Ellen B. Riley, Simply Enchanted Travel

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I would love to help you decide the best way to vacation!

It looks a little different now. There are masks, the opening is a little different, jumping between parks isn’t happening. FastPasses aren’t in use, lines for characters aren’t happening. You may wonder is it worth it? Is the magic gone? Should I wait?

But wait! Is that Mickey I see waving from the train station? Joy, Pooh and others frolic in the green areas at Epcot. Are those favorite characters waving from the floats? Did you see that? Look at the castle, the wicked stepsisters are arguing on the balcony! You aren’t waiting in line to see them, you may not get that hug, but you are seeing beloved characters in their natural element, their personalities on full display as you see them.

Walking down Main Street, the familiar smells still greet you. The sugar, cookies, and baked apple smell. You can look over and see the windows displaying the goods from which those smells come, you are in the middle of the street truly seeing the display, not catching a slight glimpse through a crowd. You see the castle ahead of you and your children catch that first glimpse, not straining to see, but seeing it full on!

Yes, it is different. It does mean temperature checks, masks, and a different way of seeing Walt Disney World. The queues require distance from other families, but the details in those lines are still there for you to discover. You still have to grab that Rise of the Resistance reservation to join the Rebels. You still make dining reservations ahead of time (but not quite as far ahead).

Embrace the fewer crowds, embrace the new ambience, embrace the unknown. Dare I say, open yourself to something that may be even a little more magical because it is unexpected.

Disney is still there. Their magic still on display. In these unprecedented times, don’t you want a little magic? It may not be for you and that is fine. But when you are ready, come back, see the magic Disney still offers, and that you can rely on them to provide.

I’m still here. I still know what and how to help you get ready for your trip. I still know you and your families, and if I don’t I want to know you. I’m ready to customize your trip. I’m here ready to share the magic with you.

There is a Stay and Play offer available for the Fall. Let’s embark on this new way of seeing Walt Disney World together. Let me know if you are ready to see the Magic.

#simplyenchantedtravel #simplyenchantedellenriley

Disneyland is 65 today. Yes 65 years ago today this theme park, the first of its kind, opened up in Anaheim, California. Disneyland is a piece of Americana that deserves a visit.

Splash Mountain is one of my favorites. I don’t know whether to be disappointed that a classic will be missed, or excited that such a great story and exceptional music will be brought to life in such a great attraction. What do you think?

Today we are thrilled to share that Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida – will soon be completely reimagined with a new story inspired by an all-time favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Learn more about what Imagineers have in development: https://bit.ly/3g19B5g

You can see our excitement 😂

Have you heard the great news?!?!?? After being closed for months, Walt Disney World is starting to open back up. EVEN BETTER, starting today Walt Disney World has opened bookings for 2021. Talk to me about booking your 2021 family vacation!

#simplyenchantedtravel

Have you heard the great news?!?!?? After being closed for months, Walt Disney World is starting to open back up. EVEN BETTER, starting today Walt Disney World has opened bookings for 2021. Talk to me about booking your 2021 family vacation!

#simplyenchantedtravel

[05/28/20]   Did you hear the news!?!?! Walt Disney World in Florida will be opening mid-July. There will be differences from what you may be used to at Disney, but so much of the magic will be back in July! Are you wanting a trip to see your favorite mouse? Contact me for help planning a magica trip!

With so much up in the air right now, vacation plans are limited. But if you are like me, being cooped up has me ready to travel. Did you know there are great self- drive options for great vacations right here in the United States? I can help you plan round trip flights, rental cars and some really fantastic itineraries. Now is a great time to discover the USA!
#simplyenchantedtravel

Disney Parks Blog

Such a wonderful fireworks display! Oh my heart, can’t wait to get back to see it in person.

Enjoy the best seat in the house, right from your house, with a pre-recorded, virtual viewing of one of our most exciting Walt Disney World Resort shows...Happily Ever After. Watch as the castle becomes a magical canvas and the skies are filled with pixie dust. https://bit.ly/3azyHVx #DisneyMagicMoments ✨

Being locked in Epcot for a few weeks would definitely be fun!

I don’t know about you all, but we are having to adjust to a whole new normal over here. Trips have been cancelled, plans postponed. I’m now teaching my son at home and it is becoming abundantly clear why I was a high school teacher who taught 2 subjects and not all of them and definitely not elementary. 😂. Luckily I am part of an incredible agency and we have been keeping each other sane and doing fun posts daily. This one has been one of my favorite and I’m sharing it here. So hard to choose just one country. I’m thinking Mexico because yummy nachos, meats with great seasonings, guacamole, and let’s be honest Sangria and Margaritas!

I don’t know about you all, but we are having to adjust to a whole new normal over here. Trips have been cancelled, plans postponed. I’m now teaching my son at home and it is becoming abundantly clear why I was a high school teacher who taught 2 subjects and not all of them and definitely not elementary. 😂. Luckily I am part of an incredible agency and we have been keeping each other sane and doing fun posts daily. This one has been one of my favorite and I’m sharing it here. So hard to choose just one country. I’m thinking Mexico because yummy nachos, meats with great seasonings, guacamole, and let’s be honest Sangria and Margaritas!

Disney Travel Professionals

One of my favorite things to do at Epcot is to catch a show by the Jammitors. My son has loved them since he was one year old. So great to see them jamming from home.

Have you seen this #VoicesFromHome performance by EPCOT’s JAMMitors 🥁? #DisneyMagicMoments https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/04/at-home-with-disney-magic-moments/

It's not what we hoped but to some extent, it's what we expected....

Disney has announced the closure of Walt Disney World and Disneyland "until further notice". 😔

I don't know what goes into making these decisions about reopening dates, but they must have decided that this is better than continued speculation.

I'm reaching out to my remaining scheduled April travelers. If you call and miss me, you know I'll call you right back. For now, stay safe, stay home and we will plan something fun together when the time is right. ❤️

Thank you all for being so understanding during this process as we navigate into the unknown.

In the midst of the craziness, it’s nice to see such an iconic place still getting some love and care.

In the midst of everything the facelift that the Cinderella Castle is getting at Walt Disney World is still progressing forward. They are brightening the colors and adding just a touch of pink. How do you think it looks so far?

In the midst of everything the facelift that the Cinderella Castle is getting at Walt Disney World is still progressing forward. They are brightening the colors and adding just a touch of pink. How do you think it looks so far?

I am still here!

So I think it's time to address the elephant in the room, COVID-19. It's the topic that those of us in the travel industry don't want to bring up (you know that superstitious thought process that if you talk about something it makes it happen). However, with the uncertainty you need to know that I your travel agent as taking this seriously and watching the warnings and updates.

There are 3 important things you should know:
1. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified COVID-19 as a pandemic.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a pandemic as an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.
3. I am not a medical expert, scientist or doctor and I cannot read the future.

With all that is going on you likely have to make some difficult decisions about how you carry on with your life. For some, it will be avoiding large crowds and gathering extra supplies and food at home. For others, life remains the same with no notable change to routine. For those in hard hit areas, life has changed for the unforeseeable future.

If you have an upcoming vacation scheduled, you have a decision to make, to travel or not to travel. There are definitely a lot of factors involved- is anyone in your party elderly? is anyone immunocompromised (more likely to get sick)? when is your travel date? where are you going? what is the cancellation or change policy? Ultimately, it's a decision that you have to make for yourself. The choice I make for my family may not be the same choice you make for your family and that's okay.

What I can do is be here and be available for my clients. Listen to their concerns. Answer their questions to the best of my ability. Guide them through this process and make sure they make informed decisions based on current policies.

And, if you want to start planning your future vacation that's great. I'm here for that, too. I'm a planner (obviously) and I'm working on my fall 2020 and 2021 vacations.

The situation changes every day, and, unfortunately, none of us have a crystal ball (boy, would that be handy!)

But whatever you do, whatever decisions you make, please make sure that that you get the facts from a reputable source, such as the CDC or WHO.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

So I think it's time to address the elephant in the room, COVID-19. It's the topic that those of us in the travel industry don't want to bring up (you know that superstitious thought process that if you talk about something it makes it happen). However, with the uncertainty you need to know that I your travel agent as taking this seriously and watching the warnings and updates.

There are 3 important things you should know:
1. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified COVID-19 as a pandemic.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a pandemic as an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.
3. I am not a medical expert, scientist or doctor and I cannot read the future.

With all that is going on you likely have to make some difficult decisions about how you carry on with your life. For some, it will be avoiding large crowds and gathering extra supplies and food at home. For others, life remains the same with no notable change to routine. For those in hard hit areas, life has changed for the unforeseeable future.

If you have an upcoming vacation scheduled, you have a decision to make, to travel or not to travel. There are definitely a lot of factors involved- is anyone in your party elderly? is anyone immunocompromised (more likely to get sick)? when is your travel date? where are you going? what is the cancellation or change policy? Ultimately, it's a decision that you have to make for yourself. The choice I make for my family may not be the same choice you make for your family and that's okay.

What I can do is be here and be available for my clients. Listen to their concerns. Answer their questions to the best of my ability. Guide them through this process and make sure they make informed decisions based on current policies.

And, if you want to start planning your future vacation that's great. I'm here for that, too. I'm a planner (obviously) and I'm working on my fall 2020 and 2021 vacations.

The situation changes every day, and, unfortunately, none of us have a crystal ball (boy, would that be handy!)

But whatever you do, whatever decisions you make, please make sure that that you get the facts from a reputable source, such as the CDC or WHO.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Disney Parks Blog

Look! So exciting! An immersive Star Wars experience.

Reservations will open later this year for #StarWars: Galactic Starcruiser, which debuts in 2021 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida! Find out more: https://bit.ly/2H4WY9u

Disney FREE DINING promotion released today! Availability is for this promo is VERY limited, and going FAST!

📌Applies to check in dates June 27-28, July 5-7, August 25-Sep 8
📌Free quick service plan at value and moderate level resorts. Free Disney dining plan at deluxe level resorts.
📌Must have a minimum of 5 night stay and park hopper tickets.

‼️Book through January 16 (Yes, you only have 2 weeks to book!) Contact me ASAP for booking [email protected] or message me here!

Disney Parks Blog

Wow! This parade looks like it will be amazing, can’t wait to see it

The all-new daytime spectacular “Magic Happens” parade will make its debut at Disneyland park, beginning Feb. 28, 2020, featuring awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories! Take a look and tell us what magical moment you’re looking forward to.

Disney Parks Blog

Galaxy’s Edge is amazing! I can help you get there

We’re proud to share that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has recently been recognized with several awards and accolades! Find out more: https://bit.ly/38enRob

When you are in Disneyland on Mickey’s birthday, you get a Mickey cupcake!

Disney Parks Blog

I got to see this recently going through the Haunted Mansion, it smells amazing too!

This year’s gingerbread house is themed to resemble the Haunted Mansion’s 50th anniversary! See how we brought this deliciously spooky creation to life. http://bit.ly/2kKcikH

This last weekend we took an impromptu trip to Disneyland. I took the opportunity to go check out Galaxy Edge and visit Batu. I tried the green milk, and over at the Launchpad in Tomorrowland the kiddos reconnected with Chewbacca. He’s a family favorite (especially with my daughter). Galaxy Edge is amazing, if you are a Star Wars fan, you really should go. It’s like stepping into one of the movies! Talk to me about seeing this incredible place! #ellenrileysimplyenchanted #simplyenchantedtravel

Disney Parks Blog

Wow! Happy Birthday to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! What a great ride

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad marks its 40th anniversary today at Disneyland park! Take a look back at the history behind the wildest ride in the wilderness. https://bit.ly/2ZIlzIj

So, today is the opening of Star Wars Galaxy Edge. The official opening was listed at 6 am, but they started letting people in at 4:30 am and started Letting people into ride Millenium Falcon Smugglers Run pretty early as well. Any guesses as to how long the ride wait was at 6 am this morning? Post your guess, I will let you know later!
#ellenrileysimplyenchanted #simplyenchantedtravel

Disney Parks Blog

This looks like it would be super fun to watch! Do you have a Descendants fan in your home?

Go behind the scenes to see how the dance crew from the Isle of the Lost is getting ready for the new DescenDANCE Party at Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure Park! http://bit.ly/2ZlOjLB

Another fun destination for the Holidays is Disneyland and California Adventure in California. Two iconic attractions The Haunted Mansion and Its a Small World have such creative overlays for the season. These only happen in Disneyland in California. Also, other parts of the parks have fun, pretty and often whimsical decorations. It is amazing to see the Disney creativity come out during the holidays in these parks. It is not too early to think Holiday travel if you want these experiences, pictures and memories. Now is the time to plan! #ellenrileysimplyenchanted #simplyenchantedtravel

It is not too early to think Christmas! Check out how Universal Studios in Florida gets festive! Don’t miss out on a chance to celebrate The Holidays making wonderful memories. Ask me how #ellenrileysimplyenchanted #sinplyenchantedtravel