Uncategorized – Creating Magic Vacations https://creatingmagicvacations.com The Travel Agency For You Tue, 02 May 2023 16:25:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-CMV_Logo_star_COLOR-BLUE-R-32x32.png Uncategorized – Creating Magic Vacations https://creatingmagicvacations.com 32 32 Why expensive luggage is worth the investment https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-expensive-luggage-is-worth-the-investment/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-expensive-luggage-is-worth-the-investment/#respond Tue, 02 May 2023 16:25:23 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-expensive-luggage-is-worth-the-investment/ Young family waiting at airportHow much should you spend on a suitcase? Our answer is always going to be the same: as much as you can.

That might sound like we’re urging you to throw your money away, but hear us out. Quality luggage really is worth the investment, and will likely end up paying for itself many times over the course of a lifetime of travel. It is worth it, in our opinion, to spend top dollar on a premium set that will last.

Anyone who has ever had a wheel break off a suitcase knows it is no fun to be stuck hauling that brick around. It adds so much stress to your vacation. Your luggage is likely the most important thing you’ll be taking with you on any trip. It is worth it to have a piece — or a full set — that will keep rolling smoothly through all your adventures.

Here’s an example that happened to one of our traveling companions on a recent trip. She had purchased a piece from a mid-range department store for around $40. It seemed like it would get the job done, so she packed it up for a 10-day trek around Thailand. Unfortunately, it lost a wheel on the first flight – a layover in Manilla. She had to retrieve the luggage and haul it through the Philippine security check. Then she had to retrieve it again in Bangkok and deal with it constantly falling over as she changed money and bought a new SIM card for her phone. When it came time to walk through the giant airport to her ground transportation, it became apparent that the duffle bag she had planned to stack on top wasn’t going to work. She ended up having to carry both heavy bags, and schlep them through the whole trip, unable to ever roll the suitcase.

Now it’s true that luggage used to be much more of a risk. Airlines were more likely to lose it or misplace it, and it could even end up stolen. But with today’s tracking technology — both through the airlines and through personal tracking tags — those fears are are much less of a worry.

So, ready to make the jump? We have a few brands we recommend. Our top pick is Briggs and Riley, which offers a lifetime guarantee — even if the airline is responsible for the damage. If you want to travel like flight crews, their trusted favorite is Travelpro. You’ve probably seen groups of pilots and flight attendants rolling these through the airport! Celebrities tend to favor luxury brand Rimowa, so if you want to embrace your inner A-lister, that might be the brand for you.

Whatever brand you pick, we promise you won’t regret making this investment. It is worth it for the peace of mind and ease of travel. And everyone needs less stress on vacation!

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What to pack in your Disney park bag https://creatingmagicvacations.com/what-to-pack-in-your-disney-park-bag/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/what-to-pack-in-your-disney-park-bag/#respond Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:25:24 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/what-to-pack-in-your-disney-park-bag/ Young Asian travel woman is enjoying with beautiful place in Bangkok, ThailandA Disney trip is all fun and magic … until someone gets a blister. Or it rains. Or … well, you get the picture.

Thankfully all it takes is a little bit of planning and a well-stocked park bag to be able to make it through even the most inconvenient little mishaps. Here’s our guide to what to have in your Disney park bag (or really any travel day pack) to keep you going strong! (We know not everyone feels the need to arrive ready for anything, so use this list as a guide. Feel free to pick and choose the items you think your travel party is most likely to need.)

Hydration is your friend

Instead of waiting in line to buy a single-use plastic water bottle, consider bringing your own refillable water bottle. Fill it up with ice-cold water in the morning, and you can get refills at any counter service restaurant — for FREE — all day. The hot sun on both Disney coasts can be intense, and only grabbing a drink at mealtimes is just not enough. Keep a bottle with you to sip in line and stay cool and hydrated all day. Note: some people prefer to bring a water bottle with a filter, since they don’t enjoy the taste of tap water. Mix-ins like Crystal Light or Liquid IV can add a bonus electrolyte boost, and give you some added flavor! And if you prefer a straw in your soda at lunch, you may want to bring your own reusable one. Disney parks are trying to phase out single-use plastic straws, and you may have trouble finding one (or end up with a paper straw).

