KeyConnection Key to the World Travel Planner Newsletter Wishing you and your family the happiest of Thanksgiving holidays. We are thankful every day for each and every one at Key to the World Travel and are so very happy to have you as part of our family. Thank you for all that you do! Love,
Heather, Cheryl & Jeff Key to the World Travel Blog Do you love to write? Have a great idea for a blog post? Do you want to get your name out there, and attact more clients? The Key to the World Travel Blog can help! You can find the Blog Submission Process informationby logging into the Agent Area and following the direct link to the Blog Submission Process or t by going to here! To submit an idea for a blog post, please utilize this form, and be sure to read all of the instructions before submitting. Social Media Contest November's Social Media Promotion contest prize is Holiday/Winter themed! On November 30th Kendra and her team of tiny helpers will give away this 50" x 60" reversible Mickey and Minnie Throw to one lucky winner, so get out there and SHARE! Remember, you need to share directly from the KTTW Facebook page for it to count! Each share gets an entry - good luck!! Socks & Sweets Exchange 2017! If you'd like to participate in our annual Socks & Sweets Exchange, please sign up on the Google Sheet here! (you must be logged in to your KTTW email account to access this) New to the exchange? Each year we pair you up Secret Santa style with a Sock Buddy, and you send them a pair of fun socks and a treat (a lot of people do something specific to their region, or just a favorite snack, or a holiday treat) and then we post photos in the group. If you search the group you can probably find photos from last year! Kendra will do the pairings and send you the name and address of your buddy by December 1. You can sign up until November 26, then we'll close it so Kendra can get everything out to everyone! KTTW 2018 Contracts Quick reminder that the 2018 Key to the World Travel contacts have all been sent out. You should have received both a a link to sign your contract electronically from Hello Sign, and an invoice from PayPal. If your link has expired, please email
office@keytotheworldtravel.com and a new link will be sent. If you are attending KeyCon at Disneyland this year, you DO have to have your 2018 contract signed and returned to us no later than Dec. 1 in order to attend the conference. Show Off Your Expertise If you have completed any supplier certifications such as Sandals/Beaches or SeaWorld or a cruise line, a great way to advertise that is to add it to your bio on your Key to the World Travel agent area. To update your profile, simply log in to the agent area of the site, click on the "Website Profile Change" link, and fill out the form! Please specify that you want to ADD text not completely replace your bio! Updates on Friday mornings so if the updated is not submitted before 8 AM Eastern on Friday it will not be updated until the following week. Facebook Roundup Disneyland Packages In case you missed it, this info was in a D-Mail: In an effort to enhance our flexibility and Guest responsiveness, we're changing our fulfillment process for Disneyland Resort Packages in 2018. Effective for arrivals beginning Jan. 10, 2018, all package vouchers will be delivered directly to the Guests' hotel. Please check out this article for more information. This means no longer calling Disneyland and having the mailing address changed for packages (and live tickets). Much easier! Using PhotoPass Pictures on Your Business Page Regarding Memory Maker/PhotoPass Photos - the rules are very simple: 1) Do not use them on your business page UNLESS you're doing an informational post about the Memory Maker product or the PhotoPass service 2) If you are doing an informational post about Memory Maker or the PhotoPass service, you may use a photo as an example provided you do not put any text or logos over them, nor make any advertising statements or promotional statements about your business. 3) You may use them on your personal page but not with logos or text over them or with any language advertising your business. If you have questions, please feel free to come directly to Heather and she can clear up any confusion with our Disney rep directly. Disney can and does make changes and updates to their policies whenever they see fit. DCL Payments Tip if you would like to make partial payments without having to call in, import your reservations into
CruisePro. There are instructions right in CruisePro on how to do this, and it will in no way affect your commission. You can make partial payments there and avoid having to call in! From Royal Caribbean: At Royal Caribbean, we are always looking at ways to better position our products in an effort to enhance the vacation and destination experience for your clients. When reviewing the 2018/2019 Short Caribbean itineraries, an opportunity was identified to better strengthen the offerings on Empress, Enchantment, Majestyand Vision of the Seas. Such changes will bring your clients richer vacation options and, in turn, more success for you! As we reposition these products, we thank you for welcoming them to their new homeports and also for presenting these new sailings to your clients as they book their next cruise vacation. All affected guests and travel partners have been notified and we thank them for their patience and support as we work through reaccomodating all booked guests. New sailings will be open and ready to book on November 21st, 2017. TWO new hotels are coming to Universal Orlando Resort The new hotels will be located at the intersection of Universal Blvd. and International Drive, just minutes away from Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal's Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk's dining and entertainment options. The new hotel complex will be a destination unto itself, where guests will enjoy the sun, surf and sand with a laid-back coastal feel. Not to mention three pools, poolside bars, two food courts, coffee bars and fitness centers, just to name a few of the amenities. And here's the best part... Both hotels will offer our lowest price tag yet, with nightly rates starting at less than $100. Of course, when you stay at the new hotels guests will enjoy the awesome benefits that come with staying at a Universal Orlando hotel. Early Park Admission to the three theme parks, complimentary transportation across the destination, and resort-wide charging privileges are included. Reservations will be accepted beginning in early 2018 Cruising Power Registration Update On Sunday, December 3, 2017, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is implementing some important updates to CruisingPower.com and its registration process. Here's what's you need to know: * USERNAMES - All CruisingPower usernames must now be 7 to 10 characters in length (letters and numbers only). Usernames cannot already be in use on another CruisingPower profile. * PASSWORDS - Passwords must now be 9 to 15 characters in length (letters and numbers only). They must contain at least one upper-case letter and at least one number. Your password cannot be the same as your username. * SECURITY QUESTIONS - Each user will now be required to select and answer three security questions, instead of one, for profile verification, username retrieval and password reset. * UNIQUE EMAIL ADDRESS - For all new registrations, your email address must not be associated with any other CruisingPower agent or agency profile. * LOG IN ATTEMPTS - All accounts will be granted a maximum of five log in attempts. If a user is unable to provide the correct username and password combination after five attempts, the account will be locked, and the user must change their password. * FORGOT USERNAME/PASSWORD - Forgotten usernames will now require additional security information to be retrieved. Forgotten passwords will now have to be changed instead of retrieved. Users have five attempts to answer the security questions, and if the correct responses are not provided, CruisingPower will send an email with a direct link for reset. Beginning December 3, 2017 existing users will be prompted to update any of these items to meet the new security requirements and will have a grace period of 13 months to do so. Royal Caribbean Deployment Update
Ship Changes: In May 2018, Empress of the Seas will be extending her season in Miami, Florida Enchantment of the Seas will no longer be homeporting in Galveston, Texas and, instead, will be moving to Port Canaveral, Florida beginning June 2018 Majesty of the Seas will be moving from Port Canaveral, Florida to Tampa, Florida starting in May 2018 As of March 2019, Vision of the Seas will no longer depart from New Orleans, Louisiana and will move to Galveston, Texas for the winter season As always, our success is truly dependent on your success and we thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Royal Caribbean brand. For more details, please visit loyaltoyoualways.com/deployment Holiday Season in Orlando It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Orlando Theme Parks and Hotels are even more magical than usual. Here is a line up of what the parks and area attractions have in store to share with your clients! Holidays At Universal Orlando Resort Put a little mischief in your merry when Universal Orlando Resort takes the holiday season to new heights with an allnew lineup of festivities in our parks and beyond. Experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley are transformed with wondrous spirit. Watch the live retelling of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday tale starring The Grinch as the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular returns. Merry and Mayhem combine as the Minions join Santa Claus in the all-new Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter When: Daily from November 18, 2017 - January 6, 2018 Where: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Details: Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World at Universal Orlando as Hogsmeade is transformed by festive décor and special entertainment. And as the stars begin to shine, a stunning projection, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts, wraps the castle in spectacular holiday spirit. Mannheim Steamroller When: November 18, 19, 25, 26 and December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 Where: Universal Studios Details: The best-selling holiday artist of all time visits Universal Studios as Mannheim Steamroller returns for live performances
Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's When: Nov. 18-28, Nov. 30 - Dec. 5, Dec. 8-17: 5:30 pm. Nov. 29, Dec. 6 - Dec. 7: 5 pm Dec. 18 - Jan. 6: 8 pm Where: Universal Studios Details: Merry and Mayhem combine as the Minions join Santa Claus in an all-new incarnation of Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, a holiday favorite that also features characters from Madagascar and Shrek. The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular When: Nov. 18-28, Nov. 30 - Dec. 5, Dec. 8-17: 5:30 pm. Nov. 29, Dec. 6 - Dec. 7: 5 pm Dec. 18 - Jan. 6: 8 pm Where: Universal Studios Details: Explore Seuss Landing, filled with the Christmas charm and cheer of Who-ville. Delight in The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic holiday tale starring The Grinch. Plus, meet the maven of mischief himself for an autograph and photo. The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast When: Nov. 18-19, 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-25; 8-10am Where: Islands of Adventure Details: Choose from irresistible entrees and get your camera ready. The Grinch himself will make the rounds, stopping to pose for photos and share hilariously snarky small talk. (Separately Ticketed Experience.) SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made, with festive shopping, delicious food, and stunning live shows inspired by the natural world. At SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration carols fill the air, a sea of lighted trees sparkles over the lake in a wintery, watery wonderland, and world-famous skaters twirl on ice. With festive food, stunning live shows, and delightful entertainment inspired by the natural world, SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made. Stroll the lakeside Christmas Market and savor the cinnamon and spice holiday scents of delicious treats as you shop for unique, artisan-crafted gifts. Santa at Wild Artic Details: All new this holiday season, SeaWorld invites you and yours to take a ride to the top of the world to meet the Arctic's most famous resident...santa Claus. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Details: Meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends at SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration. Rudolph leads the way to Christmas joy and holiday fun with all-new ways of making spirits bright. Bring your family and share classic Rudolph traditions while creating your own through exciting holiday events and activities. Clyde And Seamore's Countdown To Christmas Details: Sea Lion and Otter Stadium celebrates the season in a hilarious Christmas comedy! Those
loveable sea lions Clyde and Seamore, along with a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and even a jolly walrus, invite you and yours to their fun-filled holiday celebration. Elmo's Christmas Wish Details: The holidays have arrived, and everybody's Sesame Street friends have come to SeaWorld Orlando for a festive and fun musical celebration! Elmo's Christmas Wish will soon become your child's favorite show. Join Rosita, Grover, Zoe and Cookie Monster as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish! O Wondrous Night Details: Hear the greatest story never told with over 30 carols, life-size puppets and live animals in this signature show that will charm, entertain and delight people from all walks of life. Lots of singing, special effects and incredible lighting enhance this production and holiday spirit. It's a live nativity that only SeaWorld can bring to life. Sea of Trees Details: Take a walk through our wintery, watery wonderland and immerse yourself in a sea of holiday trees. Our glistening forest with over 100 trees sparkles to music and lights up the water... and, your eyes. As the lights literally dance to holiday classics, your heart will soar with wonder and delight at this truly awe-inspiring Christmas treat. Winter Wonderland On Ice Details: Christmas comes to life on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice skating extravaganza. The other stars of the show are the towering fountains of water and sea of lighted trees sparkling over the lake. It's a don't-miss experience for the holidays that will take your breath away. Shamu Christmas Miracles Details: SeaWorld invites you to experience the power and beauty of our Shamu family in our nighttime holiday show: Shamu Christmas Miracles. Thrilling seasonal music rings out and killer whales soar through the air in a story of reflection and understanding... of peace and friendship... of the everyday miracles that surround us all year long. From the sweeping vocal majesty of our soundtrack to the heart-pounding excitement you've come to expect from our Shamu family, this performance will take you on a stirring voyage into the heart of the holidays. Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort Christmas at Walt Disney World is a very special time of year! From fireworks, gingerbread houses, and traditions from aound the world to to projection shows, parades and your favorite characters, there is something for everyone! Here are some of the details! Sunset Seasons Greetings When: November 9 - December 31, 2017 Where: Disney's Hollywood Studios Details: As night falls an unforgettable scene starts to unfold for Guests of all ages. Billboards
