The Disney Magic docks in Tunis, Tunisia where we toured Carthage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue reading

We dock in Tunis, Tunisia on our Disney Cruise Line Mediterranean Cruise. And there's camels! Continue reading

After a fun afternoon visiting Valletta, Malta, we had a relaxing evening aboard the Disney Magic. There was a magic show by Jason Bishop which included bringing the kids in the audience up on stage: Dinner was at Animator's Palate: After dinner, Nicolas lounged in a port hole: Then we went shopping: And finally, we got ready for the ship to rock us to sleep as we headed for the continent of Africa! Continue reading

Malta truly is a gem. The port at Valletta was not only clean but stunning, people were very hospitable and sights were easily accessible on our own. Languages spoken are Maltese and English. During a stop at a McDonald's for a refreshment (and to use the free Wifi) Michael had to point at the menu, however when Nicolas bought a small toy car in a shop, the shopkeeper did speak English. On our walk towards St. John's Co-Cathedral, we enjoyed the architecture of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Auberge de Castille now houses the office of the Prime... Continue reading

Thank you for your service to our country. Your sacrifices are appreciated by our family as we enjoy many freedoms including being free to travel. In honor of Veteran's Day, Shades of Green, the WDW Armed Forces Recreation Center, is offering a discount starting at $329 for a 3 night/4 day room package. One of the wonderful ways that WDW recognizes members of the Armed Services and veterans is during the daily Flag Retreat Ceremony. This patriotic ceremony is held at 5 p.m. in the Magic Kingdom's Town Square. To secure a spot, please call 407-824-2222 and ask for the... Continue reading

After lunch, we went ashore to explore the capital city of Malta, Valletta. Built in the second half of the 16th century by the Knights of Malta, Valletta is rich in historical sights. Our plans were to walk into the walled city from the Grand Harbour. Forwarned of the steep climb, we were prepared for a hike with comfortable shoes. I would highly recommend however that your family invest in a beautiful ride via horse and carriage. In hindsight, we should have done so as well. The walk/hike did allow us to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. After exiting the Disney... Continue reading

The Grand Harbour of Valletta, Malta is a natural, deep sea port. We had read that it is one of the most spectacular ports in the world, thus we were up on deck early to witness Malta's magnificence. While we were indeed awake, we certainly weren't presentable as you can see from Nic's well-slumbered bed head: The city of Valletta is a UNESCO world heritage site and our excitement grew as the ship sailed closer to Malta. It was very windy up on deck but we didn't want to miss this once in a lifetime experience. This hidden mickey is... Continue reading

I'd like to thank the wonderful Cast Members at the WDW Moms Panel for inviting me to return as a panelist in 2011. I look forward to helping guests create magical vacations! My journey began in 2008 and it's been a memorable one. During this past year, I've missed the creative process of research and writing. Soon, I'll be sharing more of my Disney cruise in the Mediterranean as well as some of my Disney memories. I hope to inspire families to travel to a Disney destination! Let the memories begin! Continue reading

There's lots happening aboard the Disney Magic during a Day at Sea. After our champagne brunch at Palo on Thursday, May 27, we stopped to admire the Princess Gathering in the Lobby Atrium. At the Oceaneer Lab, we expected to find Nicolas playing a video game by now, impressively he was still playing chess with a new friend. Time continued to slow down as we sailed the Mediterranean. We enjoyed the afternoon with a nap, browsing through the stores and attending a Guest Lecturer on Tunis. We missed the lecture on Valletta, Malta. Joseph G. Mayers described Tunis as the... Continue reading

There are certain places that bring solace to one's soul. For me, it can be the warmth of friendship around a campfire. The cozy solitude of a mountain cabin. The Grand Floridian's lobby. A walk in an ocean breeze. A day at sea on a luxurious cruise ship is just one of those places. As we left Spain behind us and sailed toward our first port of Malta, time slowed. Way down. We had a 10-day schedule of foreign ports and exotic excursions ahead of us. The excitement was intoxicating. It was Thursday, May 27 and we were aboard a... Continue reading

Although I've been on "hiatus" this year from the WDW Moms Panel, being chosen for the inaugural 2008 year was a life-changing experience for me. It took a mom out of the doldrums of daily duties to a challenging, believe in yourself again experience. I regained confidence that had been lost since I left the working world. Each stage of the application process gave me inspiration. And the day that I received the phone call that I had been selected as one of the 12 panelists for the first ever WDW Moms Panel, I was beyond elated. I was singing... Continue reading

As a nearly lifelong Disney fan, travel agent, WDW Moms Panel alumni and avid reader, I was pleasantly surprised by a new book on Walt Disney World that I recently read. “Kid Tips for Walt Disney World: Touring Advice by Kids for Kids” offers exactly what the cover promises. Inside, you’ll discover tips written by children from all over the world. The book is organized in a child-friendly format with chapters broken down into suggestions on preparing for your trip, the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Water Parks, Downtown Disney, the resorts, character meals and special... Continue reading

