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ISSUE 3 AUGUST 2018

THE CASTLE CONNECT

The monthly newsletter for Castle Connections Travel

In this Issue:

- MICKEYS NOT SO SCARY PARTY: Get all the information on this can’t miss party at .

- HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS: Get ready for some stranger things and step into the Upside Down at Universal Orlando

- : Explore Disney’s exclusive Private Island and all it has to offer.

Parents Planning Disney Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party On our Disney Planning Facebook It’s all just a little Hocus Pocus..And who doesn't love a little page we asked members, ‘What’s your bit of Hocus Pocus? Starting in mid-August and running through the favorite Dessert at World’ magical night of Halloween, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Here are the results: brings a little bit of the Hocus Pocus and not much of the scary to the Magic Kingdom! There's something for all ages at this beloved -Dole Whip Float - 49% annual event, hosted at both in Florida and -Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar - 31% in Anaheim, California. Join the fun in the Magic -O’Hanas Bread Pudding - 10% Kingdom as your favorite attractions such as Space Mountain, The -The Kitchen Sink - 10% , Pirates of the Caribbean and of course are transformed to reflect the spirit of the season! Special Join our facebook page (facebook.com/ shows and parades focus on the fun! Someone must have lit the groups/parentsplanningdisney) to get all black flame candle because the Sanderson Sisters are back! Join your Disney questions answered and Winnie, Mary and Sarah as they put a spell on you in the Hocus to participate in next months poll! Pocus Villain Spelltacular! Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, led by the Headless Horseman, gives the Disney characters the chance to show off all of the Halloween finery in this fun filled parade! Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party puts the Treat in Disney Fun Fact: Trick-or-Treating! Costumes are welcome (please read the guidelines first) for the fun filled event and food allergies are not a The Land Pavilion in problem here as you Trick-or-Treat throughout the park! There's generates around 30 TONS of even a Scream-O-Ween Dance Party! After all of the fun, excitement and treats, why not cap off your night with some fireworks? POOF! produce each year. These fruits Like magic, HalloWishes appears! The spectacular Halloween and vegetables are served all display explodes in the sky behind the Castle as a throughout Walt Disney World soundtrack of hauntingly creeptastic music from Disney classics restaurants. Who knew Mickey plays! Could there be a more special way to spend your Halloween? had a green thumb!? And who knows...you may even meet a few grim, grinning along the way! @Lisa.ArduinoCCT ISSUE 3 AUGUST 2018

Universals Halloween Horror Nights Bigger and Scarier than EVER Now in its 28th year, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights will provide a flash back to 1980's horror cult classics with the addition of a 10th house being added this year. Universal does a fantastic job with building the anticipation for this event by dropping hints beginning in March and slowly announcing new houses and scare zones! Here is what we know so far. One of the biggest names in horror is making its debut at this year's event. The Netflix original Stranger Things will take you step by step through all eight episodes of season 1 – starting with Wills abduction, all the way through to Dustin's showdown with the Demogorgon. Guests will encounter everything from flashing Christmas lights to Hawkins National laboratory and even venture into the Upside Down! The 2009 film Trick "R" Treat is now making it's encore appearance as a haunted house, previously a scare zone in past years. Guests will be immersed in the various story lines including a walk through Mr.Kreeg's infamous house to watching costumed girls turn into Werewolves. Dead Exposure Patient Zero was first introduced in 2008 and in breaking tradition (this house was Universals first original haunt), making its return bigger and more frightening than ever. Guests will be plunged into darkness while a zombie hoard descends upon them with only flashes of strobes to light the way! Solidifying the new pattern of alternating between licensed and original haunted-house announcements, Slaughter Sinema goes all out on the ’80s theme; guests will enter an old drive-in that is in the midst of holding a marathon of vintage B-movies. The best part? All of the flicks are fictitious but still inspired by that iconic decade. Guests will face off against alien cannibals, deadly barbers, swamp yetis, and werewolf bikers. As you are making your way around the park you will encounter several Scare Zones which are sure to stand your hair on end! In the Harvest, guests make their way into an ominous looking barn, which is filled with props and images for each of the 10 haunted houses and is polluted with “foul and decrepit creatures” whose goal it is to reap a harvest of flesh and screams.Vamp 85- vampires invade on New Year’s Eve. As the ball drops, guests will try to elude blood-sucking monsters, all outfitted in their best ’80’s outfits of course. Twisted Tradition - Things are certainly twisted in this scare zone. The jack-o-lantern infused area isn’t what it appears. The closer you look at those pumpkins the more this becomes clear. The pumpkins are fused together with human flesh, and the worst part is they are decomposing! Revenge of Chucky- Chucky has transformed innocent play things into your worst nightmare complete with murderous monkeys and a deadly board game.If you enjoy a good scare and are looking to take on the nightmares of your childhood this premiere Halloween Event is just for you. Halloween Horror Nights 2018 will runs on select nights beginning September 14 through November 3 This event may be too intense for small children and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. @KarenCCT

Have you ever considered a Run Disney event?

Whether you are a walker or a marathon runner, you will love the races held at Walt Disney World. From beginning to end, they are one of the most organized races and lets not even start with the medals!!! Marathon Weekend will be held 1/9-1/1/19. Registration for Marathon Weekend opened on 7/19. As of now the 5k and 10k are sold out. Spots do open occasionally, so keep checking if that is the race you want to do. There is still availability for the half and full marathons. Disney Princess Half will be held 2/21-2/24/19. Registration for AP (Annual Passholders) and DVC ( members) will be on 8/2/18 at noon. Registration for the general public will be 8/7/18. Rival Weekend will be held 4/4-4/7/19. Registration for AP and DVC will be 8/23/18 at noon. Registration for the general public will be 8/28/18 at noon. A few things to note: -There is a HUGE RunDisney expo at Wide World of Sports -These races start very early in the morning -You must be able to walk/run a 16 minute mile -There are training guides on the RunDisney website to help you get started in time for your race -Even if you don’t follow the training guides, do some sort of training!! You don’t want to get swept -Invest in good running shoes Lisa and I will be there for Marathon Weekend and Star Wars Rival Weekend – I will be the s-l-o-w one most likely in the last corral. Wave at me as you are running by. @RubyAnneCCT Special thanks to or newslete cotibutos: Lindsay Geltz, Ruby Anne Cheste, Jaclyn Noel, Lisa Arduino, Kaen Crawfod, and Kellie Kindbeg ISSUE 3 AUGUST 2018

Have you ever wanted to visit a private Island?

Your dream can come true, just hop onboard a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean and you can visit Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private Island! Adventure begins when your cruise ship pulls right up and docks at the Island. Disembark to countless amenities including 3 beaches, sparkling lagoons, walking trails, splash water play areas, open BBQ dining locations (which are included in your cruise package), two retail shops featuring Castaway Cay souvenirs, free tram service, free stroller rental and so much more… Love meeting Disney Characters? There is a dance party with Lilo and Stitch and several other opportunities to meet and great characters. You can drop your kids (ages 3-12) at Scuttle Cove for some fun entertainment and head to Serenity Bay, an Adults only beach, for a massage overlooking the water or some frozen beverages from the bar. There is also a BBQ dining location there as well. Family Time can be spent at Castaway Family beach. There are beach chairs, umbrellas and even some hammocks. The family can enjoy sailing, swimming, and paddling a kayak. There is volleyball, tether ball, and even soccer! If you would like to try snorkeling head on over to the Blue Lagoon. All skill levels are welcome, and you might even spy a ! There is Pelican Plunge if you prefer to get a little wet. Pelican Plunge is a 2400 sq. ft. floating platform with slides and a huge dump bucket. Of course, Disney would never leave out the teens, they can head on over to Teen Hideout just for teens 13 to 17. Bring your Key to the World card to make purchases, the only cash you might need is for the Castaway Cay Post Office (they only except cash). This is only a small amount of what is available, try renting a bike to explore the Island, an entire day of fun and sun. What are you waiting for? Schedule your Disney Cruise today! @KellieCCT

Doing Disney with Infants and Toddlers Ongoing Promotions Have YOU ever had more questions than Newly released promotion called answers when it comes to traveling to Magical Holidays that is available Disney World with Toddles or Infants? Well most Sunday through Thursday one of our agents has ALL the answers. In nights 10/8-11/16/18 and this blog post @JaclynCCT gives all the 11/24-12/13/18. details on transportation, getting around the A 4-night stay in a standard room at parks (and actually enjoying things like a Disney All Star Resort with 4-day rides!) naptime, strollers, care centers and Base Tickets would be $2,125.00 EVERYTHING in between. If you have a (price based on a family of 4, two question I am sure this blog post has the adults, one junior (ages 10 to 17) answer. Below is just a very small part of this and 1 child (ages 3-9) information filled blog post. 'Disney World with children can be overwhelming, even more so with small children. For more information on additional promotions for a Disney vacation, please Hopefully this post can calm your nerves and make you better prepared for your next visit our Facebook page trip.Let’s start with the logistics of getting there. If you have to fly and it’s less than 3 or 4 (facebook.com/ CastleConnectionsTravel) hours, I suggest a non stop flight. Children 2 and under can travel on a parents lap for free. Most airlines will allow you to check your stroller and car seat at the gate. Once your child is 2, you’ll be required to purchase a seat for them. I wish I had some magical advice that will ensure your child is an angel on the plane.. but I don’t. Try your best to pack items you think will occupy them. I personally pack snacks, coloring books, Tip from an agent: crayons, and my cheap kindle with a few movies on it. My 3 year old was pretty content with whatever I brought. My then, 14 month old just wanted to move. If you are staying on property and exclusively using Disney transportation (which I If you are staying on property, don't carry your shopping bags and purchases around the HIGHLY recommend), then you can leave your car seat at home. Some may find it hard parks or ! Cast members can to let go of that car seat, but I find it to be like a little vacation on my vacation to not ship your purchases back to your resort for you have to buckle that thing 10 times a day.As Elsa says, Let it go! free of charge! Talk about Magic! To continue reading this blog by @JaclynCCT, head to www.thecastleconnection.blog ISSUE 3 AUGUST 2018 Current Construction & Who is Castle Connections Travel? Refurbishments: Castle Connections Travel is owned by 2 sisters IN THE PARKS: (Disney & Universal) who decided to turn a love for Disney into a business. Our 9 -Monorail (ongoing) may be operating on modified agents are located all across the United States and have a first- schedule hand experience and knowledge of all things Walt Disney World, -Star Wars Land in Hollywood Studios Disneyland, , , (a (opening summer 2019) Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii), Universal Studios -Harry Potter Expansion in Islands of Adventure Orlando, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Castle Connections Travel is an EarMarked Agency meaning we (opening sometime 2019) are recognized by Disney for our extensive knowledge of the RESORTS: (Disney) Disney company and the value our agency provides to our clients. -All-Star Movies; rooms only (until early 2019) When planning your vacation with Castle Connections Travel you -Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House; will work one-on-one with the same agent during the entire Rooms (Aug. 2018 - Fall 2019) booking process, which ensures the best care is given to your Uzima Springs Pool and Pool bar vacation experience. In addition we constantly monitor your (Sep. 2018-Winter 2018) reservation for possible discounts, we do all we can to save you money AND do our very best to make sure you have a memorable -Art of Animation; rooms only (ongoing) vacation. And the VERY best part about booking your vacation -Boardwalk Inn and Villas; rooms and around resort withCastle Connections…our services are ALWAYS 100% FREE! (ongoing) -Caribbean Beach; rooms, dining, pool & bar area, arcade, and merchandise shops (ongoing) -Coronado Springs; amenities (until summer 2019) Don’t Miss out on… -Old Key West; rooms and amenities (until Spring FREE resort tours 2019) -Pop Century; rooms and amenities (until Summer While most people try to spend every single second in the theme parks, I tell my clients to take one day off and check out 2018) the resorts. Disney has over 20 beautiful resorts and every single -Port Orleans - French Quarter; rooms only one is unique. Spend some time on the famous monorail loop (until Summer 2018) exploring Disney’s iconic resorts. Visit each resort, walk the -Port Orleans - Riverside; rooms and amenities grounds, check out the lobby, have a drink and hop back on the (July 2018 - Early 2019) monorail. End your self-guided tour at the Contemporary resort OTHER: and take a boat to the secluded Wilderness Lodge. The -Starting August 1, 2018 - Children’s Activity Centers Wilderness Lodge offers The Wonders of the Lodge Art and located at select Walt Disney World Resorts will be Architecture Tour (for FREE); This tour meets in the Lobby at 9a, permanently closing, however Kids Night Out Wednesday through Saturday. Another free tour you can enjoy is the Culinary Tours of Jiko and Boma at the Animal Kingdom BabySitting service will still be available. Lodge; This tour leaves daily from the lobby (near Jiko) at 4:15p. Still want to venture off on your own? Head to the Epcot area **Guests may hear or see construction, but noise will not be resorts and stroll around the lake. The Boardwalk alone features heard from between dusk - 9 AM.** street performers, a dance hall, a piano bar, the Boardwalk Exact construction details will vary at each Resort, for more Bakery and more! @JaclynCCT details and information, please contact Castle Connections Travel. For a FREE no obligation quote on your next dream vacation, call us! (678) 957-7500 or visit us at www.castleconnectionstravel.com

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