Travels By Kim
Your Travel Expert for Disney and Cruising
Travels By Kim

Walt Disney World Happenings

                     Closings, Openings and Announcements for February & March 2010

                                                                      


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The 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 3 - May 16, 2010. Spring is in the air. Donald Duck and his topiary friends set up camp in full floral color to celebrate the Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. The elaborate topiary with a North American theme, live waterfall and pond features Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire and Pluto in his “pup tent.” Have those cameras ready!! Click here to see the complete guide to the festival.


Do you want to sit and listen to your friends talk about what a great time they had at Disney? Of course not! Don't miss out on 2 fabulous offers from Disney. Receive a Disney Gift Card valued at up to $750 when you stay 5 nights or longer or choose to receive a discount off of the room rates. Longer you stay the more you save! Must be book by 3/27/10 Valid most travel dates between now & 8/14/10 Click here for your free no obligation quote.


Cantina de San Angel closed now through Fall, 2010.
Backlot Tour closed through March 27, 2010.
Splash Mountain closed now till February 27, 2010.
Studio Catering Co closed through March 20, 2010. 
Cinderella's Castle January 4, 2010 - ???. Scaffolding will be on the front side of the Castle. The castle will remain open to guests.
Blizzard Beach closed now through March 20, 2010






2010 Star Wars Weekends are back!
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 13 at Disney's Hollywood Studios a spectacular event takes place specifically for all you Star Wars junkies! It includes meet-and-greet sessions with Star Wars characters, Jedi Training Academy, parades and more. Event activities are included with the theme park admission.
Click here for more information.





If you are excited about the "happenings" at Walt Disney World and would like receive a free vacation quote just Click here!

Thank you for visiting my blog! Be sure to subscribe before you leave!!!

Until Next Time.....

Kim Deviese

kim@3dtravelcompany.com





Walt Disney World Happenings

                        Closings, Openings and Announcements for May, 2009

                                                         



Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration
debuts this month in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. This musical revue at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage features an animated version of Stitch interacting live with guests in a Galaxy Day celebration. Shows
take place six times daily; check times guide for performances.


Enjoy a Picnic in the Park at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park: The Disney Dining Plan now has a new way for you to use your Quick Service Meal entitlements at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The new Picnic in the Park option lets you take your adventure a step further by dining in the wild! Each Picnic in the Park is packaged in an "Every Tree Has Character" reusable bag, and includes plates and utensils so you may enjoy your meal at one of the many picnic spots in the Park. Meals include a choice of entrées, side dishes, desserts and bottled water.

Disney Animal Kingdom is offering families a special close to their visit featuring music, characters and dancing as part of the Adventurers' Celebration Gathering. The show features cast members, as well as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy in safari gear. Cast members shake pom-poms and try to get guests to participate in a conga line while the characters ride along atop a safari vehicle. The procession takes place near the park's entrance during park closing each evening.


Guests staying at the Grand Floridian can roast marshmallows and sing camp fire songs on the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon at 8 p.m. each night (time changes seasonally). S'mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase.
Following the campfire and singalong, a movie will be shown on a portable screen.


Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held from September through Halloween night. This years party dates are, September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 29, 31 and November 1. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2009.


Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
will be held from November to late
December. This years party dates are November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29, December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2009.



An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Now-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.


Have you heard?????
FREE Dining at a Walt Disney World Resort!!! Book a minimum of 3 nights at a Disney Resort and 1 day Park Tickets and you will receive the Disney Dining Plan for FREE. Hurry....Limited availability....Must be book by 6/21/09 Valid from 8/16/09 to 10/03/09. Click here for your free no obligation quote.
 



The Hall of Presidents will be closed until July 1, 2009.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority closed through August 24, 2009.
Space Mountain closed now till November 21, 2009.
San Angel Inn in Epcot's Mexico pavilion will begin renovations on May 10, 2009.
Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba:
no performances from May 18 through June 1.


If you are excited about the "happenings" at Walt Disney World and would like receive a free vacation quote just Click here!

Thank you for visiting my blog! Be sure to subscribe before you leave!!!

Until Next Time.....

Kim Deviese

kim@3dtravelcompany.com

My Favorite Disney Cruise Line Memory


This is probably the hardest blog I have ever had to write...narrowing down all of my cruise memories to just one...my favorite. 

