You Use a Professional for your Health, Finances, Insurance, Legal Concerns, and Even Your Hair...You Should for Travel Too!

DIY can be great for many assorted projects - Pinterest has flourished for that reason alone - but when it comes to things like your hair, your health, your finances, insurance, legal advice - and YES - your travel plans - you really should seek a professional who does it day in and day out all year long for that one vacation per year you take. Why spend hours upon hours searching through too much information available online when you can easily turn to a professional to take care of you. Nolan lays out the reasons plainly and simply.

#travelagentawareness

A New Addition to the Team

I've said it before, and today I'm very excited to say it again...some days warrant a little more yippee than others! The last time I said something almost exactly like this was in the summer of 2013. That was when Rachel Brolsma joined my team. After a couple of frustrating fits and starts in 2014 and 2015 (and ultimately God's grace telling me that neither one was the right person at those times) - it is finally time to share that my team is growing again.

Liz Chriscoe is officially becoming my second Associate and will help us take this business of fun - planning amazing adventures and vacation experiences for wonderful clients and friends throughout the country to a new level. From day one I've marveled as God has blessed us in numerous ways with this business venture (one that seemed like such a paradigm shift for me all those years ago), and am very proud of the continual growth that we have experienced - both professionally and personally.

It was fun to watch Rachel grow and expand through this adventure of helping people with their vacation dreams, and now it will be fun to watch Liz get to experience it as well. Like both Rachel and I, Liz is a Disneyphile (Disney freak some might say), and is very excited to help people make their travel dreams come true. Unlike Rachel and I, Liz lives in North Carolina, not Indiana, so we'll miss out on some of the face-to-face opportunities, but we'll still be able to have a great time working together to help people create fantastic memories to last a lifetime.

Liz was highly recommended to me by a very special friend, Jimmy Whitesell, who I'm very honored to know and trust from within my vast group of Disney friends. I'm looking forward to the day to be able to make another announcement like this someday, but it's all in God's timing, not mine. For now, the big excitement is that Liz will officially begin her training with me, and then in early May will be heading to Ft. Lauderdale for a week-long intensive training session by the CP team. I'm very excited about this expansion!

Welcome to the team, Liz!

Why You Should Visit Europe in the Springtime

 Europe in the Spring makes for a fantastic vacation. May is a great month to visit, actually, it's one of the three best months to tour Europe. The weather is likely to be excellent, and the big crowds are at work/school/college.

 
Following are the BEST PLACES TO VISIT in Europe this spring. Here are a few festivals going on in May (in no particular order):
 

Italy 

• Feast of San Nicola in Bari, the Feast of San Gennaro in Naples, the Festival of Snakes in Abruzzo.
• Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence is Italy's oldest music event focuses on opera, ballet and concerts.
• Vogalonga in Venice is hundreds of small, man-powered boats racing 30km, finishing in the Grand Canal.

France

• Cannes Film Festival. Actually, that’s a bad thing unless you’re a film freak.

• Chaumont Garden Festival – thirty wonderful and sometimes wacky show gardens around a perfect chateau (castle), every year May 15-October 19.

 

England

• Isle of Man TT (motorcycle) Races, May/June.

• Chelsea Flower Show in London – 11 acres of the UK’s (and arguably Europe’s) best flowers and gardens event, with plenty of original, even wacky ideas.

• Glyndebourne Festival Opera (in a stately home outside London), late May-early July.

 

Netherlands

• It's Tulip season. Seeing all those glorious blossoms in full bloom...spectacular!     

       

 

Czech Republic 

• Prague Spring International Music Festival.

Austria

• Vienna International Festival from mid-May to mid-June; a wide range of arts, especially music, naturally, but also dance and theatre, sometimes challenging pieces, all set in magnificent buildings.

Greece

• Athens Festival – drama, dance, and music in the 2,000-year-old outdoor Odeion theatre at the base of Acropolis Hill. Location, location!

 

5 Important Things To Know When Considering Hiring Me As Your Travel Advisor

 1.    You are not bothering me if you just need an airline ticket and a hotel in Chicago. I can indeed book more than just your exotic annual vacations and will do so gladly. Plus, I will likely have access to free amenities at the hotel that you might not find on your own because of my industry connections.

