New Pirate Adventure at Walt Disney World

The Pirates League is the newest buccaneer adventure in the Magic Kingdom, featuring makeovers that turn theme park guests into savvy swashbucklers. Depending on the pirate package, a trained Pirate Master can transform boys, girls (ages 3 and up) and grownups into pirates, buccaneers and maidens using facial effects, fake scars, removable teeth, hats, bandanas and other costume accessories. Included in each of the three packages offered: a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, temporary tattoo, exclusive pirate coin necklace, map case folder, a personalized pirate oath and a pirate portrait. Packages start at $49.95 plus tax. Contact one of our Disney Specialists at Destinations in Florida Travel for more information.

Beat the Heat at Walt Disney World

Today, the temperature in Orlando has a high of 98 degrees. With the humidity, it will feel like 103 degrees. Let's just say it...that is HOT! As Florida Residents, we almost get used to this heat during a Disney World vacation. Here are some of our tips to help you enjoy your vacation and beat that summer heat.

Wake Up Early - I know this your vacation and you probably want to sleep in. However, a Disney World vacation is not the type of vacation to sleep in. Plan on getting up early and arriving to the Disney Theme Parks at least 15 minutes before the gates open. It is cooler in the morning and you will be amazed how much of the Disney Park you can get through before the crowds hit.

Don't Wait in Lines - Waiting in lines, makes the heat seem even even hotter! Minimize your waits by arriving early, using the FastPass system, and using the Extra Magic Hours. Even during the popular summer months, you can visit at Disney Theme Park without having to wait in those long lines.

Taking an Afternoon Break at your Hotel - One of the favorite locals tips is taking a break from 12-2 PM from the Disney Theme Parks. Head back to your Disney Resort or Orlando Hotel and enjoy a nap or take a dip in the pool. It will refresh you and get you ready to head back to the park for evening activities.

Plan on Rain - It rains almost every afternoon in Orlando! Plan for it by bringing ponchos or umbrellas. When it rains, don't leave the parks. Once the rain lets up, you can enjoy a little bit cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Wear Good Clothes - Plan on wearing a hat, Tevas or tennis shoes, and light clothing. We love Columbia clothes or exercise clothing with the dry weave. It helps keep you cooler and dryer. Many of the Theme Parks have water rides that will help keep you cool at the parks. However, you want to wear clothing that drys quickly. Wearing thick clothing light jeans or sweatshorts and you will be uncomfortable while you slowly dry. You want to wear cool clothing and clothing that can dry quickly.

Take Eating & Drinking Breaks - During your day at the Disney Theme Parks, take little stops in the restaurants to grab a quick drink and snack or just to plan your next attraction. Little 15 minute stops in restaurants will refresh your group for the next adventure.

Purchase a Battery Operated Fan - Just the other day I saw those cute little battery operated fans at Walgreens. They are $3-5 if you purchase them at home before your trip. Disney sells these same type fans, but at a much higher price. These are perfect entertainment for kids and will help keep you cool waiting for a show or in a line. Buy a fan for everyone!

Don't forget the Little Ones - The strollers can get really hot for the little ones. Plan on purchasing battery operated fans to strap onto the strollers. You may even want to pack a little screen to put over the stroller to block out the sun. Even pack a light washcloth to wet throughout the day to keep them cooler.

Most important - don't forget the sunblock! We see so many guests that get red on the first day of their vacation. Spending the days outside in the heat with a sunburn makes for a very miserable vacation. Wear hats, cool clothes and wear that sunblock. Contact us at Destinations in Florida Travel for more info about planning a Disney World vacation.

Vote for your Favorite Disney CMO

The major election this year features a donkey and an elephant, but what about Mickey Mouse? You can make your vote count this year, but for a different election! You can help choose the 1st Disney CMO (Chief Magic Official). Disney has narrowed down the CMO canidates from 1,300 down to three gentlemen. These three men are all well qualified to become Disney’s 1st CMO. Each candidate has their own website with details about their platform and why you should vote for them as CMO.

The first candidate is from Powder Springs, GA. Click on the link below to meet Ronald West from the Best Pal Party. He is a radio station personality in Atlanta. His favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. His favorite song is Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Check out his website for more information and to vote for Ronald for CMO.

Our next candidate is Justin Muchoney from the Hakuna Matata Party. He lives in Seven Fields, Pennsylvania and is a Director of Music and Fine Arts. Justin’s favorite movie is Monsters, Inc. and favorite song is Circle of Life. Click here to view his website with more info about this fun candidate or to vote for Justin for CMO.

Our final candidate is David Hawley from the Two Left Feet Party from Roseville, California. This outgoing candidate is a Television Production Manager. His favorite song is Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah. His favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast. Click on David’s website for more information and to vote for him for CMO.

Be sure to vote for your favorite Chief Magic Official!