The Ultimate Disney Day: Park-Hopping, Hidden Tips & Fun Finds

Get ready for an unforgettable Disney adventure! We’re diving into one of the most magical Disney days ever, packed with park-hopping, fun adventures, and tips to make your next visit smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning your next visit or just want to soak up some Disney vibes, keep reading for all the highlights and handy tips from our recent adventure.

Our day began bright and early at Animal Kingdom. With our backpacks ready, we were all set for a day filled with fun, Disney shopping, and of course, amazing rides. We kicked things off with a delicious breakfast at Rainforest Café. Here’s a little-known secret: after you eat, you can exit through the back of the restaurant and skip the main entrance line. This “backdoor” entrance is often quiet and can save you precious time, especially during rope drop.

One of the best ways to maximize your time at Disney is by taking advantage of Lightning Lane. While it can add to your overall cost, it’s often worth it, especially on busy days when lines can get overwhelming. With Lightning Lane, you can bypass long waits and experience more rides in a shorter amount of time. It’s a great option if you want to pack as much as possible into your Disney day without spending hours in line. We used it during our visit, and it made all the difference! We were able to go on a bunch of rides throughout the day, including Flight of Passage, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and more!

After our morning at Animal Kingdom, we hopped over to EPCOT to check out the food and drink kiosks scattered around the park, with dishes from around the world. Pro tip: If you want a relaxing sit-down meal but don’t have a reservation, head to Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China Pavilion. This restaurant usually has walk-in availability, and their hot and sour soup is a perfect midday pick-me-up!

One of our favorite things to do at Disney is park-hopping between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Instead of taking transportation, we love the scenic walk along the water, passing through the Yacht Club and Boardwalk areas. It's peaceful, beautiful, and adds a lovely break between the hustle and bustle of the parks.

No Disney trip is complete without some shopping, and we definitely found some treasures on this one. Andre loves sneakers, and we came across some mini vinyl sneaker collectibles that come in a blind box. It’s always fun to open blind boxes, so of course, we had to get a few for his collection! I also found a Donald Duck mug that I couldn’t resist. This year, they have some adorable Halloween items as well! I picked up some light-up Mickey and Minnie jack-o’-lanterns and a Mickey jack-o’-lantern mug.

Okay, I can’t talk about this trip without mentioning the bubble wand. If you’ve never experienced the joy of a Disney bubble wand, you’re missing out! We bought one on a previous visit, and I couldn’t resist getting another. For anyone who’s anti-bubble wand, I get it… but for me, the sheer joy bubbles bring is worth every penny!

After a day full of park-hopping and shopping, we headed to Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge for a chill night. It’s one of our favorite places to grab some shareable plates and cocktails! Sipping on martinis, it was the perfect way to wind down.

Disney can be crazy busy, but with the right tips and tricks, you can still make it an enjoyable experience. Here’s a recap of a few key things we learned:

1. Use the Lightning Lane when possible. It can save you from long waits and make your day more enjoyable!

2. Skip the main entrance at Animal Kingdom by using the Rainforest Cafe back exit.

3. Walk between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios if you’re park-hopping - it’s a peaceful and scenic route.

I hope you found these tips helpful and enjoyed this little glimpse into our Disney adventure. Whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth, there’s always something magical to discover at Disney. Until next time, enjoy the magic of the parks!

Shop this post:

The Importance of “Me Time”: Simple Habits for a Balanced Life

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s all about you: “me time.” This isn't going to be one of those fancy, picture-perfect conversations, but rather, real talk about taking personal time for yourself, and why it's so important to your well-being.

Start Your Day with Intention

Light a candle, pour yourself something refreshing - whether it’s water, tea, or coffee - and take a moment for yourself. Every day, you deserve 5 to 10 minutes to reflect, breathe, and reset. If you’re already working on a Glow Up routine and you’ve fallen behind, don’t sweat it! Today is all about resetting, reevaluating, and getting back on track. You don’t have to be perfect, just consistent.

The Power of Tracking Habits

I’ve started using a habit tracker, and wow, what a difference it makes! Whether it's movement, steps, or even getting outside, tracking your habits gives you insight into how you're spending your days and where you're falling short. Here's the kicker: even small daily habits can have a massive impact!

For example, I’ve been focusing on five key habits this month:

1. Daily movement or workout

2. Getting in at least 10K steps

3. Meditation

4. Spending time outside

5. Reading

I know some of you might relate, especially if you’ve been feeling sluggish or unmotivated lately. When I miss a workout or a step goal, I can immediately see the domino effect. I wake up later, feel less productive, and my mood takes a hit. On the flip side, when I hit my goals, my productivity skyrockets, and I’m in a better mood all day. It’s not just about physical health, it’s about mental and emotional balance too.

Movement: Small Changes, Big Impact

When it comes to daily movement, don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be a hardcore gym session. Personally, I love following workouts in the Grounds app, or even free YouTube workouts, and I keep it light with things like ankle weights or simple yoga stretches. Even on the days I don’t feel like working out, I’ll do a quick 10-minute session to break the resistance. Trust me, those small bursts of movement make all the difference!

Let’s talk about how we feel after a workout! Ever notice how your body feels tighter and more in tune after certain days, especially post-period for my fellow ladies? Tracking your movement can help you see the tangible benefits, not just in how you feel, but also in the energy you bring to everything else in your life.

Getting Outside: Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D

This might hit home for those in colder climates. I'm Canadian, and during the winter months, I sometimes go 48 hours (or longer… oops!) without stepping outside. It’s a bad habit, but I’m working on it. Even just a few minutes outside each day can make a huge difference in your mood and energy levels. Vitamin D isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity!

