Expert Reviews

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 […]

A Seven Year-Old’s Highlights of Walt Disney World

11/10/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Have you ever wondered what Disney World looks like through the eyes of a seven-year-old?  Do they really appreciate all the magic or do we just convince ourselves of that? Sitting down with my seven-year-old son the other night, we had a conversation that went down the Disney path (which frequently happens with our conversations) and it led me to ask him some pointed questions. Questions that might just help you as you plan your trip with a school-aged child and I thought some of his answers were great! Note: this particular seven-year-old has been to Disney over....well, a lot in his short life so far.  He knows the parks inside and out and has been on every single ride that he is able to go on due to height restrictions. Some he may never go on again because the thrill just isn't for him (i.e. Space Mountain & Everest). I had him […]

Review of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

10/27/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • The newest Walt Disney World ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is not one to miss! This new family-friendly attraction offers a state-of-the-art ride vehicle with visual effects technology. This ride can be found in the previously occupied Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The glowing sign offers an exciting entrance to an attraction unlike any other at Walt Disney World. I had the opportunity to enjoy this attraction in March and again since the phased re-opening. The first thing I noticed was the similarities to the Great Movie Ride. When you first enter the queue and step into the building, it was reminiscent of the previous attraction. As you moved through the queue, a noticeable difference would be the newly added movie screens that feature the animated Mickey shorts. Prior to the closing of Disney Park’s in March, the experience in the waiting queue was different. The animated short, […]

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

10/13/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Beach Club Resort it truly one of my favorite resorts on property! From its incredible location just steps away from Epcot, to its pool and dining options, there are so many reasons to stay at Beach Club on your next Disney vacation. This resort looks like it’s right out of the pages of a New England architectural journal. Painted in pastel blue and white hues with lighthouse-style architectural features, this resort is appealing from the moment you pull up to its drive. Upon entering, the lobby includes seaside and nautical touches. Dining: Just off the lobby, you’ll notice several of the resort’s table service restaurants. Here you can dine at Ale and Compass, a New England steakhouse, Cape May Cafe, a character breakfast and seafood buffet lunch and dinner, and Beaches and Cream- a seaside-style soda shop with a variety of boardwalk foods. You can also relax and take […]

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort- Review

10/9/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • In my 8 years of planning Disney vacations, one of the most common questions I get is, “What is your favorite resort on Disney property?” I don’t even hesitate with my answer, "Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort." “The Poly”, as it is often referred to as, is one of the three deluxe resorts on the monorail loop. The Polynesian is one of the original resorts that opened along with Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971. The theme of this resort is a Pacific Island paradise. Upon arrival, you will notice lush greenery and colorful flowers that leave you feeling like you have just been planted into the tropics. With a short walk through the beautiful greenery, you enter The Great Ceremonial House which is the lobby of the resort where you will be welcomed with a warm Aloha. Dining at the Polynesian resort is a must-do in my opinion even […]

The Haunted Mansion – Walt Disney World

10/6/2020 • Blog, Disneyland, Reviews, Walt Disney World • One of my family's favorite attractions in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World is The Haunted Mansion. Set in a Louisiana plantation mansion, the attraction is home to 999 happy haunts. I love the queue, where you'll find a horseless drawn hearse, tombstones, and other interactive haunted objects to make your wait a little more fun. Upon entering the mansion you will be escorted into a room with no windows and no doors. Watch the walls and ceiling as the room seems to grow before your very eyes. As lightning strikes, you will follow the passageway to your "Doom Buggy". This slow-moving ride takes you through the most haunted rooms of the mansion, where you will learn some interesting facts about the mansion's most popular and permanent residents. As you twist and turn down the halls you will see spooky paintings, statues, books, and more. On your way, you will […]

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 […]

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 […]