Triberg Waterfalls

Triberg is a popular tourist town in the Black Forest, in the southwest corner of Baden-Württemberg Germany.

The Triberg Falls are one of the the highest waterfalls in Germany with a total plunge of 163 meters. The falls are in the river Gutach and consists of seven plunge stages/steps. The town of Triberg is at the bottom of the falls

Triberg Waterfalls

There are three entrances to the Falls. The main, and also most well know entrance is at the bottom of the falls and easily accessible from Triberg.  Look for a parking spot or use one of the parkades.

The other two entrances can be reached by traveling further along the road.

Footpath at the middle entrance

 

 

 

 

Know before you go

  • The falls are open whole year round.
  • There are 3 entrances
  • The falls are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00
  • The prices per ticket at time of publishing were €3.50 per adult. Children under 8 can go in for free and those between 8 and 17 pay €3.00 per ticket
  • If you have a Triberg Guest-Card you can enter for free
  • There are no restaurants. The only options are before entering
  • Parking and good public transport options available
  • You will need about 1 to 2  hours to go walk from bottom to the top, less if you start at the top. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
  • It can be muddy
  • You can buy nuts to feed the squirrels
  • More information on the Triberg Tourism Website.

The experience

I have been to many waterfalls, and the one at Triberg is definitely not the most spectacular. What adds to the experience is the fact that it has seven stages, and is set in a really beautiful nature park and woods . Looking down towards the town is breathtaking and makes for the most great photo opportunities. Take time to appreciate the fauna and flora along the well kept pathways.

The awesome stuff

Breathtaking nature.
Easily accessible via train, bus or by road.
The paths are well comfortable and well kept.
Stunning lookout points

The less awesome stuff

It can become overcrowded during the peak times like weekends.
Walking from the bottom entrance to the top is only advised if you are fit or a regular hiker, it is pretty steep.

The verdict

It is well worth a visit. Take time to just enjoy the beauty of nature

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Triberg Waterfalls

Bridge over the river
One of the seven steps
Well kept paths
Stunning nature
Squirrel

 

Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is a must visit when you are in or around Stuttgart.  It is a beautiful showcase of Mercedes-Benz cars and tells the history of the company and that of the automobile industry. If you would like to read up about the history before you go, there is information available on the Mercedes Website

We took a trip to the museum with a friend and her young daughter. It was easy to reach with public transport. The process of buying a ticket was quick and the staff spoke English.

Know before you go

  • The Museum is open most of the year.
    During VfB Stuttgart’s football home matches and other major events access to the Mercedes-Benz Museum may be restricted.
  • The museum is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mondays. See the Website for Visitor Information
  • The prices per ticket at time of publishing were €10 per adult and €5 per child.
  • Ticket discounts for groups and elderly people. You can  buy evening tickets at a reduced price (from 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket desk closes at 5 p.m.)
  • There is a restaurant/bistro where you can buy snacks and drinks.
  • Parking and good public transport options available
  • Tours available
  • You will need about 2 hours to go through the museum. Wear comfortable shoes
  • More information on the Mercedes_Benz Museum Website.

The experience

You start the tour by swiping your ticket at the turn styles, you can get an audio guide here. The audio guides are available in a selection of languages. You then go to the top floor in a very futuristic looking lift, and are greeted there by a “one horse power”

Futuristic Lift

One Horse Power

The first section of the Museum showcases the history of the automobile and also that of the company. There are beautiful old engines, cars and trucks on display as well as examples of the mobility ideas of the time. Each section of the museum focuses on a specific theme. There are classic cars, period cars from the 30’s to 50’s, trucks, buses and tractors.

Classic Cars

Classic Cars

Classic Bus

Tractor

There is a section devoted to racing. Here you can see some of the Mercedes racing cars and trucks. There is also information on the company’s involvement in F1 racing. In this section there is a race simulator. It is a virtual reality experience of the different types of racing cars, mixed with a bit of a history lesson. You pay extra to go into the simulator.

Racing cars

F1 racing car

Racing Cars

F1 Racing car

Another section focuses on technology and the future of Mobility.

Electric Car

There is a section showcasing cars from famous people or events. The display is updated as the availability of the cars changes. When we visited, the car belonging to Princess Diana was on display, the SUV from Jurassic Park, the car the Pope used on some of his trips and many more historic models.

