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Since 2009 We offer one on one travel expertise in Romance, Family and Escorted Travel. Also serving the blind traveler whether you use a Cane, Guide Dog or Sighted Guide.
caption reads "Do you have any specials" "For the week between Christmas and New Years" Or any other holiday?
You do not know how many times a day I get the subject line question. Do you have Specials or Offers For The Week Between Christmas and New Years? The answer usual is NO!
This is not just myself, it is because throughout the travel industry, these are blacked out for offers and discounts.
Don't believe what online booking engines say, NOT TRUE! Also this time of year to travel and let's take this one step further. Holidays and Spring Breaks will be the most expensive and crowded times of the year. Take for instance, and we will be posting later today updates on our move and where we are going posting; Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts in Orlando, FL; this is the most crowded time of the year and unless you are staying at one of the Walt Disney World Resort Properties and the parks are full to capacity, they will close the park to those staying on the property. They have had sold out dates way before you even get to the property. Same with many cruise lines, all inclusive properties, etc. Nelson and I have held group space on cruises in the past that go out of NY and FL; which we will continue to do, but if no one books by the deposit dates then the group is closed, and you will no longer get that rate. If for some reason the only time you have to travel is this week, may I suggest that you book WAY IN ADVANCE; we have clients book over 6-8 months ahead of time for this time of year. So if you are looking to go, you need to plan your starting the end of April or sooner. Even if you are not 100% sure, as long as you cancel; which we recommend prior to 90 days of travel you will get all money back. Unless you have travel insurance, this only protects you if you are sick or someone passes away prior to traveling. Not because you don't want to go anymore. Plus, you can do your deposits and arrange a payment plan breakdown to help with the financial issues of your trip. I normally can book the land portion of any trip up to a year in advance. For more information, contact us at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com
Me, Eeyore From Winnie the Pooh, and my Daughter Dina Animal Kingdom 2011
I love that photo. I cannot believe my daughter was 21 there, she is going to be 27 this year.
Animal Kingdom many, many people forget about or they have no interest in going their. Please remember there are 4 theme parks at WDW - Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks in Orlando, FL.
Animal Kingdom was the last park to open on Earth Day, April 22, 1998 and is the largest theme park in the world that covers 580 acres, which houses animals from all over the world, and it to teach and educate all of us about animal conservation and is dedicated around the natural habit. Walt Disney himself ones pioneered. Disney Animal Kingdom is also accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
If you are a baby boomer, or have DVDs of the Disney's live action movies about Animals and different countries. This is something like that.
This park is made up into 6 themed areas:
Oasis - This is the main entrance to the park, which has shopping areas and animal habitats almost like a zoo but not, we are big animal lovers, and many of the people who work here are Animal Keepers, etc. not just people who work with Disney. So they might be out and about walking with a bird or other animal you can touch or pet, or even hold. It all depends on what it is.
Discovery Island - Many will find the center piece the "Tree of Life" is a 145 foot wooden tree. It features 325 carvings of living and extinct animals. It also holds a 400 seat theater which offers "It's Tough To Be a Bug" Attraction which characters are based on "It's a Bugs Life"
Africa - As in the name this area is dedicated to Animals and people of the African areas, but restaurants like the new "Tiffins" that just opened in May 2016, we are eating here for dinner, we love to try new things. Street music, shopping and the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. Real Safari Ride with live animals. If you have been to Great Adventure in New Jersey, this is way better. This area also offers the "Festival of the Lion King". If you are a fan of this movie, this is a must see. It is like the Broadway Show and circus at the same time. This is a cannot miss
Asia - Beside again the animal habitats, there is a ride you cannot miss "Expedition Everest", this is a roller coaster that goes through Mount Everest and you get to meet the infamous "Yeti" or Abominable Snowman, it goes forward and backwards. I do not do roller coasters but when my daughter went, it was crazy. I have to say even if you don't like roller coasters like myself. Go through the cues of all the rides with them, there is an area for you to wait, usually through a gift shop, but the themes of them and in this case the real artifacts from Nepal line the walls and other areas.
I will add more later, what we are excited about doing in AK when we get there is this year in May 2016, since I haven't been to this park since 2011. Animal Kingdom is now opened at night. Yes! Prior to April 2016 this was the only one of the 4 theme parks that closed by 5 pm. So it was like a half day park to visit. So they have added on new experiences.
You can do many of the rides at night 1 that will be totally different. You will see animals that normally are asleep and the Tree of Life, has it's own show on the outside of it called The Tree of Life Awakens which is a series of projection mapping shows of live and animated animals. Wait see below. to see what I mean.
