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6/3/2026 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
A Walt Disney World vacation should feel magical from the very beginning, not overwhelming, rushed, or filled with second guessing. Over the years, Walt Disney World has evolved into a destination that truly benefits from thoughtful planning. From selecting the right resort to navigating park strategies and dining, the details matter and can significantly shape your overall experience. We often see the same planning missteps come up again and again. The good news is that with the right approach, they are all completely avoidable. At Me and the Mouse Travel, our specialists work with families to design seamless, well paced Disney vacations. Let’s walk through some of the biggest offenders so you know what to avoid and how to avoid it, allowing your vacation to feel as effortless as it should. 1. Waiting Too Long to Begin the Planning Process One of the most common missteps is underestimating how far […]
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5/6/2026 • Blog, Reviews, Walt Disney World •
Tucked inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Garden View Lounge Tea Experience has officially returned, offering one of the most elegant and unique ways to enjoy a storybook moment at Walt Disney World. If your idea of Disney magic includes charm, detail, and a touch of luxury, this is an experience that feels like stepping into a fairytale! A Setting That Feels Like a Storybook From the moment you arrive, the Garden View Lounge feels like a bright, airy conservatory. Sunlight comes in through large windows that overlook the resort courtyard, soft florals fill the space, and every detail is thoughtfully designed. There’s a subtle inspiration drawn from Alice in Wonderland, woven into the experience in a way that feels whimsical - perfect for guests who want a quieter kind of magic. What the Experience Is Really Like This is not your typical Disney dining reservation. It’s intentionally […]
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4/29/2026 • Blog, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Our house is a Chicago Bears football household through and through so we had already planned a trip in January not thinking the Bears would still be alive and playing. Imagine our excitement when our already-planned January Disney trip just happened to line up with a playoff run. After years of waiting, the Bears went on an incredible winning streak and suddenly found themselves in the NFC Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, right in the middle of our vacation. Of course, there was no question. We had to find the perfect place to watch! Tucked inside Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Rix Sports Bar & Grill turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. We walked in without a reservation and were pleasantly surprised to only wait about 15 minutes before grabbing seats at the bar. The place was buzzing with fellow Bears fans, instantly creating that […]
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4/15/2026 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
How to Make the Most of Your Arrival & Departure Days at Disney World When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, most travelers focus on their park days—but your arrival and departure days at Disney World can be just as magical. With the right planning, these “in-between” days can add extra fun and relaxation to your trip without feeling rushed. At Me and The Mouse Travel, we specialize in custom Disney vacation planning, helping families make the most of every moment—from arrival to departure. Plan Your Disney World Arrival Day Your arrival day at Disney World sets the tone for your entire vacation. How you plan it depends on your flight times and energy level: Early Arrival: Jump Right In If you arrive early, you can start the fun immediately: Visit a park for a few rides or shows Book a character dining experience to kick off your trip Spend […]
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12/17/2025 • Blog, Holidays & Events, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Jollywood Nights is Disney’s new after-hours holiday celebration at Hollywood Studios on select nights from early November to late December. This separately ticketed event blends old-Hollywood glamour with festive cheer, live entertainment, exclusive shows, holiday décor, fun food & drinks, characters, and even lower wait times on popular attractions. My family and I experienced Jollywood Nights this year for the first time, and we loved every minute of it! Hours: Enter as early as 5:30 PM, with the party running from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Tip: Some early nights sell out — like opening night! 🎉 Festive Entertainment for All Ages Jollywood Nights is packed with parties, shows, and experiences that keep the holiday spirit going all night long! ❄️ 🎭 Shows You Won’t Want to Miss Glisten! – A sparkling ice-skating spectacular right in front of the Chinese Theater, set to holiday classics and original music. Multiple showtimes […]
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10/23/2025 • 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! […]
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10/15/2025 • Adventures by Disney, Aulani, Blog, Cruises, Disneyland, Walt Disney World •
You know you want to travel with your grandchildren (and maybe their parents!) on a Disney vacation, but which Disney destination is going to fit your family’s personality best? From Walt Disney World in Florida, to Disneyland in California, from Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii to the Disney Cruise Line, and even Adventures by Disney trips around the globe—each option has something magical to offer for multigenerational families. The key is to match the experience to your family’s travel style, the ages of the kids, and how active you want your trip to be. Let’s explore which one fits your family best! Walt Disney World—The Ultimate Adventure for Active Families Walt Disney World is the best choice for very active grandparents with plenty of energy and time to travel. With four major theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) plus two water parks, you could […]
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10/7/2025 • Blog, Disneyland, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Nothing quite compares to seeing Cinderella's Castle for the very first time...except maybe seeing it through your grandchild’s eyes. That spark of wonder, the unfiltered joy, the gasp of recognition when they spot their favorite character - this is the heart of Disney magic. And as a grandparent, you have the incredible opportunity to be part of those moments, right beside them. Even the youngest guests will delight in the music, colors, and surprises around every corner, and with thoughtful planning, this trip can become a memory they’ll remember forever - one filled with laughter, discovery, and you at the very center of it all. As someone who grew up visiting Disneyland with my grandmother, I can tell you firsthand: those trips leave a mark on your heart. Every memory of my childhood at the parks includes her whistling along to the music, chatting with the horticulturists outside "it’s a […]
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9/30/2025 • Walt Disney World •
Do you want to live like a pirate? You now have your chance in the all-new Beak and Barrel Tavern located right outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This is a 45-minute immersive experience where you can enjoy a variety of specialty drinks focused on a pirate’s favorite beverage – rum. This experience does require advanced dining reservations, but note, this is not a meal. But you can order snacks off the menu, which provides 4 different options from the galley. We had the “Island Provisions” Plantain Chips, Blue Corn Tortillas, and Toasted Flatbread served with Mango Chutney, Garlic Chimichurri, Spiced Guava, and Zesty Cilantro Cream Dips, which was very good and definitely enough for 2 people as a snack. You may also not be given a seat during your experience. In fact, the location we were given was the bar, which was standing only. It worked fine for […]
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9/9/2025 • Walt Disney World •
Two parties. Two vibes. One magical holiday season! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights each offer their own sparkle—so which one should you choose? I was able to attend both parties and I’m excited to give you my honest assessment. Both bring holiday magic in their own unique way—but they’re very different experiences. Here’s what stood out at each party, and how to know which one is the right fit for your holiday style. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the “original” officially debuting in 1983. This party is held at Magic Kingdom. With admission, guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookie stations, themed shows and parades, character meet and greets in holiday outfits and with limited attendance, ride wait times were a little shorter. The vibe of this party was magical, but felt a little crowded and chaotic at times. Can’t Miss Event: Mickey’s Once […]
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