Laura Vance - The Vacationeer

28/02/2025

13/02/2025

Introducing Fairfield Inn & Suites: A Disney Neighbor You’ll Love! 🏨✨
Staying close to the magic makes all the difference, and Disneyland’s Good Neighbor Hotels offer that perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability. These hotels aren’t just near Disneyland—they’re practically next-door neighbors, so close you can see the park!
🛌 Fairfield Inn & Suites: Just a quick walk to the parks, this hotel offers cozy accommodations with 2 Queens and a sleeper chair or a King Bed. Want a little extra magic? Premium rooms feature Disney theming!
🍳 Easy Breakfast Options: Need a bite before heading out? Panera Bread is right in the parking lot, and McDonald’s is just steps away for a fast and easy breakfast.
🌟 Good Neighbor, Great Stay: Each Good Neighbor Hotel, including the Fairfield Inn, is recognized by Disney as a trusted partner, ensuring a quality experience close to the parks.
When the magic of Disney is this close, the adventure never stops!

10/02/2025

✨ Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast: Worth It?

Here’s the rundown from our visit to Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort:

🌟 The Good:
Flavor-packed dishes like the steak and waffles.
Pastries are a highlight, especially the croissants and apple muffins.
Magical character interactions every 30 minutes—so much fun for the whole family!

🌟 The Not-So-Good:
The bread pudding wasn’t a favorite—skip it if you’re a fan of Boma or ‘Ohana’s versions.
It’s a slow dining experience, so plan accordingly if you’re heading to the parks after.

✨ Overall, it’s a relaxed, magical breakfast with stunning views and top-notch food. Would you try it on your next Disney trip?

02/02/2025

🍕✨ Quick Bites at Centertown Market at Caribbean Beach Resort at WDW

In a rush? The grab-and-go options at Centertown Market make it easy to feed your family and get back to the fun!

🌟 Fan Favorites:

🍕 Giant slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza.
🍩 Breakfast pastries, like muffins and cinnamon rolls.
🥗Fresh salads and kid-friendly snack packs.

✨ Insider Tip: Take a pizza box to the pool for a late-night swim snack!

What’s your favorite Disney grab-and-go item? Let me know!

02/02/2025

🌴✨ Centertown Market: Quick Service with a Twist

Looking for a quick bite that doesn’t feel like your standard theme park fare? Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort surprised us in the best way!

🌟 What We Loved:

The Roasted Half Chicken: Juicy, seasoned to perfection, and served with cilantro rice and veggies. It tasted like a sit-down meal without the wait!
Island-Inspired Atmosphere: Bright, airy, and perfect for a relaxing break.
Grab-and-Go Options: Giant pizza slices, pastries, and more for busy park days.
✨ Insider Tip: Mobile order ahead to skip the wait!

Have you tried Centertown Market yet? It might just become your new Disney favorite!

31/01/2025

🌊 Drift Into Relaxation on Aulani’s Lazy River

Aulani’s lazy river is one of the most relaxing (and fun!) ways to enjoy Waikolohe Valley. Designed with rock formations, waterfalls, and lush tropical landscaping, it’s a serene escape for the whole family.

💦 Why You’ll Love It:

Tubes available for single or double riders.
Beautiful details inspired by Oahu’s natural landscape.
Perfect for kids and adults to unwind together.
Trust me—this is the kind of vacation magic you’ll never forget. Ready to float into your Hawaiian dream trip? Let’s plan your stay at Aulani!

29/01/2025

🏖️ Aulani’s Beach: Perfect for Families

Not all beaches are created equal, but the lagoon at Disney’s Aulani is the perfect place for families. Tucked into a quiet cove with calm waters and soft sand, it feels like your own private paradise.

🌺 What Makes It Great:

No waves—perfect for little ones!
Complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas for a relaxing day by the water.
Equipment rentals like boogie boards and snorkel gear available at Makiki Joe’s.

Looking for a kid-friendly spot to enjoy the Hawaiian sun? Aulani’s beach is hard to beat. Ready to add this to your bucket list? Let me help you plan!

27/01/2025

👀🐠 Are Your Kids Too Young to Snorkel? No Problem at Rainbow Reef!

Not sure about snorkeling? Aulani’s Rainbow Reef has amazing viewing windows where you can watch the colorful fish swim by without getting wet!

✨ What Makes It Special:

Perfect for younger kids or anyone who doesn’t want to snorkel.
A handy fish chart by the windows helps you identify the species you see—my daughter loved trying to pronounce the Hawaiian names!
It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the underwater world while strolling through Waikolohe Valley.
This is one of those little details that makes Aulani so magical. Let me know if you’d like more tips for your visit! 🌺

24/01/2025

🍗✨ The Star of Centertown Market at Caribbean Beach Resort

If you’re eating at Centertown Market, don’t miss the Roasted Half Chicken. Here’s why it’s our top pick:

Juicy and perfectly seasoned with jerk spices.
Served with flavorful cilantro rice and fresh veggies.
So good, it rivals the Oven-roasted Citrus Chicken at Sebastian’s Bistro!
It’s a quick-service dish that feels like it belongs in a sit-down restaurant. Trust me, this one is worth trying!

What’s your go-to meal at Disney’s quick-service spots?

23/01/2025

🍽️✨ Topolino’s Terrace: What You Need to Know

Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort is a stunning breakfast experience, but here’s my honest take based on our visit:

🌟 What We Loved:
The steak: Cooked beautifully and full of flavor (if you like it rare, this is your spot!).
The pastries: Croissants were light and fluffy, apple muffins were moist and flavorful, and the chocolate chip muffins were a hit.
Pog juice and French press coffee were the perfect breakfast pairings.

✨ What Didn’t Wow Us:
The bread pudding fell short compared to other Disney spots like ‘Ohana and Boma.

✨ Atmosphere Highlights:
Character Magic: Mickey and friends dance around the restaurant every 30 minutes—it’s pure Disney magic!
Relaxed Pace: It’s a slower dining experience, so plan for at least 90 minutes.

Would I go again? Absolutely! Just make sure you go hungry and aren't in a hurry to get to the parks.

22/01/2025

🔥 Why Aulani’s Luau Is a Must-Do

Aulani’s luau isn’t just a dinner—it’s an experience your family will never forget. From interactive pre-show activities to breathtaking performances, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture.

🌺 What We Loved:

Pre-show crafts like ukulele lessons and flower arranging.
A buffet featuring island-inspired dishes (and kid-friendly options!).
Stunning storytelling with music, hula, and fire dancing.
Mickey and Minnie even make a special appearance! If you’ve never been to a luau, this is the perfect introduction.

Let’s plan your Aulani adventure today! [email protected]

22/01/2025

🌊✨ Snorkeling Beyond Aulani

While Aulani’s Rainbow Reef is an amazing option for families, if you’re looking to explore open water, Shark’s Cove on Oahu’s North Shore is a fantastic choice.

Despite the name, Shark’s Cove is family-friendly and known for calm waters in the summer months (not winter!). You’ll see plenty of stunning marine life in this natural setting!

✨ Tip: If you plan to snorkel more than once during your trip, consider buying snorkel gear at the nearby Costco in Kapolei—it’s just a 10-minute drive from Aulani and can save you money in the long run.

Whether you prefer the convenience of Rainbow Reef or the adventure of Shark’s Cove, Oahu has options for every snorkeling style! 🐠

21/01/2025

🌊✨ The Best Pools on Oahu? You’ll Find Them at Disney’s Aulani!

When we were searching for a family-friendly resort in Hawaii, we needed a great pool and Aulani knocked it out of the park. With Waikolohe Valley’s incredible water slides, a lazy river, infinity pools with ocean views, and splash pads for the little ones, it’s truly a water wonderland.

🎉 Don’t Miss:

Ka Make Grotto: An infinity-edge pool overlooking the beach—magical at sunset.
Lazy River: Drift through lush tropical landscapes and caves.
Menehune Bridge: A water playground with rope bridges and mini-slides perfect for kids!
If your family loves hours of water fun, Aulani is the place to be. Let me help you plan your unforgettable getaway! 🌴

19/01/2025

🌴🐟 Quick Tip for Families Visiting Aulani’s Rainbow Reef

The water in Rainbow Reef is noticeably cooler than the pools—around 77°F to mimic the natural habitat for the fish. Pools, by comparison, are closer to 82–86°F.

During our first visit with our daughter (then 5), we decided to skip it after learning about the cooler water—it just wasn’t the right fit for her at the time. My advice? Follow your child’s lead. If they’re not ready, enjoy the viewing windows or try the pools instead.

Rainbow Reef is a fantastic experience, but making sure your family is comfortable is key! Let me know if you’d like more tips for planning a trip to Aulani. 🌊

17/01/2025

🐟✨ Rainbow Reef at Aulani Is Full of Fun Extras!

Did you know Aulani’s Rainbow Reef offers more than just snorkeling? Here are some unique ways to enhance your underwater adventure:

🥽 Supplied-Air Snorkeling (SAS): Float comfortably while learning cool facts about the fish from an aquarist. Perfect for kids 8+!
🐠 Fish Are Friends Program: Help feed the fish in the lagoon—a fun and educational experience kids love.
🤿 Underwater Explorers: A mini scuba experience for guests 10+—no certification needed!

Not a snorkeler? Check out the viewing windows to watch the fish swim by without getting wet. It’s perfect for younger kids!

What would your family try first? Let me help you plan your Aulani stay! 🌺

16/01/2025

🌊🐠 Can You Snorkel at Aulani? YES!

Aulani’s Rainbow Reef is a hidden gem for families! This man-made saltwater lagoon is filled with vibrant tropical fish and offers a safe and controlled environment—no waves or currents, just crystal-clear water perfect for first-timers or kids.

✨ Why We Love It:

All gear is included (mask, snorkel, life vest).
Lifeguards are on duty for added peace of mind.
It’s right by the pool area—no need to leave the resort to experience snorkeling!
If your little ones are curious but nervous about the ocean, this is the perfect way to dip their toes into the underwater world. Bonus: Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys in the reef!

Would this make your family’s must-do list at Aulani? Let me know if you want more tips for planning your Hawaiian getaway! 🌴

16/01/2025

🌺🌴✨ Disney’s Aulani Resort: Where Magic Meets the Spirit of Aloha

Aulani isn’t just another Disney resort—it’s a destination that blends the beauty and culture of Hawaii with the magic Disney is known for. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or someone looking for a luxurious Hawaiian escape, Aulani truly has something for everyone.

Located in Ko Olina on Oahu’s west side, Aulani is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki. Ko Olina offers a serene, tropical vibe, but you’re still close enough to explore everything Oahu has to offer.

What makes Aulani so special? Let’s start with its incredible water complex, Waikolohe Valley. Think:
🌊 A lazy river winding through lush, volcanic-inspired landscapes.
🏖️ A snorkeling lagoon (Rainbow Reef) where you can swim with colorful Hawaiian fish.
💦 Water slides, splash pads, and pools for every age—including adults-only whirlpools.

And it doesn’t stop there. Aulani is packed with Hawaiian cultural experiences like ukulele lessons, traditional crafts, and storytelling under the stars. You can even spend an entire day at the Laniwai Spa.

Families especially love Aunty’s Beach House, the resort’s kids’ club where little ones can dive into Hawaiian culture with fun activities—and parents can enjoy a bit of downtime knowing their kids are having a blast.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Disney without the magic of meeting characters like Mickey and Minnie dressed in their Hawaiian best! From breakfasts to surprise encounters, these moments add that extra layer of Disney magic.

What I love most about Aulani is how it celebrates Hawaii. Disney worked closely with local artists and cultural experts to design the resort, so it’s not just “Disney in Hawaii”—it’s an authentic reflection of Hawaiian culture and traditions, all tied together with Disney’s signature storytelling.

If you’re dreaming of Hawaii, Aulani needs to be on your list. It’s not just a vacation—it’s an unforgettable experience. Let me help you make it happen!