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- Beyond the Pixie Dust: Issue 03
Beyond the Pixie Dust: Issue 03
Your destination for tips, tricks, deals, and news on all things travel
Catherine at Timeless Tales Travel
August 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
Let’s make planning your next vacation easy and exciting!!
Another month, another chance to make magical memories. From relaxing beach resorts to exciting adventures at sea, I’m here to help you find the perfect fit.
✨ Here’s what’s inside this month:
🏰 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Updates
A Taste of What’s to Come 🍷🌍 I’m already dreaming about the food! The 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off August 28 – November 22. From over 35 Global Marketplaces to cheesy fun with Emile’s Fromage Montage, plus the return of Remy’s Hide & Squeak, there’s a lot to look forward to! And don’t forget the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. This is the longest running festival at Walt Disney World and will run for 90 days. If you are lucky enough to visit bring your appetite because you will need it. Watch my socials because once they release the Foodie Guide I’ll be sure to share and have us all drooling
 Disney World and Disneyland to Debut ‘it’s a small world’ Finale Scene Lyrics | Mother earth unites us in heart and mind And the love we give makes us humankind Through our vast wonderous land When we stand hand in hand It’s a small world after all |
Celebrating 70 Years of Magic at Disneyland ✨ On July 17, 2025, Disneyland Park celebrated its 70th anniversary in a truly special way. With all-new gallery experiences opening inside the Main Street Opera House. This heartfelt exhibit will showcase hundreds of images, pieces of art, and rare artifacts that trace Walt Disney’s journey, from his early career to the creation and evolution of The Happiest Place on Earth.
The experience will culminate in a brand-new attraction, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” where guests can step into a lovingly recreated version of Walt’s office and hear his words of wisdom brought to life in a moving tribute to his legacy. Through personal mementos and inspiring moments, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the man whose imagination changed the world and continues to inspire dreamers of all ages.
✨Tip: When visiting the parks in the summer, don’t sweat the rain. Most times it won’t last and the parks will empty a bit, so take advantage of possible lower wait times
 |
 | Save up to 20% on select stays of 3 or more nights at one of the magical Disneyland Resort hotels between August 17 and December 19, 2025. 🌟 Stay in the magic at: 🎁 Upgrade to a Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package by adding theme park tickets to your hotel stay and receive a special Disney pin and lanyard (one per Guest age 3+, while supplies last)! 📅 Book by December 16, 2025 |
🌴 All-Inclusive Spotlight
Occidental At Xcaret Destination
   | Let me introduce you to Hotel Occidental at Xcaret Destination a tropical gem tucked away in the heart of the Riviera Maya! 🌴Located just steps from the iconic Xcaret Park, this resort is more than just a place to stay, it's a full experience. With the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package (exclusive to hotel guests), you’ll enjoy unlimited access to the park throughout your stay. That means exploring underground rivers, cultural performances, wildlife, and more as many times as you like! 🏨 The rooms are comfortable and calming, and if you're craving a more luxurious touch, consider upgrading to the Royal Level. Think boutique hotel vibes with personalized service, exclusive spaces, and added elegance. There’s so much to do, whether you're feeling adventurous or ready to unwind: |
🚢 Cruise Corner
🚢 Why You Should Arrive Early for Your Cruise
(And a few reasons some travelers hesitate)
✅ Pros of Arriving Early
Buffer for Travel Delays ✈️ Flights get delayed or canceled—arriving a day early gives you a cushion so you don’t miss the ship.
Peace of Mind 😌 Wake up knowing you're already in the port city and just minutes away from embarkation.
Extra Time to Explore 🏙️ Enjoy a mini vacation in your departure city—explore local sights, try new restaurants, or relax by the hotel pool.
Better Rest Before You Sail 😴 Long travel days can be exhausting. Getting a good night’s sleep before boarding means starting your cruise refreshed.
No Last-Minute Stress 📅 Avoid the anxiety of rushing to the port due to traffic, weather, or missed connections.
Easier to Replace Lost Luggage 🧳 If your bags are delayed, arriving early gives you time to retrieve or replace essentials before sailing.
❌ Cons of Arriving Early
Extra Hotel Night 💸 It does mean paying for a hotel room before the cruise begins—an extra cost to factor in.
Additional Meals & Transportation 🍽️ You’ll need to plan for one more day of meals, airport transfers, or local travel.
Time Off Work or School 📆 Depending on your schedule, taking an extra day off might not be possible or convenient.
🛳️ Final Thoughts: As a travel advisor, I always recommend arriving at least one day early, especially for international cruises or winter sailings where weather can be unpredictable. That extra day can save you a lot of stress—and make your vacation feel smoother from the start.
 | 🌊✨ Utopia of the Seas is celebrating one incredible year of redefining what weekends can look like and the fun isn’t slowing down! From high-energy pool deck sailaways to non-stop nightlife, amazing eats, and jaw-dropping entertainment, this ship knows how to bring the party both onboard and on shore. If you’ve been thinking about a quick getaway that’s anything but ordinary, this is it. Utopia is all about The World’s Biggest Weekend only from the cruise line named Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 22 years in a row! |
 | The Disney Fantasy is sailing throughout Europe this summer and now is your chance to save on select staterooms! For a limited time, take advantage of special rates on Inside (IGT), Oceanview (OGT), and Verandah (VGT) staterooms on select 7-night cruises from Southampton, including the British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, and Western Europe. Disney will assign your stateroom closer to sailing—but you'll enjoy the same world-class service and magic at sea. ⚓ These restricted-rate rooms are limited and full payment is due at the time of booking. |
 | ☀️ Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new 2027 sailings are here, with more departure options, weekend escapes, and dream destinations than ever before. 🌍⚓ Whether you're craving Caribbean island-hopping, glacier views in Alaska, treasure hunts through Istanbul’s markets, or fresh seafood by the Lisbon coast, NCL has an itinerary to match your perfect adventure. 🌴❄️🛍️🍤 Where will 2027 take you? |
🎢 Universal Updates
🌌 Discover the Lore of Celestial Park at Epic Universe!
If you're like me, the first thing you’ll want to do when stepping into Universal's Epic Universe is explore and nowhere pulls you in quite like Celestial Park. This otherworldly land exists outside space and time, filled with lush landscapes, imaginative attractions, and portals to epic adventures.
From racing through the stars on Stardust Racers to riding a living constellation on Constellation Carousel, every corner tells a story. Add in whimsical dining spots (hello, Pizza Moon and CelesTiki) and rich backstories behind every shop and character, and Celestial Park becomes more than a theme park — it’s a living storybook waiting to be discovered.
 | Bundle & Save up to $200 on a Vacation Package |
🧙♂️If you're staying at a Universal hotel, don’t forget to take advantage of Early Park Admission — it can get you into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Super Nintendo World up to an hour before the general public!
✨ From My Travels:
 | We’ve had the joy of sailing on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Wish, and Treasure and while each ship shares that signature Disney magic, they all bring something unique to the table. We started out with a 4-night cruise on the Dream because, like many first-time cruisers, we weren’t sure how we’d feel about being at sea—would we love it? Would we get seasick? Thankfully, we all did great and loved the experience! Since then, we’ve done more 4-night sailings on the Dream and Wish, and longer 7-night cruises on the Fantasy and Treasure. Those longer itineraries really let you settle in and soak up everything Disney Cruise Line has to offer—from the incredible dining to the shows and destinations. Now it’s become a tradition for us to book a placeholder before we leave the ship—it’s a great way to lock in a future sailing and take advantage of the special onboard offer. |
 S | Save up to 25% on select Disney Cruise Line sailings—just for you! 🌴 3- & 4-Night Bahamian Cruises 🌊 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise ✨ What you need to know: |
🧳 Travel Tip of the Month:
✨Family Travel Tip: Plan a Mid-Trip Rest Day!
When traveling with kids (or even without!), it’s tempting to fill every day with activities — but don’t underestimate the power of a slower day in the middle of your vacation. 💆♀️💦
🌴 Sleep in
🌊 Enjoy the pool or beach
🛍️ Explore shops or grab a casual bite
📸 Take time for some relaxed memory-making
This gives everyone a chance to recharge, especially after busy park or excursion days. Less cranky kids (and adults!) = more magical moments. 💫
📰 Additional Travel Highlights
🏝️ All-Inclusive… But Make It Unexpected!
Did you know you don’t have to go to the Caribbean to enjoy an all-inclusive vacation? While the beaches of Mexico and the Caribbean are always popular, there are stunning all-inclusive resorts in Dubai, Morocco, and Spain that offer incredible experiences with unique cultural flair.
Whether you're dreaming of sipping mint tea under Moroccan stars, lounging by the Mediterranean in Spain, or enjoying luxury in the heart of Dubai, I can help you find an all-inclusive escape that goes beyond the ordinary.
Ready to plan your next escape?
Reply to this email or click here to request a quote:
📧 [email protected]
💻 catherinestravels.com
👉 www.timelesstalestravel.com/catherinem
Thanks for being part of this journey. Until next time — keep dreaming, exploring, and your travels be filled with new memories.
Adventure awaits!
Catherine