It took my family quite some time to venture to the Universal Orlando Resort for the first time. We had enjoyed visiting Walt Disney World for years, but didn’t think we would have as much fun in a different place. Mostly, we thought, like so many other families, that our small children would have nothing…
New Fantasyland: Does it live up to expectations?
Many months of anticipation came to an end when the last of the new Fantasyland rides, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, opened in the Spring of 2014. For over two years the Fantasyland hub underwent major constructions and fans eagerly awaited to see the outcome of the largest expansion Disney undertook in the Magic Kingdom…
Book Review: The Unofficial Guide: WDW with Kids 2015
I recently picked up this book along with The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2015 (the author’s call the aforementioned “the big book”), as a companion guide for our upcoming 2015 trip to Walt Disney World. While it looks measly in comparison to “the big book”, this guide is still 480 pages filled with…
Rikki’s Mouse Bites – Walt Disney World News 1/19/15
Disney has announced the dates for The Epcot Food and Wine Festival. This year’s event will take place for 53 days from September 25 through November 16. The Garden Rocks Concert Series artists have been announced for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. (The concert series was formerly called the Flower Power Concert Series). The…
A Book Review: Disney Tips & Secrets
I recently read a book entitled Disney Tips & Secrets: Unlocking the Magic of a Walt Disney World Vacation, written by Roger Wilk. At just over 120 pages, it was a quick read, as well as being enjoyable. One of the best things for me is that it is currently offered for free for Amazon…
Foodie Friday: Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant
A few months back, I talked about the step-by-step process in being able to make FastPass+ reservations for being able to dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch. Well today, I’m back to tell you how the whole process worked! (Keep in mind, the ability to make a FastPass+ reservation for Be Our Guest…
The Trail’s End Restaurant: A Hidden Gem
The Trail’s End Restaurant, located at the Walt Disney World Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort, is not a dining location you hear about often. As the restaurant’s name suggests, it’s a little off the beaten path for many Walt Disney World Guests. We discovered this hidden gem a couple of years ago when we…
Chase the Winter Blues Away with Dreams of Stormalong Bay
Now that the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season is behind us, and winter is in full effect (at least here in Michigan – there’s a reason our state is shaped like a mitten!), all we can seem to think about is escaping the sub-zero wind-chills and blustery snow! When we can’t seem to…
Garden Grocer Review: Vacation Grocery Delivery at Your Fingertips
Let me just say it, I dislike grocery shopping. Even more, I dislike grocery shopping while on vacation. Why waste my precious Disney time waiting in line at the store when I can be waiting to ride Splash Mountain? That being said, I welcomed the thought of someone else picking up and delivering my vacation grocery…
Port Orleans French Quarter: Dreaming of Mardi Gras
Port Orleans French Quarter Port Orleans French Quarter is one of my favorite Disney Resorts. While I have stayed at it’s sister property Port Orleans Riverside I love the feel of the French Quarter best. The seven colorful buildings with wrought-iron filigree, shuttered windows, and old-fashioned iron lampposts are nestled around lovely courtyards. While it…
Need a Quick Nap? Places to Rest Your Tired Eyes (and Feet) at Disney World
I don’t typically recommend sleeping through attractions at Walt Disney World, but I know how exhausting traveling can be. You arrive at the park early in the morning, prepared to ride and take in as many shows as possible by park closing. You follow your plan, but when lunch takes longer than expected or the…
Movie Review: The Emperor’s New Groove
The Emperor’s New Groove was released on December 15, 2000 as the fortieth full-length animated feature in Disney history. It is seventy-eight minutes in length. Plot Summary Ah, politics. Some leaders are likeable; some are not. Some are mean yet competent, while others are kindhearted but clueless. Unfortunately for the Inca people, their emperor, Kuzko,…