Blog Posts Categorized Tips

Recommended Clothes to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

8/23/2022 • Cruises, Tips • For most cruisers, packing for a warm weather destination cruise is a piece of cake. However, sailing to Alaska can require a little more thought. For our Alaskan cruise, I was concerned about having enough variety of clothes for all potential weather while still being able to pack light. I didn’t want to pack a lot of heavier clothes that would add to the number of pieces of luggage. Layers, layers, layers was our motto. For most days, we started in jeans, t-shirts, a fleece jacket and windbreakers.  As the day went on, we peeled off layers. We also purchased […]

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

4/23/2024 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando, 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 […]

What to Expect on Embarkation Day

7/19/2022 • Cruises, Tips • Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship! Online Check-In - 30 days prior to sailing, you can begin the online check-in. Add your flights, ensure your names and passport details are correct and select a port arrival time. Port Arrival - Unless you are arriving […]

9 Tips for Keeping Cool in the Disney Summer Heat

7/12/2022 • Tips, Walt Disney World • With summer upon us, the heat and humidity in Florida can send even the most southern of families screaming for some cooling relief. We know you’ve been eagerly anticipating your Disney World vacation for months and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun that Disney has to offer because of the heat. Here are some tips to help you survive the hottest and most humid of Disney days: 1. Take advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours. By staying on property at Disney, you qualify to go early or stay late at Disney’s parks. The extra […]

Universal Orlando: Vivo Italian Kitchen – Review

6/19/2026 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • When choosing table service restaurants for your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Vivo Italian Kitchen. Located in Citywalk, you don't need park tickets to enjoy this delicious meal. Vivo has a modern look, with ample seating and an open kitchen. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled absolutely amazing, making us want to go back for another meal the next day. Each meal begins with a homemade loaf of Italian bread. Olive oil is provided at the table for dipping. Although all of the appetizers were tempting, we decided on the fried ricotta. The […]

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 […]

Lockers 101 – Universal Studios Orlando

12/6/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • 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 Orlando • 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 Orlando • 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 Orlando • 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 […]