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 [...]
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, [...]
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming. There are so many things to think about, such as what resort should I stay at? Where should we eat? What park should we visit on what day? These are all questions your travel agent can answer for you, as they guide you along in the process. While travel agents are a great wealth of knowledge and worth their weight in gold, I feel it is also important for the vacationers themselves to [...]
Many clients contact me and know exactly how many days and nights they want to go to Walt Disney World. However, many clients rely on my expertise to help them make this decision. I’m so glad they do! Deciding how long to stay at Walt Disney World, especially if you’ve never been there, can be a daunting task. Well, I’m here to make it a little easier! Consider the following factors when making your decision of how long to [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of August 2, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Riverboat 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. [...]
If you've stayed at a Disney Resort Hotel with a Magic Your Way package, you may have received vouchers for your family to play a free round of miniature golf. And if you've opted to skip this experience, you should definitely try it next time! My favorite mini golf course is Winter Summerland, where Santa is taking a vacation, and it's Christmas all year round! My family loved the Winter course (there's a Summer course as well) and spent [...]
Nestled outside of the Haunted Mansion is a creepy little shop, dedicated to all things spooky. This small, Haunted Mansion themed, souvenir shop is called Memento Mori. Memento Mori is home to a lot of cool and creepy items that are all based off your favorite spooky attraction. From home goods to tees, this shop has it all! But there’s one gem in this shop, that is often overlooked - Portraits. That’s right, you can get your very own, morphing [...]
A lot of people skip over the water parks when they go to Walt Disney world, especially families with young children. Some think there wouldn’t be much for them to do, however, there is SO MUCH for little ones at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, my two year old loves it! First of all, there is a whole toddler/preschool play area called Tike’s Peak. It if off to the right after you come in the gates. There are plenty of chairs over [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of July 26, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Riverboat 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. [...]
Have you seen the HGTV show called Fixer Upper? If you haven’t and have no idea what I’m talking about, then don’t waste your time reading this article. But, if you’re one of the thousands who are glued to their television every time Chip and Joanna Gaines come on the show to transform a house in the Waco, Texas area for someone, read on because you might just want to adjust your Vacation Plans from some high priced destination [...]
Cruising NCL with kids is an amazing experience. The NCL Epic is a great ship for families and multigenerational trips. Here are some wonderful things about cruising with kids on this ship. Youth Programs – NCL’s Youth Program is divided into groups: Guppies (ages 6 months to 3 years), Splash Academy (ages 3 – 12 years), and Entourage (ages 13 – 17 years). The Splash Academy is further divided by age: Turtles (ages 3 – 5 years), Seals (ages 6 [...]
I recently stayed at Universal’s newest resort, Sapphire Falls. It really brings the Caribbean and a bright, fresh experience to your vacation! And here are my Top 5 Reasons to stay. The Lobby is large, open and inviting… With Charging Stations and plenty of open seating, it’s a great place to meet your family and friends before or after your day at the parks. Cheerful, vibrant rooms I loved the color scheme in the rooms! The crisp white with [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of July 18, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Riverboat 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. [...]
Having a hard time deciding between taking a vacation to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Why not visit both? If you want to spend a few days at Walt Disney World and a few days at Universal, you can easily split your vacation between the two. If possible, I suggest devoting a day to each theme park. Walt Disney World has 4 parks - Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Universal Orlando has 3 parks - [...]
Express Transportation is Disney’s newest way to keep you moving while at the Parks! It is so easy to add to your theme park tickets, and we loved using it on our recent trip! Here are my 3 reasons you need to add this on your next trip! Easy to Add Just stop by the Concierge Desk at your Resort to add the Express Transportation to your Magic Bands. If you aren’t staying at a Disney Resort, or you went [...]
I always loved doing the Dessert Parties during Star Wars Weekend, so I was excited to try this new opportunity at Hollywood Studios! Here are my 4 Reasons you should do it too! It’s Inside: Moving the Dessert Party inside means you don’t have to worry about rain or inclement weather! We are in Florida and you never know when the next thunderstorm will roll through or an unexpected freeze will occur in the winter. If the fireworks are canceled, [...]
Disney’s California Adventure newest ride, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout open officially opened to the public on May 27, 2017. This highly anticipated attraction is everything you imagine it to be and more. You must ride this ride several times to get the full effect, six times to be exact. There are 6 different songs that play along with six different rider profiles. These experiences are unique. Playlist includes all the classics from the 60’s, 70’s, and early [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of July 10, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Riverboat 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. [...]
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? Before you pull the trigger, here are 5 things you should know before you book your Celebration of Harry Potter package! If you know you want a Premium [...]
Updated June 4, 2019, with new information. Located on both the family and adult only beaches Disney offers 25 private luxurious cabanas to rent for the day while at Castaway Cay. Not only are they a hideaway with their own private beaches they include many amenities as well. On our last cruise, we were able to secure one and enjoyed having our own refuge for the day. The day before arriving at Castaway Cay day you will receive a model [...]
So you’ve purchased one of the Disney dining plans and have no idea what to do with the multitude of snack credits included in the plan. Disney’s dining plan brochures list a few examples which include popcorn, soda, water and fruit. While these are all certainly good choices (because we all know Disney popcorn is the best on earth!) there are many more interesting ways to redeem your snack credits. There are three different dining plans offered by Disney [...]
NCL Epic is large ship, bursting from bow to stern with fun activities. From pools to bowling to trivia, there is plenty to do from sun up to sun down (and even after)! Pools – The pool areas on NCL Epic are much more than just pools. There are 2 main pools (one in the adult only section), 5 hot tubs, water slides, and an aqua park for the youngest cruisers. The slides include 2 body slides and 1 tube [...]
While visiting the Valley of Mo’Ara you are bound to get hungry! And they have a delicious, healthy quick service restaurant for you at the back of the Valley called Satu’li Canteen. Satu’li Canteen is also a part of Disney’s new mobile ordering system and it is so easy to use! You will need to utilize your Mobile My Disney Experience App, Select Dining, and then Animal Kingdom As of June 2017, there are 2 restaurants in the Animal Kingdom [...]
"Eat to the Beat" Bands line-up for 22nd Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eleven new-to-the-festival bands, including Kenny G., Squeeze and 10,000 Maniacs, join 21 fan-favorite musical acts for a diverse lineup of pop hit makers to rock America Gardens Theatre stage throughout the festival’s 75-day run. Other new acts to appear are: The Hooters, Baha Men, Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, American Authors, Devon Allman, Postmodern Jukebox and Blue October. Guests also can tune into their favorite returning bands that [...]
Volcano Bay is a mysterious Island at Universal with many adventures just waiting for you! Your Key to all the fun is your Tapu Tapu! What is a Tapu Tapu? Tapu Tapu is a wearable interactive band much like your fitness band. Once you scan your ticket at the park entrance, you will be given your Tapu Tapu. TIP: Be sure and ask for the Rubber Band, because playing in the water and sliding down slides may cause the band [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of June 22, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Riverboat 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 - Jun. [...]
Updated June 4, 2019, with new information. Are you looking for the ultimate way to cruise or vacation? Then Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge Level is for you! This ultimate service standard is unlike anything else I’ve experienced and truly sets the bar high. Here are my top reasons why you need to consider it on your next trip. Pre-Arrival Services – From the time you book until your [...]
Volcano Bay is an amazing water park – in fact it is probably the best water park! You can spend an entire day enjoying this attraction, and here is how to get the most out of your stay! Book Seating Chairs and umbrellas are first come-first served in the beach areas of the park. Your best bet is to reserve Premium Seating or Cabanas. Premium Seating comes with 2 padded loungers, a locker, cover and a personal server all day! [...]
With the new Cars 3 movie released this summer, no doubt your kids will be falling in love with the characters all over again, and what better time to start planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida to stay in a Cars-Themed Family Suite at Art of Animation Resort? This resort is classified as one of Disney's Value Resorts, but this resort doesn't skimp on anything! Here's what you'll get when you stay in a Cars Family [...]
The World of Pandora is truly larger than life! And many of the beautiful attractions are obvious such as the Floating Mountains, the Na'Vi River Journey and the Flights of Passage. However, there is so much more to see – and you don't want to miss these 10 things! Flaska Reclinata The Valley of Mo'Ara has many unique plants and animals! Your first encounter will be with the Flaska Reclinata. It will be on your right as you enter [...]
Pandora, the world of Avatar, is a world like no other! It is beautiful and mesmerizing and full of Disney magic! Disney Imagineers have really created wonderful technology for you and your family to enjoy. But, in order to get the most out of the magic, here are some things you need to know about each ride. Na'Vi River Journey The Na'Vi River Journey is an absolutely beautiful ride through the Valley of Mo'Ara. You and your team are in [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of June 14, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Riverboat 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 - Jun. [...]
Disney Springs is a great place to head on the arrival day of your Disney World Vacation. No theme park tickets are required and is a great place for shopping, delicious food and treats and better yet, fun activities for your kids! While this list is not exhaustive of everything that you could do, it will give you a few of my, I mean, my kid’s favorites! Everyone loves Mr. Potato Head, I mean, what isn’t there to love? [...]
This truly unique restaurant is located in The Land Pavilion at Epcot. It is nestled above Living with the Land attraction. The restaurant slowly rotates above the attraction for a sky box view of The Lands! There are two levels to the restaurant, with the lower level seating booth style and a closer look at The Lands. This view is preferred, so I recommend asking for a booth upon arrival. As soon as you are seated, your pals Chip 'N [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of June 9, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Hall of Presidents Liberty Square Riverboat 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 - Jun. [...]
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is tucked away on the corner of Disney property, surrounded by Savannah's of Giraffe, Zebra, and many other animals. This is one of the most themed resorts on property, and has beautiful guest rooms. The villas are spacious and have a lot of character. Just check out my photos and you will see why you should stay here! First of all, one, two, and three bedroom villas are a great option for larger families, or any family [...]
Universal’s CityWalk is full of live entertainment, shopping, dining and more! Located just outside of the Universal Orlando theme parks, you do not need park admission to take advantage of exploring the CityWalk area. Perfect for enjoying a day away from the parks, grabbing a bite to eat during a break from the parks, or enjoying some after hours entertainment while staying on property or in the Orlando area. While there are so many great places, you can’t help [...]
I love social media. Really, I do! But, the truth of the matter is that you rarely see anyone post a less than flattering picture of themselves on social media. What you do see is a whole lot of perfectly altered vacation photos: photos of smiling families in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, photos of smiling children on Dumbo or riding it’s a small world!, cool looking fathers carrying kids on their shoulders and oohing and ahing over the [...]
There are so many reasons why to choose a cruise for your next vacation! One of the top reasons to take a cruise is the incredible value they offer to your vacation since the initial cost of your cruise includes almost everything you will need from mouth-watering dining, accommodations, entertainment, and not to mention the opportunity to explore unknown places. Most cruises run for $100 per person or less per day, which is much cheaper than if you were [...]
There’s so much that goes in to planning a Walt Disney World vacation – from dining reservations to FastPasses to booking all of those special experiences that make your vacation practically perfect in every way. Along with the planning comes a very specific timeline that’s very important to follow. Not only will your travel planner help you with choosing a resort and making sure you have a well thought out itinerary, but we will also help to ensure you stay [...]
On the NCL Epic, the Freestyle way of life really comes to life with all of the different dining options available. The Epic has 11 complimentary dining options as well as 7 specialty dining , which have a surcharge. You can purchase dining packages or in some cases, receive a dining package for free (depending on available discounts). Children can order from the kid’s menu at specialty restaurants for no extra charge or order from the specialty menu for [...]
Are you thinking about attending either Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) in 2017, BUT aren't sure which to choose? Let me assist you in your decision! You will find a few main differences between the two parties… Décor! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – Halloween/Fall Decorations Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Christmas/Holiday Decorations. It even SNOWS on Main Street! Treats included in the price of your event ticket! [...]
Making memories is the main objective for most people and families when they venture to a Disney Park for vacation. Sometimes vacation can seem like it only lasts for a few moments even if your trip lasts for days. Here are a few ways that you can make the most out of capturing moments of time to cherish forever. Anyone remember the song “Making Memories” from the Disney Sing Along Songs VHS? Well if you do then you know that [...]
Just like a wedding it’s never in the plans to have rain during your vacation, however our day at Castaway Cay had both. Unlike most destinations the professional Disney staff not only made our rainy day a blast, but also pulled off a complete wedding with no hiccups. Below are some tips we learned in case you run into the same scenario. Lighten Up the Day bag; everything you really need is on the island and since it’s overcast [...]
There has been much excitement over Rivers of Light: not only the show itself, but the Dining Package as well! Similar to Hollywood Studios’ popular Fantasmic, Animal Kingdom is offering a Dining Package with Preferred Viewing Seats. I scheduled the Dining Package on my recent trip to Disney and wanted to share my experience! You currently have 2 choices for the Dining Package: Tusker House and Tiffins. Tusker House is a family friendly buffet with Donald and his friends, and [...]
If you look up a definition of “on the rocks”, you’ll find several different options. You say something is “on the rocks” if it is likely to fail. If you order a drink “on the rocks”, it means it has ice in it. But, the “On the Rocks” I want to tell you about is the great poolside bar and grill located at Walt Disney World’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Saratoga Springs Resort has a unique story. It is inspired [...]
The Bon Voyage character breakfast is the newest dining option at Walt Disney World. It is located at Trattoria al Forno on the Boardwalk, so there is no theme park ticket required to dine. At this location, you dine with a set menu as opposed to the normal buffet, and you can meet Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Ryder. Upon arrival, you are given a menu and asked which beverage you would like. My server was holding orange juice, [...]
Every time I visit Walt Disney World, I try at least one new place to dine. For my last trip home, I decided one of these restaurants would be 1900 Park Fare. I had heard so many great things and wanted to experience it for myself. I couldn’t decide between breakfast and dinner, so I chose both! Let me share a little about each dining experience and what I loved about them. Things to know about 1900 Park Fare: [...]
On all NCL ships, the focus is on Freestyle Cruising which means there is no set dining time each night, there’s no strict dress code, and you won’t be stuck seated with tablemates you can’t stand each night (unless they’re part of your family!). On the NCL Epic, the Freestyle way of life really works with all of the different dining options available. The Epic has 11 complimentary dining options as well as 7 specialty dining options, which have a [...]
I know people who are die-hard Walt Disney World fans and can’t imagine scheduling a vacation to Disneyland. They’ve either never been to the original Disney theme park and feel like they must be loyal to Walt Disney World, they went as kids and feel like they’ve seen everything Disneyland has to offer, or they’ve heard that Disneyland is smaller than Walt Disney World and think they might be bored there. Well, I’m here to set the record straight! If [...]
Now that you have decided to attend Universal’s annual Celebration of Harry Potter, it is time to decide which vacation package will give you the perfect dose of magic! Vacation packages for the 2018 Celebration of Harry Potter have not been released yet, BUT the following information will help you figure out if you “need” the premium package. (We all “need” the premium package right?) These packages SELL OUT very quickly, especially the Premium ones. The first difference between the [...]
Deciding where to stay at the Walt Disney World can be an overwhelming and exciting choice. There are plenty of great options, but one of my all-time favorites is The Little Mermaid Room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The Little Mermaid Room is perfect for all ages. The décor immerses you under the sea as soon as you walk in. There is a curtain that you can pull between the vanity and the beds so that your significant other [...]
Ever wonder where you can get the most delicious, alcoholic drinks while you’re on your Walt Disney World Vacation? And I’m not talking about just a beer, I’m talking about the really, special drinks! Well then look no further! Today I’m going to not only tell you the yummiest drinks Walt Disney World offers, but where you can find them. Let’s get started! The first drink that I am absolutely obsessed with, is the Magical Star Cocktail. This drink [...]
As a travel agent, I'm always looking for good deals for my clients. This is especially true for vacations to Walt Disney World in Florida. This destination is a magical trip for any family, but making these memories can sometimes be costly. I want to share some information about an often-overlooked ticket option at Disney World: The Park Hopper Plus (formerly known as the Water Park Fun & More option). This ticket can help give you a great Disney vacation [...]
Disney recently released new MagicBands and there are a lot of changes! Magic Bands were Disney’s form of wearable technology: a small electronic device that is worn on the body and performs a data exchange with other devices. MagicBands opened up the world of keyless entry: no more fumbling for the Disney Room Card to open the door or the scrambling to find the Ticket to gain your fast pass! It could all be done with a swish of your [...]
You are having the most magical time at Walt Disney World. Then, you come back to your resort room that final night only to find your eviction notice, the dreaded “Tragical Express” papers, the sign that your vacation has come to an end. Now what? It has gone too fast and you are already beginning to miss the fun you had. Here are 7 ways to cure your post Disney blues. Book your next vacation! Disney usually offers a [...]
The EPCOT International flower and garden festival is taking place now through the end of May, and you don’t want to miss it! This festival has been going on for well over 20 years, but it’s only been recently that Walt Disney World has introduced food booths called “outdoor kitchens” to the festival. If you are familiar with the Food and Wine Festival in the fall, this is the same concept but on a smaller scale. There are 15 booth, [...]
There are many reasons I love Walt Disney World. Probably one of the biggest reasons is it gives our family an opportunity to escape from the troubles of the real world even if just for a few days. The “Disney Bubble” as we call it refreshes and renews us and gives us much needed down time from reality. As a travel planner I’m often asked if families with older children should allow time to visit Fantasyland. My answer every single [...]
Many people think that Walt Disney World is just for children and many think it’s just for girls. Well, I’ve got news for them: Walt Disney World is for all ages and genders. I’ve recently had the opportunity to plan a trip to Walt Disney World with two teenage boys in mind. It has been a different planning process than when I had little girls, to be sure. No longer do we focus on the Disney Princesses, Winnie the [...]
A Celebration of Harry Potter – Universal Studios Orlando 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. During this three-day event, not only do you have the opportunity to enjoy the everyday amazingness of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, BUT [...]
Hollywood Studios is always on my to do list! And Tatoine Traders is my place to stop and shop for Star Wars Gear! However, if you aren’t planning to go to the parks, you just ran out of time, or the park was too crowded, there’s another place to find all your Star Wars fan favorites – Disney Springs! Disney Springs has 6 great shops to find that unique souvenir for your Star Wars Fan! The West Side Star Wars [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of March 9, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park Walt Disney World Railroad Hall of Presidents Prince Charming Regal Carrousel 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. [...]
Have you ever been to Disneyland Theme Park? Or will this be your very first time visiting this incredible park? There are so many things to do and see all at one magical place. Whether you have never gone before or go all the time here are 5 Must-Know Tips before your next visit to Disneyland Theme Park! 1. One of the best unknown tips is that the best time to go to Disneyland is in mid to late September, [...]
Are you a French fry lover? Do you scope out places for French fries like I do? Then there is one place in particular that you need to make sure you pay a visit to, or in my case, two or three visits to. If you didn’t know, Disney Springs updated and added a whole bunch of new shops, restaurants and even cute, little snack kiosks around the area. My favorite? The Daily Poutine! The Daily Poutine is a [...]
SeaWorld Orlando is made up of mostly shows, but it can be hard to fit them all in to one day. Check out my top three show picks and be sure not to miss them. If you have more time and can see more, that’s great! But here is my list of must do’s: 1.) Blue Horizons: This is the dolphin show, and is definitely a must do, and the show I was most impressed with! Dolphins are super smart, [...]
Walt Disney World has amazing food! If you have a gluten allergy you may be wondering if you will be able to enjoy your dining experiences while visiting. The answer is YES! Disney goes above and beyond for their visitors with food allergies. Here is an overview of what to expect when vacationing at Walt Disney World with a gluten allergy. Where to Begin: The first step is to add a note of your special dietary needs when making your [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of February 22, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour Walt Disney World Railroad Hall of Presidents 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 [...]
I’ve been asked a lot lately what all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are best for families traveling with young kids. There are so many wonderful resorts but I’ve narrowed down to 5 of my favorites. You will have loads of family fun at any of these resort options. Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda: Having a great kid’s club is a must when traveling with little ones. I love this resort because it offers daycare services starting at 12 months old! [...]
Updated Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule as of February 15, 2017 Magic Kingdom® Park The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour Walt Disney World Railroad Hall of Presidents 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 [...]
One of my favorite places in Disney Springs to Explore is Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar! It’s inspired by Jock Lindsey, the seaplane pilot, that helped Indiana Jones escape the jungle in “Raiders of the Lost Ark!” We only saw Jock for a brief few minutes in the movie, but thanks to Disney’s Imagineers, we can relive his experiences and adventures through his bar! The Restaurant and Bar is a replica of a 1940s float plane hanger that is full of [...]
Lots of little girls want to be princesses and get a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World. But what if your little one isn't into princesses? Or what if she's outgrown the princess stage? Disney has just the thing for you: The Mermaid Makeover at Pirates League in Magic Kingdom! There are two packages you can choose from: The Standard Mermaid Package ($39.95), and The Deluxe Mermaid Package ($79.95). Both packages include mermaid makeup, a mermaid hairstyle [...]
Epcot’s 2017 Flower and Garden Festival kicks off March 1st and runs until May 29th. Most of the events during the Festival are included in your Epcot theme park ticket. When planning your must-do list make sure the Festival activities on your list do not require a separate purchase or have a separate admission fee! Are you attending the Festival for the first time? Here is my list of Festival must-do’s! Garden Rocks Concert Series –The Garden Rocks [...]
It’s time to plan a Family Vacation! But, oh, the stress that comes with deciding on where to travel! I’m here to help relieve you of some of the stress that goes along with that decision. There are several factors that might affect your choice of destination. Here are five factors that may help you narrow down your Vacation Destination: Age of Travelers- If you are traveling as a couple with just two adults, this category of factors does [...]