Bucket List: Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney

When guests ask me if Adventures by Disney trips are worth the hype (and the money!), my answer is a resounding YES!  I've traveled to many different countries before - Australia, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and others, but the Adventure portion of THIS trip had me a little nervous as it was a tiny bit outside my comfort zone, but I'm SO glad I didn't skip out.  Let me share some of the highlights of this trip with you, and share the Adventures by Disney Difference.

When my husband, Brian, and I arrived in Costa Rica, we headed through customs and easily found the Adventures by Disney sign and person to assist us.  She sent us straight to a porter and he grabbed our luggage and took us out to a waiting car.  Tipping is included for all of the drivers, servers, and staff encountered through the adventure, so Brian and I were able to relax and go along for the ride, enjoying our first views of the country.

We arrived at our hotel late - the last of our group.  One of our guides, Fico, was waiting outside of the hotel when we arrived to give us our welcome packet and answer any questions we had.  We didn't realize that he would become a good friend by the end of the week.  Our luggage was being taken directly to our room, so we had some dinner on our own, and toured the hotel a bit before heading to bed - our Adventure would begin tomorrow morning!

The next morning, we enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the hotel and had an information session about the country with our guides.  We met Summer Rose, our second guide, and the other members of our group.  Each group is kept to 40 people or less.  Our luggage had been loaded for us, as we would change hotels that night. 

We headed to our first big adventure - the one I was MOST excited about - White Water Rafting!  On the bus, Summer Rose and Fico were great about sharing information about the area, and what to expect from our tour.  They pointed out different photo spots, and made sure we had snacks and drinks.  We were well informed, which was different than some others.  As we arrived, there was a gentleman from another group that was trying to buy someone's water shoes as he had flip flops and closed toes were required.  Not a problem for the ABD group - we all knew WELL in advance what we needed. 

We suited up, and had a grand adventure with just the right mixture of floating and rapids, and splashing. Another great Disney Difference is the option for an alternate activity.  If you're not feeling up for rapids, you can do an easy river float.  For all high adventure options, there is a less adventurous option as well. 




After rafting for most of the morning, we had showers with towels provided by our Adventure Guides, followed by lunch.  Then we were back on the road to our next destination.  One other mention of a Disney Difference - guess which of these was our bus?  And how do you think the other tour group felt parked next to us? 



Our second hotel was near the Arenal Volcano - we had an AMAZING room with this view!  Our room had a king bed, sitting area, twin bed area, hot tub, balcony and a large bath.  The resort had restaurants, hot springs, several pools, and a lounge area.  We learned to make Guaro Sours, a popular drink in Costa Rica.

Now for the day I had been dreading... I  was worried about the Zip Line.  We geared up and I expressed concerns to Fico.  He assured me all would be well, but he did ask them to add a strap so I felt more secure in the harness - an extra clip.  We did a "bunny run" zip line where we learned what to do.  The staff was amazing at putting us at ease.  What I had originally thought was one zipline turned out to be a series - yep, I was going to have to do it several times!  One of our group was very nervous.  One of the crew strapped in with her and so she didn't have to go alone.  By the end of the lines, she was going by herself.  It's really a strange sensation - you have to lift your legs, and then they release you.  For a few seconds, you forget to be scared and just are in awe of the landscape and the beauty of the mountains and water around you.  Then, after about 30 seconds, you reach the other side.  You're instructed how to come in safely, but it is still a thrill to realize that you DID it!  The staff seriously put me at ease with humor and confidence.  I couldn't wait to tell my kids that I had done it!
 




We had a real life "Jungle Cruise" today - so beautiful as we floated down the river and the guides pointed out animals - birds, three types of monkeys and more.  Then we had lunch at a Bed and Breakfast before our motorcoach picked us up. 

Next up was the El Mangroove Resort - this is the final and most luxurious of the resorts.  While here, Brian and I enjoyed a private dinner, massages in outdoor cabanas (listening to the monkeys while having a massage is REALLY amazing).  Our group had a catamaran sail with snorkeling and lunch on the boat.  Which boat do you think was ours?







What I didn't share was the magical moments - the trivia on the bus, getting to know others on our trip and making friends that we'll travel with again.  Stopping to take pictures of a real sloth in a real tree.  The farewell dinner with our friends and the slideshow of all of our photos taken by the guides.  Cultural performances and experiences, and enough time on our own to explore if we wanted.  We also visited a hot springs and had a delicious dinner, and celebrated those with birthdays.  Every need, every concern, and every question was handled by our guides.  THEY are the Disney Difference, and the reason that my family will continue to travel with Adventures by Disney.

If you're interested in planning your OWN adventure, contact me today for dates in 2020 and 2021.  Locations all over the world are waiting for you.

Katie@HiHoVacations.com

New! Disney Dining Plan Plus... Is it right for your family?

Disney released a new dining plan today and I have several examples below that show how the different dining plans can be used and whether they are worth it for your family or not! 

Now, there are 4 Disney dining plans. 

The Quick Service Dining Plan includes two quick service meals and two snacks per person per night of a trip, and a refillable mug for unlimited coffee, tea, and soda at resort only. 

The Disney Dining Plan (Also referred to as Disney Dining Plan #1) includes one table service, one quick service, two snacks per person per night of a trip, and a refillable mug for unlimited coffee, tea, and soda at resort only.

The Disney Dining Plus Plan (Also referred to as Disney Dining Plan #2) includes two meals that can be used for either quick service or table service dining per night, two snacks per night, and a refillable mug for unlimited coffee, tea, and soda at resort only.

The Deluxe Dining Plan includes three meals that can be used for either quick service or table service dining per night, two snacks per night, and a refillable mug for unlimited coffee, tea, and soda at resort only.

Quick service meals include entree, side, drink (including alcohol or specialty beverage for adults).  Table service meals include entree, side, drink (including alcohol or specialty beverage for adults, and dessert). 

Now, here's the challenge...  What do you choose? 

Generally, if you're planning to do one sit down meal per night of your stay, the Disney Dining Plan is the best option.  If you're planning to do TWO sit down meals for more than HALF of your days or more than TWO signature meals, the Dining Plus Plan is the best option.  If you're planning to do more than THREE signature meals or two meals for MOST of your days, the Deluxe Dining Plan is the best option.

Let's consider the math...
Quick Service - Adult  $57/ Child $28
Disney Dining Plan (#1) - Adult $80/ Child $32
Disney Dining Plus Plan (#2) - Adult $97/ Child $37
Deluxe Dining Plan - Adult $121/ Child $50

For easy math, let's use one adult and one child, age 3 - 9. 

Breakfast - Be Our Guest (Quick service)
Adult - Feast al la Gaston (scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, fruit, platter of pastries) and Peach Bellini $29/$11
Child- Fifi's French Toast with fruit and Chocolate milk $16/$2

Lunch - 2 Mickey Pretzels and Cheese $7 each

Snack -2 Mickey Ice Cream Bars - $5.75 each



Dinner - Chef Mickey Buffet (Bay Lake Sunrise cocktail for adult)
Adult - $60/$14
Child - $39

Snack - 2 Popcorn boxes - $5 each

Total cost out of pocket - $206.50 (not including gratuity)

Meal plan cost - Disney Dining Plan (#1) - $112

Obviously, the Disney Dining Plan saves a LOT of money here.  This is because the cost of the child's dinner is MORE than the cost of the meal plan for the entire day including snacks and a quick service. 


Now, what if we wanted to have TWO sit down meals? 

Epcot-

Breakfast at Akershus
Adult with Mimosa - $53/$11
Child - $34

Lunch - Festival of the Arts Kiosk
Red Wine Braised Short Rib - $8
Artist's Palate Chocolate Chip Cookie - $5.50

Dinner - Rose and Crown

Adult - Fish and Chips, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and Guinness
$23/$9/$10
Child - Cheesy Pasta with Fruit Cup and Trifle
$9

Snack - 2 Mickey Bars - $5.75 each

Cost out of Pocket - $174
Disney Dining Plus Plan (#2) - $134
NOTE: On the Deluxe Plan, adults also EACH get an appetizer at restaurants that have them!

There is still a savings here (not to mention the refillable resort cup!)

So I know what you're thinking...  Why would anyone want the Deluxe Plan?  Well, if you're looking to do signature dining like Cinderella's Royal Table, this can save you money. 









Well, Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner is $75 per adult and $45 per child.  If you add a meal like 'Ohana for breakfast ($42 per adult, $27 per child), you're already at $189 for the two guests before we even add snacks and the refillable mug.  The cost for the deluxe plan for an adult and a child is $171. 

Overwhelmingly, the huge cost savings comes with children under 10 years of age, but there is still savings to be had for teens - they get adult portions and can have specialty beverages like smoothies, milkshakes, and non-alcoholic drinks which are at a premium cost.

Best of all, the meal plan is pre-paid, so there is no huge bill at the end of the week, and you can say YES without hesitation to the "Can I have a snack?" pleas of the kids and kids at heart. 

You know what they say!  A Mickey Bar a day on vacation keeps the Grumpy Dwarf away!  (Ok, I'm the only one that says that, but it's TRUE. 

Do you want to make sure that one of the Disney Dining Plans are right for your family?  Contact me today and let's talk about YOUR trip! 
Katie@HiHoVacations.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisneyDDR/

Guest Blog: Harmony Barber Shop at Walt Disney World

Guest Blog: Harmony Barber Shop

by:  Daphne Whitmire

I consider myself to be a Disney pro. I have been to WDW over 20 times, been on DCL twice, and finally made it DLR last fall. My kids are following in my footsteps with several trips under their belts.  My motto is “You are never too young or too old for Disney.” As a mom of two girls, age 11 and 8, we have done almost every magical princess thing, so it’s been a little difficult to find something unique and magical for my 4 year- old boy.

I had heard about the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street at Magic Kingdom. It’s an actual operating barber shop with licensed cosmetologists.

At first I was a little nervous, my little guy is a crazy man when it comes to haircuts.  Once I saw the price list online, around $18 for a haircut, I thought I would take a chance and made him an appointment. After all Great Clips is $12, but this Disney.

The Harmony Barber Shop is located near the front of Magic Kingdom in between the Fire Station and Emporium Gift Shop.


We arrived about fifteen minutes before our appointment and checked in. The shop itself is tiny with three or four chairs. They were ready for my little man.

He jumped right up in the chair, and our cast member stylist offered him a light up toy. Of course, he picked R2D2, and proceeded to tell her how much he loved Star Wars. She asked me about the type of cut he wanted, and we talked about clipper length.

 The haircut itself was pretty quick. The only difference was my little guy was so pre-occupied with R2D2 and conversation with the cast member, that he wasn’t squirming around like he does with other haircuts.

After the cut, the cast member added some gel and pirate dust, and we were on our way. Side note:  my son hates gel, and never lets me put it in his hair. Maybe it was the pirate dust or the cast member telling him how handsome he was.

We had a magical time at the Harmony Barber Shop. My little guy received the best haircut of his life. My husband and I joked that if we were annual pass holders, we would go there every month for our little guy’s haircut. The price was great for only $18. The cast members only accept tips, if they are cash. The cutest thing I saw while I was there was a baby getting his first haircut. They give little customized First Hair Cut Ears.  Harmony Barbershop gets a two thumbs up from this Disney pro.

To book this experience and others, contact Katie Dixon

Katie@HiHoVacations.com.

Hi Ho Vacations is an Authorized Disney Travel Planner and Katie has almost 9 years of experience making magic for families just like yours!  Her services are 100% Free and 100% Magical! 

Top Ten Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World!

There's no doubt about it, Orlando is HOT during parts of the year!  Sometimes, the daily storms are a welcome relief to cool off the steamy parks (and reduce the crowds a bit!)  Here are my top 10 tips for beating the heat while you enjoy the parks at resorts at Disney World. 

10. Hydrate!  Refillable water bottles are a must!  Also, ALL quick service locations offer ice waterfor FREE - just stop and ask! 

9. Dress for the heat! Loose breathable material will help keep you cool when the sun is at its hottest.  Clingy material and synthetics can trap in the heat. 

8. Cooling towels rock!  These are amazing when there is just no escaping the heat.  Wet them, snap them, and wrap around your neck for an instant cool down!  Great for small kids too! 

7. Personal fans - These are becoming more and more popular.  You can get battery powered small fans, and even fans with a sprayer to keep you extra cool!  (Purchase before arrival in Orlando - you pay a premium for the Mickey head on the bottle!)

6. Ice Cream!  Who doesn't love a yummy cool treat when it's hot outside?  Mickey Ice Cream Bars ALWAYS hit the spot, but be careful - they melt pretty fast! 

5. Enjoy the pools!  Agressive touring plans can be challenging when it is hot outside.  Some families like to take a break mid-day when it is the hottest and relax at the resort pool or splash area.  You can head back to the same park if you have a base ticket, or ANY park with a hopper, just in time for dinner and an evening show.  Beach and Yacht Club offers my FAVORITE pool on property.

4. Water Parks!  Disney offers two great waterparks for those who enjoy adventure of the splashtastic variety!  Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach passes are nominal in price if you already have a park hopper!  Ask me which water park is best for your family!

3. A/C!  Many of the attractions in the parks are inside in the air conditioning!  Include several of these throughout the day to relax.  Some of my favorites: Monster's Inc Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom, The American Adventure in Epcot, Frozen Sing Along in Hollywood Studios, and Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom!

2. Travel in winter/spring!  It isn't always an option to choose when you vacation, but some months are cooler than others!  Decemeber and January can even be COLD!  Feb, March, and April along with November are usually fairly comfortable. 

1. Hats!  Your mickey ears won't cut it on this one - you may need a full on floppy hat to keep the sun off your head and neck.  Luckily, Disney has us covered with some mouse-inspired options when a headband won't do! 



As always, my BEST advice is to have a plan and be willing to throw it out the window!  Listen to your body and to your family - rest when rest is needed and anticipate hydration needs.  Slowing down a little today can mean a better day tomorrow! 

Looking for a summer getaway?  Great prices available now!  Contact me today! 
Katie@HiHoVacations.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisneyDDR/

Top Ten Things to Know About Disney Cruise Line (before 2020 release!)

Anyone who has sailed on a Disney Cruise Line ship will tell you that the vacations that DCL offers are unforgettable!  WARNING:  You just MAY fall in love with cruising once you experience a Disney Cruise Line Vacation!  As the release of additional 2020 DCL cruises approach, here is a list of top ten things to know about DCL. Whether you're new to cruising or already have your sea legs, 2020 is a great time to plan a cruise with your family!

1. The Best of THREE Vacations! I'm absolutely serious.  You get family time to play games, enjoy water slides, experience world-class entertainment, and all of the fun a Disney Cruise Ship has to offer.  Then, the kids head off to the Oceaneer's Club or Lab (or Vibe or Edge for older kids) while the adults relax in adult-only areas including pools, spa, adult only dining and evening nightclub atmosphere and live music.  THEN, on the days your ship is in port, you'll explore exotic locations or fantastic beaches all over the world with your family!  

2. You Get What You Pay For - I won't pretend that Disney offers a "discount" cruise vacation.  I WILL tell you that once you're on board, you'll forget all about how much the trip costs.  These memories are priceless.  The GREAT news is that you get a TON of extras included in your cruise fare!  Broadway Style shows, first run movies, water slides, room service, soda on the pool deck, meals in whimsical and themed restaurants, (Go ahead!  Order two entrees or two desserts!  It's included!) character meet and greets, character breakfasts on some ships, Marvel and Star Wars themes and characters on some sailings, fireworks, Disney's private island Castaway Cay with included food and activities, kids clubs for ages 3 and up, trivia, adult only activities, and so much more!  Many cruiselines offer basics included and upcharges for MANY things on board.  There are only a handful of things that are a premium on Disney Cruise Line ships!

3. There ARE Better Times to Book - If you're not a Florida Resident or a member of the military, discounts on Disney Cruises seem few and far between.  There are two options that are open to everyone that will offer savings.  First, booking on opening day offers the lowest pricing for cruises.  Disney Cruise Line pricing is dynamic, so as rooms fill, prices increase.  Booking on opening day can save hundreds of dollars per person over last minute pricing.  **HINT: DCL 2020 is opening VERY SOON!  Email me today to get on the list to take advantage of the best pricing available!** 

4. See Ya Real Soon! - The other option to save on a Disney Cruise is to book your NEXT cruise while you're on board!  $250 per room secures discounted pricing for 2 years from your booking date.  You'll save 10% off of current pricing as well as on board credit from Disney (based on the length of your cruise).  If you know which date you'd like to sail, you can secure it with a deposit while on board to get the discount. 

5. Everywhere You Want to Be - Disney Cruise Line sails all over the world.  Alaska, Europe, Norway, Bahamas, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Transatlantic.  Want to see the Panama Canal?  Disney does that.  Many ports are also available - San Juan, Vancouver, Port Canaveral, Miami, Rome and more. 

6. Your Kids?  They'll LOVE It! - Parents often ask me about the clubs for kids and there isn't much I can say other than, "They'll LOVE it!"  Ages 3-12 can explore the Oceaneer's Club with books, crafts, dress up, group games, computer games, dance parties, themed rooms like Andy's Room from Toy Story and The Millenium Falcon from Star Wars, and activities with highly trained crew members.  In the Oceaneer's Lab, they'll find video games, science experience, food projects and so much more.  The 11-14 year olds have an area just for them, and teens 14 - 18 have a club for them as well with their own pool area and smoothie bar.  So much to do, and the crew in the clubs even have Special Needs Training! 

7. Vacation Your Way - Gluten free?  Need Handicapped Accessible accomodations?  Use a CPap?  Vegan?  Other special needs and requirements?  Disney Cruise Line has you covered.  In fact, Disney wants to be your go-to destination regardless of your circumstances or needs.  In addition to servers who are constantly asking about dietary restrictions, other services and supplies are available as well.  Wheelchairs for use on sand at Castaway Cay (and wagons if your stroller won't cut it!), distilled water for CPap machines, medical facility on board, sensory friendly movies, handicapped accessible seating at all shows and more.  Want to stay on board while in port?  No problem!  Disney Cruise Line truly wants you to "Be Our Guest."

8. Castaway Cay - Imagine white sand beaches, beautiful ocean, tropical drinks and Captain Jack Sparrow.  Yes, that's right!  One of the most amazing beaches in the world with Disney characters out to play!  BBQ lunch is included, trams to all areas of the island, bike rental, innertube rental, waterslides IN the ocean, and so much more.  My description doesn't do this magical place justice.  This stop will be a highlight of your trip.  Like a little exercise?  Castaway Cay offers a 5K for those who wish to participate! 

9. Put Our Service to the Test! - If you've visited any of the Disney Parks, you know about the world class service offered to all guests.  Now imagine that level of service turned up a notch!  From your room steward to your service team, Disney Cruise Line Crew Members take their role in your vacation very seriously!  You'll want to take them home with you!  Your dining team may do magic tricks to entertain your kids.  Your room steward may leave towel animals for your delight!  Princess Tiana may remember YOUR princesses name!  Disney service is unmatched and THIS is what makes DCL stand out above the rest.

10. Book with an Expert! - Just like with land based trips, my goal is to make sure that you never return home and say "I wish I would have known..."  With extensive cruising experience on all DCL ships, I'll make sure you have all of the tips and tricks that you need to feel like a pro and make sure that you can take advantage of all of the *extras* that Disney Cruise Line has to offer your family.  From choosing the right itinerary and ship, to finalizing details on pre and post stays and transportation, my advice will make your Disney Cruise even more fun!  As always, my services are 100% free and 100% magical!  I also offer all cruisers booked with me exlusive On Board Credit.  You MAKE money just for booking with me! 

More 2020 dates open very soon - contact me today to get pricing and look at availability for your next vacation! 

Katie Dixon - Katie@HiHoVacations.com

Sleeping Beauty Castle - Old Vs New!

Guests who visited Disneyland in early 2019 may have been disappointed to see construction walls up around the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle while it was updated.  Finally, the new castle has been revealed and it is brighter (and bigger?) than ever! 

Modeled after Neuschwanstein in Germany, the original Sleeping Beauty castle (once called Snow White's Castle) was the only Disney castle that was overseen by Walt Disney himself.  It opened in 1955 and used forced perspective to look taller than it's 77 ft height.

In 1965, the Disney Family Coat of Arms was added to Sleeping Beauty Castle.  Guests can enter the building and view dioramas that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty. 

Earlier this month, Sleeping Beauty Castle has reopened and is more beautiful than ever!  More vibrant colors, pixie dust, and traditional painting techniques called atmospheric perspective were added to continue and enhance the height have been added with the new renovation.  Efforts were made to keep the style and essence of the original designer, Herb Ryland.

Visitors will notice that the lower sections of the castle are warmer pink and the hue lightens as blue is added to the top.  A new roof was added, including some pixie dust!  New paint, lighting, banners, and landscaping rounded out the refurbishment. 

What do you think?  Do you prefer the new classic version or the updated Sleeping Beauty Castle?




Contact me today to see this beautiful castle in person!  I can also assist with expert planning services for all Disney Destinations.  Katie@HiHoVacations.com   As always, 100% Free, 100% Magical.