Vacations with Character® Blog
Vacations with Character Blog | Creating Amazing Vacations ~ with Character!
Thank you to all who follow and love our informational blog! Please join us in our new location to stay up to date on Universal Orlando Resort and Disney Destination happenings, plus more! https://vacationswithcharacter.blog/
This new option, along with the recently announced “Water Park and Sports Option,” are great enhancements at a great value! Here’s the scoop on both:
Disney Dining Plan Plus
Starting today, Disney Resort hotel guests can add Disney Dining Plan Plus to their Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package. A Disney dining plan offers something for everyone as it is a convenient and flexible way for Walt Disney World guests to pre-pay for meals and eat at dining locations throughout the four theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and select locations at Disney Springs. With Disney Dining Plan Plus, guests get two meals per night of their package stay to redeem at either table service restaurants, quick service locations, character dining experiences, or a combination – giving them more flexibility.
In addition, the Disney Dining Plan Plus option includes two snacks per night, one Disney Resort hotel refillable drink mug (which can be used at any Disney Resort hotel quick-service location), and at each meal, unlimited refills of fountain sodas, single-service teas and brewed coffee, or one non-alcoholic specialty beverage, and for guests 21 and older with valid ID, one beer, wine or cocktail. Meals can be redeemed in any order and in any combination. Unused meals and snacks rollover day to day.
As Walt Disney World Resort continues to grow, there are so many amazing dining experiences for guests to enjoy, from new table-service restaurants like Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood and Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, to favorite quick-service options like Docking Bay 7 at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Satu’li Canteen at Pandora – The World of Avatar.
In addition to the new plan, Disney will continue to offer the Quick Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe Dining plan as well. Not sure what plan is right for your? Contact your favorite Travel Agent and ask!
New Water Park and Sports Option
The Water Park and Sports Option, available as an add-on to select theme park tickets for $70 plus tax, allows guests to choose between enjoying the splashiest thrills at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach, living their basketball dreams at The NBA Experience, attending events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and testing their abilities at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course or Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.
RELATED: Tips for NBA Experience: Disney Springs
The total number of admissions you’ll receive with this option is based on the length of your theme park ticket. For example, with a 3-day ticket that includes the Water Park and Sports Option, guests will receive three visits to any of these locations. And, it’s flexible! You can use all your admissions on the same day or repeat the same experience across multiple days. This option can now be added to a Walt Disney Travel Company package, making it even more convenient.
Walt Disney World Resort is bustling with excitement right now, with groundbreaking lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and Pandora – The World of Avatar, seasonal festivals and three new films at Epcot and more. And, there’s even more on the horizon this year – from Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the “Harmonious” nighttime spectacular!
RELATED: Largest Nighttime Spectacular Ever Created For a Disney park Coming to Epcot
There’s never been a better time to visit! Contact any of our amazing Travel Professionals by visiting our website and requesting a quote: https://vacationswithcharacter.net/ or simply drop us a line!
Staying at a uniquely themed Disney Resort hotel gives you the opportunity to enjoy convenient benefits like reserving access to select FastPass+ experiences as early as 60 days prior to arrival, Extra Magic Hours and a variety of convenient transportation options. And saving on your next vacation is easy. Read on for more details!
Related: Savor a FREE Delicious Deal for Walt Disney World Announced!
Receive a FREE dining plan for children ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a non-discounted package for you and your kid(s) that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, Theme Park tickets and a dining plan. This offer is valid for arrivals most nights from May 25 – Aug. 28, 2020. A minimum 2-night/2-day package is required, however, a 4 Night/4Day stay is suggested for maximum savings!
If a package doesn’t fit your needs, we have another special offer for you! Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights April 1-Sep. 12, 2020.
Note: Both offers expire Feb. 26, 2020, however, the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited so don’t delay or you may miss out!
Are you a Florida Resident? Did you know you can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights Apr. 1-Jul. 9, 2020 when you book through Jul. 9, 2020?
Contact your favorite Vacations with Character® Travel Agent to book one of these amazing offers today! We never charge a fee and our experience plus expertise are priceless!
*Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Studios at Deluxe Villa Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom Grand Villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Displayed room savings are for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available at other select Resorts.
Create the perfect recipe for a memorable escape at Walt Disney World Resort! With this offer, you can enjoy a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a ticket with Park Hopper option.
You must book through January 16, 2020 and this offer is good for arrivals most nights June 27 through 28, July 5 through 7, and August 29 through September 8, 2020.
As always, the number of rooms allocated for this offer is VERY limited. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Theme park tickets valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within 9 days of check-in.
Other Important Details:
Contact a Vacations with Character® Travel Agent to book this magical offer! We specialize in Disney Destinations, including Walt Disney World. We never charge a fee but our experience and expertise are priceless! Don’t forget to ask about other special offers as well!!
If you’re a Florida resident, starting Jan. 2, 2020 you can purchase a special ‘Discover Disney’ Ticket at a reduced rate, valid for admission to one Walt Disney World theme park per day, any day through June 30, 2020.
RELATED: Top 5 Updates for Walt Disney World in 2020
and 5 Great Reasons to Visit Epcot in 2020
Here are the details for the return of this special offer:
The Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket includes admission to any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks (one theme park per day). Tickets are available for purchase Jan. 2-June 27, 2020, and can be used any three or four days (depending on ticket purchased) from Jan. 2 through June 30, 2020.
This special ticket can be used any days through June 30, 2020, and has no block-out dates, so it’s a great way for Florida residents to discover unforgettable experiences across all four Walt Disney World theme parks in 2020.
Vacations with Character® is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner as well as Ticket Seller of all major theme park tickets, including Walt Disney World. So, why not purchase tickets from a trusted agency that’s been in the travel industry for years?! We are a Florida Seller of Travel (Registration No. ST42097) and more. Contact us through our website for a free quote or fill out a form and we’d be happy to contact you: https://vacationswithcharacter.net/happy-clients.html
Happy New Year Florida Residents and “cheers” to 2020!
Here’s a rundown of some of the can’t-miss entertainment planned for this New Year’s Eve at all four parks:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – For the first time, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will stay open until midnight on New Year’s Eve! Guests can join the celebration by experiencing favorite attractions throughout the evening and enjoying all the new holiday entertainment and décor across the park. DJs will crank up the party starting at 6:15 p.m. at Discovery Island, Asia and DinoLand, U.S.A., and as midnight approaches, Guests can count down to 2020 with special celebratory moments at each DJ location or by experiencing “Tree of Life – Awaken the New Year” on Discovery Island.
And as part of this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is pintroducing a family fun special pin trading opportunity throughout the park only on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019! Guests can check out pin trading boards displaying over 90 pins located throughout the lands of Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., and Discovery Island. These displays will include Hidden Mickey pins and pins from Disney theme parks from around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to trade pins from these displays during the following times:
This pin trading opportunity is truly special so participants will have one minute to trade two (2) Disney pins off of the designated trading boards. Be sure to get there during each allotted time frame to see what’s new to each board!*
Not only will there be special pin trading throughout the day, to ring in New Year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also be offering a 2020 commemorative pin – a Limited Edition New Year’s Day Pin – for purchase beginning at 7:00 p.m. Only 1,000 were produced! For the chance to purchase this pin, Guests can visit Discovery Trading Company beginning at 7:00 a.m. to receive a numbered wristband that will allow the opportunity to purchase up to two (2) pins beginning at 7:00 p.m. also at Discovery Trading Company.**
RELATED: 5 Great Reasons to Visit Epcot in 2020
If you’d like to book a last-minute getaway to celebrate the New Year in Walt Disney World, don’t delay and visit our website for a free quote from one of our experienced and amazing Travel Agents! It’s not too late to book and our services are always free for our clients!
And if you’d prefer to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your home, don’t worry, you can watch #DisneyParksLIVE: Celebrate New Year’s Eve With a Live Stream of ‘Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks’ Dec. 31 at 11:45 p.m. ET:
*Guests will have one (1) minute to trade two (2) Disney pins off the designated trading boards. Please point to the pin(s) you wish to trade for and the cast member will pull off the board and hand to you. All trades are final after pulled from the boards.
**A limited number of wristbands will be available for the day and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis. Valid Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket is required. Queue for guests with wristbands will start 15 minutes prior to the posted return time at Discovery Trading Company. Guests will be assembled in sequential order. Wristband return must be completed between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on date of issue, 12/31/19. Lost, stolen, or damaged wristbands will not be replaced. Wristbands have no cash value. Restrictions apply. Merchandise available while supplies last. Subject to change without notice.
Following the fanfare of a grand opening dedication ceremony, the 15th Disney Vacation Club property and Walt Disney World®’s newest resort, officially opened to immerse guests in the sights and sounds of the European Riviera. To set the scene, a vocalist and classical guitarist performed elegant songs heard throughout the region, while a gentle breeze and warm sunlight magically transported all who gathered on the resort’s formal lawn to the Mediterranean coastline.
Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club, and Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president of resorts at Walt Disney World®, opened the ceremony with welcome and dedication remarks.
“Blending the flavors and flair of the Italian and French Riviera with the creativity and imagination that only Disney can deliver, this new resort pays tribute to Walt and Lillian Disney’s amazing European travels while connecting Disney artistry and storytelling to this region’s renowned art heritage and inspiration,” said Schultz. “Not only will Disney’s Riviera Resort delight families with its gorgeous architectural details and wide range of accommodations, but members and guests will simply fall in love with the sights, sounds and flavors of Europe around every corner.”
“Disney’s Riviera Resort adds a beautiful and inspiring addition to Walt Disney World,” said Mazloum. “We are always trying to evolve the guest and cast member experience at our parks and resorts. Riviera Resort does that by placing guests in the middle of the magic during their entire stay, inspiring them with old-world glamour and delighting them with timeless Disney charm.”
To everyone’s delight, special guests Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck joined the celebration onstage in their brand-new attire that they don in Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, the resort’s rooftop restaurant. Mickey the painter, Minnie the poet, Donald the sculptor and Daisy the dancer shared their enthusiasm for the new resort and their study of the European Riviera’s different art forms. In addition, Minnie wrote and treated event guests to a special poem in honor of the resort’s dedication.
Guests had an opportunity to see some of the unique features of the resort, such as the two mosaic murals in the walkway tunnel leading to a Disney Skyliner station, the grand villas and Tower Studios, a unique accommodation at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and the S’il Vous Play water feature where families and young guests splash and play in a whimsical fountain amid beloved characters from Disney’s Fantasia.
Check out this video for your front row view of the grand opening celebration:
Although Riviera Resort is a Disney Vacation Property, our agency is able to book rooms for non-members as well. With easy access to the new Disney Skyliner, you can visit Epcot and Hollywood Studios in no time! If you’re interested in a quote or would like to make this your home-away-from-home spot for your next amazing Disney World vacation, just reach out to a Vacations with Character® Travel Agent. Our services are free to our clients but our experience and expertise are priceless!
“Awesome Planet”, in The Land pavilion, showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery, in-theater effects and an original musical score from Academy Award-winning® composer Steven Price.
“Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along”, in the France pavilion, is directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, and invites Guests to participate in a twist on a tale as old as time. It also features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film. The new sing-along will run in rotation with “Impressions de France,” which will receive an upgrade to 4K projection.
And “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360”, in the Canada pavilion, is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.
Chef Remy is cooking up something special at Epcot®, and Walt Disney Imagineering is hard at work developing a new attraction for the park’s France pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, planned to open in summer 2020. Based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film, “Ratatouille,” this family-friendly attraction will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy. You will race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles, which you can see in the image at the top of this post.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is one of several new experiences coming to Epcot as part of the park’s historic transformation already underway.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
The new fast-casual restaurant, opening this winter at The American Adventure in Epcot, will serve classic barbecue and home-style craft brews. When Guests step into the pavilion, they’ll be greeted by the enticing aromas of barbecue coming from a large smoker located in the center of the outdoor bar and seating area. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will celebrate American backyard barbecue with flavors from different regions around the United States.
Space 220 Restaurant
Space 220 is a new table-service restaurant debuting this winter at Epcot next to Mission: SPACE. Imagine entering a restaurant and stepping into a special space elevator that will take you 220 miles above the earth’s surface, offering incredible celestial views! Doesn’t this sound amazing? You’ll feel as if you’re traveling straight up into space to dock next to the Centauri Space Station suspended just beyond the orbit of Mission: SPACE. We can’t wait for the journey!
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
Coming in 2020 to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a new table-service restaurant that invites you to a rootin’, tootin’ rodeo right in Andy’s back yard! Here, you’ll be immersed with all your favorite toy pals in the western atmosphere of Woody’s Roundup providing a fun, family-friendly dining experience that could only be had in Toy Story Land. A new artist concept image (see above) emphasizes the theme of the new dining locale constructed from Andy’s favorite larger-than-life play sets and games.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will begin transporting Guests from Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida to a galaxy far, far away beginning in 2021. This is a new type of immersive vacation that only Disney could create – a two-night, cruise-style itinerary where you become the hero of your own adventure in an experience that surrounds you 24/7 in Star Wars storytelling.
In a new artist concept rendering just released (above), you get a first look at what you’ll see when you arrive for your Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser vacation. The Galactic Starcruiser Terminal is where you’ll begin your Star Wars experience!
Whether you show up via personal vehicle, Disney transportation or by landspeeder, curb-side check-in prepares you to leave Earth behind, jump to lightspeed and begin your Star Wars story. From the Starcruiser Terminal, Guests will enter an exclusive launch pod transport ship (above) for travel up to the Halcyon, the starcruiser in a galaxy far, far away. Through the pod’s viewports, it looks as though you’re traveling through space to approach the massive ship that is much too large to land on any planet.
A “spaceport of call” to Black Spire Outpost is included in the itinerary, where special passenger transports take you to the planet Batuu (also known as the destination for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®). You’ll remain fully in-story as you step aboard the transport ships designed specifically for this new immersive experience, which take you from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and back. For Star Wars fans, this promises to be an amazing experience like no other and we’ll be reporting on all the future details as they are announced.
Stay tuned to our blog for updates and information to come or to book your next vacation to experience a Disney Destination and see what all the hype is about! Our services are free for our clients but our experience and expertise are priceless! www.vacationswithcharacter.com
Here’s the new adventures that await you:
Discovery Island will play host to life-sized animal puppets during the day. As the sun sets, the Tree of Life will boast a shimmery new look and will periodically “awaken” with a series of wintry tales accompanied by a holiday musical score.
Over in DinoLand, U.S.A., all of Donald Duck’s friends gathering for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations that they have each chosen in their own style.
The Asia section of the park is celebrating Diwali, the Holiday Festival of Lights in India. Here, guests can see glowing lanterns and more illuminating the main square that leads to the waterfront stage – home to authentic and colorful cultural performances.
The Africa section of the park will welcome guests with a unique holiday presentation that fuses Western traditions with the colors and texture of authentic African celebrations.
Guests can also find out-of-this-world holiday fun at Pandora – The World of Avatar. Ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora have rolled out holiday cheer with a display of whimsical holiday décor, pairing vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from Pandora.
There’s never a better time to enjoy the holidays in Walt Disney World!
RELATED: Experience a Holiday of Fun at Walt Disney World!
Contact your favorite Vacations with Character® Team Member if you are interested in booking a vacation package or for tickets at www.vacationswithcharacter.com.
This package is a great way for you to experience all the holiday fun of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, with an itinerary full of Yuletide offerings – including a five-night stay at a select Disney resort hotel from Dec. 21-26, 2019. Also included are four-day theme park tickets with the Park Hopper® Option, plus some exclusive holiday experiences just for Guests taking advantage of this magical offer.
Some highlights include:
The holiday season is a special time at The Most Magical Place on Earth, from snow dancing above along Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom® Park to sumptuous smells wafting out of Holiday Kitchens in Epcot, or new festive décor at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to high-tech projection shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. These are just a few of the holiday happenings taking place across all four theme parks, just waiting for you to discover!
The Ultimate Disney Christmas Package now can be booked through Nov. 23, 2019. Contact us for more information or to book and give the gift of magic this holiday season! When you book your vacation with us, our services are free and you’ll receive our expert advice on where to go, what to see and do, where to eat as well as tip sheets, park maps and more! https://vacationswithcharacter.net/disney.html