Tammy Richardson, Author at Fairytales and Sunsets Travel, LLC

What You Need to Know about Walt Disney World’s Reopening

We stayed onsite for the reopening of the Walt Disney World theme parks. There are so many things we want to share with you. First, my walk down Main Street U.S. A. in Magic Kingdom was overwhelmingly emotional. The cast members clapped us in the park like a pep rally and shouted welcome back and welcome home. Being a part of this was truly Magical and heartfelt! If you want to view those videos, click here!

Here are the most important things we learned:

Face Masks are required in all areas of Walt Disney World, including the resorts. You can stop to eat or drink and remove your mask as long as you are social distancing. Find a spot away from everyone.
Before entering the theme parks, you must go through the temperature screening tents and have your temperature checked.
You can leave the park and come back in the same day. However, you will have to have your temperature checked each time you return. Remember, no park hopping is allowed at this time.
Security checkpoints are different. Currently, the only thing you place in the bins are umbrellas, metal drink containers, and aerosol cans. Everything else you keep on you and walk through the screening point.
You scan your Magicbands but you do NOT use the finger scanner anymore.
Check your park maps for “relaxation stations” in each park. These are mask free zones and are cool comfortable areas to take a break.
There are hand sanitizer dispensers throughout each park, plus at the entrance and exit of attractions and shows.
Be patient please. They must stop certain attractions and clean them. If you are waiting in line, this is a fast-thorough process. Remember, there are no FastPass+ for rides or attractions currently.
There is only one entrance and one exit at the food courts, attractions, and stores. Follow the flow for safety and physical distancing.
There are Disney PhotoPass photographers. You will have to wear your mask for photos. You will also not receive Memory Maker photos if you remove your mask during any ride.
You MUST use the My Disney Experience app to order food at quick service locations or use the QR code. I find the My Disney Experience app is easiest.
All restaurants, quick service locations, and snack kiosk are running on limited menus. Not all snack and quick service locations are open as well. We will have more on the dining situation in another blog post for you.

We hope this helps all of our great travelers! Let one of our travel designers plan your next Magical vacation! Get your quote here:

Ready to Wear a Mask in the Theme Parks?

We recently visited Universal Orlando because we wanted to share our experience with our clientele. It is not my favorite thing to wear; however, I would wear one to visit the theme parks. Here is what we learned with some tips!

Find a mask that is comfortable to you. You will wear your mask at all times unless you are in your room, dining/eating, drinking, or swimming.
If you plan to wear disposable masks and will be visiting the theme parks multiple days, bring extra. It is hot and the smell is not appealing after a hot day in the parks.
The worst time to be in the parks in a mask is from 1pm to 3pm or whenever it is the hottest time of the day. This is the perfect time for a break!
If a cast member reminds you to wear your mask, please be nice. They are doing their best to ensure the safety guidelines are being followed by all guests. Remember, we are all in this together!
Wear a hat or sunscreen to prevent those crazy mask tan lines.
Keep your face and skin hydrated.
We experienced what I call “phantom mask” at night. You have your mask on all day and feel like your mask is still on, even after you have removed it. This could be irritable for the little ones, so I suggest practicing with them before your trip.
Drink lots of water, staying hydrated is best during the warm summer months in Florida!
Contact us for your next vacation. We are always here working for you!

Tammy Richardson designs vacations for families and couples with a focus on identifying your vacation needs and dreams. At Fairytales and Sunsets Travel, we specialize in the destinations we book and we also research by visiting them.

Click here to discover your next adventure with us!

When should you book your Walt Disney World Vacation?

Have you ever been curious about how far in advance you should consider booking your Walt Disney World vacation with us? We suggest at least seven months before your vacation start date. Why? This gives you a better advantage for the best room category, dining reservations, and FastPass+ selections.

We suggest the following tips to help you decide on when you should book your next Magical vacation with Fairytales and Sunsets Travel.

