Thursday, September 22, 2016

Where To Stay Where To Stay

So many places to stay so little time!! 

Let me break down the numbers for you~ 

3 Resorts on property and they are all amazing- offering you ALL that you would expect from a Disney resort. 

41 Good Neighbor Hotels- these are off property, independently owned, hotels that have met Disney standards.  A PLUS to booking at a Good Neighbor hotel  with a travel agent that specializes in Disney...ahem....I happen to know someone...is that  I am able to book these hotels as a package and get you some really nice perks that make it almost like staying on property!   Come on!  There at 41 to choose from ranging from economy to suites. 

There is someplace for EVERYONE and every PRICE POINT.

I would like to give you a tour of the Disneyland Resorts.  Sound Good?

First Stop~  DISNEY'S GRAND CALIFORNIAN










The Grand Californian is just exceptionally lovely.  This 4 diamond resort features standard rooms that will accommodate up to 5 guests, suites, and villas.  It features 3 restaurants- one of which is Napa Rose- acclaimed for it's wines and exceptional food,  A lounge and  massive lobby complete with some of the most relaxing piano playing in the evening will blow you away.  One really special bonus?  A private entrance into Disney's California Adventure! 

Next stop~  Paradise Pier




Paradise Pier Hotel is Disney's 3 diamond resort that features rooms with a beachfront theme in standard rooms that accommodate up to 5 guests and suites up to 6 guests.  Disney's PCH Grill is a full service restaurant that features a fun character breakfast every morning!  Even big kids like it:)


I saved my favorite for last~  The Disneyland Hotel











Two words.  CLASSIC DISNEY.  I love that standard rooms in every Disney resort can accommodate up to 5 guests.  There are some pretty amazing suites available if you prefer- The Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse Penthouse, Fairy Tale Suite, Big Thunder Suite, and the Adventureland Suite. 

I hope you are hungry because you will want to check out the 5 restaurants on property.  It wouldn't be the Disneyland Hotel without a character breakfast, so how about Goofy's Kitchen?  Don't forget Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar.  You will think you've been wisked away to the islands!  Last but not least is Steakhouse 55- Award winning, elegant dining where you will see classic pictures of famous celebrities...especially our very favorite celebrity~  Walt Disney himself.


Why stay on property? 

Extra Magic Hours every single morning!

You are right next door to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure!

How about character wake up calls??

Pinocchio's Workshop at the Grand Californian- aka the best babysitter on the planet- is available to all guests for additional fee.  Perfect for enjoying a night out at Napa Rose or Steakhouse 55!

Package delivery to your room from all of that shopping you will want to do.  Trust me on this one.

And most importantly Disney's quality and service that you have come to know!








Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Welcome to Disneyland and California Adventure!





As a veteran traveler to The World I had some preconceived ideas about what Disneyland would be like~ mostly that it was Walt Disney World West.  I knew it would be magical to walk where Walt walked, but it didn't hit me fully until I stepped through the gate... I walked where Walt Disney walked, and it was magical!  I was pleasantly surprised to see the rides that are so very much Disney~ Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, and Pirates are very similar but there are little nuggets of differences that made it seem as if I were riding for the first time. 





If you are planning a vacation to the Anaheim area I would suggest at least 4 days in the parks- and make your tickets HOPPERS.  Sure you can squeeze it all into about 3 days but at least 4 days would allow you to slow down a little and really explore and enjoy all these two properties have to offer.

These parks are beside each other, with a lovely plaza between them, and Downtown Disney next door.  It literally takes about 60 seconds to walk from the entrance of Disneyland to the entrance of Disney's California Adventure.  Cool right!!!



So let's talk about DCA for a minute.....

I LOVED DCA! 

Food, drinks, and shopping abound.  There are rides, rides, and more rides that will satisfy the littles all the way up the to adults.  DCA consists of 8 areas: Buena Vista Street, Hollywood land, "a bug's land", Cars Land, the Pacific Wharf, Paradise Pier, and Grizzly Peak.  Whew!  Don't forget to bring your running shoes!  DCA is where you will find the favs like Soarin' Around the World, Tower of Terror, and Radiator Springs Racers.  Good times!! You will need more than one day here just to enjoy all of the great food located at the Pacific Wharf. You also should not miss the live extravaganza of Frozen at the Hyperion Theatre.  I don't use the word extravaganza loosely...


Before you call it a day at either park plan to stay for the nighttime fireworks when they are offered and you can't miss World of Color at DCA.  It is fabulous!  Trust me:)

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Quote

Boo To You!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party kicks off this weekend and runs through the end of October at the Magic Kingdom.  While it is a separate, ticketed event it is fun for children through adults- EVERYONE can dress up as their favorite character!  Add in trick or treating, a Hocus Pocus stage show at Cinderella's Castle, your own special parade and fireworks and what more could you want?? 

There is more! 
Characters!
Rides!
Holiday theming and lighting all to set the Not so spooky mood!

While the brochure is subject to change I hope it helps with planning your evening or maybe even convinces you to try it sometime! Remember I'm just an email away:)


Monday, August 29, 2016

Welcome Home!

This seemed like the perfect place to start my new blog and introduce myself...right at the Main Gate!

It never gets old, no matter how many times I pass through it.  It's more magical with every trip we take.  We have years of memories tucked inside photo albums and inside our hearts.    

Becoming a professional travel specialist was a dream come true for me!  I LOVE planning my trips to visit the Mouse and helping others is just as magical.  On one of our earliest trips to Disney I used a travel planner and was shocked to learn it was FREE!  I honestly felt it was too good to be true or there was some hidden cost I didn't yet know about. I'm so glad she proved me wrong!

I knew a planner obviously booked our vacation initially but thought that is where her job ended.  I soon learned that she would help us with making dining reservations and booking special events in and around Orlando. She took care of all of the details arranging the Magical Express. She watched for discounts to come out after our reservation was made that could save us extra money! One trip we even got Free Dining!  All of those benefits and more for FREE!   What is NOT to love about that.    I thought that our planner had to have just about the best job in the world and wished that someday that could be me.  Fast forward 15 years and 10 trips to Disney World and SOMEDAY happened for me!  Our paths cross with people in amazing ways and opportunities present themselves when you least expect them to sometimes.  The day I became an Independent Travel Specialist with Main Street Magic LLC was the same day I turned 50~   BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER, and it's been a thrilling ride since. 

I invite you to follow along my travels and maybe even let me help you plan a Magical vacation for you and your family to Disney's exciting destinations~  Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, aboard one of the ships of the Disney Cruise Line, or on one of the guided Adventures By Disney trips that travel to just about every amazing place this world has to offer!

Welcome!
Debby





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