6 Ways Dogs Can Enjoy Walt Disney World!

Lisa Arneill
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6 Ways Dogs Can Enjoy Walt Disney World!
If you are traveling with your pooch this Summer Disney has options for you!  They believe that canine visitors to the Florida Vacation Kingdom deserve a tail-wagging good time as well so guests can treat their special four-legged family member to an experience that will last a lifetime (which in dog years could be a very long time!). 6 Ways Dogs Can Enjoy Walt Disney World! 1. Every great day starts with a good night’s sleep. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is the only pet-friendly resort at Walt Disney World Resort where guests and pets can rest up before a day of adventures. With site-specific camping loops that welcome pets and premium, full-hookup campsites, guests and their furry buddy will both be happy campers. 2. Hit the trails together!  Families can take their pups to the Waggin’ Trails Dog Park at Fort Wilderness, where dogs of all sizes can run and play leash-free during their stay at Walt Disney World Resort. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, so canine sidekicks may want to visit again in the evening. 3. Playdate!  Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World Resort is a luxury, state-of-the-art pet facility that offers boarding, daycare and grooming for dogs, cats and other family pets in a safe and fun environment. Before venturing to the parks, stop by Best Friends Pet Care and let the pet professionals pamper your pooch for the day. 4.  Spa time!  While you’re enjoying a day of park-hopping, your pooch can enjoy a relaxing day of VIP treatment in a beautiful, air-conditioned puppy suite at Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World Resort. VIP grooming packages can be purchased in advance to give your barking buddy a full-day of grooming and relaxation. For pups a bit too playful for a day at the spa, there is plenty of room to run and play at Doggy Day Camp. This fun opportunity gives dogs the chance to enjoy safe, supervised social play with certified Doggy Day Camp counselors, complete with an assortment of toys. Using the facility’s complimentary webcam, guests can even check in on their pooch throughout the day! 5. Downtown Disney’s Happy Hound is a pet accessory store has something for every dog, including trendy outfits, custom collars and one-of-a-kind squeaky toys. 6. After a long day in the Walt Disney World theme parks, it is time to retrieve your cuddly companion. For some quality playtime before heading back to the resort, visit the Best Friends Pet Care private dog park, or take a pleasant walk around the grounds. What better way to end the perfect day than with quality time with your best pal! For more information guests can call (877) 4 WDW-PETS or (877) 493-9738. SOURCE

