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MAGICAL ADVENTURES TRAVEL WITH JENNIFER- TRAVEL PLANNER
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My Top 5 Favorite Things about the Utopia of the Seas

5/12/2025

 







​5.
Central Park: In the middle of the exciting energy onboard Utopia of the Seas is a quiet and serene area called Central Park. Adorned with live plants and unique sculptures, this is a great place to have coffee and snack during the day or a glass of wine and listen to live music in the evening. Our room even had a view of Central Park.


4. Live music: All around the ship you will find several spaces with live music especially in the evening. From Latin music in Boleros to smooth jazz in Central Park. One night there was a steel drum band playing above the promenade  and I also enjoyed the pianist in Schooner Bar. So many venues to enjoy live music and entertainment.

3. The Deluxe Drink package: While I was really undecided about purchasing this due to the cost, the package went down to a very reasonable price before the cruise so I decided to get it. It was really nice to just order what I wanted and not worry about the cost. From a Rum Punch by the pool, or a glass of Prosecco at dinner, to a Mai Tai at Coco Cay, for me it was a good investment on my vacation.

4. Perfect Day at Coco Cay: And it really was! We spent our time mostly at Thrill Water Park. My son went down every slide and enjoyed hanging out with other teens. There is so much to do there too for younger kids including Splash Away Bay and Chill Island. Grownups can be kid free at Hideaway Beach. There are several excellent locations to grab lunch and you can use the drink package there as well. It definitely was a perfect day!

5. Aqua 80 Too: This show was by far the BEST entertainment I have seen on a cruise ship. Set to the soundtrack I grew up on dancers performed in the water. Divers from high above gracefully dove through the Aqua Theater. Aerial performers twirled above the audience and tight rope walkers dared to amaze us. I was so glad I reserved this show in advance and would definitely see it again!

Wanted to learn more about Utopia of the Seas or another Royal Caribbean cruise ship? Reach out [email protected]

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January 01st, 2025

1/1/2025

 

Renew Your Passport Online!

10/10/2024

 
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Thinking of traveling in the Spring or Summer? Now is the time to check your passport and if you are due to renew see if you can do it online! I just renewed on Sunday Oct.6 and got the email today Oct 10 mine has shipped! Such an easy process. I had my friend take my photo then did the whole process in my PJs with my morning coffee! Check this link to get started!
​https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html

I visited all 4 Disney World parks in 1 day!

2/17/2024

 
If you are a Disney fan, you probably heard of the 4 parks 1 day challenge. On my last trip I took on the challenge. My goal was to do two rides, have something to eat, and of course a picture in front of the icon.

I boarded the Animal Kingdom bus from the Polynesian at 6:49, which was a little later than I wanted to as I was not using Genie plus or buying Individual Lightning Lanes for Animal Kingdom. They had not let guests into the park when I arrived but I was definitely a ways from the front of the line. Early entry for resort guests was 7:30 AM. The line for Flight of Passage was long but I was walking under the queue clock at 7:40 and off the ride by 8:13 and headed right to Kilimanjaro Safari. The posted wait time was 15 minutes but I was able to walk right on. I grabbed coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Starbucks Creature Comforts and enjoyed a fairly quiet park. I walked around some shops before leaving. Park to park buses do not start running til 10 so about that time I headed to the bus to Hollywood Studios.

I arrived at Hollywood Studios at 10:23. I made my first Lightning Lane for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway for 10:30 so by the time I arrived inside it was time to ride. As soon as I scanned through I made my selection for Toy Story Mania at 12. I enjoyed an Ace Space Cider from Baseline Tap House and grabbed a Mickey pretzel from one of the carts. I stopped to meet Edna Mode, check out some shops, before heading to the Skyliner to Epcot. 

I had booked a Lightning Lane for Soarin’.  At 2:30 I went ahead and rode Soarin with my LL then had lunch at Connections Cafe. I walked on Spaceship Earth to thank the Phoenicians. It is an easy ride on the monorail from Epcot to Magic Kingdom.
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 Transferred at the Transportation Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom monorail and I was walking down Main Street at 4:10. My LL for Big Thunder was not till 5:30 so I had time to wander around and take some pictures. I checked out the progress over Tiana’s Bayou Adventure when it opens this summer. I rode Pirates of the Caribbean with LL at 6:30 and immediately made a LL for Small World and rode that right away. At 7:00 AM that morning I purchased an Individual Lightning Lane for Tron for 7:00 PM so I could ride it at night. I was off by 7:30 and heading out of the park by 7:50 to meet friends for dinner at the Polynesian! 
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I don’t track steps but I am sure I walked several miles. By using Genie Plus I was able to ride some of the most popular attractions. I had a blast and would totally do it again. Have questions about my 4 parks 1 day challenge or interested in my assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation? Email me at [email protected]

Where did I go in 2023?

1/1/2024

 
As a travel advisor it is important to me to experience what I recommend and book for my clients. In 2023 I was fortunate to travel quite a bit!
  • In February I headed to Walt Disney World and stayed at Wilderness Lodge. I ran both the 5 and 10 K Princess Marathon races and was supported by my friend, Sabine! Run Disney events are great fun and happen several times during the year.
  • In March, since my daughter's college Spring Break did not line up with my son's, I took her and boyfriend to Walt Disney World. My sister joined us and I celebrated my actual birthday at Animal Kingdom! We stayed in a family suite at Art of Animation. It was perfect and we all appreciated having 2 bathrooms.
  • In April my husband, son, and I did a few days in the parks before our Disney Cruise. We stayed at Riviera Resort which is one of my favorites! We enjoyed our favorite attractions and got to ride Tron. Then we sailed away on a 4 night cruise on the Wish. My son made tons of friends and we barely saw him! So my husband and I got to enjoy the adult spaces and attend both Mixology and a Champagne tasting. The Wish is a beautiful ship and we had perfect weather at Castaway Cay.
  • In May I joined my friend and travel advisor colleague, Erin, on a Walt Disney trip staying at both our favorite resort, Yacht Club. We spent a lot of time at Epcot so it was great to walk. We both enjoyed doing things that we had never done on family trips. And enjoyed the booths and topiaries at the Flower and Garden Festival.
  • June brought my family's trip to Disneyland! We stayed Club Level at the Disneyland Hotel and got to experience Avengers Campus. Disneyland is so much easier to visit then Disney World and you can walk to both parks easily. After Disneyland we rented a car and drove to San Diego for a few days. We stayed at the Mission Bay Resort and of course visited the San Diego Zoo. 
  • I traveled to Cancun, Mexico in July to experience and tour several all inclusive resorts. We started at Hyatt Ziva Cancun which was my favorite then we stayed at the brand new Margaritaville Island Revere. We visited Azul Beach Resort and Nickelodeon Riviera Maya. Seeing the resorts in personal helps me help my clients.
  • In September my friend Mary and I headed to Disneyland staying at the Grand Californian. Our main focus was checking out the special Halloween decor and experiences. We were lucky enough to get tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash and got to meet Minnie, Carabelle, and Daisy as the Sanderson Sisters! Disneyland really does it up for Halloween and seeing the Nightmare Before Christmas at Haunted Mansion was jaw dropping!
  • November I was back at Walt Disney World with several Magical Adventures Travel Advisors to attend the first Hollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. We stayed at my favorite Boardwalk Inn and I enjoyed dressing up for the event. Got to see the start of the holiday decor and of course ride some of my favorite attractions.
  • When my daughter finished the semester we took a quick trip to see ALL the holiday decor including all the Gingerbread houses, trees, holiday music and more. We really had a great time just being together at the Most Magical Place on Earth!
  • I am thankful for my personal travel opportunities and can't wait to work with you in 2024 on yours! Please contact me at [email protected]

What is Club Level?

