Last week this popular offer was once again released. When you book a 3 night stay at a Moderate level or higher Disney resort and purchase at least a 2 day Magic Your Way base ticket, you will receive the Disney Dining Plan for FREE! For guests staying at a Value resort you will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan free. Eligible dates for this offer are: September 2, 2013 – September 25, 2013.

This offer is valid at most Disney resorts and must be booked by July 31, 2013. To learn more about the Disney Dining Plan options click here. Contact your Wishing Well Agent for more details or to book this fantastic offer!

Haley is a Disney Travel Specialist. She and her husband Scott are the owners Wishing Well Travel, you can contact her at Haley at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on Facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

Blizzard Beach is a huge water park that appears as if a major snow storm has hit Walt Disney World and the results are super fun.  There is a giant wave pool called Melt-Away Bay in the middle of the park that delivers giant waves every few minutes.  Surrounding the entire park is the amazing lazy river, Cross Country Creek…grab a tube at any of the many openings and just float around the park til your hearts’ content.  It’s so relaxing and the perfect attraction at Disney World because there are never any lines!

My favorite attraction at Blizzard Beach is the huge family tube ride, Teamboat Springs.  Guest take a ski chairlift to the top of the ski mountain (or water slide mountain) and board a large tube that can seat up to six people.  It’s the perfect ride for your group to do together.

Two areas of Blizzard Beach that the kids in your group will not want to miss are Tike’s Peak and Ski Patrol Training Camp.  For the kids in your party 48″ or less, Tike’s Peak is the perfect spot to dig in the sand, ride some tame and perfectly sized water slides, and splash away the day.  For the big kids and preteens, don’t miss Ski Patrol Training Camp, which features an amazing training course where you can climb ropes over a pool, a zip line that you can drop into the pool and of course some water slides.

 Blizzard Beach also has many different kinds of water slides, fast, high, even racing slides where you can race other members of your party to the bottom.  If you are really daring, you can try the Summit Plummet, it’s an almost vertical water slide that zips you down to the bottom of the slide before you even realize you took off.

Take a day to enjoy this wonderful Disney water park, you’ll be glad you did!

Janice has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Janice at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

 Disney’s California Adventure already has a variation of this attraction, it is called Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.  Guests are given a pamphlet telling them the tasks they must complete to earn each badge. Once a task is completed the guest marks it off their pamphlet. This is done on the honor system. Once they have completed their tasks they go to the Senior Explorer Ceremony and are promoted to Senior Wilderness Explorer.

Tabitha has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Tabitha at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

Opening March 12^th Fantasy Faire will be a natural extension of Fantasyland.  The quaint storybook village addition will contain the Royal Theater and the Royal Hall.  Disney Imagineers took inspiration from Sleeping Beauty’s castle, Pinocchio, and the existing Fantasyland.  According to the Director of Walt Disney Imagineering,  “My goal,” he said, “was that the new Fantasy Faire would meld over into the existing Fantasyland naturally.” He said that his intention would be for first-time visitors to never suspect that this addition came later than the rest of Fantasyland.” 

The Royal Theater will house a couple of Renaissance story tellers, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones.  These two will tell the stories of Beauty and the Beast, and Rapunzel, with some help from fellow villagers. Belle, Flynn Rider and Rapunzel themselves will even appear to help tell their stories  These unique vaudevillian style shows will be fast paced, and whimsical, and all accompanied by the music of Sir Samuel from Morocco.  Show Director Chris Utley remarked “The storytellers will play a variety of roles, filling in as the other characters. They may put on a costume accessory to pretend to be Beast, or Gaston or Mother Gothel ” 

Another component of Fantasy Faire will be the Royal Hall, where you will be able to meet as many as three of your favorite Disney Princesses.  According to Michel Den Dulk, Creative Director of Fantasy Faire for Walt Disney Imagineering, the Royal hall will be full of the rich detail we have come to expect from Disney Imagineers.

“After walking into our main entrance, you will first go through a garden-like setting before entering the reception hall.  Once inside the Royal Hall, guests will discover a beautiful gothic interior with nice wallpaper, wall cresting, wood finishes and chandeliers.”