Step Back in Time at Greenfield Village

Lisa Arneill
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Step Back in Time at Greenfield Village
While in the Detroit area a couple weeks ago for a quick vacation our family visited the Ford Campus, which incorporates 5 attractions including The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, the IMAX Theater, Henry Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the Benson Ford Research Center. If you visit their website discounts are available for guests who would like to combine admission to more than one attraction.  Only in the city for a couple days we chose to just do two.  On our first day we took in the Henry Ford Museum.  On our second day we came back to check out Greenfield Village. Greenfield Village dearborn Michigan As soon as you walk through the gates you are taken back almost 300 years!  This small town incorporates 16 streets and more than 80 buildings that were moved to the property to give visitors a look at a time gone by. There is a lot of ground to cover so make sure you wear comfortable shoes, a hat and lots of sunscreen. One of our first stops was the Ford House that was built in 1861 in Springwells Township, Michigan. Greenfield Village - Ford House This was the childhood home where Henry Ford grew up with his five brothers and sisters.  For 18 months he sent people around the country looking for the stove that was like the one in the home. Greenfield Village - Ford House living room Just a few steps from there sits a replica of the Bagley Avenue Workshop where Henry Ford spent many house building his first car – the Quadricycle. Greenfield Village - Bagley Street quadricycle Many of the streets are lined with shops like the ones you would see a century ago, and small museums set up to pay tribute to some of America’s longest standing corporations.  The Heinz House takes visitors through the history of the famous ketchup maker, noting that the company rose to fame in the mid 1800s with horseradish, relish, preserves and celery sauce. Greenfield Village - Heinz House Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were very close friends.  The pair were neighbors in Fort Myers, Florida and they worked together on new technologies so it’s very fitting that there is section of the Village dedicated to Edison and his inventions.    Built in 1929, the replica of Edison’s Menlo Park Laboratory is made up of two floors.  The museum staff on hand in the building were very good at bringing the memory of Edison to life.  They demonstrated his phonograph, and told a few stories about the inventor and his relationship with Henry Ford. Greenfield Village - Menlo Park Laboratory second floor Across the street was Sarah Jordan’s Boarding House.  Built close to Edison’s Menlo Park Campus in New Jersey this house was one of the very first to be wired for lighting.  That was likely because it housed all of the men who worked for Edison. Greenfield Village - Sarah Jordan Boarding house lighting There are also quite a few residences that show how families in different income brackets would live.    At the end of the village sits the Daggett Farmhouse.  Samuel Daggett built this timber flank house of hand-hewn lumber on a 40 acre farm in Coventry (now Andover) Connecticut in 1754. Greenfield Village - Daggetts FarmhouseAnchored by a massive fire place, the Daggett Farm was home to Samuel, his wife Anna and their three children. Beside the Daggett Farm sits the “Tower” windmill.  Moved to Greenfield Village in 1936, this historic Mill was originally constructed in the 1600s in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts on the north side of Cape Cod. Greenfield Village - 1600s Windmill Just down the street site the Noah Webster House.  Built in 1823 in New Haven, Connecticut this home was built for Webster’s retirement, but instead he wrote many of his publications here including the American Dictionary of English Language, which was published in 1828. Greenfield Village - Noah Webster House As you make your way through the village some of the homes are fully open and others are just viewable though plexiglass to keep the historic items safe. One of my favorite buildings is the Martha-Mary Chapel, which was built on the property in 1929 by Henry Ford in memory of his mother and mother in law.  Today there are beautiful gardens out front, and couples can get married there! Greenfield Village - Martha-Mary Church Parents who are travelling with little ones will be happy to know that there is playground just down from the church where kids can go wild. Greenfield Village - Kids play area Designed in a steam punk style, there are climbers, a sprinkler for cool down and slides of all sizes.  There is also a Carousel($5/ride).  Visitors who are looking to see the village in leisure can take a single ride in a Model T car($5/per person) or grab the train and ride the entire circumference of the park for $5 per day/ per person.

Greenfield Village - Horse drawn carriage

For more information on Greenfield Village please check out their site.

Universal Orlando Resort Announces New Volcano Bay Water Park!

Lisa Arneill
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Universal Orlando Resort Announces New Volcano Bay Water Park!
There is a lot happening at Universal Orlando Resort!  Next year they will debut Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort  and today it was revealed that they will bring to life an entirely new water theme park experience.  Called Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort, it will join Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure and become the resort’s third incredibly immersive park. Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a place for the entire family.  It will be a whole new generation of experience that reimagines what it means to be a water park. Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Announced to be Entirely New Wa Imagine a place that offers radically innovative, thrilling attractions, peaceful moments of relaxation and an inspired guest experience that will forever change the perception of water theme parks.  It will be set in a highly themed, completely immersive environment inspired by postcard-perfect tropical islands.  And it will be the kind of special place that only the Universal team – the same team that has changed the face of Universal Orlando Resort in recent years – can envision and create. Universal’s Volcano Bay will be located within Universal Orlando Resort, just south of the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.  Work has already started so we look forward to learning more in the coming months!

