Blog Posts by Amy Sowinski

Lockers 101 – Universal Studios Orlando

12/6/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • At Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, most major attractions have a strict ‘no loose items’ policy - and that encompasses change, wallets, purses of any kind, backpacks, sunglasses, hats, etc. There are a few solutions to this:  asking a party member to hold everything while you enjoy the attraction is one solution, but a better one is to utilize Short-Term Lockers. Various locations throughout the theme parks, strategically located close to attractions with these requirements, will house banks of lockers with a digital kiosk.  Using the kiosk allows you to ‘rent’ a short-term locker by either using a fingerprint and code or your theme park admission ticket. You will then be assigned a locker for your belongings, which are roughly big enough for a standard-sized backpack. What’s great about these lockers?  They are FREE for the first hour, typically.  The FREE use of the locker is based […]

Honeydukes and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes

11/18/2021 • Universal Studios Orlando • 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 […]

The Flaming Moe!

11/16/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando • 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

11/11/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando • 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 […]

Your Preschooler and Universal Studios Orlando Resort

10/6/2021 • Universal Studios Orlando • Many clients ask us if their children are too young to visit theme parks. Universal Studios Orlando Resort offers unique experiences for preschool children in its theme parks. Before you plan your trip with your preschooler to the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, it is important that you think about the following points: Is your child: tall enough to ride the attractions? familiar with the characters and themed experiences at the Universal Resort? adventurous and willing to ride attractions that include motion simulators, 3D films, fast or tall drops, and spinning ride cars? more low key and prefer a playground and/or carnival style attractions? Your answers to these questions will ultimately help your decision on which parks and attractions to visit at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort. Universal Studios does contain a preschool friendly area featuring Woody Woodpecker and Curious George with a playground and splash pad. An animal show and […]

World of Color Dining Package: Carthay Circle – A California Adventure Dining Experience Review

9/16/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews • Journeying to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, for the first time as a family was an exciting experience. Such an experience required a proper celebration of food…and Carthay Circle fit that bill! Carthay Circle, located in California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street at the Disneyland Resort, boasts a grand marquee reminiscent of a movie theater of bygone eras. Inside, you’ll find this is exactly the aesthetic they planned for. Modeled after the Carthay Theater in Los Angeles where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs first premiered, you’ll find beautiful décor, intricate woodwork, and ambient lighting – you’ll feel like you should be wearing your best red-carpet attire! The lobby houses tables and chairs while you wait. There is also a lobby sushi bar, which I am told, has some of the BEST sushi in Anaheim!  The second floor (accessible by a grand staircase or fancy elevator), is the ‘theater’ floor. […]

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

8/6/2021 • 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 […]

TRIVIA on a Disney Cruise!

7/9/2021 • Cruises • Looking for something to do while on your cruise on your own, in a group, or with your family?  Well then look no further than Trivia challenges during your fantastic voyage! Trivia levels vary on time of day and location within the ship.  In the family lounges, or lounges that allow those under the age of 21 to enter - anyone can partake in Trivia challenges!  You’ll find these challenges to encompass more family-friendly topics (Disney parks or movies trivia, Pixar trivia, ‘do you know your family’ game show type trivia).  Fast-paced, honor system and tie-breaking trivia fun is had by all. Trivia found in 21+ lounges host challenges covering more movie/quote trivia outside of Disney, or very obscure Disney trivia - covering more Walt Disney himself era trivia that the adult audience may have a better chance of knowing.  A little more competitive, adult trivia tends to carry a […]

Swimming with the Stingrays – Castaway Cay

5/28/2021 • 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 […]

Virgin Voyages – Set Sail On An Adult Adventure!

12/18/2020 • Blog, Cruises • Virgin Voyages is new to the Cruise Line scene - and will be one of the best! With their maiden voyage on the Scarlet Lady in 2021, there’s so much to explore on this adult-only vacation at sea! The Scarlet Lady will set sail for voyages within the Caribbean and Mexico - with a home port of Miami, FL. Later in 2021. The Valiant Lady will take its maiden voyage, venturing through the Mediterranean and on TransAtlantic voyages. With the state of the world, you might be wondering what sets this cruise line apart from others in terms of health and safety? Well, both state-of-the-art ships are equipped with the leading technology in cleaning, air purification, and sanitation through their Voyage Well program and Expert Advisory Group. Touch-less stateroom entry and mobile app will keep transactions at a minimum. You can rest easy knowing that every precaution will be taken […]