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. 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. 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. When most guests think of Walt Disney World, they picture attractions, fireworks, and character dining. But tucked away inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of Walt Disney World’s most elegant and relaxing hidden gems, the newly reimagined Garden View Lounge Tea Experience. For guests looking to slow down, indulge, and enjoy a truly refined Disney experience, afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian is pure magic. |
Check out some of our trip reports, tips and tricks and different Disney experiences in out blog!
Archives
June 2026
Categories
All
|