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4/18/2023 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World •
After Hours Events at Walt Disney World offer a unique way for guests to experience the parks with special perks that aren’t available during regular operating hours. After attending the last After Hours Event at Magic Kingdom for the season, I’m here with the low-down on what to expect during these events and how to figure out if the cost is worth it for you. What are Disney After Hours Events? Disney After Hours Events are limited-capacity, special-ticketed three-hour events that occur after park closing and are offered at select parks on specific dates for a fee. No park pass reservation or additional theme park admission ticket required! Although details differ from park to park, these events provide the opportunity to experience several attractions with little to no wait, the opportunity to meet beloved characters, and enjoy unlimited snacks from cart locations throughout the parks. What happens during a Disney […]
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4/11/2023 • Blog, Cruises •
Disney Cruise Line has enhanced their cruise ship dining on the Disney Wish by adding more entertainment to their rotational dining experiences. My favorite of the new options is Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure and let me share my experience from the trip and why this restaurant was my favorite dining experience onboard. Tables are assigned for dining at all of Disney Cruise Line’s rotational restaurants so don’t be concerned if you are running a few minutes late. Those that arrive before the restaurant opens, will wait in the fully decorated entrance hall to the restaurant complete with port windows covered in frosty designs. You’ll be able to view and take pictures with the royal portraits and statue of armor, just as Anna and Elsa experienced growing up in their Arendelle castle. Once you enter the main dining hall, you’ll be seated around the performance stage set in the middle […]
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3/28/2023 • Blog, Cruises •
As their motto states, “Explore the World with Viking”. We recently embarked on our first Viking Ocean cruise. We previously experienced their river cruise and enjoyed that so much we decided to try their ocean. We were blown out of the water “pun intended”. For an adult only experience, it was amazing. The ships are smaller and accommodate 900 guests, therefore, it is a more intimate sailing than larger ships. In my opinion, this is different than many cruise lines as it is more focused on the educational and port history experience through the exploration of the destination. It was a very relaxing way to gain knowledge of new destinations by attending guest Lectures & port talks, that provide the history and culture of the next destination. Viking makes the travel as seamless and easy as you would like. Therefore, guests with little international travel experience, Viking will “hand hold” […]
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3/17/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Did you know there is a professional photography studio at Disney Springs where you can have family and individual portraits taken? It's true! Located in the Marketplace of Disney Springs is where you'll find this not-so-hidden gem with unique backdrops and fun props. The best part is that it's free of charge if you have already purchased the Memory Maker photo package! No reservations are needed. Just stop by and get in line! My family popped in for a quick 15–20-minute session during our Disney Spring/break day and got some great shots. We arrived about 15 minutes before they opened and were second in line. By the time the studio opened, however; there were about 20 people behind us, so plan accordingly because it can get busy. Hours change daily, so be sure to check your My Disney Experience app before arriving. Even though the sessions are quick, the photographers […]
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3/14/2023 • Blog, Disneyland, Walt Disney World •
The wait is over! MagicBand+ has made its much-anticipated arrival in Walt Disney World and Disneyland! But what is MagicBand+ and how does it compare to the original MagicBand that debuted a decade ago? Which version will best serve me during my trip? MagicBand+ is a new, interactive wristband to enhance your Disney World vacation. When the first generation MagicBand was introduced 10 years ago, it provided the ultimate convenience for your Disney World trip- the ability to have your tickets, room key, FastPass selections, room charges, and Memory Maker photos all on one bracelet. No more reaching into your wallet every time you need to scan into a queue for your FastPass or reaching for your wallet when you need to charge that Mickey Bar to your room! MagicBand revolutionized the way we vacationed at Disney! MagicBand+ has the same functionality as the original MagicBand, but with some new […]
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3/7/2023 • Blog, Cruises •
With over $600 of included amenities on your Virgin Voyage, you can count on room service as one of those amenities as well! “ShipEats!” is a unique onboard room service option that can be ordered from your Virgin Voyages app, or your in-room tablet. While aboard the Scarlet Lady, I wanted to be sure I experienced as much of the food as I possibly could! And who wouldn’t - with Michelin chefs on board, everything was absolutely amazing. But sometimes, sometimes you just want to hang out on your balcony in your hand crafted hammock and snack, or maybe early mornings at a restaurant just aren’t your thing. ShipEats! is your solution! ShipEats! menus are accessible via your VV app, and include meals, snacks, and drinks, that are included with your voyage cost. Some items on the menu are from the various restaurants on the ship. There are some items, […]
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2/28/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience for the whole family, but it can also be stressful if you have family members who are not as enthusiastic about the trip as you are. Here are some tips on how to get everyone excited about your upcoming Walt Disney World adventure and make it a truly magical experience for everyone. Include everyone in the Planning Process Research Together Download the My Disney Experience app and view park maps, attractions, dining menus, and character meet and greets. Watch YouTube Videos Talk About Favorite Disney / Pixar / Star Wars characters and films! Is there a favorite character someone would LOVE to meet or see in a parade? If you have Star Wars fans, you’ll want to be sure to take a closer look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and plan for extra activities. Wish […]
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2/7/2023 • Blog, Tips •
300,000+...That is the number of adventures offered through Viator, an online marketplace to book your travel excursions. From small remote corners of the world to major cities, Viator is likely to have something for you. Have you ever gone on a vacation and wondered what exciting things await you there? With Viator, your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist can send you customized links to explore the many options available. Then when you find the perfect excursion, you can book right from that link. One of the best things about Viator is the “Reserve Now & Pay Later” option. With this, it doesn’t charge you for the excursion until about 1 week before. This gives you the peace of mind that you won’t miss out by securing your spot, but also the flexibility to update and/or cancel if your plans were to change. Some of the options below are just […]
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1/31/2023 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
The BoardWalk Deli (formerly the BoardWalk Bakery) is located right on Cresent Lake near the Boardwalk Inn. This newly renovated quick service is inspired by the Northeast and offers a huge variety of sweet and savory treats from warm breads to hot and cold deli sandwiches, subs, and pastries galore. They also offer a large selection of premade salads, wraps, and sandwiches that you can grab and go. The Boardwalk Deli is known for their famous warm pastrami Ruben and their New Jersey inspired crumb cake and they look delicious! Seating is outside overlooking the beautiful lake. The BoardWalk Deli serves guests from 6:30AM to 11PM. Reservations are not accepted. If you are staying at the Boardwalk Inn, Beach or Yacht Club, I highly recommend popping over for a tasty treat and enjoy the scenery!
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1/24/2023 • Blog, Cruises, Tips •
For many people, the stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is the highlight of their cruise! Here are some tips to make the most of your visit on this amazing island. You are headed ashore, what should you put in your beach bag? You will want to make sure you do not get off the ship without your Key to the World card and adults will need a picture ID. Throw some sunscreen, your phone or a camera, sunglasses, and some water or a reusable water bottle in your beach bag. If you are traveling with kids you might want to bring a few sand toys. Don’t worry if you forget any of these, you can buy all of this on the island. Outside of the ship, you can pick up some towels for the day. There are more towels by the beach as well. Cast members will have […]
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