The Jungle Cruise as it was when I first rode it! This may surprise people who read my blog posts regularly, but my Disney theme park obsession did not begin with Disneyland. Nearly two decades before I ever stepped foot into the Happiest Place on Earth, I first fell in love with Walt Disney World….
Author: Kristina Valcarce
My first Walt Disney World vacation was in 1976, and my first Disneyland experience was in 1995, when I moved to Los Angeles. I am a bi-coastal Disney nerd and proud of it!
A Tale of Two Castles
Cinderella Castle and Sleeping Beauty Castle Two of my favorite places on earth, Disneyland Park and The Magic Kingdom, have something in common: a beautiful castle right in the middle. Disneyland has Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Walt Disney World features Cinderella Castle. Let’s take a look at both of these gorgeous castles. CINDERELLA CASTLE This…
Top 4 Ways to Maximize Character Meet and Greets
Meeting characters is fun at Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland Everyone has a favorite aspect of a Disney vacation. For some, it’s the thrill rides. For others, the quality time spent with family. For others, it’s the delicious food. And for some, it’s those wonderful larger than life Disney characters. If…
Top 3 Places to Escape the Blazing Heat – Disneyland Edition
These three places will help you keep your cool at Disneyland Contrary to popular belief, Southern California actually does have seasons. But more often than not, it’s sunny and warm. In fact, it’s not uncommon for it to be blazing hot from spring all the way into fall. If you’re visiting Disneyland when it’s especially…
That’s From Disneyland! Pop-Up Exhibit
Welcome to the That’s From Disneyland! Pop-Up Exhibit and Auction Once upon a time, a man named Richard Kraft amassed a huge collection of Disneyland items. Sure, he had park maps from pretty much every year the park was open, but his collection didn’t stop there: he would buy ride vehicles that were taken out…
Top Four Reasons the Disney Dining Plan Might Be a Good Fit for You
Should you consider the Disney Dining Plan? Read on! One of the most frequently asked questions we see at The Mouse for Less is this one: “Should I add the Disney Dining Plan to my Walt Disney World vacation?” People sometimes get annoyed with us when we respond that the answer is a loud, resounding:…
Top 3 Reasons Walt Disney World Fans Should Try Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Deram in port at Port Canaveral I was a Walt Disney World fan for decades before I first tried a Disney Cruise. After our first sailing on the Disney Dream, my entire family started talking about when we could take another cruise! If you’re still hesitant about sailing with Disney, here are my…
Top 3 Reasons for Walt Disney World Fans to Visit Disneyland
Two of my favorite place This blog is for you Walt Disney World fanatics who haven’t been to Disneyland yet. I know you’re out there. Heck, I WAS one of you. I spent the first 25 years of my life obsessively visiting Walt Disney World, without giving Disneyland a second thought. But then I moved…
The Three Broomsticks at Universal Studios Hollywood
The entrance to the Three Broomsticks I’ve been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood before, but this month I got to have lunch at The Three Broomsticks for the first time. The Three Broomsticks is a recreation of the Hogsmeade tavern of the same name that students at Hogwarts would…
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood
Hogwarts Castle beckons you to The Wizarding World Usually, when out-of-town guests come calling, I drag them, willing or not, to the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland. But when my two Harry Potter obsessed nieces came with their parents to Los Angeles, I knew they’d want to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, specifically to experience The…
A Day at Universal Studios Hollywood
Welcome to Universal Studios Hollywood! Let’s face it: flights to Southern California are not cheap. If you’re coming to So Cal to visit Disneyland, you might want to see what else the region has to offer. Today I’m going to focus on a favorite attraction that’s been around for decades: Universal Studios Hollywood. What started…
Top Things to Do at Your Resort Hotel
The lobby at the Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Staying at a Disney resort hotel, whether at Disneyland or Walt Disney World, is one of the highlights of my Disney vacations. I love the immersive theming, the Disney service, and the whimsical touches in our rooms. For some vacationers, a hotel is just a place…