Blog Posts Tagged Orlando

Having Fun with Hidden Mickeys

9/20/2022 • 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 […]

An Out of This World Journey Aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser!

9/13/2022 • Walt Disney World • (Don’t worry – no spoilers here!) You’ve seen the movies, fallen in love with Chewbacca and Grogu, and maybe you’ve even visited the planet of Batuu (at Star Wars; Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios). Did you ever think it would be possible to actually be a PART of the Star Wars story? Now is your chance! The brand new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser lets you do just that. Immerse yourself in the story by interacting with characters and crew members aboard the Halcyon, an MPO-1400 model starcruiser from the Chandrila Charter Company. Complete missions aboard the starcruiser as well as on your excursion to Batuu to help the Resistance or serve the First Order, or simply enjoy watching other passengers as all the storylines play out. This is a highly immersive experience, so the more you play along, the further into the story you will go. What’s […]

Life Hack: Landry’s Card to the (Dining) Rescue!

9/6/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • Their names are synonymous with fun family dining- T-Rex and Rainforest Café. Both restaurants are housed at Disney Springs and attract families from all over to dine and experience the food and unparalleled atmosphere they offer! Because of their popularity, reservations should be made as close to 60 days in advance of your room check-in as possible. But what if you couldn’t get dining reservations? No worries- they Landry’s Select Club to the rescue! Both T-Rex and Rainforest Café are Landry’s restaurants, and as such, they are eligible for the benefits associated with Landry’s Select Club. Joining the club is a one-time $25 fee, and you receive $25 off of your bill the first time using the card at any Landry’s location! You also receive a $25 gift on your birthday as well as PRIORITY SEATING! Yes! If you show your Landry’s Select Club card at the hostess stand, you […]

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios – Which is Best for Your Family?

8/9/2022 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • My clients often come to me wanting to plan the perfect Orlando getaway but question which theme park is the best fit for their family. Both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offer unforgettable experiences and tons of fun for everyone, however, they are unique destinations with many differences. While the decision can be difficult, I’m here to point you in the direction of your perfect vacation! One of the main differences between the resorts is the size. Walt Disney World is much larger than Universal Studios. Some people love the endless possibilities, while others find this overwhelming. If you fall into the latter category, don’t let this discourage you! You will not be able to see everything Disney has to offer on your first visit. Disney becomes more manageable if you make a list of must-dos before your trip. The attractions you choose will depend on the ages of […]

Benefits of Staying On Property at Universal Orlando

7/26/2022 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • 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 […]

9 Tips for Keeping Cool in the Disney Summer Heat

7/12/2022 • Tips, Walt Disney World • With summer upon us, the heat and humidity in Florida can send even the most southern of families screaming for some cooling relief. We know you’ve been eagerly anticipating your Disney World vacation for months and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun that Disney has to offer because of the heat. Here are some tips to help you survive the hottest and most humid of Disney days: 1. Take advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours. By staying on property at Disney, you qualify to go early or stay late at Disney’s parks. The extra magic hours are the coolest of times to visit the parks not to mention the least busy times. Not a morning or a late person? Go back to your hotel during the hottest part of the day to rest so that you’ll have the energy for the extra magic hours. […]

Universal Orlando: Vivo Italian Kitchen – Review

6/21/2022 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • When choosing table service restaurants for your next Universal Orlando vacation, look no further than Vivo Italian Kitchen. Located in Citywalk, you don't need park tickets to enjoy this delicious meal. Vivo has a modern look, with ample seating and an open kitchen. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled absolutely amazing, making us want to go back for another meal the next day. Each meal begins with a homemade loaf of Italian bread. Olive oil is provided at the table for dipping. Although all of the appetizers were tempting, we decided on the fried ricotta. The creamy rosemary and lemon ricotta was breaded and fried and served on a bed of homemade tomato sauce. It was so delicious we used the rest of the bread to mop up the tomato sauce. Entrees were an even more difficult decision. I was stuck between the lasagna made with […]

Resting Spots For the Whole Family at Walt Disney World

6/7/2022 • Walt Disney World • Whether it’s a hot day, someone needs a quiet place to relax, or a little one needs a short nap, here are some great spots in the Disney parks for the whole family to sit and unwind. Magic Kingdom • The area outside the Tangled bathrooms in Fantasyland. Not only does this area provide shade, but there are also charging ports in the faux tree stumps. • The Carousel of Progress – although this is an attraction, it is indoors, air-conditioned, and is about 20 minutes long! Be warned, though – because this attraction is in a revolving theater, once this show begins, you may not leave the theater until the show is over. • Tomorrowland Terrace • Tom Sawyer Island • Liberty Belle Riverboat – enjoy a scenic 12-minute ride around the Rivers of America EPCOT • American Heritage Gallery inside the American Adventure Pavilion • The Living Seas […]

Using your Apple Watch at Walt Disney World

5/3/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World • A fun feature when visiting Disney's magical theme parks is that you can take advantage of the Magic Band, an all-in-one wearable device that makes it easy to enjoy your time at Walt Disney World. But did you know that your Apple Watch may be used as a Magic Band? An Apple Watch can be a valuable asset on a visit to Walt Disney World. It can provide you with accurate wait times, keep you updated with park hours, keep you in touch with your family, show you where to find the nearest restroom, and more! While using an Apple Watch doesn't replace a smartphone for all of the tools that are available for a Walt Disney World vacation, it does offer some unique and convenient features. Here are my top 5 favorite features to use with your Apple Watch at Walt Disney World. 1. Use it as a theme […]

Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs

4/7/2022 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • My family loves to spend part of our Walt Disney World vacations visiting Disney Springs to explore the new restaurants and shops. This is a great way to use a day you may not be visiting a park or on your arrival or departure days and you need a few hours to fill your day. One of our new favorite eateries is Frontera Cocina by celebrity chef Rick Bayless. They offer delicious Mexican food with a “twist”. They are open for both lunch and dinner and offer specials Monday – Thursday. The inside of the restaurant is bright and inviting or you can be seated outside where it is a peaceful setting overlooking a small lake and great for people watching. A nice way to unwind after a busy day at the parks. The outside seating area is small and provides a more quaint and quiet dining experience. Even if […]