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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, […]
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8/28/2024 • 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! […]
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8/20/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios •
If you love grilled food and are hoping for a great one during your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Bigfire. Located in Universal Citywalk, Big Fire is home to all things cooked over an open flame, and just a short walk from either of the two theme parks. My husband and I love a steak, so we knew we had to give this a try on our most recent trip. We were seated upstairs near a faux fireplace. Luckily it didn't give off any real heat as we were hot from the Florida sunshine. We began our meal with the hearth oven baked bread. This bread is served with an herbed butter and peach preserves. We also tried the wood charred brussels sprouts. I love brussels sprouts and these did not disappoint. They are served over a toasted almond puree which added a nice contrast in texture. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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7/2/2024 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
For families like mine, the Disability Assistance Service has allowed us to navigate and enjoy the many attractions and characters throughout Walt Disney World. My oldest son was diagnosed at birth with Fragile X Syndrome, the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and the leading known single-gene cause of autism. Although he enjoys all that Walt Disney World has to offer, it can quickly overwhelm him. My family is incredibly appreciative of this service. Disney Parks recently updated the registration process and usage guidelines. This blog will help highlight the recent updates. What is the Disability Assistance Service (DAS)? A service intended to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended time. Do I need documentation of a disability? The Cast Member will ask several questions to determine eligibility. They will not […]
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6/25/2024 • Blog, Disneyland •
Disneyland is known for being the original family theme park- for classic characters and attractions that we all know and love. Disneyland’s Pixar Fest is a new, in-park experience with some of the more recent characters you love in the most magical of settings- Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. From now until August 4, you can catch your favorite Pixar characters at several specially themed events daily. In Disney’s California Adventure, make sure you catch the daily parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” in Pixar Pier with Pixar-themed floats, songs, and characters. From UP, to Luca, to Inside Out- there you will see more than two dozen fun and rare characters to see in the parade each day! There’s just nothing like a Disney parade, and with this Pixar twist, it’s a parade like no other! Disney California’s Adventure is also the place to be if you’ve brought […]
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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 […]
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6/5/2024 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
It's almost time for some not-so-spooky and frightful fun! This year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be on select nights from August 9th to October 31st, 2024, from 7:00 PM to midnight. Prepare yourself for the spellbinding treats that you've grown to love, along with some new tricks that are up Mickey's sleeves. A crowd favorite, The Sanderson Sisters, will host a wickedly fun celebration at the Cinderella Castle center stage. Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade will once again march down Main Street, USA with dastardly villains, ghastly ghouls and other iconic Characters donning their Halloween best. Oh, but beware of hitchhiking ghosts! Young kids, and kids at heart, can once again Trick-or-Treat throughout the Park. Fill your bag with sweet treats as you travel from land to land. Allergy-Friendly options are also available. Cast Members will have a special, teal-colored treat bag. When you trick-or-treat with your teal bag, you’ll […]
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