My husband and I read the Harry Potter series as they were published, while we were dating.  They were addictive, magical stories that we fell in love with.  When we got married, we bought the Jim Dale narrated books, on CDs.  We listened to them at night when we went to bed, and Dale is one of our favorite audio book narrators.  The man is amazing in how he creates each distinct voice for characters that seem endless.  Then of course there were times when he’d describe the feasts and food eaten at Hogwarts and we’d suddenly get cravings in the middle of the night. 

Once we had kids, we couldn’t wait for them to enjoy the books, and fall into the magical world of Harry Potter, created by J.K. Rowling.  Our daughters finally finished all the books and the movies recently, which meant we could finally plan a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.  Before we go on, let me be very clear, I want to live there. 

We bought our tickets online on the Universal Orlando website.  They were running a deal for a 2-day park hopper, plus get a 3rd day free.  Our single-minded plan was to spend as much of our time at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley as possible. 

Our family had five serious goals:

Drink butter beer. 

Be chosen by a wand from Ollivander’s, and practice spells. 

Ride all the rides, including the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, both ways. 

Eat. 

Visit Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. 

Before we stepped foot in Florida, I had researched the shortest distance from the Universal Islands of Adventure entrance to Hogsmeade.  Incidentally, it’s to the right, through Seuss Landing, through The Lost Continent, and welcome to Hogsmeade station, as well as the entrance to a magnificent, magical day. 

The first morning we visited, I made my family speed walk as fast as they could.  When we saw the Hogsmeade station, we all sort of lost it.  If you can’t tell, I was just ridiculously happy.  The weather forecast for our first day at the park was rain.  We figured, we’d get there and there’d be less crowds.  We were right.  Plus, the rain, only lasted for 15 minutes.  It was perfect.  A touch of London weather for us in Orlando. 

When we asked one of the employees in Hogsmeade to take a photo for us, he stayed in character and explained, “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to use those muggle devices, may I find someone to help you?”  So he spent the next few minutes looking for a muggle to snap a photo of us next to the Hogwarts Express.  We’d barely stepped into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando and already felt completely immersed. 

We needed to re-focus ourselves after this incredibly fun beginning.  We knew we wanted to get our daughters some wands, and we knew we wanted them selected by Ollivander for the interactive experience.  As you know, the wand chooses the wizard.  At Ollivander’s you have a choice to queue up, or skip the experience and visit the store.  Of course, we wanted the entire Ollivander interactive experience.  Small groups are led into Ollivander’s shop area, and the experience begins with Ollivander selecting one or two participants from the small group.  Ollivander’s was the first queue we joined, and it was a short one on the day we visited.  We entered with our robes hoping our girls would immediately be selected for the experience, unfortunately, they weren’t chosen.  However, we thoroughly enjoyed the show.  After the show, everyone was let out into the wand shop to select wands, and enjoy the various exhibits within.  There’s even Hagrid’s Monster Book of Monsters, by Edwardus Lima, kept safely in a cage.  As soon as we were let into the shop area, we made a quick choice, the line outside for the Ollivander wand experience was still short, and we hurried back into the queue. 

This is where trying again, paid off.  The second time around our daughters were selected together for the wand selection process.  Yippee!  It was awesome.  Ollivander had two wands, and of course they didn’t function correctly for either girl.  So he decided to switch the wands, and what do you know?  They fit!  Later that afternoon, we visited the wand shop in Diagon Alley to read the more detailed descriptions of the wands, and discovered that the wands suited our daughters perfectly.  Eerily accurate wands, makes you realize that magic is truly real.  Since I was there immersed in the world of Harry Potter, I decided I needed a wand too.  I love my wand, and its description. 

I love how interactive Universal Studios made Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.  Once we had the wands, we used the included map to find places in the park where we could practice our spells, and wand work.  These areas are also marked on the ground, usually found in front of storefronts, and include an image of the correct wand movement. 

We rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff while in Hogsmeade.  Even waiting in line was entertaining.  This park is seriously impressive.  Universal has taken theme park immersion to an entirely epic level.  With the beloved Harry Potter story, fans of the series will walk away having had an incredible, memorable experience. 

After the ride, we saw the Hogwarts Singers perform, and hopped on the Hogwarts Express bound for London’s Diagon Alley.  Arriving at King’s Cross Station is a kick.  The station lets you out, into Universal Studios, and requires you to make a left towards the London facades.  You’ll pass by the Knight Bus, where you can have your photo with, and chat with Stan Shunpike, who’s totally cheeky. 

There’s also the phone booth which dials you into the Ministry of Magic.  As you stroll you’ll even come across Kreacher lurking in the window at 12 Grimauld Place.  This is all before you even enter Diagon Alley.  Just look for the brick walls and enter in.  Hogsmeade was lovely, but Diagon Alley is another thing altogether. 

We went straight for the Leaky Cauldron, as it was a good way to escape the short rain fall, and it was time for us to feed our bellies.  The detail and ambiance of the Leaky Cauldron was spot on.  Your party queues up, and your group and is ushered to a register to order.  Once you have your drinks, and your order number, a Universal employee flags another employee, and you immediately have a table.  It’s quite efficient. 

We decided to get every single butter beer on the menu.  We tried frozen, regular butter beer, and hot butter beer, and we threw in some pumpkin juice for good measure.  Our verdict?  We all loved the hot butter beer the best.  My youngest absolutely loved the pumpkin juice.  Yes, there probably was a stunning amount of sugar in the drinks, but, it was vacation.  So we indulged. 

The food at the Leaky Cauldron was quite good for theme park food.  I’d never had a scotch egg before, and given my partiality to eggs, we ordered them, and they were delicious.  We tried their mini cottage and fisherman’s pies, and they were all really well done, with the side of salad, and the fish and chips were lovely, as was the beef, lamb, Guinness stew.  We did try the sticky toffee pudding and chocolate potted cream.  The desserts were slightly too sweet for all of us.  We ate at both The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks, and prefer The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. 

The Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes shop was right across the way from The Leaky Cauldron, so naturally we visited and were up to no good.  We had to work some wand magic while in Diagon Alley before we rode Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.  Again, all the waiting areas to the ride were so well done with the animatronic Goblins, and the decor of the bank.  The ride was fun, and we were able to hop right back on and have another go. 

Then we visited Knockturn Alley.  The dark side never seemed so curiously, fascinating.  The lighting was dark, and ominous.  The magic you and your wand could create was often lit with black light.  The shops in Knockturn Alley feature items only the darkest of wizards would require.  We loved it. 

When it was time to end our first day we went back to Hogsmeade by King’s Cross Station so we could walk through the wall to Platform 9 and 3/4. 

I suppose if you really wanted to zip through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, you could.  I don’t recommend it.  The world of Harry Potter needs to be savored, so give yourself at least two days; three is icing on the cake.  I really enjoyed just finding a bench to sit, and revel in the moment.  My daughters wish there really was a school or camp that they could attend, for Harry Potter lovers, as they truly want the Harry Potter fantasy experience.  If this ever becomes a reality, I’m hiding in their trunk and tagging along with my invisibility cloak. 

Have you been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando?  What are your favorite bits of this fantastical world?  We tend to favor the London and Diagon Alley side. 

I know many of my friends were surprised by this declaration, but no one more so than myself.  I think I left a part of my affection there. 

As you’re planning summer trips, and family vacations this year, take a look, and find some time and space for your family to explore the many delightful surprises in Northwest Arkansas. 

Stay

When I first landed in Bentonville, Arkansas I had no idea what to expect.  My first impression as I stepped into the airport, was how clean, and quaint this regional airport was.  They even have these darling rocking chairs in the airport for folks to rock out to.  I had a feeling this was part of that “southern hospitality” I’d heard so much about over the years. 

As our group of travel and lifestyle bloggers pulled up to the building of our hotel, it was unassuming, and almost industrial looking.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Right off the bat, we were greeted with two works of art, “The Orange Tree” by Alexandre Arrechea made up of a tree that sprouts basketball hoops, and “Making Change” by Monica Mahoney, a Cadillac covered in nickles, dimes, and pennies.  As the friendly doorman ushered us through the entrance, it was easy to wonder if we were at the right hotel.  I thought I was staying in just a typical hotel, instead I discovered I was staying in a significant museum, that just happened to also moonlight as a chic hotel. 

If you asked me where you should stay, when you visit Northwest Arkansas, I’d say, without a doubt, you and your family must stay at the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville.  As a longtime reader of this blog you know that my family and I absolutely love to travel.  My girls will generally pick room service 10 out of 10 times, if I give them a choice; they also love art, and museums, and exploring new places.  While I was visiting Northwest Arkansas I had some downtime to face-time with my daughters.  I gave them a virtual tour of my room, as well as the hotel and museum, which they loved, but also made them quite upset with me, that they weren’t invited on the trip. 

I would live at 21c if they would let me.  First off, they do the hotel bit, so well.  The amenities, the decor, the hospitality, is on par with large market hotels, but done in a way that gives personal attention, without being intrusive.  They’ve mastered the details that elevate an ordinary hotel room, to a place you easily feel at home in.  I’ve been to boutique hotels that take their personal attention too far up to the creepy factor, where I just wanted to be anonymous again.  21c has the right balance.  Then there’s the food from The Hive restaurant, located inside the hotel.  I wasn’t expecting it to blow me away.  I’m kind of a food snob, living in California.  However, this food snob was effectively humbled.  The Hive in one word, delectable. 

I explored all the art available at the 21c Museum Hotel.  They have some collections that change from time-to-time throughout the year, and some permanent collections.  Visit their website to stay up to date on the art they curate.  The art collection includes pieces that are thought-provoking, interesting, and fun.  While viewing the art, all I could think about was how much I wished 21c would open a museum hotel in my neck of the woods, here in Northern California.  Why?  So that my kids and their friends could have the luxury of viewing culture in their own community, freely, and as often as they’d like, all done in a sophisticated and inviting way. 

I can’t say enough of how much I adore 21c.  When you go, please take a selfie with the green penguins for me.  They’re super sweet. 

Dine

The Hive at 21c is a must.  I had their breakfast, and I tried grits for the first time.  Something about the name, grits had always made me a bit wary.  I tried my first grits here, and they made something that sounds rather rough into a lovely, smooth, creamy, luxurious dish.  The Hive takes food from the high south and refines it.  The decor and ambiance of the restaurant makes this restaurant the it place to be in Bentonville. 

Oven + Tap could not be more hip and cool.  If someone had told me this is what was in the south, I would’ve raised an eyebrow.  The vibe here is casual, and the food is what you’d want if you want a night on the town.  I especially loved the duck and the brussels sprouts dishes.  The duck was tender and the herbs on it were flavorful, like a party in your mouth.  The brussels, just please, keep shoveling them in, thank you.  I love that their menu changes with the seasons, and that they focus on made-from-scratch, and locally sourced ingredients.  It’s like they speak my food love language. 

Table Mesa Bistro is where it’s at for live music and modern latin flavors.  One of their most popular dishes, which I will swear by, is found on their tapas menu as “Cheap Dates.”  What is a cheap date?  They take Medjoohl dates, and stuff them with creamy gorgonzola, cream cheese, and then they wrap those perfect gems into hardwood smoked bacon.  You’re going to need two orders. 

Pressroom Coffee is a darling little cafe that serves brunch and dinner.  I was there for brunch and I loved how they served their tea.  Big hot mugs and a tea bag balanced on a wood stick, steeping perfectly.  I also had their brûléed grapefruit.  Oh my heavens.  Why have I not thought of this before? 

