Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Classic Mickey Mouse

Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Classic Mickey Mouse

Hi guys!

I am back with another outfit idea, this time for Magic Kingdom! I wanted to do another classic option so I went with Mickey Mouse where as always, comfort it key! When I am putting together these looks I choose things that you might already have in your closet where you can add a few accessories to it and get a whole look that will let you feel confident, put together and ready for a day of photos in front of the castle! This look is perfect for everything from rope drop to fireworks, and the classic Mickey-inspired colors never go out of style. Also with using things you already have in your closet you can definitely recreate this look without spending a fortune on an entirely new outfit! You can click the picture below to shop the park look or you can click into each link below for a specific item from the graphic!

Happy Shopping!

Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Classic Mickey Mouse

| White Mickey Mouse Crop Tank | Classic Mickey Mouse Ears | Free People Denim Ziggy Overalls | Reebok Sneakers | Mickey Mouse Temporary Tattoos | Mickey Mouse Sunglasses | Mickey Mouse Black Claw Clip | Mickey Mouse Face Claw Clip | Mickey Mouse / Hiya Pal / Oh Boy Beaded Bracelets | Yellow Belt Bag | Mickey Mouse Glittery Face Tattoo | Mickey Glove Bag Charm | Mickey Earrings | White Mickey Mouse Baseball Cap |


And that wraps up this Mickey Mouse look for a magical day at Magic Kingdom! Whether you're posing in front of Cinderella Castle, grabbing a sweet treat at the Confectionery, or just soaking in the Disney vibes, this outfit is all about channeling that classic Mickey Mouse look while staying comfy all day long. I hope this look gives you some inspiration for your next park day! If you have any questions, you can ask them below or you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer! You can also always comment below with a theme, ride, movie or character that you would like me to do in the future for you guys!

 

Other Disney Outfit Inspo

 

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How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin, Ireland

Hi Friends!

Last October I went and met Dustin in Amsterdam while he was there for work and when I was on my way there I saw a flight where I could spend about 6 hours in Dublin before my flight to Amsterdam and I decided to go for it and see what I could check off my to do list before I needed to head back to the airport! I landed in Dublin at about 9:00AM and I had to leave Dublin at 6:20PM. So I had well over 6 hours to explore but exhaustion and some flight anxiety is why I headed back to the airport probably before I needed to! It was also my first time leaving the airport and taking advantage of a long layover in a new city so I wasn’t sure what to expect! I do think though if you have a long layover in Dublin, it is absolutely worth it to take advantage of leaving the airport and going to explore a new place!

Happy reading!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

First Stop: Storing My Luggage

When I landed in Dublin I was in Terminal 2 but it was such a short walk to Terminal 1 which is where I stored my luggage for the afternoon! I chose to store my suitcase and backpack with Smart Cart and it was so easy to do so and quick which was nice for my shorter timeline! This was a lifesaver and made my day so much easier because I didn’t have to drag my bags all over the city. I think it was like 16 euros for the day to store both bags, totally worth it! When I got back from my day exploring I just gave them my ticket and they brought my luggage out to me. They told me to leave about 15 minutes for getting my bag but there were two people in front of me and I don’t think I even waited 5 minutes to get my luggage back from them!

Getting Into The City Centre

The man working at the Smart Cart desk was actually super helpful and gave me a few tips for getting around the city. He told me that it would be a good idea to take a bus and I was able to purchase the bus ticket directly with him. I got a Dublin Express bus ticket and he gave me directions out of the airport, told me what the bus would look like and helped me just understand the process a bit more! The bus ticket was 9 euros for a one way ticket or 12 euros for a round trip ticket. There was probably a map available but I just noted where they dropped me off and went back to the same spot when I was ready to get picked up later on in the afternoon. I should also note that it took about 45 minutes to get to and from the city center because there were more than one stops but I just factored that into my timeline for the day and planned accordingly! Being on the bus also let me see parts of the city that I didn’t get to walk to while I was there!

eSim For The Day

I had originally planned to try to get an eSim for the day while I was here but when I was talking to the man at the Smart Cart desk he shared a little bit about eSims in Dublin (which I appreciated was his honesty), but he mentioned that for such a short trip they can sometimes be more trouble than they are worth getting. Instead, he suggested just using Wi-Fi at restaurants and coffee shops throughout the city would be okay and it honestly worked out perfectly for me. I didn’t have much trouble using my phone when I needed it and it helped to download a map of the city on Google Maps before I left the airport because I didn’t need Wi-Fi for it to work at all but I could still use the map!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

What to do and where to stop in Dublin

Option 1: Trinity College & The Book of Kells

If this is your first time in Dublin (like me), I think taking the bus toward Trinity College Dublin and getting off the bus near there is probably the best option. The campus itself was absolutely beautiful to walk through, especially if you love historic architecture! It was also fun to just be around a college campus in the fall because it was stunning! The main attraction here is the Book of Kells, which is one of Ireland’s most famous medieval manuscripts. If I knew that I needed tickets to actually see the book I would have booked them before the day of! But you can book tickets to actually see the Book of Kells here, it is about 25 euros per person! Like I said, I didn’t get tickets to it but I was happy to just spend time in the area around Trinity College wandering.

