Team Destinations in Florida

Butterbeer Season at Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort celebrates the return of the popular Butterbeer™ Season. This is an event dedicated to all things Butterbeer within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Butterbeer Season runs daily through Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread, Butterbeer is a favorite amongst witches and wizards. It is currently available for purchase in an array of scrumptious options, including cold, frozen, hot and non-dairy beverages, along with Butterbeer fudge, potted cream and ice cream.

This year’s celebration at Universal Orlando Resort will introduce an all-new Butterbeer Cream Puff just for the season, available at the Three Broomsticks™, where guests can also savor frozen or cold Butterbeer in a limited-edition Gold Souvenir Stein.

Additionally, a Butterbeer-Flavoured Chocolate Bar and Butterbeer Caramel will be available at retail locations and the Ice Lolly frozen dessert makes a delicious return. This tempting ice bar will now be available year-round.

A bespoke Butterbeer themed merchandise collection will also take centerstage as part of Butterbeer Season. The inspiring line is designed to offer wizard, witches and muggles a chance to celebrate Butterbeer during and beyond their visit to the theme parks. Items will include apparel such as a plaid shirt, zipped fleece hoodie and t-shirt as well as accessories from a crossbody bag to caps, socks and more.

Come join Butterbeer season at Universal Orlando Resort!

Escape to the Caribbean Islands at Sapphire Falls

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Are you ready to escape to the Caribbean in the middle of Orlando, Florida? Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is a newer resort in Orlando. This hotels is between Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Royal Pacific, and Aventura at the Universal Orlando Resort.

Our family has been to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort many many times. We wanted to share our review of this Universal Orlando hotel in the middle of Orlando.

From the moment you walk into the lobby to check in at the front desk, you will hear the tropical music, see the bright colors, and smell the flowers. You will feel like you took a cruise ship to the Caribbean islands!

Benefits of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Before we jump into the hotel and amenities, I wanted to share some of the benefits of staying at a Universal Orlando Hotel.

Early Park Admission

As with all on-property Universal Orlando resorts, Sapphire Falls includes early park admission for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (at Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure). This means you can access the Universal Parks (with a theme park ticket) one hour before the gates open to the general public.

Transportation

Another benefit we love with the Universal Orlando hotels is the transportation. You can also hop on a free water taxi and shuttle bus to the parks. For Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, our family enjoys the leisure boat ride to Universal CityWalk. It is a relaxing way to get from the hotel to Universal CityWalk and the Universal Parks.

Walking Distance to Volcano Bay

If you are visiting Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park, you can walk across the street to the secret entrance by Cabana Bay Beach Resort. We love this “secret entrance” to Volcano Bay.

There are other benefits of staying at a Universal Orlando hotel, but these are our favorite perks.

Accommodations at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The Caribbean inspired Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort transports guests to paradise where blue waterfalls cascade across lush grounds and the invitation to cool relaxation is everywhere. The resort adds 1,000 rooms to Universal’s resort inventory.

These 1,000 guest rooms are broken down into Standard Rooms and Family Suites. We stayed in a Standard Room with a Pool View. They also offer Lagoon Views.

All of the rooms are non-smoking.

The Standard rooms are 321 square feet, putting them squarely between a Standard room at Cabana Bay Beach Resort (300 square feet) and a Standard room at Royal Pacific (335 square feet). They feature two queen beds (there are some single King beds available, but not many), a 49″ flat screen TV (again, an upgrade from Cabana Bay), air conditioning, a mini fridge, hair dryer, coffee maker, 24-hour room service, WIFI, and in room safe.

Sapphire Falls resort hotel has 83 Family Suites on property. These suites come in a variety of styles and sizes from 529 square feet for the Kids Suite all the way up to 1,353 square feet for the Hospitality Suite.

Recreation at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

We found a ton of fun stuff to do at Sapphire Falls! From the largest pool on Universal Orlando property, to the water slide, to s’mores on the fire pit, games on the pool deck, and the arcade, you won’t lack for activities during your stay at Sapphire Falls.

Sapphire Falls also includes a fitness center and a Universal store for all your souvenir needs. Remember, as an on-property Universal Orlando Resort guest, you can use the amenities at any of the other four Universal resorts, including the outdoor pools, sand beaches, pool area, hot tub, game room, business center, and fitness centers. The Jack LaLanne Fitness Center right next door at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a great one to check out.

Dining at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Sapphire Falls offers several dining options, including a sit-down dining option, Amatista Cookhouse.

Rather than a food court like Cabana Bay, you can enjoy sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream at the New Dutch Trading Co. This option, just off the lobby, also includes sodas, s’mores kits, and other convenience items. We did find this grab and go shop to be rather expensive, as were all the dining options at the resort.

The Strong Water Tavern

This is a rum specialty bar that also serves dinner. Just off the lobby, the Strong Water Tavern offers an amazing view of the Universal Orlando parks and the water taxi waterway.

In addition to great rum offerings, Strong Water Tavern also has some great craft beers and a full liquor bar.

Amatista Cookhouse

Caribbean cuisine prepared in an exhibition kitchen makes Amatista Cookhouse an instantly inviting option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether dining indoors or out—or in one of the private dining areas—guests of Amatista Cookhouse will feel welcomed and relaxed in this vibrant and inspiring restaurant.

We had breakfast at Amatista Cookhouse (we were a bit late, so our only option was the buffet). The buffet had some standard options (eggs and bacon), as well as some interesting offerings, such as crustless quiche! We LOVED the bacon! Some of the best we’ve had at a resort buffet!

Drhum Club Kantine

Lastly, you have the Drhum Club Kantine. This is the pool bar/cafe featuring a tapas-style menu that includes some amazing looking nachos! Of course, they also have some tropical adult beverages to enjoy poolside.

Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is a hidden gem! This is one of our favorite hotels in Orlando. You can probably see why!

Ready to book your Caribbean getaway at Sapphire Falls Resort? Our team at Destinations to Explore is ready to help you plan your Caribbean escape.

Best Coffee at Disney World for Coffee Lovers

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It is a well-documented fact that we love our coffee in the morning! Nothing gets us geared up for a busy day of traveling with the kids than that precious, live-giving first cup of coffee each day.

So, given its importance, we thought we would share a few great places to get a cup of coffee and other coffee experiences you might enjoy at Walt Disney World.

Resort Hotel Room Coffee

Ok, so let’s get this out of the way…. Yes, some resort rooms do offer Keurig coffee pods, but many still use the Cuisinart 2-Cup Brewers (pod style). And DVC Villas offer a full coffee pot. Sure, these all made decent enough coffee for a caffeine fix, but we prefer the other options below.

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company at Disney Springs

If you are heading to Disney Springs, make sure you stroll through The Landing and make your way to Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company. Thanks to the “Ripple Maker” machine here, they can do latte art to give your drink a little more character!

And by character, we mean Disney characters, of course! They can print Mickey, Minnie, Donald or Goofy atop your iced or hot specialty drinks for a modest up charge of 50 cents! It’s totally worth it!

Contemporary Grounds

If you are lucky enough to be staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, skip the resort room or quick service brews and head straight downstairs to the lobby for a visit to Contemporary Grounds. Grab a latte, cappuccino or even a double espresso to kick start your day. This is a perfect place to stop on your way to the bus or before you stroll over to Magic Kingdom! As a bonus, latte art is offered here as well.

Joffrey’s Coffee at Kiosks and Restaurants

As the official specialty coffee provider for Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Club and Disneyland Resort, Joffrey’s is just about everywhere. You’ll find it in your resort room as well as in coffee kiosks all throughout the parks. Additionally, there are specially brewed flavors served at various restaurants around property. Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge all offer special blends, and that’s just naming a few!

If you really love a certain location’s java, ask them about the blend because it’s likely to be available for purchase at Walt Disney World or online, so you can continue to enjoy it at home long after your vacation is complete.

Kona Café Pressed Pot at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

The Hawaiian Kona Maragogype Press Pot for Two is a must try for the coffee lover. This is a of the medium blend of Hawaiian and Central American beans that pairs perfectly with the banana stuffed French toast (Tonga Toast) or the Polynesian’s famous pineapple upside-down cake. You can find the press pot at Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Resort or get the freshly brewed Kona Blend Coffee from nearby Kona Island, which is a small counter right by the exit to the monorail. Perfect for grabbing a cup as you head out.

Note: You can also find the pressed pot preparation at Jiko, Boma and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Kona Coffee-Spiced Specialty Roll

While you may visit Kona café for breakfast for the press pot, it’s also available during lunch and dinner. Additionally, there’s a Surf and Turf specialty sushi roll that you just have to try! It’s Kona Coffee-spiced Filet, Cucumber, Chili-spiced Lobster, Avocado, Yuzu Aïoli, Sriracha. Yum!

Kenya Coffee Barbecue Sandwich at Sanaa

If you head to Sanaa at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, check out the pulled pork with root vegetable slaw in a bread bowl. The barbecue sauce is made with Kenya coffee and it’s served with Sanaa chips and a pickle spear. While this isn’t a strong coffee flavor, it is delicious and the view at Sanaa is terrific! When it’s daylight, you can watch animals on the savanna right from your table.

Coffee-Rubbed Rib-eye Steak Puff at Baseline Tap House

Not long ago, Disney’s Hollywood Studios added a trendy little lounge with craft beers, ciders, small plates and more. One of the small plates is Coffee-rubbed Rib-eye Steak Puff with Olive Salad. It’s a flaky puff with a nice portion of beef that’s topped with a special creamy sauce. There’s just enough of a subtle coffee flavor to make it both delicious and extra appealing for coffee lovers.

Unique Coffees in Epcot’s World Showcase

If trying new and unique coffees, especially those with liqueurs, is on your vacation bucket list, then you must make the rounds at Epcot’s World Showcase! For your first stop, visit the China pavilion and stop at the Joy of Tea kiosk. Don’t worry, we aren’t going to suggest tea! Instead try the “tipsy ducks in love,” which blends coffee, tea, bourbon, and chocolate, topped with whipped cream.

Your next flavor destination is Morocco’s Tangierine Café. There you can try Moorish coffee (flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg) or the Kasbah with hazelnut liqueur or the shops namesake Tangierine with orange liqueur!

Another interesting adult coffee option is the Viking Coffee at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Norway. That’s flavored with Kamora Coffee Liqueur and Baileys Irish Cream!

Starbucks

If sticking with your tried and true Starbucks order is more your speed, Walt Disney World has you covered. In Magic Kingdom, stop by Main Street Bakery. At Epcot, visit the Fountain View in Future World. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find Starbucks at The Trolley Car Cafe right on Hollywood Boulevard. And last but not least for theme parks, Creature Comforts in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Starbucks location. Finally, you can stop by one of two Starbucks in Disney Springs – one near World of Disney in the Marketplace and the other on the Westside near the AMC theaters.

So, there you have it! There are plenty of places to get a cup of joe, a coffee-infused dish or an adult coffee beverage at Walt Disney World. Where will you get your next cup?

VelociCoaster is an EPIC Roller Coaster

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Are you brave enough to ride the VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort? This is one of our favorite roller coasters in Orlando. You can find VelociCoaster at Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster — @Universal Orlando

From the moment you enter the attraction, riders will be confronted by Velociraptors from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster “Jurassic World” films – including fan-favorite Blue, along with Charlie, Delta and Echo – as they prepare to join the hunt alongside the ferocious pack in an epic, high-speed coaster chase.

Here are some of the jaw-dropping encounters that await guests in this new species of roller coaster:

You will be able to peer into the Raptor paddock while venturing through the queue – and watch the hunt they are about to embark on unfold before their very eyes. Red flashing lights and a loud rumble will draw guests to a collection of adjacent windows, where they’ll witness the physical coaster roaring by at exhilarating speeds of 70 mph with the Raptor pack in hot pursuit.
Next up in the queue are the stables, where the scent of wet dirt and vegetation from the paddock permeates the air, meaning one thing – Velociraptors are near. Here, they’ll come across Delta and Echo, who will scan the room, studying riders as they pass by – occasionally testing the limits of the grooming stations currently restraining them. This awe-inspiring moment will be the first face-to-face encounter guests will have with the Raptors – and they’ll be so close, guests will even feel their breath.
Then, the hunt officially begins as guests board ride vehicles and take off on an intense coaster adventure where they’ll narrowly escape Blue, Charlie, Delta and Echo as they twist, turn and soar through the paddock.

