ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2018 THE CASTLE CONNECT

The monthly newsletter for Castle Connections Travel

In this Issue:

- STAR WARS LAND: Find out the latest updates on this highly anticipated land coming to Walt Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

- THERMAL SUITE SPA PASS: Check out all Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer in this exclusive extra.

- NEW YEARS EVE AT DISNEY: Ring in the New Year with Mickey and friends and have a can’t miss New Years Eve Celebration. Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida Parents Planning Disney You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch! It wouldn't be the holidays at Universal On our Disney Planning Facebook page Studios Florida without Grinchmas! Throughout the holiday season, from we asked members, ‘Whats your Favorite November 17 to January 6, Seuss Landing, located in Universal's Islands of character meal in Walt Disney World?’ Adventure, is bringing holiday cheer to guests as Seuss Landing is magically Here are the results: transformed into the iconic Dr. Seuss's Who-ville! There will be Whos -Chef Mickeys (Contemporary Resort) ———— 46% wanding through Who-ville and guests will be able to partake in a live retelling of How the Grinch Stole Christmas during the Who-liday -Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) ——————— 33% Spectacular! The Grinch himself will be there and guests will have the opportunity to meet the mean one and take pictures with him! Hopefully his -Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) ——————- 14% heart won't be two sizes too small that day! There will be 6-8 shows a day, -‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort) ——————————— 6% so please check the guide for the times.Christmas magically arrives at the Wizarding Word of Harry Potter! Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and -Askersus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot) —— 0.5% Diagon Alley in Universal Studios will both feature festive Christmas -Garden Grill (Epcot) ————————————————— 0.5% decorations along the buildings and streets of the Wizarding World. Storefronts will appear to be decorated by each of the shopkeepers. Look Join our facebook page (facebook.com/ for unique features to the décor, such as the feathers woven into the groups/parentsplanningdisney) to get all your garlands at Owl Post! Be sure not to miss the Frog Choir or Celestina Disney questions answered and to take Warbeck singing Christmas songs straight from the spell books! The Magic part in our poll next month! of Christmas at Hogwarts is an absolute must see! This luminous projection- mapping show takes place on Hogwarts Castle intermittently from dusk until the park closes each night! The Wizards will be just as dazzled as the Muggles as the walls of Hogwarts come alive! From fairies creating a Christmas tree to the mischief of the Weasley twins, excitement is all around! The Holiday Parade featuring Macy's is back again this year! With 15 floats and a dozen festive balloons this is a can't miss show! What are the holidays without the music of the season? Mannheim Steamroller will be performing on weekends at the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios, so be sure to check the guide and plan to check out their amazing performances!After spending your Grinchmas at Universal Studios Florida, we bet that your heart will grow two sizes, just like the Grinch himself! ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2018

Cruise Corner Norwegian Cruise Lines Spa Thermal Suite Pass Royal Caribbean’s Harmony This past week, I had the pleasure of sailing on one of of The Seas is a lengthy Norwegian Cruise Lines newest ships, the Getaway. 1,188.1 ft with 16 passenger The entire ship was stunning, but I’ll save that post for decks, and the capacity to another day. Luckily for me, I had a little bit of spare hold 6, 780 people. Given time to spend in the Thermal Suite. Long story short; I the size of this ship it’s no surprise it’s home to the spent $60 on a day pass and my only regret was not tallest slide at sea; the buying a pass for the entire week. Lesson Learned. The Ultimate Abyss℠. A roaring Getaways Thermal Suite was located on deck 15, all 10 stories high this is one for the adrenaline lovers. This the way forward. This was such a great location, as it enormous ship has 2,747 staterooms and over 20 dining venues looked over the front of the ship and was very quiet. for you to choose from. In addition to the water slides, Harmony The Thermal Suite is based on the concept of Turkish of The Seas also offers plenty of fun for the whole family with an ice rink, 23 swimming pools, zip lining, and SO much more. With baths, where friends and family spent the day relaxing. so much fun going on onboard, you may never get off the ship The heat and cleansing therapies of the Thermal Suite (even when at port!) To find out more about Harmony of The Seas experience include heated ceramic lounge chairs, a contact your Castle Connections Travel agent today. Thalasso Therapy Pool, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, tropical rain showers, and more.

