Category: Travel

Guide to an adults-only Walt Disney World vacation

On By tcam83In Disney, TravelLeave a comment

“That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up. They forget.” -Walt Disney

Hiya pals! Several people have asked me to resume writing about the wonderful world of Disney. It goes without saying, but you really don’t have to twist my arm too much here.

Before I begin though and for any of you wondering, yes I am still on furlough with work. 2020 has sure been a wild roller coaster of a year so far and it is crazy it is halfway over. I have been doing my best to keep my head up and mind occupied as best as I can. This has meant planning for the future, both from a life and getaways perspective.

However, you can’t move forward unless you know where you have been. I have devoted a good amount of time to this process and it has actually been good for my mental space. This has included scanning old photos, organizing physical and digital albums as well as cleaning out a variety things. Fascinatingly though unsurprisingly, amidst my efforts of cleaning, my clumsiness has also taken hold and I have broken things. Thus, time has also been spent repairing what I broke. Ha.

Something I have learned in this time of organization reflection (separate from the time spent actually living in Orlando) is the realization of how much I went to the Disney theme parks growing up on both coasts. After counting, it looks like we had 8 vacations before I graduated high school! For better or worse, the Disney theme parks are ingrained in me, and still are to this day. There was once a plush toy called Pal Mickey in the early 2000’s that would magically “awaken” after being passed over hidden sensors in the Florida theme parks. He would share tips, jokes and useless knowledge to families. While creepy in several regards, I am, in a sense, that Pal Mickey. While I will not fit in your bag and I don’t want to be squeezed, I shall be that information guide for you as you consider going to the parks for the first time or to do it better.

If you read my first post about Disney, I gave a brief overview on what the Disney theme parks mean to me and what makes them unique. I think the next progression to this as we start to branch out on different planning topics to this monstrous property is to first discuss going to the Disney theme parks as an adult. I am not married, I do not have kids, and I am not a creep. Yet, I still try to visit the Disney theme parks every year. Why? Am I strange? Yes, but that is for other reasons and has NOTHING to do with Disney. Ha.

But for real though, why should kids have all the fun? I also deserve to experience the feeling of escapism, laughter, optimism in humanity and sheer happiness. Especially if I am going to pay for it! There is a child in all of us, whether you 5 or 95. Let me be clear. There is PLENTY to do around the Walt Disney World property that does not revolve around kids, or that will affect your vacation from the quantity of other kids that are there at the same time as you. Maybe you have only been as a child or have only visited with your own children. Consider an adult trip to Walt Disney World WITHOUT kids. Eureka!

There is more to the Disney theme parks than being a “kiddie park” that contains the Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It’s A Small World and the Chef Mickey’s character meal. These only scratch the surface, and honestly I rarely ever do them. As a brief example, did you know that there are actually over 90 full-service restaurants across the Walt Disney World property, all of differing themes? This does not represent the quick-service grab and go places. Add those to the list and you are looking at 200 options to eat. Woah!

Below are my top five reasons that make Walt Disney World worth visiting as an adult:

  1. State of the art attractions with dazzling technological advancement
  2. Sophisticated resorts with meticulous attention to theming
  3. Award-winning cuisine with diverse options representing each price point desired
  4. Extensive variety of craft beers, choice wines, and specialty cocktails
  5. Top of the line live and produced entertainment 

Where are the facts, you say? Well, pull up a chair and let this conscience be your guide! I think the easiest way to go about this is to break down how these elements fit into each of the Walt Disney World theme parks and share with each how I typically spend my time while on property. Let us begin…

Magic Kingdom

This is the most visited theme park in the world with over 20 million visitors each year. As the most recognizable by pretty much everyone living, there are a lot of misconceptions about what the “castle park” is like. I will say up front that, yes, Magic Kingdom is where you will find the most children. There is no debate.

