Mask Buddies? Who knew they could be MAGICAL!

Greetings ~

As a semi local to the central Florida attractions you will likely find my family hanging at the parks often! Since the re-opening and the need for masks I have personally struggled with the elastic around my ears. So much so that I started on a quest to find a way to be able to return to the attractions. Enter Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy. She has the cutest mask buddies (aka ear savers) that can be attached to a headband, Minnie Ears or glasses!!!

My new mask buddies on my RayBan’s ready for my next trip to the mouses house!

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of DInglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Image courtesy of Dinglehopper Treasures on Etsy

Looking forward to trying mine out in the parks real soon!!

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

Universal Studios changes

Greetings ~

Some changes happening over at Universal Studios Orlando this week! Let’s take a peek at what’s happening.

Ticket pricing is changing effective today - Universal is now working with date based ticket pricing. Something that the mouse down the road has been doing for a few years. So what does it mean? Looking around on their site a weekday in September is going to run you about 164.00 plus tax for a park to park adult ticket, while going over a holiday in December will run you closer to 194 plus tax a person. So friends your cost is all going to depend on when you travel!

The other big news is Universal Orlando is closing some of its resorts effective Aug. 21st. Those resorts are

Loews Sapphire Falls

Aventura will also close

These 2 resorts join Portofino Bay and Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn and Suites. Re-opening dates will be listed at a future date.

So there you have it! The latest and maybe not so greatest information on the happenings @ Universal Orlando! Important info to know for sure.

Want to know more about the happenings @ Universal Orlando? Come join me over @ To Mickey and Beyond on facebook and insta!

Looking to book your next trip? Shoot me a message tomickeyandbeyond1@gmail.com - I would be honored to help you plan your escape from reality!

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

Sun's Out - Sales On with Royal Caribbean Pre-Cruise Planner

Greetings ~

As the cruise industry looks forward and prepares for sailing away again Royal Caribbean is offering some pretty sweet deals beginning Aug 13th. Take a look -

• Classic Soda Beverage Package: 40% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

•Dasani Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

•Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings, + SC)

• Refreshment Package: (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

•Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

DINING: Up to 55% off

•Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings, MJ, VI & SC)

INTERNET: Up to 65% off

•The Key: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings, MJ & SC)

•VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

•VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings + SC)

ACTIVITIES: 20% off

•Happy Anniversary Decorations with Champagne: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

•Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries 20% off onboard prices. 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes. Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

•Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries: 20% off onboard prices. 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

•Inky Beach Set: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

•Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe): 20% off onboard prices.(Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

•Inky Travel Set:20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

•Red Wine and Cheese: 20% off onboard prices. ( (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

•Royal Caribbean Beach Towel:20% off onboard prices.(Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY )

SHORE EXCURSIONS: Up to 40% off

•Strawberries with Champagne: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY)

PHOTO PACKAGES: Up to 70% off

• Photo Packages: From 5 - 100 print and/or digital options: discount varies by ship. (See full terms for exclusions)

•White Wine and Cheese: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, SC + VY )

•All Access Ship Tour: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, OY, QN, & SC) GIFTS & GEAR: Up to 20% off

• NEW! Photo Package: Private Photo Session: discount varies by ship. (See full terms for exclusions)

Dates: August 13 - 19, 2020

Sailing Window: Sailings from November 1, 2020 - May 31, 2021

Ships: All, except SC Sailings: Select Alaska, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, New Zealand, South Pacific, Reposition & Transatlantic sailings.

Thinking about booking a cruise? Now would be a great time! Shoot me a message and let’s talk soon

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

Character Dining in a Covid World

Greetings ~

The Hammons house has just returned from a quick weekend at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village. I cannot wait to share more about the resort and of course the animals. But today we are going to talk about Topolino’s @ The Riveria Resort. Currently it is the only operating character breakfast on Walt Disney World property. Garden Grill @ EPCOT will be added with the opening of EPCOT on July 15th.

Once you arrive at Riveria you will take the elevator to the 10th floor. At the elevator bank you will find a sign with a QR code on it. This code is used as a mobile check in for your reservation.

Once the QR code opens the reservation you will be asked to confirm your party, check if you need booster seats or high chair. As you enter the 10th floor you will wait for the greeter to call you and escort you to the table. You will then be given a sheet of paper that has the menu via a QR code.

The prices are set at $42.00 per adult and $27.00 per child. We were a party of 7 so gratuity was automatically included. The table receives paint pots of pastries with jam and butter. Those are refillable as well. Here are some photos of the selections our group made.

Topolino’s Sour Cream Waffle and Bacon

Topolino's Scrambled Eggs, Ham and Potatoes

Topolino's Eggs, Sausage, Plant Based Sausage and Potatoes

Paint Pot Pastries

We knew the characters would NOT be stopping at the tables but we were not sure what exactly they would be doing. They danced around the entire restaurant and they came out 1 by 1 circling the restaurant and waving at each table. If your quick you may be able to get a social distancing photo!!

So there you have it! A walk through of a character breakfast in a Covid world. Still MAGICAL just different.

Looking to book your own MAGICAL Disney trip?? Give me a call, shoot me a txt, or send me a message. I would be honored to assist.

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

The Bourne Stuntacular is OPEN

Greetings ~

It’s a big big day at Universal Studios Orlando. Today the newest show in the park has officially opened!!

The Bourne Stuntacular, the most technologically-advanced stunt show yet, is now open at Universal Studios Florida. Through the use of live performers, ground-breaking technology, extreme stunts and captivating practical effects, your clients can now feel fully immersed in the world of Jason Bourne – blurring the lines between stage and cinema in a hybrid form of entertainment that has never been seen before. 

The Bourne Stuntacular introduces an all-new level of entertainment, highlighted by:
 

•    The most advanced technology of its kind – such as automated vehicle tracking systems on moving set pieces, pinpoint-accurate projection mapping, ultra-vivid visuals and more – that brings the Bourne films to life in an all-new, visceral stunt show right in front of your clients’ eyes

•    Next-level, extreme stunts executed by performers who trained for more than eight months with Hollywood’s leading stunt experts from blockbuster film and television

•    Captivating practical effects that make your clients feel like they are right by Jason Bourne’s side through the use of fire, smoke, wind and more

•    Nicky Parsons, played by Julia Stiles, briefing and recruiting guests for the mission at hand, which is to keep an eye on Bourne to ensure he’s not fooled by rogue double agents

•    An all-new storyline that follows the character of Jason Bourne as he travels across three continents and the cities of Tangier, Washington, D.C. and Dubai to uncover classified information while trying to evade danger and capture at every turn

•    Actual props, images and clips from the films - including the car from the iconic chase scene in The Bourne Identity, and Jason’s go-to form of transportation in The Bourne Ultimatum, his motorcycle – that pay homage to the Bourne films as guests walk through the queue  

Image courtesy of Universal Studios Florida

Looking to step into the movies? Or take a trip with Hagrid? How about splashing around the base of Volcano Bay?? To Mickey and Beyond would love to help make those dreams reality!! Send us a message today

Wishing you a MAGICAL day ~

Courtney

Returning to the most MAGICAL place on earth

Greetings ~

Holy information overload yesterday from Disney!! With that said I want to break it down for you and make it as simple as I can!! Sooooo here we goooooooooooo

🏰 Important Dates 🏰

🌟 June 22nd Disney Park Pass System opens @ 7am for resort guests with a resort reservation AND tickets

🌟 June 24th 2021 is now available to book and park hopping tickets will be an option as a ticket

🌟 June 26th Disney Park Pass system opens to annual passholders

🌟 Disney Park Pass system opens to other existing passholders

🌟 Based on availability, sales of 2020 tickets and Disney hotel arrivals will resume

🌟 Annual Passholder preview will be July 9th or 10th for MK and AK. You will be able to select one or the other it will be based on availability and 1st come 1st serve once the emails come out soon. ALL passholders are eligilbe with the exception of EPCOT after 4 passholders

🏰 Annual Passholder Options 🏰

🌟 If you have paid in full for your pass you may either call and cancel your AP and will receive a partial refund. The amount cannot be determined until you start the process. Once you start the process it cannot be undone. If you choose not to cancel an additional free month will be added to your pass in Oct as compensation for the inability to park hop.

