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Booking Bonus Offer - Save $100 Instantly on Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Vacation Packages

Save $100 on Deluxe and Deluxe Villas when you book your Walt Disney World vacation with Magical Vacations Travel!

Stay in the magic with a special offer from Magical Vacations Travel and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World!

Magical Vacations Travel - Booking Bonus Offer

Book a 4-night Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Package at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort with a 3-day park ticket, and you’ll receive $100 off the total package price instantly. This is an exclusive offer from Magical Vacations Travel.

Want to stay and play longer? You can do that!

The Booking Bonus Offer can also be combined with current offers from Disney and offers that may be released in the future.

This offer is valid on vacation packages through 2022. Book by March 31, 2022.

There's so much to celebrate when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, especially during The World's Most Magical Celebration!

Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel guest, you’ll enjoy early entry to the theme parks each morning and you can maximize your time in the parks with extended theme park hours offered on select nights.

Offer requires a minimum 4-night stay and a minimum of 3-day theme park tickets. The $100 Booking Bonus will applied to your vacation package at time of booking.

Modifications to your reservation are allowed. However, if park tickets are removed from the reservation, or downgraded to two days or less, or the resort reservation is changed to 3-nights or less, this offer will no longer be valid and the $100 credit will be removed from the reservation.

Good to know:

Travel must take place in 2022 with a check-date no later than December 31, 2022.
This offer must be booked by March 31, 2022.
New reservations only.

P.O. Box 365 | Haddon Heights, NJ 08035 | (856) 310 0095

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A Disney World Must-Do - Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park!

Wild Africa Trek is one of the best tours available at Walt Disney World. Here are some of the highlights from my recent expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Wild Africa Trek is back at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and my son and I were among the first to head out on the trail.

This is one of the most popular guided tours offered at Walt Disney World Resort because it allows you to get up close to the animals.

Wild Africa Trek is a three hour adventure that takes you on foot and by truck through hidden trails, suspension bridges, and scenic overlooks.

You’ll also make a stop for lunch right in the middle of the savanna and enjoy breathtaking views of the animals.

We had an amazing time on this tour, it was worth every penny and although the animals were spectacular, it was our guides that really made this tour special.

They were truly excited to take us out on the savanna. It’s obvious that they really love the animals and and doing these tours.

Below you can view some of my favorite parks of Wild Africa Trek. If you have any questions about the tour, use the comments section below, I’d be happy to answer them.

If you have a reservation booked with me and would like to include Wild Africa Trek in your itinerary, please send me an email, I’ll show you some options.

After checking in at the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris, we met our guides and the other members of group. There were about 10 of us in all.

Our guides reviewed some rules and assisted with the gear we needed for our trek.

We were given safari vests, a ear piece so we could hear our guides, and a water bottle.

We were allowed to bring our phones for photos, but everything else had to be stored in lockers.

After a safety briefing, we were off right away, starting with the Gorilla Falls Expedition Trail.

There’s a secret entrance on the trail that leads you to the savanna. You would never spot it in a million years!

We soon made our way into the woods heading towards the savanna, stopping to see some of the animals from unique viewing locations.

My favorite animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are the meerkats, they are so funny - cute too! They were surprised to see us appear from a backstage area.

We were joined by some of the hippo caretakers who shared some fun facts with us. They brought some lettuce and watermelon with them so we could watch them enjoy a snack.

Hippos eat a whole watermelon with the same effort as a person eating a cookie. It’s remarkable to see.

To get up close and personal, our guides locked us in to a tether strap that allowed us to walk right the edge (without falling in).

It’s pretty cool to see part of Kilimanjaro Safaris from a different angle. This is the noisy bridge the safari vehicles go over.

Back on the trail again. As were walking, our guides are talking to us through our headphones. They definitely keep you engaged throughout the entire tour.

We arrived at this tower, the starting point of the suspension bridge. After a quick safety spiel and a check of our gear, we started to climb up.

This was, to me, the highlight of Wild Africa Trek! An “Indiana Jones” style bridge that has seen better days. Yes, it bounces and sways as you go over.

Our guides locked us in with a harness so there was no chance we could fall.

This is the first of 2 bridges. First you’ll pass over more hippos. The second bridge takes you over the crocodile habitat.

You have to be ok with heights here and you should be reasonably steady on your feet. The bridge bounces and sways as you walk across it. 2-3 people are allowed to cross at one time.

You can go at your own pace and stop as often as you like for photos.

After making it to the other side of the bridges, we had an opportunity to get up close to the crocs.

We were once again wearing a tether so we didn’t accidentally fall in and become a snack.

Continuing on the trail, this time we were headed to a special safari vehicle.

