Laughing Lindsay

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Spring in Colonial Williamsburg Guide

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Last year my husband and I took a trip to experience Spring in Colonial Williamsburg. Since we are approaching the official start of this season, I thought I would do a little guide on it.

Spring in Colonial Williamsburg

Spring in Colonial Williamsburg

Having previously posted a Winter in Williamsburg guide last year, I thought I would do a springtime one highlighting the differences between the seasons. While winter will be January, February, and most of March, spring is late March, all of April, and most of May.

We visited in early May and were pleased with the trip. It was warmer than when we visited in March. However, a few days were a little chilly and there was some rain. So, definitely check the weather forecast to pack the right clothes. On this trip, we really enjoyed walking around and seeing the gorgeous flowers in bloom! The gardens were also full of produce. Plus, we got to see some adorable lambs in the fields! I highly recommend a spring trip to CW if you enjoy the outdoors.

Tips for Visiting in the Spring

  • Check the calendar for special events – In March, CW celebrates Women’s History Month with special talks and events. Additionally, Drummer’s Call or a showcase of 18th century music happens every spring. Plus, there’s the annual Memorial Day celebrations.
  • Check the weather forecast – The first few days we were in the area, it was chilly. Then, it warmed up nicely. However, there were a few afternoon rainstorms as well. So, I recommend looking at the forecast before packing or heading out.
  • Expect moderate crowds – CW is almost always less crowded than a theme park. However, spring can be busy with families on spring break as well as school field trips. So, expect larger crowds than you might see in the winter months but fewer than the summer or holiday months.
  • Expect moderate prices – Since the crowds are moderate, so are the lodging prices. Winter is definitely the cheapest time to go, with spring being a little more expensive. However, it is way cheaper than during the holidays.
  • Book dining in advance – I still recommend booking your Tavern dinner or tea in advance simply due to the limited availability. I have a whole guide to Colonial Williamsburg dining if you are trying to decide where to eat. There are some other dining options within walking distance outside of the historic area that don’t require reservations though.

Is Spring in Colonial Williamsburg worth it?

We really enjoyed our time in Colonial Williamsburg during the spring. The weather was mostly pleasant. It was a little more crowded, but not overly so (unlike Christmastime). Plus, it was neat to look at the gardens and animals. Have you ever visited during the spring months?

Save Money at Universal Orlando Resort

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With a brand new park opening later this year, many people may be wondering how to save money at Universal Orlando Resort. So, I thought I would share a few of my favorite tips to help people out.

Save Money at Universal Orlando

Save Money at Universal Orlando

Visiting any theme park can be expensive. I actually wrote a general how to spend less at theme parks post a while back. This post will focus on Universal Orlando Resort exclusively as there are little things you can do to save money on your trip, if you are willing to do some research and math. Here are some ways that I have saved money on a trip as well as a few ways I’ve heard of but haven’t actually done.

Save with Packages

  • Package deals – Universal almost always has some sort of promo that involves booking a room and ticket package with them directly. Sometimes, you can save a good bit of money with these packages. However, you have to pay attention to the details. If you were only planning to visit for a few days and the deal involves staying longer, then it’s probably not saving you any money. Also, a longer ticket means more nights in the hotel. Do the math before booking!
  • Special Offers – Similar to my save at Disney World post, I’m going to encourage you to keep an eye on the special offers page on the UO site. They drop new promos pretty consistently. However, you once again need to do the math on them before booking as they typically require a minimum number of nights.

Ticket Deals

  • Xfinity ticket deals – Xfinity/Comcast customers can sometimes get a deal on theme park tickets. I actually purchased tickets through them for a trip back in the fall, but had to cancel due to a hurricane. UO was able to cancel and refund my tickets directly, which was very useful.
  • Third party ticket deals – I’ve never actually purchased tickets from an outside vendor, however I’ve heard you can save a good bit. Personally, I would rather spend a few dollars extra for the piece of mind that I can call UO directly if I encounter a problem (like a hurricane) rather than dealing with the customer service of an outside entity that may not be as understanding.
  • Annual Pass – An annual pass would grant your admission to the parks for a year. It would also give you access to special hotel discounts. However, you would need to do the math to see if you are visiting enough days to come out ahead.

