Best Pools at Disney World

 

If you’ve ever been to Disney World you know it can be exhausting (and if you haven’t…well now you know the secret!) One of the best ways to relax and beat the Florida heat, is to spend a day at one of your Disney resort hotel’s swimming pools! Yes, plural. Most resorts will have multiple pools ranging from quiet pools to great, big family fun-sized pools.

If you’re looking for a pool with a slide, you’ll only find this feature at the moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa resort hotels.

If you like to be close to the pool, many resorts offer pool view or even preferred pool view rooms. This is something I can help you with!

The Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the largest pool on property and is themed after Finding Nemo.

Disney resort hotel pools are open year round, and are heated if the temperatures do drop!

Don’t want to pack a life preserver for your child? Disney Resort hotels have life jackets available for both adults and children.

Want to feel like you’re at a waterpark without actually going to the waterpark? Stormalong Bay is a 3 acre water wonderland shared by Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts is a great option. It features a 230 foot long waterslide, a lazy river, and 3 whirlpool spas.

These are just a few of the great options available!

Click here to see pictures of some of the great pools Disney World Resorts have to offer!

Perks of Using a Travel Agent

 

Did you know as your Travel Agent, I can not only recommend great dining for you but I'll also book it?

Just like all the goodies at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in CityWalk, you're just too sweet to have to worry about booking your own reservations

Click here and let me know if you've been to Toothsome or if it's on your bucket list!

Magic Band 2.0 at Disney World

 

If you have ever mentioned to anyone that you were even just thinking about going to Disney, you know that everyone has an opinion about Disney. There are FB groups filled with so many big personalities and big opinions (and just plain bad information) that it's sometimes overwhelming to try to understand. So I always try to be as transparent as possible with my clients when it comes to everything related to their vacation. And sometimes that means I have to share my, maybe, unpopular opinions like how I just do not really like MagicBand 2.0.

I own a ton of regular MagicBands. I have always preferred the band to the card or MagicMobile. It's just very quick and simple, and I like anything that makes my life easier. One of the things I love about the original MagicBands is that the longevity of the battery life is incredible. My most used band is over 5 years old and still going strong!

Upon arrival, your bands need to be charged and then you'll be able to sync them to your My Disney Experience app, which will allow you to change color preferences, monitor battery life, and change the sensitivity. Charging the bands is key because if the battery is low it will only do the basic functions; park tickets, room key, charges to your room. These have to be charged every night, so if you're a family of 5, you better plan on purchasing a multi USB charger. And they light up and flash the entire time they charge...so lock them in the bathroom or cover them up.

One of the features of the bands is that there are haptics that take place and light up during the fireworks and nighttime spectaculars. As interesting as I thought this concept was, I realized it was frustrating for a lot of people. If you're someone who is on that once in a lifetime Disney trip, this is a distraction from the amazing show taking place.

Overall my opinion is that I likely will not be purchasing another MagicBand+ unless they stop offering the regular MagicBands. It's a very cool concept, but it's just not for me. Will you regret buying one? Probably not. But do you need it? Absolutely not. I would say save that extra $10-$15 additional per band and just buy the regular MagicBand if they are available!

Click here and let me know what you think about the new bands; love them or can you do without them?

'Ohana Dinner at Disney's Polynesian Resort

 

One of my favorite meals at Disney will always be 'Ohana dinner! The best is that dinner is all-you-care-to-enjoy. You can ask for more of anything that you enjoy. The meal includes:

Mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette

Signature 'Ohana bread with honey butter

Honey-coriander chicken wings

Pork dumplings tossed in garlic-chili sauce

'Ohana skillet dinner; wood-fire grilled teriyaki beef, spicu peel-n-eat shrimp, grilled chicken with polynesian-inspired chimichurri sauce, 'Ohana noodles, and roasted brocconili

'Ohana bread pudding à la mode with homeade caramel sauce Click here and let me know if you've tried it and what you think!

Incredibles Themed Rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort

 

When Disney's Contemporary Resort refurbished their rooms, they went with an "Incredibles" theme. These rooms were always spacious, but the cool color scheme and modern furnishings really do make things very comfortable. (These rooms are such a great option for a family of five.)

I've heard mixed reviews of the newest refurbished Disney rooms, some guests feel like they are too sterile now and others love the clean lines. Click here and let me know what you think about these changes and to see full size pics.

Tips When Meeting Your Favorite Disney Princesses on Your Disney Vacation

 

here are some tips incase you or your kiddos get starstruck at the Princess Fairytale Hall meet and greet and you don't know what to say!

For Tiana:

What was it like being a frog?

Have you seen Mama Odie lately?

What recipe have you been working on lately?

How's Naveen doing?

For Rapunzel

Do you recommend a cast iron or copper frying pan?

What conditioner do you use?

Have you ever tripped on your hair?

What's Pascal up to?

Click here and let me know if you have any other ideas to add to this list!

Waterslides on Disney Wish

 

Do you love cruising and love waterparks? If so, I think you will love the two awesome and popular slides on the Disney Wish.

A first for Disney Cruise Line, The Aqua Mouse is a dark attraction/water coaster that can only be found on this brand new ship.

The Slide-a-Saurus Rex is your classic double loop slide similar to those on other ships, that packs in tons of Toy Story themed fun too.

Pro Tip: Lines can be long. Try to go first thing in the morning, last thing at night or during dinner seatings for the shortest waits.

Click here and let me know if you've taken a Disney Cruise before or if it's on your bucket list!

Planning a Trip to Salem

 

If you ask me what one of the best girls trip to take is, I’m going to say Salem! It’s just such a beautiful, friendly, and fun destination and it’s even more beautiful during the fall months. So grab your favorite spooky besties and spend a weekend in Salem!

Not only can I help you book your accommodations and your tours, I can provide you with a list of all the must see locations like those Hocus Pocus filming locations, where you can find the best food, bars, and COFFEE, plus Salem has a ton of great sweet shops and there are some boutiques and stores that you can not miss!

Didn’t book your trip with me but still want to support my business? I am partnered with Viator, which happens to be one of the best tour & attraction companies there is. You can use my link to book your tours and support my business.

Carnival Mardi Gras

 

Those angels that appeared to Styx and sang that song of hope. Well they have visited me too and are saying "Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me, baby." Did you know that Carnival Mardi Gras has some incredible 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Sailings visiting:

Port Canaveral - At Sea - Nassau - At Sea - Amber Cove - Grand Turk - At Sea - Port Canaveral

Don't forget that even if you are a Club Platinum or Diamond with Carnival, I can book your cruise with any VIFP or Casino rate you have. You'll get the added bonus of any extras I have available and all my tips, tricks, in destination advice, and planning leading up to your cruise.

Click here if you are ready to start planning the cruise vacation of your dreams!

The Boathouse in Disney Springs

 

One of my favorite places to eat in Orlando is The Boathouse in Disney Springs!

The rolls are incredible, good luck eating just one, but you have to try the Filet Mignon Sliders with maitre d'butter! Upgrade to the truffle fries with lemon aioli.

The Key Lime Pie Martini is incredible too! Click here and let me know if you have a favorite at The Boathouse!

Vacation in the Outer Banks

 

The outerbanks, paradise on earth

Ready to vacation like a Kook on a Pogue budget?

I've got you covered with a gorgeous, 6 bedroom, beachfront rental with a private saltwater pool.

Picture taking in a sunrise from that deck

Whether you are looking for a cabin in the mountains or a gorgeous villa on the beach, I have so many great rental options for the US & Caribbean. I'd love to help you plan your next vacation!

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel in Costa Rica

 

Did you know that Cala Luna is one of the only hotels in Guanacaste, Costa Rica that remains green all year round? Talk about the perfect escape to get away from those winter blues!

This is such a terrific resort if you enjoy nature too as your neighbors are curious monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, and birds!

Click here and let me know if you've visted Costa Rica!

What Does Booking an All Inclusive Resort Mean?

Booking an All Inclusive Resort for your vacation means not reaching for your wallet.

Say yes to that extra cocktail and absolutely order dessert!

Plus with all the entertainment and activities included you get to try new things without the guilt and worry of what that credit card statement is going to look like.

My clients would agree that I am very thorough. I not only focus on the destination, but I go the extra mile to ensure that the resort and room category are the perfect fit for you!

Click here if you are ready to start planning an All Inclusive trip!

 

Booking the Ocean Front Room...for Your Health Of Course!

 

When you travel to the ocean for your vacation, it's nice to have a view of it from your room, but did you know that ocean settings actually increase health and wellbeing?

From the color blue that induces calmness to the music of rolling waves, the ocean produces a symphony for your senses that is both meditative and uplifting!

So the benefit of an oceanfront room is easy to Sea SEA what I did there? Click here and let me know what you think; is oceanfront a necessity when you travel or are you okay with the cheapest room option available because you're not spending a lot of time in your room?