“Out of the mouths of babes”: What Actor/Model/Musician Jackson Geach says about Disney Cruise Line

  • 13588705_10154225875730941_955224927_oAs a dedicated travel planner, I love hearing what my clients have to say about their trip.  Jackson a/k/a “Jax” Geach is an amazing young man and a rising Hollywood star.  He is an actor, model,  singer, musician and songwriter among other talents. Check out his Facebook Page here.  Jackson loves all things Disney and I had the privilege of booking his family’s first Disney Cruise.  I was very eager to hear all about their adventure at sea.  Here’s my short post-cruise interview with Jax and a few pictures his mom shared with me after their trip.

 

What was the first thing you said when your parents told you that you were going on a Disney cruise?  I said, “Wow this is awesome!” but in my head I was thinking ,“We’re not going to Disney World?”  Usually we go to Disney World every winter so this was a change for me, but as the days went forward I started researching Disney Cruise Line and started obsessing over going on the ship. To be honest, I asked every single day leading up to it.

What is the first thing you remember after you boarded the ship?  We went during the Christmas season and the first thing I remember is the beautiful colors, lights, and gorgeous Christmas tree!  I also remember the crew calling out “And here we have the Geach family!” It was a very magical moment for me and the rest of my family.
What is the first thing you did after checking into your room?  The first thing I did was the “Interactive Detective Agency” with my sister Makenna. It was really fun because it showed us everything around the ship from the restaurants, to the shops, and the art gallery. I would definitely recommend it. It is the best way (and most fun) to learn your way around the ship.
What was your favorite food on board?  My favorite food was actually a soup. I loved the bacon potato soup from the Animation restaurant.
How was the weather during your cruise?  If it rained, what did you do when it rained? It was (mostly) nice and sunny during our cruise.  When it rained I rode the AquaDuck and watched movies from the room.
Who was your favorite Disney Cruise Cast member onboard and why?  Was it your server? My favorite Disney Cruise cast members were from the restaurants. They were very friendly, and kind.  One of the cast members gave me an origami swan.
Which was your favorite restaurant and why?  My favorite restaurant had to be the Enchanted Garden because I loved the design from the flowers to the tables; it was amazing. They also had a great breakfast buffet.
Did you make any new friends on board?  Yes, I met this girl named Tori at dinner the first night and we would talk every night afterward.
Did you go to the kids’ clubs? If yes, what did you think?  I did one activity at the kids’ club which was the Star Wars Training and it taught us how to use the “Force”.  However, there were so many other great activities to do I just didnt have time for more.
What family activities did you participate in?  We participated in the AquaDuck which was one of our favorite things on the ship. We loved how it went over the water and that it went around the whole perimeter of the ship. We also participated in the Pirates of the Caribbean pirate night. I loved the fireworks, music, and the dance party at the end because I showed everyone my moves. The thing l loved the most was participating in the tree lighting.  It was a great way to feel the holiday spirit throughout the entire trip. I cant wait to go on another Disney Cruise!

Jax is already looking forward to his next Disney Cruise!  Are you ready to walk in his scuba shoes and book your Disney Cruise?

Contact me here today for your FREE No Obligation Quote!

 

Will the real MVP please stand up?

We are witnessing one of the most fascinating countdowns to greatness in NBA history.  In a house full of sons who have all made their picks, this is probably the first year we are definitively divided.

NBA Finals

A few short weeks ago, the reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors, demonstrated one of the greatest Western conference finals comebacks against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  With their butts in a sling following two back-to-back beatdowns from OKC, they were 48 game minutes away from being launched into the losers circle of all-time greatest upsets.  I was horrified as I watched them crumbling before my eyes after recording the best regular season record in NBA history.  Throughout the year they were unstoppable. No one had an answer for the elite “small ball” Warriors.  What they lacked in size they more than made up for in heart and skill set.  About 0ne-third into the season, the idea of a back-to-back championship appeared inevitable.  However, there was one looming test they would have to pass.  It was the one matchup most of the commentators were anticipating would foretell the future outcome. Inquiring minds wanted to know, how would the Golden State Warriors measure up against the Oklahoma City Thunder?

kevin and russell

The Oklahoma City Thunder are by far one of the best teams in professional basketball.  Their season ended 3 weeks ago and I’m still thinking and talking about them.  OKC has an arsenal of weaponry in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.  They are young and they are fierce and they single handedly put their team and Oklahoma City on the map.  Yes, I know, basketball is a “team sport” and one of the biggest criticisms against them is their lack of ball movement and team play but that’s their game, and has worked for them – up until the point where it counts the most.  I can’t lie, a matchup between Kevin and Lebron would have been dreamy, and I would have been rooting for KD and Russell all the way.

As for the question, how would the Golden State Warriors measure up against the Oklahoma City Thunder?  Well, the Warriors more than measured up against the Thunder, beating them on both regular season meetings and overcame the insurmountable obstacle of being down 3 games to 1.  But oh how the tides have changed.

Lebron broom

It was just last week that the Golden State Warriors were ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers 3 games to 1.  They were on pace to closing the series out at home and came up shockingly short.  No worries, the champagne tastes better on the opponent’s court anyway, right?  Oh how sweet that victory would have been.  But not this time.  The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by their no nonsense powerhouse LeBron James, have a different plan for the reigning champs.  Lebron broke the broom when talks of a sweep were flooding the airways.  Will he Shaq-shatter the backboard glass on the head of the beloved MVP Steph Curry?  Only time will tell.

shattered backboard

Tonight is game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.  The season champion will be named.  Whichever way it goes, records will be broken and stars will shine.

champagne

The Gout de Diamants is on ice at the Oracle.

Who will be toasting this time?

Stay tuned!

Sunday Sentiments: Dealing With Disappointment

Disappointment can be one of the most debilitating emotional responses to overcome.  Oftentimes it is the people that are closest to you that are capable of the most damage.  Disappointments in marriage, relationships, parenting and friendships are among the most challenging to come to terms with.  In your mind, you envision a certain way things should unfold.  You think that as long as you do your part, everyone else will do theirs.  You trust that what you give is what you will get in return.  Wishful thinking.  If only life’s challenges were as simple as a 5th grade math problem!

I’ve learned to deal with disappointment by accepting this simple truth: “Disappointment is the distance between reality and expectation.” (Joyce Meyer)  Think about it.  What is the reality of the situation and what is your expectation of the outcome?  If your expectation is high, your disappointment will be greater if it falls short.

Similarly, many of us have heard the expression: “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”  We are the only ones we can control.  People will disappoint you but your response will make you stronger!  You can choose to wallow in disappointment or rise above it.  The choice is always yours!

One of my favorite sermons was given by Elder Selena Berkeley in the Bronx, NY and it was entitled: “I’m coming out of Dis!”  It was a powerful message where she encouraged everyone to stand strong in the Word of God and let go of disappointment and hurt.  The Latin prefix dis in itself has a reversing force and negates the affirmative.  Consider disability, disrespect, dissatisfy, dishearten and disown – just to name a few.  Choose to live in the affirmative and come out of dis mess!

There’s always room for hurt and disappointment when you allow people into your inner circle.  It’s a chance we all take as loving, caring individuals who enjoy mutually sincere relationships.  There are things that you would never do as a friend so you expect the same respect in return but it doesn’t always work out that way.  Friendships come and go – the real ones will endure.

Winner

Understand your reality and control your level of disappointment.  When disappointments come, and they will, you can still have joy!

Wishing you Peace, Love and Joy unspeakable! 

 

 

Dear son, I’m sorry most people don’t have integrity.

One of the most daunting tasks I have as a mother is explaining away the disingenuous behaviors of others.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is – there’s no “probably” about it.  There’s an unfortunate downside to teaching my children to be men of integrity, who respect others and honor their words.  They expect the same treatment in return.  Teaching to be good and to do good must come with a cautionary warning: Most people don’t have integrity.


Since graduating high school, my middle son has sought out an interim post graduation program that will help him to develop as a student-athlete. Promises were made by well-known coaches and prestigious institution officials to secure his attendance at an elite prep school only to renege on every promise mid-season and usurp thousands of dollars and time that can never be recovered.  A lawsuit worthy cause? Perhaps.  My first priority, however, is to piece together the broken pieces of my son, his shattered dreams, cast cold-heartedly to the ground and discarded.

 

Image Credit: Jules Jovan

“Son, people are not who they seem, they are just people. Riddled with flaws and self-centered motivation.”

Shall I address the Bronx body shop, where my eldest son took his new car to tap out a dent that a fellow motorist caused while it was parked innocently on his college campus? As if the hit and run wasn’t enough, the body shop swapped several of his car’s factory-installed parts and replaced them with a few “chop shop specials”, unbeknownst to my son.  Several weeks later, there is smoke rising from under the hood. “Don’t worry son, just bring it to the dealership and have it checked out.”  Well, the underhanded work of the body shop was quickly uncovered.  As for his new car warranty, well that was voided based on the unauthorized replacement of the factory-installed parts.  Will the body shop owner ever admit what was done? Of course not. Will filing a formal complaint help recoup the financial losses associated with the unlawful act?  Not likely. The burden of proof lies with you and unless you have video documentation of the theft by the shop mechanic, it is a waste of time. “Son, all people can not be trusted. Research, investigate and choose wisely.  I wish I could protect you from every charlatan, every deceiver, every thief and heart-stealer. My dearest son, I’m so sorry that most people do not have integrity.”

A Festival for the Senses

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

It’s time to treat your senses to a breathtaking, flavorful and fun-tastic adventure at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival going on now through May 30, 2016.

In addition to Epcot’s longtime cherished attractions, interactive learning experiences and character meet & greets, you will find an exquisite culinary collection of authentic international cuisine, how-to gardening seminars and workshops, and interactive play gardens that glow at night!

See” all of the carefully crafted character topiaries including Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, making their 2nd festival appearance.

001-frozen-elsa-topiary-epcot-flower-and-garden
Photo Courtesy: DisneyScrollbook.com

Hear” the pulsating beats of timeless and treasured pop music bands with the Garden Rocks Concert Series featuring Peter Noone, Herman’s Hermits and Darlene Love – just to name a few.

Smell” more than the roses at the Healing and Health Garden display of ancient medicinal plants and herbs, and the grandiose floral arrays throughout the park.

“Taste” some of the finest delicacies showcased around the world, pamper your palate with specialty wines and mixed cocktails, and experience Florida Fresh – a sampling of unique blends of locally grown and produced ingredients.

epcot food
Photo Courtesy: disneygo.com

“Feel” the friendly flutter of butterfly wings against your ears or the soft tickle of their tiny legs as these treasured winged wonders grace the palms of your hands at the Butterflies on the Go exhibit.

butterfly garden
Photo Courtesy: disneygo.com

Create with children. Fellowship with friends. Make new memories.

Awaken your senses.

Book your Flower and Garden Festival Vacation today!

 

 

Chasing Chickens: The Not So Luxurious Side of Luxury Travel

“Catch me if you can!”

Running and chasing after friends as a child will always be a treasured memory.  Some kids always got caught first, my sister mostly.  Then I would let her tag me so I could help her catch the others.  This was our childhood, here in the United States, the land of the free.  Traveling, especially to the Caribbean, there is a different childhood story to be told.

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