Tag: Travel

Extended Stay America: Santa’s Reindeer Stay for Free!

Karyn Locke
Extended Stay America pets stay free properties are offering Santa and his reindeer no pets fees fro stays through 12/21/18

We’ve recently visited an Extended Stay America property in Orlando and, truthfully, I was surprised. I was surprised at its billion dollar upgrades to properties across the country. Surprised at the spacious rooms and comfy beds. And definitely surprised at the affordability of reserving a night or two. To sweeten the deal, ESA has a new deal for Santa and his reindeer. Here’s the scoop on the Extended Stay America pets stay free deal this holiday season. We know how well Santa’s reindeer are cared for, right? Their fed the…

All the Disney World Fireworks: Locations, Times, and Best Viewing Areas

Karyn Locke
Holiday Wishes Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World fireworks: Photo Courtesy of WDW News Walt Disney World fireworks shows are unlike any other theme park and for good reason. The Lake Buena Vista resort offers multiple shows nightly and has that magical way of putting proverbial stars in our eyes. Here’s the scoop on fireworks at Walt Disney World, locations, times, and the best places to view them in the parks. Magic Kingdom I’m still on the fence about the retirement of “Wishes” at Magic Kingdom. I mean, it was the first fireworks show that we…

Best Disney World Park for One Day? Which Park You Should Choose

Karyn Locke
One day at Walt Disney World

If you’ve been doing your research, you’ve probably read that it’s impossible to visit Walt Disney World in a day and see everything. Heck, it’s pretty much impossible to see everything in only one of its parks. Having written that, there are times when you only have a single day to spend at Walt Disney World. I totally get it. The tougher problem is picking a theme park to spend your day in. Need help narrowing down the best Disney World park for one day? Here’s the story on each…

Five Artsy Things to Know about Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Karyn Locke
Epcot International Festival of the Arts

If you squeal with delight over Walt Disney World‘s famous Epcot festivals (International Flower & Garden and International Food & Wine), warm up those vocal chords because there’s a new one in town: Epcot International Festival of the Arts. For its inaugural year, WDW is going all out with its magical blend of art, food, and fun. Here’s the top five things you need to know before you go. Kickoff and Details February 13th is the opening date for the art festival and will take place over six weekends through…

How to Do Major Holidays at Walt Disney World

Karyn Locke
Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom

When it comes to the major holidays at Walt Disney World there’s one thing I always hear: it’s too crowded to enjoy attractions. The second thing that’s always brought up is the increase in prices for peak seasons. Is there a way to enjoy the holiday fun in the parks without breaking the bank and losing your sanity? You betcha. Rope Drop Is the Way to Begin the Day You’ll want to hit the turnstile area well before the park opens, aka rope drop. Not only will you be the first…

Three Lodging Options in The Finger Lakes that You Need to Book Now

Karyn Locke
Finger Lakes Hammondsport New York

I know, I know. When you head to The Finger Lakes, New York, you’re headed there for the stunning scenery, fun outdoor activities, and maybe (alright, probably) the adult beverages. You’re also visiting for its amazingly delicious restaurants and quaint small towns. But you’ve gotta sleep, right? And you need a restful sleep so you’re raring to go for every day of your visit. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Finger Lakes region and rested my head on comfy pillows, enjoyed a home-cooked breakfast, and spied breathtaking…

11 Important Things to Know Before Your First Disney World Trip

Karyn Locke
Beating the crowds at Magic Kingdom is easy with these 11 ideas!

If I only had learned one single lesson from my family’s first vacation to Walt Disney World it’s this: we were not prepared for it. Even with all of the research I’d done for months ahead of time I was still pretty much clueless once we stepped foot into the parks. Here’s my top 11 things to know before your first Disney World trip to save you time, money, and keep your sanity in check. Maybe I had done too much scouring for information and it was all a jumble…

Walt Disney World Rides that Are Even More Magical at Night

Karyn Locke
Expedition Everest at night

Truth be told for my family, any time of day that we can hop on a Walt Disney World ride or attraction is magical, but there’s just something even more beautiful about riding them at night. The vibe is different, the air is cooler, and the all over ambiance has an extra sprinkling of pixie dust that we adore. With the changing of the seasons it’s getting darker earlier- and that’s the perfect time to hit our nine favorite attractions! Here’s our list of top Walt Disney World rides that are…

10 Terrific Ways to Celebrate Fall at Walt Disney World

Karyn Locke
Magic Kingdom autumn

Yep, we’ve noticed the autumn decorations flanking the shelves of our local department stores recently and that can only mean one thing: Walt Disney World is getting ready to celebrate fall! And while we we never need an excuse to visit, there are definitely a ton of reasons to make a trip this fall. Just in case you need an excuse, we’re going overboard and not asking why would you want to visit but why wouldn’t you? Here’s 10 terrific reasons to celebrate fall at Walt Disney World: Summer Attraction &…

13 Best Things to Do at Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando

Karyn Locke
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Dragon

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter books and movies, a visit to Universal Orlando Resort to check out both Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas just makes sense, right? My family goes bananas over everything Jo Rowling can throw our way, but when it comes to feeling like we’re immersed in the books and movies we’re the first ones to queue up! If you’ve never visited or have already but want to make sure you didn’t miss all of the good stuff, here are  13 best things to…