24 Hours in Paris

The Travel Agent Next Door is our host agency but I work for Exclusive to you Travel Services and my awesome Manager is Steph Switzer. I have been working for her for just over two years now and I love every minute of it and how much I have grown as a Travel agent since being with her.  At the moment she is getting ready to experience her first river cruise as a reward for being a top sales performer. So proud of her and our team.
So because of the time difference she decided to fly into France early and had 24 hours to spend in Paris and I thought I would share some of her pictures of what she chose to do and see in that short period of time.

 Market Place so many fresh fruits and veggies

 Bakery every type of eclair you can imagine 

 Lovely appetizer plate

 What is a visit to Paris without checking out macaroons

 Seine River (boat tours available)

 The awesome Steph at the Jardins Luxembourg

 Fresh orange juice machine

 Notre Dame Cathedral

Don't forget the nightlife

There is so much to do and 24 hours in Paris really is not enough time to truly experience all that the city has to offer. Here are some other amazing sites you may want to check out. The Effile Tower. Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, Versailles, check out a cabaret, Disneyland Paris (I know it is always in my thoughts). Most group tours will include two days in Paris or offer add on's at the beginning or the end of the tour and I would strongly recommend it. I still regret that when I spent two weeks in England back in 1996 that I did not take the Eurostar (under the channel) for a visit to Paris. It has been on my bucket list for so long. I spent many years studying the French Revolution and so France has long been in my heart.

My brother actually lived in Southern France for almost seven months and has visited many times since. As he has told me you have never truly experienced a croissant until you have experienced one in France not even Quebec can hold a candle to them.

If Paris or France is on your wish send me an email and I ca help make it come true. While I may not have been there myself, I have a large group of agents behind me and we all share our experiences with each other.

My email: slough@thetravelagentnextdoor.com

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Kids Bucket List

My last post dealt with children's influence on our travel choices. So in keeping with that theme and my bucket list theme I decided to ask my four kids what their travel bucket lists are. The older two were a bit more thought out than the younger two but I have to say I was impressed with all of them.

Victoria will be 13 in mere days and this was her list: Paris, Hawaii, Ireland, London, Harry Potter World, New York City, The great wall of china, Belgium, Greece, Italy and Egypt. The only one that really surprises me on her list is Egypt but I suppose the pyramids is what draws all of us to wanting to go to Egypt. Ireland is important because it represents our heritage. Lough is an Irish last name meaning a body of water. My mother was an O'Reilly so we have Irish everywhere as well as French.

Elizabeth will be 12 in just over two weeks and this was her list: Hawaii, Niagara Falls, Miami, Belgium and Mexico. I guess we need to get some local travel in, in between or big vacation. I am surprised that her list is not longer but I think she thought of this as a chore when I asked. After all how dare I interrupt her summer vacation.

Katherine will be 10 in the Fall and this was her list: Jamaica, Disney World (again), Miami, Mexico, Ireland and a zoo. We have been to the Toronto zoo but she was young so she obviously does not remember it.

Daniel who is 9 has a short and sweet list: Ireland, Mexico and take the train somewhere like dad did (he just came back from a business trip to Toronto).

I think Miami and Mexico made the kids lists because of the fact that I went to Mexico last summer with my friend and then my cruise this spring was out of Miami. They like hearing and seeing where I get to go and want to experience it for themselves as well. Of course with the upcoming cruise for our family they will get Miami and we have two ports in Mexico.

I am definitely thinking our 2020 Family vacation will have to be Ireland. I think they will all be old enough to remember it as well as get the full benefit of everything they are seeing.

Ireland photo courtesy of Ireland.com

Take moment and share with us what your kids bucket lists are. I am sure there will be some surprises.

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Children's Influence on Family Travel

So here I am writing this blog post at ten o'clock at night. My son and his bestie are fast asleep in my basement. My youngest daughter is sleeping over at her friends place. My oldest is in her room reading and my second oldest is due home any minute. I love knowing that I can book people's travel and make their dreams come true and write my blog and my kids are happy. I am no longer commuting 3 plus hours a day. Super is on the table at a reasonable hour and the kids enjoy extracurricular activities.
So if my children played such an active role in my decision to change my career and find one that would allow me to be home with them and be flexible to allow me to volunteer at school, go on field trips, run them to scouts and swimming and rainbow than I would have to believe they play a major role in how we vacation.
My mom stayed at home with us until my brother and I were in high school. She ran a daycare in the house for about a dozen years and then finally worked away from home. So for many years we survived as a one income family. It was much easier to back then, then it is now. However it also meant that we did not go on exotic vacations. We did many day trips to zoos and such and we did do a few years in Quebec City (driving) and Niagara Falls but that was it.
Our children are growing up with technology that has the world at their finger tips. My son is doing a summer reading and math program (it is not school, lol) and they are talking about the wildfires in BC. Kids know about Tornado Alley in the states. They have read about Tsunami's. Watching Youtube videos on everything from somebody playing your favourite video game, unwrapping kinder egg toys or checking out where you are going on vacation is super easy to do.
So do kids of today have bucket lists? At what age do you start asking them about travel? Do you think your kids play a role in where you go?
When we made the decision to go to Disney it was as much about me as it was the kids. Yes I have a bit of an obsession with all things Disney. I had never been to Disney as a child all my visits have been as an adult. I wanted to see the magic and excitement through their eyes and I did and because my son was so young hoping to get this again with our next visit.
When we decided on our next big family vacation that would also allow me to research for my travel business cruising was my choice. So with kids in mind I then had to narrow down to kid friendly cruise lines as well as itineraries and timing. So for Christmas 2016 we gave our children an envelope telling them we would be cruising December 2018 on the NCL Getaway and the ports would be Roatan, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya and Cozumel. They spent days watching videos on the ship and researching the destinations. Yes the vacation is far away but they are still very excited about it and talk about it all the time.  This year for Christmas we are giving them another envelope this one will tell them that we will also be spending a week in Orlando in 2018 and doing Disney World and Universal.
So yes kids are very influential when it comes to family travel. Older kids may want to travel to destinations where they can provide a helping hand in some way. These opportunities exist or they may want to visit the places they are studying. My best friends son has a bucket list. One of his top destinations to visit is Japan. He is obsessed with Japan. He has done many school projects on the subject. Now as you can guess my friend is similarly Disney obsessed so she is hoping with the expansion of the Disney cruise line they will add Asia to their itineraries and that is how they will visit Japan and the Asian Disney parks.
So while I am busy planning our awesome vacation for 2018 I am also thinking ahead to the future and where I want to take my kids next in the pursuit of more on the job training. I am thinking a European Adventure may just be in the works to explore our Family History.
Drop me a comment and tell me how your children influence your travel!!!

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Here is a video of the Getaway courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UVP8fo2NsQ

Magic Bands and FastPass +

Magic Bands and FastPass + work together for on site resort guests. The Magic Bands are a waterproof bracelets. The bracelet is used for the following: to access your hotel room, enter the theme park and the water parks (as long as you have tickets linked),  allows you into the FastPass + line for rides when you have booked them, adds your photopass pictures to your account and allows you to charge food and merchandise to your room (Credit Card). They also can unlock special surprises during your stay. Examples of these would be a discount at a shop, a free item, being a special guest for a parade or extra fastpass+ etc...
The bands can be customized to one of the following colours: pink, green, red, purple, orange, blue or gray. As well you can have your name or a nickname put on it. These can be ordered through your My Disney Experience account once you have a hotel reservation. Guest from the United States get them mailed to them before their visit. Because of the RFID technology they can not be shipped to Canada. However they will be customized as to your requests and waiting for you on arrival.
There are also limited edition bands released for special occasions. You can also order bands from the Disney Store online with villains, star wars, park characters, so many to chose from.

Photo is courtesy of disneyparks.disneygo.com

So in the next part of this post I will discuss the FastPass+ system. The last time I went to Disney the bands were just beginning to be tested I was not a lucky guest chosen to do so, so I have yet to experience them. The fast pass where still the paper system. You put the card in the terminal and it spit out a paper ticket with a time to come back to ride the ride. So you are probably thinking "OK" back up what does all of this mean. Rides at Disney have two lines. One line is called a stand by line. This line will have a sign telling you how long it is to wait to get on the ride. From as little as ten minutes to as along as 400 plus minutes (when Frozen opened and now Pandora). The second line is for Fastpass + guests. This is where you have reserved a time period to ride the line. Usually a time period of an hour. The guests in this line get on the ride first and get on very quickly.

So with your My Disney Experience account you can pre book Three FastPass+  per day for each day you have tickets. They are divided by Tiers for each park so you can usually only have one really popular ride. The FastPass+ are not just for rides they also include shows, parades and character interactions (something for everyone). You can link your whole party together also so you are all riding at the same time. Guest of Walt Disney can book their FastPass+ 60 days before their arrival. Guests not staying on site can only book 30 days out.

Once you use you three passes for the day you can then book another using either the app on your mobile device or a kiosk in the park. Once you use that one you can book another based on availability and so forth. Now I had clients at Disney at the beginning of June and they were a party of eleven. While getting the initial three passes a day was not a problem, trying to get an extra pass for that many people at once for the same time was not so easy. A smaller group will have loss problem securing  extra passes. 

So both the magic bands and the fast pass+ are not overly complicated but if you have any questions please feel free to ask away.

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Bucket Lists

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines bucket list as follows:  a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying. According to them the first know use was 2006. 

Origin and Etymology of bucket list from the phrase kick the bucket (to die).

The Movie called "The Bucket List" was released in 2007 featuring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Two men who are terminally ill and decided to leave the hospital and do the things on their bucket list before they die. 

When I think of a bucket list I automatically think of travel but not everyone thinks that way. Some people think of things they would like to do or milestones they would like to accomplish. Some of the things would be sky diving, bungee jumping, ride in a hot air balloon, learn to ski, get married etc...

So as you can guess being a travel agent I have a travel bucket list. But being a travel agent I have three different lists. List one is for travel with my family. List two is for travel with either my husband or friends and list three is travel for research. I will be honest it would take most of my life to complete my lists and a lot of money.

My family list includes the following: Disneyland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New York City, British Columbia, San Diego, San Francisco, Beaches Resort, Nickelodeon Punta Cana  and Adventure by Disney Ireland trip (this one is important as we of Irish heritage) and last but not least a Disney cruise (my son would be even happier if it was Marvel Days at Sea or Star Wars Day at Sea one)

                                          These photos are courtesy of disneyparks.disneygo.com

My couple/Friend list includes the following: Las Vegas, New Orleans, African Safari, European tour, Australia, Hong Kong, Alaska, Seattle, Boston, Nashville, Middle East, Vietnam, Signapore, Taiwan, Russia and Japan.

 Photo courtesy of history.com

Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Last but not least is my solo list which is really my research list for selling travel. It includes the following: Sandals Resorts (all of them lol), Karisma Resorts (all of them), Hard Rock Resorts Riveria Maya, Unico, Royal Caribbean Cruise, Pride of America (NCL Hawaii cruise), Princess Cruise, Celebrity cruise preferably Galapagos, 

Photo courtesy of celebritycruises.com

So what is on your travel bucket list? Do you have separate lists based on who you are travelling with like I do. Take a minute and leave me a comment.

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Islands of Adventures -Seuss Landing

Universal was for the longest time a single park and then they did an expansion to include Islands of Adventure, City Walk now Volcano Bay and 5 on site hotels. Not too mention they have Harry Potters's Wizrding World that spans both parks. Islands of Adventure is broken up into several lands. I will be honest I have not been since 2001 so have not experiences Harry Potter for myself but this will be rectified as part of our December 2018 vacation.
So my favourite part of the Islands is Seuss Landing. I am a very big Dr, Seuss fan. Who doesn't love Horton, The Cat in the Hat, Mr. Brown and Sam I am. I grew up with these books and my children have grown up with these books.
Seuss Landing has three rides The Cat in the Hat. On this ride you hope on to a sofa and get to ride through the story book of what happens on a rainy day and your mom is not home. You can only imagine how your sofa will spin about to catch all the crazy action of the Cat along with Thing One and Thing Two. The second ride is the Caro-Seuss-el as you can guess all those crazy animals that Seuss have created in his books come to life as the animals on the Carousel. You will not find any horses here. I will be honest my mother and I both rode the Carousel (remember this visit was pre-kids) The last ride is One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. This ride you are in fish cars that go up and down and you can fire water at the other cars as well as hope to miss some of the spray, The day we went was rather cool so we did not brave this one. Although as you can imagine they are all relatively tame kid friendly rides.
There is a spot where you can see the egg and nest that Horton sat on and yes you can sit on it too. There is a show with the Grinch, the nameless character from Green Eggs and Ham and the Cat and the Hat (not too forget Thing One and Thing two). It is quite Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoopendous (they have character breakfasts here seasonally). Needless to say this section of the Islands is much tamer than the rest and will be a nice place to start or finish up especially for families will small children or with those  who are young at heart.

Of course these pictures are from the non digital camera so they had to be scanned for you to enjoy!!

As always any questions or comments are always welcome and if you have a chance you can check me out at the following places!!
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D23 Announcements (Part 2)

More Announcements from D23 Expo

Announcement Number 6 was the New Tron Attraction coming to Magic Kingdom.

Tron – our highest-rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland– is coming to Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida!

The new Tron attraction will sit in an entirely new area right next to the Space Mountain attraction at Magic Kingdom® Park. Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, made the announcement during the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts presentation at D23 Expo 2017. 

The TRON Lightcycle Power Run attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is a coaster-style attraction where riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles. It offers access into the energy, lights and excitement of TRON’s high-tech universe and is one of the most thrilling adventures at any Disney park. 

Also, during the presentation, Bob said the plan is to open the Tron attraction in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

Seventh Announcement is the first Mickey and Minnie Ride through Attraction coming to Hollywood Studios.

A new attraction featuring international icon Mickey Mouse is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at the Walt Disney World® Resort!  

On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, your Clients will step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put Guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where they're the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before their very eyes.

The attraction is inspired by the Mickey Shorts that you can see on the Disney Channel. And the people who bring you the shorts at Disney Television Animation are partnering with us to help bring the attraction to life. 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new story and a new singable attraction theme song as well as a new experience we’re calling “2 1/2 D.” No glasses required. Walt Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty said teams are inventing new technologies that turn the flat world of a colorful cartoon short into a “dimensional display of amazingness.”

As you help your Clients plan ahead, we also wanted to let you know that in order to begin to prepare the new home of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at the Chinese Theatre in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Aug. 13, 2017 will be the final day of operation for The Great Movie Ride presented by Turner Classic Movies. Until Aug. 13, your Clients can still relive some of the greatest movie moments in history on the Great Movie Ride attraction.

The next Announcement is there will be a New Star Wars themed Resort

Just announced ... a Star Wars-inspired resort will debut as part of the new Disney 360 vacation concept.

According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.

“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

Announcement Number Eight is a New Space Restaurant in Epcot.

We're excited to unveil exciting plans to create a new restaurant at Epcot® that’ll offer amazing meals with spectacular views high above Earth – from space! 

The restaurant, which will be located adjacent to the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction, will invite Guests to travel into space for amazing dining experiences in the stars. Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald shared a first look at the restaurant during the Walt Disney World Parks and Resortspresentation at D23 Expo 2017. 

“We know our guests love dining at Epcot – and the restaurants really are out of this world,” Tom said. “Now we’re about to create one that takes that literally.” 

The new space restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group. Patina Restaurant Group operates several other restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs®.

Disney Skyline, New Minnie Vehicles to Transport Guests around Walt Disney World Resort

A brand new transportation system is coming to the Walt Disney World® Resort to add even more magic to your future vacation experiences. Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts just announced that the Disney Skyliner will soon give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort.

The transportation system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and the International Gateway at Epcot. And many of the gondolas with Disney Skyliner will feature favorite Disney characters.

Another new transportation service featuring vehicles themed to the one-and-only Minnie Mouse was also announced during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation at D23 Expo 2017. 

“Since we’re all about exceeding guest expectations and making every aspect of your vacation uniquely Disney, we’re creating a new point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do,” Bob said. 

The Minnie vehicles will take you everywhere you want to go at the Walt Disney World Resort, and you’ll ride in Minnie’s classic style.

Next Announcement is a new Pixar Pier at Disney's California Adventure Park

In addition to the amazing experiences for Disney Parks around the world announced today at D23 Expo by Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, a new immersive experience was just announced for Disney California Adventure park in California! In 2018, more of your favorite Pixar stories will come to Disney California Adventure® Park with the new Pixar Pier. 

Pixar Pier will feature a brand-new look for the area now known as Paradise Pier, as some of your favorite characters come to life on this seaside waterfront. You will discover whimsical neighborhoods filled with your friends from “The Incredibles,” “Inside Out” and even more of your pals from “Toy Story.” Building upon the evolution of Disney California Adventure® Park that began in 2007, we are building more new worlds for you to step into and enjoy your favorite stories. 

This permanent addition to the park will open during a new limited-time celebration taking place throughout the Disneyland® Resort in 2018 — Pixar Fest! Experience the magical worlds of Pixar in brand new ways as the entire resort comes alive with some of your favorite stories.

At Disneyland® Park, this incredible celebration will feature a brand-new fireworks spectacular as well as the return of the guest favorite, Pixar Play Parade. That’s right! This popular parade is moving across the Esplanade, which could only mean …

The popular “Paint the Night” parade returns — this time, to Disney California Adventure® Park! And there may even be a new float joining this already amazing nighttime parade.

Stay tuned for updates!

Next Announcement is a New Theater at Magic Kingdom 

A new venue for world-class entertainment is coming to Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida.  

If the image of the theater looks familiar, that’s because the new entertainment venue will be based on the iconic Willis Wood theater in 1920s Kansas City, where Walt lived after he left Marceline. And as you can see from the design, it’ll fit well right off Main Street, U.S.A.

“Across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we’ve been upping the game in Entertainment with shows like Frozen Live at the Hyperion,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts said. “It’s been a huge hit at the Disneyland Resort, and I’m sure many of you have seen it. This new theater at Walt Disney World continues that streak by bringing a new venue for world-class entertainment to the world’s biggest park.”

 So Many exciting changes and additions to take place over the next five years. This is why you can visit Disney every year and not be bored. There is always new things coming and old favourites that go. 

I will miss the Universe of Energy with Ellen as well at the Great Movie Ride.

What will you miss? What is you mots favourite new attraction?

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D23 Expo Announcements (part 1)

Bob Chapek , Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts made lots of announcements on Saturday July 15th at the D23 Expo concerning developments that will be occurring in the parks.

The first major announcement was that Toy Story Land will open Summer of 2018 in Hollywood Studios.

In 2018, you’ll find yourself shrunk to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody and Buzz. And Toy Story Land will feature two new themed attractions. 

Slinky Dog Dash will be a family coaster attraction where you’ll zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits.

Alien Swirling Saucers will also be a new attraction at Toy Story Land. It’s designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first “Toy Story” film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”

The second major announcement is there will be not two but three new ships being added to the Disney Fleet.

Last year, we told you that two new ships were going to be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany with scheduled completion dates of 2021 and 2023. This additional ship will be built at the same shipyard and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

“We decided two ships wouldn’t be enough to hold all of the exciting new experiences we have been dreaming up to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level with immersive Disney storytelling, world-class family entertainment, and imaginative innovations that are fantastically fun and uniquely Disney,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said.

