Black Friday Offers A Plenty

My inbox is full of amazing Black Friday offers on travel...too many to list from all-inclusive resorts, cruises, and more... this one however is one you won't see anywhere else – it is an exclusive sale through Cruise Planners only on Oceania Cruises. The last day to book is November 30th and it includes a reduced deposit, pre-paid gratuities, included shore excursions, and more. This is a perfect line for Foodies!

Message me, call me at 317.776.1733 or send me an email at clingren@cruiseplanners.com for Oceania or any of the other Black Friday travel deals! There are LOTS of them! Learn more about the Oceania offer here: bit.ly/CP_OceaniaSale

More Than Just Cruises!

I just returned from Beaches Turks & Caicos, and the AMEX More Knowledge Conference. During the conference, I was able to update and renew my Certified Specialist status for the Sandals & Beaches Resorts, and expand upon my first-hand knowledge of that particular resort, which goes a long way when talking with clients and potential clients about their vacation experience desires and needs. Attending on-site conferences, seminars and tours is an important part of continuing education within my chosen profession, just as it may be in yours.

I'm pleased to be a certified specialist, as well as a WeddingMoons Certified Specialist, which I first earned at Sandals Royal Bahamian, where I also had the pleasure of serving as best man in a wedding! Feel free to ask about that one!

Many people get easily confused by the name of my franchise - Cruise Planners. They tend to think that selling cruises is all we do... but it isn't. Did you know that my personal selling mix is actually about 60% LAND vacations, and only 40% CRUISES? I sell a lot of all-inclusive resorts, Disney & Universal vacations, honeymoons, rail, golf, and more... all in addition to the cruises that I sell. Please don't rule me out for your next vacation just because you see Cruise as the first word in the name!! Your business and referrals are greatly appreciated! You can learn more about what I do, and what I can help you with at: www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations and it would be awesome if you would like my business page at

facebook.com/showyoutheworld

I Love Cookie Monster...

Look who I got to meet! Sesame Street fun, only at Beaches Resorts! Cookie, cookie, cookie, that's the monster for me. #beaches #familyfun #greatmemoriesmadehere

Yukon Ho!

Skagway is such a wonderfully easy port to maneuver. A very short walk from the ship puts you right at the station for the White Pass-Yukon Rail station, but it's also just a quick walk into town and is of course looking very much as it did back in the 1890s the heart of gold rush days.

My excursion package was a White Pass train combo, which actually was the reverse of many of the ones that are readily available. Instead of taking the train first, for my group, it was a bus first, followed by the return trip on the train. We drove about 72 miles north of Skagway into the Yukon (my mind kept thinking of Calvin & Hobbes and "Yukon Ho!"). Shortly after starting up the mountain we encountered a good bit of fog - actually about 20 minutes of our drive was very hard to see anything outside the bus, but thankfully after we'd crested the White Pass summit, we also left the fog behind us as the sun shone brightly.

We passed many beautiful lakes, streams, and some historic mining sites as we reached nearly 3,000 feet - but kept going. Along the way, we heard fascinating tales of how the gold rush came about, and how prospectors had some extreme conditions to face as they moved up from Skagway into the Klondike and the Yukon.

We enjoyed lunch near Carcross, Yukon, and there I got to meet Kenai and Fuzzy, along with other beautiful mushers. The dogs train in the off-season for the Iditarod at this facility in the Yukon. Since there's no snow in the summer, they use special sleds with wheels instead of runners and give rides to visitors. They LOVE to run, and of the nearly 90 dogs there, they all were seeming to bark out "pick me" as their handlers were selecting the dogs that would pull our sleigh. It was great fun, and I'm thrilled to have been able to experience it, as I doubt I'll ever experience the Iditarod for real.

After that, it was time to start trekking down the trails again, and we drove down from Carcross to Fraser, BC, where we picked up the White Pass train south to Skagway. Riding inside the car was nice, but honestly, I loved riding on the platform between cars for most of the way. It was awesome!

The scenery was spectacular as we passed through the Alpine Tundra, and then over the sub-continental divide, which separates the water flow to the Pacific down by Skagway, or way out west at the Bering Sea and down through the rainforest that is around Skagway. It was such fun, I'd love to do it again! It is absolutely a must-do recommendation for all my clients.

Best kept secrets/finds of the day? The arctic desert in the Yukon, and beautiful beach Lake Bennett. Whoo-hoo, some new sand for my "sands of the world" jar.

Suggested Itinerary: SCENIC RAILWAYS IN THE SWISS ALPS AND ITALY'S LAKE DISTRICT - 8 DAYS

 This is a group suggested vacation but can easily be customized to fit your individual travel needs.

Tour Description

This 7-night itinerary kicks off with an unforgettable rail journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps on the legendary Bernina Express. After enjoying incredible views of glaciers, dramatic mountain passes, verdant valleys, pristine lakes, and magnificently constructed bridges, your group will arrive at the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland for a healthy dose of Mediterranean temperatures, interesting sightseeing, and relaxation on Lake Lugano. From there you will continue into Italy and spend three nights on the shores of Lake Como before finishing up in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy.

