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.

Parents Planning Disney On our Disney Planning Facebook page we asked members, ‘Whats your Favorite character meal in Walt Disney World?’ Here are the results:

-Chef Mickeys (Contemporary Resort) ———— 46%

-Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) ——————— 33%

-Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) ——————- 14%

-‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort) ——————————— 6%

-Askersus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot) —— 0.5%

-Garden Grill (Epcot) ————————————————— 0.5%

Join our facebook page (facebook.com/groups/parentsplanningdisney) to get all your

Disney questions answered and to take part in our poll next month!

Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch! It wouldn't be the holidays at Universal Studios Florida without Grinchmas! Throughout the holiday season, from November 17 to January 6, Seuss Landing, located in Universal's Islands of Adventure, is bringing holiday cheer to guests as Seuss Landing is magically transformed into the iconic Dr. Seuss's Who-ville! There will be Whos 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 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 heart won't be two sizes too small that day! There will be 6-8 shows a day, so please check the guide for the times.Christmas magically arrives at the Wizarding Word of Harry Potter! Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios will both feature festive Christmas decorations along the buildings and streets of the Wizarding World. Storefronts will appear to be decorated by each of the shopkeepers. Look for unique features to the décor, such as the feathers woven into the garlands at Owl Post! Be sure not to miss the Frog Choir or Celestina Warbeck singing Christmas songs straight from the spell books! The Magic 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

Norwegian Cruise Lines Spa Thermal Suite Pass This past week, I had the pleasure of sailing on one of Norwegian Cruise Lines newest ships, the Getaway. The entire ship was stunning, but I’ll save that post for another day. Luckily for me, I had a little bit of spare time to spend in the Thermal Suite. Long story short; I spent $60 on a day pass and my only regret was not buying a pass for the entire week. Lesson Learned. The Getaways Thermal Suite was located on deck 15, all the way forward. This was such a great location, as it looked over the front of the ship and was very quiet. The Thermal Suite is based on the concept of Turkish baths, where friends and family spent the day relaxing. The heat and cleansing therapies of the Thermal Suite experience include heated ceramic lounge chairs, a 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: IN THE PARKS: (Disney & Universal) -Monorail may be operating on modified schedule (ongoing) -Liberty Square Riverboat (Fall 2018) -Star Wars Land in Hollywood Studios (opening fall 2019) -Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom limited closing for holiday overlay ( late Oct./ early Nov. and again early January 2019) -Blizzard Beach seasonal closing (Oct. 28 - Jan. 5, 2019) -Harry Potter Expansion in Islands of Adventure (opening sometime 2019) RESORTS: (Disney) -All-Star Movies; rooms only (until early 2019) -Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House;

Rooms (Aug. 2018 - Fall 2019) Uzima Springs Pool and Pool bar (Sep. 2018-Winter 2018)

-Art of Animation; rooms and Disney Sky liner (ongoing) -Boardwalk Inn and Villas; rooms and around resort (ongoing) -Caribbean Beach; rooms, dining, pool & bar area, arcade, merchandise shops, and Disney Sky liner (ongoing) -Coronado Springs; amenities and rooms (until summer 2019) -Old Key West; rooms and amenities (until Spring 2019) -Port Orleans - Riverside; rooms and amenities

(July 2018 - Early 2019) -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!]

Cruise Corner Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas is a lengthy 1,188.1 ft with 16 passenger decks, and the capacity to hold 6, 780 people. Given the size of this ship it’s no surprise it’s home to the tallest slide at sea; the Ultimate Abyss℠. A roaring 10 stories high this is one for the adrenaline lovers. This enormous ship has 2,747 staterooms and over 20 dining venues for you to choose from. In addition to the water slides, Harmony 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 so much fun going on onboard, you may never get off the ship (even when at port!) To find out more about Harmony of The Seas contact your Castle Connections Travel agent today.

CHRISTMAS in HAWAII

Looking to celebrate Christmas somewhere tropical? Then look no further than Aulani Disney Resort and Spa.

For many people the holiday season typically means cold temperatures and snow, so why not trade that in for beautiful beaches and lush islands in Oahu, Hawaii, in particular Aulani (a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina). Christmas events at Aulani typically begin in mid-December with carolers throughout the resort, characters dressed in their holiday best and holiday movies shown under the stars during 'Ohana Movie Nights' on the Halawai Lawn. Santa Claus even makes an appearance by Aunty's Beach house to meet with the children.

On Christmas Day dinner can be found at the Kaiona Ballroom or AMA'AMA. The Kaiona Ballroom is a lavish all-you-can-eat Hawaiian-style Christmas feast that you'll enjoy with your whole family and a few Disney friends. The Seaside Christmas Feast at AMA'AMA is located Oceanside where you enjoy anything from local produce to the freshest seafood and prime meats. Reservations are highly recommended. Christmas in Hawaii means enjoying the the warm weather of Hawaii, all the amenities of Aulani Resort, and the nearby activities of O'ahu. One thing is for sure, if you plan a holiday in paradise, Disney Style, it will be a holiday season to remember!

ISSUE 7 DECEMBER 2018

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 great food and wine pairings from Disney's finest signature restaurants! Some tips for the festivities:

− Bring ear plugs for the little ones so the loud noises won't upset them − Do Magic Kingdom on 12/30 and Epcot on 12/31 so you can see both

celebrations! − 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!

NEW PROMOTION

Save 20%-25% on specific cruise ships for certain dates during 2019 with Disney Cruise

Line. Contact Castle Connections Travel or visit or Facebook page for more information and

other promotions!

Special thanks to our newsletter contributors this month: Lindsay Geltz, Ruby Anne Chester, Jaclyn Noel, Lisa Arduino, Karen Crawford, Abby Therriault, and Lisa Crowder.

Agent Spotlight — Meet Karen Crawford

Karen lives in North Eastern Pennsylvania with her husband, two children, and three fur babies. She loves living in the mountains of NE PA! Karen considers herself lucky to

be located very close to many fantastic hiking trails, which she

takes advantage of often. She has a passion for travel and will go almost

anywhere just to visit a new place and meet new people. Some of her

favorite places to visit have been Hawaii, Barbados, and of course

Walt Disney World!

Get to know Karen: How many times have you been to Walt Disney World: 25+  Favorite Resort: Animal Kingdom Lodge Favorite Attraction: Flights of Passage What do you wish Disney would bring back: The Wonders of Life Pavilion Favorite Snack: Dole Whip Favorite Quick Service: My new favorite is Satu'li Canteen in Pandora Animal Kingdom. Love the steamed pods and the Dreamwalker Sangria.  Favorite Table Service in a resort: Hoop De Do Review Fort Wilderness Favorite Table Service in the parks: It's a toss up between San Angel Inn Mexico, Epcot and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, Hollywood Studios. Type of Disney Item you collect most: Jewelry Favorite Disney Character: Ariel Favorite Disney Movie: Tangled Favorite Epcot Festival: Flower and Garden Very Merry or Not So Scary: Even though I have been to Not So Scary multiple times, I think Very Merry is my new favorite. Next trip planned: Sadly, we just returned. However, I am booked for December of next year unless I can't wait that long. 

Tip from an agent

Most people who have traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida are familiar with Disney's Magical Express bus service, transporting guests from the Orlando International Airport to their onsite Disney hotel. It is unquestionably a great service, but did you know there is another great option for arriving at your resort in style? A private car service is another great way to get your vacation started, offering great flexibility and personalized attention. On a recent trip to Orlando, I was able to try out one such company- Logic Transportation. This business has been around for a number of years now, offering luxury service without the luxury price. My family and I were greeted at the airport by our driver, E ( a nickname), who happens to be the owner of the company. After meeting at baggage claim, with a personalized 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 Transportation has a variety of vehicles to meet your family's needs, no matter how large or small, ranging from sedans to SUV's to vans, and they can even make special accommodations for very large parties. Price varies depending on destination, of course, and you can even use this service to get to Port Canaveral for your magical Disney cruise! I was so impressed with the level of service I received, that Castle Connections Travel

has officially partnered with Logic Transportation as our preferred and recommended travel service. Give them a call- you won't be disappointed. Call 407-415-3447 and mention CCT for special rates! -@LisaCCT

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 property. In 1971 Disney opened 2 of their first Resorts on property and the Polynesian was one of them (the Contemporary was the other). Since then, it has been a fan favorite for everyone. Guests not staying at the resort visit just to enjoy the grounds and take in the ambiance. One of the bigger draws to the resort is the fact that it is a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. After a long day of thrilling rides and tons of excitement, you can stroll into the Polynesian and instantly feel the island vibe. As soon as you step foot into the lobby, you will hear relaxing Hawaiian music, smell fruity scents and feel like you’ve somehow bypassed the 12 hour flight to Hawaii. The Polynesian also offers some of the most unique dining options; ‘Ohana is one of Disney’s hardest-to-get dining reservations and my personal favorite. The Polynesian is also home of the Kona café, Captain Cooks quick services, the famous - Trader Sams Grog Grotto, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner show and more! If the pool is one of your deciding factors when selecting a resorts, the volcano pool will not disappoint. Little ones will also be thrilled to see the extravagant splash pad. So if you like the sounds and vibes of the Polynesian, make this your next resort to try OR swing in and enjoy a Lapu Lapu at the Tambu Lounge. If you like what you see, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @JaclynCCT

Table Service Restaurant Spotlight: ‘Ohana 'Ohana means “family” and the atmosphere at 'Ohana, located atop the Great

Ceremonial House at the Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World will make you feel like you're part of the family-especially when your server is your cousin! At 'Ohana, you

have a choice of two dining experiences. First, there's a character Breakfast that features Lilo and Stitch, Pluto and of course Mickey Mouse.  Breakfast is served family style and is all your can eat. Dinner at 'Ohana is not a character meal, but that doesn't mean you won't be entertained! There's a wandering singer armed with a ukulele and Coconut Races for the kids. If you time your meal just right, you will have a great view

(although from a distance) of the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. Your dinner experience begins when you walk past the Tiki idols as you enter the

restaurant. Your seating host will grab a loaf of Pineapple Bread as you are heading to your table. Once seated, a nice fresh salad arrives at your table with Lilikoi Dressing and crispy wonton strips that are amazingly tasty. Take my advice and don't fill up on bread and salad. The next plate that comes to the table features two sauces which are meant for pairing with the appetizers and the main course meats:  Sweet & Sour and Peanut Sauce. It doesn't matter how hard you try, this plate gets messy! The appetizer platter comes out next! On it are Honey-Coriander Wings, Pork Dumplings tossed in Ginger-Garlic Sauce, Lo Mein and Stir-Fried Vegetables.  Go easy here because there

is more to come! Yes, the appetizers are fantastic, but don't forget that the entrée round is next! There is a huge open grill where cooks get busy grilling skewered meats 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

740 Brand South Tr Lawrenceville, GA 30046

For a FREE no obligation quote on your next dream vacation, call us!(678) 957-7500 or visit us at www.castleconnectionstravel.com

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!

Just point your camera at me and let the adventure begin!

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