And those are just the highlights; even more thrills and surprises await guests in Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

The original cast from the movies – Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and BD Wong – reprise their roles as Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Dr. Henry Wu in the thrilling new attraction, which sends guests on an extreme adventure through the Raptor paddock and beyond with the films’ Velociraptor pack.

Riders will scream through a series of unbelievable near-misses and maneuvers, including two high-speed launches – the fastest reaching 70 mph in 2.4 seconds – a total of 12 seconds of weightlessness, a barrel roll just inches above the Islands of Adventure lagoon and the signature “Top Hat,” which will send riders 155 feet in the air and then immediately into an 80-degree drop.

Are you ready to ride the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster?

Top Fast Food at Universal Parks

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Universal Orlando Resort has a lot of quick service (fast food) restaurants at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. You can get the typical theme park food like hamburgers and chicken nuggets. You can also find some really great fast food dining.

Today, we are going to share the top fast food restaurants at the Universal Orlando Parks.

Top Universal Orlando Fast Food

Thunder Falls Terrace

Our first restaurant to make the top fast food dining at Universal Orlando is called Thunder Falls Terrace. This quick service dining spot is located in Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure.

This restaurant has one of the best seats at Universal Orlando. Thunder Falls has outside seating with a view of the splash down for Jurassic Park River Adventure. You will stay dry! Your whole family will have a lot of fun watching everyone else get soaked!

Dine on BBQ Ribs, Rotisserie Chicken, Smoked Turkey Legs, Burgers, Wraps and Salads at Thunder Falls Terrace. For quick service dining, this is our favorite menu. The food is delicious and reasonably priced.

Leaky Cauldron

The newest of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter eateries, Leaky Cauldron meets all the expectations for the Potter-loving fan. You will find yourself under a cathedral ceiling with views towards the guest rooms in the inn. The actual leaky cauldron is available for you to snap a photo of and the walls are adorned with articles and artifacts you’ll want to spend some time examining.

You can dine on delicious menu items like Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, or Toad in the Hole, which is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages in Yorkshire pudding, served with vegetables and onion gravy—it’s said to resemble toads peering out from a bog. The Kid’s Menu offers Fish and Chips, Macaroni Cheese, and Cottage Mini Pie.

Don’t forget to pick up a Butterbeer for dessert. This is one of our hacks! You can buy a Butterbeer at Leaky Cauldron for lunch or just to avoid long lines. This location is a must do for fans of the Harry Potter stories and for anyone seeking a delicious and unique dining experience at Universal Orlando.

Three Broomsticks

Another Wizarding World of Harry Potter restaurants make our top fast food restaurants at Universal Orlando. This restaurant is called Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. If you can only dine at one Wizarding World of Harry Potter restaurant, we recommend Three Broomsticks. This is a fun restaurant themed after Three Broomsticks in the Harry Potter books and films.

You also have an incredible view on the patio. Don’t miss out on fun selfies in front of Hogwarts Castle and get up close with the new Velociraptor roller coaster. You can also pop over to Hog’s Head bar to pick up one of your favorite adult beverages.

Three Broomsticks features almost the exact same menu as the Leaky Cauldron. You will find entrees like Bangers and Mash, Fisherman’s Pie, or Toad in the Hole. The Kid’s Menu offers Fish and Chips, Macaroni Cheese, and Cottage Mini Pie. Of course, you can get a Butterbeer or Gilly Water at Three Broomsticks, too. We like to grab a Butterbeer and enjoy the view on the patio.

Before you leave Three Broomsticks, be sure you walk to the left of the restaurant, behind Honeydukes to hear the house elves washing the dishes. This is really fun!

Fast Food Blvd

If you love the Simpsons, you will love this themed restaurant in Springfield at Universal Studios. There are several mini restaurants in this one big restaurant. You can get menu items like seafood, pizza, salads, turkey wraps, and even hamburgers.

There are more entrees at Fast Food Blvd than any other fast food spot.

Plus, this restaurant is attached to Moe’s Tavern so you can pop over for a Duff Beer or a non alcoholic Flaming Moe. We love the Flaming Moe!

Today Cafe

One of the newest restaurants at Universal Orlando is the Today Cafe at Universal Studios. This restaurant features breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a ton of healthier menu items. Plus, it is one of the few places at the Universal Parks with breakfast.

