Laughing Lindsay

Travel Reviews, Giveaways, & More!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town Guide

By Leave a Comment

Last year, my mom and I got to experience Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town for the first time. I didn’t find too many reviews or guides about it prior to visiting, so I thought I would create one.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town

Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town

Christmas Town is what Busch Gardens theme parks call their annual Christmas event. With special shows, lights, and entertainment, it’s one of the more affordable yet enjoyable Christmas theme park events, in my opinion. My mom and I visited using my Annual Pass and a free bring-a-friend pass. So, it was almost like it was free. Haha!

Attractions

My mom and I don’t really visit theme parks to ride the rides. We are more show/food/ambiance people. However, I wanted to point out that technically some of the rides are open during this event, in case that interests some folks. Although, not everything is open, especially when the temperature drops.

Shows

I think the shows are some of the most enjoyable aspects of this event. Last year, we enjoyed the show at Das Festhaus and Scrooge No More! It looks like Das Festhaus is getting a new show for 2025: Christmas Town Live! I’m sure it will be just as good as the old show. I highly recommend Scrooge No More! I was impressed with the ghosts.

I also highly recommend checking out some of the light shows. The Polar Pathway: Spectacle of Lights is worth catching at least once. The Celebration of Lights at O’Tannenbaum was also nice.

I had wanted to see ‘Twas that Night. Unfortunately, it wasn’t on the schedule for the day we visited. So, I would encourage everyone to consult the schedule to plan out your day.

The Ambiance

I would also like to point out how nicely the park is decorated for the holidays. It was nice to just walk around and take it all in. It was a cold night, but the lights and decor are top notch.

The Food

If there’s one part that’s lacking, it’s the food. Beyond a few drinks and desserts, the park doesn’t really do a holiday dining menu. Most of the restaurants have their regular menus. That’s one of the reasons why we did Santa’s Fireside Feast. It allowed us to enjoy some nice seasonal food while indoors.

Busch Gardens Christmas Town Tips

  • Keep an eye out for details – Busch Gardens doesn’t get in much of a hurry to release info. Last year, the details were released in late October. However, most people have their trips planned by then.
  • Look at the schedule – Not every show is performed everyday. Also, they have limited hours during the Christmas event.
  • Rope drop – With the park being open so few hours, it’s important to maximize each one. Arrive early to get a jumpstart.
  • Take time for shows and decor – Even though you may feel rushed, it’s worth it to pause and see a show.

Should you go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town?

I believe this was my mom’s favorite day of the entire trip. She really enjoyed the shows and seeing the lights. I think if you are visiting the area around the holidays, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party Guide

By Leave a Comment

Last year, I was able to do a Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom! So, just in case anyone else is considering doing the same thing, I thought I’d make a little post to help.

Solo Mickey's Christmas Party

Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party

For those who don’t know, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event held at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on select nights in November and December. I’ve been lucky enough to attend this party several times with my mom. In fact, you can read my general Very Merry party advice in an old post. Last year, I decided to attend it by myself for the first time!

Mickey’s Very Merry By Myself

As per usual, I entered the park prior to the 7 o’clock party start time. This year, I had an early dinner at The Plaza Restaurant. I got the Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich with fries. It’s basic, but good. Having traveled all day, I was really hungry and this hit the spot.

After dinner, I enjoyed the ambiance of the holidays in Magic Kingdom by sitting at a table in front of the restaurant. Right before the party began, I decided to get in line to see Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Scrooge McDuck. Unfortunately, Scrooge ended up missing the picture since he was counting his money. That’s ok, I got a picture with him the next night at Jollywood Nights.

After the meet and greet, I grabbed a few cookies to take with me before wandering over to the dessert party. After standing in line (and traveling all day), it felt nice to sit down with some treats. During the party, another family started talking to me and we had a nice chat about Disney and other travel destinations. Then, we headed over to the Garden Plaza for fireworks viewing.

Following the fireworks, I got a spot on Main Street for the parade. I love the Christmas parade! It’s a must-see every time, for me. After the parade, I hit up the remaining cookie spots and met Mickey before exiting the park.

Tips

  • Do what you want – Do you want to stand in a long line to meet characters? Do it. Want to sit down and just enjoy being in the park? Do it. It’s your trip.
  • Have a list – I didn’t have a concrete plan for this trip considering it was last minute. However, I knew I wanted to see the parade, meet Donald, see the fireworks, and get some cookies. The party goes fast, so having an idea of what you want to accomplish helps.
  • Go fast or go slow – I tend to walk pretty quickly in a theme park, particularly when I’m alone. So, it’s nice to walk at my own speed. However, I also made time to sit down and chill during this party.
  • Consider a dessert party – The fireworks viewing included with the dessert party was nice to get away from some of the crowds. However, it can also be easier to snag a spot when you are alone. It depends what you value.
  • Don’t be afraid – It’s not awkward to meet the characters by yourself. Also, I often have conversations with other families when I’m in the parks. You might be attending alone, but that doesn’t mean you will be lonely.

