How to Very Easily Score a Disney World Discount for Your Next Trip!

A few weeks ago, I blogged about how to save on a Disney Cruise if you book another one while on the ship. Well guess what? There’s a similar scenario at Disney World which is called a Bounceback offer!

These can only be booked while you are actually on vacation. In the past, I haven’t mentioned it to clients because I honestly thought it felt a little like I was pressuring them to book another trip before they had even gone on the first one. But when I heard that the current Bounceback offer includes free dining, I realized I needed to get the word out.

The Bounceback offers are not always free dining - often they are room discounts. But if you know that you will most likely be making a trip in the near future, it would be silly to not guarantee this discount. We all know that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be bringing in large crowds and if Disney doesn’t feel the need to discount rooms to fill them, they won’t. And even if discounts are released, they will have limited availability and you might miss out.

The easiest way to book it is to let me know that you might be interested in it before you go. But even if you didn’t think about it until you are there, just give me a shout! The rules are simple - if you are staying ON site at a Disney resort, you can call me or you can call x8844 from your room and book the current Bounceback offer. It will require a $200 deposit which, of course, is fully refundable up to 30 days prior to travel. Simple as that!!

Most of the rooms have a brochure left in them by Mousekeeping that explains the current offer. Sometimes they get overlooked and sometimes Mousekeeping may fail to leave one. But either way, if you are a current guest, there is some sort of offer. The craziest part? You can book up to 3 rooms! Want to take 3 upcoming trips? Go wild and book them. There’s zero risk as long as you either take the trip (why wouldn’t you??) or cancel before the 30 days (WHY WOULD YOU??).

One more little rule - the lead guest on the Bounceback reservation must be one of the adult guests on the current reservation. So no sharing this great deal with your buddies.

I don’t have a picture of the current Bounceback - YET! I’ll grab one when I’m there in 14 days!! (Not that I’m counting…) Here are the details though:

Guests must check-in during the following date ranges to be eligible for the 2020 Free Dining Bounceback offer to be valid:

• May 26, 2020 through June 2, 2020

• June 26, 2020 through September 12, 2020

• December 9, 2020 through December 24, 2020

Booking this discount requires a 4-night minimum stay with a 4-day park hopper ticket purchase. Excluded resorts and room categories are Disney’s All Star Movies, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Little Mermaid Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and all 3-Bedroom Villas.

Here is a pic of a recent Bounceback brochure:

So if you’re about to head to the world, think about future trips. You could save a bundle if you plan it right! Of course, call me to have me plan and book your Disney trips with no extra cost to you.

See a Penny, Pick it Up! Now Squish It!!

One of the cheapest souvenirs at Disney World just happens to be one of the most fun since it’s a do-it-yourself item. For just one penny (+ 50 cents), you can make a squished penny!

And you can do this over and over and over again as there are tons of these machines throughout Disney World. Back when my boys were little, there was always a fight over who got to turn the handle. But with so many machines, they took turns and we mostly avoided having meltdowns over it.

Check out this video of Andrew getting his turn. For smaller kids, you may need to help a bit as the crank gets harder to turn as it does the actual squishing part. (And please notice how adorable Luke is with his little backwards hat…)

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You can buy souvenir books to keep your pennies, or I’m sure on etsy, you’ll find all kinds of ways to show them off. We tend to put things in plastic baggies fully intending to put them in something cooler later but rarely get to that! :)

So grab those pennies and get to squishing - you’ve got A LOT of options! Each machine has several different options. Currently there are 147 pennies to be squished at Magic Kingdom, 77 at the Animal Kingdom, 132 at Hollywood Studios and 140 at Epcot. There are even a few machines that will squish quarters. You can find these machines listed on the MyDisneyExperience app if you don’t happen to see one near you.

If you find yourself with a few extra minutes and a few extra coins, make yourself a souvenir!! I’d love to help you plan your next Disney or Universal trip - FOR FREE! Give me a call!!

Skyliner - Opening Date Announced!!

On September 29, Disney Skyliner gondolas will take flight and officially begin transporting guests around Walt Disney World Resort.

This state-of-the-art transportation system offers a new way to experience the resort with amazing views only available from the sky. Disney Skyliner connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort scheduled to open in December 2019.

Some Disney Skyliner cabins feature graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters. Disney stories taking flight with guests include:

• Mickey Mouse

• Minnie Mouse

• Pluto

• Chip & Dale

• “Coco”

• Goofy, Pete, Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow

• “Finding Dory”

• Haunted Mansion

• “Monsters, Inc.”

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• “Ratatouille”

Guests aboard Disney Skyliner will travel quickly across the sky, with rides approximately five to 15 minutes in length, depending on the destination. • Disney’s Caribbean Beach to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 5-6 minutes • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: under six minutes • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Riviera Resort: about 5 minutes • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to International Gateway at Epcot: approximately 15 minutes • Disney’s Riviera Resort to International Gateway at Epcot: approximately nine minutes.

There are more than 300 cabins, each with bench seating that can comfortably accommodate up to ten Guests, including those traveling with wheelchairs or assistive devices.

Although they won’t have air conditioning, the cabins were specifically tailored to provide a comfortable ride for guests in the Florida climate, with cross-ventilation for sufficient air flow and reflective windows to prevent direct sunlight.

I am BUMMED that these won’t be open yet on my trip in August, but I’ll just have to go back! Let me book and plan your trip for FREE and then be sure to brag to me how you got to ride these before me. I promise I’ll try not to be too jealous!!

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!!!

My Worst Nightmare: What Happens if You Get Kicked out of Walt Disney World??

Did you know that it’s possible to get kicked out of Disney World?  Or worse yet…  BANNED FOR LIFE.  Geez that would just be the end of me.  So what could cause you to get into this horrible trouble?  And what happens after you’re removed from the park?  Read on and DON’T let me ever hear that this has happened to you….

Cutting in line can get you kicked out of the park.  It kind of depends on who sees you and how they react.  Seems to happen all the time without consequences but if you catch the wrong Cast Member on the wrong day, they certainly can have you removed.

Jumping out of a ride can get you kicked out as well. I have heard that in some cases this can even result in the person being banned from the park. First of all, it’s a safety issue.  You could possibly endanger yourself and others around you.  Plus, it ruins the ride for everyone!  Don’t even be tempted to do this.

Making rude gestures. This is another good way to get kicked out of the parks. This often happens on ride photos like Splash Mountain or Expedition Everest. If the right cast member sees the offensive gesture while blurring it out, they might just take action to have you removed from the park. The same goes for making rude gestures or remarks at cast members or other guests in the park. You don’t want to be removed for a silly impulsive decision.

Now, making a silly face or giving your cheesiest smile for the camera is a-okay.  Proof here…

Refusal to comply with Disney rules. If, for example, you somehow get a selfie-stick through security and are seen with it in the park, you probably won’t get kicked out simply for having that “illegal” item. But Disney cast members will escort you from the park if you refuse to give it up.

Fighting. Especially with cast members or characters! Disney is all about safety. So, if a guest does anything that disrupts other guests or a cast member’s safety, Disney will likely take precautions. There are times that families will actually get physical with one another while waiting in lines or for the fireworks. These guests are removed from the parks. Some fights have been bad enough for the guests to earn a ban as well. It’s easy for emotions to run high when you’re hot and tired and hungry.

Smoking. As of May 1, 2019, smoking (which includes vaping) has been banned in Disney Parks. There are designated smoking areas located just outside the park entrances, at the Disney hotels and Disney Springs, but getting caught smoking in a nonsmoking area may get you escorted out or possibly banned.

Sneaking Backstage. Disney, like most other companies, does not allow guests in private employee areas behind the scenes, both for safety reasons and to help preserve the mystery of how the “magic” is made. If you’re caught in an off-limits area, you will be escorted from the park. If you simply must find out what’s going on behind the guarded walls, there are tours that will take you to some backstage areas.  Let me know if you’re interested in those and I’ll hook you up!

Getting too drunk at the parks. It’s OK to have a good time and to drink around the world if that’s what you want to do. But, if drunk guests start causing problems or scenes, Disney will not hesitate to remove them from the premises.

Spreading ashes can get you kicked out or even banned for life. A lot of people want to have their cremated remains sprinkled around the Disney Parks. Believe it or not, the ashes will glow and the cast members will be alerted to what has happened. The ride will have to be closed until the ashes can be cleaned. Then, Disney will locate those who threw the ashes and will likely ban them from the park. Don’t forget, Disney has cameras everywhere and is always watching.

Stealing. This one should be pretty obvious, but stealing is another action that will result in being banned or kicked out of the parks. Don’t even think about it!   Again, Disney has eyes (and cameras) everywhere!

SO, WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET KICKED OUT?

Disney operates on a case-by-case basis. They’ll evaluate each situation based on a variety of factors to determine what action should be taken.

Many times, guests are only removed from the parks for a day. They are given a warning and allowed back into the park. Other times, Disney may “blacklist” a guest, banning them for life.

Disney will document what has happened so that they can keep a record of the events that took place. They will also take a photo of the offending guest.

