Blog Posts Tagged Family

Exploring Hogwart’s Castle at Universal Orlando

9/18/2020 • Blog, Universal Studios • For every Harry Potter fan, a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is a bucket list item but for true Potterheads. It's the extra Easter Eggs that are hidden that can make the experience truly magical. While magic appears around every corner in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, let’s explore the hidden items in Hogwart’s Castle that you’ll want to take note of on your next vacation. Here are my top 5 hidden items for you to find! 1. Mandrakes- The first hidden item is located outdoors, in the greenhouse. If your visit to Hogsmeade has low crowds, you may miss the Mandrakes, but pause just before you enter the castle and check out these restorative plants located behind a fence so that they cannot be accidentally pulled out of their pots, subjecting you to their screams. 2. Four Founders of Hogwarts: The Hall of […]

Our First Visit to Walt Disney World Since the Phased Re-Opening – Part 2

9/15/2020 • Blog, Walt Disney World • This the continued two-part blog post series, focusing on the modifications to existing procedures that were implemented upon the phased re-opening at Walt Disney World. Recap: My family and I, after careful consideration and research, made the decision to visit Walt Disney World. We observed many changes since our last visit in March. We frequently reviewed the information that Disney provides and frequently updates in the Know Before You Go and theme park updates page. We also received frequent communications via email and My Disney Experience app notifications about the safety measures and policies. Parking Changes We Observed When We Visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This was the only park we chose to drive vs. taking the bus from our resort. There were signs as we approached the auto plaza recommending cashless payment. To aid in physical distancing guidelines, we noted that parking was every other space. It allowed us to […]

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood

9/11/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • With fall finally upon us, my thoughts start going to Halloween. As a huge fan of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I decided to give some love to Universal’s festivities and attend Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood last year. While all parties are canceled for 2020, this is a great time to start thinking about next year! First of all, if you think you are going to a light event like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, this is not the atmosphere at all! Once you walk through the gates, prepare to be chased with chainsaws and basically scared out of your mind. You think you can go into a souvenir shop for a break, but no! They chase you in there too! The scare actors do a wonderful job of startling you all the way through the park. The only good news for me, and what I […]

Shopping for Disney Collectables

9/4/2020 • Blog, Disneyland, Walt Disney World • Let’s face it, we all love having that bag full of goodies handed back to us after finding the perfect souvenir, keepsake, or gift at a Disney park or in a Disney store. Sometimes, it even feels like we have gone on a scavenger hunt to seek out something that is exactly right. A simple fun souvenir purchase can turn into a growing collection before you know it. That innocent buy is precisely how my Disney ornament collection began. A long long time ago (2011), in a theme park far far away (Disneyland), I bought a Christmas tree ornament to remember our very first Disney family vacation. Little did I know that purchase would start a tradition to buy one or two ornaments each time I visited a Park or went on a Disney Cruise. My favorite ornaments have the year displayed, so I can remember when I got it, […]

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 […]

Transportation Options from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

8/21/2020 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • If you are reading this blog post, chances are you have found cheap flights from Allegiant to Orlando and are curious about your best options for transportation to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. Allegiant flies into Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) in Sanford, FL, which is northeast of Orlando, FL, and is considerably farther away from your travel destination than Orlando International Airport (MCO). One way to Universal Studios is about an hour’s drive. And for Walt Disney World, about an hour and twenty minutes. Both travel times depend upon construction, and I-4 traffic! Because of this, Having safe, reliable transportation to/from SFB is very important! So what are your options? There are no complimentary transportation services available at SFB to either theme park destination, but there are paid services available. Me and The Mouse Travel recommends the following, and can assist you with these booking options. Please note […]

Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts

8/14/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • Surf’s up! Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Dockside Inn, are two incredible new options for lodging during your next Universal stay! Located adjacent to each other, both Dockside and Surfside offer rooms with two queen beds with either a standard or pool view, but they also offer a second option for larger parties – two-bedroom suites! And the price point for these rooms is phenomenal! While the standard two queen rooms will comfortably sleep four, the family suites are larger at 440 square feet and will sleep up to six people! Both room types offer a single bathroom (the suite with double sinks), queen beds, ample storage, as well as a small kitchenette. Each kitchenette includes a microwave, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a picnic table – perfect for families! Downstairs you will find a full quick-service restaurant with grab and go options as well as made to order […]

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

8/4/2020 • Blog, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a celebration of all the fads of the 1950s-1990s. Over the top sized iconic toys and memorabilia designates each decade’s building. You’ll find larger than life bowling pins, yoyos, playdoh, big wheels, and more decorating the property and designating each area by decade. These iconic and fun themes make this resort perfect for families. Resort Amenities The resort has 3 swimming pools including the Hippy Dippy main pool in the 1960s area located behind Classic Hall, a bowling pin-shaped pool in the 1950s, and a computer pool in the 1990s. In addition to the pools, there is also a playground in the 1970s area. Inside Classic Hall you will find shopping, an arcade, and a quick-service dining location. Enjoy Mickey waffles and omelets during breakfast and choices including pot roast, pasta, and pizza at lunch and dinner. Pizza delivery to your room is available as […]

Airport Transportation – Disney’s Magical Express

7/31/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Magical Express is the start of your magical vacation at Walt Disney World as they transport you from the Orlando International Airport to your Walt Disney World resort. This service is complimentary for all Walt Disney World resort guests. If you have used this service in the past, things have changed slightly with new procedures during their Covid-19 updates. Your Arrival to the Orlando International Airport (MCO): *From your gate, take the monorail to the main terminal *If you have checked bags, proceed to Level 2 and collect your bags *Proceed to Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center on Level 1, Side B (look for the signs) *Present your Magic Band or Magical Express documents & you will be directed to the correct line for the bus to take you to your resort On your departure day: *The day prior to checkout, you will receive a notice hanging on your […]

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios – Which is Best for Your Family?

7/28/2020 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • My clients often come to me wanting to plan the perfect Orlando getaway but question which theme park is the best fit for their family. Both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offer unforgettable experiences and tons of fun for everyone, however, they are unique destinations with many differences. While the decision can be difficult, I’m here to point you in the direction of your perfect vacation! One of the main differences between the resorts is the size. Walt Disney World is much larger than Universal Studios. Some people love the endless possibilities, while others find this overwhelming. If you fall into the latter category, don’t let this discourage you! You will not be able to see everything Disney has to offer on your first visit. Disney becomes more manageable if you make a list of must-dos before your trip. The attractions you choose will depend on the ages of […]