Friday, March 7, 2014

What do Disneyland Package Travel Documents Look Like?

When booking a trip to Disneyland, one of the first things you decide is where to stay and how to book it.  I'm sure you go over your options with your travel agent and consider questions such as:

1.  Stay onsite or off?
2.  Book a Disney package or separate components?
3.  How many park ticket days should I get?

I thought it would be helpful to see one of the perks you get for booking a Disney package (either at an onsite or one of their Good Neighbor resorts)!

A few weeks before your trip, Disney will send these to your travel agent, who will include his/her own special touches for your trip and send the goodies to you!  Here is what you might get from Disney:


Cute, right?


In your packet, several things may come:

  • a recap of your package (hotel, type of ticket, Magical extras, dining, insurance, other types of passes)
  • vouchers
  • suggestions for making your trip more memorable
  • park passes
  • Magical extras (currently items such as a free ride photo, collectible pin & lanyard, ESPN Zone $10 game card, and transportation for shopping)
  • Really awesome, quality luggage tags

Those of you used to Disney World documents that are helpful and cute but not necessary should know that Disneyland documents are different and hold actual tickets and necessary components...you NEED these documents.

Have a Magical Friday!

By Lucy at Travel Time
For free help planning a vacation, contact one of our agents HERE!
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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Walt Disney World's Magic Bands Questions and Answers

With the New Disney Magic Bands out there are so many questions so we thought we may answer some of them for you! 


1. What is the Disney Magic Band?

A. Disney Magic Bands are part of Disney's Next Generation initiative so far only at Walt Disney  World to integrate all aspects of the guest experience in their " My Disney Experience" Account. The Magic Band is a actual band you wear on your wrist. Each person of your party 3 and up will get one when staying on Disney Resorts property. (AP and Florida Residence are still in testing as of 3.4.14)


 
2. Who gets the Disney Magic Bands?

A. Anyone staying on site at a Walt Disney World Resort will receive a Disney Magic Band. Off site guest will not receive the Disney Magic Bands (including those staying at the Swan & Dolphin, Shades of Green & The Bonnet Creek Area)

3. What does the Disney Magic Band do?

A. The Disney Magic Band is the key to everything in your My Disney Experience account.  You will use it to open your resort room door;if you have tickets you use it to enter the parks; if you left a credit card on file you will use it to charge back to your room account (with a PIN code);if you have the Disney Dining Plan you use it to "pay" for your meals using your credits; if you've made Fasspass+ reservations9in which you should!) you use it to enter the fastpass queues; if you are using Disney Magical Express you use it yo the check-in fr your transfers. The Disney Magic Band operates using RFID technology and to access all of the features you touch the Mickey head on the band to the Mickey head on the door, payment pad and or entry point, etc.

4. Are the Disney Magic Bands adjustable?

A. Yes, the Disney Magic Band you will receive is one size fits all. You can adjust the band following the instructions that accompany the band, there is a grey outer edge to the band that makes it large enough for larger adults, and that band can be removed to fit wrist as small as a toddler. There are several holes to make it fit your wrist.

5. Can I customize my Disney Magic Band?

A. Yes the Disney Magic Band you will receive can be customize as long as you book your reservation far enough in advance you can choose the color you prefer (and the name on the inside of the band): pink, red, blue, green, orange, yellow 7 grey are the choices. Once you arrive in the Walt Disney World offers several items that you can purchase to enhanced your ban--Covers, Magic Bandits (inserts that go in the holes) and Magic Sliders that fit over the center of the band. Here is a picture of some even paining theirs to match their favorite Disney theme.
6.Can I get it wet?

A. Yes you can! Keep in mind popular attractions like Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids, it is safe to get your Disney Magic Band wet.

7. When do I get my Disney Magic Bands?

A. As long as you book more than 30 days in advance currently living in the United States you bands will be mailed to you so you can take them on vacation with you. If you book your vacation less than 30 days in advance or live outside the US, your bands will be waiting on you at your resort check in desk.

8. What if I lose my Disney Magic Band?

A. Not to worry each Magic band has a 4 digit pin code at check in to access charging privileges with your band and the entry points still utilize the fingerprint scan to match you to your band, so it can't be used without that information. You will need to visit your resort frond desk or guest relations to get a new band and right now your only choice is grey.

9. What are the Magical Features associated with the bands?

A. The bonus features that will roll out soon are personal greetings from the characters, Mickey singing happy Birthday, custom message on attractions such as It's a Small World and more.

10. Will I get a new Disney Magic  on every Disney trip?

A. Although the bands are designed to be reused, Disney is currently offering new Disney Magic Bands each time you visit. It seems that as long as your Disney Magic Band is listed as active in your "My Disney Experience" account you can continue to use it on a subsequent trip. Even having more than 1 active Disney Magic Band with you. A different one to match each outfit if you want! There is a limited battery life for the RFID chip to transmit, so if your trips are spread out over a few years your original band might not work anymore.

Check back for a new Blog that will show you How Travel time Agents Disneyfied their Bands!

www.traveltimewithmickey.com

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Special Diets at Walt Disney World

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For many people with special dietary needs, planning a vacation can be a stressful event requiring extra suitcases just for special foods. Disney World has extended their magic to make dining for all people regardless of diet, as easy and enjoyable as possible. With just a little extra planning, Disney guests can expect a wide variety of delicious and safely prepared food and caring, knowledgeable cast members. Disney cast members are well trained in allergies, celiac disease, diabetes, kosher, and vegan food prep. All dining locations has separate food prep areas to avoid cross contamination. 



Planning ahead is essential to any Disney vacation. Table service meals should be reserved in advance and all special dietary needs should be noted on the reservation. It is Disney policy to have a chef check in with you before you place your order. You can expect the chef to meet you at your table and advise you what is available to meet your needs and take you on a tour of the buffet if necessary. Often the chef arrives very quickly but do expect a small wait especially during the busy season. Your food will be delivered to your table separately from the rest of the order and will be on a special plate or noted by a flag . Again, they are very good about getting all food out at once but special food is cooked in a different area of the kitchen and prepared as ordered so expect a bit of a delay.

Quick service dining does not require reservations but does take a little extra planning. It is helpful to look at menus ahead of time to get an idea of what is offered at each location. Your travel agent can provide you with an updated list of foods to meet your allergy need. When you arrive you will get in line with everyone else and let the person taking orders know that you have an allergy. It is helpful to place the allergy order separately from others if possible. The cast member will call the manager in charge of allergies to help with the menu and place your order for you. Your order will be placed on its own tray when delivered.




Disney is of course the world of “all things possible” so do not be afraid to make a special request. Chefs love to make guests, especially the tiny ones, happy and will do everything they can to prepare whatever you are hoping for. We have eaten triple decker gluten and dairy free grilled cheese, gluten free fried chicken, and dairy fee milkshakes all because we asked. 


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Disney's Wilderness Lodge and concierge Old Faithful Club

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Recently my family and I stayed at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and had a Standard View Club Level room.  Wow!!!  I am sure this one is on a lot of guest's bucket lists.




This resort is inspired by National Parks and has a wonderful homey
feel. 









From the moment we stepped off the elevator on the 7th floor we
were greeted by wonderful cast members welcoming us to our home away from home and to the Old Faithful Club. This by the way is only
accessible by using your magic band. 






Our room had a nice cabin feel with bunk beds that my daughter loved.

When you stay club level you get nightly turn down service with chocolates on your pillow, and super comfy bathrobes. You also have access to the concierge desk from 7am-10pm if you need reservations or have questions.


Another service you get is almost 24/7 access to specially prepared food including continental breakfast, afternoon tea, desserts, candies, snacks, wines and cheese hours, beverages and more. 




Our favorite breakfast item was the oatmeal. Some of our evening favorites included peanut butter and jelly shots, venison burgers, capris salad, and paietta with scallops, sausage and shrimp. We thought by staying here was a great splurge. We loved the fact that we could fuel our family because we were not on the dining plan. We took afternoon breaks to grab a drink , snack, and relax before heading back out to the parks.

View of lobby from club level floor

The overall experience of this resort was amazing. I would recommend it to everyone.





Thursday, February 13, 2014

Dumbo, the Flying Elephant

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Since Walt Disney World opened in 1971, millions of people have ridden Dumbo the flying elephant but it still remains as one of those staple rides, that one ride you still go back to year after year even as an adult. In 2012 when Disney World expanded their Fantasyland area, Dumbo was actually moved to the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland and it got a well needed facelift!


Earlier Dumbo Version

The renovated Dumbo ride included a more intricate and detailed center for the ride, and a brand new interactive queue area.




If you look closely you’ll notice that the story of Dumbo is pictured on the center of the ride itself. Around the bottom of the ride are water fountains that spill out over colored LED lights, you really should stop by this ride after sunset!







The other new feature of Dumbo is the amazing new interactive queue area! I wish every queue line could be this much fun! Disney gives you your very our pager (like that you would get in a restaurant) and you can let your kids run, climb, and slide to their hearts content in the (air conditioned) big top! They even have an area for parents to sit and a space specifically for very little ones.




Toddler Area


By Travel Time Agent Heather
Heather@traveltimetravel.com



Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Fantasyland at Disneyland!

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Are you going to be visiting Fantasyland for the first time?  Here are some basics!

At Disneyland you'll find many magical places, but Fantasyland is as Walt would say "dedicated to the young and young at heart," Step into a world of dreams come true.




In Fantasyland, you'll find attractions such as it's a small world, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and King Arthur Carousel. Recently they added Frozen character meet and greet with Anna and Elsa. You can find them between Pinocchio's Daring Journey and Village Haus Resturant. To avoid a wait time, pay close attention to meet and greet times and arrive early. These two are in high demand! Other meet and greets in the area include Merida in Fairytale Garden and Tinker Bell in Pixie Hollow.




If you are looking for a bite to eat, you'll find Troubadour Tavern, Village Haus Restaurant, and Edelweiss Snacks. All of which are quick service.

Other attractions you'll find are Sleeping Beauty Castle, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Fairy Tale Treasures, and The Mad Hatter shop.

It has been said that Fantasyland was Walt's favorite land. When I visit for the first time in a month, I'm sure it will be mine as well!

Have a magical day!