Wednesday 19 June 2019

WorldCruise

I know what you are probably thinking, as soon as you read the title World Cruise you said to yourself not in this lifetime unless I win the lottery. I will not disagree they are expensive but they are reasonable if they are something you are thinking of doing at retirement or if you are entitled to a sabbatical this might be a nice option.
I am going to profile Princess cruises 2021 world cruise options as yes they do have option of shorter versions of the world cruise. The longest option is 111 days and they have a shorter 87 and 97 days available also.
The 111 day cruise has two options one offers Fort Lauderdale round trip and the other offers Los Angeles. I think I would probably do the west coast as I tend to stay to the east more often. Of course this is a cruise that I would not be including the kids in unless they paid for themselves.
The 111 day cruise starts at $30,000 per person in an inside cabin. I am 11% certain that if I am going to spend that long on a cruise that I would be springing for a balcony or suite. On a short cruise an inside cabin is ok it has a bed to rest your head when you need it but I am thinking on a cruise this length there will be enough sea days that I will want to see the sun have some space to escape when I want need to be on my own. The ship is the Island Princess.


Here is a list of the 48 ports that will be stopped at during the 111 day cruise.  Los Angeles, California, United States | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | Kona, Hawaii, United States | Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia | Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Pago Pago, American Samoa | Cross International Date Line | Suva, Fiji | Bay of Islands, New Zealand | Auckland, New Zealand | Tauranga, New Zealand | Picton, New Zealand | Wellington, New Zealand | New Plymouth, New Zealand | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia | Yorkeys Knob (Cairns), Queensland, Australia | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia | Bali (Benoa), Indonesia | Singapore | Langkawi, Malaysia | Phuket, Thailand | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Oman | Aqaba (Petra), Jordan | Transit the Suez Canal, Egypt | Transit the Suez Canal, Egypt | Jerusalem/Bethlehem (Ashdod), Israel | Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus) | Gythion (for Sparta), Greece | Venice, Italy | Venice, Italy | Ljubljana (Koper), Slovenia | Split, Croatia | Kotor, Montenegro | Valletta, Malta | Sicily (Catania), ItalySorrento, Italy (for Capri & Pompeii) | Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy | Monte Carlo, Monaco | Barcelona, Spain | Malaga, Spain | Casablanca, Morocco (for Marrakech) | Lanzarote (Arrecife), Canary Islands | La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Cartagena, Colombia | Panama Canal Full Transit | Puntarenas, Costa Rica | San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua | Huatulco, Mexico | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Los Angeles, California, United States
This itinerant includes about 56 sea days and two ports Dubai and Venice are overnights stays. Island Princess is your own private retreat on the sea. Whether you crave relaxation or exhilaration, you'll find the soothing Lotus Spa®, live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, casino gaming and more.
Here is what you will find on board according to Princess. Passionate about our culinary craft, we’re committed to serving you mouthwatering, handcrafted dishes made from scratch throughout your voyage. Be sure to join us at one of our award-winning specialty restaurants to celebrate your next birthday, anniversary or milestone and enjoy tantalizing specialties.

  • Crafted by Curtis Stone (dining room dishes)
  • Chef's Table Experience^
  • Chocolate Journeys℠
  • Sabatini's℠ (Italian specialty restaurant)^
  • Bayou Café & Steakhouse℠ (specialty restaurant)^
  • La Patisserie (World Cup of Pastry)
  • Princess Pizzeria
  • The Bar & Grill
  • Horizon Court (buffet)
  • Amuleto Café
Each day, a world of exciting activities awaits, from cooking demonstrations to dance classes, trivia contests and a range of enrichment programs, including our Encounters with Discovery at SEA™ speaker series from experts who offer insights into the places you’ll visit.
  • Discovery at SEA™ Programs
  • Festivals of the World
  • The Atrium
  • Shops of Princess
  • Art Gallery & Auctions
  • Photo & Video Gallery
  • Platinum Photography Studio
  • Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs
  • Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, tennis)
  • Princess Links (putting course)
There’s always something happening on board — from heading to the Princess Theater for a lavish original musical production to enjoying a blockbuster movie poolside under the stars or simply relaxing in a lounge sipping a cocktail where a live band is playing your song.
  • Movies Under the Stars®
  • Original Musical Productions
  • Music & Dancing
  • Vegas-style Casino
  • Featured Guest Entertainers
  • Princess Theater
  • The Voice of the Ocean (live show)
  • Explorers Lounge
  • Crooners Bar
Everything you need to refresh body and mind is right on board. Indulge in a manicure, pedicure or a makeover in the salon, or a soothing massage in the Lotus Spa®. Or maybe it’s a brisk workout in the fitness center, followed by a little “me time” in The Sanctuary, a tranquil retreat reserved just for adults.
  • The Princess Luxury Bed (on board in Apr. 2018)
  • SLEEP by Princess
  • The Sanctuary (retreat for adults)^
  • Lotus Spa®^
  • Lotus Spa® Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes^
So even though you will have many sea days there is so much you will be able to see and do while on board that you should have no opportunity to feel bored. You will also have so many options for excursions available in every port.
So do not despair a world cruise can be in your future. I definitely feel it will be in mine once the kids are grown up and gone and of course I can work from anywhere right.

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Monday 17 June 2019

River Cruise with AMA Waterways

I have done a number of blog posts on Ocean Cruises. Probably because I have taken three in a short period of time and have another two booked already. I will have done five cruises in just shy of three years. Yes I will continue to do them. One there are still many places I have not visited and two I want to experience as many cruise lines as possibly and I will only have 3 under my belt when I am done.
However today's blog post is about another type of cruising. River cruising. River cruising of course if a totally different experience. You are often in the heart of the cities and countryside of countries. You watch castles in the background and you float by. You get off the ship and you are right in the heart of things and ready to explore,  where as sometimes on Ocean cruises you can be on a bus for an hour or more before you even get to the city and start a tour. You can also spend one to two days at sea with noting to see but water. River cruises let you get up close and personal with your destination. You unpack once and enjoy a new experience everyday.
One of my favourite River Cruise companies is Ama Waterways. They are family owned and operated and have been around since 2002. They also happen to be partners with Adventures by Disney allowing families to experience River cruises. Here are pictures of three of their ships.

 Ama Dara

 Ama Kristina

Ama Magna

They have nineteen ships that operate in Europe, two ships in Portugal, one ship in Africa and one ship in Vietnam/Cambodia. A total of twenty-three ships.
Ama realizes that their guests have different tastes, so they’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. Are you looking for something more active? See the beautiful scenery of Austria’s Wachau Valley with a guided bike tour along the Danube. The choice is yours. To me this is another big plus as you can spend a thousand or more on excursions on ocean cruises especially if you are travelling as a family.
There are more ways to relax. With fewer guests on board, they are able to offer an array of amenities on their award-winning ships. When you’re not off exploring another stunning destination, take some time to unwind, relax and rejuvenate with the pools, massage services and more They also have fitness centres and hair salons on board.
They offer all kinds of different cruise types. They have cruises that explore the Christmas markets, Wine cruises, god cruises, tulips in Holland cruises. They offer a low single supplement for the solo traveller. They have something for everyone.

 winery in bordeaux

tulips in Holland

My Instagram and Facebook features the above pictures this month and offers selection of river cruises available in 2020 that have free airfare to Europe included. They always have some amazing promotions available and it is so easy to put a group together. Belong to a wine club put together a wine tour. Golfing partners set up a golf cruise and have the opportunity to golf in Europe with like minded people. Family reunion want to do something different than just meeting for a bbq afternoon and going your separate ways and seeing each occasionally at funerals and weddings why not spend a week reconnecting and still having time to explore and do thing on your own if you want. My bucket list river cruise is actually to go to Europe and experience the Christmas markets. You get to experience them in Switzerland and Germany and have such a great time,

Cologne Germany

So do you have a group or club or family and friends that you would like to travel with. Reach out to me and we can set up an amazing river cruise group that suits everyone's needs. Also take a moment and leave a comment about where you would pick to go for a river cruise?


Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Saturday 15 June 2019

Family Travel With National Geographic and G Adventures

As you all know I am big Disney fan and Harry Potter runs a close second which means Universal studios. You may also know that one of my travel niches/specialties is Family Travel. While I love the theme parks I also know that they are far from the only place people are travelling with their families these days.
People are taking their children as early as 6 months old to all inclusive resorts down South they are boarding cruise ships and traveling all over. You do not have to limit yourself with children you can travel the world.
One of my favourite Suppliers G Adventures have teamed up with National Geographic and they have come up with National Geographic Family Journey's that will allow you to travel the world together to new and exciting places.
Everyone loves to travel, but not everyone loves to travel the same way. G Adventures Travel Styles gather trips of a feather together so you can spend less time searching and more time dreaming about where you’ll go next. G Adventures has so many travel styles available: Classic Tours, National Georgraphic Journeys, Family National Geographic Journeys, 18 to thirty somethings tours, active tours, marine tours, wellness tours, rail yours, local living tours and family living. Today's blog will focus on the Family National Georgraphic Journey's.


 Photo courtesy of G Adventures Vietnam Hanoi Train Street children and mother's walking

Photo courtesy of G Adventures: Vietnam Lan Ha Bay Floating Fish Farm kids getting lesson from a local farmer

National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures is a new line of trips for adventure-loving families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together. These itineraries are specially designed so travellers ages seven and up can explore a destination’s rich and diverse characteristics. Each itinerary features unique, interactive activities inspired by National Geographic's expertise in photography and storytelling, wildlife, culture, history, and geography to encourage kids and adults alike to connect with the world around them. Families will enjoy enlightening experiences, the freedom to explore, quality time together—and they’ll return home with a renewed sense of wonder.
So what makes Family Journey's unique. Pre-departure resources and materials from National Geographic to inform and excite every member of the family about their upcoming adventure. Comfortable and convenient accommodations. Two dynamic CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) who are specially trained to engage with young travellers. Kid-friendly meal options throughout the trip and last but not least A group of usually 20 or fewer like-minded family travellers.
There are twelve offering from G Adventures and National Geographic as follows:
Morocco Family Journey: ancient Souks to the Sahara - 9 days
Southern Africa Family Journey: In search of the Big Five - 11 days
Tanzania Family Journey: A Serengeti Safari - 8 days
Southeast Asia Family Journey: Vietnam to Cambodia - 13 days
Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern times - 11 days
France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond - 9 days
Italy Family Journey: From Venice to Rome - 8 days
Iceland Family Journeys: Geysers, Glaciers & Fjords - 8 days
Peru Family Journeys: Machu Picchu to the Amazon - 10 days
Costa Rica Family Journeys: from Rain forest to coast - 9 days
Alaska Family Journeys: Wilderness Explorer - 9 days
National Parks Family Journeys: Yellowstone and Grand Teton - 8 days


 photo courtesy of G Adventures; Costa Rica Rinon de la Vieja (a horse and girl)

Photo courtesy of G adventures: Costa Rica Monteverde (frog and boy)

These are the experiences we should be giving our children. Not an Xbox or Playstation with games that are violent and addictive. Not boxes and boxes full of toys that they play with once and toss aside. We have cut out big presents of material things for Christmas and moved to experiences such as concert tickets, vacations spending time with us one on one. Going to the movies. Spending more time together is what we need to do. Our time together is so short in the grand scheme of things. Now it is to decide which of these adventures we will be trying. I am strongly leaning towards Africa or Asia.
Where would you go if you could with your kids? How do you feel about family? Take a minute and leave me a comment or drop me a line.
Don't forget if you want to book one of theses twelve amazing opportunities or heck all of them contact me today.

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Thursday 13 June 2019

Ride for Dad

So just like when I go to conference and come back and share our great alliance with Pencil for Kids and tell you about what amazing give back program we have supported while away I am going to tell you about a charity that my family and I support locally. I started helping the Nation Valley ATV Club with there Ride for Dad event several years ago. Last year my oldest daughter joined me. This year the two oldest spent the day with me and Friday night the three girls helped with set up. It is great helping out with something in our community. Many local survivors come out and help also so they get to know who it is they are actually helping them. One of the survivors is actually a former Scout leader's father. I believe this year was the sixth time the ATV club held an event supporting ride for dad. They have raised lots of money over the years with 2 of the members having diamond status in the amount if money they have each raised which is both over $10,000.

