It's Sail Away Time!
Where do your Disney Dream's take you?

Friday, September 23, 2011

Disney Cruise Line adds 2nd Hawaiian Cruise October 14, 2012

Did you know Duffy, that Mickey and Minnie are sailing two (2) Hawaiian Cruises next year?  It was just announced that there will be a new 14-night itinerary departing on October 14, 2012.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Buena Vista Street in Disney's California Adventure - Carthay Circle Theatre

The Carthay Circle Theatre is scheduled to open in Disney's California Adventure in 2012.

The Theatre will hold a restaurant and a lounge.

The cupola which was just recently installed (over 5000 pounds and 17 feet tall) is a replica of one of the most famous movie palaces of Hollywood's Golden Age.  The Theatre opened back in 1926 on San Vicente Boulevard.  The Theatre hosted the premieres of Walt Disney's "Silly Symphonies" in 1929 and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937.







These premieres were red-carpet events, with the stars of the motion picture arriving in limos with hundreds of fans in bleachers and searchlights scanning the sky.

In the 1960's the Carthay was considered obsolete, overshadowed by modern cinemas, the theatre was demolished in 1969.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Disneyland Resort Celebrate 2011 Little League World Series Champs

The Ocean View Little League from Huntington Beach celebrated their day in the Disneyland Park with their own float during the Parade.

AVATAR Coming to the Disney Parks in Walt Disney World

Just announced -- a long-term creative partnership with Walt Disney Imagineering, James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring the fantasy world of AVATAR to life at Disney Parks.  It will begin at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World

The partnership will work side-by-side to dream up experiences that will take guests deep into the world of AVATAR like never before.  Disney's Animal Kingdom is planned as the site of the first AVATAR-themed land with construction to begin by 2013.

Disney World Hotel Refurbishment - Disney's Port Orleans Riverside

Magnolia Bend Leisure pool near buildings 80 and 85 are closed 9/5 - 10/7/2011.

Disney World Hotel Refurbishment - Disney's Grand Floridian

The Spa is closed from September 19th for 18 months.  The fitness center will remain open during this time.

Disney World Hotel Refurbishment - Disney's Boardwalk Resort

Muscles and Bustles Health Club closed 9/12 - 9/17.  Guests may use the health club at Yacht and Beach Club

Disney World Hotel Refurbishment - Disney's Beach Club Resort

The Beach Club Villas Leisure pool is closed from 10/31 - 1/1/2011.

Disney World Hotel Refurbishment - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center is closed 9/19 - 9/23/2011.  Guests may utilize the fitness center at Kidani Village during the temporary closure

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Magical Adventures of Diane and Duffy the traveling Bear: Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Children...

The Magical Adventures of Diane and Duffy the traveling Bear: Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Children...: For children ages 9 and under, the attached sample menu will highlight the current offerings for the little "Keiki's". Duffy recommends th...

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Children's (sample) Menu & Recommended Attire

For children ages 9 and under, the attached sample menu will highlight the current offerings for the little "Keiki's".

Duffy recommends the Belgian Waffle with Bananas and Carmel Sauce for breakfast and the House Made Macaroni and Cheese with Fresh Peas for Lunch and the Grilled Chicken Breast with Guava BBQ sauce and local vegetables.

For dessert, the Cookies and Cream "Mickey Cookie Mousse" served with a Banana Milk Shake

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Dessert (sample) Menu & Recommended Attire

Just in case you have room and a slight sweet tooth afterwards, don't go anywhere until you have looked at the dessert menu.

The menu of  Press Pot Tea Selections is very impressive.  Some of the offerings are:  Imperial Orange Pekoe, Nobo Whole Fruit, Pear Green Tea, and jamaican Spice to name a few.  Cappuccino, Espresso and Mochas are also available.

The 'AMA 'AMA desserts consist of Chocolate Macadamia Nut Souffle with Giandjua Sauce, Coconut Panna Cotta with chilled Passion Fruit Broth and Green Tea Tuile.

Dessert wines are also available


Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Dinner (sample) Menu & Recommended Attire

Hours:  5:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Dining at 'AMA 'AMA will certainly be a culinary event.

I would start off with a Alaea-rita (Patron Silver, Organic Fruit Liqueur, Coconut Rum and Fresh Pineapple Juice)

My appetizer starter would be the Big Eye Tuna and Sea Asparagus Poke Martini (finished at tableside).

My main course would be the Paniolo Rack of Lamb, Pineapple, Mango and Poha Berry Chutney with a glass of Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhona as recommended on the menu below.


Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Lunch (sample) Menu & Recommended Attire

Hours:  11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The lunch menu is as impressive as the breakfast menu.

My choice of beverage would be the POG Juice (a blend of Passion Fruit, Orange and Guava);

My lunch would be the Nori-wrapped Ahi Tuna Tempura with Mustard and Soy Sauce to start with the House-made Goat Cheese Ravioli with local Baby Vegetable Stew;

Perfect ending:  Lilikoi Meringue Mousse with Caramelized Bananas  ... I'm thinking that a Adventures by Disney excursion would be a nice fit to burn these calories off or perhaps a surfing lesson.


Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Breakfast (sample) Menu & Recommended Attire

Hours:  7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The breakfast menu offers something for everyone.

Then we arrive, my choices for my 1st breakfast would be the following:

Pineapple Mimosa
A bakery basket filled with Guave Fan, coconut Cream pocket, Croissant, and Orange Macadamia nut muffins
Sweet Potato and Portuguese sausage hash with Poached Eggs and Marinated Hearts of Palm
100% Kona Press Pot of Coffee

Duffy would prefer to order:

Chocolate Milk-Dipped Haupia Bread French Toast stuffed with bananas and Peanut Butter
Papaya Smoothie




Recommended Attire:  Men - Khakis, dress shorts, collared shirts
Ladies:  Capri pant, skirt, dress and dress short

Not permitted:  tank tops, swimwear, men's hats, cut-off pants and torn clothing

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Entertainment & Activities

Pools:  2
Whirlpool spas: 4
BBQ grills: 4
Activity programming
Golf: available nearby
Full Service Spa
Sauna
Fitness Center
Convention Center
Children's Activities Center
Marina: available nearby
Beach
Community Hall:  Guests can check out games, movies etc
Merchandise Shops
Watersports:  snorkeling, excursions

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Resort Services & Amenities (fact sheet)

The following services and amenities are found at Aulani:

ATM
Bell Services
Business Center
Front Desk
Concierge Desk
Excursion Tour Deck
Hospitality lounge
Groceries
Ice Machines
Laundry (self and valet)
Boarding pass Kiosk
Medical services (nearby)
Security
Parking (self or valet)
Rooms for Guest with Disabilities
Connecting rooms
In-Room babysitting (available by request)
Tea Kettle
Refrigerator
DVD Player
Flat panel TV with satellite cable
In-room safe (laptop sized)
Hair Dryer
Iron and Ironing board
Coffee maker
Ceiling fan
Telephone
Internet wireless high speed access
Alarm clock
Housekeeping
100% Non-smoking rooms
Smoke Alarm/Sprinklers
Elevators

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Adventures by Disney Excursions

Every Adventures by Disney excursion at Aulani is an adventure into the culture and beauty of Hawaii.  Learn to Surf, ride horseback through lush valleys, or set sail on a catamaran or kayak through protected offshore islets.  There is something for everyone.

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - What's in it for Adults?

Adults savor carefree escapes like the luxurious Laniwai Spa (body and facial treatments, massage services and beauty products), featuring the only outdoor Hydrotheraphy garden in Hawaii.

They'll also enjoy the two lounges, a quiet pool, sunset facing hot tubs, romantic escapes, excursions designed by Adventures by Disney, nearby golf and more.

Mikimiki Fitness Center - Offering a relaxed atmosphere with the latest in fitness equipment.

Shopping  - Kalepa's Store offers Souvenirs, groceries and sundries


Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - What's in it for Teens?

Teens have the freedom to experience activities just for them.  Along with dedicated programming and adventures, how about a  teen-only poolside bash after a rush down thrilling water slide?

Enjoy a rejuvenating treatment designed specifically for teenagers the only Teen Spa in Hawaii, called Painted Sky

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - What's in it for Kids?

Kids of all ages can live their dream in the 5,200 square foot state-of-the-art kid's club - Aunty's Beach House, featuring fun and unique programs designed just for kids by Disney youth counselors.


Waikolohe Stream  - A mischievous waterway that will move guests through the beautiful landscape of Aulani.  guests can begin their journey on the exhilarating slide, the Tubestone Curl, that launches their tub down the Waikolohe Stream

Makai Preserve  -  An interactive conservation lagoon.

Menehune Adventure Trail  -  Interactive and magical adventure around Waikolohe Valley

Waikolohe Pool - 8,200 square feet of family fun!  Featuring a gradually-sloping entry from the deck into the water, craving adventure?  Brave Volcanic Vertical, the tunnel body slide atop Pu'u Kilo that plunges them into the crystalline water of Waikolohe Pool.

Wailana Pool  - A leisure pool

Menehune Bridge - Kids interactive water play area

Rainbow Reef - A snorkel lagoon

Plus there's fun with Disney Characters and an interactive water play structure and splash zone for the little ones.

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - A Family Experience

Families enjoy the best of everything!  From a variety of restaurants to the Resort's incredible Waikolohe Stream, amazing pools, private snorkeling lagoon, plus a special family space at the Laniwai Spa, evening events and activities, Disney entertainment and more!

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - It's included!

At Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa, your experiences of the Islands are included!

Would Class children's programming

Access to the Resort's themed pools, lazy river and whirlpool spas

Art of Aulani Tour:  one of the largest collections of contemporary Native Hawaiian art in the USA

Nature and Wildlife Tour of Aulani

Craft demonstrations

Nightly Sunset Ceremony

Fireside Storytelling

'Ohana Movie Nights and much more!

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Room Service

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Wailana Pool Bar

Located next to the serene, adult-only Wailana Pool and overlooking the Makaloa Garden.

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'Olelo Room

'Olelo Room is an interactive bar and lounge

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - One Paddle, Two Paddle Restaurant

One Paddle, Two Paddle is a casual walk up dining venue

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Off the Hook beachside lounge

Enjoy one of several refreshing beverages as you relax overlooking the beachside lagoon.

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - 'AMA 'AMA Signature Restaurant (Vegetarian options)

Sit back in this ope-aired seating section and let the Pacific ocean breeze soothe your spirit at 'AMA ' AMA is a Contemporary Island cooking - an idyllic beachside restaurant and bar serving modern interpretations of classic Hawaiian cuisine.

Disney's gourmet chefs use fresh local ingredients and island flavors to create distinctive Hawaiian dishes that combine the traditional with the contemporary for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hawaiian-inspired breakfast specialties feature omelets, waffles, pancakes, grains and freshly-made bakery items.

For lunch, enjoy hot and cold sandwiches, soup, salads and pasta.

For a tropical sunset Dinner, the menu rotates to highlight seasonal ingredients, the dinner menu focuses on sustainable seafood, steak, duck and pasta.

Delicious vegetarian options are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

All desserts are house-made daily!

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Makahiki Buffet and Character breakfast

Get ready to enjoy a Disney favorite!  Meet and greet Disney characters for breakfast in the Makahiki buffet

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa - Which room size is best for you?

Let me help you select the best accommodation fit for your Family.  Aulani offers offers 359 hotel rooms (including 16 Suites); and 460 Villas.

The hotel rooms feature 382 square feet - 2 queen-sized beds or 1 king-sized bed with queen size sleeper sofa.  Max number of people is 4

Each is specially designed with conveniences for families

All offer private balcony or porch

Feature baths with both hand-held sprays and soothing rain showers

Flat-screen TVs with DVD players and refrigerator

Complimentary High-Speed Internet Access

Special Disney touches throughout (Mickey lamp, hidden Mickeys in the rooms and more)

The Parlor Suites feature 764 square feet

Choose your view:

Standard View - Includes a patio or balcony perfect for relaxing

Island View - Enjoy a partial view of the mountains, spa or resort grounds

Poolside view  - Bask in at least a partial view of the pool, courtyards, water features or resort grounds

Ocean/Partial Ocean  - Soak in the ocean air and sounds from the comfort of your own room.



Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa , over 21.2 acres of beachfront FUN!


Aulani is 21.2 acres of beachfront relaxation and fun, set in the beautiful crystal blue waters on the west side of O'ahu in Ko Olina, only 45 minutes from either the North Shore or Honolulu.




Disney bring to life the Hawaiian culture with connection to nature, so each member of your family gains a deeper understanding, appreciation and ultimately, enjoyment of Hawai'i.


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Disney helps travel agents get to know the World better through on-site training by Jim Hill Media

Disney helps travel agents get to know the World better through on-site training

This was an amazing experience.  Disney rolled out the red carpet that week for us.  I got to experience a catered dinner in the Norway loft.  The Norway loft is an exclusive location hidden up the stairs from the Maelstrom attraction.  Later we were escorted to a dessert party in France which put us front row and center for Disney's Illumination Reflections of Earth Fireworks show.

Thinking about a family reunion to Walt Disney World?  Let me provide your family with information to plan your dinner or dessert party!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

What is Disney's Pirate Adventure?

As a travel agent, I have always known about this recreational activity for children ages 4 to 12 -- but had not seen it in action.  

As Duffy and I were waiting for the Friendship boat, we happen to notice a pirate run up to the Bayside Marina and steal one of the boats from the dock.  

This pirate blasted his way down Crescent Lake and proceeded to taunt anyone within view. As the Pirate reflagged the boat with a scull and cross bones, another boat filled with children came into view.  

The children were in their Pirate fighting garb with their swords drawn as they chased the pirate around the lake.  The pirate finally surrendered and the little pirates cheered as they won the battle.

The children continued with their treasure and adventure activity. (This is a 2 hour activity)

Disney's Epcot - Chef's de France (review)

Duffy and I took the Friendship boat to Epcot, as we did not know how far the walk would be.  We later realized that the walk is very short and beats waiting for the Friendship boat.

As Duffy and I strolled along the World Showcase, we pondered over which NEW restaurant to try for lunch.  We noticed that people were gathering and waiting for the Chefs de France to open for the day.  We took this as a good sign to try them out.

The hostess sat us at a prime viewing window seat, we were later greeted by cast member Sophie.  We ordered the Salade au Bleu (romaine hearts, blue cheese dressing, bacon, walnuts, and croutons) to start and later the Crepe Florentine (Chicken, spinach, mushroom and bechamel sauce.


The salad was presented very nicely, along with a warm crusty baguette.  I was expecting the fork on the plate to be chilled, but it was not.  



The crepe was a nice portion (2 people can easily share if they wanted to).  It was a lovely dish, however, the white chicken meat was a little dry and chewy. 

Disney's Yacht Club Resort - Room pictures

Within a short walking distance to Disney's Epcot and within walking distance to Disney's Hollywood Studios is Disney's Yacht club resort.

This property is themed as a New England seaside resort on a 25 acre lake.  Inside the resort you will find hardwood flooring, rich millwork and brass in a nautical motif throughout the property.  There is a lighthouse on the pier to welcome you back home after your day in the Parks.

 Vanity area, thought that the wall mirror was a nice touch, especially for putting on make-up.

 Double Queen room with step out Balcony (Balcony has two chairs and small table)

 Nice table top with pull out table for additional workstation space (This is a conference hotel facility)

 With Plenty of storage and tall chest by the entrance door, there is plenty of storage space.  There is a cooler behind the boat 


The light house was also your departure platform for utilizing the Friendship Boats to the Boardwalk, Epcot, the Swan & Dolphin Hotel and Hollywood Studios 
(Tip: take the boat to Hollywood Studios on a hot day)

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Uzima Pool

After spending the majority of the morning and early afternoon in the Parks, we like to return back to our resort for a little down time.  Enjoy 11,000 square foot pool featuring a 67 foot long water slide.

Swim diapers are available in the Zawadi marketplace.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Hakuna Matata Playground

The Hakuna Matata playground is located just next to the Uzima Pool and overlooks the live flamingos.

Disney's Animal KIngdom Lodge - Kudo Trail Guest room views on the Savannah

When you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, your going to experience african wildlife from your private balcony.

There are several Savannas to choose from (Arusha, Kudo Trail, Zebra Trail, Uzima, Sunset, Ostrich Trail, Giraffe Trail) which provides a different wildlife experience each time you visit.

Check out my photos of the Kudi Trail savannah view from my balcony.


Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Zawadi Marketplace with pictures

Hello folks,  Where would you go to find souvenir's and some grocery items while staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge?  Well, Zawadi's marketplace of course!

The Zawadi's marketplace is located just off the entrance of the grand lobby.  Below are some pictures of items for sell.

 Lunchables, deli, hot dogs and cheese iems
Fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, eggs, bacon and butter 
 Beer & Wine
 Frozen pizzas and mac n cheese
 Family style frozen meals
 Ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream !!

 Bread, cereal, condiments, pancake mix and syrup, microwave mac n chese, Prego sauce, oil, soups and crackers.
Drug store type items

Animal Kingdom Lodge - Pictures of Deluxe Studio Villa with Savanna View

After our flight, we arrived via the Magical Express to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, after receiving our room key via the On-Line Registration line we headed to our Deluxe Studio Villa with Savannah view on Floor number five.

Here is a picture taken from the entrance


Photo of Kitchenette
Includes refrigerator cooler, coffee maker, regular and decaf coffee grounds, toaster, dishwashing liquid with sponge, sink, paper towels, microwave and ice bucket.

Extra paper towels, coffee cups, paper plates and plastic utensils, waste and recycle trash can.  Refrigerator offer a small freezer space with plenty of room for left over food items.

The vanity area is always one of my favorite areas while enjoying my stay at the Disney resorts.  Offering fluffy body, hand and face towels.  Amenities included shampoo, conditioner shower gel and "Mickey" bath bar soap.  (H20 products)

Just past the kitchenette and vanity area is the living area.  The cabin with the green cushioned top offers plenty of storage.  The upright wall cabinet offers space to hang up garments and also storage.  

The TV console offers additional drawer space with a Graco pack in play hidden underneath.  The flat screen TV is a generous size and has a good range of motion.

The sofabed was very comfortable to watch a little TV and enjoy the morning paper.  The beautifully designed bedding was a treat with plenty of pillows. I especially enjoyed finding that this was plenty of room under the bed for storage with the cleaver bed frame design.

One of Disney's many touches in the room.  We love Mickey Towel Art!

Disneyland Cafe Closing - Welcome Jolly Holiday Bakery!

Hey Duffy, knowing about your sweet tooth, I thought that you might enjoy hearing about something sweet and new coming to Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland

Opening in July 2012, the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe will take over the space where the Annual Passport Processing Center used to be at the Plaza Pavilion.  Once opened, the  Blue Ribbon Bakery will close so that the Carnation Cafe (next door) can expand.   The Carnation Cafe will include indoor seating, due to re-open in the Summer.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa "Save up to 25%"

Say ALOHA to Disney's new resort and Spa located on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.  

Save up to 25% on a 4-night stay, please contact us for additional details.  

Be among the first to discover the magic of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa