Welcome to my blog. I am a travel agent and love to share my passion for Harley Davidson, Cruises, Disney World and All Inclusive vacations.
I would be happy to help you plan your vacation too! Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com
Welcome! I am Jane-Ellen (JE) I'm a travel agent and I am happy to share with you my love of travel. I am not a journalist, I simply enjoy traveling. My favorite travel destinations are Walt Disney World, Cruises and anywhere on our Harley. My husband, Steve and I are out on our Harley when time, work and weather permit. We try to take weekend trips whenever possible.
Walt Disney World has been a favorite spot to vacation since our first trip in 1983. We have had over 30 weeklong vacations and now living in Florida we visit monthly, although recently I find myself there weekly. Hey I am doing research!
Cruising is another passion. We have been on many cruises, predominately in the Caribbean. A seven day cruise is the best way to really unwind and relax; but if a three or four day cruise crosses our path, we set sail. I am an Accredited Cruise Councilor, and a Certified Travel Councilor. I have the highest level of education from all major cruise lines.
Many clients have asked for insider tips for Disney World and cruising. That is my goal to offer insider information on Disney, Cruises and biking.
Disney is building a brand new upscale neighborhood resort on the Walt Disney World Property in Florida. It is called Golden Oaks. The name is a throwback to a tree in Missouri where, in his youth, Walt Disney day dreamed and let his imagination grow.In later years it was the name of the ranch in California where Disney filmed television shows.
Construction has begun on the homes which will be priced from 1.4 million to 8 million dollars each.Amenities homeowners will enjoy include the Summerhouse, a community clubhouse that offers fine and casual dining, private lounge, family room with game area, courtyards and lawns for relaxation and play, heated pool, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, demonstration kitchen for culinary adventures, such as guest chef appearances and tastings, and concierge-style resident services.
The homes offer extra Disney amenities such as door to door service to the parks, extra magic hours, golf membership, package delivery and special events for Golden Oaks residents only.
You will have plenty of room for guests but if they prefer some pampering they can stay at the Four Seasons Hotel that is due to open in the neighborhood.
If you are in the market for a new home and love Disney this is the place for you.
Start Planning Your Vacation Today!
Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com
Phone: 352.556.4437
While walking around the World Showcase recently I realized that so many times we skip over the American Pavilion. We were hot so we decided to visit the indoor show. We realized how under-rated this pavilion is, I decided to discuss it here to give you an idea of what you are missing.
I have a new slogan for Disney to use to promote the American Pavilion. "American Adventure Pavilion, at the very least stop by for the air conditioning."
This area has a lot to offer, celebrating American history and tradition.
The Liberty Inn is a great place to stop for lunch. They serve American Fare (no surprise there!)hamburgers, hot dogs and salads. While sitting in the open air seating you may hear the Fife and Drum Corp as they parade around the pavilion.
Stepping into the rotunda you will find quotes and paintings by famous Americans. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early for the show, you will enjoy spending time in the pavilion. There is much to see and do.
The Voices of Liberty is a group of singers dressed in colonial costumes that sing patriotic and folk songs in harmonized a capella. The acoustics are wonderful in the center of the rotunda! This is a do not miss performance.
Once the Voices of Liberty has completed their 10 minute show, you will enter the theatrical show. This inspiring show includes speeches by famous Americans such as Mark Twain and our founding fathers. The changing scenery and animatronic characters will amaze even the youngest visitors.
The open air American Gardens Theatre is home to many events during the year including The Candle Light Processional and concerts for the Flower and Garden Festival.
There is a gift shop (this is Disney after all) with American gifts. Here you will find copies of the Declaration of Independence, CDs and Disney toys.
The American Adventure is a great place to stop and cool off or catch your breath. Slow down your pace and enjoy!
Feel free to leave comments!
Start Planning Your Vacation Today!
Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com
Phone: 352.556.4437
Epcot will host the 18th Annual International Flower and Garden Festival March 2, 2011 to May 15, 2011. Located in Epcot’s Future World and World Showcase, the festival will offer guests visual delights with spectacular topiaries, gardens and events that will have a decidedly Disney flair!
