fbpx

Luxury in Disneyland

Tags

, ,

Yes, I am a Disney-fanatic at heart. But, let’s get this straight…I’m a Disney-LAND fanatic. I’ve been to both Disneyland and Disney World, and though I do appreciate what WDW has to offer in ways of hotel selections (Four Seasons Orlando and Golden Oak at Walt Disney Resort, come on!), dining options (you cannot beat Epcot) and those Magic Bands (hello, Disneyland, time to get onboard!), I just can’t let go of the nostalgic experience of the original Happiest Place on Earth. Every time I head to the park I learn about, and try something new and different I didn’t know from the last time. Our most recent stay introduced me to some primo experiences that made our trip feel truly luxurious this time around. And, yes, Disney + Luxury is a thing.

These activities might seem like a stretch, especially since it now costs a family of 4 around $1000 for 2-day park tickets with park hopper, but this is meant to be a luxury post, so let’s pretend the sky is the limit.

Stay…in a Disney Vacation Club 3-bedroom villa at The Grand Californian.The Grand Californian is the first and so far, only, resort at Disneyland to offer Disney Vacation Club Villas. The best and easiest way to have access to these desirable vacation villas is to be a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member. We are not. Instead, we were invited guests of a Disney Vacation Club member.  You can also have occasional access to the DVC villas without being a member- I am told it is possible, but quite pricey.

Disney's Grand Californian pool view

This was the first time I have experienced a Disney Vacation Club villa. I was crazy impressed. A 3-bedroom villa fit my family of 6 and our friends’ family of 3 perfectly. Our villa’s floor plan offered an upstairs and downstairs which allowed for even more privacy between the two families, as we could easily access the upstairs (where my family stayed) without disturbing our friends below.The floor plan included a master suite with 1 king size bed downstairs; two bedrooms suites upstairs, each with 2 queen size beds and private bathrooms; two sofa bed couches (one upstairs, one downstairs); a full sized kitchen; dining room with table seating for 8; and a separate family room area with couches and TV. The loft area upstairs was located between the two bedrooms and included a billiards table (amenities are subject to change per villa and location) .

grand californian vacation villa

Our DVC friends stayed in the room downstairs. Our 10-year old daughter and their 13-year old daughter stayed in one of the bedrooms with the 2 queens. Our 5-year old twins stayed with my husband and I in the other bedroom with the 2 queen beds. And, our oldest son, 12-years old, slept on the pull out couch in the loft with the billiards table. The amount of space and the amenities blew my mind that we could all fit comfortably, enjoying each other’s company while also having downtime. We were well-rested and relaxed during our 3-night stay.

Grand Californian Disney Vacation Villas

The beauty of The Grand Californian is the location in proximity to the park entrances, not to mention the direct access into California Adventure for hotel guests. The Disney Vacation Club Villas at the Grand Californian have a private entrance into the pool area of the hotel. The villa comes equipped with a coffee pot, oven, stove, refrigerator, microwave and pantry space making this a very lovely way to not have to rush in the morning, or to store leftovers, or to keep breakfast foods, snacks, etc., which helps on the budget end of things. However, if you’re not into dining in your villa, Downtown Disney with a Starbucks and some yummy eating options, is just a few yards away. The Grand Californian also offers some fantastic amenities such as poolside cabana rentals for full or half day, childcare options at Pinocchio’s Workshop, and the Mandara Spa.

mickey mouse pool

Eat…at Club 33. The only way you will get to experience this extremely exclusive restaurant hidden in the back alleyways of New Orleans Square inside Disneyland, is to either be a member of Disney’s Club 33, or know one. And, if you know one, be super nice to them so they invite you to dine with them at least once in your lifetime (it’s worth it, trust me).

Disneys Club 33

If you do score an invite, make sure you are very privy to the dress code. No joke, my husband was wearing men’s designer sandals, and they wouldn’t let him in because of the “no open toe shoes” policy. Men are expected to wear collard shirts and slacks, women can be dressy casual, and children under 5 are pretty much exempt from any dress code, but no one should attempt to dine at Club 33 with ripped or torn clothing, bathing suits or shorts. (The policy has relaxed a bit during lunch to dressy casual as they realized people may be coming from a day at the parks.)