Mercedes that belonged to Princess Diana

The awesome stuff

It is an interesting and informative museum.
Easily accessible via train, bus or by road.
The displays are well presented.
Interactive

The less awesome stuff

It can become overcrowded during the peak times like weekends.
Taking photos can be a challenge due to the low light inside.

The verdict

It is well worth a visit and a must for auto enthusiasts.

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Steiff Museum – get lost in a world of teddy bears

The Steiff Museum is a delightful place to visit when you are like me, nuts about cuddly toys.  We decided to visit the Museum on a Saturday morning, it was already Autumn and it was not too busy for a weekend visit.
We took the train from Ulm to Giengen an der Brenz.

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The Museum is very easy to find.
From the station, you follow the signs and will soon see red paw prints along the road ..jip you guessed it ..follow the paw prints.

 

 

Know before you go

  • The Museum is open most of the year. It is closed on Christmas, 26 December, 1 January and on Good Friday.
  • The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00.
  • The prices per ticket at time of publishing were €10 per adult and €6 per child.
  • Ticket discounts for groups and elderly people.
  • There is a shop where you can buy Steiff products.
  • There is a restaurant/bistro where you can buy snacks and warm meals, between 11:00 and 17:00.
  • More information on the Steiff Museum Website.

The experience

After buying our tickets, we browsed through the Steiff shop while waiting for the tour to begin.
The tour is guided by two cuddly toys, Knopf and Frieda. They take you through the history of Steiff, how it all began and the mystery of the teddy bears lost at sea.
They told us that teddy bears like to travel and that they can be found all over the world,  bringing happiness and joy to children (and adults) everywhere.
The tour is very interactive and well presented.

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Approaching the museum

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Knopf and Frieda

After the tour you can go to the Steiff petting zoo. Children can sit on an unicorn, an elephant or a deer, or just marvel at the various stuffed animals

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Petting Zoo

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Petting Zoo

There is also a showcase of all the historical Teddy bears and stuffed animals manufactured by Steiff

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You can go to the workshop and watch how the Teddy bears are made.
The journey finishes in the shop, where you can buy mainstream and limited editions.  The bears with movable parts are more expensive.
“The famous trademark “Button in Ear”. The Steiff “Button in Ear” design may vary. A yellow tag attached to the Button indicates the toy is part of the current range. A white tag with red writing attached to the button is gifted to all the Steiff limited editions.
And a white tag with black writing attached to the button is gifted to all the Steiff limited edition replica designs.”

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The awesome stuff

It is a beautiful and fun place to visit.
Easily accessible via train, bus or by road.
They cater for birthday parties.
You can make your own teddy bear (only for groups between 8 and 25 people).

The less awesome stuff

It can become overcrowded during the peak summer season.
The tour was only available in German, but I think one can still follow the story-line.

The verdict

It is a very nice day trip, definitely worth going.

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Blautopf and the Schöne Lau

The Blautopf  is a beautiful spring in Blaubeuren, Germany.
It is the source of the river Blau which flows into the Danube.
There are many folk tales about the Blautopf, the most well known that of the Schöne Lau, a mermaid and her husband, a water nix from the Black Sea.
According to legend the Schöne Lau was banished to the Blautopf  by her husband because she was always sad and could not laugh.  She was doomed to live there until she laughed five times. Only then could she return  and give birth to a living child. The Beautiful Lau makes friends with Frau Betha, the landlady of an inn nearby. The good-natured and wise Betha finally helps the mermaid to laugh five times

Know before you go

  • The best time to visit is on a sunny day in Summer. The intensity of the blue water can vary according to the weather.
  • Blaubeuren is 16 km from Ulm.
  • There are train and bus services to Blaubeuren.
  • There is a gift shop.
  • Entrance is free.

The experience

A German friend invited us for a visit Blaubeuren and took us to see the Blaufopf and the Kloster nearby.   Afterwards we ate freshly caught trout at a restaurant just outside town.  I visited a couple of times after that, taking friends to marvel not only at the beauty of the Blautopf but also the surrounding nature.

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The Blautopf gets its blue colour from the limestone in the water. The deepest end is 21 meters. Diving is allowed but only for experienced divers and only through authorised organisations.

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Other worthwhile attractions around the Blautopf is the hiking trails into the  Schwäbischen Alb and the Kloster Blaubeuren.
There is a good choice of regional restaurants, or you could indulge your sweet tooth at one of the many bakeries in town.

