Jennifer Bryan
Introducing Disney Genie+

Big changes coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this fall! FastPass and MaxPass have evolved into the soon-to-be released Disney Genie+.

Introducing Disney Genie+

Family Vacation

, ,

All About the Disney Dining Plan Updated

, ,
All About the Disney Dining Plan Updated

When we post photos of the amazing food we’re enjoying while on vacation at Walt Disney World, many of our friends and family are surprised at the gourmet offerings featured at the parks and resorts. It definitely isn’t all chicken nuggets and corn dogs, but those food types are readily available too because sometimes you need a little fried goodness. There are also farm-to-table, fresh options as well as restaurants helmed by some of the world’s top chefs.

Disney makes it easy for you to sample typical theme park food and more discerning palate pleasers with the Disney Dining Plan. Today on the blog, we’re breaking down the Disney Dining Plan to help you decide if the vacation add-on is for you!

, , ,

Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

, , ,
Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

When vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, staying at an on-property hotel is a no-brainer. It keeps you enveloped in the “Disney bubble” after leaving the parks, and offers incredible benefits exclusive to Disney hotel guests. Considering there are nearly 30 hotels from which to choose, it can be difficult to narrow down your selection. We’re here to help, of course. Today on the blog, we’re sharing an updated list of our five favorite hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.

,

All About ... Navigating Walt Disney World's Transportation System

,
All About ... Navigating Walt Disney World's Transportation System

You’ve made all the critical decisions - when to visit; where to stay; and which attractions to tackle. Now, you’re finally at Walt Disney World! But how do you get from your hotel to one of the parks, Disney Springs or evening another hotel for a dining reservation. We’re breaking down Walt Disney World’s transportation system for you today on the blog!

, , ,

Friday Fives - Five Things to Love about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay

, , ,
Friday Fives - Five Things to Love about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay

Unique to Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, Castaway Cay is one of the most popular ports of call on Disney Cruise tropical itineraries. In fact, it is so popular that Disney offers “double-dip” cruises that make not one but two stops to its private island in The Bahamas. Although only 3 miles long and 2 miles wide, Castaway Cay offers vast fun and a broad range of activities - whether you want to dip your toes in the clear water and relax on lounge chairs under the sun, or if you want to get your adrenaline going with more intense pursuits.

On today’s blog post, we’re wrapping up our coverage of the Bryan Family’s March 2019 Western Caribbean adventure with a stop at Castaway Cay. Quite appropriate because Castaway Cay was the last destination they visited before heading back (sadly) to Port Canaveral.

, , ,

All About … Walt Disney World Park Tickets

, , ,
All About … Walt Disney World Park Tickets

One of the questions we get asked the most by clients, family members and friends is … how many days should I spend in the parks during my upcoming Walt Disney World trip? Well, that depends on resolving a few matters not the least bit limited to: the number of days you can devote to the overall vacation in accordance with your work and school schedules; determining your family’s interests and preferences; and pinpointing your family’s vacation style.

After those fundamental questions are answered, the subsequent question is… which type of park ticket should I buy? Of course, the answer is as unique as each family visiting Walt Disney World. But, we can tell you that there are three types of tickets - base, Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Option. Today on the blog, we’re covering the basics regarding these ticket types to identify the one that meets your individual family’s needs.

, , , , , , , ,

Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Table-Service Restaurants at World Disney World

, , , , , , , ,
Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Table-Service Restaurants at World Disney World

Last week, we shared a list of our five favorite cocktails at Walt Disney World - because a Disney vacation can mean more than meeting characters, riding roller coasters and finding your stroller among the 500+ that look just like yours! What’s a vacation without a little liquid happiness?

Along those same lines, we at Beyond Imagination Vacations cannot imagine a vacation without enjoying some incredible meals. And because Walt Disney World is the ultimate in family travel, it is easier to partake in fine dining here than at other destinations. Children are welcome at all restaurants, excluding Victoria & Albert’s which only allows children 10 and older. (Our kids have sophisticated palates, but we’re not sure we would want to spend close to $200 on a meal for a seven-year-old!)

On today’s blog, we’re sharing our five favorite table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. And yes, you can bring your kids (if you want)!

, , ,

All About ... Planning A Disney Cruise

, , ,
All About ... Planning A Disney Cruise

You’ve conquered the mountains of Walt Disney World. You’ve enjoyed Epcot’s seasonal festivals and the holiday celebrations at the parks and resorts. You’ve completed the four parks in one day challenge. And now you’re looking for your next great family vacation. We have three words for you: Disney Cruise Line. In our opinion, no other cruise line can compare to what Disney offers families. With its signature Pirate Nights, kid-approved Oceaneer Club for youth and Edge Club for tweens and Vibe Club for teens, and spacious staterooms, there are plenty of reasons why Disney Cruise Line was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the “Best Cruise Line” for families.

Although it is not as intense as planning a Walt Disney World trip, there are many things to consider as you plan your own Disney Cruise experience. Today on the blog, we’re breaking down the basics to identify the perfect Disney Cruise for you!

With four ships in its fleets, ports located across the world and year-round sailings, how do you narrow down which cruise is right for you?

, , ,

Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

, , ,
Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

For the Beyond Imagination Vacations team, an integral element of the vacation experience is staying in a great hotel and being whisked away from the troubles of everyday life. No beds to make. No meals to cook or dishes to clean. No trash to take out.

When vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, staying at an on-property hotel is a no-brainer. It keeps you enveloped in the “Disney bubble” after leaving the parks, and offers incredible benefits exclusive to Disney hotel guests. Considering there are nearly 30 hotels from which to choose, it can be difficult to narrow down your selection. We’re here to help, of course. Today on the blog, we’re sharing our five favorite hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.

, ,

Friday Fives - Get to Know Our Five Amazing Agents

, ,
Friday Fives - Get to Know Our Five Amazing Agents

You’ve read about and seen enough pictures of Jennifer and Kristen, Beyond Imagination Vacations owners. It’s time to turn the spotlight on the heart and soul of our travel agency, our amazing agents. They are highly trained, focused on customer service and committed to crafting individualized vacations for their clients. On today’s blog, you’ll get to know the Beyond Imagination Vacations travel planners - perhaps one of them will be a great fit to plan your next vacation!

, ,

All About Storybook Dining at Artist Point

, ,
All About Storybook Dining at Artist Point

The newest character dining experience debuted at Walt Disney World Resort earlier this week. A Beyond Imagination Vacations’ client was among the first guests to be swept away by the food, atmosphere and character encounters at Storybook Dining at Artist Point. Today’s blog is all about the “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” character meal.

, , ,

Friday Fives - Five Reasons to Dream about Dreams Las Mareas

, , ,
Friday Fives - Five Reasons to Dream about Dreams Las Mareas

You might remember that last week we were reminiscing about our unforgettable experience at The Springs Resort & Spa in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Today, we’re shifting perspectives - from the base of the active Arenal Volcano to the lush, tropical beaches of Guanacaste. While on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, we made Dreams Las Mareas our homebase. And with a robust slate of entertainment and activity offerings, delicious dining and incredible sunsets over a gorgeous beach, there’s really no need to leave the property!

, , , ,

All About Early Morning Magic - Toy Story Land

, , , ,
All About Early Morning Magic - Toy Story Land

We are fresh off of our wonderful Christmas trip to Walt Disney World and wanted to share one of the highlights of our stay—a pre-park opening experience at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The event is called Early Morning Magic and allows a limited number of guests into Toy Story Land for 90 minutes of rides and character meets before the park opens to guests with regular admission. Did I mention breakfast is also included? Today on the blog, we’re giving you our personal experience and review of Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Holywood Studios!

, ,

Friday Fives - Why You Need to Visit The Springs Resort & Spa

, ,
Friday Fives - Why You Need to Visit The Springs Resort & Spa

Over the Thanksgiving break, we had the trip of a lifetime in the Central American nation of Costa Rica. It’s relatively small size makes it possible to see various parts of the country over the course of one week. And you want to see as much as possible as Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface, but contains nearly six percent of the world's biodiversity.

We spent some time in La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, and stayed at the gorgeous The Springs Resort & Spa. On this week’s edition of Friday Fives, we’re sharing five reasons why you need to visit The Springs Resort & Spa in Costa Rica!

, ,

All About the Disney Dining Plan Updated 2.11.2020

, ,
All About the Disney Dining Plan Updated 2.11.2020

When we post photos of the amazing food we’re enjoying while on vacation at Walt Disney World, many of our friends and family are surprised at the gourmet offerings featured at the parks and resorts. It definitely isn’t all chicken nuggets and corn dogs, but those food types are readily available too because sometimes you need a little fried goodness. There are also farm-to-table, fresh options as well as restaurants helmed by some of the world’s top chefs.

Disney makes it easy for you to sample typical theme park food and more discerning palate pleasers with the Disney Dining Plan. Today on the blog, we’re breaking down the Disney Dining Plan to help you decide if the vacation add-on is for you!

, ,

Friday Fives - Enjoying Walt Disney World with Babies + Toddlers

, ,
Friday Fives - Enjoying Walt Disney World with Babies + Toddlers

It’s never too early to introduce children to the magic of Walt Disney World, but traveling with little ones does present unique challenges. Today on the blog, we’re offering five simple and accessible tricks to make it fun and easy to enjoy a Walt Disney World trip with babies and toddlers!

, , , ,

All About Universal Orlando Resort

, , , ,
All About Universal Orlando Resort

We are shifting gears to put the spotlight on another of our favorite Orlando vacation spots, Universal Orlando Resort. Home to three unique theme parks featuring more than 50 attractions, a variety of live entertainment and fun encounters with beloved characters, there’s a reason our clients are booking stand-alone trips to Universal or adding onto their Disney vacations with days added on to visit Universal. Today on the blog, we’re talking all about Universal Orlando Resort and why you should consider a trip!

, ,

Friday Fives - Differences b/w Walt Disney World and Disneyland

, ,
Friday Fives - Differences b/w Walt Disney World and Disneyland

When faced with a decision to visit either Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you can’t make a bad choice between the “Happiest Place on Earth” and the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Both parks put the spotlight on classic rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and it’s a small world, embrace the seasons with special events and programming, and offer families a special place to reconnect. Other than their locations on opposite coasts, there are some major differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Today on the blog, we’re breaking down what makes each park unique.

,

Friday Fives - Why We Love Disney Cruise Line

,
Friday Fives - Why We Love Disney Cruise Line

Congratulations are in order! Disney Cruise Line was named the number one “Large Cruise Line” in 2018 according to Condé Nast Traveler readers. No surprise here as Disney Cruise Line has received this award for seven consecutive years.

Collectively, we’ve enjoyed more than 10 cruises with Disney, finding something new to experience and appreciating our tried-and-true favorites each time. Today, we’re sharing our five favorite things that make setting sail with Disney the ultimate vacation.