 Last week, Disney announced new details surrounding the previously announced Disney Genie app and the newly announced Disney Genie+ service! The announcement was a little bit confusing, however, I have spent the past few days going over the details and training with Disney so I can be as prepared as possible to assist with your upcoming vacations. We do not yet have ALL of the details, but I wanted to share everything that we know thus far with you.
I know you probably have lots of questions, and I may not have the answers yet. However, if you send them along, I will do my best to address them once we get more information from Disney. If you know that you want to purchase Genie+ access for ALL days of your vacation, please let me know so that I can provide you with additional information once we have it sometime in the near future. Remember, your Road To Relaxation Travel Professional is the best genie to help you have an amazing vacation! AuthorLauren Regan, Travel Professional with Road To Relaxation Travel
Travel planning has always been something I loved to do. I found that researching a trip and learning everything I possibly could about a destination was something that gave me immense satisfaction. However, I knew that not everyone enjoyed this aspect of traveling as much as I do. In January 2016, I joined Road to Relaxation Travel. My goal: to make my client’s vacations as stress free as possible. I know that my clients don’t necessarily get to travel as much as they’d like to - and I want them to have the best possible experience they can.
1 Comment
Shopping at Walt Disney World can be a great past time for retreating from the crowds, cooling off between rides, or just picking out a great souvenir to bring home. It's entirely possible to spend a lot of time wandering from shop to shop as there are so many in each park. Disney Springs alone could take an entire afternoon exploring. Here are a few spots I checked out on my last trip that had some great merchandise worth exploring. If you've never checked out The Marketplace Co-Op, you must stop in on your next visit to Disney Springs! This is a huge retail emporium featuring a variety of brands and special events featuring art, apparel, home decor and so much more.    The Disney Cruise Line Pop-Up Shop had a great selection of merchandise like this cute purse, lots of clothing and even luggage for your next cruise! The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane has beautiful dresses like this one seen on display. Also check out Disney Tails where you might even find some matching apparel for you and your pup! Browsing around the Co op is a great way to pass the time before your dinner reservation in Disney Springs. Another area I love to shop in is Hollywood Studios. This is where you can find all the greatest Star Wars gear.   The unique items like the pilot helmets make for a great holiday gift for your favorite Star Wars fan. There were also fun items like this adorable "The Child" mug and entire Star Wars outfits perfect for exploring Galaxy's Edge. There are so many great shopping spots all around DisneyWorld. What is your favorite item that you brought home from Disney? Do you have a favorite shopping spot? AuthorErica Van Stell, Travel Professional with Road to Relaxation Travel
I love helping people find the perfect destination for their vacation and sharing all of my favorite tips and tricks with them. Growing up, my family made it a priority to take a trip each year to somewhere we had never been. It wasn’t always to a far away, exotic location. Sometimes it was just a new place to check out in our own state. This is what fostered my love for travel and helping people find new places to enjoy.  When you think of Disney, what is the one ride you think about? Is it Space Mountain as a little kid for the first time? Is it “It’s a Small World” because it’s a classic ride with a song that sticks in your head? If you have never been to Disney World or you have been 100 times, attractions are what make guests come again and again. They want to feel the thrill of a coaster, the wonder of new technology and immersive atmosphere, or maybe the giggles and awe of their children experiencing new things. If you’re a first time Disney guest, or it’s been a while since you have experienced the magic, this post will give you an idea of the ride types you will be experiencing. Best Rides/Attractions for Small Children Thankfully, Walt Disney wanted Disney World to be a place where everyone can be a child, including children. The creation of a boat ride through a story is classic to Disney Parks. All parks have some sort of easy ride for children of all ages and sizes (as little as an infant and as old as you are able!). Magic Kingdom: It’s A Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Little Mermaid, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo the Flying Elephant Epcot: Grand Fiesta Tour Featuring the Three Caballeros (a personal favorite), Frozen Ever After, Spaceship Earth, Finding Nemo Animal Kingdom: Navi River Journey, TriceratopSpin, Kilimanjaro Safari, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, and many trails to see different animals! Hollywood Studios: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania, Lightning McQueen Racing Academy, Disney Jr. Dance Party! Thrill Rides Want a thrill ride? Here is my favorite thrill ride at each park! Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain (they are fast and SO fun!) Epcot: Test Track. Buckle up because you are about to test your car’s brakes, agility, and SPEED! Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest Coaster. This is my favorite coaster on property because of all the different surprises in it! Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror and Rocking Roller Coaster-- it’s hard to choose which one to pick for the top thrill ride here! Rocking Roller Coaster is an inside coaster that you get to experience while jamming with Aerosmith! Tower of Terror takes you into the Twilight Zone and gives you the thrill of dropping you multiple times, and it’s never the same ride twice! Ride Experiences Want a true ride EXPERIENCE? I’m talking about being completely immersed and feeling like you are right in the middle of it all. Here are my favorites at each park: Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion. There’s 999 happy haunts, but there’s room for one more. Any volunteers? Epcot: Soarin’. Fly over some of the most beautiful places in the world! Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage-- a true ride experience. Attach to a banshee and fly over the Avatar’s land! Hollywood Studios: Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. This is the definition of “ride experience”. From the moment you are given your mission, you are treated as part of the Resistance. You do NOT want to miss this one! Whether you are 6 months old or 90 years old, there is a ride for everyone at Disney World! Ready to try it out with your family and friends? Contact a Road to Relaxation Travel Professional and we will be happy to help plan and book your vacation! AuthorHannah Sosebee, Travel Professional with Road to Relaxation Travel
My family has always been a Disney family, going once a year for many years. As an adult I decided to use what I thought was “useless knowledge” to help others while planning their magical Disney vacation. I joined Road to Relaxation Travel in 2018 with the goal of giving my clients the best experience possible!  This evening, Disney made an announcement about mask rules at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
"We are adapting our health and safety guidelines based on guidance from health and government officials, and will require Cast Members and Guests ages 2 and up, to wear face coverings in all indoor locations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort beginning Friday, July 30, regardless of vaccination status. At Walt Disney World Resort, this includes upon entering and throughout all attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles, including shuttles, buses, monorails and at Disney Skyliner." So masks at indoor locations are back for now. We will keep you updated as we learn more information. It used to be that placing a mobile order from a quick serve dining location at Walt Disney World was not an option if you needed to order from an allergy menu. Ordering with specific dietary needs meant that you had to order in person and a chef would be sent out to the counter to speak to you regarding your specific needs. While this process did take a little bit more time, it was an extra layer of protection, giving you the confidence that the food you ordered would be safe. On my most recent visit to WDW, I found out that I could now place a mobile order from an allergy menu! I loved the convenience of placing my order ahead of time and securing a desirable time slot, but I was a bit skeptical of the process if I’m being totally honest. However, my skepticism was blown away when I realized how the new process worked. Once I placed my order from the allergy menu, the process was the same as any other mobile order up to the point that I actually went to the counter to pick up my food.   I marked my arrival to the dining location in the MDE app and then received a notification that my food was ready. Upon arrival at the designated mobile order pick up location, I was greeted by a cast member who let me know my food would be out shortly. Then, a manager or chef would arrive with my tray, they verified what my allergies were and that the items ordered matched the specified dietary requirements and THEN they handed the tray to me. There was no chance of me even touching the food until all the appropriate questions had been asked. The process felt very safe and I really appreciated that there is still a requirement for a chef or manager to speak directly to the guest to verify that the order is correct before allowing it to be served.  I love that the allergy-friendly menus are clearly labeled, but do be sure to look carefully at the menu item descriptions to ensure that the item is safe for you, especially if you have multiple allergies. Additionally, you can always speak directly with a cast member at a quick serve dining location and ask for the chef to help you with placing an order that will be safe for you.  GF chicken nuggets and fries from Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World does a great job with accommodating special dietary needs and I have been so impressed over the last couple of years to see new gluten free menu offerings every time I visit. Having the option to mobile order from a clearly marked allergy menu only makes the overall experience better for me. Time that would have been spent waiting in line can now be spent enjoying rides and other attractions with my family!  GF grilled cheese from Woody’s Lunchbox in Hollywood Studios Bonus pro tip: if you plan on placing an order at one of the most popular quick serve locations (such as Woody’s Lunch Box, or Docking Bay 7), place your order first thing in the morning so that you can choose your preferred arrival time. If you wait until you are hungry to place your order, you may find that you will have to wait an hour or more to pick up your food. A little pre-planning helps to make your day so much more enjoyable! AuthorJulia Evans Travel Professional with Road To Relaxation Travel
I have always loved travel and now enjoy traveling with my family. I believe that creating memories for my children that they will always remember is a precious gift. I have been working with RTR since 2019 and it brings me a lot of joy to be able to help other families create those special memories as well. I also know just how had it can be to travel for those who have food allergies, as I have lived with a gluten allergy for more than 15 years. Part of my job is to make the planning process less stressful for those navigating special diets when traveling. One of my favorite reasons to travel is to try new food and snacks! While it is so hard not to just grab my usual treats I am so glad I tried new thing in my last visit.  First up is the Snacking Sandwich Cookie at Fairfax Fare last located on Sunset Boulevard. This snack is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and hold you over until your next meal. I promise this treat will not disappoint.  Second is the Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup dipped at Andy's Lunchbox in Toy Story Land. This isn't new and many other highly recommend it but it was my first to having it and it is always worth a mention.  Lastly, it the Iced Round-Up Latte from the Joffery’s stand just before Toy Story Land. It's not only my favorite but also everyone's in my family. I am not a coffee drinker but this latte hits the spot. AuthorLaura Rodriguez, Travel Professional with Road to Relaxation Travel.
I have always loved traveling. I believe that creating memories from travel experiences makes us richer. I have been working with RTR since 2019 and it us a passion I never thought of pursuing, but I am so glad I took a leap into this industry. It is an honor to be able to serve others and make them richer through travel too. The Road to Relaxation Travel Team LOVES to roast me for my choice in park bags. Yes, I love fanny packs.  Me and one of my favorite fanny packs, meeting the Fairy Godmother, in 2018. Me and one of my favorite fanny packs, meeting the Fairy Godmother, in 2018. But, what exactly do I keep in my beloved belt bag that makes it so important to me? As we gear up to visit Walt Disney World as an agency, I thought I'd share the items that most frequently make their way into the parks with me (in the hopes that the Team will get off my back and leave me and my fanny pack alone). The Essentials Phone Card case with ID, credit card, and a small amount of cash Extra face masks Sunscreen Medication The Extra Stuff Bandaids Sunglasses Hand sanitizer Clorox wipes External battery & phone wire Chapstick Hair ties Reusable straw  Yup, this all fits in that bag, with some room to spare! Other Stuff That People Sometimes Carry* Snacks Water Disney Pins (to hand out or trade) Change of clothes (essential with a toddler) Extra pair of socks or flip flops (in case your sneakers get wet) Hat Baby wipes (& diapers) Portable Fan Poncho (if the weather calls for rain) *Also known as the "list of things I also bring with me when I am traveling with my toddler". I have been to Disney with a baby in diapers and had multiple bags to schlepp along and I have been to Disney where I have carried NOTHING into the parks except for my very basic essentials! What you need to take with you really depends on the day you have planned and your travel party! Is there anything that is essential to you that isn't on my list? Let me know! AuthorLauren Regan, Travel Professional with Road To Relaxation Travel
Travel planning has always been something I loved to do. I found that researching a trip and learning everything I possibly could about a destination was something that gave me immense satisfaction. However, I knew that not everyone enjoyed this aspect of traveling as much as I do. In January 2016, I joined Road to Relaxation Travel. My goal: to make my client’s vacations as stress free as possible. I know that my clients don’t necessarily get to travel as much as they’d like to - and I want them to have the best possible experience they can.  The wonder of the ocean awaits you! This morning we got a sneak peek of Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Wish! Some of the amazing highlights of this ship include: - First of it's kind aqua-attraction AquaMouse featuring Mickey & Friends in an undersea adventure! - Disney Oceaneer Club featuring Marvel Super Hero Academy and Fairytale Hall. Did we mention that there's a SECRET ENTRANCE?! Yup, there will be a slide down to the kids areas from the main atrium. - Adult only experiences like Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, which will transform from a family friendly experience during the day to an exclusive adult-only space at night where you can grab a drink while exploring the galaxy! - New dining venues like Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure and Worlds of Marvel, the FIRST EVER Marvel cinematic dining adventure. We really cannot stress how gorgeous and unique this ship will be! Sailings to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral begin on June 9, 2022 with general booking opening on May 27, 2021! You may be eligible for early booking depending on your Castaway Club Membership Level. Contact your RTR Agent TODAY to get on their booking list to be among the first to experience this amazing new cruise experience.  This entry to relaxation is waiting. Let Road To Relaxation Travel get you booked now! AuthorLauren Regan, Travel Professional with Road To Relaxation Travel
Travel planning has always been something I loved to do. I found that researching a trip and learning everything I possibly could about a destination was something that gave me immense satisfaction. However, I knew that not everyone enjoyed this aspect of traveling as much as I do. In January 2016, I joined Road to Relaxation Travel. My goal: to make my client’s vacations as stress free as possible. I know that my clients don’t necessarily get to travel as much as they’d like to - and I want them to have the best possible experience they can. If you follow a gluten free diet then you are all too familiar with the disappointment you feel when you show up to a party and realize the only thing safe to eat is the veggie tray. We’ve all been there, right? Well, be disappointed no more, because the Mardi Gras Festival at Universal Studios Florida is one party that will not let you down! In addition to the entertainment and floats you will find throughout Universal Studios, Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval includes tasting booths representing 13 culinary flavors from around the world. Of those, 10 booths have gluten free offerings!! I could hardly believe there were so many options available. On my recent visit I tried as hard as I could to sample them all. While I didn’t achieve my initial goal, I did leave the park with a very happy belly! Once I was in the park and the booths were opening up, I purchased a “tasting lanyard” which allowed me to sample 10 items for $55 (if you are an annual pass holder, you have the option to purchase a lanyard for 15 items for $65). Each booth has its own menu with gluten free items clearly marked. You can also ask to speak to a chef at any of the booths if you have questions about any of the ingredients. Every single thing I ate was very good, but I’ll highlight a few of my favorites.  Puerto Rico “Pernil & Mofongo” (roasted pork, smashed plantains, onion mojo) The pork was very tender and had great flavor and while the dish was filling, it did not feel too heavy. Colombia “Carnitas Arepas” (cornmeal cake filled with avocado, carnitas, mayo ketchup, cilantro) Honestly, this was my favorite thing I ate on my entire trip, it was that good! All the right favors in just the right proportions. And, by the way, ALL of the tasting options at the Colombia booth were gluten free.  Belgium “Brussels Frites” (crispy seasoned fries with 3 dipping sauces) Crispy seasoned fries from a dedicated fryer, need I say more?  Italy “Affogato” (Vanilla Gelato served with a double shot of espresso) This was the perfect little afternoon pick-me-up after a busy morning, and no worries of cross contamination from other flavors of gelato sharing the same freezer space  In addition to the booths, there were also quite a few GF options at the Tribute Store: Mardi Gras Macaron Donut Bananas Foster Cheesecake Pop Praline Cookie Praline Cookie Sandwich Sour Gummy Skull I tried the Mardi Gras Macaron Donut and it was amazing! Universal Studios has really done an amazing job of expanding available options for those of us eating a gluten free diet. It is a wonderful feeling to have so many delicious options to choose from. Go and enjoy the freedom of having so many choices! The Mardi Gras Festival is currently happening at Universal and was just extended through May 2, 2021. There is still time to plan a last minute spring getaway and take part in the food and festivities! Contact your Road To Relaxation Professional to book your next trip! If you would like more information on traveling while Gluten Free, please reach out to me. AuthorJulia Evans Travel Professional with Road To Relaxation Travel
I have always loved travel and now enjoy traveling with my family. I believe that creating memories for my children that they will always remember is a precious gift. I have been working with RTR since 2019 and it brings me a lot of joy to be able to help other families create those special memories as well. I also know just how had it can be to travel for those who have food allergies, as I have lived with a gluten allergy for more than 15 years. Part of my job is to make the planning process less stressful for those navigating special diets when traveling.  Beginning October 1, 2021, and lasting for 18 months, Walt Disney World will be celebrating its golden birthday! The Magic Kingdom officially opened to the public back on October 1, 1971. Since then, the resort has grown and expanded to the destination many of us now call "home". Join Mickey and Minnie as they host "The World's Most Magical Celebration" in brand new EARidescent outfits. This week we learned that each evening the four park icons will come to life and sparkle. We expect more details to be released in the coming weeks and months. This celebration is not to be missed, and your Road to Relaxation Travel Professional can help you plan your next Walt Disney World vacation! Reservations are currently open through early July 2022, and dates continue to become available daily. Make sure to follow Road to Relaxation Travel on all of our social media platforms to stay up to date on the latest Disney travel news! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoadToRelaxationTravel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtrtravel/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ojUkTiU5xmrOUpEVxze2A AuthorLauren Regan, Travel Professional with Road To Relaxation Travel
Travel planning has always been something I loved to do. I found that researching a trip and learning everything I possibly could about a destination was something that gave me immense satisfaction. However, I knew that not everyone enjoyed this aspect of traveling as much as I do. In January 2016, I joined Road to Relaxation Travel. My goal: to make my client’s vacations as stress free as possible. I know that my clients don’t necessarily get to travel as much as they’d like to - and I want them to have the best possible experience they can. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
August 2021
Categories
All
|
|
|
RSS Feed
