Blog Posts by Monica Zucol

Transforming Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel into Pixar Place Hotel

10/3/2023 • Blog, Disneyland • So many great things are happening during the current floor to ceiling refurbishment at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and I can't wait to see the final product of Pixar Place come to life. The most notable change will be the new name, from Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel to Pixar Place Hotel. This hotel has undergone several name changes and transformations since originally opening in 1984, but the current theme, Paradise Pier, has been around for a little over 20 years now, so this is definitely a welcomed change. During a recent stay, I was literally seeing these changes happening before my eyes. The new lobby is filled with great Pixar touches including characters from the whole Pixar collection. When walking through the lobby, be sure to look up and down because there are special touches everywhere. The pool area, now known as Pixel Pool, includes splash pads and a waterslide. […]

Jump on the Red Carpet because You’re the VIP at Universal Studios Hollywood

7/21/2023 • Blog, Universal Studios • Valet parking, private dining, skipping the WHOLE line, and more fun facts than you can imagine – these are all included when you purchase a VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. I recently experienced this tour myself, and let me tell you, it is the way to go! Most theme parks offer VIP tour options, which your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist can help you book, but Universal Hollywood’s VIP Experience is extra special, and you should absolutely consider upgrading your tickets to include this option during your next visit. It’s no surprise that my main reason to go to Universal Hollywood was to see the brand-new Super Nintendo World, which was "toadally" awesome (toad…get it)? My son loves all things Mario and once he heard about this new land, I knew we would have to go check it out for ourselves. You have many different ticket options for […]

Say Mickey! A Look inside Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio!

3/17/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Did you know there is a professional photography studio at Disney Springs where you can have family and individual portraits taken? It's true! Located in the Marketplace of Disney Springs is where you'll find this not-so-hidden gem with unique backdrops and fun props. The best part is that it's free of charge if you have already purchased the Memory Maker photo package! No reservations are needed. Just stop by and get in line! My family popped in for a quick 15–20-minute session during our Disney Spring/break day and got some great shots. We arrived about 15 minutes before they opened and were second in line. By the time the studio opened, however; there were about 20 people behind us, so plan accordingly because it can get busy. Hours change daily, so be sure to check your My Disney Experience app before arriving. Even though the sessions are quick, the photographers […]

Explore More with Viator!

2/7/2023 • Blog, Tips • 300,000+...That is the number of adventures offered through Viator, an online marketplace to book your travel excursions. From small remote corners of the world to major cities, Viator is likely to have something for you. Have you ever gone on a vacation and wondered what exciting things await you there? With Viator, your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist can send you customized links to explore the many options available. Then when you find the perfect excursion, you can book right from that link. One of the best things about Viator is the “Reserve Now & Pay Later” option. With this, it doesn’t charge you for the excursion until about 1 week before. This gives you the peace of mind that you won’t miss out by securing your spot, but also the flexibility to update and/or cancel if your plans were to change. Some of the options below are just […]

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

12/6/2022 • Cruises, Reviews • Are you an adventurer looking for endless thrills? Are you foodie hoping to expand your culinary experiences? Maybe you are just a little stressed from the constant full schedules on a daily basis. Whatever your reasons, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line could be just what you’ve been looking for! With 20+ ships in the fleet and 7 different classes this cruise line could surely have the perfect itinerary for you. My family’s awesome adventure took us on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise with stops in Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, & St Maarten. Each Caribbean or Bahamian itinerary also includes a stop at one of Royal Caribbean’s private islands, either Labadee Haiti or Perfect Day at Cococay. Each private destination allows you to chill on beautiful beaches. Thrill yourself on things like ziplines, waterslides, or unwind like you mean it at swim-up bars or overwater cabanas. Even though Caribbean is in their […]

The Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

11/22/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World • INCREDIBLE!! This is how I would describe my recent after-dark safari tour through the savannas at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was kind of like that old cowboy song, you know...." Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam, Where the deer and the antelope play ". Okay, it’s not exactly like that, but you get where I’m going. From a giraffe who practically stuck her head inside our open-air safari vehicle, to a few zebras who had no intention of moving off our path, and the giant Ankole cattle who's only concern was finishing his dinner. My family and I were amazed at the amount of wildlife we saw during our 1-hour tour. The Starlight Safari is currently offered nightly, weather permitting, at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm, and the cost is $75 - $89 per person, before tax. Reservations are required, and payment is due at time of […]

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

5/10/2022 • Blog • Theme Park and cruise vacations are the best, right?! But have you ever wanted something different? For an awesome beach vacation, or trip to explore a lively city, Marriott properties might be just what you are looking for. Marriott has 25+ brands offering everything from single-night hotel stays to all-inclusive resorts and even a luxury yacht collection. I recently stayed at two of the luxury hotel properties – The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and The JW Marriott Marquis Miami. In this piece, I’ll go over some of the fantastic options each hotel has to offer. First up, The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – Wow, what a great resort! Marco Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida is connected to the mainland by bridges near Naples. The entire island is less than 25sq miles and this resort encompasses 3 of those miles […]

Welcome to Miami – Bienvenido a PortMiami!

2/18/2022 • Blog, Cruises • Disney Cruise Line has adapted and changed quite a bit since relaunching after the COVID shutdown. Whether you are a first-time cruiser, or frequent Castaway Club member, knowing what to expect when you arrive for embarkation is imPORTant. PortMiami sits inside Biscayne Bay on Dodge Island. This port is among the nation's busiest ports, moving around six million passengers and transporting goods by the billions. Disney Cruise Line is one of the many companies that occupy PortMiami. When you cross the bridge and arrive on the island, you will see cruise and cargo ships galore! Right in the middle of it all is Cruise Terminal C - Disney’s terminal. When you pull up, those giant red and black stacks with a giant Mickey head will let you know you’re in the right place! Whether you are parking in the main garage directly across the way or being dropped off, you […]

Themed Drinks at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter {Review}

12/2/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Traveling between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade takes you on a journey through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can see, feel, and even taste, yes taste what it’s like to live a day in the life of Harry Potter. Many great food and snack options are available, but the specialty drinks are something that’s not to be missed. It gets HOT in the Florida sun so cooling down with a refreshing drink will make your time much more enjoyable. I’m sure all the loyal Harry Potter fans are aware you can get Butterbeer, the staple drink in the Wizarding World. It can be found in several locations in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I love Butterbeer in all it’s forms, cold, hot, frozen, and even ice cream! The creamy butterscotch flavor can’t be beat and contrary to its name it is completely family-friendly. During my last trip to Diagon […]

Jurassic World Kid’s Suite

11/23/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Some 65 million years ago dinosaurs ruled the earth. Today an encounter with one of these massive creatures is impossible unless you visit Universal Orlando, then it’s totally possible! If you have a Dino loving kid in your family then a stay in a Jurassic World Kid’s Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a must. These 670 square feet 2-bedroom suites take you on an adventure to the Isla of Nublar. 2 twin-size gyrospheres in the kid’s room offer not only an awesome place sleep but a bit of separation from the adult’s room. The Jurassic World theming is all over the kid’s room from the valley mapping carpet to the massive landscaped scenery on the walls. A lighted desk which has a large map of Nublar above it, a full-size closet, and an entertainment center with a large TV are also included in each of the kid's rooms. […]