🌟 If you pay monthly you may choose to cancel their annual pass and waive their monthly payments due AFTER Aug 11th. Any payments made between July 11th and August 11th will be retroactively refunded for those who select to cancel. If you choose not to cancel an additional free month will be added to your pass in Oct as compensation for the inability to park hop.

🏰 Resorts 🏰

🌟 June 22nd the following resorts will open.

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

• Disney’s Beach Club Villas

• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

• Disney’s Old Key West Resort

• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

• Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

🌟 If you have a reservation somewhere OTHER than these resorts in the coming months hang tight. Disney is working week by week to move existing reservations to the resorts that are open. They are currently up to July 11th.

🌟 You will check in on the app and receive a push notification when your room is ready. Your phone will act as the key to the room

🌟 Need front desk help? You will be able to chat with a cast member in the app so no need to go stand in line @ the front desk.

🌟 In order to enter a resort you MUST have a confirmed overnight reservation OR a confirmed dining reservation

🏰 What is currently NOT going to be happening 🏰

🌟 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

🌟 Parades

🌟 Fireworks

🌟 Character meet n greets

🌟 Character dining with the exception of a modified Character Dining experience at Topolino's Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.

🌟 Dinner Shows

🌟 Private dining and in room dining

🌟 Dessert Parties

🌟 Bippity Boppity Boutique

🌟 Fireworks cruises

🌟 Dining with an imagineer

🌟 Cake decorating classes @ Amoretti's

🌟 Complimentary resort magic bands are going AWAY Jan 1st 2021. There will be added enhancements to the app that will allow you to utilize that. Magics Bands will be still available for purchase and at a discounted price when purchased with your resort reservation or you may continue to use your existing ones. Key to the world cards will also be available

🌟 FastPass+ system is currently suspended

🏰 Park Pass System 🏰

🌟 When the park pass system launches on June 22nd you will be able to make park reservations through Sept 26th 2021 (strategically done as the following week begins the 50th anniversary celebration)

🌟 You MUST have a valid park ticket linked to your My Disney Experience account in order to make a reservation in the park pass system. As an annual passholder you will be able to hold 3 dates at a time. Once one is used you can go in and add another. IF you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort you will be able to make reservations for the length of your stay.

🌟 Initially you will want to use a computer to access the Park Pass System as the mobile option is NOT fully configured yet.

🌟 You will be able to make reservations for everyone in your party as long as they are linked in My Disney Experience to you and your settings are set to allow making plans for everyone.

🏰 Parks 🏰

🌟 Most attractions will be available at each park - they have NOT said what may not be

🌟 Characters will appear in new and different ways

From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard

🌟 Several musical groups will also return. You can look forward to seeing Main Street Philharmonic at Magic Kingdom Park, plus the Mariachi Cobre and everyone’s favorite funky drumming crew the JAMMitors at EPCOT, just to name a few.

🌟 Disney has cooked up a creative, modified festival experience, it will also be our longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!” This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. And, if you’ve ever imagined a world where the floral fun of Flower & Garden is sprinkled in with the global goodies of Food & Wine, here’s your chance – you will be able to see our newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns.

🌟 Decisions on Candlelight Processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Holidays around the World have NOT been determined yet

🌟 If you or someone in your party uses a DAS pass those will remain intact and unchanged.

WHEW if you read this far I sincerely hope it was worth your time!! If you have ANY questions I am always available and happy to help!!

Don't forget your mask if you are heading to the most MAGICAL place on earth as Orange County has now signed an executive order making them mandatory!

I will be down @ the parks 4th of July weekend checking it all out with lots of fun dining and I plan to hit up the passholder previews to see 1st hand how this is all working!

Sweet southern summer

Greetings ~
I was born and raised in the midwest but I always had an affinity for the south. After college I went to work for Walt Disney World in Orlando Fl and was soooo excited to be in “the south” and yet it wasn’t a world of sweet tea drinkin, front porch sittin that I expected. Then I moved to Tennessee and witnessed 1st hand what a true southern summer is like filled with all the sweet tea and lemonade you could imagine. Our next stop is one of my favorite southern cities ever!! To me it is the quintessential small southern town. Allow me to introduce you to Savannah Ga.

A perfect Southern town in Georgia perfect for couples, girlfriend getaways, and family escapes. You will enjoy beauty, delicious Southern food, and old town charm. Be prepared, almost every hotel and bed and breakfast in Savannah has a haunted story.

This destination is also an IG lover’s dream for photos, perfect for any tweens or teens!

Did you know that Savannah is consistently named one of the “world’s friendliest cities” by Condé Nast Traveler readers? 

Hotel Recommendations

Doubletree by Hilton Savannah Historic District

Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District

Hyatt Regency Savannah

Bed & Breakfasts - Savannah is known for adorable bed and breakfasts throughout the historic district. This is perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion or a honeymoon.  Keep in mind, a lot of the bed & breakfasts do have haunted stories. If you have an excited guest or not-so-excited guest, make sure you double check the property.  You want to make sure they do not have any haunted experiences.

Things to Do in Savannah

• Online Flipbook Guide

• Things to Do in Savannah CVB

• 15 Things to Do in Savannah Trip Advisor

Georgia on my mind

Greetings ~

We spent the last 2 days in FL and we will return to FL with some other locations but let’s take a peek at what Georgia has to offer.

Have you heard of Jekyll Island??

At the very bottom of Georgia, before you hit Florida is a beach town called Jekyll Island. This town became a hot vacation destination in the late 1800’s for families including Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt, and Pulitzer. If you love the outdoors and beaches, this is a great vacation spot.

Hotel Recommendations

Historic Jekyll Island Club Resort

Jekyll Ocean Club

Holiday Inn Jekyll Island

Things to Do 

• Things to Do Jekyll Island CVB

• Top 15 Things to Do in Jekyll Island Trip Advisor 

• Jekyll Island Video

Driving into summer vacay

Greetings ~

Wowzers!! What a crazy couple of months!! Can you believe the last week of school has come and gone (at least here in NE FL) and we are headed face first into summer. Like so many of you our summer vacations were completely derailed by a virus. We have put those plans into action for next year and still working on some ideas for this. I thought I would share a few options with you this week!

My goal was to find driveable locations with outdoor activities for all ages. (remember our family ranges from kindergarten to high school)

Today we will start with Fl because the need for vitamin sea during the summer is still real!!

St. Pete/Clearwater Beaches

About 1 ½ hours from Orlando is the #1 and #2 Beaches in the US (ranked by Trip Advisor). This is the Clearwater and St. Petersburg beaches. This fun beach town is perfect for families. You can hop in the car and drive down via I-95 or I-75.

Clearwater Beach courtesy of Google images

Some Resort Options -

Tradewinds Island Grand Resort

Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort

These resorts remind me of Beaches Resorts. There are tons of things to do for families. It is not an all inclusive, so you have to pay for the activities, but it is a good one for after the quarantine to just relax at the beach with your family.

Click on the links below for recommendations in St. Petersburg/Clearwater, including an online magazine with recommendations. And I am happy to make any necessary arrangements for you!

• FREE Online Magazine

• St. Pete/Clearwater CVB

• Trip Advisor

So here you have it - the 1st option of the week!! And I would be honored to help you plan your summer get away!