Highlights and Inclusions

>Guided tour of Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland
>Discover Alpine landscapes on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
>Free time to explore Lake Lugano and its beautiful environs
>Enjoy wine tasting and a cooking class near Lake Como
>Visit Bellagio after an invigorating day of hiking
>Panoramic sightseeing tour and free time in Milan
>Accommodations: Chur 1 night, Lugano 2 nights, Como 3 nights, Milan 1 night
>Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in the itinerary
>Ground transportation via air-conditioned luxury coach
>English speaking assistants and guides
>Admission tickets as outlined in the itinerary

Chur - 1 night

Day 1: Arrive Chur. Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival, a local assistant will meet your group inside the arrivals hall and accompany it to the train station inside Zurich Airport. Your group will then travel by train to the city of Chur, the journey should take roughly 90 minutes. As the oldest city in Switzerland, it is believed that Chur was already inhabited over 5,000 years ago; long before the Romans established the city in 15 B.C. Not only is Chur's Old Town like something out of a storybook, but the Alpine scenery that surrounds it is indescribably beautiful.

Upon arrival at the rail station in Chur, a local guide will meet your group on the platform and accompany it to the hotel in Chur where your group can either check-in (presuming rooms are available as official check-in times are generally 3:00 pm) or store baggage with the hotel staff. You will then set off on an exciting, 90-minute walking tour of Chur's Old Town during which your group will see the Bishop's Court, the 800-year old Cathedral, St. Martin's Church, and the Town Hall. After the tour has finished, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax and continue exploring Chur on your own. For dining suggestions, please feel free to ask your guide.

Lugano - 2 nights

Day 2: Arrive Lugano. After breakfast, check-out, and a short walk to the Chur rail station; prepare yourself for what surely will be the highlight of your entire trip to Switzerland. Today your group will take the legendary Bernina Express scenic train, traveling south through breathtaking Alpine scenery. You are about to enter a stretch of unbelievably picturesque land graced with glaciers, lakes, tunnels, viaducts, valleys, and incredible mountain bridges. And as you relax during your 4-hour, picture-perfect journey from Chur through St. Moritz and Poschiavo to Tirano, your views will gradually change from mountain-capped glaciers to palm tree-lined lakes. This historic railway and the surrounding landscapes constitute an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the panoramic train ride of your life, your group will take a scenic bus ride from Tirano along the shores of Lake Como to the Swiss town of Lugano, which is located on beautiful Lake Lugano. Lugano is the largest city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Despite its small size (just a tad smaller than a combined New Hampshire and Vermont), Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. During your stay in Lugano, you will undoubtedly notice not only linguistic differences from the northern part of Switzerland but also cultural and gastronomic differences.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel in Lugano and enjoy the evening at leisure in "Mediterranean" Switzerland.

Day 3: After breakfast in the hotel, your group will set out on a morning sightseeing tour of Lugano, a city that is home to pleasant Mediterranean temperatures, superb natural beauty, pretty architecture, and tasty Italian cuisine. The tour will feature the city's lovely Parco Civico, which lines Lake Lugano; the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, which is known for its 16th-century frescoes by Bernardino Luini; and the St. Lawrence Cathedral.

Your guided tour of Lugano will finish just before lunchtime. At its conclusion, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore Lugano on your own. For group members interested in spending the afternoon on Lake Lugano, it is a paradise for water sports fans. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and swimming are all popular water sports in the area. Another fantastic option is to rent a bicycle and explore the tiny villages in Lugano's vicinity. This area is home to more biking paths than anywhere else in Switzerland. It is easy to rent a bike at the railway station in Lugano. Possible villages to consider visiting include Ponte Capriasca, Tesserete, Colla, Sonvico, Dino and Ponte di Valle. And should you prefer to stay and simply relax in Lugano, there is plenty of shopping to be had; check out Via Nassa if interested. No matter what you decide to do today, you really cannot err as the entire area is beautiful, invigorating, and relaxing!

Como - 3 nights

Day 4: Arrive Como.  After breakfast and checkout, your group will travel a short distance south along the shores of Lake Lugano to the village of Morcote, which is often called the "Pearl of Lugano" because of its truly spectacular lakefront position and baroque architecture. You will have a couple of hours to wander through Morcote. Consider visiting the historic church of Santa Maria del Sasso, which dates back to the 13th century, Scherrer Park, and the Chapel of Sant'Antonio Abata. After time for lunch, your group will reboard its coach and cross over the border into Italy. Your destination is the nearby city of Como, which is located on Lake Como (part of Italy's famed Lake District). Writers from Hemingway to Goethe have immortalized the ethereal beauty of this area, and even their words cannot seem to do it justice!

Before arriving in Como, your group will visit a villa for a tasting of locally produced wine and olive oil. After checking in to the hotel in Como, take some time to relax and freshen up before tonight's group dinner.

