|
|
|
|
Refurbishment/Closure/Update Schedule at Walt Disney World
Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available here.
Current
· Magnolia Bend Leisure Pool near Buildings 90/95 (Port Orleans-Riverside Resort) closed through 11/19/11 for refurbishment.
· Swiss Family Treehouse (Magic Kingdom) closed through 11/19/11 for refurbishment.
· Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed through 11/23/11 and on 12/25/11 for refurbishment.
· Blizzard Beach closed through 12/3/11 for annual refurbishment.
· Yakitori House (Epcot) closed through 12/15/11 for refurbishment.
· Grand Floridian Spa (Grand Floridian Resort) closed through mid-2013 due to construction at the resort. The Grand Floridian Fitness Center will remain open and guests may use The Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort.
Upcoming
· Magnolia Golf Course closed 11/28/11-12/7/11 for refurbishment.
· Typhoon Lagoon closed 12/4/11-3/17/12 for annual refurbishment.
· Oak Trail Golf Course closed 12/8/11-12/16/11 for refurbishment.
· Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 12/25/11 for refurbishment.
· Beach Sand Renourishment (Polynesian Resort) 1/4/12-1/16/12; only portions of the beach will be closed at any one time.
· Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/4/12-3/27/12 for refurbishment.
· Tutto Italia Restaurant (Epcot) closed 1/7/12-4/30/12 for refurbishment.
· Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios) closed 1/9/12-2/12/12.
· Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/9/12-2/17/12 for refurbishment and move to Storybook Circus. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/9/12-5/27/12 for refurbishment.
|
Refurbishment/Closure/Update Schedule at Disneyland (California)
Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available here.
Current
· Toy Story Midway Mania (DCA) closed through 11/17/11 for refurbishment.
· Blue Bayou Restaurant (Disneyland) closed through 11/23/11 for refurbishment.
· Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland) closed through 11/23/11 for refurbishment.
· Court des ANGES (Disneyland) closed through 11/30/11 for refurbishment.
· Frances' Lady Bug Boogie (DCA) closed through Winter 2011 for refurbishment.
- Plaza Pavillion (Disnleyland) closed through January 2012 for conversion to Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
Upcoming
· Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland) closed 12/6/11-12/7/11 for refurbishment.
· Refreshment Corner (Disneyland) closed 1/5/12-2/9/12 for refurbishment.
· Blue Ribbon Bakery (Disneyland) closed 1/5/12-6/30/12. It will be moved to the Plaza Pavilion.
· Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm (Disneyland) closed 1/9/12-1/18/12 to remove holiday decor.
· Redwood Challenge Creek Trail (DCS) closed 1/9/12-1/27/12 for refurbishment.
· Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) closed 1/9/12-6/14/12 for refurbishment.
· "it's a small world" (Disneyland) closed 1/23/12-2/2/12 for refurbishment.
· Sailing Ship Columbia (Disneyland) closed 1/23/12-2/17/12 for refurbishment.
· Grizzly River Run (DCA) closed 1/23/12-3/2/12 for refurbishment.
· Davy Crockett Canoe Docks (Disneyland) closed 1/24/12 for refurbishment.
· Soarin' Over California (DCA) closed 1/30/12-2/3/12 for refurbishment.
· Redd Rockett's Pizza Port (Disneyland) closed 1/30/12-2/10/12 for refurbishment.
· Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Disneyland) closed January 2012-Spring 2012 for renovation. Candy Palace (Disneyland) closed January 2012-Spring 2012 for renovation.
|
Exotics Course at Walt Disney World® Speedway will be New Home to “Supercars”
Combine some of the world’s finest automobiles with a track specifically designed for drivers to safely experience their awe-inspiring acceleration, speed and handling and you have Exotic Driving Experience, the latest offering at the Walt Disney World Speedway.
Exotic Driving Experience will feature supercars by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. Future plans include the addition of other exotic models, as well. The recently completed interior road course-style section at the track, specifically created for Exotic Driving Experience, features a series of quick, challenging right and left-hand turns, known as “switch backs.” Complete with barriers and rumble strips, this section replaces the frontstretch of the oval when the supercars are on track and, together with the backstretch, comprises another one-mile layout which has been named The Exotics Course at Walt Disney World Speedway®. It will officially begin on January 16, 2012. Driving Experiences will start at $189 for six laps around the circuit. Thrill Rides with a professional driver at the wheel will be available for $99. Reservations for 2012 can be made by calling 979-7868 or by calling 815-822-0149.
|
Walt Disney World News
Joyful Celebrations and Timeless Traditions Delight Guests at Walt Disney World
It’s the month before Christmas and throughout Mickey’s house, the trees are all glowing, bringing smiles to The Mouse. Choirs are singing, bakers taking great care, sounds and smells of the season are filling the air…
At Walt Disney World in 2011, it begins to look a lot like Christmas as early as November 8. Santa’s elves bedazzle every corner of the Vacation Kingdom for a seasonal spectacle filled with heartwarming stage productions, enchanting parades, garlands and wreaths, millions of sparkling lights and even the first flakes of winter.
