Blog Posts Tagged Resort

Rapid Refills Mugs – Another Perk of the Disney Dining Plan!

5/24/2019 • Tips, Walt Disney World • There are many perks for guests staying at a Walt Disney World resorts, including Disney Dining plans that include a Rapid Refill Mug.   The Dining Plan makes a lot of sense and can easily save you money while dining at the parks, resorts and Downtown Disney.   To learn more details about the Dining plan options, be sure to check out our blog Dining Plan vs No Dining Plan.   Resort Refillable mugs, now called Rapid Refills, are included in your Dining Plan packages or can be purchased separately if you are not on the dining plan.  Rapid Refill mugs are used only at the resorts.  There are no drink stations within the parks for your mugs.  With these souvenir mugs, you can enjoy unlimited fountain drinks, tea and coffee for the duration of your stay.     WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?:     Everyone on the […]

Greet and Dine with Disney Characters at Chef Mickey’s {Review}

12/11/2018 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • What is the number one question that guests ask while at Walt Disney World? “Where’s Mickey Mouse?!” Everyone who makes the trek to Disney World wants to see the world’s most loveable mouse! And chances are that if you’re looking for Mickey, you want to see his best pals too! Chef Mickey’s is a fun and interactive character meal inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and it’s the place to see nearly all of them! Chef Mickey’s is a great way to meet your favorite Disney pals while enjoying the atmosphere of the Contemporary Resort. While dining on the delicious all-you-care-to-eat buffet, some of your favorite Disney characters will come by to your table to sign autographs and pose for pictures. While characters are subject to change, you can generally expect to see Chef Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto during your meal! You may even see the Disney World monorail […]

Experience the Blue Man Group-Review

11/27/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • When traveling to Universal Orlando Resort, families and groups can experience world-class entertainment, one-of-a-kind thrills, and some of the most unique ‘eats’ available. Universal Orlando Resort offers so much for everyone, it is often easy to overlook those gems that not only are appealing to all ages but seem to never grow old themselves. One such gem is the Blue Man Group. Back in 2007, the Blue Man Group was added to Universal Studios’ line-up of entertainment choices on soundstage 18. After a successful run, it became a staple to Universal Orlando Resort - tweaking ever so slightly over the years to remain relevant, fun, and appealing to all! In May, I had the pleasure of experiencing a Blue Man Group performance. For anyone, young or old, who have never experienced live theater before, this is a GREAT introduction to it. You will have fun learning how live theater works, […]

Universal Orlando Resort App: The Must-Have Item on Your Smartphone!

11/9/2018 • Tips, Universal Studios • Universal Orlando has created one of the most comprehensive park apps for your phone that is not only easy to use but allows your next Universal Orlando trip to be filled with more fun for the family as you easily navigate your day-to-day activities. Most of the app functionality will work without an account but you will want to have an account for your convenience. The main screen starts by allowing you to explore the resort map or you may jump right to the rides, shows, or dining. Choose which park you wish to explore in more detail such as Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, or Volcano Bay and zoom in and out as needed. Within each park, you can use the buttons at the top of the app to specify exactly what you are looking for within the parks. Click on "Ride" and it will show you the […]

Jurassic World Kid’s Suite

11/2/2018 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Some 65 million years ago dinosaurs ruled the earth. Today an encounter with one of these massive creatures is impossible unless you visit Universal Orlando, then it’s totally possible! If you have a Dino loving kid in your family then a stay in a Jurassic World Kid’s Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a must. These 670 square feet 2-bedroom suites take you on an adventure to the Isla of Nublar. 2 twin-size gyrospheres in the kid’s room offer not only an awesome place sleep but a bit of separation from the adult’s room. The Jurassic World theming is all over the kid’s room from the valley mapping carpet to the massive landscaped scenery on the walls. A lighted desk which has a large map of Nublar above it, a full-size closet, and entertainment center with a large TV are also included in each of the kid's rooms. If […]

