Lindsay, Author at Laughing Lindsay

Universal Orlando Seasonal Events Guide

January 15, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Given that it’s a new year, I thought I would do a post highlighting the various Universal Orlando Seasonal Events that you can experience!

Universal Orlando Seasonal Events

Like most theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort tries to have something new and exciting happening in the parks pretty regularly. However, the seasonal events at UO are like no other. In fact, I firmly believe that the seasonal events is where they really shine. Everything they do is top-notch and some of the best you will encounter.

The seasonal events kick-off with Mardi Gras in early February. Then, they sometimes host some fun activities during the summer. Fall has the beloved Halloween Horror Nights. Finally, there’s the Holidays at Universal Orlando. So, here’s a look at each one of those events.

Mardi Gras

Universal Studios Florida has the best Mardi Gras event that I’ve ever experienced! In fact, I wrote a whole Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Guide a few years ago that’s still relevant. They have an amazing parade that has several classic floats and they update it each year with several new themed floats! It’s so much fun to watch the parade and catch beads. Additionally, I highly recommend riding in the parade and tossing beads at least once. You can read my review of the Mardi Gras Ride and Dine experience from 2023 at Lombard’s and my 2024 Ride and Dine experience at Finnegan’s. They also typically have concerts on most Saturday nights during the event featuring several well-known acts. Unfortunately, the schedule of concerts typically isn’t released until sometime in January. The event typically takes place from early February to the end of March.

Summer

They don’t typically have a formal summer event at the park. However, they have added some extra entertainment in recent years during the summer months. As with the other seasonal events, there’s usually a special Tribute Store to experience. They also like to open new park lands/rides at the beginning of the season. 2024 saw the new DreamWorks Land as well as a new parade and nighttime lagoon show. 2025 will bring the new Epic Universe park!

Halloween Horror Nights

HHN is probably their most popular event. In fact, it’s their only add-on ticketed seasonal event. You will be able to see some general HHN themed decor around the resort in the fall, but the props will be covered up during the day in the park. So, if you want to witness the full experience, you will have to purchase a ticket to the event. I have another Halloween Horror Nights Guide from 2023 to help you better understand what to expect at the resort during this time of the year. I also have Solo HHN Tips and did a Unmasking the Horror Tour Review. Usually, this event begins around Labor Day and goes until late October/early November.

Holidays at Universal

The Holidays at Universal usually begin in mid-November and last until the end of the year. Once again, I have a Christmas at Universal Guide that breaks down all of the things you can expect to encounter during this time of the year. The must-dos include: the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida, Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure (including meeting The Grinch), and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both parks.

Universal Orlando Seasonal Events

What is your favorite seasonal event at Universal Orlando Resort? Which one(s) are you planning to experience this year?

Disney World Epcot Festivals Guide

January 8, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Now that we have started a new year, I thought I would make a guide to the various Epcot festivals that happen during the year!

Epcot Festivals

Are you planning or considering a trip to Walt Disney World this year? If so, you may be wondering if there is a seasonal event taking place at Epcot. Unless you are travelling during the summer or other lulls at the park, then chances are you will be able to experience a special event at Epcot! I’m going to look at each of the festivals that take place over the course of a year at Epcot, beginning in January and ending in December.

Festival of the Arts

The first seasonal event at Epcot typically begins in mid-January and ends sometime around mid/late February. It’s called Festival of the Arts. It’s the newest festival at Epcot and I have a whole Epcot Festival of the Arts review from a few years ago that goes more in-depth with the various activities and some of the food you can find. In 2025, the festival will take place from January 17th to February 24th. I recommend participating in the paint by numbers mural at the front of the park and the Japan booth is always good to me. Also, I know lots of people enjoy the Disney on Broadway Concert Series that takes place at night.

Flower and Garden Festival

Around springtime, there’s a beautiful Flower and Garden Festival. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like I’ve had good luck with timing this festival right. It’s always too hot or I’m too busy with other things during a trip to really get into this festival. While I love the topiaries around the park, the weather or timing always messes with me trying the food. Sadly, I’ve also never experienced the Garden Rocks Concert Series either. Disney recently announced the dates for this festival for 2025: March 5th to June 2nd.

Food and Wine Festival

The fall time at Epcot is all about the International Food and Wine Festival. Once again, the weather and timing often interrupt my plans for enjoying this festival. It’s typically held late August/early September (begins around Labor Day) and lasts until mid/late November (ends prior to Thanksgiving). So, that’s prime hurricane season, which means that it can be hot or stormy. The one time I really got to enjoy this festival, it was late October. So, my advice for enjoy this one is to aim for later in the season for it.

Festival of the Holidays

Lastly, there’s the Festival of the Holidays. I wrote a Festival of the Holidays guide last year, which takes a closer look at the various things to do here. Additionally, I posted a Candlelight Processional dinner package review for this festival. Again, since this one is held during a cooler time of the year, I find it much easier to enjoy this one. Plus, I love Christmas! The Storytellers around the park make it fun to learn different countries holiday traditions. It’s typically held from the Friday after Thanksgiving until near the end of the year.

Things to Know About Epcot Festivals

Food – Look out for the food booths located around the park for limited food offerings to match each festival. They typically release the menus a few weeks in advance of the festival. I suggest looking it over and getting an idea of things you may want to sample before you arrive.
Night time concerts – Each of the festivals will have some sort of night time concert/entertainment with special guest (sometimes celebrity) appearances. There’s also typically some sort of dining package that includes guaranteed (not reserved) seating at the show. Again, keep an eye out for the schedule of appearances a few months to weeks in advance.
Scavenger hunts – Each festival has its own scavenger hunt that you can purchase for around $10 to complete and turn in for a special prize.
Special entertainment – Each festival will also have its own decor and feature some fun day time activities to enjoy.
Unique merchandise – It wouldn’t be a theme park event without specialty merch. Sometimes, the festival merch is really cute though.

Which Epcot festival is the best?

I’ve probably attended the Festival of the Arts the most, so it probably is the best to me. However, that’s because it’s held in January/February when it’s actually cool enough to enjoy walking and eating around the world. I love the topiaries of the Flower and Garden Festival. The Food & Wine is an institution in its own right. Who doesn’t love a good holiday themed festival? I don’t think there’s a bad one. It really just depends on what fits your schedule, in my opinion. So, which festival is your favorite?

A Look Back at 2024

December 31, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

We find ourselves at the end of another year, so I thought I would do a look back at 2024!

A Look Back at 2024

Last year, I posted a year in review of 2023. So, I thought I would continue that tradition this year. Personally, I enjoy looking back on a year to see what I did or accomplished. It can help me create new plans or dreams for the future. So, here’s a look at where I went and what I learned.

More Intentional Travel

2023 was full of trips and I was very busy. I decided towards the end of last year that I wanted to be more intentional with my time and trips in 2024. So, I set out to take fewer trips this year and I was successful on that front. In 2023 I took 9 trips! In 2024 I have taken 5. I’ve come to realize that I need at least two weeks between trips to fully recover, but at least a month is ideal. I’m hoping to carry this intentional travel and time spent at home into the new year.

Epic Solo Trip

It took me several months to figure out the jigsaw puzzle of a schedule that was my epic solo trip to Burbank/Anaheim in September! I flew into Burbank to visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Walt Disney Studios! Then, I traveled down to Anaheim to visit Disneyland for Halloween! It was an exhausting trip that included sitting in rush hour traffic for two hours! However, I am so happy that I was able to make that trip happen. I was able to check off several things I’ve been wanting to do for a while.

Virginia’s Historic Triangle

I found myself in Virginia’s Historic Triangle on two separate trips this year. I went with my husband in early May and we visited Jamestown (my second time) and Yorktown (for the first time). Then, I visited Colonial Williamsburg with my mom in December for Christmas. Both trips also included a visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

2 New Theme Parks

I was able to visit two new (to me) theme parks this year: Universal Studios Hollywood and Busch Gardens Williamsburg! In fact, I became a passholder for Busch Gardens since I visited twice and they offer bring-a-friend free passes.

Some Favorites

As I revealed in my 2023 post, I also had a trip booked for early February to Orlando. My mom and I got to experience Mardi Gras at UO again as well as Festival of the Arts at Epcot again. It was a nice trip that I’m sure we’ll repeat again sometime, but probably not in 2025. As I said in the 2023 post, we let our UO passes lapse and haven’t been back since. I had a trip booked for October of this year, but cancelled due to the hurricane.

A Look Back at 2024 Baking

I mentioned baking some new things in last year’s post, so I thought I would briefly mention it again. This year, I made my first completely from scratch pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving! It was really good! I also experimented with a no bake cheesecake, but learned that the water bath version just sets up better. I also made my first French silk pie, which was tasty! In August I made my first cherry pie. I didn’t care for it, but my family said it was good. For my birthday, I made a chocolate peanut butter cake that was too rich. Oh, well. I’ll try something else next year. I did make a pretty good key lime pie in the summer!

Looking Ahead to 2025

Once again, I’m not entirely certain where the new year will take me. However, I currently have one trip booked for next year. It’s a bucket list trip that doesn’t involve a theme park and it will happen very soon! Stay tuned to learn about that one. Beyond that, I’m not sure what I will be doing next year.

So, what are your plans for the new year? Do you have any exciting trips planned for 2025?

Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea Review

December 19, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Last week, I was able to experience the Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea with my mom. Here’s a review of that event in case you are considering booking it.

Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea

When I was a child, my mom and I attended a Mother’s Day tea at a local historical place. My mom didn’t think we would enjoy it, but I loved it! Unfortunately, due to the lack of local offerings and financial restraints, I didn’t enjoy a formal tea again for the next 20 years! Thankfully, I find myself in a better situation than I grew up in and enjoy the experience of a seasonally themed tea every so often. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to discover the grand Williamsburg Inn hosts seasonal tea events.

As a guest of the CW resorts, we were able to book this holiday offering before the general public. My mom called and booked it on September 10th. She had to pre-pay to book the reservation. It was $72/each plus service charge and tax. In total, it cost $193.54 for the both of us to enjoy this holiday experience!

The Food

The savory course included: Turkey and Sage Bread Pudding with Lingonberry Jam, Yuletide Baked Virginia Ham and Gruyere Pinwheel, Roasted Chicken with Figgy Jam, Brie, and Cress, Onion Marmalade, Herbed Chevre Truffle, Cucumber Canapés with Fire Roasted Peppers, and Mushroom & Chestnut Bisque. I really enjoyed most of these items. My favorite was the pinwheel with the bread pudding in a close second. Neither of us enjoyed the truffle (we aren’t big goat cheese fans) or bisque (too salty). I thought it was a nice touch that the cucumber canapes were tree shaped! Overall, it was a great savory course.

The Scones Service included I’m Dreaming of a Sugar Laden Stollen Scones, Christmas Spiced Devonshire Cream, Orange Marmalade, and Lemon Curd. The scone was harder/crunchier than we are used to for scones. However, it tasted good. I loved the cream and lemon curd.

The Festive Sweets included: Ginger Snaps, Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cake, Peppermint Bark Tea Cookie, American Heritage Crunch Chocolate Cup, and Eggnog Cream Tart. The ginger snap had especially hard/crunch edges with a soft center with a nice ginger flavor. I enjoyed the bundt cake even though I don’t like orange much. I guess it was light on the orange. The chocolate cup was cute with its chocolate bear! The eggnog cream tart was more sweet than eggnog and that was preferable for us. The peppermint cookie was heavy on the peppermint.

The Beverages

As for the teas, we got to sample Warmer in the Winter and Herbal Bourbon Chestnut Tea. It was the perfect flavor for the cold weather. The spice was just right. It tasted great on its own but was elevated with some sugar (cubes).

Additionally, a glass of French Sparkling Wine or Sparkling Apple Cider was included. We sampled the sparkling wine but probably should have just gotten the apple cider since we aren’t big drinkers.

