Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail in Australia for the First Time
Disney Cruise Line marked another incredible milestone on Oct. 27 when the Disney Wonder set sail from the shores of Australia for the first time ever.
Disney Cruise Line marked another incredible milestone on Oct. 27 when the Disney Wonder set sail from the shores of Australia for the first time ever, embarking on the inaugural ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ in Australia and New Zealand.
These two- to six-night special sailings continue through February 2024 and allow guests to experience the magic of Disney right in their backyard, with cruises departing from four different home ports: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand.
I’m so excited that Disney Cruise Line will return to Australia and New Zealand in fall of 2024 for a second season of vacations, with departures running from October to February!
On its way back to Australia, the Disney Wonder will first embark on a set of itineraries, sailing from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in late September 2024 with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Hawaii and Oahu.
From Hawaii, families will set sail on a transpacific voyage to Sydney, Australia, that will visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia.
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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Details on the Haunted Mansion Themed Bar on Disney Treasure
First-Ever Haunted Mansion Bar Coming to the Disney Treasure in 2024
The design of the Haunted Mansion Parlor, coming to the Disney Treasure, will resemble a first-class drawing room of a classic cruise liner from the golden age, invoking inspiration from the original Haunted Mansion with a nautical twist.
This will be the first Disney parks themed bar on any Disney Cruise Line ship.
Complete with nostalgic tributes to Haunted Mansion attractions around the world, fans will recognize the iconic wallpaper and the distinctive purple armchair tucked in the corner.
Guests will also encounter a few legendary characters from the original Disney Parks attraction, as well as some new seafaring arrivals, in a portrait gallery depicting the Disney Treasure’s own ghostly residents.
Onboard the Disney Treasure, an exclusive new merchandise collection that will offer an array of haunted homewares and sinister souvenirs!
The Haunted Mansion Parlor Music Box will be a keepsake inspired by an eerie music box that will be found inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor.
As the rumors go, this mysterious box belonged to the captain’s bride-to-be and only opens in the presence of malevolent spirits.
Inspired by the old grandfather clock from the original Disneyland attraction, the Haunted Mansion Parlor clock will evoke the nostalgic allure of the Haunted Mansion.
And, a ghost may even follow you home on your voyage… The Haunted Mansion Parlor Mirror will offer a frightening surprise when the hitchhiking ghosts mysteriously appear in the frame.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor will offer a selection of ghostly cocktails that capture the spirit of the famed theme park attraction.
One drink blends blood orange and sour cherry flavors in a shimmering zero proof cocktail served in a specialty mug aptly titled, Sympathetic Libations.
The Ghoulish Delight, which has hints of sweetness and nuttiness, combines decadent ube fudge, oat milk and tapioca pearls in a purple concoction garnished with a gummy eyeball and ube glitter.
There is also a spooky twist on a classic margarita, presented to guests amidst a swirl of flavored smoke. The signature tequila-based cocktail is topped with a lemon salt foam and contains a secret message that is only revealed by black light.
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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The Best Rooms at Disney's Pop Century Resort
Where are the best rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort? It’s all right here (with maps).
Disney's Pop Century Resort is a great place to stay for families and couples who are looking for a fun and affordable Disney vacation. But Pop Century is a large Resort with close to 3,000 rooms spread over 175 acres. Booking the right room here should be an important part of your vacation planning process. So, where are the best rooms at Pop Century? Let’s get started.
Typical 2 Queen room at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney's Pop Century Resort is a value-priced hotel located in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It is themed to the pop culture of the 1950s through the 1990s, with each building decorated to represent a different decade.
The resort was originally going to open in December 2001, though the opening was delayed until December 14, 2003, due to the tourism crash that followed the events on 9/11.
Only half of the resort opened while the other half sat abandoned for years - eventually becoming Disney’s Art of Animation Resort in 2012.
Watch the video on Best Rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Pop Century Resort is also on the Disney Skyliner Transportation System, a terrific perk. This overhead gondola system flies guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
It’s on the southern spur of the network so you’ll need to change gondolas at the Caribbean Beach station depending on which theme park you want to visit.
