Author: Adventures by Anne

Disney World Summer and Early Fall 2024 Savings

Disney Summer Offers

Disney announced new resort savings offers for Summer through Early Fall 2024. On sale now. Lock in your summer vacation now with just a $200 deposit!

Even if you already have a trip booked, you may be able to get one of these offers applied to it if your booking fits the criteria.

Disney® Visa® Free Dining Offer

Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option – for arrivals most nights from:

  • July 1 to July 31, 2024
  • September 1 to September 7, 2024
  • December 9 to December 21, 2024

The dining plan included in this special offer depends on the Disney Resort hotel you selected. The Disney Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotel. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Moderate or Disney Value Resort hotel. Offer excludes select room types.

The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Disney Visa Cardmember must stay in the room. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Advance package reservations are required. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

All Guests: Stay Longer and Save More on Rooms

Save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay 5 – 14 consecutive nights or 10% – 25% on shorter stays. This offer is valid for stays most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024.

Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms

Florida residents can save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for 1 – 14 night stays most nights from July 8 – October 3, 2024.

Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.

Annual Passholders: Save Up to 35% on Rooms

For 1 – 14 night stays from July 8 – October 3, 2024, annual passholders can save 10% – 35% depending on the resort.

Proof of Annual Pass required at check-in.

Mickey waffles

This is a good time to book a trip while these offers are going on. The previously posted Ticket Offer is still valid for summer stays as well. Lock in a deal with just a $200 deposit for packages with rooms and tickets or the first night rate for room-only bookings before they sell out.

The number of rooms allocated for any of these offers is limited and excludes certain room types. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.

Feel free to contact me to check if your desired resort has availability for any offers.

AdventuresByAnne.com

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Don’t Take Pics of the Total Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse Path of Totality

Don’t take pics of the total solar eclipse tomorrow, April 8, 2024, with your phone or camera! The stronger sun rays can damage your gadget’s lens.

For the same reason that you should not look directly at the sun during the eclipse since the sun’s rays will be so strong, you should not aim your phone or camera at it either. It can cause serious damage if you’re not using the appropriate solar lens filters. Just figured I’d mention it since we’re just so used to snapping pics real quick of everything nowadays that we may not even think about that. Myself included.

Instead, use your phone to safely watch a professional’s livestream instead if you must and take some screenshots. NASA will have a webcast from 1pm to 4pm EDT where you can watch live.

If you do have the appropriate solar lens filters, here is some information for taking pictures of the eclipse:

Otherwise, there are many creative ways to view a reflection of it instead, such as making those pinhole reflection boxes. Some locations are giving away those fashionable paper eclipse glasses, though I imagine they’ll run out fast. They sell them on Amazon and other places too, but make sure they are legit certified and approved ones. Don’t just use regular sunglasses either. They won’t provide enough protection for staring at the sun.

More eclipse and eclipse viewing info here:

Many locations, including some national parks, colleges, and science museums, are holding eclipse viewing parties. Search “eclipse viewing near here” for events near your local area.

If you’re planning to travel to locations along its totality path, plan for huge crowds and traffic! Most hotels are already sold out too. Plan accordingly.

A total eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth line up in a row with the moon directly between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth. Totality occurs when the moon covers the entire sun except for the corona. The next total solar eclipse over the United States won’t be until 2044, so catch this one if you can!

Happy eclipse viewing!

Eclipse phases from the past

Test Track Closing

New Test Track concept art

Disney just announced that Test Track in EPCOT at Disney World will close temporarily beginning June 17, 2024 for reimagining. 

They are reaching back into Disney history for inspiration for the redesign of this ride, including the original World of Motion attraction from the early days of EPCOT. The picture above is a first look at a brand-new rendering of the attraction.

If you have huge Test Track fans in your group, take note of this closing date when planning your trip. No reopening date has been announced yet but it’s expected to be closed for several months for this extended reimagining.

If you want to chat about this or about planning your next Disney trip, please contact me.

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Pic ©Disney

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2024

Universal Orlando just announced this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event! It will take place on select nights August 30 – November 3, 2024, primarily Wednesday – Sunday nights, from 6:30pm – 2am.

Tickets are on sale now! There are also express passes, R.I.P. tours, and hotel packages. Select ticket purchases come with 6 months of Peacock streaming this year.

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed nighttime event, with 5 scare zones, 10 haunted houses, live entertainment, rides and attractions, food, merchandise, and more. Details of the haunted houses are yet to be revealed. Stay tuned!

Note that some of the scares are pretty intense and gory, so it may be too much for the little ones and the faint of heart. It is not recommended for those under age 13. There are plenty of YouTube videos about it from previous years if you want to get a sense of what it’s really like first.

This is a very popular event so if you are interested, you should buy your tickets ASAP.

For more details, visit the Universal Orlando Horror Nights site.

Contact me if you want me to help plan your Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

© Universal Studios

Universal Epic Universe – How To Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon

Universal Epic Universe introduced details of one of the worlds, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort.

In How to Train Your Dragon, take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of Berk. From an exciting coaster to a heart-warming live show, it’s fire-breathing fun for all ages.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – Get a dragon’s eye view as Hiccup’s latest flying (coaster) contraption sends you swooping and soaring, above and around the Isle of Berk.

Dragon Racer’s Rally – Hold on tight and practice aerobatic maneuvers on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer in hopes of becoming a champion dragon-racer.

Fyre Drill – Ruffnut & Tuffnut have created a watery boat battle where teams of Vikings compete to outscore and out-soak each other.

The Untrainable Dragon – The arrival of a new dragon in Berk presents a challenge to Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid in this spectacular live show.

Viking Training Camp – Young Vikings will discover all types of dragons as they climb, slide and explore in this sprawling, interactive adventure play camp.

Mead Hall – Feast like Vikings on a hearty menu of meats, fish, and drinks including a variety of meads, ciders and ales.

How to Train Your Dragon

In addition, meet Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock and meet other Vikings and dragons around Berk. You may even catch a glimpse of dragons flying high above the village!

Are you excited for this new world?

Epic Universe Overview

The image above shows an overview of Universal Epic Universe along with the other worlds that make up the park. More details will be revealed about each in the coming months. Stay tuned!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, explore international wizarding communities from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry via floo network.

Super Nintendo World

At Super Nintendo World™ you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.

Dark Universe

In Dark Universe, explore a world of myth and mystery, from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.

Celestial Park

Celestial Park is the central hub area of Epic Universe, with lush tree-lined walkways, dancing fountains, restaurants, shops, and more.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Celestial Park.

Universal Epic Universe

Contact me if you want to chat about planning a Universal trip. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Universal Epic Universe

© Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Offers

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort currently has several ticket deals and special offers. Now is a great time to book your next Universal trip!

Save 25% on a 3-Park, 5-Night Package

This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in a standard room with a 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park ticket between 11/12/23 – 07/31/24.

3-Park 5-Night Vacation Package Starting From Only $89 Per Person, Per Night

This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at select Universal Partner Hotels in a standard room with a 3-Park 4-Day Base ticket (one park per day) and a $75 Bundle and Save Discount off the total vacation package price. It can be upgraded to a stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel. Valid for bookings between 3/14/24-6/12/24 and for stays on select nights 3/14/24-3/22/24, 4/16/24-6/26/24, 7/14/24-8/16/24, or 9/1/24-12/18/24.

Save 20% on 4-Nights at a Universal Orlando Hotel

Stay at a Universal Orlando hotel for four or more nights and save 20% on a non-discounted room rate. This offer is valid for stays between Jan. 2-Feb. 15, Feb. 25-29, Apr. 7-May 23, May 27-Nov. 26, or Dec. 1-19, 2024. Separate theme park admission tickets are required for theme park entry.

Save up to $668 on a 4+ Night Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and enjoy exclusive theme park benefits like Universal Express Unlimited. Book by Aug. 6, 2024 for travel Sundays-Thursdays between May 31-Aug. 10, 2024.

Play 4 Days From $74 Per Day, Plus Tax

This offer is valid for a 2-Park 4-Day base ticket valid for one park a day at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. It may be upgraded to a park-to-park ticket or a 3-park ticket to include Volcano Bay.

Get 3 Months Free on Any Annual Pass

Buy a new Universal Annual Pass and get three extra months of fun. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.

Military Ticket Deals and Specials

As thanks for your service, Universal offers specially priced tickets and vacation packages to active duty and retired service members. Purchase exclusively at your Authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office.

Universal Royal Pacific Resort

Florida Residents: Buy a Day, Get 2 Days Free On a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket

Florida residents can get 2 days free when they buy a 1-day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket. Add a day at Universal Volcano Bay for only $28 more. This ticket is not available at the front gate; it must be bought online. Use by 6/26/24. Ticket prices vary by day. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.

