Disney Cruise Line Darren Wittko Disney Cruise Line Darren Wittko

Disney Cruise Line Rescheduled Premier of the Disney Treasure

The premier of the Disney Treasure has been moved to September.

Disney Cruise Line is moving the world premiere of “Unlocking the Disney Treasure: Adventure Awaits Onboard Disney’s Newest Ship” to next Tuesday, September 5 at 11 a.m. EDT.

Disney Treasure Premier

Disney Cruise Line will be sharing never-before-released details about the Disney Treasure, and showcasing the world-class dining, immersive family entertainment and unique spaces coming to the sixth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

The Disney Treasure will blend one-of-a-kind offerings with unparalleled hospitality that distinguishes every Disney Cruise Line vacation.


Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package.
— Wendy D. New Brunswick, New Jersey


Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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Disney Cruise Line: Disney Dream Sold Out for Summer, Fall 2022

Now is the time to book summer travel! Summer and fall Disney cruises from Port Canaveral are sold out, or out or nearly sold out. Contact me today for options.

If you have been trying to book a summer 2022 vacation you know how difficult it has been trying to find availability at popular destinations like Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.

Demand for summer travel is soaring right now, I haven’t worked with this many clients, who are actively booking vacations in my entire career.

To this point, all 3 and 4 night Disney Cruise Line sailings from Port Canaveral are now unavailable from from mid-June through December 2022.

3 and 4 night cruises from Port Canaveral on Disney Cruise Line are no longer available.

Recently Disney Cruise Line announced that the Disney Wish was going to be delayed by a few weeks.

Disney Cruise Line availability

Searches for cruises on the Disney Cruise Line website are returning no results from summer and fall 2022 on Port Canaveral sailings.

Now the Disney Wish will begin sailing out of Port Canaveral in mid-July 2022. More details will be announced on February 8, 2022.

This complicated an already busy cruise season as guests on the Disney Wish were given priority to rebook or to receive a Future Cruise Credit.

The future of the Disney Dream is also uncertain. It was scheduled to begin sailing out of the Miami area once the Disney Wish arrived.

Now is the best time to book a summer cruise in order to get the best prices. If you’re a seasoned cruiser you already know this.

Fortunately Royal Caribbean Cruise Line still has availability out of Port Canaveral, Florida. RCCL also offers family-centered cruise vacations, similar to Disney Cruise Line, often for a lot less.

Read more about Royal Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral.

While I’m sure there is a lot of disappointment around this, I’d rather that Disney get it right rather than rush it. I’m sure it will be worth the wait.

But right now is the best time to book your Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas.

My clients enjoy great deals on Royal Caribbean and a generous onboard credit - to be used to almost anything you like while on your cruise.

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.




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Disney Cruise Line Approved to Build Second Cruise Terminal in South Florida

Disney Cruise Line will make Port Everglades a home port, just in time for high speed rail service between Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Disney Cruise Line will base two ships in Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades, with one ship sailing year-round starting in fall 2023 and a second seasonal ship joining in 2025.

Disney Cruise Line Port Everglades

This is a master plan finally coming to fruition: 2 new cruise ships, a second home port in South Florida, a dedicated terminal designed and operated by Disney, and a high speed rail line connecting Orlando to Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

Brightline Train Service to Orlando Map

Brightline train service connecting Miami to Orlando will begin in 2022 stopping Orlando International Airport. A station at Disney Springs as been announced as well.

Brightline Railroad is actively constructing a new rail line that will connect Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, where Port Everglades is located.

There will be two stations in Orlando: Orlando International Airport starting in 2022 and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in the near future.

Passengers will be able to travel between both regions in under 2 hours via the high speed train.

Port Everglades

Port Everglades is a massive sea port open to cruise ships and cargo ships from around the world.

Port Everglades in Florida

Port Everglades is the 3rd largest cruise port in the world.

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Port Everglades is ranked third among cruise ports worldwide and has more homeported cruise ships than any other port.

Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess and Ritz Carlton Yachts also call Port Everglades home.

Disney said that adding Port Everglades as a second Florida homeport gives it a foothold in a market with one of the nation's fastest-growing airports, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Disney has a custom-designed terminal at Port Canaveral, a cruise port that is a gateway to Walt Disney World in Orlando.

The Disney Wish will sail from Port Canaveral when it enters service next summer and the Disney Dream is expected to begin sailing from Port Everglades in 2023.

 

Have questions about cruising in 2022 or 2023? I can help! Contact me to start planning now.

