Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts offering FREE Cost Covid Testing

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

Palace Resorts & Le Blanc Spa Resorts are doing the right thing when it comes to the new Covid 19 Testing Regulations. Offering On Site Free Testing.

 

To comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, that air passengers entering the United States will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight; Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts are pleased to expand our Purely Palace and Purely Le Blanc programs.

  • Now all our resorts throughout Mexico & Jamaica will offer easy, onsite COVID-19 antigen (rapid) testing.
  • Tests will be conducted on property at no cost to guests (for up to two guests per room) traveling to the United States.*
  • Testing and samples will be administered by experienced in-house lab teams.
  • Results will be received within 30 minutes, and documentation will be ready for guests to present at the airport for their journey back home.
  • Guests can contact the concierge to schedule their departure test as soon as they check in.

For guests traveling to countries requiring PCR testing instead, our concierge teams will help facilitate testing onsite through a third party. Additional fees will apply.

Should a guest test positive, preventing departure, Palace Resorts and Le Blanc Spa Resorts will cover the cost of quarantine for up to 14 days at no cost to guests, for up to two guests per room should both guests test positive.**

Additional rapid tests will be available at a minimal cost of $19 per guest.

At Palace Resorts, the safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees are our top priorities. Our goal is always to make your vacation as comfortable and memorable as it is safe.

*Free tests apply exclusively guests traveling to the US with a check-out date on or after January 26, 2021 who have booked a minimum of 3 nights at our resorts. Not applicable to complimentary or compensatory stays.

**Should guests test positive for a period longer than 14 days, an exclusive rate of $199 USD per night will apply for up to 3 guests in the same room. If guests want to isolate themselves but have additional family members that wish to stay, guests can book additional rooms at $199 USD per night for up to four people, in a standard (run of house) room. Guests who have tested positive will be accommodated in a designated COVID area of the resort.

 

COVID 19 Testing required for all Air Passengers.

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

 

COVID 19 TESTING REQUIRED FOR ALL AIR PASSENGERS

On Jan. 12, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States. This requirement will go into effect on Jan. 26, 2021.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE CDC TESTING REQUIREMENTS

According to the CDC, air passengers entering the U.S. will be required to present documentation of a negative COVID-19 viral test (called a Qualifying Test) conducted within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs.

  • Documentation should be for a viral test as approved or authorized by the relevant national authority.
  • Test results must state: Negative, SARS-CoV2 RNA Not Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Not Detected, or COVID-19 Not Detected.
  • Documentation may be paper or electronic copy and must include the name and contact information for the laboratory or healthcare personnel who performed the test.
  • Test results may be required to be shown again upon landing.

Alternatively, passengers may provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 with documentation of test results conducted during the three months preceding the flight’s departure from a foreign country.

  • Test results must state: Positive, SARS-CoV2 RNA Detected, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detected, or COVID-19 Detected. Invalid will not be accepted.
  • Additionally, a letter from a licensed health professional stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel (called Documentation of Recovery).

Finally, all airline passengers will be required to present a simple CDC attestation form to the airline for collection prior to boarding. That form can be found here for reference. For more information, you may reference the FAQs on the CDC website, which can be found here.

Valentin Imperial Riveria Maya

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

 

Now is the best time to plan for a future vacation. If it is in 2021 or 2022 it is always best to plan in advance. Are you looking for an 18+ adults only Luxury All Inclusive escape? A Wedding, Honeymoon, Friends getaway or Birthday Celebration. Why not give the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya a try. This beautiful resort is located just 30 minutes away from Cancun and 20 minutes from Playa Del Carmen.

You will fall in love with this beautiful Mexican Hacienda Style Resort. Featuring a half mile long pristine white sand beach. Three spectacular swimming pools with two swim up bars.  Not to mention a lazy river style swim up pool. Enjoy a relaxing spa, daily activities, nightly entertainment and premium WiFi and so much more. Click here to see a map layout of this beautiful resort. 

Photo courtesy of Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya

Here are a list of all of the features that the Valentin Imperial Riviera Offers:
  • 524 Junior Suites and 16 One-Bedroom Suites with views of lush gardens and tropical jungle, Caribbean sea or Golden Swim-Up pool. 
  • Welcome cocktail and cool refreshing towel upon arrival.
  • Personalized check-in
  • No wristbands
  • Special service of high end canape cart at check-in/checkout from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the lobby.
  • Concierge service
  • WiFi access in reception, suites, pool area, bars and restaurants
  • Access to internet with computers available in the lobby
  • Unlimited access to 9 restaurants (Dress code in place for some locations strictly enforced)
  • Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from a selection of domestic and international premium brands: house wine included red and white.
  • Valentin Journal featuring news from the resort and all daily activities
  • 24 hour room service included with in room menu
  • In room beach towel and umbrella
  • Mini bar restocked daily with water, softdrinks, juice, beer and a snack
  • Complimentary shower/changing rooms for late departures 

For anyone looking to be pampered during their stay you can easily upgrade to VIP status with the Privilege Club. Nightly Lobster say no more!

  • Private check-in and check-out at the Valentin Privilege Club.
  • Pre Arrival Concierge services at privilege.vim@valentinmaya.com
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability).
  • Bottle of sparkling wine in room upon arrival
  • Fruit platter & petits fours once per stay
  • In room fresh flowers once per stay
  • Tailored made minibar: guest selection of premium drinks out of the Privilege Menu
  • Beach bag
  • Lobster included at any of the “á la carte” restaurants
  • Restaurant reservations through the Privilege Club Concierge if desired
  • Reserved bali beds under guests name at pool or beach
  • Exclusive access to Privilege Lounge from 07:00am to 11:00pm) with:
  • Premium Wi-Fi service, concierge service, ultra premium bar service. Snacks from 05:00 pm to 07:00 pm

$65.00 Per person per night

Check out this video below to get a better taste of being a VIP at the Valentin Imperial Riveria Maya.

This beautiful resort has so much to offer, you will not be disappointed. So when the time comes to travel again why not try out the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya.

Please reach out to me for pricing and availability on your next adventure! Or click onto the link below. My services are 100% FREE I get paid a commission from the supplier when you return from your trip. Did you know with any trip the commission is already built into the price. So your not paying more when you book your package with me. I will always have your best interest in mind.  Researching the best overall value keeping service in mind, from start to finish.

Request a Quote!

Be sure to check with your local state and governments travel restrictions prior to any travel for the most up to date and accurate information. Covid 19 Travel Advisories are in place click here to find the most up to date information from Travel.State.Gov. Along with the CDC Travel information page.

To get a little taste of how they are taking care of their incoming guests with their new Hotel Protocols

 

 

New Dining Options with the My Disney Experience App

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

Photo Courtesy: Disney Destinations 

New Dining Options with the My Disney Experience App. Now that the world has become more teksavvy in 2020 with social distancing, so has Disney Dining Options.  Giving you the magic to have more mobile order service options for table service dining and expanded quick service dining experiences through out the Walt Disney World Resort.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Mobile Order Service is expanding to select table-service restaurants.

This is a great option for hotel guests to place a to go order from a selection of items on the table-service menu inside a restaurant and pick up your food to enjoy back in your room. Currently you can order from Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. New restaurants will be added in the near future so make sure to check your My Disney Experience App for any new updates. 

  • Mobile Order Service is now available in even more quick-service locations.

The newest additons for your quick service locations are: The Market at Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, P & J’s Southern Takeout at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and the BoardWalk Bakery and Pizza Window at Disney’s BoardWalk – and plan to expand to even more locations soon, making it even easier for the whole family to grab a quick bite on the go.

  • Mobile dining check-in and walk-up list service

You can now check-in for dining, view current availability and wait times, and add yourself to a waitlist at participating table-service restaurants through the My Disney Experience app. So no need to get to a restaurant 15 minuts prior to your reservation to physically check in at the podium. 

These latest enhancements are designed to help you maximize vacation time and minimize contact between cast members and other guests.  Who is looking forward to Disney Dining the new way? I for one think this is a great idea. 

Request a Quote Today!

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. All at no cost to you it’s like having your very own Fairy Godmother. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@pixiedustanddreamvacations.com

 

River Cruising! Who’s ready to sail away?

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

River Cruising! Who’s ready to sail away?

 

I have created a Facebook Group called River Cruising? Who’s ready to sail away!

Please feel free to use This Link to join the group for all of the latest information.

This group consists of information about Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways River Cruises. From brochures, Landing pages, photos, videos of the new AmaMagna (Danube Itinerary) She is a beauty. Along with group information and past guest discount offerings. I also included a Quote Request form if you want to fill that out I can begin pricing out different options for your future travel plans. 

Also Viking is having a few upcoming Virtual Tours. So make sure to register for those. I will have that link on the group page for easy access. I will be updating the files too for the latest offers and promotions. So be sure to always look in the FILES section of the group.
 
Feel free to invite friends and share the group information. Below you will find my River

Cruise Landing Pages for the most up to date information of what each company has to offer you as a guest.

Viking River Cruises

and

AmaWaterways

Please be sure to reach out to me to book your next Adventure! dawn@pixiedustanddreamvacations.com or 917-494-5771. Or you can request a FREE no obligation quote by using this link.  Dawn Caitano

Cooking Up The Magic – Disney Parks – Tonga Toast

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

dawn caitano

917-494-5771

 

Cooking Up The Magic – Disney Parks – Tonga Toast

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks

Cooking Up The Magic – Disney Parks – Tonga Toast

Do you have a Sweet Tooth? Do you love French Toast? How about Banannas? If you said yes to any of those three questions then you will love Tonga Toast. You can enjoy this mouth watering delight at Kona Cafe or Captain Cooks at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. So the next time you can visit Walt Disney World be sure to stop over at the Poly to get your fix. But until then please enjoy the recipe below that was released from the Disney Parks Blog #DisneyMagicMoments Cooking Up The Magic From Home Series.   

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 
Serves 4 

Ingredients: 

Sugar-Cinnamon 

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon 

Batter 

  • 4 large eggs 
  • 1 1/3 cup whole milk 
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 

Tonga Toast 

  • 1 quart canola oil, for frying 
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long) 
  • 2 large bananas, peeled 

Directions: 

For Sugar-Cinnamon: 

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended.  Set aside. 

For Batter: 

Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.   

For Tonga Toast: 

  1. Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.) 
  2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices. 
  3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise. 
  4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice. 
  5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil. 
  6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil. 
  7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast. 

Keep checking back on the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments that include delicious Disney recipes. And be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking! 

So please enjoy the recipe and until you are ready to get back to enjoying life again be sure to have some Tonga Toast from home. I am also here when you are ready to book your next adventure. So until then stay healthy everyone.

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. All at no cost to you it’s like having your very own Fairy Godmother. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@pixiedustanddreamvacations.com

Cooking Up The Magic – Disney Parks – Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

dawn caitano

917-494-5771

Cooking Up The Magic – Disney Parks – Canadian Cheddar

Cheese Soup

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT

As part of the Disney Parks Blog new series #DisneyMagicMoments here is the latest from Cooking Up The Magic at Home. We all love this Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse. Since they made LeCellier a Signature Dining Experience a few years ago reservations are a little easier to come by. But keep in mind that Le Cellier is a fan favorite and it is also on the smaller size which makes securing a reservation in advance a must. So be sure to book 180 days in advance. Disney Dining Reservations can be made from your My Disney Experience App at 6:00am at the 180 day mark or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. If you book your package with me I can also take care of booking your Disney Dining Reservations for you as part of my FREE Services to you. So enjoy the Recipe Below from the Disney Parks Blog.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe !

Serves 10

Ingredients:

1/2 pound of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
4 cups milk
1 pound white cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup warm Canadian golden lager or any pale lager-style beer
Chopped scallions or chives, for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a 4- or 5-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon, stirring, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. 
  2. Add red onion, celery, and butter and sauté until onion has softened, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat.  Whisk in chicken stock and bring to boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add milk and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Do not boil after milk is added.
  5. Remove from heat and add cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend with immersion blender until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer.  If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.
  6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.

From our Disney family to yours, we hope you enjoy this popular Disney recipe! And be sure to share the fun with Disney fans all over the world using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog for even more #DisneyMagicMoments and more magical recipes. Happy snacking, Disney fans!

I hope you are all enjoying #DisneyMagicMoments and all of the great Recipes being offered during this time we are social distancing. What a great way to enjoy a little taste of the Magic from Home. 

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. All at no cost to you it’s like having your very own Fairy Godmother. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@pixiedustanddreamvacations.com

May the 4th Be With You!

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

DAWN CAITANO

917-494-5771

Wishing everyone a very happy Star Wars Day – MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU ALL! As Disney Fans know so well that May 4th is considered #StarWarsDay. Since we can not visit the Disney Parks to enjoy Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge check out what you can do there when we get back to a new normal. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Landing Page.  But until we can enjoy the Disney Parks and our next visit to Galaxy’s Edge here are a few fun things for the family to enjoy from home. Do your part by social distancing and make the best of spending quality time with your imediate familes and enjoy.  

Here are a few things you can enjoy Star Wars Related with your family from home. 

  • Have the kids build their favorite Star Wars Lego Sets 

So be sure to make the most of your #StarWarsDay and MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU ALL!  Stay safe everyone and make the best of our current situation. #StarWarsDay, #Maythe4thbewithyou

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. All at no cost to you it’s like having your very own Fairy Godmother. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@pixiedustanddreamvacations.com

 

Cooking Up The Magic – Disney Parks – Grilled Cheese

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

Dawn Caitano 

917-494-5771

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Have you had a chance to visit Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? If not it is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat. Some of the favorites are the Three Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Totchos (Think of loaded tater tots) a great side dish add on to any sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box. Also do not forget to get your adult beverage too like the grown-up’s lemonade is a great choice too.

Below check out the Recipe from #DisneyMagicMoments, Cooking Up The Magic!

While we can’t visit Andy’s backyard right now, this recipe is just one more great way to create #DisneyMagicMoments in your own backyard (or kitchen).

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Serves 4

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Spread

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Double Gloucester or cheddar 
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Garlic Spread

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich

  • 8 slices of artisan bread
  • 8 cheddar cheese slices
  • 8 provolone slices

Instructions:

For Cream Cheese Spread:

  1. Combine cream cheese, Double Gloucester or cheddar, heavy cream, and salt in food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

For Garlic Spread:

  1. Combine mayonnaise, garlic, and salt in small bowl and stir until blended. Set aside.

For Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich:

  1. Lay out artisan bread slices on parchment paper or large cutting board.
  2. Place 2 slices of cheddar on 4 of the bread slices. Place 2 slices of provolone on remaining bread slices. 
  3. Equally spoon cream cheese spread on slices with provolone. Gently smooth cream cheese spread over each slice.
  4. Press cheddar side and provolone side together.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. 
  6. Brush both sides of the sandwiches with garlic spread. 
  7. Grill sandwiches for 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. 

So until you get the chance to visit Woody’s Backyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios be sure to print and enjoy this grilled cheese sandwich with your family. You can never go wrong with the perfect grilled cheese. 

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. All at no cost to you it’s like having your very own Fairy Godmother. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@pixiedustanddreamvacations.com

 

Cooking up the Magic – Diseny Parks – Churro Bites

Posted on by PixiedustAndDreamVacations

DAWN CAITANO

917-494-5771

Cooking up the Magic – Diseny Parks – Churro Bites

Now that the World is experiencing a global pandemic vacation plans had to be cancelled, put on hold or rescheduled. Disney did something new and added something called Disney Magic Moments to their Disney Parks Blog.  Disney calls it a daily dose of pixiedust. I call it a virtual dream come true. My favorte category is their Cooking Up The Magic.

Gather your immediate family while you are social distancing and start baking. Yes Disney has been releasing some of their fan favorite recipies to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Today I am sharing one of Disney’s classic snack options, Chrurro Bites.

Posted from the Disney Parks Blog #DisneyMagicMoments! 

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks

Disney Parks Churro Bites

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable or canola oil
  • ½ cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine water, butter, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring pot to rolling boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low.
  3. Add flour and stir vigorously until mix forms a ball. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-7 min.
  4. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir until combined. Set aside.
  5. Using caution, heat oil in medium skillet or 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until temperature reaches 350˚.
  6. Spoon dough into piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe 1-inch strip of dough over saucepan, cut with knife, and drop into hot oil. Repeat until churro bites fill saucepan with room to fry. 
  7. Fry churro bites until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon or mesh spider strainer.
  8. Drain churro bites on paper towel.
  9. Mix sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in medium bowl. Toss in churro bites until coated. Place on serving plate and serve with favorite dipping sauce.

 

I hope everyone enjoyed the recipe from Disney’s Cooking Up The Magic at Home section from #DisneyMagicMoments. I can not wait to try them at home. Looking forward to when we can be back enjoying the Disney Parks. At least we can get a little tase of the Magic from home until then.  

PS Don’t forget you can print out the recipe by clicking the link above. 

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. All at no cost to you it’s like having your very own Fairy Godmother. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@pixiedustanddreamvacations.com