Main Street Travel Co.

COME JOIN US FOR A FREE, ONLINE EVENT featuring Adventures By Disney 2012 Destinations!

Adventures by Disney® will unveil its exciting lineup of 2012 destinations and provide itinerary highlights of these guided group family vacations for you to see at your leisure!  There are several dates to choose from, BUT HURRY…REGISTER TODAY!

http://www.abdwebcastrsvp.com/registernow/

After you have viewed the online event, call us for a  FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE!

1-800-593-1262

travel@mainstreettravelco.com

Escorted vacations are ideal for group travel. Planning a family reunion? Putting together a trip for your school? Is your church organizing a religious or secular journey? The types of groups we can cater to are as varied as our vacations.

Group Travel Is Easy with Main Street Travel Co.

Travel is responsible for some of life’s most memorable moments. Celebrating a life milestone or simply enjoying the vacation of a lifetime are just a few of the reasons people crave to travel. And when people can share those experiences with friends and loved ones, those memories last forever. Group travel is fun, rewarding and sometimes even life changing. So gather some of your closest confidants and plan a group vacation with Globus.

• Hundreds of vacation options – We offer an unrivaled selection of nearly 400 vacations to more than 70 countries on six continents.  Selecting the most intriguing sights around the world, from the most sought after to the hidden treasures along the way.
• Discounts for group travelers – It is possible to travel for free on most land based vacations.  Form a group of atleast 16 travelers & you will travel for free on the land based portion of your trip!  The discount can be used to save everyone a little on the price of their vacation or to treat a special person in your group, such as your mother as a surprise for her 60th birthday.

Interested in Student Travel?

Experience is a great teacher. It takes standing in the middle of the Colosseum to truly appreciate the significance of Roman times. You need to be able to run your hand across the names engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC to comprehend the loss. Travel has the power to open young minds, unlock possibilities, and unveil understanding where the classroom just can’t. On Student Discoveries travel programs, students pay attention, ask more questions, and actually learn more. From the sub-culture of New York City’s Chinatown to Italy’s world-changing architecture, students’ minds opens further when they’re filled with the sights and sounds of important places around the world. And what they learn on the streets of Boston or in Tower of London won’t just be filed away for a pop quiz, but for something much more important—life itself.
Where does your group want to travel?

If you could choose to travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Would you travel to Italy? Tour Europe? Or maybe, cruise down the Rhine or vacation in China?

Destinations:

• Asia
• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada
• Europe
• South America
• United States

Specialty Vacations

• Student Travel
• River Cruises
• Cruise & Tour
• Family Travel
• Religious Travel
• European Winter Vacations
• Special Event Vacations

Build a Custom Group Vacation:

If you have 20 or more travelers and would like to create a custom tour, we can work with you.

Every group is different and we are happy to cater to special interests such as affinity, alumni, family, religious, incentive or student groups – or even to simply appeal to that sophisticated group who has “been there, done that.” Your group will enjoy the same high-quality vacation, but with the added benefit of it being uniquely designed for them.

Start Planning Today!

If you have a special group vacation in mind, don’t delay in planning, as many of the popular vacations and departures can fill up quickly.

• Are you a group leader? Do you regularly plan group vacations for an affinity group, school, church or business? If so, we can work with you on your annual group travel. Visit www.mainstreettravelco.com for more information or call us at 800-593-1262

Are you on the fence when it comes to travel insurance?

We thought these 10 reasons to buy travel insurance – nine of which are from CBS News Travel Editor, Peter Greenberg, and the 10th one from us – are particularly compelling.

1. Your flight has been cancelled.*

2. Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.*

3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.*

4. You’re involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation.*

5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.*

6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.*

7. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country.*

8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.*

9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.*

10. You lose your job but have already paid for your trip or cruise and need your cash back.

* Source: By Peter Greenberg

The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom® Park history is underway, a project that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland and deliver a new home for Ariel, new ways to interact with favorite Disney princesses, an exciting new family coaster, a double dose of Dumbo and more.

