Travel

A Super New Way to Make the Most of Your Disney Vacation

January 20, 2015 By Lena

(I wish I could take the credit for that awesome title, alas, I found it right on the Walt Disney World website. Which means even they know it’s super, and are totally owning it. You go, Disney.)

Here’s the thing. My mother taught me to always measure twice, cut once. Which I’m sure was her fancy way of saying Why don’t you try planning a little, Lena. But come on, mom, where’s the fun in that? It’s much cooler to leap in with both feet.

Except, then I became a mother, and I realized what she was trying to tell me all along – life’s a lot easier when you plan ahead. And this notion can be applied to almost anything, whether it’s planning dinner for the week, planning the car pool rotation, or planning your family vacation.

Especially when planning your family vacation.

You may have heard that a Walt Disney World family getaway requires planning skills akin to Martha Stewart circa 1990. And yes, while it’s important to make the most of your time together – especially when you’re visiting somewhere as magical as Disney Parks – the feedback I’ve received time and time again is that it can be *slightly* overwhelming.

The resort. The theme parks. The meal plan. The extras.

So, where do you begin? With MyMagic+.

MyMagic+ gives you unprecedented control of your vacation and makes it easier than ever to enjoy time with the people who you care about the most. Listen up folks, because I’m about to change the way you think about planning a Walt Disney World vacay. Consider this your magical tutorial.
magic-kingdom-00-full First, go on and book your trip! Figure out your travel dates, the resort hotel you’d like to stay at (check out my review of the Art of Animation if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option) and buy your park tickets. You know, the standard stuff that makes up a Disney vacay. Then, take your Walt Disney World vacation to an all-new level, making it uniquely yours. …

Disneyland Resort, California: Disney, On Your Terms

September 28, 2014 By Lena

Having recently returned from a fun-filled #DisneyVacayCA in sunny Anaheim, California, I am invariably confronted with the following question:

So, which one do you prefer, Disney World or Disneyland?

It is a question I know I cannot avoid, having posed it myself countless times to friends and family who have experienced both parks on opposite coasts. And even though I have forewarned myself that the query should be expected – even prepared to make a choice and stand by it – I am nevertheless unable to give a satisfying response.

I like them both, I hedge mildly.

Way to take a stand, Lena! At this point I should warn you that I also make a terrible expert witness, mediator and/or customer in line at Starbucks.

What’ll that be? asks the barista.
Hmmm… I can’t decide. I quite like lattes… but I like cappuccinos too.

Pathetic.

Honestly, you can’t blame me. Asking me to choose between Disney World and Disneyland is like asking me to select a favourite among my offspring! It simply can’t be done – I love both my boys irrevocably and unequivocally for very different reasons. (Except when Ryder does that weird yodeling thing… or, perhaps, especially when he does that weird yodeling thing.)

However, since I’ve described my love affair with Walt Disney World in previous posts, I think it’s only fair that I make the case for Disneyland, too. Simply put, a visit to Disneyland Resort in California offers Disney, on your terms.
Let me explain. Using a numbered list, of course. …

Tips: How to Handle a Hot Superhero

August 28, 2014 By Lena

The sun is high in the noon sky, casting rays of powerful heat onto the civilians below. As you make your way through the hoards of mortals gathered by a galactic structure, a broad shadow looms, covering the land in darkness. Wary – but determined – you amble forward, stepping across the threshold. And instantly, you’re transported into another time. You’ve crossed the “cosmic bridge” into Asgard.

One of the highlights of our #DisneyVacayCA at Disneyland, California was the ability to get up close and personal with some of our favourite Superheroes at Innoventions. Located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, Innoventions is a 5,000-square-foot home of the future, where you can learn how the advancements of today—and the technology of tomorrow—seamlessly interconnects within the home, the surrounding community and the whole world.

It also happens to be the home of Thor, the Mighty Avenger!

“Ready yourself for a thunderous encounter as you come face-to-face with the crown prince of Asgard.”

Hint – he’s hot. No really, I know he’s Thor and all – and never once did he break character, so it’s all good for the kids – but really, kudos to Disneyland for this casting decision. Someone up there decided that a young Brad Pitt-lookalike made perfect sense for the role, and set out to find him. Well, he’s there folks. From 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

“Begin your journey by first entering a fascinating display where you can learn about the rich culture and history of Thor’s home planet. Examine the walls where you’ll find formal portraits of Thor and Loki, in addition to other treasures and artifacts—including the fabled book of Yggdrasil.”

Yes, there’s the anticipation. In fact, no one does anticipation better than Disney – from the many “artifacts” of Asgard on display (recognizable props from the Thor movies, such as weapons used by the Warriors Three and Heimdall) to the possessions of the dark elves, we’re given a glimpse into Thor’s world. And then, upon entering the Bifröst, the voice of Odin himself can be heard, welcoming us at the gateway to Asgard. Finally, Odin’s throne room opens – revealing Thor standing in splendour.

So… how do you handle a hot superhero?

Tip #1: Bait the hot superhero into a sidelong glance. You know, the type where he looks at you from the corner of his eye. Confirm his hotness, and then move over to a more central location to get a better photograph.

Thor: Treasures of Asgard Disneyland Tip #2: Creatively blur out your husband (accidentally on purpose?) and focus on the hot superhero. Note that your 6-year old is touching his mighty hammer, Mjolnir – which Thor is also touching – which means that in a way, Thor is actually touching you. Be secure in this knowledge and accept it as truth. …

Ste. Anne’s Spa: The Art of Chocolate

May 13, 2014 By Lena

By now, I hope you’ve read up on my Culinary Retreat at Ste. Anne’s Spa. Nestled in a private cottage just a stone’s throw away from the main inn, my husband and I enjoyed the many delights of the property, in addition to a private lesson with their celebrated Pastry Chef Khushroo Khambata.

Ste. Anne's Bakery Demo Interested in learning a few new culinary tips while you’re at Ste. Anne’s Spa? Join Pastry Chef Khushroo on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at the Bakery for a complimentary demonstration. The topics of these demonstrations vary from day-to-day, but could be on anything from moulding chocolates and bonbons, to creating marzipan fruits, to designing artistic sugar creations. On our visit, we made colourful handmade moulded chocolates. …

Gastropost: Ste. Anne’s Spa Dining Room Menu

April 19, 2014 By Lena

Indulge without the guilt; as a Canadian health spa, Ste. Anne’s believes in nourishing the body on all levels.

My recently Culinary Retreat at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON was everything I could have imagined, and more. Nestled in a private cottage just a stone’s throw away from the main inn, my husband and I enjoyed the many delights of Ste. Anne’s Spa, in addition to a private lesson with their celebrated Pastry Chef Khushroo Khambata. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my experience – everything from the accommodations to our chocolate-making triumph. Today’s entry is a gastropost dedicated to the sumptuous delights you’ll find at the main dining room.

Ste. Anne’s is an all-inclusive destination spa; whether you choose a day or overnight getaway, your stay will include at the minimum two culinary experiences in their dining room. For overnight guests, your stay includes a 4-course dinner, breakfast, 3-course lunch and afternoon tea.

“Relaxation would not be complete without taking care of the great appetite that develops during your stay at the spa. We have gone to great lengths to put together a dining experience that is both healthy and wholesome. You will notice that we don’t discuss calories or fat content on our menus. If your requirements are left wanting by our philosophy please feel free to ask the chef to prepare a special meal. The dress code in the dining room is very casual, be yourself, and be relaxed!

Our culinary team considers the healing powers of food for the body and soul when creating Ste. Anne’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Specifically designed to intrigue and delight, each dish generates a strong response from guests who appreciate the creativity while taking comfort in knowing that every ingredient is hand-selected after thorough consideration.”

Upon arriving at the spa, we were treated to the most delightful afternoon tea.

