Happily Ever After Travel - Disney Talk

Free Dining is BACK! WDW Announced Free Dining

2011-08-14T18:29:00.001-07:00

Long anticipated, wondered if it would return, wondered if anything would be offered, nearly a month later than 2010, free dining was FINALLY announced Aug 3. Rumors were everywhere and they manifested on Wed morning, Aug 3, but not to the extent as rumored. Rumors said that free dining would run through September 2012! Not yet, anyway.

Chow down on this great deal now through October 29, 2011 when you book a Magic Your Way package for at least four nights and 5 days at select Walt Disney World resorts. Dates of the offer are as follows and include your length of stay when checking in by one of the dates show below...

Valid for arrivals most nights:
Oct 2-8,2011
Oct 23-Nov 5, 2011
Nov 13-19, 2011
Nov 27-Dec 3, 2011 (sorry Pop Warner!)
Dec 11-17, 2011 (Homeschoolers on Holiday)
Jan 8-14, 2012
Jan 22-Feb 4, 2012
Feb 12-18, 2012
March 4-10, 2012 (yes, check in by the Saturday before Spring Break and recieve free dining!)
March 25-31, 2012

Offer valid if booked by October 29, 2011 - after that - it is too late!
Free Quick Service Dining for Value Resorts
Free Plus Dining at Moderate Level and Above

Call Happily Ever After Travel to book at 214-274-1522

A $200 deposit is all that is required to hold space until 45 days from arrival when final payment is due. The Deposit is 100% refundable for ANY reason until 45 days from arrival. We will help you get your vacation planned, book your dining, put it all in writing to take with you and make it so easy you will want to go again and again!

Disney Cruise Line Coming to Galveston September 2012

2011-04-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever Disney Cruise Line will set sail from Galveston, TX beginning September 22, 2012. The Disney Magic will return "home" from Europe and bring her magic to Texas. We welcome her with open arms! The Disney Magic will sail 7 night Caribbean itineraries September 22 through December 8, two 6-Night Western Caribbean Sailings on December 15 and December 29 and an 8-Night Special Christmas Sailing December 21. 7-Night Western Caribbean Sailings Sept 22-Dec 8, 2012 Saturday Galveston, TX Sunday At Sea Monday At Sea Tuesday Grand Caymen Wednesday Costa Maya, Mexico Thursday Cozumel, Mexico Friday At Sea Saturday Galveston, TX 6-Night Western Caribean December 15 and December 28, 2012 Saturday Galveston, TX Sunday At Sea Monday At Sea Tuesday Grand Caymen Wednesday Cozumel, Mexico Thursday At Sea Friday Galveston, TX 8-Night Christmas Sailing December 21, 2012 Friday Galveston, TX Saturday At Sea Sunday Key West Monday At Sea Tuesday At Sea - Christmas Day Wednesday Costa Maya, Mexico Thursday Cozumel, Mexico Friday At Sea Saturday Galveston, TX

Star Tours Re-Opening Announced May 20, 2011

2011-01-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Exciting news! Disney World in Orlando, FL has announced the official opening day for Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios. After much anticipation from the September, 2010 closing of the attraction the new one will premier on what I am guessing will be the opening weekend of Star Wars Weekend. If you are NOT a Star Wars fan, I suggest steering clear of DHS May 20-22!

The new 3-D attraction will feature components from all six of the series. The opening date is very appropriate considering the release date for all six Star Wars movies was in May.

Star Wars (IV) = 5/25/77

The Empire Strikes back (V) = 5/21/80

Return of the Jedi (VI) = 5/25/83

Phantom Menace (I) = 5/19/99

Attack of the Clones (II) = 5/16/02

Revenge of the Sith (III) = 5/19/05

Opening Day of the New Star Tours = 5/2-/2011

Walt Disney Imagineering’s Tom Fitzgerald, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has posted the attraction will feature new droids, a new Starspeeder, new destinations and even a new pilot. So, as we celebrate the “Dream” aboard the sea we also are looking skyward to a “galaxy far, far away” in 2011.

