These days it can be hard to find a vacation destination that fits the needs of everyone in your family. Mom and Dad want it to be budget friendly and full of great memory making moments, the little kids want to have fun meeting characters, your teens and older kids want thrill rides and exciting experiences, and Grandma and Grandpa just want to be with the family while they all have fun but also want to enjoy some great shows and good food in places where they can relax. Well look no further than Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country to meet the needs of everyone in your family. With several ticket options to choose from, along with Military discounts and special offers that can be available, a Dollywood vacation is one of the best values you can find. Along with tickets guests can choose from other great Ad-Ons, such as Photo Cards and the Time Saver Line Management Pass,  that will enhance your experience and add to your memory making. The kids won't be disappointed no ma...

I love jeans. All styles - All colors. And I love to wear them all year long. Even in summer. So I thought it would be fun to look at a few Summer outfits built around jeans. There is a simple formula that will help you with how to wear jeans in Summer, and here it is.  1. Use the jeans as your staple item: Jeans, no matter the style or color will be the basis for your outfit. From that simple item you can build a fashionable and fun outfit for summer.  2. Use lighter colored jeans: I know I said no matter the color above, that's true-to a point, you should try to keep the jean color as light as possible for Summer outfits. White, lighter washed blue, light grays, and especially bright colors like coral, turquoise, yellow.  3. Use accessories and tops to add color or accent style: Make sure you use accessories, shoes, pockets books and tops that say "Summer". Sandals, flats, or flip flops will add a summer feel to your jean outfit. Pop in some color with ...

Well guess what, it's not raining anymore. But it is still very cold here in North Carolina. Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, and the weather-man is forecasting a warm day to start the new season. So while it's still chilly here I'm continuing my day dreaming of warm, sunny days and fashion to fill those days with. Monday I looked at stylish Spring and Summer handbags in yummy pastel colors. Yesterday I checked out some sweet little sandals to show off painted toenails at the beach. Today begins a new series that will be featured on the blog, "Women's Fashion Wednesday", with a cute outfit for Summer.                This outfit is a look I love! A basic bottom paired with a stylish but classic top. In this outfit, the bottoms are basic black Bermuda shorts. This Dana Buchman pair can be purchased from Kohl's and feature a high waiste and skinny belt accent.  I chose a cashmere sweater in a classic cut with a black a...

There is something you should know about me...I love organization! I love planning, lists, preparing, cleaning out closets, etc. Anything that leads to an orderly and well functioning result makes me very happy.  Changing out my seasonal clothes each year is never a "chore" for me. I look forward to the process and going through each item in my closets and drawers, changing out the clothes I have been wearing and opening up and putting out those treasured items that had been packed away.  It's almost time to start switching out my winter wardrobe to my spring and summer clothes.    I still have my fall/winter wardrobe  out, but hopefully will switch soon.  I love a well organized and color  coordinated closet, can you tell? Each time I go about this task, I love the way getting out those clothes that have been packed away feels like going on a little shopping spree...for FREE! Are you the same way? I'm always amazed that I usually fo...

How you plan your WDW vacation depends on a number of factors. These include the ages of any children in your party; what if anything, you've seen on previous visits; your interests; and whether you're traveling at peak time or off season.  Preplanning is always essential. And that's where I come in! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner I've done the research and know the insider secrets to a worry free-magical vacation to WDW. I also ask lots of questions and work with clients hand in hand to get to know exactly what they are wanting in a WDW trip.  Consider me your personal "genie in a bottle"! Granting wishes for magical vacation memories. 

#1: Traveling with a toddler who loves to walk and doesn't want to stay in a stroller is a challenge. However, there's a perfect spot at Magic Kingdom to allow your little one to run around, yet not be in the way of other park-goers. At the Magic Kingdom, to the right of the castle, is a walkway down toward the water. There are park benches and a big open space that you can have all to yourself. The ducks will help keep them quite amused, too.  In the evening, it is hard to find well-lit areas to allow your toddler to amble along without being in the way or lose footing. Epcot has a nice area,  The lit circular courtyard in front of France is the perfect place for running around. Its usually not very crowded and with the poster-covered lamppost being a light, its perfectly lit to make sure little ones can see where they are going. Toddler Tip #2: This tip is for those traveling to the World with small ones u...