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.




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2022 Disney Cruise Line Adventures to Alaska. The Time to Plan is Now!

The Best Way to See is Alaska is with Disney Cruise Line! Now is the best time to save on 2022 sailings and to be planning your family adventure.

Now is the best time to start planning your summer 2022 vacation with Disney Cruise Line. Cruise fares are lowest when the itinerary is first announced. They will increase as the sail date gets closer. So the time to plan is now!

Contact me today to learn more about cruising Alaska with Disney. Plus when you book with me, you’ll always get the best available rate, plus you’ll enjoy an onboard credit.

Disney Cruise Line in Alaska

Disney Cruise Line - Alaska

Combine dreamy destinations with onboard magic and you have a vacation you can only find on a Disney cruise.

Meet favorite Disney Characters, indulge in imaginative dining and Broadway-caliber entertainment, and take advantage of kids' clubs and adult-exclusive areas.

Disney Cruise Line Alaska

Disney Cruise Line - Alaska

Disney Cruise Line Alaska

Embark on the voyage of a lifetime experiencing Alaska’s breathtaking scenic wilderness and wildlife. Explore “America’s Last Frontier,” wandering historic mining towns, discovering Native American traditions and visiting exciting ports of call. The whole family will enjoy experiencing this destination.

7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Sail from Vancouver—yours to explore before or after your cruise—along the scenic Inside Passage and through the magnificent fjord of Endicott Arm, home to the majestic Dawes Glacier.

Call upon the historic mining and fishing towns of Skagway or Icy Strait Point, before stopping at Juneau and Ketchikan.

Also, enjoy 2 days at sea to take advantage of the many onboard amenities on your Disney cruise ship.

Departs from: Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Sails on: Disney Wonder

Ports of Call: Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada, Skagway, Alaska, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, Ketchikan, Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Prices start at $5,089 for a family of 4 (based on 2 adults, 2 children ages 9 and 2).

There are 17 sailings starting on May 15, 2022. Contact me today for a quote with specific dates and prices.

Excursion Highlights

Join a small group on this once-in-a-lifetime interpretive rainforest walk, beach exploration and whale-watching tour.

Alaska's Whales & Glaciers Photo Safari. Scour the seas in search of whales, glaciers and wildlife with the guidance of a professional photographer guide.

Mush a dog-sled team across a snow-covered glacier after taking an amazing helicopter ride over the Juneau Icefield.

When you book your Disney Cruise with a travel agent, you have one person managing all of your vacation details. Have a question? No need to wait on hold for long periods of time!

You’ll not only get the best available rate on your Disney Cruise, but you’ll enjoy an onboard credit! This credit can be used towards special experiences like spa treatments and upgraded dining opportunities. Request your quote today!

I also have Agency Exclusive Offer available for a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska. See offer now ▸

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.




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Disney Cruise Line to Require All Passengers age 5+ to Be Vaccinated

Disney Cruise Line has updated its COVID-19 Policies. All passengers who are eligible for a vaccine must be fully vaccinated prior to sailing. Plus updates for those who are not vaccine-eligible. Read more…

Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on U.S. eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Disney Dream at Castaway Cay

Disney Dream at Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line will require all Guests ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated for sailings beginning on and after January 13, 2022.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving:

  • a single-dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine

  • the second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine

  • the full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials

  • the second dose of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart)



Disney Dream at Castaway Cay

Disney Dream at Castaway Cay

Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing:

Guests who are not vaccine-eligible, because of age, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date.

Guests ages 5-11 may show a negative COVID-19 test in lieu of being fully vaccinated for sailings that depart before January 13, 2022. The test must be taken prior to sailing taken 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date.

Guests 4 years of age and under must show a negative test prior to sailing taken 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date.

COVID regulations change frequently in the cruise industry. This is why you want to book your cruise with a travel agent who will keep you updated and answer any questions you have.

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.




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Back at Sea! Recap of My Post-COVID Cruise Onboard the Disney Dream

Back at sea with Disney Cruise Line! Join me as I recap my last Disney cruise onboard the Disney Dream.

Recently I had an opportunity to do a Land and Sea adventure between Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. I specialize in helping clients plan Land and Sea vacations here in Orlando, so be sure to contact me for more information!

We began with 2 nights at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, followed by a cruise to the Bahamas onboard the Disney Dream.

