Should You Cancel Your Upcoming Disney/Universal Vacation?

I’ve been getting this question a lot this week as you can imagine. With the coronavirus situation, everything seems to be up in the air. Both Disney and Universal have closed their resorts and theme parks through March 31. While I hope that things are back to normal by April 1, that’s impossible to know.

The thing about cancelling now is that then you are for sure not going on that trip. If your trip is in April, then I will definitely keep a close eye on your trip and let you know as soon as any dates are announced. If the park opens and you are comfortable traveling though, you’ll be glad you didn’t cancel!

Both companies are being very lenient in their cancellation/change policy. At the very least, you will be able to move your trip to a later time-frame with no penalty. In all of the cases I’ve dealt with so far, you can also cancel with a full refund (other than ticket-only - those are valid for future dates though).

In the case of cruises, Disney Cruise Line is being extremely generous and giving 125% of your original cruise cost towards a future cruise.

So I would certainly not cancel until we know more. You won’t lose your money and in some cases you might even get a better room at a lower cost as I was able to get for a couple of my March clients.

Believe it when I tell you that I’m praying for all of these upcoming trips. Having something wonderful like a vacation to look forward to when this is all over is helping my mood for sure! I don’t have a trip planned for myself until August so hopefully this closure won’t affect me. But I am broken-hearted for my clients that have had to explain to their kids that their trips are postponed.

Please give me a call if you have any further questions. And if you think you may want to travel later this summer or anytime in 2020, please call me. I’m obviously in a lull with work and have even more time to chat about my Happy Place and help you plan an amazing future trip!!!

How to Save a Significant Amount on Your Next Disney Cruise!!

Disney Cruise Line is the cream of the crop when it comes to cruising. And of course, it’s not cheap! But I bet most people don’t know about the easiest way to save money on your next cruise. Since everyone (Disney Representative, Travel Agent, Average Guy Looking Online…) booking a Disney cruise sees the same price when requesting a quote, you’ve got to be a little more diligent to find a deal.

The term “next cruise” is key here, though. What I’m talking about today is the benefit Disney Cruise Line extends to guests that are currently on a Disney Cruise and choose to book their next one while on board. When you make an onboard booking, you'll save 10% off the current published cruise fare plus receive onboard credit. You can cancel and get a refund of the deposit if you get home and change your mind, but you can’t get the discount once you’ve disembarked the ship. If there is the slightest chance you want to take another Disney cruise, book it! You don’t have to give an actual sail date if you’re unsure of your future plans. You book a placeholder and you can wait and assign the booking to a particular sailing after you get home.

If you do happen to know your exact dates that you want to sail, it’s best to book that specific sailing. Generally speaking, prices are cheapest when the sailing is released to book and they get more expensive as the cruise date gets closer. So the earlier you can book the exact dates, the less the price will be to start (before the discount).

You will be required to put down a deposit, but that is fully refundable if you change your mind. This is a much smaller deposit than if you booked later - typically the deposit is 20% of the total cruise cost. If you book an actual sail date, it’s 10% of the cost. If you book a Placeholder it’s $250. You’ll have 2 full years to book a cruise (if you did a Placeholder) or you can get your deposit back within that time frame.

But wait… There’s more! You will also get an Onboard Credit. You will get a $200 credit if you book 7 nights or more, and a $100 credit for 3 to 6 nights. This is per stateroom.

So how do you book this future cruise? You have a couple of options - you can visit the Future Cruise desk where a Disney Cast Member will help you. Or if you’re a seasoned cruiser, you can just complete the Placeholder Form which is readily available on board and authorize the deposit to come from your onboard account. You then just place the form in the Future Travel Desk Mail Box at the desk. If you plan to visit the desk, go early in your cruise! The lines get longer as the cruise is ending and people realize they can’t wait to book their next one.

One thing to remember - if you’ve used me as your Travel Agent (of course!!), be sure and mark on the form that you want to use me again. And just let me know about it so that I can get started helping you plan your next Magical cruise!!!

Oklahoma is OK, but the other states are great too!!

My Oklahoma peeps pretty much have all heard about my Disney and Universal trip planning services and many have taken advantage of this FREE service. But I often hear (after the fact) that someone wished they could have used my services, but they don’t live near me so assumed that I couldn’t help them. No! Not true!!

Although I would love to visit in person with all of my clients, that’s not always possible even when they are local. We all have busy lives and sometimes schedules don’t work out. The thing is, it’s totally possible to plan and book the whole trip over the phone! I spend a lot of time calling, texting, emailing and facebook messaging my clients while we’re in the planning and booking phase.

Once it nears your trip, I’ll mail you a packet with any paperwork that you need to have. Disney will mail your MagicBands and Magical Express luggage tags.

So please, if you’re not local to me, still let me help you!! And if you’re one of my friends that lives out of the Oklahoma City area, please consider sharing this info with your own local peeps. Remember I have a referral program and will send you a $10 gift card to the restaurant of your choice if you send a booking my way!!

Very Merrytime Disney Cruises - There's Still Availability to Book for this Christmas!!

Create a new family tradition: celebrate the holidays at sea and be immersed in a winter wonderland of fun!

Have you ever considered doing something fun like a Disney Cruise over Christmas? Now is the time to book as the availability on the Very Merrytime Cruises is dwindling. I checked today and there are still a few cabins available on these cruises (in November and December). Good news for my Oklahoma peeps - there are cruises out of Galveston this time of year. So you can save yourself airfare to Florida if you’re willing to drive to Galveston!

If you don’t know what a Very Merrytime Cruise is, then here are all of the details for you!

Onboard Festivities

Delight in seasonal magic at sea and discover a jolly fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor.

Share in the magic with festive onboard decorations that include a life-sized gingerbread house, a 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias and shimmering lights, and experience numerous merriments sure to warm the hearts of the entire family, including:

• Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party
  Candy-cane limbo, dancing and games—share in the yuletide magic of the season during this jovial celebration.

• Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic Ceremony
  Kick off the season during this festive gala where kids can help light the ship’s Christmas Tree.

• Santa Claus Meet-and-Greet
  Share hugs and snap photos with the one-and-only Kris Kringle before he takes to the sky to deliver gifts to the children of the world.

• Disney Character Greetings
  Meet some beloved Disney Characters in jolly holiday attire and take one-of-a-kind pictures to cherish throughout the year.

• Youth Parties
  Teens and tweens can party it up with new friends during music and dance extravaganzas that fill the air with joy.

• Storytime with Mrs. Claus
  Gather the children in the atrium to hear Mrs. Claus read well-known Christmas stories from her rocking chair by the tree.

• Themed Activities and Crafts for Kids
  Decorate stockings, create festive cards, embark on a holiday scavenger hunt and more—it’s Christmas cheer for the young and young-at-heart.

• Gingerbread House
  Made completely from edible ingredients, the ship’s gingerbread house is a life-sized treat that you can photograph, but can’t eat!

• Holiday Merchandise
  ‘Tis the season to pick up exclusive, holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line gifts for family and friends—and make Christmas wishes come true.

Plus, on December 24 and 25, enjoy these additional treats:

• Cookies on Christmas Eve

• Special holiday towel animals

• Caroling with the kids and crew

Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as on Castaway Cay! Disney's private island paradise is transformed with "snow" flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island's tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

Sail dates for 2018 and 2019 are listed below. Remember prices are cheaper on a cruise the further out you book so it’s not too early at all to be thinking about booking for 2019! Also, my planning services are always FREE when you book your trip through me and it doesn’t cost a penny more than if you booked it yourself!! Need more info about a Disney Cruise? Check out my previous blog post about them here!

2018
Disney Magic

• November 10, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from New York

• November 17, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from New York

• November 24, 2018 – 6-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan

• November 30, 2018 – 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan to Miami

• December 5, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• December 9, 2018 – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

• December 14, 2018 – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• December 19, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• December 23, 2018 – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

Disney Wonder

• November 2, 2018 – 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• November 8, 2018 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• November 12, 2018 – 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• November 16, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

• November 23, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

• November 30, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• December 7, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

• December 14, 2018 – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

• December 21, 2018 – 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Disney Dream

• November 9, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 12, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 16, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 19, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (2-stops at Castaway Cay)

• November 23, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 26, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 30, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 3, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 7, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 10, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 14, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 17, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 21, 2018 – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 24, 2018 – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Fantasy

• November 10, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 17, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 24, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 1, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 8, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 15, 2018 – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 22, 2018 – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

2019
Disney Magic

• November 10, 2019 - 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from New York to San Juan

• November 15, 2019 - 5-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan to Miami

• November 20, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• November 23, 2019 - 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

• November 29, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• December 2, 2019 - 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• December 7, 2019 - 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

• December 12, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• December 16, 2019 - 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• December 21, 2019 - 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

Disney Wonder

• November 8, 2019 - 14-Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego

• November 22, 2019 - 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston

• November 29, 2019 - 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston with 2 stops at Castaway Cay

• December 6, 2019 - 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

• December 12, 2019 - 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• December 16, 2019 - 4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

• December 20, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston

Disney Dream

• November 8, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 11, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 15, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 18, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 22, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 25, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 29, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 2, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 6, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 9, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 13, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 16, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 20, 2019 - 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 23, 2019 - 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Fantasy

• November 9, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 16, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 23, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• November 30, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 7, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 14, 2019 - 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

• December 21, 2019 - 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 stops at Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line!

Let me start by saying that I haven't had the good fortune YET to take a Disney Cruise.  But I was lucky enough to get to tour the Disney Dream when I was in Florida last year for an agent education program.  I took a few pics of the ship and would love to share those with you.  Based on all that I saw, I can't wait to set sail someday soon!!

We were in Port Canaveral, but Disney sails out of Galveston, San Diego, Miami, New York and many other departure ports.  The ships sail anywhere you can imagine - including Europe and Alaska!  Be sure and save some time by doing as much of your check-in as possible online before you get to the port - I can help with that!

There are 3 pools on this ship - one of them is an adult-exclusive pool.  Keep in mind that while the other pools are kid-friendly, you can't swim in them unless you are potty-trained!  Swim diapers are only allowed in the splash area (Nemo's Reef on the Dream).  The main pool has a 24-by-14-foot LED screen called Funnel Vision on which you can watch classic Disney animated features or live-action movies.  

For the thrill seekers, be sure and take a ride on the AquaDuck which is an exciting 765-foot-long water coaster that transports Guests on an exhilarating journey up, down and around 4 decks, over the side of the ship and through the Forward Funnel

Trust me when I say you won't go hungry.  There are 3 different restaurants that you rotate through each evening for dinner and you keep your same wait-staff since they rotate with you!  If you want something more casual, there are a couple of quick-service type restaurants on board.  And don't forget, there is 24-hour complimentary room service!!  If I ever do make it on a cruise, I'll be eating my weight in Mickey bars for sure.

There are a few food items that aren't included in your cost of the cruise...  Vanellope's Sweet and Treats sells ice cream, gelato and candy.  But looking at the price list, it's not that expensive.  If you want something a bit different than the standard ice cream that is compliementary, check this out.  There are also 2 adult-exclusive restaurants (Palo and Remy) that aren't included.  Might be worth it for some time alone though!

On board, you'll find all of your favorite characters for Meet and Greets!  Some require a ticket (it is free but you need a reservation) and some you'll find randomly throughout the ship.  We were lucky enough to be greeted by Mickey as we boarded the ship!

Although you want to spend your vacation with your family, it's nice to have an option if you want to do the adult-exclusive dining or other activity.  Disney Cruise Line provides Disney-themed youth clubs, areas and immersive interactive programs and activities designed to allow your child’s imagination to soar while aboard the Disney Dream.  Honestly, after seeing the youth clubs, I imagine I would have a hard time dragging my boys out of them!  

The Small World Nursery is adorable for children aged 3 months to 3 years.   It does have an additional charge though and you need reservations.

Have someone traveling with you that loves sports?  So does Goofy!  There are a lot of options for the sports-lover to enjoy.

If you're into nightclubs and dancing, you have several options!  Take advantage of the kids' clubs and hit the dance floor!!

There are 2 theaters on board - a movie theater and a theater for a Broadway caliber show.  Currently the Dream is doing Beauty and the Beast.  

There is so much more to a Disney Cruise that I haven't even touched on here.  Most itineraries sail to Disney's private island - Castaway Cay.  You also have the option to book some amazing Port Adventures in the ports that you visit (these are an additional charge).  You'll also enjoy Fireworks at sea, Deck parties, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Spa and Fitness amenities, Midship Detective Agency, Shopping...  And did I mention free Mickey bars??  

The least expensive rates on a Disney cruise are when the itineraries are first released.  So if you're thinking of taking a cruise, let me know as soon as possible so that we can get you the maximum fun for the least price.

Oh and if you're like Don and a bit of a germaphobe, you need to know about these awesome automatic hand washers that you have to use to get into the buffet line.  Now you have no excuse to not sail with Disney!!  Call me - my services are FREE to you!!