To continue reading this blog by @JackyCCT, head to www.thecastleconnection.blog

Current Construction & Refurbishments: CHRISTMAS in HAWAII IN THE PARKS: (Disney & Universal) -Monorail may be operating on modified schedule (ongoing) Looking to celebrate Christmas somewhere tropical? Then look no further -Liberty Square Riverboat (Fall 2018) than Aulani Disney Resort and Spa. -Star Wars Land in Hollywood Studios (opening fall 2019) -Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom limited closing for holiday For many people the holiday season typically means cold temperatures overlay ( late Oct./ early Nov. and again early January 2019) and snow, so why not trade that in for beautiful beaches and lush islands in -Blizzard Beach seasonal closing (Oct. 28 - Jan. 5, 2019) Oahu, Hawaii, in particular Aulani (a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina). -Harry Potter Expansion in Islands of Adventure (opening Christmas events at Aulani typically begin in mid-December with carolers sometime 2019) throughout the resort, characters dressed in their holiday best and holiday RESORTS: (Disney) movies shown under the stars during 'Ohana Movie Nights' on the Halawai -All-Star Movies; rooms only (until early 2019) Lawn. Santa Claus even makes an appearance by Aunty's Beach house to -Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House; meet with the children. Rooms (Aug. 2018 - Fall 2019) Uzima Springs Pool and Pool bar On Christmas Day dinner can be found at the Kaiona Ballroom or (Sep. 2018-Winter 2018) AMA'AMA. The Kaiona Ballroom is a lavish all-you-can-eat Hawaiian-style -Art of Animation; rooms and Disney Sky liner (ongoing) Christmas feast that you'll enjoy with your whole family and a few Disney -Boardwalk Inn and Villas; rooms and around resort (ongoing) friends. The Seaside Christmas Feast at AMA'AMA is located Oceanside -Caribbean Beach; rooms, dining, pool & bar area, arcade, where you enjoy anything from local produce to the freshest seafood and merchandise shops, and Disney Sky liner (ongoing) prime meats. Reservations are highly recommended. -Coronado Springs; amenities and rooms (until summer 2019) Christmas in Hawaii means enjoying the the warm weather of Hawaii, all -Old Key West; rooms and amenities (until Spring 2019) the amenities of Aulani Resort, and the nearby activities of O'ahu. -Port Orleans - Riverside; rooms and amenities One thing is for sure, if you plan a holiday in paradise, Disney Style, it will (July 2018 - Early 2019) be a holiday season to remember! -Pop Century; amenities and sky liner (ongoing)

**Guests may hear or see construction, but noise will not be heard from between dusk - 9 AM.** Exact construction specifics will vary at each Resort, for details and more information, please contact Castle Connections Travel.

[The new Disney Sky liner that is under construction at the parks and select resorts will offer guests a birds eye view of Walt Disney World via gondola transportation and will open Fall 2019!] ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2018 Agent Spotlight — Meet Kaen Crawfod Tip from an agent

