"Disney Destinations released in their news this week, "With the recent launch of Disney PhotoPass Lenses at Walt Disney World Resort, there’s a super fun new way to capture memories all across the resort and beyond! Guests can interact with themed effects that transform themselves and the world around them – all while snapping as many photos and videos as they'd like on their own device to save and share. We're excited to share that we’ve just launched even more Disney PhotoPass Lenses! These new Lenses, along with our current collection, are available through the My Disney Experience app with a purchase of Disney Genie+ service. Guests should be sure to download the latest version of the My Disney Experience app to join in on the fun! With the newest Lenses, Guests can embrace their icy powers like Elsa, adopt a problem free philosophy with Timon, bundle up and avoid the clutches of the Yeti, accessorize with themed glasses that reflect magical icons, and show off their sweet and salty sides!" Adventurers Navigation Co. agent, Carrie Luedtke, played around with the lenses offered through Disney PhotoPass and Disney Genie+ services on her recent trips this summer and fall! Check out her collection here! While many Disney PhotoPass Lenses can be used across Walt Disney World Resort, others like the Timon and Expedition Everest Lenses will be available exclusively in specific areas of the parks. To celebrate this launch, we met with a few of our Disney PhotoPass photographers to give them a first look. Our photographers capture magical moments for our Guests every day, so we wanted to turn the camera lens on them. They got to spend some time enjoying our Lenses, including a sneak peek at the new ones – check it out!
Can't head to Disney any time soon? That's ok! They've got you covered right at home! With the release of the AR Lense updates, Disney also shared that, "A select sampling of lenses are complimentary through the Snapchat app.* One of these lenses is themed to “Lady and the Tramp.” Since Guests can access this lens at home, we invite them and their favorite furry friend to share a plate of spaghetti on a “Bella Notte.” Disney Destinations also announced, "Whether enjoying these lenses through the My Disney Experience app or the Snapchat app, Guests can share their favorite photos and videos with us on social media by tagging #DisneyPhotoPass for a chance to be featured on our pages!"
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Back in April we shared Disney's addition of the MagicMobile service to the My Disney Experience app. MagicMobile's primary function at that point was to allow Guests to use a smartphone to enter the Walt Disney World theme parks. Disney MagicMobile service, is available on eligible iPhones, Apple Watch or Google Pay enabled Android phones. Disney promotes MagicMobile to give Guests an easy, contactless option to experience select theme park features during their visit – similar to how they use the MagicBand! Disney MagicMobile passes offer several fun pass designs to choose from – including a few new ones featuring the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection! Once they create their Disney MagicMobile pass, Guests can find it in Apple Wallet or Google Pay and use it to:
Pro tip: With an iPhone or Apple Watch, Guests can simply hold their device near the access point and the device will automatically bring up their Disney MagicMobile pass.
Disney Destinations recently share, "A smart device can be a one-stop shop for Guests to experience the magic during their visit. The My Disney Experience app also enables Disney Resort hotel Guests to unlock their room door using our current digital room key feature. Also available in the app, our complimentary Disney Genie service can help Guests create their best Disney day inspired by their party’s top interests! Click here to learn more about Disney Genie. Guests should be sure to download the My Disney Experience app so they can enjoy Disney MagicMobile service and more during their next visit!" With all of this new technology of course comes all of the "requirements" for proper function of the services and app! Please note:
By: Disney Destinations
March 30, 2021 Beginning today, guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be able to enjoy a convenient and contactless new option for entering the theme parks and more, as part of the rollout of Disney MagicMobile service! Available now on iPhone and Apple Watch and coming soon to other smart devices, Disney MagicMobile service is a fun, easy-to-use new way for guests to experience The Most Magical Place on Earth. The service is offered in addition to other options such as the MagicBand, the colorful, all-in-one bracelet, which will continue to be available and introduced in even more colors, designs and limited-edition fan favorites into the future. Here are a few helpful tips to get started with Disney MagicMobile service:
Download the My Disney Experience app today to check out these latest updates! *Please note Disney MagicMobile service requires iOS 14.4 or later and watchOS 7.3 or later. While the Park is Sleeping...
