Blog Posts Tagged trip

Walt Disney World vs. Universal Studios – Which is Best for Your Family?

8/9/2022 • Blog, Tips, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World • My clients often come to me wanting to plan the perfect Orlando getaway but question which theme park is the best fit for their family. Both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World offer unforgettable experiences and tons of fun for everyone, however, they are unique destinations with many differences. While the decision can be difficult, I’m here to point you in the direction of your perfect vacation! One of the main differences between the resorts is the size. Walt Disney World is much larger than Universal Studios. Some people love the endless possibilities, while others find this overwhelming. If you fall into the latter category, don’t let this discourage you! You will not be able to see everything Disney has to offer on your first visit. Disney becomes more manageable if you make a list of must-dos before your trip. The attractions you choose will depend on the ages of […]

Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica-Review

8/2/2022 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Let me start this by saying that if luxury accommodations, distinctive cuisine, and exemplary services perched next to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea sound like your dream vacation then read on.  My husband and I selected Sandals All-Inclusive South Coast Resort in Jamaica for an anniversary trip and now it is one of my all-time favorite destinations! It’s nestled in a 500-acre nature preserve and boasts beautiful European elegance throughout. The property itself is abounding with lush vegetation and wildlife, including hummingbirds and peacocks, which freely roam the grounds. When you first arrive, your bags are whisked off to your room while you enjoy a signature resort cocktail and a tour of the beautiful grounds that are to be your home for the next several days. On the tour, I was reminded that one of my favorite things about Sandals is that they cater to everyone’s desires on […]

Benefits of Staying On Property at Universal Orlando

7/26/2022 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios • If you are weighing the idea of staying on property or off for a Universal Orlando vacation, consider the following list of benefits of enjoying one of Universal's incredible properties. • Early Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay. You are able to get in 1 hour prior to the public. • Shuttle busses to the theme parks and CityWalk, however, all of the resorts are within walking distance if you would like to take a leisurely walk to and from the parks. • Charging privileges with your room key. • Complimentary transportation to Sea World and Aquatica. • If golf is on your agenda, you are given priority tee times and complimentary transportation to select area golf courses. • Shop, shop, shop throughout the Universal property and enjoy complimentary delivery of packages to your resort. • Being on-site also provides easy access to and from […]

What to Expect on Embarkation Day

7/19/2022 • Cruises, Tips • Your Disney cruise is booked and the countdown clock is tickin’! You’ve scoured the internet for tips, booked excursions, scheduled a princess meet and greet, and are ready to order your Mickey bar at midnight from room service, but what should you expect on embarkation day? Let’s break it down so you make the most of your first afternoon exploring the ship! Online Check-In - 30 days prior to sailing, you can begin the online check-in. Add your flights, ensure your names and passport details are correct and select a port arrival time. Safe Passage - 15 days prior to sailing, all guests must create their own Safe Passage profiles which will confirm your vaccination status and approve you for sailing. *Pre-Cruise Covid Test - View the Know Before You Go guide for complete details: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/us/ * Fully vaccinated Guests on sailings departing US and Canadian ports must provide proof […]

9 Tips for Keeping Cool in the Disney Summer Heat

7/12/2022 • Tips, Walt Disney World • With summer upon us, the heat and humidity in Florida can send even the most southern of families screaming for some cooling relief. We know you’ve been eagerly anticipating your Disney World vacation for months and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun that Disney has to offer because of the heat. Here are some tips to help you survive the hottest and most humid of Disney days: 1. Take advantage of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours. By staying on property at Disney, you qualify to go early or stay late at Disney’s parks. The extra magic hours are the coolest of times to visit the parks not to mention the least busy times. Not a morning or a late person? Go back to your hotel during the hottest part of the day to rest so that you’ll have the energy for the extra magic hours. […]

Adventures by Disney-Adult Exclusive Trips

6/28/2022 • Adventures by Disney • When you hear Disney, naturally you’ll think of Mickey, Minnie, and lots and lots of kids. But did you know that Disney is so much more than just the amusement parks? Read on to hear just a few of the amazing destinations offered through Adventures by Disney for the adult-exclusive trip of a lifetime! Adventures by Disney is unique as it offers guided international tours that allow you to travel in style and sophistication, but experience the world like a local. As the highest-rated Disney destination, ABD offers small guided group vacations where you get to touch, taste, hear and explore firsthand the places you visit, all with the goal of truly getting to know the culture and people who live there. And the best part is that so much is included in your trip! Transportation within your trip including transfers between airports and hotels, taxes, most gratuities, top of […]

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 […]

The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas

5/31/2022 • Blog, Cruises • Once you climb aboard the Scarlet Lady, the last stop you make is to Bimini, Bahamas. Sailors are invited to spend the day at an exclusive 4.5 acre-beach club. The Beach Club is a private, resort-like experience for when you’re not out visiting the island! Before you head to the beach, be sure to bring your wristband with you. Your bar tab will be as if you are on the ship. Need to get in touch with family or check emails? The Scarlet Lady’s wi-fi reaches the beach! The tram will be waiting to take you to your excursions or to Virgin Voyages Beach Club. This tram runs all day so if you would like to head back to the ship, your wait is no longer than 5-10 minutes. Upon entering the club, you will see a map of how the club is laid out. To the left, is an […]

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

5/10/2022 • Blog • Theme Park and cruise vacations are the best, right?! But have you ever wanted something different? For an awesome beach vacation, or trip to explore a lively city, Marriott properties might be just what you are looking for. Marriott has 25+ brands offering everything from single-night hotel stays to all-inclusive resorts and even a luxury yacht collection. I recently stayed at two of the luxury hotel properties – The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and The JW Marriott Marquis Miami. In this piece, I’ll go over some of the fantastic options each hotel has to offer. First up, The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – Wow, what a great resort! Marco Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida is connected to the mainland by bridges near Naples. The entire island is less than 25sq miles and this resort encompasses 3 of those miles […]

Using your Apple Watch at Walt Disney World

5/3/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World • A fun feature when visiting Disney's magical theme parks is that you can take advantage of the Magic Band, an all-in-one wearable device that makes it easy to enjoy your time at Walt Disney World. But did you know that your Apple Watch may be used as a Magic Band? An Apple Watch can be a valuable asset on a visit to Walt Disney World. It can provide you with accurate wait times, keep you updated with park hours, keep you in touch with your family, show you where to find the nearest restroom, and more! While using an Apple Watch doesn't replace a smartphone for all of the tools that are available for a Walt Disney World vacation, it does offer some unique and convenient features. Here are my top 5 favorite features to use with your Apple Watch at Walt Disney World. 1. Use it as a theme […]