There could be long lines to board the Skyliner during peak times, and then more long lines when you need to transfer gondolas but they do move quickly.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the Skyliner hub, so if you stay at this resort, you won’t have to transfer gondolas. But it does cost more than Pop Century.
The feature pool, known as the Hippy Dippy Pool, is located directly behind the lobby and food court, known as Classic Hall.
Guide to Pop Century Rooms
Pop Century is made up of 10, 4-story buildings. Rooms are about 260 square feet. How does this compare to other Disney hotels?
Well, Moderate Resort hotel rooms are about 315 square feet and Deluxe Resort hotel rooms are about 380 square feet. So yeah, they are a little small.
The vast majority of rooms come with 2 queen size beds… sort of.
One of the beds is a Murphy Bed (or “Table Bed’) that also doubles as a table.
This is a genius move on Disney’s part because, with one of the beds out of the way, your 260-square-foot room suddenly feels much larger.
Pop Century Standard Room Floorplan
There are some rooms that have king beds - these rooms can sleep up to 2 adults plus 1 child up to age 3 in a crib.
Does Pop Century have elevators? Yes, there are elevators at Pop Century so if you have strollers you’ll be able to access each floor with ease.
However, if you have a scooter I would recommend that you make a request for a ground-floor room - it’s just a lot easier.
Rooms are accessed via exterior hallways. Rooms have central Heat and air conditioning.
I have a room tour video on Pop Century rooms that I’ll link to in the description below.
How does Pop Century Compare to other Disney Value Resorts?
Well, it’s nearly identical in layout and size to Disney’s All Stars Resort, also in the Value category but Pop is more centrally located on Walt Disney World property.
All Stars tends to cater to youth groups and while Pop Century is sometimes used for this too, it’s not as common.
Having the added benefit of being on Skyliner, Pop Century tends to cost slightly more per night than Disney’s All Stars Resort.
If it’s within your budget, I would recommend Pop Century over All-Stars.
Art of Animation is Pop Century’s sister hotel, they even share the same Skyliner station.
But Art of Animation is primarily a family suite resort. But that’s a different show.
Art of Animation has a limited number of standard rooms and I would consider them to be the flagship value rooms of Walt Disney World.
They have a Little Mermaid theme and they are larger by nearly 20 sq feet. They also cost more.
There are 2 additional pools at this resort located in the 1950s sections and in the 1990s section that are more convenient to the outermost buildings at the resort.
There are 10 buildings at Pop Century, divided into 5 sections named after decades from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Pop Century Room Categories
Standard Rooms are the most economical room category within Pop Century and can be furthest away from the feature pool and amenities, but not necessarily.
Views won’t be too impressive - likely landscaping, a service area, or a parking lot.
Standard rooms are found throughout the entire resort, in every section.
Where you’ll find Standard Rooms
I wouldn’t put a lot of emphasis on view at a value resort. These resorts are so big, it’s better to book your room by location.
Standard Pool View are run-of-the-house rooms close to one of the resort pools - but probably not the feature pool.
Most people select this room category not because of the view but because they are guaranteed to be close to one of the pools.
Where you’ll find Standard Pool View Rooms
You’ll find Standard Pool View rooms in buildings 1, 2, 3, 7, and 9.
Buildings 1 and 3 are more desirable because they are a little closer to Classic Hall and Skyliner.
But Buildings 7 and 9 are a little closer to the bus stop where you can catch the bus to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
Preferred Rooms are guaranteed to be centrally located within the resort.
These rooms will be close to the lobby known as Classic Hall, the Disney Skyliner station, the bus stop, and dining.
It's worth noting that these rooms cost only slightly more per night than a Standard Room and are well worth the extra cost.
Many times the cost is only $20 more per night but it makes a big difference.
You’ll have a lot less walking to do. Preferred Rooms at Pop Century are all about location.
Where you’ll find Preferred Rooms
Preferred Rooms are located in Buildings 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10.
These are the most popular rooms at Pop Century and tend to book up before other categories, even though they cost more.
Preferred Pool View rooms located in Buildings 4 and 5 are centrally located within the resort and guaranteed to be near the Hippy Dippy Feature Pool.
I recommend requesting a higher floor so you can actually see the pool from above and for some added privacy.
Where you’ll find Preferred Pool View Rooms
Pop Century Sections (Decades)
The 1950’s (Buildings 1, 2, 3) have their own neighborhood pool.
There’s a mix of Standard and Preferred rooms here.
Buildings 1 and 3 are close to Classic Hall, somewhat close to Skyliner, but far from the bus stop.
The 1960s and the 1970s (Buildings 4, 5, 6, and 10) are the most requested sections at Pop Century.
They are all close to Classic Hall and Skyliner Station.
This section houses Standard, Standard Pool, Preferred, and Preferred Pool View rooms.
Buildings 7 and 9 make up the 1980s section. You’ll find mostly Standard and Standard Pool View rooms.
While some rooms in this section can be far from Classic Hall, they have their own pool and they are close to the bus stop.
The 1990s has just one building - Building 8. This is the furthest away from Classic Hall, Skyliner, but somewhat close to the bus stop.
But everything else will be a hike.
Rooms on the east side of the building tend to have noise issues with nearby Osceola Parkway, just on the other side of the trees.
If you book your room through a travel wholesaler like Priceline, odds are your room will be in the 90s.
Remember that Preferred Rooms are only slightly more than Standard Rooms most of the time, so I would begin my search with a Preferred Room at Pop Century.
Preferred Pool View rooms are closer to the pool, yes, but they can also be noisy. They are also the priciest room category at this hotel.
Best Locations at Pop Century
There’s no doubt that the 1960s are the most convenient.
But these rooms are in high-traffic areas with people walking by to get to the pool and Skyliner.
I recommend a higher floor because you’ll have more privacy and better views.
Rooms Close to Skyliner
If you prefer to be close to Disney Skyliner, I recommend booking a Preferred Room and requesting buildings 4 and 5.
Many of these rooms have good views of the Hour Glass Lake and the Skyliner gondolas.
Rooms with a view
The best views at Pop Century will be the Standard Room and Preferred rooms that overlook Hourglass Lake and Skyliner. Buildings 3, 4, 5, and 6 all have rooms that overlook the lake.
Remember that at Disney World Value Hotels, Preferred rooms are more about location, than view.
Standard Rooms in the 1960s tend to have better views, while Preferred are more convenient.
Why is it better to book a Preferred room versus a Standard Room? Well, even though many buildings contain both Preferred and Standard, a Preferred Room is guaranteed to be in a convenient location.
Room requests are not guaranteed so you could end up with a standard room in the 1990s even if you have made a request for the 1960s.
If you prefer not to roll the dice, book a Preferred Room.
I help my clients with room requests all the time so feel free to contact me for your next Disney World vacation. Together we can come up with the perfect room request.
Room requests have a better chance of being honored if you make them within the category you booked.
For example, if you booked a Standard Room and made a request to be near Skyliner, your request would have very little chance of being honored.
Preferred Rooms are located close to Skyliner and they cost more. So essentially you’d be asking for a free upgrade and that is unlikely to happen.
Keep in mind that room requests cannot be guaranteed but Disney tries hard to honor them.
My Recommended Rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
For Standard Rooms I like Building 3, especially Room 3435. It has terrific views of the lake and Skyliner and it’s nice and quiet.
For PReferred Rooms, Room 4436 in Building 4 has a view of trees and a partial view of Building 5.
I also like room 6112 in building 6. It’s a ground-floor room just steps away from the classic hall
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 Skyliner to Close for Maintenance in January 2024
See when Disney Skyliner will close and reopen in January 2024.
The Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World Resort will be closed for routine maintenance in January 2024.
Disney Skyliner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Jan. 16-21, 2024
The line between Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed.
The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed.
Jan. 16-27, 2024
The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and International Gateway at EPCOT will be closed.
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’s Blizzard Beach Will Reopen Next Month
Blizzard Beach is opening just in time for the coolest time of year in Orlando.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen on Nov. 6 – just in time for the coolest weather we have in Orlando.
The water parks are often closed from November - January due to low temperatures
But assuming we have decent weather in Orlando, it will be great to have Blizzard Beach back.
Blizzard Beach reopened after COVID but then closed shortly after. It then reopened briefly only to close once again - and it remained closed for several months.
Disney never officially listed Blizzard Beach as under refurbishment and there was little news about why the park was actually closed.
Workers could be seen inside the park and a massive crane was onsite for several weeks.
A new Disney World Water Park pass is available and allows guests to visit Disney Water Parks again and again now through May 24, 2024 for just $79 plus tax.
The seasonal pass has no block out dates and no reservations are required. Plus, guests will receive free parking while at the water parks.
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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The Ganachery: A Disney Springs Must-Do for Chocolate Lovers
Chocolate fans are in for a treat at The Ganachery at Disney Springs.
Chocolate fans are in for a treat at The Ganachery, a one-of-a-kind chocolate shop, at Disney Springs. Located in The Landing, this charming jewel-box shop is reminiscent of an apothecary in another era.
The Ganachery features 16 different kinds of handcrafted ganache (a rich mixture of chocolate and cream) infused with exotic spices and flavors from around the world.
These chocolates fall into four flavor profiles: spices, such as chipotle and cinnamon, classic, such as coffee and caramel; trendy, such as Egyptian sea salt and matcha yuzu; and floral/fruit, such as mint and raspberry.
Plus, nine varieties of custom-made chocolate bars (not made in-house) celebrate Disney’s iconic destinations and the “Fab Five” (Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck).
Individual Pieces
$3.00
Box of Six
$16.00
Box of Nine
$22.00
Box of Sixteen
$38.00
Pops
Minnie Ganache Pop- milk chocolate ganache enrobed in milk chocolate
$6.50
Mickey Ganache Pop - dark chocolate strawberry ganache enrobed in dark chocolate
$6.50
Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop - solid milk chocolate with crisp pearls
$7.00
Ahsoka Ganache Pop - (Seasonal) plant-based coconut and blueberry swirled ganache enrobed in dark chocolate
$7.50
Milk Chocolate Marshmallows - house-made vanilla bean marshmallows enrobed in milk chocolate
$8.50
Toffee Crunch - house-made buttery toffee enrobed in dark chocolate, toasted pecans, and sea salt
$11.00
Chocolate Pinatas (Seasonal) Chocolate shell filled with treats
$28.00
Made-To-Order Artisan S’mores
$8.50
Ganache Square Flavors
Orange
Caramel Fleur de Sel
Coffee
Chipotle
Cinnamon
Egyptian Sea Salt
Gianduja Italian Hazelnut
Coconut (plant-based)
Raspberry
Passion Fruit
Milk Chocolate
Celebration
Dark Chocolate 65%
Peanut Butter
Mint
Pistachio
Epcot: Spaceship Earth Secrets and Fun Facts
Over the years Spaceship Earth at Epcot has received a few updates to keep it relevant - such as the car and garage scene. Have you ever wondered how the set pieces were brought up to the top of the ball?
Spaceship Earth is one of the last remaining opening-day attractions at Epcot in Walt Disney World. It’s a complex ride system with powerful Disney storytelling. In this article/video, I’ll share some of my favorite secrets and fun facts about Spaceship Earth.
Spaceship Earth is not just fun, it’s also very smart.
In the late 1970’s, Disney frequently held intellectual symposiums with several museums and universities to ensure that the scenes were historically accurate, in both what you see and what you hear.
Spaceship Earth takes us through a journey of human communication, of course. But did you ever notice the mural on the right-hand side just before the entrance?
This is my favorite mural in any Disney park.
Study it closely and you’ll discover that it depicts two different aspects of communication: the development of communication over time (from caveman to future man), and communication over distance (from Earth to space.)
Once on the ride, the first scene we see is the cavemen battling a mammoth.
While it may look as though they are hunters attempting to catch their dinner, there’s actually a story here and we learn about them in the next scene.
From the story being depicted on the cave wall and from the story being told, we learn that the mammoth arrived and became a threat.
People in the tribe worked together to scare him off. And with teamwork, they no longer felt alone.
The late Disney Historian Jim Korkis has some great research on this.
The Roman Empire scene is another iconic moment of Spaceship Earth.
