The Hollywood of China: Hengdian World Studios – Keep Calm & Wander

Hengdian World Studios

Visiting Hengdian World Studios, The Hollywood of China

Hengdian World Studios is in the Dongyang district of Zhejiang province in eastern China. It is the world’s largest film and television production facility. Spread across more than 4 square kilometers, the studio features a wide range of sets and locations, including replicas of ancient Chinese palaces, temples, and streetscapes and more modern settings such as airports and hospitals.

Visitors to this amazing place can experience the magic of the film and television industry up close, with guided tours that take them behind the scenes of some of China’s most popular productions. The studio offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests, including historical and cultural tours, as well as more specialized tours for fans of specific television shows or movies.

In addition to its impressive array of sets, Hengdian World Studios also boasts a number of modern facilities and amenities for cast and crew members. These include a large sound stage, multiple post-production facilities, and various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to more affordable dormitories.

Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

China Gay Travel Resources

Exploring Gay Williamsburg With Kids – 2TravelDads

Gay Williamsburg With Kids - 2TravelDads

Exploring Gay Williamsburg, Virginia With Kids

Living history is something we LOVE experiencing together and Colonial Williamsburg is THE spot for it. A part of what’s called the Historic Triangle, This historic village is basically a snapshot in time, just before the start of the Revolutionary War. Visiting gay Williamsburg with kids is wonderful because it gives them a real life understanding of America 300 years ago, and visiting as adults is both educational and just a beautiful, relaxing time.

While it might not seem like it initially, Williamsburg is actually a big vacation destination / resort area. From glamping in a yurt at the KOA to staying at the Historic Williamsburg Lodge, you’ll find the full gamut of hotels and accommodations.

If you plan it properly, you can even arrange to stay within the historic preservation area. At the Brick House Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg, you can rent rooms, just like in its tavern days of the 18th century!

Full Story at 2TravelDads

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Disney World Galactic Starcruiser: Is It a Hotel? 2TravelDads

Disney World Galactic Starcruiser - 2TravelDads

I’m going to dispel all the confusion or misunderstanding about the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World. Everyone asks “What’s the Star Wars hotel like?!” and I will absolutely tell you, but I won’t give any big spoilers.

If you read no further, let me just say this: the Disney World Galactic Starcruiser is NOT a hotel, but an actual immersive theater experience. If you go into thinking that it’s a hotel for visiting DIsney World, you’ll be so confused and potentially upset. If you know you’re signing on for a legit space cruise that’s basically an ongoing production all around you, you’ll absolutely love it.

The Disney World Galactic Starcruiser Story

I think it’s important to understand that the Galactic Starcruiser is a Star Wars story, and not just a hotel you check into. Having the mindset that you’ll be participating in a story is key to both enjoying and getting the most out of the Galactic Starcruiser experience. From arrival to departure, every element of your stay is a part of the story.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

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Best Things to Do at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – 2TravelDads

Best Things to Do at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - 2TravelDads

Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

I have always loved Star Wars so getting to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World and in Disneyland has been awesome. Visiting Galaxy’s Edge with kids is also incredible. These are our favorite things to do and see in “Star Wars Land” in Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park. And if you want, you can even stay in Star Wars themed accommodations to add to the overall experience.

Even if you’re not a huge fan, visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is awesome. Every turn sparks nostalgia, and with the ever-expanding collection of Star Wars feature films and series that Disney has been making, the galaxy just keeps expanding and the stories are getting better and better! Keep reading to see all the things to do and what you’ll fall in love with at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And don’t forget to check out all the hidden gems of Galaxy’s Edge too!

There are two places where you can find Batuu, aka Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. At Walt Disney World “Star Wars land” is found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at the edge of Toy Story Land and near the Grand Ave / Muppets area. In Disneyland, it’s located just beyond Frontierland and Critter Country.

Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is included with your park ticket, so as long as you have entrance to Hollywood Studios or Disneyland Park, you’ve got all you need to access Galaxy’s Edge. Many people think the Star Wars lands are their own parks, but they are not.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Central Florida Gay Travel Resources

Gay Disneyland for LGBTQ+ Families – 2TravelDads

Gay Disneyland for LGBTQ+ Families - 2TravelDads

Disneyland. We’ve been so many times through the years. I used to work at the park and have friends that still do. It’s one of the most special places we go back to.

In this podcast episode we go land by land through gay Disneyland discussing our favorite attractions, details of the park, and what we feel are the ride most worth waiting for. We hope you enjoy our discussion, and be sure to come back for our episode all about Disney’s California Adventure!

Gay Disneyland: Everything Worth Waiting For (And More)

In this episode we go attraction by attraction picking and choosing our favorites. We know that some Disneyland attractions are worth waiting 45 minutes or an hour, but not all… even if the wait time shows a long line. Between the best rides and shows to mix up the magic, this podcast episode should give you a good idea of planning and what to use your valuable time on when you visit the Happiest Place on Earth!

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Greater L.A. Area Gay Travel Resources

Visiting Disney’s California Adventure for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

Disney’s California Adventure for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

In this podcast episode, Disney’s California Adventure for gay families is our hot topic. Truth be told, we tend to spend more time in DCA than in Disneyland. Maybe it’s the smaller crowds; maybe we like the big attractions more… maybe it’s the food… Either way, this is our complete run-down of all the rides in this fiun theme park and what YOU just can’t miss!

Tips for Disney’s California Adventure for Gay Families

Everyone asks us if California Adventure (DCA) is worth adding to their Disneyland trip. The answer is YES! OMG, yes! Over the years it’s actually become our favorite theme park, and not just favorite of the Disney Parks. To follow along or just get familiar with DCA, download the park map first.

These are our top tips for beating the lines, what’s really worth waiting for, and even some insider info about what’s coming to this amusement park (hint: it’s MARVELous).

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Greater L.A. Gay Travel Resources

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom – 2TravelDads

Disney Animal Kingdom

As you know, Walt Disney World is huge and truly is a lot to take in. We have demystified the process of planning a Disney World trip and understanding the layout of the full resort, but it’s now time to dig deeper into the Parks. This is our plan for a one-day Disney’s Animal Kingdom itinerary and includes everything you need to know to have a roaring good time.

Upon our first visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, all we really knew was that there was some sort of zoo situation that was really remarkable and that there was a section that was the real life Pandora from Avatar. We didn’t know that the whole park was going to feel like and that it was going to be just as magical as the Magic Kingdom.

Within Disney’s Animal Kingdom you’ll find the following lands: Africa, Asia, Discovery Island and the Tree of Life, DinoLand USA, and Pandora. Each area is very different and offers unique experiences, including surprising character meet & greets and dance party. The park is centered around the Tree of Life, so if at any time you feel lost or confused, just find the tree and you’ll be good to go. By the end of one day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll know the park like the back of your hand and you’ll love it!

Full Story at 2TravelDads

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Xcaret On the Mayan Riviera – Keep Calm and Wander

Xcaret - Mayan Riviera - Keep Calm and Wander

I am not a theme park person. But, if the ticket is offered free, why not go, right? And you know, I’ve never been to an “eco-archaeological theme park” before, so Xcaret in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico was my first one. This is a 250-acre theme park that brings you from jungle to sea.

How to go there. If you’re buying your ticket in one of the hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya, transport is already included. If not, you can either hire an Uber or take a public transport called “shared taxi/van.” Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance of Xcaret, along the national highway. And from there, you can walk.

Get a brochure/map of the park right after you buy the ticket. Sit down and talk about it with your companions on what to do and see first and last. Every free activities (included in your ticket) here are worth trying. Take note that there are paid activities here. Before buying the ticket, inquire what are included (especially the lunch buffet) and excluded. Take note of the time and places of the live performances you want to see.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

The Nomadic Boys Hulk Out at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando - Stefan and Sebastien

Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, Simpsons geek, or you love good old fashioned wild rollercoaster rides, Universal Studios in Orlando will completely rock your world.

This was one of our highlights from our trip in Florida, especially the life size recreation of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all those Marvel fantasies brought to life. Universal is simply overwhelming, exciting and completely magical!

This is our 5 favourite rides at Universal Studios in Orlando, which we loved so much, we went on each of them at least 2/3 times.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter fans will be blown away the moment they step into Diagon Alley at Universal Studios for their first time. The immense detail that has gone into recreating everything is simply astonishing, from the Butterbear stands, the dragon atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank and the many different wizarding shops where you can buy souvenirs, wands and more.

On the other side of the Wizarding World, which is located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you can visit Hogwarts school and take the Forbidden Journey. This is a motion-based dark ride through Hogwarts and its impressive grounds with Harry and Ron leading the way. It’s so lifelike that you really feel like you’re flying on a broomstick through a Quidditch match. A must for all Harry Potter fans.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

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