The Jones Family get a VIP Tour of Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. They took two different tours, so you get to see two different perspectives of this same tour.  It is an amazing way to beat the crowds (they backdoor you to rides and attractions), get exclusive experiences (like Shutterbuttons), and learn all of the insider tips that muggles normally do not know.

Come along on the WWoHP VIP Tour!

Call us at 877-918-8941 for more information about the Universal VIP Tour or visiting Universal Orlando Resort.

There are so many exciting updates this week at the Walt Disney World Resort.  The latest show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom called The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is now official open.  You can enjoy this evening show and even tie in a dining experience with a free reserved seat.

The new sit down restaurant called The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom is extending the seasonal dining through July.  You can now enjoy lunch and dinner.

You can also learn how you can experience 2017 NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando and at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

All these and so much more in this week’s episode of the Around the Mouse.  You can watch the video by clicking on this link and even downloading a copy for your computer or phone.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is filled with attractions and fun for all ages. The park is always evolving as Disney brings movie magic to life. Today, I’m sharing five of my favorites with you.

#5 The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – The Twilight Zone® television show featured unexpected endings and that’s exactly what you experience on this 199 foot attraction. After boarding a service elevator you begin ascending. At the 13th floor, your journey into the star-filled realm begins. Suddenly, the cable snaps and the elevator begins to free-fall down an abandoned shaft. Down it goes….then up again as the doors open and close—there seems to be no pattern to the madness. The views are incredible and frightening at the same time.

#4 Star Tours – This is a 3-D motion-simulator ride with incredible cinematic special effects that features multiple scenes from the popular Star Wars movies. Your adventure is different each time.

#3 Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith – Thrill seekers roll off into the darkness on a stretch limo ride.  The fun begins when you hop into a stretch limo and hang on as you blast off, from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Speeding through night scenes of Hollywood, you will experience three different inversions. There are 2 loops and a corkscrew that will blow you away. One of the best parts of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the soundtrack. Your limo is outfitted with 125 speakers, 24 sub-woofers and a 32,000 watt audio system.

#2 The Great Movie Ride – Experience a slow tram ride inside replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre that takes you through classic movie scenes with 50 Audio-Animatronic figures of movie stars. It’s a fun way to cool off and relive some of the best movies of all time.

#1 Toy Story Mania – The entertaining waiting area, filled with nostalgic toys and a giant audio-animatronic Mr. Potato Head who interacts with guests. Your ride vehicle has a spring-action shooter shaped like a toy cannon. The object is to hit as many targets as possible as you compete with friends for the highest points in the 3-D game. It’s fun to spin through carnival midway games as you travel between scenes.

Make sure your family gets to experience all of the fun rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during your next Disney Vacation.

Written by Sheri Morris. Sheri is 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 at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com. 

Imagine a place where you can feel like you just stepped into a storybook. A place where you can walk through Disney history. A place that is as magical as Disney itself. That’s what you will find when you step inside Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. The castle’s design was based on a Bavarian Castle, and the drawbridge has only been lowered twice – once at the opening of the park in 1955, and again in 1983 at the rededication of Fantasyland.

Once inside the castle, you will relive scenes from the beloved Disney classic movie, surrounded by attractions and 3-dimentional displays which feature interactive moments and of course special effects. You will get to witness the transformation of Maleficent into a fire-breathing dragon.

The Castle will be transformed into a glistening and gleaming, sparkly masterpiece for the Diamond Celebration. A scene you will not want to miss. There’s a bit of Prince or Princess in all of us. Contact me to get your Disneyland tickets today!

Contact me at joanne@destinationsinflorida.com for a free quote today!

Written by JoAnne Traczek: I am a retired Veteran who is enjoying helping people travel all over the world! I enjoy planning all your travel needs, no matter what you need or where you go. I have seen a great part of the world and love to share my knowledge with people who enjoy traveling. Contact me when you want to see the world. I will be happy to help you, one destination at a time.

High School applicants for Disney Dreamers Academy class of 2017 to be selected for exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime program

High school students nationwide can now apply to be among 100 students selected to participate in the 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy will mark the program’s 10^th year.

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE and Walt Disney World Resort will host selected Dreamers during a four-day power-packed career and educational exploration in March 2017. “Giving back is important to me, and especially to our youth – our future leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring artists.” said Harvey. “We’ve seen more than 900 committed students come through the program, and I’m excited to find the next 100. The tenth anniversary will be special, and I encourage all high school students to take a minute of their time to apply for this incredible opportunity.”

For nearly a decade, Disney Dreamers Academy has helped to inspire young minds from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a variety of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills, such as communication techniques, leadership values, and networking strategies.

The event takes place in the very magical and creative setting of Walt Disney World Resort. Dreamers are taken both on stage and behind the scenes, where Disney theme parks become vibrant ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

“We’re excited to welcome back Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE for the tenth year,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vice president of deluxe resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “This program is unique for the opportunity it affords teens to be inspired and motivated to accomplish their goals. By applying for Disney Dreamers Academy, high school students from across the country are taking an important step forward that can influence and change their lives forever.”

Disney Dreamers are exposed to celebrity motivational speakers and special guests who share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “ESSENCE has been honored to help identify the next generation of big dreamers and welcome them to Walt Disney World Resort for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This tenth year will be no exception, and we’re delighted to further play a role in setting our future leaders on the path to success.”

Applicants to the Disney Dreamers Academy program must answer essay questions about their personal stories and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams.

Select Disney Dreamers, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they will participate in life-changing sessions and be  surrounded by the creativity and innovation represented in Disney theme parks around the world. Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 2017.

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, through Oct. 31, 2016. A distinguished panel of leaders will judge the applications, and winners will be announced towards the end of 2016.

For more information regarding applications, interested applicants can visitDisneyDreamersAcademy.com, or follow the Dreamers on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.

The Jones Family take on Universal Orlando Parks with a Water Ride Challenge!  They went to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and hit some of the popular water rides.  These rides get you SOAKED!  They challenged each other to see who could ride all of the rides and still be the least dry!  Who was the winner? Watch and find out…

Have you been on the water rides at Islands of Adventure?  How dry were you?  Leave a comment below and share your fun experience.

When you think of luxury and magic all in wrapped in one. It is the Four Seasons Orlando with a magical Disney touch! Located inside the gates of Walt Disney World Resort®, Four Seasons Orlando is a Five Diamond Award winner. Featuring a spa, golf, children’s activities, fun filled kids island, adult only areas and great dining options. This resort is a great place to make your home base when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort®.

In the lobby of the Four Seasons, you will find the Disney Planning Center. You will be delighted to be greeted by a Disney Cast Member, who will seamlessly help you with your plans. The Disney Planning Center is there to help you plan your magical vacation at Disney World. The planning center is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Disney Experiences

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Friends takes place twice a week on Thursdays & Saturdays at Ravello’s Restaurant. During peak season, they add Tuesdays to the schedule. This is a buffet offering a wonderful assortment of traditional breakfast offerings. Also a children’s buffet and omelette station. Also included is complimentary digital downloads with a professional photographer taken with Goofy & His Friends. For Reservations call 407-313-7777. Breakfast is served between 7:30 am to 11:00 am.

$46.00 for adults – $24.00 for kids ages 3 to 12
Tax and gratuity are not included in the prices above.

Guest Rooms & Suites

Fresh and inviting contemporary decor. There are 443 spacious guest rooms, including 68 suites. With views of the Theme Park, Lake & Golf Course. Rooms also come with a flat screen TV, charging station, in-room safe, and coffee maker.

Dining at Four Seasons

There are so many restaurants for everyone in your family.

• Capa – This restaurant is a Contemporary Spanish Style Steakhouse, located on the rooftop of the 17th floor. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Wishes Fireworks from this restaurant. Reservations recommended.
• Ravello – This restaurant features modern Italian dining on the 1st floor. Ravello serves breakfast from 6:30am – 11:00am and dinner from 5:30pm to 10:00pm nightly.
• Pb&G – Offering up the best of what Florida has to offer. In a poolside setting, suspended over the lake, you can enjoy some tasty treats in a spectacular view. Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
• Plancha – This restaurant features a Cuban/American inspired menu with a picturesque lakeside setting. Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

Lounges

• The Lobby Bar – The place to connect, people watch and indulge. Dinner and Cocktails from 3:00pm to 12:00am. Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Live music on Monday’s and Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• Capa Bar – This bar is a sophisticated spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on the rooftop of the 17th floor. Tapas and award-winning wines are served with a view to die for.
• Lickety Split – Perfect for someone on the go. Serving quick bites, pastries & gelato throughout the day.

Explorer Island & Family Playground

Four Seasons Orlando features two water slides, zero-entry pool, splash park and lazy river. Kids can also check out the kids club called the Hideout.  For the adults, there is alo the Oasis Pool & Jacuzzi with an underwater entertainment system.

Golf

Tranquilo Golf Club is set on a picturesque and serene Tom Fazio designed course, with varying elevation and wetlands. It is secluded and tranquil for a perfect way to escape and enjoy the abundant wildlife.

So if you are looking for a great place to stay when visiting the Orlando area, look no further than the Four Seasons at Disney World. You will have a fun filled relaxing vacation with top of the line accommodations and services.

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn specializes in multi-generational travel as well as honeymoons and proposals at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid cruiser, having set sail on all the major cruise lines. Dawn’s experience and expertise, along with a sprinkle of her pixie dust, will make your vacation one to remember! Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@destinationsinflorida.com

The Jones Family hit Universal Orlando Resort for a fun filled day!

They hit some of the best of the best at Universal Orlando; including the Superstar Character Breakfast, Men in Black Immigration Tour (shhhhh…it’s a secret), Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Hard Rock Private White Room, and Blue Man Group.  Learn some great secrets for your next visit to Universal Orlando!

Call 877-918-8941 for more information about your next Universal Orlando vacation!

Tiffins, Nomad Lounge Newest Dining Experiences At Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

Celebrating the adventurous spirit of world travelers and explorers, Tiffins is the newest signature restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort, part of the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

“Tiffin” is the Indian word for a lunchbox used by travelers (also a mid-day meal), and the 252-seat restaurant in the park’s Discovery Island area is open daily for lunch and dinner with menus that takes diners to Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

“This new restaurant highlights our commitment to introduce new, innovative and immersive experiences only Disney can deliver,” said Beth Scott, vice president of Food & Beverage for Disney Parks & Resorts. “ We are confident that our culinary and beverage professionals have created something that re-imagines theme park dining, and encourage our guests to explore these authentic global flavors just as our Imagineers did when designing Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”

A detailed map within the restaurant’s entryway sets the stage for an immersive dining experience celebrating world travel, with bold artwork derived from sketches, journals and research from those who created the theme park.

“Tiffins is the signature restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrating the culture of design and research that went into creating this unique park,” said Emily O’Brien, Walt Disney Imagineering executive show producer for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“All the senses are explored and turned into amazing works of art,” said O’Brien. “Two of the three ‘galleries,’ or dining rooms, focus on Asia [Trek Gallery with 74 seats] and Africa [Safari Gallery with 64 seats], and the third [Grand Gallery with 114 seats] pays homage to animal species that the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund works to protect.”

The travel-inspired artwork includes a static, three-dimensional piece that features prayer flags blowing in the wind. “As our research team traveled up the high mountains of Nepal, the winds were strong,” explained O’Brien. “The prayer flags are rarely seen hanging, they are always blowing.” This portrayal of the motion is realistically captured in the display which will hang above a corner booth in the Trek Gallery.

“Tiffins is not about a make-believe place, it’s about real people and places,” said O’Brien.

Global Menu

From the familiar to something new, the menu offers diners starters such a Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup with Basil and Peanuts (Asia/Africa) and marinated grilled octopus (Europe). Sustainable seasonal fish crudo (South America) and a salad of roasted baby beets and goat cheese with walnut granola and a sun-dried cherry vinaigrette (North America) round out international creations.

Entrées include Berber-Spiced Lamb Chop with Mustard Greens, Lentil Stew and Mint Chutney (Africa); Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Huitlacoche Tamale, Hominy Succotash and Red Mole Sauce (South America); Miso-glazed Black Cod with Forbidden Rice in Steamed Bok Choywith Turmeric Sauce (Asia), and Grilled Head-on Shrimp with Tomatoes, Roasted Fennel, Olives and Sea Urchin Butter Sauce (Europe). For vegetarians, the Roasted Market Vegetable Curry with Quinoa, Zucchini and Lime Chutney brings a taste of Asia.

The kids’ menu includes roasted chicken, pan-seared cod and braised short ribs with seasonal vegetables and cous cous or multigrain rice, or roasted vegetables served over spaghetti squash.

Beverages focus on Africa, Asia and South America, including handcrafted cocktails and beers. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit-flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania.

“With a focus on South American and South African wines, the beverage program is very special – we don’t have another one like it at Disney,” said Master Sommelier Brian Koziol, Food & Beverage Concept and Development director for Disney Parks & Resorts. “The program will focus on environmentality: producers that focus on sustainability, organic wines, and bio-dynamic viticulture,” he explained. “Environmentality is a core value at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this beverage program is a great way to share that with our guests.”

Nomad Lounge

With beautiful waterfront views, the adjacent Nomad Lounge focuses on storytelling, and also on guests’ travels.

“We’re trying to tell the story of how guests can make a change,” said O’Brien. While the answers of Disney experts are displayed, guests also have the opportunity purchase a tag that supports the Disney Conservation Fund and to write their own answers to the questions to display above the bar– a way to share their own travel stories “so they can be a part of the story,” said O’Brien.

With 55 seats inside, and 46 seats in a covered outdoor area, Nomad Lounge offers a half-dozen small bites such as a vegetarian summer roll, a seared Wagyu beef skewer, honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs, Indian butter-chicken wings, seasonal fish balls with shishito peppers and house-made head cheese and chicken liver pate with chutney.

Like Tiffins, the lounge offers handcrafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors, imported beers and a South American and South African wine list. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit-flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania.

For Tiffins reservations, guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.