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Travel – FACTS not Rumors…

Published on April 1, 2020 in Airlines/Aulani/Cruise Vacations/Disney Cruise Line/Disneyland/International Travel/Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

As a Travel Agent specializing in Disney and Universal vacations, I have been working to take care of my Guests directly affected by resort and park closures as well as cruise itinerary cancellations for Disney Cruise Line.

While working with my Guests I have received many questions related to rumors posted on other blogs and social media pages. I am here today to explain the current situation with information direct from Disney and Universal – this is not rumor, this is FACT!

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

UPDATE – MAY 24, 2020 – Plans Unveiled for the Phased Reopening of Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, Resort Hotels and Disney Stores

I have advised all my Guests with upcoming travel plans of the current situation and offered the options available to them at this time. Each Guest must choose how to move forward with what works best for them and their family. I can help you book now.

Disneyland Resort in California:

UPDATE – April 2, 2021 – Disneyland Resort Reopening on April 30, 2021
I have advised all my Guests with upcoming travel plans of the current situation and offered the options available to them at this time. Each Guest must choose how to move forward with what works best for them and their family. I can help you book now.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa:

UPDATE: September 24, 2020 – Aulani Resort will plan to begin a phased reopening on November 1, 2020
I have advised all my Guests with upcoming travel plans of the current situation and offered the options available to them at this time. Each Guest must choose how to move forward with what works best for them and their family. I can help you book now.

Disney Cruise Line:

UPDATE: July 23, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Resumes Sailings on the Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Line announced plans for a return to service, beginning with the Disney Dream, which will depart Port Canaveral starting August 9, 2021. New health & safety updates will be in effect for all sailings. I can help answer any questions you may have or assist you with booking your next cruise now.

UPDATE: June 8, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Extends Suspension of Sailings
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings.

Disney Dream departures through 8/6/21
Disney Fantasy departures through 8/28/21
Disney Wonder departures through 9/19/21
Disney Magic departures in the U.S. through 11/4/21

UPDATE: May 14, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through July 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings for all Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings through July 2021, and all Disney Wonder sailings through July 12, 2021.

UPDATE: April 6, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through June 2021, and Disney Magic European sailings through Sept. 19, 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings.

UPDATE: February 24, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through May 2021 and Disney Magic Sailings thru August 10, 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings. Sailings are cancelled aboard the Disney Fantasy, Dream and Wonder through May 2021; and Disney Magic through Augsut 10, 2021. Additionally, based on the conditional sail order provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line must cancel sailings longer than 7 nights.

UPDATE: January 27, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Departures through April 2021 and Select Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Sailings in May 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of additional 2021 sailings. Sailings are cancelled aboard the Disney Fantasy through April 24; the Disney Dream through April 30; the Disney Magic through May 6 and Disney Wonder through May 12. Additionally, based on the conditional sail order provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disney Cruise Line must cancel sailings longer than 7 nights.

UPDATE: January 12, 2021 – Disney Cruise Line Sailings Suspended Through March 2021
As Disney Cruise Line continues to refine protocols for an eventual return to service, they have announced the cancellation of all sailings through March 2021.

Adventures by Disney:

UPDATE – April 1, 2021 – Adventures by Disney Departures Suspended Through April 2021
With the well-being of our Guests and Guides as our top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Adventures by Disney has decided to suspend most of our adventures through the end of April.

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations (Florida & California):

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations in California will reopen on April 16, 2021

UPDATE: June 5, 2020 – Universal Orlando Resort Hotels and Parks are open and welcoming Guests again!

Other Cruise and Land Vacation Destinations:

While I do specialize in Disney and Universal vacations, I also help book and plan other cruise and land vacation destinations and I have been keeping my clients that have been directly affected by closures and cancellations updated about their options.

Cruise Lines:

UPDATE: April 6, 2021 – Currently, many cruise lines have suspended all sailings each with different dates to resume sailing. Please check with your Travel Agent or whoever you booked thru for specific details about your specific reservations.

Land Destinations:

As for land vacation destinations, it depends on the destination, please check with your Travel Agent or whoever you booked thru for specific details about your specific reservations.

Airlines:

Airlines are still operating but on a limited schedule and are adjusting travel dates and times based on occupancy of certain itineraries. Please check with your Travel Agent or whoever you booked thru for specific details about your specific reservations.

If you booked your travel plans thru a Travel Agent and they have not yet reached out to you this is likely because your travel dates are not yet directly affected and they are working to take care of their clients with travel plans that are currently directly affected by closures and cancellations, April and some May travel dates. Please be patient, in this type of situation, it is typically in your best interest to wait until your trip is cancelled by the supplier before making any decisions about cancelling or rebooking your future travel plans.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or if you would like more information about anything. I will share as much as I know and can share. I will also post updates as they become available on my social media platforms, please see the links to each below.

(i.e.: If you are not my client I cannot legally or professionally advise you about your current travel plans, you will need to reach out to whoever you booked thru. But, if you are not yet booked for future travel and wish to discuss future travel plans, I can assist and advise to the best of my ability with the information I have available).

While the White House has issued an April 30, 2020 social distancing guideline, please follow this or the guidelines set by your local state or county. If you are not an essential employee, please stay home. These guidelines are being implemented for the safety and well-being of everyone and the more of us that follow the guidelines the better off we will all be in 14 – 30 days and we will then [hopefully] be able to get back to a more normal way of life again very soon!

Stay healthy, stay home and practice social distancing!

CDC / WHO

Stay up to date with all Disney Destinations as well as other travel destinations!
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Brentwood, Tennessee – Texas Bar-B-Que Stop

Published on March 11, 2017 in Other 49 States by Doug Wilcoxon

Had a quick trip over the weekend to Nashville, Tennessee and visited a BBQ joint we found by coincidence a few years back. Its not in the most visible locale, or the largest, but its BBQ has been consistent over the years. Judge Bean’s Bar-B-Que identifies as a Texas BBQ joint, which was a good choice since two Texans were in my party.

I split “The Feast” with one of the Texans and neither of us was disappointed. Will point out that I wasn’t that crazy about the Texas toast, but who cares about toast on a BBQ platter since it’s just window dressing anyway. Not being too hungry I had a couple slices of Brisket, a Rib, one Diablo, Cowboy Beans, Mac & Cheese and some Pulled Pork. My tablemate finished off the remainder of the “The Feast”… reading over my food list apparently I was hungrier than I thought.

Overview of “The Feast”. Clockwise starting in the upper left, Brisket, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Texas Toast, Cowboy Beans, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Diablos and Wings at the center. The beans and mac & cheese are sides. Two side come with the meal, but curiosity of the Cowboy Beans got the better of me. I prefered the cowboy beans over the BBQ Beans. The Cowboy Beans have much more heat and are more flavorful… almost to a chili like flavor. The Cowboy Beans have jalapenos in the mix, but I am guess also a large component of the spice is cumin… which is my favorite spice.

The Diablo is Judge Bean’s jalapeno pepper stuffed with shrimp and cheese and wrapped in bacon. I didn’t eat the shrimp, but did try the remainder of the Diablo. It was ok, but not the favorite side item of mine (that would be the Cowboy Beans). Also known as ABT’s, a good recipe and a great final picture is at this link.

A post-worthy shot of the three meats. Brisket, RIbs, and Pulled Pork.

The Diablo. You can just see the shrimp peeking out from the jalapeno.

Two hot wings. This is my favorite pic showing crispy wings and a slathering of sauce. The white is a reflection of the light in the sauce… a sauce I can almost see myself in.

The menu appears to be a bit different than the menu online. Don’t believe that really matters since the Bar-B-Que is good regardless. Did do a review of the photo gallery on the Judge Bean website and unless I am missing something somewhere it doesn’t appear that the photos have been updated since 2012. Again it doesn’t really effect the Bar-B-Que….still good. If you happen to visit, tell them Doug Travels Orlando says “Howdy”. They won’t know who you are talking about.

The brand new map for places other than Florida… here. A bit sparse as of this time.

Mel-O-Cream Donuts – Springfield, Illinois

Published on February 14, 2017 in Other 49 States by Doug Wilcoxon

Mel-O-Cream Donuts. This location on Laurel Ave is just a few blocks from the office. Many early morning runs, (not literally), were made here to put a smile on someones face. Notice the fine camera work, as if I didn’t mean to capture the corner of the truck door in the bottom right. It’s like I was in such a hurry to get in the store I didn’t have time to shut the truck door.

An early morning must stop for any Springfield visit is Mel-O-Cream Donuts.

On a recent trip to Springfield, I found some of the favorite local food places of my past are still making their way in this world of autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries. It did my heart good, but not my cholesterol level, to see my favorite donut shop still in operation feeding the hungry masses good old fashion flour and sugar. Breakfast of Champion donut eaters.

Mel-O-Cream Donuts has been in Springfield as long as I remember. Though there have been up and comer donut makers in town, these donuts are still my favorites. The jelly filled with white icing is my preferred donut above all others.

Just the other day my lunch time dining partner Jim was telling me that donuts are healthier than bagels; and that jelly filled donuts are healthier than the cake donut. Obviously my instincts are on target since I started eating the healthy jelly filled donut from a young age. Not sure where my well informed friend got his information, but if it was from the internet I can only assume it to be true.

*Back in the Day Alert*

I recall three Mel-O-Cream donut locations we visited back in the day. One on North Grand; another in a parking garage at 4th and Adams; and the Laurel Street location.

Mom would sometimes punish herself and take me shopping with her at Myers Brothers downtown. Our regular parking location for such a jaunt was the 4th and Adams Parking Garage. At the first floor, before we would exit the stairs to the sidewalk was a small coffee shop that I believe was a Mel-O-Cream donut shop. I could be wrong since I was not very old at the time and was focused mainly on the donuts. The place looked huge from my young vantage point, but when I returned at the end of the 90’s it was Tiny’s Chili and it was very small place, even for a guy named Tiny.

These donuts take a nice picture, and I am sure they are just as good as the regular shaped glazed donut, but I don’t typically eat them since there is no jelly filling or a smothering of icing. Not saying I haven’t ate them. Just not my donut of preference. Did pick up some for the office as part of my assorted dozen selection. All donuts were gone before 10am, so a dozen wasn’t really enough. I would even venture to guess that these donuts were gone before the healthy snacks, eaten by my co-workers, looking out for the welfare of their fellow employees. We have very considerate and caring employees.

More donuts loaded and ready for purchase. I believe these to be cream filled. My favorite jelly filled has the little teaser of jelly placed on top of the white iced donut.

I selected a couple of these for the work dozen, but left them for my fellow employees. A work of art the chocolate iced donut with peaks of whipped cream and a splash of color. Almost as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat… or so I’ve been told.

Before you visit the Lincoln sites and before your family has awakened, and before you have considered a healthy breakfast, take that 15 minute drive to the Laurel Street location (there is counter service), sit down and have a donut (I recommend the jelly filled) and a coffee or milk (your preference). The shop opens at 7am, so maybe its not that early, but hey, your family is on vacation so its early for vacationers and they will still be asleep. After a couple donuts and a coffee or milk, get a dozen boxed for your trip back to the family. You will be the hero. Then have another from the box.

Happy Valentines Day!

Springfield Illinois Chili – The Chili Parlor

Published on February 6, 2017 in Other 49 States by Doug

Recently I posted about my love of Chili and first foray into the Florida Chili scene. Well…. I was recently back in the town of my birth and had to hit one of the granddaddy’s of the Springfield Illinois Chili scene.

The Chili Parlor was founded in 1945 and still uses the original recipe.

The Chili Parlor. Originally started as the Den, eventually morphed into Joe Rogers and finally settling where we are today with The Chili Parlor name. Back in the day I visited the South Grand Avenue location where the lucky few would eat at the counter and the rest would form a line, along the wall, behind the counter stools. The ordering and cash register was on the far end of the counter from the door. Just enough room for a line of patrons, an exit from the cash register and the lunch counter. It was a tight fit.

I tried explaining the Springfield, Illinois brand of Chili to my Florida friends at work and their appreciation was a bit lacking. The food in the heartland is a bit heartier I believe, and maybe a bit greasier.

I don’t know The Chili Bowl secret recipe, but can guess that it consists of meat, beans, spices, oils and some beef fat. Beef Suet seems to be a common ingredient in Springfield Chili. My Dad makes his brand of chili with a pound of hamburger and a pound of beef fat, red beans and the Joe Defrates Chili Man chili spices. With some oyster crackers it’s pretty tasty… even without the oyster crackers its tasty.

Bowl of Medium Hot Chili. Tailor your heat level to your tastes. You can order a bowl of Mild, Medium, Medium Hot, Hot and Firebrand. If you can complete a bowl of Firebrand you get your name on the wall with the other firebrand diners. The stars next to the names indicate the additional bowls at one sitting.

I’ve had to tone down the heat level over the years and have worked my way back to a medium bowl. Now I’m more about enjoying the flavor and not lighting up my VR1 Receptors. Go figure.

More than the chili, I have grown to love the chili dog. It’s different than what you may picture when thinking of a chili dog. It is a the chili meat placed on the dog, but just the meat. It’s more of a dry mix. Order it with everything and you have a great dog. This chili dog such a favorite of mine that I created my own similar recipe in its honor.

Chili Dog from The Chili Parlor. My favorite item. The Chili Dog with everything consists of the chili meat, mustard and onion. It’s a great combination.

The Chili Parlor is located at 820 S 9th Street, Springfield, IL

Current location of the The Chili Parlor. Just a few blocks North of South Grand on 9th Street. It’s an active place during the lunch hour.

There is a lot of history in those chili beans. If you haven’t tried it… add it to your bucket list. Get your first taste of Illinois Chili.

Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

Published on February 1, 2017 in Aulani/Other 49 States by Crystal Boston

Looking for a family friendly tropical destination for your next vacation? Why not do it with Disney? Aulani

I recently experienced Aulani and it was a truly wonderful experience with lots of Disney magic! The resort opened in August 2011, celebrating 5 years of tropical Disney magic, and is perfectly positioned on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the leeward coast of O‘ahu. At Aulani there is so much offered at the resort that you don’t really need to leave for anything during your tropical vacation – For dining there are 2 restaurants, 3 lounges and several quick-service dining venues, you can experience Laniwai – A Disney Spa or the Fitness Center, and then there is Aunty’s Beach House for the kids and it’s the only resort in Hawaii with a teen spa – Painted Sky.

All of this in addition to pools, waterslides, lazy river, snorkeling and a beautiful beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas. And be sure to look for the hidden Menehune’s throughout the property! Don’t forget to take advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass to capture all of your Aulani vacation memories too. This photo service includes character photos as well as photos throughout the resort and beach areas, including those amazing sunset shots. Photos can be purchased for an additional fee.

Aulani offers an array of Hawaiian-inspired experiences, including World-class entertainment, like fireside storytelling and Starlit Hui—an evening celebration of Hawaiian traditions and Disney storytelling, Hawaiian activities and crafts, including hula and lei-making classes, Rainbow Reef Snorkeling and Island excursions, from surf lessons to hiking – some of these experiences are included with your resort stay and some have fees associated.

There are many room types offered at Aulani, from standard hotel rooms and suites to Deluxe Studios with kitchenettes and 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens, washers and dryers and other amenities to make your stay even more magical – most all with an ocean view! We ended up having a much more “lazy” experience than we had intended – enjoying morning coffee on our balcony overlooking the tranquil ocean, a relaxing float in the lazy river with afternoon naps on the beach following lunch at one of the quick service spots at the resort.

Our favorite quick service spot was Off The Hook; be sure to say hi to Paul for us if you stop by. We also enjoyed a wonderful table service dining experience at ‘AMA‘AMA where we had an unobstructed view of the sunset during dinner – it was breathtaking!! Other evenings we ventured to the farthest point of the cove to view the spectacular sunsets. The other table service dining experience on property, Makahiki, is a buffet more geared towards families, especially at breakfast where you can meet Lilo & Stitch. 20160908_134116

If you are planning a tropical getaway for your next vacation, with the whole family or just a couples’ escape, no matter if you looking for a relaxing experience or if you want a little bit of adventure during your Hawaiian vacation, I highly recommend Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii!

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