Blue Man Group has taken their indescribable live celebration of art, technology, and music to a whole new level at Universal Orlando Resort. Forget what you know—that was then, this is wow. Experience the wonder of Blue Man Group with incredible new performances, astounding new music and an all-new stage. It’s science, it’s laughter, it’s that creative urge you feel inside and want to explore. Become part of the new Blue Man Group show from the minute you step inside the theater.

I saw this show in February and thought it was going to be boring and for kids. Boy was I wrong, it was a really great show! This show should definitely be added to the MUST DO at Universal list for those with teens and tweens. If you are going during a busy time I would recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. On certain days you can walk-up to the box offices for last minute tickets.  Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year you visit, park admission is not required as the theater is in CityWalk.

Written by “Vacation Wizard” Jennifer Greene–Jennifer is a Universal Parks and Resort Specialist with Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact her today at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com for a FREE quote for your next Universal Orlando Adventure! 

Sports fans have plenty of activities to keep them occupied during a Disney Cruise vacation.  Goofy’s Sports Deck is the hub of sports and recreation activities on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  Goofy’s Sports Deck is located on Deck 13, Aft.  There’s a basketball/volleyball court, walking track, and miniature golf course.  There are usually plenty of people around to join in on a game.  Even if all of your new friends are busy you can still enjoy a sports activity.  Goofy’s Sports Deck is also home to a variety of digital sports simulators including soccer, golf, tennis, and basketball.  The graphics on sports simulators are amazing.  You can also play a game of ping pong or foosball if the mood strikes you.  Don’t be surprised I Goofy makes an appearance or two (it is his sports deck after all).  He may even help you exercise while he’s there.   Guests on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder can head to the Wide World of Sports Deck to get active.  Sports activities are spread around the ship on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The basketball and volleyball courts are located on Deck 10, Forward while the ping pong tables are on Deck 9.  If you want to try a game of shuffleboard or exercise on the running track, you will need to head down to Deck 4.

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.

British Revolution at Epcot

Bang your head to the best of British rock as this 4-piece band plays everything from psychedelic to punk. They play in the United Kingdom Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot.

This group premiered in May 2011 and replaced the long-running British Invasion group. Many WDW fans were upset over the end of the British Invasion’s show and skeptical of the new entertainment option. Unlike the British Invasion’s act which was an impersonation of the Beatles, British Revolution are just four guys who play sets full of the greatest British rock of all time. You’ll hear the Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and others.

They perform on a small stage set back in the UK Pavilion, but their distinct rock sounds can be heard from quite a distance. They are often rocking the park with their concert performances!

Here’s a video of a recent performance:

Performance times vary so make sure you consult a times guide or cast member for accurate performance times daily.

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

If I ever had to pick my absolute favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World, I think I would have to choose Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom. This is the one restaurant I make sure to go to every single time I am in Disney World! With its wood paneling, candlestick sconces and chandeliers, and thick glass windows along with the absolutely massive cooking fireplace in the lobby, you can see how the Imagineers meticulously themed Liberty Tree Tavern after an 18^thcentury home. Each room in the perfectly themed Liberty Tree Tavern represents a different figure from The United States’ colonial history. You could end up dining in the George Washington room, the Thomas Jefferson room, the John Paul Jones room, the Betsy Ross room, the Benjamin Franklin room, or even the Paul Revere room (keep a look out for those famous lanterns!).

Now as much as I enjoy the theming and decor of Liberty Tree Tavern, what really keeps me coming back again and again is the food! For lunch you can choose from tantalizing items such as including clam chowder, traditional roast turkey and pot roast, as well as salads and sandwiches. Dinner at the Liberty tree is an all-you-care-to-eat prix fixe feast of what has come to be known as America’s “first meal.” Basically it’s Thanksgiving dinner, which consists of salad, roasted meats and cornbread stuffing (seriously cannot ever get enough of this stuffing!), vegetables, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. As if that wasn’t enough food, you then conclude the meal with Johnny Appleseed’s Cake, a white cake filled with apples and Craisins Dried Cranberries and topped with ice cream.

While I love eating at Liberty Tree Tavern all year round, I enjoy it even more at the holidays. There is something about the atmosphere and the “traditional” holiday favorites that just really helps to put me in the holiday spirit.

Meals at Liberty Tree Tavern range in price from $15 – $35.99. Reservations are strongly recommended especially during the holidays.

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 -7090  or  meghan@destinationsinflorida.com.

Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps at Epcot

Feel the thrill of liberty for all! March to Americana with the fife trill and drum roll of these patriotic players.

The revolutionary spirit of is alive and well in Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion. Throughout the day, the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps puts on a patriotic display that celebrates the military men of the colonial-era and evokes America’s fight for freedom with it’s marching music and military formations.

Their distinctive drumming has been putting on a rousingly patriotic performance that salutes America’s musical heritage since the opening of Epcot. The Corps entertains passers by with their stirring renditions of “Grand Old Flag”, “God Bless America”, and many other military classics that are accompanied by poses to stir the memories of classic American works of art as well as entertain.

In the 18th century, fifers and drummers tended to be boys ages 10 to 18, however those in Epcot’s Corp seem to be considerably more experienced. The unit has two drummers playing rope-tension drums with stylized art of the period adorning the sides, two fifers and a drum major that bears the American flag as well as sings.

Performance times vary. Please consult a times guide or a cast member so you don’t miss this performance.

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

Main Street Philharmonic at the Magic Kingdom

This legendary band marches right into your heart with tunes from classic Disney films mixed with ragtime and swing. For many guests, the sight and sound of the Main Street Philharmonic at the Magic Kingdom signifies that vacation is underway. A staple on Main Street, this group of talented musicians strikes a chord in the happy memories of millions of guests who’ve visited over the years.

Here’s a sample performance of the Main Street Philharmonic at the Magic Kingdom:

The Main Street Philharmonic, a 12-piece brass and percussion ensemble, plays in Town Square, re-creating a turn-of-the-century ambiance with tunes like “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” “76 Trombones” and “Alexander’s Rag Time Band.” The group debuted in June 2000.

Performance times vary. Please check the daily times guide or consult a cast member for more information. Make sure to catch a performance some time on your next visit to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

 

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

Miyuki Creates Japanese Candy Art Epcot

Her sweet voice is almost as mesmerizing as her magical fingers that sculpt rice dough into vibrant, whimsical animals.

Disney only works with the highest-quality artists and entertainers, and that standard remains in tact with this incredible candy artist from from Tokyo. Miyuki learned the craft of candy sculpture from her grandfather — a renowned Japanese candy artist — and is the first and only woman to receive training in Amezaiku in Japan. To date, she is one of only 15 people officially trained in the art.

Be sure to catch one of Miyuki’s performances in the Japan pavilion at Epcot during your next visit to Walt Disney World.

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

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There are simple and romantic engagements at Disney World to help you pop the question. If a magical, but spontaneous proposal is what you desire, you may want to contemplate these romantic proposal ideas during your Walt Disney World Resort stay:

Orchestrate Your Musician-Assisted Proposal

• Complete your duet with the help of dueling pianos at Jellyrolls — an entertaining piano show near Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. The musicians at Jellyrolls will be happy to help you coordinate your grand proposal.
• Ask your favorite Disney entertainer to help you pop the question, whether it be the pianist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the ukulele player at Disney’s Polynesian Resort or the Dapper Dan barbershop quartet at Magic Kingdom Park. They would love to perform your favorite song and introduce your proposal.

