Kingdom Konsultant Travel Blog

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is bursting with amenities that could honestly make it the perfect spot for a stay-cation all on its own, but you are also just minutes away from the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks! Universal Resorts are split into four main categories, and this one is classified as a Prime Value hotel, but you get so much bang for your buck here. The retro theme is fun and bright giving major mid-century vibes.  It is fun for kids but sophisticated enough for adults as well.   Let's start with the rooms.  I adore that you can get family suites here that are affordable and give you a bit of extra space and kitchenette area.  Honestly, just myself and my husband stayed in this larger room and it was wonderful to have the separation to get some work done without disturbing him while he slept in. We also made use of the mini fridge and microwave to have breakfasts in our room throughout the weekend, saving time and money! The variety ...

Everyone knows Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. It is one of the original Walt Disney World Resorts, located on the Monorail loop and across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom. Many people know about 'Ohana restaurant within that resort, famous for it’s all you care to eat dinner and character breakfast, but hidden away just around the corner is a gem for breakfast called Kona Café.   Agent Marie with her favorite, Macadamia Nut Pancakes Located in the Great Ceremonial House, just down the hallway from 'Ohana, Kona Café is a quiet and unassuming location with some of the best breakfast choices on property at Walt Disney World.  It underwent a renovation in 2022, but fan favorite menu items remained once it reopened.  Beverages start the offerings with all of your traditional offerings but with a few unique choices that differentiate this dining location.  A press pot of coffee featuring a Hawaiian Kona Blend of coffee is offered as well as Liliko’i ...

On a December 2022 cruise on the Disney Magic, I enjoyed brunch at Palo with a dear friend who happens to be gluten free. Here is everything she ate and her thoughts on each item. At the time of writing, Palo brunch is $45 per person for an all you care to enjoy, course based meal that can be ordered off a menu. There is a dress code for this adult only dining experience, but I noticed the clothing choices were more casual during brunch vs dinner. We went with the suggested order and started with a complimentary glass of champagne, bread service, and charcuterie boards. She chose the seafood based charcuterie, and her bread service was a flatbread with pesto. For those in the know, the gluten free rolls in the main dining rooms on Disney cruises are delicious, fluffy rolls that are at times better than the regular rolls. This pesto flatbread was really good and without being told they were gluten free, we would have been none the wiser. There were enough for me to indulge in a couple a...

A trip overseas is a trip of a lifetime for many and can certainly be overwhelming your first time.  It is often a longer trip which means you likely want to pack more than ever, and you are suddenly worried about travel visas, foreign currency and wondering if you’ll be able to charge your electronics. To take some of the burden off, we’ve put together our top five tips to prepare for international travel! 1) Pack Smart. First, check the dimensions and weight limits for your airlines, as they are often smaller and you don’t want to be trying to figure that out at the airport. Research the weather for your destination and plan accordingly. I’ve spent many rainy days in London and Amsterdam, but when prepared, there’s still a ton to do! However, don’t overpack! Trains and public transportation are popular modes of travel and you’ll want to be able to maneuver your own luggage through stations and on platforms. Plan versatile outfits and layers and a laundry stop to lighten the load ...

Character dining at Walt Disney World is incredibly popular and for good reason. The characters make their way around the room and stop at each table to mingle with the guests. The whole family can take pictures with the characters, get an autograph or just chat it up with their favorite characters. It’s a great way to meet characters without having to stand in line and you get to enjoy a meal while you do it! Talk about an excellent use of multitasking! Below is a list of all of the character dining restaurants, their locations, type of food offered, which meals offer a character dining experience, and which characters you can expect to see at the restaurant. Please note that this list was accurate at the time of posting but character appearances are subject to change. Tigger at The Crystal Palace Magic Kingdom   The Crystal Palace Type of Food: American, Buffet Meals with characters: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, an...

Bigfire is, in my opinion, a great addition to Universal CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort. Having been a huge fan of Emeril's which was previously in this location, I was skeptic, but quickly put at ease once we were inside and met our server and have been back several times since. After a full day in the parks, we had a pretty late dinner on the agenda so we started in the lounge attached to the restaurant.  The cocktail selection is quite extensive, with bourbon drinks being the star here. My Manhattan was delicious and set the tone for a great meal ahead! The bar is also a great stop if you don't have a reservation, I found the bartenders friendly, attentive, and making great drinks! The open kitchen is a great feature as you enter the dining room.  The décor is modern yet cozy with touches of plaid throughout.  The highlight is of course the "big fire", where they wood smoke a variety of meats for the entrees. We started the meal with some wine a...