February 2014

2014 February, 28

24 Hours of Disney Fun

travelmagicstg2014-02-28T12:10:23-05:00February 28, 2014|Disney News, Disney World, Disneyland|0 Comments

24 Hours of Disney Fun! Experience Disney magic during an unforgettable 24-hour party taking place within the theme parks—from coast to coast! Laugh bigger, scream louder and stay out all day and night at an enchanting summer kick-off celebration! No matter which coast you find yourself on, prepare to "Rock Your Disney Side" with a gang of pirates, princesses, villains and party animals, right inside select Disney Parks! From 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM, May 23 to May 24, 2014, you and your family are invited to dress up for the occasion and join a gathering of Disney heroes and [...]

2014 February, 26

The Happiest Place on the Seven Seas; Disney’s Oceaneer Club aboard the Disney Fantasy

travelmagicstg2014-02-26T07:00:00-05:00February 26, 2014|Cruise Line news|0 Comments

Ah, cruising. It’s the luxurious life of food, spa treatments, entertainment, sand and sea. Why we cruise doesn’t require much explanation—it’s like stepping onto a floating Shangri La. The real question is what you do with your kids while you soak up sun and get that hot stone massage you’ve always dreamed about having. Some people leave their kids at home so they can enjoy the adult world of cruising in style but with the Disney Fantasy’s on-board kids clubs, you won’t want to. The Disney Cruise Line’s Fantasy is the newest in their fleet of exclusive, luxury cruise ships. [...]

2014 February, 24

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios

travelmagicstg2014-02-24T07:00:00-05:00February 24, 2014|Universal Studios Orlando|0 Comments

You will go bananas, bananas, bananas over the Desplicable me 3-D simulation at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. We love the Desplicable Me movie so we were really excited about this attraction. This ride was so much fun! I have to say Universal played up the details for this ride. I thought the exterior of the building was fun and creative. The waiting area was decorated to resemble the inside of Gru’s home. You start the experience by standing in a holding area and watching an adorable clip of Gru and his family. My family found this part very [...]

2014 February, 21

Tips for running a runDisney race

travelmagicstg2014-02-21T07:00:00-05:00February 21, 2014|Disney Travel|0 Comments

I have been running with runDisney since 2010, and I have run in every race weekend on both coasts except for the Expedition Everest 5k weekend. Over the years, I have made some mistakes, but also learned a lot of how runDisney operates, an dhow to make your race weekend the most fun and memorable one ever. Expo: Try not to wait until the last day to get to the expo, because popular official merchandise may (and has in the past) run out. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to browse around, there are so many vendors and booths [...]

2014 February, 19

Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule

travelmagicstg2014-02-19T12:48:25-05:00February 19, 2014|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Magic Kingdom® Park Casey's Corner Splash Mountain Splashdown Photos Monorail - MK Express Pinocchio's Village Haus The Plaza Restaurant Tip Board Cart Big Thunder Mountain Pirates of the Caribbean 1/6/14 - 2/19/14 1/6/14 - 3/21/14 1/6/14 - 3/21/14 1/21/14 - 3/21/14 2/17/14 - 3/30/14 2/17/14 - 3/15/14 Closing permanently 2/26/14 4/7/14 - 4/9/14 4/28/14 - 5/1/14 Epcot® None Disney's Hollywood Studios® Backlot Tour 1/5/14 - 3/1/14 Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Festival of the Lion King 1/6/14 - TBD Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park Annual Refurbishment 12/22/13 - 3/17/14 Disney's All-Star Sports Resort Resort Lobby Construction Game Point Arcade [...]

2014 February, 19

Loews Portofino Bay Resort

travelmagicstg2014-02-19T07:00:00-05:00February 19, 2014|Universal Studios Orlando|0 Comments

We’re already covered the many reasons that staying on property at the Universal Resort is the way to go. In case you missed it, the perks include early park admission to Wizarding World of Harry Potter, resorts walking distance from both parks, merchandise delivery, Universal Express Unlimited and many other great advantages. The top resort on property is Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. This hotel celebrates la dolce vita (the sweet life) and transports you from Florida to Portofino, Italy. You’ll find cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes (that even feature outdoor opera singers). [...]

2014 February, 17

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Disney’s Contemporary Resort

travelmagicstg2014-02-17T07:00:00-05:00February 17, 2014|Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Resorts|0 Comments

10. Disney's Contemporary Resort has some of the largest standard rooms you'll find on Disney property. It's nice to have some extra space and not feel so crammed into a tight space. Standard rooms can sleep up to 5 guests with two queens and a day bed. 9. Awesome views! Whether you are located in the tower and have a Theme Park view or a Bay Lake view, you really can't go wrong with either one. Yes, having a view of the fireworks at night and watching the boats and monorail go by is awesome but so is looking out [...]

2014 February, 14

3 Must Do’s for the Harry Potter fan at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

travelmagicstg2014-02-14T07:00:00-05:00February 14, 2014|Universal Studios Orlando|2 Comments

Just beyond the entrance of Universal’s Islands of Adventure, awaits the magical, spellbinding Wizarding World of Harry Potter! This mesmerizing section of Islands of Adventure transports you into the world of Harry Potter. It’s as if you used Hermione’s Time-Turner and stepped back in time! Since this new land can be overwhelming, and you want to get the most out of your adventure, I have compiled 3 Must Do’s for the Harry Potter fan! 1. Try a Taste of Butterbeer! Butterbeer is that mysterious beverage that gets house-elves in trouble! It is a non-alcoholic potion that has a magical taste: [...]

2014 February, 12

Why Disney?

travelmagicstg2014-02-12T07:00:00-05:00February 12, 2014|Disney Travel|0 Comments

Why Disney? My immediate response is why not, but it raises a great point for those that have never had a Disney experience. For those people that know me, you know I love all things Disney so for me there is no other way to vacation as long as Disney is the common denominator so back to the question at hand, why Disney? Between Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney they’ve got something magical for every age group! A well planned Disney vacation is just that, truly and completely Magical, there’s really no other way [...]

2014 February, 10

Getting There – Driving vs. Flying to Walt Disney World

travelmagicstg2014-02-10T07:00:00-05:00February 10, 2014|Disney Travel, Disney World|0 Comments

I’ve often heard it said that it’s not the destination that matters but the journey. I don’t think the person who came up with that has ever been to Disney. I often work with families who are trying to decide whether they should fly or drive to Disney. So, I thought I would share my perspective on the pros of both options. Obviously, some people will have to fly (shout out to my Alaskan and Canadian friends). But, many of you will have the option so here is my quick rundown of both options. I love both options for different [...]