The infamous burning charcoal scent has become a cult classic at Disney World.
You can even buy candles with that same scent, which to me smells like smoked paprika.
As we pass by the Fall of Rome scene the scent is coming from your right.
It blows across the ride vehicles and then gets sucked into an exhaust fan so it doesn’t fill up the building.
And while most people are looking left at the burning embers of what used to be Rome, I recommend you look to your right.
You’ll see a wall with graffiti.
This is a copy of actual graffiti found in Pompeii.
Over the years Spaceship Earth has received a few updates to keep it relevant - such as the car and garage scene.
Have you ever wondered how the set pieces were brought up to the top of the ball? Well right behind the Jewish-Islam scene, there’s an elevator.
The back wall slides open from right to left revealing a massive freight elevator.
Jewish and Islamic scholars often met with each other in the 10th century to trade research on astronomy, so we also see a gentleman using Quadrant, a precursor to the sexton.
The sleeping monk scene is not only funny but another classic moment.
Guests with a keen eye for detail (or a good zoom lens) may notice the Bible on the far right side of this scene.
It contains the names of Disney Imagineers, Walt Disney, and even a hidden Mickey on the bottom.
And behind the sleeping Monk is an access point to the outer ball. Spaceship Earth is really two separate systems - the inner ball, which is the ride, and the outer ball which is the silver exterior Alucobond panels.
There is about 2 ft of space separating the two with a network of catwalks running in between them. This is how the exterior lights were installed.
One of the most beautiful vignettes in Spaceship Earth is the Sistine ceiling scene. Michael Angelo is up there painting it, but in real life, it was set on its side and hand-painted by a Disney Imagineer.
Audio Animatronic figures are expensive so it’s not uncommon for Disney to duplicate certain characters across Walt Disney World.
For example, in the Rome scene, the Centurian is US President Zachary Taylor from the Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom.
How about Gutenberg as James Buchanan of the Hall of Presidents and yeah, that’s Andrew Jackson operating the press.
As with many Disney dark ride attractions, the ride track is lined with Intrusion mats. If someone were to hop out of their ride vehicle, they would step on the mat, which would in turn stop the ride immediately.
It’s amazing all of the things Disney has to consider when building a ride.
Spaceship Earth’s ride track is made up of hollow steel tubes that are filled with a non-toxic gas.
Sensors monitor the pressure in the tubes. A Loss of pressure would indicate that a piece of track is broken. The ride will stop to prevent disaster.
Spaceship has many historic artifacts on display. In the telegraph scene, those are actual log books from the 1890s on the desk in the background.
And the operatorswitch board is authentic - it’s from 1898 and was supplied to Disney by AT&T, one of the original sponsors of the attraction.
Want to watch the video? Check out my YouTube Channel here.
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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Mysterious Trailers Arrive at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Dozens of trailers have arrived at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. It’s unclear as to what they are going there or if it’s related to the construction taking place.
Dozens of trailers have arrived at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. It’s unclear as to what they are doing there or if they have anything to do with the construction taking place.
We observed trucks backing up to the trailers and hauling them away. Others arrived with trailers, parked them in the lot, then drove off.
Cast Members at Winter Summerland said the trailers began arriving in the lot about 2 weeks ago.
Blizzard Beach, one of two Disney World water parks has been closed since March of 2023. Disney has not provided many details on why the water park has been closed but large cranes have been spotted as well as a numerous work vehicles.
The Walt Disney World website does not list a reopening date for Blizzard Beach, other than it is “closed.” However, the Disney Parks website hints that it might reopen in late November.
“Currently, Typhoon Lagoon is the only water park open and there haven't been any announcements so far indicating when Blizzard Beach will open for the season. Last year, it reopened after refurbishment in November, so that could be an indication of a general time we can hope for it to open this year.”
Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World
Disney recently closed the parking lot to Winter-SummerLand Minature Golf Course and is instructing guests to park in the Blizzard Beach lot.
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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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Parking and Memory Maker Now Cost More at Walt Disney World
Price Hike: Parking fees and Memory Maker have gone up in price at Walt Disney World.
