Travel

5 Things No One Ever Told You About Disney World

If you are visiting Walk Disney World in Florida for the visit time, you may have visited a lot of sites to plan your trip. Maybe you ordered the Free Disney world DVD and found out everything you needed to know to plan the very best Disney trip ever. Even with all that planning, here are 10 things you may not know about Walt Disney World in Florida. We visited Disney for the second time this past February and we learned a things or 10 ourselves!

1. You can Rent a Stroller to be delivered to your hotel

Do you have young children who need to ride in a stroller? Did you know you can rent a stroller and have it brought to your hotel room? We didn’t ether. This company, Orlando Stroller Rentals, will bring the stroller right to your door. You can even have a stroller waiting for you at the airport. Some of these strollers are big enough for older children to ride and they have attached speakers for headphones and drink holders too. And don’t forget that there are tons of strollers, small motorized scooters and wheelchairs all over the Disney properties so allow extra time to get anywhere. You also have to “park” your stroller in one of the “stroller parking lots” when you arrive at a show, ride, or other revenue so allow extra time to that as well. I’ll sell you a stroller cheap!

2. Your Luggage can arrive at tour hotel before you do

Want your luggage to arrive at your hotel door without picking it up at the airport? This may be a well-known fact to some, but somehow we missed it. If you use Disney’s Magical Express, you can schedule ahead of time to have your luggage picked up at the airport and brought to select Disney hotel or resorts so it is there waiting for you when you arrive. Your luggage will arrive between 5 and 10 pm. You should receive luggage tags in the mail before your trip. Make sure you get this all sorted out before you go on your trip.

3. Birds and other critters will be your Best Friend

The Birds will stalk you and be your best friend! Don’t be surprised when you open your hotel room to the balcony, only to find a tiny bird standing there waiting to be fed. Walking on the boardwalk you will see ducks sitting at the feed of people who are outside eating their lunch. We saw a seagull swoop down and grab a young girl’s french fry right off of her lunch plate! This little guy came within 6″ of me but I didn’t have any food so he wandered off to the next person. Squirrels are so close you could grab them off the tree branches. At Epcot, just lean over the railing to look at the fish and giant 4′ long fish and 3′ turtles are there staring up at you waiting for their treat. Can you say spoiled!

4. Character Photos can have an hour wait

Want a photo with a Disney character? the line to meet Cinderella, well, let’s just say, if you want to talk to Cinderella you’d better be willing to wait in line for 45 minutes to an hour. I hope she’s worth it. Of course, that all depends on the crowd but usually there is a crowd waiting with you. To find out where the characters will be, pick up a copy of the Disney Times Guide that is available at large stores on the property. The Times Guide will list all of the characters that are available in a particular day in the parks as well as their times and locations.

5. You’ll be a Power Walker

You will be a power walker when your trip is over! In the 4 days we were there, I walked 8,000 steps, climbed 21 flights of stairs, and ran the equivalent of 2 miles. I know this because the Health monitor on my iPhone automatically recorded every bit of it just because the phone in my pocket. You really don’t think about how much walking you will be doing when you go to Disney but your aching feet and legs definitely will let you know by the end of the day. make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Nothing fancy, pretty and no high heels or you will be sorry. My Keens Sandals were amazing and my feet never hurt. I highly suggest a pair of these.

Things to Make Your Disney Trip More Enjoyable

Travel Pillow: The special Znzi Travel Stuff Pillow is re-imagined travel gear that changes shape and form as it adapts to your unique setting. 6 strategically-placed magnets and 2 suction cups allow you to customize this ultra-soft pillow to your exact needs and location. Whether sitting in a window, middle or aisle seat, go ahead and snap it, stick it or roll this most adjustable of all travel pillows into different shapes.

Disposable Rain Poncho: Orlando is known for having short bursts of rain in the afternoon. Take along a disposable rain poncho and you won’t be worried. The Reusable Rain Poncho is the ultimate protection against the rain at the Disney parks. You can even buy them in fun colors.

Stroller Protection: Don’t forget about the baby when the rain start to fall. Make sure to take a stroller weather shield too. The stroller cover should have an easy access front flap and be be easy to see through. Some come with a storage bag too.

Hand Sanitizer/Anti-Bacterial Gel: Imagine 10,000 people all riding the same ride as you and using the same bathroom. Bring along some hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial wipes to use every once an awhile. Get a bottle that has a clip so you can hang it on your backpack or stroller for easy access.

Travel Ziploc Bags: You never know what you plan on bringing home for a souvenir. Take along Ziploc travel bags so you can compress your clothes if you need more space in your luggage. The travel bag does not require a vacuum. Volume can be reduced by up to 75% to triple your storage space, depending on the items placed in the bag. Filled comforters and jackets will compress more than blankets and sweaters. They are airtight, waterproof, and reusable. Make sure bring some smaller, Ziploc storage bags too so you can bring home the hotel soap!

Comfortable Shoes: I never saw so many tennis shoes in my life on our Disney trip and one person wearing high heels. Everyone was either wearing tennis shoes or Naturalizers. Do yourself a favor and forget about fashion and go for the comfort. You will be glad you did at the end of the day after you have walked 2 miles in those shoes.

A Sneak Peak at the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

We were just at Epcot last week and got to see a sneak peek of what you can expect at this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Workers were busy getting everything ready and what we could see was just amazing. Disney’s Epcot is so pristine and there’s not a left out of place.

The 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival runs from March 2nd to May 30, 2016. Your Disney Epcot theme park ticket gets you into the festival at no additional charge but some experiences may require a separate purchase or admission fee. Discover an Epcot event bursting with fresh, farm-to-table flavors, brilliant blooms, interactive playgrounds and rocking entertainment.

Download the Festival Passport that will give you full details on everything that is happening during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

Here are just some of the gardens and Disney topiary character displays we saw when we visited Epcot.

If you stand perfectly still, you can catch a glimpse of the monorail as it flies over the magnificent flowering display at the base of the Spaceship Earth Dome.

Make sure you check out the train exhibit in Italy Epcot while you are there too. This is an elaborate train village with multi working trains, tunnels, hills, and beautiful flowers and greenery.

The Disney Frozen Elsa and Anna topiaries are not to be missed. You can find these topiaries in Norway in Epcot.

Our favorite gardens at Epcot were in England, just behind the Twinings Tea Store.

Captain Hook and the Alligator topiaries can also be found in England in Epcot

In France you will find the Cinderella and Prince Charming garden exhibit and topiary display just under the big clock.

Epcot Japan has a Bonsai garden, complete with Koi fish.

What will you see when you visit Epcot’s Flower and Garden show this year? Let us know what you found that we missed.

10 Simple Packing Tips for your Next Family Vacation

Packing for a family vacation can be so stressful that you might think it’s easier to just stay home. But don’t go canceling your trip to Disney World just yet. Just get yourself organized and follow these easy tips for effortless packing (without hives or anxiety!). Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the dirty laundry you’ll be bringing back home.

10 Tips to Pack for Your Family Vacation

The Packing List: Before you pack one thing, create your own packing list or search for one online. It will give you a basic checklist to print off. These are incredibly helpful and remind you of the smaller stuff you might have forgotten otherwise.

The Luggage: Your goal is to take the least amount of baggage possible without under-packing. Rolling clothes takes up less space and leaves them less wrinkly. Stick shoes into plastic bags so they don’t get your clothes dirty. Aim to take fewer bags than people.

The Important Stuff: You’ll need your flight itinerary or driving directions, a driver’s license, photocopies of everyone’s birth certificate and passport (in the event yours are lost or stolen), hotel and car rental confirmations and credit card contact information. It’s also helpful to have copies of things you plan to do and guidebooks.

Entertainment for All: For everyone’s sanity, leave the Legos and noisy toys at home. This is the perfect time for new drawing supplies and activity books, finger puppets and small toys, card games and books, portable DVD players and LeapPads (remember headphones and chargers!). Don’t underestimate the oldies like “I Spy”, Tick Tack Toe and Hangman. And most important, don’t forget the blankie and lovey!

Clothing: Think comfort, layering and coordinating. Pack two pair of well-worn shoes for each person. Also pack enough outfits and underwear for each person per day plus two extra. Try and coordinate as best you can so they are interchangeable. If you’ll be swimming, pack two swimsuits per person and a cover-up. With the exception of babies, keep the pajamas to a minimum as they can easily be reused. Throw in an appropriate jacket for the climate you’ll be going to. No matter where you’re going, remember comfort is key unless you’re meeting the Royal Family.

First Aid & Medications: Depending on where you’re headed, you may need more or less than some travellers. Pain relief for adults and children, itch relief cream, allergy medicine such as Benedryl and asthma inhalers, sun screen, meds for diarrhea, constipation and motion sickness, as well as, basic first aid items such as Band-Aids and antibacterial cream, Just keep in mind that some of these items may not make it through bag check if you’re flying. In that case, you may need to pack some items in a zip lock bag and stash in your luggage or buy at your final destination.

Baby Gear: Plan on the essentials, car seat/booster seat, playard and stroller. If you’re staying at a hotel or friend’s home, try and borrow a playard and save yourself the hassle. Bringing a stroller along is helpful for so many reasons. It holds a sleeping baby if your flight is delayed and doubles as a bag carrier when walking through an airport or shopping. Don’t forget to throw in the SnoozeShade for infant carriers, strollers and playards so your little one gets the rest he needs while away from home.

The Emergency Bag: Don’t leave home without it! Fill it with must-haves you can grab in a jiffy. If you fly and your luggage is delayed, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief with emergency supplies close at hand. Include extra underwear for kids, diapers, wet wipes, Kleenex, prescriptions, pain relief meds, a small first aid kit, large zip lock baggies (they come in handy for many things), a small container or bag of powdered laundry soap and snacks.

Pack One Extra Bag: Tuck a small duffel bag or backpack in your suitcase. This will come in very handy for dirty clothes or souvenirs.

The Misc. Stuff: Think cell phone chargers, keys and daily medications. Don’t forget to grab these items on your way out the door. These are some of the most important and most forgotten items. Also, if you have a family member who suffers from food allergies or has special needs, you’ll also need to account for this by packing extra food and needed items.

About Cara Sayer: British mom, Cara Sayer, is the founder of the multi-award winning SnoozeShade sun and sleep shade for babies and toddlers. e breathable sun and sleep shade solution that attaches to strollers, car seats and playards for babies on the go.

How to Save Money When Traveling with Children

Family vacations offer a unique opportunity to create memories and strengthen family bonds. Although traveling with grandchildren can have its challenges, with the right planning and information, trips can be fun and hassle free at any age.

Here are a few of the Fly.com team’s favorite travel tips that will help ease family travel and save money along the way:

Overseas Travel

A good way to get children to anticipate the trip overseas is to get them some foreign currency (at a local bank). This will help them get excited and start thinking about what they can buy once they are there.

Save Money on Airfare

Children under two years old do not need their own ticket on most domestic carriers, but they’ll have to sit on parents or grandparents laps. Try to buy a window and aisle seat in the same row on midday flights. If the seat next to you is purchased, chances are the person will gladly swap with you or move rows so you can sit together. If no one buys the seat, then you have the extra space.

Extra Clothing

Bring a change of clothes on the plane for not only your little traveler, but for you as well. You never know when a little one might get motion sick!

Diaper Change

Make sure to have a changing pad with you, not just diapers and wipes. Also, don’t pack all diapers in one bag. If it gets lost, you’re suddenly in a bind.

Cheap Travel Days

The least expensive days to fly are typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Around the holidays, try to travel on the actual holiday to save money on airfare. Since airfare sales normally run Tuesday – Thursday, those are often the best days to book.

Compare Airfares and Save

Using a metasearch engine, such as Fly.com, gives you access to the largest number of airline carriers, online travel websites and airfare consolidators, helping you find the best price.

Travel Apps

One of my favorite new travel companions is the Travelzoo app available Free through iTunes. Travelzoo subscribers can find the best travel, entertainment and local deals, including the weekly Top 20, right on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. This makes finding local deals when traveling super easy and convenient.

Source: Fly.com sent this to me and since it was good sound advice I thought I would share it with others who might be traveling with children.

The Hotel Monaco, Washington, DC, A Stay Fit for a Queen

Greg and I are just starting to spread our wings now that our children have grown. We had a chance to visit Washington, DC and take in a day at the Smithsonian with the grandkids recently. During our visit we stayed at the a Hotel Monaco (A Kimpton property) in Washington, DC. This is a fabulous French hotel with an eclectic sense of decor.

This is a very old hotel and was originally the first post office in Washington, DC before it became the hotel.

From the moment you step out of your cab the people at Hotel Monaco at there to help you. Someone was always available to answer our questions and help us in anyway we wanted.

Although I didn’t get a picture of it, the restaurant in the hotel, Poste, is great. It makes you feel like you are in old New York City with full-length wall mirrors and Frank Sinatra tunes playing in the background. The complimentary breakfast was great – a plate of fresh fruit nicely arranged and a croissant or bagel with coffee and juice. The coffee was the best!

Just inside of the front door you are greeted with a mix of European and ecletic decor. There are plenty of places to sit and just soak up the ambiance. It was an interesting mix of color and black and white. Palm trees looked out of place but somehow fit into the overall scheme of things.

My favorite part of this hotel was the hallway. Yes, it was so unique I just keep going back and taking pictures of it. I just love the way they put the colors together and these huge chandeliers that were over-sized lampshade were magnificent.

The artist illusion of this hallway was so interesting. I have never seen anything so wonderful in a hotel before.

When we arrived at our room I noticed a neat looking door marker. Each marker had a tassel on it and just under the numbers were Braille markers.

The room reminded us so much of France with the black and white and also the heavy striped drapery made out of silk and satin. The room is a little smaller than some chain hotels but if you have ever been to Europe you know that Europeans don’t mind small spaces.

The bed was ultra comfortable. Internet access was part of the room fee so there was no added cost for it. My favorite thing was actually the soap in the bathroom. I am happy with the smallest things sometimes. They stock it with Aveda soap which is so wonderful and creamy. Now I have to find where I can buy some to use at home. The water was definitely hot enough and the shower head powerful enough.

Right outside of our room was a spiral staircase. It was made out of marble and exquisite in it’s composition. It was so beautiful that many times we would just walk down instead of taking the elevator.

If you are in Washington,DC for a visit try the French restaurant, La Chaumiere on M Street. This is a true French restaurant and has had high ratings for many years.

They treat you just like you are in France, pulling out the chair and table, seating you and then pushing it back in. I haven’t figured out if this is how they get you to stay and eat more or not. You’re trapped. But, that is a good thing at La Chaumiere because the food is excellent.

I had seas scallops and Greg had the leg of lamb, shown here. We loved it so much we stayed for 2 desserts and cappuccino.

Washington DC Hotels