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

Option 2: Dublin Castle Area

I think it was because I didn’t do the Book of Kells tour so I had time to also go walk around the Dublin Castle! It was fun to walk through and there were a few museums that could have easily fit into my day. There was the Chester Beatty Library and the Revenue Museum that would have been cool to look through! I really loved walking through this part of the city, there was so much history and I also just liked people watching and taking in my surroundings!


How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

Wander Through Temple Bar

Based on everything I heard from suggestions from other people before my trip is that no trip to Dublin would feel complete without at least walking through the Temple Bar district. It is a touristy area but it is also just something cool to experience. There are usually musicians playing outside pubs, people wandering through the streets, and there are so many little spots to stop and grab food or a drink. I think that even if you only spend 20 to 30 minutes here, it would be worth experiencing the atmosphere!

Shopping Stops

If shopping is more your thing, which I really enjoyed you could easily spend your layover exploring Grafton Street or Henry Street. I tried to find more vintage type shops and used book stores which I was able to find but there is really shopping in every direction and all types of shopping as well! There are tons of shops, cafes, and places to stop for a quick coffee break. I think it is also a great way to experience the city without needing a super structured itinerary! I liked getting souvenirs that were more unexpected from my day in Dublin! I got coffee from Bear MRKT and it was delicious!

Grab a Pint at Dublin’s Oldest Pub

Another stop that was recommended to me was The Brazen Head, which I was told that it is often called Dublin’s oldest pub. I think even if you don’t drink beer, it’s worth a visit to check it out! It feels historic in the best way possible and would be such a fun place to relax for a bit before heading back to the airport!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

Tips for a Dublin Layover

  • Go into the day with a plan or at least a timeline of leaving the airport, seeing a couple of things and leaving yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport and pick up your bags if you choose to do that!

  • Store your luggage as soon as you land, I can’t express enough how much easier that made my day!

  • Buy your bus ticket at the airport, if you are storing your bag you can buy a ticket at the Smart Cart counter!

  • Skip the eSim for a short layover and use free Wi-Fi instead and download a map of the city in Google Maps.

  • Pick one main area to explore rather than trying to rush across the city! You can make secondary plans if the first plan is quicker than expected, but just don’t try to plan too much!

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, I was so thankful that I had on sneakers because I didn’t even think about the walking I might be doing during my layover in Dublin!

How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks
How to Spend a 6 Hour Layover in Dublin Ireland | Travel Tips | International Layover | Dublin Tips and Tricks

A six hour layover might not sound like it would be enough time to explore a new city, but I was surprised at how easy it was to see so much in Dublin in the short 6 hours that I had there! There was so much to see and take in from the historic streets, all of the fun pubs, the museums, and just the lively atmosphere that was there, it felt like I was able to squeeze a tiny Irish vacation into a single afternoon which was so nice! I would say if you have a longer layover in Dublin and want to take advantage of it, you absolutely should do it! As always, let me know if you have any questions at all, you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to your questions as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma


WHAT TO READ NEXT!


Gluten Free Review: Lamplight Lounge in Disney's California Adventure

Gluten Free Review: Lamplight Lounge in Disney's California Adventure

Gluten Free Review for Lamplight Lounge in Disney's California Adventure | Gluten Free Options in Disney | Disneyland Dining Gluten Free Food

Back in February we spent just under a week in LA and Disneyland for the Kalos Pokemon Go event plus a little stay at Disneyland and we had so much fun! We ate so much good food and I can’t wait to share all of my ~new~ Disneyland knowledge with you guys! Last year when we went there were many restaurants that we wanted to go to but didn’t so we had a lot of ground to make up for this trip. I already shared a blog post about our lunch that we had at Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park, you can read that blog post here! But now I wanted to talk about Lamplight Lounge in Disney’s California Adventure! We ate pretty much right on the water and it overall just had good vibes for grabbing a late lunch with a couple of drinks! I will share more about what we got and what our experience was like below!


The Vibe

Lamplight Lounge was such a fun spot to grab a late lunch or some appetizers as snacks with a couple of drinks and just enjoy the view! The decor was really cool, they did such a good job putting the fun pixar details into creating this space! The whole restaurant has this relaxed, waterfront vibe since it sits right along the pier, and we were lucky enough to get a table with a view of the water which made it even better. There were tons of details inside to check out like sketches, props, and artwork from different Pixar movies! Definitely a fun stop if you’re here for a few days!