Let’s just say that if you visit Bentonville, you won’t starve.  In fact, you’ll bring your food souvenirs home with you, on your body.  In other words, you’ll leave happy.  You’re welcome. 

Explore

I love how you don’t need a car in Bentonville.  Take a walk, ride a bike and enjoy the scenery.  In fact, when you step into Bentonville’s town square, you’ll swear you stepped back in time, right into the town of Hill Valley, from Back to the Future.  All that’s missing, is a clock tower.  The downtown area is filled with darling little shops, restaurants and if you want to learn more about Walmart, they have their own Walmart museum.  The Walton family who founded Walmart, plays a large role in Bentonville.  They donate a lot of their resources to Bentonville, and as a result, the community benefits from fantastic food, and world-class, cultural experiences. 

Crystal Bridges is definitely the crown jewel in Bentonville, and all of Northwest Arkansas.  I feel like photos and words won’t do this place justice.  So I will simply, strongly encourage you to visit yourself.  First off, the architecture of the museum maximizes the views from the gorgeous land it sits on.  You get a view of the water and the natural landscape, that in and of itself is a sight to see. 

The layout of how they curate the museum’s art is also done in an organized, beautiful manner.  You can easily spend the day alternating between enjoying the works of art, and settling down at one of various alcoves for sitting and contemplating, as you enjoy the natural scenery.  The building itself is a work of art.  I’ve been to many art museums, and very few combine culture, sophistication, and a sense of humor, and whimsy.  Crystal bridges encourages fun, and offers effervescent surprises and wonder to its participants.  In what museum can you shout into Beethoven’s ear and hear his music play in response?  I was unsure how loud to shout, but the usher in that room, told me to shout louder.  That never happens in museums I’ve visited.  This place is just wonderful. 

I have to also mention a particular exhibit that I feel like was a once in a lifetime experience; Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House.  If you want to see true mid-century modern design, this is it.  The home is gorgeous.  The lines, the use of space, the history and philosophy behind his architectural style came alive for me, as I walked through this home.  Wright was a fan of a great room for people to congregate together.  He purposefully built bedrooms, bathrooms, entryways and hallways very small and tight, because he wanted to squeeze everyone out of those individual spaces, into a communal area.  Walking around in the Bachman-Wilson House brought his sensibilities to life. 

Wright also built carports, because he didn’t want families to have clutter.  I totally agree with the decluttering movement, and am working to curb it in my life.  Wright fascinates me with how he used architecture to promote how he believed we should live. 

Scott Family Amazeum is an example of a kids museum done right.  If you’ve visited other exemplary museums like San Francisco’s Exploratorium, Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose, San Diego’s Reuben H. Fleet Science Museum, and Boston’s Science Museum, you’ll feel right at home at the Amazeum.  The Amazeum has capitalized on the experiences and exhibits that work, and scaled them for their community in Bentonville.  If you live in the area, and have kids, you need a membership.  If you have kids and don’t live here, but are visiting, definitely treat the kids to this museum of play and exploration.  I’m a fan of museums like the Amazeum that focus on providing opportunities for all children to play, without knowing they’re really learning. 

Shindig Paperie, with locations in Bentonville and Fayetteville, is a darling stationary shop in the area.  They hosted a lovely lettering class for us, by Alex from the Prarie Letter Shop, and Retrotender provided delicious drinks for us as well.  I felt completely immersed in southern hospitality as I learned how to create beautiful hand-lettering.  Well, let me rephrase, I tried.  In the end, it’s the trying that matters.  Luckily, I can keep practicing. 

Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile trail that links six downtowns from Bentonville to Fayettville.  It’s a mixed-use trail that allows running, biking, walking, and beautiful views.  I rode just a short portion of this trail, and it was fun.  I’m not a serious biker, but I can see how you could easily become one having this in your community. 

See, I told you I found some delightful surprises in Northwest Arkansas.  Have you been to Northwest Arkansas?  What are your favorites from the area? 

Cheers! 

ps.  I was a guest of Northwest Arkansas for this trip to the area.  They paid all expenses related to the visit.  I am not being compensated for this post, all opinions, change of heart, and adoration are all mine. 

Our family loves to travel together.  Cruising is one of our favorite travel methods.  We used to be cruise skeptics, and looked down our noses at the hedonistic hordes floating in the ocean, until we went on our first cruise to the Mexican Riviera.  Bam.  We were hooked. 

I’d been dreaming of a Disney Cruise since 2009.  My daughters and I were obsessed with the YouTube videos and would watch them over and over.  So when my husband finally relented to our constant references to a Disney Cruise, we were thrilled.  We booked it for April 2014.  In the months prior I busily researched everything under the sun, the ports, and planning for the trip.  I absolutely love planning and researching trips. 

Of course, we didn’t anticipate that before our cruise, I would develop a subclavian deep-vein thrombosis clot while we were on the Big Island of Hawaii.  In fact, our flight home to Sacramento from Hawaii was April 15th, and our flight to Florida was April 19th.  In that time I was able to get to a vascular surgeon, who told me I would be fine so long as I took my medication, and took it easy, before my surgery. 

We contemplated not going on the cruise.  We hadn’t firmly decided we’d get on the flight to Orlando for the cruise, until the morning we had to leave.  We were concerned with how my clot would react to all the flying we’d need to do.  We literally threw things into the suitcases before we left for our flight.  In the end we figured, what better way to take it easy than going on a cruise where I wouldn’t have to cook, clean, or be in charge of anything.  We love cruising because it’s a true vacation for parents too. 

Planning for a Disney Cruise

1.  Choose the Ship – Select your ship and/or destination.  We purposefully chose the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Fantasy.  It had the new Aqua Duck water slide, which our kids looked forward to.  In general newer ships have better staff, food, and facilities.  We also selected the Eastern Caribbean, as it was an itinerary that we hadn’t visited before. 