 

The awesome stuff

Tranquil beauty.
Easily accessible.

The less awesome stuff

It can become overcrowded during peak season and weekends.

The verdict

It is a very nice day trip, definitely worth seeing.

Malta, the jewel in the Mediterranean

I have so much to write about Malta, I think it will be better to make it a series

I was fortunate enough to live on Malta for a couple of years. It is truly a gem! Rich in history, traditions and culture.

For this blog post I share some general info about the Malta, just as a teaser.

Know before you go

  • Tourist season is in my opinion year round, peaking between June and August.
  • The best time to go is either in May or in September. It is much cooler then, and by that I mean its still hot but bearable. There are less tourist and the buses are no so over crowded.
  • Malta is part of the European Union, and also the Schengen area. You might need a Schengen Visa, depending on what passport you have
  • There is an Airport on Malta.
  • Malta consists of three islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino.
  • There is a Ferry service between Malta and Gozo
  • Malta is about 90 km south of Sicily
  • There are many places to swim but only four sandy beaches.

The experience

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Crystal clear waters

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Balluta Bay

Malta is summer personified! Sun, swimming, sailing, party boats, the clubs in Paceville, the tourist traps in Sliema and of course loads of good food. But Malta has much more to offer. There are 359 churches on Malta, the most impressive being the St. Johns Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

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St. Johns Co-Cathedral

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St. Johns Co-Cathedral

The Cathedral was built by the Knights of Malta between 1573 and 1578, it was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière as the conventual church of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of St John, known as the Knights of Malta.

There are enough museums and archaeological wonders to satisfy any cultural tourist.  Here is a list of some place to visit and things to do:

Must see places

  • The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a rock-cut underground complex that was used both as a sanctuary as well as for burial purposes by the temple builders
  • The Ġgantija Temples are the oldest, free-standing monuments in the world and are a testament to the Island’s inhabitation for at least 1,000 years before the famous Egyptian pyramids of Giza were constructed
  • Ħaġar Qim – The temple of Ħaġar Qim (c. 3600 – 3200 BC) stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfla. The temple itself consists of a single temple unit, although it is not clear if it was originally constructed as a four or five-apse structure.
  •  National Museum of Archaeology
  • The city of Valletta
  • St. Agatha’s Catacombs
  • St. Paul’s Catacombs
  •  The Tarxien Temples date from 3600-2500 BC and are the most complex of all temple sites in Malta, consisting of four megalithic structures.
  • The silent city of Mdina
  • Palace Armoury

The to do list

  • Eat pastizzi from a local Pastizzeria
  • Take a boat trip to Comino
  • Take the ferry to Gozo and then trip on the hop-on-hop-off bus
  • Go to a Maltese Village Festa (see events calendar)
  • Indulge in sweet pastries at Cafe Cordina in Valletta
  • Explore the many public gardens
  • Feed the cats in the park in Sliema
  • Eat fish in the village of Marsaxlokk

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San Anton Gardens

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Cats in the gardens at Sliema

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Comino

Indulge in some more photos of Malta

The awesome stuff

More than enough outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking and swimming.
All year sunshine.
The Maltese are very welcoming and friendly.
English speaking country.
Prices are very reasonable when you stay away from the tourist hot spots.

The less awesome stuff

The tourist hot spots can become overcrowded during peak season.
Using public transport can take you longer than anticipated.

The verdict

Malta is not just worth a visit, it is a must visit!

Weekend in Switzerland

We had a great opportunity to combine a business trip to Zurich with a visit to a friend who lives there. He turned out to be an excellent tour guide, leaving us with many cherished memories.

Know before you go

  • Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, but not part of the EU. South African nationals require a Schengen visa to enter.
  • The local currency is the Swiss Frank (CHF), Euros are accepted but you might not get the most favourable rate.
  • Nearest commercial airport is Zurich International.
  • Summer season is from June – August. Winter season is from December – February
  • Weather: From July to August the daytime temperature range is 18 to 28°C and from January to February the range is -2 to 7°C. In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8 to 15 °C.

The experience

We traveled from Germany and decided to take the train rather than fly to Zurich. Although the journey takes longer by train, it can be significantly cheaper and you are rewarded with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and charming small towns. Some of the most scenic railroads are in and around the Alps.

mountains

We arrived in Zurich late afternoon and the next morning we took a day trip by car to the Brienzersee (Lake Brienz). We took the ferry boat to get on the other side of Lake Zurich and it was followed by an unforgettable drive into the mountains. The mountains are dotted with small ski resorts and every town is postcard picture perfect. We even got some snow on one of the mountains although it was early spring.

