My family & I kicked off our summer vacation with a Carnival Cruise of out of New Orleans, La. We traveled to Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel. Being a travel agent I tend to look beyond just the vacation itself and observe more things like the staff, boat cleanliness, food quality, other travelers remarks I hear in passing, and so on. We started off our cruise with two days at sea where my teenage girls ran from one end of the boat to the other doing as many activities offered as possible. They played trivia, bingo, cards, watched both evening shows in the theater, ate ice cream galore (which is free self serve on the ships), and just had a great time having a little freedom. One thing that made this easier for me to allow them to go some places on the ship without us is that Carnival implemented a chat feature app. For $5 a phone we would all text/chat each other back and forth with our location or where to meet next, etc. I was really glad to see they started offering some form of communication that doesn't cost a small fortune. Our first port stop was Roatan which I have stayed on this island for several weeks before. It is always my favorite port and I was so excited to be here for the day! We got a day pass to Infinity Bay which is the resort we stay at the times we have flown to the island. It was so nice being back snorkeling right off the beach in some of the prettiest water you have ever seen, lounging in the infinity pool that overlooks the Caribbean, and drinking their famous Monkey La La drinks that are "oh so" delicious. As always, Roatan did not disappoint. Our second port stop was Belize where I planned a private island excursion which was exactly what it was....a private island with just my family and one other family from the cruise ship. We were able to use the paddle boards, kayaks, beach chairs, and fresh water showers. They chef on the island cooked us lunch and it was wonderful. It was so quiet and relaxing! There were four bungalow style houses on the island that you can rent as well. After talking and getting some information from the island manager I can now book my clients to this private island and it is an all inclusive AND they have a sister property in the jungle region of Belize so you can do a split stay between the properties. This is going to be a perfect vacation for many families, honeymooners, anniversary travelers, or just a getaway! Needless to say, I was excited leaving this excursion with the new information I had acquired to pass on to my clients. Our third port was Cozumel where I booked a day pass to the Occidental Grand which is also an all inclusive property. The grounds at the resort were beautifully landscaped, they had all day activities by the pool, the food was very good as were the drinks. If Cozumel is a place you have been wanting to travel to this resort would be a good choice. We have cruised many times with different cruise lines. This cruise was what I expected as far as quality, service, activity options, etc. All in all my family had a wonderful time being together and that is what our main goal of going on vacation is. Make memories with your loved ones while you can. I would love to help you and your family with your next vacation whether it is a cruise, an all inclusive resort, Disney, or someplace else. Kristy kristy@gomdv.com 225-505-0452 We are always looking for something fun to do on our resort day. Something unique but easy and free is always good! Aside from swimming and exploring our own resort, Polynesian Village, I wanted something super fun but close so we didn’t have to drive or take the bus anywhere. I knew we had to take the monorail over to the Grand Floridian so I could visit one of my favorite stores - Basin White - for a Mickey Bath Bomb! That helped me figure it out! We would go to the Grand Floridian for the ‘Magical Moment’! I don’t have a princess but I do have the most charming little prince!! We arrived at the Grand Floridian around 3:20pm and headed up to M. Mouse Mercantile on the second floor. There were no other prince or princesses there yet but there was the sweetest Cast Member who filled us in on what happens at this most royal event! Parents are welcome to stay with their kids or go downstairs to the lobby to take pictures as they walked down the stairs and danced. At 3:35pm, the royal staff would come and walk the kids over to take a photo. Cinderella and Prince Charming came out as the kids were lined up and posed for pictures with the group - by this time there were about 20 kids there and ready to participate. There is a PhotoPass Photographer there to capture the magic. He passed out PhotoPass cards that we linked to our My Disney Experience account. (He does not scan individual magic bands) We received all the pictures from the event on this card. After pictures, Cinderella and Prince Charming led the kids down the main staircase. (I ran down the smaller staircase and sat on the little platform in between the 2 large white balls in the lobby – we were told this was the best seat in the house since the prince and princess would dance right in front of us). The kids were adorable following the royal couple down the staircase and then everyone was invited to dance. My little one was especially excited to dance with me until Cinderella came and cut in!! Yes!! The princess herself walked over and asked to dance with my little prince! I was thrilled and couldn’t grab the camera fast enough to record this magical moment! He, on the other hand, needs to know things beforehand so he danced with her with a stunned look on his face the whole time J After the dance, she curtsied and let him know he should bow. It was adorable. Our royal hosts mingled for another few minutes and then left to attend their next royal engagement. It was a super fun half hour or so that we spent enjoying this Magical Moment! I highly recommend taking the time to bring your little princess or prince to experience this! I would love to help you plan more magical moments for your vacation! Jen Morrison jen@gomdv.com facebook.com/mickeysdreamvacationsbyjen On our most recent visit to the mouse we decided a day at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon was in order. We were going in May so I knew it would be hot and needed a place in the shade. A Cabana was the answer! The Cabanas at Typhoon Lagoon are called "Beachcomber Shacks" and are worth every penny. If you are debating on if this is something you want to do here are the details: The Beachcomber shacks provide your family with a comfortable place to hide from the sun, get away from the crowds and relax. When you arrive at the park you will head to High N Dry rentals and get in the cabana check in line. From there you will be checked in and everyone in your party is given a wrist band. The cast member walks you to your cabana and explains the amenities. Your cabana host will greet you and give you her number to text if you need anything. She is there to bring you food, drinks, extra towels or anything you think you will need. The cabanas will accommodate up to six guests and the cost is $351.56 for the full day plus park admission, it includes the following: Fresh Towels Cooler with bottled water refilled all day All day drink mugs for everyone in the party Private lockers Attendant Lounge furniture-(ours had six Adirondack style chairs as well as a couple of ottomans and side tables) When it's time for lunch head back to your cabana and text your order to the attendant, she will magically bring your food to you. No need to stand in line with the masses. The cabana menu has the same items found at the counter service restaurants in the parks with offerings such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, salads, wraps and several desserts. There is also a drink menu for alcoholic beverages. Our cabana was located right near the wave pool so it was a great centrally located spot in the park where everyone can meet back at during the day. Cabanas can be booked 180 days ahead and payment is due in full at the time of booking. You can cancel and get a refund 24 hours in advance. If you are looking for something special to do with your family and have some luxury added to your vacation this is a great add on. Ask your agent to help you reserve a cabana for your next Disney vacation. Adventure Awaits! -Meg Kinnerk |