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Chichen Itza & the Mayan Ruins

If you’re sailing a Western Caribbean itinerary that includes Cozumel, you could do the normal things on the island (exploring, shopping, etc.). Then again, you might get the chance to see one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Chichen Itza, which is close enough to visit while in port. Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. While cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, I booked an excursion to these legendary Mayan ruins through the RCCL app (Chichen Itza Ruins: Augmented & Virtual Reality). Be ready for a LONG day, because you’re getting off the ship at roughly 7:30am local time & returning between 4:30 – 5:00pm. At 7:00am, we met inside the Royal Theater on Deck 4 to sign in. The process was quick, providing you had everything they requested prior: Sea Pass Card Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license) Some additional items you’ll want to bring: Water Sunscreen Motion si...

Salt and Straw

With school out and summer in full swing, it's officially ice cream season! Or, if you're me, ice cream season never stopped :) With Florida heat, it is almost always a good time for ice cream, but let's celebrate National Ice Cream Day (July 16th) by celebrating this fabulous spot in Disney Springs.  Salt and Straw is a Portland based ice cream company that opened up a location in Disney Springs to bring "a moment of happiness and connection to the community around you" through ice cream.  The ice cream is hand made, celebrates local flavors and ingredients, and has a rotating seasonal flavor menu.   There is often a line out the door for some fresh scoops, but it typically moves pretty fast and is worth the wait.  Once you're inside, you are met with incredible hospitality and can try the flavors that spark your interest before making that all important decision.  There are some flavors that are always available, but they also rotate a seasonal menu abou...

Oga's Cantina at Walt Disney World

Star Wars : Galaxy's Edge has been extremely popular at Walt Disney World since it opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.  One of our favorite spots in this new area is Oga's Cantina, a very popular lounge where you can get all kinds of fun drinks and take in the atmosphere of Batuu's hot spot. Space inside Oga's is limited so advance reservations are highly recommend and can be made up to 60 days in advance. Even with an advance reservation, be prepared to wait in line outside a bit before being let in. Oga's Cantina is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and reservations are recommended for all meal periods. The small location offers a wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails that are out of this world.  They also offer a very limited selection of bar bites.  The snacks aren't enough for a meal but they are a tasty option if you need something to eat while you enjoy your cocktails. Batuu Bits: Crispy Galaxy Snack Bits with ...

Backlot Express Review

Backlot Express  Backlot Express is located just past the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! show, on the way to Star Tours. It's kind of tucked away, but not at all hard to find. There is indoor seating, outdoor seating and outdoor covered seating that was warm but manageable on the day we visited. We went right at noon so it was crowded but we were lucky to find a seat inside, right by the drink fountain. The line on this particular day was stretched out the door and winding through the seating area, so I thought mobile ordering might be a good idea. It turns out I was right! After placing the order, which was very easy, our food was ready in less than 5 minutes--definitely the way to go! Mobile Order Pick-up Covered outdoor seating As I said, we both enjoyed chicken tenders and fries, which is your typical Disney chickie tendies and fries fare. Nothing over the top but consistently good. The menu at Backlot Express has a decent variety of items. As of this writing, y...

Be Our Guest Restaurant Review

Be Our Guest Restaurant, inspired by Disney's Beauty and the Beast, quickly became one of the most popular restaurants in Magic Kingdom after it opened in 2012.  It has changed a few times since then, and is now a Signature Dining, 3-course prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner (no longer serving breakfast).  The Beast hosts this meal since it is his castle, but it is not  a character dining meal and you won't be able to get photos or autographs with the host. Since it's one of our most asked about dining experiences, we wanted to give it a nice thorough review for you! Be Our Guest is located in New Fantasyland and is quite a beautiful establishment with Beast's Castle up in the distance.  As a table service restaurant that is always busy, advanced dining reservations are highly recommended.  Although if you are willing to eat at off times, we have seen walk up availability available around 4-5pm sometimes! I love the carvings aro...

Worlds of Marvel on the Disney Wish

Marvel Cinematic Universe fans assemble! Worlds of Marvel is one of three rotational dining restaurants on the Disney Wish. The menu includes dishes from around the globe, inspired by your favorite Marvel characters and iconic locations. Worlds of Marvel is not just a dining experience. It's also a showcase of revolutionary quantum technology with an interactive show filled with fun surprises and appearances from some of the Avengers. During your visit to Worlds of Marvel, Ant-Man and The Wasp share a special presentation of some of the most powerful technologies in the Marvel Universe. The show is presented on video screens located throughout the restaurant so every table has a great view of the show. If you're familiar with other Disney Cruise Line ships, think Animator's Palate when you think of this restaurant's setup. In addition to the presentation, there's also a hands-on demonstration of the Quantum Core. Quantum Core at each table This is where guests get t...