Usually I like doing the cruise first because I want to have Walt Disney World to look forward to. There are advantages of doing the cruise afterwards however, like being able to relax after a touring the parks.

What follows here is a recap of my Disney cruise in a post-COVID (or nearly post-COVID) world. Aside from wearing masks indoors and social distancing, there wasn’t too much that was different.

On this trip, my son came along with me. He was not vaccinated at the time because vaccines were not yet available to 11 year olds.

Disney Cruise Line walked me through the process to show proof of vaccination.

My son had to take a COVID test 3-days prior to the cruise and show a negative test. We ordered the home-test kit from Disney for $90 and sent in the sample via overnight mail. Disney provided the overnight shipping label as part of the kit.

I tracked the entire process online, it was very easy.

Upon arriving at Port Canaveral, we all had to take a COVID test before we were even allowed to get out of the car.

We entered Level 1 of the parking garage where we were greeted by a Cast Member. She explained the testing process and directed us to an available station.

We pulled into a parking spot and a medical professional took the time to review the entire test procedure. She was very knowledgeable and made sure we were comfortable with her performing the test.

It was a light nasal swab (not the brain swab) and it took all of 5 seconds.

We were then instructed to park on Level 2 of the garage and to remain in our car. The idea is that if someone were to test positive, they wouldn’t be walking around the garage mingling with other passengers. Disney things of everything!

Results came back within 20 minutes via email. We were then able to proceed to Level 3 in the garage and exit our car. Everyone on that level has tested negative so it was safe to exit our car and head to the cruise terminal building.

Guests who arrive at the port on a Disney Cruise Line bus will follow a similar process.

If someone tests positive, Disney Cruise Line agents will work with you to make other arrangements. You won’t be left stranded at the port!

It was very reassuring to know that everyone else on board the ship tested negative for COVID and were vaccinated. i don’t know of too many places that can ensure that level of protection.

Of course this is a quick look back at our Disney Cruise. There was so much more that I didn’t get into like the Bingo tournaments, our awesome servers, the food (OMG the food!), Edge tween club, the 5K on Castaway and so much more. But I have to leave topics for my next article, so stay tuned.

Have questions about taking a Disney Cruise? Feel free to contact me . As a travel agent specializing in Disney Cruise Line, I’d be happy to help any way I can.

To get started on a quote, fill out my Quote Form. today!

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.




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Disney Cruise Line Earns 2 Gold Badges Thanks to Cast and Crew Members

U.S. News & World Report awarded Disney Cruise Line two Gold Badges, naming Disney the “Best Cruise Line for Families” and the “Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean.”

U.S. News & World Report awarded Disney Cruise Line two Gold Badges, naming Disney the “Best Cruise Line for Families” and the “Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean.”

Disney Cruise Line Funnel

Disney Cruise Line has been honored with these 2 awards for 8 consecutive years.

If you’ve ever been on a Disney Cruise, you know that it’s the Cast and Crew Members that truly make it special.

U.S. News & World Report bases its cruise line rankings on a number of factors including ship quality, reputation among travelers, itinerary offerings and results from health assessments conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A full list of rankings is available at U.S. News & World Report.

For help planning your Disney Cruise, contact me today for answers to your questions. Find special offers here.

Want to make it a Land and Sea vacation including a Disney Cruise and Walt Disney World Resort? Let me know show you how!

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.




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Disney Cruise Line Booking Bonus

This booking bonus offer is a triple win for clients of Magical Vacations Travel! All guests making new Disney Cruise Line reservations during this booking window will receive the following bonuses

This booking bonus offer is a triple win for clients of Magical Vacations Travel!  All guests making new Disney Cruise Line reservations during this booking window will receive:

Book your next Disney Cruise with Darren and you’ll receive 3 Booking Bonuses. Must book before September 26, 2021

Book your next Disney Cruise with Darren and you’ll receive 3 Booking Bonuses. Must book before September 26, 2021

  • A Magical Vacations Travel Cruise Gift Basket custom tailored with items to make your Disney Cruise Line vacation even more memorable!

  • A free onboard credit for your use while onboard! Onboard credit is determined based upon the value of the cruise. Please ask your agent to confirm the amount of this credit.

  • Each reservation booked during this time frame will be entered to win an ADDITIONAL onboard credit of $300! This drawing will be held on September 30th at 5pm Eastern. The winner will be contacted by email once the drawing is completed.

Offer Valid September 5, 2021 – September 26, 2021.

Please select Darren Wittko from the Agent List on the form.

For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.







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