Meditation: Five Minutes to Recenter

Another practice I’ve embraced is meditation. Even if it’s just for five minutes, meditation helps calm the mind, center my thoughts, and truly relax. You don’t need anything fancy! Just find a quiet spot, breathe deeply, and give yourself a few moments of calm.

How These Habits Affect the Bigger Picture

The beauty of these small daily habits is that they don’t just affect your physical well-being. They trickle down into everything else: your confidence, your productivity, and even your relationships. When I take care of myself, I show up as a better business owner, wife, and friend. It’s all connected!

Time for a Gut Check

Let’s get real. How much are you moving each day? Are you hitting your step goals, getting outside, or finding time to meditate? Be honest with yourself. There’s no point in exaggerating or pretending you’re doing more than you actually are. This is a safe space to share, reflect, and grow.

If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent, don’t beat yourself up! Instead, start tracking your habits and make adjustments as needed. Whether it’s more movement, more sunlight, or more “me time,” these small changes will lead to bigger transformations.

Final Thoughts

If all else fails, take a bath. Seriously - there’s nothing like a warm bath to help reset your mind and body. Put on some calming music, light a candle, and just breathe. You’ll be surprised how much clarity and peace come from a little alone time.

So, my tough-love assessment for you today is this: Are you making time for daily movement, sunlight, and meditation? These small actions can have a huge impact on your mood, productivity, and overall well-being.

Now, go out there and move, breathe, and take care of you. Trust me, you’re worth it!

Embracing Slow Mornings: My Relaxed Morning Routine in the Countryside

I’m excited to share my updated morning routine with you today. If you’ve seen my previous routines, you’ll know they were all about the hustle and bustle of city living - quick and productive. Things have changed quite a bit since we moved to the country about six months ago! Now, our mornings are slower, cozier, and more laid-back. Let me walk you through my new morning routine!

We sleep with our bedroom door open every night, which I love. The mornings are peaceful and quiet, with fresh air flowing in. It’s the perfect way to wake up! The first thing I do after getting up is head to the bathroom to freshen up. I like to tie my hair up and slip into a cozy robe, especially on cooler mornings.

I HAVE to brush my teeth as soon as I wake up - it’s a non-negotiable part of my morning. I use a charcoal toothpaste that I adore. After that, I wash my face with a simple soap bar, and dry it with clean, single-use towels. I find these towels cleaner and better for my skin compared to regular bath towels.

Once I’m ready, I like to peek outside to check on the forest animals that like to visit us. I always make the bed around Carl, our little fur baby, who, as always, is the king of the castle. He’s a funny little guy and always steals the spotlight. After making the bed, I step outside onto the balcony to enjoy the view. It’s one of my favorite features of our home. Being surrounded by nature brings so much peace and serenity into our lives!

Next, I open all the windows in the house to let in even more fresh air. Carl is always full of energy in the morning and plays with his toys while I get ready. I don’t dive straight into my workout like I used to. Instead, I put on something comfy and head to see Andre, who’s usually up before me. Together with Carl, we’ll head downstairs for some coffee and breakfast.

I can’t start my day without taking a moment to appreciate the view from the top of our stairs. It’s a daily reminder of how grateful I am for our life here! Once downstairs, we’ll make some coffee and feed Carl his kibbles and treats, which he loves. We love making breakfast outside on our griddle - one of the best purchases we’ve made for our country home! We use it daily, cooking everything from eggs to pancakes to steaks. The griddle has truly turned us into home cooks, a far cry from our city days of constant takeout.

Living out here comes with its quirks, like dust, cobwebs, and the occasional bug. So, I usually spend a little time dusting off the balcony and checking on my plants. I’m thrilled to see our cucumbers growing! For breakfast, I made some simple but delicious eggs and English muffins. It’s easier than it looks, and a great start to the day!

We usually eat breakfast in the kitchen, although we’re considering screening in the porch to create a cozy dining space outside. After breakfast, we have a little meeting about our workday. Andre and I both work from home, so this is a nice way to align our plans for the day. Once we’ve cleaned up and done the dishes, it’s time for another coffee.

With coffee in hand, Carl and I head back outside. I water my plants, including strawberries, carrots, and cucumbers. I’m no gardening expert, but thanks to some great advice, my plants are thriving! After tending to the garden, I take a few moments to soak in the view and get some vitamin D. I wear a fitness tracking ring that even measures my vitamin D levels, which is helpful since I tend to stay indoors a lot. Part of my new routine is making sure I spend more time outside!

Carl gets his first walk of the day shortly after breakfast, and Andre often joins us. One of the main reasons we moved to the country was to have the freedom to step outside and go for a walk whenever we wanted, without worrying about traffic or neighbors. The path we walk is on our property, which provides privacy and peace.

Back inside, I set up my workspace. I don’t have a dedicated office anymore; instead, I use our porch area. Sometimes, I work on the floor at the coffee table. It’s my favorite spot! Carl usually stays close by. I start my workday by organizing my planner, listing my top goals for the day, and setting priorities. This helps me stay focused and reduces any sense of overwhelm.

After a few hours of work, I head downstairs for my workout. I aim to start by noon and keep it simple with activities like yoga. Yoga has become a favorite of mine, not just for the physical benefits, but for mental clarity as well. It’s a chance to take a break, stretch, and just focus on myself.

I’ve also simplified my beauty routine. Gone are the days of a full-blown beauty room. Now, I stick to a minimal skincare regimen. I use a serum, eye cream, and a moisturizer with SPF. It’s refreshing to have less clutter and more consistency in my routine!

This slower-paced, cozy lifestyle is a world away from our fast-paced city life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s all about finding joy in the little moments, whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee, tending to the garden, or simply taking a walk. I hope this gives you a glimpse into how we’ve embraced our new life in the country. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Shop this post: