Spend a Day at Disneyland in Paris, France!

Spend a Day at Disneyland in Paris, France!

Hi Friends!

When we were planning our Paris trip, Disneyland Paris was pretty high up on our must-do list while we were visiting. It is just a short train ride from the city, and it’s the perfect way to experience the Disney magic that we all love. It was fun because there are actually two parks in one! They have the Disneyland Park and they also have Walt Disney Studios Park. Between both parks you are going to get everything you’re looking for from classic fairytale rides, Pixar and Marvel adventures, and the iconic Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! If you’re a Disney fan, a foodie, or just want to relive a little childhood magic, Disneyland Paris is a must-visit. Below I’m sharing how we got there, how to get tickets, our favorite rides across both parks, what we ate, where we shopped, and then some of my best tips for making the most out of your magical day! Happy reading!

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🎟️ Getting There + Buying Tickets

We took the train from our Airbnb to Disneyland Paris! Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée which was like a 40 minutes train ride from central Paris. Like I said, we took the train and we got off at the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, and it drops you off just a few steps from the park entrance which was super easy and convenient!

As for our tickets, we booked our tickets in advance through the official Disneyland Paris website! I always recommend booking tickets through the official site just so there aren’t any problems when trying to get into the park. We were only there for one day and we bought the Park Hopper ticket so we could go to both the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. For us it was definitely worth it because each park has unique rides and experiences that we really didn’t want to miss!

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🏰 How to Skip the Lines at Disneyland Paris

I am not an expert by any means, I just wanted to note what we did and noticed about the fast pass system when we were visiting. From what I understand, the classic paper FastPass system is gone much like other Disney parks, Disneyland Paris now uses Premier Access passes. They actually have two options, Disney Premier Access Ultimate and Disney Premier Access One. The Disney Premier Access Ultimate is where you can use the pass one time for each attraction that is available and the Disney Premier Access One is where you can use the pass one time for one attraction. I shared an image below that details the options a little bit more! For us, with a lot of the wait times being well over an hour to wait and us only being there for one day, we wanted to maximize our time and we decided to purchase it to experience both parks in one day.

One big tip: if there's something you must ride, go straight there at rope drop or pay for Premier Access.

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🎢 Our Three Favorite Rides From Each Park

Disneyland Park Highlights

• Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• It’s a Small World

• Haunted Mansion

Walt Disney Studios Park Highlights

• Ratatouille: The Adventure

• Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

• Crush’s Coaster

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🛍️ Souvenirs We Bought (Because You Have to)

Shopping at Disneyland Paris felt extra special and there was a lot of merch that I hadn’t seen anywhere else like in the states or in Japan! Here is where we stopped:

• The Emporium on Main Street - This is where you will find the Disney classics and it’s great to stop in for last-minute shopping before you leave the parks for the day!

• Castle Shops - There were so many cool themed souvenirs that were tied to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, definitely stop in here!

• Ratatouille Merch - We loved shopping in here and it is exclusive to Paris! They had themed desserts and candy and Ratatouille merch I haven’t seen before in any other parks I have been to!

• Marvel & Pixar Stores in Walt Disney Studios - These were some other cool stores to shop in especially if Marvel or Pixar are you thing! Tons of cute things to find in here, they felt similar to shopping in California Adventure in my opinion!

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💡 Tips for First-Timers

• Download the Disneyland Paris App before your trip and use it!

• Make sure you log in and link your tickets before getting to the park, you will want to use the app with your linked tickets to get into the park!

• Check availability for rides and make reservations right after park entry. Availability for the fast pass options can go fast—especially on weekends and holidays!

• Make sure you bring a portable charger, you’ll be on your phone all day and it will come in handy, I promise!

• Utilize mobile ordering when it is available at select quick-service locations in the app! It is great for skipping food lines!

• Pack compact umbrella or raincoat, we learned that the Paris weather can change quickly and again you will be happy you brought it!

• Make sure you arrive early to the park to wait in line. I would aim to get there at least 30–45 minutes before park opening. The earlier you get in line the earlier you will get into the park and be able to get the fast passes that you want for the rides on your list.

• I would have a plan going into the day but at the same time be flexible. It is smart to have a few rides on your list that are must-do attractions for you but also be ready to adjust the plan based on crowd levels and wait times for the day that you are at the park!

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With us being such big Disney people we were so happy that we added Disneyland Paris to our itinerary in Paris. The Disneyland Park wan’t short of magic by any means and we loved the unique experiences at Walt Disney Studios, it really felt like the best of Disney with a little Paris twist! Don’t be intimidated by visiting Disneyland Paris, it was super easy with a little planning! Things like getting tickets early, considering Premier Access, and prioritizing your favorite rides will help you make the most of your day across both parks. If you’re planning your own Disneyland Paris adventure and have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com.

Much love,
Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Goofy

Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Goofy

I feel like it has been so long since I did an outfit idea for Magic Kingdom but maybe it hasn’t? Anyways, regardless I put together an outfit idea inspired by an OG, Goofy! As always, when I’m planning an outfit for a park day, I always want to make sure that it’s cute but also functional for the Florida heat. I can’t wait for you to see this fun Goofy-inspired outfit that’s perfect for a day at Magic Kingdom! Whether you’re strolling down Main Street, snapping photos in front of Cinderella Castle, or hopping on Goofy’s Barnstormer in Storybook Circus, this look is perfect for your day! As always, comfort is key when I put together these outfit ideas. You can click the picture below to shop the park look, and I’ve also linked all the items for you!

Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom: Goofy

| Green Hair Bow | Goofy Orange Jersey | Goofy Inspired Mickey Ears | Goofy Baseball Cap | Black Crop Top | Black Bike Shorts | Black Free People Dupe Dress | Black Belt Bag | Reebok Sneakers | Goofy Seed Bead Bracelets | Goofy Earrings |

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And that wraps up this Goofy inspired look for a magical day at Magic Kingdom! I hope this look gives you some inspiration for your next park day! Don’t forget to check out the links above to shop the full look. Until next time, keep it cute and keep it magical! If you have any questions, 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! 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!

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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12 Things to Do in Paris

12 Things to do in Paris

Hi friends!

We absolutely loved our trip to Paris and everything that we did while we were there felt like checking off major bucket list items! The city itself just feels like it is straight out of a dream, it’s romantic, elegant, and just charming. Whether it’s your first time visiting, like it was for us, or you’ve been there a few times, it seems like you will always have something new to experience while you are there. Here are the things that we did that I don’t think you should miss while you are there and there are also some tips that I share, which we learned along the way on our own trip!

Happy reading!

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1. Marvel at the Eiffel Tower (during the day & at night)

I feel like nothing prepared me to see the Eiffel Tower in person, like no matter how many times I had seen it in pictures, the Eiffel Tower is just breathtaking in person. We visited the Eiffel Tower during the day to see if and take in everything going on around it but we also came back at night because we didn’t want to miss seeing it sparkle at night! When you are going, make sure that you check when it is scheduled to sparkle, but when we were there, it went off every hour on the hour after it was dark out! We also didn’t go up in the Eiffel Tower, but we really didn’t feel like we missed anything so that is completely up to you if you go up for the view! If you plan to go up in it, I recommend buying your tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines!

2. Wander Through the Louvre

I don’t think I even knew what to expect when we put “visit the Louvre” on our itinerary, but it was such a fun morning wandering around seeing all of the art and history that was in just one place. We learned that it is one of the world’s largest art museums, and honestly, it was a little overwhelming at first from all of the wings and levels and names to take in! I also suggest getting a map when you walk in and maybe don’t expect to see everything inside. But if you have a few things on your list that you really want to see, start there and then see what happens as you wander the museum! Tip: I highly suggest getting a ticket beforehand online and choosing a timed-entry slot when you are picking a time online. I also suggest trying to go in the morning or later in the evening. We went in the morning and by the time we were heading out to leave, it was SUPER crowded!

3. Stroll Along the Seine

One late-ish afternoon we were walking around and we walked along the Siene from near the Arc de Triomphe and walked towards the Eiffel Tower to find some dinner. We went down the stairs and walked right along the river, there were a few outdoor beer garden type things and we really enjoyed it! There was lots to see and take in! We originally wanted to hop on one of the river cruises to see the city from the water but we ran out of time so this was good enough for us! Next time though we do want to do one of the river cruises! Tip: We heard that the evening river cruises are even more beautiful because you can see the Eiffel Tower sparkle as you pass by. Most cruises are about an hour and leave from near the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame.

4. Lunch and exploring Montmartre

I don’t know what I thought I was expecting but Montmartre but it completely exceeded my expectations and was the cutest little place to explore. Montmartre feels like its own little village filled with cobblestone streets, cute shops, delicious smells, watching artists set up at Place du Tertre, and climbing up (SO MANY STEPS) to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for one of the best views of Paris! We also found a flea market nearby which is where my mom, my sister and myself found the best souvenirs! We ate lunch at a restaurant called Le Consulat and had some really yummy tortellini while we people watched! Tip: Be prepared for steps, like you are going to prepare yourself for a certain amount of steps and then I am going to need you to double it, there were SO many! If you’d rather not walk up, there’s a funicular (cable car) that will take you from the base of the hill up to the basilica. Entry to the Sacré-Cœur is free, but there’s a small fee to climb the dome.

5. Visit a Bakery and Eat all the Baguettes

I’m not even gong to link a specific bakery because there are good ones ALLLL over the city! We had one that was near our Airbnb and we stopped there once a day if not twice a day for baguettes, chocolate croissants and other yummy desserts to try! Please do not leave Paris without trying something from at least one bakery and if I am being honest, do it on day one because you will be so thankful when you can go everyday for the rest of your trip there!

6. Visit the Musée d’Orsay

This was another spot that wasn’t originally on our “to-do” list but we were happy that we added it! Musée d’Orsay was one of my favorite museums that we went to while we were in Paris. There was so much to look at and the building itself was really interesting! We learned that the Musée d’Orsay is a former railway station and it’s just filled with incredible Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, you won’t be sad you put it on your list! Tip: The top floor has huge clock windows that you can look out of with stunning views of the city! You will also want to buy your ticket ahead of time, we bought ours while we were in Paris a few days before we wanted to go and it just made the experience much calmer than it would have been if we were to wait in line which was the alternative option.

7. Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens

This doesn’t have to be a super elaborate activity but one afternoon we grabbed a few snacks from a local market and headed to the Luxembourg Gardens. We really just sat there, ate our snacks and people watched! It was realaxing and it really felt like we were sort of immersed into what the locals that were there were doing. Tip: The gardens were free to get into and there are a ton of chairs you can use and move around as you want! Oh and there was a playground which would be fun if you are traveling with kids!

8. Take a Day Trip to Normandy

I actually wrote a whole blog post on this day trip that we took but early on when we were planning this trip we decided that we wanted to go on a day trip to visit Normandy and some other sites outside of Paris and we were so glad that we did! You can read all about that day trip here in this blog post! We went with Viator and we really enjoyed our time!

9. Spend the Evening at a Jazz Club - On the last night we were in Paris we decided to go to the Jazz Club where La La Land was filmed and it was such a fun night! Caveau De La Huchette is an underground jazz club and you literally feel like you are in a cave but such a cool experience! We decided to go to the early show at 9:00 pm so we could go get dinner afterwards but still catch out flights the next morning and it was perfect! The drinks were yummy, the crowd was so fun and it was a bucket list item I didn't even know I needed to check off my list until we did it!

10. Visit the bookstore Shakespeare and Company

While we were in Paris we stopped at the cutest bookstore called Shakespeare and Company and we spend like an hour looking at all of the books that were in the store. There was a line to get into the bookstore and it was well worth the wait! They had so many books and the cutest merch, I got a tote bag that I use all the time! If you are into books, I definitely recommend checking out Shakespeare and Company. It was sort of near Notre Dame, so when you visit that this would be a good quick pit stop since you are already in the area!

11. Spend a Day at Disneyland Paris

Not everyone is as in love with Disney as we are but if you know us, you know that there was no way we were going to go all the way to Paris and not spend a day at Disneyland in Paris! I am working on a blog post that shares all of the details from our day at Disneyland Paris but if you are a Disney fan you absolutely have to add the park to your list of things to do in Paris, you won’t regret it!

12. Go See Notre Dame

We didn’t go in but we walked by it and it was just really neat to see it in person. It was crazy to watch the videos of the fire back in 2019 but really something you can’t miss seeing while you are visiting Paris. It is such an iconic building that it felt like we couldn't miss it after getting a second chance to be able to after it was rebuilt. Like I said, we didn’t go in but you can buy tickets to go in and see it here! From what I understand, you can go in for free and see it but you need to make a reservation for a time that you go in. If you want a tour you can also buy those tickets from this same website!

On Our List but Ran Out of Time

Catch the Sunset from the Arc de Triomphe

This was one thing that was on our must do list but didn’t get to it while we were on this trip. We had heard that everyone usually goes to the Eiffel Tower for views around sunset but we should try to see the sunset at the Arc de Triomphe! We heard the view is equally amazing because you can see the Eiffel Tower in the skyline while you are at the Arc de Triomphe! We will have to make this happen next time but there’s no reason you shouldn’t! Tip: Entry to the Arc de Triomphe is included with the Paris Museum Pass. Make sure to check when you are buying it but it was when we looked at buying the Paris Museum Pass!

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We seriously had such a fun time when we were in Paris and I really think that the city of Paris is the kind of place where even the simplest moments feel special no matter what you are doing or seeing! Whether you are grabbing a coffee at a corner café, walking along the Seine after dinner or watching the city lights sparkle at night you are going to have a great time! I really think with any of these experiences that I listed as well as leaving room for your own unplanned spontaneous adventures, you will have the trip of a lifetime! 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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What To Read Next

Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary

Hi friends! For my 30th birthday we weren’t sure what we were going to do for it, we had a couple of plans but they never worked out so about a week before my birthday Dustin pretty much surprised me with a relaxing long weekend at a resort doing my favorite things, reading, drinking wine and laying by a pool. I was sold and we had SUCH a fun time being down there!We went down with the intention to have zero plans, and we did just that. I loved every second of it! I have shared resorts that we have been to in the past and I wanted to share Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen with you guys as well! We loved the views, the food, the staff, the atmosphere. I could go on and on but the concierge staff were amazing, the bar staff, restaurant staff at ALL of the restaurants were just the nicest. We would absolutely go back to this resort again!

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Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen

Overview

We were there for 4 nights and 5 days and it was the perfect amount of time, we flew out EARLY on a Thursday morning and got to the resort before 10:00am which was nice because we got to enjoy the whole day there and then we flew out early on Monday morning and were home by noon and able to work a half day. It was an efficient trip timeline wise but it felt like we were still really able to make the most out of our time there with the flights that we chose to take.

• All inclusive resort

• Adults only resort

• 40 minute drive from Cancun Airport

• Free wifi

• 7 pools

• 10 restaurants

• 2 swim-up bars

• 7 bars/lounges

• A beach bar

• A 24 hour coffee shop/cafe

• A poolside bar

Activities & Amenities

One of the first things that stuck out to me about Secrets Moxché and really all of the Secrets hotels we’ve stayed at is how much there is to do without ever leaving the property. For the five days we were there it felt like every corner had something new to find. We loved that there were seven pools to choose from and something new that we liked were the man-made cenotes which were seriously stunning and made you feel like you’ve stumbled across your own secret oasis. We also loved the rooftop infinity pool that had amazing views that we still can’t get over! During the day, there was a ton of entertainment like live music, some fun shows, and tons of volleyball in the pool! We also loved that while there was a ton of things going on, there were also many spots that you felt completely alone and it was quiet to read a book or lounge on a pool float and relax. This resort felt like the perfect balance of relaxing and calm while also being able to be active and socialize if that’s what you were wanting.

The Spa

When we go on trips down to Mexico we always make a point to spend time at the spas that they have. This spa was really really nice, it was called the Secrets Spa by Pevonia and we loved it! As preferred members we always get a complementary hydrotherapy circuit when we are there and we booked that right before our massages and it was the perfect way to get super relaxed before the massages. The hydrotherapy circuit consists of wet and dry saunas, a steam room, a cold plunch and then pools with massaging jets of all sorts. A staff member walks you through the different steps and it is just so nice and peaceful! We also love getting massages with Secrets, they are always great experiences where we walk out feeling like your whole body hit reset. If you go to this Secrets or any Secrets, trust me, carve out a morning or afternoon for the spa—you’ll thank yourself later!

Dining

Okay, let’s talk food at Secrets Moxché! There are 10 different restaurants to choose from on property and we love that every meal felt like its own little adventure with so many different cuisines to choose from. My absolute favorite dinner was at Suki which was their asian fusion restaurant and you could also make a reservation for the hibachi grill. A couple of other honorable mentions was Bisou, the French restaurant and Allora, the Italian restaurant. We wanted to try Dos Almas, the Mexican restaurant but we ordered room service one night and didn’t have the opportunity to try it! They really have a ton of variety in their food which makes it feel like the resort is a lot larger and you can really spend more days/nights there. For lunch they had a few good options but surprisingly our favorite was the vegan restaurant next to the pool, it was called Bamboo. Also as I mentioned, there’s 24-hour room service for those late-night snacks!

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We were there for my birthday and anytime we are there for a special occasion they really go all out for it! There was a banner on our door that said “Happy Birthday”, there were a few nights that we were there where we had a bottle of champaign brought to the room that was left with a little dessert. It’s just little touches and things that they do that make the trip extra special.

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WHAT I PACKED

You can click each photo below and it will take you to all of the links!

When we were talking about this trip I knew that our main goal for the days that we were there was to spend as much time in and around the pool reading and relaxing and so I ended up bringing quite a few swimming suits. I didn’t buy new for this trip but I have gotten some new ones for our house this summer and those were the ones that made the packing list for Mexico! We go through suits so frequently here in Florida I usually gravitate towards buying them on Amazon because of the price point! ANYWAYS, now I am rambling but I will link my favorites below!

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BOOKS I BROUGHT TO READ

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We have been to a few Secrets properties at this point and Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen did not disappoint, it was absolutely beautiful. You can read about our trip to Secrets Playa Mujeres in Cancun here and you can read about our trip to Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica here! Have you stayed at a Secrets or Dreams location before? What was your experience? I would love to know what you thought of it. You can comment below or you can send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will respond to you there!

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Spend a Day at Universal in Japan

Spend a Day at Universal in Japan

Hi Friends!

When we started planning our activities for while we were in Osaka, we realized just how close we were going to be to Universal Studios in Japan and we added it to our list pretty much right away! This theme park has so much to offer and had so many cool and nostalgic rides, movie-themed attractions, amazing food, and even a little magic (hello, Harry Potter World!). If you are a fan of rides, good food and nostalgic movie memories I think Universal Studios is definitely a must do while you are in Japan! I am sharing below how we got to the park, how we got tickets, our favorite rides, the yummy food we had and just some tips and tricks to make your day at Universal Studios in Japan easier!

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🎟️ Getting There + Buying Tickets

Universal Studios in Japan is located just about 20 minutes away from Osaka Station. We took the train from the Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Line which was about 15 minutes and then we went to the Osaka Station and then from there we took the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station. When we got off the train we were pretty much right at the entrance. I also found a whole map that Universal Studios actually provides on their website, I will link that here for you! We bought our tickets online in advance and I would really recommend doing that! We bought our tickets directly through the official Universal Studios Japan website but I do think there are other ways to get them too! We went to buy them about two weeks before we were going and tickets were slim, we went one of the two days that were available so make sure you get them as early as possible when booking for your own trip!

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🏰 How to Skip the Lines with Express Pass

When we were planning this trip, we found out that number one way to maximize your time in the park is be spending a little bit more and getting Express Passes. The day that we were there we were noticing that some rides had like 2 to 3 hours wait times and if you have the Express Pass then you can skip that line which gives you more time to do other things in the park! We got our Express Passes directly through the Universal Studios Japan website but like the tickets for getting into the park, there are other places you can get them! The prices varied by the ride package that you picked but we got one that included passes for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and The Flying Dinosaur. We got those ones specifically because we wanted access to Harry Potter World and to Super Nintendo World. But there are a ton of options you can choose from to fit your own preferences for what you would like to ride!

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🎢 The Rides We Went On (And Which Were Totally Worth It)

• Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World™) - Such a fun ride, it’s basically like a real life version of being in Mario Kart where you are racing around a track, you are right in the game with the AR technology that they use and it is so cool! Definitely recommend going on this ride if you can get a time slot for it!

• The Flying Dinosaur - Holy $H!T, this was the most insane intense rides I have ever been on in my entire life. You are put into your seat and then your whole seat gets faced down so you are looking at the ground the whole time. It was such an intense ride, we went backwards, forwards, upside down, in a loop, underground. I don’t even know what I didn’t know before I went on that ride, it was insane. Haha, I’m glad I went and experienced it but that was a one and done kind of ride for me!

• Jurassic Park: The Ride - We had tickets to go on this, it looked like so much fun! It is a classic water ride with a huge drop where you get absolutely soaked. We watched the drop a few times and decided not to go on it, we didn’t want to be wet all day long and be uncomfortable, but people looked like they loved it. If you do go on it, bring a poncho!

• Minion Mayhem - This was the first ride that we went on when we got to the park and it was a lot of fun, and not like what I expected at all. It was a 3D ride mixed with a sort of roller coaster feel, it would be a good ride for anyone to go on, even kids!

We were only there for one day and I feel like we did it all but at the same time we didn’t get to see everything. We aren’t huge 3D ride goers so that takes a few options away. But on top of that, keep in mind that everything is smaller and that was no different for their rides. We were supposed to go on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey as well as the Hollywood Dream the Ride and for both rides we were turned away because the bar wouldn’t fit over Dustin’s shoulders. I would recommend looking at requirements before buying your tickets to go on those two rides specifically because we were so excited to go on them and we definitely weren’t the only people turned away from going on the ride and it really sucked.

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🍴 What We Ate

There were so many options to eat at this park, and really that was kind of the fun part! I will just name a few things that stuck out to us!

• Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - always a fun treat! It’s sweet, frothy, and perfect for photos in front of the castle!

• Mario Café & Store - You will need to get reservations for this, but if you have a fan of Mario and Luigi in the group, this would be a really fun lunch spot!