Day 5: Today your group will spend the day exploring Lake Como and the pretty villages that surround it. While it is certainly true that Lake Como (much like Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda) is a favorite retreat for the rich and famous, it is also a paradise for nature lovers. This is a day to get outside and experience the beautiful surroundings of Italy's northern landscape!

Following breakfast, strap on your walking shoes and travel by private coach to an area of beautiful hiking trails. You are in for some truly gorgeous views of mountains unfolding into low woodlands and sparkling lakeshore.
After soaking up the natural beauty and fresh air, transfer to the town of Bellagio where you have time on your own to enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local cafe. Many consider this the most beautiful part of the lake. After lunch spends the afternoon exploring Bellagio before returning to Como by private coach with your group members. (Alternatively, should someone want to leave earlier or stay longer, there are ferry boats that run across the lake as well as public buses).
Enjoy an evening at leisure in Como.

Day 6: After breakfast in the hotel, today your group will learn all about Northern Italian cuisine during a private cooking class in a local restaurant. Although you can find delicious Italian specialties like pizza and lasagna all over the country, you will discover there is a wide array of local dishes worth sampling! Follow along as your chef-instructor shares the subtleties of how to prepare Northern Italian cuisine, and try to wait until the end of your demonstration before devouring this tasty feast.

Note: Regarding cooking classes, small groups can generally include these quite easily on itineraries. Simply because of classroom space, larger groups should either divide into two smaller groups; or elect to have a cooking demonstration instead (which is still very interesting).
Depending on what time the cooking class finishes if your group has time this afternoon; we recommend visiting either the town of Varenna or Menaggio with your private bus. Alternatively, if you prefer to hang around and relax in Como, you could always ride the funicular to the village of Brunate for some amazing views of Lake Como.
Your last evening on the lake is yours to enjoy as you see fit.

Milan - 1 night

Day 7: Arrive in Milan.  After breakfast and check-out, your group will travel south to Milan, the financial and fashion capital of Italy. Upon arrival at the city center, a local guide will meet your group and lead it on a 2-hour panoramic tour of Milan. Afterward, the afternoon is yours to soak up the Milanese culture. If you are an art fan; consider paying a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century mural The Last Supper. Alternatively, you could visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the finest art museums in all of Italy. Inside you can see medieval and renaissance masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Piero Della Francesca. History buffs should check out the Castello Sforzesco, and opera lovers can visit the museum of Milan's La Scala Opera House. Last but not least, shoppers can bargain hunt for great designer deals in one of Milan's discount outlets!

By early evening, all group members will meet in a pre-designated meeting point in Milan and board its private coach to travel to the hotel near Milan's Malpensa Airport. Upon arrival at the hotel, your group will check-in and have time to freshen up before tonight's farewell dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Enjoy your last meal in Italy.

Day 8:  After breakfast and check-out, take the hotel's shuttle bus to Milan's Malpensa Airport for your return flight to the USA or Canada. (Note: The suggestion to stay nearer Milan's Malpensa Airport comes from the fact that the airport is located 30 miles from the city center, and that traffic in Milan is notoriously bad. That being said, if your group has a late-morning flight and prefers 

Guest Resort Review: Mystic Ridge Resort - Jamaica

The following resort review was provided to us to share with you here, from our client Jennifer H.  Jennifer and her family needed a large accommodation for a family trip to Jamaica to attend a family funeral. Like any short-term planning situation, options aren't plentiful when booking at the last minute, but especially more pronounced is the difficulty of last-minute planning when your family is larger than the "traditional" family mix. Jennifer and her husband have five children and needed some space to be able to spread out and relax a little bit after the funeral portion of the trip was over for some much-needed family bonding time.  

We helped arrange their trip, and are grateful for the following review of the property that they stayed at.

* * * * * *

"We stayed at Mystic Ridge while in Jamaica for 3 nights in February of 2015.  It is in a beautiful, lush green location on the top of the hill overlooking the ocean.  Check-in was easy and the staff was very helpful. We stayed in a two-bedroom apartment. Our apartment was on the top (3^rd floor). We are a family of 7 and we were pleasantly surprised that space easily accommodated all of us.  That is not an easy feat. The apartment was very clean and furnished in bright Caribbean colors. It had a lot of natural daylight and was very open. It consisted of a kitchen and living room that opened to the balcony with a large table and chairs. The bedroom held two full-size beds and a nicely renovated bathroom.  The living room had a couch that doubled as a daybed and worked perfectly for our youngest.  A wooden spiral staircase led to a large bedroom connected to an open loft space that had a pullout couch.  The bedroom had a Cal-King bed and was connected to another large updated bathroom that had a large soaker tub.  The soaker tub however took forever to fill up and after all of us showering from the day, the hot water seemed to run out.  Again, we are a family of 7 though. The air condition worked well and the ceiling fans were nice and adequate on a cool evening.  The apartment had two nice televisions that had movie channels. 

 

The resort has a restaurant on site that we had breakfast at daily.  The breakfast was very good and gave many choices.  The choices from day to day did not change much but it was a very nice buffet breakfast.  The wait staff remembered us each time and were friendly and accommodating.  We did try to order snacks at one point and they were out of 2 of the 3 things we wanted.  The hotel is close to everything though and offered a free shuttle to the beach and to several other area attractions. They arranged a driver for us to go on one of our adventures. 

 

I would say that this is not the place to stay if you are elderly, physically challenged, or out of shape. The three flights of stairs to our apartment were steep and there is no elevator.  It would also be difficult to get luggage to the second floor of the apartment up the winding staircase if my strong husband hadn’t been with me.  The kitchen did need updating and had tiny ants in it the first two nights. It was wonderful to have a place to cook if you’d like though and have a place to keep snacks and drinks from the grocery instead of paying three times that amount at the hotel.  It appears they are still updating them also so the kitchens might be in the next phase.

 

The pool on site was huge and the poolside chairs were comfortable and nice. The pool could have used some attention but was clean and refreshing.  There is a swim-up bar but we didn’t ever see anyone working it.

 

With a 3 night stay, you received tickets to Mystic Mountain which ended up being a highlight of the trip for our family. It was a great value at a savings of $46.20 for adults and $24.00 for children 12 and under. It offered breathtaking views and half a day’s worth of fun activities.  We are very thankful we took advantage of the offer.

 

If you are looking to be in the center of the action and want to try all the water sports and activities then this is not the place for you. If you would like a clean and comfortable place to stay while you discover all Ocho Rios has to offer or a calm quiet place to call home in the sun for a week, this is a great spot. From looks and comfort alone, since the kitchen needs updating and the soaker tub was more for looks than practical, I would give it 3.5 or 4 stars out of 5. From a large family budget perspective, it gets a solid 4 stars.  Maybe even 4.5 because there is not another place I know of that can sleep 7 without renting a home or needing 2 rooms. It was a perfect place for us and we would definitely stay there again." 

Suggested Itinerary: 8-Days in AMSTERDAM & BRUSSELS

 Today's Suggested Itinerary is: AMSTERDAM & BRUSSELS – 8 DAYS

We can help personalize this trip with our preferred contacts at Europe Express for your personal or group travel needs. Make it a group (10 or more adults traveling together) or an individual experience. 

The Netherlands welcomes visitors with picturesque canals, colorful flower markets, and a laidback atmosphere. Its history centers on the merchants and fishermen who leveraged the city's location and waterways.

As the capital of Belgium and the unofficial capital of the European Union, Brussels houses a remarkable mix of cultures. While the majority of its residents speak French, visitors to Brussels will also encounter many Flemish speakers. And – due to Brussels' international presence, you'll hear a lot of English spoken here as well. Its terrific mix of cultures, rich heritage, excellent museums, green parks, and exceptionally tasty food are just a few reasons to spend some time enjoying Brussels. As part of this itinerary, the group will also experience the Flemish Region of Belgium with day trips to Ghent & Bruges.

Highlights and Inclusions:
> Guided city tour of Amsterdam
> Tour Keukenhof Gardens' seventy-nine acres of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in Lisse
> Guided tour of the remarkable Anne Frank House
> Guided city tour of Brussels including brewery visit
> Excursions to Ghent & Bruges
> Canal cruise in Bruges
> Accommodations: Amsterdam 4 nights, Brussels 3 nights
> Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in the itinerary
> Ground transportation via air-conditioned luxury coach
> English speaking assistants and guides
> Admission tickets as outlined in the itinerary

 

Amsterdam – 4 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. After exiting customs, meet your local assistant in the terminal's arrivals hall. Your group will then travel by private coach to the hotel. Even though your group will arrive before the hotel's check-in time, feel free to store your luggage with the reception staff. There will be free time until this evening to begin exploring Amsterdam. Consider visiting one of its excellent museums like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight join your fellow group members for a welcome dinner of Dutch specialties in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 2: After breakfast in the hotel, your group will meet a local guide in the lobby for an exciting tour of this scenic city.

Approximately 800 years ago, the Amstel River was dammed, giving the town its name. Where medieval fishing boats once docked, your group will see 17th-century houses, street performers, and some of the city's most luxurious stores. Here in Dam Square lies the historic heart of Amsterdam. See the Royal Palace, which was originally constructed as the Town Hall. Pass the Mint Tower, with its clock and bells that still seem to echo Amsterdam's Golden Age. Also of particular interest is the 16th-century Weeping Tower, which according to legend derived its name from the sailors' wives who used to bid their husbands an emotional farewell from here. Then we'll pass the Floating Flower Market on Singel Canal, which is a stunning mass of flowers strung along the canal on permanently moored barges.

After free time for lunch, the group will proceed to the Anne Frank House, where eight people from three separate families lived together in near-total silence for more than 2 years during World War II. It was here that Anne wrote her famous diary as a way to deal with the boredom and her youthful jumble of thoughts, which had as much to do with personal relationships as with the war and the Nazi terror raging outside her hiding place. The tour will finish in the city center, and the rest of the day is free to shop, wander alongside Amsterdam's canals, and sample more of this country's cuisine.

