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8/23/2022 • Cruises, Tips •
For most cruisers, packing for a warm weather destination cruise is a piece of cake. However, sailing to Alaska can require a little more thought. For our Alaskan cruise, I was concerned about having enough variety of clothes for all potential weather while still being able to pack light. I didn’t want to pack a lot of heavier clothes that would add to the number of pieces of luggage. Layers, layers, layers was our motto. For most days, we started in jeans, t-shirts, a fleece jacket and windbreakers. As the day went on, we peeled off layers. We also purchased waterproof hiking shoes that were perfect for all of our excursions and our feet stayed dry. They were our go to shoes for rainy weather or hiking out to the base of a waterfall. Hats and gloves were only necessary when sailing through Tracy Arms. It got rather breezy and […]
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3/22/2022 • 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, […]
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11/23/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
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 an entertainment center with a large TV are also included in each of the kid's rooms. […]
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11/18/2021 • Universal Studios Orlando •
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, spanning both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, dazzles guests with the most authentic and immersive movie-set experience. Two stores, in particular, allow you to not only bring home some of the magic of Harry Potter...but to physically experience it as well! Honeydukes can be found in Hogsmeade - located in Islands of Adventure. Honeydukes, as you know, is the candy store of choice for all Hogwarts students on their weekend day trips to Hogsmeade in the winter months from book three on. Buildings covered in snow. Cobblestone streets and magical windows. Blink and you may miss Honeydukes! This lovely candy shop has EVERY candy mentioned in the books, from Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans to the Ton Tongue Taffy that Dudley Dursley could not resist when it fell out of the Weasley Twins’ pockets. Everywhere you turn is more whimsey and lovely […]
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11/16/2021 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
Every Simpsons fan remembers that episode...waaaaay back from 1991...where the impossible-to-love bartender, Moe Szyslak, stole Homer’s idea for a fun beverage, got super famous, and Aerosmith came to town?! Right? No?! Well, maybe I’ve been watching “The Simpsons” too long, but the drink - The Flaming Moe - is something every fan probably remembers! While at Universal Studios Orlando, you can wander over to Springfield U.S.A. and join fellow Simpson-ites in the delicacies of Fast Food Boulevard...Krusty Burger, Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Brewery, Cletus’ Chicken Shack...and the famous, MOE’s Tavern. The Flaming Moe can be found by bellying up to the bar in MOE’s Tavern, or by going to The Flaming Moe window inside of Fast Food Boulevard. Both locations are connected, so you won’t have to go far! The Flaming Moe is… Non-alcoholic Like Orange Crush In a sweet souvenir cup Super fizzy and ‘flaming’ Just enough for 1 […]
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11/13/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando •
Welcome to Universal! Whether you are preparing for you first trip to Universal or have visited several times before, the Universal parks and resorts in Orlando are very impressive. The two theme parks at Universal have so much to offer and in this two-part series includes the breakdown of what you can find in each park. In this first installation is an overview of Islands of Adventure. Port of Entry: At the entrance of Islands of adventure stands the Pharos Lighthouse, which is based off the original in Alexandria. This icon lets you know you are in for adventure and serves as an excellent gateway into all of the islands in IOA. And don’t forget to pick up your Christmas ornament at the Port of Call Christmas shop! Superhero Island: This area is for the more adventurous Universal guests with several thrill ride. Go upside down on the Hulk, drop 200 feet on Dr. Doom’s Fear […]
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8/7/2026 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
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 […]
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7/20/2021 • Cruises, Tips •
Woohoo!! Your cruise is booked but now you are wondering how you’re going to get to Port Canaveral. No worries - we're here to help! It is highly recommended that you fly in at least one day prior to your cruise! This may impact the means of transportation you chose. Here are a few options to consider. Disney Cruise Line Transportation Disney Cruise Line shuttles passengers from the airport (MCO) to the port. The cost of the ride is $35/person each way, however, it only runs the day of embarkation and debarkation. If you are flying in the night before and staying at a local hotel and are utilizing this option, I would suggest staying near the airport. The Hyatt Regency is located inside the airport and will be an easy elevator ride down to the bus. Otherwise, a hotel that provides shuttle service to and from the airport is […]
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5/7/2021 • Cruises, Reviews •
Taking a vacation at sea does not mean it will be a vacation without your daily gourmet coffee. Disney Cruise Line has the Cove Café, which is an adult-only location on each of their cruise ships which offers gourmet coffees such as lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and hot tea. One of my favorite ways to start the day on a Disney Cruise is to stop in and grab a pastry and an Americano. This is also a great place to try something different from your typical routine! You can find the Cove Café, on the Disney Magic and Wonder, on Deck 9, and if you're on the Dream and Fantasy, it is located on Deck 11 adjacent to the adult pool. The Cove Café isn’t just for morning coffee and breakfast treats. You can visit it all day long for different delightful treats! Throughout the day, they offer snacks and desserts […]
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5/4/2021 • Cruises •
If you are sailing on a Disney Cruise and looking for adult onboard activities, Disney offers tasting events for guests that are at least 21 years old. This is a fun activity that you can experience on select days, generally sea days. I have personally experienced the tastings with a group of friends, but I have also signed up for wine tastings by myself. It is a fun and comfortable environment and a great way to meet other people on your cruise. Here are a few examples of the types of tastings offered, but they can vary by sailings and the length of the cruise: Wines Tasting hosted by a sommelier Beer Tasting Martini and Tequila/Margarita tastings Rum Tasting Cognac Tasting + A variety of other options based on availability You are now able to reserve our tastings online after your booking window opens in the “Onboard Fun” portion of […]
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