I fell in love the moment I stepped foot inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I admit that I work really hard for my vacations and have become a sort of hotel snob over the years. From the grand lobby, shopping options, fine dining, and most importantly fantastic Cast Members it didn't take me long to be impressed. 

Don't let the flagship resort status keep you away. There were young children playing and having fun, there were couples walking around in a romantic fog, even friends enjoying themselves. There truly is something for everyone at this resort. I was literally walking around in those commercials on TV, except it wasn't staged!

Here are my takeaway thoughts after staying here.

1. The Grand Floridian is just that, grand! It's gorgeous and every little detail is thought out. 
2. Convenience. With the resort being one Monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom this is prime real estate! Epcot is also an easy Monorail ride away for those diverse dining options.
3. Family friendly. While this is a deluxe resort it is also very kid-friendly. From amazing pools, a splash pad, and live entertainment children won't be bored. 
4. Dining options. The Grand Floridian has it all -- quick service, character meal options and even a high-end luxury restaurant like Victoria and Alberts. 
5. Spacious and well appointed resort rooms. I found that these rooms are some of the biggest on Disney World property. You can comfortably sleep 5 in a standard room. If you are looking for an added touch of luxury, then I highly recommend booking Club Level. You won't be disappointed!
6. Service. The Cast Members work hard to make everything magical! They were quick to respond to our every need and went above and beyond many times during our stay.

Be sure to check out my resort room tour below! ​

​

1. Maximize the time for your tickets- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween is actually a "Hard Ticket" event, this means it requires a separate admission from a regular theme park ticket. While the party does not start until 7pm, your ticket gets you into the Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00pm. So take full advantage of the time!
2. Check out the second parade to minimize crowds- The party will feature the "Boo to You" parade both before and after the special firework show HalloWishes. The second parade is usually much less crowded, meaning you can see all the ghostly floats and fiendishly fun characters a little closer.
3. Look for the large white globes- When walking around keep an eye out for large white globes glowing in the distance. These are candy stops! Head on over and grab some treats for the family. And check out the special Alive in Wonderland trail by Space Mountain, its usually less crowded and will have several stops!
4. ​Enjoy the special villains show and experiences- I LOVE villains from Disney and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween is the perfect place to find them. Check out the map for special character meets and keep an eye out for some characters walking around. Also be sure to enjoy the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular in front of Cinderella's Castle-- check your show time guide!
5. Be Sure to Check the Costume Guidelines- While Disney encourages you to dress up for this fun experience there are some ground rules. No toy weapons and kids can only wear partial masks-- nothing covering the entire face. Adults should leave masks at home and make sure not to dress up too much like a Disney character. Also keep large costumes that may cover your entire body at home, or be prepared for a longer security search.

Bonus Tip: Before the parade begins keep your ears on alert for the sounds of a galloping horse. 

​Nestled in the Andean highlands of Peru rests a place mentioned often in mythical terms —the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As the Spanish colonized this region stories of mysticism and treasure gave way to the sheer beauty of the land. Today, this region blends its ancient Incan roots, Spanish colonial heritage, and modern life into a beautiful tapestry of history and culture.

The Journey to the Scared Valley
 
I recently had the opportunity to visit Peru and the Sacred Valley as part of a 9-day guided adventure. Throughout the journey I saw amazing wonders, but more importantly connected with the Andean people.
 
Most adventures to the Sacred Valley require an initial stop in Lima, the capital of modern day Peru. This vibrant city is situated on the central coast overlooking the pacific and is a wonderful stopover coming to or from the Sacred Valley. In the historic district of Lima you will find breathtaking colonial architecture such as the centuries old churches and monasteries.
 
From Lima you will head southeast to Cusco in the heart of the Sacred Valley. As your plane approaches you have your first opportunity to take in the pure beauty of the region—high mountain peaks, deep valleys, flowing rivers, and an interconnectedness between the people and the land. As you get off the plane another item clearly jumps out that will impact your entire stay in the region—situated at over 11,000 feet above sea the air is clean, but very thin.
 
