Author: Meredith

Hi friends! I'm Meredith the travel enthusiast, Disney expert, proud mama of three, and the voice behind Passports and Park Maps. As a certified travel agent, my passion is helping create unforgettable vacation memories. When I'm not crafting dream itineraries or hanging with Mickey and the gang, I'm embracing the beautiful chaos that is motherhood. Here you'll find a space to share adventures, dreams, insights, and tips all while celebrating the joy of travel, the wonder of Disney, and the love of family. So, grab a snack and let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Pinch me, it was an Epic Day! A First Look at Orlando’s Newest Theme Park!

July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 by Meredith, posted in Travel

You know those emails you have to read twice just to make sure they’re real? That was me when the invitation for an exclusive preview of Universal’s Epic Universe landed in my inbox. My jaw might have actually dropped. For a mom who spends most of her theme park days armed with snacks, strollers, and carefully timed schedules, the idea of a girls’ trip to see a brand-new park—and stay at the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel during its opening week!—felt like a dream.

It was time to hang up the diaper bag, grab my favorite colleagues, and experience the magic from a whole new, and let’s be honest, much quieter perspective!

Checking In to a Dream: The Helios Grand Hotel
From the moment we walked into the Helios Grand Hotel, the vibe was just… special. We were practically giddy, like kids on the last day of school. For a few days, there were no schedules to keep, no little hands to hold—just pure, grown-up fun.

But let me tell you about the best part, the holy grail of theme park perks: the hotel is located at the back of Epic Universe and has its own private entrance. Forget the usual mad dash to the main gates with the morning crowds. We could just wander from our hotel lobby, through a gorgeous garden path, and step right into the park. It felt like having a secret VIP key, and my feet were already thanking me. It’s a total game-changer, and I don’t think I can ever go back!

Stepping into New Worlds
With our spirits high and comfy shoes on, it was time to explore. The park is set up like a giant compass, with the beautiful Celestial Park at the center and portals that transport you to four completely different worlds, perfect for each guest in your travel party. Universal did so well with this one there is something for everyone to enjoy in this theme park.

Celestial Park & The Constellation Carousel
This area is the stunning heart of Epic Universe. It’s home to the Constellation Carousel and the magnificent coaster, Stardust Racers. This isn’t your average carousel. Instead of horses, you ride on sparkling, celestial creatures that glide under a canopy of stars. It’s one of those simple, beautiful attractions that just makes your heart happy.

Dark Universe
Okay, let’s talk about Dark Universe, because WOW. As a spooky fan, I think a part of my soul now lives in this world. You walk through a massive portal etched with “It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” and are immediately transported to the village of Darkmoor, where Universal’s classic monsters roam. You can practically feel the crackle of electricity in the air. My absolute favorite ride here was Monsters: Unchained, a dark ride that takes you deep into Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s laboratory. It is brilliantly spooky and so well done! This world is a masterpiece.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic
Just when I think The Wizarding World can’t get any more magical, they go and create 1920s wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic. My inner Harry Potter nerd was doing a happy dance. Walking through the Floo Network-inspired entrance, with its iconic green tiles, honestly felt like stepping right into the movies. We stopped for a drink, and I tried the Beau Thé Bleu d’Occamy—a beautiful blue tea that, with a stir of a “magical” tea bag, transforms into a glittering purple. Seriously, how do they come up with this stuff? Pure magic in a cup.

Super Nintendo World & Donkey Kong Country
The wave of nostalgia that hits you when you enter Super Nintendo World is no joke. I was instantly 10 years old again, sitting cross-legged in front of the TV trying to beat a level of Super Mario Bros. The same goes for Donkey Kong Country. Seeing the mine carts gave me a little flash of anxiety from all the times I tried to beat Donkey Kong—if you know, you know! That level still haunts me.

And while this was a girls’ trip, the mom in me couldn’t help but make a mental list of everything my kids would flip out over. The How to Train Your Dragon land, Isle of Berk, went straight to the top of that list. It looks absolutely breathtaking, and I can already picture their faces.

A Well-Deserved Toast at Bar Helios
After logging more steps than I can count (all worth it!), we capped off our epic day back at the hotel with reservations at Bar Helios. It felt so luxurious to just sit down and have someone bring you a fancy cocktail and amazing food while you overlook the park twinkling at night. If you’re staying at the hotel, you have to do this!