9/3/2023

 
Club Level is offered at many different resorts and can be also called concierge. I have enjoyed this option at Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Beaches Turks and Caicos. 
By booking a Club Level room you are given access to the club or concierge lounge. In the lounge you will also find the concierge desk. There you will get personalized assistance for any special requests, dining or activity bookings, or any questions you may have. 

The biggest advantage though is the food and beverages that come with this type of room. Mornings you will be served breakfast with juices and specialty coffees. Mid day you will have light snacks like chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, as well as packaged snacks you can take with you. In the evening you will have heavy appetizers that can very well be made into a meal as well as alcoholic beverages for adults. Later that night is dessert and usually cordials. 

Another benefit of club level is the staff gets to know you by name. Every morning at the Disneyland hotel cast member, Robert, made my daughter a mocha latte. By booking club level you do not need to purchase outside groceries or alcohol which can be a money saver. 

 I would love to share more about club level options at the various resorts or ships that it is available. Contact me at [email protected]


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Top 5 things NOT to do on your Walt Disney World Trip

7/13/2023

 
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5. NOT making any advanced dining reservations.  Knowing where you will eat and when makes the day run so much smoother than waiting til everyone is hangry and trying to figure out where to eat

4. NOT drinking enough water.  Even in the cooler months it is important to stay hydrated. Make sure children drink enough water as well. You can bring in water bottles to the parks and ask for free ice water at quick service restaurants.

3. NOT checking the height requirements before your trip.  Avoid major disappointment and check the height restrictions on the app and measure your kid before you go. Requirements are in place for safety. There are plenty of rides with lower or no height requirements, but prepare you kiddo BEFORE you arrive.

2. NOT trying to do ALL the things. Disney is huge! It is the size of San Francisco. There is no way you can fit it all in on one trip. That is what makes coming back so exciting. Before your trip look at the app and select a few things you want to do and see at each park. Trying to do too much can make for a stressful vacation. 

1. NOT using a travel advisor who specializes in Disney destinations for your trip. 
 We are amazing professional resources to you. I am here to help with all the items above to make the trip as stress free as possible. Even my repeat expert Disney clients like to utilize my knowledge and expertise. Many travel advisors can be as much hands on or off as you like. But a magical trip is my goal and I hope you will reach out to me for your next trip to Walt Disney World at [email protected]

September 03rd, 2021

9/3/2021

 

My Top Five Favorite Walt Disney World resorts:

8/6/2021

 
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First up is Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Imagine waking up and walking out on the balcony to see African animals enjoying their breakfast! This resort is simply amazing and like no other on property. There are two sections to the resort, Jambo and Kidani. In Kidani you will find Disney Vacation Club villas that include studios, one, two, and three bedroom villas. Jambo is made up of mostly standard rooms with two queen beds.
Kidani is home to one of my family's favorite restaurants, Saana. We love the homemade Naan with 9 delicious dipping sauces. Jambo is home to Boma and Mara which are table and quick service restaurants. While Boma has not yet reopened the Mara is a great place to get something to eat.
Guests can travel to all parks via bus service with Animal Kingdom park being the closest. Guests can also enjoy both pools and there is shuttle van that will take you between both sides of the resort.
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Next up on my favorite resort list is Disney's Riviera Resort!
This is one of the newest resorts and part of Disney Vacation Club. Rooms range from a tower studio that sleeps 2 all the way to 3 bedroom grand villas. The preferred studio sleeps 5 and has a beautiful view of the lake.
Riviera is home to an amazing rooftop restaurant called Topolino's. Serving dinner and a character breakfast with delicious food and stunning decor.
The outdoor area is landscaped immaculately! With numerous places to sit, a main pool with children's area plus a quiet pool, and Bar Riva just steps away for a bite to eat or a cool drink!
Riviera is connected to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via Skyliner and bus service to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

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Disney's Polynesian Village Resort which is probably my family's favorite! Located on the monorail with views of Cinderella's castle you will feel like you are at a tropical Hawaiian getaway!
I recently showed you the brand new Moana themed rooms and they are gorgeous! Rooms sleep 5 guests with 2 queens and a daybed. Studio rooms also sleep five and have a small kitchenette.
The Poly as it is nicknamed is home to popular restaurants, Ohana and Kona as well as Captain Cook's quick service and Pineapple Lanai where you can get the delicious Dole Whip!
We love the pool here! The Lava pool is a great place to cool off after a day in the parks and the volcano slide is one of the fastest according to my son! Little ones can enjoy Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area while mom and dad enjoy a Pina Colava poolside!
The resort is all about location!!!! Monorail service to Magic Kingdom and Epcot or a boat ride to Magic Kingdom and bus to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
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​Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and my top pick favorite resort and the one I have stayed at the most. One of the reasons I love it is that you can walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios! Spacious rooms sleep 5 with 2 queens and a daybed. Villas range from studios to 3 bedroom grand villas.
The theming of the this resort to will take you back in time to a turn of the century boardwalk at the beach. Located on Crescent Lake take a quick walk to the Beach and Yacht Club resort for additional dining options or stroll the boardwalk and enjoy night time entertainment and shopping.
The pool has been recently updated to include your favorite Disney friends along side a fun twisty turvy water slide! Need more of a quiet time by the pool? Boardwalk has several quiet non feature pool as well.
Grab a quick bite to eat at Broadway Bakery or from the pizza window or enjoy an Italian meal at Trattoria al Forno. After a day in the parks adults can enjoy a magical cocktail at AbracadaBar or Belle Vue Lounge.
One of our favorite stays at Boardwalk was over Christmas! This resort has some of the most gorgeous decorations and trees!
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To finish out my list of my favorite Disney resorts I am bringing you Disney’s Grand Floridian. Located on the monorail and across the lake from Magic Kingdom it is a stunning hotel perfect for a couple’s getaway or a week long family stay. Rooms sleep 5 with 2 queens and a daybed with villas ranging from studios to 3 bedroom grand villas.
There are several amazing restaurants at the Grand including Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoosee’s and the newly renovated Citricos. For a quick bite to eat visit Gasparilla Island Grill or enjoy a relaxed meal from Beaches Pool Bar and Grill.
Families will enjoy to cool off at the Beach pool which features a water slide and an Alice in Wonderland Splash ground or enjoy the quiet pool which is located near by. The grounds of the resort are simply gorgeous with fountains, green grass, and immaculate floral landscaping.
During the holidays guests can view a life sized gingerbread house and enjoy the decorations in this gorgeous lobby. The Grand Floridian is a great choice for your Walt Disney World vacation! Want to learn more about how I can help you pick a resort that is just right for you? Email me at [email protected]

Characters are still there!

10/4/2020

 
Covid has changed many things at Walt Disney World and while the traditional character meet and greets are currently on hold, there are lots of new ways to see your favorites when visiting the parks! 
Throughout the day you will be surprised by random character cavalcades. These are not scheduled but  your favorites my come by in a parade float, spiffy car, carriage, boat or by foot!
You may also find some characters up on balconies of some of the restaurants, out on the lawn, or in a gazebo or elevated area or platform. You are able to take some distanced selfies or have a friend take a picture for you.
Disney is also beginning to bring back some modified character dining. Characters will parade through the restaurant but are currently not stopping to visit at guests at their tables. These experiences currently are Hollywood and Vine for lunch and dinner, Garden Grill lunch or dinner, Cinderella's Royal Table lunch or dinner and beginning Dec.16 Chef Mickey's for breakfast. 
The magic and characters are still there it just looks a little different then before. 
I would love to help you plan your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation which is available for booking through the end of 2021!
[email protected]
 
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    Jennifer Eacret

    I am a travel agent who specializes in all Disney Destinations, Universal Orlando and much more!

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