It’s 8:45 am on Saturday morning. As soon as I started writing, my son woke up, my husband and the dogs came trampling down the stairs, and my quiet dream ended. I finished up a walk, planted a few seeds in the garden, and now I have some time to myself to write while the dogs get groomed, and Kyle takes over with Bugs. With starting a new business and being a full-time mom, finding the time to blog has been super tough, but I’m going to keep on trying to hop on here as much as I can, even if it’s a few times a month, or a few times a week. I appreciate all of you who have given me grace during this time!

Today, I’m sharing some photos of our summer and pictures from our trip down to Florida! This was our first family trip together since becoming parents!
 
We are in the toddler phase, where we want to run all over the place and never sit still (unless we are eating or drinking), and it’s hard to keep finding things to do. He does not like to be in the playpen anymore, and I can’t blame him. Thank goodness it’s summer because we spend much of our time at the pool now. 

My mom joined us for a pool day a few weeks ago, and we kicked off the summer season with Chick-Fil-A.
The best thing about Saturdays in the summertime is the farmer’s markets. 

I met up with a friend and went to the Farmers Market in Matthews. It’s one of the best ones in the Charlotte area! They have all kinds of dessert vendors, fresh flowers, fresh produce, and coffee! I can’t wait to attend another one. 

I had an apricot bun from Bun Appetit and a honey wildflower oat milk latte from Good Cup Coffee Co. 
After popping into several antique stores, we headed to Collective Cafe for lunch. I had the oat milk cortado and a chicken Caesar salad. This spot had so many things on its menu! The food was delicious.

When I got home, I helped put Bugs to bed, and when he woke up, we headed to the pool and then VooDoo Wings for dinner. I had their chicken house salad, and Kyle ordered the spicy peanut butter and jelly wings. I was skeptical at first, but OMG, they were so good!

Right next to VooDoo Wings is an ice cream shop called “Whits.” We wanted a sweet treat, so we bought a peanut butter Whittie. OH MY GOODNESS! This was one of the best-tasting ice cream sandwiches I have ever had. It had the biggest chunks of Nutella in the ice cream, and the peanut butter cookie was soft and flaky. I give it a 10 out of 10!

I still love adding my favorite Amazon items to my storefront, and this singing bubble crab is one of the best bathtime toys I’ve purchased! He is obsessed with it, and bathtime has been a game-changer! It sings songs, spills out bubble bath, and he knows how to turn it on and off. They even make one that looks like a dinosaur. I may have to get that one, too!

I knew waking up and checking the garden would be my favorite part about these garden beds. It’s so exciting watching all of my seedlings turn into big beautiful plants. I can’t wait for all the juicy tomatoes, peppers, and squash! It’s lettuce season, and I’ve been getting all the fantastic lettuce from my garden this past week. 
 
I had a cookie order the day before heading out on our trip! The little Bug was playing fetch in the yard with Leo, and it’s so cute to watch this relationship blossom! Leo usually ignores him, but now that he’s up and walking, he finds him to be a little human he can play with.

Last Tuesday, we left at 4 am to head down to Florida. We wanted to go early, hoping we’d have a sleeper for the first few hours of the drive. He slept for about 45 minutes but then woke up. Luckily, he was pretty good in the car! We played with cups, straws, string, tape, and toys he had never seen. Toward the end, I put on Ms. Rachel, and she seemed to be a hit. 

Since Savannah was on our way, we stopped for a play in the park and breakfast! It has been a while since visiting Savannah, and it made me so happy to be there, even if it was just for a few hours. I need to plan a trip back soon. 
 
Taking a few breaks on the trip helped. Savannah was perfect since it was on the way and had so many cute parks to play or walk in.

After getting all the morning zoomies out at Forsyth Park, we stopped at Collins Quarter for breakfast. Collins Quarter has always been one of my favorite spots to eat in Savannah, but we always went to a different location. I loved that this one was right in the park, and the food was absolutely delicious. I have several Savannah travel guides on my blog if you plan to visit. 
I always order something I can share with Bugs for my meals. I had the avocado toast with eggs, and he helped me devour it. I also had an oat milk cortado, but my only mistake was not ordering one for the road!

This mini-stop has me excited about planning a trip here soon! My little explorer loved it.

We stopped at Mod Pizza for the little one’s dinner in Tampa. He was a big fan of the pesto pizza! We made it to Kyle’s mom’s house around 5 pm! We had dinner (she made my Italian chicken crockpot dish!), and we bathed bugs and put him to bed after a long walk around the neighborhood. We hadn’t visited her house in Florida in almost five years, so we were so excited to be back for the week!

The following day, we had coffee at Black and Gold Coffee! It’s one of my favorites. I ordered an oat milk latte, and it was delicious!

He loves waving at the trash trucks!

It turns out I love pickleball. I’m already a big tennis fan, but pickleball is going to be my new thing. We had so much fun playing, and I want to start playing here! It’s a lot easier than tennis, but the scoring and rules are complicated to catch on to since I’m used to how tennis goes. I’m sure I’ll catch on soon.

We took Bugs to the beach for the first time! He was a big fan, especially of the birds!

He would laugh so loud whenever a wave came to his feet.

Such a special moment

My little surfer baby!

Before heading back, we stopped at Sharky’s for a plate of nachos. 
Kyle’s mom wanted me to give her a sourdough lesson, so I brought my starter and taught her how to make bread and cinnamon rolls.

Pool day! 
 I could get used to a morning view like this! 
On Saturday morning, we headed to the Venice Farmer’s Market. We first started with a delicious almond croissant.

A Nutella beignet from Croissant & Co!
 We stopped at our favorite Mission Organic Coffee & Cafe for lunch! We come here every time we are in Florida. Bugs got a banana, strawberry, and spinach smoothie!  I had a chicken Caesar Salad wrap and a cold brew!

After Bug went for a nap, I went on a 5-mile bike ride with Kyle!

After playing a long game of pickleball in the morning, we had brunch at Plantation Country Club.

For dinner, we had Crisp and Green! This spot was so good. I had their chicken Caesar salad.

In the morning, I finished the sourdough lessons by teaching Kyle’s mom how to make the famous cinnamon rolls!
 These were the best ones I have ever made! I think making them earlier in the evening made a difference since I wake up so early. They had more time to rise at night. I will try that again today for tomorrow morning’s cinnamon rolls.  YUM!!!!! They were oozing with cinnamon goodness.  We were in a bit of a hurry, so we put the icing on while they were hot, and OMG, what a game-changer. Totally doing this tomorrow as well. It glazed over the top. 
On Memorial Day morning, we headed to the beach before it got too hot and crowded.
 This makes me want to move to the beach since he had so much fun digging in the sand and running around. 
My perfect little beach boy!
YUM!!! We brought our breakfast to the beach.  My entire world! 
After packing up, we grabbed one last dinner at Urban Taco. I had a chicken salad with rice, corn, guacamole, cheese, and tomatoes. Everything was so fresh and delicious.

We left Florida at 5 am and got a three-hour sleeper.
 We stopped in historic Avondale, Jacksonville, Florida, to grab breakfast and play at a park.  We ordered cheese grits, a bagel, an omelet, and coffees at Southern Grounds and Co! Everything was delicious. My son loves grits, so I have to order them whenever they are on the menu.  After breakfast, we headed down the street to play at the park. It’s wild to see him running around. It literally just happened overnight. We headed to Florida with him taking maybe five to ten steps, but now he can walk alone. It’s fun but a bit scary. We grabbed food for dinner at Fresh Market and then headed home! I was proud of how good he was in the car, making me want to do more trips with him in the future!

We jumped right back into our routine the following day. We did a morning walk and then stopped for coffee at the Greenway.

I made a delicious taco chicken dish in the crock pot for dinner. It’s so good over salad with all of the taco toppings!
 I had a pool and coffee date with Bugs the following morning. He tried to steal my oat milk latte from Humblecup, and that’s when I knew he was 100 % my son. The blonde hair throws me off sometimes, but the love for my coffee makes it make sense. 
And when we got tired of the pool, we headed home to swing! Between 7 am and noon, it’s a battle trying to find things to entertain him. He changes daily regarding interests, but he’s happiest when he’s not contained and can walk all over by himself. We plan to do a lot of park trips this week so he can get all his little energy out. 
All the fresh salad from my garden!
 My happy boy!!!!  On Friday morning, I made a Tuscan sourdough bread with herbs from my garden and a Tuscan herb olive oil from Venice Olive Oil Company. This herb olive oil tastes like the Pizza Hut breadstick seasoning. It is amazing! I am going to use it for dressings, marinades, and breads! 
I made a loaf for our house and one for my parents!
 We visited my mom yesterday morning, and Buggy had so much fun exploring their massive garden!
After Bug’s bedtime, we dove into the homemade cookie sandwiches and watched an episode of Love & Death! 

I hope you all have the best weekend. Thanks for stopping by to catch up! This is a big week for me and my new business adventure, so stay tuned on social media & my TikTok!

Questions for you!

1. If you have kids, when did you first travel with them?
2. What are some fun things to do with a 13-month-old? 
3. What are some excellent crockpot recipes? 

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you’re probably familiar with this spot. It’s one of my favorites, and we’ll be going here again to pick up our pumpkins! They now have a cafe with the most delicious quesadillas and soft-served ice cream I’ve ever had!

 We had some soft served chocolate twist ice cream, coffee, a chicken quesadilla, and bought some blueberry donuts to bring home.  On the way back, we stopped by to see my dad! Bugs LOVED the mower   On Sunday, we headed to Wise Acres Farm! We plan to go back again this fall because it was so much fun, and the pizza was AMAZING!   We took so many photos of Bugs in the pumpkin patch. He kept trying to eat the pumpkin vines. 
One of my FAVORITE parts was the flower fields. I couldn’t get enough. I want to do this behind my house, but the deer ate all my wildflowers in the back this year. 
Bugs was fascinated by the tractor.
 My boys! I love that this farm is filled with activities and swings everywhere!   Wise Acres is a reservation only, which is great because you don’t have to worry about trying to find parking in an overcrowded spot. With the reservation, you have the opportunity to purchase pizza, which I highly recommend! 
We sat in the shade at a picnic table and enjoyed a few slices of pizza. It was seriously so so so good. The brick oven is my favorite.

