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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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9/9/2025 • Walt Disney World •
Two parties. Two vibes. One magical holiday season! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights each offer their own sparkle—so which one should you choose? I was able to attend both parties and I’m excited to give you my honest assessment. Both bring holiday magic in their own unique way—but they’re very different experiences. Here’s what stood out at each party, and how to know which one is the right fit for your holiday style. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the “original” officially debuting in 1983. This party is held at Magic Kingdom. With admission, guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookie stations, themed shows and parades, character meet and greets in holiday outfits and with limited attendance, ride wait times were a little shorter. The vibe of this party was magical, but felt a little crowded and chaotic at times. Can’t Miss Event: Mickey’s Once […]
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11/21/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
There’s so much to see and do at Magic Kingdom but how can you fit it all into a single day? If you can’t extend your trip to include multiple days at Magic Kingdom, knowing the little tricks to maximize what you can experience with minimal wait is key to checking off your must-do list. For many families, Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade is a top priority attraction that they want to experience. After all, where else can you see all of your favorite characters in one place within a 12-minute attraction? The Festival of Fantasy parade starts in Frontierland and makes its way towards Liberty Square before turning and going past Cinderella’s Castle and down Main Street USA. There are many ideas as to where the best spot for watching the parade really is. For many years, my family would camp out in Liberty Square outside the Diamond Horseshoe, […]
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7/28/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
As Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa enters its 35th year, they are wrapping up a huge refurbishment of all their guest rooms. Sago Cay is the most recently completed building and happens to be the building we stayed in. The Grand Floridian is a deluxe resort and sits along the Monorail in the Magic Kingdom area of Disney World. The Grand Floridian has always been known for its Victorian charm and amazing restaurants. Citrico’s reopened in 2020 with an updated look inspired by Mary Poppins Returns. Those subtle whimsical touches of cherry blossoms and butterflies have now been carried over to the guest rooms. The new rooms are bright and beautiful with gold, pinks, blues, and greens. There are even some details that are almost hidden in plain sight such as the single penguin sitting atop the chandelier or the silhouettes behind the coffee station. The rooms feature two […]
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4/25/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Let’s face it, sometimes it can be difficult for tweens and teens to get excited about rides at Magic Kingdom. It can seem that Magic Kingdom has more rides and attractions for smaller kids. Here’s my top 10 rides for tweens & teens by location: Tomorrowland: 1. Astro Orbiter This high-flying ride sometimes gets overlooked. Maybe because in order to board this 2-person spacecraft, you take a quick elevator ride up to the launch pad. You’re able to control how high you fly by pulling or pushing the lever inside your retro spacecraft. The best time to fly is at night to get a great view of the park light up at night or during the fireworks for an extra special view! 2. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Get ready to help fight Zurg from stealing batteries from helpless toys by aiming your infrared laser cannon at the glowing Z […]
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10/18/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
The Magic Kingdom fireworks display highlights every family’s Disney vacation. Most people fight the crowds to get the perfect spot in front of Cinderella’s castle. What if I told you there was a way to get a perfect view of the show without competing with the crowds and your whole family being treated like royalty for the night? There is no better way to celebrate Magic Kingdom’s 50th anniversary than watching fireworks at the Disney Enchantment Dessert Party. You will be granted special access to a private firework viewing area with a picture-perfect castle view. You will be fully immersed in the all-encompassing experience of a Magic Kingdom firework display from the character-themed castle projections and the movie-inspired surround sound musical accompaniment. There are three different ways to experience the fireworks show and all-you-can-eat dessert party. You can watch the show from your prime location in the Plaza Garden for […]
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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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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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3/12/2021 • Holidays & Events, Walt Disney World •
Does your summer vacation happen to fall in July or were you wanting to celebrate Independence Day at one of the most magical places on earth? Well, you’ve picked a great time and place to see something special! Throughout all of the parks, Walt Disney World will be celebrating the 4th with all of the Disney touches. Only at Magic Kingdom can you celebrate July 4th on the 3rd. That’s right, they will have 2 special firework shows. Celebrate America – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. Fireworks will be shown on July 3rd and 4th. These fireworks are sure to amaze you as well as celebrate our country's birthday. The flag retreat is another hidden gem that happens at Magic Kingdom every night at 5 pm. Make sure you put this on your list of must-do’s as well. You'll want to head to the town square on Main […]
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2/2/2021 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
As the summer fun continues to rise at Walt Disney World, your family will enjoy the opportunity to cool down and enjoy some delicious tasty treats while visiting the parks. We're sharing our list of Cool Treats to enjoy at Walt Disney World in 2021!!! Enjoy!! 1. Night Blossom: This fun drink can only be found at Pongu Pongu inside Pandora - The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom Park. The Night Blossom is a non-alcoholic limeade slushy with apple and pear flavors topped with passion fruit boba balls. {1 snack credit on the Disney Dining plan} 2. Dole Whip Float: Identified as my FAVORITE snack on the property, the Dole Whip Float should NOT be missed on a trip to the Magic Kingdom. You will find this amazing treat made up of pineapple soft serve surrounded by freshly squeezed pineapple juice only at the Aloha Isle in Adventureland at […]
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