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 […]

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 […]

Tri-Circle-D Ranch Family Fun!

4/21/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground If you are looking for something literally “off the beaten path” on your next Walt Disney World vacation, your search is over! The Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is perfect for the younger crowd and is the perfect place for memory making!   Being a local Floridian people think that we go to Disney every day. I’m sure that if it was up to my daughter we would!  However, in reality, and for the sake of the Magical experience becoming commonplace, we treat every trip like a mini vacation.  We stumbled upon the Tri-Circle-D Ranch on one of our many “staycations”.  My family of five found Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to be perfect. Our cabin was a great fit for all five of us. Our cabin had a full kitchen and an eating area both inside and […]

SPRINKLES at Disney Springs

3/24/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Located in the Marketplace Town Center right in the Heart of Disney Springs (across from The Landing) hides this hidden gem!  Sprinkles Cupcakes boasts a wide variety of sweet treats, including gourmet cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, shakes, and an assortment of specialty beverages. Sprinkles opened its doors at Disney Springs May 15, 2016 and continues to command a crowd of sweet seekers nightly.  The hours of operation are 10am - 12am daily.  During peak seasons, they have a queue out front for guests, so the line doesn't get out of control while they wait for their sweet treat.  For patrons on the go, the Sprinkles at Disney Springs even has a Cupcake ATM! {I know, it sounds amazing!} It's restocked throughout the day and night. So you can purchase cupcakes and cookies 24 hours a day {again, this sounds like a dream!!}!  Guests can enjoy their cupcakes out on the deck overlooking the Disney […]

Disney’s Boardwalk – the Perfect Place to Visit

9/9/2016 • Walt Disney World •        Looking for a place to spend the evening? Check out the Boardwalk! Many people are unaware of the activities, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment that are only steps away when you exit the back of the Epcot theme park. The Boardwalk is a quarter of a mile-long promenade created around Crescent Lake and designed to look like a quaint Mid-Atlantic seaside village from the early 1900's.   The lake is lined with 3 resorts (Yacht Club, Beach Club and Boardwalk), 11 eateries, and 3 entertainment venues.  If you’re looking for a relaxing and unique place to stay, any of the resorts on the Boardwalk offer this experience.  Along with amenities of the resort, you can stroll the Boardwalk anytime of the day and enjoy the extras that are only a few steps out your resort door.  If you’re looking for a close proximity to Epcot, especially during the […]