They also have a big shop with local products, extra snacks, and drinks!

We have a few more farm visits planned, and I’m excited! 

Thanks for stopping by to check out the photos! I hope you all have a fantastic week! I’ll try my best to pop on here again this week. 

Questions for you!

1. What’s your favorite part about visiting a farm?
2. Do you have a local farm you love visiting?
3. Which season is your favorite?

We used a Disney Park Hopper Plus pass for the week, which made everything convenient. It allows you to make a theme park reservation, and then you can park hop after 2 pm at any of the other Disney World parks. So if you can’t get a reservation for a park during your trip, no worries, you can go after 2 pm! We had a reservation for all the parks early in the mornings and then hopped over to other parks later in the day.

Purchasing Tickets and Passes at Walt Disney World

Reservations are easy to make on the My Disney Experience App (and from your computer if you’re signed in). After making reservations, they’ll be linked to your Disney magic bands. When making reservations for your family, you can also link the plans to theirs. If you don’t have a magic band, you can use your phone as one. The magic bands are the best things in the world! If you don’t want to bring a purse to the parks, you can swipe your watch for payment and passes!

No matter how often I visit The Animal Kingdom, I’m always running into new foods, attractions, and things I’ve missed out on. Check out my other Animal Kingdom blog posts so you don’t miss out on some of my other favorites. 

The Ultimate Day at The Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World | What to Eat | What to Do

We were at the park a few years ago when a massive rainstorm hit. Almost everyone left, and we ended up having no lines on some of my favorite rides! We sat on Expedition Everest ten times in a row without getting off. Honestly, I could ride that rollercoaster all day. I love going to Disney with people who love thrill as much as I do. If the rollercoaster is fast, goes upside down, backwards, drops low, or is pitch black, count me in! Hopefully, my son will think I’m the cool mom one day and get on all the rides with me! 

Plan your Disney World Trip!

After 2020, everyone is making their way to Disney World. As soon as you book your trip, start making those reservations. Give yourself atleast two months out to start planning. You can go last-minute, but you may not be able to experience everything you hoped to. Even if you’re unsure, you want to dine somewhere, book, and cancel later if necessary. You can also refresh your My Disney Experience App to see if reservations open up. We had a few spots open up last minute that we had wanted to dine at. And if you can’t make your Disney reservation, make sure to cancel in advance to give someone else the chance to take it.

The Tree of Life is the most well-known attraction at the Animal Kingdom. There are so many spots while walking Discovery Island Trails in the park where you can get a great view and a perfect picture. The Tree of Life represents the Circle of Life by honoring the animals. 

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is around 145 feet tall and has over 300 animals carved into the tree. And don’t forget to look for the hidden mouse in the branches!

What to wear to The Animal Kingdom 

You want to dress comfortably for the park! There is one water ride that has the potential to get you completely soaked, so bring a poncho or something you don’t mind getting wet. We spent most of the time outdoors, so we planned according to the weather. 

Here’s what I wore: Shoes| Leopard Leggings | White Oversized Crop Top | Mini Green Backpack | Sun Hat
 

The Best Food at The Animal Kingdom

Eight Spoon Café
Order the pulled pork jelly doughnut sandwich

Flame Tree Barbecue
Order baked macaroni & cheese with pulled pork with an island breeze with a glow cube.

Harambe Fruit Market
Go with the grilled corn on the cobb.

Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pistachio honey croissant.

Pizzaffari
The perfect place in the park for a personal pan-sized pizza and a caesar salad.

Nomad Lounge & Cocktail Bar
Choose a vegetarian option like the Impossible Slider with Chipotle aioli and yucca fries. Wash it down with the Hightower Rocks!

Pongu Pongu Lounge
Order a pineapple-cream cheese spring roll with a fun boba drink!

Thirsty River Bar
Celebrate the Expedition Everest Ride with a Khumbu Icefall!

Tiffins Restaurant
You won’t regret anything you order at Tiffins! I fell in love with the salmon.

Trilo-Bites
Grab a quick bite to eat to hold you over for dinner. Highly recommend the buffalo chicken chips!

Tusker House
One of the tastiest buffets I’ve ever had! I have been dreaming of roasted carrots and their dessert bar since I left!

Yak & Yeti
Eggs rolls, honey sesame chicken, and fried rice. Order it all! 

I’ve been to The Animal Kingdom more times than my one hand can count, and I love trying out new spots to eat! It’s best to go with someone who likes to split meals and snacks throughout the day. That allows you to try more options! 

Buffalo Chicken Chips Trilo Bites

I’m not a huge Buffalo flavor fan, but I’ll still eat it. We tried the Buffalo chicken chips at Trilo-Bites DinoLand U.S.A. and they were so good! They’re a great snack with protein and carbs to kickstart the afternoon!

 

Rides at The Animal Kingdom

Avatar Flight of Passage 
This is one of my top five favorite rides in Walt Disney World. I’m a big Avatar fan, so this was right up my alley.

Kali River Rapids 
Prepare to get soaked!

Expedition Everest 
I will go on this rollercoaster over and over again! We got lucky one year when it rained, and almost everyone left the park. We were able to sit on the rollercoaster and ride it as many times as we’d like and not get off because no one was in line!

Na’vi River Journey
This is a relaxing ride and a great way to get out of the heat!

Kilimanjaro Safaris
I loved the Safari and learning about the animals.

Hat Mickey Mouse | Pink Mickey Mouse Hat
 
You will DEFINITELY want to save room for Yak & Yeti!

Yak & Yeti | The Animal Kingdom

We were looking forward to having Yak & Yeti all day! After working up an appetite, we ordered the pork egg rolls, honey sesame chicken with fresh vegetables and white rice, chicken fried rice, and a mini mango pie! 

IT WAS DELICIOUS! This meal is among my top favorites for Disney World.

Don’t ask how we did it, but we saved room for Mr. Kamals. How can you pass up chicken dumplings and seasoned ranch fries? Again, it’s best to go with a group of people who like to split everything so you can try all the delicious foods. 

Mr. Kamals | The Animal Kingdom 

What’s better than seasoned french fries on a hot day? Mr. Kamal’s fries were crispy, seasoned to perfection, and served hot! I hate when you get french fries, and they are cold and soggy. I’m not an experienced dumpling eater, but these were sooooooooo good. 

Disney Skyliner |Transportation at Disney Parks Disney World

Getting around the Disney parks is a breeze with the busses, the monorail, and the Skyliner! The Skyliner lines go so fast! If you see a line with many people, your wait time may be up to fifteen minutes. They’re constantly getting people on and off the Skyliner. 

Best Photo Spots in The Animal Kingdom

You better dress your best because The Animal Kingdom has the most magical backdrops for photos throughout the park! 

• The Tree of Life
• The Valley of Mo’ara at Pandora: World of Avatar
• The Village of Anandapur
• Harambe Market Wall
• You Are Most Beautiful Wall
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Maharajah Jungle Trek 
• The Moss Wall 
• The Broken Claws
• Dinoland USA Midway 
• The Floating Mountains of Pandora 
• Expedition Everest

And don’t forget to look for the hidden Mickeys throughout the park!

Harambe Fruit Market | Healthy Options Walt Disney World

And it’s tradition to order grilled corn on the cob at Harambe Fruit Market! If you are looking for healthy bites, they offer fresh pineapple, watermelon, grilled corn on the cob, pickles, and more! I have written several posts about healthy options at Disney World!

The best way to start Pandora is by stopping at Pongu Pongu for refreshing beverages and a Pongu Lumpia! 

Pongu Pongu | Pandora The World of Avatar

The most refreshing beverages at The Animal Kingdom! They are also the prettiest. 

Mo’ara Margarita
Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo tequila and Bols Blue Curaçao with lime juice topped with boba balls.

Rum Blossom
Bacardi Superior rum with layers of apple and desert pear limeade topped with boba balls.
 As if we hadn’t had enough food, we were spoiled with a private dinner in the park before closing.    Somehow I managed to fit in even more delicious bites of food!  
Giving the Cheeta Girls a run for their money!
We had an opportunity to explore Pandora after the park closed to watch the sunset over the floating mountains!
This is one of my favorite parts about visiting The Animal Kingdom! The backdrops are absolutely stunning, and you feel like you’re in a completely different world. 

Flight of Passage! 

It’s amazing how a ride can make you feel like you’re on top of the world!
 

I cannot wait to get back to Disney World soon. The best part is that I get to take my son next time! We will be a Disney family for sure!

Questions for you!

1. Have you been to the Animal Kingdom?
2. Which food do you want to try from my post?
3. Have you ever brought your kids to Disney World? How did that go!?

All travel expenses were covered by Disney! All opinions are my own! 

What to do at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

It’s time to continue the Walt Disney World content this morning! Getting up at 6 am to walk around Galaxy’s Edge before the park opened was one of the most incredible experiences ever! Star Wars fan or not, Galaxy’s Edge is so cool.

After exploring the empty walkways of Galaxy’s Edge, we had a group breakfast at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.

Where to Eat Galaxy’s Edge Walt Disney World:

In-park dining requires a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date for each person in your party ages 3 and up

Where to Shop Galaxy’s Edge Hollywood Studios, Disney World

Savi’s Workshop
Build your custom lightsaber at this secret workshop and continue the way of the Force.

Droid Depo
Build your droid at Black Spire Outpost’s industrial depot.

Disney Park Hopper Plus Pass

We used a Disney Park Hopper Plus pass for the week and made everything convenient. It allows you to make a theme park reservation, and then you can park hop after 2 pm at any of the other Disney World parks. So if you can’t get a reservation for a park during your trip, no worries, you can go after 2 pm! We had a reservation for all the parks early in the mornings and then hopped over to other parks later in the day.

Making Reservations with My Disney Experience App

Reservations are easy to make on the My Disney Experience App (and from your computer if you’re signed in). After making reservations, they’ll be linked to your Disney magic bands. When making reservations for your family, you can also link the plans to theirs. If you don’t have a magic band, you can use your phone as one. The magic bands are the best things in the world! If you don’t want to bring a purse to the parks, you can swipe your watch for payment and passes!

Transportation at Disney Parks Disney World

Disney Skyliner

After spending the morning and early afternoon at Hollywood Studios, we headed to the resort to spend the day at the pool and then headed back later when the crowds settled down and the temps got cooler!

Getting around the Disney parks is a breeze with the busses, the monorail, and the Skyliner! The Skyliner lines go so fast! If you see a line with many people, your wait time may be fifteen minutes. They’re constantly getting people on and off the Skyliner.

Galaxy’s Edge Walt Disney World Attractions:

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run:

Ride in the famous cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring flight—and whether you’re a pilot, engineer or gunner, every role is crucial.

The engines rumble as the Millennium Falcon blasts off, pushing you and your crew back into your seats when you jump into hyperspace towards adventure. Along the way you’ll face danger at every turn.

Will your mission succeed or fail? It’s up to you—find out if you have what it takes to outmaneuver the odds aboard the Millennium Falcon.

Get ready to punch it!

Milk Stand at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Walt Disney World

You cannot visit Galaxy’s Edge without trying the Blue Milk and the Green Milk!

Disney Springs Travel Blog

There’s no better way to start your evening than by enrolling in Sangria University!
Who would have thought that Disney World was a place where you could get your Sangria Diploma!? Disney is not just for the kiddos. Make sure to sign up for the afternoon Sangria class before heading out on your Disney vacation. Professionals teach this class, and they share the recipes used to make the four varieties of sangrias served at Three Bridges Bar & Grill, where the course takes place. It’s a stunning view and perfect for a hot summer day with the breeze hitting you by the water.

What’s better than fresh guacamole and chips to go with your Sangria!? 

What you should know about Sangria University!

Sangria University Walt Disney World

The classes are on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Plan to be there for approximately 90-minutes.

You must be 21 years of age or older to participate

If you are younger than 21, you must be accompanied by an adult and will be allowed to join with non-alcoholic flights.

You will need to make your reservation in advance.

Sangria University is located at Three Bridges Bar and Grill, and you should check in 15-minutes before your course.

Indicate your allergies before booking!
I wish I could remember what I put into this Sangria, but I know it was TASTY! I used the fruity flavors like raspberry, peach, and a white wine base. These are so fun and pretty to make.


I’m sure I made my mom so proud when I sent her my sangria diploma
The best part is sitting around when you’re done enjoying the view, eating the appetizer, and sipping on your custom sangria! 
Next on the agenda, I had the opportunity to decorate cupcakes at Erin McKenna’s Bakery! You all know how much of a dream this was for me. I am obsessed with cake decorating and have loved decorating cupcakes since I was a little girl.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC at Disney Springs

When I got there, I was welcomed with my very own apron, “body made by Erin McKenna hat, and thrown straight into the decorating station!
  
Erin McKenna’s Bakery at Disney Springs is a blessing for those with allergies. There is no need to tell your kid they can’t have the cupcake because Erin McKenna’s bakery’s treats are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and dairy-free. They taste incredible, and you’d never even know they were allergy-friendly. They have more than cupcakes, too! Make sure to check out their full menu!



I had way too much fun decorating these cupcakes! I was even lucky enough to box them up and take them back to the rest of the group for everyone to try.
 Thank you, Disney and Erin McKenna’s for making my cupcake dreams come true! 
It’s official, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is the absolute best restaurant I have ever been to. I’m tempted to hop on a flight to get dinner there and return. It is THAT good. We headed to our 6 pm reservation right after making delicious cupcakes.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs

Don’t think twice; get yourself on that reservation list asap!
We started with a Chardonnay and a Malbec. 
If there is one place to splurge, it’s here.

Starting your meal with grilled bruschetta on ciabatta bread topped with soft mozzarella, pesto, and marinated tomatoes is necessary. It’s a crime not to! There wasn’t a bite left of this starter. We also went with the Waterkist farm heirloom tomato salad as a starter. It had local burrata, basil pesto, and aged balsamic over the top. The poached fruit added to this salad was like a fresh dessert! They change up the ingredients to make them seasonal.

We did one of those things where we both ordered something and just split our entrees up. You can’t go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs, and let me tell you, Wolfgang Puck knows how to do spaghetti and meatballs! The freshly made pasta noodles were topped with tomato sauce, parmesan Reggiano, and the most flavorful meatballs! We also had the mouthwatering pan-seared Scottish salmon. It was served over a chard salad, vegetables, and herb cream sauce. I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten salmon that tasted so good in my entire life. This restaurant is rated 100 stars!

As if the restaurant couldn’t get any closer to heaven, we had the sweetest little service dog with the cutest butt sitting next to us.
  We didn’t request it, but I’m glad they surprised us anyways!

I was shocked when the waiter brought over a cinnamon roll & caramel spiked milkshake and two espresso martinis. We had a lady come to our table asking if she could take a photo of it. It was an eye-catcher for sure! He said we weren’t allowed to leave the restaurant without trying, and I get it. I 100% get it. These were some of the best drinks I’ve ever had and the cinnamon roll? INCREDIBLE!
We had one of the BEST experiences at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs. I cannot wait to go back. This will be the first thing I do on my itinerary. 
We spent the rest of the night listening to live music, walking around the shops with stuffed bellies, and enjoying the light shows. Disney Springs is one of the best parts about visiting Walt Disney World!

I hope you all enjoyed today’s Disney Travel Blog! I’ll be back with another one real soon

Thank you so much, Walt Disney World, for giving me the most incredible experience.

Questions for you!

1. Have you ever been to Disney Springs?
2. If you could choose any workplace (just for one day!), where would it be?
3. Do you ever split meals so that you can try more foods?

Last April (yes, that far back), Kyle and I headed to the Greystone Inn to celebrate our anniversary and finalize last-minute wedding arrangements. We fell in love with the Greystone Inn (I still have a Greystone Inn summer travel post from 2020 to share!) and plan to visit as much as we can in the years to come. The summer travel guide will be more entertaining since we spent the days out on the lake, hiking, doing yoga, and more. This was a quick trip to get away for the night, but I didn’t want the photos to go to waste, so I hope you enjoy it!
I’m obsessed with all the greenery and flowers surrounding the Greystone Inn, and that’s one of the reasons we chose this venue for our wedding. It checked almost every single box. 

 Lake Toxaway is the most beautiful lake in North Carolina.   
We made a reservation to have dinner at the Lakeside Dining restaurant that evening. We tried several wine selections to be served at the wedding and met the chef in charge. The views are spectacular, so if you do visit, make sure to get a reservation ahead of time.

After dinner, we grabbed hot tea and headed up to a few scenic spots to catch the sunset!      
We ended the evening sitting by the fire overlooking the lake and mountains.
Waking up before the sunrise is a must. I even did this on my wedding day!
I made a quick cup of coffee, and enjoyed every minute of the pink skies while sitting on the dock.

We stopped at Honey & Salt for breakfast on our way back home. I remember stopping here years ago with my friend Meighan. The food is SO SO GOOD, and they have the best-baked goods to choose from. We brought some back home for my mom since it was Mother’s day. I ordered the omelet with bacon, hash browns, and we split a tasty blueberry pancake. Each bite was heaven!
You have to stop in the little gift shop next door. They had some of the cutest finds and the best-tasting pepper jelly I’ve ever had. I love little mini getaways, even if it’s just for the night

I have finally finished unpacking my bags and doing my last load of laundry from the trip. I used to keep my luggage sitting on the floor in my closet for days before unpacking, but watching Kyle immediately unpack and do laundry after a trip inspired me to do the same. Plus, I can’t let my husband be more organized than me. Now that everything is done, I can sit down and write about our weekend trip to New Jersey! I woke up on Thursday morning bright and early to get ready for the airport. My phone started dinging, which I thought was strange since it was only 5 am. Who could be texting me? It was United Airlines telling me they canceled our flight and moved us to a new one at 6 pm. I was so sad because we had matching pajamas and plans to go on the Polar Express Train Ride with our niece.

Later that evening, we finally made it to the airport, grabbed pizza and salad at 1897 Market (where I always grab food before a flight), and hopped on our plane to Newark. It’s only a one-hour flight, so traveling to see Kyle’s side of the family in Jersey is so easy.



We had the most fantastic time catching up and seeing our little niece for the first time since the wedding. It is incredible how much kids change each month, and that’s why it’s so important to soak up all the little moments. We had initially planned to spend a day in NYC doing all the Christmasy things, but we didn’t want to spend anytime away.

I loved our little mornings watching CocoMelon and building magnetic blocks! We even got put on babysitting duty Friday night, which put our skills to the test. Kyle learned how to change a diaper, and now he’s ready for his own!

I have finally defeated all food aversions and am back to having a little coffee. The strange thing is that I can only tolerate it with cream now, which was not the case for many years. I make sure to keep my coffee intake very low and opt for decaf while visiting cafés. 
On Saturday afternoon, we headed to the American Dream mall. It’s the most incredible mall in the U.S. by far! Sorry Mall of America, but you’ve been outdone. The mall has an ice skating rink, waterpark, rollercoaster, mini-golf, live music, an aquarium, and an indoor ski resort. I could not get over all of the things to do! This would have been a dream world as a kid.