• Jurassic Park Turkey Leg - This was definitely not for me, but they smelled so good, and so many people were walking around with these huge and honestly iconic turkey legs!

• Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor - We did eat here, and the pizza was really good! We tried the honey on top of the pizza trick that is really popular, and that was also really good, and something we will do on our pizza at home now!

Pro tip: Restaurants inside the park can get packed around lunchtime, so try eating early or late to skip the rush.

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🛍️ Where We Shopped for Souvenirs

I feel like with any theme park, shopping is a big part of being there, and Universal Studios Japan was just as cool as you would expect it to be in the merchandise department, plus there really was so much to look at souvenir wise!

• Universal Studios Store - This is the main shop near the entrance of the park that has everything from Minions to Jurassic Park and more. You can think of this store as a “I forgot to grab this when we were near those rides” on the way out for any last-minute purchases!

• Mario-themed Merch in Super Nintendo World - The stores that were in Super Nintendo World were so cool to look around in, and I believe that the merch that was in there was exclusive to Japan!

• Harry Potter World - Harry Potter World was another area that we spent a lot of time shopping in! You could buy wands and robes at Ollivanders or Filch’s Emporium, and so many other goodies as well!

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💡 Tips for First-Timers

• Arrive Early - When we were there, the gates opened up a little early before the official opening time, and it gave us a head start on getting to the rides we really wanted to go on!

• Download the Universal Japan App - This app was super helpful and gave us information on things like ride wait times, maps, show schedules, and where food was located. This was a very helpful tool for our day!

• Plan Ahead - Before you get there, make sure you know the rides that are important to you, which rides need special things for access to get to, and have a general idea of the layout of the park. That was helpful for us!

• Wear comfortable Shoes - This should be something you know if you read my blog posts about any park we have been to, but WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES, you will thank me later! You will easily walk 10,000 steps, and that’s just when you are in the park!

• Make sure you log in and link your tickets before getting to the park. You will want to use the app with your linked tickets to get into the park!

• Make sure you bring a portable charger, you’ll be on your phone all day, and it will come in handy, I promise!

• Pack an umbrella or bring a raincoat - The weather in Japan changed so quickly, and you will be happy you brought it with you!

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When we initially planned our Japan trip, we didn’t have Universal on the list of things we were going to do until we realized how close we were to Universal when we were in Osaka, and then we knew we had to add it in. There was so much to see there, and much like anything else in Japan, the details that were added to the park were just over the top cool to see. We loved getting to walk around the different themed areas and really just taking it all in. I think that with the right planning, utilizing the Express Passes, and having a few insider tips in mind when you are there, you can make the most of your trip to Universal in Japan. If you have any questions while planning your own trip or want to know more about anything that I mentioned above, feel free to reach out! You can comment below or you can send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com, and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

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WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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A Day Trip from Paris to Normandy, France

Hi Friends!

When we were in Paris this past summer, one of the days that we planned for our itinerary was to take a day trip to visit Normandy to learn more about D-Day and take more of a historical tour outside of the city. I will get into this a bit more down below but we ended up choosing to take a full-day tour through Viator (which we have used them before, you can read about our Daytrip to Dornoch, Scotland here). There were a ton of stops on this trip including Juno Beach, Omaha Beach to the American Cemetery and the having lunch in the cutest town of Arromanches. The day was packed with so much to see and so much to learn, we were so happy that we went on the tour. If you're considering a day trip like this, you can read all about our experience below!

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Why We Chose a Guided Day Trip from Paris

We travel quite a bit and we’ve done trips on our own and with tours and for this specific trip we were breaking down the cost of the tour and then what it would cost if we did it on our own and obviously ended up going with a guided tour. We knew this would be a long day (around 13–14 hours), and we didn’t want to worry about car rentals, taking a train, getting directions, or parking. For us, choosing a guided tour meant we could just show up, sit back, and also learn more from someone who really knew the history rather than just doing it on our own. If you have been around for awhile or have read other travel blogs that I have written, then you might have noticed that we have used Viator in the past. We have liked all of our day trips with them so we opted to use them for this tour as well. It was nice because the drive from Paris to Normandy was about 3–4 hours, and we were able to have a comfortable, air-conditioned bus that made the day trip just even better.

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What Our Day Looked Like: Normandy Tour Itinerary

🚍 Morning Departure from Paris

We had to get to our meeting spot realllllllly early, we met our group at a hotel that was just around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. The view with the sunrise was actually really cool to see while we waited for our bus! The Viator team was there and separated us onto our correct bus for the tour and we were on our way to Normandy right around 7:00 AM. The bus was nice and spacious, we sat up on the second floor. The views were cool, there were pretty scenery and the right amount of commentary from our tour guide when he was giving us details about different things. We also stopped at a gas station about an hour into the drive where we were able to go to the bathroom and get a snack for the drive.

🇺🇸 Stop 1: Omaha Beach

Our first stop was Omaha Beach, we learned A LOT while we were here. From what I understand, it was one of the five landing beaches that happened on June 6, 1944. It was also the site of one of the most intense battles that happened on the D-Day invasion, it was really something to experience. We walked around the beach for a bit and just took it all in. There was also a small visitor center with a few displays and a great viewpoint over the coastline. They had a “little free library” of sorts that you could take a book if you made a donation which was kind of a cool souvenir and memory to take away from this stop on the trip as well!

🕊️ Stop 2: American Cemetery and Memorial

The next stop on the tour was The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial which was in Colleville-sur-Mer. This was a really somber and emotional part of the trip. Seeing row after row of the nearly 10,000 white marble crosses and Stars of David stretched out across the stunningly manicured lawns which all overlooked the water. There was a museum that was there as well that shared more personal stories about the soldiers who passed away here, it was really something to take in.

🍴 Stop 3: Lunch in Arromanches

We stopped for about an hour and a half and got lunch in Arromanches. It was the cutest seaside town packed with restaurants, souvineer shops and even some WWII history of its own. We learned that this was the site of one of the temporary harbors that they used during the D-Day invasion. When we were there we stopped and got some lunch at a seafood shop and it was really good. The restaurant was called, Fish & Co! Dustin and I split the mixed plate that had fish, calamari, chicken and fries. After lunch we wandered around the shops, got a couple of souvenirs and some ice cream! Then we were back on the bus and on our way to the next stop.

🇨🇦 Stop 4: Juno Beach Center

The next stop was Juno Beach, we learned that this is where the Canadian forces landed on D-Day. The Juno Beach Center was also a museum as well as a memorial that was dedicated to the Canadian role in the liberation of France. There was a lot to learn and the views were really cool too!

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Here are some tips that we learned for this day trip!

• Wear comfortable shoes - You’ll be walking a lot, like more than we realized would be happening and there were stops where we were walking in grass or a rocked path!

• Get water and snacks at the first stop - This isn’t SUPER important, but we were really glad that at the gas station when we first stopped that we grabbed some snacks and drinks to have with us on the bus! It’s not like there won’t be food opportunities but it was just nice to have something to munch on between stops.

• Bring layers - We were there in June and it was on the warmer side but even in summer, the coast can be breezy and I was happy to have a little button up shirt to wear over my tank top in the morning stops!

• Bring a portable charger - There were plenty of photo opportunities and your battery will most likely be drained pretty quickly. We were so happy that we had brought portable chargers with us!

• If you see a bathroom use it - This was our motto throughout the day, we were worried about getting to a stop and their not being a restroom, we did learn that restrooms were available at most of the stops, including Omaha Beach and Juno Beach but it was just a good thing to keep in mind so you didn’t have to hold it for too long if you did need to go.

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Overall, this trip was emotional, educational, and so worth the time and I also don’t think that you need to be a history buff to appreciate the weight of what happened here. The tour was well organized, I thought it had a great pace and it was full of information that we wouldn’t have probably learned on our own. I would say if you are visiting Paris and want to add something a bit different to your trip, I would recommend this day trip for sure. I would also highly recommend booking this tour with Viator, they always make our day trips and excursions memorable, exciting and fun regardless of what we are seeing. 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

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Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios: Star Wars

Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios: Star Wars

When I am planning an outfit for a park day, I always want to make sure that I am creating an outfit that is cute but also functional for the heat we have here in Florida. I haven’t shared a look inspired by Star Wars in a while, so today I am going to do that, below is an outfit perfect for a galactic adventure over in Hollywood Studios! Whether you're joining the Resistance, wandering through Batuu, or just grabbing a Ronto Wrap, this Star Wars inspired look is a fun way to lean into the immersive world of Galaxy’s Edge. As always, comfort is key when I put together these outfit ideas. This look and all of the Disney looks that I share are made to help you have the best day possible while feeling put together and to keep you as cool as possible. You can click the picture below to shop the park look, but all of the items are also linked!

Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios: Star Wars

| Episode III Revenge of the Sith Tee | Dainty Blue Gem Ring | Black Bodysuit |

| Star Wars Rebel Alliance Ring | Death Star Tie Fighter Mickey Ears |

| Star Wars Prequel Seed Bead Bracelets | In A Galaxy Far Away Hair Bow |

| Star Wars Key Chain | Reebok Premier Road Sneakers | Light Saber Keychain |

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I hope this Star Wars inspired outfit gives you a little inspiration for your next adventure to Hollywood Studios! Dressing for the parks can mean looking cute while also being comfortable! It’s also fun to dress up when you are in such an immersive part of the park like Galaxy’s Edge. Whether you’re snagging a spot on the Millennium Falcon or just soaking up the vibes in Batuu, this look is all about staying cool, feeling confident, and adding a little Star Wars magic to your day. May the force (and the portable fans) be with you! If you have any questions, outfit ideas, themes or other suggestions, 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 as soon as possible!

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Packing for an 7 Day Trip to Paris in the Summer

Hi Friends!

We recently got back from spending 7ish, almost 8 days in Paris with my family and somehow I had a bit of an easier time packing for a trip to Paris than I did when we were packing for Japan back in April! I actually found that packing for Paris in the summer to be pretty straightforward—but still important to plan well so I wanted to share what I brought! Paris in the summer is typically warm and sunny, even hot honestly, with the occasional breeze or quick rain shower, so packing smart can make a big difference. When we were there it seems like we did it all so whether you're sipping espresso at a sidewalk café, exploring museums, or wandering along the Seine at golden hour, I probably have an outfit idea for you while you are packing! I wanted this blog post to be written in a way that makes your packing experience easy and you sort of know what you need going into the process. Also keeping in mind that I packed and dressed with comfort and practicality in mind, I am not one to dress up a ton on a trip so this packing list will be much more casual than probably most other Paris packing lists you might find on Pinterest!

Happy reading!

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WEATHER IN PARIS

When we were in Paris it was the second and third weeks of June and weather was a little bit warmer than what we had anticipated. The daily average was about 78-85 degrees as the highs each day that we were there. There were times when it got a little bit chilly at night but I never actually needed to wear the jean jacket that I had brought. It should also be important to note that MOST places in Paris didn’t have air conditioner. Your hotel might have it but our Airbnb definitely did not. This was really only unconfortable for a couple of the nights we were there and we just slept with the fans on us. When you are searching for a place to stay in Paris you will notice that the places with air conditioning are much pricier than the places without. If you are visiting at any time from the end of June through the summer, you might want to budget in a hotel or Airbnb with air conditioning if the heat will get to you!

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Outfit for Exploring The Louvre

| We the Free Ziggy Overalls | Ankle Socks | Light Blue Button Down |

| Small Hoop Earrings | Dainty Chain Bracelets | Cream Belt Bag |

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers | White Crop Top | Brown Tinted Sunglasses |

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Night Out at the La La Land Jazz Club Caveau de la Huchette

| Khai One Piece Romper | Dainty Chain Necklaces | Beige Clutch |

| Pavoi Statement Hoops | Dainty Two Piece Ring Set | Large French Claw Clip |

| Saie Matte Lipstick | Small Hoop Earrings | Dainty Chain Bracelets | Sandals |

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Outfit for the Plane to Paris

| White Amazon Romper | Small Hoop Earrings | Dainty Chain Bracelets |

| Oversized Jean Jacket | Off to the Races by Elsie Silver | Beats Headphones |

| Veja V-90 Sneakers | Lanolip’s 101 Ointment | Ankle socks |

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Exploring Montmartre in Paris

| Amazon Two Piece Set in Rust | Oversized Jean Jacket | Small Hoop Earrings |

| Dainty Chain Bracelets | Veja V-90 Sneakers | Cream Belt Bag |

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A Day Trip To Normandy, France

| Black and White Striped Button Down | Dainty Chain Necklace Set |

| Cream Linen Pants | Nude Tank Top | Cream Colored Sunglasses | Leather Sandals |

| Small Hoop Earrings | Dainty Chain Bracelets | Ribbed Hoop Earrings |

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Walking Around the Eiffel Tower

| We the Free Denim Romper | Ribbed Hoop Earrings | Dainty Chain Bracelets |

| Rings | Veja V-90 Sneakers | Cream Belt Bag | Sunglasses | Dainty Necklace Set |

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Exploring Paris

| Ziggy We The Free Overalls | White Crop Top | Oversized Green Button Down |

| Small Hoop Earrings | Dainty Chain Bracelets | Ankle socks |

| Cream Belt Bag | Veja V-90 Sneakers | Brown Tinted Sunglasses |

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I hope this post helps a bit when you are packing for your own summer trip to Paris! I tried to keep things simple, realistic, and comfortable. Paris was such a magical city to be in and you are going to have an absolute blast. If you have any questions or need help narrowing things down, I’m always happy to chat packing lists! You can drop a comment below or you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

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

Hi Friends!

We really had no idea how much we were going to fall in love with Dotonbori until we were right in the middle of it—surrounded by all of the fun neon lights, sizzling and amazing smelling street food, and that electric energy that makes Osaka so unforgettable. This area truly has it all: iconic signs (hello, Glico Man!), endless takoyaki stalls, quirky shops to wander through, and just an overall vibe that just pulls you in and makes you want to explore every corner! It feels like we did it all when we were there so I wanted to share some of the highlights with you! Whether you're wanting to snack your way through the streets, wanting to take a nighttime stroll along the canal, or just sit and people-watching with a drink in hand, I promise Dotonbori delivers on all of that! Happy reading!

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All blog posts for this Osaka and Tokyo Japan Trip

Packing for a 14 Day Trip to Osaka and Tokyo Japan

Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Osaka, Japan

20 Tips to Know Before You Go to Japan

Spend a Day at Disney Sea in Japan

Where to Stay and Play in Tokyo, Japan

Spend a Day at Disneyland Tokyo

A Day Trip to Nara Park + Kyoto from Osaka, Japan

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

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📍 Where Is Dotonbori?

We stayed at Henn Na Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi which we really think was a great location and only about a 12 minute walk to Dotonbori. Dotonbori is just a short walk from Namba Station and if you aren’t staying in the area I recommend getting to Dotonbori by train. Dotonbori runs along the Dotonbori Canal and this is where you will see all of the amazing things that the area has to offer—day or night!

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🍠 What to Eat in Dotonbori (aka the Main Event)

If Dotonbori had a love language, it would be food. Here are the foods we kept seeing and foods we heard were must-eats:

• Takoyaki - Octopus Balls

• Okonomiyaki - Savory Pancake

• Kushikatsu - Fried Skewers

• Taiyaki - Fish Shaped Waffles with Fillings

• Matcha Soft Serve

• Candied Strawberries on Sticks

• Goyza

• Ramen Shops (I go into detail about the one we tried below)!

Hanamaruken Namba Hozenji Ramen Shop - This ramen was SO SO SO good, it might have been the best ramen that I had while we were in Japan. My ramen had beef short ribs on top and I can’t even believe how good it was! The gyoza was also good and Dustin loved his ramen! This was one of those shops that only had about 10 spots to sit and there were so many locals that were eating lunch in here which made us feel good about how much we liked it here! It is in the middle of Dotonburi so plan to stop here if you are in the area exploring on your own trip!

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🍻Bars near Dotonbori in Osaka

Bar Fun - This was the bar that we went to after wandering around Dotonbori all afternoon and we just stopped in to get one drink. One drink turned into two and that turned into us spending the whole night there until it was time to go find a snack before heading to bed! The vibe was very chill, we sat at the bar and played cards for about 3.5 hours and the owner kept serving us and talking with other people that came in and out of the bar throughout the night! It was up on the third level of the building it was in and at first when we got to the door we thought it was closed but it wasn’t so definitely make sure you check the door before deciding to turn away!

