Travel Dates: January 5 – April 29, 2010

Disneyland is offering a new promotion for 2010, book a 5 night stay, and get 2 of those nights free. The package also includes a 5 day Disneyland hopper for each person in your party. You must stay at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels (Disney’s Paradise Pier, Disneyland Hotel or the Disney Grand Californian), and your package must include at least a 5 night stay and at least a 5 day park pass for each person in the party. The package also includes:

• A collectable Disneyland pin, lanyard and luggage tag
• One Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness Experience
• Preferred seating at shows in Disney’s California Adventure

There are a few black out dates. Historically, black out dates indicate a very low supply of rooms, rather than you not being able to book at all using the discount. You may not be able to check in during the black out period, but if you check in before, you may be able to stay over those dates.

Black out dates:

• January 15–17
• February  12– 14
• March 28 – April 10

It appears that many of the Good Neighbor hotels have added this special too. We have seen availability with the Anaheim Marriott, the Hyatt Regency, the Motel 6 Maingate and the Staybridge Suites among others

For more information about this Disneyland special, please contact our sponsor Mouseketrips. This special must be booked by April 1, 2010.

On October 29, 2009, Disney Cruise Line announced additional information about the newest Disney cruise ship, the Disney Dream. Considerably larger than the Disney Magic and Wonder, the Disney Dream has a few surprises in store. A few of our observations:

Staterooms

The Disney Dream deck plan follows the changes made last month to the Disney Magic and Wonder, with subcategories for each stateroom type.

Download the Disney Dream Deck Plan - Warning! It is Huge!

1. Almost all of the staterooms are located up high on the ship. The Magic and Wonder each have 3 full decks of staterooms above the main areas of the ship, where there veranda rooms are located. The Disney Dream has 5 full decks of staterooms up high, with a part of a 6th deck featuring the suites. The other thing you notice is that the inside staterooms are just about gone, there are very few left on board. Only 150 inside staterooms on board, compared to 1,100 outside staterooms.
2. The staterooms are smaller. While at first look, the appear to be similar, the staterooms on the Disney Dream are smaller, though it appears Disney has done a better job of space use, with storage under the beds, etc.
   • Category 4 staterooms are now 256 SF compared to 304 SF
   • Category 5/6 staterooms are now 203 SF compared to 268 SF
   • Category 9/10 staterooms are now 204 SF compared to 214 SF
   • Category 11 stateroom sare now 169 SF compared to 184 SF
   One note, the new stateroom sized exclude the balcony in their measurements, while the Magic/Wonder staterooms sizes have the veranda included. The actual difference in size of the staterooms is probably closer to 15 – 20SF smaller, rather than the 50SF shows in the list above.
3. New Category 8, Deluxe Oceanview Family Staterooms. Before, with a family of 5, the only option was to book a category 4 stateroom with veranda, or do 2 connecting rooms. On the Disney Dream, there is a new category type, the family oceanview stateroom. A 241 SF room with a window, this room is similar in size to the category 4, but lacks the veranda. A great option for a family of 5 who wants to save a bit of money. One note on the rooms, there are only 108 category 8s onboard, divided into four categories. These should be popular, and should book up quickly.
4. New virtual portholes. In the inside staterooms, Disney will  install virtual portholes, so even though you will have an inside room, your room will be equipped with a virtual window, featuring the passing ocean, islands and beaches, complete with visits from Disney characters who may “wash up” onto your window. This should be a blast for kids of all ages, though we are hoping there is an off switch.
5. Concierge Suites. Disney Cruise has moved all of their suites to a concierge level on deck 11 and 12 separate from the other staterooms. On those decks will be the Category R and T suites (the Royal 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom suites) along with some Category V staterooms, which will be similar staterooms to the category 4 family staterooms, they will be slightly larger and include the concierge service. What is concierge service you might ask? It will include access to the concierge lounge on deck 12, which will be stocked 24/7 with food and drinks, and will offer concierge guests a place to relax and watch the new or surf the internet away from the general public. Concierge guests will also have access to the concierge team to help with shore excursions, dining or spa reservations or anything else they can think up. There is also a private concierge sun deck on deck 13, with deck chairs, misters to keep cool and a full choice of drinks and food available.

