Contributed by Courtney Nipper, AMAAB Travel Advisor If your family knows Walt Disney World like the back of your hand, visiting Disneyland for the first time might seem like an easy transition. However, it brings a whole new set of questions that you need to answer. How different are the parks? Is it really that easy to walk between them? Which attractions are worth prioritizing when you only have a few days? For our AMAAB travel advisor Courtney, and her Disney-loving famil

Contributed by Alli Dykes My husband and I have been going to Biltmore for years and it is our favorite getaway spot as a couple and as a family. For us, it is more than just a house tour or “museum”. It is an immersive experience where I truly imagine myself living there as a Vanderbilt family member or casting myself as a guest star in the Gilded Age (if you know, you know). This estate combines history, architecture, vast gardens and landscaping, and food and wine (two of

Contributed By: Becky Cain, A Mouse and A Beach Travel Advisor We often think of vacations, especially those involving our favorite mouse, as a marathon of rope drops and late-night fireworks. But what if the most magical part of your Disney trip was the time you spent doing absolutely nothing? As a travel advisor, I often advocate for the "resort-heavy vacation". There is a special kind of luxury in making choices that allow you to stay in your pajamas while still feeling li

Contributed by Crystal Weiser Sailing with teenagers can be the most amazing experience—or the most disastrous—if you don’t choose the right cruise line. Teens are notoriously one of the hardest demographics to please, so understanding what type of cruise line, itinerary, and onboard experience you’re signing up for is essential. We want your family vacation to be remembered for all the RIGHT reasons. Hi! I'm Crystal! After sailing on several cruises with my own teens, I’ve l

Contributed By: Becky Cain, A Mouse and A Beach Travel Advisor The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) is a prepaid meal option that allows you to bundle the cost of your food into your Disney Resort Package, offering both flexibility and peace of mind. Think of it as a way to make your Disney trip a bit more “all-inclusive”, since you’ll be paying for your dining credits prior to your trip. The DDP is not a "one size fits all" solution, but it is an excellent fit for specific types of

Contributed by Crystal Weiser On May 21, 2025, I had the absolute privilege of attending the grand opening of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, and let me tell you… It was EPIC in every sense of the word. The trip was quick but packed with unforgettable moments, jaw-dropping details, and experiences that left me buzzing long after I returned home. I experienced this magic thanks to my agency, A Mouse and A Beach Travel Company. As a designated U-Preferred

Contributed by Kayla Read Are you thinking about taking a Disney cruise with your autistic child but wondering how they will handle a new ship, unfamiliar routines, busy public spaces, and a vacation without the same kind of schedule you have at home? I understand that concern. A Disney cruise can be an incredible experience for families, but it is still a new environment with different sounds, sights, transitions, and expectations. The ship may offer more opportunities to re

Disney fashion doesn't have to mean head-to-toe character costumes. In fact, some of the most fun Disney outfits are the ones that are a little more subtle. This is known as Disney Bounding. If you are unfamiliar with the term, Disney Bounding is essentially the art of putting together an everyday outfit inspired by a favorite Disney character. Think of it as dressing like a character without the typical character costume. You can make your outfit incredibly obvious, or do a

Contributed by Paige Landrum Have you ever been planning a trip to Disney, but the thought of your toddler missing their nap frightens you to your core? Hi - it’s me - a mom of two young kiddos that function on a strict sleep schedule - it’s me. Disney days are magical, but they can also be long and overstimulating for toddlers (or everyone, honestly). While one of my biggest tips for visiting with toddlers is to take a mid-day break, I understand that this doesn’t work for

Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially expanded into a brand-new market with Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. Unlike Universal Orlando or Universal Studios Hollywood, this park was designed specifically with younger children and their families in mind. Understanding that is key. The compact park features themed lands inspired by fan-favorite franchises including Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, and Trolls, with kid-friendly rides, int

They keep saying 'Jamaica is back and better than ever.' But if we are honest, it never really left. It's continued to be an amazing destination both for visitors and for those who call it home. Resilient Jamaicans have been restoring their communities and working hard to bring it back to life after Hurricane Melissa. Tourists have been able to visit and enjoy this special place for a while now at properties like Sandals Dunn's River, Sandals Negril, Beaches Negril, Sandals R

Over Memorial Day weekend, A Mouse and a Beach Travel Company sailed on Virgin Voyages, an adult-only cruise line with elevated dining, unique entertainment, and stylish ships. They are known for blending relaxation, nightlife, and luxury to appeal to everyone. Our crew wanted to take advantage of their PTO, and a cruise on Virgin Voyages was the perfect way to relax. To provide the best recommendations, we want to see it for ourselves. We prioritize firsthand experience, whi

Contributed by Paige Landrum If you're dreaming of turquoise water, fresh seafood, unforgettable sunsets, and a vacation that feels worlds away without needing a passport, the Florida Keys should be at the top of your list. My family and I recently visited the Florida Keys and stayed in Marathon- it offers the perfect mix of relaxation, family-friendly attractions, and a central location that makes it easy to explore both the northern and southern keys. This 8-day Florida Key

Contributed by Paige Landrum If you’re heading to Walt Disney World this summer with a toddler or two, chances are you already know what you’re walking into. You've read the blogs, followed the influencers and know that on the horizon you should expect heat, afternoon showers, humidity, and a pace that looks very different from pre-kid Disney trips (ask me how I know). (Not taking young kids on your summer trip? This may be a better read for you). In my experience, this is wh

Contributed by Jennifer Aiken If you’ve ever seen a picture of Disney’s California Adventure, you have probably seen a giant ferris wheel with Mickey’s face on it. This is called the Pixar Pal-A-Round, and it is the iconic attraction in an area of California Adventure called Pixar Pier. Pixar Pier is a special part of Disney because no other Disney park has this land! Not only are there rides that are unique, but there are also restaurants and experiences that you can’t do an

Contributed by Alli Dykes Back in November, my family and I joined the AMAAB team on a trip to Disneyland in sunny Southern California! I am originally from California so Disneyland is my home park and I love any chance I can get to visit. It truly feels like home. When I talk to clients who have been to Walt Disney World but not (yet) Disneyland, they always ask what makes it so special and why they should go. One of the big reasons is there are unique attractions and areas

Contributed by Dayna Hall, AMAAB Travel Advisor From cowboy trails to glacier walks to some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth, the Canadian Rockies are nothing short of extraordinary. But after experiencing this trip firsthand, I can confidently say—this is one adventure you don’t want to plan on your own. Check out more info about this trip on our YouTube video! Check out my picture below. Don't I look so excited to be standing on a glacier?? A Seamless Start to an U

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