Have you planned your spring or your summer vacay yet? Sometimes it’s hard to decide where to take a family, especially if different ages are involved, but one trip that’s always on everyone’s list is WALT DISNEY WORLD.
Spanning 40 square miles ~ the same size as San Francisco ~ with 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 23 resort hotels including 6 Disney Vacation Club properties, championship golf courses, 4 cruise ships, a Wide World of Sports Complex and Downtown Disney ….. Disney has something for everyone. By land or sea, you are guaranteed a great time.  However, with almost endless options, getting the most out of your trip time and expense can make anyone a little GOOFY. This is why you need the Disney specialists at MANN TRAVELS to help you with their insider scoop on all the details and answers to all your questions. Questions like…..
Is it too late to book? Should I stay on property? What are the benefits if I do? What are the choices? Can I experience Disney on my budget?  Should I get a one day park ticket or a park hopper? Help! What do I do first?
 First up, of course, is The Magic Kingdom, where it all started. This is the perfect place for children of all ages, and definitely for first~timers. Fairy tales come to life here, and magical memories are around every corner. You just never know if Minnie will ride the carousel with you or if Belle will read you a story. Between the parades and the fireworks, at least one full day is needed to experience the 6 imaginative lands in the Magic Kingdom: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Liberty Square and Main Street U.S.A.
So many places to go and so many characters to see. You’ve heard about dining with the Disney Characters and there are several options available but which one is right for your family? You have a boy and a girl, how can both be satisfied at one meal? Is it best to do a character breakfast or do I want lunch or dinner? Which one serves the best food? There are certain perks such as photo and autograph opportunities minus the lines if you get lucky enough to dine with the princesses, mice and ducks. Mann agents can help you select the right character meal, and reserve your meals while booking your stay, as meal reservations are required.
Next up is Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), which consists of 2 themed areas: Future World and World Showcase. It’s actually twice the size of the Magic Kingdom and represents 11 countries:Â Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada. Visitors get a peek at what the future may look like and a little taste of a foreign adventure with authentic representatives of each country along with foods and goods. Older travelers seem to always enjoy this park, but it’s still great for a younger audience too. Highlights at EPCOT are the International Flower & Garden Festival in the spring and the Food & Wine Festival in the fall.
What is the best way to navigate this park? Do we see the countries the first or last part of the day? Can we make reservations for lunch in Mexico and dinner in China? Where can I get some alcohol? Your Mann agent has your answers, and we guarantee it’s always 5:00 somewhere in The World Showcase.
After Epcot, comes Disney Hollywood Studios, formerly known as Disney MGM Studios, the third of four theme parks. This is where movie magic comes to life. You are center stage here as action awaits in a realistic movie set and attractions are based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows. This park features 8 areas: Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard, Streets of America, Commissary Lane, Pixar Place, Mickey Avenue and Animation Courtyard. This is your golden ticket to “Hollywood”.
Should I go straight to Tower of Terror? Or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? I heard Fantasmic firework is spectacular, how do I fit this in my day?
Again, a Disney specialist knows the answers to these and all of your park questions.
Finally, we have Disney’s Animal Kingdom , one of the largest animal theme parks in the world.   You will feel pretty much like you’ve landed in the middle of Africa when coming to this park. However, the Animal Kingdom wants you to know that it’s “Nahtazu” (not a zoo). It is a home to more than 1,700 animals across 250 species, and prides itself on conservation, education, research and care. Heading out to encounter exotic animals up close on the Kilimanjaro Safari or riding the thrilling Expedition Everest roller coaster are the big highlights at this park. You then must explore the 6 enthralling lands: Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand, U.S.A.
For a true African adventure, we recommend you stay at The Animal Kingdom Lodge and your Mann travel specialist knows the best rooms to book for the best animal sightings.
What time of day is the best to visit the serengeti? Are the shows worth seeing? Will I really get wet on the Kali River Rapid ride?
Besides the 4 theme parks, Walt Disney World also has 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. These are not your typical water parks with pools and crazy slides, these are done Disney style. Meaning you will feel like you are on a separate vacation, where you can snorkel with sharks or ride in a tube down Teamboat Springs.
For those that can tuck the children in bed and have enough energy to go out on the town, Disney’s Downtown Area is the place that you want to be. Shopping, dining and dancing is what you’ll find here.
How can I make the time to add a water park on my must do list? Can I do so with my budget? Can I stay at a property with a beach, to really get two vacations in one?
If we do go out at night, can I get in room childcare?
Again, there are answers to these and many questions you don’t even know to ask! That’s why Disney is a perfect trip to plan with an agent.
You’re highly encouraged to stay in one of Disney’s many premier resorts on property. There are accommodations for every budget from the glamorous Grand Floridian to their pristine campgrounds. Once you check in, you never need to get in your car since Disney transportation is included and available to take you anywhere on Disney grounds by resort bus, boat and/or monorail which avoids traffic and parking fees. Another perk now available is The Fast Pass + when you book a stay at select Disney resort hotels. This service allows you to reserve access to some of your favorite Walt Disney World experiences before you even leave home.
Right now you can save on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 28, 2014.
Save up to 30% when you stay up to 5 nights*
Save up to 35% when you stay 6 nights or longer*
Save even more when you stay 6 nights or longer and add minimum 6-day Magic Your Way Tickets to your room!**
The booking window is between March 17 – June 6, 2014 and Mann agents are standing by.
If all this isn’t enough, Disney Cruise Line is also an amazing option for your family vacation and Mann Travels can coordinate a land and sea package. Many prefer to do “land” first, and then relax at sea on one of 4 Disney ships: the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. All are known for their world class service and amenities. Mixing fun with grand elegance is what you can expect on board these floating resorts. A vast array of Disney themed Broadway entertainment, dining and destinations brings families together for an unforgettable experience.
Mann Travels has been helping families make their Disney dream vacations come true for years.
It’s not too late!! Right now, scoop readers can choose a LAND & SEA package: a 3 night Disney cruise / 4 night Disney park package or a 3 night Disney park / 4 night Disney cruise package. The cruise price will be based on the cabin category you choose and the land price will be based on the accommodations and type of Disney passes you choose. Round trip transfers between Orlando and Port Canaveral are included.
CALL 800-560-6147 or email scoop@manntravels.com for detailed information on booking.
So put on your mouse ears, it’s time for Mann Travels to reserve your place at the most magical place on earth.
*photos courtesy of Walt Disney World
Mann Travels
800-560-6147
9 offices in the Carolinas to serve you
4400 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 (Main office)
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