Tree of Live Awakens
Also for entertainment and we hope it is opened when we are there is the Rivers of Light, right behind the tree. This is already opened with another show called The Jungle Book Live, until the show is ready to open, this is a preview of it here. This was taken by Attractions Magazine
It includes lights, water, fire, fireworks and so much more. Similar to Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot's Illuminations.
Places we are going to be eating Donald's Dining Safari Breakfast at Tusker House Restaurant. Tusker House has this option for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. We love Donald, Mickey, Minnie and more! Great photo opportunities, interaction and food. We haven't eaten here in the past, so we are trying to places and showing what goes on here as well.
Then in the evening as mentioned for Dinner, we are going to try Tiffins, which I had written about before. This is for more adventurous people to try, and those that have picky children may just want to stay with the character dining, but Disney know that people want to try new things.
Tiffins from what we understand and this is directly from the Walt Disney World website:
"Roam the road less traveled at Tiffins, thanks to a globetrotting menu of artfully prepared fare fit for a weary traveler. Begin your expedition with lobster-popcorn Thai curry soup, grilled octopus or—for those who like to travel light—an archeologist salad drizzled with champagne vinaigrette. Go off the beaten track with our inspired flash-fried icy blue mussels or black-eyed pea fritters before planting your flag with the Berber-spiced lamb chop, pork tenderloin or miso-glazed black cod.
Seafarers, fortune hunters and vagabonds will no doubt find new discoveries in the pan-seared duck breast and leg confit, Wagyu strip loin and braised short rib, or the whole-fried sustainable fish. Leaving no stone unturned? Satisfy your sweet tooth with lime cheesecake, passion fruit sorbet or our signature dessert, Calamansi Mousse.
For an additional cost, Guests 21 years of age and up can pack additional provisions with a selection from the renowned wine list—many of which are available by the glass—in addition to a noble assortment of after-dinner liqueurs, dessert wines and specialty drinks.
No matter which direction your compass points, you’re sure to encounter an unimaginable abundance of delectable food at Tiffins."
So we will let you know what we had, take pictures of it, and let you know.
That is for day 3 stay tuned for tomorrow when I talk about Day 4, this will be a morning of touring early the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts with Breakfast at Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe, then we head over to Disney's Hollywood Studios for the rest of the day.
Remember, we will also be touring many of the resorts and the new Disney Springs (Formerly Downtown Disney or if you remember Pleasure Island), it will be all themed for the Holiday Season. So if you never seen our photos or pictures from 2011 for the holiday season, which is all decorated as of Thanksgiving. Just take a look below. Until tomorrow. Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria. Remember click on below for our photo video from 2011
Okay, I am obsessed. Seriously, we have plans to go to Jamaica to a conference where I will be talking to business owners in the Caribbean, Travel Vendors, Tour Companies about better accessible travel for those people with disabilities, mostly the blind.
More about that in another posting.
We are also going to the Bahamas for the 7th Annual Sandals Travel Agent Homes Based Conference. We always love going to a Sandals property and learning from everyone from the marketing team, taking pictures and videos of the properties. Enjoying everything so we can bring that all back to you and tell you why you should go this.
But, our all time favorite destinations in the world since I have been a child, and since I introduced my husband, and my children and grandchildren to Walt Disney World. We are just obsessed, and I cannot wait to celebrate our Anniversary there this November.
Now again, I cannot emphasize that you need to plan your trip well in advance for Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks. I am also going to start saying WDW, to cut down the wording, also again to acknowledge the differences because Disneyland is in Anaheim, California. It is also a lot small in California then in FL property.
I highly recommend that you book a little more than 180 days prior to arrival, but you can book as far ahead as 499 days prior to travel. Why? Especially if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort or "on property" remember this terminology versus off property and you want to eat either Breakfast, lunch or dinner at a sit down restaurant or signature dining experience like Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom or the Be Our Guest Restaurant at Belle and the Beast's Castle, which is also in the Magic Kingdom or any character dining option, you need to make a reservation for it. You cannot any longer just show up to these types of restaurants without one. You will be turned away.