Disneyland Character Dining

10/23/2018 • Disneyland, Tips • What is a Disney vacation without the characters? While many will line up for lengthy wait times to visit their favorites, a huge time saver in the parks is character dining! There is nothing like enjoying a meal in the comfort of one of the Disneyland Parks and Resorts restaurants while the characters come to you! Thankfully, Disneyland offers several opportunities to see your favorite Disney pals while enjoying delicious meals! Minnie and Friends Breakfast in the Park (Disneyland Park) Taking place daily in the Victorian elegance of The Plaza Inn, this breakfast includes an all-you-can-eat buffet of tasty favorites— bacon, eggs, cereals, fruit, omelets, and more! As you take in the view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, you can expect to see Minnie and a number of her friends! It’s always a surprise to see which of the Disney characters will make an appearance, which adds to the fun and […]

Ivy Trellis Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

5/30/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Ivy Trellis is a hidden secret located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. If you are looking for an alternative to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your little princess, Ivy Trellis Salon is a great solution. The best part of the salon is it is tailored to all ages, so this is perfect for a Mommy and Me princess makeover sessions. To add to your princess experience, booking an appointment at Ivy Trellis along with a character dinner reservation at 1900 Park Fare is a fun way to show off your professional make-over as you dine with Cinderella and Prince Charming. Ivy Trellis also has a variety of other salon services for the entire family ranging from haircuts to complete makeovers for a special occasion that you may be celebrating at Walt Disney World. Examples of services available are: Character Makeover Packages for Children and Adults Classic character-inspired hairstyle Classic […]

Happy Mother’s Day! Ideas to Share an Awesome Mother/Daughter Day at Walt Disney World

5/11/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Mother’s Day has always held a special place in my heart with memories of spending quality time with my Mother and Grandmother as well as with my children.  Spending a Mother/Daughter day at Walt Disney World can be fun and exciting.  If you are looking for a unique way to spend Mother’s Day, I will help you explore some traditional and creative ways to give mom the royal treatment. A fun idea - begin your day by shopping for matching outfits.  You might want to add a new pair of sparkling Minnie Mouse ears to complete your ensemble. You will find so many shopping options at the theme parks or stop in at World of Disney at Disney Springs where you will find a one stop Disney shop. You may want to browse over 100 shops at Disney Springs if shopping is something your mom enjoys. Next, make a stop […]

What is a Surrey Bike and Where can I Rent one While at Walt Disney World?

5/7/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World • When visiting Walt Disney World, there are so many incredible unique experiences available.  Golf, Mini-golf, fishing excursions, parasailing and bike rental to name a few.  This blog entry will discuss a fun recreational activity that as many as 6 guests can enjoy together! A Surrey Bike is a multi-person bike that can accommodate 2-4 adults and even has an adorable basket in the front to accommodate up to 2 small children.  Each bike also has a bell under the cover and you will frequently see the younger children laugh as they vigorously ring the bell!  The bell is a way for riders to alert guests that are walking along the riding path that a bike is coming. Surrey bikes can be found at many of the resorts throughout Walt Disney World. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Disney's BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter Disney’s […]

The Best Places for a Morning Coffee and a View!

5/4/2018 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • An experience often missed by those traveling to Walt Disney World is an early morning cup of coffee and a great view. Between getting the kids ready for the day, eating breakfast and catching the bus to your favorite park it’s understandable why this morning routine is absent while on vacation. Today, I will plead my case to stop and smell the sweet aroma of a fresh cup of joe, find that amazing view, and enjoy the tranquility of a beautiful Florida morning at Disney World. Now before we begin with my recommendations I must say that there are probably spots at Disney World I don’t even know exist. My favorite morning coffee locations are based upon my time as Cast Member and visits before and after working for the company. I will list my favorite at the theme parks, resorts, and the Boardwalk. Let’s start with the Disney’s Boardwalk. […]