July?!?! It's JULY! Wasn't I JUST complaining about the never-ending snow? My summer is in "full-swing"! Fun fact: I own an RV and I'll be "on the road" this month traveling with my family to Canada and the East Coast. I've never been to Montreal OR Quebec City - so I'm excited to discover these beautiful cities! Here's a quick "what's new" in travel this week:
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique To Reopen!
This one has been a LONG TIME coming: the famous Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is reopening at Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Closed for over 2 years due to the pandemic, this family-favorite "transformation" for kids is returning in late August. For those "in the know" - "BBB" (as it's referred to online) has been open on Disney Cruise Line ships for some time but now it's poised to return in the parks.
If you're unaware, this is a "magical makeover" for kids 3-12: my own daughter has done this twice!
Here are my quick tips:
Bring Your Own Costume! Our first time we splurged on a new costume and accessories and it was scratchy and my daughter was miserable. The next time: we brought our own and she really enjoyed the experience more (because it isn't a low-cost thing)
Any Gender Can Go! Our son went as well and he was made into a "knight"! It was adorable!
Scheduling Matters! In Florida, they have three boutiques but only ONE is going to reopen. So getting an appointment is a must - but don't schedule one when your little one might be grouchy. This "makeover" comes at a price and you want them to enjoy the experience!
Get Pixie-Dusted - FOR FREE! At "Sir Mickey's" in Magic Kingdom Park, you can ask any Cast Member to be "pixie dusted" and they have a magic wand and will wave it over your child and glitter flies everywhere. Is the glitter a pain to wash out? Sure. But your kids will light up with excitement. Plus: you're in a hotel room (unless you're local!) so you have time to get it cleaned up.
Details are still "to come" on when to make appointments - so CLICK HERE if you're ready to plan your next Disney destination adventure! Let me do all the work!
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival "Eat To The Beat" Concert Lineup!
Here's the official schedule of artists for the "Eat To The Beat" Concert Series. If you're unfamiliar - there's an amphitheater by the American Pavilion where concerts are held in EPCOT during the International Food & Wine Festival - and you can even book reserved seating with a dining reservation at select restaurants (ask me how!). These are some pretty fun concerts coming up!
July 14-15 – Baha Men
July 16-18 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
July 22-23 – Tonic (NEW)
July 24-25 – Jeremy Camp (NEW)
July 29-30 – Taylor Dayne
July 31-Aug. 1 – Tiffany
Aug. 5-8 – Joey Fatone & Friends
Aug. 12-13 – The Devon Allman Project
Aug. 14-15 – Christopher Cross
Aug. 19-20 – Journey former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
Aug. 21-22 – Air Supply
Aug. 26-27 – Blanco Brown (NEW)
Aug. 28-29 – 98°
Sept. 2-3 – Southern Avenue
Sept. 4-5 – Kris Allen & David Cook
Sept. 9-10 – Hoobastank (NEW)
Sept. 11-12 – Jimmie Allen
Sept. 16-17 – Los Amigos Invisibles (NEW)
Sept. 18-19 – American Authors
Sept. 23-24 – BBMAK
Sept. 25-26 – Postmodern Jukebox
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Stokley (NEW)
Oct. 2-3 – Sheila E.
Oct. 7-8 – Mark Wills
Oct. 9-10 – 38 Special
Oct. 14-15 – Robert Randolph Band (NEW)
Oct. 16-17 – Newsboys (NEW)
Oct. 21-22 – Ray Parker Jr. (NEW)
Oct. 23-24 – Billy Ocean
Oct. 28-31 – Hanson
Nov. 4-7 – Boyz II Men
Nov. 11-12 – Kenny G
Nov. 13-14 – Sugar Ray
This festival is the longest EVER! There is PLENTY of time to plan that last minute trip!
Fantastic Disneyland Discount!
Fall is a WONDERFUL time to visit Disneyland in beautiful Southern California!
Save up to 25% off select stays at select Disneyland Resort hotels from August 7 through September 29, 2022.
Book now through September 22, 2022. Travel must be completed by September 30, 2022.
Thinking Of Europe? Start Here!
2023 is NOT that far off - and with travel demand at an all-time high, if you want the best selection (and honestly, price) - you need to plan NOW for next year.
CLICK HERE for more details!
Resort Spotlight: Hotel Xcaret Arte
This amazing resort opened in July 2021 and has been receiving RAVE reviews!
Part of the Xcaret family of resorts - this one focuses on the "art" of Mexico - with six different "houses" (buildings) all with a different focus.
CASA DEL DISEÑO
Located in front of the Caribbean Sea, Casa del Diseño offers the best in artistic and natural wealth of Mexico. Ideal for those who treasure contemplation moments in a relaxed, original and spontaneous environment. An experience that is built in the Weaving Workshop and in the open space activities.
CASA DE LOS ARTISTAS
A private experience for those whose look for exclusiveness. Thanks to its proximity to the beach and our inlets, Casa de los Artistas will give you postcards that seem to be created over a canvas. The only Casa with its own library, Painting workshop access and invitation to the Kibi-Kibi restaurant under the care of chef Roberto Solís.
CASA DE LA PIRÁMIDE
With amazing views to our river and Xpiral pyramid, Casa de la Pirámide will wrap you in the majesty of the temples and old cities, and its Pottery workshop will take you to that time. From its rooftop, you will be able to lose your view in the blue of the Caribbean and the green shades of the Mayan jungle.
CASA DE LA MÚSICA
A concept that will make you dance literally and metaphorically in the Dancing workshop. In Casa de la Música you will find your own rhythm and you will dance with ease and trust to live in your own house. The terraces in the suites will become balconies to surprise you with a full sensorial experience.
CASA DE LA PAZ
The peace that you will find while connecting with yourself and the nature will become the new luxury. Casa de la Paz will give you the gift of silence and tranquility that very few places have. Its benefits in Muluk Spa, its Literature Workshop and its suites with volcanic stone bathtub in the terrace are the starting point to purify yourself in the paradise in front of you.
CASA DEL PATRÓN
Where the art comes to life. This Casa will be the scenario of different local, national and foreign artists. Here you can find the Convention Centers and halls that will host concerts, award ceremonies, congresses and other events that will be recorded in National’s Art History. The restaurants of our Gastronomic Group and the Cafeteca will be a meeting point at Casa del Patrón.
SUITES
These suites are, bar-none, AMAZING. This resort caters to "adults-only" (ages 16 and up) so it won't be crowded with small children (and as someone who HAS small children, that's not a bad thing).
There are around 900 suites in total - so it might SOUND like a large resort, but with the way it's laid out, it feels intimate.
A stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte gives you access to the entire Xcaret family of parks: ziplining, white water rafting, underwater rivers and a free ferry to Isla Mujeres. I often hear these parks called "The Disney World of Mexico" and it's an interesting comparison! You can be as active (or not) as you want.
Xcaret offers other resorts that cater to families as well - so if you're interested in either - email me at john@travelprojohn.com and we can get started!
Thanks for reading! Next week I will be updating you from beautiful New Hampshire where my family will be visiting some friends we haven't seen in a VERY long time! Stay safe and healthy!
- John