Thursday, October 30, 2014

Not Just Your Average Stateroom

Disney Cruise Line has some of the most phenomenal state rooms I have ever seen. Since I travel with the family we typically stay in the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah  which features a queen size bed, pull-out bunk bed and an additional bed that can be pulled out from wall. So, it can sleep 5, but best two adults and 3 small children. I don't recommend this room for older kids such as teens or 5 adults. So, for a family of two adults and two small children such as ourselves it is perfect! This state room tends to be on the pricier side, but well worth it and you aren't paying top dollar as you would for a suite. Let's just face it, you aren't in your room that often and if you are then you probably shouldn't go on a cruise.

Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are among the first in the industry to be designed especially for families—with innovations that ensure ultimate comfort and relaxation for Guests of all ages. From an imaginative inside retreat to a spacious and abundantly appointed suite, our soothing accommodations allow you and your loved ones to travel in grand style.
Categories
When selecting your stateroom, the category designates different room types—or different deck locations within these types. The Compare Staterooms page offers convenient side-by-side comparisons to help you decide which room is best for you.
New Stateroom Categories
Now you can choose from new stateroom categories that allow you to enjoy the verandah or porthole view of your preference.
Options 
Enjoy options like private verandahs that look out onto the sea and scenery, deluxe rooms with expanded space, Magical Portholes for rooms without windows, as well as rooms with crystal-clear porthole views. Each room is adorned from floor to ceiling with elegant Art Deco touches reminiscent of the glamorous 1920s and 1930s.
Experience the special Disney touches, comfort and luxury of a Disney Cruise Line stateroom, and let our enchanting interiors transform your cruise experience into a truly magical time on the high seas.
Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
This deluxe offering has plentiful space for a family of 5—nearly double the square footage of a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed, split bath, round tub and a private balcony.
Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
This room offers plentiful space for a family of 3 to 5—substantially more space than a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath and a private balcony.
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
This stateroom comfortably fits 3 or 4—much more space than is found in our standard staterooms—and includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath and private balcony.
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah
This stateroom comfortably fits 3 or 4—much more space than is found in our standard staterooms—and includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath and private verandah. The navigator's verandah may be smaller than other verandahs and may offer a limited ocean view.
Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom
This room offers plentiful space for a family of 3 or 5—substantially more space than a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa bed, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath with round tub, and a large porthole with built-in seating.
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom
This room easily accommodates a family of 3 or 4 and includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath, privacy divider and a crystal-clear porthole view. Relax in more space than you'd find in a standard room.
Deluxe Inside Stateroom
This accommodation holds 3 or 4, with substantially more space than is offered in a standard stateroom. Includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in some, split bath, privacy curtain and Magical Porthole with real-time views.
Standard Inside Stateroom
This room comes with many standard amenities, featuring room for 3 or 4, with queen-size bed and underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in some, separate sleeping and seating areas as well as a couch and desk, plus a Magical Porthole with real-time views.
Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah
This sumptuous suite is one of the luxurious accommodations for your family. This opulent suite sleeps 5, with a living room, a bedroom with queen-size bed, a bathroom with whirlpool tub, rain shower and vanity mirrors with built-in TVs, walk-in closet, private verandah and numerous upgraded amenities.
Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah
This palatial suite is the largest, most upscale offering. It easily sleeps 5 and features a master bedroom with queen-size bed, 2 bathrooms including mirrors with built-in TVs (master bath includes double sinks, whirlpool tub and rain shower), media library, wet bar, pantry, walk-in closet, private verandah with Jacuzzi and many lavish amenities.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Magic Bands Are the Key!

My family and I got to experience the new Magic Bands at Walt Disney World this past year and it was better than expected. During the reservation process online to stay at Disney's Wilderness Lodge I was able to sign up for Magic Bands, select the color and assign names to each band. They were mailed to us within a few days before we left for our cruise as we were also combining a few days at Walt Disney World resort after the cruise. Upon arriving at our resort our Magic Bands were immediately activated and when we got up to our room we put our wrist with our bands up to the door and the door unlocked. Our bands are water resistant so we wore them continuously throughout our stay because we could also use them to purchase items at the Disney stores, it store our tickets to enter the parks and Fast Passes. We also discovered you can buy cute accessories for them, so next time I'll be "blinging" mine for sure!




Your Key to a More Carefree Visit

MagicBands and cards are secure all-in-one devices that allow you to effortlessly access the plans and vacation choices that you’ve made with My Disney Experience.
MagicBands are colorful, waterproof wristbands—resembling a watch or bracelet—that you can quickly and easily touch to a sensor called a touch point. Cards work in a similar fashion, but physically resemble a plastic credit card or driver’s license. Both MagicBands and cards allow you to travel lighter throughout your vacation.
You can use your card or MagicBand to:
  • Unlock the door of your Disney Resort hotel room.
  • Enter theme and water parks (with valid admission).
  • Check in at FastPass+ entrances.
  • Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your account.
  • Charge food and merchandise purchases to your Disney Resort hotel room (only available during your hotel stay).
Here's more information about Magic Bands on Disney's website.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Grown-ups Have More Fun on Disney Cruises!

I know when many people hear the word "Disney" they think its all about the kids. In some aspects, yes, because it brings out the kid in us parents. However, Disney Cruise Line has not only made it super fun for kids and definitely brings the kid out in me, but the adult activities and adult only areas of the ship are truly adult and hardly child's play!

My husband and I love to travel, but we often struggle if we should take our kids with us or not. Fact of the matter is, we love our alone time, but after a few days or even a few hours we start missing them. That is why we discovered that Disney cruises are the best for spending time as a family but getting that very needed date night or time away from the kids.

All of the Disney ships (Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy) ALL have an adult area of the ship. That means no kid under the age of 18 can go in. With that said, my personal favorite area is the Quiet Cove Pool area. There is a very nice tranquil pool and bar called Cove Cafe. My husband and I particularly loved their drink specials like two for one margaritas or Pina Coladas. It was nice just sitting relaxing and talking to each other about non-kid things for a few hours while the kids were in the youth clubs.

Another place my husband I frequent is the fitness center. I am big on exercise and with all the food I eat on the cruise exercising daily for me is essential. My husband is in the same "boat" and we like to do at least 30 -45 mins of cardio each day. Staying in the same shape as when we first boarded ship is quite important to us and from what we saw pretty important to other guests too! The fitness centers are located in the spa area and over look the ocean. Imagine taking a jog on the treadmill while listening to music and staring out at the ocean.


I have used the Senses Spa & Salon on the Disney Magic ship where I really had a nice relaxing spa afternoon. I had a pedicure and hot stone massage. You can book your spa online prior to your cruise, however, I have found that they have good special deals if you wait until you get on-board. Some of the more popular treatments like couples massage book up quick so best to do online. More about spa here.


Here are some highlights of the spa:
  • Comfortable waiting areas
  • Showers
  • Lockers
  • Slippers and robes for use during your treatment
  • Men's and women's changing rooms
  • Massage rooms
  • Sauna
  • Beauty products


The nightclubs and lounges are spectacular as well. There a so many to choose from and since the youth club is open until midnight you can have quite a wonderful evening out while the kids are well taken care of! Here's more about the nightclubs and lounges

For my husband and I the adult dining is a must every time we cruise. Palo is an adult dining that features Italian cuisine and the service and food quality is 5-star in my opinion. I suggest making reservations prior to the trip when you do your online check-in and you do it when booking your port adventures and spa reservations online. You can do it upon boarding ship, but the date and time you want to dine may not be available. The very first time we dined at Palo we were blown away. Although eating there is not included in the cost of the trip, it is only an extra $25 for either dinner or brunch. Note that wine and alcoholic beverages are an additional cost. See more information here about Palo. I have haven't had the opportunity to dine at Remy yet, but our next cruise I think we will!

Beef tenderloin for me!
Cheers! A nice glass of sparkling wine
with my dinner at Palo!


Here are all the highlights for adults embarking on a Disney cruise whether its with their kids or alone!


Adult Activities – Disney Cruise Line

With an attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to service as only Disney could provide, all Disney ships include venues and activities created exclusively for Guests 18 years of age and older.
  • Spa & Fitness: Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa therapies, get a makeover or enjoy an invigorating workout—all in scenic, modern facilities.
  • Adult Exclusive Dining:Savor fine, Northern Italian cuisine and breathtaking ocean views at Palo or delight in elegant, French-inspired fare at Remy.
  • Quiet Cove Pool: Unwind at an adult-exclusive pool, offering tranquil solitude and gentle ocean breezes.
  • Nightclubs and Lounges:Delight in live music, cabaret shows, sports, dance parties and karaoke at venues that cater exclusively to adults when the sun sets.
  • Enjoy original Disney live shows—Broadway-caliber performances—nightly in the Walt Disney Theatre, as well as first-run Disney Digital 3-D movies and classic films in the Buena Vista Theatre.
  • Art Gallery: Shop for limited-edition prints or partake in an at-sea auction of fine art rarities
While parents play, the kids can experience the enchantment of Disney Cruise Line youth clubs, where they're cared for by trained, experienced counselors.






















Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Want Date Night Every Night?

