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NEW “Spring Into Magic” 30% Off Room Discount Now Available at Walt Disney World Resort

1/5/2021

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Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights April 18th, 2021 through July 10th, 2021. 
Click here to check availability and book this offer!
Book through May 27th, 2021. 
Enjoy added peace of mind when booking! You can modify or cancel your reservation with extra flexibility. 
This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below. View the chart to explore savings within each resort category. 
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Valid Travel Dates
Stay most nights April 18, 2021 through July 10, 2021
Length of Stay Requirements
  • Minimum – 1 night
  • Maximum – 14 nights
Important Details
  • The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
  • Length of stay requirements may apply.
  • Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
  • Advance reservations required.
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
  • Valid admission and a park reservation are required to enjoy theme parks and special events and are not included in this offer.
  • Disney Resort hotel reopening dates are subject to change.
For more information on booking your next trip with our Travel Professionals, click here. 
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Waitlist Dining In Walt Disney World

1/4/2021

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Walt Disney World now has a waitlist for certain dining options in the parks and select resorts. It is pretty easy to use. You do need to be close to the restaurant to proceed with being added to the list. Here is the step-by-step process.

​Open your My Disney Experience App. Click on the plus (+) on the bottom.
​Choose “Check Dining Availability”.
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Choose your party size then choose today’s date.
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Choose “Now” and this will bring up the list of options that have walk up availability. You will be able to see how long the wait times are for the available options. 
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​Once you have chosen a restaurant, choose “Join Walk-Up List”. It will ask you for the number of adults and children as well as mobility access needs, dietary requests and celebrations. 

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​Once you have gone through all that you have the option to be texted when your table is ready. You can add your phone number if you would like to. (If you do not want a text, you will get a notification from the My Disney Experience app.) 

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Click submit and you are all done! Your table will be ready soon! 
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I love that Disney has made this option available through the app. Sometimes I just like to “wing it” and eat on the fly. I have found some really great restaurants this way.

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Want more tips or need help planning your next Disney vacation? Contact me!
Lisa Liptak
lisa@mdvtrips.com

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BREAKING: Walt Disney World 2021 Special Package Offer with Two Free Days of Theme Park Tickets

12/17/2020

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New Special Package Adds Theme Park Magic to Stays at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in 2021.

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Walt Disney World Resort is offering a special “happy new year” gift to those planning 2021 vacations at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Available to book beginning Jan. 5, 2021, Guests buying non-discounted four-night/three-day room and ticket packages at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights Jan. 8, 2021, through Sept. 25, 2021, will receive an additional two days of theme park tickets.
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From pleasant Central Florida temperatures to the return of the guest-favorite Park Hopper option (available as an add-on purchase), 2021 promises plenty of fun at Walt Disney World theme parks:
  • The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts debuts Jan. 8 and runs through Feb. 22, inviting guests to experience an expansive selection of visual, performance and culinary arts.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings guests inside the cartoon world in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and offers the chance to play with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their pals in Toy Story Land.
  • Cinderella Castle features a royal new look at Magic Kingdom Park, welcoming guests for the perfect portrait as they seek out classic attractions.
  • At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar, an immersive land featuring massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and unbelievable experiences including Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.
  • Guests will also discover new character encounters throughout The Most Magical Place on Earth, as favorite Disney friends explore all four theme parks and Disney Resort hotels.
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You can also check out other great offers for Walt Disney World visits, including savings of up to 35 percent off rooms at select Disney Resort hotels.

As a reminder, Walt Disney World continues to operate with enhanced health and safety policies so everyone can enjoy the magic responsibly. To manage attendance, guests are required to have valid theme park admission and make a park reservation for each day of their visit through the Disney Park Pass system.


Get a free no obligation quote from one of our travel planners.
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Secrets Akumal Covid Style

9/30/2020

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​​My husband and I went to Mexico Sept 4-8 and had the BEST time! I wanted to share some things from our stay in regards to the resort and traveling to Mexico during covid.​​

Mexico/Resort Covid Precautions:
-No covid test required, the only thing you need to fill out is a health form questionnaire. Super easy and quick! You’ll need it when entering and when departing! If you don’t fill it out ahead of time online, they provide them at the airport.
-Masks were required at the airport and in the lobby of the resort but not required on the grounds.
-Before entering your shuttle to the hotel (we did Amstar) they will spray down all your luggage to sanitize, you will step on sanitizing pads for your shoes and they will make you sanitize your hands before entering the vehicle. All workers/drivers any person your contact with has a mask on at all times. 
-Same steps when arriving to the resort (sanitize luggage, step on sanitizing pads, hand sanitize) they had each group waiting to check in, sit in different areas and then upon check in before you sat down at the desk with the employee they wiped everything down. 
-In the resort room any “high touch” items (remote, phone, tablet, hair dryer) were wrapped in plastic with a sanitizing seal.
-In the buffet area, everything was served to you from an employee. There were a few stations where you could grab your own things but the food was in individual portions with its own plate
-In any of the restaurants, before you entered the hostess would make you sanitize your hands and step on sanitizing pads. All the menus were QR codes to access through your phone.
-Technically, the government has closed all the beaches. However, everyone is on the beaches and swimming in the water. The resorts are not allowed to provide any water activities for guests but they can’t stop you from “doing them at your own risk”.
We snorkeled off the shore and just brought our own snorkel gear. 

**During our stay in Mexico, it was hands down the safest I have ever felt from a covid stand point! The precautions they were taking were extreme.


Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya:
-We stayed in the Preferred Level Jr King Suite Tropical View room. The preferred level is essentially like their club level rooms. We had access to a preferred level guests only lounge that had a bar, small buffet area for each meal of the day, and concierge service.
 -The resort was beautiful and the grounds were so well kept and clean. They had 2 separate pool areas:
*The main “fun” pool is the infinity pool that lines up with the beach. It had a swim up bar and had various activities going on throughout the day (exercise classes, Spanish lessons, volleyball games, etc)
*The quiet pool, I probably saw maybe 10 people total our entire stay use that pool.
-Pool and beach wait service was amazing! We had people asking us every 20 min if they could get us anything (food or drinks)
-Fitness center was closed due to covid but they had multiple exercise classes per day you could do for no additional cost (CrossFit, cycling, yoga, etc)
-It had 6 restaurants (French, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Steakhouse, Seafood)
I think we are really spoiled with our food in Chicago, but I would say the food there was standard. I mean I wouldn’t say it was really good but I wouldn’t say it was bad. The portions were decent sized. We tried each restaurant besides the steakhouse and I would say I had 1 item at each that I would say was good. (I have pictures of some of our meals we had)
They are strict on the dress code for restaurants (men have to wear pants to dinner, I saw multiple guys turned away) 
-It has a spa with aqua therapy pools, I did not get any treatments while I was there but I did a walk through and it was super nice!
-They are not lying when they say you can snorkel with turtles off shore! We did multiple times during our stay. 

Kerilyn Gatto
Travel Planner
kerilyn@mickeysdreamvacations.com

Mickey's Dream Vacations
630-341-3058 text/call
Check out my facebook page:
www.facebook.com/mdvkerilyn
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Last Minute Fall Travel Deals

8/24/2020

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​We found some unbelievable fall travel deals for you!

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HUGE SAVINGS ON LUXURY RESORTS
​​Adults Only DEAL OF THE DAY!


El Dorado Seaside Suites

Oceanfront Swim Up Suite

Gourmet Inclusive Luxury

2 Adults with Non Stop Air from Chicago* 

4 Nights
​
October 2020

$1,576.66
​

This one WILL NOT last! Contact us today!
​*Other airports available

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Beaches Turks & Caicos Fall Flash Sale!
Family of 4
ALL INCLUSIVE 
$3500
4 nights!
Customize this for your family.

