U.S. Destinations to Escape to in April

Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Photo by Domenico Convertini

Not yet too hot, Vegas is a good spot to go, with the afternoons typically being in the 70s, and sometimes getting up to the 80s by the end of April. The streets are less crowded, giving the opportunity to better explore the Neon Museum, take a ride on the gondola at the Venetian, the High Roller, and the Fremont Street Experience. Right outside the city, you can hike through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Nashville, Tennessee

When I fly to Nashville for a long weekend trip in the beginning of April, the weather was about as good as it could get! The average being 70 degrees at that time and closer to 75 at the end of the month makes it perfect for strolling along Broadway and hitting all the country bars! Being a Luke Bryan fan, his bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge, was one of my favorites. I also really liked Ole Red, owned by Blake Shelton, because of the city and sunset views on the rooftop. The Grand Ole Opry, the Johnny Cash Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame are good for when you need break from drinking!

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta GA
Photo by Jonathan Geiger

The average daily high temperature in Atlanta in April is 71 degrees, which is nice if you want to attend the Georgia Renaissance Festival, Monster Jam, the Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, Illumine, or the Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes! For rainy days, good options could be Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience, DIGATL: Atlanta’s First Digital Art Gallery, or the Trap Music Museum.

Orlando, Florida

During the month of April, Orlando weather is warm, yet not too hot, and the crowds aren’t too bad. If visiting Disney World, you will get to enjoy the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, or the Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnival at Universal Studios. At the Promenade Plaza Stage, local and regional bands will be performing Tuesday through Sunday. And, Megacon is occuring from the end of March to the beginning of April!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon South Rim
Photo by G. Lamar

Being in the 60s, April is one of the better times to take a hike at the Grand Canyon. Though you may want to skip the first week, due to the spring break crowds. Most days during this month have a low chance of rain and clear skies. Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground and Rim Trail to Trail of Time are popular hikes in the South Rim. Meanwhile, North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs and Widforss Trailhead are recommended hikes for the North Rim.

Which of these places is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for the read,

-xo, Nicole (:

The Ultimate Magic Kingdom Experience

In January of 2019, my husband and I visited Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The first day in the parks, we went to the Magic Kingdom!

When walking into the infamous theme park, guests will encounter “Main Street U.S.A.” On both sides are shops, restaurants, and even an in-use barber shop. Along this path is where parades occur as well. Of course, I can’t leave out that guests will then get their first glance at the spectacular Cinderella’s Castle. Inside this structure is a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (a salon for young princes/princesses), and Cinderella’s Royal Table, an excellent choice for dining. If you’re very lucky, you can be invited to sleep in the Cinderella Castle Suite. Only those who are either “gifted” by Disney or win a special contest can kick back in the jacuzzi bath tub and watch a movie on their secret mirror televisions. Celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Katy Perry have been given the chance to be guests for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rides/Attractions

The Magic Kingdom is divided into five sections: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland. 

Adventureland

  • Jungle Cruise: a canopy-covered boat that tours four continents, passing by mechanical jungle animals and scenery
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (usually only for kids/parents): control pitch/height of your magic carpet as you fly around
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: boat ride through darkened, underground cavern as you pass by Captain Jack Sparrow and settings that correlate with the movie
  • Swiss Family Treehouse: climb up six stories to see a 360 degree view of Magic Kingdom
  • Enchanted Tiki Room: performance in a tropical pavilion of audio-animatronic birds

Fantasyland

  • Barnstormer (kids): small coaster featuring Goofy as he becomes a circus stunt pilot
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant (kids): carousels of elephants rotating in a circle 
  • “it’s a small world”: while playing the song that the ride is named after, you are taken on a journey of whimsical attractions
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: minor rollercoaster that heads underground, where the dwarfs are in the diamond mine
  • Journey of the Little Mermaid: guests are turned in their clam-shaped seats while Ariel and other characters from the Disney movie sing “Under the Sea” 
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle: fairytale production of Beauty and the Beast
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: merry go-round of 90 different horses
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic: 3-D presentation of Disney animated musical sequences
  • Peter Pan’s Flight: special glow-in-the-dark effects are created as you enter into Never Land on your flying ship 
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: take a trip through Hundred-Acre Wood in a large “Hunny Pot” vehicle
  • Mad Tea Party (kids): spin yourself around in a gigantic tea cup, inspired by Alice in Wonderland

Frontierland

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroadfast-paced rollercoaster train ride through an abandoned gold mine
  • Tom Sawyer Island: adventurous playground mainly for children that can only be reached by raft; rocking chairs and nature trails available for parents
  • Splash Mountain: log flume with 52 foot plunge 

Liberty Square

  • Haunted Mansion: guests hop on their “Doom Buggies” to explore the gothic mansion in the dark
  • Liberty Square Riverboat: authentic replica of an old paddle wheel riverboat, flowing down the Rivers of America
  • Hall of Presidents: perfect for history-lovers, this exhibit tells a story on the founding of the nation

Tomorrowland 

  • Stitch’s Great Escape: an interactive show of Experiment 626 causing havoc as discovered by the Galactic Federation
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: while riding XP-37 Space Cruisers, you are shooting lasers in the middle of an enormous arcade game 
  • Astro Orbiter: guests are given the ability to control their own rockets as they are lifted into the galaxy 
  • Carousel of Progress: the revolving theater displays the evolution of technology in the 20th century 
  • Space Mountain: a dark, indoor roller coaster that takes you on a voyage through outer space
  • Tomorrowland Speedway: guests cruise around a four lane racetrack in a gas-powered sports car
  • Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor: comedy show involving guests laughing in order for Mike and Sully to generate enough electricity for Monstropolis
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover: magnetically pulled cars that are elevated, giving you sights of the park 

Every night, right before the park closes, the cast sets off a firework display right behind Cinderella’s Castle. They are well worth waiting for and gathering around to watch, in my opinion.

Lodging

  1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
DisneyWorld - Grand Floridian

In this resort/spa you can choose a room with views of the theme park across Bay Lake. It conveniently offers a free theme park shuttle, two outdoor pools (one with a swim up bar), fitness center, and an arcade. 

2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the closest hotel to the Magic Kingdom. As the monorail travels directly through the resort, you can easily jump on it, or walk a brief 10 minutes to the entrance of the park. You can even watch the fireworks show from the comfort of your own room or from the California Grill, which is at the top of the building. After spending all day standing in line or on rides, you can get a drink at the bar/lounge or take a dip in the beautiful pool.

3. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Florida Tour, August 2006

This property is unique in its style, as it has a Polynesian theme in each room, the bar/restaurant, coffee shop, game room, gym, and the entertainment, which includes fire dances. The Lava Pool features a water slide within a volcano, as well as, an infinity hot tub.

4. Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Inside of the Four Seasons is two luxury boutiques, a spacious fitness center, pool tables, and six places to eat/drink. Outside are basketball and volleyball courts, a five-acre water park, and an adults-only infinity pool with cabanas.

5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

The forest-themed lodge is filled with wood-carved furniture. The massive outdoor pool is said to be “spring-fed” from the hot spring located in the lobby. Outdoor activities such as a 2.5 mile jogging trail, fishing excursions, bike or boat rentals, and campfire/movies are available here, too. 

Best-Ranked Food in Magic Kingdom

Table Service Restaurants

Crystal Palace
  • Crystal Palace (Buffet)
  • Columbia Harbour House (Seafood)
  • Be Our Guest (American/French)
  • Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen (African/Asian/Latin)

Counter Service Restaurants:

Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Pecos Bill (Tex-Mex)
  • Pinocchio Village Haus (Pizza/salad)
  • Cosmic Ray’s (Burgers/hot dogs)

Snacks

  • Main Street Bakery/Confectionary: Mickey-shaped desserts (Rice Krispie treats, cake pops, cookies, candy apples)
  • Sleepy Hollow: Waffle sandwiches (fruit or chicken)
  • Aloha Isle or Sunshine Tree Terrace: Dole Whip Cup

Hopefully, if you are planning on going to Disney World in Florida, this post has helped you out! Please contact me with any other questions you may have regarding travel. 

Thanks for reading my post! 🙂

-xo, Nicole