Starting today it will cost you more to park your vehicle at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Plus the cost of Memory Maker (PhotoPass) has increased today as well.
New Disney World Parking Fees 2023
New Walt Disney World Parking Fees
Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $30 per day
Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45, $50 or $55 per day*
Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer - $30 per day
Standard theme park parking is free for guests staying at Disney World hotels and select Annual Passholders.
These guests can also choose to enjoy preferred parking by paying the difference in cost between their included standard parking and preferred parking (the difference is currently $20 to $25 per day).
Memory Maker Price Increase
The pre-arrival price of Memory Maker has increased from $169 to $185. This is the first price-increase in several years.
If you purhcase Memory Maker within 3 days of check in, or during your vacation, the cost is $210, up from $199.
Disney PhotoPass Service (aka Memory Maker) provides access to professional phtoographers around Walt Disney World. It also includes on-ride videos on select attractions.
With Memory Maker, you can download and share all your photos and videos, plus those of select Friends & Family linked to your My Disney Experience profile.
Memory Maker includes:
Photos taken at more than 100 locations:
Iconic spots at all 4 parks
Select character meet-and-greet locations
Select attractions
Portrait studios
Over 75 unique Magic Shots, including Super Zoom and Tiny World Magic Shots
Capture Your Moment or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experiences (sessions booked and sold separately)
Access to create, download, and save your Disney PhotoPass video memories
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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Easy Guide to Memory Maker and PhotoPass at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World photo packages explained
Walt Disney World offers a myriad of photo products to help capture your memories while on vacation. In this guide, I’ll explain the difference between Disney Memory Maker and PhotoPass plus share the different options that are available such as Capture Your Moment sessions and Magic Shots.
What is the difference between PhotoPass and Memory Maker? Great question!
PhotoPass refers to all photo and video-related products and services offered throughout Walt Disney World.
Memory Maker is the product you purchase that allows you to download your photos and videos.
Memory Maker at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World PhotoPass
You’ll find Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. At select attractions and iconic park locations, Disney’s professional photographers are on hand to capture your unforgettable vacation moments with one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Minutes later, your pictures are ready to view in your gallery—online or on the My Disney Experience app.
To enjoy the value and convenience of downloading all your vacation photos for one price, purchase Memory Maker.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Walt Disney World Memory Maker
Enjoy all the Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from your vacation—plus special extras—for one price.
How much is Memory Maker?
Currently, the advance purchase price is $185. You can purchase Memory Maker for $210 once you arrive at Walt Disney World.
If you would like to include Memory Maker as part of your vacation package, let me know so you can get the advance purchase price.
Memory Maker Tip: If you’re traveling with friends or family who have their own reservations, you can both share one Memory Maker account. Just link your Disney accounts together using the Family and Friends tool.
Memory Maker includes unique photos taken at iconic park locations (like in front of Cinderella Castle), Magic Shots and attraction photos.
Magic Shots – A Disney World PhotoPass Exclusive
Tiny World Magic Shots - Take photos to a new dimension with this 360-degree capture experience. You can find this right in front of Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
Super Zoom Magic Shots - A burst of photos comes together as a dynamic video of you and your family in iconic locations. My favorite location is at Magic Kingdom - go to the end of Main Street USA, to the hub in front of the Castle. Turn right, heading towards Tomorrowland, and look for the photographer.
Classic & Animated Magic Shots - Enhance your photos with whimsical effects to create a magical memento.
Classic and Animated Magic Shots
Walt Disney World Capture your Moment Photo Sessions
This personalized 20-minute private photo session was so popular at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom, that Capture Your Moment is now offered at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Disney’s Capture Your Moment is a great way to remember your:
Engagement
Honeymoon
Anniversary
Child’s Birth or Adoption
Birthday
First Walt Disney World Visit
Family Reunion
Family Portraits
Graduation
And more!
See more on Disney World’s Capture Your Moment professional photography sessions in my guide here.
Disney World Memory Maker One Day
Memory Maker One Day is available for $69 in the My Disney Experience mobile app once you’ve linked at least one Disney PhotoPass photo to your account from the day to which you plan to apply the entitlement.
You’ll also find Memory Maker One Day at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows and Disney PhotoPass Centers.
