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Dressing to make flying easier

December 21, 2022 by crystal Leave a Comment

I love to travel, and that often requires flying, but I usually dread the entire airport/flight experience. Even if you don’t have a fear of flying, flying can be very stressful. Airports can be crowded, chaotic, and confusing; security lines can be long (and the TSA agents can be grumpy); and the planes themselves are usually cramped and congested. If you’re planning to fly, what you decide to wear for your flight can help alleviate some of that stress and make your flying experience more enjoyable and comfortable.  Yes, a lot of people decide to go strictly the “comfort” route and choose to wear their gym clothes or what looks like pajamas, but you can look professional or stylish and be comfortable at the same time. By the way, if you ever want to get upgraded to first class or business class, what you are wearing can make a difference.

I am all about comfort. Do I own any clothing without at least some spandex in the fabric? Maybe, but if I do, not much. Wear clothing that “gives” when you have to bend and reach. Usually these fabrics don’t wrinkle much either, so you can step off an overseas, overnight flight without looking like a rumpled mess.

Choose slip-on clothing, so you don’t have to deal with removing belts at security. Also, you won’t have to deal with buttons and zippers in the bathroom (the less time spent in an airplane lavatory, or any bathroom, the bet

 

ter). I recently bought a pair of travel pants that look like dress pants, but feel like pajamas.  I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable item of clothing that I own. 

I am usually cold in airports and on airplanes, so I always wear a sweater or jacket no matter what season it is. You can always take it off if you get too warm, and by wearing it, you save a little space in your luggage. I avoid wearing a hoodie. For me, it’s easier to slip off a jacket or sweater than trying to pull a hoodie over my head without my shirt coming off too, messing up my hair, or knocking my glasses off. I’m not the most uncoordinated person in the world, but when the grumpy TSA agent is glaring at me along with all of the other passengers in the long security line, I can get a little flustered. It’s also difficult to gracefully remove a hoodie if you are sitting in the middle seat of an airplane. Also, don’t wear large jewelry or clothing with excessive metal embellishments in order to avoid slow-downs at security scanning.

Comfortable shoes can make a big difference too, especially if you are changing planes and running through huge airports trying to make connecting flights. I purchased a pair of leather ballet flats and wore them on a flight from Edinburgh to St. Louis through 4 airports and for a period of about 24 hours. I didn’t realize until after the fact that I hadn’t taken my shoes off once, except going through security. They are so comfortable; I didn’t even take them off while on the long overseas flight. Choose a shoe that can be easily removed at security. If you are wearing shoes without socks, remember to bring a pair of socks to put on while you go through security or to slip on in case your feet are cold on the flight.

Personally, I’m not a fan of flying, but I do it because of the time saved and the accessibility to overseas destinations. I am, however, a fan of taking as many steps as possible to make the experience more comfortable and convenient.

Give me a call to help you make all of your travel easier! ~Julie Tapp

Julie@dwbvacations.com

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: Bahamas, Cathy Palazzo, central Florida, Crystal Burriss, DWB Vacations, Florida, Holidays, Julie Tapp, Norwegian Cruise Line, Orlando, Royal Caribbean, travel advisor, travel agency, Travel Agent, travel consultant, Travel Planning, Universal Orlando, Vacation, Vacation Planning

A breath of fresh air with Royal Caribbean Group’s new HVAC system

April 12, 2021 by crystal Leave a Comment

Guests can breathe easy knowing the existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on Royal Caribbean Group ships continuously supply fresh, filtered air indoors. Validated in an independent assessment conducted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the National Strategic Research Institute, the findings were based on the scientists’ study of the HVAC on board a Royal Caribbean ship. Watch how they found that the robust system’s layers of protection make the transmission of aerosol particles (like those from a cough) between spaces extremely low to virtually impossible. In line with the Group’s mantra of “continuous improvement,” the cruise company is also adding extra measures for its HVAC systems to make for even safer and healthier cruises.

 

 

To find out more about the cruise lines are planning to keep everyone safe and healthy, contact your DWB Vacations advisor.

Filed Under: Cruise, DWB Vacations, Royal Caribbean Tagged With: Cruise, DWB Vacations, Royal Caribbean

We Like To Party! And you will too! Why you should go to the after hour parties at Disney

July 11, 2019 by admin

Disney offers some pretty awesome after hour parties throughout the year, but not all guests choose to purchase tickets to these awesome events. There are multiple parties for this coming fall like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but you don’t have to wait until the fall. There are also parties for this summer that you still have time to enjoy like H20 party nights at Typhoon Lagoon or Villans After Hours party at the Magic Kingdom. Also, special after hours nights at Hollywood and Magic Kingdom are happening now. All of these events are a great way to enjoy a little more time in the parks with some extra magic. I’m sure your question is…”Why spend the extra money?” There are many reasons so let’s talk about them.

