Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts

Sunday, April 26, 2026

The Disney Concierge Difference

5:46 PM 0

    The name Disney is synonymous with service that goes above and beyond, and Disney Cruise Line is well-regarded throughout the industry for raising the bar on guest service. Regardless of age or stateroom category, every guest onboard a Disney ship is treated like royalty. So when guests book a Concierge level stateroom, they are in for a real treat!

Suite Dreams: The Lion King themed Concierge stateroom on the Disney Treasure.
Suite Dreams: The Lion King themed Concierge stateroom on the Disney Treasure.


The VIP treatment starts with spacious vanities and a fresh welcome amenity waiting in your suite
The VIP treatment starts with spacious vanities
and a fresh welcome amenity waiting in your suite.

  
The famous Disney split-bath design, upgraded with custom mosaics and double vanities for Concierge guests.
The famous Disney split-bath design,
upgraded with custom mosaics
and double vanities for Concierge guests.

     Disney Cruise Line has some of the biggest stateroom designs at sea, and their Concierge level cabins are no exception. The famous split-bathroom design, upgraded amenities, and spacious accommodations are just the beginning. Your room becomes a true retreat with a pillow menu for personalized comfort and a mini-fridge stocked with your favorite beverages. For those staying in a one-bedroom suite or higher, you can even skip the morning rush and enjoy a full hot breakfast delivered right to your suite’s dining table. 



Elegant small bites: A curated selection of savory and sweet offerings changes throughout the day.
Elegant small bites: A curated selection of savory and sweet offerings change throughout the day.


       Disney Concierge level also includes access to the Concierge Lounge, which opens as early as 6:00 AM. There is a serving area offering specialty coffee, beverages, and small bites throughout the day. 

Fueling for the magic! From dawn 'til dusk, specialty coffee, evening happy hour, and refreshments on demand

      One of our favorite perks here was the pantry; a simple request for small snacks to bring on shore with us yielded items like chips, granola bars and trail mix. In the lounge area, a curated menu is available with elegant offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a happy hour every evening that spans the dinner and theater rotations. The lounge also hosts an exclusive character meet-and-greet, allowing for photos without the long lines found elsewhere on the ship.


An exclusive enclave: The multi-level Triton Class sun deck features a private bar and plenty of quiet space

      For many, the defining feature of the Triton Class concierge is the massive, multi-level sun deck (see above). On ships like the Wish and Treasure, this exclusive enclave offers its own bar, multiple hot tubs, and a serene atmosphere. All of these exclusive spaces offer plush loungers, cooling face-towels, sunblock, and some self-serve beverages. On the Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder, you’ll find a serene, elevated sun deck on the port side. 

The best way to enjoy the sun deck? With a signature Dole Whip cocktail in hand!
The best way to enjoy the sun deck?
With a signature Dole Whip cocktail in hand!

     While these newer ships offer a prime vantage point for the fireworks on Pirate Night,  our personal favorite Triton Class perk was the dedicated Dole Whip Station! Whether you prefer it as a simple refreshment or as part of a "grown up" cocktail, having this signature Disney treat available on demand on the exclusive sun deck was pure magic. 

A private retreat on the sand—complete with comfortable seating and a stocked fridge
A private retreat on the sand—
complete with comfortable seating and a stocked fridge.

    One of the biggest advantages of "Suite Life" actually starts before you leave home. The Shoreside Concierge team is at the ready to assist with booking difficult-to-reserve activities. Right after the booking is finalized, guests should be on the lookout for a Welcome Aboard email from the shoreside concierge team. The email outlines the special privileges and amenities available to concierge guests and opens the line of communication for any questions or special needs a guest may have regarding their upcoming voyage. There will be a number of contacts throughout the pre-trip period introducing the ship, providing information about the stateroom accommodations, and encouraging guests to peruse the port adventure offerings for their sailing. 

