DESTINATIONS WITH DANIELLE
  • Home
  • About
  • Destinations & Current Promotions
    • Walt Disney World
    • Disneyland
    • Aulani
    • Disney Cruise Line
    • Disney's Vero Beach & Disney's Hilton Head Resorts
    • Adventures by Disney
    • Universal Orlando Resort
  • The Blog
  • Contact

The Blog

Gift Guide: Disney & Universal Travel

12/7/2022

0 Comments

 
If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando anytime soon, grab these before you go! Many of these also make great stocking stuffers!
​

I only recommend products that I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Picture
#1 - Disney Luggage
You can't go wrong with luggage. This American Tourister set is the perfect way to kick of a magical vacation!
#2 - Ponchos
Okay, so this one doesn't seem very glamorous, but it's a must-pack item! Any visitor to Central Florida knows that those Florida downpours are an almost daily occurance. Don't be caught in one of those infamous afternoon storms without a poncho. (They also come in handy on water rides!) Traveling with a little one? Don't forget a stroller rain cover!
#3 - Portable Phone Charger
Do not leave for a trip without one of these! Your phone will be working overtime in the parks - joining virtual queues, mobile ordering food, checking wait times, and using Genie+ (on Disney trips!) Not to mention, your phone is still a phone, and you'll still need it for calling, texting, and taking photos/videos. I actually gifted this one to a few people last year!
#4 - Hair Ties
Special shout out to all of the other long-haired park visitors out there! Do not forget to bring hair ties to keep hair off of your neck! That Florida heat and humidity is no joke! I'm a longtime advocate of the Teleties brand.

Get 10% off your order with my code: PARTNER10
#5 - Water Bottle Strap
Don't waste precious park bag space with a water bottle! I like to carry mine on a strap, like this one, to keep my water close by and remind me to stay hydrated. A caribiner attached to a stroller works well, too!

#6 - Park Shoes
Keeping your feet comfortable can make or break your trip! You will be walking a lot. My holy grail park sandals are here, while my favorite tennis shoes are these ones. My husband only wears Brooks in the parks and recommends them to everyone!
#7 - Hanging Toiletry Bag 
This is the exact one that I use! It holds a ton, and folds up compactly in my suitcase. (Not to mention, I love the blush color!)
#8 - Belt Bag
If a big park bag isn't for you, or you're visiting Universal, I highly recommend something small like a belt bag. I have a deep love for my Lululemon belt bags, but I also have this Adidas version and am loving this stunner from Pink Lily!
Picture
Picture
#9 - Park Bags
I'm a sucker for my Loungefly bags. You can find tons of these on Shop Disney, Boxlunch, Amazon, and more!

For more park bag recommendations, click here!
For a FREE park bag packing checklist, click here!
#10 - Printable Disney Planner
A printable Disney planning binder is the perfect gift! Not only is this one printable, but I also offer a digitally editable version in my Etsy shop! Both have 20+ pages of Disney planning printables to customize to your own preferences!
Picture
0 Comments

Gift Guide: Travel with Little Ones

12/7/2022

0 Comments

 
Whether you’re an expecting parent or traveling with a little one, I’m rounding up the top 10 things to register for or use for baby travel!

I only recommend products that I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Picture
#1 - YogaSleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine
I love this one because it's small and portable, but is a surprisingly effective sound machine! This was one of the first adds to my baby registry. I'll not only be using this in the car and when we're traveling, but this is actually in my hospital bag! It's for both me and the baby to help drown out hospital noise!
Picture
#2 - Stroller Fan
Okay, so this one is also in my hospital bag! In addition to cooling off little ones, this fan is also great for attaching to workout equipment and for attaching to a hospital bed during labor!
#3 - Stroller Rain Cover
I can't tell you how many times I've seen this in the parks: during a Florida downpour, a family is sprinting across the park in ponchos, and the poor little ones in the stroller are getting soaked! Enter the stroller rain cover. This keeps your little ones, and your belongings, dry! This is the one that I use, which fits most stroller types!
#4 - Travel Stroller
You probably don't want to travel with your big, bulky stroller. A lightweight stroller like this one is perfect!
#5 - Petunia Pickle Bottom Bag
It's no secret that I love Petunia Pickle Bottom for the brand's functionality and adorable Disney prints. You really can't go wrong with anything from this collection! It features diaper bags, stroller caddies, overnight bags, packing cubes, and more!
#6 - Baby Carrier
Baby-wearing can be a lifesaver in the parks. This Babybjorn carrier is one of the best ones I've seen! Grab it from ​Modern Nursery! Another great budget-friendly option is this one from Infantino.
modernnursery.com begin life in style
#7 - Car Mirror
Driving to your destination? This car mirror helps you keep an eye on your little one in the backseat! This is the exact one that I have, too!
#8 - Portable Changing Pad
This one's great for traveling any distance, whether you're heading on a trip to the mall or traveling across the country. This is also the exact one that I have!
#9 - Kids Travel Tray
Keep little ones occupied in the car seat and on planes. It's got a secure tablet holder, plenty of pockets for snacks, drinks, and toys, and the top is even a whiteboard surface! It comes in several colors and prints.
#10 - Portable High Chair
This one's perfect for heading to the beach, grandma's house, or even for a little outdoor barbecue at home! We have this one, and actually store it at my parents' house for when our little one is a bit older! Please note: I wouldn't take this one to Disney or Universal, but it's great for more local travel!
0 Comments

Travel Accessories from Amazon Prime Day 2022

7/13/2022

0 Comments

 
All of the best Disney travel accessories from Prime Day are right here! Links are below!

I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Picture
  1. First up are my holy grail park sandals. I actually live in these all summer long, and have 3 pairs of them so far! FunkyMonkey Sandals are by far my favorite year after year.
  2. A great water bottle holder is an absolute necessity in the parks. A water bottle holder with a strap, like this one, will save room in your park bag and keep your hands free!​
  3. A portable phone charger is another must-have. Your phone will be working overtime in the parks, and My Disney Experience will drain your phone super quickly.
  4. I'm an Apple user through and through and my Apple Watch is one thing I wear every day.
  5. Like I said, I'm an Apple user, and this MagSafe Duo Charger for iPhones & Apple Watches is a personal favorite for charging multiple devices at the end of the day.
  6. It's going to be HOT in Orlando, and a personal neck fan can be a game-changer for staying cool.
  7. You won't be the only one that's hot! Keep your little ones cool with a stroller fan, like this best-selling favorite.
  8. Speaking of strollers, you'll also want to keep your little ones and your belongings dry in the rain. Don't forget to grab a stroller rain cover for those Orlando pop-up storms.
  9. You'll want to keep yourself dry during those rainy days, too! Grab a 4 pack of inexpensive rain ponchos, like these ones!
  10. Once you're back in your hotel room at the end of the day, you'll want to recharge yourself and your phone. Even if you grab the Magsafe Duo charger that I mentioned earlier, I still recommend this 3 pack of 6 ft. Lightning to USB cords. They're great for hotel rooms, and I use them at home, too!​
  11. Road tripping? Use these bag hooks for your car to keep bags off the ground.
  12. Road tripping with kids? You'll want these seatback organizers!
  13. Rope-drop mornings can be very early mornings. Grab this Living Proof dry shampoo to help you get out of the door on time!
  14. Florida humidity is no joke. The humidity absolutely zaps my volume, andthis Living Proof Dry Volume Blast keeps my hair looking lively!
  15. I love these Under Armour socks for runDisney races and for wearing with tennis shoes in the parks.
  16. I usually talk about the heat in the parks, but there are times when it can get chilly, too! I love this North Face vest for layering on chillier park days (and for that ever-changing Ohio weather, too!)
For more travel must-haves, be sure to check out what to put in your park bag!
0 Comments

Printable Travel Planner

8/16/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
My popular printable travel planners are now available for instant download in my Etsy shop, Dani's Travel Templates! 2 different versions are available. A minimalist design and ear hat design. Each planner features over 20 printable pages!

To receive a discount code on every single purchase in my Etsy shop, join my newsletter! Use the link at the bottom of the page to sign up.
These printable planners have everything you need from pre-planning to post-travel. Packing, budgeting, saving, and more! 20+ different types of planning pages included.

Perfect for organizing plans for anything from a short getaway to month-long excursions. Ideal for Disney, Universal, beaches, all-inclusive resorts, cruises, international travel, and more!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Planner Includes 5 Sections:
Section 1: Planning
*Yearly Planner
*Monthly Planner
*Weekly Planner
*Daily Planner (Hour-by-Hour Plans, Meals, Must-Do Attractions, Notes, Extras)
*Travel Itinerary

Section 2: Budget
*Travel Savings Tracker
*Travel Budget (Transportation, Accommodations, Food, Activities, Souvenirs, Extras)

Section 3: Dining
*2 Types of Planning Pages to plan meals for each day

Section 4: Packing & Prep
*Packing Checklist
*Outfit Planner
*House Sitter Notes
*Emergency Contact Page
*Souvenirs to Buy
*Before You Leave Home Checklist

Section 5: Notes
*General Notes Pages (lined and unlined)
*Daily Notes
*2 Types of Bucket List pages!
0 Comments

Most-Purchased Amazon Items (July 5-12)

7/12/2021

0 Comments

 
I'm always looking for ways to keep you in the loop with all-things travel! I'm beginning a weekly series that will share what your most-purchased travel items were from the last week. Below are the Top 10 travel items that you purchased from Amazon from July 5-12!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Picture
#1 - Portable Neck Fan
amzn.to/3xEzKA2

​
#2 - FunkyMonkey Women's Sandals
​https://amzn.to/3ARaMiK

#3 - 6 ft. Charging Cords
​https://amzn.to/3wyoWBZ

​
#4 - Dual Port USB Charger
https://amzn.to/2T9AhuK
​
​
#5 - Water Bottle Carrier with Adjustable Strap
https://amzn.to/3ASErbp

​
#6 - Adidas Fanny Pack
https://amzn.to/3wEIVyW

#7 - AirPods with Charging Case
​https://amzn.to/3r4x2B4

​
#8 - Battery Operated Stroller Fan
https://amzn.to/3xBDdiI

#9 - Stroller Cup Holder
https://amzn.to/3xCGRbY

#10 - Portable Sound Machine
https://amzn.to/3xCGRbY

​
Remember, my clients all get a complimentary, comprehensive packing checklist before they travel. To get my complimentary park bag checklist, click here. To become one of my concierge clients, contact me!
0 Comments

How to Pack Your Park Bag

5/11/2021

0 Comments

 
Your theme park bag is one of the most important parts of your entire trip. Without a well-packed bag, your park day can get derailed quickly. After all of the time, money, and excitement you've put towards your vacation, that's the last thing that you want! I give to you one of my most coveted tips...how to pack your park bag!

Be sure to grab my FREE park bag packing checklist below! 

FREE Park Bag Packing Checklist

Park your park bag like a pro! Grab this checklist freebie!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.
Picture
The Bag
First things first, you'll actually need a park bag. The park bag that you choose will depend on who you're traveling with and which parks you're visiting. I've previously talked about the best park bags for every guest. I suggest starting there if you're trying to decide on what type of bag you'll need. However, today we're going to focus on what goes inside that bag!

The Basics
The first things you're going to carry with you are the obvious basics. This includes things like cash, credit cards, and IDs. I personally prefer not to carry my entire wallet, and instead use a zip-top wallet. If you're looking for a luxury version, this Michael Kors wallet is perfect. This Vera Bradley change purse is very similar to the one I carry. (Except mine has a Hufflepuff print!)

Communication
You likely always have your phone with you anyway, but make this is more important than ever. You'll use your phone to take photos, order food, check wait times, and can even house your tickets and park passes into there! Therefore, you're also going to want a portable charger in that bag, too. This is identical to my favorite charger! (I couldn't get a link to my exact charger, sorry!

Health and Safety
The next category we're going to make sure we have are anything related to health and safety. Face coverings* (if you're wearing them), hand sanitizer, and band aids. Hand sanitizer has long been a staple on my packing lists long before 2020, but now it's even higher on my list! Band-Aids are another good one to carry with you. In addition to their normal uses, you'll definitely want those to cover any blisters on your feet. There's nothing worse than touring with blisters!

*This list previously recommended 2 face coverings per person, per day. As of April 18, 2022, face coverings have become optional at all Walt Disney World locations. You know your family best! Do what works for you and your travel party. 

Weather
Florida is not only hot, but V E R Y humid. It's also full of unpredicted weather. It's not unheard of to have a beautiful morning and evening with a monsoon-level storm for an hour in the afternoon. For this reason, you'll need to be prepared, rain or shine. The first item you'll need, no matter the temperature, is sunscreen. (Don't make the major mistake that I made a few years ago!) With all of that heat, I also recommend either (or both!) a personal fan and a cooling towel. I also encourage all clients to carry ponchos with them. A poncho will allow you to get around during any downpours and are also a game-changer when it comes to water rides! Which brings me to my final category...

Ready for Anything!
There are a few items to include in that park bag that may not make sense when you read my checklist, but trust me on this! The first is a variety of Ziploc bags. Use one to keep face coverings (if you're wearing them) safe and clean while you're eating. Use a larger gallon size to hold wet ponchos. If you're riding Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, you can also keep cell phones in a sandwich size bag to help keep them extra dry. (I'm a big Ziploc fan, clearly.) I also recommend carrying a hydrating lip balm. Finally, I recommend a water bottle strap. This one doesn't necessarily stay in your park bag, per say, but staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do. 

If you found this list helpful, be sure to check out some of my other packing tips:

Best Items to Beat the Heat
New Items to Pack
Click here to get a full, comprehensive vacation packing checklist.
0 Comments

5 New Must-Pack Items for the Parks

6/18/2020

0 Comments

 
Park touring is going to be quite different for a while.  Here are 5 items that I've added to my clients' packing checklists for 2021 and 2022 vacations!
Picture
1. Face Coverings
Simply put, if you want to tour the parks, you'll need a mask or another type of face covering for everyone ages 2+ in your party. I highly recommend packing at least 2 per person per day in your park bag. Unexpected rainstorms, water rides, and sweat will make wearing the same mask for an entire day pretty miserable. Having an extra will ensure that you and your family have extras in case any masks are lost or damaged. You'll likely be able to purchase these in the parks, but I highly doubt you'll want to keep shelling out cash every time you need a spare mask! These disposable masks on Amazon are a great value! For more tips about masks, be sure to follow these tips. For mask-wearing advice for kids, click here!

2. Ziploc Bags
I've long been including gallon size bags on my lists for wet clothes and for keeping items safe on water rides, but stick some sandwich bags in there, too. Why? Those face coverings from #1, of course! You'll be able to take them off while you eat, but what do you do with those masks then? You won't want to stick them in a purse or park bag! Grab a few sandwich-sized bags to stick your masks in while you dine. An assorted pack of Ziplocs is the way to go!

3. Hand Sanitizer
Okay, so this is another one that I always recommend, but this is now an absolute MUST HAVE in your park bag for obvious reasons! Grab these Purell travel sized options that you can attach to a bag or purse so that you don't have to go digging for it every time. There will be increased sanitizer stations throughout the park, but it never hurts to have your own! (Plus, Universal's hand sanitizer smells a little rough. You'll want your own, trust me.)

4. Disinfecting Wipes
While the parks and resorts have absolutely stepped up their game in terms of disinfecting surfaces, you can never be too careful! Grab a travel-size of Clorox wipes and wipe down tables, etc. before you sit down! I also recommend doing this with your tray table on planes or even wiping down high touch areas in your hotel room.

​5. Portable Charger
It's more important than ever to have a charged phone in the parks. Not only can you check your My Disney Experience or Universal Orlando app for reservations or virtual queues, you'll also need to use it for mobile food ordering, looking up menus, and for constantly updated information. This rose gold beauty is the one that I have, and I can't recommend it enough! 

My clients all receive a full custom packing checklist. If you're ready for more travel and packing tips, contact me to get more information!
0 Comments

    Author

    Danielle Bartlett
    Travel Advisor

    Categories

    All
    2020 Travel
    2021 Travel
    2022 Travel
    2023 Travel
    50th Anniversary
    Adidas
    Advanced Dining Reservations
    Adventures By Disney
    All Star Music
    All Star Sports
    Amazon
    Animal Kingdom
    Animal Kingdom Lodge
    Anniversary
    Annual Passholder
    Art Of Animation
    Aulani
    Baby
    Batuu
    Binder
    Boat
    Budget
    California
    California Adventure
    Caribbean Beach
    Christmas
    Contemporary Resort
    Copper Creek
    Cosmic Rewind
    COVID Travel
    Cruise
    Dani's Travel Templates
    Deluxe
    Deluxe Villa
    Dessert Party
    Dining
    Disney
    Disney+
    Disney 2020
    Disney 2021
    Disney 2022
    Disney 2023
    Disney Characters
    Disney Cruise Line
    Disney Dining
    Disney Enchantment
    Disney Entertainment
    Disney Events
    Disney Food
    Disney Genie
    Disney Hotels
    Disneyland
    Disney News
    Disney Parks
    Disney Resorts
    Disney Ride
    Disney Springs
    Disney Tips
    Disney Travel
    Disney Wish
    Dooney And Bourke
    Editable
    Epcot
    Epcot Festival
    Etsy
    Face Coverings
    Fairy Tale Concierge
    Family Travel
    Family Vacation
    Fantasmic
    Fine Dining
    Florida
    Galactic Starcruiser
    Galaxys Edge
    Genie+
    Gift Guide
    Giveaway
    Guardians Of The Galaxy
    Harmonious
    Harry Potter
    Hogsmeade
    Holidays
    Hollywood Studios
    Home
    Honeymoon
    Hurricane
    Islands Of Adventure
    Loungefly
    Magic Kingdom
    Mardi Gras
    Marvel
    Maternity Leave
    Mnsshp
    Moderate
    Mom
    Monorail
    Notes
    Orlando
    Packing
    Park Bags
    Planner
    Planning
    Pop Century
    Port Orleans French Quarter
    Port Orleans Riverside
    Pregnancy
    Prime Day
    Prime Value
    Printable
    Promotions
    Proposal
    Rain
    Reopening
    Resorts
    Restaurant Review
    Riviera Resort
    Road Trip
    Savings
    Shopping
    Signature Dining
    Skyliner
    Spring Break
    Star Wars
    Summer
    Surfside Inn And Suites
    Theme Parks
    Thirty-one
    Travel
    Travel Agent
    Travel Guidelines
    Travel News
    Travel Review
    Travel Tip
    Travel Tips
    Travel With Baby
    Universal
    Universal Hotels
    Universal Orlando
    Universal Orlando Resort
    Universal Studios Florida
    Universal Travel
    UOR
    UOR Food
    Update
    Vacation
    Valentines Day
    Value
    Vera Bradley
    Villa
    VIP Tour
    Walking Distance
    Walt Disney World
    Wdw
    WDW 50th
    Weather
    Wilderness Lodge
    Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
    Work From Home
    Yacht Club

    Archives

    March 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    July 2018
    June 2018
    December 2017

    ​​Search

    All
    2020 Travel
    2021 Travel
    2022 Travel
    2023 Travel
    50th Anniversary
    Adidas
    Advanced Dining Reservations
    Adventures By Disney
    All Star Music
    All Star Sports
    Amazon
    Animal Kingdom
    Animal Kingdom Lodge
    Anniversary
    Annual Passholder
    Art Of Animation
    Aulani
    Baby
    Batuu
    Binder
    Boat
    Budget
    California
    California Adventure
    Caribbean Beach
    Christmas
    Contemporary Resort
    Copper Creek
    Cosmic Rewind
    COVID Travel
    Cruise
    Dani's Travel Templates
    Deluxe
    Deluxe Villa
    Dessert Party
    Dining
    Disney
    Disney+
    Disney 2020
    Disney 2021
    Disney 2022
    Disney 2023
    Disney Characters
    Disney Cruise Line
    Disney Dining
    Disney Enchantment
    Disney Entertainment
    Disney Events
    Disney Food
    Disney Genie
    Disney Hotels
    Disneyland
    Disney News
    Disney Parks
    Disney Resorts
    Disney Ride
    Disney Springs
    Disney Tips
    Disney Travel
    Disney Wish
    Dooney And Bourke
    Editable
    Epcot
    Epcot Festival
    Etsy
    Face Coverings
    Fairy Tale Concierge
    Family Travel
    Family Vacation
    Fantasmic
    Fine Dining
    Florida
    Galactic Starcruiser
    Galaxys Edge
    Genie+
    Gift Guide
    Giveaway
    Guardians Of The Galaxy
    Harmonious
    Harry Potter
    Hogsmeade
    Holidays
    Hollywood Studios
    Home
    Honeymoon
    Hurricane
    Islands Of Adventure
    Loungefly
    Magic Kingdom
    Mardi Gras
    Marvel
    Maternity Leave
    Mnsshp
    Moderate
    Mom
    Monorail
    Notes
    Orlando
    Packing
    Park Bags
    Planner
    Planning
    Pop Century
    Port Orleans French Quarter
    Port Orleans Riverside
    Pregnancy
    Prime Day
    Prime Value
    Printable
    Promotions
    Proposal
    Rain
    Reopening
    Resorts
    Restaurant Review
    Riviera Resort
    Road Trip
    Savings
    Shopping
    Signature Dining
    Skyliner
    Spring Break
    Star Wars
    Summer
    Surfside Inn And Suites
    Theme Parks
    Thirty-one
    Travel
    Travel Agent
    Travel Guidelines
    Travel News
    Travel Review
    Travel Tip
    Travel Tips
    Travel With Baby
    Universal
    Universal Hotels
    Universal Orlando
    Universal Orlando Resort
    Universal Studios Florida
    Universal Travel
    UOR
    UOR Food
    Update
    Vacation
    Valentines Day
    Value
    Vera Bradley
    Villa
    VIP Tour
    Walking Distance
    Walt Disney World
    Wdw
    WDW 50th
    Weather
    Wilderness Lodge
    Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
    Work From Home
    Yacht Club

    RSS Feed

Find, Follow, and contact me!


Spring Hours

Monday-Thursday
10 am - 4 pm

Let's Chat!

Click to Schedule A Call
  • Home
  • About
  • Destinations & Current Promotions
    • Walt Disney World
    • Disneyland
    • Aulani
    • Disney Cruise Line
    • Disney's Vero Beach & Disney's Hilton Head Resorts
    • Adventures by Disney
    • Universal Orlando Resort
  • The Blog
  • Contact