The key though, and of which works in so many regards, is to do what the others are NOT doing. Your stress level will thank you. For example, when the gates open, everyone goes to the right. As Americans, so many things of what we do are on the right-sid and we follow suit without even thinking. I know this the hard way… I am left-handed. Ugh. So naturally, many people begin their day on Main Street, U.S.A. waiting in long lines for characters in the front of the park and then head on over to Tomorrowland to the right if they do not already have a FastPass reservation at hand. I recommend doing the opposite. Head to the left side towards Adventureland. Or even better, and what I think is the best approach, start in Fantasyland in the back of the park! Get those classic attractions out of the way early before the children get there and get cranky. If you want to do Peter Pan’s Flight, now is your time! If you want a picture with a character, go away from the front area of Main Street where everyone else is. Keeping this in mind, think about the parade in the afternoon. As you might imagine, many families line up along the parade route waiting to enjoy the cavalcade. This hour plus timeframe is also another magic window of when to be doing some of the bigger attractions, as you will typically find shorter queue lines. I didn’t say no lines… just shorter lines.

If you have been to Magic Kingdom over the years, you might know that alcohol was not served inside the theme park. I won’t bore you with the backstory, but I am happy to inform you that it IS now served within full-dining establishments. While you will not be able to leave that restaurant with that beverage, it is quite refreshing (no pun intended) to now be able to have a beer while you are at the Liberty Tree Tavern, or a cocktail at the Jungle Skipper Canteen Restaurant. 

In terms of the attractions itself, no this is not the most “thrilling”, if that is what you are here for. Mark your calendars for next year though for when the Tron Lighcycle Power Run opens in Tomorrowland in celebration of the park’s 50th anniversary. This coaster can currently be found at Tokyo Disney and wow wow! If you click the link above you will find a YouTube clip of this game-changer for Magic Kingdom.

There are some classic rides that can’t be missed (at least to some extent) at Magic Kingdom and are worth checking those boxes for, at least for a day. Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion are splendid attractions, rich in storyline and enjoyment factor. Additionally, Magic Kingdom has a stunning evening fireworks spectacular, Happily Ever After. I don’t want to hear you say anything about your local fireworks show. This is a synchronized extravaganza that tugs at your heart strings and knocks it out of the park when it comes to pyrotechnics, seamless projections, and musical score. It is truly what separates Disney from the rest of the pack.

The other thing I will mention about Magic Kingdom is that your park ticket allows you to leave and come back. While you may say, Tyler, that makes sense for families with kids that want to take a nap. Why do I care? Well skipper, one of my favorite things to do is leave the park in the afternoon and drink around the Seven Seas Lagoon. Your transportation is free and in the form of the resorts monorail that includes the Contemporary Resort, Poynesian Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. This break from Magic Kingdom allows you to enjoy the AC for a bit, explore the beautiful resort properties and to enjoy a cold beverage with snacks! I love to wander and these are great properties to explore. My favorite drink called the Backscratcher at the Polynesian Resort actually comes with a gosh-darn backscratcher. Bonus!

Upon completion of your resorts expedition, the monorail’s next stop is back to Magic Kingdom and you will now conveniently be back in time with new energy to do a few additional attractions with evening lighting prior to the fireworks. A resort reservation is not needed to explore the property and there are some great establishments at each of these resorts that are worth your time. 

EPCOT

Where do I begin. Seriously. This is my happy place for so many reasons. Focus, Tyler. Okay, so for adults considering the Walt Disney World property, this just might be your favorite theme park. EPCOT, of which stands for Experiental Protype Community of Tomorrow is divided in two sections. Upon entering you will be in Future World, an area devoted to a vision of tomorrow created by today’s solutions. Its goal is to ignite your imagination by presenting new possibilities to learn from and be entertainment by.

Don’t be put off by this edutainment concept. There are some top-notch impressive attractions that can be found in Future World representing all levels of thrill factor. I will advise that this area is under massive renovation construction at the moment though. So if you decide to go in the next year, be prepared that there will be limited pathways as they reimagine what this area looks like. My tip for conquering Future World? Break your time up a bit here. Similar to Magic Kingdom, many families spend a lot of time here in the morning which means the lines can be a lot longer. Now for some of the rides, this is necessary. However, for something like Spaceship Earth or Mission: Space, do those later in the day when the masses have moved along.

The back-half of the park is known as World Showcase and needs to be given a good devotion of your time. (11) different countries from around the world are represented through both stunning and meticulous design accuracy that envelop each of your senses. Imagine it as sort of a permanent World’s Fair. You will be able to taste the local cuisine, shop and see the making of regional goods, as well as to watch themed shows and performances from each of the countries among other exciting things!

