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

www.facebook.com/travelwiththefinocchis

www.instagram.com/travelwiththefinocchis

www.tiktok.com/travelwiththefinocchis

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 3 - September 24, 2021

US Border requirements change, Spotlight on the Bahamas, Disney Cruise Line updates it’s testing policies, Royal Caribbean extends their cancellation options, Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary updates, and more!

It's that time again! 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱-𝗨𝗽! ⁣

Baha Bay Water Park - Bahamas

This week we start our round up adventure in the Bahamas.

On Nassau (mainland) the very anticipated Baha Bay water park is open and thrilling guests. There are 24 total slides, two uphill water coasters, and a FlowCurl surf simulator, 2 infinity pools, and 30 cabanas. Guests not staying at one of the 3 Baha Mar properties may have access to the water park for a fee. It’s a much needed addition to the Bahama.

Margaritaville Beach Resort - Nassau

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁, with its own water park and entertainment complex is also now open! You won’t be running out of things to do with your tweens and teens at this resort.

On Paradise Island the Comfort Suites have some renovated suites . Maybe more importantly, registered guests of Comfort Suites Paradise Island will be able to enjoy access to the amenities of the three Paradise Island SAFE ZONE properties including the Atlantis Casino, Marina Village, Ocean Club Golf Course, Aquaventure Waterpark and Mandara Spa⁣

𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, Canadians will need to show Covid19 vaccination records and a negative antigen or PCR test to enter the United States if travelling by air ⁣. Land borders remain closed until Oct. 21, 2021.Those who have the negative test and proof of vaccination will not have to quarantine/isolate upon arrival⁣ Currently, Canadians with mixes of MRNA and AstraZeneca vaccines are not considered fully vaccinated by the US Government. ⁣ Remember to always check www.travel.gc.ca for Canadian requirements. Our clients travelling within 2021 will get an update as soon as the government has released the details on their site.

Disney Cruise Line

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 adjusts their Pre-Cruise testing to say: The pre-trip COVID-19 test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen and antibody tests are not accepted.⁣ If you are cruising or thinking of cruising click here for the KNOW BEFORE YOU SAIL real time updates

𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻 has extended the popular Cruise with Confidence program to bookings confirmed on or before October 31, 2021 and sailing through April 30, 2022. ⁣ This program adds cancellation flexibility, and a Best Price Guarantee up to 48 hours before you sail *terms and conditions apply **subject to change

🏰𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝟱𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭!⁣

The Virtual Queue for 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝘆’𝘀 Ratatouille adventure begins October 14⁣, 2021. This means that guests must add themselves to the virtual queue before boarding the attraction. Stand by queues will not be available at first. What is a virutal queue at Walt Diseny World Resort? The virtual queue system allows theme park Guests to join a line right from their My Disney Experience app when boarding groups open each day.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 at Walt Disney World Resort is now celebrating the 50th Anniversary with a limited time menu. Click Here ⁣for the updated dinner menu!

⁣Have a fantastic weekend everyone!⁣