Castle and Cruise Adventures - Natalie Connell

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Castle and Cruise Adventures - Natalie Connell Castle and Cruise Adventures assists you in planning amazing vacations that will create lifetime mem

🪄 Rule  #1 at Universal Orlando: get the Park-to-Park ticket! Rule number two? Refer to rule number one.No one wants to ...
28/01/2025

🪄 Rule #1 at Universal Orlando: get the Park-to-Park ticket! Rule number two? Refer to rule number one.

No one wants to throw money away 💸, but you can’t fully experience the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ⚡ without it. Both Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure ) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios) are spellbinding ✨, and you’ll need (and want) that park-to-park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express 🚂 between them. Let’s compare the two lands:

🍽️ Food: Diagon Alley offers Leaky Cauldron, and Hogsmeade has The Three Broomsticks. Both are packed with snacks, sweets 🍬, and endless Butterbeer 🍺.

🎢 Rides: Diagon Alley features Escape from Gringotts, while Hogsmeade has Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and the fan-favorite Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. (Dare we say the best ride in Orlando?! 🌟)

🏰 Ambiance: Hogwarts Castle vs a fire-breathing dragon? Impossible to choose. Both have Ollivanders Wand Shop 🪄.

😅I know it’s like asking who is more precious: Lula or Neville…but if you HAD to choose to visit just one land, would you go with 🏰 Hogsmeade or 🐉 Diagon Alley?

🌙 Sweet dreams 💤
27/01/2025

🌙 Sweet dreams 💤

🏰👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎉 A big family Walt Disney World trip means big fun, but finding the perfect place to stay can feel tricky. Luck...
26/01/2025

🏰👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎉 A big family Walt Disney World trip means big fun, but finding the perfect place to stay can feel tricky. Luckily, Disney has options for every budget and need. Let’s break it down:

✨ Deluxe Villas: For luxury, amenities, and park proximity, Disney Vacation Club villas offer 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options with full kitchens and laundry 🧺. Some are even within walking distance of the parks 🚶‍♂️🎢, making them a magical home away from home! Anyone can book stays in these, DVC membership is not required!

💸 Value Resort Family Suites: If budget is the priority, check out Art of Animation and All-Star Music family suites. They sleep 6, have 2 full bathrooms, 3 sleeping surfaces, a kitchenette, and a living area. Affordable, fun, and perfect for families!

🛏️ Multiple Standard Rooms: If you are happy with 2 queen beds (sometimes these sleep 5 with a child-sized bed) and 1 bathroom, then you can stay basically anywhere. Book however many rooms you need, and I’ll even make sure to let Disney know that you are all traveling together to try and get the rooms as close together as possible. ✨

🐻🦊🐰💦 Change is hard, especially when it comes to saying goodbye to a classic like Splash Mountain. One year ago today, S...
24/01/2025

🐻🦊🐰💦 Change is hard, especially when it comes to saying goodbye to a classic like Splash Mountain.

One year ago today, Splash Mountain closed and the transformation to Tiana's Bayou Adventure soon followed.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 🌿👑 has been beautifully reimagined and still has the thrilling drops ⬇️, twists 🔄, splashes, and log flume you loved—oh yeah, you’re still GOING DOWN! Only this time, it’s down the bayou. 🎶

🎷🎵And if you liked the movie, especially the music, you’re going to love this update! 🎉

TIP: Look for subtle nods to Splash Mountain in the standby queue and inside Critter Co-Op. 🛍️

🐸👉Who’s had a chance to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (WDW or Disneyland-they’re both now open) and what did YOU think?

22/01/2025

🏝️ This cold weather have you thinking about a tropical getaway? 🚢

🎢 When you think of the Universal Orlando Resort, heart-pounding coasters and epic rides probably come to mind (hello, V...
21/01/2025

🎢 When you think of the Universal Orlando Resort, heart-pounding coasters and epic rides probably come to mind (hello, VelociCoaster 🦖 and Hagrid’s 🧙‍♂️!). But let’s not forget the other magic this destination brings: meeting your big and small-screen favorites! 🌟 Universal has a TON of character meet and greets!