 Dinner after the ride

 Dinner after the ride

me during the day

The mission of the Telus Ride for Dad is to raise funds to save men's lives by supporting prostate cancer research and raising public awareness of the disease. Our goal is for men to continue to be there for their families and friends for years to come. The parade of vehicles grabs the attention of the masses and the media on ride day, the research helps find hope for the future and the awareness has the potential of saving men’s lives today.We raise funds through large scale one-day motorcycle, snowmobile, watercraft and ATV ride events and through ongoing public fundraising throughout the year. TELUS Ride For Dad events take place in multiple cities from coast to coast all across Canada.
Ride for dad has raised 33 million dollars since they started in 2000. They had three ATV rides this year, 3 Snowmobile rides and they have 28 motorcycle rides scheduled for May and June.
This past June the 1st Ottawa held their Motorcycle Ride for Dad and it was a Poker run. They had five stops throughout the day. Got to pick a card and every stop and try and make the best poker hand possible. The first stop was the start, second stop was Morewood, Third stop the Ingleside Masonic centre, Fourth stop the point in Iroquois and fifth and final stop was the arena in Winchester. While I did have an opportunity to have a vendor table set up in Winchester at the last stop. My Family and I decided to volunteer at the Ingleside Masonic Center.
I was there along with my husband, youngest daughter Katherine and son Daniel. Victoria was in Maine for the weekend and Elizabeth was at the Scout's end of the year camp. We had coffee and treats set up. However we were working the card tables. Were each rider got to pull a card and you added it to their hand.
I love exposing my children to giving back and supporting good causes. The girls already do this with rainbow but it is great when we can do it on our own also.








If you want to donate to this great cause or find out more please go their website  http://www.ridefordad.ca/



Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Tuesday 11 June 2019

Insurance and why it is Important

Travel Insurance I know I have written about it before and i am writing about it again and I will continue to write about it until everyone realizes just how important it is and does not travel without. Also so that people educate themselves on what they do have also as unfortunately all insurance products are not created equal.
I know the first thing that comes to your mind insurance is not cheap and for a family you can add sometimes up to $500 more to the cost of the trip by adding it. Who wants to add that much to a trip when you do not see the value of that money. My answer to that is do you have the money should something occur outside the country to covers those costs which can get into the thousands of dollars. Do you want to lose your home to medical expenses incurred that could have been taken care of for $500. Do you want to lose your life's savings? If you answer no to either questions than travel insurance is for you.
There are always travel horror stories in the news, accidents, missed flights, deaths, weather or political events etc.. You listen to many of them and think they are just too outrageous to ever happen to you. So in doing my research for this blog. I cam across incidents that have been included in insurance reports not big news items. Mostly because these people all had insurance and so did not need help paying for these things.
My first story is a young lady travelling in Thailand. She was experiencing a sore stomach and let it go for several hours. She finally could not bare it any more and went to a local clinic to find that her appendix were  infected. She was in a remote village and had to take an ambulance (a truck with a bed in the back) 4 hours to a local hospital by the time she got there her appendix had burst. All of this was covered by insurance, even the ambulance ride. Another lady was riding a bike in Bali and a stray dog bit her. She had to get rabies shots for 4 months. Insurance paid for all of them and even paid to replace her jeans. All things that you would not expect to happen.

Another example a UK couple were 30 days into a 90 day vacation. Out in the middle of Turkmenistan when they received news that his mother was dying. They arranged flights back home. Insurance paid for the new flights and covered the unused visa's and 60 days of the trip not used. They would have been out a significant amount of money and no trip had they not. Another women was scheduled for a ski trip when she hurt her knee and had to cancel her trip. Her insurance covered everything she had booked.

Remember a few years ago now when the Iceland volcano erupted and spewing ash all over Europe and wrecking havoc with flights all over Europe. Many people had flights cancelled had to stay longer in countries than anticipated had to travel across Europe by train to try flying out further away. Some could  not even leave for scheduled vacations. Anyone who had travel insurance would be covered by this occurrence.

These are all little things that could have become so big and really unexpected and no warning to any of them. Costs for for treatment can add up so quickly depending on where you are. I checked out some average prices for treatment in the United States. Treating a concussion can average $18454 USD. An Ambulance ride can cost between $224 USD to $2204 USD depending on the state you are in. X Rays can run you between $260 USD to $460 USD. An average hosiptal stay is $10,000 USD.  A broken leg or arm can cost you $2500 USD. My nephew at 18 months old was walking on an even sidewalk stepped down the wrong way and ended up breaking his leg. Literally in a blink of an eye it could have just as easily happened while on vacation and cost a small fortune to treat.
Contrary to popular belief OHIP does not cover you for medical treatment abroad. It used to cover a few piddly things and those have just been recently removed as well. A women fell in Crotatia and hurt her head a few years back and needed surgery her family asked OHIP to cover the cost of air ambulance home. They of course refused as it is not covered. They then turned to foreign affairs to help with the cost of an air ambulance. They were once again denied. It is not something are government is meant to do. They had to resort to fundraisers and crowd funding sources. Travel Insurance would take care of all that and no need to ask family, friends and strangers to help you get the help you need.

As another comparison I looked at prices for care in Mexico an ambulance ride will cost you $2500 USD or more. Xrays from $210 USD to $1000 USD. Hospital stays are over $10,000 USD.
I use Manuife for all my insurance needs party because I do not like credit and have one credit card with a $5000 limit on it that really would not go very far should something happen to anyone in the family. The nice thing with Manulife is I do not have to pay out of pocket they cover everything up front so again no worries. Many work benefit plans and credit card benefit plans you have to pay out first and then be re-imbursed. I heard a horror story of a women who had work coverage paid $80,000 in expenses for an injury abroad and spent almost 8 months trying to get the claim in order and payouts. She almost went bankrupt over it. Can you afford to have that kind of money in limbo for any length of time let alone 8 months.
Even travel within Canada but outside your province you should have travel insurance. Our health care when not covered by a provincial plan is just as expensive as some of the prices you see for American Health care if you are a non resident.
So please protect yours and your families interest and get a travel insurance policy in place


Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Sunday 9 June 2019

New Adventures by Disney

I have talked about Adventures by Disney before but they have released a few new itineraries for 2020 and they also have a promotion that if you book early you can save up to $500 per customer depending on itinerary and dates chosen. You must book by July 13th. So if you are thinking on doing an Adventures by Disney with your family in 2020 now is a good time to think about booking. I am here to hep you chose the itinerary that works best for you and your family, help you book it, still here to answer any questions or concerns and to make sure you are prepared when you head out. I am here while you are away should the need arise for you to contact me and I will be around when you get back home to make sure you had an amazing experience.
New Experience number one is a ten day vacation in Egypt. Take an epic Adventures by Disney vacation to Egypt, where you’ll marvel at the gilded treasures of King Tutankhamun and the Great Pyramids at Giza, explore the sprawling capital of Cairo, visit magnificent destinations along the Nile River and bask on the beaches at Sharm El Sheikh along the Red Sea. You’ll be awed by the storied history of the people, places and cultures of this ancient country. This trip includes 25 meals 9, breakfasts and 8 lunches and 8 dinners. With all Adventures by Disney you will have 2 Adventure guides, outstanding accommodations, admission fees to attractions and performances included in your price, vip access and events and cultural experiences with local experts. Some of the highlights from this trip are pyramids at Giza, valley of the kings, Grand Egyptian museum with an Egyptologist.

Another new Adventure for 2020 is Montana. It is a 7 day trip. Journey to Montana and Yellowstone National Park where you’ll witness the spectacular beauty and awe-inspiring natural wonders of the Old West. Stay at a rustic dude ranch and go glamping under the stars. Feel yourself come alive on this active Adventures by Disney vacation that features horseback riding, fly fishing and more in the great outdoors! Some of the highlights include Old Faithful Geyser, Stagecoach adventure and the mammoth hot spring terraces. 


Adventures by Disney has also added a few new short escapes 2 to 5 days in Amsterdam, Paris and Budapest. The escapes are great to add on to existing vacations or a really quick getaway.


If Disney Adventures is for you please contact me and we can book your families next Adventure.


Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Friday 7 June 2019

Galaxy's Edge...

Star Wars Galaxy Edge has now officially opened at Disneyland!! So far their opening has been much better than the Avatar opening was in Animal Kingdom, Disney World. When Avatar opened people were waiting in lines for six hours to see and experience things. For Disneyland guest were able to apply for a special ticket letting them into Galaxy Edge as long as they already have a park ticket and they were given four hours to explore the land and then had to leave giving more people the chance to view and experience. Hopefully the same process will be used when the Galaxy Edge in Disney World opens in August of this year.
The Millennium Falcon is a Star Wars icon, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge makes dreams come true for those who’ve wished to step aboard the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” In Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you
will strap into theFalcon cockpit and take the controls as either a pilot, gunner or flight engineer on a mission to deliver smuggled goods while avoiding any… unnecessary entanglements.

Photo courtesy of Disney.com


Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to a bustling marketplace, full of vendors showcasing wares from across the galaxy. Pick up authentic Batuuan attire with a stop at Black Spire Outfitters, start a collection of rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, or peek into the cages in the Creature Stall. The marketplace’s twisting pathway is just waiting to be explored, with something new to see seemingly around every turn.
Photo courtesy of Disney.com
Ever since Luke Skywalker sat down for a family meal in Star Wars: A New HopeStar Wars fans have had this burning question: What does Blue Milk taste like? Now at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they'll finally have their answer. The Milk Stand in the Black Spire Outpost marketplace offers both Blue and Green Milk, delicious frozen blends with dashes of fruity accents.
Photo courtesy of Disney.com

Whether it’s the large podracing engine hanging overhead, the former smelter droid turning a spit of meats or just the savory smells wafting by, Ronto Roasters is sure to grab Guests' attention. This marketplace stall offers mouth-watering Ronto Wraps and sweet-or-spicy Nuna Turkey Jerky, as well as a selection of specialty beverages.

Photo courtesy of Disney.com

Constructing a lightsaber is a rite of passage in the life of a Jedi, as this elegant weapon from a more civilized age is attuned to its wielder through the Force. Inside Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, you will feel the presence of the Force as you craft your own lightsabers, customizing them with various hilts, décor and the all-important kyber crystals. My daughters built lightsabers on our last Disney World vacation but apparently this experience is even more exciting. Only twelve people can enter at a time

Photo courtesy of Disney.com

Droids can be some of the most loyal companions in the entire Star Wars galaxy, and now you have the chance to build and customize your own astromech friends at the Droid Depot. Patrons pick pieces and parts off a conveyor belt to construct one of two core models (R-series or BB-series), which can then interact with elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Photo courtesy of Disney.com

The heartbeat of Black Spire Outpost, Oga’s Cantina is a place where even the blaster-bolt scorches on the walls tell a story. Guests can gather to share tales from around the galaxy as you enjoy exotic beverages served in unique vessels and listen to spirited musical entertainment from DJ R-3X, the former droid pilot from Star Tours. Whether sidling up to the cantina’s counter or sliding into one of the establishment’s back booths, this is the best place to catch up on local gossip, make a new friend or form a new alliance.

photo courtesy of Disney.com

When accessed inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Play Disney Parks app transforms your  mobile device into their very own Star Wars: Datapad. You can then scan the contents hidden inside containers, translate languages, and tune into communications happening throughout the land. You can also use this tool to hack into droids and door panels (what the locals call “slicing”) to unlock additional stories.

Photo courtesy of Disney.com

You should keep your eyes open as you explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, because you may encounter heroes of the Resistance or agents of the First Order. Supreme Leader Kylo Ren lands at Black Spire Outpost and gathers Stormtroopers to help him hunt for Resistance fighter Rey. You may also encounter Millennium Falcon co-pilot Chewbacca or Resistance spy Vi Moradi.
According to all reports from other bloggers, media etc the opening went very smoothly and the Galaxy never felt crowded or too packed. I am thinking Disney has gotten opening a new land down pat and should be ready for the launch at Disney World.
It is not too late to book a Summer or Fall Vacation for either Disneyland or Disney World and if you would like to get on my list for a quote for 2020 once the rates drop than contact me today!!!

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area