Beyond the Pixie Dust: Issue 07

Your destination for tips, tricks, deals, and news on all things travel

Catherine at Timeless Tales Travel
December 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

How are we less then a month away from 2026?

This has been an amazing year for my family, myself and I hope all of you. I was fortunate enough to take two amazing vacations this year, even though my second one doesn’t start for almost another 2 weeks, I can’t wait. What was your favourite memory for 2025?

✨ Here’s what’s inside this month:

🏰 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Updates

What’s upcoming in the parks now and for the New Year

At Walt Disney World, the holidays have arrived and with two parties, Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. Both are unique to each park and have a variety of special offerings. Be sure to check out my blog for each parties Foodie Guide and Offerings here.

Disneyland becomes truly magical this time of year as well with special character photo ops and food offerings. Don’t miss The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special” close to Avengers Campus.

The dates for Disneyland’s After Dark events have been released for the year you can check all the events and dates here.

At Walt Disney World the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will take place from January 16 to February 23, 2026 and is included with your park ticket. From the Food Booths to the Performances you won’t want to miss any of it. Be sure to watch my blog for more details

✨ Tip: June, July, August are some of the hottest months in Florida, but that shouldn’t stop you from going! Be prepared for some thunder storms and rain and stay hydrated. Most quick serve restaurants have water on hand to give out so be sure to ask

Canada Residents: Save Up to 25% on Rooms✨

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels this spring—for stays most nights from February 22, 2026, to April 30, 2026.

🌟 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

Traveling to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa? Here’s What You Need to Know

Hurricane Melissa brought significant damage to parts of Jamaica, and recovery efforts are still underway. While airports are open and some resorts are welcoming guests again, others, especially in harder-hit areas like Montego Bay, remain closed and won’t reopen until early 2026. If you have an upcoming trip, here are the key things to check:

Before You Travel

✔ Confirm your resort’s status
• Some properties, including Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts, have suspended operations until at least January 31, 2026.
• Others, like Couples Resorts, reported minimal impact and are already hosting guests.
Always verify with your specific resort.

✔ Expect uneven recovery
Damage varies widely across the island, so availability of amenities, excursions, and services will differ. While popular attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls are open, some activities may be limited.

✔ Review travel advisories
Some governments, including Canada, are advising against travel due to widespread damage. Others recommend exercising increased caution.

✔ Understand your insurance & cancellation options
• Standard policies may not cover losses from a named storm if purchased after the storm formed.
• Airlines like Air Transat are offering flexible rebooking options, check your airline and resort directly for updated policies.

How to Stay Updated

Follow official government advisories and Jamaica’s tourism updates to monitor the island’s recovery and any changes that may affect your trip.

❤️ How You Can Help Jamaica’s Recovery

Many communities are still in need of support. Here are meaningful ways to contribute:

Financial Donations

• Canadian Red Cross – Hurricane Melissa Appeal
The Government of Canada is matching individual donations made before November 24, 2025, doubling your impact.
• Jamaican Canadian Association – Relief Fund (via CanadaHelps)
• Local reputable organizations collecting monetary aid

Essential Item Donations

• Check for local drives, many cities, including Toronto, are collecting supplies at designated locations.
• Common needs include: hygiene kits, non-perishable food, baby items, blankets, batteries, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
• Always confirm drop-off locations and requested items to ensure your donation truly helps.

Other Ways to Support

• Support businesses helping ship supplies to Jamaica.
• Attend local fundraising events and benefit concerts.
• If donating through crowdfunding, be sure the organizer is reputable and funds are handled responsibly.

If you have questions about upcoming travel or need help navigating changes to your vacation plans, I’m here to help every step of the way.

🚢 Cruise Corner

🚢 10 Things That Will Get Confiscated on a Cruise (Don’t Pack These!)

You’ve booked your dream cruise, your bags are packed, and you’re ready to set sail… until security stops your suitcase because of one little item you didn’t realize was on the no-no list. 🧳😬

To help you breeze through embarkation day without any hiccups, here are 10 of the most common items that get confiscated during cruise check-in, even from experienced cruisers!

1. Firearms, Weapons, and Replicas

This one’s a given, no guns, knives with long blades, brass knuckles, or realistic-looking toy weapons. They’re strictly prohibited for everyone’s safety.

2. Pepper Spray, Tasers, and Self-Defense Items

Even if you normally carry them for personal protection, these items aren’t allowed onboard and will be confiscated at security.

3. Illegal Drugs or Marijuana Products

Regardless of local laws at home, cruise ships follow federal and international maritime rules. That means marijuana (even medical or CBD forms), and all illegal drugs are banned.

4. Alcohol (Outside of What’s Allowed)

Each cruise line has its own alcohol policy, but most only allow one bottle of wine or champagne per adult. Hard liquor and beer are almost always confiscated and not returned until disembarkation (if at all).

5. Irons, Steamers, and Small Appliances

Fire safety is a top priority at sea. That means no clothing irons, steamers, toasters, or coffee makers in your stateroom. Instead, look for the ship’s laundry or pressing services if needed.

6. Surge-Protected Power Strips or High-Watt Chargers

Many travelers don’t realize surge protectors are a big no-go. They can cause electrical issues onboard. Stick with a simple, cruise-approved power cube or USB-only hub.

7. Drones

While tempting for those beautiful aerial shots, most cruise lines prohibit drones due to privacy, safety, and port regulations. If allowed at all, they must be checked with security and can only be used onshore in approved areas.

8. Hoverboards, E-Scooters, or Large Battery Devices

Anything powered by a large lithium battery is a fire hazard at sea. Leave those at home and explore ports the old-fashioned way — on foot or via an excursion!

9. Candles, Incense, or Flammable Decorations

Even small tea lights or incense sticks are considered a fire risk. Skip the flames and go for battery-operated candles if you want to add a cozy glow to your cabin.

10. Weapons-Like Tools (Even for Hobbies)

Hobby knives, fishing spears, or multi-tools with blades will likely be taken at security. If you’re unsure, double-check before packing it.

🌊 A Few Pro Tips

Check your cruise line’s official prohibited items list before you pack, every line has slightly different rules.
If something non-dangerous (like a bottle of alcohol) is taken, it’s usually held until the end of your cruise.
When in doubt, leave it out! It’s not worth risking your boarding day being delayed.

If you’re ever unsure what you can bring, I’m happy to help you navigate your cruise line’s packing rules and offer my go-to cruise packing checklist.

🚢Canadian Residents: Save Up to 35% on Select Sailings🚢

Embark on an unforgettable Disney cruise—and take advantage of special savings of up to 35% on prevailing rates as quoted by Disney Cruise Line for select stateroom categories.

🌟There are at least five Royal Caribbean ships with bumper cars, including all of their Quantum-class and Quantum Ultra-class ships. These include the Anthem of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas. How fun is this! Who’s signing up?

🚢 Automatically receive $50 per stateroom to spend onboard! Begin preparing now as this exciting new bonus is effective Now - April 30, 2026

🎢 Universal Orlando & Hollywood Updates

Coming to Frisco, Texas in 2026, Universal Kids Resort is the ultimate playground for kids, packed with seven incredible lands: explore Isle of Curiosity, splash through DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, join Puss in Boots Del Mar and dance at TrollsFest, adventure at Jurassic World Adventure Camp, dive into Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, and go bananas at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club.

You can stay just steps from where they play at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel, opening in Frisco, Texas in 2026. Featuring 300 guest rooms and family suites, three-meal dining options for even the pickiest eaters, and family-friendly amenities. All within a short walk of Universal Kids Resort, which will come in handy after an action-packed ‘Yes Day’.

✨ From My Travels:

Travelling with young children can be a challenge. I’ve been travelling with both my girls since they were under two both in planes, ships and cars.
It hasn’t always been easy, they’ve fussed, cried, giggled and slept. One has motion sickness (cars, planes and boats) the other one nothing in that sense. We’ve tried multiple different meds and found Dramamine the best, we love that its non drowsy. We don’t use it much on car rides or ships any more but planes we still do just to be safe. We also keep the barf bag handy.
There are lots of natural ways to try and combat it as well, There are bands you can get that use acupressure points on the wrist, there are also patches you can get too and tons of people swear by them.
What ever works best for you or your child that’s what you should use, it’s no one else’s business what you use to help you get through it.

🧳 Travel Tip of the Month:

Remember, your kids don’t suddenly change just because you’re on vacation and they won’t care how much it cost. 🥰 If they’re hungry, give them a quick snack instead of waiting for the next meal. Let them nap, even if it’s in the stroller. I promise, these little moments make your trip so much more enjoyable! 🌟

📰 Additional Travel Highlights

Traveling Soon? Here’s What you as Canadians Need to Know About Visas & Entry Requirements

Before you head off on your next adventure, it’s important to know what travel documents you’ll need. While many destinations offer visa-free entry for short stays, others require a visa, e-visa, or special authorization.

Countries where Canadians typically need visas:
• Asia: China, India, Russia, Vietnam, North Korea
• Europe: Russia, Ukraine (and soon ETIAS for most of the Schengen Area)
• Africa: Algeria, Egypt, and several others
• Other: Cuba

Countries with conditional visa requirements:
• Turkey: Requires either an e-visa or a traditional visa depending on length and purpose of stay.

Important Reminders:
• ETIAS: Coming soon, Canadians will need to apply for the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System before visiting most Schengen countries.
• Visa on Arrival: Available in some destinations like Indonesia and Nepal.
• E-Visas: Required for some countries—Turkey is a common example.
• Visa-Free Travel: Many countries (including France, Italy, Spain, and Germany) allow short-term visa-free entry, but stays beyond the allowed period may require a visa.
• Always Check Official Sources: Entry rules can change—verify requirements with the destination’s embassy or the Government of Canada before you travel.

If you’re planning an international trip and want help navigating entry requirements, I’m here to make it simple and stress-free! ✈️

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