All ship names, design plans and itineraries are still in development, with each of the ships expected to have their own unique experiences. The three new ships will be powered by clean-burning liquefied natural gas and be the same size – approximately 135,000 gross tons with about 1,250 guest staterooms planned – which is slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

With a legacy of revolutionary design, Disney Cruise Line’s new ships will usher in the next generation of innovative cruise experiences designed especially for families that will transform the art-of-cruising and take guests on adventures in a way never dreamed of before.

Announcement Number Three the new Name Announced Galaxy's Edge for Star Wars opening in 2019 at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

One attraction will make Guests feel like they’re on a Star Destroyer inside a hangar bay. It’s an attraction built on a scale we’ve never done before. 

The second attraction will give you the opportunity to fly the Millenium Falcon, piloting the ship, shooting blasters or preparing for hyperspace – all while completing a critical mission. But how they perform on the mission holds even bigger stakes: perform with skill and they may earn extra galactic credits, while bringing the ship back banged up could put them on the list of a bounty hunter. End up on Harkos’s list and they may face a problem if they show up at the local cantina!

Guests will also encounter many familiar faces inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including BB-8, Chewbacca, members of the First Order and – among many others – Rex, the troublesome pilot fans may remember from the previous version of a certain Disney attraction who takes on a new role in this land as the DJ at the cantina.

And speaking of the cantina, here you  will be able to try unique concoctions like blue milk. Nearby, they’ll also be able to acquire trinkets and treasures from across the galaxy.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, first at the Disneyland Resort and later in the year at the Walt Disney World Resort. (No further opening dates have been announced yet.)

Announcement Number four Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille Attractions coming to Epcot.

First, a “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired attraction will be added to Future World, adhering to the original vision of Epcot’s Future World as the place to experience the excitement and adventure offered by space travel.

This is an addition we’re really looking forward to, as a “Guardians of the Galaxy” attraction – Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – debuted at Disney California Adventure® park earlier this year to rave reviews from Guests. Epcot’s brand new E-ticket attraction will be based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and is the next step in how your Clients can encounter these characters at the Walt Disney World Resort. Note: This new attraction will replace the current Universe of Energy attraction, which will close Aug. 13, 2017.

Second, a Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction will also be added to the France Pavilion in World Showcase. The attraction will expand the pavilion. Similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014, your Clients will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant.

According to Disney leaders, both attractions will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World® Resort in 2021.

Announcement Number Five an Immersive Super Hero Experience at Disney California Adventure Park

At D23 Expo, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, gave a hint at what’s to come next for some of your favorite Super Heroes at Disney California Adventure® Park. Soon, the Guardians of the Galaxy will be joined by Spider-Man and the Avengers in what will become a completely immersive Super Hero universe at the park. 

These new stories will build on the success of the new and already popular Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! and create a place where you can team up with your favorite Super Heroes like never before. We don’t have more details to share just yet, but stay tuned  as we reveal more about this one-of-a-kind experience
.

These announcements are so exciting and so many people wait every year for D23 Expo to get the inside scoop of everything Disney going on in the world.

My next blog will have the rest of the announcements

Any questions please let me know

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Group Cruising - Want to join in the Fun

Our Office currently holds space on three different cruises during 2018. These prices are normally better than what you can currently get as they are held when the rates are first released for a period of time. Group cruising does not mean you need to know the other people travelling you are just getting a better rate and often extra perks for being involved with one. That is not to say that you can't travel with a group of friends or family of some sort of special interest club and do activities together (while also having space to yourself when needed).

The first cruise we have to Offer 


Set Sail with Us!

7-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise on Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas
March 24th to March 31st 2018

Itinerary: San Juan, Puerto Rico - Philipsburg, St. Maarten - Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis - St. Johns, Antigua - Castries, St. Lucia - Bridgetown, Barbados - Sea Day - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Rates are based on Double Occupancy
(Triple, Quad etc. based on prevailing rate)

Balcony Stateroom Starting at $1,539 CAD incl tax per person (1st and 2nd guest)

Promenade Stateroom Starting at $1,029 CAD incl tax per person (1st and 2nd guest)

Interior Stateroom Starting at $959 CAD incl tax per person (1st and 2nd guest)

*Additional categories are available
**Triple and Quad Rates available

Cruise Fare Includes:
Ship accommodations
Ocean transportation
Most meals onboard
Some beverages onboard
Most entertainment onboard

*Gratuities are additional $17.44 CAD per person / day (if paid in advance)

Deposits:
$265 CAD per person up to 10-November, 2017.
Due upon booking.

