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Posts Tagged ‘Disney Cruise’
Friday, April 8th, 2011
I have expounded on the bountiful kid-friendly benefits of Disney’s new ship, Dream. But the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet offers plenty of fun for adults too. Many people think a Disney cruise is just for kids. Not true! In fact, not counting casino space (Disney does not offer gambling at sea), Disney offers more adult-only space than many cruise lines.
Disney Dream Fireworks
Relax at Quiet Cove Pool
Quiet Cove Pool is an adult-only space that provides a splendid retreat from the boisterous family-friendly fun at Mickey’s Pool, Donald’s Pool, and the Nemo’s Reef splash area. Check the kiddos into their respective camps and pull up a lounge chair for some serious mama-time filled with magazine reading, pina colada sipping, and relaxing in the hot tub. Or, burn off those extra calories from the breakfast buffet by swimming a few laps.
Senses Spa & Salon Treatment Room
Escape to Senses Spa & Salon
Dream’s spa offers massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and more. Looking for romance? Check out the Senses Spa Villas for services catering to couples, which are offered in private Mediterranean-inspired Villas. Each Villa has a private verandah off the suite with a whirlpool and comfy double loungers. Salon services include manicures, pedicures, hairstyling and blowouts, plus teeth whitening, and a barber shop for traditional men’s grooming services. Next time I’m on board, I’d love to indulge in a Senses Spa & Salon Fire & Ice Pedicure, which the Disney Cruise Line website describes as, “sublime as your feet and lower legs are soothed with our cooling gels and then warmed with a heated stone massage.” Sign me up!
Entrance to Palo
Savor Fine Dining at Palo or Remy
Similar to the original ships, Magic and Wonder, this latest addition to the Disney fleet offers upscale Northern Italian dining at Palo for guests aged 18+ at an additional charge of $20 per person for brunch or dinner. Dream takes it one step fancier with a new adult-only dining option featuring fine French cuisine at Remy for $75 per person. While I didn’t get a chance to sample the cuisine at Remy, I can tell you from firsthand experience how delectable the cuisine is at Palo from my brunch and dinner experiences during my Disney Mediterranean Cruise.
Remy is named for the adorable rat-turned-chef in the Disney film, Ratatouille, and features such dishes as smoked bison with fennel salad and blood oranges and lobster with vanilla bisque and lobster roe foam. For dessert, how about a white chocolate and Meyer lemon purse with blackberry-violet sherbet or vanilla poached pear with cassis mousse and hazelnut meringue?
Unwind at the Cove Cafe
Looking for a latte and a little me-time? Head to the Cove Cafe to grab a scone and a cappuccino away from the joyous screams of children. This adult-only spot is a great place to dive into your latest novel without interruption or to check your emails on your laptop (Wi-Fi available at an extra charge).
Pink Champagne Bar
Enjoy Night Life Disney-Style
The District is a grown-up paradise on Dream filled with watering holes and dance clubs aplenty. You can watch the game at 687, get your groove on at Evolution, or sip cocktails with faux city views at Skyline.
My favorite after hours spot aboard Dream was Pink. Men might be intimidated by this aptly named champagne bar, but for girly girls like me – it is heaven! Champagne-colored walls, comfy pink arm chairs, and flute-shaped chandeliers made me feel like a genie in a bottle of bubbly. Order a glass of sparkling wine or a cocktail fit for a princess, like the Royal Bellini made with peach puree and champagne.
For an oceanview, head to the top deck and grab a drink at Currents, an outdoor bar that overlooks the adult-only Quiet Cove Pool. On our last night, a bunch of fellow journalists and our travel mates gathered here to gab and have a drink (or two!). Disney is the only cruise line that presents an at sea fireworks show, which we could see perfectly from our perch above the pool. It was a truly magical way to end our cruise.
The AquaDuck
Take a Spin on the AquaDuck
Children 42 inches and taller delight in taking a whirl down the first water coaster at sea, the AquaDuck. But, believe me, this waterslide isn’t just for kids! I was amped up to ride this contraption ever since I first learned about it during a press preview meeting I attended at Walt Disney World a year prior. I even added it to my bucket list!
The AquaDuck was off-limits for most of our two-day media cruise while television and radio personalities got first dibs on rides aboard inner-tubes fitted with television cameras that recorded their waterslide journeys. After those final night drinks and fireworks, my husband convinced me to leave the kids in their respective camps just a wee bit longer while we took the Duck for a spin. We convinced Hip Travel Mama (not to be confused with me, the regular ol’ Travel Mama) and her hip husband to join our late night revelry. The four of us felt like little kids again boarding our tandem two-person floats, giggling and screaming our way down and around the ship on the slide. This was one of my most memorable and joy-filled experiences on Dream; I highly recommend a late night spin on the AquaDuck, especially with friends!
What activity would you most like to experience on board Disney Dream? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Disney Mediterranean Cruise Round-Up
• Disney’s New Ship Is a Dream for Babies, Toddlers & Children
• Romance at Disneyland
• The Travel Mama’s Guide to Orlando & Kissimmee with Kids
A Note from The Travel Mama: Disney Cruise Line hosted my family’s two-night media cruise aboard Dream. Trust me, I was singing DCL’s praises long before I became a travel writer!
Tags: adults, Disney Cruise, Dream, grown-ups, pool, spa, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Grown-Up Getaways, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 3 Comments »
Friday, February 4th, 2011
My biggest (and only) complaint about my family’s two-night cruise on Disney’s new ship, Dream? There simply was not enough time to experience all this ship has to offer! Disney’s Dream is 40% larger than its predecessors, Wonder and Magic, offering the same outstanding customer service and delightful details plus some incredible new frills. Unfortunately, we couldn’t squeeze it all in. We did, however, thoroughly explore Dream’s fabulous amenities for babies, toddlers, and children.
Dream docked at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private Caribbean island
Nemo’s Reef
One of the most spectacular features for babies and toddlers sailing on a Disney Cruise, is their splash areas for children who are not yet potty trained. On most cruises, parents must pack an inflatable baby pool if they want to allow tots to join in any water fun since non-potty-trained children are not allowed in cruise ship pools for sanitary reasons.
On Disney’s other ships, Magic and Wonder, the splash area is simply one small round play area with a steady stream of shooting water. Don’t get me wrong, my daughter adored this option on our 2007 Disney Mediterranean Cruise when she was a toddler, but Nemo’s Reef on Dream blows that out of the water! This splash area, adjacent to the family pools, is resplendent with characters from Finding Nemo which spray, sprinkle, and mist water for giggling children. There is also a small stingray-shaped waterslide, perfect for the preschooler set.
Just one section of Nemo’s Reef
Family Pools
My kindergartner, Karissa, had a grand ol’ time swimming about in Donald’s Pool for families and Mickey’s Pool for smaller sailors. She was quite heartbroken to discover Dream’s AquaDuck water coaster has a 48-inch height requirement. Instead, younger kids can take a spin on a winding yellow waterslide and have almost as much fun.
Dream’s family pools and waterslides
It’s a Small World Nursery
This darling nursery for infants and toddlers ages three months to three years is painted in the fanciful style of the Disney ride for which it is named. Toddlers enjoy crafts, toys, books, and games at tables just their size. The back of the nursery is a serene space for nap time filled with numerous cribs. They even have several strollers on-hand for babies and toddlers who need a little ride to induce sleep.
Plans are in the works to install a one-way window to allow parents to peek at little ones without disturbing their play. This was a handy tool on our first Disney Cruise on Magic when my husband and I would drop off a crying toddler and return five minutes later to find our daughter happily at play.
Trying to decide whether to place your newly potty-trained child in the nursery or the camps for older kids? While officially children should be at least three to participate in Oceaneer Club or Oceaneer Lab, younger children who are potty trained are welcomed on a case-by-case basis. Oceaneer children are expected to find and use the restrooms on their own, without reminders from counselors. While children are given freedom to explore these play areas on their own terms, it proved to be too much independence for our not-yet-three-year-old boy, Leo. After one accident, we placed our son in the more attentive care of the It’s a Small World Nursery.
There is an additional $6 per hour charge for children in the nursery. Space may be limited, especially during peak times like spring break and summer. Reservations can be made online before cruising.
My son having a ball in the It’s a Small World Nursery
Oceaneer Club & Oceaneer Lab
You might have a hard time convincing your children to depart the Oceaneer camps, which are designed for children ages three to ten. The Oceaneer areas are joined, allowing kids to wander between the two choosing which space and activities appeal to them most. Both feature a Magic PlayFloor, where kids’ movements control the action. For example, children can step into the futuristic world of Tron for a team-based game or pretend to fly over the streets of London like Peter Pan.
Kids having a stomping good time with the Magic PlayFloor in the Oceaneer Lab
Oceaneer Club is geared toward the younger children within this age group, with themed play areas like Andy’s Room from Toy Story, Pixie Hollow from Tinkerbell, the Explorer Pod a la Finding Nemo, and Monster’s Academy for fans of Monsters, Inc.
Play in the Oceaneer Lab is focused on exploration, where children can create their own computer-animated characters in the Animator’s Studio or record pop songs in the Song Studio (with the help of a counselor).
For those traveling with older kids, there is also a club for tweens, Edge, and one for teens, Vibe.
My daughter playing in Andy’s Room in the Oceaneer Club
Family-Friendly Dining
As on the other Disney ships, evening meals are eaten in three rotation restaurants on Dream. Dining in rotation means you keep your same tablemates and waitstaff, but eat in a different restaurant each evening.
Animator’s Palate differs on Dream from the restaurant of the same name on Disney’s older ships. Dream’s version features video screens with characters from Finding Nemo that come to life when the sea turtle, Crush talks to diners.
Enchanted Garden is a whimsical restaurant filled with colorful flowers and vine-shaped trellises at the center of which is sweet tiered fountain topped with a Cupid Mickey Mouse.
The Royal Palace is the most elegant of the rotation restaurants, designed to make guests feel like royalty as they are immersed in lavish surroundings inspired by Disney princess movies.
Enchanted Garden
For a casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner option there is the beach-themed Cabanas food court, a buffet of sorts with an overwhelming variety of offerings to meet the needs of even the pickiest child (or adult). I love how they cater to cruisers from around the world with breakfasts of bagels and lox, miso soup, eggs and bacon, musli, and more.
Snackers will be satisfied with additional options available poolside like sandwich wraps, chicken tenders, fresh fruit, and frozen smoothies. And what kid doesn’t love free-flowing soft-serve ice cream?
Sand castle art depicting the different Disney theme parks adorns the walls of Cabanas
Family-Friendly Staterooms
Disney Cruise Line staterooms are designed to be family-friendly with larger floorplans than most cruise lines, a privacy curtain between the children’s area and the parents’ bed, and two separated sinks to make getting ready for the day a breeze. Plus, bathtubs are featured in all rooms (a rarity on cruise ships), making it easy to bathe babies, toddlers, and other little ones while at sea.
My daughter gleefully climbed into her top bunk in our stateroom both nights. For you nervous mamas like me, her bed was secured with a safety railing and we received a removable safety railing for my son’s lower bunk. Karissa adored sleeping beneath a painted nighttime sky dotted with stars – just another delightful Disney detail!
Inside staterooms on Dream are outfitted with Magic Portholes, which show live video views outside the ship. Plus, Disney characters like Dumbo or Nemo sometimes float past the portholes to surprise guests.
Here’s our Deluxe Family Stateroom with Balcony, all turned down for the evening
Other Special Disney Touches
Disney character meet-and-greets, Broadway-caliber live shows, first-run Disney movies in the ship’s movie theatre, and fireworks at sea add to the magic of a Disney Cruise. But what really makes a Disney cruise special is over-the-top attention to detail and incredible customer service. Every effort is made to ensure that all guests are entertained and cared for, from babies and toddlers, to children, tweens, teens, and adults.
When I requested sides of ranch and ketchup to accompany my son’s chicken at dinner, our server created Mickey Mouse artwork from the condiments!
Dream Itineraries & Beyond
Dream offers three, four, and five night cruises to The Bahamas, with a day or two spent at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. If you plan to sail on Dream (and you should!), I’d go for the longest cruise you can afford. I felt an incredible sense of “hurry up and have fun” on this two-night cruise.
This short taste has me absolutely pining for another Disney Cruise! As a West Coast Travel Mama, my latest dream is to sail on one of Disney’s cruises on board Wonder departing from my part of the world. I’m imagining a tropical vacation on board a six to ten night cruise from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera or a scenic seven-night voyage from Vancouver to Alaska! Find out more about Dream’s Caribbean cruises and other Disney destinations on the Disney Cruise Line website.
Check back soon for my reviews of Castaway Cay’s island adventures and the grown-up fun available on board Disney Dream!
Are you dreaming of a Disney Cruise too? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• Disney Dream’s Christening Ceremony – Dreams Do Come True
• The Travel Mama’s Guide to Orlando & Kissimmee with Kids
• Travel Apparel Giveaway from Fresh Produce
A Note from The Travel Mama: Disney provided my airfare, my family’s two-night media cruise, and some other expenses related to the Disney Dream Christening Cruise. I was singing the praises of Disney Cruise Line long before I was a travel writer!
Tags: babies, children, Disney Cruise, Dream, It's a Small World Nursery, kindergartner, Oceaneer, Pools, potty train, preschooler, toddlers, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 12 Comments »
Sunday, January 30th, 2011
My family crammed a lot of fun attractions, tasty food, and kid-friendly accommodations into our nine-day Florida vacation. Along with my husband and two young children, I visited three Disney parks and hung out with alligators and their crocodile cousins at Gatorland. We rested our heads in two hotels, one vacation home, and on board Disney’s new ship, Dream. Plus we sampled cuisine from Cuba, Canada, Spain, and beyond. Throughout it all, I wrote about our adventures on the i.seeKissimmee blog. Here’s a little round-up of our experiences and my recommendations for your next trip to the Orlando area.
Giddy About Kissimmee
This post is an ode to the fun and excitement of planning a trip to Kissimmee, Florida.
Mona Lisa Suite Hotel – A Hip Place for Families
Check out my review of this artsy hotel with a gorgeous pool and space to spread out. I especially recommend this suite hotel for families with tweens and teens who will appreciate its “cool” factor.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Young Children
The Animal Kingdom Park is a magical blend of animals, education, and all-out fun. It is fairly easy to tackle in one day, even if accompanied by small children whose stamina and attention spans wane after a few hours. Here are five tips for making the most of a visit to this Disney park with little kids (kindergarten-age and younger).
Celebration – Cuban Cuisine & Ice Cream in a Quaint Setting
Celebration, Florida is the Mayberry-esque town designed and developed by Disney. Celebration’s downtown is a small, walk-able, picturesque handful of shops, restaurants, and one hotel. I recommend a visit, especially to dine (and drink!) at the Columbia Restaurant and indulge in some delectable treats at Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream!
Epcot Family Favorites
Epcot, my favorite Walt Disney World park, offers delicious cuisine from around the world, teaches children (and adults!) about other cultures through hands-on experiences, and offers a glimpse into the future. Check out these six absolute must-sees if you have just one day to explore this enormous amusement park.
Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse – Upscale Canadian Cuisine
If you think amusement park food is ho-hum, you have never visited Epcot! Long before we left home, there was much deliberation over which of the 11 World Showcase countries to choose for an international family dinner splurge. We were wowed by our choice of Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. Check out my review of their savory steaks and maple-flavored cuisine.
Gatorland is Full of Surprises for Families
Discover six ways a visit to Orlando’s alligator farm and wildlife refuge, Gatorland, might surprise you.
The Magic, The Memories, and You Premiere at Magic Kingdom
Cinderella’s Castle comes to life like it never has before in a new show at Florida’s Magic Kingdom Park in The Magic, The Memories, and You. The show uses the castle as a backdrop for an impressive display of images and lights set to music. What makes this show unique is how it showcases up to 500 photos of actual Disney theme park guests taken that same day.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango – Tapas and Art
Cafe Tu Tu Tango, a wild tapas restaurant with an artistic flair, provides a unique dining experience in the Orlando area. Vibrant paintings crowd every wall, live Flamenco dancers perform, and artists paint creations before your eyes.
Rent a Vacation Home for Space, Sanity, and Sleep
Staying in a vacation rental home for the last leg of our Kissimmee adventures gave my family room to spread out, play together, eat a few peaceful meals, and enjoy some restful sleep. If you’re interested in space, sanity, and sleep while visiting Orlando, you should check out this post.
Kissimmee Wish List
Was all of this enough to satisfy our appetite for Orlando and Kissimmee? Noooo! We are already daydreaming about where we want to visit, eat, and sleep during our next trip to Florida.
What’s on your Orlando/Kissimmee wish list? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Disney Dream’s Christening Ceremony – Dreams Do Come True
• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• Travel Apparel Giveaway from Fresh Produce
Tags: Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Celebration, Disney Cruise, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Dream, epcot, Florida, Gatorland, i.seeKissimmee, kissimmee, Le Cellier, orlando, vacation rental home
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 5 Comments »
Thursday, January 27th, 2011
My eyes filled with tears watching the christening ceremony for Disney’s new ship, Dream. I was overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude and wonder at being part of something that felt so special…so magical…so Disney. But those tears represented something bigger.
Grammy and Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson with Mickey Mouse and Disney CEO Bob Iger at Disney Dream Christening
Before I became a travel writer, I sailed on a ten-night Disney Mediterranean Cruise with my husband and daughter (plus my son who was stowing away in my belly). That 2007 trip turned me into a Disney Cruise Line fanatic. I often joke that Disney should hire me to do PR for them because I am always bubbling over with praise for Disney Cruise Line to my friends, Travel Mamas readers, the gals in my Stroller Strides class, and pretty much anyone I meet.
While in the Mediterranean, we signed up for a second cruise to take advantage of a discount for making a reservation while on board. Then the economy began to collapse, causing the loss of my husband’s mortgage job, which sent my family on an unforeseen journey filled with financial turmoil and worry. We kept delaying the cruise by a few months, then a few months more, and a few months more. Finally, last year I cancelled the cruise all together.
However, I did not give up on my dream of sailing with Disney again. I glued a big ol’ picture of a Disney ship on my vision board. I sometimes put my children to sleep at night with make believe stories about our someday Disney voyage.
