Expert Reviews

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 […]

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 […]

Rose and Crown Dining Room at Disney’s Epcot – Review

2/7/2020 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • With so many fabulous table service restaurants in Disney World, it can be difficult to choose. While I have never personally been disappointed at any of the locations I’ve dined at, there are still a few my family has yet to try. We have a bucket list of restaurants that we haven’t dined at, and on each trip, we make sure to try at least 2 or 3 different restaurants. On our last family trip, we finally checked Rose and Crown off our dining bucket list. Nestled in the UK pavilion of Epcot, this family-friendly British pub boasts some truly delicious food. We were seated waterfront for our dinner. Had we chosen a later reservation it would have been the perfect spot to view the night show Epcot-Forever. Outside seating is covered, providing shade from the Florida sun, while inside looks like you’ve walked right into a traditional pub in […]

Epcot’s Newest Restaurant: Takumi Tei- Review

1/17/2020 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • From the moment you walk in Takumi-Tei, you will begin a culinary experience that rivals any at Walt Disney World. Here you are enlightened to Japanese culture through an amazing dining team and incredible artisan food. In this blog, I will tell you why I chose this new restaurant at Epcot to celebrate my birthday at Takumi-Tei. Takumi-Tei is Japanese for “house of artisan” and your entire dining experience is one that is truly that. You are greeted by the dining staff outside the restaurant door. Here you will be guided inside into a hallway with water, wood, earth, stone, and washi paper displayed. This is an intimate area where you are educated on the importance of each and how your dining is influenced by them. It’s important to note there is no waiting area inside. Once you walk in you are now part of the dining experience. You are […]

Disney Cruise Line: Palo Brunch – Keto Style

1/10/2020 • Cruises, Reviews • When embarking on a Disney Cruise, indulgence is what comes to mind.  While each of the ships has unique dining rooms that are part of the nightly dinner rotation, every ship also has an adult-only dining option, Palo.  Palo is known for its Northern Italian inspiration with a modern twist. They offer reservations for dinner and on select days, a brunch option. I have been following the Ketogenic way of eating for almost 2 years and my experience at Palo brunch was extraordinary.  Brunch and dinner are subject to an additional fee of $40/person, plus gratuity. The following dress code is recommended: Dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men Dress, skirt, or pants and a blouse for women. Jeans may be worn if in good condition (no holes).   My husband and I have had the privilege of enjoying the Palo brunch on both the Disney Dream […]

Walt Disney World’s Newest Dining Experience: Toledo Restaurant-Review

12/17/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • On my most recent trip to Walt Disney World, I wanted to make it a trip of new experiences.  As a previous Walt Disney World Cast Member and frequent visitor, I enjoy seeing how they are always evolving. My next few series of blog posts are going to be all about these new experiences and if I would do it again! To start out my series I want to tell you all about this new hidden gem on the Walt Disney World property.  How many of you like amazing food and drink, a stunning but quiet atmosphere, with a view of the neighboring parks nighttime spectacular shows going off in the distance?  Oh, did I mention this restaurant is somehow only one dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan? I’d like to introduce you to Toledo one of the newest dining experiences on Disney property.  Toledo is located on the […]

Lightsaber Building at Savi’s Workshop-Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

12/6/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • There are a lot of new things to see and do in Galaxy’s Edge, and while lightsaber building has been around for some time at the exit of Star Tours, the new Lightsaber building experience at Savi’s Workshop is completely different.  This experience will set each builder back approximately $199 “Credits” (as they’re referred to when paying for anything in Galaxy’s Edge) plus tax. Reservations are required and each builder can be accompanied by one additional adult or child. Like many reservations throughout the Disney Parks, there is also a 24-hour cancelation policy. If the reservation isn’t canceled before that time or if there is a no show, the full cost of the experience will be charged to the card you have on file.  I suggest arriving about 10 minutes early to check-in for your reservation. Once you have checked in, you will be given a menu that lists the […]