Does the mere title of this blog make you break out in hives? Is your eye twitching yet? The thought of traveling long distances with younger kids can be intimidating. I’ve lost count of how many people looked at me like I was absolutely insane when I told them we were taking our 14-month-old on an international flight for summer vacation. It’s hard work; there’s no sugar coating that. My husband [...]
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Villains After Hours event at Magic Kingdom (so much fun!). While planning for the last minute trip, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to stay at the newly opened Gran Destino Tower located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. For those not familiar, Coronado Springs falls into the moderate resort category and is located in the Animal Kingdom resort area. It was originally opened in August 1997, boasting a blend of Spanish, Mexican, [...]
If you have ever been to the South in the summer, you know unbearably, hot humid weather is a guarantee. A great way to beat the heat is to take a trip to the beach! From Alabama to Florida, the gulf coast is a popular family destination. Every summer, visitors from all over the world visit the amazing white sand beaches and emerald green waters in the Destin area. Even Luke Bryan dropped anchor at the ever-popular Crab Island for [...]
Resort Size. Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest moderate resort at Walt Disney World. The food court, arcade, pool, and bus stop are all a quick hop, skip, and a jump away from your resort room. Boat transportation to Disney Springs. Sit back and relax as the Sassagoula Steamboat haulage company transports you and yours on a quick ride to Disney Springs along the picturesque, tree-lined banks of the Sassagoula River. Sister Property. Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter [...]
Nothing is worse than the trip home after the most amazing vacation ever! Everyone is tired (ok fine...grumpy) from a week of fun and slightly sad (devastated) because it’s over. No one wants to sit around the airport waiting for a flight. After our most recent Disney Cruise, we arrived at the airport at 9:30 am and didn’t board our plane home until 4:40 pm! Here are my favorite tips for a fighting chance at a smooth waiting period when [...]
SeaWorld is a great addition to your Orlando-area vacation! This park has a lot to offer whether you are there to learn more about animals, see shows, or experience some amazing thrill rides. Our girls love marine life and both dream of being marine biologist. We decided to take a weekend getaway to Orlando over Father’s Day weekend to celebrate our eldest’s 9th birthday! There are several add-on options when booking your visit to SeaWorld. I wanted to try [...]
Why, now more than ever, you should take your preschooler to Disney! Often times, I am told “I would love to go to Disney, it would just be too hard with our 2-year-old.” Or “we want to go when they will remember it.” I get it – I do. When our oldest, Elizabeth, was 2, we thought about Disney but decided on a Disney Cruise instead. There were of plethora of reasons why we chose a cruise over the most [...]
Information and dates subject to change without notice. Last Updated June 21, 2019
“Is the beverage package worth it?” That is a question I am frequently asked by clients. As a traveler, I never purchased one because I didn’t think it was worth the money and would not save me any money. As a travel agent, I am willing to try everything once, so I can offer well-researched advice. After booking our most recent cruise, and first on Royal Caribbean, it was time to research! Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages, although we [...]
Savi’s Workshop is a little bit hard to find. Since the Black Spire Outpost is under the protection of the First Order, the Resistance and Force sensitive beings have to remain hidden and out of sight. The only way to find the shop is by looking for the Blue Lightsaber Banner outside the store. Savi is very important to the Force, and was one of the original Gatherers. The Gatherers are a group of people who have dedicated their [...]
Exploring a new destination, new world or new Galaxy and immersing yourself in the culture of its citizens is an immensely rewarding experience. But it can be even more rewarding if we take care to observe the customs of the places we visit. And visiting Batuu is no different: the locals are essentially hosting you on their home Planet! Here are 5 pointers that I picked up on my recent travels to the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of [...]
When I booked our anniversary trip on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Sea, I was thrilled beyond measure when it was announced that their newly renovated private island would be officially open! CocoCay was established as Royal Caribbean’s private island but underwent a massive $250 million re-imagining to create the “perfect beach day” for everyone, no matter their desires. I have sailed other cruise lines that offer a stop on their private island, but no other private island has set [...]
Life happens, even on vacation. Even when you and your Travel With The Magic travel advisor have meticulously planned every detail for months, things happen. It can be the weather, issues with My Disney Experience, late starts, missed FastPasses, and more. Here is the best tip I can offer: don’t let it ruin your day or vacation! Here are some tips to help you recover from the unexpected! 1) Don’t let rainy days get you down! Grab a poncho [...]
Information and dates subject to change without notice. Last Updated May 6, 2019
Big News! Disney just announced that onsite guests will now have access to additional extra magic hours at three parks Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Sept. 1-Nov. 2, 6-9 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus Toy Story Land attractions and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences subject to capacity. Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park - Aug. 29-Nov. 2, 7-8 a.m., featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park. Magic Kingdom [...]
During Spring Break, we found ourselves traveling to Clearwater Beach, FL. This is consistently rated a Top Beach on TripAdvisor. If you visit America’s top-rated beach, you have to stay on the beach, right?! We were in serious need of relaxation and time to reconnect. My husband and I both have demanding jobs – and we love them – but still need to be able to focus solely on family. After TONS of research, I found Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach [...]
Disney’s All New Star Wars Experience will be exciting, mesmerizing and maybe confusing to many! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be an immersive experience that intertwines Star Wars stories throughout the movie franchise as well as novels and comic books! If you are a fan of the Wizarding Worlds at Universal you know that attention to detail is what makes them special. You imagined the world as you read the books, you saw your imagination come to life in the [...]
Disneyland is where the magic all started and what better time than now to visit! With Pixar Pier, Get Your Ears On Celebration and of course – Galaxy’s Edge – your family will not want to miss this wonderful, magical destination! And your Travel With The Magic Family is here to help you plan it all! The Disneyland experience is different from Walt Disney World, and one of the biggest differences is Where to Stay! There are options for every [...]
I get a lot of inquiries about the All Star Resort Pools! Families not only want a great value for their vacation to Disney, but they also want a place where they can take a pool day and get away from parks. Disney’s All Star Resorts, The Movies, Sports and Music, all have unique, fun and festive pools for your family to enjoy! Since the Resorts are close walking distance to each other, you can splash at any of these [...]
Disney isn’t just for families!!! I’ve often stated that our Disney Cruise Line vacations have been the best vacations we’ve ever done together. I could have never imagined that they would also be the most amazing Girl’s Trip for our annual Travel With The Magic getaway. Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, fourteen of our agents gathered on the Disney Dream for a weekend of training, relaxing, and getting to know each other on a more personal level. When you [...]
Earlier this year Disney released a whole new way to experience the Parks: the Play Disney App! The App for your Android or iOS phone is a great addition to your trip. You can use it Before, During and After your Magical Vacation, and here is how! First, be sure and download the App Before you Leave! We all know WiFi isn’t always dependable, so have your phones ready before you leave! Make sure that your phone is up to [...]
If you can’t make it to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, no worries - You can still grab these fall treats at the Magic Kingdom! But hurry… they will vanish after Halloween! Let’s start in Tomorrowland where you can find 2 surprising fan favorites! Candy Corn Cotton Candy I consider myself a Cotton Candy Connoisseur. So, I was extremely interested in trying this special Disney flavor! The Cotton Candy is not exactly Candy Corn flavored… but, you will find [...]
Amorette’s Patisserie is located near World of Disney and Uniqlo in Disney Springs. This delectable bakery is full of enticing works of edible art and it offers you the opportunity to take a “back stage” look at how the decorating magic works by creating your very own Mickey Cake! The cake decorating experiences are offered most Sundays through Thursdays at 9am. And depending on which day you book, you will be offered 2 different cakes: Classic Mickey Design: Featured in Sunday, [...]
This free service for families with young children is often overlooked. Using it correctly can enhance your vacation and take some stress out of your park days while saving valuable time. Walt Disney World recently unveiled a brand new update to the Rider Switch Service and everything is electronic now! So all you need is your Magic Band or Ticket Card. I’ll discuss all the changes below. (Info is current as of July 2018.) What Is Rider Switch and How [...]
Last year, I ran the runDisney Star Wars half marathon. I had so much fun that I decided to run again this year, but participate in the challenge. I am a huge runDisney fan, and while I know about Star Wars and have seen the movies, I wouldn’t consider myself a “super fan.” However, that fact shouldn’t stop you from signing up for the race, because I had such a great time! Here are 5 reasons you should run the [...]
At The Void The galaxy needs you! Recruit 3 friends to go with you undercover, deep into the Empire, to retrieve intelligence vital to the Rebellion’s survival! Are you ready to help the Rebellion? Then here are the details… The Void is located next door to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disney Springs. Even though you can purchase tickets at The Void, It’s best to buy your tickets online in order to get the time slot that you want. You purchase tickets [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of June 14, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Be Our Guest Restaurant Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8, 2018 - TBD Aug. [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of May 31, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Be Our Guest Restaurant Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8, 2018 - TBD Aug. [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of May 3, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 - TBD Ongoing until further notice Epcot Kringla [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of April 26, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 - TBD Ongoing until further notice Epcot Kringla [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of March 23, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 - TBD Ongoing until further notice Epcot Kringla [...]
You finally did it… You took the plunge (or are thinking about) and booked your very first Disney Cruise. You WILL NOT be disappointed! Disney Cruise Line is amazing. First before we jump into how to maneuver your 2nd seating Disney Cruise dining arrangement with kids, let’s FIRST go over a little be about seating assignments and how they work. There are TWO dining seating assignments on Disney Cruise Line; Main and Second Seating. Main Seating is between 5:45pm and [...]
You finally did it… You took the plunge (or are thinking about) and booked your very first Disney Cruise. You WILL NOT be disappointed! Room service is amazing on Disney Cruise Line. Here are 8 things you should to know about room service on Disney Cruise Line. Room service on Disney Cruise Line is FREE! Let me rephrase that, room service on your Disney Cruise is included in your cruise fare. This is NOT the case for all cruise lines. [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of March 16, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 - TBD Feb. 26 [...]
My favorite Disney vacation souvenir is by far... PHOTOS! If you are a seasoned Walt Disney World traveler you may be familiar with Disney’s PhotoPass system and the Memory Maker product. Disney Cruise Line’s photo system is a completely different animal. Intrigued? If you are, here we go! Are you ready!? DISNEY CRUISE LINE PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICE 101 PRE-PURCHASE Similar to Memory Maker, you can pre-purchase your Disney Cruise Line photos, and receive a discount on SELECT PACKAGES. Purchasing your photos [...]
You finally did it… You took the plunge (or are thinking about) and booked your very first Disney Cruise. You WILL NOT be disappointed! Disney Cruise Line is amazing! One of the biggest things that sets Disney Cruise Line apart from other lines is their youth clubs. Disney pulled out all the stops when designing their youth clubs. The only bad thing about them? I can’t go whenever I want! My biggest concerns going into planning my kids’ very first [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of March 11, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 - TBD Feb. 26 [...]
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Most of their cruises make a stop here, and it truly is a paradise. When most people think of getting off in port, they think of a lot of expenses like taxis, food, towels, beaches, etc. I wanted to clear up some of the confusion and tell you what is included with the price of your cruise on Castaway Cay. 1.) Food: When you spend the day on the island, you [...]
I love seeing the looks on my kids’ faces when they get a hug from their favorite Disney characters. Did you know that you can also meet characters on a Disney cruise? I’ve listed some of my favorite character meet and greet tips below! Arrive 15 minutes before the meet and greet is scheduled to start. On Disney cruises, the meet and greet cast member will only allow people to get in line to meet the character for approximately 15 [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of March 2, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 [...]
Star Wars Galactic Nights is a hard-ticket event that will take place May 27, 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The last Star Wars Galactic Nights was December 16, 2017, following the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This event is not part of Disney’s regular schedule and is obviously not offered often, so make sure to go if you get the chance! Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your galactic experience! Buy your tickets [...]
I recently booked a stay at Universal’s newest on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, for my family. I liked it, my husband loved it, and my toddler and baby enjoyed it. I thought I’d share some pros and cons and a few tips if you are considering a stay at Sapphire Falls. Facts: Sapphire Falls is Universal Orlando’s newest resort hotel and the first “moderate” level resort. Universal calls it a Preferred Level resort. Express Passes are not included in [...]
Every child should get to feel like a princess (or pirate!) on a Disney cruise, and Disney has now made a way for your kids to get the makeover of a lifetime while sailing the high seas. Modeled after the locations in Walt Disney World, enter in to a beautiful room full of royalty and sophistication as you get ready for your royal dinner in one of the main dining rooms. There are several stations with salon chairs, and ample [...]
First and foremost, what the heck is rope drop and why, oh why do I want to get up early on my Disney vacation to get there? Rope drop is Disney lingo for park opening. The reason why you want and should get up early (sigh... I know, I know!) to get to rope drop is because you will experience lighter crowds the first few hours of park opening. This means your family will be able to experience [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of February 11, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of February 6, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 8 [...]
Walt Disney was an animal lover and it was always his dream to have live animals in the parks. In fact, the original concepts of the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room had live animals instead of the audio-animatronics that you see today. Unfortunately, Imagineers at that time couldn’t find a safe way to use live animals in an attraction. In April 1998, Walt’s dream was finally brought to life when Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida opened its gates. [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of January 30, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Splash Mountain Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of January 26, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Splash Mountain Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. [...]
I had the opportunity to visit Puerto Rico with my husband in late November. I was a little wary – a large portion of the island was (and still is) without power after Hurricane Maria, and my Spanish is not very good – but we decided to go for it. I am so glad we did! Here are my top five reasons to visit Puerto Rico. You don’t need a passport! Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory, which means [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of January 16, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Splash Mountain Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. [...]
Last year, Disney announced that one of their most popular value resorts – Pop Century – would be undergoing a major facelift! The news was so exciting to me because Pop Century is my go-to resort when I go to Walt Disney World for last minute weekend trips. While the resort is definitely a no-frills, no extras kind of resort, it is extremely budget friendly and perfect for when you just need a place to rest after long days [...]
Here are 7 important things to remember when using Disney’s Magical Express: It’s FREE! Using Disney’s Magical Express ground transportation is included with your Disney Resort hotel stay. It’s a great perk to staying onsite! Disney’s Magical Express is only offered when you are flying into and out of Orlando International Airport (MCO). Don’t forget if you want to take advantage of the complimentary ground transportation, you must choose this airport when booking your flights. Yellow luggage tags [...]
Of course, I love Butterbeer ! And it’s one of the most recognizable attractions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! However, there are so many more treats that you can find on the cobblestoned streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley! Candy! Whether it was on the Hogwarts Express or a trip into Diagon Alley, the students at Hogwarts loved to purchase candy! And you can too! There are well over 50 different candies, cakes and fudges within the Wizarding [...]
The time is drawing near for us (my two supremely awesome travel agent friends and I) to embark on our very OWN Disney World 4 parks in one day challenge! We have our plan of attack and checklist ready to go. We are SO excited! Our plan of attack has us scheduled to hit morning extra magic hours at EPCOT, followed by a visit to the Animal Kingdom to use our coveted Flight of Passage fastpass, then to Hollywood Studios, [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of January 5, 2018 Magic Kingdom® Park Splash Mountain Liberty Square Riverboat Pirates of the Caribbean Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. [...]
If you are looking for an extra special, luxurious, relaxing, afternoon experience, look no further than the majestic Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. On Certain days they hold a special tea in a beautiful window filled room overlooking the lobby and gardens. After you are seated, you are greeted by your server who will go over the menu with you as you sink into the comfortable chairs and take in your surroundings. They don’t rush you which is fabulous, and [...]
You may have heard that there is an exciting new land in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. It’s called Pandora- the World of Avatar. If you liked the movie, Avatar, that came out in 2009, you really must go and see this amazing place. And even if you never saw the movie, it’s a really interesting place. When Pandora opened in Animal Kingdom in May 2017, it was an instant success. People have flocked to Animal Kingdom like [...]
If you are adding a Disney Dining Plan to your Walt Disney World vacation, which I recommend, here’s what you need to know about the dining plans for 2018! Dining Plans are only offered to guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel. This is a perk to staying onsite. Adding a dining plan gives you the option to pre-pay for meals and snacks. Then you simply have your MagicBand scanned at the time of purchase. If you like to [...]
Disney’s All Star Music is a value resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. With families and budgets in mind, it offers the opportunity to stay on Disney property without breaking the bank. Each section has a different theme (Country, Broadway, Jazz, Rock and Calypso) They also have family suites for those needing extra space. Recently I stayed in a standard room in the Rock Inn section. The rooms have two full sized beds, as well as a [...]
You've spent a lot of time pre-planning all the aspects of your Disney trip: You've got your dining reservations, your FastPass selections, your packing list, your game plan for each day... But have you given much thought to the END of your trip to Walt Disney World? I know, it's the saddest part of your vacation, but I'm here with some tips to help you feel better about your departure. End your Disney trip on a Saturday. You can stay [...]
Over the summer, I got to experience Disneyland for the first time ever. As soon as I got there, I instantly knew that I wanted to spend a good amount of time in Mickey’s ToonTown. Why? Because of the nostalgia! It always makes me super sad that ToonTown was taken out of Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, but I was extremely happy to be able to experience the OG ToonTown in Disneyland! First off, ToonTown is not exclusively [...]
Are you ready to embark on your very own Disney World 4 parks in one day challenge and aren’t sure how to prepare? Check out my favorite tips for becoming a Disney World 4-park ninja! First and most important detail to remember, you MUST have a park hopper ticket to enjoy all four Walt Disney World parks in the same day! Make a list of what you want to accomplish in each park and don’t be afraid to set the [...]
There are many details to be taken care of when you are planning a Disney World vacation. Here are some of the important dates to remember as you begin to plan. Book Your Vacation When you’re considering taking a vacation to Disney World, I recommend booking sooner than later. This will give you the best choice of resort and room options. Even when you book early, you don’t need to worry that you are getting the best price. If a [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of November 30, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Splash Mountain Liberty Square Riverboat Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. [...]
I love fireworks! Who doesn’t? The fireworks displays at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom are legendary. They just keep getting better and better as technology improves. The emotions those displays invoke are powerful and create lasting family memories. That’s part of why we all love going to Walt Disney World over and over again. The current regular season fireworks display is called Happily Ever After. It is hands down one of the absolute best fireworks displays I’ve ever witnessed. It [...]
“There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.” These words of hope and optimism open the longest running stage show in the history of American theater – Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Located in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom this show is said to be Mr. Disney’s personal favorite imagineering project. Carousel of Progress was originally featured at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. It was so popular that it was moved to Disneyland [...]
If you like the idea of an old New England Yacht Club, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort at Walt Disney World may be the place for you. We stayed at this great resort last year and I wrote about several reasons you might want to stay there. Click here to read that article. This year when we returned to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, we were surprised at the transformation of the guest rooms. While the rooms definitely felt more upscale [...]
Tucked away in beautiful Liberty Square is a quaint little restaurant called Liberty Tree Tavern. Open for lunch and dinner in the Magic Kingdom, it’s a great spot to cool off, rest your feet, and fill your belly. The décor is very historical and has a colonial vibe, and the cast members wear adorable costumes. Each “room” has a name, and on this trip we were seated in the Ben Franklin room at my favorite table in the restaurant, a [...]
If you’re anything like me, sometimes meeting characters can be a bit of an awkward experience. Sometimes you don’t know what to say, what to do with your hands, or even where to stand. So how do you break the ice and have the most memorable character experiences? Here’s a few helpful tips that I’ve learned and used to make the best out of them! My first tip is to make sure that you have your autograph book out [...]
Are you looking to add a little Christmas cheer to your Holiday Disney vacation? Look no further! I have you covered. Check out some of my favorites! Attend the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. A HUGE choir, 50-piece live orchestra, and celebrity narrator tell the story of Christmas in words and music. This is an extremely popular event and you can experience long wait times. If you want to guarantee a seat to this beautiful event make sure to reserve [...]
Returning for select nights in early 2018 is the Disney After Hours event! I had the opportunity to attend this event earlier this year and I loved every minute! Disney After Hours is by far my favorite “extra” I’ve added on to my vacations in the last couple of years – I think you’ll love it, too! Disney After Hours is a hard-ticketed event, meaning it costs extra to attend, however a regular park ticket is not necessary – [...]
Maybe you love the great outdoors, or maybe “glamping” is more your style. Either way, experience a different side of Disney – by camping at Fort Wilderness! I have a secret: my husband used to hate Disney. I dragged him on his first trip a few years ago, right after he came home from a military deployment. We stayed at one of the most crowded resorts and I made him stay in the parks from rope drop to park closing. [...]
When I found out that I would be going to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, the first thing I knew that I wanted to do was go to the Cove Bar, located on Disney’s California Adventure side. Mainly because all the drinks looked so colorful and I heard that they didn't skimp on the alcohol. And man was I pleasantly surprised. When you first show up to the Cove Bar there's a wait like any normal restaurant, except this [...]
When you think of Disney Resort Hotels, you may think of the classic Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Or you may think of the iconic Contemporary Resort. These hotels are located near Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida. But there's another very classic Disney Resort Hotel that's located near Epcot - Just past Epcot's "Back Entrance" at the International Gateway, and within easy walking distance of the park. It's Disney's Beach Club Resort, and it's one of my [...]
Are you attending or wanting to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this Holiday season? Check out my favorite tips! 1. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special ticketed event. You will have to buy your ticket apart from your Walt Disney World Package. 2. Dates sell out, especially those closest to Christmas! If you have your heart set on a specific date, make sure to buy them early! 3. Make sure to keep your peepers open while strolling [...]
Whether you’ve visited Walt Disney World in Florida a hundred times, or you’re still planning your first trip, here are a few reasons to consider visiting the Disneyland Resort in California. The Original – The Disneyland Park is the only park that Walt Disney actually set foot in. This is the theme park that started it all!! There are many attractions here that don’t exist in other parks. Don’t miss Indiana Jones Adventure or Radiator Springs Racers. (While their ride [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of October 17, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Splash Mountain Liberty Square Riverboat Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. [...]
As a frequent visitor of Walt Disney World in Florida, I found myself very overwhelmed when it was time to plan my family’s very first Disneyland trip. What do we see first? Which attractions are must-do’s? Where do we eat? How do we get around? What do you mean I can’t get Fastpasses ahead of time?! I have good news for you – it’s not as overwhelming as it first seems. Here are some tips to help you plan your [...]
This past summer, the Minnie Vans were introduced as a new transportation option at the Walt Disney World Resort! These cute vans were added as a part of the Lyft app, and will take you anywhere you want to go on Disney property. As of October 2017, they are fully operational from all deluxe resorts on Disney property. On my last vacation to Disney World, I had the opportunity to try this service out a couple of times and I [...]
When traveling on an Alaskan Cruise, one of the most popular seaports is Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. If you’ve booked an Alaskan Sailing, you’ll need to decide if you’d like to spend some time in this port city either before or after your cruise. Recently, we had this decision to make and chose to spend an extra day prior to boarding the Disney Wonder for Alaska. We found Vancouver to be a delightful city with so much to [...]
One of my favorite topics about Disney is what to do outside of Disney! Because there is so much more to do in Orlando or Anaheim that just come to the parks and leave! This time, our Disney adventure took us into the areas around Los Angeles! Our first side trip was the Orange County Beach Bus Tour! The OC Beach Bus Tour is a tour is provided by Anaheim Tour Company and is an excursion that you can add [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of October 4, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Splash Mountain Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 17 - TBD Aug. [...]
During the fall months at Disney’s Hollywood and Vine restaurant, you can attend a special dinner called Minnie’s Halloween Dine, at Hollywood Studios. This dinner is special not only because you get to see five of the most popular Disney characters, but because they are dressed up in adorable Halloween costumes. It’s a great way to get you in the Halloween mood! Also, the food has a Halloween “twist” to it as well. Take a look: The food was excellent, [...]
Potterheads unite! For the past 4 years, at the end of January/early February, Universal Studios Orlando has held A Celebration of Harry Potter. This special event brings together Harry Potter fans with the actors and artists who helped bring J.K. Rowling’s magical world to the big screen. So you wanna go right? The dates for this year’s Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando are January 26 until January 28th, 2018! NOW that the 2018 package inclusions have been released, [...]
Frontera Cocina has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in Disney Springs and here are 4 reasons why! The Menu Celebrity chef Rick Bayless is behind the wonderful menu! He has brought fresh, updates to authentic Mexican dishes. All of your favorites are here - with a twist of new flavor. Start off with the smoky chipotle and herby salsa verde while you sip on a reimagined Margarita! And be sure to include the made-to-order guacamole with your meal! [...]
Cape May Breakfast buffet is located at Disney’s Beach Club resort. It has a fun, sunny atmosphere and is easy to get to right off the lobby. The restaurant is surrounded by colorful beach umbrellas, and you may even see some sandcastles. The food is delicious with a super fun waffle station with toppings, omelets, fruit, and the best cheese grits I’ve had on property. However, the stars of the show are the characters you will get to see [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of September 25, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Splash Mountain Cinderella's Royal Table Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 17 - TBD Aug. [...]
Disneyland Resort has recently introduced a new ticket option called Maxpass. Maxpass is designed to work with the Fastpass system to help you maximize your park time at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. What is Fastpass? Fastpass is a free option that Disneyland offers to everyone that has park admission. You visit a kiosk for a specific attraction and insert your park tickets. You are then given a separate paper ticket with your Fastpass return time. During this [...]
Are you looking for a Broadway quality show that your entire family will enjoy, then you must go and watch one of the newest Disney shows, Frozen – Live at the Hyperion? This show located at Disney’s California Adventure Park in Hollywood Land. It is a one-hour performance that brings Disney’s animated film while staying true to the original animated movie. This remarkable theatrical interpretation of Disney’s award winning film Frozen brings Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf to life [...]
Boo! With Halloween right around the corner I thought this would be a good time to pop in to the Haunted Mansion for a tour. Don’t worry – while you may find some spooks here everything is on the silly side so nothing out of any horror movies. Tucked in a quiet corner of Liberty Square, in the back of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, is a stately manor with a rather spooky feel. Come visit Disney’s Haunted [...]
Character Dining at Walt Disney World is a lot of fun and a great way to meet some of your favorite characters saving valuable park time doing it during your dining time. Here are some tips for character dining at Walt Disney World and an overview of each restaurant, so you have all of them in one place for reference. General Tips Reservations - Table Service Dining opens 180 days in advance. Character Dining is very popular. Reserving early gives [...]
Everyone has a Dream Trip in his or her imagination. Mine was a cruise to Alaska. My dream came true this summer and if it’s your Dream Trip, I can help you make your dreams come true, too! Alaska is such an amazing destination. The scenery is beautiful and the people are fascinating. The contrast of the snow-capped mountains with the sea was breath taking. We met people who spent only their summers in Alaska and people who lived there [...]
Located in Disney Springs is a wacky and colorful sweet shop called Goofy’s Candy Co. If you’ve never heard of it, you should definitely give it a try! Here at Goofy’s Candy Co. you’ll be able to find different kinds of Mickey shaped treats that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere in the parks! Let’s take a look at some of the unique sweets that can be found here! As you can see above, Goofy has a Masters degree [...]
Are you attending or wanting to attend the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival this fall? Check out my favorite tips! Share! First and foremost, sharing is caring right? Second, there are so many delectable dishes to sample that getting full on just a few would be blasphemous. This is the perfect time to practice the two-bite rule…. over, and over, and over again! Stop at the Festival Center! Make sure to pick up your festival passport! This [...]
Are you attending or wanting to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this fall? Check out my favorite tips! Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event. You will have to buy your ticket apart from your Walt Disney World Package. Dates sell out, especially those closest to Halloween! If you have your heart set on a specific date, make sure to buy them early! The second Boo To You parade is less crowded, mostly because [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of August 10, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Splash Mountain Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Jan. 17 - TBD Aug. 28 - Nov [...]
Grand Cayman is a wonderful vacation destination, both as a port to visit on a cruise and as a place to spend a week. Most people think of Stingray City or Seven Mile Beach when they think of Grand Cayman but there is so much more to see and do! The Grand Cayman Turtle Centre is the island’s largest land based attraction. The emphasis of the park is on research and conservation, not only for the many species of turtles, [...]