself, when I was younger. Now I’m into easier ways of vacationing.

 

You could go to visit a city. Book a hotel in a city of interest and find all the things to do like museums, shows, restaurants, and places of interest. You have to research a lot to see what there is to do, find the hotel, if you fly rent a car or plan for transportation. Again, well worth doing! Lots of work. Your kids are with you 100% of the time. Everything is priced a la cart so the price can add up.

 

You could go to an amusement resort such as Universal, Disneyland or Walt Disney World. All are fantastic for families! Lots of things for everybody to do. It is designed to do together as a family. You will be with your kids all the time unless you pay for babysitting or bring someone to watch them. There may be limitations for older members of your family when it comes to accessibility and physical limitations.

 

So, what is there that you can do all together with 3-4 generations of your family together? Someplace where everyone can do something they want to do and not keep others from doing what they want? A place that is safe for kids and the older members of the family. A place where the entire family can come back having fun but not completely physically destroyed? Consider Cruising!

 

Most cruise lines today have Kids Clubs with various offerings and lengths of daily service. They offer many adult options for entertainment and fun. They have family fun where all ages can join together and share the fun and connect! Cruise ships are some of the most accessible vacation locations available for those with disabilities! Truly a cruise vacation has something for everyone!

 

You unpack once and see different places and experience different cultures. You can get off in the ports and explore or stay on the ship as they are a floating destination in and of themselves. It is relaxing, fun AND educational!

 

Cruising can actually be less expensive than other forms of vacation travel! Cruise Lines include many of the items you would have to pay extra for if staying at a resort, like Universal or Disney.

 

I’m personally partial to Disney Cruise Lines for families and believe they are of exceptional value. I believe more is included than on other lines. The service is exceptional, as is expected by Disney. The ships are some of the newest, cleanest and have lots of things to do. The kids clubs are some of the best at sea. The adult dining is amazing. The food is top of the line and the main restaurants exceptional!

 

We have done a  multi-generational Disney Cruise vacation with family and loved it! Nobody was board and everybody found things to enjoy. We have taken disabled elderly adults on the cruise and a child with ADHD. All were comfortable and enjoyed themselves. Everyone came home relaxed.

 

You can do things together as a family, break it up with parents going off for a romantic brunch while the grandparents spend time with the grandkids, or the kids in the kid’s clubs while the adults have some adult time. Break it up all you want!! Parents/Grandparents don’t get vacation burn out dealing with the kids the entire time. Everybody Gets a Vacation!!

 

We have also done Disneyland and Walt Disney World vacation with the multi-general family. It was more stressful and tiring but still fun and worth it! We all came home with smiles but were tired.

 

Need help figuring out what type of multi-generational family vacation is for you? Let us Pixie Dust your vacation!

 

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

What Reasons Do You Have Not to Cruise??

What Reasons Do You Have Not to Cruise??

People often say they don’t like cruising, but they have never cruised. What makes people think cruising is not for them? Why is their reason just an excuse? Cruising is for everybody!

 

I’m afraid I’ll get seasick!

Modern Cruise Ships have massive stabilizers to make the ship more comfortable and decrease the possibility of you getting seasick. Can it happen? Yes! There are both over the counter and prescription medications you can get before you leave to help. Major Cruise Lines have medical bays staffed with a team of doctors and nurses. They can help you if you have a problem.

Cruise lines keep tabs on the weather and adjust as needed to avoid the worst of the storms. One simple way to avoid sailing in bad weather is know weather patterns for where you are going. Don't sail during Hurricane season if you are not willing to risk changes in your schedule or some level of possible weather issues.

You can also pick a cabin in an area of the ship that has less motion to give you a safe place to relax if you do get seasick.

Unless you have a very bad case of vertigo most of the time this can be resolved,

 

It is too expensive to cruise!

Let’s look closely at this one. The average cost per night on a cruise line for an Oceanview Room is $250-$400 per person for the first 2 people in the cabin per night. Additional people in the same cabin pay less. This includes your room, food, with fine dining included at least once per day, entertainment, and transportation to all the different ports.

If you book a hotel and then explore the local area it can cost $100-$250 per person. This is just for the hotel room and the hotel’s amenities. Then you must add food, entertainment, and transportation to any other location. Adding it all up you can end up spending hundreds of dollars per day. Let’s say you go to an amusement park, you have tickets at $100-$200+ per person per day, food can be $100-$150 per day at quick service, add another $75-100 if you want a sit-down service. You want a live stage show? Add $100-150 per person. It all quickly adds up and your “cheaper vacation” becomes much more expensive! Remember a cruise is all inclusive or almost all inclusive.

 

I don’t want to be on a ship with so many people!

Yes, there are lots of people on each cruise ship. But there are lots of large public areas and there are plenty of quiet spots to be found. The modern cruise ship is designed to spread out the guests.

 

There is not enough to do on the ship.

There is lots to do on a cruise! Cruise ships and cruise lines are not one size fits all. Most have amazing live stage shows most nights. Most have dancing, karaoke, lounge type shows and movies running day and night. Water slides and even full-on water parks at sea are available on some ships! Rock walls and physical challenges abound on many ships. There are many that have arts and crafts classes, wine and food tastings, adult specialty dining, and even guest speakers. This is not even a full list!!!

Look at the different Cruise Lines and Individual Ship to find what fits you best.

 

When you are on a cruise you don’t have much time to explore the ports.

While it is true you don’t get a  lot time in individual ports, it is a great way to learn enough to know if you would like to go back to visit again. It can give you a taste of several different areas!

 

I don’t want my vacation time to be so structured.

With a cruise vacation you pick and choose what you want to do each day. If you want to rise with the son and take a run on the jogging deck, go for it! Drop into the gym for a workout before breakfast if you want. Want to sleep in, that is fine too. Want to go do all the activities offered? Have fun!! Want to sit by the pool in the adult area and read a book, that is ok. Many cruise lines have set mealtimes and you are placed at a set table. But if you choose not to eat there that is ok too. There are always options. Check out what the options are for the Cruise Line you are looking at before booking.

 

Cruising is not for people my age!!

Actually, people of all ages travel! Average age of people cruise is 46+- a few years. Still people of all ages enjoy being on the ships.

 

I can’t because of my disability.

Cruising is one of the most accessible ways to vacation and travel!! The majority of Cruise Line Ships have accessible cabins. 90% or more of public spaces on most lines are accessible for those with mobility issues. Cruise Lines also have the ability to assist those with cognitive disabilities, hearing and vision loss and medical issues such as diabetes.

 

I have a restricted diet. They will not be able to accommodate my needs.

Cruise Lines can accommodate most dietary needs if given early enough warning. Check with the Cruise Line you are considering before sailing to see if they can accommodate you instead of assuming they cannot.

 

Cruising is not safe.

No travel is 100% safe. Cruising is a safe way to see many destinations. Check the USA State Department website for warnings for the areas you will be going to. Cruise Lines are not going to put their reputation at risk taking you to a dangerous area. Stay in the tourist areas and with tours booked with your cruise line and you should be fine.

Follow your normal level of safety awareness when going to amusement parks, hotels and other public places when sailing with children.

 

I don’t like the idea of being on a boat in the water.

First off it is not a boat it is a SHIP. It is huge and comfortable unless you choose a small ship to sail on.

As mentioned before, motion is limited with state-of-the-art stabilizers so you hardly feel motion most of the time.

If you have seen the Titanic and are afraid of the ship sinking and not being able to get to a lifeboat, don’t worry! There are very few recorded recent sinkings of cruise liners! If they have an emergency requiring evacuation, they are required to have enough Lifeboats to evacuate all souls on the ship.

Even if you can’t swim you can enjoy a cruise. You are never required to swim or spend time at a beach unless you wish to.

If you have other concerns talk to a Travel Agent! A Travel Agent can share truthful information and give you good information about cruising and other travel choices.

Facebook.com/PixieDustedMemoriesTravel

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

 

Does this sound familiar? “I can’t afford a vacation.” “I can’t make that craft.” I can’t do . . .”

Does this sound familiar? “I can’t afford a vacation.” “I can’t make that craft.” I can’t do . . .”

Let me share a little whit and wisdom from Tinker Bell herself, Margaret Kerry.

I once told Margaret I had written a Christmas Book. After reading it she said, “It needs graphics and then you get it published!” I told her I did not draw. Her response was to go full Tinker Bell on me!!! Hands on hips, head tilted to the side, slight frown on her face she scolded me! “You are standing in front of Walt Disney’s Barn! Look around! If you can dream it you can do it!” Oh my were Tink’s chimes ringing loudly! This was one of many conversations! Guess what!! I DREW the graphics and epublished my book! Still working on getting it typically published! I’m not giving up that dream!

 

Another time we were chatting and she out of the blue said, “I wanted to go to Ireland but could not afford it. Want to know what I did? I promise it ALWAYS works!” Of course, I said YES! Tel me PLEASE!! “Go get a beautiful bowl, or penny bank, any container you just LOVE to look at! Put it in a place you always see. Drop your coins and small bills into it. Do not touch it! That bowl is your beautiful dream to go someplace special!”

 

You may not be able to go tomorrow, next week or even next year but you CAN go! You just need to be determined and follow through! Put those coins in that bowl and watch them build up to your dream!

 

Let us help you make your dreams come true!!

 

Carolyn-Tinky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

Scott-Sparky@PixieDustedMemoriesTravel.com

 

Walt Disney Theater Lobby Italian Marble Picture

Walt Disney Theater Lobby Italian Marble Picture

On both the Magic and the Wonder there is this beautiful picture of Walt Disney leaning on a gorgeous Grand Piano. The picture is done with Italian Marble in Sepia Tones.

 

You see Walt leaning gracefully on the piano with his left arm and hand tucked behind his other arm. You see his right hand almost in a fist resting on the piano. Look at the hand closely! The fingers have been cropped off so it looks like he is holding something in his closed hand.

Walt was a chain smoker and always had a cigarette in his right hand. He also felt it was a bad habit and did not want to promote it. He had a policy/rule that no picture of him smoking could be published. So when the imagineers chose this picture they decided to honor Walt’s policy on pictures of him smoking. They cropped off the fingers holding and removed the offending cigarette. What they left in was the smoke wafting around Walt’s head! Look closely above his head and you can see a puff of smoke there!

Disability Access at Amusement Parks is Changing – And Not for the Better

Disability Access at Amusement Parks is Changing – And Not for the Better

It has recently been in the news that some amusement parks are now requiring you register with a third-party company to request Disability Access. It must be done before going to the park and is good for one year. Part of this process requires you to submit a doctor’s note stating you need the accommodation. It does not guarantee you will have access, but you are still required to do this. Universal Studios Destinations, Six Flags, Raging Waters and others are now requiring you make the request in advance. At this time Disney Parks has not joined this program and is still using their current DAS system.

 

Why is this happening? For years some people have been abusing the system and the parks are trying to stop the abuse. People will claim they have ADHD, Autism, or some other cognitive issue so they can get what they think is front of the line passes.

 

Why is this concerning? At first look I believe this is an overreach and not allowed under the ADA. I believe it is a violation of ADA Laws. ADA Law states that people may not discriminate due to disabilities and people may not require proof of disability when you ask for accommodation. If you have a service dog the laws state the dog may be with you everywhere you go and you do not have to prove your need or that the dog is really a service dog. There is no certification for service animals.

 

If you have a disability, do you want to tell the world about it? Not really. With the digital data breaches that happen so often would you trust ANY company to have records of your disability? People with disabilities already feel outside the norm. They already feel they have to push themselves, locations, and other people to accept them as they are and make some level of accommodation when they are looking for access to what everybody else considers “Normal”.  Adding one more hoop for them to jump through just makes it harder and causes more stress and honestly shame.

 

You can follow this blog, the blogs Facebook page, Facebook.com/PixiePranksAndPixiesFaith 

or our Travel Agent Facebook page, 

Facebook.com/PixieDustedMemoriesTravel

 

We will keep you updated on changes at various parks.

What the heck is a Fish Extender??

What the heck is a Fish Extender??

You just booked your first Disney Cruise. You are so excited!! You are thinking of Sun, Fun and Beach Time. Then someone says, “Did you sign up for the Fish Extender?” What the heck is a Fish Extender? Do I bring gifts for EVERY cabin on the ship? Why and Where do I sign up? Should I sign up???? Ok ok I’m being a little silly.

 

Simply put a Fish Extender is a Gift Exchange. You sign up to make new friends and do something a little extra on your cruise. To sign up you join a Facebook Group for your specific cruise, search Facebook typing in Disney (Name of ship), Dates sailing. That should bring up a group for you.

 

The actual Fish Extender is a set of pockets you hang on the message fish outside your cabin door. This is where people will drop off the goodies they bring for you. You will droop your gifts in their Fish Extender pockets. The exchange got its name from the fact the pockets extend the ability of the message Fish to hold things.

 

Once you join the Facebook Group for you cruise you find out where the sign up sheet is. It is usually a Google sheet that you fill in. You will put in the names of every person in your cabin joining the exchange, their age, any food allergies and maybe favorite characters. You will be in groups of 5-10 cabin. You just bring gifts for the cabins you sign up for. There may be different types of exchanges. Kids to Kids, Adults Only, Christmas Ornaments, Recipe Exchanges and Pin Trading. You sign up for just the ones YOU want to do. There is no requirement to do this at all.

 

Sometimes there will be a Pixie Dusting signup. This is where people who maybe can’t do the exchange can put their names and people will Pixie Dust them will little gifts. This may be Make a Wish Kids. or Dream Foundation Adults.

 

Your gifts can be homemade, store bought, simple, elaborate, or personalized for the person receiving them. You can give Disney Themed goodies or not. Some people make “travel kits” with travel goodies like pocket size packets of Kleenex, Band-Aids, Wooden Clothes Pins, travel sewing kits, and laundry packets. Some give toys to the kids, Disney pins, pens, Nautical themed items, magnets, and handmade picture frames. Others will bring something that is from where they live. Things like candy, crackers and other snacks in original sealed packaging. In truth anything goes!!

What’s Included in the Disney Cruise Fare?

What’s Included in the Disney Cruise Fare?

Honestly it is easier to say what is NOT included!

Not Included:

• Merchandise in the shops.
• Port Adventures.
• Ship Board things like  Spa Treatments, Tastings, Adult Dining at Palo, Remy or Enchante.
• Soda in the lounges and room service (just go to the drink station on the pool deck for free soda)
• Specialty Coffee, Tea, Alcoholic Drinks, Specialty non-Alcoholic Drinks.
• A few food offerings around the ship that are clearly marked with prices.

What IS included:

Legendary Disney Service:

• Let the Crew of the Disney Ships Pixie Dust your trip, making memories for you and your family!

Spacious Staterooms:

• Disney Cruise Line Staterooms are an average of 25% larger than industry standard.
• Most Cabins have split bathrooms giving ample space for privacy while getting ready to go out and have fun.

Kids Clubs:

• From 3 to 17 there is something special for kids of all ages! They will want to go back again!

24-Hour Room Service:

• Want Hot Coco to sip on while sitting on your Veranda before going to bed? Kids want a Mickey Ice Cream Bar in the afternoon? Want a cup of coffee before leaving the cabin in the morning? Just call room service!! Soda (Room Service Delivered), Specialty Coffee Specialty Tea, and Alcohol are not included. Most everything else is included!

Free Soda, Coffee, and Tea:

• Regular Coffee/Tea and Soda is available in all the restaurants. Want to take a drink to the show or movie? Don’t want to drink alcohol but want to enjoy the music in the lounge? No problem!! Go to the Drink Station outside of the buffet on the pool deck and fill up a travel cup for FREE! Take it with you and enjoy!! They have Coffee, Tea, Soda, Juice, Milk, Chocolate Milk, and Hot Coco at the drink station.

Broadway Caliber Live Stage Shows:

• Live Stage Shows with the Disney Touch! Your favorite Characters will entertain and charm you in the Walt Disney Theater!

First Run Movies:

• Sad you will miss the premier of a new Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, or Marvel Movie coming out while you sail? Just check the schedule of the Theater on the ship! If it premiers on land it will premier on the ship at the same time!

Adult Only Entertainment:

• Want some Adult fun while the kids are in the Kids Club? There is Adult Entertainment after 9PM in the Lounges! Comedy, Music, Dancing, Magic, and More!! There are other adult things to do during the day as well!

Fireworks at Sea:

• Most Disney Cruises have Fireworks at Sea!! The magical part of the Fireworks is the Fireworks feed the fish!! They are Eco-Friendly! The fireworks are wrapped in corn paper instead of plastic or cardboard. The fish enjoy a snack at the end of the show! This is usually part of the Pirate Night Deck Party or another special night like Pixar or Marvel Night at Sea!

Sorts Pub at Sea:

• Dad’s favorite team is playing and it is a not to be missed game? No worries!!! Disney Cruise Line has the game and the wings! It will be playing in the Sports Bar or maybe on the Funnel Vision Screen if it is a major game.

Rotational Dining:

• You will Rotate through all the Main Dining Rooms and there is something for everyone!! Your servers will follow you from Restaurant to Restaurant!

Quick Service Dining & Snacks:

• From Soft Serve Ice Cream, Pizza, Burgers, and Chicken Strips it is included! The kids want a Mickey Bar or Soft Serve Ice Cream? It’s included!!! There are a few items that are extra but not many.

Snacks at the Adult Only Cove Café:

1. The Specialty Coffee and Tea at Cove Café is extra. But the baked good and other snacks are included in your fare!!

What are the Adult Dining Options on the Disney Cruise Ships!

