We had an amazing trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA this summer. One of our favorite areas was Carsland in California Adventure Park. Here are my top 5 favorite things we like the best.

5. The theming. Disney Imagineers are geniuses! We felt like we were actually residents of Radiator Springs. From the mountains to the small details to the buildings all around us. We were immersed!

4. Photo ops! So many places to take great pictures with and without your family to remember your visit!

3. Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Sing along with the fun tunes as you get swung around by the little tractors. Silly old fashion fun.

2. Flo's V8 Cafe. A great quick service restaurant that uses mobile ordering. Great burgers, chicken tenders and milkshakes. We really enjoyed our dinner here.  

1. RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS!!!!! One of the best rides in any Disney park. Amazing theming as you and your family go through the story of your pal Lightening McQueen. And when you hit the road get ready to  ride like the wind!!! We road this multiple times at park opening and using the Max Pass! 

We can't wait for our next trip to Disneyland and to visit Carsland again. I would love to help with a trip to Disneyland so you can experience all there is there. Contact me at Jennifer@magicaladventurestravel.com

5. The Walls! Lots of colorful new walls to take those fun Instagram pictures.
4. Woody's Lunch Box. A great new quick service restaurant. Great for a quick bite for breakfast or lunch. 
3. The details. I love the colors and all the amazing details that really make it look like Andy built it all out of things he found around his house.
2. The characters. Make to snap a photopass picture with Woody and Jessie and then with Buzz!
1. Slinky Dog Dash!!!! My new most favorite ride. So much fun. Be sure to try to get a fast pass or ride right at park opening! 
Want to experience Toy Story Land yourself? Contact me to book a magical vacation to the Walt Disney World resort. Jennifer@magicaladventurestravel.com

As far as Moderate resorts at Disney World go this is by far my favorite. It is one of the smallest resorts on property which makes really any location of your room a good one. We were in a garden view room in building 4. It was a very quick walk over to the bus stop or the food court, front desk, and gift shop. The food court has some great choices for hot meals as well as to grab and go. We had plenty of room in our room for 3 adults and it can accommodate a family of 4 very easily. The beds were very comfy and there was plenty of room for storing luggage. I love the 2 sinks at the vanity as it made getting ready in the morning more efficient. Cast members at the resort were all very pleasant and helpful when we had questions. The pool is great for all ages and has a fun fenced in splash area for younger children. This is a very popular resort due to it's smaller size but it is a great pick for your Walt Disney World vacation. I would love to help you book a magical stay at Port Orleans French Quarter or any of the amazing resorts at Walt Disney World! Contact me today at Jennifer@magicaladventurestravel.com

I wanted to shared a little about my Club Level stay at Disney's Polynesian Village resort from June 17-24, 2017. We had stayed at the Poly for a short trip once before but this was a very special week for us. Upon arriving we were greeted by one of the cast members who gave us a quick tour of the resort and walked us to Hawaii, the Club Level building. We were personally checked in by the very helpful, Lawerence who gave us all the information we needed about the lounge and it's offerings. We stayed in room 1501 which was a quick jump on the elevator or an easy walk up the steps to the lounge. Breakfast began at 7:00 AM. Each morning there was coffee, juice, and selected teas. Baked goods, fresh fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt parfaits. Mid-day from noon to 4 we enjoyed grilled chicken or shrimp and salad fixings, hummus and pineapple salsa, veggies and dip, various nuts and dried fruit. From 5-7 PM we had heavy appetizers such as sushi, chicken skewers, shrimp salad, pate, bread, cheeses among other offerings. Later in the evening was desserts, wine, and cordials. 
I have to say we loved having the availability of the lounge. Especially coming back to the resort mid day for a break from the parks. We were able to take things down to our room in the morning and eat breakfast while getting ready for the day. The level of the service we received by all the cast members in the lounge was top notch! I know we will enjoy another Club Level stay at the Polynesian in the future! Want to learn more about the club level rooms at other Disney resorts or need help planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Contact me at Jennifer@magicaladventurestravel.com or www.magicaladventurestravelwithjennifer.com

I am going to combine my last 2 trips into one entry. Both trips had something in common, no kids. That's right folks these were adult trips only! I'll start with my May trip first. I planned a short trip with my mom to celebrate Mother's Day weekend and enjoy Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival. I had been several times but this was her first. We stayed at one of the moderate category resorts Disney's Port Orleans Riverside. I love the grounds of this resort, so beautiful. Mom checked in the night before and I arrived very early in the morning and we were off the Animal Kingdom. We enjoyed taking our time exploring the park and the trails, rode the safari ride, saw Finding Nemo the Musical, and looked in the shops. Something my 7 year old never wants to do! We had a nice break at Dawa bar with some cocktails and Mickey pretzels. Then it was back to the resort for a little relaxing before we took the boat over to Disney Springs. So many new shops and restaurants to explore there now. We stopped off for a drink at Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar a bar themed after Indiana Jones pilot. It was such a nice evening we sat on the deck over looking the water. Then we headed over to Morimoto's Asia for dinner. This is the most beautiful restaurant. We had excellent service and equally excellent food. We split several appetizers including their famous spare ribs! After some great food and shopping we both slept extremely well. The next day was our Epcot day. We enjoyed a slow place of enjoying all that Flower and Garden Fest has to offer including character topiaries and my favorite the food booths. That night I took my mom to one of my favorite restaurants California Grill. We felt like VIPs as we boarded the special elevator to the top floor of the Contemporary Resort. We had the perfect table with a beautiful view of Magic Kingdom. We enjoyed delicious wine and small plates that filled our tummys! Since we were without children we got to experience some the the Deluxe resort lounges. Stopped off at Trader Sam's at the Polynesian then Minzer's Lounge at the Grand Floridian. I would have to say this was a perfect day. We were up bright and early the morning to be there in time for park opening at Magic Kingdom. Riding rides with my mom, who hadn't been to Magic Kingdom in maybe 30 years, was such a treat! We enjoyed a lovely character meet with Daisy and Minnie. Had a nice lunch at Be Our Guest and enjoyed a few more attractions before taking the boat over to the Grand Floridian for our Mother's Day Tea at the Garden View Tea room. If you can ever fit this into your trip I highly recommend it. We enjoyed delicious tea and scrumptious mini sandwiches and sweet and savory treats. I needed to get back to Port Orleans to catch the Magical Express to the airport so mom and I hugged good-bye. It was a special mother daughter trip that we will be able to do again in November for the Food and Wine Festival.

Then in June my husband and left the kids with Grandma and back to the World to celebrate our 15th Wedding anniversary. We were booked in a studio at Boardwalk Villas. This another one of my favorites. I love the vibe of the old boardwalk days and you cannot beat the location. Take a boat or walk to Hollywood Studios or Epcot. Walk around the lake over to the Yacht and Beach Club resort.
We were pleased to find our room ready. We did a quick unpacking of things and headed over to Yacht Club for a bite to eat the Crew's Cup. We shared a delicious lobster roll, salad, and truffle fries. And of course the best way to begin an adult trip at Disney is with a light up drink! We caught the boat over to Hollywood Studios were we rode some our favorites Star Tours and Toy Story Mania. We also got some warm hugs from Olaf and walked through Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. An attraction that we had never done. Spent some time in the Launch Bay where we had to convince Kylo Ren we were not coming over to the dark side with him! We were excited to dine at the Hollywood Brown Derby for the first time. We were celebrated with confetti on the table and complimentary glasses of champagne. I enjoyed the Crispy Crab cakes and Local Greens Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette and my husband had the Famous Cobb Salad and Pumpkin Seed-crusted Ahi Tuna. We both were impressed and stuffed. We enjoyed exploring the shops without someone whining about when were we going to get out of here! We were super excited to check in to the Star Wars  A Galactic Spectacular Dessert party. This is was an extra ticket event where we we enjoyed our private table in a roped off area with a fabulous view of the new Star Wars fireworks. We enjoyed adult beverages and a combination of sweet and savory delights all with a Star Wars theme. We had a perfect view of the the show that included music, lasers, projections, and of course fireworks. It was a great start to our trip.
Thursday morning we celebrated our anniversary with a trip to our favorite park Magic Kingdom. We enjoyed our favorite rides, lunch at the Plaza, taking pictures with the Photopass photographers, another thing our kids dislike. We headed back to Boardwalk Inn for a dip in the pool and some tasty beverages before heading over the the Grand Floridian for our special dinner at Citricos. When we were seated we were again served complimentary champagne and an even more special treat, a visit from Chef Dom!!! We took all his recommendations and enjoyed the most scrumptious food I have ever had. I had the braised ribs and my husband had the pork belly. We were super stuffed but put a dent into the complimentary dessert tray brought out to us by the pastry chef. It was a dinner I will never forget. We took a lovely stroll from the Grand Floridian over the to the Polynesian where we caught the electrical water pageant. After a drink at Trader Sams we headed back to the resort.
Friday morning we were up early for my husband's private fishing excursion I had surprised him with over at the Yacht Club. He met up with his guide, Rick, for an amazing bass fishing trip of Cresent Lake and the World Showcase Lagoon. I headed over to Epcot to meet Joy and Sadness at park opening.I met up with my husband and we head over to the newly refurbished Norway Pavilion to ride the brand new Frozen Ever After. What a delightful ride! Can't wait for my kids to enjoy it. Took  a lovely stroll around World Showcase eating and drinking with a lunch stop over at Spice Road Table for some yummy appetizers. It was nice staying so close to Epcot where we could head back to the resort for a rest. We came back later for another dessert party this time for Illuminations. A show we had never seen due to our kids inability to stay up late. Again we enjoyed a great variety of sweet and savory snacks and champagne and a wonderful view of the lake right in front where they display all the effects. I was amazed and so glad I was able to finally able to see this spectacular show.
The next morning we were able to enter Epcot early for our 8:00 breakfast at Garden Grill. Not only did we enjoy Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale but our lovely server brought us the most delightful assortment of breakfast items. My favorite was the cinnamon roll. After breakfast we we able to get onto the brand new Soarin' even before the park opened. We got right back in line after our first ride to to ride it again!!! We enjoyed a few other favorite attractions then hopped the bus over to Animal Kingdom. We stopped off at our beloved Dawa bar for some Safari Ambers and a Mickey Pretzel. We enjoyed a great performance of the Festival of the Lion King and a wonderful ride on the safari. What I was most excited about was checking out the brand new signature restaurant, Tiffins and Nomad Lounge. We checked in then found a great seat at the bar. I had a Leaping Lizard and my husband had the Kungaloosh Spiced Ale. The lounge and the main restaurant are decorated with beautiful art work representing world travel. For our dinner we were treated to some mouth watering entrees. I enjoyed the Chermoula-Rubbed Chicken and my husband had the Berkshire Pork Tenderloin. We had a very knowledgeable server and highly enjoyed the entire experience. We experienced some of the new night time entertainment before boarding the bus back to our resort.
Sunday was check out day. We used airport luggage check in right at the resort and we delighted to find our already printed boarding passes slipped under our door. We said our last goodbyes to Mickey and the Magic Kingdom as we rode some of our favorites and picked up few souvenirs for my mom and the kids. We enjoyed some amazing adult dining, celebrating our anniversary, and spent time together in the most Magical Place in the World.
What to learn more about planning your adult trip to Disney or one that you want to bring the kiddos on? Contact me at Jennifer@magicaladventurestravel.com

Well what more appropriate day to list why I love Walt Disney World then on  Valentine's Day?
10. Free transportation to and from my resort to all the parks and Disney Springs. We usually drive from NC but once we are on property we let Mickey do the driving.

9. Treats. Some of our favorite Disney treats are Dole Whips, Mickey pretzels, cotton candy, popcorn, milk chocolate caramels from Germany in Epcot as well as their caramel popcorn, Mickey rice crispy treats, ice cream from France in Epcot, and of course the good ol' Mickey ice cream bar!

8. Pools. Some of our favorite pools and water slides are at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, Bay Lake Tower, Caribbean Beach Resort, Storm Along Bay at Beach Club, and my favorite the Volcano Pool at the Polynesian!

7. Dining. Who doesn't love a great meal? And there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from at Disney World. For breakfast my favorites are Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom, Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary, and 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian. For lunch I like Tusker House in Animal Kingdom, the Plaza or Be our Guest in Magic Kingdom. And for dinner my family loves Teppan Edo in Epcot or Saana at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but California Grill is my top pick.

6. Magic Bands. It's great to wear your room key, park tickets, and credit card all there on your wrist.

5. Fireworks. Disney does fireworks. Wishes at Magic Kingdom is spectacular! And special holiday fireworks shows for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Holiday Wishes at Christmas time will take your breath away.

4. Family time. My whole family gets into planning for our Disney trips. And when we are there we are riding our favorite rides and enjoying making family memories at the parks or chilling back at the resort.

3. Reminds my of my grandparents. They took me to Disney when I was 3 years old and almost every year after. I can feel my grandma's spirit every time I ride It's a Small World

2.Characters. Even as an adult I love the interactions with the characters. Seeing my son run up and hug Stich or Mickey puts tears in my eyes every single time.

And my number 1 reason why I love Walt Disney World is numbers 2 through 10 and more! 
I hope you will let me plan your next Walt Disney World trip and hope you will love it as much as I do! 

Now that the holidays are over and we are into 2016 it's time to write my trip report on our trip Dec.19 to the 23. It was back again to one of our favorite resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge, with a Savannah view of course. Room was ready early so we unload then headed over to Hollywood Studios for some our our favorite attractions and a special dinner at Minnie's Hollywood and Dine and Hollywood and Vine. We were greeted by Santa Goofy and visited by Mickey, Donald, Daisy, and Minnie herself all dressed up in their holiday best. A buffet dinner included some special holiday entrees and an amazing dessert bar. After dinner we checked out the new Star Wars Launch Bay where we traded with some Jawas and saw lots of cool Star Wars memorabilia. That is where you can also meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Then it was onto the Streets of America to the Osborne's Spectacle of Dancing Lights. A breath taking display of lights and music dancing together with a little bit of snow mixed in. I was so disappointed when it was announced that this would be the last year. So glad we got to see them again.

Next day it was an 7:00 AM opening at Magic Kingdom and I was so pleased with my family for making it. We were able to hit some of our favorite rides with very little wait and then enjoyed a late breakfast with Pooh and friends at the Crystal Palace. Stuffed French Toast, Cheddar Bacon Scones, and cheesy potatoes filled us up. After breakfast we used our fast pass for the Jungle/Jingle cruise. Jungle Cruise is all decked out for the holidays! We caught the early Once Upon a Christmastime Parade which was now running for everyone since it was after all the Christmas parties were over. Then it was back to Animal Kingdom Lodge for some swimming and relaxation before dinner. That night we headed to Wilderness Lodge to check out the amazing decorations there and to eat at the Whispering Canyon Café; home of the All you Care to Enjoy Skillet as well as some fun time shanagins by the wait staff. My husband and kids headed back to the hotel and I took the boat over to Magic Kingdom for Holiday Wishes. So beautiful!

Epcot day was up next with again some Early Morning Extra Magic hours. Headed to Mission Space then used our Fast Pass for Soarin' and Spaceship Earth. We took the boat across the lagoon to World Showcase where my son did an Adventure with Agent P in Germany and we enjoyed lunch at Teppan Edo in Japan. They have the best steak! Later on we headed over to Fort Wilderness Campground to meet up with some friends and enjoyed a delicious buffet at Trails End. Fried Chicken, yum-yum! My friend, Kim, had arranged a private boat ride for our 2 families with the very knowledgeable and charming, Thomas from Australia. Thomas toured us around Bay Lake with some Disney hidden trivia then parked us in a great spot to view Holiday Wishes. The music was streamed in and we were just breath taken of the  whole experience. I will definitely do that again.

Check out and Animal Kingdom Day. So sad to leave Animal Kingdom Lodge. We were surprised two nights with special meet and greets in the lobby by Santa Stitch and Mickey and Minnie in their Holiday dress up. Animal Kingdom was also decked out for the holidays we some really exotic décor. I love the tree there. My daughter and husband did a couple rides on Expedition Everest and my son and I enjoyed the boneyard playground. After a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris we tried lunch at the Yak and Yeki for the first time. We did a little shopping and walked the trails. The gorillas were very active this trip. Then it was time to head out to spend the holidays with the rest of the family. Christmas time at Disney World is really special and a magical time. All the parks and resorts are draped in rich holiday decorations. Special treats and holiday merchandise are available. I highly recommend a trip during this special time and that you can create amazing memories like my family and I did.

October is a great month to visit the House of Mouse! Two of my most favorite events take place that time of year! Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party and Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. During this quick trip we had a chance to stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. What an amazing place! My kid's loved spending time in the recently renovated pool. I don't know how many times my son went down that volcano slide! It was also great being right on the monorail or take the boat to Magic Kingdom. The day of the party we started off the morning with a wonderful breakfast at Chef Mickey's. Always a great time seeing the Fab Five and boy are those cheesy potatoes good! Then we spent the time relaxing at the Resort and enjoying the pool until it was time to get dressed for the party. My husband and I wore t-shirts that looked like the ghost hosts at Haunted Mansion. My daughter was Malicifant and my son was a pirate. The party is an extra cost but worth every cent! Party guests can enter Magic Kingdom at 4:00 though the party doesn't start until 7:00. We rode a few rides and grabbed dinner at Cosmic Ray's. Then we found our place in front of the castle for the Hocus Pocus Villain Show. Unfortunately it was cut short due to rain. So we did some trick or treating then watched the Boo to You Parade. This is by far my favorite parade. Then the parade was followed by Hallowishes. This is in my opinion the most spectacular firework show by Disney! If you get a chance you must attend Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party.
The next morning we slept in and headed to breakfast at Ohana where we enjoyed breakfast served family style and visit from Lilo, Stich, Mickey, and Pluto. We got on the monorail over to Magic Kingdom to ride some of our favorites. Then some more pool time at the Polynesian.  That night it was some adult time at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. We dropped my son off at Lilo's Playhouse and my daughter enjoyed spending time with some local friends. At Epcot we eat and tasted our way around the world showcase. Some of our favorite booths were Scotland, Mexico, Africa, and Belgium. The weekends at Food and Wine are crowded. If you can go during the week you will have much lower crowds. We enjoyed our night out and the kids had a great evening. The next morning we had some time over at Hollywood Studios and enjoyed a great lunch at Mama Melrose. After a great lunch we headed back to the resort to wait for the Tragical Express back to the airport. It was a short but busy trip. Can't wait til next fall to do it again!