Fox World Travel Blog

Hi, my name is Debbi Haney. I just celebrated 40 years in the travel industry! My passion for travel has taken me to most of the 50 states, as well as Europe, Bermuda, and many islands in the Caribbean. I also enjoy cruising, having sailed over 30 cruises! I will go beyond your expectations by planning a vacation you will never forget!

On arrival at The Grand Sirenis, our group of 35 was met by Sharon from Apple Vacations. As we disembarked the motor coach we were then greeted by Carlos, (guest manager) who ushered us to the reception area for a beverage and instructions for checking in. I was so impressed with the service and the exceptional efforts on behalf of this resort to really go above and beyond to make this small group feel so welcome!  Because our arrival at the resort was about 12:30 p.m., I found it surprising to find that the majority of the rooms were available for immediate check in.  This too was very impressive, as I had prepared the group for a 3:00 p.m. check in.

The Grand Sirenis is a large All-Inclusive resort comprised of many buildings housing the Junior Suites.  Each building has its own Concierge.  Again, the services provided by the Concierge were over-the-top.  The friendly, eager, and accommodating efforts were commendable.  Fortunately, about 30 of the people were located in building 18 and the other 5 were next door in building 17.  These buildings were the closest buildings to the public areas including the main pool, restaurants, lobby bar, show room, and about a 5 minute walk to the beach.  Each room was well appointed with contemporary furnishings and included a moderate balcony, mini bar (stocked daily) and double Jacuzzi tub.  In-room internet service was available for a fee.  Housekeeping was very efficient and added a daily personal touch by leaving “Towel Creatures” for either our enjoyment, or theirs.  The rooms, the public areas, and the grounds were impeccably clean and appealing.

The Grand Sirenis offered a large pool with a swim up bar in the main public area.  Another pool and Lazy River were also located in the beach area.  A special children’s pool and activity center were also located near the beach area.  I observed the directors in charge of the Children’s area and each of them appeared to be assigned about 5 or 6 children grouped according to ages.  The kids really seemed to be enjoying themselves almost as much as the activity directors.  I had read some reviews that appeared to be unfavorable with regard to the beach area being rocky and small but I didn’t feel that this was the case at all.  The rock formations that dotted the water adjoining the beach were quite scenic and the natural reef offered a wonderful opportunity for off-shore snorkeling. The Spa was located on the outer edge of the property and really required the resort shuttle unless you didn’t mind the 15-20 minute walk.  Each Apple Vacations’ guest was offered a complimentary 30-minute hydro-therapy session, which I thought was a clever way to get the resort guests introduced to the variety of services provided at a nominal fee.  There was also a Disco located on the opposite end of the resort which also required the resort shuttle.  I realized just how old I was getting after 5 minutes of the blasting music that was danced to by patrons that appeared to be younger than my granddaughter!  People were advised not to walk this route at night, but only because of the variety of animals that also enjoyed these paths after dark!

The variety of dining options and entertainment excelled for the 5-Apple Rating of this resort.

The food quality and variety offered at the Ala Carte Dining Restaurants and the Buffets were excellent, as was the service.  The Grand Buffet was transformed into “Snack Heaven” from midnight until 6:00 a.m. and that was in addition to room service that was offered 24/7.  There was a daily beachfront Barbecue offering up burgers, salads, hot dogs, and nachos in addition to the beachfront snack bar that included ice cream.  The bar service was excellent as were the drinks, whether it be the poolside wait staff, or the swim-up bar, or any of the many other bars offered at this resort.

A variety of nightly entertainment began at 8:00 p.m. in the lobby bar which was located just across from the main show room.  This was followed by a nightly show from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. and then live music or Karaoke in the Lobby Bar until 11:00 p.m.  The shows included Grease, Mexican Show, Lion King, Broadway, Comedian, Lip Sync, etc.  Two nights during the week a variety of vendors were brought in selling leather goods, crafts, jewelry, art work, pottery and other wares.  This provided the perfect opportunity for shopping without leaving the resort.

My over-all experience at this resort was beyond my expectations.  The comments from the group were equally impressive.  The service and over-all quality of this resort really does warrant a 5G Rating. This resort offers a great value and is perfectly suited for couples and families of all ages!  I just LOVE group travel and the memories that can be made. I highly recommend considering planning a group trip of your own of friends and family!  All-Inclusives make an especially great location for a group reunion or simple vacation.

As Fox World Travel’s E-Marketing Coordinator, I thought I’d share my experience traveling to Walt Disney World Theme Parks.  I hadn’t been to Orlando since I was about 8 years old, so this was a whole new experience for me leading the way.   We traveled with a 3 year old and 12 year old.  Again, this is just a take on my personal experience, and many travelers have different styles, insights and entertainment ideas. I am so thankful for the Disney planning help I received from our travel agents in the months leading up to our trip, as they really put my mind at ease!

We arrived into Orlando and decided we wanted to collect our luggage vs. using the Disney Express Luggage Service.  This was where it got tricky and confusing.  I recommend researching which terminal the airline you are using flys into before arrive at Orlando International Airport.  We flew Southwest Airlines (one of my favorites) and the Southwest Airlines baggage claim is in terminal “A” on the first floor (we arrived on the 3^rd floor in terminal A), but the Disney Express Shuttles are in terminal “B” on the first floor, and you can’t get over there without going back up the elevators to level three and over to terminal “B” and back down to level 1.  If you are traveling with small children and one adult or adult and older child can get away with collecting your luggage at terminal A, I would suggest that you wait with the younger children up on level 3 in between the terminals while someone else gets your luggage from baggage claim. (Just my recommendation now that I’ve done this J)

We arrived to the Pop Century Resort and check-in was a breeze.  This is a value resort and offers free bus transfers to all of the Disney Parks and Downtown Disney. We never had any problems with the transportation and it was super convenient.

RESORT: The Pop Century is one of Disney’s “value resorts”.  There over 2,000 rooms in this hotel and the rooms are very basic.  We had a small refrigerator, flat screen tv and basic amenities, but no coffee maker or microwave.  If you are traveling with a family on a budget and do not mind smaller rooms/accommodations, then this option works.  You cannot fit more than 4 people comfortably in a room though, and if you have older children it might get cramped.  If I could do it over again, I would choose one of Disney’s Moderator or Deluxe hotels.  Overall, the hotel was clean and a nice value  a budget-friendly stay.  We were in the 80s section by the computer pool.  It was convenient for walking to the bus pick-up area, but a little further for food/dining.  I paid the little extra for pool view vs. parking lot view.  The resort is definitely fun to look at and I would take a walk around the hotel and the lake.  The walking trails were so peaceful in the evening while the sun was setting!

FOOD:  We bought refillable mugs for $15 each at our resort (valid only at the resort you are staying).  This worked out well, but it was quite the walk to the food court, so we would always bring one or two with us in our bag to the parks and used them to fill up water in bubblers, etc.  We could then fill up our mugs right away when we returned, as the food court was near the bus pick-up area.

I did not purchase a Disney Dining Plan, so I charged everything onto my Magical Express Resort Card for ease of tracking, etc.  You can use this as a charge card at the resorts and parks and then they bill it to your card at the end or your stay.  I liked this featured.  The food court at our hotel had a nice variety.  Food prices are typical about everywhere we went (resort or parks).  An adult meal was $9-$12 for the quick-dining options like burgers, fries, chicken, etc.  and a kids meal average $5.99.  We brought our own cereal and pb&j for breakfasts, brought our own snacks and ate lunches and dinners at the resort or parks (mostly the resort).  If you do not have the dining plan and plan on charging meals to your “Disney Express Card” I recommend saying you don’t have the dining plan and that you’d like to charge it, otherwise cashiers might assume you have the plan and recommend other items that are included with your “dining meal” but that you’ll end up paying extra for.

PARKS:  We went to Magic Kingdom two days, Hollywood Studios a day, Animal Kingdom a day and scoped out Epcot one night after dinner.  Watching children take in all of the sites and activities really is worth every penny.  The sheer fascination and joy on their faces is something not to be missed.  In general, a lot of the rides are similar concept among the parks, but with different themes.  Each park really did have unique qualities and such different feels.

Magic Kingdom: Two days was necessary to really take in the Magic Kingdom.  I absolutely would recommend seeing the Electrical Parade, castle light show and fireworks at least one night at Magic Kingdom.  We arrived at the parks about 10-15 minutes before they opened each morning and made sure we went on the rides and attractions we wanted to see right away when we got in there.  It really helps to do this with the little kids and started the day off right with little or no wait times and some fun activities before it got too busy and people start getting crabby or tired.  The thrill seekers in our family headed over to the roller coasters or more thrilling rides right away to get their fast passes as many didn’t open until 10 or 11.  Later in the afternoon we would go ride the People Mover in Tomorrowland for a little break, but the kids loved it and it was still a ride with a small wait.

Animal Kingdom:  I recommend hitting up the African Safari right away in the morning.  If you are there when the park opens you pretty much walk right through and have less than a 20 minute wait, and you get to see most of the animals because they are up eating or just got out into the park from their shelters (they are all taken in at night and you can see where they live if you take the train back to Rafiki’s Planet).  The Lion King Show was also excellent here and it was my favorite show at all of the parks.

Hollywood Studios:  The stunt shows were fun to see, I enjoyed Disney Junior Live because I’m used to watching these shows and we got to meet quite a few of the Pixar characters that you wouldn’t see at the other parks such as Jake from The Netherland Pirates, Handy Manny, and The Incredibles.  This was a good park for us to go to the first day because it wasn’t overly packed, was more relaxing and didn’t overwhelm the kids too much, but still had a ton of fun stuff to do and the stunt shows were nice to watch.  We all enjoyed the Toy Story Mania ride, which again is one to hit up right away in the morning.

Epcot: We were only at Epcot one night, but it was nice for us adults to see the World Market and meet some characters when lines were short.  It was actually a pretty cool place and relaxing for a night stroll!  If we would have gone as just adults, I would have loved to dine in one of the restaurants for a nice evening out.

Having now been to Walt Disney World and Six Flags, I do want to note some key differences.  Disney really isn’t for “thrill-seekers” who are looking for roller coasters and adrenaline rushes.  Most of the rides are the same among the different parks, but with different themes.  There were a few smaller roller coasters and rides that catered to older children and adults, but not as many as I thought.  Disney is more about the characters and theatrics.  We went to a lot of 3-D shows, stunt shows, performances and the basic rides that take you through “scenes” from movies.

A few of my recommendations:

• Utilize and recommend the My Disney Experience Iphone/Android App!  This is a must.  It syncs to your online account, has a list of each parks events and schedules for the day, notes when parks open early, has a map with GPS on your phone (points out where you are in the park and where you want to go), wait times and more! LOVED LOVED LOVED it.
• We got there about 10 to 15 minutes before the parks opened and just went and did some of the key rides we knew we wanted to hit up before 30+ minute waits.
• We ate lunch around 11-11:30.  I couldn’t believe how much the parks filled up by 11 and we didn’t ever have the patience to try and tackle lunch during the noon hour.  It truly is unbelievable how many people are in the vicinity of these parks.  It’s during the noon time that everything starts getting packed.
• With a 3-year old, we found that going back to the resort around two for a nap and then going back to the parks was our best option for a nice night.  This was especially key on the days we went back to Magic Kingdom for the fireworks and Electric Parade.
• Pack breakfast if you don’t have the dining plan. Saves money and gives you the opportunity to get going and moving to the parks early.
• This Chicco travel stroller was the best investment ever. So simple to carry on and off the buses, lightweight, but sturdy and a life saver.
• Review which terminal your flight comes into at Orlando Airport and remember that The Disney Express Shuttle is on the first floor of terminal B and you can’t get over to terminal B from terminal A by the first or second floor.  You will have to go back up to the third floor and back down.

All in all we had a great trip to Disney and it was a nice balance of activities and entertainment for all of our age groups. I do highly highly recommend working with one of Fox World Travel’s travel agents who specialize in Disney Vacations.  Fox World Travel is an authorized Disney Vacation planner and there are so many differences between the Disney hotels alone that are worth looking into and considering. Where you stay can make all the difference in time, stress and comfort, and I would recommend looking at a Moderate or Deluxe option if possible.  In addition, they offered me some nice “dining tips” as far as the best restaurants at parks and other time-saving ideas.

March 1 – March 17, 2014
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City | 15 Days
Aboard the River Orchid, Hosted by Rose Gray
With Airfare from Chicago O’Hare

There can be no more striking cultural contrast between bustling Vietnam and the tranquility of Cambodia. From Ho Chi Minh City, through the Mekong Delta so rich in human life and endeavor, to the diverse countryside of Cambodia, you’ll discover two countries, two cultures, and two ways of life linked by one river, the Mekong, that have shaped these nations.

Join Rose Gray, host of 620 WTMJ’s Fox World Travel Show on a WTMJ listener river cruise through Vietnam, aboard Uniworld’s new River Orchid. Traveling March 1-17, 2014, we’re excited to take our first group ever to this exciting destination. This is a can’t miss vacation!

Click Here for complete details

Vietnam River Cruise

Big Night for Great Escape Artists at the CMAs last night!

How can we forget our Great Escape 2011 with Little Big Town… we stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Beach and they put on a heck of a show!  Not to mention our listeners had the chance to meet LBT and their band, relax on the beach and maybe get a few after dinner drinks in.  And now, here they are winning Vocal Group of the Year and Single of the Year at the CMAs last night.  Congratulations Little Big Town on your CMA wins!

Now, this year is your chance to vacation with the Vocal Duo of the Year – Thompson Square!  They had planned to join us last year, but after Shawna’s dad became ill, had to cancel and promised they’d come this year.  We’re excited to have such a big name Duo joining us this year!  Plus with up and coming artists like Jerrod Niemann, Jana Kramer and Edens Edge, the fun is going to be endless.

You do still have time to join us.  Here’s the scoop.  We are staying at the 5-Star Royal Playa del Carmen for 7 nights with your choice of February 2-9 or 3-10.  This resort is literally right next to popular Fifth Avenue.   Our Milwaukee flights into Cancun are completely sold out for both Saturday and Sunday.  You can fly from Chicago O’Hare on Saturday, February 2 and reserve and oceanview category room or higher.  There are very few Junior Suites still available leaving Sunday, February 3.

These trips really are a memorable getaway for the winter, especially when you’re traveling with over 300 fellow country music lovers.  It’s no wonder we have a nice combination of repeat travelers and new travelers!  We have 3 concerts planned, autograph sessions with all of the artists, FM106.1 morning broadcasts and all you can eat and drink that week.  We’re in Great Escape heaven, so contact a travel agent to make your reservations today!

You can still join us by reserving your trip with Fox World Travel.  Call 866-463-6946 or visit GoFox.com here.

Check out these awesome group travel ideas for your vacation in 2013!

January 2013 – 95.1 WIIL Rock’s Cabin Fever Getaway 2013

Join Tom and Emily of WIIL Rock’s Morning Show in Riviera Maya, Mexico at the All Suite THE Royal Playa del Carmen – Traveling either January 12-19 or 13-20, 2013 with flights from both Milwaukee and Chicago O’Hare. Plus we’ll be joined by special guests Jim and Justin of Modern Day Romeos. This trip always sells out fast, so be sure to make your reservations before it’s too late!  Learn more.

February 2013 – Country Music Vacation with Thompson Square, Jerrod Niemann, Jana Kramer and Edens Edge

Join three of Wisconsin’s Hit Country Music Stations for seven, All-Inclusive nights at THE Royal Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico, joined by some of country music’s hottest stars, departing February 2 or 3. Limited space from Chicago O’Hare still available.  Learn more.

February 2013 – 105.7 WAPL International Incident

It’s time to start thinking warm thoughts…escape the winter chill, pack your bags and get ready to join Rick and Len with Ross and Elwood of 105.7 WAPL for some fun in the sun on the 2013 WAPL International Incident to Ixtapa, Mexico at the All-Inclusive Sunscape Dorado Pacifico. Travel for 7 nights February 22 or 23, 2013.  Learn more.

March 2013 – 95.9 KISS Nation Epic Vacation

Join 95.9 KISS FM in Cancun, Mexico at the all new 5-star RIU Palace Peninsula! Your 7 night all-inclusive vacation comes at a GREAT price and we can’t wait to have you join us March 16-23, 2013!  Learn more.

March 2013 - Panama Canal 14-Day Cruise, Hosted by WTMJ’s Jim Peck

Looking for a new experience? Join us March 1-15, 2013 as Holland America Line and Fox World Travel take you to the Panama Canal in one of the most enriching experiences at sea! Renowned WTMJ Radio personality Jim Peck and a Fox World Travel tour manager will be your hosts along the way.  Learn more.

June 2013 – Alaska and the Yukon – An Uncommon Journey

Join Colleen Alsberg on her 20th Trip to the Great Land on this 13-night escorted Alaska CruiseTour! It will be an unforgettable journey as you explore beautiful Alaska and the Yukon Territory of Canada. June 6-19, 2013, your escorted tour includes a 10-night land tour and ends with a relaxing 4-night cruise onboard Holland America`s ms Volendam.  Learn more.
June 2013 – WTMJ Enchanting Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria

Join Rose Gray, host of the Fox World Travel Show on WTMJ on a premium escorted tour June 7-19, 2013. From a glorious cruise through the Wachau Valley to the enthralling Glacier Express, this tour offers up an Alpine world of enchantment and unrivalled beauty like no other throughout Bavaria, Switzerland and Austria!  Learn more.

July 2013 – Portugal, Spain and the Douro River Valley

Experience the scenic Douro River Valley with a group of travelers July 17-28, 2013. This Select Group Vacation includes a Lisbon City Stay and deluxe river cruise onboard Uniworld’s BRAND NEW Queen Isabel. Learn more.

August 2013 – WTMJ Listener Vacation – Alaska, Denali & Kenai – The Great Parks

Discover Alaska as you explore majestic parks and more when you join Rose Gray, host of the Fox World Travel Show on WTMJ on a 13-night escorted Alaska CruiseTour August 12-25, 2013.  Learn more.

September 2013 – Highlights of Poland

This escorted group tour with Fox World Travel and Insight Vacations has many included highlights and shows you the best of Poland: In Krakow, a walking tour of the Town Square shows you the Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Church. Ascend Wawel Hill to see the Castle, ‘Wawel Dragon’ and visit the Cathedral.  Learn more.

October 2013 – Italian Elegance

This is an experience not to be missed with Fox World Travel October 3-15, 2013! Marvel in the midst of exquisite paintings and sculptures. Explore the sites that antiquity preserved for the modern day. Travel back in time to envision yourself during the age of the Ancient Romans, or the birth of the Renaissance. Italy has more treasures than any country in the world. Combine these with the history of ancient Rome and you have the most culturally splendid region in Europe. Learn more.

October 2013 – WHBY Paris and Burgundy to Provence River Cruise

Join Phil Cianciola of WHBY and Fox World Travel for 2 nights in Paris, plus 7 night boutique river cruise through Burgundy and Provence aboard Uniworld’s luxurious River Royale, October 17-27, 2013.  Learn more

October 2013 – Spirit of South America

This tour is not escorted by a Fox World Travel Tour Manager, but it will be escorted by Globus Tour Managers and you will be joining Lynn and Deb, two Fox World Travel Specialists who have a passion for exotic and adventure travel.  Learn more

There’s still a few weeks left to book your once-in-a-lifetime vacation with Thompson Square, Jerrod Niemann, Edens Edge and Jana Kramer in Riviera Maya, Mexico!  Enjoy private concerts, autograph sessions, all-inclusive fun, morning radio broadcasts and more February 2-9 or February 3-10, 2013 at THE Royal Playa del Carmen.
Learn More or Book Online >

Vacation with Country Music Stars:

Vacation with Country Music Stars

• Thompson Square
• Jerrod Niemann
• Edens Edge
• Jana Kramer

THE Royal Playa del Carmen
February 2-9 or 3-10, 2013
Departing from Milwaukee or Chicago O’Hare
Nonstop Flights with Funjet Vacations
Hotel-only pricing also available to pair with other departure cities.

Escape the icy grasp of winter and join country music stations Y100, FM106.1 and 96.3 Star Country on the 2013 Great Escape at THE Royal in Playa Del Carmen! Discover luxury around every corner, all in perfect beachfront location, just a few steps from Playa del Carmen’s famed Fifth Avenue. Discover lively night spots, trendy cafes, a variety of local and international shops while experiencing THE Royal’s flawless hospitality. This resort is simply amazing!

As if the resort itself wasn’t amazing enough, we’re also bringing along the most entertainment yet! We’ll be joined by country music recording artists: Thompson Square, Jerrod Niemann, Edens Edge, and Jana Kramer. Plus you’ll enjoy LIVE morning radio broadcasts from the resort with your hosts!

Choose from convenient departures, either February 2-9 or 3-10, 2013 from Milwaukee or Chicago O’Hare. Hotel-only packages also available if you would like to travel from another departure city. Call 866-463-6946 for details. Escape the winter chill with Fox World Travel, Y100 and Funjet Vacations!

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