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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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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lobby at the hotel hershey

Hotel Hershey Review | Luxury Stay at Hersheypark

Are you visiting Hersheypark and looking for luxury level accommodations? The Hotel Hershey offers guests 4-star amenities and perks to Hersheypark. In this review I share my Hotel Hershey review and if it is a good choice for your Hersheypark trip.

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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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hersheypark ride heights candymonium

Guide to Hersheypark Ride Height Requirements and Thrill Levels

Planning a trip to Hersheypark and wondering which rides your kids—or even you—can enjoy? One of the most important things to check before heading to the park is the ride height requirements. In this post, I’ll break down Hersheypark’s ride height categories, what they mean, and how you can make the most of your visit!

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hershey chocolate world exterior and entrance

What to See and Do at Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey Chocolate World is the largest Hershey store in the world and is home to fun Hershey attractions as well as nearby Hersheypark. This guide to Hershey’s Chocolate World attractions will help you plan your trip to the sweetest place on earth.

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stops on a family day trip.

101 Themed Summer Camp Ideas at Home (Camp Mom)

Every year I create themed summer camp ideas at home that we use to add structure and family time to our summer calendar. I put together this list of over 100 theme ideas to help you plan your at home summer camp this year.

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randyland in pittsburgh

The Ultimate Pittsburgh Itinerary: 3 Days of Food, Fun, and Adventure

Planning a trip to Pittsburgh and wondering how to make the most of your time? This 3-day Pittsburgh itinerary is packed with the city’s top attractions, hidden gems, and must-try eats. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, this guide will help you experience the best of Pittsburgh in just three days.

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The Last Bookstore

The Best Family Trip Itinerary Ideas (Weekend to Week Long Trips)

Planning a family vacation is exciting, but figuring out where to go and how to organize each day can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why having a ready-to-follow family trip itinerary makes travel so much easier. In this post I am sharing detailed trip itineraries so you can easily start planning your next adventure.

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trip to orlando with kids in florida.

How to Plan an Orlando Itinerary

Planning an Orlando itinerary is incredibly overwhelming because there is so much to see and do. As a frequent visitor I have planned many Orlando trip itineraries and in this post I am going to share how to plan it and what we did during our Orlando vacation.

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sea life aquarium

First Time Tips for LEGOLAND California

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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white sands national park dunes

Guide to White Sands Sledding in New Mexico

When you think of sledding, snow-covered hills usually come to mind—but did you know you can go sledding in the desert at White Sands National Park? In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about White Sands sledding and how to make the most of your visit.

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southwest usa road trip itinerary

9-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary

Touring the Southwest USA is always a great vacation because of its gorgeous scenery and fun attractions. In this post I am sharing how to plan a Southwest USA road trip itinerary that includes where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your days.

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entrance to seaworld orlando

6 Best Things to Do at SeaWorld Orlando

If thrilling roller coasters and unique attractions are what you are looking for in a trip to Orlando you should consider visiting SeaWorld Orlando. We recently visited and these are our picks for the best things to do at SeaWorld Orlando.

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view of american falls and rainbow bridge

2 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary (USA & Canada)

Want to enjoy the best of Niagara Falls USA and Canada? In this post I share our 2 day itinerary for Niagara Falls from what to do to where to stay and includes some of the best things to do when visiting Niagara Falls.

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winter in niagara falls frozen waterfall.

Niagara Falls in Winter- A Unique Time to Visit

Don’t let the cold weather scare you away from visiting Niagara Falls in winter. With proper planning you can experience less crowds and a unique way to see the Falls. In this post I am sharing how to plan a great Niagara Falls USA winter visit.

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raptors game in toronto

Day Trip to Toronto Itinerary

Looking for ideas for a day trip to Toronto? We recently returned from a quick visit, that was and short but sweet. In this post I am sharing how to plan your Toronto day trip, what I recommend, and a few extras if you have more time.

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outside of family friendly hotel reykjavik odinsve hotel apartments

Hotel Odinsve Reykjavik Review

Are you looking for a great family hotel in Reykjavik Iceland with kids? We found a great option at the Hotel Odinsve Reykjavik apartments for our family of five. In this post I share my Hotel Odinsve Reykjavik review and if you should stay there for your trip to Iceland.

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corning museum with kids scavenger hunt

Guide to Visiting Corning Museum of Glass

Planning a visit to Corning Museum of Glass. I am sharing all the details from how to plan your day to where to eat during your visit. This guide to the Corning Museum of Glass will help you have a great day.

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glass display at corning museum

1-Night Corning Itinerary: Things to do in Corning NY

The Glass Museum in Corning, New York is the main attraction, but if you want to spend a little more time enjoying the quaint village, this 1-night Corning itinerary will help you plan. In this post I share the best things to do in Corning NY to plan a nice weekend getaway.

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iceland raindbow road

2-Day Reykjavik Iceland Itinerary

Are you planning an Iceland family vacation? This guide will focus on Reykjavik and share our 2 day Reykjavik Iceland itinerary to help you plan your time in Iceland’s capital.

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sea of trees at christmas at seaworld orlando florida

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration- What to See & Do

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is a great time to visit the Orlando park. With holiday meet and greets, shows, and specialty treats this is a great theme park to visit during the holidays. In this post I am sharing everything you need to know about visiting during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

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open ice skate at dicks house of sports eastview mall rochester ny

Ice Skating in Rochester at Dick’s House of Sport

Ice skating at Dick’s House of Sport at Eastview Mall is a perfect winter activity for families looking to get out and enjoy the season. With accessibility for all ages this is a great addition to your winter bucket list in Rochester, NY.

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Hersheypark Christmas Candylane guide

Guide to Christmas at Hersheypark

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is a celebration of the season with holiday activities throughout the park. Today I am sharing my guide for the 2025 Christmas at Hersheypark holiday season.

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pigeon forge itinerary includes a visit to the island fountain show

5 Night Pigeon Forge Itinerary

Whether you are visiting Pigeon Forge for the fresh mountain air, the fun attractions, or both, this 5-night Pigeon Forge Itinerary will give you everything you need to plan an awesome family trip to Pigeon Forge.

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niagara takes flight show

Niagara Takes Flight: Newest Niagara Falls Attraction

Looking for a new way to experience Niagara Falls? Niagara Takes Flight sweeps guests through Niagara Falls on an aerial adventure of culture, beauty, and up close views of Niagara Falls. In this post I share what to expect at Niagara Takes Flight and is it worth including in your visit to Niagara Falls.

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entrance to legoland ny at halloween

What to Know: LEGOLAND NY Brick or Treat

LEGOLAND NY celebrates Halloween with their annual Brick or Treat event that brings families to the park for an awesome fall party. From characters to meet and trick or treat trails, this is a great place for families to enjoy some Halloween fun.

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niagara falls from the tunnel

Niagara Falls Canada Day Trip Itinerary

Are you planning a 1 day Niagara Falls itinerary and need some ideas? We planned an awesome Niagara Falls Canada day trip that included the best attractions to see the falls from a boat, from above, and from behind. In this post I share everything you need to plan a day trip to Niagara Falls Canada.

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apple picking in rochester ny with kids

8 Places for Apple Picking in Rochester, NY

Apple picking in Rochester, NY may be one of my all time favorite fall activities. It is a perfect fall activity in Western New York. These are our picks for the best Rochester, NY apple picking destinations.

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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

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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buffalo zoo

2-Night Weekend in Buffalo Itinerary

Planning a Buffalo weekend getaway is easy! There are many places to visit in Buffalo and today we are sharing our weekend in Buffalo NY itinerary to help you plan your trip.

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maid of the mist close view of falls

What to Expect on the Maid of the Mist

When you see Niagara Falls for the first time it is breathtaking but nothing is as amazing as seeing it up close while aboard the Maid of the Mist. In this post I will share what you need to know to experience the Maid of the Mist.

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sky high adventure park at holiday valley

Our Family Experience at Sky High Ropes Course Holiday Valley

Ski resorts are not just for winter! At Sky High Adventure Park at Holiday Valley guests can challenge themselves to exhilarating zip lines and ropes courses. In this post I share what you need to know about Sky High Aerial Park and my experience with the ropes course at Holiday Valley.

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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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hershey lodge water park

Hershey Lodge Water Park: Indoor fun at Hersheypark

Looking for indoor fun during your Hersheypark trip? Hershey Lodge Water Park is a great option. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this water park a must-visit destination for families in search of both thrills and sweet memories.

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hershey lodge lobby

Hershey Lodge Hotel Review

If you’re planning a sweet escape to Hershey, Pennsylvania and wondering where to stay, the Hershey Lodge is likely at the top of your list. In this post I’ll share my personal experience at the Hershey Lodge and my Hershey Lodge review so you can decide if it’s the right place for your next getaway.

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rides at legoland new york

Legoland New York Rides and Height Requirements (Includes Checklist!)

LEGOLAND New York is packed with rides that bring creativity, excitement, and family-friendly thrills to life. In this post, we’ll take you on a tour of the must-ride experiences—from kid-friendly carousels to heart-racing dragon coasters—so you can make the most of your day at the park. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of LEGOLAND NY rides you won’t want to miss!

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legoland ny decor for halloween

LEGOLAND New York Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Whether you’re a lifelong LEGO lover or a parent looking for the ultimate family getaway, LEGOLAND New York is a destination that promises fun, creativity, and unforgettable memories. From rides to themed lands, LEGOLAND New York offers creative fun for the entire family. Today I am sharing everything you need to know to plan a visit to LEGOLAND New York.

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chimney bluffs state park day trip from rochester

18 Day Trips from Rochester, NY to Recharge and Explore

Looking to escape and explore something new? Whether you’re craving scenic nature trails, charming small towns, or hidden cultural gems, Rochester, NY is perfectly positioned for unforgettable day trips. In this guide I have rounded up the best day trips from Rochester, New York.

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highland park

15 Easy Hikes in Rochester NY

Looking to hit the trails but want to start with something easy? These 15 easy hikes in Rochester NY will get you outside and moving this season.

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Lake Buena Vista Resort Review pool area

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa Review

The Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa in Orlando, Florida is a family friendly destination that is perfect for families looking for more hotel space during their theme park vacation. Our review of Lake Buena Vista Resort will help you decide if it is a good choice for your Orlando vacation.

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road trip food from ny to fl

Food Ideas for a Road Trip in the USA

Are you planning a road trip? Planning is key to success on the road, and part of that is packing good food and snacks. Check out my road trip food list and what we pack when we head out on the road.

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water park and disneyland view from hotel room at courtyard theme park

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Review

With so many hotel options within walking distance to Disneyland, it can be overwhelming to find the best one for your family. This Courtyard Anaheim theme park entrance review will help decide if this Disneyland good neighbor hotel is a good choice for your trip.

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aladdin in nyc

2 Day New York City Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to NYC? This 2 day New York City Itinerary will give you lots of ideas to help you plan a perfect weekend in NYC! New York City … Read More

deck of disney treasure

What to Expect on the Disney Treasure

The latest details and insider look at Disney Cruise Lines newest ship the Disney Treasure. This ship was designed with the Disney fan in mind and I was blown away.

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vip tour guide at disney world big thunder mountain

48 Hours on a Disney World VIP Tour

What is it really like on a Disney World VIP Tour? Is the luxury service at Disney World worth the expense? Today we are sharing our review of a VIP tour at Disney World.

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how to plan a disney world and universal split stay

Disney World and Universal in One Trip

In this post I am sharing how to plan Disney World and Universal in one trip. These tips will help you decide if a split stay Universal and Disney trip will work for you.

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