Disney Dream Christening Cruise Invitation
A couple of months ago I received something from Disney in the mail. I’d heard a rumor about a media cruise on Disney’s newest ship and before I even opened the package, I began running around the house, yelling, “We’re going on a Disney Cruise! We’re going on a Disney Cruise!” My two little ones didn’t understand what I was talking about they knew it was something good, so they started jumping around with excitement too. We were a happiness parade bounding through the house in search of scissors to cut open our present. Sure enough, when we unpacked the box we found a treasure chest filled with an invitation to sail on the Dream Christening Cruise and a pretend telescope, which when you peered inside it, pointed to a picture of the ship.
Helicopter Toting a Gigantic Champagne Bottle “Filled with Dreams” at Christening Ceremony
Last week in Cape Canaveral, Florida it was exciting to watch Disney Dream’s newly crowned Godmother Jennifer Hudson sing on stage amidst a swirling stream of Disney characters and dancers. It was thrilling to witness a helicopter scoop up a gigantic champagne bottle to crack it on the ship’s bow. But what really brought me to tears was the idea of dreams fulfilled. I did not give up hope. I kept believing and my wish was granted, and in the grandest fashion too. It was a moment I’ll remember forever. Whenever I feel like what I want is too far out of reach, I will remember that moment and know that dreams do come true.
What dreams have been fulfilled in your life? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• Going Confidently in the Direction of My Dreams in 2011
• How & Why to Host a Vision Board Party
• The Day My Life Changed Forever in France’s Luberon
A Note from The Travel Mama: Disney provided my airfare, my family’s two-night media cruise, and some other expenses related to the Disney Dream Christening. I always give my honest opinion, no matter who pays!
Tags: Cape Canaveral, champagne, Christening Cruise, Disney Cruise, Dream, Jennifer Hudson
Posted in Family Vacations, Mixed Baggage, Theme Parks | 1 Comment »
Sunday, November 21st, 2010
Dear Santa Claus,
Last year I made ten holiday wishes. You certainly delivered on a few, my jolly old friend. I’ll be one happy Travel Mama if you can come though on all of ‘em this year!
1) Last Year: A Disney Cruise. I knew a Disney Cruise would be a difficult item to fit on your sleigh but I asked for it anyway and put a photo of a Disney ship on my vision board. Now I’m a believer because I was recently invited by Disney Cruise Line to sail on the new Dream ship’s inaugural cruise in January 2011! My family and I can’t wait spend two nights at sea and make a stop at one of my Bucket List destinations, Disney’s private Caribbean island, Castaway Cay.
This Year: An Alaskan Cruise. Now, I might just be getting greedy here. I should just be thankful for the Disney Cruise and leave it at that, right? But nooooo…I gotta keep dreaming!
2) Last Year: A Jogger. Last Christmas I camplained that I was the only mama in my Stroller Strides class bumping along at the back of the pack with my standard stroller. Well, I got my jogger, but I got a cheap one. Now I am the only mama in class whose front tire doesn’t turn so I have to push down on the handle and lift my son into the air every time I want to turn. If you are looking for a jogger, I suggest you spend the extra bucks and get a revolving front tire! By the way, I’m still at the back of the pack. I can’t blame the stroller anymore so I guess I just have to admit that I’m slow.
This Year: Fitness & Connection with Nature. I won’t request another, better jogger. But I do want to focus more on getting outdoors and being active as a family. It’d be nice to splurge on some fun classes to keep the kiddos fit too- like swimming, dance lessons, or Tae-Kwon-Do.
3) Last Year: Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pajamas.
This Year: Just Fit into Last Year’s Clothes. ‘Nuff said.
4) Last Year: A Publisher for My Book, The Travel Mamas’ Guide a humorous, how-to guide for traveling with babies and tots. My agent recently sent out my book proposal to mid-size to large potential publishers. They all pretty much said the same thing: Love the voice. Think the book fills a need in the market. Worried there’s too much information already online (ironically).
This Year: A Publisher for My Book. I am starting my search for a smaller publisher now. I know there is a need for this book. I know many moms and dads struggle to figure out how to continue to travel after becoming parents. I know I can help parents minimize the stresses of traveling with babies and children and enjoy the time spent together as a family on the go. I can’t give up yet. If J.K. Rowling gave up at this point, we never would have heard of Harry Potter!
5) Last Year: A Sponsor for BlogHer 2010 in New York. Well, I didn’t find a sponsor for the BlogHer conference, but JetSetBabies did sponsor my trip to the Travel Bloggers Exchange conference (TBEX) in New York this past summer! And, BlogHer is scheduled to come to my hometown of San Diego in 2011, for which I have already purchased my ticket.
This Year: Attendance at TBEX ’11 in Vancouver, Canada. I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver and this conference gives me the perfect excuse to go! I look forward to chatting, touring, and toasting with some of my favorite bloggers and making new travel-loving friends.
6) Last Year: An Appearance on Oprah’s Show.
This Year: A Place in Oprah’s Audience. This is Oprah’s last year as a daytime talk show host and I’m just dying to attend a taping before it’s off the air. Sure, I’d love a spot on her couch but I’d settle for anything at this point. Do you think if I mention Oprah in enough blog posts that eventually one of her producers will stumble across Travel Mamas and invite me on the show?! (Hey – it could happen!) So far, I’ve included Oprah in five stories. Hmm…maybe you should expect to see her in a few more!
7) Last Year: Annual Passes to Disneyland. Well, I may not have gotten annual Disneyland passes but I was fortunate to have been invited to Disneyland three times in 2010 for Travel Mamas stories. As an added bonus, last year I attended Disney Social Media Moms, a conference in Orlando that enabled me to connect with other bloggers and to experience Walt Disney World with my mom and two kiddos!
This Year: Disney Gift Cards. Since we will be flying to Orlando for the Disney Dream Cruise in the new year, we have decided to extend our stay by a few days so we can explore the Disney World Parks and other Orlando attractions. I’m asking my family for Disney gift cards in lieu of holiday gifts to help us fund our park entrance tickets and vacation dining.
8)Last Year: More Date Nights OUT with my Husband.
This Year: More Date Nights IN with my Husband. We can’t seem to find a reliable babysitter or afford many fancy date nights. So now I’m wishing for some home date night fun. Specifically, I’d love a fire pit for the backyard by which the hubs and I could snuggle up after the kids are in bed. I’d also like a couple of date night movies on DVD to watch while nibbling popcorn on the couch with my honey, like Julie & Julia (what blogger doesn’t dream of having her story made into a movie starring Meryl Streep?) and Eat, Pray, Love (because I could use a spiritual tour of the world!).
9) Last Year: A Month in a Foreign Country.
This Year: Travel. Period. While I didn’t spend a month in a foreign country last year, I traveled to Texas, Puerto Rico, Cabo San Lucas, Arizona, Florida, Maine, New York, and throughout California. Being a travel blogger does not pay well, but it does have some great perks! I’m not sure where Travel Mamas will take me in 2011…but I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
10) Last Year: Good Health. Lots of Love. Family. Friends. This year has been quite the journey for me. I have struggled with some health issues related to stress and have made a few trips to the emergency room for complications related to my son’s asthma. My husband and I have argued more this year than any other during our 11 years together due mostly to our constant worry about his job in this stinky economy (he’s had six within three years), the difficulties of making a living as a travel writer, and the likelihood of making our mortgage payment.
I am incredibly blessed for my overall good health and that of my children. I try to focus on the love that surrounds me, even when the world seems filled with noise and worry. I am blessed to be part of our family of four and to have siblings and parents, who are always in my heart even though they live far away. And I am thankful for my friends…from my neighbor, Sara, with whom I often trade harrowing parenting stories over a glass of wine while our kids run in wild circles around us…to Erin who accompanied me on my trip to Freeport, Maine and reminded me of the giggling college girls we used to be…to my online friends with whom I share my hopes, frustrations, and love of this crazy world of blogging and social media.
This Year: Joy in the Journey. I hope to discover how to make a living doing what I love: writing, exploring the world, and helping others get the most out of their travels. I have been working so hard to make Travel Mamas and myself into a success story that sometimes I have forgotten to enjoy the ride. Wherever this year takes me, I plan to enjoy the journey. I wish the same for you in 2011!
What’s on your holiday wish list? Please share your wishes in the comments below!
You might also like:
• The Travel Mama’s Holiday Wish List - Year 1
• Build a Village in India & Win a JW Marriott Getaway
• Holidays at Disneyland
• How to Survive Visiting Family during the Holidays
Tags: Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise, disney world, disneyland, holidays, jetsetbabies, Oprah, TBEX, The Travel Mamas' Guide, vision board, waterslide
Posted in Mixed Baggage, Toys & Gear | 15 Comments »
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010
I have written several stories about my family’s Disney Cruise and the new ports of call in the Mediterranean on TravelMamas.com over the past few months. Set sail with me on a journey from vibrant Barcelona in Spain to such destinations as history-rich Rome in Italy and picturesque Provence in France in this round-up post. Bon voyage!
Barcelona is the embarkation city of most Disney Mediterranean cruises. Discover what to do and what to skip in this friendly Spanish city in The Best & Worst of Barcelona with Kids.
Our stop in Sicily was the stuff vacation daydreams are made of. Find out why in A Day on the Farm in Sicily.
Although Sorrento and Pompeii were wonderful, our visit to these destinations did not go as smoothly as we had hoped. From great frustrations one can learn great lessons, as you’ll see in Vacation Savoring Lessons Learned in Sorrento & Pompeii.
After many days on the go, go, go touring historic European sites, a Sardinian beach day was just what the Travel Mama ordered! Check out the fun we had in Sun, Sand & Sea in Sardinia.
They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but could it be conquered in a day with a toddler in tow? Find out in Rome in a Day.
Lovely little Lerici, Italy made it’s way into my heart and into The Travel Mama’s Top 3 Hidden Gem Destinations. This story was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for the ebook, Tripbase Best Kept Travel Secrets – Italy.
Sometimes not having set vacation plans allows for unexpected discoveries and is the best way to travel. Other times, not having an agenda leads to poor decisions and missed opportunities. Both proved true on this second to last stop of our Disney Cruise through the Mediterranean. Read more in Monte Carlo, Nice, or Villefranche?
Tags: barcelona, Disney Cruise, France, Italy, Lerici, Luberon, mediterranean, Monte Carlo, Nice, Pompeii, Provence, Rome, Sardinia, Sicily, Sorrento, spain, Tripbase Best Kept Travel Secrets, Villefranche
Posted in Family Vacations, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 3 Comments »
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
The Luberon is the region of France upon which Peter Mayle based his bucolic books like A Year in Provence. Having read the series years prior, I was looking forward to eating a time-consuming lunch here served with a glass of wine or Pastis in an idyllic spot of sunshine while breathing in the scent of Provence’s famed lavender fields. A day that started as a quest for a quintessentially Provençal experience became something much bigger when I discovered that my life would be forever changed.
The Sorgue River in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Marseille would be the last port of our Disney Mediterranean cruise before returning to our embarkation city of Barcelona. I had emailed back and forth with our private French driver and tour guide, Catherine, about my hopes for the day. Unlike our obstinate guide in Sorrento and Pompeii, Catherine was more than happy to adjust her typical itinerary to popular tourist destinations like Avignon and Aix-en-Provence to accommodate my request to visit the hillside towns of the Luberon.
I should note, instead of Marseille, the Disney Mediterranean Cruises now stop in Ajaccio, Corsica. As a francophile, Corsica has long been on my Bucket List. Warm weather, melodic language, sand beaches, and vineyards…what more could you ask for?
Fountain in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The day started with Catherine driving my husband, our toddler, and me one hour to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (translated as Island on the Sorgue River). From its namesake river that encircles the town to fountains and watermills, water seems to be everywhere in this town. It was a sizzling hot day, so while the water did not provide any literal relief from the heat, the view was at least refreshing.
Paella and produce vendors on market day
We visited on a market day (Thursday), which brought a lively international flavor to our visit. In addition to the standard array of fresh fruits and vegetables found at open-air markets around the world, there were also stands selling pungent French cheeses and honey-laced desserts with a Morroccan flair, while a vendor’s giant black pan of paella sent the Spanish aroma of saffron, seafood, and sausage sailing through the air.
Antique Toy and Doll Museum
I had rosey-colored images in my mind’s eye of visiting the Antique Toy and Doll Museum with my then two-and-a-half-year-old, Karissa. In reality, I had to scoop up my toddler and race through the tiny museum to keep her from sitting on the adorable miniature chairs or picking up the priceless porcelain dolls while she pointed at the toys and shouted, “That’s mine! That’s mine!”
Tour Guide Catherine with my husband, Phil, at lunch at La Prévôté
Luckily, my Southern French lunchtime daydreams came true when our daughter miraculously napped through our meal at La Prévôté. We dined on chilled asparagus soup and sea bass with fresh herbs and sunset-colored root vegetables while sipping crisp white wine in a garden courtyard surrounded by olive trees. It was the picture-perfect Provençal lunch.
Afterwards, I think Catherine’s French sensabilities were a tad offended when we asked to go to the McDonald’s drive-through to grab our daughter’s meal, but the chicken nuggets were much more to Karissa’s liking than the fresh fish, turnips, and deep purple potatoes would have been!
The town of Gordes
Afterwards, Catherine brought us to Gordes, a picturesque town cut into the side of a mountain with a gorgeous view of the verdant valleys of Provence below. My husband and I drank afternoon cafes cremes to rouse us from our noontime wine while Karissa ran a muck, pulling relentlessly on her safety harness (or as some might call it, her “leash”).
We weaved in and out of the town’s darling shops that sold decorative ceramics, packets of herbes de Provence, and the darling household knick-knacks you’d expect to find in this region of France.
Museum of Lavender in Coustellet
In mid-July, Catherine told me it was already late in the lavender season and I may not be able to fulfill my longing to see a field of the fragrant flowers. Still, she drove us to the Museum of Lavender in Coustellet so I could purchase some lavender-themed souvenirs. We had to get back to the ship in time for its departure so only I jumped out and ran into the gift shop to select scented sachets, soaps, and lotions to bring back home.
The museum sat amid a lovely field of lavender. I took a brief moment to inhale a deep breath of the earthy, floral scent indicative of Provence before hopping back in the car.
My daughter hugging Goofy as we re-boarded Disney’s Magic
As always, a Disney character was just outside the ship, ready to greet our family back aboard Magic. This time it was Goofy. My daughter hugged him like an old friend. At this point in our cruise, he truly was.
While shopping in Gordes, I purchased a teddy bear wall decoration with seven hooks above which the days of the week were written in French. I told my husband I was buying it for Karissa’s room, but in my heart I knew it was for the baby’s room…the baby we were hoping to someday have and whom I would discover that night on board the ship (thanks to an EPT brought overseas) I was already carrying with us on this journey.
The teddy bear wall decoration that now hangs in my son, Leo’s bedroom
I wanted a second baby. And I would come to discover in the next few months just how desperately I wanted that baby when my first trimester screen revealed that I was at high-risk of miscarriage or of giving birth to a child with Trisomy 13 or 18, a severe and life-limiting birth defect. The doctor urged me to undergo amniosynthesis (which would put me at higher risk of miscarriage) to determine with absolute certainty whether my baby had this disorder so I could terminate the pregnancy if I wanted. I discovered something you cannot truly know until it is you carrying the baby. While I am pro-choice for others, I am profoundly pro-life when it comes to my own child. I refused the amniosynthesis.
I am, and will always be, beyond grateful for my little boy, who was born perfectly healthy four-and-a-half weeks early. While Karissa had always been a daddy’s girl and today her allegiance vascillates somewhere between the two of us, Leo is staunchly a mama’s boy.
I never thought I wanted a son. I had longed for a sister for Karisssa and a second pink-clad girly-girl. Who knew how wonderful it would be to have a little man in the house? He is at once a thunderous clap of noise and a sun shower of love. He flings toys across the room and kicks the water from the bath. Then he snuggles into my neck and gobbles up my heart.
However, when I found out I was growing a new baby inside my belly, instead of the pure joy I felt upon discovering my first pregnancy, I felt a loss. There are rare moments when you know with absolute certainty that life from that point forward will forever be different. This was one of them. I knew we were no longer a trio. Our family had become a quartet. That night and for a few weeks to come, I mourned the loss of my sweet family of three.
Big sister kissing her newborn baby brother
Even though Leo wasn’t born for another seven months, maybe the reason I look back upon our Disney Mediterranean Cruise with such nostalgia, beyond the awesome customer service, family-friendly fun, and attention to detail, is because it represents for me a last hurrah for our family as a threesome.
That trip will forever hold a special place in my heart…for the time spent together as a trio…for some of the happiest vacation memories of my life…and for the momentous discovery that my family and my heart would soon expand more than I could ever imagine.
Have you ever experienced a life-changing moment while traveling? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• A Day on the Farm in Sicily
• Monte Carlo, Nice, or Villefranche?
• Paris with Kids – C’est Magnifique!
• Why We Travel with Children
Tags: A Year in Provence, Antique Toy and Doll Museum, Disney Cruise, France, Gordes, lavender, Luberon, mediterranean, Peter Mayle, Provence, toddler
Posted in Family Vacations, Restaurant Reviews | 11 Comments »
Thursday, October 7th, 2010
The lovely French seaside town of Villefranche is situated between two tourist hot spots, Nice and Monte Carlo. Since I’d already visited these two cities during my college year abroad and had pleasant memories of both, I couldn’t decide which to revisit on this second to last stop of our Disney Cruise through the Mediterranean.
Villefranche by Day
Leaving It Up to Fate
My husband, Phil, and I started our day wandering with our toddler, Karissa, through Villefranche’s tiny downtown area. We enjoyed a breakfast of cafés crèmes and pains au chocolats (chocolate-filled croissants). Then we decided to let fate decide our destination. We walked to the train station and agreed to take the first train available going to either Nice or Monte Carlo (which were about 20 minutes away in opposite directions).
Nice won. In retrospect, we wished Monaco would have. Monte Carlo is more compact and offers kid-friendly options like flowery, grass-filled parks perfect for toddling legs as well as a small zoo and an impressive aquarium.
