Smart Moms Travel with Jennifer Nash

23/12/2023

Not happening.

What’s getting left off of your to do list as we enter the home stretch????

06/12/2023

Hey hey hey!

Anyone wanna talk DISNEY?

I'll be in my office most of the day today working on my December clients itineraries, so if you need to talk Disney, I'll be available!

Lately life has been super busy and I rarely get hours in my office blocked off with no toddler running around, so this is your rare time to snag me!!!

I've got a few client calls lined up, but if you have a last minute trip you're trying to secure, I'd love to help walk you through the details.

Drop your info if you'd like to connect!

03/12/2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!!

Are the holidays stressing you out already?

Why don’t you just drop everything and go to Disney? 😆🏰

23/11/2023

Have you done the Fantasia mini golf experience over near the Swan Reserve??

Let me hear about your experience!!

It was a fun way to spend a couple of hours, but beware if you have a competitive bunch…someone’s likely to be leaving a tad disgruntled!!

Those uphill courses are enough to really irritate you!!

23/11/2023

Steakhouse 71 Review

Piggybacking on the idea that you can't find a great meal at Disney.....let's talk about one of my fave spots on property, Steakhouse 71!

Dining in the parks I don't think you'll find too many places that you'll really leave satisfied saying-that was an awesome meal. It's more about filling your belly in between attractions....so if you're only dining in the parks, just set your bar at an appropriate level! There are some exceptions......eh hm, Yak and Yeti of course!

But if you're willing to take a break and walk over to the Contemporary, I think you'll find this steakhouse to be a great spot to grab some leveled up home cooked meals! You'll need to plan your day accordingly because lunch is only served until 2 and they give themselves a 3 hour transition time to switch over to dinner, so you need to book your lunch times appropriately.

This is one of those spots that I encourage you to NOT order a handful of kids' meals and encourage your kids to graze on the dishes that you order for the table....they'll likely be able to find something they can enjoy!

Here's what we ordered for the table for everyone to enjoy:

-the onion rings, world famous lol
-the French Onion soup (rivals that of the Be Our Guest serving....excellent)
-the pork belly grilled cheese sandwich
-the Salisbury steak dish with mashed potatoes
-the chimichurri steak with parmesan waffle fries

What was a hit with the kids? The Salisbury steak, onion rings, and grilled cheese!
What fell flat? The soup and the steak.

The kids nibbled on everything with pretty good success, but my son is a tad more picky than the rest and we ended up ordering a cheeseburger from the kids' menu to give him an additional option.

Everything was on point and has a feeling of great comfort food that you can't quite replicate at home...the only thing to me that was slightly lacking was the steak chimichurri. For a proclaimed steakhouse I felt the meat wasn't a great quality cut and was overcooked...it all was eaten, but I've definitely had a better steak.

However-I was there for the french onion soup and the pork belly grilled cheese, and both of those were solid lunch choices, well worth breaking up your Magic Kingdom day to pop over for a long lunch. If your kids are moving past the point of sitting down for character meals, I think you'll enjoy the break and the more refined feel of this modern restaurant.

Go check it out and tell me about your experience!

21/11/2023

I didn’t take a ton of pictures yesterday…

It was busy and crowded but we still accomplished a whole lot…

Keep in mind when you’re traveling during a holiday week to set your bar of expectations a little lower, keep an eye on the app for wait times and head to your coveted attraction when the time finally dips.

Hagrids is THE big ticket ride at islands of adventure and had a 2 hour wait all morning so we chose to skip it…around 3 we were about to head out of the park but the wait dipped to 80 minutes so we changed course and got in line.

It truly did take the full time-we had snacks and water to wait it out….but it’s a great coaster that our kids loved. And doing rider swap the kids got to ride it twice so that’s a big plus!

19/11/2023

I know, I know…you come to Disney for the parks….but hear me out…the resorts are where it’s at!!

We’ve got a 2 night “layover” at Disney before we head over to Universal Studios and I’m just as excited about our time here!

The deluxe resorts are a little tricky though if you aren’t used to staying at them. At the value resorts everything is in the lobby. There’s always an easy food court for hot food, groceries, snacks and a gift shop.

But at the deluxe resorts everything is a tad more spread out. So use your app to make sure you’re not missing anything! There’s onsite restaurants for dining, but just grabbing quick bite can be a little more challenging.

Our solution is we plan ahead and have options available in our room for breakfast and simple snacks.

Or you can always book your trip with an agent and I’ll make sure you’re prepared!!! 😎

18/11/2023

Coming to Disney World I often hear people complain that "the food just isn't that great...." and I have to wholeheartedly disagree. I think oftentimes those guests just aren't eating at the right places. Enter the Boardwalk.

The Boardwalk area of Disney is often an afterthought to many first time Disney guests because they assume that the monorail loop is the place to be....but the Yacht Club, Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts put you at the center of the best dining on all of Disney property. These resorts boast restaurants like Trattoria al Forno, Flying Fish and the Yachtsman Steakhouse....all solid choices.

BUT-the real reason this post is to highlight the little tucked away corner that holds the Swan and Dolphin. Still considered Disney property, these resorts are Good Neighbor hotels but still have restaurants that you can reserve on your 60 day ADR date.

Il Mulino's is the focus here, but you'll find such spots as Todd English's Bluezoo and Kimonos. We left Boardwalk Inn lobby and walked over to the Swan resort in about 8 minutes....not a bad walk on a nice November night. We got there about an hour before our reservation time in the hopes that they would seat us early-no hesitation. We got a great wrap around booth that works well for our family of five with small kids.

The wait staff was highly attentive and multiple staff attended to our needs during our visit-I'm not even sure who our actual server was because everyone visited the table so often! An antipasto plate is brought to the table upon seating with salami and eggplant pomodoro...a great little starter for our meal that would have paired great with a glass of merlot, but I completely overlooked the wine list this visit! The eggplant is marinated in a light sauce, has a great texture-even my ten year old enjoyed it.

Next, a bread basket was brought to the table with 2 types of Italian bread-baked to perfection of course. There's a classic Italian loaf, warm center and crispy crust.....olive oil is on the table for dipping, but we enjoyed it as is. There's also a bread baked with tomatoes, light cheese, and a olive oil sauce that was a huge hit with the kids (they brought us a second basket that was fully devoured!).

We knew we'd be grazing family style so we chose 2 appetizers and 2 meals for our family of five. We started with the calamari and the aracini di carne (rice balls). The calamari was perfect, crispy and served with a marina dipping sauce. The rice balls tasted great....but my one complaint is they didn't have that homemade feel I was expecting. They're served over a homemade sauce and have a hint of spicy italian sausage. They were a bit processed-feeling, like something from Sysco foods. I've had true Italian rice balls and these just didn't give me that feel.....again, still tasted great, just not exactly what I expected.

We ordered a four cheese pizza for the kids; it normally comes with slices of artichokes and spinach, which we would have loved, but our kids aren't exactly adventurous diners. It is obviously hand tossed and oven fired, likened to the pizza over at Via Napoli.

We had the saltimbocca with broccoli rabe. I normally refuse to order veal, simply on principal, however....I caved for this dish as it's reputation had me so tempted. Phenomenal. Cooked to perfection, lightly fried, not overly breaded, robust flavor and served on a bed of seasoned spinach. The broccoli rabe was an ample serving, but I have a strong aversion to garlic (due to my vampire status according to my son) and I traded my serving of the dish for my husbands spinach. We were all content.

We finished our dinner with 2 pixie dusted desserts for my November kiddos birthdays....I'm not a huge chocolate addict, I'd much rather have a creme brulee lately, but this flourless cake was delicious. I don't know how a cake can be dense AND light, but they figured it out here. And it's served with a side of fresh cream that softens it just a touch.....delectable.

We all left with full bellies and with leftover pizza and cake, perfect for a snack later back at the hotel.

Il Mulino's-a must do stop for any Italian loving family! We enjoyed it and my kids even asked "can we come back here tomorrow???"

18/11/2023

Boardwalk Inn….refreshed, revitalized, and so far isn’t disappointing anyone.

I’ve been shying away from booking my clients here ONLY because the rooms have needed a little TLC. But the Boardwalk is back and better than ever.

I’ll be encouraging YOU to choose this area of Disney for your next vacation!!

Want to get a quote started? See the comments to connect.

14/11/2023

Magic kingdom photo dump!

This is the iconic Disney park, the one with the castle, and all the nostalgia and whimsy.

But you were also getting some fun and thrilling enhancements, as of late with Tron!

You’ll have to access the subtraction through either a virtual queue or by purchasing the individual lightning Lane. This process is a little daunting to some, but here’s how it goes! First, you have to have a park pass, and a park ticket for the Magic Kingdom for now… That process is going away January 9!

At 6:55, open up the app and pre-select your potential Borden group with all the members of your party that can meet the height requirement to ride. Be ready at 7 AM on the dot and join the virtual queue, the spots go immediately within a second or two so you have to be ready!

If you miss your shot at seven, set an alarm at 1 PM, try again for the second part of the day. This might actually be my favorite because you’ll likely be riding after dark and that experience is totally different! You can also decide to buy the individual lightning lane for the subtraction, someone say this might be even better, because you will not be waiting in line when you’re boarding group is called, you go right to the front of the line!

14/11/2023

Remember! This promotion drops today!!

Want more details? Drop a castle emoji in the comments and I’ll be in touch!

10/11/2023

Check out this Your Story designed by Jennifer L. Nash.

05/11/2023

💥 Have you seen this yet? ⁉️

Universal has dropped a pretty sweet promo starting this month!
Book a stay at one of their onsite resorts and receive 25% off your package....you have to stay 5 nights and have at least 3 park days.

BUT, you can add park days if you'd like....I'm currently quoting one of my clients and she's able to stay at one of the Premier resorts for hundreds off her original quote~

We love Disney and we also happen to LOVE Universal....if you've been following along you might have noticed we'll be hitting these parks in just a few short weeks for my kiddos tenth bday.

As a Smart Moms agent I can help you navigate this park as well, and when you book with me I make sure you get the best price, stay at the best spot for your family, and I'll send you my guide to all things Universal.

Interested in more details??? Drop me a message and we can connect!

04/11/2023

Why do you NEED 😁 to consider cruising on the Disney Treasure for it's voyages in 2025:

🚢 The Treasure will be docked in Canaveral, making it a super easy port city to navigate to

🛟 Different than the other newest ship in the Disney fleet, this boat will have SEVEN night sailings-HUGE win! (The Wish only has four night sailings and to me, that's a bummer)

⚓️ The Haunted Mansion themed bar on board.....yes please!

🚢 Moana themed show on board!!!!

🛟 Because it's sailing on longer itineraries, you'll be able to hit the Virgin Islands and Tortola!!! The Wish only goes to the Bahamas currently.

⚓️ That rotational dining line up is stellar y'all!!!!

Do you want to talk cruises?? Drop a cruise themed emoji below and let's connect!!! I'll send you a message~

03/11/2023

Ready to start booking a cruise for 2025? The TREASURE sets sail in December 2024 and will be ready for all your spring break cruising needs!

Drop your favorite Disney ship in the comments then come see me! 🚢⚓️

01/11/2023

Come over and find me on IG for 30 days of Disney hacks! 😎😎😎😎😎

30/10/2023

Come find me on IG to see our Halloween decorations!! ❤️🎃🙈

30/10/2023

Happy Hallow's Eve!

What's your costume this year?? I was an annoying Disney Parks Mom!!! It fits perfectly with my side hustle, planning Disney vacations.

I had my Smart moms pins (minus the 1 million dollar in bookings one because I couldn't find it 😂😂😂😂😂), my Minnie purse, my Mickey shirt, cute kicks, and ears.....and I've got a few tips for you when going to all those festive parties this year!

🤓 Take a big tote bag with wipes and back up shoes for your kids! Our kids were running around all night and needed comfy shoes to change into

🤓 The tote bag also comes in handy when you need a place to drop all the Halloween accessories that the kids keep taking off

🤓 Go to the party with the kids' drinks already made in their own personalize travel cups! This is one less thing you need to do when trying to maneuver around the food table

🤓 Take a flashlight for the walk back home!!

🤓 Don't forget to take some pictures at home BEFORE the party so you get your whole family dressed up.....my little one was a bumble bee but by the end of the night she was just a 4 year old in a black and yellow dress! lol

30/10/2023

Show me those fun Halloween pictures!!!!

28/10/2023

Come find me on IG!

25/10/2023

The Outer Banks bring people in for lots of reasons.....but not many people think about traveling to the beach during the fall! Most travelers like to hit the beach for the sun and sand, the waves and the long days lounging by the water. So in my opinion, this is the perfect time to go, when the crowds flocking to Nags Head are low.

Now, traveling to the coast will have its minor hiccups this time of year, ie, Duck Donuts won't be open on the weekends and some shops will have reduced hours, but the benefits far outweigh that! First, the weather is just perfect. You'll get the crisp Autumn feel in the morning and evening, and when the sun comes out during the day, it's just beautiful. Great for strolling along the waterfront in Duck or exploring the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo; things you might miss in the peak of the heat in July!

And the real reason we hit this area.....the Outer Banks Seafood Festival! Since 2012 Nags Head has been hosting their festival and it's grown and been perfected over the last 11+ years. It's a simple display of some of the area's best seafood offerings in a family friendly atmosphere. We love it because the kids can run and play while we all enjoy small plates and the local brews. A band livens up the event and some cute characters walk around to greet the kiddos....the sea otter was a fun addition this year! Who doesn't love an otter in a life jacket?

It's hosted on the sound side near Miller's waterfront restaurant so you get lovely views of the water while you're shopping and exploring...local vendors sell their fare and you can get in some education experiences learning from local fisherman and wildlife experts-a good way to get your education exemption days for the kids missing school!

Our tips are to get there early, indulge in all the food, and scoot out before the big crowds hit in the afternoon! Kids are free under 12 and adults typically cost about $20-you do get $10 in 'sea bucks' upon entering to use towards drinks or merch, so total entry cost for our family of five was only $20. Not bad for an outing!

Go explore and share your experiences with me! I'd love to hear about yours!

23/10/2023

Jennifer Nash

Disney Hack alert!!

I'm going to highlight this hack again because I just booked another client this way and, in my opinion, this is THE best way to score your park tickets if you're on a budget and the big cost of that purchase intimidates you.

You want to go to Disney and stay offsite, but for your family, it's gonna cost close to $3k for a multi-day ticket and having to spend all that money up front terrifies you. It's a LOT of money!
Book a ONE night stay at a value resort and attach your WHOLE stay of park tickets to it. Yes, over the long run, it will cost you the night of that park stay-but look at the benefits you get!
....................................................

👀 You can make PAYMENTS on this purchase over time and don't have to buy all the tickets at once.

👀 You can MODIFY or CANCEL your plans! (This isn't happening when you buy your tickets up front.....heads up)

👀 You can add memory maker to your stay, also refundable and reversible!

👀 You can get the DISCOUNTED magic bands.....this is a HUGE savings if you're a family of five. Magic bands can cost you around $50 versus $150...this almost pays for the resort stay cost!

👀 You get to hold the package with a $200 deposit!

👀 You can also use this same hack when renting DVC points by doing a split stay! Genius!

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Got questions? Drop 'em below.....seriously guys-the best way to handle your tickets only purchase!

23/10/2023

Jennifer Nash

Check out this Your Story designed by Jennifer L. Nash.

23/10/2023

It's coming......that dreadful time of year......you're finalizing your Christmas plans and it's all so overwhelming....

Why not do something different? Something a little less gift-centric??

Let Santa bring your kids a family vacation for the holidays!! It'll be a huge hit and your kids won't even think about the fact that there weren't dozens of presents under the tree!

🥰😁😄😃😀😘😍🤓

Reach out to me....I got ya covered!

Connect at JOCO Moms Plan Disney!

Check out this Your Story designed by Jennifer L. Nash.

22/10/2023

This picture showcases the sprawling “backyard” at our favorite spot Blue Moon Beach Grill…

Go find my review from last week to read more about this coastal favorite of ours. ❤️

22/10/2023

Finding the perfect property on the OBX for your trip.....

Keep in mind when you're traveling the NC coast, you have to know what you're looking for in a beach vacation, because this is going to dictate when you book and how much you're going to be 'shell'ing out for your stay. (please keep reading, I can't help myself....)

Want to spend a bulk of time doing the sea and sand? The fall is NOT for you! And TBH, the OBX might not be your primary spot for this either as a whole. The ocean feels a touch colder at the OBX than some of your other NC coastal areas, so you might not be too comfortable in those chilly waters. And in the peak of summer you'll pay quote a bit more for water view properties.

What are you going to get from your OBX in the fall? Fishing, lighthouse exploring, aquariums, and the reason that brings us-The Annual Seafood Festival. It's also just a great meeting spot for large groups that won't break anyone's budget. Since it's the off season, larger houses that can sleep 20+ people aren't going to cost you thousands of dollars like they will during the summer.

We love coming to Nags Head this time of the year, but we aren't doing your typical beach goer activities, so waterfront isn't necessarily a must for our group. So what do you need to to know when finding your particular rental?

First-stay near the action. Driving a few miles north or south of Nags Head is just going to take a little bit longer. It's a hike to get up to Corolla and Duck, so be prepared to drive a bit. There's plenty to stop and see along the way, but if you don't want to spend much time in your car, stay where you intend to explore.

How do you find your rental? There are about a dozen local rental companies along the OBX to choose from, but it can be difficult to figure out which property you want. So use an app like VRBO to find your desired rental, then read the fine print to see if you can contact the rental company directly to save a few hundred dollars. (Learn from our mistakes!)

Local rental companies use those third party vendors to increase their own exposure, but then they'll pass the increased costs and fees off to you as the traveler.

Or if you don't have the patience, reach out to a travel agent to assist. I'll do the research and get you in the perfect area for your group.....and I can offer my own personal suggestions of local attractions and restaurants to add to your travel itinerary.

Follow along on IG as I share more details about our stay!

21/10/2023

Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags Head

This place doesn't warrant a review from me, honestly, because it likely doesn't need any more positive publicity than it already receives up and down the Outer Banks. But seeing as how we've spent 2 of 3 days here at this eatery, it likely requires its own post.

In all the past years that we've been coming to Nags Head, we've always made it a point to stop at Blue Moon for a meal, and it's the only establishment that we gladly wait the time it will take to get a table....except now, they've made the wait part of the overall experience.

You're greeted by a simple beach style bungalow with a wrap-around porch right off the Croatan Hwy...doesn't feel like much when walking up the steps....but you feel like you're walking into your favorite beach rental when opening the front door. And if you're lucky they'll tell you it'll be a little bit before your table is ready...and just walk right on through the house to the back porch....this is where your dining experience begins! It's quite a step up from the original spot in the strip mall a few miles down....

These guys knew what they were doing, and just how popular their food has become. And just like your favorite beach house....you get to enjoy the full property, which includes an expansive backyard with all the right tools for kicking back for a good wait. Lounge chairs, hammocks, an outdoor bar, Co****le boards and a sprawling (enclosed!!) green space....it's just what you need to make waiting for a table a relaxing chunk of time.

Parents-they were thinking of you when they created this space! Our group of 18 was able to let the kids play on the lawn while the adults kicked back in the lounge chairs with specialty margaritas and local brews; I thoroughly enjoyed the Spicy Senorita (a locally crafted Kill Devil rum with jalapenos, lime, and topped off with a ginger beer). There's even a fully stocked outdoor bathroom!! Not your typical wait for a table!

The wait is half the experience.....and gives you a chance to work up a great appetite. We've indulged in every starter on the menu at this point, but you'll keep coming back for the seared shrimp on a bed of fried green tomatoes, a light Cajun Cream sauce and a touch of goat cheese.

And regardless of your love of seafood, you'll find something on the dinner menu to suit your taste...want calabash style? Got you covered? Fresh tuna steaks on beds of risotto? Check. It's homestyle and leveled up culinary all the same and will hit all the right buttons for your group....including a PB & J sandwich that's 4 year old approved.

Stop by and tell these guys they're the best and grab a plate of fish and chips while you're at it....who else uses Mahi for fish and chips?! These guys!

"Once in a Blue Moon, you get to Taste Life on a Sandbar."

Blue Moon Beach Grill

19/10/2023

Time for the annual seafood festival!

We try to make it down East every year for this event….a way to take it easy for a bit before the rush of all things fall. It’s our super busy season! 🍁🍂🍁🎃

Come follow along for my review of the festival and I’ll share my tips for navigating the outer banks during the off season. Spoiler alert-my fave time to be here!!

@

19/10/2023

Disney Hack alert!!

I'm going to highlight this hack again because I just booked another client this way and, in my opinion, this is THE best way to score your park tickets if you're on a budget and the big cost of that purchase intimidates you.

You want to go to Disney and stay offsite, but for your family, it's gonna cost close to $3k for a multi-day ticket and having to spend all that money up front terrifies you. It's a LOT of money!
Book a ONE night stay at a value resort and attach your WHOLE stay of park tickets to it. Yes, over the long run, it will cost you the night of that park stay-but look at the benefits you get!
....................................................

👀 You can make PAYMENTS on this purchase over time and don't have to buy all the tickets at once.

👀 You can MODIFY or CANCEL your plans! (This isn't happening when you buy your tickets up front.....heads up)

👀 You can add memory maker to your stay, also refundable and reversible!

👀 You can get the DISCOUNTED magic bands.....this is a HUGE savings if you're a family of five. Magic bands can cost you around $50 versus $150...this almost pays for the resort stay cost!

👀 You get to hold the package with a $200 deposit!

👀 You can also use this same hack when renting DVC points by doing a split stay! Genius!

-----------------------------------------------
Got questions? Drop 'em below.....seriously guys-the best way to handle your tickets only purchase!

14/10/2023

Y'all. Do the Disney prices have you feeling like this.....🥲🥲🥲🥲
My poor girl, she's not crying over pricing, but rather, that we sold our car that she loved....but still....she's so sweet I just had to share.

BUT.....I do want to let you know about a promotion that's dropping in November, one that will especially help families traveling with multiple kiddos.

The 'Kids Play & Dine' offer will allow families to get 50% off tickets AND 50% the dining plan for their kiddos ages 3-9.
You do have to have a FOUR day park ticket and a FOUR night resort stay at an onsite property.

You must be traveling from March 3rd to June 30th to be eligible for this new promotion.

Guys this is not the norm! This is totally a new way to offer promotions and I'm excited to see these numbers....I've got some large families traveling that I think this will make a big impact for!
Are ticket prices keeping you from booking for your next vacation? Tell me, and if you want to be kept in the loop over this new promotion, drop your info below and I'll be in touch!!

19/09/2023

When something like this goes down….

😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

He just needed some bear necessities.

You got something better?? ⬇️⬇️⬇️

19/08/2023

Caribbean Beach has been getting a bit of a bad reputation lately....so I was relieved last night to see a super positive post in the big Smart Moms group about it!

This isn't my picture, it was attached to the post I was reading through.....but many of my clients are getting nervous because of a few specific reasons:

1️⃣ The Skyliner closure-just a heads up, NO dates have been announced yet for this potential closure. It has traditionally been the last week of January, but we're still waiting. So I haven't made any transitions yet until I hear those dates.

2️⃣ The main pool closure.....Personally I wouldn't change my resort over this because there are 4 other pools on property AND in January, it's too cold for me to swim! BUT I know LOTS of people do enjoy the pools this time of year, so if swimming in the main pool is important to you, potentially consider switching. But I wouldn't let this be your sole reason....

3️⃣ The size of the resort-it is is super big! BUT it's not a horrible walk throughout the resort to get from one area to the next and the staff are really efficient at getting you from Port Royal to the different room sections.

4️⃣ Finally is room quality.....this one is a tough pill to swallow. The rooms are all in the middle of a renovation and so you'll be gambling with what you get! I'm requesting the rooms for my clients that have the newer hard wood style floors. They are 'refreshed' and don't feel quite as old with this enhancement. If you're willing to walk a bit, the "under the sea" rooms are completely new and those even have the updated bathrooms will slider doors!

Tell me about your experience with this resort!