While in Orlando last week for Disney’s Social Media Moms Conference, we had the pleasure of staying at the Beach Resort for 6 nights. Located right beside Epcot, this deluxe resort offers quite a few family friendly amenities that we loved!
We will be doing a full resort review very soon, but for now I would like to take you on a tour of our room.
We were staying in a standard view room that slept up to 5 adults. Our rooms was configured with 1 Day Bed and 2 Queen Beds, but you can also get them with a King Bed and a Day Bed as well.
Not only was the space very well appointed, our family never felt crowded during our downtime. Having the couch, which doubled as a daybed was great because the kids would hang out there and play games or read before bed.
To the left of the entrance there was a single serve coffee maker(not a keurig), some tea, coffee re-fills and creams and sugars for your beverages. Underneath was an unstocked fridge that was perfect for storing water for the next day, quick snacks or leftovers.
Beyond that was a huge closet that houses the in-room safe, ironing board and iron.
To the right of the entrance was a the bathroom counter space that featured a double vanity, a blow dryer and some Disney branded soaps and lotions.
Adjacent to the ‘prep’ area was a separate room with a toilet and bathtub/shower.
The main room has 2 comfy Queen bed, a dresser, couch, Flat screen TV and a desk that double as a dining table!
The TV has more than 80 channels, including Disney’s full lineup and some amusement park channels that help your day to day planning.
Because our room was a standard view, we overlooked the roof of the lobby and entrance to the resort. But don’t fret, you can see the higher fireworks from Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show each night at 9pm.
We were traveling with my brother and his family so we also had a door that allowed us to connect with them whenever we wanted to all hang out!
After almost 3 years of construction, the port of Southampton, U.K. welcomed the Harmony of the Seas today!
“Harmony of the Seas is redefining vacations and intriguing a new generation of travellers with a bold and unexpected line-up of first at sea innovations, while enticing them to explore the world from a new perspective,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “From thrilling onboard activities and experiences to visiting awe-inspiring destinations across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Harmony places guests at the forefront and encourages them to create their own adventures onboard and at every destination.”
Costing more than a $1billion, Harmony of the Seas will be the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and boasts highly anticipated first-at-sea experiences, including:
A 100-foot drop with TheUltimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, plunging courageous adrenaline seekers 10 stories down from deck 16 to the Boardwalk on deck 6
4,700,000 lbs. (2,150 tons) of water in 23 swimming pools, whirlpools, two FlowRider surf simulators and waterslides, including the Perfect Storm, a thrilling trio of waterslides, and the Splashaway Bay waterpark for young guests
The first double-story Wonderland, the specialty restaurant concept first introduced onboard the global cruise line’s Quantum class of ships delivering an imaginative and whimsical feast for all the senses
The debut of Broadway’s hit musical Grease in the Royal Theater and spectacular diving shows in the AquaTheater
11,252 works of art showcased throughout the ship and Central Park, a living park in the center of the ship which features a total of 10,587 plants, 48 vine plants and 52 trees, some over 20 feet (6.1 meters) high
VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, available exclusively to Royal Caribbean guests, which allows travelers to seamlessly stay connected, stream their favorite entertainment, video chat and share their adventures with friends and family at home
Harmony of the Seas will homeport in Barcelona, Spain and embark on the first of 34 seven-night sailings in the western Mediterranean on June 7, exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful locations. In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL., from where she will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings. The newest member of the fleet will join sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida.
When the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster re-launches later this Summer, riders will be greeted by a new original storyline, amazing special effects, a re-designed queue, and a new ride vehicle that will propel you out over Marvel Super Hero Island with super-human force.
Originally opened in 1999, thrill seekers will pass underneath a towering figure of The Hulk holding up one of the ride’s seats and pieces of the coaster’s track – which were salvaged from the original ride.
General Thaddeus Ross is calling for volunteers for a new experiment. Your only warning is that you’ll be subjected to high levels of gamma radiation through a process called Hulk-a-fication – a potentially life-altering process first introduced by Dr. Bruce Banner.
The end result is said to give subjects magnificent strength and a forceful amount of energy.
Your part of the story begins the moment you enter the building – which has been redesigned as a state-of-the-art military research compound, commanded by General Ross.
Inside, General Ross is conducting an array of questionable, bio-radiological experiments. You’ll pass by laboratories containing high-tech equipment his team uses to execute his mysterious tests.
Next, you’ll arrive at the Gamma core – an intense energy source that sends pulsing waves of radiation upward to fuel General Ross’s experiment. Not to worry – a thick pane of glass will protect you from direct exposure to the radioactive core.
As you move along, you’ll witness the transformation of your predecessors as they undergo the perilous Hulk-a-fication process.
Finally, you’ll be rushed to a loading platform, sparking with electric bursts as the Gamma accelerator powers up to blast you with superhuman strength. But, prepare for the ride of your life…
The new ride vehicles have an in-seat audio system that booms an original ride score created by Patrick Stump, front man for Fall Out Boy. From there riders are catapulted out of the chamber at high speeds.
We can’t wait to experience the new Incredible Hulk attraction at Universal Orlando! Below is a video with the ride’s engineers explaining some of the incredible elements they have added!
Walt Disney World has a magical Summer planned for visitors who are planning to visit any of their 4 parks in Orlando Florida. Throughout the past few months we have been keeping your up-to-date and some of the new experiences that Disney has been developing. Here is a full rundown of what you can expect if you are visiting the parks this Summer!
Animal Kingdom
The park’s iconic Tree of Life will awaken each night amid a lively celebration of Discovery Island music and dance. Through stunning visuals, animal spirits appear and enchanted fireflies reveal stories of wonder as the tree morphs to showcase the magic of nature.
Kilimanjaro Safaris transitions to a new nighttime adventure in the extended orange glow of a setting sun. For the first time, hyenas and African wild dogs join the safari trail.
Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. TheJungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.
Hungry adventurers can have lunch or dinner at the new Tiffins signature restaurant on Discovery Island Memorial Day Weekend. Visitors seated in the restaurant’s travel-themed dining rooms or on the waterfront patio can sip on beverages and savor dishes featuring African, Asian and South American flavors.
Across the park, visitors can experience wondrous new nighttime experiences and entertainment celebrating marvels in nature and enjoy long-time favorites such as Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids and more – in a whole new light.
Epcot
Anna, Elsa and their Frozen friends will welcome guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride that sails into a “Frozen” world at the Norway Pavilion. Passengers on their way to Arendelle’s Winter in Summer Celebration for Queen Elsa visit the ice palace and hear beloved film tunes plus new lyrics by Oscar-winning “Let It Go” songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
Also at Norway Pavilion, Anna and Elsa will greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus, modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin.
In Future World, guests will celebrate the U.S. debut of the new Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land Pavilion June 17. Now with a third Epcot theater, plus new digital screens and projection systems, the expanded attraction takes guests on an exhilarating “flight” above spectacular global landscapes and man-made wonders.
Visitors will also find new additions at “Turtle Talk with Crush” beginning in May with characters from Disney•Pixar film “Finding Dory”. When Crush the sea turtle swims up to the “Human Tank” at Epcot, he’ll be joined by Dory and some of her new friends that guests will get to know when “Finding Dory” arrives into theaters on June 17, 2016.
Magic Kingdom
For the first time, Tiana of “Princess and the Frog,” and Rapunzel of “Tangled,” co-star with Anna and Elsa of “Frozen,” and a host of favorite Disney characters in the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire show. Performed on the grandest stage in the kingdom, the star-studded tale of friendship presents Mickey Mouse and his troupe of Merry Makers – Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy and Goofy – who invite 10 new friends from different animated worlds to join the celebration. This “timeless fairytale” of a show combines grand dance, fireworks and stunts with memorable music, an original song and special effects.
Disney Parks will welcome Elena of Avalor, Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Elena of Avalor will appear at Walt Disney World Resort later this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.
Next door to the legendary Jungle Cruise, parkgoers can enjoy the bold flavors of “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” served by the wisecracking crew of the new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. It’s the first Disney full-service restaurant themed after a specific park attraction.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will premiere this June with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series.
The live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” debuted April 4, celebrating moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Darth Maul.
First Order Stormtroopers led by Captain Phasma march in formation from Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage, adding menace to the entertainment. Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artifacts and encounters with characters including Kylo Ren. The re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience also features new characters. And at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests buckle up for an enhanced high-speed journey with new Star Wars: TheForce Awakens characters and a visit to Jakku.
Water Parks Make a Splash
At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Olaf from Disney’s animated hit “Frozen,” will be living his “In Summer” dream as he and Kristoff host The “Frozen” Games of friendly, fun competitions.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park castaways can splash down on a sandy summer beach with a cold ale and savory snack after a wild slide on Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster.
Photography fans rejoice! Samsung’s new Gear 360 Camera will be available for sale in select countries on April 29th. Unveiled last month at Mobile World Conference, the tiny 153-gram camera is designed with two fisheye F2.0 lenses that can capture near-4K (3840 x 1920) quality video or 25.9 megapixel photos. It can hold up to 128GB of content on its internal microSD slot and can record for up to 140 minutes of active use.