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​EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR HARRY POTTER FANS!
​
Exclusive Vacation Packages start at $119 per person, person night

Vacation Package Includes:
  • 5-Night Hotel Accommodations
  • 3-Park, 4-Day Park to Park Promo Ticket
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal's Volcano Bay™ one hour before the park opens
  • Special Themed Keepsake Box with items to get started, including:
    *Welcome Letter
    *Travel Planning Guide
    *Set of Luggage Tags featuring Harry Potter, Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger - one set of three (3) per package
    *Hogwarts Railways Lanyard – one per person
  • Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron in Universal Studios Florida - one per person
  • Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks in Universal's Islands of Adventure
  • One (1) Shutterbutton's Photography Studio session in Diagon Alley that includes 1 commemorative DVD photo album and one exclusive designed 8” x 10” photo print

Get a quote for Universal!

​There are so many great travel sales right now, this is the time to book your next vacation.
Low Deposits and Travel Insurance are available for FULL REFUNDS.

    Fill this out to get pricing for your next vacation. 

Submit
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Handicapped Accessibility in the Parks

8/24/2020

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We recently visited Disney World and Universal Orland and needed to use an ECV.  I wanted to share some of the things you will want to know.  I am in physical therapy and so I needed to walk about 7000 steps per day and so could walk for portions.  I think most people in ECV’s are similar so I will focus this on people who can transfer and walk short distances.  I have also taken my Father-In-Law during normal times in an ECV and when confined to a wheelchair so I will make some comparisons to normal and COVID times.  At Disney, wheelchairs and ECV’s typically will start off in the main line and then separate at some point for the wheelchair section.  It is very easy at Disney in all parks overall.  It is much more difficult at Universal and I will share my experiences with you.  If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me directly at Marilyn@MDVTrips.com. 
  
Magic Kingdom:
 
We do not ride most of the rides in Fantasyland and so I do not know how most of those work.  We did ride It’s A Small World, which has a separate wheelchair/ECV entrance.  It was easy to use.  We also rode Peter Pan which required me to leave the ECV and go through the line in a wheelchair.  There is a space between Peter Pan and the entrance to Liberty Square that has several places to charge your scooter or phone.  It is a specific spot that has seating where you can rest and recharge devices.  There is some shade in this area so it is easy to keep the seat cool but little protection from rain.  Space Mountain also requires you to transfer to a wheelchair.  There are spots at the outside of the exit where you can park your ECV and plug it in.   The plugs are near the benches against the building.  No protection against rain but maybe against sun, depending on the time of day.   Big Thunder Mountain and Haunted Mansion both had a virtual queue for ECV’s due to social distancing.  I went to the Fast Pass entrance and was given a return time.  The line with physical distancing,  is not accessible by wheelchair and they will take you through a different entrance.   This was easy to use once I knew about it.  We got return times for both rides, then went to Splash Mountain and then returned to these two attractions with no wait.  Tom Sawyer's Island does not allow ECV’s and you will need to leave it in the open if you take it through the line.  If you are able to walk the distance, I would leave it near splash mountain.  There is an area as you come out that has a place to charge that is covered.  It is near the playscape at the exit of Splash Mountain.   All other rides we rode were easy with the ECV.  If the line was past the entry point, I started going to the people at the beginning of the lines to ask how it worked for ECV’s and had the rest of my party go ahead and get into line.   This gave me time to find a place to park if needed and get to my party before they got to the main entry.  As for restaurants, we went to Be Our Guest and it was very ECV friendly.  I left it inside of the building near the bathroom and was able to charge it.  At Liberty Tree Tavern, I had to leave it outside and I could not find a good place to park.  If you can walk the distance, I would probably leave it in the charging spot I referenced near Peter Pan.  Do not leave it under the shade near the Hall of Presidents.  It may get moved if there is a line.  I saw that happen while I was in the Hall of President’s line.   Overall I give MK a B. 
 


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EPCOT:
 
By far, the easiest park to have an ECV was Epcot.  I cannot think of anywhere that I had to leave my ECV and transfer to a wheelchair.   The only places that I was asked to leave my ECV outside was while eating at the Coral Reef Restaurant and Rose and Crown Pub.  At Coral Reef,  I asked if I could leave it inside to charge and the one spot was open so I was able to use it. Rose and Crown was on our first day and I was not yet looking for plugs and shade.  I parked it where they directed and the seat was very hot when I came out. I would look for a spot near the bathrooms across the street next time.  We ate at Le Cellier and San Angel Inn and both had space indoors for me to leave the ECV.  Spaceship Earth still has the wheelchair entrance to the right of the building about halfway around the building.  No need to go to the normal line. At all other rides, I started off in the normal line staying in the ECV.  I do want to point out that all of the restaurants on Disney property, I was asked if I would be able to transfer and if I had asked to stay in the chair for meals, I would have been allowed to do so.  I would give Epcot an A+ for being ECV friendly. 

 
Hollywood Studios:
Hollywood Studios had the same restrictions as it always has been with no difference at this time.  Most lines were ECV friendly.  The only rides I was not allowed to take in the ECV and had to transfer to a wheelchair were Rock n Roll Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror.  Neither had an indoor space to leave it.  It was raining when we went to ride these rides so I searched for somewhere dry to leave it.  My recommendation is to park it at the exit to Tower of Terror.  There is a covered spot as you leave the building that will keep the ECV dry in the rain and cool in the sun.  If you are able to walk a bit, just leave it there and walk to RRRC.  If you need to immediately transfer to a wheelchair, near RRRC, look to see if the food stands near there are open.  They were closed when we were there and I could keep it mostly dry and cool by parking behind the stand.  You can also check at the nearby Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy and depending on the time of day, you might find some shade there.   At Star Tours, you will miss the pre show but that was not a big deal to me as I have done the ride several times.   We ate at 50’s Prime time and they would not allow the ECV in the building and there are not a lot of places to keep it dry and cool in that area.  On a past trip, we parked a wheelchair under cover and it was moved.  It subsequently rained while we were inside and the seat cushion was soaked.  My FIL is paralyzed on one side so he tries to walk short distances and get out of the chair when possible and this was a mistake.  It took all day for the seat to dry.  Disney did give us a voucher to get him a change of clothes as we did not realize it was wet until after he sat on the soaked cushion and they should not have moved the chair.  The seats are not water proof like on ECV’s.  For ECV’s make sure you always cover the electrical parts when you leave it, just in case the rain comes unexpectedly. At Brown Derby, we were able to park inside and there were 2 outlets available for charging.   If you just need a charge and want to be out of the sun, you can also go to the alcoves near Muppet Vision or there are some plugs near the ABC Commissary.  Overall I give Hollywood Studios a B for ECV’s. 
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Animal Kingdom:
 
Animal Kingdom was also easy for the most part.  The ECV was able to go through most lines with no issues.  I would be aware that the Kilimanjaro Safari ride will not leave with a half empty car and if you are one of the first ECV/wheelchairs to get on, it may be a few minutes before you leave.  We rope dropped this ride and while we were the 3rd group in line, we were in the 4thvehicle to leave.  Not a big deal but if the other group behind us had not been 14 people, we would have had to wait even longer.  They are supposed to have 5 rows full to leave.  All of the wildlife treks were ECV friendly and I can’t think of any rides where I had to leave the ECV in the open.   We did have to leave it outside while we ate at Yak and Yeti.  There is plenty of shade available but I did not see anywhere to plug in.   Overall I give AK a B+
 
Disney Buses:  
The buses currently have limited capacity.  In normal times, they have space for 2 ECV’s per bus.  Right now, they will only allow 2 ECV’s if they are in the same party, otherwise one ECV per bus.  This seems fair since there are only 6 parties allowed per bus.  We had one time that we were waiting in line and while there were only 2 buses worth of people there were 4 ECV’s in front of me.  We were at Disney Springs heading back to the Contemporary.  The Polynesian line did not have even one full bus of people waiting so I moved to that line and then took the monorail bus to the Contemporary.  The monorail has been closing early so they started a bus that travels to the monorail resorts so people can eat dinner at the other resorts.  
 
Universal Studios and Isle of Adventure:
Universal was not as ECV friendly.  Basically, if a stroller is not allowed in line then an ECV is not allowed.  You will be directed to park the ECV in stroller (or Pram in Harry Potter sections) parking. Even shows that had entrances that an ECV would easily have fit, they did not allow them.  It was difficult to find anywhere to charge and half of the plugs I tried did not actually have power going to them.  There is a working plug in Pram parking across from Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure and since that has moved to a normal line, you can probably get a good charge in while you wait.   We ate at Mel’s Diner and they directed me to a place near the outdoor seating that had a plug, but it was not working.  I did find a plug against the next building that was working and provided some shelter.   If you have someone in your party willing to push you all day, save your money and just rent the wheelchair instead of an ECV if you are only doing Universal Studios.  I like to have an ECV for more independence and to not burden others with pushing me all the time, but you really don’t get to use it very much at Universal. I did get to take it onto the boat from Hard Rock to the main gate.    I give Universal a D  for ECV friendly.   

 
 If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me directly at Marilyn@MDVTrips.com. ​
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Paradise Found!

7/31/2020

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​I recently visited Secrets Playa Mujeres which is an adults only, all-inclusive resort just outside of Cancun. I was overly impressed by the resort accommodations, the precautions they were taking during this time and the overall excellent service we received.
 
This resort has direct shuttle transportation to and from the airport which is nice to not have to make stops at other resorts along the way. When we arrived we entered through Playa Mujeres resort community gates. This means if you do not have a reservation you will not be allowed to enter the community grounds - this was the first check on my list - they will keep you safe!
 
I had the Preferred Club Master Suite ocean front with private pool and let me just say, "AMAZING"! Since I was preferred club one of the perks is immediate check-in so I was able to bypass the long check in line and go to the preferred club desk and get checked in right away. Preferred club rooms are in premium locations, you have an upgraded mini bar in the room, upgraded bath amenities, you have access to computers if needed, you have access to a preferred club lounge that serves specialty food and drinks through out the day, you have access to the beach lounge huts and pool huts. It definitely has it's advantages to booking a preferred club room.
The food and drinks at this resort were very good and had a large selection. They have 8 restaurants to choose from here and a coffee and dessert shop. This is all included in the price of your stay! A huge advantage of staying here is that you can walk to the Dreams Playa Mujeres Resort next door, which is Secrets' sister resort for families. Secrets guests have access to Dreams restaurants and pools if you choose so this gives you an even larger selection of choices. We walked to Dreams one evening to eat at the French restaurant and we were able to walk from resort to resort in less than 2 minutes. 
 
We had free access to many activities! Some included were paddle boards, kayaks, bike tour, hobie cat sailing, pool tables and foosball tables. There is a gym onsite which is included but was not open at this time due to COVID restrictions. Not included but onsite were jet ski rentals, parasailing, luxury spa, swimming with the dolphins and you could take a ferry boat over to the island of Isla Mujeres which is a very popular excursion. On Isla Mujeres you can rent a golf cart for the day to explore the island, local food and culture. 
 
These type of resorts are always typically very clean but the staff was going above and beyond sanitizing round the clock. The resort is only allowed a 30% capacity right now so you did not have to worry about large crowds of people. There were more than enough beach and pool chairs for everyone even after they spread them apart for social distancing. 
The swim up bars were open and the evening bars were open as well with a close time of 11pm. They had nightly resort entertainment every night at Secrets and Dreams. From my observation the only thing we did not have access to that we normally would have is the fitness center but let's be honest and say I was definitely not going to be using the gym while on vacation! The only time we had to wear masks was in the transfer shuttle to the resort and at check in. Once we were checked in they went in our bags and were not thought of again until departure. All staff members are wearing mask for your safety though!
 
I would go back to this resort without hesitation. It was a wonderful vacation in the midst of COVID and it is very reasonably priced considering what you receive overall during your stay. I would rate this resort and my stay based on accommodations, service, food and drink quality and overall experience a ​5 star! 
 
If you are looking to travel during this time and have questions or concerns I would be happy to talk more to you about my experience. I would love to see you travel to this resort and let our mind relax from all that is going on right now. Feel free to contact me anytime about this resort or any other Caribbean destination. I will give you insight, my honest opinion and what restrictions you would be looking at depending on which island you choose.
 