We were ready to eat, and the menu did not disappoint. My absolute must-try’s:
-Wagyu Beef Sliders: So juicy and flavorful.
-Hot Butter Crispy Calamari: It had a unique, delicious kick.
-The Night Goddess: The perfect, refreshing cocktail to end the day.
-The Shattered Rose: A dessert that’s as fun to watch them make at your table as it is to eat!

A Magical Trip for the Books
I’m still buzzing from this whole experience. Getting to be a “grown-up” at a theme park and just soak it all in with friends was such a treat and so different from our usual family adventures.

And here’s a quick tip if you’re planning your own trip: there is SO much to see and do. If you’re trying to tackle Epic Universe in just one day, I would absolutely recommend getting an Express Pass. It’ll help you maximize your time and make sure you get to see everything without spending your day in line.

But you know what? Even on a girls’ trip, the mom-heart is always there. As I rode the Constellation Carousel, all I could see were my daughters’ faces lighting up with that same goofy grin. As I walked through the Isle of Berk, I could almost hear my son’s squeals of delight. This trip was an incredible adventure for me, but the best part is knowing the next adventure here will be with them. And that, right there, is the real magic.

Disney with a Diaper Bag: Best & Worst Rides for Little Ones

September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Travel

Taking your little one on their first Walt Disney World adventure? It’s a magical milestone, but let’s be real – it requires a bit of planning. Navigating the parks with a baby in tow is a whole different ballgame, and choosing the right rides is key to ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. From gentle boat rides perfect for naps to high-flying adventures best saved for older siblings, let’s explore the must-do (and must-avoid) attractions for your tiny traveler!

We take our babies to Disney before they can fully immerse themselves in the magic. Why? Because even if they don’t remember the trip, the memories we create will last a lifetime!

Our youngest daughter experienced her first Disney trip at 14 months old, and our son marked his first birthday at Disney World. He even joined us for trips to Disneyland and Disney World while in utero, but who’s keeping track?

What we’ve learned over the years from visiting theme parks with babies and toddlers is that even if some rides have no height requirement, it doesn’t mean your baby should be on them. Here’s why:

▪️Frozen Ever After – It’s themed after Anna and Elsa, what can go wrong? This attraction features a dark setting, including the queue area, has a roaring snow monster, and includes a segment where the ride moves backwards downhill.
▪️Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Don’t get me wrong, I adore this ride but maybe not so much for littles. It’s dark, it’s very loud, and you get whirled around, so hold on tight to those babies.
▪️Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – This one I do not recommend for anyone under toddler age unless you have a baby in an infant carrier. Some older kids get scared of the tornado scene, so take that into consideration as well. This ride features dark sections, is quite noisy, and can jostle even adults in their seats, so make sure to hold on to those little ones tightly!
▪️N’avi River Journey – This one isn’t too bad. For children who are frightened of the dark or “creepy crawlies,” it might be best to avoid this. My daughter was afraid of it until she reached the age of six.
▪️Pirates of the Caribbean – This dark ride features cannons firing and includes a very tiny drop.
▪️Toy story Mania – just hold onto those babies tight when the ride spins.
▪️The Haunted Mansion – The ride is dimly lit with ghosts and flashes of lightning, yet my youngest was eager to see everything. 😆 Meanwhile, his older sister only started to enjoy it about two years ago, as she previously found it too spooky.

With that being said, you know your kiddos best, so use your judgement. We recently took our one-year-old on several rides, ensuring that he was secure in our arms on each ride. The rider switch feature is the best invention for families who cannot all ride together on certain attractions. If you’re traveling with a little one, make sure you utilize that feature, especially if you aren’t sure if your kiddo will enjoy the ride.

Our little guy took every ride like a champ (I was nervous of course). We had a blast exploring the classic attractions with our one-year-old, proving that even the simplest rides can create cherished memories. So, pack those diapers, rent that stroller, and embark on your own unforgettable Disney adventure with your little one! The magic awaits, and it’s even more special when shared with the ones you love most.❤️

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Empty Streets and Magical Moments: Our Extended Evening Hours Adventure in Magic Kingdom

September 16, 2024September 24, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Travel

“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.”

Nothing beats that early morning stroll down Main Street, USA: the freshly cleaned streets, the sun rising over Cinderella Castle, catching the Main Street Trolley Show and Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire performances as the sweet aroma of Main Street Bakery fills the air. We all have those special memories of Magic Kingdom in the daytime, but have you ever stayed until after park closure?

As my children grow up, we spend less time rushing back to our room in the evenings for bedtime routines and spend more time enjoying the parks in the evenings as the crowds began to disperse. One of our favorite amenities when staying at a Disney deluxe hotel is the Extended Evening Hours benefit. This is when a certain park will stay open later on select nights only for guests of Disney deluxe hotels.

During one special holiday trip while we were staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, which just so happens to be my favorite Disney resort during the holiday season, we grabbed dinner at Geyser Point (view menu here). Afterwards, my eldest daughter and I took the 7pm ferry to Magic Kingdom Park to delight in magical mother-daughter bonding time and closed down the park.

The ferry is our favorite method of Disney transportation. The Magic Kingdom ferry will take you from Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground to Magic Kingdom.

Entering Magic Kingdom Park at night offers a distinctly different experience compared to the morning. By later in the evening most guests, especially those with younger children, are exiting the park for the day. A holiday stroll down Main Street, USA with my seven-year-old in hand was magical. Since we were two ladies enjoying the evening, I did not have to worry about bringing the usual caravan of bags or a stroller. We had four hours to enjoy the park until it closed for the night, and we did just that.

Since most of the crowds had left for the night, we enjoyed our favorite rides without waiting in a long line or reserving our spots ahead of time! We had a 30-minute wait for Peter Pan’s flight and a 20-minute wait to take the Floating Lantern photo by Rapunzel’s Tower. Other than that, we breezed right through each line. We were able to ride our favorite nighttime attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

As the crowds began to race for their exit and transportation, we decided to head for the train station where we took our last photo of the night in front a vacant Main Street, USA.
We both fell asleep snuggled up on the last ferry heading back to the Wilderness Lodge at midnight. Magical moments were made that night at Magic Kingdom Park.

… And just like that, our magical night at the Magic Kingdom came to a close. As we drifted off to sleep, the memories of the empty streets, twinkling lights, and special moments filled our dreams. It was a night we’ll cherish forever.

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Your Resort is Calling (and It Has a Pool!)

September 5, 2024September 24, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Travel

Lightning Lane, Virtual Queue, firework schedules, dining reservations, park hopping, phew I’m getting tired just thinking about it all. We’ve all experienced that moment, trying to ensure we maximize the value of our vacation, but what is the true meaning of value when it comes to our family trip?

During my family’s first trip to Walt Disney World, we were working on a very tight schedule. We park hopped, we darted through the gates for Extra Magic Hours, and we made sure we were never late for a FastPass+. Dining reservations? We secured them all. There was one little detail that was missing. Every evening upon returning to the resort, after fireworks of course, we would walk past the pool and my daughter would ask to go for a dip. Our response was “maybe tomorrow night Hunny, we have another early morning, you get to meet XYZ”. She would respond with an enthusiastic “okay!”, then off to the room we would go to rest up for another long day in the parks met with the same question upon our returned. By our very last night, we walked her down to the arcade then down to the pool and watched her swim her little heart out. And as I sat there with her baby sister asleep in the stroller, I realized that this was her vacation after all. We took our girl out of school to relax and have fun, not to run around on another schedule all day. She just wanted to be a kid, and kids need to have down time and run around, but also relax just like we adults do. Being at Disney and seeing all the magical things was so amazing in her eyes, but just staying in a Disney Resort and going to the playgrounds, pools, and arcades was also just as spectacular to her.

Fast-forward to 8 magical Disney trips later, I’d say we have learned a bit about the kind of vacationers we are. Sometimes the girls want to wake up early and run straight to Slinky Dog Dash for Extra Magic Hours, ride Tower of Terror and Rock’n’Rollercoaster and leave me in the dust, and other times they want to sleep until 10 am and get to the parks later in the afternoon. These days we don’t park hop as much as we used to, and we definitely don’t stay in the parks from rope drop to fireworks. We like to go back to the resort and swim in the afternoon, maybe head back to the parks after dinner. We thoroughly enjoy our table service meals, especially if they have a good theme, and we’ve decided the hotel amenities are what adds value to our vacations. We relax our muscles most nights in the hot tub, where we always make new friends, especially if someone is listening to an LSU game nearby, and we try to stay at a different resort each trip.

**Our girls swimming mid-day at Old Key West**

Some of our favorite things happen right at our resort. Such as trivia nights by the pool, outdoor movies under the stars, morning yoga sessions, s’mores around the campfire, the Electrical Water Pageant, and of course, savoring a Dole Whip while watching the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian! So, take it from me; when planning your next Disney vacation, remember to also schedule some time for rest and relaxation.

**Wilderness Lodge – Electrical Water Pageant**

Tiaras and Dreams: Embracing World Princess Week

August 30, 2024September 24, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Travel

As World Princess Week comes to an end, let’s reflect upon some of my family’s favorite Disney Princesses and what they teach us about life. There is so much to be learned from each and every one of their stories if one looks beyond the tiara and delves into the actual plot.

Growing up in the ’90s, the number of Disney princesses was nowhere near as high as it is today. Belle was my favorite for a very long time. I loved that she had brown hair similar to mine, she owned more than one outfit, and her library was pretty impressive. As I got older, my preferences and storyline changed a little. My new favorite princess became Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries. Any quirky teenage girl can find a kindred spirit in Mia, and I, an oddball with glasses and braces, did exactly that. Minus the whole princess thing, unfortunately.

Once my girls were born, our house went through many princess rotations, and I welcomed each one happily. Each time they watched their favorite Disney princess movies on repeat, they were taught one of these valuable lessons:

Belle: teaches kindness and to not judge a book by its cover
Mulan: teaches to be bold and challenge the world
Merida: teaches us to choose our own path
Anna of Arendelle: teaches selflessness and compassion
Snow White: teaches good vs. evil
Tiana: teaches perseverance
Rapunzel: teaches us that if something is destined to happen, it will
Moana: teaches us to follow our heart

When we are at Walt Disney World, we love meeting some of our favorite princesses in their country of origin in EPCOT. There are a few princesses, such as Cinderella, that only do meet and greets at a restaurant or at Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom. All others are at scheduled times throughout the day, details of which can be found in the My Disney Experience app.

When we’re really in a princess mood, we’ll book our stay in a princess-themed room at resorts like the Polynesian or Port Orleans Riverside, or even Art of Animation. Then of course we dine at some of our favorite princess character meals. But that will be for another post.

World Princess Week reminds us that every individual possesses unique strengths and the potential to make a positive impact. Let’s continue to celebrate the princesses within us and those around us, empowering each other to shine brightly.

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Oh My Gourd! It’s Fall at Disney World!

August 27, 2024September 24, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Travel

It’s almost September, which means fall is in full swing at Walt Disney World. I can smell the pumpkin spice pumping through Magic Kingdom now!

Once September 1st rolls around, I start asking my husband to take the Fall and Halloween decorations out of the attic, which of course consist of hitchhiking ghosts. We kick off the first week of September by watching Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas and I begin drinking coffee out of my Jack Skellington coffee mug religiously. Have I mentioned Halloween is my favorite holiday?

Unfortunately, I have yet to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. The last time we were at Walt Disney World for Halloween the party was on hiatus because of the pandemic.

Our very first Disney trip as a family was during the fall as well. Did I mention Halloween is my favorite holiday? During our trip I felt like my kiddos were a little too young to enjoy the full Halloween Party experience, so we didn’t purchase tickets that year. They were only 14 months and 4 years old at the time, and there was so much for their little eyes to take in.

On a different note, we have thoroughly enjoyed the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT year after year. Every country in the World Showcase has something special prepared for the festival, and let me tell you, it is all delicious. My girls could live off of the sushi in Japan and the steak in Canada. I could eat my way around the world several times if my stomach would allow it! I am getting hungry just thinking about it.

Our next trip will be this November. This is the first time we will be attempting to maneuver around the crowds during Thanksgiving since 2019, so wish us luck!! I am hoping it will not be too bad. I will keep you updated on that upon our return in December!

What is your favorite season to travel? Are there any special events that you absolutely must plan your trip around?

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Magical Memories at Olivia’s Cafe

August 23, 2024September 24, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Travel

For my family, a trip to Walt Disney World isn’t complete without a visit to the original DVC resort, Old Key West. Fun fact: Old Key West was the first Disney Vacation Club resort to open at Walt Disney World in 1991. Modeled after the Florida Keys, this tranquil community is adorned with shimmering waterways, palm trees, and manicured fairways.

If you’re researching a stay at this property, let’s first talk about transportation. Old Key West is one of the resorts that is not exactly located in the middle of the magic. What do I mean by this? You won’t see Cinderella Castle from your room, nor will you be able to walk 5 minutes to EPCOT for dinner. You can, however, enjoy take a quick, leisurely boat ride to Disney Springs, or hop on one of Disney’s complimentary buses for a ride to one of the four theme parks or two water parks.

My family and I were at Disney Springs when we decided to head to Old Key West for our dinner reservation at Olivia’s, so we took the next boat ride over to the resort.

Everything about the atmosphere at Old Key West is friendly and inviting. If you are arriving primarily to dine at the resort, make sure you allow yourself some time to enjoy the ambiance. My favorite part about dining at a Disney resort is walking around the grounds, finding hidden Mickey’s, and perusing the gift shops. If you can, take a moment to chat with a Cast Member in the lobby, they typically have a fun story to tell. The General Store at Old Key West has some great odds and ends that you usually cannot find anywhere else on property. After dinner, I recommend taking a walk over to enjoy the view from the boat dock!

Now, onto the dining experience!

I consider Olivia’s to be one of the hidden gems of Walt Disney World. If someone were to ask me to list my top three restaurants, Olivia’s would make the cut!

Upon entrance, you will find hundreds of pictures of the DVC members who make Old Key West their home resort. My kiddos love guessing how old the children were at the time the photos were taken, what their names are, or they just have fun making up stories to go along with the photo wall.

Olivia’s is the quaintest beach themed restaurant. The Cast Member interactions alongside the food at this location are what take the cake, and honestly, what keeps my family returning. The Cast Members are so genuine and friendly; they will laugh and tell stories with you during your time dining truly making you feel home.

My oldest child’s middle name is Olivia, so originally, we made a reservation for the sole purpose of dining at a restaurant named after her. How cool, that she shared a name with a restaurant at one of her favorite places! After our first experience at Olivia’s, we make time for a stop every trip to Walt Disney World.

My family’s favorites: Southernmost buttermilk chicken and the slow-cooked prime rib. For starters we order the hushpuppies, which the children surprisingly enjoy. I am not a huge fan of them, gasp! The adults indulge on a Captain’s Mai Tai which is made with Amaretto and Dark Rum, and a Lava Colada which is a Raspberry Pina Colada! On trips past we have indulged on a pitcher of Red Sangria, which is Olivia’s specialty. My kiddos really enjoy the children’s mac ‘n cheese, and a build your own sundae with Mickey shaped sprinkles.
Sidenote: I’m not a fan of my children always getting chicken nuggets or mac ‘n cheese at dinner, but I must say that the mac ‘n cheese was a very large portion and isn’t your usual Kraft-style mac ‘n cheese.

During one trip, our waitress brought out a Key Lime Pie as a Birthday surprise. In the middle of singing “Happy Birthday” the little umbrella that was in the dessert leaned against the lit candle and caught on fire, making the few guests that were in the restaurant burst into laughter as we scrambled to get the flame out. Magical memories were made that night, and for many more trips at Olivia’s Café at Old Key West Resort.

DVC Members, this restaurant does accept a 10% discount, as well as Disney Visa Cardmember discounts, and of course this restaurant is one Table Service Credit on the Dining Plan.

I absolutely love everything about Olivia’s, from the Cast Member experiences to the food. The food was semi-elegant while the restaurant was laid back and casual. I am anxiously awaiting my next endeavor at Olivia’s!

And if you’re lucky, you might just run into a Disney celebrity while you’re enjoying your meal!

Indulge and Unwind: It’s Relaxation Day!

August 15, 2024August 24, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Travel

Oh, the allure of a Disney cruise. Character sightings, Broadway shows, and endless enchantment for the entire family.

But maybe you’re searching for a little quiet amongst the excitement. Maybe this is an adult exclusive trip. Maybe you’re craving a little relaxation. You’re enjoying your vacation too, after all.

Picture this: You’ve decided to book a day at Senses Spa, getting pampered in a Couples Villa, receiving a Swedish massage and foot cleansing ceremony followed up by tea on your private balcony. Perhaps that’s not exactly your thing, so once onboard you reserve a pass for the Rainforest Room where you can steam all of your worries out and relax in silence.

Remember, a Disney cruise isn’t just for kids. Adults deserve pampering too!

More information about Senses Spa here

Welcome to the blog!

August 14, 2024 by Meredith, posted in Uncategorized

Welcome to Passports and Park Maps, a world of wanderlust and Disney Dreams.

Hi Friends! I’m thrilled to finally launch this blog where I will be sharing my love for all things Disney as well as a few travel tips and tricks. Whether we are reviewing a resort or restaurant, or just chatting about the next adventure on the horizon, I can’t wait for you to tag along on this journey. So, grab your passports and your park maps and let’s begin writing some tales! Stay tuned for exciting content coming soon.

P.S. If you have any suggestions or just want to chat, feel free to reach out, I’d love to hear from you as well!