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Category: Disney Travel

disney travel agent

Why You Should Use a Disney Travel Agent

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Let’s face it, anyone can book a Disney vacation by going online, pricing out a few options, and clicking the “book” button, and your are done. Easy as pie. But should you? I have been a full time travel agent since 2002, and the thousands of people I talk to each year, I have yet to meet one person that couldn’t benefit from booking with a Disney Travel Agent rather than booking their trip directly online with Disney. Sure, you think you have been to Disney a ton and know everything, but trust me, there are plenty of ways a Disney Travel Agent can help you out.

Why you should use a Disney Travel Agent

  1. Absolutely not cost to you. Most Disney Travel Agents, Mouseketrips included, never charges you an extra fee for anything. If you look up a package online, our prices will never be more than what you can find with Disney. Since our services are free, there aren’t really any excuses to not use a Disney Travel Agent.
  2. You can retain complete control. Even though use decided to use a Disney Travel Agent to help you book your Disney vacation, your retain complete control over your reservation, or you can allow your agent to have some control over it, totally up to you. Some people have been planning Disney trips for decades, and like to make dining, fastpass+ and other reservations all by them selves, and they can.
  3. Best Prices. Disney releases discounts basically year round, and they often release several discounts for any particular date. We follow Disney discounts every single day, and we are always checking your reservation to make sure you get the absolute best deal. Sure, you can always find out about discounts by yourself, but I can promise you Disney isn’t going to find out about one and call you up to let you know that they applied it for you. You never have to worry about getting the absolute most for your money.
  4. Your Agent. As agents, we act on your behalf, and we are always on your side. We make sure your reservations are 100% correct, that all of your transportation, dining and other reservations are made on time and are perfect for your family. If there are any issues, we are on your side and fight to get them resolved for you.
  5. Experience. Personally, I have stayed in every single Disney Resort, been on every single Disney Cruise ship, done several Adventures by Disney and experienced every single Disney restaurant and theme park. I have been there and done that, and continue to do so. I have visited Disney with little kids, tweens, teens and just adults. It is rare that I find a client that is planning a trip that I have not already experienced. That goes for all the Mouseketrips agents too, they all have considerably more Disney experience than you do (if that isn’t true, I would like to talk to you about working for us).
  6. Authorized. Your Disney Travel Agent should be an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Mouseketrips is), which means they are recognized by Disney for the expertise and experience in planning Disney vacations.
  7. Service. Your Disney Travel Agent should take care of every single thing with your Disney vacation (though we usually leave airfare to the clients). That would include dining reservations to weddings at sea and everything you can imagine in between. Nothing will be missed that might lessen your Disney vacation.
  8. Convenience. Your Disney Travel Agent is just a quick phone call or email away (of text, facebook message, tweet or whatever other way you communicate). Have you ever tried to call into Disney when it is busy? Wait times can be hours and hours, and all on your dime. Ever tried to email Disney? Good luck.

So, let me sum that up. Easier, cheaper and more convenient. Seems like a no brainer.

Disney Things Friday

5 Disney Things You Should Know This Week – April 22, 2016

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Each Friday, I provide 5 Disney things all Disney fans should know from this past week, just in case you missed them. Here are the super important Disney news items for this week:

 Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Night

Expedition Everest

This week, after a few weeks of announcements, cancellations and rumors, Walt Disney World finally announced their new Animal Kingdom at Night. For 18+ years since Animal Kingdom opened, it has closed around 6:00 PM every night, or earlier, before it got too dark. It is really hard to see animals in the dark. Last year, Disney announced they would be adding night time shows, attractions and a special water show called Rivers of Light to the park which would allow it to stay open later. Well, Rivers of Light is not ready, but as of this Memorial Day Weekend, Animal Kingdom at Night will launch with a replacement show (Jungle Book Magic) along with all the other nigh time events.

Have you ever been on Expedition Everest at night? I have, a lot. SO MUCH BETTER!

For more information: Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Night

2017 Adventures by Disney announced, plus a discount!

adventures by disney

This week, Adventures by Disney announced their 2017 itineraries, which now include a new Rhine River cruise as well as additions to the China Adventure (Shanghai Disneyland) and the Australian Adventure (Gold Coast). These are in addition to the returning Adventures offered in 2016.

Adventures by Disney is a first class, world class, tour company. No, Mickey will not be showing you around the Great Wall of China, but the quality that you come to expect with Disney is on display 1,000% with Adventures by Disney. You will stay in first class hotels, skip all the lines, be guided by the best tour guides ever and have the time of your life. I have personally done a few Adventures, and cannot wait to go on my next one (it will be in 2018, just need to decide where).

Plus, if you book early, you can also save up to $500 per person on an Adventure with this Early Booking Adventure by Disney Discount.

For more information: 2017 Adventures by Disney

Soarin’ Around the World

soarin around the world

Everyone loves Soarin’. It is one of those rides that everyone can ride over and over. Who could ever get sick of that orange scent? As we have known for sometime, Disney has been working on a new movie, and it is almost here! On June 17, guests in both Disney California Adventure and Epcot will get to experience Soarin’ Around the World, a brand new film shot all around the world. Unfortunately, it looks like the orange scent is gone, replaced by a new generation of sights, sounds and scents.

FastPass+ reservations are now available for Walt Disney World resort guests.

