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Top 10 Ways to Save Money on your Disney Cruise

Who doesn’t like saving money? Going on vacation doesn't have to break the bank. Here are my top 10 ways you can save money on your next (or first!) Disney Cruise: Welcome Aboard, Captain Mickey! 1. Book Early – The best advice I can give for saving money on a Disney Cruise is to book early. Over time, Disney Cruise prices go up because as a specific category fills up, the prices go up. When Disney releases new itineraries, the more popular ones can go up in price even on that first day! Disney Dream at Castaway Cay 2. Book a mystery room  – If you can’t book early, you may get some discounts by booking last-minute. Disney has a special fare for late planners. The highly restricted fares called IGT (inside guaranteed room), OGT (ocean view guaranteed room) and VGT (verandah guaranteed room) can save you hundreds! They're non-refundable , but can get you a great deal on that cruise you have had your eye on all year! You won't get to choose your stateroom #, but yo

Cruising with a Baby: A Complete Guide

You took a baby on a cruise!? Yep, and I'd do it again knowing what I know now. So, say goodbye to months of research - Everything you need to know is here!! One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a baby is planning what you need to bring. I wanted to share what worked for us, and hopefully help others who are planning their cruise! Remember, babies can only cruise after their 6-month birthday on sailings from the U.S. If you are going transatlantic, or have more than three days out at sea, they must be 12 months old by the first day of your cruise. Pre-Cruise   We flew to the cruise port, and I couldn’t bring all the food and snacks I needed, so I placed an Instacart order for pick up near the port. I chose Publix in Cocoa Beach which is a few miles from Port Canaveral. I placed the order a few days before we left home, and set the pickup time to 11:00 a.m. I ordered formula, a box of diapers, swim diapers, bottle brush, dish soap, baby food, and baby snacks. I also broug

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Review

I had the opportunity to stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa while at the Disneyland Resort recently, and I truly loved every second of my stay beginning at check-in with the gracious Cast Member who made the process quick and easy (and who also gave me the most-coveted of items: the “1 st Visit” button). The lobby at the Grand Californian is absolutely stunning. The Craftsman style architecture is reminiscent of, but not exactly like, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort. The lobby is somehow elegant, cozy and comfortable all at the same time thanks to the large fireplace and lots of soft seating. You can check in using the Disneyland app, drop your bags with bell services and head into the parks or to the pool if your room isn’t ready yet. The resort will send you a text with your room number and you can use your phone to unlock your door. So easy! The rooms at the Grand Californian are spacious and well appointed. Our room had 2 queen beds and

Toadstool Cafe at Universal Studios Hollywood

Growing up, Super Nintendo was the ultimate gaming system. I remember spending hours trying to defeat Bowser in Super Mario World and racing to the finish line in Super Mario Kart. When Universal announced that SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ was coming to Universal Studios Hollywood, my inner child (and grown adult self) was absolutely elated! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is a totally immersive land that truly transports you to the world of Mario, Luigi and their friends. One of those friends is Toad, who is serving as Chef at the Toadstool CafĂ©. The restaurant is a quick service option that features tasty creations, very much on theme. It's the only dining location within the area so be prepared for limited capacity and high demand. Reservations can only be made in person on the day of your visit by scanning a QR code posted outside the entrance to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and the Toadstool Cafe. If reservations are fully booked, you may still be able to join the wait list but joining the wait list