Dreams podcast from today 3/21

[pjweaver]

I really liked todays episode of the Dreams podcast. I was thrilled that they answered my question, but they went into much better detail than I expected. Kevin had sent me a PM earlier to answer, but they went into much more detail.
As an 'ugly American' I have so many concerns about traveling overseas, these vlogs should mandatory viewing for people like me. So often I am a horses butt online, but these videos are so helpful in the planning stages of trips.

 

[JJZMgailey]

More Questions and Answers on today's edition of the Dreams Unlimited Travel Podcast!

Things like; "Where should I get the foreign cash for my overseas vacation - at home before I go or at an ATM in that country?", "How much of the foreign language should I learn before I travel?", and "Do I need travel insurance?"

I'm loving the questions you guys are sending in! Keep them coming for the next sets of Q&A shows!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I really liked todays episode of the Dreams podcast. I was thrilled that they answered my question, but they went into much better detail than I expected. Kevin had sent me a PM earlier to answer, but they went into much more detail.
As an 'ugly American' I have so many concerns about traveling overseas, these vlogs should mandatory viewing for people like me. So often I am a horses butt online, but these videos are so helpful in the planning stages of trips.

Great question ... and not that I have traveled tons of places but a few where English is not the native language and they are right that if you just go in with a smile and try your best and be friendly it goes a long way. Though I have to say, a lot of their advice would be good if people followed just when traveling to say, I don't know, Walt Disney World?

Also, this episode confirmed that Kevin and I do not shop at the same types of stores

 

[Tonyz]

Having absolutely nothing to do with the episode... I don't usually watch episodes of any DIS show (just listen), but Craig is looking really good! Looks thinner and just overall better.

 

[pjweaver]

Having absolutely nothing to do with the episode... I don't usually watch episodes of any DIS show (just listen), but Craig is looking really good! Looks thinner and just overall better.

Married life can treat you in one of two ways. It may make you want to work harder to provide better for your family and impress your spouse. The other option is treating married life as a marathon you've just completed and now it's time to lay on the couch and recover since you're married. I won't say which I picked, but I will say I now schedule when I go to the bathroom.

 

[Vernie822]

Going to listen to the episode later tonight!

We are planning a Disneyland/Aulani trip and the Dreams podcast has been quite helpful with that so far.

 

[pjweaver]

After talking to both Kevin and Craig Aulani is on my radar

 

[GAN]

I really liked todays episode of the Dreams podcast. I was thrilled that they answered my question, but they went into much better detail than I expected. Kevin had sent me a PM earlier to answer, but they went into much more detail.
As an 'ugly American' I have so many concerns about traveling overseas, these vlogs should mandatory viewing for people like me. So often I am a horses butt online, but these videos are so helpful in the planning stages of trips.

I did watch, but shame on me for not paying closer attention -I have to work you know ...I didn't realize that was your question. Listen, forget that advice ...just speak English with an Italian or French(or anywhere for that matter) accent -they know what your saying.

In all seriousnes -If interested in learning a few, or more, words ...I highly recommend the DuoLingo app. If you use that a few nights a week for a month or two before you leave, it will help give you more confidence. Last year we went to France and my wife was pretty surprised at how well I did.

Make an effort ...it will be repaid two-fold.

 

[k5jm]

After talking to both Kevin and Craig Aulani is on my radar

But where do you get Hawaiian money???

 

[samsteele]

I have so many concerns about traveling overseas,

PJ: why not start a thread on this forum re tips for traveling overseas & post any specific questions you have? I've never been on an ABD tour, but have been on many Trafalgar, Globus, Costsaver & Cosmos bus tours through Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, UK including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Wales and have traveled independently with rental car through Spain & Ireland (Republic). I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can. I have traveled both dumb (early misadventures) and more lately a bit smarter. If it helps, I can let you know that most Europeans are very comfortable with Cdns & Americans and are happy to see them traveling in their country and spending money. Fire away if there is anything I & others can help with. No doubt many who surf around on the Boards have had travel experiences beyond WDW

 

[GAN]

The thing that amazed me the most about Hawaii was how fresh the Hawaiian Punch was....

 

[samsteele]

an 'ugly American'

As a Canadian traveler, I can tell you that bar none I have had only positive experiences with American travelers throughout the world. I have never had a negative experience whether traveling often through the US or abroad with my American cousins. I have made many good friends with Americans, Aussies, NZealanders, Brits & South Africans when thrown together on tours. One of the charms of small group travel (less than 40 people) is that you learn to be decent to one another & watch each others back. I have had much less pleasant experiences with other nationalities on tours. As a Canadian, I have had lovely, positive interactions with most Europeans. I have occasionally had unpleasant ones (largely in Germany & mostly in large, congested airports like Frankfurt or in National Post Offices) whether identified as a Canadian or mistaken for an American. My great grandfather was a Master Sergeant in the Cdn Expeditionary Forces in Ypres & Vimy Ridge in W.W.I., and I had great uncles who fought in the Netherlands in W.W.II. My neighbours from my small Ontario village landed in Sicily and fought up the spine of Italy, including the scaling of Monte Cassino during the Battle of Monte Cassino, against the Waffen SS. By and large, those young boys were scalers & loggers from the Ontario woods. They and others like them proved the racial crappola of Nazi Germany was just that. Garbage. When you are trained hard and motivated to survive to get home to your family, you fight hard, well & best all in front of you. When I run into anti-North American anger & resentment, it burns me that these young Western European citizens haven't learned anything about modern history & without North America, particularly young American boys, they would be satellite states of Russia. But I ignore it & move on to find more positive people. Don't believe the ugly American caricature. Its an unfortunate phrase from modern literature. And nothing more. I've never met a one.

 

[pjweaver]

PJ: why not start a thread on this forum re tips for traveling overseas & post any specific questions you have? I've never been on an ABD tour, but have been on many Trafalgar, Globus, Costsaver & Cosmos bus tours through Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, UK including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Wales and have traveled independently with rental car through Spain & Ireland (Republic). I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can. I have traveled both dumb (early misadventures) and more lately a bit smarter. If it helps, I can let you know that most Europeans are very comfortable with Cdns & Americans and are happy to see them traveling in their country and spending money. Fire away if there is anything I & others can help with. No doubt many who surf around on the Boards have had travel experiences beyond WDW

I made this because a few weeks back the team did an episode on Aulani and I commented about the 'value' in staying there verses another hotel. Kevin responded both to that thread and to me personally. At first I thought he was offended or miffed about my statements, but I now realize he is much like me. When he has a great experience or a passion for something he will stand by it. He has convinced me that when I do an overseas trip it will be with ABD and hopefully a Dreams one. In other words I see the value.

Of all the countries I have been to, most were not vacations but work related or visiting extended family who live there. I didn't think about Disney with anything other than a castle and a mouse. I am not a cruise guy, so these first few podcasts gave me a glimpse of something else. It will be a while before my wife and I are ready to do one, but when the time gets closer and we begin planning I will be asking a lot in here.

After proof reading this I realize I should mention that I am not with Dreams in any way, in fact I think John and Pete have restraining orders against me still, but like Kevin, when I am passionate about something it shows.

EDT: For the record I am sure others asked the same questions, so it isn't aimed at me, but my questions were the first and last ones answered.

 

[pjweaver]

Thank you for the reminder Sam. American soldiers are often reminded not to fly in ACUs or dress uniforms because it makes them a target. It should not make you a target but command the respect that is due to it. It is sad that the respect to one person is a symbol of evil to another. In 1943 Americans shunned German/Americans and locked JapaneseAmericans in internment camps so I can see how it can be. I won't be taking a vacation in Syria anytime soon.

 

[AdamEfimoff]

More Questions and Answers on today's edition of the Dreams Unlimited Travel Podcast!

Things like; "Where should I get the foreign cash for my overseas vacation - at home before I go or at an ATM in that country?", "How much of the foreign language should I learn before I travel?", and "Do I need travel insurance?"

I'm loving the questions you guys are sending in! Keep them coming for the next sets of Q&A shows!

I think being polite and courteous gets your far in life. it has gotten me very far in life.

 

[Princess Jes]

I really liked todays episode of the Dreams podcast. I was thrilled that they answered my question, but they went into much better detail than I expected. Kevin had sent me a PM earlier to answer, but they went into much more detail.
As an 'ugly American' I have so many concerns about traveling overseas, these vlogs should mandatory viewing for people like me. So often I am a horses butt online, but these videos are so helpful in the planning stages of trips.

If you need lessons in Australian, just let me know. I'm offering a course for 900 dollaridoos per session and I'd be happy to provide a discount for any DIS unplugged fan.
(if you don't get the dollaridoos line, you aren't a true Simpsons fan)

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Also, this episode confirmed that Kevin and I do not shop at the same types of stores

But the tip, in general, is a good one for shopping while outside of the country. DH and I did some watch research before we went to Europe and got nice watches for considerable savings while we were in Switzerland.

 

[samsteele]

If you need lessons in Australian, just let me know. I'm offering a course for 900 dollaridoos per session and I'd be happy to provide a discount for any DIS unplugged fan.
(if you don't get the dollaridoos line, you aren't a true Simpsons fan)

I feel like we've already had a few sessions for free this past year!

 

[pjweaver]

I feel like we've already had a few sessions for free this past year!

It's like drugs or gumbo... the first taste is free

 

[k5jm]

I know my DW saved a ton on her LV purchases when "across the pond" on our ABD trips.