The ultimate concierge perk: Securing  a private family cabana on Castaway Cay
The ultimate concierge perk: Securing
 a private family cabana on Castaway Cay
!

Nothing beats a day at the beach when you have a private cabana as your home base!
Nothing beats a day at the beach when you
have a private cabana as your home base
!


  

 

    The team will reach out again, this time encouraging guests to compile their requests for the priority booking window. While other guests are waiting for their windows to open, the concierge team will be working on your behalf starting at the 130-day mark. This is the "secret weapon" for securing the much-beloved (and coveted) Castaway Cay Cabanas, as well as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or spa appointments, onboard activities like the Royal Gathering and adult-only dining reservations such as Palo Brunch. 


The elusive Palo Brunch:
Secured effortlessly thanks to the
Concierge shoreside planning team

      Once onboard, the team remains available throughout the day to handle any schedule changes or challenges. For instance, on our last sailing, the ship was diverted to a Western Caribbean sailing due to a hurricane in the Atlantic. While other guests onboard were scrambling to schedule shore excursions for the new itinerary, a quick trip to the concierge lounge had our desired port adventures secured before the revision to the app went live.

The quiet elegance of 1923
while the rest of the ship boards.

    

     The VIP treatment begins the moment you arrive at the port, where Concierge guests are led to a special waiting area with comfy seating and refreshments. Once the ship is cleared for boarding, you are among the first guided onboard for a private welcome lunch in one of the ship’s beautiful rotational dining venues. While thousands of guests head to the pool-deck buffet, Concierge guests enjoy a multi-course sit-down meal in a serene table-service environment complete with a welcoming flute of prosecco! 

Fresh starts: Enjoying a chilled seafood appetizer


     After lunch, the lounge provides a relaxing environment to await your stateroom—which typically opens to Concierge guests earlier than the rest of the ship. You’ll find your stateroom’s mini-fridge stocked with water and soda, which can be replenished via the open fridges in the concierge lounge. 

A serene retreat: The Disney Treasure Concierge Lounge offers plush seating and a quiet atmosphere for guests to unwind.

     Other exclusive perks include priority seating and popcorn at each evening’s main-stage performance, as well as for movies in the theater. 

Prime views for 'Moana'—one of the many perks
of priority theater seating for Concierge guests.
     You’ll also receive a starter WiFi package to check in with folks at home and enjoy priority boarding for tenders in port. 

    From the shoreside planning to the final morning on the ship, Disney Concierge ensures every moment is as seamless as it is magical.


  

Pirate Night ready! Seeing Mickey in his swashbuckling gear is the highlight of the deck party.
There's no night like Pirate Night!
     If you'd like to learn more about the Concierge experience or sailing on Disney Cruise Line, leave a question or comment. I'd love to hear from you!




Whether it's meeting Peter Pan or catching Mickey in his formal best, the Concierge team makes sure you never miss a magical photo op 


Mickey Chick is a passionate traveler who has explored various corners of the globe. As a travel advisor for FamilyTale Vacations with years of travel experience, she enjoys sharing her tips and insights to help fellow explorers make the most out of their journeys. She believes that travel is not just about sightseeing but also a transformative experience that opens doors to new perspectives and enriches our lives. You can follow her adventures on her blog and social media channels.



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Sunday, January 28, 2024

Mickey Chick's Practically Perfect Packing List

8:40 AM 0

Mickey Suitcase
        
     Planning for your next adventure can be exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming when it comes to figuring out what to pack. Fear not! We've got you covered with our ultimate standard packing list. Whether you're jetting off to a tropical paradise or exploring historic
cities, this comprehensive guide will ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and memorable journey. So grab your passport and let's dive into our top picks!


1. Travel Essentials:

    •  Passport, ID, and copies of important documents
    •  Credit cards with no foreign transaction fee
    •  Cash for tips and small purchases
    •  Have a backup payment method.
    •  Universal adapter
    •  Portable charger
    •  Cords and connectors for all electronics
    • Travel-sized toiletries
    •  Medications

2. Clothing:

    •  Comfortable walking shoes
    •  Versatile clothing
    •  Swimwear
    •  Weather-specific clothing

3. Travel Accessories:

4. Entertainment and Technology:

5. Health and Wellness:

    •  Eyeglasses, reading glasses, hard case
    •  Extra set of contact lenses, contact solution, contact case
    •  First aid kit
    •  Sunscreen
    •  Hat and Sunglasses

 


Mickey Chick is a passionate traveler who has explored various corners of the globe. As a travel advisor for FamilyTale Vacations with years of travel experience, she enjoys sharing her tips and insights to help fellow explorers make the most out of their journeys. She believes that travel is not just about sightseeing but also a transformative experience that opens doors to new perspectives and enriches our lives. You can follow her adventures on her blog and social media channels.

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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Mickey Chick's Top 5 Favorite Walt Disney World Resorts

12:06 PM 0
     Choosing the right Walt Disney World Resort can be a difficult decision. Did you know that there are 25 Resorts of varying levels and amenities, with an array of accommodation options within those choices? It can be overwhelming to try to take all of that into consideration, so I thought I would break down my favorites - like potato chips, you can't have just one- and the reasons why.


5. Pop Century Resort 

If I'm looking for a quick, budget-conscious stay, I like Pop Century. Considered one of Disney's Value Resorts, Pop offers basic accommodations for up to four guests per room. The resort consists of 10 large outer-buildings with exterior entryways - so, more like a motel than a hotel - and depending on which building you are assigned, the trek to the main building for coffee in the morning can sure add those steps to your fitness tracker! 

Featuring similar accommodations, amenities, and whimsical oversized Disney character statues, but at a slightly higher price-point, Pop, in the Epcot resort area (even though the DME tags say AK ares), is a bit closer to the action than the All-Stars. While there is no table service dining here, the food court offers a wide selection of meal and snack options, as well as spontaneous cast-member flash mob dances.  Pop also offers 100% dedicated bus service. However, due to the sheer size of the resort, this can mean MTA rush-hour conditions with lack of seating, or needing to wait for a second, or third, vehicle to arrive in the mornings or at park closings. The buildings are spread out a bit more, but if you want to take this as an opportunity to get those steps in, the walking path takes you on a stroll through time with its signs offering bits of history and trivia along the way. This trail takes you partway around Hourglass Lake, where you can have a peek at sister resort, Art of Animation. Beginning September 29th, 2019, guests at these two resorts will also have the Disney Skyliner as an additional transportation option to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.


4.  Port Orleans French Quarter 


This is another resort with exterior passageways. While its affiliated resort, Port Orleans Riverside, boasts an expansively spread out but beautifully landscaped environment, French Quarter is a compact alternative for those seeking moderate accommodations that do not require an internal bus system to get from their room to the main pool or dining facilities. The resort features a modest main pool with a water slide, a festive food court with delightful Mickey shaped beignets for breakfast, and a unique Jazz club. In room amenities include a coffee maker and a small fridge. Although transportation to the parks is limited to buses - that are sometimes shared with Port Orleans Riverside - if we want a bit more quiet, less walking, daily housekeeping, and access to Disney Springs, French Quarter fits the bill. 



3.  Disney's Yacht Club Resort  




It's no secret that I prefer Disney's deluxe resorts. Although these are well-known to boast more spacious rooms welcoming families of up to five guests, we have the luxury of having a smaller family so the generous size seems even more vast. Having a smaller traveling party also affords us the ability to dedicate more of our budget to our lodgings. Being DVC, one would think that Beach Club would be tops on the list where the popular Boardwalk area resorts are concerned, but we prefer this hidden gem to its counterpart. First, we love the proximity to Epcot's International Gateway. A short walk after an afternoon break at Stormalong Bay - the expansive Yacht and Beach Club pool complex - puts us at the park's back door, where a world of epicurean adventures await. 


If we'd like to take a stroll after dinner, Disney's Boardwalk offers a quaint nightlife with street performers, shopping kiosks, an array of sweets, beverages, and snack options, as well as the expansive ESPN Sports Club, the Dance Hall and a dueling piano bar for night-time adult fun. If we're not up for walking, a serene ride on a Friendship Boat can take us to any of the resorts on Crescent Lake as well as  Disney's Hollywood Studios or Epcot. 


So why not stay at the Boardwalk Inn? Simply put, we prefer the more compact, laid-back, and sophisticated atmosphere at the Yacht Club. The resort is a bit more refined, and houses fewer guests than the bustling Boardwalk. With it's larger
DVC options, Beach Club is a favorite for families looking to enjoy the energetic waterpark-esque feature-pool area, while we appreciate the more peaceful pace of the Yacht Club. So, for location, amenities, and accommodations, Yacht Club is tops on my list. However, all magic comes at a price and rack rates at this resort can be formidable. 


2.  Disney's Old Key West 


Perhaps I'm a bit biased because we're DVC and it's our home resort, but I sure do love this one. While I found the internal bus system at the moderate resorts inconvenient, I actually don't mind them at Old Key West. Perhaps it's that neighborhood feel, or the opportunity to see the spectacularly manicured golf course, or just the feeling of being "home." And even though they're considered Disney Deluxe Villas, accommodations are accessed through exterior entranceways. When we go to Old Key West, we tend to spend a bit more time appreciating the hometown feel. Whether it's taking a family walk, visiting the table service restaurant, or stopping by the shop to pick up more coffee filters for our villa,  there's a laid-back atmosphere here that allows us to breathe a bit more. We're a small family and I hate to cook, so we usually just stay in one of their extremely spacious studios which offer a kitchenette with a sink, coffeemaker, microwave, toaster, and a small fridge. We're pretty neat, so the lack of daily housekeeping doesn't bother us, plus it just makes it feel more "homey." Our stays here are generally more impromptu, with very little - if any -  pre-planning at all. Many times, we decide which park we'll go to when we see the bus coming. 



1. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Villas


My favorite resort is another Deluxe accommodation. Over the years, we've stayed in differing levels at "the Poly",  from Club Level to Villa. But no matter which, the atmosphere, amenities, transportation, and location cannot be beat. As one of the original three resorts on property, having been envisioned by Walt himself, the Polynesian boasts some of the largest rooms on property. In fact, the DVC studios even have TWO bathrooms, providing a shower and sink area for multiple family members to get ready to hit the parks at the same time. 


We never skip out on breakfast with Stitch at the popular, 'Ohana restaurant before boarding the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Or, we might choose a leisurely stroll to the Ticket and Transportation Center to get us to the Epcot monorail. A (shared) bus ride to Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom can be accessed just steps from main building. This iconic structure, known as The Great Ceremonial House is exquisitely detailed, immediately transporting you to the South Pacific within seconds of stepping inside. At check-in, guests are greeted with leis and hearty "ALOOOOO-HA!" Following the meandering paths to or from your island destination (each of the buildings is named for one of the Polynesian isles), past the volcano pool, or along the shoreline with vistas of over-the-water bungalows with a glimmering castle peeking up from a distant horizon, offers a captivatingly serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the most popular family vacation destination in the world. Disney's Polynesian Resort is truly an oasis. 



When you're ready to experience one of the 25 Walt Disney World Resorts, be sure to contact FamilyTale Vacations and make your vacation dreams into reality.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2019

FREE Dining: Walt Disney World Fall 2019

6:37 AM 0
       The most-awaited, highly anticipated, favorite offer of the year is here! Enjoy a FREE dining plan with a non-discounted 5-night/6-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and ticket with a Park Hopper Option.  
Book through September 29, 2019 for arrivals most nights: 

  • September 1 through September 18, 2019 
  • November 17 through November 27, 2019 
  • December 8  through  December 23, 2019 
Ask us about packages of shorter or longer lengths of stay. While a minimum 4-night length of stay and 4-day ticket with a Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option is required for this special package, other discount offers may apply. Explore Disney Resort hotels and the eligible Disney dining plan in the link below or contact Second Star Travel for more information.
 
