The Ultimate First-Timers Guide to Disney World Preparation

Entrance to Magic Kingdom

By Laura Jemetta

Lucky you! You’re heading to Disney World for the first time! I’m significantly jealous, because you’re going to have the best time.

So, you’re a first-timer, which means you might have a lot of questions about Disney, and about how to have the best time at the parks.

Preparation.

That’s it. That’s the best way to have the greatest time at the parks.

Sure, it might not sound as wonderful and glamorous as just winging it and going wherever the day takes you, but trust me on this one: Disney is one holiday you have to prepare for.

The good news is this: the Disney preparation is one of the most exciting parts of going to Disney! You’re going to have so much fun doing all your planning and research, and it’s going to make you all the more excited for your trip.

This is the guide I wish I’d had when I was going to Disney for the first time – comprehensive and common-sense. It will let you know how to navigate your Disney planning, what to bring with you to the parks, and how to prepare yourself for the Disney experience.

Keep reading, and let me know in the comments below if you find my tips helpful!

Step 1: Research and Planning

Let’s start at the very beginning…it’s time for some serious planning. This is where you’ll learn all about Disney World, and come up with your plan-of-attack for the parks.

1. Download the Disney World app – My Disney Experience: Walt Disney World

Okay, you’ve got your park tickets. You’re on your way to Disney World. Your first step is going to be to download the official Disney World app. This app has everything. It’s awesome. You need it. That’s it.

The next thing you’re going to do is go ahead and link your park tickets to your Disney app. This means that your tickets and reservations will be connected to the app on your phone – so handy.

2. Check out the park maps

Next step is to start familiarising yourself with the maps of the parks you’re visiting: check out the size, scale and general lay-out of the parks. Luckily, you’ve already downloaded your handy-dandy Disney app, on which you can access maps, as well as ride locations and up-to-date ride wait times.

3. Create your ultimate ride and attraction list

It’s time to get into some serious research – you need to create as list of the attractions and rides that you simply can’t miss. It’s not an an easy or cheap job to get from Australia to Disney, so when I do get there, I’m always conscious that it will probably be another 5-10 years until I will get there again. That’s why it’s so important to me to see and do everything important to me, and to make the most of my time at Disney.

It might seem like a better idea to wing it, and see and do whatever takes your fancy on the day. But, there’s simply so much to see at Disney, that you’re bound to miss out on something fantastic, if you don’t have a plan of action.

4. Its Fastpass+ Time!

That’s right, now you can take full advantage of the Fastpass+ System! In case you don’t know, Disney’s Fastpass+ System is a free way to skip ahead of the lines for the best rides and attractions. All you have to do is make a Fastpass+ reservation on your Disney app. You can read all about the Fastpass+ System here to make sure you take full advantage of it.

So, you have your must-do list, it’s time to start selecting your Fastpasses+. Use your Disney app to get an idea of which rides on your list have the longest wait times, and try to Fastpass+ those.

TOP TIP: When picking your Fastpasses+ keep in mind that it’s best to avoid criss-crossing across the parks all day. Try to choose Fastpasses+ that will take you in a logical clockwise or anti-clockwise route around the parks. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not running back and forth across the park all day for Fastpasses+.

5. Plan Your Meals – (if that’s your thing)

The Disney app even allows you to plan your meals at the parks ahead of time. Now, spending a lot of money on food might not be your thing, and that’s okay. If it’s not, check out my post on sticking to a budget at Disney, for some tips on saving money on food at the parks.

But, if you’re going to want to experience Character Dining, or want to check out some of the unique sit-down restaurants at Disney, it’s a good idea to plan these ahead of time. The Disney World app allows you to make dining reservations ahead of time, and for a lot of the dining experiences at Disney World, this is essential.

MY TIP: go ahead and do some research on the dining experiences available at Disney World, and use the app to book them ahead of time. This won’t necessarily save you money, but it will save you the disappointment of missing out on something you really want to experience.

6. Leave Room for Spontaneity

I know, I know, I’ve just told you to do all this planning, and it might feel like you’ll have no room in your day for just being in the moment, and going where the magic takes you. But it doesn’t have to be this way – the planning won’t take the magic out of your trip if you leave room for spontaneity. Spread your Fastpasses out so that you don’t spend your day running from reservation to reservation. This will leave you room to stop and wait for a ride that catches your eye, to meet a roaming character, or to sit and enjoy a drink somewhere in Fantasy Land.

Your day is going to be filled with magic regardless, but remember for all your planning and preparation try not to be too restricted by your schedule. Leave space to take the breaks you need, to stop and watch that performance, or to take a look in that shop you pass by. These spontaneous moments and the little surprises that Disney has to offer may end up being some of your favourite moments of your trip.

Step 2: Get Your Disney Bag Together

So, you’ve done all your planning and research. You know your must-do rides, what your dining reservations are, and the general route you’re going to take around the parks.

Now it’s time to start thinking about what you will need to take with you to the parks! Check out my list below for tips on what to put in your Disney bag

1. Start with a small cross-body bag or backpack

Keep it small, keep it functional, and lightweight and sturdy. The last thing you need at Disney is to be lugging around a heavy and cumbersome bag. Opt for something strong, functional and something that you don’t mind (possibly) getting a little wet or dirty.