Club 33 Dress Code

The meal itself is a sit down 5-6 course meal, and you can do a wine pairing. There is an extensive cocktail program as well, and one of the best mint juleps I’ve ever tasted (OK, so the only mint julep I’ve ever tasted, but it was damn good!) I would caution against bringing children under the age of 5 years to dinner. It’s a long, drawn out, yet enjoyable, process. We left our 5-year old twins at Pinocchio’s Workshop at the Grand Californian, at first much to my chagrin, but my husband’s insistence. For once, he was right.

Club 33 is only at Disneyland Park. There is no other place like it in all of the Magical Kingdoms, including Walt Disney World. So, not only was this a once in a lifetime experience for us diehard Disneyland fans, but a truly unique one for our DVC member friends who were visiting from the East coast.

Club 33 Dining

The dining room is beautifully decorated and filled with time-old treasures from both the Disney family and several different Disney movie sets. The newly renovated restaurant overlooks the Rivers of America, is upstairs above the Pirate’s of the Caribbean and next to Walt Disney’s Private Apartment (another property with exclusive access inside Disneyland).  For a more detailed review of Club 33, check out my post on Luxury Travel Mom.

Disney Club 33 Decor

Watch…the newly revised World of Color Dessert Party in Disney’s California Adventure. If we are being honest, I always dreaded seeing this show, and, frankly, strayed away from encouraging anyone in my group from seeing it. Why? Literally, the worst seats in the world. The show itself, absolutely stunning and quite impressive. But, having to stand on cement for a minimum of 30-minutes to fight the crowds for a decent seat, is no easy task. Especially when the show only comes on at night, and my children are already exhausted from the day. There is no way they are going to sit that long without crying or hanging on me or fighting with each other. So after we saw it once, we were good. I always wondered why there was no other option for seating and viewing like the wonderful VIP area at Fantasmic (not currently showing due to structural changes happening in the Rivers of America for the highly anticipated Star Wars Land). I’m telling you, honestly, again, if I want to see a show like that, I will pay for seats. And, so will my husband (definitely something we have in common that strengthens our marriage). When we heard about the new World of Color Dessert Party, we happily raised our hands and grabbed our tickets.

world of color wheel

We have been wanting to see the revamped version of the show featuring Neil Patrick Harris as the MC, and this was the perfect way to introduce our friends (the DVC members from the East Coast) to another unique Disneyland experience. For $79 per person (including children ages 3 and up), you are seated at a high-top cocktail table, and served delicious desserts, elegantly plated on china. The tray is per person as well- as in every person who pays $79 gets to indulge in a sweet and savory selection of desserts, including a Dulce de Leche-filled cookie, Mickey Coconut Macaroon, a selection of fruit and artisanal cheese, just to name a few. Adults can indulge in sparkling wine, and sparkling cider will be available for guests under 21 years of age.

World of Color Dessert Party

But forget the sparkling cider for the kids…go big and order the punch that is served in a fun water fountain shaped glass that glows in conjunction with the lights during the show. My children were fascinated, mesmerized, and engaged while I got to sit in a seat for 30-minutes sipping my glass of sparkling wine, and no one was hanging on me. The cups are included in the price (menu items are subject to change). By the way, that $79 per person includes tax and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended. Make yours by visiting Disneyland.com/dine or calling 714-781-DINE.

Enjoy…a night out without the littles by dropping them off at Pinocchio’s Workshop at the Grand Californian. Exclusively offered to hotel guests, Pinocchio’s Workshop is a licensed care facility that provides onsite care services for children 5-12 years of age from 5 pm to midnight (for a fee). It was money well spent for this once in a lifetime opportunity to dine at Club 33. As I mentioned, my husband gently suggested that we look into taking advantage of the childcare services offered at the hotel we were staying at, the Grand Californian. I was not totally comfortable with leaving my precious littles alone in a room with an adult stranger where my two older siblings were not around. I became more open to his suggestion once I discovered Pinocchio’s Workshop.