"While Disneyland Park has been closed, Walt Disney Imagineering has been putting the finishing touches on this cherished attraction, which will be ready to welcome Guests when we reopen our theme parks at a later date." While your guests may recognize some familiar elements in the attraction, they’ll be surprised to discover enhanced story details and all-new scenes. Learn more about the magical transformation of this attraction at Disney Parks Blog! Disney Cruise Line Announces New 2022 Sailings!In an unusual timeline, Disney Cruise line announced Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy itineraries for late April and May 2022 that are now available to book.
Walt Disney World Ticket Offer![]() Mark your calendar! Beginning January 5, 2021, a new special offer on a room-and-ticket package will be released: "Get 2 extra days added to your ticket when you buy a 4-night/3-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for arrivals most nights January 8, 2021 through September 25, 2021." This special package can be booked beginning January 5, 2021. Contact Carrie at Adventurers Navigation Co. to book! Email carrie.adventurer@gmail.com for more information! Sneak Peek at Disney Cruise Line's Newest Ship!On Christmas Eve Day, the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Celebration debuted a brand-new video of the Disney Wish, which sets sail in summer 2022. From Disney Destinations, "This never-before-seen digital clip showcases new details of the dazzling Grand Hall and a first look at the stunning character statue at the base of the grand staircase, an iconic Disney princess whose faith in her dreams has inspired generations to believe in the power of their own. Who is she? You don’t have to wait until the clock strikes midnight to find out..." The article continues, "Inspired by the beauty of a fairytale castle, the Grand Hall makes a bold welcoming statement, setting the tone for an enchanted family vacation from the moment your Clients step onboard the Disney Wish. It is an idyllic setting for Cinderella, whose timeless story is the perfect example of magic transforming wishes into dreams and dreams into reality – very fitting for a vessel named the Disney Wish, don’t you think?" Some fun facts about the Disney Wish:
EPCOT's New Entrance Plaza Complete!
Disney Destinations notes, "there is still more work to be done here in the future, the area is much more open and welcoming now. It features new planters, pathways, lush landscaping and a vibrant new color palette that will eventually tie into the four new neighborhoods we’re creating inside the park – World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase. " As guests approach the front of iconic Spaceship Earth they will now see a re-imagined fountain, standing in the footprint of the original fountain that welcomed guests on the park’s opening day in 1982. Disney emphasized, "Our design team took special interest in this water feature, as we looked back to the geometry of the original for inspiration while creating some new magic of our own. In the fountain’s center is a brilliant light, a unique liquid-cooled fixture we’ve designed with new capabilities that complement the fountain’s changing colors and will coordinate with new lighting coming to Spaceship Earth and the upcoming World Celebration beyond. Three acrylic pylons, each standing over 16 feet tall and featuring the park’s logo, surround the fountain and hearken back to the creation of EPCOT. Their timeless design and vertical presence draw the eye upward toward the sky – perfectly framing views of Spaceship Earth." This new fountain is billed as the centerpiece of EPCOT’s entrance plaza, having been designed as a welcoming area to bring people together. As the article shares, "The greenery and use of water celebrate a harmony between humanity and the natural world. This park was built to inspire optimism, and we’re infusing this transformation with the magic of possibility." Stay tuned for more updates about EPCOT, as the work here is far from done! Disney's Blizzard Beach Waterpark to Re-Open March 2021
Stay At Home Disney Magic!![]() On November 18th, 2020, Disney Destinations announced, "The magic of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway has rolled into McDonald’s®! Just in time for their birthday celebration, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have inspired a brand-new line of Happy Meal® toys at McDonald’s, bringing Mouse Rules to the iconic Golden Arches. This means there’s only one rule you need to remember: Anything can happen! This new collection features Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy experiencing some of the iconic attractions from across Walt Disney World Resort. Anchored by Engineer Goofy and Mickey and Minnie celebrating Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, these toys connect together to form a 10-car train. Each one also has a unique function to make the character move as it rolls, so as the attraction’s soundtrack says, nothing can stop us now from having fun!"
This years special features "Original hosts Derek and Julianne Hough return, kicking off the night with a glittering new holiday performance, while Trevor Jackson (Freeform’s “grown-ish”) hosts from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida." Disney Destinations shares the hosts will take viewers on an adventure through "fan-favorite performances from the past five years and new heartwarming family moments." The television special will also afford viewers many sneak peeks of upcoming park attractions and entertainment previews! Check out the story today on Disney's Park Blog! EPCOT Transformation Continues
More Park Dining Returning at The Walt Disney World Resort!On Friday, November 20th, 2020, Walt Disney World Resort announced three more in-park dining locations would be returning to service!
