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+
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Friday Fives ... A Teen's Perspective on Disney Cruise Line

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Friday Fives ... A Teen's Perspective on Disney Cruise Line

At first glance, Disney Destinations are not synonymous with a place where teenagers would select to vacation. Disney connotes cheerfulness, whimsy and merriment. If you have a teenager living under your roof, I think you’d agree that these adjectives wouldn’t be used to describe the typical teen disposition. But if there is a place where your too-cool-for-school teen can be liberated from his or her moodiness and angst, it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line. Trust us!

On our recent family vacation on a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary on the Disney Fantasy, our newly-turned 13-year-old replaced his ear buds and iPod with genuine laughter, bright smiles, new friendships and adventure. In his own words, he’s sharing what he enjoyed most about cruising with Disney on this edition of Friday Fives.

All About ... Embarkation Day on a Disney Cruise

All About ... Embarkation Day on a Disney Cruise

Hi there - Jennifer here to report on my family’s EPIC seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on the gorgeous Disney Fantasy. You may have noticed a small hiatus on the Beyond Imagination Vacations blog. I promise that we’re not slacking on providing you with travel tips, vacation reviews and the latest Disney/Universal/other destination news. We took advantage of Spring Break week to recharge and reconnect with family. And what better way to do that than set sail with Disney Cruise Line. Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll be dissecting each day on the cruise. We’ll commence, of course, with embarkation day - because nothing is more glorious than the first official day of vacation!!

Friday Fives - Walt Disney World Resort vs. Universal Orlando Resort

Friday Fives - Walt Disney World Resort vs. Universal Orlando Resort

When faced with the question, “should I vacation exclusively at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando,” you cannot answer incorrectly. Both are top-rated vacation destinations in Orlando offering fun for families, couples and friends. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando both allow you to escape the worries of everyday life through nostalgic rides, cutting-edge technological attractions and spectacular nighttime entertainment. If your schedule and budget allows, there’s nothing wrong with making a day trip to Universal when you’re focused on Disney, or vice versa. But sometimes you want to go all in!

On today’s blog, we’re going to help you make an informed decision by tackling key differences between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Other than the number of parks each destination counts among its umbrella (Universal Orlando has two theme parks and one water park, while Walt Disney World has four theme parks and two water parks), what are the major differences? Read more to find out!

All About … Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay

All About … Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay

This winter has been brutal. It was 12 degrees - only 12 degrees! - during the morning commute yesterday. This past weekend it snowed, and the week before school was closed for an “ice day.” We are sooooo over it. We’re ready for warmer temps and sunshine, which has us thinking about a place where it’s always summertime - Volcano Bay. If you’re ready to leave winter behind like us, check out today’s blog where we’re sharing reasons why you should consider a visit to Universal Orlando Resort’s tropical oasis.

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Friday Fives - The Best Quick-Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

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Friday Fives - The Best Quick-Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

Why does it always seem that we’re talking about food on this blog? Whether we are park-going at Walt Disney World or exploring amazing cities in the U.S. or abroad, food is an integral part of our vacation experience. We previously covered our favorite table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World, and today we’re going to tackle our favorite quick-service restaurants. What are some of the criteria to make it on our list? Portion size related to price, ambience, a diverse menu from which to order and tasty food, of course!

Friday Fives - Romance at Walt Disney World

Friday Fives - Romance at Walt Disney World

As Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, we’ve been inundated with heart-shaped boxes of chocolate at the grocery store, sponsored social media ads by floral boutiques and a bevy of “best of” gift ideas. Forget perfume or roses. What can be more romantic than the gift of travel and memories to be cherished for a lifetime? Walt Disney World may not offer the same romantic vibe as an adults-only, all-inclusive situated on the beach, but trust us, there are ways to incorporate enchanted moments with your special someone at the most family-friendly vacation destination. You don’t believe us, yet, do you? Join us on this Friday Fives blog to explore romance at Walt Disney World!

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All About … Walt Disney World Park Tickets

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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.

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

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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)!

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All About ... Planning A Disney Cruise

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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?

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Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Cocktails at Walt Disney World

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Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Cocktails at Walt Disney World

Contrary to popular belief, Walt Disney World isn’t just a place to take the kids. Sure, the attractions, live entertainment, and character meet and greets speak to the young - and the young at heart. But Walt Disney World has SO MUCH MORE to offer adults. Fine dining. Exceptional shopping. Luxury hotels. And ridiculously good libations. Surprised? You shouldn’t be! After all, Walt Disney World presents an annual festival dedicated to food + wine tasting. Today on the blog, we’re sharing a list of our five favorite cocktails featured at Walt Disney World. Yes, the majority can be found at Epcot’s (Drink Around the) World Showcase….

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Friday Fives - Our Five Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

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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.

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Friday Fives - The Five Things We're Most Looking Forward to Opening in 2019

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Four days into 2019 and we’re counting down the days to our personal and client trips to Disney Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort to experience the exciting new attractions, hotels and restaurants opening this year. There will be so much to discover, like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park celebrating the 25th anniversary of the animated classic film, “The Lion King” and the launch of a new mode of transportation connecting guests staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On today’s blog, we’ve narrowed down the five things we’re most excited about trying out in 2019!

All About ... Reflecting on 2018

All About ... Reflecting on 2018

We cannot believe today is the first day of 2019. Where did 2018 go? Don’t get us wrong. We are looking forward to the amazing things waiting for us this year, but 2018 was a banner year personally and professionally with the launch of our travel agency, Beyond Imagination Vacations. On today’s blog, we’re taking a pictorial review of our favorite moments related to our new business and unforgettable travel experiences. Thank you for your generous support and for taking this spectacular journey with us!

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Friday Fives - Get to Know Our Five Amazing Agents

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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!

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All About Storybook Dining at Artist Point

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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.

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Friday Fives - Five Reasons to Dream about Dreams Las Mareas

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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!

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All About Early Morning Magic - Toy Story Land

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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!

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

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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!

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All About the Disney Dining Plan Updated 2.11.2020

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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!

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Friday Fives - Enjoying Walt Disney World with Babies + Toddlers

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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!