People often ask me how I plan my Disney World trips. Now, here’s a disclaimer for you–I am not, nor have I ever been, a travel agent. I’m not an expert. I’m just an average person who likes to read and do research. I’ve learned through experience. And, I’ve decided to share my strategy with you. Continue reading “Walt Disney World: How to Plan the Perfect Trip”
Early Risers: Making the Most of Your Time at Walt Disney World
Most of us have heard Benjamin Franklin’s saying ” Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise;” however, many people have not applied that wisdom to the Walt Disney World Resort. However, we like to make the most of our vacation. By waking up early, we can do and see more than most people do at Disney. Continue reading “Early Risers: Making the Most of Your Time at Walt Disney World”
Dining at Walt Disney World: Seven Ways to Minimize Costs and Maximize Your Food Dollars
Seven Easy Ways to Save Money on Food During Your Disney Vacation
Food at the Walt Disney World Resort can be expensive. Believe it or not, the average character dinner buffet costs approximately $46 per adult and $26 per child ages 3-9. These calculations don’t even include the most coveted reservation of all: dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom’s iconic castle which runs $70-$80 per adult and $38-46 per child depending on the time of year.  No doubt about it, eating out at Disney is not cheap. However, there are ways to minimize your costs if you plan correctly. Here are seven easy ways to minimize food costs while enjoying your time at the most magical place on Earth. Continue reading “Dining at Walt Disney World: Seven Ways to Minimize Costs and Maximize Your Food Dollars”
Top Three Books to Plan the Perfect Disney Trip
For many families, a trip to Walt Disney World is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For others, it’s a yearly tradition. In the 47 years since opening day, Disney World has become an international destination with nearly 20 million visitors each year. The days when you could pop into a park and just wing it are gone (unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to live nearby and have an annual pass). Disney takes planning if you have time constraints and a limited budget, and the best way to plan includes books. Continue reading “Top Three Books to Plan the Perfect Disney Trip”
Disney Dreaming
I’m busy here planning our next trip to…Where else? The most magical place on Earth–Walt Disney World in Florida! We don’t usually go away in the summer due to Dennis’s job, and this year is no exception. It’s actually worse because he and my brother are buying Dennis’s company. See me if you need a mover in Northeast Ohio or Northwestern Pennsylvania–I happen to know a few. Here’s a link to Dennis’s company and another to my brother-in-law Mike’s company. Continue reading “Disney Dreaming”
Cliffs of Moher
The view at the Cliffs of Moher is an iconic portrait of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, one that graces tourism sites and brochures. That being said, I wasn’t too optimistic about our actual chances of seeing the cliffs. The weather is often foggy, and while nearly one million people visit each year, many don’t even catch a glimpse of the famous sight. My friend Wanda had warned me that we probably wouldn’t be able to see anything–her own picture at the Cliffs of Moher had been taken in front of a panoramic photo in the ladies’ washroom.
Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
On our second day in Ireland, we were offered six optional excursions on the Brendan Vacations / Trafalgar Tours Irish Highlights tour. They all sounded great, so we booked them for a total of 220 euros a person. The first of these was the medieval castle banquet in Limerick. We didn’t know which castle, but it included dinner. I had wondered if it might be at Bunratty after seeing the padded benches in the vaulted Main Guard Hall, and it turned out that I was right. We were headed to the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet! Continue reading “Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet”
Ireland, Day 2: Stepping into the Past at Bunratty Castle
After leaving Galway, we headed south towards Limerick. Our plan was to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare. Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 and restored in the 1950s and is surrounded by buildings typical of the era including a fisherman’s cottage and farmer’s home. Continue reading “Ireland, Day 2: Stepping into the Past at Bunratty Castle”
Ireland, Day 2: A Rainy Morning in Galway
We left Dublin early on Monday morning, heading towards the town of Galway and the west coast of Ireland. I was able to use my debit card to take out euros at a service plaza. The exchange rate seemed pretty good– 1 euro was equal to $1.24 U.S. Surprisingly, there were no fees at the ATM, nor did our bank levy any. Upon arriving in Galway, the driver dropped us off at Eyre Square. Allie led us on a short walking tour of the Latin Quarter, ending at the River Corrib. Then we were free to shop and have lunch. Continue reading “Ireland, Day 2: A Rainy Morning in Galway”
In Dublin’s Fair City: Cead Mile Failte
After our overnight flight from Toronto, we easily passed through customs and quickly found our Brendan Vacations greeter upon exiting the airport in Dublin.
Hotel Arrival
Our bus driver, the lovely Louie, dropped us off at the Sandymount hotel next to Aviva Stadium where we met out wonderful guide for the week, the Amazing Allie Lister. Our rooms weren’t ready yet. We needed a caffeine pick-me-up, so we ordered coffee (tea for me) in the hotel bar and sat out on the deck. Dennis remarked that the coffee wasn’t very good, and Mom quickly cut in and said “It’s awful!”