November 20th, 2020 Park Hopping is coming BACK! This long awaited announcement quietly dropped into our inboxes this morning, and we couldn't be more excited! At the re-opening of The Walt Disney World Resort in July, we enjoyed a restricted park capacity of 25%. It was AWESOME! Reminds me of how it was when I was a kid in the late 80's and early 90's. No rush, no crush of crowds, and no need for FastPass+ ... we didn't even feel the need to Park Hop! Our return visit in late October found a bump in capacity to 35%. While it still was thoroughly enjoyable, and very laid back, there were moments I found myself wishing I could take advantage of the Park Hopping system. Park Hopping has traditionally been our tool to escape a crowded park in favor of a less busy one. I pined for the ability to Park Hop in October as it could have helped rescue my family from poor choices for our Park Pass Reservations on particular days (ahem ... Disney's Hollywood Studios on a weekend was a "goofy" decision).
It is important to note, all other "enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect, including face coverings required for all guests ages two and up." The return of Park Hopper® benefits for guests with Park Hopper tickets/package, or Annual Pass with these privileges, will indeed go far to provide the chance to see and do more during their visit!
As mentioned the return of Park Hopping does come with the modifications as described earlier, and a caveat for those hoping to snag the coveted Rise of the Resistance Virtual Boarding Group. Disney Destinations shared in their press release, "Please note that the ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations. And, to help us manage attendance, upon the return of the Park Hopper option in January, only guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Guests visiting from another theme park will not be able to request to join the virtual queue." Guests should also take note with capacity restrictions in place, holding a dining reservation at a Park they wish to hop to, does not guarantee admission to that park if it is at capacity. Guests will need to rely on the My Disney Experience app to determine ahead of hopping, if the park they were planning on is at capacity or welcoming Guests. Ultimately this means that the only guaranteed park access will be to the park a Guest has made a Park Pass Reservation for the day. Lastly, while we get used to this new normal, it was uplifting to read, "Park-to-park transportation is also planned to resume in 2021, with operations beginning each day shortly prior to the start of Park Hopper® hours." Official operating times will be established based on various park openings and closings, but we anticipate that it will mirror the general rule of thumb 45 minutes prior to Park Hopping opening, and run through after closing of the park. Guests can expect park-to-park transportation, for parks that reach capacity, to pause until a later time when more guests can be welcomed. Just as Disney Destinations noted in their press release -- Adventurer's Navigation Co. is also excited for the return of these fan favorite options in the New Year! Considering a Disney vacation? Contact us today to receive a no obligation quote from an agent experienced in Walt Disney World Resort trips during the pandemic! While I would normally endeavor to make every trip to Walt Disney World 6 nights or longer, I sometimes have to accept I don’t have the luxury of time. I often run into clients who wonder, is it really worth going to Disney if you only have a couple days available? Is it even possible to enjoy Disney for such a short time? My answer is always — YES! Whether it’s last minute or planned in advance, a short visit can be just as memorable as a long one. Carrie's Top 7 Tips for a Short TripTip #1 - Take Advantage of ParkHopping To park hop or not is a constant dilema for Disney vacation planners. With the prices increasing each year, guests most certainly are looking to shave off expenses where they can. For a short visit, at approximately $85/person to add the perk, I can certainly understand why some question if it is worth the expense. In the case of a short visit - don't second guess - in most cases it is a MUST! Park hopping will allow guests to pack in the maximum amount of park experience as is possible. Tip #2 - Use Extra Magic Hours to Your Advantage Especially if morning Extra Magic Hours are available - guests on a swift touring plan need to be there! If another park offers later hours, or night Extra Magic Hours, this too will come in handy to get the most bang for your buck out of your park tickets. Tip #3 - Rope Dropping is