“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” Fireworks and Projection Show Immerses Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests in Galaxies Far, Far Away

A nighttime spectacle unlike any other celebrating a space-based saga paints the skies above Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the awe inspiring Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Walt Disney Resort.

With galaxies not so far away for its canvas, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will light the night with Star Wars-themed fireworks, lasers, projections and other amazing special effects paired with Star Wars-themed music and iconic characters and scenes from the seven-film, pop culture phenomenon.

One of many magical highlights of the four-park summer line-up at Walt Disney World Resort is one of the biggest, boldest sky shows in the 27-year history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, according to show director Michael Roddy of Disney Creative Entertainment.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular unfolds nightly in a series of acts in the skies and around the heart of the park. State-of-the-art effects projecting onto the Chinese Theatre and other buildings will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

Imagine gazing at the twin suns of the desert planet Tatooine, scavenging with Rey on Jakku, navigating through an asteroid field, soaring down the trench of the Death Star and delivering the final blow to destroy Starkiller Base.

The blockbuster show is punctuated by a tower of flame shooting tongues of fire skyward as well as powerful crisscrossing spotlight beams, creating lightsabers in the sky.

“It is a Disney sky show like none other,” Roddy said. “We are actually able to cast fireworks to tell different parts of the Star Wars story, in colors identifiable with the film whether it’s green for Yoda or creating a starfield up in the sky. Projection mapping technology allows us to dramatically overtake the buildings with images from the Star Wars saga. Custom animation delivers motion picture moments and perspectives never before experienced. And surround sound makes it seem like a TIE fighter just flew past and exploded next to you.

“So many of the things we love about Star Wars we were able to bring to life,” he said.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is part of Star Wars-inspired entertainment throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios including a new live stage show; stormtroopers march; Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction; a reimagined Jedi Training; themed food and beverage offerings; and Star Wars Launch Bay featuring themed galleries, artifacts, merchandise and Star Wars character encounters.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at-a-glance:

• Produced by: Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment, in collaboration with Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic.
• Length of performance: approximately 12 minutes.
• Performance schedule: once nightly (showtimes vary).
• The show incorporates music and imagery from all seven films in the Star Wars
• Opening projection scenes recall the Hollywood premiere of the first Star Wars film in 1977.
• Tower of flame fires up to 140 feet in the air.
• Custom visuals were created for some projections to fully immerse guests in sequences from the films, recreating familiar scenes in ways never before seen.
• Audio for the show is presented in 7.1 channel surround, creating a rich sound quality and making possible such effects as the sound of TIE fighters and X-wing starfighters flying above and around the audience.

Enter the realm of dinosaurs at the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride in Islands of Adventure. This is a great way to cool off on a hot day in the park because you’ll certainly get wet during the final splashdown.

Board a large raft that gently floats you into the world of Jurassic Park. You’ll start your journey among some friendly plant-eating dinosaurs. But the tension builds as you veer off course into the raptor enclosure. The power to the fences is out, and the Raptors have broken loose. You sense them watching (hunting?) you as you enter the darkness of the Environmental Systems Building. And suddenly, there it is, a massive T-Rex coming straight for you! Your only escape is the dramatic plunge through the dark down to safety.

When it was built, the 85-foot plunge was the largest theme park water descent ever constructed. It’s an incredibly thrilling and somewhat unexpected drop. You will get wet—the question is, how wet?

A nice, soaking spray will hit you as you plummet toward the bottom. It will be just enough to keep you cool for a while as you explore the rest of Jurassic Park.

Written By Laura Schindler: Are you ready to explore the jungles of Jurassic Park yourself? Laura can help get you there! Laura creates lasting memories by planning customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion! If you are ready to save on your next vacation, book with Laura at Laura@DestinationsInFlorida.com

Annual Events Returning to Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January) — This annual event features a 26.2-mile adventure race through all four Disney theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a half marathon. Also included in the weekend is Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, which combines Saturday’s half marathon and Sunday’s full marathon for 39.3 miles of fun, a two-day health expo and a 5K.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training (February-March) — The Atlanta Braves return to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex for spring training.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February) — The predominantly women’s half marathon brings women of all ages together to celebrate all the qualities a princess possesses. The weekend features a two-day health and fitness expo geared towards women, a family fun run 5k and kids’ races. There’s also the Disney Enchanted 10K and Glass Slipper Challenge, where participants run the 10K and half marathon over the course of 2 days.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March-May) — Future World and World Showcase are blooming with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for kids and workshops with national gardening experts during this annual spring festival at Epcot. While exploring the themed gardens, guests can taste sweets and savories from about a dozen food-and-beverage marketplaces surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon.