Save on Hotels

  • Third party hotel deals – Again, I’ve never actually done this. However, you can book Universal hotels on third party hotel sites. I’m not sure that you save much doing this, but it can be done. Again, I prefer the cancellation policies at Universal and prefer to deal with them directly.
  • Stay off-site – I’ve never visited Universal when I wasn’t staying on-site. However, I know lots of people like to rent a house or stay off-site to save money. Keep in mind you would also need to budget for transportation to/from the parks or parking and a rental car. Also, pay attention to cancellation policies, especially during hurricane season.

Save on Food and Merch

  • Food and beverage card promos – In the past, my mom and I have purchased a food and beverage gift card at Mardi Gras that was on a discount. So, it was like getting an extra discount on food.
  • Annual Pass – Currently, the two most expensive tiers of annual passes get you a discount on food and merch.
  • Buy souvenirs early – You can find regular IP (Marvel, Harry Potter, etc.) shirts on Amazon or at your local stores for much cheaper than you can in the parks.

How do you save money at Universal?

These are the ways I have either personally used to save money or have heard of others using to save money at Universal Orlando. Did I miss any? How do you save?

Universal Orlando Seasonal Events Guide

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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

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

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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

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?

Epcot Festival of the Holidays Guide

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The Epcot Festival of the Holidays begins on Friday! So, here’s a little guide to help anyone planning a trip there!

Epcot Festival of the Holidays

Epcot Festival of the Holidays

This limited time event held at Walt Disney World usually begins on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and lasts until near the end of the year. In 2024, that’s November 29th to December 30th. During this time, you can expect to encounter special holiday entertainment and food booths scattered around World Showcase. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect.

Holiday Kitchens

Personally, one of the biggest draws of any festival held at Epcot is the addition of the food booths. This festival refers to them as Holiday Kitchens. The kitchens are mostly themed after specific countries and reflect their holiday food traditions. Last year, I enjoyed the Japan booth with the sushi tree and the potato latkes at the L’Chaim booth.

Additionally, there’s always a Cookie Stroll you can participate in. There are several cookies available for purchase at the booths. If you purchase select ones, you can complete the challenge and earn a free reward! The prize is typically a special cookie and maybe some milk!

Entertainment

During this festival, there’s lots of special entertainment to enjoy. Several of the countries have their own Holiday Storytellers or cast members from their respective countries telling the stories and traditions of the holidays in their home countries. It’s so neat to walk around the park and hear festive stories from different countries!

There’s also JOYFUL!, a show that celebrates Christmas and Kwanzaa. You can also meet and get your picture taken with Santa at the Odyssey Pavilion this year.

Lastly, there’s also the holiday scavenger hunt around the park. This year’s Olaf Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt involves purchasing a hunt map for $9.99, going around the park to identify the holiday traditions and placing the sticker in the corresponding spot on your map. Then, you return the completed map for a prize!

Candlelight Processional

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Candlelight Processional offering. It’s one of the most popular seasonal entertainment offerings at Epcot. I wrote a whole post last year on the Candlelight Processional Dining Package at Epcot Review. While it was an expensive evening, it was delightful to have a good meal at a restaurant at Epcot and guaranteed seating for the show with a celebrity narrator. My mom and I were lucky enough to see John Stamos on the night we went.

Festival of the Holidays Tips

  • Plan for at least one full day – We spent an entire day in Epcot last year and still didn’t see everything at the festival. I could see popping over to Epcot if you have a Park Hopper ticket to enjoy some evening entertainment or to grab some food.
  • Space out the meals – We ate breakfast for the dining package, skipped lunch, and ate dinner from the booths. That worked well for us.
  • Get a gift card – Personally, I always purchase a Disney gift card to use at the festivals so I don’t have to keep track of receipts after visiting the booths. Also, those gift cards are a good way to earn fuel points at Kroger. Alternatively, Epcot usually has a special themed gift card on a bracelet for each festival that’s especially handy.
  • Check the schedule – It’s good to go in with a rough idea of things you like to see and their times. However, I also recommend just leisurely strolling World Showcase for the holiday vibes.

So, have you ever visited the Epcot Festival of the Holidays? What are your tips?