Even at the 180 day mark, and Nelson and I are willing to make the reservations for you, because you need to get up at least a 5 am to be ready at 6 am the 180th day prior to your arrival and if you are thinking of months in advance that is almost 6 months out. Yes you need to be flexible, because I am still trying to get special places for me and Nelson to eat as well, I mean if all else fails we can eat at a quick service restaurant either at our resort the Port Orleans - Riverside Property or in the parks, or in Disney Springs or at any of the 26 other resort restaurants on property. But that also maybe not an option, and just wing it. But then, we will not be able to bring you the experiences that Disney is famous for, not only at the theme parks which are great, but the wonderful food experiences and not just character dining like I said at the castle or at the Polynesian Resort at Ohana's with Lilo and Stitch and other Disney Characters; or have Dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming at the 1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian Resort; or Mickey's Backyard BBQ. There are many more for the Family in dining or newest dining options for the older crowd
Here is what Nelson and I plan on doing so far, and since it is during Thanksgiving, the first few days we will be there will be very crowded and the last few days will have died down and then it will be at capacity during Christmas and New Year's Weeks.
November 24, 2016 Our first day there, since it will be Thanksgiving is eat at Boatwright's Dining Hallat our Resort (many of the restaurants around WDW will have traditional Thanksgiving meals with a twist, our will have some Cajun flair and themed because our resort is themed after New Orleans - To read all about Disney Restaurants, you can go to www.Echevarriatravel.com/ or you can search them online at www.Disney.go.com
This day we are arriving in the afternoon, your rooms are not usually ready until 3pm anyway, but if you arrive early just check in, and walk around the resort or head on over to the parks. We will be checking out our resort and the other because they are all decorated for the Christmas Holiday, and there is nothing like this time of the year for Disney they go all out.
So we will be exploring the resort, checking out the pool, maybe take the river cruise around, after dinner we are doing a horse drawn carriage ride, this you can only due at this resort and Disney's Wilderness Resort.
November 25, 2016 we are heading over to the Magic Kingdom this day, we couldn't find anything at MK, so if I cannot find anything then we will have breakfast at our resort, and head over really early because of the Early Morning Hours for guests staying on property, and there is nothing like the pre-opening park welcome at the "Magic Kingdom". Mickey and the Gang, come along on the Steam Train and welcome everyone. It is so exciting.
We will had to some rides or we may have some coffee at one of our favorite places and do some people watching, we are not in a hurry to do anything, but if you are looking to do the Mountain Rides (Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and the 7 Dwarfs Mine (also roller coaster and brand new) do the FastPasses reserving your rides for a certain time, if you want more information on this. Give us a call and we will help you understand it all.
I am not a coaster person, and Nelson will not do them without me. But we do the other rides, don't worry you will know what we did either live through Facebook or when we come back.
For dinner that night, we are taking the Monorail from MK over to the Polynesian Resort to do the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. Definitely, we never miss this show. It is like you are in Hawaii and eating and seeing live show there. After that, we will be watching the Lagoon Electric Water Pageant and then head back over on the Monorail to MK to see the Night Time Shows and of course the best fireworks in the world "Wishes" and Santa flies around Cinderella's Castle while this goes on.
From here and lazy time back to our resort.
Tomorrow is day 3 of our trip and we are going to "Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park" stayed tuned for what we have planned.
Echevarria Travel has been nominated as Best Travel Agency on Long Island
By the Long Island Press from 2010-2016
Good morning everyone.
Today, July 25, 2016, is a very busy Monday morning already. We had to overcome some issues reflecting a client that did not yet get their documentation for their escorted tour of Bonnie Scotland from Globus Travel.
They will be leaving within the next 2 weeks and had yet received their travel documentation. So, I called Globus and spoke to my inside sales team, each travel agency has their own inside sales person and Business Development Manager that works out in the field. So I called them this morning.
It seems these documents we out a few weeks ago, and client never received them. So, thank god that I have back up documents on my travel agent website. I printed them out and I am over-nighting them to the client, with signature required. That way they should get them.
Remember, if you are going on vacation, that you are spending good hard working money. That it is not always the best thing to go the cheapest way to travel, you may not be able to call the online booking engine at 4 am and get a live person. You want to know that at the end of the telephone line you are getting a real person, someone who is patient and professional. That will calm you down, look into the matter and find a solution.
Also, please remember to read all documents from either the travel agent, if we are telling you to please print out your documents at a certain time, please do so! If we are recommending something, it is not that we want you to spend more money then you have to but, which you are more than welcome to sign off of documents stating that you do not want these options and that all information is correct. Like your first name, last name, middle name if you have any dates of birth, mailing and email address. Passport numbers are correct and that your passports do not expire 6 months prior to your departure.
So remember when you are looking for going on vacation, that you are using a real live person, who cares about you and you and your experiences. Before, during and after you travel. It is not only about the price. It is about what you are getting for that price.
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Today, we are talking about one of our favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World Resorts. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our personal favorites; this is also one of the Luxury Resort Properties and when we stayed there in 2009, we had paid this off in almost a year. Remember you can put a $200 deposit down, that is all you need to do, and do payments if you like up until 45 days prior to arrival.
In November 2011, I stayed with my daughter, Dina, for a Mother-Daughter trip, and we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, a Moderate Property, and in 2016; Nelson and I will be staying at the Port Orleans - Riverside Resort, this is also a Moderate Resort. Over the next few days, we will be letting you know why we loved these resorts and when we are at Port Orleans, we will try and do a live video on Facebook, so you can ask us some questions. Stay tuned for that.
We currently don't have the videos from the 2009 trip, we have pictures and will be posting this here but to see all of them visit us on our Facebook page and I will put the link to those pictures at the bottom of this page you don't need to be a facebook user to view these photos.
But here is a little video from the Disney Parks to see and hear about Animal Kingdom Lodge.
When Nelson, Dina and I stayed here back in August 2009, we went for my daughter's birthday at that time she was 19 years old. First of all, unless you love living on the Sun and love humidity DON'T GO DURING AUGUST. If you are used to living in the Southern United States and other hot states no worries then you will be fine. Me I was not used to it, remember I had a kidney transplant in 2005, and my medications made me look like a balloon from the anti-rejection drugs, but we had a great time anyway.
The first thing when you arrive at this resort, is the WOW Factor, we took the Magical Express Bus option from Orlando International Airport, which is free with any Walt Disney Resorts Vacation Package, why drive. Just don't fly into Sanford Airport this option is not available out of Sanford, only Orlando International. When your bus pulls up onto the Disney property from the highway you have the signs welcoming you to Walt Disney World, and then you have the signs to which exit for which property there are a total of 25 property resorts all together (Value, Moderate, Luxury, Luxury Villas, and Camp Grounds); parks (remember Disney World has 4 Theme Parks, 2 Water Parks, Disney Springs (Formerly Downtown Disney) 4 PGA Golf Courses, Camp Groups (Disney Wilderness Area), ESPN Wide World of Sports and so much more!
You notice how clean it is!
When you arrive at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it makes you feel like you arrived in Africa in the Savannah, because you not only see this magnificent Jambo House, but you hear the animals in the background that are close by and the music that get you in the mood for your experiences.
Photo from the Pool Area of Animal Kingdom Looking back at our Savannah Room Which are Balcony Rooms over looking the Savannah (dah! LOL!) and you see animals. Keep Reading
Since we were there in 2009 there have been renovations. Always there is something new at the properties, so if you haven't been here in awhile you will notice the difference.
This is a thatched roof resort with hand-carved columns. So when you come through the front doors you enter into a 4 story lobby. This is actually on the 3rd floor. Just from the designs of the quality of the hand carved chairs and furniture that were actually made by the craftsman of Africa, and several times a day you hear African drum music played live. There is a museum of antiquities, and local artists, which changes often. The children of the families that are staying there are also being entertained by activities (like cooking classes, clay art, or other activities and stories by cast members (employees) of Disney that are from different areas of the continent.
Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. Not everyone is at the parks. Amazing Right!
But, people do take breaks and come back to their room to relax, use the pools to cool off, and take a nap. Nice to stay at the resorts here, because you don't have to jump back in the car, head off property for about 10-15 minute drives, go in the pool or take a nap, and then get dressed and drive back or take a hotel shuttle not from the Disney Resorts Parks, back to the parking gate, and walk which is pretty long to get on a bus, boat or monorail back to that park you are going to.
You can stay in various rooms, from a standard 2 double bed room to a Savannah Balcony View Room. This is the room we stayed in. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has three separate savannas (approximately 10 acres each) that are open 24 hours a day. From left to right the savannas are named: Sunset, Arusha, and Uzima.
Each savanna has its own unique look and feel. Not all savannas have all the animals. For instance, ostriches can only be found on the Sunset savanna, zebras are only located on the Arusha savanna, kudu are only found on the Uzima savanna. Giraffes are the only animal found on all three savannas.
Each room has an animal viewing guide. You can also pick one up at the front desk.
At night, the savannas are illuminated by artificial moonlight as if a full moon were ever present.
"Safari Guides" are at the outside viewing areas and can answer your questions about the animals and birds.
Altogether, more than 200 mammals and birds of nearly three dozen species populate the 33-acre area. The savannas surround the lodge on three sides. You can view the birds and animals from resort balconies or from several viewing points -- including a landscaped rock outcropping called the Arusha Rock kopje -- 24 hours a day.