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Saturday, October 21, 2017

Does the Disney Wonder's Frozen: A Musical Spectacular Live Up to the Hype?

4:22 PM 0
*Please note, that out of respect for proper theater protocol, I did not take pictures during the performance.


     On a recent back-to-back sailing on the newly re-imagined Disney Wonder, Mickey Chick had the good fortune to view the new Broadway-quality stage show, Frozen: A Musical Spectacular not once, but twice.
       I’m glad that we had this opportunity for several reasons – the first being that the show is so popular that if you don’t show up at least 30 minutes in advance, you will not get seats. Disney Cruise Line would be wise to offer a daytime showing during the sailing’s sea day in order to accommodate more guests. We were taken by surprise when we arrived during our assigned time and wound up sitting on the side staircase with at least fifty other passengers. Even from that uncomfortable vantage point, the show was stunning and we made a note to arrive early on the next sailing.
       I will be the first to admit that I didn’t buy into the whole Frozen phenomenon until my then 14-year old daughter commandeered the family-room TV and put on the DVD. At the opening notes, I recognized the Broadway-inspired score and knew it was destined for the stage. Now, here we are, only 4 years later and the show is taking the seas by snow-storm while the St. James Theater in NYC gears up for its Broadway debut.

       First, the show is inventive in its sets and staging. It relies heavily on puppetry as well as the use of the numerous trap doors on the Walt Disney Theater stage. The story opens with the depiction of a young Kristoff and Sven calf, which gives us a deeper understanding of the characters than depicted in the film.
       The sets move, change and interlock imaginatively and, as we found out due to a 15-minute delay during the second performance, are extremely sensitive to the movement of the ship. The costuming is stunning, spectacular, and offered a few surprises throughout the performance. I was impressed by the ingenuity.
       As the time for the show is limited, the story is compressed to its most basic elements and progresses quickly.  The dialogue is witty and the presentation engaging, with Oaken and the Duke of “Weaseltown” hysterically represented. The Act I climax is a rousing rendition of “Let It Go” with pitch-perfect portrayal by the highly-talented professional performer playing Elsa.  This, of course, leads into the introduction of Olaf – a brilliant and entertaining combination of acting and puppetry.  Act II rolls downhill with the trolls and back to Arendelle for the snowflake-filled crescendo.

       All-in-all, the show delights Frozen fans of all ages and non-fans alike, and is a welcome addition to the Disney Cruise Line offerings. Be sure to get there early!

Mickey Chick's Adventures are sponsored by 
Second Star Travel. 
Visit our website  or connect with us on Facebook.

Are you excited to see Frozen: A Musical Spectacular on an upcoming sailing on the Disney Wonder - or Frozen on Broadway? Be sure to comment or like us on facebook to share your thoughts.
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What's New on the Re-imagined Disney Wonder: Lively Deck 5

4:15 PM 0
        On a recent back-to-back sailing, Mickey Chick took a tour of all the the refreshed and refurbished areas of the re-imagined Disney Wonder. We found so many exciting new features, that I had to break it down deck-by-deck. Today we'll take a look at the lively kids' spaces that span Deck 5.

        Let's start with the littlest ones. Unfortunately we started cruising long after my daughter was nursery age, so we never had the opportunity to take advantage of Flounder's Reef Nursery. I have to say, I was slightly jealous seeing the babies brought out at night with red lipstick kisses on their foreheads. (I later learned that they had been tucked in by Snow White herself.) Who wouldn't want to nap in this darling, dimly lit area in the newly redesigned and re-dubbed It's a Small World Nursery?