2.    If something goes amiss when you’re on your trip, call me immediately so I can fix it. Don’t be shy and say you didn’t want to make a fuss. You’ve paid money for this vacation and I’m your advisor for a reason. Little things that mar the experience can typically be fixed quite easily and that’s what I’m here for.

3.    When you compare the vacation packages I’ve offered you with what’s available via an online travel agency or discount website, please know that you’re probably not comparing apples to apples. The hotel I’ve selected is in a locale I think you will like, based on what you’ve told me. The room I have reserved for you is guaranteed in its category, meaning when you check-in, you won’t be given inferior accommodations, based on the desk attendant’s mood. Plus, if you’re looking at a website that brags that it has the lowest pricing available, you’ll likely be getting the lowest quality room available. Trust me.

4.    When you’re online and you see a deal that looks too good to be true, it probably is. Travel companies don’t give away things for no reason. Is there any small print you’re not reading because you’re so excited about the price you’re seeing? Do bring any deals you see to my attention and I promise to give you my best expert opinion as to what you’d actually get for your money.

5.    Do make travel a priority in your life. Every moment is precious and if you keep putting off that family vacation or that couple’s getaway, you may never do it and only end up with regrets. Let me craft a trip for you that will make the most of your time together so you’ll end up with fabulous memories. Live for the now; who knows what tomorrow will bring? 

 

Disney Cruise Line Will Be Expanding The Fleet!

 

JUST ANNOUNCED: Disney Cruise Line will be expanding its fleet with the addition of two new cruise ships! The new ships will be slightly larger than the current Dream Class ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, and the scheduled call for them to be completed in 2021 and 2023. 

At this time design plans, ship names, and itineraries are still in development by Disney, but the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new ways to create the world’s most magical oceangoing adventures. The most recent innovations and additions to the existing fleet included the addition of the Aqua Dunk to the Disney Magic, and re-imagined spaces onboard Disney Dream giving young guests the chance to experience the Star Wars™ universe and Millenium Falcon. 

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 

Dining at the Carthay Circle Restaurant

Recently I dined for the very first time at the Carthay Circle Restaurant inside Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland® Resort.  I was there for an Earmarked Agent Education Program, and they treated us to a wonderful meal before heading over to the Paradise Pier area for our viewing of World of Color.  Our menu was pre-selected for us with appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert, though we could choose between three different entrees.  

Here's what I enjoyed: 

• Signature Fried Biscuits stuffed with white cheddar, bacon, jalapeno, and apricot honey.
• Carthay Circle Salad with heirloom apples, roasted walnuts, winter greens, bacon, dates, and creamy citrus vinaigrette.
• Choice of entree: I went with the Angus beef Delmonico, with chipotle sweet potatoes, bacon, and onion ketchup.
• Chocolate Cookies n Cream Cake with winter orange chantilly (but I was too full to partake of that - a couple of bites only. Good but heavy).

Dinner at the Carthay Circle was so very good and so very filling. It was a nice touch for our hosts to enjoy a delicious meal. It's definitely not what most people think of when they think of eating inside theme parks!

Corporate Gatherings Onboard Ship

When it comes to corporate gatherings, meetings, or retreats, cruises offer the best overall value for businesses.  Whether simply organizing an annual meeting, offsite retreat, building an incentive for the sales team, or designing a special event for the staff, partners, or clients you simply cannot overlook the nearly all-inclusive nature of cruises.

 

 

Modern mega-ships provide so much!  They offer the perfect social environment for professional groups to mix and mingle; opportunities for your group to dine together in a gourmet restaurant; gather by the pool for sun and fun or other recreational activities; enjoy a Broadway-style show; comedy clubs and so much more.  Additionally, cruise ships provide those participants looking to break away from the official company action for a while can find solace on a secluded balcony, retreat to the spa, or enjoy a book in a well-appointed alcove.  And it doesn’t have to just be the employee either – many companies encourage their employees' families to come along too, especially since there are plenty of activities to entertain the spouse and kids on board, including extensive youth programs run by trained counselors.

 

When it comes to booking, groups often get the best overall value, when planned well enough in advance, particularly when you factor in special group amenities like complimentary wine or champagne, shipboard credits, cocktail parties, chocolates, casino credits, spa services, and private gatherings.  Cruise lines will also work to brand your company's event at every opportunity with items such as ice sculptures of your corporate logo. For full charters, cruise lines will even let you set your own itinerary!

