Costa Rica trip - day 1

July 28- started off the morning at 4am by an obscene amount of coffee and trying to work my curling iron with one eye open. We flew from SFO to Dallas which was a very easy flight and even got upgraded to business class for our flight from Dallas to San Jose! We were picked up by the transfer service from Collette vacations, well worth it and clean, easy to figure out. We spent our first night at the Doubletree in San Jose, loved the fact that it seemed like we were set right in the jungle. The decor was charming and we were greeted with hot chocolate chip cookies. Who wouldn't love that? After settling in, Lauren and I had shrimp ceviche and vegetarian spring rolls for dinner in the hotel restaurant which was poolside. The rain was pouring and hitting the water so fast that it made the atmosphere very tranquil, a perfect first night.

Overall the Doubletree Hotel was well kept and clean, a 24 hour gym and the continental breakfast had pretty much what I was expecting for a Costa Rican breakfast: beans and rice, hard boiled eggs, fruit, all the fixin's for ham and cheese sandwiches, fresh juice, coffee, sausages and pastries. dinner.

I'm so excited to explore this county and hopefully see some cute little critters! I'm looking forward to getting to know some of the other people on our tour. All 36 of us will explore he beaches, mountains, and the Arenal volcano for the next 8 days.

Top 5 rides at Disneyland

In a very particular order, here are my favorite rides.

5. The Haunted Mansion - As you step inside an early 1900's cobwebbed filled elevator, you are greeted by the creepy cast members who will assure you that you're in for a fright! I love seeing other people mouthing the words "Is this room actually growing?" The darken, rainy windows convince you that you're in a whole other world of terror. From September to Janurary the ride is transformed to match the Nightmare before Christmas, everything from the songs to entrance is fully decked out for a spooky holiday.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean - This is our first and last stop each time we come here. Jack Sparrow seems so real I was convinced it was an actor who had joined in on the fun. It's a perfect blend of classic Disney with the new Pirate movies.

3. Peter Pan's Flight - The best in Fantasyland by far. You'll ride in little magic pirate ships over London and off to Neverland. Do you know where the hidden mickey is? Big Ben is hiding him!

2. The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - My advice for this ride, go on at night! The views are incredible as the whole park is lit up. I swear it even seems faster at night! The smell of BBQ and corn fills the air as you ride through the wilderness, you always leave ready for a snack! During Christmastime, walk the path that goes around the train towards Fantasyland to meet real Santa's Rrindeer!

1. Splash Mountain - What can I say about this ride other than it is the best thing in the park! When I was really small, I had a tape that I would play on Saturday mornings while I was on my swing set. I would sing as loud as I could to "Zip a dee do da" and loved every minute of it. The classic puppets and songs fill this ride with nastalgia and gives you a feeling like Walt is up there controling the ride himself. For some reason getting soaked is funny and even in 50 degree weather you want the ride to BRING IT ON! It warms my heart that you always hear people histerically laughing after the big drop, it certainly proves that you can be any age to enjoy Disneyland. I love love this ride so much. Rain or shine, night or day it is the top of my list!

You can't see it here, but our friend literally had water dripping from his ears. It was histerical to all but him!

What to eat at Epcot

I'm sitting here at 2pm on a Friday, looking at the window knowing the weekend is ready to play and I've decided to focus on the only thing I can, magical food at Disneyworld. Like I have said, I haven't been to Disneyworld as of yet but I firmly beleive that many magical trips to Disneyland have set me up for this. It's as if I'm ready for the big race, all my times of shoving dole whips and caramel corn in my mouth have trained me for the perfect event: foods from around the world at Epcot center.

Before I appeal to your taste buds, let's go over some of the best things to eat at Disneyworld. Tried and true favorites by yours truley. Some of these have been surprises to people that I know, little gems of food wisdom.

1. Buy a cup of coffee on main street, refills are free ALL DAY. Yes from 8am til after the fireworks you can get your mojo on with regualr or even vanilla or hazelnut flavored free refills.

This store here is my favorite! I don't know why but I love browsing the many different styles of coffee mugs, caramel corn, and candy. Also, this place is my hidden secret for the best fudge and cookies in all of Disneyland. I make sure to stock up for the whole weekend when we go here. White chocolate raspberry cookies are the voted favorite for us along with the peanut butter fudge. Put this on your to eat list!

2. Baked potatoes the size of my face! Over by Small world you can find a little stand that sells the most delicious baked potatoes. They are about 6 dollars, weigh close to a small child and come in a few variations. My personal favorite is the brocolli cheese. The brocolli is al dente so it's not too soggy and the cheese has the perfect consistancy. It's a nice break from anything fried and at least you're getting a veggie or two in there.

3. Dole whips! As mentioned before, the line for dole whips sometimes out numbers the line for Indiana Jones but I promise it's worth it! They're not too sugary and are the perfect treat on a warm day...well, any day for that matter! In fact buying these are never an accident. "Is it dole whip time yet?"

(disneyfoodblog.com)

4. Churros! Churros don't really need an explaination. They are about 3 bucks and as long as my arm. Worth it. Love it. Must have it.

5. Eating at the Blue Bayou. This really isn't an "item" but Pirates is a ride near and dear to my heart. If you can, make a reservation and definatly see this place for yourself. The Monte Cristo sandwich is supposed to be the best ever, since I don't eat meat I tried the salmon and was not disappointed.

Now, on to EPCOT! I don't plan on sitting down to a particular restaurant but rather snacking our way through. We only have 4 days and I'd hate to miss out on something! Here are some treats my friends have raved about and I can't wait to try:

1. School breads from Norway. A fresh and hot donut like pastry filled with custard and topped with powdered sugar.

(theloveofphotos.blogspot)

2. For those of you who have been reading, we got engaged in Paris so my taste buds are waiting to have a crepe from Crepes de Chef de France and a cheese plate from Boulangerie Patisserie. 

3. Decorated with trains and clocks, Germany has quite a few charming shops and scenery. It's the perfect time to take some pictures and enjoy a beer and pretzel. I am a vegetarian but from what I can remember a good authentic bratwurst can be quite delicious. Who knows, what happens in Germany stays in Germany! I might have to try one!

(awesomeflorida.com)

4. Ryan is a HUGE Mexican food fan. In fact while we were wandering the streets of Europe he kept telling me he would die for a good burritto. La Hacienda de San Angel is supposed to have some wonderful flavors and drinks. I'm dying to try the sweet potato mash! If margaritas are your thing, try the avacado margarita!

5. Ice cream at Via Napolli in Italy. What better way to end our tour of the world than with a scoop of gelato. We can wander the streets of Venice just like we did when we got engaged!

I'm sure after being there ourselves we will find our own little secret food that becomes our new favorite, which I will keep you all posted on!

Honeymoon reservations

Ryan and I like to get the most out of our vacations. Our first trip together we took a cruise to Bermuda that left from NYC, thus allowing us to also have a New York vacation. We plan on doing the same for our honeymoon. Our cruise leaves from Florida so what else could we cram in? DISNEYWORLD! I had an alarm on my phone for exactly 180 days prior to the date we would be there so I could start making some reservations. Here is what we plan on doing:

Dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby followed by a showing of Fantasmic with special seats.
Watching the Fireworks on the Tomorrowland Terrace while enjoying the dessert buffet.
High tea at the Grand Floridian.
Dinner at Victoria and Albert.
Sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich.
Breakfast at the Crystal Palace with Pooh and PIGLET

That's all I've done so far! I have to wait paitently for May so I can buy the Mickey's not so scary Halloween Party tickets. Very, very excited!

What to buy in Costa Rica

Lauren and I are traveling to Costa Rica in exactly 4 months! SO excited! Because it's a cold, rainy day here I decided to do some research on what to buy in tropical "CR" as we have been calling it. Here are some items I plan on picking up:

Cafe Britt coffee (yes please)
Banana paper made from, well you guessed it...recycled banana leaves.
Sibu Chocolate (double yes)
Deli Sweet Jelly
Cafe Rica, a coffee liqueur
Mango salsa


I need to make sure to have enough room in my suitcase for coffee, the mother ship is calling me home...

For kids

They say Disney is for kids. I'm going to have to call bulls**t on this one. The whole fantasty and dream of disney is to apply the fairytale into everyday life, that no dream is too big. Every Disney movie tends to relate that love will conquer all. They might be cartoons, but the basic story line can apply to people of all ages. I love that regaurdless of age, you can be touched by the story being told.

I think that's why I love Disneyland.

Life seems to be super complicated at times with relastionships, work, and life in general, this gives you an escape.

People can suprise you.

Those who love you never really leave you.

Always be there for your friends.

Be young at heart.

No dream is too big.

Never give up.

It's ok to be silly.

For goodness sake, don't lie!

And last but not least, love with your whole heart.

 (all pics were taken from my favorite tumblr blog, mickeyandminnie.tublr.com)

7 months

7 months from yesterday will be my wedding day! This time 7 months from now I will be married to my best friend and on a plane to DISNEYWORLD!

We are actually really excited, but in this picture a little sleepy!

Since we have not booked the cruise we plan on taking to Aruba after the BEST PLACE ON EARTH, it's really only given me a chance to fully research Disney and all there is to do there.

First of all, let's start off by me telling you I recently found out it costs 41,000 a NIGHT to run the firework show. That in itself is my favorite and in my opinon the most magical thing about Disney. Every time I hear people complaining about how expensive it is there I have to remind them that it is so well kept and true to the hype that it is worth it. With all of the people they have to pay (cleaning crew expecially) it is well worth the money. Plus the fact that it's fully acceptable to bring in your own food and water! Coffee is free after your first purchase and there is so much to do, there's never a dull moment. Now that my rant is over I can tell you all of the things I am so excited to do and see at WDW!

First off, we will be there after they have set up for Halloween which means lots of...

(Personal trainer or not that apple looks amazing!)

Next I will be on the hunt for anything with my favorite charactor, Piglet. Unfortunate for me he seems to be the least popular after Eeyore and Tiger so it's always been a challenge for souviners.

The castle at WDW is also different than Disneyland. Instead of the beautiful pink and blue castle from Sleeping Beauty you have Cinderella's which is white and blue.



At the animal kingdom they have Africian Safaris that I CAN'T WAIT to see! Who knows, we might see some...

Like I said before, the fireworks are my favorite part of the whole expirence. Between the music and lights, it transforms you to being 5 years old again and seeing the magic for the first time. At Disney World, they have a dessert buffet for 35.99 that allows you be in a special area for the best view of the fireworks. A small price to pay!

I've read that Tony's restaurant is the best place for spaghetti in all 5 parks and even has a table for Lady and the Tramp!

*Robot voice* Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade! That's right, it might not be at the land but it's at the world!

In order to extend my Disney posts (purly selfish reasons) I will leave you there with thoughts of lights and magic. Coming soon, the best food to eat at Epcot!

(all pictures were taken from my favorite tumblr, mickeyandminnie.tumblr)