 Tanya's Daily Scoop Covering the West Coast & the World CURRENTLY IN: MOAB, UTAH |  Elisa's Daily Scoop Covering Long Island & NYC Boroughs CURRENTLY IN: LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK |
| Hey all! We’re on my way from Moab, Utah to St. George, Utah. Gonna go for a ride in St. George. Come back later for my scoop. -Travelin’ Tanya | It's Hump Day! Happy Wednesday to you!! Things have been pretty busy on this end as I have been and continue to make some upgrades to our Travelin' Cousins website. We hope you find it more aesthetically appealing and a bit easier to navigate! In fact, when was the last time you visited our HOME page? We think you will embrace the opportunity to travel around the world with us via our short vlogs featuring Tanya and me from a multitude of destinations! And...we've got more coming all the time!! Moving along... Another installment of Walt Disney World Wednesday today will take a look at why Disney Springs is our destination of choice for our first day when visiting Disney World. This Disney World owned destination in Orlando is distinctly different from the other Disney parks as it an open air shopping and dining destination. The 120-acre complex includes four distinct areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side and if you've been visiting Disney World during the past five decades, you would remember that this area has been expanded and renamed over the years. Originally called Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in 1975, Walt Disney World Village in 1977, Disney Village Marketplace in 1989, and Downtown Disney in 1997, it was yet again renamed Disney Springs in 2015 following a three-year renovation and expansion. With easy access from all Disney World parks and Disney's on-site hotel properties, visitors can take buses and water taxis to this complex. Comprised of the huge range of shops, entertainment options and eateries to discover, Disney Springs is just as important a destination for my gang as the attraction laden theme parks of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. So much so that now that the girls are teenagers, we have made it a tradition to spend the first day of our Disney World trip exploring the ins and outs of this delightful expanse. 9 Reasons We Love Starting our Disney World Trip in Disney Springs  Disney Springs (c) travelincousins.com 1. Ease into the Disney World Vibe While my gang loves the Disney theme parks and attractions just as much as any Disney fan, easing our way into the crowds, hustle bustle environment and lines is perfectly done with a day spent at Disney Springs prior to taking on the parks.  2. Great Go-To for Grabbing Disney Gear Disney World is just more fun when you are "geared up" with apparel and accessories! Our go-to place for all-things Disney shopping is World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace area. Miouse ear headbands, t-shirts and pins are our usual purchases!  AMC Theatre at Disney Springs (c) travelincousins.com 3. Perfect Destination Day or Night Whether arriving in Orlando early or late, Disney Springs makes a great first destination as you begin your Disney World trip. Shops are open, lots of restaurants to choose from day or evening and plenty of entertainment options including movies, bowling, outdoor musicians and more.  (c) travelincousins.com 4. No Park Ticket Required Unlike the four Disney World theme parks and the water parks, there is no entrance ticket required for entry at Disney Springs. It's an open air complex, free to all visitors, day or night.  5. Lots and Lots of Dining Options In an around Disney Springs, there are more eateries than you can shake a stick at! And the good news is that many of these are quick service, so there is no need to worry about having a reservation or rushing about. Of course, should you wish to dine at one of the table service restaurants, you will want to have a reservation, but as stated earlier, the choices are numerous!  (c) travelincousins.com 6. Scenic and Varied Surroundings Since the renovation and expansion that was completed in 2015, the atmosphere and environment of Disney Springs is quite lovely, making it perfect for starting your vacation. Filled with billowing palm trees, water features and bridges throughout, it is quite lovely. From the American Craftsman-style of the 1930's of The Marketplace, to nautical-themed restaurants and shops of The Landing, Empress which includes Lilly, the static full-size replica of a paddle steamer riverboat on Village Lake to the Spanish Revival architecture from the 1920s of Town Center , and the West Side's contemporary sports and recreational feel, Diney Springs is full of varied surroundings.  7. Shopping Galore This area of Disney is a shopper's paradise! The retail outlet selection is incredible and all the popular brands are represented in all product categories from skincare and beauty, apparel, accessories and even specialty items shops!  (c) travelincousins.com 8. Kiddie Fun for Kids of All Ages Just because our trio does not contain any toddlers does not mean that we cannot partake in some of the kiddie fun in Disney Springs. For one, the Lego store in the Marketplace area is way cool, allowing visitors to play and build to their heart's content. Additionally, the Carousel, also located in the Marketplace is ideal for a calm and relaxing old fashioned ride.  (c) travelincousins.com 9. Vegan Dessert Fix No matter whether you are vegan or not, a trip to Erin McKenna's NYC in The Landing is a Must!! There is nothing that says starting a vacation quite like sweet treats and Erin McKenna's donuts, cupcakes and pastries will launch your stay and make you forget all reality! I'll be seeing you in a few days!! Off for my daily 3-mile walk. Have a spectacular day!! -Travelin' Elisa xoxo |