2. Your Phone

Obviously. The first thing that’s going in your bag is your phone, right? Good, because now you’ve got your Disney app, tickets, reservations and Fastpasses+ on there, you’re going to need it.You already know the deal, but you’ll need it to reserve more Fastpasses+, to check out up-to-date wait times for rides, and of course for those all-important holiday photos.

Make sure you charge up your battery to full capacity, and pop in a portable charger too. Check out my post here to find out why portable chargers are a life-saver while travelling.

3. Sunscreen

It’s Orlando. You’re going to need sunscreen. As an Australian, that’s just where my mind naturally goes: sun+heat = sunscreen. Save yourself the sunburn and the sun damage, and just Slip Slop Slap. (That’s Slip on a long-sleeved shirt, Slop on some sunscreen, and Slap on a hat, for my non-Aussie friends)

Oh, and pop that sunscreen in your Disney bag for re-applications throughout the day. While Disney World does offer quite a bit of shade, the queues for rides are often in the direct sun!

4. Bandaids

Just in case you do decide to wear those shoes. Throw a couple of bandaids in your bag – you never know when you might need one, even in the best of shoes.

5. Your Preferred Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Imagine this: it’s hot. It’s humid. You’ve been in the sun all day, and you haven’t had enough of Disney’s free iced water as you probably should have. Now you’ve got a pounding headache, but you still want to make it to closing time.

Don’t fear. Luckily, you read my handy packing guide before you even arrived at Disney, so you packed yourself some pain relief in your trusty bag! Even if you’re not usually prone to headaches, the combination of the Orlando heat and sun is a special sort of recipe for a headache.

Headache. Toothache. Period pain. You never know what’s going to happen, and there’s nothing worse than traipsing back to Main Street to buy some overpriced panadol.

6. Hair Ties. Bobby Pins. Pressed Powder – if that’s your kind of thing

Side note about me: I am a notorious over-packer. I have a fear of being unprepared, so I tend to try and prepare for all eventualities. So, this entry may seem a little extra, and if it’s not for you, feel free to skip ahead. I won’t mind.

Anyway: probably not the most essential of things to put in your Disney bag, but if you’re a mid or long-haired person like me, you might appreciate something to get your hair off your face in the heat of the day.

Same goes for the pressed powder – it’s hot. Humid. You’ll get sweaty. I’d have appreciated something in my Disney bag to make my face a little less sweaty.

Let’s move on from sweat, right?

Step 3: Prepare Your Disney Mindset

1. Bring Your Tolerance and Patience

Okay, let’s be real. It’s going to be really hot. It’s going to be really humid. It’s going to be crowded. Like, really, really crowded. You’re going to wait in lines longer than you thought possible. There’s no getting around that. You’re probably even going to get frustrated at some point in the day, but that’s okay – Disney’s a high-energy, overwhelming sort of a place.

There’s going to be a lot of overtired kids. And strollers nipping at your ankles. And people without common courtesy. (I realise now that I’m not making Disney sound like a lot of fun, but you’ll have to trust me that it is). Just be prepared for everything Disney involves – not just the fun stuff – and remember that you’ll need your patience.

2. Bring Your Sense of Wonder

TOP TIP: It’s a lot easier to ignore any of the frustrating things, (overzealous stroller-pushers, I’m looking at you), if you take a healthy sense of wonder with you. Yes, Disney is a place for adults to re-discover their inner child, but it’s also a place children, and I recommend trying to see things through the eyes of those kids. Everything will be more exciting; more magical, if you try and experience Disney this way. Seek out the small details; the little Disney touches throughout the parks that are designed to bring more magic to your day, and see Disney as kids do – as the most magical and happiest place on earth.

3. Bring Along Your Childhood Nostalgia

Disney is the one place in the world that you can break out all those childhood Disney memories and revel in them. Still know all the words to ‘A Whole New World’? You can use that at Disney. Feel like crying at the parade as you watch all the characters of your childhood dance past you? You can do that at Disney.

(Confession: Yes, that is something I did. I was 14 at the time, and evidently a lot more emotional)

You’ll be reminded of the part Disney played in your childhood – that swell of music as you walk down Main Street will move you, and seeing kids meet Ariel will remind you how much you loved that film as a child. You will have moments of nostalgia during your time at the parks, because that’s the pull of a place like Disney – they remind us of growing up, and what it is to be childlike.

Wow, did you make it to the end? I’m proud of you. Now you’re all set, all prepared, and ready to have the greatest time ever at Disney World! Did I mention I’m jealous? Never mind me – you’re on your way! Make sure to check out my post about the day I had at Magic Kingdom, and please leave any specific questions you have about Disney planning in the comments below. I’d love to chat about Disney World with you!

Tips For Travelling on a Budget

November 7, 2018January 8, 2019 ~ Xen18 ~ 1 Comment

By Kate Arnold

Travelling is hella expensive and, if you’re like me, you’re probably on a pretty tight budget. Here’s what I do when I’m travelling to stay on budget.