After doing some Christmas shopping, we stopped to have lunch at Carpaccio. I’ve never had such fine dining inside a shopping mall. We filled up on house bread, calamari, meatballs, pizza, pasta e Fagioli, Caesar salad, and more! We were all rolling out of that restaurant stuffed. It was one of the best pasta e Fagioli soups I have ever had, and I wish I had the recipe. I highly recommend trying out Carpaccio if you visit the American Dream Mall. 

Later Saturday evening, we headed up to Hackettstown, NJ, to spend the night at Kyles dads house.

We had the most delicious prime rib dinner and watched one of our favorite Christmas movies, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We were up bright and early playing with their dog, Mayor, in the yard. He’s the sweetest labradoodle ever!
We headed to the River Star diner for breakfast early Sunday morning. I have been on the biggest bacon and french toast kick! We headed back to Kyle’s sisters later Sunday and spent the afternoon eating pizza and doing more blocks!

Kyle and I had a few hours to kill before heading to the airport Monday morning. After packing, we got bundled up and headed to Washington St in Hoboken to grab breakfast and shop.

We decided to have breakfast at Bluestone Lane. It had my name written all over it!



We both started with some cafe drinks. I ordered the beet latte, a shocker because I hate beets. The color kind of persuaded me, and beets are so good for pregnancy. It had dehydrated beet powder, steamed almond milk, and cocoa on top. It wasn’t terrible, but it had that earthy beet flavor, which some people LOVE. I was surprised that Kyle enjoyed it.

He ordered the draught flat white. It’s cold brew, oat milk, and infused with nitrogen to make it silky! I was obsessed with this one. If I weren’t pregnant, I would have ordered five of these to go.

The MUST-ORDER from our breakfast was the gluten-free cinnamon donut. WOW! It tasted like a snickerdoodle cake. It was the perfect treat to go with our drinks.
    I ordered the Brekkie Board. It had delicious multigrain bread topped with avocado smash, goat cheese, tomatoes, and a side of Greek yogurt with berries and collective granola. Kyle had the breakfast bowl with added chicken. It came with sautéed kale, cherry tomatoes, feta, avocado, warm farro grain topped with a poached egg. We also ordered their seasonal roasted carrots because I’ll never turn away from roasted carrots.
Our meal was delicious, and it was such a gorgeous cafe! I usually pick a restaurant 70% based on the food options and 30% on looks. This is going to be a must-go next time we visit.
 We spent the next hour walking down Washington St and picking up a few gifts in the shops.

 Before we left, we stopped at one of my favorites from our last visit, Bwé Kafe. It is the CUTEST coffee shop, and if I could open my own one day, I would want it to look like this. I ordered a decaf oat milk cappuccino and a selection of baked goods to take back to Kyle’s sisters. 
We love visiting the waterfront because it’s the best view of the NYC skyline.

We headed to the airport at 3, had a late lunch (turkey burgers and fries!), and then hopped on the plane to head back to Charlotte. It’s always sad saying goodbye to family, but the next time we see them, we’ll have a baby, and it’s going to be so special seeing the cousins together! I cannot wait.

Questions for you!

1. What helps you decide on what restaurants to eat at?
2. Do you have an annual trip you take every year?
3. Favorite food at the airport?

The resort is absolutely breathtaking, and the food was unforgettable.
We took the monorail from our hotel and arrived at the Grand Floridian for breakfast at 8 am. We had a fun day planned for Hollywood Studios and The Animal Kingdom right after! I love how easy the transportation is at Walt Disney World. It makes everything stress-free while park hopping or resort hopping.

Disney Park Hopper Plus Pass

We used a Disney Park Hopper Plus pass for the week and made everything so convenient. It allows you to make a theme park reservation, and then you can park hop after 2 pm at any of the other Disney World parks. So if you can’t get a reservation for a park during your trip, no worries, you can go after 2 pm! We had a reservation for all the parks early in the mornings and then hopped over to other parks later in the day.

Transportation at Disney Parks Disney World – Disney Skyliner

Getting around the Disney parks is a breeze with the busses, the monorail, and the Skyliner! The Skyliner lines go so fast! If you see a line with many people, your wait time may be up to fifteen minutes. They’re constantly getting people on and off the Skyliner.
 

Breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe

The food at the Grand Floridian Cafe was absolutely delicious and one of the best breakfasts spots! I am totally adding this to the top three. It’s up there with Tonga Toast at the Kona Cafe and the breakfast buffet at Boma.

Let’s talk about the coffee!

I don’t know if it was all the park-hopping and lack of sleep, but that coffee was amazing!
 
We didn’t hold back with our order.

First, they bring out biscuits and butter to go with your coffee while waiting for your food.

We ordered:

Avocado Toast

Bacon and eggs on the side! Every time we took a bit of something, we couldn’t stop raving about it!

We picked out a few things at the gift shop and then headed to Hollywood Studios for the afternoon! 
As if breakfast wasn’t enough! When you’re at Disney World, you do SO MUCH walking that it works up an appetite, and we always shared our meals to help save room for the next.

Totchos Woody’s Lunch Box

We tried the Totchos at Woody’s Lunch Box. I WAS SO EXCITED about these! I plan to make them this weekend for fun. The totchos are tater tots coated with beef and bean chili, shredded cheese, signature queso, tomatoes, corn chips, sour cream, and green onions! Highly recommend adding ketchup, too Make sure to order these as soon as they open; otherwise, the wait time to pick them up could be hours! I placed the order as soon as Woody’s Lunch Box opened up.

Blue Milk Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge

after riding the Rise of Resistance and the Smugglers Run. Even if you’re not a fan of Star Wars, it’s still so much fun! Oh, and the verdict on the blue milk? Not that bad, actually!

Cream Cheese Pretzel Rock n Roll Roller Coaster

I am a cream cheese pretzel first-timer, and wow, am I a BIG FAN! We tried the cream cheese pretzel while waiting in line at the Rock n Roll Rollercoaster. It was absolutely delicious, and I’m not even into cream cheese desserts. If you plan to ride Tower of Terror or the Rock n Roll Rollercoaster, grab one of these pretzels while waiting in line!

Carrot Cake Cookie Trolley Car Cafe 

We picked up some desserts on our way out of Hollywood Studios. I had about 50 messages telling me to try the famous carrot cake cookie at Trolley Car Cafe! It was so delicious that I even packed a few in my suitcase for my dad  We had the best morning and afternoon at Hollywood Studios! Coming up next is my Animal Kingdom blog!

Questions for you!

1. Have you had the Totchos at Hollywood Studios?
2. Have you ever packed a baked good in your suitcase to take home?
3. What is your favorite ride at Hollywood Studios?

The Best Scottsdale Arizona Travel Blog | Ultimate Itinerary

Traveling to Scottsdale Arizona

Depending on where you’re traveling, I highly suggest renting a car when visiting Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s the type of city that has parking everywhere, and it’s a bit spread out, so having a car made it much easier to get around. If we had used Uber or Lift, the cost would have possibly been more expensive. In Arizona, many activities start at 5 am to beat the heat and catch the sunrise. Waiting for a ride around that time may not be ideal, so I highly recommend renting a car when you arrive at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Scottsdale is only fifteen minutes from the airport, so it’s so convenient to travel there.

Visiting Scottsdale, Arizona, in The Summer!

I know visiting Scottsdale in the hottest months may sound like a turn-off, but it’s the best time if you want to experience Scottsdale with fewer people, and you can get amazing deals on hotels and activities. Even the flights are cheaper during the summer months. I’m talking about 60% off rates during the “It’s That Hot” season!
 
 

Best Resorts in Scottsdale

We stayed at three different resorts while visiting Scottsdale. I love the idea of switching resorts and getting a new experience every couple of days. Since the trip was right after our wedding, we started with the gorgeous Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa to kick off our honeymoon.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

Sanctuary Resort is tucked away with stunning views of Camelback Mountain. This is a Scottsdale luxury resort that you must add to your travel plans. If you’re looking for a resort to relax and never leave, you can definitely do that here. As if the incredible food and infinity pool aren’t enough, they have a relaxing spa, tennis courts, yoga classes, and more. And, of course, I wouldn’t be properly flexing if I didn’t mention that celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z spent their honeymoon at the glamorous resort.

When we first got to Sanctuary, we were greeted by staff who helped us check-in, and they took us to our spa suite on a golf cart. The service at this resort was incredible. They offered a texting service if you needed anything, and they would occasionally text you to see how you were doing and if they could offer any assistance. I loved that.

The spa suite was like having a mini luxury apartment at the resort. The decor was vibrant yet modern, and the huge private patio had mountain views. Our room had a fireplace for a cozy champagne night and a private outdoor soaking tub. Next to the fireplace, a stocked bar with a fridge, a Nespresso maker (perfect for 5 am risers looking for coffee), and the resort surprised us with a congratulatory bottle of champagne and charcuterie to kick off our honeymoon. This resort goes above and beyond to make guests feel special and well taken care of.

Breakfast at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

You can grab breakfast at Elements, but since we dined there in the evening, we decided to order breakfast in our room. I wanted to sit out on the day bed with my coffee and breakfast before spending my morning at the spa. I’m going to come right out and say it. Usually, room service at a hotel is never that great, but here at Sanctuary, it was exceptional. The menu had a lot of options, which made it hard to decide. I ordered the acai bowl, and it was easily the best acai bowl I’ve ever had. It was even better than the ones I had when I was visiting Hawaii. The bowl had mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, banana, and toasted coconut chia crunch over a blended acai smoothie. The flavors were phenomenal, and the fruit was so fresh! I ordered bacon and potatoes on the side, and it was everything I could have dreamed of and more. It was the perfect way to start our first morning in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Hotel With The Best Views

The sunrises and sunsets at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain are some of the most beautiful views you’ll ever catch. Make sure to take the time to look up sun hours and witness the beautiful views for yourself. I took my coffee to go in the morning to catch the views by the pool, and Kyle and I enjoyed the sunset while swimming! We love catching an early dinner and ending the day with a swim, and of course, the sunset over the mountains made it even more dreamy.

The Best Restaurant in Scottsdale

Whether you’re staying at Sanctuary or not, you better get a reservation at Elements Restaurant immediately. Who would have thought that the dinner at our resort would have been the best food we had on our trip? And that’s a huge statement considering everything we ate in Scottsdale was a 10/10. I never realized how much of a foodie town Scottsdale was until traveling here. Usually, when I travel places, I don’t leave with every single restaurant 100% satisfied, but for the first time, Scottsdale did that!

Elements Restaurant at Sanctuary Resort Scottsdale Arizona

We spent the entire day traveling from Charlotte to Scottsdale, Arizona. After a mediocre chicken salad wrap and a bag of goldfish at the airport, I was ready for some real food. We headed to our reservation at Elements Restaurant at the Sanctuary Resort, only a few steps from our suite. I didn’t realize how much of a treat we were in for. When you tell them it’s your honeymoon, they take that kind of seriously. They put us at one of the best tables in the restaurant’s corner, with the open glass window perfect for catching the sunset over Paradise Valley as you sip on delicious cocktails and crunch on tasty appetizers.

Elements Restaurant is a farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents crafted by Chef Beau MacMillan, a Food Network star! He works hard to create a seasonal menu incorporating local and organic produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone-free meat. If you’re looking for luxury dining that is both cozy and romantic, Elements is your spot.

Coming from someone who never orders many cocktails, you MUST try the Red Panther! To be honest, I ordered it because it was pretty and peach-flavored. I was not expecting it to taste so irresistible. The Red Panther is made with tequila, grilled peach, maple & red wine bitters. It wasn’t too sweet, and the maple flavors were very subtle. Maybe it’s because I live in the south, but I really appreciated the art of adding grilled peaches to a cocktail.

What to order at Elements Restaurant Sanctuary Resort

We didn’t skimp out on the food here. We both knew this could be our only chance ever to eat here, and we wanted to make this moment count, so we went headfirst into the appetizers.

We started with the Ahi Tuna Crudo. This dish was definitely on the lighter side of the appetizer menu. It came with Asian pears, ninja radishes, shishito peppers, avocado crema, hibiscus, & watermelon aguachile. I loved this dish’s light and refreshing flavors, and somehow all the different textures complimented each other flawlessly.

Best Resort Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona 

I love an early morning spa treatment. It just sets the tone for the day, not that I needed help setting the tone in a paradise zone like this. After finishing up my acai bowl and taking my last few sips of coffee outside on our porch, I headed to the Spa at Sanctuary. While I had a relaxing morning getting pampered, Kyle headed to his happy place, the fitness center. I was so impressed with their gym! It was more equipped than our local YMCA.

When I walked into the spa, I immediately turned on my ASMR tone. Everyone was so zin and quick to help me feel welcome. If you’re anything like me, the thought of going to a spa instantly gives you anxiety. It’s hard to navigate a spot that’s new without the fear of ruining someone else’s zin. While still extremely relaxing, the Spa at Sanctuary was a place to enjoy with girlfriends and laugh if you needed to, and everyone was so inviting.

After checking in, I was given a tour and then my own locker with a robe, shoes, and fresh towels. I took a quick shower and then headed to the lounge, where I sipped on the most delicious passion tea and waited for my massage therapist to come to meet me. We walked across a beautiful walkway with stone rocks and fountains before entering the massage room. The meditation garden and reflecting pond have a way of relaxing you just by looking at them. It was so relaxing and exactly what I needed after a stressful wedding week!

After my massage, I headed to the jet tub, where I met some of the sweetest ladies traveling all the way from Georgia (my neighboring state!) It was such a fun morning, and booking a day at the Sanctuary Spa is a must! They have so many signature experiences to choose from, and you deserve to treat yourself!

 
We were both excited about having a pool day after meeting back up. We lucked out with two of the best seats next to the pool. Once you arrive at the pool during the day hours, a pool attendant gets you set up on your pool chairs. They add seat covers with fresh towels, pour you a pitcher of water, offer an umbrella, and get you started with a menu! It’s the best service ever.

Lunch by the Pool Sanctuary Camelback Resort 

I don’t know how they manage to do it, but the pool is still cold, even on a 115-degree day. This was the best way to cool off while visiting Scottsdale during the summer. We would get cooled off in the pool and then go back to our chairs. We had to do this every 30 minutes to tolerate the heat. I highly recommend getting a spot with an umbrella. I have no idea how people can lay out in the sun when it’s so hot! I was covered in sunscreen head to toe, and my hat was big enough to cover a village.

Being able to order lunch by the pool without going anywhere to get it is so convenient. We ordered the Little Gem Chicken Caesar Salad and it came with croutons, caper berries, cracked black pepper, Parmesan Reggiano, and caesar dressing. And since we were too healthy by ordering a salad and an AZ Sunrise Protein Drink, we opted for the Hand Cut French Fies with a Truffle Mayo. There’s something about french fries by the pool; they just hit differently, especially these. They were SO CRISPY yet so juicy in the middle. Have you ever heard anyone describe a french fry like that? And the truffle mayo was the perfect touch to these fries, and obviously with ketchup, too. Advice: Do not skip the french fries. The only part I didn’t like about the Sanctuary resort was checking out. It was tough to get myself to leave this place! Our experience there couldn’t have been any better. No matter what we wanted, they had it. We left feeling extremely relaxed and a little on the heavier side (if you know what I mean!)

Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale, Arizona

Before traveling, I always map out at least five coffee shops I want to visit. Scottsdale had so many good contenders that we ended up trying out ten of them. One of the spots was recommended by many readers, Prep & Pastry!

Prep & Pastry – Scottsdale Arizona Coffee Shop 

After a 5:15 am morning hike at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, we were ready for coffee and breakfast. Prep & Pastry is the cutest spot, with locally sourced brunch-style food on the menu. They also have a case of freshly baked goods.

But first, I started with an oat milk cappuccino. It was creamy and delicious. For my breakfast, I ordered guacamole toast. It was heavenly! It came with smashed avocado, scrambled eggs, jalapenos, radishes, cojita, and chipotle crema served on August Rohodes sourdough bread.

I had the absolute time of my life horseback riding in the Sonoran Desert Macdonald Ranch. I was shocked to hear that this was Kyle’s favorite activity on the trip. I didn’t take him for a horseback riding type of guy. After 5 1/2 years of being together, this was our first time riding horses. I have a feeling we’re going to make this a must for all of our future trips.

What to Know about Horseback Riding in Arizona

Don’t be late! It takes about twenty minutes to drive out to the ranch if you’re staying in Scottsdale. Unless you’re taking a private riding lesson, it’s courteous to get there at least fifteen to twenty minutes before your riding time. It takes a few minutes to get everyone signed in, paired with a horse, and given the rundown. If you’re late and people have to wait on you, then you’ll miss the morning rising of the sun, and no one is going to like you (jk, but kind of not kidding.)

Make sure to wear pants, close-toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and ice-cold water!

Don’t worry if you’ve never been horseback riding before! It’s easy to learn, and they will provide you a horse that’s good for beginners. You can also choose to wear one of their provided helmets if you want.

Call at least 24 hours in advance to book your ride! 
   
 I know I went a little overboard on horseback riding photos, but when do I not go overboard?

Our trail guide was the best! He chatted with everyone the entire time, and he also took phones from people to capture shots while riding! The website does not tell you to tip your guides, but make sure you do! They work hard not only while guiding you but behind the scenes.

We rode through gorgeous trails, passing cacti and mountain views, and since it was so early in the morning, the weather was perfect. MacDonald’s Ranch has been a big part of the Scottsdale community since 1956. It’s owned by the Richardson Family, and it was enjoyable to hear about all the famous people who have visited and which horses they rode. It was funny to learn that Lil Wayne’s mom rode the horse Kyle was on. I think it’s really amazing how a family business like this has grown successfully over the years and the joy it has brought to many travelers!

The Macdonalds Ranch has a lot of fun events throughout the year! When I saw they had a pumpkin patch, I almost booked my flights. It’s also a great place to host kids’ birthday parties.

Please make sure to add horseback riding at Macdonalds Ranch to your Scottsdale itinerary! You will not regret it. 
 
It’s hard for me not to start a conversation about a restaurant in this post without using the word “favorite.” Scottsdale just didn’t disappoint on the food scene.

The Herb Box Scottsdale Arizona

Do yourself a favor and just make a list of all the restaurants I’ve mentioned and try them out. The Herb Box in Old Town Scottsdale was my kind of food. The Crispy Brussels Sprout Chips are a must. Ask for extra vegan yellow pepper aioli because it’s so good that you’re left wanting more. I had them bring me a side of it so that I could use it with my meal.

Please do not leave without getting the Flourless Chocolate Cake. It’s heavenly! It’s served with coconut ice cream and berries. The berries are just there as an obstacle to slow you down from eating the actual dessert We had it with an iced coffee and an oat milk cappuccino for our afternoon pick-me-up.

The next on our itinerary was visiting the Desert Botanical Garden! Make sure to visit early morning during the summer because it gets super hot! We walked the five thematic trails browsing all the gorgeous aridland plants. I’ve never seen so many cactuses in my entire life! I didn’t even know pink cactuses were a thing. It’s amazing to see the beautiful plants that thrive in one of the hottest and driest places in the world.

What to do in Scottsdale, Arizona

 
 

Desert Botanical Garden

You can also check the event calendar for drinks and live music nights.

The garden trails are so beautiful, and you can tell the volunteers and staff work so hard to keep it in tip-top shape for visitors. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance and schedule your time slot. You can also call ahead to see if they have availability at the last minute.


I had Berdena’s coffee shop on my radar while browsing coffee shops in Scottsdale. It’s the cutest little spot with delicious coffee. I loved the design of this place. It was minimal but had fun tile and wallpaper. It’s located right in Old Town Scottsdale, so you can either enjoy your breakfast in the air conditioning or take it to go while walking around all the local shops.

Berdena’s Coffee Shop in Old Town Scottsdale AZ

They offer freshly baked goods, juices, kombucha, crafted coffee drinks, and more.

I ordered an oat milk cappuccino and their chia and berry parfait. It was all so delicious!
 


The next hotel we stayed at was Hotel Adeline! Talk about a fun aesthetic! Hotel Adeline in Old Town Scottsdale is one of the cutest Boutique Hotels with an eclectic style and photo-ready no matter what spot you’re hanging out in.

Hotel Adeline is such a fun spot for visiting with your girlfriends or if you’re looking for the ultimate pool-day vacation. The prices are super affordable, and the location is super convenient.

Hotel Adeline in Scottsdale, Arizona

This boutique hotel has been completely renovated and keeps the vibe of a Motel, which I love! Hotel Adeline has 213 guestrooms, delicious restaurants, and a giant pool with a bar, live music, lawn games, and cabanas.




 
We had breakfast twice at Selfmade at Hotel Adeline because it was so good! The chef was so nice. Kyle asked for hardboiled eggs, and he came by and gave kyle all his extras since he wouldn’t be using them the rest of the day. I’m one always to appreciate little gestures like that.

Breakfast at Hotel Adeline – Selfmade

We ordered the avocado toast, the fresh parfait with blueberries and bananas, coffee, orange juice, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and oatmeal. And we also ordered it again the next day. The food is so good! As I said before, nothing I tried in Scottsdale let me down, even the hotel food!

 
  
Since we were still on our Eastcoast time, Kyle and I spent our morning at the pool! Apparently, everyone sleeps in because we had the pool to ourselves. I love that the pool supplies towels, so you don’t have to worry about getting fresh ones or packing them while you travel.

Poolside Hotel Adeline

Honestly, if we didn’t have plans for the day, we would have stayed at the pool most of the time, sipping frozen drinks. No matter how hot it gets, you always feel refreshed after diving into the pool. Hotel Adeline just had the best colorful Arizona vibes! I loved this spot.

Hotel Adeline is a great spot for any traveler! We absolutely loved staying there, and the inviting pool scene was my favorite part.

Fourtillfour is such a cool walkup cafe located in an old garage. The coffee is roasted in-house, which means you can smell the delicious aroma a few blocks away. This was a fun spot to get our afternoon coffee fix.

Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop

I love the story of how Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop came about. It’s owned by the sweetest mother/daughter duo, who both share a love for baking. Danielle, the daughter, also known as “Sweet Dee,” started baking special treats and cakes out of her kitchen at a young age. I can totally relate to this because that’s how I started paying for things in my first year of college. She outgrew her home kitchen and worked hard with her mom to create her very own bakery and cafe.

Best Bakery In Scottsdale, Arizona

There are SO MANY pastries to choose from. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free, they have something for you! The coffee was also exquisite. I had an almond milk cappuccino and Kyle had an iced coffee. It was absolutely perfect with my gluten-free Samoa tart. Sweet Dee’s has won “Best Gluten-Free Bakery” by Phoenix New Times.

Gluten-Free Dessert Scottsdale, Arizona

Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop is known for its theme events. They have fun-themed treats for Disney, Harry Potter (a customer favorite), Star Wars, and more! You can also order custom-baked goods to fit your event at Sweet Dee’s! This is such a gem of a place or Scottsdale.
  
  
 
You better come with an appetite because you’re going to want to eat everything at The Hash Kitchen. OH MY GOSH, this place has EVERYTHING you could imagine on the menu. If you’re ever with a group of people that is made up of picky eaters, diet restrictions, or the group is craving different cuisines, well, this is YOUR SPOT! It took us a good twenty minutes before we could decide on what we wanted.

What should you absolutely order? The Cannoli Donuts. The waiter said we had no choice, and he wasn’t wrong! Like, it’s a must! The Cannoli donuts are fried to order sweet dough stuffed with sweet cannoli cream and topped with powdered sugar. These are better than any cannoli you’ll ever have. The texture, the flavors, and even the presentation were just simply perfect.

The Hash Kitchen 

Kyle ordered the Chicken Tinga Frittata! It comes with chipotle-braised chicken breast, caramelized onions, blistered shishito peppers, cotija, avocado, crema, green chili salsa, and breakfast potatoes.

I ordered the creamy kale Caesar salad because it just sounded so good! It came with creamy caesar dressing, Parmigiano cheese, garlic toast, and grilled chicken. One of the best kale caesar salads I’ve ever had.

The BEST Brunch Spot in Scottsdale

We also decided to get our fruit fix by ordering Giuliana’s Ah-Sigh-Ee bowl! YUM!!!! The acai base tasted like ice cream. It was topped with blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, dried coconut, granola, and peanut butter! It was LOADED! I highly recommend ordering one for the table to split. Mmm!

I also had the french press coffee with my meal

 
After a sweltering pool day, Kyle and I were ready to do one of our favorite activities, yup! Visit another coffee spot. It’s funny. I never thought he’d enjoy this as much as I, but once he started drinking coffee, he finally gets it.

Provisions Coffee Scottsdale Arizona Coffee Shop

With a quick google search, we found Provisions Coffee.

I loved all the options they had in their baked goods section. We chose the blueberry muffin and the banana maple loaf. The banana maple loaf was THE BEST!! I’d definitely stop back in there again just to pick this up. It went perfectly paired with my oat milk cappuccino!

Kyle ordered a peach sparkling tea! It was super unique. It’s a 24-hour cold-brewed carbonated tea! I actually really liked it. It would have been even better with some kind of fruit purée added in!


Everyone messaged me about trying The Mission Old Town Scottsdale! I totally understand the hype.

When you walk in, the decor surprises you. I thought it would be a bright and airy spot with crazy colors, but instead, it was cozy and extremely inviting. Something about warm lighting in Scottsdale helps with the heat, and the candle lighting made this spot PERFECT romantic for a date night.

The food? HOW DOES THE FOOD JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER? Usually, I can complain about something on a trip, but Scottsdale left me hanging. Everything was top-notch, and I’m not just saying that. Scottsdale has hit my top spot for the best food. PERIOD.

The Mission Old Town Scottsdale 

Make sure to get a reservation. We went on a weeknight, and it was pretty packed, but isn’t that a good sign that it’s the place to be? The Mission is located right in Old Town Scottsdale. You’ll find the best Latin cuisine with flavors coming in from Spain, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Fill up on all the homemade sauces, tortillas, and fresh salsa that are made daily! The meats are prepared on a plancha or grill using pecan and mesquite wood that makes sure the meat gets the ultimate flavor!

I was excited to try the Prickly Pear Primarita! It had  El Mayor Reposado, organic agave nectar, pressed limes, Milagro Blanco tequila, prickly pear juice, hand-pressed lime, and agave.

The Best Kale Salad in Scottsdale, Arizona

I ordered the Tostadas! It came with chicken thighs, black beans, ham hock, cotija, ají rocoto, and crispy handmade corn tortillas. And the grilled street corn is also a must (you can order everything without cilantro, which I was happy about), and its skewered corn, butter, chile, ají rocoto, cilantro, and cotija.

Old Town Scottsdale Gelato Tour with Joy Rides AZ

We had an absolute BLAST! Not only did we learn so much, but we tried out a ton of gelato from local shops. We did the gelato tour, which is totally up my alley! You can do wine tours, bbq tours, beer tours, bachelorette tours, and more! There’s really no other way to explore Old Town Scottsdale better!

Honestly, the owners are so amazing that if you reached out to them with an idea for a tour, they’d probably do the research and set it up for your group! She was the absolute best and such a joy to hang out with.

  

Explore Old Town Scottsdale 

You don’t even have to worry about bringing your camera or phone. She took many photos of us and then sent them to us afterward! I thought that was such a nice gesture. Every time we passed a building or drove down a street, we were filled with fun facts and history about them. We also got a lot of recommendations while riding around.

  
 

Best Gelato Spots in Scottsdale, Arizona!

We stopped at three gelato spots, and they’re all equally amazing!

The Gelato Spot 

I ordered the pistachio almond and Kyle ordered Captain Crunch! They had SO MANY flavors, which made it hard to pick. The gelato counter was absolutely endless.

Gelato Cimmino

We ordered the Peanut Butter! It was so rich and delicious! It was like pure fudge. The decor in this spot was so cute. The black tile floor makes for the perfect gelato photo.

Yellow Spruce Roasters

I tried the Prickly Pear! It was so refreshing and light! We also had their coffee, which was equally delicious. The owner was so friendly, and they have a super convenient location right in Old Town Scottsdale. Make sure to grab a coffee and walk the shops all around.

There’s nothing better than sipping an iced coffee and eating gelato while cruising around Old Town Scottsdale! Please add Joy Ride AZ to your itinerary. It’s so worth it. I’m usually one to never book tours, but this has made me think otherwise!

 


The next resort we stayed at was Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale! The resort was originally built in 1959 but was completely rebuilt in 2017! I was obsessed with the concrete floors paired with a luxury mid-century style interior. The mountain views in this resort are stunning, and as soon as we walked out of our room, we were on a lawn facing the mountains. They even have yoga on the lawn with that view! Even when you’re in the pool, you get gorgeous mountain views.

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

I told Kyle that I really wanted to design our bedroom after the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale room. I loved how the bed had the nightstands attached to all the outlets. We usually have to run around the house trying to find the chargers. The room was bright and airy but also warm in cozy! The room had floor-to-ceiling windows/doors that lead out to a patio with mountain views, and if you wanted to nap during the day, you could pull the giant room-darkening drapes across them. I took about a thousand photos so I could bring this design inspiration into my own home.