If the situation warrants it, Disney will contact the appropriate law enforcement officials to take action. This could result in the guest being arrested. Other times, the guest may just be presented with a trespassing admonition.

Despite its best attempts, Disney cannot monitor who is entering its parks and properties everywhere at all times. But if you are caught trespassing after you’ve been banned, Disney will contact the authorities.

Let’s keep Disney Parks magical for everyone!  Don’t get yourself in trouble - it will break my heart!!

And be sure and call me to book and plan your trip - I don’t charge any fees at all and love helping others get to my Happy place!!

Now More than Ever!

The most common question I receive from people considering a Disney World trip is “when is the best time to go to have the best experience?” 

Although I have written in the past about the best/worst times (take a look here), we’re getting to the point where crowd levels are going to be high no matter the time.  With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening, crowds will be flocking to the parks in droves. 

Disney is currently running a marketing campaign called “Now More than Ever!”  and I couldn’t agree more.  I wouldn’t normally recommend visiting in the middle of the summer due to the crowds and heat.  But it will be a while until the crowds slow down after Star Wars opens.

So you’ve got until the end of August to get there and enjoy what is turning out to be a slower summer for the parks.  A lot of people are putting off trips until Star Wars opens and that leaves rooms open this summer.  Disney has even put out a rare summer offer to lower the costs of some rooms.  In fact, in looking at a quote for a family of 4 with 2 adults and 2 kids, for 5 nights with a 4 day park hopper ticket in June, you’re looking at less than $3000.  That’s typically one of the higher priced times to travel to Disney so a great deal at the moment. Costs will most likely just keep going up from here with all of the new attractions/resorts/entertainment options heading to the World.

Need more reasons to travel to Walt Disney World Now More than Ever?   Here you go!

Join Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park!

Party with Pixar Pals to Celebrate 30 Years of Disney’s 
Hollywood Studios

Celebrate the Circle of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Satisfy Your Cravings for Food, Entertainment and Fun at Epcot

Other Can’t-Miss Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort

Do You Want to Spend the Night in Cinderella's Castle?

Last week I talked about the amazing Specialty Suites at Disneyland. This week, I’ll tell you about special rooms at Walt Disney World!

I can’t imagine getting to spend the night in Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. And sadly, I don’t imagine it will ever happen for me. As of now, the only way you can stay there is if you’re invited (usually for celebrities) or you win a contest. But you can bet I’ll keep hoping it happens. Here are a couple of pictures from lucky ducks that have seen the suite…

View from the bathtub!

Below are other rooms that regular peeps like me can actually book… I’ve included the one at Wilderness Lodge mainly due to the bedding options. You can get bunkbeds! When you have 2 kids that nearly kill each other shoving each other in the bed, you really appreciate an easy bed time. Each in their own bed!! This option is also available at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. And bonus there, you can see animals from some of the rooms!

Caribbean Beach Pirate Room

Wilderness Lodge

Port Orleans Riverside Royal Room

Wilderness Lodge

Art of Animation Nemo Family Suite

Wilderness Lodge

Art of Animation Lion King Family Suite

Art of Animation Cars Family Suite

Of course, this is only a small sampling of rooms. There are a LOT of options depending on what you and your family need. Please give me a call if you’re thinking of taking a Disney trip. I will help you get the room that will work best for you and make your trip as Magical as possible. My services are FREE!!

What are the Absolute BEST Rooms at Disney??

All of the rooms on Disney property are amazing in my opinion - I mean if you’re staying there, you’re at Disney so you’re having a pretty good day, right?! But there are a few rooms that will blow you away.

The rooms I want to show you today are Signature Suites at the Disneyland Hotel. These are all available for booking by anyone - if you are willing to pay a bit more! I can’t give you exact costs here as they change based on time of year and availability but expect thousands per night!! If you are actually interested in staying in one, let me know and I’ll give them a call for you to find out specifics!

I was able to personally visit all of these suites on my last training trip to Disneyland. Staying in all of them is now definitely at the top of my bucket list! Forgive me for my photography. There were quite a few agents on the tour and we didn’t get a lot of time to get the perfect shot.

First up is the Fairy Tale Suite. This one just has space for 2 guests but it’s the most “magical” of the suites. It has a beautiful bathroom and spectacular views of the resort!

Next up is the 2-bedroom Pirates of the Caribbean Suite. You’ll be completely immersed in a Pirate’s Life for sure… Be sure and ring the doorbell!!

Want to take the most luxurious safari ever? Then head on to the Adventureland Suite. This amazing suite even has a stone grotto that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the rain forest!