a 'Thing' If morning Extra Magic Hours are not available, still plan to be up early! "Rope Dropping" is the practice of showing up at the parks no less than 30 minutes prior to the published park opening time. Each Disney park allows guests in to the park -- up to a certain point -- where you'll find Cast Members holding the crowd at bay witha literal rope. While many guests "plan" to be present for rope drop, the reality is most do not make it out that early. Using this tactic can help guests experience a good number of attractions within the first hour of park opening. My personal record is 3 attractions in an hour. Tip #4 - Stay On Property As a travel agent, I often work with guests who firmly believe staying off property is just the ticket. When adding up the dollars and cents many guests are surprised to learn that the off property "deal" can cost as much, or sometimes more, compared to on property. Beyond that, I cannot stress that TIME IS MONEY, especially in a short trip scenario. So, unless you get that off property stay for free - do yourself a favor and stay on property. The value here goes back to what your time is worth to you. With 1 to 3 days to pack in what you can, the perk of resort transportation is where your time earns some dividends. You don't have to battle the Orlando traffic; you can avoid the likelihood of getting lost along the way as we await all of the map apps to update Disney's new by-passes; and only Disney transportation can deliver you right to the gates! My favorite mode of Disney transportation is the Minnie Van. While it adds to the bill, what you gain in saving time is most definitely worth the cost. Imagine getting picked up at your resort location, then whisked away on a quick trip to the closest point near the park gates. I utilize this service during those early morning runs to the park, as well as for the late night return to the resort. Tip #5 - Depart from the "Norm" when Booking FastPass+ I do not doubt this tip will be hotly debated, and I don't disagree -- it is a bit controversial. I suggest booking your FastPass+ for midday/afternoon, at your second park of the day. I am of course assuming you A) plan to stay on property in order to take advantage of Disney's transportation; B) are taking advantage of morning Extra Magic Hours, or are rope dropping; and C) are park hopping. The typical advice would be just the opposite -- stack FastPass+ in the morning. But, hear me out, as I have put this to practice many times. With early entry to the parks, guest can experience a good number of attractions before 11:00am. For parks with Extra Magic Hours, 11 am tends to be the time when crowds increase and start to peak ... remember we discussed the good intentions to show up early, but most don't? That's right they show up en-force just at the lunch hour! By the time the crowds arrive, I have already experienced a handful of attractions. I like to take a lunch break at this time and then make my way to the second park of the day by 1pm. At this time the second park is likely also busy, so having the FastPass+ set at this point gives me the next 3 hours to enjoy little to no wait for attractions. After I wrap up my last FastPass+, I may pick up another. Meanwhile I will pit stop for dinner, and then enjoy the remainder of my evening with shorter wait times as the hours grow later. Tip #6 - Skip the Big Meal With so many wonderful dining experiences, I know it is hard to pass up making dining reservations. I highly encourage however skipping the table service reservations, and use the quick service mobile order instead. The average time spent on a table service reservation is 2 hours. In contrast a quick service mobile order can have you back to business in about 30 minutes! Tip #7 - Consider Special Events if Available Extra Morning Magic tickets can afford guests an additional 3 hours, with little to no crowds. Plus, you receive a breakfast at your leasure within that time frame. You must still have general park admission in addition to the special event ticket, but in the long run it's a nice compliment to your day. Disney After Dark/After Hours/Special Party event tickets can easily take the place of a 1 day ticket/parkhopper. This nearly 5 hour experience gives you unique entertainment, the run of the park with limited attendees, and often free treats! Who needs a Premium Mickey Bar? (everyone!) So, to put it all together, my all encompassing advice when considering a short stay at Disney - be prepared to compromise! Expect that your time is after all still very limited. You will have to pick and choose what handful of experiences mean the most to you. And... plan to come back!
