Cariocas is a Brazilian themed restaurant on the newly reimagined Disney Magic.  There is a backdrop of Rio at the front of the restaurant and a beautiful mural of the Three Caballeros on the main wall.  The bright lanterns throughout give the restaurant a really nice feel.  I started off my dinner with a piece of warm banana bread which was great.  Your options for appetizers are Peruvian Causa, Empanadas Panzudas de Carne, Deep Fried Lobster Croquetas, or an Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tower. I tried the lobster croquetas and my husband’s empandas.  I enjoyed both appetizers but the lobster croquetas were definitely the better of the two.  Your soup or salad options are Sancocho de Pollo, Cuban Salad, Sopa de Frijoles Negroes Habaneros, or Tiger Shrimp Ceviche and Palmitos Salad. I thought the tiger shrimp ceviche was just okay.  Main course offerings include Lobster, Shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Skewers, Grilled Rum Marinated Swordfish, Grilled Orange and Lemon marinated Flank Steak, Slow Roasted Pork Belly, and Jose Cariocas.  I got the pork belly and was very very happy.  Carioca’s Ice Cream Sundae was the recommended dessert.  The sundae contained dulce de leche ice cream, caramelized apples, and churros.  As you can imagine the sundae was extremely sweet.  Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Cariocas.  I think the restaurant is a nice addition to the Disney Magic.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, 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 a fun and romantic honeymoon? You may be interested in a Disney Cruise Line honeymoon, then! With adult only dining options, spa treatments, and the option to visit some of the country’s most beautiful islands, you’re sure to love a Disney Cruise Line honeymoon! Here are just a few options for a Disney Cruise Line honeymoon:

• 4 Night Cruise- Turn your honeymoon into a dream come true on a 4 night journey filled with magic, romance and impeccable Disney service. It will be a honeymoon to remember as you discover enchantment in the heart of Bahamian paradise.

• 7-Night Land and Sea Cruises- Experience the best of both worlds when you book an unforgettable honeymoon that combines a 3- or 4-day Bahamian cruise with an action-packed stay at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

• 7-Night Cruises- If a week of leisure and adventure is what you crave, let Disney Cruise Line® sweep you off on a 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise. You’ll enjoy a delightful mix of at-sea relaxation and in-port excitement.

• 12-Night and 14-Night Transatlantic Cruises- Immerse yourself in an adventure that echoes the historic transatlantic crossings of the golden age of sea travel. Boasting scenic tropical splendor, sweeping seascapes and age-old locales, in addition to one-of-a-kind Disney entertainment, dining and recreation onboard, a Disney transatlantic cruise is your ticket to unforgettable destinations steeped in antiquity and culture thousands of years in the making.

• 4, 5, 7, 9, or 12-Night Mediterranean cruise- Explore ancient cities and age-old cultures brimming with history thousands of years in the making. Sail from home ports in Europe are Barcelona, Spain and Venice, Italy—cities renowned for their architectural wonders, charming cafés and unforgettable scenery. Either city is an excellent starting point for your Mediterranean cruise.

• 2-Night, 4-Night, or 5-Night California Coast Cruises- From the world-class comfort and detailed service of a Disney Cruise Line cruise, experience the scenic splendor of California. Savor spectacular seascapes as you sail along the Golden Coast—departing from San Diego, Los Angeles or Vancouver, Canada.

• 14 or 15 Night Panama Canal Cruises- Set sail on a 14-night Panama Canal cruise with stops at beautiful port cities along the Riviera Maya, the Mexican Riviera and Colombia or embark on a 15-night Panama Canal cruise that departs from Miami, Florida and charts a course for San Diego, California.

Are you considering a Disney Cruise Line Honeymoon? I’d love to help you plan your Disney Cruise Line honeymoon at no cost to you and help you choose the perfect cruise for you! Contact Siera for more information or to request your free, no obligation quote.

If you are searching for a nice, relaxing place for an exciting Walt Disney World vacation in Central Florida, look no further than Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  This moderately priced resort is uniquely themed with an American Southwest decor.

Coronado Springs is very large with 1,921 rooms and suites situated around a gorgeous 15-acre lake called Lago Dorado.   There are 3 main sections:

• Ranchos- 2 and 3 story pueblo-style villas in a ranch-style setting
• Cabanas- 2 story buildings with a sandy shoreline. Many have pretty lake views
• Casitas- 3 and 4 story “little houses” amidst plazas and pretty fountains

The Casitas are part of a separate wing with 220,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and an 86,000 square foot exhibit hall that is often used to host conventions.

There are four heated swimming pools, one in each of the main sections of the resort. Centrally located is the popular archaeological-themed Mayan Dig Site playground. This area is a huge swimming and playground complex with a Mayan ruins theme.  There’s a 50 foot stone pyramid with water streaming down its steps and a 123 foot waterslide with a fun water-spitting Jaguar!  The largest hot tub on Disney Property is located here as is a kiddie pool. La Vida Health Club offers spa service, a salon and fitness center.  Beautiful jogging trails, volleyball and a marshmallow campfire by the beach round out the exciting recreational possibilities at Coronado Springs.