 What are the Adult Dining Options on the Disney Cruise Ships!

Palo is on all the ships of the Disney Fleet. It is a High End Northern Italian Adult Only Restaurant on the ships. You can have Brunch or Dinner at Palo. There is a reported price hike at Palo for dinner. Dinner now is $50 and Brunch is still $45 per person.

 

Now for the personal opinion. You are not allowed to pick the day or time you wish to eat at Palo, unless you pick first night dinner. You can give 2 days you wish with 2 preferred times. Therefore, you will not know what restaurant you will be missing if you have dinner at Palo. Even picking Palo for 1^st night you do not know what restaurant you will miss until boarding. The Main Dining Rooms are NOT to be missed in my opinion! Skip Palo Dinner and go for Brunch, unless you have been on the ship often and know all the main restaurants.

 

Palo Brunch use to be a Buffett. Now you get a menu, but you can order whatever you want and as many as you want for $45 per person. If you want 2 appetizers just ask for them! Can’t decide between 2 main courses? Ask for both! Want all the deserts? Not a problem! They will bring you anything you want! There is only 1 glass of Champagne or Sparkling Apple Cider included with the cost.

 

I’m not a fan of Italian food. It is just not my flavor favorite. My stomach does not like the spices and tomatoes. But I LOVE dining at Palo!! Why do I like Palo? The Experience! I LOVE the ambiance, the service, and décor! Vacations are about MEMORIES and Palo packs them in!

 

Maybe you prefer French cuisine to Italian. You can also do Remy, on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. At Remy, Brunch is now $80 per person and dinner is $135. The dessert option is now $65. On the Disney Wish Enchante now costs $80 per person. The Dessert offering is $65 per guest. Passion and Collection dinner options will cost $135 and $205, up from $125 and$195.

What are the colors of the Disney Cruise Line Ships? Red, White, Mickey Shoe Yellow and . . . Monica Blue?

What are the colors of the Disney Cruise Line Ships?

Red, White, Mickey Shoe Yellow and . . . Monica Blue?

There is an interesting story behind the colors of the Disney Cruise Ships. Each color has a reason for being on the ship and one has a funny story behind it.

 

Disney Cruise Line has a unique set of colors for their ships. Disney wanted the look of the classic ocean liners of the 1930’s and 40’s. Those old grand ships were usually painted White and Black or Dark Navy Blue. They also wanted the ship to remind people of seeing Disney’s main mouse, Mickey!

The smokestacks (aka funnels) are a bright cheery Red like Mickey’s Red shorts. The upper decks are White reminding all of Mickey’s bright White gloves. The Lifeboats are Mickey Shoe Yellow (and caused a huge problem with Maritime authorities and law.) The main color of the ship looks to be Black, the color or Mickey’s Body and ears. In reality, the main body of the ship is a shade of Navy Blue that Disney named Monica Blue. The smokestacks were easy. Disney went to their records for the exact mix for Mickey Shorts Red. The White for the gloves was just as easy as the Red. Both remind you of Mickey!

The Mickey Shoe Yellow was an easy color to mix because of Disney’s extensive records, but Maritime Law requires a fairly specific shade of Orange for lifeboats to make them visible from a great distance. Could you see the Disney ship with Red, White, ORANGE, and Monica Blue? UGH that would not work! This took several years, a lot of discussion with a lot of documentation to back up Disney’s stance that not only was the Mickey Shoe Yellow is as visible it is MORE visible and in fact is visible for a greater distance. That is the truth! The Mickey Shoe Yellow lifeboats can be seen from further away than the standard color lifeboats.

 

The hardest color for the Imagineers to figure out was the Blue/Black they wanted for the main body of the ship. Straight Black fades fast and looks just dull. Too much Blue and it does not fit the color scheme. As the first ship, the Disney Magic, was being built they kept working on it. Many swatches of Black, Navy Blue, and Royal Blue were brought in and failed the test. The Imagineers kept looking the just the right color!

As the time came near for paining the ship they were still looking for that perfect color. One day an Imagineer, name Monica came into a meeting in a beautiful dark colored suit. As she walked in the others noticed the wonderful shade of Black of her suit. As she walked closer, they rethought the color of the suit. Was it Black or Blue? They admired the color! They came closer to her and backed up and saw from one direction it looked Black and in other directions Dark Blue. They all agreed it was a wonderful color and just right for the ships! It was quickly decided to snip a part of her jacket off and rush it to the painters to see if they could match that color! When the painters saw the piece of cloth, they said it was possible to match the color! When the paint was mixed and approved it was named Monica Blue after the Imagineer or sacrificed her suit jacket for the color.

 

Having sailed on four out of the five Disney Ships I can say the mix of colors is both beautiful and whimsical. The ships have a classic feel without being stuffy. Well done, Disney!! Well Done!

Disney Cruise Line Placeholder What is a Placeholder & Why You Should Get One How to Use a Placeholder

Disney Cruise Line Placeholder

What is a Placeholder & Why You Should Get One

How to Use a Placeholder

Let’s start with what is a Placeholder. Simply put, a Placeholder is a $250 deposit on a Future Cruise of unknow date while you are still on the ship. You MUST be ON the ship when you book these! You can either pick a date for a Future Cruise, making the full deposit for it, or book a Placeholder, making the $250 deposit for a cruise you will pick the date for later. The only thing about a Placeholder is you MUST sail within 24 months of the date you booked the Placeholder. Each cabin can book 2 of these Future Cruises/Placeholders. If you know that new itineraries will be released soon you can hold that Placeholder and save 10% on the lowest price you will be able to get! As stated it is a DEPOSIT and that $250 will be applied to the initial deposit when booking your next cruise. You will need to pay any difference needed in the deposit.

 

Why should you book a Future Cruise/Placeholder while on the ship? Would you like to save 10% on your next cruise? That is why you should do it!! If your cruise costs $2,500 you will save 10%. That is a savings of $250!

 

Simple recap. If you know of a Future Cruise, you would like to take you can book it while on the ship and save 10%. If you don’t have a cruised picked or want to wait until new itineraries you can get a Placeholder and sail within 2 years. The $250 Placeholder deposit will be used toward the initial deposit and you will get 10% off.

 

If you booked the cruise you are on with a Travel Professional it should be automatically be placed under their care. It is always wise to make sure it is by checking with Guest Services or calling DCL once you get home. If you don’t have a Travel Professional, you can transfer it to an Agent within 30 days of the date you booked it. My recommendation is to do it as soon as you can after getting home. After 30 days you cannot transfer the reservation to an agent. After 30 days your Agent cannot help you. Either way make sure you give your Travel Professional the reservation number so they can help you when you are ready. The Agent/Professional should also call DCL to make sure it is under their care. It will not show up on the Disney Travel Agent website or any other way as being booked with them.

 

How to use your Future Cruise or Placeholder booking:

Booking it yourself:

• A Future Cruise is taken care of the same way you handle any booking made with DCL online or by calling. If you made it yourself with no Travel Professional you can make payments online or by calling DCL.
• If it is a Placeholder you need to call DCL to tell them what Ship/Date/Itinerary you wish to sail and make the booking, making any additional deposit necessary. Then they will use the $250 towards the deposit and you can handle the rest as you usually do.

If you book with a Travel Agent/Professional:

• Call your agent when you get home and tell them you have made a Future Cruise booking and give them the Reservation Number. They should check to make sure the Reservation is listed under their care. You will make your payments through them.
• If you book a Placeholder give your Travel Agent/Professional your Reservation Number as soon as possible after getting home. Ask them to make sure they have the reservation listed under them.
• When you have picked a sail date you will need to have the Travel Professional call DCL and make the booking for you. They will tell you of any additional deposit needed and you will continue making payments through the Travel Agent. Your $250 deposit will become part of the initial deposit required by DCL.
• REMEMBER!!! IF YOU NEED TO TRANSFER THE BOOKING TO YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL YOU MUST DO IT WITHIN 30 DAYS OF MAKING THE BOOKING!!! The sooner you do it after returning home the better! It takes time for the form to be filled out, emails to get to the proper people at DCL and paperwork done. This is especially true if you are thinking of using a place like CostCo for Travel Planning. They often delay and the 30 days can go past and the transfer does not get done. I’ve seen it happen. Follow up to make sure the Booking Transfer went through.

 

Now for a PRO TIP!! Want to save 15% on your next cruise instead of 10%? That takes it from $100 per thousand to $150! If you have a Target Red Card, you can use it to purchase Disney Gift Cards at a 5% discount!! Use those Discounted Disney Gift Cards to pay for your cruise!! Remember that $2,500 cruise that you saved 10%/$250 on by using a Placeholder?? With Discounted Disney Gift Cards that would be $15% or $375!! That is an extra $125 to pay for DCL Merchandise, Port Adventures, Adult Dining, Digital Photo Package, Adult Drinks or Spa Time!