                                                          
I really do love everything about cruising and the memories start the minute I put the deposit down. So how can I pick just one?


Well I decided to pick one that gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes. My family thinks its funny that I get all mushy when we first arrive at Walt Disney World. Driving under the Magic Kingdom arches is just special to me.



Imagine my surprise when I had the same reaction upon boarding the Disney Wonder.  I hope this does not spoil the magic for anyone. I debated about whether or not to mention this as my favorite....I just have to because it is!


After I have finished the official paperwork and I have received my stateroom keys and boarding number the anticipation begins to build. I know what is coming! And if there is a
first time cruiser with me it makes it even more special because they are about to be surprised too. 


As you enter the ship a lovely cast member will ask for your family name. Then loud and clear they announce....."Please help me welcome the Deviese Family!" And people are clapping and smiling and I have goosebumps and tears....and my teenager is telling me goodbye with hopes of not seeing me again until the end of the cruise. It is so magical!!!

It may not sound like much but I have always been moved by the little things Disney does rather then the big, over the top things....of course big, over the top is nice sometimes too.



Ready to make your "grand entrance"? Ready to be pampered? No laundry, no dishes, no cleaning? What are you waiting for?
Click here for your no obligation quote.


Until next time........

Kim Deviese
kim@3dtravelcompany.com



Thanks Char for the pictures!!


Disney's Good Morning Character Breakfast at Tony's Town Square


Ever think about taking the whole family to Disney with you?

Not just you, your spouse and the kids...the WHOLE family! Aunts, uncles, cousins,
grandparents, nieces, nephews...family members you haven't seen in years! 

If at any time you decide to make a trip to Disney with 8 or more family members you will be known as a Grand Gathering. Being part of a Grand Gathering is special all by itself but Disney has gone a step further and created special events that are only available to Grand Gatherings.

For this blog I want to talk about my favorite of all the experiences....the Good Morning Character Breakfast. This is held at Tony's Town Square in the Magic Kingdom on select days. The party begins at 9am..bright and early for those of us that do not rise early. The Magic Kingdom is usually not open yet so you get to enter the park a little earlier then those without a dining reservation.

This is a nice time to snap a few pictures of your family in front of Cinderella's Castle with out having crowds of people in the background.


Tony's Town Square is directly inside the park on your right. The theme for this restaurant comes from the movie "Lady & The Tramp" and your host for this event is Tony himself. Patrons who are celebrating anniversaries will be serenaded with "Belle Notte" the classic song from the movie.



The food at this location is all you can eat and served pre-plated. Enjoy delicious eggs, Mickey waffles, sausage and fresh pastries. Feel free to ask for seconds!



A short time later out comes your favorite Disney Characters...now keep in mind
characters are subject to change....but we have enjoyed Goofy, Minnie, Donald,
Daisy, Chip & Dale. The big cheese himself is also there and each family gets to enjoy some one on one time with 
Mickey at the end of the meal. Last year we had the special pr
iviledge of watching Donald propose to Daisy. It was so sweet!


After your belly is full and you feel all warm and fuzzy from being surrounded by your
favorite characters it is time to head over to Mickey's Philharmagic where you will have preferred entry into the next show.


If you purchase a Disney Dining Plan then this experience will only require 1 table service credit. If you are paying out of pocket then the cost will be
$29.99 (ages 10 and up) $17.99 (ages 3 - 9).

Now doesn't this sound like a wonderful experience? If you are ready to call all of those family members you haven't seen in years and head to Walt Disney World then
click here and lets get this Grand Gathering started.


Until next time......

Kim Deviese
kim@3dtravelcompany.com


A big thank you to Charlene and Carol Beth for allowing me to use photos that they snapped....have I mentioned that I do not take pictures?!?!?

 

Walt Disney World Happenings

Closings, Openings and Announcements for April, 2009

                                                                            

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora is opening a brand-new family dining restaurant. Kouzzina (Greek for kitchen) by Cat Cora is scheduled to open by fall. The restaurant will feature Mediterranean-style cuisine honoring Cora's Greek roots, while also reflecting her philosophy of creating simple yet sensational meals. The sad news....it will replace Spoodles on the Boardwalk! I hope they leave the pizza take out window.


Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held from September through Halloween night. This years party dates are, September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 29, 31 and November 1. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2009.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be held from November to late December. This years party dates are November 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29, December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2009.


Disney Cruise Lines names their new ships - Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.


Characters in Flight operated by Aerophile: A huge balloon that will be carrying guests up to 400ft above Downtown Disney is now inflated on the waterside dock. The first guests are expected to ride in April, 2009.
Cost: Adult (ages 10 and up) $16.00 Child (ages 3 to 9) $10.00


Guests who dine at Les Chefs de France restaurant are being treated to a special kind of entertainment, they get to meet the culinary rat Remy, from the movie Ratatouille. Remy is an animatronics puppet who, along with the restaurant maitre d', entertains guests by 

performing humorous, theatrical vignettes, using a moving food cart with a silver-domed cheese platter as their stage. Remy can be seen 12:30 - 6 p.m. at Les Chefs de France through September 5, 2009.



An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual
Epcot
International Flower & Garden Festival
Now-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.



Have you heard?????
FREE Dining at a Walt Disney World Resort!!! Book a minimum of 3 nights at a Disney Resort and 1 day Park Tickets and you will receive the Disney Dining Plan for FREE. Hurry....Limited availability....Must be book by 6/21/09 Valid from 8/16/09 to 10/03/09. Click here for your free no obligation quote.
 




The Hall of Presidents
will be closed until July 1, 2009.

Stormalong Bay at Disney's Beach Club Resort
closed until April 15, 2009.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority closed from April 19 to August 19, 2009 for refurbishment and Space Mountain's refurbishment.
Space Mountain closed from April 19 to November 21, 2009 for major refurbishment.


If you are excited about the "happenings" at Walt Disney World and would like receive a free vacation quote just Click here!

Thank you for visiting my blog! Be sure to subscribe before you leave!!!

Until Next Time.....

Kim Deviese

kim@3dtravelcompany.com

Walt Disney World Happenings

Closings, Openings and Announcements for March, 2009

                                                                            

An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.
March 18, 2009: "Opening Ceremony" - The official kick-off to the 16th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 27 - 29, 2009: "Art in the Garden Weekend" - "Plein Air" artists display their craft throughout Epcot. In Future World "Kid's Paint Out" is featured.


Florida Residents
can purchase a 2-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket for $99 plus tax for guests 10 and up and $83 plus tax for guests ages 3-9. The Park Hopper and the
Water Park Fun and More options are available for an additional $25 plus tax each. Tickets can be purchased through May 20, 2009. Proof of Florida residency required. Tickets are valid 14 days from first use and must be used by May 21, 2009. Black out dates for these tickets are April 4 - 18, 2009.


Have you heard?????
FREE NIGHTS at a Walt Disney World Resort!!!
Book 4-nights & Get 3 Free....Limited availability....Must be book by 3/29/09 Valid most nights 2/15/09-8/15/09 (black out dates apply)


Effective March 30, 2009, Disney's Magical Express will no longer offer luggage delivery service for arrivals to the Orlando International Airport after 10 p.m. Guests arriving at the airport after 10 p.m. will pick up their luggage at baggage claim and take it with them to the Magical Express Coach and then on to their resort. This will allow guests to have access to their luggage as soon as they arrive at their resort.



Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney's Wide World of Sports begins February 26 and runs through March 30. The Braves' have 18-games scheduled.
Individual game tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster or by calling 407-839-3900 and at the Wide World of Sports box office.




On March 15, Disney Cruise Line will begin providing a service that delivers baby supplies directly to guest staterooms. Prior to their cruise families preparing to sail with little ones can arrange for baby products to be delivered to their staterooms. The new service exclusive for Disney Cruise Line guests is provided by Babies Travel Lite.  This online retailer offers more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items.



Contemporary Resort's pool, closed until March 15, 2009.
Fort Wilderness Meadows Pool, closed until March 13, 2009.
Ellen's Energy Adventure in Epcot, closed until March 22, 2009
Typhoon Lagoon will be closed until March 21, 2009
The Hall of Presidents will be closed until July 1, 2009.
Stormalong Bay at Disney's Beach Club Resort will be closed until April 15, 2009.

If you are excited about the "happenings" at Walt Disney World and would like receive a free vacation quote just click here

Thank you for visiting my blog! Be sure to subscribe before you leave!!!

Until Next Time.....

Kim Deviese


Walt Disney World Dining

                                                                    


Do you really want your 3D Travel Agent to make your dining reservations?? Of course!

You have more important things to do then hold on the phone......leave it to us.
 

At 3D Travel Company we love to assist our clients with
everything right down to the 
smallest of details. This includes making all your Disney dining reservations.
There is no need for you to keep track of anything.... just let us do the work for you. 




Disney allows us to make dining reservations 90 days prior to the check in date.
A friendly reminder is sent to let you know when it is time to start thinking about your dining choices. Your agent will also provide you with the current Disney dining brochure.


We are always here to answer any questions you may
have about the restaurants, whether it be their location, which characters can be found there and especially their menus. Once a plan of action
has been decided we will wait until the 90 mark to call Disney. While you are still dreaming
we are up early and on the phone making sure you get the times and restaurants you desire. 
A confirmation is always sentfor your approval and we are happy to make any changes necessary. We do our very best to meet all of your dining needs.
 

Just before your Disney trip begins you'll receive a package from 3D Travel Company outlining all the details of your trip including your dining.




Now why would anyone want to make their dining reservations themselves when they can have 3D Travel Company do it for them? 





Are you ready to enjoy the delicious food Disney has to offer? Elegant dining? Character dining? If so, then what are you waiting for? Click here for a free quote.



Romance on the High Seas......Aboard a Disney Cruise Ship



Can adults find romance on a Disney Cruise? Absolutely!


Check the kids into one of the wonderful Disney Cruise Line children's programs and head for one of the unique areas Disney has created especially for adults.

The Adult entertainment districts
on the ships are called, Beat Street (Disney Magic) & Route 66 (Disney Wonder):

Get your kicks on
Route 66
....
There's Wavebands where you can dance to top 40 tunes from every decade. Wavebands, features live bands, a DJ who knows exactly what you want to hear and an fun atmosphere.

Diversions is the place to keep up on all the scores all the time. This sports pub boasts big-screen plasma TVs that are always tuned to ESPN. Cheer for your favorite teams in this  hangout. Go Arizona Cardinals!! I had to do that and since this is my blog..I can. :o)


If an intimate lounge is what you desire then the Cadillac Lounge is the place to visit. You can select music at personal listening stations or enjoy live performances at the piano. Enjoy delicious drinks, light hors d'oeuvres and a little romance at the Cadillac Lounge.

Bright lights, big city, hit the Beat Street....The top-40 Rockin' Bar D club with both recorded and live music and a fun filled environment decorated with famous album covers, concert posters and historic musical instruments. It will have you dancing the night away.

Lucky for us Diversions can be found on both the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.
 

If relaxation is what you crave...Sessions, with its sofas, comfortable chairs, personal listening stations, and mellow performances at the piano will be the place for you.

There are other areas on ship that are designated adult areas......

The peacefulness of the Quiet Cove Pool is amazing. You can emerse yourself in the pool or relax in one of the 2 whirlpool spas. Relax in the sun, enjoy a good book all from the comfort of your cushioned lounge chair. Cast members are always nearby to see to your every need. Vista Spa even has massage specialists on hand to chase away the aches and pains of last nights dance party. A quick 30 minutes massage will get you ready for another night of fun!  I can feel the sun and hear the sounds of calypso music.......




The Vista Spa & Salon...
visit this world-class spa to relax the mind and cleanse your body.
Experience the perfect workout, followed by pure relaxation.
The Tropical Rainforest room has fruit and mint scented showers, a chamomile steam room and a sauna that resembles a Roman bath. There are so many options, from the
Vista Spa Villa Treatments to manicures & pedicures. Prices vary according to your treatment but there is something to fit everyone's budget.



Visit the fitness facility with over a dozen cardiovascular and weight machines and invigorating training sessions in aerobics, yoga and total body shaping. 


I know there are some of you who can not go with out your morning "cup of joe"...you know who you are. Well on the Disney ships there is no need to do with out. The Cove Cafe offers a wide range of coffee drinks, espressos and cognacs. 
Throughout the day you can drop in and enjoy a nice variety of fresh pasteries. Did you forget to bring a book or magazine with you? No problem...the Cove Cafe has plenty for you to borrow. Catching up on the news and checking your email can also be done in the here. Located just outside the entrance to the cafe are comfortable chairs just waiting for you to sit in them and take a nap. I have seen this happen on several occasions. :o) 


Signals Bar, serving delicious cocktails on both the Disney Magic & the Disney Wonder. Located near the Quiet Cove Pool.

