Blog Posts by Audra Bass

Bigfire – Universal Orlando

8/20/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • If you love grilled food and are hoping for a great one during your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Bigfire. Located in Universal Citywalk, Big Fire is home to all things cooked over an open flame, and just a short walk from either of the two theme parks. My husband and I love a steak, so we knew we had to give this a try on our most recent trip. We were seated upstairs near a faux fireplace. Luckily it didn't give off any real heat as we were hot from the Florida sunshine. We began our meal with the hearth oven baked bread. This bread is served with an herbed butter and peach preserves. We also tried the wood charred brussels sprouts. I love brussels sprouts and these did not disappoint. They are served over a toasted almond puree which added a nice contrast in texture. […]

5 Tips for Traveling with a Baby to Universal Orlando

3/4/2024 • Tips, Universal Studios • Will you be traveling to Universal Orlando with an infant? Our family recently visited with all of our children the youngest being not quite one year old. While traveling with an infant can make your trip more complicated, here are 5 tips to help take the stress out of your next Universal Orlando vacation. 1. Plan mid-day breaks. Universal Orlando has some great shows that will help you beat the heat and give your little one a chance to rest. One of our favorite shows to do this is Animal Actors on Location. This is an outdoor shaded theater with seating and is a great show for all ages. We also like to make mid-day dining reservations for a chance to cool off. 2. Have groceries and baby essentials delivered to your resort. Our family always has a service deliver basic groceries and bottled water to our resort. This is […]

Baby Care Centers in Walt Disney World!

8/11/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Are you traveling with a baby or toddler on your next Disney World Vacation? If you are, you might be nervous about caring for your little one on your trip. Did you know each Walt Disney World theme park has a Baby Care Center? These centers are the perfect pit stop during your busy day in the parks. Where can I find the Baby Care Centers? They are conveniently located in each of the parks and are also near the First Aid centers. In Magic Kingdom you will find the center located just off Main Street USA past Casey’s Corner restaurant. If you are visiting EPCOT, the Baby Care Center is located in a building between Test Track and the Mexico Pavillion. At Hollywood Studios you will find the center at the main entrance across from the stroller rental area. While in Animal Kingdom you can find the Baby Care […]

Jurassic Park – Universal’s Islands of Adventure

9/17/2024 • Blog, Universal Studios • Do you have a Jurassic Park fan in your family? I have two in mine. If you love the movies like we do, visiting Universal's Islands of Adventure is a must. Inside the Jurassic Park area you will find 4 quick service restaurants, shops, and several attractions including 3 rides. The three rides within this area are perfectly themed. First is the classic Jurassic Park River Adventure being a water ride that takes you through the original story line, with an 85-foot drop at the end. You must be at least 42 inches to ride. Second is Pteranodon Flyers. This attraction takes guests in the air suspended from the wings of a Pteranodon. You must be between 36 and 56 inches to enjoy this attraction, however for those guests under 48 inches an adult is allowed to ride with them. The third and newest ride in this area is the […]

Universal Orlando Resort: The Cowfish Restaurant Review

12/10/2024 • Blog, Universal Studios • On our last trip to Universal Orlando Resort, we made a reservation for The Cowfish. Known for their burgers and sushi, it was quickly put at the top of my husband's request list. Walking into this multi-level establishment, you will find the host stand and an elevator. After checking in, my daughter enjoyed playing a large touchscreen fish game while we waited to be seated. As we exited the elevator upstairs, we saw the coolest fish tank that looked like a bowl of ramen complete with chopsticks sticking out. We were seated next to the window with views of CityWalk. Although this restaurant is known for burgers and sushi, there is definitely something for everyone. To begin, we had the Crab Rangoon Dip as seen in the first pic above. A play on a traditional favorite at most Asian restaurants, this dip is my new favorite way to enjoy these […]

Universal Orlando: Vivo Italian Kitchen – Review

6/21/2022 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • When choosing table service restaurants for your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Vivo Italian Kitchen. Located in Citywalk, you don't need park tickets to enjoy this delicious meal. Vivo has a modern look, with ample seating and an open kitchen. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled absolutely amazing, making us want to go back for another meal the next day. Each meal begins with a homemade loaf of Italian bread. Olive oil is provided at the table for dipping. Although all of the appetizers were tempting, we decided on the fried ricotta. The creamy rosemary and lemon ricotta was breaded and fried and served on a bed of homemade tomato sauce. It was so delicious we used the rest of the bread to mop up the tomato sauce. Entrees were an even more difficult decision. I was stuck between the lasagna made with […]

Revealing The Surprise

2/11/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • Whether you are planning a Disney, Universal, Cruise, or an International vacation; and you are keeping it a secret, revealing the surprise is half the fun. While I don't keep all of our trips a secret, there are times when it just adds to the excitement. One of my favorite Disney World reveals for my kids was a scavenger hunt. After all the gifts had been opened on Christmas morning, I gave them a white envelope and inside was their first clue. The clues led them all over our house and yard and ended in the attic. Sitting just inside the door was a Minnie suitcase. Inside the suitcase was a note saying "Pack your bags, we are leaving for Disney World!" The girls had so much fun trying to decipher each clue and finding the next one. If you are planning a trip aboard the new Galactic Starcruiser, a […]

Restaurant Review: Liberty Tree Tavern

12/8/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Do you love Thanksgiving? If you're anything like me you do. Liberty Tree, located in the Magic Kingdom, serves up delicious Thanksgiving favorites, family-style, and year-round. Located in Liberty Square, Liberty Tree Tavern serves an all you care to eat family-style feast. The theme of this restaurant is a colonial style and even the cast members are dressed in traditional clothing that makes you feel as if you have gone back in time to 1776. To begin your meal, you will be served the Declaration Salad consisting of mixed greens and a house-made dressing. The main course, The Patriot's Platter, serves up all of your Thanksgiving favorites including roast turkey, pot roast, roasted pork, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, vegetables, and of course stuffing. I can never seem to have enough turkey and stuffing. The best thing about this meal is that it serves up something for everyone. My kids […]

The Haunted Mansion – Walt Disney World

10/6/2020 • Blog, Disneyland, Reviews, Walt Disney World • One of my family's favorite attractions in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World is The Haunted Mansion. Set in a Louisiana plantation mansion, the attraction is home to 999 happy haunts. I love the queue, where you'll find a horseless drawn hearse, tombstones, and other interactive haunted objects to make your wait a little more fun. Upon entering the mansion you will be escorted into a room with no windows and no doors. Watch the walls and ceiling as the room seems to grow before your very eyes. As lightning strikes, you will follow the passageway to your "Doom Buggy". This slow-moving ride takes you through the most haunted rooms of the mansion, where you will learn some interesting facts about the mansion's most popular and permanent residents. As you twist and turn down the halls you will see spooky paintings, statues, books, and more. On your way, you will […]

Signature Celebration Package at Cinderella’s Royal Table

6/2/2020 • Walt Disney World • One of the most magical experiences when visiting Walt Disney World is dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella’s castle. This is a highly sought-after reservation that we often book for our clients and ourselves. Did you know there is a package you can add to make it even more magical? The Signature Celebration Package is a perfect way to celebrate birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, or just a fun splurge. This package begins with dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table with some truly royal characters. You will be treated to a specialty beverage or sparkling wine if you are 21 and up, an appetizer, an entrée of your choice, and a box of treats to take with you. We love starting with the charcuterie platter and having the filet and shrimp for our entrée. There are plenty of kid-friendly choices as well, including my kid’s favorite mac and cheese.  You will also […]