Graduation Celebration: Let's Set Sail!
It's finally time! It's been two weeks since we last set sail and we already miss it! This cruise was one of our favorites so far and I'm excited to share it with you! So let's get started!
Graduation Celebration: Walt Disney World (Land)
Let's get started shall we? I'm so excited to share some photos and tips from our trip! So just to recap a little, here's what we planned!
Special note...Normally I do not recommend Park Hoppers for my clients. The majority of my new clients are first time visitors and by the time we schedule dining and fastpass's there isn't much time to hop. Also each park has a different crowd level each day and I help my clients optimize their day by getting them to the least crowded park. We park hop because we visit often and know the systems and transportation inside and out! Be sure to chat with your travel planner before spending money on this option!!
- 2 nights at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter (our favorite moderate)
- 1 night at Disney's Pop Century
- 3 days at the parks
Day 1 Magic Kingdom
Our original plan was to swing by EPCOT on our arrival to see Eddie and order our photo. Once we did that we'd spend the evening at Magic Kingdom. By the time we finally arrived after all our delay's, he had left for the day so we literally walked in the park and turned around and walked out!
Special note...Normally I do not recommend Park Hoppers for my clients. The majority of my new clients are first time visitors and by the time we schedule dining and fastpass's there isn't much time to hop. Also each park has a different crowd level each day and I help my clients optimize their day by getting them to the least crowded park. We park hop because we visit often and know the systems and transportation inside and out! Be sure to chat with your travel planner before spending money on this option!!
After our quick visit we hopped on the monorail and sped off to the Magic Kingdom. It was dinner and we were HUNGRY!!
We got lucky and caught DeVine on the way in!
There is a lot of construction going on right now but it's going to be worth it in the end!
We stopped by the new Harambe Market unfortunately too early for lunch. It's a really neat space and we stopped to have a snack (from the snack cart in Harambe)
After a few more rides it was HOT! A perfect time to grab some "dole whip"!
Since we snacked our way through Animal Kingdom we split a quick service lunch late in the day. The salad wasn't my favorite but the pizza was pretty good!
A trip to Animal Kingdom wouldn't be complete without a trip to Festival of the Lion King which was amazing as usual!
Let's stop for a second...I ALWAYS tell people that Animal Kingdom is NOT a half day park and even though we only spent half a day there, I stand by my original theory. With only 3 days at the parks we were really were just hitting the highlights. We missed so much by leaving Animal Kingdom early but we hit our favorites. We went back to the hotel before heading to EPCOT.
It was time to head to EPCOT for the evening. We had an earlier dinner at La Hacienda followed by some drinks and snacks and Illuminations. We spent some time doing things hubby hadn't before (like exploring China and seeing the Circlevision movie)
Day 3 Magic Kingdom...and our friends arrive!
I know this post is a long one, but bare with me! Today was the day our friends finally arrived and we were so excited. Our plan was to hit Hollywood Studios early so I could ride Rock-n-Roller Coaster but ultimately we decided it was vacation (without our kids) and we would sleep in! We took the long way home the night before stopping by the Boardwalk and Disney Springs.
After a quick breakfast we were off to the airport!
After fireworks we took a quick ride on Splash Mountain before grabbing some ice cream. It's my favorite time in the park...it's quiet and sparkly and just so pretty!
My favorite place to be in the entire world!
We checked out the new garden areas and I have to say...I really loved them (more on this later in the trip!)
After that we had a bit of dinner, a snack and a lot of rides before calling it a night and heading back to the hotel. We had an early morning!
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Day 2 Animal Kingdom and EPCOT
We were up bright and early on Saturday to head to Animal Kingdom. My FAVORITE part of this trip was NO bags! No purses, no diaper bags..NOTHING. That means we didn't have to wait in bag check. Checkout those lines!
We got lucky and caught DeVine on the way in!
We stopped by the new Harambe Market unfortunately too early for lunch. It's a really neat space and we stopped to have a snack (from the snack cart in Harambe)
After a ride on Everest it was time for the Safari. I took way too many photos that I'll share with you another time, but for now, maybe my favorite picture ever!
After a few more rides it was HOT! A perfect time to grab some "dole whip"!
Since we snacked our way through Animal Kingdom we split a quick service lunch late in the day. The salad wasn't my favorite but the pizza was pretty good!
A trip to Animal Kingdom wouldn't be complete without a trip to Festival of the Lion King which was amazing as usual!
Let's stop for a second...I ALWAYS tell people that Animal Kingdom is NOT a half day park and even though we only spent half a day there, I stand by my original theory. With only 3 days at the parks we were really were just hitting the highlights. We missed so much by leaving Animal Kingdom early but we hit our favorites. We went back to the hotel before heading to EPCOT.
It was time to head to EPCOT for the evening. We had an earlier dinner at La Hacienda followed by some drinks and snacks and Illuminations. We spent some time doing things hubby hadn't before (like exploring China and seeing the Circlevision movie)
Our favorite meal...La Hacienda Mixed Grill!
Day 3 Magic Kingdom...and our friends arrive!
I know this post is a long one, but bare with me! Today was the day our friends finally arrived and we were so excited. Our plan was to hit Hollywood Studios early so I could ride Rock-n-Roller Coaster but ultimately we decided it was vacation (without our kids) and we would sleep in! We took the long way home the night before stopping by the Boardwalk and Disney Springs.
After a quick breakfast we were off to the airport!
We made a quick pit stop at Pop Century to drop our bags and have some lunch before we headed to the Magic Kingdom!
It was HOT and it was BUSY so we hit up a bunch of rides and shows with low wait times, saving our Faspass's and the popular attractions for later! Here is what we did before dinner:
- Mickey's Philharmagic
- Peoplemover
- Carousel of Progress
- Laugh Floor
- Buzz Lightyear
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
The park was fairly quiet!
Then it was time...time for dinner at Be Our Guest! We were giddy!
After dinner we spent time exploring and sharing all of our favorites; Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise and more! We were lucky enough to snag Fastpass's for Wishes viewing so about 20 minutes before the fireworks were set to start we went over to the viewing area. It was already pretty crowded but we found a great spot and sat down.
A few minutes before it was set to start we were asked to stand up for Safety issues. The viewing area was AMAZING. I can't say enough good things about it. It was a great spot, not crowded and we had a great view. The only downside is that you are using your last Fastpass at the end of the day so you can't get anymore.
After fireworks we took a quick ride on Splash Mountain before grabbing some ice cream. It's my favorite time in the park...it's quiet and sparkly and just so pretty!
It was time to head back to the resort and get a few hours sleep before heading to the cruise!!
Kennedy Turns 4
It's that time again...I've put it off until the last minute (which face it, it's when my writing is the best). Right now I hear the sounds of a little girl too excited to sleep, because tomorrow she turns 4. Didn't she just turn 3? Or was it 2?
So this post my sweet girl, is for you.
This year was a big year for you...you became a Big Sister. You haven't loved every minute of it but you sure do love that little girl.
So this post my sweet girl, is for you.
This year was a big year for you...you became a Big Sister. You haven't loved every minute of it but you sure do love that little girl.
Graduation Celebration: Post Trip Resort Review
I can't believe that one week ago today I was relaxing aboard the Disney Dream! Time seems to fly faster on vacation than any other time! I know you are all excited to see the photos so I thought it was about time to share! Before we get to our amazing cruise, I'd like to share with you our visit to Walt Disney World!!
Changes to 2016 Walt Disney World Packages
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2016!
Magical Extras
- Enhanced! Miniature Golf now includes four vouchers per package (instead of two), each valid for one round of miniature golf prior to 4:00 p.m. on one day at either Disney's Fantasia Gardens or Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.
- New! Four vouchers per package to ESPN Wide World of Sports, each valid for one general admission into ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on one day for one Guest.
Changes
- Discount on the price of bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ is now 10% instead of 20% and the 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Monday - Friday restrictions have been removed.
- Dining discount at Planet Hollywood® is now 15% instead of $15.00.
- Finding Nemo Suite at Art of Animation are now considered preferred rooms and are pricing higher than Lion King and Cars.
- Dining plan prices have increased (will post exact amounts once confirmed)
Removed
- Arcade Game Card
- Bongos Cuban Cafe® dining discount
- Children's Activity Center discount
- Disney Tours discount
- DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park two (2) vouchers
- Fulton's Crab House dining discount
- Horseback Trail Rides discount
- Guided Bass Fishing Excursion or Bass Nitro Fishing Excursion discount
- Paradiso 37 dining discount
- Spa Treatments or Salon Services discount
- Walt Disney World marinas discounts
Updated Policies for Packages to Walt Disney World® Resort:
Final Payment - Final payments must be made at least 30 days prior to arrival.
Change/Cancellation Fee - There are no fees for package changes or cancellations made 31 or more days prior to arrival.
Courtesy Hold - If booking prior to the final payment due date, reservations may be held without payment for up to three (3) calendar days or until the final payment due date, whichever is first. (Airfare is due at the time of booking; Travel insurance premiums must be paid at the time of deposit or purchase of insurance.)
Please note that the last date of a 2016 Magic Your Way Package may not be more than 499 days in the future.
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