Laughing Lindsay

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Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party Review

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Last year, I booked the Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. So, I thought I would post a review of that experience in case anyone was considering booking it this year.

Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party

Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party

You may recall that I posted the Mickey’s Very Merry Dessert Party Review the other year. However, that was the party with seated Tomorrowland Terrace viewing of the fireworks. This party is a few bucks cheaper and comes with standing viewing in the Garden Plaza. So, was it worth saving a few dollars?

The Food

The food for both parties is the same. It’s an assortment of holiday goodies found at the party and other sweet treats. I’m happy to report that the apple caramel crepe was still there as were the chocolate covered strawberries! As with the other party, it’s a buffet and you can get as much as you like. I enjoy trying different goodies at these parties. However, once again, there’s very few savory options. I think it was once again mostly cheeses that was available. So, you definitely need a sweet tooth to appreciate these dessert parties.

The Dessert Party Experience

I know some people are against paying extra for this dessert party. However, I had a really long travel day with flight delays on the day of the party last year. So, it was amazing to just sit down and enjoy some sweet treats during the party. In fact a family sitting near me struck up a conversation with me about visiting solo and other locations to visit for Christmas. That was a neat way to relax prior to the fireworks. Although, it does take time away from the party itself. I’m lucky in that I’ve attended several times and don’t feel like it’s wasting time to sit down and enjoy myself.

Plaza Garden Viewing

Where the parties differ is the fireworks viewing. Instead of staying in one seat at the Terrace for fireworks, you are led over to a reserved area in the Plaza Garden for fireworks viewing. Initially, people were allowed to sit down. Although, the grass was wet from rain earlier in the day, so I remained standing. We were able to view some of Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show from the Plaza Garden Viewing area. So, that was a nice perk.

Right before the fireworks, they had everyone stand up. While I appreciated the fact that we weren’t all crammed together like you typically are for fireworks at Disney, I wasn’t super impressed with the view. I still had several people in front of me blocking the bottom part of the castle. Then, there were some poles blocking part of the view as well. It wasn’t a terrible view, but it certainly wasn’t the best either.

Is the Disney Christmas Plaza Garden Dessert Party worth it?

For 2025, the Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing costs $99/person. That’s on top of the party ticket price. So, it’s a really expensive evening. However, it was so nice to sit and enjoy some treats. Plus, I was by myself and appreciated having some breathing room during the fireworks. However, I think I will probably stick with the seated Tomorrowland Terrace viewing going forward. While I think the view of the castle and projections is probably superior in this party, I prefer staying seated if the view is going to be obstructed.

Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Review and Tips

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Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to watch the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular while visiting New York City! Seeing as how tickets are already on sale for a new season, I thought I would post a review along with some tips for attending the show. Also, I thought it made for a great little Christmas in July post!

Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

I’ve grown up seeing the Rockettes on tv since I was a little girl. However, I never thought that I would actually get to see them perform live. Back in early January, my husband and I took a quick 48 hour trip to New York City so that I could finally experience NYC at Christmas. While there, I had to see the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular! It was a wonderful evening that I won’t soon forget.

Buying Tickets

Tickets are nonrefundable. So, I waited until we were sure we were going to purchase tickets. I bought two tickets for the 8 PM show on January 2nd in November. I was able to use a discount code from QVC to save some money. Based off of my own research, I decided to go with seats in the first mezzanine in order to be able to appreciate the whole show. While we may not have seen every little detail, it was great for watching the drones and seeing various effects. I really enjoyed our view and have no regrets about my choice.

Arriving at the Show

We stayed at a hotel right beside Radio City, so we simply walked over for the show. I couldn’t imagine trying to find parking in that area. We arrived about 1 hour and 15 minutes ahead of time since they won’t allow late entry to interrupt the show. After going through some security, we had plenty of time to admire the building and find our seats.

The Experience

I had only seen the girls perform on television while advertising for the show, so I had no real idea what to expect. I was surprised by the length of the show and the scale of it. I really enjoyed the holiday tunes and wonderful choreography. The drones and other effects were really neat too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this show. There’s a reason it’s a classic must-do when in NYC at Christmastime. I think my husband may have even enjoyed the show.

Tips

  • Buy tickets in advance – The earlier you book, the better the selection of seats.
  • Look out for discounts – Last year, QVC put out a nice discount code that I was able to use on our tickets to save a good bit.
  • Give some thought to where you want to sit – If you want to see the little details on costumes, then maybe sit in the orchestra section in front of the stage. If you want more of an overall view, then a mezzanine seat is perfect!
  • Arrive early – They won’t allow you to interrupt the show if you are late. So, arrive early to appreciate the historic building you are in and to find your seats.
  • Eat before the show – They don’t allow outside food or beverages in the venue. So, eat a nice dinner before the show.
  • Put the phone away – They have a strict no photography/videography policy for the show. I took a few photos of the building and then put my phone away. Besides, I don’t know that a phone would do a good job of capturing the show anyways.

Should you attend the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular?

If you are someone who grew up watching these ladies perform on tv, then I think it’s a must-do. If you are someone who wants to do the classic NYC Christmas experiences, then it’s definitely a must-do. If you don’t appreciate shows, art, or Christmas, then maybe you can skip it. I’m not sure if I will make the effort to see the show again. However, it did make me want to take a tour of the venue just to see how that stage works.

Tips to Celebrate Each Season

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Now that it’s the beginning of a new year, I’d like to share a few tips to celebrate each season.

Tips to Celebrate Each Season

Tips to Celebrate Each Season

Personally, I need little things to look forward to doing. I love that each season is so different (at least in Virginia) and has different activities and holidays to look forward to. Fall and Winter with Halloween and Christmas tend to get the most attention. However, I enjoy bringing the same enthusiasm for the season and activities to the rest of the year. So, here are some of the little (affordable) ways I like to celebrate each season!

  • Crafts – Over the past couple of years, I gotten more into painting door hangers and little items. I love that Target has even started offering different seasonal crafts. I also just purchased a paint by number canvas from Aldi. I also have a few color by number books. Crafts ease my anxiety and brighten my day. So, it’s fun to make seasonal crafts to hang up or just look at while you color.
  • Decorate – This one often goes along with crafts, but I enjoy changing out the decor around my home. I’m always home and the plain walls can be boring to look at. So, it’s nice to switch out a few items every few months.
  • Bake – I love to bake! I enjoy making seasonal treats. Give me all of the pumpkin and apple in fall. I love blueberries, lemon, and lime in summer. Winter is great for chocolate or spice. Spring is the perfect time to make my grandma’s rhubarb pie.
  • Pancakes – I know this ones seems really random, but it’s a really affordable way to celebrate the season. Walmart (and sometimes Target, Trader Joe’s, or Aldi) will carry special seasonal pancake mixes. I enjoy picking up a couple each season and trying them on the weekends. I just finished off a peppermint mocha one from Walmart and am hoping Target gets their Valentine’s Day red velvet one again this year. You can also mix and match with seasonal whipped creams from Target or Aldi.
  • Travel – It should come as no surprise that I enjoy travelling to different destinations to see seasonal events. Although, I tend to avoid summer travel since it’s so hot.

How do you celebrate seasons?

Do you do anything fun to celebrate the different seasons? If so, what?

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?