Picture This – Proposal Inspiration and Ideas

• The Walt Disney World Resort offers numerous beautiful, picturesque backdrops to fit any proposal. For example, Sunset Pointe located towards the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a tropical paradise surrounded by palm trees and a gorgeous view of Cinderella Castle. To add to the romance, plan your proposal at night here during the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular or the Electrical Water Pageant.
• Pop the question at your special someone’s favorite World Showcase pavilion at Epcot such as the waterfall in Canada, the tea garden in England, the torii gate in Japan or the fountain in France.
• Or pop the question on one of the most photographed staircases at Walt Disney World — the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s Grand Staircase. This beautiful and elegant staircase features a full band playing in the evenings and is sure to get a “yes.”
• Ask next to the Rose Garden in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. This private niche offers an unobstructed view of the Castle in the background. Plus, a PhotoPass Photographer can capture the moment.
• You can also rent a pontoon boat on the Walt Disney World Resort waterways for an extra private proposal

An Engagement For the Equestrian In All Of Us

Your special someone will know you’re not ‘horsing around’ if you propose during a romantic horse drawn carriage ride through the beautiful paths of a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. You can choose from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, along the Sassagoula River, or through the streets of the French Quarter at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.

• Propose with charm by surprising your loved one with a glass slipper and tiara during your carriage ride

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.

Designed after a historic New Orleans district, Port Orleans French Quarter at Walt Disney World has a charming appeal for all ages. With a combination of a carnival atmosphere appealing to children, a Mardi Gras theme for adults, and luxurious, romantic architecture and furnishings to please couples, this resort is a winner!

It’s one of the smallest resorts on Disney property with 1008 rooms in seven three-story buildings. The “sister resort” next door, Port Orleans Riverside has more than twice the number of rooms. The small size of French Quarter is especially appealing to many senior citizens who don’t want to feel “lost” in a huge resort. The buildings and grounds are especially well kept. There are pink and blue guest buildings with wrought-iron filigree, shuttered windows and old fashioned lamp posts. The landscape is dotted with colorful figures, such as jesters and alligators that are perfect for photo opportunities!

There’s a food court called Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory decorated with Mardi Gras parade props featuring standard fare as well as Cajun specialties. Authentic beignets are a special treat at the bakery and can be addicting! Pizza delivery is offered too. A major drawback of this resort is that it lacks a full service restaurant. Boatright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Riverside is within walking distance though. Live entertainment is a big hit at Scat Cat’s Club on selected evenings.
One of the great things about this resort is the swimming pool and jacuzzi. The pool features a huge dragon slide and a playful Alligator band that shoots water. There is also a nice playground for kids as well as an arcade. Recreational opportunities include, horse drawn carriage rides, a Cajun campfire, movies under the stars, fishing and the Bayou Pirate Adventure at the Riverside Marina.

 

Transportation is available by water launch service to Downtown Disney and by bus to other Disney World Resort locations.
Bring your family to Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and have fun at this part of the “Big Easy”! You’ll be back 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.

Monsieur Paul Restaurant in Epcot

Delight in the culture and flavors of France that renowned chef Paul Bocuse has shared with the world for decades.

Formerly Bistro de Paris restaurant in Epcot, Monsieur Paul is recently refurbished and located just upstairs from Les Chefs de France, the other gourmet French restaurant in the France Pavilion.

Here, you’ll discover a focused wine list, inventive twists on traditional French dinner and breathtaking views of World Showcase. This is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply savor delectable cuisine in a serene setting.

The Ambiance
Enjoy an elegant-yet-relaxed approach to French dining. The décor in this newly refurbished restaurant presents classic French architecture with bright colors and a touch of modern design. If a window-side table becomes available when you arrive, you’ll enjoy a unique vantage of Epcot.

At Monsieur Paul, you can experience authentic French cuisine after a day at the park—without the need to change your attire. Refer to the Dress Code below for more details.

The Bocuse Connection
Chef Bocuse first opened Les Chefs de France at Epcot in 1982—it was the first Bocuse-affiliated restaurant in America. His son, Jerome Bocuse, owns the company behind Monsieur Paul.

Named Best French Craftsman in 1961 and Chef of the Century in 2011 by the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Bocuse has achieved extraordinary culinary honors throughout his career. He achieved 3 Michelin stars for 48 straight years at his famous Lyon restaurant, Auberge du Pont de Collonges.