We are in uncharted territory at the moment, with the Disney Parks worldwide closed due to the Corona Virus. This is all so unprecedented.
To brighten your day a little, I wanted to take you on a little tour of the beautiful topiaries Disney World has decorating Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival.
Hopefully, you can get there next year and see them all in person. Stay healthy.
Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort is a hidden gem and worth a visit even if you are not staying at this resort.
A wall of vintage rums, your own rum specialist, a ceviche bar and a patio overlooking the lagoon combine to make Strong Water Tavern an exceptionally cool and stylish watering hole. Featuring tapas-style dining options with rum tastings, this is a true jewel at this very tropical island feel resort.
On a recent visit to Universal Orlando, I visited twice. The service was wonderful each time and the food delicious! It was impossible to choose drinks and tapas, but our server made suggestions and following those proved to be the right choice.
My companion and I shared a few tapas, the Florida Ceviche and the Seafood Tostadas which were both incredible. Especially the Florida Ceviche which came highly recommended by our server. She was not wrong, we got it again on our next visit!
While they have anything you could want including wine and beer, Rum is their speciality as we went with rum drinks. Fountain of Youth the first visit for me and to accompany our Florida Ceviche on our second late-night visit, a Cayman Island Iced Tea.
The bar was full late afternoon on our first visit, pre-dinner drinks going strong, tables were plentifully available though. During our late-night visit, there were considerably more people, but we still were able to be seated immediately, it’s a very large space.
Next time you are at Universal Orlando, be sure to stroll over or take the water taxi over You can even walk to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort from Citywalk.
Strong Water Tavern is an absolute gem!
Put a little mischief in your merry with Universal Orlando! There is a little something for everyone at Universal Orlando Resort during the holidays.
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Diagon Alley™ is transformed with festive décor and brilliant lighting. There are special holiday treats and drinks, the atmosphere is brimming with excitement and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees have a special show prepared just for the occasion.
Merry and Mayhem combine as the Minions join Santa Claus in Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a holiday favorite that also features characters from Madagascar and Shrek.Diagon Alley™Diagon Alley™
The best-selling holiday artist of all time visits Universal Studios as Mannheim Steamroller returns for live performances on select nights, included with your Universal Studios Florida admission.
Concert Dates are Saturday and Sundays
Nov. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30
Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15
Head to Universal Studios Florida for upbeat live music, rockin’ party zones, a chance to meet some of your favorite characters, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, amazing pyrotechnic displays, showers of confetti and, of course, party favors.
New Year’s Eve at the Music Plaza Stage
New Year’s Eve in Central Park
Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World at Universal Orlando as Hogsmeade™ is transformed by festive décor and special entertainment. And as the stars begin to shine, revel in a dazzling projection of holiday spirit as The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle unfolds.
Explore Seuss Landing™, filled with the Christmas charm and cheer of Who-ville. Delight in The Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic holiday tale starring The Grinch™. Plus, meet the maven of mischief himself for an autograph and photo.
Choose from irresistible entrees and get your camera ready. The Grinch™ himself will make the rounds, stopping to pose for photos and share hilariously snarky small talk. (Separately ticketed experience.)
The whole year’s been leading up to this: EVE, an electrifying New Year’s Eve celebration at Universal CityWalk. Enjoy signature drinks. Revel in at least five incredible CityWalk clubs with live music. Savor unlimited delicious gourmet cuisine. And you can rock out on Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor. (Separately ticketed event. 21+ only.)
There is lots of excitement at Universal Orlando Resort during the holiday season!
One of the best and favorite souvenirs for most people on any trip are the pictures. The photo package options on Disney Cruise Line can be a bit confusing and often I get asked if they are worth it.
While I cannot tell you if it’s worth it, I can go over the major points and how it all works to make it easier for you to decide if it’s worth it for your family.
There are plenty of opportunities and photographers located all over the ship, but it’s up to you to take advantage of them if you purchase a package and want to get your money’s worth.
It’s always free to have your photo taken and photos can be purchased a la carte if you prefer not to purchase a package.
Your photographs are available for purchase in a variety of product options. Simply choose the package that works best for you!
*Prices are subject to change until package purchase.
Note: When members of your immediate family are sailing in multiple staterooms, you only need to purchase one package. You must go to Shutters onboard to add a stateroom to your package, this cannot be done online. To be eligible to link staterooms, the guests in the additional stateroom must include the children (under age 21) of the adult booking the photo package. Linking is only available for immediate family members. Extended family members such as aunts, uncles, grandparents , etc… are not eligible.
Disney Cruise Line makes it easy to view and select your photos while onboard.
Shutters – The Onboard Photography Shop can be found on deck 4 of all the ships. With electronic kiosks for viewing photos digitally around the clock throughout your cruise, you can view your photos and pick your favorites daily. To access your photos, simply tap your Key to the World Card at one of the kiosks. Shutters crew members are available to assist you.
If you are buying photo prints a la carte, you can do so any day of your cruise at Shutters during normal operating hours.
If you are purchasing a package, you will complete your pick up on disembarkation day. Operating hours on disembarkation day will be published, or you can ask a Shutters Crew Member. The line will get longer as the morning progresses, so be sure to arrive early.
Tip Don’t wait until your last night to view your photos! Shutters will be packed! Visit throughout the cruise and save yourself from waiting in line for a kiosk and wasting your final cruise night.
DCL uses a third party photography studio to take and sell photos. You will need to go to MyCruisePhotos.com to preorder photo packages.
Tip: Shutters can schedule a photo session for you.
Only you can decide what is best for your family, but there are lots of options so stop and pose for pictures whenever you can with the photographers and take lots of photos with your own camera too. Photographs are the best souvenir of any Disney Cruise!
Sandos Cancun offers the perfect long weekend escape from reality! It’s right on a gorgeous stretch of beach in the hotel zone, just minutes from the airport.
A high rise compact resort, nothing is far away and while it’s not technically an adult-only resort, children will be few and far between because the resort does not cater to children. There are no kid’s clubs or activities for children.
The white sand beach is exactly what you have been dreaming about. With beach service, you can enjoy a refreshing mojito without leaving your lounge chair. Located between the pool and the beach is the popular St.Trop restaurant serving up freshly baked pizzas straight from the wood oven. And the best fish tacos I’ve ever had!
Treat yourself to a well-deserved full body massage and a variety of health and beauty treatments. Service here is impeccable.
Stay fit or start getting in shape at the fully equipped gym, complete with treadmills, recumbent bikes, elliptical trainers, free weights, resistance machines, yoga mats, and everything you need for a full-body workout.
There are 5 different room options available with all the facilities and amenities you´d expect from a high-end all-inclusive resort in Cancun. Modern suites with jacuzzis and picturesque ocean views of the beach and blue waters of the Caribbean. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, pillow menu, and more.
Watch the sunrise from the fully furnished balcony which offers excellent views over the beach or Nichupté Lagoon. The Deluxe Room sleeps up to 3 people in 450 square feet of living space.
The two private balconies highlight the eye-catching views in this spacious suite: one balcony overlooking Nichupté Lagoon, and the other overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Laguna Suite features a calming master bedroom with a king bed, as well as a separate living and dining area with a well-equipped kitchenette.
Take in some of the best views the Riviera Maya has to offer from the luxury Caribe Suite which provides1160 square feet of living space. Caribe Suites have two spacious bedrooms with their own private bathroom, separate living and dining area with kitchenette, and modern decor. One of the highlights of this luxurious 2 bedroom suite is the huge furnished balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee with panoramic views of Cancun’s famous turquoise waters.
Choose from 4 exquisite gourmet restaurants and dining options including the Seasons steakhouse, the chic Gaijin serving authentic Japanese cuisine, A La Carte Italian cuisine at Frattini´s, and Zangos international buffet. Delicious Caribbean dishes, traditional Mexican food, and a broad selection of snacks and delicious goodies will keep you going throughout the day. Don’t forget 24-hour room service to make that dream of waking up to breakfast in bed overlooking the Caribbean Sea a reality.
Stretch out and soak up the sun on the luxury sun loungers in the manicured gardens of the hip Bar Two positioned just in front of the white sand beach. Bar One is a sophisticated lobby style bar where you´ll find everything from exotic cocktails to a selection of popular wines and beer.
Besides the beach, and three outdoor infinity pools that seemingly blend into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, there’s plenty of entertainment available at Sandos Cancun. Live the “Rhythm Experience” where you’ll enjoy a different genre of music each day of the week with themed events and extravagant shows. From 11am to 5pm the resident DJ sets the mood by the pool area and as the sun sets the party begins in Bar Two. Looking for a more relaxed ambiance, head to Bar One where you can zone out to the chilled out vibes set by the DJ.
Contact me to plan your next romantic getaway or friends weekend in Cancun at Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort.
As a lover of all things CHOCOLATE, I had to try out Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen for myself. I mean look at the milkshakes!!!
Toothsome is an impressive sight from across the water at Citywalk. It sits just outside the entrance to Islands of Adventure and appears to be a Willy Wonka’esque contraption rising from the water.
Inside, the theme is steampunk head to toe and it’s a fully immersive experience. The story of Penelope and how she created the Emporium to find her family is entertaining. Penelope and her chocolate creating friend Jacques wander from table to table chatting with guests. The building houses the restaurant, the foundry (milkshake shop), a pastry shop and a gift shop. And upstairs a small bar.
The restaurant offers more than just chocolate though. The menu has some eclectic choices and comfort food with a twist. The menu is expansive with everything from burgers, flatbreads, steaks, pasta and of course an amazing dessert menu.
We started with a chocolate drink of course!
On this particular trip, my companion and I shared a few appetizers.
The Totchos, fried tater tots, spicy green chili, crispy pork belly, andouille sausage cheddar cheese sauce.
Forest Mushroom Flatbread, Mushrooms, goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, white truffle oil
Both were excellent, the totchos were nice and crispy and the flatbread was simply divine.
After ducking into the parks for a bit to close them down, we returned to Toothsome for the icing on the cake, or whip cream on the milkshake, or something like that.
I chose the Chocolate X5 and it was delicious! Not gonna lie, they are a bit difficult to eat, but worth every messy napkin involved.
Finding a spot to sit can be difficult, but there is plenty of seating along the wall outside.
This is definitely on my return visit list. So many more things to try on the incredible menu and just a fun vibe. Have you tried a meal or a milkshake at Toothsome? I’d love to hear about it!
I get comments all the time when I go on a “work” trip. “What is it that makes it work?” or “you aren’t really working!”
Fam Trip stands for familiarization trip and is usually hosted by a hotel group, travel company or even tourist board for a country. They are limited to travel agents, spouses, friends, tagalongs are almost never allowed. Usually, you have to share a room with another agent.
I’ve been on fam trips in Ireland, hosted by hotel groups, Germany hosted by the German Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts in Jamaica where we toured almost all their Jamaica properties, see that trip here. A small hotel chain in Mexico last year, Disney, and most recently Universal.
Contrary to popular believe, fam trips are not free. First off, you have to get there and that cost is never included. Sometimes there is also a fee associated with the actual trip and meals are not always or all included as well as other miscellaneous things. It’s an investment in your business to learn all you can to better help your clients, that’s why we go on these trips. Are they fun? Sure, we have fun, but they are also a lot of work. They do require you to attend all mandatory workshops and site inspections and you can be booted out or charged full price if you don’t.
I just returned from a Universal Orlando Training trip. I arrived in Orlando on Tuesday afternoon, met up with my fellow A Time to Treasure Travel agent/friend/roommate Melissa and we made our way to the host resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and after checking in and having a snack made our way to the official check-in for the fam. A lovely buffet dinner was included and a visit from a minion for pictures! After dinner, we were set free and headed over to Universal Studios for a few rides before closing. After a long travel day, we made our way back and to bed.
Wednesday we met back at the conference center across the street or a very long walk through our hotel’s conference center which connects to the conference center at Royal Pacific where our workshops were being held. A buffet breakfast awaited and then we were split into groups of about 15 with the Travel Sales Reps and off we went to tour several resorts and Volcano Bay. We boarded a bus that took us across the street to Cabana bay, toured this entire resort, saw 2 rooms in 2 different buildings then walked the path from Cabana Bay to Volcano Bay. We did a quick spin of Volcano Bay. It’s really not fun to walk through a water park fully dressed on a hot day. Then we exited Volcano Bay and walked by Aventura Hotel and got back on the bus. Next up was Royal Pacific where we toured the resort and saw a room. From here we walked back downstairs to the conference center where our late buffet lunch was waiting.
My fitbit registered 17,000 steps at this point. It was about 1pm. Next up after lunch was a workshop so we rested in our chairs for a few hours after walking all morning. Our workshop ended at 5:30pm and we had the evening free. We headed to Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen because neither one of us had been there and wanted to try it. After that, we hopped into Islands of Adventure right next door and had a bit of time, did a few rides and saw the Hogwarts Castle light show. We ducked into King Kong on our way out of the park. Stopped back at Toothsomes for a milkshake! Back to the hotel and bed.
Thursday morning we grabbed a coffee and pastry at the New Dutch Trading CO. and made our way to the conference center at Royal Pacific. No breakfast this morning, but a 1-hour training on the booking system we use to book Universal. Then we had a brief tour of Aventura Hotel across the street including the rooftop lounge, Bar17 with incredible views of all of Orlando. At the end of this tour, at about 11am, we had the rest of the day free. Melissa and I made our way back to our hotel and jumped on the water taxi to Citywalk. We stopped to buy BlueMan group tickets, neither of us had experienced this and wanted to. There was an entrance to Universal Studios right by the box office so we popped in that way and made our way to Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. We rode Gringotts and got ice cream then hopped on the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade over at Islands of Adventure. Here, we contemplated the new Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, but the line was about 120 minutes and rain was threatening to shut it down so we opted for the Hogshead Pub for frozen Butterbeer! Then we made our way out of the park slowly and back to our hotel to enjoy a relaxing hour by the pool before getting ready for our dinner at Cowfish and the BlueMan group show. After the show, we headed back and went over to Aventura Hotel to check out the night time view from Bar17 and then came back to end the night at Strong Water Tavern in our hotel before calling it a night.
Morning meant the shuttle back to the airport and flights home.
This fam trip actually had a good amount of free time and Thursday morning’s offerings were optional, it could have been a full free day and was for many, but the training that morning was informative and I’m glad I went.
All in all, yes, fams are fun and we get some time to do our own thing, but they are also a lot of walking and listening. Taking notes and hundreds of pictures.
We represent our agency on these fams and we share what we learn with everyone else in our agency. We cannot all go on all of them, so we take turns and share our learning.
Heading to Universal and wondering:
How are we going to get there? Rent a car and pay for parking? Uber or Lyft?
Universal Orlando Resort offers a great transportation option from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a very low rate.
This is a great option if you won’t be needing a car. Superstar Shuttle does need to be booked in advance and can be added to any Universal package booking.
How much does Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle Cost?
What if I have a child that requires a car seat? Car seats can be brought and used but they will not be provided.
You will receive confirmation in your E-Travel Document with instructions on where to go. The Universal SuperStar Shuttle check-in desk is located across from the Hertz rental car counter on Ground Level 1, head towards Disney’s Magical Express, but it’s well before that. It’s to your left as you pass the Hertz counter and if you pass Starbucks you just went by it.
At the check-in desk, if you are within normal hours (7:30am-8:30am), they will have your packet with your tickets, coupons, everything you need. If it’s after hours, the packet will be available at the Vacation Planning Desk at your resort the following morning.
The shuttle takes about 30 minutes to get to Universal and may make multiple stops based on where everyone on the shuttle is staying. On a recent trip, we waited less than 10 minutes for the shuttle and were the first stop.
You will be given your return time at check-in as well, which you can have them adjust if you would like. The shuttle picks you up in front of the hotel lobby where you were dropped off.
Superstar Shuttle is an easy peasy way of getting to and from Universal Orlando!
Loews Sapphire Falls is a Caribbean themed resort located on the water path at Universal Orlando Resort. It boasts the largest pool on property and a laid back casual Carribean vibe.
Cascading waterfalls and views of the water, the lagoon on one side and the spectacular pool on the other really lend to the relaxed vibe at this hotel. The vast lobby houses The New Dutch Trading Co, which is a partial Starbucks and more quick-service type fare. Next to the showcase staircase, a feature of all Loews hotels is Strong Water Tavern. This place is a gem. With over 75 kinds of rum in addition to a regular full bar selection and incredibly tasty tapas and small plates. Service is impeccable!
A Universal Store with a great selection as well as a Fuel Rod kiosk and of course the Vacation Planning Desk with kiosks where you would print your package tickets.
Avis is the Universal car rental partner and there is a desk at every hotel. Complimentary WIFI is available throughout the hotel. Valet and self-parking, both for a fee. Room service operates 24 hours a day. A fitness center and game room/arcade is available on the second floor.
Amatista Cookhouse™, a full-service restaurant that offers scenic water views and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The largest pool at Universal at 16,000 square feet with 2 sand beaches, zero-entry area, a fabulous water slide, and water play area for the littles. Also by the pool are cabanas available for rent for a very special day by the pool. There is also a fire pit, movies by the pool in the evenings and complimentary life jackets.
The Drhum Club Kantine, a pool bar and grill offers a fresh seafood inspired menu and taste-tempting drinks.
Easy access to Citywalk and the theme parks via the water taxi. At Universal, you will go through a security checkpoint on the boat dock which means no waiting in a long bag check line at the theme park entrances.
This resort has 1000 rooms including the most suites of any other Universal resort. A mix of hospitality, Sapphire and Kids suites. Rooms have all the amenities including a refrigerator, Keurig and a magic mirror!
The door that closes off the shower/toilet space is a sliding door and it does lack total privacy as there is a sliver of space left, it doesn’t quite close all the way.
We also go an exclusive look at a Kids Suite: A king bedded room with an attached 2 twin bedded room only accessible from inside the suite.
Loews Sapphire Falls offers incredible value for the amenities offered at the resort. With water taxi to the theme parks and the ability to walk to Volcano Bay via Cabana Bay across the street, the location cannot be beaten.
Contact me to start planning your Universal Orlando EPIC vacation!
Everyone’s favorite little spitfire from Wreck-It Ralph has her own Sweet Shoppe on the Disney Dream and Fantasy.
This is such a fun spot, colorful with scenes and characters from the movie everywhere.
Vanellopes’s treats are not included in your cruise price like the soft ice cream right outside. But it’s well worth it for a special treat. Here you will find bulk candy, pastries and of course ice cream, frozen yogurt and best of all, gelato!
The best thing about Vanellopes is you can order a special treat and have it sent to your dining location at dessert time. We tested this out on our recent cruise for my ice cream loving son’s birthday. That afternoon, I went to Vanellopes and ordered a race car sundae choosing the gelato and toppings. They fill out a form and then give you a small card with instructions to hand this card to your server when you sit down for dinner. Your server will then take care of calling up and having them make the treat and deliver it to them and they will bring it out. Worked like a charm!
Magical Travels with Barb 