​Let me first start off with I am not a blogger, nor a writer, I am a Travel Consultant that loves to share my knowledge of traveling and making you and your family memories for a lifetime.
 
So, let me tell you about my recent experience about the Disney Wonder.  WOW, AMAZING, MAGICAL, A MEMORY LIFETIME MAKER.
 
Now, sit back and picture us having a meeting in my office and I am just smiling from ear to ear. My excitement is hard to contain to the point you will likely not get a word in until the end. Much like a great Disney Novel.
 
I left Milwaukee on Southwest early on the day of embarkation, which I normally would not do or suggest, but I had to choice to take a leap of faith here. Overall, a smooth process. The flight itself and the transfers from Hobby airport. You can get to the Galveston Pier a few different ways, but not by Disney. They do not have shuttles from this airport, only IAH.  So that leaves, Uber, Lyft, Galveston Express, and a few others. I choose to do the Uber route so I could get there as soon as possible.  It was perfect, if you go as a single or up to 4 pax, it was $38 each way right to the drop off and the same with the return.  I will definitely use Uber again, but it is a matter of preference which service you want to use. 
 
Once there, I went inside and was greeted with everyone waving Mickey hands, and smiling and just made me feel at home.  The boarding process was fast and easy! 

The next part of my Disney Cruise Experience will talk about the various accommodations from your room to life on deck. Stay tuned!

As I entered the Disney Wonder right away I was asked my name and an announcement went out overhead welcoming Cheryl to the Magic of Disney. I definitely had a smile to my face. Now, since you cannot get into your staterooms until 1:30 pm I had some time to roam and check things out.  So, I of course ventured to the Cabanas buffet and got me some lunch, it was definitely better than some of the other buffets I have been to.
 
I then proceeded to check out the entire Deck 5, yes, the entire Deck 5, of Kids Clubs, from the Nursery for 6 months to 3 years, to the Oceaneers Club and Lab from 3-11 yrs of age, to the Edge for 11-13 and then the Vibe for 14-17 year olds.  Disney sure does know how to keep your families happy with providing so much entertainment and activities for the kids.
 
After, checking out the clubs I was able to get into my room on Deck 6 in a Verandah room and loved it, all Disney ships have a queen bed (unable to pull apart), a pull out couch, and some rooms having pull down beds from the ceiling and/or a Murphy bed for yet another single bed.  Rooms can accommodate from 1 person to up 5, 7 or even 10 in a 2 bedroom suite, only on the Disney Wonder. ** Room Tip** If you are three or more adults wanting to share a room, select one with the murphy bed in it.

As your Disney Cruise Specialist I am now knowledgeable on those room categories.  There are even ADA accessible rooms.  What I love was the split bathrooms which makes it convenient for families, which include a tub/ shower combo, a sink and mirrors in one room, and a toilet and sink in the next room. Very nice! With plenty of storage, there is even a nice laptop safe in the room for those of us that must not leave home without one.
 
The restaurants were fantastic, Disney offers rotational dining so you are not eating in the same restaurant every night.  We had dinner at Animator’s Palate, Tritons, Tianas and the entertainment while you eat was so much fun. I personally loved Animator’s Palate wherein on the 2nd night you eat there, everyone draws their best stick figure person and then the Servers collect those and they are all made into a Movie!!!  So you see your artwork up on the screens.  I never smiled so much that I actually forgot to push the play button on my phone LOL.  At Tiana’s Mardi Gras themed restaurant, they had a real band and characters walking around.  So much fun and they get everyone involved with dancing and singing.
 
So the Characters, they are everywhere for pictures and signing autographs!  The only time you need to special request a signing is if you are on a specialty themed cruise such as Star Wars characters or the Marvel Cruise.  Just watching the kids line up and get their pictures with Mickey or Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, the Princesses, etc I found I had a smile on my face the whole time.
 
There is also a Bippity Boppity Boop salon on the ship and so many beautiful young princesses were roaming the ship you just wanted to bow to them.  The smiles on their faces said it all.  So many in full dress gowns, hair done up right, makeup, made me really think about getting it done to myself LOL
 
The shows and movies.  Top rated movies for sure!  I saw Star Wars, the Rise of Skywalker in 3D and it was AWESOME.  They also had Maleficent on the ship in regular and 3D but I did not have time to see this one, as well as Frozen II in 3D and the regular theater.  The main entertainment shows were magical and I would suggest seeing those in the evening as well. 
 
When you book with Disney and want to book a shore excursion some of them are very specific to Disney and include extra special surprises.  In Cozumel, Mexico we visited Discover Cozumel and we had a painting class with a local artist and it was related to the Disney movies that are out.  I will explain more on this later.
 
Pirate Night, Ayyy matey, I never saw so many pirates on a ship, from the little ones to parents to grandparents, everyone was dressed in their best pirate outfits.  No masks though, you cannot wear a mask on a Disney cruise due to security and facial recognition. No weapons either, but everything was good to go.  The Pirate show at the end of the night was fun and then the dazzling fireworks.  The use of eco-friendly fireworks prevents harm to the ocean.
 
Now, you are thinking, what if I do not want to be around my children all the time or you want to go just as and adult, no worries, there were so many adult only venues and restaurants it's perfect for everyone. The adult only pool area and beach bar were great, Cadillac Pub and Crown & Fin were my favorite hangouts. Trivia games, mixology classes, etc.    Disney makes sure the adults are having a great time as well.
 
At the end of the trip disembarking went just as smooth as getting on board and I was off the ship early in the morning and off to the airport via an Uber driver. 
 
Overall, an unforgettable trip I would take again in a heartbeat! I would love to tell you more, but you will need to give me a call to find out all the details and what special tricks of the trade I learned while on board. 

This is not just another cruise, this was a Magical Disney Wonder. Bon Voyage!
​
-Cheryl

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If you are a newly engaged couple looking for that extra bit of help planning the big day. The best way is to visit wedding shows for ideas and vendors. But with so much going on at once, it is hard to focus on what you need to. Here are some tips to make it through and come out more prepared for your special day. 

​1. Pre-register for the wedding shows.  It saves you time at check in and sometimes a few bucks.
2.  Type up and print labels that include your names, address, phone, email, and wedding date.  Use these for registering with the vendors.
3. Check on the times of the fashion shows.  You may want to get their early to get a good seat, or it's a great time to go back and ask questions with one of your A list vendors.
4. Wear comfortable shoes!  Most shows don't have a lot of casual seating.
5. Bring reusable bags - keep one for "the good stuff" and another for things you will want to take a second look at.
6. Bring your fiance!  His or her import is very important!
7. Keep an open mind to see ideas, inspiration and services you may not have considered.
8.  Leave the children at home.  You'll be able to focus on what you came to do, not struggling with the stroller pushing your way through the crowd.
9.  If you see a vendor you've already booked, ask them for referrals or testimonials of vendors you spoke with at the show.
10. Don't register for everything if you don't need it.
12. If you've booked a service already, be polite and say no thank and keep walking. Its OK, don't feel pressured.

Remember it's your day! Have a destination in mind for the big day? Feel free to visit our Desination Weddings page for more information.