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8/23/2022 • Cruises, Tips •
For most cruisers, packing for a warm weather destination cruise is a piece of cake. However, sailing to Alaska can require a little more thought. For our Alaskan cruise, I was concerned about having enough variety of clothes for all potential weather while still being able to pack light. I didn’t want to pack a lot of heavier clothes that would add to the number of pieces of luggage. Layers, layers, layers was our motto. For most days, we started in jeans, t-shirts, a fleece jacket and windbreakers. As the day went on, we peeled off layers. We also purchased waterproof hiking shoes that were perfect for all of our excursions and our feet stayed dry. They were our go to shoes for rainy weather or hiking out to the base of a waterfall. Hats and gloves were only necessary when sailing through Tracy Arms. It got rather breezy and […]
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8/16/2022 • Blog, Disneyland, Holidays & Events, Walt Disney World •
There’s so much that we share that it’s time we’re aware, it’s a small world after all! It’s one of the most iconic and recognizable attractions at the Disney parks, and its accompanying song is known the world over, but do you know the history behind “the happiest cruise that ever sailed?” Back in 1964, Walt Disney was given the task of creating an attraction for the World’s Fair in New York with the theme “peace through understanding.” After much thought, he decided featuring children from all over the world would be the basis for carrying out this theme. Walt turned to famed artist Mary Blair to design what would become the most recognizable Disney attraction ever built. Mary had worked on other Disney projects, namely the storyboards for a number of animated feature movies, but this would be her biggest undertaking of all. For Small World, she created stylized […]
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4/23/2024 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World •
My clients often come to me wanting to plan the perfect Orlando getaway but question which theme park is the best fit for their family. Both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offer unforgettable experiences and tons of fun for everyone, however, they are unique destinations with many differences. While the decision can be difficult, I’m here to point you in the direction of your perfect vacation! One of the main differences between the resorts is the size. Walt Disney World is much larger than Universal Studios. Some people love the endless possibilities, while others find this overwhelming. If you fall into the latter category, don’t let this discourage you! You will not be able to see everything Disney has to offer on your first visit. Disney becomes more manageable if you make a list of must-dos before your trip. The attractions you choose will depend on the ages of […]
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7/19/2022 • Cruises, Tips •
Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship! Online Check-In - 30 days prior to sailing, you can begin the online check-in. Add your flights, ensure your names and passport details are correct and select a port arrival time. Port Arrival - Unless you are arriving by DCL transfers, do not arrive early or you will be turned away from the port until your documented port arrival time. Luggage - If you have received DCL luggage tags, make sure those are attached to your luggage. * If taking DCL transfers, you will receive your DCL luggage […]
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7/12/2022 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
With summer upon us, the heat and humidity in Florida can send even the most southern of families screaming for some cooling relief. We know you’ve been eagerly anticipating your Disney World vacation for months and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun that Disney has to offer because of the heat. Here are some tips to help you survive the hottest and most humid of Disney days: 1. Take advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours. By staying on property at Disney, you qualify to go early or stay late at Disney’s parks. The extra magic hours are the coolest of times to visit the parks not to mention the least busy times. Not a morning or a late person? Go back to your hotel during the hottest part of the day to rest so that you’ll have the energy for the extra magic hours. […]
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12/29/2023 • Aulani, Blog, Reviews •
Visiting Hawaii is always a special vacation, but taking it a step further and spending your Hawaiian time at Disney’s Aulani is a magical treat for the entire family. From the time you are greeted at the resort entrance with your lei your luxury vacation as begun. This is truly a vacation that can be as relaxing or as active as you like. With spa services to exciting excursions, there is something for everyone. Activities/Pool There are plenty of activities to keep every member of your family busy. Excursions include Pearl Harbor, horseback riding, surfing lessons and shopping. The Daily ‘Iwa will list the daily activities, which is broken down by age group and family focused, including character appearances. There are pools and whirlpools scattered throughout the pool deck catered to both children and adults. The highlight for many is the lazy river, which runs throughout the pool deck. By […]
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6/14/2022 • Blog, Disneyland, Walt Disney World •
Having a senior high school student is an exciting time for a family. There’s so much to do and one of those many tasks for many families include booking a photo session for your student to capture their personalities. Have you wanted to have a Disney-themed session but don’t know how to do it? This year I embarked on Disney photos for my own senior. We visited both Disneyland and Walt Disney World and had sessions at each location. Here’s what I tried and learned and how you can have senior photos, Disney style, for your own child. If your family is visiting Disneyland in California, you will need to take the photos yourself. I highly recommend staying at an official Disneyland resort or a hotel nearby the parks so you can head back to change if you are doing evening photographs or to change into your park clothes after […]
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6/7/2022 • Walt Disney World •
Whether it’s a hot day, someone needs a quiet place to relax, or a little one needs a short nap, here are some great spots in the Disney parks for the whole family to sit and unwind. Magic Kingdom • The area outside the Tangled bathrooms in Fantasyland. Not only does this area provide shade, but there are also charging ports in the faux tree stumps. • The Carousel of Progress – although this is an attraction, it is indoors, air-conditioned, and is about 20 minutes long! Be warned, though – because this attraction is in a revolving theater, once this show begins, you may not leave the theater until the show is over. • Tomorrowland Terrace • Tom Sawyer Island • Liberty Belle Riverboat – enjoy a scenic 12-minute ride around the Rivers of America EPCOT • American Heritage Gallery inside the American Adventure Pavilion • The Living Seas […]
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5/24/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
There is no other place like the Disney Parks to share a family vacation. But once your vacation is done, what will you take home from the Disney parks to remember your incredible adventure? We all know the typical souvenirs that you can bring home- a t-shirt, a postcard, maybe a small plush for a child, but at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Liberty Square, there are so many unique and personal options! Ornaments: When you are in Liberty Square, you won’t want to miss Ye Old Christmas Shoppe. Inside you will find the Christmas spirit year-round! There is Christmas décor, wreaths, ornaments, stockings, and more. One of my favorite family traditions is to buy an ornament every time we are in the parks. The Cast Members at the Christmas shop can even customize many of the ornaments on display. We had a Magic Kingdom ornament personalized with our last […]
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5/17/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
La Creperie de Paris is a new crepe restaurant in Epcot at the France Pavilion. It offers both sit-down reservations and a quick-service walk-up option. The inside offers a warm, earth-toned atmosphere with large wooden beams on the ceiling and cozy booths and tables for guests. The table service side has a wide menu that includes soups, salads, hard ciders, and of course… sweet and savory crepes! They also offer a prix fixe menu option that includes a soup or salad, one galette (main course), a hard cider (or soda/juice), and one dessert crepe. The quick-service side is a walk-up option and does have a limited menu that includes three savory crepes and four sweet crepes. Guests can also order ice cream and drinks as well. Overall, I had a lovely experience. After a long day at the parks, it was such a nice treat to sit down to a […]
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