It's Vacation Time, Baby! My Travel Checklist

First, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are still celebrating with your family and friends. I don't know that we have any set-in-stone plans for today; will probably just visit as the kids play with their Christmas presents.

As I leave for Orlando in just a few days (!!!), it's time for that pre-trip ritual, the "Holy crap, I am leaving in a few days and here's what I have to get done" vacation checklist.

It's truly a time-honored tradition, one where I run around like a banshee in the days and hours before my trip, trying to do the things that inexplicably I put off doing in the weeks beforehand. Because pre-preparation and relaxed packing is for suckers.

* I am going to lay out the clothes I want to take, and then edit from there. Once again, I'm going to pack in just a carry on and a backpack (for the post that started me on the road to "Carry On Only", here is that post!). We're going to stay at Saratoga Springs for a few days, and then head over to the cruise on January 2nd. We'll have laundry in our villa at Saratoga, so I can do laundry and there's no need to pack 1/2 my wardrobe.

* I'll find, and assemble, my cruise "extras". I have magnets for our stateroom door, and my Fish Extender as I am participating in the FE again for this cruise. We are also doing a Secret Santa, but I am picking up that gift at Disney so no need to pack that. Phew.

* One of these trips, I am going to come up with a "master list" of things I always bring every trip, so I don't have to try and recreate the list each time. We'll see, maybe this will be the time. Or I'll just wing it, like I always have. (It's important to have goals.)

* I like my house to be mostly clean and put together before I go out of town, so in the next few post-Christmas days I'll tidy up and get the house in decent shape. However, I am not going to tackle taking down decorations until AFTER I get back.

* I am going to take some time to write blog posts for 2015 and take and edit LOTS of pictures while on this trip (yes, it's vacation but this work IS relaxing for me), so I want to make sure and bring my nice camera. And the lenses. You laugh - but this fall I went to the Disney Archives exhibit in Chicago, took that fancy camera with me - - and forgot to put on a lens. Rookie mistake.

How do you get ready for vacation? What are your rituals, traditions, etc?

Have a great Saturday!

Adios...See you in Orlando!

Good morning, everyone, and Adios! Tomorrow morning I will be flying the friendly skies and starting my Disney World & Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I have a few last-minute things to take care of at home before tomorrow, and then I am in full-on vacation mode.

I will be sharing blog posts, pictures, and also videos here and on my social media pages - - so if you don't already follow me on those, be sure you do so you don't miss a thing!

Thanks again for following along - I can't wait to share with you!

See you in Orlando!

The Great Packing Experiment of 2014

Packing.  UGH.

I LOVE to vacation, that's no secret.  I get giddy as I mentally cross of the days in my mind until I am back in my happy place. I love nothing more than the anticipation and excitement that goes along with a trip. But packing is the pits.  Unfortunately, I typically wait until the night before I leave to pack, and then I end up forgetting things.  Grr.

Not to mention, I always get slightly annoyed when I check in for my flight and then have to pay for my checked bags.  It's lunacy to me that after paying $100s of dollars for a plane ticket, I have to shell out another $50-60 minimum to take more than the clothes on my back. Plus, we've all been in the delightful situation where we arrive before our bags do, and that's no fun at all.

So in light of both of these issues, today I undertook what I am calling "The Great Packing Experiment of 2014" - also known as "How I Packed for 1 Week at Disney World and on Disney Cruise Line in One Carry On Bag."

Those of you who know me personally are probably on the floor right now.  You've vacationed with me, and have been a witness to the sheer volume of (mostly) crap I bring with me when I go out of town.  But those days are gone, and the days of packing smarter, not harder, are upon me.

To get started, I went online and found articles and blogs from people who have packed all in a carry on.  Some people were packing for WEEKS in a carry on.  Now that is impressive; if they can do it, I have no excuse.

One thing that has SAVED me with packing are packing cubes.  You MUST get some, if you don't use them already.  They're a great way to consolidate your items and keep everything nice and cozy. I have 6 of them, in various sizes, and they have been a lifesaver.  I use them for clothes of course, but also for makeup, charging cables - anything that I want to consolidate and not having rolling around my luggage.

To get started, I laid out exactly what I was taking with me (exact shoes, outfits, etc).  I also got out my carry on suitcase, and the backpack I am using as my personal item. I started by laying out what would go in the carry on, and what would go in the backpack.

