Summer Vacation - Family

Spring break is officially over and the time has come to start thinking about where to go on summer vacation. So with so many destinations, where to go? Below are my top 5 family fun vacation spots for 2013. These are in certain order

1) Washington DC : visiting our nation’s capital is always important as it is a part of our history. My favorite part is that there is so much to do and most cost little to nothing.  With such things like the National Zoo, Arlington National Cemetery, National Square including the Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums, US Botanical Gardens, Lincoln Monument and the Capital building, Touring Frederick Douglass’s house and much more. This makes Washington DC my favorite budget family vacation spots

 

2)Branson, MO: Growing up we spent most of our summers going to Branson. There are so many memories here that it had to be on my list.  With Silver Dollar City, an 1800’s theme park, to Dixie Stamped, Showboat Branson Belle, the Branson Landing and the list could go on and on. Branson is even more accessible as in recent years they have opened an airport just outside of town as well there are non-stop flights from many large cities such as Orlando, Chicago, Denver and Houston.

 

3)San Diego, CA:  One of my favorite family vacations was to California and featured this beautiful city. With Legoland, Sea World, Knott’s Berry Farm and the World Famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, This is an amazing family destination.  Also make sure to head to La Jolla Beach to see the wild sea lions and San Diego makes for a great addition to any Anaheim (Disneyland) trip as well.

 

4)Disneyworld/Disneyland: Growing up most of us remember watching our favorite Disney movies on TV, well now is the time to meet your favorite characters. There is no better family destination then Disneyworld or Disneyland. The magic is flowing and  even though summer is a busy time it is always a great time to come and enjoy some family time at the Happiest Place on Earth.

 

5)Philadelphia, PA:  This city is filled with culture and history. Our nation was founded here and make landmarks are still here to tour and enjoy such as the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall but make sure to take some time out for other fun things such as the Philadelphia Zoo, the Please Touch museum and Sesame Place (located about an hour from Downtown Philly.

 

There are lots of family destinations and no matter which one you choose this summer remember, have fun and enjoy your family!! If you need any help or would like more information on how to book your summer vacation, please feel free to contact me or visit www.facebook.com/memoriesbycarrie

 

This blog question: What is your favorite vacation destination or/and memory. Please leave your answer in the comments

A Trip to a Fantasy

 

Recently I had the opportunity to tour the Disney Fantasy. It is AMAZING and the newest Disney ship released in 2012. It is also the sister ship to the Disney Dream. The Fantasy is 1,115 feet long and 138 feet wide and with 1250 staterooms can hold a maximum of 4,000 passengers.  The Fantasy also has 14 passenger decks.

LOBBY

 

Enchanted Garden - One of 3 main dining rooms

Quiet Cove- Adult only pool and lounge

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Senses Spa 

 Gym - I have never seen one of these on a cruise. : P

 The next few photos are of the Rain Forest Room. For around 16.00 per day you have access to this relaxing oasis.. A MUST for those that would like to take time out of these busy trip to relax and unwind

 

The Disney Theater is where you will find Broadway style shows most night on a 7 night and all nights on a 3 night

 

Europa is the adult night club area on the ship. There are 5 main bars and is a must for wonderful drinks. 

 

 

The focus bar of this area is La Piazza. Designed after the plazas of Italy. 

 

O'Gills is an Irish Pub at sea. With televisions this is a great place for anyone who might want to grab their favorite drink and enjoy a sports game on TV

 

Skyline, the only bar that was brought unchanged from the Dream. Here you can enjoy travel. They city skyline behind the bar changes between a number of different cities. 

 

Designed after the London Underground, The Tube is the largest nightclub of this area.

 

Ohh La La is a French Champagne bar.

 

 

 Animator's Palate - The 2nd main dining room. This is an interactive restaurant. There are some differences between the one on the Dream and the Fantasy. Because on the Fantasy you will visit each of the rotation dining rooms twice the first time you visit it is the same as the Dream where you are visited by Crush but the 2nd time that you visit on the Fantasy you get to be part of the magic. As you become an animator.

 

Royal Court- Be treated like royalty in this beautiful restaurant. Many night some of Disney princesses may join guest to say hello but this is NOT a character meal. 

 

Oceaneer Lab and Club are for children 3 (who are potty trained) to 12. There are lots of fun and exciting things to do and you never know who will show up. I have seen kids have a fit because they wanted to stay at the club instead of go with their parents. 

 

 Vibe is especially made for 14 to 17 year olds. I personally would LOVE to spend time here. They have a movie room, dance floor and even seats where you can bring your Ipod and watch movies or listen to music directly from it!

 

There are a few things that have been added to the Fantasy that are not on the Dream and the Bibbiti Bobbity Boutique/ Pirates League on any of the cruise fleet.  It is normally a BBB but in the afternoon and almost all day on Pirates night it is turned into Pirate League. For BBB you have to be between 3 and 12 but Pirate League is open to all ages.

There are not only 3 main dining rooms but there are also a number other dining options on the Fantasy including room service, Cabana, the buffet but my favorite are Palo , the Italian theme signature restaurant. There is a $20.00 per person surcharge to dine here but it is defiantly worth it on longer cruses. If you first cruise then please skip this until you have experienced all the dining rooms. But great for repeat or 4+ night cruses

 

 

Remy has been compaired to Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian. At a $75.00 per person surcharge this is a wonderful treat for special occasions. 

 

 

There are a number of wonderful sports options on the Fantasy including a full basketball court, mini golf and a number of pools and water fun

As in BBB, Aqua Lab is new to the Fantasy. It is a fun water feature area just for older kids. There is still the Nemo themed area for the little ones that are still in diapers. 

 

Did you ever think you would see a water coaster on a cruise ship? Well it exists and is only on the Dream class ships.