Blog Posts Categorized Tips

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Walt Disney World BEFORE Your Disney Cruise!

3/22/2022 • Cruises, Tips, Walt Disney World • The anticipation of a Disney Cruise can be grand. There’s so much to plan, and for most travelers, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist will guide you in the best options for your travel party: before, during, and after your cruise.  One such option, is visiting the Walt Disney World Resort for a few days before embarking on your cruise that leaves from a Floridian port! There are benefits to visiting the Most Magical Place On Earth BEFORE your cruise… Here are the Top Five! 5. You will be too relaxed (and tired) to […]

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios – Which is Best for Your Family?

12/16/2021 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • My clients often come to me wanting to plan the perfect Orlando getaway but question which theme park is the best fit for their family. Both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offer unforgettable experiences and tons of fun for everyone, however, they are unique destinations with many differences. While the decision can be difficult, I’m here to point you in the direction of your perfect vacation! One of the main differences between the resorts is the size. Walt Disney World is much larger than Universal Studios. Some people love the endless possibilities, while others find this overwhelming. If you […]

Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando

12/10/2021 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios • If Mardi Gras is about music, parades, floats, food, and excitement, then Universal Orlando has a memorable celebration you won’t want to miss. Held each spring during portions of February and March, Universal Studios Florida is set up for a party like none other, and for many guests, the music itself is reason enough to make sure your trip is timed for this great event. Listen to an amazing concert from some of the biggest names in pop, rock, country, R&B, and more at the Music Plaza stage on select nights, all included with your park entry ticket. You’ll be […]

Lockers 101 – Universal Studios Orlando

12/6/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • At Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, most major attractions have a strict ‘no loose items’ policy - and that encompasses change, wallets, purses of any kind, backpacks, sunglasses, hats, etc. There are a few solutions to this:  asking a party member to hold everything while you enjoy the attraction is one solution, but a better one is to utilize Short-Term Lockers. Various locations throughout the theme parks, strategically located close to attractions with these requirements, will house banks of lockers with a digital kiosk.  Using the kiosk allows you to ‘rent’ a short-term locker by either using […]

Get “Sorted” Before Your Next Visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios!

12/4/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • Want to make your Harry Potter trip a little more magical? If you are a Harry Potter fan, you may already have your favorite Hogwart’s house. To add to the fun of your visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, visit the official site for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter before you arrive at the park (or while standing in line to get in). You can learn all about Harry Potter, Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and even get sorted into one of the four Hogwart’s houses! Let’s get started! Start the fun at […]

Shutterbutton’s – Bring Home a Magical Memory of Your Time in Diagon Alley

11/30/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • They say a picture is worth 1000 words but a moving photo from your time spent at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? There aren’t enough words to express the fun and magic that you experience at Shutterbutton’s. Located in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, Shutterbutton’s is a wizard photography store that captures both moving and still photographs for wizards to share with their friends, even muggles. Sessions are available for up to 4 people at a time and are recorded in one of two simple photography rooms, each with a green screen and an old-fashioned camera. Props such […]

Vacationing at Universal’s Orlando Hard Rock Hotel

11/26/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • If vacationing like a rockstar piques your interest, then Universal’s Orlando Hard Rock Hotel might be your next vacation destination! The resort offers luxury accommodations with distinct rock and roll theming throughout, from the moment you enter the lobby and smell the “essence” of a rockstar, to your hallway stroll which takes you past some incredible rock n’ roll memorabilia, such as one of John Lennon’s suits or even Elvis’ pajamas. The resort offers several types of rooms and suites, all of which are adorned with musical touches and luxury appointed features that will not disappoint. The mirrors in the […]

Universal 101: Islands of Adventure

11/13/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • Welcome to Universal! Whether you are preparing for you first trip to Universal or have visited several times before, the Universal parks and resorts in Orlando are very impressive.  The two theme parks at Universal have so much to offer and in this two-part series includes the breakdown of what you can find in each park.  In this first installation is an overview of Islands of Adventure. Port of Entry: At the entrance of Islands of adventure stands the Pharos Lighthouse, which is based off the original in Alexandria.  This icon lets you know you are in for adventure and serves as an […]

Splitting Your Stay with Disney & Universal

11/4/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • In the last 40 years, Walt Disney World has been the reason that millions of families visit Orlando each year.  However, with the full Harry Potter experience and so many additions to Universal Orlando, many families want to do both, but don’t know where to start.  This can get very expensive and overwhelming if you haven’t done your research. One of the questions I get asked most is “how much time do I need at Universal?”  Several factors do come into play here, but I generally recommend 3:1.  For people doing three days at Disney, add 1 day at Universal […]

Three Tips to Enjoy Your Day at Volcano Bay

10/27/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • Universal Orlando opened its gates to the most incredible and advanced water theme park I have ever seen.  It is no wonder this is a very popular (and very crowded) park! Here are three tips to enjoy your experience and dodge some of the crazy crowds. Tip #1 When Should I Get There? I have three very different recommendations on when to arrive to make sure you get in and not have to deal with horrible lines.  Your best bet is to arrive at the park opening and claim your chair at Waturi Beach.  This works even better if you are staying […]