Blog Posts by Valerie Shelkey

The Biggest Mistakes Families Make When Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation (and How to Avoid Them)

6/3/2026 • Tips, Walt Disney World • A Walt Disney World vacation should feel magical from the very beginning, not overwhelming, rushed, or filled with second guessing. Over the years, Walt Disney World has evolved into a destination that truly benefits from thoughtful planning. From selecting the right resort to navigating park strategies and dining, the details matter and can significantly shape your overall experience. We often see the same planning missteps come up again and again. The good news is that with the right approach, they are all completely avoidable. At Me and the Mouse Travel, our specialists work with families to design seamless, well paced Disney vacations. Let’s walk through some of the biggest offenders so you know what to avoid and how to avoid it, allowing your vacation to feel as effortless as it should. 1. Waiting Too Long to Begin the Planning Process One of the most common missteps is underestimating how far […]

Why Families Who Don’t Think They’re ‘Cruise People’ Fall in Love With Disney Cruise Line

9/23/2025 • Blog, Cruises • “I don’t think a cruise is for me…” I hear this all the time, and I get it! Maybe you picture cramped cabins, endless buffets, or being stuck in the middle of the ocean with nothing to do. But here’s the thing: a Disney Cruise is completely different from what most people imagine a cruise to be. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and Disney magic—and it just might be your family’s favorite vacation ever. Here’s why a Disney Cruise is truly the perfect fit for every family, even if you’ve never cruised before. 1. It’s All-Inclusive and Stress-Free From the moment you step onboard, nearly everything is included: • Incredible meals at themed restaurants • Unlimited soft drinks, coffee, and even 24-hour room service • Broadway-caliber live shows • Kids’ clubs packed with immersive activities • Deck parties, character meet-and-greets, and nightly entertainment Instead of planning every detail […]

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

10/6/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • EPCOT’s newest attraction is a self-guided walk thru experience where water comes to life at the wave of a hand. You can immerse yourself in the world of Moana while learning all about the life cycle of water and how it connects us. You will find Journey of Water in EPCOT’s World Nature neighborhood along with The Land and The Seas pavilions. As you enter the attraction, you are greeted with your first trail marker. Each of these trail markers represents a part of the life cycle of water and provides some education and then a fun way to play with the water. From making music to making waves. Keep an eye out for familiar shapes in the rocks! About half way through the attraction there are restrooms and a spot to sit. Be prepared to get at least a bit wet if you want to really have fun in […]

New Rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

7/28/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World • As Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa enters its 35th year, they are wrapping up a huge refurbishment of all their guest rooms. Sago Cay is the most recently completed building and happens to be the building we stayed in. The Grand Floridian is a deluxe resort and sits along the Monorail in the Magic Kingdom area of Disney World. The Grand Floridian has always been known for its Victorian charm and amazing restaurants. Citrico’s reopened in 2020 with an updated look inspired by Mary Poppins Returns. Those subtle whimsical touches of cherry blossoms and butterflies have now been carried over to the guest rooms. The new rooms are bright and beautiful with gold, pinks, blues, and greens. There are even some details that are almost hidden in plain sight such as the single penguin sitting atop the chandelier or the silhouettes behind the coffee station. The rooms feature two […]

Restaurant Spotlight: Space 220 at EPCOT

4/4/2023 • Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • Since its opening in the Fall of 2021, a reservation at Space 220 Restaurant has been one of the more elusive Walt Disney World dining reservations to secure. But is this galactic restaurant worth the price tag? Space 220 is an immersive dining experience where you’ll be enjoying culinary delights while taking in views of the galaxy from the Centauri Space Station. When you arrive, you will be handed your boarding pass. When your group is called you will board the space elevator which will shoot you 220 miles up into space. Be sure to watch the windows below for incredible views of Florida as you rise higher and higher! Lunch and Dinner menus at Space 220 are both prix-fixe consisting of modern American cuisine. Lunch consists of an appetizer and entree. Dinner will be an appetizer, entree, and dessert. If you are looking for something lighter but still want […]

Experience Castaway Cay Like a Pro

1/24/2023 • Blog, Cruises, Tips • For many people, the stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is the highlight of their cruise! Here are some tips to make the most of your visit on this amazing island. You are headed ashore, what should you put in your beach bag? You will want to make sure you do not get off the ship without your Key to the World card and adults will need a picture ID. Throw some sunscreen, your phone or a camera, sunglasses, and some water or a reusable water bottle in your beach bag. If you are traveling with kids you might want to bring a few sand toys. Don’t worry if you forget any of these, you can buy all of this on the island. Outside of the ship, you can pick up some towels for the day. There are more towels by the beach as well. Cast members will have […]

Disney Pin Trading – What is That?!

4/5/2022 • Blog, Cruises, Disneyland, Walt Disney World • Photo above: Pin trading board at Disney’s Riviera Resort craft room. Are you an expert in pin trading or have you only heard this term and thought ‘what is that?!’ Pin Trading is a really fun way to interact with cast members and other guests throughout the parks and resorts. And it’s fun for all ages! It’s super easy to get started! If you are headed to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or a Disney Cruise, you can purchase a starter set or a few individual pins from many of the resort and park shops. ShopDisney also has a small selection you can purchase from ahead of your trip. Once you are at your Disney destination, look for pin trading stations or cast members & guests wearing lanyards with their own pins. If you find a pin you like then select a pin from your personal collection and make a trade. […]