We drove onto the savanna following the same road as the regular safari, but we pulled over a lot take in the views, and the animals.

Our guides were answering our questions along the way.

We stopped for lunch in right on the savanna.

Lunch comes in metal tiffins, it’s like a compartmentalized lunch box.

Inside we found chicken curry salad, sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita, marinated tandoori shrimp, smoked salmon roulade with dill, air-dried beef and prosciutto, and fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger.

My son and I are not foodies, so it was a little adventurous for us. But we actually enjoyed it!

I’m told it was an authentic safari lunch.

While our guides were preparing lunch we were able to photograph the animals and take photos.

When you ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, you don’t get to spend a lot of time on the savanna, it’s more of a summary of the savanna..

But when you’re here for a while, you can really appreciate just how magnificent the animals are. I didn’t know they wander all over and that they are actually very playful.

That’s not something you can really observe while on the safari ride. The animals tend to do stand still for 5-10 minutes at a time, followed by bursts jumping around and chasing each other.

If you really want to observe their playful side, WIld Africa Trek is the best place to see that.

I was really surprised to see how many animals wander all over the savanna. Whenever I was on the ride, I just assumed the animals had their little zone and pretty much stayed in one place. Not true!

Many of them migrate by nature, so they need to be able to roam the savanna.

We has a such a great adventure on Wild Africa Trek. Everyone made it back, no one was eaten by the crocs.

This was definitely one of the best tours we’ve ever been on at Disney World.

Wild Africa Trek concludes near the Wildlife Express Train.

Our guides pointed out a hidden reference to Joe Rhode. He was the principal designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a brilliant Imagineer. Joe retired recently and was given a little credit here for his work on Animal Kingdom park.

Wild Africa Trek, Good to know:

Wild Africa Trek requires reservations.

The cost of the tour ranges from $185 - $250 per person, depending on the time and date you choose.

There are usually 2 -3 tours offered daily. To book a tour, contact your travel agent or visit the Disney World website (disneyworld.com).

Separate Valid Admission and Park Reservation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is required.

Guests must be at least 8 years of age to attend this experience.

Due to height restrictions for specific areas during the tour, participants must meet the minimum height requirement of 48 inches (122 cm) or may not participate.

Due to weight restrictions for specific areas during the tour, participants must weigh between 45 and 300 lbs (20.14-136 kg) or may not participate.

Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.

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Disney Cruise Line: Disney Dream Sold Out for Summer, Fall 2022

Now is the time to book summer travel! Summer and fall Disney cruises from Port Canaveral are sold out, or out or nearly sold out. Contact me today for options.

If you have been trying to book a summer 2022 vacation you know how difficult it has been trying to find availability at popular destinations like Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.

Demand for summer travel is soaring right now, I haven’t worked with this many clients, who are actively booking vacations in my entire career.

To this point, all 3 and 4 night Disney Cruise Line sailings from Port Canaveral are now unavailable from from mid-June through December 2022.

3 and 4 night cruises from Port Canaveral on Disney Cruise Line are no longer available.

Recently Disney Cruise Line announced that the Disney Wish was going to be delayed by a few weeks.

Disney Cruise Line availability — Searches for cruises on the Disney Cruise Line website are returning no results from summer and fall 2022 on Port Canaveral sailings.

Now the Disney Wish will begin sailing out of Port Canaveral in mid-July 2022. More details will be announced on February 8, 2022.

This complicated an already busy cruise season as guests on the Disney Wish were given priority to rebook or to receive a Future Cruise Credit.

The future of the Disney Dream is also uncertain. It was scheduled to begin sailing out of the Miami area once the Disney Wish arrived.

Now is the best time to book a summer cruise in order to get the best prices. If you’re a seasoned cruiser you already know this.

Fortunately Royal Caribbean Cruise Line still has availability out of Port Canaveral, Florida. RCCL also offers family-centered cruise vacations, similar to Disney Cruise Line, often for a lot less.

While I’m sure there is a lot of disappointment around this, I’d rather that Disney get it right rather than rush it. I’m sure it will be worth the wait.

But right now is the best time to book your Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas.

My clients enjoy great deals on Royal Caribbean and a generous onboard credit - to be used to almost anything you like while on your cruise.

Royal Caribbean Quote

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2022 Walt Disney World Room Offer Available Now

Now you can save up to $100 per night on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights March 6, 2022 through July 7, 2022. For example, if you book a 5-night stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with this offer, they can save $500 on you stay!

We finally have an offer for Walt Disney World Resort! This time it’s a discount off the nightly rate. How much depends on the resort category.

Valid Travel Dates
Stays most nights March 6, 2022 through July 7, 2022

Book by July 6th or until offer reaches capacity.

Length of Stay Requirements

Minimum – 2 nights
Maximum – 14 nights

Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort and Monorail

Save up to $100 per night on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights March 6, 2022 through July 7, 2022.

For example, if you book a 5-night stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort with this offer, you can save $500 on your stay!

Do you need to stay 5 nights? Nope. You can get the discount on reservations from 2 to 14 nights.

When you book your Walt Disney World vacation with with me, you’ll get the best price and the best advice.

Start Planning Now

Walt Disney World 2022 Offer Details

Save $100 Per Night

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Save $40 Per Night

The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort - Family Suites

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Save $20 Per Night

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – reopening March 31, 2022

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Important Details

Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms.
Valid admission and a park reservation are required for the same park and same day to enjoy theme parks and special events and are not included in this offer.

Additional Benefits

As a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy early entry to the theme parks 30 minutes before opening to experience select attractions (with valid park admission and a park reservation).

Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you get early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for up to 2 attractions each day.

There's so much to celebrate when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel—especially during The World's Most Magical Celebration!

As a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy early entry to the theme parks 30 minutes before opening to experience select attractions (with valid park admission and a park reservation).

Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you get early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for up to 2 attractions each day.

Book with a Travel Agent - Get Special Perks

See how you can get more out of your Walt Disney World vacation by working with a travel agent!

Special Perks

Start Planning Now with a no-obligation vacation quote.

Start Planning Today >

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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2022 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kicks off Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 21, 2022. The festival is extra magical since it’s taking place during The World’s Most Magical Celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.

Yes, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is a big hit, but having experienced the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts for the past few years now, I have to say it’s actually my favorite event at Epcot.

Epcot Festival of the Arts - Figment 2022

For one, you won’t find the “drink around the world” college kids partying World Showcase. But I like it because there are a number of interactive elements, like the giant ‘Paint By Numbers Wall” and a number of creative projects taking shape right in front of you - such as the elaborate chalk art right on some Epcot’s sidewalks.

Festival Dates

This year, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts kicks off Jan. 14 and runs through Feb. 21, 2022.

Don’t Miss These Festival Highlights

The popular DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns, with three shows each evening headlined by Broadway stars performing beloved songs from more than 25 years of award-winning stage productions.

This is an excellent way to enjoy Disney on Broadway music without having to buy pricey (but worth it!) tickets for a Broadway show.

These shows are extremely popular! I recommend purchasing a DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Package. These packages allow you to enjoy a great lunch or dinner at Epcot and guaranteed admission to the performance.

Beginning Dec. 14, Guests can visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to find out more about DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages.

Speaking of dining, Epcot will feature 15 Food booths, or “studios” throughout World Showcase.

This year 2 new studios will be introduced, Deco Delights and The Craftman’s Courtyard featuring artfully presented cuisine and beverages as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Interactive Art for the Whole Family

Watch imaginative chalk artists create masterpieces at Chalk Art Galleries, or improve your own artistic skills by learning how to draw a Disney Character at Animation Academy.

Epcot Paint by Numbers Wall — Paint By Number Wall at Epcot

Children can create their own chalk masterpieces at Kid’s Chalk Art and families can leave their artistic stamp on a larger-than-life mural at Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural.

Around World Showcase, Guests can step into renowned paintings from centuries past in stunning Artful Photo Ops.

Get answers to all your questions about planning your trip to Walt Disney World plus the best available rates. Start planning your Walt Disney World vacation with me today!

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Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean are Here!

Magical Vacations Travel now has Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line!

Magical Vacations Travel now has Agency Exclusive Offers with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line! Here is your chance to save big on some of the most popular itineraries RCCL has to offer.

Royal Caribbean Agency Exclusive Offers poster — Agency Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel - Darren Wittko

These offers will sell out - early booking is highly recommended. Contact me now to learn more!

Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at Coco Cay — Royal Caribbean’s own private island in the Caribbean - Coco Cay

7 night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at Coco Cay

March 27, 2022 | Harmony of the Seas

From: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

Ports of Call: Orlando (Port Canaveral), FL, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida.

Book by December 26, 2021

Learn more ▸

RCCL Radiance of the Seas in Alaska — Radiance of the Seas in Alaska

denali-national-park — Denali National Park

10 night Alaska Interior Express plus Cruisetour

June 7, 2022 | Radiance of the Seas

Leaving from Seward, Alaska

Returning: Vancouver, British Columbia

Cruisetour: Fairbanks | Denali National Park

Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska, Hubbard Glacier (Cruising), Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Skagway, Alaska, Haines, Alaska, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, Ketchikan, Alaska, Inside Passage (Cruising), Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia

Book by March 12, 2022

Learn more ▸

Disney Cruise Line is also sailing to Alaska. Read more here.

Oasis of the Seas Royal Caribbean — Oasis of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

7 night Perfect Day Bahamas Cruise

June 24, 2022 | Oasis of the Seas

Leaving from Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Ports of Call: Cape Liberty, New Jersey, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas, | Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Book by March 26, 2022

Learn more ▸

For more information about sailing on Royal Caribbean, including special offers and onboard credits, visit my Royal Caribbean Cruise Page here.

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Where Can I See Santa at Disney World and Universal Orlando?

Where you’ll spot Santa at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World

Santa loves theme parks! In fact, he visits Orlando every chance he gets, even during the busy holiday season.

Here’s a quick list of where you can find Santa Clause at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom - Santa appears during the Very Merriest After Hours event as part of the holiday parade. This is a seperate ticketed event.

Epcot - You can say hi to Santa at the American Adventure. Also, the storytellers have returned to World Showcase. Father Christmas will be at the United Kingdom pavilion. In Norway, you can hear the humerus story of Sigrid and the tricky Barn Santa. In France, Père Noël, will be reading the letter of a child and their holidays wishes.

Hollywood Studios - Santa will be in the Merry MotorCars parade waving to guests.

Animal Kingdom - Santa will pass by on a special float along Discovery River.

Disney Springs - To see Santa, you’ll need to sign up through the virtual queue. When you arrive at Once Upon a Toy at Disney Springs, check for a sign with a QR code.

Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Florida - Santa can be found in Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s each evening.

Seuss Landing - Enjoy the music and fun of The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, plus meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity at All The Books You Can Read Bookstore.

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Yes, Help Me Plan My Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line to Require All Passengers age 5+ to Be Vaccinated

Disney Cruise Line has updated its COVID-19 Policies. All passengers who are eligible for a vaccine must be fully vaccinated prior to sailing. Plus updates for those who are not vaccine-eligible. Read more…

Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on U.S. eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Disney Cruise Line will require all Guests ages 5 and older to be fully vaccinated for sailings beginning on and after January 13, 2022.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines fully vaccinated as 14 days after receiving:

a single-dose of an accepted 1-dose vaccine
the second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine
the full series of an active (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials
the second dose of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines (administered at least 17 days apart)

Pre-Trip COVID-19 Testing:

Guests who are not vaccine-eligible, because of age, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date.

Guests ages 5-11 may show a negative COVID-19 test in lieu of being fully vaccinated for sailings that depart before January 13, 2022. The test must be taken prior to sailing taken 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date.

Guests 4 years of age and under must show a negative test prior to sailing taken 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date.

COVID regulations change frequently in the cruise industry. This is why you want to book your cruise with a travel agent who will keep you updated and answer any questions you have.

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2021 Epcot Candlelight Processional Guide

Candlelight Processional at Epcot in 2021 with a lineup of celebrity narrators, a 50 piece orchestra, and a new performance by the Voices of Liberty.

Candlelight Processional at Epcot returns in 2021 with a lineup of celebrity narrators, a 50 piece orchestra, and a new performance by the Voices of Liberty.

2021 Epcot Candlelight Processional — 2021 Candlelight Processional at Epcot

The lineup of narrators for 2021 includes award-winning actors, singers, and television hosts … and two Disney princesses! Here’s who is scheduled to appear:

11/26 – 11/28: Auli’i Cravalho
11/29 – 12/1: Chita Rivera
12/2 – 12/4: Jodi Benson
12/5 – 12/7: Alton Fitzgerald White
12/8 – 12/10: Bart Millard
12/11 – 12/13: Lisa Ling
12/14 – 12/16: Andy Garcia
12/17 – 12/19: Ana Gasteyer
12/20 – 12/22: Courtney B. Vance
12/23 – 12/25: Steven Curtis Chapman
12/26 – 12/28: Blair Underwood
12/29 – 12/30: Pat Sajak

Tickets are not required for the Epcot Candlelight Processional, the performance is included with theme park admission.

Candlelight Dining Packages were offered but sold out within minutes. These packages include lunch or dinner at an Epcot restaurant and guaranteed admission to the Candlelight Processional performance.

Dining Packages were limited to a handful of restaurants including Garden Grill, Coral Reef, Biergarten, and Rose and Crown.

We do not yet know what time Candlelight Processional will start each evening or if there will be one or two performances.

In the past two performances have been offered each evening.

Pro Tip! I recommend that you arrive at the theater 60-90 minutes prior to the show. There is no guarantee that you will make it into the theater so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances will be of seeing Candlelight.

If two performances of Candlelight Processional are offered, the second show sometimes has a shorter line.

Have a question about the 2021 Candlelight Processional? Use the comments section below.

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