Disneyland Resort Marks 60 Years of Magic with Three New Nighttime Spectaculars

Lisa Arneill
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0
This evening Disneyland Resort premiered a spectacular new nighttime parade and innovative fireworks-and-projection show for the “Disneyland Diamond Celebration” that marks 60 years of magic at the Happiest Place on Earth. Mickey and Minnie On Saturday May, 23th, 2015 the event officially opens to guests, starting with a 24-hour party at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks that serves as a kick-off to Diamond Celebration and to the summer family travel season. For 60 years, the Disneyland Resort has been in the forefront with entertainment technology, while bringing exciting attractions and inventive entertainment to life for guests from around the world. BOB IGER KICKS OFF DISNEYLAND DIAMOND CELEBRATION “Few companies have both a legendary past as well as a limitless future,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.  “But we had the great fortune to be founded with a spirit of creativity and innovation — one that continues to define this phenomenal company, allowing us to keep moving forward to meet the future without ever losing sight of who we are and where it all started.  We’re thrilled to usher in Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary and celebrate the triumph of imagination in a place where dreams really do come true.” A glittering new parade, new fireworks spectacular and all-new “World of Color” show raise the bar, once again, on creativity and entertainment technology, keeping the Disneyland Resort and its guests forever young.
  • “Paint the Night – All-New Electrical Parade” – When the lights go down in Disneyland, the Diamond Celebration illuminates the park with a brilliant, new parade. The luminescent parade creates a river of color flowing down Main Street, U.S.A., with an array of Disney characters and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow as Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to “Paint the Night.” With dazzling special effects, unforgettable music, energetic performances, fun surprises and spectacular floats, “Paint the Night” is more vibrant than any parade in 60 years at the Disneyland Resort. Even the choreography glows, as parade performers light up with their props and costumes.MACK AND THE CARS CREW ‘PAINT THE NIGHT Tinker Bell leads the procession in a magical, musical overture, closely followed by a float reminiscent of the giant bass drum that led the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.” Lightning McQueen races in with his buddy Mack Truck, who makes a hefty impression at 54-feet long, covered from headlights to tail pipe in gleaming light. Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” glide through the night in a shimmering palace of ice and snow. Sulley in Paint the Night Guests also will be delighted to see Cinderella, Rapunzel and beloved characters from tales such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Toy Story,” with Mickey and his pals creating a breathtaking grand finale.
  • “Disneyland Forever,” – The dazzling new fireworks spectacular “Disneyland Forever” is a street-to-sky, immersive experience like nothing seen before at the Disneyland Resort. Guests will be surrounded by the worlds of timeless Disney tales, from the tips of their toes to the sky high above, thanks to the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. One minute they will be standing on Main Street, U.S.A., and the next they could be stampeding across Simba’s Pride Lands, dancing with King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” traveling “Under the Sea” with the Little Mermaid, flying over London with Peter Pan, dripping in honey with Pooh in a whimsical dream of heffalumps and woozles, or shivering as Queen Elsa brings a glimmering blanket of snow over Disneyland.‘DISNEYLAND FOREVER SPARKLES IN THE NIGHT SKY For the first time in Disneyland fireworks history, Nemo from the Disney•Pixar animated film “Finding Nemo,” will “just keep swimming” in the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, as the Matterhorn is transformed into the fiery peak of Mt. Wannahockaloogie, a special monument from that film. Two original songs enrich the show: the “Disneyland Forever” theme “Live the Magic,” and the inspiring closing song “A Kiss Goodnight,” written by another Disney Legend, Richard M. Sherman, and sung by Ashley Brown, star of the Broadway production of “Mary Poppins.” The “stage” for “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will extend from the sky above to the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., the facade of “it’s a small world,” the Matterhorn and mist screens along the Rivers of America, with specially designed digital projections offering guests new experiences at each location.
  • “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris will join Mickey Mouse on a magical water canvas to entertain guests in this fun-filled new presentation of the popular, nighttime “World of Color” spectacular in Disney California Adventure. Both epic and intimate in scope, “World of Color – Celebrate!” brings to life the remarkable story of Walt and The Happiest Place on Earth with animated imagery, live-action film, fountains, lasers, special effects and a stirring musical score. World of ColorGuests will take an inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments around the world and the dream of Disneyland Park. “World of Color – Celebrate!” reminds guests that, if they never give up on their dreams, anything is possible.
The three, electrifying new shows will premiere on the night of May 22 during the 24-hour party – 6 a.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Saturday, May 23 – along with the many other magical features that will make the Disneyland Resort sparkle as never before during its Diamond Celebration.

What Makes The Space Case 1 The World’s Most Advanced Line of Smart Luggage?

Lisa Arneill
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What Makes The Space Case 1 The World’s Most Advanced Line of Smart Luggage?
I am obsessive about my luggage.  I travel a lot and nothing is worse that arriving at your final destination with a broken, wet or missing suitcase.  For this reason I switched to hard case luggage a couple years ago, and for the most part – well up until last month – my suitcase has always arrived in one shiny piece. For many people travel is their life, and their suitcase is their ‘home’.  For this reason, the team at Planet Traveler is introducing the true next generation of luggage. Designed to specifically balance technology, style, and function, the Space Case 1 luggage line is engineered to be the ultimate travel companion. Planet Traveler is launching the Space Case 1 on Kickstarter June 1st to fund the first orders. The campaign will offer both carry-on and check-in sized cases in a variety of exterior colors and textures. Early crowdfunding supporters can take advantage of significant discounts off the retail prices starting at $199. Space Case
“Consumers are reacting positively to an emerging trend of building luggage around tech,” said Planet Traveler CEO Harry Sheikh. “We have actually been working on the Space Case 1 for over four years, and believe we have finally perfected the integration of tech into our beautifully designed luggage. We didn’t set out to just design a smart suitcase. Our goal was to be the first to offer a full line of attractive smart luggage.”
To begin, Space Case 1 offers a variety of sizes, exterior colors, exclusive designs, and unique virtually indestructible textures, just as you might find with a premium suitcase. However, upon closer inspection you will find these cases have a surprising array of more technological functionality than any other luggage currently offered, making Space Case 1 the undeniable leader in consolidated smart travel technology. Here is a summary of the tech conveniences: Planet Travel Space Case 1
  • Smartphone app control (IOS, Android) of all functionality. Smartwatch interface.
  • Biometric fingerprint locking for up to 5 travelers. State of the art security.
  • Free worldwide GPS Tracking.
  • Digital scale integrated into the wheels. No lifting necessary.
  • Bluetooth speaker and microphone – Play music. Make hands-free calls.
  • Anti-theft proximity security. When the app moves beyond 40 feet from your case the phone is notified, and an alarm can sound through the case speaker.
  • Triple USB 12 Amp charging ports (Dual external, third internal in carry-on laptop compartment only).
  • Personal Concierge – On demand information for departure and arrival times & gates, book flights, hotels, car rentals and more.
  • 10 Year Warranty with 24 hour repair worldwide.
The Space Case 1 line of smart luggage is currently comprised of both a carry-on (19.5″/49.5cm) and check-in sized (29″/73.6cm) suitcase. More sizes and profiles are being introduced periodically, and will offer a complete suite of luggage utility in 2015. What do you think?  Is this a product you would buy?  After my little mishap coming home from Mexico, I’m in the market for another suitcase.  I like the features Planet Traveler has packed into this bag.  I also like that the 29″ bag is only $249 on the KickStarter early bird campaign.  Being able to track your bag – is a huge bonus straight off the top. Because no one wants to be half way around the world and not know where their belongings are.

Tips to Keep Your Children Safe from the Sun This Summer

Cathy
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Tips to Keep Your Children Safe from the Sun This Summer
We may not think about it as much as we should, especially when our children are just hanging outside and playing, but sun exposure can have serious long-term consequences, leaving children at a much higher risk for skin cancer later in life. And, believe it or not, skin cancer accounts for up to 3% of pediatric cancers, and 6% of cancers in 15- to 19-year-olds. “Overexposure to the sun and sunburns that happen during childhood are important and preventable risk factors for developing skin cancer as an adult,” Dawn Holman, a behavioral scientist in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told Medical News Today. “This is why it’s so important for us all to use sun protection at every age.” So this summer, while you’re out and about, having fun, on vacation, or just chilling in the back yard with your kids, keep them safe and protected now, and for the future, with these tips from the experts. 6 Months and Under: Children at this age have low levels of melanin in their skin—the substance that gives pigmentation to hair, skin, and eyes. This makes UV radiation much more dangerous for them. Unfortunately, infants are also more susceptible to suffering a reaction from sunscreen. The best way to protect your baby from the sun is to keep them in the shade. If there isn’t shade, create some with an umbrella or canopy.
Baby is sleeping in a Sun Smarties Infant Cabana
Baby is sleeping in a Sun Smarties Infant Cabana
Other tips include:
  • Dressing them in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs
  • Protecting their face, neck, and ears with a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet
  • Using a stroller with a sun-protective cover
  • Avoiding the outdoors (if possible) when UV radiation is highest (between 10am and 4pm).
  • Using a mesh window shield or UV window film to reduce sun exposure while in vehicles
6 – 12 Months Protective clothing and shade should still be utilized as UV protection at this age, but at six months, parents can start using sunscreen. A broad spectrum with a minimum SPF factor of 15 should be applied to any areas of exposed skin thirty minutes before exposure and reapplied every 2 hours after swimming or sweating. Children 6 months and up should also wear wraparound sunglasses that block 99 – 100% of UV radiation. baby beach Toddlers Toddlers are probably the most difficult to protect because they’re always on the go. They’re also more likely to defy the parent or remove protective gear when the parent isn’t directly present. Sunscreen should be used daily, and protective sunglasses, hat, and clothing should still be worn, however, to ensure proper protection. This applies, even when just going outside to play. Older Children and Teens Just like with toddlers and older infants, sunscreen should be worn daily, anytime the child will be outdoors. Protective clothing and gear should also be worn. The hope is that, if parents start to enforce sun protection (and the reasons behind it) at an early age, children will continue to follow the recommendations set before them. But, of course, as children begin to creep into those teen years, they may be tempted to tan for vanity reasons. For this reason, it is important that parents talk to teens about the importance of avoiding all forms of tanning. This includes tanning beds, which emit UV rays around 10 to 15 times stronger than those given off by the midday sun. kids at the pool A 29-year-old woman from Kentucky shared a photo of her wounds that had been caused by treatment for skin cancer. She had been diagnosed at 21—a diagnosis that she says came from excessive use of tanning beds. She encourages teens and young adults to stay away from all forms of tanning. “If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun, here ya go! This is what skin cancer treatment can look like,” she wrote alongside a posted picture in headlines recently. “Wear sunscreen and get a spray tan. You only get one skin, and you should take care of it.” It should be noted, however, that spray tans do not protect against UV rays. Sunscreen will still be needed when spending time outdoors. The Biggest Motivator: So what’s the biggest motivator for children of all ages? The best way to encourage your child to follow sun safety rules at all stages of their life? Model it. “The most important thing to remember when thinking about sun protection is this: you are your children’s role model. Be sure to let them see you protecting yourself from the sun. If you have great skin, so will they,” the Skin Cancer Foundation says.   SOURCE

