family travel

Britney’s Gulf Shores Beach Tips & Must Do’s

March 22, 2021 By Marvelous Mouse Travels Leave a Comment

Britney’s Gulf Shores Beach Tips & Must Do’s

Top Restaurant Picks!

The Original Oyster House Boardwalk

The Steamer Baked Oyster Bar

Ruby Slippers (popular for brunch)

Lulu’s Gulf Shores

Flip Flop Deli Shop (great sandwiches)

The Hangout Gulf Shores

DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen

The Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Head down to the Stateline and get Louisiana Lagniappe

Lambert’s Café (Foley)

Must Do’s

The Hangout for live music & party vibe!

Pirates Island Adventure Gold

A Family crab hunt (catch and release) at night!

The Track – Gulf Shores (arcade fun and go carts)

Outlet malls (Tanger, Merrell and more!)

The Park at OWA – Amusement Park (Foley)

Alabama Coast Zoo

Dolphin Boat Tour

Ready to discover the Gulf Shores? Reach out to our Marvelous Mouse Agent Britney Keirsey! https://www.facebook.com/BritneyMMT

Top 10 Things To Do In Clearwater Beach!

March 12, 2021 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Just north and west of St Petersburg and Tampa, you’ll find the beautiful sandy beaches of
Clearwater sprawling along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. The area has a subtropical climate, so
it’s always amazing to cool off in the water – but don’t miss out on Clearwater’s inland
attractions. Hop on the Jolley Trolley to tour the town in comfort, or take a stroll on historic
Cleveland Street to enjoy a busting entertainment scene.

1. Clearwater Beach
What is it? A family-friendly white-sand beach has shallow water and an active nightlife.
What makes it unique? Follow the causeway to this barrier island for the area’s best
sandy beaches and a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60. You’ll find beach volleyball
tournaments, kids playing in gentle waves, and lovely sugary sand. Sunset festivities
include street performers and free outdoor movies.

For more information: http://attractions.timeout.com/en/11312/Orlando-
attractions/Clearwater-Beach/d663-a1136

2. Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill
A casual waterfront eatery serving fresh seafood and signature cocktails.
Locals know this is the best place in town for great food in a relaxed environment. It’s
been that way since it opened in 1926. Their grouper sandwich is a popular favorite, but
you also won’t want to miss the house burgers served on toasted brioche buns. Save
room for tasty key lime pie.
For more information: https://palmpavilion.com/

3. Big Storm Brewing Company
An award-winning craft brewery with all-day pub fare.
Big Storm Brewing Co is part of the local Craft Beer Trail, but this is the must-visit
watering hole if you only have time for one round. In addition to a huge variety of
stouts, ales, and lagers, you won’t want to miss the menu of shared plates, local
seafood, and grass-fed beef burgers. Drop in for trivia night and order a beer flight to
sample Big Storm’s most popular brews.
For more information: https://www.bigstormbrewery.com/

4. Capitol Theatre
A historic art deco-style theater now hosting musical acts and classic films.
Step back in time at the old-school Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater. The venue
opened in 1921 as a home to vaudeville performances and movies, and reopened in
2000 after extensive renovations. Take a balcony seat for a night of live jazz, touring
comedians, or a movie like ‘The Sound of Music’.
For more information: https://www.rutheckerdhall.com/bilheimer-capitol-theatre

5. Aspirations Winery
A family-owned micro-winery producing small-batch low-sulfite wines.
It may feel like a scavenger hunt as you navigate through an industrial complex to find

this hidden Clearwater gem, but your reward includes sipping free samples of award-
winning wine. The behind the scenes tour is extremely popular, providing guests a

thorough winemaking experience topped off with a flight of five wines. Be sure to try
Chocolate Grand Finale – a classic port for chocolate lovers.
For more information: https://aspirationswinery.com/

6. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
An aquarium focused on rescuing and rehabilitating local marine life.
Remember the Warner Brothers film, ‘Dolphin Tale’? It was filmed right here at
Clearwater Marine Aquarium and there are plenty more inspiring stories to take in
during a tour. Whenever a local critter is injured or ill, this team of biologists and

veterinarians work to rehab the wild sea creature so it can return to its original home.
All the while, guests are invited to visit the dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and more.
For more information:

http://attractions.timeout.com/en/11312/tours/Clearwater/Clearwater-Marine-
Aquarium-General-Admission/d22457-7327P1

7. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
A colorful beachfront dining venue with pool tables and live music.
Pull up a chair on the back patio for great views of the beach along the Gulf of Mexico.
This casual eatery focuses on local seafood and specialty salads, though the tacos pair
nicely with a rum runner from the bar. Daily live music adds to the cheerful community
vibe here, and the service is top notch.
For more information: https://frenchysonline.com/frenchys-rockaway/

8. The Florida Botanical Gardens
A dog-friendly county park with nature trails and wildlife across more than 25 different
gardens.
This free-admission 120-acre park is open year-round and it’s perfect for leisurely strolls
with the family. In addition to aromatic rose gardens and butterfly habitats, the park is
home to hundreds of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Catch a glimpse of an alligator,
explore the tropical fruit garden, or follow the Art in the Gardens trail.
For more information: https://www.flbgfoundation.org/

9. Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar
A popular beachfront bar and grill with live music and dancing.
Shephard’s is the go-to spot for live reggae and rock on a waterfront stage. Join the
party on the dancefloor or kick back on the patio to watch the sunset with a margarita in
hand. No need to dress up. Resort-casual is the norm, with beach bums and vacationers
mingling with locals. Curb late-night hunger with fish tacos, chicken wings, and Angus
beef burgers.
For more information: https://www.shephards.com/venues

10. Clearwater Beach Uncorked – Returning November 6 & 7, 2021
An annual food, wine, and microbrew festival celebrating local chefs and restaurateurs.
For two days each year (dates vary between November and December), thousands
descend on Clearwater Beach to nibble, sip, and celebrate regional culinary excellence.
Local chefs compete and provide cooking demonstrations while Clearwater residents
take part in unlimited wine tastings. Insider tip: don’t miss the dessert tent!
For more information: http://savortheburg.com/

Don’t Make This Mistake When Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

March 5, 2021 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Before visiting the parks make sure you watch a few if not all of the movies! There are so many hidden things throughout the Wizarding World. Even if you are not a Potter fan, to truly get the full experience you will need some background on what is going on!

As a Muggle it may be hard to find the entrance to the Wizarding World in Universal Studios so when you find 12 Grimmauld Place and spot the night bus, you will know you are close!

When you do find Diagon Alley be sure to pay attention to the details it is incredible! My personal favorite is Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.

However each shop is so fun to explore and see come to life!

You also will be able to ride Gringotts which is inside the bank and should not be missed!

Now here is where you can make a big mistake, without a park to park ticket you won’t be able to ride the Hogwarts Express! Each way is a different experience and it may be the highlight of the Wizarding World. Also, without a park to park or multi day ticket you will only experience half of the Wizarding World! Don’t make this mistake!

When you are ready to head to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade you will board the Hogwarts Express, Hermoine, Ron and Harry just may be heard at one point on the train.

When you arrive at Hogsmeade you will actually be in the other park – Islands of Adventure. This is where you will find the castle and the highly sought after – Hagrids Motorbike ride.

No matter the wait time. Hagrids should not be missed. Riding the motorbike and riding in the side car are 2 completely different experiences and I highly recommend trying both!

Of course you can’t visit and not try Butter Beer! I absolutely love the frozen one!

So much to do and so much to see on both sides of the parks! Did you know when you buy tickets from me you also receive an extra hour in Harry Potter World for no additional cost? You will need the extra time to explore!

Be sure to check out the castle during the day and at night! So much more magical at night in my opinion. Hagrids also is really fun with everything all lit up and not knowing what is in front of you. I would love to help you plan your visit to the Wizarding World! Be sure to get that park to park ticket so you experience everything as well as book through me for that early park admission!

Contact our Marvelous Mouse agent Nikki Kennedy to get started planning your Epic Universal vacation! https://www.facebook.com/NikkiMMT/

Be sure to grab your copy of our brand new Universal Travel Guide! https://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Guide-Universal-Orlando-2021-ebook/

A Marvelous Guide to Universal Orlando is Finally Here!!

February 25, 2021 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Universal Orlando Guide

We are so excited to share that not only is our universal guide book finished, but it is already a best seller in its category on Amazon! The idea for this guide started in January of 2020. We love Universal and felt that there was a need for a comprehensive guide and decided to create our own.

It was a true labor of love creating this guidebook for you all!!!

Throughout the year we worked on making sure every single aspect of Universal Orlando Resort was covered in our book. We made sure that not only did we have all the facts, but our own personal touches as well. This book includes EVERYTHING: recommendations voted on by our 250+ agents, fun facts, a complete guide to the Wizarding World, itineraries, traveling both with kids and adults only, even a drinking challenge that includes our very own specialty drink at Finnegans! And so much more!

We edited each section multiple times to make sure we had the most up to date and current information to share with you all. The guide finally came together in the beginning of February when the authors all stayed in a hospitality suite at Royal Pacific for 3 nights. We spent every waking moment focused on putting the finishing touches on our years worth of work.

We hope that you will enjoy this guide and be able to see just how much passion went into writing it. We all not only love Universal, but we love what we do as travel agents and we are so incredibly proud of “A Marvelous Guide to Universal Orlando.”

We encourage you to grab a copy at the link below and let us know what you think, and what your favorite part is!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WK3YB7Q/

Universal Orlando Height Requirements

February 12, 2021 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Safety is the number one concern at Universal theme parks. We want all guests and visitors of the Universal theme parks to have fun and be safe. At each ride entrance, there is posted signs with the height requirements for riders along with any health warnings. At the front of each park is also a board showing all the heights of the rides in one place so you can easily see which ride your child may be tall enough for.

A Team Member at each ride will check the child’s height and let you know if they are OK to ride. A Team Member further in the que may also ask to recheck their height before allowing them to board. This is always for their safety. I suggest talking to your children in advance if there’s a chance they may not be tall enough to ride an attraction they’re excited for. Remind them why the height requirement is there and assure them it’s for their safety. If the aren’t tall enough for a ride, the gift shops are a great way to still experience it and bring home a souvenir.

Attractions also have warnings posted if needed for pregnant woman or those with certain health concerns. Always check the signage before entering a que if you’re concerned. The Team Members are also there to help if you have any questions about the ride.

The follow is the list of all attractions at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Happy riding!

Universal Studios Orlando Height Requirements

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™*
Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Revenge of the Mummy™*
Must be at least 48″ (122cm).
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon™
Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster™
Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
The Simpsons Ride™
Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™*
Must be at least 51″ (130cm) and no more than 79″ (200cm).
E.T. Adventure™
Must be at least 34″ (86cm). Children between 34″–48″ (86cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™
Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion. Persons under 40″ (102cm) must experience this attraction from an adjacent stationary seat.
TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged™
Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

Islands of Adventure Height Requirements

Skull Island: Reign of Kong™
Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
Must be at least 40″ (102cm). Children between 40″–48″ (102cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
Must be at least 54″ (137cm).
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®*
Must be at least 52″ (132cm).
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®*
Must be at least 44″ (112cm). Children between 44″–48″ (112cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges®
Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Jurassic Park River Adventure™
Must be at least 42″ (107cm). Children between 42″–48″ (107cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Pteranodon Flyers™
Please note that Pteranodon Flyers™ is designed for children 36″–56″ (91cm-142cm) tall. A child meeting this requirement must accompany guests over 56″ (142cm) tall. Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Flight of the Hippogriff™
Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™*
Must be 48″ (122cm).
Cat in the Hat™
Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™
Must be at least 36″ (91cm). Children between 36″–48″ (91cm-122cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

*These rides have test seats available so that guests can determine comfort and fit for themselves before riding.

Thank you to our Marvelous Mouse agent Marisha Gordon for this helpful information! If you are interested in a Universal Orlando vacation reach out to Marisha https://www.facebook.com/TravelsByMarisha or our agency https://marvelousmousetravels.com/contactus/ to be connected with a Universal Specialist!