The Happiest Blog on Earth

Droid Building at Droid Depot in Galaxy’s Edge

4/14/2020 • Disneyland, Walt Disney World • One of the newer and most unique souvenir opportunities is building a custom droid at the Droid Depot in Galaxy’s Edge, in both Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Because this is such a unique and highly sought-after activity, I highly recommend having a reservation, as you may not be able to secure a spot as a walk-up. Another thing to keep in mind is what to do with your droid once you’ve made it. This location did not offer resort delivery or front of park pick up. We took advantage of our hopper passes and had my husband return them to the room. If you are cruising after your trip, you may want to check their guidelines for these as well as lightsabers prior to making reservations. As with any other Disney reservation, we recommend you check-in 15 minutes early. Upon entering the Droid Depot you are […]

Universal Orlando – Endless Summer Resort

4/7/2020 • Universal Studios • Universal Orlando is continuing their expansion of resort space by adding the new Endless Summer Resort that consists of two separate properties – Surfside Inn and Suites and the soon to be opened, Dockside Inn and Suites. The cost of this resort is cost-friendly and a welcome relief to many budget-minded families. It’s important to note, the reasonable cost does not compromise quality and comfort. Both properties offer family suites for families needing additional beds and space. The 2 bedroom suites have room to accommodate 6 people with 3 queen size beds and one of the beds located in a separate bedroom area. There is also a mini kitchenette. Endless Summer Resorts also offer the perfect retreat from the parks. The resorts are bright and fresh with a comfortable quick-service restaurant with seating. The pool area is expansive allowing plenty of lounge chairs complete with a poolside bar that allows […]

Unique Reasons to Visit Universal Orlando

4/3/2020 • Universal Studios • Express Pass or Unlimited Express Pass  RIDE MORE - RIDE FASTER - HERE’S HOW SKIP THE LINE - NO KIDDING - A MUST HAVE The Universal Express Pass allows you to bypass the regular lines one time per participating attraction. Valid theme park tickets are required. This pass is offered for purchase as an add-on to your park tickets. Some restrictions apply. The Express Unlimited Pass allows you to bypass the regular lines for an unlimited number of times per participating attraction. Valid theme park tickets are required. This pass is offered for purchase as an add-on to your park tickets. Some restrictions apply. Complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass included with your resort stay for all guests staying at the original three on-site luxury Premier resorts: Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay. This pass allows you to bypass the regular lines for an unlimited number of times […]

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Beverage Packages Explained

3/31/2020 • Cruises, Tips • If you are traveling on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to know your options regarding extra purchases and packages.  The most common question I get from clients is about beverages and beverage packages.  Here is what you need to know: What’s included: There are a few select options available to you at no charge.  Tap water, coffee, iced tea, milk, lemonade, flavored water, juice, and hot chocolate are available to all guests free of charge.  If you want a little more variety, you may want to add a beverage package to suit the needs of your family. What are my options? If the free beverages don’t quite cut it, there are affordable options for anyone on a Royal Caribbean Cruise.  The three main beverage packages are the Classic Soda, Refreshment and Deluxe. Classic Soda Package:  With this package, you will receive a free refillable cup for the duration of your […]

Black Tap: Casual Dining Experience at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort

3/27/2020 • Disneyland, Reviews • After a long day in the theme parks, many visitors in the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, like to spend their evenings in Downtown Disney.  Shopping, dining, and live music are always a treat and Downtown Disney has no shortage of any! At Black Tap, a fast, casual dining location, you’ll find a long line. A line that one might not want to wait in just for a burger and milkshake. But oh, it is very worth it!  Because it’s not just a burger or just a milkshake… Black Tap has the line-wait down to a science, really! What looked like an hour wait, was about 20 minutes to get to the ordering counter. Once in line, your party name and size are taken, and you are offered a menu to start planning your meal. This is a quick-service location with a large dining area, so it holds and moves […]

The Animation Experience at the Conservation Station-Disney’s Animal Kingdom

3/20/2020 • Walt Disney World • Our love for Disney started with animation, and the first Disney films we enjoyed as a family, so it’s no wonder that animation classes at Disney parks have been “our thing” for years! Although Disney has closed the Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios, you can now draw with a Disney animator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s an experience that artists of all ages can enjoy! Your adventure begins when you board a train headed for the Conservation Station. It’s a fun ride to get you to a remote area of the park to explore. You can choose to walk around and look at the conservation and educational stations set up, venture into the petting zoo, or enter the main building where you can try your hand at drawing a popular Disney animal character! As with all Disney animation classes, you are provided with a board, paper, and a pencil. They […]

Why runDisney for Beginner Runners?

3/13/2020 • Tips, Walt Disney World • I’ve never really considered myself a runner.  Athlete, sure. But runner? Not really. It was 3 years ago that my husband challenged me to a bucket list item that he had which was to run a half marathon.  A few glasses of wine later and a little thinking, I accepted...and quickly regretted it as all 13.1 miles slowly sank it.  It’s easy for me to say that now - with several runDisney races under my belt and knowing that with the proper training, the 13.1 miles were not only doable for a novice runner, but it was actually, dare I say it, FUN!  And I mean it, from looking around and seeing where you are running, to just feeling that extra pixie dust. It’s also magical!  🙂 So, why runDisney?  I write this for novice runners but also for experienced runners because the races are truly for everyone. I just […]

All the Exciting Things Coming to Walt Disney World in 2020!

3/10/2020 • Walt Disney World • The world of Disney is ever-changing, and 2020 will be no exception for the Walt Disney World Resort! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Star Wars fans and even guests who thought they weren’t Star Wars fans are raving about this new 13-acre land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From flying the Millenium Falcon, grabbing an intergalactic drink at Oga’s Cantina, or fighting alongside the rebels on Rise of the Resistance, this land has so much to see, do, and explore! Don’t forget to shop for special treats, try some out-of-this-world foods, and even build your own droid or lightsaber! You can also play along on Disney’s Play app to become even more immersed in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney After Hours Events - Disney has extended After Hour Events at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. After Hours events allow guests to explore the theme parks late at […]

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

3/6/2020 • Walt Disney World • Mickey's-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event that happens on select nights between August and October (sometimes November) at the Magic Kingdom. On nights when the event is taking place, Magic Kingdom will close early at 6 pm for those who do not have a party ticket for that evening. The party hours are from 7:00 pm to 12 AM, but party guests can arrive as early as 4:00 PM. The last show is at 12 AM, and guests can spend a little time to shop the exclusive event merchandise for a short while after the last show. Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party offers exclusive character greetings, Halloween-inspired ride overlays, specialty food items, Trick-or-Treating, unique shows, a firework show that is exclusive to the party, and the "BOO-To-You" Halloween Parade. When party guests arrive, they will receive a special wristband to indicate they have the party ticket for that evening. In […]

Guest Experience Team – Walt Disney World

3/3/2020 • Tips, Walt Disney World • When visiting the Walt Disney World Parks you can enjoy assistance from the Guest Experience Team.  While there is a guest services area in each park, the Guest Experience Team can be found at various locations throughout the park. What assistance is available from a Guest Experience Team cast member?  General park information and recommendations My Disney Experience assistance FastPass+ information Wait times Lost and Found And more! For additional information visit Guest Services.   How do I find my nearest Guest Experience Team member? Locations are listed in the My Disney Experience App Search Guest Experience Team in the App and select that option You then can choose to “Find on Map” or “Get Directions” (this will give you instructions and how long it will take to arrive at the nearest Team member). Each of the 4 theme park Team Members will be wearing a blue polo with a […]