Our Epic Disney Vacation

March 21, 2019March 29, 2019 Sarah

To Travel is to Live – Hans Christian Andersen, And live we have.

Epic Disney Vacation

I have always had a real wanderlust, a desire to travel, as Children though we never did, so I would dream of faraway places, adventures, travelling the world.

When we got married we decided to travel so in between work and renovations on our house, the years before our kids where born were spent travelling the high country of Victoria, relaxing in the Whitsundays and driving around the USA including a child-free trip to Disneyland.

I was hooked Disneyland was all that I had imagined as a young child living in a busy house in Melbourne.

Since then we have been back a couple more times, the first time when our older two were 4 and 6, then again when our four kids where 1,3,8 and 10. Our kids are caught up in the Magic of Disney too.

The minute we get back they start planning the next trip and after the trip in 2016, our oldest decided she had a goal.

Her goal was to go to every Disney Park / resort in the world.

She managed to tick the next item of her list when we went to the Disney Aulani resort in 2017, but her travel goal was still much bigger than that.

At home we have a Dream board that the kids have made, they cut out all the places they want to visit in the world and attached it to a board that sits near our dining room table. Every day as we sit for dinner we are reminded of where we have been and where we want to go. As you can see Disney is a huge part of this.

One of the best thing about being a parent is watching your children dream big dreams. Whether that is academic goals, sporting goals, theatre goals or even travel goals. What is even better than seeing them dream big goals is being in the position to help them achieve that. Whether that is being the taxi each week as they run from after-school commitments, whether it is helping motivate them to study for that next trip, or to plan the epic Disney trip so your kids can visit not only Disneyland on New Years Eve, but then also go a Disney Cruise before finishing off the trip with two weeks in Florida and Disneyworld.

Epic Disney Vacation

Our Epic Disney trip didn’t start off that way though. It started much smaller.

We had wanted to visit the East Coast of U.S.A again we had visited back in 2011 and had some work commitments that meant we were heading over. We decided that as we had to go there for work we may as well bring the kids and visit Disneyworld. Then we decided well if we were heading all the way over there spending almost 24 hours in an aeroplane with four kids we may as well do a Disney cruise as well. As who knows when we would get back over there.

Epic Disney Vacation

We remembered how exhausted we were after our last trip with the flight to LA and sitting in a crowded airport before our flight to New York and decided with kids it would be better to break it up and spend a couple of days in LA before our flight to Orlando. Allowing us to fly directly into LA and spend a few days there.

Now anyone flying with a big family knows it is often hard to get accommodation to fit all of you. Hotels can never guarantee interconnecting rooms, so you are often forced to look into apartments or hotels with family suites.

As we were going over New Year’s Eve meant our search got even harder and the only available accommodation we could find was in Anaheim. Now tell me if you are staying in Anaheim how could you not visit Disneyland?

Epic Disney Vacation

So our epic Disney trip was born.

Itinerary

Disneyland hotel – 3 nights

Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hotel – 1 night (this Hotel was amazing, I will follow this up later in another post on why you should stay here before your Disney cruise)

Disney Dream – 3-night Bahamian cruise including a stopover in Nassau and Castaway Cay

Old Key West resort – 12 nights including a 10 day Disneyworld pass, 1-day pass to Universal Studios.

Magic Castle Hotel – Hollywood – 3 nights

The whole trip was amazing and whilst I have started posting about it previously over the next month I will be posting even more content about our Epic Disney Vacation.

Epic Disney Vacation

To Travel is to Live – Hans Christian Andersen, And live we have. Join us on our epic Disney Vacation, where we went to DIsneyland, a Disney cruise and Disneyworld

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Disney’s California Adventure Park, World of Colour

February 26, 2019 Sarah

On our previous trips to Disneyland our first nights always involved booking a Dining Package with a special viewing area at World of Colour.

World of Colour is California Adventure Parks amazing night time celebration.

It uses a combination of water, lights, fire, Colour, music and images to really make the dream of Walt Disney come alive.

We where heartbroken to hear of its extended shutdown after maintenance plans went wrong.

Back in April 2018 it was to be shutdown for six weeks with the theming of Pixar Pier and the incredicoaster. But it’s reopen date came and went…..

It was pushed back to Fall, and that too came and went…

Then it was going to ready by Christmas, but our recent trip came and went and it was still shut down.

There where still amazing things to see at nighttime but we definitely missed our Disney tradition

I was very excited to hear that the World of Colour is back operating tonight.

We might have missed it on our last trip to Disneyland however we enjoyed it and videoed it so like to watch it on YouTube.

Now it is back operational we will make sure we do it next time.

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Dinner at Blue Bayou in Disneyland

January 27, 2019January 27, 2019 Sarah

On our recent trip to Disneyland, we were very lucky to get a dinner reservation at Blue Bayou. This restaurant has been on my to-do list the last few times we went to Disneyland but it is quite hard to get into and you really need to book in advance.

The Blue Bayou has been open for over 50 years opening back on March 18th, 1967.

The Blue Bayou is located within the same building as the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Whilst you are seated inside the building, It is themed like you are outside at night out on the bayou.

As you sit overlooking the start of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, you hear crickets, frogs, you see the glow of fireflies in the background and it all adds to the atmosphere.

The menu is themed as well, you can order a Mint Julep or a Louisiana Lemonade. Our children loved the Louisiana Lemonade and would have gone back here every day just to order this lemonade.

The Mint Julep was great however is incredibly strong so only order it if you like a lot of mint.

Now to make the most of your dining reservation, make sure you request a table by the water. It might mean waiting a few more minutes for your table, but it is well worth the wait.

Menu (As of January 2019)

Starters
Fried Calamari – $14.00

Crab Hush Puppies – $12.00

Golden Beet Salad – $12.00

House Salad – $6.00

N’awlins Gumbo – $7.00

Entrées

Surf & Turf – $50.00

Herb-crusted Rack of Lamb – $44.00

Bone-In Rib-Eye – $46.00

Catch of the Day – $39.00

Roasted Chicken Maison – $35.00

Seafood Pasta – $35.00

Bone-In Pork Loin – $35.00

Vegetable Pasta – $30.00

Desserts

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée – $9.00

8-Layer Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – $10.00

Kids Meals

Served with Seasonal Vegetables and Fruit with a choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani® Water

Sustainable Fish – $12.00
Pan-seared and served with Pasta topped with Marinara

Chicken Breast – $10.00
Pan-seared and served with Pasta topped with Marinara

Mickey’s Cheesy Macaroni – $9.00

Chef’s Beef Specialty – $13.00

Non-Alcoholic Specialty Beverage

Louisiana Lemonade – $7.75
Minute Maid® Lemonade, Sprite®, Mango, Raspberry, served with a souvenir glow cube

Mint Julep – $5.00

Mint Julep with Souvenir Glow Cube – $8.00

The Blue Bayou really is a must see restaurant at Disneyland the Herb-crusted Rack of Lamb was divine. Probably my favorite meal of the whole trip to Disneyland. (Unfortunately hard to take photos due to the dark nature of the restaurant).

Have you ever been to the Blue Bayou?

Did you order the Mint Julep, what did you think?

Make sure you keep reading all about our epic Disney Trip, where we went to Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, and Walt Disney World.

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Disney Youtube channels to watch in 2018

October 7, 2018October 7, 2018 Sarah

Are you planning a Disney adventure, do you have your heart set on a trip to Disneyland, Disney world? Maybe you want a tropical oasis in Hawaii but with a Disney twist. Or you might be wanting to Cruise with Mickey mouse on the Disney Cruise Line? The best way for you to get into the Disney spirit is to turn on youtube and start dreaming and planning your adventure with our list of Disney Youtube channels.

We have compiled a list and which ones are best for you would depend on whether you are heading to the East Coast to Disney World, or the West Coast to explore Disneyland.

Make sure you subscribe to our page to as we will be beginning to show lots of great videos from our upcoming Disney adventures.

Disney Food Blog

At the moment our first Disney youtube channel we check out is The Disney Food Blog. The Disney food blog has been going since 2009. It showcases both Disneyland and Disney World and a small number of videos on the Disney Cruise Line. Most of the Disney Food Blog videos are about the Disney World. AJ from Disney Food Blog is an amazing wealth of knowledge and her vlogs are uploaded every couple of days.

She talks all about Disney Food, attractions and experiences. But the videos of the amazing foods will make you hungry, and get you planning your next adventure.

Tim Tracker

Over half a million people subscribe to Tim. Tim is a great Disney youtube vlogger and he posts videos all about Walt Disney World. But what we really love watching is his amazing walkthroughs of all the Disney resorts. We have used these videos to work out which of the 25 resorts would be the best fit for our families upcoming Walt Disney World trip. Tim also posts videos about Universal Orlando and the occasional trip to Disneyland on the West Coast. Tim is often joined by his wife Jenn who also has her own youtube channel.

Disney Parks

Disney Parks is the official Disney Parks youtube channel. This is a great fun youtube channel that has up to date information about all the Parks, resorts and Cruise line.

Inside the Magic

Inside the Magic is a great channel full of information about not only Disneyworld but Disneyland and Universal Studios. Normally there will be three to four new videos posted each week. They have some great POV ride Videos.

Disunplugged

We have only recently got into their youtube channel, but have been listening to their podcasts for quite a while. The DIS Unplugged is a discussion podcast that is all things Disney, most of the team is located in Orlando so it definitely has a West Coast feel. They also have a Disneyland weekly discussion and a Universal Orlando podcast.

Fresh Baked

If you are heading to Disneyland then you might want to head over to Fresh Baked they are a fun youtube channel that posts multiple times a week all about Disneyland.

TPM vids

TPMvids are videos all about the Disney theme parks, they are a mixture of Top ten videos, Disney secrets and also great videos about Disney History.

Innoventions Media

We also love watching the Walt Disney World Planning Video. We found it over at Innoventions Media. They also have the Walt Disney Resorts Video uploaded as well.

What are your favorite youtube channels that you love to watch? Let us know in the comments as we love to hear about new videos to watch about the Happiest place on earth.

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Disneyland vs Disneyworld. The Facts.

October 6, 2018December 18, 2018 Sarah

Traveling to the states and want to experience some Disney Magic. Then you need to visit Disneyworld or Disneyland.

Many people that have never been to a Disney Park, think that Disneyworld and Disneyland are the same thing. But they are two very different parks in two very different locations in U.S.A

The Facts about Disneyworld vs Disneyland

Disneyworld vs Disneyland

Location

Disneyland is located in California on the West Coast of America, whereas Disneyworld is located 2496 MIles away on the East Coast of America in Orlando Florida.

Size

Disneyland resort is set on 500 acres. Whereas Disneyworld is 500 times the size, set on 25000 acres of land. Roughly the same size as San Fransisco.

Theme Parks

Disneyworld has 4 Theme Parks and 2 Water Parks

Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disneyland has 2 Theme Parks.

Hotels

Disneyworld has 25 resorts on property.

Disneyland has 3 resorts on property.

Transportation

At Disneyworld, all resort guests get free use of the Buses that run from Disney Springs to all the different resorts and Parks. Depending on your location some resorts also have monorail access, boats, and ferries.

Due to the size of the resort, it is impossible for you to walk from park to park. Each park is between 10-15 minutes drive.

Whereas due to the size of the Disneyland resort you are able to walk between the different parks and hotels. If you are lucky enough to be staying at the Grand California Hotel, you have your own entry straight into California Adventure Park.

The Castles

Disneyworld is home to Cinderella’s castle. It is 189 feet tall and has 27 different towers. You are able to dine inside Cinderella’s Castle, at the restaurant Cinderella’s Royal Table. Children can also experience Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the castle. Cinderella’s castle was completed in 1971.

Disneyland is the home of Sleeping Beauty Castle, it opened on July 17, 1955, it is the oldest of all the castles, and the only castle that’s construction was overseen by Walt Disney. Disneyland castle is a lot smaller than Disneyworld as it is only 77 feet tall, however through forced perspective, it does look bigger. Sleeping Beauty’s castle has a great walkthrough, that tells the story of Sleeping beauty through dioramas. It also has a room that allows people that can’t climb the steps to watch a virtual walkthrough on a TV.

Disneyland Resort

Fastpass system

Disneyland uses a Fastpass or Max pass system. They can only be booked on the day of your trip. FastPass uses kiosks located near the rides, MaxPass is an electronic system you use on your phone.

Whereas Disneyworld uses FastPass+ these fast passes can be booked 30 days in advance if staying off property, or 60 days in advance if staying on property. (To find out more check out my post on FastPass+

The rides at Disneyworld vs Disneyland rides.

Of the four parks at Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom is the park that was made very similar to Disneyland, they share many of the rides. However, there are also differences as well

Winnie the Pooh ride Disneyland

Astro Orbiter
Autopia in Disneyland is very similar to Disneyworld’s Tomorrowland Speedway
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Carousel – King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Walt Disney World.
Castle Disneyland has Sleeping Beauty Castle and Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney world.
Disney Monorail
Disney Railroad
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Fantasmic
Haunted Mansion
Innoventions
It’s a Small World
Jungle Cruise, at Walt Disneyworld they have an inside section.
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland is the original and much longer, with more drops)
Riverboat – Disneyland has Mark Twain Riverboat and Walt Disney Walt.
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Soarin’ Over the world
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Star Tours: The Adventures Continues
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island
Toy Story Mania
Treehouses, Disneyland has Tarzan’s treehouse, and Walt Disneyworld has Swiss Family Treehouse.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

But there are some rides that are exclusive to each park.

If you want to ride on Indiana Jones, you will need to make a visit to Disneyland, if your child loves Cars then a visit to Radiator Springs in California Adventure Park is a must. If you want to soar like a Banshee on flights of passage you need to go to Walt Disney World.

Dining.

Disneyland and Disneyworld also have different options with Dining. Disneyland has a smaller variety of meals available due to its smaller size and you can book them 60 days out.

Walt Disney World has the Dining Plan if you are staying on site, where you prepay for your meals. ADR (advance dining reservations) are made 180 days out.

If you are staying on property you can also pre-purchase your dining through the Disney Dining Plan

Disneyland has over 50 food locations available, with about 20 full-service restaurants and a few of them are located in the parks. Other restaurants are located at Downtown Disney. Disneyland has mainly ‘American food’ and you can also get Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, and Italian. However, that is about the range of food variety.

There are over 200 different places to get food at WDW, including over 90 table service restaurants. 30 of these table service restaurants are located within the parks. The other 60 are found between Disney Springs and the various resorts. There are so many types of food from all around the world, German, Norwegian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, African, Canadian, Morrocan, Mexican. No matter what your taste there is something for everyone.

Weather.

California and Florida are both warmer climates. Florida is a more humid heat. California a dryer heat.

So now you have some of the facts of Disneyland vs Disneyworld.

Which park have you visited?

What park are you going to head to next?

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Top five things to do in Downtown Disney.

January 14, 2018October 2, 2018 Sarah

Downtown Disney

When we first went to Disneyland we never realised how amazing the shopping precinct at Downtown Disney is. There are over twenty shops and countless dining opportunities just outside the entrance of the Disneyland park.

Our children (and us) loved downtown Disney, we often grabbed breakfast in the bakery, we had dinner at rainforest cafe, we bought replacement flip-flops from Sanuk, got coffee from Starbucks.

Most mornings we walked to the entrance of Disneyland from our hotel through Downtown Disney, and we have put together our top five things to do in Downtown Disney.

Find the Hidden Mickeys in Downtown Disney

The Disney parks are full of hidden Mickeys, located in the furnishings of the hotels, the parks and Downtown Disney. We had great fun searching for Hidden Mickeys.

Our children were very excited when they found one hidden in the brickwork.

Check out the Lego store

There is something amazing about walking into the second largest Lego shop in America. (Orlando is the largest). The Lego store is an amazing shop with so many different LEGO sets to buy, you can select specific LEGO bricks. There is an interactive play space, there are large models all around the shop.

Build a bear in Downtown Disney

Take a wander into Build a bear and create your own Bear. There are some limited edition Disney designs that you won’t find in a normal Build a bear shop.

This is also a great activity to keep the kids amused when you want a break from the park.

Have a smoothie at Rainforest Cafe

Every time we head to Disneyland we have multiple smoothies, dinners, and late night snacks at the Rainforest Cafe. Whilst we were excited to hear about the new hotel that will be opening. We were heartbroken to hear that the Rainforest cafe would be closing down to make room for it.

I strongly recommend visiting before it closes to see the huge fish tank, giant animatronic animals, and have one of their amazing smoothies.

Visit Marceline’s Confectionery

The first thing that hits you as you Walk past Marcelines Confectionery is the amazing smell of fresh confectionery, chocolates, candy apples, flavoured popcorn.

Marceline’s confectionery is the perfect place to pick up a sweet treat for morning tea, afternoon tea or just because.

What are your favourite places in Downtown Disney?

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Disney youtube channels to watch

January 13, 2018October 2, 2018 Sarah

Planning your trip to a Disney resort?

What Disney youtube channels should you be watching?

We love Disney in our house, ever since we took our oldest two to Disneyland 7 years ago it seems like we have two moods in our house.

1 – We are at a Disney resort or

2 – We are planning our next Disney trip.

Each time we go, the distance between our trips seem to get smaller. There is something addictive about the magic of Disney. Once you go and take your children and see the magic in their eyes, whether they are 2 or 12 you just want to keep going back.

We have a travel goal which is to go to each of the parks around the world, a Disney cruise and stay at Disney Aulani resort. We have managed to tick off the Disney Aulani resort, and we have gone back to Disneyland, California Adventure Park multiple times and each time we are researching our trip whether for the first time or the third we jump on youtube and begin watching Disney vlogs, we begin researching the rides, the food, the hotels, the merchandise, the wait times. We look through blogs, head to travel agents and get up to date brochures.

The planning is often half the fun.

In further posts, I will explain in detail some of the other ways we research Disney but today I am focusing on our favourite Channels and videos to watch.

Our Favorite Disney Vlogs to watch on youtube

Disneyland Planning Video on youtube (2017)

Disneyworld Planning video on youtube (2017)

Disneyland and Disneyworld have a brilliant DVD that you can watch on youtube that is a comprehensive planning guide for your trip to Disneyland or Disneyworld. The Disneyland video is 35 minutes long, and the Disneyworld is just over an hour long. Found on the channel ResortTV1 it is a

The Disneyland video showcases both Disneyland and California Adventure Park, all the hotels in the Disneyland park, and downtown Disney. Whilst it doesn’t include prices, it shows you enough information so you can begin to dream “Disney”.

The Disneyworld video showcases the four different theme parks of Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood studios, Disney Animal Kingdoms. It also showcases the Disney Water Parks. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. There is also a section on Disney Springs.

Disney Parks

Disney parks are the official YouTube channel for all of the Disney Parks. It’s an official Disney vlog so a great channel to watch exclusive videos from Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani Resort & Spa, Disney Vacation Club.

Another favourite playlist is the animation academy where you can learn how to draw your favourite Disney characters.

If you are not sure whether you want to go to Aulani, to Disneyland or Disneyworld. Choose a playlist and imagine being there.

Disneyland

If you know that you are heading to Disneyland then head across to official YouTube channel for the whole Disneyland Resort! More than just the parks, it showcases the whole Disneyland Park, from Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District and all the hotels.

We love looking at the Disneyland – Food and Beverage playlist, the Frozen desert video makes us want to go back and get another Dole-whip every time.

Thingamavlogs

For the last two and a half years our children and I have been following the Thingamavlogs page, they were four Disney fans Patrick, Sarah, Leo & Tiff that posted daily posts about Disney. Most of their videos are Disneyland related as they are all live near California. Whilst their site finished up in October 2017, there is a wealth of information on the page, from foods, information on Disney bounding, dapper days.

Our kids loved the Mickey shaped food day when they ate all the Mickey shaped foods they could find in the park.

The bucket list family

Now the bucket list family are not just Disney vloggers, they are a family of four (almost 5) that have been travelling for the last 90+ weeks around the world, they decided to sell everything and adventure together around the world. All the family is involved in the vlog and they have been to Disneyland, Disneyworld and Disney Aulani resort and they have some great videos showcasing it.

Recently they participated in 30 resorts in 30 days at Disneyworld, where they stayed in Disneyworld for 30 days and stayed at a different resort every night.

Disney Food Blog

One of our favourite things about Disney is the food, from the amazing character experiences, the delicious foods, churros, Mickey-shaped pretzels, waffles, ice creams. The Disney Food Blog showcases all things edible at Disney parks, resorts, and cruise ships. If you love food then Disney Food blog is the Disney youtube channel for you.

Fresh baked Disney

Is a great Disney youtube channel that has a mix of fun facts, history of Disneyland, ride-throughs.

Adventures from where you want to be

I have also uploaded a few of my Disney videos, with more to follow from Disneyland and Disney Aulani. Head across to our channel and subscribe.

What are your favourite Disney youtube channels?

How do you research your trips? Or are you more spontaneous? Tell us in the comments below.

Do you have a travel blog – join us in weekend wanderlust

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Travel with children, Should you do it?

December 2, 2017October 2, 2018 Sarah

4 Reasons you should travel with your children.

“Wanderlust: n. a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.”

Since I took my first overseas trip as a teenager to the islands of Santa Cruz, in the Solomon Islands, I have had a desire to travel and see the world. My childhood was not one of travel. Our childhood holidays could be counted on one hand. But I have made sure that my adult life has been different.

When we had children, we didn’t want that to change. So at only ten days old, we packed up our car, and took our first holiday with our young daughter, driving from Melbourne to Batemans Bay. Three children later we have continued to travel and continued to try and install that same “wanderlust” in our children.

So many of friends have questioned our trips? Will they remember the trips? Is it worth taking your preschool children to Disneyland, to Athabasca Falls, across the Nullarbor, to Uluru, Cape York? They have told us, we should wait until they are older. We should go when they can appreciate it. But we don’t Wait, we Travel.

But why do we Travel with our children?

1 – It’s fun.

I would be remiss not to say My number one reason for travelling with our children. It’s fun. Nothing can describe the pure joy and excitement on our children’s face when they first walked through the Gates of Disneyland. The joy I felt when we took our children snorkelling at Hamilton Island. How proud I am as I watch our children make new friends as we travel around.

2. They learn so much about themselves, about others.

Not all classrooms have four walls.

Our children have travelled overseas, and extensively through Australia. They have grown up through our travels, they have learned so much.

They have learned about different cultures. They have learned patience, they have learned about our history (and didn’t realise it at the time). They have learned about peace, and about war. They have learned to adapt when things don’t go to plan. From Delayed flights to incorrect hotel rooms. Through missed transfers that ended up in missed activities. Life does not always go to plan, but that’s ok.

On long road trips, they have relearned to use their imagination, with no TV or Ipads to amuse them. They have learned to be alert and be aware of their surroundings, Playing fun games while they are doing it.

In travel, often the journey is part of the fun. We are teaching our children that it is not all about where you are in life, but how you got there.

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. Greg Anderson

3. Our Children add to our lives.

When we were pregnant with our first Child, A wise mum said to us. Your children should come into your life and fit into your life. They add to it. Make sure that they fit in with your routine, not the other way around.

We love to travel, we love to take holidays, we love to go out for Brunch on the weekends. We love to walk around our Local Lake, we love to go to the beach. So we have always made sure that our children are involved in it. So they to love it.

People always mention how well behaved our children are out at restaurants, how well behaved they are when travelling. That is because it is second nature to them.

Over time we have had to adapt our travel plans, there are some trips that they are not ready for. We couldn’t expect them to walk the 6 day Overland trail track, but they can wander through the Otways with us. They are not ready for a 3-day Whitsunday Fishing Charter, however, they will happily go fishing off the jetty on the way to Cape York.

4 – Making Memories

We want our children’s memories of their childhood to be treasured. We want them to look back on their childhood with love and joy. We feel they get that through travel. When you travel with your children you get away from the normal day to day rush of life. There is no Tae kwon do to rush to, no work, no school. Instead, there is time to create memories as a Family.

Yes, those things are important, but when you are on holidays you can forget about the normal business of life and spend quality time together. It might just be a quick day trip to Lorne or a longer month long holiday to the states. The time itself is not the important part. It’s the quality, not the quantity that matters. It’s the memories.

So why do you travel with children? Why don’t you? Tell us below in the comments.

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Disneylands California Adventure Park – Top 5 Activities for Children.

November 18, 2017October 2, 2018 Sarah

A visit to Disneyland in Anaheim would not be complete without hopping next door and visiting Disney’s California Adventure Park. this park focuses more on California and the Disney Pixar characters than Disneyland and has a much more Carnival feel than Disneyland next door. We found on our trips to Anaheim about 40 % was spent in California Adventure Park and 60 % at Disneyland. So it’s well worth a visit.

I asked my four children what their highlights were from California Adventure Park and I have compiled a list of the Top 5.

Twelve yr olds Top 5 at Disney’s California Adventure Park

1- Toy Story Midway Mania (Fastpass)

This ride located at the back of the park at Paradise Pier was a favourite with our children and adults alike. You climb into a Carnival Car in Andy’s room and aim at various objects in a carnival-inspired 4D game. The great thing about Toy Story Midway Mania, is it tallies up your score so you can see how well you went.

Whilst there are no height restrictions, Children 7 and under must be supervised by someone 14 years or older.

2- Soarin around the world (Fastpass) Located in Grizzly Peak

Children 102cm or taller that don’t mind heights will love Soarin around the world. This ride is one that is hard to explain as really there is no other ride quite like it. You feel like you are hang gliding over amazing sights and really feel like you are there. All your senses are included, you feel the wind in your hair, you smell things, the music surrounds you.

3- World of colour

World of colour is a magical presentation of songs, music, Disney animation, lights, fire through their projection onto the water. It is an amazing experience that really brings the Disney Magic alive. The show goes for about 25 minutes, but you are drawn into every minute, every moment. Your children will love seeing their favourite characters from Pixar as well the Traditional Disney characters

It starts with a fun wheel challenge, fifteen minutes before the show, and continues through the presentation.

*We always book a Disney Dining package through Ariel’s grotto, to ensure we get a great seat, in the world of Colour preferred viewing area.

4- Radiator Springs Racing (Cars Land) Fastpass

Children 102cm will love racing in radiator springs. There is always a long line so make sure you head here first to grab a FastPass ticket. The level of detail even in the waiting area is great. You really feel like you are visiting Radiator springs. The ride itself takes you on a journey with Mater to help him participate in tractor tipping, on your way to the big race.

You are in a 6 man vehicle, and empty seats are filled up with the single rider line. The first half of the ride is inside, but the final race is outside and you race another car. You don’t know who is going to win. Every time is different.

Radiator Springs Racing (Cars Land)

5- Silly symphony swings (Paradise Pier)

A great fun classic carnival style ride. Swing high above Paradise Bay to the sounds of William Tell Overture. You must be over 102cms tall. Probably some of the best views of the water and Paradise Pier

Silly Symphony Swings

HONOURABLE MENTION – Animation Academy

Fun for all ages and experiences, the animation academy teaches children and adults alike how to draw some of Disney favourite characters, you are taught by a Disney animator.

It’s an interactive step by step process. You get to take home your artwork at the end.

disney animation academy

Ten-Year-olds Top 5 Activities for Children at Disney California Adventure Park.

It’s always interesting to see how my two older children’s favourites often overlap.

1- Toy Story Mania

(As above)

2- Goofy Sky school (FastPass, max pass, rider switch, single rider line)

Children 107cm or taller will love this roller coaster ride, that zigs and zags around corners. Children under 7 need to be supervised by someone 14 years or older. The rollercoaster is not for children afraid of heights as it goes 3 stories high in the air.

3- Mickey’s Fun Wheel

Not just an amazing photo opportunity the iconic Mickey’s fun wheel is the perfect way to see a great view of the Park. There are 8 traditional carriages, then 16 more daring carriages that move around. We had a turn on the ones that move around (Normally half the wait time) and whilst it was a little scarier it was a great way to see the park.

Each of the Carriages has a Disney face either Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald.

Mickey's Fun wheel

4- Grizzle river run (FastPass, MaxPass, Single Rider line, Rider switch)

You will get wet, very wet when you take a ride on the Grizzly River Run, Jump onboard a whitewater rafting journey as you plunge down the rapids of the grizzly peak.

5- Soarin over the world

(As above)

Five-year-old Top 5 list for California Disney Adventure Park.

1- The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

Disneyland Ariels

The Little Mermaid ride contains scenes, music and characters from The little mermaid. The line moves quickly as the clamshell carriages are always moving.

2- Golden Zephyr Paradise Pier California Adventure Park

Soar high with the Golden Zephyr ride, located at Paradise Pier, this ride is perfect for Children of all heights. The ride goes for 90 seconds, and you soar around in 14 man silver carriages, inspired by the 1920’s.

It allows for a great view of the Paradise Pier area. However does close early due to the World of Colour.

3- Flik’s Flyers A Bug’s Life

Fliks Flyers

Fly high like a bug, in bug’s hot air balloon. Great ride for children and adults alike, with no height restrictions. You get a great view of all the surrounding Bug’s life attractions.

4- Princess Puddle Park (Bug’s life)

There is nothing better on a hot Californian day in the park to have a little splash in Princess Puddle Park.

5- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Twirl with Mater in his Junkyard Jamboree, to some great country music. you need to be 81cm tall to ride, and children under 7 must be supervised by someone 14 years or older. There are 22 different tractor trailers, that go around in figure 8. I don’t know if its the original country tunes are sung by mater or the unpredictability of the ride, but you can’t help but smile as you spin around.

Four Year old’s favourite rides at California Adventure Park.

1- Flik’s Flyers (As Above)

2- Princess Puddle park (As above)

3- Heimlich Chew Chew Train (A bugs life)

Ride on top of Heimlich as you tour through the gardens in search of food. This is a gorgeous ride where everything around you looks huge as you navigate on a bug. Heimlich chews through treats both healthy like Watermelon, to the unhealthy candy corn.

Caterpillar carriages seat ten, with 5 seats of 2. Great for all ages but especially pre-schoolers.

4- Francis Ladybug Boogie (A Bug’s life)

Your child will love going for a spin on ladybugs back in Francis Ladybug Boogie at California Adventure Park. Similar to a teacup ride, you move along to a swinging beat.

5- Turtle talk with Crush (Hollywood Land)

This great interactive experiences, allows children to have an interactive chat with Crush and learn about many of the Disney Pixar, Finding Nemo and Finding Dory characters.
California Disney Adventure Park has so many great experiences for the kids, it’s well worth a visit. Children and Adults alike will marvel at all the great experiences. So if you are booking your tickets to Disneyland. Make sure you grab a Park Hopper pass.

Have you been to Disney’s California Adventure park? What was your favourite ride? Tell us in the comments below.

#feetdotravel, #weekendwanderlust

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Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

November 11, 2017October 2, 2018 Sarah

Do you want to know one of the most magical places in Disneyland? Somewhere sure to delight, make your child feel extra special. Then you need to book into the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique located in Fantasyland.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a popular experience at Disneyland for girls and boys aged 3 – 12. A Fairy Godmother in Training will transform your child into a royal princess or knight at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

There are seven packages on offer.

1- The crown package. $64.95 US plus Tax (and tip)

If you have your own costume, this is a great entry level package to make your child feel special and pampered. This package includes hair, (Princess, Disney Diva, Color star) makeup, Princess sash and a take-home Princess Cinch bag and nail polish.

2- The next level is the courtyard Package, this is $109.95 (Plus tax) (And tip)

This includes the same as a crown package and a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique T-shirt, and a tutu.

3 – The next Package is the Castle Package, starting at $199.95 US

(depends on your child’s choice of costume and extra accessories) (Plus Tax and tip). You would have to put aside at least $250 US.

It includes everything from the Crown package, a Princess gown of your choice, all to take home in their Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique cinch bag. The thing that sets it apart is the portrait package where they take gorgeous professional photos near Cinderella’s carriage.

Then the child and four of their family members get priority entrance into Fantasy Faire to meet three of the Disney princesses. No waiting in line.

4 – The Disney Frozen Package, at $164.95 US (Plus tax and tip)

This package is for the frozen fan. It comes with an Anna or Elsa Hairstyle and an Anna or Elsa Costume. The children also receive makeup, nail polish, Sparkling snowflake Accessories, Face gem, Princess gem and get to take home a 12 inch Olaf plush toy.

5 – The Disney Frozen crown package at $114.95 US (Plus tax and tip)

Like the Disney Frozen package just without the Anna or Elsa costume, perfect if you already have an Anna or Elsa costume.

Now the Bibbidi, Bobbidi Boutique is not just for princesses, There are two more great packages

6 – The Knights package. $19.95 (Plus tax and tip) –

You get a hairstyle, a sword, and shield. You can also upgrade to a different sword and shield if you would like for a small additional sum.

7 – The Deluxe Knights package, $79.95 US (Plus tax and tip)

You get all the great bits of the Knights package and also a great Prince costume.

Hairstyle

Fairytale Princess

Disney Diva

Color Star

Things to know –

Tips are cash only.

There is only one carriage and photographer so you might have to wait a few minutes for photos.

It is very tempting to spend extra money on shoes, gloves, and other accessories. If you want to save money bring your own accessories.

It is extremely busy, they allow you to book up to 60 days in advance by phone on (714) 781-7895. Make sure you do.

After the package, we found that all the Disney cast members interacted with our children by calling them, sir or princess. It really added to the magic.

To see what are some of our other recommendations for children to do at Disneyland check out our post – Top 5 Must do Activities for Children at Disneyland.

This post is part of #weekendwanderlust

What makeover pack would you choose? Have you been to Disneyland before? Tell us in the comments below.

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