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!

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

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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!

What To Read Next

Recommendations for Things to Do in Paris From a Local

A Friend’s Guide to Paris as a Local: Montmartre, Le Marais & Saint-Michel

Hi friends!

When we were planning things to do in Paris, Dustin asked a friend at work who lived in Paris for 10+ years for some recommendations for things to not miss in Paris and she did not disappoint with the recs! We seriously loved every single thing that we did as something she suggested we do which was so fun to add to our itinerary! She basically gave us three ares in Paris that she loves and then showed us how she would take us around if we were there exploring with her! It was nice to take a couple of the days we were there and skip the tour buses and lines to explore some of her favorite neighborhoods with tips on where to wander, where to eat, and how to soak in the city the way that someone from Paris would!

Happy reading!

The Montmartre Neighborhood

You can take the metro to Abbesses, she said she wouldn’t uber! Basically the magic of Montmartre is in the walk. From the metro station, head up to the Wall of I Love You (Mur des Je T’aime). It’s a quirky little mural with “I love you” written in over 250 languages. It was really cool to see and I love the sentiment behind it! There was also a little free library next to the wall that we stopped at and got a souvenir from! After that you can just keep wandering. Montmartre is all about the vibe, it has narrow cobblestone streets, old houses and artists sketching on corners. It’s really one of the most beautiful corners of Paris, and it feels like stepping back in time! When you get hungry, stop at Le Consulat for lunch. It’s a classic cozy spot with lots of people watching and usually with live music outside, she said we would love it and she was absolutely right! After lunch, we made our way to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. It was a stunning church and we didn’t go inside we just walked by it and it didn’t disappoint. You can go inside if you want, but she said it was just as cool outside. We weren’t there in the evening but she said if you sit on the steps around sunset, there are street performers to watch and the sky is also just stunning!

Explore Paris like a local with insider tips on Montmartre, Le Marais, and Saint-Michel. Hidden gems, best cafés, must-see streets, your Paris friend’s guide!
Paris Recommendations from a Local | Things to do in Paris | Explore Paris like a local with insider tips on Montmartre, Le Marais, and Saint-Michel. Hidden gems, best cafés, must-see streets, your Paris friend’s guide!
Paris Recommendations from a Local | Things to do in Paris | Explore Paris like a local with insider tips on Montmartre, Le Marais, and Saint-Michel. Hidden gems, best cafés, must-see streets, your Paris friend’s guide!

Le Marais Neighborhood

She said that she absolutely loves this neighborhood and this is where Paris just absolutely comes alive. The neighborhood is bursting with color, art, and energy. It’s hip but also historic, it’s the kind of place where you’ll stumble into a tiny gallery, then around the corner find the best falafel you’ve ever had. She said to start with walking down Rue Montorgueil. It has so many bakeries, cafés, and little shops, there is so much to see and you never get tired of walking around because you’re taking everything in! She gave us two options for food! The first is Chez Marianne, she said this is for if you want to sit and enjoy a proper Mediterranean meal. The second option she gave was more of a street food on the go option and that was for L’As du Fallafel! She also told us not to miss Île Saint-Louis It’s nice to sit outside at Le Flore en L’Île café, order something to drink and then just people watch. This area is where the city slows down a little bit, and the views of the river are perfect here!

Saint Michel Neighborhood

The last neighborhood she suggested is Saint Michel. She said that when the sun goes down, that is the more fun time to visit the area! She also said that this neighborhood has layers to it, it is the best mix of being historic, eclectic, and full of life. She told us to start at Notre Dame and even though it has been under restoration since the fire it is still absolutely breathtaking to see it! You can go in but it isn’t necessary, we decided not to and just see it from the outside. After that it’s fun to wander along the Quai Saint-Michel, the little streets have so much character! We visited Shakespeare and Company which is the most famous English-language bookstore in Paris. It was so cute, I HAD to buy a book and I also got a tote bag as well as a little souvenir and now I take it to the farmers market! Even if you don’t want to buy a book, I think that it’s worth stopping inside to check it out, you can also grab a coffee from the tiny café that is attached to it!

We did part of this one night while we were there but this is the fun night itinerary that she gave us that I honestly recommend trying if you are in the area at night! She told us to start with a glass of wine at Babil, a cozy little wine bar! Then have dinner at Kodawari Ramen, we were in Japan earlier this year and the ramen at this restaurant rivaled some of the ramen we had in Japan, so so good! For the grand finale of the evening, stop into Le Caveau de la Huchette. This is a legendary jazz club where you’ll find live music, cocktails, and a dance floor full of people just having the time of their lives. For reference, this is the jazz club that is featured in La La Land with Emma Stone! It was a blast and was the most perfect night out in Paris!

Paris Recommendations from a Local | Things to do in Paris | Explore Paris like a local with insider tips on Montmartre, Le Marais, and Saint-Michel. Hidden gems, best cafés, must-see streets, your Paris friend’s guide!
Paris Recommendations from a Local | Things to do in Paris | Explore Paris like a local with insider tips on Montmartre, Le Marais, and Saint-Michel. Hidden gems, best cafés, must-see streets, your Paris friend’s guide!
Paris Recommendations from a Local | Things to do in Paris | Explore Paris like a local with insider tips on Montmartre, Le Marais, and Saint-Michel. Hidden gems, best cafés, must-see streets, your Paris friend’s guide!

That pretty much wraps up her recommendations that she had for us! She said that this is how she would show us around if we were visiting her in Paris! If you are planning your own trip to Paris make sure that you don’t skip Montmartre for charm and sunsets, Le Marais for art and flavor, and Saint-Michel for a night you’ll always remember! Another reminder from her is to skip the Uber, keep your camera ready, and just wander. 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!

What To Read Next

Spend a Day at Disneyland in Paris, France!

Spend a Day at Disneyland in Paris, France!

Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.

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!

🎟️ 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!

Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.

🏰 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.

Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.

🛍️ 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!

Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.

💡 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!

Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.
Discover how to spend a magical day at Disneyland Paris! Find the best rides, shops, food spots, and unmissable attractions to make the most of your visit.

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

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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!

12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel
12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel
12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel

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.

12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel
12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel
12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel

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!

12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel
12 Things to do in Paris | Spots in Paris to Visit | Don't Miss These Spots in Paris | Taryn Into Travel

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!

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!

www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review

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.

www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review

  • 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!

www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review

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.

www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review

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!

BOOKS I BROUGHT TO READ

www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review
www.tarynintotravel.com | Secrets Moxche Playa Del Carmen Travel Diary | Travel to Mexico | Mexico Resort Review

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!

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Spend a Day at Universal in Japan

Spend a Day at Universal in Japan

Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips

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!

🎟️ 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!

Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips

🏰 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!

Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips

🎢 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.

Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips

🍴 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.

Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips

🛍️ 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!

Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips

💡 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!

Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips
Universal Studios Japan Travel Guide 2025: Tickets, Rides, Food & Tips

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

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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!

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.

Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”

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!

Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”

🕊️ Stop 2: American Cemetery and Memorial

Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”

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.

Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”

🇨🇦 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!

Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”

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.

Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”
Omaha Beach Normandy D-Day landing site on a day trip from Paris”

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

WHAT TO READ NEXT!

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!

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!

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

WHAT TO READ NEXT!