suddenly begin to move into motion and tell a tale, courtesy of iconic characters sharing their love for the season. All the while, the Hollywood Tower Hotel-a.k.a. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terrormagically transforms, bringing to life the characters' stories. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! When: November 9 - December 31, 2017 Where: Disney's Hollywood Studios Details: Delight in a Flurry of Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including this Santa-sized spectacular jam-packed with holiday music, fireworks, special effects and dazzling state-of-the-art projections Epcot International Festival of the Holidays When: November 19 - December 31, 2017 Where: Epcot Details: Discover a festival like no other, featuring the joyous holiday traditions of our 11 World Showcase nations. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays surrounds you in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season as celebrated by cultures near and far. Come, delight in stirring live musical productions; savor seasonal food & beverage specialties at the expanded Holiday Kitchens; and take a festive global tour as costumed performers bring time-honored traditions to life throughout World Showcase! Candlelight Processional When: November 25 - December 30, 2017 Where: Epcot Details: Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as an orchestra and choir provide an inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy. This year, an exciting line-up of celebrities-including a few new faces and voices-are set to lend their talents, including: NEW! Laurie Hernandez - November 24 to 26, 2017 NEW! Matt Bomer - November 27 to 28, 2017 Ana Gasteyer - November 29 to 30, 2017 Whoopi Goldberg - December 1 to 3, 2017 NEW! Pat Sajak - December 4 to 5, 2017 Jodi Benson - December 6 to 8, 2017 NEW! Kurt Russell - December 9 to 11, 2017 NEW! Warwick Davis - December 12 to 14, 2017 Trace Adkins - December 15 to 17, 2017 Neil Patrick Harris - December 18 to 21, 2017 NEW! CCH Pounder - December 22 to 24, 2017 Jaci Velasquez - December 25 to 27, 2017 Chandra Wilson - December 28 to 30, 2017 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party When: Select Nights November 9 - December 22, 2017 (separate ticketed event) Where: Magic Kingdom Details: When Mickey celebrates the season, Magic Kingdom park lights up with excitement for Guests of all ages. Cinderella Castle shimmers. Joyful music fills the air. Disney Characters don their most festive attire. Favorite attractions take on a holiday theme. And enchanting surprises lie around almost every turn! Holidays at Disney Springs When: November 10 - December 31, 2017 Where: Disney Springs Details: Discover a sleigh full of festive experiences, including an enhanced Christmas Tree Trail, Yuletide carolers,santa's Chalet, Stitches Gift Hunt, and more! New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World Resort When: December 31, 2017 Where: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios Details: Toast to a sparkling new year with decadent dining, festive libations, a dazzling dance party and mesmerizing fireworks.
ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World There is a new theme for 2017 is ICE! featuring Christmas Around the World. Journey through more than TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and two-story-tall ice slides. Delight in a celebration of cultures featuring holiday scenes, and travel to the North Pole to see Santa and his elves. Stop by the Frostbite Factory where you'll see our artisans from Harbin, China carving ice LIVE. When: November 21, 2017 - January 7, 2018 Hours of Operation: Vary by day and subject to change. Event times and ticketing options are listed by day on purchase tickets calendar Where: Gaylord Palms - Alpine Village For tickets & information: +1-407-586-4423 Details: ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland kept at a chilly 9 degrees featuring: Two million pounds of ice sculptures hand-carved by artisans from Harbin, China. Five ice slides, plus interactive Christmas displays and photo opportunities Scenes of holiday celebrations from around the world The Frostbite Factory - a live carving zone showcasing our artisans Breath-taking Nativity scene carved from crystal-clear ice Know Before you Go Ticket sales will end 30 minutes prior to listed attraction closing time. The ICE! attraction is a self-guided, walk through experience that lasts approximately 15-30 minutes. In total, you should plan to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the entire ICE! experience. Snow Tubing Height Restrictions - Must be at least: 36-inches tall to ride with an adult on double tube. 42-inches tall to ride by yourself on single small tube. 60-inches tall to ride on single large tube. Double riding tubes are available for parents with small children who are 36 inches or taller. We're Going to Disneyland - can't wait to see you there!! The countdown is on and KeyCon will be here before we know it! We are looking forward to seeing everyone out in California!! Please note that registration is closed, but for all those that are unable to attend, we are going to try to livestream the meetings if the hotel WiFi allows. Please watch KTTW Family for more information. Looking for some KeyCon merchandise to get you excited? Here's a shop where we can get all the KeyCon gear you could want!! If you are registered to go, please make sure that you have filled out all of your information for the Yapp.
If there are ever any topics you would like covered in KeyConnection, please email cheryl@keytotheworldtravel.com!! STAY CONNECTED: