Skip to main content

Posts

Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

The holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort is a magical time filled with festive cheer, unique entertainment, and delightful treats. From mid-November through the end of December, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of experiences that cater to all ages. Here's a look at what you can expect during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. Entertainment Offerings Universal Orlando Resort goes all out with its holiday entertainment. One of the main highlights is the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s . This parade features larger-than-life balloons and floats inspired by beloved characters from franchises like Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar. Santa Claus himself makes an appearance, lighting up an 80-foot-tall Christmas tree. In addition to the parade, there are several live performances tailored to the season. You can catch The Blues Brothers, Beat Builders, and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees performing holiday-themed shows in various parts o...

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya

If you're planning a trip to EPCOT and have a penchant for sushi, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya should be at the top of your dining list. Nestled in the heart of the Japan Pavilion, this restaurant offers an authentic izakaya experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. A Culinary Adventure in Epcot's Japan Pavilion From the moment you step inside Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, you'll be transported to an authentic Japanese izakaya. The restaurant's warm, inviting ambiance, coupled with traditional decor, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. We were also quite impressed with the service and enjoyed the atmosphere here for our meal. A Delightful Start: The Appetizers We kicked off our meal with the Kara-age Chicken (fried chicken) appetizer and let me tell you—it was love at first bite. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this dish was bursting with flavor. The subtle seasoning and light batter made it an ideal...

Bring a Little Disney Magic to Your Holiday Season

The holiday season is one of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World.   The weather is usually cooler and there are fewer crowds earlier in the season, but more importantly, the resorts and parks are decked out in their finest Christmas decorations.   I don’t always get the chance to visit the parks to see the decorations each holiday season but I have managed to bring a little bit of that Disney Christmas magic to my own home every year.  Here are a few ways you can bring the Disney magic home this holiday season! Decorate Your Tree with Disney Ornaments As a kid, my favorite ornaments on our tree were always the Disney ones so it is only logical that as an adult with my own Christmas tree to decorate, that I would have a tree entirely dedicated to Disney ornaments!   On each trip to Walt Disney World, I pick up a few new ornaments to add to my tree.  They are wonderful souvenirs and it’s a great way to remember our different trips!   I also frequen...

Discover Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village

Immerse yourself in the magic of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village. This deluxe villa resort, part of the Disney Vacation Club, offers a unique blend of African-inspired architecture, stunning savanna views, and modern amenities. Located just a short distance from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Kidani Village provides a serene and immersive experience for guests seeking adventure and relaxation. Rooms Kidani Village offers a variety of room categories to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. Guests can choose from Deluxe Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas, and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas. Each room is thoughtfully designed with African-inspired decor and modern comforts, including kitchenettes or full kitchens, spacious living areas, and private balconies overlooking the savanna or pool area. Deluxe Studios : Sleeps up to 4 adults with 1 queen bed and 1 double-size sleeper sofa. 1-Bedroom Villas : Sleeps up to 5 adults with 1 king bed, 1 que...

You Must Be This Tall to Ride...Walt Disney World Edition

There are certain milestones in a person's life that everyone looks forward to; when you're old enough to drive a car, when you graduate from high school or college and when you're tall enough to ride Space Mountain. I know I can't be the only person who counts being tall enough to ride Space Mountain as a major milestone!  Walt Disney World is a vacation destination the whole family will enjoy but there are some attractions that aren't meant for little ones. These attractions have specific height requirements for guests, meaning they must be the specified height in order to experience the attraction. If you're traveling with little ones, it's important to familiarize yourself with the ride height requirements so you know which attractions your little ones can and can't ride, based on their height.  Magic Kingdom 32 inches - Tomorrowland Speedway (54 inches if they want to drive alone)  35 inches - The Barnstormer 38 inches - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 40 i...

Evening Activities Outside the Theme Parks

Not only can touring theme parks all day be exhausting, but in the off-season, the parks sometimes close earlier as well. Having a game plan for those evenings can be crucial! Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend an evening outside the theme parks. Disney Springs - Dinner or Dessert Disney Springs has really upped its food game in the last several years. You can find a wide variety here, from fine dining to quick service and even food trucks. Honestly, I’ve liked almost everything I’ve tried. This is a great option to mix it up and get a meal at a more leisurely pace since you won’t be running to the next attraction afterward. Many dining options even boast celebrity chefs, great for a foodie like me. Some of my favorites include Morimoto Asia or Paddlefish for a nice dinner (and they both have great lounge/bar areas as well!). T-Rex is also a huge hit for families with dinosaur fans, but the meteor strike can be a little loud and scary for younger kids. The Polite Pig is great...