Happy June everyone!
Phew, May was a busy month, we celebrated Mother’s Day, my eldest’s birthday and my mom’s birthday. We had some cold day, hot days and meh days but I’m happy to welcome in June. Where we will celebrate Father’s Day and hopefully have more of that warmer weather.
✨ Here’s what’s inside this month:
🏰 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Updates
So much is happening lately at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort and honestly it’s hard to keep up with all the exciting updates! ✨
There is so much happening right now at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort and honestly Disney fans have a lot to be excited about! ✨
At Walt Disney World, Cool Kid Summer is officially underway with new entertainment, character experiences, food offerings, and activities designed especially for families visiting this summer.
🎸 One of the biggest updates is the opening of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, bringing a fun new twist to a fan favourite attraction.
🍴 Disney also revealed new menu items inspired by the Swedish Chef, and honestly some of these look both hilarious and delicious.
🎬 Animation Courtyard has reopened at Hollywood Studios, adding more space and experiences for guests to enjoy.
💙 Bluey and Bingo continue to be incredibly popular and are now greeting guests at Animal Kingdom through a virtual queue system. If your kids love Bluey, this is definitely something you’ll want to plan ahead for.
🚀 Star Wars fans also have lots to look forward to with new Mandalorian and Grogu themed food, drinks, and experiences arriving around the parks.
Meanwhile at Disneyland
🌺 Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar is celebrating 15 years with special offerings and themed fun.
🎟 Disneyland Resort is also expanding Park Hopper availability starting June 9, giving guests more flexibility while visiting both parks.
💙 “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” has arrived at Disneyland Park, bringing even more family entertainment to the parks.
And honestly, these are just some of the highlights. Between new foods, entertainment, character experiences, ride updates, and summer offerings, there is so much happening right now across both coasts.
Be sure to check out the blog on my website where I’m sharing more details, menus, updates, and everything Disney fans need to know! ✨
✨ Tip: With the hotter weather here, there are some great places to escape the heat depending on the park your in. You can also bring little fans to the park to help cool you down and most quick serve restaurants have ice water on hand if you ask.
Canada Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms When You Stay 5 Nights or Longer✨
Canada residents can save on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels this summer, for stays most nights from May 1 to October 3, 2026.
Save up to 30% for stays of 5 or more consecutive nights
Save up to 25% for stays of 1 to 4 consecutive nights
This offer is valid for the Disney Resorts Collection hotels listed below. View the chart to explore savings.
Take Advantage of a Ticket Offer, Too!
🌟 Save Up to 15% on Select Stays at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Be immersed in the magic throughout your visit, save up to 15% on select room types, Sunday through Thursday nights, at a Disneyland Resort hotel, May 22 through September 7, 2026.
This summer, Sunday through Thursday nights, enjoy savings on both Standard and Premium room types at these magical Disneyland Resort hotels:
Save up to 15% at:
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Save up to 10% at:
Pixar Place Hotel
Subject to availability and restrictions.
Book now. Travel must be completed by September 8, 2026.
🌴 All-Inclusive Spotlight
Preferred vs Standard at an All-Inclusive: Is It Worth It?
One of the questions I get asked a lot when helping clients choose an all-inclusive resort is:
“Should we upgrade to Concierge or Preferred Club?”
And honestly? The answer depends on your travel style, budget, and what kind of vacation experience you want.
At many all-inclusive resorts, the upgraded sections may be called Concierge, Preferred Club, Club Level, Diamond Club, Elite, or something similar depending on the resort brand. While the names vary, the perks are often very similar.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can usually expect when comparing Standard vs Concierge/Preferred accommodations.
Standard Rooms
Standard rooms are absolutely still a great option and can be perfect for many travellers. You still get access to the resort, pools, restaurants, entertainment, and beach.
For many families or travellers who plan to spend most of their time exploring, at the pool, or out on excursions, standard can be the better value.
Concierge / Preferred Club Upgrades
This is where the experience can start to feel a little more elevated and convenient.
Depending on the resort, upgraded categories may include:
Private check-in and check-out areas
Access to exclusive lounges or private pools
Premium alcohol selections
Better room locations closer to the beach or main amenities
Upgraded minibars or room service menus
Concierge or butler service
Reserved beach or pool areas
Exclusive breakfast or lunch restaurants
Complimentary hydrotherapy or spa access at some resorts
One thing many of my clients end up loving most is simply the quieter atmosphere and added convenience.
Is It Worth The Extra Cost?
For some travellers, absolutely yes.
I often recommend upgraded sections for:
Couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons
Multigenerational families wanting extra convenience
Travellers who enjoy a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
Clients who plan to spend a lot of time at the resort itself
Anyone wanting a more premium experience without jumping to a luxury resort price point
For others, standard rooms make more sense, especially if the price difference is significant and you know you’ll mostly be out exploring or enjoying the resort equally regardless of room category.
My Biggest Advice
Not all Concierge or Preferred upgrades are created equal.
Some resorts offer incredible value with their upgraded sections, while others may not justify the extra cost depending on your travel style. That’s why working with someone who knows the differences between resorts can really help.
I always try to match clients with the option that makes the most sense for their vacation, not just the most expensive one.
Sometimes the upgrade is 100% worth it.
Sometimes I’ll tell clients to save the money and put it toward excursions, flights, or a longer stay instead.
And honestly? That’s the kind of conversation I love having with clients while planning their vacation. ✈️🌴
🚢 Cruise Corner
🚢Ocean Cruise Line Breakdown: What Makes Each Cruise Line Different?
Some cruise lines focus on family fun and entertainment, while others are more relaxed, adult-focused, luxury, or adventure-based. The “best” cruise line really depends on your travel style, budget, and what kind of vacation you’re hoping for.
Here’s a simple breakdown of some of the most popular cruise lines and what makes each one unique.
Disney Cruise Line
Best for families and Disney fans. Known for incredible service, Broadway-style entertainment, character experiences, and amazing kids clubs while still offering adult-only spaces too.
Royal Caribbean International
Best for travellers wanting lots to do onboard. Think waterslides, surf simulators, zip lines, ice skating, and huge family-friendly ships packed with activities.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Known for flexible “Freestyle Cruising” with relaxed dining and dress codes. Great for travellers wanting a casual and easygoing cruise experience.
Celebrity Cruises
A more upscale and modern cruise experience with elevated dining, beautiful ships, and a quieter atmosphere that’s popular with couples and adults.
Virgin Voyages
Adults-only cruising with a trendy, modern vibe. Great food, no large buffets, and a more social and relaxed atmosphere.
Princess Cruises
Known for destination-focused cruising and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere. Especially popular for Alaska and longer itineraries.
The best cruise line really depends on your travel style, budget, and what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for. That’s where working with a travel advisor can really help narrow down the best fit for you and your family. ✨
🎢 Universal Orlando & Hollywood Updates
There’s a lot happening right now at Universal Orlando Resort and fans of movies, thrills, and Halloween Horror Nights have plenty to be excited about!
One of the newest announcements for Halloween Horror Nights is that Sinners is coming to the event as an all-new haunted house. Inspired by the award-winning film, guests will enter Club Juke as the Smokestack Twins battle bloodthirsty vampires in what already sounds like one of the most intense and immersive houses of the season. If you love darker storytelling, horror movies, and detailed themed environments, this is definitely one to watch.
And Halloween Horror Nights isn’t the only thing happening at Universal this summer.
Universal Orlando is fully leaning into its “live the movies” experience with limited-time entertainment, themed offerings, and summer spectaculars happening throughout the resort. Guests can experience movie magic not only in the parks, but throughout the hotels and entertainment areas as well.
Returning this summer is the fan-favourite Universal Mega Movie Parade featuring larger-than-life floats, characters, music, and moments inspired by some of Universal’s most iconic films. This parade has quickly become a guest favourite and adds so much energy to the parks during the evenings.
Also returning is CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, Universal’s nighttime lagoon show featuring fountains, music, projections, fireworks, and unforgettable movie moments brought to life across the water. It’s one of those experiences that truly helps end a park day on a high note.
Between summer entertainment, Epic Universe excitement, Halloween Horror Nights announcements, and all the movie-inspired experiences throughout the resort, there has honestly never been a more exciting time to visit Universal Orlando. 🎢✨
✨ From My Travels:
I’m honestly still in shock and so incredibly grateful to have won Platinum for Travel Agencies in CommunityVotes Peterborough.
Thank you so much to my amazing clients, family, and friends for all of your support, encouragement, trust, and votes. It truly means the world to me.
When I started this journey, I never imagined moments like this, and I’m so thankful for every single person who has supported my business along the way. ❤️✈️
🧳 Travel Quote of the Month:
"See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream." — Ray Bradbury
📰 Additional Travel Highlights
Adults-Only Cruising: Is Virgin Voyages Right For You? 🚢✨
When many people think about cruising, they automatically picture family vacations filled with waterslides, kids clubs, and character experiences. But adults-only cruising offers a completely different vibe and for the right traveller, it can be an amazing option.
One of the most talked-about adults-only cruise lines right now is Virgin Voyages. Designed exclusively for guests 18+, the atmosphere onboard feels modern, relaxed, and very different from traditional cruising.
One thing many travellers love is that the cruise fare already includes a lot of extras that other cruise lines charge separately for, including:
Wi-Fi
Gratuities
Group fitness classes
Multiple specialty dining restaurants
Another big difference is the dining experience itself. Instead of one large main dining room and buffet-focused meals, Virgin offers a variety of unique restaurants included in your cruise fare, giving the experience a much more upscale and flexible feel.
The entertainment and atmosphere onboard also tend to feel more geared toward adults with stylish lounges, nightlife, live music, wellness spaces, and quieter pool areas.
That being said, Virgin Voyages is not necessarily the best fit for everyone. Travellers looking for lots of family activities, traditional cruise experiences, or a quieter early-to-bed atmosphere may prefer other cruise lines instead.
But for couples, friend groups, celebrations, or adults wanting a more modern and social cruise experience, it can be a really fun option to consider. ✨
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
