Duane Whitman ~ Ambassador to the Mouse

Duane Whitman ~ Ambassador to the Mouse Duane Whitman ~ Ambassador to the Mouse

08/21/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips: Ask Duane Part 1

The Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom is currently closed and scheduled to reopen by Spring 2027. New scenes are being created featuring the 1960's, 1980's and the near future. Father and Mother will be voiced by Bryan Cranston and Jamie Lee Curtis. An animatronic Walt Disney will introduce the attraction!

The Rivers of America are being replaced by Piston Peak. This Cars themed area will let guests take part in a thrilling road race on a challenging course. You will be dodging streams and rocks throughout your ride.

Behind Piston Peak will be Villians Land. Guests will be going through a thick forest with twisting branches. Along the way you will be meeting some of Disney's most well known villians on a ride hosted by the Magic Mirror. A planned roller coaster themed to Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty should provide spooky thrills as it takes riders on a wild adventure.

In Epcot, Spaceship Earth is scheduled to have updated scenes, ride vehicles, and narration by 2029 or 2030.

I'm excited by the news and very interested in Villians Land and Carousel of Progress. The Magic Kingdom hasn't added a new "land" in a long time. There are more updates planned and we will talk about them next time. When you're ready for your next Disney vacation contact me and have the fun while I take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane
duane@glassslipperconciergecom

08/14/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips: Ask Duane

What should I book for my Walt Disney World vacation?

Today's vacations are much more than just arriving and enjoying attractions. The Disney parks and resorts have a variety of experiences for all ages. Each park has behind the scenes tours that enhance guests enjoyment of their vacation. Maybe you would like to explore the underground utilitors at the Magic Kingdom. Perhaps your family would like an up close viewing of elephants in Animal Kingdom. Each park is rich in details that can be enjoyed by slowing down and looking around or taking a tour that features subjects that interest your family.

Each Disney resort has a unique theme. You can see African animals from your room at Animal Kingdom Lodge. One can feel like they are in a tropical paradise and have views of the Magic KIngdom from the Polynesian resort. I always encourage my guests to spend at least one day of vacation in the resort. It's time well spent for all members of the family.

I have a list of activities in each park and your resort in the itinerary that is prepared for my guests. WDW is much more than just enjoying attractions in a park. You have the fun, I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane
[email protected]

08/07/2026

Disney Planning Tips: Ask Duane

What's the best way to plan a WDW vacation?

Start by determining who's going and what the dates are for your trip. An important question to ask is what's everyone's expectations are for your vacation. This should include the youngest members of your group. The next part is where to stay and how long to be in WDW. Keep in mind that guests will spend more time at their resort than just "sleeping and showering". If there is a park you want to spend more time in, than a resort close to it would be a convenient choice.

It's a good idea to know which days you will visit each park. This also helps with dining selections. For instance planning a meal in Epcot on the day you're in Animal Kingdom will take a lot of travel time. After two days in parks give yoursel a day at the resort or maybe dinner at Disney Springs. WDW is best enjoyed in small bites rather than big gulps!

These suggestions are just the beginning. There are lots of things to do outside of the parks.Thoughtful planning will enhance your visit to WDW. Every moment doesn't need to be planned out but a general outline will do wonders. I'm ready to help you make those dreams come true. You have the fun and I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane

[email protected]

07/31/2026

Disney Vacation Planning: Ask Duane

Are Disney cruises fun for all ages?

There is something for all ages on a Disney Cruise. DCL currently has eight ships and another being built. You can enjoy a Disney Cruise for multiple days to the Bahamas & Caribbean, Alaska, Europe & the Mediterranean, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Each ship has a nursery and kid's clubs for all ages. There are Broadway worthy shows and movies in beautiful theaters. Cooking and wine tasting are often available. You can eat in a different restaurant and your wait staff rotates witn you. DCL has one of the most popular private islands (Castaway Cay) in the industry. Disney was also the first cruise line to have fireworks at sea. There is a lot for all ages to do together. When your kids are at a club the parents can have some quality time together with no worries. Mickey Mouse and many other Disney characters are also on board.

This really is a vacation for all ages. No rope drops, Lightning Lanes, or buses to catch on DCL. We've been ten times and can't wait for the next cruise. You have the fun and I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane
[email protected]

07/24/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips Ask Duane:

How do I get around the Walt Disney World Resort?

It's easy to travel within Walt Disney World. Depending on which resort you're vacationing in there are a number of options. Guests have access to buses, monorails, watercraft, skyliner, and walking. Some resort have more than one option and all of them have buses.

It's a good idea to give your family extra time to reach your preferred destination. I recommend a one hour window each way. when traveling. With four major theme parks, two water parks, a shopping area, and many resort hotels it can take some time to get from point A to B. If you use your car remember that you have to park in the lot and then walk or tram to your destination. You are on very busy and unfamiliar roads. It could be especially challenging at night after a long fun day in the parks. Give yourself the time and enjoy the Disney ride.

It can be a lot of fun seeing the sights from the Disney monorail or enjoying the breeze from Disney's watercraft. See the world from above on the skyliner. You could even walk and and watch the Magic Kingdom or Epcot come into view as you round the corner. I enjoy them all but am a huge monorail fan and yes I can recite the announcesments by heart. I do however say them to myself and not bother other guests.! (please stand clear of the doors...)

You have the fun, I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane
[email protected]

07/17/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips: Ask Duane

Can couples have fun on a Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line vacation?

Yes! We've been to Walt Disney World 25 times and the Disney Cruise Line 10 times as a couple. Both destinations are synonymous, with good reason, for family vacations. There are so many things for couples to do at WDW. Enjoy shows in all the parks, many lounges and restaurants that are perfect for couples, and the freedom to explore things at your own pace. There are a lot of behind the scenes tours that are perfect for couples to enjoy together. You will see a lot of couples of all ages when visiting WDW. It's a great setting for some "we" time.

Disney Cruise Line also has many things for couples to enjoy together. DCL does a great job of matching guests for dining tables. We've met some great folks (including cast members sailing) while dining at the various restaurants on DCL. There are couple massages, broadway caliber shows, and various classes on board that are fun for families or couples. You can relax and take in all the details of the marvelous DCL ships. Don't forget to take pictures with Captains Mickey and Minnie!

Contact me and we'll get started on your vaction for two or more at WDW or DCL. You have the fun, I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane
[email protected]

07/10/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips: Ask Duane
What time of year should we visit Walt Disney World?

For a long time avoiding Summer was the best answer to this question. Times change. Everybody has different schedules and Covid changed a lot of things for a lot of people. If at all possible avoid any holiday time. You'll still have a nice vacation, just a lot more guests will be enjoying it with you!

Winter in WDW usually has cooler temperatures and guests can enjoy the Arts Festival in Epcot. It's a great way to greet the new year and get away for a while. Spring brings new life to everything. The Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot brings joy and color to visitors at WDW. Summer is the time when everyone wants to get away and have fun. For the last few years guests have enjoyed lighter crowds. You have to understand how to handle Florida heat and humidity. Lots of breaks and drink plain water. Fall brings Halloween and parties to the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. No one decorates for the holidays like Disney. It's worth the time to vacation during this festive period.

Each family has different schedules and needs. Contact me and together we can plan a vacation that works best for your family. You have the fun, I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane
[email protected]

07/03/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips: Ask Duane

Which parks should we visit in Walt Disney World?

It's a question that guests sometimes ask when we begin the plan ning process. If you are a regular visitor there are probably a favorite that you like to visit. But if you haven't been in a while why not visit them all and see what's changed or been added to the parks.

Each park has a charm specific to that location. Nothing compares to Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom. The special music that greets you, unique atractions, and touring the World Showcase make Epcot a treat for explorers of all ages. Sunset Boulevard, Batuu, and Toy Story land are some of the stops that makes Disney Hollywood Studios a special treat. Kilimanjaro Safaris, the world of Avatar, Asia, and Africa can all be sampled in Animal Kingdom.

Guests are sometimes surprised by the experiences for all ages that exist in each themepark. Let me help you get there and enjoy more than you thought possible in Walt Disney World.

Safe Travels,
Duane
[email protected]

06/26/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips: Ask Duane

Are there any promotions for Walt Disney vacation packages?

Yes! Guests can currently save up to 20% on rooms at WDW for the following dates. Most Sunday to Thursday nights October 4 - November 19, 2026 and most nights including weekends November 22 - December 24, 2026.

There is also free dining June 28 - October 3, October 19 - 31, and Dcember 6 - 21, 2026. This promotion must have a non-discounted 4 night 4 day package and park hopper tickets.

There are other programs available through the rest of 2026. All these offers have limited availability, so the sooner you contact me the better the chnces are to receive one. You have the fun, I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane
[email protected]

06/19/2026

Disney Vacation Planning Tips: Ask Duane

What type of tickets should we purchase for our Walt Disney World Vacation?

There are two types of tickets. One park per day or park hopper. You can choose one or the other as they cannot be combined. One park per day gets you into a park and you can exit and return on the same day. Park hopper gives access to more than one park on any day of your ticket.

For most families the one park per day is the best choice. Each park has it's own "vibe" and families can explore and enjoy that parks features. The park hopper works best for those who are frequent visitors and enjoy the freedom of sampling favorite attractions during vacation. Guests also should understand that visiting different parks can easily take one hour in travel time each way.

Contact me at [email protected] for your travel needs to WDW or DCL. You have the fun, I'll take care of the details.

Safe Travels,
Duane

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