Movie ‘Stars’ Galore!
Disney will be promoting new release movies or DVDs in floral splendor. Cars, Toy Story 3 and Winnie the Pooh casts will be on hand, in flowery form, to remind everyone that they have new movies/DVDs to check out.
The main entrance will guests will be greeted by 7-9 foot tall topiaries of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Lotso (Lots o’ Huggin) Bear of Toy Story Fame. Lotso will have the added touch of fragrance, not just the smell of the flowers but of strawberries. The area located between Future World and The World Showcase will be home to Pooh Bear, Eeyore and Tigger. The characters will be frolicking in the Hundred Acre Wood wildflower display. Cars fans will love seeing Mater and Lightning McQueen under the checked flag in The World Showcase.
The magic is everywhere!
All areas of the park will offer festival magic.Fairies from Pixie Hollow will host a whimsical play yard for toddlers and small children ages 2-5. The kids can burn off some energy and interact with the Fairies. Innoventions West will be home to Bambi and the Butterfly Garden.In the area located between the German and Italian pavilions Rapunzel will take up residence.
The Festival Center will offer merchandise for purchase (don’t forget this is Disney!), a stage area for well known gardening experts to offer lectures, an area where Disney horticulturalists offer tips and advice for you to use to in your garden. Attend a few demostrations and it will only be a matter of time until your garden looks like Epcot!
Special Events around the park
3/25-3/27 Art in the Garden “Plein Air” artists.
4/15-4/17 I Dig Bugs
4/29-5/1 Fresh from Florida farmers market
TBA Disney Pixar Celebration
Flower Power Concert Series
Each weekend during the festival the American Gardens Theatre in The World Showcase flashes back to the 60’s 70’s and 80’s with the sounds from back in the day. These wonderfully reminiscent concerts can be seen three times a night, 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45pm.
Here is the scheduled line up (subject to change):
Date
Performer
Known For
March 4 to 6
Jose Feliciano
Light My Fire
March 11 to 13
The Guess Who
American Woman
March 18 to 20
Chubby Checker and the Wildcats
The Twist
March 25 to 27
Melissa Manchester
Don't Cry Out Loud
April 1 to 3
Starship starring Mickey Thomas
We Built This City
April 8 to 10
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
You Don't Have to be a Star (to be in My Show)
April 15 to 17
Juice Newton
Queen of Hearts
April 22 to 24
Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
Poor Little Fool
April 29 to May 1
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Good Thing
May 6 to 8
Davy Jones
I'm a Believer
May 13 to 15
Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
I'm Henry VIII, I Am
Start Planning Your Vacation Today!
Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com
Phone: 352.556.4437
Disney Imagineers have revamped the plans for the FantasyLand expansion. They have scrapped plans for some of the areas that favored girls and added a ride and eatery that will please the whole family.
The original plans called for Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Tinkerbelle and the Fairies all to have their special areas in the new FantasyLand; those plans have been downscaled or scrapped altogether.A new indoor roller coaster and restaurant are in the works now.
Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty will have a smaller meet and greet venue in what is now Snow White’s Scary Adventure.A Snow White themed indoor roller coaster will offer guests a ride on mine cars that swing back and forth on the track.
A new restaurant Be Our Guest will seat 550 guests offering counter service during the day and sit down dinner service in the evening.I can imagine the sit down restaurant will offer some type of character interactions during dinner.
Tinkerbelle and her friendly fairy friends will find a permanent home in Disney Hollywood Studios, after leaving their temporary home in Epcot where they will reside during the International Flower Show this spring.
The plans are still on for Goofy’s Barnstormer, and the Little Mermaid ride. The Little Mermaid ride will be a cornerstone of the new area, with “clammobile” type cars that move visitors thru Ariel’s world under the sea.
The construction of the new FantasyLand is well underway and will be opened in phases beginning late 2012.ToonTown will be closing soon to make way for the expansion.
Start Planning Your Vacation Today!
Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com
Phone: 352.556.4437
Every girl should look like a princess and the Fairy Godmothers-in-training at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique know just how to do it. Whether you choose the Cinderella’s Castle location or the salon in the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney, your little princess will be pampered from head to toe. The boutique offers multiple hair styles, nail color, make-up and a total package including Disney Princess costume and photographs.
Girls 3 years old and above can choose from 3 hair styles, Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess, in 3 available packages.
Little boys over 3 years old have their own special, The Knight Package, which includes hair styling as well as a sword and shield.
Prices range from $14.95 for the Knight Package to $239.95 for the Castle Package that includes hairstyle, makeup, nails, photos, Disney Princess gown (of your choice), crown, wand, shoes and princess sash.
Let your child be the princess or knight you know they are!
Start Planning Your Vacation Today!
Email: JEGTravels@gmail.com
Walt Disney World is about to begin building its first new hotel in seven years, a 2,000-room resort that will open in 2012.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort will feature 1,120 family suites with room for as many as six people each; the remainder of the rooms will be standard single rooms. The resort will be a ‘value’ resort similar to Pop Century and All Stars. The rates begin at $82 per night for those resorts.
The resort will be built on 65-acres across a lake from Disney's Pop Century Resort. The location will allow Disney to use a pair of long-neglected, unfinished buildings that Disney originally constructed as a second phase of Pop Century but which it abandoned amid the 2001 recession.
Each area of Art of Animation will feature different animated movie: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars.
The majority of its rooms will be six-person suites, the resort will have the same capacity as Pop Century, which has 2,800 standard rooms. The thought is that Disney would like to compete with Nickelodeon’s family suite resort located just off Disney’s property.
Call us today to start planning your Disney Vacation!
Here are a few tips to get the most enjoyment during your Walt Disney World vacation.
Try to visit each park on its least busy days. Listed below are some general guidelines for attendance at each park.
Busiest Days at each park
Magic Kingdom is usually busiest Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Epcot is busiest Wednesday and Friday.
Disney Hollywood Studios is busier Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Animal Kingdom is busy Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Tickets
Magic Your Way Tickets lets guests decide how many days they want to spend in the parks and what options work for them, such as no expiration date, water parks or Park Hopper (visit more than one park per day).
The cost per day decreases for longer stays. A seven day ticket will save you approximately 50% compared to a single day base ticket. A 10 day ticket can cost you 1/3 of a single day base ticket.
The Water Park Fun & More option can offer significant savings for recreation and entertainment outside the theme parks. It provides admissions to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, DisneyQuest, Disney’s Oak Trail golf course and Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Park Hopper option allows a guest to take advantage of visiting more than one park in a day. Perfect if you want to see the parade at one park and the fireworks at another. Great for enjoying your favorite rides on the same day.
Kids under age 3 are provided free admission to all Walt Disney World theme parks.
Time
Disney knows that time is a valuable commodity while on vacation. They do their best to help you use your time wisely.
Tip Boards are the most underutilized feature at Disney Parks. They are located at strategic crossroads in each theme park provide guests with the attractions approximate wait times.
Disney’s FASTPASS system allows guests to avoid waiting at designated popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Here’s how it works:
At the entrance to attractions offering FASTPASS, two times are posted – (1) approximate wait time using the normal queue and (2) return time for FASTPASS tickets currently being issued.
If the wait in the normal queue is long, guests can choose to obtain a FASTPASS ticket (at no charge) with an assigned return time (an hour-long window) and then use the time until then to enjoy other experiences in the park.
Upon returning to use their FASTPASS, the guest can hop on the attraction with little or no waiting.
A Rider Swap program lets both parents enjoy a ride – one parent waits with a child who is unable to ride an attraction while one parent rides. Afterwards, the other parent can board the ride with minimal wait time.Extra Magic Hours offer private hours for exclusively for guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels. How it works-The extra time is one hour prior to scheduled park opening or up to three hours after park closing.