Day 3: After breakfast in the hotel your group will depart on a full-day excursion of windmills and tulips. The first stop today will be in Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the town of Zaandam, to admire its collection of historic windmills and its traditional craft shops. Afterward, the group will travel south to the lovely city Haarlem, where it will have free time for lunch. The group will then continue traveling south to the city of Lisse to tour the legendary Keukenhof Gardens where vast numbers of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create dazzling patches of color. Blooms here – at their peak- have a short but glorious season. The park is said to be the greatest flower show on earth, and it's Holland's annual spring gift to the world.

Day 4: This morning is free to relax, sleep in, shop, or sightsee. Lunch is on your own. This afternoon's guided tour will consist of a fun boat tour of Amsterdam. This is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate this city of canals. Afterward, the group will undergo the Heineken Experience, a self-guided tour at its former brewery. Learn all about one of the Netherlands' best exports. The group will go straight to a local restaurant for a farewell-to-The-Netherlands dinner. After dinner group members can walk back to the hotel or stay in the center.

 


Brussels – 3 nights


Day 5: Arrive in Brussels
After breakfast and check-out, the group will transfer by private coach to the station. Travel first class by train to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. As the train pulls into the station, a local guide will meet your group on the platform and lead it to the hotel by private coach. Even though the group's rooms will most likely not be ready this early, group members can store baggage with the hotel's reception staff before setting off on an exciting city tour of Brussels.

This is a city of contrasts. One district of Brussels is home to major European organizations and governing bodies like the European Commission, the European Parliament, NATO, and many others. However, it also contains a very historic city center and neighborhoods that have maintained traditional architecture and a slower pace. During the tour, your group will visit one of Europe's most beautiful squares, the Grand Place, which is home to the medieval Town Hall. The tour will also feature a tour and tasting at the Cantillon Brewery, which has been brewing beer since the 1800s. As a country, in addition to chocolate – Belgium produces some of the finest beer in the world. The tour will finish at the hotel where there will be time to check-in and fresh up before the group goes to a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 6: After breakfast in the hotel, the group has the morning at leisure to explore Brussels. This city has an amazing variety of museums, churches, green parks (and chocolate shops). After the group members have had lunch on their own, they will all reunite in the hotel lobby for an afternoon excursion by a private coach to the historic city of Ghent. During the walking tour, the group will see St. Bavo's Cathedral, the gothic Cloth Hall and Belfry tower, Friday Market Square, Groot Kanonplein Square, and the streets of Graslei and Korenlei whose historic houses line Ghent's canals. After the tour, the group will return to the hotel in Brussels by private coach. A group dinner is not scheduled tonight, so group members can go out and individually explore Brussels' superb foodie scene.

Day 7: After breakfast in the hotel, today the group will travel by private coach to one of Belgium's best-loved cities, Bruges, the capital of West Flanders. The entire city center of this Dutch-speaking city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival to Bruges, the group will meet a local guide who will lead it on a walking tour of this especially beautiful city, which is often called the "Venice of the North."

In addition to exploring its cobblestone streets and medieval quarters, the group will take a boat cruise to experience Bruges' picturesque canals. During the visit to Bruges, there will be free time for lunch and shopping before all group members meet back up with the local guide who will accompany the group back to its private coach. After boarding the coach, the group will return to the hotel in Brussels. After freshening up, the group will dine together in a local restaurant on its last evening in delightful Brussels.

Day 8: After breakfast and check-out, the group will travel to the airport for its return flight to the US.

LONDON - Is it on Your Bucket List?

London.  The city which is steeped in pomp and pageantry; the city where history and tradition are not merely prized, but rather integrated into daily life; the city of modernity in art, fashion, music, education, commerce, and entertainment; the city that claims itself to be the capital of the 21^st-century Europe.  London, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “is the epitome of our times, and the Rome of today.”

   

  

London has served as the capital of England, and the United Kingdom since the 10^th century.  It is the largest metropolitan city in England and is generally considered the largest metropolitan city in all of the European Union.  It was originally founded nearly 2,000 years ago by the Romans, as Londinium.  

London has always been a popular destination within Europe.  Given its’ age as a city, and the vast array of historical, political, and social events and movements that have taken place within the community, there is a dramatic number of museums, gardens, palaces, galleries, cathedrals, parks, concert halls, neighborhoods and shopping destinations to visit.   Depending on the length of an individual stay, visitors to London will have ample opportunity to take in many of London’s most famous sites – including such historic places as:

• Westminster Abbey (dating back 1066)
• Windsor Castle (similarly dating back to the 10^th century)
• Tower of London (dating back to the 11^th century)
• St. Paul’s Cathedral (dating back to the 17^th century)
• Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens (dating back to the 1730s)
• Buckingham Palace (dating back to 1705, expanded to its’ current size in the 1830s)
• and so many more.

When was the last time you visited this enchanting city?  If you haven't yet visited, is London on your bucket list?  When would you like to visit?

Featured Foto Friday - Aulani Recreation

Recreational activities abound at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Lounge chairs and kayaks in the morning hours await guests to come and enjoy them on the resort's shared lagoon at Ko Olina.  Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, guests have the opportunity to kayak out into open waters and enjoy!