Final Payments:
Due 12-December

Space is Limited!
Contact us for more information and to book today!

info@ExclusiveToYouTravel.com


The Travel Agent Next Door
803-55 York St Toronto, Ont M5J 1R7
TICO# 50021282

photo courtesy of royalcaribbean.co.uk

The Second Cruise we have to Offer

You will be sailing on Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Pride of America
May 12th to May 19th 2018

Aloha! Come aboard Pride of America, our only cruise ship that sails round trip from Honolulu year-round so you can vacation on your schedule. As you journey from one exotic island to the next, learn about the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of native ambassadors on board our ship. Island hop Hawaii in style, with more than 15 restaurants and 12 bars and lounges, excellent family accommodations, spacious suites and balconies – perfect for whale watching, witnessing Kilauea Volcano or taking in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast.

Itinerary
12-May:  Embark Honolulu, 19:00
13-May:  Kahului (Maui) Arrive 08:00, Overnight
14-May:  Kahului (Maui) Depart 18:00
15-May:  Hilo 08:00 – 18:00
16-May:  Kona 07:00 – 17:30
17-May:  Nawiliwili (Kauai) Arrive 10:00, Overnight
18-May:  Nawiliwili (Kauai) Depart 14:00
18-May:  Afternoon Cruise of the Napali Coast
19-May:  Honolulu Arrive 07:00 for Disembarkation


On Board Dining:
There are a combination of Complimentary Dining Options on the Pride of America as well as Specialty Dining Options.

Check-out the What’s On Board information for excellent descriptions on all of the restaurant options.
https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-ship/pride-of-america#whats-on-board

Complimentary Dining
Every cruise fare includes beautifully crafted menus in the two main dining rooms (full service), a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafes, grills and on-the-go choices.  From fresh-baked breads desserts and pastries to the Chefs’ original dishes made with the freshest ingredients, your dining can be as fine or as fun as you want.

The following restaurants are included:
Aloha Café (buffet)
Cadillac Diner (burgers, fish n chips, pot-pies etc)
East Meets West (Asian Fusion)
Liberty Main Dining Room (there will be a rotating 3-course dinner menu)
Skyline Main Dining Room (there will be a rotating 3-course dinner menu)

Specialty Dining
Widen your pallet further and choose from their specialty restaurants for a cover charge or a la carte.

Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse) $24.95 USD pp
Teppanyaki $29.95 USD pp
Cagney’s Steakhouse a la carte
Jefferson’s Bistro a la carte
La Cucina a la carte
Sushi Bar a la carte


Group Amenities:
A bonus of booking into a group are the group amenities that you are entitled to.  Amenities must be chosen by stateroom (not on an individual basis).  Each Stateroom may choose 2 amenities.

Prepaid Service Charges for 1st and 2nd guests only (best value as these need to be paid regardless)  $13.50 USD per person / day
Internet Package – 250 shared minutes per cabin
$50 USD Per Port Shore Excursion Credit max 4 ports (per stateroom, not per person)
Dining Package – 3 Specialty Restaurant Dining Experiences for 1st and 2nd guests only
20 Photo Package – per stateroom
$75 USD OBC – per stateroom


Pricing:
Please let me know what type of stateroom you are looking for:  Interior (no windows), Ocean View or Balcony
As well as how many people in your stateroom

