Roadtrip during the Pandemic

Face mask ✔

Hand Sanitizer ✔

Roadmap ✔

Let’s Go!

Since the world meet Covid-19 face to face, many people have had to restructure their lives. This looks different from life to life but many include changes in the home, work schedules, education, rescheduling milestones and putting off goals in an effort of doing the right thing. If this season has taught us anything it’s that we all have our own compass to help us navigate this pandemic season.

And with so many health aids now available, booming research findings and time passed- we decided that it was time for us to get off of the couch, back into an adventure and to travel again. The only real question now was “how.” So, we decided to skip the flights and to gas up the Jeep instead.

Starting in our home state of Indiana, we mapped out our trip to see mountains, the country side, sunrises, cities, oceans and beaches. Our route included Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky and then back home in Indiana. Some of these states we’ve been to together before and some brand new.

My overall experience was that of hope. I’m really glad we traveled when we did because we needed a vacation full of fresh perspective and in the process found renewed hope in humanity. This is because at each stop in every state, masks were worn and enforced. I saw extra sanitizing stations and measured spacing for healthy social distancing. I saw local officials and citizens doing their part in helping to reduce the transmission of the virus and that one day we will overcome this pandemic.

Do I think traveling in this season is right for everyone? Not really. Do I think everyone can do it safely while also having fun? Absolutely! As I said above I understand and respect everyone’s individual reasons for their social gathering whether near or far, few people or to the max possible. This season is here to stay for the time being and I think if we all strive to do the right thing while having balance, we can turn this season into one of community and of learning.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Comment below!

You are loved, Kriss

Travel the World at Epcot

With being a lover of travel, there is no better amusement park than Epcot at Disney in Orlando, Florida! Travel around the world on one ticket while experiencing an introduction to eleven different cultures from iconic sights, tastes and traditions. Who knows maybe your curiosities will lead you to international travels.

Canada

Coming into the park one of the first countries you will experience is OH Canada! From majestic sights of their national flag in the wind to rows of different maple syrups to try and shops stocked with warm clothing fit for gearing you up for your next ski trip, you will instantly feel like you are away on a cabin retreat. So expect to see imagery of wildlife including beavers and moose! But if camping isn’t your thing then hold out for views of the Hotel du Canada, a Victorian-style hotel with a lush garden to explore.

The United Kingdom

Next door to Canada is The United Kingdom. From pubs to sit in and grab fish and chips to fine tea shops filled with china, you truly get the feeling of the underground and the cute English countryside. A lot of visitors to the Disney parks plan their trips around what characters are there to meet. Well if you are interested in meeting Mary Poppins or the characters from Alice in Wonderland, this is your moment. I definitely know that I am proud to say that I met Alice!

France

After getting your pub on you might be in the mood to get a little fancy. You’re in luck because with a skyline that is pointed with the Eiffel Tower, you are now in France. Expect to find artists along the way painting and selling gorgeous works of art, mimes acting out a joyous skit, made from scratch pastries and tunes flowing from an accordion. But no need to worry if you don’t speak French, simply order your favorite coffee and you’re as french as you need to be. And for me, I grabbed a macaroon to go with it!

Morocco

In a perfect world France and Morocco would be next door neighbors but in reality only Disney got it right. Enjoy a magic carpet ride as you stroll along open air markets full of everything a boho loving heart enjoys, get interior design inspiration from the gorgeous tiled fountains and archways and lastly enjoy meeting Aladdin and Jasmine in the flesh, I know I did!

Japan

Next is Japan and it cannot be missed. From the looming blue-roofed pagoda inspired by the Horyuji Temple where you can experience drum shows from the Taiko Drummers to the large, red Torii Gates along the waters edge, Epcot captures the Japanese spirit. Also expect to spend some time here because while here you can get some hand-rolled sushi and shop the “kawaii” culture!

United States

In the United States section of the park called “American Adventure” you can go down history lane with a throwback to the founding of the country, a progression of America’s flag, the use of freedom of speech and it’s impact on the nation and art exhibition of the American Indian. Some of the food fare speaks to the nostalgic 50’s and includes hamburgers, hot dogs and the classic slice of apple pie with ice cream on the side.

Italy

In contrast to the United States and its short history is the long reign and existence of Italy. Italy’s section of the park nods to its history of art, architecture, wine and slow living. You can find a smell replica of the Trevi Foundtain, shop at the corner wine stand, taste lemoncello shaved ice and smell flowering rose bushes along your walk.

Germany

Give me all of the snacks in Germany town because its Oktoberfest and pretzels are for sale! Strolling up to this section of the park you will feel like you are in mixed world of fairy tales and ancient Medieval times from the clock tower to the coat of arms and banners over each door. You can take part in a street finger puppet production or sit back and enjoy some soccer. Either way I suggest finding some childlike joy while marveling at the handmade cuckoo clocks.

China

If you are feeling tired from all of your traveling, then China is for you! From relaxing stone statues in the zen garden to a 360 film titled “Reflections of China,” you can take a moment to rest while viewing virtual sights in nature in the beautiful country of China. After the movie is over and you’d like to continue resting, sit down and enjoy watching a live performance from the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats. Feeling inspired by the strength and skill of the Chinese? Then step over and meet the legend and warrior herself, Mulan!

Norway

This is a huge tip for all of the parents of Anna and Elsa fans. At Disney the Magic Kingdom you see this pair sisters on floats and singing on stage but the best place to meet them is at their home which happens to be in Norway at Epcot. Here you can have a meet and greet with the sisters, take on a Frozen themed ride and enjoy merchandise from the movies. Who knows maybe you’ll even run into Olaf!

Mexico

Depending on how you started your adventure in the park, Mexico may or may not be your last stop but if it is then what a way to go! This part of the park is full of music from Mariachi bands, Mexican food full of spices, a Mesoamerican pyramid pointing you up towards the heavens and a threatening volcano to set you right along your way!

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As you can see, there is a lot to experience in this fantastic park! Like I said at the start it is a great park for my fellow travel buffs but its great too if you want a more laid back experience that offers a wealth of insight to other walks of life.

You might not be interested in this park if you are looking to go on a lot of rides. At Epcot there are only a few rides to go on so definitely keep that in mind. But in case you didn’t know, that big golf ball looking structure at the beginning of the park actually does have a ride inside! So never fear my adventure loving friend.

And for my 21 and older friends, definitely google “Drinking around the World” for an extra creative way to experience this park!

Thank you for going on this exciting adventure with me! Whenever I think of Disney, I will always think of Epcot and want to go back. But because Disney has so much to offer there is one other park I want to try out! So next week please come back for my final amusement park trip and review at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

-Kriss

Disney’s The Magic Kingdom Experience

Last time on the blog we ventured into the world of Harry Potter. What a wonderful moment that was for me to share another travel experience with you and to also add amusement parks to the list of travel locations featured here on the blog. Today we are going to continue on this ride with the addition of… I think you probably already guessed it, Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. Because who doesn’t need a little more magic and childlike joy in their day!

One of my favorite things about this park and Disney in general, is that it is an experience from the moment you set tire on their roads to foot on their walkways. The Disney experience starts long before they swipe your ticket and scan your thumb (little hint at their welcoming process). From how every doorway is dressed, light post is themed and each new view of the park is breathtaking.

The Magic Kingdom is the jewel in the crown of Disney in Orlando, Florida. Wherever you go you simply have to turn and find the castle to be reminded of that fact. It almost has a way of awaking your inner prince or princess no matter your age.

And because I am such a sucker for that feeling and experience, heading to Fantasyland was my first priority when entering the park.

Check out Belle’s house! How charming and true to the story with watermill and all.

Fantasyland was number one for me because of the types of stories and characters that were located on that side of the park. Characters like Peter Pan, Rapunzel, Mad Hatter, Snow White, Ariel, Gaston, Pooh & Tigger and Merida, to name just a few!

I’ve found that one of the best ways to see the characters at Disney is to go to where their homes are in the park. There you will be able to go to experiences like “Story time with Belle” and meet them in the process, just like I did!

Don’t forget to hold out for your favorite treats around the park. They have a little something for everyone. Here I purchased french macarons in the flavors espresso, caramel and vanilla!

While still in Fantasyland, I made sure to stop by and take a selfie at Rapunzel’s, from Tangled, tower and part of the park. Personally because she is one of my favorites, it could have been bigger. But with the recent expansion guests can have the full experience with big characters like Snow White, Belle and Ariel.

If you aren’t much into these characters no fear because Disney’s Magic Kingdom has six separate sections all with their own themes. Theses areas are Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland. 

On my visit list was to go up in the giant treehouse of the Swiss Family Robinson. The last time I was at the Magic Kingdom I was 9 and in third grade. From the first trip there was a picture of me at the helm of the “ship” in the treehouse. So seeing it all from an adult perspective was fun ans proves that the park is for all ages.

But like I said, from every part of the park you simply have to turn to experience the castle again. I love this park because you can truly enjoy and explore the Cinderella castle from all angles. From shows on its stage to walking through the center of it to having a chance to book princess treatments up inside the castle- it can be exactly what you hope for.

At the end of the day whenever everyone is tired and ready to sleep like the seven dwarfs, make sure to stay and experience the end of the day show at the castle. There are lights, singing, fireworks, some pixie dust and a heart full of joy to experience.

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Thank you for joining me today as I shared some travel tips, a park review and plenty of magic. Please subscribe to get instant access to new blog posts and updates!

-Kriss

A Muggle’s Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

A sunny morning in January seemed like the perfect day to visit Universal Studios and for this blogger, it was her first trip there! Walking up to the gates you will first walk through bag security and then to the ticket booth to purchase your pass into a fun and exciting day. Something to keep in mind if you are planning on visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you will need to purchase two tickets to be able to enter both sides of Universal.

You need two because Harry Potter is split right down the middle, dividing the park into two sides. One side offers Diagon Alley and the other, Hogsmeade Village where Hogwarts Castle is. If only seeing one side of The Wizarding Wolrd is ok with you then you can pick which side by knowing that Diagon Alley is at Universal Studios while Hogsmeade Village is at Islands of Adventure. But if you want to experience the full world of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter then I highly suggest buying both tickets.

On the side of Universal Studios, you have access to Diagon Alley and Kings Cross Station. We decided to enter the King’s Cross Station and board the Hogwarts Express, first thing. And what a start because after a short line and waiting period you are then standing on Platform 9 3/4! The Hogwarts Express isn’t just something fun to experience but it is, in fact, a ride! So sit back and enjoy the ride!

To build the excitement of seeing the Hogwarts Castle, I highly suggest walking through Hogsmeade! Here you can get sweets at Honeydukes, purchase at jumper at Gladrags Wizardwear, grab a butterbeer at The Hog’s Head and any magical equipment that you may have forgotten at home at Dervish and Banges. My favorite purchases are below!

Something that is a must for me and to many who visit the park, is getting our hands on some butterbeer! The positive bit of visiting the park around the Holidays is that they carry three kinds of butterbeers for you to try. All three are the original flavor but come in the option of hot, frozen or traditional. Because we couldn’t decide, we purchased all three! The traditional butterbeer was fizzy to me, almost like a pop or soda. The frozen butterbeer reminded me of a root beer float. And lastly, the hot butterbeer was oh so cozy and very much my favorite of the three.

After drinking like a wizard or witch, you’re more than ready to finally see the Hogwarts castle! And man did we enjoy seeing it! The castle was true to the Hogwarts dreams that all of us Harry Potter fans hold. There were wrought iron fences to keep out muggles, towering hog statues snarling their tusks in your direction, peak after peak holding secrets- a true picture of nostalgia. Best part, however, was that the castle wasn’t just something to look at- it was something you could fully experience, yes even you Muggle!

Walking up the cobbled walkway towards the castle you’re soon entering the one and only Hogwarts. Once inside the school you are now waiting inline to ride the Forbidden Journey Castle Tour. But unlike other waiting line, you are surrounded by a dark, moody atmosphere with moving portraits, lit lanterns and sculptures and props inspired by the films. Some say that there are actual props from the movies in various parts of the park.

Depending on how busy the park is and on your schedule for the day, you can plan accordingly for more rides or more wanderings. Because the day we visited was busy, we decided to head to Diagon Alley to explore the areas we had missed. Here you can make a withdrawal from Gringotts, find what wand calls to you at Ollivander’s, learn some tricks and a laugh at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes or buy your school robes at Madam Malkin’s Robes for all occasions

Speaking of Gringotts, this is an attraction that everyone looks forward to. The bank holds a indoor roller coaster that goes deep down into the mines but also exhibits the sinister stares of the dragon perched on top of the bank. But the bank is felt from any street in Diagon Alley. There is a rumbling deep down under the ground, snarls and smoke until the dragon lets out a roar of fire. The fire is so hot that you can actually feel the heat being breathed down upon you!

Like every other tourist I always tend to get myself a little something. My souvenir from Harry Potter World was a chocolate frog to take home and enjoy with my Maraduer’s Map mug. Not only was the frog cute but it was also solid chocolate- and that doesn’t hurt. I got it too because I was curious who I would receive on the card inside. Turned out that I got Helga Hufflepuff aka my Hogwarts house!

Like so many who grew up with a new Harry Potter book coming out each year, the thought of being fully submerged into that world was the ideal world. Whenever Universal announced their new addition of Harry Potter attractions to their park, I instantly added it to list of my must go places.

My biggest take away is that when you go that you choose a time where the park isn’t typically busy. We went at the beginning of January after the holidays were over and also whenever the schools were still on Christmas break. Aka the park was crazy packed! At points it was completely impossible to move around the mass amounts of people. This can end up being very difficult if you have little ones or are planning to go in a big group. So I highly suggest that you do your research of when is the best time of year to go for yourself and your fellow companions!

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Next week on the blog we will continue with our amusement park fun and head on to all things Disney at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Please subscribe to get instant access to new blog posts and updates!

-Kriss

 

 

Holidays in the Tropics

We know the classic image of Christmas where there is fresh snow fall outside and a warm, lit fire inside where loved one’s are gathered together and drinking hot cocoa. But what if instead of snow you have sun and palm trees? What if you have glasses of lemonade and not hot chocolate or cider? We’ll you’ve come to the perfect place to see what the Holidays look and feel like in those warmer climates. Welcome to Christmas in Florida!

This year we planned to spend Christmas in Orlando, Fl. For someone who has never spent Christmas away from her Indiana roots, I knew I was in for some interesting events. But the thought of having Christmas without the possibility of snow or cozy sweaters, well that’s another story. To some this is the ideal situation but spoiler alert, it’s not all flip flops and tan lines!

One of the events we were eager to try out was beach life in winter. With swimsuits on, sunscreen rubbed in and towel in hand, we made our way to the beach. The temperatures were comfortable, the sun was warming but the water was… well lacking. I will admit I definitely went for a drip but it didn’t take long for me to go back to sun bathing.

Something I didn’t consider about our beach visit was the fact that there are tiki bars and restaurants all along the coast. We happily ordered ourselves some food and refreshing slushies. I was 100% in my happy place: good company, good food and complete detachment from unnecessary things.

She likes long walks on the beach and limited sun exposure.

If beach days aren’t your kind of days then I highly suggest pulling up a chair, pool side. Luckily when we were in Orlando we stayed at Jacob’s parent’s house whose neighborhood has a gorgeous pool and lounge. The water was cold, maybe even colder than the ocean, but I didn’t mind because there were a generous amount of unused hammocks to take advantage of! Some of us swam laps, some read books and some, like myself, enjoyed the simplicity of just being.

Once toweled off and dressed for the day, you can easily see the efforts gone to decorate every light post, archway and tree in pure Christmas splendor. The balance between the tropical feeling and the Christmas spirit is almost comical yet still makes its festive impact. So if you need to do some shopping for the holidays, expect to find Christmas trees, ribbons and bows, ornaments and stars while you are out and about.

Shopping in Winter Park, FL is perfect for those who love locally owned shops filled with coffee, unique gifts, antiques, high-end fashion and good food.

If you are missing snow while on your stay, I suggest pulling up a cozy Christmas movie. Because even though it is still technically winter in Florida you won’t exactly get that kind of precipitation. You will, however, experience highs and lows where some days will be 80’s and sunny with others being 50’s and rainy. This makes packing tough but if you’re the type of personality that loves change, this weather was made for you.

Featuring one of those cold and rainy days out on the patio with hot coffee and an unfeatured sweater moment.

For me and so many other’s who celebrate Christmas because of their faith in Jesus, making it about Him is everything to me. From preparing my heart to remember the true meaning of it all to praying over the individuals whose gifts I am wrapping to the activities I make sure to set time aside for. I love Christmas because it sets things back in their rightful place. By this I mean making time for family and friends, for giving and for finding peace because of His existence.

We went as a family to the Christmas Eve service at Faith Assembly Orlando, Fl

To find feelings of magic, family and stillness while on vacation in a tropical climate, this trip was that much more meaningful and memorable. So, no matter where or how you celebrate, whether it’s warm or cold, celebrating the big moments in life will always boil down to who you spend it with. This Christmas will be one that I will remember for a very long time if not forever and I hope that whatever season you found yourself in this past holiday season, that you experienced some of that Christmas magic.

Next week on the blog I am sharing a geek out worthy post! I am sharing my experiences from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Oh yeah! We are talking trains, broom sticks, owls, spooky rides and delicious brews. To get instant updates to new blog posts and news please subscribe to receive email notifications.

-Kriss

Jacksonville, Florida

On the morning of October 6th, I woke up at sunrise in Jacksonville Florida, wrapped up in a cozy sweater and made my way down to the ocean.

Squishing my toes in the sand I found my spot on the coast. Within twenty minutes the sky was on fire with a beautiful message of a new day and another moment along the way for Kurt and Chelsea. It was wonderful to see this promise fulfilling itself throughout the day.

But with every wedding comes a full days worth of pulling together to make the dream a reality! So I headed back up the beach to get ready for the day!

Every detail seemed to come together flawlessly and so naturally. Some of this natural grace came from different members of the bridal party actually pulling in the greenery from around the houses we were staying in. I’m not sure why but it warmed my heart to see them trudging through bushes to find those beautiful leaves.

Chelsea was stunning in every way. Her grace was shown in the way she walked while her joy was painted across every fiber of her being. But this didn’t overshadow Kurt. Kurt’s gentleness went perfectly with his structured suit. His strength wasn’t diminished by the tears he experienced but somehow made him that much stronger.

To follow was a reception perfect for them from a signature drink at the bar, thoughtful moments with special people and dancing that I would later feel in every muscle. Their wedding day on the beach with both the sun and the stars was everything and more.

Thank you both for allowing Jacob and I be such big parts of your day and first steps as Mr and Mrs! We cannot wait for all of the years to come.

Also for transparency sake, I was not the official photographer for this wedding but definitely took some behind the scenes pictures.

XOKriss

Next week on the blog I will be sharing our wedding pictures!! Yep that’s right its finally Harrison time!