The Happiest Blog on Earth

Step Into the Magic: Why The Helios Grand Hotel Is the Ultimate Universal Orlando Stay

7/8/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • Everyone is flocking to experience Universal Orlando's newest park, Epic Universe. Where better to stay than at the steps of the park for immediate, immersive action? Welcome to the Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando, a destination that delivers both supreme convenience and comfort. Think of it as a luxurious launchpad for those unforgettable days at Epic Universe. Premier proximity Helios sits just steps away from the private entrance to Epic Universe, giving you quick access to thrilling rides, captivating lands, and gorgeous views of the park both day and night. As day guests enter the main gates and flock straight into Super Nintendo World, both the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe lie on either side of your private entrance for first access. Resort-style amenities • Sparkling pool: 8,660 sq. ft zero-entry pool featuring underwater speakers, terraced deck, outdoor firepit area, hot tub, 18 private cabanas for rent, lounge […]

Resort Spotlight: Pixar Place Hotel

7/1/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • Once you arrive at the Disneyland Resort, there is no denying the magic that awaits you in the parks, but what’s even better than visiting the magic? Why staying in the magic, of course! My favorite Disneyland Resort hotel is the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel. Located just outside of the Downtown Disney District, Pixar Place Hotel has so much to offer! Rooms Newly renovated rooms are beautifully themed in the Pixar animation style! You’ll notice subtle nods to some of your favorite characters from your favorite Pixar movies from the moment you step inside. Inside each room you’ll notice a mural of some classic Pixar pals, and don’t forget to take a look at the decorative pillow on your couch for a fun nod to the original “Pixar Ball” that we all remember! The standard room can sleep up to five adults, making it a great option for families! […]

Discover the 1820 Society on Disney Cruise Line

6/24/2025 • Blog, Cruises • For those in that in-between stage, beyond the traditional kids’ club age and not able to participate in all of the adult activities, a Disney cruise has activities for you! Disney Cruise Line created the 1820 Society specifically for young adults ages 18 to 20. This unique social group offers a fun way to meet others your age and enjoy activities designed just for you while you cruise. The 1820 Society is all about connecting and encouraging shared experiences among 18 to 20-year-olds. Scheduled meetups and activities are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. The first gathering is typically a casual meet-and-greet, offering a relaxed setting to get to know others who are part of the group on your particular sailing. Unlike the structured environment of kids’ clubs, the 1820 Society offers a more flexible, casual experience. Activities take place in various locations throughout the ship. However, on […]

Lamplight Lounge – Waterview Dining at Pixar Pier

6/17/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • If you’re craving a whimsical and relaxed sit-down dining experience at Disney California Adventure, look no further than Lamplight Lounge. Nestled just beyond the bridge to Pixar Pier, this vibrant, story-filled restaurant brings Pixar’s creative energy to life with delicious California-inspired cuisine and stunning waterfront views. At first glance, the entrance to Lamplight Lounge may seem understated—almost easy to miss. But don’t be fooled. Your reservation leads you down a dramatic spiral staircase, beneath a spectacular chandelier adorned with Pixar sketches. Before you descend, take a moment to appreciate the Pixar lamp mosaic beneath your feet and the imaginative artwork along the walls. These details set the tone for the memorable meal ahead. One of the joys of California dining is enjoying your meal al fresco, and Lamplight Lounge makes the most of it. Whether you're seated at a table or along the bar, you'll be treated to breathtaking views […]

A Day at Epic Universe with Universal Orlando’s Attraction Assistance Pass

6/10/2025 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando • Epic Universe, one of the most immersive and exciting theme parks ever created, is now open — but for guests with certain disabilities or special needs. Navigating a busy park day can be overwhelming, and possibly dangerous. Thankfully, Universal Orlando Resort offers the Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) to help make the experience smoother and more inclusive for everyone in your group. We don’t mind sharing our journey, so I’ll let you know - my son has epilepsy and with that, certain factors inside the park could be a trigger for seizures. As with most parents and caregivers, we try to avoid things that could cause issues, but we still want him to have the same exciting experience that Epic was made for and with the AAP, we can help make that happen. We recently returned from a Universal Orlando trip, where we utilized the Attraction Assistance Pass for my son. […]

Resort Spotlight: Disneyland Hotel

6/3/2025 • Blog, Disneyland • If you are looking for a magical room at Disneyland for your next resort stay, then look no further than the Disneyland Hotel. With nostalgic flair and touches of pixie dust inside your room and throughout the resort, this hotel pays tribute to the classic years of Disneyland while providing modern, state-of-the-art amenities that guests will want to return to trip after trip. Rooms Disneyland offers multiple styles of room for all sizes of families. In the Frontier, Fantasy, and Adventure Towers, rooms feature 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed with views of the Pool, Parking Lot, Trees, or the Downtown Disney District. The beds themselves feature Sleeping Beauty’s Castle fireworks headboards and play a sweet lullaby to encourage dreams of Neverland. Looking for concierge service? Try a Club Level room that has access to the E-Ticket Club Room where you […]

Top 10 Movies to Watch Before Your Next Disney World Trip!

5/27/2025 • 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 […]

How Does Sandals St. Vincent Compare to the Other Sandals Resorts?

5/21/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Having explored every Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resort in the portfolio, I’m often asked how the newest resort in St. Vincent stacks up against the rest. I am thrilled to share that “Sandals 2.0” is a refreshing evolution of a beloved Caribbean brand. With the launch of Sandals Royal Curacao, Sandals Dunns River, and the most recent gem of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the excitement was palpable. After falling head over heels for Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, which dethroned my long-time favorite of Sandals South Coast, my expectations for this new resort were sky-high! 👉 Book now and take advantage of up to 65% off! From the moment I arrived, the property itself captivated me. The breathtaking landscape is unlike anything else in the Sandals collection. I must have snapped over 200 photos of the stunning emerald mountains that cradle the resort alone! The way the sunlight danced […]

The Magic of a Mom and Me, Dad and Me, or a Grandparent and Me Vacation

5/13/2025 • Blog, Cruises, Disneyland, Holidays & Events, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World • For so many of us, the best memories with our families aren’t necessarily grandiose presents or huge events but the small moments, the shared laughs, and the quiet talks we didn’t even plan. There’s something truly wonderful about those one-on-one moments, especially when that time is spent somewhere as magical as a Disney Park. A dedicated “Mom and Me” or “Dad and Me” or even a "Grandparent and Me" vacation to Disney isn’t just a getaway; it’s a way to strengthen your bond and create memories you will both cherish for years. Whether celebrating a birthday, a school milestone, or just wanting that special time together, these trips offer so many chances to reconnect in ways that the usual day-to-day doesn’t always allow. My daughter has been my travel buddy since she was little, and we've made a tradition of going somewhere just before Christmas - Disneyland, Walt Disney World, […]

Virgin Voyages Quick Tips!

5/6/2025 • Blog, Cruises • Whether this is your first Virgin Voyage, or you’re an experienced sailor, these helpful tips will make your voyage that much smoother! Forgot to add a Bar Tab? Want to add more Bar Tab to your account? Great news! You will still be able to add Bar Tab while at the port! Before you board the ship, visit any desk with a Bar Tab sign (like below), to add Bar Tab to your voyage. Bar Tabs are great ways to pre-pay your drinks (alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, juices, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks). Sometimes, bonus Bar Tab is offered with that purchase. Remember - Bar Tabs cannot be purchased onboard! Want to reserve a pool lounge chair? You can! But if your belongings are abandoned for more than 40 min, personal items (not belonging to VV) will be taken to Lost and Found. Any pool attendant can direct you! Forget to […]