We Will Be Streaming Live from Walt Disney World November 7, 2016

Hello everyone.

This is our favorite time of the year. The 2016 Holiday Season will be starting in November with our Silver Anniversary Celebrations. Yes, that is right, Nelson and I will be married 25 years on November 7, 2016.

Since we now live in the Orlando area, we will be doing many live videos on Facebook. We still new at the live streaming stuff, so it might be a little off, but we love trying new things.

We stream live from our personal page at www.facebook.com/cherylandmaxx, where you can post questions, and we will try and respond to you, if we cannot then, we will reply to them once we return from where we are.

If you miss the live streaming, they will be reposted on our facebook business page at www.facebook.com/echevarriatravels.

On November 7, 2016, starts the official holiday season at Walt Disney World. We will be coming to you live from a tour of 7 Deluxe Resorts on property that will be decorated for the holiday season. The last time I was there during the holidays was back in 2011 with my daughter, Dina, we did a mother-daughter trip, she was 21 at the time.

The 7 resorts that decorate for the holidays are, each one of these resorts if you click the name will bring you to our dedicated page for Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks, and you can read more about these. Deluxe Resorts are the most expensive resorts, but you can visit them when you stay at any of the 3 level options are deluxe, moderate, and value, just and FYI, they are all Luxury Resorts, nothing but gorgeous and themed just right and not over done. A price range for anyone.

Grand Floridian Resort - a 16 foot tall gingerbread house sit in the lobby and smaller versions are available to purchase. If you visit just 1 resort, this should be the one.

2011 my daughter, Dina and myself at Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World

Another view of the Ginger Bread House

This is their Christmas Tree as well.

The Boardwalk Inn - has an edible, miniature version of Atlantic City, complete with Ferris wheel, carousel, and beach sits in the lobby alongside other seasonal decorations.  I am posting our video of this here. 

The other 5 Deluxe Resorts we have never visited during the holidays are:

Wilderness Lodge - a 60 feet tall tree fills the lobby (it takes 18 hours to put up!)

Beach Club - lots of decorations, including a large, edible carousel

Yacht Club - decor includes an edible train

Animal Kingdom Lodge - gorgeous resort is made even more beautiful with a big tree with themed ornaments decorating it

The Contemporary Resort - a holiday village made of gingerbread and chocolate sits near the monorail platform

So, we will be showing you more than just these resorts. This is also the opening night of Mickey's Merry Christmas Party . This is separate ticket from your theme park tickets, those guests that don't have this special event ticket, even if you are staying on property, which means you are staying at one of the Walt Disney World Resorts, you must leave the Magic Kingdom and either go back to your own resort, or head over to one of the other theme parks, or enjoy a night at one of the great experiences in Disney Springs. This year the dates of this event starts November 7 - December 22, 2016. We are doing this now, because when we are here during our vacation November 24-30th, 2016, we will not be able to do this event. The link above brings you to a video of this event. But below is the video of the Wishes Christmas Fireworks at Cinderella's Castle in 2011. Every year it is different.

Now if you are ever want to go to WDW, the best time and most magical time to go is during this time of the year. Do not go during Christmas Week, it is at the highest capacity and the most expensive time to go. If you are like my parents, who did this many times, since my father's vacation was not always the same time that school vacations was, we contacted the teacher of when we were planning on traveling and she made sure we took all tests and we got homework, which we did every afternoon breaks on vacation. Now schools have live streaming and online homework, etc. So, check with the school when you are thinking of going, they will give you ideas of when state and national tests will be given to work around.

Also did you know that you can plan up to a year in advance, it is only a $200 deposit for your vacation, plus Nelson and I can set up a payment plan, or just figure out for you how much you need to save for your trip.  This is part of our services.

Also stayed tuned for us participating in the Annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade November 12, 2016; and other live videos from the Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks November 24-30th, 2016

Register for our e-newsletter for group trips we are hosting, or maybe we can do a vacation experience for you and your family. Put reservations@echevarriatravel.com on your to do list, and put us in your contact list.

Give us a call at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Why It Is Life Fulfilling Traveling with Like Minded People

It has been a crazy and wonderful time, since Nelson and I have moved to the Orlando area. We have been finding our way around which is very important when you leave a place you have lived and worked for many years and start your life some place new.  

We have joined both the Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce and the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce, if you take a look at our website you will see our links to these organizations.  Many of you already know that we are very involved in the communities that we live, and try and work hard to give back as well. Those that are new to us, we are very busy involved with many organizations that support the areas where we live.

Being a member of the National Federation of the Blind since 2006, being the past president of our Travel & Tourism Division and also the Vice President of the Greater Long Island Chapter, so it was normal for us to join the Central Florida Chapter. We will be bringing you more information on these great organizations in the future.

So why do the subject of this email have to do with being involved in the community where you live. Well, it means we also the company of those that belong to these groups, we have the same interests, and a lot of the times enjoy doing the same hobbies, foods and possibly want to learn more about what the others can bring to the "soup", as we like to call it. If you are a child of the 70s and 80s like myself, in school we always read about the story "Stone Soup" where a stranger came to a town that was poor and no one would help with maybe a piece of bread or meat to help for his dinner, so the stranger took a stone threw it in a pot of hot water and started to say Oh my stone soup, if I only had meat, then it would be just wonderful, and the first person thought they were nuts for putting a stone in the  soup, came over to try it, thought the stranger was nuts and said, I found some meat for your soup, it will give it more taste, and the stranger said thank you, wont you join with me for dinner, and then the next person gave vegetables, and the next person gave salt and spices etc. And finally it was a soup enough for all the people who gave to the soup and more!

Well when you put your part of the trip into the tour that wasn't on the paper itinerary of the trip, it makes it even more fun. 

These same people like to travel again and again with us, and we are always like to add others to the pot. So anyone interested in traveling with us, please do so. We only ask that you are over 21 and that we hope you bring a spouse and friend or another family to join us. No one likes to travel alone or we will ask one of our people if they are willing to share their room, it will also cut down on the single occupancy rate over the double occupancy rate.

See our trips upcoming for 2017:  Please click the links for full description of the tours. If you are also interested in our live events in the Orlando area, please contact us at reservations@echevarriatravel.com, we are planning even more trips, or we can plan your trips.

Initial deposits due by February 1, 2017 for our tour of the National Parks October 1-6, 2017

1st deposit of $50 per person due by January 15, 2017 for our 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral, FL November 25-December 2, 2017

Bus Trip to Savannah, GA being planned for April 2017, we are looking around $550 per person double occupancy, this is an estimate based on 2016 rates. Please contact us at reservations@echevarriatravel.com if you are interested. This will be a 5 day/4 night bus trip leaving for the Orlando area, if you would like to join us and do not live in FL, come on down or up or from the West or East to Join us!

Itinerary will include bus, hotels, food, entrance fees, tips to tour drivers and tour guides: places we will be visiting are: Savannah (GA); Beaufort (SC); Guided Tour of Jekyll Island (GA); St. Simmons Island (GA); and Parris Island Marine Base (SC)

During your Guided Tour of Savannah discover forts, gracious homes and Savannah’s Riverfront area as you travel the unique layout of Savannah and learn about the stories, people and legends that make this coastal city so appealing.

Savannah Historic District
Discover how Savannah’s historic homes have been renovated and restored by the Historic Savannah Foundation as you make your way through the district. Your step-on-guide will share interesting information about the architects of the historic homes and the architecture that gives the city its lovely ambience.

Savannah’s Impact on the Film Industry
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Savannah’s cobblestone streets, mansions with manicured lawns, oak-shaded parks and famous forts of the Revolutionary and Civil War eras brings the movie production companies to Savannah. Learn about the movies which have been influenced by Savannah. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is just one story which explores the traditions of Savannah that have been handed down from generation to generation. 