Restaurants

Not much has changed on the Disney Dream when it comes to restaurants, just the themes changes.

Royal Palace Restaurant

1. Three main rotation restaurants. Animator’s Palette stays, with its changing decor throughout the evening. The Royal Palace is the new “fancy” restaurant located just off the lobby, replacing Lumiere’s/Triton’s, and will be themed after the classic Disney princess movies. The third restaurant will be the Enchanted Garden, replacing Parrot Cay. The Enchanted Garden will feature a special transformation throughout the evening, from a daytime garden scene to a tranquil nighttime sunset and starry sky.
2. Palo remains pretty much unchanged, but now has the addition of Meridian, a Palo only bar and waiting area for pre and post drinks.
3. The casual dining stays about the same. Cabanas will be the new buffet replacing Topsiders and Beach Blanket. Cabanas will be more of a food court atmosphere, rather than a buffet line. Inspired by California beaches with uniquely Disney touches, Cabanas offers indoor and outdoor dining on Deck 11 aft with incredible ocean views. Across the beach-themed dining room, tables are sheltered under palm trees and beach umbrellas. Surf boards, sun umbrellas, kites, teak Adirondack chairs and clam shell table tops add to the sunny seaside décor. In addition, many of the Pixar characters will be involved, including the Finding Nemo Sea Gulls. Cabanas will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. For dining, Cabanas will be table service, but a bit more casual than the three main dining areas.
4. Pool side dining gets a needed change. Flo’s Cafe, Doc’s Grill, Luigi’s Pizza and Fillmore’s Favorites will be poolside options featuring character from Pixar’s Cars. EyeScream and Frozone’s Treats will feature characters from Pixar’s Monsters Inc and The Incredibles. The Cove bar remains the same, with an adult only area for relaxing.

Our take is that Disney has done a great job of making the dining more of a theme park experience, with characters from movies used as a central theme. Gone are the days of a restaurant with horrible floral fabric everywhere and a buffet in the middle, replaced with more of an experience in dining, whether that is at dinner, or getting your ice cream from a monster.

Public Areas

From the information released, it appears not much will change when it comes to the public areas. The fantastic Kids club will remain about the same, with the addition of more Disney characters in the kids spaces. The main changes are in the amenities available to all guests on board.

1. AquaDuck. Most of the announcement was spent on the AquaDuck, the first water roller coaster at sea. I didn’t realize there was race to see who was first. This is a full size water ride for kids of all ages. This is a 765 foot long ride water ride, with a loop that extends out over the ocean, 150 feet above the water. It also has a height requirement of 48 inches, so this is not an option for small kids, though the Mickey slide will still be available.
   

   Click here to view the embedded video.

2. Walt Disney Theater. Not much of a change there, but there will now be balcony seating, so it has gotten quite a bit larger. The other change is the Buena Vista Theater (movie theater) will also be 2 stories, and will be able to hold live stage shows. Another option for live theater on board.
3. Vibe. Now removed from the Stack, the Teen Club has been given it’s own area, replacing the staff pool on the bow of the ship. Located on deck 5, Vibe will feature a large indoor area with games, music, giant TVs and all sorts of teen fun. Also, there is now a large outside area which will have wading pools, deck chairs, outdoor games, etc. Sounds like a place teens will like to go now.
   

   Vibe - Disney Dream Teen Club

4. Edge. The new Tween Club is located in the stack for kids age 11 – 13 only. Not only will it have great ocean views from the stack, the windows will be one way, so guests outside will not be able to see in. Plus, the AquaDuck will run through the Edge.
5. Sports deck? Currently, on the deck plans and models we have seen, there is not a sports deck. Will there be one?

From first glance, the Disney Dream seems to be fantastic, making changes where needed, but keeping the same look and feel of the popular Disney Wonder and Magic. Will we see changes made to the older ships to match the newer ships, such as the addition of the virtual portholes and the Enchanted Garden replacing Parrot Cay? Hopefully. Many things have been left blank or unannounced at this time concerning the ship. There should be a few more surprises by Disney made public before the ship launches in 2011.

Disney Dream Schedule

Currently, the Disney Dream is set to sail 3, 4 and 5 night cruises out of Port Canaveral, FL. The inaugural cruise will be January 26, 2011, a 4 night Bahamanian Cruise. The Dream will sail 3 and 4 night cruises alternating in the Spring, Fall and Winter, with 5 night cruises sailing from May 29, 2011 until August 16, 2011.

Booking for the Disney Dream starts on November 9, 2011. For more information on booking the Disney Dream, please contact our sponsor Mouseketrips. If you happen to be a Castaway Gold or Platinum member, you can book starting on November 2, 2009.

Travel Dates: Select 2010 Adventures by Disney departures

Adventures by Disney has released a new discount, book your family on one of the special Adventures by Disney available during 2010, and your family will receive a free 3 night Disney Cruise. Adventures by Disney is Disney’s guided tour service, first class all the way. From Alaska to Australia, with Adventures by Disney you’ll meet local experts, receive VIP treatment, enjoy exclusive experiences you might miss on your own and discover incredible adventures — including special thrills just for kids! All hosted by Disney-trained Adventure Guides who will handle the details so you can make the most of your time with your family.

Availability is limited to certain Adventures:

• Alpine Vacation – Alpine Magic - June 20, July 04, August 05, August 15
• Central Italy Vacation — Bella Italia - May 24, June 05, July 18, August 08
• Hollywood Vacation — Backstage Magic - January 19, March 28, June 20, July 18, August 08
• China Vacation — Enchanted China - April 18, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 04, July 18, August 01, August 15
• Australia Vacation — Discovery Down Under - June 12, July 17, August 07, September 04
• Ireland Vacation — The Emerald Isle - May 22, June 05, July 06, July 17, August 07, August 17, September 18
• Ecuador and Galapagos Vacation — Gateway to the Galapagos - June 08, June 22, July 20, August 03, August 10
• Northern California Vacation — Golden Path to Yosemite - June 27, July 18, August 08
• London and Paris Vacation — Cities of Knights & Lights - April 02, May 14, May 28, June 21, July 12, July 23, July 30, September 10
• Costa Rica Vacation — Path to Pura Vida - February 13, March 13, March 27, April 10, June 05, June 19, July 03, July 10, July 24, July 31, August 14, September 18
• Wyoming Vacation — Quest for the West - June 15, June 17, June 27, July 11, July 13, July 20, July 25, July 27, July 29, August 19
• Glacier National Park & Canadian Rockies Vacation - Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales – June 09, June 16, July 07, July 14, September 04
• Mid-Atlantic Vacation — Spirit of America - April 02, May 28, June 25, July 01, July 09, August 06, August 13
• South Africa Vacation — Safari to South Africa - May 03, July 18, August 01, August 29
• Peru Vacation — Sacred Valleys & Incan Cities - February 08, June 07, July 12, July 26, August 16
• Grand Canyon Vacation — Southwest Splendors - April 10, May 29, June 05, June 08, June 12, June 26, July 03, July 6, July 17, August 03
• Alaska Vacation — Taming the Last Frontier - June 09, June 16, June 23, June 30, July 07, July 21, July 28, August 11, August 18
• Germany Vacation — Once Upon a Fairytale - June 18, July 02, July 12, July 30, August 02, August 13, August 16, September 17
• Italy Vacation — Viva Italia - May 30, June 06, June 10, July 11, July 18, July 22, July 29, August 02, August 09, September 27

Availability on the free 3 night Disney Cruise is limited to certain travel dates:

3 Night Disney Cruises
Scheduled departures between:

• January 07, 2010 to May 20, 2010
• August 26, 2010 to November 21, 2010
• December 02, 2010 to December 16, 2010
• March 03, 2011 to April 14, 2011
• April 28, 2011 to May 26, 2011
• August 25, 2011 to November 20, 2011
• December 01, 2011 to December 15, 2011

For more information on Adventures by Disney, or to book or get a price quote for the free Disney Cruise, please contact our sponsor MouseGuides, your source for Adventures by Disney information. This special must be booked by January 15, 2010.