This truly was a lifesaver. Even though I had it in my mind I was still taking the twins with me to Club 33, by the end of a very full day at the parks, they were super tired and begging me to have chicken fingers and go to bed. They were thrilled with the notion of Pinocchio’s Workshop. I didn’t even have to bribe them. We took a brief tour of the options available for them in the play space: lots of movies, air hockey, board games, crafts…they were in before I could give them a hug and a kiss good-bye.

Pinocchios Workshop Grand Californian

The staff is very attentive and also very conscientious about the safety of the children. I had to fill out forms upon forms with phone numbers, allergies, emergency contacts, doctor’s numbers, etc. They took my picture with the kids to assure I would be the only person allowed to pick them up. There is even a dinner menu (for a fee) where the boys ordered exactly what they wanted: spaghetti with butter and French fries for one, and chicken fingers with fruit for the other. And, I’m pretty sure they enjoyed that dinner way more than they would have the one offered on the children’s menu at Club 33.

When we came to pick them up, they were the last two kiddos left, and were passed out comfortably on the oversized beanbags in front of the TV. It was a total win/win for all of us, and made the night so much more enjoyable, especially for my older children.

Daddy holding sleeping twins

OK…so all of that will put a rather sizeable dent in your wallet during your stay at the Disneyland Parks and Resorts. Want a luxurious tip that costs you nothing? Have your souvenirs delivered for free to your Disneyland Resort hotel using Package Express. Yup, FREE. It’s a long standing service, but one I always forget about. We actually used it this time, as the kids wanted something from the Toy Story Midway Mania store, and there was no way I was coming back that way yonder again after we left. A very easy thing to do…ask your sales person to make it happen. Show them your room key, they will fill out a form, you give them your Disneyland Resort hotel info and voila, you’re on your way without another bag to weight you down. You will feel like a serious VIP.

Kids at Toy Story Mania

Disclaimer: This trip was personally fully funded, excluding the World of Color Dessert Party in Disney’s California Adventure, which was a media invite. All words, thoughts, opinions 100% my own. 

Havana, Cuba :: An American in Cuba Travel Guide

Tags

, , ,

Someone recently told me that I am an “adventurous traveller”. I don’t know that I would or could necessarily qualify under that category.  Now that I am older, I do require certain amenities and luxuries in order for me to even consider a destination (like air conditioning and running water). On the other hand, I am not going to miss an opportunity to get a Bucket List item checked off my list just because there’s not a Four Seasons Hotel, or any luxury 5-star hotel for that matter, in the entire country (at least, not yet!). As a kid, I loved history classes. With every lesson, I would start to make a mental list on which historic sites and landmarks I had to get to; in 6th grade it was the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, 10th grade the Berlin Wall, 12th grade anywhere in Eastern Europe where Hitler and the US troops left their marks. In college I studied World History and International Relations. This is when Cuba, like actually visiting Cuba, jumped onto my radar.

cuba scene from plane

My aunt’s best friend from childhood and her family are from Cuba. They immigrated during the 1960’s when Castro began to take over the country. Growing up, I was around her family enough to understand the difference in their culture versus mine- rich in food, music, language, history and art. I remember being intrigued by what it meant to be Cuban. I understood that as Americans, the idea to want to go to Cuba, without having family or religious reasons to get there, was tabu. Political tensions, embargos, shaky relations, families torn apart, the unjust system of Castro forced upon his people, and more lead to many of the reasons why even I, as an American, was proud to believe in at the time. In my early 20s, I learned that travel to Cuba was possible, through a system of jumping through hoops and loops. Tricky, but possible.

havana, cuba capitol building

But then I got married, had a full time job, a mortgage payment, started having kids and the vision of me running off to Canada or Europe or Latin America in order to sneak over to the “forbidden country” became a pipe dream. On my 30th birthday, my husband and I were traveling to the British West Indies and the thought briefly crossed our minds, then we discovered I was pregnant, and that’s where that story ends. This past January (2015), the U.S. government decided to make a bold move and begin to loosen our strictly prohibited status with Cuba, to, OK, let’s try this out and see how it goes. It also happened to be my 40th birthday in June. My husband needed to get to Miami for business. A colleague had been teasing me with her colorful tales about this romantic island in the Caribbean that time had forgotten. My passport needed renewal. The time to go to Cuba was now.

