#or like a specific Disney World parade or cruise ship?

[bloomingonionbitch]

obviously didn't reply because....with what??? but i totally want to see the flow chart of all possible responses i could have sent.

[ride-shotgun]

NOLA and All That Jazz

New Orleans in February is a very unique an exciting adventure! It’s a city with a palpable beating life, and that is never more tangible than the weeks leading into Mardi Gras and the burgeoning springtime. 

I have to admit that I underestimated this trip. I didn’t quite know what to expect or what I wanted to check off my list while I was there. My Google searches leading up to my departure turned up more of the same voodoo tours and swamp excursions that I judged before I read their descriptions. 

I booked knowing that I had to see the French Quarter, so I splurged for a stay at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. The beautiful historic hotel features a friendly and welcoming staff, a rooftop pool, beautifully restored antique chandeliers, and a second floor resident ghost. It has a specifically French Quarter feel, with the familiar hint of antebellum charm that touches every bit of this city.

I learned very quickly upon arrival that this city had far more to offer than I could have imagined! Our 4-day trip covered a lot of ground, and at the end of the trip there were still a few things left on our to-do list. Come check it out!

Have you seen…?

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is very simply a sight right out of Disney Land. It’s no wonder that Disney chose New Orleans as one of their many magical settings, this area alone looks like the perfect American Antebellum castle. One of the most recognizable focal points of the park is St. Louis Cathedral, which sits just outside of the park’s gates. On a sunny day, you’ll find dozens of artists and vendors lined up along the outside of the park, ready to exhibit and sell their creations. The park itself is small but beautiful, centering around a statue of President Andrew Jackson, who led the American to victory against the 1815 British in the Battle of New Orleans.

Mississippi River

From the center of New Orleans, and even from the busy streets of the French Quarter, it’s easy to forget that this city sits on the edge of the great Mississippi River. Along the bank is a beautiful river walk, that winds past the Aquarium and the famous Café de Monde. It’s a great place to get a different perspective of the area.

Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery

The Garden District is a short drive outside the city and into the suburbs. Lafayette Cemetery, where our Uber dropped us off, sits at the edge of the residential Garden District. Lafayette was the city’s first planned cemetery- and it did take some serious planning! It’s occupants are buried in raised graves, which protect the sites from being destroyed by frequent flooding. I don’t even want to think about what happened before they constructed the mausoleums!

Taking a walk outside of the cemetery, you begin to notice quickly that these neighborhood homes are far different than the buildings of the Business District or French Quarter. The mini-mansions are known for their luscious gardens and grand architecture. Many feature wrought iron gates and trellises that frame the high balconies. These homes were built by wealthy American 19th Century families who wanted to live further from the craziness of the French Quarter.

And on your left…

Swamp Tour

If you had asked me the week before I left if I’d be taking a swap tour in New Orleans, I would have said probably not. It didn’t really seem like something I’d enjoy until we got to New Orleans and I realized that this area is unlike any other. This is a region of the world that I wasn’t at all familiar with, even though it wasn’t all that far away. It really does feel like a whole different world. It was this disconnect from my norm that led me to want to go on a swamp tour!

Cajun Encounters became a staple for us during our New Orleans stay, mostly because they picked us up right from our hotel in the morning and took us to places we wouldn’t have reached on our own. We booked this first tour with the company an hour before our hotel pick up. We were looking for something distinctly New Orleans to do with our day (that wasn’t Bourbon Street), and we certainly found it. Loaded up on a long swamp boat, our tour guide took us into the heart of the living  swamp and introduced us to the beautiful vegetation and animal life on the swamp. We saw tree snakes, raccoons, wild pigs, and of course alligator. This was a very unique way to see a different side of the south!

Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Like many southern states, New Orleans and the surrounding area was forever changed by the American Civil War. Oak Alley Plantation was once was once one of many estates built on the backs of slaves. What was once a contained sugar plantation, is now a bustling tribute to the American Antebellum era and the impact of the Civil War. The Big House was last occupied in 1969 after a long history of traded ownership, a century of economic rise and fall, and the stain of former slavery.

The main focus of the Plantation is the Big House. The inside is decorated with replica period furniture, which sits beside a few original pieces. Like back in its day, the grounds are meticulously landscaped, particularly the canopy of live oaks that line the front walk. It is said that the original lady of the house, Celina Roman, didn’t like the look of the feathering Spanish moss, so it was constantly removed from these trees. Looking at the sloping branches and overflowing roots, there is still no sign of any “beards” on these 150+ year old trees.

Surrounding the Big House, different stations are available to teach the history of the estate and the surrounding area. A costumed Civil War reenactor will tell you about how the battles of the Civil War reached into life on this plantation and others like it. A shed across the way can answer every question you have ever had about farming and refining sugarcane, as the land once did. In sight of the back of the house are two rows of cabins where the plantation’s slaves were once housed. Each cabin teaches about a different role, hardship, custom or tool in the life of a plantation slave. This walk culminates in a list of the names of every slave employed on this property, bringing life and identity back to these people.

The Oak Alley Restaurant was one of our final stops before the end of our trip. Inside the quaint cottage, a friendly staff will ask you about your day at the plantation and offer to answer any questions that you still have. The food on site is great! This was my first (and personally last) experience with alligator bites, which our waitress handed over with such excitement and lingered to watch us try! All in all, Oak Alley was a great way to spend a day on the outskirts of New Orleans!

Creole Queen Jazz Cruise

One of the biggest selling points to this destination is the local culture, and the music was a big part of that! Embracing our inner Huck Finn, we set sail on the Mississippi River on the Creole Queen. This Paddlewheeler offered two different packages for our night cruise: one with dinner included and one without. We opted for the package without food, but sitting in the dining room, listening to the band play and smelling the delicious scents of the dinner, we decided it may have been worth it. Somewhat satisfied with the snacks we’d eaten on the way to the port, we sipped our hurricanes as the ship set sail down the Mississippi. The band on board played a collection of classic jazz, sprinkled with some show tunes. They created a wonderful atmosphere for our cruise. Even better, we could still hear the band playing from outside on the upper deck of the ship!    

Can I take your order?

Café Du Monde

New Orleans is famous for a lot of different types of food, but this one really satisfied my sweet tooth. Café Du Monde is said to be the best place in the French Quarter for beignets! Being the only beignets that I tried during my visit, I can’t really say how they stack up, but they were delicious! The café literally serves three things: beignets, hot chocolate and coffee. What else do we really need? Even better, the café is open 24 hours a day, so those late night beignet cravings are totally okay!

Manning’s

Manning’s happened to be one of the only places in the city to air the Super Bowl. As New Englanders who happened to be headed down to NOLA for Super Bowl weekend, we had mixed feelings about the Saints getting jilted out of the championship. The Saints fans did not. In the most proud and dedicated “protest” I had ever seen, 99% of bars in New Orleans refused to show the game. Saints fans took the street to party during the broadcast, and protest concerts and parades were happening all over the city. This was one of the most passionate displays I have ever seen from a sports rally! As those New Englanders out of place, it was a little problematic. After a few calls to bars who were choosing to air the puppy bowl, the kitty bowl, or the 2010 Super Bowl instead, we found Manning’s.

Manning’s is owned by the family of Payton and Eli Manning, so we shouldn’t have been surprised that they would show a football game, no matter which teams were playing. The inside was a sports fan’s dream. Three rows of recliners at the front of the room faced a theater-size television that took up most of the wall. Outside, there was patio seating facing another large screen. This place is the champion of all sports bars!

Acme Oyster House

Speaking of famous foods in the area, Acme Oyster House was a great place to find them all! There’s an obvious reason that the line to get into this little restaurant stretches all the way down the street almost all the time. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly! The restaurant serves customers inside within minutes and turns table over very efficiently. The food is everything that you came to New Orleans for in the first place. Jambalaya, gumbo and every po-boy that you can imagine, this place has the whole array of delicious Cajun classics! 

Ruby Slipper Café

As we were looking into brunch across different restaurants in the French Quarter, we noticed that most brunch places served a menu that more closely resembled just lunch. The Ruby Slipper satisfied our craving for breakfast foods! Stopping in at one of their many locations, we found a charming little café with a unique and delicious menu. I’d be happy to start every single day with the Ruby Slipper Mimosa, and the Bananas Foster Pain Perdu was incredible!

 Where’s the Party?

Bourbon Street

When you think nightlife in New Orleans, no doubt the first thing you think of is Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. There’s a certain expectation for this wild piece of the city that it definitely lives up to! Something that struck us (as those foreign New Englanders) was that there is no such thing as open container laws in this city. That’s right people, most bars serve in a plastic cup so that you can simply go on your merry way with drink in hand. Bourbon street is lined with bars from one end to the other. Each of these has a different theme or feel, but all are a wild time! This is the place to go for a sloppy drunken night on the town.

Pro-tip: Bourbon Street and the blocks around is are also packed with hotels! If you plan to bar hop your nights away, find a place to stay that’s conveniently close by!

Frenchman Street

Frenchman Street is the slightly less sloppy side of NOLA nightlife. This is the place where you’re more likely to take your drinks to-go and pop in and out of different bars along this strip. What makes this street different is the live music that you can find in almost every bar. Talented local jazz bands and individuals take each stage, creating a truly unique cultural feel and a special Southern charm. To me, this was New Orleans! I would definitely recommend taking a step away from Bourbon Street at some point to explore what Frenchman has to offer!

[almaviva90]

I was tagged by the wonderful @ghoulishmalady. :)

Rules: Answer all questions, add one question of your own and tag as many people as there are questions.

1. Coke or Pepsi? Coke. I can drink both but you won’t see me actively buying Pepsi from the supermarket.

2. Disney or Dreamworks? Disney, I guess.

3. Coffee or tea? Coffee. I used to have a problem with coffee (I had palpitations, too) but thankfully that’s over. I’m leaning more towards coffee nowadays, especially iced coffee, as I need that caffeine boost during the second half of the workday. But I like tea as well, particularly English Breakfast, Assam and green tea.

4. Books or movies? I think it might be movies at the moment. I love books but my concentration isn’t what it used to be (due to a combination of stress, work, and Real Life) but I hope to get back to sitting down with a book soon.

5. Windows or Mac? Windows.

6. DC or Marvel? Marvel.

7. Xbox or Playstation? Um, can I say PC because I’ve never owned both of them? :p

8. Dragon Age or Mass Effect? Similar answer to the previous question: I haven’t played either so I can’t say. But I am vaguely more aware of Dragon Age and have heard really good things about it. I should get round to playing it one day (as with many other games, e.g. Dishonored 2)

9. Night owl or early riser? Night owl. You’ll likely catch me being more productive at 3 in the morning than I am 12 hours before.

10. Cards or chess? I think I’m terrible at both but I seem to fare better at cards.

11. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate. It depends though. Some chocolate-flavoured things are terrible and I’m always up for some vanilla ice cream from Häagen-Dazs! 

12. Vans or Converse? I don’t think I’ve ever owned a pair of either but I’ll go with Converse. I’m a fan of Geox tbh (mostly men’s shoes because they’re way more comfy and generally look nicer).

13. Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash? Had to look this up...all these Dragon Age questions are making me feel like I’m missing out on something, darn it, lol. Er, no idea.

14. Paragon or Renegade? Paragon.

15. Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Wars, ever since watching the original trilogy at the wee age of 10. Mostly because of Alec Guinness’s Obi-Wan. I tried watching a bit of Star Trek (the series with Patrick Stewart) when it was on the telly, but like Doctor Who, it never caught on with me. 

16. One episode per week or binge watch? Binge watch.

17. Gandalf or Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan, as played by both Alec Guinness and Ewan McGregor.

18. Heroes or villains? Heroes, specifically those veering in the direction of anti-heroes and who have so much nuance and complexity about them.

19. John Williams or Hans Zimmer? John Williams. I grew up listening to John Williams (Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter...just to name a few) and so I guess my emotional connection to his music is stronger. That being said, Hans Zimmer is a legend, too. :)

20. Disneyland/World or Six Flags? I’d go try out Six Flags because my two trips to my local Disneyland were lacklustre, not to mention overpriced. But I’d give the rides and rollercoasters a miss because I can’t even deal with spinning teacups. Being the friend in the group who looks after everyone else’s belongings is more my thing. XD

21. Forest or Sea? Forest. This might be because I can’t swim.

22. Flying or reading minds? Flying. Reading minds would be too invasive.

23. Twin Peaks or Northern Exposure? Are these television shows...or terrible euphemisms? (As you might have guessed, I have watched neither.)

24. Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Harry Potter.

25. You’re banished to a deserted island, which Benedict Cumberbatch character would you choose to take with you? Christopher Tietjens from Parade’s End. Practically speaking, I don’t see how he’ll help getting us off the island and he’ll probably spend most of his time pining after Valentine...but at least he’s a good egg.

26. Train or cruise ship? Train. I also easily get seasick.

27. Brian Cox or Neil deGrasse Tyson? Brian Cox.

28. Art museum or science museum? Art museum. Especially ones with loads of portraits.

29. Irish pub or night club? Irish pub. I went into a bar/club once when I was 18 for a friend’s birthday party and all I remember it being was...loud. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do that again because the loudness combined with the pulsing beat of the music might just cause me to get a panic attack. (This happened to me when a band was playing at the Brixton Splash two years ago. Not fun.)

30. Aang or Korra? Pass. (Mostly because idk, lol).

31. Swimming in a pool or lake? I can’t swim. :(

32. Classic music or classic literature? Argh, these are good (read ‘difficult’) questions. I’ll go with classical(?) music.

33. Oxford comma or no oxford comma? To tell the truth, I’m terribly inconsistent. But I find myself using more Oxford commas in my writing now. My English is ever-evolving!

34. Digital or paper books? Paper books. You just can’t beat the feel of having real pages between your fingers. However, digital books are a godsend if you’re strapped for cash and space.

35. Rainy days or Sunny days? Rainy days. During the summers over here, we get absolutely no respite from the sun (and more importantly, the heat and humidity).

36. Fantasy or Science Fiction? Fantasy, please.

37: Poetry or Prose? Prose.

38: Music or Lyrics? Music. 

39: Kissing or cuddling? Cuddling.

40. Dancing or movies for date night? Movies. Although I haven’t seriously tried, I doubt I can dance at all: I’m not the most graceful person in the world.

41. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you pick? In spite of stupid, stupid Brexit, I’ll go and live in London any time. ♥

42. What’s your favourite video game of all time? Another tough question. Many of the games I’ve played are great but perhaps the one which I played repeatedly and still have fond memories of is The Curse of Monkey Island. Ah, the music, the jokes...not to mention Murray the Demonic Skull! 

43. Ghost stories or urban legends? Urban legends.

44. Music Concerts or Theatre? Theatre! The atmosphere you get there is quite unlike anything else. Figures that I’ve been to more plays than concerts in my life so far. 

(added question) 45. Plays or musicals?

Not tagging 45 people, obviously, because that would be too many but I will tag anyone reading this and who’d like to have a go! :)

[celebritylive]

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread in the U.S. and beyond, many would-be vacationers are concerned about whether its safe to travel to a variety of destinations — or at all.

In recent weeks, a number of countries have been deemed unsafe to visit by the State Department and Centers for Disease Control, and the former announced on Sunday that U.S. citizens should not board cruise ships, regardless of their destination, as they’re particularly susceptible to outbreaks of illness. A handful of destinations that have been hit hard by the epidemic have recently been locked down completely, preventing any movement in or out.

As a result, the demand for flights, hotels and other travel-related services domestically and internationally has dropped dramatically, which in turn is driving down their cost. Reduced fares, room rates, and in some cases, the promise of incentivizing perks, are causing some to consider whether a cheap trip is worth the risks associated with the global illness. 

RELATED: Cruise Lines Banning Passengers, Issuing Health Screenings, but Continue to Sail Amid Coronavirus

“Safety is a personal decision that is different for every traveler,” Erika Richter, Senior Director of Communications at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) tells PEOPLE, noting that the situation is continually evolving, and every traveler has a different level of risk tolerance. Currently, the ASTA advises monitoring sources like the CDC and State Department, and checking with your doctor before deciding whether or not travel is safe for you.

“Some travel advisors are telling us that their clients are canceling or postponing trips to Italy and Asia, but that travel has not come to a screeching halt,” Richter said on Monday. On Tuesday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte instructed citizens to stay home and avoid non-essential travel, the BBC reported. The country has seen 463 deaths and 9,172 cases in Italy alone as of March 10 — the second most fatalities of any country in the world, behind China, which has confirmed 3,136 deaths and 80,757 cases.

Currently, the CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Italy, China, South Korea and Iran, noting that entry of foreign nationals from China and Iran into the U.S. is currently suspended. 

The CDC also recommends that older adults, or those with chronic medical conditions, consider postponing travel to Japan, and state that there is a risk of limited community transmission in Hong Kong. 

RELATED: Is It Safe to Travel to Europe Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak? Experts Weigh In

According to Richter, those who do choose to travel are choosing closer-to-home destinations like Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, all of which have reported cases of COVID-19 but do not currently have travel advisories in place by the CDC or State Department. 

“Some travel advisors tell us that if a destination is not on the State Department’s advisory list, their clients are going,” Richter says, noting that South America and Greece are also becoming popular destinations for that reason. 

As previously noted, the State Department recently issued a formal warning against traveling by cruise ship, saying in a statement that the “cruise ship environment” can foster an “increased risk of infection.” The CDC also issued a similar warning, citing the “unusual nature of the novel coronavirus,” which “appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships.” However, several major cruise lines confirmed to PEOPLE on Monday that their sailings will continue as scheduled. 

RELATED: U.S. Disney Parks Have ‘Stringent’ Sanitation Procedures in Place Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Beyond cruise ships, many health officials are encouraging people with underlying health issues to practice “social distancing,” described by Harvard Health as “maintaining enough distance between yourself and another person to reduce the risk of breathing in droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.” Studies have shown a virus can spread as far as 6 to 8 feet from coughing or sneezing.

Many large events have been suspended across the U.S. to avoid gatherings that would mean having many people very close together, from Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day parade to the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Some college classes have also been suspended.

RELATED: Carnival Cruises Offering Guests $200 in Credit Not to Cancel Trips Amid Coronavirus Concerns

As of March 10, 106 countries have confirmed cases of COVID-19, spanning across Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that there are 113,702 confirmed cases, and 4,012 deaths globally. 3,140 of these deaths have occurred in China, where the outbreak first began. 

A list of all the countries currently impacted by COVID-19 can be found on the CDC website. The WHO also shares a daily situation report, which lists each country with confirmed cases, as well as how many confirmed cases they have, how many new cases have emerged, how many deaths have resulted, their transmission classification (imported cases versus local transmission) and the number of days since their last reported case. 

Both the CDC and State Department have shared color-coded maps of the world for travelers looking to assess their travel risks.

The CDC map shows each country’s risk for transmission of COVID-19 specifically, while the State Department map shows travel risks more generally (including risks related to terrorism, crime, etc). Both these organizations suggest looking at these maps before making decisions related to travel. 

RELATED VIDEO: Disruptive Passengers Removed from United Airlines Flight After Panic Over Coughing Fellow Flyer

On Tuesday, the U.S. Travel Association shared a statement from a coalition of 150 organizations including airlines, tourism boards and hotel associations stating that the travel and hospitality industry have been working with government and health officials to ensure that it is safe to travel within the U.S.

“Health and government officials have continually assured the public that healthy Americans can ‘confidently travel in this country,’” the statement says. “While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it’s equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions.”

RELATED: How Will Coronavirus Affect Travel in the U.S. and Abroad? Here’s What Major Airlines are Doing

For those choosing not to travel in the near future, Richter says it’s still possible to take advantage of low travel prices. 

“When you work with a travel advisor, you can plan now and travel later,” Richter says. “There are so many companies that are offering incentives and relaxing their cancelation and deposit guidelines to be flexible for travelers.”

No matter what you choose to do, the situation is constantly changing, so staying informed is of the utmost importance. Richter suggests checking the CDC, State Department and WHO recommendations regularly, and signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for free travel alerts from the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Whether traveling or staying home, the best prevention methods are basic forms of hygiene — careful hand washing, avoiding touching the face, moving away from people who are coughing or sneezing, and staying home at signs of illness.

from PEOPLE.com https://ift.tt/2ICXL2k

[anestiefel]

The 9 Best Party Cruise Ships

1. Carnival Fantasy

The Main Pool on the Carnival Fantasy/Oyster

Wondering which cruise line is best for partying? Well, you’ve found it. Carnival Cruises are hands-down the way to go for those seeking a tried-and-true party experience. For starters, the cruise line has its own DJ academy that’s run by famous Las Vegas and Miami DJs. The brand essentially gave birth to the party cruise with its “Fun Ship” fleet, and the Carnival Fantasy is the most senior of those. In fact, there are a total of eight Fantasy-class sister ships that are commonly deployed on shorter weekend getaway cruises. That makes these the perfect length cruises for travelers who want to party, but not spend too many of their vacation days. Interiors are bright and colorful throughout the ships, including the the bars and nightclubs. The Fantasy itself features the line’s latest BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, as well as a nightclub and theme party nights. Is this a peaceful weekend getaway? Likely not. But if you’re looking to live your wildest life, the Carnival Fantasy is for you.

2. Carnival Vista

If you’re seeking Carnival’s slightly more refined side, the Carnival Vista may be more your speed. All the fun is still here, but the formerly flashy decor of previous ships is swapped for a more subtle beach resort aesthetic. You’ll find brand staples like BlueIguana and RedFrog on the Vista as well, along with the pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Pub & Brewery offer beers that are brewed right onboard. Aside from the bars and clubs, parties are hosted at the outdoor pool deck and indoors at the Liquid Lounge.

3. Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Cruise Line channels Jimmy Buffett to create the relaxed party atmosphere aboard the Norwegian Escape. The musician’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and Margaritaville at Sea embody his philosophy of partaking in the good life. Still, passengers can get their blood pumping again with all sorts of high-octane activities. There are thrilling water slides plus a challenging ropes course to enjoy. Broadway-worthy productions in the Stardust Theater are also thrilling. And then there are the themed parties (like the wildly popular Glow Party), which you’ll learn more about just below.

4. Norwegian Pearl

In addition to the Norwegian Escape, the Norwegian Pearl is party central. For starters, many music festivals come to the ship, giving guests a chance to listen in on multiple live sets as well as mingle with their favorite artists. The expansive pool deck and concert-friendly Stardust Theater also make great live-entertainment venues. However, Norwegian is perhaps most famous for its themed party nights. These include Latin Night, ’70s and ’80s nights, and the Glow Party — where black lights, club music, and neon are guaranteed to make the night memorable.

5. Harmony of the Seas

If you’re after a cruise ship that’s really more of a floating city, you’d do well to check out the ships of the Royal Caribbean International line. Specifically, the Harmony of the Seas. It’s one of the largest at sea, and has almost too many venues, restaurants, and bars to count. How big is the Harmony of the Seas? Well, for starters, its central Royal Promenade is big enough to host parades, and its Studio B is a multipurpose hub of activity complete with a genuine ice rink. This one even has an escape room experience — Escape the Rubicon — as well as the thrilling Ultimate Abyss spiral dry slide and AquaTheater, with performers executing all sorts of cool acrobatics and aerials. Harmony of the Seas also has plenty of bars to keep your thirst at bay, including a robot bar and a nightclub with a light-up dance floor.

6. Anthem of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is another ship that mixes party-ready elements (like a dizzying number of bars) with cool thrills for those who get their kicks in more visceral ways. Or maybe you love both! Let’s start with the booze. Like sister ship Harmony of the Seas, you’ll find the Bionic Bar on board, where robots stir and shake all types of boozy concoctions (to shockingly solid reviews). There’s also the North Star, which allows you to sip your cocktails while dangling way above the cruise deck. For cruisers who prefer some action, check out the line’s signature FlowRider surf simulator as well as the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator (which is especially fun lit up in neon at night). For milder, kid-friendly fun, head to the SeaPlex. Here you’ll find a video game lounge, bumper car arena, roller rink, circus school, and dance club.

7. Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy/Photo courtesy of Jason Leppert

It will come as absolutely no surprise that when it comes to family party time, Disney Cruise Line takes the cake. And its Disney Fantasy ship just so happens to pack in the most fun for travelers on its weeklong voyages. You can expect Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and plenty of other characters while at sea, which is guaranteed to please the youngest cruisers. Best of all, the line does a fine job of providing something for everyone. Families can catch stage shows, film screenings, and opt themed dining, as well as ride the AquaDuck water coaster and play at the AquaLab. Kid-centric destinations onboard include the Midship Detective Agency or Disney’s Oceaneer Club — where the little ones will get character visits and access to games and toys. Adults can head to Europa for The Tube nightclub or La Piazza, Ooh La La, O’Gills Pub, and Skyline bars.

8. Disney Wonder

Tiana’s Place, Disney Wonder/Photo courtesy of Jason Leppert

The Disney Wonder may be smaller than the Fantasy, but you’ll still find plenty of family-fun party activity on board. Those include its own AquaLab interactive water park., as well as plenty of deck performances (including one helmed by Mickey Mouse as your ship departs port). Fireworks and pirates are also cruisers favorites. When it comes to dining, the Disney Wonder excels, especially at Tiana’s Place, a restaurant inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.” Here, a live jazz band and parade happen accompany your southern-inspired meals. Of course, big hits with kids include the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Frozen Adventures, which are both part of Disney’s Oceaneer Club. No Disney Wonder cruise would be complete without a visit from Queen Elsa and Princess Anna during the family-friendly “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.”

9. Queen Mary 2

QM2/Courtesy of Jason Leppert

While it may not come to mind as a party ship at first, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a wonderful option for those who want to step back in time. This ocean liner is all about creating a vintage elegant vibe, with its formal dress code and live big-band music. The ship attracts a more mature crowd than you’d find on Carnival’s ships, and far fewer families than the Disney cruises. It also has an incredibly high price tag, with luxury dining venues and the world’s only at-sea planetarium. Itineraries can be incredibly long and often are booked as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure (including around-the-world sailings). When it comes to entertainment, expect everything from Broadway-style revues to Shakespeare.

NOW WATCH: Top 5 Ships for Cruise Ship Haters

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The post The 9 Best Party Cruise Ships appeared first on Oyster.com.

from Oyster.com https://www.oyster.com/articles/best-party-cruise-ships/ Publish First on IFTTT

[easytravelpw-blog]

Full text write on https://easy-travel.pw/disney-wonder-cruise-ship-profile-and-photo-tour/trip-planning/

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship Profile and Photo Tour

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Disney Wonder Cruise Ship Overview

Linda Garrison

Disney Cruise Line launched the Disney Wonder cruise ship in 1999, and the cruise ship had an extreme 53-day makeover in the fall of 2016. Almost everything on the Disney Wonder was renovated or completely re-done, and the classic ship looks brand new. The ship is the same size as her older sister ship the Disney Magic, which was significantly refurbished in 2013.

Some things haven't changed. The cabins still have the popular split bathrooms, familiar Disney characters are seen everywhere, and the Disney Wonder has excellent entertainment, activities, and dining venues for adults, kids, and family groups.

Here you will find a  photo tour of the renovated Disney Wonder and information on the entertainment, kid's club, dining, common areas, staterooms, and itineraries. 

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Frozen: A Musical Spectacular on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Disney Cruises

Many travelers might not consider the onboard entertainment and activities as one of the key reasons for selecting a specific cruise ship. However, since the Disney Wonder is the only ship (Disney or otherwise) featuring the new production, “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular”, it certainly should move up on the list of ships for a cruise vacation.

“Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” debuted on the Disney Wonder in November 2016, and the musical is currently being shown in the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre on the Disney Wonder. The 55-minute musical is shorter than the one hour and forty-nine-minute movie “Frozen”, but the writer has kept all the music and iconic lines from the movie. It's a marvelous production and hearing the gasps and applause at certain key places in the musical will give you goosebumps. Many adult women nod their heads in agreement when the cast starts singing he's a “Fixer Upper”.

The second major change to the Disney Wonder is the modifications made to the kid's clubs.

