Let’s face it, traveling with kids sometimes feels like that Dickens quote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Best of times because children delight in the simple things, like jumping on a fluffy hotel bed or building a sandcastle. But they can easily get tired or bored, and hello, we’ve entered Whine City.
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Hawaii, though, is such a family-friendly destination, it’s not a question of finding great things to do with the kids so much as narrowing down all the activities.

Here are some of the best kid-friendly activities in the Islands.

​Check Out the Lava
​Twice a day, it’s gonna blow! Well, in a controlled manner. The daily lava show at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, near downtown Honolulu, lets kids get up close and personal with molten basalt cinder rock, poured out by a staffer wearing a cool space suit.
Then take the littles to play inside the giant volcano model before heading to the museum’s planetarium to learn how Polynesian wayfinders navigate by the stars.

​Meet a Seahorse
​A pregnant male? Whaaat? Blow the kids’ minds during a one-hour tour of an eco-friendly aqua-farm, where, yes, the daddy seahorses are the ones who give birth.
At Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm on Hawaii Island, near Kona, more than 25 species of seahorses are bred and hand-raised. Learn about breeds like the sea dragon, and maybe even get to hold a seahorse.
Eco-bonus: The family-owned company works to help vulnerable wild seahorse populations.

​Slurp Noodles
​Hawaii takes its noodles very seriously, and no island more so than Maui. Sam Sato’s, in business since 1933 and famous for its “dry mein” noodle dish, is in Wailuku and is considered by locals a must-do pilgrimage.
Insider’s tip: It’s only open for breakfast and lunch. For noodles at dinnertime, try Star Noodle, near Lahaina. It makes its ramen, udon and saimin noodles in house, daily. Parents will appreciate the sake options.

​Spend All Day in the Water
​What’s better than the beach? A mind-blowing pool…steps from the beach. Sheraton Waikiki has your family covered with two distinct pool areas, including Helumoa Playground, the property’s beachfront water experience — and a family favorite.
Older kids might take a wet and wild spin down Helumoa’s 70-foot-long water slide or play in the interactive fountain area, while the youngest of kiddos can wade in the shallow pool.
As for the adults? Rest easy in chaise water loungers or an oceanfront cabana, as you watch your little ones make a splash.

Hike to a Waterfall
​Burn off kids’ energy with a hike through a lush rainforest. Oahu’s Manoa Falls Trail is just over three miles round-trip. The pièce de résistance is the 150-foot waterfall, though the bamboo thicket is impressive, too.
For safety’s sake, avoid the trail after heavy rain, and always stay on the path. The path can be muddy, so leave the brand-new white sandals at the hotel.

Watch Chocolate Grow
​If they’ve been reading “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” kids might be interested to find out where chocolate really comes from. Hawaii is the only state that grows cocoa beans commercially.
Lydgate Farms, on Kauai’s east side, has a “branch-to-bar” tour and tasting, where a guide takes you through the process of growing cacao trees and harvesting and processing the cacao beans, with extensive tastings of chocolate and exotic fruits, like sapodilla and eggfruit. Bonus: Kids under 12 are free.

​Paddle to the Turtles
​Turtle Town is just off Makena Beach on Maui. This stretch of coastline has coral reefs favored by Hawaiian green sea turtles — gentle giants who can grow to four feet long and up to 350 pounds.
An outrigger canoe tour lets your family get close (respectfully, as these are a threatened species) and learn about Polynesian culture. Hawaiian Paddle Sports has a tour specifically for families with small children or first-time paddlers.

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

The desire for grandparents and grandkids to reunite and travel together has never been stronger. It’s why Beaches Resorts is taking the Skip-Generation Vacation experience to another level and introducing a Beaches GrandEscapes vacation!
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The man posing with Elmo has been wearing a swimsuit since yesterday. The woman taking their picture is still glowing from a morning spa treatment.
“He’s a little cuter than you, honey,” the woman says.
The subtle jab indicates they’re husband and wife. But grandparents? It’s hard to tell. They’re so youthful and energetic as they move around the cabanas and pools at the Beaches Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, their flip-flops accentuating the pace of their steps. They kick a soccer ball on the beach, bite into warm cookies, laugh easily, and post pictures for Instagram — “stunning pics,” according to their envious followers.
The only giveaways that they’re old enough to be grandparents are the 8-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy who call them “Papa” and “Nana.” The sunshine and happiness at Beaches has enveloped them so completely that the four of them act as if it’s the first day of summer vacation — Papa and Nana included.
They’d forgotten how it feels to be so carefree. They’d almost forgotten how it feels to be together.​

​Every time the grandparents pause for a photo with their grandkids, they present a living picture of the GrandEscape at the three Beaches Resorts in Ocho Rios, Negril, and Turks and Caicos.
It’s a turnkey all-inclusive Caribbean resort vacation specifically designed for the grands. It’s also Beaches’ resounding answer to the re-emergence of skip-generation, or skip-gen, travel where the parents step aside and allow the grandparents to take the kids away for a week.

