Travel Blog
Pleasure tripping...
Disney family cruising is marvelous!
10/2/20084:20:37 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Smart parents base their choice of ship on their children's ages, and Disney excels with infants and toddlers. On most ships your child must be three and potty-trained to be left in the child-care facility—diapers and pull-ups are forbidden—but Disney cares for kids starting at three months, and its counselors are licensed to change diapers (which means parents aren't forced to return to the kiddie club every time their child needs changing). While most ships don't allow swim diapers in any pools, the Wonder's wading pool is an exception, and there's a splash zone with interactive fountains, so even if your toddler can't swim he can still burn off a whole lot of energy. The Wonder's staterooms make life easier for families too: With one and a half bathrooms, neither tots nor parents ever have to wait for a toilet. Other shipboard features include a waterslide that leads into a pool shaped like Mickey's head, illuminated walls that change color in the Animator's Palette restaurant, live musicals based on cartoons, and a pirate party (note: BYO costumes) complete with fireworks display. Parents will appreciate the adults-only pool, hot tub, spa, fitness center, and restaurant, as well as the kid-free beach on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, one of the Wonder's stops. The nightly shows typically skew their earlier performance to a family crowd, the later one to adults. Sister ship Disney Magic is also child-friendly, but the Wonder offers shorter sailings—only three or four nights long—allowing first-time cruising families to get their toes wet before committing to a week at sea.
Randi LouWhat is a Passport?
5/30/20083:05:09 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
With all of the hype about passports, you may have wondered just what a passport is! It is the only universally accepted form of identification. In the US as well as other countries, it is a Government issued official document or certification -- one that identifies a traveler as a citizen or national with a right to protection while out of their home country and a right to return to the country of their citizenship. Your drivers License and birth certificate are state issued documents.
A passport is required for both departure from and re-entry to the United States. After 9/11, Congress passed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Under the WHTI law, air travelers are already required to possess a valid passport to re-enter the U.S. Now, the same requirement has been extended to travelers crossing U.S. land borders and seaports.There are numerous bills in congress at this time to make various changes to this law. Some will extend the implementation dates and others will offer passport alternatives. The dates may be backed up a bit, and you may be able to apply for a passport alternative, but why wait?
So, lets get started … you will need a passport application, your birth certificate, passport photos, a minimum of $100.00 and your drivers license in order to obtain a passport. Passport applications are available at most post offices, clerk of court offices, or online.
Birth Certificate must be issued by the state you where were born. It must be a certified copy with a raised seal. Check your file or safety deposit box to see what you do have. You may be required to order one from the state you were born in. This usually takes up to 6 weeks.
Passport Photos are available at Office Depot, Kinko's, CVS and Walgreens. They may be available at the post office as well. The picture must meet the size, color and content requirements on the passport application. The bottom line is that in the very near future, all US citizens will need a passport. Stop putting it off and apply today. Click on "Travel Resources" on our website for more information. Written by Pam Bordelon
Cruising is fun!
4/14/20088:48:47 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
We sailed for the 3rd time on Holland America’s Oosterdam on the MexicanRiviera, the first week in December.We love cruising at that time of the year! You can’t beat the prices, the weather is greatand there certainly are not as many people.We are originally from North Dakota, so when we were on the deck sailing out ofSan Diego at 54 degrees, we thought it was wonderful…We sipped our “ iced”Margariata, in the special blue glass, and listened to the music, as we watched thebeautiful city lights fade away , as we headed south to Mexico.We had smooth waters for 7days! And that was on all three sailings.The entertainment in the evening was excellent. However, you had to be an Elton Johnand Jack Nicholson fan to have enjoyed it as much as we did. No, no, they weren’tonboard the ship; but you would never have known that because these impersonatorswere good. No, they were fantastic.Elton John (Joel Mason is his real name) performed for us the first night. He walkedout on the stage with a white feathery floor length coat, with his bleached blonde hair,and big red rimmed glasses and English Accent and sat down and played his heart out.He was not only talented; but , funny. He entertained us for over an hour and ended witha standing ovation!The next night was the hilarious stand up comedy of Jeff Burghart. He was as goodas Rich Little( remember him?) and did all kinds of impersonations; but, by far, hisJack Nicholson sepal was the best. He had us in stitches, to say the least.There was many more bands and entertainment that was excellent , as well. The shiphad 7 different bars and lounges that were alive with music (anything from rock to jazz)and dancing every night.The Oosterdam is a beautiful ship Many activities going on all day; but also comfortableplaces to just sit and read your book.Disneyland - it is the greatest!
4/14/20088:48:08 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Just got back from having my 15th birthday party at the Disneyland Hotel. I was born on Leap Year so it was
extra special. Mickey was glad to see me!
When you visit Disneyland, the convenience of staying at the Disneyland Hotel is worth every penny!
Such friendly staff and ready to cater to your every whim, just to make sure you have the best time ever.
From the time we drove up to valet, to having breakfast the last morning at Goofy’s kitchen , we were well taken care of. After breakfast, they had our car all packed with our luggage and gifts and we were ready to say “so long” !
We were steps away from the monorail and, yet another plus to staying at Disney, is we entered the park an hour
before everyone else. It was great. No lines in Fantasyland Or Toontown, which are the places we went first.
All the attractions were open, except the jungle cruise and It’s a small world, which were being totally renovated.
Fast Passes are the way to go, as we found out later in the afternoon, when we were ready to ride the submarine in
Finding Nemo! It’s a new ride and was fun!
If you have never had lunch/or dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans area, you need to make it a stop
next time you are there. You must make reservations ahead of time; altho, sometimes for a late lunch, you can get in. Excellent food and service. Try and get a table by the water and you can watch the boats go by heading for the Pirates Of the Caribbean!
We were at the park from 7am to Midnight! Long day; but never a dull moment. We did take a break in the mid-
afternoon and watched the parade on main street and went to the movie at the AMC theatres in Downtown Disney. We got back our energy and off to see Disney at night. Our day ended with Fantastic fire works!
It’s a must vacation for all!
Randi LouAdd unique content
4/8/200810:48:01 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
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