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9/13/2025 • Tips •
REAL ID: Are You Ready for Your Next Adventure? ✅ Domestic flights: REAL ID license/ID or valid passport. ✅ International flights: Passport required; REAL ID won’t get you on an international flight. ✅ Kids under 18: No ID needed with an adult (domestic). REAL ID in effect since May 7, 2025. As of May 7, 2025, travelers 18+ must have a REAL ID–compliant license/ID or another acceptable ID (like a U.S. Passport) to board domestic flights in the U.S. Headed to Disneyland, Universal Orlando, or another family vacation? Get your travel documentation in order before you pack your ears and MagicBands. What is REAL ID? REAL ID is a set of federal security standards for state driver’s licenses and ID cards. It’s still your state license/ID—it just meets federal rules for flying and going to certain secure federal facilities. REAL ID cards usually have a star on the front. Do […]
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7/8/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando •
Everyone is flocking to experience Universal Orlando's newest park, Epic Universe. Where better to stay than at the steps of the park for immediate, immersive action? Welcome to the Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando, a destination that delivers both supreme convenience and comfort. Think of it as a luxurious launchpad for those unforgettable days at Epic Universe. Premier proximity Helios sits just steps away from the private entrance to Epic Universe, giving you quick access to thrilling rides, captivating lands, and gorgeous views of the park both day and night. As day guests enter the main gates and flock straight into Super Nintendo World, both the Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe lie on either side of your private entrance for first access. Resort-style amenities • Sparkling pool: 8,660 sq. ft zero-entry pool featuring underwater speakers, terraced deck, outdoor firepit area, hot tub, 18 private cabanas for rent, lounge […]
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2/4/2025 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando •
Universal Orlando Resort is always at the forefront of thrilling experiences, and with the unveiling of their brand-new park, Epic Universe, it’s clear that they’re setting a new standard for immersive entertainment. Opening in 2025, this highly anticipated addition promises to be a game-changer for the theme park world, introducing cutting-edge technology, innovative attractions, and an entirely new level of storytelling. Epic Universe is Universal's fourth theme park at its Orlando Resort, and it’s set to completely transform the guest experience. With the park's introduction, visitors can expect new lands, blockbuster attractions, and plenty of surprises around every corner. The concept is centered around one core idea: expanding Universal’s immersive storytelling and bringing guests into new worlds with a level of detail and interactivity never seen before. Key Details About Epic Universe: • Opening Date: Grand Opening on May 22, 2025 • Location: Epic Universe will be located near Universal's […]
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3/4/2024 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando •
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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1/30/2024 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World •
In the last 40 years, Walt Disney World has been the reason that millions of families visit Orlando each year. However, with the full Harry Potter experience and so many additions to Universal Orlando, many families want to do both, but don’t know where to start. This can get very expensive and overwhelming if you haven’t done your research. One of the questions I get asked most is “how much time do I need at Universal?” Several factors do come into play here, but I generally recommend 3:1. For people doing three days at Disney, add 1 day at Universal and for six days at Disney, add 2 days at Universal. Of course recommendations can change based on your family’s individual preferences, but it is certainly a good place to start. Another question asked frequently is “should we get tickets only or purchase a Universal package as an add on?” […]
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5/29/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
A trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort wouldn't be complete without enjoying a Butterbeer. A perfect day at Universal Studios Florida starts with a visit to Diagon Alley and a Butterbeer. We like to start our day with a ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts when wait times are low due to our early access to the parks as a resort guest. Enjoying a Butterbeer at Universal is just one of the many ways to feel immersed in this magical world. Butterbeer comes in six delicious forms of tasty treats! Which version should you try? Each treat offers something unique, so the Me and The Mouse Team is here to give you a full breakdown of Butterbeer at Universal Studios and where to find it in the Wizarding World. COLD BUTTERBEER The traditional cold drink (secret recipe) is often described as a cream soda with butterscotch and shortbread flavors. It’s a sweet […]
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6/21/2022 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios Orlando •
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 […]
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1/14/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando •
Universal has a reputation as the perfect destination for thrill-seekers, foodies, Muggles, and Wizards, but what about toddlers? Will my family with varying ages be able to find entertainment for everyone- even the littles? Happily, I can answer- yes! My three children span ages 12 to 2 years old. With varying interests and thrill levels, we found that there was plenty to enjoy for each age. Here are some specific areas of interest and some tips to help you with your next trip to Universal with little ones! Tip #1: Ride the Hogwarts Express! Sure, the Hogwarts Express is like a train, but in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, it’s so much more! The train will take you between Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. This 10-minute trip is not only a mode of transportation, but also an attraction in itself! […]
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12/21/2021 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World •
If you are reading this blog post, chances are you have found cheap flights from Allegiant to Orlando and are curious about your best options for transportation to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. Allegiant flies into Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) in Sanford, FL, which is northeast of Orlando, FL, and is considerably farther away from your travel destination than Orlando International Airport (MCO). One way to Universal Studios is about an HOUR away. And for Walt Disney World, about ONE HOUR and TWENTY MINUTES away. Both travel times depend upon construction, and I-4 traffic! Because of this, Having safe, reliable transportation to/from SFB is very important! So what are your options? There are no complimentary transportation services available at SFB to either theme park destination, but there are paid services available. Me and The Mouse Travel recommends the following, and can assist you with these booking options. Please […]
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12/6/2021 • Tips, Universal Studios Orlando •
At Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, most major attractions have a strict ‘no loose items’ policy - and that encompasses change, wallets, purses of any kind, backpacks, sunglasses, hats, etc. There are a few solutions to this: asking a party member to hold everything while you enjoy the attraction is one solution, but a better one is to utilize Short-Term Lockers. Various locations throughout the theme parks, strategically located close to attractions with these requirements, will house banks of lockers with a digital kiosk. Using the kiosk allows you to ‘rent’ a short-term locker by either using a fingerprint and code or your theme park admission ticket. You will then be assigned a locker for your belongings, which are roughly big enough for a standard-sized backpack. What’s great about these lockers? They are FREE for the first hour, typically. The FREE use of the locker is based […]
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