Nice is too widespread to tackle in one day and is not the kind of town for aimless meandering. One should have a goal here (mostly the beach or shopping). Still, just as I had remembered, the people of Nice were…well…very nice. The city’s residents seemed impressed with my fading grasp of French and everyone we encountered went out of their way to wish us a bonne journee (or good day).
Lunch at La Maison de Marie in Nice
Family-Friendly Nice
On my first visit to Nice, I had gone for Carnival with two fellow foreign exchange students. Carnival and its famous night of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) has been celebrated here since the 1200s. The version I encountered here during college was much tamer than that of New Orleans. In Nice flowers are tossed from floats instead of beads. I did not witness or participate in the flashing of any usually covered body parts. No one was drinking Hurricanes. (Well, but we did have a few drinks after watching the parades!)
This time around, my husband and I spent much of the day pushing a stroller long distances trying to decide where to go and what to do. Our Nicoise lunch at a Rick Steves’ recommended restaurant, La Maison de Marie, was just as lunch in Southern France should be: in a picture perfect setting with delicious food. We were the only American diners in the restaurant’s darling outdoor courtyard. Thankfully our then two-year-old daughter slept throughout the entire languorous lunch, allowing me to enjoy my chicken with dried fruits and almonds as well as some grown-up conversation with the hubs under the shade of bougainvillea vines.
Beachtime in Villefranche
That morning we had spied a sweet little beach in Villefranche but had not brought any swimsuits with us for the day. Since we had taken a tender boat to shore and knew that it would be a time-consuming ordeal to tender back to our cabin, I took this as a sign that we should scour Nice’s department stores for French swim duds for the family. This was quite the fun quest for me; not so much for my husband.
After our return train trip, we stopped in a café for afternoon refreshments (which was really just an excuse to slip into their restroom to change into our new, chic beach gear). I purchased Karissa a Finding Nemo inflatable swim ring from a beachside stand, which wound up being quite handy since she refused to step her delicate tootsies on the pebble sea floor. She floated about in the comfort of her ring for as long as my sand-spoiled feet could handle it.
Fountain in Villefranche
Date Night for Mom & Dad
We tendered back to the ship and fed Karissa a dinner of pizza before dropping her off at Flounders Nursery. After quick showers, Phil and I hesitantly left Karissa aboard the ship while we (gulp!) headed ashore for dinner alone.
It seemed all of the town’s residents had gathered that evening for a summer festival of sorts. They gabbed aimiably with one another, listening to live music and watching a modern dance performance, as they sat perched on the edge of the square’s sweetly pitiful fountain.
We perused the menus of the handful of restaurants surrounding the town’s tiny main square before settling upon one for dinner. We dined on incredibly fresh fish and toasted our good fortune at experiencing such an incredible vacation, which would be coming to an end all too soon. Romantic moments on vacation with children are rare and make them ever so much more worthy of savoring.
Villefranche at Night
The pressure of time and parental duty weighed on us unspoken throughout our meal. Before long we dutifully took the tender boat back to the ship as the sun dipped slowly beneath the horizon. I snuggled with my husband, his arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders to protect me from the cold breeze as the boat sped across the bay. I stared at the bittersweet beauty of that little French town’s colorful lights shimmering across the water and the sound of the jazz trio fading while I tried to cement the feeling of gratitude and wonder of that moment forever in my memory.
Sometimes not having set vacation plans allows for unexpected discoveries and is the best way to travel. Other times, not having an agenda leads to poor decisions and missed opportunities. Both proved true for us on this day in Southern France.
Do you prefer perfectly planned vacations or spur of the moment travel? Leave a comment below!
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• A Day on the Farm in Sicily
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Tags: aquarium, beach, Disney Cruise, Flounders Nursery, France, mediterranean, Monte Carlo, Nice, Villefranche, zoo
Posted in Family Vacations, Restaurant Reviews | 5 Comments »
Sunday, September 26th, 2010
They say Rome wasn’t built in a day. But could it be conquered in a day with a toddler in tow?
Rome was the most highly anticipated stop of our Disney Mediterranean Cruise for my husband, Phil. It was also the most dreaded for me. I worried the city’s numerous monuments would be too much tackle in one day, particularly when traveling with a two-and-a-half-year-old in the flaming heat of a Roman July. Phil is typically a “whatever you want to do is fine with me” kind of vacation-goer. However, he had made it clear it was imperative that he see all that Rome had to offer. Taking it easy was not an option.
The Roman Forum
I had visited Rome years prior during my year abroad as a student in Southern France. I fell in love with the history, culture, art, food, and vivaciousness of Rome the minute I stepped foot in the Eternal City. On my first visit, I literally (and I mean literally!) ran from site to site, more enthralled with the next ancient treasure than the last.
Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls
This time around we hired a private guide, a pleasant Roman woman named Irene (Eee-ree-nay), who drove us the nearly two hours from our port town of Civitavecchia into Rome. Our first stop was the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, also known as St Paul’s Basilica or St Paul Outside the Walls. This was a bit of a treat for me since I had not visited this lesser known church on my previous visit. It was lovely, but certainly not a must-see for first-time visitors.
Next we swung by the Roman Forum for a snapshot of the family before we jumped back into Irene’s car. Hopping in and out of a vehicle to take photos of these historic sites was not the most “authentic” way to experience Rome, but you would’ve done the same under the blazingly hot, time-crushed circumstances. Irene’s air conditioned car was our new best friend. Still, it would have been nice to spend more time here, wandering through the ruins of what was once the cultural, financial, and religious center of Ancient Rome.
The Roman Colosseum
Then it was on to the Roman Colosseum. As you know, the Roman Colosseum is the largest coliseum ever built by the Roman Empire and is famous for its remarkable architecture and engineering.
Massive lines of tourists snaked around the monument’s perimeter. Our daughter, Karissa, had fallen asleep in her car seat and Irene assured us we could bypass the lines since she had pre-purchased entrance tickets for us. So we decided to…leave our toddler sleeping…in the car…with Irene…whom we had just met a few hours prior. (ARE WE CRAZY?!)
The monstrous lines turned out to be for groups (some of them our fellow Disney cruisers) awaiting a tour of the Colosseum’s interior. They also had their entrance tickets and were none too eager to let the hubs and me squeeze in front of them in line. An Italian woman offered to sell us a personalized tour of the interior. We declined but my husband, salesman that he is, offered to pay her if she could help us bypass the line since we only had a half-hour to get in and back to our sleeping toddler. She took pity on us and marched us up to the front of the line, refusing our money. (Grazie mille, you sweet Italian lady, whoever you are!)
Soon we were inside the Colosseum (another first for me). We marveled at the network of underground tunnels and imagined gladiators fighting for their lives in this giant amphitheatre. We snapped a few photos, bought a couple of souvenirs, and departed.
The interior of the Colosseum
Phil and I spotted Irene standing outside the car bopping with our daughter in her arms, while Karissa wailed, “Mommmmmmmyyy!” I sprinted to my little girl and she quieted the minute I reached her. Irene said that Karissa slept much of the time and then woke a few minutes before we arrived. Irene played her some Italian pop music and sang to her for a bit. Then it occurred to Karissa that her parents had gone missing, which is when the screaming commenced.
Next our family stopped for a quick lunch of lasagna and cold pasta with Irene. For how laidback the Italians are supposed to be, I will tell you this: the tour drivers are anything but. Maybe it is from years of dealing with uptight Americans eager to squeeze in every Italian site possible, but when we asked if we could stop for a cappuccino or even lunch, she looked at us like we were crazy (as was the case with our driver in Sorrento and Pompeii).
The Trevi Fountain
Our next stop: the Trevi Fountain. On my first visit, I knew nothing of this fountain beyond what I had read in my Let’s Go Europe! Sure, the guidebook said it would be big. But big did not prepare me for the overwhelming magnitude of this fountain. This is the fountain to top all fountains. I defy you to find me a more magnificent fountain! On this trip, we hopped out…ran over to the fountain…gave Karissa a penny and helped her toss it over her shoulder to ensure she would someday return to Rome.
Our original plan was for the three of us to embark on a private tour of the Vatican (ahhh…the days before the economy collapsed were glorious!). However, I was on a crazy quest for a lemon centerpiece and I had already visited the Holy City, so instead Irene dropped Karissa and me off near the Spanish Steps before she drove Phil to the Vatican.
Modeling new Italian fashions (No, I don’t remember what I thought was so funny!)
The stores I encountered were intimidating, high-end fashion boutiques like Gucci, Dolce & Gabana, and Prada (none of which, curiously, carried citrus-themed ceramics). I felt odd pushing my dirty old stroller up steps and into the luxurious shops, but the air-conditioned interiors beckoned to me. I rambled along cobblestone streets searching for an indoor seat at an air-conditioned café. Finally I found one. I ordered a lemon ice over which I lingered like an Italian, buying time out of the stifling heat while my daughter dozed.
After more than an hour, I braved the heat to head toward my pick-up spot. I found a reasonably priced boutique where I purchased a silky teal shirt and a sexy scarlet dress, both size small. I should have realized that a size small American equals a size medium or large Italian, but my ego got in the way. Hence, the teal shirt was worn exactly once (on the ship that night) and the red dress was given to my tiny friend, Sona, after we returned home.
The Vatican
Meanwhile, my (Jewish) husband adored his tour of the Vatican with his personal guide, Marta. He marveled at the Pieta, the painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and thousands of other priceless works of art.
The first time I had visited Rome it was over the span of a few days and I left enchanted with the Eternal City. This time, I just left exhausted. I hope Disney Cruise Line will eventually dedicate two days of their Mediterranean Cruise itinerary to Rome, allowing cruisers to get a more genuine taste of the city. Rome is meant to savored, not swallowed in big gulps. Hopefully our Trevi Fountain coins will indeed bring us back to Rome someday so we can meander from square to square, eat leisurely meals of pasta and wine, and simply enjoy life as it should be in Italy…simple, relaxed, delicious.
If you only had one day to visit Rome, how would you spend it? Leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• A Day on the Farm in Sicily
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• Sun, Sand & Sea in Sardinia
• Vacation Savoring Lessons Learned in Sorrento & Pompeii
A note from the Travel Mama: My family paid for this cruise and I did not receive any compensation or goodies from Disney related to this story. I will always let you know if I receive any money or products related to a blog post.
Tags: civitavecchia, Colosseum, Disney Cruise, Italy, lemon ice, mediterranean, Rome, shopping, St. Paul's Basilica, toddler, Vatican
Posted in Family Vacations | 12 Comments »
Sunday, September 12th, 2010
My sail down memory lane continues with the fourth port of our Disney Mediterranean Cruise - Sardinia, Italy. After many days on the go, go, go touring historic European sites, a beach day Sardinian-style was just what the Travel Mama ordered!
This day we signed up for a Disney beach excursion. My husband, two-year-old daughter, and I boarded a bus with other cruisers to reach La Cinta Beach in Olbia, Sardinia. The sandy beach was quite the treat since many Mediterranean beaches have pebble or rock bottoms, which require tough feet or water shoes when taking a dip in the water. The tall grasses sprouting from the sand along the perimeter of the beach reminded me of Cape Cod. As part of our excursion fees, we were provided with two lounge chairs and a blue and white striped sun umbrella.
For lunch we snagged some unimpressive-looking tomato and mozarella sandwiches from the snack bar. Even these pre-made plastic-wrapped sandwiches were quite tasty. Italians sure do know how to do food!
After a couple of hours of splashing in the calm waves and digging in the sand with Disney-provided sand toys, we reboarded the buses for our hour-long journey back to the ship.
One of my sanity saving and vacation savoring tips is to schedule down days after busy days and to be sure to include activities that meet the desires of all trip-goers…parents, kids, everyone! Was this the most momentous day of our cruise? No. Was it a wonderful day nonetheless? Absolutely.
Some might say there are beaches in the U.S. and spending a day seaside was a waste of our precious vacation time. I believe relaxation should be part of any itinerary and a day spent playing at the beach recharged our internal batteries, allowing us to do the unthinkable…tackle Rome in a day with a toddler! Check back for my story on that one!
The current Disney Mediterranean Cruise no longer includes a stop at Sardinia. Instead, cruisers visit Tunis, Tunisia on the Northern tip of Africa. Visitors can explore on their own, visiting this Muslim city’s famed Zitouna Mosque, tasting Tunisia’s flavorful, exotic cuisine and shopping for handicrafts, jewelry, and spices in the city’s center medina, or marketplace. Disney excursions are available too – with day trips to the ruins of Carthage and Moorish village of Sidi Bou Said or the town of Nabeul, known for its pottery. The Bardo Museum and Medina for Families excursion includes a special youth activity, where children can create their own mosaic with Disney Youth Counselors to bring home while parents explore the museum’s beautiful artwork.
I love that Disney Cruise Line is always working to change and improve its cruise destinations and excursions. It makes taking another Disney Mediterranean Cruise someday even more tempting as I daydream about what activities my family would choose in each port!
Which would you rather visit, Sardinia or Tunisia? Leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• A Day on the Farm in Sicily
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A note from the Travel Mama: My family paid for this cruise and I did not receive any compensation or goodies from Disney related to this story. I will always let you know if I receive any money or products related to a blog post.
Tags: beach, Disney Cruise, Italy, La Cinta, mediterranean, Olbia, Sardinia, Tunis, Tunisia
Posted in Family Vacations | 1 Comment »
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
Our stop in Naples, Italy was the most frustrating day of our Disney Mediterranean Cruise. Rather than explore the port town famed for its glorious pizza, we opted to hire a private driver/tour guide to take us to Sorrento and Pompeii. It’s not that these locations were bothersome or not worthy of a visit – quite the opposite, in fact!
From great frustrations, one can learn great lessons. Here’s what I learned about how to make the most of your precious vacation days, even when things don’t go exactly as you hoped…
L’Agruminato Citrus Grove Garden in Sorrento
More Expensive Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Better
Hiring a private guide seemed like the best way to visit both Sorrento and Pompeii in one day with our then two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Plus, this was before the economy crashed so we were doing pretty well financially and could afford such extravagances. In retrospect, I wish we would have just taken the Disney Sorrento and Pompeii Excursion and saved ourselves a lot of money and frustration!
Go Your Own Way
The tour company we hired had specific suggestions for how to spend the day, but I’m pretty type-A and had my own ideas; this didn’t seem to go over too well. I requested that we tour the Pompeii ruins in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and then head to Sorrento for a relaxed lunch and shopping. However, at pick-up our driver informed us that our private archeological guide would be meeting us at 2:00 pm so we would have to drive to Sorrento first and eat lunch in the town of Pompeii instead. During the two-hour drive, I sat in the backseat with my toddler, Karissa, reading books aloud, playing with lace string boards, and trying (without much luck) to keep her entertained.
Stop to Smell the Roses & Taste the Limoncello
Once we arrived in picture-perfect Sorrento, my husband and I took our daughter first to L’Agruminato, a darling citrus garden recommended in Rick Steves’ Italy. There Phil and I tasted and purchased a bottle of Limoncello liqueur, for which Sorrento is famous. This mixture of vodka, sugar, and citrus is mostly sweet, a little tart, surprisingly strong, and all together good.
Seize Opportunities Before It’s Too Late
While wandering through the Sorrento’s plentiful shops, I found several beautiful ceramic centerpiece towers of lemons. This is exactly what I had envisioned purchasing in a town known for its lemons and pottery. I knew it would be perfect in my rustic, yellow dining room with the long white table. I couldn’t decide which to purchase and knew we were on a strict timetable, so my husband and I dutifully marched back to the car.
Here’s my dining room. Hmm…what’s missing?
I asked the driver if we had time enough for me to dash into a store to purchase one of the centerpieces. He told us that he was illegally parked and we really had to hurry to get to our fabulous lunch reservation in time and besides, I need not worry because these items could be found anywhere throughout all of Italy. Needless to say, I spent the remainder of our trip searching for my beloved lemon centerpiece to no avail.
I have searched and searched for something similar and have found but a few options stateside – all of which are three to four times more expensive than what I could have bought in Italy. This has convinced me that we are destined to return to Sorrento, if only to finally purchase my long sought-after ceramic sculpture!
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up!
After our one-and-a-half-hour drive to Pompeii (throughout which, again, I attempted to amuse Karissa), we pulled up to a “restaurant” literally across the street from the Pompeii ruins named simply, Snack Bar. It featured giant, laminated photos of pizza and other eats on its outdoor menu. I asked our driver if this was the place where he “made reservations.” When he said yes, I requested he drive us to a different restaurant for lunch. We came all of the way from California and food is part of the joy of Italy. We did not want to waste a precious lunch snacking on tidbits at the fast food joint across the street from a tourist destination. He protested, but my stubbornness won out.
We dined at a small, unassuming café in the modern town of Pompeii. I was feeling a bit stressed out by the hurried schedule of the day and our tour guide’s insistence in telling us all we were missing by not including a visit to his hometown of Amalfi (which was part of their standard tour package). I, therefore, ordered a bottle of red wine to accompany our lunch. Our meal was beyond delicious, as you can tell by this photo of Karissa gobbling up a huge bowl of penne.
Pasta Lunch in Pompeii
Make Your Needs Known
After a giant plate of pasta and half a bottle of red wine what you really don’t want to do is go walk around in the sweltering sun for a couple of hours. But that is exactly what we did. Now, my husband knew that I had been entertaining our little one in the car all morning. He also knew that I was really excited to see Pompeii as it had been on my bucket list ever since I was ten-years-old and I had learned about it in elementary school.
Our archealogical guide knew none of this and therefore seemed quite put off by the fact that I kept leaving my poor husband to chase after our over-tired, red-faced toddler while I snapped photos and asked questions. In retrospect, it would have made sense to explain our situation to our guide so that I could have just listened and enjoyed while Phil and Karissa ran about. Instead, our guide kept pulling my husband in and re-explaining things to him (which Phil had little interest in), drawing out our tour even longer and making Karissa all the more antsy.
Plan Your Day According to the Weather
I hate to say “I told you so,” (not really!) but my plan to visit the ruins in the cool of the morning to allow for a relaxing lunch and shopping in Sorrento would have been ideal. I don’t know if there was much I could do to change this. I made my desires clear when booking our tour. It’s not that I don’t like tours of any kind – booking a tour can be less stressful, easier, educational, and fun but you give up control of your vacation itinerary when you go the tour route. I guess if I wanted total control, I should have rented a car.
The ruins at Pompeii
Make the Most of Your Trip, No Matter the Glitches
Even in the stifling heat, with a rambunctious toddler, and an annoying start to the day, I loved Pompeii. Since sixth grade I had tried to picture this ancient, doomed city that was covered ash in a volcanic eruption by nearby Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. In fact, the first piece of fiction I remember writing was about Pompeii as part of an assignment for my English class. (Oh! How I wish I could find that story now!) There is something so magical about being someplace you’ve tried to imagine nearly your whole life. For me, seeing Pompeii ranks up there with seeing the Eiffel Tower or the Roman Coliseum for the first time.
Besides, like those citizens of Pompeii from so long ago, you never know when you’re time will be up and you may be covered with a heap of volcanic ash. As long as you’re here, you might as well seize the day!
The outline of a body of a Pompeii resident who died in the catastrophic volcanic explosion in 79 A.D.
Keep Dreaming
Cruising allows you to take in a lot of sites in a short period of time, with little planning, all while unpacking only once. But it also means making compromises due to limited time in each port.
The next time we come to this region of Italy, I hope it is for longer than just one day. I dream of days filled with leisurely lunches of pasta and wine, strolling through shops unburdened by the restrictions of a timetable, and finally bringing home my darling Italian ceramic centerpiece of lemons.
Have you ever passed up purchasing or experiencing something on vacation that you later came to regret? Leave a comment below!
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• The Best & Worst of Barcelona with Kids
• The Travel Mama’s Top 3 Hidden Gem Destinations
A note from the Travel Mama: My family paid for this cruise and I did not receive any compensation or goodies from Disney related to this story. I will always let you know if I receive any money or products related to a blog post.
Tags: Disney Cruise, Italy, l'agruminato, limoncello, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, tour
Posted in Family Vacations, Travel Tips | 6 Comments »
Sunday, July 18th, 2010
You know those rare vacation moments when you look around and think, “I don’t ever want this experience to end!” My one-day adventure through the Sicilian countryside was filled with those.
There are many who look down upon all tours for being inauthentic…too touristy…maybe even cheesy. I like travel in nearly all forms: cruise, train, road trip, independent, relaxing, adventurous, romantic, girlfriend getaway, kid-centric, and beyond. And, I like a good tour from time to time, especially one that gives a glimpse into a location’s essence that you might not be able to find on your own.
A slice of Sicilian heaven
Sicily was the second port on our Disney Mediterranean Cruise. As our bus rambled through the gorgeous Sicilian landscape, our proud tour guide gave a brief lecture on her country’s history and culture. My daughter, Karissa (then age two), draped her body across mine and dozed during our one-hour trek, allowing me to savor a rare moment of snuggly relaxation. The guide on our “A Day on the Farm” excursion told us in a lilting Italian accent that Sicily’s central location in the Mediterranean Sea has made it a target throughout the ages by conquering forces from Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to Arabs, Normans, and more. She said the island’s residents to this day consider themselves Sicilian, not Italian.
My daughter snuggled up in her beach towel on my lap
Upon arrival at Villa Dafne, an agritourism farm/hotel in Alia, the children were given lumps of dough to roll into little balls. Afterwards, we were served delicious pieces of airy focaccia topped with tomatoes and olives (not formed by the kids). Then we were given bowls of fresh ricotta to sample. The warm, lumpy cheese was a bit too reminiscent of something else entirely unappetizing of the same temperature and consistency, so after one bite I discreetly dumped the rest in a trash can. Adults helped themselves to some red Sicilian vino while kids sipped bottled water.
Foccaccia topped with tomatoes and olives
Then we donned requisite blue swimming caps and jumped in the pool, where we splashed alongside resort guests of various nationalities. As my husband tossed my giggling daughter about in the water, I was overwhelmed by the bittersweet perfection of that moment. The aqua blue of the pool, surrounded by the golden hills…I wanted to stop the clock and forever be enveloped by Sicily’s beauty, the sun shining down on our happy little family, the sounds of children at play ringing through the air. I knew it would be over all too soon.
My daughter and I taking a dip in a pool in the Sicilian countryside
Before long it was time to depart that watery spot of heaven. Thankfully the transition was an easy one because it involved eating a multi-course organic farm-style Sicilian lunch. After one more small glass of wine, I switched to Coca-Cola but my husband, Phil, drank my portion and then some. We were treated to several appetizers involving things like eggplant, tomatoes, and olives. Then we dined on homemade pasta shaped into little shells and served with chicken in a fresh, earthy broth. It was a dish that I will probably never stop craving. It pains me to know that I will never taste anything like it again, unless, of course I return to that little farmhouse hotel. (I might have to, if only for that pasta dish!) Then lamb was served, which we declined due to full bellies (and my personal aversion to eating baby animals of any sort).
A fountain at Villa Dafne
Finally, it was time for a dessert of cannoli. Ever since, I have been on a quest for an authentic cannolo. I have found a few good cannoli, but none even in the same realm as what we tasted that day. Our tour guide had prepared us for the wonders of this sweet treat. She told us that to get a taste of true cannoli, one must come to Sicily. She warned us that the Italian version of Sicily’s national dessert should be avoided at all costs. She said, “You are more likely to get authentic cannoli in America than in Italy because Sicilians who have moved to New York City and beyond carry on the true recipes and methods of making the dessert, unlike the excuse for cannoli that can be found in Rome.”
Prickly Pear Cactus Crop in the Sicilian Countryside
Some cannoli shells are flimsy and soggy while others are overly dense and greasy, having been over-cooked to stay crunchy while holding the creamy center for hours on end. According to our guide, the dessert should be stuffed with Ricotta cheese just prior to eating. Most cannoli cream I have encountered, even if delicious, had a slightly grainy texture. The genuine cannoli we were served consisted of an impossibly crisp, light shell that crackled when bitten. The filling was a cloud of sweet velvety goodness.
My daughter dutifully mooed at these Sicilian cows
Sufficiently plumped, bronzed, and relaxed – we and our cruise mates re-boarded the bus. After a quick stop to spy on cows and watch brave fellow cruisers milk goats, my good fortune continued. The bus was equipped with a television screen on which old-school Mickey Mouse cartoons played to the delight of tired children and their parents. While Phil slept off his numerous glasses of lunchtime wine (I can hear him now, “But it’s table wine – it’s not that strong!), I happily stared out the window at a patchwork of verdant and sun-bleached rolling hills speckled with vineyards of twisted grape vines and crops of prickly pear cactus bearing a few gems of their burgundy-colored fruit.
Not all vacation days are blissful. Most aren’t, in fact. But some are. And this one was.
Sadly, the current Disney European Cruises do not stop at Sicily. This stop has been replaced by Valletta, Malta. Of course, I wouldn’t mind exploring this nation, which is spread across seven islands and is home to ruins that predate the Egyptian pyramids and England’s Stonehenge. Ahhh…a girl can dream…
How do you feel about Sicily or about group travel tours? Please share your thoughts below!
You might also like:
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• Happiest Travel Memories
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
• The Best & Worst of Barcelona with Kids
Tags: cannoli, Disney Cruise, farm, mediterranean, pool, Sicily, Villa Dafne
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews | 4 Comments »
Sunday, May 30th, 2010
Barcelona, the departure city for our 10-night Disney Mediterranean Cruise, just may be the friendliest city I have ever visited. Would I recommend a visit? Definitely! Would I go again? Probably not.
To make the most of our costly air tickets we decided to extend our stay by a few days before and after the cruise. This really gave us a chance to explore this welcoming Spanish town. Barcelona is pretty widespread so be prepared to do a lot of walking and take a cab or two!
Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain. Catalan is one of its official languages, which sounds to me like a mixture of French, Spanish, and Portuguese. I always like to make an effort to speak at least a few words of the native language wherever I visit. Since everyone speaks Spanish too, I didn’t bother tackling Catalan and instead got by with un poquito d’Espanol.
La Boqueria food market along La Rambla
La Rambla
Barcelona is perhaps most famous for La Rambla, the city’s main street which is filled with vendors and street entertainers as well as a live bird fair. My favorite part is La Boqueria, the food market along La Rambla. You can pull up a stool at one of the grills or grab a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, nuts, breads, meats, and cheeses for your own little picnic at Citadel Park. I love a good open air market, and this is one of the best I have ever visited. It is like the world’s best candy store for grown-ups. The burst of colors, scents, flavors, and upbeat energy – it’s overwhelming in its beauty. To me, this is THE best part of Barcelona.
My daughter, Karissa, posing beside a “Finding Nemo” chocolate sculpture at the Museu de la Xocolata
Chocolate Museum
Any trip to Barcelona with children should include a trip to the Museu de la Xocolata! There are some descriptions of how chocolate came to be eaten and how it is made, but mostly my family browsed through various sculptures made of chocolate in forms like a bull fighting scene, Mickey Mouse, and then two-and-a-half-year-old Karissa’s favorite, Finding Nemo. Afterwards, you can (and should!) purchase a chocolate treat or two at the café!