Smaller Crowds
Since the amount of tickets that are sold to these events are limited the number of people in the parks is significantly lower than on an average day. This means you are able to move more freely through the parks getting a chance to ride on attractions that might have a longer wait normally. You are also able to get better pictures without so many people in the background of your photographs. Plus as an added bonus the lines for your favorite foods and treats are significantly lower than they normally are. This might be your time to finally try that treat that the lines have always been to long for. Everyone loves a smaller crowd at Disney. Parties are a great way to maximize your time since the crowds are far smaller.

 

Special Food and Treats
Along with the special party nights comes the special party themes which brings all the special party theme foods and drinks. Each of the different parties have their own specialty items that the foodie fans are sure to love and even non foodie fans are excited to try. Some events like the after hour parties at Hollywood and Magic Kingdom even include select ice cream and popcorn as well as bottled soft drinks in the ticket price. Even if you are not interested in the special foods having shorter lines at the regular food venues is a great way to be able to try some of the foods that long lines that normally people are discouraged from trying because of longer lines.

Extending your Trip
Party tickets are half day tickets with most of the events starting in the early evening. Party tickets can be a great way to extend your trip by giving you an extra half day at a park. With most party tickets you can enter whatever park the party is taking place in as early as 4pm. So you can spend the day enjoying your resort, lounging in your pool or the other amenities at the resort and then spend the early evening into the wee hours of the morning having a blast at a park. Going to one of these parties gives you at a minimum of 5 hours at a park for in most cases less than the cost of adding on an additional day to your reservation.

The point is…
Disney party tickets are a great enhancement to your family vacation. It gives you access to some of your favorite parks with much smaller crowds. It also gives you a chance to experience special treats and shows that you wouldn’t see at any other time in your Disney stay. Party tickets are a wonderful way to add a little more magic at the most magical place on earth.

Basic Party Information

Disney H2O Glow Nights
At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Select nights now until August 24, 2019.
Party is from 8pm to 11pm but guests with tickets may begin entering the park at 6pm.
DJ- hosted dance party on the sandy beaches of the Surf pool
Playful mix of Toy Story- themed experiences featuring Character appearances
Tempting array of limited- time food and beverage offerings
Special area just for adult party goers

Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios
Select nights now through the end of July.
3 hour park event featuring some of your favorite attractions, ice cream and popcorn carts and Character Greetings.
Purchased in advance tickets are $125 per person plus tax. Purchased the day of the price increases to $129 per person plus tax.
Ice cream novelties, popcorn and select bottled beverages are included with the cost of admission.
Guests may enter the park at 7pm with the private event taking place from 9:30pm till 12:30am.

Disney’s After Hours at Animal Kingdom
Select dates now through September 2019.
3 hour park event featuring some of your favorite attractions, ice cream and popcorn carts and Character Greetings.
Purchased in advance tickets are $125 per person plus tax. Purchased the day of the price increases to $129 per person plus tax.
Ice cream novelties, popcorn and select bottled beverages are included with the cost of admission.
Guests may enter the park at 7pm with the private event taking place from 9pm till 12am.

Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park
Select dates from now through August 8th
Three hours of access to over 20 popular attractions including thrilling villain inspired surprises at some attractions after the park closes.
Special Villains show at Cinderella’s castle and Maleficent breathing fire during the night.
You get to dress up in favorite villain gear and purchase special villain themed items.
Sinfully delicious villain-themed food and beverage offerings for purchase.
Ice cream, popcorn and select bottled beverages are included with the price.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween
Select nights from August through November at the Magic Kingdom
Trick or Treating through out the park with allergy friendly fun as well.
Costume fun for the whole family.
Your favorite characters will be in costume too and special appearances by some villainous clients.
Ghoulishly good eats, special stage shows and fireworks show.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Select dates in November and December
Select attractions are open with lower wait time
Special holiday treats and eats
Special character appearances
Cinderella’s castle shimmers, joyful music fills the air and Disney characters don their most festive attire.

Filed Under: Disney Fun, Disney World, DWB Vacations, Travel Fun, Uncategorized Tagged With: #Weliketoparty, Christmas Party, DWB Vacations, DWBcanbookthat, DWBvacations, Halloween party

Overcoming the fear of Disney World in the Summer

May 7, 2019 by admin

We promise, you won’t melt!

Disney World in the summer. When I say those words what is the first thing you think of? Heat, humidity, sweat, the scorching sun, am I right? What if I told you that you were thinking about Disney in the summer all wrong? When I think of summer at Disney World I think low crowds, not missing school and a chance to save some money. I know people have a fear of the heat when traveling to Disney World in the summer, but I have some reasons that might cure that fear of Florida summers permanently.

Reason Number 1 Smaller Crowds: 
There are so many reasons to travel to Disney World in the summer, but the most important of these is that there is a significantly lower crowd. Most people are afraid of Disney World in two situations- the heat and the rain. This is what makes it the perfect time to go. You can walk through the park without having to bump into people. Go shopping or get food without having to push through crowded stores. You can even sit with your family to watch a show or a parade without people sitting on top of you. Most importantly though you can go from attraction to attraction with little to no wait! Just think you can go on your favorite attractions over and over again with little to no wait! Not having to spend hours in lines also means that you have the time and the freedom to truly enjoy all of the amenities that Disney World has to offer. This allows you to come and go between your resort and the parks so you get a better chance to enjoy both. You can do an early morning in the park, head back to your resort for an afternoon dip or nap and then head back to the park in the evenings. You are truly able to go with the flow and live your best life.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts mid- August. Look how low those crowds are on a summer day!

Reason Number 2, School and Cost:
The second major reason to travel to Disney World in the summer is to not miss school. There are many parents that take their children out of school during the school year for a trip, you are my people. However, there are many people who can not take their children out of school. Perhaps your child is older and is not in a grade where they can easily miss a lot of school work. A member of the family might be a teacher and is unable to miss work to spend time on a vacation. For these families there is only one option, to go when school is off. The problem with going to Disney World or really any travel destination when school is not in session is that is when everyone goes. This means crowds and usually a higher total trip cost. However, summer in Disney World does not follow this rule. Since people are afraid of the heat in Florida this is the perfect time to travel for the folks that can not miss school. The crowds are light, and the prices are typically lower. It is a win-win situation. You get to go to Disney World for less money and do not have to deal with the crowds that are typically there for spring or winter break. Yes, it is hot, but what is a little heat when you get to have a better-quality vacation for less money?

Ice Cream makes a hot day much more magical, especially if it is Mickey shaped!

Reason Number 3, The Heat:
So, let’s talk about the heat. Yes, it is hot in Florida and it is humid, but where is it not? Most of the US deals with either extreme heat, humidity or both during the summer months. The question is where do you want to deal with that heat? Do you want to be sitting on a field watching your kid play soccer or baseball or watching a Disney World parade? Do you want to be in an air-conditioned office or in an air-conditioned attraction? A hot and humid day at Disney World beats a day anywhere else. At least at Disney World there are Mickey ice cream bars!

So, let’s overcome that fear of Florida summer together. Yes, you will be hot, but that wont change if you stay home. At least if you go to Disney World you and your family get to make amazing, magical memories with low crowds while you get to save some money. So, no more fear instead lets say Disney World this summer for sure!

Tips for beating the summer heat in Disney World
No More Fear!
• Get to parks at opening, take a mid afternoon break and then return to the parks at night.
• Take advantage of your resort pool!
• Upgrade to a water park ticket! There are two water parks with so much to do!
• Take water misters that you can carry with you.
• Use hand held fans that are battery powered or that you can charge the night before! Amazon has some great options.
• Use cooling rags! The Frogg Togg cooling towels on Amazon are awesome.
• Order FREE ice water at any quick service locations.
• Use those snack credits for Ice Cream or Frozen Drinks.
• Take advantage of indoor waiting and lounging areas with air conditioning.
• Ride water rides like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids.
• Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks from the sun.
• Escape to a bathroom or a store for a blast of air conditioning.
• Make afternoon full service dining plans to sit inside and escape the heat in the worst part of the day.
• Run through the park in the afternoon rain storms. The park will empty out even more and the rain will cool you down.
• Make sure you use plenty of water proof sunscreen and reapply often. The summer sun can be      brutal to your skin if you do not protect it.

