My suitcase was full!

So while I delay my posts about the actual trip I thought I would share with everyone some of the goodies I brought home. Most of these are items that were given to me as part of the conference but I did purchase a little something to giveaway


And now the giveaway!!  A Disney Cruise Line Lanyard along with a Disney Fantasy limited edition pin!!





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Magical Moment

Saturday morning my internal baby alarm went off at 7 a.m. I tried to fight it and go back to sleep but my body was having none of it.  I threw some clothes on and headed up to Deck 11 and Cove Cafe for some coffee.

After grabbing a large Cafe Mocha, I sat myself down and was privileged enough to watch the sun rise. It was an amazing moment and I will never forget it. It felt like the entire ship was fast asleep.  As much as I love the hustle and bustle that is a Walt Disney World vacation, this was an amazing moment of peacefulness that I will never forget!
















Bon Voyage

T-minus 2 days!! It's really crept on me and I still have so much to do!


We talk a lot about Walt Disney World and I thought since I'm sailing, it would be a great time to review the cruise documents you receive before you leave!

The first two pages will include some general passport information on the left. It also states the Disney will deny guests without proper ID boarding.  The right side includes your luggage tags. More on those later!


The next page is a letter from Kari Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line with an overview of what's included, the Disney Cruise website as well as a phone number in case you have questions.

The next two pages are the table of contents and cover page to the first section...the Checklist!

Step 1...Review this document! It's always a good idea to review your vacation documents regardless of where you are traveling.

2- Complete all documents and forms. We chose to complete these online but later in the packet you'll see the hard copy forms.

3-Visit the planning site (if you haven't already). Here is where you can complete online check in and register for excursions, the spa and more!

4-The phone number in case anyone needs to contact you while you are on board!  1-888-DC-AT-Sea or 723-335-3281 from outside the U.S.

5-Alcohol Policy.  Adult Guests over the age of 21 may carry on a limited number of alcoholic beverages

6-Pack a Day Bag. Remember you won't get your luggage right away so be sure to pack a swim suit, valuables, medicine...anything you'll need for the next few hours.

7-Forward your mail or ask a neighbor to get it while you are gone!

8-Double Check your bags...make sure you've packed anything you need

9-International Traveler? Be sure you always have your passport with you!

10-Luggage Tags.  Attach the luggage tags before you check in for your flight. If you are coming from a  Disney resort, be sure to attach the tags before boarding the bus that takes you to the port.

11-Make sure you have all documentation with you to check in for your cruise at the Port.

12- Arrive on Time!!  Boarding begins at 1 p.m. and everyone must be on board by 4:30 p.m.!

13- Relax :)

The Overview section reviews what is needed to board the Disney Cruise Ships.  These include
-Valid U.S. Passport
-Valid U.S. Passport Card
-Valid state-issued Enhanced Drivers License (available in certain states)
-Traveler Program Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
-State-Issued Birth Certificate (Certain sailings only)

Photocopies are not acceptable

Vacation Summary...now we get to the good stuff. These two pages have all your sailing details; reservation #, Stateroom Number, Guests names, travel dates, Flight Info, Ground Info, Vacation Insurance and more!  The last page in this section includes your sailing itinerary!

We'll be a day at Sea, a day at Castaway Cay and then back home.

This page includes Ground transportation information if you've selected it. We have opted to use Disney for our transfers.

Extra's!  These pages include information about onboard airline check-in and gratuity guidelines.  To give you an idea, here is what is suggested for a 3-night cruise:

Restaurant server-$12.00
Restaurant Assistant server-$9.00
Head Server- $3.00
Stateroom Host(ess)-$12.00
Room Service- At your discretion

These are priced per person.

There are three things that need to be completed in the next section:
1)Cruise Contract Signature Form
2)Embark/Departure Form
3)Payment Authorization From

We completed all these form via Disney's online check-in service.


Next up...Legal Stuff! Be sure to read through it so that you understand Disney's Terms and Conditions


So that's it! I've completed online check in for both the resort and the Cruise and will bring copies of those with me, as well as this packet.   We'll also be sure to have our ID's with us too :) I hope this post was helpful to those of you traveling soon!


Everything but the Kitchen Sink

Ok so I'll admit it...I'm an over packer. It's true! I always feel like I'm going to miss out on something! So I throw it all in my suitcase.

Today I did our customary pre-trip Target shopping spree....and oh boy. I know I bought too much but what if I need it? I wish I was more like this woman. She packed for 10 days in Europe in just one bag. ONE BAG!!

So what do you need for your Disney trip??

Let's talk shoes. I know I've mentioned them before but I really do love my Crocs.  They are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned. Whatever you bring, be sure you've worn them before...and for longer than just a jaunt to the grocery store.
I also always pack a pair of sneakers.  For me it's Asics. My sneakers offer a lot of support and I can wear them all day without blisters. I also like wear my Crocs one day and my sneakers the next.

My most recent shoe purchase are my new Sketcher Go Play shoes. They were so unbelievably light and comfortable that I can't wait to try them out!




Since we are cruising and I am attending the conference I'll also need to toss in a pair of dress sandals/shoes. I haven't decided.

Let's talk clothes...it's going to be pretty warm next week but not really hot and the temp will drop a bit at night.


My plan is to pack:

-A few pairs of Capri's
-A few pair of shorts
-Tanks and T-Shirts
-A few hooded sweatshirts
-2 casual cotton dresses

I don't pack jeans because 60 degrees isn't cold enough but if you come from a warmer state, jeans might be on the list!

What else will be in my suitcase?

-Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, antibacterial gel, band aids, motion sickness pills, Advil/Tylenol)
-Brushes and hair supplies
-Makeup

Yea...that's me...I wear makeup on vacation. Just a few simple items like foundation, mascara, lip gloss. Plus I'll throw in some eyeliner and blush for when I'm doing business/conference related things.

Don't forget the Magic Binder, camera, cell phones and ID! Oh and don't forget the umbrella...just in case!

Are you an overpacker? What is the one thing you forget at home? Any packing tips?

Final days of planning

Good morning! Let's get this blog back on track and start talking about the last few days before you leave for your Disney vacation!

Here is a list of things I have to get done before we leave...well in regards to the trip! You don't want to see my household To Do List lol!

  1. Check-in Online at the Resort
  2. Check-in Online for the cruise
  3. Print all necessary documents
    1. Cruise Documents
    2. Resort Online Check-in confirmation
    3. Airline confirmations
    4. Itinerary and any dining confirmations
    5. Park Hours
  4. Pack (I'll do another post about my packing list)
  5. Review conference materials

It doesn't seem like a lot right now but #4 is a long list of it's own!

Let's talk briefly about our itinerary!

3/20- We arrive fairly early in the day but can't pick up our park tickets until 2 p.m. (from the conference).  We'll arrive at Coronado Springs and probably catch some lunch. After we pick up our tickets we are going to head over to the Magic Kingdom where the park is open until 11 p.m.

I'm not going to say I'm not looking forward to visiting the park but with an estimated crowd level of 9 out of 10...well it's pretty scary! This might be another instance where we will try out a Touring Plan from touringplans.com!


3/21-Today we'll head to Animal Kingdom for Extra Magic Hours (Provided everyone gets  up and ready on time!!)  I know we've been to Disney a lot with Lauren and Patrick but for some reason I can't remember going to Animal Kingdom with them (Lauren will probably come and prove me wrong with pictures).

3/22-Today I'm attending the conference so everyone else will go and play at Hollywood Studios while I work.  When I get out we'll all head over and explore World Showcase ending in Dinner at La Hacienda De San Angel


3/23- We leave for the cruise! It's a relatively free day for me so I'm excited to explore everything the ship has to offer!

3/24-A day at sea! I'll be half working/half playing today but still exploring the ship. I figure Lauren and I will leave the boys and explore and take lots of pictures!

3/25-Another half working/half playing day for me but everyone else will be enjoying Castaway Cay!

3/26- Head home :(

My next post will include some more details on what to pack and the craziness that is the week before your Disney vacation!!


Happy Anniversary

Happy Weekend everyone!!  I'm going to take a break from my World Showcase posts. Today is my 2nd anniversary and many of you know that my husband and I were married at Walt Disney World. Instead of post a million pictures on Facebook, I thought I would just do a photo montage recapping my wedding a bit

Be forewarned...there are a lot of pictures lol!


The following photos courtesy of Roots Photography.

My husband and I chose to do a first look. These photos were taken at the Boardwalk with just the 2 of us and our photographers. I will never forget this moment.  We got to see each other for the first time, just the two of us :


After photos we headed over to Disney's Wedding Pavilion for the ceremony.

After the wedding we held our reception over at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Conservation Station. It was an amazing time!


Of course I knew they were coming but I was so excited anyway!

I hope you enjoyed!! Have a great weekend!