Preparing for your first Disney Cruise can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't have a good travel planner to guide you through it all. Whether you have taken advantage of my free travel planning services or not, I hope you'll find this helpful as you anticipate your magical Disney Cruise vacation! As always, please feel free to reach out to me... I'd love to help! 

Ships
Disney Cruise Line has 4 ships in their fleet: the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder. You will find specific information for each ship throughout this article.

​Definitions
Port: The left side of the ship (an easy way to remember: port and left both have 4 letters)
Starboard: The right side of the ship
Aft: The back of the ship
Forward: The front of the ship
Embarkation: The process of loading/boarding ship
Debarkation: The process of unloading the ship
Cay: pronounced KEY
Muster: The lifeboat safety drill
FE: (Fish Extender): A pre-arranged swap of goods between DisBoard members
DCL: Disney Cruise Line
Daily Navigator: a daily itinerary of all activities found in your DCL Navigator app and at guest services.

If you have never taken a vacation at an all-inclusive resort, you are truly missing out on the most relaxing vacation experience. And we all desperately need more of that in our lives... well, maybe that's just me. 

Often, vacation means at least one person in the family is still doing a good bit of work to take care of meals and tickets and outings (and in my experience, that person is usually called MOM). While that makes for a fun trip, it's not exactly a vacation. A true vacation means everyone gets a break from the responsibilities and stresses of everyday life. 

The one thing I love most about all-inclusive resorts is the absolute lack of thought and planning that needs to happen on a daily basis while you are there. You want to totally check out or escape from real life? Get yourself to an all inclusive resort! 

While not all resorts are created equal, the common thread is that most everyday needs and wants are taken care of for you and included in your vacation. No stress or budgeting required! Across the board, here is what you can expect to be included at an all-inclusive resort:

• accommodations
• meals and snacks
• beverages, including alcohol for adults
• pool and beach access
• entertainment
• resort activities
• basic wedding ceremony
• kids club (yep... that means free babysitting, mom and dad!)

Some resorts also offer resort credit for you to use for spa services, golf, excursions, and more. There is usually a service fee for using this credit. 

There are a lot of really wonderful all-inclusive options out there, but I really LOVE Sandals and Beaches resorts because of all the extras that are also included plus the level of care and service you'll experience at their resorts. Here is what is also included at Sandals and Beaches resorts:

• transportation to/from the resort and airport
• motorized water sports and instruction
• scuba diving
• golf (where available)
• fitness center
• spa access including sauna and steam rooms, plunge pools, and rain showers (spa services are extra)
• culinary concierge services - this is especially helpful for those with special dietary needs

Now THAT's all-inclusive! Since every resort has its own personality and culture, I'd love to help you select the perfect fit for your vacation. Please reach out to me and we can start planning your escape today! As always, my concierge travel planning services are always no cost to my travel clients. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Nope, not with Jolly Old St. Nick (thought I adore the Holiday Season!). I'm talking about music to every foodie DisNerd's heart - the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Held each fall and included with the price of your park admission, the Food and Wine Festival has quickly become one of the most popular times to visit. This cooking demos, a special concert series, and more than 30 kiosks set up throughout the park, you could spend days just enjoying the festival alone. 

Thankfully, in true awesome Disney style, they have made navigating the festival with special dietary needs much easier. Here are my best tips: