Sunset at Epcot

We have some spectacular sunsets in Florida! Check out this recent one over the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot.

Evenings at Epcot are great for so many reasons. The weather (usually) cools off, some of the crowds thin out, and it’s a great time to stroll around World Showcase Lagoon with a snack or beverage while watching the sun go down. Though we aren’t near the coast, Central Florida is known to have some gorgeous sunsets with reds, oranges, pinks and even purple skies. You can get some beautiful photos of the Disney park icons against these richly colored skies.

We hope you’ll share photos of your favorite sunsets with us on social media. You can find us on Twitter (@wdwfan) and http://www.facebook.com/destinationsinflorida.

 

There is nothing more magical than to cap off a day of fun in Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park than the experience of their nighttime fireworks show, Wishes. Disney offers the best of the best with a spectacular show that will knock your socks off!

Wishes is performed most evenings but be sure to check the schedule before you arrive. One of the best places to watch is in the forecourt of Cinderella’s Castle. You will have a good view of Tinker Bell as she takes flight overhead at the beginning of the fireworks display.

As the lights are dimmed and the storyline begins, Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy are celebrating the power of believing. The show incorporates character narration along with a medley of treasured Disney songs. It starts out sweet and calm but turns a bit ‘dark’ when Maleficent, the Evil Queen and other Disney villains cause havoc. Of course, good triumphs over evil and wishes always come true in the end.  It’s pure Disney!! Characters featured in the show include:

• Jiminy Cricket
• Pinocchio
• Cinderella
• Genie
• Maleficent
• Peter Pan
• Ariel

Special effects and brilliant colors fill the evening sky with an impressive extravaganza that is unlike any other! The incredible musical score is synchronized with the rockets as they explode overhead, making and unforgettable evening that you’ll not soon forget. The show is sweet, scary, happy and romantic – all mixed into one. If you see me there, you might just watch me shed a tear or two…

If you would like to experience Wishes in a special viewing area, be sure to secure a FastPass+ early. I would suggest that you linger afterwards and browse in the shops on Main Street as crowds fill leave the park in droves following Wishes. Do not miss Wishes during your next Walt Disney World vacation. There is no better way to end your Disney day!

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street 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.

Talk with Crush at Epcot

Got a burning question for Crush? This intimate 15-minute conversation is your chance to ask him! Using his high-tech “hydrophone,” Crush can communicate directly with little dudes and dudettes about literally anything that’s on their minds.

Duffy’s Sports Grill, Florida’s leading sports-themed restaurant, celebrated the grand opening of their 28^th location Friday, May 8^th near the University of Central Florida.  Located at Waterford Lakes Town Center (315 N. Alafaya Trail.), this new location marks the third of several slated to open throughout the Orlando market.

We had the opportunity to visit Duffy’s in Lake Mary earlier this year and were quite impressed with the atmosphere as well as the food and beverage offerings. The impressive array of choices will certainly be welcomed in the new location and we look forward to visiting soon.

Duffy’s Sports Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner and offers an unbeatable combination of high quality food, affordable prices and memorable hospitality.  Duffy’s is known for providing outstanding value with 2-for-1 drinks all day, every day.  This includes everything from the bar such as top-shelf cocktails, premium wine and even bottled beer.

Adding to this is a full weekday roster of value-priced deals including a Monday night special when every item on the menu is just $12.95 (5:00 p.m. to close); a designated “Kids Day” every Wednesday when kids eat free and a Thursday Night Rib Fix featuring a ½ rack of signature baby back ribs with one side for $9.95.

Locals will want to join Duffy’s free MVP loyalty program to earn generous rewards and exclusive benefits. MVP Members begin earning points and rewards on their first visit and can take advantage of discounts such as the Afternoon Break, which gives between 20 and 50 percent off of food purchased on weekdays between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. MVPs earn one point for each $1 spent and when they accumulate 100 points, a $10 credit for food and beverages is automatically loaded on their MVP card.  They can even earn points faster on Tuesday when members earn Double Points.  Everyone who joins can look forward to free offers and gifts sent via email.

The reasonably-priced menu at Duffy’s Sports Grill features freshly prepared ingredients and grilled items.  Guests will enjoy signature favorites such as grilled-to-order Certified Angus Beef brand steaks and burgers; hand-breaded Traditional Jumbo Wings tossed in a choice of more than 10 sauces; a variety of salads and pastas, along with the restaurant’s “Healthy Options” – 15 flavorful dishes containing fewer than 580 calories.

To view the menu, download the Duffy’s mobile app available for download on both Apple and Android products, or visit their website, www.DuffysMVP.com.

Treat Mom to Brunch, Shopping, Pampering at The Spa and More

In honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, 2015, give Mom the ultimate day out she deserves with offerings fit for a queen at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

At Ravello, the Resort’s modern Italian restaurant, feast on a sumptuous Mother’s Day buffet for an unforgettable dining experience. Guests will enjoy a variety of delicious items from the buffet, including a seafood station with options such as fresh sushi, chilled Florida lobster tail medallions and Florida fish ceviche. Specialty selections include delicious braised short ribs, roasted chicken with herbs de Provence, and skillet roasted local vegetables. A carving station with prime rib of beef and a make-your-own quesadilla station will also be available, along with an assortment of traditional breakfast favourites. Reservations for Mother’s Day at Ravello are available from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm for $95 per adult and $45 per child. For those who wish to sip and savour, an unlimited Bloody Mary and Mimosa station is offered for an additional $20 per adult.

For the mom who loves to shop ‘til she drops, guests are invited to a special trunk show and meet-and-greet with the jewelry designer from the Jemma Sands jewelry line. This special event will be featured Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in Wardrobe, the Resort’s lobby level boutique. Mom can sip on a complimentary glass of Champagne while shopping and enjoy “mommy and me” personalized jewelry making with her little ones. 

For the ultimate day of relaxation, spoil Mom with an indulgent treatment at The Spa. Rejuvenate body and mind with a classic massage; hydrate and discover new radiance with the exclusive La Floridian body treatment or experience the Geneo 3-in-1 Facial, a technologically advanced treatment unique to Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Each 80-minute treatment includes access to the Resort pools, so Mom can unwind by the Oasis adults-only pool for the day.

For the gift that keeps on giving, Mom will love a Four Seasons Resort Orlando gift card, available for purchase at the resort, for use toward an overnight stay, golf, shopping, dining, Spa and more.

For Mother’s Day buffet reservations at Ravello or for Spa appointments, call 407 313 7777.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World is the perfect choice for families with young children. From the larger-than-life icons that pepper the landscape to three incredible, highly themed heated pools and huge arcade, kids will absolutely love this resort. If you are traveling with children or Finding Nemo movie fans, the Finding Nemo Family Suite is for you!

Inspired by the Disney Pixar film, Finding Nemo Family Suites are filled with familiar props and adorable characters. After check in at Animation Hall, you will be directed just outside the back door to your suite. Finding Nemo Family Suites are the closest to the main building, transportation and Landscape of Flavors quick service dining, making them very popular.

The family suites are large at 565 square feet and designed to accommodate up to six Guests.

The suites include:

• Three separate sleeping areas, including a master bedroom with a queen sized bed
• A comfortable full-size sleeper sofa
• A full-size convertible Table Bed. This easily transforms from a table for dining and a bed for sleeping
• A Nemo themed kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, sink and coffeemaker. Some kitchen supplies are included such as cups, plates and utensils
• Two separate full bathrooms
• Two flat-panel televisions
• Free internet access
• In-room wall safe

Your suite will totally immerse you in the story of Finding Nemo! From the underwater themed bathrooms to the artwork and decorative carpet, you will feel like you’re staying in the midst of a movie set of Finding Nemo.

Just outside your door is the Big Blue Pool. It is the largest resort pool at Disney World, complete with underwater speakers, a poolside snack bar and whimsical characters from the movie. There are countless props for perfect photographs! You will also enjoy an interactive water play area and playground.

Consider one of the Finding Nemo Family Suites for your next Disney World vacation.  It is guaranteed to bring a smile on the faces of children of all ages!

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street 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.

LEGOLAND Florida Highlights for Families

The LEGOLAND Florida theme park is about 45 minutes south of Orlando, and resides where Cypress Gardens Adventure Park used to be in Winter Haven, Florida.  This theme park is perfect for families with younger children and those whose children – like mine – are obsessed with LEGOS. There are several rides that are perfect for younger children.  I loved that there are LEGO playing areas in every line.  The kids can play with LEGOS while adults/older kids wait in line and then the younger kids can get back in line closer to the front.  This was a great feature as I could see my son the entire time, but he was happily playing instead of whining – I mean waiting – in line.

One of the highlights of our visit to LEGOLAND, was the Miniland USA area, that includes miniature landmarks, such as the Capital Building from Washington D.C. and an entire  Star Wars area.  This area is truly something you have to see with your own eyes. Not only is the whole area built with LEGOS, but the attention to detail is amazing!  There are also interactive areas for the kids, for example, a knob might control fountains at a park or start a race at the Daytona Speedway.

A favorite ride of my son’s at LEGOLAND, was Ford Driving School.  There are two options for this experience, one is for ages 3-5 and another for ages 6-13.   While waiting in line to drive, the youngsters have their picture taken for the driver’s license (available at an additional cost).  Ford Driving School is an open track that allows kids to drive their vehicles through LEGO City.

I feel like a day at LEGOLAND wouldn’t be complete without riding the Island in the Sky.  This is a giant platform that elevates 150 feet and rotates  while giving riders a 360 degree view of LEGOLAND Florida.  If you do it at the start of your day, you can see all that LEGOLAND Florida has to offer, glimpse the Cypress Gardens, and check out the new LEGOLAND Hotel (opening Summer 2015).

All of the rides and attractions were fun for younger children, but my son loved the LEGO minifigure trading.  This is similar to the Walt Disney World’s pin trading.  Bring a minifigure from home (or you can purchase one from a store dedicated to minifigures), ask a LEGOLAND employee to trade with you and its yours to keep  – or keep trading throughout the day.  My little LEGO lover, really enjoyed this.  I will warn you that after being bombarded with LEGOS all day (interactive LEGO statutes, LEGO minifigures, LEGO themed everything) it is near impossible to get out of LEGOLAND without buying something LEGO, especially as you walk by “The Big Shop” on your way out of the park, but we now have a LEGO set to remind us of our fun day at LEGOLAND.

Written by Elizabeth Mallers. Elizabeth is an agent with Destinations to Explore, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  She has experience traveling to Disney with a child with severe food allergies.  She is ready to help you plan a magical vacation, all at no cost to you!  Book your next vacation with Elizabeth at 317-753-5959 or at elizabeth@destinationstoexplore.com.

 

 

Whanau Way Aquatica POV Ride Video

Whanau Way at Aquatica by Sea World is an amazing ride! This quadruple slide tower offers riders four different high-speed experiences. In the isles of the South Seas, Whanau means extended family, which is what you’ll feel like after diving down the slides on double inner tubes together. Look out below!

About Aquatica:

South Seas Warmth: 

At Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™, the water is as warm as the South Seas themselves – warmer actually! A state-of-the-art climate system adjusts the water temperature according to the weather so that it’s always just right.

If You Love Animals: 

A number of amazing animals call the sun and surf of Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™, their home. At our Conservation Cabana across from Loggerhead Lane, you can find our education team at designated times throughout the day. Here you can learn some incredible facts about our unique residents and even get a chance to see them up close.

For Kids: 

Kata’s Kookaburra Cove® is calling all kids! With water spouts and several silly spilly water slides, Kata’s Kookaburra Cove is the perfect place for those 48″ and under to play.

Beat the Heat: 

Temperatures in Florida can get quite high – especially in the middle of the day. There are lots of ways to stay cool at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™, but riding the surf at Roa’s Rapids® or lounging in one of our two side-by-side wave pools are among the best.

Avoid the Crowds: 

Getting an early start is a great way to dodge the crowds at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™. As the afternoon rolls on and temperatures rise, signature rides can become a lot more popular than they are earlier in the day.

 

Gaston’s Tavern is located in located in the New Fantasyland area of Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park.   It is a great place to order a manly sized snack and a cool, tasty beverage.

The décor at Gaston’s is manly as well.  The main dining room is small and dim with wooden tables and stools. There is a huge portrait of the ever-cocky Gaston above the cozy fireplace with Gaston’s large chair beside it. Various animals are mounted on the walls and you will notice the scoreboard from a game of darts between Gaston and LeFou. Antlers are everywhere! Be sure to look at the incredible chandeliers.  A few tables and chairs are available outside as well.

While the menu at Gaston’s is small, the items served are very popular!  It basically consists of the following:

• Pork Shank
• Warm Cinnamon Roll
• Chocolate Croissant
• Mixed Vegetables with Dip
• Sliced Apples with Caramel Sauce
• Mixed Fruit Cup
• Hummus & Chips
• LeFou’s Brew
• Assorted Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The Pork Shank is absolutely gigantic and the Cinnamon Roll is massive as well!  It’s easily shared between two or three people as a snack.  Perhaps the biggest draw to Gaston’s Tavern is LeFou’s Brew. This well-loved icy concoction is very sweet and will give you ‘brain-freeze’ if you drink it too fast!  It contains Frozen Apple Juice with a hint of Toasted Marshmallow and topped with All-Natural Passion Fruit-Mango Foam.  You can purchase it in a Souvenir Goblet or Stein if you wish. You can’t leave the park without trying it!

Gaston’s Tavern is a wonderful part of Belle’s Village in New Fantasyland. Consider a quick stop for a snack or a meal at Gaston’s Tavern during your next Walt Disney World 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 at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.