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Resort Hopping - Magic Kingdom Resorts

Do you ever want a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks but still want to be doing something  and feeling Disney along the way?  Resort hopping is one of my favorite ways to spend the time outside of the parks and get a change of scenery and try some new things.  There are 4 (maybe 5) resorts in the Magic Kingdom area that are super easy to get to and each have something unique to offer.  Here are some ideas of things you can do at each resort, whether you want to spend a few minutes to a whole day.  I highly recommend the atmosphere at all of the resorts which is free to enjoy, but most of the recommended activities do come with a small cost associated (grab a snack, drink etc). Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa The Grand Floridian is the flagship resort of Walt Disney World.  It is full of elegance and has much to offer, even has its very own wedding pavilion.  You can arrive here via walking path from the Magic Kingdom, Monorail or Resort Launch. 

Le Petit Chef on Celebrity Beyond

When you go on a cruise, one of the big things that a ship is judged on is its food. Quality. Quantity. What’s included; what's not and so on. Recently, I was on the Celebrity Beyond for an Eastern Caribbean sailing to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  Usually I tend to stick to the included offerings for dining. The Oceanview Café (the buffet offering) is always good for me for breakfast and lunch, as is the four separate dining rooms, each of which offers the same dinner menu rotation, but also include dishes from the area of the world they represent; Normandie being French, Cosmopolitan being Continental, Cyprus being Greek, and Tuscan being Italian.  On this last sailing I was convinced to try a specialty restaurant/dining experience by the name of Le Petit Chef. At this dining experience, you are seated at a table and a video show is presented all over your table, guided by none other than Le Petit Chef himself, as he makes your dinner.  The an

Why you should stay at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort - Especially with a Big Family!

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort transports you to an island paradise! The atmosphere at the resort truly makes you feel like you're in the Caribbean.  The brand new under the sea rooms and the Disney Skyliner are just a few reasons why it's an excellent place to stay for families.  1. Accommodates a family of 6 Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a very popular moderate level Disney Resort near Disney's Hollywood Studios. As a family of 6, we can stay here, even though it's advertised as having rooms that fit up to 5 guests. This works when one of the guests is age 2 and under. Most rooms have 2 queen beds. There are some rooms called a 5th sleeper room which also have a single bunk. This Murphy style bunk is perfect for most kids under 12, or about 5 feet tall. My kids love to have their own special bed. The infant or toddler can have a Pack 'N Play or a crib in the room as well. You can comfortably fit 4 adults, one child (under 12) and one infant in the 5t

Our Favorite Mocktails at Walt Disney World

Your resident foodie and vacation lush here to chime in on our favorite zero-proof drinks at the parks which I feel like Disney has done a much better job of recently.  Zero-proof alcohol is really having a moment so you can get a lot more mocktails that aren't just sugary sweet, and I am here for it!  Whether you are trying out "Dry January" for your visit, currently pregnant, underage, or just choose not to drink for whatever reason, I hope this list helps you find something to look forward to trying on your next trip! Let's start with a popular one from the last year, the EARidescent Sip-a-bration drink.  This delight can be found at most lounges throughout the 50th celebration at Walt Disney World. It features Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade and Fruity Strawberry Punch, and is served in a souvenir 50th Celebration Cup with a surprise character. This is definitely a kid-friendly drink but it is so fun to drop in the character and watch the drink change color and sta

Universal Mardi Gras 2023

Universal Orlando Resort has so much to offer at all times of year, but from around February to April each year, the Universal Studios Florida park gets a little more pizazz as they add in Mardi Gras celebrations, all included with the price of your regular admission!  It includes international inspired food booths, a parade complete with beads, and concerts by some of your favorite artists on select nights.  Join us as we go beyond the Bayou for Universal's Mardi Gras, featuring NOLA favorites and the best of Carnaval celebrations around the world.  The 2023 event is International Flavors of Mardi Gras and runs from February 4th to April 16th, 2023.  Due to a special event on March 31st, the parade will not be offered.  The parade is always a great time, full of energy, beautiful floats and beads to catch while you watch. The parade this year will feature some favorite floats from the past and also introduce six brand new floats. But did you know, you can even ride on the floats y

Resort Studio Room Tour at The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

I didn't think Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa could get any grander, but then I stayed in one of their Resort Studio rooms. These are the newest rooms at The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Resort Studio rooms are located in the Big Pine Key building which is very close to the main building. The location makes it very convenient to get to the dining options and transportation. Not only is the building close to the main building but it's also across from the Courtyard Pool and Courtyard Pool Bar. Resort Studio rooms are located in the Big Pine Key building When you enter Big Pine Key, you're greeted with a simply lovely lobby. The furniture is super cute and gives off a very cozy, chic vibe. There's lots of pastel colors with floral prints and touches of nature. Lobby seating area in the Big Pine Key building The chic, nature inspired vibe continues down the hallways and into the Resort Studio rooms. I couldn't love these r