So you know what went in the carry on bag, here is what I packed:

* 5 tee shirts
* 5 pairs shorts
* 3 cardigans and 2 camisoles for dinners on cruise
* 1 pair capris
* 1 pair long dress pants
* 1 pair PJs
* Undergarments
* Swimsuit and coverup
* 3 pairs shoes (I am wearing one pair on the plane)
* Jewelry
* DCL hoodie sweatshirt (wearing this on the plane - they get chilly!!)
* Cruise items: Fish Extender, magnets for cruise door, docs, etc
* Two purses: my Vera Bradley Disney cross-body for the parks, and then a smaller purse for dinner on the cruise.  I like to have a smaller purse for the cruise, to carry my phone, room key, etc.

You'll notice I don't have a brush, or hairdryer, or even items like sunscreen.  Something that has saved my packing bacon is the Owners Locker - it's a purple plastic tote that you rent, and the OL folks store it for you in their warehouse in Orlando.  You simply let them know when you're arriving and when you're leaving, and they will drop off and pick up your tote from a large list of Disney (and non-Disney) resorts.  It's a wonderful option if you go to Orlando regularly, as you can use it to store items you want to have with you but don't want to pack every time.  I use mine to store shampoo and conditioner, my hair products, sunscreen, a small medicine kit, and more.  Check them out at www.ownerslocker.com - you'll be glad you did!

The remaining items (laptop, Kindle, toiletry bag, etc) go in my personal item, and I'm using a Disney Cruise Line book bag that I received as a Castaway Club gift a few years ago.

I started out by using two of the larger packing cubes, one for the cruise / dress clothes and another for the shorts and tees.  I then used another large cube for my PJs and swim suit + cover up, and then a medium sized one for the undergarments.

It's INCREDIBLE how much you can fit in those packing cubes!  All of the packing tips I read said to fold your luggage, but I would be you can save even MORE room by using the cubes.

I also have an awesome suitcase that has 2 compartments, so you can fit LOTS of items in this bag. I placed the two largest packing cubes on the bottom, and then on top of that placed my shoes and the purses.  I still have room to spare!  

Then, in the second compartment, I placed my undergarments packing cube, the bag with the computer / Kindle / phone, etc chargers and cables, my jewelry container and the other larger packing cube that holds my PJs and swimsuit.

In the clear zipper pocket went my cruise packet and paperwork, my Fish Extender and magnets for the Disney Cruise Line doors.  My FE gift is a bit heavy and I knew I couldn't place it in my suitcase, so I am mailing it to my Disney World hotel.  It'll all go in one of the "if it fits, it ships" USPS boxes and is cheaper than having to check a second suitcase.

Here are a few more pictures of the packing process:

I was then able to zip it up, WITH room to spare!  No sitting on it or praying for the zipper to work.  Everything fits great, and I am certainly not straining the bag at all.  I even have the two outside zipper pockets still available!  I will probably use the smaller one on top for my 3 oz or less toiletry bag, so that's easier to get to when going through airport security.  I might use the larger one for my sweater on the plane.

So there you have it!  A successful packing experiment.  After I took these pictures, I removed the clothes from the suitcase because A) I am going to wear some of them this week, and B) I didn't want them to wrinkle in the suitcase for 6 days.  However, having run through the packing, I will be able to pack "for real" very quickly on Friday night, and be ready to head to the airport on Saturday morning!

Thanks for coming along on this packing adventure!  Just a few more days, and I'll be headed down to Orlando - I can't wait!

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: A(nother) Slight Change in Plans

I hope you all have fun weekend plans ahead! Today, I am visiting a friend (who I met through Disney) in Wisconsin - I haven't seen her in quite a few months, so should be a fun day.

Then, it's ON with the trip packing and getting ready to go!  I fly out of Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon the 30th, so over the week of the 25th I am going to get my ducks in a row and start packing. I hate packing last-minute, because invariably I forget something important.  And never something minuscule - I always seem to remember the things I really probably don't need, while forgetting things like a toothbrush or deodorant.  Yes, you can buy these things at the resort but it's a pain to have to do so, especially because they are often marked up pretty high price-wise.

Today, in Pre-Trip news, I have a slight change in plans.  (Ellen, stop rolling your eyes at me, I can see you!! haha) I was looking over my itinerary and decided a few things.  First, while I really DO want to experience one of the Water Parks, after further reflection I decided I would prefer to do it on a trip where I had travel companions, so I am not going to take that Wednesday morning to explore Blizzard Beach.  Also - I am arriving in Orlando on Saturday, and saw there is a Fantasmic! showing that night, and decided to do that instead of on Sunday.  So, instead of doing Hollywood Studios on Sunday afternoon and evening, I am going to do it on Wednesday and then on Sunday afternoon, will be exploring Animal Kingdom.

I also have cousins who attend UCF in Orlando, and on Sunday afternoon we're going to bowl and have lunch at Splittsville at Downtown Disney, so that should be fun!

So, now the plan looks like this:

Saturday: Arrive at POP Century around 6:30-7:00 and go to Hollywood Studios to watch Fantasmic! at 8:30PM.

Sunday: Check out of POP, then head over to Downtown Disney and Splittsville.  In the late afternoon/early evening, go to Animal Kingdom.

Monday: Magic Kingdom, with lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern.

Tuesday: Epcot, with lunch at Les Chefs de France.

Wednesday: Hollywood Studios, with dinner at Maya Grill in the evening.

Thursday: Kona Cafe for breakfast, then off to the Disney Dream!

One week from today, I will be in Orlando!  Eeek!  Cannot wait.

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: Saturday, September 6th - Castaway Cay!

Hello, readers!  And welcome to anyone who's new to Most Delightful Place!  There are TONS of you who have entered the giveaway (thank you!) and I hope you find other items and articles as you peruse the blog.

Today is my FAVORITE day of any cruise.  It's Castaway Cay day, folks!

Castaway Cay is Disney's private island in the Bahamas and is just stunning.  Crystal clear waters, a wonderful beach, water sports....what more could you want?

One thing I am most looking forward to is docking the boat itself at CC.  I have an aft (back of the boat) cabin and since Disney "backs in" the boat to the dock, if you have an aft room you have a perfect vantage point for seeing CC.  You typically arrive at CC around 7:30AM (disembarking starts about 8:30AM) and so it's super relaxing to sit on your balcony, have a cup of coffee and watch the boat arrive.  Pure bliss.

I did a blog post a few months ago all about Castaway Cay, with some fun pictures - - you can check that out at the link HERE.

The plan for today is "no plan at all!" I will probably eat breakfast and be off the boat about 10AM and head to Serenity Bay, the adults-only area of Castaway Cay.  It's incredibly beautiful, peaceful and a great way to spend the day.  My favorite thing to do is take one of the beach chairs into the water and sit and read my book as the clear blue water of the Bahamas laps around my ankles.

On Castaway Cay there are lots of excursions to choose from, such as catch-and-release fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, etc.  I plan on renting a tube to use in the water, but other than that, I haven't planned any excursions for this day.  I might end up doing a bike rental, as I did that back in February and really enjoyed it - it was a nice way to see the island AND get some exercise at the same time!

After a day basking in the gorgeous sun, I'll head back to the boat for our last dinner.  Since I have the later dining rotation, I'll be able to sit on my balcony and watch as we leave Castaway Cay.  I plan on ordering the cheese platter and a glass of wine from room service, and enjoying some time out on the deck before I get ready for dinner. Perhaps I'll also catch a movie, or go to one of the lounges with some of my other cruise friends.

Later that night comes the worst part of cruising - packing to go home! :( I'll get my things together so I am ready for breakfast the next morning and to walk off the ship.  Since I have the later dining rotation I'll have a later breakfast as well and should be off the ship by about 9:30AM at the latest. Then it's off to Orlando International airport and back home!

Be sure to follow me here and on social media as I will be posting live pictures and videos of my cruise on the Disney Dream.

In the meantime, have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: Friday, September 5th - First Full Day on the Disney Dream Part One

Happy Wednesday to you all!

The next day of the Pre-Trip Report covers my first full day on the Disney Dream - Friday, September 5th.  Since this is a shorter cruise (3 nights), I want to make sure I take the time to relax, while still exploring the ship and what it has to offer.  The boat docks in Nassau this day, but since I have been to Nassau quite a few times, I plan on just staying on the boat.

I plan on getting up in the morning, doing a walk around Deck 4 and then getting some breakfast at Cabanas.  I don't plan on setting an alarm but I naturally wake up around 7:30AM.  I like to get in at least a bit of walking on the cruise line (all the yummy food catches up with you!) and so each morning I plan on doing some laps around Deck 4.  Three times around the deck is a mile, and it's a nice way to start the day.

For breakfast at Cabanas I will have what I always have, my standard DCL breakfast: A Mickey waffle with strawberries and Eggs Benedict.  YUM!  I love both those items and for whatever reason don't have them a lot at home, so it's definitely a vacation treat.