Karen lives in North Eastern Most people who have traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort Pennsylvania with her husband, two in Florida are familiar with Disney's Magical Express bus service, children, and three fur babies. She transporting guests from the Orlando International Airport to loves living in the mountains of NE their onsite Disney hotel. It is unquestionably a great service, but PA! Karen considers herself lucky to did you know there is another great option for arriving at your be located very close to many resort in style? A private car service is another great way to get fantastic hiking trails, which she your vacation started, offering great flexibility and personalized takes advantage of often. She has a attention. On a recent trip to Orlando, I was able to try out one passion for travel and will go almost such company- Logic Transportation. This business has been anywhere just to visit a new place around for a number of years now, offering luxury service without and meet new people. Some of her the luxury price. My family and I were greeted at the airport by favorite places to visit have been our driver, E ( a nickname), who happens to be the owner of the Hawaii, Barbados, and of course company. After meeting at baggage claim, with a personalized Walt Disney World! sign to help us find our driver, E grabbed our bags and whisked us off to our waiting magic coach, in this instance, an immaculate Chevy Suburban. With plush leather seats, and chilled bottles of water for each occupant, we truly felt pampered! Logic Get to know Karen: Transportation has a variety of vehicles to meet your family's How many times have you been to Walt Disney World: 25+ needs, no matter how large or small, ranging from sedans to Favorite Resort: Animal Kingdom Lodge SUV's to vans, and they can even make special accommodations Favorite Attraction: Flights of Passage for very large parties. Price varies depending on destination, of What do you wish Disney would bring back: The Wonders of Life Pavilion course, and you can even use this service to get to Port Favorite Snack: Dole Whip Canaveral for your magical Disney cruise! I was so impressed Favorite Quick Service: My new favorite is Satu'li Canteen in Pandora with the level of service I received, that Castle Connections Travel Animal Kingdom. Love the steamed pods and the Dreamwalker Sangria. has officially partnered Favorite Table Service in a resort: Hoop De Do Review Fort Wilderness with Logic Favorite Table Service in the parks: It's a toss up between San Angel Inn Transportation as our Mexico, Epcot and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, Hollywood Studios. preferred and Type of Disney Item you collect most: Jewelry recommended travel Favorite Disney Character: Ariel service. Give them a Favorite Disney Movie: Tangled call- you won't be Favorite Epcot Festival: Flower and Garden disappointed. Call Very Merry or Not So Scary: Even though I have been to Not So Scary 407-415-3447 and multiple times, I think Very Merry is my new favorite. mention CCT for Next trip planned: Sadly, we just returned. However, I am booked for special rates! -@LisaCCT December of next year unless I can't wait that long.

Spend New Year's Eve in Disney Historically, this is one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World! And with good reason too. Here's a sampling of your options when you choose to ring in the new year at WDW! Celebrating at Epcot? The Countdown Fireworks show at Epcot is the most popular. A countdown to the New Year is projected onto Spaceship Earth as fireworks illuminate the sky! This celebration begins at 11:40pm on December 31! Typically, Illuminations is shown twice: The first showing being the Christmas finale and the second being the New Year's Eve finale. There are also a variety of performances at the American Gardens Theatre.Ring it in at The Magic Kingdom! The most popular park AND the most crowded one for New Year's Eve! Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks is shown on December 30 and 31 at 11:50pm along with Holiday Wishes! Frontierland and Tomorrowland will both be hosting DJs for dance parties from 7pm to Midnight! Hollywood Studios has yet to announce their plans for New Year's Eve. Animal Kingdom does not have New Year's Eve activities planned in order to protect the animals and will not be open late for New Years. For all of these celebrations, Park Admission is required. Not in the mood for the crowds at the park? No problem! The Contemporary Resort has you covered! Countdown to Midnight is a more formal party that takes place in the Fantasia Ballroom for guests 18 years of age and up! Beginning at 8pm, this party features NEW PROMOTION great food and wine pairings from Disney's finest signature restaurants! Some tips for the festivities: Save 20%-25% on specific cruise ships for − Bring ear plugs for the little ones so the loud noises won't upset them certain dates during 2019 with Disney Cruise Line. Contact Castle Connections Travel or visit − Do Magic Kingdom on 12/30 and Epcot on 12/31 so you can see both celebrations! or Facebook page for more information and other promotions! − Get your spot early for the fireworks! − Utilize FastPass! − Try to take a midday nap if you're staying on property and plan on staying up late! − Have a Happy New Year! Special thanks to or newslete cotibutos this moth: Lindsay Geltz, Ruby Anne Cheste, Jaclyn Noel, Lisa Arduino, Kaen Crawfod, Abby Theiault, and Lisa Crode. ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2018 The Disney Insider

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....." If these words alone are enough to get the attention of Star Wars fans, this news may blow their minds! Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a brand new section of Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida, is set to open in late fall of 2019! That's just under a year away! But, if you can't wait that long, the Disneyland version in California will open a few months earlier in the summer! Still not enough Star Wars for you? Well, then the Force is truly with you because Disney is also building a Star Wars themed hotel in Florida right next door to Galaxy's Edge! This hotel will make you feel like you are on a luxury starship, with high-end dining and space-view cabins. Insiders say it may work like a cruise, with guests checking in on the same day to get everyone in sync with the same story line. The number of rooms, cost, and the opening date for this resort have yet to be released. Meanwhile, at Galaxy's Edge, guests will find themselves on the planet Batuu in the Black Spire Outpost. This Outer Rim region is a haven for some of the galaxy's most colorful and notorious characters and a place to avoid the reach of the First Order. Unwind and enjoy a drink with bounty hunters at Oga's Cantina. Your drink will be made with exotic ingredients and otherworld methods and served to you in a unique vessel. Oga Garra, the owner of the bar, has a strict code of conduct to keep any unruly patrons in check Here is a popular rest stop for those seeking to avoid the authorities, so it's sure to be a wonderfully unique experience! Galaxy's Edge will feature two signature rides; Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the yet to be named Millennium Falcon ride. In Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance guests will find themselves in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance! It has been described by Disney's Imagineers as the most epic attraction ever designed. Eight guests will step aboard a Resistance troop transport ship and into a Star Destroyer hangar bay where they will have to escape a battle with First Order Stormtroopers! The Millennium Falcon ride is essentially a flight simulator that will give guests the ability to fly Han Sol's famous ship! Yes, YOU will be flying the Millennium Falcon by flipping 200 active knobs and switches and shooting blasters – controlling your own experience! You will walk down the "iconic corridor" past the holographic Dejarik table before taking your seat in the cockpit. The ride vehicles will seat 6 at a time; with two pilots in the front, two gunners in the middle and two engineers in the rear. All 6 guests will have specific duties during the ride, creating a unique and interactive ride experience every time! The unique experiences don't end with the ride! Oh no! How well guests perform their assigned tasks on the Millennium Falcon will affect not only the ride itself, but also other experiences had within Galaxy's Edge! Yep~you read that right! Let that sink in for a minute! The ride experience carries over into the park experience! Let's say you decide to drop into Oga's Cantina after you lose the cargo or dent up the ship, the bartender may lean across the bar and say "word on the street is your name's been put on the bounty hunters list, so you'd better keep an eye out for them”. To say that we are excited about this is a huge understatement. Castle Connections Travel will be keeping you updated with more news as it becomes available! -@RubyAnneCCT @LisaACCT ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2018

Polynesian Village Resort: Standard View Rooms vs. Theme Park Club Level Rooms

Disney’s Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World is a deluxe resort which features Hawaiian and tropical vibes throughout the property. This beautiful resort is situated right on the Seven Seas Lagoon across from Magic Kingdom theme park, with transportation options such as the monorail, boat and bus. This resort offers many different room options that you and your family can enjoy, but here we are going to look at standard rooms versus theme park view club level rooms. With a Standard View room, you will be granted views of the gardens, monorail or the parking areas. Don’t let the thought of a parking lot view deter you – the Polynesian Resort offers plenty of lush landscaping to make your room feel like a tropical oasis. This room offers plenty of room for you and your family, with enough room for 5 adults in each room. These rooms come with two queen beds or one king and a single day bed, and enough storage space to unpack and unwind. You will always be in close walking distance to the white sand beaches overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, where you can enjoy nightly fireworks and the Electric Water Pageant. Now, if you want to take it up a notch and really immerse yourself in the deluxe resort, you can opt for a Theme Park View Club Level Room. While more expensive than your standard room, club level rooms offer special services included in your room price, such as a special lounge for club level guests, complimentary food and drinks, personalized concierge services and nightly turndown in your room. Similar to a standard room, you will have plenty of room for your family with enough accommodations for five adults, with two queen beds and a day bed in each room. In addition to being able to have access to those amenities, with a Theme Park view room, you will be able to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Electric Water Pageant from the comfort of your room. -@AbbyCCT

Resort Spotlight: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort The Polynesian Resort is one of Disney’s most popular resorts on Table Service Restaurant Spotlight: ‘Ohana property. In 1971 Disney opened 2 of their first Resorts on property 'Ohana means “family” and the atmosphere at 'Ohana, located atop the Great and the Polynesian was one of them (the Contemporary was the Ceremonial House at the Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World will make you feel other). Since then, it has been a fan favorite for everyone. Guests like you're part of the family-especially when your server is your cousin! At 'Ohana, you not staying at the resort visit just to enjoy the grounds and take in have a choice of two dining experiences. First, there's a character Breakfast that the ambiance. One of the bigger draws to the resort is the fact that features Lilo and Stitch, Pluto and of course Mickey Mouse. Breakfast is served family it is a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. After a long day style and is all your can eat. Dinner at 'Ohana is not a character meal, but that doesn't of thrilling rides and tons of excitement, you can stroll into the mean you won't be entertained! There's a wandering singer armed with a ukulele and Polynesian and instantly feel the island vibe. As soon as you step Coconut Races for the kids. If you time your meal just right, you will have a great view foot into the lobby, you will hear relaxing Hawaiian music, smell (although from a distance) of the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. fruity scents and feel like you’ve somehow bypassed the 12 hour Your dinner experience begins when you walk past the Tiki idols as you enter the flight to Hawaii. The Polynesian also offers some of the most unique restaurant. Your seating host will grab a loaf of Pineapple Bread as you are heading to dining options; ‘Ohana is one of Disney’s hardest-to-get dining your table. Once seated, a nice fresh salad arrives at your table with Lilikoi Dressing reservations and my personal favorite. The Polynesian is also home and crispy wonton strips that are amazingly tasty. Take my advice and don't fill up on of the Kona café, Captain Cooks quick services, the famous - Trader bread and salad. The next plate that comes to the table features two sauces which are Sams Grog Grotto, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner show and more! If the meant for pairing with the appetizers and the main course meats: Sweet & Sour and pool is one of your deciding factors when selecting a resorts, the Peanut Sauce. It doesn't matter how hard you try, this plate gets messy! The appetizer volcano pool will not disappoint. Little ones will also be thrilled to platter comes out next! On it are Honey-Coriander Wings, Pork Dumplings tossed in see the extravagant splash pad. So if you like the sounds and vibes Ginger-Garlic Sauce, Lo Mein and Stir-Fried Vegetables. Go easy here because there of the Polynesian, make this your next resort to try OR swing in and is more to come! Yes, the appetizers are fantastic, but don't forget that the entrée enjoy a Lapu Lapu at the Tambu Lounge. If you like what you see, round is next! There is a huge open grill where cooks get busy grilling skewered meats follow me on Facebook and Instagram @JaclynCCT over an oak wood fire! The servers carry these skewers around the restaurant, sliding huge portions directly on to your plate! Yummy Sweet-and-Sour Chicken! Sizzling Szechuan Sirloin Steak! Spicy Grilled Peel-and-Eat Shrimp. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Just when you are ready to pop that top button on your pants, your server will bring out the 'Ohana Bread Pudding with Caramel and Banana Sauce. This bread pudding comes with a huge scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and a pot of warm bananas foster sauce on the side. Surely, you need to wear the pants with the elastic waist! Sidenote here: I always order a Lapu Lapu! This is a cocktail made with dark rum and tropical fruit juices and it comes in a pineapple! Hands down, this is one of the best drinks on the property! Best of all, this fantastic meal is only ONE dining credit! Even if you're not on the dining plan, this is one meal that is worth the money!

-@RubyAnneCCT ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2018

Who is Castle Connections Travel? Castle Connections Travel is owned by two sisters who decided to turn a love for Disney into a business. Our 14 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, Adventures By Disney, Aulani (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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Disney Fun Fact:

Disney World is the second largest purchaser of explosives in the United States, the first being the U.S. Department of Defense!