Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Sea Dos...6 Helpful Tips for Cruises.

These tips will make for smooth sailing on your next cruise...or first cruise.



Cruising creates indelible experiences, and I've discovered a few tips and tricks to make sure I get the most out of each trip on the high seas. Here are some things I've learned.

Carry only carry-ons. Bring color-coordinated outfits to pare down your wardrobe and, as a result, your luggage. While fellow passengers wait for bags to be delivered, you,ve already unpacked and are relaxing by the pool.

Spend wisely.  Resist buying extras, such as specialty-restaurant meals; you'll still have a fabulous time. One extra that can be a real value: The ship's family photos are as good or better than what you might get at home-especially on formal nights, when you've dressed up for dinner anyway.

Be selective about shore excursions. You can explore most Caribbean and Alaska port towns on your own, but some high-end-excursions-such as landing on an Alaska glacier-are worth the cost. Ask your travel agent if you can sign up for these before you leave, as popular excursions fill up quickly.

Eat well and stay fit. The food of the crew's nationality is likely to be authentic and tasty. If the chef is Austrian, ask for a Salzburger nockerl souffle for dessert. Keep off extra pounds by using the lavish fitness facilities aboard most modern ships and by using stairs instead of elevators.

Book the right cruise.  Whether you want to see wildlife up close or dance all night in a sequined splendor, work with your travel agent to find the cruise that suits your interests and budget.

Try something new.  Take a dance class; enter the talent contest. Dare to do something you wouldn't do back home.

Ready to work with an amazing travel agent?

Contact RMH Travel today for your free no obligation quote. Booking with RMH Travel is like having your own personal concierge for your vacation.

Fill out our helpful Cruise Quote Form.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-A Look Inside



Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-A Look Inside
Copyright: Disney

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical paradise built around 45-acre Barefoot Bay; this resort brings the Islands to you with swaying palm trees, white-sand beaches and colonial architecture. Six villages-Trinidad North, Trinidad South, Martinique, Barbados, Aruba and Jamaica-host colorful Guest rooms, some pirate-themed! “Island-hop” as you explore 200 lushly landscaped acres, or simply enjoy lazy days soaking up the sun in a hammock at this beautiful resort.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is considered a “moderate” resort, with pricing and amenities between the “value” and “deluxe” resort.  It is located near Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Downtown Disney and is considered an “Epcot Area Resort”

Resort Layout

Disney’s Caribbean Resort has 2, 112 guest rooms in 33 colorful 2-story buildings on the shores of a 42 acre lake. The buildings are grouped in 6 villages with each village having 6 buildings except for Trinidad North, which has 3 buildings. Each building contains 64 guest rooms. Each village has its own pool, white sand beach with hammocks and playground, laundry facilities, bus stop, and parking area. There are no elevators in any of the buildings.

The centerpiece of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is its 45-acre lake, Barefoot Bay, surrounded by a 1.4-mile promenade which connects to winding paths leading to all guests’ rooms and common areas. The promenade is superb for strolling, jogging, and bicycling. In the center of the lake is Caribbean Cay, an island with a picnic area and beautiful foliage. Caribbean Cay is connected to the promenade on each side by a footbridge. The lake, island, lush vegetation, colorful buildings, and attractive landscaping combine to create a feast for the eye and spirit. 
Copyright: Disney

Old Port Royale, also called Centertown, is the main actives area with Market Street (food Court), Shutters (sit-down restaurant), Calypso Trading Post and Straw Market (shops), Lobby Concierge, Goombay Games (arcade), large pool (Spanish fort-themed), water slide, wading pool and whirlpool. Also, here is the Barefoot Bay Marina and Bike Works, bus stopo and parking area. The walk between Old Port Royale and your room is pleasant, but can be long, up to a 15 minute walk away. If distance from Old Port Royale is important to you consider reserving a Preferred Building-Trinidad North or Martinique.
 Room Distance

The closest buildings to Old Port Royale are in Martinique followed by Trinidad North. The farthest buildings are in parts of Trinidad South (they have the pirate rooms) and Barbados. The villages of Aruba and Jamaica are across the lake from Old Port Royale; some buildings in those villages are reasonably close.  Disney’s Caribbean Beach does have an internal bus system that you can use.
Copyright: Disney

Guest Rooms

Each room has two full-size beds, except for a few rooms with king-size beds. Up to four guests, and one child under 3 in a crib, are allowed per room. Rooms include two sinks outside the bathroom, cable tv/radio, armoire, table and chairs, phone, a small key-operated wall safe, hair dryer, iron, and ironing board, and coffee maker. There also should be a refrigerator in the room—if not you may request one at no charge. Bed boards, bed rails, extra blankets and pillows, and baby cribs are available through housekeeping. 

Chick-in is at 3 pm, at the Custom House. The Custom House is located near the resort entrance, across the street from the village of Barbados. It’s a distance from most of the villages to the Custom House by foot or you can take the bus.  Most guests will not need to go to the Custom House except at check-in, Magical Express, Airline Check-in and pickup.

If your room is not available, you can leave your luggage with Bell Service and use the main pool which has lockers, changing areas, and public restrooms; or you can head out to a theme park. Your luggage will be delivered to your room.

Check-out is at 11 am. If you pay by credit card, you do not have to go to the Custom House to check out. An itemized bill will be hung on your room door by 8:30 am on your day of departure. If you are leaving before the bill arrives, we suggest heading to the Customs House to get a copy. It is always a good idea to check your bill prior to departure. Your electronic room key will be automatically deactivated at 11 am. You can call bell Service to pick up your luggage. If you are taking a bus to the airport, Bell service will keep your luggage at the Custom House until your transportation arrives.
Copyright: Disney

Pools

Count em’ The Caribbean Beach Resort has nine pools, including the Pirate themed main pool at Old Port Royale, the adjacent wading pool and whirlpool, and six village pools (on in each village). All pools are heated, which makes for comfortable swimming year-round. The whirlpool is kept very toasty. Bring towels from your room; they are not available at poolside except at the Old Port Royale pool. Only the main pool has lifeguards on duty during official operating hours.
Copyright: Disney

Beaches-Each village has a beautiful, clean, white sandy beach on the lake. (After all this is Caribbean “Beach” Resort!) Beaches have lounge chairs and very comfortable hammocks. Swimming is NOT allowed in the lake.

Playgrounds-Small playgrounds are located on the village beaches of Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad South. 

A variety of watercraft and bicycles are available for rent at the Barefoot Bay Marina (located at Old Port Royale) These include Sea Raycer, sailboats, paddle boats, canoes and pontoon boats.
Copyright: Disney

Food

Old Port Royal features the Market Street food court, open from 6 am to midnight, with more limited hours for some of the counters.

Shutters at Old Port Royal is a table service restaurant opened from 5 to 10 pm.
Limited room service, from Blue Runner Pizza and Meal Delivery, offers pizza and beverages. Delivery house are from 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm.
Copyright: Disney

Transportation

The Caribbean Beach Resort is a very large resort complex and some rooms are quite far from Old Port Royale.  But don’t worries there are bus stops located at each village and at Old Port Royale. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes. Once the bus is on its way it will take you:

12 minutes to get to Hollywood Studios
12 minutes to get to Epcot
12 minutes to get to Downtown Disney
13 minutes to get to Blizzard Beach
15 minutes to get to Magic Kingdom
19 minutes to get to Typhoon Lagoon
23 minutes to get to Animal Kingdom


Contact RMH Travel today for your free no obligation, NO PRESSURE, quote.
Our easy to fill out Request form
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Sunday, July 7, 2013

All Star Music Resort - A look inside

A Look Inside the Resorts at WDW
Value Resorts

All-Star Music RESORT

Copyright:Disney
 All-Star Music was the first resort I ever stayed at while visiting Walt Disney World. I was twenty-one and my cousin and I wanted to go. It was my first alone adult vacation (in 2003). I loved this resort, for many reasons. I didn't know half of what I know now, and still I long to return to this resort. As you read through the facts of this resort, you will notice extra little tidbits. Just know with little to no knowledge of Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts, I choose All-Star Music because I was looking for value and I love music, I knew the All Stars were consider value and out of Sports, Movie and Music, I choose Music because I love music!

Copyright: Disney
What is the All Star Music Resort Like?The All Star Music Resort is a 1,920 room resort featuring the following musically themed buildings: Calypso, Jazz Inn, Rock INN, Country Fair, and the Broadway Hotel. The buildings have exterior and interior theming to match their names - such as three-story tall drum set at Jazz Inn,  and three-story tall cowboy boots at Country Fair.  The Rooms are 260 square feet in size.
 
The All-Star Music Resort was the first value resort to offer Family Suites, (the new value resort, built in 2012, Art of Animation was actually build with Family Suites in mind, and we will learn more about this resort later). The 520-square foot  Family Suites are located in the Jazz Inn and Calypso buildings at All Star Music.  









Copyright:Disney
What are the rooms like? Single-Family rooms with two double beds or one king size bed are available. Rooms with a king bed are designed for disable travelers and do not have a tub, only a wheelchair-accessible shower. Rooms are 260 square feet.
The bathroom features a single sink and mirror in a vanity area separate from the tub and toilet. The showers have liquid soap and shampoo dispensers.
 Rooms also feature a clock radio, small tabel with two chairs, a small safe, small refrigerator, a TV and a small dresser. The bathtub has a retractable cord that makes a handy clothes line. Hair dryers may be requested from housekeeping, they are not standard in each room. 
Copyright: Disney

Each Family Suite will sleep up to 6, plus one child in a Pak-n-Play crib. The master bedroom and family room have a 27" flat screen TV as well as high speed Internet access. There is a queen bed, full-size pullout sofa, convertible ottoman and chair sleeper. The kitchenette will have a microwave and small refrigerator plus a coffeemaker. There are two full bathrooms. 

Walt Disney World Resort made complimentary Wi-Fi service available in all of its hotels as of March 2012. 

 Room views either overlook a parking lot, the central courtyard of your building, or landscaped areas between the buildings. All are consider Standard Views. 
 
There are two elevators in each building, located next to each other in the center of the building. There is also a staircase next to the elevators, and a room with an ice machine just behind them. There are also outside staircases at each end of the buildings, so if you're far from the elevators, you can use those stairways.

What is the difference between the room views? "Preferred Location" at the All Star Resorts are rooms closest to Melody Hall, the Intermission Food Court, and the bus stops. Currently, only the two Calypso buildings are in the preferred category. All other rooms are the same no matter what view or location you have. Your room may overlook the parking lot, or the courtyard, or the Piano Pool area. All rooms open to the exterior allways, so basically, you look out on to the hallway and everything else in sight.

Copyright: Disney
 What food choices do I have at the All-Star Music? The All-Star Music Intermission Food Court has a variety of sections to choose from:
  • The Market-Selling grocery items 6 am to midnight
  • The Bakery - Selling baked goods and desserts
  • The Grill
  • The Specialty Shop
  • Pizza and Pasta
The Gift Shop-Maestro Mickey is open until 11:30 pm and offers a variety of Disney merchandise from character merchandise and souvenirs to All-Star Music sports wear. A small variety of grocery items are also available, such as snacks, liquor, sundries, and beverages. Some of the grocery items (such as juice and milk) are cheaper if purchased in the gift shop rather than the food court. This is also the location where your items will be delivered if you chose resort package delivery at any of the theme parks. 
How long are the bus rides to the major parks? All-Star Music shares its bus with the other All-Star Resorts, usually they don't share a bus for the Magic Kingdom, but they do for all other parks unless all three hotels are full. All-Star Music is the first pick up and drop off point when sharing a bus which in my opinion is a big plus!
 Approximate Bus riding time (not including wait times are) 
Downtown Disney-15 minutes
Disney's Hollywood Studios - 15 minutes
Epcot- 18 minutes
Magic Kingdom - 18 minutes
Animal Kingdom - 15 mintues
  
