Blog Posts Tagged Orlando

Resort Spotlight: Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando

10/22/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Staying “on property” at Universal Orlando definitely has its perks, but what you might not expect is the high quality of their hotels.  I had the pleasure of staying at Loews Royal Pacific during my last visit and had one of my most enjoyable hotel stays to date in Orlando. Loews Royal Pacific is a tropical, “South Pacific” themed resort just tenths of a mile away from the entrance of Islands of Adventure.  While you are just walking distance away from Universal Studios, you feel a surprising sense of peace and relaxation in this gorgeous resort hotel. Room types include water view and garden view rooms available with one king bed or two queens at 335 square feet as well as suites, including the popular Jurassic Park kids’ suites. These rooms provide an incredibly comfortable night’s rest so you are refreshed and ready for Early Entry to the Wizarding World the […]

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

10/20/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Looking for a unique experience while visiting Orlando?  So was I - on Valentine’s Day while visiting my daughter. What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?  Perhaps flowers and candy?  Perhaps chocolate?  Yes, indeed. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal’s CityWalk is perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration.  Let’s be honest - this place is perfect to visit any day of the year!  If I lived closer – I would be sure to visit frequently so I could try practically everything on the menu. The Chocolate Emporium is a full-service restaurant, bar, and confectionary with a steampunk theme.  It is two stories with seating on both levels.  The menu offering is tremendous making it hard to choose just one item.  Their brunch menu is served all day featuring unique crepes, waffles, French toast, and quiches.  Also served are soups and salads, sandwiches and […]

Touring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

10/18/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • Are you ready for some Muggle Magic? Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most immersive and impressive themed lands ever created. It is no wonder that this area is very popular and always crowded. In order to get the most out of the Wizarding World with the least amount of hassle, you must go in with a plan. By following the steps below, you are sure to experience all that your Muggle heart desires without the aggravation of lines, crowds and excessive waiting. Step 1 – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Park Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into Hogwarts so now you must pick up all of your supplies. Stepping into Diagon Alley is like stepping into the movie. Never have I experienced such a feeling of being a part of the story. You will want to spend some time here experiencing all of its beauty. […]

Resort Spotlight: Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando

10/15/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios • An exciting, new resort opened on Universal Orlando property in July 2016.  Loews Sapphire Falls is a beautiful resort conveniently located one mile from the entrance of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  Full of lush Caribbean scenery and breathtaking waterfalls, this resort hotel is sure to make you feel like you are in a relaxing tropical paradise, not in the middle of a theme park. Walking into the lobby of this resort was very impressive.  The spacious lobby is decked out with a giant beach ball chandelier. You can also see a view of Islands of Adventure from the windows. The check-in process was absolutely flawless. The desk staff was extremely friendly and efficient.   It took only 10 minutes from check-in to being in my room! My room had two queen beds and a standard view. However, I still had a great view of the water surrounding the resort.  Each room comes […]

Transportation to and From Port Canaveral

7/20/2021 • Cruises, Tips • Woohoo!! Your cruise is booked but now you are wondering how you’re going to get to Port Canaveral. No worries - we're here to help! It is highly recommended that you fly in at least one day prior to your cruise!  This may impact the means of transportation you chose. Here are a few options to consider. Disney Cruise Line Transportation Disney Cruise Line shuttles passengers from the airport (MCO) to the port. The cost of the ride is $35/person each way, however, it only runs the day of embarkation and debarkation. If you are flying in the night before and staying at a local hotel and are utilizing this option, I would suggest staying near the airport. The Hyatt Regency is located inside the airport and will be an easy elevator ride down to the bus. Otherwise, a hotel that provides shuttle service to and from the airport is […]

Having Fun with Hidden Mickeys

6/4/2021 • Cruises, Walt Disney World • Look up, look down, and pay attention to the detail created by Disney Imagineers and Cast Members because hidden surprises are around every corner. Looking for Hidden Mickeys is a fun activity and provides an opportunity to explore all the creativity the Imagineer’s put into designing Disney. They can be found throughout the resorts, parks, Disney Cruise Line, and even on some Disney products. Or, it can even be as simple as a Cast Member being creative with the placement of dinnerware on the tables at a restaurant. Our family makes a game to see who can find the most Hidden Mickeys. We noticed it forces us to slow down and truly enjoy our surroundings and appreciate the little touches of magic that goes into creating all the magic. Since there are thousands of hidden Mickey’s all over Disney World, there are enough to keep you busy to discover new […]

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 […]

Resort Spotlight – Disney’s Riviera Resort

1/5/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Riviera Resort opened on December 16, 2019, and is inspired by the magic of Europe that Walt Disney fell in love with. This is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort and offers an array of room options and based on availability, non-DVC members can experience the Villa difference. Prepare to be whisked away by the influences of Europe and the Mediterranean that can be found throughout the Resort. There are grand archways and porticos. As you approach the entrance, there is a terrace with seating and a serene bubbling fountain. When entering the main lobby, it is quaint and intimate with a mix of modern and classic 20th-Century furnishings. There is a small retail shop, La Boutique, with a variety of Disney and resort-themed merchandise, necessities, as well as grocery items that can be prepared in your Villa. Le Petit Café can also be found here! Named after the […]

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 […]

Disney PhotoPass: Super Zoom Magic Shot

12/15/2020 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • When visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, it always seems that time just goes way too fast. Before you know it, you’re back home thinking of all of the fun and magical memories that were created. A special part of these memories is the photographs that capture these special moments. They are ones that you’ll look back on in years to come to relive the magical time you had. Disney recognized how important it is to be able to look back on these memories. This, in turn, brought about the creation of the Disney PhotoPass. A recent addition to the different Disney PhotoPass options is the Super Zoom Magic Shot. The Super Zoom Magic Shot is a great way to get everyone in the picture in front of some of Disney’s iconic structures and lands. Disney PhotoPass photographers are roaming by Cinderella’s Castle, Batuu, and the Millennium Falcon at […]