Disney World, Disney Cruise, Universal Orlando Resort, and Orlando Vacations,
Book Orlando Packages, Hotels or Tickets with a Local Travel Agency
Did you know — Studies have found that money spent on travel will make you happier than money spent on material goods?
If you feel like you need a reason to travel, check out this video which is full of cool facts like the one above!
Fact: There’s no time like the present! So, what are you waiting for? Contact us to plan your travels today!
Be Our Guest is my favorite dining location at Disney World! Be Our Guest is found in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be Our Guest is the only location at Disney World to offer both quick service and table service meals in one place. Breakfast and lunch are quick service meals while dinner transforms into a table service meal.
Be Our Guest’s menu is French inspired so you will find some both familiar and unique dishes. During breakfast, you can choose from Croque Madame, eggs florentine, croissant-doughnut, and more. For lunch, the menu offers braised pork, croquet monsieur, carved turkey sandwich, and more. During dinner, you can enjoy grilled strip steak, layered ratatouille, roasted lamb chop, and more. However, in my opinion, the best part of lunch or dinner at Be Our Guest. After all, I highly recommend you try the grey stuff, it’s delicious!
Breakfast is served every day beginning at 8 am, even when the park doesn’t open until 9 am. That hour can be a great time to get pictures of your family without all the crowds on Main Street and enjoy your breakfast without losing out on precious park time.
Be Our Guest is not a character meal, but you may take a picture with The Beast in his study on your way out after dinner, only. He is not in his study during breakfast or lunch but does sit in there during dinner. He does not visit tables or sign autographs.
Be Our Guest is still one of the most popular dining locations at Disney World. Advanced dining reservations are available for all three meals and are highly recommend to book 180 days in advance or as soon as possible.
Written by Siera Duiser: Siera Duiser is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical and memorable vacations at no cost to you. Contact Siera to book your next vacation at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or 734-771-1290. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
A powerful new predator opens June 10 at SeaWorld Orlando, challenging even the most confident thrill-seekers to experience its remarkable speed and stature.
When it opens to the public, MAKO™, a 200-foot-tall hypercoaster, will become the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster among Orlando’s popular theme parks. The coaster anchors a two-acre realm — Shark Wreck Reef — that also includes SeaWorld’s existing Shark Encounter attraction, interactive learning exhibits and dining and shopping options.
“Mako and Shark Wreck Reef rewrite the definition of ‘immersive’ entertainment,” said SeaWorld Orlando President Donnie Mills. “Our guests now have a whole new underwater world to explore — and a thrilling new ride to conquer that’s literally breathtaking.”
The fifth coaster in SeaWorld Orlando’s portfolio, Mako accelerates to 73 mph as it whips passengers along an imposing, nearly mile-long track. Its design was inspired by its namesake: Mako sharks — also called “blue pointers” — are known for their speed and ability to quickly change course as they pursue prey.
Mako is also one of the world’s few true hypercoasters, a group of roller coasters known for high speeds and steep drops and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.” As the sleek coaster cars crest each hill, riders — secured only at their laps — float out of their seats, nearly weightless.
“For almost three exhilarating minutes, you experience life as an apex predator,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s Vice President of Theme Park Experience and Design. “You surge through the water at top speeds, charge to the ocean depths and chase prey throughout a massive reef.”
From the moment they walk into the new realm, guests can hear the roar and feel the rumble of the massive coaster that passes within feet of pedestrian paths and juts out over open water. Rich design elements, colors and textures, and hand-crafted materials make guests feel as if they’re part of a living ecosystem at the bottom of the sea.
At the ride’s entrance, colonies of tangerine and yellow corals support the wreckage of a sunken ship whose wood has distressed after decades beneath the water’s surface. As guests make their way to the queue line, they pass beneath a hulking, two-story fishing pier, then wind their way up rusted stairways through the ramparts of another shipwreck — this one larger, darker and much more intimidating.
Throughout the queue, riders cannot view the deep purple and teal coaster track in its entirety, instead getting only glimpses of what’s waiting for them at the top of the wreck. Even as they’re secured into the coaster car and about to embark, the first two vertical drops — unquestionably the ride’s most heart-stopping elements — remain obscured until the car reaches the 200-foot mark.
Heightening the sensory experience, a 48,000-watt, intelligent surround-sound system plays an original soundtrack throughout the realm, evoking the fascination and wonder of the sea. The musical score can be heard by riders as they come out of the station and climb all the way up the lift hill.
“As we designed and built this new realm, the educational component was a top priority,” said Mills. “We want guests to leave excited and exhilarated by what they experienced here, and we also want them to leave inspired by what they learned here. Sharks are in peril throughout the world and we can all do something about that — that’s our message.”
Through several interactive learning stations, guests discover how different species are classified and what sharks like to eat. The fun, engaging exhibits dispel myths about sharks, including how few people are killed each year in shark attacks (10) compared to how many humans die of bee stings (725,000) and parasite-carrying snails (10,000).
The stations also explain how human behaviors are threatening some sharks to the point of extinction. Sharks are hunted for their fins — considered a delicacy in certain countries — and thousands are accidentally caught by long fishing lines and in commercial nets.
“It’s really eye opening to learn how sharks are struggling in the wild,” said Mills. “We believe the more people exposed to this message means more people making informed decisions, and sharks’ odds of survival improve.”
With the addition of Mako, SeaWorld now has five coaster experiences spanning a range of ages and appetites. Mako joins:
“Our fans will love how Mako complements our other rides. Kraken is big, monstrous and twisty,” said Morrow. “Manta is massive and glides smoothly, taking you on a flight like a huge ray. Mako is entirely different. It’s streamlined and fast, just like a mako shark. There’s no wasted motion, it’s all speed and dives.”
To celebrate the new realm, SeaWorld today also launched Summer of Mako, a park-wide event that takes advantage of the longer summer nights and amps up the park’s fun factor.
Throughout the day, guests will have more opportunities to meet SeaWorld’s animals, attend scheduled feedings and talk with animal ambassadors, educators and experts. Guests can also participate in a park-wide, text message-based scavenger hunt called Mako Challenge; for every completed challenge, SeaWorld will donate $1 to the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund on their behalf.
The park is also offering several limited-time, Mako-inspired and SeaWorld-exclusive products including a honey vanilla mako shark cookie; a SeaWorld exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle mix, Mako Blast; a specialty alcoholic beverage only available at Shark’s Underwater Grill; and Mako American Red Ale, a SeaWorld exclusive brew available in several locations around SeaWorld.
Also opening June 10 is the all-new Shark Touch Pool where guests who have ever dreamed of touching a shark will have the opportunity to do so this summer at SeaWorld Orlando. The Relaxation Station located near Wild Artic will be home to a brand-new educational experience where guests will have the chance to learn about and interact with brownbanded bamboo sharks, whitespotted bamboo sharks and epaulette sharks.
As the sun sets each evening, the park kicks it into even high gear, allowing guests to experience coasters and other rides at night. Fan favorite Shamu’s Celebration: Light up the Night returns June 18 with high-energy, feel-good music, stylistic lighting, colorful backdrops and a fireworks finale. A special Block Party with dance music and street entertainment takes place along SeaWorld’s Waterfront.
The park is offering a $99 ticket that includes admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica Water Park, which kicks off its own summer celebration, Island Nights presented by Coca-Cola®, on July 8. Florida residents can purchase an annual pass to both parks and pay just $16/month.
Every family movie night isn’t over the top elaborate, but sometimes I go a little big. I have all sorts of party decorations from years past, and there really isn’t any sense in them sitting in a closet collecting dust. They should be used! I wanted to do something special this time for our family movie night. I thought the Princess and the Frog movie would be a great theme to be a little fancy, and enjoy some amazing food. And it would be a great teachable moment with the kiddos on how to eat from the fancy dishes. Even though I had most of the decorations I needed, I did have to hit Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby for a few items.
I wanted the meal to be formal, but not “sit-at-the-dining-table” formal, so we ate at the coffee table. It’s kid/frog sized. This is where we tend to eat a lot of our family meals.
I purchased green fleece from Wal-Mart and made lily pads for our seats, and the purple fabric for the table cover came from Hobby Lobby.
The cute little frog princes came from Hobby Lobby as well and were in the spring section. The yellow flowers in the background were a Dollar Tree purchase as well as the green glass beads.
Dinner was delicious. I knew that the hubs would have a fit over it. He loves Cajun food. Can I just say that those grits were the very best grits I have ever eaten!! And yes, those are homemade “man-catchin’ beignets” in the back.
After we had thoroughly stuffed ourselves, we settled in on the couch, and watched the Princess and the Frog. It made me miss being in the Royal Guest Room at Port Orleans Riverside (Our favorite resort, thus far). We always watch the movie after dinner, so we can enjoy a little dinner conversation. Out of all the family nights we have had, this one has to be the best thus far. The bar has totally been raised now.
Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation? Crystal is an expert in planning family vacations to magical destinations like Disney World and Disney Cruise. She is a travel professional with Destinations in Florida, An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Contact her at crystalw@destinationsinflorida.com for your free Disney vacation quote!
Explore the bold, flavorful cuisine of Asia, South America, and Africa with the help of the daring riverboat pilots. Dr. Falls, I Presume? Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Jungle Cruise! The same skippers who guided your steamer down the Nile, Amazon and Congo Rivers have opened the doors and kitchens of their tropical headquarters to fellow adventurers and famished families like your own!
This summer, thrill seekers and families alike can enjoy spectacular summer events at both SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica with all-new and returning summer festivities.
From June 10 – August 7, SeaWorld will feature Summer of Mako, an all-new event that encourages families to explore, be inspired and take action to protect our one ocean. Whether you want to meet animal experts, dive deeper into an ocean of interactive games or experience Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest coaster, Mako, Summer of Mako has something for everyone.
Guests up for the Mako Challenge can make a difference by participating in a park wide text message-based scavenger hunt. Those who complete the Mako Challenge will have $1 donated to the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund on their behalf, benefiting a variety of conservation projects all over the world.
Beginning July 8, Aquatica heats things up with Island Nights presented by Coca-Cola® – an evening celebration of summer, taking place every night through August 6. Guests can enjoy a special Island Nights soundtrack, extended park hours, a daily happy hour from 5-7 p.m., an evening menu sizzlin’ with flavor at Waterstone Grill and evening kick-off parties with a DJ and dancers on Friday and Saturday nights. Event included with park admission to Aquatica.
Guests can enjoy Summer of Mako and Island Nights for just $99 with the purchase of a single-day admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica. Florida residents can purchase an Annual Pass to SeaWorld and Aquatica with EZpay for only $16/month.
SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando offers a wide variety of hotel and vacation packages that are perfect for a weekend getaway with the entire family. Packages include free admission to Aquatica and waves of other benefits including in-park discounts, signature show seating, and a fifth hotel night free. Guests can choose from several options including “Eat Free” providing one day of All-Day-Dining at SeaWorld and Aquatica for the whole family, and “Kids Free” offering up to two free child’s admissions to SeaWorld and Aquatica. To book, visit SeaWorldGetaways.com.
New this year, families can consider a one-of-a kind vacation experience where they can swim with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters, and experience an underwater walking tour of a coral reef with a Discovery Cove hotel package. Guests can plan a perfect trip that will include unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for the length of their stay (up to 14 days). To book, visit DiscoveryCoveVacations.com.
There is so much to do at Walt Disney World this summer – from the debut of all-new shows and attractions to brand new evening events at Animal Kingdom and more. It’s time to Awaken Summer and awaken fun with these amazing all-new experiences.
Explore Animal Kingdom like never before—at nighttime! You’ve never seen the Tree of Life, the park’s intricately carved major icon, light up the night like this. The tree’s animal spirits come alive in a display of animated imagery and color. Search for the animals of the savanna at sunset, including the newest residents, hyenas and African wild dogs. Get ready to party like a real animal during the street fair and Carnivale, with street vendors, music, dancing, entertainment and more. And enjoy a waterfront meal at Tiffins or grab a drink at Nomad Lounge and catch a viewing of The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, a live show featuring magical water and lighting effects, dancers, puppetry and songs from the movie. And still to come at Animal Kingdom, Rivers of Light, a new show on the Discovery River which will combine DisneyNature footage, live performers and special effects.
(Disney)
Chill out at Epcot with all new Frozen happenings. Set sail on Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion and imagine yourself in Arendelle, and then meet up with Anna and Elsa at Royal Summerhus. And over in Future World, Dory and her friends have joined Crush to meet and chat with guests at Turtle Talk with Crush at The Seas pavilion. At The Land, take flight across the globe as Soarin’ Around the World debuts and gives you an aerial view of many of the world’s wonders.
New fun is unfolding at Magic Kingdom too! Mickey Mouse and company are starring in a new show at the castle called Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, featuring characters from The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Frozen. After the show, trek into Adventureland for the tasty offers at the new Skipper Canteen and for some of the same punny humor you might hear on The Jungle Cruise.
Star Wars fans will get their fill at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meet with Kylo Ren at Launch Bay and watch as Captain Phasma leads the Stormtroopers in the March of the First Order. Kids can try their hand at lightsaber combat in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away recreates your favorite Star Wars movie scenes. And end the night with Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular—a pyrotechnic, laser and special effects show sure to put a smile on any Star Wars fan’s face.
(Phelan Ebenhack, photographer)
Disney Springs continues its transformation with new shops and restaurants. Thirty new shops bring the total to over 150 top-name brands and one-of- a-kind boutiques, making Disney Springs a haven for trendsetters and window-shoppers alike. And come hungry—with new eateries like Morimoto Asia, STK Orlando and The Boathouse, you’ll have a tough time deciding on just one place to dine.
(David Roark, photographer)
Even Disney water parks have new fun offerings! Hit up Blizzard Beach and the Frozen Games for some fun competition hosted by Kristoff and Olaf.
With something new around every bend, this is Disney like you’ve never experienced it before. And with up to 30% off select rooms at Disney Resort hotels, you can save even more on your summer of fun.
Written by Laura Schindler. Laura creates lasting memories by planning customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion! If you are ready to save on your next vacation book your next vacation with Laura at laura@destinationsinflorida.com.
