Blog Posts by Amy Sowinski

How to Maximize Your 1 Day Hopper (Even with Kiddos!)

10/25/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • I know, I know, this sounds like crazy talk - but doing “4 Parks in 1 Day” is doable...even if you have only 1 day to do it, versus multiple park days.  It’s giving brief attention to each park, for what you absolutely want to do...all while understanding that there will be a lot of travel, both on foot and between the parks. Let’s set you up for success, with realistic expectations, and a time frame.   REMINDER: There is no guarantee you will get to do everything in every park.  Choose those must do’s (2-3 attractions, characters, or shows) in each park. Pre-planning is key. Look at park hours. Do you want to do early morning magic hours?  Would you rather do late night?  Would you rather not do either, and hit those ‘magic hour’ parks midday instead?  Find what works for you.  Put each park in order. Book […]

TRIVIA on a Disney Cruise!

9/29/2017 • 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 […]

Benefits of the Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport

8/28/2017 • Reviews • 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 […]

Bon Voyage Breakfast- Trattoria al Forno- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

8/1/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • A relatively new experience, the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno is a lovely alternative for  character meals.  Meet two of the most adventurous princesses out there – Ariel and Rapunzel! Accompanied by Prince Eric and Flynn Ryder {Eugene for those that know him well}, no less!  Introduced by royal decree – each couple comes to visit tables and bring adventure to every family!  Sometimes, Ariel may ask you to swim with her like her favorite fishy friends in a conga line! This restaurant boasts a charming, dark-wood, tile-floor, open kitchen concept everyone is sure to love. The dining room is more intimate, and ordering off menu versus a buffet is a wonderful change of pace!  Every menu item is inspired by The Little Mermaid or Tangled.   Before you start your adventure, each table has a “Bon Voyage Adventure Journal” to fill out. In it, your family will […]

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Walt Disney World BEFORE Your Disney Cruise!

6/8/2017 • Cruises, Tips, Walt Disney World • The anticipation of a Disney Cruise can be grand. There’s so much to plan, and for most travelers, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist will guide you in the best options for your travel party: before, during, and after your cruise.  One such option, is visiting the Walt Disney World Resort for a few days before embarking on your cruise that leaves from a Floridian port!   There are benefits to visiting the Most Magical Place On Earth BEFORE your cruise… Here are the Top Five!    You will be too relaxed (and tired) to visit the Walt Disney Resort after your cruise! Cruising changes your mood, and changes your routine, to a Hakuna Matata lifestyle!  To then switch gears and amp up for a theme park visit is exhausting. Rest your tired feet, be pampered, and end your vacation refreshed!    By arriving […]

Poutine – A Canadian treat at Disney Springs!

5/4/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • One of my fellow agents, Ryan Gross, wrote a blog on all that was sweet and savory in Walt Disney World {read it, here!}, and mentioned ‘poutine’ as one of his favorites.  If you’d like to know more about this savory treat, you’re in luck! The Daily Poutine is a small, brick, ‘snack’ stand in Disney Spring, located roughly behind the Lego Store in the Marketplace, but not quite in the Town Center. It overlooks a lovely fountain and the savory smells billowing from this stand will keep you close by.   Promoting ‘gourmet frites’, the Daily Poutine makes 4 different poutine dishes.  Served in a large bowl, you will find it filled with french fries and cheese curds, and topped with heavenly items.  It’s a great treat to share for two {or a great meal for one}!   Classic poutine is covered in brown, beef gravy.  Simple, delicious, and […]

A Different Way to View WDW Fireworks

4/6/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • “The perfect spot to view the Magic Kingdom Fireworks”... is a very subjective opinion. For those who have seen Wishes before, they might suggest to you, “Why not…”: Main Street by The Plaza Restaurant?  The Hub?  The Rose Garden? Tomorrowland Terrace? Main Street USA near the Train Station?  Liberty Square bridge?  These are all amazing spots...but I’m suggesting you take a different and more adventurous approach to your fireworks viewing experience!   ***this is a suggestion for those who have seen the fireworks before, or don’t feel like grabbing a spot early to view them in their entirety***   First, check the times guide to see when the evening Fireworks will be offered the day you will be visiting the Magic Kingdom. “Wishes a Nighttime Spectacular” will be offered until May 11, 2017. Then, starting May 12, 2017, the new show “Happily Ever After” will debut!   Second, arrange a Fast […]

The Ganachery at Disney Springs

3/9/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Sweet treats. Delectable delights. Gorgeous candies. Heavenly smells.   You will find all this and more at The Ganachery, located in The Landing at Disney Springs. This fancy chocolatier has a wide variety of sweet in which to indulge. Samples are often given of fillings to entice passers by...much like I was with an amazing peanut butter filling.   I was hooked. The display case was filled with the fanciest squares of chocolates I had ever seen. We chose 6 chocolates to sample:  2 peanut butter chocolate, 1 mint, 1 raspberry, and 2 salted caramels.  We then took our delights into Jock Lindsey’s Hangar bar to enjoy with a cocktail.  It was a refreshingly wise choice! Our chocolatier boxed our chocolates in delicate wrapping, within a designer box, which was then wrapped in special Valentine ‘end’.  Expertly crafted chocolates and presentation.  Unboxing our chocolates was almost as fun as eating […]

First Time Disney Magic

2/9/2017 • Walt Disney World • Everyone wants that unforgettable first trip to Walt Disney World.  Let me tell you about mine...   It was probably sometime in June, 1982, when the family packed up the car and drove to Florida.  My parents, brother, cousin, and I, took off to see the Mouse himself!   I don’t remember much, being 2 years old - who would, in all honesty?  I’ve been told stories of me threatening to throw up on my cousin in the back seat; how my eyes instantly lit up from meeting Mickey himself, and learning to ride my tricycle when I got home because of him.  Three very different points in time.  I remember my new Mickey stuffy being with me at all times after.   As you can see, the 80s was a time of ‘Free Roaming Characters’. Character handlers would guide them through the park, and anyone could run up and […]

New in 2017 – Choza Tequila Stand {UPDATE}

1/12/2017 • Walt Disney World • Choza de Margarita Stand-UPDATED NOVEMBER 13, 2017-Choza de Margarita (originally annouced as Choza Tequila), has officially opened in the Mexico Pavillion in Epcot! Here you will find a variety of iced and frozen Margaritas, Mexican beers, and tapas! For the little ones-a frozen fruit punch! AND the fan-favorite FIESTA MARGARITA IS BACK!! At this time, the dining plan is not accepted, but the offerings are worth the out-of-pocket expense! Enjoy the Mayan-inspired carvings in the queue while deciding what to order! ******** For quite some time, an adult drink of choice in the World Showcase of Epcot was the “Fiesta Margarita” in Mexico.  A lovely combination of Lime, Strawberry, and Mango frozen margaritas, all in one glass - perfect for sipping on that hot summer day as you stroll from country to country.   It is a potent concoction, and one that was a fan favorite.   But in May […]