Wednesday evening was hard for me. I had now been away from home for more than 24 hours. I had had a great day, but I wasn’t alone for too much of it. But then, it was time for dinner. I was back at Pop and faced with eating dinner alone at a resort. I considered eating in my room, but the weather was so nice and I thought the pool was calling my name. I ate a quick dinner, grabbed a beverage from Petals Pool Bar and found a lounge chair by the Hippy Dippy Pool. This is when it hit me, I must be the worst mother in the world. Here I was at Disney World at a way cool resort my kids would love and I had left them at home. There were families all around me, I think I was the only person there without their family. I wanted to cry. I was ready to go home. Going home was not an option at this point, so I went to bed instead.

I’m not usually a good sleeper, but I discovered that I sleep REALLY WELL in hotel rooms alone! I woke up Thursday having had a great night sleep! While I felt rested, I still felt sad. I called home and told my husband how sorry I felt, he was so great, he told me to stop. He reminded me that I needed this time away and that he was proud of me for going. So, out I ventured. Unsure of what to actually do with myself for the day, I didn’t decide on which park to visit until I was at the bus stop. I ended up at Animal Kingdom!

I arrived at Animal Kingdom before the park opened and was met with a huge crowd full of strollers. I should have been prepared for the families at the park, but I wasn’t and it didn’t do a darn thing to make me feel better about being there alone. Once the park opened I followed the masses feeling not terribly happy. As I looked around I saw Mommies with little ones, holding hands so they didn’t get separated, I saw parents exchange wordless glances at one another fully communicating that one had Tommy by the hand, he was ok. Then, it hit me! I didn’t have a stroller! I didn’t have anyone to worry about getting separated from! It was just ME! I managed to weave my way around the stroller congestion and began wondering at my own pace. I took full advantage of Single Rider Lines, only stopped at attractions that interested me, watched park entertainers for as long as I wanted and had not a care in the world. I had such an amazing day. It was while at Animal Kingdom all alone that I began to find myself.

The Cast Members at Animal Kingdom were so amazing! One struck up a conversation with me, I explained that I was on my first ever Mom-cation AND that it was my birthday month. She was quick to get me some buttons that I proudly wore every day of my trip! I was amazed with how many people wished me a Happy Birthday, even during the parade!

Thursday finally arrived and Stephanie would be arriving! I was SO excited! I passed time with another trip to Downtown Disney and some time by the pool. She arrived and we spent some time chatting, then off to find dinner! I had already discovered that I loved Downtown Disney, but it was even more fun with someone to enjoy it with! We decided on Raglan Road, I loved the dancing!

I was not running around the park looking for as many Pressed Pennies as I could possibly find, but I did have a souvenir I HAD to have……..a tiara. I think some people thought I was joking when I said I would be wearing a tiara in the parks. I assure you, tiaras are not something to joke around about! But, at this point I had not found one my heart desired.

With only 2 days to enjoy the parks, we decided on a full day at Epcot and a full day at Magic Kingdom.

The day finally came when we got to meet Margie!!! Stephanie and I enjoyed a healthy breakfast and were off to enjoy Magic Kingdom before meeting up with Margie.

The Magic Kingdom was well, magical! Lunch time rolled around and it was time to head to Downtown Disney for fun with Margie! At this point I had become perfectly happy with myself and shared all of my silliness with Stephanie & Margie…they loved me inspite of it all!

(insert silly, smile, gang, MrPotato & cheersM)

I was still on a quest to find the perfect Tiara, so I tried on everything sparkly I could find.

We eventually made our way into Elias & Bros, where I FINALLY found my tiara … {sigh}

Our time with Margie had to come to an end, but she was kind enough to drive us back to Magic Kingdom where we ended our day. I think I could have sat and watched the castle change colors for hours.