Work Out Your Daily Spend Average

Do some maths before you arrive. Say you have $5000 and you’re travelling for 21 day. You have $238 to spend each day, on average. Assuming you’ve already paid for all of your accommodation, internal travel and big ticket items such as theme park tickets and shows, this should be plenty. Remember to convert this amount into the currency of the place that you are visiting. $238 Australian dollars is $168.82 USD and £132.81 GBP and S/567.15 Peruvian sol.

Write Down Everything You Buy

This may sound like a pain but it really helps to see where you’re spending your money and where it is a waste and where it brings you joy. I keep a running list of every time I spend money in my notes app on my phone and total it up and the end of each day. I’ll even put an emoji next to the purchase so that I can see at a glance what was worth my money and what wasn’t. Writing down every single purchase you make will also make you think twice about the things you buy. Do you really need that foam Statue of Liberty crown? Do you really want a tiny model of the Empire State Building? Questioning these little purchases will save you more money than you realise. Here’s what a day of spending in New York looked like for me:

Buy Groceries

Eating out is a huge part of experiencing a new culture and one of the best parts of travelling, but if you’re eating out for every meal then you’re going to be paying a huge amount on food. When I first arrive in a city, the first thing I do (after checking in a my accomodation and having a shower) is to locate a supermarket. I’ll buy things like a packet of croissants that I can eat for breakfast, deli salads that I can take with me and have for lunch when I’m out and about and snacks like muesli bars and fruit that will tide me over between meals.

Search for Discounts and Deals

When I travel and there are some big ticket things that I want to do (theme parks, musical tickets, experiences) I look for the best deals that I can get before I go and where possible I buy them in advance. Not having to worry about saving my money for Hamilton tickets or my trip to Hobbiton, Universal Studios and Disney World was a huge weight of my mind while I was travelling. Check out my article How To Save Money on Broadway Tickets, which does what it says on the tin.

Use Public Transport

I always use the public transport systems as much as I can. It’s so much cheaper to use than taking taxis or Ubers and it makes me feel like I’m experiencing a city in an authentic way. Check out Laura’s Guide to the New York Subway System and my Guide to the London Underground.

Stay in Hostels

I will always opt to stay in a hostel over a hotel because it saves me tonnes of money. Some have not been super flashy. Some have had snoring dorm mates. Some have not had very comfortable beds. But when I’m travelling I don’t want to spend a lot of time in my accommodation, I want to be out, seeing the city. Some of the best hostels I’ve stayed in were The Freehand in Chicago and St Christopher’s Inn in Paris, which were both very clean and comfortable and close to great attractions, public transport and great restaurants. If you’re staying in New York check out Laura’s article Budget Friendly tips for New York Accomodation.

Shop Strategically

These days when I go away I don’t do much shopping but before I go away I think about a few things that I really want to buy as a memory of my trip but also as something that I will love and use for years to come. No Eiffel Tower key chains, no Statue of Liberty fridge magnets here. When I went to New York I really wanted to go to The Strand and buy a book there, I decided on a few titles that I wanted to buy if I saw them there and I walked out with Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. You might decide that you want to buy a new bag or piece of jewellery and make it your mission to find the perfect one for you. It will mean so much more to you than a cheap tourist souvenir and it will keep you from mindlessly shopping if you have a list of a few things that you really want.

Being on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing having a good time or staying a dodgy place or eating two minute noodles and microwave pizzas. Budgeting while travelling is all about knowing exactly where you spend your money and getting the most enjoyment out of the things you buy.

7 Mistakes I’ve Made While Travelling

October 31, 2018November 5, 2018 ~ Xen18 ~ Leave a comment

By Kate Arnold

7 mistake I've made while travelling

What would be a trip without making some mistakes and learning from them? Here are some mistakes that I’ve made while travelling so that you don’t have to learn the hard way, like I did.

1. Not Doing Enough Research

If you’ve read my article A (Bad) Day in Paris then you’ll know that I made the huge mistake of going to Paris while the soccer was on, simply because I didn’t do research what was on at the time. I didn’t think about the knock on effects of being in a city where a huge sporting event was happening and this impacted my time in Paris immensely.

2. Not Booking Ahead

When Laura and I went to San Francisco we assumed that we would be able to book a tour of Alcatraz and go that same day or at the very latest the next day. In fact the tour was booked out for a solid week, by which time we would be back in Melbourne. We were so disappointed but this would have been solved if we had have booked before getting to America. Check out Laura’s Tips for Visiting San Francisco.

3. Writing Down My Hostel Address Wrong

When I was staying in Wellington I got off the bus from Rotorua and got on a shuttle to the airport because I knew that I hostel was on Tory Street, a short distance from there. Except that it wasn’t. My hostel was actually on Troy Street in the CBD of Wellington (which, if I’d thought about it for a moment, would have made so much more sense). After walking around in the dark for an hour I backtracked to a service station I’d passes (cried in the bathroom for a bit) and then asked the man at the service desk to call me a taxi to take me back into the city.

4. Almost Leaving My Phone in the Taxi

Yep. It was the same taxi that too my tired ass back into Wellington. I got out at the hostel only to have the driver chase after me to give me my phone, which I’d left on the seat. I’m so lucky that he did. All of my booking information, my ID (except for my passport), my bank cards, even my flight details were all on my phone. I shudder to think how bad my night would have been if I hadn’t gotten it back so quickly.

5. Overpacking

There’s nothing worse than opening up your suitcase at the airport because it weighs too much and you have to try and stuff it into your carry on or decide what to throw out. That’s exactly what I had to do at Heathrow Airport when I was coming back from my trip to London. These day I have a smaller case and I pack much less clothing, make up and other miscellaneous things that I think I will need but never end up using. Read Laura’s article Travel Accessories You Don’t Need to find out which items are worth your baggage allowance.

6. Poor Flight Timing

When I was in New Zealand and I was coming home, I flew from Wellington to Auckland and back to Melbourne but I timed the layover so badly. I basically spent a whole day in Auckland airport because I had an early flight out of Wellington and my flight to Melbourne was in the evening. I wasted so much time, just to save some money on flights.

7. Not Waiting or Asking for Deals

I love to save money but when it comes to making big purchases such as flights and accommodation I’ve definitely overspent because I haven’t waited for deals or I’ve booked too late and everything is more expensive. In the past I’ve also been too shy to ask for deals. I’m getting in the habit of asking if airlines/travel agencies/hostels/hotels/etc. have any promotions, coupons or deals going on, or simply asking ‘is that your best offer?’

Travelling is all about learning and so is making mistakes. I’m becoming a savvier traveller with every trip and I’m sure I’ll continue to make more mistakes as go on more trips but as long as I get wiser every time, I don’t mind so much. Check out Laura’s article How I Got Scammed in New York, and see how you can avoid making that mistake. Have you made any travel mistakes? Let us know in the comments!

Budget Friendly Tips for New York Accommodation

October 30, 2018October 30, 2018 ~ Xen18 ~ 3 Comments

By Laura Jemetta

So, you’re going to be visiting New York! While that’s exciting, you’ve probably heard how expensive accommodation is in the city. To a certain extent, this is unavoidable – that’s just the way it is in New York – but here are some tips to take the edge off a little, whether you’re choosing hotels or hostels.

1. Contact the Accommodation Directly

This is my most important tip; Always, always, always speak to the hotel or hostel directly. Websites like Expedia and Booking.com will always tell you that they have found you the best rate for your dates, but this isn’t always true. I found out firsthand that it is always worth it to spend a few minutes calling the accommodation directly and simply asking the question: ‘What is the best rate you can offer me?’ If you’re anything like me, you might find this a little uncomfortable, but I firmly believe it always pays to just ask the question. The worst that can happen, is they offer you the rate you have already seen on the internet, that’s all.

If you’re lucky, though, you might get your hands on a really great deal if you deal directly with the hotel of hostel. This approach paid off big time when booking my accommodation for New York last year, and we got a fantastic deal, with a really accommodating hotel.

This can particularly work for you if there is something unique about your booking; for example, if you are staying for an unusually long number of nights, (think a week and beyond), or if you will need multiple rooms on the one booking.

My tip: Just ask the question of the accommodation – who knows? You might get a discounted rate, or a buffet breakfast thrown in for free. It never hurts to ask.

2. Consider Your Location

It’s probably best not to try and find a place to stay in SoHo if you are working with a budget. Same goes for the Times Square area, and the Upper East Side. There are so many trendy tourist-loved areas in New York, but these can be places to avoid when booking accommodation. Yes, it would be nice to overlook Central Park from your hotel window, but that comes with a price-tag that I would personally rather avoid.

When choosing our accommodation in New York, we had some hotel non-negotiable’s that limited our choices a little, however, when choosing our location we were conscious of our preference to walk a little further rather than positioning ourselves close to specific landmarks.

New York is a very walk-able city, and if you bring walking shoes and are willing to master the Subway System, you will be able to get to anything you want to see, regardless of where your accommodation is. I highly recommend researching accommodation a little further afield of places like Times Square and Central Park, as these hotels and hostels will be more affordable.

Remember, in New York you are always close to a Subway Station, so you will have the whole of New York City at your doorstep no matter where you are sleeping at night.

3. Consider a place with a kitchenette

Something to consider when booking accommodation in New York is whether having a kitchenette in your hotel or hostel will save you money in the long run. Yes, it can be hard to find supermarkets in Manhattan, but it’s possible that being able to buy groceries, cook up a simple meal, and store leftovers and snacks could save you money on food.

When I was staying in New York, I found it helpful to be able to store leftovers from the continental breakfast, and snacks bought from the grocery store down the block. This meant that I bought less food while out sightseeing, and didn’t eat out at restaurants every single night.

This tip may or may not save you money, depending on your eating and spending habits, and whether you are staying in hotels or hostels. However, I think it is worth investigating when doing your accommodation research, whether having a small kitchenette or communal kitchen will save you money on your food budget.

4. Breakfast

Speaking of hotel breakfasts, if you are going to be staying in a hotel, it doesn’t hurt to choose somewhere that offers a breakfast included in the price of the booking. Sometimes this is built into the price of the room, and it may not be worth it. But, sometimes you can get a great deal where breakfast is free – and this is where you can get more for your money. To me, a buffet or continental breakfast is a bonus – you can load up on a hearty breakfast each morning, eliminating one meal that you have to pay for during the day. And, if you’re like me, you’ll probably save some stuff from breakfast for snacks during the day. (Though some hotels don’t allow this!)

5. Make it close to the Subway

We scored a hotel in New York in close proximity to three subway stations, and though this was just a happy coincidence, I wouldn’t book accommodation in New York again without scouting out the nearest subway station before booking.

Honestly, wherever you are staying in New York, the likelihood is that you will be close to a station, but I think it always pays to research the proximity of the closest subway station, and the lines it is serviced by. It will make a huge difference to be within a five minute walk to a station, and will ensure that you will be saving money on cabs by taking the subway and walking.

There you have it: my tips for booking accommodation in New York on a budget. Do you have any tips for staying in New York? Let me know in the comments below!

How I got Scammed in New York

Featured ~ Xen18 ~ 1 Comment

By Laura Jemetta

So, it’s time for an embarrassing story. I was in New York for three weeks last year, and yes, I did fall victim to a couple of scams in my time there. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. See, in my real, non-travelling life, I consider myself to be a very savvy and aware person. But I think there’s something about being a tourist in a strange city, that probably makes you let your guard down a little, making you more vulnerable to being scammed. Unfortunately, there are people in every city in the world who will target tourists for this reason.

So, here it is: a cautionary tale for you, so hopefully the same won’t happen when you are travelling.

So, how did it happen?

This particular morning, we had tickets for a particular time-slot at the One World Tower, and we were cutting it fine to make it downtown in time. I remember rushing down the stairs to the subway station, which in hindsight, made us the perfect targets. We were in a hurry, and anybody in the area would have been able to tell that we really wanted to catch the next subway. We all needed to buy new tickets, and so we were headed to the ticket machine, when a man yelled to the station in general that the ticket machines were out of order.

Red Flag no. 1: He wasn’t wearing a metro uniform.

Red Flag no. 2: He said we could buy new tickets from him instead.

You can guess what happened next right?

Yes, we bought ‘tickets’ from an uniformed ‘metro’ employee.

To be honest, I don’t have much of a defense, apart from the fact that none of us were really thinking, (evidently), and that the man pulled out key with which he unlocked the locked gate to the platform.

But, here comes the really stupid part: we gave him money for the ‘weekly subway passes’. As in, cash money. We just handed it over, and got – you guessed it – expired subway passes in return.

Yes, this man disappeared as soon as he pocketed the cash
Yes, we realised immediately that we had just been scammed
Yes, we panicked. We had just handed over roughly $150 US to a scammer
Yes, we felt, (and feel), exceptionally stupid about it

Realising we had just been scammed, we found the nearest Police Officer, who directed us to the nearest Police Station. A report was made, though nothing came of it. Of course, I don’t hold anything against the NYPD; the officers took out report dilligently, and likely did as much as they could do. After all, police have much bigger fish to fry than tourists willingly giving $150 to a scammer.

Note: I always recommend reporting any scam or crime you are a victim of to the Police, even if you think nothing will come of it.

Top Tips to Not Get Scammed

Stay Aware: I believe we were caught off guard because we were in such a rush; we had blinkers on, and we just wanted to catch the next subway. When you’re travelling, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re doing; in trying to make a reservation you’re late for, or in exploring the attraction you’re visiting. But remember to keep your wits about you – and to keep a bit of paranoia in the back of your mind. I know it’s not very pleasant to be questioning the genuineness of everyone around you, but it’s necessary when you’re a tourist – as I found out.

Pay Attention to Red Flags: Listen to your gut. When something feels uncomfortable, it’s a sign that something probably isn’t right. I remember the thought crossing my mind that the man should have been wearing a Metro uniform, but I dismissed it, because of how confident he was – with his Subway station key, and carrying out his scam in the middle of the day in the station, where there are cameras. It all seemed too brazen to be a scam. I now know that I should have listened to my gut. Yes, you risk offending someone, but caution can go a long way when you’re travelling.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR TIMES SQUARE:

You will probably be drawn to Times Square on your first visit to New York, but it is a hotbed of underhanded activity, under the guise of busking
When in Times Square, do not let anybody hand you anything – people will try to ‘give’ tourists their ‘music’ on CD’s, but once you have it in your hand, you will be hard pressed to get away without making a ‘donation’ to their ‘musical career’. Spoiler Alert: the CD is blank, and there is no musical career.
To avoid this, don’t make verbal or physical contact with anybody who tries to hand you anything. Just don’t. Keep your head down, and just keep walking.
Also important: there is an area of Times Square that is designated by a large green square on the pavement, where anyone is allowed to busk. Avoid this area like native New Yorker’s avoide Times Square. Do not step into this green square. Don’t talk to anyone in the green square. If you find it hard to walk away when salespeople are pitching to you, just give the green square a wide berth.

New York is a wonderful city, 99% full of wonderful people. However, like you will find in any city in the world, there are people who will take advantage of vulnerable tourists. While I hope you enjoy the city, and open yourself up to everything it has to offer, I also hope my story helps to remember to always keep your wits about you and listen to your gut.

Oahu Spotlight: Waimea Valley

Featured ~ Xen18 ~ 1 Comment

By Laura Jemetta

Waimea Valley is an historic and sacred cultural site located on the North Shore of Oahu. Beautiful and expansive, Waimea Valley 1,875 acre botanical garden and ahupa’a – division of land stretching from mountain to sea.

Waimea Valley is recognised as the ‘Valley of the Priests’, after having been given in perpetuity to the Kahuna Nui, (high priests), as early as 1902 AD. Waimea Valley features a beautiful botanical garden, and many significant cultural sites, as well as a beautiful waterfall.

Take the 1.2 kilometre trail through lush gardens and be rewarded with a beautiful ‘wailele’, (waterfall). The name of this waterfall actually changes depending on how the water is running at any given time. Called Waihe’e when the water is gently trickling, and Waihi when the water is rushing, this waterfall is breathtaking.

My tip is to wear your bathers to Waimea Valley, because you can actually swim in the stream below the waterfall. Borrow a free life jacket from the lifeguards and take a dip; it’s a lovely way to experience the waterfall and the valley.

Let me know if you’ve ever been to Oahu, and if you have, leave me a comment below if you have seen beautiful Waimea Valley. I’d love to hear about your Hawaiian adventures!

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

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By Laura Jemetta

Have you ever wondered what the Disney Dining Plan is, and if it’s worth it to purchase one for your trip? Read on below to find out all about the Disney Dining Plan, and for my tip before purchasing one.

What is it?

Disney Dining Plans are available exclusively to Disney hotel guests, and are a way to prepay for your meals, snacks and drinks prior to your visit to the Parks. With three plans to choose from, depending on your needs and budget, the Disney Dining Plan is something to consider when customising your Disney visit.

How does it work?

Once you select your package, all your meal entitlements are loaded onto your Magic Band. When you want to redeem a meal, snack or beverage, you simply touch your magic band to the sensor at the kiosk, quick-service diner or restaurant.

So, what are my options?

The three Dining Plan options range from a basic plan for those looking for ease and convenience to a deluxe option for those looking for some extra-special meal experiences.

1. QUICK SERVICE DINING PLAN

The first of the plans includes meals at over 50 Quick-Service dining locations. This means you have a wide range of food options to choose from, including pasta, burgers, soup and fish available from self-service restaurants.

Included in your plan, per night of your visit, per guest:

2 Self-Service meals
1 non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage per meal
2 snacks (selected items only)
A refillable mug

2. DISNEY DINING PLAN

This plan is the middle point between the basic plan and the deluxe plan, offering a balance of convenient Quick-Service meals, and more relaxing Waiter-Service meals. You have the option to choose character dining and buffets, or to grab a light meal on the go at a Self-Service restaurant.

Included in your plan, per night of your visit, per guest:

1 Waiter-Service meal
1 Self-Service meal
1 non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage per meal
2 snacks (selected items only)
A refillable mug

3. DELUXE DINING PLAN

The deluxe plan includes 3 meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Parks! Available at over 100 locations, your meals can feature gourmet food options, as well as meals at Signature Restaurants and Character Dining. This premium product is a Disney luxury.

Included in your plan, per night of your stay, per guest:

3 Waiter-Service or Self-Service meals
1 non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage per meal
2 snacks (selected items only)
A refillable mug

My Tip:

Make sure you consider whether the Disney Dining Plan is for you. When I did Disney on a budget, the Dining Plan definitely wouldn’t have worked me – Kate and I ate light and took advantage of the free iced water, so the dining plan wasn’t practical for us. If you know you will want to eat square meals and have regular snacks, it may be advantageous for you to have prepaid for your food before getting to the Parks. If like us, you aim to eat less inside the Parks, and more outside, the Disney Dining Plan may not be for you.

5 Ways to See Oahu

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By Laura Jemetta

beach-buildings-city-412681 (1).jpg — Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Pexels.com

If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you’ll know what an amazing place it is. Check out my post about why you have to see Oahu here, and my post about the best beaches on Oahu here. But, if you’re looking for a way to make the most out of your time in Hawaii, read on to find out some unique ways to discover beautiful Oahu.

By Outrigger

What better way to see Oahu than from the ocean, as the early Hawaiians did? While the Outrigger Canoe didn’t originate in Hawaii, it arrived there around 200 AD, and is now an iconic symbol of Hawaii. In fact, Outrigger Canoeing is actually the official state team sport of Hawaii. Outrigger is a fantastic way for you to see Waikiki Beach, as well as some of the other beaches on Oahu. Paddle out with two experienced Oarsmen and, if you’re lucky, catch some waves in your very own Outrigger; a thrilling way to see the sparkling ocean, the beach, and lush green Diamond Head in the distance. There are plenty of opportunities for Outrigger Canoe tours on Oahu, and it is a unique and relatively inexpensive way to see Hawaii.

By Air

Yes, you can experience the island by helicopter, and these tours are a spectacular and thrilling, albeit expensive, way to see Oahu. I have seen Oahu by open-door helicopter, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Oahu. You will be stunned by seeing the commanding majesty of Diamond Head from the air – with the ocean to it’s right, and the specks of the city at it’s base. Do almost a full loop of the island in your helicopter, seeing not only Diamond Head, but Waikiki, Honolulu, the Dole Plantation and some of Oahu’s most beautiful valleys from above. It is an amazing way to see the island, and an unforgettable experience in itself. Long pants and a jacket are definitely a must for helicopter tours – while Oahu is generally warm and muggy, it is freezing up there! And remember, closed toe shoes are required to board helicopters, so pack some runners if you want to see Oahu from the air.

By Car

Oahu is a very drive-able place, provided you can get your head around driving on the wrong side of the road! Sure, Waikiki is built up, and can be confusing with it’s abundance of one-way streets, but the freeways are well signed, and with a GPS, they can be easy to navigate. When I was in Hawaii, we rented a car and took trips up to the North Shore, driving from beach to beach, and did the same for the East Shore too. This is a fantastic way to explore the real Oahu, and to pack a lot into your days. Rent a car and drive yourself around for a shopping day at the Premium Outlets and Ala Moana, or drive up to the Polynesian Cultural Center for a day of education. You can even drive yourself to Pearl Harbor, though it can be very difficult to find a car park there! My tip for renting a car in Hawaii: try to stay on the road for a full day, so you don’t need to park your car in Waikiki, though if you must, spaces can usually be found at the International Marketplace car park.

On Horseback

If you love animals, consider experiencing Oahu and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful valleys by horseback. I recommend renting a car and driving yourself up to Kualoa Ranch; a 4000 acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch on the East Shore. There are so many exciting activities offered at Kualoa Ranch, and horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore the ranch, and see Oahu’s natural beauty. Both one and two hour tours with an experienced guide are available at Kualoa, and closed toe shoes are essential.

By Zipline

Also operated from Kualoa Ranch, zipline tours are another way to see Oahu from above, and more specifically, to see Ka’a’awa Valley, which you may recognise from the film Jurassic World. The zipline experience takes roughly three hours, and includes some education on Hawaiian culture and traditions from your experienced guides, as well as some short hikes, before you zip your way through the treetop canopy zipline.

The Hamilton-lover’s Guide to New York

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By Kate Arnold

If, like many of us, you’ve fallen in love with Hamilton: An American Musical and you’re heading to the greatest city in the world, you may want to visit some of the historic sites that you’ve heard all about. Here’s a guide to all the places in Manhattan that every Hamilton-lover should go see.

The Richard Rogers Theatre

If you can get tickets to this insanely popular musical then what are you waiting for? The Richard Rogers is located on West 46^thStreet right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Times Square. But if you didn’t manage to get a ticket, don’t despair, there are plenty of other Hamilton related things to do and see in New York and you can always try the lottery, who knows? You might get lucky. Check out my article, How To Save Money On Broadway Tickets and get the lowdown on how to enter the Hamilton lottery.

Trinity Church

If you’re familiar with the show then the name Trinity Church will sound familiar to you from the lines ‘I rely on Angelica/While she’s alive we tell your story/She is buried in Trinity Church near you/When I needed her most she was right on time’ from final number of the show. You’ll find Hamilton’s grave on the edge of the churchyard and Eliza’s right next to her husband’s. People throw pennies onto Hamilton’s grave as a symbol of his great contributes to the American banking system. You’ll also find Angelica close by, though her name does not appear on her grave, as well as the graves of Philip Hamilton, Alexander and Eliza’s oldest son, who was killed in a duel and Hercules Mulligan, a revolutionary who fought in the war for America’s Independence.

Federal Hall, The Financial District

A short walk away from Trinity Church is Federal Hall, located on Wall Street, in the heart of the Financial District of New York. George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United States in 1789 on the steps of Federal Hall. This historic event is marked by a statue of George Washington, which has been placed on the steps in the approximate place of the inauguration.

Fraunces Tavern Museum

If you take another short walk towards South Ferry from Federal Hall you’ll find Fraunces Tavern Museum on Pearl Street. This is a historic tavern where George Washington bid farewell to his troops and where Hamilton and Burr shared a meal one week before their duel in 1804 where Hamilton was killed. Lin-Manuel Miranda has spoken out about the Fraunces Tavern as being the setting for the iconic song ‘My Shot’ in the show. You can still eat at Fraunces Tavern Museum as well as visit the galleries on the second and third floors, where you will find portraits of George Washington and maps that were used during the Revolution.

Central Park Statue

You’ll find this statue of Hamilton on the East Drive of the park, opposite 83^rdStreet and close by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was erected in 1880 (76 years after Hamilton’s death) by his son, John C. Hamilton. This statue stands at more than 15 feet high and is carved out of granite.

