Top 5 Coffee Spots at Walt Disney World

If you're a coffee lover, you don't have to sacrifice your daily cup of joe when you're on vacation. In fact, you'd be surprised at how many rich, exotic blends there are to choose from. So, in honor of National Coffee Day (which is today!), we thought we'd share our TOP 5 coffee spots at Walt Disney World: 

5. Les Halls Boulangerie and Patisseries in France at Epcot
A lovely way to start your day at Epcot. Plus, you can choose from a variety of French pastries, baguettes, croissants, to enjoy as you take in World Showcase.

4. Starbucks at the Main Street Bakery
There are a few locations on Walt Disney World property where you can find Starbucks coffee (including Epcot and Downtown Disney), but we chose the one on Main Street as one of the best spots. Great coffee, sweet treats - perfect way to start your day at the Magic Kingdom.

3. Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop at Downtown Disney If the name alone doesn't entice you, the coffee certainly will. In addition to signature ice cream and chocolate concoctions, you can choose from a number of specialty coffee and iced beverages - all with that signature Ghirardelli taste. Yum!

2. Boma - flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge This place makes you feel like you just landed in the beautiful African landscape. Amid the authentic African decor, you can enjoy a cup of full-bodied Kenyan AA coffee, African pastries and a great breakfast buffet. Definitely one of our top choices.

And our number one spot for coffee at Walt Disney World is...

1. Kona Island at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Kona Island is considered one of the best spots at Walt Disney World to relax and unwind with a French press of Kona coffee. You can even take a bag of beans home with you (whole or ground, 100% pure or a blend).

So what's your favorite spot to grab a cup of coffee at Walt Disney World? Tell us in the comments below!

Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate the Holidays on the High Seas

This holiday season, Magical Travel can plan your trip on Very MerryTime Cruises - a Disney Cruise Line event - available on sailings in early November through Christmas!

2014 Sail Dates:

·         Disney Magic, Nov 9 - Dec 28

·         Disney Wonder, Nov 9 - Dec 30

·         Disney Dream, Nov 10 – Dec 29

·         Disney Fantasy, Nov 8 – Dec 27

Why should you sail during the holidays? Here are our TOP 10 reasons to celebrate the holidays on the high seas:

1 - Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay

A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as at Castaway Cay! Disney's private island paradise is transformed with "snow" flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island's tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

2 - Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party, a celebration in addition to Pirate Night, with candy-cane limbo, dancing and games.

3 - King Triton's Tree Lighting Ceremony, where kids can help light the tree and kick off the holiday festivities

4 - Santa Claus meet-and-greet, an exciting opportunity to take family pictures and see Santa and his elves

5 - Teen-only and tween-only holiday parties—private celebrations where teens and tweens can hang out

6 - Holiday storytelling, with new and old tales about holidays at sea and around the world

7 - Themed activities and crafts for kids: decorate stockings and holiday cards, go on scavenger hunts & more

8 - See a life-sized gingerbread house made completely with edible ingredients—and make your own gingerbread house!

9 - Cookies on Christmas Eve

10 - Holiday caroling with the kids and the crew of the ship

Disney Cruise Line has really gone all out to make sure every sailing is filled with holiday magic. Religious services will also be offered on board. Check with Guest Services for times and locations. 

For pricing on any of the 2014 Very Merrytime Cruises:

CONTACT US

1-866-207-8387

Email: Info@magicaltravel.com

No-obligation quote 

Holiday activities and offerings are subject to change and vary by ship and itinerary. 

How To Do "Pin Trading" at the Disney Parks

Have you ever noticed cast members with pins on their costume? Or maybe you've noticed other guests walking around the Disney parks with lanyards full of Disney collectible pins? Pin trading has become a favorite pasttime at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It's fun and easy. Here's how you do it:

First, you'll want to get a lanyard. These are sold online or in the theme parks or resorts. There are lots to choose from in different colors and sizes. The lanyard is worn around your neck and is the perfect way to showcase your pin collection.

Next, you'll want to get a pin or two or three or more to adorn your new lanyard. Pins are sold online and in many merchandise locations in the parks, resorts, and Downtown Disney area. Prices for pins start around $7. Make sure you have a good rubber backing for your pin so it will stay on your lanyard securely.

Now, here's where the fun starts! Be on the lookout for cast members with lanyards and pins. Ask them if they want to do some pin trading with you and then check out the pins on their lanyard. If any of their pins catch your eye, offer up one of your pins in exchange. Before you know it, you'll be an expert pin trader!

So do you collect Disney pins - or do you trade them with cast members or other guests? Do you have special pins that you wouldn't trade for the world?

Maelstrom To Be Replaced by NEW Frozen-Themed Attraction

Anna and Elsa have certainly taken Disneyland and Walt Disney World by storm! It was just announced today that construction has begun on a new "Frozen" attraction at the Norway pavilion at Epcot. The new attraction will replace the current ride, "Maelstrom", and will take you into the Kingdom of Arendelle and into some of your favorite moments from the popular film. It is scheduled to open in early 2016. We'll keep you posted as plans progress.

NOTE: The last day you can visit the Maelstrom attraction is October 5, 2014. Although the ride will be closed after that date, the Norway pavilion will remain open during construction.

Elsa, Anna and some other characters from Frozen will also make an appearance during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (an event which requires a separate admission ticket). 

In addition to their regular character appearances, you can see Queen Elsa use her powers to transform the castle into an ice palace each night  Nov 5. Check daily show schedule for times. 

The Ultimate Fine Dining Experience at Walt Disney World

If you're looking for a new and unique dining experience the next time you visit Walt Disney World, consider an evening at Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Classic Victorian elegance meets haute American cuisine at Victoria & Albert's - AAA Five Diamond Award recipient since 2000.

The Menu
The avant-garde menu changes daily and is inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients from a global market including truffles from Italy, beef from Japan, poulet rouge from North Carolina and oysters from Northern Florida.

The Main Dining Room
Fresh flowers, candlelight and the soft sounds of a harp create a romantic, Victorian ambiance in the main dining room. Here, you'll enjoy up to seven (7) prix fixe courses specially chosen by the Chef.

Queen Victoria's Room

Queen Victoria's Room
This exquisite room was inspired by Victorian dining rooms in London and Paris and is an intimate setting for only four tables.

You'll dine behind closed, frosted-glass doors and enjoy up to ten (10) prix fixe courses specially chosen by the Chef.

Meet the Head Chef and enjoy up to 13 courses 

Relax and enjoy your time at the Chef's Table

The Chef's Table
At the coveted Chef's Table, you'll enjoy a luxurious dinner of up to thirteen (13) prix fixe personalized courses prepared specially for you and your party by the Chef as well as a champagne toast to start the evening.

*The dining experience at the Chef's Table can last up to three hours, so be prepared for an unforgettable evening and an extraordinary feast for the senses.

Dress Code
Men: Dinner jackets with dress pants or slacks and shoes. Ties are optional.
Women: Cocktail dress, nice dress, dressy pant suit or skirt with blouse.
Jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes are not permitted.


Reservations
Advanced reservations are highly encouraged. You can make them up to 180 days out by calling (407) WDW-DVNA or booking online or with your travel agent.