Epcot was absolutely AMAZING. For some reason, I did not have high expectations of Epcot … but was I wrong. Stephanie and I took advantage of the Single Rider Lines whenever possible, we LOVED Test Track & rode it a couple of times! The World Showcase was my favorite! We had so much fun taking silly pictures of one another (sorry, some things can not be shared!). I tend to wonder every which direction when I shop so sometimes Stephanie wasn’t around for pictures, I managed to entertain myself…

IllumiNations was an amazing way to end my time at Disney. As we left the park that night I started to cry. I realized that I had found answers to the things I was seeking. I now knew how to be Jenny, not just Mom or wife… really & truly just me.

Our Mom-cation ended with a day at the pool. A full day of relaxation. That was the plan anyhow. We found lounge chairs by the pool and Stephanie settled in with her book. I also tried to settle in with a book, but was unable to sit still. I flip flopped on the chair, laid down, sat up, got in the pool, went to the bar and then would fidget some more. Stephanie finally gave up and we decided to go out in search of dinner. We decided on Universal Studios City Walk where we enjoyed a fun meal at Bubba Gumps! RUN FORREST RUN!

Of course, there was a lot of entertainment to be found at City Walk besides dinner…

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to experience Momcation at Disney World. It was exhausting, full of hustle & bustle, but just what I needed.

- Jenny

Contact MTT Jenny at jenny.thrasher@mousetalestravel.com or 503-610-3845 to book your momcation! For more information, join Jenny’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/TiaraTravels

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Momcation Part 3: What Did We Do? is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

As you open the vault door to enter Gru’s Factory (aka: the kids room), you’re surrounded Minions repelling from the ceiling and covering the walls, as well as the bed linens. Speaking of beds, how about a bed shaped like a missile, complete with Gru’s scarf? Here’s a look at the full suite floor plan and as you can see, there’s plenty of room for everyone!

On-site hotel guests receive a package of exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission and free Universal Express Unlimited ride access which lets them skip the regular lines on most rides and attractions in Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Guests can also save up to 30 percent when they stay three nights or more with the current Stay More, Save More promotion.

There are only 18 of these suites and we expect them to book quickly and stay booked – contact us now for your reservation!

Get your free Universal Studios vacation quote here

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Despicable Me Kids Suites Coming to Universal is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

Empty Main Street, the Hub, and no one in your photos in front of Cinderella Castle make this a favorite of ours!

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More magic as we were seated at a window seat in the Castle! Being the first reservation also meant the restaurant was nearly empty when we walked in and was still only half full as we left.

left side

right side

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As we exited Cinderella Castle into Fantasyland we spotted a PhotoPass photographer and I stayed true to my vow to get in the pictures too. Notice how adept I am at putting MiaMouse in front of me at every opportunity! This was also MiaMouse’s first Magic Shot where the editing team adds a character or special treat in post-processing.

The photographer asked MiaMouse to hold her hands out like she was cupping TinkerBell and then look surprised. TADA! PhotoPass magic.

Credits -
Template: Word Strip by Sahlin Studio
Background paper: Queen of the Castle by Britt-ish Designs
Blue paper & elements: I’m a Dreamer by Britt-ish Designs
Date font: BlackJack

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Think this was great? Oh, just wait…

And did you scrap this week?

- Kimberly

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Scrappin’ Sunday: Pixie Dusted Day is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

Dining experiences at Disney are as popular as the attractions themselves. Disney World and Disneyland both offer Dining Plans. I recommend one form or another of the dining plan at Disney World to my clients, Disneyland…not so much.

Disneyland’s Magic Meal plan is available for 2-5 days. The plan is advertised as 2 meals and 1 snack per day. The meals and snacks are paid out in the form of vouchers for set dollar amounts, you simply present them at the time of payment. Sound good?

Not so much, let me explain a few more details…

~There is no discounted rate for the plan. Nada. Zero. Zilch. If the voucher is worth $30, you paid $30 for it. The vouchers do not have names on them & are redeemable by whomever is holding it, so if you should lose your vouchers … finders keepers.

~While the vouchers are a trade off for cash with no discount, you are limited on what you can purchase with them. Most of my Disney World clients use their remaining snack vouchers to purchase bags of candy & treats to bring home. At Disneyland, these same candy treats are considered retail merchandise, therefore you are not able to purchase them with the vouchers.

~The vouchers are not valid for room service when staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel.

~Let’s say you order a meal and it comes to $22.50? Pay with a $30 voucher and you will lose the remaining $7.50. Change is not given.

~The vouchers are not valid for alcoholic beverages.

~Vouchers are not accepted for tax & tip in all locations.

If you are simply looking for a way to pay for as much of your trip in advance as you possibly can, I recommend purchasing a Disney Gift Card rather than the Disneyland Magic Meal Plan. Buy it at Target with your Red Card, you’ll save 5%! AND…if you don’t spend everything budgeted for dining on food, you can use the gift card to buy souvenirs!

~ Jenny

Contact MTT Jenny at jenny.thrasher@mousetalestravel.com or 503-610-3845 to book your Disney vacation! For more family vacation information, join Jenny’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/TiaraTravels

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Disneyland’s Magic Meal Plan: Not so Magical is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

In part two of our stroller series, Christine from Simple Stroller talks: stroller accessories. You’ve decided to rent a stroller for your Disney vacation, now what accessories are available?

1. Parent consoles: We can’t imagine touring the theme parks without a cup holder and a place to stash your stuff, so Simple Stroller includes a parent console with all rentals, free of charge. The model varies per stroller, but most include insulated cup holders and a small area to keep necessities such as your cell phone and keys.

Parent Console Example

2. Rain covers: Simple Stroller offers rain covers, which securely fit over your stroller and child to keep them dry. Rain covers are recommended during summer months, when it rains daily in Central Florida, however some families are content to skip them, as they take up valuable storage space. If you do reserve a rain cover, Simple Stroller suggests placing the cover over your rental stroller before heading into your favorite attraction, so when you return everything will be cozy and dry.

Rain Cover

3. Glider boards: Simple Stroller offers ride on boards that attach to the rear axle of select stroller models. These are useful if you have a small child (under 45 pounds) that will be walking for most of the trip, but might want to hop on for a ride for a short period of time. When not in use, glider boards clip out of the way.

Join us again next Friday as Christine details the ins and outs of optional stroller rental insurance. Do you need it? What does it cover?

- Kimberly

Ready to make your Simple Stroller Reservation?

Click here and use code mousetalestravel for a 10% discount!

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Stroller Accessories by Simple Stroller Rental is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

As sweet summertime quickly approaches, Walt Disney World’s newest gem opens just in time for the season! A specialty ice cream shop, L’Artisan des Glaces, welcomed the first guests to its location in Epcot’s France Pavilion at the end of May. The shop is located on a quaint Parisian-themed street nestled between Monsieur Paul Restaurant and Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie. Currently, the hours are 12 noon until 9 pm.

With a French countryside style, the pastel colors and farmhouse decor are welcoming amid the shop that has plenty of room to view the freezer cases that hold the in-house made ice cream and sorbet delights.

There are 10 flavors of ice cream, including Pistachio, Hazelnut, and Mint Chocolate, and 6 flavors of sorbets, like Lemon, Melon, and Strawberry. Scoops may be served in a waffle cone or cup at a cost of $3.99 for 1 scoop or $6.10 for 2 scoops. Also available for an indulgent, grown-ups only treat are 2 scoops of ice cream/sorbet served in a martini glass with a shot of Grand Marnier, Whipped Cream Vodka, or Rum at a cost of $11.50.

I had the opportunity to taste test (totally in the name of research ::wink, wink::) 1 sorbet, Mango, and 3 ice creams, Coffee, Caramel fleur de sel, and Coco-White Chocolate. The sorbet was refreshing and flavorful with a vibrant, fruity taste. The ice creams were rich and smooth flavors without being artificial. My favorite was the Coco-White Chocolate as I especially loved the bits of coconut blended with the creamy confection — it’s the stuff that foodie dreams are made of!

For the crème de la crème of frozen desserts, L’Artisan des Glaces is a definite must-do!

