We talk a lot about the Disney theme parks on here — hey, they’re the ultimate family vacations destination, we couldn’t avoid them if we wanted to. Luckily, we don’t want to.

There is a lot happening in the Disney parks right now, and to make sure you’re in the loop I’ve compiled a list of interesting items that you might find magical. I’m good like that.

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A sign warning against iguana feeding at Sugar Bay

Strolling around the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas, the iguana is the most common creature you’ll spot scampering across roads and fences. These scaly lizards range in shades of  green, gray and black and can grow up to six feet long.  Iguanas are legally protected in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s against the law to kill them, which is why you’ll often see them slithering across cafe tables and chairs.  At the Sugar Bay Resort on the east end of St. Thomas, you can grab and up close and personal wild iguana encounter at the resort’s daily iguana feedings. Read More »

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa combines two of the most popular destination weddings on one beach — Hawai’i and Disney are the perfect marriage for a perfect wedding. No, they didn’t pay me to say that.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of family activities at Disney’s Hawaiian paradise to make everybody happy. They didn’t pay me to say that either.

This post is part of UpTake’s Wordless Wednesday Series. If you would like to see your photo featured here please contact us via the link in the sidebar using subject line: WW.

Photo:  Whit Honea

You may have noticed how beautiful and romantic Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i (O’ahu) is. It’s hard to miss. However, just because Disney has taken the best of Hawai’i and sprinkled it with pixie dust, doesn’t mean that it’s all walks on the beach and drinks with umbrellas (not that there is anything wrong with that). There’s plenty of fun for the kids, too!

In addition to the natural wonders of Hawai’i and the popular tourist sites of the island, the resort offers an array of family fun. Most of it is wet.

There are two water slides, a lazy river, snorkeling (in a mouse-made reef), and a water play area.  There are also indoor places to play, relax and hang out — some of which are no parents allowed! Well, I suppose they’re allowed, but they don’t have to be there, which is nice.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with many of the Aulani cast members and Walt Disney Imagineers that created the resort, and they shared some interesting facts and stories about the area. Videos below. Read More »