Contributed by Crystal Weiser Sailing on Icon of the Seas  was unlike any Royal Caribbean cruise I’ve experienced. From the moment we stepped onboard—lobster at the Windjammer on day one included—it was clear this ship plays in an entirely different league. I’m breaking down the highlights, surprises, and a few things guests should know before booking their own Icon adventure. Boarding Day: Surprisingly Smooth for a Ship This Size We were assigned a 12:00–12:30 p.m. boarding

Contributed by Kayla Read While Part One of this series focused on how shared attractions differ through layout, pacing, and legacy design, Part Two looks at how environment, motion, and modern reimaginings further shape the experience. From outdoor versus covered settings to updated ride systems and evolving storytelling choices, these attractions show how Disney continues to reinterpret familiar rides without rewriting their core identity. Even when the ride system stays

Contributed Dayna Hall, AMAAB Travel Advisor Disneyland is a dream destination for so many families—but let’s be honest for a second. Between the crowds, long lines, and the sheer amount of planning involved, even the most magical place on earth can test your patience. Don’t get me wrong... I’m a huge Disney fan and genuinely enjoy planning trips there. But even the best itineraries can hit a few bumps. That’s exactly why, a few years ago, I decided to elevate my experience a

Contributed by Kayla Read Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Orlando share many iconic attractions, but riding them at each resort often feels like stepping into two different interpretations of the same story. While some attractions share a name or ride system, the pacing, atmosphere, and emotional tone can vary in meaningful ways. Exploring those differences highlight how each resort tells familiar stories in its own way. Pirates of the Caribbean Both version

Contributed By: Becky Cain, A Mouse and A Beach Travel Advisor Ready to super charge your Disneyland or Walt Disney World vacation with some major line skipping power? Then let’s introduce you to the Premier Pass: a Lightning Lane access pass that allows one-time use of the Lightning Lane for every eligible ride and gives you photo downloads from your day.  On my recent trip to Disneyland, I decided to try out the Premier Pass for myself for a few reasons:  I had never visite

Contributed by Paige Landrum If you have been to Walt Disney World as a teen or adult, but have not yet taken young kids, this one is for you.  I am a Disney veteran.. I’ve grown up coming to Disney and I even used to be a Disney Cast Member. But I also am not too proud to know when I’m wrong, and I was completely SHOOK at the things I did not realize when I took my two toddlers to Walt Disney World for the first time. A truly humbling experience to say the least.  I don't wa

Contributed by Alli Dykes When I started planning for our Disneyland  trip, I considered many things. Should we stay on-site or off-site? If we do stay on-site, what do we want out of our resort hotel? It quickly became important to us that we would want to be as close to the parks as possible so that we could take midday breaks if we wanted to. Also, we were flying in from across the country and we were not renting a car at that point. Going to the grocery store or having a

Contributed by Sara Dillon WARNING : This Blog is now a Serenity Bay Grand Cabana Fan Club Blog. Ok, not really, but if you’re looking for deets on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point specifically, you’re in the wrong place because I literally spent my time at our cabana, in the ocean directly in front of our cabana, or getting lunch and ice cream at the buffet directly beside our cabana. I DIDN’T GO FARTHER THAN 100 FEET FROM THE CABANA AREA. Now that we have that cleared up. La

Contributed by Jennifer Aiken Disney World. Disneyland. They’re both Disney, so they must be basically the same, right? No! I have been to Disney World in Orlando more times than I can count over the last 30 years, but I recently took my first trip out west to specifically experience Disneyland in California. As a lifelong Walt Disney World girl, I assumed that Disneyland would be basically the same. I was very wrong! From the rides, to the food, to the overall feel, Disneyla

Contributed by Kayla Read From the smell of popcorn on Main Street to the first glimpse of the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland has a way of making everyone feel like a kid again. If you’re looking for a destination packed with unforgettable rides, iconic characters, and nonstop joy... Disneyland delivers magic at every turn. So, what makes Disneyland so special year after year? There are countless reasons people fall in love with Disneyland, but a few stand out above the r

Contributed by Paige Landrum AMAAB Travel Advisor and Toddler Mom If you’re heading to Walt Disney World soon, especially with little ones, being prepared can make a big difference. Disney does a great job offering convenience items for purchase, but that often comes with a high price tag. Our crew would love to help with your next Disney parks vacation to make the entire process much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Our A Mouse and A Beach Travel Advisors a

Contributed by Crystal Weiser Disney California Adventure offers a variety of incredibly themed lands, but my personal favorite—hands down—is Avengers Campus . Exclusive to Disneyland Resort in California, this immersive area celebrates all things Marvel, and as a mom of boys, I’ve been surrounded by Marvel fandom since Iron Man  kicked off the cinematic universe in 2008. This area definitely deserves its own blog and I'll explain why below. Action-Packed Attractions Avengers

Some things are truly once in a lifetime moments. A Mouse and a Beach Travel Co. getting an invitation to attend the premier sailing and christening of the Disney Destiny? 1000% one of them. This particular cruise was a 3-night sailing from its home in Fort Lauderdale. It also included a day at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The Destiny sails from the port at Fort Lauderdale and it was extremely easy to navigate. Guests can include hotel and transportation when bookin

Contributed by Paige Landrum AMAAB Travel Advisor and Toddler Mom Every parent knows the feeling: you love your kids more than anything, but sometimes you just need a reset. A little time to remember what adult conversations feel like or what uninterrupted meals taste like. Or to remember what it’s like to sit in the sun without simultaneously applying sunscreen to a moving toddler who’s inevitably sandy the second you step foot on the beach (hi, it's me!). So, when we had a

Contributed by Sara Dillon and Dayna Hall, AMAAB Travel Advisors It’s true, Disneyland is our absolute favorite, but after spending a day (or three) at the parks, SoCal is the perfect addition to your west coast trip! Once you’ve had your fill of pixie dust, Sara recommends checking out everything that makes Southern California a world of magic all its own. All it takes is a tank of gas to see the sites. Here are a few spots she recommends adding to your next getaway: Warn

If you’re shopping for someone who’s always planning their next trip, you know how much they appreciate anything that makes travel easier and more enjoyable . From staying organized to staying comfortable, the right gear can make a big difference. To help you pick something they'll truly use, our team of A Mouse and A Beach Travel Advisors put together a list of reliable, practical gift ideas for all kinds of travelers. Whether they’re heading to a Disney theme park, cruisin

Contributed by Paige Landrum There’s something extra special about kicking off the holiday season at Walt Disney World, and this year we decided to do just that. Right after Thanksgiving lunch with our family, my mom, sister and I hopped in the car for the “quick” drive down to Walt Disney World, ready for a festive weekend centered around Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. While I was a little hesitant about holiday traffic, traveling ON Thanksgiving was actually incredibl

Contributed by Crystal Weiser If you're craving a dose of Disney magic but don’t have a full week to spare, Disneyland, located in Anaheim, California, is a destination to consider. Unlike Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, which requires a week (if not more) to explore due to it's size and offering four theme parks and two water parks. Disneyland, on the other hand, offers a compact, yet enchantingly complete experience that’s ideal for quick getaways, even as short as a

Contributed by: Lindsey Donovan While traveling, we’ve learned an important lesson: don’t be surprised when a destination earns a special piece of your heart and holds on to it until you return. What surprises others the most is when we answer our favorite place to visit: Nassau, Bahamas. Locals tell us that since we’ve been more than 3 times, we, too, are now considered locals. In fact, we see our conversation shift when we say we were just here two months ago or we’ve visit

Contributed by Jenn Marrazzo  There’s a certain type of magic that comes from staying at a Disney Resort Hotel. Whether that magic comes from being closer to the parks or theme immersion, there’s typically a Disney resort for every type of guest.  As someone who has been visiting Disney World for a very long time, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at many different resorts around the property. Most recently, I was able to finally visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge . With a name l