Author: Shelley

Get Ready for Real ID: Your Ticket to Seamless Travel

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities (1). This new requirement is part of the REAL ID Act, which aims to enhance security by establishing minimum standards for state-issued IDs.

So, what exactly is a REAL ID? It’s a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal government. You can easily identify a REAL ID by the star or flag symbol on the upper portion of the card (2). 

If you plan to fly within the U.S. or visit federal buildings, it’s crucial to ensure your ID is REAL ID-compliant. If not, you might face delays or even be denied boarding. To avoid any last-minute hassles, check your current ID and, if necessary, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to upgrade to a REAL ID (3).

For those who prefer alternatives, a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other TSA-approved identification can also be used for domestic travel (2). However, having a REAL ID can simplify your travel experience and provide peace of mind. 

Don’t wait until the last minute! Make sure you’re REAL ID-ready well before the May 7, 2025 deadline. Safe travels!

1: Homeland Security 2: TSA 3: TSA Press Release

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities (1). This new requirement is part of the REAL ID Act, which aims to enhance security by establishing minimum standards for state-issued IDs.

So, what exactly is a REAL ID? It’s a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal government. You can easily identify a REAL ID by the star or flag symbol on the upper portion of the card (2). 

If you plan to fly within the U.S. or visit federal buildings, it’s crucial to ensure your ID is REAL ID-compliant. If not, you might face delays or even be denied boarding. To avoid any last-minute hassles, check your current ID and, if necessary, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to upgrade to a REAL ID (3).

For those who prefer alternatives, a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or other TSA-approved identification can also be used for domestic travel (2). However, having a REAL ID can simplify your travel experience and provide peace of mind. 

Don’t wait until the last minute! Make sure you’re REAL ID-ready well before the May 7, 2025 deadline. Safe travels!

1: Homeland Security 2: TSA 3: TSA Press Release

Photo credit: Michigan Secretary of State

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

“Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” at the Magic Kingdom.
Fall is in the air! Time to rake leaves…enjoy the beautiful colors of the trees…and, of course, start making plans for Halloween! I can’t imagine a better Halloween Party than “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” celebrated on select dates in the Magic Kingdom during the month of October.
During the party, ghosts and goblins of all ages are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and “trick or treat” around the Magic Kingdom.
Not only will you be able to enjoy all your favorite attractions in the park, you’ll also enjoy special entertainment such as:
*Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade. This parade includes Disney Characters and the residents of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a ride of the Headless Horseman!
*”Happy HalloWishes” fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick or treating in the sky!
*Special lighting, music and effects will transform special areas in the Magic Kingdom into happy haunts!
Keep a watchful eye out around the Magic Kingdom…you never know who you’ll spot! But remember…it’s Halloween! So you may not recognize your favorite character when they’re all dressed up in their costumes!
And parents…don’t worry! This is “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary” Halloween Party so it is appropriate for children of all ages! This is a special ticketed event and the number of tickets sold for each date are limited. Call Witte Travel & Tours today for exact dates and pricing at 1-800-GO-WITTE.
Happy Haunting! BOO!

17th Annual International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot

The 17th Annual International Food & Wine Festival begins September 28 and continues through November 12, 2012. The festival offers culinary delights from around the world that are sure to please everyone’s taste buds!
This year’s festival highlights include 30 international food and beverage marketplaces, signature dining experiences with celebrity chefs, culinary demonstrations and wine seminars, craft beer and mixology seminars, and the nightly “Eat to the Beat” concert series.
In addition to the international food marketplaces set up throughout the World Showcase, you will also find other venues to compliment the festival experience. “The Cellar” will feature over 300 wines showcased at the festival for you to purchase. It’s also possible to have your bottle(s) signed by the vintner! Complimentary tastings will also be offered at select times during the day.
The Festival Center Café will offer cheeses and light snacks along with a wine bar for you to enjoy during the day and the Stockpot Shop will offer cookbooks, gadgets and festival-themed goodies to take back home.
The International Food & Wine Festival has complimentary offerings that are included with your Epcot admission; however some extra-cost events are offered that will further enhance this event! Space is limited at some of these events, so secure your space early! You can call (407) WDW-FEST to make a reservation. You will also be able to purchase food items from the marketplace booths at minimal costs.
The International Food & Wine Festival promises culinary delights to please every palate! Let Witte Travel & Tours help you start planning your festival experience now! Give us a call at 1-800-469-4883 now!

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

When someone mentions “Disney World”, what do you think of? Theme parks? Characters? Rides? Family Fun? Of course you’ll find all those things at Disney World! But do you ever think of running a Marathon? How about a Half Marathon? No? Well maybe you should!
Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is January 10-13, 2013 and will feature events for every ability and age!
The Family 5K Event will start the weekend off on Friday! This non-timed 5K run/walk through EPCOT will have an unforgettable finish. This is a great even for the entire family to participate in. All participants will receive a Family 5K Finisher medallion.
Saturday will feature the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) through the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Participants will enjoy on-course entertainment, a Donald Duck finisher medal as well as an invitation to the “after party” on Sunday.
Sunday’s Full Marathon is 26.2 magical miles of fun! This course will cover all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and feature on-course entertainment, a Mickey Mouse finisher medal and the “after party” Sunday night.
Don’t worry…Disney hasn’t forgotten about the “future marathoners”! Kids from infant to age 13 can participate in event at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Five age categories will offer everything from a “Diaper Dash” for little crawlers to the “Mickey Mile” for older kids!
Still not enough of a challenge for you??? Then how about signing up for Goofy’s Race and Half Challenge??? This true test of endurance is for die-hard runners. The 39.3 mile adventure consists of both the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. If you finish both races, you’ll be awarded the much-coveted Goofy medal (in addition to your Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck medals!)
Visit www.rundisney.com for more information on Disney’s Marathon Weekend and other special events planned or for more information on other Run Disney events held throughout the year! Give me a call at 800-469-4883 extension 478 for help in planning your magical Disney Vacation!
Ready? Set? GO!!!!

New Fantasyland Grand Opening!

The next phase of Walt Disney World’s New Fantasyland expansion in the Magic Kingdom Park is scheduled to open on December 6, 2012! Attractions included in this phase are Be Out Guest Restaurant (counter service for lunch and full service for dinner), Gaston’s Tavern (counter service), Under the Sea—Journey of the Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel’s Grotto, and Bonjour! Village Gifts. Look for previews of these new venues in mid-November!
Dining reservations will be open for booking in later this month for Be Our Guest Restaurant. It is expected that this will use one table service for dinner or one counter service for lunch if you are on a Disney Meal Plan. We also expect a credit card guarantee and cancellation policy will apply for the dinner seating. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance so start planning now!
And the expansion won’t stop there! Princess Fairytale Hall will open in 2013 and a new Disney “mountain”—The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train—will debut in 2014!
The first phase of the New Fantasyland Expansion opened to guests in July of this year. Storybook Circus includes Barnstormer—Starring the Great Goofini!, the Casey Jr. Splash & Soak Station, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
This is the largest expansion of the Magic Kingdom since opening in October, 1971. Give us a call and let us help you start planning your visit to the newly expanded Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World!

Cars Land at Disneyland, CA

Get ready to rev up the fun at Disneyland!!! Inspired by Route 66, “Cars Land” at Disney California Adventure Park is scheduled to open June 15, 2012! “Radiator Springs”, the Gateway to Ornament Valley, will welcome guests with three new attractions (Radiator Springs Racers, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, and Luigi’s Flying Tires), shops and food venues. Guests will be greeted by some of their favorite characters from the film including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, Luigi and Ramone.
Disney Imagineers have spent the last five years developing the 12-acre land which will bring the world of Disney-Pixar’s Cars to life. Lightning McQueen and Mater drive in for Character meet-and-greets and Red puts on a water effects show which turns into an interactive fountain.
Are you ready for a road trip to Cars Land? Witte Travel can help! Pack up your bags and let’s get going…!

Disney’s New “Art of Animation” Resort

The first phase of Disney’s new Art of Animation Resort (the “Finding Nemo” Family Suites) is opening May 31, 2012! When completed, this incredible resort will feature 1,120 spacious family suites specially designed to accommodate up to six guests as well as 864 rooms. The resort will reflect the artistry from “Finding Nemo”, “Cars”, “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid”.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is adjacent to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Guests can enjoy complimentary transportation throughout Walt Disney World. The family suites are designed to comfortably accommodate up to six guests and will include two separate bathrooms, a master bedroom and three separate sleeping areas within living space that also includes a large dining/work table that transforms into a comfortable bed!
Three sparkling swimming pools and four playful courtyards – one for each of the films featured at this resort – will complete your Resort experience!
The “Cars” Family Suites are slated to open June 18, 2012; “The Lion King” Family Suites on August 12, 2012; and “The Little Mermaid” Standard Rooms on September 15, 2012. All rooms and suites are available for booking now! Let Witte Travel help you be one of the first guests to experience the magic of Disney’s Art of Animation!