Palo, serving delicious northern Italian cuisine. This restaurant does not allow anyone
under 18 making it the quietest place to dine on either ship. Dinner is served every night on both ships with brunch being served on 4 night or longer sailings and high tea being served on the 7 night or longer cruises. This restaurant charges a small fee to dine here and it is well worth the cost. My only suggestion is to come hungry....


Promenade Lounge, where you can
try classic cocktails, martinis, wines by the glass, beers, cordials, cognacs, premium spirits, exotic cocktails and frozen specialties. And dance to marvelous music from the performers on the center stage every night. This is a great spot to hang out before dinner. Don't be afraid to sing along or start that Conga line!!


Serenity Bay
.... your own private, paradise located on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. 
Enjoy a BBQ feast at the Air Bar BBQ or a private cabana massage. You are sure to come back feeling relaxed and tan.



So next time someone tells you that Disney Cruise Lines is for kids.....you can say...OH NO IT'S NOT!!! There is so much to do with and with out the children. Coming back from vacation relaxed? Being pampered for a week? Catching up on that tropical tan? Your friends will be so jealous when you are the only one with a tan in the dead of winter! Ready to escape? I am standing by to help you plan your romantic escape. Click here for a free Disney Cruise Line vacation quote. 

Until next time.....
Kim Deviese
kim@3dtravelcompany.com

Walt Disney World Happenings

                                        Closings, Openings and Announcements for February, 2009

                                                                            

Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party is scheduled to begin in the Magic Kingdom in February. It will feature a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers parading down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to some well known tunes. This 15-minute party is scheduled to take place three times daily.

The "Celebrate a Dream Come True" Parade began on January 23rd and features new
music, new costumes and some new float decor. The procession will make more stops and during that time dancers will perform. This parade will take place daily at 3pm and replaces the "Disney Dreams Come True" Parade.



The American Idol Experience
is set to open February 14, 2009 in Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you are interested in participating click here for more information. Be sure to check out the FAQ/News section.


The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Disney Cruise Line has withdrawn its application for
a permit to sail in Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park. This does not mean that Disney will never sail to Alaska...it just means that we will have to wait a little longer to enjoy the amenities of a Disney ship while enjoying the magnificent beauty of Alaska.  




Disney's Online Check-In service has reportedly been pushed back to a February 1, 2009
. Ask your travel agent for details.


Disney welcomed the birth of two Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures. For
over 2 decades the population of Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures has been declining. When fully grown, these vultures can reach sizes close to three feet in height , with a wingspan of nearly eight feet. They are also known for their high-flying skills. These vultures are among the highest flying birds on record.
They also select a mate for life.....awwwww!



Studio Backlot Tour
, January 4 – February 28, 2009.

Contemporary Resort's pool, January 5 - March 15, 2009.
Fort Wilderness Meadows Pool, January 12 - March 13, 2009.
Ellen's Energy Adventure in Epcot, January 5 - March 22, 2009
Mickey's PhilharMagic, January 18 - February 6, 2009.
Pecos Bill's, January 11 - February 13, 2009.
Typhoon Lagoon will be closed until March 21, 2009
The Hall of Presidents will be closed until July 1, 2009. 

Sanaa, the new table service restaurant located at the Animal Kingdom Villas, Kidani Village will open reservations for Disney Vacation Club members on February 16 and for all others on February 23. Sanaa will serve lunch and dinner, featuring flavors of the historical spice route of the 1400s through Africa, India, China and Europe.


If you are excited about the "happenings" at Walt Disney World and would like receive a free vacation quote just click here

Thank you for visiting my blog! Be sure to subscribe before you leave!!!

Until Next Time.....

Kim Deviese


  

Drought Conditions....Flood Warnings.......to FREEEEZZZZING!!


Day 1: Let the freezing begin! I hope the poor goldfish that lives in this pond has a coat! :o)


Day 2: And the freezing continues....I am not sure if a coat would help the poor goldfish that makes its home here!

Stay tuned to see if the little goldfish makes it!

To see last weeks flooding.......click here