Copyright: Disney
 What are the pools like? There are two pools at All-Star Music. The main pool located between the Calypso buildings is the Guitar pool, so named for the shape it is in. The Kiddie Pool is also located here. The Guitar Pool has a maximum water depth is 5 feet and the minimum is 3 feet. There is a squirting fountain on the raised island in the middle of the pool that features the characters from Disney "The Three Caballeros". 
The quieter pool is the Grand Piano Pool located between Rock Inn, Country Fair and Broadway. The Grand Piano Pool is also only 5 feet deep maximum. 
Both pool list their hours as 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight, but this may change depending on season. Security personnel have been know to remove noisy guest from the pools after midnight. Lifeguards are on duty at both pools daily. 
Life vests for youngster may be check out of the Arcade for the length of your stay. Diapered children are required to wear swim diapers or rubber pants. 
All-Star Music Resorts do not provide towels at the pool. You must take the towel from your room. Housekeeping will bring additional towels, in you call and request. 
In closing remarks, this is still my favorite Value Resort. I will admit I haven't tried or toured the new Art Of Animation Resort yet. But if you are on a budget and a family of 4 with small children, I highly recommend the All-Star Music.

Copyright: Disney



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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Coronado Springs Resort - A Look Inside

A Look Inside the Resorts at WDW
Moderate Resorts

CORONADO SPRINGS RESORT

Copyright: Disney

 Disney's Moderate Resorts offer uniquely themed environments inspired by places near and far. They're the perfect combination of value and amenities. These Resorts feature incredible pools with fun slides, sit-down restaurants as well as food court dining and on-site recreation.
Copyright: Disney
 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort This resort’s 1,917 moderate-price guestrooms are inspired by the American Southwest and regions of Mexico and encircle a 15-acre lagoon. Palm-shaded courtyards and Spanish-style haciendas create the perfect climate for relaxation. Soak up the sun or splash in the pool, designed as an archeological dig site with a five-story Mayan pyramid. The Resort features colorful plazas and picturesque vistas reflecting the beauty of Mexico and the American Southwest. 
convention center.
Copyright:Disney

There are three “quiet” pools, and a five-story Mayan pyramid serves as the splashy centerpiece for a family-fun pool with a water slide. Dining includes the Maya Grill full-service restaurant, Pepper Market dining court, Rix Lounge, Laguna Bar lounge, Siestas Cantina poolside bar and limited room service. Special services include in-room coffee makers and ironing equipment, La Vida Health Club, hair-styling salon, bike rentals, watercraft rentals, arcade, sand volleyball court, kiddie pool and playground. A 220,000-square-foot  


Recreation
  • 4 Pools       
  •  Feature Pool: 5 story Mayan pyramid, 123 ft water slide
  •  Child pool
  •  Whirlpool spa
  • Children's playground
  • Arcade
  • Jogging trail
  • Marina/boat rental
  • Volleyball
  • Beach area
  • Bike rentals
  • Health club
  • Massage services
Food
  • 1 Food Court
    • Pepper Market
  • 1 Full Service restuarant
    • Maya Grill
  • Pool Bar
  • In-Room Dining: 7am to 11pm and 4pm to 11pm
    (limited menu)
    Copyright: Disney
    Rooms
    • 1921 Guest Rooms
    • Disabled accessible rooms available
    • All rooms non-smoking
    • Buildings offer elevators and stairs
    Check In/Check Out
    3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
    Coronado Springs is Disney’s first moderate priced convention resort. There are many conventions scheduled every year which can cause congestion in public areas. But, often times, the Coronado will have rooms when other moderates are sold out. Also have your travel agent check to see if the price of a moderate is close to the price of a value resort. It doesn’t happen very often but you might find it within a couple hundred dollars and well worth the upgrade!
    Copyright: Disney

    Copyright: Disney

    Copyright: Disney

    Commuting Times to the Parks
    Park Commuting Times

    Resort Transportation
    Magic Kingdom 23 min
    Epcot 20 min
    Hollywood Studios 18 min
    Animal Kingdom 18 min

Ready to book your Walt Disney World Vacation?

Contact RMH Travel today!

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email: info@RMHTravel.com
Phone: 855-RMH-TRAV