Kim Hogue - Castles & Dreams Travel

06/14/2026

Every. time. 😑

06/06/2026

Kim Tip: If you are overheated at Epic Universe, I highly recommend setting up your portable electric fan at The Plastered Owl and ordering a cold one. Then, when you’ve cooled a bit, order a banana pudding and relax for a spell. If you’re lucky, the band will also be playing.☀️

05/28/2026

‼️Alright my fellow Texans. Universal Kids resort & theme park in Frisco opens July 1st!
Rooms & tickets can be booked starting today.
If you are already on my list, you received a text today so we can complete your booking!
Not on the list yet? Send me an email or message and we will get started.
The resort only has 300 rooms! If you want to do a weekend stay this summer or Fall, it’s best to book as soon as you can. Some dates are already sold out.

05/20/2026

We are still having an absolute blast at Universal! I love longer trips because we get so much time for all the best vacation things.
Lots of time in the parks (even though my feet may disagree after day 4. Good walking shoes are a must!) Enough time for multiple rides on each ride and to try out different strategies for maximizing ride time. We also have pool/resort time, just chill in the room time and relaxing meals to talk.
I’ll be adding lots of good info to my tips for Epic Universe, Helios Grand Hotel and Universal in general when I get home.

05/17/2026

The first 29 hours or so have been so fun! Gorgeous park view from our room. Staying at Helios Grand for early entry at Epic Universe definitely makes a difference. Early entry started at 9:00am. We were in line from the hotel to get into the park by 8:40. Opened at 9:00.
Walked right on to Harry Potter and the Battle at the ministry! No wait. It was amazing. Lots of rides so far today plus The Untrainable Dragon show, which is so cute, a great lunch at Le Goblet Noir and a relaxing hour or so at the pool & hot tub. Now to get ready for some nighttime shenanigans in the park!

05/08/2026

One year ago Charlie and I attended a one day preview of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando. That was before the park officially opened.
We spent 11 hours in the park, had a blast and didn’t see or do everything.
Next week we go back to Universal for a whole week with our boys!
I’m so excited to have so much time to enjoy all the Universal parks and see Brik & Jaxon’s reactions to Epic Universe. We will be posting the fun here and I’ll be ready to book your vacation when I get back.

05/04/2026

04/28/2026

We are Halfway to Halloween and the dates for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are officially here! 🎃

August: 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30

September: 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29

October: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

Characters, candy, and spooky Disney magic are just around the corner. Pick your night and I’ll handle the rest!

04/23/2026

Airfare. Resort.Park Tickets.
Vacations really do make the best gifts.