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.