Blog Posts by Missy Zolecki

Fun Ways to Spend a Downtime Day at Walt Disney World

10/20/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and a themed retail, dining, and entertainment center called Disney Springs provides endless choices for you to spend your vacation.  It is very easy to feel overwhelmed with all the options.  Guests want to make certain they maximize their time and have the opportunity to enjoy everything on their wish list!  I have often heard guests say they need a vacation from their vacation! When you plan a vacation, most are intending to take a break from the hustle and bustle of work and routine.  However, we often forget the rest and relaxation part of vacation when visiting Walt Disney World.  There are many options for fun and unique activities to bring the R & R back to your vacation. Spa services: Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing manicure, pedicure, facial or a massage?  Spa services can be scheduled at Saratoga Springs Resort and the […]

Disney Springs Polite Pig Restaurant

4/3/2024 • Walt Disney World • My family and I recently tried the Polite Pig for the first time, and I guarantee it will not be our last!!  We were a party of 9 and I wanted to try one of everything, but we did have to leave a few items to try for the next visit!  We placed our order at the counter and then found a seat and a server brought the order to us.  They were then incredibly helpful and made suggestions of their available sauces and they were right! As you enter the restaurant you are met with an amazing smell of smoked meats and spices!  It was difficult to choose from the expansive menu.  We did order a variety of entrees and sides.  You can even make a meal out of the sides!!!  You have the option of choosing three sides for $15!  They are plentiful and delicious. We all happily […]

How to Tackle Sensory Overload at Disney –Part 2

2/13/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Last month, I discussed tips on how to prepare and items to bring to hopefully avoid sensory overload. {You can read about it, here!} As a mom of a son living with Fragile X Syndrome, the leading cause of inherited intellectual impairment and leading known genetic cause of Autism, I feel as if I am always anticipating what could be a potential trigger for overload.  Sometimes, even the best-laid plans don’t work out.  A storm can pop up, a ride can have a temporary closure, or fireworks can suddenly go off from a show that you didn’t even realize was taking place!! I have put together a list of tips/suggestions for managing overload once it has reached near overflow!   Baby Care/First Aid Station: Although you do not “need” any aid, this is often an area with air conditioning, seating and simply a quiet place out of the hustle and bustle. […]

A Hidden Gem – La Cava del Tequila

2/5/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • As much as I enjoy the tradition and nostalgia of long-standing attractions at Walt Disney World, I also enjoy trying something new!  Somehow, over the many trips, I missed the opportunity to enjoy, until now! I was planning a girls' weekend at the Food and Wine Festival and stumbled upon information about this hidden gem!  I was instantly intrigued! We knew this would certainly be at the top of our list! The entrance is just inside to the right in the Mexico pavilion in Epcot. When we arrived, there was a lengthy line, but after all of our research, we knew it was worth the wait.  After being in the line for only a minute or two, we realized we were in the line to get a margarita to go!  We then noticed there was a cast member near the entrance, and she was seating guests inside.  We were immediately seated! […]

Why We CHOOSE to Visit Walt Disney World with a Special Needs Child

10/12/2015 • Walt Disney World • I am a parent of a child born with Fragile X Syndrome.  My son has challenges in all aspects of his life, and easily becomes overwhelmed by his environment.  That can lead to difficulty with communication and the dreaded behavioral meltdown.   He was born with Disney loving parents who are determined to make our Disney trips a consistent part of our lives.  Are we nuts?  Perhaps.   I tend to think of my family as goal oriented, determined, hopeful, persistent and perhaps, at times, incredibly brave.   We were blessed with 2 additional  “typically developing” children.   We CHOOSE to live as “typical” of a family life as we possibly can.  Why would we knowingly bring a child who has such strong sensory (especially auditory) processing challenges to an environment with an overwhelming amount of input?  As I mentioned above, when we became engaged at Walt Disney World, and my fiance’ (husband now) […]