 

So what’s included in a group booking?   Typically, your group will receive:

• Stateroom accommodations
• Access to business facilities and meeting rooms
• Transportation to interesting ports
• Gourmet dining
• Vegas- or Broadway-style shows
• Discos, clubs, bars
• Pool, water sports
• Fitness center, exercise classes, spa
• Youth programs
• Movies (theater and in-room)
• Business Facilities Onboard
• Large and small conference rooms with variable lighting and food & beverage services
• High-speed internet access
• Digital projectors
• Audio systems
• Showrooms for group presentations
• Informal gathering venues
• The planning process for all details

 

Every corporate and incentive group must sign a contract with the cruise line that covers the prices, amenities, terms, and conditions for their group booking. Cruise Planners’ industry standing provides you with strong buying power and access to competitive rates on every ship which enables us to negotiate the best contract on your behalf.   We succeed when you succeed and are here to make sure that your corporate group function comes together as easily as possible.  But know that all successful corporate and incentive groups require the involvement of a dedicated travel manager within the company working together with your Cruise Planners travel consultant.  This professional is responsible for designing the meetings and events the company desires onboard and communicating booking details like the payment process, documentation requirements, and dining requests to all participants.  Together we’ll make your event a knockout success! 

Konk Kooler - You Can Make Them At Home!

 Konk Kooler

This refreshing concoction of light and dark rum is the signature drink on Castaway Cay, a stop on every Disney Cruise Line Caribbean itinerary.

• 1/2 ounce dark rum
• 3/4 ounce light rum
• 1-ounce passion fruit juice
• 1 ounce pina colada mix
• 1-ounce orange juice

 
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Serve in a tall glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a wedge of tropical fruit.








 

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.

An Alaskan Cruise. Is Alaska on Your Bucket List?

 

When it comes to cruises, an Alaskan cruise is in a league of its own and provides an experience of a lifetime. The voyage itself is certainly different from a typical cruise headed to the warm and sunny beach destinations of the Caribbean.  An Alaskan cruise brings forth another type of awe-inspiring beauty altogether. and provides passengers the opportunity to see pristine landscapes and wildlife in a way that they might never have experienced before. A Bucket List destination for many, Alaska is a top cruise destination.

Here are just a few reasons why an Alaskan Cruise should be at the top of your travel list.

Cruise Lines Cater to All Ages

Once upon a time, it seemed that the vast majority of passengers on Alaskan cruises were elderly. However that has changed, and most major cruise lines, which cater to all ages, now travel to Alaska.  Disney Cruise Line, known for being family-oriented, cruises to this destination on the Disney Wonder, which has been specially retrofitted to enhance the Alaskan experience for her guests. Oceangoing cruise lines that serve the Alaska market include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and Crystal Cruises. Additionally, smaller river cruise ships that serve the Alaska market include American Cruise Lines, Tauck, and UnCruise Adventures. 

Port Adventures

Regardless of age, there's something for everyone at the assorted port destinations. Examples include: children can pan for gold and watch dog sledding, adults can sample local brews and visit spectacular fjords and glaciers, and people of all ages can enjoy whale watching. For the more adventurous types, white water rafting, ziplining, or exploring glacier tops via helicopter ride can be great fun. Other more passive adventures include rides on the Alaskan railroad, shopping, and mild nature walks.  

See Glaciers

While glaciers are the most sought-after tourist attraction in Alaska, they are also endangered and are decreasing at an alarming rate. See them from the cruise ship, get closer to them via kayak, take a hiking tour, or see them from a flightseeing tour. You don't want to miss seeing this magnificent sight!

The Wildlife

Alaska is known for magnificent wildlife, which you may first glimpse from the deck of your ship. Just imagine seeing humpback whales, orca whales, beluga whales, and dolphins, as you enjoy a meal or relax. You will also have the opportunity to take port excursions, enabling you to get close to native wildlife, which may include bears, elk, bald eagles, moose, and much more. It is a bird-lovers paradise, with hundreds of different varieties just waiting to be spotted. Be sure to bring along binoculars! 

Cruise Season

The Alaskan cruise season is much shorter than in other areas of the world. The cruise ships first arrive in mid to late April, and all depart by mid-September.  
 