If you are a fan of the Today show on NBC, you will love this restaurant. You feel like you are right on set with Al Roker.

Wimpy’s

If you are looking for the traditional theme park food of hamburger and french fries, you may want to try Wimpy’s. We also love Wimpy’s, because you can get Dole Whips!

Plus, this restaurant has an incredible view of the water ride called Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. Your family will enjoy the view while munching on your burger!

Do you have a favorite restaurant at Universal Parks? Did it make our list?

Ice Breaker Roller Coaster at SeaWorld

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Did you know that SeaWorld Orlando is the Coaster Capitol of Florida? If you love roller coasters, you want to play a visit to SeaWorld. One of the newer roller coasters is the Ice Breaker. It is cool as ICE!

Ice Breaker Roller Coaster at SeaWorld — @SeaWorld Orlando

Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four airtime filled launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida – a 93 feet tall spike with 100-degree angle.

The thrills continue as riders fly over a near vertical tophat maneuver into a series of exciting twists, turns, and airtime hills.

Are you brave enough to ride this coaster?

Guardians of The Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at Disney World

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Saving the galaxy this time is gonna take more than a dance-off! Guests visiting EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort better get ready to crank up the mixtape and blast off on an awesome intergalactic chase through time and space in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!

This new family-thrill coaster matches the “grandiosity” and fun of the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, featuring those legendary cosmic outlaws – Rocket, Groot, Drax, Gamora and Star-Lord (a.k.a. Peter Quill). The innovative attraction is another major milestone in the ongoing transformation of EPCOT and debuts as part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration.

Located in the park’s newly renamed World Discovery neighborhood, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at EPCOT. Xandarians traveled from their homeworld in the Andromeda Galaxy to Earth – or Terra, as they call it – to create the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, inviting EPCOT guests to learn more about their people and their advanced technologies. That is … until something goes wrong and the Xandarians call the Guardians of the Galaxy for help.

The First ‘Other-World’ Showcase Pavilion

Star-Lord visited EPCOT as a child and loved the experience so much, he suggested the Disney park as the perfect place for Xandarians to connect with Terrans. The Wonders of Xandar pavilion features three main sections:

Guardians of The Galaxy Cosmic Rewind — @Disney (Kent Phillips, photographer)

The Galaxarium is a sweeping planetarium-style space showcasing planets, stars and other intergalactic wonders that connect Terra and Xandar – reinforcing the notion that we’re all born of the same space dust. The Xandarian supercomputer, Worldmind, provides narration in the Galaxarium and gives context to the stunning visuals.
In the Xandar Gallery, guests learn more about the Xandarian people, culture and history – including the heroes of Xandar – through specially crafted displays including models of starships and a Xandarian city. The gallery also features excerpts from “Good Morning Xandar,” where a host interviews the Guardians of the Galaxy about their heroic deeds.
The pavilion tour concludes in the Phase Chamber, where guests instantly teleport from EPCOT to a Nova Corps Starcharter cruiser orbiting Earth. Here they learn about the Cosmic Generator, a piece of Xandarian technology that creates jump points – artificial tunnels in space allowing for rapid travel across vast distances.

An Intergalactic Chase Through Time and Space

Upon reaching the Starcharter, guests quickly realize things are not going according to plan – or even 12 percent of a plan – when a massive being appears outside the ship …

Eson, a Celestial, has been watching Earth for eons and now intends to use the Cosmic Generator to jump back in time and change the course of humanity.
Nova Prime Irani Rael commands her top officer, Centurion Tal Marik, to contact the Guardians of the Galaxy right away and ask for their assistance (again).
The Terrans must evacuate the ship via Starjumper shuttles – small escape pods that launch from the Starcharter cruiser.
When the Guardians arrive on the scene, they reprogram the Starjumpers so guests can help them track down Eson, following the Celestial through a jump point on an intergalactic chase to save the galaxy. As Drax so matter-of-factly points out as guests prepare for their journey … if they can’t help stop Eson, “then you are likely doomed.”

