Blog Posts by Nancy Wideman

10 Things to Do on Your Arrival Day at Walt Disney World in 2025 (Without Going to the Parks)

2/25/2025 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Arriving at Walt Disney World is always exciting, but what if you don’t have park tickets for your first day? No worries! There are plenty of magical ways to kick off your vacation before stepping into the theme parks. Here are 10 things to do on your arrival day in 2025 that will set the tone for an unforgettable trip. 1. Splash into a Disney Water Park for Free New for 2025, Disney resort guests receive complimentary admission to a water park on their arrival day! Whether it’s Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, this is an incredible perk that lets you start your trip with thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools—without using a theme park ticket. Special Note: Be sure to arrange your flight and arrival time to take advantage of this great perk! 2. Explore Your Disney Resort Your Disney resort is more than just a place […]

The Magic of a Mom and Me, Dad and Me, or a Grandparent and Me Vacation

11/5/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Disneyland, Holidays & Events, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • For so many of us, the best memories with our families aren’t necessarily grandiose presents or huge events but the small moments, the shared laughs, and the quiet talks we didn’t even plan. There’s something truly wonderful about those one-on-one moments, especially when that time is spent somewhere as magical as a Disney Park. A dedicated “Mom and Me” or “Dad and Me” or even a "Grandparent and Me" vacation to Disney isn’t just a getaway; it’s a way to strengthen your bond and create memories you will both cherish for years. Whether celebrating a birthday, a school milestone, or just wanting that special time together, these trips offer so many chances to reconnect in ways that the usual day-to-day doesn’t always allow. My daughter has been my travel buddy since she was little, and we've made a tradition of going somewhere just before Christmas - Disneyland, Walt Disney World, […]

Airport Hacks to Get Your Family Through TSA Faster

9/4/2024 • Blog, Tips • While we all wish traveling to a family vacation could be a breeze, the journey to the destination can be the real adventure! Unless every member traveling with you is authorized for TSA Pre-Check or Clear, you will have to go through the complete screening process. Here are some helpful airport hacks that can reduce stress and get you to the gate with your sanity intact. • Your travel attire – Dress with screening in mind! Clothing with bling, like sequins and rhinestones, can be cause for extra screening. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. If you are wearing a belt, that will need to come off, so be prepared. Jackets and sweaters, hats, sunglasses,… You can begin to remove these items while you wait in line. • Arrive early. Traveling can be stressful enough without the need to run to your gate. Arrive early, […]

Choosing the Best Time to Visit: Experiencing the Four Seasons of the Disneyland Resort!

8/13/2024 • Blog, Disneyland, Holidays & Events • The Disneyland Resort has so much to see and do throughout the year, and Southern California weather is always ready to welcome you! Whether you want to escape the cold temps at home, want to experience Disneyland's Food & Wine Festival, are looking for fun seasonal treats and attractions, or simply want to enjoy all the classic attractions of the parks after the big crowds have gone home, there is a season for you! SPRING (Mid-March – May 31) Crowd Levels: Spring is a wildly popular time to visit Disneyland. Spring Break crowds usually begin arriving around March 15 and remain fairly consistent through the end of April with a few weeks mixed in here and there with lighter crowds. Easter week, which falls in different weeks (and months) each year is often the busiest. May tends to be a good time to visit before the high temps hit and […]

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas – the World’s Biggest Weekend – Your Guide to All the Excitement and Entertainment!

7/25/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews, Tips • Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Designed with families in mind, this ship promises an unforgettable experience for everyone and includes plenty of activities for kids of all ages and special fun just for the adults! From thrilling shows to endless activities, Utopia of the Seas is set to redefine family vacations. Spectacular Shows: A Feast for the Senses Aqua80too: Dive into the nostalgia of the 80s with Aqua80too, a high-energy aqua show that combines stunning acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and jaw-dropping stunts. You’ll be amazed the way the stage transforms to allow the performers to mysteriously crawl out of the water one minute and then dive from several stories up the next. Set to the backdrop of iconic 80s hits, this show will have you dancing in your seat, marveling at the performers' skills, and maybe even […]

Exploring Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas: Your Guide to the Ultimate Bar Crawl Experience

7/25/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews, Tips • Embarking on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is an adventure in itself, but for those who love to savor the finer tastes of life, the ship's bar crawl experience is a must-do. With a plethora of unique bars and lounges, each offering its own distinct ambiance and signature drinks, this bar crawl will take you on a journey through flavors, atmospheres, and unforgettable moments. Start on the Pool Deck and Sports Zone, Decks 15 & 16 1. Solarium Bar - Situated in the serene Solarium, this bar is perfect for a relaxing drink. Signature beverage: The Painkiller 2. Vue Bar - For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Vue Bar. Signature beverage: The Sky High Martini 3. The Lime and Coconut - a vibrant and lively venue inspired by tropical beach bars. Signature beverage: The Lime and Coconut 3. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade - for a more laid-back […]

Exploring the Culinary Delights of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas – Your Guide to All the Dining On-Board!

7/25/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews • Photo above: Izumi Hibachi and Sushi Embarking on a journey aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is more than just a cruise—it's a culinary adventure. Utopia of the Seas boasts an impressive array of specialty dining options that promise to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience to new heights. From sophisticated steak dinners to nostalgic American diner fare, there's something to suit every palate. Let's dive into the gastronomic treasures that await you on this magnificent ship. Specialty Dining Highlights: (included within a purchased specialty dining package or charged to your stateroom) • Royal Railway - Utopia Station Utopia Station is the crown jewel of dining on Utopia of the Seas and is a brand new concept on-board Royal Caribbean ships. This immersive five-course dining experience at sea is set in a train car where you not only watch the scenery change outside your windows, but […]

Utopia of the Seas – Royal Caribbean’s Spectacular New Mega-Ship Celebrates the World’s Biggest Weekend!

6/19/2024 • Blog, Cruises, Tips • Royal Caribbean has done it again with the launch of their newest mega-ship, the Utopia of the Seas. As a part of their groundbreaking Oasis Class, this ship promises to redefine luxury and adventure on the high seas. But what makes Utopia of the Seas so exciting and new? Let’s dive in and explore the wonders awaiting guests on this floating utopia. What’s New and Exciting? 1. Innovative Design and Technology: Utopia of the Seas boasts a revolutionary design that blends elegance with cutting-edge technology. The ship is sleek and modern with lots of open spaces, offering guests breathtaking ocean views. Utilizing liquified natural gas (LNG) to power the ship, it will be one of the most eco-friendly cruise ships on the seas. 2. Record-Breaking Features: This ship boasts some of the largest and most impressive features at sea. Highlights include: • Ultimate Abyss: The tallest slide at sea for […]

Designing a Walt Disney World Trip Tailored to Your Family

3/13/2024 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Have you dreamed of your first trip to Walt Disney World but have put it off because the planning process is overwhelming? We won’t fool you – there is a lot that goes into proper planning of your trip unlike any other Disney destination. These basics will help you understand the big steps and the timeframe in which they should be completed in order to take advantage of all that Disney has to offer. Unlike most traditional travel agents, this is what the Travel Specialists at Me and the Mouse do! We know the ins and outs of the Walt Disney World Resort, and we are here to help you through the planning process! Me and The Mouse has received the distinction of being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and is known for our impeccable service. Our goal is to exceed your expectations with our customized planning to compliment the […]

The Benefits of Staying On Property at the Walt Disney World Resort

1/16/2024 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Trying to figure out where to stay when visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first visit. There are significant benefits that come with staying on-property at a Disney resort hotel, and there are definite disadvantages when staying off-site at an area hotel or Airbnb. Understanding the differences early on will help you jump that hurdle quickly so you can get to the fun of planning! Walt Disney World offers more than 25 on-property resort hotels including popping your tent and camping, Value resorts with basic amenities and comforts, Moderate resorts with upgraded amenities like table service restaurants on property, Deluxe resorts with upgraded amenities like great transportation options to the parks, and fantastic table service restaurants, and Deluxe Villa resorts with lots of room to stretch out for larger families or those looking for more upscale accommodations. There is something for every […]