Costa Rica – No Artificial Ingredients
Costa Rica is a land teeming with the paradoxes of its geographical location, bridging North and South America and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The resulting climate makes it ideal for year-round travel. The forces of nature are at their spectacular best here, churning out rainforest and volcanoes, great beaches and vistas. The animals and plants of the region are of two great continents. The diversity of flora and fauna, of geography and terrain all come together here in a mere 50,895 square kilometers.
The elevation of much of the country’s landmass offsets the tropical setting of its location only 8 degrees north of the equator. Like Hawaii in the Pacific, Costa Rica hosts 10 of the 13 recognized climatic zones as well as local microclimates.
The equatorial position of the country means that throughout the year there is a fairly constant twelve hours of light between sunrise and sunset from 6:00 am each day to 6:00 pm. The county’s location also maintains a fairly constant temperature, never varying more than a few degrees on a seasonal basis. If you are traveling from the Northern Hemisphere, you are used to giving due consideration to terms like “summer” and “winter”. However, in Costa Rica, the seasons revolve around a dry season, December through April and a wet season May through November. Costa Rica promotes their “wet season” as the “Green Season.” This is not just clever marketing. The year-round nature of Costa Rica’s travel opportunities has made it the Caribbean destination with the highest tourism growth. The Green Season is an excellent time to travel to Costa Rica. This is when the warm, wet climate brings the plant life into full bloom, and the country’s verdant flora explodes with the vibrant life characteristic of Costa Rica. As we will discuss below, the green season means more wildlife, better visibility and rates that are easier on the pocketbook!
December, January, and February tend to be cooler as winds from the north lower temperatures. In the coastal regions, the average temperature at sea level is 82 degrees Fahrenheit on the eastern Caribbean side of the country and 89 degrees on the Pacific side. As you climb in elevation, temperatures begin to drop approximately one degree for every 100 yards. Thus, in the mountains, jackets, sweaters and coats in the highest elevations are definitely in order. Temperatures at night tend to be warmer in the wet season
Costa Rica’s mountain ranges, situated between two oceanic climatic and moisture zones mean that rainfall is a part of Costa Rica’s ecology. Annual rainfall averages approximately 100 inches in the plains and 150 inches in the mountains occurring in the early afternoons in the highest elevations and late afternoon or night in the plains. While mornings during the wet season are often bright and sunny, by afternoon the rains typically fall.
There are real benefits to traveling to Costa Rica during the Green Season. Perhaps the best reason is the abundance of wildlife. The greener foliage and plant life offer a wider range of feeding grounds for the animals. Likewise, because the green season in general means fewer tourists, the animals are more relaxed in their habitat. If one of your reasons for visiting Costa Rica includes paddling sports and time on its rivers, the green season means banks that are consistently filled with fast moving water. The mountains tend to be more clearly visible as the rains carry the fog and haze away making volcano viewing particularly enjoyable.
The Green Season also means fewer travelers in the hotels, shops and dining establishments. As a result, general prices for accommodations and practically every aspect of tourism are less than in peak travel season. Packages in Green Season can be as much as 30% less than in peak, and the local population and shop keepers have more time to spend with travelers on an individual basis.
As a bridge between North and South America, Costa Rica’s biodiversity is astonishing. Monkeys, sloths, tapirs and wildcats as well as an unrivaled collection of bird species numbering more than 800 make their home in the rainforest. With more than 25% of the country in national parks, there is great opportunity to leave the beaten path and to see the wide variety of plant and animal life year round.
The Costa Rican rainforests are vast, but accessible. The road infrastructure tends to be unpredictable outside of the major cities, and caution when driving is highly advisable, especially during rain storms. Many roads are unpaved and bridges are often single-vehicle width. The best advice in any weather is to plan ahead, take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Any experienced visitor to Costa Rica will tell you that there is no end to the amazing array of things to do. Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. Better yet, ecotourism is a way of life in Costa Rica. The country plays host to a wide variety of adventure sports and favorites of travelers include mountain biking, river rafting and scuba diving. Hikes through the rainforests include trips to active volcanoes, boat trips on rivers snaking through the rain forests and opportunities to ride a zip line through the forest canopy. You can watch live lava flows on Arenal Volcano, bird watch (some of the best and most diverse in the world), stand on mountaintops where both the Atlantic and the Pacific are visible, watch the marine turtles at Tortuguero or any one of a hundred other terrific outdoor opportunities.
This year, any time this year, give some consideration to placing Costa Rica on your list of “places to visit.” You will be glad you did.
Click here to see a short video of Costa Rica. If you would like more information about the exciting adventure packages that we can customize just for you, please call or click the Get A Quote button.
Meet Our Grand Prize Winner
Magic Carpet Travel Service is pleased to present Dawn Aguiar of Lexington, MA the grand prize of a complimentary trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. Dawn participated in a nationwide contest on DizDiva.com sponsored by Magic Carpet Travel Service and was selected in a random drawing.
The grand prize gave Dawn the choice of either a two nights stay in Walt Disney World deluxe resort or a four night stay in a Walt Disney World moderate resort, both choices included Magic Your Way park tickets. Dawn her husband Lon, and daughter Katrina selected the two nights stay in a deluxe resort and will be taking her trip in December. Co-owner Steve Thibodeau was able to meet Dawn and her family to present them with their travel documents.
On behalf of DizDiva.com and Magic Carpet Travel Service we would like to thank everyone for participating in this contest and give our congratulations to Dawn and her family and wish them a wonderful Disney vacation!
Disney to build new themed land
In an announcement made on Sept. 20, Disney will be joining forces with Avatar creator James Cameron in an exclusive agreement that will bring the film to life at the Disney Theme Parks. The first of the worlds park to get the new themed area will be Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Adventures by Disney Named No. 1 for Families by Travel + Leisure Readers
Adventures by Disney® recently earned the distinction of being ranked the No.1 tour and safari operator for families by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Adventures by Disney received a staggering 99 point ranking out of 100, making it the clear leader in family travel, while also ranking among the top tour operators overall.
On the same survey, Disney Cruise Line® upheld its esteemed position as the leader in family cruising, with readers ranking it as the No. 1 large-ship cruise line for families. In addition, Disney Cruise Line took the No. 4 spot in the magazine’s overall large-ship category.
The rankings also honored Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World® Resort, with readers ranking it as the No. 1 family hotel. Several other Walt Disney World Resort hotels made the list as well, with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Beach Club Resort all ranking among the best of the best. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland® Resort and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort also took home honors.
2012 Disney Dining Plan Changes
Please note important updates for 2012 package information:
Changes have occurred for 2012 package information and where different from 2011 package information, these items/changes have been denoted in bold below. Only where you see red bold wording have items changed.
The Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick-Service Dining includes Disney Resort accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base Ticket and a Disney Plus Quick-Service Dining Plan that offers 2 Quick-Service meals, 1 Snack per person, per night of the package stay, plus 1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per person, per package. With this package, you can save up to 10% per adult on dining.
- The Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining includes Disney Resort accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base Ticket and a Disney Dining Plan that offers 1 Table-Service meal, 1 Quick Service meal and 1 Snack per person, per night of the package stay, plus 1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per person, per package.
- The Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe Dining includes Disney Resort accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base Ticket and a Deluxe Dining Plan that offers 3 meals and 2 snacks per person, per night of the package stay, and 1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per person, per package. With this package, guests can save up to 35% per adult on dining.
- The Magic Your Way Premium Package includes Disney Resort accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base Ticket, breakfast, lunch, dinner & 2 snacks per person per night at selected table-service and quick-service restaurants, unlimited use of selected recreation including golf, admission to the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba and more. 3-night minimum stay required.
- The Magic Your Way Platinum Package includes Disney Deluxe Resort or select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base Ticket, breakfast, lunch, dinner & 2 snacks per person, per night at select restaurants (including Victoria & Albert’s), itinerary planning assistance, a spa treatment and more. 3-night minimum stay required.
- As of January 1, 2012, the Disney’s Magic Your Way Package Plus Wine & Dine has been discontinued.
Royal Guest Rooms coming to Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
New room category – Royal Guest Rooms
Now accepting reservations – Opening in early Spring 2012
Exciting enhancements are taking place over at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, with 512 Royal Guest Rooms. The story behind these lush rooms is that Princess Tiana (“The Princess and The Frog”) invited some of her royal pals – Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”), Jasmine (“Aladdin”) and more – for a vacation getaway. Princes and princesses of all ages can enjoy their luxurious lodging quarters, which will include ornate beds that feature headboards with fiber-optic special effects, gold and crystal accents; custom linens and drapes; and in-room art and details including princely banners and princess friends. Guests also can enjoy artwork and special mementos left by Tiana’s royal friends.
Royal Guest Room
Stay in a very special room decorated by Princess Tiana for visits by her royal friends—the Disney Princesses. All rooms have 2 queen-size beds featuring ornate decorations and special effects, custom princess-themed linens and drapes, table and chairs, vanity area with 2 sinks, a ceiling fan, a privacy curtain between the vanity and room, and a bathroom. All rooms are non-smoking. 
Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Amenities include in-room wall safe, voice mail, high-speed Internet access (additional fee), hairdryer, iron, ironing board, mini refrigerator and coffeemaker. A Pack ‘n Play playard is available upon request.
Room views and prices vary, select from:
Royal Guest Room – Standard Room
Royal Guest Room – Garden View
Royal Guest Room – Water View
Royal Guest Room – River View
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, now accepting reservations
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Now welcoming reservations
Opening May 2012
Cars The Lion King
Little Mermaid Finding Nemo
This Walt Disney World® Resort hotel invites you to become a part of your favorite animated films.
At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Guests are immersed in Walt Disney and Disney•Pixar classics.
Location:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, in the area that was started several years ago when it was assumed it would be an extension to Pop Century. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is steps away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Resort Guests can enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the theme and water parks.
Resort Features:
With 864 rooms inspired by The Little Mermaid and 1,120 suites designed after The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars, you’ll feel like you’re living in a storybook.
Just outside your colorful accommodations, you’ll find imaginative amenities, 3 sparkling swimming pools and 4 playful courtyards—one for each film—to complete your Resort experience.
Resort Services:
For your convenience, Guests may take advantage of childcare, concierge services, dry cleaning valet and self-service laundry facilities.
Pools:
Three swimming pools offer fun and refreshment. The largest is located in the Finding Nemo courtyard and features a pool bar. Two smaller pools, located in The Little Mermaid and Cars courtyards, provide additional relaxation.
Recreation:
Choose from a variety of amusements, including a video arcade, playgrounds and interactive water play areas that the little ones will love.
For a luxurious celebration or romantic occasion, set sail on a fireworks cruise or intimate dining cruise along the waterways of Walt Disney World® Resort.
Dining:
The animation-themed food court offers a variety of family favorites and Grab ‘n Go market selections.
General Information:
Rooms are available to accommodate Guests with disabilities, including rooms designed for the hearing impaired and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
The resort is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas.
Room Types:
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort features room types for almost every party size and preference—including standard rooms and family suites.
Spacious suites are designed to comfortably accommodate up to 6 Guests and include:
- 2 separate bathrooms
- A master bedroom
- 3 separate sleeping areas within the living space, which includes an Inovabed—a generously sized dining or work table that easily transforms into a comfortable bed.
Family Suite (General Description)
All suites have one queen-size bed in the master bedroom and a living room with one double-size Inova TableBed and one double-size sleeper sofa. These suites also offer 2 bathrooms, a mini-kitchen, reading chair and table and chairs. All suites are non-smoking. Wheelchair-accessible suites are available. Amenities include a flat-panel TV, in-room wall safe, voice mail, high speed Internet access (additional fee), microwave, compact refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. A crib is available upon request. These suites offer views of the parking lot, courtyard or pool.
The Family Suites, which are themed, will open in sections, available as follows:
- The Finding Nemo Family Suite - May 2012
- The Cars Family Suite - July 2012
- The Lion King Family Suite - September 2012
The 864 standard hotel rooms will be in The Little Mermaid section of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These rooms will debut in December 2012.
Family Fun Night Winner!
It was a beautiful Summer evening in Mansfield MA July 12 as North Main Street was full of about 6000 people enjoying Family Fun Night put on by the Mansfield Downtown Business Association. Magic Carpet Travel Service has taken part of this event for the past 3 years, and this was the best year yet!
Our special drawing this year was for a $100 gift certificate off of a vacation package. We are please to announce that this years winner is: K. Brooks or Mansfield!
We would like to thank everyone who stopped by and look forward to seeing you again next year. For those of you near Central Pennsylvania, we are scheduled to have a booth at the Schuylkill County fair from August 1-6. More information will be announced shortly. Check out our Facebook & Twitter feed for details.
Letter’s to Disney Characters
Here is something for the kids. Is your child’s bedroom wall covered with pictures of their favorite Disney character or do they watch the same movie over and over and over again?
Well now your child can write to their favorite Disney character and get an autographed picture sent back to them. And the best part for mom & dad – It’s absolutely free!
Just have your child write a letter and send it to:
Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521