Be ready for weather

If you’re in Florida, chances are, it is going to rain at some point during the day. We recommend packing a small, foldable poncho for each person in your group. These are easy to whip out when the afternoon storm inevitably hits, and they can double as protection on water rides! Pick up a pack at the dollar store or on Amazon before you come and toss them into the bottom of your bag. They take up very little space and will come in clutch if you do experience a storm! You also might want to consider wearing shoes that can get wet, or keeping a backup pair in your bag. Walking around in squishy socks all day is the worst!

Beat the heat

Disney is often HOT. Bring along some items to help your group cool down in the mid-day sun. These can vary widely by preference. We’ve had great luck with misting fans, rechargeable neck fans, or even just a classic hand-held fan! Cooling towels are also a big fan favorite, and some folks even prefer cooling vests! Whatever works best for you, bring it! And don’t forget a pair of sunglasses and/or a hat!

Stay connected

You’re going to want to make sure you have your phone with you so you can access your park tickets and reservations. And you want to make sure your battery lasts throughout the day, so don’t forget a portable charger! Your MagicBand or a smart watch is also nice to have. If you are bringing a camera and not just relying on your phone, don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards!

First aid

Obviously it is great to keep every day items like some bandages or over-the-counter pain reliever on hand. But you may consider going beyond that on Disney days. Moleskin is great for beating blisters, and those concerned about germs will definitely want to bring some hand sanitizer with so many people around! Sunscreen is also CRITICAL, because again, the sun is intense (are you sensing a theme?). Make sure you apply throughout the day! Tossing in some lip balm and bug spray is always a good idea too. And to combat the dreaded Disney chafe, you may want to throw in some anti-chafing stick or diaper-rash ointment (we know, it sounds weird. Trust us. It WORKS). Top it all off with some wet wipes, because you are going to get messy eating all those delicious Disney snacks! And if anyone in the group gets motion sick, you’ll definitely want to have items to treat that on hand!

The basics

Of course you don’t want to forget the type of things you carry with you every day. Think your credit card and photo ID, any makeup items you like to have on hand, etc. It’s also a good idea to carry any prescription medications that require specific timing. You never know when it might take you longer to get back to your hotel than you are expecting.

Disney-specific items

There are some super fun only-in-Disney items that you will definitely want to bring along. That cute pair of mouse ears definitely need to go in the bag (or you’ll at least need to have room for them when they are not on your head). Some folks like to add a carabiner or slap bracelet on the outside of their bag to attach their ears! If you plan to meet lots of characters, having an autograph book is a great idea, and it makes autographs easier if you have thick, clickable markers instead of a skinny normal pen. Others like to bring lanyards and pins, either to display or for pin trading. You may want to toss in a Hidden Mickey guidebook to hunt these while you are waiting in line, and a coin purse full of pennies can be fun for the various coin-pressing souvenirs around the parks.

Snacks

Yes, you are going to order food at all the fantastic Disney restaurants. Yes, someone will inevitably get hungry five minutes after you leave. Toss in a few snacks to keep your crew going between meals. Hungry = HANGRY, and nothing can ruin a vacation faster! Also note that gum is not sold at Disney parks, so if you want some to chew gum after a meal, you’ll need to bring your own. Some folks also like to bring sandwich bags or something similar so they can carry their leftover food and whip it out when hunger strikes.

Kid-specific items

If you are traveling with children, you’ll of course want your regular diaper bag items with you. But you may want to consider a couple of extra items specific to Disney. A change of clothes for each kiddo can be wonderful when an ice cream incident occurs, or your toddler gets soaked playing in a splash pad. Disney also has a ton of really amazing light-up toys that come out after dark. A nice alternative is to grab glow sticks or glow necklaces at home and bring them along!

The perfect bag to carry it all

This is one that is going to come down to personal preference. But we highly recommend making sure your bag is big enough to fit everything you need, and is also COMFORTABLE. You’ll be logging a lot of miles with this thing! A cross body bag or fanny pack is great for an adult traveler, while families may want to opt for a full-on backpack. If you are taking a stroller, consider taking a larger diaper bag that can stay with your stroller and a smaller bag that can go with you into lines and on rides.

We know this may seem like a lot to pack around, but each individual item is quite small and light. Pick what speaks to you or fits your needs, and we guarantee your park bag will come in handy and help you have a magical trip!

