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9/6/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Sometimes, when you hear “We’re going to Disney World”, all you see are dollar signs. As with everything at Disney, great planning can help you to save money and stay right on budget! One of my favorite, not-so-little secrets, is to save some serious cash and go shopping for souvenirs at Disney’s Character Warehouse. When park merchandise isn’t sold, some of it is shipped to one of the two Character Warehouse outlet stores to be sold at heavily discounted prices. You can find anything from keychains, stuffed animals and shirts, to name brand designer bags. Both stores are located at a premium outlet mall, a short off-property drive. The mall names are very similar, but they are in different locations around Orlando. The nearest to Disney’s property is just to the east at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlet and the other location is northeast and closer to Universals property at Orlando […]
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8/6/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
Hollywood Studios has always been one of my favorite Disney Parks, in part due to the nod to old Hollywood. It makes perfect sense that The Hollywood Brown Derby is my favorite restaurant in Hollywood Studios. Walking into the lobby you will find a guest book filled with signatures, you might even find one from a Disney star or two. Once checked in, the host or hostess will take you to the dining room which is filled with that old Hollywood glamour. You will find caricatures of some familiar famous faces on the walls, rounded booths on the outside of the room, and tables in the center. This signature dining experience will cost you two table service credit at both lunch and dinner. This restaurant also offers a Fantasmic Dining package, which is a great way to get the best value for your 2 credits. With the Fantasmic Package, you […]
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7/30/2019 • Walt Disney World •
If you are looking for a tropical adventure, look no further. The Disney property is filled with so many new experiences and dining, here is no exception. Venturing into a tropical rainforest while on Disney property is easy with two convenient Rainforest Cafe locations found at the Disney Springs Marketplace and outside the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Neither location requires a theme park admission. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted at both locations. Reservations are recommended and can be made 180 days prior to your travel start date. As this experience attracts a large number of explorers, wait times can be rather extensive. You may want to apply to join the Landry’s Select Club in advance to receive priority seating without a reservation. There is a $25 cost to join, but you will get a $25 welcome reward applied to your account which can be used as a credit to […]
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3/7/2024 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Planning a Disney vacation is an exhilarating experience, and with the help of a Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist, you're on the right track for a magical journey. Despite the abundance of online resources and assistance from your Me and The Mouse Agent, there are still valuable insights to discover during your Disney vacation. Here are ten things Disney guests often wish they had known before embarking on their first magical adventure: Prepare for a Marathon of Walking: Walt Disney World sprawls 40 square miles, roughly the size of San Francisco. Expect to cover about 8 - 12 miles daily, so it’s crucial to wear comfortable shoes. Break them in before your trip, and consider renting a stroller for younger children even if they wouldn’t typically use one. Your little ones may appreciate the extra comfort during long days of exploration. Allocate Ample Time for Transportation: Disney provides various […]
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7/19/2019 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando •
Want to relive the time you rode the Hulk? Do you want to forever keep the moment you posed with a dinosaur? My family and I still love looking at our photos from Universal and reliving our fabulous memories there. I am so glad I purchased the My Universal Photos photo package and you will be too! Here’s what you need to know: What is My Universal Photos? My Universal Photos is a package you can purchase ahead of time or in the parks. It gives guests the advantage of unlimited downloads for a specified time of the photos taken in the park with characters, on rides, or fun family photos with the big park icons. Not only are the photos better quality, but having these photos gets the whole family in the photo without the hassle of carrying around a camera all day. Where do we purchase My Universal […]
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7/12/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
When larger parties are traveling to Walt Disney World, it’s good to know that unique lodging options are available. At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, guests have the opportunity to book a stay at the Treehouse Villas and experience an amazing getaway! The Treehouse Villas are great for parties up to 9 adults. Each treehouse is secluded into a cozy wooded area, with views of woods or water, with a private deck and seating area, as well as a ‘park-style’ grill for some lovely evening hotdogs. Raised above the earth to look as if they are part of a tree, these villas are really exciting to see! Inside, the Treehouse Villas are beautifully decorated in a rustic, cabin style - boasting a queen bed, a bunk bed, a convertible couch, chair, shared bathroom, as well as a master suite with queen bed and bathroom. An in-room washer and dryer […]
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7/8/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
If you have not had the opportunity to experience Beaches and Cream, add it to your bucket list! Beaches and Cream is located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort near the Stormalong Bay pool! If you are visiting Epcot or Hollywood Studios, it is a quick walk or boat ride, or you can take a bus from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs. Upon entering the restaurant, it feels like a time warp to a 50’s soda shop! There is limited table seating, but we have enjoyed sitting at the counter! Not only is it a unique experience, but the counter seating is a front row view for watching the creation of the amazing ice cream creations! I would describe the menu as classic comfort food. Delicious burgers, grilled cheese, tomato bisque, and chicken salad to name just a few. The classic sides include French fries, onion rings, soup, and […]
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6/14/2019 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Nestled in a quiet section of Orleans Square in Disneyland Park, you will find one of my favorite dining experiences! Blue Bayou, a restaurant whose name lives up to its creole-inspired cuisine, is an unassuming, but delicious dining experience with ambiance to match. As you enter this restaurant with an outdoor aesthetic, you can catch a glimpse of the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean coming by as they are taking off on their adventure. The sound of the water gently running by, the crickets and soft music- all seem to transport you out of Disneyland Park and onto the Louisiana bayou. Once seated, we couldn’t help but notice the beautiful lanterns hanging overhead against the seemingly black sky, even though we were comfortably seated indoors! As we opened our menus, we were treated to a surprise – though Blue Bayou is dimly lit, our menus included built-in flashlights to […]
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6/11/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
When one thinks theme parks, sophistication doesn’t usually come to mind. However, Disney Springs is changing the game with several new additions of James Beard award-winning restaurants, including the only wine bar in Florida led by a Master Sommelier, Wine Bar George. George Miliotes is one of only 256 Master Sommeliers in the world and he brings his passion and expertise to Disney Springs. Wine Bar George offers more than 140 wines available by the glass! In addition, they offer hand-crafted cocktails and craft beers alongside a full menu of small plates, cheese and charcuterie, family-style plates, and sweets. As if that wasn’t enough, Wine Bar George features Wine Country Brunch with the famed Dole Whipped Mimosa which is perfect for the 90-degree days in Orlando. I can speak first-hand that these are delicious and really hit the spot when you’re out in the heat. My husband and I were […]
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5/29/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Tiffins Restaurant is a Disney Signature restaurant located in the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The menu contains items representing African, Indian, and South American and is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is inspired by the travels of the Imagineers explorations when they were creating the Animal Kingdom park. When dining at this location, be sure you take time to visit each of the three separate dining rooms. The separate rooms are referred to as galleries because they are themed and filled with select artwork. The waitstaff is eager to share the background of each room and art pieces. By having the restaurant separated by rooms, it helps makes your dining experience feel more intimate and is a quieter type of setting. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, this will be a 2-credit table service reservation since it is a signature restaurant. You can also add to […]
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