The city once stood as the epicenter of the Incan Empire and an important city in the Spanish colonial era. From the ancestors of nobility that remain to the street merchant, you get a sense that each person understands the historic importance of this town and is personally connected to centuries of heritage in a way we rarely feel back home. While the modern world has crept in, locals continue to wrap themselves in the comforts of their old ways.

​Historical Sites
 
The highlight of any visit to the Scared Valley is the ancient Incan architecture and sites that dot the landscape. None is more popular than Machu Pichu, an Incan citadel surrounded on three sides by the Urabamba River nearly 2,000 feet below.
 
To reach Machu Pichu your journey will begin from the town of Poroy, a short cab ride from Cusco, to Aguas Calientes on a scenic train ride through the Andean countryside. This three-and-a-half-hour train ride is a great opportunity to view the natural beauty of the region and many trains offer guides and unique experiences to expose you to local culture and history during the trip.
 
Once you arrive at the small town of Aguas Calientes the local culture seems to come to life. You can take the opportunity to experience local food and purchase handmade wares and art from those living in the area. When you’re ready to head up to Machu Pichu you can choose to hike up the mountain, about an hour-and-a-half strenuous hike, or grab one of the tour buses heading to the site for a short ride.
 
As you come around the bend and first see Machu Pichu you’re immediately transported to the time of the Incas. At first it is even hard to grasp how modern engineers, let alone those from centuries ago, could construct such a beautiful palace on such a lonely peak. The pictures you see in brochures do not do the vastness of the complex any justice.
 
Once inside you will have the opportunity to explore many parts of this “New Wonder of the World.” Each part of Machu Pichu blends into the mountain surroundings with walls, walkways, and terraces seeming to flow from the terrain itself. Views of the surrounding countryside are absolutely breathtaking and unlike any sites you will find elsewhere in the world—of course I could also have been out of breath from the high altitude!
 
While Machu Pichu may be the archeological highlight of the journey, many other sites help to tell the amazing story of the Incas. To the north of Cusco near the small town of Maras you will find the ancient Moray. The use of this large terrace structure still remains a mystery to modern historians, though it certainly is an amazing engineering achievement. The terraces descend nearly 500 feet down and were constructed in such a manner that there can be a nearly 30-degree difference in temperature from the top to the base of the Moray.
 
Nearby you will find the Salt Pans of Maras, a site where local inhabitants have been mining salt for more than 500 years. The site is fed by a natural stream and as the water evaporates salt is left behind. Locals still collect the salt by hand, bag it, and sell it in the local markets just as their ancestors have for centuries. As you tour the locals will even invite you to dip your finger in the stream to taste the salt as it runs down the mountain.
 
The Sacred Valley is also home to the archeological site of Ollantaytambo. The town and royal palace were built by the powerful Incan Emperor Pachacuti. The area is one of the longest consistently inhabited locations in all of the Western Hemisphere and at one time served as the center of the Incan resistance to Spanish Conquistadors. The ruins of the area include beautiful temples, fountains, and defensive structures.
Local weaving demonstration

​Adventure and Culture
 
While the draw for many to Peru are the amazing historical sites and natural beauty of the Sacred Valley, there is plenty for the more adventurous travelers. For those looking to get out and explore on their own, the Inca Trail Trek offers a four-day guided or self-guided journey through the entire region. This adventure begins at Ollantaytambo and concludes at Machu Pichu, totaling a 26-mile adventure through jungles, mountains, and ruins. Due to the altitude though this trek is not for the inexperienced hiker.
 
The Urubamba River also offers an opportunity for some adventure for those looking to add a little thrill to their Sacred Valley experience. The river features Class I- III rapids and local guides do an excellent job of mixing the stories of ancient culture and life into your rafting experience. I personally found this experience perfectly blended adventurous fun with a unique perspective as drifted down the river hearing stories of an ancient time.
 
Many opportunities also exist for you to get up close to the daily lives of the proud people of the region. The Awana Kancha Camelids Center offers you the opportunity to see how locals produce fine wool from llamas. The Center focuses on preserving the ancient methods of textile production in the region and preserving the Andean culture for the next generation of locals. 

​Amazing Experiences, Lifetime of Memories
 
To me traveling is about the connection to those we travel with, the places we see, and the new cultures we experience. A trip to the Sacred Valley of Peru covers all of these areas in spades and will certainly be a ‘bucket list’ experience for any world traveler. I highly recommend using a guided tour for the region due to potential language barriers (few locals speak English) and the tremendous value of having someone who understands the culture guide you through this truly unique region. 

I will be honest.  I have always been partial to Walt Disney World.  I have always lived in parts of the country that were more geared to Disney World and therefore never really understood the magic and significance of the Disneyland Resort.  That all changed this past year when my family and I moved to Colorado and visited Disneyland for the first time.

​People always compare the two resorts and though I did at first, I have come to realize you really can’t compare them.  Both have such amazing and magical aspects that are unique to each of them.  Below I have highlighted some of my favorite things about Disneyland.  These are the unique experiences that make Disneyland such a magical place to visit and made me fall in love in with parks, just as I did Walt Disney World.

1) The history.

Everywhere you turn or look at Disneyland you can see Walt’s vision.  Walking under the arches for the first time and seeing the lamp lit in Walt’s apartment window was very emotional.  In case you have not heard the story of the lamp let me fill you in on it.  You see, Walt would light that lamp as a sign to his cast members that he was there in the park that day.  The lamp stays lit permanently now as a symbol that Walt is always there in spirit.  I also loved seeing the bench where Walt first came up with the idea of Disneyland.  I read a lot about Walt and his vision for Disneyland before I went and knowing some of that history made the trip more magical for me.  It added some extra depth to our experiences. 

2)  The roaming characters.
 While it seems the character schedules are becoming a little more scheduled and predictable (or at least the schedule is becoming more accessible) there is still a feeling of spontaneity to character meets.  We saw several characters roaming the parks while we were there, and several times a character would appear and we were able to get an autograph with little to no wait.  The characters just feel more integrated into the park.  I loved it!
3) Cars Land.

This is by far the most amazing land in all of the Disney parks (in terms of theme) in my opinion.  It really feels like you just stepped into Radiator Springs and are part of the movie.  The detail of this land is unbelievable!  I mean, you actually see Lightening McQueen, Mater, and Red driving down the streets!  There are some great hidden gems as well.  For example, look for the orange cones in the gift shop and you will see a great little nod to another beloved Disney favorite!

4) The laid back feeling.

Disneyland is truly California.  It is so laid back in terms of planning.  Dining reservations can not be made until 60 days out and often times can be made the day of the reservation.  Fastpasses are still paper and you can walk everywhere, no busses required!  Another perk, that can make the vacation more affordable for families, is the option of Good Neighbor hotels.  Disneyland truly has a vacation option for all budgets!  The agents at Whitney World Travel would be thrilled to help your family find a vacation option in your budget!

5) Nighttime entertainment.

Disneyland has some wonderful nighttime entertainment right now!  Paint the Night (I know it technically is not part of the entertainment right now, but fingers crossed it comes back!!) is my favorite parade!  World of Color is amazing as well.  The creativity and technology that is in these shows is just mind boggling to me!  Fantasmic! was under refurbishment when we went, but I can not wait to see it the next time we go!  

There you have it! My top five favorite experiences that make Disneyland unique and wonderful!  If you have not had the privilege of visiting Disneyland I hope you will consider doing so one day.  It is easy to believe it is not as grand or magical as Walt Disney World, but when you take the time to notice the things that make Disneyland uniquely Disneyland, you begin to appreciate what a special place it really is and fall in love with it as well!  ​

Check out this short video on Adventures by Disney-- one of the top family travel products on the market. If you want to learn more about these trips and specific itineraries click below!

​Family Destinations

Karisma ​has several amazing properties designed with the family in mind. My personal favorite is Generations Rivera Maya. This premier resort features all-suite, all-bulter, all-gourmet inclusive experiences that will really take your vacation to the next level. With its beachfront Gourmet Tower featuring four Gourmet Inclusive restaurants with 180-degree views of the Caribbean Sea, dining at Generations Riviera Maya is an adventure unto itself. The Eko Kids Club offers supervised activities, so parents can run off and play all by themselves.

I also love the room options at this resort. My personal favorite are the oceanfront rooms with infinity jacuzzi balcony's. They are absolutely stunning! There are also oceanfront swim up rooms options as well.

Now I know what you're thinking-- I want to escape some with adult fun and not just kids stuff. Well guests age 18 and over have privileges at the two neighboring Karisma resorts as well. So there is plenty to do for everyone!

While Generations is my top recommendation, it does not stop there! Karisma also has the Nickelodeon Resort in Punta Cana opening in May 2016. This resort is specifically designed with the Nick fan in mind and will feature amazing accommodations. The Azul Hotels also offer four distinct beachfront luxury resorts that are perfect for families as well.

Find Romance

Want to leave the kids at home? Or maybe looking for a destination wedding or honeymoon location? Karisma Resorts has you covered! With four brands 

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma is a collection of classically elegant, unmistakably Mexican, adults-only resorts on some of the best beaches in Riviera Maya. These AAA Four Diamond resort boasts a level of service, style and personal attention that has become all too rare in the modern world. You’ll be welcomed with a champagne toast. And feel instantly at home, enveloped in a sense of calm, casual luxury.

My personal favorite is the El Dorado Royale. This adult-only option strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and active vacation options. Want to take a dance class? Sure! Maybe a fitness session? Of course! Lay out by the beach with a drink in your hand? Absolutely! You’ll find world-class restaurants, renowned chefs, personal concierges and bars that pour from the top shelf. You will also get access to the neighboring El Dorado Casitas Royale.

And coming soon to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world-- an over the water luxury experience at El Dorado Maroma.

Now if you're looking for that Karisma experience but want to travel somewhere different we may have just the option. Through its Sensimar properties you can actually take in the Karisma experience along the Adriatic Sea. Same amazing service, but a unique and breathtaking location.
​
The Perfect Experience

No matter what you are looking for the Karisma family of properties is sure to offer the perfect vacation for you. Let our team of travel advisors help you find the right resort today!

About the Author

Jennifer Whitney, Travel Expert
Jenn has a passion for travel. She loves helping families create amazing memories while exploring the world.  From fun family road trips through the mountains of California, to climbing Machu Pichu, conquering Disney Parks, and even sailing the seas, she has either been there or helped a family get there! Jenn is an Accredited Cruise Counselor, Hawaii Destination Specialist, Certified Sandals Specialist and graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Texas and lives in The Woodlands, Texas.

This article originally appeared on WhitneyWorldTravel.com

Information used in this article was gained during a trip paid for by Karisma and its affiliates. No expectation of a positive review was part of the transaction.

Are you looking for a vacation that helps your family see some of the most memorable destinations in the world? Are you a fan of the 'magical touch' of a Disney vacation, but want something different than the parks? Well, Adventures for Disney may be just the perfect option for your family.

An Adventures by Disney® vacation you is an opportunity to dig down into the authentic culture and character of nearly any location you can imagine.  During these immersive experiences, you will get to see first hand what makes our world such a beautiful place and actually learn while connecting with your family.. ​

​I once had the opportunity to take an Adventures by Disney experience to Peru and it is one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Check out our top five reasons to experience an Adventures by Disney vacation!
Immersive Experience

Let's face it-- you'd love to take in a private tour of the Vatican at night, tour Machu Pichu with a local, or walk the Great Wall of China. But what about learning to make wine as a Tuscan Villa or having lunch with a Countess in Peru who tells you about her families centuries old history? These are the experiences you get with Adventures by Disney. The goal of these trips is to not just show you some of the world's most memorable locations but to truly immerse you in the local culture.

​World Class Service

From the moment you step off the plane in your destination you are set to experience world class service. Two Adventure Guides, one local and one from North America, will guide you every step of the way. They will help get you to your planned activities and also help you during your free time. They will help snap family photos, be prepared with snacks and drinks, and make sure every member of your family is taken care of. By the end these guides become family.

But it does not stop there. At each location specialized local guides who are experts will join your for guided tours. And my favorite service of all-- your luggage will be handled the entire trip for you! No lugging it on to buses or trains.

​Hassle Free Planning

Let's be honest, one of the most stressful parts of planning any 'bucket list' vacation is trying to plane out all of the details. Our team is here to help you do that, but we certainly do not have the access or resources of Disney! When you take an Adventures by Disney trip you know that nearly every aspect of your trip is planned to make the most of every destination. You can trust completely in the product and know that at the end you will have had the vacation of a lifetime.

​Five Reasons to Take an Adventures by Disney Vacation2/15/2016
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Are you looking for a vacation that helps your family see some of the most memorable destinations in the world? Are you a fan of the 'magical touch' of a Disney vacation, but want something different than the parks? Well, Adventures for Disney may be just the perfect option for your family.

An Adventures by Disney® vacation you is an opportunity to dig down into the authentic culture and character of nearly any location you can imagine.  During these immersive experiences, you will get to see first hand what makes our world such a beautiful place and actually learn while connecting with your family.. 

I once had the opportunity to take an Adventures by Disney experience to Peru and it is one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Check out our top five reasons to experience an Adventures by Disney vacation!
Immersive Experience

Let's face it-- you'd love to take in a private tour of the Vatican at night, tour Machu Pichu with a local, or walk the Great Wall of China. But what about learning to make wine as a Tuscan Villa or having lunch with a Countess in Peru who tells you about her families centuries old history? These are the experiences you get with Adventures by Disney. The goal of these trips is to not just show you some of the world's most memorable locations but to truly immerse you in the local culture.

​World Class Service

From the moment you step off the plane in your destination you are set to experience world class service. Two Adventure Guides, one local and one from North America, will guide you every step of the way. They will help get you to your planned activities and also help you during your free time. They will help snap family photos, be prepared with snacks and drinks, and make sure every member of your family is taken care of. By the end these guides become family.

But it does not stop there. At each location specialized local guides who are experts will join your for guided tours. And my favorite service of all-- your luggage will be handled the entire trip for you! No lugging it on to buses or trains.

​Hassle Free Planning

Let's be honest, one of the most stressful parts of planning any 'bucket list' vacation is trying to plane out all of the details. Our team is here to help you do that, but we certainly do not have the access or resources of Disney! When you take an Adventures by Disney trip you know that nearly every aspect of your trip is planned to make the most of every destination. You can trust completely in the product and know that at the end you will have had the vacation of a lifetime.
Focus on Family

There are many great guided adventure options, but none of them comes close to Adventures by Disney with the focus on family experiences. These trips are specifically designed to make sure you have tailored experience for the whole family. They also mix in adult only and kid specific experiences so everyone gets the most of the trip.

The Junior Adventurer program also offers additional kid specific experiences you will not get anywhere else. Could you imagine doing a gladiator experience actually inside the Roman Colesseum? Well, if you're a Junior Adventurer on the Italy experience you will do just that!

The Disney Touch

There are few companies in the world that can come close to the magic and attention to detail of Disney. Adventures by Disney bottles up this commitment to amazing experiences and takes it all around the world. Many of the Adventure Guides on these trips are actually the elite Cast Members from Disney World and Disneyland, so they get family vacations and how to help make the most of them.

The Disney name also gives amazing access no one else can receive. During my Peru trip we had lunch inside Casa Aliaga-- a colonial mansion. At lunch we were joined by the Countess whose family had occupied the home for nearly four centuries. She told us all about her family history and the unique local culture. Who else but Disney could get this type of access!?

Want to learn more?

​I highly recommend Adventures by Disney to anyone whose looking for a truly unique family vacation. Contact us today if you'd like to learn more!

About the Author

Jennifer Whitney, Travel Expert
Jenn has a passion for travel. She loves helping families create amazing memories while exploring the world.  From fun family road trips through the mountains of California, to climbing Machu Pichu, conquering Disney Parks, and even sailing the seas, she has either been there or helped a family get there! Jenn is an Accredited Cruise Counselor, Hawaii Destination Specialist, Certified Sandals Specialist and graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Texas and lives in The Woodlands, Texas.

This article originally appeared on WhitneyWorldTravel.com