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7/3/2026 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
One of the most popular questions I am asked is “Where is the best place to eat at Universal?” Unlike Disney, Universal’s in-park dining selections are fairly limited and if you are in the mood for something a little better than burgers, chicken fingers and fries, it is really convenient to leave the park and head to CityWalk. With so many selections for table service restaurants with prices comparable to in-park counter service restaurants, I highly recommend a table service meal at CityWalk as a much-needed break from the parks. On my last trip, I visited NBC Sports Grill and Brew and it was my absolute favorite meal. For a bar and grill, this restaurant had a huge variety of pastas, burgers, steaks and comfort food selections. My table enjoyed the Chicken Mac and Cheese, Chicken Pot Pie and the Smokehouse Stack Burger. As much as we each enjoyed our […]
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10/29/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
Looking for a little nostalgia? Stop in and visit the Bayliner Diner. It is located in the Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios. The Bayliner Diner is a self-service food court with multiple counters to pick from. It is open from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Hours are subject to change.) The atmosphere is family-friendly offering a casual dining experience. Many families like to gather here before and after going to the parks, so expect a lot of activity during these times. Grab a tray and explore the variety of choices offered! Discover a new favorite food from around the world at the International Station, with dishes changing seasonally. At the Deli Station, you will find fantastic wraps and sandwiches. The Pizza Station offers home-style pizza and pasta options that everyone can enjoy. For the healthy eaters, a Salad Station is offered with an […]
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5/8/2026 • Epic Universe, Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando •
Are you ready for some Muggle Magic? Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most immersive and impressive themed lands ever created. It is no wonder that this area is very popular and always crowded. In order to get the most out of the Wizarding World with the least amount of hassle, you must go in with a plan. By following the steps below, you are sure to experience all that your Muggle heart desires without the aggravation of lines, crowds and excessive waiting. Step 1 – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Park Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into Hogwarts so now you must pick up all of your supplies. Stepping into Diagon Alley is like stepping into the movie. Never have I experienced such a feeling of being a part of the story. You will want to spend some time here experiencing all of its beauty. […]
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10/4/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Located on the first floor of Disney’s Paradise Pier at Disneyland in California is a hidden gem of a dining experience. The only place on the property where you can meet Mickey Mouse while you eat, the Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at the PCH Grill, is a treat for young and old. The stars of the show are the characters themselves. Ready for a day at the beach, the characters have stopped by for breakfast before grabbing their surfboards and heading off for a day of fun. While they are there, the characters will stop by your table for pictures, autographs, and the occasional dance party. While Mickey is the official host, some of the characters that might visit your table include Minnie Mouse, Stitch, and Daisy. Pictures with Mickey’s official photographer occur near the entry under the PCH Surf Shack sign. If you wish to have […]
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9/20/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Are you excited to finally plan your FIRST visit to the Disneyland Resort in California?! As a first-timer, even if you know Disney World like the back of your hand, there are certain things at the Disneyland Resort that are unique to this resort and are quintessential Disney magic. Classic attractions: The Disneyland Railroad, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean are all amazing, classic rides, and Walt had a hand in designing each of them. Fun fact: Pirates of the Caribbean is twice as long at Disneyland as it is at Walt Disney World! Best Attractions Unique to the Disneyland Resort: At Disneyland, Indiana Jones Adventure tops my list for favorite attractions despite the fact that it is not a newer ride, having opened in the mid- 90’s. For those seeking a calmer experience, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is an original dark ride in Fantasyland. For you […]
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9/16/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews •
Journeying to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, for the first time as a family was an exciting experience. Such an experience required a proper celebration of food…and Carthay Circle fit that bill! Carthay Circle, located in California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street at the Disneyland Resort, boasts a grand marquee reminiscent of a movie theater of bygone eras. Inside, you’ll find this is exactly the aesthetic they planned for. Modeled after the Carthay Theater in Los Angeles where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs first premiered, you’ll find beautiful décor, intricate woodwork, and ambient lighting – you’ll feel like you should be wearing your best red-carpet attire! The lobby houses tables and chairs while you wait. There is also a lobby sushi bar, which I am told, has some of the BEST sushi in Anaheim! The second floor (accessible by a grand staircase or fancy elevator), is the ‘theater’ floor. […]
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4/20/2021 • Cruises •
Rotational dining is a unique dining experience on Disney Cruise Lines, which allows all guests the opportunity to enjoy dinner in each of the restaurants onboard. Guests receive their specific rotation when they check-in at the port. Each evening, all guests will rotate to an assigned restaurant along with their wait-staff and tablemates to a new restaurant. Depending on the length of the cruise, some/all restaurants will be experienced at least once on each cruise. However, if a guest is scheduled for more than one night in the same restaurant, the menu will change, so every night truly is a unique experience. The restaurants onboard each ship: Disney Wish · Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure · 1923 · Worlds of Marvel Disney Magic Animator’s Palate Lumiere’s Carioca’s Disney Wonder Animator’s Palate Triton’s Tiana’s Place Disney Dream Animator’s Palate Royal Palace Enchanted Garden Disney Fantasy Animator’s Palate Royal Court Enchanted Garden […]
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2/19/2021 • Blog •
Imagine yourself immersed in a tropical escape where your days are filled with the warmth of the sun, blue skies, clear water, and breathtaking views. Now, imagine the tranquility you will feel knowing ALL of your food, drinks, entertainment, water sports, gratuities, airport transfers, and CHILDCARE have already been included with the price of your stay. And yes, I did say childcare! It may sound too good to be true, but Beaches all-inclusive resorts have turned this fantasy into a reality! If you’ve heard of Sandals All-Inclusive adult-only resorts then you’ll be familiar with the brand’s model which strives to create the most relaxing, carefree vacation. By including everything in the price, your “vacation” becomes a true vacation with nothing to worry about, except which restaurant or water sport to try next. Beaches takes this a step further so the kids, grandparents, and extended family can join in on the […]
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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 […]
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12/4/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Disney has changed how one thinks about quick-service food in a theme park. Instead of just hamburgers, hotdogs, and pizza, their offerings reflect the many tastes and personalities of their guests which makes quick service dining an experience to look forward to. But let’s be honest, we all hate waiting in lines. When visiting Walt Disney World, lines are inevitable, but Disney’s mobile dining orders can give you some of your time back and minimize the lines you experience at the parks. Mobile ordering is available for most quick-service locations and a recent addition is some table service locations. Table service locations are listed in your app with the words “To Go” at the end of the restaurant name. To start your order, 1. Click on the “+” on the bottom of the home screen of the My Disney Experience app. 2. Then, click “Order Food”. 3. Alternatively, click on […]
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