Dining at Animal Kingdom Lodge is full of great options that will appeal to even the pickiest pallet. Boma: Family Style Buffet dining with African flavors and the ambiance of an African Marketplace. Jiko The Cooking Place: New African cuisine and South African wines. Sanaa: African cooking with an Indian touch in a casual family restaurant setting with a Savanna view. Or for on-the-go dining try The Mara: Animal Kingdom Lodges quick service restaurant where you can dine inside or poolside. Any of these dining locations offer wonderful service, beautiful atmospheres, and delicious meals.

You've decided to take a trip to Walt Disney World, whether it's your first trip or your 100th trip, a WDW vacation takes planning. If you may spend hours checking out websites, maybe pick up a few Disney planning guides, or listen to some podcasts, you'll surely talk to friends about what you should see and do while you're there. So consider this, it's your first day in the parks. You've decided to start at Magic Kingdom. Now imagine you and your family with huge smiles, skipping down Main Street. When you picture this in your mind, it's wonderful...you jump right in line and have the time of your lives. All those hours of planning have paid off. Now consider what sometimes happens with families. You make your way over to Frontierland,your kids take one look at that long drop on Splash Mountain and say, "NO WAY!". This continues with other rides as you go along. You think, "Why did I spend all that time planning if they won't rid...

Disney's Polynesian Resort covers 39 acres. The Great Ceremonial House (GCH) is located in the center of the resort you will find the front desk, restaurants, and shops here. Rooms are located in buildings called longhouses. Each longhouse is named for a different Pacific Island. One additional longhouse houses the Tangaroa Terrace and the Neverland Club. As you enter the lobby, you'll find the check-in and concierge desks located to your right, this is where your Polynesian adventure begins. An original Disney World resort, the rooms are some of the largest on property. Most rooms have two queen beds and a day-bed. Five guests can be accommodated plus a child under 3 in a crib. There is also a chest of drawers with a flat-screen TV above it, a desk, with a pull-out desk, two chairs, and a table. Rooms with patios or balconies also have two outdoor chairs and a small table. The bathroom is spacious with two sinks and plenty of counter space. The entry area has two lighted...

Today we begin a series that will look at each WDW park on several levels. First we are going to ask the question, "Which WDW park is the most family friendly?". The MAGIC KINGDOM is arguably the most family-oriented theme park in Walt Disney World. It was the first theme park to allow each member of the family to join in on attractions and rides. Adventureland features Pirates of the Caribbean and The Jungle Cruise. Then there is Frontierland with Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. And the show that everyone loves, Country Bear Jamboree. Liberty Square has the family favorite Haunted Mansion and Tomorrowland has Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear, and Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, all family favorites. Then theres Fantasyland, filled with rides and entertainment that thrills the youngest to the oldest. EPCOT: Is also fun for families. Soarin' is a ride all family members will enjoy. How about the Seas with Nemo and Friends, Spaceship Earth or Jou...

Did you know that Disney's Art of Animation resort offers daily lessons in animation from a Disney Animator? If you are planning a stay at the resort check with the front desk for lesson times and more details.

(*Please note that in yesterday's review of POR rooms, Royal Guest Rooms were mentioned as being in PO French Quarter. They are in fact located in the Riverside/Magnolia Bend section. This has been updated in the article. ) No one is better at storytelling than Disney, and their beautifully themed Royal Rooms prove that very well. Princess Tiana from Disney's The Princess and the Frog invites guests to come stay in one of her Royal Rooms located in the Magnolia Bend section of the southern themed Port Orleans Riverside resort. As Tiana and her friends prepared for their guests arrival, they left mementos around the room for young (and old) guests to discover. Special touches, like Genie's lamp which is "disguised" as a water faucet, add to the magic of the room and bring the story that is being told to life. The royal beds are adorned with gold and crystal accents and custom linens. Each Disney princess left her own personal photos for your enjoyment,...

The resort itself is divided into two areas of theme, Magnolia Bend which has the feel of stately southern mansions and Alligator Bayou which is meant to take guests out into the southern bayou. Families of 5 will find themselves in the Alligator Bayou side. Alligator Bayou rooms have had a recent refurb, the bed comforters feature images to complement the southern theme while the cool colors of blue and green keep the room light and airy as opposed to the previous dark cabin feel. The alligator theme is carried over to the shower curtain and the bayou feel is continued in the wood look on the backsplash. The dressing area features double sinks with a counter top, iron & ironing board, closet, safe, and privacy curtain. The Magnolia Bend side of POR also got a facelift. The cool colors continue but the pattern is more of a damask print with the headboard showcasing some "southern" portraits. Port Orleans Riverside is also home to the beautiful themed Royal Rooms wh...

Are you confused by the Disney dining plans? You aren't alone. That is probably the #1 question from clients--they need clarification on the dining plan options and mechanics. Here is a little insight into each plan. Quick Serve Plan - This plan provides guests with credits for 2 counter service meals and 1 snack per person, per night of their stay. These meals include an entree, side, non alcoholic beverage, and dessert. Most of the restaurants put this together for you in a "combo style" option. These meal credits are for the quick serve or counter service restaurants- where you order at a kiosk or a counter rather than having wait staff come to your table. The quick serve plan comes with a refillable drink mug for each person. This mug enables guests to have free refills at their resort for the length of their stay. A few of my favorite quick serve meals include Columbia Harbor House at Magic Kingdom, Sunshine Seasons at Epcot, and Be Our Guest in the new Fantastyla...

Great news for those coffee loving visitors at WDW. Two Starbucks locations will open in Walt Disney World Resort, one in the Magic Kingdom and one in Epcot. The Magic Kingdom's Main Street Bakery closed for refurbishment in January 2013 and will reopen as a Starbucks in early summer. The cast members there will wear costumes consistent with the early 20th century look and feel of Main Street, U.S.A. Over in Epcot, the Fountain View will close in March 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in midsummer. The cast member costumes there will match the park's futuristic theme. The Starbucks locations at Magic Kingdom and Epcot will both offer the full complement of Starbucks signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods, including muffins, scones and specialty treats.

The Yacht Club and its sister resort the Beach Club are situated along Crescent Lake, directly across from Disney's BoardWalk. These resorts were designed to evoke the feel of the seashore -- in the Yacht Club's case, New England seaside towns of the late 1800s, like Newport and Bar Harbor. The Yacht Club is the gray clapboard half of the same building which also houses the Beach Club. A wrecked yacht, the Albatross, is on its sandy shore. (The Beach Club's side is sky blue, with a white sandy stretch of beach.) When you enter the Yacht Club, you may be greeted by a dapper gentleman in a sharp double-breasted navy jacket, white pants, and a white admiral's cap. This is one aspect of the Yacht Club that makes a stay there enchanting. The greeter is just one thing that sets the Yacht Club apart from most other resorts, even at Disney. The Yacht Club's decor is distinctly nautical, and feels slightly more upscale, and formal, than its Beach Club counterpart. The ...

Boatwrights Dining Hall is located at the Port Orleans - Riverside Resort. This is the only full-service restaurant at Port Orleans and is open for breakfast and dinner. Boatwrights is closed for lunch as the majority of the resort's guests are in the parks during the day. If you need a bite to eat at noontime, try Riverside Mill. This food court serves a wide variety of meals from hamburgers to complete dinners featuring carved meats. I love the atmosphere of Port Orleans - Riverside. The resort check-in area is designed to look like you're booking passage on a riverboat for a trip down the Mississippi. Outdoors, the theme is continued with a small harbor and water-crafts for rent. It's also here that you can catch a water taxi for a leisurely trip down the Sassagoula River to Downtown Disney. The water taxi rides are one of the more relaxing activities at Disney World, and in the evening, one of the most romantic. Boatwrights Dining Hall is fashioned to look like a...

My number one tip to clients and friends visiting WDW, plan to take a midday break every single day. Walt Disney World is overwhelming. If you try to run full-speed morning to night, you will burn out. For those traveling with small children, this is even more important. Having a tired little one who may be cranky and suffering from extra-sensory-overload won't be fun for anyone. Planning a break, maybe even a nap, back at your Disney Resort is the perfect way to make sure visitors (of all ages) can stay rested and energized for those long days in the parks.

You may choose to visit Walt Disney World to celebrate a special date in your life. It may be as simple as a birthday, anniversary or the day you had your wisdom teeth removed; or as complex as a large wedding and reception. Not a month goes by without Walt Disney World providing you with a reason to attend: from the Christmas holiday season to the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals. If there's not a reason to attend in any specific month, they'll invent one or offer you some kind of great deal like the free Disney Dining Plan. Should you be sucked in by these promotions? Absolutely; just understand what effect, if any, they will have on your vacation. As an example, the Food and Wine Festival is a lot of fun but it does attract more people to Epcot's World Showcase -- particularly on weekends, where there's a significant crowd boost from the locals. If you're truly not at all into the Food and Wine type activities, you may want to consider avoidin...

Here is tip for traveling to WDW or Disneyland with small children. If you plan to view any of the fireworks, bring an MP3 player to the fireworks, if the noise is too much for the younger ones they can listen to their Disney favorites without the loud sounds, especially at Epcot!