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Sommerhus

I nearly cried the day Maelstrom closed in Epcot. Several of my family members did cry, teenagers at that. It was one of our family’s favorite rides, there was rarely a line and it was just plain fun. Back, Back, Over the Falls!!! Well, the replacement, Frozen Ever After is set to launch in June. While I don’t think the line on this attraction will ever be short again, it should be great fun. In addition to the attraction, Disney will debut the Royal Sommerhus greeting location. Inspired by a Norwegian countryside cabin, Anna and Elsa have opened their summer home for visitors. I hope they have 9 different versions of Anna and Elsa so the line can keep up with the attraction line.

No exact opening date has been announced for Frozen Ever After. With most new attractions, an opening date will be announced soon, and then the ride will have a soft opening for a few weeks before that where it is mostly open, but may close from time to time for tweaks.

Elena of Avalor

princess Elena

Who is Elana of Avalor you might ask? I surely did. Disney’s newest princess, and first Latin princess, will star in her own show this Summer on the Disney channel, appropriately entitled “Elena of Avalor”. And of course, this August you will be able to meet Elena in the Magic Kingdom, surely replacing Anna and Elsa as they move over to their summer house (or Sommerhus as the Norwegians call it).

Did I miss any Disney news this week that should have been included?

disney cruise dates

Important Dates when Planning a Disney Cruise

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Everyone loves a Disney Cruise! They are a fantastic vacation whether you love Disney or not, whether you are traveling with kids or it is your honeymoon. With four ships now, and two more on their way, Disney Cruise  Line offers cruise lengths and destination options for just about any cruise you want to take. They visit Alaska, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe and a bunch of other places. However, as you may know if you have ever planned a Disney Cruise, they can be a bit on the expensive side and the cancellation policy on a Disney Cruise is down right crazy. You must know before you even start planning what to expect, so you aren’t caught in a situation where you could lose a lot of money.

Important Dates when Planning a Disney Cruise

When booking, make sure you are 100% clear on what is due when, and what cancellation penalties kick in when. Do not rely on our information here, make sure Disney Cruise or your travel agent provides you with all the information needed before you pay a deposit. Ask questions, it is much better to do that while booking. There isn’t a standard set date before travel that final balances are due, it varies depending upon your stateroom type, type of cruise, etc. Also, Disney Cruise is REALLY REALLY picky about you paying on time. If your final balance is due today, they may give you an extra day to get it paid, but they will then cancel it and keep all of your money.

  • 500 Days – This is the one date that isn’t set in stone. Disney Cruise usually releases their itineraries for cruises in 6 month chunks, give or take a few weeks. We usually see January – May released and then later on June – December. Though in 2016, it looks like we will get three separate chunks rather than two as we are still waiting on Fall, 2017 cruises to be released. Usually, we see these chunks being announced and released about 500 days before your cruise. With a Disney Cruise, you are going to get the best deal possible by booking as early as possible. As the ship fills up, the rates go up. When booking a Disney Cruise, Disney requires a deposit on the cruise of roughly 20% of the total amount. That money is fully refundable up until the date when your final balance is due, more on that below.

For Suites and Concierge staterooms on ALL Disney Cruises

  • 120 Days – Your final balance is due 120 days before sailing.
  • 90 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose your deposit
  • 56 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 50% of your cruise fare
  • 30 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 75% of your cruise fare. After today, if you cancel, you lose everything

For 10+ day cruise and any cruise that start outside of the United States (Alaska and European cruises)

  • 120 Days – Your final balance is due 120 days before sailing.
  • 56 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose your deposit
  • 30 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 50% of your cruise fare
  • 15 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 75% of your cruise fare. After today, if you cancel, you lose everything

For Holiday Sailings of 6 – 9 nights (Any cruise that includes Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving or July 4th)

  • 105 Days – Your final balance is due 105 days before sailing.
  • 75 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose your deposit
  • 43 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 50% of your cruise fare
  • 15 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 75% of your cruise fare. After today, if you cancel, you lose everything

For Holiday Sailings of 1 – 5 nights (Any cruise that includes Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving or July 4th)

  • 90 Days – Your final balance is due 90 days before sailing.
  • 65 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose your deposit
  • 43 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 50% of your cruise fare
  • 15 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 75% of your cruise fare. After today, if you cancel, you lose everything

For Holiday Sailings of 6 – 9 nights (Any cruise that includes Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving or July 4th)

  • 105 Days – Your final balance is due 120 days before sailing.
  • 75 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose your deposit
  • 43 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 50% of your cruise fare
  • 15 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 75% of your cruise fare. After today, if you cancel, you lose everything

For 1 – 5 night cruises that start in the United States

  • 75 Days – Your final balance is due 75 days before sailing.
  • 45 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose your deposit
  • 30 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 50% of your cruise fare
  • 15 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 75% of your cruise fare. After today, if you cancel, you lose everything

For 6 – 9 night cruises that start in the United States

  • 90 Days – Your final balance is due 90 days before sailing.
  • 56 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose your deposit
  • 30 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 50% of your cruise fare
  • 15 Days – Last day to cancel and only lose 75% of your cruise fare. After today, if you cancel, you lose everything

So, you can see that it can be quite confusing, so make sure you are fully aware of all your dates before paying a deposit.

  • 30 Days – By this point, your cruise documents should be on their way to you or your travel agent. You should have  your passport or other required ID in order, transfers arranged and your online check-in completed so all that is left is for you to wait for your Disney Cruise date to arrive, which is unfortunately the hardest part.

There you go. By the way, Vacation Insurance is sold through the Disney Cruise Line as part of your booking, or through third parties that will protect you from some of these cancellations fees if you need to cancel last minute. Just ask your travel agent about Disney’s offerings.

Have a great trip! Feel free to use the quick date calculator below to figure out your important dates: