Navigating the Loveland Pass

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While travelling to Keystone from Denver this Summer it was recommended that I take the Loveland Pass.  I had stopped to whitewater raft on my way to the hotel and one of the staff members at the rafting company highly recommended the scenic drive for first timers to the area. google map - Loveland Pass Colorado Located on the Continental Divide in the Front Range, west of Denver, the Loveland pass is a truck by-pass route for vehicles over 13 ft 11 in that may not fit through the Eisenhower Tunnel on Hwy 70 or those who may be carrying hazardous materials. Underestimating the effect that the elevation changes would have on me, I set out to see what all the fuss was all about. First, I would like to say that I don’t normally get car sick, but there have been a few occasions where I have turned a little green from a windy ride, like the time we took the scenic route to the Pitons in St. Lucia and another time when my husband and I drove up to the Waimea Canyon in Kauai.  The twists and turns of the Loveland pass could be compared in my mind to both these trips.  This paired with the fact that I had been up since 2 am and had driven a total of 8 hours already that day actually flattened me for the night.  Never under estimate the effects elevations changes could have on your body. But I digress. Following a sign for the legendary road, I turned onto Route 6. Immediately I was welcomed with a turn and a steep hill. Part of what makes Loveland pass so unique is its steep, steady 6.7% grade, hairpin turns and the fact that most of the road has a very shallow shoulder. Loveland Pass Colorado 6 As I made my way around the turns I was taken with the incredible view. I wanted pictures but there was no where to stop. Or at least no where I would consider safe. Had I of been feeling a bit better I would have driven the route a couple times to scout the perfect spots to stop and taken a million pictures. I am normally a little picture crazy, but at this point the elevation was getting the best of me. And oddly enough it was getting cold. When I stopped to take this picture(below) it was 64 degrees, a full 6 degrees less than what it was when I pulled into Keystone. Loveland Pass Colorado 2 Only about 14-15 miles, the Loveland pass left me in awe and a bit grumpy that I had only taken about a dozen pictures, most of which were out the front window… Loveland Pass Colorado When I visit Keystone again, I look forward to doing it again, but after I’ve had a bit of sleep and can fully appreciate the stunning views it has to offer. Loveland Pass Colorado 5 Because it is Winter in Keystone, please check the road conditions before heading out for a drive.

Living the Suite Life Onboard Allure of the Seas!

In 2008 when Royal Caribbean revealed plans for their Oasis class ships, one of the features I was most excited about was the two level loft cabins.  Completely out of my price range, I knew I would never actually ever sleep in one, but out of curiosity, I really wanted to see this one-of-a kind suite. Allure of the seas ship view - cozumel While on Allure of the Seas with my family a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to check out one of their beautiful Crown Loft suites! As soon as I entered the cabin, the feeling I got was that of an upscale condo in Manhattan. 540 square feet, this modern cabin was elegantly decorated with contemporary furnishings and a large flat screen television. Immediately to my right was a bathroom, and a floating staircase with some plants underneath to my left.  Beyond the bathroom there was a desk that appeared to double as a dining table and a spacious living room.  For families looking to sleep 4, the couch pulls out to make room for 2 additional guests. Allure of the Seas Crown Sky Loft - living room Located at the back of the ship, the Crown Loft Suite I toured overlooked the sports court.  The balcony was a good size( 98 sq. ft.) and equipped with 2 sun loungers.  Twenty-five in total, there are 3 categories of loft suites on Allure of the seas; Sky Loft(700 sq. ft) and Crown Loft(as seen) and the ‘mack daddy’ Royal Loft Suite,(1,599.3 sq. ft., balcony 874 sq. ft.) which occupies the back corner of the 17th floor. Allure of the Seas - Crown Sky Loft view Upstairs the bedroom overlooks the whole cabin and is surrounded by a glass railing.  Cruisers who would like a bit of privacy can pull the curtains.  Also upstairs is a sitting area to do make-up, a second bathroom complete with a double shower and a closet. Allure of the Seas - Crown Sky Loft bedroomAllure of the Seas Crown Sky Loft. upstairs bathroom While walking through the loft cabin it was easy to forget you are on a ship.  Unique to anything else on the market this two level suite is spacious, elegant and perfect for vacationers who don’t want to give up the comforts of home while away. Priced at about $7,600/couple or $10,000 for a family of 4 for a week(rough estimate prices may vary depending on date), the Crown Loft suite is not a cabin that is within most budgets.  But it must be a luxury that some families are budgeting for because they were all booked during our voyage. It is worth noting that there are some great perks that come with the cabin.  Suite occupants get priority check-in, complimentary Concierge Club service, reserved prime seating in the main theater for entertainment shows (where available), priority tender tickets on select cruises and VIP pool deck seating, where available. Royal also offers their suite guests full breakfast, lunch and dinner dining room service for in-room dining, complimentary luggage valet service, luxury spa bathrobes for use onboard, complimentary pressing service on formal night and priority departure with exclusive suite departure lounge featuring continental breakfast. For more information on the suites offered by Royal Caribbean please visit their site.

AAA Offers Tips For Holiday Roadtrippers

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In just a few days more than 80 million will  take to the roads for year-end holiday travel. It is estimated, however, that more than 1.2 million motorists will become stranded between December 19, 2012, and January 2, 2013.

car winter

“Becoming stranded on the roadway is the last thing on anyone’s holiday wish list,” said Marshall L. Doney , AAA National Vice President, Automotive, Financial Services and E-Business.  “Whether you are staying local or planning a long distance road trip, having your vehicle properly maintained and prepared for holiday driving will help ensure it gets you and your loved ones to your destination safely and without incident.”

Drivers can avoid the causes of some roadside breakdowns by keeping their vehicles properly maintained.  AAA advises motorists to follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for the rigors of year-end holiday driving.

Here are a few things to add to your list before heading out for a holiday drive:

  • Antifreeze. Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing.
  • Windshield wipers and washer fluid. Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking. Where appropriate, consider the use of special winter blades that offer improved performance in snow and ice conditions. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter detergent fluid to prevent freeze up.
  • Tires. Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure found on the driver’s door jamb—not the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work, and when the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems.
  • Battery. Check for a secure fit and clean away any corrosion on the battery and its cable connections. If the battery is out of warranty, it’s advisable to have it tested before cold weather hits. If replacement is necessary, have a certified technician help select the proper battery for your vehicle type and local climate. In many areas, AAA members can make an appointment to have a AAA Battery Service technician visit their home or office to check and replace batteries.
  • Belts and hoses. Replace accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.

Other important areas to have a certified technician check in preparation for winter include the vehicle’s fluid levels, lights, brakes, exhaust system and heater/defroster. Throughout the winter driving season, motorists should continue to have regular services, including oil and filter changes, performed at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

While preventative measures go a long way toward keeping motorists driving safely on the road, unexpected weather or vehicle problems may still arise and leave them stranded. It is recommended that motorists update their emergency roadside kit for winter to include a mobile phone and car charger; blankets; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; a small shovel; a sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats; windshield scraper and brush; battery booster cables; and emergency flares or reflectors.

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Walt Disney World Debuts Their New Fantasyland!

When we visited Disney World in January of 2010 we were literally a day late to experience the former Fantasyland before it closed. Excited to see the planned expansion, two years seemed like a long wait to see the transformation. The wait is over and Fantasyland is complete(well mostly)! Fireworks and excitement were in the air on Thursday as Walt Disney World officially unveiled their new Fantasyland, the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World Fantasyland celebrations Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Snow White on the hit ABC-TV drama, joined pop star Jordin Sparks and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs in ceremonies filled with favorite Disney characters, fireworks and timeless melodies from classic Disney films.
“Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world,” Staggs said. “New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before.”
New Fantasyland features attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and more – laid out fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops. A multiyear expansion project that doubles the size of the existing Fantasyland, the sprawling new area lies just beyond the existing Fantasyland in the shadows of Cinderella Castle. Walt Disney World Fantasyland 2012 New Fantasyland consists of the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus areas. Walt Disney Imagineers brought to life beloved Disney stories and magical places, putting guests in the middle of Disney classics and new favorites – and making memories to last a lifetime. Here’s just a sampling of the new enchanted areas now open in New Fantasyland:
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. Guests riding in clamshells travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against the musical backdrop of beloved songs from the film. Before the experience, the fun is whimsical and interactive in the queue area under Prince Eric’s Castle. After the attraction and below the seaside cliffs, guests can meet the princess herself in Ariel’s Grotto.
  • Walt Disney World Fantasyland - Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle. In a faroff French village, an enchanted mirror becomes the gateway to a new kind of storytelling experience. Through props, costumes and other interaction, guests step right into the story of “Beauty and the Beast” – meeting Belle and Lumiere and sharing in a lively re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”
  • Walt Disney World FantasylandEnchanted Tales with Belle
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, delicate Rose Gallery and mysterious “West Wing” of the Beast’s Castle. The magnificent space offers “great food fast” lunch service by day and full-service table dining at night. Both experiences — fittingly for the story of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” — feature French-inspired cuisine.
  • Gaston’s Tavern welcomes guests to a comfy French lodge done in homage to — Gaston himself. The menu of this casual restaurant includes LeFou’s Brew, named for Gaston’s sidekick and a cooling concoction sure to satisfy any thirst.
  • Walt Disney World Fantasyland - Gaston's Tavern
  • Dumbo, the Flying Elephant – a Fantasyland icon -has doubled in size. Two Dumbos – one going clockwise and other counterclockwise – take guests circling above Storybook Circus in ride vehicles they maneuver themselves. The two Dumbos are connected to an indoor “big top” allowing guests to enjoy  circus-themed activities while awaiting their ride time with the lovable pachyderm.
  • Walt Disney World Fantasyland - Flying DumbosWalt Disney World Fantasyland - Dumbo the Flying elephant
  • Aboard The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini,it’s family-style coaster fun as guests dip and soar daredevil-style above the circus grounds. Ride vehicles follow the twisting, turning coaster “flight” of stuntman Goofy.
  • Walt Disney World Fantasyland - the barnstormer
  • Beloved Disney characters as aspiring circus stars are on hand to meet their adoring fans in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Donald Duck are decked out in their big top finest to await their big break – and pose for photos with Magic Kingdom guests in the process.
Disney will continue to expand Fantasyland with the addition of:
  • Princess Fairytale Hall (2013) will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom. To open in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, the regal space will provide the perfect setting for meeting Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana and the other Disney princesses.
  • The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (spring 2014) will take Magic Kingdom guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The family-style coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth.

Featured Review ~ Keystone Lodge & Spa

While in Colorado for TBEX in June I had the pleasure of staying at the Keystone Lodge & Spa. Located about 70 minutes from Denver, this six-story hotel is in Lakeside Village, adjacent to Keystone’s lake, village, and conference center. Keystone Lodge & Spa If you have never been to Keystone it is a small ski town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.  Because I was visiting in the Summer I had the pleasure of enjoying some of the most incredible views unobstructed by snow.  It didn’t matter where you were standing, every view was breathtaking. My standard room at the Lodge & Spa came equipped with 2 queen beds, a flat screen TV and a small sitting area. The decor was ‘cabin chic’.  All rooms include complimentary in-room wireless Internet, fitness center access,  robes and a CD alarm clock. Keystone Lodge & Spa - standard room An all-service resort, there are lots of restaurants and shops within walking distance of the resort.  The center piece of the complex, however, is undoubtedly the Lake.  Best known in the Winter as ‘the largest outdoor Zamboni-maintained ice rink in North America’, this massive body of water is also used for paddle boating in the Spring and Summer. Keystone Lodge & Spa - lakeview Plus, it has a shallow area with a beach entrance for the little ones to play in the sand.  I wouldn’t necessarily swim in the lake, but there is a pool on the other side of the resort that would do the job if you wanted to cool down. Keystone Lodge & Spa - pool For kids, the complex at the Keystone Lodge & Spa has an arcade and a climber close at the far end of the property. Keystone Lodge & Spa playgym Families who like to stay active will love Keystone.  You can go  horseback riding, hiking, biking, white water rafting, golfing or just take the lift to the top of the mountain to enjoy in the incredible views of Lake Dillon, the Continental Divide and Ten Mile Range. Keystone Colorado In the Summer there are lots of festivals and concerts in neighboring towns. I visited Breckenridge (20 minute drive) and attended their ‘Horsing Around Family Fun Day’, which had lots of activities set up in the middle of the town for visitors of all ages.    All of the kids were panning for gold, making crafts and enjoying pony rides.  It was definitely a great afternoon. Because this was my first trip to Colorado, I was completely taken back but the beauty of this area.  It is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.  Regardless of where you are headed or how long you plan to stay, there are always lots of options for vacationers from National Parks to town hopping. In addition, families looking for a bit more space, may also consider Condos in the same complex that offer studio units all the way up to units with 4 bedrooms. Because I was attending a conference, my family wasn’t travelling with me for this trip.  It is however, the perfect family destination for those who like adventure, .  I look forward to bringing my boys here in the near future to show them how beautiful Colorado is and all that it has to offer!  For more information on what Keystone has planned for kids please visit their Kidtopia page. Tips:
  • A rental car is a must if you want to see the area.
  • Drink lots of water and don’t plan a lot for the first day as your body may need time to adjust to the elevation changes.
  • Pick up pamphlets at the reception desk.  There are so many fun attractions in the area that aren’t advertised online.
  • Don’t over pack your itinerary.  Leave time to stop in the small towns you drive through as you are travelling from one destination to another.

AirAsia Offers “Child Free” Seating to Passengers

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“Because we know that sometimes all you need is some peace and quiet for a more pleasant journey with us.”

That statement can now be found on the website for AirAsia, a low-cost airline in Southeast Asia with hubs in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. This “peace and quiet” is offered to their passengers courtesy of the airline’s new “quiet zone” – a section of seating that is “exclusively for guests age 12 and above.” AirAsia is now the second airline in Southeast Asia to offer this seating to their passengers. The seating, which is offered to guests at no additional cost, includes the first 7 rows on the plane. Separated from the rest of the seats by lavatories and bulkheads, this cabin generally contains only adults anyway, but flight guests can now rest assured that there will be no children in this area of the plane unless seating a child there is “necessary for operational, safety or security reasons.” In theory, it may seem like a great idea for flight guests who just want some peace and quiet, but will it really grant them a peaceful flight? George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com says not necessarily.
“Logistically, it’s a nightmare for an airline to allocate certain seats for certain people,” Hobica said. “The last time they had to do this was back when there was smoking and non-smoking sections. Even if you were just one row away from the smoking section, you still got the smoke and you’ll still hear the screams…if the child has strong lungs.”
And it’s rather improbable that something like this would work in the United States. First of all, there’s the fact that most U.S. domestic flights have just a single, continuous economy cabin. Then there’s the issue of possible backlash from parents.
“It’s already hard enough for families to find seating together so this would take another chunk out where they have fewer seats to choose from,” said Brett Snyder, writer of The Cranky Flier blog. I think you would see some family groups up in arms and would probably see some lawsuits…it would be ugly.”
Snyder says he can see both sides of the issue. Just last week, he and his wife and 8-month-old son were flying from Hawaii to California after a vacation. Try as they might, they just couldn’t get the little guy to calm down. Snyder became so concerned that he was bothering the passengers around them that he offered to buy them a drink. But he says that most of the passengers seemed to be sympathetic to his situation. This is consistent with his own observation that it’s the passengers who aren’t even trying to comfort their children that get underneath everyone’s skin.
“As long as the parent is trying to do something to soothe him and rock [the baby], then I think generally there’s a fair bit of tolerance,” Snyder said. “Don’t ignore your kid. It’s amazing to me that people do that.”
SOURCE

Royal Caribbean Announces Barbie™ Premium Experience

For as long as I can remember Barbie has been an icon for girls of all ages.  Since her debut in 1959 the ambitious figurine has had more than 80 careers, 43 pets and has been re-invented more than 1,000 times. On Monday Royal Caribbean International, in partnership with Mattel, announced the pop culture icon will come to the high seas for the very first time to invite girls to see what happens when Barbie becomes a part of their cruise vacation. The all-new Barbie™ Premium Experience, available exclusively on Royal Caribbean ships, is making its stylish splash aboard the cruise line’s entire global fleet of 22 ships starting in January 2013 on select ships and rolling out to the remainder of the fleet by March 2013. Girls participating in the Barbie Premium experience - Royal Caribbean
“Barbie remains the most popular doll of all time and a powerhouse brand among girls of all ages,” said Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “She is everywhere girls are today, so it only makes sense that girls can now find her at sea exclusively aboard Royal Caribbean’s fleet of world-class ships.”
The partnership with Barbie will encompass a host of activities in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program as well as a Barbie™ Premium Experience. Girls participating in the Adventure Ocean youth program can be part of the complimentary version of the Barbie program. The experience offers Barbie Movie Night, Barbie Story Time and other complimentary themed activities, plus Barbie movies on their stateroom televisions. A Barbie stateroom - Royal Caribbean The Barbie™ Premium Experience is the ultimate indulgence for Barbie enthusiasts. Girls can enjoy staterooms decorated in the iconic doll’s signature style as well as exclusive, themed activities throughout the duration of their cruise – from an invitation-only tea party and mermaid dance class to a fashion design workshop and Barbie Girls fashion show. The Fashion Designer workshop - Royal Caribbean Highlights of the Barbie™ Premium Experience include:
  • A Barbie stateroom, adorned in the doll’s signature style and featuring keepsakes such as a Barbie® doll and fashions, blanket and pillowcase, tote bag, toothbrush and toiletries bag. From the moment they step into their staterooms, girls will be drawn into Barbie’s distinct world of style – and of course, pink!
  • Tiaras & Teacups party, an invitation-only affair, featuring a whimsical palate of pink pastries and pink lemonade served on dainty dishes all while having fun learning tips on table etiquette.
  • Mermaid dance class where girls can shimmy and shake while learning the latest dance moves from the hit movie Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2.
  • Fashion Designer workshop where girls can channel their inner fashion designer with Barbie inspiration boards and sketch materials. Girls also will have the chance to sketch and create their very own Barbie doll fashions.
  • Fashion Show where girls can dress up to walk a pink carpet to the admiration and applause of their family and friends. Girls also will have the chance to perform their amazing dance routine as well as display their Barbie fashion creation. It’s the ultimate celebration of a truly memorable experience with Barbie and Royal Caribbean.
“Barbie is truly a lifestyle brand that is part of a girl’s world from her bedroom to playroom, computer to closet,” said Lori Pantel, Vice President Barbie Global Marketing. “We’re excited to extend that brand experience to family cruise vacations with a fantastic partner – Royal Caribbean.”
Families interested in learning more about the Barbie™ Premium Experience can visit www.royalcaribbean.com/Barbie .

Travelling With Two ~ Our Favorite Travel Doubles!

Whether you are travelling with twins or two children of different ages, it’s important to have the right stroller to get them through the airport and around the sights while you are away on vacation. Because the average family only has a big vacation once every couple years, its important to bring the right gear from the start.  As a gear fanatic, I spend endless amounts of time looking for the ‘perfect stroller’ and they are out there you just need to decide which one fits your lifestyle. We have rounded up our favorite double travel strollers.  Hopefully this will help our traveling parents decide the one that is perfect for their family. 1.  Joovy Caboose Ultralight – Infant seat compatible, this semi compact stroller weighs just 19 pounds and it folds flat for easy travel.  Kids over 2.5 can choose to either ride on the platform at the back or sit on the back bench facing you.  Parents love this stroller because it’s so practical.  It is reasonably priced, lightweight and it accommodates kids of many different age combinations.  It also has a good sized storage basket so it stores quite a bit for a day out. Plus! Parents who want the Caboose Ultralight to hold twins or two young children can add the new ‘Caboose Too Rear Seat’, which converts the tandem to a full double stroller in minutes. 2.  Peg Perego Aria 60/40 – This was my stroller of choice when my boys were young because it was a side by side that accommodated an infant seat(Peg Perego SIP).  It folds flat when not in use, stands on it own and only weighs 18 lbs.  It also has good storage underneath for towels, lifejackets and an extra change of clothes.  The downfall for us closer to the end was that my kids realized that one seat was bigger(hence the 60/40) and they would fight over the 60 side. 3.  Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller – This double is legendary for being one of the best side by sides on the market thanks to some very strong design.  Baby Jogger is well known for its quality and the City Mini double is no exception to this rule.  Priced at $500 this stroller is a splurge, but well worth the money when you consider the comfort, design and luxury features.  It also has a very smooth push and folds in seconds.   Parents traveling with an infant will like that it can accommodate an infant seat on one side and it has a 100lb weight capacity. 4.  Kinderwagon Hop – Unlike any other stroller on the market, the Kinderwagon Hop has a lightweight umbrella design that holds a second child in the back half of the stroller.  While it is essentially a single ‘disguised as a double’ the Hop has a longer frame than a ‘standard’ umbrella, so it is weighted more evenly across the front and back and won’t tip even if you have one child riding in the back.  Weighing in at just 21.5 lbs, this stroller is a good option for parents who don’t like pushing a wide stroller.  It has two 5-point harnesses and can accommodate a child 3 months+ in the back seat. 5. Maclaren Twin Techno Stroller – Maclaren is well known for their full line of lightweight travel friendly strollers. Unique to any other lightweight double on the market, the Maclaren Twin Techno was designed for 2 children from birth to 55lbs each (110lb total).  Besides being a stylish looking stroller, it has many features that are beneficial to parents-on-the go.

Roycroft Inn East Aurora, New York

During a recent trip to East Aurora to visit Fisher-Price’s headquarters, I was lucky enough to be booked at the town’s historic Roycroft Inn. When the border crossing agent gushed about the hotel when I stopped at his booth during my check, I was intrigued about its history and relevance in the community .
Upon walking through the front door I was welcomed by a large room that was paneled in rich wood, bordered by a gorgeous painting that ran throughout the main sitting area. An employee told me that Alexis J. Fournier painted all of the murals in the main hall to inspire the craftsmen, who came from all over the US to work for Elbert Hubbard.
When I checked in the attendant had informed me that I was lucky enough to snag one of their suites. Thrilled, I grabbed my key – yes, it was a real key and headed up to my room. As I walked through the hallways towards my room I noticed that all of the doors had names engraved in them. When I asked the front desk what this meant they told me the names were inscribed when the building was built by one of the craftsman to inspire the others who resided in the building.
When it was built in 1905, 100 or more craftsman lived at the Inn under Elbert Hubbard, ‘a legendary man of vision who founded the American Arts and Crafts Movement in East Aurora NY’.
For more than 20 years, the Roycroft Campus was a center of entrepreneurship, creativity and learning. It was a hub of activity with over five hundred working artisans and craftsmen and drew visitors from faraway places.
In total the group of artisans that lived at the inn represented 20 different skill types and they were provided with room and board in exchange for their goods. When I open the door to my room I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised with what was waiting for me. Like a cottage, my suite had wooden paneled walls and ceilings. I was welcomed by a spacious foyer that branched off in three directions. Straight ahead was a sitting area complete with a desk and armoir that contained extra pillows, an iron and quite a few hangers. To the right was a huge bathroom, with his and hers vanities, a huge soaker tub and a separate shower. To the left was my a queen bed, with a sitting area attached. The only thing missing from my room was a coffee maker, but I quickly learned that there was a station set up in the lobby for guests who would like some.
In total my room was about 800 square feet. One of the front desk attendants informed me that I was staying in a 5 room suites, the best the hotel had to offer. A couple of the writers I was traveling with were in 4 bedroom suites. Interested to see what the layout was, I was surprised to see that no two rooms were the same.
Years ago when the building was constructed, a room like mine would have been divided into 3 separate rooms, housing 3 craftsman – all likely sharing the bathroom.
Visitors can chose between 3, 4 and 5 bedroom suites or to stay in a guest house room, which are like standard hotel rooms. Over the years the hotel has changed hands many times transforming from hotel, apartments, restaurants and back to the building that you see now. I was surprised, however, to learn that 70% of the wood in the building was original and was painfully restored when the inn was transformed back to it’s former grandeur between 1986-1995. I had the pleasure of staying at the Roycroft Inn for two nights during my visit to East Aurora. On my last day, while wandering around taking pictures, I happened upon the office, which was a beautiful space with vaulted ceilings on the third floor at the back of the building. Equipped with 2 fireplaces, the staff told me that it was originally the Master Bedroom. Still in the middle of the room was a ladder that was used to access the look out point to view the town.

