Blog Posts by Tressa Krippel

Enjoying Butterbeer at Universal Studios Orlando – The Ultimate Guide

11/13/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort wouldn't be complete without enjoying a  Butterbeer. A perfect day at Universal Studios Florida starts with a visit to Diagon Alley and a Butterbeer.  We like to start our day with a ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts when wait times are low due to our early access to the parks as a resort guest. Enjoying a Butterbeer at Universal is just one of the many ways to feel immersed in this magical world. Butterbeer comes in six delicious forms of tasty treats! Which version should you try? Each treat offers something unique, so the Me and The Mouse Team is here to give you a full breakdown of Butterbeer at Universal Studios and where to find it in the Wizarding World. COLD BUTTERBEER The traditional cold drink (secret recipe) is often described as a cream soda with butterscotch and shortbread flavors. It’s a sweet […]

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

7/17/2020 • Walt Disney World • You can experience the joys of the islands at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The 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 new Disney's Skyline. Guests will love the convenience of traveling by aerial gondola to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, as well as to nearby resorts for shopping and dining. With two Skyline stations nearby, no matter what Caribbean island you are visiting, quick, easy access to Walt Disney World's newest transportation is just minutes away. The newly reimagined 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. Enjoy a meal at Sebastian’s Bistro, a new restaurant offering waterfront dining adjacent to the […]

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

3/6/2020 • Walt Disney World • Mickey's-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event that happens on select nights between August and October (sometimes November) at the Magic Kingdom. On nights when the event is taking place, Magic Kingdom will close early at 6 pm for those who do not have a party ticket for that evening. The party hours are from 7:00 pm to 12 AM, but party guests can arrive as early as 4:00 PM. The last show is at 12 AM, and guests can spend a little time to shop the exclusive event merchandise for a short while after the last show. Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party offers exclusive character greetings, Halloween-inspired ride overlays, specialty food items, Trick-or-Treating, unique shows, a firework show that is exclusive to the party, and the "BOO-To-You" Halloween Parade. When party guests arrive, they will receive a special wristband to indicate they have the party ticket for that evening. In […]

TOPOLINOS TERRACE: The NEW “Must Do” Character Meal at Walt Disney World!

2/21/2020 • Walt Disney World • Last weekend, while Me and The Mouse Travel specialists visited the Festival of the Arts, we had the opportunity of enjoying breakfast at Topolino's Terrace, which is located at the top of Disney's Riveria Resort. The restaurant not only has an amazing menu but offers spectacular views of the resort and nearby parks. The artists in residence at this character breakfast include Mickey (a painter), Minnie (a poet), Donald (a sculptor), and Daisy (a ballerina), who meet guests during breakfast only. This character meal is only 1 table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan.  (While dinner is also served in the restaurant, it is not character meal and is 2 dining credits on the Disney dining plan) At dinner, you can view the fireworks from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. When entering the restaurant, our team was awestruck with the gorgeous setting of this unique restaurant, named for Mickey Mouse (Topolino is Mickey […]

Rapid Refills Mugs – Another Perk of the Disney Dining Plan!

5/24/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • There are many perks for guests staying at a Walt Disney World resorts, including Disney Dining plans that include a Rapid Refill Mug.   The Dining Plan makes a lot of sense and can easily save you money while dining at the parks, resorts and Downtown Disney.   To learn more details about the Dining plan options, be sure to check out our blog Dining Plan vs No Dining Plan.   Resort Refillable mugs, now called Rapid Refills, are included in your Dining Plan packages or can be purchased separately if you are not on the dining plan.  Rapid Refill mugs are used only at the resorts.  There are no drink stations within the parks for your mugs.  With these souvenir mugs, you can enjoy unlimited fountain drinks, tea and coffee for the duration of your stay.     WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?:     Everyone on the […]

Packing the Perfect Bag for the Parks

4/19/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • As you prepare for a magical day at the parks, you might decide that you want to bring along a bag with you to have at the parks.  While Disney and Universal Studios allow guests to bring bags into the parks, here are a few helpful tips for packing the perfect bag to bring into the parks on your next vacation. What’s the Ideal Bag? Select a bag that is easy to carry and lightweight. We love a small backpack, sling bag, or crossbody-style bag.  Remember that what you pack in your bag in the beginning of the day, may feel like an extra 20lbs at the end of the day.   At the park, your bags will be screened and searched.   To help you move through security faster, we recommend selecting a bag that doesn’t have a lot of compartments nor bring multiple small makeup bags.  All bags will be opened and searched before you […]

Dining in Andy’s Backyard – Woody’s Lunchbox!

1/29/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Howdy, Partner! It's time to roundup the TOYS and have a delicious meal at one of the best Quick Service restaurants at Hollywood Studios! Woody's Lunchbox is the newest Quick Service restaurant located in the new Toy Story Land. Woody’s Lunch Box features classic American food, old-fashioned soda floats and other Toy Story-themed specialties (try the Mystic Portal Punch). Woody’s Lunch Box participates in the Disney Dining Plan as a counter service credit and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will delight in seeing how items from inside Andy’s lunchbox form the restaurant’s structures and seating area. From the lid of Andy's lunchbox, to his Woody's Roundup thermos and a note from Andy's mom, guests will delight in this immersive experience in dining in Andy's backyard. What is there to eat in Andy’s backyard? BBQ Brisket Melt, Tomato-Basil Soup, Three-Cheese Sandwich, “Totchos" (potato barrel nachos), and Lunch Box […]

What Type of Park Ticket Do I Need at Walt Disney World?

1/8/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • We can’t wait to meet Mickey Mouse and explore the theme parks at Walt Disney World!!!  Our family can’t wait to experience the thrills of the water slides and family raft rides at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon!  And, we can’t miss the festival events at Epcot!!  What type of ticket do I need to see and experience all the “must do” activities? For guests arriving a Walt Disney World, there are 3 basic park tickets to consider for your vacation: BASE TICKETS: Base tickets allow a guest to visit one park each day.  For example, you can start your day at Magic Kingdom, return to your resort for a rest and relaxation, and return to Magic Kingdom park that same day. HOPPER TICKETS: Hopper tickets allow guests to visit multiple parks in a day. Perhaps you start your day flying a Banshee at Animal Kingdom park in the morning, then move or “hop” over to […]

5 Don’t Miss Opportunities on the Disney Dream

7/13/2018 • Cruises, Tips •   1.  Sail Away Party -  The Sail Away Deck Party is not to be missed! This event marks the beginning of your adventure on your cruise and shouldn't be missed.  Go to the pool deck, or the deck above that looks down onto the pool deck and enjoy the party.     The Sail Away Deck Party is full of excitement, has lots of music and dancing, and you get a chance to see many of your favorite Disney characters decked out in their cruising attire. Be on the lookout for Captain Mickey Mouse and his friends Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto, who want you to join in on the fun!!   2.  Animator's Palette-  Animator’s Palate pays tribute to Disney and Pixars animation process. From the dining room chairs that are patterned after Mickey Mouse’s pants to the paintbrush butter knives,  you won't want to skip your dinner at this […]

The INS and OUTS of the Quick Service Dining Plan

7/11/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World • One of the many perks of staying at Walt Disney World resort is the opportunity to purchase a Disney Dining Plan and save money on dining while you are on your Disney vacation.     Walt Disney World offers three different dining plan options for their resort guests:  Quick Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan.  Disney's Quick Service Dining plan is a fantastic option for guests, who prefer to be "on the go" on their vacation and aren't looking to include character meals or multiple table service restaurant reservations.  Quick Service dining locations do not require a reservation and can be enjoyed whenever you are ready to dine.  (**Please note that Be Our Guest restaurant is the only exception to this as this restaurant does require a reservation for Quick Service dining at breakfast and lunch)   How does a Dining Plan work?  Disney Dining plans are based on the number of nights you stay at your resort.  Everyone […]