In late June and early July, we went on a three-week European Adventure across Lisbon, Madrid, Paris (Disneyland Paris), and London! We had an awesome time seeing so many sites and trying so many foods in each place. I’m finally almost done posting the tons of pictures that I took on my Instagram (adventures_by_anne). Check out my trip recap as well.
It was easy to get around and we got by fine speaking English primarily. The people were friendly, the sites were beautiful, and the food was delicious. We’ll definitely be back for more deep dives and to explore other parts of Europe. I encourage you to go too. Obviously, do all your research, but don’t be intimidated to plan a trip to another country. If you want to chat about a European trip, feel free to contact me.
It looks like the famous Washington DC cherry blossoms are about to start blooming! These beautiful trees around the Tidal Basin area are an iconic symbol of spring.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is running from March 18 – April 16, 2023. There will be performances, foods, and activities for all ages, culminating with the Cherry Blossom Parade on April 15th. Another key event is Petalpalooza on April 8th, a family friendly day of performances and activities capped off with fireworks over the Capital Riverfront.
Opening Ceremony: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Kite Festival: Sunday, March 26, 2023
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival: Sunday, April 2, 2023
PetalPalooza: Saturday, April 8, 2023
Parade: Saturday, April 15, 2023
The entire festival season season has been known to draw millions of people to the city in past years, and peak bloom week and the parade weekend are especially busy, so plan your trip accordingly if you plan to go.
If you would like to chat about planning a trip to Washington DC for the festival or any other time, feel free to contact me. We’ve been to DC area and the Smithsonian museums many times. We love it there.
Update 11/11/2022: As of today, all attractions have reopened, Florida airports have reopened, though will likely take some time for all flights to go back to normal schedules, and cruise ports are reopening, though today’s sailings will still have some impacts. Check with your travel sources for the latest information before going.
Unfortunately, Florida is in the path of another tropical storm, which is expected to turn into a hurricane as it makes landfall on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov 9-10, 2023.
Orlando International Airport has announced that it is stopping commercial operations at 4pm ET on Wednesday Nov 8, 2022. Palm Beach International Airport will close at 9am ET on Wednesday also. No information on any reopenings.
Other Florida airports have not announced closures yet but I suspect flights will still be impacted, so check your flight status if you have any travel booked thru any Florida airports this week.
Disney World has already announced phased park closures between 5-7pm ET on Wednesday night, and staying closed on Thursday. Dining reservations will end early as well. All nighttime shows are cancelled.
Fort Wilderness and other resorts that are more exposed to the elements are closing as well. If you had a reservation, you should be contacted by Disney. All other resorts will remain open.
Water parks and mini-golf at Disney World and Universal Orlando will be closing early on Wednesday and staying closed on Thursday also.
Universal Orlando has announced the Universal Orlando Resort parks and CityWalk, will close early on Wednesday, Nov 9th at 5 pm ET. The Universal hotels will remain operational.
Disney Cruise Line has announced itinerary changes for this week’s sailings in the Bahamas and Caribbean. In addition, due to the storm’s effect on the ports, arrival and departures may be changed. If you have a cruise this week, keep a close eye on your emails for updates.
I’ll update here as I hear of other attraction closures, but I think it’s safe to assume that most will do the same, and that anything on Wednesday evening and all day Thursday will have some impact. Check the locations’ websites and social media channels for the latest information.
I will also have updates on my Instagram, ADVENTURES_BY_ANNE, so follow me there as well.
This is another great organization that is providing relief for folks affected by Hurricane Ian. They’ve provided meals for many other areas that have needed relief also. If you wish to donate, click the link below.
If you can help with Hurricane Ian relief, the Red Cross is one of the organizations that you can donate to. Our hearts go out to everyone who was affected.
Orlando International Airport will resume passenger flights after 12:00pm Friday, September 30. Please check with your airline for the most up-to-date information on your flight status.
In light of the impending landfall of Hurricane Ian thru central Florida, most major theme parks have announced closures for Wednesday and Thursday. So far, Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Legoland have confirmed closures of all of their Florida parks, as well as Disney Springs and CityWalk.
I expect that all other area attractions will be closing soon as well. Depending on the results of the hurricane, the closures may be extended. Double check before you go, if you still plan on going this week.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), working in conjunction with more than 40 airlines that service Orlando International Airport (MCO), has decided that out of an abundance of caution in anticipation of Hurricane Ian, the final commercial flight at MCO will depart tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m.
If you have a flight scheduled after this time, you’ll have to work with your booking source to reschedule. Orlando is currently under a Hurricane Watch status.
Other Florida airports are due to close or have altered operations as well. Double check if you’re due to fly this week.
It looks like the famous Washington DC cherry blossoms are about to start blooming this weekend! Peak bloom is forecasted to be from March 22 – 25, 2022. These beautiful trees around the Tidal Basin area are an iconic symbol of spring. This is the 110th anniversary of the gifting of these trees from Japan.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is back in person this year, running from March 20 – April 17, 2022. There will be performances, foods, and activities for all ages. Key events include the Cherry Blossom Parade on April 9th and Petalpalooza on April 16th, a family friendly day of performances and activities culminating in fireworks over the Capital Riverfront.
Opening Ceremony: Sunday, March 20, 2022
Kite Festival: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Parade: Saturday, April 9, 2022
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival: Saturday, April 9 – Sunday, April 10, 2022
PetalPalooza: Saturday, April 16, 2022
The entire festival season season has been known to draw millions of people to the city in past years, and peak bloom week and the parade weekend are especially busy, so plan your trip accordingly if you plan to go.
If you would like to chat about planning a trip to Washington DC for the festival or any other time, feel free to contact me. We’ve been to DC area and the Smithsonian museums many times.
Adventures By Anne 