⭐️ From high-fiving Captain America in Marvel Super Hero Island to sharing laughs with the Grinch during the holidays, Universal is packed with opportunities to step into the stories and meet the characters you love. ❤️

🤳 Want a selfie with Optimus Prime? Or a hug from Scooby Doo? 🐾 Those memories are just as thrilling and lasting as any ride! 🎉✨

These characters I’ve mentioned don’t even scratch the surface of the friends, heroes and/or villains you may encounter at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. And...just WAIT until Epic Universe opens—classic monsters! 🧛🏻‍♀️

📖 "What I Wish I Knew" - Disney Cruise Line EditionIt’s true—you don’t know what you don’t know, but learning the hard w...
21/01/2025

📖 "What I Wish I Knew" - Disney Cruise Line Edition

It’s true—you don’t know what you don’t know, but learning the hard way on vacation isn’t fun! 🚢✨ Here are a few top tips for making the most of a Disney Cruise Line trip:

👩‍👧‍👦 Not Just for Younger Kids:
Think teens won’t love it? ❌ Wrong! Between Edge and Vibe teen clubs 🎮, pools, and water slides, they’ll be begging to stay longer. Adults-only? DCL shines with Palo, Remy, Quiet Cove Pool, Senses Spa, Serenity Bay 🏖️, lounges 🍹, and more.

🎨 Do the Activities:
There’s so much more than pools and movies 🎥—think trivia, crafts ✂️🎨, character meet-and-greets 👸🐭, live music 🎶, and Bingo!

📱 Use the Navigator App:
This app is a lifesaver! ❤️ Favorite activities to create your schedule 🗓️ and get notifications 🔔 so you don’t miss a thing.

✈️ Arrive the Day Before:
Flight delays or traffic? 🚗✈️ That ship WILL leave without you. 🛳️ Arrive early to enjoy a smooth start to your trip! 🎉

What other questions do you have?

🤣 ❄️ For all my local friends….think we are going to get snow in our area this week?
19/01/2025

🤣 ❄️ For all my local friends….think we are going to get snow in our area this week?

🎉🎨🎉 It’s opening day for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! 🌟 Let’s shine a bright light on the Food Studios,...
17/01/2025

🎉🎨🎉 It’s opening day for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts!

🌟 Let’s shine a bright light on the Food Studios, where the dishes look and taste AHHHmazing. 😍 Feast your eyes 👀 on these tasty treats!

😅

🍽️ Have you been to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts? If so, is it all about the culinary arts for you? If you haven’t been but are curious, ask me anything! 🙋‍♀️ Drop a question or comment below.

🦒🤩🐅Jambo! If you are a lover of animals , Disney tours, or just want to try something new, Wild Africa Trek at Animal Ki...
16/01/2025

🦒🤩🐅Jambo! If you are a lover of animals , Disney tours, or just want to try something new, Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom is full of thrills, fun, and good eats! This isn’t something you can just show up and enjoy, so here is what you need to “know before you go”:

👤 Who: Guests must be at least 8 years old, between 45-300 pounds ⚖️ (everyone gets weighed beforehand), and at least 48 inches tall. Under 18? Bring an adult!

💰 Price and Times: The tour costs $219-$229 per person and typically runs at 8:45am, 10:15am, and 11:45am daily. Pro tip: Book the earliest slot to avoid the heat ☀️—it’s a 3-hour outdoor adventure! 🌿

🎢 Activities: You’ll explore Animal Kingdom’s habitats, dine on the savanna, and cross two bridges (over a crocodile habitat! 🐊). It’s safe, thrilling, and totally unforgettable. ✨

🎁 Extras: The “snack” included is more like a meal 🍤🥪, with items like tandoori shrimp, chicken wraps, fruit, and sweet treats. You’ll also get professional photos 📸 from your guide, plus a souvenir reusable water bottle to take home! 🎉

Sound like a fun tour to you? 🐊

🚀 Fifty years ago, Space Mountain launched guests into the cosmos for the very first time, and it’s still one of the mos...
15/01/2025

🚀 Fifty years ago, Space Mountain launched guests into the cosmos for the very first time, and it’s still one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World. ✨

So here’s the big question:
🤔 Is Space Mountain a Must Do for you?

“Avengers…on board!”🛳️🦸‍♂️ If you’re in your superhero era, consider a Marvel Day at Sea Disney Cruise! These 5-night sa...
15/01/2025

“Avengers…on board!”

🛳️🦸‍♂️ If you’re in your superhero era, consider a Marvel Day at Sea Disney Cruise!

These 5-night sailings typically run from January to mid-March from Fort Lauderdale on the Disney Dream, with itineraries to the Bahamas or Western Caribbean. The Bahamas option even includes stops at Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point for double the Disney magic!✨✨

What makes Marvel Day at Sea so special?
🕷️ Guests of all ages dress as their favorite heroes
🔨 Marvel movies on Funnel Vision
😈 Trivia and special shows

💫 🇺🇸 Plus, meet Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Thor, Loki, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and many more—including heroes like Captain America (Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers) and Mighty Thor!

Ready to cruise with a super hero (other than your husband of course 😉)? Contact me at [email protected] to get started.