havana cuba a travel guide

For the first time in a long time my nerves kicked in and my excitement level was through the roof, all at once. I was both terrified and thrilled to finally be heading to a place I could truly, like most of us, ever only see in pictures. I was going to taste, hear, feel, smell, be in CUBA! Because this was an entirely new travel spot for me, I felt very much out of my comfort zone with planning anything at all. I was nervous about everything- where we would stay, eat, dress; would we be OK in an emergency without there being a US Embassy in the country; how do I keep in touch with my kids without access to US cell phones; and most importantly, how do I do this legally?? Luckily, a travel writer colleague, Kim-Marie Evans of Luxury Travel Mom, steered me in the right direction. She introduced me to a London based travel agency (with a home base here in the United States), Cazenove + Lloyd. It was a remarkable experience as all I had to do was email my travel agent of our desired plans while in Cuba, and she emailed me back a beautifully appointed travel itinerary. Well, it took a little more than that, we did go back and forth a few times about where to stay, where to eat, what tours to take, flight times, etc. Once finalized, everything came organized in a sophisticated package with luggage tags, a color printed booklet of our plans, and any visas and other paperwork we needed for our trip. They even arranged for me to have a cell phone once I got to Cuba so I could stay in touch with my kiddos. A huge blanket of anxiety lifted as soon as I had all of this information in my hands.

cuba cazenove lloyd

Cazenove + Lloyd provided us with the most up to date recommendations on hotels, dining and tour guides. What I want to share here is what to expect, and how to get ready for a trip of a lifetime to one of the most magical islands I have ever visited. Our trip was only to Havana, Cuba and the surrounding areas, Miramar and Finca Vigia (where popular author, Ernest Hemmingway’s, home and estate is located). One thing to keep in mind, the relationship between the US and Cuba is rapidly changing. As I write this, or even as I was leaving the country in June (2015), all kinds of policies and procedures have been made and put into affect. So, use this as a guideline for your Q&A’s but always check on the status of any travel arrangements on your own.

havana sunsets

Getting There

  • Unless you are personally familiar with Cuba, have friends and/or family there, I would highly recommend planning your trip through an authorized travel agent. Travel agents who specialize in travel to Cuba will know exactly what you need to get you there- the right papers, documents, which credit cards will work, exchanging monies, etc. Don’t mess around with this, seriously. It’s stressful enough to be walking off the plane, on to the tarmak and into a country we have had very little relations with over the last 60 years- you want to feel confident that all your papers are in place and you know what you are doing when you get there. This RockStarMom Recommends using either Cazenove + Lloyd or Jose Pineda of AC Journeys.
  • I’m mentioning this again because it is super important. We met American couples who booked flights and room through their agents, but everything else was up to them. For some, this is an exciting option to get to chat with the locals about great places, etc. But, keep in mind, in Cuba, many of the locals cannot go to the best hotels, restaurants, etc., and so they can not always direct you to this because they do not know they exist or know very little about them. Plus, we had a personal driver, which was an awesome benefit for us- all done through our travel agent.
  • Talk, talk and talk some more with your travel agent to make sure you ask any and all questions you may have about Cuba. When we visited, Americans could not use US based banks’ credit or debit cards. We had to make sure we had enough cash to get us through our trip. As I was in the airport leaving Cuba for Miami, I discovered a very thorough article in Cigar Afficianado about how some Mastercards were now permitted to be used around the island, along with a plethora of other great information I wish I would have read before our trip. Always good to check with your bank as well.
  • Talk to anyone you know who has been to Cuba in the last 6 months. Ask them about hotels, dining, tours, transportation, shopping, whatever interests you. As I mentioned, Cuba is rapidly changing, which also means what was considered luxurious or delicious 3 months ago, may not be by the time you get there.
  • Speaking of luxurious…put this in your head now…there is no real luxury in Cuba, at least, not in the way Americans would expect. Your hotel may be 3-star at best, even if 5-stars are indicated. Just be grateful if it has A/C and Wifi because most buildings in Havana do not. The air filters in our room were thick with dust, the windows didn’t shut, our closet had a faint smell of urine and I’m not sure of the last time our mattress had been changed, or if and when it was considered new. On the other hand, we could blast the A/C, we had HBO and the hotel pool rocked. Just check in with your perspective and alter it a bit to accept your surroundings and have an awesome time.
  • Check your passport and make sure it does not expire within 6 months of your travel date.
  • There are no real immunizations per say to have before you visit Cuba. My biggest concern was getting food poisoning. Side note: the government still controls the food supply to many of the hotels and restaurants in and around Havana, therefore, the available options through your hotel might not be that great. Breakfast was included in our hotel rate every morning, but my husband and I could barely stomach the food. With that being said, we had some really amazing meals of chicken, fish, octopus, beef and lots of rice at paladares (non-government owned restaurants) all over Havana and Miramar. Don’t be afraid to try new things, but just be wary of some of the options. I was told not to eat from the food carts on the street, but I have to tell you the helado (ice cream) looked amazing, and an American couple we met said the churros con leche were out of this world!
  • As of June 2015, there was absolutely no cell phone service for US based companies. We brought our phones with us anyway, as our hotel had wifi, and even though we had no phone usage, we still were able to check in with family via text and email when inside the hotel. Honestly, I checked in once a day with my kiddos, and that’s it. My husband and I welcomed the much needed break of enjoying ourselves and each other and really soaking in all Havana had to offer without the constant distraction of our smart phones.
  • We spent 4-days and 3-nights in Havana. It wasn’t enough. If that’s all the time you have, then still go for it! We made the most of our time and obviously, we loved it so much we can’t wait to get back. In hindsight, we wish we would have tacked on one more day. It is hot and humid which will slow you down. The amenities are not luxurious, so you may not be getting enough sleep at night, which will slow you down. The food can be filling and different to what you are used to, which will slow you down. And, the mojitos and daiquiris are a plenty, which will also slow you down. So take heed my friends and if you can, add on that one extra day. We would have liked to have taken a trip out to the beaches, but it was hard for us to fit in as transportation can be challenging and the roads to get there just as much. And, truth be told, we were tired.

havana cuba photo collage

Itinerary Planning

We had a jammed pack itinerary for the four days we were there, and honestly, it was too much to accomplish in one trip. We ended up reworking our itinerary a bit when we got there so we could enjoy and really take in everything we were experiencing. Unfortunately, this meant leaving out some items we really wanted to explore. Next time!  There is so much to do and something that will appeal to everyone in a different way. Working closely with your travel agent will help you discover and narrow down the perfect activities for your personalized itinerary. Here are some highlights and recommendations from our trip.

  • Trip Planning: Cazenove + Lloyd was wonderful to work with, and we were super grateful to have utilized their services. But they are also quite pricey. We met Jose Pineda of Anthropologie Consulting, Inc. (AC Journeys) as our point of contact in Miami before heading to Havana, through Cazenove + Lloyd. Jose provides the packages and contacts in Cuba to these larger agencies. He is also a Cuban American who is well versed in all things when it comes to traveling in Cuba. Either way, you cannot go wrong with either companies. One is based in London (Cazenove + Lloyd) and the other in Miami, Florida. Research both, and you be the judge!
  • Dining: We ate at several places in and around Cuba. The ones that stood out the most had the best atmosphere and food offerings, all unique and familiar at the same time. However, even some of the simplest of dishes had the best freshness and flavors. Check with your travel agent, but these were our favorite:

Rio Mar Restaurant in Miramar for seafood. Miramar is a beautiful, more affluent neighborhood outside of Havana, located right along the river. The grilled octopus was the best we ever had. Ever. We still talk about it.

Rio Mar Restaurant in Miramar

La Guarida for food + atmosphere. I’ve been told this paladare can be hit or miss. On our visit, it was a total hit. The building in which La Guarida is located was one of my favorites. It is also the set where the successful international Cuban independent film, Frecas y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate) was filmed. The building is old and beautiful. The decor is eclectic. The food phenomenal (we had delicious steak there which is an uncommon find in Cuba). And, we happened to be there during the International Conference of Ernest Hemmingway and lent to some amazing eavesdropping of scholars and Pulitzer Prize writers at the surrounding tables. La Guarida had also just opened up their private cigar lounge, and I highly recommend making a reservation. You will be blown away by the presentation and history of the ritual regardless if you smoke cigars.

La Guarida in Havana, Cuba

Dona Eutimia for real local fare and people watching. This is where we tried basic Cuban recipes like shrimp with garlic and butter, chicken and rice and fish and rice. This is where we also had some of the best food in the city. And the best people watching- diplomats, Cuban actors and their families, business deals, all happening in the discreet casual setting of being a locals gathering.

  • Photo Tours: So, you can go several ways with this. Many tour operators will suggest a tour through Havana with a local photographer who will guide you on taking the best shots in all of Havana. My husband and I wanted to commemorate our trip by having those shots, but with us in them (ala flytographer). This was kind of a funny thing to the locals, but we were introduced to a fantastic local who was not only a great photographer, but knew all about the history and locations all around Havana. This is also another way we were able to explore so much of the city- secret plazas and alleyways full of art and even a museum dedicated to the art of barbering (yes, haircuts!). The two shots below, of my husband and I, were taken by him. Ask for him by name when you book your trip with your travel agent, Abel Ernesto. (Abel is in the picture with us below!)

cuba abel ernesto photographer

  • Must Do’s: These, of course, were our must do’s before we left the island. There were a few more we would have added if we had more time, like seeing the original cabaret at the Tropicana, visiting Casa de la Musica, and doing an art tour to actually purchase some art as well. Following is what I would recommend to anyone traveling to Havana: (you can simply ask your travel agent about these)
      • Four Plazas Walking Tour
      • Ernest Hemmingway Tour in Finca Vigia with vintage car ride (request Nelson as your tour guide, you’ll personally thank me later)
      • Mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio
      • Daiquiris at El Floridita
      • Pina Colada at Hotel Nacionale (yes, lots of rum drinking around here)
      • Cigar Tasting (or tour of cigar factories, but we preferred the tasting at La Guarida in the private cigar lounge)
      • Outdoor Markets, like Plaza de Armas, has an incredible array of books written and published during the height of Castro’s rein, along with antique and vintage items. We loved this market and would go back daily in search of more treasures. My husband found an old edition of Old Man and the Sea, along with plenty of Che Guevara and socialist Cuba memorabilia.
      • Night out on the town at one of Havanas many famous and popular jazz cafes: Cafe Miramar, La Zorro y el Cuervo club and El Gato Tuerto were some of our favorite spots.

[slideshow_deploy id=’6935′]

Since our trip, President Obama and the Rolling Stones have made historic appearances. US Secretary of State, John Kerry, re-opened the embassy in Havana. The changes continue at a rapid pace with both controversial and supportive outcomes.

havana cuba che grafiti

There is so much to say about Cuba! I’d like to open up the comments section for any questions you may have and I can answer them specifically. As you can see, by the length of this post, I could write pages and pages about our experience there. And, I can’t wait to go back!

Cuban Vintage Car

Hasta Luego!

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more exciting RockStarMom adventures!

Disclaimer: This trip was personally fully funded. I was not hosted in any way, shape or form for this trip. All words written are true and honest of my opinion. All photos (unless specified) are ©RockStarMomLV.com.

fall travel : Seattle to Vancouver via Amtrack

Tags

, , ,

Summer is closing in on us, and the warm, spicy colors and fragrant fall is approaching. Fall travel is one of my most favorite things. I would classify this in my #100DaysofHappy to go anywhere in the fall. Crowds have subsided, the temps have dropped, local foods and drinks are warm and cozy, the colors are majestic. Some of the best travel plans are the ones that include a good healthy dose of reds, oranges, yellows and golds. May I recommend as you begin your travel plans, a look into traveling from Seattle to Vancouver via Amtrack?

There are many ways to cross the United States and Canadian borders, and I have tried three different ways: automobile, airplane and train. My top pick? By train, hands down.

The train departs Seattle from the King Street Station which is an excellent way to begin your journey. The station is gorgeous. Originally opened in May 1906, the station had undergone renovations throughout the 40s, 50s and 60s, modernizing the original ornamental plaster ceilings and glass ball light fixtures. A recent historical rehabilitation in 2013 has helped to create a look and feel as close as possible to when the doors opened in 1906. The waiting area is completely enclosed and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. We needed some handicapped assistance with my girlfriend who had broken her foot, and required a scooter. We were escorted through the lines, assisted with baggage, and seated comfortably while we waited for the train. There is also a restroom facility inside the station. However, grab your coffee before you get there, as no vending available. Departure time for Seattle to Vancouver happens pretty early in the morning, since it is about a 4.5 hour train ride. Don’t let the time discourage you because the ride is well worth it.

KINGS STREET STATION SEATTLE

During your stay in Seattle, take some time to head over to Pike’s Place Market and load up on some train snacks. We selected fresh cut meats and cheeses, baguettes, fresh fruits, and special French pastries from our favorite French bakery at the market, Le Panier. Don’t forget your coffee, water and maybe a little champagne! Our friend was celebrating her 40th birthday the same day as our train ride, so we brought along some bubbly to celebrate. There is a food car, however, selling drinks and snacks during the trip.

Pikes Public Market Seattle

We also upgraded our tickets to Business Class for the much appreciated leg room, and great window seats for some of the most picturesque views I have ever experienced. Lush, green forests, tiny friendly towns, like Edmonds, Mount Vernon and Bellingham, where folk stand near the railroad tracks to wave as the train goes by, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Truly, a breathtaking experience through the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle to Vancouver via Amtrack

Immigration services all done inside the train before your arrival into Vancouver, British Colombia. Relaxing. Easy Peasy.

Taxis are available once you arrive at the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, B.C., but a word to the wise, everyone is coming off the train in search of a taxi. We met a very rude couple who walked right in front of everyone in the taxi queue and grabbed the first cab that appeared. Fortunately, several followed quickly and we didn’t have to wait long. To make the experience even more luxurious, consider hiring a car or limo to whisk you away to your hotel.

RockStarMom Recommends in Seattle

Seattle Collage

Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle– Located conveniently near Pike’s Market Place, and other walkable downtown landmarks (also a Target close by for items left behind). The spa is one of the most relaxing spa experiences I have ever had. Rooftop pool is trendy, yet comfortable, with handcrafted cocktails and a sunset view over the Pacific you will never want to forget. You can never go wrong with a Four Seasons.

Eat: Savor Seattle Food Tours– Book a 2pm tour and don’t look back. Eat a decent breakfast, but skip lunch and enjoy all the delectable bites introduced to you on this one of a kind food tour through downtown Seattle. My girlfriends and I still talk about this tour, and is earmarked as one of our favorites.

For Kitsch: Bill Speidel’s Underground TourFor the travel history buff, this tour takes you underneath the city of Seattle and talks everything from ghosts, to politics to poop. Seriously. An oddly fun tour and full of interesting tidbits on how Seattle came to be.

RockStarMom Recommends in Vancouver

Vancouver Collage

Stay: Fairmont Pacific Rim– I have stayed here twice now, once with my husband and kids, the other with my girlfriends. Both times very different experiences, but both times very phenomenal. Staff, rooms, and amenities are out of this world. Within walking distance to many spots in downtown Vancouver, and what you can’t walk to, grab a house car. Lobby Lounge + Raw Bar is always happening, and I still dream about giovane cafe + eatery + market. Click to read my review on the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

Eat: I can’t choose, so I’ll give you my top three:

Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse for oysters and champagne

Coast for the delicious lobster poutine and seafood dishes

Hawksworth Restaurant for fine dining, eclectic dishes and sophisticated setting located in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Play: No trip to Vancouver is complete without a tour through Stanley Park. There are different ways to do this, but my favorite, we hired a driver to take us through a guided tour, pointing out historical landmarks and details about the park. The Vancouver Aquarium, also located inside Stanely Park, is impressive as well.

Disclaimer: As a member of the press, I was offered spa services at Four Seasons Seattle, and a media rate at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. All opinions in this article are mine.