Away With Mahay

07/15/2026

Utopia of the Seas honestly exceeded my expectations. ✨

The ship was beautiful, the entertainment was incredible, and the food was one of the biggest highlights for me. The Windjammer may be the best cruise buffet I’ve experienced, and both Chops Grille and Izumi Hibachi were worth booking.

I also loved staying on Deck 8 near Central Park. It made getting around so easy, and the location felt perfect for dinner, shows, and heading up to the pool deck.

A few things I’d love to see in the future:

🍔 More complimentary quick-service food
🍦 More ice cream stations
🎬 More free movies in the staterooms and on deck

But overall? I’d sail her again without hesitation.

This ship is such a good fit for families, couples, and experienced cruisers who love great food, beautiful spaces, and nonstop entertainment.

Save this for your cruise planning ✈️
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06/07/2026

I had absolutely no plans for Saturday afternoon, and honestly, those are usually the days that end up being the most fun.

I spent a few hours wandering around Aberdeen and Southern Pines, stopping in antique shops, grabbing a frozen lemonade and ice cream, running a couple errands, and picking up cookies for the drive home.

Nothing fancy. No big itinerary. Just a slow afternoon exploring some local favorites and enjoying the sunshine.

Sometimes all you need is a few good shops, a sweet treat, and nowhere specific to be.

Have you spent any time exploring Aberdeen or Southern Pines lately?

05/31/2026

I finally launched my podcast! 🎙️✨

The first episode of Away With Mahay is officially live, and I couldn't think of a better topic to start with than this:

✨ What is actually worth spending money on at Disney?

After years of Disney trips, I've definitely spent money on things I'd skip next time and a few things I'd pay for again in a heartbeat.

If you're planning a Disney trip, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EKBthkn94IAD4rGEOeE1Q?si=TWCLc92fS_iLDjkRqi4QEQ

And let me know in the comments: What's one Disney purchase you'd make again without hesitation?

Away With Mahay · Episode

05/27/2026

psa: these disney party tickets let you into magic kingdom EARLY 👀

which is exactly why we love doing disney springs first and saving money on a full park day

05/26/2026

If you are heading to Hollywood Studios and your entire plan is rides, rides, and more rides, I need you to read this first.

Most people walk straight past some of the best experiences in the entire park. And here is the part that will surprise you, every single one of them is completely free with your park ticket.

🎬 Fantasmic!
This is genuinely one of the best things at all of Walt Disney World — not just Hollywood Studios. It is a nighttime water, fire, and projection show where Mickey takes on every Disney villain at once. The crowd energy alone is unlike anything else in the park. Do not leave Hollywood Studios without seeing this. Ever.
🎭 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
I know what you are thinking — and you are wrong. 😭 This show is so much more entertaining than it sounds. Live stunts, real explosions, actual action sequences, and they pull audience members on stage. It is easily one of the most underrated experiences at any Disney park and it runs throughout the day so there is no reason to skip it.
👑 Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After — Brand New!
This one just opened and it is already a must see. Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent each take the stage to plead their case for being treated the most unfairly of them all — and the audience actually votes for the winner. Every single show ends differently depending on who wins. Broadway-quality production, completely free with park admission, and one of the most fun and unexpected things at Hollywood Studios right now.

Three incredible experiences. Zero extra cost. Most people skip all of them.

💬 Have you seen any of these? Drop a comment below, which one is your favorite or which one are you most excited to try?

Save this before your Hollywood Studios trip and share it with your Disney girls!

05/25/2026

EPCOT and Animal Kingdom are two of the most underrated parks for dining at Walt Disney World — and most people don't even realize it. 😭

If you are planning a Disney trip and wondering where to eat, these are the two restaurants I would go back to every single time.
🍕 Via Napoli — EPCOT Italy Pavilion
This one is criminally underrated. Authentic wood-fired pizzas made to share, huge portions that are perfect for the whole table, and the Italy Pavilion theming makes the whole experience feel special. Most people walk right past it and that is honestly their loss. Book a reservation — it fills up fast.
🏔 Yak & Yeti Restaurant — Animal Kingdom
Do not sleep on this one. The Asian-inspired menu has something for everyone, the theming inside is incredibly detailed, and it is noticeably less crowded than most other Disney restaurants. Every time I go I'm reminded of how underrated it really is.

Disney dining can feel overwhelming — there are so many options and not all of them are worth your time or your money.
These two are. ✈️

💬 Have you been to either of these? Drop your thoughts below — I want to know if you agree!

