As New Fantasyland — the largest and most enchanting expansion in Magic Kingdom history — officially opened to Disney fans today, Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, looked on with immense pride watching the wowed look on guests’ faces. I got a chance to talk to Tom this morning — a privelage indeed — and he was as gracious and lovely as I had always imagined. Here’s what he had to say:
Editor’s Note: Periodically the Travelocity Roaming Gnome will interview a few of his favorite travel friends about all things travel. Please welcome them to The Window Seat.
Melanie Waldman is the editor of Travels With Two, which features stories of her many trips with her husband to inspire working couples to use their vacation time to travel. In addition to checking out her blog for photos, tips, itineraries and reviews, you can follow Melanie’s adventures on Twitter.
ROAMING GNOME: Despite my dashing good lucks, I’m still flying solo. What do you look for when traveling with your mate? I look for great adventures, smashing people and umbrella drinks.
MELANIE WALDMAN: I’m truly sorry to hear about your lack of traveling companions, but of course, a good umbrella drink can help to ease that pain. What I enjoy when traveling with my husband is a long and winding drive, a wandering stroll that’s sure to get us lost, a lingering lunch in the sunshine and an evening whiled away over wine and cheese. We never turn down snorkeling, a good museum or an afternoon nap, and there’s always a healthy dose of laughing.
Editor’s Note: Periodically the Travelocity Roaming Gnome will interview a few of his favorite travel friends about all things travel. Please welcome them to The Window Seat.
Juliana Shallcross is the managing editor at HotelChatter, Jaunted and VegasChatter. She’s an expert on one of the Gnome’s favorite topics – hotels. From hotel openings and amenities to hotel bars and celeb sightings – she knows it all. In addition to reading her blogs you can follow Juliana on Twitter.
ROAMING GNOME: Staying in a hotel is one of my favorite things about travel. There´s something about mini shampoos, toothpaste, and soap that makes me feel at ease. Why do you love hotels so much?
JULIANA SHALLCROSS: Ooo, I love the mini hotel toiletries too! But what I really love about hotels is that each one is a different experience. Hotels today have moved way beyond just offering a nice place to sleep. Now, they go all out with interesting and diverse decor in the guestrooms, a hotel bar and restaurant you actually want to drink and eat at and really fun new services and amenities.
Editor’s Note: Periodically the Travelocity Roaming Gnome will interview a few of his favorite travel friends about all things travel. Please welcome them to The Window Seat.
Kate Auletta is the travel editor at the Huffington Post and the editor of AOL Travel. She covers all things travel-related including airports, destinations and hotels. See more of her work on Huffington Post and follow her on Twitter.
ROAMING GNOME: I am one lucky little pickle to have stayed at so many wonderful hotels. From South Africa to London, so many delightful memories! What hotel experience has been your favorite?
Dear Editors,
Do I need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Gail