New Offer from Destinations in Florida!

Destinations in Florida has just released this great new way you can save on your next Walt Disney World vacation!

Click to book!

The Disney Freak's Blog is a proud affiliate of Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney travel agency. Just tell them I sent you!

See y'all real soon.

WATCH: Check-in Materials at Disney Resorts

Is this your first time coming to Walt Disney World and staying at a resort? Is this your first time staying in a Disney resort after the introduction of MyMagic+?

Guests often wonder what materials they'll get when checking in to their resort reservations.

Never fear: Destinations in Florida has this great video detailing all the materials you'll receive when checking in!



Hopefully this quick video helped you with any questions, but feel free to contact Destinations in Florida if you have more! They're always willing to help.

And if you'd like to book a Disney trip, request a free quote from Destinations in Florida HERE.

Either way, please come say hi at the Grand when you visit Walt Disney World!

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Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary Offer!

With Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary right around the corner, Destinations in Florida has a great offer for those wanting to visit Walt’s Magic Kingdom during the festivities!

Book a 2-Night/3-Day Disneyland Resort Vacation Package at a conveniently located Good Neighbor Hotel starting at $99 per person per day for a family of 4. This package includes 3-Day, 1 Park per Day Disneyland Resort tickets and is valid for arrivals most nights Aug. 30-Oct. 1, 2015 and Nov. 1-23, 2015. Book by Nov. 20, 2015.

Click to book!

I wish I could be at Disneyland for the celebration, so please go in my place!

See ya all real soon!

Disney Increases Ticket Prices Today

Disney has increased ticket prices for Walt Disney World parks, and the increase is effective today (Feb. 22, 2015). Significant is the fact that Disney is breaking the $100 ticket price barrier, which can mean a lot to some people.

From my agent, Jennifer Hardy:

Effective Sunday, February 22 it will now cost $105 plus tax for a 1-day, 1-park ticket to the Magic Kingdom. That's a $6 jump.  Disney's other three major parks: Epcot, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom rise a more-modest $3 from $94 to $97. Full Price breakdown below

Here is a list of the new prices:

1-Day, 1-Park Magic Kingdom: $105 

1-Day, 1-Park Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, & Disney's Animal Kingdom: $97  

Florida Resident Premium Annual Pass: $649

Florida Resident Annual Pass: $529 

Florida Resident Seasonal Pass: $329 before tax, respectively, up from $485 and $319. 

Magic Your Way Passes: 

2-Day $192

3-Day $275

4-Day $305

5-Day $315

6-Day $325

7-Day $335

Note: the  No-Expiration option is no longer offered.

Water Park Hoppers

Mid-May - Sept $58

Other Times of year: $53 (unchanged)

All prices are pre-taxes.

What do you think of the Disney ticket increase?

Photo from my June 2014 trip to Walt Disney World.

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‘Frozen’ Fun Commercial Features Animatronics Singing 'For the First Time in Forever'

Walt Disney World’s “Frozen Summer Fun” has (sort of) moved to Disneyland, with some similarities and some differences.

To promote this latest addition to the Frozen craze, Disney created this TV and online spot, which features classic animatronic characters and others singing “For the First Time in Forever.”



“Frozen Fun,” ends May 15, as revealed in the end of the ad. However, this ending date could (is likely to) change, if the program becomes popular. (If it’s like the Walt Disney World event, Disneyland’s will be incredibly popular.)

Scan the QR code or click to book!

My favorite was the Grizzly Peak bear mountain, followed closely by the bellhop. How about you?

The best part about the commercial is that Disneyland actually reprogrammed the featured animatronics, just for this ad. Below, get a backstage glimpse at the filming of the Tiki Room segment.



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Two New Disney Discounts for Spring 2015!

Celebrate the New Year right by visiting Walt Disney World. Destinations in Florida is offering two new Disney discounts for Spring 2015!

Get a free quote!

Discount offer 1

You can save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels when you book between Dec. 29, 2014 and Feb. 16, 2015 for stays most nights March 2-June 15, 2015.

Or, save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booked between Feb. 17-March 28, 2015 for stays most nights March 2-June 15, 2015. Great rates are also available for stays most nights Feb. 22-March 1, 2015.

As an added bonus you can receive a 1 more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket.

Travel Window:
Feb. 22-June 15, 2015

Discount Offer 2

Families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $889 most Sunday through Thursday nights April 12-May 21, 2015 and May 25-28, 2015 when you book Dec. 29, 2014-Feb. 16, 2015.

Or, families of 3 can enjoy 3 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort with 2-day theme park tickets for just $909 when you book Feb. 17-March 28, 2015.

Travel Window:
April 12-May 21, 2015
May 25-28, 2015

Make sure to book with my agent Jennifer Hardy today!

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Get Free Mickey Mouse Ears or Autograph Book!

Still searching for Christmas present ideas?

Well, how about a free pair of Mickey Mouse ears or autograph book for your child? Or for each of your children?

When you book your next Disney trip with Destinations in Florida travel agent Jennifer Hardy, each child gets a free gift—either Mickey Mouse ears or an autograph book—and each adult gets a free gift card!

Click HERE to book!

Following are the latest Disney deals from Destinations in Florida:

Disney Discounts 

Walt Disney World® Resort

• Stay Play & Dine:  Save up to 30% off your hotel accommodations for a 2015 Disney World vacation.  Select dates from January 5-March 28, 2015.

• Save Up to 30% Off Hotels:  Book your family vacation from January 5-March 28 and save up to 30% off Disney Resort Hotels.
• Free Dining Bounce Back Specials:  During your Disney vacation, you can book your next Disney vacation at huge savings!  The current bounce back special includes the Disney Dining Plan for free.  Book your Disney package before you check out and then contact your favorite Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore agent for details on transferring your reservation.  
• Active/Retired Military Rates:  For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.
• Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Rates:  Florida Residents and Annual Passholders can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels up to 35% off.
• RunDisney Group Rates:  Are you a runner?  Do you want to run a race with Mickey Mouse?  Join our VIP runners at Destinations in Florida for some of the favorite races including Disney Marathon and Disney Princess Run.  These exclusive rates are only with our agency.

Disneyland® Resort

• Save up to 25% Off Spring 2015 Vacations:  Save up to 25% on Disneyland® Resort Hotel stays January 4-February 12, 2015 and save up to 20% on stays February 13-March 26, 2015.
• Active/Retired Military Rates:  For US active and retired military, save money on tickets and resort accommodations through October 2015.
• 3rd, 4th or 5th Night Free at Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels:  Visit Anaheim during select nights through December 2014.  Stay at a select Disney Good Neighbor Hotels and enjoy a 3rd night, 4th night or 5th night free.  Contact your favorite Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore agent for details.

Disney Cruise Line®

• Disney Cruises at Big Savings:  Take a 3-Night or 4-Night Cruise out of Port Canaveral (just 45 minutes from Orlando) and save big!  Prices start from just $188 per person per night plus tax/port fees.  For a family of 2, that is just $1,128 plus $69 per person for taxes/port fees.  These discount cruises include December 7 and select early 2015 sailings.
• Canadian Residents Save up to 20% Off:  From November 2014-January 2015, Canadian Residents can save up to 20% off Disney Cruise prices on select cruises.
• Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military:  Take advantage of special deals for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.

See you all real soon!

D23 Expo 2015 Discounted Room Rates!

D23 Expo 2015 tickets go on sale today!  For those of you who don’t know about D23, it’s the official Disney fan club, with a bi-annual meeting during which Disney reveals lots of juicy details several of their upcoming projects.

And, it’s an exclusive club, meaning you need to have a membership to join.  But don’t worry, there’s a free membership!

If you do have a membership and are dying to attend, Destinations in Florida has discounted room rates so you can attend!

Click here to buy now!
Cut off date for individuals to call in for reservations: Wednesday,
July 22, 2015.

The dates for D23 are August 12-18, 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

D23 2015 is expecting 75K people, according to my agent Jennifer Hardy.  You will want to be a part of this awesome event!  Maybe I’ll see you there….

Click here to read my post from D23 Expo 2013’s animation panel, and even more coverage here from Inside the Magic.

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(PS: this is my 300th post!)

‘Frozen’ Summer Fun Extended!

Kids really want their Frozen.  Disney knows this, and Disney isn’t stupid.

The “Frozen Summer Fun” event at Hollywood Studios originally went from July 5 to Sept. 1.  After its (unsurprising) popularity, including all of the premium packages being sold out, Disney has extended the event for almost the rest of September.  The new ending date is Sept. 28.

Image via Jennifer Hardy.

"We're not leaving yet!"
Image from the Disney Parks Blog.

From the Disney Parks Blog: " the “Frozen Fireworks” Spectacular will be presented each night through September 1 (with the exception of August 23), and then switch to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 5-28."

Because of the extended period, more premium packages are available on the select dates (listed in image above).  Trust me, this event has been popular, so if you want a premium package, book one now before they sell out!

Click to book now with Destinations in Florida!

See you all real soon.

Who Wants Free Mickey Mouse Ears? Book Now!

Destinations in Florida has released this great offer:

Click here to book now!

Below is the list of group rates.

All of the rooms for Disney Groups are standard rooms. There are no upgrades available to other room categories. Discounted tickets and dining are available unless otherwise noted.

*October 1-6, 2014 – Starting at $84 per night plus tax

• All Star Music & Movies
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Wilderness Lodge

*October 11-18, 2014 – Starting at $105 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Contemporary

*November 3-10, 2014 - Starting at $105 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Wilderness Lodge
• Contemporary

* November 20 – 24, 2014 - Starting at $105 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Coronado Springs
• Animal Kingdom Lodge

* January 5th – 12th, 2015 – Starting at $88 per night plus tax - NO Dining Plan Options

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans Riverside
• Beach Club

* January 13th – 18th, 2015 - Starting at $135 a night plus tax $13.00 per day parking (not included)

• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim
• There is no FREE transportation from the airport, but can use Disneyland Express or Super Shuttle

* February 19th – 22nd, 2015 - Starting at $133 per night plus tax

• Pop Century
• Port Orleans – French Quarter
• Contemporary (Garden Wing)

* May 6-11, 2015 Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon Disneyland - $119 per night plus tax

• Fairfield Inn Anaheim - Standard Room

Be sure to book by next Friday, August 8th in order to take advantage of this offer!

NOTE: Destinations in Florida is a proud affiliate of The Disney Freak’s Blog.

‘Frozen’ MagicBands and Package Announced!

For the “Frozen Summer Fun” event coming to Hollywood Studios (which starts tomorrow!), Disney has added a Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package for $59 for adults and $34 for children.  It includes reserved viewing for three of the park’s most anticipated new Frozen experiences: Royal Welcome parade, Frozen Sing-Along show, and nighttime Frozen fireworks spectacular with a dessert party!

Plus, exclusive Frozen-themed MagicBands have debuted for the event.

Image from Inside the Magic.

Want to book this Premium Package?  Get a free quote from Destinations in Florida by CLICKING HERE.

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World's Largest Meet-up and All-Nighter!

For awhile now, my affiliate Destinations in Florida has been planning the “World’s Largest Meet-up” at Walt Disney World May 22-23, coincidentally the same time as Disney Parks’ third annual all-nighter event, this time called Rock Your Disney Side.

Courtesy of Destinations in Florida.

Here’s the latest email from one of the DIF agents, Jenn Greene:

The time has come, Memorial Day Weekend at Walt Disney World and ANOTHER All Night Event to kick off the summer. This year we were all asked by Disney to #rockyourdisneyside!

Be sure to Follow @PLANS4DISNEY on twitter for "pop up" contests and meet up's..you never know where I might be--Jenn

Follow the hashtag #DIF24 for other events and fun through the day as well!

Schedule of Events!

• 6am Open the Park with a special Rope Drop with Heros and Villlians!

• 10am Meet at Gaston's Tavern for a Princess Cupcake (exclusively offered for this 24hr event only)--the first person to find me (Jenn) get's a cupcake! hint----I will be a little green around the edges

• 12pm/Noon Meet at top section of Main St USA Train Station for Festival of Fantasy Parade

• 5.45pm Move it Shake it Celebrate It Parade..a special Disney Side Edition...look for Angela, Becca and Erin by the Castle Forecourt to party with DIF agents

• 6pm Tomorrowland Terrace for a meet up with Disney Parks Podcast!

• 7.30 pm Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, join Orlando Food and Fun for a Meet Up over ice cream!

• 10.30 pm Frontierland Churro Cart, meet Jenn for the Main Street Electrical Parade with a Villianous Twist! (First 5 guest to meet me will get a FREE Churro)

• 11.59pm Gaston's Tavern, meet up with Chip from Chip and CO

• 2am Up All Night Dance Party at Cinderella's Castle, just look for the group of agents in the matching meet up shirts for Destinations in Florida

• Last man standing, meet at 5.45am for the Special "Kiss Goodnight" and a picture at the Main St USA RR Station. 

Unfortunately, I could not make it to this event, as much as I wanted to.

But I will be featured on the t-shirts, as a preferred partner of Destinations in Florida!

Back of t-shirt.
Image courtesy of Destinations in Florida.

See you all real soon!

'Frozen' Giveaway: Win a $100 Disney Gift Card and More!

I'm a bit late posting about this (blame my computer dilemma), but my fellow affiliates with Jennifer Hardy, Destinations in Florida travel agent, and I are putting on an epic Frozen giveaway!

There are only four days left to enter and we already have over 3,000 entries, but don't let that discourage you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prizes are, as follows:

• Frozen DVD
• Frozen soundtrack CD
• popcorn
• hot cocoa with marshmallows mix
• Mickey and Minnie #DisneySide poster
• Olaf mug
• $100 Disney gift card

To enter, all you have to do is like/follow a few mandatory links, with other links being bonus entries.

Good luck!  If I could, I would enter!

Saving Mr. Banks: A Review

Happy New Year, Disney Freaks!  Here’s to a great 2014!

Video from YouTube. The Disney Freak’s Blog original video.

So to quickly address two points I made in the above video:

• Yes, The Disney Freak’s Blog is proud to announce its affiliation with Destinations in Florida!  Destinations in Florida is an authorized Disney vacation planner, and my agent Jennifer Hardy would love to help you plan your next Disney adventure!  I’m excited for this next leg of my journey in the blogging world, and I’m so glad you all are along for the ride.  To get a free quote, just click the banners either at the top of my blog or the bottom.
• Bestie and her family took me to see “Saving Mr. Banks” on Friday, and while I talked a bit about the movie in the video, I also mentioned I would write a more in-depth review here at the actual Blog.

So ready or not, here we go.  Find more after the jump.