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10/13/2023 • Blog, Cruises •
What is a back-to-back cruise? Back-to-back cruising is a popular travel trend where individuals or families book two or more cruises on the same ship to extend their vacation at sea. Instead of disembarking after the first cruise, they remain on the ship for the next sailing. If booked early enough, staying in the same stateroom for both cruises is possible, saving time and the hassle of repacking and moving to a different stateroom. If you must change staterooms, your stateroom attendant will transfer your luggage to ensure an efficient and hassle-free experience. How can this benefit your family? There are many reasons to consider booking two consecutive cruises. Let’s explore how this can benefit you and your family. One of the key benefits is saving money. Who doesn't want to SAVE money when cruising? You may wonder how you save money when booking not one but two cruises during […]
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10/10/2023 • 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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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 […]
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10/3/2023 • Blog, Disneyland •
So many great things are happening during the current floor to ceiling refurbishment at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and I can't wait to see the final product of Pixar Place come to life. The most notable change will be the new name, from Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel to Pixar Place Hotel. This hotel has undergone several name changes and transformations since originally opening in 1984, but the current theme, Paradise Pier, has been around for a little over 20 years now, so this is definitely a welcomed change. During a recent stay, I was literally seeing these changes happening before my eyes. The new lobby is filled with great Pixar touches including characters from the whole Pixar collection. When walking through the lobby, be sure to look up and down because there are special touches everywhere. The pool area, now known as Pixel Pool, includes splash pads and a waterslide. […]
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9/29/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Planning a trip to Disney World isn’t just about booking tickets, selecting your resort, or making dining reservations. It is about immersing yourself in the magic, the stories, and the wonder of Disney! But if you’ve never seen the movie, how can you fully appreciate the attraction? To make the most of your upcoming trip, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 movies that will get you excited for Disney World! 1. Toy Story Watching the Toy Story movies will help you become completely immersed in the details of Toy Story Land, which is in Hollywood Studios. In Toy Story land, you will feel as if you are a toy in Andy’s backyard. You have a chance to meet Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and even see the Green Army Men! You can ride Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania. You can also head over to […]
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9/26/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Looking for a secret gem of a dining location located in the heart of Walt Disney World? Look no further than Steakhouse 71, located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, just outside the Magic Kingdom. Inspired by Walt Disney and named for the year of the opening of Walt Disney World, you can find historic pictures amid mid-century design and enjoy a portfolio of the Disney family wines as you sit down to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. At Breakfast time is where you can enjoy scrumptious options such as Walt’s Prime Rib Hash, Floridian Eggs Benedict, or the Avocado Toast while sipping on a Mimosa, while the kids enjoy Mickey-shaped Waffles (a must on any Disney vacation!) with a Sunshine Punch before heading to the parks for a day of play. With the restaurant located on the first floor, simply head out the doors and you’ll find yourself on the pathway […]
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9/22/2023 • Blog, Disneyland, Holidays & Events •
Taking part in a tour at the Disneyland Resort can provide new guests with background and history of the park and attractions, entertain and inform seasoned guests with behind-the-scenes exploration, and also offer VIP treatment and front-of-the-line access for guests visiting for the first time or simply the first time this month! There is always something new to learn or experience and tours can be a fun way for anyone to go off the beaten track and indulge their curiosity. The following tours are currently offered at the Disneyland Resort: Disneyland Resort VIP Tours - Roll out the red carpet for your family with our customizable VIP experience—and get ready for your most magical day ever! This private tour accommodates up to 10 guests per guide and offers: *Your own "personal concierge" traveling with you throughout the day and sharing fun behind-the-scenes stories. *Hassle-free planning and concierge booking. *Expedited access […]
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9/19/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
As I am assisting families with planning their vacations, I am often asked for recommendations for activities during a day when they will not be visiting the parks or leaving the parks early. One of my most frequent suggestions is a visit to Disney Springs! Disney Springs is a bit of a lesser-known gem at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you visited Disney World in the past, you may also know it by its previous name- Downtown Disney. Here you will find a plethora of entertainment, dining, and shopping options for the whole family. Disney Spring is in the southeastern corner of the Walt Disney World Resort property, and just across the lagoon from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. You can arrive via bus from any of the on-site Disney resort hotels or if you’re staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, it’s a simple walk to the eastern entrance. If […]
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9/18/2023 • 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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9/15/2023 • Blog, Disneyland •
The Disneyland Resort is full of exciting live entertainment throughout Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure with something to delight fans of all ages. Disneyland Park Fantasyland - Storytelling at the Royal Theatre: enjoy a reenactment some of your favorite scenes from Beauty and the Beast or Tangled with your witty hosts. Daytime Parade - "Magic Happens" Parade - this daily parade showcases several favorite films and characters along with a great soundtrack! Nighttime Entertainment - Fireworks and projections on Sleeping Beauty's Castle: On select nights, enjoy the dazzle of fireworks or special projections on the castle and in other areas of the park where magic lights up the night sky! - Fantasmic: This epic battle of Mickey vs the villains will be returning to Disneyland Park in the Spring 2025. Characters Classic characters can be found throughout the Disneyland Park, including Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy, […]
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