The Inn offers many dining areas each with their own unique ambiance and atmosphere.
  • The library with an original stone fireplace is a warm and intimate setting.
  • The Hubbard Hall with its vaulted ceiling and beautiful woodwork is reminiscent of the English inspiration of the Roycroft.
  • The Larkin Room with its beautiful windows overlooks the courtyard garden and in the warmer months, the Peristyle providing for memorable outdoor dining.
Surrounding the hotel is the Roycroft Campus, which contains 14 structures including the Inn, the Chapel, the Print Shop, the Furniture Shop, the Power House and the Copper Shop. If you are in town and visit make sure you bring your camera. East Aurora is a beautiful little town that has lots of charm and character. Plus, it has been the hometown to famous Toy maker Fisher-Price for more than 80 years! Be sure to take a trip down to their head office and shop in their toy shop. What many visitors don’t know is that there are many toys for sale in their store that aren’t available yet nation wide.

Lion King Family Suites Open At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The third phase of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Disney World Florida is complete and ready for little adventurers! The Pride Lands of Africa is the scenic setting for the “Lion King,” a new wing that celebrates the journey of Simba, with landscapes and theming that reflect playful and poignant scenes from the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney Pictures animated film “The Lion King.” In the new Lion King wing, guests embark on a journey through Africa with encounters with characters and scenic moments from the film classic at every turn. King Mufasa towers atop Pride Rock while his evil brother Scar slinks in the shadows beyond the elephant graveyard. There’s Pumbaa and Timon with a young Simba dancing across a log bridge in true carefree “hakuna matata” fashion. Scar’s crazed and comical hyenas “guard” the elephant graveyard, a fun area sure to delight youngsters. Families can chose to stay in one of the 320 family suites available at the value resort. Little ones will love that Zazu takes center stage on the headboards while Pumbaa and Timon decorate the shower curtain. Youngsters can rest on a leaf-shaped chair or sleep alongside Simba who slumbers at the head of one of the beds.
The Lion King wing marks the third in the four-phase opening of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Earlier this summer, 320 “Finding Nemo” family suites and 480 “Cars” family suites opened. Each of four distinctly designed wings of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort celebrates rich storytelling, spirited characters, original sketches and playfulness with colorful icons and whimsical theming inspired by classic Disney and Disney•Pixar films.
The beautiful property, which is situated adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, offers rates from $248 per night. The 1,120 family suites include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six. The 864 standard rooms at the “Little Mermaid” wing, opening in September, will sleep up to four, with rates as low as $94.