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9/27/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
On-property or off-property? For visitors to Disneyland this is a huge decision to be made. Is it worth the extra funds in the budget to stay on property? Are the rooms really nice? What about the amenities and the convenience to the parks? Are early morning magic hours necessary? With the compact nature of Disneyland and off-property resorts right across the entry, staying on property at Disneyland has never been a huge priority for me. I wasn’t convinced that the on-property resorts were going to be worth the extra fee for a long weekend. But this year, I learned how wrong I was as I spent a long weekend at the Pixar Pier resort at Disneyland California. First impressions make a big difference and from the moment I entered the hotel, the cast members were exceedingly helpful and friendly. As soon as I had my room key, I head up […]
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9/22/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews, Walt Disney World •
For Star Wars fans, experiencing Star Tours is a highlight of Walt Disney World and Disneyland vacations that has you running back to the ride’s entrance as soon as you get off. As a fan of both Star Wars and Star Tours, the recent movie releases have brought extra excitement, knowing that Disney has added new movie scenes into the Star Tours experience. I will confess that I watched The Last Jedi trying to envision what parts of the movie would be added to the ride. As an extra treat for fans, director Rian Johnson has been reported as saying that as a fan of Star Tours himself, he specifically reflected the ride in the movie. A movie reflecting an attraction that reflects a movie, it’s almost too good to be true! As in the original version of Star Tours, the ride starts with you boarding a Starspeeder. C-3PO is […]
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9/20/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Are you excited to finally plan your FIRST visit to the Disneyland Resort in California?! As a first-timer, even if you know Disney World like the back of your hand, there are certain things at the Disneyland Resort that are unique to this resort and are quintessential Disney magic. Classic attractions: The Disneyland Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean are all amazing, classic rides, and Walt had a hand in designing each of them. Fun fact: Pirates of the Caribbean is twice as long at Disneyland as it is at Walt Disney World! Best Attractions Unique to the Disneyland Resort: At Disneyland, Indiana Jones Adventure tops my list for favorite attractions despite the fact that it is not a newer ride, having opened in the mid- 90’s. For those seeking a calmer experience, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is an original dark ride in Fantasyland. For you […]
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9/18/2021 • Disneyland, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Over the years, there have been plenty of times I’ve been the one sitting out of the rides - whether I was pregnant or tending to an infant...or, quite frankly, just not interested in going on the Tower of Terror for the umpteenth time! This past trip, as my mother-in-law and I were sitting off of a ride with the kids, we got to talking about why she loves Disney so much. It actually had very little to do with the rides! So, if you’re going on a trip to Disney anytime soon and you’re nervous there won’t be enough for you to do because you (or another member of your party) isn’t able to, or doesn’t want to ride some or any of the rides, I have great news - there is still SO much you can do at Disney! 1. Go to a show - this is probably […]
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9/16/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Journeying to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, for the first time as a family was an exciting experience. Such an experience required a proper celebration of food…and Carthay Circle fit that bill! Carthay Circle, located in California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street at the Disneyland Resort, boasts a grand marquee reminiscent of a movie theater of bygone eras. Inside, you’ll find this is exactly the aesthetic they planned for. Modeled after the Carthay Theater in Los Angeles where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs first premiered, you’ll find beautiful décor, intricate woodwork, and ambient lighting – you’ll feel like you should be wearing your best red-carpet attire! The lobby houses tables and chairs while you wait. There is also a lobby sushi bar, which I am told, has some of the BEST sushi in Anaheim! The second floor (accessible by a grand staircase or fancy elevator), is the ‘theater’ floor. […]
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9/14/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Welcome to Radiator Springs! Explore Route 66 and immerse yourself in Cars Land located in Disney’s California Adventure. Radiator Springs offers rides, dining, and shopping with your favorite characters and Route 66 landmarks. Allow me to be your tour guide. Get Ready, Get Set, Go...Let’s explore the rides in Radiator Springs. Start your engines and buckle up for everyone’s favorite ride, Radiator Springs Racers. Cruise through desert landscapes, zip over hills, hug curves, and feel the wind in your hair on straightaways with Lightning McQueen and friends. Race to the finish line with your friends and family. Everyone wins with this fun experience. Take a quick spin on Luigi’s Rollickin’Roadsters. Swirl and whirl in miniature Italian roadsters choreographed to Italian tunes. Grab your partner and stop by Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree for a swinging good time as Mater “belts' out funny songs that only Mater can pull off. By now, I […]
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9/7/2021 • Cruises, Tips •
When planning your next vacation, your Me and The Mouse Travel specialist will assist you with many details. We are committed to saving families time, money, and stress. We are dedicated to providing each family a memorable and magical vacation where no detail is overlooked. After all the excitement of planning, it is difficult to consider there would be a need for travel insurance. Protecting your investment is part of the comprehensive service, with attention to every detail, that your travel specialist is here to provide. Prior to becoming a travel specialist, I lacked the knowledge and understanding about the importance of travel protection. After completing my training, I was thankful that I had never faced a situation that would have required that support. My family was excited to embark on our first family Disney cruise. Although, we did NOT anticipate there would be anything that would prevent us from setting sail, my husband’s appendix had […]
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8/27/2021 • Cruises, Tips •
The cost of a Disney Cruise includes so many benefits that it truly makes it a great value for your money. One of the most important inclusions is the outstanding Disney service that my family has come to enjoy whether traveling with children or on one of their adult-only cruises. What is included in the cost of your cruise? All meals are included when dining in 1 of the 3 main restaurants, Cabanas buffet, the pool deck quick service locations, and the restaurants on Castaway Cay. In addition, there are locations throughout each ship that offer snacks during the day. Soft drinks and coffee are included with your meals and obtained at the self-service stations on the pool deck and Cabanas. Many of the items on the room service menu are included and available 24 hours/day in case you have a craving in the middle of the night. There are […]
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8/24/2021 • Cruises, Tips •
As a long-time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, I have always enjoyed the stop at Disney’s Castaway Cay. On my recent, first trip on Royal Caribbean, this is where they had to reach the bar that Disney has set so high in the category of private islands. I am happy to report that Perfect Day Coco Cay was everything and more than what I expected. There is so much to do on this island and not enough time so with that in mind, here are my top 5 “must-do” activities: 1. Zip Lining – By far, this was my favorite activity and the best way to get some spectacular views of the island. There were 3 segments, all very mild and low-key. Each segment lasted about 20 seconds and whisked you over the top of several different areas of Coco Cay. Even those who are not huge thrill-seekers will enjoy […]
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8/20/2021 • Cruises, Tips •
WE DID IT!!! We accomplished a long-term “goal” of successfully traveling as a family on the Disney Cruise Line. There have been many factors over the 20 + years since my husband and I went on our first Disney cruise that has stood in the way of successfully accomplishing this goal. Fear was the biggest hurdle. As I have previously shared, my oldest son is living with Fragile X Syndrome. Would he tolerate the motion of the boat? Would he be able to tell us if he was feeling unwell or would he only display undesirable behaviors? Would he want to participate in the various activities? Would he want to get off at the various port of call? The following tips are what we did to prepare by hoping to lessen any potential behaviors that might come along with his constant desire to know, "what's next." 5. Research your ship […]
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