Blog Posts by Nancy Wideman

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 […]

Go Behind the Scenes at the Disneyland Resort with Unique Tours and VIP Access!

9/22/2023 • Blog, Disneyland, Holidays & Events • Taking part in a tour at the Disneyland Resort can provide new guests with background and history of the park and attractions, entertain and inform seasoned guests with behind-the-scenes exploration, and also offer VIP treatment and front-of-the-line access for guests visiting for the first time or simply the first time this month! There is always something new to learn or experience and tours can be a fun way for anyone to go off the beaten track and indulge their curiosity. The following tours are currently offered at the Disneyland Resort: Disneyland Resort VIP Tours - Roll out the red carpet for your family with our customizable VIP experience—and get ready for your most magical day ever! This private tour accommodates up to 10 guests per guide and offers: *Your own "personal concierge" traveling with you throughout the day and sharing fun behind-the-scenes stories. *Hassle-free planning and concierge booking. *Expedited access […]

Live Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort!

9/15/2023 • Blog, Disneyland • The Disneyland Resort is full of exciting live entertainment throughout Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure with something to delight fans of all ages. Disneyland Park Fantasyland - Storytelling at the Royal Theatre: enjoy a reenactment some of your favorite scenes from Beauty and the Beast or Tangled with your witty hosts. Daytime Parade - "Magic Happens" Parade - this daily parade showcases several favorite films and characters along with a great soundtrack! Nighttime Entertainment - Fireworks and projections on Sleeping Beauty's Castle: On select nights, enjoy the dazzle of fireworks or special projections on the castle and in other areas of the park where magic lights up the night sky! - Fantasmic: This epic battle of Mickey vs the villains will be returning to Disneyland Park in the Spring 2025. Characters Classic characters can be found throughout the Disneyland Park, including Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy, […]

Choosing the Best Time to Visit: Experiencing the Four Seasons of Walt Disney World!

8/22/2023 • Blog, Holidays & Events, Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World has so many exciting events throughout the year, but coordinating your schedule with the holidays and festivals, milder weather, and around peak season crowds can be tricky. This guide can help you choose the best time for your family to visit Walt Disney World. SPRING (March 1 – May 31) Crowd Levels: Spring is a hugely popular time to visit Walt Disney World. 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 schools are out for the summer. Weather: Warm but manageable. Avg high 72°. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival When? Early March to early […]

A Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In Cheat Sheet

5/3/2023 • Cruises • It’s almost here! You have been dreaming of setting sail on your Disney cruise for months and months, and the time has finally come! Soon you will be able to complete your online check-in. To keep you from being one of those frustrated sailors in your Facebook group, we are going to prepare you for smooth sailing through the online check-in process by making sure you are armed and ready with everything you need! Check-In dates vary by your Castaway Cay level or if you are sailing Concierge: - Pearl / Concierge Level = 40 days prior to sailing - Platinum Level = 38 days prior to sailing - Gold Level = 35 days prior to sailing - Silver Level = 33 days prior to sailing - First time Disney Cruise Line cruisers = 30 days prior to sailing Before Your Online Check-In Date: - Confirm the exact spelling and […]

How to Get Your Family Excited about a Visit to Walt Disney World!

2/28/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience for the whole family, but it can also be stressful if you have family members who are not as enthusiastic about the trip as you are. Here are some tips on how to get everyone excited about your upcoming Walt Disney World adventure and make it a truly magical experience for everyone. Include everyone in the Planning Process Research Together Download the My Disney Experience app and view park maps, attractions, dining menus, and character meet and greets. Watch YouTube Videos Talk About Favorite Disney / Pixar / Star Wars characters and films! Is there a favorite character someone would LOVE to meet or see in a parade? If you have Star Wars fans, you’ll want to be sure to take a closer look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and plan for extra activities. Wish […]