Booking Your Trip with me as your Disney Travel Specialist

Whether you've been to Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line multiple times, or you're just now planning your very first trip - there are many benefits to booking your vacation with The Pink Ear Pixie. As a Disney travel specialist I love what I do!

Who said nothing in life is free? Booking a Disney vacation with me as your personal travel planner will cost you NOTHING. My services are 100% free to my
clients. It's a win-win situation - you book a trip to your dream destination and you have a free go-to specialist at your disposal.

When booking a client's vacation I first ask for travel dates. This helps me determine what discounts can be applied to the reservation. Disney World typically offers "some" kind of discount for select travel dates throughout the year. Disney Cruise Line occasionally offers discounts on select cruises. An extra service I offer my clients is the assurance that I will keep checking on new discounts for their travel dates. If a client books a reservation and a better discount comes out at a later date, I automatically modify their reservation to reflect the savings. Booking a vacation with The Pink Ear Pixie allows you to sit back and relax and not have to keep up with Disney discount information.

For Disney Cruise Line travelers I also offer extra onboard credit for booking with me. The amount of onboard credit depends on the total cost of the cruise. It can range anywhere from $25 to $100. That's extra money that cruisers can spend on board the ship for souvenirs, spa visits, drinks, Bingo, and other extra touches.

In addition to keeping track of Disney discounts, I also make sure my clients have the best ticket options and dining options for their family. Every family is unique. I work with my clients to find out how many days they plan to visit the parks and what kind of dining preferences they have. This will allow me to recommend the correct tickets and dining plan.

Dining reservations are a big part of travel to Disney World. This is another service I offer for my clients. If they need me to put together restaurant recommendations and make their reservations for them, I will! Not every client needs help, but those that do seem to appreciate this option.

Once dining reservations have been made for Disney World, I list them in the daily itinerary for the client. I put together a personalized daily itinerary for the clients that need them. Again, some clients are experienced Disney World visitors and do not need itinerary help. But others have never visited. And for these clients I list day to day activities in a detailed itinerary.

Each of my clients has their own client page that lists their reservation information and their itinerary with dining reservations. Whether they are a Disney Cruise Line traveler or a Disney World traveler, they will receive log-in information for their password protected page. Within the page there will also be a payment submission form and I've just begun adding a general contact form within each page as well. My clients seem to appreciate their own personal space and most of them visit their pages regularly. It's a nice reminder that their vacation is coming soon!

I love when a client chooses to book a vacation with me because I really enjoy working with families to make their Disney dreams come true. And best of all - I have lots of new friends to share the joy of Disney!

There is a lot of report in the world of Disney this week. New changes to DCL and WDW. If you know of something else that needs to be listed here, feel free to comment and let me know!

Disney Cruise News

• Disney Cruise Line has a brand new, enhanced online check-in process. Cruisers will be able to input more information at home before cruise time. This will allow a smoother check-in at the port. If you have an upcoming cruise be sure you check it out - https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/planning-center/my-online-check-in/
• In addition to the new online process, Disney Cruise Line has started assigning port arrival times. This is a big change from what Disney  has done in the past. Each cruisers will be assigned a time to arrive during the online check-in process. You will have a choice of available times. This new feature does not apply to concierge or Platinum guests.
• As a reminder, Guests are given access to “My Online Check-in” as follows:

1. Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club: 120 days in advance
2. Gold Castaway Club: 105 days in advance
3. Silver Castaway Club: 90 days in advance
4. First Time Cruiser: 75 days in advance

Disney World news

• Tomorrow, February 4, 2011, marks the last day for the Velcro show at Innoventions West in Epcot. "What's Your Problem?" will be replaced but at this time nothing has been reported for its replacement. If you are like me, you have fond memories of this show - even as hokey as it was! :o)  During our August 2010 trip, my older boys were chosen to be in the show. I laughed and laughed at them as they tried to build a block tower with Velcro blocks.
• "The Magic, the Memories and You", the new projection show at Disney World and Disneyland, has begun. This high-tech show begins about 15 minutes before Wishes and displays up to 500 guest pictures onto Cinderella's Castle (Disney World). While this new show has met a lot of criticism, I think it's probably a "have to see in person to appreciate" situation. Let the Memories Begin!
  
• The Flower Power Concert Series (part of the 2011 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival) begins March 2 and runs through May 15, 2011. Here's the tentative line-up.

March 4-6 - Jose Feliciano
March 11-13 - The Guess Who
March 18-20 - Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 25-27 - Melissa Manchester
April 1-3 - Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
April 8-10 - Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
April 15-17 - Juice Newton
April 22-24 - The Nelsons
April 29-May 1 - Paul Revere and the Raiders
May 6-8 - Davy Jones
May 13-15 - Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone


Disney's Aulani Resort

• Many people are still unaware of Disney's new Hawaiian resort. Due to open in August 2011, this resort will bring the magic of Disney to Hawaii. And Disney has created it with as much class and uniqueness as possible.
• "When Guests visit Aulani they may notice playful figures, known as Menehune, hiding around the resort. According to Hawaiian legend, the little Menehune (men-neh-HOO-nay) are shy folk who come out mostly at night. They are said to be gifted, possibly magical, craftspeople."

Need information on Disney Cruise Line, Disney World, Disneyland or Aulani? Let me help - contact me today.

There are new details and pictures of the expansion of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Even more details are due out later today!

Some of the new additions include:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant - a new restaurant
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid - a new attraction featuring Ariel and friends
• The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - take a coaster ride into the diamond minds with the dwarfs 
• Princess Fairytale Hall - visit with the various Disney princesses (this will replace "Snow White's Scary Adventure")
  
• "The Great Goofini" -  the current "Goofy's Barnstormer" will be re-themed
• Storybook Circus - a double Dumbo ride with new interactive queues

This is very exciting news for those who love Fantasyland! The new rides, etc., will start to open in late 2012.

Stay tuned for more details!

January is my one year anniversary as a Disney specialist! And to celebrate I am passing on some magical gifts to YOU!

I want to show my appreciation to both my clients as well as those who help spread the Disney word. There are two great celebration offers and EVERYONE has the potential to benefit. You can EARN money for referrals and/or receive a gift for booking! More details here.

Thank you for being a part of my life!

*Offers are good on vacations booked from January 3 to February 28, 2011.

Kids Stay and Play FREE

A Walt Disney World® Resort offer that's sure to bring the most magical memories. Kids 3-9 stay and play FREE when you purchase a minimum 3 night  Magic Your Way Package!

Purchase a Magic Your Way Vacation Package that includes room and Theme Park tickets, and children age 3-9 can stay and get a Theme Park admission ticket FREE. Your offer is available for stays most nights February 17-April 16, April 28-June 14, and August 14-October 1, 2011.

*The number of packages available is limited. Child must stay in room with adult. Tickets are for one Theme Park per day (Park Hopper and/or Water Park option can be added to the child's ticket for full price) and must be used within 14 days of first use.

Contact me today for more information! Don't miss this great deal!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Room discount for select dates from 4/28/11 through 10/1/11

Valid for stays select nights 4/28/11-6/14/11 and 8/16/11-10/1/11

These room-only discounts can be modified into a package with tickets and/or dining. This is a great discount! Contact me ASAP as availability is limited.

Save up to 35% off the non-discounted price when booking a room at Walt Disney World for stays most nights 4/28/11-6/14/11

Save 15% at All Star Movies
Save 20% on Select Disney Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
Save 25% on Select Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
Save 30% on Select Disney Deluxe Resorts
Save 35% on Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Save up to 40% off the non-discounted price when booking a room at Walt Disney World for stays most nights 8/16/11-10/1/11

Save 20% at All Star Movies
Save 25% on Select Disney Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
Save 30% on Select Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
Save 35% on Select Disney Deluxe Resorts
Save 40% on Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Disney is expected to release new discounts tomorrow, January 3, 2011. This is for room-only reservations. Room-only reservations can be modified to add dining and tickets. In a nutshell, you save on the room portion of your package and then add on dining and tickets to create a discount package. To book any of these discounts contact me as soon as possible as every resort has a limited number of rooms available for this discount.

These are the rumored discounts:

Room discount for select dates from 4/28/11 through 10/1/11

Valid for stays select nights 4/28/11-6/14/11 and 8/16/11-10/1/11

Save up to 35% off the non-discounted price when booking a room at Walt Disney World for stays most nights 4/28/11-6/14/11

Save 15% at All Star Movies
Save 20% on Select Disney Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
Save 25% on Select Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
Save 30% on Select Disney Deluxe Resorts
Save 35% on Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Save up to 40% off the non-discounted price when booking a room at Walt Disney World for stays most nights 8/16/11-10/1/11

Save 20% at All Star Movies
Save 25% on Select Disney Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
Save 30% on Select Disney Moderate Resorts, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
Save 35% on Select Disney Deluxe Resorts
Save 40% on Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

$138 4-Day Park Hopper Tickets for Members of the U.S. Military

Walt Disney World Resort is saluting U.S. military personnel by offering 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets which include a Park Hopper or Water Parks, Fun & More Option for just $138 each, now through September 28, 2011. For just $27 more, both the Park Hopper and Water Parks, Fun & More option may be added.

For information regarding Military Promotional Tickets contact participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

The actual prices charged at U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.

*4-Day Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible U.S. military personnel or their spouse for just $138. There is a 6 ticket limit. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be used ONLY by the Eligible Service Members, spouses, other family members or friends for whom they are purchased. In addition, a valid military ID may be required for admission.

Disney Military Promotional Tickets (including any options) expire and may not be used after October 1, 2011. In addition, Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets (including any options) for the Walt Disney World Resort may not be used on the following blockout dates: December 27, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and April 17, 2011 through April 23, 2011, at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks and other gated attractions; and July 4, 2011 at Magic Kingdom Park.


Save up to 40% at select Disney Resorts for Members of the U.S. Military

Special savings on select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! Active and retired U.S. military personnel can take up to 40% off when booking travel dates prior to September 28, 2011.

*This offer is valid for stays most nights now through October 1, 2011. Discount is not valid November 24 – November 26, 2010, December 26 – December 31, 2010 or April 17 – April 30, 2011. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Advance reservations required. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in. No group rates or other discounts apply.
Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort will not be valid unless and until activated (no later than October 1, 2011).

A Walt Disney World® Resort offer that's sure to bring the most magical memories.

Book Now! Kids 3-9 stay and play FREE when you purchase a 4-night/4-day Magic Your Way Package!

Disney Rewards® Visa® Credit and Debit Cardmembers, don't miss out on this Walt Disney World® Resort advance booking offer! Purchase a 4-night, 4-day Magic Your Way Vacation Package that includes room and Theme Park tickets, and children age 3-9 can stay and get a 4-day Theme Park admission ticket FREE. Your offer is available for stays most nights February 17-April 16, April 28-June 14, and August 14-October 1, 2011. Hurry and book today before this offer becomes available to the general public!

And when you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel, not only will you be in the middle of the magic, you'll also experience special magic, like:

• Extra time in a Theme Park each day so you can enjoy more rides on select attractions with your family…and more Disney time together! (Valid Theme Park admission required.)
• Complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport AND throughout Walt Disney World® Resort. It makes getting around as hassle free as can be!
• Fun for everyone whether you're splashing down Resort pool slides, watching movies under the stars or hitting the links with complimentary golf club rental (at select Disney Golf Courses).

*The number of packages available is limited. Child must stay in room with adult. Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.

Contact me today for more information! Don't miss this great deal!

Recently I have helped several clients with Grand Gathering Experiences at Walt Disney World. These are exclusive events for parties with 8 or more guests (ages 3 and up). I have listed information on Grand Gathering Experiences so you can see what is available. Take a look!

For more information on booking a Grand Gathering Experience (and to check on availability) please contact me. This is yet another service that I offer my clients for free! :o)

If you are considering a Disney World vacation and start doing research about where to stay and what to do, you may quickly become overwhelmed by all there is to know about Disney. That's where I come in ... As an Disney Vacation Planner I can help you every step of the way to help make the right choices for your family.

Here are a few things to consider when you first start planning --

• Do you know which resort you'd prefer to stay at? Or do you have a preference of the category of resort - Value, Moderate, Deluxe? Each resort is unique and wonderful in it's own way. I can make some suggestions if you'd like.
• Do you know your travel dates? Or the number of nights you'd prefer to stay?
• There are many ticket and dining options. If you are unfamiliar with either of these I can help you decide what is best for your family.
• A budget? Not everyone has a bottomless wallet! If you are on a budget let me know and we can work out something.

The more I know what you are thinking in terms of your vacation, the better I can help you make decisions. But keep in mind I am here to guide you - not to tell you what to do! :o) 

Once we nail down exactly what you are looking for I can place the package on hold for you for 7 days without a deposit. The deposit amount to book a Disney World package is typically $200. Then you can make payments until your final payment is due at 45 days prior to travel.

Ready to get started? Let's go!