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8/2/2022 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches •
Let me start this by saying that if luxury accommodations, distinctive cuisine, and exemplary services perched next to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea sound like your dream vacation then read on. My husband and I selected Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica for an anniversary trip and now it is one of my all-time favorite destinations! It’s nestled in a 500-acre nature preserve and boasts beautiful European elegance throughout. The property itself is abounding with lush vegetation and wildlife, including hummingbirds and peacocks, which freely roam the grounds. When you first arrive, your bags are whisked off to your room while you enjoy a signature resort cocktail and a tour of the beautiful grounds that are to be your home for the next several days. On the tour, I was reminded that one of my favorite things about Sandals is that they cater to everyone’s desires on […]
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9/10/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
If you are weighing the idea of staying on property or off for a Universal Orlando vacation, consider the following list of benefits of enjoying one of Universal's incredible properties. • Early Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. You are able to get in 1 hour prior to the public. • Shuttle busses to the theme parks and CityWalk, however, all of the resorts are within walking distance if you would like to take a leisurely walk to and from the parks. • Charging privileges with your room key. • Complimentary transportation to Sea World and Aquatica. • If golf is on your agenda, you are given priority tee times and complimentary transportation to select area golf courses. • Shop, shop, shop throughout the Universal property and enjoy complimentary delivery of packages to your resort. • Being on-site also provides easy access to and from […]
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7/19/2022 • Cruises, Tips •
Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship! Online Check-In - 30 days prior to sailing, you can begin the online check-in. Add your flights, ensure your names and passport details are correct and select a port arrival time. Port Arrival - Unless you are arriving by DCL transfers, do not arrive early or you will be turned away from the port until your documented port arrival time. Luggage - If you have received DCL luggage tags, make sure those are attached to your luggage. * If taking DCL transfers, you will receive your DCL luggage […]
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10/22/2024 • Adventures by Disney •
When you hear Disney, naturally you’ll think of Mickey, Minnie, and lots and lots of kids. But did you know that Disney is so much more than just the amusement parks? Read on to hear just a few of the amazing destinations offered through Adventures by Disney for the adult-exclusive trip of a lifetime! Adventures by Disney is unique as it offers guided international tours that allow you to travel in style and sophistication, but experience the world like a local. As the highest-rated Disney destination, ABD offers small guided group vacations where you get to touch, taste, hear and explore firsthand the places you visit, all with the goal of truly getting to know the culture and people who live there. And the best part is that so much is included in your trip! Transportation within your trip including transfers between airports and hotels, taxes, most gratuities, top of […]
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5/24/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
There is no other place like the Disney Parks to share a family vacation. But once your vacation is done, what will you take home from the Disney parks to remember your incredible adventure? We all know the typical souvenirs that you can bring home- a t-shirt, a postcard, maybe a small plush for a child, but at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Liberty Square, there are so many unique and personal options! Ornaments: When you are in Liberty Square, you won’t want to miss Ye Old Christmas Shoppe. Inside you will find the Christmas spirit year-round! There is Christmas décor, wreaths, ornaments, stockings, and more. One of my favorite family traditions is to buy an ornament every time we are in the parks. The Cast Members at the Christmas shop can even customize many of the ornaments on display. We had a Magic Kingdom ornament personalized with our last […]
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5/10/2022 • Blog •
Theme Park and cruise vacations are the best, right?! But have you ever wanted something different? For an awesome beach vacation, or trip to explore a lively city, Marriott properties might be just what you are looking for. Marriott has 25+ brands offering everything from single-night hotel stays to all-inclusive resorts and even a luxury yacht collection. I recently stayed at two of the luxury hotel properties – The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and The JW Marriott Marquis Miami. In this piece, I’ll go over some of the fantastic options each hotel has to offer. First up, The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – Wow, what a great resort! Marco Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida is connected to the mainland by bridges near Naples. The entire island is less than 25sq miles and this resort encompasses 3 of those miles […]
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3/22/2022 • Cruises, Tips, Walt Disney World •
The anticipation of a Disney Cruise can be grand. There’s so much to plan, and for most travelers, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist will guide you in the best options for your travel party: before, during, and after your cruise. One such option, is visiting the Walt Disney World Resort for a few days before embarking on your cruise that leaves from a Floridian port! There are benefits to visiting the Most Magical Place On Earth BEFORE your cruise… Here are the Top Five! 5. You will be too relaxed (and tired) to visit the Walt Disney Resort! Cruising changes your mood, and changes your routine, to a Hakuna Matata lifestyle! To then switch gears and amp up for a theme park visit is exhausting. Rest your tired feet, be pampered, and end your vacation refreshed! 4. By arriving a few days early, […]
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3/1/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
During my latest trip to Walt Disney World, I visited the Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom. What a fun place to check out!!! The entire place has a whole new look and layout with lots of new sweet treats to try. I was so excited to try the new “build your own” candied popcorn that you can customize! The “Kernel Kitchen” has three different types of popcorn to choose from: butter, caramel, and cheddar. After you select your type of popcorn, you can choose your candy toppings (M&M’s, Skittles, Snickers, Twix, crunched cookies, marshmallows, pretzel pieces, and more!) To finish off your popcorn, you can select from three different types of syrups offered: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or caramel. Guests can get customized popcorn with two toppings and syrup for $12.99 or three toppings and syrup for $13.99. Each additional topping is $1.00 and all popcorn is eligible for […]
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12/26/2021 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando •
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 […]
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12/18/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
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 […]
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