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1/10/2023 • Cruises, Tips •
Booking a cruise is so exciting, but can also feel overwhelming if you aren’t sure what steps to take next. To plan your next Royal Caribbean Cruise and arrive feeling calm and collected, follow these four important steps: 1. Make sure you have all of the required documentation for every member of your party. At Me and The Mouse, we always encourage our clients to have passports. While this is not required for cruises embarking and debarking in the United States, it will protect you in the event you would need to fly out of the country. Make sure to check your passports and renew any that expire at least 10 weeks before your cruise. If you do not have a passport, make sure all adults have their government-issued photo IDs and original birth certificate. Double and triple-check that all required documents match the birthdates and spellings that are listed […]
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12/6/2022 • Cruises, Reviews •
Are you an adventurer looking for endless thrills? Are you foodie hoping to expand your culinary experiences? Maybe you are just a little stressed from the constant full schedules on a daily basis. Whatever your reasons, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line could be just what you’ve been looking for! With 20+ ships in the fleet and 7 different classes this cruise line could surely have the perfect itinerary for you. My family’s awesome adventure took us on an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise with stops in Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, & St Maarten. Each Caribbean or Bahamian itinerary also includes a stop at one of Royal Caribbean’s private islands, either Labadee Haiti or Perfect Day at Cococay. Each private destination allows you to chill on beautiful beaches. Thrill yourself on things like ziplines, waterslides, or unwind like you mean it at swim-up bars or overwater cabanas. Even though Caribbean is in their […]
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11/29/2022 • Holidays & Events, Tips, Walt Disney World •
I have loved visiting Walt Disney World in all four seasons. I especially love Fall when I can experience Halloween or Christmas in the parks. However, my absolute favorite time of the year to visit the parks is that sweet spot in January and February – the holidays are over and you can finally breathe again, life quiets down a little, and you can enjoy a little “you” time again. That’s what this time of the year feels like for me at Walt Disney World. Crowds have calmed down, allowing you to enjoy the parks with a little more wiggle room between you and fellow guests The weather is no longer hot and humid. January thru March see average temps in the mid-70s. As is always the case in Florida, there is some rain, but it’s well past hurricane season. Starting around mid-January, it’s no longer peak season, and you’ll […]
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11/15/2022 • Tips •
As your departure day quickly approaches, here are some helpful tips for preparing for your next vacation! Preparing Your Work: Tie up loose ends at work so you can better avoid calls while you are on vacation. Set your voicemail and email to alert colleagues and customers of your days away from the office. Preparing Your Home: Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your daily mail and news flyers and hold them for your return. Ask a friend or neighbor to water your lawn, if needed. For winter months, ask them to plow your driveway if it snows and drive up your driveway to create tire marks in the snow. If you are kenneling your animals, remember most boarding services require up to date health care for your dogs and cats. Set timers on lights in your house. For exterior lights, use automatic lights around entrances. […]
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11/1/2022 • Adventures by Disney, Reviews •
When you hear the name Disney, you probably think of Mickey Mouse and theme parks. In addition to many other experiences and destinations, Disney also offers organized land tours across the U.S. and around the globe. Adventures by Disney allows families, friends, and even solo guests to explore amazing destinations together knowing that they will receive the same level of entertainment, service, accommodations, safety and VIP access that comes with the Disney name. Adventures by Disney’s Costa Rican itinerary is geared towards adventurers and thrill seekers excited to navigate the waters and rainforests of Costa Rica while enjoying the culture, traditions, food, and the beautiful scenery and wildlife that make up this gorgeous part of the world. This is a very active adventure with highlights including white water rafting, zip lining above the canopy, and snorkeling. There is always a secondary option for guests who are unwilling or unable to […]
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8/30/2022 • Adventures by Disney, Tips •
Have you heard of Adventures by Disney? I have found that many Disney lovers are not aware of Adventures by Disney and all it has to offer. Traveling with Adventures by Disney is a hidden Disney gem that is best known for immersing guests in the cultures and stories of unique worldwide destinations. There are so many fun and interesting destinations to choose from. If you are interested in seeing more of the United States, you might consider touring New York, San Francisco, Wyoming, Arizona, Philadelphia or Washington. If you decide to embark on an awesome International adventure, you might consider Australia, China, Italy, France, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa or the Canadian Rockies just to name a few. This best kept secret offers an amazing value for your vacation dollars. Here are some of the reasons to inquire about traveling with Adventures by Disney. Hotels – Disney chooses hotels that […]
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8/23/2022 • Cruises, Tips •
For most cruisers, packing for a warm weather destination cruise is a piece of cake. However, sailing to Alaska can require a little more thought. For our Alaskan cruise, I was concerned about having enough variety of clothes for all potential weather while still being able to pack light. I didn’t want to pack a lot of heavier clothes that would add to the number of pieces of luggage. Layers, layers, layers was our motto. For most days, we started in jeans, t-shirts, a fleece jacket and windbreakers. As the day went on, we peeled off layers. We also purchased waterproof hiking shoes that were perfect for all of our excursions and our feet stayed dry. They were our go to shoes for rainy weather or hiking out to the base of a waterfall. Hats and gloves were only necessary when sailing through Tracy Arms. It got rather breezy and […]
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8/2/2022 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches •
Let me start this by saying that if luxury accommodations, distinctive cuisine, and exemplary services perched next to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea sound like your dream vacation then read on. My husband and I selected Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica for an anniversary trip and now it is one of my all-time favorite destinations! It’s nestled in a 500-acre nature preserve and boasts beautiful European elegance throughout. The property itself is abounding with lush vegetation and wildlife, including hummingbirds and peacocks, which freely roam the grounds. When you first arrive, your bags are whisked off to your room while you enjoy a signature resort cocktail and a tour of the beautiful grounds that are to be your home for the next several days. On the tour, I was reminded that one of my favorite things about Sandals is that they cater to everyone’s desires on […]
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7/19/2022 • Cruises, Tips •
Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship! Online Check-In - 30 days prior to sailing, you can begin the online check-in. Add your flights, ensure your names and passport details are correct and select a port arrival time. Safe Passage - 15 days prior to sailing, all guests must create their own Safe Passage profiles which will confirm your vaccination status and approve you for sailing. *Pre-Cruise Covid Test - View the Know Before You Go guide for complete details: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/us/ * Fully vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian ports must provide proof […]
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7/12/2022 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
With summer upon us, the heat and humidity in Florida can send even the most southern of families screaming for some cooling relief. We know you’ve been eagerly anticipating your Disney World vacation for months and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun that Disney has to offer because of the heat. Here are some tips to help you survive the hottest and most humid of Disney days: 1. Take advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours. By staying on property at Disney, you qualify to go early or stay late at Disney’s parks. The extra magic hours are the coolest of times to visit the parks not to mention the least busy times. Not a morning or a late person? Go back to your hotel during the hottest part of the day to rest so that you’ll have the energy for the extra magic hours. […]
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