All aboard the train as we head into the wonderfully rustic Big Thunder suite. It’s the wildest suite in the wilderness for up to 6 guests.

Finally, up to the Penthouse, you’ll find the Main Mouse’s suite! It’s the Mickey Mouse suite! It’s ultra-modern and huge. Mickey definitely gives it a big thumbs up…

If you could choose your suite to stay in, which would you pick? If I had to choose, I think it would be the Adventureland Suite - there’s a grotto in it for goodness’ sake! But if you want to gift me with a week in one, I won’t be picky.

These Signature Suites are exclusive to Disneyland, but there are some really fun (and more affordable) special rooms at Disney World. I’ll tell you all about those next week!!

Want to know more about planning a trip to Disneyland or Disney World? Contact me and remember there’s no charge for my trip planning services!

Merry Christmas from Trips by Mouse!

Of course, it’s not quite Christmas yet, but Disney announced today that tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This is just another reason to get your Disney World trip booked far in advance so that you don’t miss out on things like this!

The event transforms Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland for a magical 23 days of the year!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates for 2019:

• November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24

• December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22

Returning favorites include a special holiday-themed parade and fireworks display as well as magical stage shows such as “A Frozen Holiday Wish” where guests can get swept up in the holiday spirit when Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.

In addition to the wonderful, holiday entertainment, guests can also ride Magic Kingdom Park classic attractions, savor complimentary treats and enjoy a magical “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A.

Buy early and save! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $99 for select nights after $10 advance-purchase savings. Here are the specific costs for adult/child tickets:

November 8, 15, 22: $109/104
November 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21: $99/94
November 24: $115/110

December 1: $115/110
December 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15: $109/104
December 6, 13, 17: $115/110
December 19: $129/124
December 20, 22: $139/134

Have a trip planned and want to add tickets? Call me! Or still thinking of a trip? Call me for that too!! My services are always FREE!!

A Few BIG Disney Announcements You May Have Missed

With the excitement of the announcement of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a few other BIG announcements from Disney have been missed by a lot of us!

Two New Nighttime Shows

Beginning May 1, the date of the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Wonderful World of Animation will make its grand premiere. This excitement-packed projection show will take you on an incredible journey through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation.

Watch in wonder as the façade of the Chinese Theatre is magically transformed—displaying this stirring tribute to animation. Behold spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, family, adventure, romance and friendship. Each theme is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films—like Sleeping Beauty, The Incredibles, Coco and many more.

Of course, since we can never lose sight of the fact that it was all started with a mouse, the show fittingly begins and ends with the one-and-only Mickey.

Over at Epcot, a new nighttime spectacular, called “A Celebration of Disney Music,” will show how Disney music inspires people around the globe, and will feature large floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, kites with special effects, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, and lasers. The current Illuminations show will end this summer. Until the new show starts in 2020, there will be a limited-time experience, called “Epcot Forever,” which will debut in fall 2019 and will feature classic Epcot tunes.

Two New (Non-Star Wars) Experiences to Open at Hollywood Studios

The first new experience is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and it officially opened yesterday! In this interactive show, Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Of course, as this seasoned racer has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course.

With Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs rooting him on, Lightning gears up for the challenge. Will he emerge victorious? Speed on over to find out.

Also opening soon at Hollywood Studios is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway - the attraction replacing The Great Movie Ride inside of the replica of the Chinese Theater. No official opening date has been released yet by Disney, but according to insiders, it’s expected to be some time this summer.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-along to Debut at Epcot’s France Pavilion

A new guest offering will soon debut at the France pavilion at World Showcase (in addition to “Impressions de France”) – a brand new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along created by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films.

Space-Themed Restaurant at Epcot

A one-of-a-kind, space-themed restaurant is currently planned for Epcot that’ll offer guests amazing meals and a spectacular view – from high above Earth. This restaurant will be built in a newly developed area located between the park’s Mission: SPACE and Test Track attractions.

Once completed, the restaurant will invite guests to travel to space for an amazing dining experience in the stars. The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, led by Nick Valenti, which operates several other restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort, including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs.

Disney Skyliner

The new Disney Skyliner gondola system will begin transporting guests in Fall 2019, connecting Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort, the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property. Select gondolas will have Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design. After much speculation, it was confirmed earlier this year that the gondolas won’t have air conditioning.

Disney loves to keep things new and exciting so that guests always have a reason to return!! Keep your eyes on the blog here at Trips by Mouse to keep up with all of the fun! And, of course, if you’re thinking of traveling to the Mouse’s House, give me a call! It’s always free to book with me!