One interesting fact that you may have discovered while planning your Disney vacation is that Disney fans are passionate about the Disney brand. Whether they love the films, the "Man Behind the Mouse", the characters, the toys, the resorts, the parks, the cruises, the Adventures by Disney, the weddings, the music and/or just the Mickey Mouse ice cream bars, Disney fanatics are loyal. And loyal cruisers means extra fun devised by those who sailed before us! You'll discover message boards created for your sailing date where you can "meet" fellow cruise mates before you even reach the port. There may... Continue reading

Here's a quick round-up of some new deals that your family can use when traveling on a Disney vacation.In Orlando: Residence Inn is offering rooms from $49 per night. Restrictions apply. In Barcelona: Future Med cruisers will appreciate this offer at Hotel Eurostars Grand Marina for $170 per night. Again, watch the restrictions but you'll find this deal is good for most of August. Walt Disney World: Email me about military, annual passholder, room only (a booking without a package) and other WDW discounts. We've got you covered to spend time with your family this summer. Make Summertime Family Time... Continue reading

HTML clipboard Our private driver arrived promptly at 1 p.m. We greatly anticipated our first view of the Disney Magic in Barcelona. We had been waiting a year for this moment: We found everything very organized. Upon exiting the car, we were quickly greeted by a Porter who took our three Check In pieces. After clearing security, we then went to the Registration line for Castaway Cay members. We were given lanyards and our Key to the World cards. The next room was the Waiting Room for boarding. It was nearly empty except for those in line for Oceaneer registration... Continue reading

After a long night on the plane, those that were lucky enough to sleep woke to a fresh towelette to cleanse their face as well as breakfast. The rest of us "unfortunate souls" had spent over 8 hours wishing for a few moments of sleep to wash over us. Still, I used the towelette to freshen up and ate breakfast hoping to trick my mind into believing that it was truly 8 a.m. Oh, jet lag. I felt tired and a bit Grumpy since it was 1 a.m. back home in Memphis. HTML clipboard So, there we were on the... Continue reading

HTML clipboard We left Memphis on-time at 9:40 a.m. after parking our car at a nearby long term parking lot. Highly recommend AviStar where we used a coupon for a reasonable daily rate. What I learned on my first transatlantic flight: 1. Re-confirm your International flights 72 hours in advance. *I did this and learned that my flights had changed. First, my reserved seats on Delta Flight 94 Row 22 E, F and G were no longer confirmed. I now only had "seat request" cards for this flight that was clearly almost sold out. Also, our return flights had completely... Continue reading

Michael, Nicolas and I are counting the days. Five more days of school. 8 days until we leave for Barcelona, Spain. We booked this vacation a year ago. And now it's upon us. Thus, the packing has begun. Our Fish Extender which will hang outside our stateroom for the 10 wonderful nights that we'll be aboard the Disney Magic. The fish is a fancy clip that allows crew members to attach notes. The Extender allows for gifts and mail to be left by fellow passengers. Our May 26 Med Cruise has a Facebook page. One of the passengers volunteered to... Continue reading

Yesterday I was telling a new friend about our last Disneyland vacation. It reminded me of how much I loved walking in Walt's footsteps. Disneyland is so charming! And this summer your family can visit with the Buy 3 nights, get 2 more nights FREE offer. 5 nights is a perfect length of time to spend at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure! Why I love Disneyland? *no transportation concerns when staying at an on-site or nearby hotel. Simply walk to Downtown Disney, Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland. *Walk between the two parks in order to get FastPasses for certain attractions.... Continue reading

Ever wonder why the Swan's building has waves and the building with Dolphins proudly displays banana leaves? You may have strolled around the Boardwalk area at Walt Disney World and puzzled over the creation of these two buildings. You are not alone. But here you'll find a bit of insight into the creation of the WDW Swan and Dolphin. I'm still a bit baffled though. But some back story may help: Architect Michael Graves designed both hotels which are situated between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Michael Eisner wanted to add convention type facilities to the WDW property and these... Continue reading

Did you? Tell me you didn't. Okay, I've got your budget covered. Let me help you capture this bargain for your Stay at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel and save up to 30%* with special room-only rates. Booking now! Your savings: 15% savings at select Disney Value Resorts - Book for as little as $90 per night, plus tax in a standard room for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights May 2 – June 3, 2010. 20% savings at select Disney Moderate Resorts - Book for as little as $140 per night, plus tax in a standard room... Continue reading

WDW Swan and Dolphin is offering deals from $149 per night each day of the week from March 18 until May 31. Offer must be booked by March 30. Rooms are limited! Call 866-924-8704 and reference special number 383511. The Princess and the Frog and other Disney multimedia coupons. Disney Wonder, Magic and Dream cruises are offering deals to help your dream of sailing with DCL become a reality! European cruises: Sail away with great rates starting at just $699 on select Mediterranean and Transatlantic cruises from April 10, 2010 through May 26, 2010. Florida residents: Take a Disney cruise... Continue reading

It's time once again to plan a return trip or first visit to Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival. As you walk amongst the beautifully created displays, you'll be looking forward to presentations from nationally recognized gardening experts. "Master Gardeners" will be on hand to answer your questions. Learn garden and culinary techniques from professional horticulturists. Do you love the bountiful beauty that Mother Nature shares each spring? Then you must attend this Festival which takes place March 3 until May 16. Relax to music on the weekends during the Flower Power Concert Series. Plan your visit to see Tony... Continue reading