The New Fantasy Faire will open in the heart of Disneyland on March 12.  Until then you can still see your favorite Disney Royalty elsewhere in Fantasyland, along the path to “it’s a small world.” Be sure to stop by The Disneyland Story inside the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park to see this concept art in person, in the “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” section of the exhibit.

Noelle has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Noelle at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

If you are looking for a character meal with a little extra magic, check out the Crystal Palace in the heart of the Magic Kingdom.  Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re in luck because it offers all three.  There is something extra magical and special about eating your meal in the center of the Magic Kingdom and being able to look out and see Cinderella’s Castle!

All three meals offer a buffet, with many different selections for children and adults. You’ll find fresh fruit, many different fresh salads, carved meat and vegetables. There is also a special dessert bar with so many delicious choices.

At the Crystal Palace, you’ll get a chance to dine with and meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eyore and Piglet.  Your little ones will love the chance to parade around the restaurant with all the characters between bites.  Each character will make a trip to your table and be available for pictures and of course, autographs.

If your choice is for breakfast, it’s a perfect place to start your day at the Magic Kingdom, you can even manage to get some pictures in front of the castle before the days’ crowds start pouring in.  If you are looking for lunch, it’s a great place for a mid-day break from the crowds and heat while still being in the thick of things.  Often times, you can see the shows in front of the castle right from your table.  Of course at dinner, nothing can beat seeing all the lights on Main Street right outside the many windows of the Crystal Palace.

Whichever you decide, enjoy the magic of the characters, yummy food, and prime location of Crystal Palace!

Janice has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Janice at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

10. The Mickey Bar:  

Sold all throughout Disney, these iconic chocolate covered ice cream bars are delicious! Ther is just something so awesome about that little eared treat!

9. Caramel Cupcake:  

You can find this mouthwatering treat at Karamell Küche in Epcot’s Germany. This old world German caramel shop smells amazing as you walk through the door. Whether you pick yellow or chocolate, this treat is delightful!

8. Caramel Corn:  

This isn’t your everyday caramel corn. Located in the same delicious store as the caramel cupcake above, this popcorn is coated in buttery, sweet, Werther’s Original caramel.

7. Cinnamon Roll from Main Street Bakery:  

Possibly the biggest, sweetest, tastiest cinnamon roll ever created! It’s a perfect size to share. Maximize your snack credits by having a friend buy a cupcake and split them both!

6.  Funnel Cake:  

Who doesn’t like a funnel cake? The sweet dough fried to a crisp and topped with powdered sugar or fruit is enough for even the biggest sweet tooth! This indulgent treat is sold at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom, Forrest Trail Funnel Cakes in Animal Kingdom, Oasis Canteen in Hollywood Studios and America in Epcot. Keep in mind that cannot use a snack credit for one at the Epcot location, all others you can.

5. Kaki Gori: 

Epcot’s Japan is not only architecturally striking, it is home to the refreshing Kaki Gori. This shaved ice treat is comes in strawberry, honeydew melon, tangerine, or, of course, the rainbow! Amazing on a hot summer day.

4. Carrot Cake Cookie:  

Tucked away in a little corner of Hollywood Studios sits a charming coffee shop and bookstore called Writers Stop. Pretty much everything on the menu can be purchased with a snack credit. I recommend the Carrot Cake Cookie. Take a break with your family over barista crafted cappuccinos and share this delicious flat carrot cakes sandwiched with sweet cream cheese frosting.

3. Bavarian Soft Pretzel:  

This isn’t your ordinary pretzel. Located in the Germany section of Epcot, this pretzel is big enough to share though you may not want to after one bite! Whether you like your pretzel plain or with a dip, you won’t regret using your snack credit on this!

2. Baked Sweet Potato:  

Not in a sweets kind of mood? Check out this sweet potato that you can get at the Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom. Pair it with a cup of chili from Casey’s Corner and you have a nice meal!

1. Dole Whip Float:  

The number 1 on this list happens to be my personal #1 snack at Disney! My trip just wouldn’t be complete without a Pineapple Dole Whip Float. What do you get when you pair pineapple ice cream with pineapple juice? DELICIOUSNESS! Although pineapple is my favorite, it also comes in vanilla and orange. Located at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland and Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort, try it! You’ll thank me.

Nicole has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Nicole at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

To find out more about this or any of the new, exciting adventures Walt Disney World has in store for 2013, contact your Wishing Well Travel Agent.

