Even More Disney Characters Returning to Walt Disney World in 2022

Yes, I want to work with Darren!

Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean are Here!

Magical Vacations Travel now has Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line!

Magical Vacations Travel now has Agency Exclusive Offers with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line! Here is your chance to save big on some of the most popular itineraries RCCL has to offer.

Royal Caribbean Agency Exclusive Offers poster — Agency Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel - Darren Wittko

These offers will sell out - early booking is highly recommended. Contact me now to learn more!

Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at Coco Cay — Royal Caribbean’s own private island in the Caribbean - Coco Cay

7 night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at Coco Cay

March 27, 2022 | Harmony of the Seas

From: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

Ports of Call: Orlando (Port Canaveral), FL, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida.

Book by December 26, 2021

Learn more ▸

RCCL Radiance of the Seas in Alaska — Radiance of the Seas in Alaska

denali-national-park — Denali National Park

10 night Alaska Interior Express plus Cruisetour

June 7, 2022 | Radiance of the Seas

Leaving from Seward, Alaska

Returning: Vancouver, British Columbia

Cruisetour: Fairbanks | Denali National Park

Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska, Hubbard Glacier (Cruising), Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Haines, Alaska, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, Ketchikan, Alaska, Inside Passage (Cruising), Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia

Book by March 12, 2022

Learn more ▸

Disney Cruise Line is also sailing to Alaska. Read more here.

Oasis of the Seas Royal Caribbean — Oasis of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

7 night Perfect Day Bahamas Cruise

June 24, 2022 | Oasis of the Seas

Leaving from Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Ports of Call: Cape Liberty, New Jersey, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas, | Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Book by March 26, 2022

Learn more ▸

For more information about sailing on Royal Caribbean, including special offers and onboard credits, visit my Royal Caribbean Cruise Page here.

Search

Guides

Learn more about Alaska Cruises

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

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.

Yes, send me a Quote for Alaska!

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 ▸

Search

Guides

Where Can I See Santa at Disney World and Universal Orlando?

Where you’ll spot Santa at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World

Santa loves theme parks! In fact, he visits Orlando every chance he gets, even during the busy holiday season.

Here’s a quick list of where you can find Santa Clause at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom - Santa appears during the Very Merriest After Hours event as part of the holiday parade. This is a seperate ticketed event.

Epcot - You can say hi to Santa at the American Adventure. Also, the storytellers have returned to World Showcase. Father Christmas will be at the United Kingdom pavilion. In Norway, you can hear the humerus story of Sigrid and the tricky Barn Santa. In France, Père Noël, will be reading the letter of a child and their holidays wishes.

Hollywood Studios - Santa will be in the Merry MotorCars parade waving to guests.

Animal Kingdom - Santa will pass by on a special float along Discovery River.

Disney Springs - To see Santa, you’ll need to sign up through the virtual queue. When you arrive at Once Upon a Toy at Disney Springs, check for a sign with a QR code.

Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Florida - Santa can be found in Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s each evening.

Seuss Landing - Enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, plus meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity at All The Books You Can Read Bookstore.

Search

Guides

Cyber Week: Royal Caribbean's Biggest Sale Yet!

It's finally here — Royal Caribbean’s boldest sale of the year, Cyber Week! And with over 270 destinations to choose from, you have a world of possibilities with up to $550 instant savings.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is about to release its boldest sale of the year, Cyber Week!

And with over 270 destinations to choose from, you have a world of possibilities with up to $550 instant savings.

BOLD SAVINGS
Up to $550 off sailings beginning December 23, 2021.

BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Save 30% off every guest.

CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE
Cancel up to 48 hours before sailing and get a Future Cruise Credit, plus Royal Caribbean’s Best Price Guarantee.

BEST PRICE GUARANTEE
Spot a better price on a booked cruise up to 48 hours before you sail, and Royal Caribbean will match it.

Crown and Anchor members can secure an exclusive
preview starting November 23, 2021.

Cyber Week runs from November 24 — 30, 2021!

Learn more

Search

Guides

Yes, Help Me Plan My Disney Cruise

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 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)

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.

Search

Guides

Yes, I want to Work with Darren

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.

We departed Port Canaveral in late afternoon. For the first few hours, we sailed with Royal Caribbean before parting ways.

I love when people come outside of the area restaurants to watch the Disney Dream pass through the channel. It’s a sight to see! She’s a beautiful ship. The ship’s horn plays short Disney melodies like “When you Wish Upon a Star.” It’s loud enough to wake the dead, but I think the locals probably enjoy hearing it again.

I’m a huge Disney fan, but one of my favorite things about Disney Cruise Line is that the ships are modeled after the ocean liners from the golden age of ship travel. A lot people say it feels like being on…well, I don’t want to say the name of the ship, but you know the one I’m talking about. Yes, it feels like being on that.

So, it’s not in-your-face Disney, though, there are plenty of Disney-themed activities onboard.

Our cruise was in October so the ship was decorated for Halloween on the High Seas. Some of the activities were scaled back to avoid large crowds from gathering.

October is a great time to cruise and cruise fares are a lot less compared to those in summer.

There are subtle reminders that you’re on a Disney ship, if you know where to look.

After the first day, you learn your way around the ship. The hallways are endless - the Disney Dream is massive ship.

Fun fact: the carpet in the hallways help tell guests and crew where they are, and where they are going. For example, if the map is facing you, you’re walking toward the front of the ship (forward). If the map is upside down, you’re walking towards the stern. See the signal flags? They signal flags spell out the name of the ship!

The top deck can retract to reveal two pools. This is a multipurpose area that is quickly transformed for swimming, sun bathing, dance parties, live performances and movies.

Aqua Duck water coaster is one of the highlights of the cruise. There were so few passengers on board, there was no wait to ride it. I think our record was 9 times in a row.

I love the promenade deck on the Disney Dream. It’s a great place to take a morning run or go for a walk during sunset. This was taken at sunrise over the Caribbean.

The family-friendly parties at night are not to be missed. This was Halloween on the High Seas party, led my Mickey and pals. Guests of all ages were encouraged to come in costume.

Pro Tip: If you’re an early riser, walk to the front of the ship with a hot coffee and watch the Disney Dream arrive at Castaway Cay. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful sunrise.

Castaway Cay coming into view.

The Dream backs in at Castaway. The captain maneuvers the ship like he’s backing into a parking space at the grocery store! Impressive!

After breakfast we were off to Castaway Cay for snorkeling and a bike ride.

On our bike ride around Castaway Cay, we were able to appreciate the natural beauty of the island. I wonder if there’s buried treasure here?

There are Disney characters and princesses throughout the ship. If you’re into meeting Disney characters, there’s no better place than a Disney Cruise. You won’t find long lines like in the theme parks and you get to spend more time with them.

Here we met Ariel. There were no other guests around so she pulled us over and chatted with us for about 5 minutes, in character of course. We were actually late for dinner, but how often do you get to talk one-on-one with a Disney Princess? My son got incredibly shy around her, it was awesome!

The Disney Dream travels through the night and arrives back at Port Canaveral before sunrise. When most people wake up, the ship is already back in Port Canaveral.

It was great to be back at sea. The cast and crew were so thankful to have us onboard and they went out of their way to ensure we were safe and having fun. I actually think cruising is the safest way to travel these days given all the procedures in place.

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!

Search

Guides

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 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.

Learn more

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

Search

Guides

2021 Epcot Candlelight Processional Guide

Candlelight Processional at Epcot in 2021 with a lineup of celebrity narrators, a 50 piece orchestra, and a new performance by the Voices of Liberty.

Candlelight Processional at Epcot returns in 2021 with a lineup of celebrity narrators, a 50 piece orchestra, and a new performance by the Voices of Liberty.

2021 Epcot Candlelight Processional — 2021 Candlelight Processional at Epcot

The lineup of narrators for 2021 includes award-winning actors, singers, and television hosts … and two Disney princesses! Here’s who is scheduled to appear:

11/26 – 11/28: Auli’i Cravalho
11/29 – 12/1: Chita Rivera
12/2 – 12/4: Jodi Benson
12/5 – 12/7: Alton Fitzgerald White
12/8 – 12/10: Bart Millard
12/11 – 12/13: Lisa Ling
12/14 – 12/16: Andy Garcia
12/17 – 12/19: Ana Gasteyer
12/20 – 12/22: Courtney B. Vance
12/23 – 12/25: Steven Curtis Chapman
12/26 – 12/28: Blair Underwood
12/29 – 12/30: Pat Sajak

Tickets are not required for the Epcot Candlelight Processional, the performance is included with theme park admission.

Candlelight Dining Packages were offered but sold out within minutes. These packages include lunch or dinner at an Epcot restaurant and guaranteed admission to the Candlelight Processional performance.

