Month: January 2023

Planning a trip to Europe in 2023? Center your dream vacation around these once-in-a-lifetime festivals! There is no better way to experience the culture of a country than celebrating its landmark events with the locals!

1. Carnival of Venice:  February 4, 2023 – February 21, 2023

The Carnival of Venice, an annual festival held in Venice, Italy, is well-known for the elegant attire of its attendees. You’ll see an array of elaborate Venetian masks and 18th century outfits in all sorts of colors, fabrics, and styles. The festival ends the day before Lent begins, making it an unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration. Legend has it that this festival began in the year 1162, after the Venetian Republic were victorious over the Patriarch of Aquileia. Upon news of this victory, people began dancing and celebrating in the San Marco Square, which is now the meeting ground for thousands of tourists and locals during the modern-day festival. More than a celebration, Carnival in Venice became a sort of political statement born from the Renaissance. Hidden behind their intricately crafted disguises, everyone became equal and at the same time, anonymous. While the nobility could hide their status and avoid scrutiny, the populace could blend in and and enjoy the feelings of grandeur.

If you decide to attend this once-in-a-lifetime party, don’t miss out on these important events!

Opening night:  Enjoy this lavish spectacle of beautifully decorated boats parading through the Rio di Cannaregio – one of the main Venetian canals. Watch acrobats perform gravity-defying acts by the water’s edge!

la maschera più bella: one of the most important events during Carnival – the contest for the most beautiful mask!

Silent Regatta: the last night of the Venetian Carnival is hauntingly beautiful. The electricity along the canal is turned off and the city is illuminated by thousands of candles. The boats on the canal are draped in black to symbolize the end of the festival and the beginning of Lent.

2. St. Patrick’s Day: March 17, 2023

This festival needs no introduction – where better to celebrate this Irish holiday than Ireland?!

St. Patrick’s day marks the death of Ireland’s patron-saint, who is heralded for bringing Christianity to the Irish and banishing snakes from the island. Unlike in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is recognized as a national holiday in Ireland.  While in the U.S. this festival has been over-taken by beer companies and green dye, Irish locals have maintained a more family-friendly festival, with live music, delicious food and of course, a pint or two. For those seeking a wild St. Paddy’s party, don’t worry – there is still plenty of debauchery in the late hours. You may be surprised to find that there are far fewer tourists celebrating this holiday in the homeland than expected!

Want to join the party? Keep these major cities in mind for St. Patrick’s day festivities:

Dublin: enjoy a five-day celebration marked by live entertainment, a huge street carnival and parades through the city-center.

Cork & Kerry: experience one of Ireland’s biggest events, celebrating this holiday with marching bands, Irish dancers, local cuisine and street performers.

Downpatrick: visit the town where St. Patrick built his church and is now buried. The event is marked by family-friendly events and live entertainment that is sure to please all ages.

3. King’s Day: April 27, 2023

King’s Day, held in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands, is an orange-filled festival celebrating the birth of the Dutch King, Willem Alexander. Tourists and locals flock to Amsterdam to see the parade of boats along the canals and attendees clad in bright orange. Known as Amsterdam’s biggest party, an average of more than 500,000 party-goers attend this once-in-a-lifetime festival. With a wide selection of live entertainment, DJs, and parties throughout Amsterdam, its best to book your tickets to events ahead of time!

Be sure to check out these events on King’s Day!

Cartel: This party is set up close to the city center in Amsterdam, and is both an indoor and outdoor event! The daytime party lasts until 8:00 pm and continues on indoors until 7:00 am the following morning! 

Loveland van Oranje: This is an unforgettable outdoor party in Amsterdam’s Meerpark. The music line up changes yearly, but this party is known for its beautiful grassy venue and chill vibes.  

Pllek:  This is an event that is appropriate for all ages, with an outdoor stage featuring live bands, DJs and delicious local food. There is plenty to do and see with entertainment for all ages! 

