Blog Posts Tagged Resort

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 […]

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 […]

Disneyland’s Grand Californian – Review

10/1/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews • Our home away from home. Goodness, I love this place! For the past several years, my family has chosen to stay at the Grand Californian at the Disneyland Resort. We have stayed at other Disney hotels as well as several Good Neighbor hotels, but we keep coming back to the Grand Californian because it simply has everything we are looking for! Disneyland's Grand Californian Resort Going OUT! The location of this beautiful hotel cannot be beat. Laying at the edge of Disney’s California Adventure Park, it has its own private entrance into the park, and it is just a quick walk to the gates to Disneyland. Many rooms offer premium views of the pool, a theme park, or even Downtown Disney which is just outside the hotel for immediate access to fun! Coming IN! Days can get quite warm in Southern California, and it’s nice to have a comfortable place […]

Pixar Pier at Disneyland- Review

9/27/2021 • Disneyland, Reviews • On-property or off-property? For visitors to Disneyland this is a huge decision to be made. Is it worth the extra funds in the budget to stay on property? Are the rooms really nice? What about the amenities and the convenience to the parks? Are early morning magic hours necessary? With the compact nature of Disneyland and off-property resorts right across the entry, staying on property at Disneyland has never been a huge priority for me. I wasn’t convinced that the on-property resorts were going to be worth the extra fee for a long weekend. But this year, I learned how wrong I was as I spent a long weekend at the Pixar Pier resort at Disneyland California. First impressions make a big difference and from the moment I entered the hotel, the cast members were exceedingly helpful and friendly.  As soon as I had my room key, I head up […]

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Walt Disney World BEFORE Your Disney Cruise!

5/11/2021 • Cruises, Tips, Walt Disney World • The anticipation of a Disney Cruise can be grand. There’s so much to plan, and for most travelers, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist will guide you in the best options for your travel party: before, during, and after your cruise.  One such option, is visiting the Walt Disney World Resort for a few days before embarking on your cruise that leaves from a Floridian port! There are benefits to visiting the Most Magical Place On Earth BEFORE your cruise… Here are the Top Five! 5. You will be too relaxed (and tired) to visit the Walt Disney Resort! Cruising changes your mood, and changes your routine, to a Hakuna Matata lifestyle!  To then switch gears and amp up for a theme park visit is exhausting. Rest your tired feet, be pampered, and end your vacation refreshed! 4. By arriving a few days early, […]

Extra Fun on Oahu!

2/23/2021 • Aulani, Tips • Ready to learn about some extra adventures you can take on your next Aulani Getaway?! Things to do on Oahu - Aulani Resort Aulani is a fabulous destination with many activities on the property to pique the interest of all age levels. But there is also so much to do on the island of Oahu. The excursion desk in the lobby has a variety of planned tours, but if you would like to venture out on your own, you can also rent a car through Alamo with a location on the Aulani property. Hawaii Plantation Village Learn the history of a sugar cane plantation and the island. You will leave with an understanding of the culture and life on the plantation. It is a short 11-mile drive from Aulani. Tours start on the hour between 10:00 and 2:00 and last roughly 2 hours. The Dole Plantation Another plantation tour that […]

Aulani- The Perfect Adult Getaway

2/12/2021 • Aulani, Blog, Reviews • Pack your bags and visit the oasis you've been dreaming of... Every once in a while it's good to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and take an adult only vacation. You are able to visit a destination like never before and experience different events, activities, and places you might not have with kids. Disney is known for its fabulous parks and magnificent cruises, but what many people often forget is Disney's amazing island getaway on Ko Olina, Hawai'i.  Aulani is Disney's Hawaiian Resort. This tropical oasis is a perfect spot to plan an adult vacation getaway. The cast member's at Aulani work hard to provide you with an authentic Hawaiian experience. All of the living spaces include pieces of the Polynesian culture and make you feel right at home. If you're looking for a vacation spot with plenty to do, Aulani has you covered! If adventure is […]

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Day Activities

1/26/2021 • Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • Are you looking for a new way to experience Walt Disney World on your next vacation? I’d like to recommend spending a day at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is a destination unto itself with most activities are available to all guests and activities are available from morning until after sunset. You can view the animals on the savanna throughout the day and into the evening hours. There are multiple overlooks of the savannas at both Jambo House and Kidani Village. Guides will teach you about wildlife and the African culture. After sunset, night vision goggles will allow you to see the animals from a new perspective. The String of Memories is a favorite activity of children {and parents} that teaches them about African culture and wildlife conservation in a fun and memorable way. You will receive a unique bead as your reward for completing each activity. If you choose 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 […]