Blog Posts by Michelle Browne

Exploring Hogwart’s Castle at Universal Orlando

9/18/2020 • Blog, Universal Studios • For every Harry Potter fan, a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is a bucket list item but for true Potterheads. It's the extra Easter Eggs that are hidden that can make the experience truly magical. While magic appears around every corner in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, let’s explore the hidden items in Hogwart’s Castle that you’ll want to take note of on your next vacation. Here are my top 5 hidden items for you to find! 1. Mandrakes- The first hidden item is located outdoors, in the greenhouse. If your visit to Hogsmeade has low crowds, you may miss the Mandrakes, but pause just before you enter the castle and check out these restorative plants located behind a fence so that they cannot be accidentally pulled out of their pots, subjecting you to their screams. 2. Four Founders of Hogwarts: The Hall of […]

Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando

7/10/2020 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios • If Mardi Gras is about music, parades, floats, food, and excitement, then Universal Orlando has a memorable celebration you won’t want to miss. Held each spring during portions of February and March, Universal Studios Florida is set up for a party like none other, and for many guests, the music itself is reason enough to make sure your trip is timed for this great event. Listen to an amazing concert from some of the biggest names in pop, rock, country, R&B, and more at the Music Plaza stage on select nights, all included with your park entry ticket. You’ll be entertained not just by the concerts, but each night Universal hosts their own parade with original and authentic floats designed by Kern Studios who also build the floats for the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. From these floats, beads will be tossed to you so make sure to line up […]

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

6/25/2020 • Walt Disney World • One thing that we have learned over the past few months is that everyone loves joining a sing-along. It doesn’t matter your age nor your singing ability, the chance to join your voice with the lyrics of some of your favorite tunes resonates with all of us. The new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is located at the back of France in Epcot. This is another treasure that Disney has in the World Showcase that you won’t want to miss. Located indoors, it has the added benefits of the perfect place to cool off in the heat, warm up in the winter cold, relax your feet in comfortable seating, and a darker room for kids that need to slow down a bit and reenergize. You will want to enter the building well before the start of a show so that you can enjoy the memorabilia of French classic stories that […]

Rise of the Resistance – Will You Escape?

5/26/2020 • Disneyland, Walt Disney World • For any Star Wars fan, visiting the planet Batuu on the outskirts of the galaxy is a dream come true and the ultimate ride is Disney’s Rise of the Resistance. This combines new technologies for a multi-layered experience. As a hugely popular ride, you will need to arrive before park opening to make sure you can get into their virtual queue called a Boarding Pass, the moment the park officially opens. Boarding passes allow you to enjoy the rest of Batuu and the parks until your turn to join the line. This can only be obtained through the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone. You can set your phone to alert you when your boarding group is called or watch My Status to find out when it’s time to get in line. If you are in the middle of an Oga’s reservation or building your own lightsaber or droid […]

5 Tips for Making the Most of Each Day at Disney

11/19/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • There is a lot to see and do on any Disney vacation. Between the rides, the shows, the meals, how can you do it all? While there’s not enough time to get everything done on any single trip, there are tips to make the most out of each day at any Disney destination so you can see and do more than other guests. Here are 5 tips to make the most of each park day. 1. Start your day early and start it with an attraction. The days are long and filled with fun but sleeping in will only minimize the fun you can do. The shortest lines are at the opening of each park day so get up early and “rope drop” when the park opens. In order to be ready for all that fun though, you’ll need to have energy. Eat before the park opens so you can […]

Comparing Princess Meals at Walt Disney World

9/13/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • For families with little girls, booking a princess meal at Disney World is high on the must-do list but with multiple princess meal options – which one is best suited for your family? Cinderella’s Royal Table is located in Cinderella’s Castle. Hosted by Cinderella, you will have your family picture taken with her as you wait to be seated. After heading upstairs, other Disney princesses stop by your table to visit, allowing for pictures and autographs. For those with a dining package, this meal will cost two table service credits per person. Without a dining package, the cost per person will be one of the more expensive meals on property.  As this restaurant is small in seating capacity, you may need to be flexible with your preferred dining time. Located in Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a wonderful choice. This meal features multiple princesses that visit your table. At […]

9 Tips for Keeping Cool in the Disney Summer Heat

7/16/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • With summer upon us, the heat and humidity in Florida can send even the most southern of families screaming for some cooling relief. We know you’ve been eagerly anticipating your Disney World vacation for months and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun that Disney has to offer because of the heat. Here are some tips to help you survive the hottest and most humid of Disney days: 1. Take advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours. By staying on property at Disney, you qualify to go early or stay late at Disney’s parks. The extra magic hours are the coolest of times to visit the parks not to mention the least busy times. Not a morning or a late person? Go back to your hotel during the hottest part of the day to rest so that you’ll have the energy for the extra magic hours. […]

Disney Springs Aerophile: The View from Up High

5/10/2019 • Walt Disney World • Have you ever wanted to view Walt Disney World from another perspective? Picture yourself 400 feet above Disney Springs with 360 degrees views that include Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror, and Magic Kingdom. Above, you are 210,000 cubic feet of helium, filling a hand-painted balloon that moves gently with the wind, and giving you 8 minutes of peace to take in 10 miles of gorgeous views. The Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight, is located in Disney Springs and is a perfect experience for guests on their arrival or departure day, or anytime when you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Once tickets are purchased and waivers are signed, you line up for your experience under the shade of several umbrellas until it is your turn to board. Family groups are called one by one and your family will have your […]

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

4/23/2019 • Holidays & Events, Walt Disney World • What happens when you combine the most magical time of year with the most magical place on earth? You get Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party held every year at the Magic Kingdom! Entering Mickey’s Party is one of the most spectacular sights to behold. With snow falling all around you, garlands hanging down Main Street USA, and Christmas music filling the air, you will feel like you really have walked into a winter wonderland fairytale. While the party officially starts at 7pm, you may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4pm with your specially designated ticket. Be sure to do so and take in as many of the regular park activities as you can before the party begins! Then it’s time for the wonder of your inner child to shine. Mickey’s Christmas Party features some of the most unique opportunities for character meet and greets you can find all year long. […]

Shutterbutton’s – Bring Home a Magical Memory of Your Time in Diagon Alley

3/8/2019 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • They say a picture is worth 1000 words but a moving photo from your time spent at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? There aren’t enough words to express the fun and magic that you experience at Shutterbutton’s. Located in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, Shutterbutton’s is a wizard photography store that captures both moving and still photographs for wizards to share with their friends, even muggles. Sessions are available for up to 4 people at a time and are recorded in one of two simple photography rooms, each with a green screen and an old-fashioned camera. Props such as robes and wands can be borrowed but if you plan on purchasing either of these as souvenirs, I recommend you purchase them before your appointment so you can have them at your disposal. Ollivander's Wand Shop happens to be located across the road from Shutterbutton’s so you can first […]