Disney Cruise Line To Homeport From New York, Miami and Galveston in 2016

Lisa Arneill
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Disney Cruise Line To Homeport From New York, Miami and Galveston in 2016
Families looking to cruise in Fall 2016 will be excited to know that Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York for a limited time with sailings to the Bahamas that include a visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. New seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami and a return to Galveston, Texas round out the season. There are a lot of great itineraries in the works.  We outline them below! On Oct. 7, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on an eight-night Bahamian cruise that includes stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and Port Canaveral, Florida, which is located just one hour from the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Cruise returning to NYC On Oct. 15, 22 and 29, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on seven-night cruises that stop at Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral. Cruisers on these Bahamian cruises will be the opportunity to visit the Walt Disney World Resort when the ship stops at nearby Port Canaveral. Each guest on these sailings will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation for the short trip between the ship and the resort. On Oct. 2, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on a five-night cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. In these charming Canadian ports, guests can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafes and shops, and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market. For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to enjoy a season of seven-night voyages from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. On Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from Miami to the Western Caribbean including Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay. On Nov. 27 and Dec. 11, the Disney Magic will sail to the Eastern Caribbean including Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. On Dec. 23, the Disney Magic will sail to Tortola, San Juan and Castaway Cay. Additional Miami sailings include a four-night Bahamas cruise departing on Nov. 16, a five-night Bahamas cruise departing on Dec. 18, and a six-night Western Caribbean cruise departing on Dec. 30, 2016. Each sailing will include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In late 2016, Disney Cruise Line returns to Texas with a line up of seven-night itineraries, including Bahamian sailings that stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. On Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 9, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2016, the Disney Wonder will sail on a seven-night Bahamian itinerary from Galveston to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau. Disney Cruise Line in Galveston, Texas On Dec. 2, the Disney Wonder will sail on a seven-night Caribbean itinerary from Galveston to Falmouth, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. On Dec. 16, the Disney Wonder will sail from Galveston on a seven-night cruise to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman. Two four-night sailings to Cozumel on Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, round up the sailings from Galveston. Bookings for the new itineraries open to the public on May 20, 2015. More details can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2016 page of disneycruise.com.

Visiting Lady Liberty in NYC

Lisa Arneill
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0
Visiting Lady Liberty in NYC
Even though I have traveled to New York City more than 30 times over the last few years, I have never visited their many of their popular landmarks. view of NYC from Statue of Liberty New York City While in the Big Apple for an event last week I added a couple extra days to my trip so I could check out some of the city’s biggest attractions. The most famous monument in the United States, the Statue of Liberty, has always been on my list to see but I have failed to get there time and time again. This time, however, we started our trip in Battery Park so we could visit Liberty Island and the very famous lady that stands proud welcoming everyone to the city! Battery Park NYC Battery Park all on its own is a great place to visit for both young and old. There is so much to do and see as you walk along the water, you could easily make a day of it.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Statue Cruises are located at the South end of Manhattan.  Very accessible, visitors can take the train or just drive and park at one of the lots like we did. Tickets to visit Liberty and Ellis Islands can be purchased inside Clinton Castle when you arrive. From there visitors make their way through a pavilion that houses security scanners similar to the ones you see at the airport. Everyone and everything must go through the scanner before you board the ship, but thankfully the process is quick and efficient. Once on board the ship you can chose one of three floors to sit at for your trip over to the island. We chose to go to the very top of the ship, which was packed. View of NYC from Statue Cruises If you want to ensure the best view of the Statue make sure you check the top deck to see how packed it is and then you can make the decision to take the next boat to secure the perfect spot to take photos of the famous landmark. If the crowds prevent you from getting the perfect photo of Lady Liberty on the way in don’t stress. You get a second chance when you pass it again as you leave. Statue of Liberty New York City Once on the island, visitors can grab an audio guide and stroll through the park to learn more about the statue and its history. Statue of Liberty, NYC Visitors who want to see more can get upgraded tickets to visit the pedestal(no extra fee but you need reservations) or the Crown($3 extra).  Both of these options were sold out the day we were visiting. If you are planning to visit the crown the gear you can take to the top with you is limited so just be aware that you will need to check your back pack or purse before climbing to the top to get a better view. Statue of Liberty, NYC We enjoyed just walking around the base of the statue – admiring it from below. You also get a nice view of the city from the island and some of the adjacent bridges and islands. View of New York City from Statue of Liberty, NYC On the way back the boat stops at Ellis Island where you can get off and visit the immigration museum, before returning to Battery Park. Ellis Island New York City Before or after your cruise leave time to look around the park where the cruise terminal is. There are a lot of sculpture, like the Sphere, which stood in the plaza at The World Trade center for more than 3 decades before it was damaged during the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. World Trade Center Sphere, Battery Park In March of 2002 the Sphere was placed in Battery Park as a temporary memorial for those who lost their lives on 9/11. The Clinton Castle is also a significant landmark as it was built in 1811 as one of the 5 forts to defend New York Harbor. It was given to the city by the U.S. Army in 1823 and now serves as the National Park Service Visitor Center and the ticket office. Castle Clinton, Battery Park NYC Facts To Note:
  • Give yourself about 3 to 4 hours to do both Liberty and Ellis islands.
  • You can reserve a time to do the tour, but you don’t have to. Pre-buying your tickets will save you time, but visitors looking to just go on the fly can do so by buying a ticket at the port.
  • There are snacks and souvenirs for sale on the ship.
  • Visitors are free to stay on the island for as long as they would like(within operating hours). There aren’t timed exits or time constraints.
  • If you want to tour the Crown you should reserve those tickets in advance. We were told that on some dates they sell out months in advance.
  • The boats go from New York City and New Jersey so you can chose which port is easiest for you.
  • For $50 you can do the Hard Hat tour at Ellis Island and visit the 750-bed Ellis Island Hospital, including infectious and contagious disease wards, kitchen and the mortuary and autopsy room. We didn’t do this tour but plan to next time.

Universal Orlando Announces Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Lisa Arneill
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Universal Orlando Announces Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Universal Orlando is growing again!  Just a couple months after they debuted Diagon Alley, the theme park has announced that they King Kong will rule at Universal Orlando Resort next year in the groundbreaking attraction, Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Skull Island Reign of Kong The new attraction will open in the summer of 2016 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and will be an intense, all-new adventure brought to life in a dramatically themed environment. Skull Island: Reign of Kong will pull guests into a powerfully told story where they become part of the next generation of the Kong legend. Skull Island Reign Of Kong It begins as guests are transported deep into a wild and mysterious world, where their mission is to discover creatures of unknown origin but where they are soon fighting for their own survival. Their journey will take them through an ancient temple inhabited by hostile natives, a perilous jungle ruled by prehistoric creatures, a foreboding underworld of caves concealing unspeakable terrors and face-to-face with the colossal Kong himself. Skull Island Reign of Kong Entrance To create the most immersive and incredible experience for park goers, Universal Creative is working closely with Peter Jackson, famed director of 2005’s blockbuster movie, King Kong. King Kong is a Hollywood movie legend and a huge part of both our history and our future, said Mike West, Executive Producer, Universal Creative. He gives us the opportunity to tap into everything that makes our film history so special and everything that makes our theme park attractions so spectacular. We can’t wait to bring him to life in such an epic way. Known as the eighth wonder of the world, Kong has been called the experience for which movies were invented. Since first appearing on screen in 1933, King Kong has been re-made twice – each time on a tremendous scale earning seven Oscar and three Golden Globe nominations. And now in even grander and more realistic form the Kong story continues to grow. Skull Island: Reign of Kong will open in the summer of 2016. More details about the mega-attraction will be released over time. Please visit www.universalorlando.com/ReignofKong for more information.