After breakfast, I will go back to my stateroom, put on my suit and head up to the deck for some Kindle reading and relaxing.  One of my absolute favorites parts of a Disney Cruise is hanging out on deck, reading and watching the world go by.

After lunch, I plan on hitting up the Senses Spa for a few hours.  I bought a day pass to the Rainforest Room at Senses Spa; it's INCREDIBLE, and they only sell so many passes during a cruise.  You can reserve yours before the cruise leaves or at the spa but be sure and do it your first day. For the daily fee (it was $16), you get exclusive use of saunas, special showers (with varying temperatures and even scents!), these awesome heated loungers and special hot tubs. If you think you'll use the Rainforest Room a lot on your stay, you can also buy a package deal for the length of your cruise.  The last time I did this, it was $99 per couple; that was on a 4 night cruise, so the prices for other lengths could be different.  And keep in mind - a couple doesn't have to be you and a spouse / significant other!  You can sign up with your mom, a girlfriend, etc.

After a really difficult morning / early afternoon of kicking back and hanging out, I'll probably consult the daily Navigator (the schedule of all events on the ship) and see if there are any fun things I want to attend.  Or, I might hit up the Buena Vista Theatre and see a movie.  Lots of options!

Coming up next update: Part Two of the Nassau day ~ in the meantime have a Magical Day!

Pre-Trip Report: A Slight Change in Plans

Hello everyone!  I hope you're all having a great week and enjoying July. 

Today I have an update / change to the Trip Plans.  As you know, I had thought I would fly into Orlando on Saturday, and then on Sunday AM to go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to see the new Harry Potter area, Diagon Alley.

However, after consideration, I have decided to forgo Harry Potter for another trip.  I would be arriving in Orlando on Saturday evening, so the only time to tour Universal would be Sunday morning until about 1PM, when I would need to head over to Coronado Springs.   As I was planning my day, that just seemed like too short of a time to really enjoy Universal.  Also, I really did not want to purchase a 2-park ticket and only be able to use a few hours of it.

I would LOVE to see Harry Potter but I just feel that I'd rather have more time there, rather than feeling like I had to rush to see everything in just 1/2 a day.  So, I've decided instead to take a Harry Potter-centric trip in the future, possibly Memorial Day 2015.

Because I HAVE to see this stuff!!

Thanks for following along as I plan this fun, magical trip to Orlando!  I'll be leaving 6 weeks from Saturday - eeek!

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: Thursday, September 4th - Heading to the Disney Dream! Part 2

As promised, here is Part 2 of the next day of the Pre-Trip Report - the arrival at Port Canaveral for the cruise on the Disney Dream!

As I mentioned in Part 1, I had initially decided to rent a car and drive down to the Port.  However, after thinking about it further I decided to hire a car service to take my friend and I to the Port. Disney has a transportation option that for $35 per person will take you to the port.  However, you don't have much control over when you leave and I like to be at the port by 10:30-11:00 AM.  The last time I took their transport we got to the port about 1:45 which was a bit late for my tastes.

I am also going to re-evaluate my plan to visit MK that morning of the cruise.  Since EMH (Extra Magic Hours) are at the Magic Kingdom on Thursday, it opens at 8AM for resort guests.  This means the buses will be starting about 7AM which makes it easy to get to Kona Cafe; I'll just take a bus to MK and ride the monorail over to the Polynesian for my 7:30AM breakfast.  However, I don't know if I will have time to go into MK as I'll need to ride a bus back to Coronado Springs and be there by 9:30 to meet the town car for the drive to the port.  I *might* be able to bounce in for a quick 15-20 minutes and soak up some Main Street USA atmosphere, which will work for me!

The town car will pick me up, and then we'll go to Art of Animation to pick up my friend and her daughter.  Then onward to Port Canaveral!  It's about a 45-60 minute drive from Disney World.

At Port Canaveral, you drop off your bags before you go in with the porters (the bags will be delivered later to your room, so don't forget the baggage tags you get in your cruise packet!) and then go through a small security (much like you would at the airport, except you don't need to remove your shoes or coats). You then get in line to check in; if you are a Castaway Club member (you've sailed on DCL before), or are sailing Concierge, you have special check in areas.  You then turn in your signed cruise contract (that you printed off at home once you completed your online cruise check in), show them your passport or other documentation, get your Key to the World card, your lanyard (if you've sailed before) and then you're ready to go! In the past, this process takes anywhere from 5-20 minutes, depending on the length of the line.

You also get a boarding group number; when the ship starts boarding about 11:30AM, they call boarding groups 1, 2, 3, etc so there isn't a mad rush to the boat, all at once.  I am hoping to get a fairly high boarding group number, so I can have as much time as possible on that great ship!

When my boarding group is called, I will walk through these gorgeous, gleaming ears....and be ready to start the cruise!  WOO HOO!

I hope to be on the ship itself by about Noon.  Caletta, her daughter and I will grab lunch, and then I imagine we'll go our separate ways until dinner time.  We have separate staterooms, but we've chosen to link our reservations together so we can dine together in the evening.  We have the second seating, at 8:15PM. I prefer the later seating, as it's nice to not rush after excursions or a day at the pool to get ready for dinner.

You have access to your stateroom about 1:30PM, although your luggage won't arrive until closer to 4:30PM.

I don't have many set-in-stone plans for that first day, but I will for sure:

* Check out my stateroom at 1:30PM and put my custom magnets on the stateroom door.  I have ordered a few from Etsy and also made some - it's a fun way to personalize your door (and also helps locate your room the first few times you go to it!).  Just be sure you only use magnets; any tape or other adhesives is a no-no, and you'll be paying for them to clean and paint the door!

* Change into my swimsuit, and spend some time at the pool. Make sure that you pack your suit, medications or whatever else you'll want before you get your luggage in a day bag.

* Register for a mixology class. Caletta and I plan on going to at least one of the mixology classes on board and you register once you're on the ship, so I'll do that in the afternoon at some point.  I have done the wine tasting before - I would like to try the martini tasting this time!

* Attend the Sail Away party. This is a party of the top decks of the ship where there's music and dancing with the characters and cruise staff while the boat sails away from port. It's fun and a great way to kick off the cruise!

Other than that, I am just going to relax and see where the day takes me!

What are your favorite parts about embarkation day on Disney Cruise Line?

The "Winner" of my Wednesday, September 3rd Disney World Plans!

Thank you to everyone who commented on Facebook and gave me suggestions for what to do with my last full day at Disney.  If you'll remember, I gave some options for this day and asked everyone to contribute with their vote on what I should do.

To refresh your memory, here were the choices:

A) Relaxed morning, then afternoon at Downtown Disney.

B) Animal Kingdom in the morning, then afternoon at the resort.

C) Animal Kingdom in the morning, then a water park in the afternoon.

And the winner is....

Plan D!

Huh?! Plan D, you say?!

A few friends made a great suggestion that I go to a water park in the AM, then either go to a park or lounge at the resort in the afternoon.  I'm hearing that the mornings are the best time to go to a water park crowd-wise.

Thank you to everyone who gave me their input - I really appreciate it!

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: Thursday, September 4th - Heading to the Disney Dream! Part 1

Hi, all!  Hope everyone had a wonderful & safe 4th of July weekend.

I am going to break up the Pre-Trip Report for September 4th into two parts; Part 1, which is the morning of the cruise and Part 2, where I'll talk about my plans for the cruise itself and my first day on board.  I started to write this and it was becoming a MONSTER post since this is such a busy day, so you get two posts for the price of one.  Bonus!

Today is September 4th - the day that I leave on the Disney Dream!  WOO HOO!  I cannot wait.  I just LOVE to cruise.

Hello, gorgeous!

But in the morning, there is still plenty of time to see and do before heading to Port Canaveral.

I am picking up my friend Caletta from Art of Animation Resort at about 9:30AM, so I have a few hours free in the morning.  I am renting a car to get to the port, so I figured, why not go somewhere in the AM and catch a yummy breakfast before heading to Port Canaveral?

And because I like to cram as much Disney into a day as humanely possible, how about an hour or so at a park, too?!

Last week, I asked on Facebook where you'd make a breakfast reservation on property and got a few resounding votes for Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort.  I whole-heartedly agree with this, so I made myself a 7:30AM breakfast reservation for Kona Cafe on the 4th.  Bring on the Tonga Toast!!

I am going to drive over to the Polynesian, enjoy my breakfast and then take the monorail into Magic Kingdom.  There are Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom that morning, starting at 8AM, so I figure I'll be able to spend an hour or so there before it's time to head out.  I'll ride the monorail back to the Polynesian and then head out to Art of Animation to pick up Caletta and her daughter.  Then it's onto Port Canaveral and the Disney Dream!

Maybe I'll ride a Magic Carpet!

Next on Part 2: My plans for my first day on the Disney Dream!

Pre-Trip Report: Tuesday, September 2nd

Happy Tuesday, readers!  And the first day of July...this summer is just whizzing by!

And you know the other cool thing?!  Starting today, I get to say - "I am going to Disney next month!" (OK, yes, I know LATE next month but it's the little things, right?!)

The next day of the trip will take me to Epcot ~ I just love this park - - both because of the attractions (like Soarin and Test Track) and also the World Showcase.  As with my Magic Kingdom day, the crowds on this day are predicted to be pretty low, so I am hoping I can get in multiple rides on some of my favorite attractions!

I plan to get to the park when it opens, so I can have plenty of touring time before lunch.  Since the World Showcase doesn't open until 11AM, I will get in plenty of rides on Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space and Living with the Land. I may even hit up the Character Spot and get some pictures with Mickey, Minnie and the gang!

I'll plan on being in the World Showcase when it opens at 11AM, so I can do a leisurely walk around the lake before lunch.  I plan on picking up a Times Guide at the start of the day, so I can catch some of the fun performances and special events at the different countries in the World Showcase.

One of the things I am looking forward to with touring solo is the ability to stay in the shops and countries as long as I want.  Some people like to rush through this part of Epcot but there are so many cool things to see and do.  It'll be nice to wander and see what I like, at my own pace.

After a relaxing morning and early afternoon, I will head over to Les Chefs de France in the France area of World Showcase.  This is another one of the restaurants I have never tried and am excited to eat there for the first time.  The menu sounds very good and I can't wait to be there!

(pictures courtesy of DisneyWorld.com)

After lunch, I will wind my way around the last 1/3rd of World Showcase, stopping in the UK and Canadian sections before making my way out of Epcot.  As I've mentioned before, September tends to be HOT and my plan at this point is to tour in the mornings, and then head back to the resort in the afternoon for some pool and relaxation time.

Epcot's nightly fireworks show, Illuminations, is a favorite of mine.  If I am feeling up to it this night, I will head back into the park later in the evening to catch the show.   I am still getting the knack of fireworks pictures, but I think these turned out pretty cool!

What are your favorite things about Epcot?

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: An Addition to the Plans!

Today's Pre-Trip installment comes with a change in plans - but never fear, it's a GOOD change!

I have been hearing a lot the past few weeks about Universal Orlando's expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  The brand-new Diagon Alley looks and sounds just incredible.  I went to WWOHP a few years ago and was blown away by the detail and theming, it was incredibly well done. From all I've heard about Diagon Alley, it appears they have hit another home run.

Looking at the pictures and video got me thinking - I will already be in Orlando.  I am not set to arrive at Coronado Springs until Sunday (when my reservation there starts), so what if I arrive in Orlando a day or two earlier, and took time to see Universal and Diagon Alley??

And so this little addendum to the trip was born.

My plan now is to fly into Orlando International on Saturday morning, and hopefully arrive at my hotel by 12:30PM.  From there, I will plan on hanging out at the hotel on Saturday and exploring the resort, as I have never stayed at an on-site Universal resort before.  I am leaning towards the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, it looks simply gorgeous!

I am buying a package deal that includes the hotel, my one-day park ticket and includes front-of-the-line access (similar to Disney's FastPass) and an extra hour in the morning at WWOHP.  I want to make the most of this extra hour, so I will arrive bright and early Sunday morning so I can have plenty of time to explore!  I plan on staying at Universal until about 1PM, and then I will head over to Coronado Springs to start the Disney World portion of my trip.

Here are some of the places I am excited to see for myself (these photos are courtesy of Universal Studios Orlando).

Isn't the detail incredible?!?!  The above images are from the new Gringott's Bank.  Spectacular, huh?

As always, I'll be bringing you along with me for the ride, so when the trip nears be sure and stay connected with me here, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Until next time!

Pre-Trip Report: First Full Day - Monday September 1, 2014

Good morning, everyone!  (Or afternoon, or evening - whenever you're reading this!)

Today is another installment of the Pre-Trip Report for my first full day at Disney World - Monday, September 1st.

Today, my plan is to hit Magic Kingdom, and tour there.  Crowd calendar predications are that crowds will be low today (as they are projected to be all week) so I am hoping to get in a LOT of attractions. Of course I will hit my favorites at LEAST once.

* Haunted Mansion

* Pirates of the Caribbean

* Jungle Cruise

* it's a small world (I can see you judging me for this one - it's a classic, come on!)

* Peter Pan

* Philharmagic 

I plan on making FastPass+ reservations for Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion and one of the character meet and greets but I honestly don't imagine I will need them if the crowd predictions materialize.

