Looking forward to it ALL year!

The week has come to a close and I can honestly say that #DISNEMAW2 surpassed all my travel expectations. But I'm sure you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about. Well, #DISNEMAW2 is my 2nd annual trip where friends from K-State come to Walt Disney World for a visit. It's not always the same people and it's actually, unofficially the 3rd year; but it's always a good time.

So how does a good annual trip get started? Well it begins with people and places- shared interests, essentially! I live here in Orlando and one of my best friends, Ryan still attends K-State. We both share a love for all things Disney, so it makes sense that he would want to come for a visit. However, traveling alone is always more expensive then traveling in a group so he convinced some of his buddie to join him.

Now there's a formula to how many people you can take on an annual trip. I personally believe that any more than 8 people is just too many. That being said, it really depends on the type of travel you are doing. The number should correlate to the number of beds you have. If your room only sleeps 4 people, bringing 5 would be a bad choice! However, bringing 8 would still be wise since you can simply book 2 rooms.

Also, having an odd number isn't always a bad thing. You just need to know your travel partners enough to know who will want to be part of the group and who will need that "alone time".

Finally, you need to figure out tasks and events that will be the stable of the trip. Out example, we shared at least 1 sit-down meal a day. We made our reservations and made certain that everyone knew the when and where of ot all. If you wanted to go off and do your own thing- great! Go for it! Just make sure you're back here for "family time".

Oh and this might now seem like such an important thing- or maybe you think you're too cool for it- but create a matching tshirt! It really gives a sense of unity and team to you trip. We waited until the last day to wear ours but we got a lot of compliments on them and it was fun to explain the meaning of DISNEMAW- Disney+EMAW (every man a wildcat)

Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to next year! We're decide a Disney Cruise is where it's at. The title is going to be #DISNEMAW3 "A Pirate's Life for Me"!

Disneyland!

So the question on everyone's mind: How did I enjoy my first trip to Disneyland?! Answer: It was AMAZING!

What an experience?! And that right there is the difference between WDW and Dland. WDW is a destination, but Dland is an experience. That's why over 50% of guests at Dland are Annual Passholders. They are local and coming here is something they like to do as often as possible!

So you want to know my ratings? Well I'm not a Disney Blogger, but I will give you my top 5.

#5. The Monorail:

Due to a tragic accident in 2009, guests are no longer allowed to ride in the front cabin of WDW monorails. However, since Dland only has 1 track and no more than 2 trains at one time they still allow guests to the front. WHAT A VIEW?! The loop takes you from Tomorrowland over through California Adventure and The Grand Californian Resort to Downtown Disney and back again. Plus in the front you can have an amazing chat with the pilot.

#4. California Screamin':

This is not your average Disney coaster! Loops and barrel rolls have it living up to it's name and the soundtrack is killer too. We road it about half a dozen times and never waited more than 20minutes. It was a holiday weekend, so I found that to be amazing as well!

#3. FOOD!!!!:

All the food! It was so good. I didn't have a bad bite the whole trip. I wish WDW would get some of these restaurants over here. For Table Service we dined at Golden Vine Winery and Carnation Cafe. For quick service... Well I ate a lot, but my 2 favorites were Pizza Port (huge portions!) and The Cozy Cone Motel (everything is served in a cone!).

My chili CONE queso

My "not bad" face when trying a PB&J drink at Carnation Cafe.

#2. Street-mospher:

This is all the extra-magical shows you sometimes stumble upon at a Disney park. I've always loved these, but they can be hard to find at WDW. But not in Disneyland! We saw so many and I just loved them. In Fantasyland we saw The Pearl Button Band. At New Orlean's Square we stumbled upon The Bootstrap Band. On Main Street there was a Fire House band, and tons more we didn't get to see. Entertainment quality is high in these parks. I really recommend seeing as many shows as you can!

And finally-

#1. World of Color:

Wow, just wow. I cried, not even going to try and cover that up. The first time we saw it we got fast passes... Kinda a huge waste. I couldn't see anything behind these 6foot guys. The 2nd time we spent the best $30 of my life for a dining package. We bought lunch at Golden Vine Winery and it came with reserved viewing area. Guys, I was on the railing! By the time the show was over my hair looked like I'd just come out of the shower! My world was rocked. I can't say enough good things, but go and see it! It will change your life.

So did I have a good time? It's Disney, how could I not?! But it was an exceptional trip. I can't wait to go back again and experience the magic.

Honorable mentions to my list:

Disneyland Cast Members! They were phenomenal. Every interaction was one of the best I've had with a cast member to date. WDW could take some pointers from them!

Trader Sam's- it's a bar at The Disneyland Hotel. Something happens every time you order a signature drink from the menu. Go and enjoy the show!

Until next time, fellow travelers!

