Sam Patru - Travel Advisor with Mousekeplanner

08/22/2024

08/21/2024

🏰🚕🌳 In two words I’ll tell you why Disneyland wins for toddlers: Mickey’s Toontown. With interactive play areas (they can touch everything!), family-friendly attractions, safe spaces to run around, shady spots, dining options and restrooms, it truly is the ultimate toddler playground. Not to mention those coveted photos of meeting Mickey and Minnie at their cute homes! 🏡

Parents and Grandparents, let’s talk about taking those 👶 cutie pies to Disneyland for their first magical vacation experience! It’s the ideal destination for your tiniest travelers and honestly it’s worlds easier on adults as well. ✨All without sacrificing ANY of the Disney magic..it’s Walt’s park after all! DM me or fill out the FREE quote (https://mousekeplanner.com/our-team/samantha-patru/)

08/21/2024

Starting today you can book your 2025 Disneyland vacations!

DM me or fill out the FREE quote (https://mousekeplanner.com/our-team/samantha-patru/)

08/20/2024

There's nothing like the feel of good air conditioning during the HOT summer months when you visit Disney World. Walt Disney presents is not only an excellent place to cool down from the heat but a place filled with facts and treasures from Walt's life.

08/19/2024

🏖️📸 How important are vacation pictures to you? Are you satisfied with whatever you snap on your phone camera? 🤳Do you lug around the “big camera”? Or are you all in for Disney PhotoPass shutterbugs to capture the memories for you?

🛍️ When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll have the option to add the Memory Maker Photo Package in advance, which saves you quite a few bucks. 🤑With it you’ll get select attraction photos and any shots a PhotoPass photographer takes-and they are all over the parks! Consider the value of getting everyone in the picture and documenting your precious memories with professional, frame-worthy shots! 👋 Who’s a fan of Memory Maker? Let’s hear from you!

08/18/2024

💞🌙🌐Want to plan a date night to remember at EPCOT? Check out the Fireworks Dining Package at Rose & Crown! 🇬🇧🧨🍽️ For those that like to enjoy adult beverages and British fare, it’s kind of the best deal around the “world”. Included is your choice of:

Appetizer (choice of two)

Entree (choice of four)

Dessert (choice of two)

Select UNLIMITED Beverages (including Ales, Lagers, Stouts, Ciders, Wines and Prosecco) 🍺🍷🥂

Plus a great spot on the patio to enjoy Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which is stunning! 💥

😎Whoever thinks Disney is just for kids has never enjoyed a date night at Walt Disney World. Inspire us with your favorite “date night” memories from the parks! 😍⬇️

08/17/2024

🙈🚫🍿🍦Please DON’T go all the way to Disney California Adventure Park and just get popcorn, ice cream or chicken nuggets. I’m here to save you from vacation regret with this list of MUST EATS at DCA:

Mickey Sourdough Loaf at Boudin Bakery

Anything at Schmoozies!

Frozen Hot Chocolate at Ghiradelli

Baymax Macaron at Lucky Fortune Cookery

Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cone at Chili Cone Queso

Lobster Nachos at Lamplight Lounge

Quantum Pretzel at Pym Test Kitchen

😋 What on my list ranks #1 for you? Would you add anything as a MUST EAT? Spill the details! 🫗

08/16/2024

⌛️☀️⛱️ It’s hard to believe the lazy days of summer are coming to an end soon. It always seems to go by so fast and often without doing what we set out.

🤔 So how about you? Did you have the ultimate summer this year or are there some things you meant to do more of but time just got away from you? Let’s commiserate (or celebrate your awesome season) in the comments!

08/15/2024

🥳🚢🎉25 years of Disney Wonder! Bigger doesn’t always mean better and this is so very true of this world-class vessel. While cruise lines are trending toward mega ships, the cozy intimacy of the Disney Wonder offers a now unique, more relaxing experience that will have you disembarking with unforgettable memories. 🥰

🦘🦅🏝️This beauty sails to Australia, Alaska and Caribbean destinations and is now booking into 2026! Maybe this year is the one you take a Halloween or Christmas cruise? 🎃🎄 DM me or fill out the FREE quote (https://mousekeplanner.com/our-team/samantha-patru/) if you’ve been “wondering” what a Disney Cruise is like!

08/14/2024

🫣You can stop looking, I’ve found your new Disney Springs dining hot spot! 🍽️❤️‍🔥 I’ll admit, whenever a new restaurant opens, there is a lot of hype around it-warranted or not. However, Summer House on the Lake lives up to it all!

☀️🌴🍪Picture a breezy beach house vibe, open airy spaces, an eclectic menu that caters to just about all palettes, an in-house cookie bar and an ever-present feeling of being on vacation.

🧑‍💻Now I’m always game for making my clients’ dining reservations, but if we aren’t yet working together here’s a tip:📌 if there are no reservations available via Disney, check the Open Table app! Has anyone been yet? What did you think?

08/13/2024

Being a left hand person myself, I love to visit this store every time I go to Disney Springs.

08/12/2024

08/12/2024

🎷🐸💦

Currently, you have two options when it comes to riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure:

Virtual Queue (free to join)

Lightning Lane Multi Pass (requires purchase)

It’s not an option right now to just get in line and wait to ride without a “reservation” using one of the above methods. And if you want to ride twice in one day, you’ll need to secure both a Virtual Queue AND a MultiPass selection, which can be a challenge. 😰

This is an attraction you’ll want to experience, much like MANY other visitors. When staying on-property you’ll definitely have a BIG ADVANTAGE for a chance at securing the most popular attractions. Let’s work together so that you take FULL advantage of the on-site perks! DM me or fill out the FREE quote (https://mousekeplanner.com/our-team/samantha-patru/)

08/11/2024

🤯I don’t know who needs to hear this but, MANY Walt Disney World Resorts have...beaches! 🏖️Or at least sandy areas that kids can play on while you relax with that book you’ve been meaning to read. What’s even better is that most resort gift shops sell sand toys, how about that! 🪣 For about $15 (as of July 2024) they can play and get a fun souvenir from the trip. Win-win! 😎

⛱️There’s just something about sand that seems to bring the energy level back to center, right? If having a beach or sandy area at your hotel sounds perfect you, Walt Disney World has quite a few! No need to choose either beach or Disney trip, you can do both. 🌟Do you have a favorite Disney “beach” Resort?

08/10/2024

🍫👒For the kind of s’more you eat with your pinky up, head to Disney Springs and pop into The Ganachery for one of their Artisan S’mores! This chocolate shoppe is full of the most decadent candy and novelties one can dream up. Truffles, cocoa bombs, chocolate piñatas, pops, pearls and so much more. PLUS, they have a live kitchen so you can watch the masters at work! 👩‍🍳

🤔How do you like your s’mores? All fancy and prepared for you OR are you happiest roasting a marshmallow on a stick over a campfire and getting a little messy? 👒🏕️

08/09/2024

🥵🧙‍♀️👻It may be hotter than the Sanderson Sisters’ cauldron in Florida right now, but tonight SPOOKY SEASON kicks off at Magic Kingdom with the very first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party of the year!🎉

🎟️Tickets for many dates are still available and I will happily haunt, I mean hunt for tickets for you! Yep, as a full-service travel agent I can secure most tickets for my clients too! Have you been? Been “dying” to go? Let’s amp up the Halloween excitement and talk ALL about this party in the comments...in other words, LET’S BOO THIS! 🎃

08/08/2024

🤯🥒🏓Woah! If it’s made its way to Disney resort activities, it’s time to take a closer look at the game that has people more than a little obsessed. Of course I’m talking about Pickleball. For those who don’t know, it’s basically full-size ping pong with wiffle balls. OK, a little more involved, but at first glance, that’s a good description.

☺️OK, fess up! What are your thoughts on Pickleball? Are you obsessed, not really into it or love it, but not enough to spend any precious Disney resort time playing it-that’s what the pool is for?

08/07/2024

🔦⚓️🛏️Today’s the day we shine a little light on the gorgeous resort that often stands in Disney’s Beach Club Resort’s shadow. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a stunner and honestly the perfect choice for anyone that really enjoys a sophisticated nautical vibe. Or a great location to two parks. Or stellar dining options. Or a really cool pool! Folks, this place has it all, even a beach. 🏖️

🛥️🍷Don’t misunderstand, all Disney resorts are family-friendly, but this resort in particular focuses more on upscale charm than kid WOW factor. Which just might be perfect for you! Can I answer any questions about Disney’s Yacht Club? Drop them in the comments or DM me!

08/06/2024

🤔 Where do you stand on “Big Hero 6”? 🤖 Underrated movie? 🙈Haven’t seen it? Didn’t love it? I’ll tell you where Disneyland stands...they are ALL IN on Baymax and have an entire section dedicated to the movie at Disney California Adventure Park! 🎢✨

The former Fisherman’s Wharf area has been transformed into the bustling streets of San Fransokyo. So many photo ops, but none better than with the big, fluffy Baymax! 🤗 NOTE: He’s not always there, so be sure to check the Disneyland app 📲before you make a beeline for the big guy.

😭🍞If for some reason Baymax isn’t meeting the day of your visit, go eat your feelings with a Baymax shaped sourdough loaf from the Boudin Bread Cart. That bread is amazing!

👍👎Alright, weigh in...thumbs up or down on “Big Hero 6”?

