January Disney Month at AAA Travel and CAA Travel is the time for your AAA/CAA Travel professional to weave a little extra magic into your next vacation.

In addition to the special and exclusive AAA benefits available all year, when you book between January 1-31, 2012 you can take advantage of exclusive limited time AAA/CAA benefits and savings on select AAA Vacations® packages to the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort , Aulani Resort as well as select Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney® vacations. Visit to DisneyMonthAtAAA.com for details. ... Read More

Walt Disney World celebrated its 40th anniversary this past Saturday with a scattering of special events at Magic Kingdom Park … the only theme park at the resort on opening day Oct. 1, 1971. A full cast of Disney characters paraded up Main Street U.S.A. to Cinderella Castle kicking off the morning festivities. A mix of musical themes from parades past escorted the cavalcade along the parade route.

Disney ambassadors greeted the large gathering of guests around Cinderella Castle, many of whom – identified by a display of cheers – were also in attendance 40 years ago. Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton spoke briefly and shared the words from Roy O. Disney's 1971 dedication speech:... Read More

This is the last post in a three-part series about Disney shows and firework displays. The first two posts are Fantasmic and Disney’s IllumiNations: Reflections on Earth.

If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World yet in 2011, you’re in for a major surprise. Believe it or not, the Magic Kingdom’s widely popular after-dark celebration that centers on the Cinderella Castle has changed.

Now don’t jump to conclusions. Disney officials haven’t taken away the “Wishes Nightime Spectacular.” In fact, they’ve actually enhanced the 12-minute fireworks show with a new and exciting “pre” show…show.... Read More

To me, Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park represents a celebration of diversity and in that regard, there’s no better way to embrace cultural similarities and differences while in Orlando than by experiencing the park’s nightly finale, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

This is the second in a series of three separate posts in which I hope to share some insight on the primary after-dark theme park shows at Walt Disney World. To read my previous story on “Fantasmic,” which takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, click here. ... Read More

Nighttime celebrations at Walt Disney World are filled with fireworks, lasers and magnificent lighting displays. In fact, when visiting the area with my family, I make it a point to see at least one of the three in-park shows, no matter how many times I may have seen it before.

This is the first in a series of three separate posts that will provide a little insight on Disney’s “Fantasmic,” “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” and “Wishes” after dark productions. ... Read More

While staying at the J.W. Marriott Ihilani, a AAA Four Diamond resort on the island of Oahu, I previewed the exterior of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, scheduled to open Aug. 29, 2011. The two properties share a beautiful golden sand beach lagoon that is, at present, quiet, uncrowded and idyllic — and undoubtedly about to change. ... Read More

The AAA Travel Spring Sweepstakes features a grand prize of a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom as a part of a 5-night vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Other prizes include 4-night getaways to the Walt Disney World Resort or $100 gift cards from AAA.... Read More

As I look back on my time aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship last week, there are many experiences that stand out in my mind. The Christening cruise was an abbreviated one (two nights), so I wasn't able to do everything I wanted. But based on what I WAS able to personally sample, here are a three things, in no particular order, that shouldn't be missed when sailing on the Disney Dream: ... Read More

While relaxing on board the Disney Dream this morning, I found myself noticing some of the special features Disney 'Imagineers' thoughtfully included in the ship's staterooms.

- An HDTV on an extendable swivel arm
- A nicely-equipped desk area, equipped with AC outlets and push-button light switches, including one for an overhead night light
- Comparable room space to most other cruise lines (don't worry, it's more than sufficient... Read More

 
With my face enthusiastically pressed against the bus window yesterday morning, I must have resembled a young boy (minus the male pattern baldness, of course) as I first caught glimpse of the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream upon our arrival at Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship was actually visible from quite a distance thanks in part to its impressive length—1,115 feet—and two red smokestacks with the Disney Cruise Line logo and white “Mickey Ears” shadow. As if on cue, the morning sun shone brightly on the ship. ... Read More