Thare are some exciting new changes coming to Walt Disney World in 2024!! Here are the top five that will make you want to start planning your next trip! Which update are you most excited about?
Dreaming of your Disney vacation or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.
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An all-inclusive vacation includes all the essentials in the booking price. Besides accommodation, you can expect food, drinks, activities, and entertainment to be included, without having to pay extra for it. There’s no need to carry your wallet around in your swimsuit. With all dining, drinks and treats included with your stay, you can go ahead and indulge. Feel free to give your wallet the week off! Some excursions and spa treatments cost extra at a resort, but most resorts come flush with exciting activities like snorkeling, kayaking and even catamaran sailing. You can do what you want. When you want. Hit the links at the break of dawn. Take your sweet time exploring ancient Mayan wonders. That scuba-diving excursion you have scheduled. reschedule it whenever you want. When you take a vacay, you want variety, both in scenery and atmosphere. Spacious, breezy suites? Yes, please. All-inclusive resorts have rooms for everyone from large suites facing the ocean to cozy cottages facing the mountainside. All-inclusive reports offer gourmet dining with a host of international cuisines and restaurants to choose from. Want to enjoy both the steak and the lobster? No problem. Want to have three starters and two desserts? No problem. It’s all included, all unlimited. From early in the day until night, at most all-inclusive resorts there’ll be something to do for everyone, whether that includes jamming at Caribbean style beach parties, settling in for live bands or stage shows, letting loose on resort themed nights, and so much more! With all-inclusive resorts, you can have it all!
Dreaming of your next all-inclusive vacation or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival begins dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort July 27 through November 18, 2023. And this year will not disappoint. Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT, including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India and Spain. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival as summer turns to fall. Discover a cornucopia of cultures, cuisines and innovative cooking techniques from chefs worldwide. This food aficionado’s paradise is replete with delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits and other beverages sure to satisfy every palate. The festival offers fun for the whole Family! Take a walk on the tasty side during Emile’s Fromage Montage—and delight in a variety of cheeses served in inventive ways. Use your Festival Passport as a guide to find Emile’s Fromage Montage menu items from select global marketplaces. Then, purchase and enjoy any 5 of the featured dishes—and collect a stamp with each purchase to track your progress. Families can embark on Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak – a “Ratatouille”-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique! Guests of all ages can search for Remy throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces Celebrate the Halloween season by partaking in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a special pumpkin scavenger hunt from September 29 through October 31. Enjoy nightly entertainment when the Eat to the Beat Concert Series returns to the the American Pavilion with a star-studded lineup. Details on performers will be released soon. If you like trying difference cuisines, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the place to be. But you don’t need to be a foodie to enjoy it. There really is something for everyone. Dreaming of your next Disney vacation or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.
As the weather heats up, are these vacaton destinations, Here are five summer destinations that are HOT right now: 1. Cancun, Mexico Cancun is always a crowd pleaser when it comes to international travel. So, why is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico consistently a fan favorite? For starters, it’s so easy to get to Cancun from many airports around the U.S. Plus, the top-notch resort and hotel scene that lines the pristine, white sand beaches in the hotel zone is unlike any other international vacation hot spot. The city is most renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins; great dive sites filled with colorful coral reefs and sea life; and a variety of inland cenotes that attract diving enthusiasts. 2. Aruba Aruba may be a tiny island, but they sure know how to pack a lot of fun and happiness into their 70 square miles of paradise. The top things to do in Aruba aren’t set in stone, they’re written in sand. They vary by day, by trip and by traveler. Here, you’ll discover sparkling seas for snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing; desert landscapes to explore by foot, Jeep or ATV; and a variety of wildlife, cacti and volcanic rock formations to see up close. From 5Ks to festivals, from contests to Carnival, there is never a dull moment on this happy island when it comes to cultural events. It’s even known as a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Plus, Brides Magazine named Aruba one of the world’s top honeymoon hot spots and Scuba Diving Magazine recognized this as one of the top wreck diving destinations in the Caribbean. 3. Nassau, Bahamas Summers are better in the Bahamas, especially when it comes to discovering a world of wonderful water activities and some of the best entertainment in the Caribbean. On Nassau Paradise Island, you can coast on a 45-foot catamaran for a coral reef excursion, sightsee on a shipwreck on a half-day scuba diving trip, stroll the bottom of a shark exhibit for a little face-to-nose time, or even try Snuba, which combines the simplicity of snorkeling with the wonders of underwater breathing. As for entertainment experiences, try your luck at two Vegas-style casinos – one of which is the largest casino in the Caribbean. For an authentic Bahamian experience, try The Arawak Cay Fish Fry on West Bay Street in downtown Nassau. Satisfy every appetite and every palate at beachfront cafés, celebrity-chef restaurants, seaside bars and grills or familiar fast-food spots. 4. Montego Bay, Jamaica Whether you’re up for an adventure, ready to tie the knot or simply want some R&R in paradise, MoBay has you covered. Jamaica’s second-largest city, Montego Bay, is booming with attractions and activities for every type of traveler. Take family or friends on a fun-filled day over to Paintball Jamaica or ride down the Martha Brae River on a carefully hand-crafted bamboo raft surrounded by nothing but greenery and sparkling water. Or have some fun in the sun at Doctor’s Cave Beach, the city’s most famous beach. Another must-see area here is the picture-perfect Church Street that is home to romantic, historic buildings like St. James Parish Church. Sharpe Square is also a can’t miss experience to take in where travelers can imbibe at exuberant pubs and clubs, a wide array of eateries or incredible artistry and craftmanship from locals. 5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Punta Cana is the leisure lover’s ultimate getaway to escape to this summer. This seaside tourist haven is a playground for all levels of thrill seekers. Located on the most eastern cape of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is home to one of the largest networks of caves in the world. It’s also a golfer’s destination, with 10 courses located all along the strip; a seaside escape with fine dining options and luxurious marinas to explore; and a wellness oasis that features the country’s top spas, including the only Six Senses in the Caribbean. Credits: Vax Vacations What are your travel plans this summer?
Dreaming of your next Caribbean vacation or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure. If you've ever wanted to live out your own Star Wars adventure, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is the voyage for you.. This 2-night experience is a first-of-its-kind, bringing guests on a journey like no other with non-stop immersive theater over the course of your journey … with so many unique ways guests can choose to play, explore and interact that will tailor the trip to be your own. Since its debut last year, passengers have continued to rave about their experiences, interacting with the intricate details and storylines of the glamorous Halcyon starcruiser and its crew. There are so many amazing fun facts that everyone may not know … so here are just a few favorites! 1. I love you … I know We've heard Han Solo and Princess Leia speak these iconic words, but did you know that their love story continued aboard the Halcyon starcruiser?! Following their marriage, Han and Leia spent their honeymoon cruising the galaxy aboard this stylish starcruiser. The stunning, illuminated artwork displayed on the balcony of Deck 7 above the Atrium, called “The Unified Galaxy,” was commissioned by Leia after their honeymoon voyage as a gift to the crew. A less flashy, but equally fun fact: rumor has it that Han and Leia also left an engraving on a pipe somewhere in the usually off-limits Engineering Room … has anyone found it yet? 2. Your journey could be (Han) Solo, if you’d like While cruising the galaxy with adventurous comrades can be fun, every passenger chooses their own path during the journey. This could mean a guest's party might split up, if they so desire, with some marching in step with a First Order lieutenant while others sneak away to help smuggle Resistance cargo. Each decision guests make gives them the chance to join even more exclusive, tailored experiences that only a few passengers get to see. Maybe guests will find themselves huddled in the cargo hold to decode a message, or perhaps they're invited to a very exclusive meeting to receive an important transmission from a familiar friend. Whether guests are tackling every mission or kicking back to enjoy an impressive array of themed snacks and beverages in the Sublight Lounge, every choice they make helps build a Star Wars story that is uniquely theirs. And it makes for great conversation when the party reunites for meals in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room! 3. Bantha milk on tap – IYKYK Passengers are welcome to as much blue (or green) milk as their hearts desire with breakfast, lunch or dinner. Crew members even let us in on this special tip: Mix blue AND green milk to get what some refer to as “galaxy” milk, a refreshing blend of both that resembles the galaxy when swirled together! These specialty milks from Bubo Wamba Family Farms are also used for a variety of treats onboard the ship – from blue yogurt parfaits at breakfast, to swirls of blue bantha butter that accompany delectable pastries and breads. 4. VIP (very important passenger) both on- and off-planet As the pride of Chandrila Star Line, the Halcyon starcruiser is perhaps best known for its spectacular passenger service. guests will make fast friends among the crew who will greet them by name, have their beverage of choice waiting by day two, leave special touches in their cabin, and make lasting memories alongside them – the best souvenir they could ask for. This VIP treatment doesn’t stay behind on the ship, either. After taking a transport shuttle to their excursion destination of Batuu, guests will be given a special sigil pin that identifies them as a passenger. Don’t be surprised when they're recognized by Batuuans or maybe get a special call-out from Hondo Ohnaka while on a mission aboard the Millennium Falcon. 5. Fireworks in space?! That's right. guests don’t have to be celebrating Boonta Eve on Tatooine to enjoy sparkles in the sky. The view from the viewports aboard the Halcyon starcruiser are always interesting, from hyperspace jumps to overnight views of magnificent nebulas or even unexpected aerial visitors from … other ships. But space gets a little extra shimmer with a firework spectacular that will have you saying ‘ta’bu e tay’ (cherish the moment) as guests reflect on the memories they've made during this out-of-this-world experience. Credits: Disney Destinations Dreaming of your next Disney vacation or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.
Whether your family vacations together often or is gathering for a special milestone event, a cruise can please the youngest, the oldest and everyone in between. There’s been a gradual increase in multi-generational cruising as more members of the Baby Boomer generation retire and arrange vacations with their children and grandchildren. Many cruise lines are responding by making changes to better accommodate the needs and wants of multi-generational groups. Keep reading to learn how. 1. Staterooms for Familes Many cruise lines have family suites that are designed for up to eight people, making it easier than ever to enjoy your trip together. There are also more connecting cabins, so that you can open the doors to make a spacious family suite or close them when you need your privacy. Of course, the best thing about your cruise is that if everyone opts for their own cabin or suite, you’re still close by and can spend your day enjoying all the onboard activities or shore excursions. 2. Dining for Everyone Cruises are terrific for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike, and there’s probably at least one of each in every multi-generational group. These days, cruise ships have gone well beyond the days when the main dining room and the buffet were the only dining choices. They now offer multiple restaurants serving different types of cuisine from sushi to fresh pasta, so everyone can find something they like. Of course, you can still enjoy the main dining room, as a great place for the entire family to sit and chat around a big table; and a casual buffet, where even the child who only eats fruit can be happy. 3. Togetherness...Or Age-Appropriate Pursuits You and your family members can spend all your cruise time together if you like, but chances are that different generations will enjoy spending some time with their peers. Most family-oriented cruise lines have equipped their ships with fabulous children’s programs that have a mix of structured and unstructured activities, with a bit of education combined with the fun. Many ships also have spaces just for teens, where they can play games, watch movies, learn to be a DJ or just relax. Teens also tend to make good use of the pools, hot tubs and sports facilities with the new friends they meet on board. The kids’ clubs and teen lounges are off-limits to adults, but there are lots of other spaces for the mature members of the group to enjoy, including the ship’s fitness center, spa, theaters, lounges and casino. Most ships also have adults-only spaces. Imagine the luxury of sitting by an adults-only pool, listening to music instead of kids! Today’s ships have such a variety of staterooms, features and amenities that picking the best one for your family can be a challenge. This is where a cruise travel professional can be extremely helpful. Their in-depth knowledge of cruise lines and ships can guide you toward the best choice. 4. A World of Destinations The Caribbean is a very popular cruise destination for all types of vacationers, including multi-generational groups. It’s warm, beautiful and easily accessible from multiple home ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. But, there’s a whole world of cruise destinations out there, and your family can be as adventurous as you are willing to be. Alaska is a great family destination, with loads of family-friendly shore excursions. Discovering Europe on a cruise is a thrill for families, too. To help make the choice, you could conduct a family poll. Or, think about why your family is getting together – maybe that will be your guide to selecting a destination. For example, if the family is celebrating Grandma and Grandpa’s 50th wedding anniversary and they met while they were students in Rome, a cruise up and down the coasts of Italy might be just the thing. If you’re stumped on picking a destination that will please everyone, we're here to help! We can also find out if your group qualifies for any special discounts on board; and give you information on shore excursions that everyone can enjoy. Credits: Travel Leaders Network Dreaming of your next cruise vacation or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.
You don’t often hear about the things not to do in Hawaiʻi, so let this be your guide. Think of them more like insider tips on how to stay safe, be respectful and get the most out of your vacation, because we want you to have the best time possible. 1. Don’t stand next to the blowhole Watching water shoot a hundred feet in the air is an exciting sight, but it is best viewed from a distance. Though Hālona Blowhole on the East Side of Oʻahu has fencing and signs to tell visitors to stay back, other blowholes, such as Nakelele on Maui, do not. The extreme force of the water can knock you down, wash you out to sea or suck you into the cave. It’s all happened before, and the results in some cases have been deadly. 2. Don’t only eat at chain restaurants We all love the familiarity of a chain restaurant because you know what to expect—and you probably already know what to order. But if you eat at a Red Lobster or California Pizza Kitchen like you do back home, you will be missing out on one of the best things about traveling: discovering food you can’t find anywhere else. Get in the car (or call a ride-sharing service) and find the restaurants, holes-in-the-wall and food trucks locals swear by. Here’s just a few to get you started:: On Oʻahu, Ethel’s Grill, The Pig & The Lady, Haili’s Hawaiian Foods, Alan Wong’s, Liliha Bakery or J.J. Dolan’s; on Maui, Tin Roof, Star Noodle or Sam Santo’s; on Kauaʻi, Hamura Saimin Stand, Pietro’s Pizza, Jo2 Restaurant, Bar Acuda or Porky’s; and on Hawaiʻi Island, Nori’s Saimin and Snacks, Village Burger Waimea or Café 100. 3. Don’t let a commercial lūʻau be your only exposure to Hawaiian culture Though many luau talk about their authenticity, it can be argued that what visitors see, eat and do there is anything but Hawaiian. The grass-skirt-and-coconut-bra kitsch? They’re products of a Westernized movement to market Hawaiʻi to the masses. Those famous tiki drinks? They were invented in California. Fire-knife dancing? That’s Samoan. I think you get the point. Visiting the Bishop Museum on Oʻahu, instead, is the best way to learn about Hawaiian culture and its history. Or, even better, volunteer at places like Molokaʻi Land Trust and Heʻeia Fishpond on Oʻahu, or take a tour of Nā Mea Kūpono’s taro farm in Waialua on Oahu. 4. Don’t limit your visit to Oʻahu Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, the North Shore and Waikīkī Beach are understandably high on any traveler’s list of things to do. But if you’re going to fly all the way to Oʻahu for a vacation, consider including an interisland hop, too. Whether you choose Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi or the Island of Hawaiʻi, a daytrip will give you plenty of time to explore, if you can’t stay longer. 5. And don’t avoid the Island of Hawaiʻi Also known as the Big Island, it’s the youngest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and makes world news headlines when Kīlauea volcano is erupting. News flash: It’s not erupting anymore, nor was it dangerous to visitors when it was erupting in an isolated corner of a very large island. So there’s no reason to avoid the Big Island. What I love most about the place is that, out of all the islands, it still feels like you can “discover” places—because it’s so big. There are no signs pointing to every overlook, scenic view, beach, swimming hole or waterfall. You have to actually do a little digging yourself to find out where some things are, which makes the reward of discovering a place that not everyone knows about all the more sweet. 6. Don’t turn your back to the ocean Standing on a rocky ledge next to the ocean may seem like a great place to take a photo—until a wave you didn’t see coming knocks you down. Waves can be unpredictable, and those rocks become dangerously slippery when wet—they’re impossible to grab onto, leaving you at the mercy of the ocean and wherever it takes you. So whenever you’re near the ocean, always keep your eyes on it. 7. Don’t take lava rocks Haleakalā National Park once stated it receives about 100 rocks a month in the mail from visitors who take them home and then send them back. Usually, they’re returned after the visitor learns the superstition that taking a lava rock will bring down a curse on you from Pele, the volcano goddess. Aside from it being illegal to take anything from a national park, rocks are just as important in Native Hawaiian culture as anything else in nature. Stones were used to build structures, create tools, and some can even represent gods. So just leave the rocks where they lay. 8. When in doubt, don’t go out A popular water safety saying, “when in doubt, don’t go out” is a great mantra to follow when entering the many stunning beaches and shorelines in Hawaiʻi. Essentially, the phrase is your ward against putting yourself in potentially life-threatening situations that can occur when those not experienced with the strength and power of Hawaiʻi’s waters get caught by waves and rip currents. So if the waves are bigger than what you’re comfortable with—and if there are no lifeguards present—take it as an opportunity to rest and relax on the sand instead of getting your feet wet. 9. Don’t rent a convertible I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen a convertible pull to the side of the road because a lone cloud in a sunny, mostly blue sky decided to sporadically dump rain. Hawaiʻi’s weather is known for these random rain clouds, and it’s also common for the weather to be dramatically different from one side of the island to the other. This means a drive that starts on a cloudless west side of an island could end in an overcast and wet east side. 10. Don’t leave more than footprints and don’t take more than pictures Two points with the same idea—treat the ʻāina (land) with respect. On hikes, be sure to bring a reusable trash bag to collect not only your own trash but any trash you see on your adventure. And when you’re enjoying the great Hawaiian outdoors, be sure to only take photos and nothing else. To keep Hawaiʻi looking beautiful, it takes not only the efforts of locals but of visitors as well, who love and respect the Islands. Credits: Christine Hitt, Kevin Allen
Dreaming of your next vacation to Hawaii or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure. Until next time, Ronna Disney’s centenary marks a new era of enchantment for the Theme Parks, complete with new thrills for all to enjoy. Unrivaled storytelling has always been a hallmark of Disney Destinations. Now, with 100 years of magic to celebrate, they’re with spreading the wonder through a new collection of attractions, shows, and spectaculars. Here’s our list of what not to miss as you make your Disney100 dreams come true. DISNEYLAND RESORT 1. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Disneyland® Park – Now Boarding A new classic at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the Sensational Six have now opened a station at the Disneyland® Resort for their wild rail ride! Mixing animated adventure with real twists and turns, it’s whimsical fun at its best, and the perfect flagship attraction for Mickey’s Toontown. 2. Mickey’s Toontown Disneyland® Park – Reopening March 19, 2023 Playful, colorful, and wonderful as a cartoon itself, Mickey’s Toontown will soon reopen at Disneyland® Park. Young kids and adults young at heart can find endless fun—and get into hijinks aplenty—as they explore interactive play areas, tour Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses, and pursue pint-sized thrills on Chip ‘N’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster and Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. 3. “Magic Happens” Parade Disneyland® Park – Now Showing What would a trip to one of the Disney Theme Parks be without getting to see your favorite characters? See them decked out in their finest, from Mickey as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice to Moana and Miguel, in this wish-fulfilling parade down Main Street, U.S.A. Showtimes can change, but you can typically catch the revived extravaganza twice a day. 4. Disney100 Wondrous Journeys Nighttime Spectacular Disneyland® Park – Now Showing A new milestone calls for a new spectacular, and that’s exactly what guests can experience from Main Street, U.S.A. Sleeping Beauty Castle is now a canvas of inspirational storytelling, projecting 100 years of tales of courage and love, kindness and triumphs in a state-of-the-art journey through Disney animation. Listen to the lead track here! 5. World of Color – ONE Disney California Adventure® Park – Now Showing See Paradise Gardens Park illuminate by night in a spectacle of radiant hues. Clocking in just shy of a half-hour, the newest World of Color show makes each moment count, filling the stage with waves of color, song, and sheer enchantment inspired by the ripple effect one small drop of water—or single action—leaves behind. Keep a (Mickey) ear out for a new original song! 6. Disney100 Celebration Castle Disneyland® Park – Now in Effect Sleeping Beauty Castle has been given a new look. Made over in honor of 100 years of the Walt Disney Company, its turrets and walls shine even brighter thanks to a fresh coat of platinum paint. Spot matching styles resort-wide on Mickey, Minnie, and friends; limited-edition souvenirs; and newly imagined food and beverage offerings. WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT 7. TRON Lightcycle / Run Magic Kingdom Park – Debuting April 4, 2023 Inspired by the sci-fi cyber world of TRON: Legacy and presented by Enterprise, Tomorrowland’s newest attraction is destined to land a spot or two on every thrill-seeker’s itinerary. Riders, as Team Blue recruits, will race across the Grid—avoiding malicious Programs along the way—on Lightcycles in the dark on one of the fastest coasters Disney’s ever designed. Note: Guests must be at least 48 inches in order to ride. Adults traveling with younger children, or those who prefer milder jaunts, should take advantage of the Rider Switch service. 8. Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular Magic Kingdom Park – Returning April 3, 2023 This fan-favorite nighttime spectacular is making a celebratory return to Main Street, U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle. Fireworks, lasers, lights, special effects—it’s all coming back, and bringing with it brand-new projections for that extra dash of Disney magic. 9. EPCOT® Forever Nighttime Spectacular EPCOT® – Returning April 3, 2023 Magic Kingdom isn’t the only Theme Park to bring back a beloved spectacular. EPCOT® Forever is set to relight the skies above the World Showcase, following a “spark of imagination” as it grows into something truly incredible. Catch this show early, however, as it’s due to segue into an all-new spectacular later in the year. 10. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind EPCOT® – Now Open Although it first blasted off last May, no new-to-do list would be complete without this galactic adventure. Visitors to the Galaxarium can join Quill, Groot, Rocket, Gamora, Drax, and more familiar faces on a space chase … if they’re brave enough to undertake Disney’s first-ever reverse launch and 360° rotations on one of the largest fully enclosed roller coasters on Earth. TRIP-MAKING TIPS So much to see and do means managing your time well at the Theme Parks is essential. Thankfully, shows and attractions aren’t the only new additions for Disney100; new perks let you get more out of every moment. If Disneyland® Resort is your destination, our biggest tip, and your biggest advantage, is the Park Hopper® ticket. Guests can now park hop as early as 11 AM, letting you shift gears and experience new rides two hours sooner. While switching parks, don’t forget our second tip: download your digital Disney PhotoPass attraction photos for free during the entire Disney100 event through the Disneyland app. Walt Disney World® adventurers can get the same benefit in the My Disney Experience app with the purchase of Genie+, for rides like Space Mountain and Slinky Dog Dash. But don’t let that be the end of your Genie+ access. Use it to not only find time-saving customized recommendations for each day of your stay, but Lightning Lane passes for fast-entrance to top attractions. Dreaming of your next vacation to a Disney Destination or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.
There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity. Cultural Heritage Europe’s almost unmanageable wealth of attractions is its biggest single draw: the birthplace of democracy in Athens, the Renaissance art of Florence, the graceful canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris, and the multilayered historical and cultural canvas of London. Less obvious but no less impressive attractions include Moorish palaces in Andalucía, the fascinating East-meets-West brew of İstanbul in Turkey, the majesty of meticulously restored imperial palaces in Russia's former capital St Petersburg and the ongoing project of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Glorious Scenery Despite its population density Europe maintains spectacular natural scenery: rugged Scottish Highlands with glens and lochs; Norway's fabulous fjords, seemingly chipped to jagged perfection by giants; the vine-raked valleys of the Loire; and the steppe-like plains of central Spain. For beaches, take a circuit of the Mediterranean's northern coast where beach holidays were practically invented. Or strike out to lesser-known yet beautiful coastal regions such as the Baltic and Black Seas. Mountain lovers should head to the Alps: they march across central Europe taking in France, Switzerland, Austria, northern Italy and tiny Liechtenstein. Raise a Glass Cheers! Salud! Prost! Cin cin! À votre santé! Europe has some of the best nightlife in the world. Globally famous DJs keep the party going in London, Berlin and Paris, all of which also offer top-class entertainment, especially theatre and live music. Other key locations for high-energy nightlife include Moscow, Belgrade, Budapest and Madrid, while those hankering for something cosier can add Dublin's pubs or Vienna's cafes to their itinerary. Continue to party on the continent's streets at a multiplicity of festivals, from city parades attended by thousands to concerts in an ancient amphitheatre. Magnificent Menus Once you've ticked off the great museums, panoramic vistas and energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others. Who wouldn't want to snack on pizza in Naples, souvlaki in Santorini or even haggis in Scotland? But did you also know that Britain has some of the best Indian restaurants in the world; that Turkey's doner kebab is a key part of contemporary German food culture; and that in the Netherlands you can gorge on an Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table)? Europe's diversity and global reach is its trump card. credit: TheLonelyPlanet.com Dreaming of your next vacation to Europe or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure.
No matter how often you have the opportunity to got to Walt Disney World, there always seems to be something new. I just got back from Walt Disney World and wanted to share the latest new attractions, events and more that are happening now. After a 4-year hiatus, the Walt Disney World Railroad is once again chugging around Magic Kingdom, with stops on Main Street, Frontierland and Fantasyland. The train has a new narration and a new tunnel in Tomorrowland. ![]() The Magic Kingdom also has a brand-new attraction, TRON Lightcycle / Run in Tomorrowland. This new attraction will have you speeding across a world with no horizons in a high-stakes race based on the Disney sci-fi film TRON: Legacy and will be one of the fastest coasters in any Disney theme park. While TRON doesn’t officially open until April 4th, Disney Passholders, Vacation Club members and Cast Members currently have the opportunity to preview the attraction. Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is also in full bloom and runs until July 5th this year. This fest, known for its topiaries, has a few new surprises this year with characters from Encanto on display at the park’s main entrance and Princess Tiana in the American Pavilion. Festival favorites are back performing on the American Stage. I was able to see Steve Augeri (Former Lead Singer of Journey) and Daughtry while I was there. But there are also some new artists coming to the festival this year including Blue Oyster Cult, Luis Figueroa, Switchfoot and Casting Crowns. All the food kitchens are back with a few new favorites this year. The Pollinator Flatbread at the Honey Bee-stro, with Honey Whipped Mascarpone, Honey Caramelized Onions, Blueberry Gastrique, Prosciutto, Honey Whipped Goat Cheese, Arugula, Honey Vinaigrette and Bee Pollen was surprisingly delicious. The Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et ail Rôtie: Croissant with Goat Cheese, Herbs and Roasted Garlic I the France Pavilion was another hit as was the Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream in Germany. There were so many other great options. There just wasn’t enough time to try them all. Not new but noteworthy is the butterfly garden at the Flower and Garden Festival. I do suggest going earlier in the day for this one. The first time I went was late in the afternoon and a lot of the butterflies were hiding. But during the morning they were active. There are so many distinct types of butterflies in the garden that I could have spent half my day there. If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World lately, now is the time to go!
Dreaming of your next vacation to Disney or beyond? I would love to help you design the perfect land or sea experience for your family! Click here to schedule a “Let’s Get Acquainted Session” with me so we can start planning your family’s next great adventure. |
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