Blog Posts Tagged activities

Disney World Arrival & Departure Day Tips

4/15/2026 • Tips, Walt Disney World • How to Make the Most of Your Arrival & Departure Days at Disney World When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, most travelers focus on their park days—but your arrival and departure days at Disney World can be just as magical. With the right planning, these “in-between” days can add extra fun and relaxation to your trip without feeling rushed. At Me and The Mouse Travel, we specialize in custom Disney vacation planning, helping families make the most of every moment—from arrival to departure. Plan Your Disney World Arrival Day Your arrival day at Disney World sets the tone for your entire vacation. How you plan it depends on your flight times and energy level: Early Arrival: Jump Right In If you arrive early, you can start the fun immediately: Visit a park for a few rides or shows Book a character dining experience to kick off your trip Spend […]

Think You Don’t Have Time for a Vacation? Try a Weekend Cruise

4/8/2026 • Blog, Cruises, Tips • 3 Days, Endless Fun — Why a Weekend Cruise Is Totally Worth It! Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I really need a vacation… but I just don’t have the time”? Between work schedules, family commitments, and everyday life, taking a full week away can feel almost impossible. But what if you don’t need a full week to recharge? Sometimes a few days at sea—with great food, entertainment, and friends—is exactly what you need. Some of my team and I recently took a quick weekend cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas and it reminded me of how much fun you can pack into just a few days. From the moment we boarded, it felt like the world’s biggest weekend had officially begun. So how much fun did we pack into our three-night cruise? Quite a lot! During our weekend getaway we spent time: Relaxing by the pools with […]

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Tour

4/1/2026 • Disneyland, Holidays & Events, Reviews • In February 2026, I had the opportunity to take part in one of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration events! A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour at Disneyland Resort! ~~ You can see all that Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration has to offer in Nancy’s blog here: Limited Time Magic~~ It was truly an unforgettable experience to walk in Walt’s footsteps, learn of original plans, dreams, ideas…what better way to celebrate 70 years of magic! We first began at the Tour booth next to Guest Relations in Town Square. We met with our tour guide who supplied us with radio earpieces to hear her stories, fun facts, and bits of Walt’s wisdom as we traveled through the park. We walked in Walt’s footsteps. Traveled to the lands he built. Stood where he stood. Learned more of his vision and desire to always move forward, with an eye on the past. And […]

Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe

3/17/2026 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando • If you’re planning a trip to Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, one land you definitely don’t want to skip is The Isle of Berk. Inspired by the beloved How to Train Your Dragon movies, this incredible land brings Vikings, dragons, and adventure to life in such a fun and immersive way. It truly feels like you’ve stepped right into the world of Berk! The moment you step into The Isle of Berk, you’re instantly surrounded by giant Viking statues, colorful village buildings, and dragons everywhere you look. It really does feel like you’ve stepped right into Berk. You might even run into some familiar faces like Hiccup, Astrid, Gobber, and the hilarious twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. Within the land you’ll find dining, shopping, three rides, a show, and a playground for little ones. There’s even a meet and greet with Toothless! Rides Hiccup’s Wing Gliders - Height Requirement: […]

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2026 Guide: Concerts, Food, Parade, and Tips You Need to Know

2/18/2026 • Blog, Holidays & Events, Universal Studios Orlando • If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort in the spring, you may be wondering: Is Universal Orlando Mardi Gras worth visiting? The answer is a resounding yes! Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is one of the best seasonal events at Universal Studios Florida. This fan-favorite celebration features live concerts, an incredible nighttime parade, global food booths, and nonstop entertainment—all included with your regular park admission. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or visiting with your family, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Universal Orlando Mardi Gras. Are Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Concerts Free? Yes! One of the biggest highlights of Universal Mardi Gras is the live concert series, which is included with your park ticket. On select nights, major artists from pop, rock, country, and R&B perform live at the Music Plaza Stage. Past performers have included chart-topping favorites and nostalgic […]

Your Rainy Day Survival Guide at Epic Universe!