~Greet

Decision Made

Well thanks for all the feed back! I loved some of the private messages. The votes were pretty much all for Manchu Pichu, completely understandable! I really considered it for a while. Then I received a message from my good friend, the Kiwi (bird, not fruit). She let me know that she was going to be in the SoCal region in late February for a wedding. This lead to some chatting amongst my friends who also work for the Mouse-- We're going to Disneyland!
I've never been, so I find this very exciting! But not to worry, this means I'll get to take a few other trips throughout the year. No way is my best friend Daniel going to let me get out of diving that easily! So here are my thoughts on 2014 so far:

February 16th-20th: California

• Disneyland for atleast 2 days.
• Maybe rent a car and visit Yosemite or Wine Country.
• Maybe cross the boarder into Mexico.

Early June: The Florida Keys

• Diving/Snorkling with Daniel
• Chillin' with my friend Lexi on her dad's boat.
• Enjoying the local food.

September or October: Cruise through the Caribbean

• Possible locations: Belize, Honduras,  Eastern Caribbean
• Definitely Royal Caribbean- NO CARNIVAL or Disney(which location-wise is limiting).
• Going to hit at least 2 new countries on this cruise.--- can't forget to work towards my 30 by 30 goal!

Unknown: Kansas

• I have to get home some time this year!

So that's how things stand. You'll be seeing a lot of planning going on soon. Especially for the California trip! I'm not sure who all will be going with me, but as it currently stands: Holly, Kristen, and Bret (Kristen and Bret are my roommates). It should be a good time, but I'm nervous- See next post to understand why ;)
Safe Travels!
~Greet

Fun for the WHOLE family

As summer break is coming to a close, the last thing you're probably thinking about is NEXT summer's vacation. But maybe you should be. I mean, how was the trip? Stressful? All-Inclusive? Did everyone enjoy themselves? Here are the top 5, as recommended by Parents magazine:
1. San Diego, CA
2. Portland, OR
3. Washington DC
4. Orlando, FL
5. Chicago, IL

Now, I'm going to help you plan this out. Maybe next year will go a little smoother ;)

San Diego, what a city?! It's really beautiful. Take my advice and stay near the downtown (Gaslamp District) the trolly will take you everywhere you need to go. My choice for major highlighs would have to be the zoo, the USS Midway, and Balboa Park. Here's a great itinerary I stumbled upon. I couldn't have planned it better myself... other than to space it out! I would suggest this same trip but over 2days!

Portland is every Foodie parent's dream vaca! And while you're stuffing your face there are some pretty cool things to see along the way. A very good friend of mine lives here now with her young family and she suggested the following:  Spend an afternoon at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), including a tour of the USS Blueback Naval submarine. Drink a heavenly seasonal Burgerville milkshake, made with local huckleberries, caramel apples, or chocolatey hazelnuts. And finally,  get a bird’s-eye view from the Portland Aerial Tram.

Washington D.C. was a family favorite for my clan growing up. My dad lived there when he was in the Coast Gaurd so he knew all the tricks and tips. We went several times while growing and I've since been with friends. I know it as one of my homes! Here's the best part- It's CHEAP! All of the 17 branches of the Smithsoniam (this includes the ZOO!), there are several weeks worth of sights to see. Plus the area is steaped with rich revolutionary hiertage and military pride. I ALWAYS see the changing of the gaurds at Arlington- I remember doing this as a family, it really taught me so much respect for our armed forces. I also suggest picnicing on the Mall lawn. It really takes the rush out of a long day of exploring!

Orlando... well I live here, so you would think I would be it's biggest advocate. That would be wrong! But I know why everyone comes here, I work for that very company. That being said, there is more to Central Florida than a mouse and his 4 theme parks that couldn't possibly be covered in a single trip! My suggestion: Half the stay doing theme parks, half the stay at the beach- Clearwater is amazing, sometimes you can even see dolphins!

Chicago- My one true love! At least it is in this country. The heart and soul of this city is in it's communities. My favorite being Lincoln Park. I suggest staying there and taking the EL into the Loop area. It's a fun lesson on mass transit for the kids! Once in downtown you have so much you can see and do. Everyone picks the Shedd Aquarium and it is amazing, but head down the road just a bit and also check out the Adler Planetarium! They have really cool exhibits that should interest the whole faily.

Hope this makes next summer a little easier!

A role changer

If you follow the travel industry at all, then you're probably aware that Disney is about to make some HUGE changes in the next couple of months that will influence tourism and travel as we know it. Read this. These bracelets are going to be a major game changer for vacation companies, especially the all-inclusive sector... like cruise ships!
 It is my prediction that once Disney prefects this technology, it's only a matter of months before it's in the cruise ship! Mark my words.
Happy Travels,
~Greet