Disney Visa Cardmember Photo Opportunity at EPCOT - Review and BEST-Rated On my visit to EPCOT today, I took advantage of one of my favorite exclusive perks of being a Disney Visa cardholder—the Cardmember Photo Opportunity . This fun experience exceeded my expectations and left me thoroughly impressed. Short Wait, Big Smiles As a Disney fan, I expected some magic, but I was thrilled by how seamless and special this experience turned out to be. The line was non-existent.  We waited for two minutes before we were ushered into a private meet-and-greet with some of our favorite Disney characters— Minnie Mouse  and Pluto . For anyone who has spent thirty minutes to an hour or longer waiting to meet characters in other parts of the park, this was a dream. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your Disney Visa Card with you to access this benefit (I recommend just showing your digital wallet version!!) BEST-Rated: 7.98 In terms of value, this photo opportunity alone made the Disney Visa card feel like a worthy investment. It’s the type of experience that adds a little extra pixie dust to your Disney vacation, and you’ll definitely walk away with fun pictures. - Calina

🚨  Breaking WDW / DVC  News: Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Resort Key Dates Announced!  🚨 Disney Vacation Club has released important dates for the much-anticipated Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows: October 1 : Sales open for current Direct DVC members. October 15 : Polynesian owners can book with points. October 29 : Sales open to the public. November 5 : New Polynesian DVC members can book with points. November 19 : All DVC members can book. December 17 : Grand Opening! This expansion will be the most exciting DVC opening in my memory. This is sure to add even more magic to the iconic Polynesian Resort! - Calina

Character Experience at Moonlight Magic: Joy and Sadness - Inside Out and Inside Out 2 - Magic in the Moonlight. On August 27th, 2024, during the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic event at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we had the exciting opportunity to meet two of our favorite characters—Joy and Sadness from Inside Out  and Inside Out 2 . The atmosphere was filled with excitement as we waited with excitement, eagerly anticipating our turn. Once it was our turn, Joy greeted us with her infectious positivity, while Sadness stood by with her adorable charm. The vibrant backdrop of colorful circles, reminiscent of the Inside Out  emotions, perfectly matched the characters’ personalities. Joy's exuberance was in full force, constantly moving and gesturing, while Sadness kept her slow, introspective pace, creating the perfect contrast. BEST-Rated: 6.52 If you're a fan of Inside Out , we highly recommend meeting Joy and Sadness. It’s one of those unique Disney moments where you not only get to see beloved characters but truly feel like you’ve stepped into their world. - Calina

A Magical Night at Casey’s Corner: Fireworks and Mini Corn Dogs Some nights at Magic Kingdom are just about the pure magic in the air: the glowing lights of Cinderella's Castle, the anticipation of the nightly fireworks, and the perfect late-night dinner to keep you going. This time, I indulged in the mini corn dogs from Casey's Corner . The Mini Corn Dog Experience Once I had my tray in hand, and got lucky with some seating, it was time to dive into the food. The mini corn dogs were golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a warm, savory bite of hot dog on the inside. What struck me was how consistent they were: each corn dog had that perfect crunch-to-softness ratio that makes them so satisfying to eat (with ketchup and mustard for me!) As someone who's heard a lot of hype surrounding Casey's Corner, I can say the mini corn dogs live up to the fame. Dipping them in ketchup and mustard only elevated the taste. BEST-Rated: 8.49  I’d give these mini corn dogs an order any time of day. They’re a great meal to enjoy, especially when you’re in the mood for something savory to enjoy with Happily Ever After! - Calina

