Blog Posts Tagged Planning

Experiencing Europe on Virgin Voyages

7/22/2025 • Cruises • We have cruised Europe on a few different cruise lines, both river and ocean. We just returned from Virgin Voyages English Sights & European Delights out of Portsmouth, UK with stops to La Coruna, Spain, Bilbao, Spain, and Le Verdon, France. It was a very relaxing and easy itinerary since we were able to walk off the ship and walk the towns of La Coruna and Bilbao without needing an excursion. Portsmouth, UK This is a very easy port for both embarkation and disembarkation. Taking advantage of a pre-night stay as an add-on to our cruise fare also made it seamless. The city is filled with history and is easy to walk from the Marriott hotel to many dining options. La Coruna, Spain Such a charming city and an easy walk from the ship. This historical port city dates to the Roman times and the city is lined with outdoor […]

GEO-82: Sip, Savor, and Unwind at EPCOT’s Newest Lounge

7/15/2025 • Blog, Walt Disney World • EPCOT has just raised the bar, literally. Tucked inside the legendary geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth, the brand-new GEO-82 lounge is making waves as the park’s newest upscale escape for adults 21+. With skyline views, inventive cocktails, and globally inspired small plates, this hidden gem is already becoming a must-visit for guests. Whether you’re winding down after a day of park-hopping or starting your evening with flair, GEO-82 brings elevated flavors and laid-back luxury to the heart of EPCOT. 🍸 Sip in Style The drink menu at GEO-82 is anything but ordinary. From barrel-aged classics to modern takes on zero-proof favorites, every cocktail is crafted with care and just the right amount of showmanship. Signature sips include: Brown Butter Old Fashioned made with brown butter–infused bourbon Clarified New York Sour that is smooth, citrusy, and beautifully balanced Manhattan in the Morning a zero-proof cocktail with bold coffee notes and elevated […]

Step Into the Magic: Why The Helios Grand Hotel Is the Ultimate Universal Orlando Stay

7/8/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • Everyone is flocking to experience Universal Orlando's newest park, Epic Universe. Where better to stay than at the steps of the park for immediate, immersive action? Welcome to the Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando, a destination that delivers both supreme convenience and comfort. Think of it as a luxurious launchpad for those unforgettable days at Epic Universe. Premier proximity Helios sits just steps away from the private entrance to Epic Universe, giving you quick access to thrilling rides, captivating lands, and gorgeous views of the park both day and night. As day guests enter the main gates and flock straight into Super Nintendo World, both the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe lie on either side of your private entrance for first access. Resort-style amenities • Sparkling pool: 8,660 sq. ft zero-entry pool featuring underwater speakers, terraced deck, outdoor firepit area, hot tub, 18 private cabanas for rent, lounge […]

Resort Spotlight: Pixar Place Hotel

7/1/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • Once you arrive at the Disneyland Resort, there is no denying the magic that awaits you in the parks, but what’s even better than visiting the magic? Why staying in the magic, of course! My favorite Disneyland Resort hotel is the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel. Located just outside of the Downtown Disney District, Pixar Place Hotel has so much to offer! Rooms Newly renovated rooms are beautifully themed in the Pixar animation style! You’ll notice subtle nods to some of your favorite characters from your favorite Pixar movies from the moment you step inside. Inside each room you’ll notice a mural of some classic Pixar pals, and don’t forget to take a look at the decorative pillow on your couch for a fun nod to the original “Pixar Ball” that we all remember! The standard room can sleep up to five adults, making it a great option for families! […]

Discover the 1820 Society on Disney Cruise Line

6/24/2025 • Blog, Cruises • For those in that in-between stage, beyond the traditional kids’ club age and not able to participate in all of the adult activities, a Disney cruise has activities for you! Disney Cruise Line created the 1820 Society specifically for young adults ages 18 to 20. This unique social group offers a fun way to meet others your age and enjoy activities designed just for you while you cruise. The 1820 Society is all about connecting and encouraging shared experiences among 18 to 20-year-olds. Scheduled meetups and activities are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. The first gathering is typically a casual meet-and-greet, offering a relaxed setting to get to know others who are part of the group on your particular sailing. Unlike the structured environment of kids’ clubs, the 1820 Society offers a more flexible, casual experience. Activities take place in various locations throughout the ship. However, on […]

Lamplight Lounge – Waterview Dining at Pixar Pier

6/17/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • If you’re craving a whimsical and relaxed sit-down dining experience at Disney California Adventure, look no further than Lamplight Lounge. Nestled just beyond the bridge to Pixar Pier, this vibrant, story-filled restaurant brings Pixar’s creative energy to life with delicious California-inspired cuisine and stunning waterfront views. At first glance, the entrance to Lamplight Lounge may seem understated—almost easy to miss. But don’t be fooled. Your reservation leads you down a dramatic spiral staircase, beneath a spectacular chandelier adorned with Pixar sketches. Before you descend, take a moment to appreciate the Pixar lamp mosaic beneath your feet and the imaginative artwork along the walls. These details set the tone for the memorable meal ahead. One of the joys of California dining is enjoying your meal al fresco, and Lamplight Lounge makes the most of it. Whether you're seated at a table or along the bar, you'll be treated to breathtaking views […]

Resort Spotlight: Disneyland Hotel

6/3/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • If you are looking for a magical room at Disneyland for your next resort stay, then look no further than the Disneyland Hotel. With nostalgic flair and touches of pixie dust inside your room and throughout the resort, this hotel pays tribute to the classic years of Disneyland while providing modern, state-of-the-art amenities that guests will want to return to trip after trip. Rooms Disneyland offers multiple styles of room for all sizes of families. In the Frontier, Fantasy, and Adventure Towers, rooms feature 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed with views of the Pool, Parking Lot, Trees, or the Downtown Disney District. The beds themselves feature Sleeping Beauty’s Castle fireworks headboards and play a sweet lullaby to encourage dreams of Neverland. Looking for concierge service? Try a Club Level room that has access to the E-Ticket Club Room where you […]

How Does Sandals St. Vincent Compare to the Other Sandals Resorts?

5/21/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Having explored every Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resort in the portfolio, I’m often asked how the newest resort in St. Vincent stacks up against the rest. I am thrilled to share that “Sandals 2.0” is a refreshing evolution of a beloved Caribbean brand. With the launch of Sandals Royal Curacao, Sandals Dunns River, and the most recent gem of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the excitement was palpable. After falling head over heels for Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, which dethroned my long-time favorite of Sandals South Coast, my expectations for this new resort were sky-high! 👉 Book now and take advantage of up to 65% off! From the moment I arrived, the property itself captivated me. The breathtaking landscape is unlike anything else in the Sandals collection. I must have snapped over 200 photos of the stunning emerald mountains that cradle the resort alone! The way the sunlight danced […]

Virgin Voyages Quick Tips!

5/6/2025 • Blog, Cruises • Whether this is your first Virgin Voyage, or you’re an experienced sailor, these helpful tips will make your voyage that much smoother! Forgot to add a Bar Tab? Want to add more Bar Tab to your account? Great news! You will still be able to add Bar Tab while at the port! Before you board the ship, visit any desk with a Bar Tab sign (like below), to add Bar Tab to your voyage. Bar Tabs are great ways to pre-pay your drinks (alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, juices, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks). Sometimes, bonus Bar Tab is offered with that purchase. Remember - Bar Tabs cannot be purchased onboard! Want to reserve a pool lounge chair? You can! But if your belongings are abandoned for more than 40 min, personal items (not belonging to VV) will be taken to Lost and Found. Any pool attendant can direct you! Forget to […]

Tipping at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando

4/29/2025 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World • There are so many people on a Walt Disney World vacation that add to the magical feeling of your vacation that it’s easy to get confused on who to tip and how much is appropriate to thank them for helping you out so here’s a list of people to thank and general ranges for appropriate amounts to help answer your questions. Transportation Once you arrive in Orlando, if you are not renting a car, as many people don’t, you need to get to your resort and may have a rideshare driver, a shuttle service, or a private car driver. Rideshare apps will give you some options for tipping, usually 15-25%. Shuttle service drivers are usually tipped for handling your baggage – usually $1-3 per bag. Lastly, private drivers should be tipped between 15-25% of your ride fare of which some companies will charge an amount in advance. Bring along cash […]