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12/2/2025 • 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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11/25/2025 • 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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11/18/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches •
Are you dreaming of a tropical escape that combines pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unmatched luxury? Look no further than Antigua, a slice of paradise nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Over the summer, I was chosen by the Tourism Board of Antigua and Barbuda to experience everything these amazing islands have to offer. This enchanting destination offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic retreat or families seeking an elevated escape with its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a myriad of activities to suit every taste. Let me tell you why this island is one that can't be missed! A Symphony of Beaches: One of the most captivating features of Antigua is it’s collection of stunning beaches that seem to be straight out of a postcard. Antigua is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Whether you're a sun-worshipper looking to bask in the warm […]
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11/11/2025 • Blog, Cruises •
When Royal Caribbean named their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, they weren’t exaggerating — especially if you’re lucky enough to spend it in one of their Overwater Cabanas at the Coco Beach Club. Our multigenerational family, ranging in age from 16 to over 70, decided to splurge on one of these luxurious cabanas for our group's big birthday celebration during our island day. And honestly? It was worth every penny. A Private Slice of Paradise The moment we stepped into the Coco Beach Club, we felt the difference. The atmosphere is calm, refined, and exclusive — like being part of a private resort within the island. Our attendant welcomed us with chilled towels and refreshments, then escorted us down a boardwalk that stretched over the sparkling turquoise water. Our Overwater Cabana was stunning — complete with loungers, overwater hammocks, and even a private slide straight into the ocean (a […]
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11/4/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World •
Ahoy, mateys! Arrr ya ready to set sail on a pirate's adventure? Deep within the heart of Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom lies a treasure hunt that even Captain Jack Sparrow himself would envy - A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas! If you’ve ever dreamed of joining a crew, following secret maps, and uncovering hidden surprises, this is your chance to live out that swashbuckling fantasy, no eye patch required. With four unique maps to choose from, each one leads you on a different quest across Adventureland. You’ll uncover clues, decipher pirate symbols, and trigger magical effects hidden in plain sight. (Keep your eyes sharp - pirates are sneaky!) Every adventure tells its own story, weaving through the lush pathways, tropical hideaways, and mysterious corners that make Adventureland feel like another world. And the best part? It’s included with your park admission! All you need to do is […]
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10/28/2025 • Tips •
Welcome back to my series “Pack like a Travel Agent.” Today’s topic is toiletry bags and how best to maximize your space for all those essentials! Stick with me and I’ll show you how I pack my own toiletry bag. If you plan to pack your toiletries in your checked baggage, you don’t have to worry about the size of the containers quite so much. You still need to comply with the TSA’s restrictions about what can be packed in carry-on and checked luggage. Please see the TSA’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information: Travel Tips: 3-1-1 liquids rule | Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov) The Toiletry Bag: When selecting a toiletry bag, I would stick with a few key characteristics. I would highly recommend a toiletry bag with a hook to hang it from the towel bar or shower hook when you get to your destination. I’ve also […]
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10/24/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
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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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! […]
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10/15/2025 • Adventures by Disney, Aulani, Blog, Cruises, Disneyland, Walt Disney World •
You know you want to travel with your grandchildren (and maybe their parents!) on a Disney vacation, but which Disney destination is going to fit your family’s personality best? From Walt Disney World in Florida, to Disneyland in California, from Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii to the Disney Cruise Line, and even Adventures by Disney trips around the globe—each option has something magical to offer for multigenerational families. The key is to match the experience to your family’s travel style, the ages of the kids, and how active you want your trip to be. Let’s explore which one fits your family best! Walt Disney World—The Ultimate Adventure for Active Families Walt Disney World is the best choice for very active grandparents with plenty of energy and time to travel. With four major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) plus two water parks, you could […]
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10/7/2025 • Blog, Disneyland, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Nothing quite compares to seeing Cinderella's Castle for the very first time...except maybe seeing it through your grandchild’s eyes. That spark of wonder, the unfiltered joy, the gasp of recognition when they spot their favorite character - this is the heart of Disney magic. And as a grandparent, you have the incredible opportunity to be part of those moments, right beside them. Even the youngest guests will delight in the music, colors, and surprises around every corner, and with thoughtful planning, this trip can become a memory they’ll remember forever - one filled with laughter, discovery, and you at the very center of it all. As someone who grew up visiting Disneyland with my grandmother, I can tell you firsthand: those trips leave a mark on your heart. Every memory of my childhood at the parks includes her whistling along to the music, chatting with the horticulturists outside "it’s a […]
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9/30/2025 • Walt Disney World •
Do you want to live like a pirate? You now have your chance in the all-new Beak and Barrel Tavern located right outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This is a 45-minute immersive experience where you can enjoy a variety of specialty drinks focused on a pirate’s favorite beverage – rum. This experience does require advanced dining reservations, but note, this is not a meal. But you can order snacks off the menu, which provides 4 different options from the galley. We had the “Island Provisions” Plantain Chips, Blue Corn Tortillas, and Toasted Flatbread served with Mango Chutney, Garlic Chimichurri, Spiced Guava, and Zesty Cilantro Cream Dips, which was very good and definitely enough for 2 people as a snack. You may also not be given a seat during your experience. In fact, the location we were given was the bar, which was standing only. It worked fine for […]
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