2.  Book Early – Book as early as you can for lower prices.  If the pricing happens to lower, you can submit a request for on board credit.  The on board credit can be used for tips, photos, souvenirs, excursions, spa treatments, drinks, and other incidentals.  We booked through Small World Vacations.  Usually I don’t use travel agents, as I can find better deals on my own, or go directly to the source.  However, with Disney Cruise Line, you won’t find different pricing deals elsewhere.  It’s Disney.  They set their prices, and they’re usually uniform throughout.  However, some travel agencies will sweeten the deal by offering extras.  Small World Vacations offered us a $200 on board credit, booking through them.  So, pay attention to what added value comes with using a travel agent. 

3.  Book Your Cabin – Decide what accommodations work for your family.  Disney has so many options that will suit your needs.  Do you want to stay on a higher deck or lower deck?  Do you prefer the middle of the ship, or one of the ends?  Pricing and comfort differs where you are on a ship.  Our family likes to have two cabins, and we prefer to be mid-ship, at deck five or higher.  Yes, we could easily fit into one cabin, but we like having connecting cabins where the kids can have their own space and we can have ours.  We prefer balcony staterooms, because we love the ocean air, but we have done ocean view before. 

4.  Port Excursions – If the destination is important to you, which it always is for us, do the research.  I’m big on visiting message boards like Cruise Critic, and finding out what activities would suit our family.  I also like reading up on tour guides from Rick Steves.  Disney has many different excursions that they provide, at an extra charge.  Pay attention age requirements, some excursions have an age minimum.  You can choose to go with a Disney excursion, do it yourself in the port, or book your own excursions using outside vendors.  Sometimes you can find better deals outside the cruise provider.  When we cruised the Mediterranean, we found that outside tours provided us with smaller groups, which meant more personalized attention.  If you connect with other cruise mates to share the costs, it makes excursions even more affordable, and you might make new, lifelong friends. 

5.  Meet Cruise Mates – “Virtually” meet other passengers on your ship sailing on either Cruise Critic or DisBoards.  You’ll find a wealth of information, and I find most cruisers are very welcoming, and incredibly helpful with their knowledge.  Cruisers love to cruise, and want nothing more than to share what they love with new cruisers. 

6.  Fish Extenders – Join a Disney Fish Extender (FE) group in the Disboards cruise section for you ship sailing date.  What is an FE group?  Outside of the cabin doors are metal hooks, that are shaped like sea life (fish or seahorse), pictured above.  You’ll receive notices, tickets, reservation confirmations, etc.,  posted to your cabin on the hooks.  I’m not sure how far back, but some Disney fans started a little gift exchange onboard the cruise line.  Each family creates or buys FE pockets that hang on the FE hooks.  Once you’ve joined a group, and you find out names/ages of the members in your FE crew, your job is to provide a little gift to each person/family in your group.  It sounds like a lot of extra work, but it’s so much fun for the kids to return back to the cabin and find surprises each time.  My kids absolutely loved handing out our FE gifts to the other passengers.  It just amps up the magic on a Disney Cruise.  It’s all voluntary and not at all affiliated with the cruise line.  It really is amazing the time and effort people put into these FE gifts.  We have some darling pillowcases from other shipmates who embroidered the date of the cruise and our daughters’ names on them.  Love them.  You’ll see below, what I did.  I’m not nearly as good with sewing machine, but I found a phenomenal deal on the Disney Store website for the Monsters Inc. characters.  In addition to the stuffed animals, we added ice cream cups/spoons, and candy toppings for cruise mates to make their own soft serve sundaes from the self-serve ice cream machines onboard.  I had to be mindful of all this as I had to fly it out with us.  I admit, I enjoy this kind of thing, a little too much. 

7.  Hotel Stay – Will you need a place to stay prior to, or after your cruise?  Due to our flight time flying from the West coast, we needed to spend a night at a hotel prior to the boarding our ship.  We found that the Hyatt Regency has a hotel right inside the Orlando airport.  We arrived around midnight, so we literally walked off our flight, and found the escalators to the hotel, grabbed a bite at their restaurant and slept.  It was so convenient, and I’ve long been a fan of the Hyatt Regency brand.  On our way back, our flight was later in the afternoon, so we rented a room at the Hyatt Regency, for a few hours.  Totally worth it.  Disney also has a shuttle you can book that will take you straight from the airport to the cruise terminal. 

8.  Castaway Cay Cabana – Book a Cabana at Castaway Cay if you can.  If you haven’t been on a Disney Cruise, you need to hook up with someone who has, who can book a cabana months in advance once the cruise line opens reservations for them.  They go fast.  Even better, find a group via Disboards, and share the cost.  We were lucky to connect with Tammy Meyers, who is a travel agent at Glass Slipper Concierge, who knows all the ins and outs of everything Disney.  She was kind enough to let us join in on their cabana, to help share the cost.  The cabanas are pricey, but man, they are fabulous to share.  Plenty of room, and it’s so nice to have a sanctuary away from the crowds, and the heat.  You’ll have your own cabana server who will keep the drinks and snacks flowing.  Included in the cabana rental you have exclusive access to a more private beach area provided with inner-tubes, bike rental, sunscreen, snorkel gear, and other beach toys. 

9.  Flights – Book your flights, if you need them.  I’m sure there’s some of you lucky folks that can easily drive to the port, for the rest of us, we have to factor in flights.  Pay attention to travel news, and watch for when the airlines are compete heavily with each other.  Perhaps trying another airport will offer you direct flights, and remember, Tuesdays are generally good days to find and book flights. 