Best Resort For Activities Scottsdale Arizona

We arrived at the resort really early. We checked out of our other resort but needed a place to put our luggage since you never want to leave anything in a hot car in Arizona. The hospitality at Mountains Shadows Resort is everything you could dream of! The kind lady working the desk was so helpful and so friendly! She said she could check to see if there was a room ready for us, and she got us checked in early to put our bags away before heading out for the day. And when we got back, she handed us water bottles to take with us. She was just so kind, and it felt so nice to be welcomed into a resort like that.

This resort is the ultimate! You can join a fitness class, or yoga session, play golf, hang out by the pool, or join a special event on the calendar!

 
 
You know what I’m going to say, “another resort restaurant with one of the best meals in Scottsdale! “

Hearth ’61

Kyle and I got cleaned up after hanging around the Mountain Shadows pool and headed to dinner at Hearth ’61, the restaurant located to the left of the lobby. I loved the exposed kitchen, where you could watch the chefs hard at work, and the aromas from the stovetops made me even more hungry! Hearth ’61 serves modern American cuisine, which is actually my favorite cuisine. Serve me salmon, farm-fresh salads, and potatoes for the rest of my life, and I’ll be content!

Renowned Chef Charles Wiley knows what he’s doing! He keeps the seasonal food simple yet powerful in flavor. The dishes are made with local ingredients from surrounding farms. Our food was so flavorful and decadent, yet light and fresh.

I needed to cheers for the mountain views from our table, so I ordered a margarita! Something about Arizona makes me want to drink margaritas. It had tequila, pomm juice, Cointreau, lime juice, and grapefruit & orange bitters. So refreshing!

I highly recommend letting your server guide you through the menu. Whether you like corn or not, corn soup is an absolute must. It’s really flavorful and rich, so you can definitely share it. It comes with a queso fresco and a summer pico. I’ve never tasted anything like it. We found ourselves grabbing the bottom of the bowl with the fresh bread they placed on our table.

We ordered the organic green salads as a starter. The combo of the ingredients made it so light and refreshing! The salad had organic greens salad, chèvre, green apples, radishes, and hazelnuts.

The pan-roasted salmon was unmatched. Salmon is one of my favorite foods, but I don’t like it smoked, and a pan fried usually doesn’t spark my interest. But if it were pan-fried the way Chef Charles Wiley has it done in his kitchen, then I’d order it more often! The outside was so crispy, and the middle was flaky to perfection. The mustard hollandaise sauce paired perfectly with it, and the side of brussels sprouts and caramelized onion gnocchi topped off the dish nearly to perfection.

The BEST Dinner with Mountain Views Scottsdale Arizona

Kyle ordered the Niman ranch tenderloin of beef with a red wine demi, bleu cheese fondue, and truffled mash. We always try each other’s meals, so I can happily confirm that it was amazing! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I even tried the bleu cheese fondue, and it’s actually something I would order! I am not a bleu cheese person, but this tasted so soft and creamy! I don’t think you can go wrong with whatever you order from Heart ’61. They obviously know what they’re doing back there!

We didn’t get much of a choice if we wanted dessert or not  Our server brought us out the most amazing dessert tray! It was absolutely art. It couldn’t have come at a better time because I was trying to decide whether I wanted something citrusy, chocolatey, or ice cream.

Our tray had three incredible desserts. We had a fudge brownie topped with buttered popcorn, mousse ganache, popcorn crumble, and an orange pop gastrique. We had a pina colada semifreddo with a rum-soaked coconut sponge, Brulee pineapple, granola, and caramel sauce. The last one was a fennel apple tart with brandy caramel, oat crumbles, and vanilla bean gelato. This dessert tray covered everything I was craving! My tastebuds were going wild with all the different flavors and textures. I can usually pick out a favorite dessert, but I couldn’t hear. Honestly, you’re better off just ordering all three of them. We had a fridge in our room, so we just brought the leftovers back with us!

Even if you don’t stay at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, definitely stop at Heart ’61 for dinner! The views are so worth it, and the food just speaks for itself.

 

  
The summertime in Scottsdale should be spent at the pool! Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale has an amazing pool with mountain views, cabanas, and poolside service! Want a drink but don’t want to leave the pool? Well, no problem! We were able to order margaritas and cucumber lemonade while floating around on a tube. And again, with the hospitality here, they were so nice and always checked in on you! Make sure to bring cash because they deserve all the tips in the world after running around in the heat.

Lunch in the Cabana at Mountain Shadows Resort

I highly suggest renting a Cabana at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale for a morning/lunch day! We did an early morning hike and then headed down to the pool to cool off and relax for the day. The cabana has a t.v., a fridge, couches to lounge on, a fan, and drapes to block off the sun. It’s totally worth it! The pool is 75-foot and connected by a modern waterful feature in the middle. Its views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding desert make the scenery almost feel like a movie set!

For our poolside lunch, we ordered the organic greens salad, avocado toast loaded up with a poached egg on noble bread, roasted poblano, queso fresco, pickled onion, and watermelon radishes. We also had sliced fruit on the side! I love healthy and refreshing food when I’m at the pool, and the lunch menu was impressive. I mean, look at that avocado toast!

We ordered two of the lightest and most refreshing drinks on the menu, a classic margarita and the cucumber lemonade! You can also order frozen drinks too, but those are dangerous for me

We had so much fun hanging out at the pool! The Mountain Shadows Resort was a wonderful time, and we would stay there again in a heartbeat!
 
Another coffee shop? Oh yes! I will put together a separate blog with just Scottsdale Coffee shops to make navigating them easier, but it’s not an ultimate “simply taralynn” travel guide without coffee shops! We tried out Black Rock Coffee Bar, and it was delicious!

Black Rock Coffee Bar

Black Rock Coffee Bar was another spot recommended by readers! I’m so lucky to have you all hand over all the great suggestions, and they never disappoint. This coffee shop isn’t in Old Town, but it has parking, a drive-through, and so much indoor seating for escaping the heat.

We ordered a cold brew, an oat milk cappuccino with mocha, and a blueberry muffin! Super delicious, and I loved the flavor of the coffee!


Dining at FRANCINE in Scottsdale is a MUST! I’ve never seen anything like it. The airy luxury-french decor is stunning! The restaurant radiates the rustic charm of le midi, which is the homeland of celebrity chef-owner Laurent Halasz. If you have a Scottsdale trip coming up, open a new browser, grab the number, and make a reservation! Laurent and French-trained executive chef Brian Archibald have recreated signature dishes from the south of France. Growing up with fresh, seasonal, and flavorful dishes at home inspired Laurent Halasz to serve the same to guests at FRANCINE!

FRANCINE is located in the luxury wing of Fashion Square, so after a day of shopping at one of the largest malls, stop in for dinner and a drink! And if it’s not the summertime, I highly recommend sitting outside on the beautiful patio!

FRANCINE Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona

I kept seeing drinks with flowers on top as the waiter walked by. I told him I wanted one of “those!” It’s the French 75 Valensol Classic Cocktail! It was fruity and a bit on the sour side, which I loved!

We love starting with a salad to split when we’re out to dinner. We ordered the petite greens, and it came with roasted fennel, Roquefort, pecans, and a rosé vinaigrette. Super seasonal and light!

I don’t know what got into me, but I decided to order something completely out of my element. I ordered the Crab Ravioli. When Kyle said he was ordering the salmon, I knew I had to do something different. The crab ravioli had a powerful lemon flavor to it, and it paired perfectly with the savoryness of the seafood. The ravioli itself was impressively handmade with a perfect texture. Kyle’s Salmon Riviera came with an endive tatin and sweet potato. The Endive tatin was the star of the show! It was like eating a savory dessert for dinner. It was flaky and gooey all at the same time. YUM!

If you like cauliflower, you MUST order the Whole Cauliflower. Its presentation is enough to stop you in your tracks and make you forget whatever was about to come out of your mouth. It’s a giant fire-roasted cauliflower sitting on a bed of yogurt and flavored all over with dukkha!

We didn’t get dessert, but we probably should have. Maybe next time! We were just so full!

Funny story. I left all my makeup and hair products at home! It got put in the wrong car when we left the wedding, and I wasn’t going to get it in time for our flight out the next day. I just went to Ulta and grabbed some mascara, and my favorite Tarte-tinted moisturizer for the trip.

I didn’t realize how awful my hair was going to be in the Arizona heat, and after days at the pool, it was starting to get out of control. We kept driving past Dry Bar, and I knew I had to get it done for the last few days of the trip!

Dry Bar Phoenician

I know Dry Bar isn’t an Arizona staple, but I wanted to give you the idea of leaving your products at home and getting your hair done at Dry Bar instead. It’s a great way to explore the gorgeous Phoenician (which I NEED to stay next!!) It was a beautiful property, and I love how my hair turned out

Next up on the Coffee Shop agenda Sip Coffee & Beer!

This spot was so hip! It’s a smaller space inside, but you can tell this is where the regulars hang out. Everyone seemed to know everyone, and there were people reading books, working on laptops, and just hanging out. It has to feel good to own a coffee shop where people love to come and hang out on the regular. Even the staff called the customers by their names on multiple occasions as they walked up to the counter.

Sip Coffee & Beer in Scottsdale, Arizona!

Kyle and I found a spot at the end of a long communal table. We had the gluten-free apple loaf, an oat milk cappuccino (can you tell that was my go-to on this trip?), and Kyle had the Sip Coffee & Oat protein shake! It was terrific. It had Chocolate protein, almond milk, banana, oats, honey, peanut butter, and espresso! It would be an amazing on-the-go breakfast!

 

I hiked Camelback Mountain all the way to the top back in 2013! It was during October, so no matter what time of day you went, the heat wouldn’t kill you. To hike Camelback Mountain in the summer, you need to be on that trail by 4 am. We made it there at five and did about halfway up before feeling the heat. It’s incredible to see the dedicated athletes run to the top and back down. It’s not the easiest hike, so I’m always impressed! It is still stunning, and even if you don’t plan to hike it, visiting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is scenic enough! They have parking right by the trailhead but get there early to find yourself a spot. You may even be able to bike there depending on where you’re staying.