Rental row boats at Citadel Park
Citadel Park
Barcelona felt a bit stifling due to its lack of greenery. To get your nature fix, take the kiddos to Citadel Park. Rent a rowboat and take a spin around a tiny green lake. Be warned that there were no life jackets available when we visited, which made me a wee nervous while paddling about with a wriggling toddler. Karissa swung on the swings and dug in the sand at a crowded playground here. Visiting a park is one of my favorite things to do when traveling anywhere; kids make friends easily no matter the language barrier and it gives a nice glimpse into the everyday lives of locals.
A day at a Barcelona beach
Beach
If visiting during the summer, you’ll probably want to hit one of Barcelona’s beaches. Bring along some water shoes or pop into one of the shops to get an inflatable ring for kids spoiled by sand beaches who, like my daughter, might whine about their uncomfy tootsies on a pebble beach. Karissa liked digging with her bucket and shovel best; I liked soaking up some Mediterranean sunshine. And the hubs? Well, as an American dude, he was thrilled to get his first peek at a few topless sunbathers. (Sheesh…men!)
Picasso Museum
Phil and I took turns trying to keep Karissa from destroying precious works of art at the impressive Museu Picasso. Pablo Picasso grew up in Barcelona and this museum contains the most extensive collection of his early works. This isn’t necessarily the most kid-friendly destination but it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are a big fan of Picasso.
An upclose look at one small portion of Barcelona’s famous La Sagrada Familia Cathedral
La Sagrada Familia Cathedral
Construction of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral began in 1882 and is still underway today. This unique cathedral was designed by Antonio Gaudi, one of Barcelona’s most famous residents, for whom the wordy gaudy was coined to describe things that are overly ornate. The cathedral should reach completion within the first third of the 21st century. Promise the kids you’ll stop for ice cream at the park across the street in exchange for good behavior at this one-of-a-kind architectural feat.
My daughter and the hubs in front of a fountain at Park Guell
Park Guell
Gaudi designed Park Guell as a high-end residential area for the Barcelona elite. Today it is a tourist attraction filled with lovely paths, some breathtaking architecture, and a great view of the city. There isn’t a whole lot to “do” besides walk around and it is a bit of trek to get here so if you are on a tight schedule, this one can be skipped.
A Catalonian lunch of Paella
The Food
I have friends who traveled to Barcelona (without children) who rave about the array of tapas bars. The Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain has called Spanish cuisine, “the best food in the western world” and here’s a video of Samantha Brown enamored with a garlic-slathered piece of fish along Barcelona’s harbor (I think I ate at this very restaurant!). Our experience, however, was quite different from theirs.
Karissa hated all Spanish food. She refused to eat anything – even items she loves at home like pasta with red sauce, a fried egg served with french fries, and bread with a mild cheese from La Boqueria. While in Barcelona, she lived off of healthy snacks brought from home, fruit, ice cream and chicken nuggets purchased on a daily trek to McDonald’s in an attempt to get some protein into her belly.
I wasn’t a big fan of the food in Barcelona either. I found tapas to be confusing – tacos were white bread served with cheese and a crepe was a plain egg omelet. Or they were too dang greasy since many tapas items came deep-fried. The paella was decent but filled with too many odd creatures from both land and sea for my comfort. My favorite meal in Barcelona actually took place at an Italian restaurant! Now, the Crema Catalunya was a different story. It was like a cross between flan and crème brulee. Muy delicioso!
The rooftop pool at the Grand Marina Hotel
Where to Stay
Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel was recommended to passengers by the Disney Cruise Line and it certainly did not disappoint! We were given a free upgrade to a one-bedroom suite both on our pre- and post-cruise stays, just for asking. (And this was before I was a travel writer so it’s not like we got special treatment!) The staff was beyond courteous, the décor at once modern and elegant, and the location convenient. Every time the staff saw Karissa they cooed at her and handed her a candy; we finally had to ask them to stop offering lollipops to our little one! Plus, our room was HUGE, especially considering European standards. One of my favorite memories of our stay in Barcelona was splashing about in the hotel’s rooftop pool with its stunning view of the harbor spread out before us.
The Verdict
The best thing about Barcelona is its people. Barcelonans are sweet and genuine and they go out of their way to make sure you have a good time in their town. And, as you can see, there is plenty to experience in this vibrant city. Would I recommend a visit? Definitely!
Would I go again? Probably not. I’ve been to Barcelona twice and that’s enough for me. The food was not my family’s favorite and I felt a little nature-starved here. Plus, I feel like I’ve already seen what I wanted to explore and the world is filled with places I have yet to see! Having said that, Disney Cruise Line is setting sail from Barcelona to tour the Mediterranean again this summer. I would happily return to Barcelona for a dip in the Grand Marina’s rooftop pool and several servings of Crema Catalunya before sailing the Med with Mickey again!
What are your thoughts about Barcelona? I know some of you must think I’m nuts for poo-pooing Barcelona’s food. Go ahead…add a comment below!
You might also like:
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• How to Travel Like a Local
• Morocco with Kids – A Unique Journey for the Senses
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
Tags: barcelona, beach, citadel park, Disney Cruise, grand marina hotel, la boqueria, museum, paella, picasso, row boat, spain, tapas
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews | 10 Comments »
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
Dear Santa,
I’ve been a good Travel Mama all year…well…most of the year. All I want for Christmas is…
1) A Disney Cruise. Why a Disney cruise? Because a Disney Cruise is a fabulous vacation option for a family with young children (especially with a child under age two). Everyone’s needs are taken care of, so there is no guilt for having fun. We had to cancel next year’s Disney Cruise due to this stupid, icky economy. We booked this cruise when I was newly pregnant with my son (who is now 21-months-old) while we were on our first Disney Cruise. In the larger scheme of things I wish for a better economy. Amen.
2) A jogger. More specifically, a BOB jogger. I am one of the only mamas in my Stroller Strides class bumping along at the back of the pack with my standard stroller. It’s kind of ironic, really, that Travel Mamas has a contest right now for a $150 gift certificate to JoggerMom.com. Is this a silly ploy to include my contest in another blog post? Maybe…but I WANT A JOGGER!
3) Long-sleeved shirts and pajamas. What?! I need some long-sleeved shirts and pajamas. It gets cold here in Southern California sometimes. You would never know it from looking at my wardrobe. The Travel Mama’s chilly!
4) A publisher for my book, The Travel Mamas’ Guide. My agent will be sending out my book proposal in early 2010. A nice big, fat advance would be nice too. Wish me luck!
5) A sponsor for BlogHer 2010 in New York. I read Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids and interviewed its author for the two stories I wrote on New York City’s Best Sites, Activities, and Restaurants with Kids and New York City Holiday Travel Tips, and now I’m convinced my family needs to go to the Big Apple! Since BlogHer takes place in NYC this year, all I need now is a sponsor! Interested? You just need to send me, not the whole Travel Mama family!
6) An appearance on Oprah. Did you see the show where Oprah talked about Vision Boards and people showed her how they had included Oprah on their vision boards and Oprah was all, “Wow! Isn’t that amazing!” Here’s the deal, Oprah, you are on EVERYONE’S vision board. If someone makes a vision board and doesn’t include Oprah, that’s crazy. Invite me as a guest on your show and you can quote this blog post and we can all sit around and go, “Doo do doo do doo do doo do…isn’t that crazy how she included Oprah in her blog?! It was meant to be!”
7) Annual passes to Disneyland. I may sound like I am trying to kiss some Disney booty. I’m not. I’m just a bit of Disney freak. Plus, when things were getting very stressful up in my house, it was really nice last year (as an annual passholder) to take a detour to the Happiest Place On Earth.
8) More date nights with my husband. I love my husband…I think…I’m pretty sure. It’s much easier to love him when we have time together. Away. From. The. Kids. I love the kids, but they can squelch any ideas of romance faster than…you know…stuff that kills romance…cockroaches, umm, boogers, you get the idea.
9) A month in a foreign country somewhere…anywhere! I’m open…Costa Rica…France…wherever! No, not really…I’d prefer Costa Rica or France. The point is…I’d like to go somewhere for a month or two with the kids. They are young (almost two and almost five) and they are not yet tied to any sort of school requirements. They would learn a heck of a lot more on the road than sitting at home. I just need to figure out where to go and how to finance the trip. Any suggestions?
10) Good health. Lots of love. Family. Friends. That’s all we really need, isn’t it? Oh…and I’d like to be able to pay the bills too. Bills suck.
I was inspired to write about what’s on my holiday wish list after reading A Flight Attendant’s Wish List (which happens to have been written by former Travel Mamas’ Blog Contest Winner, Sara Keagle!). Let’s face it, this is an excuse for me to blather on about what I want in hopes that Santa (my husband) will take notice.
Disclaimer: I did not receive any money or goodies from Disney, BOB, BlogHer, Oprah, or anyone else mentioned in this story. Oh, and I do love my husband. Really, honey, I do!
What’s on your holiday wish list? Leave a comment below!
Tags: BlogHer, Christmas, Disney Cruise, disneyland, holidays, Oprah, The Travel Mamas' Guide
Posted in Mixed Baggage, Theme Parks | 2 Comments »
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