Safe Travels Always,
Kristy
225-505-0452
kristy@gomdv.com

​
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Traveling in the age of COVID-19

6/12/2020

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Last week, for the first time since the pandemic began, I traveled. My best friend lives in Slidell, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans. I usually visit her a couple of times a year and we always enjoy walking around the city, eating at amazing restaurants, shopping and visiting the many breweries that have popped up. I was originally supposed to take this trip in April, but I moved it to June when I felt it was a little safer to travel. I brought five, yes FIVE, travel sized bottles of sanitizer in my carry on, a travel package of sanitizing wipes (thanks to a co-worker who shared), and five masks. Overkill? Maybe. Safety first? Definitely.

I don’t usually travel to Louisiana in the summer months due to the heat, but as Olaf said, some people are worth melting for. My friend is getting married in November, so this trip was all about fun wedding stuff. We knew it would be different than my normal visits due to COVID-19, but we still managed to have a wonderful time.

Here is an overall look at my experience, and some tips on still having an amazing vacation, with a few small adjustments.
I flew Delta from Hartford/Springfield (BDL) to Atlanta (ATL) to Gulfport (GPT).
BDL was VERY clean. Everyone is required to wear a mask inside the airport. The lines at security were very short and I made it through in about ten minutes. It was not very busy at all when I flew out (8 am) or came home (2:30pm). The food and retail vendors were only open in the food court area. Everything in the bathrooms was touchless, but the water fountains were not.

ATL was clean. They have hand sanitizing stations set up everywhere and signs posted reminding people to social distance. The sit-down restaurants were closed, but most fast food places were open. The bathrooms were all completely touchless, but the water fountains were not. It was very busy, but most people were very good about social distancing and wearing masks.

GPT is a very small airport, so there were not many people in it at all. No one was wearing a mask except me and the people working at the airport. The mask rules are much more relaxed in Louisiana than what I was used to in Connecticut!

Delta was using a hand scanner for boarding passes, so no one touches your phone or pass but you. Plans are loaded from the back rows to the front rows, with the exception of first class, but there are no changes to the procedures for exiting the plane. Everyone got an individually packaged Purell wipe when they boarded. Masks MUST be worn for the entire flight, unless you are eating or drinking. No middle seats were booked to allow for more space between passengers.

All four planes I boarded were about 60% full, or less. There was no beverage service, but they did pass out plastic bags with a water bottle, granola bar, almonds, napkin and single use Purell hand sanitizer. Planes are sanitized in between each flight, and you can smell the cleaner through your mask.
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​Once I arrived, my friend and I found a few really awesome things to do, that kept us social distanced and still adventuring!
  • We found the Little Coffee Camper- a little camper that two awesome ladies turned into a traveling coffee shop!
  • We got pedicures at Southern Swings on Magazine Street in New Orleans. It was by appointment only, so they could control the number of people in the salon. Masks are required, and they ask you to use the hand sanitizing station when you walk in.  It was just the two of us and the people working. You sit in adorable porch swings and get the most luxurious pedicures. It was wonderful!
  • We visited a little boutique down the street called Alice and Amelia, and again it was just us and the woman working in the store. Masks are required and hand sanitizer was provided at the door. They had the cutest stuff in there- and they donate any tips or spare change left in the jar on the counter to local animal rescues!
  • We visited several restaurants that had outside dining, so that we could be socially distanced and still share a great meal. We went to the Lola Distillery on St. Charles and had the most amazing crawfish mac and cheese and some of their house-made gin. We also ate at Fatty’s in Picayune, Mississippi. We were in a room all by ourselves and enjoyed seafood nachos, drinks and dessert.
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So the bottom line is this- if you don’t mind wearing a mask often, and making a few adjustments to your regular vacation adventures, you can still have an amazing time. Bring your hand sanitizer, few masks and a good attitude. Make your own fun wherever you can, and don’t be afraid to drive around town looking for the Little Coffee Camper!

​Kim Kowalski
Travel Professional
Mickey's Dream Vacations
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Funjet 500 Club Agency
(860) 508-5305 Cell/Text
www.facebook.com/mdvkimk
We do all travel, not just Disney. Adventure Awaits! 

P.S. Referrals are the greatest compliment you can give me. If you know anyone who is thinking traveling soon, please pass my name, email and number along.