Disney Dream To Undergo Enhancements This Fall!

Lisa Arneill
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Disney Dream To Undergo Enhancements This Fall!
It’s hard to believe that it has almost been 6 years since the Disney Dream entered service for Disney Cruise Lines!  With new ships launching, and new exciting features being debuted each month, Disney is dry docking the Dream from Oct. 4-24, 2015, in Freeport, Bahamas to add two new interactive youth areas, a whimsical sweet shop, and the ever-popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! Disney Dream Cruise Ship This wave of enhancements to the Disney Dream debuts on the Oct. 26 four-night voyage from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Dream will continue to sail three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas throughout 2015 and into 2016. Here are some of the exciting new spaces to look forward to! A newly themed area in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to ages three to 12, will delight children with an out-of-this-galaxy experience inspired by the Star Wars saga. Disney Dream Millenium Falcon room Kids will be transported to a far away galaxy at Star Wars: Millennium Falcon, a Force-filled play area inspired by the spacecraft from the legendary saga. Upon entering the spaceship, younglings will join the Rebel Alliance in the epic battle of good versus evil by assisting with the navigation of this powerful space vehicle. Sitting in the cockpit, children can pilot this super-cool spaceship through hyperspace and trigger lightspeed jumps to different locations around the galaxy. In Millennium Falcon, children can express their creativity through Star Wars-themed crafts, games and activities. They can also watch episodes from the new Disney XD animated series, “Star Wars Rebels,” on a large screen or virtually join the rebellion at gaming stations featuring the series’ action-packed adventures. The excitement continues during a shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience that invites young Jedi hopefuls – known as “Padawans” – to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader. Also in the Oceaneer Club, a high-tech interactive space based on the Disney Infinity video game offers more fun for kids. In the Disney Infinity Toy Box area, children can experience a whole new way of playing together with exciting virtual experiences and immersive activities. Customized, on-screen adventures will bring to life characters and stories from across The Walt Disney Company. The complete set of Disney Infinity character figures will be on display for creative inspiration and available for gameplay. Kids visiting this special room – found only on the Disney Dream – will be able to unlock exclusive Disney Cruise Line content that they can continue to enjoy when playing Disney Infinity at home. Special activities will bring the virtual gameplay experience to life in the real world. For example, a life-sized Disney Infinity Base sets the stage where children take the place of character figures for a group gaming experience unlike any other. Lighting up in response to gameplay on a large screen, this interactive floor will allow kids to be immersed in the Toy Box. Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats will satisfy the sweet tooth of cruisers of all ages, with handmade gelato and ice cream, an assortment of candy, and delectable novelty treats for purchase. New to Deck 11, the smell of freshly baked waffle cones and candy will linger from the specialty store’s two entrances, inside Cabana’s restaurant and outside by the pool deck. Disney Dream Vanellope's sweets Resembling the whimsical candy land of the Sugar Rush race car game in “Wreck-It Ralph,” the sweet shop’s décor features nods to the film, including a race track and checkerboard patterned floor, gas pump-style gumball dispensers, Vanellope’s race car and King Candy’s throne. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, coming to Deck 5 midship, will bring to life the storybook fantasies of young guests with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers. This very special salon will offer aspiring princesses and knights ages three to 12 the chance to transform into royalty with the help of a fairy godmother-in-training. On pirate party night this boutique becomes The Pirates League where swashbuckling pirates of all ages will have the opportunity to unleash their inner buccaneer. Exclusively for adults, Deck 13 forward will include a new water feature, Satellite Falls, a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort. Around this upper deck, adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.  
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