Featured Foto Friday - You WILL Get Wet

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls in the Toon Lagoon area of Islands of Adventure, at Universal Orlando Resort is one of my favorite log flume attractions ever, simply because this attraction was truly designed to get you wet.  And in the Florida heat, that can be such a welcome refreshment.  I first rode it in 2007, and loved it then, and love it now.  Being a Rocky & Bullwinkle Show fan helped a bit, to be able to understand the various thematic elements, sight gags and overall inherent humor of the attraction - but that is by no means necessary to be able to enjoy it.  All in all, this water adventure is just good clean fun! 

Tips on Thursday - Know Before You Go

Whether sailing through the Mediterranean or kicking back at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, our travel tools and resources will help make planning your trip easy. Simply select the appropriate link(s) below.

Health- Familiarize yourself with conditions of the destinations that could affect your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers general guidance on country-specific health warnings, vaccinations and other precautions.

Money Converter- Ever wonder the value of a Vietnamese Dong? Find out how much you’ll get for the U.S. Dollar (USD) in other countries.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the safety of civil aviation. The site offers multiple air travel safety resources and information. Click on the links below to learn more.

Preparation for Air Travel- Educate yourself and make airport travel a snap with security checkpoint wait times, baggage tips, weather and flight delays, and information on passengers with disabilities.

Passenger Safety- Learn more about turbulence, health, safety and approved electronics in flight.


Flying with children- Keep your little ones safe when you’re in the air.

International Travel- Prepare yourself for a wonderful international flight.

U.S. Department of State- A service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA), its mission is to protect the lives and interest of American citizens abroad and to strengthen the security of United States borders through vigilant adjudication of visas and passports. Their vision is to help American citizens engage the world. Click on the links below to learn more.

Travel Alerts- Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, either transnational or within a particular country, that pose significant risks to the security of U.S. citizens.

Travel Warnings- Issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country.

Safety Tips for Traveling Abroad- Helpful tips for before you go to excellent precautions to take while you are there.

Evicted - Main Street Bakery

In the Disney-sphere news this week there was an item that came out which has seemingly turned the online world on its’ ear.  Tweets, Facebook posts, blob posts - even online petitions have bemoaned the fact that the Main Street Bakery at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has essentially received its’ eviction notice.  All thanks to the second implementation of a deal that Disney signed with Starbucks – or some might say the devil – nearly a year ago that will ultimately put a Starbucks branded location inside each of the 6 domestic Disney theme parks.  Disney California Adventure was the first park to receive a Starbucks location back in June with the grand opening of the Buena Vista Street reimagining of that theme park’s entrance corridor.  

But is this particular deal truly worthy of all of the uproar?  Is the Main Street Bakery truly an icon not worth changing, or is it all just overblown due to individual preferences and desires.  I’ve read many statements that categorically and emphatically state that “Walt would NOT have approved” of such a thing. Is this deal really as bad as if, say, a corporation were to be handed the rights to start selling their wares from inside say, the White House here in the US, or inside the Notre Dame cathedral in France, or inside the Taj Mahal in India?  Is Main Street, U.S.A. truly that sacrosanct?  Apparently it is to some, yet go with me, if you will, down a little stroll back in time through the history of the Disney parks and let’s just see together, if Walt truly would “NOT” have approved of such a deal. 

But before you shoot me, just listen for a moment.  Remember that I worked at Disneyland (the original park and the only park that Walt ever stepped foot in, ate in, slept in...) - and the only one that he actually had creative input for. Remember too that the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World, while Walt's dream for expansion for the company, were not designed by Walt, or his brother Roy for that matter - but rather by the team of Imagineers that Walt had assembled in the years since starting to design Disneyland back in '53. Walt died in December 1966, and the team didn’t truly start doing anything until summer of 1967 when Roy and Lilly kept encouraging them to go on because Walt would have wanted the show to go on, and even then, the MK didn’t open until October of 1971.

As a student of all things Walt Disney from a very early age, I can say definitively that from the very beginning, Walt and Roy realized the need for capital in order to get the park built. If it hadn't been for the amazing deal that Roy was able to structure with then-fledgling ABC, the park never would have actually been constructed because neither the company nor the Disney brothers had enough resources to do it on their own. Inside the park - and yes, on Walt's beloved Main Street, U.S.A. there have been concessionaires since the very beginning in 1955 - and in other lands too. Walt personally invited several companies to participate, and Roy did others. Eventually they created an entire department to handle those business dealings. Anyone like the blown glass beauties that Arribas Brothers does? They've been inside New Orleans Square since it opened in 1966. I know they are at WDW as well - I know at DTD, but they also used to be on Main Street in the MK. Anyone ever see all of those corporate sponsorships for attractions, and shops? Has anyone noticed how every new attraction built in the past decade or two has a shop at the exit - many of which are sponsored locations? Did anyone realize just how important corporate sponsorships were to get Epcot built in time to open on the mandated date of October 1, 1982 set by then CEO Card Walker? 95% of all pavilions HAD to have a corporate sponsor - basically to use the other company's money in order to design and build what they did. There are 4 classic attractions that came out of the 1964-65 NY World's Fair - all of which ended up at Disneyland after the Fair closed, and later were added to the MK at WDW in one form or another as well. NONE of them would have been built without the corporate deals that Walt himself, and Roy too, put together.