 🌎 Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure 🎢2025 is a BIG…EPIC year for Universal Orlando! 🪄On May 22, Universal will...
14/01/2025



🌎 Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure 🎢

2025 is a BIG…EPIC year for Universal Orlando!

🪄On May 22, Universal will open their fourth park - Epic Universe! This new park will transport you to the excitement of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.

There is one catch for now for Epic Universe - you can only experience this park as an add-on to a Universal Orlando package. I'm sure at some point they will move to a standalone ticket for this park but for now you need to have a package that includes the other parks.

  ✨ It's a new year and time to make new memories with your family and friends in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣!🏰 Walt Disney World🚢 Disn...
14/01/2025



✨ It's a new year and time to make new memories with your family and friends in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣!

🏰 Walt Disney World
🚢 Disney Cruise Line
🌎 Universal
🛳 Royal Caribbean
✨ Disneyland
🛳 Cruise Vacations
🧳 Adventures by Disney
🌺 Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Ready to get started with some amazing plans for 2025? Let's get started❗️
📧 [email protected]

☀️ 🛳️ Mondays sure look better from this view!
13/01/2025

☀️ 🛳️ Mondays sure look better from this view!

🍕 Happy National Pizza Week! Let’s talk about this ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, inexpensive, and always hits the ...
13/01/2025

🍕 Happy National Pizza Week! Let’s talk about this ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, inexpensive, and always hits the spot—especially when you’re in the middle of a fun-filled day at Universal Studios. 🎢 Before the hunger panic sets in, pop into Louie’s Italian Restaurant. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick slice (or a whole pie!) 🍕 that everyone in your crew will love.

This is Universal Studios, so stepping into Louie’s feels like walking onto the set of a classic mob movie. 🎬 With its vintage decor and cozy atmosphere, it’s a nice little escape from the hustle and bustle of the park. By the way, there’s more than just pizza on the menu here. 🍝 You can get Italian classics like chicken parm, meatball subs, salads 🥗 and more. Gluten-free pasta is available too! 🌟

🧀 How about your family? Does pizza regularly show up on the menu?

👋🥰 Hello, friends! It’s been a while since I introduced myself, so I thought now would be the perfect time to say hi and...
12/01/2025

👋🥰 Hello, friends! It’s been a while since I introduced myself, so I thought now would be the perfect time to say hi and share a little about me!

I’m Natalie and I’m a travel planner who works with families, couples, and fun seekers to plan vacations that create lifetime memories! Whether it’s your first trip or 20th, I’m here to make the process seamless, stress-free, and fun!

Here are a few quick facts about me:

✨ I live in Thomasville, GA but grew up in Lakeland, FL.

✨ I'm addicted to Chick-Fil-A.

✨ In this season of life, I especially love spending time with my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter. Our girl started high school this year and I am well aware that our time with her at home is short 🥺 and I'm trying to make the most it!

✨ My happy place is Magic Kingdom (but really anywhere on vacation with my family).

✨ One of my favorite vacation memories is our trip out west with stops at Disneyland, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe, NV.

✨ I specialize in planning trips to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise, Universal Orlando, Disneyland, Royal Caribbean, and other cruise lines!

🎉If you’re new here, WELCOME! This is where I share tips, updates, and inspiration for your dream vacations. If you’ve been here a while, THANK YOU for being a part of our community.🥰

Shrek & friends are BACK! 🧅💚 After Shrek 4-D closed back in 2022, fans wondered what was next for our swamp-loving ogre....
11/01/2025

Shrek & friends are BACK! 🧅💚 After Shrek 4-D closed back in 2022, fans wondered what was next for our swamp-loving ogre. Now, he’s returned in a BIG way with immersive experiences and interactions in Universal Orlando’s DreamWorks Land! 🎉✨ Here are just a few things to look forward to:

💦 Shrek’s Swamp - A play area where little ogres can get the wiggles out and even splash around! No worries, there are walk-in drying machines nearby! 🌬️

📸 Shrek’s Swamp Meet - Get your photo taken with the big green guy himself, Princess Fiona and Donkey. At least when they aren’t busy making waffles! 🧇

🥨 Swamp Snacks - Treats and snacks fit for an ogre...including a Shrekzel, a Shrek-shaped pretzel!

🍿🎥 It’s been a minute since there was a new Shrek movie, so be sure you watch it before your visit to brush up on the story and characters to make the absolute most of your time in this fun and interactive new land.

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Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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Castle and Cruise Adventures, LLC

Travel Agency 🏰🛳Helping families plan amazing family vacations and cruises! We specialize in Disney destinations and Cruises, Universal Orlando, Royal Caribbean International, and AmaWaterways River Cruising. ✨[email protected]🎟FREE FastPass List ⬇️castleandcruiseadventures.com/free-resources