Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

Epic Offer for EPIC UNIVERSE

Epic Offer for Epic Universe! Get instant savings on Universal Orlando vacation packages that include 3-Days of tickets and include Epic Universe. This offer CAN be combined with Universal Orlando offers and discounts.

Book your Universal Orlando vacation package with me, and you’ll receive INSTANT SAVINGS off the package price.

 
 

How to get instant savings at Universal Orlando

  • Request a quote from me using my Universal Quote Form.

  • Travel anytime starting May 22 through December 31, 2025

  • Tickets need to be 3-Days or longer and include Epic Universe one-day admission

  • Must book by October 31, 2025 (subject to availability)

Your instant savings offer will be reflected in the quote. This offer can be combined with Universal offers and discounts!

Your instant savings offer will be determined based on the pre-tax cost of your vacation package excluding airfare, ground transfers, Express Pass, and/or any component that is non-commissionable. New reservations only. Subject to availability.

See so Epic Universe is going to change Orlando (in a good way!)


universal orlando platinum travel agent

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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New Signs Are Up At EPCOT Communicore, Mysterious Globe Appears

What is that globe in Epcot? Communicore Opening Date and more…

Today on my visit to EPCOT I noticed that some of the walls have been pushed back in World Celebration Gardens.

Disney has announced that the rest of EPCOT will officially open on June 10, 2024, including Mickey and Friends, Communicore Hall, and Communicore Plaza.

Also, a mysterious new globe appeared. Let’s check it out…

MIckey and Friends signs have been installed. The construction walls have been pushed back as well, making the sidewalk wider.

Mickey and Friends” is where you can meet popular Disney characters in Epcot.

Communicore signs have been installed. Some of the walls here have been pushed back as well.

communicore hall signs at EPCOT
Communicore Hall signs at Epcot

Disney has announced that Communicore Hall will be the starting point for Epcot’s international festivals like Food and Wine, Festival of the Arts, and Flower and Garden.

Communicore Plaza will be an outdoor area where guests relax. There will also be areas for large-scale concerts and small performances.

epcot communicore plaza rendering

Epcot Communicore Plaza

Communicore Plaza - Epcot

Communicore Plaza

The canopy has been installed over Communicore Hall. I assume this will be where a lot of the concerts will be held.

Once the walls come down, you’ll be able to walk from one side of the park to the other easily.

Communicore - Mickey and Friends Character Meet and Greet Epcot

Epcot character meet and greet area.

Mickey and Friends is now lit up at night, giving us a better idea of how Communicore will tie in with the World Celebration Gardens and Spaceship Earth.


mystery Globe at Epcot

And this mystery contraption has appeared in World Celebration Gardens. It appears to be some kind of globe. Are those stools around the base? If you know what this is, leave a note in the comments below.



Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Fares + Kids Sale Free | Early 2024 from Orlando

The list below is for the lowest available rate which will generally be an interior stateroom (no view).

3 NIGHT Royal Caribbean Cruises

Bahamas & Perfect Day

Ship: Allure of the Seas. Allure is an Oasis Class ship - among the largest ships in the world.

Roundtrip From: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

Nassau, Bahamas

Ports of Call:

The list below is for the lowest available rate which will generally be an interior stateroom.

Oceanview and Oceanview Balcony staterooms are also available and in many cases, the fares are less than $100 more per person than an interior stateroom.

There are multiple Kids Sale Free cruise deals to choose from in early 2024. Prices are per person and do not include tax. Fares are subject to availability.

I recommend booking early because cruise fares increase in price steadily as the ship begins to fill up.

Ask me about transfers between Orlando International Airport and Port Canaveral.

January 2024

  • Tue, Jan 02, 2024 $592

  • Fri, Jan 12, 2024 $632

  • Fri, Jan 19, 2024 $373

  • Fri, Jan 26, 2024 $363

February 2024

  • Fri, Feb 09, 2024 $382

  • Fri, Feb 16, 2024 $452

  • Fri, Feb 23, 2024$412

March 2024

  • Fri, Mar 01, 2024 $352

  • Fri, Mar 08, 2024 $363

  • Fri, Mar 22, 2024 $452

  • Fri, Mar 29, 2024 $473

Perfect Day at CocoCay - Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in the Bahamas


Best of the Best Orlando Travel Agent - Readers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt DIsney World.


Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.


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Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas Without Booking an Excursion

Did you know you can explore Nassau, Bahamas on your cruise without an excursion?

Did you know you can explore Nassau, Bahamas on your cruise without an excursion? While there are a number of things to do like chilling at the beaches, exploring Nassau’s historical sites, renting a jet-ski or visiting the Atlantis Resort, you can have a great day just walking around the port area on your own, without an excursion.

Both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean almost always include a day at Nassau on their 3 and 4 night itineraries from Florida.

See more about cruising from Florida here ▸

Liberty of the Seas in Nassau, Bahamas

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (center) and Freedom of the Seas (right) are twins - both part of the Freedom Class.

It’s perfectly ok to get off the ship for a couple of hours, walk around the port, then go back to the ship for lunch and enjoy the pool with lower crowds.

Fun fact! Nassau was Royal Caribbean’s very first port over 50 years ago.

As soon as you leave the pier (and make your way through a few offers for a taxi ride) you’ll be in Nassau’s touristy shopping district. But that’s ok, you’re a tourist!

There are a number of t-shirt and souvenir shops, jewelry stores, bars and restaurants, an outdoor flea market and even places to get your hair braided - all within a short walk from your cruise ship.

A busy day in Nassau, Bahamas. The Disney Dream is pictured center and Anthem of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ship is on the far left.

The Disney Fantasy at Nassau, Bahamas



Straw Market - Nassau

A 5 minute walk from the pier on Bay Street, you’ll find Nassau’s world-famous Straw Market.

 
Straw Market Nassau

The Straw Market - Nassau, Bahamas

 

Now, I don’t know how “world famous” it is but it’s home to local, handmade Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, and items such as hand-woven straw hats, bags, mats, dolls, conch shell jewelry, and wood carvings.

It’s also a great place to try your negotiating skills - it’s even expected. Most of the vendors inside will accept US currency and or credit cards.

Map to straw market nassau bahamas

The Straw Market is a 5 minute walk from the cruise port, right on Bay Street.

 
Inside the straw market - nassau bahamas

The Straw Market has t-shirts and apparel, but my favorite items are the wood carvings, sea shell crafts and other items made by the locals.

 
 
what is the straw market in nassau

Before you commit to buying something, I recommend that you first walk the entire market so you can get a sense of what they offer here.

 

Shopping on Bay Street - Things to do in Nassau

Bay Street is a block over from the cruise port and lined with touristy shops. I like it because it’s not too far from the ship. Remember that it is a foreign country and a poor one at that. So, it’s best to stay in the well-traveled, touristy areas.

bay street nassau, bahamas

Bay Street on Nassau

Stores on one side of the street tend to be focused on inexpensive t-shirts and souvenirs while the opposite side tends to have more jewelry.

The stores have the same type of merchandise, for the most part, but there’s enough variety to make each one interesting.

Prices vary widely from place to place too so don’t from the first store you visit. Shop around a little.

 
Bay Street shopping on Nassau

Bay Street shopping at Nassau

 
 
bay street shopping nassau, bahamas

Bay Street shopping at Nassau

 

Christ Church Anglican Cathedral - Things to do in Nassau

This Anglican church is over 100 years old and remarkably beautiful. It’s actually quite small even though it’s called a cathedral but Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry have visited here over the years.

This isn’t a tourist destination necessarily and that’s exactly why I like it. In the midst of the t-shirt district, you come across a local church, beautifully maintained.

You are free to go inside, sit down, and just reflect for a moment or two.

 
Christ Church Anglican Cathedral - Things to do in Nassau

Christ Church Anglican Cathedral is a nice break from the touristy things in the area

 

The church is about a 10 minute walk from the cruise port and just a few blocks up from the Straw Market and Bay Street shops.

 
 

Pirates of Nassau Museum - Things to do in Nassau

I found Pirates of Nassau by accident just walking around randomly with my son and although I was hesitant to walk in - he begged me to go inside.

pirates of nassau museum

Pirates of Nassau - Nassau, Bahamas

I pictured some disappointing tourist trap inside but it’s an excellent museum - one might say a real treasure here in Nassau!

This museum is one of my most recommended activities in Nassau while exploring on your own.

pirates of nassau museum

Pirates of Nassau - Nassau, Bahamas

Pirates were a very real part of the Bahamas including the notorious pirates you probably heard about like Black Beard.

And while they were a rough bunch, they were absolutely adored by people all over the world (except the British Navy).

inside the pirates-of-nassau museum

Pirates of Nassau - Nassau, Bahamas

At this museum you’ll experience pirate life in a realistic setting, one that rivals Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World.

Admission is $13.50 for adults, kids ages 4-17 pay $6.75. It takes about 30 minutes to see the entire museum and it’s self-guided.

You can walk to the museum in under 10 minutes along the shops on Bay Street. It’s also right across the street from the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral.

So, is it worth getting off the ship in Nassau? Yes! I think it’s worth getting off the ship even if you prefer to skip the excursions (aka port adventures). Exploring on your own is a great way to spend the morning. But also take advantage of lower crowds onboard the ship.

Your day in Nassau is also a great time to enjoy the water slides or other activities onboard with fewer people.

If you prefer to book an excursion at Nassau, I personally only recommend Paradise Island (Atlantis Resort). I also recommend booking this with your cruise line as they often include transportation. It’s always best to book port adventures directly with your cruise line because they vet the tour companies and they are also responsible for you.

I’m often asked, do I need a passport for a cruise to the Bahamas?

No. Although I recommend a passport just in case, you do not need to show any form of government ID in the Bahamas. A birth certificate is sufficient when you reenter the United States.

But, if you have an emergency and need to fly home from Nassau, you will need a passport to board a plane. Passports can be obtained in about 8-10 weeks, so if you have time, it’s worth getting.




Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Exclusive Offer: Up to $100 To Spend at Sea on Royal Caribbean

Come seek the Caribbean with the exclusive onboard credit offer. Yes, it can be combined with other offers!

Get ready for a sun-soaking, adventure-going journey of a lifetime with the cruise line voted Best overall since 2023.

And when you book with me enjoy an exclusive bonus on top of the current promotion. I’ll give you up to $100 onboard credit to enjoy on any Royal Caribbean sailing. Come seek the Royal Caribbean!

Stateroom Category and Bonus Spending Money

  • Suite $100 per stateroom

  • Balcony $50 per stateroom

  • Interior & Ocean View $25 per stateroom

Hurry, this offer is only valid for bookings made by January 19, 2023.




Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Update to SaveatWDW.com Coming Soon

SaveAtWDW will soon change to OrlandoParksGuy.com to reflect Orlando as a destination, rather than just Walt Disney World.

Today I’m excited to share that my website, SaveAtWDW.com, will be changing to OrlandoParksGuy.com.

SaveAtWDW.com will soon be OrlandoParksGuy.com

SaveAtWDW.com will soon be OrlandoParksGuy.com

This is a name change only, I will still be the one providing offers and travel guides for Walt Disney World.

I am busy as ever with Magical Vacations Travel too!

OrlandoParksGuy.com is more encompassing of the services I provide to my readers and clients. Over the past few years I’ve gotten more requests about Orlando as a destination, rather than just Walt Disney World.

Plus, as an Orlando resident, I am watching the city grow well beyond Walt Disney World.

Universal has already started work on a 4th theme park, high speed train service will soon connect Orlando to Tampa and Miami, and Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is expanding to accommodate more cruise ships, including the mega ships like Wonder of the Seas.

In addition to the new name, I gave the offers pages a new look and I’ve made it easier to bundle a Walt Disney World vacation with Universal Orlando or an Orlando-based cruise.

As we begin to get back out there, I am here to help you get the most out of your next Orlando vacation!

Look for the website change very soon! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.

P.S. you’ll also notice that my social media channels are also being updated to reflect the new name and content as well. Check them out at Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.







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