Why am I in Dubai?

Dubai has always been on my bucket list, and since I was flying home from Manila, I figured I’d stop and tour the Queen Elizabeth II cruise ship docked in the harbor, along with seeing various attractions. 

Going from one cruise ship to another would be a cool story since my final destination was meeting Carnival Cruise Line’s brand new Carnival Venezia at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in NYC.

In this review, I discuss my 14-hour flight from Dubai to Newark in United’s Polaris class, information about the plane, my seat experience, and the amenities included.

It all started with an economy ticket

The economy plane ticket cost $856 on Google Flights, which was affordable for traveling from Dubai to New York City. The booking experience started on Google Flights, as it always does when I’m traveling internationally.

I’m always looking to see what airline has the best deal for the best seat possible. This time, it was United. Google Flights led me to the United website, where I booked the airline. 

Without going into the crazy details, I had two canceled flights, which gave me an extra 22 hours in Dubai.

When I went to check in for the rebooked flight, I was offered a $1,100 upgrade for the United Polaris class, and I snagged it as soon as the notification came across my screen. 

Polaris is equivalent to first class on United’s international routes.

Booking and pre-flight experience

If you’ve never flown internationally with United, you’ll notice that they are good about helping you check in and walking you through the process.

These days, everything can be done through the United smartphone app. While booking, for instance, I had to scan my passport photo into the app and the number of bags I was checking. 

Aircraft details

The aircraft assigned to this flight was a Boeing 777-200.

It was flight number 163 that took us from Dubai, UAE, to Newark, New Jersey. The duration of this flight was scheduled at 14.5 hours. Two meals would be served throughout the flight. The Polaris class setup was a one-two-one configuration.

Check-In and Security in Dubai

The check-in experience at the Dubai airport was effortless, and the counters were marked. United Airlines uses the Emerites ticket counter at the Dubai airport to check passengers in. Passengers flying on United had to go to check-in counter five at Terminal 3.

Before I walked to the ticket counter, there was a baggage inspection with a security officer asking me if my bags had been with me the entire time. He stuck two stickers on my passport and dropped my bags off. 

Since I already checked in online, the ticket agent verified my passport and checked my bags. I checked two bags this time because I traveled over 21,000 miles on this trip.

He handed me my baggage claim sticks and the boarding pass and told me I could use the business lounge.

Wait, what?! This is turning out to be a great start.

I went through the security checkpoint and cleared passport control, and it was off to find peace.

Emirate Business Class Lounge Access

It turns out that because United does not have an airline club in Dubai, it partners with Emirates so that you can use their business class lounge.

The lounge was massive, with a dozen sleeper pods, different types of food stations like Asian and Greek, and even a smoking section at the back, which was poorly ventilated.

This was the most oversized lounge I’ve ever been into. I hung out in the lounge for three hours before going to the gate area.

Boarding for United Polaris

Our flight departed at 1:55 a.m. We went through another inspection at boarding before they let us on the plane.

This inspection was a little tougher than the spot check I did at the baggage drop. The agent opened my bags and checked my gear for explosive residue. 

Boarding was a little chaotic, but there won’t be an issue if you follow the crowd and go where you are told.

After another passport check, the ticket agent scanned our boarding pass, and we were off to the plane to prepare a non-stop flight for 14 hours to New York City. 

I’m not the sort of person who pays full price for a first-class ticket. As I mentioned, this flight cost $6,000 on the United website.

However, it’s highly considered if the price is right, the flying time is over 10 hours, and they offer an upgrade for a fraction of the cost.

My seat was 6G, a middle aisle seat. As mentioned, the configurations in Polaris are four across. One seat is against the window, two central pods with their aisles, and another at the window. 

United Polaris class cabin and seat experience

There was a crew of 18 people on the flight (how they worked and slept during the journey was fascinating).

The pod was very cozy. There were two pillows and two blankets stacked up on the chair, along with headphones and a toiletry bag with a sleeper mask, toothbrush, and other hygiene products. 

The menu for dinner and breakfast was also sitting in the pod. 

The way the pods were configured, they were not directly next to each other. They were staggered for privacy in your lay flat and when you were sleeping.

There was also a privacy wall that came out between the two center pods. You could lower the divider to talk if you were friends or a couple traveling together and sitting in the middle. 

The cabin had one bathroom up front by the cockpit and one in the back of the Polaris cabin. I used both during the flight and opted for the lavatory in the rear of the aircraft several times to stretch my legs.

The lay-flat seats

The lay-flat beds were downright incredible. The bedding provided was top-notch, comfortable, and very clean. The seats were spacious and could transform into a 6’6″ lie-flat bed.

Being 5’11, it was perfect for me. The pillow and blanket were also excellent, which allowed me to have a good night’s sleep on the long flight. For the first time, I slept eight hours on an airplane. Part of me regretted turning down the pajamas!

In-flight services and amenities

The service on the plane was top-notch. Flight attendants, for instance, greeted me with a broad smile and provided everyone with a warm towel and water bottle.

They were always available to assist us with anything we needed; one even told me where to store my cords in the pod for take-off.

Additionally, they offered a standard beverage service for guests just getting settled, asking if they’d like champagne, orange juice, or water. I opted for water because drinking on international flights messes me up when I get to the other side, not to mention headaches and dehydration. 

The inflight entertainment system was chock-full of movies, sitcoms, and flight-tracking software that showed us where we were and what time it was at the final destination, which, in our case, was Newark, New Jersey (EWR). 

They also had noise-canceling headphones, but I didn’t use them because I had my own and didn’t care to stream anything on the entertainment system during my flight. The only thing I used it for was to see where we were at certain times. 

Does the United Polaris class have Wi-Fi access?

Yes, United Polaris class offers Wi-Fi access on its international flights. The airline uses satellite technology to provide a reliable and high-speed internet connection, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.

However, it should be noted that Wi-Fi connectivity can be limited or restricted in some areas, such as over oceans or in certain countries.

The Wi-Fi service on this flight was excellent because I have T-Mobile. The Magenta Max plan allows you to stay connected with one device so that I could use my phone, and then I bought the plan for my iPad for my work.

The Wi-Fi was fast, considering the airplane was nearly 40,000 feet up and traveling halfway across the world. 

(Note: The T-Mobile device must be activated for cellular to use the plan for your device. If you don’t have T-Mobile, find a friend with a T-Mobile number.)

Dinner and breakfast in the United Polaris class

United Airlines has partnered with celebrity chefs to create a menu, and it was perfect. The first thing I noticed was coming out of Dubai, the menu had a lot of Middle Eastern options.

In addition to the main courses, they also offer a selection of appetizers and desserts to complete your meal. And if you’re in the mood for snacks, you may try various options throughout the flight.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, you’ll be pleased to know that United Polaris offers an extensive wine list. They also have cocktails onboard. Both are included in the Polaris class; I didn’t partake again.

As mentioned, we were served dinner and breakfast on this flight. Eating dinner at 3:00 a.m. was weird because it was 7:00 p.m. at our final destination. But it’s part of preparing your body for New York City time. After all, we will be landing at 8:00 a.m.

Our first meal was served once the flight reached cruising altitude. I went with the chicken selection and asked for expedited meal service, so instead of dragging it out over an hour, they brought it all out at once. That way seemed more manageable because I wanted to sleep immediately. 

I slept for several hours; it was solid, non-interrupted sleep. It was my best sleep in days, as I’d been in and out of hotel rooms for the previous week.  

A few hours before landing, they served breakfast, an omelet or blueberry pancakes. As you can see below, I went for the blueberry pancakes, sausage, fruit bowl, croissant, yogurt, and a glass of orange juice.

Overall, the United Polaris class’s food and beverage service was spot on and much better than the quality of food you get in the back of the plane.

Arrival in Newark, NJ (EWR)

Once we landed in Newark, we rolled to the gate and off the plane in about 10 minutes of touching down. Most of the planes were foreigners coming to New York City from Dubai, and I noticed the customs line getting very busy.

Luckily, I have global entry, so I had to walk to a dedicated kiosk, let the machine take my photo, and get cleared. 

Applying for Global Entry is the best financial and time investment I’ve ever made, and I’ve never spent over two minutes clearing customs when coming back into the United States.

Final thoughts on the United Polaris class

I highly recommend United Airlines’ Polaris class when given the opportunity. From the moment I stepped into the lounge at the Dubai airport until I landed, the experience was top-notch all around.

The crew was attentive and ensured I was comfortable throughout the flight.

The spacious lay-flat beds were even more astounding, and the bedding provided allowed for a good night’s sleep. This was the first time I’d ever slept multiple hours on a plane. The food was also delicious, with a wide selection of alcohol and wine.

Overall, the premium amenities and comfort checked all the boxes for me. United’s Polaris class made it worth the upgrade in fare, and I’d probably do it again.

Now, to board a Carnival cruise ship in Manhattan.

Dig Deeper: What Happened To Carnival Air Lines? A Look Beyond Cruise Ships

Don’t start your cruise vacation on the wrong foot. If you’re traveling with kids — especially little ones — follow these 13 tips to make flying to your cruise hassle-free.

13 Tips For Flying With Kids

1. Fly nonstop.

If you’ve got young children, getting through the airport is the hardest part of the trip. You need to wrangle them while carrying all the gear, manage bathroom breaks (always urgently needed at the worst times), forever find snacks, and chase fleet-footed toddlers through crowded terminals with a myriad of distractions.

Why do that twice? Flights with layovers can be more affordable, but with a young family, the ease of a nonstop flight is likely well worth the extra money. You only have to navigate one airport and one flight before you arrive at your destination – rather than two. And you can skip the mad dash through your connecting airport when your first flight is inevitably late and your connecting time is short.

2. Research bag allowances.

Airlines have different policies for baggage allowances for babies sitting on your lap and baby gear you can check for free. Make sure you know what you’re entitled to bring for free and which bags you’ll need to pay extra for, so you’re not caught off guard.

If you’re checking baby gear with your luggage (as opposed to gate checking strollers and carseats at the jetway), we recommend a bag for extra protection. Then, you can pad your precious gear with a few extra items — think puffy winter coats or a bag of dirty laundry — to save space in your other bags.

3. Overpack your carry-on.

Bring more toys, snacks, books, and diapers than you think you’ll need for the actual flight. You never know when a delayed flight will wreak havoc on your travel plans, or which food item or game your kid will absolutely need to stay happy and occupied. Don’t forget a spare set of clothes (for the kids and you) because when they spill their apple juice, it doesn’t just land on them.

4. Sit by the bathrooms in the back.

Most adults prefer a seat toward the front of the plane because you don’t have to wait forever to get off. When flying with your family, choose a seat in the back near the bathrooms.

Why? When your 4-year-old urgently needs to pee, you don’t have far to go, and you can easily figure out when the bathrooms are free. When the plane lands, you have more time to gather all your belongings, get baby in the carrier, and check for lost toys without holding up the line. Plus, since other families know this trick, you’re more likely to be surrounded by forgiving parents when your littles start to cry or whine.

READ MORE: How To Get Cheap International Flights For Your Cruise

5. Make a plan for getting babies and toddlers through the airport.

Do you find it easier to put baby in a sling or carrier, and check your stroller? Or do you need your toddler in the stroller, and you plan to gate check your wheels? Do you need a toddler leash or stroller handle to keep walkers from straying, or a contraption that turns your car seat into a wheeled stroller? Make a plan far ahead of your cruise about how you are going to get your little kids through the airport (and embarkation port!), so you know exactly what you need to bring.

6. Test that plan.

Babies and little kids need a crazy amount of gear, and they can’t — or won’t — carry any of it. Once you know how you’re carrying your kids, check that you can handle that, plus everything else you need to carry through the airport. You only have two arms. If you can’t carry everything, you might need to reorganize your carry-on luggage.

If you (naively) think your kid is going to wear an adorable puppy backpack with her toys in it, have her practice at home. In most cases, you will end up schlepping that backpack by the time you hit your gate.

7. Strategize family boarding.

Research your airline’s family boarding rules before you buy your tickets. They’re all different. What is the age maximum to qualify? Between which groups can you board? You might find the plan works for your needs — or you might find it’s worth it to splurge on priority boarding to get your family settled in early.

8. Seek out in-terminal fun.

Some airport terminals have play areas for kids to get their wiggles out before the flight. Others have interesting displays to check out. If you plan on arriving early, or have a long layover, your kids will be happier with a place to play. Be creative. An empty gate is a fun place for a crawler or toddler to explore, and a big window with a view of planes taking off and landing can occupy kids for a long time.

9. Make smart seating choices.

Many airplanes have rows of three, which aren’t ideal for a family of four. Decide if your family is better off with two kids and one parent in a row, and the other parent sitting in front (to withstand toddler kicking), across the aisle (for easy snack passing), or behind (for a blissful two hours of alone time). If you prefer one parent and one kid in each row, know you’ll likely be sitting next to a stranger in the third seat. Decide in advance which kids get the coveted window seat, so you don’t have fights and standoffs in the aisle of the plane.

RELATED: 13 Tips for Surviving International Flights

10. Don’t forget headphones.

TV, videos, and electronic games go a long way to make flying with kids easier. For the sake of everyone else on the plane, bring headphones. No one wants to hear squeaky cartoon voices or tinny video game background music or explosions while they’re trying to work or sleep in-flight.

11. Book flights around nap times and bedtimes.

I once made the mistake of getting the time change backward, and booked a flight from Boston to San Francisco with a 1-year-old that took off close to bedtime. He was sitting on my lap, and absolutely could not find a comfortable place to sleep. It was a nightmare.

Don’t assume your little kids will sleep on a plane. It’s best to avoid flights during naps or after bedtime if you expect calm behavior from your child on the plane.

12. Throw everyday rules out the window.

Give your kids as many snacks, juice, soda, and videos as they request to keep them happy on the flight. (It’ll be good practice for the 24/7 ice cream machines on your cruise ship.) They’ll be happy and less likely to start the “are we there yet” whining.

13. Strategize bathroom breaks.

Little kids have to pee at the most inconvenient times. Try to head off the emergencies — or the need to go when the seatbelt sign is on. Take babies and kids to the bathrooms immediately before boarding, or right before takeoff. (See, that seat close to the bathroom pays off!) Plan bathroom trips at intervals when the seatbelt sign is off.

If you’re flying with a baby, ask the flight attendant which bathroom has the pull-down changing table; most planes only have one. And if you have newly toilet trained children, consider a pull-up for the flight for extra protection.

By Erica Silverstein

READ MORE: Which River Cruise Lines Are Best for Kids?

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If you’re planning on booking a rental vehicle for your next cruise vacation, however, you need to be aware of what’s going on with car rentals this year. Many airports and vacation spots throughout the United States are experiencing a massive car rental shortage, sending rental vehicle rates sky-high.

Why Are Car Rentals So Expensive?

A number of factors have contributed to the current rental car situation. Travel plummeted last year, causing a number of car rental companies to sell off large percentages of their rental vehicle fleets to survive.

Now that travel has started to return in a big way, however, there are fewer rental cars available to book.

Rental companies are currently trying to add cars to their fleets to replace the vehicles they sold, but it’s hard for them to buy new vehicles due to a crippling global semiconductor chip shortage that could last through 2022. High-quality used cars are in short supply as well.

The country’s car rental shortage has increased in severity since mid-February. Rental vehicles are already completely sold out in some destinations during prime summer weeks and rates can be astronomical. There is a significant rental car shortage in Alaska cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks during peak summer periods, with many weeks already sold out. If you’re planning to rent a car at the airport in Orlando or Miami, you’ll likely pay hundreds of dollars more than usual as well.

Whether it’s your first time using a car rental agency or you’re planning to rent a vehicle for your next cruise, here are twelve tips to help you get a rental car for your cruise and find the best deal possible:

1. Book Your Car Rental Far In Advance.

Given the current supply disruption in rental cars, it is a good idea to make car rental reservations as soon as you have travel dates for your cruise. Last-minute car rates can be insanely expensive and it’s possible that cars might not be available at the last minute at all.

A number of travel experts suggest making a duplicate back-up car booking in case your vehicle isn’t available when you arrive due to delayed returns. If you decide to make a back-up reservation, make sure to cancel it if it’s not needed.

It’s also key to pack plenty of patience when renting cars this year. Rental agencies are often short-staffed, particularly if you plan to rent a car at an airport location.

Waiting times at the rental counter to pick up cars at airports can be long during peak periods, so allow additional time for rental car pick-ups and drop-offs or make arrangements for skip-the-line car rental options.

2. Verify Car Rental Rates Before Finalizing Travel Arrangements.

If you’re flying to your cruise and need a rental vehicle, check out rental car rates before finalizing your travel arrangements and consider alternative airports if needed.

You might find significantly lower rates and better availability at another airport that will still work for your vacation itinerary, even if it means adding more miles to your trip.

It’s also a good idea to check to see if your airline provides the option to add a rental car when making reservations if you need one, since bundling can sometimes result in lower costs.

Travel advisors are an excellent source of information and can help with identifying additional alternatives, too.

3. Consider Non-Airport Car Rental Locations.

When researching car rental options, expand your search beyond airport locations. While renting at an airport location is convenient, there are usually additional rental sites within a few miles of the airport that may offer better deals.

Choosing a city vicinity search rather than an airport search can reduce the weekly rate by as much as 30 to 40 percent in some locations, yielding savings of several hundred dollars during peak rental periods.

Non-airport car rental offices may have a greater supply of vehicles as well. Some non-airport car rental locations also offer shuttle services to the airport, cruise ports, and local hotels.

4. Join Rental Car Loyalty Programs.

Signing up for car rental loyalty programs like Avis Preferred, Budget Fastbreak, Hertz Gold Plus, and National Emerald Club can deliver great perks like free upgrades, skipping the lines at rental car counters, no fees for additional drivers, and choosing your own vehicle on the lot at most airports.

Some travel credit cards offer free membership in premium rental car loyalty programs, providing even more exclusive perks like elite status and rewards.

If you have your own business, consider applying for a corporate account that can yield better deals and lower rates. Some companies may allow their employees to utilize their corporate rates for personal trips as well.

READ MORE: 8 Ways To Involve Your Kids In Planning Your Family Cruise

5. Use Online Sites for Finding Car Rental Deals.

Certain websites can be helpful in quickly pinpointing availability and finding the best rental company rates. AutoSlash has been delivering some of the lowest rates in popular vacation destinations over the last few months.

AutoSlash completes an opaque search with multiple rental car companies and applies any discounts that travelers are entitled to due to memberships, coupons, and other factors. Recently, some AutoSlash searches have resulted in savings of hundreds of dollars when compared with other available alternatives.

In addition, check online booking sites such as Priceline, Hotwire, Expedia, Kayak, Momondo, Skyscanner, AutoRentals, and Rentalcars.

Also, look for rental vehicle coupon or discount codes on sites like RetailMeNot and Groupon.

6. Get Membership and Rewards Program Discounts.

Memberships and frequent flyer airline rewards programs can provide a lower rate. Costco has traditionally provided its members access to some of the most affordable rental car rates.

Options may be limited, so make sure to check rental car prices and availability as far in advance as possible.

Other great sources of membership discounts include AAA membership, AARP, BJs, and Sam’s Club. Frequent flyer airline programs including Delta Skymiles, United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage, JetBlue TrueBlue, and Southwest offer discounts with select rental car companies as well.

7. Check Your Credit Cards for Benefits.

Some credit cards offer car rental discounts, and they can provide additional savings as well. Credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, United Airlines cards, American Express cards, and others provide primary or secondary rental car collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage that can help eliminate the need for additional rental insurance policies offered by rental car companies.

Select travel credit cards also offer opportunities to use points or miles to pay for part or all of your car rental, plus additional perks like discounts and free upgrades.

8. Avoid Car Rental Scams.

Con artists have found a way to cash in on the current skyrocketing cost of rental cars, tricking car rental shoppers into paying for phony car rentals. According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers are taking out online ads and impersonating rental car companies.

Scammers may use the names of major rental companies and online sites, or they may appear to be an independent car agency running a special promotion.

Here’s how the scam works. Travelers searching for car rentals online spot a link offering great rental car deals and call the number listed.

A representative from the fake car rental agency answers and says that they’re running a special promotion with a gift card or prepaid debit card company like American Express, so paying by phone in advance with one of those cards will yield a huge discount on the car rental costs.

Scam victims purchase the card and then share the PIN with the rental company’s customer service representative. They’re given a fake car rental confirmation number or are promised the car will be delivered, but never receive the vehicle because the rental car doesn’t exist.

To prevent falling for these car rental scams, use the phone numbers listed on well-known car rental companies’ websites and never make payments with gift cards or prepaid debit cards. Deals that sound too good to be true are often false, so verify any special promotional offers directly with the rental companies and be wary of sponsored links offering insanely cheap car rentals.

READ MORE: What You Need To Know About Cruise Travel Insurance

9. Continually Track Car Rental Rates.

Rental rates for vehicles are currently volatile, rising and falling depending on supply and demand. During this period of rental car shortages, car rental companies are regularly evaluating demand at locations around the country and moving around their fleets.

While cars may be in short supply when you make your advance reservation, rates may drop as you get closer to your rental date. If you’ve selected the “pay later” option, you can re-book your car rental at a lower price. Check rates continually or use the automatic rate tracker feature offered by sites like AutoSlash.

10. Lengthen Your Car Rental Period If Possible.

Rental car rates are often at their highest during peak summer and holiday periods. If you’re driving to your cruise or planning to spend time exploring before or after your sailing, renting a car for close to a week instead of a long weekend can reduce your daily rate, thereby lowering your costs.

In some cases, vacationers do not have to pay for the additional days if they aren’t used. Make sure to select the “pay later” rental option if you’re planning on doing this, though. It’s important to read your rental contract’s fine print to ensure that you won’t be charged a higher daily rate if you return your rental car early, too.

11. Consider Car Sharing and Other Car Rental Alternatives.

If rental cars are too costly or they’re sold out, take a look at available car-sharing programs like Turo. Turo works somewhat like Airbnb, letting travelers rent cars directly from private hosts.

Turo operates in a wide variety of locations and provides 24/7 customer support, contactless check-in options, flexible cancellation terms, and insurance protection plans.

If you only need a car for a few hours or days, take a look at Zipcar. Zipcar’s membership car-sharing service offers bookings by the hour or day in over 35 states as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. Additional car-sharing services include Enterprise CarShare and Getaround.

Given the current rental car shortage and often excessive rates, consider whether you really need to rent a car for your trip. Check out taxis, Uber, and Lyft, and consider using local tour companies for memorable experiences on your cruise. Some Toyota and Subaru car dealerships also rent cars in select locations.

12. Don’t Prepay for Gas in Your Rental Car.

To get a better deal on your car rental, avoid prepaying for a full take of gas. While car rental agents will urge you to take advantage of their prepaid gas program and sell you on a cheap per-gallon price, it’s rarely a good deal. You’ll be paying for a full tank of gas and in order to snag that quoted low price per gallon, the rental car will have to be returned with a totally empty gas tank which isn’t very likely.

You’ll want to check out Google Maps or Waze to find out where the closest gas stations are located. There are usually plenty of local gas stations near rental return places, and those gas stations may offer a cheaper price for fuel.

Apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas and compare alternatives for purchasing gas for your car rental.

The only time prepaying for gas might be a good idea is for convenience – either you’ll be returning the car at times gas stations might not be open or you’ll worry too much about filling up your gas tank and the stress won’t be worth it. Evaluate the options and decide what’s best for you.

READ NEXT: 25 First Time Cruise Tips

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Of course all the popular brands of liquor, wine, and beer can be found in the local restaurants and bars, but there is also the opportunity to taste locally-brewed and distilled products. And the best way to taste the local mead, beer, and rum starts with a visit to the local craft breweries and distilleries.

So when traveling through the Florida Keys, stop at one of these five popular breweries or distilleries for a tasting experience and chance to purchase some local alcoholic beverages.

1. Keys’ Meads in Key Largo (mm 99)

Although technically classified as a wine, mead is fermented from honey and offers distinct flavors solely unique to this ancient alcoholic beverage. Mead itself dates back over 9,000 years, but in the Florida Keys, Keys’ Meads just celebrated its 4th anniversary serving the upper Keys community.

Located in Key Largo, its new location serves and sells both (wine) bottles and flights of mead, while also providing education on this beverage to its patrons. Inside this spacious place, complete with a long elbow bar for group tastings, visitors can also shop for locally-made beeswax products and raw honey.

Tastings start at 12 noon when it opens and cost $8 for 10 pours. The location, complete with an inspiring mural, is quickly becoming one of the most popular Key Largo attractions to visit.

2. Islamorada Brewery & Distillery (mm82)

Driving down US 1, visitors can’t miss the Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. The bright neon yellow-colored building attracts plenty of visitors, but it’s the beer, distilled spirits, and atmosphere that keep many of them returning customers.

Popular with its backyard beach volleyball and picnic tables, the tap room also serves up some pub food while local food trucks make this place a perfect afternoon stop — especially on NFL Sundays. Choose between pints, craft beer tastings, or cocktails with local spirits such as rum, gin, and vodka made in-house.

Just want to make a road trip stop to stock up on beer and spirits? Make sure you order up some of the 32 oz. Capri Sun-style plastic bags of a rum-based Pirate’s Punch. Arghh!

3. Florida Keys Brewing Co (mm 81)

Located in the heart of the Morada Way Arts and Cultural district, patrons shall always find a rotating list of locally-brewed craft beer on tap at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. Segmented into light side, dark side, and hoppy (side) selections, all beer is available to taste in flights of 5, 10, or by the pint.

Most patrons enjoy the beer outside in the beer garden and appreciate the colorful Keys flora, banana trees, and spacious chairs and tabletops designed to enable visitors to unwind. Here, visitors can relax and converse with friends or even make new ones. Local musicians often perform nightly and the brewery holds a complete calendar of events and activities, too.

For food, the Tacos Jalisco food truck provides a menu of Mexican fare, or visitors can bring their own for the picnic tables. The popular local beer choices at this family-friendly brewery such as Iguana Bait, Spearfish Amber, and Sun Sessional IPA can normally be found on tap in local restaurants as well.

READ MORE: Overview: Marathon Key’s Turtle Hospital

4. Hemingway Rum Company – Papa’s Pilar Rum

Following in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway remains one of the top attractions for visitors to Key West. Whether it’s visits to his Key West home or going on a bar crawl in his honor, many of Hemingway’s adventures in Key West are centered around his bold spirit. Pilar, the name of his famed boat, is now also a new Hemingway attraction in the form of a locally-crafted rum. Key West Rum – Papa’s Pilar located in Old Key West offers tours and tastings daily to the public. Distilled with Papa’s adventurous spirit in mind, the pours served come from a marriage of hand-selected rums from across the Americas put through a blending process designed to create a bold and well-traveled rum. The goal remains to craft a rum worthy of the Hemingway name.

5. Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

Touted as Key West’s first legal rum distillery since prohibition, local chef Paul Menta opened up the local Florida Keys distillery in 2013. At the Key West Legal Rum location, all distilling tasks are done by hand and the rums are aged in salt-cured barrels and with tropical flavors such as Madagascar vanilla and the local favorites of key lime and coconut. Visitors will find multiple blends available for tasting and for sale.

The distillery claims to have mastered the mojito, too, but you can certainly be the judge of that. Yet, to their credit, they did sail to Cuba — the home of the mojito — to bring rum back as a thank you for the years Cuba ran rum to the Florida Keys. With free tours and tastings available every day from late morning to early evening, its Simonton street location makes for a perfect stop after visiting one of the most popular beaches in the Florida Keys.

No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without a celebratory spirit or a beer on a boat out in the bay. Visitors will have many choices on where to begin the party, and these five popular local breweries and distilleries remain a great place to start any celebration with a drink made by the locals.

By Craig Zabransky

READ MORE: The 9 Most Popular Restaurants in Islamorada, Florida

Plus, it’s a personal favorite. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you if you’re driving multiple hours on the interstate with me, Cracker Barrel is almost always a compulsory stop. 

Since reopening, I’ve dined at four locations: Nashville, Tennessee; Jacksonville, Florida; Valdosta, Georgia; and Ormond Beach, Florida. All of the locations were operating the exact same with regards to health and safety protocols for dining. 

I should note that Cracker Barrel does comply with state and local orders regarding masks, and they do enforce it. Like every other restaurant, you can take your mask off when you sit down at your table. Otherwise, it should be worn when you’re walking around the restaurant, shopping at the country store, or going to the restroom. All the employees in the building are also required to wear masks. 

Download the Cracker Barrel App 

The company has really upped its game with the recently updated smartphone app. So before you dine there, it’s best to download the mobile app to take advantage of some new-to-Cracker Barrel options. Items like to-go orders, delivery, and curbside pickup options have been around for a while, but they have tweaked the app and made modifications with the world’s current landscape.

If you plan on dining inside, the number one reason to download the app is to add your name to the waitlist to avoid having to wait a substantial amount of time. This option is particularly handy if there is a big wait; you can back-time your arrival time with the waitlist and practically be seated right when you arrive.

The pay at the table feature is another notable upgrade that the mobile app received. This allows you to pay your bill from your smartphone to avoid standing in line at check-out.

One thing I realized is that the only way it will work is if you have your location services turned on. This way, it knows which restaurant you’re visiting. Otherwise, the feature won’t work. I’m one to keep my location settings turned off because of privacy, but for this app I have the “Turn on while using the app” toggled.

Another awesome feature (since I’m an Apple person) is the ability to use Apple Pay or a gift card when paying your tab through the mobile app.

Arriving at Cracker Barrel 

When we parked at the restaurant, there was a couple of noticeable changes. The number of rocking chairs on the front patio were reduced, and in the place were tables for outside dining. This is a good idea because it gives at-risk patrons who might not feel comfortable eating inside a chance to still enjoy Cracker Barrel from the outside.

Along with the rocking chairs that were removed were marked off pews that asked guests to kindly refrain from sitting on them in order to allow for physical distancing. 

Check-in at both the Nashville and Jacksonville location were exactly the same where we gave the hostess our name and phone number, and they texted us when our table was ready. This gives guests the opportunity to wait in their car or stretch their legs while waiting to be seated.

Previously if you put your name on the list, when your table was ready they called your name over the loudspeaker. If you were sitting in your car and did not hear your name, you were out of luck. 

After 20 minutes, we received a text message and they asked us to check-in with the hostess inside to be brought to our table. As a reminder, if you use the mobile app for check-in, you can avoid a long wait. 

At the entrance to the restaurant, there were hand sanitizer machines for those entering and exiting the building.

READ MORE: 11 Family Theme Parks Near Cruise Ports

Cracker Barrel Dining Room 

Depending on your location, you could see fewer people in the dining room. This has to do with local city codes and rules. One city could be at 50 percent inside dining capacity while others may be at 75 or 100 percent. Every location I visited had empty tables that were blocked off, and you could see that the hostess was strategically seating guests in a pattern that allowed space between tables. 

Previously, when you would sit down the table would have salt and pepper shakers, caddies for sweeteners, and the peg game with the golf tees that you could play while awaiting your meal. During my recent visits, all of the tables were empty and everything had to be brought to you. 

If you’re a fan of the peg game, Cracker Barrel says on its website, “The peg games will not be back on our tables just yet, but we invite you to download our Cracker Barrel Games app and enjoy the peg game from your mobile phone at any time.”

Another change I noticed right out of the gate was that the menus were wipeable, instead of the paper menus that they’ve had since I can remember. [Note: At the time of publishing, Cracker Barrel is back to paper menus at some/all locations.]

The Dining Experience 

There was nothing that had changed from the food and consistency. One thing Cracker Barrel has always been known for is its ability to recreate the same taste with each dish from city to city. 

One thing I noticed is how much cleaning was going on throughout the whole restaurant. The tables and chairs were all being deeply cleaned between guests.

Paying Your Bill

Cracker Barrel has always had its system where you pay your tab when you’re finished dining, so they have always eliminated those touchpoints. 

When you approach the cashier, they have circles on the ground to promote social distancing. There is a plexiglass shield that protects both you and the cashier, and the credit card machine is on the guest’s side of the shield. Also, Cracker Barrel now accepts touchless methods like Apple Pay (they were a late adapter).

One staples alongside the restaurant is the Old Country Store, which is reminiscent of an old general store. The store is attached to the dining room. Prior to the pandemic, this was a great place to shop and kill time while waiting for your table to be called. 

There were retail employees who were cleaning different items around the store with disinfectant. They were constantly wiping down things like shelves and clothing racks.  

Final Thoughts on Cracker Barrel 

One thing this current landscape has changed in the way we do business is that it has brought many companies up to speed with the rest of the world. Sometimes it takes a major crisis — like a pandemic — to force a company to adapt or become extinct.

I felt 100 percent safe dining in the different Cracker Barrels during the current health crisis, and would even feel comfortable dining with my parents there.

Now if I could only get the company’s meatloaf recipe!

READ MORE: Travel During a Pandemic: Visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom

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If you’re driving to your cruise port, here are 9 tips for road trips with children that will ensure your travel stress does not come from the back seat.

1. Organize the car.

Before you pack your bags, make an organizational game plan for the car. For older kids, over-the-seat-back organizers that hold tablets, water bottles, snacks, and books keep belongings accessible and lead to easy video viewing. For younger ones, especially those in five-point-harness car seats, a lap tray with pockets gives them a coloring and snacking space, and (hopefully) keeps goldfish crackers and crayons from hitting the floor. If nothing else, make sure your family each has a bag or two of toys and games that are easy to access.

A between-seats cooler filled with sandwiches and snacks allows the backseat bunch to help themselves, so parents don’t feel like vending machines constantly taking orders and passing food back. A multi-plug charger that fits into your car’s USB port or lighter outlet will keep everyone’s tablets, phones, e-readers, and portable gaming systems juiced up, so you don’t get lost when your phone dies because your teen is texting.

2. Plan breaks.

With kids in tow, you never want to get caught out on the stretch of parkway with no rest areas when nature calls. Set the family up for success by planning your food, bathroom, and stretch breaks. Check maps before you leave and schedule a pit stop at the last exit before a 30-mile empty stretch. If you want a healthier lunch than fast food, or if your family has dietary restrictions, look for a sandwich or salad shop located in a town you expect to pass around noon — rather than pulling up to the nearest drive-thru when sugar levels drop.

For extra-long drives, schedule a stop at a park or playground after several hours of driving so your kids can run around for 20 minutes and burn some energy.

3. Drive off-hour.

Many families find that driving at night is a great way to avoid traffic and reduce travel time. This strategy works well if your kids will sleep in the car; they can’t complain about being bored if they’re not awake. However, if you get sleepy behind the wheel at 2 a.m., or if your kids, like mine, cannot sleep in cars no matter the hour, this plan will be an utter disaster.

If late-night drives won’t work for your family, consider an early-morning departure instead. Have the kids sleep in comfy clothes or travel in their pajamas. Get the car packed up, have on-the-go breakfast packed and ready, then wake up the kids at the last minute for a quick teeth brush before heading out the door.

READ MORE: Family Cruise Deals: Which Cruise Lines Let Kids Sail Free

4. Pack strategically.

You don’t need to lug your giant suitcase full of formalwear and snorkel gear to your pre-cruise hotel room. If your family is spending the night in your embarkation city before your cruise, pack a separate bag with the items you’ll need for that night only. At the hotel, you won’t need to rummage through all your belongings to find your toothbrush or socks, leaving you to repack everything in the morning.

Also, if you’ve brought soda or snacks to take on the cruise, make sure they’re packed separately from your road trip food collection.

5. Prepare to entertain.

To avoid the endless cries of “are we there yet?” you’ll need plenty of entertainment options for your kids. Electronic games and movies are wonderful, but if you don’t want your kids on their devices for 5 hours straight, come prepared with options. My kids love to listen to audiobooks in the car; you can also download kid-friendly podcasts. Go old school with family games like I Spy, 20 Questions, and the license plate game, or make up car bingo boards.

If you don’t have an electronic device for each kid, make a screen-time plan for who gets possession of the tablet when, or invest in a headrest attachment that will hold up a tablet or smartphone for easy movie viewing for the entire backseat.

6. Plan for emergencies.

We don’t have to tell parents to bring food on a road trip. But you definitely want to bring more food than you think you’ll need in case you run into any emergency situations. Pack an emergency bag with extra clothes for spills or accidents (including warm sweatshirts for unexpected nighttime adventures), a first-aid kit, flashlight, a roll of toilet paper, and water bottles. Your car should have a kit with jumper cables, flares, and a jack for changing a tire. Know how to use them.

7. Bring carsickness supplies.

You’ve packed your ginger candy and seasickness pills for the cruise — but are you prepared for when your kid gets carsick on the drive to your homeport? Many kids feel queasy riding in the backseat on long car trips, so you’ll want a plastic bag or bucket at the ready. Stash ginger candy or age-appropriate meds, paper towels and other cleaning supplies, and a change of clothes somewhere accessible.

To prevent motion sickness if you can, switch out reading or video time with games that get the kids looking out the window. Fresh air can also help, so roll down the windows. Even if it’s cold, a few minutes with the windows rolled down won’t give anyone hypothermia.

8. Don’t trash the car.

All kids think their parents are walking-talking trash receptacles. If you don’t want to end up holding empty snack bags and soda cans, or finding pretzels scattered on the floor of the car, put a small trash can or bag in the back seat within reach of the kids. A plastic cereal container with a snap-shut lid makes a great alternative; the trash goes in but can’t easily spill out.

If you’ve got little kids who are super-messy, bring along a dustbuster, so you can vacuum up the worst of the crumbs before you leave your car at your hotel or in the port parking lot for a week. Paper towels have multiple helpful road trip uses — wiping up spills among them.

READ MORE: The 7 Best Lines For a Family Reunion Cruise

9. Have a drop-off plan.

Congratulations — you’ve survived a family road trip and are safely ensconced in your pre-cruise hotel. Do you know what happens to your car next?

If you’re leaving the car at the hotel, make sure you can carry all your bags — and any kids — from the shuttle to the pier. If you’re parking at the port, know where the long-term lot is and how you will get from there to the cruise terminal. It might be easier to drop off one parent, the kids, and the bags at the terminal to get the suitcases turned over to the porters while the other parent parks the car.

And don’t forget the car seats! If you’re taking one on the cruise, don’t leave it in the car. If you’re going to leave them behind, make sure you have a safe way of transporting little kids from your hotel to the cruise terminal.

By Erica Silverstein

This article contains affiliate links.

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Booking and Arrival Experience

We made our reservation on the day of our meal using the My Disney Experience app. It’s a quick and easy process that requires a credit card to guarantee your reservation; however, nothing is charged to your card unless you cancel with less than 24 hours notice or no-show for your reservation. Since we made a same-day reservation, we were locked in and would have been subject to penalties immediately upon confirmation.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we were able to check in via the My Disney Experience app to help reduce contact with cast members. We were asked a number of questions related to food allergies, seating preference, and if we were celebrating any special occasions. When our table was ready, we received both a text message and push notification from the app, alerting us to head to the restaurant.

In the lobby, traffic flowed in one direction to maintain social distancing. We were promptly greeted, and a restaurant manager took the temperature of each member of our party before we were allowed to enter the restaurant.

Inside, roughly half the tables were blocked off, ensuring a six-foot space between parties and giving everyone more elbow room. We opted for first available seating, and were offered a table outside on the patio, despite it being a cold evening.

We were given the option to wait for an inside table if we wanted to wait a few extra minutes, but decided to sit outside.  We were kept warm by numerous heaters scattered about, and the staff further accommodated us and another party by moving a heater from an empty area of the patio closer to our tables.

Menu

After the extended closure earlier this year, most Walt Disney World restaurants reopened with substantially reduced menus, and Olivia’s Cafe is no exception. The popular Duval Burger has been dropped from the menu, as have the Seven Mile Sea Scallops and the Conch Flats Club Sandwich. While we were able to find items that appealed to us, the scaled-down selections were noticeable.

Travel During A Pandemic: Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World has been making an effort to increase plant-based menu offerings across the resort, and Olivia’s had two entrees and one dessert that fit the bill.

Paper menus are no longer offered at Walt Disney World; we were given a QR code to scan with our smartphones to pull up the restaurant’s menu on the Walt Disney World website.

Appetizers

We chose four appetizers to share: the Conch Fritters ($12) served with Key Lime mustard and roasted pepper remoulade; the Crab Cake ($13) served with avocado puree, roasted pepper remoulade sauce, and chayote salad; the soup of the day, Cheddar Ale ($8); and a simple Caesar Salad ($9).

The Conch Fritters were thick with breading and a bit disappointing, though the Key Lime mustard and remoulade complimented them nicely.

The Crab Cake was excellent, with only light breading and mostly lump crab meat. It was crispy and well-seasoned, and the portion was generous.

The Cheddar Ale soup wasn’t what we expected. Members of our party thought it would be more like the rich, creamy beer cheese soup served at Le Cellier (in the Canada pavilion at Epcot), but it was a bit sourer and the Ale was very apparent; not bad, just required a palate adjustment versus our expectations.

The Caesar Salad was large, fresh, and tasty.

READ MORE: Travel During A Pandemic: Visiting Disney Springs

Entrées

Two members of our party opted for Olivia’s signature dish, the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken ($21) served with southern gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a biscuit. We also tried Captain Wahoo’s Catch of the Day, which was Parmesan-crusted Mahi Mahi ($26) over cheese grits with crispy brussel sprouts.

The Buttermilk Chicken was a boneless, fried fillet that was lightly breaded, moist and flavorful. The mashed potatoes had a hint of garlic, and the green beans were sauteed in butter and served very crispy. The biscuit was small but clearly freshly-made. While it was good, we likely wouldn’t go out of our way to have this dish again, despite it being the item the restaurant is most known for.

The Mahi Mahi was fresh and well-prepared. The cheese grits were flavorful and complimented the mahi-mahi nicely. The crispy brussel sprouts were excellent.

One member of our party had originally ordered the Slow-Cooked Prime Rib ($37), served with Olivia’s potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a cabernet demi-glace. Unfortunately, the restaurant had already run out by the time of our reservation (8:15 pm), so if the Prime Rib is a must-have for you, try for a dinner reservation earlier in the evening.

Dessert

I wouldn’t consider myself a dessert person, normally I tend to go all in with the main course leaving little to no room for anything else. However, after stalking dessert photos online for days, my mind was made up before we even arrived.

We opted for the Banana Bread Pudding Sundae ($7) served warm with Bananas Foster topping and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, to share. It was a perfect, sweet end to the meal.

Service

Our server, Jason, was extremely friendly, personable, and fun to interact with. I’d go so far as to say that he is the quintessential Disney cast member. All the tables around us were entertained by his outgoing persona.

Because the weather was in the 40s, two members of our party ordered hot tea, and he offered each of them several different tea bags to try. It should also be noted that Jason was wearing both a face mask and face shield at all times.

Overall

While nothing on the menu was particularly memorable, our dinner at Olivia’s was a pleasant experience, made even more so by Jason’s personality and service. We felt comfortable and safe during our meal, and we’ll likely return to the restaurant at some point in the future.

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Let’s explore 11 theme parks located near cruise ports around the country.

Florida

Florida is the theme park capital of the country, if not the world, so there are no shortage of parks to choose from here. Orlando’s theme parks and water parks are centrally located and make a perfect stop on the drive to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but are also about an hour’s drive from both the Port Canaveral and Tampa cruise ports.

1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom

• Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, just southwest of Orlando
• Time Required: Two days to see everything, highlights in one day
• Best For: The young and young at heart, Disney fans

The Magic Kingdom was the first of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, and opened in 1971. Home to the iconic Cinderella Castle and classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World, the Magic Kingdom boasts six lands to explore. Visiting here is a rite of passage for many kids and families.

2. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, just southwest of Orlando
• Time Required: One day
• Best For: Star Wars and Toy Story fans and thrill ride lovers

The east coast home of Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a big draw for Star Wars devotees. Rise of the Resistance, the epic Star Wars ride (natch, adventure) is an absolute must-do, and due to limited capacity, it’s necessary to make a reservation for a boarding group on the day of your visit.

MORE: 9 Things Cruisers Have in Common With Walt Disney World Fans

Check out disneyworld.com for up-to-date details on how to get onboard. Hollywood Studios also offers fun family rides like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Toy Story Midway Mania, and Slinky Dog Dash. It’s also home to some of the biggest thrills at Walt Disney World, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Much more compact than the Magic Kingdom, you can see and do just about everything in one day.

3. Universal Studios Florida

• Location:  Orlando
• Time Required: 1.5 days to see everything, one day for highlights
• Best For: Harry Potter fans, movie lovers

Universal Studios Florida is where you can “ride the movies,” with attractions based on the Mummy, Fast and Furious, Men in Black, Shrek, and Despicable Me franchises that put you in the center of the action. But the park is most famous for its Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley area.

Here, you can shop for wands at Olivander’s, enjoy Butterbeer ice cream at Florean Fortescue’s ice cream parlor, take in one of the Tales of Beedle the Bard, and Escape from Gringot’s bank on a high-speed roller coaster-style ride. At King’s Cross Station, you can also cross over to Platform 9 ¾ and hop aboard the Hogwarts Express to be transported to the Hogsmeade area in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You’ll need a two-park ticket to ride the train.

4. Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• Location: Orlando
• Time Required: 1.5 days to see everything, one day for highlights
• Best For: Harry Potter fans, water ride lovers

This is where you’ll find the other half of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Hogsmeade, the new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure coaster, and the iconic Hogwarts Castle.

Islands of Adventure is also home to a real-life Jurassic Park, Spider-Man and his buddies in Marvel Superhero Island, and the delightful Seuss Landing, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ world. Toon Lagoon is home to popular water rides based on Popeye and Rocky and Bullwinkle, which along with the Jurassic Park River Adventure, make the park the best option for water ride aficionados.

5. SeaWorld Orlando

• Location: Orlando
• Time Required: One Day
• Best For: Animal lovers and coaster enthusiasts

Best known for Shamu the killer whale and dolphin shows, SeaWorld is working to become a coaster park with animals rather than an animal park that happens to have roller coasters.

Yes, the killer whales, dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and otters are still here, but they’re increasingly competing for space with coasters like Manta, Mako, and the new Ice Breaker.

For the little ones, there’s a full-scale recreation of Sesame Street, including Oscar’s trash can, Big Bird’s nest, and Mr. Hooper’s store.

6. Discovery Cove

• Location: Orlando
• Time Required: One Day
• Best For: Beach lovers and those who want to swim with dolphins

Discovery Cove, a part of the SeaWorld family, is as close to a cruise line private island as you’ll find on the mainland. The reservation-only park offers an all-inclusive beach-like experience to a small number of visitors each day. Meals, beer and wine, lounge chairs, towels, sunscreen, and most activities are included in your ticket price. The dolphin swim is an optional feature that costs extra, but many say it’s among the highlights of the day.

7. Busch Gardens Tampa

• Location: Tampa
• Time Required: One Day
• Best For: Animal lovers and coaster enthusiasts

If you’re sailing from the Port of Tampa, a visit to the Africa-themed Busch Gardens is a perfect way to spend a day before or after your cruise. Known equally for extensive animal exhibits and coasters, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy here.

It’s easy to experience everything in one day without feeling overwhelmed. Cheetah Hunt, a coaster that launches from zero to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds, is among the must-do attractions.

California

People think of Florida as theme-park central, but California has its fair share, too.

The big difference? While Florida’s are largely clumped together in the Orlando area, California’s can be found all across the state.

Here are two of our favorites near popular Southern California cruise ports.

8. Disneyland

• Location: Anaheim
• Time Required: 2 days to see everything, highlights in one day
• Best For: The young and young at heart

The original Disney theme park, and the only one that Walt Disney himself ever set foot in, Disneyland is a special place for many. The park is built on a smaller scale than the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, but jam-packed with family-friendly adventures.

READ: Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom

From the original, more elaborate Pirates of the Caribbean to the original Haunted Mansion to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, there’s something for everyone here. Disneyland is also home to the west coast version of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a near duplicate of the land also found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

9. Legoland California

• Location: Carlsbad, north of San Diego
• Time Required: One day
• Best For: Kids, LEGO enthusiasts

A kids’ dream come true, everything at Legoland is inspired by, reminiscent of, or built out of Legos. There are no mega-thrill rides like you’d find at most other theme parks; instead, a world of kid-friendly rides and attractions awaits, like Coastersaurus, Junior Driving School, LEGO Ninjago the Ride, and more. But the highlight for many is MiniLand, offering scale models of famous Washington, DC, New York City, Las Vegas, and New Orleans landmarks made entirely of LEGO bricks.

Northeast/Mid-Atlantic

Not surprisingly, the colder climate means there are fewer theme parks in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, but here are two you might want to check out before your cruise from Baltimore, Norfolk, or the New York City area.

10. Busch Gardens Williamsburg

• Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
• Time Required: One day
• Best For: Coaster lovers

This is the sister park to Busch Gardens Tampa, with a focus on thrill rides rather than animals. Themed to Europe and the UK, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is known for its beautiful grounds and foliage.

Roller coasters like InvadR, Alpengeist, and Griffon appeal to teens, while the Land of the Dragons and the Sesame Street Forest of Fun are the perfect spots for little kids. Busch Gardens and the entire Williamsburg area make a great pit stop on the way to or from a cruise in Norfolk or Baltimore.

Six Flags Great Adventure

• Location: Jackson Township, New Jersey
• Time Required: One day
• Best For: Thrill ride lovers

While Six Flags has a reputation for having less theming than Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld parks, they make up for it with a premier slate of coasters and thrilling rides, and Six Flags Great Adventure is no exception.

The new Jersey Devil, Batman: The Ride, Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth, Nitro, and Bizarro are all must-rides, and there are plenty of attractions for kids and families too. The park is less than 90 minutes from New York City.

GUIDE: Port Canaveral Cruise Port

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World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, is a festive spot, and the perfect place to pick up Disney t-shirts, plush, and home decor.

Paradiso 37 – the Taste of the Americas, in the Landing section of Disney Springs, welcomes guests with a warm, inviting lobby and a Christmas tree all decked out for the season.

In front of Earl of Sandwich in the Disney Springs Marketplace is this gigantic tree. Not part of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, the tree welcomes guests arriving via Hotel Plaza Boulevard or walking to Disney Springs from the adjacent Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

Toys and gifts for good girls and boys surround the tree at its base….

…and cute ornaments deck the many branches.

In the Landing, the cottage-like store exteriors look especially festive and magical.

There’s hardly a railing or post that’s not adorned with boughs or holy, like this stairway in the Town Center section of Disney Springs.

These are the Christmas decorations you’re looking for at the Star Wars Trading Post in the Marketplace.

Though live entertainment and character greetings at Walt Disney World — including at Disney Springs — have been significantly scaled back, these nutcracker stilt walkers are still around, and thanks to the stilts, social distancing is automatic!

This modern wreath complements the traditional wood paneling on the STK restaurant in the Landing.

The lines to enter Disney’s Days of Christmas in the Marketplace are long, but shoppers are entertained by delightful holiday displays and lights while they wait.

The decorated lamp posts and Christmas carols played throughout Disney Springs make for a festive atmosphere, and you can get a bird’s eye view from the Characters in Flight balloon.

Though it’s far from a typical shopping season this year, chances are your local mall isn’t as well decorated as Disney Springs. So if you’re in the Orlando area, it’s worth a visit as you’ll probably find some holiday cheer.

Disney Springs is open from 10 am to 11 pm ET through Christmas. Parking is limited, and the area has reached capacity lately, particularly on weekend evenings, so you’ll want to arrive early.

Read other articles in our recent Disney World series:

• Travel During A Pandemic: Visiting Disney Springs
• Travel During a Pandemic: Disney Springs Hotel Stay
• Travel During a Pandemic: Visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom
• Travel During a Pandemic: Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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And of course, Jock Lindsey’s isn’t the only venue that gets the Christmas treatment at Disney Springs this time of year. We just did a photo tour of this year’s Christmas Tree Stroll — a slightly different socially distanced version of the Springs’ usual Christmas Tree Trail. That post includes photos of all 12 trees that are featured this year.

In the same vein, we thought it would be fun to head over to Jock Lindsey’s too, and snap some photos there so you can see all of the bar’s holiday goodness. If you’re taking a cruise out of Port Canaveral during the holiday season, Disney’s Christmas decorations are a sight to see and it’s worth the pre- or post-cruise time.

This sign welcomes all to Jock Lindsey’s Holidays Bar, and is a very clear sign of what’s to come inside!

Massive garlands filled with lights and ornaments criss-cross the space, bringing a more intimate feeling to the bar by creating a lower “ceiling” of sorts.

Of course, Jock Lindsey was Indiana Jones’ pilot, so it would be surprising if planes weren’t also included in the venue’s Christmas decor.

Here’s another shot of the garland — there are lots of different colors throughout the space.

We love the juxtaposition of the bar’s usual decorations behind and mixed with the Christmas decorations. In theory, some might say that wouldn’t work too well. But it’s Disney, so of course, they made it look seamless and beautiful.

READ MORE: Travel During A Pandemic: Visiting Disney Springs

Here’s a wide shot of the area just behind the bar. There’s always something interesting to look at in a Disney bar! We can’t help but think of Nomad Lounge (in Animal Kingdom) and Trader Sam’s (at the Polynesian Resort) when we pay a visit to Jock Lindsey’s — and we love it.

Ornaments, garland, bows, and even a snowman grace this corner of the venue.

We love how more retro and timeless Christmas decorations were chosen for Jock Lindsey’s. It makes sense since Raiders of the Lost Ark (the first Indiana Jones movie, and the one in which Jock Lindsey appeared) was set in 1936, and released in 1981.

Here’s another photo behind the bar. This may be our favorite spot in the bar — at least during Christmastime!

Disney is so good at creating immersive stories, that sitting here you might forget that Jock Lindsey was just a movie character — not a real, historical pilot.

MORE: Travel During A Pandemic: Disney Springs Hotel Stay

We could certainly spend many a night during the holiday season lost in our own thoughts and the world of Indiana Jones at this bar. And in keeping with the theme, of course Christmasy light bites and cocktails are offered on the menu.

Drink highlights include Jock’s Holiday Nog, the White Christmas Margarita, and a Santa Hat Mojito. Food items include the Holiday Caprese Wreath, Ugly “Sweeter” Bread, Drummer Boy Braised Lamb with Truffle, and Jingle Bell Pops.

Lastly, let’s head out to the outdoor seating area, which also features garland outfitted with lights, ornaments, and photos from Jock’s adventures.

We hope you enjoyed our photo tour of Jock Lindsey’s Holidays Bar.

More articles in our “Travel During a Pandemic” series:

• Staying at a Disney Springs Hotel
• Visiting Disney Springs
• Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Photos by Orlando Martinez.

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