And with a ho, ho, whole lot of cheer being spread over more than a month, guests have more choice as to when they join in the magical, one-of-a-kind celebration.
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 special nights, holiday revelers can delight during this cheery, family-friendly event. Party-goers embrace the joys of the season – sipping cocoa, catching a “snowflake” and enjoying merry shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.
Castle Dream Lights – Each evening of the season, Cinderella Castle shimmers with lights brought to beaming brightness during a ceremonial show performed at dusk. Beginning November 4 and continuing through January 3, 2012, Cinderella and favorite Disney characters decked out in festive holiday garb take center stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace draped with 200,000 ice cycle-white lights.
The Magic, The Memories and You! – The nightly light show on Cinderella Castle gets in “the spirit” throughout the holidays with a special segment that wraps the Magic Kingdom landmark in colorful bows and boughs, gift paper and ribbons, ornaments, candy stripes and multi-colored strands of lights… and gingerbread.
Epcot
Candlelight Processional – An inspirational retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra punctuates the reason for the season during this time-honored Epcot tradition.
Holidays Around the World - Throughout World Showcase, international storytellers share traditions and tales from their homeland. Strolling along the promenade during the Holidays around the World celebration may put you face-to-face with the good-hearted witch La Befana, known in Italy for filling children’s shoes with treats, or the jolly gift-bearer Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are celebrated as well.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – Entering the Hollywood Studios backlot, guests discover a virtual city of lights. On, over and among the cityscape buildings are millions of dazzling bulbs, dancing lights and animated displays synchronized to high-energy holiday tunes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 10-January 7, 2012. The spectacle will not be operational December 8.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade – King Louie and Baloo lead a rousing musical cavalcade – safari style – through the park from November 10 to January 3, 2012, during Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. The wild side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom blends with a playful spirit of the holidays as Chip & Dale, stilt walkers and savannah friends dance alongside decorative floats at 4 pm daily.
Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village at Camp Minnie-Mickey has decked the halls big time with festive décor. A perfectly trimmed Christmas tree adorned with animal crafted ornaments welcomes guests at the park’s entrance. Carolers spread holiday cheer and Santa Goofy and friends greet guests for photo opportunities.
Downtown Disney
With dozens of shops that stretch from the Marketplace to the West Side (and plenty of taste-bud-tempting treats!), Downtown Disney is a shopper’s delight. There are one-of-a-kind boutiques, plus enough toys, games, character merchandise, and costumes to fill Santa’s sleigh.
School choirs and bands often perform at the dock stage to ring in the season. Kids can pose for pictures and sit with Santa Claus, November 19 – December 24, 2011.
Resort Hotels
Disney resort hotels are dressed up for the holidays, offering an ideal home-away-from-home during the season. An intricate, life-size gingerbread house cooked up by Walt Disney World pastry chefs is a must-see at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The yummy sugar shack is baked with 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 35 pounds of spices and more. It even has a chimney that puffs out delicious cinnamon smoke. A magnificent gingerbread carousel complete with chocolate and soft-candy ponies and oversized candy-cane poles takes center stage at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Other hotels are spruced up with wreaths and trees decorated with miles of garland, ribbon and glistening ornaments. Check each hotel for holiday dining offerings and special entertainment
|
|
Grocery Delivery at Walt Disney World If you won't have a car while on vacation -- or you just don't want to spend your vacation in the supermarket -- a company called Garden Grocer can do your shopping for you and deliver the groceries to your Orlando-area hotel. If you plan to buy more than 2 or 3 grocery items during your stay, using this shopping service will probably save you a substantial amount of money compared with buying food from hotel convenience stores. Garden Grocer has exact products and prices on its web site, which she found easier and more convenient than having to specify every single item, size and brand (as a competing grocery delivery company requires). Garden Grocer has a minimum order of $40. There is a $12 delivery fee on smaller orders, but delivery is FREE if your order is over $200. Tipping the delivery person is at your discretion.
