Expert Reviews

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood

9/11/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • With fall finally upon us, my thoughts start going to Halloween. As a huge fan of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I decided to give some love to Universal’s festivities and attend Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood last year. While all parties are canceled for 2020, this is a great time to start thinking about next year! First of all, if you think you are going to a light event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, this is not the atmosphere at all! Once you walk through the gates, prepare to be chased with chainsaws and basically scared out of your mind. You think you can go into a souvenir shop for a break, but no! They chase you in there too! The scare actors do a wonderful job of startling you all the way through the park. The only good news for me, and what I […]

Our First Visit to Walt Disney World Since the Phased Re-Opening – Part 1

9/9/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • This will be a two-part blog post, focusing on the changes that were implemented upon the phased re-opening. My family and I, after careful consideration and research, made the decision to visit Walt Disney World. We observed many changes since our last visit in March. We frequently reviewed the information that Disney provides and frequently updates in the Know Before You Go and theme park updates page. We also received frequent communications via email and My Disney Experience app notifications about the safety measures and policies. Facial coverings for all guests ages 2 and up are required throughout the Walt Disney World resort and theme parks except when dining or swimming. There are signs reminding guests, as well as Cast Members who are assisting with ensuring guests are adhering to the policy. The facial covering requirements are found in Know Before You Go. If you forgot your facial covering, vending […]

First Haircut in Disney World: A Magical Experience

9/1/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Being the self-proclaimed Disney nuts that we are, it’s no surprise that when it was time to get our son’s first haircut, the Harmony Barbershop on Main Street USA in Disney World was at the top of our list. As with most “firsts” for your little one, the anxiety was high but there were a few reasons we loved the experience and continue to go back for a cut just about every time we are there now! They are so used to cutting kids'/babies' hair. Wiggles don’t worry them and they shouldn’t worry you either. These aren’t just professionals but they are cast members and they deal with kids all day. It’s more than just a haircut, it’s entertainment. They pull out all the tricks to keep your little one entertained and happy while they trim trim away. From stickers to light-up toys and an occasional song, it is a […]

Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts

8/14/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • Surf’s up! Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Dockside Inn, are two incredible new options for lodging during your next Universal stay! Located adjacent to each other, both Dockside and Surfside offer rooms with two queen beds with either a standard or pool view, but they also offer a second option for larger parties – two-bedroom suites! And the price point for these rooms is phenomenal! While the standard two queen rooms will comfortably sleep four, the family suites are larger at 440 square feet and will sleep up to six people! Both room types offer a single bathroom (the suite with double sinks), queen beds, ample storage, as well as a small kitchenette. Each kitchenette includes a microwave, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a picnic table – perfect for families! Downstairs you will find a full quick-service restaurant with grab and go options as well as made to order […]

Why Universal Orlando is Heaven for The Roller Coaster Lover in Your Family

7/3/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • You’ve been to Disney many times. The food, the characters, the music, and the shows are all reasons for you to keep coming back. The roller coasters are themed well and so fun, but maybe a 5/10 on the thrill factor and you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Look no further than Universal Orlando! There are so many high-intensity roller coasters at Universal Orlando that you will finish your day not knowing if you’re standing right side up! Here are a few of my “can’t miss” coasters at Universal Orlando: 1) Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure – Other than the fact that it being Harry Potter-themed automatically makes it awesome, this is the longest roller coaster ride in Florida. With speeds up to 50mph, this one isn’t slow either, and incorporating the story of being a student in a Magical Creatures Class, truly makes this coaster have it all. Location: […]

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Something for Everyone

6/26/2020 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Once our kids (7 and 5) find out that we are heading to Walt Disney World, there is always one question that follows, "Are we staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge?" There is no denying that it is our family's favorite and it is always our top recommendation to friends and family that are planning their trip. Here are a few reasons why we love Animal Kingdom Lodge: 1. The immersive experience. It feels like you are in Africa! Of course, I’ve never been to Africa, but the theming of this resort is wonderful. From the activities and storytellers in the lobby to the landscaping and animals outside of your window. It just feels like you are somewhere and everything is an experience (and a good one at that!) 2. The Animals! They are obviously the star of the show at this resort, but to us it’s the freedom and fun […]

Sheraton Vistana Resort-Review

6/24/2020 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • In what seems like a lifetime ago, I lived next door to a resort while attending my Walt Disney World College Program. We never gave this resort much attention but thought it looked fun and dreamed of visiting someday. Fast forward many years to a reunion trip with my former CP roommates, that dream came true. The Sheraton Vistana Resort in Lake Buena Vista (situated on 535, just off of I-4), is minutes away from Disney Springs and the World Gateway entrance to Walt Disney World. As a Marriott timeshare vacation destination, it boasts many amenities attractive to those who wish to stay in sunny Orlando at length. We stayed only 3 nights, but found this was the absolute best choice for our reunion weekend! The reception/check-in area was inviting, modern, and easy to navigate. Once checked in, you are ushered to the events desk where you are informed of […]

Fantasmic Dinner Package at Disneyland’s River Belle Terrace

5/8/2020 • Disneyland, Reviews • If you’ve been to Walt Disney World, chances are you have seen Sorcerer Mickey battle evil in this live show.  On my recent trip to Disneyland, I got to see the West Coast version of Fantasmic up close and personal and it did not disappoint.  Knowing that viewing areas are hard to come by in Disneyland, I opted to try one of the dining packages at River Belle Terrace. River Belle Terrace is located in Disneyland park in New Orleans Square next to Pirates of the Caribbean and right in front of Rivers of America.  This is an outdoor café and makes for a truly beautiful experience to sit out in the California sun and have a nice meal.  The menu for the Fantasmic Package is a Prix Fix Menu which includes a non-alcoholic beverage, an appetizer, which was a choice between a salad or corn chowder, main dish, which […]

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 […]

Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica-Review

2/18/2020 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Let me start this by saying that if luxury accommodations, distinctive cuisine, and exemplary services perched next to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea sound like your dream vacation then read on.  My husband and I selected Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica for an anniversary trip and now it is one of my all-time favorite destinations! It’s nestled in a 500-acre nature preserve and boasts beautiful European elegance throughout. The property itself is abounding with lush vegetation and wildlife, including hummingbirds and peacocks, which freely roam the grounds. When you first arrive, your bags are whisked off to your room while you enjoy a signature resort cocktail and a tour of the beautiful grounds that are to be your home for the next several days. On the tour, I was reminded that one of my favorite things about Sandals is that they cater to everyone’s desires on […]