Blog Posts Categorized Tips

A Magical Game Day: Watching Football Playoffs at Disney

4/29/2026 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Our house is a Chicago Bears football household through and through so we had already planned a trip in January not thinking the Bears would still be alive and playing. Imagine our excitement when our already-planned January Disney trip just happened to line up with a playoff run. After years of waiting, the Bears went on an incredible winning streak and suddenly found themselves in the NFC Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, right in the middle of our vacation. Of course, there was no question. We had to find the perfect place to watch! Tucked inside Disney’s Coronado […]

Disney World Arrival & Departure Day Tips

4/15/2026 • Tips, Walt Disney World • How to Make the Most of Your Arrival & Departure Days at Disney World When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, most travelers focus on their park days—but your arrival and departure days at Disney World can be just as magical. With the right planning, these “in-between” days can add extra fun and relaxation to your trip without feeling rushed. At Me and The Mouse Travel, we specialize in custom Disney vacation planning, helping families make the most of every moment—from arrival to departure. Plan Your Disney World Arrival Day Your arrival day at Disney World sets the tone for […]

Think You Don’t Have Time for a Vacation? Try a Weekend Cruise

4/8/2026 • Blog, Cruises, Tips • 3 Days, Endless Fun — Why a Weekend Cruise Is Totally Worth It! Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I really need a vacation… but I just don’t have the time”? Between work schedules, family commitments, and everyday life, taking a full week away can feel almost impossible. But what if you don’t need a full week to recharge? Sometimes a few days at sea—with great food, entertainment, and friends—is exactly what you need. Some of my team and I recently took a quick weekend cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas and it reminded me of how much […]

Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe

3/17/2026 • Blog, Epic Universe, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • If you’re planning a trip to Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, one land you definitely don’t want to skip is The Isle of Berk. Inspired by the beloved How to Train Your Dragon movies, this incredible land brings Vikings, dragons, and adventure to life in such a fun and immersive way. It truly feels like you’ve stepped right into the world of Berk! The moment you step into The Isle of Berk, you’re instantly surrounded by giant Viking statues, colorful village buildings, and dragons everywhere you look. It really does feel like you’ve stepped right into Berk. You […]

Traveling on a Budget to Disney and Universal!

2/25/2026 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World • Planning on a Budget — Disney & Universal Tips That Save Thousands Let’s bust a myth right now: You do not have to spend a fortune to take your family to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. As a travel advisor, one of the biggest things I hear is, “We’d love to go… but it’s just too expensive.” The truth? With the right strategy, planning timeline, and ticketing approach, a magical vacation can absolutely fit into your budget. Here’s how to plan a budget-friendly Disney or Universal vacation without sacrificing the magic. 1. Start With a Clear Vacation Plan […]

Enjoying Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers (2026 Update!)

2/11/2026 • Disneyland, Tips • Vacationing as a family should be memorable, exciting, and fun! But what if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler? Will your family be able to enjoy activities together? If you are headed to Disneyland, the answer is YES! This post is a rewrite of the original Enjoying Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers published in June 2018. As a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations, one of the most common questions I’m asked is if there will be rides and attractions in which the entire family can take part — especially if there is a baby in tow. Thankfully, […]

2026 Walt Disney World Updates: What’s New, Refurbishments & Events

1/13/2026 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World is always evolving, and 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year filled with refreshed attractions, limited-time events, and exciting glimpses into the future. While a few areas of the parks will be under refurbishment, these updates are all part of Walt Disney’s vision that the parks are never truly finished. From classic rides getting a magical refresh to brand-new entertainment and seasonal celebrations, here’s an overview of what’s happening across all four Walt Disney World theme parks in 2026. Magic Kingdom Park Magic Kingdom continues to blend timeless favorites with exciting updates in 2026. Cinderella […]

What is Jollywood Nights?

12/17/2025 • Blog, Holidays & Events, Tips, Walt Disney World • Jollywood Nights is Disney’s new after-hours holiday celebration at Hollywood Studios on select nights from early November to late December. This separately ticketed event blends old-Hollywood glamour with festive cheer, live entertainment, exclusive shows, holiday décor, fun food & drinks, characters, and even lower wait times on popular attractions. My family and I experienced Jollywood Nights this year for the first time, and we loved every minute of it! Hours: Enter as early as 5:30 PM, with the party running from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Tip: Some early nights sell out — like opening night! 🎉 Festive Entertainment for […]

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas – the World’s Biggest Weekend – Your Guide to All the Excitement and Entertainment!

12/2/2025 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews, Tips • Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Designed with families in mind, this ship promises an unforgettable experience for everyone and includes plenty of activities for kids of all ages and special fun just for the adults! From thrilling shows to endless activities, Utopia of the Seas is set to redefine family vacations. Spectacular Shows: A Feast for the Senses Aqua80too: Dive into the nostalgia of the 80s with Aqua80too, a high-energy aqua show that combines stunning acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and jaw-dropping stunts. You’ll be amazed the way […]

Pack like a Travel Agent: Toiletry Bag Edition

10/28/2025 • Tips • Welcome back to my series “Pack like a Travel Agent.” Today’s topic is toiletry bags and how best to maximize your space for all those essentials! Stick with me and I’ll show you how I pack my own toiletry bag. If you plan to pack your toiletries in your checked baggage, you don’t have to worry about the size of the containers quite so much. You still need to comply with the TSA’s restrictions about what can be packed in carry-on and checked luggage. Please see the TSA’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information: Travel Tips: 3-1-1 liquids […]