NEW Character Dining Option at Walt Disney World during Star Wars Weekends!

by Katie Miller

Do you have Jedis in-training who would love to dine with the Star Wars characters?  Well, now you can!  During Star Wars Weekends, being held May 16 - June 15th, 2014 at the Walt Disney World Resort, you and the Star Wars fans in your life can enjoy two brand-new dining options featuring some of your favorite Star Wars characters.

©Disney

Star Wars dining is available for dates May 4-June 15.  The Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast will be available at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, and will feature Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Jawa, Darth Vader, and Greedo.  The movie screen at Sci-Fi will also be playing Star Wars movie clips, trailers and music!  Reservations will be available from 8AM - Noon and is $47.99 for adults, and $29.99 for children.  Also included in your meal is a digital photo of your family on a commemorative Photopass card.

The dinner option, Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine, will feature some of your favorite Disney characters as their Star Wars counterparts!  You’ll be able to meet Ewok Chip & Dale, Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy and Stormtrooper Donald Duck. There is a Fantasmic dinner package available with this option; a commemorative family photo with Chip & Dale, via digital download, is also included.  Seating for dinner is available from 4:15 - 9:30PM and will correspond with park hours.  The Fantasmic dinner package is $59.99 for adults, and $36.99 for children.  To enjoy just the character dinner is $55.99 for adults, and $33.99 for children.

These Star Wars character meals are also available as part of the Disney Dining Plan, and can be redeemed for 2 Table Service Credits per person.

To learn more, and to book your family’s out-of-this-world vacation to Walt Disney World, contact your Mouse World Travel agent! 

WestJet's Magic Plane

by Cass Pettigrew

In early December 2013, Canada's choice airline, WestJet, introduced its' newest and most enchanted plane, dubbed "Magic Plane", on a flight from Calgary to Orlando. This amazing custom-painted  Boeing Next- Generation 737-800 features Sorcerer Mickey, Cinderella Castle and a whole lot of pixie dust.

Less than two weeks after its' inaugural flight, my client, Ashley Kennedy, along with her husband Kevin and 6-year old daughter, Brianna, were lucky enough to begin their family vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort and Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy with a fabulous flight on the Magic Plane.

I've asked Ashley to tell us a little about her experience on the plane and here is what she said:

"If you’re on a direct flight from Calgary to Orlando, there’s a good chance you’re all heading to the same place. You start to find each other as you enter the airport, smiling tentatively in the security line at those around you wearing their Disney vacation apparel. Who cares if it’s an acid wash jean jacket if Mickey’s on the back? The great thing about this kind of travel is everyone at the gate is in a good mood.  What could possibly add to this excitement? A whisper begins through the crowd of passengers waiting to board. Soon there’s a line up at the glass and phones flashing pictures.  Could it be? Yes! The Mickey Plane! Officially WestJet has named her the Magic Plane but not a single person we met ever called it that.  Everyone is in a hurry to board and can’t wait to see inside.  The seats are adorned with pixie dust stars as is the lavatory mirror. For the most part however, once you’re seated and facing forward it’s easy to forget that Sorcerer Mickey is personally winging you south to Florida.  There are subtle Disney touches – Disney Parks napkins instead of the usual WestJet ones, and packages of Mickey cookies during the last service.  The big draw for the little ones though is a channel devoted to Disney cartoons. It came in particularly handy on our trip when the pay-per-view and satellite TV went out. 

What really surprised me was the reactions we got from people we met during our vacation upon hearing that we rode down on the Magic Plane. I had no idea it was such big news! Americans from all over, and British, Australian and South African cast members on the Disney Fantasy had all heard about it and I think were more excited than we were! It was nice to be able to share the experience with so many people we met.  We got to relive the little thrill throughout our entire holiday.

I’m glad we had the experience but I’m also happy that others will be able to enjoy it on other WestJet routes.  Especially those who have never (and may never) have the opportunity to visit a Disney Park. It’s like bringing a little piece of the Disney enchantment to all passengers – I guess that’s why they call it the Magic Plane." 

And here are some photos from their flight from Calgary to Orlando:

The Magic Plane will be flying everywhere that WestJet does, including 18 different countries and 35 cities, so you will see it all over Canada and the USA, so keep an eye out for this beautiful work of art!

To learn more about the Magic Plane and to see a video of how they painted it, check out WestJet's Blog.'s

Featured Agent: Katie Miller

Hi, my name is Katie Miller and I have been with Mouse World Travel since Fall 2013. One of my favorite things to do is to plan my own Disney vacations, and I love that I can now help others make those memories, too!

I’ve been a fan of Disney movies and characters since I was a little girl, but didn’t take my first Walt Disney World vacation until I was 17 years old. To say I was hooked is an understatement. I was totally captivated with the magic of Disney the first moment I stepped into the Magic Kingdom, and I have to say I still get that magical feeling each time I go to Disney.

I have traveled to Walt Disney World a total of 13 times, and at the end of January 2014 I’ll have taken my 5th cruise on the Disney Cruise Line, having sailed at least once on every ship. I have trips in the works to Disneyland in California, and also out to Aulani, Disney’s newest resort in Hawaii.

I really enjoy sharing my love of Disney with my family and friends; my 4 year old niece delights in telling me, “I can’t wait until you take me to Disney World!” (I have taught her well)

Here are a few of my favorite things to see, do, and eat at Disney:

Favorite character: Sorcerer Mickey, hands down. I am not ashamed to admit that I tear up a little when I see him at Fantasmic!

Favorite movie: Favorite live action would be Mary Poppins (how can you not love Julie Andrews); favorite animated movie is Sleeping Beauty.

Favorite attraction: Soarin at Epcot. I could do this over and over again....and I have!

Favorite place to stay at Disney: I honestly haven’t disliked any of the resorts I’ve stayed at, but I would say my favorite is the Beach Club, both for its ambiance and its location between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Favorite food at Disney: O’Hana is always a must-do when in Orlando; oh that bread pudding, I could write novels about that bread pudding. For quick service, I can’t pass up the flatbread pizzas at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa; the BBQ Chicken one is the BOMB.

Thanks for letting me tell you a little about myself! Pixie dust to you and yours!

Contact me for your next Disney vacation: katie@mouseworldtravel.com 

Meeting Elsa & Ana from Disney's Frozen

Character meet & greets at Walt Disney World are wildly popular, but when Disney places a new character in the parks, getting to meet that character without a giant wait can take some serious thought and planning.

Such is the case with Disney's newest characters, Elsa and Ana from Disney's Frozen.  You can find Elsa and Ana in the Norway Pavilion of EPCOT.

Disney allows guests to start lining up at park opening, generally 9 AM, and the meets start at 11 AM when the World Showcase officially opens.

Yes, people are happily waiting 2 hours to get a bit of face time with these two lovely ladies!

One thing many people may not know is that Disney is allowing one person to wait for the whole family.  That means one parent can take one for the team and stand in line, while the rest enjoy Soarin' or Test Track.  This is ideal if possible, but what if it's not?  Our suggestion is to head back right at park opening, or by 10:30 AM and your wait time should be manageable.  In the afternoon the wait time can soar up to four hours.

We've heard many rave reviews about the character interaction with Elsa and Ana and people say the wait is worth the time.

Thanks to MWT Agent Jeanne Simons for the advice and pictures!

Featured Agent: Jennifer Dowling

We are starting a new type of article on our blog where we feature one of our fantastic agents so you can get to know more about them!!  Feel free to post questions or comments on the blog for the agent!

Hi! I am Jen.

I have been an agent with Mouse World Travel for just under 3 years, and it was the best career move I ever made!

I am a mother of 3 children, 24, 21 and 8 years of age. I have been lucky enough to travel with all 3 of them to Disney at one point in time. My husband is a Dairy Farmer, which can make traveling a little tricky at times, but we try to find a way to get away when we can.

I took my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1974 when I was four years old. The park was still very new and I was very young, but I still have many vivid memories of that trip. I now have traveled to the "World" numerous times, with many more trips planned for the future.

I have also sailed with Disney Cruise Line for the first time in 2011. It was such an amazing trip, that I did 2 more cruises the next year! Cruising with Disney is great fun and I would love to help you plan your perfect cruise. 

I have eaten at many of the Walt Disney World Restaurants,--- experiencing most of the Character meals offered. I love staying on property at Pop Century Resort, though over the past few years I have branched out and tried many more resorts and I have a hard time picking my favorite. My youngest daughter enjoys all the large icons at Pop and the constant "Disney" feeling we get there. We also had a chance to stay at the New Art of Animation not long after it opened and it was so much fun!
Being a Mom of 3, I know how to plan a Disney vacation with a family in mind---especially traveling with young children and all the activities offered for them. I have also traveled to Walt Disney World with other adult friends and have taken a solo trip, so I know how touring plans change depending on who you travel with. I have a sailed on Disney Cruise Lines with an adults only group, as well as trips with children.

I have also sailed with Norwegian Cruise Lines twice. I am a big fan of their freestyle dining.

I am a Graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge and attended the Disney Agent Education Program in 2011, which is held right at the Walt Disney World Resort for onsite training.
I am a Princess Cruise Line Commodore Graduate, a Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Advanced Specialist with Silver badge Certified Graduate, A Universal Specialist, A Sea World Parks and Entertainment Specialist, A Legoland Specialist, A Hotel Excellence by Marriott Graduate, an InterContinental Hotels Group Graduate, A Carnival Fun Seeker Specialist (working on advancing that degree) and Atlantis Specialist. I am currently working on my Royal Caribbean, Hilton, and Holland America Degrees. I am IATA certified and also working on my CLIA Certification.

I can also book anything that Expedia offers for you if you feel you can get a better deal through them.

I love planning trips. I will include in as much or as little of the planning as you choose. I also love to write about my trips and experiences. My blog, http://jensmouseworld.tumblr.com/ contains many pictures of Disney resorts and activities, as well as several of my most recent trip reports.
My facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/JenniferWDW

I know the current deals and keep up with the most recent changes and Disney news.

Disney feels like "Home" to me! Let me help make it feel like your home too.
You can contact me at jen@mouseworldtravel.com or 419-260-3510.

Two Disney Vacations in One!

Now you can enjoy a Disney Cruise and Walt Disney World® Resort stay – all in one vacation.

Package components include:
• 3-Night Disney Magic® sailings from Jan. 17 – Feb. 7, 2014
• 3-Night resort stay at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (other Resorts are bookable but will affect the price per person)
• 3-Day Park Hopper® Theme Park Ticket
• Transfers between Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line® terminal

Packages start at $789 per person for a family of 4 (total package price $3,156).

To book this offer contact us by Dec. 31, 2013!

Additional Details:
• Offer valid for most Disney Magic 3-Night sailings, category 11B Stateroom, Jan. 17 to Feb. 7, 2014 and for most nights Jan. 17 to Feb 10, 2014 at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort in a standard room
• The number of staterooms and rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
• Cruise fare excludes Government Taxes and Fees of approximately $63 per person (subject to change), Gratuities and Port Adventures.
• Price based on 2 adults and 2 children ages 3-9.
• Theme Park tickets must be used within 14 Days from first use.
• No group rates or other discounts apply.
• Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Disney's Earmarked Conference 2013

Mouse World Travel owner, Michelle Adams, and manager/agent Brook Wozniak, recently attended Disney's Earmarked Conference held at Walt Disney World from September 16 to 19, 2013.  During this conference they were able to hear from and speak with Disney Executives and use Disney's newest tech, MyMagic+ and the MagicBands first-hand.

If you haven't yet heard of MyMagic+ or MagicBands, the bulk of this technology allows you to make FastPass reservations from home without having to dart to the rides first thing in the morning to obtain FastPasses.  The MagicBands are a colorful wristband that basically replace the blue Key to the World card and hold all the data for your reservations.  The MyDisneyExperience website and smartphone app let you create, see, and make changes to all your plans and reservations.

Follow me, Brook, along in this blog for a recap of the conference!

September 16 - Check-in to the conference
This day was a 'free day' and not an actual conference day, there were some optional resort tours scheduled and check-in was being held all day at the Contemporary Resort Convention Center and then you were free to enjoy the resort and/or the parks.

The conference center was decorated with large banners in the conference theme "Mission: Incredible"

Conference goodies - bag with water bottle, lanyard with credentials, PhotoPass+ CD, notebook with pen, and an "I am Incredible" t-shirt

We also received some 'bling' for our MagicBands:

The top two items on the Band are called Sliders, the Mickey Incredible Slider was for the conference, the other was given to guests at check-in.  The bottom item is called a Bandit and is much like Jibbetz for Crocs, they just pop right into the holes on the Band. This was for conference attendees. You can purchase Sliders and Banditz and more in all the resort gift shops that are participating in the MagicBand testing and in the World of Disney in Downtown Disney.

After relaxing in the room for a bit, I ran off to the Magic Kingdom for a quick lunch at Casey's Corner (anyone who knows me knows I cannot resist those Corn Dog Nuggets!) and for a spin around Tomorrowland on the Peoplemover.  Later I joined up with Michelle for some time at Epcot.  We walked around the World Showcase, sipped on American Dreams (have you had that delicious treat?) and enjoyed the American Adventure and Living with the Land.

I stayed in the park for a while longer to ride Soarin' while Michelle returned to the hotel.  Later that evening Michelle, her husband, and I all stuffed ourselves silly at Whispering Canyon Cafe.  All in all, a fun day at Walt Disney World and we were both very excited for the conference to begin!

September 17 - the conference begins!
In true Disney fashion the conference began with entertainment!  The theme was Mission: Incredible and we were all "Super Agents".

Mr & Mrs Incredible along with Ivanna Dream

Today we heard from many Disney executives, Ed Fouché, Senior Vice President, Travel Industry Sales, Americas and Craig Parsons, Vice President, Travel Agency Sales and National Accounts welcomed us.

We covered the 2014 campaign, of which we were told was TOP SECRET and was just launched yesterday!  The ads are very fun (check one out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK64XOtDw4Y) and Disney has some great interactive elements in store for the rest of the year.


Nick Franklin, Executive Vice President, Next Generation Experience spoke about how MyMagic+ works, the goals, and partnering with us as travel agents in using this new technology.  He also reviewed some interesting statistics showing that Walt Disney World guests that have booked through a  travel agent are prepared upon arrival with their MagicBands customized and their FastPasses selected.  Versus guests who book on their own generally not being aware of MyMagic+.  Nick Franklin also gave us a peek into what is coming down the line with MyMagic+, but again - we were asked to keep quiet about this!  One very important piece is that the MyMagic+ test will be expanded to all Walt Disney World Resorts in October.


After lunch we were let loose in the parks to test and explore MyMagic+ and the MagicBands.  Since both Michelle and I had used them the previous day (and Michelle for a few days prior as well), we were pros by now!  We easily made on the fly changes to our FastPasses both online and on the MyDisneyExperience app and highly enjoyed our time in the Magic Kingdom.  That evening we attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Hilarious entertainer at the Haunted Mansion during Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party

HalloWishes - the unique fireworks show for the Halloween Party

September 18 - full conference day
The next day started bright and early.  After breakfast we almost immediately went into breakout sessions.

My favorite of the three breakout sessions was "Building 21st Century Relationships" by Terry Jones.  Terry Jones created Travelocity and Kyak.  He prepped us by telling us he knows we despise him.  Ha!  However, Terry is one very, very smart man.  His session was motivating, full of great ideas and it ended with him giving each of us a copy of his book On Innovation.  He also explained that he uses travel agents!  And his daughter IS a travel agent!  He loves to use a travel agent, a specialist, a destination pro, for many of his trips because they know tips and hints that would take him mounds of research to learn.  He cheered us on and was incredibly encouraging.

One session was also focused on MyMagic+.  This covered a few items coming down the line, including a booklet that will be sent to guests and the new "Thank You" postcards Disney will be sending that will interact with your smartphone/tablet.  Very cool.

I was able to sneak in a few "hot" questions about MyMagic+ after this session and while I did get a deeper understanding of things, quite a few things were still in testing and being worked on at this point.  However, if you are one who has encountered problems, be assured Disney is still working on the MyMagic+ program and making many, many tweaks.  We are all learning as we are going.  Your travel agent at Mouse World Travel is here to assist you every step of the way!  We are all plugged in to the latest news regarding MyMagic+ and working with the technology to make the best possible experience for your vacation!

After the breakout sessions we moved back into the main conference room for a review on Disney Cruise Line and the Disneyland Resort.  And our last session was “Disney Parks: A Look Ahead" with Scott Trowbridge, Vice President Research & Development, Walt Disney Imagineering.  This session was fantastic - it was so much fun to see what Disney has in store and get a peek into their ideas!  The conference ended with 600 travel agents donning "Glow with the Show Ears" and them dancing away to the music.  Unfortunately Fantasmic! wasn't quite ready to have the Ears (debuts on October 15), but it was still a thrill to experience it for a few moments!

That evening Disney took us to Hollywood Studios for a closing event.  We had dinner with a DJ on the set of Lights! Motors! Action! followed by dessert on the Streets of America with the Pointer Sisters live!  And they finished the conference with a bang with a personal fireworks show over Mickey's Sorcerer Hat at the front of the park.

All in all, it was a very fun conference.  We learned, we networked, we were encouraged.  Disney has a lot in store for us that will change how we work with our clients, and how we tour the parks; however, we are excited for this change and face it head-on.

Both Michelle and I found the MagicBands to be an excellent tool!  We were able to make and adjust our FastPasses on the fly using both the website and the smartphone app.  There are still a few kinks to be worked out; however, we are both confident this will greatly enhance your next next Walt Disney World vacation.  For a couple days after the conference I spent time with my family and it was pure bliss not having to run for FastPasses, we slept in and strolled through the park knowing we already had reservations for our favorite rides.

Leave a comment below or contact your Mouse World Travel Agent if you have any questions, otherwise stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates on MyMagic+!

Michelle & Brook enjoying the conference