Contact MTT Krista at 919-548-2057 or krista.miller@mousetalestravel.com to book your next Disney vacation! For more information about Disney travel, join Krista’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/MakeMineMagical

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L’Artisan des Glaces Comes to Epcot is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

- Kimberly

photographed in the parking lot at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

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Wordless Wednesday is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

Enjoy 2 FREE* Days of the Universal Dining Plan** valid in both Universal Orlando® theme parks as well as select locations in Universal CityWalk® , when you and your family stay a minimum of 4-Nights at a Universal Partner Hotel with this exclusive Vacation Package!

Hurry, offer valid for booking through August 29, 2013.
Valid for travel August 15 – November 24, 2013 and December 2 – 19, 2013.

 Click HERE for your free Universal Studios Orlando Quote

VACATION PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 4-Night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
• 3-Day Base Ticketsˆ – one theme park, per day
• 2 FREE* Days of the Universal Dining Plan, per person
• Early Park Admission† to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ before the rest of the general public
• Plus, travel between 7/1 – 9/2/13 and receive Early Park Admission◊ to TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D

 Click HERE for your free Universal Studios Orlando Quote

The fine print:

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
(s13)

TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2013 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. © 2013 DreamWorks L.L.C. and Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

All prices, package inclusions & options subject to availability and to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Universal Orlando and Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations reserve the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, whether such error is on this website or any print or other advertisement relating to these products and services.

*Free Universal Dining Plan valid with this exclusive 4-night or longer vacation package at participating Universal Partner Hotels when purchased through Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations. Offer valid for bookings 6/10 – 8/29/13 and travel 8/15 – 11/24/13 and 12/2 – 12/19/13. Bookings must include Universal Orlando theme park admission ticket(s) for every person in the party. Not combinable with any other offer, promotions or discounts. Additional Universal Dining Plans may be purchased.

**Gratuities are not included. Children ages 9 and under must order from the Kid’s Menu. Theme park admission is required for dining in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Dining Plan locations and menus are subject to change without notice. Dining venue operating hours vary by location. Merchandise is not included. Only valid during normal operating hours and excludes dining during separately ticketed events. The Universal Dining Plan is non-transferable and non-refundable.

ˆThe 3-Day Base Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to ONE (1) Universal Orlando Resort theme park per day during normal operating hours. Ticket is valid for any three (3) calendar days during a fourteen (14) consecutive calendar day period which includes the first day any portion of the ticket is used. Valid Photo ID required. Excludes admission to separately ticketed events, parking, and discounts on food or merchandise.

◊Requires theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to Universal’s Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests who purchase a vacation package including hotel and theme park tickets. Current offer valid 7 days a week for travel now-12/31/13 only at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey^™, Flight of the Hippogriff^™, Dragon Challenge^™ and Caro-Seuss-el^™. Early Park Admission begins (1) hour prior to Universal Studios Florida regular scheduled park opening for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests and is valid 7 days a week for travel 7/1-9/2/13; valid only at select Universal Studios Florida attractions: TRANSFORMERS^™: The Ride – 3D and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

†Rate is tax inclusive based on a family of four (2 adults and 2 children, ages 3-9) for a 4 night stay at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, standard room. Subject to availability, room type, hotel, and travel dates selected. Rate valid for bookings 6/10 – 8/29/13 and travel 8/26 – 9/30/13, 11/1 – 11/24/13 and 12/2 – 12/19/13. Other hotels and rates available. Reservation must be made 72 hours in advance.

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations is registered with the State of Florida as a seller of travel. Registration number ST-24215.

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FREE DINING at Universal Studios Orlando is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

The question I’m sure you’ve been asking yourself is……….WHERE DID THEY GO?

Stephanie was great to plan with. She was full of ideas! I, on the other hand, was difficult. I didn’t know where to go or what to do without my family, I had never done this before. We talked quite seriously about meeting somewhere in the Midwest. Somewhere peaceful where we could relax. Now, you might think that relaxation was exactly what this Mom needed. Time away from the hustle & bustle & kids activities … but the more that I thought about doing NOTHING, the more anxious I became. I knew I wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy my time away if I had too much down time. I needed fun! The kind of fun that stimulates happiness. Disney World. Until this point, I had never thought much about vacationing without my family, so the thought of visiting Disney minus my kids had never crossed my mind! My kids would never forgive me… would they?

And so the planning began. I was to arrive on a Tuesday and would return home the following Tuesday, 7 nights! Stephanie would arrive Thursday evening and return home the same day as me. We planned to only visit parks 2 days while she was there and have a full day to relax at the pool. But this left me with a couple of days ALONE. What to do? …I mean, do people really go to Disney ALONE???

When I visit Disney I have a million things on my agenda, find as many pressed pennies as I possibly can, get as many pictures of my kids as possible, etc. I knew my time at Disney World was limited and I would never be able to see & experience much if I stressed about these things, so I threw all thoughts out of my mind and was determined to just do & see whatever happened to catch my attention at the moment.

In addition to getting to meet Stephanie in person, I would also have the opportunity to meet 2 other amazing women that I met through my online photography forum! Margie would join us on Sunday for a few hours at Downtown Disney and Cristy would meet me at SeaWorld on Wednesday! This was turning out to be quite the adventure!

Being the loving devoted mom & wife that I am, I made a Costco run before my trip to make sure no one would starve ;)

I stayed at Disney’s Pop Century and LOVED it! The theming was fabulous and SO very Disney! I could have spent hours exploring and taking in all of the details. Once settled into my room I became restless, so off to Downtown Disney I went! Having never traveled alone before I was a bit worried about safety. Should I venture out in the evening by myself? On a bus system no less!?! I QUICKLY learned that I had nothing to worry about. I’m always cautious and aware of my surroundings, but I never felt the need to worry about a thing. Disney World was truly its very own world!

I was up bright & early Wednesday for my day at SeaWorld! My friend Cristy and her beautiful little girls would be joining me for a while…so exciting! SeaWorld Orlando was amazing! I enjoyed every bit of it, especially the Dolphin Nursery!

I stayed for a few hours after Cristy left and roamed around enjoying the park at my very own leisure! I even decided not to take a taxi back to Disney, I took public transportation… made it safe & sound and so very proud of myself!

- Jenny

Contact MTT Jenny at jenny.thrasher@mousetalestravel.com or 503-610-3845 to book your momcation! For more information, join Jenny’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/TiaraTravels

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Momcation Part 2: Where Did I Go? is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists

We were hungry.

We didn’t make a plan for dinner.

We were standing in front of an Irish food stand.

We love Irish food = a win!

We found ourselves outside of Cookes of Dublin after wandering around Downtown Disney. This was our first trip to Walt Disney World since our honeymoon FIFTEEN years ago! So it was sort of like seeing everything for the first time, including Downtown Disney. We planned our actual park days out with meals, rests, and even what ride to ride but not our first day after check in. Take some advice from me, make a plan just like you do for the parks for Downtown Disney. Especially if you have two hungry children to feed. There is so much to see and EAT there. But this post isn’t about that, it’s about FOOD!

I’ve mentioned before that we are foodies, right? International Food & Wine Festival post?

And we love Irish food! I’m Irish, way down the line so it comes natural.

Cookes of Dublin has a cute little outdoor dinning area with tables and umbrellas and an outdoor bar. There isn’t much room so don’t bother with trying to get your stroller in there. We ran over several people on the way to our table.

And people on vacation are so nice. Brad was ordering our food and I was on stake out for a table outside while he and my son looked for one inside. Thankfully a very nice elderly couple caught my eye and gestured that they were leaving and we scored a table. While we were waiting on our food to be delivered we watched the water show on the water right outside the restaurant. The kids really enjoyed it and it distracted them from our lack of planning.

Now the food! It smelled fantastic! We went for traditional Irish pub fare with fish and chips and this very tasty meat pie. The crust was flaky, delicious and it was filled with a mixture of beef and lamb, carrots, potatoes, peas and a this heavenly, meaty sauce. The fries also had this fantastic dip that came with it that my oldest, who thinks ketchup is it’s own food group, LOVED.

So when we go back we are going to PLAN on eating at Cookes of Dublin for our Irish food fix.

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Review: Cookes of Dublin is a post from: Mouse Tales® Travel - Your Disney Vacation Specialists