The park changes from day to day.
Disney water parks sometimes open one hour early for guests of select Disney resort hotels.
To take advantage of the additional time in the parks, guests must have a Magic Your Way ticket valid for the park(s) offering Extra Magic Hours – and, of course, their hotel ID.
The Park Hopper option on Magic Your Way tickets allows guests to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours in a park or parks different from where the guest spends the rest of the day.
Dining Make your reservation in advance. The restaurants located in Disney World begin taking reservation or priority seating, as Disney calls it, up to 180 days out. Most reserve quickly! This is especially true for any character dining experiences. The more popular ones fill up the day the reservations open.
Best time to visit The best time to visit can be either during slower, not peak, times or during holidays. Off peak times have the advantage of fewer guests in the park but the park operating hours are scaled back. Peak times may have many more visitors but they often have extended park operating hours, so there is more time to see everything. Either way if you make a game plan you can see and do most almost everything.
Keep in mind; you will never see it all in one trip! Make sure to take your time and enjoy the experience. Leave some rides or events for your next trip to Walt Disney World.
Jennings Osborne of Arkansas wanted to make his daughter happy, so he decorated their property for Christmas. Year after year he added lights, music and animation. Finally the neighbors had enough and Mr. Osborne donated everything he had to Disney World.
The display first ran on the Residental Street of the Backlot Tour. When that was being renovated, the light spectacular was moved to its current home on the American Street. The lights are timed and set to music, changing with each carol that plays. If you look hard you will see it snowing too!
Make sure to pay close attention to the windows and sidewalks, you will see hidden Mickey's, the hidden cat and you might just locate the famous leg lamp from Christmas Story.
Santa was not located at Hollywood Studios but at the boat ramp at The Swan and Dolphin. He looks great! So Florida-ish!
Delight in the sounds and sights of the season at Walt Disney World’s celebration of Christmas. There are many dazzling reasons to visit the parks over the holidays! The great decoration are not just in the parks, be sure to visit the hotels for beautifully themed decoration. The Grand Floridian has a life size gingerbread house that doubles as a shop to purchase homemade cookies. You can also find chestnuts roasting at the Grand Floridian.
Here are some of the highlights at the parks.
EPCOT
The Candlelight Processional is special holiday event that runs three times nightly. A celebrity narrator retells the story of Christmas, accompanied by a 50 piece orchestra and a full mass choir.
Holiday’s Around the World, gives us a peek into the traditions from around the world as each of the eleven countries show us their Christmas traditions.Visit each country to meet “santa” and hear their special story of Christmas. Meet Pere Noel in France, La Befana in Italy. The American Pavilion offers a look at Chanukah and Kwanza.
Mickey's Tree Lighting, Mickey and friends light a Christmas Tree in the World Showcase Plaza nightly.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth has a special finale for the holiday season, including classic song "Let There Be Peace on Earth".
Animal Kingdom
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade, the afternoon parade takes on a Christmas inspired jungle theme.
Disney Hollywood Studios
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Millions of sparkling lights shine in falling snow in this theme park, in the Streets of America backlot area.
The history of this display goes back to Little Rock Arkansas in 1986, when businessman Jennings Osborne strung up 1000 red lights for his 6-year-old daughter. The display grew every year, so much so that-- by the time it reached 3 million lights-- the neighbors took legal action, and it found a permanent home in Walt Disney World.
Appearing at dusk nightly from mid November until just after the new year. The Spectacle of Lights is included in regular admission to the theme parks. Since 2006, the Spectacle has had "dancing" lights: every 15 minutes, choreographed lights swirl to a medley of classic holiday music; snow flurries, too.
