Blog Posts Tagged Reservation

Lockers 101 – Universal Studios

10/13/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios • At Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, most major attractions have a strict ‘no loose items’ policy - and that encompasses change, wallets, purses of any kind, backpacks, sunglasses, hats, etc. There are a few solutions to this:  asking a party member to hold everything while you enjoy the attraction is one solution, but a better one is to utilize Short-Term Lockers.  Various locations throughout the theme parks, strategically located close to attractions with these requirements, will house banks of lockers with a digital kiosk.  Using the kiosk allows you to ‘rent’ a short-term locker by either using a fingerprint and code, or your theme park admission ticket.  You will then be assigned a locker for your belongings, which are roughly big enough for a standard sized backpack. What’s great about these lockers?  They are FREE for the first hour, typically.  The FREE use of the locker is […]

Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends Review

10/4/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews • Located on the first floor of Disney’s Paradise Pier at Disneyland in California is a hidden gem of a dining experience. The only place on the property where you can meet Mickey Mouse while you eat, the Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at the PCH Grill, is a treat for young and old. The stars of the show are the characters themselves. Ready for a day at the beach, the characters have stopped by for breakfast before grabbing their surfboards and heading off for a day of fun. While they are there, the characters will stop by your table for pictures, autographs, and the occasional dance party. While Mickey is the official host, some of the characters that might visit your table include Minnie Mouse, Stitch, and Daisy. Pictures with Mickey’s official photographer occur near the entry under the PCH Surf Shack sign. If you wish to have […]

Disney’s Aulani – a Hawaiian Experience

2/5/2021 • Aulani, Blog, Reviews • Visiting Hawaii is always a special vacation, but taking it a step further and spending your Hawaiian time at Disney’s Aulani is a magical treat for the entire family. From the time you are greeted at the resort entrance with your lei your luxury vacation as begun. This is truly a vacation that can be as relaxing or as active as you like. With spa services to exciting excursions, there is something for everyone. Activities/Pool There are plenty of activities to keep every member of your family busy. Excursions include Pearl Harbor, horseback riding, surfing lessons and shopping.  The Daily ‘Iwa will list the daily activities, which is broken down by age group and family focused, including character appearances. There are pools and whirlpools scattered throughout the pool deck catered to both children and adults. The highlight for many is the lazy river, which runs throughout the pool deck.  By […]

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show – A Review

3/21/2018 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Wanting that unique and unforgettable family-style entertainment Walt Disney World is famous for? Look no further than the“Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show” located at Luau Cove in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort...just a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom! Offering 2 shows a night, Tuesdays through Saturdays, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is one to not only satisfy your hunger, but also excite you while you dine with an authentic Polynesian Luau! Fully immersed in the theme, you really feel like you’re on an island! It’s an experience our family cannot wait to try again! Upon arrival at the Polynesian, families will want to check in at the kiosk on the main floor to obtain their dining tickets, roughly 30-45 minutes prior to your show time. Groups are ushered to an area near Luau Cove where traditional leis are given to all, and a PhotoPass photographer will snap your […]

Moving on Up! Trying a Moderate or Deluxe Resort

3/14/2018 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • The first Disney World Resort I stayed at was All Star Sports. I remember it to this day. It was during my time as an intern for the Disney College Program. A few of my friends flew down from Nebraska to visit and I was invited to stay with them. I can vividly remember checking-in, walking past the bigger than life sports equipment and getting to our building. Opening the door to our room opened a world of Disney magic I’d never experienced before. There is something about staying at Disney resort that is indescribable. Maybe, it’s the fact that when you leave the pixie dust of the parks it follows you home each night to your room. Jump ahead six years to 2006. I was taking my wife on her fist Disney World vacation. We were young and of course on a budget. A room at Pop Century was […]

