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Fantastical Vacations by Shannon

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Oconomowoc, WI
Fantastical Vacations by Shannon

Disney, Universal, cruises, all inclusive and special needs travel.
(24)

10/25/2024

🤤 VACATION FOODIE FINDS 🤤

Why have I never had spicy avocado toast?! Just seems like a match made in heaven. The avocado toast at Razzle Dazzle, the vegan/vegetarian restaurant on Virgin Voyages has everything I need for brunch. Crunchy bread, sriracha oil, watermelon radish, finger lime and toasted seeds. Fantastic!

10/24/2024

2️⃣ THEME NIGHTS

Many cruises do theme nights. But I don't think I've seen the vast majority of guests participate like I have on Virgin Voyages. Well maybe Disney - but as far as adult cruises - Virgin and its guests put a lot of effort into the theming.

Scarlet Night is infamous on Virgin Voyages. It's more than just a party where everyone wears red. There's a whole back story and the entire ship transforms. It all culminates with a huge pool deck party like you've never seen before. You can fully participate or you can be an onlooker. You can also wear your red, watch some of the live music, people watch and then go to bed early like we did 😂 - no judgement!

10/23/2024

The M Family will soon be sailing on their first Disney Cruise! They'll be enjoying a Christmas-themed cruise for 7 nights throughout the Caribbean on the Disney Fantasty. Then they'll head to Walt Disney World for a couple days to enjoy Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

What an epic way to kick off the holidays!

Thanks for planning your trip with me.

10/22/2024

Most "worth it" vacation experiences = Atlanta's Center for Puppetry Arts

What an amazing place full of so much family fun and so much nostalgia! This place was like walking through my own childhood with my kids and I loved every moment of it. If you are in downtown Atlanta and want to see something unique - or maybe you were a Sesame Street, Muppet or Fraggle Rock fan - you'll love this place.

This center has tons of original puppets from Jim Henson, stage shows, special exhibits (when we were there is was Labyrinth 😍), interactive elements and puppet crafts. You could even use Jim Henson-style puppets and film your own skit with a stage set up like Bert & Ernie's apartment! For history fans, they had a whole section dedicated to the history of puppetry and how it's performed and designed all over the world. It was incredible.

Also notable is that the center is autism-friendly and can work with your family to build a customization experience if needed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love to help clients think through their options to decide what is and isn't worth the extra cost, time or effort. This can be super subjective though! It really depends on the vacation style and interests of each person in the group traveling together. These examples are just my opinion of course.

10/21/2024

I'll start - I was an ornament person but I when I decided I wanted to see my collection throughout the year, I switched to coffee mugs!

10/20/2024

Tidbits from a special needs mom 😎

The biggest contributor to Melody's meltdowns is rushing through transitions. She will either become an angry-faced statue or a screaming noodle.

So when we travel, I like to build in LOTS of extra time. No short flight connections, no early morning dining reservations I know I'll be rushing to, no rushing to a late night show after a long tiring day. It's worth taking the time to think through all the logistics and how to make those as seamless and slow as possible.

Our kiddos need more time to process. They need time to come up with questions to ask so they can feel better prepared for a transition.

10/20/2024

Thank you for the review! 🥰

10/18/2024

🤤 VACATION FOODIE FINDS 🤤

This was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. This is the steak sandwich from Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. I love this casual outdoor restaurant so much for it's loungy-cushy seats and its views over the lake. The bison burger here has always been a go-to....until now!

We took a chance and tried something new. We split this lovely sandwich which was dressed with smoked Gouda beer cheese sauce, roasted red bell peppers, arugula and caramelized onions on a pretzel roll. To die for. And top it off with house made chips where are always a hit.

10/18/2024

🚢 NEW TIP SERIES - VIRGIN VOYAGES 🚢

I'll be highlighting my top tips each week for sailing with Virgin Voyages starting now!

1️⃣ Most people want to know...WHAT IS THE CROWD LIKE?! Virgin Voyages is not just for young adults, not just for skinny adults, or just one lifestyle, etc. Just speaking about age alone - did you know the average guest on Virgin Voyages is 47 years old?

It really is a mix of everyone...well...as long as you are at least 18. I've seen it all! In fact, it's probably the widest range of people I've ever sailed with!

I would say the 3 things most guests share is the openness to try unique foods, to be social (though it's not pushed on you) and to sail with all types of lifestyles.

#

10/17/2024

My youngest, AKA The Churro King, and I are headed to Disneyland to celebrate his birthday! He is most looking forward to wearing his Halloween costume at the park, riding Radiator Springs Racers and, of course, eating all the different seasonal churros! I'm most looking forward to experiencing a new good neighbor resort, trying out some California brews and riding Space Mountain.

We'll be staying at the Fairfield Inn Anaheim, a good neighbor resort within a 10 minute walk of the park and exploring Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure for three days with park hopper. Unlike at Disney World, Disneyland good neighbor resorts are super convenient and park hopper is a no brainer!

10/15/2024

Most "worth it" vacation experiences = Dubrovnik's City Wall

Oh this was so cool. If you get the opportunity to visit the old city in Dubrovnik, you HAVE to do the wall walk. The walls that surround the city were constructed between the 12th and 17th century and they are so well preserved. The views from up here are amazing. And if you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will see a lot to swoon over. 😍 Did you know that "King's Landing" is Old Town Dubrovnik?

Keep in mind, it's a lot of walking and a lot of climbing. I wouldn't recommend it if you have mobility challenges. And like anywhere historic - always wear flat closed-toe shoes!

💲Money saving tip!💲 Don't purchase access to the wall at the site - purchase ahead of time through Dubrovnik Pass. It includes admission to not only the wall but also museums and attractions around the city. It also includes public transportation for the day. The pass costs the same as on-site entrance admission to the wall.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love to help clients think through their options to decide what is and isn't worth the extra cost, time or effort. This can be super subjective though! It really depends on the vacation style and interests of each person in the group traveling together. These examples are just my opinion of course.

10/14/2024

I'll start - something I bring with me no matter the trip and always end up using in new ways is Ziploc bags of varying sizes.

10/13/2024

Tidbits from a special needs mom 😎

I'm so good at pivoting. My daughter has helped me develop this skill. Sure, we can have a plan but it's never a contract.

For example, when we travel - sometimes what was a preferred activity is now a trigger. Or we arrive late to something and it's closed. Or a plan for the group becomes something too much for her to handle. I've always got a plan B, a plan C and probably a plan D too.

Melody asks me the "what ifs" and my answer is almost always the same. "We have a plan and if we need to change it, we'll come up with something else fun."

To make her feel part of the process too, I sometimes present a this or that option if we have to pivot. Then instead of the problem consuming her, she'll have two new options to choose from. Presenting choices can be a great distraction from the original problem.

10/12/2024

Thank you for the review! 🥰

10/11/2024

🤤 VACATION DRINK FINDS 🤤

I've been on a sangria kick lately. On my last Disney trip, I tried a few different unique versions and I liked this one most. This is Sangria Roja from served on tap at . It had a hint of fall spices to it and it was just perfect with the addition of mint and orange. Super balanced right in between a full-body red and a fruity tang.

10/10/2024

1️⃣1️⃣ THINK TWICE ABOUT A DRINK PACKAGE

Before you add a specialty drink package to your cruise, consider how much time you will spend off the ship and estimate how much you'll drink.

Mediterranean cruises often are "port heavy" meaning you'll be docked in a new destination to explore nearly every day. You won't be able to use your drink package while off the ship. And often drink packages are charged as a per person per day fee applicable to every day of your cruise.

Remember that water, milk, tea, coffee, juices and some other items are always included. The specialty drink packages are generally for soda, alcohol and espresso drinks. For some, it may make sense to add the drink package but if you take some time to think it through, it make make sense to save your money and pay as you go.

10/09/2024

B.L. is going solo on a short Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Liberty of the Seas to the Bahamas. This is part of the Freedom-class of ships - I love it for its modern amenities but, since it's an older class of ship, you can often get a great deal sailing on it!

Thank you planning your trip with me!

10/09/2024

Most "worth it" vacation experiences = Custer State Park!

A South Dakota road trip is so underrated. It's a wonderful state to explore. And one of it's gems is Custer State Park. There's so much to see here...great views of wildlife, wonderful hiking, beautiful and clean lakes and some amazing twisting-turning drives.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love to help clients think through their options to decide what is and isn't worth the extra cost, time or effort. This can be super subjective though! It really depends on the vacation style and interests of each person in the group traveling together. These examples are just my opinion of course.

10/08/2024

I'll start - I really want to say NONE because I get something amazing out of every trip. But I suppose if I had to pick one it might be our family road trip to Georgia when I was very pregnant with my youngest. It was just so hot and I was so uncomfortable in the car for that long. But even still, I've got great memories from it too!

10/06/2024

Tidbits from a special needs mom 😎

Tantrums and outbursts can be the most nerve-wracking thing for us when traveling. My clients' with special needs-loved ones often have the same concerns. As special needs parents, we try to stay one step ahead and hope that any tantrum that occurs doesn't get violent.

When Melody has one, the best bet is to try to remove her from the area so she doesn't hurt someone. But now that she is 13 and 100 lbs, that's not so easy, especially if she is kicking or if she's turned into a limp noodle.

Another option is to squeeze her like I'm giving her the best hug ever. Sometimes she just needs to feel safe and needs that sensory feedback from me.

It's helpful to identify, as best you can, what is going to be a trigger. For my daughter it's rushed transitions, being over tired, people coughing or being disciplined. So I've learned to plan ahead, slow down, take rests and be aware of the crowd we are in. In many ways, this is kind of great! It's a solid reason to take it easy and slow down which should be part of any vacation right?!

10/04/2024

🤤 VACATION FOODIE FINDS 🤤

This may be the best and most unique pastry I've ever had. This is the Guava Cream Cheese Knot from The Galley on ' Valiant Lady. The pastry texture was like a more dense croissant and it had green strips that I can't explain winding through it. The middle was stuffed with a whipped fruit cream cheese and it was just divine.

10/04/2024

The S family are headed back to one of their favorite places in the world - Walt Disney World! They'll be making more family memories at Disney's Wilderness Lodge - one of the most beautiful and relaxing resorts you'll ever experience. I know they are excited for another year of magical memories together.

Thank you planning your trip with me!

10/02/2024

Most "worth it" vacation experiences = Learning Public Transportation!

I know public transportation in a foreign country can make some travelers nervous. But it can save you some money AND build your traveling confidence! A great system to start with is The London Underground, also known as "the tube."

A few reasons it's easy to get to know:
👑 it's in English
👑 there's a helpful desk at the Heathrow airport of English-speaking staff to help you navigate
👑 you can simply scan your credit card to get on and off the train (be sure to do both!)
👑 you can start by learning the Piccadilly Line and the District Line which takes you to so many attractions throughout London.

When you cringe at the price tag, you aren't thinking about how unbelievably tired your family is going to be at the end of that 25k+ step day. Walt Disney liked to call the nighttime spectaculars the "kiss goodnight." And that's exactly what I found this to be - the most enjoyable and relaxing way to put a cap on a wonderful day with my family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love to help clients think through their options to decide what is and isn't worth the extra cost, time or effort. This can be super subjective though! It really depends on the vacation style and interests of each person in the group traveling together. These examples are just my opinion of course.

09/30/2024

I'll start - my daughter got majorly Pixie Dusted at a Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. The party had just ended and a cast member asked if she wanted to come back to meet Jack & Sally. The line to meet them had grown to 5 hours long during the party!

09/28/2024

Thank you for the review! 🥰

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Oconomowoc, WI

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Monday	7am - 4pm
Tuesday	7am - 4pm
Wednesday	7am - 4pm
Thursday	7am - 4pm
Friday	7am - 4pm
Saturday	8am - 12pm
Sunday	8am - 12pm

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http://fantasticalvacations.com/

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Nope...back on the shelf. #handwash #handwashonly #microwavesafe #dishwashersafe #coffee #disney #wdw #waltdisneyworld #mugs #mugcollection #nope #no #coffeemugs #souvenir #souvenirs #disneyworld #merch #disneymerch #disneymug #shopping #disneyadult #disneyfan #collect #collection #starwars #kyloren #adamdriver

Exciting day! Disney released new discounts for 2025 trips and I had a bunch of fun sending emails to my clients telling how much money I just saved them on their already-booked trips! #disneypromo #discounts #promo #promotion #disney #disneyonabudget #disneyinfo #disneytrip #wdw #disneypro #disneyvacation #disneyresort #discount #disneyfamily #yes #ohlord #savemoney #travelagent #traveladvisor #travel #disneyfan #disneyadult #disneytips #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #disneynews #instadisney #disneyreels #disneygram

Quick room tour of a sea terrace cabin on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady. Room #10070A. That means 10th deck, port side. #valiantlady #ladyship #ladyships #virgin #virginvoyages #miami #portofmiami #terminalv #cruise #cabintour #cruisecabin #cruiseship #florida #bahamas #cruising #oceancruise #balconyroom #seaterrace #richardbranson

Quick room tour! Room 3110 at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. 2 queen room. #roomtour #disneysyachtclub #yachtclub #yachtandbeachclub #yachtclubresort #disneysyachtclubresort #disneybubble #disneyresort #deluxerresort #epcot #crescentlake #disneyadult #disneyadults #disneytrip #wdw #waltdisney #waltdisneyworld #hotelroom #resortroom #onproperty #disney #disneytips #tour

Quick room tour! Room 6242 in building 6 at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. 2 queen river view room. #frenchquarter #roomtour #hotel #disneyworld #disneysportorleansfrenchquarter #portorleansfrenchquarter #portorleans #disneysportorleans #moderateresort #disneyresort #disneybubble #preferredview #riverview #sassagoulariver #wdw #disneybubble #disney #disneyaddict #disneyadult #waltdisneyworld #waltdisneyworldresort #hotelroom #disneyvacation #disneysprings

Don't give up on the day when those storm clouds roll in...wait for it. Those Florida summer evenings are the best 😍. #skyliner #floridarain #floridaweather #weather #sunset #goldenhour #rain #florida #disneyworld #disney #beautiful #beautifulevening #waltdisneyworld #sassagoulariver #disneyportorleansfrenchquarter #wdw #disneylife #summer #disneyfan #disneyadult #vacation #mostmagicalplaceonearth

1️⃣ Always arrive at least a day early and preferably earlier in the day. For international cruises, I'd recommend at least two days early. That way unexpected travel delays won't cause you to miss your cruise. Explore your departure city for a couple days! 2️⃣ Choose a room in a section of the ship that will work for you. Consider what's across the hall, next to, above and below you. For example, if you are below a pool deck, you may hear chairs being moved around on the deck in the early morning hours. The type of room you choose is important too! 3️⃣ You are on such a unique adventure with cruising. Use the opportunity to try something new and step outside your comfort zone. A new food, a new sport, an excursion that you never would have considered before. Take advantage of the ships amenities and the port cities and the different cultures you'll be experiencing. For example, I tried a skydiving class on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. And got super adventurous with a food tour in Split, Croatia to try squid ink pasta and capers berries - two local delicacies! #arriveearly #beearly #cruise #cruising #travel #cruisetips #stateroom #balcony #choosewisely #trysomethingnew #royalcaribbean #traveltips #croatia #skydiving #quantumoftheseas #squidinkpasta #caperberries #cruisetheworld #cruisetip #vacation

Quick room tour! Room #6408 in building 6 at Disney's Pop Century Resort in Walt Disney World. Pop Century is a value resort and is one of two value resorts on the Skyliner. #roomtour #disneyworld #popcentury #valueresort #disneyresort #disneybubble #wdw #disneysummer #disneyonabudget #disney #disneyaddict #disneyadult #waltdisneyworld #waltdisneyworldresort #70s #resort #hotelroom #murphybed

Most first time cruisers fear getting sea sick. VERY few people prone to motion sickness actually get seasick on a cruise ship. Modern cruise ships are large and have advanced technology like stabilizers to balance out the movement of the ship. This is not like bobbing around on a fishing boat in the open sea or on a roller coaster. Even if you are one of the very, very few that feel a bit nauseous onboard, there are steps you can take to prevent or cure it. 💊 take non drowsy Dramamine, Bonine or get patches that go behind your ear from your doctor ⌚ try a sea-band 🌅 focus on the horizon and get fresh air (even easier if you have a balcony stateroom) 🫚 take ginger 🍏 eat green apples (very easy to find on nearly all cruise ships) If you are convinced you'll be the one that gets seasick, prepare a few of these remedies just in case. Chances are if you prepare for it, you won't need it! #seasick #cruise #motionsick #greenapples #dramamine #bonine #seaband #freshair #ginger #cruiseship #stabilizers #opensea #remedy #cruisetips #cruisemyth #cruisetheworld #takeacruise #firstcruise #trysomethingnew #dontbelieveeverythingyouhear #nauseous #nausea #cruisevacation #balcony #viewsfordays #ocean

I love to explore, hike and experience each Alaska port but there's so much to do on these ships too! Just be sure to pick an Alaska cruise that is right for your interests - not all itineraries, ships and cruise lines are the same. #explore #cruisealaska #alaska #alaskacruise #royalcaribbean #quantumoftheseas #pacificocean #thelastfrontier #cruisefan #cruise #cruisetheworld #views #seaday #sea #alaskancruise #travelmore #alaskaadventure

Ah, the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feels of EPCOT! #epcot #fivesenses #figment #journeyintoimagination #imagination #drnigelchanning #sight #smell #taste #smell #touch #myfav #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #disneyadult #disneyfan #spaceshipearth #journeyofwater #mariachicobre #schofferhofer #germany #romeburning

Do you use mobile order? Many don't at Disney World and Disneyland. Maybe they don't know it's available? It can really save a lot of time in the parks. Time is money in Disney! When you are in the app on the map, click on the restaurant to see if they have mobile order available. Place your order, press the button to let the restaurant know you are here, then just wait for them to say it's ready. Then you walk right past this ordering line and head in to pick it up. Just follow the mobile order signs. From order to sitting down and eating my snack, it took me 2 minutes. When I was done eating my snack, many of the people who were in line outside were still waiting in line to order. #disneytips #disneyparks #jollyholiday #jollyholidaycafe #disneyland #disneyworld #timesaver #mobileorder #themoreyouknow #disneysnacks #disneyadult #disneyfan #disneypsa #psa #disneygram #instadisney #waltdisneyworld #mydisneyexperience

Quick room tour of a standard 2 queen room at the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. This is in the Frontier Tower. Three things I love about this resort: ✨ Classic Disney with all the little touches of nostalgia and history 🎇 The headboard with fireworks and music 🍻 The outdoor dining and lounge spaces like Trader Sam's, Tangaroa Terrace and Palm Breeze Bar. Love the mid-century modern tropical vibe #disneyland #disneylandhotel #nostalgia #classicdisney #disneyhistory #deluxe #disneybubble #disneyresort #california #disneylandresort #disneyscaliforniaadventure #californiaadventure #roomtour #resorts #hotels #disney #disneyfan #disneyadult #onproperty #anaheim

Quick tour of a standard 2 queen room at Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA. Three things I love about this resort: 🎇 the dedicated entrance to Disney's California Adventure 🍽️ the variety of restaurants and lounges 🔥 the grand lobby and its cozy fireplace nook #disneyland #deluxe #dvc #grandcalifornian #disneysgrandcalifornian #disneyresort #california #craftsmen #disneyscaliforniaadventure #roomtour #resorts #hotels #disney #disneyfan #disneyadult #onproperty #disneybubble

Quick room tour of a 2 queen deluxe room at JW Marriott on South Clementine Street in Anaheim, CA. Customer service has been top notch here. It's about a 10-12 minute walk to the Disneyland esplanade. This is also a Good Neighbor resort with Disneyland so you can book this as a vacation package with tickets. #marriott #marriottbonvoy #roomtour #hotel #disneyland #anaheim #jwmarriott #luxury #goodneighbor #goodneighborhotel #disneylandresort #hotels #california #anaheimgardenwalk #disneyscaliforniaadventure