Thursday, August 10, 2017

Pumpkins and Mickey Mouse! Or, what's happening in the fall in Disney World!

So, it's August 10th now. Does that mean I can talk about pumpkins yet?


Well, regardless, so I'm going to do it!

Fall is a fantastic time to go to Disney World! Here's my list of reasons why!

First, when you go to Walt Disney World, you get to choose magic bands. I like to pick colors that match the season and then decorate them! So cute and exciting!



When you enter the parks, they are all decorated for the Fall from about Labor Day weekend on. I honestly can't get enough of these Mickey Pumpkin wreaths!


If you REALLY can't get enough, there will of course be seasonal merchandise, so you can have your very own Mickey pumpkins at your house!



If you love Pumpkin Spiced Lattes like I do, you can pick them up at the Starbucks in the parks. Ahhhh...PSL and Main Street.....


I can't resist throwing in a fun picture of fun outfits. It is ALWAYS acceptable to have matching and themed outfits in Disney World! Trust me on this one!

Now the first of the two big fall events! First is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!  This is a "hard ticket" event at the Magic Kingdom. That means a few things. First, it means that if you have a regular ticket to the Magic Kingdom and you use it on a party day, you will be asked to leave before the party starts. Check those dates before you go! If you have a party ticket, they technically start at 7pm, but you are allowed in by 4pm. At the party itself, there are special character meet and greets, trick or treating with LOTS of candy, a special Halloween parade, and Hallowishes fireworks. Though it's not necessary to go, it can be a really fun addition to your trip!



Night during the party is so fun--those Mickey wreaths light up--I mean seriously. Awesome.


Over in Epcot, the Food and Wine Festival is going on! This is included in the price of your ticket. Basically, there are 35 booth around the World Showcase. They each have food and beverages representing different countries around the world. It is a delicious and fun way to experience the park! I would advice avoiding it on weekend evenings, because it can get very crowded! But also very tasty........And if you think it's only for adults, I will say that our boys love circling the World Showcase for "ANOTHER BITE BITE." Yup, that's what it is...



Finally, if you are cruising on Disney Cruise Lines this fall, you can experience a Halloween on the High Seas cruise! Most fall cruising include lots of fun and delightful experiences, decoration, parties on the ship deck, and character meet and greets!


If you are excited about your fall Disney Trip and want to share why, let me know! If you want to plan your next trip, shoot me an email at kacietravelplanner@gmail.com I still have availability and discounts for the fall!

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Planning a Sandals All Inclusive Vacation!

Recently, I went to a training and received my Certified Sandals Specialist training! Check it out!


Ok, great, awesome--so what does it mean for you?

Well, most folks know that I book (and love) Disney Destinations. But, I am also working very hard for clients who are interested in other travel destinations. In fact, about half of my clients are going places other than Walt Disney World! So, if you are interested in a Sandals vacation, I am trained and ready to help!

So, who might be interested in a Sandals resort? 

Well, it can be a great choice for many people looking for an all inclusive vacation. They have resorts across the Caribbean including Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados.



There are both adult only and family resorts. The Sandals resorts are adult only, and these can be great for couple or even friend group getaway. The Beaches resorts cater to families, and provide kids clubs and adult only sections of the resorts. There are venues across the properties for weddings and great areas for group events. The different resorts have different vibes to them too. So you tell me if you are looking for a more quiet resort or a resort with a party vibe or access to shopping, or a more natural setting, and I can help guide you in your choice!

So, when you say all inclusive, what does that include? 

This is actually a great question. There are many all inclusive options around the Caribbean, and they provide different levels of inclusive-ness, if that makes sense! Sandals tries to offer a high level of inclusivity, so you get a great value for your dollar. All of the dining is high quality, and focuses on authenticity, variety, value, consistency, and modernization.



Your drinks are included, and they provide high level beer, liquor, and a wine that is made for their resorts. There are fitness centers with complimentary classes. Golf courses, and depending on the room level, some amount of golf is included. Watersports are a huge attractor, and most of the sports are included (even SCUBA!). At the Beaches resorts, the kids club activities and childcare are a part of your stay. If you are in a butler level, you can add tip to those servers, but the rest of the tips are included! There are of course places where you can add on, upgrade, or go on additional excursions, but it sure is nice to pay once and not have to keep on pulling out your wallet throughout your vacation. That in and of itself is a vacation!



Depending on the room level, you can actually book to have a private butler. The butler will help you with every detail of your vacation, from room service deliveries to excursions to unpacking if you want!


So how can using you as a travel agent help me out? 

Well, as always, my services are totally free to you! I can help you narrow down what resort will best fit your idea of a perfect vacation. Depending on if you are looking for a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a group trip, I can help you find the right destination. I have worked with folks who have a certain number of frequent flyer miles, and we have found the right place. I can help you plane the right room level. If you are looking for a bungalow or the most economical option, I can help narrow it down.


At the training I went to, I was provided with a huge number of resources, so we can even make sure that the resort you are going to has your favorite kind of beer, or we can ensure that they will have lobster in season if you are a big fan. Basically, my job is to figure out the perfect getaway for you! Send me an email (kacietravelplanner@gmail.com), and we can get started planning a fantastic trip!