Want a date night every night or at least more than you would in a week's time? Just think of having a babysitter at your disposal all day long! The issue that my husband and I have when traveling is that we love taking our kids with us since we usually miss them after a few days, but many places we go doesn't have childcare included in the cost. Well, if your kids are 3-12 years of age and potty trained Disney Cruise Line is the best vacation for this! The youth clubs are included in the cost of your tip. You can drop them off and pick them up anytime you want between the hours of 9am to midnight. My suggestion is getting them their youth club wrist bands prior to boarding the ship when you are checked-in at the port. The line may be long but well-worth the wait. It usually goes pretty fast.
Me and my husband Steve having our first
AMAZING Palo dinner ALONE!
The youth clubs on the ship are more than just a daycare. The facilities are state-of-the-art, themed and offer so many activities that our kids were so immersed in fun that when we would go pick them up they didn't even notice us standing there when we arrived. There are two centers. One is Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab. There are also tween and teen clubs as well, but by the time your kids are that age they can check themselves in and come and go as they please. The clubs are open from 9 am to midnight when at sea. However, times vary when at port. The clubs also feed the kids lunch and dinner so we didn't have to worry about them going hungry. The hours are the best! Our kids would go in at some point mid-day so my husband and I could go to the fitness center and have lunch alone and then at night after dinner so the two of us could spend time in the adult section of the ship having drinks at The Quiet Cove Pool area or catch a show or go to an adult night club. Also, every time we cruise my husband and I make reservations at the adult only dining Palo restaurant. When we first took our kids to the kids club on our adult dinner night at Palo we told the staff in the club we'll be at Palo. Immediately, the girl checking in the boys said, "Take your time, we'll keep them occupied. Have a nice relaxing dinner!" In the past, when we've taken our kids to other non-Disney places the youth clubs weren't as accommodating and would call and page us for every little thing to the point we felt rushed and didn't enjoy our dinner or time together. You will NOT have this problem with Disney unless there is a serious problem. Even if the Disney youth club pages you I never had to rush to the club to get them. As for our Palo night, it was fabulous and highly recommended. I will be talking about Palo in a totally separate blog, but the food and atmosphere are 5-star! 






Monday, July 21, 2014

Don't Forget to Decorate!




After seeing all the really cool and creative cruise stateroom door magnets on our first Disney cruise I was all prepared for our next cruise and being that I'm also a graphic artist I designed and created everyone in the family a door magnet. I decided to do Mickey Mouse heads with our names. One set with pirate bandanas and the other a classic Mickey look with the exception of mine with a Minnie Mouse head with flower. I'm excited to make more and will have more samples in the future. Contact me here or at Plumeria Prints on Etsy to get your cruise door magnets. I will have standard designs or request something custom! I cannot accommodate rush orders. Please see me for production times which varies throughout the year.

I am also going to be offering one large cruise door magnet to any clients booking a cruise with me. One magnet per stateroom booked. Booking must be done at least 2 months in advance before sailing (enough time to create magnet) and design will be limited to plain black Mickey Mouse head with your choice of custom wording. If you wish to have more magnets for your door please request through Plumeria Prints.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Our Very First Disney Cruise

My family and I embarked on our first Disney Cruise in November on the Disney Magic that left out of Galveston, TX (Thanks Giving week 2012). It was the year I was turning 40 and I wanted to do something pretty amazing for my 40th. Even though my birthday wasn't until the next month in December, I figured let's kill three birds with one stone. First, it was Thanks Giving. How amazing is that within itself? Second, my husband's birthday was in November and then my birthday the next month.

I think the best memory I had was seeing my kid's faces when we first saw the ship and then next when we first stepped on the ship. They were pretty amazed that they announced our names when we first arrived. When arrived in our state room I had a little some special planned for all of us. I had the Disney people decorate the room with birthday decor and had some sparkling wine and apple cider with chocolates for the boys. It was such a wonderful afternoon as we set sail!


Our first afternoon on ship was pretty much exploring and being in awe of the awesomeness of the ship. We immediately took advantage of the food even before we set sail.

First morning eating breakfast














Because it was a 7 night cruise we were able to experience quite a lot although being it was our first cruise we were indeed newbies so we learned a lot which we applied to our next cruise. But, not knowing a few things prior to the cruise did not sacrifice the fabulous time we had.

Our first stop was Cozumel, Mexico. We didn't have any port adventures planned for that day so we simply walked around, shopped and had lunch.
A fun place - Margaritaville


















Couldn't resist a few pics with some
pretty birds!

Getting a little silly during lunch.

  


























We did a Port Adventure in Costa Maya. It was incredible!