Florida's Best Beaches

disnerdslife

26 Feb, 2023

As the sun-kissed state of Florida gears up for another summer season, there’s no better time to explore its world-class beaches. With over 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida boasts some of the best beaches in the United States, drawing in millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just some fun in the sun, Florida’s beaches have something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top beaches in Florida and why you should plan your next beach vacation there.

Top 5 Beaches

Clearwater Beach Located on the west coast of Florida, Clearwater Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water. It’s no surprise that it consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the United States, with its gentle waves, soft sand, and endless sunshine. Clearwater Beach is perfect for families with its plethora of activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and dolphin-watching tours. It’s also home to Pier 60, a popular gathering spot for nightly festivals, street performers, and stunning sunsets.
South Beach South Beach is the perfect destination for those looking for a vibrant and glamorous beach experience. Located in Miami Beach, South Beach boasts art deco architecture, luxury hotels, and some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the state. The beach itself is stunning, with its turquoise waters and white sand. It’s perfect for people-watching, sunbathing, and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Siesta Key Beach Siesta Key Beach, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is known for its fine, powdery, white sand that stays cool even on the hottest of days. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and collecting seashells. Siesta Key Beach is also home to an array of activities like volleyball, tennis, and snorkeling. It’s a great spot for a family vacation with its clean facilities, lifeguards on duty, and playgrounds for the kids.
Delray Beach Delray Beach, located in Palm Beach County, is a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. The beach itself is gorgeous, with its clear blue waters and soft sand. But the town’s artsy vibe makes it a unique destination for those looking for more than just a beach vacation. Delray Beach is home to an array of galleries, museums, and cultural events. It’s also known for its fantastic restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Fort Lauderdale Beach is a lively and action-packed beach that’s perfect for those looking for a fun-filled vacation. The beach is wide and long, with plenty of space to play volleyball, build sandcastles, and enjoy the warm sun. Fort Lauderdale Beach is also home to a long promenade, where you can find an array of shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s also a great spot for water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.

In conclusion, Florida’s beaches are some of the best in the world, offering a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler. From family-friendly beaches to glamorous hotspots, Florida’s coastline has something for everyone. So, why not plan your next beach vacation to one of these top beaches in Florida and experience the beauty and fun that the Sunshine State has to offer?

Cruising with Carnival in the Caribbean

disnerdslife

20 Feb, 2023

Ahoy there, fellow travelers! Are you ready to set sail and discover the best of the Caribbean with Carnival Cruising Lines? You better be, because we’re about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

Carnival Cruising Lines is known for its fun-filled and lively atmosphere, and what better place to experience it than the stunning Caribbean? With its crystal-clear waters, palm-lined beaches, and vibrant culture, the Caribbean is a true paradise on earth. And with Carnival Cruising Line’s budget-friendly options, you get to experience it all in style!

Where the Fun Begin, On World Class Ships

Let’s start by talking about the ships themselves. Carnival has some of the most incredible ships in the industry, each with its own unique personality. You’ll find everything from thrilling waterslides to serene spa treatments, from epic stage shows to cozy comedy clubs. And with a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining, your taste buds are sure to be delighted.

The Caribbean

Now, let’s talk about the Caribbean. Oh, where do we even start? From the colorful streets of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico to the stunning beaches of Grand Turk, every port of call is a unique and unforgettable experience. In Jamaica, you can climb the famous Dunn’s River Falls, or sample some of the best jerk chicken in the world. In Cozumel, you can snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Chankanaab Park, or explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. And in the Bahamas, you can take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Nassau, or soak up the sun on the pink sand beaches of Princess Cays.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Back on board, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. You can test your luck at the casino, catch a movie under the stars, or dance the night away at one of the many nightclubs. And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the supervised kids’ programs, featuring everything from water parks to video games.

And let’s not forget about the food. Carnival Cruising Lines is known for its delicious and diverse dining options. From Guy’s Burger Joint, serving up some of the best burgers at sea, to the elegant Steakhouse, featuring mouth-watering cuts of meat, there’s something for every taste and every occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Carnival cruise to the Caribbean today and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime. With the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure, Carnival and the Caribbean are a match made in heaven. We can’t wait to see you on board!

Contact me today to get your cruise vacation started! Fill out my quote request form and I’ll be in touch soon! https://travefy.com/f/6kw9rqwq7a4ara6uet2c5m5pkc7u3zm3

Rope Drop: Is it for you?

disnerdslife

1 Aug, 2022

Rope Drop is the term used in the theme park world when one arrives at the park before opening (usually an hour early) and waits at the rope (real or not) for the park to open (rope drop) so they can “get in front of the crowd.” Before we get into the details of this strategy for park touring you must know, I LOVE to rope drop. This is a great strategy for me and my family. It may not be for you. It is up to you to decide!

Rope Drop – The Good

You WILL be ahead of the crowds. This will allow you to experience more attractions in a shorter amount of time. We often knock out entire areas of a park (Fantasyland, Pandora, Toy Story Land, etc) by lunchtime.
You can skip paying for Individual Lightning Lane attractions by riding them first thing in the morning. Those attractions are currently Rise of the Resistance, Flights of Passage, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
If planned correctly, you will likely get more done in a day than you would if you entered the park after it has already opened.
It’s less likely to rain first things in the morning. Florida weather is still unpredictable.

Some of my favorite memories have come from waiting for rope drops. I’ve chatted with cast members, watched them make magic for kids, experienced great opening shows, and met wonderful like-minded park guests. There is a palpable energy in the air when you rope drop. The crowd is just so darn excited to get their day started it is hard not to smile.

Rope Drop – The Bad

The makes for long days. You will have very early mornings and late nights. Even if you are there early you still are going to want to see the nighttime spectaculars.
You still have to WAIT at the “rope.” This wait depends on when you arrive. However, the wait will often be less than the sum of the waits you will experience if you arrive after the park opens.
Mornings are more rushed. Breakfast & Coffee is usually on the go. We often grab yogurt, muffins, bagels, bananas, and other snacks to eat on our way to the park or while waiting for the “rope to drop.”
No one wants to get up this early. The head planner of the family is often left to lead the group by encouraging them to get up and move. I’m the leader of my group and this can sometimes be frustrating.

Rope Drop – The Ugly

Rope Dropping is NOT sustainable for multiple days in a row. You will end up exhausted. My husband likes to say you hit a wall about midway through your vacation. He’s not wrong. After two days of the strategy, YOU ARE DONE. You’ve already said something you didn’t mean to your partner and have given the kids your phone/tablet more times than you want just make them stop whining. You absolutely will need to take a day off to sleep in, go to the pool or do whatever it is that is relaxing for you and your family; RE-ENERGIZE. If you have to have some Disney magic during this day, consider a trip to the Contemporary to watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. No park ticket or reservation is required and no crowds.

Is Rope Drop for You?

I recommend this strategy for you if:

You are a first-time visitor and don’t plan to come back in the next 5 years.
You have young children who still get up really early and go to bed early.
You understand this is not relaxing. You can find relaxing moments but getting up early every day is exhausting.
Your priority is to see and do as much of Walt Disney World during your vacation. Again, only if you are not coming back in the next 5 years.
You have the time and budget to build in rest days for your vacation.

This strategy is NOT for you if:

You visit the parks yearly or even every other year.
You don’t do early mornings and late nights.
Maximizing the number of attractions you experience is not your priority during your time at WDW.

Whether your choose to rope drop or not will be up to you and what is best for your vacation. You can visit my Tips and Tricks for a sample itinerary. It is my job as a travel consultant to listen to your needs and desires and craft a personalized itinerary and vacation for you. Please make sure to take the time to contact me if you are considering a vacation to any Disney destination. These destinations have been my playground for many years and it brings me great joy when I am able to help you enjoy your times with your loved ones while at Disney. Make sure to visit Wishful Wanderings Travel for all your vacation needs.

Raising a Theme Park Kid

disnerdslife

9 Apr, 2022

My oldest is just about to graduate from high school. We are in the throes of party planning, graduation invitation making, and senior trip planning. Did I mention I am a high school teacher too? Needless to say, it is a busy time in our household.

When your child reaches the pinnacle of their high school education and is preparing to flee (yes, I said flee) you begin to reflect on all of the experiences throughout their school-age years. Looking back over the years of pictures while thinking of all the stories behind those photos brings back such a flood of emotion. My child has lived a fortunate life as the daughter of a travel agent. She has been able to experience Walt Disney World more times than the average yearly visitor does in their lifetime. She can navigate the parks solo and lead a group while pointing out hidden Mickey’s and important windows on Main Street USA.

I like to think Disney has left an impression on her that will carry over into her life. I hope she has learned to dream the impossible and then work hard at reaching that dream. I hope she has learned how to treat people with respect even if you don’t agree with how they treat others. I hope she has observed the opposite of the aforementioned and will gracefully navigate tough situations with people. I hope she will stretch herself to think outside of the box in her work but not be afraid to fail. Most of all, I hope she remains childlike and never loses her sense of wonder when she walks down toward Cinderella Castle.

While there are many more important lessons in life she has learned through her faith, her family, and her education, Disney remains a significant imprint in her life. Don’t be ashamed to raise your child to be more than what the world sees them!