Blog Posts Tagged reservations

The Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

11/22/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World • INCREDIBLE!! This is how I would describe my recent after-dark safari tour through the savannas at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was kind of like that old cowboy song, you know...." Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam, Where the deer and the antelope play ". Okay, it’s not exactly like that, but you get where I’m going. From a giraffe who practically stuck her head inside our open-air safari vehicle, to a few zebras who had no intention of moving off our path, and the giant Ankole cattle who's only concern was finishing his dinner. My family and I were amazed at the amount of wildlife we saw during our 1-hour tour. The Starlight Safari is currently offered nightly, weather permitting, at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm, and the cost is $75 - $89 per person, before tax. Reservations are required, and payment is due at time of […]

How to Best Prepare for Travel and Leave the Worries at Home…a Checklist!

11/15/2022 • Tips • As your departure day quickly approaches, here are some helpful tips for preparing for your next vacation!   Preparing Your Work: Tie up loose ends at work so you can better avoid calls while you are on vacation. Set your voicemail and email to alert colleagues and customers of your days away from the office.   Preparing Your Home: Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your daily mail and news flyers and hold them for your return. Ask a friend or neighbor to water your lawn, if needed. For winter months, ask them to plow your driveway if it snows and drive up your driveway to create tire marks in the snow. If you are kenneling your animals, remember most boarding services require up to date health care for your dogs and cats. Set timers on lights in your house. For exterior lights, use automatic lights around entrances. […]

Enjoying Butterbeer at Universal Studios Orlando – The Ultimate Guide

11/8/2022 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort wouldn't be complete without enjoying a  Butterbeer. A perfect day at Universal Studios Florida starts with a visit to Diagon Alley and a Butterbeer.  We like to start our day with a ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts when wait times are low due to our early access to the parks as a resort guest. Enjoying a Butterbeer at Universal is just one of the many ways to feel immersed in this magical world. Butterbeer comes in six delicious forms of tasty treats! Which version should you try? Each treat offers something unique, so the Me and The Mouse Team is here to give you a full breakdown of Butterbeer at Universal Studios and where to find it in the Wizarding World. COLD BUTTERBEER The traditional cold drink (secret recipe) is often described as a cream soda with butterscotch and shortbread flavors. It’s a sweet […]

Sandals St. Lucian Resorts: Which of the Three is Your Perfect Resort?

10/25/2022 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches • If you’ve already decided on St. Lucia, then I don’t have to tell you how breathtaking the island is or that you have to go! St. Lucia’s lush tropical landscape is captivating and makes you think you are in Hawaii, but without the all-day plane trip if you’re coming from the East Coast. Now that you’ve decided on St. Lucia, your next big decision will be which Sandals resort is the best fit for you. Luckily, these three resorts have something for everyone and will be having you wish you never had to leave the exotic beauty that is St. Lucia. Our first stop is Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Located on Gros-Islet, it has a stunning view of Rodney Bay and the twin peaks of Les Pitons, volcanic mountains covered in lush tropical vegetation. Here you will find over-the-water bungalows and beachfront rondovals with private pools and butler service, in […]

Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment

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 […]

Seeing the World with Disney Cruise Line

9/27/2022 • Blog, Cruises • My family enjoys Disney and the quality of service that is synonymous with the Disney name. So, when we travel, Disney is our go-to company. Because we love to travel and see the world, we hop on a Disney Cruise and explore. The port excursions offer a variety of options that are both family-friendly and also selections that are for adults only. Disney Cruise Line has a variety of itineraries throughout Europe and they will be introducing new ports of call in 2023 and 2024 when they add Australia to one of their amazing destinations. My family always makes sure to add a couple of days to either the beginning or end of our sailing to truly experience one city more in-depth than just a port of call. We plan this in our own, but many of the embarkation/debarkation cities also have Adventures by Disney tour options that can be […]

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 […]

Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica-Review

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 […]

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 […]

What to Expect on Embarkation Day

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. Safe Passage - 15 days prior to sailing, all guests must create their own Safe Passage profiles which will confirm your vaccination status and approve you for sailing. *Pre-Cruise Covid Test - View the Know Before You Go guide for complete details: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/us/ * Fully vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian ports must provide proof […]