Jen Theisen - Chasing More Vacations

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Jen Theisen - Chasing More Vacations

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06/01/2026

It’s Monday once again, and I’m going to talk about my favorite attraction at Epic Universe! The answer might surprise you?

For my favorite attraction in Orlando’s newest theme park, I’m going with Monsters Unchained. Dark Universe isn’t my favorite overall portal, but this ride absolutely slaps. The number of crazy good animatronics is perhaps unmatched anywhere, and it’s an attraction I never seem to have to wait that long for! I feel like you really get a bang for your buck here.

They really do try to scare you in the queue by making the ride seem wilder than it actually is! That said, maybe skip it if you have any serious neck and back problems, as you’ll spend a lot of the time rotating around from your back to your front.

Who’s ridden this Universal Orlando attraction?

05/29/2026

Fun Friday!

Here’s a unique souvenir idea you can find inside the Land pavilion at EPCOT: “Mickey’s Mini Garden” plants! These are living plants grown in a test tube, and have been regenerated from cells from a parent plant.

These little friends can be found right at the exit of the Living with the Land attraction. A pro tip here is to keep them growing in their gel medium inside the jar for as long as you can (until it seems ready to grow out the top). This will give it the best shot of a healthy transfer!

This is a fairly inexpensive souvenir at less than $20, and would be so cute in a little Mickey planter when it’s ready to grow outside its tube!

Did you know this souvenir existed?

05/28/2026

Walt Disney World’s Carousel of Progress is finally getting her big refurbishment!

This includes all new scenes, with our carousel now beginning with Walt Disney himself. A Walt animatronic will kick off the show with a scene inspired by the 1964 special “Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair,” which is where he first introduced the idea of Carousel of Progress.

From there we visit the 1960’s, the 1980’s, the new millennium and the “possible future.”

A big goal of this update was to keep the attraction relatable for today’s audiences, by featuring eras in which guests have personal connections. Yes- the iconic “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” will continue to play between the scenes!

To prepare these extensive changes, the Carousel of Progress will be temporarily unavailable beginning July 6, 2026. The attraction is expected to reopen in 2027.

What do you think of this total overhaul of this attraction?

05/27/2026

In honor of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets opening yesterday… who is YOUR favorite Muppet?

05/26/2026

Tip Tuesday!

Let’s talk about midday breaks at Walt Disney World. First of all, not all families want to “rope drop” the parks, and not all families want to close out the parks. If you are the kind of family that wants to sleep in, or know that you are going to head back to the resort early, this may not apply to you!

If you think you are going to want to hit Early Entry but also see fireworks, you are going to likely need a break of some kind. One option is to go back to your resort for a nap, a swim or just to lounge and watch Mickey cartoons. 🙂 However, not everyone can or wants to go back to the place where they are staying, and that’s okay! The parks are typically adjacent to a Disney resort where you can get off your feet and have lunch or a snack.

Magic Kingdom: boat to Wilderness Lodge, walk/monorail to Contemporary, boat/monorail to Grand Floridian or Polynesian.
Animal Kingdom: short bus ride to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
EPCOT: walk to Beach/Yacht Club or BoardWalk, Skyliner to Riviera, Caribbean Beach and/or Pop/Art of Animation.
Hollywood Studios: Skyliner to Riviera, Caribbean Beach and/or Pop/Art of Animation, Friendship Boat to Beach/Yacht Club or BoardWalk

You can visit any of these resorts for food, shopping or just to check it out. One thing you CAN’T do at a resort you’re not staying at is swim.

Don’t skip that downtime if you’re hitting parks hard! Your feet and nervous system will thank you. 🙂

Where do you like to take a midday break from the Disney parks?

05/24/2026

Spotlight Sunday! Where can you meet the Mandalorian and Grogu at Walt Disney World?

Mando and “the child” wander near Black Spire Market in Galaxy’s Edge (Hollywood Studios). In the past, he typically indicates that you can approach and take a photo with him, as there is no official line. It’s a really fun meet and greet that typically runs from the park opening until early evening!

Have you met the Mandalorian? You can also meet him at Disneyland!

05/22/2026

Time flies when you’re having fun… I’ve logged five years as a travel agent with Chasing More Vacations!

If you’ve trusted me to plan your vacation, thank you. If you’re new here, thank you! Check out my short introduction either way, and I’m looking forward to making more memories with you and your families.

05/21/2026

The new Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios looks ADORABLE. It’s what I dreamed this area could be if they put a little effort in! So polished; I’m very excited to check it out later this summer.

05/20/2026

⭐️ Disneyland news! ⭐️

Beginning June 9th, Disneyland Resort guests with Park Hopper tickets and Magic Key passes will be able to cross between parks without having to wait until 11am (subject to availability of the applicable park)!

Guests will still need to select a “starting park” for visits on June 9th and beyond (aka theme park reservation).

It’s SO easy to jump between Disneyland Park and California Adventure, so I love this update!!

05/18/2026

It’s My Favorite Monday, so let’s talk about a favorite place to stay for families of 5 to 6 people!

For this one, I’m going to choose the family suites at All-Star music. This value suite has a cluster of family suites that offer lots of space for larger groups! The living room features a kitchen table and couch that both pull down into a queen size Murphy bed.

The suite also features a separate bedroom with queen size bed, as well as two full-size bathrooms and a kitchenette with a full-size fridge! The full-size fridge is something that the more expensive Art of Animation suites can’t offer, and yet these suites sit at a more affordable price point. No stove, but you’ll have a microwave!

The food court appeals to several different appetites, and I find the All-Star buses to be very efficient. The family suites are in the Preferred section, so closest to the lobby and main pool, as well!

What’s your favorite room when you have more than four people?

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Kalamazoo, MI
49006

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http://www.MinnieMoreVacations.com/

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