Mention that you are possibly, maybe, kind of, considering a trip to Disneyland Resort in Southern California and you will be inundated with recommendations. From hotel choices to food choices, and of course what are the best rides. I’m a travel agent who began my career focusing on Disneyland, and people still share with me their favorites. I can’t blame them, everyone, I speak with gets excited at the idea of visiting a Disney Park. I’ve also found some truly great hidden gems from others I get to share with my guests.
When Disney California Adventure first opened, I was slightly confused on what Disney was trying to offer us. I tended to shy away from the park and only popped over to ride a couple rides. Now these 15 odd years later, I can spend multiple days in Disney’s California Adventure park and love every moment.
So here’s my Disney’s California Adventure Park must ride rides:
1 Radiator Springs Racers – Hop into your favorite Radiator Springs Racer and head out into Radiator Springs, speeding your way through Ornament Valley with the majestic Cadillac Range Mountains a blur as you speed by. This ride is a thrilling, fast ride, so hold on. Note: You need to be 40” tall to hop into this car and race.
2 Soarin’ over California – This interactive IMAX movie will assault all your sense as you dangle in front of a simulated ride over the state of California. Make sure to keep your nose up and ready; you may smell a few nostalgic items. Note: You need to be 40” tall to Soar on Soarin’ over California.
3 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Another ride not for those who may be afraid of the dark, heights or drops. If any of those bother you, then Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is not for you. “Imagine if you will” being in an elevator, in the dark and it loses it’s brakes… Note: You need to be 40” tall to drop in on the fun for this one.
4 California Screamin’ – This is a ride not for the faint of heart. As one of the first magnetic propulsion coasters, this ride will take you on a dizzying launch straight up a 120-foot climb, as you continue your 1 ? mile journey, you will find yourself in spins, lifts, dips and a full 360-degree loop. Note: You need to be 48” tall to experience this roller coaster.
5 Grizzly River Run – Your hot, it’s Southern California. So what do you do? You go for a river rafting adventure. Head over to Grizzly River Run, board your 8 person raft and float down a lazy river… Don’t get too comfortable; there be rapids up ahead, and your raft is gonna float free wherever it wants. Hang on. Note: You need to be 42” tall to splishy splashy down Grizzly River.
Honorable Mention: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (NEW)
Good old Luigi jumped on the “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again” bandwagon. While Luigi’s Flying Tires wasn’t everyone’s favorite, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is sure to please. This ride is the newest addition to Radiator Springs and with the first ever trackless vehicles at any Disney Park, you will start to “dance” along with the music. This is one for most everyone. Note: You need only to be 32” tall to get in there.
Daniel is a Travel Agent with Destinations In Florida travel agency and travels as often as possible. He’s ready to help plan your Disney, Universal or other vacation, at no cost to you. Reach out to him at anytime via email or Facebook. You can even call him old school at 425-420-8988!
No trip to the Magic Kingdom would be complete without spending some time with the adorable Winnie the Pooh and his adorable friends. Watch the beloved storybook come to life as you travel through Hundred Acre Wood in your very own oversized Hunny Pot. Prior to setting out on your own adventure immerse yourself in Pooh’s interactive queue as you explore the Rabbit’s Garden, paint with honey, visit Piglet’s house and visit Eeyore’s home.
This interactive queue is designed for both the young and young-at-heart and is sure to delight all as you make your way through the line. On this fun loving ride guests of all ages will glide, bounce and swirl along with this classic storybook illustration filled with all the loved songs and scenes from A.A. Milne’s classic tales. Some of the scenes you will experience with Winnie the Pooh include A Blustery Day in Hundred Acre Wood, Bounce with Tigger, Heffalumps and Woozles, A Rainy Place and A Party for Pooh.
Written by Kari O’Dell: Kari creates lasting memories by planning customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion! If you are ready to save on your next vacation book your next vacation with Kari at 434-609-2370 or kari@destinationsinflorida.com.
In 2007, Christoph Rehage had a what some might say was crazy plan. He planned to walk from Beijing, China to Germany! He had been planning this trip for over a year before he even started.
As he walked his way through China through mountains and blazing deserts, he let his hair and beard grow. He ends up with one heck of a beard, and it’s captured in his daily photo timelapse video. While he traveled, he chronicled his adventure in his blog starting from day 1 (Nov 9th 2007), describing every single day until the end one year later.
He never finished his original goal of walking to Germany. Instead, he walked for a year and roughly 4500km, passed the Gobi desert, and then decided to stop walking.
His video is not a strict “1 pic a day” video. You can see that sometimes during the film something would happen in the background or he would turn around with the camera. Christoph commented that he tried to capture these moments to make the video more interesting. And, he sure did make an interesting video! Take a look:
If you could travel for a year straight, but you had to walk, where would you start your journey?