Disney Updates

Itinerary Change for Mexican Riviera Cruises

In order to provide Clients with a premier family experience, Disney Cruise Line® is modifying its 7-night Mexican Riviera itineraries departing Jan. 8 – April 22, 2012, by replacing calls to Mazatlán with an additional stop in Cabo San Lucas.

As you know, safety is very important to us. This decision was made, in part, due to the changing environment in Mazatlán and the surrounding area. A similar decision was made for Mexican Riviera sailings in 2011.

If you are booked on one of these cruises, you will receive an email or direct mail regarding the itinerary change.

Disney Cruise Line continually evaluates its itineraries and believes this revised itinerary with two calls in the popular port of Cabo San Lucas will provide the best overall vacation experience for you.


Disneyland Hotel Recognized with AAA 4-Diamond Award

AAA has recognized the landmark Disneyland® Hotel with its coveted 2012 Four-Diamond award. Nationwide, only 4% of the hotel properties AAA reviews will achieve this Four-Diamond distinction, and the Disneyland Hotel now joins Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa as the two hotels at the Disneyland Resort – and the only two hotel properties in Anaheim – to be granted such a high rating.

New Adventures, New Destinations: Bookings Open Today

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Disney Destinations

Adventures by Disney®, the leader in guided family travel, is pleased to announce the addition of two new destinations – Greece and Northern France – to its line up of immersive family vacations. Bookings open today for new dates and new 2012 itineraries!

“Greek Odyssey” – Athens, Santorini and Crete

The adventure begins in Athens where Greek mythology comes to life through moonlight storytelling at the Parthenon and sporting games at the home of the modern Olympics. Discovery continues on the volcanic island of Santorini where kids go feet-first into Greek grape stomping while adults enjoy a wine tasting at Volcan winery. After sailing the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, families travel to Crete and are immersed in mountain culture with local expert-led lessons in cheese making and Greek dancing.

“Espirit de France” – Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley

Perfect for families looking to experience the arts, this itinerary features a drawing activity in Monet’s Gardens, a visit to Château du Clos Lucé, the last know residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and a private dinner at the Louvre in Paris. Experiencing a true taste of the French countryside, adventurers learn the art of brandy-making, enjoy a countryside bike ride and spend the night in an authentic Château. The itinerary also includes visits to Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel monastery and Omaha Beach.

In addition to the new destinations, Adventures by Disney will continue to offer unforgettable expeditions to Egypt as well as new enhanced itineraries to Australia, London and Paris, and the Galapagos Islands.

Register to view a special on-demand virtual event to learn more about these award-winning family vacations.

Mary Poppins is released August 29, 1964

Mary Poppins is a 1964 musical film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, produced by Walt Disney, and based on the Mary Poppins books series by P. L. Travers with illustrations by Mary Shepard. The film was directed by Robert Stevenson and written by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi, with songs by the Sherman Brothers. It was shot at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Julie Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Mary Poppins and the film also won Oscars for Best Film Editing, Original Music Score, Best Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and Best Visual Effects, and received a total of 13 nominations.

This film was the #1 moneymaker of 1965, earning a net profit of $28.5 million. The Sound of Music was #2 with $20 million; Goldfinger was #3 at $19.7 million; and My Fair Lady was #4 at $19 million. The film also received universal acclaim from film critics. The film received a 100% "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Mary Poppins is now a popular broadway show. If you are lucky, you may also get to meet her at the Magic Kingdom!

One of Walt's favorite songs was "Feed The Birds."

Spring Break Cruise 2012

Baby elephant born at Disney's Animal Kingdom

The African elephant count at Disney's Animal Kingdom has reached a full dozen with the birth of a male calf Wednesday at Disney World.

Vasha, the 25-year-old mother, delivered a 311-pound offspring with the assistance of a team of animal-care workers at the theme park. The newborn has not yet been named.

It's the sixth elephant born at Animal Kingdom, meaning one-half of the herd of 12 would have Florida on their birth certificates. Animal Kingdom is home to four male and eight female African elephants.

Vasha's pregnancy was achieved through artificial insemination in 2009 — it was a 22-month gestation period. It's the second calf for her: Kianga, a female, was born to her at Animal Kingdom in 2004.

Vasha is successfully nursing, Disney officials say. The baby gradually will acclimate to the rest of the herd over the next several weeks.

By Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel
4:00 p.m. EDT, August 25, 2011

Disney Story Room family suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

A look inside the new Disney Story Room family suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

The official Disney Parks Blog has given us a sneak peek inside the "Disney Story Room" family suites at the currently under-construction "Disney's Art of Animation Resort". Disney’s Art of Animation Family Suites will be available at Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King Courtyard areas at the resort.

The resort is already open for reservations beginning June 1 2012.

Spring Break Cruises

Did you know Spring Break is one of the best deals in cruising for parents who do not want to take the kids out of school to travel? There are more ships in the Southern US during this time so there are more choices and it is also considered off peek travel so you can save hundreds - even thousands depending on the number of people traveling and the level of your room by sailing during this time!

I am in the process of booking some group space out of New Orleans. There are three ships out of this port and the rates are better than Galveston. I have also talked to a company about providing transportation via bus to New Orleans from the DFW area. If this sounds like something you would be interested in please let me know! The first responders will determine the cruise line - there are the choices of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian all departing either on 3/10 or 3/11. I think we can get round trip transfers from DFW to the ship and a 7 night cruise for around $1,000 per person based on double occupancy (3 & 4 person in a room would be less).  That price may go up or down a little depending on the number of people in the group - the more we get the better the deal!

Please email me at Renee@TravelNeverland.com if you have interest!