Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Top Ten Things to Know About Disney Cruise Line (before 2020 release!)

Anyone who has sailed on a Disney Cruise Line ship will tell you that the vacations that DCL offers are unforgettable!  WARNING:  You just MAY fall in love with cruising once you experience a Disney Cruise Line Vacation!  As the release of additional 2020 DCL cruises approach, here is a list of top ten things to know about DCL. Whether you're new to cruising or already have your sea legs, 2020 is a great time to plan a cruise with your family!

1. The Best of THREE Vacations! I'm absolutely serious.  You get family time to play games, enjoy water slides, experience world-class entertainment, and all of the fun a Disney Cruise Ship has to offer.  Then, the kids head off to the Oceaneer's Club or Lab (or Vibe or Edge for older kids) while the adults relax in adult-only areas including pools, spa, adult only dining and evening nightclub atmosphere and live music.  THEN, on the days your ship is in port, you'll explore exotic locations or fantastic beaches all over the world with your family!  

2. You Get What You Pay For - I won't pretend that Disney offers a "discount" cruise vacation.  I WILL tell you that once you're on board, you'll forget all about how much the trip costs.  These memories are priceless.  The GREAT news is that you get a TON of extras included in your cruise fare!  Broadway Style shows, first run movies, water slides, room service, soda on the pool deck, meals in whimsical and themed restaurants, (Go ahead!  Order two entrees or two desserts!  It's included!) character meet and greets, character breakfasts on some ships, Marvel and Star Wars themes and characters on some sailings, fireworks, Disney's private island Castaway Cay with included food and activities, kids clubs for ages 3 and up, trivia, adult only activities, and so much more!  Many cruiselines offer basics included and upcharges for MANY things on board.  There are only a handful of things that are a premium on Disney Cruise Line ships!

3. There ARE Better Times to Book - If you're not a Florida Resident or a member of the military, discounts on Disney Cruises seem few and far between.  There are two options that are open to everyone that will offer savings.  First, booking on opening day offers the lowest pricing for cruises.  Disney Cruise Line pricing is dynamic, so as rooms fill, prices increase.  Booking on opening day can save hundreds of dollars per person over last minute pricing.  **HINT: DCL 2020 is opening VERY SOON!  Email me today to get on the list to take advantage of the best pricing available!** 

4. See Ya Real Soon! - The other option to save on a Disney Cruise is to book your NEXT cruise while you're on board!  $250 per room secures discounted pricing for 2 years from your booking date.  You'll save 10% off of current pricing as well as on board credit from Disney (based on the length of your cruise).  If you know which date you'd like to sail, you can secure it with a deposit while on board to get the discount. 

5. Everywhere You Want to Be - Disney Cruise Line sails all over the world.  Alaska, Europe, Norway, Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Transatlantic.  Want to see the Panama Canal?  Disney does that.  Many ports are also available - San Juan, Vancouver, Port Canaveral, Miami, Rome and more. 




6. Your Kids?  They'll LOVE It! - Parents often ask me about the clubs for kids and there isn't much I can say other than, "They'll LOVE it!"  Ages 3-12 can explore the Oceaneer's Club with books, crafts, dress up, group games, computer games, dance parties, themed rooms like Andy's Room from Toy Story and The Millenium Falcon from Star Wars, and activities with highly trained crew members.  In the Oceaneer's Lab, they'll find video games, science experience, food projects and so much more.  The 11-14 year olds have an area just for them, and teens 14 - 18 have a club for them as well with their own pool area and smoothie bar.  So much to do, and the crew in the clubs even have Special Needs Training! 

7. Vacation Your Way - Gluten free?  Need Handicapped Accessible accomodations?  Use a CPap?  Vegan?  Other special needs and requirements?  Disney Cruise Line has you covered.  In fact, Disney wants to be your go-to destination regardless of your circumstances or needs.  In addition to servers who are constantly asking about dietary restrictions, other services and supplies are available as well.  Wheelchairs for use on sand at Castaway Cay (and wagons if your stroller won't cut it!), distilled water for CPap machines, medical facility on board, sensory friendly movies, handicapped accessible seating at all shows and more.  Want to stay on board while in port?  No problem!  Disney Cruise Line truly wants you to "Be Our Guest."