Dining, we mostly ate throughout the parks and other resorts on property, we mostly ate breakfast at Boma - Flavors of Africa, which is a buffet restaurant. Also beautifully designed with wooden carved furniture and views of the Savanna. You can either have breakfast or dinner here.
You have regular american food that you will recognize. You also have various foods from Africa and the continent and we suggest you try, you would never know what came from Africa that we eat ever day.
At night, you have campfires and lovely entertainment for everyone to enjoy!
Remember to contact Echevarria Travel for your Romantic Getaway, Family Vacations, Honeymoons, Mother-Daughter Trips, Group Events, and so much more!
Call us at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com
Ever since Nelson and I met back in 1992, both of us being married before, we wanted to focus on us. On how to keep our marriage and life more romantic and always try and go to some place every few years to renew our vows, and remember why we are together. Through thick and thin.
We both have children from previous marriages and also we are grandparents now.
This year we are celebrating our Anniversary at Walt Disney World. It is also the 45th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom. So we are very excited to go. We both have not been there together since August 2009. Just and FYI, unless you really love the heat and humidity, do not go to Florida in August. Plan on going if you must, either the middle of June, after Labor Day, especially if you are going as a couple and do not want the crowds.
Okay, why we feel that Disney is a romantic setting for couples of all ages, it is one of the top 10 places to get married in the United States. I mean who wouldn't want to get married as a Princess to her Prince, to show up in your wedding gown in Cinderella's Royal Coach, and get pictures in front of a castle.
Let's start out with the resort hotels on property. Especially for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Number 1 property for that, if you want to have that Hawaiian feeling. The Polynesian Resort. which is right off of the monorail by the Magic Kingdom property. Once you walk in, you feel like you are somewhere in the South Pacific like Hawaii, Fiji, and Bora Bora. The resort now has over the water bungalows. with view of Cinderella's Castle. You also have the pools and bars that are just great to relax and enjoy, and you might just close your eyes and not even know you are in Disney. At night you can watch the Wishes Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom and watch the Electric Water Pagent around the Lagoon
Electric Water Pageant every night at the Magic Kingdom
At the Walt Disney World Resorts
Also there is the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show in the evenings, with hula and fire dancers from all areas of the Polynesian Islands.
Another resort property we have stayed at is the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Giraffes outside of our window at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
We stayed in a Savannah View Room
This is by the pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge looking
at our Savannah View Room
It was like we stepped into Africa. The pictures above don't do it justice. When you want into the main entrance and lodge of the resort with all the art works and design that it took to put in this property, you will know why Disney is not a cheap place to visit. It is though a definite place to save up for and enjoy staying on property, just for the resorts alone, all of the resort properties have a theme, and they go from Value, to moderate, to luxury. There is a budget for everyone.
At night walking around here, and listening to the animals, and walk by the firepits to listen to the stories or go and have a romantic dinner at Jiko - The Cooking Place. The food there is some of the best, and as long as you are opened to new things, and like to explore new experiences this might be a perfect place for you to spend a romantic evening of wine tasting, and African, Indian and Mediterranean Food.
This year we are staying at the Moderate Resort, Port Orleans at the Riverside property, they also have the French Quarter side. These properties are connected to each other. Designed like you are staying in New Orleans, LA. From the food at The Boathouse to the fishing at the lake, and in the evening you can arrange to take a horse carriage ride through the property, and then finish the night off with a campfire or just walk along the paths with the stars in your eyes and hold hands and discuss the day. We haven't stayed here yet, but from our couples who have stayed there recently in April. They said it was one of the most romantic trips they had taken since their honeymoon.
Between the different resorts there, which add up to 25 different theme properties at Walt Disney World, the food, the ambiance of the places you will be able to enjoy is unlimited.
To the point that you don't even have to visit the theme parks unless you want to.
But, you are here and things you can do.
What we have done:
Always walking hand in hand through the theme parks. Going through "It's A Small World" Ride, or being silly with the Disney Characters. Kissing during the fireworks. Toasting a glass of wine, or other things to do.
There are Spas, Golf, seeing a show in Disney Springs or at one of the theme parks. Parasailing near the Contemporary Resort, or just lying around the pool. Us old folks. LOL. NOT!! We love Disney it brings back memories for us, and that you don't have to be a kid to feel like a kid.
If you have questions of what else you can do or see, which resort might be best for you, or best time to travel. Let us know, you can plan up to 499 days prior to travel and if there are discounts along the way we can apply them. Also, if you are a Disney Visa Card Member, we can work with you as well.
Thank you, and keep having romance and love in your lives. It keeps from your marriage or relationship from being stale and uninterested.