Should you attend a Solo Mickey’s Christmas Party?

I love traveling by myself. However, it’s not for everyone. I enjoy going at my own speed and doing what I want to, when I want to. I also understand wanting to share the experience with someone else. I think it comes down to individual circumstances, but I think most people can enjoy a party by themselves.

Solo Disney Jollywood Nights Guide

By Leave a Comment

Last year, I was lucky enough to do a Solo Disney Jollywood Nights event! So, I thought I would share what it was like and offer some advice for anyone considering doing the same.

Solo Disney Jollywood Nights

Solo Disney Jollywood Nights

Just in case you forgot, Jollywood Nights is a separately ticketed add-on event held after the regular park hours at Hollywood Studios. New in 2023, it’s a jazzy holiday themed party. It’s target audience leans more adults than children (versus Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party held at Magic Kingdom). Lots of people enjoy dressing up for this event. Thus far, I have worn a sparkly shirt of some sort with plain bottoms to match the weather. However, there isn’t a dress code.

What I Did

Having previously attended the Christmas Event in 2023, I knew what to expect at this party. I think that helped immensely as I knew I didn’t want to waste party time on the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing Along. However, I also knew that I wanted to see the show with the Muppets and the Jingle Bell! Jingle Bam! Fireworks Show again. I also fit in the Glisten ice skating show since it was new and it’s near the location of the fireworks.

Aside from the three shows, I mainly spent my time running around and meeting rare characters! I loved meeting The Mandalorian and Grogu! I wouldn’t make my mom wait in line for that, but it felt cool to see them. I also met Mickey and Minnie together as well as Donald and Daisy together dressed up in their special outfits for the party. Additionally, I met Scrooge McDuck, Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers, and Max Goof as Powerline.

I even saw Muppet Vision 3D one last time. I also took a stroll around the area just to take it all in before they change the area over to Monsters Inc.

Tips

  • Take your time – I really enjoy sitting down at these parties to people watch. Plus, lots of people get dressed up for this event. It’s neat to see what everyone is wearing.
  • Set your own pace – I ran around the park to see lots of characters and some shows. However, that’s the beauty of going by yourself. You can go fast or slow.
  • Have an idea of things you’d like to experience – If you know which shows you want to see and their schedule, you can work things around them.
  • Don’t be nervous to meet characters – I meet characters by myself often. It’s no big deal. Just don’t hold up the line by taking too many photos.
  • Leave whenever you want – I actually left the party a little early. I had managed to do just about everything I wanted to, so I left a little early.

Should you do a Solo Disney Jollywood Nights?

I really enjoyed myself last year. I have no regrets. However, I could see where a more outgoing person would want to share the night with someone. I think it’s totally fine to attend events and travel by yourself. I also understand that it may not be for everyone. You know yourself. Do what feels right. This event is ideal for someone who likes meeting rare characters in a more snazzy, grown up setting. It’s also ideal for people who love the holidays.

24 Hours in Charleston South Carolina Guide

By Leave a Comment

Back in April, my mom and I spent 24 hours in Charleston, South Carolina! So, I thought I would outline what we did in case someone else in wondering what they can do with a short amount of time in the Holy City.

24 Hours in Charleston

24 Hours in Charleston

As I mentioned in my Indigo Inn review, we added a night in Charleston on to our trip to Myrtle Beach. It was also our first time visiting. So, we looked at lots of different activities and restaurants before deciding what to do and where to go. We ended up picking the things that were of the most interest to us and tried to stay in a hotel near where the stuff we wanted to do was located.

Charleston Tea Garden

We began our visit to the city by going to the Charleston Tea Garden. I’ve already written a whole Charleston Tea Garden Guide detailing our experience there. However, suffice it to say that we enjoyed it and found it to be fun and educational. I will say it’s ideal for folks with a car as it’s not really located in Charleston proper. Also, you need to devote time to getting there and back.

Charleston Carriage Ride

After checking into our hotel, we headed over to Old South Carriage Co. for a carriage tour of the historic area. We booked this carriage ride online ahead of time to ensure we didn’t miss it if they sold out. I don’t know if it makes a difference or not, but they did place us in the front of the carriage ride. There are several companies in the same area offering a carriage ride and they have divided up the city into areas so that the carriages aren’t all in the same area. So, you can repeat the carriage ride and potentially see something new each time.

