msmit002

2 hours ago, TowerOrchard said:

AFAIK, the Nespresso machines are a Haven only perk. I've never heard of anyone getting anything upgraded beyond the Hamilton Beach.

They're also in the Concierge Suites on the Joy.

13 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

We used to pull our kids out of school for vacations too.  Much of travel is quite educational and, to be honest, I'm just refused to spend thousands of dollars to stand in line all day at Disney.  I also felt that if you were a smart kid before vacation you'd still be a smart kid after and, if you weren't so bright, you'd be no worse after.  It worked fine until they hit high school.  The problem was missing tests.  Some teachers refused to allow make up tests, they would just get a zero.  

 Exactly this. Unless it was medical or bereavement (and even then, if it was longer than a day or two) the penalties are ridiculous.  Normally I'm pretty quiet and lurk around here but lately this issue has been stuck in my craw.  I guess in my state, schools were tired of parents taking their kids out for vacations.🤷‍♀️

1 hour ago, GA Dave said:

We did it even when our kids were in high school.  My wife worked in the school district, so we notified all of the teachers well in advance that they would be gone and had them get all assignments due during that time to them a week or two ahead.  They usually finished all the work before we even left on our trip.  Did not seem to hurt either of them, as they both graduated as 4.0 valedictorians.  I think the life experiences they had on the trips far outweighed anything they would learn in school during those days.

Nowadays certain school districts can deny graduation/promotions of grade level if you miss too many days without a documented medical and/or bereavement claim.  Times have changed.  It stinks.  Wasn't like this when I taught High School, but now that my own is there... summer or bust.  It's better than spring break, Christmas, or President's day.

38 minutes ago, motherland15 said:

I saw those also, but will they work in the door opener and to keep the lights on/light switch inside the cabin on the Bliss? I think they need to be vertical (but not sure).

We don’t use our key cards for this. We bring an old gift card we stuck a small magnet on at one end and we use that for the lights. When we leave the room the card comes out of the slot and sticks to the wall right above. 
 

We’ve locked ourselves out of our stateroom too many times to count so this has helped us look smarter than all of our schooling’s would otherwise suggest. 🙄

They do make horizontal card holders that work fine for this application.

https://amzn.to/32hDit1

Oh, I really enjoyed this.  Thank you for documenting your days and your thoughts.  Positively delightful.

You are correct.  It's best to mass transit into both Washington DC and Baltimore.  You certainly can do MARC as it is quite convenient to get from central MD into DC but don't discount the DC Metro system  https://www.wmata.com/ especially if you plan on seeing quite a bit in DC.  The Metro is pretty efficient for getting from one major area of the city to another (such as getting from the Smithsonian/National Mall to the National Zoo). Instead of getting tickets for MARC and Metro, you can drive to a Metro stop, park the car (parking isn't terribly expensive) and then utilize Metro for your DC days.

Getting into Baltimore from BWI is really easy and inexpensive as the Light Rail  (https://www.bwiairport.com/to-from-bwi/transportation/transit/mta-light-rail)  goes directly form the airport, straight through Baltimore, and to points north.  And, it's really inexpensive.  While you are in Baltimore, you might find riding the free Charm City Circulator bus system.(https://www.charmcitycirculator.com/)  a good way to get around.

As for hotels, you've received lots of good information.  Can't remember any of them charging for parking while you stay there and all are very conveniently located around the airport.  One that might be of particular interest to you is the Residence Inn at Arundel Mills.  It's a short drive from BWI, and right at the mall where you have access to all kinds of dining and entertainment for when you aren't tootling around the big cities.

Pretty much what everyone else said.  The decision as to how many layers you pack/wear when embarking and disembarking in Baltimore is a game-day decision. Pay attention to the weather the week leading up to your trip. I also strongly suggest coming to town the day before. We do get snow/sleet/ice from time to time - enough to really booger up traffic in central Maryland.  And booger up the roads it does because we just don't get it with enough regularity to have a large fleet of trucks and personnel to plow and salt with the efficiency that our northern and northwestern neighbors have.  BWI is a great mid-sized international airport, but winter weather does cause delays and cancellations.

Bottom line: we've seen absolutely stunningly warm and sunny weather and back-to-back 20"+ blizzards in December.  Both from time-to-time in the last 5 years or so.

1 hour ago, NLH Arizona said:

Unless you thoroughly clean them between items, you would be guilty of cross contamination and could possibly put someone in danger because of their allergies.

 

If you are that nervous, bring gloves or wash your hands prior to eating.

Precisely this. ----^

While your motives are such to keep you safe (and I can understand that) you run the risk of making someone else extremely ill.  Nobody with a life-threatening allergy or severe condition like celiac disease is in a position to protect themselves if you cross-contaminate a bunch of offerings on the buffet.

Along these same lines, please... one food item, one serving utensil.  Please don't use the same spoon for neighboring items on the buffet line.  Yes, it's convenient, but.... please don't.