Additionally though, one of the favorite things by many visitors is to be able to “drink around the world”, so to speak, by getting your libational passport at each of the represented countries. There are some wonderful options to choose from on your journey around the world from having a cold pint at a lively pub in the United Kingdom, a spicy jalapeno margarita while taking in the essence of Mexico, a saki or frozen Kirin while exploring the serene gardens in Japan, or even a martini while in the beautiful country of France as an example. Each has local beers, wines, and cocktails for you to discover. My tip? Start with a drink in every other country, and by starting in Mexico. It is better to start the engines with the margarita as opposed to potentially taking you over the edge deep in your drinking marathon. Yay tequila!

Something else worth mentioning is the EPCOT InternationalFood & Wine Festival. If everything I just mentioned sounds enjoyable, imagine having (30) additional countries represented through food and drink kiosks as well as culinary demonstrations and special themed events! Yes, it is phenomenal and is usually my favorite time to go to Orlando. From a timing perspective, the EPCOT Food & Wine typically runs throughout the months of September, October and November.

I have so much fun strolling around EPCOT. In addition to a great list of attractions and entertainment to enjoy, there is something so relaxing of slowing down the pace a bit by simply strolling through the countries, sitting on a park bench with a snack or beverage and people watching, or taking the time to enjoy an incredible meal in a thematic setting. This is a theme park for adults and your credit card bill will show for it, for better or worse.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This theme park allows you to step into the scene of Hollywood’s past and some of today’s most exciting film franchises. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is, of course, where the new land Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge can be found. Nothing gets more adult than this. The attention to detail in this land is second to none. Every corner has something new for you to explore and leaves you truly feeling like you are on another planet. The attractions here are phenomenal and are both thrilling experiences 100% worth your time. Specifically, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is probably one of the most forward-thinking and complex attractions ever built. There are no words to describe the emotional impact that it has on you. 

If you are familiar with the Star Wars films, you know there have been several times where a bar scene has been seen. Have you ever wished you were a part of this revelry? It felt so lively, colorful and exciting! I am happy to share that you can experience for yourself at Oga’s Canteen. I mean y’all this place is so fun and the drink presentation (including non-alcoholic beverages) is quite memorable. 

Separate from exploring the world of Batuu as part of Star Wars, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a few additional thrilling attractions for adults including my personal favorite attraction of all time, Tower of Terror. While you may have been on a standard drop tower ride at your local park, imagine that wrapped around the franchise of The Twilight Zone with a mysterious storyline cohesive through the entire experience. This attraction was and is still a game-changer that cannot be missed.

Do you remember my afternoon tips from Magic Kingdom? I do this here as well. Take a break from the crowds for a bit in the afternoon or early evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by getting on the resorts boat just right outside the front gate. This will conveniently take you to Crescent Lake of which is surrounded by the EPCOT resorts including, Disney’s Boardwalk as well as Disney’s Yacht & Beach Resorts, and the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin. This is a splendid area to stroll and have a beverage or meal. This entire area is quite laid-back and is always a pleasure for exploration. When you are done, take the boat right on back to the theme park, or if you are up to it, walk back. The entire journey is a walking loop!

As a whole and while not as cohesive as the other parks, there are a lot of individual wins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Bars are prevalent and thrills and squeals are in each land of the park. I am a big fan of the BaseLine Tap House for a cold California brew and a food platter including a pretzel and fondue dip!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

No, this is not a zoo. It’s more than a zoo. What if you took the best elements of what makes a zoo special and put that into the Disney experience. That’s what this theme park is. With rich detail on the ground of which you stand, the objects you pass by, the vibrancy of plant life and wildlife at every corner, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an exciting theme park that celebrates the wonder of life. 

A great example of this is the Kilamanjaro Safaris. This 22 minute attraction truly has you truly believe you have left the Florida swamplands and traveled across the world. Do you remember going to a zoo and looking through a cage you were excited about to find that the animal you were seeking was not to be found? How upsetting and frustrating. This attraction has a layout that puts you in clear sight to the animals and seemingly without barriers. The land space needed to represent this attraction in-park and behind the scenes is 110 acres. This means the entire Magic Kingdom theme park can fit inside the Kilamanjaro Safaris. Hopefully, that helps put things in perspective.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also where Pandora – The World of Avatar can be found. I am going to stop you right here before you even say it. No, I don’t care that you don’t like or haven’t seen the movie Avatar. This is inspired by the world in which the movie takes place and not knowing the storyline will not impede your experience. It is absolutely lush, breathtaking, and a great example of Disney artistry at its finest. Both attractions are incredible, but Avatar Flight of Passage, in particular, is just truly stunning. From the moment you step in the queue line, you are brought in to the experience through design subtlety where you will eventually experience what it would be like to fly a banshee through the breathtaking landscapes of Pandora. While inevitably a flight simulator, this attraction is sooooooooooo much more and I will not say more, as to not give anything away. 

Something else I would like to touch on with Disney’s Animal Kingdom are the drinking possibilities. There are some great options to stop around the theme park to have a cool beverage. My personal (2) favorites are the Dawa Bar for an African beer while watching the live entertainment, and the Nomad Lounge where you can enjoy a little shade in an oasis with some great small plates and craft cocktails.

While it may seem on paper that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is meant for kids, I would say the opposite. I actually think it is catered to adults. There are many places to wander and explore. Imagineers took extensive trips overseas to ensure each area feels lived in through objects, fabrics, and Disney artistry in concrete. Conservation education is a thread that runs through each land but it is not overpowering.

You’ve completed your time at the theme park? You know what I am going to tell you to do next. Go to the nearby resort! Simply board the resorts bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and be welcomed to an absolutely stunning resort that sets you to the heart of Africa. This is a great place to have some libations and the delectable treats known as zebra domes in the magnificent lobby or to enjoy award-winning dining. Each of the restaurants are great in their own regard. When you are done, just take the bus back to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to get back to your car if you drove yourself or to transfer to the needed bus that will take you to where you are staying.

Well there you have it. That is the theme parks of Walt Disney World from the perspective of an adult. I have turned the minds of friends and family by showing them another side of Disney. With that being said, I have not even touched upon the other amazing dining and shopping at Disney Springs, the lovely mini golf options, backstage tours or even the water parks on property. If you have completed your own adult trip at Walt Disney World, I would love to know what YOUR favorite things to do are! Do you have any key tips or restaurant go-to’s?

It also goes without saying that there are also some exciting things to explore that do not involve ANYTHING theme park related in Orlando encompassed by Disney, Universal, Sea World, Holy Land, Gatorland. Yes, Gatorland. But we will save that for another day. Orlando has some great local cuisine, breweries, and entertainment options that tourists typically are not aware of. If you want to go where locals go, I’ve got you, boo! Stay tuned for that but until then, have a great week!

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Iceland: A chilling overview

On By tcam83In TravelLeave a comment

Halló! Let’s journey back to early 2019, shall we? One of the most eye opening vacations I have ever been on was to the country of Iceland. In preliminary discussions for this trip, the following were the few things I thought I knew about the country coming from the USA. Iceland is/has:

  • Cold Weather
  • Cheap Flights
  • Viewability of the Northern Lights
  • Some lagoon that is in a lot of photos
  • Volcanoes

For real. Coming from someone with “decent” geographical knowledge, there was much I did not know about this particular country. However, I knew that it was supposed to be THE place to travel right now. I am happy to share that Iceland 100% lived up to the hype. It was a phenomenal adventure and I am happy to share my perspective in a brief overview.

The first thing to determine was when to visit. My friend and I ultimately chose late January for several reasons. This was supposed to be the peak of opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Additionally, it was during the off-season, meaning it was a lot cheaper to capitalize on everything we knew we wanted to do. Sold!

Reykjavik was used as our lodging homebase for the entire vacation duration. Each of our daily tours picked us up near our hotel. I will do a separate post that dives deeper to this city itself, the restaurants, and the overall vibe. But just know that this is such a quaint, beautiful and walkable area!

Something that is important to me and that I have learned the hard way on with past vacations is finding the right place to stay. Should you do hotel or rental? How do you know where to stay? It costs how much? Of these three questions, I find that most people lead by cost. I don’t blame you! However, it is worth starting this discovery and research process by looking at all of the noted factors. I want to be in the right area at the right price with the right ambiance. From that point I then look to determine if that leads me down the path of a hotel or AirBnB. Things that come in to play are transportation accessibility, rental parking (if applicable), charm, and amenities. 

For this particular trip, we chose the hotel route and determined the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik in the city center was our best bet. This was a super cute hotel with a very millennial vibe in the design choices made. There was an area bus pickup just outside the door which made transportation very convenient. It was also a block from the main shopping street and a short walk to destinations from each direction.

I have found that sometimes better deals can be found from the hotel site itself (as opposed to a third-party site), and that was the case with this one as well! Three amenities that made me very happy with my experience here was the speaker in the room that had Bluetooth connection to play music from my phone, the lobby walls adorned with vinyl records that could be picked up and played in cute seating areas, as well as the separate elevator that went directly to the restaurant (of which had a phenomenal breakfast buffet)!

With the hotel booked, the next step was in determining and booking the flights. Okay, so from being in Kansas City, I knew that Icelandair was now flying direct out of my airport and it was definitely the way to go for cheap and convenient airfare. Perfect! Well, what I didn’t know was that it only flew out of KCI from May-September. Welp! I ended up using credit card points to get me to Washington DC, from where I then flew direct to Reykjavik. It was still an insanely cheap trip. Something to note though, is the basic fare is just that… basic. Don’t be looking for a complimentary international meal or alcoholic beverages, something of which is standard with most travel. With that said, It was a very nice experience and I had no issues whatsoever. My credit card allows me access to select airport lounges, so we made sure we got our bellies and soul full prior to the flight at the stunning Turkish Airlines lounge.

The Keflavik International Airport was beautiful. For being in a different country, this airport was very easy to navigate, had easily accessible and wide range amenities, and felt very fresh from its renovation. Something to note is that the city is about 31 miles from the city. A means of transportation must be utilized to get you to the actual city center. Upon researching the different options, we ultimately chose Flybus as our to/from transportation. Signage was clear and instructions were easy enough to follow to ensure we got off at the right place!

The most important thing to note is that buses are not allowed within the city itself. There are set bus stops that must be used for any pick-ups or drop-offs. Being that EVERYONE is doing the same, it can be an interesting process standing around watching and waiting each of the buses that pass through to your particular stop as to ensure you are getting on the right one… and hopefully don’t miss. I think for the next time I visit, I will get a rental car. But for this particular trip, we only used the transportation as part of the tours or our 2 legs in walking around the city and did just fine!

In regards to activities, we narrowed down to four different tours, each taking us to a different part of Iceland and had pick-up right at the block corner outside the hotel. A lot of research went to the options that were there for us, customer ratings, and overall price point. I will go in these tours specifically at a later date, but I will speak to each of these at high level to help give an idea of what we experienced:

  • Northern Lights
  • Golden Circle
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Southern Coast

Northern Lights: Okay, so as mentioned I was there at the right time of year to see this dang thing. However, what that does not account for is the weather that we are dealing with, of which may prevent you from actually seeing it. It’s a gamble, for sure. Wouldn’t you know… it decided to snow the week we were in town. What stood out to us about our particular tour was that it was that we were in a jeep with limited quantity of people. This allowed us to go off-road where the big buses couldn’t go, in search of viewability of the Aurora Borealis. Our guide was texting, calling, and emailing others to receive tips to where it could be seen, or based on the cloud movement had a chance of potentially being seen in the near future. We would boot, scoot, and boogy to those locations with each given tip. At the end of the night, we finally had about 5 minutes brief viewing at the top of a windy mountain at almost 1am. It was dang cold but at least I can say that I “saw it”. What you see is the best I could do with the rare break in the clouds. You’re welcome.

The Golden Circle Tour: This was amazing! Highlights for this small group tour included a visit to the Thingvellir National Park (a Unesco World Heritage Site), the Geysir geyser, the Gullfoss Waterfall, as well as a stop at the Kerid Crater Lake. Experiencing this Golden Circle sight-sightseeing route of some of Iceland’s most famous attractions is a must-do in shape or form. There are many tours that take you on the day-trip, or some that also include the Blue Lagoon (though I recommend doing separately). I would say my favorite highlight was being able to stand in between where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and seeing the geyser shoot up to 100 feet every few minutes. 

The Blue Lagoon: Is it touristy? Yes. Is it overpriced? Yes. Are there other spas? Yes. Are there a lot of rules and regulations? YES. With all that I just shared, is it still worth going to? Yes. The Blue Lagoon is a well oiled machine and definitely a unique experience to be a part of. We booked the package in advance that included the transportation from the city as well as lunch. Keep in mind that the Blue Lagoon is about 30 minutes from the city. The craziest thing about the experience is the check-in and preparatory process to get in to the therapeutic lagoons. It is REQUIRED to shower and cleanse prior to setting foot in the water. This process is confusing, vague and weird to say the least. I am glad I did enough research in advance or arriving to at least know what we were in for. Furthermore, it is recommended to keep the conditioner in your hair for your entire time in the water, as to not have the minerals ruin your hair. While not a big deal for a guy with short hair, it is more cumbersome for a woman with long hair.

Southern Coast: This was a pretty rad tour and honestly was probably my favorite day. After boarding a bus, we made the 1 ½ hour journey to the southern coast. Our first stop was to take in the beauty of the Skógafoss waterfall. We then made our way to the Sólheimajökull glacier by hiking to near the icecap. Next up was to explore the stunning Reynisfjara beach. With its black sand and powerful waves, this location has become a popular filming location. 

As I look back, the country absolutely exceeded my expectations. In addition to the absolutely stunning and diverse landscapes, I was surprised at the options of local produce that were available, due to geo-thermal capabilities. This led to some exciting culinary experiences of varying price points. Additionally, I am a fan of craft beer and was pleasantly surprised to find some fun micro-breweries in the area to test out. Locals were very welcoming to interact with and had a strong appreciation for showing off and preserving what their country has to offer.

Two big questions that I had coming in to the vacation was the cost of the trip as well as the language barrier. From traveling to different countries, I can say that this was not the best location for US dollar conversion in January 2019. With that said, by knowing this in advance and pre-booking a majority of our experiences prior to the trip, we knew what we were in for (based on what already had been spent). It is very important to me that while I want to do what I can to save money where I can, I do not want, however, to use that as a crutch for my vacation and shave off quality aspects of a vacation experience that I may look back on years from now and regret. It is a very fine balance for sure.

Additionally, and by using the app XE Currency (available for free on all mobile devices), we were able quickly run conversions from the local Kronin currency based on what we were seeing on menus. I can say that it was not as outrageous as what I thought it would be, though still a reasonable increase. The average beer was around $10 and the average cocktail was around $20, and the average dinner being $30-$50. The biggest tip though, which I am grateful for discovering prior to the trip, was taking advantage of the happy hour timeframes around the city to menu items at cheaper prices. Additionally, I would recommend purchasing snack and libation from the airport itself upon arrival. This allowed us to pre-game properly prior to hitting the town and save a bit of money.

As it relates to any language barriers, there were NO concerns whatsoever. There is indeed an Icelandic language but I didn’t learn a lick of it, to be honest. The English language was very prevalent and all menus that we encountered included. Locals were very kind and did not express any frustration or attempt a cold shoulder by speaking English. 

The fact of the matter is that Iceland is an area that absolutely relies upon tourism. Reykjavik is a relatively modern city with most of the experiences coming from the last 10 years since the volcanic eruption in 2010. I actually liked being there during the off-season as it does sound like it can be a LOT busier when the weather is warmer. So then you might say, listen Tyler, why would I want to escape winter by traveling where it is still winter? Great question, but here’s the deal; it was actually a bit warmer there during that given week than it was in Kansas City in late January. The temperature was quite manageable in the upper 30’s fahrenheit and I had no complaints. Let’s also be clear too while we are it it that it is warmer in Iceland than it is Greenland. So, it really just depends on the type of experience that you would like to have when you are visiting.

Photos were stunning with snow on the ground, though (and as similar to Colorado) it is a very different visual experience by seeing that area in the summer and seeing the green grass. I would have been able to properly see the crater, for example. Oh, and there would have been more hours of sunlight in the course of the day.

Overall, Iceland is definitely worth adding to your bucket list and at some point down the line, I would love to visit again. There is SO much more to be seen from this relatively small country of 40,000 square miles that I did not get a chance to explore. What would you like to learn more about? Specific restaurants? Stories from the tours? More details in tips and suggestions?

Have a great week everyone!

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Disney theme parks: A brief overview

On By tcam83In Travel2 Comments

“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney

Where does one begin when trying to explain the Disney theme parks around the world to someone that has not been, or to offer new perspective to those that have been years ago? To be honest, the actual park slogan captures it pretty easily, “the happiest place on earth”. To all who come to this happy place, welcome. There is no other vacation destination that helps you escape reality like the Disney theme parks do. You leave your worries, troubles, stress, and work at the door for a chance to visit worlds you’ve only dreamt of or to visit imaginary places filled with experiences that interact with each of your senses.

Before I go farther, let’s take a step back and explore my own journey with Disney. Be prepared. Between watching & owning all of the movies (except those cheap DVD sequels from the early 2000’s), reading the multitude of books based on the stories and the company history, and enjoying all of the television programming over the years, these characters and stories have always been intertwined to my soul and well-being. In fact, my initials of T.D.C. could even stand for The Disney Channel. Coincidence? I think not.

As a child I was in awe by the man, the myth and the legend that is Walt Disney. At one point I even swore that I was him in a past life and vocalized as such to others I know. And just to be clear, please know that I was not high on pixie dust at this time. This abundance of Disney-ness is my life culminated by getting to go to Walt Disney World for the first time at the age of 5, increasing to a total of 8 vacation visits before the age of 18.

While I had absolutely NO idea what I wanted to do with my life while in high school, the one thing I DID know was that I needed to do the Disney College Program. So in 2003, I did just that and worked in attractions at ‘Splash Mountain’. Since I drove to college every day, I didn’t have the traditional college experience that others have had. So for me, the Disney College Program gave me that dorm experience that I needed and wanted. It also allowed me to meet others from around the country with similar passions that I am still friends with to this day. Upon program completion, I returned to Kansas City to finish college. During this time, I was a campus representative for the Disney College Program and shared my excitement and encouragement to other students in the Kansas City area schools. I would decorate the college campuses with the program paraphernalia in preparation for the recruiter visits.

After obtaining my college degree, I moved back down to Orlando and did the professional internship as part of the Disney College Program where I worked in the college recruiting office. 6 months later I completed an additional internship within Disney Vacation Club. Enjoying my time, and from having 4 years of retail sales experience at The Buckle, I thought I might have potential as an advance sales associate for Disney Vacation Club. I worked around the parks and resorts at a kiosk where I would introduce families to the vacation ownership program and encourage them to do a tour to learn more details. I quickly rose in ranks through my numbers and was offered a position on the cruise team aboard the Disney Cruise Line.

You might say this all sounds perfect for me, and I don’t disagree. And yet I knew there was more aspects of my creativity that were being un-used and un-touched. So surprisingly, I left the company. The aspects of Disney where I thought I could really shine were out of California. While that move out west has not yet happened, nor do I know if it will at any point, I still visit the theme parks and cruises as often as I can and have attended D23 events when I have been able to do so!

Why do I share all of this? Well, it’s to stress that you don’t have to be a child to love the theme parks, you don’t have to have children to find value in visiting the theme parks, and most importantly, that your experience at the Disney theme parks is something that you cannot find anywhere else. To be honest, I probably enjoy the theme parks MORE as an adult, than as a child. Sure, your state fair may have some rides you can go on, your city may have a local theme park you can easily visit, and you may have an area event that you can witness an evening fireworks show. I don’t disagree that those are cheaper and more convenient. But none of those amusements are able to hold their own to or compare to the level of entertainment that is able to be obtained and captured from the Disney theme parks.

How is Disney different? The combination of entertainment quality, attention to detail, and exceptional guest service allow dreams to be created and effectively delivered for guests that provide a lifetime of magical memories. That is the Disney difference. Something as simple as naming customers, “guests” and employees to the name, “cast members” help convey that this is a show and that they have a role to play while on-stage. Do the trash cans NEED to be themed to each of the lands that they are in? Does the ground you walk on NEED to be aged to show the hoofs of an animal or a wagon wheel that previously went through that area? Do the outfits for each president in ‘Hall of Presidents’ NEED to be designed in accuracy to each individual’s respective time period in history? Does ambient music NEED to be played in each area that is accurate to that land’s story and vision? The answer to all of these questions is no. However, they all help to set the tone and tell the story of the “show” that you are experiencing, regardless of how easily accessible or subtle they may be.