Contact: info@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

The Travel Agent Next Door
803-55 York St Toronto, Ont M5J 1R7
TICO# 50021282

photo courtesy of www.ncl.com

The Third Cruise We Have to Offer

Norwegian Getaway - Western Caribbean Cruise
December 16th to December 23rd 2018

Sail Aboard - Norwegian Getaway - to the sizzling Caribbean. Taking Freestyle Cruising to another level, Norwegian Getaway has everything you're looking for in a vacation, indulge in three seafood restaurants. Discover remarkable entertainment, including Broadway shows like Change to Million Dollar Quartet and Burn the Floor. Splash around at Aqua Park with Free Fall, the fastest waterslides at sea. Get ready to discover how exhilarating Norwegian Getaway:

Ship Highlights:
- 28 Dining Options
- 22 Bars & Lounges
- 2 Broadway Shows
- Illusionarium
- 678 Ocean Place
- The Waterfront
- Aqua Park Featuring 5 multi-story water slides
- Three -level sport complex
- Getaway Casino
- Mandara Spa
- The Haven by Norwegian
- Studios for solo travelers
- Complimentary youth programs for kids & teens

December 16th Miami
December 17th At Sea
December 18th Roatan, Bay Islands
December 19th Harvest Caye (Belize)
December 20th Costa Maya
December 21st Cozumel
December 22nd At Sea
December 23rd Miami

The following amenities are available to chose from. 2 per stateroom
- Unlimited Beverage Package (1st and 2nd guests only)
- Prepaid Service Charges (1st ad 2nd guests only)
- Internet package - per cabin (250 minutes)
- $50 per port Shorex Credit - per cabin
- Dinning Package (1st and 2nd guests only)
- 20 photo package - per cabin
- $75 USD On Board Credit - per cabin

Inside Cabin $1178.58 CAD each for 1st and 2nd guest
Balcony Cabin $1553.46 CAD each for 1st and 2nd guest

***Please contact me for pricing for 3rd and 4th guest

Deposit required at Booking is $301.25 CAD per cabin

Final Payment is due September 4th 2018

For more information please contact slough@thetravelagentnextdoor.com

The Travel Agent Next Door
803-55 York St Toronto, Ont M5J 1R7
TICO# 50021282

photo courtesy of www.ncl.com

Sandos Playacar Beach Resort # 2

So while visiting Mexico there are many excursions that you can take and many sites that can be taken in. Being as we where only there for a short period we decided on just one excursion it was actually a combination. A tour to the Ruins of Tulum and then off to a private Beach.
The Ruins were awesome and this is not an expensive tour and short and sweet. There are many ruins in Mexico. The Chichen Itza ruins are the largest and most impressive. However the tour was a full day with almost four hours of travel so we decided to go to the ruins that were much closer.

The guide we had was very passionate and provided us with lots of great historical information. After the visit to Tulum we headed to a private beach for about an hour. You can actually see the ruins from the beach.

Here is a small list of some of the tours you can do when visiting. Swim with Dolphins at Ventura Park, scuba diving, skyrider (two can fly) SubSee Explorer (underwater adventure), Cozumel tour. Other ruins you can see include Coba, Uxmal and Xcaret. Rio Secreto is a nature reserve where you go to an underground river to explore. There are off road jungle adventures. Sailing and snorkeling adventures, Nightlife adventures if you do not like what your resort has to offer. There is also a pirate and lobster dinner dhow but sadly Lisa is not a seafood lover so I could not partake :(
10 minutes from the resort maybe a 25 minute walk you can go to the famous 5th Avenue shopping district which we did. I shopped at some well known brands as well as local made things. There was a great show, I did not get to go to Senor frogs (I collect all things frogs) but did hit the store. Also the ferry to Cozumel is located here.

This ritual has to do with fertility and the Mayan calendar. 5 men climb to the op of the large tower. One beats a drum at the top while the other four dangle by ropes attached to their feet. It takes twelve whole turns to get to the ground. This ceremony was also performed at the Tulum ruins but these pictures turned out nicer.

Again I would highly recommend a stay at Sandos Playacar for either couples or families they also have a more family oriented resort close by called Sandos Caracol.

www.sandosplayacar.com

My websites: www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca  www.exlclusivetoyoutravel.com  and www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor