ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER 2018 THE CASTLE CONNECT

The monthly newsletter for Castle Connections Travel

In this Issue:

- MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY On select nights in November and December get into the Christmas Spirit at !

- BUTLER SERVICE ROOMS AT SANDALS AND BEACHES RESORTS All inclusive vacationing done right with these luxurious rooms.

- HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD Check out this Holiday Season and visit Santa at 11 different countries and experience the can’t miss Candlelight Processional! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party It's that time of year again! Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a special hard ticket Parents Planning Disney event that's held in the Magic Kingdom at . This year, 2018, the On our Disney Planning Facebook party will be held on select nights from November 8th to December 21st. The party page we asked members, ‘If you only starts at 7pm and goes until midnight! However, you can get in as early as 4pm. Upon had one day to spend at Walt Disney entering the park, you will be given a special party wrist band. Guests who don't have World or - what nighttime these special wristbands will be escorted out of the park at 7pm. If you love Christmas, show would you not miss?’ this is a party that cannot be missed! Don’t be surprised when it starts snowing as you Here are the results: are walking down Main Street USA! As soon as the sun goes down, the icicles on -Fantasmic ————————————————— 55% Cinderella’s Castle will light up and all I can say is WOW!!! It is truly a beautiful sight! (Hollywood Studios) Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade happens twice a night and features -Happily Ever After—————————— 25% (Magic Kingdom) marching toy soldiers (my favorite), dancing reindeer, gingerbread men and of course, -Illuminations———————————————— 8% Santa Claus! Be sure to keep an eye out for the mischievous Chip and Dale at the end (Epcot) of the parade. One of the highlights of the party is the Holiday Wishes fireworks show. -Rivers of Light——————————————— 5% This amazing fireworks spectacular is accompanied by some of your favorite Christmas (Animal Kingdom) songs. Just wait until you hear this rendition of “O Christmas Tree”. If Christmas -——————————————- 5% (California Adventure) Caroling is your thing, then you are in luck! Join in with Mickey and his friends as they -StarWars: Galactic Spectacular—- 2% throw a Christmas party and sing Christmas Carols on the castle forecourt for “Mickey’s (Hollywood Studios) Most Merriest Celebration Stage Show”. Tomorrowland even gets in on the festivities Join our facebook page (facebook.com/ as it features two shows: the adorable “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show and groups/parentsplanningdisney) to get all “VoicePlay” which features a 5-part a capella group. Don't forget to get your groove your Disney questions answered and to on and join in the character dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. Because this take part in our poll next month! party is limited to a certain number of people, one of the great perks will be the shorter lines for the rides. But honestly, with so many great shows to see I don’t really ride too many of them. Another great plus with this party are the Character Meet & Greets! In addition to characters wearing their finest in holiday attire, you will be able to get pictures with all Seven Dwarfs and Jack Skellington dressed as “Sandy Claws”! And last but not least…the best part of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party? Unlimited cookies and hot chocolate! Contact your CCT agent today for more information or to reserve your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets! - @RubyAnneCCT ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER 2018 Experience Holidays around the World at Epcot! Remaining 2018 & Early 2019 Events: August 30 – November 12, 2018 – Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival (including Eat to the Beat concert series) Along with the entertainment and events this festival offers an endless variety of wonderful food and tasty beverages to try. The festival continues its tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinary experts and top celebrity chefs. Remaining Eat to the Beat artists include: High Valley, Taylor Dane, Boyz II Men, The Hooters and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy November 1 - November 4 , 2018 — Wine and Dine Half Marathon: This marathon weekend includes: Disney Fall Feast 5K, Disney Wine & Dine 10K, runDisney Kids Races, and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon finishes off the weekend. Plus, runners can take on the Disney Two Course Challenge, combining the 10K and Half Marathon, to earn the coveted Challenge medal.

