#DIsneyland60....Today In Disneyland History....September 11, 2001

The Day That Would Change The WorldSeptember 11, 2001

September 11, 2001 will forever be a somber reminder in not just Disneyland history but in the hearts and minds of Americans everywhere and permanently etched in our and proof that from the ashes, remarkable things can arise.   That fateful morning of September 11, 2001 brought about the morning terrorist attacks on The Pentagon, New York City's World Trade Center, and in the air over Pennsylvania, The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and The Disneyland Resort in California, closed without incident.  The closures marked only the second time Disneyland has locked its gates in its then 56-year history due to a national tragedy. The first time followed the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. All resort hotels remain opened and provides accommodations to guests who were unable to leave. Phone charges were suspended so that guests could reach family. 

 At Disney World, Cast Members in all 4 parks are instructed to hold hands and form a human wall and gently, without touching guests, walk towards the hub of each park and eventually towards the exit. The result calmly aided all guests in leaving the Parks. Security followed each human wall to make sure no guest was able to get past.

At Disneyland Resort, which had not yet opened when the attacks occurred and thus were able to remain closed for the day, the food and beverage stations remained open at no charge for guests who were on property. AMC Theaters at Downtown Disney showed free Disney films for stranded Resort guests.  Across the county, The Disney Stores also closed for the day as did Disney's Broadway shows in New York and on the road. Like hundreds of other families around the world, Disney also lost one of its own when John Beug, a former vice president at Walt Disney Records, lost his life as a passenger on the plane that struck 1 World Trade Center.

Michael Eisner released a statement to Cast Members explaining the Disney closings. In closing, he ended his note with these words:

"Finally let me say our company around the world will continue to operate in this sometimes violent world in which we live, offering products that reach to the higher and more positive side of the human equation."

Each year, to commemorate Patriot’s Day, a special Flag Retreat ceremony is held on Main Street.  No one will ever forget how the world was changed this day in history but the resilience and spirit of people everywhere showed we can and will go on.  And that's what happened today in our history. 

"Tomorrow will be better as long as America keeps alive the

ideals of freedom and a better life ..." - Walt Disney

Disney Parks Moms Panel Applications Now Open!

The Journey of a Lifetime Begins

Today begins the first step in the journey that will change the lives of pixie dusted moms, dads, and grandparents from all over the world as applications open for the 2015 Disney Parks Moms Panel.  The search is now underway for this year’s new panelists that fill share their passion, trip planning knowledge, and love for Disney with people from all over.  Does this sound like it could be you?  Here’s a look at what Parks Blog and the Disney Parks Moms Panel site posted just a few short minutes ago to kick off the process.

Become Part of the Magic: How to Apply for Our Moms Panel

Do you love going on Disney Parks vacations and sharing that love with others? Are you the go-to person for your family and friends when they want to plan a magical Disney vacation? Can you successfully communicate these tips to others in clear and concise answers? Are you a stickler when it comes to grammar, spelling and punctuation? If you answered yes to these questions, we want to hear from you!

In 2008, the Walt Disney World® Moms Panel was created to serve as a forum of everyday people who used their personal knowledge of Walt Disney World® vacation experiences to offer advice to others.

Since then, the panel has become a valuable resource for thousands of Disney Parks guests. It's also grown since its initial launch to become the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Now, Disney Parks Moms Panelists not only help plan vacations for guests heading to Walt Disney World® Resort, but also answer guest questions about Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Disney Vacation Club®, runDisney® and ESPN Wide World of Sports® Complex.

What's It All About

Even though there are plenty of planning tools to help navigate through your Disney Parks vacation, it's still no easy task to plan a family vacation. With many theme parks, dozens of resort hotels, water parks, luxury cruise ships, shopping, dining, recreation, special events, entertainment and more, planning a Disney Parks vacation can leave some guests feeling a bit overwhelmed even before they arrive. That's where we like to help.

The Disney Parks Moms Panel is an online forum of everyday people who
answer questions and offer advice based on their own experiences and opinions. By visiting DisneyParksMomsPanel.com, guests can ask real Moms and Dads their tips for getting the most out of a Disney vacation. And, with an archive of questions that could fill Spaceship Earth, guests visiting the Moms Panel website also can search volumes of information provided in previously asked questions.

By sharing their own opinions and experiences, Disney Parks Moms Panelists help plan magical visits for guests vacationing at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line® and Disney Vacation Club®. They also help guests participating in runDisney® events and accompanying youth sports teams to the ESPN Wide World of Sports® Complex.

And that's where you come in.

Are you so passionate about Disney Parks vacations that you plan them for your family and friends in your social networks? Are you a stickler for grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure? If so, we'd like you to consider applying for the 2015 Disney Parks Moms Panel and helping guests around the world who visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com.

Note: this year, we will not be accepting applications for Moms Panelists in the following areas: ESPN Wide World of Sports® Complex, and runDisney®.

We will accept applications for the 2015 Disney Parks Moms Panel beginning 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 2, 2014. The deadline for applications to be submitted is noon ET on Friday, September 5, 2014.

All Panelists must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have access to a computer and an Internet connection.
• Have visited either Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort at least once in the last 12 months. If applying to be a Disney Cruise Line® or Disney Vacation Club® Panelist, you must have experienced that vacation within the last 24 months.
• Be able to complete at least approximately 10-20 written responses per week.
• Provide their own opinions and feedback on Disney vacations.
• Submit an autobiography and personal photo and/or video to be posted online.
• Be available to travel to Walt Disney World® Resort during dates between December 8-15, 2014 for Training sessions. Panelists cannot bring family members or friends on the Training visit (detailed dates will be confirmed with Panelists following the search & selection).
• Not be current employees/Cast Members of The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or of any operating participant located at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts, must not be immediate family members of a current employee/Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or of any operating participant located at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts, and must not currently reside with a current employee/Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or of any operating participant located at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resorts. In addition, participants must not be employees, contractors, advisors or consultants for, must not hold more than a de minimis ownership interest in, and must not serve on the Board of Directors of, any entity of The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or of any entity which owns or operates any hotel, resort or theme park located in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk or Seminole Counties, Florida or Orange County, California.
• Not be currently employed in the travel, hotel or theme park industries (including being a travel agent or consultant); and not be an immediate family member of, or currently reside with, people currently employed in the travel, hotel or theme park industries (including being an immediate family member of, or currently residing with a travel agent or consultant).

Persons who are selected as panelists will receive compensation based on their service and the product line that they represent. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law.

Do You Believe in Magic?

Clap your hands if you believe and then head over to  The DIsney Parks Moms Panel and let the journey of a lifetime begin.  All it takes is a little bit of Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust!

Refurbishments in Magic Kingdom

The latest news is that Cinderellas Royal Table will be under going refurbishment from January 5th through March 2015. I found this out while talking to guest services at  1-407-WDW-dine and trying to make some dining reservations for Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend.
  It's a perfect time of year to try some other Magic Kingdom restaurants including : Be Our Guest(table service), Crystal Palace(table service), Cosmic Rays ( quick serve ), Pecos Bills Tall Tales Cafe ( quick serve) in Frontierland Golden Oaks Outpost (quick serve) just a few of my favorites.
Find a alphabetized list below of all restaurants in the Magic Kingdom and each one  has something unique and pixie dusted delicious to enjoy!

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Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Return to the main restaurants search page

• Aloha Isle Adventureland
• Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies Tomorrowland
• Be Our Guest Restaurant Fantasyland
• Casey's Corner Main Street USA
• Cheshire Cafe Fantasyland
• Cinderella's Royal Table Cinderella Castle
• Columbia Harbour House Liberty Square
• Cool Ship Tomorrowland near the Indy Speedway
• Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Tomorrowland
• Crystal Palace Between Main Street and Adventureland
• Gaston's Tavern Fantasyland
• Golden Oak Outpost Frontierland near Splash Mountain
• Liberty Square Market Liberty Square
• Liberty Tree Tavern Liberty Square
• Lunching Pad Tomorrowland at Rocket Tower Plaza
• Main Street Bakery Main Street
• Main Street Confectionery Main Street
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Frontierland next to the Country Bear Jamboree
• Pinocchio Village Haus Fantasyland
• Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Main Street
• Sleepy Hollow Liberty Square near the Hall of Presidents
• Storybook Treats Fantasyland near the Mad Tea Party
• Sunshine Tree Terrace Adventureland, Adjacent to the Enchanted Tiki Room
• The Diamond Horseshoe Frontierland
• The Friar's Nook Fantasyland
• The Plaza Restaurant Main Street USA around the corner from the Plaza I
• Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant On the right of the entrance to Tomorrowland from
• Tony's Town Square Restaurant Main Street Town Square next to Exposition Hall
• Tortuga Tavern Adventureland opposite the Pirates of the Caribbea
• Westward Ho Refreshments Frontierland