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KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

6/9/2020

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I attended the KA WA'A Luau at Aulani on March 14th 2020.  We were so happy to get a last minute VIP seat as a party of 2.  We debated if VIP was worth the extra money and concluded that for us it absolutely was worth it.  I did a short video with some of the highlights:


 
The evening started in the VIP line where we were greeted by the cast members with a wristband and lei.  Next we were led to our table with a stop on the way for a picture and our first free drink. Since we were the first ones to arrive at our table, we got to pick our seats at the table and decided closest to the stage was for us.  There was seating for 10 at the table and we were with 2 families of 4.  The VIP section is the first two rows of tables and we were in the second row.  The VIP line was non-existent within 15 minutes of opening.
 

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​After the VIP section was seated, the other guests were allowed to enter and the pre show entertainment began.  There was a band playing on the stage and several activities for the children set up in the back.  There were several activities where you got to take something with you.  During this time we got our 2nd free alcoholic drink each. When it was time to eat, everyone was asked to come to their tables and the tables were released one at a time to head to the buffet with the VIP tables getting to go first.  Children were allowed to still play and run and everyone seemed to follow the rules.  I did not take pictures of the food but it was delicious and beautiful. 
 
During the meal, there was some entertainment and more free drinks for the VIP guests.  The only draw back to VIP seating is there are parts of the show that are done between the second and third rows so anyone in the VIP section has to look back and forth to see everything.  Those further back can see everything looking in one direction.  You get all of the typical Luau performances with dancing, singing,  acrobatics, and fire.  The children are invited to take part in the program at one point in the show and get to play some music.  There is a place to one side of the seating that is a grassy area so if you have a child that needs to burn some energy, you can go to that area and they can jump and bounce while you still get to see the show.  Our server came around during the show and we got another two rounds of drinks during the show.

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The show was fantastic and worth the price.  If you like your alcohol included, eating first and being closest to the stage, then the VIP ticket is for you.  If you do not drink, prefer to see everything without looking around and don’t mind being last to the food, then a regular ticket is a great value for you. 
 
If you have any questions or would like to book, contact Mickey’s Dream Vacations for more information.
 
Marilyn Wright
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency
Funjet 500 Club Agency
 
We do all travel, not just Disney. Adventure Awaits! 
 
512-698-9312-Cell/Text
https://www.facebook.com/MDVMarilyn/
www.mickeysdreamvacations.com/Marilyn
https://www.instagram.com/marilynstravels/
 
P.S. Referrals are the greatest compliment you can give me. If you know anyone who is thinking of traveling soon, please pass my name, email and number along.
​​

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The Magic Of Toy Story Land!

6/2/2020

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Toy Story land located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the most popular lands and places to visit. It is full of fun characters, three amazing rides and a quick service restaurant called Woody’s Lunchbox. When you enter Toy Story land it's like you've shrunk down into Andy's room and are the size of all the toys! Fun and colorful theming is found throughout the entire land!  

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The three attractions located in Toy Story land include: 
*Fastpasses are available for all three*
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Slinky Dog Dash-Take off on a rollercoaster as Slinky Dog coils and twists around curves and drops in this thrilling ride! Height requirement: 38 inches

Alien Swirling Saucers-Hang on tight for this swirling twirling ride in a toy rocket! Height requirement: 32 inches

Toy Story Mania- Midway style 4D shooting game ride with your favorite Toy Story characters! No height requirement.
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Woody’s Lunch Box
Quick Service restaurant that includes the famous grilled cheese sandwich. Woody’s lunchbox serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day. Check out their menu for all of the items offered!

 

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​Characters
All of the Toy Story land characters are so fun to meet with! They sign autographs and pose for lots of pictures! Be sure to purchase memory maker so you can have all of the candid shots!


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Buzz Lightyear-located just inside the entrance of Toy Story land
Woody & Bo Peep-located together next to the Toy Story mania entrance
Jessie-Located in front of Alien Swirling Saucers near the entrance to Slinky Dog dash
*Green army men can be found marching around down the main walkways throughout the day playing the drums and music

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Be sure to make a stop in Toy Story land on your next Disney vacation!!

Heather Davis-Mickey's Dream Vacations Travel Planner

I would love to help you plan your next vacation!
Heather@mickeysdreamvacations.com


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