Rix Sports Bar & Grill - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort: A Late Night Dinner + BEST Rated If you’re staying at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (You might be in a convention!) or visiting the property, Rix Sports Bar & Grill is an excellent choice for a laid-back meal with a mix of favorites and a sports bar atmosphere. Located within Coronado Springs, it’s a great spot to refuel after a long day at the parks or for a casual dinner. What We Tried: Watchos (Crispy Waffle Fries with Queso Blanco, Bacon, and Scallions and added Chicken)  The Watchos, are built upon crispy waffle fries, loaded with a fresh queso blanco, bacon, and scallions. A sprinkle of queso fresco tops the dish. While the fries and cheese had great flavor, the chicken was very dry, which detracted from the overall experience. However, the dish still offered a good balance of texture and flavor, and with a little tweak to the chicken, it would have been a standout starter. BEST Rated Watchos: 2.94 Rix Bone-In Wings ( with Kickin Bourbon Sauce)  The wings were definitely a highlight of the meal. Tossed in the Kickin’ Bourbon sauce, they were full of flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy or oversauced. The sauce was sweet, smoky, and just a touch tangy. The wings were cooked to perfection—juicy and tender inside with a crispy exterior. Paired with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, these wings would be a solid pick for any one visiting. BEST Rated Six Bone-In Wings: 6.89 All-American Bacon Cheeseburger  For burger time, the All-American Bacon Cheeseburger will not overly excite or disappoint. Featuring a patty, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and your choice of cheese (we opted for cheddar tonight), this burger hit all the right notes. The patty was flavorful, and the bacon added a nice crunch. The waffle fries that accompanied the burger were well-seasoned and crispy.  BEST Rated All-American Bacon Cheeseburger: 3.88 Overall Thoughts on Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort The overall atmosphere at Rix Sports Bar & Grill is enjoyable. The flavors throughout were good, and the wings in particular were a highlight of the night. The cheeseburger was a classic done right, and with the relaxed atmosphere of the sports bar setting, it was a satisfying dining experience for the whole group. If you’re staying at Coronado Springs, Rix is definitely worth checking out! BEST Rated Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort : 6.90 -Calina

Vintage Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookie Review and BEST Rated - Carousel Coffee at Disney's BoardWalk Resort If you're strolling through Disney's BoardWalk Resort , stopping at Carousel Coffee  may not be your first thought, but I always pop in and find myself happy with their service and selection.  While you're there, don’t miss a chance to try the Vintage Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookie . This charming treat is a nostalgic nod to classic Disney, featuring the beloved Mickey or Minnie in a beautifully detailed design. Overall Experience:  The Vintage Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookie is a popular choice, There was a decent amount of icing but the cookie over is somewhat dry.  It’s a reasonable pick for a Disney snack, especially considering the design on each cookie. This cookie shines more in its presentation than its softness, but the flavor is still a win. BEST Rated = 4.34 If you’re looking for a sweet, nostalgic snack that brings a touch of Disney magic, the Vintage Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookie from Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is definitely worth a try. Id recommend grabbing a coffee or tea to enjoy alongside it for the best experience! - Papa

A Stay in the AquaTheater Suite on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas: During my recent cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas , I had the chance to stay in the Aquatheater Suite, room 14730 . With its unique location at the aft of the ship, the suite offers views of the Aquatheater shows (somewhat) and the wake of the ship, which was truly a spectacle to enjoy throughout the voyage. However, while the views were impressive, the balcony space compared to other Suite categories left me wanting a different room type next time. In hindsight, I found myself wishing I had opted for a Grand Suite. I typically enjoy a Grand Suite but in this case my Royal Up came through and while the Aquatheater Suite delivered a fun, one-of-a-kind experience, a change in layout would have suited my needs better. That said, the suite benefits  onboard Royal Caribbean are truly unmatched. Priority boarding is nice at peak moments but the exclusive perks that elevate your cruise experience are what I am looking for! One of the highlights for me was the access to Coastal Kitchen . The restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with a menu exclusive to suite guests, providing delicious meals and attentive service without the crowds. It was the perfect way to indulge in upscale cuisine while still enjoying the relaxed vibe of a vacation at sea. The menu rotates and the happy hour snacks are elite. BEST Rated - 3.44 If you're considering a suite on Oasis of the Seas , you can't go wrong with the excellent suite perks. However, if your balcony is a priority for you, it might be worth exploring other suite options. Either way, you'll be treated to the exceptional service and exclusive amenities that Royal Caribbean is known for. - Calina

A Underrated Culinary Delight: the Windjammer Café on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas When you embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Oasis of the Seas , you're signing up for an unforgettable vacation filled with thrilling activities and world-class entertainment. But no cruise would be complete without top-notch dining, at the Windjammer Café Unlike typical cruise ship buffets (you know what ones we are talking about), where long lines and guarded bacon are the norm, the Windjammer Café offers an exceptional dining experience with a variety of fresh, flavorful dishes. And the best night to indulge? Without a doubt, it’s Stir-Fry Night , a family favorite that elevates the entire dining experience. A Smooth and Enjoyable Dining Experience One of the best aspects of the Windjammer Café is how efficiently it operates, even during peak meal times. Many cruise lines have buffets that often suffer from long lines, making mealtime feel like I’m back at the theme parks. But Royal Caribbean has taken a different approach. The layout of the Windjammer Café is designed to handle large numbers of guests seamlessly. For those cruising aboard the Oasis of the Seas , the Windjammer Café offers a standout dining experience. BEST Rated - 7.29 Best of all, you can enjoy this feast without the stress of long lines, thanks to Royal Caribbean’s thoughtful design and efficient service at the Windjammer Café. Whether you're craving a casual meal or a hibachi feast, this buffet offers something for everyone—making it the perfect dining spot for a memorable cruise vacation. - Calina

Oasis of the Seas: A Royal Oasis The Oasis of the Seas  remains a shining example of Royal Caribbean's exciting Oasis-class ships, this massive cruise liner has so much to offer that it’s hard not to find something to enjoy. Let’s dive into what makes this ship unique and why it deserves a great BEST Rated score. The Boardwalk and Entertainment One of the standout features of the Oasis of the Seas is the Boardwalk neighborhood , reminiscent of classic seaside piers. It's lined with casual eateries, fun attractions, and plenty of seating areas to enjoy the fresh sea breeze. A personal favorite of our family is the Dog House , a hot dog stand serving up a variety of gourmet sausages and hot dogs with all the fixings. It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite while taking in the atmosphere before a show. The Ice Show Another entertainment highlight is the Ice Show , which takes place at Studio B, the ship's ice-skating rink. This thrilling performance combines artistry, music, and acrobatics, all while the skaters glide across the ice, often mere feet from the audience. The cool, indoor setting offers a nice reprieve from the sun, as well. AquaTheater Speaking of entertainment, let’s not forget the AquaTheater  at the rear of the ship, offering stunning ocean views during the day and an extraordinary performance venue at night. The daring dives, synchronized swimming, and aerial stunts performed here are nothing short of spectacular. This one kept the family mesmerized every time they saw it. With its blend of exciting entertainment options, innovative design, and top-tier dining, While it offers an incredible experience for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, there are still a few areas, like crowd control during peak times and some dining venues, that could use minor tweaks. Overall, though, it’s an exceptional cruise ship for those looking to combine relaxation with endless entertainment. BEST Rated - 8.11  If you’re seeking a well-rounded cruise experience with both relaxation and adventure, Oasis of the Seas  is ready to welcome you aboard for the voyage of a lifetime! Whats your favorite Royal Ship to cruise on? - Calina

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby is the Best at Walt Disney World When it comes to Disney resort lobbies, there's one that stands out above the rest— Disney's Polynesian Village Resort . For me, this lobby is hands down the best spot to soak in the magic when checking into the Disney bubble. A Tropical Oasis Before you step into the Polynesian’s lobby, you're transported to a tropical paradise. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and tiki-style décor instantly set the tone for a relaxing, laid-back vacation. The air is filled with a subtle tropical scent, and the sounds of waterfalls cascading nearby complete the island vibe. There’s something so refreshing about entering this beautiful, open-concept space where nature meets Polynesian culture. Meet Maui—The Heart of the Lobby At the heart of the lobby stands Maui. This tiki statue, draped in fresh leis, adds a sense of history and tradition to the space. This is an excellent spot to pose by Maui for photos or simply to take in the atmosphere. Maui’s presence sets this lobby apart from any other Disney resort, making it feel special and authentic. Sound Off: Is the Polynesian Your Favorite? I’ve made my case—Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort lobby is the best, But now, I want to hear from you. Is the Polynesian lobby your favorite too? Do you agree it’s the best?? I personally cannot wait for the new lobby to open at the new Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows! BEST Rated : 8.63 For me, there’s no better place to start or end a Disney vacation than walking up to and in the serene, tropical haven of the Polynesian Village Resort lobby. What's your favorite Disney lobby?? - Calina