Mom and Dad can stay home and enjoy a week alone, or book their own trip to a couples-only Sandals Resort. Either way, they’re assured that the GrandEscapers are having the times of their lives, breathing the warm tropical air, hearing the friendly Caribbean voices, and swimming in the most magnificently colorful ocean.

​Cocktails and mocktails are always flowing at Beaches Resorts’ swim-up pool bars.

For more than a year, grandparents everywhere had been out of the picture, protected with a minimum distance of six feet, if not complete isolation from the family. They’d been among the 70 percent of Americans who dreamed of traveling in a way they’d never dreamed or traveled before. Craving the getaway or getaways and imagining the grandkids alongside them.
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A GrandEscape at Beaches brings those cravings to real life, only more relaxed, more fun, more alive, and more purely Caribbean than they ever imagined.
Grandparents, more than anyone, have been suffering from cabin fever, pandemic fatigue, and social-distancing burnout.

​“Health is wealth. And what’s a better investment of health and wealth than making extraordinary memories with the grandkids?” says Nana.
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It doesn’t take an Instagram post to see that a GrandEscape at Beaches is the heroic answer to Nana’s rhetorical question. An island resort created for families with a powdery beach and the friendliest staff you’ve ever met. All the pizza and pancakes you could want. Soft beds and endless views of the sea. Snorkeling with tropical fish and dancing with Sesame Street characters. Playing on the golf course and in the XBox Lounge.
A place so friendly everyone says “welcome home” even though it seems a million miles away.

“We have a lot of help spoiling the grandkids,” says Papa, referring to the entertainment, watersports, and restaurant teams at Beaches Resorts.
Observe again grandpa’s damp swimsuit and grandma’s hand clutching a Margarita. It isn’t just the grandkids who are being spoiled.

​Pictured here: The French Village Pool at Beaches Turks & Caicos.

​Papa and Nana have been pool-and-sea-ready since they arrived with the grandkids at Beaches three days ago. The ease of a luxurious all-inclusive skip-gen vacation is one of the main reasons they booked a GrandEscape. Planning? It consists of choosing a stretch of five, seven or ten nights.
“Our only responsibility was to arrive and unpack the swimsuits,” says Nana. “Since then, we’ve done what we want whenever we want to do it.”
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The kids sleep in while the adults make the first footprints on the beach. They eat bacon and papaya for breakfast and brick-oven pizzas for lunch. Grandpa goes down the waterslide a gazillion times and comes out of the water laughing every single time. They watch movies from the pool one night and party at a beach bonfire the next. When the kids wake up, the whole family will enjoy a complimentary Sesame Street Character Breakfast.

​“It sounds simple, but there aren’t many places where you can say ‘it’s easy to have fun here,’” says Nana. “My husband and I like to relax on the beach and have a drink or two. We can do that. But we also want to actively enjoy them instead of watching from a distance. We finally have the time back to bond with our grandkids again.”

This is why a Beaches GrandEscape makes so much sense in 2021. Grandparents of today have a higher-powered toolkit:

The energy. It’s often the grandparents’ ideas to snorkel after breakfast, play pool volleyball after lunch, and go kayaking before sunset. “We all have the ability to wear each other out,” says Papa.
The time. Moms and Dads are squeezed for hours, let alone days. Grandparents can get away for longer periods of time — without being interrupted on the lazy river by a call from the office. “We’re living in the moment,” says Nana, “and the moments at Beaches keep coming, nonstop.”
The means. Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are more financially stable than grandparents of previous generations. It bears repeating: “Health is wealth.” No one regrets investing in the trip of a lifetime.
The peace of mind. With the Beaches Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness in place, constantly disinfecting surfaces and maintaining a distance from guests, the only thing grandparents and grandkids need to focus on is spending time reconnecting with each other.

“We feel so safe here in paradise,” says Nana.
Most important of all, grandparents and grandkids discover right away at Beaches that they’re very much in touch with each other, with similar ideas for the perfect vacation:

An immaculate beach and gorgeous sea just a few steps from the suite.
A giant pool and waterpark a few strides in the other direction.
Fresh smoothies at the pool … wait, make that fresh smoothies in the pool. And two more cookies apiece on the way back to the suite.

​Grandparents and grandkids can officially book their own GrandEscapes vacation at Beaches Resorts now through January 9, 2022 for travel August 28 - October 5, 2022 so they can catch up on laughter, make up for the time spent apart, and enjoy a great vacation made for family-fun.

All Beaches Resorts GrandEscapes vacations of five nights or more will automatically receive a special ‘Made for Memories’ family photoshoot with three complimentary printed photos plus the choice of:

• A complimentary Sesame Street Character Breakfast
• A Red Lane® Spa manicure for two
• A ‘Kitty Katt’ Catamaran Cruise for two

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

You can’t choose your family, but you can choose an awesome room.