 

The Brienzersee is surrounded by picturesque little towns and we stopped at one of them for refreshments before driving further to Interlaken, one of the bigger towns situated between Brienzersee and Thunersee. It’s a typical tourist town and we strolled through the small streets admiring the charming old buildings. The air was crispy from the snow on the mountains but filled with the sound of nature.

We had a quick lunch and then continued on our journey to the St Beatus Caves, on the banks of the Thunersee. These are by far the most beautiful caves I ever explored. There are waterfalls inside the cave and even the journey up the mountain is spectacular. Looking up you can see waterfalls coming down the mountain and looking down you have unspoilt views of the lake. The guided tour into the caves takes about an hour. The path you walk on is well designed and we could walk upright the whole time. You are unfortunately not allowed to take photos inside the cave.

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The next day we took a train trip to Luzern where we boarded a boat to Mount Pilatus in Alpnachstad. The boat ride itself was such a treat with beautiful views of Lake Zurich and the surrounding mountains. Arriving in Alpnachstad, we bought our tickets for the trip up Mt Pilatus with the cogwheel (Zahnbahn) railway that allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, mountain and town below. The mountain is 2132m high and the railway is the world’s steepest with a 48% climb. At the top there are many viewpoints where you have picturesque views of the countryside and towns below. There are also some curio shops and restaurants. It was a bit chilly at the top and it can be very windy as well, so dress warm. We took the cable-way down, it is a very steep incline down and if you are scared of heights its best to stand in the middle of the car. You take the cable-way to a summit and from there you take the aerial Gondolas to get the bottom.

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Our trip to Switzerland was way too short and I would love to go back and explore more of its beauty.

You are welcome to view my photos of our trip here

The awesome stuff

Pristine and breathtaking scenery
Enchanting old buildings
The best chocolates in the world
Outdoor adventures
Reliable public transport

The less awesome stuff

The weather, it is mostly chilly and often rains.
The prices, everything is expensive. We paid around R50 for a beer, R46 for a coffee. Eating at a restaurant is around R230 for a main course per person. You can get Pizza for around R160

The verdict

There is so much to see and do in Switzerland, all year round. It’s worth a visit, even for a weekend. A very nice way to see the country is by rail. Consider n trip on the Glacies express or the Chocolate train.

Travel tips

Try to get a city card that offers unlimited travel within the city and entrance to most museums.
Buy snacks and light lunches at a grocery store before setting out on day trips.
Always take warm, rain and wind proof clothing with you.

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Simons Town, more than Penguins and Navy ships

After a very busy year we were looking forward to a well deserved break in December and what better place than the beautiful Cape. A friend recommended a very nice B&B up against the mountains in Simon’s Town that has the most spectacular view over False Bay.
My opinion of Simon’s Town has always been that it’s a Navy town with a cute penguin colony, but I soon realised it had so much more to offer. It’s close enough to all the popular tourist destinations like the wine lands and Cape Town yet offers you a relaxed environment close to nature. We woke up in the mornings to the sound of Guinea fowl and the wind rustling through the trees. This was of course shortly followed by the distant hustle and bustle on the naval ships docked in the harbour.

What to know before you go

  • Tourist season is during the South African school holidays, peaking in December.
  • Whale season is between July and October, with occasional sightings in November.
  • Best time for good weather is during February
  • Nearest airport is Cape Town International.

The experience

I have been to Simon’s Town on previous occasions, but always just driving through or visiting the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. This time we were staying there for two weeks and decided to spend most of our time exploring the town and what else it had to offer, while taking some day trips to nearby attractions.

DollSimon’s Town is full of history and there are a couple of museums and historical sites in town. The Naval museum is just off the main street on the edge of town. It offered a very insightful look into the history and activities of the Navy in South Africa. The displays are very informative and they have a wonderful collection of naval equipment, weapons and model ships.
Another naval tour that offers a very unique experience is a visit to the retired navy submarine SAS Assegaai. Tours can be booked from Jubilee square. We were allowed to go inside the submarine and see how the crew lived and worked. I enjoyed all the tales our guide entertained us with. He used to serve in the navy and had a lot of knowledge about the history of the submarine.
We also went on a trip down memory lane at the Toy museum. It was wonderful to browse through their collection of vintage toys, remembering the countless hours we played with similar toys. There were paper dolls, train sets, porcelain dolls, model ships, Dinky toys and toy soldiers. If you love toys from yesteryear then treat yourself to a visit!

