Disney Pulls Out of DC Project

Since 2009, when the prospect of Disney building a resort at National Harbor, I have been excited for Mickey Mouse in my back yard!  After years of possibilities we would finally get a Disney property right here in Washington-- and everyone locally actually seemed to be supporting it this time.

Well this past week when we were all comatose from turkey and stuffing Disney pulled out of the National Harbor project.  The hopes of a nice resort to visit and the occasional character breakfast only a 45 minute drive away have now been formally crushed.

Trip Report Part #4- Cruise Starts, Kid Activities on the Dream

The next part of our long family Disney vacation (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) was our cruise portion of the trip... Finally we were getting on the Dream!

To get to the cruise ship was actually drove ourselves.  Parking was only $60 for three days for the five of us versus $75 per person for the Disney transfer-- EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!  We had a few other friends and family members also arrange private shuttle for around $50 per person.  I highly recommend either of these options over Disney transfers, drop Jim a line if you want more info on the private shuttle.

But back to the ship itself!

As we pulled up we were just amazed.  The ship is massive and beautiful all at the same time.  The concourse for boarding was great as well-- well maintained and not your typical cheesy cruise terminal with the fake palm trees and tiki torches for pictures.  Donald was available for pictures and the sign in area for the Kids activities was very convenient.  All-in-all an excellent start to the cruise.

"Party for the Senses" Review

Each year on most Saturdays during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival the "Party for the Senses" is held at World Showplace located between Canada and the United KIngdom. This ticketed event has several aspects to it.

Charles on Travel with Rick Discussing Party of the Senses

While Charles write up on the Party of the Senses is forthcoming, check out this great video of him and Rick Howard reviewing the party.

Wordless Wednesday

Epcot's Party for the Senses Review (Coming Soon!)

Here are a few pictures from my upcoming review of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival "Party for the Senses."











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The Best You Can Do in Life is Enjoy the Ride

When I began my adult life I looked forward and though life is a marathon, with a few sprints mixed in.

When I completed my Masters Degree last May I was ready for life to calm down for a bit.  We had just had our third son, school was over and work was finally allowing me to hire someone on to help out.  Easy street here we come!

Trip Report Part #3- Bay Lake Tower and an Admission-- I was wrong!

So onto part 3 of 4 for our recent family trip to Disney-- this time featuring our stay at Bay Lake Tower.

When we first took a tour of DVC in 2009 we were focusing on buying at Bay Lake Tower.  After running some financial numbers and analyzing how/when we vacation as well as our long term hopes, we settled on Animal Kingdom Villas.  The feel and cost, almost $10 point cheaper, just felt right for our family.  We've then spent two years slightly poo poo-ing BLT... We. Were. Wrong.