Itinerary Options

There are numerous itinerary options and ways to experience Alaska, which allows you to find the best fit for you. There are four basic ways to cruise Alaska:

1. Round-trip, sailing from either Vancouver, Seattle, and sometimes San Francisco, which will head north, typically through the Inside Passage, stopping in a handful of ports, and then return back to the originating port. 
2. Northbound one-way, which sails from Vancouver or Seattle heading north, again typically through the Inside Passage with multiple stops along the way, and then ending in the Anchorage area to either Whittier or Seward.  Guests then disembark the ship and board the Alaskan railroad for the 2+ hour train trip to Anchorage, where they would then fly home. 
3. Southbound one-way, which is the opposite of the northbound, as guests would fly into Anchorage, and then ride the Alaskan railroad south to Seward or Whittier to board their ship. The ship would then sail through the assorted ports of call, down through the Inside Passage, and then on to Vancouver or Seattle, where guests would disembark and fly home.
4. CruiseTour, which is a combination of a pre or post-cruise land experience coupled with the cruise itself.  Guests can choose between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7-day land experiences that include visits to Denali National Park and other exciting destinations throughout southern and central Alaska or Vancouver.  Typically a pre-cruise tour will find guests flying into Fairbanks and beginning their land experiences and ending in Anchorage for the journey south on the Alaskan railroad to board their ship for a southbound cruise; though there are land experiences that begin in the Vancouver area with guests touring Whistler and the surrounding areas of Canada. Post-cruise tours are similar, just taking place after the cruise.   

On Sale soon
The 2017 Alaskan itineraries are going to be released by the cruise lines very soon. Typically they release their coming year's schedule in late February or very early March, though Celebrity's 2017 sailings are already on sale. For more information and to learn more about Alaskan cruises, call Christopher today at 855.776.1733, or complete this link!

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?

Getting the Best Cruise Value

 

When planning your family's next big cruise vacation, finding the best values will make you a hero, especially if you have funds leftover for some cool "extras" that you might not have thought possible when first putting your budget together.  The key is to find the right money-saving tricks.  Here are just a few to consider that can, when added together, provide some serious monetary value for your vacation:

• Book early.  When I say early, I mean up to a year or more in advance. Yes, those few last-minute "deals" you find might seem tempting and the way to go, but do realize that last-minute also equals slim pickings in choice of category or room location, if there is any availability at all in your desired room type.  When planning your vacation, know that the best deals and the best selection go to those who plan ahead... 8, 12, or even 15 months or more in advance.  For the cruise lines, the months of January - March are considered "Wave Season", providing the most significant discounts, upgrades, and freebies for those guests who plan ahead.  October is another key month when additional discounts and offers are available for those who plan ahead.  
• Book a package.  More and more many cruise lines are offering package deals on specialty dining, wine, and excursions with discounts of up to 25% over a la carte pricing, effectively creating more of an all-inclusive atmosphere onboard.  As an example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers packages of 3 specialty restaurant dinners for just $47 per person, which is a great saving vs. buying them individually onboard. 
• Go all-inclusive.  The larger mass-appeal cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, etc, will charge for beverages, shore excursions, specialty dining, gratuities and more all as add-on fees once onboard - though during wave season several of them are offering great value promotions with free inclusions for any or all of these items. Luxury lines such as Seabourn, Crystal, Silversea, etc, have become much more value-conscious in the past few years by offering an all-inclusive experience... one price gets it all included.  Regent Seven Seas goes even further, by bundling in guests' airfare and all shore excursions.  So even though the total price might be slightly higher when comparing the luxury lines to the mass lines, the overall experience and satisfaction are likely to be better thanks to a more rewarding experience with a higher staff-to-guest ratio, and more intimate ships.
• Sail the off-season.  Many lines offer reduced fares for repositioning cruises (i.e. moving ships from destination to destination, such as prior to or after the conclusion of the Alaska season, or moving through the Panama Canal from the Atlantic itineraries to Pacific itineraries, etc).  Another off-season time in early December, before the Christmas holidays and peak pricing.  
• Use the services of an experienced cruise agent.  Choosing a cruise might seem simple - just look at the options and pick one, right?  Not necessarily, as even similar-looking itineraries can yield vastly different experiences. Cruise agents are experienced travelers and experts in their profession, helping to navigate the sometimes choppy waters of the vast array of options, lines, stateroom categories and so much more.  Experienced cruise agents work with each individual client to craft the best possible vacation experience for that client's needs and desires.  No one-size-fits-all website provider will do that!  Plus experienced cruise agents will be able to find the best value for their clients, even though the best value isn't always the lowest price.  Though they do often go hand in hand, remember that "value" and "price" are not one and the same.     What is a "great" value to you, might not be held in the same esteem to your friend or neighbor, even if you each paid the exact same amount of money.  While you might view the price paid as the most important aspect, your friend might view the intrinsic value of the overall experience(s) enjoyed as more important than the monetary value of the price paid.  Value and price are not one and the same, and experienced cruise agents work to match the client to the experience, whereas most websites simply offer cruises as products to be purchased for a set price, regardless of whether or not it is the best value for you, the individual.