A New Kind of Family Thrill

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind offers several “firsts,” including:

The first coaster attraction at EPCOT.
The first reverse launch for a Disney coaster.
The first Disney Omnicoaster, where vehicles make controlled rotations to always keep guests focused on the action.
The first Walt Disney World attraction to feature the Guardians of the Galaxy.

An ‘Awesome Mix’ for an Awesome Coaster

Just like the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind weaves classic pop music – or “poet sorcery,” as Gamora would say – into the fabric of its experience. The attraction’s onboard audio cranks hit tunes from the ’70s and ‘80s as guests race through the cosmos.

Disney Imagineers tested more than 100 potential songs for the attraction.
Imagineers used a combination of virtual and physical rides to assess which tracks best matched the spirit and movement of the coaster, finally choosing six songs in their original classic versions:
- “September”
- “Disco Inferno”
- “Conga”
- “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”
- “I Ran”
- “One Way or Another”
Guests won’t know which song they’ll hear each time they ride until they jump into space with the Guardians.

The Broker Offers Treasures of Xandar

Guests can hunt for Guardians of the Galaxy-themed fashions, accessories, home décor, collectibles and toys at the Treasures of Xandar shop, located at the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. The Xandarians hired The Broker to operate this new merchandise location on Terra, which debuts several new product lines, including:

What if the Guardians were rock stars? Inspired by vintage concert merchandise of the 1980s, the Heroes of Xandar Collection imagines all of the gear and memorabilia fans would collect during the Guardians’ fictional intergalactic tour.
The 1980s nostalgia continues with a bold and colorful line celebrating Peter Quill’s childhood visit to EPCOT. The Guardians of the Galaxy: Through the Eyes of Quill Collection features retro silhouettes and graphic designs evoking decades past.
After helping save the galaxy, guests of all ages are invited to show off their new hero status in style with the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Honorary Guardians Collection. Honorary Guardians will be distinguished in their rank through the official Honorary Guardian colors of navy and gold paired with the Honorary Guardian emblem, which is proudly displayed on each item in the collection.
The Groot Through the Years Collection celebrates the sentient tree-like creature and his journey to becoming a defender of the galaxy. The collection, which includes toys, home décor and children’s apparel, illustrates Groot’s evolution from baby to adolescent to adult.

Are you a roller coaster fan?

Cirque du Soleil Show Called Drawn to Life

By admin

Looking for an evening activity at Disney Springs? How about an evening with Cirque du Soleil? This show is called Drawn to Life is performing at Disney Springs at Disney World.

The show is a love letter to Disney Animation interpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic performances, dazzling choreography, innovative design and eclectic costuming. You will also meet new characters created by Disney Animation artists. In addition, get ready for a new original score inspired by timeless Disney music.

It marks the first ever theatrical collaboration of three creative icons: Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Cirque du Soleil acrobatics and characters from classic Disney animation films blend throughout Julie’s journey. Along the way she encounters rhythmic gymnasts interpreting pages of drawings in continuous sequence, a pair of human trapeze artists moving as paintbrushes to create a kaleidoscope of colors, teeterboard artists displaying the squash and stretch principle of animation and beloved Disney Animation characters from across eras.

Drawn to Life is the 50^th production created by Cirque du Soleil and its premiere coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. With an international cast of 62 artists, Drawn to Life will perform Tuesday through Saturday at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque do Soleil and Disney Fun Facts:

Cast is comprised of 62 artists from 15 countries around the globe including Japan, Russia, Togo, Colombia and Peru
There are 10 unique acrobatic acts in Drawn to Life
The show features many references to the history of Disney Animation, a few of which are:
- The four animators who befriend Julie on her journey are Cirque du Soleil’s bow to Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, icons of Disney Animation.
- Throughout the show there are references to the 12 principles of animation outlined in the book Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life by iconic Disney animators and Disney Legends Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas.
- In the Dreams of Colors act the kaleidoscope of colors pays homage to the genius of Disney Animation artist Mary Blair. Tribute is also paid to the Women of Ink and Paint, unsung heroes whose brushstrokes gave life to early animation celluloids.
- The Old Mill act is inspired by Walt Disney’s groundbreaking 1937 animated short of the same name.
- The Squash & Stretch act was inspired by the rubber band fights Disney Animators were known to have during their breaks

Are you excited about this brand new show at Disney Springs?