While an official announcement has not been made as of this posting, one would assume the dates for Star Wars Weekends in 2011 to be May 20-22, May 27-29, June 3-5 and June 10-12. Summer travelers may get a glimpse of Star Wars weekends this year.

Now, if only the one at Disneyland, closed 7/28/2010, nearly two months before the one in Florida 9/8/2010, would open by March 5 when we will be there THAT would be awesome! :-)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Happily Ever After Travel

Christmas is not about gifts, or Santa Clause, or "Christmas Spirit," it is about Jesus - about the birth our our Saviour Jesus Christ who came to take away the sins of the world! Please remember, as you are busy, busy, busy with shopping, decorating and Christmas cards we live because He conquered death for us! Thank you, Jesus, and Happy Birthday!!!

Isaiah 9:6 (King James Version)
6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/12/merry-christmas-from-disney-parks/

Disney Dream Taking Sets Sail for Port Canaveral

2010-12-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

Check out this video showing some inside peeks at the Disney Dream as the Imagineer team put on the finishing touches before porting in Florida.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/12/behind-the-scenes-video-imagineers-adding-finishing-touches-to-disney-dream/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DisneyParks+%28Disney+Parks+Blog%29

2010-11-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

2010 Candlelight Processional Narrators

This tradition started by Walt Disney at Disneyland California continues today at Walt Disney World at Epcot. Every year famous narrators come to Epcot for a retelling of the Christmas Story, the story of Jesus' birth. These narrators are accompanied by a choir who enters the theater by a candlelight processional. The show is included in your park admission to Epcot.

Offered at 5pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm nightly starting the Friday following Thanksgiving and running through New Year's Eve

Dinner packages available for two dining credits and include priority seating for the narration and preferred viewing of that night's Illuminations Fireworks.

11/26 - 11/28: Isabella Rossellini
11/29 - 12/01: John O'Hurley
12/02 - 12/04: Corbin Bernsen
12/05 - 12/06: Susan Lucci
12/07 - 12/09: Jodi Benson
12/10 - 12/11: Whoopi Goldberg
12/12- 12/15: Steven Curtis Chapman
12/16 - 12/18: Thomas Gibson
12/19 - 12/21: Trace Adkins
12/22 - 12/23: Brad Garrett
12/24 - 12/27: Edward James Olmos
12/28 - 12/30: Marlee Matlin (interpreter: Jack Jason)

2010-11-27T22:34:00.001-08:00

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2010-11-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

Disneyland Hotel pulls out all the stops for a new and improved makeover

2010-07-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Taken from "Travel Week"

A substantial amount of upgrades are taking place at Disneyland Hotel with exciting enhancements sure to peak the interest of kids and adults alike. With work underway, the hotel upgrade and renovation will include a new pool and water play area, renovations to an existing pool, the opening of a new restaurant and bar and re-theming of the hotel’s three guest room towers. The changes will restore and highlight the original mid-century classic style of the hotel. In 1955, months after Walt Disney’s first theme park opened its gates, the hotel’s original two-story bungalows were built. The work being done will enhance the courtyard and pool area, allowing guests a clear line of vision and easy access across the property. “These exciting enhancements, along with our current Disneyland Hotel renovation and the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure, underscore our ongoing investment in the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Resort District,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Disneyland Resort. “We are proud to collaborate with city and businesses leaders as we continue to evolve the area into a world-class multi-day tourist destination.” The pool area will see the most significant changes during this enhancement process. A new water play area will be installed and the iconic original park signage, ‘Disneyland’ will be spelled out atop a platform supporting two new and thrilling water slides. At each slide’s entrance will sit a replica Monorail Car that guests will glide through as they twist and turn their way to the water below. The two exciting water slides will be a sure thrill for kids and adults of all ages. The first slide is 26 feet high and stretches 187 feet until it plunges into a splash pool. The second is 13 feet high and 112 feet long. There is also a third two-lane mini slide sitting just three-and-a-half feet high and 19 feet long for the younger guests, as well as a series of small bubble jets in which to play. The hotel’s existing Never Land pool is getting a true makeover of dreams. A footbridge will actually stretch over the new pool, connecting both sides of the courtyard area allowing guests easy access across the property. A new 4-foot-deep pool will be built in between the existing Never Land pool and the new water play area. Not only will this pool area add six new cabanas which feature a flat screen TV, fridge, safe, phone and ceiling fan, but the space will also include two spas at opposite ends of the area. Cove pool will become a beautifully green lawn area providing the perfect site for outdoor events.

