Kokomo gave us more than a great weekend watching college baseball — it gave us one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time.

We made the trip to Kokomo to watch our son play college baseball, expecting a fun weekend and some proud parent moments. What we didn’t expect was to stumble across a restaurant that would end up being one of the highlights of the trip: Yolanda’s Place.

If you’re anywhere near Kokomo and craving real comfort food with heart, this spot needs to be on your list.

From the moment we walked in, we could tell Yolanda’s Place was different. The energy was warm, welcoming, and full of personality. It felt less like eating out and more like being invited into someone’s home for Sunday dinner. That kind of atmosphere is hard to fake — and Yolanda’s Place has it naturally.

Now let’s talk about the food, because wow.

The jerk chicken had the perfect balance of heat and seasoning, tender and cooked just right. The soul cup was unforgettable — rich, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite.  The cornbread was everything good cornbread should be: soft, buttery, and impossible to stop eating. And the catfish? Crispy, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

Every single dish tasted like it was made with care.

But as amazing as the food was, what really made Yolanda’s Place stand out was the service and the vibe. The staff made us feel genuinely welcome, and there was such a positive, uplifting atmosphere throughout the whole place. You could tell this is more than just a restaurant — it’s a place built on love, hospitality, and community.

Yolanda’s Place is known locally for its soul food and jerk chicken, and it’s quickly become a standout in Kokomo’s food scene. After one visit, it’s easy to understand why.

We came to Kokomo to cheer on our son. We left already talking about when we can come back — not just for baseball, but for another meal at Yolanda’s Place. Some places feed you. Places like this make you feel at home.

1195 E Markland Ave Kokomo, IN 46901

If you’ve ever assumed that visiting Magic Kingdom during spring break is guaranteed to be overwhelming, think again. With the right strategy, even one of the busiest times of year can turn into a smooth, enjoyable, and incredibly productive park day.

On a recent visit, my family managed to experience an impressive lineup of attractions, enjoy meals, and even take a substantial midday break back at our hotel—all without feeling rushed or stressed.

We started the day early, arriving at the park by 7:35 AM to get ahead of the crowds. That early start paid off immediately. We were able to take photos in front of the castle and head straight into several popular attractions with minimal wait times. Within the first part of the morning, we rode Space Mountain and Tomorrowland Speedway with just 10-minute waits, grabbed breakfast at Gaston’s Tavern, and continued on to Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid with practically no wait at all.

The momentum continued as we met Mirabel, enjoyed Mad Tea Party, and used Lightning Lane access for Pirates of the Caribbean. We were also able to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with a short wait, catch Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and compete on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin—all before lunch.

After a relaxing meal at Columbia Harbor House, we slowed the pace slightly but still covered plenty of ground. We visited It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion, did some shopping along Main Street, and then made a key decision that changed the entire feel of the day: we left the park for a midday hotel break around 2:15 PM.

That downtime made all the difference.

Returning in the evening refreshed, we were ready to enjoy the park all over again. We met Mickey Mouse, took a spin on the PeopleMover, and had dinner at Pinocchio Village Haus. From there, we revisited Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear, watched the Happily Ever After fireworks, and capped off the night with TRON, The Barnstormer, and Dumbo.

All of this—during spring break.

The takeaway? High crowds don’t automatically mean long, exhausting days filled with lines and frustration. With thoughtful planning, strategic use of tools like Lightning Lane, and a willingness to take breaks, it’s absolutely possible to experience more while waiting less—and actually enjoy the vacation you planned.

One important note: flexibility and frequent checking of the My Disney Experience app played a big role in making this day work. Securing the right Lightning Lane times required consistent refreshing and adjusting throughout the day.

If you’re planning a trip and want to make the most of your time in the parks, having a solid game plan can make all the difference.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Epcot is worth the splurge, our recent visit offered a pretty clear answer: it depends—but it can make for an incredibly smooth, low-stress park day.

We spent the day enjoying the park during one of its most beautiful times of year, with the seasonal topiaries on full display (and just as stunning as ever). From the start, the goal was simple: experience as much as possible without constantly being glued to our phones—and that’s exactly where Lightning Lane Premier Pass delivered.

We began our morning at park opening by heading straight to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind via the standby line, getting one ride in early before the wait times climbed. After that, we slowed things down with breakfast at Garden Grill Restaurant, which was a great way to ease into the day.

From late morning onward, Lightning Lane Premier Pass allowed us to move through the park at our own pace—no refreshing the app, no stressing over return times. We simply walked up to attractions when we were ready and enjoyed significantly reduced wait times compared to standby.

Our ride lineup included:

• Soarin' Around the World (75-minute posted wait, ~30 minutes Lightning Lane)
• Living with the Land (30 posted, ~5 minutes Lightning Lane)
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends (45 posted, ~8 minutes Lightning Lane)
• Test Track (135 posted, ~15 minutes Lightning Lane)
• Frozen Ever After (70 posted, ~8 minutes Lightning Lane)
• Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (115 posted, ~20 minutes Lightning Lane)
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (second ride—90 posted, ~22 minutes Lightning Lane)
• Mission: SPACE (15 posted, ~5 minutes Lightning Lane)
• Spaceship Earth (40 posted, ~5 minutes Lightning Lane)

In between rides, we took our time strolling through World Showcase, snacking along the way and enjoying the atmosphere without feeling rushed. That flexibility was one of the biggest advantages of the Premier Pass—we weren’t tied to strict return windows or constantly checking our phones to grab the next reservation.

Now, let’s be honest: Lightning Lane Premier Pass is expensive. It’s not something most families will want to purchase every trip (and it’s not necessary to have a great day at Epcot). But for this visit, it allowed us to experience nearly every major attraction with minimal waits and far less stress.

The biggest benefit? Being present.

Instead of managing reservations all day, we were able to focus on enjoying the park, the food, and time together. And while it may not become a regular part of our trips, it’s something I’m really glad we tried—especially for a busy day when we wanted to maximize both rides and relaxation.

If you’re considering it, the value really comes down to your priorities: convenience, flexibility, and time saved versus cost. For us, this day struck a great balance of all three.

After stepping off our cruise and heading back into the Disney bubble, we checked into Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort—specifically the stunning Gran Destino Tower—and it didn’t take long for this resort to climb the ranks as one of my all-time favorites.

Officially categorized as a Moderate resort, Gran Destino Tower feels anything but. From the moment you walk into the grand lobby, there’s an immediate sense of sophistication that you don’t typically expect at this price point. The rooms themselves are sleek, modern, and elevated—literally and figuratively—with incredible views and thoughtful design touches that make coming back after a park day feel like a true retreat.

One of the standout features here is the sheer variety of dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a more refined dining experience, this resort delivers. We loved having so many choices right at our fingertips without needing to leave the property. It’s the kind of convenience that really enhances your stay, especially after long days in the parks.

Speaking of unwinding, the resort offers multiple pools, including a fun, themed main pool that’s perfect for families. But what really stood out to us was how the resort balances energy and relaxation—you can find activity when you want it, or peaceful corners when you don’t.

Transportation is often a big factor when choosing a Disney resort, and while Coronado Springs relies solely on bus service, we were pleasantly surprised. Buses arrived frequently, and we rarely waited long. In fact, our trip to Magic Kingdom Park took just about 13 minutes, which felt incredibly efficient.

Another thing we appreciated was the overall vibe. Unlike some resorts that lean heavily into bold Disney theming, Coronado Springs offers a more subtle approach. The Disney touches are still there—you feel the magic—but it’s blended with a more refined, almost resort-style atmosphere. It’s a refreshing change of pace while still delivering the exceptional service you expect at Walt Disney World.

All in all, our stay at Gran Destino Tower exceeded expectations. It strikes that perfect balance between value and luxury, fun and relaxation, Disney magic and modern comfort. It’s safe to say this resort has officially earned a top spot on our favorites list—and we’re already looking forward to our next stay.

We began our Spring Break trip with something truly special—setting sail on a 3-night Bahamian itinerary aboard Utopia of the Seas—and it was the perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and just the right amount of luxury.

From the moment we stepped onboard, this ship felt like a destination in itself. Royal Caribbean International really pulled out all the stops with Utopia. Everything felt fresh, vibrant, and thoughtfully designed for both quick getaways and memorable experiences.

We stayed in an Oceanview Balcony stateroom, which was absolutely the way to go. Having that private outdoor space made such a difference—morning coffee with ocean views, quiet moments in the evening, and a peaceful place to recharge between all the onboard activities. The room itself was comfortable and well-appointed, with just the right amount of space for a short sailing.

Our first stop was Nassau, where we checked out the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. This ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. It offered a more elevated beach day experience—beautiful water, plenty of seating, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere that felt curated but not crowded. It was the perfect mix of chill and indulgence, and a nice change of pace from a typical port stop.

Then came a return to one of our favorite cruise destinations: Perfect Day at CocoCay. This time, we decided to splurge on the Coco Beach Club, and it absolutely delivered. From the moment we arrived, everything felt elevated—heated infinity pool, premium dining, and a more relaxed, upscale vibe compared to the rest of the island. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind and feel like you’re getting a luxury beach day within your cruise.

What really makes this 3-night itinerary shine is how much it packs into a short amount of time. Afternoons and evenings onboard Utopia are just as exciting as the ports, with endless dining options, entertainment, and activities. Whether you’re catching a show, trying a new restaurant, or just exploring the ship, there’s always something happening.

At the same time, it never felt rushed. The itinerary strikes a great balance—enough to experience multiple destinations while still leaving time to enjoy the ship itself.

If you’re looking for a quick getaway that still feels like a full vacation, this sailing is hard to beat. Between the comfort of the balcony room, the elevated experiences in Nassau and CocoCay, and everything Utopia of the Seas has to offer, this trip checked all the boxes.

Short, sweet, and packed with unforgettable moments—this is definitely a sailing we’d do again.