Once upon a time the family room occupied a unique space in family life. Unlike other rooms, the family room didn’t have a specific, set purpose. It was a place that came with an open invitation for play, imagination, creativity, leisure, laughter and the purest of all family experiences – unconditional fun.
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Today’s family rooms typically have more screens and devices. And, because of those, a little less eye contact. As for that unconditional fun thing? The good news is that as long as there are families, there will always be that. And the great news: You’re about to meet several family vacation destinations that have taken the family room concept to a whole new dimension.

Let’s start with a bad example. Not the rooms, of course. But the little yellow characters who inspired them. The Minions. What better way to the reward children for being good most of the time than a room themed by creatures who’ve behaved badly since the beginning of time? The Despicable Me Kid’s Suites at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel let kids be kids while parents enjoy every creature comfort in their own adjoining room.
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While the kids will have a blast in their Minion-themed suite, with custom-designed missile beds and Minion-inspired bedding complete with Gru’s scarf, an earth-shattering family experience awaits at Universal’s all-new Volcano Bay water theme park. Just a lava rock’s throw from the volcano are fabulous family suite cabanas befitting this tropical paradise. Stocked with plush seating, a refrigerator keeping the water and snacks cool, fluffy towels and concierge service, the cabana might be one of the most popular attractions in the park. The family suite cabana offers privacy and space that accommodates up to 16 people. And several dozen Minions. At Universal, they’re one big, happy family.​

The amazing thing about Disney Animation is that it’s so vivid and magical that you sometimes feel you’re living inside the story yourself. Hold that thought, and that feeling. Because at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, your family will be living inside that same wonderful experience, with your favorite characters everywhere you turn. Here a Simba, there a Scar, Ariel, Nemo and a Car.
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Family suites are movie-themed: Lion King, Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid and Cars. For treats and eats, Landscape of Flavors features five distinct and delectable food shops. Your family will also love the choice of three incredible pools. The biggest is the Big Blue pool, inspired by Finding Nemo. The Cozy Cone pool is a recreation of Radiator Springs from Cars. And the Flippin Fins pool will have you splashing alongside Ariel herself.  Be nice because we hear she likes to splash back.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed Lair Suite at the new Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya is the perfect place to relax, swim (in an infinity pool that runs the length of the suite), and enjoy a pizza party, of course. This rooftop penthouse suite can accommodate up to five guests. Cowabunga!

This family-centric hotel sits across from Disney's Animal Kingdom park in Orlando, Florida, yet it feels like it was plucked from the plains of an African safari. Inspired by a traditional kraal (village) and surrounded by four savannahs, the lodge is home to 30 wildlife species — zebras, giraffes, flamingos, and gazelles — some of which can be spotted wandering past room windows.
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Experts are even on-hand to answer questions about the animals, and guests can also book private safaris around the grounds. But the massive, 972-room property is not without a dash of Disney magic in the form of evening campfires with s’mores, outdoor movies, storytelling sessions, restaurants serving African-inspired cuisine, an arcade, and an 11,000-square-foot pool that will delight kids and adults alike.

Why should that Sparrow fellow and Captain Hook keep all the spoils of pirate life to themselves? At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you and the kids can do some shivering of the timbers yourselves, in pirate-themed rooms that would be the envy of any buccaneer. Where else on the Seven Seas can you sleep in a pirate ship? Not on, in. Each bed is a pirate ship unto itself with pirate flags, rigging, even cannonballs down below. There are only three words for this bedtime adventure. All together now. Yo ho ho.
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When it’s time for some ship to shore action, you and the little pirates can attack the nearby pool and water slide (we hear it’s just off the port bow). Built in the style of a Spanish citadel, this zero-entry pool features two high adventure slides and water cannon. Ascend the spiral staircase to the top of a turret for an 82-foot trip down the big slide. Let the swashbuckling begin!

The Loews Royal Pacific Resort features Jurassic World Kids' Suites with two rooms (one for parents and another for kids) complete with dinosaur prints on the floor and gyrosphere beds designed to make kids feel like they're navigating jungle terrain in search of Velociraptors and Pterodactyls. These suites sleep up to five guests.

The ultimate place to overnight at the Disneyland resort in Anaheim is the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel. This signature suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with stellar views of the parks. It also features unique artwork, including photos of Mickey and Walt Disney rarely seen by the public, and Mickey Mouse motifs like a Mickey Mouse light on the living room ceiling. 

The swanky penthouse, featuring an interior design with "Mickey's" signature colors of black, white, red and yellow, occupies an expansive 1,600 square feet and includes an open living room, dining and kitchen area, two bedrooms and two and one-half bathrooms.  The suite brings to life all the fun that Mickey Mouse represents.

Forget lay-flat seats on a plane-visit Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Rica and sleep inside of an actual airplane! The 727 Fuselage Suite is a refurbished 1965 Boeing 727 airframe that once flew with South Africa Air and Avianca Airlines. The two-bedroom suite sits in the treetops of Costa Rica near Manuel Antonio National Park, as if it just crash landed there. The hand-carved teak furniture makes you feel like you're in a treehouse, despite being inside a plane!