Hidden Costs of Cruising to be Aware Of

 A cruise vacation can be an excellent value to be certain – included in your fare are not just your accommodations, but onboard entertainment and activities, traveling to exciting ports of call, and all meals aboard ship in the traditional dining rooms, buffets, snacks, room service, and casual dining establishments.  Please do keep in mind though, that a cruise vacation is not an all-inclusive vacation, except on a handful of cruise lines.  Regardless, there are a number of items -- mostly of a personal or optional nature -- that are out-of-pocket expenses over and above the cost of your voyage.  And if you aren’t careful, those extra purchases can quickly run up your bill, which must be satisfied before you will be allowed to disembark the ship at the conclusion of your voyage. 

Once onboard, passengers can be easily tempted by the ships' expansive spas, diverse specialty dining options, and concept bars and lounges.  Whether for a massage, a fruity cocktail, or dinner outside the main dining room or buffet, you'll need to hand over your cruise card and then settle up at the end of the voyage.  Other extras that you will pay for include shore excursions while in port, internet usage, and any souvenirs bought on board ship, including onboard photography. 

When creating your vacation budget, be sure to add to the total cost you will need for the voyage itself for any of the optional extras listed below.   Set your budget and then stick to it.  Many of the optional extras listed below can be included in the cost of your voyage and paid for in advance so that you aren’t surprised on the last night of your sailing.

1. Alcohol and Other Beverages Alcoholic beverages and wine are not included in the cruise fares on most lines and are the #1 cost contributor to any cruise vacation.  Keep in mind that you’re paying restaurant pricing or more for any alcoholic beverage purchased onboard.  If you choose to consume alcohol while onboard, be sure to check out the various packages offered by the cruise lines, as the cost of the packages typically will be a better value than buying multiple drinks at retail pricing.  Bar beverages are also automatically assessed a 15% gratuity, which will add up quickly.  In regards to non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, bottled water, certain juices, and specialty coffees – most cruise lines charge extra for these beverage selections.  Be sure to understand what is and is not included in your cruise fare, especially if you consume multiple soft drinks or specialty coffees in a single day.  Again, be sure to check out the cruise line’s beverage packages, as many are a better value than purchasing a la carte. 2. Alternative Dining Meals in the ship's main dining room and buffet venue are included in the cost of your cruise fare, but over the past decade more and more cruise lines have been adding numerous for-fee venues to their ships, for both paid meals and paid snacks.  You can pay anywhere from a few dollars for an ice cream cone at an onboard Ben & Jerry's or gelateria to $35 or more for a meal in a specialty dining venue.  Several European lines charge a la carte prices in their alternative venues. 3. Spa and Salon Treatments Cruise line spas charge rates equal to high-end salons, and you may be shocked by the prices. A massage is typically about $110 to $150, with more exotic treatments running into the $200 to $500 range.  Passes to thermal suites and thalassotherapy pools average $15 to $30 per day, with cruise-long packages available.  Be sure to pay attention to the onboard communications for any specials that might produce lower-cost options – many times discounts can be enjoyed while the ship is in port. 4. Gratuities Gratuities and tipping policies vary by cruise line, but most recommend about $10 to $12 per person, per day, to be distributed among those who provide key services - dining room waiters, assistant waiters, and stateroom stewards.  If you have a higher-end stateroom with butler service, be prepared to tip extra.  As a reminder, bar tabs are automatically charged a 15 percent gratuity, and any time the maitre d' performs a special service, such as arranging for a birthday cake to be brought to the table, he should be tipped, as well.  Most cruise lines allow you to pre-pay for gratuities, which are then built into the cost of the voyage and eliminate the need for this as an out-of-pocket expense while onboard ship.  If a guest has not pre-paid their gratuities, they are typically automatically added to the stateroom’s folio on the 2nd or 3rd night of the sailing (depending on itinerary length). 5. Shore Excursions Shore excursions are designed to help you make the most of your time in port but know that the cruise lines sell these for your convenience, and for their bottom line.  Prices are generally inflated above what the actual tour operators charge.  Alternate vendors are available that offer similar experiences, often at better prices than you’ll find the onboard ship.  Prices for many of the excursions range from about $25 per person for a quick city and shopping tour to more than $300 per person for some of the more exciting tours which might include helicopter flight-seeing and hot-air ballooning. Most tours are priced somewhere between $50 and $150, depending on the length and activities involved. 6. Onboard Activities Most onboard activities are free, included in your cruise fare, however, please note that there are a number of cruise lines with an increasing number of special activities that incur extra fees.  Several of the per-fee activities include things like fitness classes like Pilates, yoga, and spinning ($10 to $15 per class); wine-tasting or similar alcoholic beverage tasting events;  after-hours babysitting for the youngest children (about $6 per child, per hour);  behind-the-scenes tours;  bowling; and of course the biggie on most cruise lines, anything you do inside the casinos.   7. Onboard Laundry Yes, you can have your laundry done for you, or do it in self-serve launderettes, but similar to what you’ll find at land-based resorts, laundry and dry-cleaning charges on a cruise can be expensive.  Expect to pay somewhere around $2.50 to $3.50 to wash a T-shirt, for instance, through the provided services; or between $2-$4 per load going the self-service route if your ship has that option.  Save on the cost slightly by bringing your own detergent. 8. Internet & Wifi Whether bringing along your own laptop utilizing the ship’s Wi-Fi, or simply use the onboard computer lounge, you will pay handsomely for marine satellite internet connections, which are much slower than anything found on land, unless you’re still somehow living the dial-up world.  Most cruise lines charge about 75 cents per minute for pay-as-you-go plans or offer bulk packages that can reduce the cost to around 55 cents a minute, depending on the package you purchase.  Unless you truly need it to stay in touch with business concerns, there’s often no need to connect while onboard the ship.  If you have a wifi-enabled tablet, bring that, and often you will find free wifi hotspots in port cities that you could connect to, in order to stay up to date with your friends and family online while traveling. 9.  Transportation To and From the Ship Not all of us have the luxury of living within a short drive from a cruise port, and therefore a big part of any cruise vacation, of course, is the cost to get from point A (your home) to point B (where you’ll board the ship).  Whether that is by air, car, or rail, you simply cannot escape that cost of your vacation.  And then of course, what will you do with your vehicle if you drive (parking), or how you’ll get from the arrival airport to the cruise terminal (taxi, shuttle, walk?).  These are all intangibles that are completely different for every situation, but you absolutely must plan on them.  Don’t get swayed by the great ad that shows a cruise for just $149 per person (or whatever) and thinks that that’s all you’re responsible for!  10. Photography I decided to bookend this list with the two optional add-on extras that are often the biggest culprits for ruining a cruise traveler’s dream vacation by socking them with lots of out-of-pocket expenses.  We already talked about alcohol, so now let’s talk about photography.  Yes, onboard photography can take a big bite out of your wallet if you aren’t prepared for it.  The photos will start just moments after you check-in too, notably with the ever-present “Welcome Aboard” shot before you even hit the gangway.  Onboard photographers will be present in the dining rooms, on deck, and of course, ever-present if you’re on a family-friendly cruise with character interactions of any kind, and any time you disembark in a new port there will be exit gangway shots on the pier.  The cruise lines will play on the emotions of cruise travelers hoping they’ll drop big bucks at the onboard photo gallery, where an 8x10 photo can easily cost $20 or more.   To save yourself from blowing your vacation budget, and possibly lots of money, just politely say, “no thanks,” whenever the ship's photographers ask to take your picture (they’ll be roaming at times, in the dining rooms, onboard deck, and more – especially if it is a family-friendly cruise with various character interactions available onboard ship.  Another way to reduce the outflow is to simply resist the urge to "just check out" the photos in the gallery -- once you see the printed version, you're more likely to want it. Do yourself a favor and take as many of your own pictures, and rely sparingly, if at all, on the ship's photographers.     So now you see the various hidden costs of a cruise vacation.  Of course numbers 4 and 9 are not optional, but the rest are.  Packing enough clothes for the week, you do not need to worry about number 7 unless something ghastly happens and you have nothing else to wear.  The rest are completely optional that only you can decide if you will partake of it or not.  Knowing these hidden costs upfront will better help you prepare for what the true cost of your vacation might be.  That bargain-basement $149 fare can easily turn into 3, 4, 5, or more times that cost depending on what you do about numbers 1 – 10 on this list.

