reservations Archives - Me and the Mouse Travel

Fun Ways to Spend a Downtime Day at Walt Disney World

4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and a themed retail, dining and entertainment center called Disney Springs provides endless choices for you to spend your vacation. It is very easy to feel overwhelmed with all the options. Guests want to make certain they maximize their time and have the opportunity to enjoy everything on their wish list! I have often heard guests say they need a vacation from their vacation!

When you plan a vacation, most are intending to take a break from the hustle and bustle of work and routine. However, we often forget the rest and relaxation part of vacation when visiting Walt Disney World. There are many options for fun and unique activities to bring the R & R back to your vacation.

Spa services: Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing manicure, pedicure, facial or a massage? Spa services can be scheduled at Saratoga Springs Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort
Horseback riding or Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Watersports – Sammy Duvall’s Watersport Centre is located at the Contemporary resort. You can choose from personal watercraft, tubing, water skiing or wakeboarding. Parasailing is also available as an individual or tandem. This will provide an amazing birds eye view of the Disney property.
Disney’s Waterparks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon lagoon both have unique themes and waterslides as well as a relaxing sandy beach area.
Golf – There are 3 outstanding champion courses and a par 36 walking course located on property. Forgot your clubs? Not to worry, you can rent clubs at the course! Don’t forget, there are 2 miniature golf courses available: Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland
Resort Pool – with 25 uniquely themed resorts, each resort offers multiple pools. Although pool hopping is allowed at select resorts, there are black out dates as well as certain resorts that restrict the use to resort guests only.
Shopping – Each resort and theme park have multiple shopping locations. Disney Springs offers several locations where you can find Disney souvenirs and home goods, but it also has multiple widely known retail locations. Don’t forget while you are shopping to enjoy the vast dining/dessert options or even have a glass of wine at Starbucks!
Enjoy the music – There are often musicians performing throughout Disney Springs, the House of Blues, Piano Bob at Port Orleans Riverside, or my most favorite….Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar at the Boardwalk Resort
Movie – You can watch the latest movie release at the AMC dine in movie Theatre at Disney Springs! A movie theater and restaurant all wrapped in to one!! Many of the resorts offer outdoor evening movies. Check with your individual resort.
Bowling – Splitsville at Disney Springs offers both bowling and an expansive menu! From traditional snack food (nachos, cheese fries) to more eclectic(sushi) and everything in between!

Take a day during your vacation to sleep in, take a nap, or simply take a relaxing stroll throughout your resort!

Your Travel Specialist is here to help you plan your own downtime day!

Missy Zolecki

Travel Specialist

Holidays at Disney

My ultimate favorite time to go to Walt Disney World is when they have “decked the halls” for the holiday season! Between the stunningly, decorated Christmas trees, the lights, and the overall feeling of happiness in the air, it has all the makings for a truly magical Disney vacation! Disney offers some extra “Disney Magic” during the holidays to make your trip even more festive. These holiday activities include:

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event that takes place at the Magic Kingdom. The special shows and attractions at the party include:

Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle
Holiday Wishes fireworks performance
A Frozen Holiday Wish stage Show
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Show
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Meet-and-greet opportunities with 15 of your favorite characters throughout Magic Kingdom dressed in their holiday best
Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
A magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

The 2017 dates for the Very Merry Christmas Party are:

November 9th, 10th, 12th, 14h, 16th, 17th, 26th and 28th

December 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th,10th, 12th, 14th, 15th,17th,19th ,21st and 22nd

Ticket price ranges from $89 to $109

Talk to your Travel Specialist about adding tickets to the Very Merry Christmas party to your family’s holiday trip.

Sunset Season’s Greetings and Jingle Bell Jingle Bam

New this year to Hollywood Studios is Sunset Seasons Greetings. As dusk settles over Hollywood Studios Sunset Boulevard, the lights of Christmas will start to twinkle and snow will begin to fall. Billboards will come into motion and the “Tower of Terror” will transform as Disney characters start to tell stories of Christmases past, excitement over gifts, foods of the holiday, and beautiful Christmas sights. Special characters joining this event include: Mickey and Minnie, Toy Story Toys, Olaf, and the Swedish Chef.

Another Christmas celebration is Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. This incredible night time extravaganza uses the technology of projections, fireworks, and holiday music to tell the story of how Kris Kringle is rescued by stars of Disney’s Prep and Landing. Another option with the Jingle Bell Jingle Bam holiday show is to take part in the Jingle Bell Jingle Bam Holiday party. Talk to your travel specialist about adding a reservation onto your package and you will be able to dine on holiday sweets and drinks while enjoying the nighttime show in a special viewing area.

A Seasonal In-Room Celebration

Disney floral gifts can transform your resort room into a holiday home away from home. Imagine walking up to your Disney resort door to discover a Christmas banner welcoming your friends and family. Once you step over the threshold you are welcomed by Disney Christmas décor and gifts from your favorite Disney characters.

For more information or to place an order please contact your Me and the Mouse Travel Specialist and they will be more than happy to help you add a some holiday magic to your resort stay!

An International Yuletide Extravaganza

At Epcot during the holiday season, you can experience how each of the 11 nations around the world showcase celebrates the holidays. Indulge in seasonal favorites, experience live musical productions and costumed performers as they bring seasonal traditions to life. You may also visit Santa and Mrs. Claus as they visit the American Pavilion.

Candlelight Processional

The Candlelight Processional includes a guest celebrity narrator and a 50 piece orchestra. The narrator tells a moving story from the bible of how the Savior was born to a virgin in the city of Bethlehem. Intertwined with the readings are choral songs of hope and joy making this a not to miss show!

The 2017 Celebrity Guest Narrator’s include:

TBD – November 24 to 26, 2017

Matt Bomer – November 27 to 28, 2017

TBD – November 29 to 30, 2017

Whoopi Goldberg – December 1 to 3, 2017

Pat Sajak – December 4 to 5, 2017

TBD – December 6 to 8, 2017

TBD – December 9 to 11, 2017

Warwick Davis – December 12 to 14, 2017

Trace Adkins – December 15 to 17, 2017

Neil Patrick Harris – December 18 to 21, 2017

CCH Pounder – December 22 to 24, 2017

Jaci Velasquez – December 25 to 27, 2017

Chandra Wilson – December 28 to 30, 2017

Chip and Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree

Chip and Dale are looking for help as they collect ornaments for their Christmas tree! Your family will need to make a stop at Epcot’s Disney Traders and World Travelers International Gateway and pick up a map (the price for the map is $6.99). As you follow Chip and Dale around the World Showcase, learning how different cultures celebrate the Christmas holiday you will look for Chip and Dale. When you spot them with their ornament you will place the corresponding ornament on your map. After you have your map completed you can take it to Disney Traders and exchange for a special gift.

Joyful

At Epcot you can delight in inspirational holiday performances of Gospel, Jazz, R&B, and more. These daily performances are located at the stage in front of the Future World Fountain.

Holiday Kitchen’s at Epcot

What is better than snacking around the World Showcase at Epcot? Snacking on holiday goodies from around 11 different nations at Epcot!!! Each marketplace will feature a festive holiday dining experience from each nation’s culture.

Illuminations

During Illuminations, Epcot’s fireworks and laser show, there are some holiday enhancements. During the Holidays around the World at Epcot, the finale features the song, “Let there be peace on Earth”.

Disney’s Holiday D-Lights Tour

Disney’s Holiday D-Lights Tour is a 5-hour guided tour that will show you how Disney transforms into the most beautiful holiday wonderland! Your tour guide or “Holiday Host” as they are called, will guide you on a journey with stops at Epcot to see the Candlelight Processional, Magic Kingdom to see the lighting ceremony of Cinderella’s Castle, and the star on top of the Christmas tree you will get to meet with some of the individuals responsible for turning Disney into a holiday wonderland. You will also get to enjoy a family style barbeque dinner at Wilderness Lodge.

Tickets for this tour are $259 and you must be at least 12 years of age.

Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy…A Backstage Adventure

During the Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy 3 hour tour you will meet at Epcot’s silver and blue guided tours Epcot location. From there you will head backstage and learn about the logistics involved in the seasonal transformation of Walt Disney World Resort each year. You will meet the Disney “Elves” that transform the resort into a Walt Disney holiday wonderland. You will be guided through the World Showcase and learn how each country celebrates the holiday season. You will also visit one of the resorts on the Disney property to see how Disney decorates on a grand scale using color, texture, attention to detail, illusion, and architecture. You will also receive a special holiday keepsake. To partake in the tour you must be at least 16 years of age. Tickets for this tour are $99 per person.

Disney Springs

At Disney Springs you can really dive into the spirit of the season. The streets are decorated for a great family photo opportunity. Your children can also visit with Santa Clause and you can stop at the Starbucks for some hot cocoa or maybe Ghirardelli for some ice cream. You can also enjoy some live Christmas entertainment including christmas carolers, a tree lighting ceremony, a dance party, and you can take a walk amongst specialty decorated Christmas trees!

Just in case your kids weren’t exactly sure what they wanted on their Christmas lists there is plenty of shopping to be done at Disney Springs…including The Christmas Store!

Victorian gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a beautiful place to visit and just look around if you don’t happen to be staying at that resort. During the holidays there is another reason to make a stop on the monorail and visit the resort and the Victorian gingerbread house that they have on display!!! The ingredients for the grandiose creation include: 1050lbs of honey, 140 pints of egg whites, 600lbs of powdered sugar, 700lbs of chocolate, 800lbs of flour, 35lbs of spices, and lots of Disney magic….oh did I forget to mention this is a fully functioning snack shop with actual cast members working inside!!! Inside they sell creations such as: gingerbread men, gingerbread shingles, Mickey pops, and large gingerbread ornaments just to name a few. Make sure to stop by and check this out!!!

Beth Rodgers

Travel Specialist

Disney Cruise Line – Chill Spa for Teens

The word chill is an adjective meaning very relaxed or easygoing. Disney Cruise Line has the goal of giving teens aged 13 to 17 a very relaxed experience by offering a menu of spa treatments on all four of their ships at the teen exclusive Chill Spa.

If your teenager is interested in visiting Chill Spa, you must wait until you board the ship before you can book a treatment as this is not an option to book online. Head to the Senses Spa and request your appointment type and treatment as soon as you can – appointments will go fast, especially for your days at sea. Treatments include facials, massages, hair care, and beauty and wellness treatments such as wraps, manicures, and pedicures. Is your teen interested in attending a boot camp? Chill Spa also offers a Fitness Frenzy option that includes 3 specialized boot camp classes a personalized metabolism test. Let your teen indulge in multiple treatments with the Me! Bath Ice Cream Pedicure and the Truth or Hair styling session on formal night and they will be dressed to impress at dinner. Parents looking for side by side treatments with their teen can sign up for the Mother/Daughter Paradise Massage or the Father/Son Chill Out Massage.

This past July my daughter was able to experience a treatment on the Disney Magic while sailing to Barcelona. To celebrate her recent birthday becoming a teenager, she selected one treatment to enjoy and she chose the 50 minute Heavenly Massage. As parental or guardian supervision is required for all treatments, we both showed up about 15 minutes before her appointment time where I filled out the necessary paperwork and consent forms before heading to the treatment room. Teens receiving a massage or wrap are requested to wear a swimsuit for their appointment so make sure your teen is prepared for their type of treatment. The massage was performed in a quiet room with soothing music and lasted a full 50 minutes. Before starting, the masseuse inquired if there were any areas that needed special attention and my daughter mentioned she was experiencing tightness in her lower back. After listening carefully, great care was taken for her lower back in addition to a general body massage. At the end of the treatment she was given cucumber water to flush out her toxins and instructions on staying healthy.

Hanging out, having fun, taking a breather, and just being yourself is the philosophy of the Chill Spa. Let
your teen be pampered to perfection on their next Disney cruise and you will have them thanking you for months afterwards and giving you the parent of the year award.

“I loved going to Chill and after I went I felt really relaxed. I would totally do it again if my mom let me.” -Kirsten, 13

Michelle Browne

Travel Specialist

Restaurant Spotlight: The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs

Ahoy! I welcome you to take a tour with me to explore the exceptional features of a popular upscale water-front dining experience offering indoor and outdoor seating with exceptional views. In addition to helping you travel through a variety of food choices you will find while dining at this family-friendly restaurant, I will also explain why The BOATHOUSE will provide you with a unique experience for kids of all ages in your family.

Don’t sink your chances of dining here. While walk-up patrons are welcome, reservations here or at any restaurant on Disney property are highly recommended so be sure to discuss your dining preferences with your agent from Me and the Mouse Travel. You may use your Disney Dining Plan. Two credits are required.

Seafood and Steak offerings are the main event. If you are a seafood fan, you will find a variety of starters and main courses featuring “authentic fresh daily” seafood options that your palate will love exploring. Featured on the menu is an Original Lobster Bake for Two which includes: 1¼ pounds of Whole Main Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Oysters, Andouille Sau-sage, Red Potatoes, Corn on the Cob and Boathouse Lobster Broth. Other seafood offerings include Maine Lobster Bisque, Firecracker Shrimp, and New England Lobster Roll. Dock Side Buckets with fresh cut fries are offered as follows: “Coconut Fried Wild Sea of Cortez Shrimp”, “Crispy Panko-Fried Fish of the Day”, “Fried Wild Caught Atlantic Surf Clam Strips”.

If you are like me and seafood is not your thing don’t despair. You can sink your teeth into your choice of a variety of steaks – a NY Strip Steak, Filet Mignon, Chicago Cut Rib Eye or Porterhouse.

There are also many other delicious “shore” options that will delight your taste buds such as grilled chicken breast, BBQ/Baby Back Ribs, and a variety of pasta including seafood choices.Mouth-watering rolls and butter are served and one basket may not be enough.Salad varieties include Garden, The Wedge, The Chopped, and Caesar, and Buffalo Chicken salads.

Sandwich selections such as a variety of burgers, pulled pork, club, Angus brisket French dip, and my favorite “the filet mignon sliders” are served with fresh cut fries. For your sweet tooth, you may want to end your meal with Key Lime pie in a Mason jar, Mango Sorbet, NY Style Blueberry Cake Cheesecake, a Root Beer Float or Whiskey Carmel Cornbread Cake. If you are looking for a dessert for a party of 4, try S’mores Baked Alaska or Florida Sunshine Cake.

Kids’ menus are available for children ages 9 and under. You will find special entrées, beverages and desserts designed with kids in mind.

Live musicians perform most nights offering old school rock and roll, country, or pop music.

If you find you have time before or after your meal, be sure to explore The Boatique gift shop which is adjacent to The BOATHOUSE and features themed authentic nautical items. You will find many unique gifts personalized with fun sayings.

The BOATHOUSE is the only place in the world to enjoy an interactive experience by land and water by taking a Captain’s Guided Tour in a vintage Amphicar. What is an Amphicar? Great question! Amphicars are dream boats that look like vintage cars from the ‘30’s, ‘40’s and ‘50’ but, SURPRISE – THEY FLOAT! Stop by the marina and book a 25 minute water tour of Disney Springs. The cost of the ride is $125. In addition to the Captain, an Amphicar will hold 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children. Be sure to capture the memories of your Amphicar water adventure by asking about flexible photo packages. Before you depart on your Amphicar sailing, a picture of your family will be taken outside the car, inside the car and in the water. At the end of your water adventure, visit The Boatique gift shop to select your photo packages. Flexible packages and pricing are available. BONUS: You will receive a souvenir magnet(s) with your photo package depending on the option you choose. Other boat tours are available through The BOATHOUSE marina.

***Please note that all menu items and boat tour pricing are always subject to change***

Want to know more about The Boathouse and other fantastic dining options at Walt Disney World? Visit our blog for more Walt Disney World Restaurant reviews and other “Helpful Hints and Tips”. Contact your Me and The Mouse Travel specialist, who is happy to recommend and book all your dining reservations for you.

Traci Perjack

Travel Specialist

Discovering the Last Frontier with Disney Cruise Line

A Disney cruise to Alaska – something for everyone in your family with the HUGE added bonus of exploring some of the most gorgeous, natural beauty in the world.

Our family checked off a huge item on our bucket list – exploring the Last Frontier: Alaska. The beauty of Alaska is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. For fellow travelers we met on our journey, many of them were returning to Alaska for their 3 rd , 4 th , even 7 th time, and now I understand why. Combine a journey into the wilds of Alaska up the Pacific Ocean with the service and entertainment on board a Disney cruise ship, and you’ve got a perfect family vacation.

Before we had even boarded the ship, we were meeting friendly faces from our cruise group Facebook page where we had all shared plans and hopes for our families’ vacations. We continued to run into each other and meet other new friends throughout the voyage.

For our dinners, we requested to be seated with another family. We were paired with a family with kids about the same age as ours, and it was nice to look forward to seeing them each night, enjoy a meal together and chat about what we had done or seen during the day. They can easily become friends just as your serving team does as they travel with you each night to a different restaurant, and you may also see them at breakfast and lunch at various locations.

On-board fun included Disney shows, the music and comedy of Buckets and Boards, Disney trivia, Disney animation classes, dance parties, cooking classes, Bingo, tween and teen clubs for the kids, 80s Trivia at the pub, movies, and of course relaxing on the pool deck, taking an occasional nap, and food. Lots of food.

After a day and a half of sailing north, we finally arrived at Endicott Arm where we had an amazing viewing of not only the glacier but also all the lazy sea lions floating by on chunks of ice. Whales were also spotted on our way to the glacier, causing everyone to run for their cameras. Having a verandah was a highlight of our stateroom as we were able to enjoy the glacier and the marine life from the comfort of our own private sitting area.

Exploring just Southeast Alaska, we had three ports of call to look forward to:

Skagway – a gold rush town now full of shops and small eateries and a great place to
catch the salmon spawning. Hike to a lake up on a mountain, or visit the old Gold Rush
Cemetery and learn about Soapy Smith, Skagway’s very own con-man who finally paid
his dues.
Juneau – the capital of Alaska and accessible only by boat or air, this sprawling town has
lots of shopping for tourists, tours to Mendenhall Glacier, and a tram up the mountain
to a great view and a raptor rescue center.
Ketchikan – also a mining town, Creek Street was a red-light district filled with brothels whose buildings now serve as shops on a quaint wooden boardwalk lining Ketchikan Creek.

While we enjoyed all three ports, Ketchikan was easily our favorite port. With a Native tour guide and just a small group of us discovering the town, we saw the greatest amount of wild life of any of our port stops with eagles, bears, and otters. We were also treated to a special visit to a totem pole park where our guide appeared out of nowhere in his regalia, complete with a wolf head and beautiful red robe.

No matter where you were in Alaska, and though it didn’t matter which direction you looked, the waterways, mountains, lush trees, beaches, snow-capped mountains, wildlife,…it was with you everywhere you went.

I have traveled all over the world and have seen some amazing places. Australia still reigns at the top of my list, but Alaska is coming in close behind it, and I’m already looking forward to my next adventure back!

Nancy Wideman
Travel Specialist

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Lights, Camera, Action! Welcome to Disney’s All Star Movies Resort. The All Star Movies resort is one of three All Star value resorts on Disney property. This resort will get your family into the scenes of some of your favorite legendary Disney movies.

I had the opportunity to stay at All Star Movies resort with my family. My kids were enamored by the gigantic character scenes that were located in each of the 5 different themed areas of the resort. These huge scenes are perfect photo opportunities for your family!

The rooms (both preferred and standard), are 260 sq. feet and have 2 double beds. They can accommodate a family of four. They can accommodate a family of five if one of the children is under the age of 3 and sleeping in a Pack N’ Play. The rooms do come with a mini fridge, flat screen TV, wireless internet, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Preferred Rooms are located closer to the main building, dining, and transportation. At the All Star Movies resort the preferred rooms are located in Toy Story, Fantasia, and 101 Dalmatians sections of the resort. The standard room are located further away from the main building, but many also find these rooms are more quiet, as there is not as much foot traffic. The standard rooms are located in the Mighty Ducks and Herbie the Love Bug Sections.

The All Star Movies resort features 2 heated pools always kept at a nice 80 degrees. The first pool is called Fantasia and is located between the 2 Fantasia buildings and right outside Cinema Hall. My kids loved that the pools were heated and that even though we were there at an unusually cold week in November, they could still enjoy some time swimming. Located close to the Fantasia pool you can also enjoy a smaller “kiddie pool”. The second pool is called Duck Pond Pool. It has a hockey theme and is located between the Mighty Duck buildings and not far from the 101 Dalmatians building.

Within the Cinema Hall building you will find dining options at The World Premiere Food Court which features 5 marquee themed quick service restaurants opened from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There is something for everybody’s taste buds at the Quick Service Dining locations at the All-Star Movies. From the typical child favorites of pizza and hamburgers to grilled chicken, pasta, and barbecue ribs! The resort also offers room service of pizza, salad, and beverages from 5 p.m.-midnight! Silver Screen Spirits is a pool side bar located next to the Fantasia pool and serves a continental breakfast in the morning and sandwiches and snacks the remainder of the day.

For more information on this or any of the other amazing Disney resorts contact your Me and the Mouse Travel Specialist!

Beth Rodgers

Me and the Mouse Travel Specialist

Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Universal Orlando

Step back to a simpler time in this retro style resort. Depicting the feel of the 1950’s and 60’s, this resort makes you feel you have walked onto the set of Mad Men and the Brady Bunch. Cabana Bay may be considered a value resort, but it is fabulous well-appointed and clean resort and perfect for families with their spacious family suites, that sleeps up to 6 people or their 2 Bedroom suites, that sleep up to 8. All family suites make dining more convenient for busy families with each suite fully equipped with kitchenettes complete with microwaves, mini-refrigerators and a kitchen sink. Each living area also has its own flat screen TV.

If water fun is on your agenda, you can enjoy two large pools, one is complete with a lazy river. In my opinion, the best part of Cabana Bay is the fact it is adjacent to the all-new Volcano Bay Water Park. Universal recently opened the tower portion of the resort and some of the suites in the brand-new tower provide a spectacular view of Volcano Bay.

For your dining convenience, there are plenty of quick service dining options throughout the resort including pizza delivery and a Starbucks to help kickstart your day. If you are looking for fun and a table service option, take in a few rounds of bowling at the Galaxy Bowl and grab dinner at the Galaxy Bowl restaurant.

If you didn’t get enough exercise walking around the parks, stop by the Jack LaLanne Fitness area. Yes, for those of that age group, that Jack LaLanne in the one-piece workout suit. The fitness club has state of the art equipment, but you can also see Jack LaLanne memorabilia.

As with any of the Universal resorts, you will enjoy early park access to enjoy the parks before the crowds arrive.

Enjoy your time at Universal Studios!!!

Janene Jaroscak

Travel Specialist

Benefits of the Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport

The Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport is a lovely alternative for a 1 night stay surrounding your full vacation. Located on B side terminal, the Hyatt provides restaurants, bars, waiting areas, free lobby wi-fi, conference rooms and ballrooms to guests and visitors.

To those staying at the Hyatt, free in-room wi-fi, plush bedding, in-room fridge, flat screen tv’s, room service, and a rooftop pool (with poolside room service!) are just some of the luxurious amenities provided. Surrounding the terminal, large rooms provide guests with a soundproof experience, black out curtains for uninterrupted sleep, and valet service for bags and/or your car.

Soundproof rooms is not a misnomer. While there are some terminal sounds you may hear, if your balcony faces it (other rooms face the outer perimeter of the airport), you will have a quiet night sleep. My family could not tell we were at the airport! The rooftop pool has a family friendly pool with waterfall, and a smaller ‘kiddie’ pool. Pergolas covering lounge chairs, umbrellas, and seating abound. Poolside towels are also available and a great amenity.

Room service at the Hyatt is one amenity we took advantage of a lot. A pre fixe menu can be ordered from, or from the in-house restaurant, and is brought to your room on a fancy tray or roll cart. The wait staff will inform you of their shift, and you can personally request them again if desired. It was also especially nice for breakfast! Door hangers are provided, and you can place your order before midnight with a desired delivery time. It is a lovely feature! While the convenience is a little pricier, we found it worth it to not have to fight through airport crowds, and to have a better and healthier meal than typical airport fast food.

Those returning from a cruise can also take advantage of ‘day rooms’ – rooms rented for the day to relax, nap, or swim before your evening flight. The convenience of printing your boarding pass at the business center, a concierge on staff for your every need, and a short walk to check your baggage makes this the perfect ‘post vacation’ stay.

It is also convenient to all theme park shopping, other high end stores located at the airport, as well as the food court. Need a spa treatment? A haircut? A new suit? The Hyatt is just a few steps away from all of these airport amenities and sure to cover all your needs.

The Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport is a hidden gem you may not have realized was an option. Your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist can set you up with the exact pre- or post- vacation night you need!

Amy Sowinski

Travel Specialist

Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival begins as the summer crowds dissipate. From August 31st through November 13th , guests visiting Epcot can join in the celebration of food cultures from around the world they otherwise may never be able to experience. Guests can sample extended exotic food and beverages beyond what is typically found in World Showcase.

What to expect

For casual guests simply looking for different and fun food and drinks, along with a little entertainment,
they can enjoy:

Booths: With over 35 kiosks to sample new flavors, there is sure to be something for everyone. Throughout World Showcase you’ll see ongoing booths offering delightful eats and beverages from varying cultures! Grab a park map to see all booths offered and make your planfor the food locations you want to visit.

There are booths representing the existing countries in Epcot and many more to peak your taste bud interest. Some additional represented countries include: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Ireland,New Zealand, and Scotland… just to name a few.

Complete booth list

Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Each night of the festival, scheduled acts perform for your entertainment at the American Gardens Theater. They are scheduled for at least 2 consecutive nights to perform 3 mini concerts per night (5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM). Arrive early to reserve your spot, or for reserved seating, consider booking a special dining reservation that includes VIP seating at one of the shows!

Entertainment scheduled this year includes: Baha Men, Plain White T’s, Everclear, Billy Ocean, Hanson, and Boyz II Men…there is just so many!!

Eat to the Beat Performers

**Concerts subject to change/cancel without notice.

Some guests want to expand their experience beyond the booths and want to hear/see food
preparation, mixology, and hear from top chefs. Check out these offerings:

Culinary Demonstrations**: Watch a 45-minute demonstration from some of the best gourmets! They’ll share their knowledge and wisdom as they put together a delicious creation.
Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!**: At this hands on lesson, master the art of mixology, explore
ingredients in cocktails, and learn how to wine pair with certain foods.
“What’s Cookin’ With…”**: Gourmet VIPs are in house for this event! On varying dates, a scheduled celebrity chefs will be present and have guests enjoy a plated favorite breakfast of the VIPs choosing while having a food centric discussion.
Beverage Seminars**: Sample amazing beer, wine, and spirits at this seminar! Beverage experts will also offer their knowledge!

**These events must be booked in advance and have a separate fee associated with them.

Crowds
Disney vacationers and Florida locals love the Festival, so expect higher crowds on weekends. Expect lower crowds during the week after World Showcase opens (11 AM).

Dining Plan
Purple DDP symbols next to items on individual booth menus indicate a dining plan snack credit can be used for that item.

Make Epcot a destination this fall for your Disney World trip! You won’t be disappointed as you experience the smells, tastes, sounds and sites of the offerings of the Festival.

Contact your Me and the Mouse Specialist to book any additional offerings!

Megan Thompson

Travel Specialist

Dreaming of Disney Treats

A huge part of our family’s experience when we visit any Disney destination is enjoying so many amazing restaurants. Good food allows us to relax and simply enjoy the moment together. Great food keeps us coming back!

When we’re back home, we’ll think back on that special something and wish we could have just one bite! For me, the bread pudding at Ohana’s at the Polynesian Village is one of those “aaaaah” foods. Lucky for my family, it’s also pretty easy to make!

Nancy Wideman
Travel Specialist

Tag: reservations

Missy Zolecki

Travel Specialist

Beth Rodgers

Travel Specialist

Michelle Browne

Travel Specialist

Traci Perjack

Travel Specialist