The Happiest Blog on Earth

The Alaska Experience Most Cruisers Miss: How An 8-hour Transfer Became The Highlight Of Our Alaskan Vacation

9/9/2026 • Blog, Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Tips • When most people think about the end of their Northbound Alaskan cruise, they think about getting from the cruise port to the airport as quickly as possible. But what if that transfer could become one of the highlights of your vacation? After disembarking our Royal Caribbean cruise in Seward, we faced a common challenge for Alaska cruisers: the cruise port and Anchorage Airport are roughly 120 miles or two to three hours apart. While there are plenty of transportation options available—including motorcoaches and scenic trains—most take you directly from point A to point B without giving you the opportunity to truly experience the incredible scenery along the way. Since we had several hours between leaving the ship and our flight home, I decided to book an extended land transfer tour from Seward to Anchorage. Lasting more than eight hours, it turned out to be the perfect ending to what had […]

Top 10 Reasons to make Disneyland your first (or next) Disney Vacation!!

9/2/2026 • Blog, Disneyland, Tips • I am a firm believer that every family should consider starting their Disney Vacation story with a trip to Walt Disney’s Original Park, Disneyland, built over 70 years ago on orange groves that Walt bought in Anaheim, California. After dreaming about a park where parents and children could experience the fun and magic together since his children were little, Walt Disney risked everything on his dream. So, without further ado, here are the top ten reasons that I think you should start planning your magical vacation to Disneyland today!! 10 Dinosaurs YES, Dinosaurs can be seen on your Disneyland train ride make sure to get on at the front of the park for easiest boarding and ride all the way around to take in the whole park and get a blast from the past. 9 Churros! Disneyland has the best churros, hot, crispy, delicious and worth the trip to Disneyland […]

You'll Get Them Back: A Disney Day With My 16-Year-Old

8/26/2026 • Blog, Cruises, Disneyland, Sandals & Beaches, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World • We are a Disney family. Always have been. Some of my favorite memories of my children live inside those park gates, and at 16, my baby girl is still a joy to be with. She is not the eyerolling, hood-up, "this is so cringe" teenager the internet loves to warn you about. We actually like each other. We talk, we hang out, we genuinely enjoy each other's company. And still — I was nervous about this trip. What I Was Nervous About Here is what I was working with. We had exactly one day for one park, tacked onto the end of a four-day volleyball tournament. Her body was already wrecked, sore feet, tired legs, and I was about to ask it to walk 20,000 steps through the Orlando heat in July. This was also our first Disney trip as a party of 3 without her older brother. No other […]

Discover the Mediterranean in Style: Viking's Iconic Mediterranean Cruise

8/23/2026 • Blog, Cruises, Viking • I recently hosted a group on Viking’s Iconic Mediterranean itinerary. If you've ever dreamed of strolling through ancient cities, savoring authentic Mediterranean cuisine, and waking up to breathtaking coastal views each morning, Viking's Iconic Mediterranean cruise delivers an unforgettable journey. This is one of Viking’s most popular ocean cruises. Combining rich history, world-renowned art, and modern luxury, this itinerary offers travelers the perfect introduction to some of Europe's most captivating destinations. A Journey Through History The Mediterranean has been the crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years. Viking's carefully curated itinerary allows guests to explore iconic cities where history comes alive. From ancient Roman ruins and medieval fortresses to Renaissance masterpieces and charming seaside villages, every port tells a fascinating story. Whether you're wandering through cobblestone streets, admiring centuries-old architecture, or visiting legendary archaeological sites, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultures that shaped the Western world. Spectacular Destinations […]

What to Do in Vancouver Before Your Cruise: The Perfect Pre-Cruise Itinerary

8/19/2026 • Blog, Cruises, Tips • Don’t Just Pass Through Vancouver — Make It Part of Your Vacation! If your cruise vacation begins in Vancouver, Canada, you have an amazing opportunity to add an unforgettable destination before you ever step onboard your ship. Many travelers fly into Vancouver the day their cruise departs, but we always recommend arriving early whenever possible. Adding a few extra nights before your cruise gives you time to relax, adjust after traveling, explore the city, and start your vacation stress-free. At Me and The Mouse Travel, we love helping our clients create a seamless vacation from hotel suggestions to city experiences for unforgettable experiences. Vancouver is the perfect place to begin your adventure! Here are some of our favorite things to do in Vancouver before your cruise. Explore Stanley Park One of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions, Stanley Park is the perfect introduction to the city. This beautiful waterfront park offers incredible […]

Thinking About Booking a Sandals Resort During Hurricane Season? Read This First

8/5/2026 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches, Tips • Thinking About Booking a Sandals Resort During Hurricane Season? Read This First If you've been dreaming about a Sandals vacation, honeymoon, or destination wedding but noticed your travel dates fall during hurricane season, you're not alone. One of the most common questions I receive is: "Should we still book?" The short answer? Usually yes, but with a plan. As a Gold Certified Sandals Specialist who has visited every Sandals resort multiple times and helped plan countless Sandals vacations and honeymoons, I help clients navigate this decision every day. Hurricane season doesn't automatically mean you should postpone your dream vacation or honeymoon. It simply means choosing the right destination, traveling at the right time, understanding the risks, and planning wisely. When Is Hurricane Season? The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically peaking between late August and early October. That may sound concerning, but […]

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas: Everything Families Need to Know Before You Go

7/29/2026 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Kids Resort • If you've ever wished there was a Universal theme park designed specifically for younger children, your wish has officially come true! Our family of five (kids’ ages are 8, 5, and 2) visited the resort for its grand opening and had a wonderful time experiencing the brand new resort and theme park! Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, is the first-ever Universal theme park created especially for families with young kids. Instead of towering thrill rides and marathon walking days, this colorful resort focuses on interactive adventures, beloved characters, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of opportunities to play together. Whether your little one dreams of meeting Shrek, splashing around with SpongeBob, dancing with the Trolls, or coming face-to-face with dinosaurs, this park delivers an experience built around imagination and fun. Stay Steps Away from the Fun The adventure begins before you even enter the park. The on-site Universal Kids Resort Hotel […]

A Different Way to Experience Disney Fireworks: Disney Fireworks Cruises

7/15/2026 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • For many families, ending the day with Disney fireworks is a must-do experience. While most guests enjoy the nighttime spectaculars from inside the parks, one of Disney's Enchanting Extras offers a completely different perspective. A Disney Fireworks Cruise allows guests to enjoy the magic of Happily Ever After or Luminous: The Symphony of Us from the water, creating a unique and memorable way to end the day. One of Disney's Enchanting Extras Collection experiences is a private Fireworks Cruise. Available for both Magic Kingdom's Happily Ever After and EPCOT's Luminous: The Symphony of Us, these specialty cruises allow your group to watch the nighttime spectacular from the water aboard a private pontoon boat. Boats accommodate up to 10 guests and include a captain, assorted snacks and soft drinks, and synchronized audio from the fireworks show so you can fully enjoy the experience. Reservations can be made up to 60 days […]

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. […]

The Magic of Discovering Italy with Adventures by Disney

7/1/2026 • Adventures by Disney, Blog, Reviews • Italy has been one of my dream vacation destinations. The history, food, culture, and breathtaking scenery make it a place that captures your heart from the moment you arrive.This spring, I had the opportunity to experience Italy with Adventures by Disney on my second Adventures by Disney vacation. Once again, Disney reminded me why they are masters at creating unforgettable travel experiences. As a travel advisor, I spend my days helping others plan incredible vacations. I know firsthand how much time and effort goes into researching hotels, arranging transportation, booking tours, and coordinating all the moving pieces. What I love most about Adventures by Disney is that they handle every detail, allowing you to be in the moment and simply enjoy! Every Detail Is Handled Imagine arriving in Italy knowing every hotel, transfer, activity, and reservation has already been thoughtfully arranged. Your luggage is transferred between hotels. Transportation is waiting […]

Baby Care Centers in Walt Disney World!

6/24/2026 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Are you traveling with a baby or toddler on your next Disney World Vacation? If you are, you might be nervous about caring for your little one on your trip. Did you know each Walt Disney World theme park has a Baby Care Center? These centers are the perfect pit stop during your busy day in the parks. Where can I find the Baby Care Centers? They are conveniently located in each of the parks and are also near the First Aid centers. In Magic Kingdom you will find the center located just off Main Street USA past Casey’s Corner restaurant. If you are visiting EPCOT, the Baby Care Center is located in a building between Test Track and the Mexico Pavillion. At Hollywood Studios you will find the center at the main entrance across from the stroller rental area. While in Animal Kingdom you can find the Baby Care […]