|
|
New rule for the exchange of U.S. currency in Mexico Nolitours and Transat Holidays wish to inform you that the Mexican government has put in place a new rule that applies to the exchange of U.S. dollars to Mexican pesos. Indeed, foreigners travelling to Mexico can exchange a maximum of US $1,500 for Mexican pesos per month. This new measure applies to money exchanged in banks and in currency exchange offices only and does not apply to withdrawals made from automated tellers (ATMs), or to purchases and transactions made with credit cards or debit cards. It is possible that certain hotels and/or businesses may refuse the payments made with U.S. dollars in cash. Therefore, please advise your clients that they should carry a credit card, a debit card, and/or Mexican pesos and/or Canadian dollars. While the new rule does not apply to Canadian currency, certain financial institutions, hotels and currency exchange offices do not make that distinction. For more information, please consult the notice issued by Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada at:
|
|
On July 20, 2011 WestJet announced new flights to Puerto Rico from Canada. WestJet will fly to San Juan Puerto Rico twice per week. The flights are non stop and will depart Toronto Pearson International Airport on Saturdays and Sundays.
Travellers from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and other Canadian cities can fly to Puerto Rico by connecting in Toronto, Ontario.
WestJet Flight Schedule - Puerto Rico
WestJet Airlines flights from Toronto Ontario to San Juan Puerto Rico (YYZ to SJU):
Flight WS1952 departs Toronto at 9:10 AM Saturday and Sunday. Approximate flight time is 4 hours and 25 minutes.
WestJet Airlines flights from Puerto Rico to Toronto (SJU to YYZ):
Flight WS1153 departs San Juan at 4:05 PM. Approximate flight time is 4 hours and 45 minutes
|
|
New proof of parentage requirements for a child's travel document application To protect Canadian children against child abduction and to further enhance the security of the Canadian passport program, Passport Canada will soon require that travel document applications for children under 16 years of age be accompanied by proof of parentage documentation*. Effective December 1, 2011, along with standard application requirements, parents or legal guardians must provide with their child’s travel document application, either: A detailed birth certificate indicating the name of the parent(s) issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial vital statistics agency if the child was born in Canada. This document will serve as both proof of parentage and proof of citizenship; A certified copy of birth registration (original only) is also accepted for a child born in Ontario; and A Copy of an act of birth (original only) issued after January 1, 1994, by the Directeur de l’état civil of Quebec is also accepted for a child born in Quebec; An order of adoption indicating the name of the adoptive parent(s); or A foreign birth certificate indicating the name of the parent(s) (documents in a language other than English or French must be translated to either English or French) if the child was born outside of Canada. All legal documents that refer to custody, the mobility of, or access to the child must be provided. If a divorce has been granted, a copy of the divorce judgment or order must also be provided. If a separation agreement exists, it must also be provided with the application. *Exception: Applications submitted on behalf of a child will be accepted without proof of parentage only if all of the following criteria are met: A Canadian travel document has previously been issued to the child in his or her name; The previously issued travel document is still valid or expired for less than one year; and The previously issued travel document accompanies the new application. Passport Canada wishes to make Canadian travellers aware of these changes well in advance of the implementation date and encourages Canadians to initiate their travel document application process as soon as they begin to plan to travel to ensure that the proper documentation is obtained in time for a trip abroad. It is important that parents and legal guardians factor in additional time to acquire proper documentation prior to submitting a travel document application for their child. Failure to provide the proper documentation will result in your child’s travel document application being rejected. Find out more about passports for children and travelling with children.
|
|
PLEASE BE AWARE that as of MARCH 1, 2010 PASSORTS WILL BE MANDATORY to enter MEXICO and it MUST BE VALID 6 MONTHS AFTER YOUR return to CANADA.....I am expecting an influx of passport applications in Saskatoon, so if you have a trip already booked to Mexico and don't have your passport yet, I recommend you go an apply NOW for one..
|
|
Important Entry/Exit Requirements for Travelers to Mexico A reminder to travelers flying to Mexico that effective March 1, 2010, all Canadian citizens, including those with dual nationality, will be required to present a valid passport in order to enter Mexico. Please make sure that your Canadian passports are valid before making vacation plans to visit Mexico. For further information please visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=184000
|
|
As of May 1, 2010 ...Bermuda now requires its guest to present a valid passport to enter the country. Please be advised this also means children.
|
|
All visitors to Cuba must have medical insurance to enter the country from May 1. This travel insurance must cover medical expenses with coverage in Cuba.
The insurance policy should be purchased in the traveller’s home country but tourists arriving without proper coverage will be required to purchase an appropriate policy from a Cuban insurance company at the airport, port or marina where they arrive. Travel assistance services in Cuba are provided by Asistur S.A, available 24 hours all year round.
All travellers shall present an insurance policy, certificate or traveling assistance card valid for the time they will stay in Cuba.