Restaurant Review: Bongos Cuban Café

1/24/2018 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • If you are visiting Disney Springs during your trip to Walt Disney World, Bongos Cuban Cafe is an exciting family-friendly dining option located in the middle of all the action. Owned by the world-renowned entertainer Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio, this award-winning restaurant offers a fun, Old Havana style vibe plus authentic Cuban food, music, dancing, and atmosphere. You can choose to join in on the conga line or quietly take in the colorful surroundings from your table.  Just make sure you have some fun! When you grab a table, start out with a Cuban chicken soup or one of the many different salad options provided. There is a lot of fun appetizers to pick from like the ham croquettes, savory empanadas, and unique stuffed plantain cups. After appetizers, dive into your main course ranging from beef and pork stylings to fantastic steaks. If you love chicken, you are […]

Restaurant Spotlight: Whispering Canyon Cafe

12/13/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Walt Disney World is a very magical and the happiest place on earth. Everyone is happy and eager to help. There is a hidden gem of a restaurant that things just aren’t what they appear. The restaurant is Whispering Canyon Café located in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. Walking up to the podium, you’re surrounded by headdresses of past Native American chiefs and other relics from past times. The restaurant’s theme has the same motif. It’s an Old Western eatery that has bottomless platters and chuck wagon favorites will please the whole gang. Breakfast starts with an all you care to enjoy family platter that’s loaded with breakfast meats, eggs, potatoes and buttermilk biscuits. Lunch and dinner also have some finger licking delicious food. For lunch, there’s a very expansive menu to order from and come dinner time, the family platter isn’t to be beat. It has an all you care […]

Celebrating Your Birthday at Walt Disney World with CAKE!!

1/27/2017 • Walt Disney World • What's better than visiting Walt Disney World?   Celebrating your BIRTHDAY at Walt Disney World!!!  There are lots of great ways to celebrate your special day. To start your birthday celebration, you will want to make sure to pick up a free Birthday button at Guest relations or at your resort front desk (if you didn't receive once at check-in).  You never know what Pixie Dust may happen when wearing your birthday button. There are amazing desserts and treats to enjoy during your visit to Walt Disney World.   We often get asked about birthday cake options for celebrating  a loved one's special day.  Walt Disney World offers several options for families, who are celebrating! If you would like to add a non-personalized birthday cake to your birthday celebration while dining on property, guests may the request at the podium when they check-in for their dining reservation.  A 6 inch cake is available in both chocolate and vanilla. No notice is […]

Family Fun at Discovery Cove

12/13/2016 • Tips • There's extra magic to discover in Orlando! Nestled amongst the bustle of busy Orlando theme parks is an all-inclusive, secluded paradise, Discovery Cove! When you arrive at Discovery Cove you will walk through a canopy of tropical plants and trees to a thatched roof registration building.  Once you are registered and walk out the door you feel as if you have been teleported to a tropical island fantasy!  Adding a day at the cove to your Orlando vacation has so much to offer your family! Meals included (Breakfast, Lunch, and unlimited snacks and drinks) Swimming with bottle nosed dolphins (which is an add on to your package and needs to be scheduled ahead of time) Minimum age is 6 years old Relaxing on beautiful beaches Floating down the Wind-Away River Snorkeling in The Grand Reef with tropical fish and rays Hand feeding birds in the aviary Animal encounters in the […]

Dinner at Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

11/23/2016 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Boma is located inside the Jambo House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  This restaurant has a wonderful décor and African drummers provide a lively authentic atmosphere at the entrance.  Dinner is served buffet style with a wide variety of food choices and included is a soft-drink selection with refills.  Drink orders are taken by a waitress.  You may want to enjoy premium drink options with an African flair for an additional cost.  Disney characters do not make appearances here, but the restaurant provides character and charm. Boma is paradise for food lovers.  You will need a big table to provide plenty of room to try all of the unique dishes along with the classics.  The food has an African flair and provides a unique dining experience.  A variety of favorite American classics are offered as well.  The food has amazing flavor without being overwhelming.  It is one of my top […]