Guests can enjoy a completely new dining experience at Disneyland Hotel, which adds to the exciting pool renovations. The current location of Hook’s Pointe, Croc’s Bits ‘n’ Bites, Wine Cellar and Lost Bar will all be joined by a new ‘smart casual’ dining area. A new, fully enclosed bar will feature specialty drinks and surprises for its guests.

The construction for the new water play area, pool and dining location is scheduled to be completed by summer 2011. The remodeled Never Land pool should be completed by summer 2012.

The hotel’s three guest room towers will also be undergoing changes for Disneyland’s distinctive lands. The Dreams Tower will become the Adventure Tower, Wonder Tower will become the Frontier Tower and finally, the Magic Tower will transform into the Fantasy Tower. Disneyland Hotel renovations began in August 2009 where remodeled guests rooms now feature Disney touches woven into every inch of the décor.

Surviving the Airport with Kids and Flight Delays

2010-06-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

Help for Family Travel – From Happily Ever After Travel

Airport Survival -

We never plan to be at the airport longer than it takes to check our bags, go through security and wait for boarding to begin. Unfortunately, sometimes you get through security and get to the gate only to have the time for your flight’s arrival roll forward an hour or more. OR, maybe your plane arrives, everyone is excited and then you see the mechanical team descend upon the plane. This is never a sign you will be boarding the plane quickly!

Whatever the delay, rain, mechanical problems or whatnot, here are some tips to stay happy and enjoy your time together, as a family at the airport. After all, you are on vacation!

Airports can be fascinating places to shop, dine and play. Enjoy these activities…

1.Check your airport map for Kid’s Play Zones. Atlanta, O’Hare and Logan offer kid play areas as well as an aquarium in San Francisco, just to name a few. Orlando offers fun floor mosaics between gates 100-129 with fish, flowers, and ferns for kids to trace with their feet.

2.Got an iphone? Download a new app and play a game of Scrabble or Monopoly together.

3.Never hurts to carry a deck of cards! Cards are lightweight and have an endless list of games you can enjoy together, from “Go Fish” to traditional Poker games, cards are a great way to enjoy each other’s company and pass the time.

4.Try a “Progressive Meal” during your stay. Most airports, like DFW, have a lot of dining choices. Why choose just one? Take turns choosing a location, split a meal and try another. Or, have appetizers and soup one place, salad another, entrée another and dessert yet another. You could spread dessert out at multiple locations, too. Have fun with it!

5.Stuck for a day? Some airport hotels offer day passes where you can enjoy the airport hotel pool for the day!

6.Get some exercise. Try walking around the terminal and have a walking race to see who can get back to the gate the fastest – WITHOUT running. Try exploring upstairs areas using the stairs instead of the elevators. With little ones try counting the stairs as you ascend and descend the stairs. Say the alphabet as you walk up and down the stairs and see if you can get through all the letters.

7.Visit the Airport Spa. Why not? It’s vacation. Most airports have spas popping up in them to enjoy a pedicure, manicure or chair massage. What better way to pass the time?!?!

8.Watch the flights take off! You may not be able to leave, but chances are someone is. Enjoy watching the planes arrive and depart from a window or lookout area. Check the map to see if there is a designated observation area for a great view. No matter how many times you see a plane take off and land, it is always amazing!

9.Try a Scavenger Hunt. Make a quick list of items and use your cell phone or digital camera or both to snap photos of the items on your list. This can be as simple or complex as you want to make it.

10.Finally, why not try some car games while sitting at your gate. Maybe you don’t want to walk around, but you can try playing a game of “I Spy” right from your gate.

Whatever you do, be sure to keep a close eye on your flight’s schedule. There are usually monitors throughout the airport with the most current information. Don’t miss that flight!

Here is help with our client's top three most visited airports

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International is American Airlines’ largest hub and one of the most kid-friendly airports around, thanks to a trio of Junior Flyer Clubs.
One is located in Terminal B, at Gate 12. The 685-square-foot area is aviation themed with runway, roadway, car, airplane, and control tower. The gear is padded, and there’s a place for mom and dad to sit and exercise parental control.
The Terminal C club is at Gate 14. It’s a bit smaller at 600-square feet.
Over in International Terminal D, the Junior Flyer’s Club is at Gate D-30, next to McDonald’s, which makes for a convenient combination. Television monitors in the play areas broadcast the Boomerang channel.
DFW also boasts one of the most bewitching airport rides in the country – Skylink. Ostensibly Skylink is there to connect flyers from one terminal to another. Kids know better. Its prime reason for being is to provide them with a swift, phantasmagorical panorama of one of the busiest airports on the planet. Skylink is free. Just add imagination.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International’s Flight Path Learning Center of Southern California chronicles the golden years of commercial aviation. Located adjacent to LAX at 6661West Imperial Highway, you’ll have to leave the airport to get there, but if you’ve got a decent amount of time between flights, it’s worth it. The center features aircraft models, extraordinary aviation displays and free admission. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 3pm

Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Returning home from the theme parks? Stuck at MCO? This airport has plenty to pass the time. First, the art. We don’t mean highbrow, unapproachable art, but stuff that’s accessible by kids. Look for whimsical characters at each level of the parking garage. One kid-favorite is the life-size bronze called The Traveler. It’s on the “A” side of the Hotel Atrium. Gates 100 through 129 are decorated with large floor mosaics of fish, flowers, and ferns. Children love to trace the patterns with their feet, and jump from one image to another. As for real fish, there’s a 3,000-gallon salt-water tank with 100 of the aquatic creatures. You’ll find it in the main terminal food court. On occasion, a diver descends into the airport depths to feed the critters. Orlando has a couple of Kennedy Space Center stores in the main terminal. Kids can actually touch a portion of an asteroid from Mars, and see life-size astronaut models or play with space rocks. The airport’s game room is the Power Arcade. It’s on the South Walk of the Landside Terminal building.

Free Dining 2010 ANNOUNCED! MAY 3

2010-04-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I almost got the date right. I guessed May 8, but May 3 it will be! Currently Disney Visa Card holders are able to book a Disney World Resort vacation at a moderate resort and above and recieve the Disney Plus Dining Plan FREE for arrivals Aug 15 through Oct 2! This is a GREAT Deal! May 3 the offer is open to all!

We would love to help you plan a Disney World Vacation. We are experts at helping you get the most out of those dining credits, enjoying the delicious (and FUN!) food Disney is famous for!

Call 214-402-7837 or email chrissy@HappilyEverAfterTravel.Net TODAY!

We look forward to helping you create magical memories that will last a life time!

Walt Disney World FREE Dining 2010?

2010-04-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney World FREE DINING 2010?

Oh where oh where can my free dining be? Oh where oh where has it gone?

We are all looking daily at the Disney site for the big announcement. No one, but Disney, knows the answer as to if or when the announcement will come this year. Historically the news has not been announced this late. 2009 announcement was made in late March!

Rumors are flying this way and that. Here is Chrissy's prediction - based on NO facts or evidence...

I predict free dining will be announced no later than May 10. I DO think it WILL be announced. I don't think a delay in announcement means it won't happen. Guests have been recieving PIN's for free quick service dining and they offered the "bounce back" last year. I think more indicators point to "yes" than "no." Don't hold me to it! What do I know? We'll see. :-)

2010-04-06T21:26:00.001-07:00

Plano, TX - Don't be surprised if you see Pixie Dust twinkling around Lacee Gomel. Lacee Mouse, who works with Happily Ever After Travel, joins an elite group of travel industry professionals who have attained a special knowledge of the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line. As a recent graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, Lacee Mouse has now become a Disney Specialist.

"The College of Disney Knowledge was extremely beneficial to me," said Mrs. Gomel. "It was a fun and informative way to learn more about the Disney vacation portfolio. I also feel more confident about selling Disney destinations."

Anyone who plans to visit the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line will benefit from Mrs. Gomel's added expertise. "The College of Disney Knowledge has taught me how to add more value to each Disney itinerary so that I can make every client's magical dreams come true," said Lacee Mouse.

Since 1993, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has been committed to educating travel industry professionals about Disney Destinations through the College of Disney Knowledge.

Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party Returns To Magic Kingdom

2010-04-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Indulge in a self-service dessert buffet featuring a variety of sweet treats and beverages while you enjoy exclusive viewing for Wishes™ fireworks.

Located at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station at Magic Kingdom® Park, the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party opens to Guests one hour prior to the nighttime spectacular. Due to the popularity of this experience, reservations are required and should be made in advance. Seating is limited.

The regular price is $21.99 for adults (ages 10 and older) and $11.99 for children (ages 3-9). Pricing during peak periods will be $25.99 for adults and $13.99 for children. Park admission is required.

The Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party is open nightly with the exception of April 23, 24, 30 and May 1, 2010.

2010-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Group Travel Made Magical at Walt Disney World Resort

Social clubs, family reunions, company outings … people are looking for ways to spend time together like never before. And there’s no better place for everyone of every age to find something just for them than the Walt Disney World® Resort, where group benefits and values are available that you won’t find anywhere else. We can help you book everything from exclusive group Theme Park tickets and behind-the-scenes tours to banquets and unforgettable events with one convenient call to one of our agents.

If you need ten or more rooms per night for your group, you can take advantage of an incredible menu of unique and exciting group options, including:

Special group rates and room blocks at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Access to Disney Theme Parks and entertainment venues for private group functions and events

Private meet-and-greet opportunities with Disney Characters

Special group ticket options with advance-purchase discounts

Behind-the-scenes tours and group recreation programs

And of course, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, like Extra Magic Hours, Disney’s Magical Express service, and more.

To book your group’s experience, call our office today to get started. 214-274-1522

2010-03-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World 2010

Have a young jedi warrior in your home? Know the name of every Star Wars charcter and their family relationship to each other? Did you grow up twisting your hair into buns on the sides of your head to look like Princess Leia? If you answered yes to any of those you may like the annual Star Wars Weekends held at Disney's Hollywood Studios every year. This event is held Friday, Saturday and Sunday for four weekends each year.

The 2010 Dates are as follows

Celebrities from Star Wars in attendence each week for autographs, parade, and talk show Q&A

Star Wars Weekends May 21-23 — Temuera Morrison(Jango Fett), Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett), Dee Bradley Baker(Clone Wars)

May 28-30 — Matthew Wood (Sound Editor), Lorne Peterson(Model Maker),Tom Kane(Voice of Yoda)

Jun 4-6 — Billy Dee Williams(Lando Calrissian), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Dave Filoni(Clone Wars)

Jun 11-13... — Ray Park (Darth Maul), Peter Mayhew(Chewbacca), James Arnold Taylor(Obi-wan Kenobi in Clone Wars)

This event is included in your park admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios during these dates.

Activities include -

The opportunity to meet or see over 50 Star Wars characters from the entire saga.

Behind the Force - Explore the excitement of Star Wars - The Clone Wars with a fascinating look behind the scenes of the all - new animated adventure!

Star Tours Attraction

Padawan Mind Challenge - Kids under age 12 can test their wits before the Jedi Council

Hyperspace Hoopla - Star Wars Characters and guest gather for an entertaining conclusion to the day's events

A Galaxy of Photo Opportunities

Don't forget to dress in your favorite Star Wars attire or costumes! Lots of cool things to see during this event, one of them being other fans!