Expert Reviews

Via Napoli – A Taste of Southern Italy at EPCOT

11/29/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Tucked away in the World Showcase at EPCOT, guest can enjoy authentic Italian cooking at one of my favorite restaurants…  Via Napoli!  This family-friendly restaurant and pizzeria is not to be missed on your next visit to EPCOT. Family style the Italian way is felt with the large table that stretches all across the whole width of the dining room.  Via Napoli is a warm, welcoming restaurant where guests can enjoy a culinary tour of Southern Italy with authentic Italian cooking, including hearty pastas, fresh salads and thin-crust pizzas that are perfected in a wood-burning ovens named after the 3 active volcanoes in Italy - Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. These mouth-watering pizzas are made with fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes and real Caputo flour imported from Southern Italy. Water for the dough is even sourced from a spring similar to Italy's Campania region. Via Napoli is designed […]

Restaurant Spotlight: Yachtsman Steakhouse

3/20/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • I want to share one of Walt Disney World Resorts “Best Kept Secrets” for a mouthwatering Steak Dinner Introducing: Yachtsman Steakhouse located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in the Epcot Resort area. Yachtsman Steakhouse is open for dinner only. If you are using the Disney Dining Plan, this restaurant requires two table service credits for dinner. Advance Reservations are recommended and can be made 60 before your vacation begins so be sure to contact your Me and The Mouse Travel Agent for assistance with your dining. This Signature Dining Experience, guests are asked to abide by a dress code. Men may wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Sport coats are optional. Women may wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans or dress shorts. The following items are not permitted: tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics. […]

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

11/15/2017 • Reviews • If you enjoy the hospitality that Disney offers but want something different and a little more relaxing than visiting a Disney park, our family discovered a hidden Disney gem. Last month, we had the pleasure of staying at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. The resort sits in two areas of the island. The actual resort is located in-land adjacent to the Shelter Cove Marina and The Beach House is about 1 ½ miles away on the ocean. The Beach House is where your family can enjoy a day at the beach, an additional pool and a quick service dining location. We stayed in building #31, which was the furthest location from the main building, but we loved it. We felt like we were tucked away but we biked around the resort and everything was a close walk to get to the pool and quick service dining. The resort is filled […]

Disney’s Carousel of Progress

3/15/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow..............."  If you are singing along at this point, you are familiar with my favorite classic attraction at Walt Disney World.  While some may walk by this classic attraction, this is a "MUST DO" on every visit to the Magic Kingdom for my family. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress was personally created by Walt Disney for the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.  In 1975, the attraction moved to its current location in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.  This nostalgic attraction holds a special place in many people's hearts because it is one of the only attractions at Walt Disney World to have been touched by Walt Disney himself. The Carousel of Progress exemplifies Walt's love of history and progress.  This attraction highlights the industrial advances over the past century and how they have changed everyday living for the American family. While this show does not typically […]

Restaurant Spotlight: The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs

10/2/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Ahoy! I welcome you to take a tour with me to explore the exceptional features of a popular upscale water-front dining experience offering indoor and outdoor seating with exceptional views. In addition to helping you travel through a variety of food choices you will find while dining at this family-friendly restaurant, I will also explain why The BOATHOUSE will provide you with a unique experience for kids of all ages in your family. Don’t sink your chances of dining here. While walk-up patrons are welcome, reservations here or at any restaurant on Disney property are highly recommended so be sure to discuss your dining preferences with your agent from Me and the Mouse Travel. You may use your Disney Dining Plan. Two credits are required. Seafood and Steak offerings are the main event. If you are a seafood fan, you will find a variety of starters and main courses featuring […]

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

9/1/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Lights, Camera, Action!  Welcome to Disney’s All Star Movies Resort.  The All-Star Movies resort is one of three All Star value resorts on Disney property.  This resort will get your family into the scenes of some of your favorite legendary Disney movies. I had the opportunity to stay at All Star Movies resort with my family.  My kids were enamored by the gigantic character scenes that were located in each of the 5 different themed areas of the resort.  These huge scenes are perfect photo opportunities for your family! The rooms (both preferred and standard) are 260 sq. feet and have 2 double beds.  They can accommodate a family of four.  They can accommodate a family of five if one of the children is under the age of 3 and sleeping in a Pack N’ Play. The rooms do come with a mini fridge, flat screen TV, wireless internet, hair […]

Benefits of the Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport

8/28/2017 • Reviews • The Hyatt Regency at Orlando International Airport is a lovely alternative for a 1 night stay surrounding your full vacation.  Located on B side terminal, the Hyatt provides restaurants, bars, waiting areas, free lobby wi-fi, conference rooms and ballrooms to guests and visitors. To those staying at the Hyatt, free in-room wi-fi, plush bedding, in-room fridge, flat screen tv’s, room service, and a rooftop pool (with poolside room service!) are just some of the luxurious amenities provided. Surrounding the terminal, large rooms provide guests with a soundproof experience, black out curtains for uninterrupted sleep, and valet service for bags and/or your car.   Soundproof rooms are not a misnomer. While there are some terminal sounds you may hear, if your balcony faces it (other rooms face the outer perimeter of the airport), you will have a quiet night sleep.  My family could not tell we were at the airport! The […]

Yak & Yeti Table Service Restaurant

4/2/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • One of the best tips for making the most of your time at Walt Disney World is to stay in the parks for your meals.  While there are many great table service selections in Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, there are only a handful available in Animal Kingdom.  With the new Pandora expansion, more and more guests are wanting to spend time in Animal Kingdom so a table service meal inside the park is usually the best way to have a meal break without wasting time traveling to another part of Walt Disney World. I'm introducing you to one of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat - Yak & Yeti! Nestled in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom lies one of the most overlooked restaurants in all of Walt Disney World: The Yak & the Yeti. This restaurant is often overshadowed by Tusker House. However, this […]

Journey Down the Na’vi River at Pandora

3/28/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Nestled in the Valley of the Mo'roa on the moon of Pandora, explorers are invited on a mystic journey down the Na'vi River. At the water's edge, explorers will board small reed boats to begin their journey.  As your travel begins, you are met by a Na'vi warrior, who grants you passage into the rainforest and your eyes are open the wonderment of Pandora. A spectacular bioluminescent rainforest surrounds you as you discover exotic flora and the sounds of Pandoran creatures in the distance.   As the voyage continues, you hear music in the distance and encounter unique creatures, like viperwolf, who seem to be traveling down river with you as you in search of the Na'vi "Shaman of Songs". Finally, you see the Shaman holding a musical ceremony while playing an instrument and singing along.  Her music sends positive energy throughout the rainforest of Pandora.  Na'vi River Journey is one of two new […]

Avatar Flight of Passage

3/25/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Flying on the back of a banshee is an important rite of passage for the Na'vi, and now visitors of Pandora: The World of Avatar have a chance to experience the thrill of this journey at Disney's newest attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom Park. Deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara, visitors can now climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s amazing landscape, explore the bioluminescent forests, and soar by the Na'vi living among the moon's beautiful flora.  This attraction will immerse your all your senses as you feel the breath of your banshee beneath you, smell the aroma of the foliage of the rainforest and feel the crisp, cool feel of the waters of Mo'ara. The journey begins in the queue as guests begin an uphill trek towards the mountains floating above the valley.  You will pass over a land bridge, travel near waterfalls and pass by […]