By Mindy Loupe The thought of taking small children to Walt Disney World or on a Disney Cruise Line vacation can feel overwhelming. As a mom of two boys who have been visiting Disney destinations since they were just six months old, I can promise you it doesn't have to be stressful. With a little planning and a few helpful tricks, your family can create magical memories that will last a lifetime. By Meghan Umlauf Whether you're looking at a European river cruise, an African safari, or a family adventure through Italy, one thing becomes clear very quickly: Adventures by Disney vacations are an amazing option - but are they worth the higher price tag? As a travel advisor who helps families plan Disney destinations, this is one of the most common questions I receive: "Is Adventures by Disney really worth the price?" The short answer is yes, for the right traveler. The longer answer is a bit more nuanced. Let's take a closer look at what Adventures by Disney actually includes, who gets the most value from these trips, and why so many guests return to book a second adventure. The Ultimate Guide to Universal Epic Universe: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit6/5/2026 Super Nintendo World When Universal announced Epic Universe, the expectations were enormous. A brand-new theme park, five immersive worlds, groundbreaking attractions, and the largest expansion in Universal Orlando Resort's history? It sounded almost too ambitious to live up to the hype. After visiting Epic Universe multiple times, I can confidently say it does. What surprised me most wasn't any single attraction or land. It was how different the entire park feels compared to anything else in Orlando. Epic Universe isn't designed around a collection of rides. Instead, it feels like a collection of worlds, each with its own atmosphere, architecture, music, and personality. Whether you're planning your first visit or trying to decide if Epic Universe deserves a spot in your next Orlando vacation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you go. Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts sit side by side on Crescent Lake, sharing the most celebrated pool complex at Walt Disney World and an unbeatable location just steps from EPCOT's International Gateway. They are sister resorts in the truest sense connected, complementary, and together forming one of the most beloved corners of Disney property. If you have ever glided past on the monorail and thought 'one day I am going to stay there you are not alone. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Walt Disney World's flagship property, and it has been making that promise to guests since 1988. Modeled after the grand Victorian seaside resorts of Florida's gilded era, the Grand Floridian announces itself immediately: polished marble floors, soaring atrium ceilings, Victorian chandeliers, a live pianist or band playing Disney melodies in the lobby, and cast members in crisp white uniforms who treat every guest like royalty. There are Disney resorts with great theming. There are Disney resorts with great pools. And then there are Disney resorts with great locations. Disney's BoardWalk Inn is one of the rare properties that delivers on all three and it does so with a personality unlike anything else on Disney property. Inspired by the seaside boardwalks of early 20th-century Atlantic City, the BoardWalk Inn wraps guests in a world of carnival games, saltwater taffy colors, ragtime music, and waterfront energy that feels both nostalgic and endless fun. Have you ever thought about staying Club Level at one of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts? My family and I recently stayed at the Yacht Club on the fifth floor which is the Club Level. The entire Club Level Lounge has been newly renovated. Upon check in we were escorted by a Cast Member from the front desk up to the fifth floor which is where the Regatta Club is located. Once there a Club Level Cast Member greeted us and handed us a letter which contained a number in which we could call from our room should we need something. As well as a cell number which we could text should we have any issues in the parks that we needed to reach them. To the best of my knowledge this is something new as when we have stayed Club Level before this was not offered. The Regatta Club Floor can only be accessed by using your Magic Band in the elevator. During the hours of 7:00 am-10:30 am coffee and continental breakfast is available. Mid Day snacks are offered around 11:30.At 5:00 hors d'oeuvres, wine & beer are offered before dinner and dessert and cordials for early evening. If you have special dietary requests, your concierge can sometimes assist in getting you the item(s) you might need during your stay. Should you like a glass of sparkling wine or beer before 5:00pm all you need to do is simply as one of the Cast Members in the Lounge. Often times in the morning guests were having mimosas with their breakfast. We found that the breakfast was the perfect amount of food before we headed into the parks. Breakfast also included hard boiled eggs, meats, cheese, dried fruit, yogurt, oatmeal and some other type of hot food. One day it was grits another day it was mini quiches. Mid day snacks included, juices, water, soda, coffee, tea (which was available all day) vegetables, dip, hummus, pita bread, chips, cookies, candy, pretzels, trail mix. This varied from day to day. However it was a nice snack to have during the day. The evening there were typically two hot hors d'oeuvres, cheeses, meats, vegetables, and something for the kids too one evening it was Mac & cheese another evening it was chicken nuggets. We found it nice to sit before we went to dinner and have a quick bite to eat. One of the nicest touches was the Guide to the Magic that was delivered to our door nightly. This listed the weather, our Lightning Lane Reservations, as well as any dining reservations we had. It was very personalized and my daughter’s noticed immediately how the avatars from our My Disney Experience Account were also included.
If you are looking for a “little” bit of Magic on your next Disney Vacation I highly would recommend the Club Level at any of the Deluxe Resorts. On our Tink’s Magical Vacations You Tube Channel there is a video of the Regatta Club as well as a guest room at the Yacht Club. Regatta Club Video Yacht Club Room Looking for a more elevated Disney experience? Tink's Concierge Collection specializes in exactly that! DCL Concierge staterooms, Club Level resorts, Adventures by Disney, VIP Tours, and more. Discover the TCC Experience Did you know that there’s a hidden oasis right in the middle of Orlando? I didn’t either, until I experienced it firsthand. Tucked right next to SeaWorld Orlando is a serene, all-inclusive paradise called Discovery Cove, and it completely changes the way you think about a theme park day. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere feels different. Instead of crowds and chaos, you’re welcomed into a lush, tropical setting where relaxation takes center stage. With a limited daily capacity of just 1,300 guests, the park never feels crowded which is something that’s almost unheard of in Orlando. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind, whether that means lounging on a sandy beach, floating along a peaceful lazy river, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty around you. By Mindy Sheldon So you’ve taken the leap and booked your first Disney Cruise. Congratulations! You’re about to experience a vacation unlike any other. Disney Cruise Line does things a bit differently than other cruise lines. Disney’s focus is on creating magical experiences and quality family time while still giving adults plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy themselves. Now that you’ve booked the cruise here are the things you should know about what you should do and how the cruise will progress; Adventures by Disney Portugal: Why This Was One of the Most Surprising Trips I've Ever Taken6/3/2026 By Meghan Umlauf When most people think of Portugal, they picture colorful cities, historic castles, and beautiful beaches. Those things certainly delivered, but what surprised me most was how much deeper we were able to experience the country through Adventures by Disney. This wasn't a trip where we simply checked famous landmarks off a list. Instead, it was filled with authentic local experiences, incredible storytelling, and special moments that would have been difficult to arrange on our own. The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal package available exclusively to guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel as part of a vacation package. Rather than paying for each meal out of pocket, you receive a set number of meal and snack credits per person, per night - so you can focus on the magic. instead of the menu prices. For 2026, Disney offers two tiers of the Dining Plan, and one very exciting promotion that makes this year, particularly compelling for families with young children. Travelling in 2027? The Dining Plan has 3 tiers! Let me be very clear about something up front: we are adults. A group of fully grown, card-carrying adults who show up to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party every year in full costume, clutching our trick-or-treat bags, and having the absolute time of our lives. And we are not alone. One of the most magical things about this event is looking around Magic Kingdom and seeing everyone - kids, families, grandparents, groups of friends, all dressed up, all giddy, all completely swept up in the magic of it. Is the extra ticket worth it? We have asked ourselves that question exactly zero times. But for those of you still on the fence, let us break it down — because the answer is an emphatic, glitter-covered, pumpkin-scented yes. Nestled on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa offers a spectacular blend of Hawaiian culture and Disney magic. From its breathtaking landscapes to its world-class amenities, Aulani provides guests with a tropical escape that promises unforgettable memories for families, couples, and adventurers alike. A Resort Rich in Hawaiian Heritage The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is an annual event and one of Walt Disney World's most popular traditions. Celebrating global cuisine, beverages, music, and culture, the festival transforms EPCOT into a foodie paradise for nearly three months each year. The festival traditionally runs from late-August through mid-November (actual dates vary each year), providing guests plenty of opportunity to experience the event. Over the years, SeaWorld has changed, mostly for the good. It started as a small park centered around endangered sea life and rescue efforts. They had a few areas where you could interact with dolphins and stingrays as well as their featured presentations. There was the Orca show, the Dolphin show and the Penguin show. It was a one-day park in Orlando that people took their small children to once. That has all changed. |
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