Scheduled to open in phases beginning in late 2012, the new Fantasyland will immerse you in Disney stories as never before. Among the highlights planned:

• Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, a major, all-new attraction during which guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film.
• The castle of the Beast, standing majestically upon a hill just across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. TheBe Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
• Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: Guests are transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

But that’s just the beginning of what you will discover when the multi-phase project is completed. Here’s more of what’s in store:

• The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs.
• In Princess Fairytale Hall, Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet guests in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today.
• The sound of the calliope will lead guests to the brand new Storybook Circus and not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant! Before taking to the skies on this Fantasyland favorite, guests can experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top.
• Next door in Storybook Circus, the classic Barnstormer gets a bright new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. It’s a twisting, turning roller coaster “flight” high above the circus fun

Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida  is an exciting place for class trips. The world’s most beloved & magical theme park offers experiences found no where else.  Disney continually improves its offerings to keep exhibits, rides, and youth programs fresh and interesting.  Group leaders planning trips to Orlando need to keep abreast of Walt Disney World’s new attractions and programming so they can add these activities to their itinerary.  The agents here at Main Street Travel Co. (MSTC) are here to help you be knowledgeable and prepared to take your students on an Educational Trip of a LIFETIME!

MSTC organizes student tours to Walt Disney World & Universal Studios Orlando for groups of all types and ages! It is a popular destination for Senior Trips,  high school bands and orchestras, theater students, science students, dance groups, choral groups,  and more!

Walt Disney World offers two outstanding active learning & performance programs, Disney’s Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.) Programs,  and Disney’s Performing Arts on Stage! 

Disney’s Performing Arts on Stage is a ”performance of a lifetime” opportunity for bands, choirs, auxiliary teams and other groups!  This program combines optional workshops with a live performance in front of a live, international Disney audience.  Groups can also enhance their performance with educational workshops with Disney professionals!  Groups can choose from:

• Vocal Performance — Take the world by stage and create lasting memories with your choral ensemble at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. Complement your performance with an optional workshop conducted by a Disney Expert.
• Vocal Performance at Disneyland Resort in California — Be a part of the “Disney Show” at Disneyland® Resort in California. As featured performers, your group will perform for an international audience on one of our professional Disney stages.
• Instrumental Performance — Imagine your group taking center stage at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. Participants get a taste of show biz as featured Disney performers. Complement your performance with an optional workshop conducted by a Disney Expert.
• Instrumental Performance at Disneyland Resort in California — Be a star at Disneyland® Resort in California when your instrumental group performs for an international audience on one of our professional Disney stages or parade routes.  
• Candlelight Processional — Perform a Disney tradition rich in holiday splendor. Your vocal group can be a part of our massed choir in an enchanted “Winter Wonderland” setting in Epcot® while performing joyful music alongside the Walt Disney World orchestra.

The outstanding active learning program called Youth Education Series (Y.E.S Programs). Y.E.S. are designed for Leadership & Careers, Arts & Humanities, Physical Sciences and Natural Sciences. The hands-on courses increase learning desire, encourage students to reach their potential and demonstrate the importance of teamwork, all in a unique setting that combines the classroom with the real world.  These are a pefect education learning series for elementary, middle & high school students of all ages,  from around the world! 

Through this memorable experience, students walk away wide-eyed and ready to embrace a world of limitless possibilities!

The Disney Difference

• Many Disney Youth Education Series programs are accredited by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools
• A once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity in the most magical place in the world
• Gain real-world knowledge inside Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort with specialized experiences at the Theme Parks
• Ticket packages allow your group to spend more time inside the Parks to explore, have fun and apply their newfound knowledge
• Disney excitement around every corner

List of programs offered to Student Groups!  (Subject to change w/o notice)

• Disney’s World of Physics:  Properties of Motion–Explore the physics concept of mechanics at select Magic Kingdom® Park attractions. This interactive program casts students into the role of Theme Park scientists as they enjoy hands-on examinations and activities of the basic properties of force, motion and gravity. 
• Disney’s Production Arts & Sciences–Acting as makers and marketers of visual media, students learn how technologies, techniques and storyboarding are shaping today’s media and influencing audiences of all ages.  
• Disney’s Ocean Discoveries–Explore diverse marine environments with educators from The Seas with Nemo & Friends. As future environmental leaders, students learn about conservation challenges affecting marine habitats and marine life. This interactive program inspires students to be leaders in ocean conservation no matter where they live.
• Millenium Culture–Discover how cultural gateways have been created through technology, communication and commerce. The culturally authentic pavilions of World Showcase serve as the backdrop for this interactive study of people and places around the world. Students learn that while cultures vary, all people share similar needs and interests in the global community. 
• Showbiz Magic at La Nouba–Get a unique look into the modern-day circus at La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil®. Participants gain a greater appreciation of the preparation, training and support systems that create an experience that invokes the imagination, provokes the senses and evokes the emotions of people from around the world.  
• Synergy in Science–Take an in-depth exploration of the interaction between creativity and technology. By investigating technologies at work in Epcot® attractions, students discover the magic behind entertainment technology and its application to daily life.
• Disney’s Wild by Nature–Experience the world of Disney’s African Cats by exploring the fascinating and surprising world of animal behavior! Through data collection, animal observations, select attractions and hands-on activities, students learn how lions, cheetahs and a vast array of other animals utilize their natural adaptations to help them survive. 
• Disney’s Leadership Excellence, The Inside Track –Go to the head of the class, as current students become tomorrow’s business leaders. Students investigate proven management strategies employed within The Walt Disney Company, see how effective leadership produces innovation and identify tactics they can adapt to help promote their own personal and professional success. 
• The American Story –Live the rich history of the United States of America through the stories and attractions in Liberty Square and Frontierland®. Students gain an understanding of the conflicts and resolutions of the nation’s people, as they strived to make E Pluribus Unum a way of life.
• Team Up for Wildlife –Travel throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and experience select attractions to discover how diverse people and animals respond to conservation challenges in the ever-changing world in which we live. 
• Making Waves with a Marine Career –Get a behind-the-scenes look at a variety of marine careers. Students discover the exciting world of marine mammal training, water sciences, aquarium and animal care, aquatic research, and conservation education.
• Magic Behind the Show:  Improv & Teamwork – During this entertainment adventure, students participate in improvisational activities, practice and develop performance and team-building techniques, and come to know one another as members of a creative team. Using their new knowledge, they then perform a unique improvisational production. 
• Disney’s Animation Magic — The art of animation comes to life as students discover the history, creativity and innovation behind the creative process of bringing characters to life.
• Dynamics of Technology — Blast off into the world of technological advancement — whether it’s the race to space, the rush to safety or the push for new tools. Students enjoy an exclusive, pre-Park opening experience at Mission: SPACE® to gain a unique perspective on the complex factors that took man to the moon and beyond.
• Disney’s Animation Magic — Students get an inside look at Disney animation while learning the artistic and technical sides of the process. This knowledge is then applied when they get the opportunity to explore their creativity while planning and designing their very own storyboard. 
• Career Discovery — Blast off in search of career path insights. Students discover how to navigate unexpected career highs and lows as they identify barriers to career development and formulate strategies for personal and professional success. School-to-work training has never been this much fun!   Learn More
• Disney’s Captivating Moments: Images with Impact — Discover Disney story places and proven tools and techniques to create photographic images with impact. This program has been developed in conjunction with Jostens®, a leader in custom products and services that inspire and help people express themselves, celebrate experiences, recognize achievements and share stories.
• Disney’s World of Physics:  Energy & Waves  –This physics lesson explores the use of sound and light as well as teaches how magnetism is used on a truly Screamin’ rollercoaster. Students see how energy of light and sound come together to create amazing Disney magic. 
• Disney’s Leadership in Action: Pursuit of Excellence — It’s time for students to step out of their comfort zones and to learn what it takes to be great leaders. While discovering how leadership played a role in Walt Disney’s life, students explore exciting Disneyland® attractions, learn the importance of teamwork and gain the self confidence necessary to be leaders of tomorrow
• Keepers of the Kingdom at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park — Journey behind-the-scenes, as well as on select attractions, to explore the variety of wild careers available in the zoological field. Students discover the innovative ways that Disney scientists and animal care staff are handling the complex issues surrounding animal nutrition, conservation and behavior.  
• How Things Move — Discover the principles of how things move. This program helps young learners understand how the physical sciences contribute to powering favorite Theme Park attractions.
• Everyday Chemistry — Uncover the mysterious world of science that surrounds us. Students are amazed, amused and enlightened through hands-on experiments and Theme Park attractions that unlock the imagination and inspire creativity. This program has been developed in conjunction with the Education Division of the American Chemical Society.
• California, here I come! at Disneyland Resort in California  — Delve into the rich history of California’s people, places and events that made The Golden State what it is today. At Disney California Adventure® Park students get a hands-on look at all things California — from the Gold Rush to the redwoods, and beyond.  
• Disney’s World of Physics: Properties of Motion at Disneyland Resort California –This program gives students an inside look at Disney California Adventure® Park. Learn how things like kinetic energy and speed are used to create mind-blowing attractions. Students get an understanding of the real-world application of physics in a Theme Park setting. 

Also in Orlando, Universal Studios is a great option to add on to any Disney program!

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”
This fantastic park is modeled on the movie rendition of Harry Potter’s adventures with replicas of Hogwarts (the school) and Hogsmeade (a village). Student groups can taste magical food and drinks at Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head and shop in various stores with magical themes. The new attraction includes Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an ‘augmented reality’ version of the movie that places students squarely within Harry Potter’s experiences at Hogwarts. Student groups will also want to try some supernatural attractions that follow the theme of the Harry Potter movies closely. These include the Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff.

Universal Studios New Roller Coaster: “Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit”
This 65-mile per hour roller coaster is sure to excite student groups, especially those who love contemporary and retro music. Visitors choose their own soundtrack from: pop/disco, rap/hip hop, classic rock/heavy metal, country, or electronic music before boarding. With digital cameras installed on board they will get to see themselves on video as they ride the roller coaster. Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit ascends to heights of 17 stories, dives into loops, and twists and turns while riders experience an adrenaline rush of a lifetime. The unique combination of technology and roller coaster thrills will please just about any student traveler who is eager for adventure.

Now you can see why Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are at the top of the list for most student travelers. A visit to Orlando combines active, hands on learning opportunities with high quality educational programming. In addition, all the fun, magic & excitement discovered at the Disney parks!  When it is time to take a break from the day’s activities, there are great choices for entertainment, tasty dining and unique shopping experiences awaiting the tour group.

With early planning and coordination by tour leaders, alongside a knowledgable travel agent,  student groups can easily visit both parks. If student groups want to participate in Y.E.S. Programs or Disney’s Performing Arts on Stage, booking early is in order to secure a reservation.

Main Street Travel Co. offers your group personalized group attention with a knowledgeable agent who will escort your group through your entire trip acting as your groups personal tour guide!  For more information, please contact us today! 

1-800-593-1262   or   travel@mainstreettravelco.com

See the TAPS Ghost Hunters Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango visit Halloween Horror Nights here!

A new age of darkness begins as Halloween Horror Nights XX: Twenty Years of Fear  at Universal Orlando Resort. For 24 nights this fall, Universal Studios Florida transforms into a horror-filled realm where menacing creatures lurk and guests must confront their deepest and darkest fears.

Guests will experience a new level of extreme and intense Halloween entertainment. They will walk through the ruined gates of Hades, become prey to blood-craving zombies, tour a Parisian catacomb where they will feel the vengeance of the dead – and more.

The mastermind behind it all is Fear – he is everything Halloween Horror Nights has been and will become. For 19 years, he’s been behind every paralyzing scare, every horrifying creature and every piercing scream at Halloween Horror Nights. Now, Fear is emerging from the shadows to reign over all he has created.

Halloween Horror Nights XX features eight all-new haunted houses, six scarezones and two live shows. Tickets are on sale now. The Gory Getaway Vacation Package is the best way to experience all of the fright of Halloween Horror Nights plus all of the thrills of Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando is a fun filled Family vacation destination, featurubg Univesal Studios, & Islands of Adventure parks, and City Walk!

The all new Wizarding World of Harry Potter is open and accepting visitors!

To learn more or to get a free no obligation quote, call or email us!

1-800-593-1262  or  travel@mainstreettravelco.com

I invite you to “Make the Magic Yours” by visiting Carnival’s new  site, completely dedicated to the Carnival Magic at www.carnivalmagic.com. It’s jam packed with fantastic information that will help you really get a first-hand glimpse at the ship’s look and feel.

Some of the features you’ll find on the site include a full-screen virtual video tour of the innovative new public spaces aboard the ship including Carnival’s first-ever pub at sea, the RedFrog Pub, our Italian captain-inspired Cucina del Capitano restaurant and the renowned Cloud 9 Spa. You’ll also be able to tour the Ocean Plaza, the splash-tastic Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, and all of the fun and exciting youth-related spaces. It’s the perfect way  for you to see that on the Carnival Magic there’s something for everyone!

You’ll also find all of the latest Carnival Magic news, interactive deck plans and descriptions of different stateroom accommodations. You’ll also find detailed itinerary and ports of call information. Basically, you’ll have just everything you need to choose a date and sail on this beautiful new ship!

Ready to Pack & Go?  Call us at MSTC and let us find the best rate for you!  Call today to take advantage of Early Saver Rates!  1-800-593-1262

Arrrrrrggghhhh!!!  It’s Pirate Week in the Cayman Islands!

Splice the mainbrace – Cayman’s National Festival is gathering pace at a rate of knots and will be here before ye know it. This is the 33rd year of  world-famous family festival and it takes place between 11 and 21 November 2010. It is a blend of active, culinary, heritage and above all fun events for all the family.

It’s eleven fun filled days on our glorious islands with music, street dances, competitions, games, wonderful local food and drink, kids day, glittering parade, sports events for everyone, Heritage Days, pirate invasion and fireworks galore! There is just too much going on for you to miss out on.

The festival starts with a bang with a fantastic fireworks display, followed by a local song contest and then, almost every day for eleven days, Caribbean rhythms pulsate in open-air street dances until the small hours of the morning. An authentic slice of the native Caribbean!

Then on the first Saturday there is  a mock ‘pirate invasion’ from the sea! Two old-time sailing vessels, loaded with pirates make a Saturday surprise landing at the bowl-shaped George Town harbour, as thousands line the streets to take part in the spectacle or just watch. It’s good-natured fun, there’s a new twist every year, and families just love it. It’s the only event of its kind in the Caribbean region.

To learn more, or for a free no obligation quote, contact your Main Street Travel Co agent today!

travel@mainstreettravelco.com or  1-800-593-1262

I received a survey from Walt Disney World with questions in regards to my opinion on new themed rooms at Walt Disney World”s moderate resorts.  It looks as though WDW is considering expanding their “themed” rooms as they have done in Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort with the Pirate Rooms, to include NEW themed rooms!  The new theme ideas are a “Royal Room” based on a Princess concept, and a Haunted Mansion room!   Below are descriptions & pictures of the existing Pirate Themed Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach, and the concept art of the suggested Royal Rooms and Haunted Mansion Rooms!

Haunted Mansion Room Concept:

“Come spend the night with a few of the happy haunts who play in an enchanted bedroom inspired by the Haunted Mansion. Rest atop the floating Doom Buggy beds with a couple of friendly spooks and watch glow-in-the-dark, cartoon-like footsteps mysteriously appear as the evening sets in. A sliding bookcase creates a hidden passage to the bathroom and is the perfect hiding place for a hitch-hiking ghost. Oversized furnishings with curvy lines and bright colors add to the whimsy in the room. Guests will delight in finding the hidden special effects that play up the merry, rather than scary, room ambiance.”

Royal Room Concept Art:

Rumor has it that Blue Sky Cellar is reporting both themed rooms will appear in the Port Orleans Resort Collections.  The Royal Rooms in the Riverside area of the resort, and the Haunted Mansion rooms in the French Quarter side of the resort.

The existing Pirate Themed Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:

I am VERY excited to see these new concepts, and I hope Disney puts them into action AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will require full name (as it appears on your government issued ID), date of birth and gender for all passengers traveling on or after November 1, 2010 regardless of when the reservation was booked. Failure to provide this information could result in a reservation being refused by the airline.  Call your airline and provide this info TODAY if you are currently booked on any flight.

For more information, visit the TSA website http://www.tsa.gov/who_we_are/index.shtm