Universal Orlando Resort is an entire universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks unlike anything else in Orlando. At both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure every member of the family can share unforgettable moments together. You can have the ultimate adventure, enjoy fun with your kids, rejuvenate yourself, have a romantic dinner, and challenge yourself on incredible theme park rides.

If you’d like to help others experience that same fun, Universal Orlando Resort invites you and your family to take part in a unique volunteer opportunity at Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit “storybook” resort for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

At Give Kids The World Village, these precious little ones and their families experience a memorable, joyful, week long, cost-free visit to Central Florida’s attractions and are immersed in joy, hope and non-stop fun for a few unforgettable happy days.

Your family can experience this life-changing opportunity in one convenient vacation package!

Your package includes: 

• 3-night accommodations at one of three AAA Four Diamond Award^® on-site hotels at Universal Orlando
• 2-Day Base Ticket – one theme park, per day
• Four Hour Volunteer opportunity for you and your family at Give Kids the World
• FREE roundtrip transportation between hotel and Give Kids The World provided by Quick Transportation
• Universal Express^SM ride access to SKIP THE REGULAR LINES^† in both theme parks – a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
  
• Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the rest of the general public

Volunteer Guidelines: 

• Volunteers must be at least 8 years of age.
• Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while volunteering.
• Please wear family-friendly clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Inform Volunteer Services if you wish to have your hours verified for school, work, a scholarship, etc. Give Kids The World does not honor court-ordered community service hours.

*must call to book this special vacation package**

Jennifer Greene”Vacation Wizard” with Destinations in Florida Travel is a Universal Parks and Resorts Specialist. If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It”, contact her today for a free quote for your next Universal Adventure at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181

The best part of taking your family on a Disney Cruise is that there is fun for everyone. All of the kids will be busy with all of the incredible youth activities onboard.  No need to worry there are lots of activities for the adults too.

Adult Only Spaces:  It’s easier than you think to find a nice, quiet, kid-free zone on a Disney Cruise.  The Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Café are the adult only areas on the pool deck.  There are two whirlpool spas and a poolside bar available.  Palo (Italian cuisine) and Remy (French cuisine) are both adult only fine dining options.  Serenity Bay is the adult only beach at Castaway Cay. The Senses Spa & Salon is reserved for adult guests.  Disney also offers adult only port adventures.

Entertainment Districts:  Europa and Route 66 are the adult entertainment areas.  Each district has uniquely themed nightclubs, lounges, and bars.  Skyline is my favorite bar.  Skyline has 7 huge LCD screens behind the bar that give guests a view of some of the world’s most beautiful cities.  The skyline changes every 15 minutes and the drinks are based on each city.  I recommend purchasing the Passport to Skyline.  It costs $59, includes seven drinks, and you can keep the booklet as a souvenir.  There are activities for the adults throughout the day and late into the night. You can find adult only cabarets from the main show performers, game shows, trivia contests, and dance parties. The Quest and Match Your Mate are two crowd favorites. The Quest is an adult scavenger hunt.  Match Your Mate is the cruise version of the newlywed game.  Three couples are selected from the audience (get there early if you want to be one of the couples).  The show is always hilarious.

Beverage Seminars: Do you enjoy wine, tequila, champagne, martinis, margaritas, beer, whiskey, or cognac?  Whether you choose one or all of the above there is a tasting onboard for you.  All of the seminars charge a fee ($15-$30). Guests can reserve a spot for each tasting at guest services.  In addition to a few drinks, you will also learn the basics about each beverage so you can show off your knowledge when you get home.

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.

The 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner. So in honor of that I want to share with you some of my favorite recipes from past and present Food and Wine Festivals. I’m not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I LOVE chocolate! I admit it I am full blown chocoholic! And one of my favorite ways to indulge in my addiction is the flourless chocolate hazelnut cake from Italy at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. This cake combines all the gooey fudgeyness of a brownie with the rich decadence of fudge and then adds a bit of crunch with the hazelnuts, this is really a chocolate lovers dream! And this recipe is really and truly so easy. If you can whisk up five simple ingredients in a bowl, then you will be able to master this cake. Even the most novice of bakers will be able to impress their friends and family with this dessert!

Ingredients

7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

5 eggs

1/4 cup cocoa

Method

1.Preheat oven to 220F and butter a 9-inch round cake pan.

* This step isn’t necessary. But if you want to bring out the nuttiness of the hazelnuts, then you can toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over a medium-low heat for five minutes. Like I said its not necessary, but it does bring a little something extra to the cake.

2. Melt the chocolate and butter together and stir in the hazelnuts.

3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until fluffy (If you’re like me and I’ve no idea what the fluffy stage would look like, then I would suggest beating your eggs and sugar for 10-15 minutes. The eggs and sugar looked pretty fluffy at that point.) Fold chocolate and butter mixture into the eggs and blend just until all the ingredients are well-blended.

4. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch.

5. Allow to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate overnight.

6. To serve, unmold the cake and sprinkle the top with cocoa. (You could definitely top your cake with the cocoa, but whipped cream and/or powdered sugar works great as well!)

 

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.

 

 

We are going to have another CONTEST for you guys starting today!

For this week, we would like for you to find as many Disney Characters as you can find in the below word search.To answer us you will need to send your answers to angelas@destinationsinflorida.com.

This contest will run until Friday at 5PM ET.  All emails must be recieved by that time.

This week you will be playing for a Vinylmation!

Good Luck!

 

Written by Angela Spurgeon, — Angela is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  She specializes in traveling with toddlers.  Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Angela at angelas@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

 

 

Before Mickey Mouse moved in, Orlando was a leader in the emerging citrus industry, fulfilling the country’s need for grapefruits, tangerines and oranges. As the citrus industry flourished, the City of Orlando was officially incorporated on July 21, 1875. Capitalizing on Orlando’s near-perfect, year-round flying weather, aviation brought another economic boom to the city. Orlando’s Municipal Airport became the Orlando Army Base and quietly contributed to the war efforts both before and after World War II as one of the first places to train bomber pilots. The military built a second Air Force Base which today is the Orlando International Airport. Another major growth period for Orlando occurred when Glenn L. Martin Company of  Baltimore purchased 10.6-square-miles (1,700-square-meters) of southern Orange County land to build a missile factory, bringing the aerospace industry to Orlando.

 

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.

Moderate resorts are a great way to stay at a quality resort without “breaking the bank.” Disney offers three different moderate resorts that are their mid-range resorts. The best moderate resort for honeymoons is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort is a pair of sister hotels, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter. These are beautiful resorts with a southern style and romantic feel. With the southern charm and peaceful surroundings, this is a great spot for honeymooners.

You can treat yourself to a Royal Guest Room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and feel like the king and queen on your honeymoon. You can also take a horse drawn carriage ride to enjoy the scenic beauty of the resort. You could try roasting a marshmallow at a campfire or even renting a two-person surrey bike. The resort also offers multiple pools (including a whirlpool spa) and boat rentals, including motorized boat rentals as well as pedal boat rentals.

When you stay at a Disney resort, you enjoy all the other great benefits including Extra Magic Hours, complimentary Magical Express, and complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Are you considering a Disney World honeymoon? Contact Siera to learn more and plan your happily ever after!

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.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a Disney World Resort. With 23 onsite Resorts, it can be a daunting task! First, consider the vacation desires of your family. Do you spend most of your time at the parks or do you like to spend time enjoying the atmosphere and amenities of a resort hotel? For many families, staying within a budget is a deciding factor. Location is another important priority. If you are traveling with a group, do you want separate rooms, or do you all wish to stay together in a Villa? Each resort has a special charm of its own. Take a look at the different types of Disney Resorts:

Deluxe Resorts
• 344-440 square feet (standard rooms)
• Two queen beds or one king bed
• Themed pools, gift shop, table service restaurants, health clubs, food court, and other amenities
• Interior corridors
• Themes are focused on beauty and relaxation

Deluxe Villa Resorts
• 355-412 square feet (standard rooms)
• Beds dependent on number of rooms
• Themed pools, gift shop, table service restaurants, health clubs, food court, and other amenities
• Themes are focused on beauty and relaxation
Moderate Resorts
• 314-340 square feet (standard rooms)
• Most with queen beds
• Themed pools, gift shop, table service restaurants, food court, and other amenities
• Simple themes focused on beauty and relaxation
• Exterior corridors
Value Resorts
• 260 square feet (standard rooms)
• Two double beds or one king bed
• Themed pools, gift shop, and food court
• Exterior corridors (except for Art of Animation Family Suites)
• No Table Service restaurants, lounges, health clubs, spas, valet parking, or water-recreation
• Bright colors and oversized icons decorate the landscape
Camping at Fort Wilderness
• Fully equipped Campsites
• Tent sites to Premium Sites
• Themed pools, 1 with waterslide
• Unique Recreational Opportunities including horseback riding, archery and canoeing

As you can see, there are many different room types and amenities available. It would be beneficial to enlist the help of an expert Disney vacation planner (like me!) to help make your decision. There’s a Disney Resort to fit the budget and vacation desires of everyone!

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.

 

Let’s go on an adventure to Aunty’s Beach House at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. If you have any 3 to 12 year olds with you, you’ll be making a visit to Aunty’s Beach House for sure. It is 5200 Square Feet of Fun!  Once inside your kids will become a part of Aunty’s O’hana (family).

Let’s tell the cast members at check in what we’re up to. No one gets in or out of this area without express permission and a signed agreement. These kids are their responsibility and they do not take it lightly. Be prepared to provide a safe word to get your kids out, as well as your kids wrist band to sign in and out with.  After a few days the cast members may know you, but that doesn’t mean they will let up on the security. I for one appreciated knowing this.

If we look into the first room we see young boys and girls dressed in costumes acting out their favorite Disney movies. I see Sleeping Beauty and her Prince, Belle and Prince Adam, and much more. Some are even acting out on a the stage. Next to the stage is a grouping of electronic tables loaded with interactive games.

At the back of Aunty’s Beach House is a “kitchen”. This was where the kids do cooking classes, science experiments and play, with supervision of course. A Favorite activity is when the kids made Stitch’s Space Goo. That was an experience in itself. Another day they made Flubber, which personally I think was the same as Stitch’s Space Goo but a new color is all. You can also experience Eruption Disruption Volcanic Science.

Your kids can learn some of the local Hawaiian arts and crafts making. Create their own lei, or a pupu shell necklace. Local artisans spent time teaching the staff how to continue the old traditions of jewelry and ornamentation making. Let your kids learn these long held traditions in the safety of Aunty’s Beach House!

Aunty’s Beach House offers a vast array of programs, most are complimentary, but a few are “premium” programs. For example, the Fish Are Friends program is a 3 hour long program that teaches kids how the animal specialists train, feed and take care of all the marine life located at Aulani. Included with the experience is a copy of the “Disney Oceans” DVD and other take away items. A Must do for any budding Marine Biologists.

Let me highlight some of the other programs quickly for you. Aunty’s Beach House has Character Visits, Hula lessons, Story Time, Games, Hawaiian Learning Experiences, Mini-Canoe making and races, and so much more. There is so much to see and do at Aulani.

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disneyland he can be found planning Disney Vacations. Contact me today to book your first, next or best Disney Vacation.

Universal Studios offers a Superstar Parade with many of our children’s favorite characters. You can watch the parade twice daily at 2pm and 5pm. The parade route starts next to Beetlejuice and Louie’s Italian Restaurant, wraps down through Production Central, moves through Hollywood, and exits next to the Horror Make-Up Show theater. The stars of this parade are Spongebob and Pals from Bikini Bottom, Gru and his girls from Despicable Me as well as his Minions, Dora and her pals along with her cousin Diego and we cant forget EB from HOP and all his friends. This is a fun parade full of dancing, roller skating and more! Be sure not so show up late for the parade as it only lasts about 15minutes. When the characters aren’t entertaining us in the parade they are greeting guests once a day next to Mel’s Drive in (see park times guide for details when you visit), they will even perform for the guests. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nM_bR6cDL8</a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nM_bR6cDL8"> Universal Tip:If you don’t have little ones to watch the parade with then head on over to Rip Ride Rockit the line is usually short during the parades.

Written by Jennifer Greene–Vacation Wizard Jennifer is a Universal Specialist with Destinations in Florida. If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It contact her for a free quote for your next Universal Vacation at jenniferg@destionationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181

Disney has some of the best shows at sea.  One of my favorite Disney productions is The Golden Mickeys.  The Golden Mickeys is one of the signature, Broadway-style shows on Disney Cruise Line.  The Golden Mickeys is currently being performed on the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder.   Unlike any other show, The Golden Mickeys starts before you enter the Walt Disney Theatre.  As you pass the shops you will see the red carpet leading you into the theatre.  Make sure you arrive early so you can be admired by the paparazzi.  You may also be interviewed as you arrive on the red carpet by the celebrity interviewer, Rona Rivers.  In case you haven’t already guessed, The Golden Mickeys is based on a Hollywood awards show. When the show starts, the stage manager is in crisis mode because the Master of Ceremonies did not arrive.  As you know, the show must go on so the stage manager has to take on the role.  Awards are given to different Disney characters in various categories such as romance, heroism, villains, and friendship.  Characters perform a song and dance number before they accept each award.  The show is updated regularly with new video clips and new Disney characters.  I don’t want to spoil the ending so all I will say is you can expect some Disney magic!  The show is approximately 50 minutes.  Showtimes will be 6:15pm or 8:30pm.You will need to check your Personal Navigator to find out which day the show will be performed on your cruise.  I highly recommend that you gather your entire family and watch this heartwarming Disney classic.

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.