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

All-inclusive resorts can be an incredibly convenient way to vacation. Commonly found in Mexico and the Caribbean, these tropical resorts typically include all meals and snacks, nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks, and nonmotorized ocean sports (kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling just off the beach) in the nightly room rate. ​

​Here are some mistakes to avoid when you’re planning, booking, and experiencing your next all-inclusive resort vacation.

​With all that is included in an all-inclusive resort vacation, there’s plenty that isn’t included. For example, resorts nearly always charge for a la carte spa treatments (and they’re not cheap). A round of golf at the resort course will likely cost you. If you want to drink premium wine, beer, and liquor outside of the house brands, you’ll pay for that, too. And there will likely be an upcharge for special restaurant dishes like lobster and steak.

​Then there are the “extras” you might want to enjoy while at the resort, such as a candlelight dinner on the beach, scuba-diving lessons, or a reserved beach bed with gourmet treats.

That said, the specific inclusions at different resorts vary widely. Some properties, like Beaches, do include premium liquors. Sometimes, certain room categories or packages, like the El Dorado Spa Resorts’ Honeymoon Collection, include a special romantic dinner or two-for-one couples’ massage. Sandals covers greens fees at its Caribbean golf resorts. ​

​​Bottom Line: Research what exactly is included in your reservation. If you can’t find the answer on the resort’s website, pick up the phone or start an online chat with a reservations agent to get the scoop. Or enlist the help of a travel agent.

More typically, it’s customary to leave a few dollars for the friendly bartender making your drinks, the restaurant servers who are hustling to get hot food to your table, the energetic activities staff running the fun volleyball games, the housekeeping staff leaving you towel animals on your bed every night, and the bell staff handling your luggage. ​

This is your vacation — you should spend it how you like. And if you immediately find a favorite spot at the pool for lounging, or a favorite breakfast restaurant with the best made-to-order omelets, then by all means, put that on repeat daily until it’s time to go home. Similarly, if you’ve been to Mexico multiple times, and this particular trip is all about rest and relaxation on the beach, then there’s no need to book a bunch of off-site excursions to local cenotes, archaeological ruins, or snorkeling spots. ​

But I’d suggest that if you’re at a new-to-you vacation destination, you take the time to check out all the offerings of the resort and its surroundings. That means scouting out the different relaxing spots to read your book (hammock, lounge chair, or beach bed!) or making reservations at the various a la carte restaurants (typically upon arrival with the concierge or restaurant staff, to avoid missing out). ​

​​Also consider visiting the resort’s tour desk, where representatives can sign you up for off-property trips to learn about the local culture or have fun with various activities — from a sunset catamaran cruise to a zip-lining adventure to swimming with stingrays.

​Bottom Line: You know what you like, and on vacation you may not be interested in any surprises. But traveling also offers opportunities to try new things. So if you’re going to a Club Med property and you can learn to fly on a trapeze -- safely, and for free! — why not sign up? Similarly, with all of your food included, sample new dishes. If you don’t love what you ordered, don’t hesitate to ask for a different appetizer or entrée — all your food is paid for already, so enjoy!

The beauty of an all-inclusive is that you’re free to eat and drink whatever and whenever you please. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample dishes that are new to you — after all, it’s included! All-inclusives typically have buffets or restaurants with a wide variety of food on offer, and all of it is available at no additional cost to you. Instead of sticking with your favorite foods or usual combinations, venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you don’t like it, no loss; you can pick something else.​

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

Venture off the beaten path during your next vacay.

When planning for an upcoming vacation, I like to find the lesser-known things you can’t miss at that destination. It’s no different when it comes to theme parks. You probably know the highlights about Universal Orlando Resort: fun rides, hotels to stay at, delicious restaurants and entertainment, and — of course — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

There’s so much more you can do at Universal that you may not even be aware of. Like, did you know you can adopt a Pygmy Puff? Do you even know what a Pygmy Puff is!? Well, you’re about to find out.

I put together a list of my top picks for the lesser known experiences you can do during your vacation here. Whether it’s your first visit you’re planning or your 100th, I hope these spark some inspiration.

1. Try a Can of Whoville’s Who Hash

One of my new favorite foodie finds is over at Green Eggs and Ham Cafe in Seuss Landing with the can of Whoville’s Who Hash. Munching on your can of Who Hash while strolling through the land will make you feel as if you’re right in the middle of a Dr. Seuss book. You can also get Green Eggs & Ham Tots, Buffalo Chicken Tots, and more.

2. Have a Chat with a Volcano Spirit

If you venture inside the volcano Krakatau at Universal’s Volcano Bay, you will come across Vol, the spirit of the volcano! This trickster fire spirit is great to chat with and can be a bit playful with water when they want to be.

