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4/22/2026 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World •
A trip to Central Florida does not have to begin and end at the theme parks. Some of the best family memories happen between the park days when everyone slows down just enough to discover a different side of Orlando. For families with young kids, tweens, and teens, adding one or two extra adventure days can bring balance to your vacation while giving everyone something new to talk about long after you get home. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly adventures outside the parks. Meet Real Florida Wildlife at Gatorland Gatorland is one of those classic Central Florida experiences kids never forget. Little ones love seeing the baby gators and bird aviary, while older kids and teens get a thrill from the zip line that soars over alligator habitats. It feels adventurous without the all-day commitment of a major park, making it a fantastic half-day option. Blast Off Into […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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3/25/2026 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches •
Beaches Turks & Caicos has long been one of the most popular all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean. With multiple villages, dozens of restaurants, and endless activities for kids and adults alike, it’s easy to see why so many families return year after year. In 2026, Beaches introduced something brand new- Treasure Beach Village, the newest and most exclusive village at Beaches Turks & Caicos. I recently had the opportunity to visit the resort and tour Treasure Beach the week it opened. After exploring the new rooms, restaurants, and pool areas, one thing became very clear: Treasure Beach Village was designed with larger families and multigenerational groups in mind. If you're wondering whether Treasure Beach might be the right village for your family, here’s everything you need to know. 👉 Save up to 65% percent off! Quick Overview: Is Treasure Beach Village Right for Your Family? Treasure Beach Village is […]
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3/17/2026 • Blog, Epic Universe, 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: […]
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![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 […]
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![Your Rainy Day Survival Guide at Epic Universe!]()
2/13/2026 • Epic Universe, 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 […]
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12/2/2025 • Blog, Cruises, Reviews, Tips •
Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Designed with families in mind, this ship promises an unforgettable experience for everyone and includes plenty of activities for kids of all ages and special fun just for the adults! From thrilling shows to endless activities, Utopia of the Seas is set to redefine family vacations. Spectacular Shows: A Feast for the Senses Aqua80too: Dive into the nostalgia of the 80s with Aqua80too, a high-energy aqua show that combines stunning acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and jaw-dropping stunts. You’ll be amazed the way the stage transforms to allow the performers to mysteriously crawl out of the water one minute and then dive from several stories up the next. Set to the backdrop of iconic 80s hits, this show will have you dancing in your seat, marveling at the performers' skills, and maybe even […]
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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! […]
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9/30/2025 • Walt Disney World •
Do you want to live like a pirate? You now have your chance in the all-new Beak and Barrel Tavern located right outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This is a 45-minute immersive experience where you can enjoy a variety of specialty drinks focused on a pirate’s favorite beverage – rum. This experience does require advanced dining reservations, but note, this is not a meal. But you can order snacks off the menu, which provides 4 different options from the galley. We had the “Island Provisions” Plantain Chips, Blue Corn Tortillas, and Toasted Flatbread served with Mango Chutney, Garlic Chimichurri, Spiced Guava, and Zesty Cilantro Cream Dips, which was very good and definitely enough for 2 people as a snack. You may also not be given a seat during your experience. In fact, the location we were given was the bar, which was standing only. It worked fine for […]
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