The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Celebrates the Holidays

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November 9, 2015

Santa, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, are jetting off to Florida this December to escape the cold and join guests for Holiday Happenings at Santa’s favorite resort – the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. During this month-long celebration, children and kids at heart can enjoy a magical holiday vacation experience at the Epcot Resort Area hotel with special holiday season room rates starting at $159 per night.

This year’s activities line-up:

Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets

Decked out in their Florida vacation attire, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane meet guests in Santa’s customized Tiki Hut on select nights. Featuring reindeer, palm trees and flamingos, this holiday photo opportunity is like no other.

Life-Size Chocolate Holiday Santa Scene

Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-sized sculpture weighs in at approximately 2,000 pounds! The sculpture, created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard (the only two-time world pastry champion), is showcased in the lobby of the Swan. It features chocolate Santa sitting in his chair, a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker, chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train. The scene will be displayed in the lobby of the hotel throughout December and is 100 percent edible. However, any chocolate lovers thinking of taking on the challenge of consuming this enormous sweet, should consider that it is 4 million calories! (By the way, the sculpture is not available for tasting!)

A Florida Snow Fall and Tree Lighting Ceremony

With the help of some holiday magic, guests can experience a snow fall in the comfort of the Dolphin lobby. Throughout December, the lobby is transformed into a festive holiday scene featuring a 45-ft tall Christmas tree surrounded by a holiday train set. The scene is completed with regularly timed snow fall. This snow, however, requires no shoveling. On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus for the lighting of the Christmas tree, followed by hot holiday beverages and crafts for kids at Santa’s Tiki Hut.

Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins

Even after Santa’s elves have finished making presents, their work isn’t really finished! On December 24, a fully costumed elf will deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to the room, read a bedtime story and tuck children into bed before Santa arrives. This premium service costs $59 for one child and $25 for each additional child. A service charge of 20 percent is added. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Dancing Lights Show

A dazzling musical light show transforms the outdoor causeway each evening into a holiday spectacle with dancing illuminated palm trees and favorite holiday tunes.

Holiday Entertainment

On select nights, guests can catch entertainment by carolers, choirs and musicians in the hotel lobbies, on the causeway and in other public areas throughout the hotel.

Magic Keys for Santa

How will Santa deliver presents to each guest room without a chimney? With a magic key! Children can hang a magic key on their door to help Santa find his way on Christmas Eve. Magic keys are available at the concierge desk.

Dessert Decorating and Holiday Movies

Throughout December, families can tune in to free holiday-themed movies either on their guest room televisions or, on select nights, on a large screen on the hotel’s private beach. Children can also decorate delicious holiday sweets in the lobby.

For more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Universal Orlando’s “Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue” Closing on December 3, 2015

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 9, 2015

In August 2015, Universal announced that the show would be closing later this year, and they have finally set a final closing date for Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue. They will close permanently on December 3, 2015 to make way for Fast & Furious – Supercharged which means the last showing will be on December 2, 2015. The Fast & Furious franchise is extremely successful, so of course this new attraction is one not to miss.

A little about the show and some of my favorite pictures from the show.

Say his name three times – BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! – and get ready to meet that wisecracking wacko from the underworld, BEETLEJUICE “live” and in person. Everyone’s favorite ghost with the most is your host for this raucous rock ‘n’ roll revue featuring Universal’s classic monsters.

My buddy Steven Miranda made this post on his facebook page and I couldn’t help but to think of all the fans that will miss this cool show.

You hate to see him leave, but you love to watch Beetlejuice go… But this is no longer the case on December 3 because the day before, The ghost with the most, and his monster crew which includes Wolfie, Bride, Frankenstein, Dracula, Phantasia, Cleo and the “Solid Ghoul/50 Shades of Ghoul” dancers are going to shake up the crusty castle one last time before all their stage are belong to Fast and the Furious Supercharged.-Steven Miranda.

I’ve only seen it twice but I really liked it. I can see why they feel the need to replace it with something new because it is showing it’s age, but it’s really going to be ashamed to lose a show with my favorite Universal MONSTERS! I’m a big fan of Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetle……you thought I was gonna say Beetlejuice three times, huh! Oh snap! Well he is the ghost with the most!

You have just a few more weeks to experience this favorite attraction before it’s gone into Universal history. For more information about planning a magical Universal Orlando vacation before it’s too late contact me anytime. I would love to help you plan the best vacation ever!

My name is Leigh Saleh. I’m a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel. I’m a Universal Orlando Specialist, SeaWorld Parks Specialist, Legoland Florida Specialist and a Disney Destination Specialist as well as many more destinations including cruise lines. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

You can also visit my Facebook page, click here for more details, and updates on special offers to your favorite travel destinations. You will also find a ton of pictures from Walt Disney World,Disney Cruise Line, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and Legoland Florida.

**All Photographs are from my personal vacations**

Hollywood Studios to Debut new Star Wars Experiences this December

By

Danielle

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November 9, 2015

Very soon, you will have the opportunity to experience Star Wars in Hollywood Studios in an all-new way – every day! New experiences will open starting Dec. 1, 2015 bringing that galaxy far, far away, a little bit closer.

Star Wars Launch Bay will take Guests into the Star Wars saga and the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be home to a brand new adventure inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. During the opening months, we’ll make sure that everyone who rides Star Tours will experience the new adventure. After that, it will be up to the will of the Force.

We also have new information about “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi.” It will feature scenes from the complete Star Wars saga, also giving anyone new to the Star Wars galaxy an opportunity to get acquainted with the films.

Last, but certainly not least, is Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, which will open in early December. This reimagined Jedi Training experience will take younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple where they will face Darth Vader along with the Seventh Sister – a new villain from the Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”

And work begins next year on the 14-acre Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With construction underway, unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer Star WarsWeekends. While Star Wars Weekends has been a great way to enjoy the saga for a few days every year, now the Force will be with Disney’s Hollywood Studios every day.

With Star Wars Launch Bay, the new Jedi Training experience, “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” and a new destination in the Star Tours attraction opening in December, you’ll be able to step into the Star Wars saga every time you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

I can’t wait! How about you?

My name is Danielle Laroff, and I am a Disney Specialist for Chip and Company. I am also a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency used by Chip and the Disney Addicts. To blast off on your galactic adventure to Walt Disney World, Email me today at [email protected]. You can also visit my Facebook page, click here for more updates as well as lots of pictures and updates of the Parks and resorts.

Disney Find – Snow Man & Santa Mickey Pendants

By

Chip

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November 9, 2015

How cute is this handmade Snowman Mickey Mouse Head necklace pendant? Etsy designer ALoftyCraft is selling this on etsy for only $10.

If you think that is cute check out this Santa Mickey necklace pendant. Both pendants will run you $10 each.

ALoftyCraft has some very fun Disney themed props too you might want to check out too.

2015 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Park Maps

By

Chip

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November 9, 2015

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The all new 2015 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party park maps are in. We had so much fun last night at the first event of the year. Stay tuned to a review later today.

Top 10 Disney World Ultimate Bucket List

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 9, 2015

So it’s possible that I have just seen and cried over the movie Up. For the upteenth time. But whose eyes can stay dry when Carl goes through his Adventure Book with Ellie and sees her note telling him to have a new adventure? It gets me every time! So because I am in the mood for adventure, it is with this same spirit of exploration and carpe diem that I write about my Top 10 Ultimate Disney World Bucket List.

Have you ever gone on a trip to Disney, missed out on doing something you really wanted to do, and then said to yourself, maybe someday? I think I have one of those moments every time I go to Disney, but that’s just because there’s so much to do! And when I cross something off the list, something new always pops up.

So for now, here is my Top 10 Ultimate Disney World Bucket List:

10. Become an annual passholder. It would be amazing to be able to go to Disney whenever my little Disney-obsessed heart desires. Feel like going to Soarin’ on a random Tuesday night? Why not! Being an annual passholder allows you to go to the parks to your heart’s content (well, there are some blackout dates in the fine print, but let’s choose to overlook those small details), and it provides some nice perks too, including discounts on rooms, special events, and merchandise. For the ultimate version: get the Disney Platinum Plus Pass, which allows you access to all four theme parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. You also get free PhotoPass downloads and free parking. And the best part? There are no blackout dates!

9. Participate in a RunDisney event. I’m not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but after two 5k’s under my belt, I can say that there is something amazing about almost keeling over crossing that finish line. What better way to do that than at Disney? RunDisney promotes several races each year, including anything from diaper dashes to 5ks to full marathons for kids and adults. For the ultimate version: join the RunDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge – complete a RunDisney half marathon or marathon at Walt Disney World and a half marathon at Disneyland in the same calendar year, and you will receive a Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

8. See the Goodnight Kiss at Magic Kingdom. Every night, about 20-30 minutes after the park closing time, Magic Kingdom bids farewell to its guests. The lights at the castle start to twinkle, the music to When You Wish Upon A Star swells, and it’s the perfect way to end a magical visit. And don’t forget to snap that rare picture of you and your family on a very empty Main Street! For the ultimate version:how about closing all four parks in one day? End first at Animal Kingdom, followed by Hollywood Studios, then Epcot, and finally, at the Magic Kingdom.

7. Go on a tour. Disney has some pretty amazing behind-the-scenes tours that allow you to look behind the curtain and see how things really work at Disney. At the top of my list is the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, where a cast member takes you on a five-hour journey of the Magic Kingdom. You learn little tidbits and trivia about beloved rides and the theming around the park. Did you know that dye is actually mixed into the water at Jungle Cruise to give it that murky green color? It’s that kind of stuff that makes the Disney geek in me go giddy! And of course, this tour also gives you an opportunity to see the legendary Utilidors, the secret passageways that transport people and supplies across the Magic Kingdom without being seen by guests. For the ultimate version: go on the Backstage Magic Tour, a 7-hour guided tour where you visit all 4 theme parks (and more!) to learn about the secrets and day-to-day operations of Walt Disney World.

6. Have dinner at Victoria & Albert’s. Not only is this restaurant a AAA Five Diamond Award winner, it has won this distinction for the last 15 years in a row. Only 14 other restaurants in all of North America share that same honor. On top of that, Victoria & Albert’s was also named one of the top restaurants in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Getting the #6 spot out of 25 restaurants, V&A was the sole award-winner from the state of Florida. In other words, Victoria & Albert’s offers a culinary experience unlike any other. For the ultimate version: try the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s. Only one party per evening is seated, and guests enjoy a 10-course meal prepared by the chef and his team right in front of your very eyes.

5. Go on a land and sea trip.With Port Canaveral being thisclose to Orlando, doing a land and sea trip has never been easier. It would be amazing to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the parks, but also experience relaxation in the middle of the ocean – all Disney style. Both the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy sail year round from Port Canaveral and have amazing destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean. For the ultimate version: try doing a Disney cruise sandwich – spend time at the parks before your cruise, then set sail aboard a Disney cruise, and then come on back to the parks for one final visit.

4. Be at the parks for special holidays. Yes, you’re likely to see the parks at its highest capacity, but the payoff is incredible. Have you ever seen the Fourth of July fireworks at Disney? It is amazing to behold. There are also special parties, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. For the ultimate version: it’s not for the faint of heart, but you can be at Magic Kingdom for the New Years’ Eve fireworks. You’d have to get to the park early enough before it might be closed due to capacity, and not leave until the fireworks are done. Hey, people do this every year in Times Square, why not at Disney?

3. Eat, drink and be merry around the World. Epcot has these fancy passports that you can get stamped as you visit each country. Why not get an appetizer at Mexico, have a hearty lunch in Germany, and finish off with some School Bread in Norway? But there are so many more options to choose from, so you can definitely get a taste of what each country has to offer for a day. Just don’t forget to wear loose clothing! For the ultimate version: accomplish this feat during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and make sure you get that extra-large passport fully stamped!

2. Ride all the rides in one day at Magic Kingdom. With some careful planning, it is definitely doable! For the ultimate version: there are several ways you can come at this. You can ride all the rides, watch all the shows and meet all the characters at Magic Kingdom – all in one day. Or, you can try what very few have accomplished, which is to ride all the rides in all four parks in one day.