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Marvel Super Hero Academy on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

The Disney Wonder Oceaneer Club for kids 3 to 12 years old has added two new fun areas. In addition, the It's a Small World Nursery has been expanded and enhanced for the very young in mind.

The first new area in the Oceaneer Club is the Marvel Super Hero Academy, which is exclusive to the Disney Wonder. Superheroes like Captain America, Spiderman, and the Black Widow teach teamwork, strategy, and problem solving using a series of different “missions”. The missions are very active and stress the importance of being a superhero on the inside, not the outside.

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Captain America in the Marvel Super Hero Academy on the Disney Wonder

Disney Cruises

At the Marvel Superhero Academy on the Disney Wonder cruise ship, kids get to interact with superhero favorites like Captain America. 

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Marvel Super Hero Black Widow on the Disney Magic Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Although the Marvel Superhero Academy missions are not gendered specific, young girls (and boys) love the chance to undertake a mission with the Black Widow.

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Frozen Adventures in the Disney Wonder Oceaneer Club

Disney Cruises

Frozen Adventures is the second new addition to the Disney Wonder Oceaneer Club. This adventure is set in Wandering Oaken's Trading Post, with lots of props and details that kids will recognize from the film. Olaf leads digital games and the two princesses (Elsa and Anna) make an appearance, always thrilling the youngsters.

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Tiana’s Place Restaurant on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Tiana's Place is a new dining venue for Disney Cruises and is exclusive to the Disney Wonder. This restaurant was inspired by Princess Tiana in the Disney animated feature, “The Princess and the Frog”. Diners at Tiana's Place feel like they are in New Orleans as they sample appetizers like sausage fritters or Gulf shrimp and grits and main dishes such as Cajun-spiced sea bass or roasted pork tenderloin on an Andouille sausage stew. As each course changes, see if you can tell the difference in each plate–you might see a frog change into a prince!

The Disney Wonder continues to use Disney's popular rotational dining for dinner, and Tiana's Place, Animator's Palate, and Triton's are the three restaurants scheduled. Tiana's Place is unique to the Disney Wonder and occupies the space where Parrot Cay was located.

In addition to the three rotational restaurants, the casual buffet has been remodeled and is now called Cabana's. The decor is fresh, and the outdoor dining area has been expanded.

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Entertainment at Tiana’s Restaurant on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Disney Cruises

Diners love the entertainment at Tiana's Place, which feels like a New Orleans French Quarter supper club. A live jazz and blues musical combo and a limbo parade with staff and guests around the dining room add to the excitement. 

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Animator’s Palate Restaurant on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Animator's Palate is found on all the Disney ships, and it's a fun dining experience. During the Disney Wonder refurbishment, two new dinner shows were added called”Drawn to Magic” and “Animation Magic”.  Guests get the opportunity to show off their animation skills, and it's fun for kids and adults.

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Palo Restaurant on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Palo is the adults-only specialty restaurant on all the Disney ships, and it was remodeled during the Disney Wonder refurbishment. The room has a fresh look and the chocolate souffle is as good as ever. 

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Mickey Waffles on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

One of the many things that Disney fans love on the Disney Wonder are the whimsical touches that remind guests they are on a Disney ship. Touches like hidden Mickeys in the decor, Mickey ice cream bars, and Mickey waffles are guaranteed to bring a smile.

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Chandelier in the Atrium of the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

The atrium on the Disney Wonder has been remodeled. One of the biggest changes is the new chandelier. Since a statue of Ariel, the Little Mermaid, graces the Disney Wonder atrium, it's appropriate that this chandelier looks like the red flowers in her tiara.

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Holidays on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Disney Cruises decorates and celebrates the holidays starting in early November and continuing through the last week in December. Its holiday program is appropriately called, “Very Merrytime Cruises”. All the cruise ships are decorated for the holidays, Christmas music is played throughout the ships, and turkey is served for dinner in one of the restaurants. Guests get to see the characters and staff dressed in holiday attire. Plus, even Santa needs a cruise, so he's along for the ride.

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Disney Wonder Cruise Ship Atrium

Linda Garrison

Those who have sailed on the Disney Wonder before will notice that the stairs were moved. Doesn't the ship look amazing with the holiday decor?

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Dining Outdoors on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Cabana's buffet restaurant has an expanded area for outdoor dining. The views of the wake at the aft of the ship are mesmerizing. 

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Disney Wonder Water Slide and Pool Deck

Linda Garrison

The Twist 'n' Spout water slide on the Disney Wonder isn't as scary as the AquaDunk on the Disney Magic or as scenic as the AquaDuck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, but kids still love it. Disney also modified Dory's Reef, a water area for toddlers, and AquaLab, a fun area for older kids (and adults) on the Disney Wonder.

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Disney Wonder Outdoor Video Screen and Swimming Pool

Linda Garrison

A huge new outdoor video screen (Funnel vision) has been added to the outdoor decks. Movies fun throughout the day and into the evening, and the schedule is printed in the daily Personal Navigator. 

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Quiet Cove Pool on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Adults appreciate that the Disney Wonder has two swimming pools–one for kids and families and the other, called the Quiet Cove pool, for those over 18. 

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Hallway on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

Although the Disney Wonder often seems to be humming with activities, it's not difficult to get a photo of one of the quiet hallways. The large portholes are very popular with kids and adults for lounging and watching the sea. 

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After Hours Entrance on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

The adult district on the Disney Wonder is one of the areas that has been renovated. It features three new lounges: the Crown & Fin Pub, Azure night club, and the Cadillac piano lounge. Adults traveling with kids will appreciate that this area is separated from the kids' and families' area in the evening.

Azure has musical entertainment, comedians, game shows, DJs, and dancing for adults in the evening. Its decor is done in white and is very elegant and contemporary. Be on the look out for the nautical touches like shells and octopus tentacles.

The Cadillac Lounge is not new, but adults love the seats from old Cadillacs, the piano music, wine tastings, and mixology classes.

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Crown & Fin Pub on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Disney Cruises

The Crown & Fin Pub is the Disney Wonder's sports bar and is exclusive on the Disney Wonder. With its dark woods and leather furniture, it looks like a British pub. Add a few specialty brews, and adults will be convinced they are in merry ole' England. Those visiting the pub should be on the lookout for items used in Disney movies with British settings. You may have to ask the bartender, but try and find Mary Poppins' umbrella! 

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Balcony Cabin on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Linda Garrison

All the Disney Wonder cabins have been renovated, but the ship still has 877 cabins and carries 1750 guests with double occupancy. Since the ship has many family cabins with Pullman or sofa beds, the cruise ship can carry 2,713 guests when full. 

Other changes to the cabins include new platform beds with room for luggage storage underneath and more drawer space. 

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Galveston – Disney Wonder Embarkation and Debarkation Port

Linda Garrison

The Disney Wonder sails from several different home ports throughout the year.

USA travelers who live in the Midwest and Southwest can fly into Houston and will appreciate the Galveston sailings. This island is a great place to spend a few days before or after a cruise. 

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Castaway Cay – Disney Wonder Port of Call in the Bahamas

Disney Cruises

In addition to Galveston, the Disney Wonder sails from the following home ports:

Vancouver, British Columbia: Alaska cruises

Port Canaveral, Florida: Bahamas, Castaway Cay, and the Caribbean (Port Canaveral is perfect for a Disney combination land and cruise. Spend a few days at Disney World before or after a cruise.)

San Juan, Puerto Rico: Southern and eastern Caribbean

San Diego, California: Mexican Riviera

No matter where you sail from on the Disney Wonder, you'll have a great family or adult cruise vacation. Be sure to go see “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular”. You'll love the play and the audience reaction (especially the kids).

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy. 

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Visitor guide to tokyo disneyland - Opening hours

Browse touring information to have a good time at disneyland in tokyo disney hotel delighting in attractions and also dream world.

The Magic Kingdom is having problem in Europe, however more than One Decade after Mickey Mouse as well as his gang opened evictions to free-spending Japanese, the Tokyo Disneyland thrives. Tokyo Disneyland is equally as 'Disney' as you could anticipate, and also in numerous methods, of a greater requirement compared to the other Disney Parks. Tokyo Disneyland is an amusement park based upon the films produced by Walt Disney. It was opened up in 1983 as the initial Disney amusement park outside of the USA. Modeled after Disneyland in The golden state as well as the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland is composed of 7 themed lands and also features seasonal decors as well as parades. It is integrated in the very same design as Disneyland in The golden state as well as the Magic Kingdom in Florida. It is had by The Oriental Land Company, which certifies the theme from The Walt Disney Firm. There are 2 parks alongside each other Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. You need to pay different for each one.

You can have a much more delightful time at the Tokyo Disneyland as well as Tokyo DisneySea Parks by inspecting the various schedules of destinations, restaurants, stores and more in breakthrough. Visitors can experience a lot more satisfying keep at Tokyo Disney Resort by acquainting themselves in breakthrough with the operating hours and also other information of the Hotel's many facilities as well as sessions attended to their comfort.

The Disney open day someday passport provides you the adaptability to visit Disneyland or Disney Sea on any type of day you pick. You won't need to stress over being secured in to the one day so you can go when the mood ideal fits you. Famous for its tourist attractions as well as flights you'll uncover that Tokyo Disney Resort supplies serious enjoyable for everybody. To dominate Tokyo Disneyland in less than 2 days called for Strategic Preparing. At 115 acres, Tokyo Disneyland would certainly most certainly be a huge park to cover. After payment you will certainly be sent out an exchange ticket as well as you will have to exchange this at the Tokyo Disneyland major entryway info and also box office for your actual entry.

When to visit Tokyo Disneyland

Major public vacations are the busiest time of the year. Stay clear of checking out the park throughout the Golden Week (end of April - start of May) as well as New Years holidays.

Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and also the least visitors is during the week specifically on Tuesday, Wednesday as well as Thursdays.

During the year the tiniest groups remain in January (after the Sixth) and also February on weekdays: weekends are still extremely busy.

In summertime it's really warm as well as damp, yet very crowded. The 2nd half of July as well as all of August are peak season.

The finest time to visit Tokyo Disneyland is at completion of Could: it's quite tranquil in terms of groups and the weather is good. Similar concession in between crowds as well as climate condition is attainable in autumn months.

Holiday durations (Halloween, Christmas, and so on) are extremely busy. If there's a Japanese vacation dropping throughout this duration, stay clear of seeing the park on now as it will certainly be jammed (for example, the Emperors Birthday celebration on December 23).

Disneyland's participation depends a great deal on the weather: throughout rainfall there are half as lots of site visitors. Take into consideration that many outside trips are closed if it rainfalls and also parades and reveals cancelled. At the exact same time there will be no crowds and when the rainfall stops - everything will begin functioning correctly again.

Opening hours

Opening hrs are on a daily basis from 10am-6pm. There are Starlight Evenings, usually on weekends when the park remains open up until around 10pm. You can use your limitless pass or buy a Starlight Ticket which will obtain you into the park from 5pm till closing. Closing time differs for Starlight Evenings, depending on the season and the weather.

Times and Prices Open Daily: Times vary Tokyo Disneyland: One day pass: 5, 800 yen Tokyo DisneySea: Someday pass: 5, 800 yen

Location Urayasu, Chiba, Japan ( 15 minutes by train from Tokyo station)

How to Get There Tokyo Station JR Keiyo Line (concerning 15 mins) leave at JR Maihama Terminal (South Departure)

Themed lands in TokyoDisneyland to Visit

World Bazaar

World Mart, located at the primary entry to the park, is a covered shopping game lined by stores as well as dining establishments. The location is designed like an early 20th century American town and acts as the park's primary buying area where lots of visitors quit on their escape of the park.

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland discovers the motifs of deep space and also future innovations. It is home to prominent tourist attractions such as Area Hill, Celebrity Tours and also Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters.

Toontown

Toontown is a suv toon community where the Disney characters live, work and also play. Targeted at a more youthful target market, Toontown allows site visitors satisfy Mickey at his residence, use Donald Duck's boat, take a look at Chip 'n Dale's Treehouse and also ride a child sized rollercoaster.

Fantasyland

Fantasyland is based on the traditional animated films by Disney as well as is house to the legendary Cinderella's Castle at the center of the park, along with various other personalities and also trips such as Peter Frying pan, Snow White, It's A Small World and Pooh's Hunny Search, an original Fantasyland attraction distinct to Tokyo Disneyland.

Critter Country

Critter Country is house to Br' emergency room Bunny, Br' emergency room Fox, Br' er Bear as well as the various other characters from the Disney movie 'Track of the South'. Below you can locate the preferred Sprinkle Hill log flight, in addition to assisted canoe trips on the Rivers of America.

Westernland

Westernland is themed after the United States western frontier along the Rivers of The U.S.A.. The location is house to the popular rollercoaster Huge Thunder Mountain, while Tom Sawyer Island is found out in the middle of the river.

Adventureland

Adventureland includes tourist attractions that encompass the spirit of adventure. Below you could sign up with a jungle cruise ship, discover the Swiss Family Treehouse, ride the Western River Railway as well as sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Anna as well as Elsa's Frozen Fantasy - Jan 13 to march 20, 2015

This brand-new unique event at Tokyo Disneyland is themed to Anna and Elsa's globe after the occasions received the Disney movie Frozen. Anna and also Elsa, having integrated as well as restored their ties, welcome Visitors to a gorgeous world of snow and ice created by Elsa's magical power. The Park will certainly be decorated with snow as well as ice crystal themes influenced by the movie. Visitors will certainly locate opportunities to experience the world of Frozen at Tokyo Disneyland.

Tips upon arrival

1. Show up early. That's really a must! This Disneyland is various from the ones in the US or France: you won't benefit from a hr or more of silent time in the park and also not-yet-busy tourist attractions at the opening. On the contrary, you'll see huge groups waiting on the gates to open up already an hour prior to the opening time! Obtain in line and also comply with the running group when the gateways are open: your goal will be to get Fastpass for Monster's Inc. if you're in Disneyland or Toy Story Midway Mania if you remain in DisneySea.

2. Take lunch prior to 11 am or after 1 pm. With the groups it might be quite difficult to find a place in the dining establishment. As a bonus, the waiting times for a lot of attractions get lower right now, as the majority of site visitors are inhabited eating.

3. Usage trips during Parade and programs: destinations along the parade course will certainly have much shorter waiting times, especially The Haunted Mansion. If it's not your very first time in Tokyo Disneyland or you're remaining for a number of days - rush to rides!

4. Don't leave purchasing for completion of the day. Everyone hurries to get presents as well as keepsakes in the late mid-day, we suggest doing it at one more time.

5. Use Fastpass all over you can. It's cost-free as well as it reduces your await the piece de resistances. You'll need your park ticket for each fastpass you obtain. Remember you could grab a brand-new one either when the assigned duration of the previous one begins or 2 hrs after the previous one has been launched (whatever is the earliest).

6. Tokyo Disneyland is about technique. You ought to think about simultaneously your top priority checklist of destinations and the waiting times for the trips at the moment, aiming to make using Fastpass one of the most useful possible.

7. Use solitary biker lines wherever feasible: Splash Hill in Disneyland, Flaming Spirits, Indiana Jones and Tower of Terror in DisneySea.

8. If it is very important to you to have a good sight of the show - keep in mind that the Japanese start bringing their mats to reserve their place a hr prior to the show and also earlier!

9. Remain up until completion of the day: the lines for the flights are usually much shorter after 7 pm.

10. Do not obtain upset with groups. The participation of Tokyo Disneyland is extremely high, with occasionally regarding 70.000 site visitors at as soon as! You will not be able to prevent crowds totally, however the Japanese are very well organized and act exceptionally well in queues, while the waiting location of some trips is exceptionally intriguing to explore. Stay favorable and have a wonderful day at Tokyo Disneyland!

Hotels near tokyo disneyland

Hotel MiraCosta

This exciting luxury Disneyland hotel is launched right into the park. Actually, you could even miss the entryway - it has actually been mixed in so well with 'Mediterranean harbor'. The luxurious lobby, hand painted ceilings as well as gold faucets make for a traditional, up-scale experience.

Hilton Tokyo Bay

There is a Starbucks downstairs in the entrance hall that was very convenient along with a corner store. The hotel additionally has a booth by the bell desk that markets park passes. In enhancement to the single day as well as multi-day passes, there are additionally tickets for an after 3pm or after 6pm entry for Disneyland if it made good sense to you. Our area price included one free of charge dish each day-either morning meal or lunch for the next 2 days of our stay.

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

Since it opened in the early 1980s, Tokyo Disney has been one of the most successful of the multinational's hotels. As well as when the business's initial clients had actually grown up, it understood it had there was an all new market out there - for adults. Among the results was the Disney Hotel.

The Disney Ambassador Hotel

The Art Deco-design hotel lies right following door to the fancy Ikspiari purchasing facility, at the entrance to the Disney resort. Disney characters embellish the hotel on mini child couches, mugs as well as sheets. Animations are on display at the sign in location, so you could take your time and ask all the questions you have to while the youngsters are kept active. Facilities in the areas include little souvenirs with Disney characters.