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Why an over water bungalow needs to be on your bucket list https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-an-over-water-bungalow-needs-to-be-on-your-bucket-list/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-an-over-water-bungalow-needs-to-be-on-your-bucket-list/#respond Tue, 04 Apr 2023 15:20:23 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-an-over-water-bungalow-needs-to-be-on-your-bucket-list/ Water Villas (Bungalows) in the Maldives

You’ve seen the photos, and probably wished you were there. Gorgeous teal water, clear as crystal. So clear you can see the waves in the white sand below, and the tropical fish and peaceful rays floating by as swimming suit clad couples walk down the wood steps directly into the water from their hotel room.

The over water bungalow has definitely had a moment on Instagram, but we understand why! This is absolutely one of the best ways to get away from it all and enjoy a true vacation. Here’s why you should add staying in one to your bucket list:

Immerse yourself in luxury

These incredible accommodations are found in some of the most beautiful locations around the world. Think Fiji, Indonesia, or the Maldives. Or you can find one closer to home in the Caribbean or Mexico! Each features incredible privacy with your own room completely disconnected from your neighbors. No shared walls! And the water is RIGHT THERE. Wake up and walk right out! Each unit has its own unique view of the tranquility. And the room itself is lavish. Enjoy the comfiest beds and fall asleep to the sound of the sea right outside.

The perfect couples retreat

Most bungalows are built exclusively for two! Enjoy the exceptional view from your lounge chairs while enjoying a cocktail. Eat delectable food in the privacy of your living area. Soak in the double tub, or snuggle up for a nap in the double hammock. Or indulge in the ultimate couple’s treat — a couple’s massage! It really does not get more romantic than an over water bungalow. These make particularly wonderful honeymoon options!

Far away from it all — but still close to civilization

Many folks could happily stay in their bungalow for the entire vacation and be perfectly content. But if you feel the need to see more than just your glorious ocean view, you’re never too far from adventure. While your private oasis may seem a world away because it is so private, activities and excitement are easy to find. Explore ancient cultures at nearby temples, or encounter wildlife in the unique ecosystem that surrounds you. See more of the underwater world with snorkel or scuba diving, or skim along above it all in a kayak or stand-up paddle board. And if you never want to leave your bungalow, you can always just spend some time peering through the window in the floor to spy on the marine world.

Over water bungalows really are one case where Instagram reflects reality. You will absolutely love the level of relaxation you can experience at one of these resorts! Let us help you find the perfect one for your vacation or romantic getaway!

 

 

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The benefits of staying at a Deluxe resort at Walt Disney World https://creatingmagicvacations.com/the-benefits-of-staying-at-a-deluxe-resort-at-walt-disney-world/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/the-benefits-of-staying-at-a-deluxe-resort-at-walt-disney-world/#respond Tue, 21 Mar 2023 17:15:25 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/the-benefits-of-staying-at-a-deluxe-resort-at-walt-disney-world/ 11729876_MWalt Disney World offers so many choices when it comes to hotel rooms at its various resorts, and we often get asked for recommendations. While everyone has their favorite, we all agree on one thing — you should absolutely pick a Deluxe resort if you can!

Here are just a few reasons we suggest these resorts to our clients:

Proximity to parks

Just about every Deluxe resort is going to be closer to at least one park than the Moderate or Value resorts. And if you stay in a Boardwalk area resort, you’l be close to TWO parks — both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are extremely close! We recommend choosing which parks you plan to visit most, and picking a resort that is in that area. For many, that will mean a Magic Kingdom-area resort (since we always recommend at least two days in this park if you can swing it), or the Boardwalk area. But don’t snooze on Animal Kingdom Lodge! This gorgeous resort is incredible, and is just a short ride to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park!

Get the parks to yourself

Guests at all Disney resorts have access to Early Morning Entry, which is a fantastic way to get on the top attractions with little to no wait. But only guests at Deluxe resorts have access to Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, and these are one of the absolute best times to be in the parks! The crowds are so much smaller, and the parks are absolutely MAGICAL after dark. These hours are the best time to get on top headliners such as Rise of the Resistance or Seven Dwarves Mine Train without waiting in line for hours. Hop in line for your favorite right before park closing, and you’ll still be able to ride! Enjoy the later showing of Fantastmic! with a smaller crowd, or even just wander down Main Street without the giant crowds you normally see at park closing.

Be transported

All of the Disney resorts have wonderful theming, but the Deluxe resorts truly transport you to another place or time. Come home to the tropical hospitality of Polynesia (Polynesian Village) , or imagine you are at a game lodge on the African safari (Animal Kingdom Lodge). Transport yourself back in time to the Victorian era beach resorts of Florida (Grand Floridian) or the Jersey Shore (Beach Club and Yacht Club). Imagine yourself in America’s National Parks (Wilderness Lodge) or relish your mid-century modern love (Contemporary). Whichever resort you choose, you will find yourself immersed in the magic as only Disney can do.

Enjoy the best of amenities

Each well-appointed room also features comfortable beds and plenty of space to relax. Relax near the massive pool while the kids enjoy the waterworks and slide. And enjoy some of the best meals ANYWHERE at the fantastic restaurants.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these amazing properties! But if you need a hand choosing, we’d be happy to help.

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Get ready to takeoff on Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser https://creatingmagicvacations.com/get-ready-to-takeoff-on-disneys-galactic-starcruiser/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/get-ready-to-takeoff-on-disneys-galactic-starcruiser/#respond Tue, 07 Mar 2023 20:15:16 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/get-ready-to-takeoff-on-disneys-galactic-starcruiser/ 149958625_MHave you ever dreamed you were a Jedi knight in a galaxy far, far away? Or that you were a Resistance spy trying to hide out from the First Order?

Or maybe you just enjoy Star Wars and want to go even deeper into the adventure than the normal activities offered at Galaxy’s Edge. If any of these sound like you, a voyage on Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser will make for an absolutely magical and mind-blowing getaway!

What is Galactic Starcruiser

Galactic Starcruiser is a fully immersive, 2-night experience just outside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Board the starship Halcyon, jewel of the Chandrila Star Line, for a “choose-your-own-adventure” style story where you become part of the show. Embark on secret missions, make alliances, and meet characters new and old in an intimate setting.

What kind of activities are included?

Think of Galactic Starcruiser like a cruise. There is a daily itinerary with classes, dining, and activities. But this experience goes beyond, offering pop up missions and interactive options that allow you to make choices that change your story, and direct you where to go over the course of your journey. We don’t want to give too much away, but suffice it to say, there is NEVER a shortage of cool and exciting things to do! One highlight is a “mission” into Galaxy’s Edge before the park opens to the public, where you have all of Batuu to yourself! Ride Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with little to no wait before heading back aboard your cruise.

It’s all included

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and plenty of snacks – with the exception of alcohol – are all-you-care-to-enjoy while you are aboard. (Alcohol can also be purchased for an additional fee.) Your cruise cabin and all of your activities are also included in this fully immersive experience. It’s a great chance to try new foods, stretch yourself with new activities, and fully immerse yourself in this exciting new world without having to worry about a thing! Everything is taken care of for you.

You get out what you put in

Those who have the most fun at Galactic Starcruiser are definitely those who are willing to play along! This doesn’t mean you need to be a huge extrovert – just that you need to be willing to take the prompts given and allow cast members to interact with you. It also allows for the intimate nature of this experience, with most interactions and special moments taking place with fewer than 10 people. Costumes aren’t necessary, but they are welcome, adding an extra layer of fun for those who wish to participate.

If you are looking for a truly “out of this world” getaway, Galactic Starcruiser is the perfect trip for you. Combine it with a longer trip to Walt Disney World, or do a quick 2-day stay and focus exclusively on this incredible experience. We promise you’ll be impressed, both with the top-notch service and the amazing experience!

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Why you should always try to carry on https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-you-should-always-try-to-carry-on/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-you-should-always-try-to-carry-on/#respond Tue, 21 Feb 2023 21:00:25 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-you-should-always-try-to-carry-on/ Full length portrait of a mature man holding heavy suitcasesWe’ve picked up a few hard and fast rules throughout our travels, but one has come to supersede all others — Keep calm and CARRY-ON ONLY.

Yes, we know. You have a lot of stuff. You want room to bring back souvenirs. But we firmly believe the benefits of the carry-on far outweigh (or in this case, literally under-weigh) the impulse to pack more. Here’s why we think you should consider going carryon only on your next trip.

Everyone wants clean underwear

Hopefully you’ve never experienced losing your luggage, and admittedly, most of the time it arrives just fine. But that one time it doesn’t will be enough to convince you. We had friends whose luggage was lost on their honeymoon to Rome. They ended up washing out the clothes they had worn on the flight in their hotel room for a few days until it became apparent that their luggage was not going to make it in time, and then had to use valuable touring time buying a new wardrobe. All this could have been avoided by carrying on. Even if you feel like you absolutely MUST check some baggage, we recommend having an outfit or two for each person in your carry-on, just in case. You’ll be thankful when you have clean underwear even when your luggage doesn’t arrive!