A few notes about the free Disney Cruise:

• The number of guests in the free cruise party may not exceed the number of guests in the eligible Adventures by Disney land package. Offer valid on ocean view staterooms in the following categories only: 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D and the number of staterooms available for this offer is limited.
• Offer applies to new purchases between 10/26/09 and 1/15/10 of select Adventures by Disney land packages at the non-discounted regular rate departing before 10/2/10.
• Government Taxes and fees are not included. Optional airport transfers and trip insurance are not included.

Walt Disney World has introduced a new Florida Resident weekday select annual pass. Valid only Monday through Friday, the new pass allows guests access to the four Disney theme parks for one year, with some black out periods during historically busy travel times.

Current Black Out periods:

• Saturdays and Sundays
• December 19, 2009 – January 1, 2010
• March 27 – April 9, 2010
• June 12 – August 19, 2010
• December 18, 2010 – January 1, 2011.

The new FL weekday annual pass also entitles guests to some Annual Passholder benefits such as a subscription to the Mickey Monitor newsletter and occasional special offers and discounts on Disney World resorts and merchandise.

• Florida driver’s license
• Florida state-issued ID card (must have Florida address)
• Florida voter’s registration card with corresponding picture ID
• A college ID for a Florida college
• Florida-based military ID

The current price for the pass is $169 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $149 for children (ages 3 – 9). Disney World also offers a Florida Resident Seasonal annual pass with similar black out dates, but is available for weekend use. The cost for that pass is $249 for adults and $229 for children. Prices do not include sales tax. Tickets may be purchase online, or at any Walt Disney World ticket window.

For more information on the Disney World Florida Resident select weekday annual pass, see the official Disney World website.

Travel Dates: January 1 – February 11, 2010

Disney VISA cardholders can book specially discounted room only reservations during the travel dates listed above at all Disney World Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts. Not all nights will be available, and some nights and/or resorts may be blacked out. The savings is a 40% savings off of rack rate.

This offer is for room only reservations, however, it can also be used to book a Magic Your Way package that would include your park passes and dining plan. The room discounts are the same, and if you add park passes or one of the dining plans, they will be at full rate, not discounted. This is a great option for Disney VISA cardholders who will not be staying long enough to take advantage of the current Buy 4 get 3 free promotion.

Some Sample Nightly Rates:

• Disney Moderate Resorts: $90 – $96 per night
• Wilderness Lodge, standard view room: $144 per night
• Animal Kingdom Lodge, standard view room: $144 per night
• Saratoga Springs, studio: $177 per night
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness, wilderness cabin: $162 per night

The prices above do not include the 12.5% room tax. At the Disney Moderate resorts, weekend nights are slightly more expensive than weekday nights. Only the nights during the travel dates will be discounted, though you can extend your travel beyond the travel dates, and pay full rate for the nights past February 11, 2010. Historically, Disney has released discounts to Disney VISA cardholders, which are then made available to the general public a few days later. It is likely we will see this discount made available to the public next week. To qualify for this discount, you must use your Disney VISA to pay for the deposit at time of booking.

To book this special rate, please contact our sponsor Mouseketrips and ask for code OIZ. This offer expires November 30, 2009.

In conjunction with the World’s Largest Cruise Night, which is scheduled for October 14, 2009, Disney Cruise line is offering a special on board credit for guests who book their Disney Cruise during a two week window starting on October 14.

By booking between October 14 and October 28, 2009, you’ll enjoy an onboard credit that can be used for merchandise, photography, spa treatments, shore excursions and other onboard activities.