10.  Cabin Decor – Create decor for your cabin door.  I know, it sounds like more work, but it’s so much fun.  There are Facebook groups dedicated with people who will create graphics for your family, for free.  Yup.  I adore these people.  Falling through the Disney rabbit hole, you discover an entire world of people who are magically, amazing.  In our case we were thrilled to have two doors to decorate.  I had some graphics made for us for free from the Facebook groups, and I just printed, laminated, and added magnets to them.  Easy, peasy.  My kids loved them, and I loved seeing them.  Little things just make me smile. 

11.  Free souvenirs – Why prepare for free souvenirs?  Because, they’ll be your favorite ones.  Each cabin can have two items signed by all the Disney characters on the ship.  The brilliant thing is, they are the official autographs.  Disney trains their folks to sign character names the same.  Since we had two cabins, I brought a photo mat for each daughter, and I made pillowcases for each daughter (I can sew sort of straight), for the characters to sign.  I packaged them into ziplock bags with our names/cabin room numbers, and provided five colorful sharpie markers in each bag, and dropped them off at Guest Services.  I also included candy/treats for the staff that work hard all day, and then spend valuable time autographing for us.  At the end of the cruise, they delivered the signed photo mats, pillowcases, and even our sharpies to our room. 

12.  Disney Chase Visa Card – We earn points from using the card, and were able to transfer those points to use on the cruise.  Because we also purchased our cruise with the card, they also gave us $50 per cabin as on board credit.  In addition, using the card at various Disney sites gave us about 10% off on most purchases. 

13.  Disney Cruise Line App – Download it as soon as you’re booked, or even before you book, because wishes do come true.  The app has a countdown, and once you’re aboard the ship it will connect to the wifi so you can access maps, and the handy daily navigator with a rundown of each day’s activities aboard the ship.  Super useful. 

14.  Reservations – As soon as you’re booked, pay attention to the dates of when your particular cabin will have access to the reservation system.  Then plan and book activities aboard the ship.  Concerge guests, and veteran cruisers, generally get to have an earlier window.  If you want to enjoy the Sunday brunch at Palo, that needs to be on your list to reserve.  It’s lovely.  Also, a dinner there is nice too.  Meals at Palo are an extra charge (use that on board credit).  If your kids want Bibbidi Bobbidi reservations for the pirate night or just for fun, pay attention to the dates and times, they fill up fast.  If you want to snorkel or do anything special at Castaway Cay, reserve it ahead of time.  We did the sting-ray snorkel. 

15.  Castaway Cay 5k- I wanted to run my first 5k at Castaway Cay, but unfortunately the blood clot made it impossible for me to do so.  You should do it for me!  The 5k happens the morning the ship docks at Castaway Cay – check your navigator to know what time and where to meet.  I believe it’s for ages 12 and up.  Be forewarned that if you go in the summer, drink lots of water, and protect yourself from the sun. 

16.  Senses Spa – I always like to have a spa treatment of some sort when I’m on a cruise ship.  On the Disney Fantasy I signed my husband up for a facial and shave.  He’d never had one before, so it was fun to book it for him.  I booked a hair appointment for our Palo dinner reservation.  The staff there were fabulous. 

17.  Passports – Remember your passports if you’re traveling outside the country.  If you and/or your kids don’t have them, totally worth it to apply, and get it done.  You’ll discover you’ll find ways to use them more often, and traveling the world with your kids is an experience that will last. 

I hope this post helps get your family that much closer to a Disney Cruise.  Stay tuned as we show you what you can do aboard a Disney Cruise, and where you can explore with your family. 

Cheers! 

ps.  I was not compensated or asked to post about Disney Cruise, or any of the other sites and products listed here.  Our family loves travel, and if we can help your family get out there and enjoy each other’s company while exploring the world, that makes us crazy happy. 

As someone who adores food, Chef Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry has been on my “wish upon a star” bucket list, for years. 

I’d heard from friends who’ve tried to get reservations, about how impossible it is to book.  It’s well-known that diners need to book months in advance.  When my friends and I decided to hit Napa for Labor Day weekend, we didn’t think there was a chance we’d be able to get into The French Laundry.  I’m a why not kind of girl, so I put in a call, and figured if there wasn’t anything available, it wasn’t meant to be.  When I called, there weren’t any open dinner or lunch reservations.  The helpful reservation woman on the other end of the phone suggested I put my name on the waiting list for the duration of our stay in the Napa area, just in case.  I then promptly forgot all about it. 

The Thursday before our Saturday trip to Napa, I received an “unknown ID” call on my cell phone.  I never answer unknown numbers, never.  This time, I don’t know what it was, but I answered, and got chills when the woman said they had a lunch reservation open on Saturday.  I went ahead and gave them my credit card to reserve the spot, with only a few hours left where I could cancel without incurring the $100 reservation cancellation charge. 

I quickly messaged my friends to ask if they really wanted to do The French Laundry.  Two of us are foodies who willingly pay any price for the experience of fabulous food.  The other two weren’t sure the price was worth it, and were also trying to juggle schedules to leave earlier than planned so we could make lunch. 

In the end, they realized the price of prix fixe menu is about the price of a trip to Target or Costco, so we dove right in.  I’m so glad we did.  We totally lucked out on a reservation, the weekend we were in Napa.  Our lunch was a magnificent start to a weekend with old friends. 

I arrived at the restaurant slightly earlier than our 11:15am reservation.  I’m glad I did, as I was able to find free parking across the street from the restaurant, right next to the gardens where they source most of their vegetables.  You’ll find the garden perfectly manicured, and there’s a map to show you what’s grown in the individual plots.  In addition to the garden, there are beehives, and chickens, and a greenhouse area.  You’re welcome to stroll the gardens, or find a bench to sit and revel in the Napa sun. 

The outside of the restaurant is what I imagine buildings in the countryside of France would look like.  With the way the greenery drapes over the stone and the brick facades.  The restaurant requires that men wear jackets for both lunch and dinner.  As it is California, business casual is acceptable.  You’ll find women in skirts, dresses, and I’ve heard some even wear full-on cocktail dresses as well.  Wear what makes you feel good, and leave room for your belly to expand. 

The staff are plentiful, accommodating, and efficient.  The ambiance is classic, relaxed and intimate.  There are two stories, with seating for approximately 60 guests.  I’m glad our table was on the first floor.  There are two bathrooms upstairs, and that is all I will say about that. 

When you arrive, you’re asked to choose wine from their extensive iPad wine list.  We all opted out of the wine, and had still water for our meal.  Then you have the option of choosing the Chef’s prix fixe Tasting of Vegetables Menu or the Chef’s Tasting Menu.  From there, there a few options you can upgrade, if you like.  We went ahead and stuck with the tasting menu, no extra add-ons.  Everything was delicious. 

We started with salmon coronet amuse bouche, and gruyere cheese puffs.  So lovely. 

First course, the “Oysters and Pearls” – “Sabayon” of Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and White Sturgeon Caviar. 

While I’ve had caviar in small quantities before, this was my first time having it as a protagonist in my dish.  I’m also not a huge oyster girl, so this dish was slightly intimidating for me.  However, I recently reread the series, A Discovery of Witches again, and what I love about the novel is how she describes food, and how it tastes.  There’s a part where they talk about how a character was able to taste the ocean after she had the oyster.  I tasted the ocean, and it was amazing.  We used mother of pearl spoons to eat this dish, which may have helped with the flavor.  I’ve had oysters in the past, and if they’d all tasted like the oysters I had at The French Laundry, I would adore them.  The caviar was very savory, and the tapioca was the perfect compliment to the dish, keeping it balanced. 

This is another dish, I would’ve gladly had seconds, and frankly, thirds of.  My family recently spent the summer in the Boston area, and Chef Keller wins for best lobster.  Perfectly tender, and seasoned just enough.  Lobster isn’t normally my favorite, compared to crab, because most lobster is slightly tough and chewy, however, the way Chef Keller had it poached just right, gives the lobster almost a crab-like tenderness. 

It’s amazing the time and care put into each dish.  The sauces take days to make, and I’m so impressed with the result.  Every bite is flavorful, and you can taste the delicate and earthy flavors that go into each dish. 

I’ve had lamb in the past, and it’s always been slightly gamey.  I don’t know what Chef Keller’s recipe is, but it didn’t taste gamey.  It was tender and juicy, and made me rethink my relationship with lamb. 

Each dessert was phenomenal.  I’m still drooling, just seeing the photos again.  But wait, there’s more.  Then they bring out the gourmet chocolate truffles.  Then there’s the roasted chocolate macadamias.  Then there’s homemade macaroons, donuts and cappuccino ice cream. 

It’s like a meal in and unto itself.  It’s glorious.  If I were an angel I would sing Hallelujahs while diners enjoyed the dessert courses.  In the case of my fellow diners that day, they’re lucky I’m not an angel. 

After the meal I noticed some hubbub.  So I naturally, found out from a waiter that THE Chef himself was in the building.  He told me that if I wanted a photo with Chef Keller, to let my waiter know, and they would work it out, but to hurry.  So I zipped back to my table and found our waiter.  He then passed us to a gentleman who told us that we could meet the Chef, and on our way, he noticed another group was with the Chef, so he walked us the opposite direction to tour the kitchens.  The kitchen is small, but efficient.  I was amazed at how many people were able to work together, and manage such artistic plates, in a tiny space.  I was also silently losing my mind, Edvard Munch style, while trying to hold it together as I knew the Chef wouldn’t have time just to hang around waiting for our group, while we traipsed through his kitchen. 

We learned from our tour that the restaurant is expanding, and by the end of the visit, we had missed our chance.  We were told that perhaps Chef Keller might be around that evening, as he pops in and out of his many restaurants in the area.  I was going to type that I was slightly disappointed, but that would be a dramatic understatement, I was really, really bummed.  So my friends and I carpooled to the outlets to do some shopping after lunch. 

After the shopping, I needed to drive back to the restaurant because my friend Frances had left her car there.  We were both debating whether or not we should drop-in to see if we could get a quick moment with Chef Keller, and I didn’t think I’d be able to catch him twice in one day, but she convinced me we should, since we were right there.  Thank goodness she convinced me to change back into my heels, from my flip flop sandals too.  We walked to the door of the restaurant, and looked toward the kitchen before entering and who should be standing in the kitchen?  The Lord of the Manor.  Needless to say, we got our picture.  Chef Keller was very kind, and even made sure we got a good picture, with plenty of head room. 

A few notes.  If you would like a menu of your meal, they will provide that.  If you want a dessert menu, be sure to ask for that.  You’ll leave with the menus and a box of their shortbread cookies.  For when you get hungry, after that filling meal. 

I did notice that both at lunch and dinner there were folks who just walked into the restaurant asking for a table.  Each time they were turned away, because The French Laundry does a good job filling the restaurant for lunch and dinner.  I highly recommend calling and getting on the wait list, you never know when you’ll win a spot. 

Have you been to The French Laundry?  What are you foodie indulgences? 

Cheers! 

If you love The French Laundry, or venues like this, you really should try The Kitchen in Sacramento.  Like food related posts?  Click here for more. 

Our family was in Maui for about 10 days, really, more like 8-9 days due to travel.  It just never seems enough time.  I think the ideal time for a trip to Hawaii is closer to two weeks.  That would be perfect. 

In the meantime, I get to deal with continuing Mac issues (don’t get me started).  I’ve found the best way for me to cope is to avoid by being busy, and then hoping I can psych myself up to facing all the frustrating, panic-inducing issues. 

While I get back into reality mode, here’s a video of our favorite places to stay, eat and play on Maui.  You’ll want to pop some popcorn.  Mahalo! 

