Staying at a Disney Hotel During Hurricane Irma Was the Best Decision We’ve Ever Made. And we’d do it again for the next hurricane evacuation. Here’s What to Expect When You Stay at a Disney Hotel During a Hurricane + VIDEO

What to Expect When You Stay at a Disney Hotel During a Hurricane + VIDEO

I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in my life. A lot of good ones too, but mostly you tend to harp on the horrible decisions. With Hurricane Irma on the move towards Florida, the bad decisions were racking up. We were too late deciding to get boards for our windows. We were too late in the “let’s evacuate Florida  now” bandwagon. Gas shortages left folks stranded. Terrified people desperately diving for loaves of bread, stampeding for generators…chaos in a state of Florida-shaped box.

Irma had the whole state in panic – and I was worried that with my family’s lives in my hand that another bad decision could cost us dearly. I remember my terror filled eyes as I looked at my husband and decided that “we’re evacuating.” Category 5, I wasn’t messing around. We had to leave – but where? Where did we feel safe?

Disney. Only a short drive away, we knew we could make it – that is if we could book a room in time. It’s the only time where I’ve seen the Disney website glitch – and glitch – and glitch. I couldn’t book a room. Seconds turned into eternities as I desperately tried to book a room, ANY room at any Disney World Resort. Finally, the spinning wheel turned sweet success. I’ve never been so excited to book a Disney hotel in my life. Let me say this – as much as I LOVE working with Disney, this post is 100% not sponsored. I paid for that 3-night room as a guest. And I got my money’s worth 100 times over.

“Your vacation is booked!” the screen excitedly told me with all of the pixie dust and exclamation points I could handle. I snickered – vacation? Really, Disney? We’re running away from a catastrophic hurricane.

But in all seriousness, staying at a Disney Hotel during Hurricane Irma, that’s right up there with the best decision my husband and I have made together in a long time (you know, besides having children). In the midst of the storm (yes, every stinking pun intended), we found Disney magic, hope, love, calmed fears and the best possible scenario in an impossible situation. Here’s What to Expect When You Stay at a Disney Hotel for a Hurricane – magic still included.

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What happens When It Rains at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Here are my Best Tips to make the most of your family’s Disney World visit. This post is sponsored by Walt Disney World. All magical opinions are my own.

Best Tips When It Rains at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

When it rains, it pours! I’m certainly not one to plan on visiting Walt Disney World on a rainy day, but when Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is on the calendar – we go! Our 2017 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was definitely WET this year as we experienced a major thunderstorm during the party. But just because it’s raining in Florida, doesn’t mean you can’t make the best Not So Scary Memories yet. So in case your family comes across a little wet weather during your Disney World visit, I’m sharing my 10 Best Tips for When It Rains at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. I ain’t afraid of no ghosts – or rain!

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Delicious eats, live entertainment & more. See Why Families Love Raglan Road at Disney Springs + new offerings for your family! This post is sponsored by Raglan Road. All authentic, Irish-loving opinions are my own.

Why Families Love Raglan Road at Disney Springs

There’s a reason why Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant has become a timeless Disney Springs locale for families to visit. From the delicious one-of-a-kind Irish fare to the crowd-loving entertainment – there’s no shortage of inviting atmosphere here. Come see exactly Why Families Love Raglan Road at Disney Springs – including ours. Check out exclusive video (my 4-year old dances on stage). Plus see why we will be going back very, very soon.

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Disney Springs isn’t only for souvenirs! Here are my best Disney Springs shopping tips for Back-to-School and how you can stock up on your child’s favorite Disney clothes, shoes and accessories for less! This post is sponsored by Disney Springs. All savvy shopping opinions are my own.

Best Tips for Back-to-School Shopping at Disney Springs

Disney and shopping – two of my favorite things. Whenever we need a dose of Disney, our family heads to Disney Springs. Shopping, entertainment and delicious eats – you really can’t go wrong. With school days right around the corner, most folks are heading to the malls for their back-to-school shopping. But where’s the fun in that? Here are my Best Tips for Back-to-School Shopping at Disney Springs – everything you need to know on grabbing the best deals, the best Disney gear and the best one-of-a-kind magical look for less. From one bargain shopper to another, you can still have amazing Disney shopping with big savings!

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Family vacations don’t need to be complicated. We are getting back to simple vacations for more #SmilesAhead. Here’s Why Changing The Way We Vacation Gave Us the Best Orlando Staycation. This post is sponsored by Holiday Inn. All relaxing travel opinions are my own.

Changing the Way We Vacation Gave Us the Best Orlando Staycation

Living in the “Tourist Capital of the World,” I always feel the pressure to plan the best vacation ever. There’s a theme park around every corner and grand vacation ideas within arm’s reach. Oh, and there’s that Type-A parent tendency to plan every little detail – down to scheduled bathroom breaks. I knew that I needed a family intervention the moment I told my kids that we had an Orlando staycation planned.

“Are we going to theme park?” “What rides are we doing this time?” “Mickey! Minnie! Mickey! Minnie!”

The moment my kids assumed that there was a theme park attached to our vacation at Holiday Inn at Orange Lake Resort, it was my breaking point. That’s NOT how I’m raising my kids. So here’s how we changed up our vacation game in six easy steps, and still had the best Orlando staycation ever. Spoiler, we didn’t miss the mouse.

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Need something fun and FREE to do at Walt Disney World? Have the kids complete the Wilderness Explorers Guide at Disney Animal Kingdom – now updated with Pandora – The World of Avatar! Post sponsored by Disney. All opinions are my own

FREE Wilderness Explorers Guide at Disney Animal Kingdom | 10 Reasons to Explore

Of all of the Disney World parks I have ever visited, I am least familiar with Animal Kingdom. So when I was told that we would be experiencing the Wilderness Explorers Guide, I had the blank DUH look on my face. But now finishing up this amazing journey for Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom, it is one of the best family experiences at Disney Animal Kingdom, and possibly the best in all of Walt Disney World. This best kept secret at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is being explored today so you can experience the amazing FUN the Wilderness Explorers Guide has to offer. I’ve got 10 reasons for you to check out the Wilderness Explorers Guide at Disney Animal Kingdom, and it begins with FREE.

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Make the most of your stay at the newest LEGOLAND Florida hotel with these Top 8 LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Tips for the Best Family Vacation. This post is sponsored by LEGOLAND Florida. All brick-tastic opinions are my own

8 LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Tips for the Best Family Vacation

There’s a new kid on the block at LEGOLAND Florida. The all-new LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is now open. The second hotel for LEGOLAND guests, this cozy LEGO themed resort offers guests 83 cozy bungalows with a total of 166 rooms for families. Want to make the most of your stay? Check out these Top 8 LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Tips for the Best Family Vacation EVER!

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