Here is the list of approved Canadian insurance providers as of April 2:
Canada
ACM
ASSURED ASSISTANCE (e.g. RBC)
CANASSISTANCE
DESJARDINS (SIGMA-ASSISTEL)
FOX FLIGHT
GLOBAL EXCEL
HEALTH INSURANCE DIVISION
ICMS-WORLDWIDE EMERGENCY ASSIST (TORONTO)
JOHN INGLE INSURANCE
KEEWATIN AIR
MAGNUS POIRIER
MEDICAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION
RBC INSURANCE
|
|
MICKEY goes HAWAIIAN........Get Ready to Book Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa Ko Olina, Hawai‘i Bookings open the first week in August 2010 for Disney's new family resort on the shores of O‘ahu. Aulani connects your Clients to all that's magical about Hawai‘i through storytelling and amazing cultural experiences as only Disney can deliver.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXwhgGfNq18
|
|
Travel Advisory: NO-FLY LIST As the Travel industry in general, and Tour Operators in particular, adapt to the reality and potential problems that might occur given the institution of a Canadian "No-Fly" List, called the "Passenger Protect" Program, the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) addressed the issue. At a recent Conference call by the members of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators, it was agreed that Travel Agents and Tour Operators should advise their passengers to go to the airport earlier than usual as a precautionary measure. This to allow sufficient time to resolve any potential issues in cases where the passenger's name might have appeared on the list in error. Also discussed were the passenger identification requirements which are becoming increasingly more restrictive. Proper identification, as well as exact name matching on documents and tickets are now crucial. Accepted documents and information on the above can be found on the Transport Canada web site at http://passengerprotect.gc.ca/identity.html. Passengers must be aware of these requirements and constraints prior to arriving at airports in order to avoid serious disappointment and perhaps costly consequences. CATO is the Association of Canada's major international Tour Operators. See www.cato.ca for more information.
|
|
SFPD (Secure Flight Passenger Data) must be applied to flights from NOV 1, 2010 and beyond. Legal names, gender,date of birth. Failure to provide this information could potentially ailnes can deny boarding. If you book flights online PLEASE make sure this information is given to whom ever the flight tickets are booked with. for a more safety peace of mind use a certified Travel Agent like myself for all your flight needs.
|
|
The Dominican Republic is making travel easier for Canadian P.R. holder to visit the country The Dominican Republic is making it easier for foreign permanent residents of all nationalities living in Canada to visit the country. All foreign permanent residents living in Canada no longer require a Dominican visa to visit the Caribbean country. They require only a valid passport from their country of origin, their official Canadian Immigrant document attached to it and the normal Dominican Tourist Card. Regulations for Canadian citizens remain unchanged. This new policy is part of a recent Presidential Decree signed and put into effect by Dominican President Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reyna.
|
|
Vows on Vacation your fantasy wedding... A wedding in an exotic location far from home can be the most romantic wedding of all but it requires special care and handling. As Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist, I have a team of experts to help ensure your important plans go just right! All the details are handled ahead of time using either TPI preferred hotels that have onsite wedding coordinators or through reputable local wedding companies in destinations that have proven track records with TPI Our expertise is of value and benefit to clients throughout North America. With fax, email and the Internet, we can handle your special plans from any departure city to any destination in the world. SERVICES AVAILABLE 1... Initial one-on-one telephone or office consultation to discuss the perfect destination for you and your fiance. 2... Suggestions of resorts where previous clients have enjoyed success. 3... Coordination of wedding events with the onsite wedding coordinator at the resort or private company in recommended destination. 4... Details of paperwork and VISAs (if any) that may be required for the destination. 5... Assistance setting up civil office appointments in the destination. 6... Assistance in planning the honeymoon registry. 7... Professionally prepared package of vacation documents. Statement of Disclosure In engaging the services of TPI for your wedding/honeymoon registry and travel arrangements, you agree to the following: An initial non-refundable fee of $150 is required 14 days after registration to set up the registry. This fee is to be paid by cash or cheque and will be applied towards final payment of the honeymoon booking. All deposits and final payments due on any of your travel arrangements will be paid from the funds in your TPI registry account. If the funds are not available in your account, you will be responsible for making the payments on or before applicable due dates. If, and when the funds become available, you will be reimbursed from your account. Please be advised that many suppliers require final payments as much as 60 days in advance of travel. If you do not receive sufficient funds in your TPI registry account to cover the cost of your complete vacation, you will be responsible for the additional payments according to the applicable due dates. Should you decide to cancel your honeymoon travel arrangements, all funds in your registry account will be refunded to you, less the original $150 non-refundable fee, or, 10% of the monies in the account ,whichever is greater, plus any non-refundable deposits and cancellation fees imposed by airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, etc. It will be the registered couples responsibility to refund their contributors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