Some of the historical sites we visited were the old burial grounds and the war memorial on top of the mountain. We didn’t spend too much time at the burial grounds but it did leave a lasting impression on me. Some graves had no names on them, others listed sailors that died at sea, their ages younger than twenty. The World War I memorial is on top of the mountain and we stumbled on it by chance while on a hiking trail, looking for the grave of Able Seaman Just Nuisance. He is the legendary Great Dane who became a member of the Royal Navy. His statue can be seen on Jubilee Square and the locals love to tell stories of their most famous sailor.
stownThis particular hiking trail is very steep but it’s a good workout! And the view is worth every step. There are a couple of hiking trails in the area. We also did the Waterfall trail. It’s not a very long trail but you are again rewarded with spectacular views of False Bay and a small waterfall.

We had some beautiful sunny days but also a lot of windy ones and didn’t spend too much time on the beaches. Boulders beach is very popular with tourists and day visitors, but most locals go to Windmill Beach.

On one of our day trips to Cape Town we took the Metrorail. It takes a very scenic route along the coastline before turning inland, travelling through Wynberg and Rondebosch. I think it’s a hassle free and nice way to get to Cape Town, and I was surprised at how many people used it for day trips.stown2

There is a variety of restaurants in town, most serving seafood, pizza, pasta and steaks. There are a couple of specialty restaurants with more interesting menus. Do visit some of the pastry/coffee shops.

I had a wonderful time in Simons Town. Our stay was relaxing, we were surrounded by beautiful scenery and there was enough to do when we had enough of lazing around. We did a lot of walking in and around the town, popping into the many shops, eating ice cream and enjoying the holiday feeling.

You are welcome to view my photos of our trip here

The awesome stuff

The penguins are a huge attraction.
The town is rich in history.
The beaches are beautiful and clean.
You are in nature, surrounded by either the mountains or the ocean.
Enough to keep any outdoor enthusiast busy.
Delightful restaurants and interesting museums.
It’s close to many other tourist attractions.
More than enough outdoor adventures like kayaking.

The less awesome stuff

The tourist hot-spots can become overcrowded during peak season.

The verdict

It is absolutely worth a visit, definitely more than just penguins and a naval base
Next time we will go during the whale season and hopefully admire these gentle giants close up.

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Hiking Trail
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View over the bay
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Penguin at Boulders Beach

Travelling the world at Epcot

After visiting The Magic Kingdom, we were super excited to discover the Epcot theme park.

We unfortunately only had one day to visit and although we didn’t get to all the attractions, those we did have time for was unforgettable!

What to know before you go

  • Epcot consist of 2 themed areas – Future World (attractions that focus on energy, communication, the land and our environment, the ocean, imagination, transportation and space exploration) and the World Showcase (A collection of international pavilions).
  • You can stay inside the resort with a Walt Disney World vacation package which include park tickets or stay at a hotel in town and purchase day passes.
  • Dinner shows and tours must be booked in advance, to ensure availability
  • The Disney FASTPASS reservation system reduces time spent in line at popular attractions.

The experience

DSC02940Our journey started with a visit to Spaceship Earth that takes you through the history of communication.
Your ride is equipped with an interactive touch screen that asks you how you would like to live, work and play in the world of tomorrow.
At the end of the ride you can create your own video of the journey and download it from their website.

Our next adventure was a journey into space that ended with an amazing view of earth. You feel like you are airborne, an astronaut looking at the beauty of the universe, with planet earth right in front of you – breathtaking!

After hanging up our astronaut helmets, we took an educational trip to the Seas with Nemo and Friends, and I saw my first Manatee at the aquarium. Feel free to view the photos online.

Mermaid

 

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We also strolled through a display of Disney collectibles at “The art of Disney” and had some refreshments at Club Cool where you can sample 8 different soft drinks from around the world at the international Coca-Cola tasting station.

By that time our tummies were growling and we decided to have lunch somewhere at the World Showcase Park.
The park includes pavilions of different countries including Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.
Each country showcases some of their architecture, traditions, food and products. They also have fun rides and shows tGermanyhat aim to educate and thrill visitors.
We ended up having some traditional food and beer at the German pavilion, and although I am of the opinion that if you want to try authentic food you have to eat it in the country it originated from, it came very close to authentic German cuisine.

We kissed a frog in Mexico, threw some kissing frogcoins in an Italian fountain, tried belly dancing in Morocco and took a scary cruise in Norway, to mention but a few! The World showcase is huge and you need more than one day to fully appreciate everything.
Rather than having a big lunch somewhere, try out all the different food on offer at the shops in the pavilions.

The day passed too quickly and we had time for only on more ride and decided to try out Soarin “a multi-sensory attraction for big kids, teens and adults that simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over the Golden State of California. An IMAX projection dome wraps 180 degrees around you, so you’re engulfed by the impressive scenery.”

In my opinion is this THE BEST ride in the world! I yelled and screamed like a kid, lifting my feet up as we “flew” over tree tops.
Before strapping yourself into the seats, you are given typical airline safety instructions and as soon as all passengers are on board, you are lifted 40 feet into the air. If you love flying this is the ride for you!

The awesome stuff

The shows/rides/pavilions are very informative, interactive and made to thrill.
Everything works like clockwork, it’s clean, organised and the staff is helpful and friendly.
Their website is very informative.

The less awesome stuff

The tickets are expensive (around $89 pp per theme park)
Food prices start at around $15 pp for a snack and a drink, and you are not allowed to bring in any food.

The verdict

It is absolutely worth a visit, but you need more than one day.

The enchantment of “The Magic Kingdom”

While studying towards my degree I promised my daughter that I would take her to Disney World as soon as I finished my studies. Well my studies took a lot longer than planned, and I graduated in 2011. By that time my little girl was all grown up!

In July 2011 I had the opportunity to visit her in Florida and we decided to include a visit to Disney World in Orlando. It was such a memorable trip and if I have the opportunity to go again I will be there in a flash!

What to know before you go

  • Walt Disney world consist of 4 different Theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
  • There are also two water parks: The Typhoon Lagoon and the Blizzard Beach.
  • There is an airport in Orlando.
  • In my opinion, you need at least two days per park.
  • There are different types of tickets available, more info on the Disney World website.
  • You can either stay inside the resort with a Walt Disney World vacation package which include park tickets, or stay at a hotel in town and purchase day passes.
  • Dinner shows must be booked in advance, to ensure availability

The experience

We only had two days to visit, and decided on Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We + Add New Category drove up with a rental car and stayed at a hotel in Orlando.

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The first day we visited Magic Kingdom, and from the moment you arrive at Walt Disney World the “magic” begins.

From the car park we took a cute little train to the main gates to buy tickets, followed by a vintage ferry ride across the lake to the Magic Kingdom.
There is a security check before you go inside the park, and I was greeted by the security guard with “Hello princess”, well if that doesn’t make your day!!

Once inside the park we were met by parades full of dancing and singing Disney characters.DSC02728

We aimed to fit in as many rides as possible and yelled and laughed like children on every one. Do not miss Stitch’s great escape or the Haunted Mansion. Another must visit is Cinderella’s Castle. Take time to visit the many little themed shops and stock up on souvenirs.

Night time starts with the electrical parade and ends with the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. It was one of the most magical firework shows I ever saw. Feel free to watch my videos – Magic Kingdom Video 1 and Magic Kingdom Video 2.

What impressed me was the efficiency of the park. Although there were many people visiting the park, I never felt crowded. While standing in line a display indicates how long it will take to get to the ride, and you can get a “skip the line pass” if you take a ticket to come at a specific time. The rows were constantly moving at a decent pace. Of course they also know how to sell merchandise, with a relevant shop at the end of each ride.

Another thing that impressed me was the attitude of the staff, you always get the feeling they love their job. We went meet the princesses, and even late in the afternoon they were treating every child (and grownup children.. ) like it’s the first person they see that day, giving their full attention to you, talking and posing for photos.

Princess

The awesome stuff

Everything works like clockwork, it’s clean, organized and the staff is helpful and friendly.
The rides were out of this world and most of them were very interactive.
Their website is very informative.

The less awesome stuff

The tickets are expensive (around $89 pp per theme park).
Food prices start at around $15 pp for a snack and a drink, and you are not allowed to bring in any food.

The verdict

It is absolutely worth a visit.
The rest of my Magic Kingdom photo’s can be viewed online.
I look forward to sharing our Epcot experience in my next blog.

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