What Drinks We Ordered

We wanted to go to this restaurant mostly to test out the drinks beucase they have so many fun options on their menus! Here’s what we got:

  • Find Your Spark - Vodka, Raspberry Rum, Lemon Juice, Watermelon Syrup and Sparkling Wine - 10/10

  • Mickey’s Fun Wheel - This is on the secret menu and it has gin, rum and passionfruit liqueur in it and it felt like we were getting punched in the face with every sip haha, I literally don’t know how else to explain it. It wasn’t great but it was definitely a pretty drink! 3/10

  • Hero Work - Huckleberry Vodka, Dragon Fruit Syrup, Lemon Juice and Agave Nectar - 8/10

What Food I Ordered

When we sat down I wasn’t sure if I was going to just get a couple of appetizers or if I was going to get a meal but I would have been happy with just getting a couple of appetizers. The main dish that I got was the chicken over mashed potatoes with a side of veggies and it was good but I didn’t realize the chicken was on the bone which made for a whole adventure while we were trying to just hang out. The chicken was good and so were the mashed potatoes and veggies I just felt like it was the wrong foof for the vibes of the afternoon. The potato skins were the other thing that we ordered and those were so good, highly recommend getting them if you are gf or not!

Lamplight Lounge Menu




Disneyland and California Adventure have always been fun trips for us! We’ve been a handful of times now and it’s nice each time we go we get more comfortable with the layout of the parks and navigating it all. I feel very confident with giving advice and tips and tricks about Disney World in Florida but now after this trip I feel more confident doing that for Disneyland as well! I really feel writing these blog posts and sharing about spots is important, especially when restaurants are making dining out more accessible and enjoyable for those of us with dietary needs! If you have any questions about Lamplight Lounge in Disney’s California Adventure, want more menu recommendations, or just have questions about our Disneyland experience you can ask them below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer in your inbox!


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Outfit Idea for a Day at Animal Kingdom: A Bug's Life

I’m back with another Disney park outfit idea, and this time we’re heading over to Animal Kingdom! I put together an outfit inspired by an attraction that is now gone from the park but the theme is just on point with Animal Kingdom and that is It’s Tough to Be a Bug from A Bug’s Life. You probably don’t need me to say this every time I share one of these outfit posts, but when I’m planning a park day look I always want something that’s cute and practical, especially with the Florida heat and all the walking around the parks. I can’t wait for you to see this fun A Bug’s Life inspired outfit that’s perfect for a day exploring Animal Kingdom! Whether you’re grabbing a snack in Discovery Island, taking photos in front of the Tree of Life, riding one of your favorite rides or doing some shopping this look is perfect for your day in the park. You can click the picture below to shop the park look, and I’ve also linked all the items for you!

Outfit Idea for Animal Kingdom: A Bug’s Life

| A Bugs Life Graphic Tee | Heimlich Iron on Patch | A Bugs Life Mickey Ears | It’s Tough to be a Bug Fast Pass Keychain | Lady Bug Earrings | Lady Bug Pin | Purple Belt Bag | Black Bodysuit | Purple OnCloud Sneakers | Beetle Bug Embroidered Socks | A Bugs Life Chew Chew Seed Bead Bracelet | Easily Distracted by Bugs Baseball Cap |

 

Other Disney Inspired Outfit Ideas


I really hope you like this A Bug’s Life inspired look for spending a fun day at Animal Kingdom on your next Disney vacation! I hope this outfit gives you some inspiration for your next park day, and I’m so excited for you!! Don’t forget to check out the links above if you are wanting to shop the full look. As always, if you have any questions at all you can leave them in the comments below or, if you’re more comfortable, you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP! You can also always comment below with a theme, ride, movie, or character that you would like me to do in the future and I would be happy to create something inspired by it!

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My Review of the Disneyland Hotel in California

Hi Friends!

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Anaheim and did a few days at Disneyland while we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel! When we were walking into the hotel I knew I wanted to write up a full blog post on everything about the hotel and our experience there. There is so much inside the hotel that it feels like the hotel is an experience all on its own so I have lots to share! We have stayed at many hotels on Disney property in Florida but before this stay we hadn’t stayed on Disney property in California! It is on the pricier side but this hotel really feels like a place to relax and hang out, not just a place to crash after a long park day. This hotel feels iconic and it is one of the original properties at the resort which is pretty cool! The Disneyland Hotel is a really good mix of classic Disney nostalgia with nice and modern amenities. I will stop rambling but below is a full breakdown of what it’s like to stay here, from the rooms and pools to the restaurants and amenities!

Happy reading!


Location & Convenience

I feel like location is the best place to start with because one of the best things about the Disneyland Hotel is how close it is to the parks. The hotel is really just steps from Downtown Disney, which connects directly to both parks making for easy mornings. This means you can walk to the entrance of the parks pretty quickly without needing to get on a bus or even worry about complicated transportation. There is also a station for the Disneyland Monorail nearby, which will take you directly to the park! I imagine that would be a pretty fun Disney way to start your day, especially with kiddos! I think for families or really for anyone who wants easy park access or even access to Downtown Disney, the location is a huge perk of staying at this hotel!

 

The Overall Vibe

I feel like I blabbed on this part a ton back at the beginning of the blog post but just incase you needed a little bit more convincing, the Disneyland Hotel had a really fun and nostalgic atmosphere pretty much everywhere you were in the hotel. It’s themed around the history of Disneyland itself and it has subtle nods to the park throughout the property that you can see while you’re walking around. The hotel is made up of three different towers and each one has its own theme that is tied to classic Disneyland lands: Adventure, Fantasy, and Frontier. When you’re walking through the property feels playful and immersive, but it still manages to feel upscale and relaxing at the same time. In some of the hotels in Florida they have moved away from the fun touches of Disney in their rooms which is a bummer because I feel like that is one of the bigger reasons to stay on property in the first place! The Disneyland Hotel does a really great job at having a mix of whimsy and being more modern which is great!

 

The Rooms

The rooms at the Disneyland Hotel were so nice, they are spacious, comfortable, and filled with subtle Disney details which I majorly geeked out about! I can’t speak for all rooms but ours and our friends room had a really pretty themed headboard that light up with fireworks above the Sleeping Beauty Castle! There were lights and music that played from the headboard as well and it was such a fun touch to find in the room! It’s the kind of small detail that makes the experience feel extra special. As for room size we went with our two friends and their two kiddos and we got ajoined rooms but instead of there just being a random door in the middle of the room that connected to theirs, there was one door that you opened into a small hallway and then both of our doors were in that hall and only our keys opened that first door! It was nice to be able to have both spaces to hang out in. It was the perfect combination of being together and separate all at the same time. There were so many fun Mickey touches throughout the room, like the sink handles in the bathroom were Mickey shaped and so was the handle for the bathtub! The beds were incredibly comfortable and the rooms were also laid out really well. It was nice to be able to unpack into the closet and put our stuff in the dressers and then also have space for our suitcases under the bed. These aren’t revolutionary details but it’s nice when a hotel does spacing and layout with the guest in mind, especially if you are going to be there for more than just a couple of days!

The Pool

I think that if you are traveling with kids, or honestly just enjoy a fun pool, the pool area here looked like it would have been a ton of fun. We had planned to go in the pool on one of our days in California and it was either too chilly or other plans came up so we didn’t end up going in but we will next time for sure! The hotel had a couple of pools, there are two large pools called the E-Ticket Pool and D-Ticket Pool. One of the cool things it had was two monorail themed waterslides that looked like a lot of fun! There is also a children’s pool, a water play area for kiddos and then Mickey and Minnie jacuzzi/hot tub areas. I also saw a spot where you can rent a private cabana for the day which would be fun for a day by the pool between park days, especially once the weather warms up a bit! I think you could easily spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool if your trip has a break like that.


Dining at the Disneyland Hotel

There surprisingly were several dining options that they had in the actual hotel which made it easy to grab anything from a quick breakfast to a more fun themed experience without having to leave the hotel. One of the more popular spots is Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. This tiki-themed bar opened in over like 15 years ago at this point and from what I can tell it has become a fan favorite, we heard many people recommending us to stop here for a drink! It has a really fun tiki bar atmosphere and lots of fun tropical drinks to try out. They had other dining options around the hotel like Goofy’s Kitchen where you can see Chef Goofy while you eat, grab coffee on the go from The Coffee House, grab a drink from the Broken Spell Lounge or sit by the pool and have lunch at Tangaroa Terrace!

We actually had room service a few times while we were there, a couple of times for breakfast and one night we had a late dinner via room service! The room service was nice and convenient, we just called down and placed our order with Kiki who seemed to be working every time we called haha! There was usually over an hour wait but they told us our estimated wait time before we even started to order each time and all three times the food got to us much quicker than we were told it would be!

Amenities & Activities

Beyond the rooms and pools, the Disneyland Hotel offers a surprising amount of amenities for guests like:


Overall we really enjoyed our stay at the Disneyland Hotel. The rooms were comfortable, the pool area looked like it would have been a ton of fun, and the overall the vibes were just great and nostalgic which is exactly what I am looking for from a Disney hotel. The location couldn’t have been better, the amenities make it easy to relax between times in the park and the Disney details throughout the hotel made the experience feel just a little more special. I really feel like staying here is a big part of the Disneyland experience. If you’re planning a trip to the Disneyland Parks and want a hotel that feels magical, convenient, and full of Disney touches, this is absolutely one I would recommend. I think the Disneyland Hotel is especially great for families traveling with kids, Disney fans who love the classic nostalgia of Disneyland and anyone who is traveling that wants to stay on property to be close to the parks without the hassle of driving and transportation! Let me know if you have any questions at all, you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma


WHAT TO READ NEXT!