I’ve lived in the Sacramento area since 2003.  I only just discovered the lovely Crocker Art Museum last week, on a field trip with my oldest daughter. 

*GASP*

I know! 

If I think too hard about how many years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds I could’ve spent in that time visiting the Crocker Art Museum, I might just go a little bit insane. 

I love it there. 

Violet, Yellow, and Green by Martha Alf (oil on canvas)

This past June our family visited NYC as a family, for the first time, and I dreamt about living there, and semi-living at The Met while my daughters were in school.  Such a lovely dream.  So, it’s a bit of a thrill to find the Crocker Art Museum.  It’s like having a small wing in The Met, here in the Sacramento area. 

If you haven’t visited, don’t wait 12 years to discover it.  Do it now. 

In 1868, Judge Edwin B. Crocker purchased the property and buildings on the corner of Third and O Streets in Sacramento.  In 1885 the Crocker Art Museum was the first public art museum in the Western United States.  The collection is varied and expansive. 

Market Scene, Sansome Street, San Francisco by William Hahn (oil on Canvas)

Our guide told us that the family made their money during the railroad days, and that Crocker took his daughters to Europe for a two-year tour, to collect pieces of art.  The museum architecture is a mix of old world Italian architecture and modern sensibilities.  It is truly, a pleasure to visit. 

Right now the Crocker Art Museum is hosting the Toulouse-Lautrec and La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910 through April 26, 2015.  My daughters and I are excited about this, as we learned about Lautrec last year through the Meet The Masters program.  We’re also keeping our fingers and toes crossed, as we have Paris on our list of places we hope to visit. 

High Hoofers by William Chambers (oil on canvas)

I love art, I love how it can change your perspective, elicit emotion, and wonder.  I may not be one of those exceptional artists, but I am an ardent appreciator.  I like to think artists need people like us. 

The Crocker Art Museum is open Tues-Sun 10 am – 5 pm, Thurs 10 am – 9 pm, closed on Mondays.  The third Sunday of each month is a “Pay What You Wish” day, or free day.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 7-17, ages 6 and under are free.  For more information, check out their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

20,000 Turquoise Curves (ceramic) by Bean Finneran

The Crocker Art Museum also has a lovely Crocker Cafe by Supper Club.  When I worked at the BYU Museum of Art while I attended university, the museum cafe had the best food.  It’s no different here.  Your mind and your mouth will be happy. 

In fact, I used to dress my brothers up in my sundresses, head bands, and lip gloss.  I even gave them Easter baskets to complete the look. 

I desperately wanted a little sister to dress up, and to play make believe with.  Until I finally got my wish, my brothers would do. 

When my sister was born, all cuddly and sweet as can be, I was thrilled. 

I didn’t anticipate that this gift of a sister would rather wrestle with my brothers, than play dress up with me. 

I think the universe made up for that little mix-up by blessing me with two daughters of my own. 

Clock in the lobby at the Grand America Hotel

My sister is all grown up now, and has two little boys of her own.  She and I balance each other out.  In fact, recently we went on our first sister weekend.  It was rather glorious.  We had time to ourselves, without anyone needing or asking for anything.  Frankly, it was a bit miraculous. 

Why not?  At Grand America Hotel

We were sitting in a comedy show one evening, when she told me that when she bought the tickets she discovered that the aisle seats had potential to participate with the show, and that the center seats were safe from public displays.  I told her I’d love to participate.  She said, she had no interest, and wanted to be entertained. 

So here’s the gist of the two of us:

My sister likes to be entertained, and I’m happy to entertain.  Then again, there’s this Insta-video we created at the Grand America toy store, Jou Jou. 

In addition to hanging out with my sister, I’m on a mission to be the best auntie ever. 

“Guess what?  I love you.”  Is what I do with my girls, and my nieces/nephews.  The little guy chuckles EVERY TIME I do it.  Even over the phone.  He’s so jolly. 

So what did we do on this Sister Weekend?  I had a Southwest Ticket I won at evo ’12.  So I flew to SLC, and the first thing we did, was visit my mom’s cousin’s Chinese restaurant for the best pot stickers. 

I’m craving this, right now. 

If you live in UT and you haven’t been to David’s Kitchen, get yourself there.  Say hi to David and his son Henry for me. 

David, me and his son (my second cousin) Henry

We spent the first night at my sister’s new home, and then the next day my sister introduced me to the best french toast I’ve ever had.  Dear Kneader’s, please come visit me. 

Apparently this is all-you-can-eat french toast… I wish I had another stomach. 

One of the great things about living in Northern California, is the relative ease of spontaneously driving to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  From where we are it’s about a five-to-six-hour drive, depending on who’s driving, and how many pit stops we take. 

Toon Town

Our eight-year-old has been to Disneyland four times.  Our six-year-old has been three times.  When they were four and six years old they did not want to go to Disneyland.  We’d gone so frequently in their short lives, that they just felt overwhelmed by crowds.  So we took a two-year break before they told us they wanted to go back.  It was super-fun to see them enjoy the magic when they were three and five-years-old, but now that they’re tall enough for most of the rides, we get have even more oodles of fun. 

Today, I thought I’d share some of our “Handy Tips” – now that summer vacation is almost here. ( We have 32 more days of school left, not that I’m keeping track, or anything.) 

Handy Tip #1: Go with a good attitude.  Make a deal with each other to be kind, and patient.  Expect to keep the schedule fluid. 

Tram ride from the parking lots to the Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks

Handy tip #2: Wear comfortable, colorful kicks. 

We went with Sketchers.  No matter how comfortable your shoes are, your feet will be sore at the end of the day.  I blame all the lines. 

Handy Tip #3: Take time for photo opportunities.  Making memories are priceless. 

Walt & Mickey, and Cinderella’s castle

Handy Tip #4: Don’t want to wait in line to take a photo with cast member, but want a picture with/of them?  Take one from further away.  Sneaky. 

