Wishes & Dreams Travel Blog | Vacation Advice and Tips

Aulani, Disney’s Hawaiian Resort on Oahu

Aulani, Disney’s Hawaiian Resort on Oahu

Aloha! Did you know that Disney has an amazing resort on the Hawaiian island of Oahu? This resort gives you the best of both worlds--you can have your Disney fix while enjoying the beautiful beaches and waters of Hawaii! There is so much to share about this resort that I will have to write several articles about all of the things to enjoy while you're here. Here are just a few highlights for you. Aulani is located on the southwestern portion of Oahu, in Ko Olina. This resort is about 30 minutes from the Honolulu airport, and about 45 minutes [...]

By Amy Kirby|2018-01-15T12:25:42-05:00January 11th, 2018|Disney Vacations, family vacations, Hawaiian vacations|

Making the Most of Your Disney Dining Plan

Making the Most of Your Disney Dining Plan

One of the aspects of your Disney World vacation that is often confusing is the dining plan. What is the dining plan, which one should I choose, and how do I use it the most effectively?? I will explain to you the aspects of the two dining plans I recommend most to families traveling to Walt Disney World, the quick service dining plan and the Disney dining plan (also called the plus dining plan). The quick service dining plan gives each family member (over the age of 2) two quick meals and two snacks each day. The Disney dining plan [...]

By Amy Kirby|2020-03-25T11:11:18-05:00January 11th, 2018|Disney Vacations, family vacations, Walt Disney World|

Good Things are Happening at Sandals and Beaches Resorts!

Good Things are Happening at Sandals and Beaches Resorts!

There are some new things happening at a few of the Sandals and Beaches resorts, and it's all good news! As you probably remember, the Caribbean got hit with several hurricanes this past fall. Hurricane Irma caused some damage to the Turks & Caicos and the Beaches resort there. Luckily there was no major structural damage to the resort, but those in charge decided to close the resort to all guests and spruce things up. In addition to fixing the damage that was done, Beaches resorts decided to make some changes, to make this family resort better than ever! [...]

By Amy Kirby|2026-02-12T17:58:30-05:00December 19th, 2017|All-inclusive Vacations, Beaches Resort, Sandals, Uncategorized|

Dreams Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort

Dreams Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort

Shhhh!! Don't tell Mickey, but I went on vacation, and not to Disney World! I need to see the beach at least once a year, so my family went to the all-inclusive resort Dreams in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. It was such a beautiful resort, and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! The resort was wonderful, the food and drinks were fabulous, and the staff was truly entertaining. If you've never vacationed at an all-inclusive resort, then you've got to try it!! It's probably my favorite type of vacation, simply because almost everything is paid for before you ever [...]

By Amy Kirby|2019-10-22T15:21:27-05:00May 20th, 2017|All-inclusive Vacations, Dreams|

Disneyland for the Walt Disney World Girl

Disneyland for the Walt Disney World Girl

We have always been a Disney World family. Living in Georgia, we can drive to Disney World in just about 7 hours. We try to visit Mickey at least once a year. A few years ago, in the summer of 2012, we decided to visit Disneyland. Our family was so excited, but we received quite a bit of "advice" from friends. We were told more than once that we would be disappointed with Disneyland. Disappointed by a visit to see Walt's original dream?? I knew it couldn't happen. But I was a tiny bit worried after hearing that from more [...]

By Amy Kirby|2019-10-22T15:19:33-05:00May 11th, 2017|Disney Vacations, Disneyland, family vacations, Walt Disney World|

Family Options for Your “Day Off” at Walt Disney World

Family Options for Your “Day Off” at Walt Disney World

When you think of Disney, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? For most people it’s Mickey Mouse, castles, princesses and roller coasters. When you go to Walt Disney World, you go for the theme parks. The rides, the characters and the dining are what Disney is all about. But what about on those days when you don’t want to go to the theme parks? What can you do then?? During any Walt Disney World vacation, I always recommend that my clients spend at least one day away from the theme parks, to discover all of the other [...]

By Amy Kirby|2019-10-22T15:17:03-05:00May 1st, 2017|Walt Disney World|

Character Dining at Walt Disney World

Character Dining at Walt Disney World

Dining is a very important part of your experience at Disney World. One of the best ways to enjoy your dining is to reserve a character meal, either in the parks or in the resorts of Disney. This is a great way to let your family get a chance to meet their favorite characters without having to wait in line with their autograph book. As you leisurely eat your meal, the characters will come around to your table to meet you personally! How much fun is that!! They will sign your autograph books and pose for a picture before moving [...]

By Amy Kirby|2019-10-22T15:15:01-05:00March 21st, 2017|Disney Vacations, family vacations, Walt Disney World|

What Exactly is an All-Inclusive Vacation??

What Exactly is an All-Inclusive Vacation??

The all-inclusive vacation is probably my favorite type of vacation. And I love doing most (if not all) of my planning before the trip even begins, so I can just relax and enjoy the resort when I arrive. I don't want to have to worry about budgeting for things like food, drinks, or fun during the day. If you love the beach, you'll get to experience some of the best beaches in the world at an all-inclusive resort. With an all-inclusive vacation, your room, food and drinks are all included in your package price. The food and drinks are unlimited, [...]

By Amy Kirby|2026-02-12T18:01:08-05:00March 10th, 2017|All-inclusive Vacations, Dreams, Sandals|

What’s So Special About a Disney Vacation Specialist?

What’s So Special About a Disney Vacation Specialist?

I am sometimes asked the question “Why should I use a Disney vacation Specialist to plan my trip?? Can’t I just plan the trip myself?” For some people, the answer is yes, you can plan it yourself. There are some people that find joy in dealing with all of the details and decisions of taking a vacation. For most people though, it can make your vision go blurry to look at the internet or brochures for the hours needed to really understand everything about Disney World, Disneyland or the Disney Cruise Line. It can be very overwhelming trying to decide [...]

By Amy Kirby|2019-10-22T15:13:00-05:00March 2nd, 2017|Disney Vacations, Walt Disney World|

When is the “Best” Time to go to Walt Disney World?

When is the “Best” Time to go to Walt Disney World?

I often get that question from my clients. When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?? As a Disney Vacation Specialist, they expect me to have that answer for them right away. But the answer to that is not that easy. It really does depend on the family. Are they looking for the least expensive time to go? The least crowded? The best discount offers? The best time when school is out?? There are answers to that question though. If you have small children that aren't in school yet, or if you're traveling to Walt Disney World [...]

By Amy Kirby|2019-10-22T15:12:01-05:00February 5th, 2017|Disney Vacations, Walt Disney World|

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