2/13/2026 • Universal Studios Orlando • How to make the most of your day at Epic Universe in the rain! 1. Know Which Rides Stay Open These attractions remain operational—even in rain (except during thunderstorms): *Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Dark Universe) *Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World) *Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (Ministry of Magic) *Constellation Carousel (Celestial Park) Plus, even if queues are mostly outdoors, Le Cirque Arcanus (Wizarding World) and The Untrainable Dragon show (Isle of Berk) usually operate with covered lines and indoor seating. You don’t want to miss these! 2. Pack Smart Rain Gear *Lightweight, compact ponchos (buy in advance—they’re cheaper and pack smaller) *Water-resistant shoes or covers, plus extra socks *Quick-dry clothing *Ziploc bags for electronics and essentials *Umbrella 3. Hit Outdoor Attractions FIRST! *Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Curse of the Werewolf, Mine-Cart Madness, Donkey Kong 4. Embrace Indoor Attractions & Entertainment *Use rainy periods to explore inside: *Dark Universe: Monster: Unchained, shops, Monster Makeup Experience […]

Enjoying Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers (2026 Update!)

2/11/2026 • Disneyland, Tips • Vacationing as a family should be memorable, exciting, and fun! But what if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler? Will your family be able to enjoy activities together? If you are headed to Disneyland, the answer is YES! This post is a rewrite of the original Enjoying Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers published in June 2018. As a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations, one of the most common questions I’m asked is if there will be rides and attractions in which the entire family can take part — especially if there is a baby in tow. Thankfully, if you’re headed to Disneyland, you’re headed to the right place. So many attractions at the Disneyland parks have no height requirements — meaning that even the youngest members of your family can participate in the same rides and attractions as the rest of the family. On my baby’s first […]

Discovering Paradise: The Allure of Antigua

11/18/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Are you dreaming of a tropical escape that combines pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unmatched luxury? Look no further than Antigua, a slice of paradise nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Over the summer, I was chosen by the Tourism Board of Antigua and Barbuda to experience everything these amazing islands have to offer. This enchanting destination offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic retreat or families seeking an elevated escape with its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a myriad of activities to suit every taste. Let me tell you why this island is one that can't be missed! A Symphony of Beaches: One of the most captivating features of Antigua is it’s collection of stunning beaches that seem to be straight out of a postcard. Antigua is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Whether you're a sun-worshipper looking to bask in the warm […]

12 EPCOT Photo Locations You Need to Visit!

10/23/2025 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • 12 EPCOT Photo Locations You Need to Visit! EPCOT is full of amazing locations to capture fantastic memories for your family photo album or your social media accounts. While some are easy to identify, like Spaceship Earth, there are many hidden gems throughout the park that make spectacular backdrops for your vacation photos.   Checkout these 12 photo spots on your next visit to Epcot! 1.  Spaceship Earth -   The icon of this park, Spaceship Earth can be seen and photographed in various locations in the park due to its size (It's 180 feet tall!!).  With themed garden beds as you enter the park, this always makes this location a "must do" on any visit to Epcot.  Plan to get pictures both during the day and night as it twinkles and changes colors at night. 2.  Bubble Gum Wall (#bubblegumwall) - This location continues to be a trend for park goers and their photos! […]

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Jollywood Nights?

9/9/2025 • Walt Disney World • Two parties. Two vibes. One magical holiday season! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights each offer their own sparkle—so which one should you choose? I was able to attend both parties and I’m excited to give you my honest assessment. Both bring holiday magic in their own unique way—but they’re very different experiences. Here’s what stood out at each party, and how to know which one is the right fit for your holiday style. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the “original” officially debuting in 1983. This party is held at Magic Kingdom. With admission, guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookie stations, themed shows and parades, character meet and greets in holiday outfits and with limited attendance, ride wait times were a little shorter. The vibe of this party was magical, but felt a little crowded and chaotic at times. Can’t Miss Event: Mickey’s Once […]