08/05/2024

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Disney World! Best pizza I've ever had 🍕

08/05/2024

🤷‍♀️I’ve probably said it before and I’ll definitely say it again, Via Napoli can be one of the most affordable and satisfying table service meals in all of Walt Disney World! It’s with good reason that reservations here are hard to snag. 🤩Lucky for my clients, that’s my job!

🍕🥗🥤Order one of their large pizzas, a house salad and some drinks and a party of four can eat for the fraction of the cost of many other on-property restaurants. And if sitting down to eat isn’t your style, check to see if the Pizza Taglio window is open and grab a slice, they’re big! 😳

🤔So have you eaten here before? Is it on your list? 🤭Are you a pizza snob? Have any questions? Let’s talk pizza today! 🍕🎉

08/04/2024

🇲🇽🫶Amigos, it’s National Friendship Day and EPCOT’s Mexico pavilion has the perfect souvenir for your most treasured pals, friendship bracelets! 🪢They come in a variety of colors and packaged on a card that shares the Legend of the Friendship Bracelet. For $9.99 (as of July 2024) this is a sweet and thoughtful gift that won’t break the bank! 🤑

🔎🛍️If you’re always on the hunt for unique souvenirs that don’t scream Disney, this is one to add to your list. In fact this whole pavilion has some amazing and affordable trinkets. Have you come across any cool and decidedly un-Disney souvenirs on your trip? Show us in the comments!

08/03/2024

🤫Can you keep a secret? There is no other spot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom that perfectly embodies the park’s serene and adventurous spirit than Nomad Lounge, NONE! 🎒🍹

The quiet moments inside this cozy sanctuary are just as magical as the thrilling ones in the park. Not to mention that the savory small bites and hand crafted cocktails are stellar! I mean who doesn’t love a watermelon garnish? 🍉 Or churros!

🏝️ Nomad Lounge is truly an oasis that allows you to relax, reflect on your days past or ahead, and recharge without ever having to leave the park! 👍 And the whole family is welcome, it’s not 21 and over.

🙊The secret is out though, so you’ll want to plan to arrive a little bit before it opens to snag a spot (no reservations accepted) or join the 📱Walk-Up List via the My Disney Experience app for a return time. Who else loves Nomad Lounge? What’s your go-to order here? 💚📝

08/02/2024

⚠️Don’t make this mistake at Castaway Cay! Stepping foot onto this island paradise will likely be something you dream about from the moment you book your cruise, but don’t be in such a rush to get to your lounge chair that you miss the journey. 😍There is so much to see, soak in and experience from the moment your flip flops hit the gangway-the details are truly Disney at its finest. 📸 Look all around, take all the pictures and TURN AROUND to see the stunning view of your Disney Cruise ship in port! The morning light is perfection!

😎Experienced cruisers: is there something you wish you knew before you visited Castaway Cay?

🫣The truth is, it’s going to sting if you return home having missed out on magical experiences like these (to name just a few) because you simply didn’t know. Let’s work together when you’re ready to sail! 🚢🥳

08/01/2024

✈️☀️🎉The difference between a good vacation and a GREAT VACATION is an enthusiastic travel planner! 🤩 Why stress over park strategies, itineraries and reservations when you can have a Disney planning expert like me in your corner?

🙇‍♀️ Planning is surely half the fun when you’ve got a travel professional’s guidance while creating a vacation filled with unforgettable moments. 👍I’m ready to get to work for you, just DM me or fill out the FREE quote (https://mousekeplanner.com/our-team/samantha-patru/)

07/31/2024

Let's talk favorite Disney World Resorts.

Pop Century is my "home" resort. I feel like I am home every time I stay at Pop (5 times). The atmosphere makes you feel the Disney magic from the moment you arrive at the resort. The larger than life decor is fun for the whole family to check out throughout the resort.

The rooms offer a lot of storage and are perfect for families or just couples alike. Speaking of relaxing, the beds and pillows are amazing! I wish I could have them in my house.

Yes, Pop Century has a food court. When most people think of food court food, they think it's mediocre. This is not the case here. From the salmon to the chicken entrees at lunch and dinner you will find delicious food. There is pizza, chicken, and macaroni and cheese for the kids as well. They also have plenty of grab and go foods and snacks like the tie dye cheesecake they are known for (my husband's favorite). Don't forget breakfast. You can mobile order your food if you're ready to go hit the parks early in the morning. I love to start my day with an order of mickey waffles and scrambled eggs. 🧇

My favorite perk of Pop Century.....the skyliner 😄
Nothing beats skyliner transportation. It's easy and convenient to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you're into checking out different resorts, you can take the skyliner to Caribbean Beach (don't forget your Joffrey's coffee), Rivera (Primo Piatto quick-service restaurant), and the Boardwalk area resorts (too many wonderful places to list).

Do you have a "home" resort? Want to learn more about Pop Century and the other Disney World resorts? Leave a comment.