I certainly do recognize the sentimentality and nostalgia that swells up around Main Street, U.S.A.  It is an idealized vision of what small-town life at the turn of the 20th century was - but let's face it - the entire strip has changed so much from what the original Imagineers designed.  Gone are so many of the charming non-revenue elements such as the Flower Market that used to inhabit Center Street… in fact gone is half of Center Street, with the closing in/expanding of the Emporium to basically encompass the entire west side of the street all the way up to Casey’s. On the east side – there’s a charming little ice cream parlor… anyone like ice cream?  Well it’s sponsored by Edy’s Ice Cream in case you hadn’t noticed that before. The reality is folks – this deal was done nearly a year ago.  The ink wasn’t allowed to dry on the contracts before every single location that Disney was committing to it – one in all 6 domestic theme parks remember – until Starbucks also committed to a wide array of supporting details from their side of the equation. I have many friends who live in the area near Disneyland , and others who still work at Disneyland, and all have said that the Starbucks location that opened with the new Buena Vista Street inside Disney California Adventure turned out really well, and it’s not as noticeable or detracting as you might expect.  There’s a brand new wave of imagination coming out of the Imagineers these days – gone are the “on the cheap” designs of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. There has been a very real re-birth out of Glendale – just look at the amazing stylings of New Fantasyland. Don’t get so worked up about this deal. Yes, it will change your experience a bit, and yes, the menu might be different – but don’t throw tomatoes just yet… Disney didn’t just give away the farm on this one.  There were strict standards and rules on both sides of the equation that were hammered out. I have a friend who worked for decades in commercial real estate for a very large corporation that wanted a deal with Disney.  It took nearly 15 years for it to finally be hammered out because neither side wanted to budge, but finally they did, and it turned out to be a very profitable partnership for both companies for at least a decade thereafter. In all that you do – remember this fact – Disney the company, while continuing the tradition that Walt set with family entertainment and wonderfully immersive experiences (theme parks, etc) – is first and foremost a business. Yes they listen to their guests, but ultimately, they will do what they believe is best for the long-term growth of their 

business units… and this deal with the coffee company is just one part of the overall pie.  I agree that giving up the Bakery AS WE KNOW IT doesn’t seem like the best fit – but at the same time – think of the prime real estate that it is.  There’s no way that Starbucks would commit to a deal that put them in the back of the park, and Disney was willing to make some changes in order to boost their business.  Disneyland too is going to have Starbucks on Main Street – and after Epcot, both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park will get them.  It’s all a done deal ladies and gents – your uproar won’t do much to change that.  I feel your disappointment, but in the grand scheme of things, I’d much rather have a healthy Disney company that continues to draw guests – who by the way want to use my services to get them there – then worry about whether I personally can get an overpriced cinnamon roll on Main Street.  From what I’ve been told, the Starbucks deal is truly a blended deal… their primary product, techniques and processes coupled with Disney products at the same time. 

Starbucks even created a softer logo for the theme parks that better fits into the existing Disney environments. In the end, yes, this deal was all about money, but then so too were things such as the acquisitions of Marvel, Pixar and most recently LucasFilm.  Disney is not a benevolent organization, but rather a forward-thinking company looking to sustain long-term growth the entertainment that all know and love.  

There were many things that the company has done both during and after Walt's lifetime that were/are a bit strange. The Wizard of Bras store on Main Street in 1955-56 - the Wurlitzer Organ shop... yes, people could actually go to Disneyland purchase an organ to be shipped home... the Hallmark Cards Store on the corner of Main & Center (that lasted until the early 80's)... none of those truly fit the theme that Walt desired, but all were good for business.  I agree that Starbucks isn't necessarily the best fit, and I agree that they could have been placed further in the parks... but in the end, it is what it is.  I have spoken with many people who are thrilled to be able to get their favorite morning coffee now when they go to Disney parks... and others who absolutely despise the decision.

It’s true that The Walt Disney Company is NOT the same as it was during Walt’s lifetime... it all changed the day that Michael Eisner was hired by the board in 1984, but at the same time - if it weren't for Michael Eisner... we wouldn't have all of the fabulous resorts, the 3rd and 4th parks at WDW, the water parks or many of the other good things that came about during the high-growth period of the late 80's and through the 90's. Nostalgia plays a BIG role in the Disney parks. I agree.  But it's the OVERALL experience that they sell.  There are so many little things that disappear annually in Disney parks and resorts and NO ONE seems to notice... at least the uproar is diminished because something like this comes along and then it seems like it's the end of the world. I felt the exact same dissatisfaction when back in 1995 Disneyland announced the end of Carnation Main Street... a restaurant that Walt enjoyed and a company that he had invited to come in and be a part of his park as a sponsor for his new table service location on Main Street.  Carnation as a company had been sold a couple of times since Walt was alive, and at that point was merely a shell of what it had once been being absorbed by Nestle.  But Nestle maintained the arrangement for several years because of the relationship with Disney. There was an uproar back then amongst the fan community, though not online since it wasn't really something available back then.  The company listened, but did not change their plans.  Same as will happen now.  They'll listen, but won't change anything.  

Ultimately we grew to enjoy the revised restaurant that went in to that same space, which in 2012 was changed again.  Change happens.  Walt himself took out things in his park when he saw that they weren't working or if he thought something better could improve what was there first. It's not always fun, but it happens.  And yes, it can be divisive - almost to the same degree as speaking about politics or religion can.  Disney fans are some of the most vocal and rabid out there.  I get that too.  But in the long-term, again, I am looking not a coffee drinker and truly don't care about that aspect.  I also don't have the same love for the Bakery as others online seem to  - other locations yes - the Bakery no.  I've been very torn through the years watching things be homogenized and removed.  It's always for the almighty dollar, but in the end, I would rather they have a healthy, profitable organization.  Rather than whether a Starbucks is bad business inside Main Street, I personally feel that many other things they have done and are getting ready to do are worse business than coffee. 

Walt was yin to Roy's yang... Walt was creative and very guest-focused, knowing that resources were necessary to keep his vision moving forward.  Roy was all business, and didn't always agree with Walt's ideas, but went along with them because he knew that together they could achieve more.  In the years following Roy's death, yes, the business side of the business definitely grew more important. bEisner and now Iger were truly businessmen. bWhile the company publically sells nostalgia - family entertainment and experiences - memories for a lifetime - it's the stockholders who truly demand that the eye be kept on the ball and the company move forward and profits keep pouring in year after year.  Yes, there is no denying that the Walt Disney Company of today is different from the 1950's, and that money drives everything - if that weren't the case, we'd still have a Dining Plan that gave appetizers and included gratuities, and was priced $10-20 less than it currently it is.  

Think of it this way, and perhaps we can agree slightly that in this vein, the company hasn't really changed as much as one might think... the Imagineers keep Walt's dreams and vision moving forward - it's the Accountaneers who we all have to watch out for, keeping Roy's dreams and visions alive and well for a company that is profitable, viable and healthy.  Roy & Walt first took the company public in the early 60s.  Demand for growth has been there all along.  So with all of that said – before you go claiming that Walt would not approve of this, that or anything else… just think about the fact that Walt was the world’s greatest salesman – he just didn’t think he was selling anything, but better than anyone else, he understood the importance of resources to keep moving his dreams forward.

So whether you are excited about the possibility - or loathe the reality - Starbucks will be moving in to what is currently known as the Main Street Bakery in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in early 2013.  I look forward to at least checking it out and seeing how it all plays out for myself.  No I won't be getting a grande mocha latte-whatever, but I will be checking out all of the rest of the details.  Because as we all know, the devil is in the details.  

Until next time,

Where in the World Wednesdays - Destinations to Explore Before Leaving This Life

Death Valley National Park - California

Located within the northern end of the Mojave Desert in California, Death Valley National Park is the hottest spot in America – literally!  Summer time temps typically reach 125° F and hotter… topping out in July 1913 at 134° F.  In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet striking contrasts exist throughout the park - towering peaks are frosted with winter snow, and rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers.  It’s hot and arid, but home to over 307 species of birds, 51 species of mammals and over 1,000 species of plants that are native to the area.  It has a striking beauty to it, despite only receiving about 2 inches of rain every year.  The area originally got its’ name in 1849 by pioneers moving west in search for gold, and became a national park in 1994.  

 Highlights of the park include Deadman Pass and Dry Bone Canyon, and the soaring Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet above sea level.  Two slowly rising mountain ranges surround the desert park, created by a plate of crusty salt flats that are sinking, giving the appearance of the desert park being a valley.  It is filled with mineral deposits that have colored the surrounding hillsides with striking oranges, pinks, purples and greens, in an area known as Artist’s Palette.  At Dante’s view, a mile-high sand dune, visitors can take in striking 360° views for 100 miles – allowing visitors to see both the highest and lowest points in the U.S.’ lower 48 – Badwater, at 282 feet below sea level and Mount Whitney, at 14,191 feet above sea level. 

The park boasts a beautiful stone and adobe Mission-style resort, the Furnace Creek Inn, which is an oasis of hot springs and palm trees with a beautiful spring-fed pool.  It also features an 18-hole golf course (the lowest in the world), and a restaurant offering striking views.   

Death Valley National Park is located about 121 miles west of Las Vegas, and about 286 northeast of Los Angeles.  For more information about a visit to Death Valley or other national parks, call 855.776.1733 or submit a vacation quote request at my websites:  www.neverlandadventurestravel.com or www.neverlandadventurescruises.com.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter, like my page on Facebook, circle me on Google+, and pin me on Pinterest.