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3/13/2024 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Have you dreamed of your first trip to Walt Disney World but have put it off because the planning process is overwhelming? We won’t fool you – there is a lot that goes into proper planning of your trip unlike any other Disney destination. These basics will help you understand the big steps and the timeframe in which they should be completed in order to take advantage of all that Disney has to offer. Unlike most traditional travel agents, this is what the Travel Specialists at Me and the Mouse do! We know the ins and outs of the Walt Disney World Resort, and we are here to help you through the planning process! Me and The Mouse has received the distinction of being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and is known for our impeccable service. Our goal is to exceed your expectations with our customized planning to compliment the […]
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3/12/2024 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Let’s embark on a journey into the enchanting world of Disney Springs—a hidden treasure at Disney World often overlooked by first-time visitors. Consider this your Disney Springs 101 lesson, where we'll navigate through its dynamic history, diverse geography, culinary wonders, shopping extravaganzas, and the latest in entertainment. Lesson 1: The Evolution of Disney Springs Our journey commences in 1975 when Disney introduced Lake Buena Vista Village, originally envisioned for on-property residents. Fast forward to 1989, and the area transformed into Pleasure Island, catering to adult nightlife. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, eventually becoming the beloved Downtown Disney District in 1995. The most recent transformation occurred on November 18, 2010, giving birth to Disney Springs—a themed town inspired by a twentieth-century waterside town. Lesson 2: Navigating Disney Springs Disney Springs is divided into four distinct themed areas: -The Landing -The Marketplace -The Westside -Town Center Each area contributes […]
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3/4/2024 • Tips, Universal Studios •
Will you be traveling to Universal Orlando with an infant? Our family recently visited with all of our children the youngest being not quite one year old. While traveling with an infant can make your trip more complicated, here are 5 tips to help take the stress out of your next Universal Orlando vacation. 1. Plan mid-day breaks. Universal Orlando has some great shows that will help you beat the heat and give your little one a chance to rest. One of our favorite shows to do this is Animal Actors on Location. This is an outdoor shaded theater with seating and is a great show for all ages. We also like to make mid-day dining reservations for a chance to cool off. 2. Have groceries and baby essentials delivered to your resort. Our family always has a service deliver basic groceries and bottled water to our resort. This is […]
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1/23/2024 • Tips •
Welcome back to my series “Pack like a Travel Agent.” Today’s topic is toiletry bags and how best to maximize your space for all those essentials! Stick with me and I’ll show you how I pack my own toiletry bag. If you plan to pack your toiletries in your checked baggage, you don’t have to worry about the size of the containers quite so much. You still need to comply with the TSA’s restrictions about what can be packed in carry-on and checked luggage. Please see the TSA’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information: Travel Tips: 3-1-1 liquids rule | Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov) The Toiletry Bag: When selecting a toiletry bag, I would stick with a few key characteristics. I would highly recommend a toiletry bag with a hook to hang it from the towel bar or shower hook when you get to your destination. I’ve also […]
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1/16/2024 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Trying to figure out where to stay when visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first visit. There are significant benefits that come with staying on-property at a Disney resort hotel, and there are definite disadvantages when staying off-site at an area hotel or Airbnb. Understanding the differences early on will help you jump that hurdle quickly so you can get to the fun of planning! Walt Disney World offers more than 25 on-property resort hotels including popping your tent and camping, Value resorts with basic amenities and comforts, Moderate resorts with upgraded amenities like table service restaurants on property, Deluxe resorts with upgraded amenities like great transportation options to the parks, and fantastic table service restaurants, and Deluxe Villa resorts with lots of room to stretch out for larger families or those looking for more upscale accommodations. There is something for every […]
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11/21/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
There’s so much to see and do at Magic Kingdom but how can you fit it all into a single day? If you can’t extend your trip to include multiple days at Magic Kingdom, knowing the little tricks to maximize what you can experience with minimal wait is key to checking off your must-do list. For many families, Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade is a top priority attraction that they want to experience. After all, where else can you see all of your favorite characters in one place within a 12-minute attraction? The Festival of Fantasy parade starts in Frontierland and makes its way towards Liberty Square before turning and going past Cinderella’s Castle and down Main Street USA. There are many ideas as to where the best spot for watching the parade really is. For many years, my family would camp out in Liberty Square outside the Diamond Horseshoe, […]
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11/14/2023 • Blog, Cruises •
Taking a Disney Cruise doesn’t mean the entire cruise is about kids. Many adults sail as couples and for girls’ getaways. But for the family cruisers, adults may want a little adult time while the kids enjoy the kids' clubs. On the Disney Wish, there are many locations where adults can grab a drink, have a lively conversation with fellow passengers, or just kick back and relax with a cup of coffee and a book. Areas that adults can enjoy their own time: • Keg & Compass – Deck 5 - Grab a brew in this maritime pub while catching live sports on one of the tv’s. • Luna – Deck 4 & 5, which is the event/entertainment space onboard the Disney Wish. It is a family use area during the day and at night is an adult exclusive entertainment area. • Nightingale's – Deck 3 – Piano bar offering […]
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11/7/2023 • Blog, Tips •
There are so many reasons to bring a hat with you on your vacation- no matter the destination. I always bring a hat for sun protection or warmth depending on the destination but have struggled with how to pack or carry my hat without causing damage to it. After years of trial and error, I am happy to share my best tips with you! The first thing you need to decide is how you’d like to carry your hat. If it’s an expensive hat, you probably want to pack it in its original box that it came with or simply wear it. If that isn’t an option. Here are some options for carrying your hat with you outside of a bag. The Bag Method If you need to keep your bag with you, a specialty tote bag made for hats is a great option. This allows a little extra protection […]
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10/13/2023 • Blog, Cruises •
What is a back-to-back cruise? Back-to-back cruising is a popular travel trend where individuals or families book two or more cruises on the same ship to extend their vacation at sea. Instead of disembarking after the first cruise, they remain on the ship for the next sailing. If booked early enough, staying in the same stateroom for both cruises is possible, saving time and the hassle of repacking and moving to a different stateroom. If you must change staterooms, your stateroom attendant will transfer your luggage to ensure an efficient and hassle-free experience. How can this benefit your family? There are many reasons to consider booking two consecutive cruises. Let’s explore how this can benefit you and your family. One of the key benefits is saving money. Who doesn't want to SAVE money when cruising? You may wonder how you save money when booking not one but two cruises during […]
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9/19/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
As I am assisting families with planning their vacations, I am often asked for recommendations for activities during a day when they will not be visiting the parks or leaving the parks early. One of my most frequent suggestions is a visit to Disney Springs! Disney Springs is a bit of a lesser-known gem at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you visited Disney World in the past, you may also know it by its previous name- Downtown Disney. Here you will find a plethora of entertainment, dining, and shopping options for the whole family. Disney Spring is in the southeastern corner of the Walt Disney World Resort property, and just across the lagoon from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. You can arrive via bus from any of the on-site Disney resort hotels or if you’re staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, it’s a simple walk to the eastern entrance. If […]
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