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- Beyond the Pixie Dust: Issue 04
Beyond the Pixie Dust: Issue 04
Your destination for tips, tricks, deals, and news on all things travel
Catherine at Timeless Tales Travel
September 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
Can you believe it's September already and the kids are back to school?
Fall is around the corner, and it's the perfect time to plan your next escape. This month's newsletter is packed with all-inclusive picks, cruise updates, and travel tips to make planning a breeze.
✨ Here’s what’s inside this month:
🏰 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Updates
🎃 Spooky Season is Here at Disney Parks! 👻
At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the magic of fall has arrived! Main Street, U.S.A. is glowing with festive pumpkins, autumn garlands, and charming seasonal touches that make every stroll feel picture-perfect.
But the real fun begins after dark… because the Halloween parties are officially underway! At Walt Disney World, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party transforms Magic Kingdom with trick-or-treating, spooktacular parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets in their Halloween best. Over at Disneyland, Oogie Boogie Bash takes over Disney California Adventure with immersive treat trails, rare villain sightings, and a one-of-a-kind Halloween parade.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly frights or just want to soak up the festive fall atmosphere, there’s no better time to experience Disney parks than during Halloween season. 🎃✨
Checkout the Walt Disney World Halloween Foodie Guide 2025 here, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Foodie Guide 2025 here and
Thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland? 🍂✨ Fall is one of the most magical times to visit! Enjoy festive décor, delicious seasonal treats, and often lighter crowds. Plus, don’t miss the special Halloween events, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland — both running from August through October. Limited tickets are still available with some dates already sold out. 🎃👻
✨ Tip: Costumes aren’t just for kids! At both events, adults are welcome to join the fun and dress up (with a few guidelines). Coordinating family costumes or Disney-inspired outfits make for magical photos and unforgettable memories.
 | 🍽️ Kids Dine FREE at Walt Disney World in 2026! ✨ Make your next family vacation even more magical! When you book a Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes: ✔️ A stay at a select Disney Resorts Collection hotel 👉 Kids ages 3–9 eat FREE with a complimentary dining plan! |
 | 🌟 Special Disneyland Resort Ticket Offer for Canadian Residents! 🌟 Don’t miss this magical opportunity! For a limited time, Canadian residents can purchase specially priced 3-, 4-, or 5-day tickets to the Disneyland Resort—starting at just $77 USD per day (ages 3+). 📅 Valid for visits May 16 – December 31, 2025 (Subject to theme park reservation availability) Restrictions apply |
🌴 All-Inclusive Spotlight
Riu Montego Bay
   | Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves and stepping onto soft white sand just outside your door. At Hotel Riu Montego Bay, romance comes alive in every detail. This adults-only, 24-hour all-inclusive resort is designed for moments you’ll never forget — from lazy afternoons in an in-water lounger to sunset strolls along a private beach reserved just for guests. Indulge in candlelit dinners at one of the many dining venues, sip cocktails under the stars, and let the Caribbean breeze set the mood. With five pools, the lively Splash Water World, endless entertainment, and over 800 elegant rooms featuring thoughtful touches like minibars, drink dispensers, and air conditioning, every moment feels effortless. Whether it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply time away together, this is where love and paradise meet. |
🚢 Cruise Corner
🚢✨ Disney Cruise Line Announces New Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 Itineraries! ✨🚢
Disney Cruise Line has announced their exciting new season of itineraries, giving families more opportunities to sail from California, Texas, Florida, and even Singapore. Guests can look forward to fan-favorite destinations in Mexico, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean plus special itineraries that include both Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Some sailings will even visit Castaway Cay twice, and for the first time, Disney Cruise Line will call on Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.
From San Diego, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will offer three- to seven-night voyages along the Pacific Coast and Mexico, while the Disney Magic will also sail out of Galveston with itineraries to Cozumel, Progreso, and Disney’s private islands. Florida will be home to five Disney ships, including the brand-new Disney Destiny, with a variety of Bahamian and Caribbean cruises to choose from. For international adventures, the Disney Adventure will return to Singapore with short sailings filled with Marvel, Pixar, and Broadway-style magic.
Holiday favorites also return, with Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises offering festive fun at sea in fall and winter 2026. Bookings open as early as August 25, 2025 for Castaway Club members, with general booking available September 2, 2025.
Where will you sail to?
 | 🚢✨ Save 50% on Select Disney Cruises! ✨🚢 For a limited time, the third and fourth Guests in the same stateroom sail for 50% off on select Disney Cruise Line voyages, including festive Very Merrytime Cruises. This offer is available on the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish for sailings between October 3, 2025, and March 30, 2026. Book by October 12, 2025 to take advantage—space is limited! |
Disney is not the only cruise line to release itineraries into 2027 Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have as well many others.
   | 🌟 Introducing Star of the Seas The World’s Best Family Vacation 🌟 Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, is redefining family getaways with more thrills, more chill, and more unforgettable memories than ever before. From record-breaking waterslides and seven sparkling pools to Broadway-style entertainment, crave-worthy dining, and over-the-top staterooms, this ship has it all. Every sailing includes a stop at the award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, where endless adventure meets ultimate relaxation. 🚢 Itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida ✨ Whether you’re chasing thrills, savoring world-class dining, or soaking up the sun, Star of the Seas is your ticket to the ultimate family vacation. |
  | Norwegian Cruise Line’s newly enhanced Great Stirrup Cay isn’t just a stop on your itinerary—it’s an escape to The Great Life. Guests can dive into endless fun with a sparkling 28,000-square-foot lagoon pool featuring swim-up bars and ocean views, or find thrills at the all-new Great Tides Waterpark with cliff jumps, splash slides, and even high-speed jet karts. Families will love the new Horizon Park, little ones can explore Splash Harbor, and adults can unwind at the exclusive Vibe Shore Club. There’s no better time to experience this private paradise and book your clients’ next adventure!  |
🎢 Universal Orlando & Hollywood Updates
🧙♂️ Experience the Wizarding World with a Universal Vacation Package! 🧙♀️
Whether you’re visiting Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, or the brand-new Epic Universe, a Universal vacation package gives you the ultimate Harry Potter adventure with park tickets, hotel accommodations, and exclusive perks all in one.
At Universal Orlando:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - soar through Hogwarts on this thrilling ride.
Flight of the Hippogriff - a family-friendly roller coaster perfect for younger wizards.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - a high-speed journey through the Forbidden Forest.
Escape from Gringotts - an action-packed ride through the vaults of Gringotts Bank.
At Universal Hollywood:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - explore Hogwarts like never before.
Flight of the Hippogriff - a whimsical coaster for all ages.
Ollivanders Wand Experience - witness the magic as a wand chooses its wizard.
At Epic Universe (Orlando’s newest park):
Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, a brand-new immersive land combining elements from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Guests can visit 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s, all within one of five unique worlds at Epic Universe.
Booking a package also gives you early park entry, convenient hotel stays, and stress-free planning, so you can focus on sipping Butterbeer, exploring magical lands, and creating memories that last a lifetime. With a Universal vacation package, your Harry Potter experience is magical from start to finish.
 | 🧙♂️ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Now at Epic Universe! 🧙♀️ Step into three magical worlds—Hogsmeade™, Diagon Alley™, and the all-new Ministry of Magic™ at Universal Epic Universe! Book a 3-night or longer hotel stay with 2-Park or 3-Park access plus a 1-Day Epic Universe ticket and bundle & save up to $200. Enjoy early park admission, themed breakfasts, exclusive treats, and a commemorative photo session—all designed to make your Harry Potter adventure truly unforgettable. |
Wizarding World Tip: Plan to visit Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the new Ministry of Magic early in the morning or during evening hours to enjoy shorter lines and a more immersive experience. Don’t forget to download the Universal app to check ride wait times, make virtual line reservations where available, and unlock interactive wand experiences throughout the parks!
✨ From My Travels:
 | Waking up to this view at Animal Kingdom Lodge was truly one of my favorite moments on a Disney trip. There’s something so magical about sipping your morning coffee while giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife wander just outside your window, going about eating their own breakfast. It’s a peaceful, magical way to start the day and a memory you won’t forget. The resort itself is incredible and offers so much more than just savanna views. From the beautiful lobby and cultural exhibits to multiple dining options, lounges, and fun activities for kids, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a destination in its own right. Next time we visit, I definitely want to plan more resort days to really soak it all in, this property deserves extra time to explore and enjoy. Staying here isn’t just a hotel stay, it’s an experience that blends luxury, wildlife, and Disney magic, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants a truly immersive Disney vacation. One practical tip: Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the furthest resorts from Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, so be sure to factor in extra travel time when planning park mornings or breakfast reservations. Whether it’s a character breakfast at a park or a special dining experience at the resort, a little extra planning ensures your day starts smoothly. |
🧳 Travel Tip of the Month:
While planning is important, some of the best memories come from unplanned moments. Keep part of your day flexible to explore and discover.
📰 Additional Travel Highlights
Discover the World with Adventures by Disney
An Adventure by Disney vacation blends Disney’s signature service with once-in-a-lifetime destinations? Adventures by Disney offers fully guided group trips across the globe, whether it’s exploring castles in Europe, snorkeling in the Galápagos, or standing in awe at the Grand Canyon. Each trip includes immersive experiences you wouldn’t find on your own, like private tours, hands-on cultural activities, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. It also includes most meals, accommodations and transportation. With Adventure Guides taking care of every detail, you can relax and truly enjoy the journey.
It’s the perfect way for families (or adults-only groups!) to experience the world together, stress-free and full of magic.
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
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