It was so nice to sit down and learn about this historic area. Everyone was free to ask questions as we went too. So, it’s truly a unique experience that I highly recommend. It was also the perfect way to begin our stay here as it gave us the lay of the land.

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row refers to a block of houses that are brightly colored. It’s often featured on merchandise or other images of the city. We rode over to see them, just to be able to say we saw them. I took a few pictures and then we headed back up the road. It’s not necessarily a must-see experience, but it is nice to say you’ve been there.

Foodie Paradise

We had a difficult time deciding where to eat because there’s a plethora of options! Virtually every corner has a highly rated restaurant. We ended up eating at Hyman’s Seafood for dinner. Lots of famous folks have eaten here over the years and their picture is up on the wall to prove it! I enjoyed my lobster and shrimp roll.

Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market is a historic landmark. First established in the 1790s and stretching for four city blocks, it’s a must visit. There are countless vendors to visit and you can easily spend hours here. We started our morning here and I got Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit for breakfast. Then, we did some shopping before heading home. I think it was the perfect way to end our quick trip to Charleston.

24 Hours in Charleston

Charleston is a place that I’ve been wanting to visit for a while. So, I’m happy I was finally able to see what the hype is all about. It’s a relaxing place with lots of good food. It’s a city I hope I can return to someday. Have you ever visited?

Canceling an Orlando Trip Due To Weather

By Leave a Comment

Are you considering canceling an Orlando trip due to weather? If so, I have some advice for you.

Canceling an Orlando Trip due to weather

Canceling an Orlando Trip Due to Weather

As you may know, hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. However, it typically peaks sometime from mid-August to mid-October (aka September). Now that it’s September, you may be considering canceling an Orlando trip due to weather (either to Walt Disney World or to Universal). Unfortunately, I have now had two planned fall trips impacted by hurricanes. During those experiences, I learned about the severe weather policies at each resort. So, I thought I would highlight those policies and share what my experience was like.

Canceling a Universal Orlando Trip

In general, Universal will you allow you to cancel a hotel room 5 days before your arrival for a refund of the deposit paid. However, tickets are not typically refundable, although you may be able to change their dates.

Anyone considering a trip to UO during hurricane season, show know about their severe weather policy and page. They typically update that page when a hurricane or tropical storm is predicted to impact the resort. While they make every effort to remain open, they do sometimes close the parks and cancel Halloween Horror Nights for hurricanes. UO will allow you to cancel the portion of your trip booked directly with them whenever a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued for Orlando OR your place of residence if it’s within 7 days of your arrival for a full refund.

I had a trip booked last October to experience HHN solo again. However, Hurricane Milton had other ideas. While I was at home, under a water boil notice thanks to Hurricane Helene the National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning for Orlando. I immediately called UO to cancel and was able to get a full refund for my hotel, park tickets, and HHN tickets. Universal did have a long wait to speak to someone. However, they were very nice and didn’t give me any grief for canceling.

Canceling Walt Disney World

Similar to Universal, you are able to cancel a Disney World trip 5 days out. They also have a hurricane policy about being able to cancel for a hurricane warning for Orlando or your place of residence within 7 days of arrival.

In September 2022, my mom and I visited Universal/SeaWorld Orlando for a few days. The plan was to spend a night at Walt Disney World for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian interrupted that trip. We checked out of Aventura Hotel as planned, rented a car, and drove back up to Virginia. On the long car ride back, I called Disney to cancel that portion of the trip. After a long wait, I was able to get the hotel room refunded. The tickets for MNSSHP were turned into regular park tickets that we had a year to use. I was also able to cancel our dining reservations without penalty. The only annoyance is that we had to make a return trip within a year to use those tickets or lose the money.

Tips for Canceling for Weather

  • Wait for a warning to be issued – If you wait until a state of emergency or hurricane/tropical storm warning is issued for Orlando or your place of residence, it is policy for your hotel money to be refunded. It also makes it easier to get a refund or extension on your park tickets.
  • Be patient – You will probably have to wait a while to talk to someone to cancel your trip. Be patient and nice to the person on the other end of the phone. Also, know that it may take a few days to receive your refund.
  • Airlines may also issue a refund – Last year, American Airlines gave me a credit that I had 12 months to use when my trip to UO was cancelled. When my mom and I drove ourselves back early, we were able to get a refund for the return flight when it was canceled.
  • You will have to contact whichever company you used to book the trip – If you didn’t book your trip directly (or you used a travel agent or booked on a site offering a discount), you will have to contact those people instead and hope they have a good severe weather policy too.

Canceling an Orlando Trip Due to Weather

Traveling to the southern states during September and/or October can be fun. It can also be stressful with hurricanes impacting travel. Just be aware of the policies of the place you are visiting before it becomes important and you should be good. Also, keep an eye on the weather.