We know the answer – a cruise! Here’s a few reasons why we thinking cruising is the perfect vacation when you are traveling with a large group.

Different vacation styles? No problem

Maybe your idea of a vacation is sleeping as long as you want, hanging out by the pool and mostly taking it easy. But your relative is all about getting up early and packing the day with activities. On a cruise, everyone can vacation just how they like, with no need for families to spend every moment together. We usually recommend planning one or two core activities that the whole group agrees on ahead of time. Maybe it’s an excursion to swim with dolphins or one night set aside for karaoke. Other than that, folks can do as they please! It makes for great conversation when everyone meets up for dinner at the end of the day. And by checking out the schedule the night before and seeing who is up for what, you end up with some smaller groups who can spend real quality time and make cool memories together that doesn’t always happen in a huge group.

Fun at every age

One of the best things about a cruise is that there truly is something for every age group. Kids love the pool and water activities, and can chill in the kids club when their parents need a break. Teens can bond with cousins and meet new friends at their club, or hit up the arcade. Mom can read by the pool, Dad can play trivia, and Grandma can spend time in the casino. Or, they can all do something completely different! There is never a shortage of activities and everyone is sure to find something they love.

See several destinations, but only unpack once

Cruising is a fantastic way to see several destinations in one trip, without having to worry about the logistics and hassle of moving from place to place. This is particularly nice when traveling with small children, who always seem to need a lot of gear. You can unpack once in your cruise cabin on embarkation day, and then sit back and relax as the crew takes you to various destinations. It’s a great opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities and see different sites, with your floating hotel as your mode of transportation!

No passport required (sometimes)

Arranging passports for the whole family – and making sure you have plenty of time to get them – can be a major hassle. But for “closed-loop” cruises that leave and return to the same port in the U.S., passports are not required! Everyone will need an official form of government ID (we’ll let you know the specific types accepted on your specific cruise), but for most passengers a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or birth certificate works fine.

A chance to build core memories together

Cruising offers so many fun experiences that are amazing to share as a family. You’ll never forget Dad wiping out at the wave pool, swimming with dolphins as a family, or that perfect day at the beach when everything just seemed right with the world. A cruise is the perfect chance to create those memories that will last long after you return home.

Interested in booking a cruise but not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Let’s chat and figure out the destinations, itinerary and ship that work best for you and your group. The best cabins book up fast, so don’t wait!

Why “rope drop”?

The term “rope drop” comes from crowd control measures at Walt Disney World, which you can still see in practice with an early arrival. Guests are often let into the park turnstiles prior to the official park opening time, but since attractions aren’t yet open they are held at the entrance to various lands. Often cast members will have a “rope” or other type of barrier that they use to define the waiting area, which they “drop” at the time of park opening. Though the rope is also often walked back slowly to keep eager guests from running and creating a stampede to attraction entrances. Or in some cases, there may be no rope at all and guests are allowed on attractions early. For whatever reason, “rope drop” became the preferred term for opening the park.

So how do I do it?

Basically, get an early start! General consensus is to be at the park entrance at least 30-45 minutes before official opening time. That may seem ridiculously early, but remember: you will need to walk to the gate, get through security, and pass the admission checkpoint before you can start enjoying your day. If you get these all out of the way early, you can hit the attractions as soon as the park opens! And the parks will remain less crowded for the first hour or two after opening. Have your strategy ready for which attractions you want to head to first.

Does it only work at Disney?

While rope drop is definitely a huge benefit at Disney and other theme parks, we’ve had great experiences using it in other areas as well! An early morning excursion at Chichen Itza allowed us to see the sites without being hassled by the vendors who have their stalls set up by mid-morning. Swimming with stingrays on Grand Cayman? The first boat of the day is going to see the smallest crowds and get the most interaction with the friendly inhabitants at Stingray City. It’s pretty much a universal truth that just about any tourist destination is going to be less crowded right at opening.

What if I don’t like getting up early?

We get it. You’re on vacation, and sometimes you just want to sleep in! Never fear. Just because you don’t rope drop doesn’t mean you won’t have a fantastic time! You’ll just need to be strategic. And a late lie-in will help you take advantage of one of our other favorite times at Disney – the last few hours before closing! These are almost as productive as early morning hours, and the parks are all absolutely MAGICAL at night.