Kenny Bar Osaka - We stopped in this bar for our first drink on Dustin’s birthday and we were greeted with literally the nicest old lady that was running the bar! She was so happy that we were in there! I had a glass of red wine and Dustin got this drink that was almost like an experience, it was explained to us that the first shot was the Japanese whiskey as it comes normally and then the second shot is the same Japanese whiskey that had been aged in a barrel. He said it was pretty good! We also got a snack of different nuts that were seasoned with Japanese peppers and they were seriously better than I could have ever imagined. I liked them so much I want to recreate them and have them on hand here at home! Overall the bar was very low key but that is how we like things so it was perfect for us to spend time there.

Kizuna - This bar was where we went after the Kenny Bar on Dustin’s birthday and WOAH. It was seriously a blast, the owner and the other bartender were so fun and nice. They just wanted us to have a good time! They had so many things to offer us, they had a book that translated basic sayings and we actually learned a lot that night. They people that were in the bar were mostly locals that had just gotten off of work and we sang karaoke with them for the entire night! Keeping in mind that this spot is TINY and really only could hold 10-15 people, it was full and everyone was in a great mood! When the whole bar found out it was Dustin’s birthday the owner popped a bottle of champagne and everyone in the bar toasted to Dustin and drank and just had the best time! I can’t recommend this place enough! We loved it!

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🌃 What to Do (Besides Eat!)

There’s more to Dotonbori than just food:

• Glico Running Man sign— It is really just a sign to look at but there were so many people taking photos and selfies with this giant sign that was overlooking the canal, this is also where we saw the canal tours happening as well!

• Tombori River Cruise, we didn’t get a chance to do this but we saw a lot of tours happening while we were there walking along the canal. But it was the perfect way to take in Dotonbori from the water!

• Hozenji Yokocho - This was a cute alley full of traditional eateries and a peaceful moss-covered temple tucked away in the middle of the action, we were so surprised to see this in the middle of the hustle and bustle!

• Don Quijote Ferris Wheel - Yes, it’s attached to a store. Yes, you should ride it.

• Kani Doraku crab sign, another famous landmark but honestly there are SO many signs to look at while you are exploring around! Like giant dumplings, a giant crab, huge chicken nuggets for some reason, different fish… It was actually really cool!

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🛒 Shopping & Souvenirs in Dotonbori

• Don Quijote Dotonbori is a massive, 24-hour discount store that’s an experience all on its own, seriously a shopping experience I will never forget. Anything you could ever want or need was inside this store. There is this quirky song playing the whole time and when we were in there, suddenly like three hours had passed. I wish I would have taken photos or a video inside the store but if you look up Don Quijote on Tiktok or Instagram you will get a good idea as to what I am talking about haha!

• Local Souvenir Shops: From keychains to fun themed socks, beauty products, clothing and everything in between, in these souvenir shops you’ll find something quirky and memorable to take home!

• Gaming Arcades - We went into a couple of these like gaming arcades, they were stories high with claw machines, different arcade games and so much to look at! Think of like a Dave n’ Busters here but three stories high on steroids! It was actually very fun to go into and loose a ton of coins to the claw machines after a couple of drinks! But that might have just been that we weren’t great at playing the claw machines beucase there were actually a ton of people walking around with the prizes that they were trying to get!

• Local Snacks: There are so many shop to go in and stock up on Japanese Kit-Kats, candies, instant ramen varieties, and so many other treats to take back home with you after your trip!

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💡 Last Tips for Visiting Dotonbori

• Go at Night: That’s when the lights are brightest & the energy is highest.

• Cash is King: Not all vendors accept cards (most do), but bring yen.

• Watch for Lines: If there’s a queue, it’s probably worth the wait!

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Like I mentioned and you could probably tell by this post, Dotonbori had totally won us over and it has been one of those places that has stuck with us since we’ve left and been home. It has so much to offer like the fun glowing lights and signs, the busy canal and all of the reflections on the water, to the mouthwatering street food and nonstop energy. I really think Dotonbori is such a special part of Osaka that truly had its own personality. I hope this little guide helps you dive into all the fun and flavor Dotonbori has to offer. And if you end up trying anything from here that you loved, found a special hidden gem, or just a note about your own trip, let me know! I’d love to hear your favorites. As always, feel free to drop a comment or email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com with any questions.

Much Love, 

Emma

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Outfit Idea for Animal Kingdom: Wilderness Explorers from Up

Outfit Idea for Animal Kingdom: Wilderness Explorers from Up

Planning a park day outfit that's both fun and actually functional in the Florida summer heat can definitely be a challenge—but that’s where I come in! I haven’t shared a look inspired by something in Animal Kingdom recently so today I’m sharing an outfit based on the Wilderness Explorers from UP for a fun day at Animal Kingdom. This park is all about exploration, animals, and discovery, so a nod to Russell and his Wilderness Explorer troop felt like the perfect next outfit to put together. As always, when I put together these outfit ideas, comfort is key. This look and all of the Disney looks that I share are made to help you have the best day possible while feeling put together and to keep you as cool as possible. You can click the picture below to shop the park look, and all the items are linked underneath!

Outfit Idea for Animal Kingdom: Wilderness Explorers from Up

| Wilderness Explorers Seed Bead Bracelets | Green Belt Bag | Grape Soda Pin |

| Wilderness Explorers Ball Cap | Tan Wilderness Explorers Cropped Tank |

| Russell Inspired Mickey Ears | Brown Wilderness Explorers Cropped Tank |

| Free People Ziggy Overalls | Reebok Premier Road Plus VI Sneakers | Belt Bag |

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I hope this Wilderness Explorers-inspired Animal Kingdom outfit gave you some fun ideas for your next park day! Whether you're earning badges around Discovery Island, trying to spot animals out on the Kilimanjaro Safari, or exploring the different paths and trails throughout the park, dressing the part just adds to the magic of being in the parks, if you ask me! If you have any questions, outfit ideas, themes or other suggestions, 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! 🧭🐘

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