Hamilton Hall, Columbia

Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton and his son Philip all attended Columbia when it was still knows as King’s College. Hamilton Hall is an academic building named after Hamilton, one of Columbia’s most notable alumni. A statue of Hamilton stands at the entrance to the building, which was erected in 1908. Hamilton Hall is located on Amsterdam Avenue. The 1 subway line will drop you off at 116 Street, right outside Columbia.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

If you do visit Columbia, while you’re there jump back on the subway and follow the 1 line to 137 Street to Hamilton Heights and check out Hamilton Grange National Memorial. Here you’ll see Hamilton’s writing desk as well as Eliza’s tea set and the pianoforte, gifted to the Hamiltons by Eliza’s sister, Angelica. The Grange is thought to be the only home that Hamilton ever own and the construction of the house was only completed two years before his death though the house remained the Hamilton family home for 30 years after he died. The house had been relocated twice but now sits on the corner of St. Nicholas Park, just north of The City College of New York. Entry is free.

New York is full of history and you’ll be seeing familiar names on street signs and building names wherever you go. While you’re on your Hamilton tour of New York you’ll be using the Subway a lot so don’t forget to check out Laura’s article on how to use the New York Subway System.

What’s your favourite thing from the musical that you want to see in real life and will you check out any of these things on this list? Let us know in the comments!

The Harry Potter-lover’s Guide to London

October 20, 2018January 8, 2019 ~ Xen18 ~ Leave a comment

By Kate Arnold

The Harry Potter-lover's Guide to London

As a Harry Potter fan, London holds more magic than most cities. Being able to go to locations described by J.K. Rowling, such as King’s Cross Station was really a surreal experience for me and there’s so much more that London has to offer for the casual or die-hard Harry Potter fan.

Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 Kings Cross Station — Platform 9¾ Kings Cross Station

King’s Cross Station, Platform 9¾

This one is probably the most accessible, just jump off the tube at King’s Cross/St. Pancras (which is serviced by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Piccadilly, Metropolitan, Northern and Victoria lines) and you’ll be at the iconic train station. You can get your photo taken at the barrier of Platform 9¾ while wearing your house colours. Get there early to avoid the lines or buy this VIP photo pass for £15.00, which will allow you skip the queues and get your photo for free (or go after hours with a friend and you can take your own photo). Next to the Platform 9¾ barrier is the Harry Potter Shop where you can buy all the offical Harry Potter merchandise such as Hogwarts scarves and jumpers, pin badges, personalised Hogwarts acceptance letters and replica wands.

Warner Brother’s Studio Tour

If you don’t want to hang out in that queue at Platform 9¾ for your photo and you were already planning on heading to the Warner Bother’s Studio Tour then don’t waste your time, you get the same opportunity at the Tour. You can get to Leavesden Studios from Euston Station by jumping on the London Overground to Watford Junction. The journey takes around 20 minutes. From there a shuttle bus will take you to the Studio Tour, which costs £2.50 for a return ticket back to Watford Junction. There’s so much to see that the Studio Tour including costumes, sets of the Great Hall, the Boy’s Dormitory, Dumbledore and Umbridge’s Offices, Diagon Alley, 4 Privet Drive and the Hogwarts Express. Be warned, when you see the miniature of Hogwarts you may cry. This room is right at the end of the tour and it’s oddly emotional. John William’s score is playing and you walk in and there it is, it in all it’s glory and you can see every tiny detail the castle and the grounds.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

If you are lucky enough to get tickets to this incredible show then this one is a no brainer for the Harry Potter fan. Cursed Child is a beautifully staged show where the magic comes to life in front of your eyes and though some of the storyline is questionable it really is an experience not to miss for the die-hard Potter fan. If you can’t make it to the show, don’t worry, there’s plenty of other Harry Potter sites and attractions in London that are much cheaper and more accessible.

The House of MinaLima

If you’re around the theatre district then just a short walk away from the Palace Theatre to Greek Street is the House of MinaLima, which is well worth any Harry Potter fan’s time. MinaLima is the combined name of graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima who worked on the iconic artwork in all eight Harry Potter films as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and subsequent sequels. Everything from Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter the Sirius Black’s wanted poster to the Marauders’ Map to Umbridge’s proclamations to the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes product labels were designed by these two. The House of MinaLima is three stories of art prints on display but you can also by them. If you can’t make it to London you can also by the prints online here.

Harry Potter Walking Tours

If seeing filming locations is something that you are interested in then there are dozens of walking tours that you can go on and see everything from the Millennium Bridge, which the Death Eaters destroyed in Half Blood Prince to the alleyway that was used as Knockturn Alley in Chamber of Secrets. Some are free, others cost around £10-15. Most will require you to have an Oyster card to get from location to location. Walking tours are a great and inexpensive way to see and learn about a city, not to mention meet new people and get some exercise. Strawberry Tours provides free walking tours around London, including a Harry Potter themed tour, a Jack the Ripper tour, Street art and Graffiti Tour and more general London based tours. Their tours range from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 7 hour, full day tours.

You’ll be using the Tube a lot so check out my post about how to use the London Underground. There’s so much for the Harry Potter fan to see in London that will make your heart heart happy. Which ones are at the top of your list?