Adventure is Out There Travel, LLC

Don’t Forget the Princes

Published on April 22, 2016April 26, 2016 by RebeccaLeave a comment

So, I think you might agree, the Princesses get all the attention. And they are worthy! These ladies probably spend a lot of time getting their hair coiffed, their makeup perfected, and have to tote those gowns all day (except maybe Jasmine and Ariel) – not to mention the hours of practice on their waves, smiles, and witty remarks. They are great. But we don’t see enough, or hear enough, about the men behind the women!

Let’s see who we have. Snow White’s prince, whose full name is either just The Prince, or some speculate it is Ferdinand (but isn’t that a bull?). Cinderella is coupled with Prince Charming, Ariel with Eric, Jasmine and good old Al, Aurora and Prince Philip, and Rapunzel with Flynn Rider. There are others like Belle and Beast, Tiana and Prince Naveen, and Pocahontas and John Smith. We once saw the addition of Giselle and Edward (of Enchanted) for a brief time.

This summer, I’m going to go set my sights on meeting the princes. Top on my list is Prince Charming, then next, Flynn Rider. Where can I have these magical encounters? I did some research!

Prince Philip is tough. He rarely comes out for a meet, but has been seen during True Love week in the past in Magic Kingdom. Prince Eric, I’ve found is also rarely available for meets in the U.S. parks. Snow White’s prince too can be seen mainly during special events.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Beast! He will accept guests at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom during dinner time. Prince Charming hosts the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian (I see a dining reservation in my future). Prince Naveen occasionally accompanies Tiana in her meeting spot in Magic Kingdom. I’ve seen Aladdin over in Epcot upon occasion!

The Festival of Fantasy Parade at 3pm in Magic Kingdom has many characters and among them is Flynn Rider! Even if he doesn’t host a meet n’ greet, I’ll settle for this beautiful float. You’ll also catch a glimpse of some other Princes during this and other parades in the parks!

Hopefully in the future, we’ll see an interest in the princes, and they’ll get their turn in the spotlight. In the meantime, I’ll have some fun playing in the parks! You never know what is around each corner or what surprises are in store. Isn’t that part of the excitement?

by: Rebecca

My First Spa Treatment

Published on April 13, 2016 by Rebecca1 Comment

Until our last vacation aboard the Disney Magic, I had never been to a spa. I have had one massage in my life. A local masseuse has been a long-time friend of mine, and I was able to man up one time to support her local business. Most readers of this post have no idea who I am or what my personality is like. To keep it short, I thought spa treatments were not my thing. Keep reading to learn about our Senses Spa & Salon experience aboard the Disney Magic to find out how my feelings toward spa treatments may have changed.

My wife and I recently went on our third Disney cruise (our first without children). She had the opportunity to visit Senses Spa & Salon on the Disney Dream on each of our two previous cruises. I had neither the desire nor interest to visit. We had discussed the possibility of visiting Senses prior to our cruise. We visited the spa after lunch and a brief tour of the ship. It was approximately 1:30 when we were given a tour of Senses Spa & Salon. The facility is truly amazing! I encourage you to explore Disney Cruise Line’s description here: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/senses-spa-salon/#! My descriptions of the various areas, amenities, and services would not do justice to what they have to offer.

We did not have spa reservations, and we did not make a reservation after our tour. We could not make a decision on what treatment we wanted. However, we agreed to come back during the open house. My wife has attended the open house before and mentioned the awesome giveaways, so this made it easy for us to hold off on making any plans. At the open house, representatives from multiple services gave a quick introduction/sales pitch to the services each group offers. There was a “manager’s special” offered for Senses Spa & Salon that my wife thought we would enjoy. The lady who gave us our tour remembered we were interested in some of the couples’ treatments. She graciously turned the “manager’s special” into a couples’ treatment. We made reservations on our way out of the spa for that evening. Honestly, I had no idea what we were getting into.

If I remember correctly, the reservation was for 7:15. If I were in this situation again, I would make the reservation for a later time because we had main dining. We were a little late because we wanted to stay to watch the show at Animator’s Palate. The spa employees were very understanding and really acted like it happens often. The two ladies who were going to provide our treatments walked us to the locker rooms. The locker rooms were located near the fitness center. The men’s and women’s locker rooms were on opposite sides of a hallway. Disney Cruise Line locker rooms deserve their own post, but I’ll try to be brief.

The locker room is divided into three areas. When you walk in the door, showers, a sauna, and chairs are to the left. Restrooms and sinks are in the center. Lockers are to the right. The lockers are in a U shape, with cushioned benches in the center. Almost everything one needs to freshen up is provided in the locker room. Here are some of the things available that come to mind: robes, sandals, multiple sizes of towels, soaps, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, and lotions. This was the first time I have ever seen a locker room aboard a Disney cruise. I was impressed, and I even returned later in the trip just to use the shower because of its size! (And, maybe because my wife takes a long time to get ready, but only now and then.) I digress.

The two ladies asked us to remove our clothes and put on a robe. To put readers at ease, you may keep undergarments on. We then made our way to a couple’s spa room. The room was designed to be very relaxing. It had soft lighting, wood cabinets, and a wood floor. There was also a sink and mirror. I do not recall the music playing, but the entire setting was extremely relaxing. The treatment felt wonderful for the most part. Every now and then it felt as if I was receiving some sort of torture tactic. But, the masseuse said I was about 10 years overdue for a massage. Actually, at the conclusion of my treatment she said, “I wish I could come home with you and massage you every 2 or 3 days.” An uncomfortable mumble came out of my mouth as my wife chuckled at my uneasiness.

After a brief sales pitch for some lotions, we were on our way to the locker rooms to change. They encouraged us to consume a lot of water to detox our bodies. My wife really enjoyed the beverages provided at the spa and fitness center. She really appreciated the freshness of the fruit-infused water and warm tea options.

Overall, my first spa treatment at Senses Spa & Salon was relaxing and felt very nice. I may even do it again. If you will be sailing with Disney Cruise Line, please check out the website above. There is an in-depth description of the facility and treatments available on the DCL website. If you are a spa regular, I think you should give Senses a try. I have a strong feeling you will enjoy the experience.

Justin Eggenberger, Co-owner of Adventure is Out There Travel, LLC

Family Vacation

Published on April 9, 2016April 10, 2016 by ClaudiaE1 Comment

Have you ever thought about vacationing with your entire family? Last summer, my husband and I went on vacation with our two adult children and their spouses and their children. What a great way to create heart-warming memories!

We were fortunate enough to go on the Disney Dream for 5 nights and experience a

tequila tasting.JPG — Tequila Tasting Setup

“double dip”. We went to Castaway Cay, Nassau, back to

watching sunrise on Dream — Watching the Sunrise

Castaway Cay, day at sea, and back to port. While on the ship, some of the adults had spa treatments, went to a tequila tasting, ran on the running deck (Deck 4), enjoyed a tour of the galley, and just took time to relax alone.

The kids went to the kids club, swam with family, spent time

with grandparents and cousins, and saw Disney characters & Princesses. We all saw several of the shows offered on the ship. While on the island, one of the adults ran the 5K and one went snorkeling.

After our delightful and memorable cruise, we all went to Walt Disney World for 5 nights. We stayed at the Polynesian Village Resort. It was so nice to be able to hop on the Monorail to get to the Magic Kingdom and also Epcot. In addition, there were Monorail stops at the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary, and the Ticket & Transportation Center.

3 angels on Castaway Cay — Cousins Playing in the Sand

This was convenient to reach the parks, of course, and dinners & shopping at the Contemporary and Grand Floridian. The Monorail isn’t the only transportation guests can use. We also took advantage of the water transportation and the bus system.

Thanks to great pre-trip planning, we were all able to do & see everything we wanted. Some days, Papa & Grandma went with daughter & family, while on other days we went with son & family. Most nights we all had dinner together. It was a nice way for everyone to have their own experiences and then meet to talk about them in the evening. Papa & Grandma were fortunate enough to have visited WDW several times in the past. This time, went on the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. This tour took us on a behind the scenes look at WDW and gave us insight into the planning and layout of WDW. If you have the time, I recommend this tour.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Here is a photo of me while I
was waiting for the Magical Express to give us a ride to the airport for our flight home.

Claudia Eggenberger

Co-Owner/Agent Adventure Is Out There Travel, LLC

You Don’t Want to Miss This: Magic Kingdom

Published on April 8, 2016 by RebeccaLeave a comment

I am often asked “What should I make sure I don’t miss on my first trip to Magic Kingdom?” With so many rides, attractions, shows, and architectural eye-candy, it is easy to end up wandering aimlessly. There are many other things you have GOT to see! Here is my short list of “Don’t Miss” for Magic Kingdom first-timers.

5. Nooks and Crannies

Magic Kingdom is full of quiet corners and unique off-beat spaces. One of my favorites is on the right hand side of Main Street U.S.A. As you walk toward Cinderella Castle, you’ll see an alleyway on the right. If you walk to the end, there are chairs and flower boxes amid other carefully appointed exterior decorations. Take a minute to sit on a bench or in a chair, and just listen! You’ll hear dance and singing lessons taking place upstairs!

Another great spot is the long walk to Tomorrowland from New Fantasyland. This long walkway meanders by the Tomorrowland Speedway and the train. Another don’t miss is the wishing well to the right of Cinderella Castle. It is often overlooked as passersby hurry to get to Tomorrowland.

4. Cinderella’s Fountain

Take a moment to stroll by this fountain in Fantasyland. From a child’s height

perspective, the crown which is painted on the wall above and behind this beautiful statue appears to be sitting on Cinderella’s head! It’s a great picture if taken at the right angle.

3. Main Street Trolley Show and Dapper Dans

Each day, Main Street U.S.A. becomes the stage for great entertainment. Beginning at about 9 AM daily, you can be amazed at the acapella sound of the Dapper Dans! At about 9:15 AM daily, the “citizens” (or Main Street Performers as I call them) begin to invigorate the street with beautiful singing and dancing as they trolley up and down main street. My family knows all the songs and sings along. We never miss it.

2. Meet The Big Guy

What trip to Magic Kingdom would be complete without a visit with Mickey Mouse? Mickey can be found at the Town Square Theater each day. He will be in his rehearsal room waiting for you! As you wait in line, there are so many things to look at.

Including different magic show objects. Here, there will be a PhotoPass photographer. If you purchased Memory Maker, her or she will take pictures and use your magic band to add them to your account. You are welcome to take pictures with your own camera as well. Fast Pass + is available for meeting Mickey. Scheduling your meet with the Big Guy can save you a lot of time!

1. Magic Kingdom Welcome Show

As my family and I approach the day of our next visit to Magic Kingdom, we always get

really excited at the idea of watching the opening show. Each morning, a few moments before park opening, the citizens of Main Street, along with many fun friends entertain guests with a really exciting show. They sing, they dance, they guide everyone in counting down to open the park! This one is too good – I don’t want to share too much and spoil the excitement! I WILL say, this is my number one “Don’t Miss” in Magic Kingdom!

What experiences, rides, or attractions are your must do’s each trip?

Disney Dining Plan – With or Without?

Published on April 3, 2016April 5, 2016 by magicfromthemittenLeave a comment

My family recently returned from an amazing time on our first Disney cruise. We spent 3 nights on board the Disney Magic in the Bahamas. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be going again someday.

When the cruise was over we stayed 2 nights at Pop Century with 1 day in the Magic Kingdom. Ideally that is not nearly enough time but it was all we had and we’ve been to Disney every year since our “once in a lifetime trip” in 2012 so we didn’t have to see and do everything because we know we’ll be back soon. Even though it was only 2 days, HOLY COW we spend a lot of money on food!!! The Disney Dining Plan would’ve cost around $300 for my family of 4 and I would not be surprised if we spent that or more on meals, snacks, and drinks. We did not do any table service meals; we ate at all quick service restaurants.

A big expense was pop (we’re from Michigan, you might call it soda). I drink a lot of Coke Zero and I think they are somewhere around $3-5 for a 20 ounce bottle at the resort’s food court. If we had been on the Disney Dining Plan, we would’ve each gotten a refillable mug. We could’ve purchased one but I felt that the length of our stay was too short to justify the $17 price. In hindsight, I should’ve probably bought at least one refillable mug because I’m sure I spent more than $17 on bottles of Coke Zero.

Another reason I think we spent more on food was that my children don’t share well. The portions are plenty big enough for 2 kids to share and in a perfect world, they would. Not my boys. If one wants chicken nuggets, the other one HATES chicken nuggets today and will only eat macaroni and cheese. So, to avoid a major meltdown, we end up buying 2 different meals and throwing half of them out because it’s too much food for one kid. What a waste and all I kept seeing was dollar signs!

Speaking of waste, here’s how lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus went. It was right in the middle of the lunch rush so tables were limited, everyone was starving, and the line was 10-15 minutes just to order. I took my youngest son to find a table while my husband and oldest son got in line. After ordering food and drinks for everyone, in excess of $40, my husband finally found us at the table.

Naturally, he slept through the entire lunch. We tried to eat as much as we could but ended up throwing most of his lunch out because it couldn’t be saved. It goes without saying that when he finally woke up, he was starving. Shocking, I know.

Maybe it’s because our kids are a year older this time, or maybe it was because we just came off the cruise ship where everything was included but we were just overly conscious about the cost of the food and it just “felt” like we spent a ton of money to eat and drink. We’re not “foodies” by any means (I eat like a toddler); however we were all sick of chicken nuggets by the end of the trip. I think the value of the Disney Dining Plan is different for each family. It truly depends on your traveling style and how you plan on eating meals. If you would be happy eating at quick service locations for the length of your trip, the Disney Dining Plan may not be for you. For us, we look forward to a table service meal each day.

After our first trip to Walt Disney World without the Disney Dining Plan, I don’t think we would go again without it, especially on a longer trip. With only 2 days, it would have taken too much time do table service meals but on longer trips, we enjoy them because they are a good way to take a break from the parks and see different resorts, all while still keeping that “Disney magic”.

First Experience Using Disney’s Magical Express

Published on March 27, 2016April 5, 2016 by Adventure is Out There Travel, LLCLeave a comment

Our family typically drives from North Central Illinois to Orlando or Port Canaveral. This is for two reasons. First and foremost, I am terribly anxious about flying and I do not want to couple that with trying to get two young children on a plane. Second, I actually like driving. The journey is part of the vacation for me. I try to make it enjoyable for all of my family members. Sometimes the love of my life reminds me about the challenges of the longer journey of driving.

My wife and I decided to take a short, three-day cruise out of Port Canaveral. A few weeks beforehand we received our Disney Cruise Line travel documents. This elegant booklet is always exciting to receive! It contains a fair amount of pertinent information that all cruisers should read. Our booklet included our luggage tags. These magical little stickers can make your life a whole lot simpler! Here is how it works: 1. Pack your luggage. 2. Affix the sticker to a handle on your luggage. 3. Drop off your luggage at your airline check-in. That is it. Yes. It is that simple.

We flew from Midway Airport to Orlando International Airport. At Midway, my wife and I did curbside check-in. Each of us had a checked bag and a carry on. Relieving ourselves of the checked bag was surprisingly efficient, and the attendant seemed very chipper for 4:15 AM. We had a little snag while obtaining boarding passes and checking in at security, but it was very promptly remedied. I am sure I will find some sympathizers here. Why does it seem like whenever I fly, I get my bags searched? Not just scanned-searched and dug around in. The security person who rifled through my bag seemed like a cool guy though. We chit-chatted while he admired my Ripcurl trunks and asked me why I needed two extra razors. He also made a nice comment about my headphones. After that, we were on our way! The flight was uneventful. When we landed, we took the monorail and no park admission was necessary. A side note and possible tip: there is a Hyatt within Orlando International Airport. If you are one of those people who likes to arrive a day early to avoid delays, this may be an option to look into. Most people who arrived with us went to baggage claim in Terminal A. My wife and I headed straight to Terminal B where the Magical Express check-in is located. (There are several rental car counters located there as well.) Disney was experiencing technology failure with one of two computers at the Disney Cruise Line Magical Express counter. We ended up having one of our longest waits of the entire trip there, and we were third in line. After checking in, we were directed to board the bus. The Magical Express bus was very comfortable. Or, the transition from the airplane to the Magical Express just made it seem like the Taj. Similar to the plane, one could control the light and air flow directly above. Unlike the plane, there were several televisions. On the ride to Port Canaveral, informational videos and Disney shorts were played. The 45-minute ride went by very quickly! Magical Express drops passengers off very close to the terminal at Port Canaveral, and there are several porters waiting to assist any families that may need it. My wife and I only had our carry-on luggage, so we quickly went to the terminal and through security before most of the bus was unloaded. Here is the coolest part of Magical Express. After partaking in various onboard activities, we went back to our stateroom. In the early afternoon, our luggage magically appeared by our stateroom door. We dropped our luggage curbside in Chicago and didn’t have to touch it until we were in our stateroom!

If you have ever taken a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line, you know how disheartening it is to leave the ship. There are multiple options for handling your luggage when disembarking. We were unable to take full advantage of Disney handling our luggage, as we had an early flight. Disney Cruise Line encourages people in these situations to walk off the ship with their luggage. After swiftly going through customs, we boarded Disney’s Magical Express. Again, the buses are located very close to the terminal, so there is minimal walking distance. The drivers of the buses are amazing. They are quick to offer a hand with luggage and are very courteous. The ride back to the airport continues the Disney withdrawal. And, the sales pitches playing on the televisions do not make the emotions any better.

Unlike utilizing Disney’s Magical Express to get to Walt Disney World, there is a fee for transfers to and from Port Canaveral. The fee can change, so if you are considering using this transportation, ask your agent how much the fee is or check online. Magical Express is a great way to get to and from Port Canaveral or Walt Disney World. It offers riders a simple and comfortable transfer and provides some entertainment. If you are looking for a convenient and relaxing ride, I would encourage you to use this transportation option.

Justin Eggenberger, Co-Owner of Adventure is Out There Travel, LLC

First Disney Cruise Without Kids

Published on March 19, 2016March 20, 2016 by Adventure is Out There Travel, LLCLeave a comment

My wife and I recently celebrated (about three months prematurely) our ten-year wedding anniversary. Being avid Disney fans, we naturally decided on our third Disney cruise. We selected a three-day Bahamian Itinerary. We also traveled without our children, which allowed us to have an extensive list of first experiences aboard the Disney Magic. The ship was a first as our previous two cruises were aboard the Disney Dream. Other first-time experiences included the use of Magical Express transportation to and from Port Canaveral; a couples spa treatment; participating in the Castaway Cay 5k; relaxing at the adults-only area of Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay; going to a movie aboard the ship; and enjoying a beverage in Cove Café. I hope to blog about these specific experiences in the future. This post will focus on my thoughts and feelings of traveling without my two Disney darlings.

The trip began with a flight out of Midway Airport, in Chicago, Illinois. I must admit that I am a VERY anxious flier! My heartrate can confirm that. I have a smartwatch and am fascinated by the heartrate monitor. Normally, my heartrate is in the mid-60s. Nearly the entire flight, my heartrate was in the low 90s! The troubling part is that I did not have any children to be accountable for while checking in, going through security, or boarding the plane. I have no idea how my body will handle that this summer, when we all fly to California. We will have much more than a backpack to be responsible for! The flight was smooth though we did not get to sit together because we were in boarding group C. Early Bird Check in is already purchased for our trip this summer which will allow us to sit together. The simplicity of only having to be concerned about a spouse and a backpack was very convenient. Traveling to the Disney Magic from Chicago, Illinois was easy.

Disregarding planning, my Disney cruise began earlier than most cruise goers. Disney’s terminal at Port Canaveral was a site to behold. The excitement of seeing the ship and knowing we were beginning our vacation was more than likely a key factor in this emotion. There were great family photo opportunities while approaching the terminal. After checking in at the terminal, entertainment options abound. A few tips: 1. If possible, try to get an early arrival time. This will give you time to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. 2. Take a family picture by the model of the Disney ship. This is a great return-trip photo. It never gets old! 3. There are cordon ropes that lead to the model of the ship. They may seem a bit out of place. Cue in those ropes! This is one of the best photo opportunities of your family’s cruise! Keep in mind, you may ask the photographer to snap a pic with your camera/phone. Finally, walking under the mouse ears can leave one feeling giddy. It is difficult to describe. Each time I have gone through that entrance, I knew I was about to have a wonderful time and create lifelong memories-which happened on each of our Disney cruises. Going through the entrance this time was much different without my children. In the past, I took a step back and let them lead my wife and me onto the ship. On this trip, we bypassed the family photo area. We also came up with a clever “family name” for the introduction. Then, we took our first step on the Disney Magic.

Great photo opportunity!

Even better!

The first thing a lot of folks do when boarding a Disney cruise ship is…eat of course! Dining without our children was something we were eager to experience. Parents know that eating with two younger children, especially on vacation, is an adventure. Upon boarding our past two Disney cruises we went up to Deck 11 on the Disney Dream to Cabanas. Cabanas is a great place to grab a bite to eat. The buffets on a Disney cruise have something to offer for everyone. We decided not to go to Cabanas (Deck 9 on the Disney Magic). Instead, we went to Carioca’s. The only reason was to check out the dining areas of Carioca’s and Animator’s Palate. When we first arrived at Carioca’s, there were very few people in the seating area. This led to our first interaction with a server. If you have had the pleasure of being waited on by a cast member during a cruise, you know that their service is rarely replicated. I can say that again about this entire cruise. Our server’s name who followed us was Ralph S. He was great and made wonderful recommendations. More importantly, he did not hold back about foods to avoid for certain palates. I have found that some servers do not communicate which foods one should reconsider. There is a great deal of value for such suggestions. Dining without our children was nice. We ate every dinner with two other couples. (We miss our tablemates already.) Normally, we go to Palo once, but we decided in the planning process that we did not want to on this trip. The pacing of the meals was appropriate and pleasant for adults. We were able to enjoy each other’s company and the Disney entertainment during each meal.

Entrance to Animator’s Palate

One area among many for the buffet

We were very pleased with our table service!

Speaking of entertainment, we watched STAR WARS and each of the live shows while aboard the Disney Magic. We also enjoyed the fitness facility, Castaway Cay 5k and a couple’s spa treatment. On past Disney cruises, only one of us was able to do most of what I just mentioned. Our children are still young, and our youngest was not willing to sit through an entire live show. Also, my wife was the only one of us with previous experience in a spa while aboard a Disney ship. We could have utilized the kids’ clubs, but we did not fully taken advantage of them. The live shows onboard any Disney ship are very well done. Between my wife and me, we have seen eight different shows. We have really enjoyed them. Shows are something to make time for and are performed twice per evening, so both dining times have an opportunity to attend the show.

Fireworks at sea

After a live shoe

Before Star Wars in 3D

This post is getting a bit longer than originally intended and a bit too in-depth in some cases. I will offer my final opinions. A Disney cruise can be enjoyed by all types of travelers. There is an unparalleled level of service that is consistent throughout the trip. Disney specializes in entertainment, so the entertainment onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship is a reflection of their expertise. Their movies, online content, theme parks, etc. are enjoyed by all ages and a Disney cruise is no different. We took a short, three night cruise. We missed our children, but found that we would be willing to take another adults-only Disney cruise. If we were to go any longer, our kids would have to be with us. We took advantage of the onboard booking incentive, so another Disney cruise is already being planned.

-Justin Eggenberger, Co-Owner Adventure is Out There Travel, LLC