Play Disney Parks App - A Fun Way to Wait!

As if you need another reason to go to Disney World or Disneyland, here's one!  Disney has released the Play Disney Parks App - available FREE to download and play on both iOS and Android.

I normally wouldn't recommend having your nose in your phone while at Disney.  But if you're there with long lines and you've wrapped around the same part of the line a few times, you'll be tempted to distract yourself.  This would be especially helpful if you have kids that get restless while waiting.  

This app was designed for families and guests to enjoy together. With group play that enables everyone to join in on the fun, guests will turn wait time into play time with all-new interactive experiences and activities created for select attraction queues, including: “Playset Party” at Toy Story Mania! in Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Off to Neverland” at Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom, “Rocket Race” at Space Mountain at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom, and “Andy’s Boardgame Blast!” at the new Slinky Dog Dash coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And there’s even more to explore in the app!

Guests signed into their Disney account (available to guests 13 and over) can also earn, collect and share uniquely themed achievements, rewarded for playing games, answering trivia, completing challenges and experiencing select attractions across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. And with the Disney trivia feature, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy as guests can discover fun facts about their favorite theme parks.

This first-of-its-kind Disney app will also allow guests to celebrate the songs of Disney in a whole new way. Access Apple Music®* from within the app to tap into a curated audio experience featuring official playlists inspired by beloved theme park lands, attractions and characters – and some favorite memories too. Apple Music subscribers will even be able to add favorite Disney tracks direct to their Apple Music library allowing them to live and re-live the magic of Disney parks music at home.

The app is intended to be used while actually at Disney.  So sadly, there's not much to do with it if you are stuck elsewhere.  But I did discover that the trivia questions work outside the parks, so pull it up and add a little Disney to your day!

Don't forget that if you book your trip with me, I'll plan it at no cost to you!!  Same price as you'd get booking yourself!!

Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.

*Some features require Apple Music subscription and are only available on iOS devices. Separate terms and conditions apply.

Disney World - What Will it Cost??

Want to know how much moolah it will take to get you to Disney World?  Well, read on!

It's been over a year since I gave an example price of a family trip to Disney World.  Prices change all of the time, so I thought I'd update you on the most recent costs today!  

The main reason that people tell me they aren't traveling to Disney World is the cost.  While I admit it can be pricey, you can make a couple of choices that will lower the cost.

It sounds great to stay in a Moderate or Deluxe resort (and I highly recommend you do if you're able!).  But if cost is stopping you, consider a Value resort.  They are still on Disney property so you don't lose any of the perks of staying on-site.  Disney customer service is the highest standard no matter which resort you choose.  Cleanliness and safety are top-notch across the board.

Here is an example of affordability...  I pulled up a quote for the following:

•  A family of four - 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 4 and 6
• February 24 - March 1 (5 nights lodging)
• All-Star Music
• 4-day base Theme Park Ticket
• Complimentary Magical Express
• MagicBands
• My support and knowledge to enhance your experience

The cost of this family's trip would be $2325 at today's prices for everything listed above.  My family has taken a quick trip to Dallas or Kansas City that has set us back nearly that amount.  

I can't guarantee at the time that you wish to travel that there will be a special, but this price is not based on any of the current Disney specials.  It's the current standard rate for a vacation at the end of February 2019.  You might get lucky and travel during a time of a special rate - always check my Specials page for current dates.

You can always upgrade to a Moderate or Deluxe resort, and depending on the special available, it may not be much more.  You can also spend a little more if you want a Park Hopper ticket, but if you don't plan to do more than one park per day, then the base ticket is a great deal.

If you drive, be aware that Disney is now charging a parking fee at the resorts.  If you fly, then of course, you'll also be paying for flights.  We usually fly on Southwest with points so if you plan far enough ahead, you can do the same!  

You will also need to plan food, photos, stroller rental and souvenir costs. I have lots of tips to help keep these prices down so be sure to ask!!

Planning ahead has tons of perks - dining reservations and FastPasses are available.  You'll also be able to save up and possibly pay for the entire trip before traveling.  Nothing is better than a vacation where you know it's already paid off and you can just enjoy yourself!

Give me a call or shoot me an email.  I'd love to check prices for your situation!!  Remember - I don't charge anything extra for helping you.  As long as I book your vacation, Disney pays me and it costs you the exact same thing if you booked it yourself.

Rantings of a Frustrated Travel Agent

OK, so I should start by saying it’s not your fault.  You just don’t know how it works! 

In the past few weeks, I’ve had many potential clients contact me for information and pricing on Disney trips and Disney cruises.  But only a couple have actually booked a trip.

I know that there are times when the price isn’t what is expected or dates of availability don’t work out.  But lately, I’ve had a lot of people tell me thanks and then go book it on their own online.

My first instinct is to be frustrated.  Typically I’ve spent a decent amount of time finding out about what they want in a trip and then customizing a quote based on that.  And time spent doing that is something I do enjoy but when it boils down to it, it takes time away from my family.  That’s easier to justify when it becomes a job and I’m paid for it, but when a trip isn’t booked, I don’t get paid.  (Cue the Mom Guilt at that point). 

That’s something I think people just don’t quite understand.  I only get paid when I book a trip.  Now if the trip is not right for you, you decide not to go, circumstances change… I totally get it.  But to go book online with the info I’ve provided stings a bit.  

I truly think people just don’t know how it works though so I try not to take it personally. I do want to educate everyone on a couple of things though.  Click the links below to find out why you need a travel agent and how I actually get paid...

Do you really Need a travel agent to go to Disney?

How Do I get Paid?

Disney is no small business.   But when you book your trip through an authorized Disney travel agent (like myself!) you are supporting a local business.  Doesn’t cost you a penny more and in fact may save you money in the long run.  

The best benefit for you is that you have access to my expertise and one-on-one planning.  I am your direct link to Disney or Universal!  If you book yourself and need to make changes, have a question or just want to get some advice, you can call Disney/Universal.  But you’ll have a different agent every time that doesn’t know you or your situation.  And be prepared for a long wait on the phone. 

With me, I get to know what you want out of your trip and work to make it the best possible.  If there’s any need to call Disney/Universal, I will do that for you.  And there's a reason I only book Disney/Universal vacations.  I've been there, done that.  I don't book other areas because I'm not an expert!  Not to brag, but I do feel like an expert when it comes to Disney and Universal and I'd love to be your Fairy Godmother.

I really hope I haven’t offended any of you that might be reading this.  If you’ve asked me for information but didn’t book a trip, just know that I totally understand.  And honestly, before I became a travel agent, I most likely did the same thing in asking for info but doing it myself.  

Do me a favor and spread the word on this new knowledge - there’s no reason for you to plan alone when it costs you nothing to have an expert in your corner!!

Whoa Pardner!! You're About to Miss Out on Those Reservations You Want!!

I know it's still Winter.  And ridiculously cold where I am so I don't even want to think about winter anymore.  But Summer is coming!  It may seem a long way off but June will be here in 4 short months!  

Have you made plans for your Summer Vacation yet?  If you're like me you're thinking, "Well I've got 4 months - tons of time to figure it out!"

The problem is that if you're thinking of a trip to Disney World (and if you aren't, I don't know if we can be friends...), you need to be well into the planning process for a summer trip.  Yes, you can certainly go without planning and have a spectacular time.  But if you want to have a spectacular time where you do everything you want and with the least amount of waiting possible, you've got to plan in advance.

Advanced Dining Reservations (Disney speak for sit-down restaurant reservations) are available starting 6 months out.  So if you or your kids have dreams of eating at a specific restaurant (like the castle!), you really need to get those reservations on the 6 month mark.

All hope isn't lost if you don't get them 6 months out - sometimes Disney Magic works in your favor and a reservation opens up.  But sometimes, it just doesn't.  I have a client right now wanting to eat at Be Our Guest and nothing is open for their timeframe.  I log in and look for open slots up to 6 times a day and have been doing that for a few weeks now and nothing.  Makes me sad to think of them at Disney World and not getting to do something they had their hearts set on.

So please - call me and let's talk about what you'd like to do!  Disney requires a $200 deposit to book a vacation package.  Of course, plans change, so that amount is fully refundable as long as you cancel at least 30 days prior to your trip.  So you really have nothing to lose by booking early - and I'll be able to get all of the reservations you'd like if we do it far enough out!

Bring on SUMMER!!!