Blog Posts by Amy Sowinski

Storybook Dining at Artist Point {Review}

1/11/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Artist Point, located in Disney Wilderness Lodge, is a favorite signature dining restaurant in Walt Disney World. They recently made a change (in December 2018), to a character experience known as Storybook Dining! This new family favorite restaurant will not only delight your taste buds but will also excite the kid in all of us with a unique character experience! Upon arrival, a brief ‘story’ is told of who will visit you during your dinner experience as well as the proper way to address The Queen! Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy will also visit guests with The Queen. You will notice lovely woodland decor at every turn, twinkle lights, and a storybook in the center of the dining room.  A Lazy Susan at your table resembles a great oak tree with leaves designed to hold both your appetizers and desserts! Signed ‘apples’ tie your silverware together. Snow White is introduced […]

Experience the Blue Man Group-Review

11/27/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • When traveling to Universal Orlando Resort, families and groups can experience world-class entertainment, one-of-a-kind thrills, and some of the most unique ‘eats’ available. Universal Orlando Resort offers so much for everyone, it is often easy to overlook those gems that not only are appealing to all ages but seem to never grow old themselves. One such gem is the Blue Man Group. Back in 2007, the Blue Man Group was added to Universal Studios’ line-up of entertainment choices on soundstage 18. After a successful run, it became a staple to Universal Orlando Resort - tweaking ever so slightly over the years to remain relevant, fun, and appealing to all! In May, I had the pleasure of experiencing a Blue Man Group performance. For anyone, young or old, who have never experienced live theater before, this is a GREAT introduction to it. You will have fun learning how live theater works, […]

Honeydukes and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes

10/16/2018 • Universal Studios • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, spanning both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, dazzles guests with the most authentic and immersive movie-set experience.  Two stores in particular allow you to not only bring home some of the magic of Harry Potter...but to physically experience it as well! Honeydukes can be found in Hogsmeade - located in Islands of Adventure. Honeydukes, as you know, is the candy store of choice for all Hogwarts students on their weekend day trips to Hogsmeade in the winter months from book three on. Buildings covered in snow. Cobblestone streets and magical windows. Blink and you may miss Honeydukes!  This lovely candy shop has EVERY candy mentioned in the books, from Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans to the Ton Tongue Taffy that Dudley Dursley could not resist when it fell out of the Weasley Twins’ pockets. Everywhere you turn is more whimsey and lovely […]

Universal Orlando – Let’s Meet Some Characters!

8/20/2018 • Tips, Universal Studios • Universal Orlando Resort is home to some of the most popular movie icons, legendary cartoon, literary, and comic characters, as well as unforgettable TV personalities.  Many guests can snap photos with stand up likenesses, take a walk through a set, or travel to a character’s ‘land’ to get closer to them...but how do guests meet characters in Universal Orlando? Most every character interaction is open and unrestricted. You don’t need a special pass to see your favorite character, nor a return time.  You may, however, be in line for more popular encounters like the X-Men in Islands of Adventure, or the Transformers in Universal Studios (interactive, awesome, really unique), to name a few. Characters usually stay to their ‘land’ (like the Simpsons), while others like Spongebob Squarepants or the Cat in the Hat can be found in their respective younger-guest areas.  Wait times are minimal, and be aware there’s no […]

The Flaming Moe!

6/4/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Every Simpsons fan remembers that episode...waaaaay back from 1991...where the impossible-to-love bartender, Moe Szyslak, stole Homer’s idea for a fun beverage, got super famous, and Aerosmith came to town?!  Right? No?! Well, maybe I’ve been watching “The Simpsons” too long, but the drink - The Flaming Moe - is something every fan probably remembers! While at Universal Studios Orlando, you can wander over to Springfield U.S.A. and join fellow Simpson-ites in the delicacies of Fast Food Boulevard...Krusty Burger, Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Brewery, Cletus’ Chicken Shack...and the famous, MOE’s Tavern. The Flaming Moe can be found by bellying up to the bar in MOE’s Tavern, or by going to The Flaming Moe window inside of Fast Food Boulevard. Both locations are connected, so you won’t have to go far! The Flaming Moe is… Non-alcoholic Like Orange Crush In a sweet souvenir cup Super fizzy and ‘flaming’ Just enough for 1 […]

Riding the Hogwarts Express

4/11/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • When visiting Universal Orlando Resort, the most magical time you and your family will have is visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Hogsmeade! Universal has pulled out all the stops to make this the most authentic guest experience possible - you can read about all these worlds have to offer HERE and by searching the Me and the Mouse blog! One experience that is truly unforgettable is a ride on the Hogwarts Express. Only those with a “Park to Park” ticket (meaning you are able to visit multiple parks in one day) at Universal Orlando Resort are allowed to take part in this experience. If you don’t currently hold a Park to Park ticket, ask your travel specialist for an upgrade! Guests can board the Hogwarts Express either at Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios, OR, at the station in Hogsmeade in Islands of […]

How to Make Your Own FP+ Selections on My Disney Experience

2/21/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World • FastPass+ Selections are free with every ticket to Walt Disney World, and make a guest’s visit more efficient and fun, because they will be able to visit their favorite attraction with minimal wait times! Ryan’s Blog on The Magic of FastPass+ gives you the basic run-down of FastPass+ features, and can be referenced by clicking HERE.  However, in this blog, I will be giving 10 Easy Steps to book your own FastPass+ on the My Disney Experience website! *** Your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist may do these for you at your request, however, the steps below may give you the confidence to make them on your own! *** 1. Start by logging into www.mydisneyexperience.com , 60 days prior to your resort stay, or 30 days prior to your off-property stay. 2. Open the FastPass+ page by selecting:         MyDisneyExperience tool bar, then FastPass+ On My […]

Doubletree by Hilton REVIEW – A Disney Springs Resort Area Hotel

1/26/2018 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Many guests visiting Walt Disney World have their favorite resorts, or favorite locations, in which they stay and enjoy their time. One of my first trips to WDW was spent at a Good Neighbor Hotel on Hotel Boulevard - close to Disney Springs (then Downtown Disney). Jump forward to December, and my family took a last minute trip to WDW and needed a place to stay. When all on-property resorts were sold out, we looked to Hotel Boulevard/Disney Springs Resort Area hotels first! We chose to stay at The Doubletree by Hilton at Disney Springs! The Doubletree by Hilton is a short walk or drive to Disney Springs. As an all-suite hotel, you are sure to find accommodations to suit your party! Rooms are large, with two to three rooms (depending on your suite needs), containing a kitchenette, living area with pull-out couch, and a bedroom that can be separated […]

Swimming with the Stingrays – Castaway Cay

12/27/2017 • Cruises, Reviews • Those traveling on a Disney Cruise in the Bahamas or Caribbean can experience an exciting day on the white, sandy beaches of Disney’s Castaway Cay. Whether you are an adult, a couple, or a family, there is much for everyone to enjoy. But what if you could partake in a unique experience that not only creates fun memories, but also helps to preserve native wildlife? Sounds exciting, right?! Then why not try the Stingray Adventure at Castaway Cay? You and your family can schedule this amazing excursion once your excursion date has opened and you have paid your cruise fare in full. At $52 per adult (10 and up) and $41 for kids (5 to 9), you will have an hour of exclusive time with multiple stingrays in ‘Stingray Lagoon’. It is important that your children are at least 5 years old and are comfortable swimming with life jackets and […]

Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats – on the Disney Dream!

11/22/2017 • Cruises, Reviews • For fans of Disney’s Wreck it Ralph, or anyone with an imagination and a sweet-tooth...you’ll want to explore Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats aboard the Disney Dream! You’ll find this confectionary inside the Cabana’s, with limited hours. Vanellope’s has a wide array of candies, ice creams, gelatos, and confections, that you’re sure to find something for everyone in your family to enjoy*.  It’s whimsically decorated to resemble “Sugar Rush”, Vanellope’s video game in Wreck it Ralph...complete with Sour Bill, King Candy, and Vanellope herself! While I could gush about the insane amount of goodies I drooled over this summer while on board the Disney Dream, I want to talk about Vanellope’s specialty items! The menu for Artisan Sundaes is jam-packed full of movie-referenced concoctions for you and your family to enjoy. The BEST part??!!  You can special order ANY of these sundaes AND they will hand-deliver for your dessert any night […]