It’s been two years since our first visit to Universal Orlando. Little has changed in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with the exception of one GIANT addition, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure The queue for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure starts just behind Hogsmeade village. During our visit we experienced both the standard wait time and the virtual visit … Continue reading Universal Orlando- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, May 2021

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a prime-value level resort located directly next to Volcano Bay Waterpark (you even get a dedicated entrance)! The retro mid-century modern themed lobby and central spaces make it fun for both kids and grown-ups alike. Details like VO5 brand “cream rinse” in your room and pay phones transport you to a different time and give you tons of chances to … Continue reading Universal Orlando- Cabana Bay Beach Resort, May 2021

Resort Grounds Lowe’s Portofino Bay Universal Resort is a world away from the busy Universal Theme Parks. (I mean this figuratively; the location is actually conveniently close to City Walk & Park Entrances.) It is modeled after a real Italian waterfront town, with scooters for photo ops and colorful sailboats moored in the harbor. The facades of the building are painted with a trompe d’oeil … Continue reading Universal Orlando- Lowe’s Portofino Bay Resort, May 2021

Animal Kingdom Park is divided into multiple themed areas. Each is home to attractions, animal exhibits, dining, and performances that educate about the wildlife that live in that part of the world. Additionally, the park celebrates and introduces guests to the culture and art of people that live around the world. The photos posted are from trips prior to 2020, so some experiences are currently … Continue reading Animal Kingdom- Africa

Living with the Land Obviously, as an EE professional that works at a Botanical Garden, I’m going to think Living with the Land is totally rad. However, unless they are just humoring me, the other members of my family are totally into it also. (I think) it is fascinating to learn where your food comes from, and in The Land they demonstrate that science will … Continue reading Epcot for Science Nerds

When they announced that Disney World’s next expansion would be based on a more than a decade old R-rated movie, I think we were all a little skeptical. It doesn’t hurt to watch the movie in advance and to show the milder scenes to your kids. However, you can also have an immersive experience on another planet without a whole lot of prior knowledge. Mo’ara … Continue reading Animal Kingdom’s Pandora: The World of Avatar

Sure, you could wait in line for two hours for a 2-minute ride on 7 Dwarfs Mine Train. Or, you can explore three classic attractions in that time. An easy walk between Frontierland and Liberty Square gets you to the raft to Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Bell Steamboat Cruise, and the Country Bear Jamboree. Country Bear Jamboree On your way between the Liberty Belle … Continue reading Old Time Adventures at Magic Kingdom

Our first time visiting Galaxy’s Edge was for Passholder Preview in August of 2019. There were some kinks to still be worked out, and the Cast Members were still working out how they would interact as characters in the immersive story atmosphere. Instead of lining up for character meet and greets, they are acting out the story; Rey and Chewie are working on their ships … Continue reading Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios, 2019

Coronado Resort holds a special place in our hearts as the very first Disney property we ever visited. We’ve stayed at the resort on five of our trips, most recently in the new Gran Destino tower. From Coronado it is a short bus ride to Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom sometimes feels like a bit of a hike by bus. One downside … Continue reading Coronado Resort at Walt Disney World