roc holiday village photo op

ROC Holiday Village 2026- Is It Worth It

The 8th annual ROC Holiday Village will be here before you know it and this year it is bringing the best holiday festivities to Rochester, New York once again. From holiday crafts and children’s activities to ice skating and meeting Santa Claus, this is a Rochester holiday event you don’t want to miss.

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big thunder mountain at disneyland paris

Planning Disneyland Paris: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Disneyland Paris is one of the most beautiful Disney Parks that every Disney fan should try to experience. I am still grateful that we were able to spend a few nights there as a family and I hope that we can go back to experience everything new. This guide is everything I wish I knew when planning a Disneyland Paris trip from where we stayed to how we planned our Disneyland Paris itinerary.

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disneyland paris visit during our paris itinerary

Itinerary for 5 Days in Paris Including Disneyland Paris

Paris is one of the most famous destinations in the world but one of the main reasons we wanted to visit was to spend time at Disneyland Paris. Of course we couldn’t miss out on spending time exploring Paris which led us to creating this itinerary for 5 days in Paris that includes time staying at Disneyland Paris and time spend staying in Paris.

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View from Room at Aventura Hotel

Best Universal Orlando Hotels for Your Trip (Budget to Luxury)

Walking to Universal Studios or Epic Universe, hopping on a boat or a shuttle bus from the parks to your resort for some pool time, and having early park admission are some of the reasons we stay onsite at Universal hotels during our Universal Orlando trip. We have stayed at almost all of the Universal Orlando hotels and today are sharing our picks for the best ones.

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three broomsticks at islands of adventure

Best Places to Eat at Universal Orlando (2026 Guide)

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort and wondering where to eat? Between Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, and CityWalk, there are so many themed restaurants and quick-service spots that it’s hard to know which ones are actually worth your time and your budget.

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green eggs and ham tots at seuss landing at islands of adventure

Islands of Adventure Restaurants: Top Picks & Dining Guide

Dining at the theme parks has become a top priority now that we travel with teens and can be more flexible with where we dine. The restaurants at Islands of Adventure offer great options for families of all ages, but we used to think about food as an after thought for our touring plan, now it is often what we plan our day around.

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sweet crepes at universal studios florida

Top Universal Studios Florida Restaurants & Food Guide

At some point the dining became one of the most important parts of our trips to Universal Orlando, and I think it is because the restaurants elevate the entire theme park experience. Universal Studios Florida restaurants have come a long way since my first visit in 2005. Today I am sharing my favorite Universal Studios Florida restaurants as well as a quick guide to show you your dining options at the park.

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pizza moon exterior at night

Epic Universe Restaurants: The Best Dining Options at the Park

Dining at Epic Universe is more than just a quick meal. It is a themed experience with quality dishes the entire family can enjoy. Universal Orlando changed theme park dining from something that was an afterthought to an elevated experience that enhances the storytelling of the lands, and created an immersive dining experience for their guests. In this post I am sharing my picks for Epic Universe restaurants you need to try.

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night exterior of meteor astropub epic universe

Meteor Astropub at Epic Universe Review & Cost for Family of 5

Meteor Astropub is one of the many great dining options at Epic Universe. This quick service dining option at Epic Universe is casual and perfect for a quick bite at the park. My family of 5 dined there and today I am sharing the cost and review of Meteor Astropub at Epic Universe.

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dessert at das stakehaus

Das Stakehaus at Epic Universe Review & Cost

If you love Universal Classic Monsters you are going to want to dine at Das Stakehaus at Epic Universe. This vampire themed quick service dining spot is a fun and delicious experience to include in your day at the park. In this post I am sharing our experience at Das Stakehaus, what it cost for a family of five, and if it is worth including in your day at Epic Universe.

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toadstool cafe orlando entrance

Toadstool Cafe at Epic Universe Review: Cost & What to Expect

Step inside the Toadstool Cafe and be transported to a world that features Chef Toad and more in this super immersive quick service dining restaurant at Epic Universe. In this post I am sharing my review of Toadstool Cafe Orlando, what to expect, and if you should eat here when you visit Epic Universe.

