Mickey's Dream Vacations - Blog

The Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

10/10/2018

Do you have a young detective in your group? Do they enjoy a good mystery or just want to go an exciting adventure? There is a new activity at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort that they are going to love!

Disney has just announced an evening cruise for kids ages 10-16 called ‘The Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay’. This evening cruise allows kids to collect clues, solve puzzles, and take part in a Scavenger Hunt to unravel the mystery of Captain Calico’s disappearance.
This special cruise takes place on Thursday evenings from 8:00pm-9:30pm for a fee of $39.00 per person (plus tax). A snack is provided during the adventure.
Reservations are recommended for the experience; however, walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

I would love to add this to your family vacation, be sure to contact me if you are interested.
If you have not booked your trip yet and would like a quote, I would love to help you!
Contact me today to hear about all the great offers available!

Jen Morrison
jen@mdvtrips.com
815-641-2028

Must Eats at Disney World

6/20/2018

One of my favorite things to do when I go to Disney World is try the new foods. I am leaving soon for the Toy Story Land opening press event and staying through the 4th of July with my family.
I am super excited to try all the fun new foods at the parks since I was there last.

Here is my "Must Eat" list this time around: Yes, I am just here for the food :)

Churro Ice Cream Sandwich-can be found at Sleep Hollow Treats at Magic Kingdom

Smore's French Toast Breakfast Sandwich at Woody's Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios

Creamy Mashed Potatoes from Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen at Disney Springs. Yes! They really are drool worthy!

The elusive Mermaid Cupcake from the Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom

Cookies & Cream Funnel Cake from the Oasis Canteen at Hollywood Studios

Lunch Box Tarts at Woody's Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios

Black Angus Filet Mingon from Yachtsman Steakhouse in the Yacht Club Resort

Minnie Ear Caramel Blondie from Big Top Treats at the Magic Kingdom

Are you hungry yet?
Want us to help you make your own "Must Eat" list?
Get a free quote for your next vacation here.

Happy snacking!
Meg Kinnerk
Owner and lover of Disney Food
Mickey's Dream Vacations
meg@mdvtrips.com

Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage

6/14/2018

I just got back from an amazing trip to Walt Disney World with my family. We go so often it is sometimes hard to find something different to do or something to surprise my boys with. This trip I decided to book the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage. If you have not done this yet, it is a MUST for your next trip to Disney World.

The voyage starts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. After you check-in and receive your really cool pirate bandana you meet your pirate guide, Patch. He will welcome you into a room where snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are served. There are cookies, cupcakes, chips and dip and my favorite – Mickey bars! You will also have the opportunity to meet Captain Hook and Mr. Smee!

When it is time to set sail, Patch will choose someone to carry the ship flag. We were on Hook’s ship and my son had the honor or carrying the flag. He led us to the dock behind the Contemporary where we all boarded the ship.

On our cruise out to the lagoon we had a jolly good time! Patch told us jokes, we sang pirate songs and there was trivia with prizes. Once we arrived at the perfect spot, the ship dropped anchor and we had the most breathtaking view of the Happily Every After Fireworks. There is just something about seeing Cinderella’s Castle, the monorail and the Main Street Train Station as you watch the fireworks! The music was piped through the boat’s speakers. It was perfect!

On the way back to dock we had an up-close view of the Electrical Water Pageant. I have seen this a million times, but it was so cool to see that close! You could hear the music perfectly!

I was sad that the voyage had ended! When you get back to dock there is a special surprise guest – Peter Pan! He was awaiting us with Tinkerbell. (Yes, there is a photo op!)

Want to book the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage on your next Vacation? Contact your Mickey’s Dream Vacations Agent and start planning! Don’t have an agent? I would love to help you create magical memories like this one!
Lisa Liptak
lisa@mdvtrips.com
708-828-7111

New Summer Disney Cruise Line 2019 Itineraries and Departure Dates

3/1/2018

In summer 2019, Disney Cruise Line is offering an alluring array of itineraries to must-see destinations throughout Europe, Alaska, The Bahamas and the Caribbean.Advance Booking for Castaway Club Members.

If you’re currently a Platinum, Gold or Silver Castaway Club member, take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to book our new cruises before they go on sale to the general public on March 8, 2018.

When to Book

Platinum Members – Begins March 5, 2018 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time
Gold Members – Begins March 6, 2018 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time
Silver Members – Begins March 7, 2018 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time

Advance Booking for Select Disney Guests:
If you’re currently a Disney Vacation Club Member, an Adventures by Disney Insider or a Golden Oak Club Member, you’re invited to enjoy the exclusive opportunity to book our new cruises before they go on sale to the general public on March 8, 2018.

When to Book

Golden Oak Club Members – Begins March 5, 2018 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time
Disney Vacation Club Members and Adventures by Disney Insiders – Begins March 7, 2018 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time

How to Book
Fill out this form to have one of our agents contact you.

Here are the exciting new itineraries coming to Disney Cruise Line Summer 2019:

Mediterranean
Begin your captivating adventure in either Barcelona or Rome and travel to popular ports of call throughout Spain, Italy and France.

An Adventures by Disney guided group tour is available before or during these itineraries.

2019 Disney Magic 5-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona

Departure Date: July 9, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Barcelona, Spain

Day 2
Cannes, France

Day 3
Livorno (Florence, Pisa), Italy

Day 4
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Barcelona, Spain

2019 Disney Magic 6-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona to
Civitavecchia (Rome)

Departure Date: June 8, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Barcelona, Spain

Day 2
Cannes, France

Day 3
Genoa (Milan), Italy

Day 4
Livorno (Florence, Pisa), Italy

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Naples (Pompeii), Italy

Day 7
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona

Departure Dates: May 25 and June 1, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Barcelona, Spain

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Naples (Pompeii), Italy

Day 4
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Day 5
Livorno (Florence, Pisa), Italy

Day 6
Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice), France

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Barcelona, Spain

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona

Departure Dates: June 22, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Day 2
Naples (Pompeii), Italy

Day 3
At Sea

Day 4
Livorno (Florence, Pisa), Italy

Day 5
Genoa (Milan), Italy

Day 6
Cannes, France

Day 7
Toulon (Provence), France

Day 8
Barcelona, Spain

2019 Disney Magic 8-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome)

Departure Dates: June 14, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Day 2
Salerno (Pompeii), Italy

Day 3
At Sea

Day 4
La Spezia (Florence, Pisa), Italy

Day 5
Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice), France

Day 6
Marseilles, France

Day 7
Barcelona, Spain

Day 8
At Sea

Day 9
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

2019 Disney Magic 10-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona

Departure Dates: June 29, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Barcelona, Spain

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Naples (Pompeii), Italy

Day 4
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Day 5
Ajaccio (Corsica), France

Day 6
Livorno (Florence, Pisa), Italy

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Genoa (Milan), Italy

Day 9
Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice), France

Day 10
Marseilles, France

Day 11
Barcelona, Spain

EuropeDelight in a diverse getaway that gives you the opportunity to explore culturally rich cities and awe-inspiring natural wonders while on a Western Europe, Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords or British Isles itinerary.

WESTERN EUROPE

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Western European Cruise from Barcelona to Dover

Departure Date: July 14, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Barcelona, Spain

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Cadiz, Spain

Day 4
Lisbon, Portugal

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Brest, France

Day 7
Portland (Stonehenge), England

Day 8
Dover, England

NORTHERN EUROPE

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Northern Europe Cruise from Copenhagen

Departure Date: August 1, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Nynäshamn (Stockholm), Sweden

Day 4
Tallinn, Estonia

Day 5
St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 6
Helsinki, Finland

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Copenhagen, Denmark

An Adventures by Disney guided group tour is available before or during this itinerary.

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Northern Europe Cruise from Dover

Departure Date: August 18, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Dover, England

Day 2
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3
At Sea

Day 4
Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 5
Gothenburg, Sweden

Day 6
Stavanger, Norway

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Dover, England

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Northern Europe Cruise from Dover

Departure Date: September 1, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Dover, England

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 4
Oslo, Norway

Day 5
Kristiansand, Norway

Day 6
Bergen, Norway

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Dover, England

2019 Disney Magic 10-Night Northern Europe Cruise from Copenhagen to Dover

Departure Date: August 8, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Tallinn, Estonia

Day 4
St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 5
St. Petersburg, Russia

Day 6
Helsinki, Finland

Day 7
Stockholm, Sweden

Day 8
At Sea

Day 9
Fredericia, Denmark

Day 10
At Sea

Day 11
Dover, England

An Adventures by Disney guided group tour is available before or during this itinerary.

NORWEGIAN FJORDS

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Dover

Departure Date: August 25, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Dover, England

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Alesund, Norway

Day 4
Geiranger, Norway

Day 5
Olden, Norway

Day 6
Stavanger, Norway

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Dover, England

2019 Disney Magic 11-Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Cruise from Dover to Copenhagen

Departure Date: July 21, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Dover, England

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Scotland

Day 4
At Sea

Day 5
Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 6
Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 7
Akureyri, Norway

Day 8
At Sea

Day 9
Alesund, Norway

Day 10
Stavanger, Norway

Day 11
Gothenburg, Sweden

Day 12
Copenhagen, Denmark

BRITISH ISLES

2019 Disney Magic 7-Night British Isles Cruise from Dover

Departure Date: September 8, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Dover, England

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Dublin, Ireland

Day 4
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Day 5
Greenock, Scotland

Day 6
Liverpool, England

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Dover, England

TransatlanticStrike a balance between land and sea on this 13-night cruise from Miami that whisks you away to a variety of charming coastal cities in Portugal and Spain.

2019 Disney Magic 13-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise from Miami to Barcelona

Departure Date: May 12, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Miami, Florida

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
At Sea

Day 4
At Sea

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
At Sea

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal

Day 9
At Sea

Day 10
Lisbon, Portugal

Day 11
Cadiz, Spain

Day 12
Málaga, Spain

Day 13
Cartagena, Spain

Day 14
Barcelona, Spain

AlaskaEmbark on an enchanting roundtrip 5-, 7- or 9-night voyage from Vancouver, Canada to witness the breathtaking beauty of spectacular fjords, waterfalls and glaciers—and soak up the culture of historic mining towns.

2019 Disney Wonder 5-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Departure Dates: July 17, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Tracy Arm, Alaska

Day 4
Ketchikan, Alaska

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

2019 Disney Wonder 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Departure Dates: May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19 and September 2, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Tracy Arm, Alaska

Day 4
Skagway, Alaska

Day 5
Juneau, Alaska

Day 6
Ketchikan, Alaska

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

2019 Disney Wonder 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Departure Dates: July 1, August 26 and September 9, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Day 4
Skagway, Alaska

Day 5
Juneau/Tracy Arm, Alaska

Day 6
Ketchikan, Alaska

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

2019 Disney Wonder 9-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Departure Dates: July 8, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Ketchikan, Alaska

Day 4
Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Day 5
Juneau, Alaska

Day 6
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Day 7
Sitka, Alaska

Day 8
At Sea

Day 9
Victoria (British Columbia), Canada

Day 10
Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Western, Eastern and Southern CaribbeanEscape on a 6-, 7-, 8- or 11-night sailing to sun-drenched ports of call—each itinerary gives you ample time to enjoy your ship’s topnotch amenities and entertainment while at sea.

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

2019 Disney Fantasy 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: June 30, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Cozumel, Mexico

Day 4
Costa Maya, Mexico

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 7
Port Canaveral, Florida

2019 Disney Fantasy 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: June 8, July 6, July 20, August 17, August 31, September 14 and September 28, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
Cozumel, Mexico

Day 4
George Town, Grand Cayman

Day 5
Falmouth, Jamaica

Day 6
At Sea

Day 7
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 8
Port Canaveral, Florida

EASTERN CARIBBEAN

2019 Disney Fantasy 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: June 1, June 15, July 13, August 10, August 24, September 7 and September 21, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
At Sea

Day 4
Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Day 5
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Day 6
At Sea

Day 7
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 8
Port Canaveral, Florida

2019 Disney Fantasy 8-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: June 22, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
At Sea

Day 4
Basseterre, St. Kitts

Day 5
St. John’s, Antigua

Day 6
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Day 7
At Sea

Day 8
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 9
Port Canaveral, Florida

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

2019 Disney Fantasy 11-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: July 27, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
At Sea

Day 3
At Sea

Day 4
Oranjestad, Aruba

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Bridgetown, Barbados

Day 7
Forte-de-France, Martinique

Day 8
Basseterre, St. Kitts

Day 9
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Day 10
At Sea

Day 11
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 12
Port Canaveral, Florida

The Bahamas
Cast off from Port Canaveral, Florida and journey to scenic hotspots awash with sun, sand and surf—including Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise.

2019 Disney Dream 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: June 7, July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30, September 6, September 13, September 20 and September 27, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
Nassau, Bahamas

Day 3
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 4
Port Canaveral, Florida

2019 Disney Fantasy 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: August 7, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
Nassau, Bahamas

Day 3
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 4
Port Canaveral, Florida

2019 Disney Dream 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departure Dates: June 3, June 10, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19, August 26, September 2, September 9, September 16, September 23 and September 30, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
Nassau, Bahamas

Day 3
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 4
At Sea

Day 5
Port Canaveral, Florida

2019 Disney Dream 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 Stops at Castaway Cay

Departure Dates: June 19, July 3, and July 17, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 3
Nassau, Bahamas

Day 4
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 5
Port Canaveral, Florida

2019 Disney Dream 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 Stops at Castaway Cay

Departure Dates: June 14, June 23, July 7, July 12, and July 21, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 3
Nassau, Bahamas

Day 4
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Port Canaveral, Florida

2019 Disney Dream 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral with 2 Stops at Castaway Cay

Departure Dates: June 28, 2019

Itinerary:

Day 1
Port Canaveral, Florida

Day 2
Nassau, Bahamas

Day 3
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 4
Disney Castaway Cay

Day 5
At Sea

Day 6
Port Canaveral, Florida

Club Level at Disney's Contemporary Resort

2/28/2018

A bunch of us travel agents from Mickey’s Dream Vacations headed to Walt Disney World for some training and fun a couple of weeks ago.
My hubby was able to tag along with me and we decided to stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort. What’s not to love about being on the monorail and a 5 min walk to Magic Kingdom? But we didn’t just stay at The Contemporary…we stayed Concierge Atrium Level. Upon checking in we were escorted to the elevator by the cast member who showed us how to use our magic bands to access level 12. We arrived at about 1:00 in the morning but there was water/soda/juice available and fresh fruit for the taking. This was a welcome sight after a long flight.

Our room was stunning and had some truffles along with a personalized note welcoming us. Each day we were presented with a new itinerary and suggestions for our stay. We had high quality H2O toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion. They also offered mouth wash and a nice sized container of sun screen and soothing burn gel. And there were robes and slippers in the closet for our use. I’ve never loved a resort robe as much as I loved this one.

We spent quite a bit of time at the the Atrium lounge.  It was roomy with a full patio overlooking Magic Kingdom.  Movies or cartoons played frequently on the TV, a smaller table & TV in the corner for littles.  The coffee started at 6:30 and at 7am there were breakfast items.  Oatmeal, cereal, makings for bagels & lox, sliced meats & cheeses, hard boiled eggs, fruit, danishes & pastries.  Coffee & tea along with a great Nespresso machine and the refrigerator was stocked with drinks that you could grab and carry with you to the parks.

At 11:30 they offered mid-day snacks including veggies, chips, goldfish crackers, candies.  From 5-7 there was a wonderful sampling of bite sized entrees.  The chef came out and interacted with the guests, explaining her offerings.  Her dishes were beautiful and tasty and it was fun to talk to her...what pride she had in her work!  We enjoyed a deconstructed beet salad with goat cheese, a salmon & caramelized brussel sprouts dish, braised short ribs, etc along with kid friendly items like chicken nuggets and PB&J.  Red and white wines, beer, & cider were offered during the dinner hour.  And to top it all off from 8-10 there were a selection of decadent desserts.  Macaroons, mousses, cookies, cakes and cordials were offered.  All that and you could watch the fireworks (along with music) from the comfort of the lounge.  Why fight crowds when you can enjoy a dessert and a drink while watching them and then head directly to your room?!

The concierge cast members were always friendly and there to offer a kind greeting or offer of help.  They were able to quickly fix a magic band issue I had.   Whether you’re enjoying the parks all day or hanging out at the resorts much of the time, noting beats the service and quality of staying Concierge.

If you have questions or would like to get your trip booked, let me know how I can help!  ~shar@mickeysdreamvacations.com

Review of Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

2/26/2018

Our agency recently went to Orlando to explore and learn more about the theme parks and attractions in the area. Part of our trip had us staying at the Universal Orlando Resort. I chose to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel.

The Hard Rock Hotel has always been my favorite one to stay at in Universal, but it had been a while since I stayed there. (I had to check out the other properties!) From the moment you walk in the door you are treated like Rock Royalty!

Upon check-in, I had to hurry and go because we had some meetings to get to. It wasn’t until later in the day that I was able to get to my room. I had a pool view, standard room. The room was spacious, with 2 queen beds, a bathroom and a mini-fridge. There was a nice large desk area – which was nice because I had to do some work during this trip. I could look out the window and see the pool.

As far as dining options, you can always be a true Rockstar and order room service! The room service menu had a lot to offer all day long. The Kitchen is at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando. They have a great buffet breakfast! (Lunch and dinner are wonderful, too!) I did head over to the Velvet Bar one night for a good adult beverage. This bar is located right off the lobby and has a patio area where you can sit outside. You can also head downstairs to Emack & Bolio's Marketplace. This is a quick service restaurant where you can grab a quick bite to eat. They offer pre-made sandwiches to warm meals prepared while you wait. There are a few other restaurants located at the Hard Rock Hotel that I will have to try next time!

If you are musically inclined or just want to pretend to be a rock star, you can “check out” a guitar! The Hard Rock Hotel has a guitar menu with 20 different Fender guitars to choose from. There is even a tv station that offers guitar lessons 24/7.

          I personally had fun wandering the hotel looking at all the rock memorabilia. From the picture of John Lennon at the front desk, to Paul McCartney’s guitar and Lady Gaga’s outfit – there is so much to see. The Hard Rock Café is also right there if you want to see more (and grab a bite to eat!)

          The pool here is great! There are plenty of beach chairs so you can sit in the sun and work on your tan! There was live music for a little while on the stage at the pool. Also, when you go under water you can hear the music playing through the pool speakers. The service is impeccable! From the moment I walked into the pool area until the moment I left there was someone to make sure I was okay. There is food and drink service at the pool.

          I was sad to leave as I did not get to spend as much time as I would have like to at the Hard Rock Hotel. On my way out, I did, however stop at the front desk to get my room key cut into guitar picks. This is a neat souvenir you can bring back with you to remember your stay at the coolest hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort!

          Let me know if I can help you plan your next visit to the Hard Rock Hotel (or any of the other hotels on Universal Orlando property)! Until then… Rock on!

Lisa Liptak
lisa@mdvtrips.com

Lisa Liptak
Dream Maker
Mickey’s Dream Vacations
(708)828-7111

Raglan Road, Irish Fun at Disney Springs!

2/24/2018

Every time I go to Disney I try to stay somewhere new, eat somewhere I haven’t eaten before, and try new things I haven’t done previously. Usually I travel with my youngest daughter so of course anything new comes after scheduling all the favorites!

I recently had the opportunity to travel down to Disney for an agency meeting, sans family, which meant lots of opportunity for trying new things. One of the best choices I made was to head off for a bite to eat with a few of the girls from our agency to Raglan Road at Disney Springs.

Raglan Road is an authentic Irish Pub featuring live, Irish bands and a true Irish menu with an updated take.

We arrived late in the evening and walked right in, normally reservations here are strongly recommended (and sometimes hard to obtain) but I suspect as it was about 10:00 on a weeknight that was the reason for us getting in and seated so quickly. There was a decent crowd both inside and out but we were greeted warmly and enthusiastically by both the hostess and our waitress.

The inside of this place is awesome. You truly feel as though you are in a real Irish Pub over in Dublin. The decor is rich and warm and there is one band inside and another outside.

They bring Irish soda bread to the table to start along with a beer and oil dip. We ordered drinks while we perused the menu. My companions opted for a true classic, Shepard’s Pie, which definitely did not look like the Shepard’s Pie I grew up with but they gave “two thumbs up” to and did not leave anything for taking home.

I chose the Guinness basted ribs with a side of onion rings. The food was simply fantastic! The flavor of the ribs was amazing and they were so tender, falling off the bone as I cut into them. The onion rings were the size of coasters and had a crisp, yet light, batter.

The prices are slightly on the higher side, but the portions are huge, and I felt like I definitely got my money’s worth. If you're on the Disney Dining Plan, you can eat here for one table service credit each.

As we left the restaurant we stopped to enjoy the band that was playing outside and were drawn in not only by the lively music but the response from the crowd who were clearly savoring every moment.

Overall this has definitely made it onto my “favorites” list and calls for a repeat visit very soon.

Want to give Raglan Road a try on your next Disney vacation? I would love to help you plan a special trip to Disney for your family and I can help you reserve this or any restaurant of your choosing!

My services are FREE and I can customize a trip to meet your needs!
Please email me at sabrina@mickeysdreamvacations.com for more info!

Sláinte!

-Sabrina

We do all travel, not just Disney.
Adventure Awaits!
Sabrina Kalechman - Travel Agent
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Funjet 500 Club Agency
860-214-8693 - Direct

Epcot Festival of the Arts

2/23/2018

Epcot has the best festivals!

Throughout the year, it draws in guests from all over the world to see and enjoy the current festival being offered. I have been so lucky as to see all of them at different parts of the year.

On my most recent trip this January, I came during Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts.
The décor and floral arrangements were amazing and there were many creative and fun displays to see. There multiple shops selling beautiful Disney art, shops you can create your own art, expression stations, and entertaining shows! This festival has performing arts, visual arts, culinary arts, and seminars/workshops offered.

If you are like me, another thing that always draws me in is the FOOD!
There were many different little outdoor kitchens with a wide variety of different food options! The best part, is many of them are on the dining plan as snack credits! My favorite little plate that I tried was from the Deconstructed Dish booth.
I tried the deconstructed strawberry cheesecake! It was so delicious! If you want to try several different booths, I recommend that you get the booklet of all of the outdoor kitchens with their offerings.

Though Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts has ended for this year, there are more amazing festivals to attend. The next festival starting is: Epcot’s International Flower and Garden show February 28- May 28, 2018. Here you can see beautiful topiaries, sample delicious food, and there is even a live butterfly garden area. Last year we watched a butterfly come out of its chrysalis right before our eyes!

Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is usually in the fall (starting in Sept-Nov)! This is a high favorite among many that visit Walt Disney World! Food and alcohol parings draw many in from all over the world! Here you can taste delicious foods and refreshing beverages. Eat and drink your way around the World Showcase!

No matter what time of year you come to visit, there is always something to see and do at Epcot! I would love to help you plan your next vacation!

Contact me at alli@mickeysdreamvacations.com

Review of Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen

2/21/2018

My new favorite place to eat is Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming in Disney Springs.
Chef Smith only uses produce and meats by farmers within a 200 mile radius of his restaurant. He also visits once or twice a week.

This restaurant has been voted the best place to eat in Disney Springs. They are famous for their fried chicken, trust me it was AMAZING! They brine their chicken in buttermilk 24 hours before they prepare it. I love macaroni and cheese, it’s on of my favorite side dishes, and theirs didn’t disappoint!!

Make sure you leave room for dessert! We had the hummingbird cake, another one of their specialties. They have several to choose from, but this one sounded amazing and it was!!

Reservations are highly recommended for Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming.
Contact your agent today if you would like to dine here.

Fireworks Cruise on the Grand 1 Yacht

2/20/2018

Our agency had the privilege of boarding the Grand 1 Yacht from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort to view the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. It was magnificent and a totally different fireworks viewing experience than you get in the park! The captains were very nice and pleasant. They were very informative with any questions we had for them. There was also a welcome basket with snacks waiting onboard for us. You can bring your own beverages onboard with you if you choose so you can have your favorite drink while viewing the beautiful firework show. This would be the perfect add on option to your vacation if you are traveling with a large family or multiple friends. I can add this to any Disney package and assure you that you will not be disappointed!

Drift away on a deliciously decadent excursion around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon aboard the Grand 1, a fabulous 52-foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge Yacht that defines impeccable taste. With an experienced captain and deckhand at the helm, lavish Guests with private dining and butler amenities amidst a celebratory ambiance that’s nothing short of sensational. This spacious watercraft accommodates a total of 18 people—or 17 if traveling with a butler.

Choose an evening cruise for breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular, with synchronized audio from onboard speakers so you don’t miss a single sound. Relax under illuminated skies while watching the show in a whole new way!

Pricing
Rental prices for the Grand 1 start at $399 per hour, plus tax—pricing may vary based on time of day and is subject to change. Assorted snacks and soft drinks are included. Private dining, butler service and other enhancements are available for an additional charge.

If you are interested in reserving an evening onboard the Grand 1 Yacht please let me know and I will be happy to help you.

Please feel free to call or email me anytime for quotes, questions, or special adds for your package.

Thank You,
Kristy

We do all travel, not just Disney.
Adventure Awaits!
Kristy Lobell - Travel Agent
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Funjet 500 Club Agency
225-505-0452 - Direct

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