Whatever time you want to wake up on vacation, we can help you make the most of your time. Give us a call and we’ll help you plan the perfect getaway!

But what if instead of stuff to put away, you had a trip to pack for? Research shows that we get more enduring satisfaction from money spent on experiences, compared to material objects. Yet experience-based gifts made up only 12% of gifts in 2021. So this year, ditch the toys and gadgets and instead let us help you plan a magical vacation where the memories will last much longer than anything from a store. Not convinced? Here are some great reasons travel makes the perfect gift.

Material satisfaction is fleeting

The Christmas morning rush is real, but how quickly has the excitement worn off for the toys your kids got last year? Are they still actually playing with anything they received? Chances are, most of those items don’t see serious play time these days. We tend to get bored with things, but experiences and memories get embedded in our brains.

Travel forges stronger relationships

The shared experience of going somewhere new and jointly experiencing things just has a way of bringing people together. Spending quality time with loved ones and creating new memories together deepens existing bonds and offers families new ways to get to know one another.

It’s something to look forward to

Once the holidays pass, it’s back to the daily grind and the dark days of winter. Having something to look forward to can actually boost our mental health during those tough times! Instead of the excitement being over once a gift is unwrapped, it can build over the weeks and months leading up to the trip. Plus, it’s a great way to involve your loved ones in making specific plans so everyone gets to see and do something meaningful to them.

It’s a chance to unplug

It’s no secret that the holidays can be stressful. It’s great to have a trip planned that will truly allow you to relax and unwind. It’s a great chance to unplug from devices and daily responsibilities and just be together.

Take the stress out of holiday shopping

Just imagine not having to wait in line, worry about shipping time or wrapping gifts! While a trip still demands thought and consideration, the stress level is definitely lower (especially when you let us take care of all the details for you!). You’re welcome, last-minute shoppers!

Travel truly is a gift that lasts well beyond the trip itself. The memories and shared experiences will last forever! We’d love to help you plan the perfect gift trip for your family. Get in touch and let’s make it the most magical holiday yet!

Now that your magical vacation is booked and scheduled, chances are you’re going through a checklist like this and wondering what to pack. You likely will remember the big stuff, but what about the little items that could make your travel more convenient, like a night light for your room, tissues and hand sanitizer? These are just a few items that are often forgotten. Here is a more complete packing list to make the most out of your upcoming trip!

In the air

While on a plane, you will be stuck for a time with about a hundred passengers or more. Bringing a pack of hand sanitizing wipes, or a small (4 oz or less) bottle of hand sanitizer, will help ward off any germs that might end up making you sick. Also, although TSA has many restrictions you need to be aware of regarding what you can and cannot bring with you on the plane, food is allowed. A majority of flights do not offer many options in the way of food so be sure to pack plenty of snacks to hold you over.

At your accommodations

When you’re at your accommodations, there are a few items that you won’t want to forget that will make your stay more enjoyable. Be sure to bring a cell phone charger, toothbrush, glasses and contacts (if you need them), and a book or magazine to read for any down time. Wi-Fi is fairly standard these days, so you may consider packing a portable streaming device so you can still watch your shows on Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming apps.

Clothing and accessories

Going on a business trip? Make sure you don’t forget your suit! Some other items to remember include your pajamas, a coat and an umbrella (in case there might be a surprise rain or snowstorm), an extra pair of shoes, a set of dressy clothes for a night out, and some casual clothes for comfort. Remember to pack your swimsuit for trips to the pool or beach.

Safety and health

You never know what’s going to happen on a trip, so it’s good to always be prepared. Bring plenty of tissues, a first-aid kit, vitamins and any other medications you need to survive during your time away. Also, don’t let your fitness take a back seat. Remember to pack a set of workout clothes and a water bottle.

Packing aids

When you’re packing for your trip, you’ll want to be sure that everything is organized. A great way to provide order to your smaller items is to put them in plastic zip bags and mark what’s in each bag with a permanent marker. Be sure also to bring a makeup bag for any makeup and a small zip-up bag for your bathroom items.

Odds and ends

Some other useful odds and ends include a lint roller, a stick of stain remover, fabric refesher, a small bug spray, sunscreen and hand sanitizer.

Now that your bags are packed, and everything is in order, it’s time to start enjoying your travels!

