![]() You've booked a cruise! Now what? [If you haven't booked a cruise, see our reasons for why you do need to take one!] Just like any other vacation, prepping may feel overwhelming but don't let it be! Here are some tips to make your next vacation on the seas as relaxing as it can be! Packing Tips![]() In terms of what to bring, less can be more - in this case, make sure to bring more of the right things! Your cruise is likely going to have themed nights, including at least one formal night - and if you're into that type of thing, pack accordingly! But this is a beach vacation, and we never think there's too many swimsuits, coverups or light wear you can pack, since it will be likely what you'll live in. Your cruise ship may also have laundry service available, so in case you didn't bring enough of one thing or need it for emergency purposes, you have options. Including shopping in port! Outside the obvious, including sunglasses, sandals, toiletries, and anything you travel with for comfort, the following are items we definitely saw value in having with us!
Shopping On Board and Abroad![]() Some love to take advantage of shopping duty free - and cruising its so easy! If you’re planning to purchase duty free items, we do recommend you do a bit of window shopping at home to decide if what you're about to buy on board/shore is a better deal than back home. Most of the times it is, but we have found a few items that were not worth holding out for. Not big on souvenirs but need to bring something back? Some of our favorite things include the original Kinder Surprise (the eggs are banned in the US but you can enjoy on shore); Mexican vanilla because its the real thing; and we love to pick up unique handmade items to support the local vendors (and try not to haggle the price because they are worth every penny). Drinks![]() Cruise lines have in the past years cracked down on people trying to sneak drinks and avoid spending on board. That said, most cruise lines will let you bring a case of sodas or water (canned) on the first day of your cruise for you to have. This is a great option for someone who wants their caffeine fix but doesn't want the price per glass. You can also pre-order either to be delivered to your room in case you feel like you will go through your allotment before your sailing ends. On the same token, most cruise lines allow 2 bottles of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) per stateroom with an adult 21+ in. Note that Disney Cruise Line allow each guests 21+ to bring a bottle of wine or champagne OR 6 - 12oz beers on board at the beginning of the voyage AND and at each port of call (if you want to restock). These beverages must be packed in carry-on bags or luggage so we recommend a wine bag with your carry on. And pack an insulated wine cup so you can have something ready to go in your room (though you can ask your stateroom attendant for a wine glass to use as well). Just note that if you are going to open a wine bottle in the dining room, you will be charged a corkage fee. So opt for a twist top OR bring your own wine opener for your room and open before dinner. Another option to consider if you're trying to drink but also save a bit is to order a bottle of alcohol to your room before traveling. You can do so on each respective cruise line’s website under their stateroom gifts option. These orders will be delivered the first day of the cruise and are subject to the rules of each cruise line. Then you can make your own drinks in your room for a fraction of the price of buying. While dining, you will also be able to order wine by the bottle, which can be a substantial savings from ordering by the glass. And if you don't top the bottle your meal, you can ask to bring it with you to your room OR your serving team will cork and store for the next time you join them for dinner. With either option though, you will not be able to bring any unfinished bottles off the ship, so make sure to never order more than you can have! Finally, there's the popular "all you can drink" packages most lines offer that are worth considering. The price, though significant, can be worth it if you will be drinking the allotment. With most cocktails about at $14+ tax & gratuity and beers starting at $7+ tax & gratuity, the price for the package can easily break even after about 6 cocktails a day (if you plan to have that much). But note, most lines require that all passengers of age in one stateroom to commit, so sharing will be avoided, so a lot of deliberation may be in store depending what type of cruise you'll take. If you’re stopping on a private island with the package is honored, we recommend considering as it does being value! Other Tips![]() I always, always, always recommend traveling with a passport! For your kids, it’s the only type of ID that has their picture on it - and for everyone in an emergency situation, the o my way you can fly home internationally. If you are a US citizen on a US closed loop cruise (start and end at the same US port), you do have the option to bring a birth certificate and photo ID. Options exist for foreign born US citizens as well. Remember. you are leaving the country, so its always better to have this priceless piece of identification ready to go. Also, it makes the whole embarkation and debarkation process seamless! With facial recognition software in much use, having a passport will save you lots of time when coming home. Just make sure you have at least 6 months left from the last day of your trip of your passport in case of emergency (a good standard to have when traveling anywhere in the world)! If your stateroom came with onboard credit (OBC) - usually an offer working with a travel planner can get you - it has to be used on board. You can use if for anything you end up spending on board, including gratuities - so it may be a reason to not prepay your gratuity so you have some flexibility with this free money. Excursions can be booked on the ship at a premium and with peace of mind (the ship will not leave without you if your excursion got delayed). But if you want to explore cheaper options or book with flexibility, check out tours for your destinations with my trusted partner Viator. You can also choose an excursion right at the port, where you can try to haggle the price a little - especially if you're okay with being completely spontaneous! All this goes without being said, book with a travel planner - there's no additional cost, only additional perks, and you have an extra set of eyes to prepare you for your trip!
If you’re ready to explore an option for you, fill out the Cruise Form and we can get started on finding a cruise for you! If you're already booked and interested in having your reservation taken over, fill out the Booking Transfer Form - it can easily be transferred with just your approval (as long as you're not in final payment)!
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As an ambassador for Happyly, I'm proud to share ways to get families out and making the most of your time together.
If you're looking for travel plans to visit Italy, check out some of our recommendations for Dreaming of Travel: Rome. The eternal city is a lush destination full of so many stories and the opportunity to step back in time. You're going to find yourself wanting to discover more of this beautiful country! As an ambassador for Happyly, I'm proud to share ways to get families out and making the most of your time together.
If you're looking for travel plans to visit Paris, check out some of our recommendations for Dreaming of Travel: Paris. The city of lights is a magical place to plan an international getaway with your family - from the rich culture, abundant history, and kid-friendly possibilities, you’re going to fall in love with Paris! As an ambassador for Happyly, I'm proud to share ways to get families out and making the most of your time together.
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If you're looking for travel plans to visit the Emerald Isle, check out some of our recommendations for Dreaming of Travel: Ireland. We spent a week discovering the island and hope that some of our recommendations can help you on your way! As an ambassador for Happyly, I'm proud to share ways to get families out and making the most of your time together.
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If you're looking for the best things to do in Orlando, that don't always involve the theme parks, check out Orlando Local Highlights!
What to ExpectFlip Flop Dreams owners Cassandra and Ramon did a wonderful job of outlining everything we needed to know about renting their OG - original glamper. The listing lays out specifications, amenities, costs, etc about renting out their unit. And all is exactly as it seems! Mind you, we had stayed out at Fort Wilderness before, but I did anything far from "roughing it" with the luxury of a fully equipped cabin and a bunch of pixie dust. Cassandra and I stayed in touch leading up to our date of arrival and she reassured me as I geared up for my first camping experience. I overpacked as usual, because on arrival, we had everything we needed provided by this dynamic duo! We requested an early check-in and arrived at Fort Wilderness around 1pm to find that Disney had a spot ready. Cassandra and Ramon were on their way, and as we waited, we parked in the main lot and went exploring by foot. Not quite literally though - you can walk, though it is a bit of a walk. Disney also provides free bus service between the main areas and a few other loop bus stops. You can also rent a golf cart - and it is highly recommended to do so in advance, as it can book up before you arrive! At check in, Disney will provide you with a loop (neighborhood) and a lot number. They'll provide you with guided directions on how to access, as well as additional information on how to contact Guest Services for any other needs. Once we had that spot number, we messaged Cassandra to check in with that information to access the grounds. After they arrived and set up, they advised us they were done and it was ready for us, so we proceeded to head back and check out our home away from home. WOW!There is nothing more we can say about presentation on arrival! We drove our car to our Preferred Lot (where the space is large enough for a vehicle or two) and found the OG set up ready to greet us! They had the awning out and lit, the dust rug out with camping chairs set, table cloth on the table and candles lit - and if that wasn't welcoming enough, music playing. Presentation was perfect! What a way to be welcomed to a little piece of their heaven and a way to start your experience with them. The camper itself is gorgeous! The color scheme and every bit of the details taken to heart and immaculately taken care of - the love in this just shines! The camper has a queen bed right off the entry way with two privacy screens. The kitchen and living area welcomes you to the main part of the cabin, where you can find a loveseat sleeper, booth dining table and kitchen with all the appliances you could need. Stove top, microwave, fridge/freezer, and sink - all fully stocked so you can cook rather than spend while clamping! The back of the cabin boosts a bathroom with shower stall and toilet, tastefully kept simple so the space doesn't feel cramped. And the hit of this all - the BUNK BEDS - four in total and secret hideaways that made my kids heart content! Outside the camper, we found an outdoor kitchen with mini-fridge, sink, and griddle. So you have plenty of reason to keep you outdoors with the music playing and the drinks flowing. This is exactly what we did as we utilized the space we had at our lot - they come with picnic table, charcoal grill, and plenty of room to relax. We brought all the traditional camping foods and stayed put as we enjoyed what the two of these had to offer together!
Things to DoTimes are weird right now, so the below is all subject to change. But here is some of what to expect at Disney, plus what's been there in the past ... and we're anxiously awaiting to return! Currently available (as of January 2021) - Hours can vary so check upon arrival
Temporarily unavailable (as of January 2021) Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Boat Rentals Wagon Rides Campfire Lighting at the Meadow Chip-n-Dale Sing-a-Long Places to EatIf you want to do more than cook, then Disney has some options in store for you!
Temporarily unavailable (as of 1/23/21)
Ready to book?So, you're ready to go! Let's get you set up! We here at Adventure Somewhere will handle booking the site for you. Start by filling out the Fort Wilderness site request form by letting us know who is going, when you want to go, and some of your preferences. Don't know them all? That's ok! We can handle the details and can find the right spot for you. We'll look for and hold the spot for you! With advance notice we can hold the spot at no charge, but the hold will expire in an specified amount of time. We will communicate that to you as we work through securing the location. That gives you time to get your RV rental situated! But I can do it myself...But you save so much more time with a travel advisor! We can help find the right spot for you based off our travel experience. And because of our agency's unique relationship with Disney, we can pass on any perks they give to us, on to you!
Plus, we can help to fill your trip to Orlando with so much more to do! Want to do more than Orlando? Let us know and we can see what’s available out there for you! When booking a vacation on your own, you're not getting that level of service. AND it comes at no additional cost to you and with all the extra benefits! |
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