1. Plan a coast-to-coast visit. It would be amazing to enjoy both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in one year. I visit Disney World regularly, but it would be great to also ride Autopia or Grizzly River Run. And to see World of Color! That would be an unforgettable year indeed. For the ultimate version: what Disney Addict would not want to someday see all the Disney parks all over the world? Here’s the list:

Disneyland Resort in California, with Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, with Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
Tokyo Disney, with Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
Disneyland Paris, with Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios
Hong Kong Disneyland
Shanghai Disney

With that, I will turn it over to you. What is your on your Disney bucket list? Sound off in the comments below!

Hi there, I’m Myra and I’m a huge Disney nerd and addict! I’m also an Independent Travel Agent at World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts. I’m happy to help you cross some things off your bucket list, at no cost to you! Visit my page or send me an email at [email protected] to get started!

Celebrate Three Kings Day at Disney California Adventure Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 8, 2015

Three Kings Day-known as El Dia de los Reyes Magos in Mexico, Central and South America-is celebrated around the world in many ways. You can celebrate this occasion at Disney California Adventure park January 2-6, 2016. Enjoy traditional festivities, fanciful displays, and delicious treats.

There will be sculptures of the 3 Wise Men bearing gifts to Bethlehem as well as replicas of children’s shoes. Customarily, children would leave their shoes outside to be magically filled with toys by the Three Kings during the night.

There’s even activities for kids! Children can have fun during the celebration by coloring pictures of the Three Kings or designing their own custom crown with sparkling “jewels”.

A traditional treat for Three Kings Day is a circular cake known as Rosca de Reyes. Try a piece and if it has a baked-in surprise, you’ll have good luck for the year!

The Three Kings Day celebration will add to the holiday festivities at the Disneyland Resort. If you’d like to join in the seasonal, holiday fun, email me to get started on planning your Disneyland vacation! My services are free and I will help you find a great deal for you and your family.

“The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head” was Secretly Shot at Walt Disney World

By

Disney News

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November 8, 2015

“The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head” is a feature comedy about the afterlife of the world famous animator and media mogul. Playing off the urban legend that Walt Disney had himself cryogenically preserved, a new feature film is being produced and shot in the Orlando area.

The movie was made without the knowledge or permission of the Walt Disney Company or family.

The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head is a quirky comedy about the unlikely friendship between the frozen head of Walt, and Peter, a low level theme park employee. During his yearly dethaw to oversee the direction of his company and guard his creative legacy, Walt demands to be finally allowed up to see his park, Walt Disney World. When management scoffs, he recruits Peter to kidnap him for a day in the Magic Kingdom. The film draws its creative inspiration from the live action comedies of the 1960s.

Significant portions of the film were shot on Walt Disney World property without the knowledge of the Disney company. While this film is not the first to do so, it is the first feature film about the urban legend of Walt Disney’s cryogenic preservation.

Social media for the film began over a year ago, with the creation of the popular Twitter parody account @waltsfrzenhead. The account tweets humorous commentary on the parks, films, and general news from the perspective of the cryogenically preserved head of Walt.

Check it out:

The film’s title character has not yet been cast. Walt’s head will be digitally composited into the film. The compositing process will allow him to be added even though the majority of the film has already been completed.

The film was cast and shot under the code name The Florida Project, the same code name originally used for what would become the Walt Disney World resort. While all the filming at Walt Disney World has been completed, several more scenes are yet to be shot in other locations around the Orlando area. The project has the expected completion date of Spring 2017.

What do you think?

Disney Springs Parking Lots will be Divided by Fruit Sections

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 8, 2015

The new Disney Springs has started the process of renaming all their parking lots. There will be 2 parking garages and they will be divided and they will be named after fruits. Yes, I said fruits! The signs are not up yet they will take a few weeks to get there

The bigger garage is open currently and will be known as Orange. The 2nd one will open next year and that one will be known as Lime. The Parking close to the Marketplace will be called Lemon. 3 more lots west of the Orange garage will be named, Watermelon, Grapefruit and Mango. The lot behind Cirque du Soleil will be called Strawberry.

They are named after fruits that grow in Florida.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

A Peek At “Alice Through The Looking Glass”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 8, 2015

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” is still a few months away coming to theaters, May 27, 2016. The film which brings back an all star cast includes Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. New characters will also be joining us. Introducing Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock

Alice Through The Looking Glass produced by Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd, Tim Burton and Directed by James Bobin has Alice returning to Underland. After spending years sailing the high seas, Alice returns to London. Finding a magical looking glass, she is transported back into the magical world full of old friends the White Rabbit (Sheen), Absolem (Rickman), the Cheshire Cat (Fry) and the Mad Hatter (Depp), who is not himself.

The Mad Hatter is not himself so Alice sets out on an adventure to find the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time to help the Mad Hatter return to his umm.. “normal self.” Along the way she meets friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out.

Will Alice find the Chronosphere in time? Looks like we have to wait a few months to find out! In the meantime, enjoy a glimpse of favorites below.

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Watch a live stream of ‘A Frozen Holiday Wish’ tonight!

By

Chip

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November 8, 2015

The holiday season has returned to the Walt Disney World Resort. To celebrate, Disney will stream a live performance of the “A Frozen Holiday Wish” stage show and castle lighting, on the Disney Parks Blog Homepage on November 8th, at 6:15 p.m. EST.

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” features Anna and Elsa as they greet guests center stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Kristoff and Olaf also make appearances, and the show culminates in Queen Elsa using her sensational ice powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom, transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays.

If you can’t wait we posted the first performance of this stage show on our Facebook Page in our video section.

Happy holidays!

Dining with Kids on the Disney Cruise Line

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 8, 2015

One of the best parts of taking a Disney Cruise is the yummy food and spectacular dining rooms. For families traveling with children, mealtime can be somewhat stressful. But, I hope my tips will help ease some of that stress so you can all have an enjoyable meal together and plan the rest of your day!

The servers are there to serve you, so sit back, relax and enjoy your family time together. Did you know the servers will actually cut up your kids food? This is HUGE to me, as a mom of three young boys, as I spend most of mealtime cutting up food. The fact that someone will cut up my kids food is a win-win! For adults, the servers are knowledgeable and able to help make recommendations when it comes to wine paring too. If you find that special glass you absolutely love, your server will remember this as they travel with you from restaurant to restaurant throughout the length of your cruise. They are there to provide personalized service throughout your trip!
Dinner can also be playtime for kids. Don’t be afraid to let them interact with their Disney pals at Animator’s Palate and fully immerse themselves in the unique entertainment. Your dining team will also be part of the magic and get involved with the evening’s festivities.
While you have the entire family together at dinner, don’t hesitate to play the next day’s adventures. Take out your phone and access the mobile Navigator app or bring your copy from your stateroom. Dinner is a great time to regroup and decide what you’d like to do. And, don’t forget to bring your camera to dinner. You never know when your favorite Disney pals are going to make an appearance at your table.
Take time for some adult-relaxation at one of the amazing adult-only brunch or dinners at Palo or Remy. While you and your loved one enjoy some quiet time, the kids can eat in the Oceaneer Club and play the night away. This will help you recharge for the rest of your trip over delicious, International cuisine, fine-wine and breathtaking ocean views.
Dress up! Each night offers a different theme, so don’t be afraid to dress accordingly. Onboard, you will have Pirate Night, featuring Caribbean cuisine and on 7-night or longer cruises, the Captain’s Gala (formal night) will treat you to world-class cuisine and amazing family photo opps!
And finally, take a lesson from your kids. We spend so much time teaching them manners, that their energetic and carefree spirits while on a cruise can’t help but make you smile. And you will notice that they always say “yes” to dessert. You should do the same too…you won’t be disappointed!!!

Do you have any tips to share that can help other families with kids enjoy their dining time aboard the Disney Cruise Line? We’d love to hear them! And if you are looking to set sail soon on the Disney Cruise Line, I’d love to help you get your plans together and find the best itinerary for your family. Email me at [email protected] to chat!