Blog Posts Tagged Reviews

A Trip-of-a-Lifetime to Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney

11/1/2022 • Adventures by Disney, Reviews • When you hear the name Disney, you probably think of Mickey Mouse and theme parks. In addition to many other experiences and destinations, Disney also offers organized land tours across the U.S. and around the globe. Adventures by Disney allows families, friends, and even solo guests to explore amazing destinations together knowing that they will receive the same level of entertainment, service, accommodations, safety and VIP access that comes with the Disney name. Adventures by Disney’s Costa Rican itinerary is geared towards adventurers and thrill seekers excited to navigate the waters and rainforests of Costa Rica while enjoying the culture, traditions, food, and the beautiful scenery and wildlife that make up this gorgeous part of the world. This is a very active adventure with highlights including white water rafting, zip lining above the canopy, and snorkeling.  There is always a secondary option for guests who are unwilling or unable to […]

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 […]

Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts

12/18/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • Surf’s up! Endless Summer: Surfside Inn and Dockside Inn, are two incredible new options for lodging during your next Universal stay! Located adjacent to each other, both Dockside and Surfside offer rooms with two queen beds with either a standard or pool view, but they also offer a second option for larger parties – two-bedroom suites! And the price point for these rooms is phenomenal! While the standard two queen rooms will comfortably sleep four, the family suites are larger at 440 square feet and will sleep up to six people! Both room types offer a single bathroom (the suite with double sinks), queen beds, ample storage, as well as a small kitchenette. Each kitchenette includes a microwave, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a picnic table – perfect for families! Downstairs you will find a full quick-service restaurant with grab and go options as well as made to order […]

Why Universal Orlando is Heaven for The Roller Coaster Lover in Your Family

12/8/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • You’ve been to Disney many times. The food, the characters, the music, and the shows are all reasons for you to keep coming back. The roller coasters are themed well and so fun, but maybe a 5/10 on the thrill factor and you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Look no further than Universal Orlando! There are so many high-intensity roller coasters at Universal Orlando that you will finish your day not knowing if you’re standing right side up! Here are a few of my “can’t miss” coasters at Universal Orlando: 1) Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure – Other than the fact that it being Harry Potter-themed automatically makes it awesome, this is the longest roller coaster ride in Florida. With speeds up to 50mph, this one isn’t slow either, and incorporating the story of being a student in a Magical Creatures Class, truly makes this coaster have it all. Location: […]

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

1/1/2021 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney’s Hilton Head Island resort in South Carolina didn’t disappoint our family. We were there for a 4-day trip and we left wishing we had booked more time! We were traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids (17, 7, and 6) and there was something for everyone, and yes, even in December, when the highs each day were in the 50s! The rooms are spacious and comfortable with large balconies. The resort always feels pretty quiet, even when you are overlooking the pool. A beloved cast member at Hilton Head Island was Carol from NJ. Everyone knows her and loves her. At the end of our 2nd day, our kids felt like she was part of the family. If you run into her on your first trip she will happily give you a tour of the resort and you won’t regret it! It is the perfect getaway, no matter the […]

First Haircut in Disney World: A Magical Experience

9/1/2020 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World • Being the self-proclaimed Disney nuts that we are, it’s no surprise that when it was time to get our son’s first haircut, the Harmony Barbershop on Main Street USA in Disney World was at the top of our list. As with most “firsts” for your little one, the anxiety was high but there were a few reasons we loved the experience and continue to go back for a cut just about every time we are there now! They are so used to cutting kids'/babies' hair. Wiggles don’t worry them and they shouldn’t worry you either. These aren’t just professionals but they are cast members and they deal with kids all day. It’s more than just a haircut, it’s entertainment. They pull out all the tricks to keep your little one entertained and happy while they trim trim away. From stickers to light-up toys and an occasional song, it is a […]

Animal Kingdom Lodge: Something for Everyone

6/26/2020 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Once our kids (7 and 5) find out that we are heading to Walt Disney World, there is always one question that follows, "Are we staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge?" There is no denying that it is our family's favorite and it is always our top recommendation to friends and family that are planning their trip. Here are a few reasons why we love Animal Kingdom Lodge: 1. The immersive experience. It feels like you are in Africa! Of course, I’ve never been to Africa, but the theming of this resort is wonderful. From the activities and storytellers in the lobby to the landscaping and animals outside of your window. It just feels like you are somewhere and everything is an experience (and a good one at that!) 2. The Animals! They are obviously the star of the show at this resort, but to us it’s the freedom and fun […]

Sheraton Vistana Resort-Review

6/24/2020 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • In what seems like a lifetime ago, I lived next door to a resort while attending my Walt Disney World College Program. We never gave this resort much attention but thought it looked fun and dreamed of visiting someday. Fast forward many years to a reunion trip with my former CP roommates, that dream came true. The Sheraton Vistana Resort in Lake Buena Vista (situated on 535, just off of I-4), is minutes away from Disney Springs and the World Gateway entrance to Walt Disney World. As a Marriott timeshare vacation destination, it boasts many amenities attractive to those who wish to stay in sunny Orlando at length. We stayed only 3 nights, but found this was the absolute best choice for our reunion weekend! The reception/check-in area was inviting, modern, and easy to navigate. Once checked in, you are ushered to the events desk where you are informed of […]

Out of this World Dining at Oga’s Cantina

10/8/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Dining in Hollywood Studios' Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is something that is not to be missed! At Oga’s Cantina in the heart of Batuu- you can experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the land! Dining reservations are highly recommended for Oga’s Cantina, but you can always inquire about walk-in seating. There is both a standing-room-only bar as well as some booths with seating along the periphery of the cantina. It’s hard to escape the upbeat atmosphere of Oga’s! With a deejay robot spinning the hits of the galactic airwaves- it’s hard not to get swept up into the excitement and energy of the cantina! And while the atmosphere alone is reason to visit Oga’s- I was pleasantly surprised by the food and drink I ordered! While looking at the menu- you will notice that there are a number of different options throughout the day- and several options for alcoholic […]

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

3/1/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Roughing it, glamping, becoming a Wilderness Explorer, or whatever you wish to call it, can be done at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. I recently had a chance to stay in the cabins at Fort Wilderness and from the moment we pulled up to the reception outpost (check-in area), it was obvious this was not your typical Disney resort. This is a full-service campground, so accommodations for anything from tents to luxury RV’s are available but for now, we are just going to discuss the cabins. Upon arrival, you are given a wealth of information about the property and a detailed map. Fort Wilderness is 750 acres and has miles and miles of roads and loops that will lead you to your assigned site. The cabins, all 365 of them, are the largest standard accommodations on all of Disney’s property. They are just over 500 square feet. Your value […]