This unique resort has several dining options to please everyone!

• Cafe Rix – Great for a quick meal including fresh salads, panini sandwiches and other tasty treats.
• The Pepper Market – The perfect place to satisfy your appetite is at this food court.  Options include Mexican fare, salads and sandwiches.
• Maya Grill – features wood-grilled steaks and seafood with a Latin flair as well as American dishes.
• Siestas Cantina Pool Bar, Laguna Bar, Rix Lounge – full service bars and snacks.

Consider a stay at Coronado Springs Resort on your next trip to Walt Disney World.  You’ll be in for a special treat!

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 is designed for families.  There is entertainment for all ages but Disney Cruise Line has lots of ways to keep every child onboard entertained.  From toddlers to teens, Disney Cruise Line has a program for everyone.  Youth counselors are always present to ensure that kids are safe and having a spectacular time.  Disney Cruise Line has a nursery for infants and toddlers 3 months to 3 years old.  Infants and toddlers enjoy story time, arts and crafts, and lots of play time with the trained counselors.  The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab has hours of entertainment all lined up for kids ages 3 to 12. Mouseketeer Training, Ratatouille Cooking School, Become Iron Man, Super Sloppy Science: Learn to Make Flubber, and character dance parties are some of the activities for the Oceaneer Club and Lab.  Disney also offers the Dine and Play program.  Dine and Play allows families to eat dinner together and then the kids are picked up from dinner by the youth counselors who take them to enjoy the rest of the evening youth activities.  Teens are also accounted for on a Disney Cruise.  Edge and Vibe are the activity spaces for older youth.  Edge is for youth ages 11-14 and Vibe is the activity space for teens 14-17.  Activities include Zombified, Ghost Voyagers, pizza parties, A Pirate’s Life for Me, and lots of video games.  With all of the youth activities onboard, parents can relax and enjoy a great vacation.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, 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.

While visiting Epcot Center at Walt Disney World with a friend, she mentioned that her favorite place to enjoy a counter service meal was the Electric Umbrella.  I wasn’t too excited about dining there because the menu looked—well, to be honest, kind of boring to me!  You see, I usually look for something different and interesting to try while at Disney.  She was persistent so we went in for a quick lunch.  I was pleasantly surprised!

The restaurant is located in the Innoventions courtyard in Future World and is very easy to find.  Outdoor seating is available on a shaded patio with a nice view of the Fountain of Nations.  There’s also a bright, air-conditioned dining room with comfortable seating.  Often unnoticed is a large upstairs dining room that’s usually less crowded and quieter.  It’s a great place for families with children.

Yes, the menu is limited but the food is fresh, flavorsome and includes all the basics such as:

• Burgers
• Meatball Subs
• Vegetable Flatbreads
• Chicken Caesar Salads
• Chicken Breast Nuggets
• Desserts and Soft Drinks

The children’s menu features the following served with grapes and carrot sticks (fries are available upon request):

• Chilled Chicken Wraps
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Cheeseburgers
• Vegetable Flatbreads

Tasty desserts include Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fruit Cups and No-Sugar added Brownies.  One of the great features of this counter service location is that they currently offer free refills on soft drinks.  That’s particularly nice on hot days!

I was glad that I visited the Electric Umbrella during my visit to Epcot Center.  The trial visit made me a regular customer! You should give it a try on your next Walt 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.

Palo is an adult only restaurant on Disney Cruise Line.  Palo serves brunch on cruises that are 4 nights or longer.  Once you arrive for brunch your server will give you a brief explanation of the brunch experience.  Your server will then take you around the buffet station and explain everything that’s available for you to try.  There are so many options that it’s hard to decide where to start.  Pastries, crab legs, caviar, various cheeses, prosciutto, fruit, and much more are offered on the buffet.  In addition to the buffet there are also several hot entrée options that can be ordered by your server.  Some of the selections include gourmet pizza, chicken parmesan, pancakes, and eggs benedict.  The pancakes, chicken parmesan, and fruit pastries were my favorites.  Palo brunch will absolutely leave you very full and completely satisfied. If you would like to experience brunch at Palo you will need to make a reservation.  Reservations can be made online or once you are onboard the ship.  Brunch at Palo costs $25 per person.  There is also a dress code requiring dress pants and a shirt for men and a dress or pantsuit for women.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, 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.

If you are planning a Disney Fairytale Wedding for the Walt Disney World Resort, but don’t live very close, you may be wondering where you can rent a tux for a Disney wedding. Disney Fairytale Weddings has partnered with Men’s Warehouse to make it easier than ever to rent a tux for a Disney wedding.

With locations all over the United States, your husband-to-be and all of his groomsmen can be fitted for their tux at any local Men’s Warehouse location. Then, Men’s Warehouse will deliver them to you at Disney World for free. After your celebration is over, Men’s Warehouse will actually come to your resort to pick up all of your tuxes for you! How convenient! Plus, as a Disney couple, you will be eligible for other discounts, too.

Are you planning a Disney wedding or honeymoon? I’d love to help you plan the celebration of your dreams at no cost to you! Contact Siera for more information or to request your free, no obligation quote.

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.

It’s your vacation.  It’s your Walt Disney World vacation. You’ve worked hard and have probably been saving for quite some time to make it happen.  I’m here to encourage you to stay at a Disney Resort Hotel.  Of course, it’s your choice but here are a few things you should know before making a decision.

The first thing I think about when considering a vacation for my family is the best place to stay.  It needs to be clean, comfortable, safe and friendly.   Every Disney Resort has all of that covered, without a doubt–although you may find a little pixie-dust!

Disney offers free round-trip transportation from the airport.  It’s easy and hassle-free. When you take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, they deliver your luggage directly to your resort hotel room for you.  If you decide to rent a car instead, you will have to deal with traffic and directions in a strange town. The cost for parking at the theme parks is currently $15.00 per day.  Disney offers free transportation to all the parks and Downtown Disney via Monorails, buses, ferries and boats.  Everything is well marked and very easy to use.

By staying on Disney property, you will be close to everything, thereby saving you time and headache!  Time is money, right?  It will be so easy for you to take an afternoon break from the parks to relax and enjoy your awesome resort pool or take advantage of incredible on-site recreation and entertainment!  It is important to note that the Disney Dining plan is only available to guests staying at Disney Resorts.  It’s an excellent way to save money on meals.  Another perk is the free package delivery services for all the souvenirs you buy!  In addition, you would be able to take advantage of Disney’s Extra-Magic hours.  Each day, one of the parks opens early or closes late exclusively for Disney resort guests.

As you are planning your vacation this year, consider a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.  You will have peace of mind that you’ve made the best choice for your family!

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

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story is one of the Broadway style shows on the Disney Magic.  Twice Charmed lasts 50 minutes and is shown in the Walt Disney Theater.  The show opens with a quick recap of the Cinderella story to refresh your memory just in case you haven’t seen the film in a while.  The first scene of the musical is Cinderella’s wedding day.  There’s a quick musical number about how Cinderella’s princess story came true because of her glass slipper.  Lady Tremaine, Drizella, and Anastasia are upset and state that none of this would have happened if they had known Cinderella had the other glass slipper.  All of a sudden Lady Tremaine’s wicked fairy godfather, Franco, pops up.  Franco makes Lady Tremaine a deal she can’t refuse and grants her an evil wish.  Time is turned back to the moment when the Duke is looking for the maiden that fits the glass slipper.  Lady Tremaine rushes to Cinderella’s room, breaks the glass slipper in Cinderella’s apron, and gets Franco to shrink Cinderella to the size of a mouse.  When the footman drops the other glass slipper Lady Tremaine convinces the Duke to take her two daughters to the castle since they are the only maidens who were not able to try on the slipper.  The prince refuses to choose between Drizella and Anastasia.  Instead, he runs off in search of the girl he met at the ball.  In the meantime, Cinderella’s fairy godmother has returned her to her normal size.  The prince gets discouraged and eventually gives up the search.  The prince returns to the castle and requests another ball to find his future bride.  Just as the prince is about to choose a bride, Cinderella arrives and reclaims her rightful place with Prince Charming.  Check your Personal Navigator to make sure you don’t miss a chance to see how Cinderella was able to live happily ever after again.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with eleven 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.

For most couples, a Disney wedding is a destination wedding so most of your planning must be done from afar. When you purchase your wedding gown at a local bridal salon, you are faced with the challenge of how to get your wedding dress to your Disney wedding. Here are a few suggestions for how to get your wedding dress to your Disney wedding:

• Carry it on the plane with you. Many airlines will understand the importance of your big day and be willing to place it in a closet at the front of the airplane for you. However, you should also be prepared in the event that they make you place it in an overhead bin.
• Ask your bridal store to ship it to an Orlando location. If you purchase your gown at a major retailer who has locations all over the country, they may be able to send it to their local store where you can pick it up all pressed and ready for your big day.
• Ship it straight to your resort. You could also send it via UPS or FedEx straight to your resort so you know it will be waiting there safely for your arrival. Plus, you can make sure it’s packaged safely inside the box.

Have you thought about how to get your wedding dress to your Disney Wedding? What did you decide? I’d love to help you plan your Disney World wedding and/or honeymoon at no cost to you! Contact Siera for more information or to request your free, no obligation quote.

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.