We walked through Aurora’s castle, and stumbled upon Maleficent.  I think it’s safer to keep our distance. 

On Day 2, they fell asleep on the way back to Disneyland.  Such troopers. 

Handy Tip #9: Ask your father’s best friend for a shoulder ride, as a joke.  He may just pick you up, and rescue your feet.  This may also earn your sister a ride too. 

Handy Tip #10: Watch your kids as they believe in the magic. 

My youngest’s favorite princess of all-time, is Ariel.  Watching her in awe during the parade made my mother-heart burst with joy. 

Handy Tip #11: When your kids reach the age that they not only can, but want to ride on the rides by themselves, feel elated.  It makes you remember what it felt like when you were a kid tasting freedom. 

Handy Tip #12: Apparently, Disneyland really is a small world, afterall.  Running into a friend from Wisconsin, at the Haunted Mansion line, you haven’t seen in over six years, priceless. 

Handy Tip #13: Instagram and tweet your way through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, as you’ll likely get to meet-up with friends you’ve made online, who happen to be there at the same time.  Awesome. 

Handy Tip #14: Take your kids on rides that were your favorite as a child.  Be sure to let them know it’s not real. 

My husband took our oldest when she was four, or five years old.  He neglected to tell her that Star Tours wasn’t real, that it was a movie.  She didn’t know that, and when the movie shown, crashed the ship, she seriously thought she was going to die.  Poor thing walked out of that ride feeling like she had a new lease on life.  It does make for a great story. 

Our family of four took a 12 day Mediterranean cruise June 15th, the second voyage on Carnival’s newest ship, the Breeze.  This was our second cruise, and first time to Europe.  We’ve fallen in love with cruising, and Europe, and hope you find this information helpful. 

This fourth port, had to be one of our most favorite stops.  Part of it was because we had such great company.  We took a tour with Sorrento First Choice, and shared the service with a family of four.  I met Valerie, from Florida, via a Cruise Critic board.  She and her husband Julio, and their nine-year-old twins meshed with us, and our personalities from the get go.  We serendipitously met each other in the cruise terminal in Barcelona, before boarding the ship.  We hope to cruise again together. 

That’s the beauty of cruising, the opportunity to meet people from across the country, who you might not ever have known otherwise. 

We headed off to Pompeii in the morning.  We’d all heard about Pompeii, about how Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed, or preserved an entire city of people, buildings, possessions, and animals.  While the natural disaster was tragic, and horrifying, the preserved nature of the city brings to life what it was like at that time. 

This site in all of Italy, was one of our favorites.  We could easily have spent an entire day there, rather than just a few hours.  Walking through town, exploring its side streets, homes, piazzas, and bath houses, was just profound in the connection with the past. 

Courtyard of Apollo, with two cheeky girls. 

The entire area is fascinating for adults, but even more so for kids, they can explore to their heart’s content, and seeing things in scale, brings history front and center. 

This is the decorative tile in the bath house.  Can you imagine how lovely it would’ve been back then? 

These stones were cool.  The story goes, that the streets would often be full of muck, and so these stones helped people to cross over from one side to the other, without having to trudge through waste, and what-not.  They also helped the trash collecting, as things flowed through, they’d get caught by the stones.  Clever. 

After Pompeii the kids were starving.  Well, so were we.  But it’s easier to blame it on the kids. 

The color is faded now, but wow, it must’ve been so vibrant back then. 

View into a typical house in Pompeii. 

We got a kick out of the fountains all over the Mediterranean. 

Another highlights of our Amalfi coast tour, was lunch at Trattoria La Tagliata, in Positano.  Make sure you have reservations, or your tour company makes reservations for you beforehand.  It is a popular destination. 

View of Mt. Vesuvius on our way to lunch. 

The views were breathtaking, the service was quick, and friendly.  It’s so very clear that they are proud of the food, and ambiance patrons experience.  The food.  Oh dear, the food was fresh, grown in the gardens overlooking the coast, and the flavors were perfectly played. 

If I were to stay on the Amalfi coast, I’d want to stay here.  Taken on one of the terraces at La Tagliata

The gardens where they grow their bounty of good food, are on the side of a cliff.  If you stepped beyond the fence, you’d plummet to your demise.  But man, the views rule. 

Getting to the restaurant wasn’t easy.  The roads carved out of the side of the coast are narrow, and it takes some massive cahones to drive those tight curves.  But the view, is thrilling, and breathtaking.  I loved seeing all the gorgeous, bounty-filled lemon trees growing off the sides of the cliffs.  I’m convinced Italy was kissed by Aphrodite. 

Everything is so quaint, rustic, and historic. 

After rolling carefully, out of Trattoria La Tagliata, we explored more of the Amalfi Coast, we ended in Sorrento, and enjoyed some of the best lemon gelato we had our entire trip.  We also loved seeing how Italians can turn just about anything into a spot for sun-bathing. 

Our tour guide told us those islands housed a ballet school. 

The bustling town of Sorrento was filled with all things lemon.  Yum. 

It was a glorious eight hour day.  To say we succeeded in eating our way through Italy, is an understatement.  We love good food. 

The Amalfi coast is a treat to be experienced. 

Have you traveled along the Amalfi coast?  What was your favorite thing to do/eat/see?  Have you traveled to Pompeii?  Were you as fascinated as we were? 

Apparently, I’m a fangirl of Thomas Keller and Michael Chiarello, based on my food choices above. 

This will be the first time my hubby and I will get to visit Napa together.  We’re hoping it will be our third grown-up trip with just the two of us.  Of course that’ll depend on if we can find friends we trust, who don’t mind, and are willing to watch our girls.  Then again, I have issues with inconveniencing people.  I think it’s my Asian genes. 

Have you been to Napa with your lover?  What did you do?  What did you love?