I know, I know!  Every blogger always seems to have a list of Hidden Gems at Universal Orlando.  I decided it was time for me to add my two cents on this subject.  Some might not be so hidden, and some might not be so obvious, but all are our family's favorites.  Are you ready?  In no particular order, here we go!

​Traveling to Walt Disney World can be a dream come true for many families. From character meet-and-greets to thrilling rides and fireworks shows, it’s no surprise that millions of people worldwide visit this magical destination each year. With so much to see and do, planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, from choosing the right accommodations and restaurants to navigating the theme parks. This is why paying for the services of a travel professional to plan a Disney vacation is the best option for families who want to make the most of their trip.

Today, let's talk a bit about Disney's Art of Animation!  If you have teen aged girls, you NEED to know about this place!

​The Art of Animation resort in Disney World is a unique and exciting experience, providing families with the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and many opportunities for fun. With the option of sleeping six guests in their charming Family Suites complete with two separate bathrooms, staying at Art of Animation is an excellent option for multi-generational families looking for valuable accommodation options inside the park. This resort contains a long list of amenities that make it one of the top places to stay in the magical world of Disney.

,The Art of Animation resort in Disney World is a unique and exciting experience, providing families with the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and many opportunities for fun. With the option of sleeping six guests in their charming Family Suites, complete with two separate bathrooms, staying at Art of Animation is an excellent option for multi-generational families looking for that perfect place to stay inside the park. This resort contains a long list of amenities that make it one of the top places to stay in the magical world of Disney.

​The Family Suite is beautifully designed with comfortable furniture that perfectly complements the unique theming of each room. Each suite has two TVs, one in the living area and another in the separate bedroom area. This space is perfect for parents to relax after a long day exploring the parks. At the same time, the kids can happily unwind in the second area. Additionally, the mini kitchen in each suite is perfect for families on the go who want to prepare and store their own food. With a mini-fridge, sink, and microwave, guests can quickly and easily prepare meals or snacks and save money on dining in the parks.

​Another great feature of Art of Animation is the direct access to the new Disney Skyliner. This transportation system is the most recent and efficient way to access Epcot and Hollywood Studios from the resort. This modern conveyance is a true game-changer for getting seamlessly and quickly between the two most popular parks in Disney World.

​Art of Animation has a beautiful food court, Landscape of Flavors, that offers various food options for all tastes, from pizza and burgers to healthy meal options. Finding something delicious to eat here will be easy. 

​Of course, what's a resort without any fun activities? Art of Animation certainly does not disappoint when it comes to fun amenities. With three different pools available to guests, there is never a dull moment. 

​The first pool has a Finding Nemo theme, named The Big Blue Pool. Not only does it have a zero-entry, but it is also the largest pool on Disney property! With features larger-than-life characters from the Finding Nemo movies, like Bruce, the shark, and Crush, the sea turtle. 

The second pool is a tribute to The Little Mermaid, the Flippin' Fins Pool, featuring a replica of her grotto, with statues of the main characters from the movie, with the largest statue of Ariel herself!

Lastly is the Cozy Cone Pool, which features a Cars Movie theme with a replica of the Cozy Cone Motel from the movie. It is the only pool at the resort with Cabanas. They just happen to be shaped like the Cozy Cone! 

​Overall, The Art of Animation resort is great for families, especially those looking for something more valuable than just a standard hotel room. This resort has it all between the spacious Family Suites for up to six people, extraordinary theming, mini kitchen, convenient location – near Epcot and Hollywood Studios – and excellent dining options. It is no wonder that Art of Animation is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to stay in Disney World. In this place, multi-gen families feel welcome and will always find an opportunity to create magical memories.

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​Almost five years ago, I had the experience of traveling with my granddaughter and her parents on a plane for her birthday trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This experience gave me a ​ new understanding of some issues of traveling as an amputee.  

​While the airport in Atlanta did a fantastic job handling the TSA pre-check, allowing her dad to pat down the leg and examine his hands for explosive powder residue, the airport in Orlando on our return visit was not so lovely.  

​Because she did not want to take off her leg, the TSA agents did not know how to handle it. They made a loud commotion, yelling for a supervisor across the crowded airport, announcing that they had an amputee child and didn't know what to do. She had to wait in her wheelchair for a long time while they found a supervisor to decide how to handle the situation. (she uses the wheelchair for long periods of standing) In the end, the supervisor allowed her dad to do the same as in Atlanta, but they did advise her parents that when she reached 13, she would have to go through TSA independently and advised them to contact TSA Cares for future flights.  

​This incident made me decide to see what the new regulations were, if any, for air travel with a prosthetic device. The following is what I have learned.

Traveling with a special needs child to Universal Orlando requires careful planning and preparation.  To make sure you have a smooth and stress free vacation, here is a list of last-minute items to make sure you bring:

1- Medications:  Bring all necessary medications for the entire duration of the trip, as well as extra medication in case of unexpected delays.  It's also a good idea to bring a copy of the child's prescription in case they need a refill while on trip.  (Personal Tip - I always make sure that if I don't use a 'chain pharmacy', that my local pharmacist has the phone number to a pharmacy local to Universal where they can communicate in case of needing additional medication)

2-Medical Devices:  If the special Needs Child requires any specific medical devices, such as wheelchair or mobility aid, don't forget to bring them along.  You may want to bring extra batteries or chargers for these devices if needed. (Personal Tip - we usually rent a wheel chair or larger stroller to use 'as wheelchair' or a scooter.  Less things to worry about packing.  So, make sure you bring the confirmations on these if you go this route.)

Today we are going to continue our discussion about Why a Special Needs Family Should Use a Travel Agent to Plan their Vacation.  Last time we talked a bit about Expertise, Personalized Service and Saving time.  

Today we are going to start a series on reasons Why a Special Needs Family Should Use a Travel Agent to Plan their Vacation.  Special Needs Families have a set of unique reasons why a Travel Agent can be beneficial to them.  Let's spend some time and delve into a few of them today.