Blog Posts by Missy Zolecki

Our First Visit to Walt Disney World Since the Phased Re-Opening – Part 2

9/15/2020 • Blog, Walt Disney World • This the continued two-part blog post series, focusing on the modifications to existing procedures that were implemented upon the phased re-opening at Walt Disney World. Recap: My family and I, after careful consideration and research, made the decision to visit Walt Disney World. We observed many changes since our last visit in March. We frequently reviewed the information that Disney provides and frequently updates in the Know Before You Go and theme park updates page. We also received frequent communications via email and My Disney Experience app notifications about the safety measures and policies. Parking Changes We Observed When We Visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This was the only park we chose to drive vs. taking the bus from our resort. There were signs as we approached the auto plaza recommending cashless payment. To aid in physical distancing guidelines, we noted that parking was every other space. It allowed us to […]

Our First Visit to Walt Disney World Since the Phased Re-Opening – Part 1

9/9/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • This will be a two-part blog post, focusing on the changes that were implemented upon the phased re-opening. My family and I, after careful consideration and research, made the decision to visit Walt Disney World. We observed many changes since our last visit in March. We frequently reviewed the information that Disney provides and frequently updates in the Know Before You Go and theme park updates page. We also received frequent communications via email and My Disney Experience app notifications about the safety measures and policies. Facial coverings for all guests ages 2 and up are required throughout the Walt Disney World resort and theme parks except when dining or swimming. There are signs reminding guests, as well as Cast Members who are assisting with ensuring guests are adhering to the policy. The facial covering requirements are found in Know Before You Go. If you forgot your facial covering, vending […]

Guest Experience Team – Walt Disney World

3/3/2020 • Tips, Walt Disney World • When visiting the Walt Disney World Parks you can enjoy assistance from the Guest Experience Team.  While there is a guest services area in each park, the Guest Experience Team can be found at various locations throughout the park. What assistance is available from a Guest Experience Team cast member?  General park information and recommendations My Disney Experience assistance FastPass+ information Wait times Lost and Found And more! For additional information visit Guest Services.   How do I find my nearest Guest Experience Team member? Locations are listed in the My Disney Experience App Search Guest Experience Team in the App and select that option You then can choose to “Find on Map” or “Get Directions” (this will give you instructions and how long it will take to arrive at the nearest Team member). Each of the 4 theme park Team Members will be wearing a blue polo with a […]

Disney Cruise Line: Palo Brunch – Keto Style

1/10/2020 • Cruises, Reviews • When embarking on a Disney Cruise, indulgence is what comes to mind.  While each of the ships has unique dining rooms that are part of the nightly dinner rotation, every ship also has an adult-only dining option, Palo.  Palo is known for its Northern Italian inspiration with a modern twist. They offer reservations for dinner and on select days, a brunch option. I have been following the Ketogenic way of eating for almost 2 years and my experience at Palo brunch was extraordinary.  Brunch and dinner are subject to an additional fee of $40/person, plus gratuity. The following dress code is recommended: Dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men Dress, skirt, or pants and a blouse for women. Jeans may be worn if in good condition (no holes).   My husband and I have had the privilege of enjoying the Palo brunch on both the Disney Dream […]

Top 5 tips for Preparing for a Disney Cruise – From the View of a Special Needs Parent!

11/8/2019 • Cruises, Tips • WE DID IT!!!  We accomplished a long term “goal” of successfully traveling as a family on the Disney Cruise Line.  There have been many factors over the 20 + years since my husband and I went on our first Disney cruise that has stood in the way of successfully accomplishing this goal.  Fear was the biggest hurdle. As I have previously shared, my oldest son is living with Fragile X Syndrome. Would he tolerate the motion of the boat? Would he be able to tell us if he was feeling unwell or would he only display undesirable behaviors?  Would he want to participate in the various activities? Would he want to get off at the various port of call? The following tips are what we did to prepare by hoping to lessen any potential behaviors that might come along with his constant desire to know, "what's next." 5. Research your […]

Walt Disney World 2019 Candlelight Processional

9/3/2019 • Holidays & Events, Walt Disney World • If you are not familiar with Disney’s Candlelight processional, NOW is the time to learn all about it. Picture this, a celebrity narrator sharing the traditional story of Christmas, a 50 piece orchestra, and a massed choir (including the Voices of Liberty). I fell in love with this the first time I attended in 1996, and cannot even begin to count how many times I have enjoyed this throughout the years. The power of music and the nostalgia of the traditional story of Christmas in the most magical place on earth is an experience you do not want to miss. 2018 was extra special because my daughter and her high school chorus performed as part of the massed choir. The Candlelight processional takes place in the American Gardens Theater in Epcot’s world showcase. There are 3 shows every night: 5:00PM, 6:45PM, and ,8:15PM. This event will take place nightly from […]

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop {Dining Review}

7/8/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • If you have not had the opportunity to experience Beaches and Cream, add it to your bucket list!  Beaches and Cream is located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort near the Stormalong Bay pool! If you are visiting Epcot or Hollywood Studios, it is a quick walk or boat ride, or you can take a bus from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs. Upon entering the restaurant, it feels like a time warp to a 50’s soda shop!  There is limited table seating, but we have enjoyed sitting at the counter! Not only is it a unique experience, but the counter seating is a front row view for watching the creation of the amazing ice cream creations! I would describe the menu as classic comfort food.  Delicious burgers, grilled cheese, tomato bisque, and chicken salad to name just a few.  The classic sides include French fries, onion rings, soup, and […]

Is Travel Protection REALLY Needed?

5/7/2019 • Cruises, Tips • When planning your next vacation, your Me and The Mouse Travel specialist will assist you with many details.  We are committed to saving families time, money, and stress. We are dedicated to providing each family a memorable and magical vacation where no detail is overlooked. After all the excitement of planning, it is difficult to consider there would be a need for travel insurance. Protecting your investment is part of the comprehensive service, with attention to every detail, that your travel specialist is here to provide. Prior to becoming a travel specialist, I lacked the knowledge and understanding about the importance of travel protection.  After completing my training, I was thankful that I had never faced a situation that would have required that support. My family was excited to embark on our first family Disney cruise.  Although, we did NOT anticipate there would be anything that would prevent us from setting sail, my husband’s appendix had […]

Ketogenic Dining on a Disney Cruise – Part 2

2/26/2019 • Cruises, Tips • When you are considering going on a Disney Cruise, one of the inclusions is all of the amazing food.  There are endless options throughout the ship not to mention 24-hour room service that is included with your cruise. Although there can be a lot of temptation, it was not difficult to maintain my Ketogenic way of eating. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I was able to experience a cruise 2 months in a row.  On one of those months, I waited until our first night of dining to discuss my needs with our server. On the second cruise, I called ahead of time to note my restrictions and then met with the staff upon embarkation. Breakfast options were tremendous and honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a breakfast filled with bacon?!!??  I requested to have my eggs made to order as I am always cautious about pre-made eggs. When […]

Following a Ketogenic Diet While at Walt Disney World

10/30/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World • After a lifetime of dieting, I was still seeking the right fit for me. I was very intrigued by the guidelines of the ketogenic way of eating. My mind was made up, this is the right way for me! The basic guidelines of this way of eating are: high fats, moderate proteins, and low carbohydrates. I was concerned if I could integrate my way of eating into our trips to Walt Disney World. I quickly realized, dining locations throughout the property would be more than accommodating and allow me to follow my way of eating with ease! I avoid many specific cooking oils, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and hidden sugars. I was determined I would stay true to my guidelines eating 7 total carbohydrates or less per meal, eating more fat than protein, and only eating when truly hungry. If I was unsure if an item was within my guidelines, I […]