 

Filed Under: Disney World, DWB Vacations Tagged With: Amy Lawson, Beat the Heat, Crystal Burriss, Disney Parks, Disney World, DWB Vacations, Summer travel, travel agency, Travel Planning, Vacation, Vacation Planning

2019 Walt Disney World Resort Packages

March 1, 2018 by crystal

We want to keep you up to date on the latest information about the 2019 Walt Disney World Resort packages. Prices and packages for the following year usually come out in the summer months but we know many of our friends are watching and ready to book ASAP! To make sure we get in touch with you as soon as possible, please complete this simple 2 question form. EASY PEASY!

**And we promise we will not bombard you with spam. We don’t have time that! 😉

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2019, Amy Lawson, Aquila Harward, central Florida, Crystal Burriss, Disney Parks, Disney Vacation, Disney World, DWB Vacations, Epcot, Florida, Janna Hicks, Kelly Capps, Kristi Gibson, Magic Kingdom, Michelle Looney, Travel Agent, Travel Planning, Vacation, Vacation Planning

Welcome to the Seven Neighborhoods on Harmony of the Seas

October 15, 2016 by crystal

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, part of the Oasis class of ships, is huge but with 7 neighborhoods on board Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Harmony of the Seas, everyone is certain to find their favorite area to relax and enjoy their time on this amazing ship! Each distinct area helps cruisers feel like they are in a smaller, more intimate area.

What is in each neighborhood?

Central Park

harmony-central-park04Who would have ever imagined a full, living park on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean? Royal

Caribbean Cruise Line did! Central Park is a lush, relaxing area with tropical area, trees and walkways that take you to restaurants, shopping and galleries. Dining options in Central Park include Royal Caribbean’s famous Chops Grille.

For guest that enjoy the view, there are inward facing rooms that overlook Central Park so you can take in the gardens anytime day or night.

 

Royal Promenadeharmony-bionic-bar

The lively Royal Promenade is the perfect place for a drink from a robotic bartender, shopping, restaurants and more!

 

 

Boardwalkharmony-royal-promenade

It’s all fun and games at the Boardwalk! A nostalgic feel with a handcrafted carousel and arcade makes you feel like a kid again. Then you can relax at the AquaTheater where you will see a high dive show with the deepest pool at sea.

 

 

Pool & Sports Zoneharmony-waterslide-central-park

Cruising is not all about relaxing. There’s also fun and thrills! Pool & Sports Zone. After you encounter the “Perfect Storm” of water slides, you can take a plunge down a 10-story slide that ends on the Promenade deck. You can also learn to surf on the exclusive “FlowRider”, climb a rock wall and zip line across the ship.

 

 

 

HM, Harmony of the Seas, Relaxation Room, Deck 6 Forward, Vitality Spa, wicker easy chairs, hassocks, comfortable, comfort, relax, art, artwork, sculpture,

Spa & Fitness

After all that excitement, you may need to relax in the Vitality Spa and Fitness neighborhood. Aromatherapy and full body wellness help you to recharge your body, mind and spirit.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment Placescreen-shot-2016-10-10-at-12-08-55-pm

This is the place for music, laughs and Broadway hit moments. On board you will be able to enjoy the Broadway musical “Grease” as well as exclusive shows like “Columbus, The Musical”. You will also find Vegas-style casino action with poker, blackjack, slots and roulette.

 

Youth Zone

Harmony of the Seas wants everyone to have their “space”. Teens, kids and babies, too, can hang out in their own area that designed just for them. Grouped by age and supervised by trained, certified staff, there’s also fun going on that is sure to bring smiles to every age!rci_oasis_youthzone_imgstd_kids

Youth Zone, nursery, babysitting, children, toys, playroom, Oasis of the Seas, OA, Oasis Class, Allure of the Seas

Youth Zone, teens, teen program, back deck, living room, lounge, Adventure Ocean, Oasis of the Seas, OA, Oasis Class, Allure of the Seas

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the neighborhoods on Harmony of the Seas or about any Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship, contact your favorite DWB Vacations team member!

#DWBcanbookthat

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alabama, Amy Lawson, Aquila Harward, Brittany Heald, Cathy Palazzo, Cruise, Crystal Burriss, DWB, DWB Vacations, Elissa Colon, Florida, Georgia, Harmony, Harmony of the Seas, Jackie Hardison, Janna Hicks, Kelly Capps, Kristi Gibson, Malia Fredrickson, Melanie Brown, Michelle Looney, NC, Raleigh, Royal Caribbean, SC, Sheena Robinson, Susan Robinson, Tammi Newton, Terri Moody, travel agency, Travel Agent

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