Expert Reviews

Aulani- The Perfect Adult Getaway

2/12/2021 • Aulani, Blog, Reviews • Pack your bags and visit the oasis you've been dreaming of... Every once in a while it's good to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and take an adult only vacation. You are able to visit a destination like never before and experience different events, activities, and places you might not have with kids. Disney is known for its fabulous parks and magnificent cruises, but what many people often forget is Disney's amazing island getaway on Ko Olina, Hawai'i.  Aulani is Disney's Hawaiian Resort. This tropical oasis is a perfect spot to plan an adult vacation getaway. The cast member's at Aulani work hard to provide you with an authentic Hawaiian experience. All of the living spaces include pieces of the Polynesian culture and make you feel right at home. If you're looking for a vacation spot with plenty to do, Aulani has you covered! If adventure is […]

Disney’s Aulani – a Hawaiian Experience

2/5/2021 • Aulani, Blog, Reviews • Visiting Hawaii is always a special vacation, but taking it a step further and spending your Hawaiian time at Disney’s Aulani is a magical treat for the entire family. From the time you are greeted at the resort entrance with your lei your luxury vacation as begun. This is truly a vacation that can be as relaxing or as active as you like. With spa services to exciting excursions, there is something for everyone. Activities/Pool There are plenty of activities to keep every member of your family busy. Excursions include Pearl Harbor, horseback riding, surfing lessons and shopping.  The Daily ‘Iwa will list the daily activities, which is broken down by age group and family focused, including character appearances. There are pools and whirlpools scattered throughout the pool deck catered to both children and adults. The highlight for many is the lazy river, which runs throughout the pool deck.  By […]

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Day Activities

1/26/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • Are you looking for a new way to experience Walt Disney World on your next vacation? I’d like to recommend spending a day at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is a destination unto itself with most activities are available to all guests and activities are available from morning until after sunset. You can view the animals on the savanna throughout the day and into the evening hours. There are multiple overlooks of the savannas at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. Guides will teach you about wildlife and the African culture. After sunset, night vision goggles will allow you to see the animals from a new perspective. The String of Memories is a favorite activity of children {and parents} that teaches them about African culture and wildlife conservation in a fun and memorable way. You will receive a unique bead as your reward for completing each activity. If you choose to […]

A Universal Studios Orlando Experience

1/8/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • Visiting Universal Studios Orlando after 20 years feels like it's the first time ever experiencing it again! Everything I remembered has changed, and boy, have I been missing out! I would like to share with you about my recent “first” experience at Universal Studio’s Orlando destination. It was pretty incredible 20 years ago and now…it’s bigger, better, and more jaw-dropping than ever!! This was the first time I have ever stayed at Universal Studio Orlando Resorts. I decided to try out the 50-60 beach resort inspired Cabana Bay Beach Resort. I chose this resort because it says it all in its name…Cabana Bay Beach Resort. I love the beach and Cabana’s, so I selected this one! What’s a vacation without feeling some sand in between your toes? I loved coming back to this resort after a long day at the park. It felt like I was on the beach to […]

Resort Spotlight – Disney’s Riviera Resort

1/5/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Riviera Resort opened on December 16, 2019, and is inspired by the magic of Europe that Walt Disney fell in love with. This is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort and offers an array of room options and based on availability, non-DVC members can experience the Villa difference. Prepare to be whisked away by the influences of Europe and the Mediterranean that can be found throughout the Resort. There are grand archways and porticos. As you approach the entrance, there is a terrace with seating and a serene bubbling fountain. When entering the main lobby, it is quaint and intimate with a mix of modern and classic 20th-Century furnishings. There is a small retail shop, La Boutique, with a variety of Disney and resort-themed merchandise, necessities, as well as grocery items that can be prepared in your Villa. Le Petit Café can also be found here! Named after the […]

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

1/1/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Hilton Head Island resort in South Carolina didn’t disappoint our family. We were there for a 4-day trip and we left wishing we had booked more time! We were traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids (17, 7, and 6) and there was something for everyone, and yes, even in December, when the highs each day were in the 50s! The rooms are spacious and comfortable with large balconies. The resort always feels pretty quiet, even when you are overlooking the pool. A beloved cast member at Hilton Head Island was Carol from NJ. Everyone knows her and loves her. At the end of our 2nd day, our kids felt like she was part of the family. If you run into her on your first trip she will happily give you a tour of the resort and you won’t regret it! It is the perfect getaway, no matter the […]

Restaurant Review: Liberty Tree Tavern

12/8/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Do you love Thanksgiving? If you're anything like me you do. Liberty Tree, located in the Magic Kingdom, serves up delicious Thanksgiving favorites, family-style, and year-round. Located in Liberty Square, Liberty Tree Tavern serves an all you care to eat family-style feast. The theme of this restaurant is a colonial style and even the cast members are dressed in traditional clothing that makes you feel as if you have gone back in time to 1776. To begin your meal, you will be served the Declaration Salad consisting of mixed greens and a house-made dressing. The main course, The Patriot's Platter, serves up all of your Thanksgiving favorites including roast turkey, pot roast, roasted pork, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, vegetables, and of course stuffing. I can never seem to have enough turkey and stuffing. The best thing about this meal is that it serves up something for everyone. My kids […]

Benefits of Staying On Property at Universal Orlando

12/1/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • If you are weighing the idea of staying on property or off for a Universal Orlando vacation, consider the following list of benefits of enjoying one of Universal's incredible properties. • Early Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. You are able to get in 1 hour prior to the public. • Shuttle busses to the theme parks and CityWalk, however, all of the resorts are within walking distance if you would like to take a leisurely walk to and from the parks. • Charging privileges with your room key. • Complimentary transportation to Sea World and Aquatica. • If golf is on your agenda, you are given priority tee times and complimentary transportation to select area golf courses. • Shop, shop, shop throughout the Universal property and enjoy complimentary delivery of packages to your resort. • Being on-site also provides easy access to and from […]

Restaurant Review: Mythos at Islands of Adventure

11/20/2020 • Reviews, Universal Studios • When you think of theme-park food, it doesn’t usually conjure up images of delectable cuisine, but Mythos at Islands of Adventure (IOA) changed that perception for us and all by happenstance. Jason and I just recently took a trip to Universal Orlando Resort and wanted to hit up IOA to ride Hagrid’s after a very relaxing day at Volcano Bay. (Side note: Hagrid’s might be the best ride I’ve ever ridden. I highly recommend it). Anyway, we were making our way through IOA when we encountered the “towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and ancient figures carved” into the rock that is the restaurant which was intriguing in and of itself. We took one look at the menu and knew right away we had to eat there! We were extremely fortunate as they were able to seat us in the indoor dining room within 10 minutes without reservations, although they do […]

Enjoying Butterbeer at Universal Studios Orlando – The Ultimate Guide

11/13/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort wouldn't be complete without enjoying a  Butterbeer. A perfect day at Universal Studios Florida starts with a visit to Diagon Alley and a Butterbeer.  We like to start our day with a ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts when wait times are low due to our early access to the parks as a resort guest. Enjoying a Butterbeer at Universal is just one of the many ways to feel immersed in this magical world. Butterbeer comes in six delicious forms of tasty treats! Which version should you try? Each treat offers something unique, so the Me and The Mouse Team is here to give you a full breakdown of Butterbeer at Universal Studios and where to find it in the Wizarding World. COLD BUTTERBEER The traditional cold drink (secret recipe) is often described as a cream soda with butterscotch and shortbread flavors. It’s a sweet […]