At some point in the day, I am going to use one of my Snack credits and grab a treat.  Perhaps I'll choose one of these delectable treats, under the Big Top right by the Dumbo attraction.

Or perhaps I'll get myself one of these yummy and refreshing Dole Whips.  YUM.  SO delicious.  I really need to figure out how to create these at home! (Please ignore my mutant hand in this picture. Seriously, could I have taken a LESS flattering picture??)

I have a lunch reservation at 1PM at Liberty Tree Tavern, and after I eat I imagine I will mosey my way out of the park, and back to Coronado Springs for some pool time.  The last time I went to Orlando in September it was HOT and HUMID, and most days I took an afternoon break by the pool.  This was super refreshing and a great way to relax and get into true vacation mode.

I have no set plans for Monday evening; we'll see where the wind takes me!  I plan on using Counter Service credits for dinner and having a meal at the food court at Coronado Springs, the Pepper Market. I might go out later that night to Epcot to watch Illuminations, but it's also a decent possibility that I will have a relaxing night at Coronado and explore what the resort has to offer.

So, that wraps up my first full day of the trip!  Stay tuned in the coming days for my plan for Tuesday, September 2nd.

What are your favorite uses of the Snack credits?  What treat do I just HAVE to try? (Share your comments here and/or on Facebook!)

Have a magical day!

Pre-Trip Report: My Dining Choices, Finalized!

Hello readers!  Time for another Pre-Trip update.  Let's talk food!

After much hemming and hawing (and a creation of a dining spreadsheet - yep I am *that* kind of crazy), I have decided on the following Table Service Dining Reservations for my upcoming Labor Day week trip.  I made my decisions based on my earlier list of places I've never been (you can read that again here), as I am on a quest to eat at each of the Table Service locations on Disney World property.

So without further ado, here is where I will be breaking bread in approximately 80 days:

* Hollywood & Vine, Disney's Hollywood Studios (Dinner) 

I chose this location for two reasons. First, this is the only table service restaurant at Hollywood Studios that I haven't been to, and have been wanting to try it.  I hesitated because I erroneously thought that all meals at this location were Character meals, but only Breakfast and Lunch are. Dinner is a buffet format and the food looks good.

Second, I chose it because I was able to make a Fantasmic! dinner package with this reservation.  It's still 1 Table Service credit and with your meal, you are given a voucher for a special reserved seating area at Fantasmic!, the night show at Hollywood Studios.  I haven't been to this show in about a year and it's my absolute favorite.  It tends to fill up fast and as there are only a few showings a week in the summer, you need to get there about an hour early to get in line.  However, with the voucher I will only have to get in line about 20-30 minutes ahead of time, which is nice.

* Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom (Lunch)

Liberty Tree Tavern is one of the places that I have heard rave reviews about, and I am excited to try it. The fare is pretty basic (salads and sandwiches) but a quick look at the menu and I think I'll really like it. Plus, I have to try the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake that people RAVE about.

* Les Chefs de France, EPCOT (Lunch)

Les Chefs has been on my dining list for some time now, and I've just never made it there.  Everything on the menu looks good to me, in particular the macaroni and cheese, made with Gruyere.  Delish.

                                                             

* Maya Grill, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (Dinner)

I added Maya Grill to the list because I am staying at Coronado Springs, where this restaurant is located.  It's on my list of "never done" so what better time to try it than when I am staying there.  I am going to dine here on my last evening at Disney, the night before I head out on the Disney Dream.


So there you have it!  My table service dining for this upcoming trip.  What do you think of my choices?  If you've eaten at any (or all!) of them before, share here and on the Facebook page; what menu items are your favorites?

Have a magical day!

All images from the Walt Disney Corporation.

Pre-Trip Report: Today I Am Dreaming Of....

On today's Pre-Trip installment, I am dreaming of the Disney Dream.

Included in your cruise fare is room service - unless you're ordering alcohol or soda delivered to your room, everything on the room service menu is free!  Yes, free as in no cost. There's a decent variety of choices including sandwiches, snacks and this cheese and cracker platter.  One of my favorite cruise rituals is to order this platter during sail away, while I sit on my deck and watch us leave Port Canaveral.

I also sometimes get room service when I want a little pre-dinner snack. I prefer the later dining at 8:15PM; it's nice to not have to rush back to your stateroom to get ready for dinner after your day of laying out, swimming, port excursions, etc.  I often go back to my stateroom around 6:30 to get ready for that evening's meal and if I need a little something in my tummy to tide me over, one of the room service items is a great option.

Only 86 days until I am back on the Dream!  I cannot wait!

What is one of your vacation rituals?  Share here in the comments, or on Facebook!  (and don't forget to put in your e-mail address, so you can receive blog updates right to your inbox.)

Pre-Trip Report: Arrival Day - August 31, 2014

Welcome to the first day of the Pre-Trip report!  This is where I'll fill you in on my plans for each day, dining reservations, etc.  I'm so glad to have you along with me as I plan!

My departure day is Sunday, August 31st.  I will be leaving from the Minneapolis - Saint Paul airport at 7:10AM, so I'll drive up the night before and stay in a hotel near the airport.  I prefer to fly out of MSP, because they have direct flights to Orlando.

(Traveler's Tip: When looking at airline tickets, make sure you look at every airport with reasonable driving distance of your home.  Often times, even with factoring in gas + hotel + parking, it can be cheaper to fly out of an airport further from your home.  Also, be sure to look at different carriers and pay attention to fees for items such as choosing your seat & baggage!)

My flight lands at 11:30AM, and then I'll make my way down to Magical Express!  From there I will take a motor coach to Coronado Springs Resort.  When using ME, plan on a timeline of 60-90 minutes after you land to arrive at your resort; often times, they wait for the buses to fill up before they leave, and you also make more than one stop to the different resorts.  You could be first on that list, or last!

At approximately 1PM, I will arrive here, at the lovely Coronado Springs!

Picture from DisneyWorld.com

After I arrive, I will leave my carryon bag with Bell Services as I don't expect my room to be ready quite yet.  If it is - BONUS!  Check in time is 3PM but on occasion, a room will be ready if you arrive before then.  If not, it's super easy to leave your things at Bell Services; they'll send you a text message when your room is ready.  You can jump right in, and start to enjoy the parks!

I am going to get a bus to Hollywood Studios, and spend the afternoon there.  I would like to get FastPasses for Star Tours & Toy Story Midway Mania.  I also haven't seen the Indiana Jones show in a few years, so I'd like to catch that again.

One of my favorite Hollywood Studios activities is the Animation Academy so I will be sure to make a stop there as well!

For dining on this day, I am going to use 1-2 snack credits and grab something for lunch.   I have mapped out the Dining Plan credits and what I want to use each day, and as I am not going to pay out of pocket for any food, I'll use some snack credits.  However, there are plenty of filling choices that count as snacks including pretzels, fruit and vegetables.  You can get more than just pop and candy with your snack credits!

For dinner, I am going to one of the Counter Service locations in the park, and use one of those credits from the Dining Plan.  I don't know yet where I'll have dinner - it will probably depend on what sounds good to me at the time!

I am going to end my day with my favorite show at Walt Disney World - Fantasmic!  Sorcerer Mickey is my favorite incarnation of the Main Mouse and I just love this show.

After the show, I'll make my way to the bus stop and back to Coronado Springs.  I'm hoping to get to bed at a decent time, so I can get to Magic Kingdom at rope drop the next morning.

What is your favorite way to spend your first day at Disney?

Have a magical day!

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Pre-Trip Report: My Dining Options

A cinnamon roll at Magic Kingdom - Holy Big As Your Head breakfast, Batman!

As I said in an earlier post, one of my Disney World goals is to eat at each of the Table Service locations.  (I would also like to conquer all of the counter service locations, as well - but there are TONS of those!)

Below is a list of the places I have never tried, separated by theme park or resort. (If a park/resort is not listed, it's because I've been to all of their Table Service locations.)

Magic Kingdom:
Be Our Guest
Liberty Tree Tavern
Tony's Town Square

Epcot:
Chefs de France
La Hacienda de San Angel
Monsieur Paul
Teppan Edo
Tutto Italia
Garden Grill

Hollywood Studios:
Hollywood & Vine

Boardwalk resort:
ESPN Club
Flying Fish Cafe

Caribbean Beach resort:
Shutters

Contemporary Resort:
The Wave

Coronado Springs resort:
Maya Grill

Dolphin resort:
Bluezoo
Shula's Steak House

Fort Wilderness resort:
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Trail's End Restaurant

Grand Floridian resort:
Grand Floridian Cafe
Narcoossee's
Victoria and Alberts

Polynesian resort:
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Swan resort:
Il Mulino

I've highlighted the front-runners in blue.  But I'd love your input - from this list, where have you tried and loved?  What should I be sure and check out?

Thank you!  And have a magical day!