Universal Orlando CityWalk is a dining, shopping, and entertainment district adjacent to the resort’s two theme parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. The area is right between the two parks, which are only a ten minute walk from each other anyways, so it’s easy to throw in a visit to CityWalk while you’re visiting the parks. There’s plenty to do in the area, especially if you’re looking for nighttime entertainment. Read more
Universal Orlando Resort
Celebrating Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort
Every year Universal Orlando Resort welcomes a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration with music, food, parades, and more. This year’s celebration runs until April 2 at Universal Studios Florida only. There’s lots to see, and one of the best parts is that it’s included in regular park admission! Here’s what you can see at Mardi Gras, and a few tips for visiting. Read more
3 Quick Weekend Getaways That Won’t Break Your Budget
Vacations are not only good for the body but studies consistently show that they’re good for the mind and the soul. Taking time away from work and the stresses of daily life not only provides you time to relax, but it can improve both your physical and mental health.
The irony of course is that sometimes when we need to get away the most, either time or budget get in the way. Whether you’re trying to plan around work or school schedules or would love a nice getaway but you don’t have a huge budget – it can be easy to think about a quick trip, and just as quickly decide that it’s impossible to do.
Happily, there are some great options for a quick – and affordable – getaway, whether it’s just a long weekend with that someone special, or a few days to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary. Here are 3 of our favorites. Read more
Celebration Vacations: Why Traveling is the Perfect Way to Celebrate a Birthday Milestone
Are you turning 40, or 50, or 60 (or more) this year? How are you celebrating? If all you’ve got planned is dinner and birthday cake, it’s time to think outside the boring (birthday gift) box and consider a birthday vacation to celebrate your special day and year. Whether you are traveling with a special someone, your extended family, or a big group of friends, what could be more fun than combining visiting someplace fun with others to help you celebrate? Especially if it’s someplace new that has been on your “bucket list”? Read more
Where Are You Going on Your Next Adventure?
When I began The Affordable Mouse, I wanted to write a blog where I could share information about how to make the most of a Disney vacation, whether it was cost or value, or time. Vacations provide memories that last a lifetime, and I have always felt that on a Disney vacation, memories are created that are truly magical. So I wanted to share that with others. Read more