• 7 night cruises or longer – $100 onboard credit for sailings between January 9 and December 18, 2010.
• 3, 4 and 5 night Bahamanian Cruises – $50 onboard credit for sailings between January 3 and December 19, 2010.

Onboard credit is per stateroom and is not combinable with any other offers. Onboard credit is only available on new cruise bookings, and cannot be applied to existing reservations.

For more information or to book your Disney Cruise, please contact our sponsor Mouseketrips, and ask for code WLCN.

In 2009, Disney parks gave guests free admission on their birthday. For 2010, this offer has not been extended, but a new offer will gain you another free day of admission. The 2010 Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program allows you to spend a day volunteering, and in doing so, you qualify for a free day at one of the Disney parks.

We want to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities. So we’re celebrating their good works by giving each of them one-day admission to a Theme Park at the Disneyland Resort or the Walt Disney World Resort, free. There’s no better time to make a dream come true for others and let us make a few come true for them.

How will this work for guests who purchase vacation packages with multi-day tickets? When you sign up for “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” and completes the volunteer activity, you can choose one of the following options instead of receiving the one-day admission to a Theme Park:

• Disney’s Special FASTPASS card for certain attractions for themselves and up to five additional members of their party
• A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins
• Donate their ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney Parks

Throughout 2010, Disney Parks will continue to celebrate all of life’s milestones with special entertainment experiences, occasion celebrations and recognition moments. Check out the Celebration Advisor below for suggestions on how to customize your Client’s vacation.

Starting on January 1, 2010, you will be able to visit a special Disney site to find volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood. You will have to sign up, and complete the volunteer requirement before receiving your free admission.

Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.

A few items to think about:

• One ticket per person, regardless of the number or hours of volunteer service completed.
• The program begins January 1, 2010 and continues until tickets are distributed or December 15, 2010, whichever occurs first.
• Eligible volunteer opportunities are located in the United States, including Puerto Rico, or Canada only and you must have a residence in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada to sign up.
• You must be at least 18 years of age to sign up, and you may sign-up up to a maximum of 8 additional members of your same household. Children must be at least 6 years of age to volunteer under this program and receive a theme park ticket. Children ages 6-17 must be accompanied by an adult when volunteering.
• The theme park tickets distributed under this Program will not be valid for use on the following dates:
  • For Walt Disney World Resort: March 29 – April 8 and July 4, 2010
  • For Disneyland Resort: February 13-14, March 21, June 21-22, July 4, November 21, and December 11-12, 2010.

More information on the program details can be found in the FAQ.

Travel Dates: November 1 – December 24, 2009 and January 3 – March 27, 2010

Walt Disney World has released a new promotion that covers travel dates in 2009 and 2010. The buy 4 get 3 free promotion that was popular during much of 2009 has made a return, with a slight variation:

• Buy 4 get 3 free: Purchase a 7 night, 7 day vacation at a Disney moderate, deluxe or deluxe villa resort, and receive 3 nights and 3 days free. A savings of up to 45%.
• Buy 5 get 2 free: Purchase a 7 night, 7 day vacation at a Disney value resort, and receive 2 nights and 2 days free. A savings of up to 30%.

Stays can be longer than 7 nights, though you will only receive the number of night indicated above free (2 or 3, depending on resort category). Stays can be shorter than 7 nights as well, though your savings will be reduced drastically as you are leaving free nights on the table.

With the black-out dates around Christmas, your free nights cannot be between December 24 and January 3. So, a 7 night stay starting on December 21 will not qualify for any free nights, as you three free nights would be December 25 – 27. A 7 night stay checking in December 19 would qualify, as you 3 free nights which would be December 23 – 25. Checking in during this time frame, you may want to consider the 2009 Fall MYW package discounts, which will give you a discount on all nights through December 24, and will most likely be a better deal for you.

You may add any of the Disney Dining plans to this package (Quick Service, Disney Dining or the Deluxe Dining), though the dining plan is full price, not discounted as part of the package. This discount cannot be used with the Premium of Platinum plans.

To book this special deal, please contact our sponsor Mouseketrips. The buy 4 get 3 free promotion must be booked by December 20, 2009.