Dining Packages were limited to a handful of restaurants including Garden Grill, Coral Reef, Biergarten, and Rose and Crown.

We do not yet know what time Candlelight Processional will start each evening or if there will be one or two performances.

In the past two performances have been offered each evening.

Pro Tip! I recommend that you arrive at the theater 60-90 minutes prior to the show. There is no guarantee that you will make it into the theater so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances will be of seeing Candlelight.

If two performances of Candlelight Processional are offered, the second show sometimes has a shorter line.

Have a question about the 2021 Candlelight Processional? Use the comments section below.

Search

Guides

International Guests Can't Wait to Visit Orlando

The U.S. has reopened to travelers from around the world. Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are ready to show them a good time!

The U.S. has officially reopened to travelers from around the world. Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort are ready to show them a good time!

British Travel to Orlando, Florida — British travelers arrive in Orlando, Florida for the first time in 19 months.

A Virgin Atlantic flight from the United Kingdom touched down in Orlando, Florida on Monday – the first time in 19 months. The flight, was completely sold out, according to Virgin.

This marks another milestone in economic recovery from the pandemic and one more way Orlando is returning to normal.

Maybe our International exchange hosts will return to Epcot, it’s not the same without them.

This is going to be very good news for Orlando’s theme parks. I am seeing pent-up demand from European travelers and I think this is contributing to Disney and Universal’s hotels being 90% sold out this holiday season.

International travelers tend to stay longer too. For example, the average Canadian resident spends about 10 days in Orlando and the average UK visitor will spend 2 weeks here, or a “fortnight” as they like to say. I love that term!

So much has been added to the theme parks in the past 19 months! There are also some safety protocols in place. If you have questions about traveling to Orlando from abroad, please feel free to comment below or contact me directly.

For the best price and best advice on your next Orlando vacation, contact me today!

Search

Guides

Family Game Show Experience coming to the Disney Wish

This game show-style experience on the Disney Wish will be complete with high-energy hosts, adrenaline-pumping music, special effects and over-the-top physical challenges.

Disney Cruise Line has shared details about a new family game show style experience that will be available onboard in the Hero Zone of the ship.

Disney Wish Incredi-Games — Incredi-Games onboard the Disney Wish

Hero Zone is futuristic sports arena designed for family play such as free play basketball, tabletop games and soccer.

The Incredi-Games!

The Incredi-Games, inspired by Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” will be a highly interactive game show will dare families to navigate an obstacle course with physical challenges, in front of a live audience who be cheering you on.

Here’s a look at some of the Incredible challenges:

Heroes will first test their strength by busting through a “brick” wall during Incredible’s Power Punch.
Family speedsters will be the front-runners of Dash’s Mad Dash Mayhem.
Violet’s Force Field Swing will send heros soaring across a Disney style lava field.
The strong finish includes a cool down on Frozone’s Ice Slide, where heroes will ascend to the highest peak and slide down the icy slope to victory.

Disney Wish Exterior — The Disney Wish will begin sailing from Orlando, FL in June 2022

This game show-style experience will have high-energy hosts, adrenaline-pumping music, and visual special effects.

The Disney Wish is will be sailing to the Bahamas from Orlando (Port Canaveral), FL in summer of 2022.

Book your incredible family cruise with me today and receive exclusive perks! Start with your no-obligation quote here.

Quote the Disney Wish!

Search

Guides

Disney Cruise Line: “Magic Meets the Sea” float in the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on!

More details on the Disney Cruise Line float in the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The countdown to the debut of Disney Cruise Line’s “Magic Meets the Sea” float in the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on!

Disney Cruise Line parade float Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — Disney Cruise Line will have a float in the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Disney Cruise Line announced new details to share with me today about its Parade appearance.

Disney Channel and Broadway star, Jordan Fisher, will be stepping on board the Disney Cruise Line ship float to delight viewers with a performance of an original Disney Cruise Line song titled, “Together We Set Sail.”

In addition our favorite Disney pals, including Captain Minnie Mouse, Aladdin and Jasmine, Princess Tiana, Goofy and more, Disney Cruise Lines' float will feature a group of performers who represent the diverse crew members that bring magic to life at sea.

You can catch the float when Disney Cruise Line sets sail on the streets of New York City during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC on Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones.

For more information about booking a Disney Cruise Line vacation, visit my Cruise Line Page ▸

Search

Guides