Disney Wonder: It's A Small World Nursery Nap Area
It's A Small World Nursery Cozy Cribs

It's a Small World Nursery Naptime






 The cozy space welcomes tots from 6 months to 3 years of age via a reservation system. Rates are $~9 per hour. And parents needn't worry about their wee ones. The staff is highly trained and take fastidious notes regarding the care and feeding of the little ones in their charge. The low, 1-4 ratio ensures that those needing a bit of extra coddling or cooing get that attention in this warm, inviting environment. There are rockers and swings for soothing babes to sleep as well as several comfy cribs for naps or quiet time.

It's a Small World Nursery Play Area
It's a Small World Nursery Toy Bins
 Of course, the area's not just for sleepy infants. The Mary Blair designed murals create a bright, cheerful environment for all kinds of unstructured play and activities. There are plenty of toys, games and crafts to keep the most imaginative and inquisitive toddlers entertained.
It's A Small World Nursery Mural (and Me)
     We move a bit further forward on deck five to take in the most popular kids' space on the ship: Disney's Oceaneer Club. Designed for kids 3-12 in mind, the terrifically themed space is brimming with activity areas for all interests and ages. Disney's children's counselors and programming are what truly sets Disney Cruise Line apart from other carriers and the newly re-imagined club does not disappoint. 
Oaken's Trading Post Arts and Crafts Table
   
Oaken's Trading Post Play Space
      With it's rustic charm, Oaken's Trading Post - a nod to the smash Disney hit, Frozen - offers spacious and imaginative play spaces that appeal to both boys and girls. The section offers places to interact with the "frozen" window panes and "steamy" sauna door. There's plenty of seating for quieter, arts and crafts, as well and lots of room to Wander like Oaken.


Oaken's Trading Post Imaginative Play Area - and Sauna
Oaken's Trading Post - and Sauna
Marvel Super Hero Academy Entrance


      If saving the universe is more their speed, students can study Wall Crawling and Asgard Lore when they enter Marvel's Superhero Academy. In this charming room, aspiring superheroes dream up their most daring adventures and devise ways to defeat super-villains together. On special occasions, they can even meet with Academy graduates for photos.






Marvel Superhero Academy- Meeting Area
Marvel Superhero Academy Bulletin Board
Marvel Super Hero Academy is Proud of Its Alumni
Disney Junior Pretend Play




Disney Junior Play Room
     Pretend play isn't reserved for galaxy guardians. The Club Disney Junior room invites princesses and pixies alike to be who - and what- ever they can imagine. The spacious play area provides toys, costumes and props for preschoolers and primaries to explore and enjoy.
Andy's Room Play Place
Oceaneer Club Open Space






     And for the more active bunch, the Oceaneer Club boasts and expansive open play area, perfect for dance parties and pajama jams. In addition, Andy's Room offers a Slinky Dog climb and slide structure as well as other playground staples. (I did not take photos inside the room, as there were children playing.) 




       There is a secret hallway that connects the Oceaneer Club to the nautically-themed Oceaneer Lab, so we scooted through the secret passage to get to the area that offers an exploratory environment and more structured activities. Kids 3-12 choosing to play in this space enjoy arts and crafts, experiments, cooking classes, and individualized inquisitive play.

Oceaneer Lab Adorned with Artifacts
Oceaneer Lab Arts Crafts and Experiments Area

Oceaneer Lab Independent Investigation Area


Oceaneer Lab Create and Explore
      There is an additional play space with numerous creative toys and puzzles and games, as well as a dedicated computer (ipad) room. Most impressive is the expansive, wide-open, nautically themed play area with a video screen for movies and other features. (I did not take photos in these areas, as there were children playing.)

          It's clear that Disney endeavored to appeal to the vast array of ages and interests in these newly re-imagined kids' spaces. What do you think about the new Deck 5 offerings? Sound off below or join the conversation on facebook.



Mickey Chick's Adventures are sponsored by Second Star Travel:
Visit our website  or connect with us on Facebook.
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