Blog Posts by Tressa Krippel

Beyond the Parks: Discovering Disney’s Hidden Magic at Colors of Coronado

7/8/2026 • Blog, Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • There is SO much magic to experience both inside and outside of the theme parks! Whether you’re a first-time visitor wanting to soak in all the resort amenities or a seasoned Disney traveler looking for something new to add to your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation, I have the perfect “Magical Extra” for your itinerary. On a recent girls’ trip, I wanted to share a fun and unique experience with my friends—something beyond rides and shows. After an amazing character breakfast at Tusker House Restaurant and a few favorite attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom, we hopped on the bus to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort for an afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and memories at Disney’s Colors of Coronado experience. If you haven’t heard of Colors of Coronado, it’s a guided painting class offered at Coronado Springs Resort where guests can create Disney-inspired artwork in a relaxed and beautiful setting. […]

Dining at 50’s Prime Time Café: Eat Your Veggies… or No Dessert!

1/20/2026 • Blog • Looking for a dining experience at Walt Disney World that’s equal parts fun, nostalgic, and delicious? If your family is visiting Disney World for the first time — or you’re hoping to try something a little different — 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios might be just what you’re looking for. This unique table-service restaurant serves up classic comfort food with a playful twist, all inside a setting that feels like stepping straight into a 1950s sitcom. Step Inside Mom’s Kitchen — 1950s Style From the moment you walk in, you’re transported back in time. The waiting area resembles a cozy living room, complete with vintage décor and black-and-white TV clips playing classic shows. Once seated, you’ll dine in what feels like Mom’s kitchen, surrounded by Formica tables, retro wallpaper, and plenty of throwback charm. And yes — the servers fully embrace the role. You might be reminded […]

12 EPCOT Photo Locations You Need to Visit!

10/23/2025 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • 12 EPCOT Photo Locations You Need to Visit! EPCOT is full of amazing locations to capture fantastic memories for your family photo album or your social media accounts. While some are easy to identify, like Spaceship Earth, there are many hidden gems throughout the park that make spectacular backdrops for your vacation photos.   Checkout these 12 photo spots on your next visit to Epcot! 1.  Spaceship Earth -   The icon of this park, Spaceship Earth can be seen and photographed in various locations in the park due to its size (It's 180 feet tall!!).  With themed garden beds as you enter the park, this always makes this location a "must do" on any visit to Epcot.  Plan to get pictures both during the day and night as it twinkles and changes colors at night. 2.  Bubble Gum Wall (#bubblegumwall) - This location continues to be a trend for park goers and their photos! […]

Do I Need a REAL ID to Travel to Disney & Universal?

9/13/2025 • Tips • REAL ID: Are You Ready for Your Next Adventure? ✅ Domestic flights: REAL ID license/ID or valid passport. ✅ International flights: Passport required; REAL ID won’t get you on an international flight. ✅ Kids under 18: No ID needed with an adult (domestic). REAL ID in effect since May 7, 2025. As of May 7, 2025, travelers 18+ must have a REAL ID–compliant license/ID or another acceptable ID (like a U.S. Passport) to board domestic flights in the U.S. Headed to Disneyland, Universal Orlando, or another family vacation? Get your travel documentation in order before you pack your ears and MagicBands. What is REAL ID? REAL ID is a set of federal security standards for state driver’s licenses and ID cards. It’s still your state license/ID—it just meets federal rules for flying and going to certain secure federal facilities. REAL ID cards usually have a star on the front. Do […]

Get Ready for a Pirate Parlay on Your Disney Cruise!

8/19/2025 • Blog, Cruises, Tips • Ahoy Matey!!! Get ready for a Pirate Parlay on your Disney Cruise! Swashbucklers and Scally-wags of all ages won't want to miss this Pirate Bash at Sea! Special character meet and greets, dance parties, pirate games, and more are waiting for you on the high seas! You will delight in seeing some of your favorite characters dressed for this Buccaneer Bash on this special night available on select Disney Cruise itineraries. Mickey, Minnie, and friends are ready to embrace the pirate life for just one night! Be on the lookout for two of the most infamous Pirate Captains at sea - Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook! Weigh anchor and head to your Pirate themed dinner at your assigned restaurant onboard your Disney Cruise. Here landlubbers will discover bountiful choices on a specialty cultivated pirate-themed menu created just for you! If your gold doubloons are shaped like Mickey ice cream […]

4 Things to Know about Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

2/11/2025 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Explore the wonders of water based on the Disney-animated movie Moana at Epcot's Journey of Water attraction.  Located in the World of Nature section of the park, guests of all ages can follow along with magical encounters with water as you learn about the global water cycle in an engaging environment. 1.  You may get wet! - The Journey of Water is an interactive experience, where you can play with water.  From making music with water to making water "dance", this will be a favorite for any Moana fan. There are designated wet and dry path options as you move throughout this walk-through attraction. Wheelchairs and service animals must remain on the dry path only. There is a splash pad feature towards the end of the trail, which means some guests decide to get really wet! It's a perfect way to beat the heat and cool off, especially in the summer!   2.  Not a Meet and Greet! - The […]

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

2/7/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a combination of Victorian Style and modern-day amenities. This Deluxe resort is located on the monorail loop outside of Magic Kingdom and provides quick access to the theme park by both monorail and boat transportation.   An exquisite 5-story-high atrium with glittering chandeliers, stained glass domes, and grand piano welcomes guests when you arrive at the Grand Floridian resort. Guests will enjoy live music throughout the day in the atrium. During the Christmas season, guests will enjoy the sights and smells of the life-size gingerbread house and Victorian themed Christmas tree.  Standard rooms and suites at the Grand Floridian sleep 5 guests. Lagoon/marina/pool, garden, and theme park views are all available. Rooms and Suites with Club-Level Service will sleep up to 8 adults. 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Villas are also available. All rooms come with a mini fridge, ceiling fan, coffee maker with coffee and tea setup, […]

Disney Skyline Scavenger Hunt

12/5/2023 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Did you know there is a free scavenger hunt that you can complete using the help of the Disney Skyliner? At Me and The Mouse Travel, we call this a "Magical Moment" activity - an extra activity that you can add to your itinerary and create more Disney memories with your family. Download Your Own Here: DisneySkyliner_CreateYourOwnCabin The Skyliner is one of Disney World’s best transportation systems and has quickly become a favorite "attraction" outside of the theme parks. Since late 2019, the Disney Skyliner has become one of the best ways to travel around the Walt Disney World Resort. While you have to wait for other transportation options like the monorail and bus, the Disney Skyliner has a continuous loading process, making it an easy and quick form of transportation to transfer to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, as well as other select resorts. As you take to the sky […]

Resort Spotlight: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

8/24/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • You can experience the joys of the islands at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This spectacular moderate resort is centered around Barefoot Bay with its boosting palm trees, white sandy beaches, and colonial architecture. Caribbean Beach is made up of six islands and is conveniently located on the Disney's Skyline. Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort acts as a “port of entry” that gives guests convenient access to check-in, concierge services, hotel amenities, and dining during their island-inspired vacation. ROOMS Disney's Caribbean Beach resort is a moderate resort located between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This resort can accommodate up to 5 guests plus an infant. Standard, Water View, and Preferred guest rooms are furnished with 2 Queen size beds or 2 Queen size beds and 1 Child-Size Pull-Down bed. Resort rooms located in the North and South Trinidad sections of the resort are subtly themed for the Little Mermaid. AMENITIES Caribbean Beach […]

Resort Spotlight: Art of Animation – A Disney Resort for Families

8/17/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • If you want an over-the-top Disney themed resort with spacious rooms and a great location to the parks, then the Art of Animation is the perfect place for you to call "home" on your Walt Disney World vacation! While my family has enjoyed multiple stays at this family value resort, we personally love being situated right in the heart of Radiator Springs with the Tower of Tires and The Cozy Cone Motel just outside our room. ROOMS Disney's Art of Animation resort is a fantastic option for large families or families that would like a little more space at the end of the day. The Art of Animation resort is primarily made up of family value suites. The suites consist of a separate living room with a Double-size sleeper sofa, Double-size Table Bed, master bedroom with one Queen bed, two full bathrooms, and a kitchenette that includes a small refrigerator, […]