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Fairy Tale Concierge is giving away a FREE Universal Orlando vacation! (Yes, you read that correctly!!) To celebrate the return of travel, we are giving away a 3 night Universal Orlando Resort vacation for 4 people! No purchase necessary! To enter to win the Universal Orlando vacation, please click here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f40db71f1/?  The Details By entering the contest, You, the Contestant, have affirmatively reviewed, accepted, and agreed to all of the Official Rules. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. 1. Eligibility: This Campaign is open only to those who sign up at Facebook.com/fairytaleplanners and who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. The Campaign is only open to legal residents of most US states, and is void where prohibited by law, including the states of Florida, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Former and current Independent Contractors and Employees of Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members (spouses, children) and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Campaign. The Campaign is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. 2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign. 3. Campaign Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on April 15, 2021, 9:00am eastern standard time and ending on April 30, 2021, 11:59pm eastern standard time. All online entries must be received by April 30, 2021, 11:59pm eastern standard time. 4. How to Enter: The Campaign must be entered by submitting an entry using the online form provided at Facebook.com/fairytaleplanners . The entry must fulfill all Campaign requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC. You must provide the information requested. You may not enter more times than indicated by using multiple email addresses, identities, or devices in an attempt to circumvent the rules. If you use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC. 5. Prizes: The Winner of the Campaign (the “Winner”) will receive a 3-night, 3-day vacation for up to four people to Universal Orlando Resort in 2021. This package includes: • Three-nights accommodations at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel in a standard room • Up to four (4) 3-day, 3-park tickets • Your choice of a Fairy Tale Concierge agent to plan your vacation. Valid for redemption most nights up to expiration date excluding holidays and some peak times. Approximate retail value: $3000. Actual/appraised value may differ at time of prize award. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. 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If your entry infringes upon the intellectual property right of another, You will be disqualified at the sole discretion of Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC. If the content of your entry is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights of any third party, You shall, at your sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. You shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense, which Fairy Tale Concierge, LLC may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right. 9. 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Summertime (or hot weather season in Florida, which lasts much longer than summer!) brings its own set of challenges for the parks. Don't travel to Orlando without these items!
Water Bottle Strap
Carry your own water to the parks. I will say this until the cows come home! Don't pay upwards of $4 per bottle. Cups of water are F R E E at all quick-service locations. Use those to refill your own water bottle. I love this water bottle strap for carrying water with me! I don't like wasting precious park bag space for a bottle of water, but I always want to keep it nearby. A water bottle strap is an excellent alternative, plus it reminds you to keep sipping all day long. Stroller & Personal Fans A stroller fan will keep your little ones cool and comfortable. Just like how it sounds, you just clip it to their stroller and let them work their magic! For anyone over stroller age, you'll want a personal fan to carry with you. These neck fans are all the rage right now, and keep your hands free! Cooling Towels I was first introduced to these bad boys during a runDisney event, and now keep them handy for park days and long runs alike. If you're always hot, like me, you might even want to double up on these towels and a fan! Hair Ties If you've got long hair, like me, you're going to be throwing it in a braid, ponytail, bun...anything to get it off your neck! I always carry these hair ties with me in the parks to get my hair off my neck. Between the humidity, heat, water rides, and afternoon downpours, my poor hair doesn't stand a chance staying down! The Basics Of course, I always recommend that my clients bring hats, sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen (and aloe vera gel to be on the safe side!) Don't forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. (I've forgotten to do this, and I have photo evidence of my mistake!) Other Ways to Beat the Heat As you all know, I'm a big advocate for the mid-day break for a swim and a nap at the hotel. My 2021 hotel recommendations can be found here! Other ways to beat the Florida heat are indoor rides and attractions, lunchtime table service meals, or splash areas. (Though many splash zones are still currently closed.) All of my clients get my dining recommendations as well as touring plans to show them exactly where to beat the heat! Contact me to get all of my park tips and tricks!
Staying at 2 or more resort hotels during your vacation, also known as a split stay, is one of the best ways to experience Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort (or both!) But what exactly does that mean? And why should you do it? If you're asking yourself those questions, get ready for Split Stays 101!
The Basics
A split stay requires at least 1 night's stay at each resort hotel that you plan to book. Split stays can be between 2 or even 3 resorts. If you choose to do a split stay at Walt Disney World, bell services will transfer your bags free of charge to your next Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. If you transfer from different Universal hotels, or split between Disney and Universal, you're on your own. If you're looking for luggage for the kids (or kids at heart!), American Tourister has some adorable Disney luggage, including Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and BB-8! Not looking for character luggage? American Tourister also has this great 3-piece set! Where to Split at Walt Disney World The resorts you choose to split between are a completely personal choice. 99% of the split stays that I book are because of the following:
Worried about your kids wearing masks all day in the parks? For the time being, mask-wearing is here to stay. But it doesn't have to be a battle! I've compiled my list of the top 6 tips for getting kids to wear masks!
Face Coverings
Tip #1: Practice Makes Perfect
The first tip here is to have your kiddo practice before you even leave for your vacation! Remember, the face covering rule applies to everyone ages 2+ at both Universal and Disney. While school age kids may have some experience wearing masks at school, your younger kids may not. Practice at the grocery store, at parks, or even at home. Make sure your kids can handle wearing the masks indoors, outdoors, in strollers, on walks, etc. The parks are strict about the face covering mandate, and the last thing you want is to have to cut a park day short because of noncompliance with rules! Tip #2: Decisions, Decisions Let your kiddo choose the masks that they'd like to wear each day. Letting them choose increases the likelihood that the mask stays on. (Just make sure to pack extras, especially if they only want to wear the same dinosaur mask every. single. day.) Tip #3: Let Them Eat Cake! Okay, so maybe not cake. But, as you know by now, face coverings can be removed while stationary and actively eating or drinking. (At Disney, face masks can also be temporarily removed if taking an outdoor photo while physically distanced!) If you see your kids getting a little fussy, stop for a snack or drink break. This way, no one gets hangry and everyone gets to relax and enjoy a snack. It's a good idea for everyone in your party to stop and drink water once per hour anyway. I recently had the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando Resort to experience their health and safety measures in place firsthand! From hand sanitizer to face coverings to physical distancing...here's the real scoop!  With our face coverings at Universal Orlando Resort! Face Coverings Guests and team members are required to wear face coverings, plain and simple. Everyone, ages 2+, needs to wear a face covering that covers your nose, mouth, and chin. They must be secured with ear loops or be secured around your head. This means that, unlike Disney, Universal does allow neck gaiters. Bandanas are not permitted. On our trip, we noticed mask compliance 99% of the time. (A woman in line for Hagrid's removed hers multiple times while in line, as well as for the duration of the ride. She was stopped after the end of the ride by a Team Member. Cameras are everywhere.) Of course, removing face coverings is allowed while eating/drinking, as long as you're stationary and distanced from others. There are also relaxation areas, where mask breaks are permitted. (Find my face coverings infographic here!) Temperature Checks Temperature checks are performed daily, and corresponding colored wristbands are issued upon completion of that temperature check. One of the absolute best perks to staying on-site at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel (we stayed at Endless Summer - Surfside Inn and Suites) was the fact that we were able to have our temperature checked at the hotel, rather than at the parks. This saved us a ton of time! Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater after 3 checks would be asked to seek medical attention and get medical clearance prior to being permitted to enter. I encourage all clients to pack a thermometer to keep in the room. That way, if anyone does register a fever, it isn't a surprise and you can seek medical attention immediately.  Menus, events, tours, and special offers! It's been an eventful week at Disney and Universal...let's dive in! Universal Orlando Resort
All-New Celebration Of Flavors – Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors Of Carnaval Universal Orlando Resort will be celebrating Mardi Gras for the first time ever! This festival will feature cuisine and entertainment inspired by the most iconic Carnaval festivities worldwide. It will take place daily at Universal Studios from Saturday, February 6 through Sunday, March 28. You'll be able to enjoy:
Special Offers Announced! Universal Orlando Resort welcomes 2021 with a selection of special offers! With the upcoming summer debut of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the recently-opened The Bourne Stuntacular stunt showm and the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites hotel, now is the perfect time to plan a visit! Offers include:
Walt Disney World Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Now Open! The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts began January 8th at Walt Disney World Resort! This incredible festival celebrates visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world. The festival is included with your EPCOT park admission and runs through Feb. 22nd. You can expect to enjoy:
"The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure" Coming to EPCOT In early February, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” will debut! This exhibit, inside The American Adventure, features Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul”. The exhibit will invite you on a musical tour of America to learn about all about jazz music! New Mediterranean Small plates at Spice Road Table With scenic views of World Showcase Lagoon and décor inspired by outdoor cafés from the Moroccan seaside, Spice Road Table is now open offering a delicious new menu of small plates and sips for Guests to enjoy al fresco or in the dining room. B’Saha! Adventures by Disney First-Ever Dedicated Expedition Cruises Journey to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations when you set sail on all-new Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises. Voyages will include both Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands! (Just like Ted! Any Schitt's Creek fans?) This means that Adventures by Disney now offers experiences across all seven continents!! Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises will sail with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions. A Buenos Aires Escape will also be an option. It will be a 4 day, 3 night guided group experience in Argentina! On the Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise (coming 2022), families will island-hop from one adventure to the next with five 9-day, 8-night sailings aboard the boutique expedition ship, the Galapagos Legend. Three routes are scheduled. River Cruise Departures Return in 2022 Adventures by Disney’s popular river cruise vacations return to Europe with three itineraries along the Danube, Rhine and Seine. New for 2022, specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine will offer photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, these all-inclusive voyages are filled with immersive experiences in European destinations. Advance booking begins Jan. 19, 2021 for all previous Adventures by Disney Guests, or Jan. 21, 2021 for Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Club Members and Disney Cruise Line Gold & Platinum Castaway Cay Club Members. General booking begins Jan. 22, 2021. A while back, I highlighted quite a few Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort hotels on my social media pages. Check out part 2 of those resorts here! (You can always find those posts on my Facebook or Instagram pages to see them individually!) November 17th - Old Key West Resort (Walt Disney World)
Disney's Old Key West Resort has some of the most affordable villas of any Deluxe Villa Resort! This Florida Keys-inspired resort offers a laid back oasis for any guests. It features studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas, boat transportation to Disney Springs, and has one of the coolest pools around, complete with a sandcastle water slide. (Can you spot the Hidden Mickey?) November 19th - Bay Lake Tower (Walt Disney World) Bay Lake Tower is a true superstar! This Deluxe Villa resort is connected to Disney's Contemporary Resort via the stunning Sky Way Bridge or by walkway. A stay here grants you access to not only the Contemporary's amenities, but its own exclusive pool, too! It features studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas and has both a Monorail and a walking path to the Magic Kingdom! There are even Castle view rooms available! November 19th - Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins (Walt Disney World) It's no secret that Wilderness Lodge is my all-time favorite resort, but did you know that there are 2 other resorts within its property? The Boulder Ridge Villas and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins both provide that stunning rustic elegance, in addition to some very cool amenities. Boulder Ridge Villas are a Deluxe Villa resort where you can stay in a studio, 1, or 2 bedroom villa. Copper Creek Villas and Cabins is another Deluxe Villa resort that feature studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas in addition to luxury cabins. (Did I mention that those cabins come with a private screened porch with built-in hot tub?? That's my kind of cabin!) Both of these resorts offer boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom. November 23rd - BoardWalk Villas (Walt Disney World) Step right up to the BoardWalk! Disney's BoardWalk Villas are located on the entertainment-packed BoardWalk. This charming, fun-filled Deluxe Villa resort features studio, 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas. The BoardWalk is adjacent to, and within walking distance, to Epcot. It's also a short walk over to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Don't want to walk? You can take a boat to either of those parks, or hop on the Skyliner, which is located right between Epcot and the BoardWalk! Talk about convenience! November 23rd - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (Walt Disney World) Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is a stunning oasis...and as a Moderate Resort, it's totally affordable! The all-new addition of the Gran Destino Tower gives it an extra luxurious feel. What makes this resort even more unique is that Club Level rooms are available...the only Moderate Resort to offer this! There are also suites available! November 23rd - Cabana Bay Beach Resort (Universal Orlando Resort) Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the perfect spot to relax! This retro-style hotel is one of the coolest on property! It falls into the Prime Value category, meaning it's very affordable for families! Plus, it features family suites in addition to standard rooms, so families can stay comfortably! Cabana Bay is within walking distance to Volcano Bay water theme park. At the resort, your family can also enjoy 2 pools, a lazy river, and a bowling alley onsite! November 24th - Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort (Walt Disney World) Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is a beautiful lakeside resort inspired by the famous New York retreat. This Deluxe Villa resort features studio, 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas in addition to its one-of-a-kind Treehouse Villas! You can also enjoy boat transportation or a walking path to Disney Springs. November 24th - Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (Walt Disney World) Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical paradise right in the middle of Walt Disney World! This bright, airy resort is one of my personal favorites. A Moderate Resort, it features sandy beaches throughout and a 45 acre lake. Pirate-themed rooms are available. My favorite feature of this resort is that it houses the main hub of the Skyliner! This relaxing island resort needs to be on your family's must-stay list! November 24th - Disney's Riviera Resort (Walt Disney World) Holy moly. To say that Disney's Riviera Resort is stunning is a serious understatement. A newer resort, which opened December 2019, this quickly grew to be among my favorites on property. This Deluxe Villa resort features tower, studio, 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas. It's also home to Topolino's Terrace, a signature rooftop restaurant. This elegant, European-inspired resort is also on the Skyliner route, making it ultra convenient! November 25th - Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows (Walt Disney World) Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows are what vacation dreams are made of! This classic Deluxe Villa resort features studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas. It also features over-the-water bungalows that each have a private deck and plunge pool. Talk about paradise! The resort provides boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom and is within walking distance of the Transportation and Ticket Center. (Normally, there is a Monorail station right in the middle of the resort, but that is temporarily suspended due to construction!) November 25th - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Villas at Grand Floridian (Walt Disney World) Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as well as the Villas at Grand Floridian are the epitome of elegance. This lavish Victorian resort features two resorts in one. The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a Deluxe resort, while the Villas are a Deluxe Villa Resort. The Villas feature studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas. Both have Monorail and boat transportation, as well as an all-new walkway, to the Magic Kingdom! There is a full-service spa and salon on-site. Grand Floridian is also home to Victoria and Albert's, a AAA Five Diamond Award recipient! This timeless resort is calling your name!
Catching a wave...in Orlando? I had the opportunity to stay at Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Suites at Universal Orlando Resort in December! This value resort has totally stolen my heart! It's part of the Endless Summer Resort, with Dockside Inn and Suites rounding out the complex.
Check-In
Upon arriving at Surfside, I immediately noticed the health and safety measures being taken to keep everyone safe. (More on that later!) The front desk was staffed, but distanced, and I did not have to wait for a team member to greet me. We received our keys, and headed straight to the Vacation Planning Desk to grab our tickets. The Room We stayed in a Standard 2 Queen room. One thing that I really loved about the elevators is that, to get to guest floors, you had to scan your room key before the elevator took you to your room. Elevators were also limited to just your travel party, so no sharing a small space with strangers! Our room was spacious and clean. One touch that I really loved was the bottle of hand sanitizer in our room. While I had multiple bottles that we'd packed, I definitely took this one as a souvenir! (And may have already used it once or twice since then!) The resort also features 2 bedroom suites, which is a fantastic option for larger parties or for families who prefer to spread out a bit! A video of our room tour can be found on IGTV. Watch that here! 
Pizza Delivery from Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Suites
The Food
Surfside featured a few different dining options that we experienced: Starbucks, Beach Break Cafe, Sand Bar, and resort pizza delivery. Starbucks was located in the lobby, and had your traditional Starbucks fare. Beach Break Cafe was the quick-service location. We ordered two burgers and fries. This was socially distanced, fast, and the food was fresh. That evening, we stopped in at the Sand Bar, which is the pool bar. Seats were distanced, service was fast and friendly, and drink prices were very reasonable. Later in the evening, we ordered pizza delivery from the resort. We had a gluten-free cheese pizza, fruit & cheese appetizer, and two (GIANT) waters. Again, the food was fresh and delicious, and service was much faster than we expected!
Health and Safety
The health and safety guidelines at Universal Orlando were unparalleled. At our resort, we noticed hand sanitizer stations near the front desk, Vacation Planning Desk, near every entrance/exit, and at elevator bays. We also noticed social distancing markers and signage throughout the resort. One feature that I loved was having our temperature checked at the resort before heading to the parks. Guests were issued a colored wristband daily after their temperature screening. (Colors changed by the day.) These wristbands are required for entering the parks, and saved tons of time at park arrival time since we already had this done! We never had to wait in a line for a temperature check. The shuttle (which we also never waited for!) had assigned seating areas for each party to encourage social distancing. Face coverings, of course, are required unless you are actively eating and drinking in a stationary location. *Please note: temperature checks were phased out as of May 19th, 2021 and Face Coverings were not required indoors or outdoors for vaccinated travelers as of May 29th, 2021. Overall Experience My overall experience at Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Suites was FANTASTIC. I would recommend Endless Summer to any clients visiting Universal Orlando Resort. It's a fantastic budget-friendly option without feeling like a "value" resort. Remember, any stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel includes Early Park Admission, free shuttles, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery to hotel, and Club-to-Club access at CityWalk! Click here for more information or to book your next stay at Universal Orlando Resort! Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line! It's been a busy news week, so let's dive in!
Universal Orlando Resort Promotion EXTENDED! Universal Orlando has relaunched its unprecedented Black Friday offer for a limited time! Due to popular demand, Universal Orlando Resort is giving you another opportunity to take advantage of its best package offer ever – SAVE 40% on a 4-Day, 4-Night vacation package. This deal was originally offered for Black Friday and sold out in record time. Limited quantities are now available until Friday, December 11, so act fast! Remember, this package includes:
Park touring is going to be quite different for a while. Here are 5 items that I've added to my clients' packing checklists for 2021 and 2022 vacations!
1. Face Coverings
Simply put, if you want to tour the parks, you'll need a mask or another type of face covering for everyone ages 2+ in your party. I highly recommend packing at least 2 per person per day in your park bag. Unexpected rainstorms, water rides, and sweat will make wearing the same mask for an entire day pretty miserable. Having an extra will ensure that you and your family have extras in case any masks are lost or damaged. You'll likely be able to purchase these in the parks, but I highly doubt you'll want to keep shelling out cash every time you need a spare mask! These disposable masks on Amazon are a great value! For more tips about masks, be sure to follow these tips. For mask-wearing advice for kids, click here! 2. Ziploc Bags I've long been including gallon size bags on my lists for wet clothes and for keeping items safe on water rides, but stick some sandwich bags in there, too. Why? Those face coverings from #1, of course! You'll be able to take them off while you eat, but what do you do with those masks then? You won't want to stick them in a purse or park bag! Grab a few sandwich-sized bags to stick your masks in while you dine. An assorted pack of Ziplocs is the way to go! 3. Hand Sanitizer Okay, so this is another one that I always recommend, but this is now an absolute MUST HAVE in your park bag for obvious reasons! Grab these Purell travel sized options that you can attach to a bag or purse so that you don't have to go digging for it every time. There will be increased sanitizer stations throughout the park, but it never hurts to have your own! (Plus, Universal's hand sanitizer smells a little rough. You'll want your own, trust me.) 4. Disinfecting Wipes While the parks and resorts have absolutely stepped up their game in terms of disinfecting surfaces, you can never be too careful! Grab a travel-size of Clorox wipes and wipe down tables, etc. before you sit down! I also recommend doing this with your tray table on planes or even wiping down high touch areas in your hotel room. 5. Portable Charger It's more important than ever to have a charged phone in the parks. Not only can you check your My Disney Experience or Universal Orlando app for reservations or virtual queues, you'll also need to use it for mobile food ordering, looking up menus, and for constantly updated information. This rose gold beauty is the one that I have, and I can't recommend it enough! My clients all receive a full custom packing checklist. If you're ready for more travel and packing tips, contact me to get more information! |
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