The Magic Kingdom
Mickey's Very Merry ChristmasParty includes a special Parade, snowfall on Main Street, character greetings and character stage shows, cookies and hot cocoa, special Holiday Wishes fireworks, and popular Magic Kingdom Park attractions. The party happens on select nights in November and Decemeber; hours are 7 pm to midnight, and only party guests, with special tickets are in the theme park during that time. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance as this is a sell out every year. (these tickets are not included in your regular park passes)
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade has holiday themes including a sleigh ride, Fairy Tale Christmastime, toy soldiers, snowflakes, dancing deer, and Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale. This Parade is part of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party; after the Party dates are finished, in past years the Parade has rolled for everyone in the afternoon (instead of the usual Disney's Dreams Come True Parade) until the end of December. tree lighting ceremony, most nights on Main Street
Mickey's Night Before Christmas, in the Galaxy Palace Theater, several times daily
Holiday Wishes Fireworks is set to the music of classic holiday songs
Castle Dream Lights: every night, a Castle Dream Lights show, with Disney characters, lights up Cinderella's Castle with 200,000 twinkling lights.
Walt Disney World has broken ground for the expansion of Fantasyland. Fantasyland, one of the 7 themed lands of the Magic Kingdom, will double in size by 2013. This is the largest project the Magic Kingdom has seen since its inception in 1971.
In order to accommodate the new venues, Mickey’s Toontown will be closing February 11th. Mickey, Minnie and their pals will be relocated to the Exposition Hall on Main Street. Tink will move to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You will, of course, still have character interactions throughout the park. The WDW railroad will remain open during the construction.
The new Fantasy Land will include an interactive storybook adventure with favorite Disney Princesses. Little Mermaid will have her own ride (similar to the clam mobiles in Epcot’s The Sea’s Nemo and friends ride). Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty will all have their own attractions. There will be additional dining choices and shops. Visitors will be able to visit Tink’s Pixie Hollow. UPDATED January 19, 2011~~Pixie Hollow will be located in Disney Hollywood Studios!
Dumbo will take center stage with his own expanded area. This area will include a big top tent area with more fun and adventure.
Everyone has such fond memories of Toon Town and will miss it dearly but I suppose that is progress. I am still a bit upset they replaced Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride!
The Candlelight Processional brings alive the story of Christmas with its celebrity narrators, choir and full 50 piece orchestra. It a moving experience that will leave you with a feeling of contentment and the real meaning of Christmas.
The Processional, as you can imagine, is very popular. The American Gardens Theatre is an open air theatre and the show goes on rain or shine. The show runs nightly at 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:15 pm.
If you plan on enjoying the show you have two choices for seating. The first option is a preferred dinner seating package that offers dinner and reserved seating. The other option is the standby line. The seats are not actual reserved seats but reserved seating area in the lower portion of the theatre. You should arrive a few minutes early to get the best seats, at fifteen minutes prior to the start of the show; the seating is opened to the standby line.
If the standby line is your choice, get there early, folks start lining up 45 minutes early (or more closer to Christmas).
This not to be missed performance runs thru December.
The guest narrators are:
·12/10 - 12/11: Whoopi Goldberg·12/12- 12/15: Steven Curtis Chapman
·12/16 - 12/18: Thomas Gibson
·12/19 - 12/21: Trace Adkins
·12/22 - 12/23: Brad Garrett
·12/24 - 12/27: Edward James Olmos
·12/28 - 12/30: Marlee Matlin (interpreter: Jack Jason)
Restaurant Information:
For Disney Dining Plan Guests: Candlelight Dining Packages will require 2 table service entitlements.
Lunch Packages range from $32.99-$51.99 per adult and $12.99-$17.99 per child.
Dinner Packages range from $46.99-$61.99 per adult and $15.99-$23.99 per child.
Participating restaurants include:
Biergarten
Rose & Crown
Le Cellier
Coral Reef
Nine Dragons
San Angel
Marrakesh
Teppan Edo
Tokyo Dining
Chefs de France
Tutto Italia
Your lunch or dinner package includes: appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage (or full buffet where applicable); guaranteed seating at the Candlelight Processional show. You must arrive more than 15 minutes prior to the start of the show as they open seating to everyone at the 15 minute mark.
NOTE: Candlelight Dinner Packages do NOT include theme park admission.
