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/