Florida Residents: Save 40% on Rooms at Select Universal Orlando Hotels

Florida residents can save 40% on rooms at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel only for travel Sun – Thur. 2/15 – 3/21/24, 4/7 – 5/23/24 and 5/27 – 5/30/24. Savings are based on the non-discounted double occupancy price for the same room before tax. Limited availability and subject to capacity and change without notice. A valid Florida ID is required at check-in. Separate theme park admission is required for theme park entry.

Florida Residents: Create Your Own Vacation Package

Florida residents can select the hotel of their choice, customize their theme park admission, and add vacation enhancements to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort the way they want to. Must be purchased by April 17, 2024 for travel before December 31, 2024.

Universal Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There are many options for planning an amazing Universal trip this year. In addition to these offers, several standard packages are available year-round, such as the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Exclusive Vacation Package. Visit the Universal Special Offers page and Universal Packages page for more details.

We love the Universal Parks! If you’re a fellow Harry Potter fan, these parks are definitely a must-do. Please contact me if you want to chat more about planning a Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

©Universal Studios

Universal Butterbeer™ Season

Butterbeer

Happy Butterbeer™ Season!  Universal Studios just announced a new “Butterbeer™ Season” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter starting today!

Update 5/1/2024: Butterbeer™ Season has been extended until June 2, 2024.

From March 15 – April 30, 2024, you can enjoy new delicious Butterbeer™ flavored snacks at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Do you like your Butterbeer™ cold, frozen, or hot? This very popular non-alcoholic drink from Harry Potter lore is available in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands in the Universal Parks. The flavor is most similar to butterscotch and cream soda but delicious and unique in its own way. In addition to the iconic drinks, Butterbeer™ flavor is currently available in Butterbeer™ fudge, potted cream, and ice cream forms. You can also enjoy a fresh mug of cold or frozen Butterbeer™ in a souvenir stein.

During Butterbeer™ Season, new items will include Butterbeer™ flavored popsicles, Butterbeer™ caramels (Orlando only), and other yet-to-be-announced treats.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, a new Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream counter will open inside Honeydukes on Friday, March 29th. It will feature 10 ice cream flavors, including Butterbeer™, of course.

Have you had Butterbeer™ before? What’s your favorite? I like the hot, no, the frozen. Actually, I like them all, it’s hard to decide. Time to plan a Universal trip!

Are you excited to see what other Butterbeer™ snacks they come out with? Contact me if you want to chat about a Universal trip.

Cheers to Butterbeer™!

AdventuresByAnne.com

Butterbeer treats

Pics © Universal Studios

Disney Cruise Line Summer 2025 Itineraries Announced

Disney Cruise Line Summer 2025 Itineraries Announced

Disney Cruise Line has announced its sailing itineraries for summer 2025. They include sailings to/from the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and, for the first time ever, European sailings to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on board the Disney Fantasy!

The Disney Fantasy will visit Northern Europe to the Mediterranean from May to late July with 5-night to 12-night sailings departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Some of the picturesque ports include the Greek Isles; Gothenburg, Sweden; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Santorini, Greece; and Valetta, Malta. From late July to September, the Disney Fantasy will sail from Southampton, United Kingdom, to numerous destinations, including Spain, Norway, and the British Isles. Start the European adventure with a 13-night transatlantic voyage from Port Canaveral to cosmopolitan Barcelona, featuring stops at Disney Castaway Cay, Portugal, and Spain.

The Disney Wonder will again embark on adventures to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada, with five-, seven-, eight- and nine-night sailings from May to September. Soak in Alaska’s natural beauty with exciting port adventures to Alaska’s majestic glaciers and gold mining relics. We went on one of these cruises several years ago, and it exceeded all expectations. It remains one of our all-time favorites!

The Disney Dream will sail from Fort Lauderdale on three-night to five-night sailings to one or both of Disney’s magical island destinations along with Nassau or Cozumel.

The Disney Treasure, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will follow its inaugural season with seven-night itineraries from Port Canaveral to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

The Disney Wish and Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral to tropical escapes in The Bahamas and Caribbean, including Disney’s magical island destinations of Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. The Wish will sail three-night and four-night sailings to Nassau and the beloved beaches of Disney Castaway Cay. The Magic will sail mostly four-night and five-night sailings and one special 10-night southern Caribbean sailing in July that will take families to both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations along with Antigua, St. Kitts, San Juan, and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Booking Information

Bookings begin on different days next week, starting Monday, March 18, 2024, for different levels of Castaway Cay members and other Disney affinity groups. General members (those who have never sailed on a Disney cruise) can book on Friday, March 22, 2024.

  • March 18 – Pearl Castaway Club
  • March 19 – Platinum Castaway Club, Club 33, & Golden Oak Club
  • March 20 – Gold Castaway Club
  • March 21 – Silver Castaway Club, Disney Vacation Club, & Adventure Insiders
  • March 22 – General Public

Costs are generally the lowest when you book during this initial release, and some of the more popular itineraries can sell out quickly. Expect long waits on the phone with DCL. If you don’t need to apply a placeholder or credit to your new booking, it’s definitely going to be faster to book on the DCL website starting at 8 a.m. ET or have a travel agent do it for you.

For more details, visit the Disney Cruise Line Summer 2025 Itineraries page:

We love Disney cruises and have been on all the current ships, so let me know if you want to chat about them. If you want me to help with your bookings, please contact me ASAP.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Pic ©Disney Cruise Line

New Disney World Offers

Disney World Offers

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has announced new tickets offers for Spring and Summer 2024!

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

The 4-Park Magic Ticket includes one admission to each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios – for a total of 4 admissions, on 4 separate days.

Limit one admission per theme park, one theme park per day. This ticket does not require a theme park reservation to enter a park.

The ticket is valid for start dates from April 2 through September 22, 2024. Ticket must be used within 7 days of selected start date.

Tickets start from $99 per day, plus tax (total price starting from $396 plus tax).

3-Day, 3-Park Ticket

The 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket is valid for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom parks only. Not valid for admission to Magic Kingdom park.

Limit one admission per theme park, one theme park per day – for a total of 3 admissions, on 3 separate days. This ticket does not require a theme park reservation to enter a park.

The ticket is valid for start dates from April 2 through September 24, 2024. Ticket must be used within 5 days of selected start date.

Tickets start from $89 per day, plus tax (total price starting from $267 plus tax).

Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket

Florida residents can purchase a 4-Day Discover Disney Ticket for $235 per ticket or a 3-day ticket for $219 per ticket, plus tax. Tickets are valid for admission to one theme park per day. Add-ons are available.

Tickets are valid from April 2, 2024 through September 28, 2024, with an advance park reservation, subject to availability, and can be used on consecutive or nonconsecutive days.

For Florida Resident tickets, all adults will need to show proof of Florida residency at the park entrance.

Disney Resort Offers

There’s currently an offer to save between 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay most nights from March 25 to July 7, 2024.

Please contact me if you want to chat about planning your next Disney trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Pic ©Disney

2024 Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry blossoms

The famous Washington DC cherry blossoms are about to start blooming! This years peak bloom is projected to be around March 23, 2024, which happens to coincide with the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival! These beautiful trees around the Tidal Basin area are an iconic symbol of spring.

This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 20 – April 14, 2024. There will be performances, foods, and activities for all ages, culminating with the Cherry Blossom Parade on April 13th. Another key event is Petalpalooza on April 6th, a family friendly day of performances and activities capped off with fireworks over the Capital Riverfront.

  • Opening Ceremony: Saturday, March 23, 2024
  • Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival: Sunday, March 24, 2024
  • Kite Festival: Sunday, March 30, 2024
  • PetalPalooza: Saturday, April 6, 2024
  • Parade: Saturday, April 13, 2024

The entire festival season season has been known to draw millions of people to the city in past years, and peak bloom week and the parade weekend are especially busy, so plan your trip accordingly if you plan to go.

Here are some resources to help plan your trip:

If you can’t travel to Washington DC, there are several virtual ways for you to join in the fun.

We’ve been to DC area and the Smithsonian museums many times. We love it there. If you go during this festival, definitely pack your patience because it will be extremely crowded, but the blooms will be worth it!

Of course, there are many other places with great cherry blossom celebrations too. Here are just a few ideas, but you can simply search for cherry blossoms near your city to find more.

If you would like to chat about planning a trip to Washington DC or any other city for the festival or in general, please contact me.

AdventuresByAnne.com