Blog Posts Tagged Tips

Magic Band 101: What Are They? How Do You Use Them?

2/18/2025 • Blog, Disneyland, Tips, Walt Disney World • If you’re planning a trip to Disney destinations, you’ve likely heard the term “MagicBand.” These colorful, wearable devices are more than just a fashionable accessory—they’re your key to unlocking magic throughout the parks and resorts. But what exactly are they, and how do you use them? Let’s break it down! What Is a MagicBand? A MagicBand is a waterproof, lightweight wristband equipped with RFID technology that allows you to link your Disney vacation plans directly to the band. Available in a variety of colors and designs, MagicBands are both functional and customizable, letting you express your Disney style while simplifying your park experience. What Can a MagicBand Do? MagicBands serve multiple purposes, making your Disney vacation more seamless and enjoyable. Here are some of their key features: 1. Park Entry Wave your MagicBand at the touchpoint to enter the parks—no need to fumble for paper tickets or your phone. 2. […]

What’s Actually Included with Your Stay at Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts?

1/21/2025 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches, Tips • What’s Actually Included with Your Stay at Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts? The term all-inclusive gets used a lot in the world of vacationing, but it doesn’t always mean what you might expect. Many resorts advertise themselves as all-inclusive, yet leave out important details—something I’ve personally discovered through my own travels. To help you avoid any surprises, I like to provide clear and honest information about what you can truly expect. One of the most common questions I receive is: “What exactly is included at Sandals?” To make it easy, I’ve put together this quick and helpful guide: ________________________________________ 1. Luxurious Accommodations • Elegantly designed rooms and suites with stunning views. • Select suites feature personal butler service for an elevated experience. 2. Gourmet Dining • Multiple gourmet restaurants offering diverse, international cuisines. • 24-hour room service available in select accommodations. • Unlimited fine dining—no reservations required at most restaurants! […]

Sandals Room Categories: What’s the Difference Between Luxury vs. Club vs. Butler Suites?

1/14/2025 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches, Tips • Have you landed on a Sandals resort, but now you can’t figure out what type of room you want? You’re not alone! With the number of categories, views, amenities and level of service offered, it can be a bit overwhelming. After reading this, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the level of service that perfectly matches the type of trip you’re envisioning. As a travel advisor who’s had the opportunity to experience each of these room categories at the various Sandals properties, I can confidently say that they each offer unique benefits tailored to different types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable base to enjoy all the resort's incredible inclusions, a little extra pampering, or the ultimate indulgence, there’s a perfect room category for every couple. Let me walk you through the differences between the Luxury, Club, and Butler Elite levels of service. **This applies to the majority […]

Virgin Voyages Quick Tips!

12/31/2024 • Blog, Cruises • Whether this is your first Virgin Voyage, or you’re an experienced sailor, these helpful tips will make your voyage that much smoother! Forgot to add a Bar Tab? Want to add more Bar Tab to your account? Great news! You will still be able to add Bar Tab while at the port! Before you board the ship, visit any desk with a Bar Tab sign (like below), to add Bar Tab to your voyage. Bar Tabs are great ways to pre-pay your drinks (alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, juices, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks). Sometimes, bonus Bar Tab is offered with that purchase. Remember - Bar Tabs cannot be purchased onboard! Want to reserve a pool lounge chair? You can! But if your belongings are abandoned for more than 40 min, personal items (not belonging to VV) will be taken to Lost and Found. Any pool attendant can direct you! Forget to […]

Living the Suite Life on Royal Caribbean

11/19/2024 • Blog, Cruises • Have you ever sat on the bed inside your cruise cabin and thought “more space sure would be nice”? Well, it is possible, and it’s not that far out of reach when you sail with Royal Caribbean! My “kids” are both taller than me now, so we take up more space than in previous years. When planning our latest cruise, we knew space would be an issue, so I started comparing our normal cabins with different suite options and was surprised at how affordable a suite would be for us. Royal Caribbean has 3 different Royal Suite Classes - Sea, Sky and Star Class, and they vary by ship, so be sure to match what class and amenities you want with your ship when talking with your Me and The Mouse travel specialist. My family cruised on Allure of the Seas in a 2-bedroom Grand Suite, which is a Sky […]

Tipping at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando

11/11/2024 • Blog, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • There are so many people on a Walt Disney World vacation that add to the magical feeling of your vacation that it’s easy to get confused on who to tip and how much is appropriate to thank them for helping you out so here’s a list of people to thank and general ranges for appropriate amounts to help answer your questions. Transportation Once you arrive in Orlando, if you are not renting a car, as many people don’t, you need to get to your resort and may have a rideshare driver, a shuttle service, or a private car driver. Rideshare apps will give you some options for tipping, usually 15-25%. Shuttle service drivers are usually tipped for handling your baggage – usually $1-3 per bag. Lastly, private drivers should be tipped between 15-25% of your ride fare of which some companies will charge an amount in advance. Bring along cash […]

Jump on the Red Carpet because You’re the VIP at Universal Studios Hollywood

10/29/2024 • Blog, Universal Studios • Valet parking, private dining, skipping the WHOLE line, and more fun facts than you can imagine – these are all included when you purchase a VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. I recently experienced this tour myself, and let me tell you, it is the way to go! Most theme parks offer VIP tour options, which your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist can help you book, but Universal Hollywood’s VIP Experience is extra special, and you should absolutely consider upgrading your tickets to include this option during your next visit. It’s no surprise that my main reason to go to Universal Hollywood was to see the brand-new Super Nintendo World, which was "toadally" awesome (toad…get it)? My son loves all things Mario and once he heard about this new land, I knew we would have to go check it out for ourselves. You have many different ticket options for […]

Airport Hacks to Get Your Family Through TSA Faster

9/4/2024 • Blog, Tips • While we all wish traveling to a family vacation could be a breeze, the journey to the destination can be the real adventure! Unless every member traveling with you is authorized for TSA Pre-Check or Clear, you will have to go through the complete screening process. Here are some helpful airport hacks that can reduce stress and get you to the gate with your sanity intact. • Your travel attire – Dress with screening in mind! Clothing with bling, like sequins and rhinestones, can be cause for extra screening. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on. If you are wearing a belt, that will need to come off, so be prepared. Jackets and sweaters, hats, sunglasses,… You can begin to remove these items while you wait in line. • Arrive early. Traveling can be stressful enough without the need to run to your gate. Arrive early, […]

12 EPCOT Photo Locations You Need to Visit!

8/28/2024 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World • 12 EPCOT Photo Locations You Need to Visit! EPCOT is full of amazing locations to capture fantastic memories for your family photo album or your social media accounts. While some are easy to identify, like Spaceship Earth, there are many hidden gems throughout the park that make spectacular backdrops for your vacation photos.   Checkout these 12 photo spots on your next visit to Epcot! 1.  Spaceship Earth -   The icon of this park, Spaceship Earth can be seen and photographed in various locations in the park due to its size (It's 180 feet tall!!).  With themed garden beds as you enter the park, this always makes this location a "must do" on any visit to Epcot.  Plan to get pictures both during the day and night as it twinkles and changes colors at night. 2.  Bubble Gum Wall (#bubblegumwall) - This location continues to be a trend for park goers and their photos! […]