Blog Posts Tagged Florida

A Universal Studios Orlando Experience

1/8/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • Visiting Universal Studios Orlando after 20 years feels like it's the first time ever experiencing it again! Everything I remembered has changed, and boy, have I been missing out! I would like to share with you about my recent “first” experience at Universal Studio’s Orlando destination. It was pretty incredible 20 years ago and now…it’s bigger, better, and more jaw-dropping than ever!! This was the first time I have ever stayed at Universal Studio Orlando Resorts. I decided to try out the 50-60 beach resort inspired Cabana Bay Beach Resort. I chose this resort because it says it all in its name…Cabana Bay Beach Resort. I love the beach and Cabana’s, so I selected this one! What’s a vacation without feeling some sand in between your toes? I loved coming back to this resort after a long day at the park. It felt like I was on the beach to […]

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

1/1/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Hilton Head Island resort in South Carolina didn’t disappoint our family. We were there for a 4-day trip and we left wishing we had booked more time! We were traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids (17, 7, and 6) and there was something for everyone, and yes, even in December, when the highs each day were in the 50s! The rooms are spacious and comfortable with large balconies. The resort always feels pretty quiet, even when you are overlooking the pool. A beloved cast member at Hilton Head Island was Carol from NJ. Everyone knows her and loves her. At the end of our 2nd day, our kids felt like she was part of the family. If you run into her on your first trip she will happily give you a tour of the resort and you won’t regret it! It is the perfect getaway, no matter the […]

The Orange Bird-Walt Disney World

11/3/2020 • Blog, Walt Disney World • If you grew up in the ’70s, have you ever taken a visit to the Sunshine Tree Terrace, or have ever walked around in Adventureland? Chances are, you may have noticed the Florida Orange Bird a time or two. But do you really know the story about the Orange Bird? A Little Backstory… In 1941, the first partnership between the Walt Disney Company and Florida’s Natural growers evolved. The first deal featured Walt Disney World’s very own Donald Duck selling their Orange Juice. Then as some time went on, The Orange Bird was born. The Orange Bird is a small bird that looks like an orange for the head, has a body of a bird, and wings made out of leaves. Do you remember him yet? Nearly 3 Decades later… In 1969, a deal was made and the Florida Citrus Commission sponsorship was in full swing for the Sunshine Pavilion. […]

Transportation Options at Walt Disney World

10/23/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • When it comes to transportation at Disney, you may envision a flying carpet, pumpkin carriage, or a sprinkle of pixie dust with happy thoughts. The Disney Resort is quite large at 39 square miles so when it comes to transporting the thousands of guests that visit daily, Disney has many options. Making sure you know the basics of their transportation options are very important. Walt Disney World provides on-site transportation to their guests via: *Magical Express *Bus *Monorail *Ferry, water taxi, or boat *Disney’s Skyliner *Magical Express Walt Disney World Resort guests who will be flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) will enter the magic of Disney soon after exiting their flight. They will go to the main terminal and head down to Level 1, Side B, and prepare to board the “Disney’s Magical Express”. Disney’s Magical Express will transport guests to their resort from the airport and back again […]

My Experience with Social Distancing Protocols at Universal Orlando Resort

10/20/2020 • Blog, Universal Studios • I recently returned from a wonderful Mother/Son trip to Universal Orlando Resort where we got to experience all of the social distancing guidelines firsthand. Thinking about what going into the parks with all the restrictions would mean not only myself but all our Me and The Mouse clients, had me a bit worrisome. I must tell you after my visit; I was IMPRESSED! We only had a few minor issues, both of which I will discuss, and neither had to do with the restrictions that were in place at Universal Orlando. Upon arrival at our resort, Loews Royal Pacific, we were greeted with a health check station right at the entrance to the lobby. We were asked a few questions and temperature screened. After passing the screening you are given a colored wristband that you are to wear the rest of the day. This will let resort employees and security […]

Unique Reasons to Visit Universal Orlando

4/3/2020 • Universal Studios • Express Pass or Unlimited Express Pass  RIDE MORE - RIDE FASTER - HERE’S HOW SKIP THE LINE - NO KIDDING - A MUST HAVE The Universal Express Pass allows you to bypass the regular lines one time per participating attraction. Valid theme park tickets are required. This pass is offered for purchase as an add-on to your park tickets. Some restrictions apply. The Express Unlimited Pass allows you to bypass the regular lines for an unlimited number of times per participating attraction. Valid theme park tickets are required. This pass is offered for purchase as an add-on to your park tickets. Some restrictions apply. Complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass included with your resort stay for all guests staying at the original three on-site luxury Premier resorts: Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay. This pass allows you to bypass the regular lines for an unlimited number of times […]

WAKE UP! It’s Time for Early Park Admission at Universal Studios Orlando Resort!

10/29/2019 • Tips, Universal Studios • Time to set that alarm! Yes, I know, you’re on vacation but trust me, you do not want to miss a minute of Universal Orlando Resorts early park admission.  This awesome perk is for Universal resort guests and other select groups to access either Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay one hour before the scheduled opening. During extra busy times, it could be both parks but remember valid theme park admission is required. When checking in, be sure to ask a team member which park has early hours as it does change often. With early park admission, you’ll not only get the chance to walk around and take pictures in an almost empty theme park, you can also ride some of your favorite attractions without any wait time or in some cases without anyone else on the ride. During a recent stay at Universal Orlando, I was able […]

Shopping at Disney’s Character Warehouse Outlet Stores

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 […]

What I Wish I’d Known Before My First Disney Vacation

7/26/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Planning a Disney vacation is an exciting time. There is so much involved and you’ve made a wonderful choice in hiring a Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist to guide you in the planning process.  Even with all the research available online and through your Me and The Mouse Agent, you will still learn new things while you experience your Disney vacation. The following is a list of 5 things Disney guests wish they’d known before experiencing their first Disney vacation. You will be walking a lot!  Walt Disney World is 40 square miles which is about the size of San Francisco to put it into perspective.  You could be walking about 8-12 miles every day. With that in mind, make sure to bring comfortable shoes and that you break them in prior to your trip.  Take the amount of walking into consideration. A child that wouldn’t normally use a […]

Universal 101: Universal Studios Florida

6/18/2018 • Tips, Universal Studios • Welcome to part two of my tour of Universal parks!  Last month, I took you on a virtual tour of all of my must-dos at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.  There is also so much to experience at the park on the other side at the original Universal Studios Florida theme park. First, make sure to have your camera ready at the entrance of Universal Studios Florida.   At the entrance of Universal Studios is the iconic globe, a must-take photo for guests. Once you have gone into the park, there are four attractions making up Production Central.   My first tip here before you do anything is to take your motion sickness medicine!   Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Shrek are both great “screen” attractions while Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a high-flying roller coaster adventure with a choose-your-own soundtrack option.  Also popular in this area is Transformers the Ride 3D, which is […]