Save this for your Disney trip planning and share it with someone who needs help figuring out where to eat!

05/23/2026

Pigeon Forge in November was not on our radar — and it ended up being one of our favorite trips.

Here is the honest breakdown:
🌿 Anakeesta — $130 and worth every single penny. Ski lift up the mountain, treetop trails, a mountain coaster, and BBQ lunch on site. One of the best experiences we have ever done on a trip.
🎢 Dollywood in November — the park was practically empty. Every ride was a walk on. Wild Eagle, Lightning Rod, Thunderhead — zero waits. The Christmas decorations made the whole park feel magical. And the cinnamon bread? It lives up to every bit of the hype. Get it. 😭
🍽 The food scene — way better than expected. Applewood Farmhouse Grill is non-negotiable — get the Farmhouse Sampler Trio. Gorilla Tacos for something creative and fun. Nagano Japanese Grill when you need something different.
🏨 The Wayback Marriott — don't judge it by the outside. The rooms are gorgeous, modern, and great value.
Pigeon Forge in the fall is so underrated. We would go back immediately. ✈️

💬 Have you been to Pigeon Forge? Drop your favorite spot below!
Save this if it is on your list!

05/22/2026

Magic Kingdom has over 40 rides and nobody tells first-timers where to actually start.

The best ride order depends entirely on your thrill level. Figure out which Disney girl you are first and plan around that.
🎢 The Thrill Girl
TRON first thing when the park opens — it sells out fast. Then Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Grab Lightning Lane for TRON before you even walk through the gates.
🌸 The Middle Ground Girl
Start with Big Thunder Mountain, then Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Honestly the most fun lineup in the park. Skip TRON and Space Mountain for your first trip.
✨ The Vibe Girl
Magic Kingdom was made for you. Peter Pan's Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and It's a Small World — pure Disney magic with zero intense drops.

You don't need to do every ride to have an amazing day.
Just figure out your type and plan around that. ✈️

💬 Which Disney girl are you — thrill, middle ground, or vibe? Drop it below!

Save this before your Magic Kingdom trip and share it with your Disney girls!

05/22/2026

San Diego completely surprised us!
We went in expecting a chill girls trip — and came back with one of the most memorable trips we've ever taken.
Here's the honest breakdown so you know exactly what to do (and what to skip) if you go:
✨ Town & Country Resort — A great home base. Huge layout, lots of space, and the mall is literally an 8 minute walk away. Great value for a girls trip.
✨ Amtrak day trip to Disneyland — Okay this one genuinely shocked us. We left at 6AM, paid $88 round trip per person, got there by 8AM, and it was honestly one of our favorite days of the entire trip. Way less stressful than driving and dealing with traffic. Would do it every single time.
✨ Hotel del Coronado — Non-negotiable. Even if you don't stay there, you have to visit. One of the prettiest spots I've ever seen and the area around it is SO cute to walk around.
😭 Las Americas Outlets — Skip it. It was further out than it was worth and there was nothing we couldn't find anywhere else. Next time we're going to the zoo, Little Italy, and La Jolla instead — and we are NOT changing that plan.
San Diego has so much more to offer than people realize. This trip made us want to come back immediately.

Save this if San Diego is on your list! 🌴✈️

05/22/2026

San Diego completely surprised us!

We went in expecting a chill girls trip — and came back with one of the most memorable trips we've ever taken. Here's the honest breakdown so you know exactly what to do (and what to skip) if you go:
✨ Town & Country Resort — A great home base. Huge layout, lots of space, and the mall is literally an 8 minute walk away. Great value for a girls trip.
✨ Amtrak day trip to Disneyland — Okay this one genuinely shocked us. We left at 6AM, paid $88 round trip per person, got there by 8AM, and it was honestly one of our favorite days of the entire trip. Way less stressful than driving and dealing with traffic. Would do it every single time.
✨ Hotel del Coronado — Non-negotiable. Even if you don't stay there, you have to visit. One of the prettiest spots I've ever seen and the area around it is SO cute to walk around.
😭 Las Americas Outlets — Skip it. It was further out than it was worth and there was nothing we couldn't find anywhere else. Next time we're going to the zoo, Little Italy, and La Jolla instead and we are NOT changing that plan.

San Diego has so much more to offer than people realize. This trip made us want to come back immediately.

Save this if San Diego is on your list! 🌴✈️