Night of Joy (September) — Top contemporary Christian music performers headline this annual celebration throughout Magic Kingdom. The long-running series has played to a combined audience in excess of a million.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (September-October) — A family-friendly fright-fest in Magic Kingdom featuring a children’s parade, trick-or-treating throughout the park, face painting, and more.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (September-November) — Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival featuring live entertainment, guest chefs, culinary demonstrations, seminars and winemaker dinners.

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November) — The ultimate “Runners’ Night Out” features a half marathon at night.  After finishing, runners and their guests can celebrate their accomplishment at an exclusive after hours party inside the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  The weekend also includes kids’ races, a family fun run 5K and a health and fitness expo.

Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort (November-January) — Walt Disney World Resort is all aglitter during the holiday season with dazzling lights, spirited song and even snow flurries. Here’s what’s in store: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom; Candlelight Processional at Epcot; plus caroling, tree lighting ceremonies and visits by Santa.

Universal Orlando has just opened a new Sports Grill and Brew located in City Walk. NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a unique sports dining experience that is so different than anything you have seen before. When you walk inside a wall of Foosball tables invite guests to test their skills. The NBC Sports Grill and Brew has nearly 100 High Definition screens which play a constant stream of sports coverage.

The restaurant is two levels that will be able to seat more than 500 guests. What is so unique about this restaurant is that they have an open kitchen with flame kettle grills and patrons can watch their food being cooked while watching their favorite sport.

 

The concept of the restaurant will be based neighborhoods which will be divided. It will also offer private dining and areas for group dining. In the near future they will also have an indoor and outdoor bear garden. If a guest is interested in sports viewing or culinary viewing they will have sections for this type of viewing.

 

The menu offers a wide variety of appetizers along with delicious burgers, steaks, fresh fish and ribs. They also have a great dessert menu. You also have a choice of over 100 beers on draft or in bottles in addition to locally made beer.

Hours of operation are 11:00am – 11:30pm daily and prices range from $7 – $45.

Written by Barbara Roach:  Barbara is your Personal Travel & Cruise Concierge. She has been organizing travel for years. She knows where to find the best deals, what really constitutes “value” and how you can make your vacation dollar stretch, especially when it comes to planning travel with kids!  Regardless of your destination, her goal is to exceed your every expectation and deliver you to a most enchanting vacation. Call Barbara at 401-323-1294 or email at barbararoach@destinationsinflorida.com to book your trip today.

 

This week learn about all the fun you can have at Universal Orlando when it rains. There are tons for things to do to make sure the rain doesn’t slow you down.

Vacation Innovations at Walt Disney World USA

MyMagic+ — With one tap of a MagicBand, Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests can enter their Disney Resort guestroom, access FastPass+ experiences and attractions, use as a payment method for food and merchandise,  enter Disney theme parks and water parks, and connect to Disney’s PhotoPass. With the free My Disney Experience mobile application, park maps and information about attractions, show times, dining, FastPass+ and more are easier than ever to explore and access. MagicBands and My Disney Experience are part of MyMagic+, which has the ability connect nearly all aspects of the guest vacation experience at Walt Disney World Resort.

FastPass+ — Thanks to the the technological advances of MyMagic+, all guests can reserve access to favorite FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences before leaving home — or in the parks — giving them more time to explore and enjoy Walt Disney World. This can be accomplished via My Disney Experience.com or at FastPass+ kiosks located in Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Using the My Disney Experience online site, Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests may make FastPass+ selections up to 60 days in advance of their visit, for each day they have a park ticket. Disney Passholders and Day guests (those not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel) are able to make FastPass+ selections 30 days in advance of their trip once tickets are purchased.

Contactless Payment — As part of the ongoing efforts to improve the guest experience, a new form of electronic payment is now being accepted at many Disney-operated merchandise, quick-service food and beverage, outdoor vending, spa and recreation, as well as ticket sales locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort using stationary touch-to-pay devices (stations also used for payments made with MagicBands). Known as contactless payment, this new form of electronic payment is most commonly associated with mobile apps including Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Softcard, as well as Near Field Communication-enabled (NFC) credit cards. Purchases using contactless payment are made by holding a mobile device or NFC-enabled credit card near the touch point (Mickey head) on stationary touch-to-pay devices.

Disney Vacation Account — Disney Vacation Account provides easy to use online tools to help participants estimate the cost of their Disney vacation based on current prices (prices are subject to change) and manage a savings plan that is right for them and their budget. As excitement builds toward the Big Day, participants save at their own pace toward the goal of their dream Disney trip, making contributions using their debit, credit or Disney gift card. There are no fees to create or maintain an account. Disney Vacation Account contributions may be used to pay for pre-arrival vacation packages, cruise fare and hotel reservations at Disney-owned and operated resorts, including Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i.

Disney’s Magical Express — The innovative service offers airport shuttle, luggage delivery and airline check-in for Disney hotel guests. Guests of 24 Disney owned-and-operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort using Disney’s Magical Express service can check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and board state-of-the-art motor coaches to the Vacation Kingdom, where their bags “magically” appear in their room upon check-in. The complimentary service is designed to give Disney hotel guests the stress-free vacation they want. With the service, a family of four can save more than $80 (based on round-trip taxi transportation, plus tip, between MCO and Walt Disney World Resort).

 

Everyone seems to be looking for easy and inexpensive ways to add more magic to their trip. Dressing up in Disney inspired outfits are so popular, but can be a budget buster if you aren’t careful. Today I am sharing  how you can make your very own Minnie Mouse ears hair bows, and it’s extremely cheap. I made these for my daughter when she was 2, but “big girls” could wear them as well!

Let’s get started!!

Your Supply List:

-Black Felt

-1″ Grosgrain Ribbon

-Extra Thin Ribbon(not sure the measurements on the small ribbon)

-Thread and Needle

-Stick Pin

-Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

-Alligator Clips

And there you have it. A simple and easy way to add a little something special to your child’s Disney outfit!

Written by Crystal Waggoner:  Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation? Crystal is an expert in planning family vacations to magical destinations like Disney World and Disney Cruise. She is a travel professional with Destinations in Florida, An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Contact her at crystalw@destinationsinflorida.com for your free Disney vacation quote!

You can also find Crystal over at Fussy Monkey Business where she shares other crafty how-to’s.

62 Days of Culinary Delights Run Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016

A new lineup of popular celebrity chefs and a series of first-time Disney resort cooking and dining experiences will add fresh culinary appeal to the 21^st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase at Walt Disney World Resort.

The annual Disney tour of tastes from six continents, running 62 days from Sept. 14-Nov. 14, has become one of America’s top food festivals and features inspired flavors at more than 30 global marketplaces. For the second consecutive year, ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” will arrive to produce a full week of programs on the show’s exclusive Epcot festival stage.

• Culinary notables Geoffrey Zakarian, Maneet Chauhan, Duff Goldman, Elliott Farmer, Masaharu Morimoto and Graham Elliot will step up to the stove to host their first festival special events such as seminars and culinary demonstrations. Other chef icons like Robert Irvine, Cat Cora, Norman Van Aken, Elizabeth Falkner, Buddy Valastro and Jamie Deen will return in 2016 to entertain foodies and inspire their palates at premium events that include Party for the Senses grand tastings featuring reimagined entertainment.

• First-time festival resort experiences include Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef for a hands-on chef’s table experience in a professional working kitchen; The Secret of Flavor three-course lunch that gives guests a “sensory-food connection” at Yachtsman Steakhouse; and a tropical “Zombie” encounter during Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

• “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops at the Festival Center will offer guests a chance to learn a variety of culinary skills from chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros.

• For a second year, global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer a wider range of taste sensations. New this year will be: The Chew Collective in the Next Eats area of Future World; the Wine & Dine Studio and Chocolate Studio, also in Future World; plus Islands of the Caribbean marketplace in World Showcase.

Festival guests can pair wines, beers and ciders with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade using their complimentary festival passports as a guide.

New marketplace menus debut and festival favorites return

Hard soda float, anyone? Guests can choose a favorite hard soda to mix with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat at Desserts & Champagne marketplace. A savory vegan dish will debut at the Greece marketplace, and the popular Farm Fresh marketplace will showcase Florida’s bounty with new savory dishes. Up to 47 percent of the menu food items are new or reimagined dishes.

Multiple new Eat to the Beat concert acts debut; fan favorites return to play 186 festival concerts, in all

Wang Chung (Everybody Have Fun Tonight!) will open the Eat to the Beat concert series Sept. 14-15. More new acts in the concert series lineup, including Delta Rae and Toad The Wet Sprocket – will rock their chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Boyz II Men and Jeffrey Osbourne, will return to the America Gardens Theatre stage this fall.

Celebrity chefs, wine experts and mixologists join the fun

Celebrities ranging from Rock Harper to master sommelier Andrea Robinson will share their food and beverage know-how during culinary demos, beverage seminars and a variety of other events spanning the festival’s 62 days.

The popular Festival Private Label California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are back and available by the bottle or by the glass.

Ratatouille returns

Chef Remy of “Ratatouille” returns with his fun-for-the-family culinary scavenger hunt that features six brand-new collectible pins this year.

Festival Center cooks on all burners

Festival Center highlights will include new festival merchandise, the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros, book and bottle signings and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli and offering guest samples.

Plan for a premium adventure:

• Rockin’ Burger Block Party and Party for the Senses grand tasting events will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips from eminent chefs and beverage experts plus new live entertainment.
• Intimate dining and tasting events to book will include the “Umami” Tokyo Pairing and other Epcot restaurant experiences as well as multi-course lunches and dinners at Disney Springs and resort restaurants.

 Rest and recharge at the Chase Lounge

Chase debit and credit card members – including Disney Visa card members — will find complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments, a charging station and comfortable seating for a relaxing break at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at EpcotFoodFestival.com.

2017 Walt Disney World Resort Packages Now Available for Booking

Are you thinking about a Walt Disney World Resort vacation in 2017? Well, it’s time to start planning it!

2017 Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages are available for booking and now is the time to secure your top resort choice. Plus, dining reservations for the most popular restaurants should be booked 180 days in advance — that’s this week for those arriving in January 2017! Visitors arriving for Spring Break will be making these important reservations very soon, so don’t delay. Soar in 2017 today!

Book your 2017 Walt Disney World Package early to ensure you get the selections that are most important to you. All you need to secure a package is a $200 deposit per room. You can make as many payments as you like until your final payment is due (30 days prior to your arrival).

Let’s start working on your 2017 Walt Disney World vacation plans today! Remember, our concierge planning services are free to you. Why not let our Disney-trained and authorized experts help with all the details for the same price you’d pay if you did it all yourself?

Contact Us for a Free, No-Obligation Quote Today!

877-918-8941 or Request a Price Online

2017 is right around the corner. Planning an Orlando vacation can be exciting but also a daunting task. Since there is so much to see and do, let’s face it, advance planning is essential. It will make your trip more fun and less stressful.

Here are the top 5 reasons to make your reservation now:

1 – There is plenty of time to save up for your trip. Cost is a big factor for many families. Once your destination is decided, you can make an initial deposit and set aside or pay a little at a time. When you know the cost, it’s easier to budget and cut spending if needed.

2- You will have more time to learn about the destination. When booking ahead, you will have plenty of time to read all about your vacation options. Purchase a travel guide or print out information about your destination from the internet. Plan themed movie nights or library visits to get the family excited about the characters and places you will visit.

3 – Begin packing early. I always suggest that you have a designated bag to start placing items to take with you. It’s fun to collect items throughout the year that will be helpful on your trip. You’ll have plenty of time to take advantage of sales. Holiday gifts could include themed vacation clothes, a camera or gift card for the trip.

4 – Less stress. This is a very important incentive to begin planning early. When you have something planned, there is less worry, and you’ll have something to look forward to throughout the year. Begin a notebook to keep travel documents, ideas and plans altogether. Involve your family and decide what attractions are most important to you.

5 – Maximum availability for choice lodging. Many of the popular resorts and room types could be sold out for those who wait. Remember, the early bird gets the worm.
With a bit of advance planning, you can sit back and relax, knowing that it’s all taken care of, and all you need to do is enjoy your Orlando vacation.

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris”.  Sheri is a proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and RV travel.  Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.