8. Castaway Cay - Imagine white sand beaches, beautiful ocean, tropical drinks and Captain Jack Sparrow.  Yes, that's right!  One of the most amazing beaches in the world with Disney characters out to play!  BBQ lunch is included, trams to all areas of the island, bike rental, innertube rental, waterslides IN the ocean, and so much more.  My description doesn't do this magical place justice.  This stop will be a highlight of your trip.  Like a little exercise?  Castaway Cay offers a 5K for those who wish to participate! 

9. Put Our Service to the Test! - If you've visited any of the Disney Parks, you know about the world class service offered to all guests.  Now imagine that level of service turned up a notch!  From your room steward to your service team, Disney Cruise Line Crew Members take their role in your vacation very seriously!  You'll want to take them home with you!  Your dining team may do magic tricks to entertain your kids.  Your room steward may leave towel animals for your delight!  Princess Tiana may remember YOUR princesses name!  Disney service is unmatched and THIS is what makes DCL stand out above the rest.

10. Book with an Expert! - Just like with land based trips, my goal is to make sure that you never return home and say "I wish I would have known..."  With extensive cruising experience on all DCL ships, I'll make sure you have all of the tips and tricks that you need to feel like a pro and make sure that you can take advantage of all of the *extras* that Disney Cruise Line has to offer your family.  From choosing the right itinerary and ship, to finalizing details on pre and post stays and transportation, my advice will make your Disney Cruise even more fun!  As always, my services are 100% free and 100% magical!  I also offer all cruisers booked with me exlusive On Board Credit.  You MAKE money just for booking with me! 

More 2020 dates open very soon - contact me today to get pricing and look at availability for your next vacation! 

Katie Dixon - Katie@HiHoVacations.com



Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Sleeping Beauty Castle - Old Vs New!

Guests who visited Disneyland in early 2019 may have been disappointed to see construction walls up around the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle while it was updated.  Finally, the new castle has been revealed and it is brighter (and bigger?) than ever! 

Modeled after Neuschwanstein in Germany, the original Sleeping Beauty castle (once called Snow White's Castle) was the only Disney castle that was overseen by Walt Disney himself.  It opened in 1955 and used forced perspective to look taller than it's 77 ft height.

In 1965, the Disney Family Coat of Arms was added to Sleeping Beauty Castle.  Guests can enter the building and view dioramas that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty. 

Earlier this month, Sleeping Beauty Castle has reopened and is more beautiful than ever!  More vibrant colors, pixie dust, and traditional painting techniques called atmospheric perspective were added to continue and enhance the height have been added with the new renovation.  Efforts were made to keep the style and essence of the original designer, Herb Ryland.

Visitors will notice that the lower sections of the castle are warmer pink and the hue lightens as blue is added to the top.  A new roof was added, including some pixie dust!  New paint, lighting, banners, and landscaping rounded out the refurbishment. 

What do you think?  Do you prefer the new classic version or the updated Sleeping Beauty Castle?




Contact me today to see this beautiful castle in person!  I can also assist with expert planning services for all Disney Destinations.  Katie@HiHoVacations.com   As always, 100% Free, 100% Magical.



Glow Brighter at Typhoon Lagoon's H2O Glow Nights!

Glow nights are back at Typhoon Lagoon this summer and they're hotter than ever!  Low crowds, character meet and greets, exclusive food and drinks, and a glowing ambiance make H2O Glow Nights an experience not to be missed.



Guests may arrive as early as 6 pm, but the party starts at 8 pm with splashing attractions, the wave pool, a DJ, and so much more!  Check out the games in the sand for the kids featuring glow in the dark hula hoops.  Adults can have a mini getaway in the adults only areas with 'Glowtinis' and other beverages specially prepared just for them.

Partysaurus Rex is hosting this party again this year, so keep and eye out for his friends!  Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear will be on hand for meet and greets, and rumor has it that Forky, the newest character to the Toy Story Family, may be avaliable to meet at this event as well!

Come hungry!  Exclusive food offerings make this party a culinary delight, and specialty merchandise for Disney fans will be on hand for this event only.

Discounted Advance Pricing is available - $59 for adults, $54 for children 3-9.  Day of pricing is $69 for adults and $64 for children 3-9.

Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow Nights are offered Thursdays and Saturdays from May 30 - August 24 (except June 20).  Separate tickets are NOT required for this event!

Contact me today for tickets to this event and expert planning services for your entire Disney experience!  Katie@HiHoVacations.com  100% Free, 100% Magical!