 

 On location from Fort Lauderdale, recorded live while in Fort Lauderdale this past April at the annual Cruise360 conference hosted by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). Here I am testing my selfie stick and vlogging capabilities.  It's a beginning, with hopefully more entries to come. 

 

Flashback Friday - Walt Disney World 1992

It's FLASHBACK FRIDAY! 

Time to go back in time thanks to fun old family photos of days gone by.  Growing up in Southern California, I didn't get to go to Walt Disney World as a youth. My playground was Walt's original Magic Kingdom - Disneyland.  But when I turned 21 I did get to visit Walt Disney World, and have been back many times since then.  

Here's a look at the entrance to Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Station of the Skyway in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom from October 1992.  Sadly the Skyway closed in 1999, but Space Mountain lives on!   Check out the part of the sign with the rocket ship flying downward.  

We're Growing! Adding my First Associate!

Three weeks ago today I shared a nice, vague post about how some days warrant a little more yippee than others. It was a bit mysterious some commented, but I wasn't ready to divulge much else at that time. I was excited in the moment and just had to share ...something. Today I'm finally ready and able to share my excitement - my news. God is good in so many ways, and throughout this journey that I've been on for the past two-plus years, full of its' ups and downs, I've seen how He has blessed this venture and the major life transition that I was going through from traditional employment to owning my own business was definitely something that He had for me. And that day three weeks ago really marked a special day in my life, and the life of my business - an incredible "up" if you will. One that I'd been praying about for a while. On that day, I got a very specific YES that was pretty special to me. The day itself was certainly not as special as the day that my lovely bride, Julie, agreed to become my lovely bride, but it was very special in that another great lady said yes to me. Not in a romantic sense, but in a business sense. It was on that day three weeks ago that she got back to me to respond with a resounding yes, she wanted to and was ready to join us on this exciting travel journey that Julie and I have been on for the past two-plus years. So today, after three weeks of paperwork and waiting for all of the various things that CP requires could be accomplished, I'm very excited to announce that I now have an Associate who will not only be helping grow our business but also expanding her own network and developing her own business as a part of my team! I'm very excited to announce that my new Associate is Rachel Brolsma, who is a very special lady within our church community, and absolutely someone that I wanted on my team once she expressed her interest. Like me, she is a Disneyphile (Disney freak some might say) and is very excited to help people make their travel dreams come true. Together with her husband, Tommy, and my lovely bride, we're excited to be branching out and expanding in this way. Rachel will now officially begin her training with me, and then will soon be heading to Ft. Lauderdale for a weeklong intensive training session by the CP team. I'm very excited about this expansion!

Flashback Friday - Disneyland 1993

It's FLASHBACK FRIDAY! 

Time to go back in time thanks to fun old family photos of days gone by.  Growing up in Southern California, Disneyland was a popular destination for our family.  Sometimes we were there just the four of us, other times with extended family members.  Oftentimes my brother and I would get to go for school or church incentives, or as awards for a successful sports season with the teams we played on.  Trips with friends, or friends families were often the case as well, and as we became teenagers, the park was a popular destination to hang out.

  

Here's a look at The Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square in 1993.  At that time the Pet Cemetery was brand-new, having recently been added to the queue area in front of the Mansion.  For years Cast Members had enjoyed the sight of this little creative touch in a back-stage area of the park not readily visible to guests - though sharp, eagle-eyed guests could spot it if turning their heads to the left immediately upon exiting the attraction, but finally the Imagineers decided to relocate it for all guests to be able to see and enjoy it.  Similar to the Disneyland version, a Pet Cemetery later appeared at the Walt Disney World version of the famed attraction in the '90s.  

Independence Day 2013

Happy Independence Day to all! Whether you celebrate at home by yourself, or with friends or family - let's all give thanks to those who serve or have served to keep these United States free.