Peace of mind

Items such as jewelry or other valuables should absolutely be stashed in your carry-on. This also goes for any medications or medical devices (such as a CPAP) that you will need while traveling. Knowing that your items are in your possession at all times is truly priceless. Plus, no matter how many “fragile” stickers you slap on your checked bag, it is likely to still end up on the bottom of the pile, tossed into the hold, or dumped on the conveyor belt at the baggage claim. The best way to assure that nothing is lost or damaged is to carry it yourself!

Save time and money

It’s amazing to be able to stroll off the airplane and head right to your ground transportation, bypassing all the folks waiting around at the baggage claim. You get to actually enjoy your vacation that much sooner! You also won’t have to deal with excess baggage taking up space in your rental car. taxi or hotel room. We’ve seen plenty of folks trying to balance a suitcase on their lap as they leave the airport. Plus with baggage fees going through the roof, you could easily enjoy an amazing dinner or excursion for the price of a checked bag.

You really don’t need as much as you think you do

We all do it. We go to pack our bag, and start to be plagued by the “what ifs”. Before you know it, you’ve gone from taking clothes similar to the ones you wear every day to wondering how many ball gowns you’ll need at your resort (spoiler: it’s none). But we all face those moments when we want to be prepared for anything, and end up packing something we’ll never use. But truthfully, you won’t need it. The hotel toiletries will be lovely. A foldable poncho is great rain protection. And even our beloved Mickey ears don’t need to take up that much space. Focus on what you really need, and you should have plenty of room! To make it easier, you can use a capsule wardrobe that allows you to mix-and-match, and use packing cubes and roll your clothes to save space. If you are going for a longer trip, consider using the hotel or cruise ship’s laundry service (usually available for a small fee), or bring a small amount of detergent along and wash things out in your room. It’s well worth repeating an outfit to avoid all the hassle!

Want even more packing tips? We’d be happy to help. Let us know while you are booking (or any time before you leave), and we can provide you with some additional resources for your specific destination! Give carry-on only a try on your next trip, and we think you’ll find yourself an enthusiastic convert!

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Why a trip to SoCal is a must for any Disney fan https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-a-trip-to-socal-is-a-must-for-any-disney-fan/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-a-trip-to-socal-is-a-must-for-any-disney-fan/#respond Tue, 07 Feb 2023 21:45:33 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-a-trip-to-socal-is-a-must-for-any-disney-fan/ Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in DisneylandWalt Disney World may bear Walt’s name, but to truly see “Walt’s park” you need to head to sunny Southern California and see the original — Disneyland!

Walt’s spirit is everywhere at this magical park, and you almost expect to see him waving from his apartment above the firehouse on Main Street, USA. Here are just a few reasons why every Disney fan needs to make the pilgrimage to Disneyland.

Disneyland is your land

“To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land.” Walt famously said those words on opening day back in 1955, and the park has been welcoming guests ever since. But it was Walt’s land, too, and he spent countless hours here walking the pavement, interacting with guests and riding attractions — and Imagineering new ones! When you pass under that plaque with his opening day speech — “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy” — you know you are on sacred ground.

Ride the originals

Many of the opening day attractions are still in use today, and it is absolutely magical to take a spin on them! Check out Autopia, Casey Junior Circus Train, the Disneyland Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Jungle Cruise, King Arthur Carrousel, Mad Tea Party, Main Street Vehicles, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, or Storybook Land Canal Boats and become a part of history!

More manageable magic

One of the great surprises awaiting guests at the Disneyland Resort is just how much EASIER it is than it’s younger East-Coast sibling. Walt couldn’t afford as much land when he first embarked on this project, so the overall footprint of the resort is smaller and walkable. Attractions are close together and the overall feel is charming and quaint. And while you may need to make some of the most coveted reservations in advance, it is often easy to find dining options and other activities the day of.

Little treasures everywhere

From names on Main Street windows to the initials of Walt and his brother Roy entwined on the balcony of Pirates of the Caribbean, there are little bits of history everywhere! You can spot Hidden Mickeys, see nods to bygone attractions, and eat some of Walt’s favorite recipes at the Carnation Café.

More magic nearby

The sites aren’t limited to Disneyland. We highly recommend checking out Walt’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, eating at his favorite restaurant Tam O’Shanter, and visiting the Walt Disney Studios. We have a fantastic Adventures by Disney trip that includes all of these favorites, contact us to book your spot!

We would love to help you plan your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. We think you’ll find it just as enchanting as we do! Come connect with Walt and feel the magic.

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From buses to boats and monorails to gondolas https://creatingmagicvacations.com/from-buses-to-boats-and-monorails-to-gondolas/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:15:19 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/from-buses-to-boats-and-monorails-to-gondolas/ Epcot Monorail with ReflectionsOne of the biggest benefits of staying on-property at Disney is the included transportation. But there are so many ways to get from here to there! It all depends on which hotel you choose, and where you are headed. Here’s a breakdown:

Buses and Vans

This is the most common form of transportation, and one you’ll see in some capacity at almost every resort. Buses usually come every 15-20 minutes, with more frequent service at busy times like park opening and closing. Another fun way to get around is the Minnie Vans — you can order one on the Lyft app. Bonus, they have two car seats for the little ones if you need them. Some resorts share transportation, so it can be a big benefit to stay closer to the first stop. It’s also easy to use the bus system to go to other resorts, by taking a bus from your hotel to the theme park closest to your destination. While some hotels just off Disney property may offer bus service, their drop off locations are not as close as the ones from Disney Resorts.

Boats

These are one of the more rare forms of transportation, but they are so magical! It builds so much anticipation to hop on a boat from the Transportation and Ticket Center and see the Magic Kingdom approaching. Other boats can give you the feeling of being “down on the bayou” as they take you from the Port Orleans resorts down to Disney Springs. If you’re staying at any of the Epcot resorts, there are boat transportation options to get you directly to Epcot as well! This may not be the fastest way to get from point A to B, but it sure is delightful!

Gondolas

Disney’s new Skyliner connects four resorts (Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation and Pop Century) with EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This flight across the resort also gives guests access to the Boardwalk area. The quick and seamless trip makes staying at these resorts extra attractive! Each gondola is decorated with Disney characters and scenes, so it’s fun to see which one you’ll get this time!

Monorail

Truly an icon of the Walt Disney World Resort, the monorail was one of Walt Disney’s dreams when he first came up with the idea for EPCOT – then known as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt loved trains and knew they had the power to move people efficiently and conveniently. Today the monorail connects the Magic Kingdom and its nearby resorts (Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village) to EPCOT, and is also a major transfer for guests coming from the Transportation and Ticket Center. Staying at these resorts is absolutely wonderful if you plan to do multiple days at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.

Walking

This may not sound like the most glamorous option, but it is absolute luxury to stay within walking distance to the park! Just imagine strolling on up to the gate each morning and skipping the wait for transportation. Guests at the Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village are within easy walking distance to Magic Kingdom. Over in the Boardwalk area, resorts like the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn and Swan and Dolphin offer access to BOTH Hollywood Studios and EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance.

However you get there, your day at the Disney parks is sure to be magical! We’d be happy to help you find the best transportation option for your specific needs. Give us a call or shoot us an email and we can start planning the perfect stay!

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Why Cruising Is The Perfect Family Vacation For Every Generation https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-cruising-is-the-perfect-family-vacation-for-every-generation/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-cruising-is-the-perfect-family-vacation-for-every-generation/#respond Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:25:26 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-cruising-is-the-perfect-family-vacation-for-every-generation/ 180258021_MWe’ve planned a lot, and we mean A LOT, of multi-generational family vacations. And families always have the same basic question: How can we plan something that will appeal to such a broad range of ages and interests?

We know the answer – a cruise! Here’s a few reasons why we thinking cruising is the perfect vacation when you are traveling with a large group.

Different vacation styles? No problem

Maybe your idea of a vacation is sleeping as long as you want, hanging out by the pool and mostly taking it easy. But your relative is all about getting up early and packing the day with activities. On a cruise, everyone can vacation just how they like, with no need for families to spend every moment together. We usually recommend planning one or two core activities that the whole group agrees on ahead of time. Maybe it’s an excursion to swim with dolphins or one night set aside for karaoke. Other than that, folks can do as they please! It makes for great conversation when everyone meets up for dinner at the end of the day. And by checking out the schedule the night before and seeing who is up for what, you end up with some smaller groups who can spend real quality time and make cool memories together that doesn’t always happen in a huge group.