Gluten Free Review: Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park

Gluten Free Review: Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park

Gluten Free Review for Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park | Gluten Free Options in Disney | Disneyland Dining Gluten Free Food

We just got back from spending just under a week in LA and Disneyland for the Kalos Pokemon Go event plus a little stay at Disneyland and we had so much fun! We ate so much good food and I can’t wait to share all of my knowledge with you guys! Last year when we went there were many resrtanuts that we wanted to go to but didn’t so we had a lot of ground to make up for this trip. The first spot I wanted to share about is Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park! They are open for lunch and dinner and we had lunch here so I will share more about what we got and what our experience was like below!


The Vibe

This restaurant is really cool inside, it feels like you are right down in New Orleans on the river! The Pirates of the Caribbean ride goes right through the restaurant which is a cool touch and we got a table right next to the water so that was fun to watch go by! It is a dark restaurant but there are lanterns all over the place so it didn’t feel like it was too dark, plus I think our eyes adjusted really quickly because I didn’t notice it at all after a couple of minutes!



What I Ordered

I ended up getting the prime rib and it was really good! In the menu down below it says that the Prime Rib is served with white rice, roasted vegetables and a demi-glace but my meal was served with mashed potatoes and I loved them so much! I think the potatoes were the best part! My prime rib was cooked perfectly, the mashed potatoes were seasoned really well and the broccoli seemed like it was blanched with a cajun seasoning on top and it was delish! I also got a glass of the Pino Noir which is pretty much my go to drink and it was good too!

Blue Bayou Menu


For my non GF friends

Dustin got a couple of appetizers as his meal and really liked them. He got the gumbo (which could be made gf I just am not a big gumbo person). He said he liked the flavors of the gumbo but there were really big pieces of chicken in it and it was in a smaller cup. But our friend also had the gumbo and I don’t think he had that issue so it might have just been a fluke! Dustin also got the crab cakes and he liked those as well! He said they were good, not life changing but he would eat them again!



Disneyland and California Adventure are always a fun trip for us! We’ve been a handful of times now and its nice each time we go we get more comfortable with the layout of the parks and navigating it all. I feel very confident with giving advise and tips and tricks about Disney World in Florida but now after this trip I feel more confident doing that for Disneyland as well! I really feel writing these blog posts and sharing about spots is important, especially when they make dining out more accessible and enjoyable for those of us with dietary needs! If you have any questions about Blue Bayou in the Disneyland Park, want more menu recommendations, or just have questions about our Disneyland experience you can ask them below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer in your inbox!


WHAT TO READ NEXT!



Outfit Idea for a Day at Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog

I am back with another outfit idea for Hollywood Studios! I put together an outfit idea inspired by one of the rides in the park Slinky Dog Dash! You probably don’t need me to say this each time I do one of these blog posts but when I’m planning an outfit for a park day, I want to make sure it’s cute but also functional, especially for the Florida heat. I can’t wait for you to see this fun Slinky Dog Dash inspired outfit that is perfect for a day at Hollywood Studios! Whether you’re walking down Sunset Boulevard, grabbing a snack in Toy Story Land, snapping photos in front of the giant Woody and Buzz, or actually riding Slinky Dog Dash, this look is perfect for your day! You can click the picture below to shop the park look, and I’ve also linked all the items for you!

Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog

| Slinky Dog Seed Bead Bracelets | Weiner Dog Earrings | Slinky Dog Baseball Cap | Slinky Dog Crop Top | Ziggy Free People Overalls |

| Yellow Athletic Shorts | Reebok Sneakers | Yellow Belt Bag | Slinky Dog Mickey Mouse Ears | 4” Slinky Dog Inspired Hair Bow |

| Toy Story Belt Bag | Toy Story Sailor Bow |

 

Other Disney Inspired Outfit Ideas


And that’s just about it for this Slinky Dog Dash inspired look for spending a fun day at Hollywood Studios on your next Disney vacation! I hope this look gives you some inspiration for your next park day, I’m so excited for you!! Don’t forget to check out the links above to shop the full look! As always, if you have any questions at all you can ask them in the comments below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP! You can also always comment below with a theme, ride, movie or character that you would like me to do in the future for you guys and I would be happy to do that for you!

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A Day Exploring ARTIS Zoo and Micropia Museum in Amsterdam

Hi Friends!

Amsterdam is obviously famous for its canals and all of the history but tucked into the leafy Plantage neighborhood was a really cool stop, the ARTIS Zoo. One of the days that I was in Amsterdam, Dustin had to work so I got to go explore by myself for the day and I decided that I wanted to spend the morning at the ARTIS Zoo which quickly went from me wanting to spend the morning to spending most of my day at there! If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Amsterdam that’s fun, a little educational, and honestly just really cool, you should definitely spend a day at the ARTIS Zoo! While you’re there I would also check out the museum that is right next to it called Micropia which was all about microbes which I will get into more below but they are right next to each other which makes them easy to see and explore both of them in the same day!


All blog posts for this Amsterdam Trip

Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Amsterdam

A Day Exploring ARTIS Zoo and Micropia Museum in Amsterdam

6 Spots Not To Miss In Amsterdam


ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.

Wandering Around ARTIS Zoo

After being there I found out that the ARTIS Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands (it was founded all the way back in 1838!!) which didn’t surprise me because you can absolutely feel that history the moment you walk into the zoo! All of the paths are lined with trees, historic buildings, and tons of pockets of greenery that made it feel like more of a peaceful park with animals rather than a busy attraction like some other zoos feel like. There were so many details to take in and even though the zoo is right in the middle of the city it feels like thats exactly where it is supposed to be! I saw so many animals while I was there, things from elephants to lions, so many birds, tons of reptiles, I wasn’t shocked to find out that ARTIS has over 900 species to look at and learn about. The zoo was calm and spacious which made me feel like I could just take my time wandering from enclosure to enclosure, I loved it! The zoo has a planetarium that has daily shows that take a closer look at space! They also have a botanical garden which was filled with plant species from all over the world! You can also spend so much time looking at the gardens and the historic buildings that were scattered throughout the zoo as well.

ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.

Micropia: Way Cooler Than It Sounds, Trust Me!

Right next to the zoo is the entrance to Micropia which is a museum that is full of information on microbes and I really feel like this place will absolutely surprise you! Micropia is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to microbes and it covers everything that has to do with the tiny organisms that live in, on, and all around us. I think it’s important to note that instead of this museum being boring or overly scientific, it’s really interactive and actually kind of mind blowing! Some of the areas that stuck out to me were the area where they have live microscopes where you can actually watch microbes moving around! They also had interactive displays that show how many microbes live on your body and a “kiss-o-meter” that shows how many microbes are shared when you kiss someone (equal parts fascinating and slightly gross) haha. They also have real and living microbes that were grown in a lab inside the museum for you to check out. I would say that you will probably spend about 1 to 2 hours here learning and exploring! It was crazy to go to a museum and see things that you usually wouldn’t be able to see!

ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.

Connect with Nature at the Groote Museum

I was sad that I missed the Groote Museum, I found out about it after I got back to the hotel that afternoon but this museum is also a part of the ARTIS complex. It is a natural history and interactive science museum that focuses on art, biology, philosophy to make the person visiting think deeply about life and the connection that we have to other species. I wish I would have gotten a ticket to this museum as well because they had so many things to check out! They have an interactive zone where you can learn how a baby’s movement can resemble a crocodile’s movements or how plant roots can mirror human intestines! They also have hands on installations to explore senses. Their exhibits seem to focus on evolution, biodiversity, ecosystems, and our shared journey with all living beings. I will absolutely be going to the Groote Museum next time I am in Amsterdam visiting!


What to Know Before You Go:

Here are some helpful pointers to make the most of your day:


ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.
ARTIS Zoo, Micropia & Groote Museum: A Fun Day in Amsterdam Planning a visit to ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam? Explore ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum with tips, highlights, and what to expect from each.

I really loved visiting the ARTIS Zoo, Micropia so much and wish that I had known about the Groote Museum earlier than I did! You will see and learn so much while your’e there! So many animals to see and things to learn about microbes you didn’t know you wanted to know! I think if you are looking for something outside of the norm to do while you are visiting, this is a good destination to add to the list! This is also a good stop whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, this combination of museums delivers on things like education, inspiration for thinking on topics you might not usually think on, and really just a deeper appreciation for the web of life that is around us. If you end up visiting the zoo or either of the museums, I would love to hear about it. If you have any questions you can comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma


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Gluten Free Review: Lockwood Cafe in Ames, Iowa

Gluten Free Review: Lockwood Cafe in Ames, Iowa

Gluten-Free Review: Lockwood Cafe in Ames, Iowa | Looking for gluten-free dining in Ames, Iowa? Read our review of Lockwood Cafe, featuring gluten-free crepes, baked goods, and coffee in a cozy local setting.

Two of my sisters live in Ames, Iowa and I visit them a lot which is so fun! When I am there they like to take me to their favorite spots and Lockwood Cafe is one that I was introduced to recently and it was such a cool vibe and the food was yummy! It is a building that was converted grain silo building into this fun breakfast and coffee spot in Ames! They have the coolest eclectic decor, the restaurant is filled with plants and art and the menu caters to special dietary needs which is the best! I really enjoyed the food and the coffee was even better! The person taking my order (on both days) was knowlegable about my allergy and they were so friendly!


First Impressions: The Vibe

I feel like it’s important to talk about the overall vibe of the coffee shop a little more because from the moment you walk in, Lockwood Cafe really feels like more than just a place to eat, it is like a whole curated hangout spot where you can talk with friends, get some work done or just grab a bite to eat. I love the artsy vibe, the plants everywhere and the relaxed vibe! I believe there is also outdoor seating beside the train tracks when the weather gets warmer! OH and there was a gallery in back which I think is open occasionally which is such a cool addition to this cafe!

Gluten-Free Review: Lockwood Cafe in Ames, Iowa | Looking for gluten-free dining in Ames, Iowa? Read our review of Lockwood Cafe, featuring gluten-free crepes, baked goods, and coffee in a cozy local setting.
Gluten-Free Review: Lockwood Cafe in Ames, Iowa | Looking for gluten-free dining in Ames, Iowa? Read our review of Lockwood Cafe, featuring gluten-free crepes, baked goods, and coffee in a cozy local setting.

Gluten-Free Focus: What You’ll Find

Lockwood Cafe isn’t a dedicated gluten free restaurant but they do offer several gluten free options to choose from which can be hard to find sometimes so it’s nice that they cater to allergies the best that they can! Here are the gluten free things I loved:

Crepes

They had both sweet and savory crepes to choose from which is what they are known for and they can be made gluten free! I am not a savory crepe person, I wish I was but I’m just not haha! But I got the Banana Nutella Crepes! Note: They did let me know that the granola is made with Quaker Oats and can’t be 100% sure if they are gluten free so I got mine without the granola but they offered to add a sliced banana on the side and it was just as delicous! I was so happy with my meal and I appreciated that they told me about the granola, it confirmed that they were knowledgable of my allergy which just gave me peace of mind!

Coffee

I think that both of my sisters visit Lockwood frequently for their coffee, it is so good! They were telling us that they make most of their own syrups and they like to offer fun seasonal options. When I was there I got an iced latte with raspberry syrup and German chocolate cake syrup and it was PERFECTION. It wasn’t too sweet, the coffee was so good and I have tried over and over to recreate the same flavors at home! They do such a good job with their coffee drinks at Lockwood Cafe!

They also had a dessert case that had a couple of gluten free pastries in it but I’m not sure how consistent it is so I didn’t want to get too into detail about it!


Lockwood Ames Menu


Gluten-Free Review: Lockwood Cafe in Ames, Iowa | Looking for gluten-free dining in Ames, Iowa? Read our review of Lockwood Cafe, featuring gluten-free crepes, baked goods, and coffee in a cozy local setting.
Gluten-Free Review: Lockwood Cafe in Ames, Iowa | Looking for gluten-free dining in Ames, Iowa? Read our review of Lockwood Cafe, featuring gluten-free crepes, baked goods, and coffee in a cozy local setting.

I really think that if you live in the Ames area or even if you’re just passing through, you should take the time to check out Lockwood Cafe! It really is the kind of place that instantly feels welcoming, has great food, delicious and creative drinks, and an atmosphere that makes you want to hang out just a little bit longer. I’m sure you will love it and it is absolutely worth stopping by whether you eat gluten free or not! I really feel like spots like these deserve to be shared about, especially when they make dining out more accessible and enjoyable for those with dietary needs! If you have any questions about eating gluten free at Lockwood Cafe, more menu recommendations, or visiting Ames in general, you can ask them below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer!


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10 Destinations on Our 2026 Travel List

10 Destinations On Our 2026 Travel List

Hi friends!

Every year about this time, Dustin and I like to sit down and talk about what we are wanting our travel plans to look like for the coming year. We talk about where we want to go, what kind of trips fit into our schedule, and which travel destinations that we are most excited for. It’s basically our version of a “travel bucket list” for the year and it’s one of my favorite things that we do because it sort of sets the tone for traveling each year. Some years are bigger or smaller travel years than others and it’s good to kind of set that right away in the beginning of the year. I’ve shared posts like this in the past, and I’m not sure why I don’t always remember to do it every single year, because I know how much we love creating these lists! When I first started my travel blog back in 2017, we made a travel bucket list, and that year turned into one of our biggest travel years ever, until last year, I think we might have topped it!

There’s just something so fun about having trips on the calendar and adventures to look forward to! I also love sharing these posts with you guys because it gives a little sneak peek at the destinations I’ll likely be writing about in the coming year. So if you’re planning your own travels or just enjoy following along for inspiration, this list will give you an idea of what travel guides, itineraries, and stories you can expect on the blog soon!

Happy reading!


Iowa

We actually already made this trip! My nephew was born early at the beginning of January and we got to go up and meet him! The trip was nothing that it was supposed to be, people were getting sick left and right with influenza an and that was HORRIBLE. We ended up staying the whole trip in a hotel and not getting to spend too much time with family so I will actually be heading back to Iowa at the end of January to try and get some good baby snuggles in for a weekend! Other than that we will be back to Iowa often over the next year! I’m sure I have said this before but we don’t like to go too long between trips so usually about every 6 weeks we are in Iowa! 

LA / Disneyland

If you were around last year we went to the Pokemon Go Unova Tour which was at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and then we stayed a few more days to be able to spend time at Disneyland with our friends and we had so much fun! When we heard that Pokemon Go was having another event there in February we booked it immediately! Pokemon and Disney are two of our favorite things so any excuse to take a trip to do both we’re 10/10 going to make that trip happen! We are staying on Disney property this time so stay tuned for all of those blog posts

Amsterdam

Dustin travels to Amsterdam for work pretty frequently and last fall I went and met him for a long weekend and we had such a fun time exploring Amsterdam. I want to go there and meet him for one of his spring trips to this is high on our list! There are soooo many museums there that I would love to explore and just take in the city in a different season!

10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London

London

We (Dustin and I) have also talked about when I do go to Amsterdam to visit, taking part of that trip and spending some time in London! I went back in 2018 with my sister and it was such a memorable trip that ever since then I have wanted to take Dustin to show him everything we did while we were there. He has never been and I really think he would like it! This isn’t a for sure done deal trip but it's something we talk about quite a bit! I have written a couple blog posts on London! They are Mayfield Lavender Fields Day Trip From London and Harry Potter London Checklist!

Chicago

This trip will be another Pokemon Go trip in June! We are going to stay in Chicago for a long weekend to do the Pokemon Go Fest which is usually in a different location each year. Last year this event took us to New York and Paris! This year we are doing the event in Chicago and there is a smallllll possibility we go to the event in Copenhagen as well. Dustin works in Copenhagen sometimes and it’s usually in June so if he will be there already for work then I will probably make the trip to Copenhagen to join him and go to the event there as well! But for sure Chicago will be happening, we are going with out friends that we are going to LA with and we love traveling with them, it’s always fun! 

10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London

Spain

My little sister is planning to study abroad in Spain this summer which is so cool and we have never been there! I have always wanted to go but it just hadn’t come up as an option really yet so this will be such a fun trip! Plus we love mixing up traveling with friends and family so it will be special to be there with her! My parents have talked about also visiting her so we might have some overlap which would be even more fun!

Germany

We don’t have concrete plans to go to Germany yet but we have wanted to go as long as I can remember and I think by putting it out there it will be higher on our radar when were are booking trips! I think it would be so magical to visit in December so it might be a trip that we plan for around Christmas time! 

10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London

Yellowstone National Park

This has been on our list (probably mine more than Dustin’s) for so so so long! I went when I was a little kid and I think that just made me want to go even more! I would love to spend a long weekend exploring Yellowstone National Park! We don’t have any concrete plans for this but I would love to just speak it out into existence to hopefully make it happen, if not this year hopefully next year!

Japan

Ever since our Japan trip last April we send each other tiktoks and instagram videos DAILY of things we missed in Japan. When we were leaving Japan we always talked about going back but in like 5 years down the road, but we REALLY want to go back and I think there’s a chance we try to make that happen again this year! We went in spring last time so maybe a fall trip would be fun! I have written MANY blog posts about Japan, I will link them all for you guys!

Where To Eat Stay and Play In Tokyo Japan

A Perfect Day Trip From Osaka to Nara Park, Arashiyama and Kyoto

Visit the Nagai Botanical Gardens in Osaka, Japan

20 Essential Tips to Know Before Traveling to Japan

Where to Eat Stay and Play at Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Sea

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Dotonbori in Osaka, Japan

Where to Eat Stay and Play in Osaka Japan

Packing for a 14 Day Trip to Japan in April

Mexico

Mexico is another place where we will just likely go, we go one to two times a year, usually for someones birthday or for a long weekend to just sit and relax rather than go and explore a new place. There are still so many resorts that we haven’t been to and we have some on our list like Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun! I have also written a few blog posts about our different trips to Mexico, I will link them here for you guys!

Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary

Secrets Playa Mujeres Travel Diary

Isla Mujeres, Mexico Travel Diary

10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London
10 Destinations on our Travel Bucket List for 2026 | Japan | Germany | Amsterdam | Yellowstone National Park | Iowa | Chicago | Los Angeles | Pokemon Go Tour | Disneyland | London

As always, our travel bucket list is a mix of confirmed plans and trips that we would LIKE to go on this year and I think that makes it more exciting! Some trips are already on the calendar, and some others are still waiting for the right time to book, if that even happens. Either way, I love having a vision for the upcoming year ahead and sharing that excitement with you guys! I’ll be updating the blog along the way with travel guides, tips, and stories from each destination, so if any of these places are on your own bucket list, stay tuned. Here’s to a year filled with new places, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of adventures together! If you have any questions at all I am here to answer them as best as I can, you can leave a comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can!


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