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Disney has officially opened the second major attraction in their new Star Wars Galaxy Edge land —it’s hoped the new multi-million dollar attraction will help prop up the park’s declining attendance these past few months.  Disney has also initiated some price promotions on child admissions for their 3 day Park Hopper Passes — but past history says a major overall Park price increase is on the radar.   TC Disney Park advice … go later in the day and stay until closing for shorter lines, less people and more fun!

Boeing flight engineers and quality inspectors are asking the company to re-evaluate and double check the 737 Max tail assembly (for possible defects) and some interior wiring they think might be too close and could result in shorts and aircraft fire. Late spring — as Boeing is now saying — might be a little optimistic for the super 737 to be back in the air?  Hopefully they can resolve all the issues and get the plane back flying, although the TC will pass on any MAX flights until we all know ALL the issues have been resolved!!!

Each year, using hard earned frequent flyer miles becomes harder, more complicated and with more and more restrictions.  Take a look at a site called AWARD HACKER — and, the TC says take the time to call airline for help — many times you can uncover some great opportunities by doing this — it just takes some time.  Make your calls as late at night as you can — when business is slow for most airline reservations centers and agents have more time to “explore” with you.   Happy Travels!!!

Check out a site called “Sky Scanner” … the online site has been around for a few years and offers some good last minute travel deals — especially if your dates are flexible.  One Hundred MILLION People a month seem to think Sky Scanner is worth a look!!!

You can avoid the expensive, usually somewhat unkept hotel gym by planning a minimum moderately paced walk every day — health experts say it’s as good as a 45 minute work out!!!

And for usually the best prices — Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. And book your flight early in the am for the better prices!  

A new rental car trend starting in California is renting a car from an individual owner instead of going through a normal car rental agency.  Turo, based in San Francisco — where the trend is starting — will act as the middle man between a private car owner and potential renter.  How about trying a new Tesla Model 3 for $110 a day?  One car owner, with an electronic tracking system on his Porsche, was able to track his car hitting speeds of nearly 200 mph — ok, maybe this isn’t such a good idea for car owners?

Definitely for the winter outdoor adventurer, check out the program offered this winter in western Canada. You’ll cover about 40 miles with 20 land and water location stops.  In 1994 spotters counted nearly 3,800 eagles with the count declining to a little over 400 in 2016.  This year the count is projected at 1000+.  The Squamish area of British Columbia is where you’ll want head if your interested!!!

That’s the name for the new very-very-ultra-upscale travel segment that will officially debut in 2020. Initially targeted to upscale “don’t matter what we pay” hotel category, the trend may then extend to air travel, cruise ships and private tours.  AirBnB might be the first mass market lodging bookers to go after this new ultra high price market — hopefully they’ll still be room for us budget $$$ minded travelers???

… Renting a car:
– Leaving a loaded gun in the car when you turn it in
– Multiple smoking offenses
– Disputing car damages (even if you’re right you might still be given thumbs down the next time you try and rent)

… Flying:
– Being fresh with a flight attendant, even talking back or disputing their authority; and don’t try and hit a flight attendant or trash the inside of a plane. 
– Even a simple misunderstanding can get you onto the airlines “no fly” list. Be nice now!!!