Blog Posts by Missy Zolecki

Resort Spotlight – Disney’s Riviera Resort

1/5/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Riviera Resort opened on December 16, 2019, and is inspired by the magic of Europe that Walt Disney fell in love with. This is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort and offers an array of room options and based on availability, non-DVC members can experience the Villa difference. Prepare to be whisked away by the influences of Europe and the Mediterranean that can be found throughout the Resort. There are grand archways and porticos. As you approach the entrance, there is a terrace with seating and a serene bubbling fountain. When entering the main lobby, it is quaint and intimate with a mix of modern and classic 20th-Century furnishings. There is a small retail shop, La Boutique, with a variety of Disney and resort-themed merchandise, necessities, as well as grocery items that can be prepared in your Villa. Le Petit Café can also be found here! Named after the […]

Review of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

10/27/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • The newest Walt Disney World ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is not one to miss! This new family-friendly attraction offers a state-of-the-art ride vehicle with visual effects technology. This ride can be found in the previously occupied Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The glowing sign offers an exciting entrance to an attraction unlike any other at Walt Disney World. I had the opportunity to enjoy this attraction in March and again since the phased re-opening. The first thing I noticed was the similarities to the Great Movie Ride. When you first enter the queue and step into the building, it was reminiscent of the previous attraction. As you moved through the queue, a noticeable difference would be the newly added movie screens that feature the animated Mickey shorts. Prior to the closing of Disney Park’s in March, the experience in the waiting queue was different. The animated short, […]

A Special Needs Family’s Perspective on the Phased Re-Opening of Walt Disney World Resorts & Parks

10/2/2020 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World parks closed March 15 and began a phased re-opening on July 11, 2020. After careful consideration, we decided to visit. We have been Annual Passholders for the better part of 2 decades and moved to Florida a little over three years ago. Visits to Walt Disney World has been a constant part of our lives. We reviewed ‘Know Before You Go’ leading up to our visit to make an informed decision. With the current reduced park capacity and the extensive safety measures that Disney has implemented, we made the decision to give it a try. We visited 3 of the 4 Walt Disney World Parks and Disney Springs during our stay. While our decision to visit may not be right for everyone, we made the decision that was right for my family. My oldest son has Fragile X Syndrome, the leading inherited genetic cause of intellectual impairment. […]

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 […]