Fun at every age

One of the best things about a cruise is that there truly is something for every age group. Kids love the pool and water activities, and can chill in the kids club when their parents need a break. Teens can bond with cousins and meet new friends at their club, or hit up the arcade. Mom can read by the pool, Dad can play trivia, and Grandma can spend time in the casino. Or, they can all do something completely different! There is never a shortage of activities and everyone is sure to find something they love.

See several destinations, but only unpack once

Cruising is a fantastic way to see several destinations in one trip, without having to worry about the logistics and hassle of moving from place to place. This is particularly nice when traveling with small children, who always seem to need a lot of gear. You can unpack once in your cruise cabin on embarkation day, and then sit back and relax as the crew takes you to various destinations. It’s a great opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities and see different sites, with your floating hotel as your mode of transportation!

No passport required (sometimes)

Arranging passports for the whole family – and making sure you have plenty of time to get them – can be a major hassle. But for “closed-loop” cruises that leave and return to the same port in the U.S., passports are not required! Everyone will need an official form of government ID (we’ll let you know the specific types accepted on your specific cruise), but for most passengers a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or birth certificate works fine.

A chance to build core memories together

Cruising offers so many fun experiences that are amazing to share as a family. You’ll never forget Dad wiping out at the wave pool, swimming with dolphins as a family, or that perfect day at the beach when everything just seemed right with the world. A cruise is the perfect chance to create those memories that will last long after you return home.

Interested in booking a cruise but not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Let’s chat and figure out the destinations, itinerary and ship that work best for you and your group. The best cabins book up fast, so don’t wait!

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Why An Early Wakeup Is The Best Way To Start Your Travel Day https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-an-early-wakeup-is-the-best-way-to-start-your-travel-day/ https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-an-early-wakeup-is-the-best-way-to-start-your-travel-day/#respond Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:13:06 +0000 https://creatingmagicvacations.com/why-an-early-wakeup-is-the-best-way-to-start-your-travel-day/ If you’ve been planning a trip to Disney at all, you’ve probably absorbed a ton of advice – both good AND bad. But one tidbit we love to share — the benefits of “rope drop” — or an early start to beat the crowds. It might not sound super fun to wake up early on vacation, but if you are willing to give it a try, you may find that it is the best way to start your day!Asian man waking up in the morning sitting on bed and stretching

Why “rope drop”?

The term “rope drop” comes from crowd control measures at Walt Disney World, which you can still see in practice with an early arrival. Guests are often let into the park turnstiles prior to the official park opening time, but since attractions aren’t yet open they are held at the entrance to various lands. Often cast members will have a “rope” or other type of barrier that they use to define the waiting area, which they “drop” at the time of park opening. Though the rope is also often walked back slowly to keep eager guests from running and creating a stampede to attraction entrances. Or in some cases, there may be no rope at all and guests are allowed on attractions early. For whatever reason, “rope drop” became the preferred term for opening the park.

So how do I do it?

Basically, get an early start! General consensus is to be at the park entrance at least 30-45 minutes before official opening time. That may seem ridiculously early, but remember: you will need to walk to the gate, get through security, and pass the admission checkpoint before you can start enjoying your day. If you get these all out of the way early, you can hit the attractions as soon as the park opens! And the parks will remain less crowded for the first hour or two after opening. Have your strategy ready for which attractions you want to head to first.

Does it only work at Disney?

While rope drop is definitely a huge benefit at Disney and other theme parks, we’ve had great experiences using it in other areas as well! An early morning excursion at Chichen Itza allowed us to see the sites without being hassled by the vendors who have their stalls set up by mid-morning. Swimming with stingrays on Grand Cayman? The first boat of the day is going to see the smallest crowds and get the most interaction with the friendly inhabitants at Stingray City. It’s pretty much a universal truth that just about any tourist destination is going to be less crowded right at opening.

What if I don’t like getting up early?

We get it. You’re on vacation, and sometimes you just want to sleep in! Never fear. Just because you don’t rope drop doesn’t mean you won’t have a fantastic time! You’ll just need to be strategic. And a late lie-in will help you take advantage of one of our other favorite times at Disney – the last few hours before closing! These are almost as productive as early morning hours, and the parks are all absolutely MAGICAL at night.

Whatever time you want to wake up on vacation, we can help you make the most of your time. Give us a call and we’ll help you plan the perfect getaway!

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