Christian music festival Rock the Universe Returns to Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, returns September 9 and 10 with live performances by some of today’s most compelling artists in Christian music.

Rock the Universe offers fans a unique opportunity to see their favorite faith-based artists in the heart of Universal Studios Florida. This year’s line-up features Billboard Music Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated rock band Skillet; two-time GRAMMY-award winner and Billboard Top 200 regular Lecrae; and Christian hip-hop legend TobyMac, who has sold more than ten million albums and has won seven GRAMMY awards since the start of his music career. See the full talent line-up below.

 

** Names in bold indicate headlining acts.Guests will be greeted with rock, hip-hop, and gospel sounds in an unforgettable atmosphere that only Rock the Universe can provide. The festival also features the Fan Zone with more live music, electronic dance music with DJ Promote, autograph sessions with performing acts and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience a Saturday night candle lighting ceremony and access to Universal Studios Florida’s thrilling attractions – like Revenge of the Mummy, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – and more.

 

Giraffe Family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Meet grandmother Malaika, mother Makena and granddaughter Luna, a multigenerational giraffe family who live together on the Sunset Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Malika was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and both Makeena and Luna were born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. These special ladies enjoy spending time together as a family each day in their spectacular home at Walt Disney World Resort, eating different plants and interacting with other animals on the savanna.

So by now you’ve probably already had this conversation at least once recently – what are you doing for your summer vacation? I’ve got the perfect answer to that question: A Cruise. Do you dream of getting away from it all? Relaxing by the pool or an exotic beach with a fruity, umbrella drink in your hand? While I can think of an ocean full of reasons, here are my Top 5 reasons your family should Carpe Diem and take a cruise this summer.

5. Because it’s going to be HOT. What better way to cool off than floating on your happy little float while listening to the waves? Take your pick of sailings with many breathtaking ports of call and beaches to visit.

4. Multiple destinations, unpack once. Most sailings offer a variety of ports of call with multiple stops. Let someone else do the driving…and enjoy the view as you sail from one port to another. Such an exciting way to see some great locations without the headache of having to move your things.

3. They’re fun and stress-free. Leave your worries behind as you sail off into the sunset on your stress-free, all-inclusive, entertaining, let-someone-else-cook-and-clean, take you to where you want to go vacation.

2. Cash in on great savings with last minute deals. Many cruise lines will offer specials within 30-60 days of sailing to fill the ships. This can mean big savings for you.

1. You deserve it. Let’s face it; you work hard…and so does your family. Why not sail away, reconnect and enjoy each other? So grab your swimsuits and call me. You’ll be the hero of your family.

Written by Michelle Guthrie: Michelle is a wife and mother to 3 young children. She was born and raised in Florida and a long time Disney World annual pass holder. When her family isn’t vacationing at Disney or Universal, they’re taking road trips to see the USA. It’s her family’s goal is to catch a game at every MLB ballpark. Michelle is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical vacations that create memories to last a lifetime…all at no cost to you. Contact Michelle to book your next vacation at Michelle@destinationsinflorida.com or 813-928-9432. You can also follow her on Facebook here.

Do you know where in Walt Disney World you can sample Coca-Cola products from around the world—for free? At Epcot’s Club Cool, the unlimited samples really are free.

This little spot can be easy to miss among its neighboring, more exciting attractions. But you won’t want to pass by without stopping in to cool off on a hot day. There are multiple self-serve stations with fountain soda samples of different Coca-Cola products you’ve probably never heard of. It’s fun to try them all and choose your favorites. You might be surprised at how much you like watermelon or pineapple soda. You might also be surprised that people actually drink and enjoy some of the more interesting flavors (I’m looking at you, Beverly). Once you’ve had your samples, it’s also a great place to people-watch, as other guests try their samples for the first time.

Aside from the free samples that are flowing, you can purchase Coca-Cola merchandise as well as frozen Cokes.

Club Cool is a great little-hidden treasure in the heart of Epcot’s Future World. Stop on in and become part of the Club Cool “club” on your next visit.

Want to see for yourself which Club Cool flavors are tops? 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

Viva la Música is sizzling at SeaWorld Orlando with new flavors and some of the hottest Hispanic artists in the industry. This fiery, festive celebration runs for two more weekends – May 7 and 14 and is included with park admission.

On Saturday, May 7, musician, composer, singer and trombonist, Willie Colón will perform some of his all-time hits at SeaWorld.

Then on Saturday, May 14, Latin music legend Wisin will hit the stage and perform some of his record-breaking hits such as “Adrenalina” and “Que Viva la Vida.”

Viva la Música activities begin at 12 p.m. each Saturday at the Bayside pathway, with concerts starting at 3 p.m. at Bayside Stadium.

Foodies and music lovers can enjoy this family-friendly annual festival with new authentic cuisine prepared by SeaWorld’s Executive Chef Hector Colon; live concerts by these internationally acclaimed Hispanic artists and bands; and unique merchandise from local artisans that reflect the true spirit of Latin culture.

FLAVORS TO TASTE

• Chef’s signature creations – New this year at Mango Joe’s is the Hamburguesa Cubana, a hamburger made with a chorizo, ground beef and pork patty. Plus, guests who visit Seafire Grill, Cypress Bakery and Mango Joe’s will find an array of Latin infused limited-time dishes.
• New, savory and authentic dishes this year include:
  • Piononos – Sweet plantain stuffed with traditional seasoned ground beef
  • Morcilla – Traditional Latin American blood sausage
  • Sorullitos – Caribbean-style fried polenta sticks
  • Frituras de camarones – Skewered shrimp fritters with fried plantains
  • Lechón asado – Traditional roasted pork rubbed with Caribbean spices
  • Some of the guests’ returning favorites include piraguas (shaved ice with tropical flavors), bacalaítos (fried salted codfish pancakes), pinchos (skewered grilled meat with fried plantains) and tripletas, a hearty sandwich made with roast pork, chicken, steak and cheese topped with potato sticks and a special sauce.
  • Food Sampler Package – For $25, guests looking to try an assortment of new flavors can choose from five samples of select dishes and also receive 15 percent off all food and drink purchases on the event pathway.

Pastries, desserts, beers, margaritas, mojitos, cuba libres, wine and a special house-made sparkling red sangria are also available throughout the event pathway.

SOUNDS TO HEAR

Every Saturday during Viva la Música, upbeat concerts from internationally renowned stars of reggaeton, salsa, merengue and more will take the stage at SeaWorld Orlando’s Bayside Stadium for exciting live concerts.

Scheduled performances include:

• Saturday, May 7:  Willie Colón
• Saturday, May 14:  Wisin

Floor Seating Package – Starting at just $15, guests can reserve concert floor seats right in front of the stage act.

*BONUS! – Guests looking to pair their savory cuisine with the perfect Latin beats can purchase the Food Sampler + Front Row Seating Package – Starting at $45, guests can reserve a front row seat (just inches away from the artists), plus enjoy all the benefits of the food sampler package.

SIGHTS TO SEE

• Jardín – Returning this year is the Viva la Música garden, providing a more relaxing environment for the entire family, but still just steps away from the main fiesta. Seating and Domino tables are available for guests to relax and enjoy in this area as well.
• Mercados – Sprinkled across the event pathway will be small shops stationed with original merchandise inspired by the Latin culture and created by local artisans and artists including handmade oil paintings, organic jewelry and much more.
• Festive Latin Atmosphere – The Bayside pathway will come alive with bright colors, Caribbean décor, dance floors and DJs spinning live music hits.

The best way to experience Viva la Música and all of SeaWorld’s special events throughout the year is with a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass. From now until April 24, guests who purchase a SeaWorld annual pass will also receive access to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark for free. With an annual pass, guests will also be able to return this summer for the opening of MAKO – Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster.

What Characters are Greeting Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Beginning this week, guests can join some of their favorite Disney Characters as they live out their Hollywood dreams in two new character greeting experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

In Celebrity Spotlight, located in the park’s Echo Lake district, guest are invited to meet Olaf from Disney’s blockbuster film, “Frozen.” Olaf is living his dream “In Summer,” chilling on the beach and ready to give warm hugs to all his new friends.

And on Commissary Lane, guests will find “Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams.” Here, guests will discover Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, living the dream as A-list Hollywood stars. Guests first walk the red carpet and step right into a scene with Minnie, where she appears as a Tinsel Town starlet in a ritzy setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. Next, guests can join Mickey in a scene from “Fantasia,” where he’s portraying his iconic role of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Olaf is in the Celebrity Spotlight now, while “Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams” makes its debut on Sunday, May 8.

“Frozen” Games Coming to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

For the first time in forever, Olaf’s wish to experience summer fun with his friends will come true when he and Kristoff, stars of the hit Disney animated film “Frozen,” host the inaugural “Frozen” Games this summer at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

The “Winter Games Committee” has decided to take advantage of the magical snowstorm over Blizzard Beach and host daily activities this summer. The committee members have even invited Kristoff and Olaf to lead teams of guests in a fun day of “Frozen” activities.

From May 27 to Aug. 21, 2016, guests of all ages visiting Blizzard Beach may choose to join Team Kristoff or Team Olaf to participate in a variety of winter-themed activities throughout each day, including:

• Ice Pail Relays – teams will line up and pass pails of water quickly from one person to the next, trying to fill a container at the The team that fills their container first is the winner.
• Snowball Toss – pairs compete in a snow-themed water balloon toss from progressively greater The pair that gets the farthest apart without breaking its water balloon is the winner.
• Ski Pole Limbo – guests play limbo, using a ski pole as the
• Slide Races – teams race down one of the signature water slides at Blizzard Beach, and much more!

Kristoff and Olaf to host inaugural event to kick off summer season

Olaf and Kristoff will take part in the “Frozen” Games’ opening and closing ceremonies by appearing on the Observation Deck near the Summit Plummet attraction each day, accompanied by trumpet fanfare, banners and music. Additionally, one lucky guest will be chosen each morning to be the Ski Captain and thus the first guest to take the plunge down Summit Plummet, signaling the start of the “Frozen” Games.

 

From the observation deck, Olaf and Kristoff will give regular updates throughout the day on their teams’ progress and achievements, as well as announce the winning team of the “Frozen” Games.

The “Frozen” Games are an all-day event at Blizzard Beach, beginning shortly after the park opens. Guests can sign up at the park entrance, and all activities are included with regular park admission.

Blizzard Beach is a 66-acre winter-themed water park. The park offers water activities suitable for all ages, including signature attractions such as Summit Plummet, one of the world’s fastest free-fall water slides that plunges guests from 120 feet high at speeds up to 55 mph; Toboggan Racers, an eight-lane water slide that sends guests racing over exhilarating dips down a 250-foot “snowy” course; Tike’s Peak, a kid-sized version of Blizzard Beach designed for kids ages 2-5; and Ski Patrol Training Camp, designed for pre-teens with a twin inner tube slide, crinkle slide and a challenging ice-flow walk along slippery, floating “icebergs.

 

When I think of Springfield, USA, I can’t help but imagine El Barto, Homer, Mr. Burns and many of our friends who happen to reside inside America’s Favorite city (with or without the dome). Wonder what’s even better? Duff Beer, and what’s even better than Duff Beer, could there be such a thing? Of course, there is! You can get your own Duff Beer. Stop by for a Duff Beer at Moe’s Tavern, Home of the Flaming Moe, or the Duff Brewery. You may even catch a glimpse of good old Barney Gumble.

So where exactly is Springfield, USA? It’s as close to Universal Studios Florida! This could come as a bit of a shock to some of you. Considering many people now call Universal Studios Florida, Hogwarts. I’m here to share with you that while the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a great place to visit if you skip Springfield during your visit, you may find Homer asleep on your porch when you arrive home. These are just rumors of course, but don’t say we didn’t warn you. Within Springfield USA, You can also go on the Simpson’s Roller Coaster, this thrill a minute ride will leave you gasping from giggles, and wondering how you never left your room all at the same time. Ever wondered what exactly a Krusty Burger or Lard Lad donut tastes like? You can get those too. Just make sure you eat there after you’ve ridden Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘N’ Hurl…

Daniel is a Travel Agent with Destinations In Florida travel agency and travels as often as possible. His goal is to ensure that all of his guests receive the best vacation planning possible. Reach out to him at anytime via email or Facebook. You can even call him old school at 425-420-8988!

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings

The fairest wedding wish of all comes true as couples can now say their “I do’s” in the heart of Magic Kingdom Park with enchanting Cinderella-like weddings now offered at Walt Disney World Resort.

For the first time ever, Magic Kingdom park goers may enjoy unforgettable glimpses of once-in-a lifetime celebrations as trumpeters herald a bride’s grand entrance down Main Street, U.S.A. aboard Cinderella’s glass coach or horse-drawn carriage, as ceremonies are staged in the morning hour just after the official “rope drop” at the park entrance.

Get Married in Front of Cinderella Castle

As part of the popular “Wishes Collection,” couples can now exchange vows in the newly enhanced East Plaza Garden offering up to 100 guests a picture-perfect view of Cinderella Castle.

“Couples have been seeking a celebratory location showcasing the iconic Cinderella Castle,” said Korri McFann, Marketing Director for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to make those dreams a reality.”

The colorful floral and customized décor enhance the lush garden setting creating an elegant venue fit for a princess. And after the celebrated “I do,” guests are whisked off for reception festivities at a variety of locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

The expert team at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has helped to create and execute fantasy engagements, weddings and honeymoons for almost 25 years, delivering everything couples may dream about for an unforgettable event. Guests may choose from a variety of magical settings and destinations around the world, including theme parks, breathtaking beaches and grand ballrooms. This top-ranked wedding and honeymoon destination hosts more than 1,200 weddings yearly at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings package collections start at $2,500, and custom experiences begin at $12,000. Premiere locations such as Magic Kingdom Park, with a completely customized ceremony and reception for 100 guests, start at $75,000.

About Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has been making dreams come true for couples since 1991. Well over 45,000 couples have exchanged vows in storybook settings at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani and aboard Disney Cruise Line. Whether it’s an intimate gathering for two or a Cinderella-like affair for hundreds, Disney’s Wedding Planners handle all the details from music and entertainment to floral and decor. For more information, please visit DisneyWeddings.com, or call 321-939-4623. To book the new Wishes East Plaza Garden wedding venue, visit DisneyWeddings.com/Venues.

Video Tour of H2O Kids Zone Water Park on Oasis of the Seas

Your kids will LOVE the H2O Kids Zone Water Park on board the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Sea. There are plenty of places to swim, splash and play in this area that’s just for kids!

This area features a giant, colorful octopus sculpture with water-spraying tentacles along with a number of other sprayers and water cannons. There are also separate wading and current pools and a dedicated infant and toddler pool on board.

Take quick look at the H2O Kids Zone here:

Learn More About Royal Caribbean Cruises:
Royal Caribbean® Cruises are YOUR adventure! A story that has yet to be lived, but once experienced, will be told again and again. Royal Caribbean ships offer many exciting on-board activities, from zip lining to Broadway shows to surfing to ice skating to amazing dining and much more. Royal Caribbean has something to offer for your entire family!

With over 20 ships, sailing from all over the world, Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore can find the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise for you, your family, and friends. No matter where you want to go, from Alaska to the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond, Royal Caribbean and Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore can take you there.