Disney World and Disneyland will be having separate Limited Time Magic Celebrations although a few of the celebrations will be the same.  So far in January, Disney World has celebrated with Snow in Epcot and appropriately dressed Characters, and This week – appearances by Long lost Friends – such as the Three Little Pigs, Robin Hood, and Clarabelle Cow!  Disney Land has been celebrating with a Mardi Gras and Bayou Bash, as well as the Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue.

Each new celebration is announced on Friday the week before, keeping the news fresh and exciting.  I am super excited to see what they come up with!

Some of the Scheduled Celebrations are :

True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine’s collectibles will be offered for the romantically inclined.  Both Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty Castle will be spectacularly lit in red and pink for this special week of Celebrating love.

Independence Week: It’s Patriotism galore as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with red, white, and blue lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs to enjoy.

Pirate Week: Disney will celebrate pirates and scallywags in this week long celebration The adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow will come to life at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Look for this swashbuckling celebration to feature pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets, and more.

Unleash the Villains: Friday the 13th in September 2013 is a special day, so both the Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be staying open until the 13th hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar and other Disney Villains will host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and other nighttime mischief of course!

Each of these Limited Time Magic celebrations will only be happening for seven short days!  What wonderful Magic will be happening when you go? Book your Trip today and let the Magic Begin!.

Noelle has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Noelle at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

                                                                              

Some may wonder why go out of the way to the Baby Care  Centers or First Aid Stations. Well, when we were planning our last trip I  started thinking about the issue of being in the parks with mydaughter, who was now a “big kid” but not yet potty trained due to her special needs. Where was I going to be able to change her? I knew I was not the  only person who had ever come up against this so there had to be a simple  solution. The changing tables in most of the restrooms in the park are fairly  big and could accommodate my then 5 year old, however, when the child is older  or you have an adult then you need a much more  private environment  for  changing. We found both of these facilities to be  great options for changing diapers. The Cast Members are very friendly and  helpful and we never felt uncomfortable changing our daughter there. Another  option for changing is the companion restrooms located throughout  the parks, but if you need somewhere for them to lie down  you will find the First Aid Station and Baby Care Centers to be very comfortable  environments.

Tabitha has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Tabitha at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.

One of the things I have enjoyed the most are the live entertainment bits here and there in the World Showcase, from the Ziti Sisters, to the drummers in Japan, to the Mariachi Band in Mexico, there is something for everyone.  Many of the acts, like the Ziti Sisters, are very interactive by including willing audience members to take part in their skits.  I just happened upon the end of the Ziti Sisters act and liked it so much I had to come back at their next scheduled time to see the entire show.

      Another fun thing to do is hidden inside the Japan pavilion.  The “choose your own pearl” counter is a blast.  The cast members behind the counter are so fun and friendly, and they turn the entire thing into a lovely little production, complete with a drum roll for the presentation of your particular pearl. For me, it was a fun and relatively inexpensive way to spend a few moments out of the heat and get a great souvenir.  The cost is less than $20 to choose your pearl, if you choose a  piece of jewelry to put your pearl in the cost will vary! I purchased a small cage style pendant to keep my pearl in, and nearly 5 years later I still love it and wear it!

One of my favorite things to do in EPCOT, especially with first time visitors or children, is to complete the EPCOT passport.  You can purchase a realistic looking passport kit, complete with passport, stickers and a large button/pin for around ten dollars at most of the kiosks and shops all around Future World.  While exploring World Showcase be sure to visit the Kid-Cot station in each of the countries.  Cast Members, native to each country will stamp your passport and write a message in their native language.  The highlight for me was seeing my name in both Arabic and Chinese!  Children can also color a fun activity at each of the stations if they desire.

Of course there are some fantastically fun things to do in Future World as well as the World Showcase!  One thing that is fun is to check out Club Cool and try all the different soda pops from around the World.  Some of them are fantastic – others not so much – you may be surprised at which ones you like!  This is an activity that doesn’t cost you a cent, and you can try as much as you like using their little tasting cups! Once you have tried them all it is great fun to watch others taste them as well.   There are so many fun things to keep you entertained at EPCOT, You never know what might become your new favorite!

Noelle has been a Disney Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Noelle at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on facebook or Request a Quote from her online.