Click on image to get a larger version

There are some pretty major changes, with complete elimination of categories 8 and 12 (they have been folded into categories 9 and 11 respectively). Stateroom categories now also have “levels”, so it is no longer simple to distinguish between stateroom types. You can’t just book a category 5 stateroom, you now have to choose between 5A, 5B and 5C.

• Suites remain the same, but have been renamed from Category 1, 2 and 3 to Category R (Royal Suite), Category S (2 bedroom Suite) and Category T (1 bedroom suite)
• Category 4 now has three levels, 4A which is center ship on deck 8, 4B which is forward and Aft of the 4A staterooms, and 4E which is to the very Aft of the ship (only 6 on each ship)
• Category 5 now encompasses the old category 5 and 6 staterooms, for the most part. 5A is on deck 7 midship, 5B is on deck 7 forward and aft of 5A, as well as midship on deck 6 while 5C is on deck 6 forward and aft of 5B
• Category 6 now is only a few staterooms to the very aft of decks 5, 6 and 7, and are now labeled 6A.
• Category 7 remains the same, and are now labeled 7A.
• Category 8 no longer exists on the Magic or Wonder, and are part of Category 9.
• Category 9 now has 4 levels. 9A are the old category 8s, located on decks 5, 6 and 7. 9B is midship on deck 2, while 9C is forward and aft of 9B. 9D is on deck 1.
• Category 10 now has 3 levels. 10A is on decks 5 and 7. 10B is on Deck 2 while 10C is on Deck 1
• Category 11 now takes up all of the old category 11 and 12 staterooms. 11A is on deck 7 and midship on deck 6. 11B is to the aft and forward of 11A on deck 6 and on deck 5. 11C are the old category 12, and are on deck 2.

There are some holes in the Magic and Wonder stateroom types, such as no 4C or 4D. This is to make room for the new ships’ expanded number of decks and additional options for stateroom types.

There is good news and bad news in the new stateroom types.

• Good, in that you can now choose your location much easier, and pay for that location, whether that means pay more or less. I always thought it unfair that everyone wanted to be midship, but the staterooms at the very back or very front were the same price, but much less desirable.
• Bad in that this seems to be another way for Disney to charge you a bit more for what you were getting before, similar to the classification of some lagoon view rooms to theme park view rooms at the Polynesian a few years ago.

Overall, good changes. It may cause problems during the booking process for a while for travel agents and Disney Cruise reps, but in the end, people will be able to book exactly what they want, and pay for what they get. Booking for 2011 Disney Cruises starts on September 28, 2009. Castaway Club members who have sailed with Disney 5+ times can book startin on September 21, 2009.

Disney Cruise Line has made major changes to it’s Castaway Club program. Currently, once you sail on a Disney Cruise, you become a member of the Castaway Club, and regardless of the number of sailings you have been on, you get the same treatment and amenities.

Starting on October 3 on the Disney Magic and October 18, 2009 on the Disney Wonder, the new Castaway Club program will introduce enhanced benefits for Castaway Club members, both on board and at home. Disney Cruise has now split the Castaway Club into three membership levels, depending on how many times you have sailed on the Disney Cruise.

• Silver Castaway – Guests who have completed their first sailing will be able to get exclusive offers from Castaway Club, a welcome back stateroom gift plus early access to onboard activities such as Palo, port adventures and the spa.
• Gold Castaway – Along with the benefits of the Silver Castaway, guests who have completed five sailings will get a special merchandise offering plus enhanced an onboard Castaway Club reception on sailings of four nights or longer.
• Platinum Castaway – Guests who have completed 10 or more sailings with the Disney Cruise Line will receive the same benefits as the Silver and Gold Castaways plus other benefits including exclusive Platinum Castaway Experiences and a complimentary dinner at Palo.

An additional benefit is that Gold and Platinum members will be able to book 2011 cruises a week before anyone else, starting on September 21, 2009.

For more information, you can check out the Disney Cruise Castaway Club page.