STAY TUNED: Must-See Festivals in Europe: May – July coming next…

Having just returned from a family and Disney VIP trip, I felt it was time to post about Magic Kingdom at Disney World and some fun tips and facts! I also picked up a few “insider Disney secrets” during my VIP tour and wanted to share.

Whether it is your first time at Disney World, or you are a seasoned Disney veteran, the child-like excitement hits everyone the moment they step into Magic Kingdom.

Did you know that Magic Kingdom is home to Disney’s longest running parade, the Main Street Electrical Parade? It has been around since 1971! Many of the trees and shrubbery throughout the Magic Kingdom are fake, but they were designed to look so realistic that you wouldn’t even know.

The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom is filled with secrets. One of the most iconic is the pet cemetery out front, which features headstones with names of Disney staff members’ pets. There’s also the secret room behind a hidden bookcase, the hidden hatbox ghost, and the fan favorite – the Hitchhiking Ghosts. Inside the mansion, you can also find a music organ and the secret bride, who can be seen in the attic, if you look closely!

Main Street USA in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is full of surprises! Here are a few to look out for:

Just inside the entrance to Main Street, you can find a hidden Mickey Mouse! Look for a pattern of three circles in the brickwork.
The names on the windows of the shops on Main Street are the names of actual people who worked for Disney in the past.
The clock tower at the end of Main Street is actually based on the clock tower at the Harvard University campus.
If you look closely, you’ll notice the sound of a train whistle and steam engine when you walk down Main Street. The sound is actually coming from the speakers hidden throughout the area.
The windows of the buildings on Main Street spell out a secret message. If you look closely you’ll be able to read the message and discover its meaning!
There are lots of secrets to discover at Adventureland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom! For instance, did you know the music playing in the area is inspired by 1950s South American exotica? There’s also a hidden tiki room tucked away in the back of the Swiss Family Treehouse. And if you listen closely, you can hear a secret audio-animatronic show! The Swiss Family Treehouse is also full of hidden treasures and is worth exploring. Lastly, be sure to look up in the sky to spot the hidden Mickey in the wooden beams of the bridges.

One of the best-kept secrets about Fantasyland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is that Cinderella’s Castle has a hidden suite inside. It’s called the Cinderella Castle Suite and it was originally designed as a private apartment for Walt Disney and his family. Additionally, it’s rumored that the Fantasyland Skyway station is still intact and can be seen during the parade route. Fantasyland has some interactive elements that many guests don’t know about. There are several interactive statues, such as the Mad Hatter’s hat and the Sword in the Stone, that can be triggered to move and/or animate when guests approach them.

Frontierland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a land of adventure and discovery. Here are a few fun facts about Frontierland that you might not know about:

Look for the hidden Mickey’s throughout the land. There are plenty.
There is a pet cemetery in the back of Splash Mountain.
The Frontierland Train Station is the only one in the Magic Kingdom that has a functioning whistle and bell.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of a banjo coming from the Country Bear Jamboree.
There is a secret area behind the Haunted Mansion gift shop where you can take pictures with the hitchhiking ghosts.
If you look carefully, you can spot a hidden audio-animatronic of a frontier explorer in the bottom of the Rivers of America.
The Country Bear Jamboree was the first ever audio-animatronic stage show.
The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was the first roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom.
Tom Sawyer Island has a secret underground tunnel system.
The Mark Twain Riverboat is powered by four paddlewheels.

One of the secrets about Liberty Square in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is that it is the only land in the park that was part of the original opening day in 1971. Something commonly known is the Liberty Bell and the Liberty Tree, two iconic symbols of the American Revolution, are both featured in the land. There’s also a ghost lurking about in the Liberty Square Riverboat attraction – it’s said to be the ghost of a former riverboat captain! Finally, the Hall of Presidents attraction, which opened in 1971, is also located in Liberty Square – it’s the only place where you can see all the U.S. presidents in one place!

One of the secrets of Tomorrowland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the secret entrance to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Do you know about this one and how to access the entrance from the Carousel of Progress? Another secret is that the Tomorrowland Speedway is home to a real-life race car, the Indy 500 Pace Car, which is located in the center of the track. Finally, the Astro Orbiter has a secret hidden star! Look for it when you ride the attraction!

What is VIP access and what do you get with VIP access at Disney World?

With VIP access at Disney World, you can enjoy exclusive benefits like reserved seating at shows and attractions, VIP viewing areas for parades and nighttime spectaculars, and access to exclusive lounges. You can also take advantage of complimentary snacks, beverages, and merchandise, along with exclusive discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise throughout the parks. Additionally, you get to skip the regular lines at attractions to make the most of your Disney World experience!

The cost of VIP access at Disney World depends on the length of your visit and the type of access you’re looking for. Disney offers a variety of VIP experiences, ranging from a few hours to multiple days. Prices typically start at around $450 per person and can go up to over $900 per person / hour for a multi-day experience. You can find more information about the different VIP experiences available at Disney World on their website.

What is Club 33 at Disney World?

Club 33 is an exclusive members-only club located in Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park. It is an exclusive and luxurious club with private lounges, fine dining, and a variety of unique experiences and amenities. Membership is limited and very expensive, but it provides a completely unique experience for members with access to exclusive events, private lounges, and some of the best dining options in the park.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Easter Eggs

Disney is full of Easter eggs waiting for guests to find them. No, I am not talking about the beautifully hand decorated chocolate eggs on display at Disney’s Grand Floridian during the Spring. I am talking about an Easter egg that is a secret message, item, or image that has been added as a bonus within a Disney movie, theme park, or resort. These Easter eggs are added for close watchers and observers who are devoted fans of Disney and the brand.

Now that we know what type of Easter eggs we are looking for, you may be asking yourself why these secrets have become so important to Disney fans. By providing these hidden gems within the movies and theme parks, Disney is supplying their fans with endless entertainment. Some Easter eggs are easier to notice than others, but others are more hidden. What started as an inside joke with Imagineers, has grown into a clever way to keep Disney fans coming back for more. Let’s look at some of our favorite Easter egg’s hidden within Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park.

Mainstreet U.S.A

Our journey to find Disney’s Magic Kingdom Easter eggs starts the moment you enter the park. Welcome to Mainstreet U.S.A! Centered in the square, near the train station, is a large American flag. This flag is the only REAL American Flag in the park. There is a ceremony every morning to raise the flag and every evening to retrieve the flag. This ceremony is always accompanied by a United States military veteran who is a guest in the park that day. All the other flags seen on top of buildings are, in fact, imposters. To prevent all the flags on Mainstreet U.S.A needing to be raised every morning and taken down or lit every evening, they are missing stars and stripes. This means they are not considered real American flags. While you are spotting the fake American flags at the top of the buildings, look at the building windows. You will find the names of people responsible for creating the Magic Kingdom or the names of the dummy corporations Disney used when buying Florida land for the parks. As you continue your journey through Mainstreet U.S.A. look down. Do you notice the red sidewalks? The sidewalks are red because Walt Disney wanted to roll out the red carpet for all guests. They also consulted with Kodak to find the perfect shade of red to show up as the best complimentary color in photos taken at Magic Kingdom. Towards the left of the Emporium, you will find Harmony Barbershop. Many people do not realize that this is an actual operational barbershop. Although anyone can get their haircut, they have a special package for kids who are getting their first haircut. It is highly recommended!

Fun Magic Kingdom Facts

Walt Disney Statue

1. Walt Disney’s statue stands waiving to guests entering Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The park originally opened October 1st, 1971, and although Walt had been highly involved in the planning of Walt Disney World, he passed away just before construction began in 1967. His vision is still seen in the brand today making it one of the most successful businesses in the world.

2. “May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place … a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together.” – Roy 0. Disney reading the dedication plaque during the October 25, 1971, grand opening, and dedication.

Tangled Theme Bathroom

1. Need a break? Located on the edge of Liberty Square and Fantasyland this restroom is themed after the Disney Movie Tangled making this a fun stop for the whole family. Also stop by the charging stations right across from the restroom to recharge your batteries.

2. Forget hidden Mickeys! The Tangled themed restroom has hidden Pascals for you to find! It is rumored that there are 10 of these cute chameleons hidden around this restroom. Can you find them all?

Tomorrowland Entrance

1. Welcome to Tomorrowland! This retro-futuristic designed area of Magic Kingdom has seven different attractions to enjoy. What is your favorite Tomorrowland attraction?

2. “Tomorrow is a heck of a thing to keep up with.” -Walt Disney

Pirates Chess Game

1. Did you know pirates were stubborn? While in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction don’t miss this pair of pirates who got stuck in an eternal stalemate during their chess game. It is said that they died in a chess stalemate because neither would agree to a draw!

2. These pirates stuck in a stalemate didn’t get much attention until Disney guests noticed the chess pieces were being moved from their previous stays. It is rumored that there is a game being played among cast members that has yet to be completed. This chess game has grown its own fanbase and you can even find biogs tracking each player’s next moves, sometimes taking months in between moves!

Uncovering Disney’s Haunted Mansion Secrets

As a fan favorite, the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was one of the original rides that opened with the park in 1971. It has become such a beloved ride that it has been know that guests have spread loved one’s ashes in the graveyard scene.

Surprisingly, this is not the only ride that happens on … However, despite the spooky atmosphere there is no evidence that the ride is actually haunted. There are plenty of Easter eggs to find before you even sit down on the Haunted Mansion ride located in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom. Our first Easter egg can be spotted in the queue in the interactive portion. A wedding ring can be found stuck within the pavement. This ring is hard to spot, so do not be afraid to ask a cast member for assistants in locating it. Disney fans manifested this Easter egg themselves as there were so many previous claims that an old pipe flush with the pavement was really the ghost bride’s wedding ring.

This story got so popular among Haunted Mansion fans that Disney added a wedding ring into the pavement in this area. The story of the bride and her wedding ring was purely created by Disney fandom, so the story may vary depending on who is telling it. A popular rendition of the story is that the ring was embedded in the pavement when the bride threw herself off the balcony. Another version of the story states that Mr. Gracey got so upset at the bride for cheating on him that he threw the ring off the balcony and his horses stomped on the wedding ring embedding it into the pavement. As you are about to enter the attraction, to your left, there is a tombstone you should keep your eyes on. Or should we say she is keeping her eyes on you?

Magic Kingdom Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt

Hidden Mickeys

This story got so popular among Haunted Mansion fans that Disney added a wedding ring into the pavement in this area. The story of the bride and her wedding ring was purely created by Disney fandom, so the story may vary depending on who is telling it. A popular rendition of the story is that the ring was embedded in the pavement when the bride threw herself off the balcony. Another version of the story states that Mr. Gracey got so upset at the bride for cheating on him that he threw the ring off the balcony and his horses stomped on the wedding ring embedding it into the pavement. As you are about to enter the attraction, to your left, there is a tombstone you should keep your eyes on. Or should we say she is keeping her eyes on you?

Here are 20 Magic Kingdom locations to get your Hidden Mickey search
started:

1. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
2. Pirates of the Caribbean x2
3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
4. Carousel of Progress
5. Swiss Family Tree House
6. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
7. It’s a small world
8. Splash Mountain
9. Haunted Mansion x2
10. The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
11. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
12. Jungle cruise
13. Peter Pans Flight
14. Train Station Ticket Office
15. Sir Mickey’s Store Sign
16. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
17. Columbia Harbour House
18. Walt Disney Statue (not Mickey Mouse standing next to him)
19. Be our Guest Restaurant
20. Fairytale Garden

You could spend days searching for all the hidden Mickey’s in Magic Kingdom. We are not lying, there are rumored to be over 1,000 hidden Mickeys out there. This is one of the best past times while waiting in line at your next attraction. There are also some fun phone apps that will allow you to track your progress and mark what Hidden Mickeys you have found. If you are stuck, do not be afraid to ask a cast member for a hint!

VIP tours!!