Savannah’s Traditions
Savannah’s traditions which are often explored in film date back to the colonial period. Learn about the history of Savannah, its environs and how it grew together. The lives of slaves and their contributions to Savannah will unfold before your eyes as you learn about cotton and other crops which supported rural Georgia until the Industrial Revolution arrived in the South and as you see the cotton warehouses on River Street.

River Street
A glittering, multi-faceted gem along the broad Savannah River, River Street was once the biggest cotton brokerage in the South. Lined with century old buildings that were used as cotton warehouses, River Street’s buildings have since been converted into antique shops, distinctive boutiques, art galleries, pubs, restaurants and nightspots.

Savannah’s Colonial Cemetery
Your tour will come to an end at Savannah’s Colonial Cemetery. Enlarged in 1789 to become the cemetery for people of all denominations, notable figures including Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and other distinguished Savannahians can be found buried at Savannah’s Colonial Cemetery. 

The Grand Circle National Parks Adventure Hosted by Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria October 1-6, 2017

The Grand Circle National Parks Tour October 1-6, 2017

Hello everyone:

Cheryl and Nelson Echevarria here!

We are now taking deposits for our Grand Circle National Parks Adventure Tour which will be taking place October 1-6, 2017 starting from Las Vegas, Nevada and ending in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Deposits are due no later than February 1, 2016.

If you click the title in the blog, it will take you directly to our information on the trip. 

Below are some of the photos we took back in 2013 with our group. We also have on the home page of www.echevarriatravel.com videos of our trip. 

We hope you will spread the word on this trip, if you cannot attend yourself, we know you that you may have friends and family members who would love to take this great trip. 

Again, we did this back in 2013, but we are focusing on other areas, of these states and other parks and experiences.

So, we hope you keep on reading and come along with us.

Thank you.

Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria.

Snow Canyon State Park

Our group in Snow Canyon State Park

Monument Valley Utah - Part of our trip to Utah October 1-6, 2017 M

Monument Valley located in the state of Utah. This is what the West has always
looked like to me. Want to come with us to this is amazing part of the United States
Contact us at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com to be on the list for our October 1-6, 2017 trip

Ever since I was a kid, growing up on John Ford Films featuring John Wayne in Stagecoach. Actually, I am not that old, but we love old westerns. If you have a chance you need to watch these films to most recently Monument Valley was added to the updated ride at Walt Disney World and Disneyland "Soaring Around the World" which we will be going to. I am on count down to our Silver Wedding Anniversary - 25 years November 24-30th, 2016; our actual wedding date is November 7th.

Anyway, back on track here, was the first time I had seen Monument Valley and the red sands and mountain of this desert area, but extremely humbling that there are places like this in the world.

This is also part of the Navajo Nation Reservation and is a region of the Colorado Plateau made up of clusters of Sandstone Buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. Located near the Four Corners Area of Utah, this is where you can be standing in on place and be in 4 different states at the same time, only place in the United States you can do this. These states are  the southwestern corner of Colorado, southeastern corner of Utah, northeastern corner of Arizona, and northwestern corner of New Mexico.

For those of you who are blind, I am legally blind, we took a similar trip back in 2013 and everyone had a different exciting experience. So do not let your blindness hold you back from experiencing this trip, or for anyone for that matter. 

This is what life is about experiences, not sitting at a desk at work and never taking a vacation! Or not meeting different people in life and becoming really good friends that you want to meet and travel with again and again, and see things through their experiences that you never thought about until someone told you their prospective on it.

We will be posting most places we will be doing on this trip. Come and join us October 1-6, 2017, pricing and itinerary coming in a few days. Sign up now, we have 8 interested people, we need a minimum of 16 people booked. Contact us at 631-456-5394 or just send us an email at reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Been there! Done That! We are doing many other trips in 2017 as a group, or create your own friends and family experiences. That is what Nelson and I offer, your own family experiences.

Take care!

How Do Things From Your Childhood Impact Your Travel? What is Impact traveling?

The word "Impact" - Can be a noun or an adjective, basically it means to strike something against something hard to made a difference.

Exactly, when you go and travel to a destination. It has an impact on your life from something in your history that is part of your being, and you want to know everything about that place. From the people, food, culture, and so much more!

As travel professionals, Nelson and I, always want to be different. Reasons why you will come to us over the competition. What we try and focus on the destination you are going to and not just the cruise lines or the all inclusive resort, or even a destination location like maybe Utah, like we are planning in the future or Spain.

We focus on why you want to go to that place!

Like for us, we love Disney, it doesn't have to be Walt Disney World in Florida, or a cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, etc.

We love Disney because, Nelson and I grew up from the beginning of it all. Watching the Wonderful World of Disney on TV. Nelson is a little older than myself and can remember when Walt Disney himself would go on Sunday Nights and talk about a new place called "Disneyland", which just celebrated it 60th Anniversary in Anaheim, California. You would watch Mr. Disney bring to you the drawings and the ideas of how people can come to this magical place and from the very young to the very old and have something for everyone to enjoy. A clean place with Main Streets where he grew up with small businesses to walk into and buy maybe candy or and ice cream to the imagination of a little boy who loved a mouse that grew into the Mickey Mouse we know today.

So, when we go to places that have all of this and more, we turn into children, yes big kids, we are always holding hands even after 25 years of marriage, but we stroll through the parks or take in that ice cream soda at the fountain, or ride "It's A Small World" Ride for the 100th time, it is still that most wonderful place in our times.

Also, Mr. Disney, himself, was one of the greatest entrepreneurs our the last 100 years. From TV and movies, to a corporation that owns tv stations, and so much more! I love reading everything about him and his life. How he also gave back to different charities? We lost him way to soon but he will last forever.

That is a form of "Impact" that is part of why we travel and love to travel. I put why we go there again and again.

We also love different authors, or chefs, even just the people. We have many friends from the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, and when we had a chance way before we became travel professionals, we went and visited this wonderful Island Country. We didn't stay at an all inclusive resort, we stayed at their home, they took us to the markets, and meet the people at their church and ate their food and more. Nelson and I, want to show you the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, or how to make real spicy "Jerk", climb a tree and get a coconut or pick quenepas which is a fruit, sometimes called "Spanish Limes" they don't look nothing like them. They are tiny looking berry in my mind anyway, green with a hard like shell, you just bite slightly on the shell and it opens in your mouth and the sweet taste is so hard describe, but you kind of suck and nibble at it, because like a cherry it has a pit in the middle of it you don't eat.

But again, we went to Jamaica because of those that have an impact on our lives and we wanted to see where they came from.

It doesn't have to be Disney or Jamaica. We want to see and show you want Impacts you, take 5-10 minutes look over your life. See these things in life.

We will be bringing you in the coming year! A group trips to Jamaica; Utah and our National Parks; a trip to Spain, and that is just the beginning. You will have plenty of time once deposits are made to pay them off, and you will remember them over and over again and meet people we hope you will be friends with the rest of your life.

Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria, Echevarriatravel.com 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com; now located in Orlando, FL but we service all the United States.

10-4-2016 Clients review of Echevarria Travel and of Cuba Cruise with Fathom Impact Cruises

Good Afternoon Cheryl & Nelson:

I wanted to let you know that Maurice and I had an incredible time on our cruise to Cuba! Thanks so much for your help with this. The ship and crew were great, and the Cuban guides were great. We had many memorable experiences including meeting with a staff member of ANCI, the Cuban equivalent of NFB, in Havana and a chance encounter with a blind street vendor in Santiago. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone!

We are interested in the National Parks tour, so please put me on the list for that. Also, I want to do a tour in Spain focused on flamenco music and dance. If you come across anything like that, please let me know. Thanks so much!

Best regards,

Lou Ann

Portrait of Che Gavarra in Havana 

Maurice Peret and his wife Lou Ann Blake on Top of San Juan Hill, Cuba

Old Town of Havana, Cuba

3 Walt Disney World Resorts Tour on 9-29-2016

Aloha from Disney's Polynesian Resort
Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria

OMG! Nelson and I had such a wonderful time exploring the new experiences that we did last week. September 29th and 30th were Disney Days. Now if you are thinking, you are one of our brides that are looking for honeymoons or romantic getaways! Disney has some really great romantic options and opportunities for lovers of all ages! Nelson and I will be celebrating 25th Anniversary in November at Walt Disney World, and we will be doing a lot of romantic things.

On the 29th we did a site inspection, which trips we do with other travel professionals and our sales team from the different properties or cruises and tour them, take pictures and ask questions for your our clients and so much more.

So on the 29th we first met up with other Disney College of Knowledge Specialists, (Every year, we need to retake courses online to hold our certification with Disney Destinations!) and Disney's Pop Century Resort which is a Value Resort and our inside person, Christian, to talk about where will be going today. We were only going to tour 3 properties: Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Port Orleans - Riverside and Disney's Polynesian Resort

Cheryl Echevarria at Disney's Pop Century Resort

Nelson Echevarria at Disney's Pop Century Resort

Prior to our tour, upon arrival, Nelson and I got their early! From our new location in Lake Nona, Orlando, FL; we are exactly 15 minutes from the Walt Disney World Theme Park and Resort area, it all depends on traffic and which theme park and or resort you are going to.  So we toured a little on our own. 

Now each resort whether it is a value property like Pop Century or a Deluxe Property like the Polynesian resort; or many other staying options from camping to Deluxe Villas, there is a story to tell. Remember Disney is the best story tellers in the world. That is why they are not a cheap experience; this is also why people come back again and again; as well as others try and replicate it. But for almost 100 years of Disney, no one can compare.

Description of these resorts and the experience you will get at each one which is totally different.

• Pop Century is all about remembering all the great things about your childhood from the 1950s through the 1990s. Things like Big Wheels and doing the Twist; TV shows like Happy Days; and so much more see our photos here. Also we will be posting videos on our youtube page shortly, we will be posting them when they become available.

 

Family waiting lounge: For checking in or waiting for others or checking out. Plenty of play time or down time

Everything Pop - Food Court Area, as well as the Arcade and Gift Shop

How many people remember Big Whhels, this is as tall the resort buildings

Or playing this table game (someone tell me the name of the game, please) I don't have any idea

A little red corvette, Goofy with a surf board, and the biggest Yo-Yo I have ever seen

1970s Theme Pool, plus this resort has 3 pools to choose from

Main checking area for the Pop Century

Each one of the Value Resorts have pools, movies under the stars with newly released Disney Movies or old favorites, play grounds, 1 food courts and 24 hour rood service. But, if you are not aware, if you have a Disney Vacation Package, which we will have you through the so many choices of options to fit you and your family; which you get dining including in your package, and you can eat anywhere while on property from quick service meals (like food court to sit down meals with Characters or romantic meals with you honey.

The standard rooms maximum can hold us to 5 people 2 queen sized beds and 1 pull out bed for a child up to 9 or 10 years old - see photo below.

Pull out bed for 1 child in standard rooms

Our next experience was taking a bus and heading over to Port Orleans - Riverside Resort. We didn't take to many of the pictures here, because we will be staying here in November and will take lots of photos and videos. We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary, and will be doing some live feeds on Facebook. So register with us at www.Facebook.com/Echevarriatravels. If you have questions on anything just email us at reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Another thing prior to moving on. Transportation at each of the resorts are different. You will all get transportation on the Magical Express from Orlando International Airport only. This is a free service and part of your package. Also, this service does not include Sanford Airport!  When going to the Theme Parks, Disney Springs, or the Disney Water Parks, etc., their are different bus stops to get to them at each resort property. Example: At a Value Resort there is only 1 bus stop in front of the check in area, but when you stay at one of the Moderate Resorts like Port Orleans there are a number of bus stops around the property.

Nelson in a Surrey Bike you can rent on property for 2 people

Me in the Lobby of Port Orleans - Riverside

Enjoy the southern comforts of live entertainment by popular cabaret performer Yehaa Bob while sipping southern-style libations like a Southern Hurricane at the River Roose. A full bar is available at this charming old-fashioned watering hole, as are light snacks while the kitchen is open.

Water Taxis that take you to Disney Springs - included in your state

Bridge to take you to other parts of this property and over the beautiful Sassagoula Bridge or a short walk to the
Port Orleans - French Quarter, make sure you request which side of the property you want

Lobby of the Resort

Another picture of the Lobby of the Resort

Lobby

Mary Poppins and Burt made a visit while we were there!

So did Ariel

Again, the Moderate Resorts like Port Orleans and in the photos I had mentioned that there are 2 resorts that are connected and you can go back and forth but when making your reservations, make sure you know which one you want. 

The story of this resort is more destination then reliving a memory like Pop Century. Port Orleans is set in New Orleans. You have the Great Plantation designed hotels, rivers to walk along, or jog, type of food and entertainment, but still has that feeling you know you are in Disney. Moderate resorts have food courts and a sit down restaurant, pools, at this resort you have a few lounges, more transportation options to the parks and Disney Springs. And so much more.

One of the reasons, we picked this property, is because it is very romantic, but still great for all families or adults and couples traveling without children.

They have the surreys like Nelson is in the picture above, and you can rent fishing poles to catch and release, or bicycles to ride around the park. Or one of my favorite things to do a Romantic Horse Drawn Carriage Ride. This you can only do at this resort or at Fort Wilderness, you can be staying at any of the properties to do this option, but why run around to another resort.

Please make sure you go to the links provided in this blog post for more information on the resorts mentioned here.

Next, we got back on the bus and went over to Disney's Polynesian Resort which is one of the original resorts that opened on October 1, 1971! YES, Walt Disney World, just celebrated their 45th Anniversary! If you have been to this or any of the other properties they have gone through renovations, also call and ask, before making any plans for the future to let you know first hand if there are any closings, renovations, something that you wanted to see but it might not be there anymore. Disney is always updating their properties.

We did not take any photos here, because we will be having dinner here at the "Disney's Spirit of Aloha - Dinner Show". We love this show, we see it every time we come. The last time I saw it was back in 2011 with my daughter Dina, she was 21 at the time.

The difference between the other 2 and this one - again is the story telling. As soon as you arrive, you are welcomed like  you arrived in Hawai'i with a lei and aloha welcome. It is literately like you arrived in Hawaii. They also have if you want "Over Water Bungalows" but they are hard to get very popular. They have many dining options including "Ohana" where you can have meals with Lilo & Stitch; or swim in the Volcano Pool. This is also one of the 3 Monorail Resorts that go to the Magic Kingdom. This is also another reason it is one of the 8 Deluxe Resorts. The closer the resort property is to one of the 4 theme parks the more money you will pay. Except for Animal Kingdom Lodge which is furthest away from the parks, because of the Animals that at this property. But you have all the transportation and food available to you at all the resorts and more!

video of Nelson at Pop Century

Nelson at the Polynesian Resort

Cheryl and Nelson at Polynesian Resort

Cheryl at the Polynesian Resort

Contact us to let us help you through the maze and experiences of a Walt Disney World Experience by calling us at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com. 

stay tuned for our next post about our Disney Cruise Line - Dream Tour which was 9-30-2016

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