family travel – Whimsey Pie

Washington, D.C. Highlights

Published on February 13, 2017 by StephanyLeave a comment

Washington, D.C. was our first family travel destination of 2017. We spent Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend there, seeing the sights and witnessing the city’s monumental preparations for the Presidential inauguration. Over the course of four days we visited the International Spy Museum, the National Zoo, Ford’s Theater (where Abraham Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Abraham Lincoln died), the National Archives, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Holocaust Memorial Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, and Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home). We logged 22 miles on the pedometer for the weekend but, because most of the museums closed by 5 pm., we were always back in our hotel rooms by early evening, sipping milkshakes from the Shake Shack and watching movies or reading with our comfies on and our feet propped up. We had fun, learned a few new things, spent quality time together and even enjoyed some downtime. Really, what more could a person ask for?

International Spy Museum. (A combination of espionage history and James Bond movie artifacts make this a fascinating and fun experience.)

{ James Bond’s Aston Martin }

{ Metal dentures belonging to Bond villain Jaws – the actor could only keep them in his mouth for about 40 seconds at a time because they were so painful to wear. }

The National Zoo. (Home of pandas and other adorable critters. Unfortunately, winter offers limited viewing of many of the animals.)

Ford’s Theater and the Petersen House. (Informative museum outlining events leading up to President Lincoln’s assassination. The bedroom where Lincoln died felt especially eerie.)

{ The gun John Wilkes Booth used to shoot Lincoln. }

The National Archives. (Highlights include the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and one of the few remaining original copies of the Magna Carta. No photography is allowed in this building).

The National Air and Space Museum. (A popular museum chronicling the history of flight and the exploration of space. This was by far the busiest museum of the trip. }

The National Holocaust Memorial Museum. (An emotionally taxing experience, but it should not be missed. The world needs to remember human rights atrocities so they are not repeated…)

{ Portraits of families and friends from one Jewish village in Poland taken before the war. Most of the villagers were killed during the Nazi occupation. }

The Lincoln Memorial. (After visiting the Ford Theater and Petersen House we felt compelled to see this monument. It was interesting to observe the preparations for the inaugural celebrations but the set-up was bothersome when it came to taking those iconic photographs.)

Arlington National Cemetery. (The resting place of more than 400,000 active service members, veterans and their families. It is also the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.)

Mount Vernon. (The rural estate of George Washington overlooking the Potomac River. Washington’s tomb is located on the grounds.)

All in all, it was a great getaway and a great beginning to 2017. I’m looking forward to the other travel experiences this new year brings my way.

A Quest for the Soul of Scotland

Published on September 24, 2016November 8, 2016 by Stephany8 Comments

Last year was full of milestones for my family and, to celebrate our accomplishments, we traveled to Scotland for some time together and a little adventure. In a trip that was incredible from beginning to end, our most favorite experiences happened in the wilder places of the country. That is where we encountered the soul of Caledonia.

{ Coastal walk to Dunnottar Castle}

{ Beach below Dunnottar Castle }

{ Dunnattor Castle from beach }

{ Corrie Fee, Glen Clova }

{ Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye }

{ Steahl Falls, Glen Nevis }

Discover quests of all kinds at The Daily Post.

Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum

Published on May 2, 2013May 3, 2013 by Stephany12 Comments

The Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which is really a ruggedly picturesque zoo showcasing native flora and fauna, is reached by a leisurely jaunt through the Saguaro-covered hills west of Tucson, Arizona. Situated on 21 acres of desert, with most exhibits gracing two miles of outdoor walking paths, this living natural history museum of the Sonoran Desert region exudes a spare beauty that is simply breathtaking.

[ View from the parking lot ]

[ The trail ]

[ Looking west ]

We picked New Year’s Day for our visit and were rewarded with a chilly, crystal clear day – perfect to be outside in the desert. Due to the cooler temperatures, some of the animals weren’t on exhibit and many of the gardens were bare. Despite that, we found more than enough interesting things to fill our day. We wandered among plants and cacti with names like Shindagger, Creosotebush, Baja Fairyduster, Strawberry Hedgehog, and the Wait-a-Minute Bush. More iconic varieties were also well-represented.

[ Teddy Bear Cholla (pronounced choya) ]

[ Fish Hook Barrel cactus ]

[ Organ Pipe cactus ]

[ Saguaro cactus (pronounced sa-whar-o)- Granddaddy of them all. ]

The botanical stuff was interesting and we got a chuckle out of some of the crazy names, but the animals were really the highlight of our day. They seemed very content in their world-renowned habitats and many were taking the opportunity to nap in the warmth of the sun.

[ Mountain lion through a glass window ]

[ Mexican wolf ]

[ Javelinas (pronounced havelinas) ]

[ Bobcats ]

[ Where they were actually sleeping ]

[ This lucky fox had his own heat lamp and comfy wool rug ]

[ White-tailed deer ]

[ Irresistible prairie dogs – we couldn’t get enough of their silly antics ]

[ Having a bit of a sit-down ]

[ Bighorn sheep ]

[ The Bighorn sheep habitat ]

One of the most magical places for me was the hummingbird aviary. I could have stayed all day watching the little jewel-toned birds dart here and there. Unfortunately, their quickness made them difficult to photograph (but I had fun trying).

[ I love the iridescent quality of this little guy’s feathers ]

We participated in a live show called Raptor Free Flight which showcases untethered birds that fly so close to the audience that it is possible to hear the whoosh of air and feel the brush of feathers as they cruise overhead. It’s a little unnerving but definitely a one-of-a kind experience. Such gorgeous birds, don’t you think?

[ Unfortunately, I don’t remember what variety of owl this is ]

[ One of a family group of falcons that hunt together ]

[ Another member of the family – there were three in the group ]

The Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum contains over 200 animal species, 1,200 plant varieties, and an incredible regional mineral collection. Who would have thought that such a seemingly barren landscape could produce and maintain such an incredible variety of life?!

We stayed at the museum until closing and then drove the short distance to Signal Hill in Saguaro National Park West. We were just in time to watch the sun set (a post for another day). In every respect, it was a lovely, lovely day in the desert.

10 Things I Know About Traveling to Walt Disney World

Published on March 9, 2012March 22, 2013 by StephanyLeave a comment

Did you know that Budgettravel.com listed Walt Disney World (henceforth abbreviated WDW for efficiency) as one of the top fifteen places every kid should see? (See list here) Several commenters to the blog post were outraged that The Happiest Place On Earth would qualify for such a prestigious placement. Some people labeled it a “tourist trap” and “a rip off”. Others argued that it was “hugely expensive”. A few self-important dissenters felt that because they’d never been to WDW and didn’t feel like they were missing anything, it couldn’t possibly be worthy of any must-see list. One mother argued that it was “too crowded” and “activities were booked up”. And finally, someone lamented that it had “no educational value”.

Forgive me, but my first reaction to these very emotional responses was bewildered disbelief. No Disney on a list of must-see places for kids? Seriously?? Most kids I know would put Disney at the tippy-top. And, while I’m not a kid (at least not by age), I wholeheartedly agree that kids should experience Disney, if it is meaningful to them. It’s a tangible, intricately detailed world of make-believe that joyfully celebrates well-known and well-loved stories and characters. Also, whether people want to admit it or not, the creative genius of Walt Disney is a part of the cultural fabric of America. From the introduction of Steamboat Willie in 1928 to the present day Disney empire that encompasses radio, TV, and motion pictures, Walt Disney has been touching the lives of generations of people. Is it so wrong to indulge the rich imagination of childhood and celebrate America’s popular cultural history? I think not.

I am not a Disney expert. And I don’t travel to Orlando several times a year. But, after planning and thoroughly enjoying two trips in the last seven years, I know enough about WDW to state with confidence that it is only a “tourist trap” and a “rip off” if you allow it to be. While certain Disney expenses cannot be altered, there are many, many cost-conscious options that can keep the experience from becoming “hugely expensive”. Poor planning will definitely result in experiencing parks that are “too crowded” and “activities that are booked”. As far as the “educational value” of WDW, it’s there if you want it – especially at EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. However, I can honestly say that educational value has never been the determining factor for the Whimsey clan when we choose a travel destination. We learn and experience many things when we travel together, but it happens in the context of doing what interests us, not because we are purposefully seeking to be educated.

To set the record straight for all those Disney haters out there and to encourage anyone who is considering a trip to see The Mouse and all his friends, I’d like to share some thoughts and ideas about travel to the wonderful World of Walt Disney.

Do your research and make a plan. By now, it’s probably pretty clear how important I think planning is to any successful travel experience. When I say WDW is just too big and too expensive to trust to chance, I mean it. There are four major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney Studios, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, two mini-golf courses, and Downtown Disney. Each park has several restaurants, many with characters that require six month advanced reservations, numerous shows, parades, and street performers. On property, there are about 26 different types of accommodations ranging from campgrounds to villas. Several of the restaurants at these properties are worth a visit as well. You will miss out on some things if you don’t do your homework. If nothing else, find out when the parks open and close, what days are early openings for resort guests, and get the schedules for shows and parades – especially the ones that only happen only a few times a week. These websites are a fantastic source of information: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ http://allears.net/index.html http://www.disboards.com/ http://www.mouseplanet.com/ I also found The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger and others to be worth it’s weight in gold. It’s a storehouse of information with comments and tips from families who’ve happily survived the Disney World experience. It also contains touring plans of the parks that are field tested to allow vacationers to see the most possible in the time they have at the parks. And finally, for those uber-planners out there, please take a look at https://www.tourguidemike.com/. There is a fee but consider it an investment in a great vacation. Mike was a VIP touring guide at Disney before he began his website. I’ve used his information to plan our last trip and it is very accurate and helpful. I owe our practically empty day at Magic Kingdom where we rode Space Mountain over and over again entirely to him. In my opinion, $21.95 was money well spent.
If you want to save money, don’t stay on property. Period. It just isn’t a good value, even considering all the “Disney magic” vacationers are bathed in 24-7. And, if a family consists of more the four people, most likely they’ll be required to purchase two rooms or upgrade to a more expensive suite. Why not stay in one of the many less expensive and comparable quality hotels outside of Disney? Better yet, consider renting a condo or house. Many rental units are minutes from Disney and sometimes come with pools and game rooms. For my family, a kitchen and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms trumps one or two small hotel/motel rooms every time. Some people complain about having to leave the Disney magic. We Whimseys like a break from the craziness and enjoy the peace and quiet. For an idea of what is available, take a look at these sites: http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com/ http://www.windsorhillsbest.com/ http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando/kissimmee Check out tripadvisor.com too, for the best hotels and resorts in the area surrounding WDW.
Rockin’ Roller Coaster at Disney Studios
If you want to save money, and this is your first or second time to the parks, skip the park hopper option on the ticket. Everyone will try to talk you into it. Don’t give in! First of all, it adds a significant cost to your tickets. Secondly, you will spend valuable time that you paid for to be in the parks traveling between the parks. (The parks are not close together like they are at the neighboring Universal Resort). Finally, for newbies, there is more than enough to do in each park to fill an entire day and then some. So, don’t buy the park hopper. Do your research and decide which park you want to go to each day. Go to that park and wring the fun out of it. Do another park the next day and do the same thing. Even if you are there from opening to close, you will never be able to see and do everything. I promise.
If at all possible, travel off-season. Take your kids out of school and go during the off-season. It’s cooler, there are significantly less crowds, and accommodations are often cheaper. If you must go over the summer or holidays, it’s absolutely vital that you have a plan and understand that there will be A LOT of people. The summer will be extremely hot and humid, too, so get to the park as early as possible and leave when it begins to get too hot and crowded. Take a swim or rest in the air-conditioning and then head back to the parks in the late afternoon. To get the most out of your experience, stay as late as you can, which in the summer could be midnight. For emphasis, I’m just going to state it again – please go during the off-season.
For ideas on other money-saving schemes check out these sites: mousesavers.com themouseforless.com
Get to the parks at opening. The first two hours in the parks are golden opportunities to hit the rides that generate long lines later in the day. If you are staying on-site at Disney, take advantage of the early entry perk given to resort guests. If you are staying off-site, go to any of the parks that aren’t offering early entry. Again, have a plan. For instance, at Disney Studios we would arrive at park opening and immediately ride Tower of Terror, Rockin’ Roller Coaster, and Toy Story Mania with little to no waiting in line. The big rides would be done at least once and we could have a leisurely rest of the day. Some of the parks have characters and mini-shows at park openings which are fun to see. Yes, I know this is vacation and sleeping in is an earned right. Just trust me when I say the benefits of dragging butts out of bed for the park opening are well worth the price of lost vacation sleep.
Never be without a Fastpass. Fastpass is a ticket system that allows people to occasionally bypass the regular waiting line. It is available to everyone but has some limitations. A complete explanation is beyond the scope of this little blog so check this out. Fastpass is your friend. Use it to your strategic advantage and even crowded days will be more bearable.
The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom
Take advantage of character meals if characters are an important part of the experience for your family. Standing in the lines in the parks for character meet and greets sucks up hours of precious park time. By reserving a meal with the characters of your choice (the princesses, Winnie-the-Pooh characters, Mickey and friends, etc.) you can get autographs from several characters at once and slip a meal in at the same time. Just know that these meals fill up fast. This is where planning and research really pays off. Instead of feeling frustrated because you can’t get any reservations for character meals once you get to WDW, you’ll have that all taken care of months before you get there. Disney dining reservations.
Allow for serendipitous moments. Just because I emphasize doing research and planning doesn’t mean I believe touring the parks has to be a military training exercise. I admit that my family is pretty hardcore when it comes to amusement parks, arriving when the parks open and staying until they close. We do not rush from ride to ride like crazy people, though. Some of our best experiences in WDW were completely unplanned. In Disney Studios, my kids and my nieces were asked to walk behind the afternoon parade with Pluto, holding a long rope to keep people from walking through the celebration. They took pictures with him afterward. He was wonderful. In Magic Kingdom, we sat on Main Street after the official closing of the park, eating ice cream cones and talking to the night shift cast member manager while her staff transformed the park into a Christmas Wonderland. Don’t be so focused on The Plan that you miss those small unexpected moments that add so much meaning to travel. Relax and enjoy being at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Plan rest times. If little ones are involved, do your very best to maintain their schedules. They will be happier and so will you. Our little ones were past napping when we went so we chose to do a few full days of touring, a rest day of swimming and napping, and then a few more days of touring. Do whatever works for you, but definitely take the time to revitalize. Doing WDW well will wear you out – especially if you go during the hot summer months. If you don’t schedule in some R&R, you’ll be sailing some pretty rough waters by the end of the trip.
Walking through EPCOT

There is so much more I could say about WDW. The customer service is exceptional, especially when it comes to children with special needs. The theming is half the fun of the rides. Taking photographs is a pleasure. Look for hidden Mickeys – they are everywhere. Don’t miss IllumiNations or Wishes. I could go on and on. My kids always list Walt Disney World as one of their favorite travel memories. In the end, that is all I need to know about the magic of the place and its validity as one of the top 15 places to travel to with kids. If you decide to go WDW, I hope the experience surpasses your loftiest expectations. And if you have any suggestions to add to this list, please do.

(I also apologize to Whimseypie followers who received a short nonsensical post a few days ago. I was working on the rough draft for another blog post when the screen blinked and then congratulated me on my latest post. The post was not intended for publication yet. Sorry for the confusion.)

Differences of Opinion

Published on November 13, 2011March 22, 2013 by StephanyLeave a comment

I was browsing the Budget Travel website when I came across two very interesting lists of fifteen places every kid should see. The first list consisted mostly of historical sites with the Grand Canyon, Redwood, and Walt Disney World mixed in for some variety. The second list was more varied, focusing on historical, cultural, and natural sites throughout the United States. While the lists themselves are interesting reading, the comments made by other readers are far more entertaining and thought-provoking. Just so we’re all on the same page, I’ll mention the suggestions given by the two articles.

Article 1: Ellis Island (NY); Ground Zero (NY); Lincoln Memorial (Washington,D.C.); Colonial Williamsburg (VA); USS Arizona (HI); Grand Canyon (AZ); National Civil Rights Museum (TN); Redwood NP (CA); Monticello (VA); Gettysburg (PA); The Alamo (TX); Niagara Falls (NY); The Freedom Trail (MA); Independence Hall (PA); Walt Disney World (FL)

DSC_0520-1 — After walking around in the heat

Article 2: Grand Canyon NP (AZ); Redwood NP (CA); Monticello (VA); The Freedom Trail (MA); Niagara Falls (NY); The National Mall (Washington D.C); Colonial Williamsburg (VA); Walt Disney World (FL); Independence Hall (PA); Alcatraz (CA); Ellis Island (NY); Yellowstone NP (WY); Fenway Park (MA); Craters of the Moon NP (ID); San Diego Zoo (CA)

After reading through both lists, I was inclined to mostly agree with the authors’ suggestions. I asked Mr. Whimsey what he thought of Fenway Park being on the second list. He agreed whole-heartedly, stating with passion that any lover of baseball and baseball history would want to go there or Rigley Field in Chicago. The only place I seriously questioned was the San Diego Zoo. I was there about eleven years ago and was patently unimpressed. Perhaps, because it is always touted as one of the best zoos in the country, my expectations were too elevated. (Or, it could just be that I was seven and a half months pregnant and grouchy because my ankles were swelling from so much walking.) In my opinion, the National Zoo in Washington D.C. is much nicer and it’s free. Between Mr. Whimsey, me, and the family as a whole, we’ve been to seven sites on the first list and eight sites on the second one.

When I read through the comments made by other readers – all 159 of them – the passionate responses of some of the commentors surprised me. I was unaware of the magnitude or depth of feeling associated with family vacations. In sifting through the various opinions, I noticed some trends in the comments that I thought were interesting.

The first trend was the topic of boredom. Many people felt that the lists in general or certain items on each list would be too boring for kids (e.g., the Grand Canyon, Williamsburg, Ellis Island, Monticello, Niagara Falls, etc). Really? I wonder if the numerous posters who talked about boredom have kids of their own. From my own experience, I think their comments are really selling the kids of America short in their capacity to appreciate these points of interest.

On the Maid of the Mist – obviously bored

A few years ago, my family and I went to New York and spent a week in the Niagara Falls area. One full day was devoted to the Falls and not once did I hear the “B” word (B for boredom, friends), even from my niece who’s been known to throw it around occasionally. We purchased combination tickets for the American side of the falls. These tickets included viewing the Niagara River and the falls from above, The Cave of the Wind trail, the Observation Tower, a Maid of the Mist tour, a very informative film about the history of the falls, and admission to the small aquarium adjacent to the park (which we did not get to). I can’t remember the cost of the ticket, but I do remember it was a great value at the time. We chose the American side of the falls because of it’s less commercialized, park-like setting.

We camped at a state park called Four Mile Creek a short distance away. The campground offered plenty of space for riding bikes and exploring. Our campsites were huge with unobstructed views of Lake Ontario. Every evening the kids looked forward to playing in the lake. To round out the trip, we visited Fort Niagara, did a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour, visited the Canadian side of the Falls, and hiked along the Niagara River. It was a great trip for everyone – grandparents, parents, and kids – that created life-long memories. By the way, we chose Niagara Falls in the first place because my daughter recommended it. She was ten at the time. We visited Fort Niagara for our youngest son, a history lover from his very first breath. He was five.

Another, smaller theme that popped up was the argument that this list was only for kids with rich parents. I beg to differ. Besides Disney World, which is a financial investment no matter how many budget conscious choices you make, the list may or may not require significant funding. It’s all relative. I live in south-central Pennsylvania. Washington D.C. is a two-hour drive away. Philadelphia is even closer. We’ve been to both cities many times with very little financial outlay. Flying our family of five to Hawaii to see the USS Arizona is an entirely different story. But then, if we chose to make that investment, we wouldn’t just be visiting a war memorial. The state of Hawaii has many incredible natural and cultural wonders which we would take the time and make the effort to experience.

I think these lists are pretty cost conscious. National Parks are an incredible bargain. Museums at the National Mall are free. Most of the other attractions are reasonably priced. If you really want to get somewhere, you will find a way.

A major area of dispute from commentors was the specific listings. There were complaints that there were not enough natural wonders, that the lists were too East Coast focused, and that too many of the places dealt with ugly parts of America’s history that weren’t really for children. Many, many people questioned why Yellowstone NP wasn’t on the first list. (I have to admit, this crossed my mind as well.) Carlsbad Cavern (NM) and Yosemite NP (CA) were mentioned frequently as well. I thought almost all of the additional suggestions were excellent.

One person suggested that the list be organized into regions and cities, not specific sites. I wholeheartedly agree. Instead of just seeing Ground Zero and Ellis Island in New York City, make the city itself the destination. Just walking the streets of The Big Apple was a mind-blowing experience for my country bumpkins. Or, how about Washington, D.C.? Taking a ride on the Metro is a must if you have a train lover like my nephew. Because we’ve done most of the Smithsonian museums on the mall, the next time we visit, we’ll be heading to the Holocaust and Spy museums, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Vietnam memorials, the zoo, and the National Cathedral. (Please note, most of this will cost us nothing.)

Commentors offered so many great alternative suggestions that I was forced to draw this conclusion. There are not just fifteen best places to take your kids on a family vacation in the United States. There are many, many places that offer unique fun and educational experiences for kids of all ages. The point is to just take them. Go where your budget allows, but go. Introduce them to America’s history in any form, whether it’s coal mining in Western Pennsylvania or Native American culture in New Mexico. Immerse them in the Great Outdoors – in a campground a few miles away or a national park across the country. Have fun together. Isn’t that the whole point of family travel – to escape the monotony of our regular lives, broaden our perspective about this world we live in, and create lasting memories in the process?