Animator’s Palate is one of the most unique restaurants on Disney Cruise Line! In addition to dinner, guests also receive a show highlighting Disney Animation at its best. Animator’s Palate is the only restaurant that can be found on all four ships. 

When you walk into Animator’s Palate on the Disney Wonder the restaurant is black and white.  Throughout your dinner the room transforms into a world of color.  On the re-imagined Disney Magic, Sorcerer Mickey headlines the Drawn to Magic dinner show.

You go from black and white character sketches to color sketches to full color film clips of your favorite Disney and Pixar films.  Animator’s Palate was given a new design for the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The restaurant is decorated to look like an animator’s office.

Guests on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy get an interactive show headlined by Crush from Finding Nemo.  Crush moves from screen to screen talking to guests in the “big human tank.”

 

 

Animation Magic is the dinner show on 7 night cruises on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic.  When you first sit down for dinner you are asked to draw your own character.  During dinner, your character becomes part of the show.  You will see each of your characters perform on screen and your name will appear in the credits as you have now become an animator!

 

The cuisine in Animator’s Palate is pacific rim.  The menu features items such as Grilled Pacific Black Cod, Animator’s Trio of Veal, and Lemon Thyme Marinated Chicken Breasts. The fun décor, delicious food, and unique entertainment all come together to make Animator’s Palate my favorite main dining restaurant on Disney Cruise Line.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has a lot to offer families that desire a serene and comfortable stay when visiting Walt Disney World.  The Pirate Rooms that were added to the resort in 2009 are a hidden treasure to delight any young boy!  They are located in the Trinidad South section of the resort.

True to Disney’s reputation for attention to every detail, these uniquely themed rooms feature swashbuckling décor from stem to stern.  Kids will have so much fun sleeping and playing on the very cool pirate-ship beds! The design on the bedspreads have authentic looking treasure – gold coins and jewels.  Pirate rooms have carpet designed to look like wood planks with pegs. The refrigerator and bedside table are shaped like old barrels. Bureau drawers are made to look like crates and the table is decorated with a compass. You’ll find buccaneer accessories throughout the bathroom too!   The shower curtain is decorated with pirate ships and a picture the Flying Dutchman is carved into the wall in the shower area.

The Pirate theme continues to the walls with artwork and a room dividing curtain showing scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at the Magic Kingdom.

Take a trip to the Caribbean and add a little pirate fun!  The laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean Beach Resort and the smile on your little boy’s face may be just what you’ll need to make this Disney World vacation the BEST vacation ever!

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.

 

Disney Cruise Line isn’t just for kids.  There are lots of adult only places where you can relax, get a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.  Take a look at my picks for the Top 5 Bars on Disney Cruise Line.

1. Skyline is my absolute favorite bar.  You can find Skyline on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  The highlight of this bar is of course the skyline view.  This bar features 7 LCD big screens that offer a view of some of the world’s most famous cities.  The view changes to a different city every 15 minutes and the drink menu features cocktails inspired by each city.  The skyline even changes from day to night based as the day progresses on your cruise.  If you’re on the Disney Fantasy go ahead and visit the bar the first night of your cruise and order the Cocktail Passport.  This will allow you to get 7 beverages throughout the course of your cruise and you get a neat passport souvenir to take with you.
2. La Piazza is an Italian themed bar on the Disney Fantasy modeled after a carousel. La Piazza features two Italian beers, prosecco, limocello, and live music.
3. Keys, as you can probably guess by the name, is a piano bar. Keys is located on the Disney Magic.  Keys features live music nightly and is a nice romantic spot for adults to reconnect and grab a cocktail.
4. Pink is an elegant bar on the Disney Dream designed to look like the inside of a Champagne bottle. The décor is absolutely fabulous. Pink usually hosts a champagne tasting on each cruise so check your Personal Navigator for the day and time.
5. O’Gills Pub is an Irish bar with dark woods, brass accents and a selection of Irish beers, located on Disney Magic, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy.  This a great bar to hang out with the guys and watch sports.  O’Gills features a beer flight and usually hosts lots of trivia.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

A trip to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World would not be complete without a ride on Dumbo the Flying Elephant!  This classic attraction is located in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland.  The ride is based on Disney’s 1941 animated film, Dumbo, the big-eared elephant who learns that he can fly.

Gone are the days when you had to wait what seemed like forever in the hot sun for a ride on a whimsical flying elephant.  Now, this attraction has been transformed into an experience like never before!  The “wait” for the ride is now one of the best parts! As you enter the big colorful circus tent, you will be given a pager that looks like a circus ticket that actually holds your place in line. Children can now play in a fantastic circus-themed playground complete with slides and huge climbing nets.  There’s a separate area for toddlers with fun and safe activities. Parents can relax in the comfort of air conditioning on bleachers that surround the play area as they watch the kids having fun!  When the pager goes off, you will go to a short line before boarding the ride.

The new Dumbo attraction now has two sets of side-by-side rotating elephants, moving in opposite directions, making your wait even shorter.  The centers of the gondolas feature Baby Dumbo as he is being delivered by the stork.  Water fountains encircle the bottom of the carousels and they sparkle at night with bright and colorful LED lighting.  As the band organ music begins you will control your elephant with a joystick that allows you to gently fly high into the air.  Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by someone age 14 or older but there are no height restrictions.

While Disney’s Fastpass+ service is available for this attraction, you will miss the fun of the interactive waiting area.  Take time to feel the wind in your face with an awesome view of Storybook Circus as you experience Dumbo the Flying Elephant on your next Disney World vacation.

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.

Disney Cruise Line offers outstanding value to every guest onboard.  When you book a Disney Cruise you will receive exceptional service, fantastic food, and unparalleled entertainment for the entire family.  Disney is offering special pricing for the following cruises through April 30, 2014.

                                                    5-Night Western Caribbean Cruises

                                                                Departing from Miami, FL

                                Sailing to Grand Cayman and Cozumel or Cozumel and Castaway

                                                           From $130 per person, per night

                                                              Based on double occupancy

                                                       Total price for two Guests $1,300

                                      For October 17 & 26, 2014 sailings aboard Disney Wonder

                                               Category 9C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

 

                                                             4-Night Bahamian Cruise

                                                              Departing from Miami, FL

                                                Sailing to Castaway Cay and Key West, FL

                                                         From $130 per person, per night

                                                             Based on double occupancy

                                                        Total price for two Guests $1,040

                                          For October 22, 2014 sailing aboard Disney Wonder

                                                  Category 9C Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

 These prices are subject to availability and won’t last long.  Prices do not include taxes, port fees, gratuities or excursions.  Contact me today and experience the magic of a Disney Cruise vacation at a discounted price!

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com

Designed after the Mississippi Bayou area of  Louisiana, Port Orleans Riverside at Walt Disney World has a charming appeal for all ages.  With a combination of rustic style lodges and stately mansions that include themed Royal Guest Rooms, this resort with lush, manicured grounds is a great choice for families and couples!

Port Orleans Riverside has rooms in the Alligator Bayou section that can sleep up to 5 guests including one child (age 3-9) in a fold-down bed.  The Royal Guest Rooms are especially popular with families that include girls.  You can read more about them here: http://wp.me/p33adr-3Xq

The Sassagoula River meanders through the resort and over to the “sister resort” next door, Port Orleans French Quarter.  It then winds over to Downtown Disney.  Guests can enjoy the convenience of sharing amenities at both resorts such as the pools and restaurants.

The Riverside Mill food court features a 35 ft water wheel that powers an operating cotton press. Here you can enjoy a taste of New Orleans with a grab-and-go section and six different food stations. Choices include:

• The Bakery
• The Grill
• Pizza and Pasta
• Salads
• Specialties
• Carving Station

Boatright’s Dining Hall is a full service restaurant featuring Southern-style specialties and home-style classic meals. Live entertainment is a big hit at River Roost with cabaret performer, Yehaa Bob Jackson on selected evenings.  This is a great show that includes comedy and wacky piano playing!

Some of the great things about this resort are the swimming pools and Jacuzzi. ‘Ol Man Island is a super fun place for the kids featuring a 95 ft. themed slide and the Muddy Rivers Pool Bar.  Five quiet pools are located throughout the resort as well. There is also a nice playground for kids and an arcade. Other recreational opportunities include, horse drawn carriage rides, a campfire with storytelling, movies under the stars, bike rental, cane pole fishing and the Bayou Pirate Adventure at the Riverside Marina.

Bring your family to Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Louisiana Bayou.  You’ll want to visit again and again!

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.

Disney Cruise Line offers huge discounts in honor of the brave men and women who serve this country.  For example, Disney is offering a rate of $175 per person per night for a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the 3 Night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Dream on April 10, 2014.  For two people that would be a cost of $1050.  The standard rate for two people is $1722.  Military discounts are usually announced 30-60 days before the sailing. You will need to pay for the entire fare on your credit card at the time of booking.  Your travel agent can let you know as soon as rates are available for your travel dates so you can take advantage of these fantastic discounts.  There is a maximum of 50 rooms at this discounted rate per cruise so booking early is a must.  Military discounts are available to all active duty and retired U.S. military personnel (or their spouse) in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Department of Defense personnel. 100% permanently disabled veterans are also eligible for the discounts.   Active and retired members (or spouse) of the U.S. military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. The active duty or retired personnel and veterans do not have to travel as long as their spouse has a valid military ID.  This offer is limited to a maximum of 1 stateroom per military member (or spouse), per sailing. You can book two rooms only if needed for immediate family.  Activated members (or spouse) of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders (active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify).

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Are you looking for the most affordable way to enjoy all of the benefits of staying onsite at Walt Disney World?  The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is the best option available. Located on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest—just a boat ride away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park, this resort will provide endless opportunities for family fun and adventure!

Imagine your family making memories to last a lifetime together in the great outdoors with wildlife such as deer, rabbits and armadillos. Picture your children playing at a spectacular pool with a giant waterslide, roasting marshmallows with Chip & Dale, horseback riding, watching movies under the stars or canoeing.  These are just a few of the things waiting for you at Fort Wilderness!

Almost 800 campsites are available on multiple loops. There are tent and pop-up sites, full hookups, preferred and platinum sites. Some sections are pet friendly. Each campsite is equipped with water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Most campsites also include a sewer hook-up.

Multiple comfort stations are located throughout.  They’re clean and air-conditioned with private showers, laundry and ice machines. There’s a general store onsite to purchase groceries, snacks and souvenirs.

Since the resort is very large, you might consider renting a golf cart, bike or surrey bike to cruise around.  Complimentary bus transportation is also available to take you to different areas of the resort as well as the Disney theme parks.

Dining options include:

• Trail’s End Restaurant
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
• Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
• Crockett’s Tavern

If you plan a vacation at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort…you’ll never want to leave!  Why not make it happen for your family this year?

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.

New Star Wars Character Dining Available May 4 – June 15, 2014

Star Wars fans are in for a real treat! Two new Star Wars character dining experiences are being added at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to coincide with this year’s Star Wars Weekends! Starting May the 4th (…be with you), you can attend with Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine (Dinner) at Hollywood & Vine and Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant.

Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood & Vine: Hollywood & Vine will be transformed into a Star Wars themed venue with Star Wars décor, themed foods and music. Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy, Stormtrooper Donald, and Ewok Chip and Dale will join you for dinner and interact with you throughout the evening during several fun Star Wars themed moments. Dinner seating start at 4:15pm and goes until park close for $55.99+tax adults and $33.99+tax kids 3-9. A digital photo of your party with Ewok Chip & Dale on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included!

You can also make Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine a Fantasmic Dinner Package for $59.99+tax for adults and $36.99+tax for kids (ages 3-9). This is similar to the dinner package already offered at Hollywood & Vine. It gives you reserved/preferred seating at Fantasmic. It also includes the digital photo of your party with Ewok Chip & Dale on a commemorative PhotoPass card.

Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast! at Sci-Fi Dine in Theater: Join Stormtroopers, Jawa, Greedo, Boba Fett and Darth Vader for a delicious breakfast consisting of will get a selection of pastries, choice of yogurt parfait or fruit cup, and choice of entree. Instead of old sci-fi movies on the big screen, you can enjoy Star Wars trailers and movie clips. Reservations will be available 8am until noon for $47.99+tax for adults and $29.99+tax for kids (ages 3-9). A digital photo of the party on a commemorative PhotoPass card is included.

Both experiences are on the Disney Dining Plan and require 2 table service credits per person when using the “Plus Dining” plan. You must provide a credit card to make the reservation even if you plan to pay via Disney Dining Plan. The credit card guarantees your spot and is only charged if you do not abide by the cancellation policy.

To make an advance dining reservation for these Star Wars character dining experiences, you can call (407) WDW-DINE from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time or contact your travel agent for assistance.

When you work with the Disney specialists at Destinations in Florida Travel, we can secure your reservation for these special dining experiences as well as all your dining reservations for your vacation!

Tusker House restaurant at the Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World offers buffet-style dining with African flavors. It is conveniently located on the main path in the Africa section of the park, making it the perfect place to dine before or after a visit to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction.  This restaurant offers great variety to please everyone in your family, whether you are looking for kid-pleasing food or something unique and exciting for adults.

Don’t let the crumbling exterior and thatched roof fool you; Tusker House is a spacious and extremely clean. The décor is designed to look like an outdoor African market with separate buffet stations.  True to Disney tradition, there are a ton of knickknacks and special touches with an incredible amount of detail.  Enjoy the surroundings!

Safari Donald Duck and his friends will entertain you during the Character Breakfast and Lunch hours. The unlimited breakfast and lunch buffets include traditional American foods plus exciting dishes with a tasty African flair. While you are dining, Disney Characters will visit for photographs, autographs and laughter.

Disney characters do not appear during the dinner buffet hours.  Diners will be fully satisfied as they feast on dishes such as vegetable samosas, potato wedges, curried rice salad, pearl couscous with sweet basil (my favorite!), tabbouleh and rotisserie chicken—spit-roasted on the 18-foot rotisserie “Wall of Flames.” There is a special kids’ buffet that caters to the little ones with delicious simpler fare as corndogs, macaroni and cheese, chicken drumsticks, PB&J and mashed potatoes.  This section is not exclusive for the children- many adults will enjoy it as well.  Don’t forget to save room for the incredible desserts!

Tusker House is a favorite for vegetarians and those with special dietary needs because of the wide variety of healthy options available.  Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.

For something a little exciting and different, be sure to include a visit to Tusker House 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.