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exterior mead hall

Review of Mead Hall at Epic Universe: What We Ate & What it Cost

Have you ever wanted to dine like a Viking? You will now after hearing about Mead Hall at Epic Universe. This quick service dining option at the Universal Orlando park not only has a great atmosphere, the food is delicious. In this post I am sharing my review of Mead Hall, what we ate and the cost, as well as if it is worth including in your day at Universal Epic Universe.

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Disneys caribbean beach resort view of skyliner and exterior of buildings

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review: Our Stay as a Family of 5

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is one of the most visually stunning moderate resorts at Walt Disney World. The brightly colored island-inspired buildings, the lush landscaping, and the laid-back Caribbean atmosphere give it a personality that no other Disney resort quite replicates. From the moment you arrive it feels less like a hotel and more like an island getaway that happens to be minutes from the most magical theme parks in the world.

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great hall entrance

Harry Potter Studio Tour London Review: Is it Worth It?

We are not die-hard Harry Potter fans. We have seen the movies, we enjoyed them, and our teens grew up with them, but none of us were walking into the Warner Bros Studio Tour London with tears in our eyes at the sight of Platform 9¾. I say this upfront because most Harry Potter Studio Tour reviews are written by superfans and if you are a family somewhere in the middle, interested but not obsessed, this review is for you.

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shreks adventure london experience review

Shrek’s Adventure London Review: Is It Worth It for Families with Teens?

I have always enjoyed the touristy type places that are fun and unique. When we visited London I knew we had to include Shrek’s Adventure in our trip, but what can you expect and should you include it. Today I am sharing my Shrek Adventure London review and giving you all the details to decide if you should include it in your London trip.

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view of the london eye during london itinerary trip

London Itinerary with Teens: Our 3-Night Family Trip

London was the destination I was most nervous about planning on our 12-day Europe trip. It was our first time in the UK, our kids were teenagers, and I had no idea where to start. It took me a little time but I ended up with a unique London itinerary with teens that covered some of the best parts of the city, and fit my family of five perfectly.

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how to plan a disney world and universal split stay

Disney World and Universal Orlando in One Trip: How We Did It

Disney World and Universal Orlando in one trip used to be something families squeezed in by tacking a single Universal day onto the end of a Disney vacation. Epic Universe changed that completely. Universal Orlando is now a three-park destination that deserves its own dedicated days, and planning a split stay in Orlando requires a completely different strategy than it did even two years ago.

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universal vs disney world featured

Walt Disney World vs Universal Orlando: Which Is Right for Your Family? (2026)

The epic question of Walt Disney World vs. Universal Orlando can lead to many opinions between serious theme park fans. While the answer depends on what type of vacation you are looking for and who you are traveling with, there are a few big differences between Disney World and Universal. Today we break it down to help you decide between a Disney World or Universal Orlando vacation.

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window display at diagon alley harry potter at universal studios florida

Universal Orlando Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Plan Your Visit

Universal Orlando Resort is one of the best theme park destinations in the world, and in 2026 with Epic Universe fully open, it has never been a better time to visit. As a family of 5 that holds Universal annual passes, this Universal Orlando planning guide is built on real experience across dozens of visits. Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect Universal Orlando vacation.

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outside of family friendly hotel reykjavik odinsve hotel apartments

Hotel Odinsve Reykjavik Review: Is It Worth It for Families of 5?

Finding a hotel in Reykjavik that comfortably fits a family of five is harder than it sounds. Most European hotels are sized for couples and small families- two double beds and a bathroom that fits everyone is not a given. When we were planning our Iceland stopover as part of our 12-day Europe trip, this was the thing I worried about most.

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iceland raindbow road

2-Days In Reykjavik with Kids: Our Iceland Stopover Itinerary

Iceland was never on our radar. It was not on our bucket list, it was not something we had ever seriously considered as a family destination, and then we found out Iceland Air offers stopovers in Reykjavik at no extra cost on flights between the East Coast and Europe. Suddenly I was working on creating a great Iceland itinerary for 2-nights during our trip.

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skyline in new york city near grand central

New York City with Teens: Itinerary, Tips, and Everything We Loved

New York City is one of the most popular destinations and for good reason- it has Broadway, incredible museums, and a unique vibe that needs to be experienced at least once. We live about 5 hours away, in Rochester, NY, and have gone on multiple NYC trips when our kids were all different ages. Now we are visiting New York City with teens and it has been some of the best trips we have experienced.

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ferris wheel during christmas at hersheypark

Christmas at Hersheypark (2026 Guide)

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is one of the best holiday theme park events on the East Coast, and one that doesn’t get nearly enough credit. If your family loves spending the holiday season at theme parks, this one belongs on your list. We are sharing all that is included for your visit during Christmas at Hersheypark.

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halloween at hersheypark

Guide to Dark Nights and Hersheypark Halloween (2026)

Want to experience scares or do you like a more mild Halloween at Hersheypark? Hersheypark Halloween has Halloween fun for everyone! With the scary Dark Nights to the family friendly Hersheypark Halloween-they have it all. In this post I am sharing what to expect at Hersehypark Halloween and how to plan your visit.

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first time to europe itinerary buckingham palace

Iceland, London, Paris & Disneyland Paris Itinerary with Kids

Taking your kids to Europe for the first time is one of those trips that lives in your family’s memory forever. We know because we took ours and it was one of the best trips we have ever done. What started as a bucket list dream turned into a European 2 week trip itinerary adventure through Iceland, London, Disneyland Paris, and Paris that our teens still talk about years later.

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queue for slinky dog dash at hollywood studios disney world

Best Rides at Hollywood Studios You Need to Experience

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the most popular Walt Disney World theme parks and for good reason. It has some of the best rides across all the parks and offers guests immersive experiences. Today I am sharing my picks for the best rides at Hollywood Studios that you don’t want to miss.

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slime fountain at nickelodeon universe american dream mall

American Dream Mall with Kids: Is It Worth the Trip? (Family Review)

We have made the drive from Rochester to NYC a handful of times and always drive by American Dream Mall saying next time we are including it in our trip. On our most recent trip we finally got to spend the day taking in everything and today I am sharing how to plan your visit to American Dream Mall with kids.

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photo op at powers farm market

Spending a Day at Powers Farm Market in the Fall

There is nothing better than spending a fall day at a market surrounded by baked goods, pumpkins, and all things fall. Powers Farm Market in Pittsford, NY offers a great place to experience the best of the fall season. In this post I am sharing why we love visiting Powers Farm Market and what to expect when you visit.

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lincoln hill farm evening halloween rochester ny

18 Fall Activities in Rochester, NY (Updated 2026)

Rochester, NY during the fall season is the best! There are great outdoor activities and special events for the whole family. We’ve rounded up the best fall activities in Rochester, NY to enjoy some quality family time during the autumn season.

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entrance to legoland california

LEGOLAND California Itinerary & First Time Tips

LEGOLAND California is an awesome place to spend the day during your Southern California vacation. Today we are sharing our best tips for LEGOLAND California, the LEGOLAND attractions you can’t miss, and how to plan your day at the California theme park.

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pool view of springhill suites burbank

SpringHill Suites Burbank Review: Where to Stay Near Universal Studios Hollywood & LA

Finding a place to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood and Los Angeles can be difficult, especially if you are on a budget. You want a great location that is in close proximity to everything you want to see and do, safe neighborhood and parking situation, and a space at an affordable price. My SpringHill Suites Burbank review will tell you why it is a great location for this trip and share all the details for planning your trip.

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exterior its a small world at disneyland california

1-Day at Disneyland Itinerary: How to Maximize Your Day at the Park

One day at Disneyland is absolutely doable, but it requires a plan. This itinerary covers two full days we spent at Disneyland park, which means you get two versions of the same day: what we did wrong the first time and how we fixed it the second. Whether you have one day or two, the lessons we learned apply to both.

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emotional whirlwind inside out ride at disney california adventure

Disneyland Guide for Disney World Regulars: What’s the Same, What’s Different & What to Prioritize

If you have been to Walt Disney World multiple times and are finally making the trip to Disneyland, this guide is for you. Not a first-timer guide. Not a basics breakdown. A guide written specifically for families who know Disney World well and want to understand the differences between Disneyland and Disney World, and why a trip is totally worth it.

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the tunnel at niagara falls ontario canada

18 Best Day Trips from Rochester, NY (Under 2 Hours)

Rochester, NY has so much to offer, but sometimes you need to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and go somewhere new. Whether you are craving scenic nature trails, charming small towns, stunning waterfalls, or hidden cultural gems, we are perfectly positioned for some of the best day trips in New York State. Everything on this list is within 2 hours of the city and every single one is worth the drive.

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view of pipeline at seaworld orlando

SeaWorld Orlando: 6 Must-Do Experiences from a Family of 5

If thrilling roller coasters and unique attractions are what you are looking for during a trip to Orlando you should consider visiting SeaWorld Orlando. From animal encounters to thrilling rides and seasonal festivals, SeaWorld offers a lot in a day at a theme park. We recently visited and these are our picks for the best things to do at SeaWorld Orlando.

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sea life aquarium

3 Nights in Carlsbad CA with Kids: Itinerary, Where to Stay & What to Do

Carlsbad, California is a great place to stay when visiting Southern California. It is close to family friendly attractions and great beaches. We planned this itinerary for Carlsbad, CA to have a little relaxation at the end of our busy road trip. This Carlsbad itinerary is a great way to enjoy one of the best California destinations.

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resort at disney world at sunset

Disney World Rest Day Ideas: Best Things to Do Besides the Parks

When planning a week long Disney World vacation I always plan a rest day. This is a day to sleep in a little, spend time exploring your resort, and move at a slower pace than a typical park day. In this post I am sharing my best Disney World resort day ideas to plan a great day without visiting the parks.

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disney world monorail hotels epcot monorail

Disney Monorail Resorts: Are They Worth It for Families?

Want to stay close to the magic during your Disney World vacation? A stay at a Disney hotel on the monorail is a perfect choice! With views of Magic Kingdom nightly fireworks guests are right in the magic. In this post I am sharing what are the Disney hotels on the monorail and if they are a good choice for your Disney vacation.

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all star movie at disney value resort

Disney Value Resorts Ranked from a Family of 5

Disney World has five value resorts to choose from and they all promise the same thing, an affordable way to stay on Disney property. But they are not all created equal. We have personally stayed at three of the five: Pop Century, Art of Animation, and All Star Sports. In this post I am ranking all five from our honest experience staying and exploring the resorts.

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Disney Riviera Resort Review Pool

Disney’s Riviera Resort Review: Is It Worth the Splurge?

Guests wanting a French riviera flare may want to consider a stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort. This deluxe resort has a great location and gorgeous interior design. In this post I am sharing my Disney Riviera Resort review to help you decide if it is a good choice for your Disney trip.

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muppet gondola on disney skyliner

Disney Skyliner Resorts: An Honest Guide to All 4 Resorts on the Gondola

Traveling on a Gondola from your Disney Resort to the Parks is a great way to get around the Walt Disney World Resort. In this post I am sharing everything you need to know about the Disney Skyliner resorts. From the Disney Skyliner route and map to if the Skyliner rseorts are worth it. This guide is everything you need to know for your Disney trip.

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cars area exterior at disneys art of animation resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Review: Is It Worth it For Families

At Disney’s Art of Animation guests can feel immersed in Disney storytelling with beloved animation characters, but is it a good choice for your Disney World trip? In this post I share my Art of Animation Resort review, our experience staying at the Finding Nemo family suites, is Art of Animation a budget friendly choice, and is it worth it for your trip?

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seabreeze park rochester jack rabbit roller coaster

Planning Your Day at Seabreeze Park Rochester

Are you planning a visit to Seabreeze Park Rochester? It is home to the oldest wooden coaster in America and a unique park for families of all ages. In this post I share how to plan your day at Seabreeze that includes rides and the water park and maximizes fun.

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the cove at sylvan beach 3 bedroom cottage

The Cove at Sylvan Beach: A Hidden Gem on Oneida Lake

If you are looking for laid back comfort and relaxation for your next family trip you should take a look at The Cove at Sylvan Beach in New York. Offering 2 and 3 bedroom cottages in Sylvan Beach, The Cove is a great place for a close to home getaway near the Finger Lakes.

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grand central market neon lights los angeles

4-Day Los Angeles Itinerary with Teens: Our Honest Trip Guide

Los Angeles is glamour, film history, and some of the most iconic destinations in the United States all in one city. From world-famous theme parks and celebrity-spotting, to the Hollywood sign and the Pacific Coast at Santa Monica Pier. LA delivers something for every member of the family, and teens especially love it.

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rise of the resistance queue at hollywood studios

Disney World with Teens: Plan a Trip They’ll Love

Planning a trip to Disney with teens can be a whole new kind of magic, less about princesses and more about thrill rides, Instagram-worthy snacks, and just the right amount of independence. Navigating the parks with teenagers takes a different kind of strategy. In this post, we’ll break down how to make the most of your Disney experience with teens in tow, from must-ride attractions to keeping everyone happy and fully in the moment.

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entrance to the studio tour at universal studios hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood Guide & 1-Day Itinerary

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of those parks that surprises you, especially if you are coming from Universal Orlando. It is smaller, the layout takes some getting used to, and the ride count is lower than the Universal Orlando parks. But what it offers that Orlando simply cannot is the World Famous Studio Tour, and that alone makes it worth the trip.

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ratatouille entrance at epcot

Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World (Organized By Park)

One of our favorite family traditions before a Disney World trip is planning movie nights around the parks we are visiting. Watching the movies that inspired the rides, shows, and attractions gets everyone excited for the trip and helps the whole family feel connected to the characters before you arrive.

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international destinations guide

International Destinations Guide: Family Travel Beyond the USA

Taking our family abroad for the first time was one of the best decisions we have ever made. I will be honest- I was nervous. Five people, four countries, twelve days, and kids who had only ever traveled domestically. I spent months planning every detail and still worried we were taking on too much.

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view at zion national park

Southwest USA Guide: Family Road Trip Destinations

There is something about the American Southwest that stops you cold. I grew up on the East Coast and spent most of my life surrounded by trees, lakes, and seasons. Nothing prepared me for the moment we crossed into New Mexico and the landscape opened up into something that looked like another planet. In this post I am sharing a collection of trips we have taken to the Southwest USA to help you plan your next adventure.

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rochester things to do mural

50+ Best Things to do In Rochester, NY (A Local’s Guide)

Rochester, NY is one of the most underrated family destinations in the entire Northeast. I know because I have lived here for over 15 years and watched visitors consistently underestimate it, and then leave completely surprised by how much the city had to offer. In this post I am sharing the best things to do in Rochester, NY whether you are visiting for the weekend or a local looking for your something to do.

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new york state travel I love ny sign

New York State Guide: Best Family Travel Destinations

I have lived in New York State for over 40 years and I am still finding new places to explore every single season. That is the thing about this state that most people do not realize- New York is so much more than New York City. From the thundering falls at Niagara to the gorges of the Finger Lakes, the wild trails of the Adirondacks, charming small towns scattered across the Southern Tier, and the beach towns of Long Island, New York State is one of the most diverse family travel destinations in the entire country.

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its a small world exterior at magic kingdom walt disney world

Walt Disney World Planning Guide 2026: Everything Your Family Needs to Know

We have been to Walt Disney World over twenty times and every single visit the magic remains the same. There have been perfect visits and not so perfect visits, but we keep returning because we love it. In this Walt Disney World guide I am sharing my expertise, as a mom who has visited with her kids for over a decade, on how to plan the best Disney World trip.

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ferris wheel at hersheypark in hershey pa

Hersheypark Guide 2026: Planning, Tickets & Tips

Are you planning a visit to Hersheypark? In this guide to Hersheypark we cover everything you need to plan a Hersheypark trip with kids. From tickets, where to stay, which rides are worth the wait, where to eat, and whether one day or two is right for your family.

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fantasmic at disney hollywood studios

Best Theme Parks We’ve Visited as a Family (Honest Reviews)

We have been visiting theme parks as a family since before our kids could walk. Over the years we have logged more days at Disney World than we can count, crossed the Atlantic for Disneyland Paris, road-tripped to Hersheypark, visited Universal when Jaws was still around, and there are still so many parks to discover. Theme parks are our thing, it’s a tradition we keep coming back to, and in this post I am sharing the best theme parks for families so you can plan your visits.

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map of usa destinations visited

USA Destinations Guide: Family Travel Across America

Have you ever thought about traveling to all 50 states? The idea never crossed my mind until I had kids and started this blog. Once they were born, my husband and I decided to prioritize family travel in our lives, and it slowly evolved into a goal of visiting every single state together as a family.

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sunrise at hotel disney day

The Ultimate Disney World in Summer Strategy

There is something extra magical about Disney in the summertime, but summer also brings soaring temperatures, bigger crowds, and the need for a bit more planning to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney-goer or planning your first trip, this guide will help you navigate the parks with ease, beat the heat, and soak up all the magic during at Disney World in summer.

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There is something extra magical about Disney in the summertime, but summer also brings soaring temperatures, bigger crowds, and the need for a bit more planning to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney-goer or planning your first trip, this guide will help you navigate the parks with ease, beat the heat, and soak up all the magic during at Disney World in summer.

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feathered friends in flight at animal kingdom

Animal Kingdom Guide & 1-Day Itinerary: Everything You Need to Know

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is unlike any other theme park in the world. It blends real animal habitats with thrilling rides and immersive storytelling. In this guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Animal Kingdom, plus a full 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary so you can make the most of your visit.

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buzz and toy story land at hollywood studios

Hollywood Studios Guide & 1-Day Itinerary- Everything You Need to Know

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite parks at Walt Disney World. It started as a behind-the-scenes movie experience and has evolved into a full celebration of the Disney films and characters we love, with two of the most immersive themed lands in any Disney park anywhere in the world.

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cost of a disney world vacation for a family of five

Disney World Vacation Budget: Real Disney Trip Cost Breakdown (2026)

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort is exciting—but one of the first questions most families ask is: how much does a Disney vacation actually cost? In this post we are going to get into all the costs of a Disney trip to help you budget and plan a trip to Disney that works for your family.

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epcot monorail view at walt disney world

Epcot Guide: 1-Day Itinerary & Everything to Know About the Park

Epcot is one of the most unique theme parks in the world. It blends thrilling rides, cultural exploration, stunning food, and live entertainment into a park unlike anything else at Walt Disney World. In this Epcot guide I share everything you need to know before your visit, plus a detailed 1-day itinerary to make the most of your time there.

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cinderella castle at magic kingdom at walt disney world

Magic Kingdom Guide: 1-Day Itinerary & Everything You Need to Know

Magic Kingdom is not only the most magical place on Earth, it is the most visited theme park in the world. In this Magic Kingdom guide I share everything you need to know to plan your visit from when to arrive to where to eat, plus a detailed 1-day itinerary(that we have used) to help you make the most of every hour.

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the barnstormer lightning lane at magic kingdom

Lightning Lane at Disney World Guide and Strategy

If you want to have shorter wait times and maximize your time at the Disney World parks you need to know about Lightning Lane. In this post I share my Lightning Lane strategy and guide to show you how to get the most of it at the parks.

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Store at hersheypark Camping resort

Hersheypark Camping Resort Review

If s’mores by the fire is how you want to end your day at Hersheypark, you might want to consider booking a stay at the Hersheypark Camping Resort. In this post I am sharing our experience and Hersheypark camping resort review to help you decide if it is a good choice for your Hersheypark trip.

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