Spending time in the water while living in or visiting Florida is a must for at least half of the year. No wonder Walt Disney World water parks are so popular especially during the summer months. I decided to test the "waters" at both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks to see if one is really better than the other.  Not only did I get to decide which was better but I also asked my entourage, including four children ranging in age from 3-10, to help me pick the winner. 

After lunch we traveled over to Typhoon Lagoon for a few quick rides before they closed at 5p.m.. Our tickets allowed us to visit both water parks on the same day with just the one paid admission ticket.  Typhoon Lagoon has a completely different feel then Blizzard Beach. Typhoon Lagoon has alot more sandy areas and more of their rides require tubes to ride down on. The thrill rides are Humunga Kowabunga and Crush 'n' Gusher which require riders to be at least 48 inches or taller. Mayday Falls, Gangplank Falls and Keelhaul Falls are all close to each other which makes it convenient to go from one to the next easily and these are open to any size rider. ​

Pros:

• Great variety of food items to buy including the Sand Pail dessert which you can share as a family
• Alot of sandy areas so your feet do not get as hot
• Good variety of slides ranging from dare devil to family friendly

Cons:

• Not very shady
• Not as much variety for younger children
• Many tube rides which means carrying tubes up stairs to reach the top of the rides and if you have young children you will have to carry their tubes as well

Both waterparks are extremely fun and all of us (including the adults) had a great time. However, Blizzard Beach was voted as the favorite by my family.  

Don't forget to like our Facebook page for up to date blog posts, travel information and specials-
https://www.facebook.com/premiertravelescapes/

I can definitely say that the cruise industry is changing from the days when I took my first cruise more than 20 years ago. When I was younger my family and I went on a Carnival cruise out of Miami. I remember it being fun as a child but the ship was very basic. Fast forward to the present and the ships are not even in the same ballpark from what they used to be. We were invited to sail on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas when it first came to the United States. All I can say is WOW! Here are a few highlights that stood out about this ship:
​
1. By far the North Star is elevates Anthem of the Seas to a whole new level. Where else can you be lifted 300 feet above sea level and get an amazing 360 degree view of your surroundings? 

2. Drinks, drinks and more drinks! The most imaginative bar I have seen on a cruiseship can be found on Anthem of the Seas. Bionic Bar is in a league of its own. Robotic arms make the cocktails for you. It not only adds to the bar feel but it gives off a fun energy about it. Other bars and lounges were more sophisticated than on other ships that I have been on. I would absolutely give the bars onboard an A++. 

3. The rooms are more modern by design on Anthem of the Seas. We had a nice balcony stateroom approximately 198 square feet. The size of the room was a little larger than the normal balcony staterooms that we have had in the past. Having the bed by the sliding glass door helps make the room feel bigger and not having a coffee table in front of the sofa is a big plus.  The decor was more modern and sophisticated than other Royal Caribbean ships that we have been on before. The only downside was the bathroom. I'm not sure why bathrooms continue to be so small. If they made them a little bigger, I think numerous people would applaud Royal Caribbean for this, myself included!

All and all Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is a great ship. It has alot of WOW factors that will help keep it ahead of other cruiseships on the market. Great job Royal Caribbean!

Don't forget to like our Facebook page for up to date blog posts, travel information and specials-
https://www.facebook.com/premiertravelescapes/