We suggest you book at least seven months in advance.
When you book your Disney vacation in advance, you can book your dining reservations 180+ days in advance. This is a significant part of your vacation planning, especially if you are searching for character meals.
As a Disney onsite guest, you can book your FastPass reservations 60 days in advance before you ever leave home. This is crucial for those hard to get FastPass+ selections!
Layaway Plan! Yes, you can book your Walt Disney World vacation using the layaway plan! How? You can confirm your Disney reservation with us for a minimum down payment of $200.00 per room. You can make payments of any amount at anytime as long as you are paid in full at least 30 days in advance before your vacation start date.

We hope this helps you decide on when to book your next Magical vacation!

Contact us for a quote for your next Walt Disney World vacation and enjoy our complimentary concierge planning services. Simply click the “Ready to Discover Your Vacation Dreams?” below.

Experiencing the World with Your Kids Is So Important

Experiencing the World with Your Kids Is So Important!

Our agency helps families experience the world together. This brings so many benefits for you and your children. We want to share why this is so important for you to use those vacation days and take your family on an annual vacation.

Here are our top five reasons to let us help you plan your next getaway.

It strengthens family bonds. In our world today we are so busy with work, extra-curricular activities, attached to our phones and social media, that we rarely have time for dinner together. Think about it, how much time do we really have with each other at night?
It enriches their minds and helps them experience different cultures and new things. Best of all, this all happens with you and creates a lifetime of memories.
You all unplug and come back recharged. If you’re lucky, your kids may even come back and actually like each other.
You, yes you, get to let loose and enjoy life! Living in the moment and experiencing captivating moments with your family can bring you to tears.
Be a part of your kid’s firsts: first time to ride a roller coaster, first time to walk the beach in the Caribbean or Hawaii, and first time using their Passport.

These are moments your kids will embrace and remember for years to come. It will be memories they will share with their kids. You’ll be ready to experience it all over again with your grandkids and grown children.

We would love to help you plan your next family vacation or adults only getaway. Let our concierge team help you plan your next vacation because travel moments turn into cherished memories.

Should You Experience Extra Magic Hours?

Should You Experience Extra Magic Hours?

Our clients often ask what are the Extra Magic Hours and should we use them on our next Walt Disney World vacation?

What are Extra Magic Hours? This perk is offered each day at one outof the four Walt Disney World theme parks. The park will either open one hour early or remains open up to two hours after the park’s regular scheduled closing time.

It is important to note that Magic Kingdom is typically only scheduled for the Early Extra Magic Hours at 8:00am on select days each week. However, Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are operating with 7:00 AM openings beginning on August 29^th through November 2^nd, 2019.

Who can experience the Extra Magic Hours? They are offered to clients that stay onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or some select Walt Disney World Hotels. There is no additional charge for this opportunity. You will have to use your Magic Band at the turnstile for early access into the park that is participating in the Extra Magic Hour for that day.

So now for the most asked question about this feature, should our family participate in Extra Magic Hours? Most onsite guests will use this wonderful perk, which can cause the park to be crowded on the same day. However, if you are park hopping, this is an excellent opportunity to ride a few rides and head to another one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World. We also like the idea of the availability to enter the parks early in the morning while everyone else is still sleeping. Yes, other guests may sleep in so park openings are a huge bonus to ride your favorite rides.

The parks tend to get busier from 1:00pm and throughout the remainder of the day. Also, the evening Extra Magic Hours are great also because some guests will leave the park earlier than planned.

You will want to decide what fits your family’s vacation style. If you prefer to sleep in or cannot stay up late, this perk may not fit your family’s needs. You can also utilize the Extra Magic Hours on any one certain day of your vacation. We hope this helps you decide what works best for your vacation.

As always, we are here to help our clients with all of the fun planning so feel free to ask us at Fairytales and Sunsets Travel any questions about this onsite perk.

Extra, Extra Magic Hours News!

We are excited for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We also realize the new land will be popular with large crowds. Disney has just announced they will offer Extra, Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World for three of their theme parks with specific dates and new times (Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios). This will include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Here is what you can expect this Fall:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Each day beginning on September 1^st through November 2^nd, 2019, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 6:00am to 9:00am. Yes, this includes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land attractions, and select other attractions. August 29^th through August 31^st, 2019, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6:00am for all guests. This means there will not be any Extra, Extra Magic Hours during this time.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Each day beginning on August 29^th through November 2^nd, 2019, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 7:00am to 8:00am. This will includePandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park. You can experience the same attractions that are offered now with Extra Magic Hours.
Magic Kingdom Park Each day beginning on August 29^th through November 2^nd, 2019, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 7:00am to 8:00am. You can experience the same attractions that are offered now with Extra Magic Hours. (Fantasyland and Tomorrowland).
Epcot will continue as normal with Extra Magic Hours on select days. There are no changes being made to Epcot’s Extra Magic Hours.

Please note these important requirements:

Requires a valid theme park admission and hotel identification.
If you want to visit more than one park in the same day, you must have the Park Hopper Option.
Times and offerings are subject to Walt Disney World schedule and attractions changes, without notice.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to availability and capacity.

Our agency specializes in all Disney Destinations. We would love to help create Magical moments for your next Disney vacation.

Tammy Richardson Certified Sandals Specialist

READY TO GIVE YOU NEXT LEVEL INFO & SERVICE: TAMMY RICHARDSON OF FAIRYTALES AND SUNSETS TRAVEL, LLC ATTENDS SANDALS RESORTS LUXURY INCLUDED® WORSKSHOP

Nashville, TN, July 3, 2018 – Certified Sandals Specialist Tammy Richardson of Fairytales and Sunsets Travel, LLC has successfully completed ALWAYS NEXT LEVEL, the latest Sandals Resorts’ travel agent workshop and is now fully prepared to share with travelers the most exciting reasons to visit the Caribbean’s leading Luxury Included® resorts right now.

According to Richardson, the immersive workshop covered all that’s new and exciting across the Sandals Resorts International (SRI) family of brands that include adult couples-only Sandals Resorts; family-friendly Beaches Resorts; Island Routes Caribbean Adventures for fun excursions in the Caribbean and is a critical opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of these distinct brands. “From the opening of Sandals Royal Barbados, Sandals’ second luxury resort here and the launch of Aisle to Isle, a new destination wedding program to Beaches Resorts’ groundbreaking certified autism centers, travelers can be confident that my counsel is informed and expert,” said Richardson.

Richardson is a Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS), part of an elite group of travel agents recognized by the travel industry as experts in the world’s only Luxury Included® Resorts. ALWAYS NEXT LEVEL fulfills the crucial educational requirement for travel agents pursuing their Certified Sandals Specialist designation.

“We applaud Tammy Richardson on this tremendous accomplishment. CSS agents are uniquely qualified to help travelers select their best Caribbean vacation, and it is a sincere pleasure to recognize Fairytales and Sunsets Travel, LLC for their dedication to serving their clients so well,” said Gary Sadler, Senior Vice President of Sales for North America at Unique Vacations, Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts.

Tammy Richardson specializes in Disney Destinations, Universal Orlando Resort & Universal Hollywood, Sandals and Beaches, Hawaii, and Saint Lucia. Contact Tammy for your next amazing vacation!

When Should I Book My Walt Disney World Vacation?

When Should I Book My Walt Disney World Vacation?

Clients often ask how far in advance they should consider booking their Walt Disney World vacation with us. The answer is simple, sooner is better for the best room category, dining reservations, and FastPass+ selections.

We suggest the following tips to help you decide on when you should book your next Magical vacation with Fairytales and Sunsets Travel.

We suggest you book at least seven months in advance.
When you book your Disney vacation in advance, you can book your dining reservations 180+ days in advance. This is a significant part of your vacation planning, especially if you are searching for character meals.
All Disney onsite guests can book their FastPass reservations 60 days in advance before you ever leave home. This is crucial for those hard to get FastPass+ selections!
Layaway Plan! Yes, you can book your Walt Disney World vacation via layaway! You can book your Disney reservation with us for a minimum down payment per room of $200.00. You can make payments of any amount at any time as long as you are paid in full at least 30 days in advance.

We hope this helps you decide on when to book your next Magical vacation! Contact us for a quote for your next Walt Disney World vacation and enjoy our complimentary planning services.

Best Times to Visit Saint Lucia

Best Times to Visit Saint Lucia

We are Saint Lucia experts and want to help you plan your next getaway! Saint Lucia is one of the most beautiful Caribbean destinations in the world. Here are some things to consider for your next Saint Lucia experience!

What about the Weather?

Temperatures range from 86°F to 71.6°F throughout the year. December to April are some of the most popular times to visit Saint Lucia. It is important to note that at the end of the year until February, the breeze can be chilly at night and breezy during the day.

April to June are some of the best months as well. June through November do experience the most rain and includes hurricane season. This is also a great way to get some of the best pricing. Be sure to include travel insurance!

You can enjoy whale watching from October to February.

Be sure you take in the beauty of The Pitons!

When should I go?

Let’s start with the obvious, the holidays! Imagine you and your loved ones are celebrating Easter, Christmas, or ringing in the New Year together in Saint Lucia! Doesn’t that sound lovely?

This is not an all-inclusive list of the great experiences in Saint Lucia and more of a brief overview.

May during the Annual Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, which features some local and international acts and amazing jazz!

July brings Carnival, the island’s major festival with festivities and beauty queen competitions, band competitions for the “band of the year” title, and more!

August and October will have more fun celebrations, Saint Lucia’s two flower festivals, and Creole Festivals!

September is probably our favorite! Roots & Soul Festival with concerts on parts of the island and the Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival. Did someone say rum? You can sip some of the finest rums of the Caribbean and the world!

One thing is for sure, when you visit Saint Lucia you should check out a street party and enjoy learning about the heritage, but most of all, let her inspire you to explore the beautiful island!

We hope this inspires you to visit Saint Lucia soon! Let us help you pick out the perfect time to visit Saint Lucia!

Vacation Layaway Tips

Vacation Layaway Tips

The New Year brings lots of new beginnings and the cold weather has us all focused on planning our vacation getaways. We love to travel with our significant other to adult only resorts and with our family to fun filled top destinations! No matter the type of travel you are planning, be sure to make Vacation Layaway work for you!

A seamless stress-free vacation should be filled with priceless memories. Here are some tips we have compiled to help you utilize vacation layaway.

1. Book Early and save money! For example, Walt Disney World vacation packages require a $200.00 deposit per room to secure your reservation. Bonus: Your package paid in full date is 30 days before your vacation is to begin! Pay your $200.00 deposit and you can pay as you go; the same as most layaway plans.

2. A Universal Orlando vacation is unique. First, book early to save money as they utilize dynamic pricing. This means the sooner you book your package, the cheaper your rate! Second, you will have a wider variety of resorts and room categories to choose from.

3. Yes, we do have layaway plans for Hawaii, the Caribbean, Cruises, Mexico, destinations around the world, plus, other destinations in the United States. Most deposits will range from 7%-20%. This will vary by locations and suppliers. Cruise Line pricing is best when rates are released so booking early is your best savings!

Fairytales and Sunsets Travel makes your vacation planning seamless and stress-free.

We listen to your travel wishes and make suggestions that fit your travel style.
Our services are complimentary for our clients.
We provide you with our expertise tips.
We monitor all promotions and make sure you are getting the best deal.
We stay on top of travel trends and changes that may affect your travel.
We will be your advocate from the beginning of the planning, during travel, and even after you return home.