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Disney World trip Reveal

Published on by akolafaLeave a comment

     So you have made it to the reveal of your Disney vacation now what? There are many ways to reveal your surprise. I am going to tell you about my reveals first.

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     On our first trip we left Christmas Day my kids went and stayed with their grandparents on the 23rd to have Christmas with them before we left. This allowed for my husband and I to get everything packing and ready without them seeing it.  On the 24th we picked them up with a truck full of luggage and headed toward the airport. We lived about 1.5 hours from the airport at this time so we wanted to stay closer to the airport to help make our 6AM flight Christmas Day much easier. We told the kids that we were going to stay at a hotel with an indoor pool as part of their Christmas gift. They did not think anything of it they were so excited like most kids they love hotels.

      When we checked in my husband took the kids down to the pool. I used this opportunity to unpack the luggage from the car for our Disney World trip and hide it around the room.  I hid suitcases behind curtains, in drawers, and wrapped in blankets that I borrowed from the front desk on top of the make shift closet rack.  Boy what I would have given for this hotel room to have had an actual closet. Then, I joined the rest of my family at the pool.

    Later after we read The Night Before Christmas the kids were fast asleep I drug out all of our luggage into view and the BIG gift boxes for each child that had all of the Disney reveal information in it. The boxes contained: lanyards with pins, autograph book with sharpies, T-shirts that said “I’m going to Disney World,” disposable camera, Disney gift card, new DS with a new game for the plane ride and line waiting amusement, and a letter from Santa telling them they were going to Disney World.

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      The second reveal was a bit simpler.  About 6 months before our trip my husband had a major surgery and we had to take him back and forth to the doctor often.  So we used this to our advantage. We told our boys that we needed to get up early to take dad to see the doctor.  While the kids played with their friends the days before the trip I was busy packing privately in our bedroom.

    So the day of the trip my husband and I pack our car before waking the kids. We get them up and in the car a few months before bought a new house this time we are only 15 mins from the airport. We make the exit to the airport to throw off the kids I say “I need to use the restroom.” So we exit and we head to the park and ride, as we are entering the parking ride.  The kids are looking around like what’s going on. We find our parking spot and tell the kids to get out of the car.  We go back and open the trunk to reveal the luggage with my husband saying. “Hey, let’s go to Disney World.”

      The tips I can pass from the reveals are simply this use what you have. The first trip we got the grandparents involved to help and used the pool to divert their attention from the bigger picture. On the second trip we used the fact that we had visited the doctor’s lots to get them out the door early and not suspect much.

    Other reveals I have seen:

  • Scavenger hunts

  • Mickey shaped food pizzas, pancakes etc.

  • A Disney puzzle with the message on the back.

  • Character phone calls

  • Santa phone calls

  • Disney stuff as a gift

          Just remember to have fun with it. For more ideas I highly recommend going to YouTube. As always you can contact me at: amanda@adventureisouttheretravel.com or any of our agents at www.adventureisouttheretravel.com. We would love to make your Disney dreams come true.

 

Norwegian Getaway one of the best

Published on by evanmethuenLeave a comment

Many people love cruising and I know why. It took me 31 years of my life until I got on one. Since then I have 2 under my belt and a 3rd one on the way March 2017 with 7 other friends abound the Norwegian Getaway. First it was the Eastern Caribbean St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands); Tortola (British Virgin Islands); Nassau (Bahamas then the Western Caribbean ); Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas); Ocho Rios (Jamaica); George Town (Grand Cayman); Cozumel (Mexico). Now were heading to  Roatan, Bay Islands (Honduras); Belize City (Belize); Costa Maya (Mexico); Cozumel (Mexico)

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enjoying Grand Cayman

 

The Getaway is the second newest ship Norwegian has put out, with a new ship the Escape which was being released in 2015 and a new ship coming in 2017 Joy for Asian Cruises.  The first thing you notice when getting to the port was the size of the ship, it’s so big they board from 2 different terminals. As we bored the cruise staff is singing and dancing making us feel right at home. One of this ships clam to fame is that there are 23 bars located around the ship, everything from the Sun Set bar witch is our favorite to the Bliss Bar to the Mojito Bar.

A huge bonus on Norwegian is when it come to meals everything is “Free Style”, which means you don’t have to eat with anyone, you can sit where ever and can eat at different times there are no set rules.

The food … You all know my wife and I are Foodies, well I have to tell you the food was Amazing. We ate many times at the Noodle bar, best egg rolls and dumplings, you better get there early it fills up fast. There are 3 Main Dining rooms on this ship and they all serve the same food on the same night. Beef Wellington, Steak Diane, Salmon, Scallops and  Mahi-Mahi just to name a few, and off course the 24 hour restaurant, that came in handy a few times on the ship.

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Margaritas at Wet Wendy’s
Enjoying the island is one of the best part of the cruise, we get off to enjoy the local offerings. We tried Cronk we tried local fish and off course we tried all the local beers

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Drinking the local beer in Margaritaville Jamica on the beach

But I think what made the Cruise was the Amazing Norwegian Getaway Staff. Form the bar tenders to the wait staff and to our house staff service was first class. Anything and everything was right at out finger tips. The boat was immaculate, and the crew were always on top of cleaning even the littlest detail. Plus AIOTT can help plan all you Norwegian needs.

 

Food and Wine Festival Specials 2015

Published on by evanmethuenLeave a comment

Before you start reading this make sure you read it on a full stomach or have a few snacks next to you.. Finally we’re at Food and Wine, and let me tell you it’s worth the wait.

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We started the Festival by making a list of the  top 25 items that we wanted to try, this helps a lot; as it gives us a guideline of what to eat. This was just for the food part of the festival the alcohol part was a separate animal, which we enjoyed just as much. We did the Festival over 5 days so I recommend doing it over a few days that way you get to enjoy everything you eat and drink, and a little hint go during the week, crowds are much smaller than the weekends.  There are many special events and demonstration’s during the entire Festival I recommend checking http://www.disney.com for the whole list, and make a plan. We decided to attend a few of them, following is a preview.

Both Saturday mornings we attended The Parisian Breakfast at Les Chefs de France. This was an all you can eat buffet including French Meats, Sandwiches and breads along with many other French items as well, cost was $35 per person and it also came with bottom less mimosa’s and French coffee. Plus you got to enter Epcot early and receive a free gift bag. 2015-09-26 08.53.38.jpg

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we did the Festival Tasting Sampler Package.  What is this; you ask? It was new to the festival that year. It included 8 entitlements for food or beverage at any 1 of the 30 booths at the festival. Vip seating to Eat the Beat Concert at the 6:30pm showing. A limited release 20th anniversary Food and Wine pin.  The price for this was $59 per person, this is a must for any foodie. This was a great value, it included everything except beer flights. It’s a real  money maker.

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Friday Night we attended the Sparking IllumiNations Dessert Party. We noshed on desserts from around the world, Desserts were from about 15 different countries, this also include a rum punch and other alcoholic drinks. After enjoying all the treats  we had Vip front row seats for IlluminNations,  located right on the water where the bridge to France and England is,  this was a plus because this is our favorite nighttime Disney Show. Price for this was $49 per person, well worth the price!

Top 5 Food Items:

  1. Lamb Meatball- my favorite and this years King at the Feast
  2. Grilled Lamb Chop- was a close contender for first
  3. Kalua Pork Slider-  Tip: get extra Mayo, gives it a kick
  4. Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet- Melissa favorite you’ll be asking for seconds
  5. Grilled Beef Skewer-Tip: get extra sauce, made the dish

 

 

 

Food and Wine Prep

Published on by evanmethuen3 Comments

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As this is my first blog I want to write about something near and dear to my heart. As you all are about to find out my wife Melissa and Me Evan have Disney DNA. Being from Massachusetts we only get down to the World once a year.

When you think about Disney in the Fall, What do you think about? That’s easy for us… Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival.
I want to talk to you today about a true foodie experience. Epcot’s International Food and Wine festival, that’s held every fall in the months of September, October and November. For us there is no better time to visit Walt Disney World then the fall. The weather is fantastic the crowds are at about half of what peak times are.
Where to begin… I think for us the excitement starts months before we go when the means and activities start being reviled. We check http://www.disney.com or http://www.allinwdw.com everyday to see when and if the announcements have been made. Once there made it GAME ON time for us. To a Disney rookie it can be very overwhelming as it was for us our first time we started pre planning the Festival.
One of the best parts about the festival is the price, most items range from $3 to $6 Where else can you “travel the world” aka Eating your way around the world for that price. Most items are small but they pack a punch with flavor. You can set up a budget before you go.
The best advice I can give to anyone looking to attend this festival is preplan. What to Eat? What to Drink? Where to eat Lunch and Dinner the Days we attend the festival? Go in with a game plan, Trust me it will work and will you want to go back time and time again. image

A Few of My Favorite Things….Animal Kingdom

Published on by magicfromthemittenLeave a comment

Being a seasoned Walt Disney World traveler, I have been able to experience much of what Disney has to offer at each of the 4 theme parks.  Sometimes a Walt Disney World vacation can feel like you are running a marathon trying to see and do EVERYTHING, but some of my best memories are from some of the often overlooked experiences.

 

  1. DeVine

DeVine is a street performer who is found in The Oasis.  She is disguised in a giant plant costume, walks on stilts, and blends into the surroundings so well that many times you won’t even notice she is there until she moves.  DeVine is the type of experience that makes Disney so magical; chances are you will stumble upon her when walking around the park, taking in the sights.

  1. African band

The band in Africa is definitely not a “headliner” experience but it would be hard to miss it because it seems like every time I walk through they have a performance going on.  The performance is lively and upbeat.  It makes you want to dance and often times the audience is encouraged to participate.  Spend a few minutes watching and listening, it will be time well spent and you won’t be disappointed.

  1. Flights of Wonder

Flights of Wonder is an educational and humorous show featuring different types of birds, many exotic or endangered.  The show is very well done and should appeal to all different age groups.  It runs about 30 minutes, and although the pavilion is outdoors and not air conditioned, it is covered and shaded, which offers a bit of a break from the hot Florida sun.  If you are able to get to the pavilion a few minutes before show time, there is a really cute preshow.

  1. Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King is a Broadway style show retelling the story of The Lion King and it is my all-time favorite experience at Animal Kingdom.  The acting, singing, dancing, and other performances are out of this world!  Toward the end, the performers bring children from the audience down to sing and play instruments.  There is not a bad seat in the theater and it is air conditioned, which is nice when the temperatures peak.  If I could only do one thing at Animal Kingdom, it would definitely be Festival of the Lion King!

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Don’t Forget the Princes

Published on by RebeccaLeave a comment

20150717_180143 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.20150717_180400

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

You Don’t Want to Miss This: Magic Kingdom

Published on by RebeccaLeave a comment

DSCN5461   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 101perspective, 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. DSCN3130Including 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 20140419_075202really 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!
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What experiences, rides, or attractions are your must do’s each trip?

First Disney Cruise Without Kids

Published on 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