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The BEST fireworks spot in Magic Kingdom 🎆 Bonu

The BEST fireworks spot in Magic Kingdom 🎆
Bonus- lower crowds!

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World and want to see the fireworks in Magic Kingdom? You have to go to this part of the park!

Skip Main Street where you usually need to grab a spot over an hour in advance and fight to keep that spot all night.

Go here instead 👇🏼

Between the Haunted Mansion and It’s A Small World/Peter Pan are the Rapunzel bathrooms and Rapunzels tower, with beautiful lanterns above the walkway.

THIS IS IT! The fireworks will be right above the lanterns, giving you the most magical view without the crazy crowds!

You won’t be able to see the castle projections (which are beautiful!) but you will get everything else plus a different experience than most people.

Are you a fan of fireworks shows?
#Disneyfamily #disneyplanningtips lets go to Disney | Disney world fireworks spot

Thriller Book Recommendations for Spooky Season

Thriller Book Recommendations for Spooky Season

It’s September, which means it’s spooky season for many of you. So grab a seasonal latte (I’m more of an apple crisp girl rather than pumpkin spice), a cozy spot, and a blanket and dive into these mystery reads!

✨Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
✨All the Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan
✨First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
✨Never Lie by Freida McFadden
✨The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
✨The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
✨A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham
✨The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
✨An Anonymus Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
✨Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
✨The Guest List by Lucy Foley
✨Poison by Galt Niederhoffer
✨The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rosa

I have read most of these books and they are 4 or 5 star reads! Perfect for this time of year.

Do you have any books to add? I need some new ones to get me to Halloween!

#thrillerbooks #mysterybookstagram Spooky Season Books

The House Across The Lake [thriller]
Bess: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Macy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
 Rating System:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = excellent
⭐️ = skip it
✨ = half star

A gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a woman who becomes increasingly obsessed with a murder that took place in the house across the lake. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers dark secrets and realizes that her own life may be in danger. With its chilling atmosphere and well-crafted suspense, this novel is a thrilling and addictive read for fans of psychological suspense.

Bess’s thoughts: This book was fantastic. Until it wasn’t. The supernatural spin at the end of the books was too much for me. Especially when it happened for a second time. It also left me a bit scared to visit a lake anytime soon!  Macy’s thoughts: I agree entirely with Bess! I really enjoyed this book for the first half but the out-of-body experiences were not my favorite. Spooky season vibes but also not realistic enough to hold my interest.
 While I will stay away from the lakes of Vermont, fall is the time this state really shines! If you are planning an autumn trip to see fall foliage, check out these areas:

🍁Stowe - hiking, biking, amazing fall views, and a stay at @meadowstonemanor
🍁Manchester - estates, gardens, and beautiful forests nearby the @taconichotel
🍁Burlington - waterfront strolls, hike state parks, and eat at the @skinnypancake
🍁Woodstock - small town vibes, hiking and local farms like Sleepy Hollow
🍁Grafton - explore the cheese trail, visit local breweries and stay at @graftoninnvermont   We’re Bess (@pattons.with.passports) and Macy (@macyvolpe), two moms who love traveling with our families and making the most of the PTO we have each year. We’re planners, cozy adventurers, and readers. Join us for family travel recommendations, tips, and a book review series- Books That Inspire Travel!

#bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram

It’s been weeeeks since we stepped foot in Magic

It’s been weeeeks since we stepped foot in Magic Kingdom and I’m feeling sad 😂

Can’t wait to be back this weekend for Food & Wine and Yellowcard!

Honestly though-
Do you ever have those moments where you’re like “okay maybe I need a break from XYZ” then you take the break and feel sad because you haven’t experienced it in a while. That’s me 🙋🏻‍♀️

I constantly feel the urge to travel and the urge to stay home. Trying to find that balance!

Travel family | Disney mom | Disney adults | Disney World Family

The happiest of Labor Day weekends between MD & FL

The happiest of Labor Day weekends between MD & FL.
Baby snuggles with our new baby niece.
Hours on the dance floor celebrating my sweet cousin.
Quality family time all over the state.
Boat rides to our fave spot on the Chesapeake.
Bike rides to ice cream.

How does every summer continue to fly by faster an

How does every summer continue to fly by faster and faster?

Taylor sure had it right with this one!

I'm still very torn on next summers vacation destination. But we're hoping to lock it down in the next few weeks.

Have you started planning for 2025 yet?

Things to Do With Kids in St Augustine, Florida ☀️
St. Augustine, in Northeast Florida, is a charming and historic city that offers plenty of activities for families with children. From exploring the city’s rich history to enjoying outdoor adventures, seeing marine life and learning about the variety of cuisine, there are plenty of free things to do with kids in St. Augustine.

We have loved exploring our new hometown, and as a popular travel destination, it seems like we’re always finding new things to do.

For more details on any of the below activities, head to the To Travel & Beyond blog!

Most of these activities are FREE!

☀️ Go to the beach! Vilano, Crescent, St Augustine Beach…there are plenty of options!
☀️ Take the free ferry ride to Fort Matanzas National Monument @fortmatanzasnps
☀️ Explore one of the state parks (Anastasia or Fort Mose)
☀️ Walk the Plaza de la Constitucion
☀️ Check out the events at St Augustine Colonial Quarter
☀️ Walk the Bridge of Lions
☀️ Visit one of the many public parks or playgrounds (Project Swing Park is in downtown!)
☀️ Go to the St Augustine Aqauarium @saaquarium
☀️ Ice cream crawl down St George Street (we love @hyppo)
☀️ Visit the St Augustine lighthouse
☀️ Tour the Lightner Museum
☀️ Go to the St Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum
☀️ See wildlife at the St Augustine Alligator Farm
☀️ Play a round of mini golf at Anastasia Miniature golf
☀️ Visit the first wax museum, Potter’s Wax Museum
☀️ Walk the walls and explore Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
☀️ Visit a farmers market (Saturdays and some Wednesdays)
☀️ Take a boat tour @staugustineboattours
☀️ Ride the Old Town Trolley
☀️ Explore Flagler College

ALSO: If you are a local resident, you will get a discount on most of these attractions! Ask if they have a residents discount.

👋🏼👋🏼
Hi! I’m Macy- I enjoy making the most of my PTO, exploring during school breaks, and traveling to find a beautiful sunrise or an exciting location with a view. We’re between budget and luxury and rotate between guided tours and spontanaity. I share itineraries, travel tips, and destination ideas for families.

Family friendly travel | travel with kids

Prepping for a long travel day with kids? These 5

Prepping for a long travel day with kids? These 5 tips were very helpful!

Our daughter has loved plane rides since she was a few weeks old. But that didn’t stop the nerves (for both of us!) before her first 9 hour flight! Here are a few things we bring with us to keep her excited:

1. To Do: New books, dolls and pencils. Coloring and playing with dolls are in our everyday life, but I wanted to make it something a little more special. When we are taking a long flight, I purchase a few new things to help with the excitement factor and hopefully encourage more creativity.
2. To Snuggle: A muslin blanket & a lovie. The blanket to tuck into the seat in front of us. Usually her feet are up on the seat, but for a longer trip like this one, I know she’ll need her legs stretched a bit more often. We also use muslin blankets often while on vacation. And having something she’s used to sleeping with helps too!
3. To Eat: Snacks on Snacks. We bring options and I want them all together so she can pick and choose as she pleases. We love using a Stasher bag to keep everything together and easily grab when we need it.
4. To Watch: bring iPad & headphones (Bluetooth and wired!). All the screen time is allowed on our plane rides. We download a few new shows, games and crafting apps like Disney coloring. Make sure to charge the Bluetooth headphones and also grabbed a pair of wired as a backup!
5. To Sleep: Sleeping mask & earplugs. My daughter could fall asleep anywhere, but knowing she’ll have to fall asleep a little earlier than usual, or she could be exhausted because we’re flying past her bedtime, these have helped on countless occasions!

We also use these items consistently while on vacation, so its well worth the space in our bags!

I hope these few items help you feel more prepared and ready to take your little ones flying!

Travel family | travel tips for kids | flying with kids #travelwithkids #wanderlustfamily #explorewithkids

Someone Else’s Bucket List [contemporary] Bess:

Someone Else’s Bucket List [contemporary]
Bess: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Macy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
 Rating System:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = excellent
⭐️ = skip it
✨ = half star

After the untimely death of her successful influencer sister, introverted Jodie takes on the terrifying challenge of completing her sister’s bucket list. With the goal to save her family from the crippling medical debt her sister’s battle left behind. Despite the world watching, Jodie embarks on a journey that not only helps her family but also teaches her valuable lessons about life and love that she never expected.

Bess’s thoughts: The premise is a little ridiculous, but so in keeping with the times! Influencers! The beginning of the book was truly heartbreaking. It was lovely to see how the family grieved and healed throughout the book. Was the book realistic? Not really but I think its worth suspending disbelief to read.  Macy’s thoughts: I was taken by surprise at how quickly the story’s devastation unfolded. Just a few chapters in, I found myself in tears. Despite the somewhat implausible plot, I was fully engaged and appreciated each family member’s perspective. The beginning was well-crafted, the middle felt a bit drawn out, and the ending seemed rushed- but it’s worth the read!
 This book takes place around the holidays, so why not start planning your Christmas trip to New York City?

When it comes to exploring New York City during the holidays, having a loose plan is crucial. It’s important to prioritize your must-see spots and consider booking tickets in advance.

✨ Winter Village at Bryant Park
✨ Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes
✨ Ice Skating (SO MANY OPTIONS!)
✨ See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree (lighting on December 4th this year!)
✨ See the window displays on 5th Ave

 We’re Bess and Macy- two moms traveling the world, with books in hands, on a mission to show our kids the world! We share our Books That Inspire Travel reads every Wednesday.
@pattons.with.passports @macyvolpe
Books that Inspire Travel | Travel Books | Christmas Reads | Book Review | Book Club
#bookreviewblog #bookreviewersofinstagram

Did you have a “the Beach” growing up? Or do y

Did you have a “the Beach” growing up? Or do you say this now?

When I was a kid, we went to “the beach” every summer for family vacation. Where I grew up it was fairly known that it meant, either Bethany Beach or going to “The Ocean” or “down the ocean” was Ocean City.

So I’m curious, did you have “the beach” when you were younger or maybe now?

For us, it’s now Vilano Beach, FL when we say we’re going to the beach!

Skyliner Bar Crawl in Disney World 🚡🍹✨ Are

Skyliner Bar Crawl in Disney World 🚡🍹✨
Are you a proud Disney Adult? Or maybe just want a fun, different experience while in Walt Disney World on family vacation?

Even if you aren’t staying at a Skyliner Resort….
Exploring via the skyliner is free, it’s fun to explore the resorts, and the bars are fantastic!

⭐️ there are also tons of MOCKTAIL options if you’re just in it for the vibes 🍹

There are many places to start this bar crawl in Disney, but I recommend following the below itinerary because it’s the best option. It gets you to the ideal place for an evening in Disney outside of the parks!

➡️ If you aren’t staying at a skyliner resort - start by taking a bus to Hollywood Studios. This park is the easiest to get to if you’re staying onsite.
🚡If you are on the skyliner, make your way to the first stop below!

Hop on the skyliner from Hollywood Studios towards
🚡> Caribbean Beach
🍹Banana Cabana
What to drink: Island Time Margarita or a Caribbean Smuggler
Snacks: Guava Buffalo Wings or Seafood Fritters
Open 11-10

You’ll then walk to the…
🚶‍♂️> Riviera Resort. It’s a nice 15-minute walk along the water
🍹Bar Riva
Mediterranean Wave or Aperol Spritz
Snacks: Arancini or Baked Brie

Make your way to the Skyliner station and head to…
🚡 > Yacht Club
🍹Ale & Compass Lounge
Mai Tai or a Spicy Pomegrante Margarita
open 12-11pm
🍹Crews Cup Lounge
Sunset Margarita or a whiskey
open 4-9:30

Then walk over to…
🚶‍♂️> Beach Club
🍹Martha’s Vineyard
Walk the Plank or Whiskey Breeze
open 4-11pm
🍹Hurricane Hanna’s (pool bar!)

Take your final stroll to…
🚶‍♂️> Boardwalk
There is A LOT going on here- you could spend hours, it’s the perfect way to end the night with Boardwalk entertainment, a dance hall and dueling pianos
🍹AbracadaBar
Seashore Sweet or Pepper’s Ghost
🍹Margarita Joe’s
🍹Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar
🍹Atlantic Dance Hall

Best view in Universal Orlando… (🚨Sound on fo

Best view in Universal Orlando…
(🚨Sound on for honest thoughts at the end!)

Cabana Bay a Universal Orlando resort 🛼🌴

Universal currently has 7 resort options in Orlando, with a few more opening later this year! We recently stayed at Cabana Bay and loved the retro, vibrant vibes around the resort. It’s a great option with a good value and you can easily walk to Volcano Bay!

⏰ One hour early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
🚌 Transportation. Buses are provided to Universal parks and City Walk. You can also walk to the parks (around a 20 minute walk to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and City Walk/10 minutes to Volcano Bay).
☕️ Coffee. You can grab Starbucks in the lobby!
🍔 Dining. You have a few options for meals:
Shakes Malt Shoppe for milkshakes, ice cream and smoothies.
Bayliner Diner for quick meals and snacks.
The Hideaway Bar & Grill for poolside snacks and drinks.
Atomic Tonic is another poolside option for meals and drinks.
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant serving “American favorites”.
Swizzle Lounge in the lobby serves cocktails and snacks.
Delizioso Pizza for pizza room-service!
🏊🏻‍♀️ There are two pools- Cabana Courtyard has a water slide and large pool, while the Lazy River Courtyard has- you guessed it- a lazy river, plus a sand beach and zero entry pool.
🎮 Extra Fun. We stumbled upon characters in the lobby, an arcade, a bowling alley, several “yard games” and multiple fire pits.
💪🏽 Decently sized gym!

Overall we really loved this resort, especially our amazing view (look out for that reel!) and walking access to the parks!

Have you been to Universal Orlando?

Florida Theme Parks | Family Travel | Florida Family Vacation | Florida Resorts

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