New Easter Basket Milkshake at Universal Orlando

By admin

We are so excited about a new Easter Milkshake! YUM!

Universal just announced a new Easter treat at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. This treat is a limited time milkshake themed as colorful as an Easter celebration.

This milkshake is called Easter Basket Milkshake. You can find it only this weekend from April 7-9.

This milkshake features a light pineapple flavor. It is topped with whipped topping and accented with popular Easter treats. These sweet treat include Peeps, a Chocolate Passionfruit crème egg, and jellybeans. You will also find green coconut shavings. This looks like “grass” of the Easter Basket.

It is the perfect Easter treat at Universal Orlando Resort.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

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Spring is in bloom at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! EPCOT will blossom with innovative topiaries, fresh flavors and high-energy concerts for the whole family to enjoy.

Guests can explore lush gardens, sample sweet and savory bites with refreshing sips, and shop new merchandise collections featuring Orange Bird, Snow White and Figment. Starting at sunset, festival guests can celebrate with a vibrant spectacle of light on Spaceship Earth set to a fresh and fun new soundtrack.

Enchanting Topiaries and Bright Blossoms

Making their debut this year, topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning “Encanto” greet guests in the main entrance of EPCOT. Each imaginative topiary features details inspired by each character, including Isabela creating beautiful flowers between her hands and an illuminated butterfly for Mirabel.

A new topiary of Princess Tiana from the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Princess and the Frog” graces The American Adventure in World Showcase featuring a stunning ballgown and illuminated fireflies. In the France pavilion, Lumiere and Cogsworth topiaries return with innovative new elements, including lit candles for Lumiere and a working clock for Cogsworth.

More than 200,000 bedding plants are added to the gardens of EPCOT for the festival, including an additional 60,000 bedding plants that create the iconic floral designs that make up the World Celebration East & West Lakes. The Dragon topiary, located in the Japan pavilion, is composed of sun-loving succulent plants, adding bursts of colors to the nearly 20-foot-long display.

Because this year’s festival will be celebrated across two seasons, plant displays will also evolve with the weather, making for true seasonal beauty and detail. Guests visiting during both spring and summer months may see new selections as the season changes.

Find Fresh Flavors at Outdoor Kitchens

With more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens located throughout the park, guests can enjoy the freshest flavors as spring gives way to summer, including more than 50 new food and drink items.

Citrus flavors abound at The Citrus Blossom, now located at the Odyssey, including Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with Orange-Chile Sauce; Citrus Baked Brie with preserved lemon marmalade, limoncello-macerated blueberries and spiced Marcona almonds; and a light and airy lemon meringue pie.

Befitting Princess Tiana’s residence nearby, Magnolia Terrace in the American Adventure pavilion features a menu with several new Louisiana-inspired bites and sips, including Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad; Crawfish Pie, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding and Bayou Cocktail, featuring Bayou spiced rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice. The crowd-pleasing Spicy Chicken Gumbo with andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL™ Long Grain & Wild Rice returns to round out the menu.

To showcase the freshest flavors of the season, EPCOT Farmers Feast near Test Track® presented by Chevrolet® will offer a rotating menu, changing three times throughout the festival, featuring the finest local ingredients. Highlights include Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip on the Early Bloom Menu; Grilled Swordfish with crushed fingerling potatoes, pea and mint purée, grilled asparagus, and lemon beurre blanc on the Springtime Menu; and Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée with corn biscotti on the Summer Solstice Menu.

Guests can also take a tasty tour through the gardens and explore EPCOT with Garden Graze, a fresh food stroll highlighting 11 delicious sweet and savory plant-based offerings – all listed in the Festival Passport.

Captivating Concerts Nightly at Garden Rocks

The ever-popular Garden Rocks Concert Series returns to the America Garden Theatre this spring featuring internationally recognized artists Friday through Monday and local Orlando talent rocking the house Tuesday through Thursday. This year’s lineup includes:

Smash Mouth
Blue Oyster Cult (New)
The Pointer Sisters
Luis Figueroa (New)
Piso 21 (New)
Switchfoot (New)
AJ Croce (New)
Casting Crowns (New)
Jason Scheff (New)
Plain White T’s
Simple Plan
And many others!

Are you ready to experience the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival?