Adventures By Disney: Special Family Trips

Adventures By Disney has announced special departures for this summer, especially for multi-generational groups! Travel with your family to Ireland, Italy, or England & France through Disney's unique tour experiences!

Read on to find out more!

Viva Italia

This 9-day, 8-night trip to Italy departs July 18, 2013 and includes:

3 days in Rome, including a city tour and visit to the Vatican City
a day in the charming village of Orvieto, Umbria
a day in Tuscany, including a pasta-making class
a day in Florence
2 days in Venice, including a gondola tour and Carnevale mask-making

Cities of Knights and Lights

This 8-day, 7-night vacation to England and France departs July 22, 2013 and includes:

4 days in London, including a double-decker bus tour, and visits to London landmarks, Stonehenge, and Windsor Castle
Eurostar train ride to Paris
4 days in Paris, including visits to Paris landmarks and the Castle of Versailles

The Emerald Isle

This 8-day, 7-night vacation to Ireland departs August 13, 2013 and includes:

2 days in Dublin, including a city tour and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse
a day exploring the Rock of Cashel, the seat of medieval kings
2 days in Killarney, including a ghost walk and visit to Blarney Castle
3 days in Dromoland (staying in Dromoland Castle!), including a birds of prey demonstration, medieval banquet, and visit to the Cliffs of Moher

Special Inclusions

The multi-generational departures include all of the services that make Adventures By Disney trips special! Plus, there are some additional offerings:

A professional photographer will be along for the entire tour to capture those special family moments, which you will then be able to compile into a digital portfolio of images.
A balanced itinerary so that all generations can enjoy the trip!

Conclusion

If you have ever thought of taking a European tour with the extended family, here is your chance! With only one departure date for each tour, spots will fill up fast! Contact me at katherine@enchantedearstravel.com for more information!

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Characters in the Parks: Disney Princesses

When visiting a Disney destination, it is always exciting to meet those Disney characters that you have seen on-screen or in books. The easiest way to meet characters is through character meals, and you can read more about those in my previous blog posts:

Meals with the Fab 5, Meals Fit for a Princess, and Other Character Meals. However, you can also find the characters in the parks, along with others that are not available at meals.

Over the years, the royal ranks of Disney princesses have grown, and now they can be found at every Walt Disney World theme park. Sometimes it is only a matter of knowing where to look!

Read on to find out more.

Magic Kingdom

The newest Disney princesses can be found at the Magic Kingdom, along with some classic favorite ones. They can be found in several locations, some of them well hidden.

There is a semi-permanent character greeting location for the princesses at Town Square Theater on Main Street. Here you can find several Disney princesses; the specific characters may change, so be careful about telling your little one exactly which princesses will be there. Princesses may include: Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Snow White, and/or Rapunzel. This is a Fast Pass attraction. This greeting area will eventually be moved to Princess Fairytale Hall in the new Fantasyland.

The Fairytale Garden is an outdoor theater located on the path to the right around Cinderella Castle, as you are facing the front. This location has been the meet-and-greet area for the newest of the princesses, so it now features Mereda from Brave. While adults hold their little ones' places in line, younger guests are welcome to participate in a variety of activities such as archery lessons and coloring. Then, of course, there is an opportunity to meet Mereda!

Tiana at her Garden Glen in Liberty Square

Various other princesses can often be found in locations that correspond with their characters. Jasmine is often near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, while Tiana can be found on Liberty Square Bridge. You can also find Ariel in her grotto in the new Fantasyland.

Epcot

Princesses can often be found in the World Showcase in Epcot, in a location pertaining to their character or story. In France, you can often find Aurora and Belle, while Snow White is often in Germany. Jasmine can be found in Morocco and Mulan in China.

Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom

Although several princesses can be seen in shows at the Hollywood Studios, you will have more luck at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot if you want to meet the princesses. However, Megara (from

Hercules

) can sometimes be found at the Sorcerer's Hat in Hollywood Studios, while Pocahontas is often found in various locations at Animal Kingdom.

General

The most important thing to remember about character greetings is that characters and locations change on a regular basis. Be very careful about guaranteeing a sighting of any specific character. Even in locations such as Town Square Theater, where some character interaction is guaranteed, there may be a change of characters between when you get your Fast Pass or enter the line, and when you actually meet the characters. Don't let this deter you, though; as long as you make no promises, it is always a magical experience!

Be sure to check character greeting times and locations on the Park Times Guide. Even princesses sometimes need a break! This Guide will give you the most accurate information for the day you are visiting. And always keep your eyes open; you never know who may stop by!

If you have a question or have seen a princess in a location not listed, please list it in the comments section!

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A Disney Fantasy Vacation

The Disney Fantasy is the newest cruise ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

This post will give you some great information about the Disney Fantasy.

Overview

Designed to reflect the golden age of cruising in the 1930s, the Fantasy arrived in her home port of Cape Canaveral, Florida in March of 2012, and sailed her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012.

The ship's fourteen decks include 1,250 staterooms to accommodate up to 4,000 passengers, with oaver 1,450 Crew Members to help make each guest's voyage a magical one. Onboard, passengers can take advantage of youth activities, dining, entertainment, nightclubs, pools, and spa/fitness services.

Accommodations

Accommodations on the Fantasy include staterooms and suites to accommodate up to 5 people. Stateroom options include standard inside staterooms (169 square feet), deluxe inside or oceanview staterooms (204 square feet), and deluxe oceanview staterooms with navigator's verandah or verandah (246 square feet including verandah); all of these accommodate 3 or 4 guests. The deluxe family oceanview stateroom (241 square feet) and deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (299 square feet) accommodate 3-5 guests. The largest stateroom available is the concierge family oceanview stateroom with verandah (306 square feet including verandah), which accommodates 5 guests. Concierge suite options with verandah include: 1-bedroom suites (622 square feet including verandah) and royal suites (1,781 square feet including verandah) that each accommodate up to 5 guests.

Youth Activities

A variety of Youth Clubs for ages 3 months to 14 years can be found on Deck 5 of the Fantasy. It's a Small World Nursery provides childcare for children from 3 months to 3 years old, for a reasonable babysitting fee, and recommendations are highly recommended, as space can fill up quickly.

Disney's Oceaneer Club (activity center) and Oceaneer Lab (play space) are designed for children from 3 to 12 years old. The Oceaneer Club and Lab are included amenities, and children may also eat lunch or dinner in these clubs. Children with special needs are welcome in the nursery or Oceaneer clubs; however, advanced notice is suggested in order to better serve the children.

In addition, guests ages 3-12 can enjoy a royal makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Deck 5. This location transforms into the Pirates League on pirate party nights.

There are even special areas for "tweens" and teens. Vibe is an indoor/outdoor lounge specially designed for teens ages 14-17 years old, also found on Deck 5. There is also a special area for "tweens" ages 11-14, called Edge and located on Deck 13.

Other specified family and/or youth areas are located on on Decks 4, 11, and 13 of the Fantasy. A family nightclub called D Lounge is located on Deck 4, while the video Arr-cade is located on Deck 11.

Dining

Dining on the Disney Fantasy includes 4 Main Dining restaurants, which guests visit on a rotational dinner schedule to offer a variety of opportunities. These 4 restaurants are: Animator's Palette (where animated drawings come to life), and Cabanas, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Court (all of which also serve breakfast and lunch). In addition, there are two Adults Exclusive restaurants: Palo (serving Northern Italian cuisine for brunch and dinner) and Remy (serving French cuisine for dinner). The Adults Exclusive restaurants must be reserved in advance for an extra fee.

Entertainment

There are a variety of entertainment opportunities onboard the Fantasy. Live shows, including musical productions, are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre on Decks 3 and 4. First-run movies and digital 3-D films are shown in the Buena Vista Theatre, located on Decks 4 and 5. In addition, Disney characters can be found onboard for a scheduled and surprise visits.

There are a variety of nightclubs and lounges on the ship. Most of these are located on Deck 4 and are for adults only: La Piazza, O'Gill's Pub (Irish bar), Ooh La La, Skyline, The Tube (nightclub) and Vista Cafe. Located on Deck 12 are Meridian and Waves, both designed for adults only. Other options are: Bon Voyage (a family lounge) on Deck 3, Cove Cafe (an adults-only lounge) on Deck 11, and Currents on Deck 13.

Water Areas

Pools and water play areas abound on the Disney Fantasy. Three pools are located on Deck 11: Mickey's Pool (for children), Donald's Pool (for families), and Quiet Cove Pool (for adults only). Also located on Deck 11 is Nemo's Reef, a fun splash deck for children. Plus, the Fantasy also has the AquaDuck, a water coaster, and the AquaLab, another water play area, and a Wading Pool, all located on Deck 12.

There is also an adults-only area on Deck 13 called Satellite Falls.

Spa and Fitness

A variety of spa and fitness services can also be found on the Fantasy. Senses Spa & Salon is located on Decks 11 and 12, where guests can experience relaxing spa or salon treatments for an additional fee. The Fitness Center is located on Deck 11, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment and group exercise classes. Goofy's Sports Deck on Deck 13 includes a miniature golf course, virtual sports simulators, and a basketball/volleyball court.

Ports of Call

Now to talk about the ports of call! All Disney Fantasy itineraries leaving out of Port Canaveral, FL currently stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's private Caribbean island. Western Caribbean cruises sailing out of Galveston, TX do not stop at Castaway Cay, with 2-3 days at sea as well. Other ports visited vary by itinerary and may include: San Juan (Puerto Rico), the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Falmouth (Jamaica), Costa Maya (Mexico), and/or Cozumel (Mexico).

Are you ready for a Fantasy vacation?

Imaginations Vacations by Katherine is currently offering $25-$50 onboard credit, depending on the type of stateroom booked. See

www.imaginationsvacationsbykatherine.com

or email me at

katherine@enchantedearstravel.com

Feel free to post questions and/or comments in the comments section!

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Epcot IS for Kids!

When I talk to families about planning their magical Disney vacations, some questions that I hear are:

How long should we spend at Epcot? Is there a lot for kids to do there?

The answer is a resounding YES! There are so many activities for kids at Epcot!

Read on to find out more.

Misconceptions

I understand the misconception about Epcot being "for grown-ups." I visited Epcot as a kid shortly after it first opened, and though I could participate in many of the attractions, I found it to be very "science-y" (as a kid, I wasn't interested) and the approach to be over my head.

But times have changed!

Interactive Exhibits

One of the things that makes Epcot kid-friendly is that there are so many places where kids are allowed to play...and to touch stuff! As anyone with kids can tell you, a kid can have fun with a cardboard box, if they are allowed to do more than just look at it. Interactive exhibits at Epcot include:

Advanced Training Lab at Mission: Space - Located at the exit to the main ride, younger kids can play on a space-themed playground while older kids (even the grown-up ones) like to play with the various interactive video game simulations.
Innoventions East and West - These pavilions include a variety of interactive experiences using the latest technology and teaching kids about the environment, money, safety, and more!
SeaBase - Explore the undersea world by viewing the Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium and participating in hands-on exhibits.
ImageWorks - Located in the Imagination! pavilion, this area includes interactive play areas centered around music and art.
KidCot Fun Stops - There is a Fun Stop located in each of the countries in World Showcase. Kids can decorate a picture of Duffy the Disney Bear and get a stamp at each country. Guests can also purchase World Showcase passports for the stamps.
Agent P's World Showcase Adventure - Use a special Disney F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) and work to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Based on characters from the Disney cartoon "Phineas and Ferb," each adventure lasts 30-45 minutes.

Kid-Friendly Attractions

There are several attractions that have kids in mind, and are fun for grown-ups, too!

The Seas with Nemo and Friends - Ride in a clamshell vehicle to see Nemo and his friends explore the underwater world!
Turtle Talk with Crush - This interactive show allows kids to talk to Crush from the movie Finding Nemo and ask questions. Kids love the answers!
Living with the Land - Kids enjoy this 10-minute boat ride through the greenhouses and fish farm.
Soarin' - One of the few attractions with a height requirement, kids and grown-ups alike love the feeling of soaring through the skies over California, where you can literally smell the orange groves.
The Circle of Life - Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King teach about the environment in this fun and funny 20-minute film.
Journey into Imagination with Figment - Ride through and explore the five senses with Figment.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros - This boat ride through the Mexico pavilion includes history and music from fun Disney cartoon characters.

Entertainment

Entertainment abounds at Epcot, and kids love watching the variety of performances and meeting characters.

Characters - There are a variety of character experiences, from the classic characters to Duffy the Disney Bear (only at Epcot). Country-specific characters can also be found in their respective countries (for example: Belle and Aurora in France; Alice, Mary Poppins, and Winnie the Pooh in the United Kingdom; Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco; Mulan in China; Snow White in Germany).
JAMMitors - These drumming "janitors" can be found in Future World East.
World Showcase Players - fun tale of King Arthur and his knights in the United Kingdom
British Revolution - This group plays British rock music in United Kingdom.
Off Kilter - This band plays traditional and modern tunes with bagpipes, wearing kilts. (near UK)
Serveur Amusant - acrobats in France
MO'ROCKIN - Found in Morocco, this music group plays music inspired by the Middle East, Africa, and more.
Matsuriza - drummers in Japan
Miyuki - rice dough sculptor in Japan
Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps in the American Adventure
Voices of Liberty - This a capella group sings in the dome in the American Adventure.
Sergio - juggler in Italy
Ziti Sisters - This comedy trio shares the culture of Italy.
Oktoberfest Musikanten - This group sings, dances, and yodels traditional German tunes.
Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in China
Mariachi Cobre - a mariachi music group in Mexico

Height Requirements

There are only 3 attractions at Epcot with height requirements: Mission: Space (44 inches), Test Track (40 inches), and Soarin' (40 inches). This makes Epcot an extremely accessible park for kids, because they can ride virtually everything! After all, 44 inches isn't even 4 feet!

Just Browsing

If you have the time to stroll through Epcot, you may notice some fun things on your way to your destination. Many of these things have to do with water, such as the Dancing Fountain located behind Spaceship Earth, where you can see water "dance" to the music.

The fountain outside the Imagination pavilion is backwards! The water flows up.

Near the Captain EO attraction, there is a leaping fountain that sends water from pad to pad.

At night, many spots on the walkway light up with colored fiber-optics.

Conclusion

There are many fun things for kids to do at Epcot, as long as the parents are willing to slow down long enough for the kids to explore! It would be nearly impossible to do everything, but taking a break once in a while and allowing kids to simply play and interact with their environment is so important! You may even find that these are some of your most treasured memories.

Duffy hug - one of my favorite memories!

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