Trying to decide between Memory Maker and Memory Maker One Day?
Memory Maker is a good option if you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort for three or more days. If you’ll be visiting for one or two days (or only attending a special event such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party), purchasing Memory Maker One Day for each day of your visit is the better option for you.
Memory Maker One Day costs $69 per day.
Related to Memory Maker
Guide to Capture Your Moment Photo Package
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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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How to Save Money on Flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Tips for finding cheap flights into Orlando International Airport, best days to fly, and more.
Looking to save money on flights to Orlando? In this guide, I’ll show you how to search for and book the best airfare deals to MCO.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the tenth busiest airport in America with 60 over carriers and it’s the 30th busiest airport in the world.
Two airlines in particular, jetBlue and Southwest have made MCO a mini-hub and both have some of the best fares in and out of Orlando International Airport.
Orlando is a mini-hub for jetBlue and Southwest. Fierce competition often means fare sales.
Tips for finding cheap airfare
No matter which airline you choose to fly, spend a little time doing some research and check back frequently. Airfare to and from Orlando has been on the rise for the past 5 years but you can still find some cheap seats on your flight to MCO by taking a few simple steps.
Orlando International Airport
How to search the web for airfare deals
About 95% of bookings are made online, according to FareCompare.com. Start with the airlines’ official website because it will have more flight options at similar fares.
Also, try websites that allow you to compare deals from multiple airlines. My favorite is Google Flights but also try Airfarewatchdog and FareCompare.
Cheapest days to fly to Orlando
In most cases the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Monday and Friday are usually the most expensive.
If you can, be flexible with your travel dates, try to shift your dates around by a day or two.
Just confirm that there is availability at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel before getting locked into to a non-refundable flight.
Split up large groups
Many people flying into Orlando International Airport are traveling as a family.
Try breaking up your family into smaller groups when shopping around.
For example, if there are only 2 cheap seats left on a flight and your search is for 4 seats, the website will give everyone the higher fare.
Try searching for one seat first, then add other members of your family to see what happens to the fares.
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Orlando International Airport
The best day of the week to book a flight
Fare sales can appear anytime but I recommend signing up for fare alerts with the airlines you are shopping.
You can sign up for fare alerts on the airline’s website and customize your alert for the exact route you want to fly.
Some travel websites offer fare alerts as well.
The best time to shop for airfare is Tuesday afternoon, this has been the industry standard for the past several years.
Wednesday morning is also a good time to shop for Orlando flights.
Use Google Flights to shop for cheap flights
Use Google Flights to find the cheapest fares to/from Orlando! Google Flights searches most airlines using the power of Google.
Some airlines allow you to book a flight right through Google, others will require you to book directly on their website but it's a convenient way to search multiple airlines at once.
Check for a lower price even after you book your flight
After you book your air travel, check back to see if fares have dropped for your flight.
Jetblue will issue you a credit towards a future flight on the difference. Other airlines might have similar programs.
If you see that the cost of airfare has dropped since you booked, give the airline a call.
If your airline doesn’t offer any price protection, try calling your credit card company. Some offer travel perks which might include price guarantees.
Even more ways to save money on flights
What about airline credit cards for frequent flyer miles?
jetBlue, Southwest, and British Airways have some of the best credit card programs available.
You can read more my article, Tips for Earning Frequent Flier Miles to Orlando International Airport.
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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Tags: Orlando airfare deals, cheap flights to Orlando, cheap flights, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando
Kids Save 50% at Walt Disney World Resort Offer
Kids Save 50 percent on tickets and dining March through June.
Kids Play and Dine for 50% offer discount will be a great opportunity for families to save money on their Walt Disney World vacation.
Kids ages 3 through 9 save 50% on theme park tickets and Disney dining plans when a 4-night, 4-day Disney World vacation package is purchased.
A Disney World package includes a Disney hotel, and theme park tickets.
This package must include a Disney World Resort hotel for at least 4 nights with a minimum of 4-day theme park tickets and a Disney dining plan.
Travel dates: Most nights March 3 through June 30, 2024
Booking date: November 14, 2023
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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6 New Gingerbread Displays Coming to Disney World Hotels
There will be a record-setting 6 gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World this year. Here’s where you can find them.
Gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
This year, guests can once more enjoy these stunning works of art in six Disney Resort Hotels, including a new display at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Look for displays – no doubt, with a few new surprises – at these locations.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
I plan to visit each resort during the holidays so stay tuned for more details.
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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Guide to Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas
Planning a vacation on the largest cruise ship in the world can feel overwhelming. Here are the basics to get you started.
The largest cruise ship in the world
Carrying an impressive 7,084 passengers plus 2,204 crew at any given time, there can be as many as 9,288 people onboard Wonder of the Seas.
Her 24 glass elevators whisk guests up and down her 16 decks. She rivals your local shopping mall in size and style.
To move a ship of this size, there are four engines, producing 7,500 horsepower each.
You can easily get overwhelmed when planning your cruise vacation, not just with things to do onboard the ship, but the itinerary and port adventures. In this guide, I’ll give you just the basics to get you started. For more expert advice, contact me to for a quote and answers to all your questions.
How is Wonder of the Seas different?
Wonder of the Seas is the 5th Oasis Class ship but unlike her sisters, she features a Suite Neighborhood with a Suite Lounge.
The ship also has a new dining option: Mason Jar Southern Restaurant and Bar, as well as a new underwater-themed play area, called Wonder Playscape.
This area has slides, climbing walls, games, and interactive activities for families to enjoy.
Wonder Dunes, Royal Caribbean’s signature mini-golf course, has been added to the ship with a new look and features.
The totally redesigned Caribbean Pool Deck includes the new, cantilevered Vue Bar, a newly designed Splashaway Bay kids aqua park, and the adults-only Solarium is completely enclosed.
Things to do on Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas still features a FlowRider surf simulator, the Ultimate Abyss slide, a ten-story-high zip line, and twin rock climbing walls.
The biggest ship in the world is bringing the boldest bites at sea, with new dining concepts and a wide array of returning favorites.
Dining on Wonder of the Seas
Mason Jar | Wonder of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas offers all kinds of great cruise dining options for any craving or occasion, including Royal Caribbean favorites like Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, and El Loco Fresh.
That’s in addition to a brand new option, Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar.
Family time onboard
Make the most of every moment at sea, with more to see, do, play and conquer. Like the all-new Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed world with endless opportunities for kids to explore.
Wonder Dunes, where you can tee up under the stars for an immersive, story-based mini-golf experience like nothing you've played before.
The fleet-favorite FlowRider surf simulator. And the twisting, turning, fun-drenched thrills of The Perfect Storm waterslide trio.
Wonder of the Seas Staterooms
Relax, unwind and make yourself at home after a full day of adventure.
From deluxe amenities to breathtaking views, you'll find all the creature comforts you'd expect during your vacation – and some you probably haven't even thought of — in a range of rooms to suit your travel style.
Inside staterooms
The most economical staterooms onboard. Categories include either no view at all or rooms that have windows overlooking interior parts of the ship such as Royal Promenade or the Boardwalk.
Ocean View staterooms
These economical staterooms have window views of the ocean.
Ocean View Balcony staterooms
The most desirable stateroom category on Wonder of the Seas. There are more balcony staterooms than in any other category. Rooms have a sliding door that opens to a balcony with ocean views.
Interior View Balcony staterooms
Inside staterooms have an outside balcony overlooking the Boardwalk or Central Park neighborhoods. These rooms are not intended to have views of the ocean but some Boardwalk staterooms might have a partial, obstructed view of the water from the back of the ship.
Virtual Balcony staterooms
A Virtual Balcony is an 80-inch high-definition screen that spans nearly floor to ceiling. It has real-time views of the ocean and the ship’s destinations.
Suites
There are a number of 1 and 2-bedroom suites ranging from Junior Suites to Aqua Theather Suites, Owner’s Suites, and Loft Suites. Most sites on Wonder of the Seas include access to the Suite Neighborhood, an exclusive area onboard just for suite guests.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
“Darren, we had a blast on our cruise! We’re officially cruisers now, you were right! Thanks for your help and being so patient with us. You’re the best! ”
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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