New Tree-House Villas Open for Booking-
Scheduled to open June 1, 2009, the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are now taking reservations. I am personally so excited that Disney has chosen to resurrect and reconstruct their Swiss-Family Robinson like Tree Houses! Elevated 10 feet off the ground, all 60 stand-alone Treehouse Villas are set among the treetops to offer families an intimate retreat that sleeps nine (I love that!), while providing all the modern comforts of home. Nestled in natural forest glens, the Treehouse Villas mark the newest edition to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. This new phase will revive Walt Disney World Resort "treehouse living," a tradition from 1975 to 2002. The Treehouses boast modern luxuries such as cathedral ceilings, granite countertops and flat-screen TVs, all presented in a style dubbed "cabin casual." A treehouse brings a sense of adventure, making kids feel more like grownups, and grownups feel more like kids. Now, at the Treehouse Villas, any family can fulfill this childhood longing, with an added dash of luxury and comfort. For more information or for pricing, please contact us at Starlight Travel Network, we would be happy to assist you!

Disney's Newest Cruiseships-
It’s official! The newest ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet have been officially deemed the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Bob Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, announced the official names today at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Oakland, Calif. The Disney Dream is scheduled to launch in 2011, with the Disney Fantasy following soon after in 2012. Like the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Cruise Ships before them, the names of the two new ships were chosen with care to celebrate Disney’s unique heritage – creating incredible worlds of fantasy where dreams really do come true.
Walt Disney Imagineers and shipbuilders have been working full steam ahead since the fleet expansion was first announced in 2007. On March 2, 2009, construction on both ships began at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany with a special steel-cutting ceremony.

Disney's Magical Express Shuttle Bus update-
Effective March 30, 2009, Disney's Magical Express will no longer offer luggage delivery service for arrivals to the Orlando International Airport after 10 p.m. Guests may collect their luggage at Baggage Claim and transport it with them on the motor coach. FYI: Disney's Magical Express is only available at the Orlando Natoinal Airport (MCO), the complimentary shuttle service is not available for guests arriving at other Central Florida airports. The Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center is in the Main Terminal Building of Orlando International Airport on the B side Level 1 and provides service to Guests with reservations for Disney's Magical Express arriving into Orlando International Airport regardless of time of day. If you find it convenient and enjoy the luxury and hassle-free experience of having your baggage "magically" delivered to your hotel from the airport, there are similar luggage transportation services available that offer this same service for travelers across the US. For more information, feel free to contact one of Starlight Travel's Professional Vacation Planners and they would be happy to assist you.

Disneyland Update-
"Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it! Street Party" is coming! and it's going to rock the heart of Disneyland Park with the beat of some of the best party tunes of all time. Scheduled to debut in late March, this new street spectacular will bring the party to your Clients as it journeys along the Disneyland Park parade route. Balloons and streamers will fill the air while crazy conga lines, swing dancers and some of your Clients' favorite Disney Characters take to the street to celebrate with them! Dancers will perform alongside traveling performance platforms that feature amazing special effects. DJs will be spinning several different styles of popular party music, including swing, Latin and rock.
"Celebrate! A Street Party" will be a fun way for YOU to answer the question, "What will you celebrate?" Daily performances are scheduled to begin on March 27, 2009. Please check the Entertainment Times Guide once you arrive at Disneyland Park for the latest information on performance times and locations.

Wedding Bells-
One of Starlight's Travel Professionals, Ann Fowler, is planning her upcoming fairytale dream wedding at WDW. I am so excited for her, extremely jealous, and have been paying close attention because I'm learning alot from her planning. Did you know?.. In addition to Disney's Wedding Pavillion at the Grand Floridian, there are other venues where couples may exchange vows in the park; such as the American Adventure, and the France, Italy, and United Kingdom pavilions at EPCOT's World Showcase. Ann is planning her nuptials to take place in the Italy Isola pavillion. It is a gorgeous location that overlooks the lagoon. Ann's ceremony takes place on an island edged by a "dock" decorated with barber pole posts like those used for the gondolas in Venice. With its lovely bridges, this location is incredibly photogenic and has a truly Venetian flavor. Ann is Starlight Travel's WDW Weddings & Honeymoon Specialist, you can follow her personal wedding plan details on her blog at www.characterfan.wordpress.com. If you have any questions in general regarding weddings, honemoons, or wedding vow renewals, please give her a call. She would love to chat with you!

WDW Park Tickets-
One of the families I had assisted in booking their WDW trip had to unfortunately cancel their vacation last week. They called because they were worried that they didn't purchase the non-expiring Magic Your Way Park Tickets and that they wouldn't be able to use them at a later time. I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone know that their Magic Your Way WDW park tickets, when un-used, are good for up to five years. MYW Base Tickets expire 14 days from their first use (once you have entered the parks). However, when you add the No Expiration Option to your ticket, you're able to come back and take advantage of unused days at any time in the future.

Traveling with Extra Kids?-
If you are planning to travel with other people's children, I suggest you have the child's parents sign and notorize a Consent To Travel or Child Travel Agreement form. These types of forms are typically used by the partents/guardians of a child to give permission for the child to travel domestically or overseas with another caretaker, for instance a teacher or a relative. This agreement also provides a record of the childs information, such as birth date, passport number, medical conditions, and what to do in case of an emergency.
Although anyone can witness and sign these letters, it is advisable to have the consent letter certified, stamped or sealed by an official who has the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration (i.e., a commissioner for oaths, notary public, lawyer, etc.) so that the validity of the letter will not be questioned. We have these forms available at Starlight Travel Network, and would be happy to provide you with them.

Child Safety Tattoos-
We all share a common worry about losing one our kiddo's while on vacation, whether it be at a theme park, water park, or just about anywhere there is a crowd. I found a really great website that sells children's temporary tattoos called *Safetytat*. The temp. tattoos allow you to customize and list phone numbers should you become separated from your child. I think this a fantastic idea! I have ordered several to hand out to our clients to try. You can also check out their website at www.safetytat.com

Tinkerbell's Wake Up Call-
I wanted to share one of my client's stories with you. On the Collin's families last WDW trip, they had the most magical experience of having the opportunity to wake up Tinkerbell! They happened to be the first guests to arrive in Tinkerbell's Treasures Shop that morning, the store is located just to the left of Cinderella's Castle. A Cast Member approached their children and asked if they would like to wake-up Tinkerbell. Their son was given a sword, and their daughter a wand, and they were instructed to tap on a small chest three times and say “wake-up Tinkerbell!”. Sure enough, Tinkerbell did awake and flew around the room in a dazzling display of lights and sounds. The Collins kid's were given a certificate proclomating their success in assisting in the awakening of Tinkerbell. Although I have never personally had the opportunity to wake Tink (I wish!), I do know that she does in fact live in the shop and can be seen flying around intermittently through out the day. But keep your eyes sharp, because she flys really fast!

Disney Trivia-
Did you know that Figment from the Imaginations Pavilion is purple because its sponsor Kodak didn’t want him in Fuji film’s colors, which are green and yellow. Fuji is Kodak’s rival company!

WDW Closings and Rehabs-
EPCOT:
Ellen's Energy Adventure - Jan. 5 - March 22, 2009
Electric Umbrella- March 1- April 4, 2009

Magic Kingdom Park:
The Hall of Presidents 11/1/08 - 7/1/09
Buzz Lightyear 3/2 - 3/6/09
Space Mountain 4/19/2009-late 2009
Tomorrowland Transit Authority 4/19/09 - 8/19/09

Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
*none!* :)

Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Backlot Tour - January 4 – March 28, 2009
Sounds Dangerous- temporarily closed, operates seasonally

Disney Vacation Specials:
WDW: Disney's "Buy 4, Get 3 Free"
This special offer has been extended thru August 15th! When you purchase a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Package, you receive three additional nights (with tickets) free. This offer is now valid for stays most nights April 27 - May 18, May 23 - June 06 and June 22 - Aug. 15, 2009. **AND** Clients taking advantage of this offer at Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will receive a $100 Disney Gift Card**, available for arrivals beginning March 30 – April 1 and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009.

Disneyland: Everyone plays for the Kid's Price!
From January 6 through April 30, 2009, when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket, you’ll pay the kid’s price—even if you’re only a kid at heart. So bring your whole family and celebrate in both Theme Parks—Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Disney Cruiseline: "Lucky Ducks! Kids Sail For 50% Off"
It's a ducky time for your Clients to sail on Disney Cruise Line! Kids 12 and under get 50% off prevailing cruise fares at time of booking. This offer is available for 3-, 4- and 7-night sailings.
Most sail dates from April 11 through May 17, 2009. Note: children must be 12 and under to take advantage of this offer.

I found Tinkerbell!-
I was surfing the internet for Disney info. when I stumbled across the most charming website. It's http://www.tinkerbelltalks.com/ , the official website of Margaret Kerry. She was the model used for creating Tinkerbell's body and facial expressions for the original in Peter Pan movie. When you see the pictures of her on the set, you can easily see her features brought to life in Tinkerbell. You can read all about Margaret's journal of her time spent in the Disney Studios and working with Walt Disney himself. There are also some fantastic classic b&w photos of her portraying Tink that I loved looking at. I also really enjoyed reading Margaret's blog "Tink's Thoughts"- you'll have to check it out for yourself! Margaret is also currently working on an autobiography entitled "Tinkerbell Talks- Tales of A Pixie Dusted Life" , you can an excerpt from her new book on the website.

Hot Air Ballon Ride Coming Soon Over Downtown Disney-
In an article on the closing of Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney, there was a mention of a new attraction being planned there, which is a tethered hot air balloon ride. The attraction is being called Character in Flight. The attraction is now under construction and the site is on (over?)the water. It will be directly behind the information booth in the transitional area between West End and the bridges of Pleasure Island. It's coming Spring 2009- just around the corner!

Cruising with your Babies
Beginning March 15, families preparing to sail on Disney Cruise Line with little ones will have access to an online service that allows them to order baby supplies in advance of their cruise and have them delivered to their stateroom. The new service is exclusive for Disney Cruise Line guests and provided by Babies Travel Lite, an online retailer offering more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items.By visiting disneycruise.com, guests will be able to access a special section of the Babies Travel Lite Web site where they can create orders for familiar brands in quantities customized to the duration of their cruise.
Thanks to Dana Hammerman for this info!

"It's A Small World" Attraction re-opening in Disneyland
A beloved Disneyland attraction returns to Fantasyland on Friday, Feb. 6, when “it’s a small world” opens with some new storytelling magic. With the premiere of a new “Spirit of America” scene, new musical enhancements, and a new look for some of the attraction’s familiar child dolls, “it’s a small world” will once again take guests of all ages on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed.”

"American Idol" Attraction opening this weekend at WDW
With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, “American Idol” comes to WDW in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Each show takes place in a 1,000 seat, indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort.
Hidden Disney Treasure- The Cinderella Fountain
Next time your at the Magic Kingdom, look for the Cinderella statue found on the left hand side of the castle, also known as La Fountaine de Cindrillon. This traditional stone fountain was inspired by the french fairytale and the Walt Disney classic film. Hot tip: Not only is this a great photo spot, it is also a good place to cool off at nearby shaded benches after you have filled up on some water from one of the fountain's drinking water dispensers. Now- with a little bit of Disney magic: bend down to your child's height and see for yourself how the scroll-work behind her magically transforms into a crown on her head! I love this hidden Disney treasure and I take a picture of it everytime I visit- (although this pic in particular is a little off-sided) :) Disney Imagineer's vision was that as guests took a drink from the fountains, they were in effect actually "bowing" to Cinderella!

Disney and Dreamworks, A Movie-Making Dream Come True
Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studios have reached a new distribution deal with Disney, replacing one that was announced with Universal last year.
According to the terms of the new deal, Walt Disney Studios will be marketing six DreamWorks live-action movies a year.
"Disney is the birthplace of imagination and has always been as close to the worldwide audience as any company ever has," Spielberg said.

Disney Luggage Tags
Effective February 10 2009, Disney's Magical Express will now mail one luggage tag per person. If you need additional tags, you can contact Disney's Magical Express at 866-599-0951.

WDW Closings and Rehabs
EPCOT:
Ellen's Energy Adventure - 1/5 - 3/22/09

Magic Kingdom Park:
The Hall of Presidents - 11/1/08 - 7/1/09
The Liberty Square Riverboat is going to be closed from February 19 - 28, 2009
Buzz Lightyear 3/2 – 3/6/09
Space Mountain 4/19/2009-late 2009
Tomorrowland Transit Authority - 4/19/09 - 8/19/09

Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
Tricera Top Spin - 1/20/09 - 2/12/09

Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Backlot Tour - January 4 – February 28, 2009
Sounds Dangerous- temporarily closed, operates seasonally
Sorcerer Hat Shop- 1/5/09 - 2/5/09

Disney Vacation Specials:
WDW- Book a 4-night Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way package and get 3 more nights - Free! This offer has been extended for booking through March 29, 2009. Offer requires a minimum 5 night stay and is valid for travel most nights Jan 25- Apr 4, 2009 & Apr 19 - June 27, 2009. (some black out dates apply) And... A Very Magical Bonus Offer! While it lasts! Travel between January 25, 2009 -March 29, 2009 and get a $200 Disney Gift Card too!

Disneyland- From January 6 through April 30, 2009, when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket, you’ll pay the kid’s price—even if you’re only a kid at heart! So bring your whole family and celebrate in both Theme Parks—Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park.

Disney Cruise- Kids 12 and under sail FREE on most 3-Night cruises 1/22/09 - 5/28/09 with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. (Government Taxes and Fees not included)Adventures by Disney- Don't miss the opportunity to save in a big way on the vacation of a lifetime. Our Early Bookings Rates are still available on select new 2009 itineraries when booked 90 days prior to departure. A family of four can save at least $1600 with our Early Booking Rate!*

2009 WDW Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA
The marathon, half marathon, and 5K all take place this Thursday, Jan. 8th through Sunday, Jan. 11th. This is one race weekend where the smiles easily outnumber the miles. It's the only place in the world where you can earn the exclusive, and highly coveted Disney Medals. Weekend Events include:
Walt Disney World® Marathon
Walt Disney World® Half Marathon
Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge
Circle of Life 5k
Disney's Kids' Races and Mickey's Marathon Kids' Fest
Disney's Health and Fitness Expo
*Good luck to everyone participating!*

New Store Opening at Downtown Disney
If you have ever wanted to customize your own Disney t-shirt, this shop is for you and offers lots of interactive fun! "Disney Design a Tee" Presented by Hanes allows you to design your tee your way! Choose a short or long sleeved tee shirt in a variety of vibrant colors and create your personalized tee by choosing from over 300 pieces of Disney art and add up to four lines of text. Here you can have your name imprinted on specially designed commemorative t-shirts. Your tee shirt is printed while you wait and you can event watch them being made on the video screens in the store.
So, whether you are celebrating your birthday, commemorating your recent nuptials or identifying your family members with our special "Family Reunion" tees, you're sure to come away with a special memory that will last a lifetime.
The first 100 guests at the Grand Opening of Disney Disign A Tee presented by Hanes will receie: A complmentary Lanyard, button, mini souvenr tee, plus a $5.00 off coupon toward the purchase of your Design A Tee. Grand Opening is schedule for Friday, Jan. 9th 2009.

Smuckers Sweepstakes Prize is Trip for 10 to Walt Disney World
Smuckers and Jif are offering a fantastic sweepstakes. All you have to do is tell them about an achievement by an extraordinary child in your life and you could win a trip for 10 to Walt Disney World. And even if you don't win, if you download the submission form and submit it properly (see website) you could win a scrapbook kit.
Check out full details at Smuckers website: http://www.smuckers.com/promotions/disney/Default.aspx.

(And if you win, please make sure you come back and tell us all about it!-or better yet, take me with you!)

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Rumor
I know some people are getting sick and tired of the whole Pirates of the Caribbean thing; but for those of us die-hard Pirate fans, this is great news! I also think that when a franchise makes that much money, it’s hard to let it die. We’ve been hearing rumblings about a possible fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie for months now, but last night I read an article which not only confirmed a fourth movie will almost certainly be happening. More importantly, Johnny Depp is all but assured to return, also returning will be Geoffrey Rush and Gore Verbinski as director, but forget about the rest of the cast because from now on the movies will only be about Captain Jack. That’s right, Pirates 4 will cast aside Will and Elizabeth to make it an all Jack Sparrow movie. None of this info. has been confirmed, it's a rumor buzz going around right now. I'll let you know when I hear more!

New Kim Possible Interactive Game Challenge at EPCOT
Disney is currently trial running a new game for families in the World Showcase, and they are randomly selecting 60 park guests each day to play. If you agree to participate, you are given a "Kim-unicator", which is actually a Vererizon cell phone. The phone uses audio and video to instruct you through your missions throughout each country. It's extremely interactive and once you have completed your mission, your phone somehow triggers inanimate objects to come to life and you'll meet several average looking Cast Members who are actually undercover and playing the game with you. For more info. go to http://allears.net/tp/ep/kimpossible.htm

Sleeping Beauty Castle Opens it's doors in Disneyland
I am personally so excited about this announcement, I think I may have to do a "research trip" for this one! :) To celebrate Sleeping Beauty's 50th anniversary in 2009, the original 1957 Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough from Disneyland has been virtually recreated. "Would you like to go inside Sleeping Beauty Castle? Not just across the drawbridge and through Sleeping Beauty Castle... and not just into Glassblower shop... but actually up into the Castle?"
I would!!.. The castle has opened it's doors and you now have the ability to walk through all the corridors and secret passageways to find classic Sleeping Beauty scenes come to life. For more info. and to see some pics go to Yesterland's website: http://www.yesterland.com/sbwalkthru.html

Disneyland Trivia Question
Speaking of Disneyland, did you know- When originally designing Disneyland's new attraction the Haunted Mansion, what was the reason Imagineers needed to create the stretch rom?

It was to lower the guests so they could walk under the train tracks!
-If you know of any Disneyana trivia, please send it to me and I'll post it for you!

Space Mountain in WDW Closing for Extensive Renovations
(no worries for the Kmeicik-Salley family, you will still have time to ride before it closes! :)
One of the more iconic attractions at Walt Disney World is getting a makeover.
Disney said Wednesday it will shut down Space Mountain this spring for what the company described as a months-long “refreshment” of the 34-year-old Magic Kingdom roller coaster.
The ride will close April 19, just after the Easter holiday. It is expected to reopen late in the year.
The construction work will include installing new track inside the enclosed coaster, which carries guests in the dark through a series of sudden drops and sharp turns. The layout of the track will remain the same, however. Other upgrades will include a new enclosure for the ride’s queuing area and a new ceiling inside its signature, white dome.

WDW Closings and Rehabs
EPCOT
Ellen's Energy Adventure - 1/5 - 3/22/09

Magic Kingdom Park
The Hall of Presidents - 11/1/08 - 7/1/09
Splash Mountain - 1/4/09 - 1/18/09
Dumbo the Flying Elephant - 1/7/09
Mickey's Philharmagic - 1/18 - 2/6/09
The Liberty Square Riverboat is going to be closed from February 19 - 28, 2009
Buzz Lightyear 3/2 – 3/6/09
Space Mountain 4/19/2009-late 2009
Tomorrowland Transit Authority - 4/19/09 - 8/19/09

Animal Kingdom Theme Park
-none-

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Backlot Tour - January 4 – February 28, 2009
Voyage of the Little Mermaid January 27-29, 2009
Sounds Dangerous- temporarily closed, operates seasonally

To my friend's the Leo Family, welcome home- I hope your holidays at WDW were filled with magical moments and memories!

Congratulations Courtney Huckaby (remember Donald Duck's long lost cousin?) and Ann Fowler on your wedding engagements! I am so happy for both couples- love is definitey in the air!

Disney Specials
WDW- Book a 4-night Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way package and get 3 more nights - Free! This offer requires a minimum 5 night stay and is valid for travel most nights Jan 25- Apr 4, 2009 & Apr 19 - June 27, 2009. (some black out dates apply)
And... A Very Magical Bonus Offer! While it lasts! Travel between January 25, 2009 -March 29, 2009 and get a $200 Disney Gift Card too!
The number of rooms is limited for this offer, so don't wait to long! Packages must be booked by January 24, 2009.

Disneyland- From January 6 through April 30, 2009, when you purchase a 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket, you’ll pay the kid’s price—even if you’re only a kid at heart! So bring your whole family and celebrate in both Theme Parks—Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park.

Disney Cruise- Kids 12 and under sail FREE on most 3-Night cruises 1/22/09 - 5/28/09 with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. (Government Taxes and Fees not included)

Adventures by Disney- Don't miss the opportunity to save in a big way on the vacation of a lifetime. Our Early Bookings Rates are still available on select new 2009 itineraries when booked 90 days prior to departure. A family of four can save at least $1600 with our Early Booking Rate!*