Welcome to The Orlando DINKs Blog! We are Disney loving adults that write about our travel adventures and fun things to do in Florida and beyond.
Hi there, we are Julie and Andrew, a childfree millennial couple that chased our dreams and moved to Florida in 2019. Formerly known as the The Disney DINKs, we have now expanded our content to include even more fun things to do in Orlando (and beyond!). One of our favorite quotes from Walt Disney is “Adults are only kids grown up anyway.” and we believe in adding magic and adventure to life as much as possible. Whether exploring fun attractions, tasting new food and drinks, planning a getaway, or trying new date nights, we love to share our experiences to help others learn of cool new things to try. Check out the variety of content we cover below:
Walt Disney World
We have written about many aspects of Walt Disney World in Florida. Check out some of our categories below:
While Disney World is already picture-perfect, you need to be photoshoot-ready behind the camera, too! Here are a few things to keep in mind as a photographer on your next Disney World trip…
As Walt Disney once said, " Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world. It is something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing and adding to." With many new park updates announcements some get us more excited that others and we have been anxiously anticipating a new addition to the World Showcase at Epcot. The France pavilion is one of our faves and we love the movie Ratatouille, so we thought this development would be a great addition. This week we were offered the opportunity to preview this new area early with an Annual Pass Preview reservation. Read on for all the details of the new area…
One big event that draws crowd every fall is the Food and Wine Festival. This year marks the 25th year of this special event, but with 2020 being the year of change we knew this year’s festival may look a little different. While there is still a festival planned this year it is scaled back from previous versions and being called Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. So come along as we explore what a “mini festival” at Epcot is like…
With the parks closed for the last few months we have been anxiously awaiting to see what they would be like once open again. Well yesterday we were fortunate to get that chance as we attended an Annual Passholder preview day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Honestly leading up to this visit we have had so many thoughts in our head. While we weren’t concerned about Disney properly handling safety we did wonder:
Can we last in a park, in the heat with a mask?
What will crowds be like? Will they comply with rules?
Will Disney still feel magical?
At the end of the day is paying for a ticket to Disney still worth it?
Read on for a full review of our park experience including plenty of info on new safety measures and changes…
While we find Disney’s Animal Kingdom to have some of the best dining options in the parks (like Tiffin’s!), on our last visit we decided to try something a little different: a pizza joint. Pizzafari is located in Discovery Isle and offers a dinner option that is a cross between quick service and table service. We were in the mood for carbs and the price seemed reasonable so we ventured over to try out this spot. Read on for a full review of the Family-Style Dining offering…
While we love strolling Epcot’s World Showcase and sampling food and drink along the way, once in awhile we love booking a table service meal in one of the countries. Morocco has always been one of our favorite stops for flavorful cuisine. The menus can seem a bit more adventurous for some, which we find can actually lead to less kids and a quieter atmosphere. Having opened in 2014, Spice Road Table is a newer addition to the pavilion and has quickly become one of our favorites. Read on to hear more about this great dinner spot…
Throughout the year there are a few different seasons that bring some extra magic to Disney parks. One of those times happens to be in the spring when Epcot hosts the International Flower & Garden Festival. We had been to this festival years ago, and boy has it grown! (Food booths didn’t even exist back then!) While the 2020 festival season was cut short we were lucky enough to visit a little bit in the beginning and wanted to share the offerings this year. From beautiful gardens, to fresh food, and springtime merch, read on to hear what this festival has to offer…
This past Christmas we tried something new and booked a visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day (make sure to check out our recap article on 5 lessons learned). We knew we wanted a cozy holiday meal, and decided to book a mid-day reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern. This colonial-style table service restaurant is known best for family-style Thanksgiving meals. More recently they have also added some a la carte options too which we decided to explore this time. Read on to hear about this hearty dining option…
Throughout the year there are a few different seasons that bring some extra magic to Disney parks. One of those times happens to be in the winter when Epcot hosts the International Festival of the Arts. This was the one festival we had never attended before this year (can you believe it?) We couldn’t wait to see an artistic spin on the park and see all of the offerings available. While we are sad to say yesterday was the last official day, we still wanted to provide an overview of our thoughts and all of the reasons this is our new favorite festival that we can’t wait for again next year…
Christmas is magical. Disney is magical. So if you put the two together you should end up with something extra magical, right? But on the other hand we have heard Christmas Day can be one of the busiest days of the year, where the park can hit max capacity and close. Since this was our first holiday season in Orlando we decided now was a good a time as any to find out what it is really like to visit Walt Disney World on Christmas day. Read on to hear about our experience and some lessons learned for future Christmas Day adventurers.
Once again it is that spooky season at the parks, and it is time for another Disney Friends Blog Hop! Being October, what is more appropriate theme than Halloween? We will be discussing Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (if you are looking for a great overview of the party in general make sure to start with our article from last year first: “10 Tips for Adults to Enjoy Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.”) While every year many people report on what is new at the party, this year we wanted to dig in a little further… We were able to attend the party quite a few times and do some experimenting on different aspects of the party. Curious to learn more on what we discovered? Read on, if you dare… (then check out the end of this article for other fun Disney Halloween articles!)
Since Walt Disney World has reopened we have been able to visit the parks several times. (Curious about what the parks are like? Check out our article: Walt Disney World After COVID Reopening Part 1: Visiting the Parks) Recently we decided to try a resort stay as well to see how that experience compares to “normal” as well. We booked a visit to Disney’s Polynesian resort and spent some time at the Grand Floridian next door too. There were quite a few notable changes with new safety measures and social distancing guidelines in place. So read on for all the details of what to expect when staying on property in a world adjusted for COVID…
If you have read some of our resort reviews before, you may have figured out that we are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. We have been blue card holders since 2013 and have used our membership in various ways. We find that we get a lot of questions about DVC, with the most frequent being “Is DVC worth it?” It can be a bit confusing at first to figure out how the membership exactly works so we wanted to break it down for our readers. With this article we will be covering…
Many people ask us what is our favorite restaurant on Disney property and the truth is there are so many that we love it can be hard to pick just one. But today we wanted to write about one of our favorites that we think is a perfect spot for a special date night out. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, one of our favorite resorts, you can find Narcoossee’s. This casual elegance restaurant features coastal cuisine dishes. We recently dined here on Christmas Eve, read on for a full review from that night…
When we joined Disney Vacation Club in 2013 our points were purchased for ownership at Animal Kingdom villas. Our contract states that we technically own at Kidani Village, but the funny thing is we had never actually stayed there and had always been booked in Jambo house instead. The two buildings make up the Animal Kingdom resort but Jambo is the main lodge that also has non DVC rooms, where Kidani is DVC only. We have really enjoyed Jambo over the years but on a recent trip Kidani was the only option available so we were finally able to experience our actual home resort. Read on for an overview and a recap of our stay…
The last time we stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge we had enjoyed visiting Boma - Flavors of Africa. This restaurant resembles a lively African marketplace and features bountiful buffets at both breakfast and dinner. On non park days we tend to enjoy getting up a bit later and enjoying a later and larger breakfast. We decided on a recent trip to dine at Boma once again and wanted to share the unique offerings of this establishment. Read on for some more details and pics…
We have been Disney Vacation Club Members since 2013 and have been a bit spoiled by usually staying in deluxe accommodations. This past Fall, Andrew had a last minute business trip pop up to Orlando so we decided to turn it into a weekend trip to Disney. Because it was so close to the date (and also a popular time) there wasn’t a single DVC option available for us to book. We stilll wanted to stay on Disney property so we searched for the best price available and ended up booking at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. We have stayed at Value level resorts in the past, but had never actually stayed at a Moderate resort. We figured this was a great opportunity to mix it up a bit and be able to compare the different resort levels.
On our last trip to the World we decided to explore more of the resorts and do some activities outside of the parks. We love the hotels close to the Magic Kingdom and how the Monorail connects them all. Because really who doesn't love riding the monorail? We decided it would be fun to bar hop and sample something from each spot. So we planned a night of circling the Seven Seas Lagoon by monorail and picked a spot at each resort to grab a drink and a bite. The rules were to order a drink and a food item at every stop...
One thing that many people love to enjoy while visiting Walt Disney World is food. We hate to admit it, but over the years we have usually ranked the Magic Kingdom at the bottom of the list for finding great restaurant options. But a few years back a new addition to the park quickly became a must do for us: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. This spot checks all the boxes for us: theming, good food, and great service. Read on to learn more about this must do spot that is perfect for adults dining in the Magic Kingdom…
Many Disney visitors are familiar with a brand that can be found several places around property: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company. We have been known to regularly enjoy coffees, teas, and frozen drinks while visiting the parks and Joffrey’s has become a familiar brand. As part of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, Joffrey’s has created several specialty beverages only available during this time at Epcot. Each Joffrey’s location in the park offers a featured drink and we have taken a trip around the world to sample these new creations. Read on for our review of these limited edition recipes…
At the very top of the Contemporary Resort you will find an award-winning restaurant that is arguably one of the most sought after dining reservations on Walt Disney World Property — The California Grill. This signature dining restaurant offers Pacific Coast inspired fine dining and unbeatable views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. We have been lucky enough to dine in this establishment a few times over the years, and it has always been a special occasion for us. Since the menu and ambiance makes for a romantic date night we decided to book a dinner here to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Read on to learn more about one of our favorite spots for a magical meal…
When thinking of bucket list experiences at Walt Disney World one can top the list for most Fairytale loving fans: seeing iconic Cinderella Castle. Now imagine a chance to dine INSIDE the castle. Sounds like a dream right? Cinderella happens to be Julie’s favorite princess and we were lucky enough to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table years ago for a special occasion. We decided to return once again to celebrate our anniversary last month. Read on for a review of the restaurant and see if this Signature Dining experience is as magical as it sounds…
One big event that draws crowd every fall is the Food and Wine Festival. This year marks the 25th year of this special event, but with 2020 being the year of change we knew this year’s festival may look a little different. While there is still a festival planned this year it is scaled back from previous versions and being called Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. So come along as we explore what a “mini festival” at Epcot is like…
While we find Disney’s Animal Kingdom to have some of the best dining options in the parks (like Tiffin’s!), on our last visit we decided to try something a little different: a pizza joint. Pizzafari is located in Discovery Isle and offers a dinner option that is a cross between quick service and table service. We were in the mood for carbs and the price seemed reasonable so we ventured over to try out this spot. Read on for a full review of the Family-Style Dining offering…
Do you remember when Planet Hollywood used to be a big blue planet with “The Jenny” boat from Forrest Gump parked outside? We sure do and we have to admit we probably haven’t actually visited since then. With the redo of Disney Springs the restaurant received a facelift in 2017 to fit the new theming and we were definitely due for a visit to see the remodel. Last week we had a hankering for some American food and went to go check out the redone Planet Hollywood Observatory which included a different menu too. We have always been big movie fans so were also excited to see the memorabilia inside too. Read on to hear about our dinner at this fun themed spot…
Andrew loves a good steak dinner and a certain restaurant at Disney Springs had been on our list for awhile: STK Steakhouse. STK describes itself as a chic and modern steakhouse offering a fine dining experience. This location happened to be participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining promotion which offers a special three-course prix-fixe dinner for only $35. With Andrew’s brother Chris, wife Kelly, and niece visiting us in Orlando we decided to book a reservation for us to enjoy a nice dinner together. Read on to hear more about this unique spot at Disney Springs…
While we love strolling Epcot’s World Showcase and sampling food and drink along the way, once in awhile we love booking a table service meal in one of the countries. Morocco has always been one of our favorite stops for flavorful cuisine. The menus can seem a bit more adventurous for some, which we find can actually lead to less kids and a quieter atmosphere. Having opened in 2014, Spice Road Table is a newer addition to the pavilion and has quickly become one of our favorites. Read on to hear more about this great dinner spot…
Throughout the year there are a few different seasons that bring some extra magic to Disney parks. One of those times happens to be in the spring when Epcot hosts the International Flower & Garden Festival. We had been to this festival years ago, and boy has it grown! (Food booths didn’t even exist back then!) While the 2020 festival season was cut short we were lucky enough to visit a little bit in the beginning and wanted to share the offerings this year. From beautiful gardens, to fresh food, and springtime merch, read on to hear what this festival has to offer…
While celebrity Austrian-American chef Wolfgang Puck is not new to Disney property, we personally had yet to dine at any of his locations. The newest Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill location opened at Disney Springs in 2018 and has been on our list of restaurants we had wanted to try for awhile now. When making some plans with friends we decided the comfort food menu and variety of drinks sounded like a crowd pleaser so we finally decided to make a reservation. And lucky us, our dinner date also happened to fall during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining promotion. With a special three-course prix-fixe dinner for only $35 this dinner was an even more perfect excuse for a night out. Read on to hear more about this modern dining option with fresh classic dishes…
This past Christmas we tried something new and booked a visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day (make sure to check out our recap article on 5 lessons learned). We knew we wanted a cozy holiday meal, and decided to book a mid-day reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern. This colonial-style table service restaurant is known best for family-style Thanksgiving meals. More recently they have also added some a la carte options too which we decided to explore this time. Read on to hear about this hearty dining option…
Last night we were invited to a preview event at The Polite Pig in Disney Springs. We joined some other blogger friends to mingle over nibbles and try the brand new Build Your Own Old Fashioned Menu. This new offering officially launched today and we have all the details…
Do you remember when Planet Hollywood used to be a big blue planet with “The Jenny” boat from Forrest Gump parked outside? We sure do and we have to admit we probably haven’t actually visited since then. With the redo of Disney Springs the restaurant received a facelift in 2017 to fit the new theming and we were definitely due for a visit to see the remodel. Last week we had a hankering for some American food and went to go check out the redone Planet Hollywood Observatory which included a different menu too. We have always been big movie fans so were also excited to see the memorabilia inside too. Read on to hear about our dinner at this fun themed spot…
Andrew loves a good steak dinner and a certain restaurant at Disney Springs had been on our list for awhile: STK Steakhouse. STK describes itself as a chic and modern steakhouse offering a fine dining experience. This location happened to be participating in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining promotion which offers a special three-course prix-fixe dinner for only $35. With Andrew’s brother Chris, wife Kelly, and niece visiting us in Orlando we decided to book a reservation for us to enjoy a nice dinner together. Read on to hear more about this unique spot at Disney Springs…
While celebrity Austrian-American chef Wolfgang Puck is not new to Disney property, we personally had yet to dine at any of his locations. The newest Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill location opened at Disney Springs in 2018 and has been on our list of restaurants we had wanted to try for awhile now. When making some plans with friends we decided the comfort food menu and variety of drinks sounded like a crowd pleaser so we finally decided to make a reservation. And lucky us, our dinner date also happened to fall during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining promotion. With a special three-course prix-fixe dinner for only $35 this dinner was an even more perfect excuse for a night out. Read on to hear more about this modern dining option with fresh classic dishes…
Last year a new fast casual restaurant launched in Disney Springs: Chicken Guy! We have had this on the list of places to try and were thrilled when we were recently invited to come by and enjoy a variety of menu items. We showed up hungry and ready to learn more about this new popular concept that is starting to expand to new locations across the country. Read on for all the juicy details…
On our recent visit to Walt Disney World we were extended a gracious invitation to dine at Wine Bar George, the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, which happens to be located in Disney Springs. This new-ish dining location opened earlier this spring and we were very excited to finally go check it out. We stopped by for a late Sunday afternoon lunch to try some drinks, share some plates, and decide if this is a must visit location for foodie Disney loving adults.
So in the middle of our crazy move we decided to add on one more activity that we couldn’t resist. Andrew noticed one of our favorite bands would be in Orlando the same weekend we would be moving to the area. The venue they were playing at? House of Blues in Disney Springs. We had always seen House of Blues at the West end of the shopping district, but neither of us had actually been over to check it out. This sounded like the perfect opportunity to see what this intimate venue was all about. Read on to hear about our fun night out…
On our recent visit to Walt Disney World we were extended a gracious invitation to dine at Wine Bar George, the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida, which happens to be located in Disney Springs. This new-ish dining location opened earlier this spring and we were very excited to finally go check it out. We stopped by for a late Sunday afternoon lunch to try some drinks, share some plates, and decide if this is a must visit location for foodie Disney loving adults.
When traveling to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort last month, we decided to spend a few hours at Disney Springs to do some shopping and dining. We had heard a lot of buzz about a newer restaurant The Edison. We were excited to book a reservation here and grab lunch. Read on to hear more about this spot and a review of our dining experience.
Since moving to Orlando, we have been branching out and looking to experience everything Walt Disney World has to offer outside of the parks. Recently, we gifted Andrew’s Dad with a fishing excursion at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Walt Disney World offers multiple fishing excursions including dockside fishing at Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests can also experience fishing off a boat on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, Village Lake, Crescent Lake and World Showcase Lagoon…
After 25 years of playing golf without any instruction outside of high school level coaching, Andrew had never had a lesson. In order to reach the next step and become a better golfer, he felt it was time to spend some time with an instructor. Find out why we chose to go with golf instruction at Walt Disney World Golf…
While Disney World is already picture-perfect, you need to be photoshoot-ready behind the camera, too! Here are a few things to keep in mind as a photographer on your next Disney World trip…
Some cool new tech has rolled in to Walt Disney World Golf. (Looking for more info on golfing at Walt Disney World? Check out our full guide here.) If you’re a fan of walking while playing golf but not a fan of carrying your bag, the Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddie will solve that problem for you. Andrew grew up walking whenever he played and still prefers to do so. However, 18 holes in the Florida heat does wear golfers down, especially during the summer months. Andrew recently was able to test out a new Tempo® Walk Robo-Caddie for a round. He has all the details on using the robotic companion, whom he nicknamed WALL-E. Plus check out some video footage of his new friend in action at the end of the article!
Lately we have been spending some time at the Walt Disney World Golf Courses enjoying some fresh air and sunshine. (You can learn more about Golfing at Walt Disney World in our guide here.) While visiting we learned that WDW Golf offers a slightly different game as well — FootGolf. We had never played before but it sounded fun so we decided to book a tee time to check out this game with a different twist. Read on to learn more…
When Andrew picked up golf around the age of 14, he instantly fell in love and began to play regularly ever since. While it is a big time hobby for Andrew, Julie also likes to play a little, and a day date on the green is so fun from time to time. One of Andrew’s favorite golf memories was being able to play a round with a group of friends and family at Disney’s Palm the week of our Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. He had been hoping to play a Disney course again, but hadn’t made it back until recently as a newly minted local.
Known as “The Happiest Place on Turf,” Walt Disney World Resort is home to four golf courses, all open to resort guests and the public. The championship golf courses by Walt Disney World Golf have garnered praise and prestigious awards for their superlative design, impeccable service, world-class amenities and overall playability throughout the years. While Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, Oak Trail, and Lake Buena Vista are all slightly different from each other, there is one thing they all provide: a magical golf experience. Read on for a full review of the courses and all the details you need to know for your next round…
It is time for another Disney Friends Blog Hop! The theme for this month is “Summer”. We weren’t super sure what to write about as we had never actually been to Walt Disney World during the summer season (hard to believe right?). But that fact has recently changed. Since we moved to the Orlando area, it was a no brainer for us to become Disney Annual Pass (AP) holders. We decided to celebrate acquiring those little yellow cards by taking on a little bit of a crazy challenge: hitting all four parks in one day….in the middle of summer. Read on to hear about our long day and for a few of our tips for surviving the heat… (Also make sure to check below for a list of other fun Disney blogs in this hop to go check out!)
So in the middle of our crazy move we decided to add on one more activity that we couldn’t resist. Andrew noticed one of our favorite bands would be in Orlando the same weekend we would be moving to the area. The venue they were playing at? House of Blues in Disney Springs. We had always seen House of Blues at the West end of the shopping district, but neither of us had actually been over to check it out. This sounded like the perfect opportunity to see what this intimate venue was all about. Read on to hear about our fun night out…
Since moving to Orlando, we have been branching out and looking to experience everything Walt Disney World has to offer outside of the parks. Recently, we gifted Andrew’s Dad with a fishing excursion at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Walt Disney World offers multiple fishing excursions including dockside fishing at Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests can also experience fishing off a boat on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, Village Lake, Crescent Lake and World Showcase Lagoon…
When thinking of bucket list experiences at Walt Disney World one can top the list for most Fairytale loving fans: seeing iconic Cinderella Castle. Now imagine a chance to dine INSIDE the castle. Sounds like a dream right? Cinderella happens to be Julie’s favorite princess and we were lucky enough to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table years ago for a special occasion. We decided to return once again to celebrate our anniversary last month. Read on for a review of the restaurant and see if this Signature Dining experience is as magical as it sounds…
With the July 4th fireworks at Walt Disney World canceled this year, we figured it was the perfect time to reminisce about a special fireworks experience we had last fall. We are always amazed at the amount of special activities and tours available at Disney and booking a private specialty fireworks cruise was one awesome time. Technically our friends Max and Niki had booked the experience for their honeymoon, but they let us crash the party and come along (how nice are they right?). One night last fall our group of four enjoyed some drinks at the Top of the World then set sail on our private pontoon. Read on to hear all about our enchanted evening sailing.
Earlier this week we were supposed to be attending a special event for Disney Vacation Club members called “Moonlight Magic,” but unfortunately due to COVID-19 it was canceled. We were just reminiscing about our first after hours event which happened to be this past fall at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Curious about what a Moonlight Magic party is like? Read on to hear about our fun night at the water park after dark…
Christmas is magical. Disney is magical. So if you put the two together you should end up with something extra magical, right? But on the other hand we have heard Christmas Day can be one of the busiest days of the year, where the park can hit max capacity and close. Since this was our first holiday season in Orlando we decided now was a good a time as any to find out what it is really like to visit Walt Disney World on Christmas day. Read on to hear about our experience and some lessons learned for future Christmas Day adventurers.
This month a new adult experience has officially launched on Disney property. Introducing: Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Offered exclusively at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, this fun class is a unique opportunity to both learn, and get your drink on. So read on to hear all the details on this activity that is perfect for adults to enjoy while on Disney property.
Once again it is that spooky season at the parks, and it is time for another Disney Friends Blog Hop! Being October, what is more appropriate theme than Halloween? We will be discussing Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (if you are looking for a great overview of the party in general make sure to start with our article from last year first: “10 Tips for Adults to Enjoy Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.”) While every year many people report on what is new at the party, this year we wanted to dig in a little further… We were able to attend the party quite a few times and do some experimenting on different aspects of the party. Curious to learn more on what we discovered? Read on, if you dare… (then check out the end of this article for other fun Disney Halloween articles!)
Andrew is a little sad this month as his favorite nighttime show “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will be taking it’s final bow. After nearly 20 years of lighting up the skies over the World Showcase in Epcot, September 30th marks the last night to see this spectacular. When we heard there was a special dining package available at the Rose & Crown Pub in England we knew we had to check it out. With lakeside seats we figured this would be a nice splurge for Andrew, so he could get one last great view of the show. Read on to hear all about this dining package that we think is perfect for adults, and that will continue to be available even after Illuminations is retired. (This article is also a part of the Disney Friends Blog Hop. The theme for this month is “Disney Splurges” so make sure to check out the bottom of this article to see more great articles on this topic!)
One of our favorite spots on Walt Disney World property by far is the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It holds so many romantic moments and special memories for us. During our wedding week Julie and the ladies had “tea time” at the Grand while the guys had “tee time” next door at Disney’s Palm Golf Course (see what we did there?). Since then, we have both had the pleasure of being back to visit a few times over the years for Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room. On a recent visit we enjoyed the experience once again and wanted to capture the details and share our reasons why this is a must do in our books.
One of our favorite things about visiting a Disney park is enjoying a beautiful nighttime show. At the Magic Kingdom, Happily Ever After is a new favorite of ours and the perfect finale to an enchanting day. On our most recent trip we were able to take our night show viewing experience up a notch by booking a Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. We couldn’t wait to sit in a V.I.P. area and enjoy some food and drink. Read on to hear more about this specialty package and our thoughts on if it is worth the price tag …
For many years Disney’s Animal Kingdom had been known as just a partial day park. Even so it had grown on us over the years with the exotic theming and the ability to explore nature trails had become a very relaxing and enjoyable experience for us. Recently there have been some newer additions to the park to include some offerings that have even extended the park hours longer than before. On our recent trip to the world we were excited to check out some of these newer offerings and for the first time stay in Animal Kingdom later than a 5pm close time. We decided to book a dining package to experience the River of Lights night show for the first time. Read on for a review of our meal and the show…
Fun in Orlando & Florida
There is so much to do in Orlando and Florida. Check out these categories for content beyond Disney:
Since moving to Florida we have become big fans of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. It’s only about a 40 minute drive from our house in Orlando and we enjoy going a couple times a year to explore various Space exhibits. (Check out our main guide to visiting KSC here.) During the Fall is one of our favorite times to visit, because this is the time for Taste of Space: Fall Bites! food festival. We recently took a trip to the visitor center to try various limited edition dishes. Read on to learn more about this fun festival…
Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure at Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando. Recently we were invited to experience the seasonal show: Vampirates. Being Pirate lovers we were excited to check it out. Sword fights! Acrobatics! Mermaids! Harrowing escapes and breathtaking stunts! Tickets include a multi-course meal with a show performed on a huge pirate ship surrounded by water. Read on for all the details on this epic dinner show located in Orlando…
Guess where we went on a date night recently? The Orlando International Airport. Wait, what? Yup, we found an amazing hidden gem right within the MCO terminal: Hemisphere Restaurant. Being aviation enthusiasts we couldn’t wait to experience the elevated culinary menu, crafted cocktails, and of course some epic airport views. Read on to learn about our first class dinner experience found inside the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport hotel…
When thinking of local brunch options a brewery isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind for us. But our mind has been changed big time. Recently we joined some foodie friends to experience an awesome collaborative event by Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. and The Dinner Party Project to try some new vegan brunch options as well as a selection of local brews. Read on for all the details…
On International Drive you will find quite a selection of fun restaurants to try. In 2020 Blake Shelton brought his concept Ole Red to Icon Park. Originally opened in Nashville, this part music venue, part bar/restaurant is ready to for a rocking’ time. Recently we were invited to attend a media event to try lots of the scratch-made dishes. Read on for all the details on this lively country experience…
Recently we booked a little staycation at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (make sure to read more about this unbelievable resort in our review here.) One evening we had the chance to enjoy date night at the signature restaurant at the resort: La Luce. This modern restaurant was created by a famous Napa Valley chef and features Italian dishes, Mediterranean-inspired drinks, and a Trattoria-style wine program. Currently La Luce is ranked as the #2 restaurant in all of Orlando by TripAdvisor and we couldn’t wait to experience it…
We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Hilton Bonnet Creek (make sure to check out our resort review too), and one of the best things about staying at this hotel is you have access to also enjoy their sister property Waldorf Astoria Orlando. As you would expect, there are some high-end dining experiences here, and the list includes one of the finest steakhouses: Bull & Bear. We knew this meal would be a fancy splurge, but little did we know it would end up being one of the most memorable dinners we’ve ever had. Read on for all of the delicious details…
Even though we now live in Orlando, we still find ourselves staying on property from time to time. There is something special about booking a little staycation and leaving the parks to a resort room, instead of facing a drive home late at night. We have done a few one night stays using our Disney Vacation Club points since moving here, but we do have a limited number of DVC points. We decided it was the perfect time to broaden our horizons and start checking out some other nearby hotels and resorts. For Andrew’s birthday weekend we booked a weekend getaway at Hilton Bonnet Creek. Read on to hear all about this resort…
Have you been to ICON Park Orlando? This area located off I-Drive has a variety of things to do, see, and eat. From the Iconic Wheel to fun museums, to themed restaurants and bars this is a spot that always has something fun to get into. Recently we went on a little day date to explore a variety of attractions and used the Play Pass ticket. Read on to learn more about why the Play Pass is an amazing value, and see all of the fun things we tried…
Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure at Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando. Recently we were invited to experience the seasonal show: Vampirates. Being Pirate lovers we were excited to check it out. Sword fights! Acrobatics! Mermaids! Harrowing escapes and breathtaking stunts! Tickets include a multi-course meal with a show performed on a huge pirate ship surrounded by water. Read on for all the details on this epic dinner show located in Orlando…
Since the Pandemic we realized it has been awhile since we dressed up and saw any kind of stage performance. When the Orlando Ballet invited us out to see a show we thought that was a perfect idea for a date night. We love supporting the arts and were excited to check out a local company in Orlando. Read on to learn about the Orlando Ballet, the performances we saw, and the upcoming season…
We are always looking for creative ideas for date night ideas, so when Pinspiration South Orlando invited us to a special event to try some crafts and a revamped menu it sounded like a great excuse for a fun night out. While Julie is naturally artsy, Andrew is not so much and was curious what the evening would entail. We soon learned this was a great spot for creatives of all levels and we had a great evening trying three different activities and a variety of menu items. Read on to learn about our crafty date night…
We aren’t the only ones who have made a recent move to Orlando. Given that it's an immensely popular tourist destination, there are plenty of places to visit first after moving to Orlando, and it can be tough to pick where to start. From visiting fantastic theme parks to spending time surrounded by breathtaking nature, you will surely have access to everything. If you are moving to Orlando in the near future you must be so excited! To help you plan your adventure in one of the most fun cities in Florida, further in this article, you'll find a list of amazing places you absolutely shouldn't miss visiting. And to make your relocation to Orlando as smooth as possible, we've gathered some extra tips to help you prepare. Enjoy!
While not in Orlando, there is an attraction that is well worth the approximately 1 hour drive: The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This educational attraction celebrates America’s Space program from the early days post World War II, through the Space Shuttle Program, and the next steps to Mars. While Julie had visited as a small child, Andrew (an aviation enthusiast) had never been. We were excited to mix in something new and explore how much the complex has changed since the 90’s when Julie last visited. Get ready to blast off with us and continue reading…
Recently we had a fun date night at ICON Park and explored an attraction we have been curious about for a little while: The Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Fun fact: this museum actually just celebrated it’s one year anniversary this month!). After a fun dinner we went to explore the mind bending world of Illusions and made sure to grab plenty of fun pictures too. Read on to learn more about this fun attraction in the heart of I-Drive’s entertainment offerings…
ICON Park is known for having a variety of fun attractions to try in Orlando. While we have previously experienced a ride on The Wheel, we had never gotten up the nerve to try the more thrilling ride on property: The Orlando StarFlyer. Last month two brand new thrill rides opened to guests as well: the Orlando FreeFall™ and Orlando SlingShot™. We went on assignment to try the Ultimate Triple Shot challenge: riding all three thrill rides. In a row. Read on to see if we successfully complete the challenge…
Raise your hand if you had an American Girl doll growing up. Julie sure did! She loved her Samantha doll and has many fond memories throughout her childhood. When we received an invite for Julie to attend a special adults only brunch at the American Girl store her inner child was ecstatic. Did you know there is an American Girl store in Orlando? Read on to learn all about it and get a peek at the nostalgic brunch Julie recently attended there…
While we are pretty familiar with most major Orlando attractions, this week we got to see them from a whole new perspective: from 700 feet above the ground! We booked an adventure with a local Helicopter tour company thanks to Andrew’s family getting him a gift certificate for his birthday. Fun fact: while Andrew has his pilot’s license (make sure to check out some of our articles about flying too!) he has never been in a helicopter before and was pretty excited. Read on to learn more about this unique experience and check out plenty of our views of the parks from a bird’s eye view…
If you have driven around Orlando, you may have noticed this lit up structure from a distance. The Wheel at Icon Park is visible from the California Grill, Sea World, Universal Studios, and various spots throughout the Orlando area. Standing 400 feet above the ground, it towers over everything nearby with the exception of it’s sister attraction, the Orlando StarFlyer. We have been on a mission to explore more in Orlando and decided this was a great attraction to check out. Read on to learn more about taking a spin on The Wheel…
It’s hard to believe we have been in Florida now for over a year. One of our goals this year is to get out and see more of this state that is now our home. In addition to popular tourist destinations, Florida features many natural places to visit. Our friend Lindsay offered to put together a list for us of parks that are a must visit. Read on to see the places we are hoping to check out real soon…
Now that we have been Floridians for over a year we have wanted to start getting out and exploring more fun things to do in the Orlando area. Recently we were invited to explore popular I-Drive with a staycation at Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive. Close to dining, shopping, theme parks, and attractions we were excited to see what it was like to stay in the middle of lots of fun. Read on to learn more about this resort (and check out the bottom of this article for a discount code too!)…
We recently had a great social distanced staycation at one of our fave resorts: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (make sure to check out our full resort review here.) While visiting we got the chance to rent our own private cabana for a day! It was a perfect splurge activity that made for a relaxing day date. Read on to hear all the details about our private oasis for the day and get all the details on this activity perfect for vacation or day guests…
Even though we now live in Orlando, we still find ourselves staying on property from time to time. There is something special about booking a little staycation and leaving the parks to a resort room, instead of facing a drive home late at night. We have done a few one night stays using our Disney Vacation Club points since moving here, but we do have a limited number of DVC points. We decided it was the perfect time to broaden our horizons and start checking out some other nearby hotels and resorts. For Andrew’s birthday weekend we booked a weekend getaway at Hilton Bonnet Creek. Read on to hear all about this resort…
We recently had a great first time visit to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida. We already posted an overall review of the resort as well as an article dedicated to dining information. This final post is dedicated to the activities we enjoyed while staying at this great property. Vero Beach is a much more quiet and relaxed trip than compared to visiting nearby Orlando, but there were definitely still quite a few things to do (or not do!) while on vacation. Read on for our top activity picks…
Last year we had booked our first trip to visit Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort but unfortunately the property completely shut down due to a hurricane. This year we booked a reservation for the second time and once again a hurricane threatened the area. (Perhaps the third try will be the charm?) We still really wanted to get away for a few days and last weekend frantically tried to figure out an alternative solution. Walt Disney World was pretty booked up due to the Food & Wine festival but we were able to find point availability at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. This Disney Vacation Club location is a little under two hours away from the Walt Disney World resort so honestly we had never considered visiting before. But the last minute switch ended up being quite the happy accident. Read on to hear more about what we thought about this beautiful beach resort with touches of Disney magic.
We got the opportunity to play Bay Hill Golf Club thanks to winning a charity auction a few months back. Here are our thoughts on playing a course where some of the best to ever play the game have competed and won.
The final round of our trip was at Carnoustie, considered one of the hardest golf courses in Scotland. Located about 30 minutes north of St. Andrew’s, this course has hosted multiple Open Championships and is now home to Andrew’s best round ever in Scotland.
Our fourth round of this Scotland golf trip was at St. Andrews New Course. While it is not nearly as famous as its older sister course, it is very much fun, challenging and worthy of sharing the same land as the Old Course. Here is our overview and thoughts on playing the second oldest course in the town of St. Andrews.
Our third round of this Scotland golf trip was at Kingsbarns, located just 10 minutes south of St. Andrews. Compared to other courses in the area, Kingsbarns is an infant, having opened its doors in its current form in 2000. Here is our review of what a few have called the “Pebble Beach” of Scotland.
Our second round of this Scotland golf trip was at Dumbarnie Links. Located about 25 minutes south of St. Andrews, Dumbarnie is one of the newest additions to the area and has fast become a favorite among golf tourists. Below is a review of our experience.
The highlight of Andrew’s recent trip to Scotland was being able to play the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, considered to be the home of golf. Spoiler alert, it was even more amazing than he could have ever imagined. Read on to find out what it was like to play possibly the most sought after course in the world.
After 25 years of playing golf without any instruction outside of high school level coaching, Andrew had never had a lesson. In order to reach the next step and become a better golfer, he felt it was time to spend some time with an instructor. Find out why we chose to go with golf instruction at Walt Disney World Golf…
Our final round on what was an amazing Scotland golf adventure was at Gullane #1. This was our only round on the east coast of Scotland and by far the hilliest. Host to multiple golf championships and great views across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh, Gullane 1 was a lot of fun, challenging, but fair…
Andrew and his brother stayed at theInterContinental Edinburgh George Hotel for the second half of their golf trip to Scotland. Here is our review of the hotel and restaurant located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland…
InterContinental Edinburgh The George has been welcoming hotel guests since 1881. The hotel occupies five listed Georgian townhouses on George Street, built in 1775 as homes for Edinburgh’s most prosperous citizens. The hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the city, shop, and dine at Edinburgh’s best restaurants. The hotel boasts elegant interiors, 8 meeting rooms, an equipped gym, the Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, and Burr & Co., their quirky coffee shop with a devoted local following.
The third course on our Scotland Golf Trip was Turnberry Ailsa, home to four Open Championships won by some of the biggest names in history. Below is our review of quite possibly the most stunning golf course we have ever played and why it is ranked #10 on Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses in the world…
Andrew and Chris were lucky enough to play Western Gailes Golf Club during their recent trip to Scotland. By course rating, Western Gailes rates as one of the toughest in Scotland (which we can attest to). Here is a recap of our round, the course, and overall thoughts…
Andrew and Chris were lucky enough to play Prestwick Golf Club during their recent trip to Scotland. This was our first round in Scotland, our first true links golf experience, first time either of us had ever played golf with a caddie, and Prestwick was the home of the first 12 Open Championships. Here is a recap of our round, the course, and overall thoughts. Click here to read an overview of our entire Scotland golf trip…
Travel Adventures
Our travels have taken us to some Disney and non Disney themed destinations. Check out travel reports and reviews here:
(GUEST POST BY: Magical Adventure Co.)
As one of the first movie franchise themed lands at a Disney Park (think Pandora, Galaxy’s Edge, and Toy Story Land), Cars Land has been wowing guests ever since its opening in 2012 and has continued to marvel guests with its charm and immersiveness to this day. Over the past 8 years our team at Magical Adventure Co. has visited this spot numerous times, and we love everything that it has to offer. So come along for a ride as we share with you all that this land has to offer…
California is an amazing state to visit with so much to see and do. During a road trip we decided to make a stop in San Francisco. Because of our love of Disney, the Walt Disney Family Museum was an absolute must. We decided to we plan a day that included soaking up plenty of Disney history while mixing in some active biking, sight seeing, and delicious food as well. Keep reading to see our trip journal of this fun city.
For our 10th Anniversary Celebration we planned a private reception in the Oak Room at Steakhouse 55. The restaurant is located within the Disneyland Hotel and is named for the year 1955, when the Disneyland Park opened. Steakhouse 55 takes you back to a bygone era of decadence with a dimly lit ambiance and feels vintage with dark-wood furnishings and black-and-white photos of movie and music luminaries of the era, including Walt Disney. Read more about our lovely evening...
As part of our 10 year Anniversary Celebration we wanted to capture some special photographs together. We decided to do an in-park shoot as well as capture family portraits and candids on the night of our celebration dinner.
We brought along our friend Ryan Hartford from Ecliptic Media Photo to capture some magical shots in the park. He is super talented and we can't wait to share the amazing moments he captured! We got up bright and early on a Tuesday morning rocking our Disney themed formal wear and got started at some of the resort areas before the park opened...
Being Disney nerds, we are always interested in special events and behind the scenes offerings at Disney Parks. We really enjoyed the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour at Walt Disney World and decided that for our latest visit to Disneyland we should take advantage of being in such a historic place. “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” is roughly a three hour tour that takes guests through the history of Disneyland and Walt Disney himself. Along with the history of the park, guests experience three attractions without waiting and will also enjoy lunch served at the tour gardens just inside the park near the Main street USA train station. We were lucky enough to book an entire tour time (max of 15 people) for our whole large group. It ended up feeling like a private tour and we were even able to use our Disney Vacation Club discount of 15% off for everyone!
Our Fairy Tale Wedding in Walt Disney World was one of our favorite days ever and there are so many magical memories from that time. In today's crazy world we think celebrating love is very important and we strive to make our anniversary special every year. When we realized we were coming up on a milestone year we started discussing the possibility of planning a vow renewal. Read more on our planning journey and alternate end result.
While visiting Disneyland Paris and using the Premium Half Board Dining Plan, we were able to dine at some of the top restaurants at the resort. On our last night of our trip the concierge at our hotel was nice enough to snag us a reservation at one of the fanciest places. We were excited to cap off our trip with a dinner at California Grill, located inside the luxurious Disneyland Hotel. While there is a California Grill in Florida, these two restaurants are pretty different from each other. Read on to hear our experience at this signature location (and for some of our best food photography to date!) Also, if you want to see all of our articles about Disneyland Paris you can see them listed at the bottom of this article or we recommend to start here: 2 Disney Loving Americans Go International (Part 1): How to Plan a Trip to Disneyland Paris…
Most who have been to a Disney Park in the U.S. are familiar with a service called PhotoPass. There are photographers throughout the parks to capture professional images of your whole group on vacation. We have always found it worth it to buy a package and come home with tons of fun memories from the trip. When we recently visited Disneyland Paris, they too advertised having PhotoPass as well, but we soon found out it was nothing like the U.S. version. Read on to hear why we do not recommend purchasing PhotoPass here and what we did instead…
Visiting Disneyland Paris had been an item on our bucket list for so many years. This year we set some goals and were able to make that dream come true. We spent a ton of time planning (make sure to read Part One of this article for an overview of DLP and how to plan a trip) and then set off for a new adventure. We know Walt Disney World and Disneyland really well, but this was our first visit to an international Disney Park. How do things compare to the U.S. parks? Well we have the scoop for you on attractions, food, service, and more. Read on for our detailed review of the good and the bad, and what makes Disneyland Paris different and special…
While visiting Disneyland Paris we had purchased a Premium Dining Plan. This plan allowed us access to more restaurant options and some special experiences like character dining not included with lower level plans. One of the options available happened to be for a dinner show located in the Disney Village area called “Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show... with Mickey and Friends: The Wildest Show in the West!” We had heard many people loved it and figured we should check it out one night. Was it worth ponying up one of our meal plan credits? Well saddle up and read on to learn more…
When planning our visit to Disneyland Paris we wanted to carefully select the best dining options at restaurants that would be unique to this park. One place quickly rose to the top of our list: Walt’s - An American Restaurant. Andrew is a huge fan of Walt Disney history and when we heard this was the theme of the restaurant, and also that is was one of the higher-end options available on our Premium dining plan we really wanted to check it out. Walt’s had just gone through a refurb but opened the week we were visiting so we were lucky enough to snag a time for lunch. Did this restaurant live up to the hype? Read on to find out what we thought…
We both love the movie Ratatouille and may have watched it a time or two while getting ready for our trip to Paris. We knew one of the things were excited to see in Disneyland Paris is the little land in Disney Studios dedicated to this movie. This area features the attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure which ends in a real life version of Remy’s Parisian restaurant: Bistro Chez Remy. So come along as we explore this fine dining option with a fun character theme…
When booking our vacation package at Disneyland Paris, we had our choice of six different resorts ranging from value to luxury accomodations. With the Disneyland Hotel being super expensive we settled on choosing a mid level resort. When we found out Hotel New York would be closed for refurbishment and that the pool at Sequoia Lodge would be closed, Newport Bay Club became the obvious choice. We thought the theming and location would also be great for relaxing, and we were excited to experience a club level room. Read on to hear all the details about this resort…
Andrew is a huge fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, so when we heard that Disneyland Paris has a pirate themed restaurant we knew this was a must do on the list. Captain Jack’s Restaurant des Pirates is located inside the Pirates attraction and is themed after Captain Jack Sparrow himself. Arrr you ready to adventure on and learn more about this dining experience?
Being huge Disney fans, one of our bucket list items is to eventually visit all of the different parks around the world. Julie had always dreamed of visiting Paris so over the years we had talked about Disneyland Paris being the first park to check off the list. Last year we happened to come across a vacation deal for a buy 3 day package, get 2 more days free. It was hard to pass up so we decided to finally put plans in motion. We found info harder to come by as we planned, it was honestly a lot of work, so we really wanted to share with our audience to hopefully help future visitors! Read on for an overview of how we planned this overseas trip…
Our recent trip to Paris also happened to be our first. We knew there was a ton to see, and while the reality is we couldn’t see it all, we certainly wanted to see as much as we could. While researching different attractions and planning our itinerary we came across ads for something called the Paris Pass. This pre-paid option promised discounts and ease during our trip. We ran some numbers and decided to purchase the pass for our visit. Here is a full review that may help you decide if the Paris Pass is worth purchasing for your trip.
Our adventure continues exploring Paris. Make sure to have read Part 1 and Part 2 of our travel journal for the rest of our trip and then get ready to continue into the final chapter featuring a day trip out to Normandy and visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower. Read on to learn more…
Our adventure continues exploring Paris. Make sure to have read Part 1 of our travel journal for the start of our trip and then get ready to continue into part two featuring a trip out to Versailles and more sightseeing in the city. Read on to learn more…
This year we finally said “Oui!” to visiting Paris. This trip has been a dream of Julie’s for many years and we finally put a plan in place. Since this was our first time visiting France we spent a ton of time researching everything. It’s easy to accidentally overbook your day when there are so many things to see. We tried to figure out our top must dos in the City of Lights while also leaving in some room to relax and wander Parisian style. We came up with this itinerary and had an absolutely amazing time. For all the details read on for part 1 of 3 of our trip journal…
For our first visit to Pairs we had a few goals in mind when finding a hotel for our stay. We knew we would want to see a lot of the sights and sought a location that would be easy access to popular spots. Secondly we wanted to find a more boutique style hotel with Parisian character. We were also hoping to find something that didn’t cost and arm and a leg, but also wasn’t too low end. We searched for what seemed like awhile and finally came across the perfect place for us: Hôtel Le Belmont. Read on for our full review and see why we recommend this four star hotel (especially for a first time visit to Paris).
This year we were super excited to check off a couple bucket list items on our list: Paris and Disneyland Paris! Being a first time location for both of us we researched every minor detail to no end. One of the components to this trip was how to get there. We were a little surprised that the best option price wise ended up being a direct flight on Air France. We were excited to try a new international carrier and get a head start on the French experience en route. (Hello free champagne!) Read on for all the details of this round trip flight experience…
On our recent trip to Disney's Aulani in Hawaii we wanted to book a Luau dinner show to experience some culture and tasty food. There are quite a few options for different Luau's and unfortunately in the past we had experienced one that was on the cheaper side and ended up severely disappointed. KA WA‘A – A Lū‘au at Aulani, takes place on resort property (the Hālāwai Lawn) a few nights a week. Luau's aren't cheap to begin with, and Disney's is higher than others, but we figured Disney does things top notch and decided to book. Check out what we thought of the evening in paradise.
This is the final chapter of our adventure to Disney’s Aulani in Oahu. Make sure to have read Part One and Part Two of our travel journal before digging in to hear about Pearl Harbor, Disney Dining and the North Shore. Read on to learn more…
While staying at Disney's Aulani resort we reserved two dining experiences. One was a Hawaiian Disney Character Breakfast at a restaurant called Makahiki, named for the Hawaiian harvest season. Located in the main building right below the main entrance lobby, the restaurant features colorful, culture inspired decor inside, and pretty koi ponds outside. Makahiki is a buffet style restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. We decided to reserve a late morning spot, both to avoid the crowds and to be able to have a big brunch and skip lunch that day. Keep reading to see some delicious Disney food with a Hawaiian flair...
Our adventure continues at Aulani in Oahu. Make sure to have read Part One of our travel journal for the start of our trip and then get ready to continue into part two featuring a great resort day and an adventure to Kualoa Ranch. Read on to learn more…
On our latest trip to Hawaii we carefully crafted an itinerary that would balance a range of activities and sightseeing around Oahu, mixed with plenty of time to just relax and enjoy Disney's Aulani Resort. (You can read our review of the resort and 10 first time tips here.) With our best travel buds joining us we had a blast. Looking for ideas for your trip itinerary? Read on for Part One of our adventures in Hawaii...
Being huge Disney fans our bucket list includes many different destinations around the world. One of those happens to be an amazing resort in Hawaii. Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa is located on Oahu and is a part of the Disney Vacation Club family. To celebrate a milestone anniversary we decided to make the long journey from the East Coast to this slice of paradise with a little bit of pixie dust. We knew that Aulani would be different than a Disney resort located near a theme park, but we also figured it would have some special magic too. Needless to say we absolutely loved it. Being first time visitors to Aulani we wanted to share a review of the resort as well as our Top 10 tips to get the most out of this magical Disney destination. (Make sure to see the bottom of this article for links to itineraries and dining reviews too!)
When sailing away on a cruise vacation many people envision kicking back with a frozen drink in hand as the ultimate picture of relaxation. But these days more and more people are choosing to forgo the fully loaded libations for one reason or another. While we have enjoyed many cocktails on Disney ships over the years, lately in our everyday lives we have been finding ourselves choosing more and more mocktails for a healthier balance. We were a little nervous that if we were looking for an alternative to alcohol while onboard, the only thing available would be super sugary concoctions geared towards kids. But we were ecstatic to learn that Disney Cruise Line had just soft launched a brand new “Zero Proof Cocktails” menu featuring an array of elevated craft mocktails…
As we approached the main lobby of the Disney Fantasy, we could feel the excitement building in the crowd. The usually bright, multilevel atrium we’d come to recognize had been transformed. Long banners with Galactic insignia hung from above, and red light permeated the space. A familiar melody started to play—the Imperial March—as Stormtroopers armed with blasters lined up to announce the arrival of their leader. The iconic breathing echoed through the air as Darth Vader took his place front and center. “We have intercepted a transmission sent from this area by a rebel spy,” he warned. “Anyone with ties to the Rebel Alliance will be considered a traitor.” It was official. Imperial Troops had infiltrated our ship, and for the next 24 hours, they were on the hunt for rebel spies. Read on to learn more about our Star Wars Day at Sea aboard Disney Cruise Lines…
“Why would you book a Disney Cruise for a honeymoon, isn’t it full of kids?” was a question we heard quite often when planning our first voyage on Disney Cruise Line many years ago. And while Disney certainly has plenty of offerings for kids and families to enjoy together, there are surprisingly an abundance of activities meant just for the adult crowd too. We ended up having a blast on our Disneymoon at sea, and it became the first of several Disney sailings for us. One of our favorite adult experiences from our honeymoon has now become a tradition for us. Whenever we book a Disney Cruise Line vacation there is one must-do every time we are onboard: brunch at Palo. Read on to learn more about this drool worthy meal…
We love cruising and have been fortunate enough to experience a few voyages with Disney Cruise Line. We find that Disney cruises have always been our favorite. But the best experience also comes with a higher price tag compared to other brands, making them only feasible for us every several years. Last week we booked a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise to celebrate our Anniversary and take some of our best friends for their first time. We couldn’t wait to get back on board the Fantasy! Unfortunately not every vacation can be perfect, and this sadly turned into a trip where many little things went wrong, ultimately leading to us coming home disappointed. While we had some great moments and company, we do feel that Disney dropped the ball in certain areas and did not feel as premium as it should. We are not alone in feeling this way and many are currently writing correspondence to guest services. We were torn about writing this article as we didn’t want to simply complain but we also thought it was important to address what did go wrong for us personally so others can be aware for future cruises. The big question we want to ask is if the price tag is still worth it after the experience we had. Spoiler alert: as of this moment we don’t actually have an answer. We are still processing how we feel about everything, hoping to hear more facts, and waiting to see how Disney responds. We hope that they will address everyone’s concerns promptly and we will update this article as soon as we can.
If you have read some of our resort reviews before, you may have figured out that we are Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. We have been blue card holders since 2013 and have used our membership in various ways. We find that we get a lot of questions about DVC, with the most frequent being “Is DVC worth it?” It can be a bit confusing at first to figure out how the membership exactly works so we wanted to break it down for our readers. With this article we will be covering…
We recently snuck away for a few days to visit Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. (You can read a review of this Disney Vacation Club property HERE.) When traveling, enjoying some great meals is a must do for us. We researched and found out that there are a couple dining options right on the property to include a table service restaurant, quick service market, and a couple of bars/lounges. We made sure to sample a few different offerings at each spot and are ready to report back. Get ready to read on and possibly drool a bit over these menus…
Last year we had booked our first trip to visit Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort but unfortunately the property completely shut down due to a hurricane. This year we booked a reservation for the second time and once again a hurricane threatened the area. (Perhaps the third try will be the charm?) We still really wanted to get away for a few days and last weekend frantically tried to figure out an alternative solution. Walt Disney World was pretty booked up due to the Food & Wine festival but we were able to find point availability at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. This Disney Vacation Club location is a little under two hours away from the Walt Disney World resort so honestly we had never considered visiting before. But the last minute switch ended up being quite the happy accident. Read on to hear more about what we thought about this beautiful beach resort with touches of Disney magic.
We were supposed to be writing a review today of the Disney Vacation Club property on Hilton Head Island. Well along came Hurricane Irma and the whole island was shut down.
A Magical Life
These final categories cover everyone else: life updates, recipes, movies, products, and more!
You read that right, we bought an airplane! There is a backstory on the plane and who will be flying it so for those who haven’t known us for a long time, you are probably about to learn a few things about the DINKs…
Did you know Julie runs her own company JK Creative? Well this summer she got to travel to Kansas City to represent her brand on a reality TV show! Out of thousands of applicants JKC was one of the 60 businesses selected to appear on Season Four of The Blox. The series follows a group of entrepreneurs from around the country while they live together, learn together, and ultimately compete against each other. Check out the trailer and learn how to watch the show…
Yup, you read that correctly, after 6 years of being known as The Disney DINKs, we are officially changing our name to The Orlando DINKs.
While changing one word doesn’t seem like a huge change, it feels pretty huge to us since this has been our identity for so long. There are a few reasons why we decided to make the change, some of which are directly related to Disney and some that aren’t. Before we really get into it, we want to be very clear that this article isn’t an intent to bash Disney by any means. We have had amazing experiences related to Disney, from our wedding, multiple Anniversary trips on both coasts, and Disneyland Paris. Being Disney Vacation Club members has allowed us to experience some amazing destinations including Hawaii, Hilton Head Island, and Vero Beach. None of these would have been possible without DVC. We have also had the pleasure of sharing these experiences with friends and family throughout the years. So while it may seem like we are quitting Disney, we certainly are not (and please note we are even keeping our fun mouse ear branding!) Read on to learn more…
We are really excited this month to be featured on the WDW Magazine Blog. We sat down with writer Thomas Fusilli to discuss starting the blog and how we experience Disney. We are always happy to share our knowledge and connect with other Disney fans. Make sure to check out the full article here…
Everyone dreams about moving to their happy place whether it be the country, the mountains, or, in our case, near the house of the mouse. Last year we were able to make our dreams a reality and left Maryland to start a new chapter in Orlando. It’s hard to believe it, but we have now been Floridians for one year! We wanted to take a look back at this last year and chat about:
How we pulled off a big cross country move last year
What we are loving and missing now being in FL
A peek into our home (with several before and after projects!)
and finally, how our Disney habits have changed now being locals
We remember going into 2020 so excited for this new year and new decade. It felt like a fresh slate, a perfect time to be inspired and tackle some goals. But how quickly things have turned upside down. The way Coronavirus is changing daily life is like something we have never seen before. The last several weeks have been unsettling to say the least and the anxiety of the unknown has been creeping in heavier day by day. We have been a little more quiet on social media recently as we have been trying to take everything in and figure out how we feel. We wanted to do a quick check-in post…
2019 has been a huge year! Between a bucket list trip to Paris and moving to Orlando we feel like we have really been making some dreams come to life. We hope everyone has some great memories from the past year and is having a great holiday season. We just wanted to say a big thank you to all of our readers too. Every page view or like on social media is seen and appreciated and thedisneydinks.com wouldn’t be what it is without people like you stopping by. Cheers to an awesome 2020…
Earlier this year we signed up with The Financial Gym to help improve our finances as a couple. (If you haven’t already, make sure to read PART ONE of this article.) It’s been a little nutty for us schedule wise, but we finally sat down to schedule our Quarterly Review with our trainer Victoria. It was time to see how working the plan has paid off (see what we did there?) and how we are doing with our life goals. Read on to see how we did, and for the top 5 ways the Financial Gym helped us improve our finances in the last several months…
Hi friends! Sorry we have been a bit M.I.A., the last several weeks have certainly been a whirlwind. It has been quite the adventure to sell a house in one state, find a new home in another, then pack up everything (including three cats!) to travel almost 1,000 miles. But even with the craziness we have been super excited to move to our new “castle” so close to the Mouse. It has always been a dream to “one day” leave the area and try somewhere new. When the opportunity came to head to Orlando we thought that sounded pretty perfect for us. So while change can be scary and stressful we know this new adventure will strenghten us and bring up all sorts of new opportunities in the future…
Well friends we have been keeping a BIG SECRET! It is time for us to embark on the next chapter in our happily ever after story. Read on to find out what our news is to share…
We were recently asked to participate in a “Disney Friends Blog Hop” for people to discover other Disney blogs in the community. (You can learn a little more about that at the the bottom of this post!) We also realized with many new visitors recently it may be a good time to share a bit more about the two authors behind the posts. There are two things we tend to get asked pretty frequently. Many people are curious of how we decided to launch a Disney based blog geared towards an adult crowd. Many people are also curious about the term “DINKs” (Dual Income No Kids) and we wanted to touch a bit on our journey to decide to be childfree. So here is a little peek into the world of Julie and Andrew…
So when you hear the term “happily ever after” what vision comes to mind? A Prince and Princess riding off into the sunset? A wedding kiss? Thematic music? What most likely doesn’t come to mind is anything to do with finances and budgeting. That just doesn’t sound very romantic now does it? But the truth is, money can be one of the biggest factors that can affect a couple’s happily ever after.
As a couple we invest a lot of time into our relationship and continuing to grow together. One of our New Year’s resolutions for 2019 was to improve our finances. When we found out about a hip new company called Financial Gym it sounded like the perfect opportunity to partner up and kick off our resolution on the right foot. So read on for our step-by-step journey and get a little peek into our financial habits…
(This content is intended for 21+ only. Please drink responsibly. This article is a paid partnership with Coopers’ Craft. All thoughts are our own.)
With spending a lot of time at home this past year have you been looking for more out of the box ideas for a date night in? We know we have been! It was the perfect time for an invite from The Blogger Union to attend a Zoom party for bourbon tasting and fondue making. With two amazing things involved like Bourbon and Cheese, of course we said yes! Coopers’ Craft Bourbon and the cheese-wizards over at Di Bruno Bros. partnered to present a fun, virtual event: Fireside Fondue with Coopers’ Craft. It was the perfect excuse to learn some new culinary tricks and have a date night at home that was a little more creative than watching Disney+ all night. Read on to hear all the details and recipe how to’s…
With the Walt Disney World parks being closed for the past couple months we have been trying to find ways to incorporate some Disney fun into everyday life. With some online recipes being released and products available at home we have been experimenting with what is fun, easy, and delicious. Read on for six ideas we tried and see what we think is worth it. Apologies in advance for causing any cravings…
(This recipe is in partnership with Stirrings drink mixers. All thoughts are our own.)
Growing up in the 90’s we both tend to be fans of the Disney movies of that time. One of our top favorites is Aladdin and we are so excited that the live action version hits theaters today! To celebrate the release of the new film, some Disney blogger friends have come together to create and share some delicious Aladdin themed recipes. From Middle Eastern dishes to character themed desserts there are many fun items to try. See the bottom of this article to see more recipe links. We have concocted a magical color-changing cocktail, created with delicious ingredients from our post sponsor Stirrings.
Last week we wrote about one of our favorite experiences: Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. And that put us in the mood for one of the treats that you are served there: freshly baked scones. When we came across a recipe from the Grand Floridian kitchen in the cook book Chef Mickey: Treasures from the Vault and Delicious New Favorites we knew we had to try it out at home. Read on for more details on making these traditional British tea snacks. (The full recipe is at the bottom of the article.)
Completing a Master's degree definitely calls for a party. We decided the perfect inspiration would be the newest Pirates of the Caribbean movie to honor Captain Andrew's accomplishments. We had a blast buying all sorts of themed items for a swashbuckling good time. There was plenty of grub, grog and great friends. Although at the end of the night we still found ourselves saying "Why is the run always gone?" Here are the party planning details...
It seems everyone has been anticipating and talking about Director Christopher Nolans’s new film: Oppenheimer. Andrew has been so excited. As a World War II history enthusiast he couldn’t wait to see the story about the creator of the atom bomb. To be honest this wasn’t even on Julie’s radar, but she is always down for a good historical drama. We are both fans of the director’s previous work, and the cast seemed jam packed with talented folks. Let’s dig into what we thought…
As kids growing up during the early years of Nintendo, we are both very familiar with Mario and friends. We spent many hours conquering level after level, and saw the evolution from 8 bit to more advanced graphics. (We even remember a terrible live action movie at one point that was such a let down…) So, when we heard a new movie was in the works we were really intrigued to see if this one would do justice to a nostalgic childhood franchise. We were also excited to see how the story would develop and to see this video game on the big screen. Read on to hear both of our thoughts of the The Super Mario Bros. Movie…
As kids growing up in the 90’s, the Jurassic Park series had always stood out as a favorite. Andrew was especially a fan of the franchise. While it was hard for the second and third films to stand up to the original, when Jurassic World was released years later in 2015 we were in awe. Rekindling this iconic storyline with new faces and updated technology in the mix was great. We have been enjoying the latest story line and couldn’t wait for the epic conclusion of the Jurassic World trilogy of movies. So how was the ending to this iconic franchise? Read on for our thoughts…
We are both really big Pixar fans so when we heard a new movie was coming out we were pretty excited. To be honest though, we hadn’t seen too much marketing about Onward or really know what this new story was about. When we were invited to an early screening we went in knowing not much more than this was a story about two brother on a magical adventure. We discovered this story had a lot of interesting facets. Read on to hear what we thought about this latest addition to the Pixar film family…
We just received the official list of all of the Disney movies coming to the theaters later this year and we are super excited for so many of them! We can't wait to see some live actions as well as some new Pixar flicks. Others look quite action packed. Here is all of the info we have so far and we couldn't wait to share. We will try to update as more details come our way. But for now mark your calendars and get your popcorn buckets ready!
Growing up we both were intimately familiar with Star Wars Episodes IV, V, and VI and practically wore out the VHS tapes. While we wouldn’t call ourselves super fans, Star Wars has always been enjoyable and held a special place in our hearts; when the franchise was acquired by Disney it just felt right to us. We recently went on a Star Wars movie marathon (thanks Disney+!) to gear up for the last installment. It was so enjoyable to watch films we hadn’t see in years and really get clear on characters and details. We were also reminded how “The Last Jedi” felt a bit mediocre to us. With plot holes and silly moments it felt a little fluffy, but it also felt like it was building for the final chapter.
We were excited to hear that for “The Rise of Skywalker” J.J. Abrams was back at the helm. But we knew he had his hands full to not only include nostalgia from all the movies previously, but also bring in new exciting moments, and tie up a lot of loose ends. When we were invited to an early screening of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker we felt a big build up of excitement and nerves. This could be the final goodbye to many beloved characters (including ones that had been around since before we were even born!) Read on for our spoiler free review… We were excited to hear that for “The Rise of Skywalker” J.J. Abrams was back at the helm. But we knew he had his hands full to not only include nostalgia from all the movies previously, but also bring in new exciting moments, and tie up a lot of loose ends. When we were invited to an early screening of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker we felt a big build up of excitement and nerves. This could be the final goodbye to many beloved characters (including ones that had been around since before we were even born!) Read on for our spoiler free review…
Yesterday Disney Studios invited us to a special event to celebrate the home release of The Lion King! The movie is now available on Digital and Blu-Ray to add to your collection. (Click here to read our review of the film.) We met up with a group of other Disney bloggers for a behind the scenes tour of Central Florida Animal Reserve to get up close and personal with some real life lions (and other big cats!). Read on to hear more about this amazing learning experience.
Maleficent has always been one of the most memorable Disney villains and we had really enjoyed when Disney developed the live action “Maleficent.” Unlike some of the other movies that stuck close to the original story, this movie offered a unique and memorable twist. When we heard that a sequel was coming out (by the way can you believe it’s been five years since the first?) we were excited to see where this story would continue. Last night we were invited to attend an early screening of “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, read on to hear what we thought…
This past weekend we were invited to join some other bloggers for a party to celebrate the home release of Aladdin! Both the original animated classic and the new live action will be available on Blu-Ray+DVD and 4K starting tomorrow September 10th. Check out this latest post to hear more about this magical afternoon and find out how to enter to win a movie prize pack!
Get ready to enter vacation mode and say aloha to the new Stitch x wet n wild Collection featuring Disney’s favorite alien companion, Stitch! Learn more about this new collab perfect for summer!…
Raise your hand if you had an American Girl doll growing up. Julie sure did! She loved her Samantha doll and has many fond memories throughout her childhood. When we received an invite for Julie to attend a special adults only brunch at the American Girl store her inner child was ecstatic. Did you know there is an American Girl store in Orlando? Read on to learn all about it and get a peek at the nostalgic brunch Julie recently attended there…
Even though we love celebrating love and everyday life, we actually aren’t that big into Valentine’s Day. We typically will get cards for each other and then perhaps go out, or more than likely cook a dinner at home together, nothing too big. This year we heard that our local Disney Store was doing a holiday event especially for Disney loving pairs. We figured this free event could be a fun activity to do together. We decided to round out the budget friendly evening with a dinner deal at Qdoba first. Every Valentine’s Day they run a “Qdoba For a Kiss” promo where a smooch gets you a buy-one-get-one entree (Yum!). We enjoyed our burrito bowls and then headed off to the mall for some Disney fun…
We are super excited to announce The Disney DINKs now have an exclusive merchandise line! We have worked hard to develop professional and fun designs on a variety of products. The line includes items such as designer tees, bags, drink ware, home decor, and more.
Looking for the perfect gift for an adult loving Disney fan in your life? We searched high and low for a variety of ideas (and price points) and have curated this ultimate shopping list.
Grown up Disney fans it's time to get excited! The Disney Store just launched a new adult focused collection called "Forever Disney." This new curation features fashion and lifestyle goods and is now available at shopdisney.com and retail Disney stores. To celebrate the launch Disney Stores nationwide planned a Fan Thursdays event co-hosted by Forever Disney and Oh My Disney style blog. We know the Disney Store hosts many events, but this was the first that didn't seem kid focused so we really wanted to check it out.
One of the best things about summertime is being able to spend weekend afternoons hanging pool side with a good book. We were recently sent a copy of Stories from the Magic Kingdom, a new publication for adult Disney fans from Theme Park Press. Being lovers of both Disney and books we couldn't wait to dive in! Keep reading for our review (plus a giveaway of the new book!)
It seems as if wedding season is officially here. For us romance and Disney go hand in hand. If you know a couple getting married that are Disney fans we have pulled together a list of some fun gift ideas they would love...
When we heard that Disney was creating a new collection with Ethan Allen we were excited to see what classic design items would be developed. The new collection launched on Mickey Mouse's birthday: November 18th. We stopped by our local store to see some pieces in person. The first question we were asked was "Are you decorating a kids room?" which made us wonder if it was all childish...
When it comes to deciding on whether or not to get the Disney Dining Plan we are usually a hard pass. But on a recent trip to Walt Disney World we decided to do a little experiment. We saw an opportunity to be strategic and took on the challenge of seeing how much we could save with the priciest option: the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. We are proud to say that we absolutely slayed this challenge and far surpassed our expectations of coming out ahead. And we felt like we were drinking champagne on a beer budget (even if it was a Disney priced beer budget lol.) So let us break it down and explain exactly what we did to “hack” the Disney Deluxe Dining plan to save nearly half the cost of what we consumed…
Earlier this year we signed up with The Financial Gym to help improve our finances as a couple. (If you haven’t already, make sure to read PART ONE of this article.) It’s been a little nutty for us schedule wise, but we finally sat down to schedule our Quarterly Review with our trainer Victoria. It was time to see how working the plan has paid off (see what we did there?) and how we are doing with our life goals. Read on to see how we did, and for the top 5 ways the Financial Gym helped us improve our finances in the last several months…
A trip to Disney can be an amazing but expensive experience for many people. We find that we like to enjoy ourselves on vacation but also like to be financially conscious as well. We figure the more money we save here or there means more trips in the future (or being able to splurge on a really special experience once in awhile). We have come up with 10 ideas to share of ways that we personally save money on trips that could work for you as well. Get ready to start saving!
So when you hear the term “happily ever after” what vision comes to mind? A Prince and Princess riding off into the sunset? A wedding kiss? Thematic music? What most likely doesn’t come to mind is anything to do with finances and budgeting. That just doesn’t sound very romantic now does it? But the truth is, money can be one of the biggest factors that can affect a couple’s happily ever after.
As a couple we invest a lot of time into our relationship and continuing to grow together. One of our New Year’s resolutions for 2019 was to improve our finances. When we found out about a hip new company called Financial Gym it sounded like the perfect opportunity to partner up and kick off our resolution on the right foot. So read on for our step-by-step journey and get a little peek into our financial habits…
The Orlando DINKs Shop
Check out our collection of Park Inspired Designs across a variety of products:
Less Adulting & More Park Hopping!
Whether you are running errands or on your way to Main Street USA, this shirt is sure to inspire!
Bella + Canvas - Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey Tee - 3001
Material: 48% Polyester; 58% cotton
Colors: Black, White, Deep Heather Gray
Fit: Unisex
Care: Machine Wash Cold
Calling all 90’s Babies!
From The Rescuers Down Under all the way to Fantasia 2000, the 90’s produced some of the best Disney movies in history! This shirt is sure to bring back some nostalgic memories.
Bella + Canvas - Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey Tee - 3001
Material: 48% Polyester; 58% cotton
Colors: White, Heather Midnight Blue
Fit: Unisex
Care: Machine Wash Cold
Living the Sweet Life!
One of the best parts of visiting the Disney Parks are the themed treats! Reminice on all of the classics with this tee!
Bella + Canvas - Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey Tee - 3001
Material: 48% Polyester; 58% cotton
Colors: White, Deep Heather Gray, Heather Columbia Blue, Heather Prism Sunset, Heather Midnight Navy
Fit: Unisex
Care: Machine Wash Cold
Adults Are Only Kids Grown Up, Anyway!
At least that’s what Walt Disney said! Bring out your inner Disney!
Bella + Canvas - Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey Tee - 3001
Material: 48% Polyester; 58% cotton
Colors: Heather Ice Blue, Heather Deep Teal, Heather Prism Lilac, Heather Prism Peach, Heather Prism Sunset, Heather Columbia Blue, Charity Pink, Canvas Red, and Black
Fit: Unisex
Care: Machine Wash Cold
Fashion Icon!
Minnie Mouse has been, and always will be, a fashion icon! This tee is a fun way to remember that!
Bella + Canvas - Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey Tee - 3001
Material: 48% Polyester; 58% cotton
Colors: White, Black, and Deep Heather Gray
Fit: Unisex
Care: Machine Wash Cold
Dream It. Do It.
Walt always said if you can dream it, you can do it. We believe in that philosophy 100% and remember it everyday with this tee!
Bella + Canvas - Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey Tee - 3001
Material: 48% Polyester; 58% cotton
Colors: Heather Deep Teal, Heather Midnight Navy, Heather Ice Blue, and Black
Fit: Unisex
Care: Machine Wash Cold
Princess Pattern Tote
Disney Princess’s are so iconic that you can tell which princess is represented just by a single icon! Can you guess all of the princesses represented on this bag?
Size: 14.75″W x 14.75″H; 22″ Handles; 4” Gusset
Weight: 12 oz.
Material: 100% Cotton Canvas; Heavy-Duty Woven Handles
Care: Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water
Living the Sweet Life Tote
This tote reminds ups that life is too short, eat the treat of your dreams (especially if it has ears)!
Size: 14.75″W x 14.75″H; 22″ Handles; 4” Gusset
Weight: 12 oz.
Material: 100% Cotton Canvas; Heavy-Duty Woven Handles
Care: Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water
Best Day Ever Tote
Take a page out of Rapunzel’s book and have the best day, EVER!
Size: 14.75″W x 14.75″H; 22″ Handles; 4” Gusset
Weight: 12 oz.
Material: 100% Cotton Canvas; Heavy-Duty Woven Handles
Care: Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water
Less Adulting & More Park Hopping Tote
Make park hopping even more fun with this stylish tote!
Size: 14.75″W x 14.75″H; 22″ Handles; 4” Gusset
Weight: 12 oz.
Material: 100% Cotton Canvas; Heavy-Duty Woven Handles
Care: Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water
Castle Bound Tote
Let everyone know just where you re headed by rocking this tote!
Size: 14"W x 16"H; 20" handles; No gusset
Foil Color: Gold
Weight: 6 oz.
Material: 100% Cotton Canvas
Care: Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water
Expect slight variations and small imperfections, which is part of the beauty of a foil print.
Living The Sweet Life Cosmetic Bag
Reminisce on Micky shaped goodies everywhere you go with this treat themed cosmetic bag!
Size: 9.5″W x 7″H
Weight: 10 oz.
Material: 100% Cotton Canvas
Care: Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water
Best Day Ever Mug
Start your day off right with the best day ever mug! If Rapunzel has the courage to leave her tower, then you can have the courage to make each day the best day ever!
Material: Clear Glass
Size: 11 Fluid oz.
Care: Recommended Hand-Wash Only
Adults Are Only Kids Grown Up Anyway Mug
Watch this mug come to life as you pour in your coffee to hot tea! The white ink on glass created a sort of frosted glass effect, making it beautiful yet mysterious until you pour in your morning drink of choice.
Material: Clear Glass
Size: 11 Fluid oz.
Care: Recommended Hand-Wash Only
Fashion Icon Mug
Fashionistas unite with this mug! Minnie Mouse approved!
Material: Clear Glass
Size: 11 Fluid oz.
Care: Recommended Hand-Wash Only
Living The Sweet Life Camp Mug
Take this travel mug with you, wherever you go!
Size: 10 oz.
Material: Metal, Stainless Steel, Sublimation Coated White Gloss
Care: Dishwasher Safe
Due to the rustic nature of camp mugs, you may see small imperfections such as dents, bubbles + other rustic features.
Dream It. Do It. Camp Mug
Take this travel mug with you, wherever you go!
Size: 10 oz.
Material: Metal, Stainless Steel, Sublimation Coated White Gloss
Care: Dishwasher Safe
Due to the rustic nature of camp mugs, you may see small imperfections such as dents, bubbles + other rustic features.
Space Ranger Camp Mug
Reminisce on space mountain or embrace your inner space ranger with this travel mug!
Size: 10 oz.
Material: Metal, Stainless Steel, Sublimation Coated White Gloss
Care: Dishwasher Safe
Due to the rustic nature of camp mugs, you may see small imperfections such as dents, bubbles + other rustic features.
Me & You Print
Replace “Me” and “You” With your name and a loved one. This print reminds you that of all of the Disney iconic duos, your love is by far the best!
Size: 5"x7"
Paper Type: 100lb. White Matte Smooth Finish Paper
Frame NOT included
Adults Are Only Kids Grown Up Anyway Foil Print
Bring a little shine to your white walls with this foil print!
Size: 8"x10"
Foil Color: Light Pink, Silver, Gold
Paper: 100lb
Frame NOT included
Expect slight variations and small imperfections, which is part of the beauty of a foil print.
Living Happily Ever After Print
Living happily ever after, just like Mikey & Minnie!
Size: 5"x7"
Paper Type: 100lb. White Matte Smooth Finish Paper
Frame NOT included
And They Lived Happily Ever After Foil Print
Bring a little shine to your white walls with this foil print!
Size: 8"x8"
Foil Color: Light Pink, Silver, Gold
Paper: 100lb
Frame NOT included
Expect slight variations and small imperfections, which is part of the beauty of a foil print.
Adults Are Only Kids Grown Up Anyway Print
Bring Disney into your home, in a tasteful way with this simplistic print and reminisce on Walt’s wise words!
Size: 11" x 14"
Paper Type (Gloss): 8 mil, Bright White, Gloss, Heavy, Poster Weight Paper
Paper Type (Matte): 12 mil, Bright White, Matte Finish
Frame NOT included
Gloss Finish +$2
Adults Are Only Kids Grown Up Anyway Foil Pillow
Reminisce on cinderella’s castle everyday and bring out your inner Disney kid with this stylish pillow!
Size: 11″ X 17″
Material: 100% Cotton
Foil Color: Gold
Care: Spot Clean with Mild Soap and Water
Insert Available: Poly Hypoallergenic (additional shipping fee)
Expect slight variations and small imperfections, which is part of the beauty of a foil print.




If we had to choose our favorite Epcot festival, it would be the International Festival of the Arts (presented by AT&T). While all of the festivals have food, this one has food that looks beautiful. There are so many opportunities to interactive with art and it is the best way to buy a memorable piece for your home. This week we were invited by Disney Parks to a Media Event to get a sneak peek at new additions to this year’s event. Let’s dive in and explore all the fun new artful offerings…