Expert Reviews

The Flaming Moe!

11/16/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Every Simpsons fan remembers that episode...waaaaay back from 1991...where the impossible-to-love bartender, Moe Szyslak, stole Homer’s idea for a fun beverage, got super famous, and Aerosmith came to town?!  Right? No?! Well, maybe I’ve been watching “The Simpsons” too long, but the drink - The Flaming Moe - is something every fan probably remembers! While at Universal Studios Orlando, you can wander over to Springfield U.S.A. and join fellow Simpson-ites in the delicacies of Fast Food Boulevard...Krusty Burger, Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Brewery, Cletus’ Chicken Shack...and the famous, MOE’s Tavern. The Flaming Moe can be found by bellying up to the bar in MOE’s Tavern, or by going to The Flaming Moe window inside of Fast Food Boulevard. Both locations are connected, so you won’t have to go far! The Flaming Moe is… Non-alcoholic Like Orange Crush In a sweet souvenir cup Super fizzy and ‘flaming’ Just enough for 1 […]

Riding the Hogwarts Express

11/11/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • When visiting Universal Orlando Resort, the most magical time you and your family will have is visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Hogsmeade! Universal has pulled out all the stops to make this the most authentic guest experience possible - you can read about all these worlds have to offer HERE and by searching the Me and the Mouse blog! One experience that is truly unforgettable is a ride on the Hogwarts Express. Only those with a “Park to Park” ticket (meaning you are able to visit multiple parks in one day) at Universal Orlando Resort are allowed to take part in this experience. If you don’t currently hold a Park to Park ticket, ask your travel specialist for an upgrade! Guests can board the Hogwarts Express either at Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios, OR, at the station in Hogsmeade in Islands of […]

Dining at The Kitchen: Universal Orlando’s Hard Rock Hotel

11/9/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • For the common Disney fan, Universal Orlando may not appear to have as many great table service options as Walt Disney World, however, I was pleasantly surprised on my recent visit.  The Kitchen at Universal’s Hard Rock resort was fantastic!  With cool theming, great food, reasonable prices, and a convenient location, The Kitchen is a fabulous option for Universal Orlando-guests. First of all, when you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted with cool, laid-back, rock star décor.  Since we had an early lunch reservation, we were just arriving as the restaurant was opening so being able to see the restaurant without anyone it in, makes you really take in the ambience.  One of the most unique decorations there are the personalized chef jackets of all of the musician guest chefs who come in to cook in The Kitchen.  That’s right! Famous musicians randomly come and cook at the restaurant in the open area […]

Restaurant Spotlight: The Cowfish

11/6/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • So this blog almost didn’t happen…twice. “Why?” you may ask… because the food is so good I destroyed it before I got pictures. True story. If you’ve read my blogs before, you know I like food, and burgers are my thing, so when we discovered Cowfish in Universal’s Citywalk, a mere 90 minutes away from us, I was elated because we literally travel across the country for food. Cowfish is the perfect nightcap after a long day running around Universal’s theme parks and is conveniently located a short walk from each park on your way out of the Citywalk complex. It’s a three-story restaurant with some cool views if you are seated on the patio or third-story deck. It boasts some underwater theming and even a trio of interactive screens on the way in to occupy your time while you wait. Because it’s so popular, there is almost always a […]

Dining at Universal CityWalk Orlando: NBC Sports Grill and Brew

11/2/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • One of the most popular questions I am asked is “Where is the best place to eat at Universal?”  Unlike Disney, Universal’s in-park dining selections are fairly limited and if you are in the mood for something a little better than burgers, chicken fingers and fries, it is really convenient to leave the park and head to CityWalk.  With so many selections for table service restaurants with prices comparable to in-park counter service restaurants, I highly recommend a table service meal at CityWalk as a much-needed break from the parks.  On my last trip, I visited NBC Sports Grill and Brew and it was my absolute favorite meal. For a bar and grill, this restaurant had a huge variety of pastas, burgers, steaks and comfort food selections.  My table enjoyed the Chicken Mac and Cheese, Chicken Pot Pie and the Smokehouse Stack Burger.  As much as we each enjoyed our […]

Bayliner Diner Located at Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios

10/29/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Looking for a little nostalgia? Stop in and visit the Bayliner Diner. It is located in the Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios. The Bayliner Diner is a self-service food court with multiple counters to pick from. It is open from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Hours are subject to change.) The atmosphere is family-friendly offering a casual dining experience. Many families like to gather here before and after going to the parks, so expect a lot of activity during these times. Grab a tray and explore the variety of choices offered! Discover a new favorite food from around the world at the International Station, with dishes changing seasonally. At the Deli Station, you will find fantastic wraps and sandwiches. The Pizza Station offers home-style pizza and pasta options that everyone can enjoy. For the healthy eaters, a Salad Station is offered with an […]

Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Universal Orlando

10/25/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Step back to a simpler time in this retro-style resort. Depicting the feel of the 1950s and ’60s, this resort makes you feel you have walked onto the set of Mad Men and the Brady Bunch. Cabana Bay may be considered a value resort, but it is a fabulous well-appointed, and clean resort and perfect for families with their spacious family suites, that sleep up to 6 people or their 2 Bedroom suites, that sleep up to 8. All family suites make dining more convenient for busy families with each suite fully equipped with kitchenettes complete with microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and a kitchen sink. Each living area also has its own flat-screen TV. If water fun is on your agenda, you can enjoy two large pools, one is complete with a lazy river. In my opinion, the best part of Cabana Bay is the fact it is adjacent to the all-new […]

Resort Spotlight: Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando

10/22/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Staying “on property” at Universal Orlando definitely has its perks, but what you might not expect is the high quality of their hotels.  I had the pleasure of staying at Loews Royal Pacific during my last visit and had one of my most enjoyable hotel stays to date in Orlando. Loews Royal Pacific is a tropical, “South Pacific” themed resort just tenths of a mile away from the entrance of Islands of Adventure.  While you are just walking distance away from Universal Studios, you feel a surprising sense of peace and relaxation in this gorgeous resort hotel. Room types include water view and garden view rooms available with one king bed or two queens at 335 square feet as well as suites, including the popular Jurassic Park kids’ suites. These rooms provide an incredibly comfortable night’s rest so you are refreshed and ready for Early Entry to the Wizarding World the […]

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

10/20/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Looking for a unique experience while visiting Orlando?  So was I - on Valentine’s Day while visiting my daughter. What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?  Perhaps flowers and candy?  Perhaps chocolate?  Yes, indeed. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal’s CityWalk is perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration.  Let’s be honest - this place is perfect to visit any day of the year!  If I lived closer – I would be sure to visit frequently so I could try practically everything on the menu. The Chocolate Emporium is a full-service restaurant, bar, and confectionary with a steampunk theme.  It is two stories with seating on both levels.  The menu offering is tremendous making it hard to choose just one item.  Their brunch menu is served all day featuring unique crepes, waffles, French toast, and quiches.  Also served are soups and salads, sandwiches and […]

Touring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

10/18/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • Are you ready for some Muggle Magic? Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most immersive and impressive themed lands ever created. It is no wonder that this area is very popular and always crowded. In order to get the most out of the Wizarding World with the least amount of hassle, you must go in with a plan. By following the steps below, you are sure to experience all that your Muggle heart desires without the aggravation of lines, crowds and excessive waiting. Step 1 – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Park Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into Hogwarts so now you must pick up all of your supplies. Stepping into Diagon Alley is like stepping into the movie. Never have I experienced such a feeling of being a part of the story. You will want to spend some time here experiencing all of its beauty. […]