I have so many individuals ask for help in planning their own Disney vacation, and I look forward to sharing future blogs on just this, or to simply share new tips for your next visit! I know the property inside and out, I have eaten at a majority of the restaurants, and I have enjoyed about each of the entertainment offerings that can possibly be experienced.

Additionally, I have seen with my own eyes how badly some individuals plan their vacations, execute their days while on property, and ultimately leave feeling stressed, tired, out of tears and broke. I won’t even mention the children with the monkey backpacks aka leashes. By having just a wee bit of strategy you can ensure that you will not be running around like a chicken with its head cut off, regardless of the time of year. Below are a few topics that I have been thinking about that might be worth writing about:

  • Walt Disney World with a family
  • Walt Disney World on your own
  • Walt Disney World planning tips
  • Walt Disney World hacks and secrets
  • Walt Disney World dining
  • Walt Disney World nightlife
  • Walt Disney World in (2) days
  • Walt Disney World vs. Disneyland
  • Drinking Around the World
  • Orlando tips without any theme parks

I could go on and on with bullet points and stories but I feel like those are a few to get started. You will notice that Walt Disney World alone covers the span of an area double the size of Manhattan, soooooo there is a lot of ground to cover and a lot of money to spend. Believe me, Disney is great at that. Is there a particular topic that you would like me to dive into that would be helpful? What have you wanted to know?

As I wrap this up, there might be a few of you out there that may be saying to yourself, “Self, I know all of this and already love Disney. You don’t need to sell me on anything.” Well, thanks for that feedback and attitude. For those individuals, below is a high-level list of some of my favorites in an effort to show my personality and style. Enjoy and have a great week everyone! TTFN.

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Why travel?

On By tcam83In Travel2 Comments
Cádiz, Spain

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” 

The above quote comes from Anglo-French writer and historian Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc and rings true to the yearning and burning in my soul when it comes to traveling. There is energy that awakens in me when venturing somewhere new, learning from the lives of others that may be different than mine, and journeying down an uncharted path to see what is around the corner.

Travel broadens the perspective of your own life when you get back to the daily hamster wheel that we all face with working in the United States of America. Exploration has allowed me to see the slower pace of life that others live, the creativity that shines in other communities, the hardships that others go through, and the culinary surprises that emerge beyond a corporate food chain. Here’s the deal. I will work my ass off and give my 110% when I am present and accounted for. However, I strive for working to live and NOT living to work. I was lucky to have parents who took our family on yearly vacations from a very young age. These memories and smiles were ingrained me and will continue to the day I die. This is more important to me.

Now let’s talk reasons I have heard why people especially in the USA do not travel. Sure… that money could be spent on a house instead of renting, a better entertainment system, a fancier car, season tickets to a local sporting team, or *cough cough* retirement. I get it. However, I choose to explore and live my life now. It may be down the street to visit a park I haven’t visited, an hour away to Weston, Missouri to visit a winery or it may be somewhere on the other side of the globe to check a destination off the bucket list. 

The other thing I hear often is that it is too expensive and stressful to travel. Pardon my French, but I call bullshit. Part of the reason for starting this blog was to share stories of how I have been able to successfully conquer cities by living large and spontaneously planning my experiences for yourself or with your own families. When I look back at all the places I have been, I have no regrets to what I was able to do and am happy with the stones I was able to turn over. I can assure you that it is possible to feel like you are having and maximizing a first-class experience with an average person’s salary.

I look forward to sharing specific memories and stories from the places I have been in the entries to come from these short getaways. I do not have the luxury of being able to be gone for a month or have a full-time traveling gig like some bloggers. So these are things that YOU can execute with enough planning… once we are all out of quarantine and can travel properly, of course.

Below are a few of my favorite photos taken over the years from my own experiences. I am by NO means a professional photographer, but have always thought these turned out pretty cool. Let me know if there is a particular location you would like to dive in to with my first destination study.

I leave you now with one more travel quote. This one comes from St. Augustine of Hippo, a Catholic bishop and theologian, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” I hope it inspires you in some way, and if not… well cheers!

France
Walt Disney World
Spain
Iceland
Cruises
California
New York
Missouri

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