If you know you are in the market for a short stay, but not sure where to start, give us a call -- we will get you on track in a jiffy! Just over a month ago our small agency celebrated our 1 year anniversary of our re-branding ... or as I prefer to think of it, our "re-birth". A short search through our Travel Journal will lead you to the article where I discussed what I now consider a milestone in our agencies journey. As we have made the transition, our client loyalty has swelled. We continue to be very thankful to our clients and the numerous referrals they regularly make. I would be lying however if I didn't admit that I had been dragging my feet on the re-branding. A friend whom makes her living in Marketing would every now and then nudge about a logo. With her expertise in online presence, including website design and social media utilization ... I knew she was right. As she pointed out several times, the sad picture of a wilting Dole Whip, sitting aside a Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket, was not exactly going to draw in the billions of people scanning through the internet ... nor was it going to be memorable! The absence of a new business logo weighed heavily on my mind. Last spring I peeled the old vinyl logo off my car. For months I had the constant thought when walking to my car, "I should really figure out a new logo." Most business conversations with Colleen included a reminder from her that I really really need to do something about a new logo. It was holding so much up, business cards, website clean up, etc. What was my problem you ask? Perhaps it took a year of "grieving" the loss of invested funds and time to our old name, in order to fully embrace our new name? Undoubtedly that played a part in the procrastination. In my life I try to do things with purpose and meaning as I dislike wasted energy, or settling for mediocre. With the name change, I put a lot of thought into what represents the agency and the team of ladies best. We have always been a full-service agency that prioritized helping our clients achieve vacations they dreamed of, but with the honesty of keeping their budgets as the priority. Our agency has never been about sales goals, and we are never concerned about how much commission we earn. Beyond those values however, as I said a year ago, our agency offers so much more than just booking vacations ... we offer to be your guides to adventures of a lifetime! With this thought I realized that Adventurers Navigation Co. was the right fit for a new name ... but, how did that LOOK? Just as the name has vivid meaning, I felt strongly the logo needed to as well. I am excited to share that I have finally hit on a design that pulls together our core beliefs as travel planners and an agency, with a "hidden Mickey" to boot! The base value of our agency is to show our clients the best way to a vacation that balances value and experience. The Compass represents how our travel planners are first and foremost committed to guiding our clients to the best vacation for their budget.
The next layer to our service is always about design. When planning vacations for our clients we cognizant each client is different. Therefore each vacation plan will need a different design to help clients achieve an enjoyable experience. The circle of design is a symbol that our agency will create a custom adventure that considers each clients needs, tastes, and desires. Last, but certainly not least, is the value of Time. We each are granted just one lifetime to go and do; to explore and learn; to enjoy this wonderful world. Colleen and I talk often about time ... how now is the time, because life will not wait. We do not know when the clock will run out on life. As travel planners we believe that our service is priceless. Just as clients are encouraged to take the time to vacation now, their time spent planning can be consuming. We believe it is our job to save clients that time (and often frustration) spent on detail. Our travel planner have the adventure laid out, ready for clients to just go and enjoy. I am excited to share with the world the new *look* for Adventurers Navigation Co. As I said just a short year ago, we are a Travel Team of professional travel planners. Our team of specialists is ready to help you navigate your next adventure! Whether it be Disney or Europe, we will be there for you every step of the way! To our faithful following - thank you for being the backbone of our business! To those who are just discovering us, welcome! To everyone reading this post -- Let's ADVENTURE Together! "Soon," Disney tells us ... there will be one more fantastic reason to being a guest at an official Walt Disney World Resort! Currently, Disney Resort Guests and new/renewing Annual Passholders have the opportunity to choose a plain colored MagicBand at no charge as part of the resort perk, or pass benefit. For the past 5 years, selecting MagicBands has been a magical part of Disney trip planning. On Monday Disney released that the choice of MagicBands is "soon" going to become a whole lot cooler! "Soon, Disney Resort hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade, at a discounted price, from a complimentary solid-color MagicBand to one of more than 30 new MagicBand options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs." The same plain colored selection of complimentary MagicBand is still available for guests who choose not to upgrade to one of the new options. The new MagicBand options will be available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price of $14.99 off retail cost through the My Disney Experience website. Just as with the complimentary MagicBands, the new design options may also be shipped to guests’ homes (U.S. addresses only) if ordered 11 or more days ahead of arrival; or can be personalized and available for pickup at the resort, if done so at least 6 or more days ahead of arrival. New to Disney? Wondering what the MagicBand fuss is all about? As Disney tells us, "The MagicBand, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, effortlessly links the Walt Disney World Resort vacation choices and plans guests make in the My Disney Experience app – from entering the parks to redeeming FastPass+ selections, using dining plan credits, linking Disney PhotoPass photos and more." The MagicBand has become a central piece to a Walt Disney World Vacation. As of today, May 11th, this new option has not yet released. Disney promises to make the new option available "in the coming weeks". In the mean time, check out the video below to get a sneak peek! |
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