Did you know that Disney World has VIP tours with a private guide that walks you to the Lightening Lane entrance for all the rides you can fit in?! We even walked into special entrances for a few of the rides and skipped right to the front! It also includes Mickey bars, pretzels or other snacks and unlimited water. This is an amazing way to experience the parks and fit in a lot of rides. It has a minimum of 7 hours for up to 10 people and prices at $450-$900 per hour depending on dates.

We would love to help you experience the Disney parks in a different way! Here is what our day looked like:

Started at Magic Kingdom
We rode Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Space Mountain
Break for Mickey bars and water
Escorted through the backstage of Magic Kingdom to our SUV transfer over to Hollywood Studios!
Greeted with snacks when we arrived!
We rode Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon, Rise of the Resistance, and planned on Minnie and Mickey’s Runaway Railway but it went down right when we were ready to ride!
We ended with Mickey pretzels as our special snack of the day! It was a great day!

This is a great way to enhance your vacation! We would love to help add this to your next trip!

1. What’s the Best Hawaiian Island?
Your neighbor may tell you that Maui is the best, but your cousin just got back from Oahu and thinks that IT is the best island (that doesn’t mean either of those will be your favorite). I love that each island has their own unique personality and each traveler is going to have their own favorites.
Oahu is such a fun destination because there is so much to do; Maui is a great choice if you love to go to the beach and explore the outdoors. The Big Island is great if you like a bit more adventure, and Kauai is so lush and has that true authentic Hawaiian feel to it. One of my favorite parts about being a travel advisor is pairing you with the right destination for your personality.

2. When is the best time to visit Hawaii?
The best time to visit Hawaii is really ANY time. The best thing about Hawaii is the amazing temps year-round. If you are looking to avoid the crowds and pay a little less, then spring and fall should be your target seasons, but be sure to avoid the spring break timeframe. Summer in the Islands is Hawaii at its most perfect, and also its most crowded, so if you love getting lost in a crowd or meeting new people, then June, July and August are for you. Winter in Hawaii means a tropical Christmas, a truly unique experience, and surfers will love the large north swells that envelope the Islands’ northern coastlines during this season. And if Whale Watching is on your bucket list, then you surely need to hit Hawaii between December and March.

3. Do you need a passport to travel to Hawaii?
Nope! Hawaii is a part of the United States, so no passport is needed. Also, because it’s part of the US, you can use US dollars as well as communicate in English in Hawaii (although you’ll be greeting your friends with Aloha and Mahalo in no time).

4. How’s the flight to Hawaii?
If you’ve never been that far on a plane, it can feel pretty long – but oh, so worth it. Plan ahead with movies, magazines, and snacks and you’ll be in the golden sun in no time.

5. What should I pack?
The beauty of having me as your travel advisor is the recommendations I always send along with your trip planning. Before you head to the airport, I’ll suggest that you pack things like reef-safe sunscreen, a sturdy beach bag, and believe it or not, maybe a jacket for those randomly rainy days, or high altitude must-see attractions like Haleakalā, to name a few.

6. What’s a must-do while in Hawaii?
It seems like the things you can see and do in Hawaii is endless. From snorkeling and surfing to hiking and whale watching, it’s impossible to experience it all and there’s no “must do” that fits everyone. That’s why it’s so important for me to know about what interests you. Do you like history and culture? Then I’d suggest a visit to Pearl Harbor and experiencing a luau. Love thrilling water activities? I’d recommend mountain tubing or snorkeling with Manta Rays. But my number one must-do while in Hawaii will always be to embrace the aloha spirit and enjoy every minute of your time in paradise.

If you’re ready to experience Hawaii for yourself, the best time to start planning is now. As a Hawaii Destination Expert, I’ve studied the islands in depth and visited multiple times and I’d love to send you too!

Jessica.Pratt@VincentVacations.com 

Or fill out my travel inquiry form: https://vincentvacations.com/agents/jessicapratt/travelform

Jessica Pratt – Edmond, Oklahoma Travel Agent but my Heart Belongs to Hawaii

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