Animation Magic is an interactive dining experience only available in Animator’s Palate on the Disney Fantasy.  When you arrive at dinner, your server will ask you to draw a character of your own using a simple template on your place mat.  All of your design needs to stay in the white area of your character.  Once your drawing is complete your server will collect it and give you your dinner menu.  During dinner, the animated curtains are opened on the screens throughout Animator’s Palate and Sorcerer Mickey conjures the drawings.  The drawings you created right before dinner are fully animated and brought to life side-by-side with characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Snow White in scenes from beloved Disney movies. At the end of the show, Mickey returns to say “so long” to the guests while credits roll on screen showing each guest’s name listed as a Guest animator.  At the end of the show, all of the drawings are returned to the guests as a souvenir.

I thought Animation Magic was creative, fun, and fit perfectly with the theme of Animator’s Palate.  I was a little nervous when I was first given the instruction to draw since I have zero artistic ability.  However, my server was very sweet and gave me a few words of encouragement as I completed my drawing.  Despite the fact that my drawing was not a masterpiece, I must admit that I was very excited when I saw my character dancing across the screen.  I also felt a little proud when I saw my name listed as a guest animator!  Overall, Animation Magic is a great addition to the Disney dining experience for guests onboard the Disney Fantasy.

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

China is definitely on my list of places to get to sometime in my lifetime!  Adventures by Disney offers a once in a lifetime trip to explore the wonders of China.  You will have 12 days/11 nights to explore this ancient country.

Your family will have a privately guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Then, walk along the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

On another privately guided visit, observe a variety of delightful pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China’s premier institution devoted to the preservation of these rare animals.

How about an excursion to see  Xi’an for a privately guided visit to see the famous Terra Cotta Warriors?  Yep, you’ll do that, too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4TMqX3AbzTQ

You’ll also get to enjoy Chinese culture with a traditional performance of the Sichuan Face-Changing Opera and a contemporary acrobatic performance of ERA-Intersection in Time.

Spending some time in Hong Kong has to be part of the trip! So during your stay in Hong Kong, you’ll visit the Stanley Market, ride down Victoria Peak on the historic tram, cross the harbor on the famous Star Ferry and enjoy exquisite Hong Kong cuisine.

Ready to start planning your incredible trip to China?  I can’t wait to see some pictures when you get back!  Contact me today at diana@destinationsinflorida.com to book your trip!

 

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Theme Park

Cars Land is the newest themed area situated in Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca. This large expansion of the park, which opened in the summer of 2012, includes three rides, the extremely popular and cute Radiator Spring Racers, the playful Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, and Luigi’s Flying Tires.

They have also added in shops and restaurants all located in a replica of the fictional town Radiator Springs from the Disney-Pixar movie, “Cars”. My favorite eatery is the Cozy Cone Motel, which is a counter-service café offering cone themed snack foods and beverages.

The backdrop to Cars Land is absolutely amazing. You will have to see and experience Ornamental Valley Range for yourself to appreciate all of it’s immense beauty. Take a stroll through the rock work tunnel from Pacific Wharf at night to see the Valley Range lit up at night. You won’t want to be caught without your camera! Take a look:

Cadillac Range Mountains

Transformers Ride at Universal

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride — 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of a larger-than-life battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The ride was created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and is based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand.

The battle begins when guests enter the NEST facility — the headquarters for the government operation that partners with the Autobots to protect Earth from the Decepticons. While inside, they are recruited to help protect the AllSpark — a powerful energy source that would allow the Decepticons to destroy the planet. Guests board EVAC — an Autobot created exclusively for the attraction — to transport the AllSpark to safety. But beware…the Decepticons are in close pursuit…

This video was taken on Friday, May 31st during technical rehearsals of the Transformers ride at Universal, so it’s an early look at the ride, nearly 3 weeks prior to it’s official opening. We accessed the attraction via the single rider line, so this does not show the full ride queue.

You may recognize the ride vehicle is the same as that of  The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, another Universal Orlando attraction. While the ride system is the same, Transformers has a completely different feel and, of course, story. Both attractions are excellent and not to be missed on your next visit to the Universal Orlando Resort.

Book your Disney & Orlando vacation with a local travel agency. World famous services, free gifts, guaranteed lowest prices, and all at no cost to you! Book your vacation with the local experts – we live where you’re traveling! Call 877-918-8941 or visit us online

 

You may be surprised to learn many of Florida’s top lakes for boating, water sports and fishing are located right here in Downtown Orlando.

Downtown Orlando is known as “The City Beautiful”, and with good reason. The plethora of natural lake settings and public parks situated throughout one of the Southeast’s most bustling metropolitan areas makes Orlando a one-of-a-kind destination.

Years of conscientious management have helped keep most of these lakes extremely healthy in terms of water clarity and fish populations. Many provide fantastic boating and recreation opportunities as well.

 

Written by Stacy Gaffney, “Sorcerer Stacy” — Stacy is an expert in planning an affordable Disney and Orlando vacation. Watch out for the magic, as Sorcerer Stacy plans your vacation! Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Stacy at 877-918-8941 or stacygaffney@destinationsinflorida.com.

If a more private, planned-out proposal is what you picture for your proposal, you may want to check out these signature Disney Cruise Line proposal suggestions:

Propose at Palo

• You can propose while you indulge in fine cuisine in the quiet elegance at Palo. This romantic, adults-only restaurant on board Disney Cruise Line offers outstanding service and breathtaking ocean views. Don’t forget though, advanced reservations are required.

A Suite Treat

• You can add a subtle touch of romance to your proposal by asking your special someone in the privacy and comfort of your own Disney Cruise Line stateroom. An ocean view stateroom with verandah is the perfect option for this to let her enjoy the waves crashing in the background. You can even arrange to have flowers, a cheese platter or chocolate covered strawberries with a bottle of champagne delivered to your room to make the proposal even more special.

An Out-of-Sight Proposal

• If you and your sweetheart desire a more intimate, private proposal, you can propose on the observation tower at Disney’s Castaway Cay island. The observation tower is accessible from two offshore bike paths on Disney’s private island and may be the perfect spot for an out-of-sight proposal.

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.

Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive theater experience with Crush, the 153 year old surfer dude turtle from the Disney Pixar film, Finding Nemo. You’ll find Crush in The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion in Future World at EPCOT Center.
As you enter the small theater, little surfer “dudes and dudettes” are invited by a cast member to sit on the carpeted floor in front while the “parentals” sit on bleachers behind them.  When the show begins, a computer-animated Crush swims up to his “hydrophone” on the underwater screen and communicates with the audience. The 12 minute show features advanced interactive technology that is amazing and totally righteous, Dude!

Crush talks with his audience in real time animation. He looks and moves just as he does in the film. Computer graphics are used to move his mouth in perfect sync with the words! A cast member passes a microphone to various guests so they can interview him. Crush has actual conversations and is able to call on people by name and the clothes (shells) they are wearing! Kids are encouraged to ask Crush question about his underwater life, his friends or anything they want. Crush also asks questions about the human world. He is quick-witted and full of humor. It’s hilarious, Dude!
Every show is different and very entertaining. You’ll find yourself saying “Totally awesome, Dude” all day and wondering….How did they do that? It’s all part of Disney magic! Be sure to include Turtle Talk with Crush 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.

Become a detective and help solve a mystery on your next cruise.  The Midship Detective Agency is always hiring on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.   There are three cases to choose from:  The Case of the Missing Puppies, The Case of the Plundered Paintings, and The Case of the Stolen Show.  The Case of the Stolen is a muppet adventure only available on the Disney Fantasy.  All you have to do is locate one of the Midship Detective Agency stations and sign up.  Mickey will give you instructions on how to play the game once you sign up.  You will need to pick up a game card and case book.  In order to solve the case you will need to search the ship for clues.  There are several pieces of enchanted artwork throughout the ship that contain the clues for your case.  The case book contains a map showing you where to find the enchanted artwork and a list of suspects.  Once you find a piece of enchanted artwork you will need to hold up your game card.  Each game card has a unique barcode so when you hold it up to the painting it will give you the next clue.  Once you get a clue you can write down the information and begin crossing off suspects in your case book.  This game is a lot of fun and a great activity for a day at sea.  You can play individually or as a family.  Are you ready to test your detective skills?

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

Have you ever thought about a vacation with Adventures by Disney but maybe you don’t want to vacation with kids and families?  No problem!  Adventures by Disney has adult exclusive vacations made just for you!  Whether you’re celebrating that special anniversary, beginning your new life together or just spending time with good friends, their adult-exclusive  vacations are the perfect way to do it. Offering all of the benefits of an Adventures by Disney vacation – with an added twist of sophistication – these unique departures include experiences designed specifically for adult travelers, Guests age 18 and over.

Experience the world Adventures by Disney style with vacations from Alaska, Utah and Southern California to Australia, South Africa, Europe, Peru, and many more.  The hardest part will be deciding which adventure to take!

With adult-exclusive Adventures by Disney, you will have a once in a lifetime experience, whichever you choose- I love Adventures by Disney’s trip to Australia– snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, hiking to Ayers Rock, getting up close and personal with Australia’s indigenous animals from a wombat to a Tasmanian Devil, and so much more.  Have you ever seen a Tasmanian Devil in real life?  I know I haven’t and I want to!

There are so many amazing adventures to go on.  Contact Diana to find your perfect adult-exclusive vacation at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

An over the top Disney Cruise Line proposal may be just what your special someone has been dreaming of. If you wish to add that extra touch of magic, consider these over the top Disney Cruise Line proposal options:

A Pampered Proposal

Have your sweetheart basking in the serenity of a couples spa treatment at the Vista Spa on board your Disney Cruise ship. You could pop the question during a bubbling, hot tub amidst the incredible ocean vistas and warm, tropical breezes. Then, you can celebrate by enjoying a massage, facial, or other relaxing treatment of your choice. Plus, you can even add champagne and strawberries to complete your romantic spa experience.

Exquisite Excursion Engagements

You could take advantage of your time on one of your shore excursions to ask for your special someone’s hand in marriage. Disney Cruise Line offers many magical, on-land excursions including trips to Atlantis and the Graycliff Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas. That would be a proposal she’s sure to never forget!

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.