I highly recommend the Sampler Plate, which achieves the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. All baked goods are prepared fresh daily by Ste. Anne’s gluten free bakery, and although the menu has been created for simplicity, guests can feel free to choose their favourite items for a special, personalized plate.

Above: Smoked salmon pinwheel with a spinach flavoured wrap, fresh sprouts, herb and honey mustard; open-faced cucumber sandwich with sundried tomato cream cheese and fresh chopped herbs, served with havarti and old orange cheddar cheese, crackers and dried cranberries. …

Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer

September 13, 2013 By Lena

If you’ve been following along over the past few months, you’ll know that I accepted Travelocity.ca’s invitation to #GoSeizeTheSummer. In essence, I spent quality time with my family via mini-vacations at resorts across Ontario.

However, when I first chatted with my husband about joining the program, he brought up a very valid point: “We’re already both so busy. Do you really want to take on more work – especially a campaign that necessitates travelling with our family to resorts we’ve always wanted to visit? It’ll be tough,” he cautioned.

Of course, he was only joking. Because if there’s one thing I’ve got tattooed on my brain, it’s the infamous quote that Amy Foster of Disney Parks Consumer Insights shared at the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Conference: “You only have 18 summers with your children.” The quote has been shared over and over again by almost every family blogger, and I rarely tire of seeing it. It’s an affirmation that life is too short; kids grow up too quickly, and soon my little boys will be (not-so-little) men.

Hence, any chance I get to spend time with them, especially in new and fun surroundings, is a chance worth taking. So yeah, we were on board :)

And without further ado, I present to you… Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer.

1. You only have 18 summers with your children. Right? This year was Ryder’s first official summer break. Soon, he’ll come to realize the significance of no school; the break for vacation that every student craves from the moment their classes become more about work and less about finger painting. And just as quickly, he may not think it’s “cool” to hang out with the parental unit, opting for weekends at the beach with his friends or worse, an afternoon spent hanging out at the mall, cruising for chicks. And I’m sure Reid will be right behind him.

So, an opportunity to seize the summer family-style was so welcome. And when I could do it at an amazing price thanks to Travelocity.ca’s summer travel promotions – which are available on a huge selection of resorts and hotels – did I really need another reason? (Er, technically, I have four more. Read on…)

2. Okay, speaking of Travelocity.ca – it’s simply one of my favourite ways to book family travel. In addition to the wide variety of properties to choose from and great prices, I love that they have a Free & Flexible Cancellation Policy. Sometimes – especially when you have kids – plans change! Travelocity.ca charges no hotel cancellation fee if you need to alter or cancel your stay. (However, hotel cancellation fees may be charged by hotel properties if you cancel outside their stated cancellation window.)…

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms (Part II)

September 2, 2013 By Lena

One of the best things in life: reminiscing about a recent (or not-so-recent) vacation. A few days ago, I shared highlights from our stay at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Of course, there was so much to chat about that I decided to break up my review into two parts; the first showcased the resort and our room, and today, I’d love to give you a sense of the family-friendly aspects of the property.

But first, read: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms.

Here’s Part II. And I’ll pick it up exactly where I left off…

After a simple dinner in our room – brought from home and kept cool in the kitchenette – we decided to venture out on a nature walk. After all, we were in God’s country, and while the boys would have happily opted for a return visit to the pool (the central pool is heated all year round!), we concurred that exploring the grounds was a much better way to round out an already fabulous day. Of course, the little guys were all for our plan – once they realized they could bring along some reading material and bugger off in their wagon.

We started at the front of the resort, where the grounds were lush, scenic and painstakingly maintained. There was an underlying feeling of tranquility and relaxation, which was perfect, given the location and surroundings. Large bumblebees buzzed gracefully between tall lavender bushes, and the sound of trickling water provided the most serene backdrop to an ideal summer evening.

…

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms

August 29, 2013 By Lena

A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that I was going up to Muskoka, Ontario for a few days.

“Camping?” one friend asked.
“Do you have a cottage there?” another inquired.
“Roughing it up north?” yet another assumed.

Er… not exactly…We were off to #GoSeizetheSummer with Travelocity.ca, and I was very much looking forward to my very first mini-vacation in cottage country. Just 2.5 hours north of Toronto, and located in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes region, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa combines luxury and adventure for the ultimate retreat. Named one of the ten best resort views by National Geographic, this Canadian resort boasts an array of indoor and outdoor activities year-round.

We are keen on planning a week-long, semi-local vacation for the summer of 2014, so it made perfect sense to take a jaunt up to the resort for a couple of days to test-drive the hotel, amenities and activities. Plus, I knew two friends who were vacationing at the property the following week, plus a host of other readers who have expressed interest in the resort, so I reasoned that my review would also help those planning their own upcoming vacations.

However, since we covered quite a lot in the two days we were there, I’ve decided to break up my review into two parts; today, I’ll chat about our first day right up to dinner, and tomorrow, I’ll conclude with our after-dinner activities, as well as our second day at the resort. Hence, sit back and be prepared to be taken to paradise… Ontario-style….

Go Seize the Summer: First Date 2.0

August 22, 2013 By Lena

For last few days, we’ve enjoyed the splendour and hospitality of the Niagara Falls Marriott Gateway on the Falls. As part of Travelocity.ca’s #GoSeizetheSummer campaign, we’ve been indulging in short family getaways, designed to make the most of our time together (and to capitalize on the fact that the boys are still young enough to want to “hang” with us).

And while I’ve got some amazing details to share of our time together this summer, I did want to touch on the most heartwarming part of our recent mini-vacay: the fact that the Marriott Gateway on the Falls has Milestones as their hotel restaurant… and offers the Milestones menu for in-room dining.

You see, just about eight years ago, I met my future husband for a blind date at Milestones. I’ll never forget that night – not as long as I live. With equal parts excitement and trepidation, I walked up to the restaurant on a chilly evening in October. Pulling open the heavy wooden door, I entered the foyer – looking first to the left, and then to the right.

And then I saw him. He was early (a good sign) and was casually sitting on a bench near the entrance. At first glance he appeared completely at ease, if not for his leg bouncing up and down – which was a dead giveaway he was as nervous as I was. As he rose and walked toward me, I let out a huge sigh…. and a single thought crossed my mind:

He looks normal enough. Thank f*ck.

So romantic, huh? That guy at Milestones and I went on to become best friends, lovers, and parents. Yet surprisingly, we never returned to the place where it all began. Hence, two nights ago, we both enthusiastically opted for dine-in at the Marriott, and proceeded to replicate our very first date. However, other than the scenery, there were two notable differences: one’s called Ryder, and the other is called Reid :)

We started with Milestones’ famous Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

Then, since we’re a) on vacation and b) blissfully married so we have nobody to impress, we went for the creamiest, most carb-tastic pasta dishes: Italian Sausage Ravioli and Seafood Fettuccine….

The Invitation You Simply Can’t Refuse: Disney Social Media Moms

June 13, 2013 By Lena

Years ago, when I first started blogging, I had no idea that one day, I’d be personally invited to attend a conference.

A conference that my whole family was welcome to attend. A conference at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

In fact, when telling family and friends that I had been selected to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, their reactions ranged from “That’s totally awesome!” to “You’re sh*tting me, right? They have a conference for that kind of stuff?” Ahem. Indeed they do.

Of course, an invitation to #DisneySMMoms is one you simply can’t refuse. Where else can you celebrate social media, family, friendship and fun – smack in the middle of the most magical place on earth? Surely I have the best job in the world! And so it was with equal parts flattery, curiosity and unbridled joy that I RSVP’ed with a big, fat YES.

(Underscoring my decision was the fact that Ryder’s 5th birthday took place during the conference stay. I reasoned that I’d likely never again be able to say, “Hey dude, let’s go to Disney World for your birthday!”… so that was a huge motivating factor for me. And oh, it was so very magical.)

Of course, as I was a #DisneySMMoms virgin, I really didn’t know what to expect. Sure, the family time and theme park passes were a big draw, but what would I learn from the conference? What would I take away? And most importantly, how could I share those learnings with my audience?

The truth is, the conference was everything I could have hoped for, and more.

It has been exactly one month since I returned home, and it’s taken me that long to get my thoughts together about our time at Disney Social Media Moms. From the stunning welcome reception to the very last tender moments at the Mother’s Day brunch, it was a celebration I’ll never forget. And because I’d love to share the magic with you, I present…….

And THAT’S the Disney Difference.

May 14, 2013 By Lena

I get it. I really do. I know that every time I publish a review of a resort, vacation or hotel, at the back of your mind you may be thinking, “Yeah, but was it all roses because you received special treatment? Did they go over and above because they knew you were reviewing their property?”

Okay, so the truth is – YES – often perks and rewards are bestowed upon us media folk. But certainly, it’s to be expected; it’s the same reason you clean your home before company arrives, grab the best wine and/or break out the fine silverware. You want your guests to leave with a wonderful impression. Because the truth is, if they knew that you actually just dusted in front of the picture frames instead of lifting them off the shelf, and that the wine currently stocked in your wine cellar was purchased 15 minutes before your guests arrived – maybe they wouldn’t tell your friends about the perfect dinner party you hosted. And that’s all we really want, isn’t it? Kudos. Pats on the back. Good press.

Hence, when writing reviews, I’m always sensitive to the “bonuses” that members of the media receive, and refrain from gushing or being overly obnoxious about them. You will rarely see me Facebook a perk, freebie or something else that is unique to my situation as a blogger; my attitude is, if my reader won’t be offered special treatment, there’s no need to prove that I was.

So, it gives me great pleasure to tell you about a wonderful – no, magical – example of exemplary customer service that we experienced this past Sunday at Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida. Staying at the Contemporary Resort for the Disney Social Media Moms Conference, read on for an example of the Disney Difference – not because I am media personnel (he had no way of knowing), but because I am a person. Here’s what happened.

We were booked for the 4:20pm Magical Express to take us to the airport for our return flight. Since we were flying out of Buffalo, we were able to take advantage of Disney’s Resort Airline Check-in. Simply put: we could check our bags and receive our boarding pass right there at the resort, and then jump on a complimentary shuttle to the airport. After ridding ourselves of our heavy luggage, we decided to make our way to Hollywood Studios, to ride Star Tours… oh, 8-10 times.

However, at some point between the 35°C heat and the repeated passage on the simulator ride, Ryder began to feel sick. All the classic symptoms of heat exhaustion, really; irritability, drowsiness, complaining of thirst, and an overall feeling of malaise. And, since I was so wrapped up in making sure he was okay, I did something really silly – when I checked my phone, I thought “3:45 pm” read as “2:45 pm”. So yeah, by the time I figured out my mistake and we booted it back to the Contemporary Resort, we had missed our 4:20 pm Magical Express.

Truth be told, I wasn’t too concerned. I knew there would be another leaving at 4:50pm, 5:20pm, 5:50pm… etc. And, since our flight wasn’t until 7:20pm and our bags were already checked, there was no real emergency. We just had to make sure there was room on the 4:50pm bus. So, after collecting our carry-ons from bell services, I ventured to the front of the hotel and explained the situation to the Magical Express coordinator.

Me: (Eyeing his name tag) Hi Greg!
Greg: Hello there! How are you?
Me: Well, I have a small problem.
Greg: How can I help?

(Note: Greg didn’t say, “What’s the problem?” – rather, he immediately jumped in and committed to helping me find a solution. Love that.)

Me: Well, my little guy was under the weather in the park, and in turn we missed our Magical Express.
Greg: That’s not a problem.

I followed him over to a podium where I assumed he would check for availability on the next shuttle. Instead, he simply grabbed a taxi chit, filled in a few details, and said,

“Are you ready to leave now? Or would you like to cool off in the hotel for a while? I can arrange for towels if you’d like to freshen up.”

“Um, no…” I sputtered. “You really don’t have to do that. We can take the next Magical Express, I don’t want to put you out.”

“You’re not putting me out”, he laughed. “Everything is already taken care of. This chit even includes a tip, so unless the taxi driver sings and dances for you, you don’t even have to worry about that. Honestly. Just go inside, rest a bit, and when you’re ready to leave, the taxi will be waiting here for you.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Listen, you’ve got a little guy who’s under the weather. And the last thing you need is to board a bus that makes multiple stops. Relax; it’s my pleasure to make your vacation the best it can be, right up until you board your flight.”

And THAT’S the Disney Difference.

“Well Greg,” I said. “You’re so awesome, and you know what? You’ve helped someone who has the ability to tell the world how amazing you are,” I said. “I’m a Disney Social Media Mom, and you just know I’m going to put this on social media! Can I take a picture with you?”

Stunned, Greg posed for a photo. (Thanks again Greg!)

Park Hyatt Toronto: Staycation in Style

April 3, 2013 By Lena

Years ago, when I first heard the term “Staycation”, I was confused. Why in the world would anyone want to vacation in their own hometown?, I wondered. Vacations were for jetting off to sunny destinations, packing your suitcases and leaving your cares behind. Obviously.

Of course, that was before I had children. And all of a sudden, the opportunities for jetting off to sunny destinations became few and far between, and I found myself caught up in an endless cycle of grocery shopping, mortgage payments and laundry. Oh, the neverending laundry.

But it was a wise person who once said change is as good as a holiday – and he was right, because any change or break in one’s usual routine is enough to revive the spirit. Hence, I quickly became a huge fan of the ol’ staycation, which allowed me to take a break from the mundane – all without leaving the city limits.

This past Easter weekend, our staycation adventures took us to the Park Hyatt Toronto. Nestled in the heart of the fashionable Yorkville area of Toronto, the hotel represents “an elite level of luxury marked by subtle contemporary influence.” And while one wouldn’t necessarily think to put the hotel at the top of the list for family staycations, please hear me out – because I’m about to show you why the Park Hyatt will always be at the top of our list.

Arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by a sight you can only see in Yorkville; a Cadillac Escalade, a Maserati and a Rolls Royce, all within a few feet of each other. Let’s just say I was thankful we had just been through a car wash with our decidedly mid-level SUV….

Staying Off-Resort in Orlando? Stay Here.

March 24, 2013 By Lena

It’s safe to say that Orlando, Florida is my happy place… and the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort is as close as you can get to the Happiest Place on Earth… without staying at the Happiest Place on Earth. I’ll explain.

Located in beautiful Orlando – within the gates of Walt Disney World Resort – the Wyndham Grand Orlando is your gateway to Orlando’s legendary attractions, theme parks, entertainment and shopping. In fact, you can catch a complimentary shuttle to the Walt Disney World theme parks or explore Downtown Disney for incredible shopping, dining and live entertainment. And trust me, the enviable location is just one of the many reasons you should consider this resort for your next Orlando stay – with rooms starting at just $164.25 per night (“Stay 3 or More Nights” Promo) you won’t break the bank, either.

Accommodations

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort offers 400 guest rooms and suites that overlook the property’s 10-acre lake and Walt Disney World parks. (In fact, we watched the fireworks from the comfort of our room each night at 9:00pm. Now that’s my idea of magical.) Each room is appointed with contemporary furniture; a 40-inch, flat-panel television; high-speed wired and wireless Internet access; black granite surfaces; and True Blue Spa and Bath & Body Works amenities….

My Brush with Fame. Without a Makeup Brush.

March 3, 2013 By Lena

I suppose I can laugh at it all now. But let me tell you – 48 hours ago, I was highly stressed out.

It all started with my recent press trip to Visit Orlando. In exchange for a family vacation, my obligation was twofold: blog coverage on my site (a given), and media appearances to chat about our amazing adventure (a bonus).

Now you’re probably familiar with my blog coverage, as I’ve been churning out reviews of the places we visited and the wonderful things we did. But, you may not be familiar with some of my media appearances. I’ve chatted about Orlando and family travel on outlets such as Daytime Live, CH Morning Live, and this past Friday – CP24 Live at Noon.

And while all media appearances give me the opportunity to go LIVE in front of the camera (which I actually adore! Yes, I’m an attention-you-know-what) I was particularly excited for my CP24 appearance on Friday afternoon. After all, if you live in the Greater Toronto Area, who hasn’t tuned in to the all-news station? It’s like media royalty, if you will.

So, Friday arrived and I was super pumped. Because not only was I appearing on Live at Noon, but then I’d literally be walking over to the Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms PR Agency Boot Camp, where I was a speaker on the Social Media Blogger Panel. And so, I gushed accordingly –

I checked over the instructions once more. Chatting with Stephen Ledrew, segment to air live at 12:45pm. Check. Arrive at 12:00pm, as one of CP24’s professional makeup artists will get me camera-ready. Check. Need to get to the infamous 299 Queen Street West, where there is ample parking within a few blocks. Check.

Okay, I was ready….

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We’re Off to Visit Orlando!

January 30, 2013 By Lena

I know, I know – right about now you may be having a deja vu moment – Didn’t she just come back from Orlando?

Yes, we did. In fact, memories of our Walt Disney World vacation are still front of mind! But when my family was selected by Mom Central Canada to participate in a Family Travel campaign with Visit Orlando, we just couldn’t refuse. After all –

1) We had a chance to experience Walt Disney World, which in itself is spectacular, but did you know that Orlando also boasts world-class dining, several renowned spas, more than 175 golf courses, a stellar combination of malls, boutiques and outlets (yay!), outdoor adventures like hang gliding and zip lining – and much, much more? After seeing how amazing our last family travel experience was, how could I deny the boys such adventures as LEGOLAND, Universal Studios and SeaWorld?

2) Orlando is THE perfect spot for a family vacation. Several airlines offer direct flights to Orlando and it’s only a 2 ½ hour journey from TO! Quick travel time makes it the perfect location for a long-weekend getaway (especially to escape the cold weather… brrr). You all know that if it’s going to work for my family, it has to be convenient. I love that we can be in a totally different climate – and give my boys totally new experiences – in less than the time it takes to watch two Disney movies.

3) I suppose the main benefit of visiting Orlando is that because there’s so much to do, everyone will find something to meet their vacation needs. From toddlers to grandparents, there’s always a day trip or night-time adventure to pique even the most discerning interests, and, you’re bound to discover a few new activities to bring you all together.

So, although I’d love to stay and chat, I really need to start packing! (The Eternal Procrastinator strikes again!) Here’s a sneak peek into some of the amazing places and attractions that have been built into our itinerary:

Our Home Away from Home – The Wyndham Grand Orlando: Play, relax, dream, escape, and be you. At the all new Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, you will experience a spectacular hotel resort that will captivate your senses.

…

5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

January 17, 2013 By Lena

As you may have read, until just a month ago – I was a Disney newbie. Seriously! It took me 34 years to finally experience the most magical place on earth for myself. Through the tears and misty-eyed moments (here)… the wonder and awe surrounding the New Fantasyland (there) … and even the less than perfect photographic evidence (everywhere)… let’s just say that it’s never too late to experience Walt Disney World for yourself.

And, if you have a couple of beautiful, excited children to take along with you, it’s even better.

When we returned, I expected friends and family to ask, “How was it? What did you enjoy most? What parks did you visit?” – etc, etc. BUT, to tell the truth, the most frequently asked question was “Where did you stay??”

It makes sense, of course – a huge part of your Disney vacation budget is allocated to lodgings, and you want to make sure that you’re getting the best comfort, convenience and value for your money. And so I pretty much have this to offer – our stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort was flawless. Truly, we could not have asked for more. But you don’t have to take my word for it – listen to the 458 people who rated the hotel a 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor. For a “value” or “budget” hotel – a rating so high is virtually unheard of. Told you it was awesome, no?

The following review is not written with the air of a professional traveller, sharing yet another review of another hotel she has visited on yet another media trip. The fact is, I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed a hotel! So, rather than complicate things, I think it’s best to simply share 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, trust me – you’ll want to read this….

Ryder, The Four-Year-Old Face Bomber

January 4, 2013 By Lena

If there’s one thing I sorely need in 2013, it’s a camera with a faster shutter speed. Because really, it only takes 1/8 of a second for Ryder to face bomb our pictures, and apparently I’m not taking pictures fast enough.

Case in point: pictures from our recent family vacation to Walt Disney World. Sifting through the lot, I shuddered at the sheer amount of photos Ryder managed to face bomb. I swear it’s a skill; I’ll say, “Smile!” and I’m expecting to see something like this –

But then, the moment my finger hovers over the trigger for a second shot, THIS happens –

For lack of imagination, we call it “Ryder’s Ugly Face”. And boy oh boy, does he pull out that ugly face often. As soon as the picture is taken and I see the final result on the camera’s LED screen, I normally shriek and threaten Ryder within an inch of his life to stop ruining the family photos. He’s repentant for about 45 seconds… allowing me to snap an album-worthy shot or two. And then… BOOM! He drops another face bomb. For the love of God….

Inside the Magic: Disney World’s New Fantasyland

December 18, 2012 By Lena

It’s been just over a week since my family returned from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida… and we still have the magical afterglow. Oh, it’s all Disney-this and Disney-that from the boys non-stop… but you know what? It’s all good! Because I can’t stop talking about it either. #LOVEDisneyWorld

Now I know I teased you last week with a small peek into our experience – and, of course, the many misty-eyed moments I encountered – but I also promised that I would follow up with more details about the New Fantasyland. So here we go! Read on for The Facts (what you need to know) and The Fantasy (our experience and thoughts).

The Facts

The New Fantasyland is the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and more, the new grounds are laid out fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops.

“Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world,” said Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before.”

The Fantasy

Every inch of the New Fantasyland is perfect for young children. EVERY INCH. Reid, who is an average two-year-old at 35″ tall, was able to go on all the rides with us! (Often more than once – we had to do Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid six times just for him. OMG.) From Dumbo, the Flying Elephant to the elegant Be Our Guest Restaurant, the New Fantasyland is the perfect destination for toddlers and young families. During our 5-day stay, we spent 50% of our time at Magic Kingdom, including the Fantasyland expansion. So, for every reader who has commented “My kids are too young!” or “I have a whiny 2-year-old” – guess what? So do I… and he LOVED it.

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The Most Magical Place on Earth…

December 12, 2012 By Lena

… had me mostly misty-eyed.

It’s true; I officially cried at least five times while visiting the New Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Now considering that it was MY first time at a Disney resort, I expected that my emotions would run high. And while I experienced everything from euphoria and nostalgia to simple child-like wonder, I couldn’t deny the lump in my throat on several occasions. With a casual dab at the corners of my eyes, I always smiled through the happy tears.

Want to hear more about the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history? Oh, I’ll get to that another day. Today I’d love to share with you my Top Five Misty-Eyed Moments at Magic Kingdom.

1. That Humble Little Abode Known as Cinderella’s Castle

Perhaps this one is a given; setting eyes on Cinderella’s Castle for the very first time is enough to make any girl teary with joy. How I dreamed of this castle as a young girl! Whenever life was difficult, I could always escape to this magical place; dreaming of my Prince Charming waiting high up in the fortress. The iconic castle comes alive during the Christmas season with 200,000 Castle Dream Lights and Celebrate the Magic – a new nighttime spectacular featuring projection mappings, pyrotechnics and lighting. And then, it’s finished with a luminous fireworks display. Yes, I was crying – but so was everybody else. It truly is magical.

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