The Atmosphere

I love the Williamsburg Inn. I feel fancier just walking into this place. So, enjoying a meal here is a real treat. Then, add in the holiday decor and it’s amazing! It was a wonderful surprise to have live music being played during the meal as well. The entire experience was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon at the holidays. It was probably one of my favorite things we did on this trip.

Is the Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea worth it?

This was my most expensive tea experience to date. Our local place charges about half the price. However, this was a more elevated food experience and there was live music. Also, it was on a busy Saturday in Colonial Williamsburg. I think this is great for people looking for a fancier experience or to try new foods. However, if you prefer simpler foods or a more casual atmosphere, you should probably consider somewhere else. You can look at my Colonial Williamsburg Food Guide for help in choosing another restaurant.

Santa’s Fireside Feast at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Review

December 17, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Last week, I visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg to experience Christmas Town for the first time. While there, my mom and I enjoyed Santa’s Fireside Feast! So, I thought I would do a little review on it.

Santa’s Fireside Feast

I know you’re wondering why my mom and I would book a Santa dinner. Well, it’s quite simple. Busch Gardens Williamsburg doesn’t do much in the way of special foods for the holidays. We were also concerned about long lines for food and being in the cold. So, an indoor sit down dinner sounded like a good idea to us.

We booked this meal as soon as the option was posted on the website, October 24th. We used my passholder discount, which came out to $40.50/each plus tax and fees. In total, it cost us $96.07 for the two of us to enjoy this meal since they added on a $6.49 service fee in addition to the taxes. So, what started out as a moderately expensive meal got even more expensive once we finally clicked purchase.

Sidenote: I feel like Busch Gardens/SeaWorld is the worst with pricing. They keep adding on service fees and other percentage merch fees.

The Food

With the exception of the Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food and Wine Festival Busch Gardens is not known for its food. However, this is supposed to be a holiday meal with Santa. So, the basic menu of Thanksgiving food sounded good to us. The menu consisted of carved turkey with gravy, chicken alfredo, carved ham with a brown sugar glaze, Trapper’s Smokehouse Chili, cornbread stuffing, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans with garlic, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, tossed salad, dinner rolls, Coca-Cola beverages and assorted desserts. The desserts included cookies and cupcakes.

My mom and I tried several items from the buffet. I think the chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and mac and cheese were the best options. They are very basic but they tasted good. The turkey was dry. The ham was just fine and not really worth the calories/fat in my opinion. The rolls were dry/hard, like maybe they let them sit out in the open too long. For a beverage, I initially selected the “fruit punch” expecting some sort of legitimate fruit juice or perhaps a mix they had made. Unfortunately, I was surprised with an overly sweet Hawaiian Punch. So, I went back for water.

As for desserts, I tried the red velvet cupcake and chocolate cupcake. The red velvet cupcake had a cream cheese frosting that was too much cream cheese for me. I like a blend of cream cheese and buttercream when I have cream cheese frosting. The chocolate was pretty good. Not amazing but not bad either.

Overall, I’d say the food was typical of what I expect from Busch Gardens parks. It won’t blow your socks off but everyone can find something to eat.

The Entertainment

The meal is centered around Santa being the host for this meal. It was a fun and unique treat to have Santa read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the crowd. We also got to take a photo with him and received a 6″ x 8″ photo of it. While that wasn’t really necessary for us, I can see it being a huge perk for folks with children. You can see Santa while enjoying a meal. We also enjoyed the addition of the elves for some humor throughout the experience.

Was Santa’s Fireside Feast worth it?

I think it was totally worth it at $40/each. However, once you add in the taxes and fees, the value becomes a little more debatable. Although, my mom seemed to really enjoy this meal. The food was basic but there’s something for everyone. We got to sit down in a heated room for a meal instead of roaming around the park. Plus, it felt truly festive eating here. So, if you are debating it, I think it depends heavily on your budget. You can definitely grab something to eat for much cheaper around the park and probably be happy.