3. Tour the MEN IN BLACK Headquarters

One of the areas guests walk by overhead is the immigration room, which seems straights off the set of the first MIB film. What you may not know is that you can actually get a tour of this area and explore the downstairs level of MIB headquarters. If you ask one of the agents nicely, they may have availability to take you down and meet a few of the aliens. *Note: This experience is not always available. Saving the galaxy can be quite time-consuming.*

4. Meet Characters From Your Favorite Movies

Did you know you can occasionally run into Men In Black agents, trade in your cash for bank notes with a Gringotts Goblin, or even practice your kung fu moves with Po from Kung Fu Panda? There are a ton of characters to meet that you may not even be aware of! Keep an eye out as you explore the parks to see who you can find.

5. Adopt a Pygmy Puff

And this, my friends, is a Pygmy Puff. They are one of the cutest creature companions in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and, when you adopt one, the shopkeepers will do a fun naming ceremony for you. You can find them at Magical Menagerie and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and you can adopt them in three sizes!

6. Bowl a Strike in Your Hotel

Even if you can’t bowl a strike (like me), it’s pretty sweet having a bowling alley in your hotel. Galaxy Bowl at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is small and intimate with only 10 lanes, which is part of its charm, but it does fill up fast. Don’t forget to make a reservation ahead of time and to bring your lucky bowling socks.

7. Snap a Pic with Your Favorite Shark

​Our JAWs attraction will live on in our memories, but there is still one place you can get a taste of it. Quite literally — you can enjoy a Shark Attack drink at Chez Alcatraz. This little bar pays homage to the attraction and even has our favorite shark right next to it for pictures.

8. Brave a 125-Foot Drop Slide Called Ko’okiri Body Plunge

Your vacation is the perfect time to face your fears, right? Conquer the tallest drop slide in Orlando at Universal’s Volcano Bay. It also happens to have an awesome view… that is if you can keep your eyes open.

9. Try All Six Kinds of Butterbeer Treats

​Yes, you read that right. There are six kinds of Butterbeer treats you can try in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including fudge, ice cream, potted cream and — of course — the three types of drink. #TeamFrozen all the way. *Certain Butterbeer treats are offered seasonably.*

10. Dance with a Panda

Sometimes you just need an impromptu dance party with a panda. Have no fear, Hashtag is here! You can meet and dance with Hashtag the Panda before racing through New York with Jimmy Fallon. You can also see a performance by the Ragtime Gals.

11. Embark on a Rum-Tasting Journey

Take a break from the parks and unwind with a rum-tasting journey led by a Rum Captain at Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. They also happen to have amazing empanadas.

*Operations are temporarily suspended for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. *

12. Get Your Putt-Putt On

As a self-proclaimed mini golf extraordinaire, one of my favorite things to do is play a round at the Hollywood Drive-In Golf in Universal CityWalk. It’s the perfect low-key activity to end the day. Plus, the haunted and sci-fi themes of each course speak to my little geeky heart.

13. See Your Favorite Movies On… Water Screens?

​End your day at the parks with a front-row view of the nighttime show Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration in Universal Studios Florida. There’s something really epic about seeing a gigantic T. Rex from Jurassic World roaring in your face on MASSIVE water screens.

*This show is available on select nights. Make sure to check the park map or Universal Orlando Mobile App for updates.*

14. Enjoy a Lunch Inspired by Dishes from Across the Globe

Right at the front of Universal’s Islands of Adventure is one of my favorite restaurants, Confisco Grille. This hidden gem (that just so happens to be in plain sight) features an eclectic menu with a mixture of global cuisines like Asian, Turkish, Mediterranean, Greek, Russian, Polish, and more. You can also find mysterious “confiscated” goods inside that you may recognize from the park.

15. Escape to Waterfall Cove

​This is my kind of ‘hidden gem’ when it comes to water parks. Waterfall Cove is a secluded area tucked away at the base of Krakatau (the volcano) in Volcano Bay. It makes for a peaceful escape from the crowds and has some gorgeous waterfalls that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to an exotic location.

16. Explore Lost Continent

An enchanted talking fountain, exotic cuisine, a bazaar filled with trinkets and treasures, psychic readings, and more. Lost Continent is one of the most richly-themed areas of Islands of Adventure with stunning backdrops for photos, and the perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat. I highly recommend having lunch at Mythos and enjoying the excellent views of the park from the outside seating.

17. Eat Burgushi – Where the Cow and the Fish Become One

Take the fixings of both a burger and sushi, put them together, and bam! Burgushi. Chow down on this land and sea fusion at The Cowfish in Universal CityWalk. My favorite is The High-Class Hillbilly-Southern Style Bar-B-Q-Shi (pictured).

18. Live Your Best Rockstar Life

I’m all about music, which makes Hard Rock Hotel one of my favorite places to stay. One of the fun things to do is the memorabilia tour. You can see priceless items from some of your singers and bands. Feel inspired? You can rent a guitar or record player to play in your room after!

 *Some hotel amenities may be temporarily unavailable during your visit.*

19. Cast Your Own Spells

​Create your own magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with an interactive wand. You have to try your hand at the Meteolojinx in Diagon Alley (pictured). My personal favorite spell is Incendio at Flimflams Lanterns in Diagon Alley. It’s so cool at night! You may even discover some hidden spells as you progress in your practice.

20. Sing Karaoke on the Big Stage

Even if you’re afraid of being in the spotlight, singing karaoke at Rising Star in Universal CityWalk is SO FUN. You get backup singers and even a hype man to help make you the star of the show. Plus, the lights are bright enough on stage so you can barely see the crowd — just in case you need a courage booster.

*Check the Universal Orlando Mobile App for when Rising Star and other CityWalk venues are open.*

What are you looking forward to checking out? Add to the list in the comments if you’re an experienced veteran of the parks!

Must be 21 years of age or older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages at Universal Orlando Resort.

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Disney Destinations. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

Some people live to travel. Others live to eat. And at the very best all-inclusive resorts in the world, is where you find the intersection of both—those who journey specifically to take their taste buds on vacation. With the competition between top-name brands for “gourmet” billing heating up hotter than kitchens in those climates (and it’s hot there!), restaurants have leveled up HARD. Today, there are a lot of high-end “foodie” havens that have made it into the featured inclusions list of many an upscale resort. These are some of our favorite, most notable, most novel on-site, dining experiences.

Of course, you couldn’t expect a brand known for its Gourmet Inclusive® promise not to lead this list, right? But this property takes it to astonishing levels. As if growing their own vegetables for use in 14 restaurants and bars—all with long lists of special focuses and features—weren’t enough, their show-stopping headliner is … well, a show and headline act! We’re talking about the Fuentes Culinary Theatre, a cooking stage where chefs star and the audience eats.
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If you’re one of those people who can’t watch cooking shows without getting hungry, this is just the once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. You’ll get to witness a Food Network-style cooking show with live cameras and huge display screens in real life, and enjoy the food as you watch it come together. How? As the chef prepares it on stage, other chefs prepare your meal behind the scenes, so you can experience your dish through a whole new dimension. At only $10 a person without the wine pairing (that’s an additional $45, since it’s all premium), it’s a steal for a truly unique memory you’ll be telling people about forever.

Bonus Pro-Tip: Karisma Hotels & Resorts also offer several chef’s table options, too, for private dining or even molecular gastronomy! There are additional costs for these, but the good news is, guests from outside the resort can reserve seats, too.

Food is a focus at this upscale retreat, and their Restaurant BLoved is proof positive of that. This restaurant reserved exclusively for Privileged guests is a reason in and of itself to upgrade. Another notable dining experience is the Tapas terrace, overlooking the wilds of the cenote on the grounds versus the ocean views of BLoved. But now, the latest addition to their all-inclusive office, Rauxa Restaurant, is set to knock even more socks off.
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This lively à la carte restaurant blends Mexican, Japanese, and Mediterranean culinary profiles for a creative menu that’s truly out of the ordinary, and in the best possible way. We’re talking salmon and mango tartare, genuine Angus beef marinated with ginger, vanilla “cotton cake” with guava, and more. You’ll need sustenance like that for sure to keep your energy level high enough to match with that of the live DJ or local artists that play regularly. Then after the last dessert is served, it turns into a fantastic venue for more music and drinks, making Rauxa a festive, sophisticated spot to spend your entire night in.

​One of the most popular restaurants at this chic resort is Hidden Garden, which serves up Asian fusion in a setting taken right out of the Mayan jungle. It’s enchanting with its winding walkways and indoor/outdoor setting and avant garde menu. But MB’s international, Latin-centered cuisine also deserves a place in the sun for those in the know.

This venue is more casual in terms of dress code, but the atmosphere is no less sophisticated and warm. Relaxing piano music plays in the background for diners as they feast on specialties like habanero soup, whose name belies its balanced. It’s actually not too spicy, but rather more savory and creamy, and perfect in its bread bowl.
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In the fall, look for Chiles Nogales, a special dish served only around Mexican Independence Day in September. These are decadent, indulgent, and absolutely exquisite bites of Mexican luxury. They’re poblano chilis (so not very spicy!) that are stuffed with ground meat picadillo—usually panochera apple, sweet-milk pear, and criollo peach—and topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. They’re originally from Puebla and absolutely unforgettable.

There’s no way we can talk about mind-blowing resort cuisine without mentioning Grand Velas Riviera Maya, whose offerings include not one but four AAA Four Diamond restaurants and one Five Diamond one. This is particularly impressive when you consider that every year, AAA reviews over 31,000 restaurants and only 2.1% ever earn a four rating. In fact, their Mexican restaurant Frida—a tribute to Frida Kahlo—only falls short of that one diamond on a technicality, since it’s family friendly and not for adults only. Its peers include French restaurant Piaf and Sen Lin, which serves up specialties from northeast and southwest Asia.
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The crown jewel restaurant remains Cocina de Autor, helmed by Chef Nahum Velasco. It’s a double-digit tasting table that plays with your senses and perception, delivering a different experience every time you go. It’s bold, flavorful, and playful, with molecular gastronomy enhancing your chances of encountering the wholly unexpected.

​The resort bills its dining as “luxurious indulgence without the guilt” and we are all for it. Their focus on wellness and “the art of life” makes it into their small but thoughtful list of dining establishments, where personalized touches and individual attention make the handful of restaurants more than adequate for this boutique property. The beachside grill uses a real zapote and mesquite wood fire to add flair to their fresh food, and Restaurant Kaax offers sushi for lunch and international cuisine with a Mexican take.

​These are great, but the AAA Four Diamond La Canoa Restaurant is what really takes the cake. It offers what it calls Cuisine de los Soles, and centers its gourmet fusion menu around spices and chilis—fun and fanciful ways to delight the palate without a lot of calories. The menu features organic and heart-healthy options that don’t skimp on flavor. For guided tastings, there’s also a chef’s table in the kitchen you can reserve, for a once-in-a-lifetime behind-the-lines dinner that’s rarely available anywhere. Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, one of the top restaurants in the world, is among the few that offer a similar experience, and even they don’t promise the executive chef’s personal preparation as La Canoa does. For something a little more hands-on, they offer weekly cooking classes, too, which begin right in the garden.

​Obviously, the all-inclusive dining scene we enjoy today has come leagues ahead of what they were just a couple of generations ago. Beachside grills and endless buffets are fantastic, for sure, but for the finer things that are beyond just “fine,” you’ll want to bookmark these appetizing properties. They might just leave a better taste in your mouth than your stay itself … and that’s saying something!

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Disney Destinations. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

Overflowing with Disney enchantment, staterooms aboard the Disney Wish are a luxurious, peaceful retreat at sea designed for families, featuring ample space, plenty of storage and upscale amenities.

Artful Accommodations
The tradition of Disney storytelling can be found inside every stateroom on the Disney Wish, thanks to artwork and subtle touches that celebrate iconic elements of Disney films—from magic castles to enchanted woodlands to the spirit of the sea.

A Peaceful Retreat
Indulge in style and comfort in our redesigned home-away-from-home on the high seas. Spectacular ocean views and split bathrooms are yours to enjoy in select staterooms, while a queen-size bed, convertible sofa with pull-down bed and a sitting area—plus a variety of upscale amenities—can be found in all.

Concierge Oceanview Staterooms & Royal Suites
Disney storytelling soars to new heights in our Concierge Oceanview Staterooms, where you can stay in your own Tangled-inspired space or rest inside one of 7 The Little Mermaid-themed spaces that include our first-ever forward-facing views. Extravagant details and first-class amenities inspired by the classic elegance of Sleeping Beauty abound in our enchanting Royal Suites—2 of which feature 2 levels, a spiral staircase and a stained glass work of art. It’s a royal welcome they’ll never forget!

​Adults can dine, relax and immerse themselves in magical settings designed just for them on the Disney Wish—from upscale restaurants and sophisticated lounges to an expansive pool area.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
Coruscant. Tatooine. Batuu. Watch worlds drift by at this stylish space bar boasting stellar views, where you can sit back and sip on some out-of-this-world concoctions while being transported throughout the Star Wars galaxy.
Families are invited to experience this interstellar watering hole during the day, but at night, the lounge jumps to lightspeed and becomes a haven for adults only, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by the hit films.

​Quiet Cove
Retreat to this relaxing, adults-only refuge—featuring an infinity pool, bar and poolside lounge—dedicated to swimming, savoring drinks and soaking up the sun.
Separated from the bustle of family activities, this adults-only escape spans an entire section of the ship’s upper decks.

​Palo Steakhouse
Prepare to be pampered at this elegant, adults-only restaurant inspired by the lovable pomp and circumstance of Cogsworth, the enchanted clock from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. An evolution of the Palo restaurant that Disney cruisers already know and love, Palo Steakhouse offers a scrumptious selection of premium steaks and exquisite Italian dishes.
Featuring 2 distinct dining areas amid a warm, tranquil atmosphere with spectacular ocean views, Palo Steakhouse—one of 3 new Beauty and the Beast adults-only experiences on the Disney Wish—serves up subtle nods to Beast’s loyal majordomo throughout its magnificent décor.

The Rose
Sip a cocktail surrounded by antique mirrors and floating rose petals at this elegant, adult-exclusive lounge reminiscent of the enchanted castle from Beauty and the Beast.

Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement
Inside this opulent adults-only restaurant inspired by Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, innovative international cuisine crafted by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement and spectacular ocean views evoke a certain "je ne sais quoi."

Senses Spa
Fun meets tranquility on the Disney Wish at Senses Spa—a nature-inspired oasis offering spa and beauty treatments. Relax and unwind in the Rainforest—an indoor area with heated lounges, fountains, an aromatherapy steam room, a dry sauna and a calming pool. Step outside and luxuriate in the shade under specially designed canopies and take a dip in the refreshing outdoor pools.

Multiple themed spaces bursting with Disney storytelling and packed with fun-filled activities hosted by specially trained counselors await children inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club aboard the Disney Wish.

Marvel Super Hero Academy
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​Calling All Heroes
Young Avengers, stand ready! Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to spring into action and train alongside some of their favorite Marvel Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Black Panther, Ant-Man and The Wasp!
Inside this sleek headquarters, kids can unleash the hero within as they team up and select their very own super suit—and then put it to the test in a battle with some infamous villains of the Marvel Universe.

Star Wars Cargo Bay
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Enter the Star Wars Universe
Ready to support the Resistance? Join Rey and Chewbacca in this first-of-its-kind immersive experience set on board a starship!
"Star Wars Galactic Creature Keepers" is a fun-filled adventure at Star Wars: Cargo Bay where kids step into a highly interactive space modeled after a high-tech cargo bay. They’re put to the test as they feed lifelike, interactive creatures and encounter some of the most dangerous beings in the galaxy. With the help of Rey and Chewbacca, they channel the Force to secure the ship!

Walt Disney Imagineering Lab

Be a Disney Imagineer
Imagine what it would be like to create your own Disney attraction. At Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, kids can do just that! Through exciting hands-on activities, children will get a unique behind-the-scenes peek and discover how Disney magic is made. 
​Kids can also tap into their own imaginations and design their very own roller coaster in the style of attraction classics like Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain—and climb into a specially designed capsule to actually ride it!

Fairytale Hall

Create Your Own Storybook Memories
Step inside a classic fairytale setting come to life—and enjoy special visits from the Disney Princesses and Frozen Queens themselves!
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​Inside Fairytale Hall, young royals can craft floating lanterns at Rapunzel’s Art Studio, act out their favorite stories in Belle’s Library, and even create their own ice magic at Anna & Elsa’s Sommerhus. Happily ever after on the high seas, indeed!

​Clubs for Tweens and Teens

Relax, make friends and play games at Edge, a colorful New York City-inspired hangout for tweens ages 11 to 14. Teens ages 14 to 17 can chill out at the Vibe—a laid-back space where they can watch movies, enjoy games and take the occasional selfie.

​Older teens and young adults can check out The Hideaway, an all-new space designed just for them. All of these fun areas are supervised by the coolest counselors at sea.

“it’s a small world” Nursery!

In this whimsical daycare center inspired by the beloved Disney attraction, little cruisers 6 months to 3 years of age can relax and play, while being looked after by specially trained counselors and visited by some special Disney friends.

​Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck

Designed for the littlest cruisers, this nautically themed space is complete with activities and games, including pipe slides, ship’s wheels and more. Plus, for even more fun, kids can hang out with Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie when they stop by!

​Combining inventive design, cutting-edge technology and classic storytelling, the Disney Wish seamlessly brings Disney magic to life in new and unexpected ways, while creating the next generation in family entertainment.

AquaMouse
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First-Ever Disney Attraction at Sea
Oh boy! Join Mickey and Minnie on an exhilarating water adventure into a colorful cartoon world inspired by the famous Mickey Mouse animated shorts. Awash in "immersive" show scenes, music, lighting and special effects, this fun-filled water experience invites Disney fans to glide up, down, around and off the side of the ship through 760 feet of twisting tubes—providing breathtaking views of the ocean—before splashing down into a lazy river.

​​Disney Uncharted Adventure
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An Immersive Family Experience
Discover a layer of hidden enchantment on board the Disney Wish with Disney Uncharted Adventure—a first-of-its-kind interactive experience that takes classic Disney storytelling to new heights!
Join Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie and some of your favorite Disney Characters on a multidimensional search to find fragments of a shattered Wishing Star, navigating across the storybook worlds of Moana, Nemo, Princess Tiana, Peter Pan and more throughout your cruise. Using your mobile device as an “enchanted spyglass,” embark on quests that let you interact with the ship in new and exciting ways. Then battle an infamous Disney villain to restore the Wishing Star’s magic—and save the universe!

​Walt Disney Theatre

Classic Stories, Spectacular New Storytelling
Behold dazzling Disney magic inside a luxurious setting inspired by the fantastical floral worlds of the animated classic Fantasia.
Sit back and get lost in Broadway-style live shows—including Disney’s Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular plus 2 all-new, original productions.

​Watery Delights
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Make a splash! Sunshine meets fun time on the upper decks of the Disney Wish, home to 10 pools and water play areas—inspired by Mickey and his pals. Or toy around at Toy Story Splash Zone, featuring larger-than-life rubber bath toys and the Slide-a-saurus Rex family slide.

​Hero Zone

​Game on! Action-packed physical challenges and game-show-style competitions can be found at this groundbreaking recreation space where families are invited to play together. Sports court, game floor, playground, movie theater—Hero Zone is all of those and more! Are you up to the challenge?

​Movies & Live Entertainment
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Enjoy live music, comedy acts and family game shows at Luna, an all-new entertainment venue featuring family fun by day and elegant entertainment at night. Or catch first-run films inside Wonderland Cinema and Never Land Cinema, 2 lush screening rooms inspired by Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland offering the latest visual and audio technology.