Be Young On the #DisneyCruiseLine

Never too old to be young on Disney Cruise Line

  In 2010, I decided to take a Disney cruise with my Mother in Law for her 80th Birthday. We planned the cruise, picked out our room 12028, made on shore excursions,massages and planned our dining. Our cruise was planned for February 2010,but as luck would have it, my Mother in Law was not well due to a heart condition. So, plans were put on hold to make sure she was ready to go, after all this was her Birthday gift and I wanted it to be perfect.
  Well, the cruise was cancelled and re-booked for November of 2011. Healthy as she could be off the two of us went, flight into Orlando airport, night at the Hyatt and Disney Cruise line express scheduled for a 10:30 pickup. We checked our luggage, our medications and  to add to our luck,Mother in law forgot her blood pressure medication. At 8:00 a call went into her doctor in N.J. Who luckily called back in a timely manner and sent the prescription over to a near by pharmacy. We were frantic now, would we make the Dream leaving at 4:00 with all aboard by3:00?
  Car service to the pharmacy, prescription picked up and packed in her carry-on, off to the DCL terminal on the DCL transportation. We laughed the whole way there. Got there by 1:00, right into our room and the rest of the cruise was flawless!
So flawless that I re-booked for the next year and then the next after that and here we are going on our fourth Disney Cruise together in November. I'm hoping for a smooth course,but life sometimes gets in the way and we readjust to the situation and "Let it Go"! What will be will be.
  These cruises have become a lifeline for her and for me,they brought us closer together and have created magical Dream memories she relives all year until we sail off into the distance of another Disney Magical Adventure!

Dreaming a dream of year 8 Disney Parks Mom's Panel

       Since 2008 I've been dreaming of being part of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Each year for the past 7 years I applied, wish on that one special star and hoped for pixie dust to be sprinkled on my application making me "stand" out among so many knowledgeable Mom's and Dad's.
  So this year, 2015 I'm going to apply again and hope my dream comes true. I know I have the dream inside me and the ability to help plan amazing trips to the most magical place on earth, Disney. I am giving it my all and wish for that pixie dust to fall on me this time, "If you can dream it, you can do it". -Walt Disney
  Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust for this year to be my year. I want to be part of that world!

The Fat Girl's Guide to the Magic Kingdom

My name is  Jill, and I'm fat. I'm not big-boned, I don't have a metabolism problem-- I just really like food. I prefer not to sugar-coat the truth, because frankly?  I'd probably eat that, too.

The first time I visited Walt Disney World, I was 5'3, well over 300lbs, and terrified. Was I too fat to enjoy the parks? Would I fit on the rides? I put the trip off again and again, hoping to lose just a few more pounds.

I wasted so much time being self-conscious. Walt Disney World is, by far, the most size-friendly destination in the country. Disney recognizes that guests come in all shapes and sizes, and has designed their attractions so that families can experience every magical moment of their vacation together.

 Before having gastric bypass surgery last month, I took one last trip to Disney as a fat girl. My mission? To evaluate every attraction for fat-friendliness so that I could alleviate the concerns of every plus-sized aspiring Disney princess.

The Magic Kingdom is home to so many incredible experiences, and the Disney Gals only have so much space, so I'll only discuss the attractions that I believe might pose a problem for larger guests. If it's not listed here-- enjoy! You'll have plenty of room, and plenty of fun!

Note: In the Magic Kingdom, the biggest (pun intended!) issue for guests of size will absolutely be the turnstiles on the older attractions, like Carousel of Progress and the Walt Disney World Railroad. I could get through  by turning sideways and standing on my tiptoes and sucking in my tummy, but do not be afraid to ask for assistance if it is too tight.  If you have any doubt about being able to fit, it is better to ask a cast member to open an adjacent accessible gate than it is to struggle through the turnstile and find yourself stuck. Don't be a hero!


For comparison's sake, my waist measurement at the time of my last visit was 48", and my hip measurement was 56".  I am going to leave my bust measurement to the reader's imagination, because my grandmother will probably read this.

Adventureland:

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin are the perfect size for two smaller adults, or one large adult and one small child. If there are two larger adults in your party, each of you will need to tell the attendant you're a party of one, so that you can share a carpet-- one in front and one in back. Seat belt extenders are available-- just ask a cast member.
  
  
  

Frontierland:

• Splash Mountain has bench seats, and the lap bar allows plenty of clearance for even the largest of individuals, but be careful when riding this with smaller members of your party-- I noticed that, when the lap bar was pulled tight for me, it wasn't tight enough to restrain my small child safely. Fortunately, I was able to alert a cast member quickly and re-seat my son with my husband. If possible, group the smallest members of your party together to ensure a snug fit for everyone.
  
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was a snug fit for me and a smaller adult, but I've ridden it comfortably many times with a larger child/teenager. The lap bar fit issue isn't a problem here, as the drops are much milder than Splash Mountain.
  

Liberty Square:

• The Doombuggies in the Haunted Mansion will easily accommodate two larger adults. It is important to note, however, that the lap bar will close on its own. Do not be alarmed!
  

Fantasyland:

• The Mad Tea Party was the only ride in the Magic Kingdom that I had any trouble with. While I fit into the ride, getting in and out of the teacup vehicle through the tiny door was difficult. If you're agile enough, I suggest putting one foot up onto the bench and then hopping 'over' the door. If not, again, do not be afraid to ask for help.
  
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh has small bench seats that will accommodate two smaller adults, one larger adult and a child, or one larger adult on her own.
  
• I have not had the chance to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train yet, but many other plus-size guests have reported that the vehicles will NOT accommodate larger riders. I have seen several sources put the hip-to-hip distance of the lap bar at 13". For comparison's sake, my lap measures 14" across, and my husband's lap is 16" across at 5'8 and 240lbs. The lap bar MUST fit over your lap and across your legs. This would be the only attraction in any of the four parks that I would suggest that larger riders consider skipping.

Storybook Circus:

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a spinner ride similar to Aladdin, but only seats one row of riders per vehicle.  I would suggest larger adults sit by themselves unless there is a small child in your party. If you need a seatbelt extender, ask for assistance.
  
• The Barnstormer is considered a child's coaster, so I was surprised when I fit into the vehicle easily. The vehicle is roomy enough for one larger adult and one small to medium child, or two larger adults. The adjustable bar allows plenty of clearance room for larger tummies. Note: Do not be afraid to ride this without a child. I saw many, many grown-ups sitting by themselves on this coaster. It's a quick, fun little ride, and the theming is adorable.
  

Tomorrowland: 

• Despite many complaints from larger riders I've talked to, Space Mountain has the roomiest, most comfortable seats of any roller coaster I've ever ridden. You will be seated single file, one rider per row, in a bobsled-style vehicle, with a t-bar that lowers between your legs and over your lap. There is a marked difference in leg room between the front seat of each bobsled car and the two seats behind it, so if you have long legs, ask a cast member for assistance.
  
• Tomorrowland Speedway's cars are too snug for a larger adult to ride with anyone except the smallest child the ride allows-- I would suggest that plus-size adults ride alone. Seat belt extenders were not available at this ride as of February of 2014.
  
• The Astro Orbiter's seats fit a larger adult comfortably, but I would recommend riding alone. I was able to ride with my seven year-old but I wasn't very comfortable.  Seat belt extenders are available. Note: It is difficult to enter this ride vehicle without being able to climb into the rocket. If you have mobility concerns, see a cast member. 
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin's vehicles are similar to the Haunted Mansion's Doombuggies, with one rather odd and  incredibly specific caveat: If you are a larger woman with an ample bosom and tummy, I would  NOT recommend  holding an infant or toddler on your lap. The ride vehicle and lap bar close automatically, and if you find that you or your infant are uncomfortable, you are stuck through the entire long, slow ride. 

I hope all of this information will help ease your mind about your first trip to Disney World, but the most important advice I can give is not to worry for a moment. The rule of thumb here is simple: If you want to ride/see/experience it? Don't let your size stop you. Try EVERYTHING. Especially the grey stuff-- It's delicious!

"Why I Run"- Welcome Guest Author Ellen Cusack

Disney’s 1/2 Marathon: 

Why I Run My Race

Meet Ellen Cusack Mother, wife, Teacher, Disney enthusiast 265:) Love Walking, country music, and believe in faith, trust, and Pixie dust! This week Ellen is here with us to share her story of why she runs. Welcome Ellen-we're so excited to have you join us!

Let me start from the beginning where running was just something I did everyday as part of my exercise routine. I was always athletic, played soccer in High School and still kept running just a few miles a day to stay in shape especially after College for I was planning a wedding and a Honeymoon in no other than Disney World.

 Fast forward to the year 1995 when I was running in a race for Breast Cancer at a local gathering in a nearby town. I was in great physical shape and running was still a part of my daily routine. I taught kindergarten, ran and was happily married to my high school sweetheart.

   The race on June 10, 1995 ( my 28^th Birthday) had around a few hundred runners and I wanted to be in the top of my age group finishing. But somehow there was another plan for me. I started off the race a good pace but shortly into the first mile I experienced the most excruciating headache I had ever had, it brought me to my knees and then that was when I collapsed. I was rushed to a local hospital where they did a CT scan and determined I had a brain aneurysm, a what? I was 28 and a runner, what happened? Well after being taken to Philadelphia for the top Brain surgeon in our area, my life seemed to come to a screeching halt. Tests where done, pic lines placed and surgery set up. But, to everyone’s surprise after further testing the subarachnoid hemorrhage in my brain had sealed itself off. After a sigh of relief from my 6 siblings, parents, friends and new husband I would spend 15 days in ICU until I was able to return home.

  Home, so glad to be here but my life changed over the next 12 years, 2 children a new home to build and a future that seemed bright but running was no longer part of my routine, it was walking my babies and taking long strolls on the boardwalk contemplating my life.

  In 2007 after years of thinking and dreaming of completing a 1/2 Marathon, I decided to register for the Disney 1/2 Marathon in January 2007. I started walking everyday with my best friend Lorraine and each week added a mile or two to work up to the 13.1 we needed to complete the challenge.

Scared and a bit apprehensive, this was the first “big” race and I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish, I still had that thought of 1995 in my head and couldn’t seem to shake it.

The local newspaper came and did an article on my past experience and my Half Marathon race, this gave me the added motivation I needed to move forward and just go for it.

 So, at age 40, yes 40, you’re never too old to dream and make it come true. Lorraine, me and our families traveled from N.J. to Disney for our first runDisney race.

We went to the Expo. got our bib numbers and 1/2 Marathon shirts. We were excited to be in Disney and even more excited to be running/walking our race.

  Race day came on January 6, 2007. It was amazing, bands were playing music at 5:30 am, Mickey and Minnie were there at the start of the race and it gave me the adrenaline needed to do this thing. We started off running but soon realized there was too much to see running through the Magic Kingdom and stopping at every photo opportunity we decided a fast walk was the way to go. Excitement at every turn we were totally engulfed by the magic of Disney and that we were actually going to finish this race.

  Epcot came and so did the end of the race, the excitement grew as we past the finish line with our families waiting for us as well as Disney characters our finisher medal (Donald Duck) and tons of hugs, tears and a sense of accomplishment. We did it!

 The journey was long but the love of Disney races is in our blood now, we ran for several more years in the Disney 1/2 Marathon Weekend, Disney Princess 1/2 Marathons; each race bringing along several more first time Half Marathon Disney runners, Wine and Dine ½, a few 5k races a relay and next year, 2015, my first Enchanted 10k.

  A Fairy Tale ending, I believe so. For me it was.

Ellen M. Cusack August 10, 2014

Gearing Up to "Meet the Mouse"- Give Your Luggage that #DisneySide Touch

Of course Disney will send you fancy luggage tags for your trip.  But if your family packs like mine does  you may need additional tags.   A simple activity that we did was to create our own Mickey luggage tags.  We traced Mickey heads with chalk onto black foam.  We punched a hole in the ear and used a metallic sharpie to write the address (on the other side). Get some fancy ribbon and presto!  We attached these homemade tags to the kids backpacks, carry on luggage and camera cases!  Our luggage is ready and waiting!

Disney Guest Safety Comes First -7 Dwarfs Mine Train

One of the many things Disney does best is keeping the safety of their guests first and foremost in their minds   Nothing was more apparent during the careful evacuation of those riding the new 7 Dwarfs Mine Train during it's soft opening trial run today. Once it was determined that the dwarfs had stopped their train to do a little extra mining, cast members were quick to react to help the guests quickly and safely off the train as seen in this video. Just another reason why Disney stands head and shoulders above the rest. With Disney, guests truly come first.

Now is the Time to Book Your Next Disney & Orlando Vacation With These Great Discounts

Disney & Orlando Digest – Week of April 28, 2014 Discounts with Destinations in Florida Travel

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Dedication is on May 2 at the Walt Disney World^® Resort

Disney Discounts 

Walt Disney World^® Resort

●      New!  Be the 1st to Know About Free Dining:  Everyone loves free food!  Imagine free food during your Walt Disney World^® Resort vacation?  Sign up for our watch list.  You will be the 1st to know when this special discount is released.  Click here to sign up.

●      New!  RunDisney Group Rates:  Are you a runner?  Do you want to run a race with Mickey Mouse?  Join our VIP runners at Destinations in Florida for some of the favorite races including Tower of Terror, Disney Marathon, and Disney Princess Run.  We have fantastic group rates for our runners, including FREE tickets to the Disney Water Parks (with at least a 2-Day Pass).  Contact your favorite agent at Destinations in Florida for more details.

●      Summer Deal for Florida Residents:  Book your summer vacation and get a free Memory Maker photo package to remember your fun!  Book at least a 2-Night/2-Day Package at special prices, just for you!  Plus, get the Memory Maker for FREE!  This discount promotion is available from June 3-Aug. 2, 2014.

●      Affordable Package with Room & Dining:  One of the most expensive parts of a Disney vacation are the tickets!  Save money and enjoy all of the other fun at the Disney with a Ticketless Package.  Book this new package with your hotel and one of the Disney Dining Plans, without the addition of tickets.

●      Save up to 35% off Disney Resorts:  Planning a summer vacation to Disney World?  Now is the time to book your trip with savings up to 35% off the Disney Resort hotels.  These discounts run June 15-August 28.  Hurry, these discounts will sell out quickly!

●      Free Day to Play at the Disney Theme Parks:  Buy 6 or more tickets for your family or friends with the 4-Day, 5-Day, 6-Day, 7-Day, 8-Day, or 9-Day tickets and you will get an extra day free.  Imagine another day to ride Splash Mountain or another day to get pictures with Mickey Mouse!  If you are visiting together, order your tickets together to save money!  Must book by June 14.

●      Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Rates:  Florida Residents and Annual Passholders can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through early summer.

●      Military Discount:  Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27^th, 2014.  Thank you for serving our country.  

Disneyland® Resort

●      Save Up to 20% Off Your Hotel:  Visit Sunday through Thursday nights from April 20-June 8, 2014 and save up to 20% off your hotel.  Hurry, this discount ends by May 8, 2014.

Disney Cruise Line®

●   Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military:  Take advantage of special deals for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.

●   Last Minute Restricted Deals:  If you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and willing to book last minute you may be able to save BIG! Disney offers Restricted Guarantee rooms 15-60 days before departure dates, sometimes just a few days before departure. These are very restricted and with many rules, but if you are not picky you can save up 40%.

●   Canadian Resident Deal:  If you are a Canadian Resident, you can enjoy 20% off select rates on the May 24, 2014 Alaska sailing departing from Vancouver, Canada.  Take advantage of this special deal, just for you!

Aulani Hawaii

●      Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit:  Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation.  Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

●      Cabana Bay Beach Resort Florida Resident Deal:  Are you ready to experience the spectacular new Cabana Bay Beach Resort?  It is opening this week!  Florida Residents can be the 1st to experience this new hotel at special prices, just for you.  Rates start from just $94 per night plus tax.  This deal is good through June 5. 

●      4th Night and 3rd Day Free:  Book a Universal Partner hotel for 3 nights with a 2 Day Base ticket and receive your 4th night and 3rd day at the parks for FREE! 

●      Save up to $500 on your Universal Package:  Stay at one of the Universal Hotels including Cabana Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay Hotel with tickets and save up to $500 on your package.  Now is the time to visit the movies at the Universal Orlando Resort.

●      Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation for 2014:  Take a day away from the Disney World Parks to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket.  This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.

●      “Take 2” Transfer:  If you do not want to rent a car during your Orlando vacation, take advantage of the new “Take 2” Transfer ticket for only $39 per person.  This transfer includes transportation from a Disney Resort hotel to Universal Orlando Resort for a Universal Studios vacation.  After your Universal vacation, the transportation takes you back to the Orlando International Airport. 

Sea World Discounts

●      Eat for Free During Your Vacation:  Book a Sea World Package at one of the partner hotels and get the All Day Dining Deal for FREE! 

●      Kids Free at Sea World:  Book your Sea World Package and kids play for free.  You will receive one free child ticket (ages 3-9) for every paid adult.

Orlando Attraction Ticket Discounts

●      Kennedy Space Center Tickets:  Pre-order your tickets to Kennedy Space Center and save money with special prices.  Experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis, US Astronaut Hall of Fame, and more; just an hour from Orlando.  Click here to more details and to purchase tickets.

Book your family memories today with your favorite

Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore travel agent!