Yes, FastPass+ is being retired. And the new way to “skip the lines” is coming this fall and yes there will be a cost. However, there are some new features we think you may really enjoy and they are free!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

What do you need to know about this new service? Here we are breaking down the highlights, and as soon as we are able to experience it first hand, we will share our feedback, and how you can use this tool to help you plan a great Disney Vacation. 

There is no substitute for your awesome Travel Advisor who specializes in Disney. They take the time to get to know YOU and YOUR FAMILY’s unique need to plan your park days, where to dine, the best resort, and how to pace yourself at the parks. The app will complement the services of your Travel Advisor. Best of all, your Travel Advisor can show you HOW to get the most from the app and use the enhanced features. 

The Genie service can be an asset during your trip, and we are actually pretty excited about how it can help you during your park days to help you fit in more experiences. 

Both Disney Genie Service and Disney Genie+ Service will be part of the My Disney Experience app and Disneyland app. 

WHAT IS DISNEY GENIE? – The Complimentary Portion 

Most of what is included in the free part is already part of the existing apps. They will just be repurposed. 

• Personalized day optimizer – new feature
• Based on your interest, Genie will come up with a park plan to help you optimize your time in the parks.
• Real-time tip board – new feature
• Forecasted wait times
• Mobile Order
• Restaurant wait lists, check-in and reservations
• Virtual Assistant (i.e. chat function)
• Standby Attraction Queues
• Virtual Queue for Select Attractions (i.e. Rise of the Resistance & Ratatouille) 

WHAT IS DISNEY GENIE+? – The Paid Portion 

This is the new part that comes with a price tag and is the replacement for FastPass+ and MaxPass. It is 100% optional so don’t feel like you HAVE to use it. The price tag however is really not bad when you compare it to other “express” pass options at other theme parks. 

Additional purchase – $15/ticket per day at WDW and $20/ticket per day at Disneyland

There will be a list of attractions that will have a Lightning Lane (ie. formerly FastPass) – you will be able to select one ride at a time and enter the Lighting Lane during your return time, once you have entered that lane, you can then select your next attraction. It will work very much like the old paper tickets used to for FastPass but using the app. 

Additional features include:

–  Audio Experiences: fun guides and behind the scenes audio tales

– Disney PhotoPass Lenses at Walt Disney World only (i.e. cute photos you can grab where they virtually put characters in them – think snap chat filter)

– PhotoPass Downloads (Disneyland Resort only)

INDIVIDUAL ATTRACTION SELECTIONS

Genie+ will also allow you to purchase two different attractions per Guest, per day at a per ride fee that has yet to be announced. These will be rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Radiator Springs Racers. NOTE: These attractions will NOT be part of the Lightning Lane option. If you choose this option, the two attractions you purchase do not have to be in the same park. So that’s good news, right?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR DISNEY RESORT GUESTS??

Walt Disney World

The main benefit is for the Individual Attraction Selections, if you are staying on site you can purchase those rides the day of your visit starting at 7am. Everyone else can purchase starting at the Park opening time. 

Disneyland 

Disneyland Resort Guests can purchase on the day of their visit, starting once they enter a Theme Park… so a little different, no advantages really

WHAT ABOUT ANNUAL PASSHOLDERS OR MAGIC KEY HOLDERS?

At the launch of the program, WDW AP and DL Magic Key guests will be able to purchase Genie+ on the day of their visit. There will be no discounts either for Genie+ of Lighting Lane purchases.

PRO TIP:

We are excited to try out Disney Genie and Genie+ when it is officially released. 

If you have booked a vacation package, you will be able to add it to your reservations for all of your park ticket days. This will also help you budget and plan for your trip knowing you already have it included with your vacation package. 

As always, if we can help you plan your upcoming Walt Disney World or Disneyland trip, please contact your Creating Magic Vacations Travel Advisor and let’s help you get a magical vacation on your calendar. 

ATTRACTIONS with Lighting Lane — the full list has not been officially released by Disney and we don’t want to spread any rumors…. for the most part we anticipate that any attraction that previously had a FastPass lane, will be part of Lighting Lane with the exceptions of select rides that will be same day purchase for Individual Attractions. The only ones we know for sure are Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Radiator Racers because they used those in their examples.