Hiking Camelback Mountain Scottsdale Arizona

Camelback Mountain is the first thing people think of when you mention Scottsdale. If you’re going to go on any hike, make sure this is it! There are two different trails to choose from, both a bit on the difficult side. There are rocks you’ll have to jump to, and there are animals that you may run into. Definitely wear thick shoes, and sunscreen, and bring water and snacks. The trails ascend 1,420 feet to a summit with 360-degree views of the cities around it. It’s so worth it!

We stopped into Cartel Coffee Lab one afternoon while walking around Old Town Scottsdale. It gets so hot out while walking that it forces you to enter the stores, which I think is a great way to find new customers!

Wonderspaces

I loved the Light Leaks, Transition, and Killing Time. I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but watching The Transition actually made me cry. The dog was so at peace, and the way it sat on the boat made you feel like that’s what heaven must be like for dogs. Art that makes you feel is the best kind of art!

We loved spending our afternoon at Wonderspaces, and I think it’s definitely worth it! Make sure to buy tickets and schedule your time a few days in advance!

Press Coffee Roasters was one of the first coffee spots we tried in Scottsdale. We just left the airport and needed coffee before heading to our resort. I ordered an oat milk Cortado, Kyle ordered the peanut butter shaker (cold brew organic agave & almond creamer), and we split an oatmeal raisin cookie! We were still on East Coast time, so we totally needed the pick-me-up after our flight.

Press Coffee Roasters

It’s right by the Fashion Square Mall, so we headed over there right after! I think Press was one of our favorite coffee shops we tried!

I totally know True Food Kitchen is in many different cities, but if you’re new to True Food, they have one in Scottsdale. It’s one of my favorite restaurants, and since we don’t have one in Charlotte, I HAD to stop in for lunch. After shopping Fashion Square, we ordered sparkling prickly pear tisane and prickly pear hibiscus lime sparkling water.

True Food Kitchen 

For our lunch, we had the Spaghetti Squash Casserole, with chicken sausage and crushed organic DiNapoli tomato, caramelized onion, zucchini, and almond ricotta. It was just as good as I remembered!

Kyle had the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl and it came with broccoli, rainbow carrot, bok choy, green bean, snap pea, mushroom, brown rice, avocado, and toasted sesame!

Notable spots in Scottsdale that you need to check out:

See’s Candies – We picked up a ton of chocolate for the plane ride home! They also threw in a ton of free samples.
Fashion Square Mall – It’s a mall, I know! BUT IT’S HUGE!
The Sugar Bowl – The cutest pink building with outrageous desserts.
Wine Girl – Such a cute spot!
Diego Pops – Our flight got bumped up, so I was sad when we had to cancel our reservation. I know it’ll be the first place we go to when we visit again.
Fat OX
Café Monarch
El Chorro: Apparently, they have THE BEST cinnamon rolls.
Craft 64: Amazing wood-fired pizza!
Self-Guided Wright Tour of Taliesin West – Audio tour of Wright’s personal home, studio, and architectural laboratory.
Scottsdale Museums– Contemporary Art, Museum of the West, Heard Museum, and more.
Arizona Rafting
Kayaking   I so want to do this next time! Maybe save this for a 4 am kayaking journey or a non-summer activity.

No matter what day, what time of year, or what kind of activity you’re looking for, there is ALWAYS something for everyone happening in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Spending the day at Magic Kingdom | Walt Disney World Travel. 

2022 is the perfect time to pack your bags and head to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! You deserve it. Back in May, I was invited down to Orlando to explore some of the most popular Walt Disney World Parks. This trip was one of the most incredible experiences, and I’ll be sharing more blogs on my trip to Disney throughout the rest of the summer! We ate so much food, went on many rides, and experienced many fun Disney World attractions!

Walt Disney World  – The Magic Kingdom

If you want to get on all the rides, I recommend getting there right when the park opens! We were able to sprint over to rides that had long lines like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. Our wait time was about fifteen minutes, but the wait times were much higher later in the day. Plus, the weather is always better in the morning.

We used a Disney Park Hopper Plus pass for the week and made everything convenient. It allows you to make a theme park reservation, and then you can park hop after 2 pm at any of the other Disney World parks. So if you can’t get a reservation for a park during your trip, no worries, you can go after 2 pm! We had a reservation for all the parks early in the mornings and then hopped over to other parks later in the day.

Reservations are super easy to make on the My Disney Experience App (and from your computer if you’re signed in). After making reservations, they’ll be linked to your Disney magic bands. When making reservations for your family, you can also link the plans to theirs. If you don’t have a magic band, you can use your phone as one. The magic bands are the best things in the world! If you don’t want to bring a purse to the parks, you can swipe your watch for payment and passes!

Plan your Disney World Trip!

After 2020, everyone is making their way to Disney World. As soon as you book your trip, start making those reservations. Give yourself atleast two months out to start planning. You can go last-minute, but you may not be able to experience everything you hoped to. Even if you’re unsure, you want to dine somewhere, book, and cancel later if necessary. You can also refresh your My Disney Experience App to see if reservations open up. We had a few spots open up last minute that we had wanted to dine at. And if you can’t make your Disney reservation, make sure to cancel in advance to give someone else the chance to take it.

Breakfast at Tomorrowland Terrace Magic Kingdom

You can get breakfast before heading to the parks at any Walt Disney World Resort. It’s a tradition to get the Mickey waffles at least once while visiting. One of my favorite places to grab breakfast was at the Grand Floridian. Oh, and the Tonga Toast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

We met our group at the Tomorrowland Terrace for breakfast at 8 am. It was like a dream come true to have coffee overlooking the Cinderella Castle. I love Disney so much because I never got to go when I was little. I’m just living out those childhood dreams right now.

Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service style restaurant with a delicious New England/American style menu. You can find foods like lobster rolls, fried shrimp, and chicken nuggets. It’s a large open area to sit down and cool off while enjoying the best view of the Cinderella Castle. It’s open from 11 am to 4 pm and makes for the perfect early lunch and dinner. 

Spring Rolls at Adventureland Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World 

The best plan you can have at Disney World is to share food. That way you can try a little bit of everything! I took a poll on Instagram to see which foods I should try, and the Pepperoni pizza spring rolls and cheeseburger spring rolls at Adventureland came up the most. I thought it sounded nuts, but it skyrocketed to the top three favorite foods at Magic Kingdom after the first bite! Actually, maybe even in the top three of all the parks combined.

Now, you can expect me to try and recreate this on the blog soon! They were incredible.

You’ll want to swim in the sauce if you’re a marinara sauce lover. It was the BEST flavor! I couldn’t choose which one I liked better because they were equally good. Play it safe and get them both!

The Spring Roll Cart at Adventureland is located right outside the entrance! 

Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow

The next food item we tried was another popular suggestion, the fresh fruit waffle sandwich at Sleepy Hollow! It’s the cute and quaint brick cottage by Cinderella Castle. The waffle is filled with fresh fruit and Nutella. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Sleepy Hollow is where you can find funnel cakes and Mickey-shaped waffles.

Can we start making waffle sandwiches a thing?

Character Cavalcades and Magic Kingdom Entertainment 

• Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure

Main Street Confectionary

Citrus Swirl Sunshine Tree Terrace

If you’ve already had the Dolewhip, try something new!

Repeat after me, “I will not leave the Magic Kingdom without trying the Citrus Swirl at the Sunshine Tree Terrace.” I’m here to tell you that it’s even better than Dolewhip.  It’s frozen orange juice with vanilla soft serve. Next time, I may get that for breakfast.  

Cinderella’s Castle Magic Kingdom

One of the best parts about Disney World is that the flowers and decorations are forever changing! The flowers during this trip were breathtaking. I talked more about the flowers in my last Disney World Travel Blog at Epcot! When you squat down by the gated area of flowers, you can take a photo that makes it look like Cinderella’s Castle is far away in a flower field. It’s fun to get creative with photos at The Magic Kingdom!
 

Mickey Pretzel With Cheese at Liberty Square Market 

It’s tradition to get the Mickey Pretzel! Although, I may have tried THE BEST Mickey Pretzel you could ever have! It’s at Hollywood Studios near the Rock n Roll Rollercoaster. It’s a sweet cream cheese pretzel, and it’s worth every bite! We waited in a long line, but it went by fast with the help of the pretzel. Ok, this isn’t a Hollywood studios blog (that’s coming later!)

So if you’re not going to Hollywood Studios and you want a Mickey Pretzel, grab one at the Liberty Square Market! They have dill pickles, hot dogs, snack foods, beverages, and fresh fruit. The line was so short, so perfect if you’re super hungry and need a quick bite to eat.

 
 

Open Rides and Attractions at Magic Kingdom 

We rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and the Carousel.

There are some rides at Magic Kingdom that you ride once, and that’s just enough (unless you’re under the age of 8.) So if I didn’t go on a certain ride or attraction, it might be because I did it years before, and that was good enough…if you know what I mean. Like, no one needs to go into the Tiki Room more than once  

Transportation at Disney Parks Disney World

Disney Skyliner

After spending the morning and early afternoon at Magic Kingdom, we headed to the resort to spend the day at the pool and then headed back to Magic Kingdom later in the evening when the crowds settled down, and the temps got cooler!

Getting around the Disney parks is a breeze with the busses, the monorail, and the Skyliner! The Skyliner lines go so fast! If you see a line with many people, your wait time may be up to fifteen minutes. They’re constantly getting people on and off the Skyliner. I had such a blast at Disney World! I cannot wait to go back in the Fall

Questions for you!

1. Which Disney blog should I share next? (Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, or Hollywood Studios)
2. What is your favorite and your least favorite ride at Magic Kingdom?
3. Best Disney World food you’ve ever had?

Disclosure: Walt Disney World covered all my travel expenses, but all opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting Simply Taralynn! 

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