November 8 - December 21, 2018 — Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom during November and December. Check out the front page article for more info! Have you ever wanted to experience Christmas around the world? November 22 - December 30, 2018 — Epcot’s Festival of the Well guess what, you can at EPCOT at Walt Disney World in Florida. Holidays and Candlelight Processional: The Epcot International Christmas time at Disney World is one of the most magical Festival of the Holidays invites park guests to discover holidays around experiences you could ever imagine. There are many different the WorldShowcase. See the article on this page for more information! things going on at Christmas time around Disney World, but one of January 9 - January 13, 2019 - Marathon Weekend: The Walt Disney those experiences is Holidays around the World and Candlelight World Marathon is an annual 26.2-mile adventure that winds through all four Disney theme parks. The weekend also features a half marathon, a Processional at EPCOT. From November 18 to December 30, 2018 10k, a 5K, kids races, special multi-day challenge races, a five-day you can enjoy these two experiences at EPCOT. You can enjoy the health expo, and more. Registration in now open. holiday traditions from all 11 countries in the World Showcase. January 18 - February 25, 2019 - Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts: The Epcot International Festival of the Arts celebrates visual, Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season from 11 culinary and performing arts inspired from all around the world set different countries. Holiday Kitchens fill the streets of World against the incomparable backdrop of Epcot. The event will feature gallery exhibits, food experiences with art-inspired menus, live Showcase with holiday food and beverages. Live musical Broadway-style entertainment and more. productions and costumed performers bring time-honored March 6 - June 3, 2019 - Epcot’s International Flower and Garden traditions to life throughout the World Showcase. The little ones Festival: Epcot’s Future World and World Showcase will bloom with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for can see Santa from all 11 countries as that country shares their kids and workshops with gardening experts during this annual spring tradition. The Candlelight Processional is an experience that festival. Also during the festival are Marketplace Food Kiosks, topiaries everyone should do. It is the story of Christmas narrated by a that fill the park, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series. celebrity (from Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinese, and more), 50-piece orchestra, and a full choir. This experience is presented three times a night from November 22 through December 30, 2018 at the NEW PROMOTION American Pavilion. To enhance this experience you can book the Ultimate Christmastime Package Candlelight Processional Dining Package. You can pick breakfast, Arrive on 12/17 and Depart 12/22/18 – this package includes a 5-night lunch, or dinner for your meal (from most of EPCOT’s Restaurants stay at a select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, 4-day theme park hopper tickets. For example, for just $175 per person, per including Character Meals) and get guaranteed preferred seating night (total package price of $3500), a family of four can stay at to view the Candlelight Processional for that night. Two other fun Disney’s Port Orleans-Riverside. things going on at EPCOT during this time is Chip n Dale’s Inclusions are: Monday 12/17/18 – Exclusive nighttime access to Toy Story Land at Christmas Tree Spree and Joyful Concert. Chip n Dale’s Christmas Disney’s Hollywood Studios Tree Spree is a scavenger hunt (at an additional cost, can be Tuesday 12/18/18 – Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at bought around different shops in the World Showcase) and the Magic Kingdom Wednesday 12/19/18 – Exclusive nighttime access to select children or children at heart go hunting for special hidden attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including Avatar Flight of ornaments on the different Christmas Trees around World Passage and Rivers of Light Showcase. Once your map is complete, you receive a surprise. The Thursday 12/20/18 – Exclusive early-morning access to for shopping at and exploring the Disney Joyful Concert is a concert performed multiple times a day at Springs Christmas Tree Trail Fountain Stage in Future World of EPCOT. It brings together Friday 12/21/18 – Exclusive holiday-themed buffet dinner at Epcot Christmas and Kwanzaa in an uplifting Gospel, R&B, and holiday packages are going fast and must be booked by 12/2/18 songs. Lastly, you cannot forget about IllumiNations, EPCOT’s For more information please visit our Facebook page nightly firework show presented nightly that gets a holiday (facebook.com/CastleConnectionsTravel) makeover as well. Finish your night off with this magical holiday celebration to get you into the holiday spirit! @MichaelCCT

Magic this Holiday Season at Universal Orlando! Are you looking to experience some holiday magic this Christmas season? Head out to Universal Orlando! Experience Christmas time at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed with Holiday décor and entertainment for a Winter Wonderland. Love Dr. Seuss? Check out the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss’s classic, The Grinch, at the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. Looking for Minions, Shrek, or Madagascar characters? Be sure to catch Universal’s Holiday parade!

To continue reading this blog by @KellieCCT, head to www.thecastleconnection.blog ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER 2018 Cruise Corner Dreams do come true in NEW ORLEANS! Did you hear? A BRAND NEW port for is coming in early 2020 to New Orleans, LA! Also for 2020, Disney Cruise Lines will be sailing to Hawaii for the 1st time in 5 years for two special sailings of 9 and 10 night cruises. Reservations are now open for all 2020 itineraries for Members and the general public. Don’t wait! Contact your CCT agent today to start booking your dream vacation. Disney Cruise Line offers something for the whole family and is known for accommodating state rooms that feature a split bathroom. With kids clubs, adult only spas, award winning dining, and so much more you will need to go on several cruises just to experience all Disney Cruise Line has to offer!

Don’t Miss Out On.. Butler Service Rooms at Sandals and Beaches Resorts! Sandals and Beaches resorts offer rooms at every price point, but if you’re looking to splurge on vacation and live your best life – You must try their Butler Service! Butler Services are included in your stay if you book select Butler Service rooms. You are assigned a Butler for the length of your stay to fill all your vacation needs. Every Butler is trained at the Guild of Professional English Butlers. These Butlers are the best of the best and are ready to treat you like royalty. Your team of butlers will be available to you 24 hours a day and reachable by your special butler mobile phone. Upon your arrive, your butler will greet you with cocktails, handle your luggage and escort you to your suite for a private check in. In addition to handling your dining reservations, your butler will also ensure you have preferred table locations or views. When you’re lounging by the pool or beach, your butler will come to you with your favorite cocktails and serve you lunch by the water. Your butlers can handle the little things like unpacking your bags to a romantic evening for your spouse in a special location or right in your suite. As if having a butler wasn’t enough, you will also have access to the club lounge and amenities. We all deserve a little extra pampering, so don’t pass up this unbelievable experience! To see more rooms like this and others, Please follow me on Facebook and Instagram! -@JackyCCT

Get to know Gina: Agent Spotlight— Meet Gina Waites Gina and her husband Chris live in -How many times have you been to Walt Disney World: Charleston, SC with their two boys. over a dozen They love all things Disney especially -Favorite Resort: Pop Century Mickey Mouse. They took their first trip -Favorite Attraction: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to Disney World as a family in 2002 and -What attraction do you wish Disney would bring back: have been over a dozen times. Gina Tarzan Rocks loves to visit during different times of -Favorite Snack: Rice Krispy Mickey with Chocolate Ears the year so she can give her clients the - Favorite Quick Service: Be Our Guest lunch best tips and advice for each season. -Favorite Table Service in a resort: Ohana She takes pride in making a Disney trip -Favorite Table Service in the parks: Garden Grill at Epcot magical for everyone no matter what -Type of Disney Item you collect most: Anything Mickey! the budget, food allergies or disability. -Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse No matter what the request or issues -Favorite Disney Movie: Mary Poppins may arise Gina will always go above -Favorite Epcot Festival: Food and Wine and beyond to make sure your trip is -Very Merry or Not So Scary: Both! sprinkled with some pixie dust.

Special thanks to or newslete cotibutos: Lindsay Geltz, Ruby Anne Cheste, Jaclyn Noel, Michael Thoas, Kellie Kindbeg, Tanya Taylo, Gina Waites, and Lisa Arduino ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER 2018

Who is Castle Connections Travel? Castle Connections Travel is owned by 2 sisters who decided to turn a love for Disney into a business. Our 10 agents are located all across the United States and have a first-hand experience and knowledge of all things Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, , (a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii), Universal Studios Orlando, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Castle Connections Travel is an EarMarked Agency meaning we are recognized by Disney for our extensive knowledge of the Disney company and the value our agency provides to our clients. When planning your vacation with Castle Connections Travel you will work one-on-one with the same agent during the entire booking process, which ensures the best care is given to your vacation experience. In addition we constantly monitor your 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 vacation. And the VERY best part about booking your vacation with Castle Connections…our services are ALWAYS 100% FREE! - Ruby Anne and Lisa

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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Tip from an agent: Add the Memory Maker prior to the beginning of your Disney Trip to not only save money but also have lifelong memories as a keepsake! The Memory Maker is a convenient way to enjoy unlimited PhotoPass photos and videos that are captured throughout your vacation. Now there is no need to have to pick and choose which pictures you like best, as all pictures are added to your My Disney Experience account with the touch of your magic band or park ticket. -@TanyaCCT

Disney Fun Fact:

After Disneyland's infinite success in 740 Brand South Tr Anaheim, other cities in the country were Lawrenceville, GA 30046 practically begging Walter E. Disney to build a park in their area. In fact, before they settled in Florida, St. Louis and Missouri were top contender! So much so that there were even blueprints made out for an indoor 5 Story theme park to help regulate temperature year round.The blueprints even feature your favorite attractions like The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Railroad! To see the blueprints check out our Facebook Page!