Disney Fantasy Caribbean Cruise: Day 1 – Senses Spa & Salon Haircut

Date of Visit: September 27, 2014

Mik had been in major need of a haircut for probably going on two months and about a week ago Dad decided why not just get it cut on the cruise. Thus, as soon as the spa was open we made Mik an appointment to get his haircut. Mik enjoyed getting it styled, but most of all he enjoyed it for the scalp massage part. Sure it was more expensive than back home, but it was not that much more and he got a scalp massage. Plus, he looked good for family pictures the rest of the trip.

Disney Fantasy: Stateroom 8184

Date of Visit: September 27-October 4, 2014

This was our fourth Disney Cruise and our first on one of the newer ships. We enjoyed the back of the ship on our first cruise and have stuck with it ever since. To some extent the older ships are nicer because they are smaller; but accessibility wise the Fantasy is much better than when we have been on the Magic and Wonder (Magic is probably nicer now than when we were last on it, though).

The common area accessibility is not much different overall other than the bathrooms tend to have accessible stalls rather than companion ones. However, the stateroom has many nice accessibility touches that make a huge difference.

First off, when you use your key to open the door the door automatically opens. Inside there is also a button to open it or you can just start pulling it open and it activates the power opening. It’s a little slow to wait and make sure it closes before you leave; but definitely a helpful feature that I now want on our condo door.

The room is very spacious, but Mik was disappointed the space is in the stateroom rather than having a giant walk-in closet like he was used to on the other ships. He liked using the walk-in closest as a room.

The closet itself is cool, though, as it is designed so you can pull the top row of hangers out and down.

The verandah was nice and huge. We also liked that it was a regular style door rather than a sliding door. That makes it more accessible for getting in and out. The only issue is that the door seemed to tend to open on its own if you did not get it pulled closed just right and the lock is up high. I get that for child safety reasons; but it would be nice if they put an upper and lower lock so you could use just the lower one if you don’t need it for child safety reasons.

The bathroom is nothing special. In fact, it kind of seems smaller than the ones we have had on the Wonder and Magic. However, the layout does work out to be easier to navigate when we did want to take the wheelchair in there. Also, the shower is nice with a flip down grab bar as well as a flip down seat.

We still wish they had the flip down bar right by the toilet like we once had on the Wonder. While there is a grab bar on the wall to the right of toilet, it is not all that close to toilet and for Mik it’s nice to have something on both sides or at least on the left.

Two other things we noticed different is that there were constellations painted above the bed that comes out from the ceiling and there is space under the bed for storing stuff (or in Mik’s case it’s for hiding Dad’s shoes).

 

Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom - Sleepy Hollow

Date of Visit: September 26 & 27, 2014

Mik now has a new favorite place at the Magic Kingdom. He loves waffles, so I have no idea why we have always skipped past Sleepy Hollow before; but now that he has discovered it I am sure this will be a regular stop on our Disney World trips.

The first morning he tried the breakfast waffle with eggs, cheese, tomatoes, and prosciutto. He did not really like the prosciutto part; but he loved the rest and it’s easy to take off.

During the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mik enjoyed the pumpkin spice waffle sundae.

Destination Info:

Sleepy Hollow

Magic Kingdom – Liberty Square

Lake Buena Vista, FL

Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom - Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Date of Visit: September 27, 2014

For us the Halloween Party was somewhat of a disappointment. It just seemed more crowded and hard to get between things compared to when we did the one in Disneyland. Of course, comparing anything at Disney World to Disneyland always ends with Disneyland winning in our opinion (we even once got into a debate with a cast member when checking in at Disney World that we were not at the Happiest Place on Earth like they said because that’s Disneyland).

We did go to three trick-or-treat locations and accessibility wise they are fine, but other than the one at the Tomorrowland Terrace they were hard to find the end of the lines for because of general crowd for the parade or going to other attractions depending on the location.

Mik thought it was all worth it for the Spiced Pumpkin Waffle Sundae at Sleepy Hollow, though, and I am happy to have picked up the Sorcerer of the Magic Kingdom card for my collection. However, because we were frustrated just by the crowds and trick-or-treating, we didn’t even end up staying for the parade. That is the one thing I would have liked to see, but I also didn’t want to sit and get a spot for at the beginning of the party like we did last year for the Christmas party because Mik would have ended up asleep before it started like he did that time.

Overall we are glad we tried it out, but yeah Disneyland is better. I guess the biggest thing that makes Disneyland better is that the trick-or-treating is not as spread out because the whole park is more compact. However, I think there being no giant Mickey pumpkin on Main Street was the biggest disappointment, as we wanted a Halloween shirt picture in front to go with our Disneyland one. We did accidentally end up with a spooky one with Dad’s hand as a shadow, though.

Destination Info:

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Magic Kingdom

Lake Buena Vista, FL

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2014 - Day 2

Date of Visit: September 26, 2014

On our second and last day at Disney World this trip, we headed back to the Food & Wine Festival and went around to the left insides of the right like the first day.

Our fist stop was for Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri at the Patagonia booth.

At the Australia marketplace we tried the Garlic shrimp with roasted tomatoes, lemon myrtle and rapini.

Next Dad got a Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney from New Zealand, which Mik ended up mostly eating because he loved it when he tried it.

From Poland we got the Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream. Good pierogis, but they did seem odd to me so mini.

Mik most looked forward to trying the waffles in Belgium, which he had skipped the day before because we had waffles from Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom for breakfast that day. He had the chocolate one and like the Belgium style waffles. He tried my berry one, but didn't particularly like it because it was mostly blueberry.

Lastly we had Brazilian cheese bread, which Mik didn't really like, but was my favorite thing we tried.

Destination Info:

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Lake Buena Vista, FL

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2014

Date of Visit: September 25, 2014

The main purpose of this Disney World trip was to check out the Mickey's Halloween Party before our Disney cruise. Mik did not want us to ever go to the Food & Wine Festival before he was 21, especially since it is only one more year. However, since we ended up at Disney World when it was going on this year and it was not specifically for the festival, he decided it was still worth going to for the food.

He started at the Hawaii marketplace with a Kālua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole® Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise. He enjoyed the pork, but didn't really like the sauce.

Next we shared the Kerrygold cheese selection (Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig) from the Ireland marketplace.

He was excited to try escargot with the Escargot tart with garlic, spinach, bacon and parmesan at the France marketplace; but he ended up not liking it at all because of the spinach.

Dad and I shared the Regal Springs premium tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice from the Brazil marketplace.

I got the Apple Maple Spice Latte iced in the American Adventure area. Mik tried it and thought it was pretty good considering he doesn't like coffee drinks.

Mik found nothing that really stood out as great of what he tried today. Thus, his favorite thing about the festival was visiting the miniature Romantic Road, which we almost missed, but went back to when he pointed out we missed his favorite thing to see at Epcot. He loves miniatures and it is also fun to see how they change it up depending on the time of year, such as the square currently having Food & Wine Festival banners.


Destination Info:



Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Lake Buena Vista, FL

National Air & Space Museum: Hawaii by Air Exhibit

Date of Visit: September 17, 2014

Hawaii by Air is a small temporary exhibit on the west end of first floor right outside the ride simulators. While small, it does provide a good overview to aviation history as it relates to Hawaii with particular focus on early flights from the mainland and the establishment of inter-island service.

I thought it was interesting how at several points it gave info on where to see examples of aircrafts elsewhere in the museum or other related artifacts at other Smithsonian museums such as a Hawaiian boat over at the National Museum of the American Indian.

Mik's favorite part was the diagrams that showed the layouts of the luxury passenger planes, such as Pan Am's clippers.

Accessibility Notes

• The museum's exterior is currently under renovation and the ramp entrance is on the west end of the building on Jefferson Drive (National Mall side of building).
• Check out the museum's Visitors with Disabilities page on their website for info on available accommodations and how to request accommodations if needed.
• Closest Metro stop is L'Enfant Plaza, which is served by the Blue, Orange, Silver, Yellow, and Green. Elevator/escalator outage info can be found here.

Destination Info:

National Air & Space Museum
Independence Ave & 6th St SW
Washington, DC

Once There Were Billions exhibit at National Museum of Natural History

 Date of Visit: September 5, 2014

"Once There Were Billions: Vanished Birds of North America" is an exhibit about some of the birds that have gone extinct from North America including the great auk and passenger pigeons. Mik found it interesting; but he ended up more impressed by the Birds of D.C. exhibit on the way to the elevators and he was impressed to see the different birds that can be seen around here. I had seen it before; but I forgot he has never been to this museum other than the IMAX and also hasn't been to the Field Museum.

Destination Info:

National Museum of Natural History
10th St and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC

Accessibility Note: The accessible entrance to the museum is on the Constitution Avenue side of the building. The Smithsonian Metro is usually recommended for the museum; but we find Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver) and Archives (Yellow, Green) more convenient since the elevator exit for Smithsonian is on opposite side of the National Mall.

Wilderness Forever exhibit at National Museum of Natural History

Date of Visit: September 5, 2014

This was the exhibit we came to the museum to see today; and if we were not looking for it, we easily could of missed it because there is just a little sign pointing to it being down the hall past the gem gift shop.

"Wilderness Forever: 50 Years of Protecting America's Wild Places" features photos of American wilderness areas taken by professionals, amateurs, and students. The exhibit honors the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

Besides the photos, there are also interactive screens to learn more about the wilderness areas in the United States. Our favorite part, though, was the movie that gave some history on the Wilderness Act and those behind it.

Destination Info:

National Museum of Natural History
10th St and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC

Accessibility Note: The accessible entrance to the museum is on the Constitution Avenue side of the building. The Smithsonian Metro is usually recommended for the museum; but we find Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver) and Archives (Yellow, Green) more convenient since the elevator exit for Smithsonian is on opposite side of the National Mall.

Alexandria War of 1812 Bicentennial Signature Event at Waterfront Park

Date of Visit: August 31, 2014

The Alexandria War of 1812 Bicentennial Signature Event commemorated the surrender of Alexandria in 1814. It does seem kind of funny to "celebrate" the surrender, but they did save the much more historic city of Alexandria from having a similar fate as the relatively new city of Washington, D.C. that had just been burned by the British (and some intentionally by the Americans).

Today was like the first hot and humid day this summer, so we did not stay long. However, we did enjoy the booths and collecting some brochures for things we want to see as we further explore our new hometown. Mik also picked out a new book to read and add to his military history collection.

The event was held at the Waterfront Park. Most of the activities were in the grass area, which is raised up from the path that goes around the park. We found a way on to it through the tree area by the shipbuilder's statue; but Mik was glad he chose to use his manual chair today, as this route was mostly blocked by the kids activity tables and it was just easier to go down the curb when we were leaving.

Destination Info:

Waterfront Park
1A Prince Street
Alexandria, VA

Titan Missile Museum

Date of Visit: May 3, 2014

Despite living in Tucson for almost 20 years the Titan Missile Museum was one of the few places neither Mik or I had been to before.  Considering Mik's fascination with military history it is rather surprising we never even thought about visiting before.

We arrived a few minutes after the noon tour began and decided to join it and miss a few minutes of the movie rather than wait for the next tour at 1 p.m.  The movie is interesting about the history of the silo and launch center, but I don't feel we missed out on anything since you get some plus more info while touring the silo and the tour guides seem to be quite capable of fielding questions.

After the movie ended, the tour heads outside to go down to the launch center.  Before heading down we stopped to hear them sound the siren, which was not a regular thing.  It is very loud, but surprisingly Mik didn't freak out too much, although that was mainly because they gave a clear warning that it was happening.

There are 55 steps down to the entrance of the control center and for those that cannot do stairs they use what originally was more for freight use.  When going up and down the tour guide made sure we knew when the bell was going to sound for the closing and opening above the elevator shaft. The sound was really nothing after the siren, but still Mik can be sensitive to sound and really appreciated having warning.

The rest of the tour is all on the same level and involves going through the blast doors, doing a simulated launch in the control center, and going over to see the Titan II Missile in the silo.  We found the tour to be interesting.  The only part Mik did not really like was the bumpy metal ground in the hallway down to the missile silo, but his comment was just that he was glad he did not have that flooring in his house.

Back up top the tour ends, but you can then wander around up top before heading back out through the museum building.  Mik did not want to spend too much time wandering around in that he did not want us to stop in read every sign, which I agreed was unnecessary with the tour giving all that info already.  Walking over to the top of the silo and going up the platform they have built over it to allow you to look down at the missile was worthwhile.

Destination Info:
Titan Missile Museum
1580 W Duval Mine Rd
Sahuarita, Arizona

Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum

Date of Visit: April 24, 2014

Mik loves car museums, so when I spotted a sign for one in Kentucky on the way to Chicago he was disappointed I had not woken him up to ask if he wanted to stop.  To be fair, he had already said no to my several other suggestions (Country Music Hall of Fame, Railroad museums and Bass Pro Shop) including getting in trouble for waking him up to ask.  We had already planned to hit the Lane Auto Museum in Nashville on the way home, since it was not open on the day we were driving to Chicago, hence why we did not stop on the way, but we first ended up making sure we found the one in Kentucky.

The Swopes Cars of Yesteryear Museum features cars from the 1910s to 1970s.  Mik enjoyed rolling through the showroom layout.  It is mostly just the cars, but each has a good story about it and/or the model on the sign by it.  There is also some other things on display on behind the cars, but it is too tight for a wheelchair to be able to roll between the cars to get back to most of it.  Not that Mik cared, though, as he mostly liked just looking at the cars.

With all the road work related traffic on I-65 we did not make it to the Nashville one, but we were glad we found this one to check out and Nashville is an easy day trip from Huntsville, so hopefully we will get around to going there sometime soon.

Destination Info:
Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum
1100 North Dixie Ave
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Date of Visit: April 2014

Having gone to school in D.C. a semester, living in Arlington for almost a year, and Mom traveling to D.C. for work frequently, we have been to the Reagan Airport with Mik almost yearly over the past decade.  Until this trip, though, we had always flown American for our D.C. trips.  Now that we live in Huntsville we would have had to fly to Dallas to get to D.C. on American and that was much more expensive than taking the direct flight on U.S. Airways, which at least now also gets us American miles so seems a win-win.

What I did not realize until I checked in the day before the trip was they only fly little planes between Huntsville and pretty much everywhere on U.S. Airways and American (only to/from Dallas uses big planes, but even then not every flight).  Mik absolutely hates the little planes and as much as he also hates Southwest he preferred that over the American Eagle flight between Tucson and LA.  We even tried to fly through Alaska to get home from Hawaii a few years back to avoid LA and were quite annoyed that they then changed our flights to go through LA shortly before our trip.

Mik's problem is the aisle chairs do not work well on the little planes, but since they are hard to avoid living in Huntsville Mik has gotten used to having to just sit in bulkhead.  Landing at Reagan and hearing the flight attendant say a shuttle was meeting the plane put him right back at hating little planes.  It was mostly the unexpected experience of suddenly hearing about stairs and him not being able to see that a ramp was waiting to be brought up to the plane, but it was also about him hating buses.

Mom was waiting in the terminal for us having not been able to get home the day before and travel with us as usual and her reply to me telling her Mik was freaking out about a shuttle bus was something like yeah they usually do that here.  That made Mik even more annoyed because he totally could have been mentally prepared.

Despite the shuttle bus, overall the experience at Reagan Airport was actually very good.  For one, their aisle chair is the more common one than the one in Huntsville and it actually fits in the aisle.  Mik also likes that there is a companion bathroom located right inside security in each terminal (or at least the two of three we have been in and assume the other is identical since those two are).  The little corral for those needing to pre-board was slightly annoying in that it was crowded, but it did serve a good purpose in that they were very helpful in making sure those that needed help got it including informing us that our flight was moved to boarding upstairs at the actual terminal and offering to help going there.

Destination Info:


Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
2401 Smith Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22202