Blog Posts by Julie Stewart

Three Tips to Enjoy Your Day at Volcano Bay

10/27/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • Universal Orlando opened its gates to the most incredible and advanced water theme park I have ever seen.  It is no wonder this is a very popular (and very crowded) park! Here are three tips to enjoy your experience and dodge some of the crazy crowds. Tip #1 When Should I Get There? I have three very different recommendations on when to arrive to make sure you get in and not have to deal with horrible lines.  Your best bet is to arrive at the park opening and claim your chair at Waturi Beach.  This works even better if you are staying on-site and eligible for Early Morning Hours.  You will be guaranteed entry and will have your choice of chairs and the best view of the breathtaking volcano.  My second recommendation is after 4 pm.   Guests that have arrived in the morning are exhausted, sunburned, and ready to leave, which means you […]

Resort Spotlight: Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando

10/22/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Staying “on property” at Universal Orlando definitely has its perks, but what you might not expect is the high quality of their hotels.  I had the pleasure of staying at Loews Royal Pacific during my last visit and had one of my most enjoyable hotel stays to date in Orlando. Loews Royal Pacific is a tropical, “South Pacific” themed resort just tenths of a mile away from the entrance of Islands of Adventure.  While you are just walking distance away from Universal Studios, you feel a surprising sense of peace and relaxation in this gorgeous resort hotel. Room types include water view and garden view rooms available with one king bed or two queens at 335 square feet as well as suites, including the popular Jurassic Park kids’ suites. These rooms provide an incredibly comfortable night’s rest so you are refreshed and ready for Early Entry to the Wizarding World the […]

Touring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

10/18/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • Are you ready for some Muggle Magic? Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most immersive and impressive themed lands ever created. It is no wonder that this area is very popular and always crowded. In order to get the most out of the Wizarding World with the least amount of hassle, you must go in with a plan. By following the steps below, you are sure to experience all that your Muggle heart desires without the aggravation of lines, crowds and excessive waiting. Step 1 – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Park Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into Hogwarts so now you must pick up all of your supplies. Stepping into Diagon Alley is like stepping into the movie. Never have I experienced such a feeling of being a part of the story. You will want to spend some time here experiencing all of its beauty. […]

Resort Spotlight: Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando

10/15/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • An exciting, new resort opened on Universal Orlando property in July 2016.  Loews Sapphire Falls is a beautiful resort conveniently located one mile from the entrance of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  Full of lush Caribbean scenery and breathtaking waterfalls, this resort hotel is sure to make you feel like you are in a relaxing tropical paradise, not in the middle of a theme park. Walking into the lobby of this resort was very impressive.  The spacious lobby is decked out with a giant beach ball chandelier. You can also see a view of Islands of Adventure from the windows. The check-in process was absolutely flawless. The desk staff was extremely friendly and efficient.   It took only 10 minutes from check-in to being in my room! My room had two queen beds and a standard view. However, I still had a great view of the water surrounding the resort.  Each room comes […]

Top 5 Things to do at Perfect Day Coco Cay Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Private Island

8/24/2021 • Cruises, Tips • As a long-time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, I have always enjoyed the stop at Disney’s Castaway Cay.  On my recent, first trip on Royal Caribbean, this is where they had to reach the bar that Disney has set so high in the category of private islands.  I am happy to report that Perfect Day Coco Cay was everything and more than what I expected.  There is so much to do on this island and not enough time so with that in mind, here are my top 5 “must-do” activities: 1. Zip Lining – By far, this was my favorite activity and the best way to get some spectacular views of the island.  There were 3 segments, all very mild and low-key.  Each segment lasted about 20 seconds and whisked you over the top of several different areas of Coco Cay.  Even those who are not huge thrill-seekers will enjoy […]

Fantasmic Dinner Package at Disneyland’s River Belle Terrace

5/8/2020 • Disneyland, Reviews • If you’ve been to Walt Disney World, chances are you have seen Sorcerer Mickey battle evil in this live show.  On my recent trip to Disneyland, I got to see the West Coast version of Fantasmic up close and personal and it did not disappoint.  Knowing that viewing areas are hard to come by in Disneyland, I opted to try one of the dining packages at River Belle Terrace. River Belle Terrace is located in Disneyland park in New Orleans Square next to Pirates of the Caribbean and right in front of Rivers of America.  This is an outdoor café and makes for a truly beautiful experience to sit out in the California sun and have a nice meal.  The menu for the Fantasmic Package is a Prix Fix Menu which includes a non-alcoholic beverage, an appetizer, which was a choice between a salad or corn chowder, main dish, which […]

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Beverage Packages Explained

3/31/2020 • Cruises, Tips • If you are traveling on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to know your options regarding extra purchases and packages.  The most common question I get from clients is about beverages and beverage packages.  Here is what you need to know: What’s included: There are a few select options available to you at no charge.  Tap water, coffee, iced tea, milk, lemonade, flavored water, juice, and hot chocolate are available to all guests free of charge.  If you want a little more variety, you may want to add a beverage package to suit the needs of your family. What are my options? If the free beverages don’t quite cut it, there are affordable options for anyone on a Royal Caribbean Cruise.  The three main beverage packages are the Classic Soda, Refreshment and Deluxe. Classic Soda Package:  With this package, you will receive a free refillable cup for the duration of your […]

Catch a Big Wave at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

10/10/2019 • Walt Disney World • For the last 25 years, Disney guests have been splashing around at one of the greatest overlooked experiences on Disney property - Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon!  Disney is known for its great theming and Typhoon Lagoon does not disappoint. The details show evidence of the island paradise once wiped out by a typhoon; most notably, Miss Tilley’s shipwrecked shrimp boat on the top of Mount Meyday which erupts into a geyser every 30 minutes. Typhoon Lagoon is home to a wide range of “mild to wild” water attractions, and is a great place to cool off during the hottest Disney summer months. At the center of the park is the surf pool, which is the largest man-made wave pool in North America.  The huge waves of the surf pool is one of the biggest draws to Typhoon Lagoon. Want to learn how to surf like a pro? Guests can before park […]

All You Need to Know About My Universal Photos Package

7/19/2019 • Tips, Universal Studios • Want to relive the time you rode the Hulk? Do you want to forever keep the moment you posed with a dinosaur? My family and I still love looking at our photos from Universal and reliving our fabulous memories there.  I am so glad I purchased the My Universal Photos photo package and you will be too! Here’s what you need to know: What is My Universal Photos?  My Universal Photos is a package you can purchase ahead of time or in the parks.  It gives guests the advantage of unlimited downloads for a specified time of the photos taken in the park with characters, on rides, or fun family photos with the big park icons.  Not only are the photos better quality, but having these photos gets the whole family in the photo without the hassle of carrying around a camera all day. Where do we purchase My Universal […]

Yak & Yeti Table Service Restaurant

4/2/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • One of the best tips for making the most of your time at Walt Disney World is to stay in the parks for your meals.  While there are many great table service selections in Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, there are only a handful available in Animal Kingdom.  With the new Pandora expansion, more and more guests are wanting to spend time in Animal Kingdom so a table service meal inside the park is usually the best way to have a meal break without wasting time traveling to another part of Walt Disney World. I'm introducing you to one of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat - Yak & Yeti! Nestled in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom lies one of the most overlooked restaurants in all of Walt Disney World: The Yak & the Yeti. This restaurant is often overshadowed by Tusker House. However, this […]