A treasure trove of merchandise inspired by some of the most iconic toys in history greets guests in- and outside of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I usually do not get excited about merchandise, but anything that brings back renewed interest in toys such as Mr. Potato Head, Candyland games, the amazing Tinkertoys,…
Author: Liliane Opsomer
Liliane Opsomer is the coauthor of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids and a freelance writer.
She is passionate about travel, Disney, fairies, hobbits and all things magical. Some of her favorite destinations are Orlando, Anaheim, Middle Earth, Belgium, Sydney, Dresden, Patagonia and Hawaii. Liliane lives in Birmingham, Alabama and visits the parks several times a year.
Disneyland: A Dream Comes True for Walt Disney
In the 1950s, when Walt Disney began designing what would become Disneyland, not even he could have foreseen that by 2016 there would be 12 Disney theme parks worldwide. As a young man, Walter Elias Disney, born on December 5, 1901, in Hermosa, Illinois (on the northwest side of Chicago), set out as a commercial artist….
Splash at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Waterpark
Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suite Waterpark. Here is her report. Following a $30 million renovation, the hotel formerly known as Nickelodeon Suites Resort is now the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Waterpark. Sadly, all of the Nickelodeon experiences are gone: No…
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Welcomes Spring
It is the 25th edition of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and the park celebrates spring with vibrant flowerbeds, floating gardens, larger-than-life topiaries, culinary experiences, and Garden Rock Concerts. Topiary lovers will enjoy the many topiaries found throughout the park. Frozen fans will find Anna and Elsa topiaries at the Norway Pavilion, and Cars topiaries thrill children…
SeaWorld Orlando is Fun for the Entire Family
Combining unique opportunities to see live animals, marine-life exhibits, and great shows, SeaWorld Orlando is a perfect park for the entire family to enjoy. In addition to being entertaining, the park is also educational. Here are some of the top exhibits. At Dolphin Cove, one of the largest interactive dolphin pools in the world, you can see…
Universal Orlando Resort Fun Facts
Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, went on a discovery mission and shares with us Universal Orlando Resort fun facts. Film locations, fictional and real, are recognized in the facades in the New York section of the park. Some fictional film locations include Hudson Street Home for Girls (Annie), Embryo…
The Towers at Cabana Bay Beach Resort Offer Rooms with a View
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is Universal Orlando’s first on-site hotel aimed at the value and moderate markets. I was happy to discover that the late 1950s/early 1960s theme (lots of bright colors, period-appropriate lighting and furniture) is carried over at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Beachside and Bayside Towers. The towers have a total of 360…
Return to Universal’s Volcano Bay
Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, recently visited Universal’s Volcano Bay. Here is her report! Nearly one year after its opening, the overall theme of the park is very well established, as palm trees and lush flora have fully developed. The theming of Universal’s Volcano Bay is perfect. The tropical…
Seven Seas Food Festival Returns to SeaWorld
Now through April 29th, mouth-watering culinary treats await guests at SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival. Chef Héctor Colón and his team are the culinary masters behind this festival that brings unique eats from around the world to the theme park. Guests can sample Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian, and North Atlantic dishes and enjoy a wide array…
Fun Awaits at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras
Now through April 7th, Universal Studios Orlando celebrates Mardi Gras, and the fun starts prior to the parade at the French Quarter Courtyard. New Orleans bands and mouthwatering Cajun-style bites— such as jambalaya, shrimp po’boys, gumbo, and beignets—tempt visitors as of 4:00 p.m. each day. Before the parade starts, in the early evening, members of the festival Krewes…
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins: A Top-Notch DVC Property
Liliane Opsomer, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids, recently stayed at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Here is her report. Over the years, Disney has opened very fine resorts and added luxurious properties to its DVC portfolio. Many offer amenities and views that are unparalleled, such as the…
Live Entertainment at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
It is impossible to take in all the live entertainment at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in a single day. To experience both the attractions and the live entertainment, guests should allocate at least two days to spend in this park. Following is a short list of daily events, all included in your park admission: The afternoon…