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Reflections of the past 18 months, AND sharing our new adventure!
Reflection and New Adventures!
As many of you know by following our Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok channels (@travelwiththefinocchis), we were set to travel RIGHT before the pandemic began. Literally set to arrive March 12, 2020.
That time was traumatic for so many of you reading along, and it was no different for us. While our son sat severely ill from the virus at our local children’s hospital, we managed the business as it collapsed, and our lives all changed in an instant.
As we begin our journey on our first international trip since that gloomy week, we’ve chosen to reflect. And reflect we have.
It’s been a HOT minute, but we are thrilled to share that our son recovered and that our family is still booking travel for families across the country.
As we reflect, we realize how many times that we could have walked away from the business. Many Ontario travel agents understandably HAD to walk away as paychecks stopped, and wouldn’t start until families travelled again. Travel agents in aren’t paid until families return from travel. That meant a very long road ahead for Canadian travel agents!
So, we had to decide what to do. Assign our families to the good hands of others at Pure Magic Vacations to manage? Encourage people to cancel and move on to others and just move on to a different industry?
Well, we just couldn’t do that. It felt like we were leaving family. The people that are in our lives everyday, some of you booking 3 and 4 trips a year with us meant that we spoke to you weekly!
We’re not saying that there weren’t moments. There have been and if we are honest, with long hold times, cancellations, and constant change, we still have them (although fewer and far between). We have just refused to let this destroy our passion for helping families re-connect through travel.
SO many of you small business owners KNOW what we are talking about. So many families affected. You have been our inspiration. You’re dedication encouraged ours.
THAT passion has never changed. So we hung in there and made a commitment, just like each family does when they commit to travelling together and making memories from amazing adventures. It’s not always without challenges, but the reward is INCREDIBLE.
Now, the light is at the end of the tunnel!!! We can see it. With slow, safe, steady steps we have decided that now is the time for us to venture out into the world again, at the same time that you are beginning to visit our email inbox :)
Our adventure this first time is “just us two”. Our kids are already booked on two vacations for next year, but this year, we needed a MOMENT. Can I hear an Amen families?!
A moment to focus, a moment to re-connect, a moment to feel the excitement again of boarding the plane, stepping foot onto a cruise ship, smelling the sea air, dining with friends, and finally, experiencing the magic and thrills of our beloved theme park vacation.
There will be new challenges, there will be learning curves, but this time around we feel prepared, and we are determined to learn so that your family has the best level of service going forward in the future.
We hope that you follow along on social media with us. We LOVE to interact with you, so send us your DMs, comments, and questions. Let’s make this fun for ALL of us!
To start, we’ll share what will be in store for us this month.
During this vacation, you will Travel with the Finocchis on social media as we:
Complete our antigen tests necessary to fly from Toronto, to the US, and also required to board the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Head to YYZ for our Air Canada flight to Miami Florida, using the Arrive Can app and other forms
Fly into Miami, and stay overnight at a Miami airport hotel
Sail with Royal Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale for 2 nights, 3 days on the new Odyssey of the Seas
Complete our PCR tests on ship and included with our cruise to return to Canada
Visit COCO CAY, and show you all that we can
Rent a car to begin our journey to Orlando!
Stay overnight at Cabana Bay Resort, at Universal Orlando, with videos of the Holiday celebrations with the Grinch and in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and adding Express Pass to our tickets
Head to Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort where we will use the Disney Genie+, buy Individual Ride Selections (hopefully) for Rise of the Resistance and Ratatouille.
Flying home from Orlando to Toronto with Air Canada again, using the ARRIVE CAN app and other forms necessary
This is the time to ask us questions, follow our channels and take part in the fun! If you haven’t done so yet, remember sign up for reminders to your inbox, so that you can also get an updated on new promotions and offers that we do our best to send weekly.
Thanks for taking the journey with us. We miss you all, and can’t wait to work with you soon,
Michelle and Marco
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Weekly Round Up! October 29, 2021
Boy was there A LOT to share this week! We are excited to share some of the changes from the Government of Canada and the United States. It doesn’t disappoint!
Government of Canada Lifts Travel Advisory
Last week the Government of Canada lifted it’s non-essential travel advisory. The level 4 Cruise advisory is still in place, although we hope to see some change on that this November.
The United States Government and the CDC lift their travel restrictions for the land border onNovember 8, 2021. PCR tests are still required to return into Canada for all travellers by air and land. Antigen tests are required to fly to the US.
NEW ONBOARD CREDIT OFFER FOR DISNEY CRUISES BOOKED BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2021!
2023 Winter itineraries are available to book with Disney Cruise Line and Pure Magic Vacations is excited to offer an onboard credit for all new bookings between October 20 and December 31, 2021! Valid for any sailings between now and 2023. This is a great opportunity to ease the cost of gratuities, help with excursion costs, or shopping! *terms and conditions apply
During Guests’ next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they can share a first look at the new Disney Cruise Line exhibit now open at Walt Disney Presents.
This one-of-a-kind gallery space features never-before-seen artifacts and photos from the making of the Disney Wish, the newest ship that sets sail in summer 2022.
Some of the unique items on display include:
A life-size maquette of the Cinderella statue that will grace the Grand Hall;
An intricately detailed, 5 1/2-foot scale model of the ship;
Replicas of the Disney Animation maquettes that will adorn the dining rooms at 1923, an elegant family restaurant inspired by the golden age of Hollywood; and
A scale concept model used to design the larger-than-life stern statue of Rapunzel.
Jamaica makes booking PCR tests less expensive!
Those families staying at resorts will continue to take tests on site by booking an appointment at check in. Details on pricing are available at time of booking and are subject to change. We do not share exact pricing for CoVid tests during the quoting process as things change quickly.
Beginning Oct. 15, DISNEY PIN trading mystery boxes and Mickey-themed boards are introduced as a new, interactive and fun way to trade official Disney Trading Pins.
Guests can hunt for pins honoring their favorite characters, attractions and so much more on the Mickey-themed pinboards, or be delightfully surprised by choosing a numbered pin from one of the mystery boxes. If you are booked to travel and are interested in Pin Trading, please let us know and we will update your package information to include details of this new and fun experience.
Favorite Disney characters and Disney Parks icons will soon come to life in immersive new ways at Walt Disney World Resort, as Disney PhotoPass Service and Snap are continuing their collaboration with new augmented reality photo moments!
Combining camera technology developed by Snap with beloved Disney stories, the latest Disney PhotoPass Lenses will be available directly through the My Disney Experience app as part of the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, launched on Oct. 19, 2021. A select sampling of these lenses will also be complimentary through the Snapchat app.*
Your family can ring in the holiday season while sailing through the heart of Europe along the Danube River with Adventures by Disney!
Adventurers will travel to seven unforgettable destinations in three countries on an 8-day/7-night Adventures by Disney vacation. This exclusive sailing with AmaWaterways—a leader in luxury river cruising—will make Guests’ holidays very merry.
Guests can book now and save $500 per person on the Dec. 20, 2021 Holiday Danube River Cruise. This adventure must be booked by Dec. 6, 2021 and availability is limited. Please note that this last-chance offer excludes suites and category E staterooms, is valid on new bookings only and is not combinable with any other offers or promotions.
To learn more, please reach out to us. This is a premium Disney travel experience.
One of Guests’ favorite holiday season traditions is curling up in front of the television to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Disney Cruise Line’s brand-new cruise ship float embarks on its maiden voyage in New York City as part of the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Guests should be sure to gather their friends and family and tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC-TV on Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones.
A few months ago, Disney Cruise Line shared new details about the epic “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” show they are developing for Worlds of Marvel, the fleet’s most ambitious dining experience ever, premiering aboard the Disney Wish next summer.
At Worlds of Marvel, your family will be part of a real-life Avengers mission as they watch some of their favorite heroes in action: Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as The Wasp, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, and Brie Larson as Captain Marvel. Kerry Condon will also reprise her role as the voice of F.R.I.D.A.Y., and actor Ross Marquand will lend his villainous vocal skills to Ultron.
The show will follow Ant-Man and The Wasp as they host a presentation of the most powerful Super Hero technologies in the world, including a hands-on demonstration of the latest and greatest Pym Tech using
specially designed immersive cinematic technology, including hundreds of screens and special effects embedded throughout.
The Disney Wish first sails in the summer of 2022
New Universal Orlando Resort Promotion! Buy 3 Days Get 2 Days Free! What a fun way to experience Mardi Gras as a family, and with great value too. If you are hoping for an late winter or early spring visit, this is a must! *this promotional ticket is only available as part of a vacation package purchase- it cannot be purchased ticket only.
Valid if travel is booked 10/20/21 – 5/5/22 and travelled 1/13/2022 – 12/15/2022
Dreams Resorts are offering a quarantine period at no additional cost
This is subject to change at any time. A great offer, in combination with a last minute promotion saving families up to 40% on some dates.
Have a spooky Halloween everyone!
Marco and Michelle
Weekly Round-up 2 - September 17, 2021
There are so many updates this week! From changes for riding Rise of the Resistance to construction continuing on Universal’s Epic Universe Park, and Royal Caribbean announcing a new ship, let’s get started!
Depending on your interest, we’ll start with the Disney Destinations, move to Universal, All Inclusive resort and family tours, and finish with the Cruise lines Just scroll down to where you are interested most!
Walt Disney World Resort
NEW and highly anticipated restaurant opening at EPCOT this September. Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT: More Details and Menus Revealed. Walk up reservations will be taken until September 27, 2021 when Advance Dining Reservations will available via My Disney Experience : CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
EPCOT will be introducing their new fireworks display on October 1, 2021. This is the beginning of the 50th Anniversary Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. Bringing the Global Music of ‘Harmonious’ to Spectacular Life on World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT can be found HERE
Experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Like Never Before at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beginning September 23, 2021, use of the virtual queue will be paused at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. A limited stand-bye queue will be available, and changes are anticipated again once Walt Disney World implements the Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ this fall
It’s Like Coming Home! Cirque du Soleil Artists Thrilled to Be Together and Rehearsing for Drawn to Life at Disney Springs . You can watch a fun Behind the scenes on this new Cirque de Soleil experience here . Booking tickets for this experience is part of our services to you, so please reach out and let us know if you are interested in seeing this amazing show.
Replacing MouseGears, we welcome Creations Shop, EPCOT’s New Flagship Merchandise Destination. Club Cool, where you can experience the sodas from around the world has also re-opened in a new location at EPCOT. Fresh paint, new merch, and lots of fun things to explore. The layout looks a lot closer to the shopping venues at Disney Springs with open spaces.
Disney is updating the Finding Nemo Musical Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park The show will re-open in 2022
Are you hoping to watch fireworks in that perfect location without sitting in a crowd? Enhance Your Evening with New and Returning Dessert Parties and Dinner Packages at Walt Disney World Resort. Booking these experiences is also included in our services, and should be included in your requests at your Disney Dining booking date 60 days before your arrival
First Look: Steakhouse 71 Menus, Opening Soon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Replacing the Wave restaurant a new and updated experience is sure to make a steak lover feel the magic! Click here to view the menu
Beloved ‘Candlelight Processional’ Returns Nov. 26 for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Disney Cruise Line’s Pre-Cruise PCR COVID-19 Testing Option review. Cruising updates should be reviewed on a monthly basis. The rules and regulations are changing rapidly, and the rules differ for Canadians and Americans. Please contact us if you would like an update to your cruise vacation. We can only share updates with clients booking or currently booked at this time due to ever changing regulations.
Safe Access Oahu Program at Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa. Effective Sept. 13, 2021, all Aulani Resort food & beverage outlets, including quick service and takeaway, will be restricted to resort guests only. Per City & County of Honolulu guidelines, they will require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours for all guests ages 12 and older dining on property. We will be updating our Hawaii specialist program as we begin to book Hawaii again for this coming spring season. Click here for a short glimpse into the magic that is Aulani
Universal Orlando Resort
Construction Resumes on Universal’s Epic Universe. Home to Orlando’s first Super Mario Land, How to Train Your Dragon, Classic Monsters and Fantastic Beasts will all have a home at this new theme park slated to open in 2023
Strike a Pose & Dance With Your Favorite DreamWorks Characters in “Dreamworks Destination” Guests can meet, greet and dance along with their favorite DreamWorks characters in an incredibly-themed location that brings the high-energy fun of the franchise’s most popular animated films to life.
The Bourne Stuntacular live show has started! THE CHASE IS ON.
All Inclusive Vacations
Cuba reduces their entry requirements. Civil unrest is still an ongoing issue.
Many countries and resort chains will begin to offer their own travel insurance, and ensure vaccination of their employees in order to protect tourism rates in their countries.
Sandals Resorts is offering limited time quarantine and testing options at their own cost
Cruise Lines Updates
MSC Divina Begins Cruising From New U.S. Homeport Port Canaveral
Royal Caribbean introduces a new ship in 2022. The Oasis class ship will be named “ The Wonder of the Seas”. She wills ail in March of 2022 from Fort Lauder dale for a few weeks, and will move to Europe from there.
Royal Caribbean offers 60% Off the Second Guest, 30% off the 3rd/4th Guest, and many more promotions for the month of September. If you would like a quote for a Royal Caribbean Sailing please click here
As you can see, this week was a busy one. We’re always here to be of service to your vacation planning needs. Concierge services, experienced, no fees, and easy to reach.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Marco and Michelle
finocchi@puremagicavacations.ca
Walt Disney World Opens 2022 package Bookings Four Months Early!
That’s right. Disney has opened booking for the first half of 2022 four months EARLY.
As of today, February 16, 2021, families can book a Walt Disney World Resort package for stays up to July 1, 2022. Normally, we are able to book the next year’s packages beginning in the summer, but with the pandemic changing EVERYTHING about travel, Disney has once again plussed the magic and given us a late valentine.
There are things you should consider to make things easier to decide on whether or not your family should book a Disney vacation right now.
All that is required to book your vacation is a refundable, and movable $200 USD deposit. This makes an onsite Walt Disney World vacation one of the most flexible to move and book for your family. A flexible deposit policy is SO important during these new times.
Promotions can be added to your vacation when they are released at a later date based on availability. That is one of the ways having us work for you saves you time and money! Disney doesn’t release promotions when they release rates. Those usually become available a few months before you arrive. We always advise your family to book a vacation that you can afford before the promotion. That way, now matter what happens, you are ready for it, and extra savings just mean more fun while onsite.
Park availability is not guaranteed for entry due to new and safe capacity restraints, so your family will be guided into booking Park Pass reservations within 24 hours of booking your vacation. Don’t stress. We guide you through it! It’s not super tough, and one of the first things that we do as your travel planner is begin to figure out what parks you may want to visit. We look at alot of factors, so make sure to have a quick conversation with us after you book to make the decisions.
Our services are at no cost to you. When you look at pricing online, you’ll notice that it’s exactly the same as when we send you a quote. This is because travel suppliers include the commission in their pricing. You’re literally paying them to do all of the work when you book direct. But when you book with us, you're getting years of travel and Disney travel experience, helpful hints and more ALL based on YOUR family’s preferences.
How do our services work? We will send you a quote, book your fast passes, plan transportation to and from your resort, and help with every part of the planning that we can for you. Magical express isn’t available for 2022, so we’ll look at those options for you closer to your vacation as well. We have many relationships with transportation suppliers in the Orlando area and can take that stress away from you wherever possible.
Flights cannot be booked by us at this time. We’re going to wait until Canada removes those restrictions to get a better look at policy and procedure for 2022 flights.
Please read the Know Before you Go section for information on the current safety protocols for a visit to Walt Disney World. As of now, masks in the park will be required for a 2022 visit. This can change at anytime. We’ll keep you updated, but there is no point in guessing how Disney will be managing the pandemic next year (let’s just pray that it will be over lol). Book knowing that there could still be some restrictions to the experience in some ways, and added magic in others.
The Disney Dining Plan is still unavailable at this time. If it becomes available, we will request the addition to your package. Ya, we’re just like you guys, we want it back, and we want it bad. Disney and food are literally married. It’s a thing.
Walt Disney World is celebrating its 50th ANNIVERSARY in 2022! Stay tuned for extra magical experiences and fun additions as we get closer to your stay. And in true Disney fashion, we have NO doubt that the magic will be CRAZAY awesome for 2022.
Don’t forget to request a quote here: www.finocchiatpuremagicvacations.ca/requestinfo or just send us a quick email: finocchi@puremagicvacations.ca
It feels like a new beginning for travel. I hope that we can be a part of the fun with you when you’re ready!