Perfect for any adventure, the Gear 360 is dust and splash resistant. If you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or PC, users can shoot in live view mode, stitch the 360˚ footage with ease, trim it to your liking and share it online.
The Galaxy smartphone can also double as a very handy remote viewfinder and to transfer files in one simple move.
The GEAR 360 will retail for 350 euros in Europe, which is about $400 USD.
One of my travel obsessions is visiting historical sites. Mansions, museums, ruins and churches. I love it. While in San Antonio last Spring the San Fernando Cathedral was high on my list as I had been to many of the city’s missions and was captivated by all of the incredible sites the city has preserved so beautifully.
Founded in 1731 the San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas.
Located in the middle of the city, ‘the Cathedral building has the added distinction of being the oldest standing church building in Texas, and for all of its more than 281 years, has been serving the people of the Archdiocese and San Antonio.’
The current structure that stands today has been expanded and renovated over the years, but the walls of the original church still form the sanctuary of the cathedral.
Inside one of the doorways, a small coffin is also said to hold the remains of Davy Crockett, William B. Travis and Jim Bowie. Many have disputed this claim, but there is a small monument for anyone looking looking to pay their last respects.
Inside, the San Fernando Cathedral has a bright, gable roof with 7 different patterns painted in rows on either side.
The main altar features an elaborate gold carving with Jesus on the cross in the middle. This is a fairly new piece in the church. Three of the retablos were completed in 2003.
There is also the Altar of Our Lady of Candelaria. The statue was donated to the church in 1984 by the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Island in memory of 56 Canary Island immigrants who came to San Antonio in 1731 and founded San Fernando.
When you face the front door from the altar you can see the massive pipe organ sitting on the choir loft. It is the oldest in the city of San Antonio.
If you are visiting San Antonio I highly recommend a visit to San Fernando Cathedral. Its history and architecture make it a must see!
When you enter Toy Story Land, you’ll find yourself shrunk to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters. Last year Disney announced that they would be developing new themed attractions for Toy Story Land. Here are some new details!
The first – Slinky Dog Dash – features a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit. To add some excitement, he’s combined it with some of his other toys. Riders will will zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits.
Imagineer Kathy Mangum shared a concept video of the ride on the Disney Blog today.
The second attraction in Toy Story Land will be Alien Swirling Saucers. This ride is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first Toy Story film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”
As you rotate around the toy planets and satellites as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of fun “Space Jazz” music developed just for this experience, Mangum said. The music, the lighting, and the sound effects will add to the flurry of your adventure while “The Claw” looms ominously over you.
Also today, Mangum shared an update that beginning Memorial Day weekend, even more guests will be able to experience Toy Story Mania with the addition of a third track.
Where will the mouse take you in 2017? This week, Disney Cruise Line announced they will sail on new itineraries and to new ports, including first-time visits to new destinations in Alaska and Europe. This summer, Disney Cruise Line also returns to Norway, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Bahamas!
This is definitely the year to see the world in style.
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will take guests to Alaska’s Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier as part of a new nine-night itinerary on the Disney Wonder. Departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 24, 2017, this itinerary also sails to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord.
Icy Strait Point offers a variety of Alaska nature adventures, including a zip line attraction that is one of the longest and highest zip lines in the world. Nearby, Glacier Bay National Park is a spectacular highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another highlight of this cruise is seeing Hubbard Glacier, the largest and most active tidewater glacier in North America. Displaying extraordinary blue hues and immense beauty, this spectacular glacier is more than six miles wide where it meets the ocean.
On July 17, 2017, DCL will offer a new seven-night Alaska sailing from Vancouver, visiting Icy Strait Point, in addition to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.
On Aug. 2, 2017, the Disney Wonder will sail its first five-night Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Tracy Arm and Ketchikan.
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will visit Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Guests looking for a two week cruise can set sail on the Disney Magic on May 13, 2017 for a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Copenhagen, with a stop in Amsterdam along the way. This itinerary also includes a call on Portland, England – another first-time port for Disney Cruise Line. Portland is a short distance from Stonehenge, the prehistoric ring of standing stones monument that is one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.
A visit to Amsterdam also will be part of a 10-night northern Europe itinerary that departs June 18, 2017, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Dover, England. Other ports on this sailing include Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia.
The grand tour of Europe continues throughout the summer with limited engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean.
For the first time, the Disney Fantasy will offer new 10- and 11-night cruises to the southern Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
On June 17, 2017, a new 11-night itinerary will visit Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Tortola and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
On June 28, 2017, a new 10-night itinerary will call on Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts, Tortola and Castaway Cay.
Families looking for a quick getaway can choose from 4 or 5 night sailing on the Disney Dream, with some of these cruises including a double dip at Castaway Cay!
Special five-night sailings, departing June 2, 11, 16, 25, 30 and July 9, 2017, will call on Castaway Cay twice and include a stop in Nassau, Bahamas.
Special four-night sailings, departing June 7, 21 and July 5, 2017, will visit Castaway Cay twice, also with a stop in Nassau.
When I travel I love to carry a back pack. It’s more comfortable and it allows me to keep my hands free for the kids. I have a couple backpacks that I travel with but I recently I’ve fell in love with the Lifepack by Solgaard Design, which is currently on Kickstarter.
Designed to be a ‘mobile office’, the Lifepack comes with a solar powered USB charger, has bluetooth speakers, an integrated lock, and an organized storage system. How many times has your phone died and you’re left searching for an outlet? This bag charges your device on the go! In fact there are two usb connections so you can help a friend out. Plus, when the Lifepack’s battery is full it will charge an Iphone6 12 TIMES!
It has 4 RFID blocking hidden pockets to safely store passports, credit cards and pass keys, and has also been created with internal protective air cells that will prevent your laptop from being damaged in the bag is dropped.
The outside is weather resistant, the inside offers lots of compartments to keep your work and personal life organized!
The bag currently retails for about $149 on Kickstarter, but the price will be $249 when the Lifepack goes into production.
Looking to shave a bit of money off your budget while getting the chance to explore some of the best places in the United States? Next week is your week! From April 16 to 24, 2016 – throughout National Park Week in 2016, every national park will give you free admission!
“We have an amazing variety of special events taking place during the centennial,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Some commemorate our first hundred years, but many others look to the future, to the next 100 years, and will help connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates. It is through them that America’s lands and stories will be preserved and passed on to future generations.”
“With free admission to parks all week long, National Park Week is the perfect opportunity to check out a new location, revisit one of your favorite parks, and perhaps invite a friend who has never visited a park before to join you,” said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. “It’s a great time to experience and celebrate our parks and historic places, and discover and share with each other how these treasured places are vital and relevant to people from all backgrounds from all over the country.”
The National Parks are also hosting the following special events as well!
April 16: National Junior Ranger Day
Explore, Learn, Protect! Kids can take part in fun programs and earn a junior ranger badge or become a Centennial Junior Ranger.
April 22: Earth Day
On Earth Day, if you want to roll up your sleeves and pitch in with a project, look for a park where you can help out.
April 23: National Park Instameet
Join an InstaMeet in a park. Gather in a designated place at a specific time to take photos and short videos to post on Instagram (and other social media) with the same hashtag: #FindYourParkInstaMeet, #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque, #NPS100
April 24: Park Rx Day
On Park Rx Day, parks will host fun recreational activities that encourage healthy lifestyles and promote physical and mental well being.
Not sure which park to hit?
This Top 10 list National Geographic put together is a good start!
We will be doing a full resort review very soon, but for now I would like to take you on a tour of our room.
We were staying in a standard view room that slept up to 5 adults. Our rooms was configured with 1 Day Bed and 2 Queen Beds, but you can also get them with a King Bed and a Day Bed as well.
Not only was the space very well appointed, our family never felt crowded during our downtime. Having the couch, which doubled as a daybed was great because the kids would hang out there and play games or read before bed.
To the left of the entrance there was a single serve coffee maker(not a keurig), some tea, coffee re-fills and creams and sugars for your beverages. Underneath was an unstocked fridge that was perfect for storing water for the next day, quick snacks or leftovers.
Beyond that was a huge closet that houses the in-room safe, ironing board and iron.
To the right of the entrance was a the bathroom counter space that featured a double vanity, a blow dryer and some Disney branded soaps and lotions.
Adjacent to the ‘prep’ area was a separate room with a toilet and bathtub/shower.
The main room has 2 comfy Queen bed, a dresser, couch, Flat screen TV and a desk that double as a dining table!
The TV has more than 80 channels, including Disney’s full lineup and some amusement park channels that help your day to day planning.
Because our room was a standard view, we overlooked the roof of the lobby and entrance to the resort. But don’t fret, you can see the higher fireworks from Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show each night at 9pm.
We were traveling with my brother and his family so we also had a door that allowed us to connect with them whenever we wanted to all hang out!
