Every time we read a book or watch a movie, if it captivates us, we just want to see and feel that world for ourselves. Universal took this desire and created a park for movie lovers. They started with classics like Jaws, and ET and have added many more beloved movies to the parks. No movie, however, made an impact quite like Harry Potter. The book series took the US and the UK by storm in the late 90’s resulting in movies, which resulted in the greatest implementation of a theme park. In 2010, Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opened at Islands of Adventure, making Universal stand out against its biggest competitor, Disney.

J.K. Rowling wanted to make sure the new park didn’t take away from the success of the movies and books, so she meticulously helped with every detail of the park. Honestly, you feel like you are in Hogwarts and Hogsmeade while in the park. The castle, the food, the sounds, they are all perfectly executed, even down to Moaning Myrtle in the bathrooms (seriously, I go to the bathroom every time just to listen and giggle).

Dining at Hogsmeade

If you are hungry, make sure to grab some food from The Three Broomsticks. Enjoy a family feast or some English staples like Fish and Chips or Shepherd’s Pie. Don’t forget to try the signature drink from the movie, Butter Beer. This Drink can be purchased at vendor carts, or inside Three Broomsticks in the back by the tavern. You can now get a Butterbeer in 4 variations; my favorite is Frozen, it cuts back on the sweetness a little and is a great treat when the park is hot. If you are just looking for soda, you are out of luck; soda wasn’t in the movie so you will have to exit the Wizarding World to enjoy a Muggle drink. If you have a sweet tooth, head over to Honeydukes and find yourself your favorite candy from the movie. I love the Chocolate frogs. Also, don’t miss Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Find the perfect wand for you, and maybe you will be lucky enough to be taken into the room where a wand will choose you.

Rides at Hogsmeade

After you have had a chance to shop, eat and take in the wonders of Hogsmeade, head over to Hogwarts Castle. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is an amazing ride, unfortunately you must be 48” to ride, but if your little ones aren’t tall enough you can all still go through the castle together to see the talking portraits and Dumbledore, once you make your way to the front of the line, one adult can wait with those who can’t or won’t go on the ride in the child swap area. Once the first group has completed their ride, let the other parent take a turn. If anyone in your party has ever experienced motion sickness, make sure to bring some OTC motion sickness medication, as amazing as this ride is, the 3D affects along with motion can get your stomach twisted. Make sure to enjoy the rest of the park by coming prepared.

Thrill seekers will love Dragon Challenge. This coaster has two inverted tracks that race each other to the finish. Unfortunately, the coasters are no longer able to run simultaneously because of previous injuries. However, they both offer a thrilling ride. Try both red and blue to get two unique experiences. For the young thrill seeker, take a ride on Flight of the Hippogriff. This coaster is a great starter coaster for the young or timid.

More recently, you are now able to jump on the Hogwarts Express. Since the opening of Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando in 2014, Hogwarts Express has been offering a unique travel experience moving guests in between the two worlds. Make sure to travel both ways; each direction offers a different experience. Plus, what muggle doesn’t want to see Platform 9 ¾ themselves? If you would like to ride Hogwarts Express, make sure you purchase the correct ticket, or you will be standing in line to upgrade your tickets. In order to ride Hogwarts Express, you must have the ability to park hop. Make sure your ticket is a park-to-park, a Flex ticket, or a three park unlimited ticket or you will be standing in line to pay for the upgrade before being allowed entry.

If shopping, eating, and riding isn’t enough, Universal offers great packages that will make your Harry Potter experience even greater. Purchase an Exclusive package and you will receive a breakfast at Three Broomsticks, breakfast at Leaky Cauldron and a session at Shutterbutton’s Photography studio. Shutterbutton’s is a great experience that offers a lifetime memory of your amazing family vacation. These moving photographs are the perfect souvenir.

Let me guide you through the most amazing vacation at Universal Studios; I would be happy to give you a free quote for any of the great Universal packages.

Written by Pam Mikhail:  Pam has been creating magical vacation memories for other families since 2012 and is ready to share her experience with you. As a certified agent to many destinations including Disney, Universal, and Cruise Line Industry of America, You know she has the expertise to get you the best deal, offering a hassle free planning process. If you are ready to start exploring and would like her expertise at no additional cost, contact her today to make a lifetime of lasting memories for your family. Email her at pam@destinationsinflorida.com or call at (262)442-0706 to book your next family vacation.

The Jones Family get a VIP Tour of Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. They took two different tours, so you get to see two different perspectives of this same tour.  It is an amazing way to beat the crowds (they backdoor you to rides and attractions), get exclusive experiences (like Shutterbuttons), and learn all of the insider tips that muggles normally do not know.

Come along on the WWoHP VIP Tour!

Call us at 877-918-8941 for more information about the Universal VIP Tour or visiting Universal Orlando Resort.

There are so many exciting updates this week at the Walt Disney World Resort.  The latest show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom called The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is now official open.  You can enjoy this evening show and even tie in a dining experience with a free reserved seat.

The new sit down restaurant called The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom is extending the seasonal dining through July.  You can now enjoy lunch and dinner.

You can also learn how you can experience 2017 NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando and at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

All these and so much more in this week’s episode of the Around the Mouse.  You can watch the video by clicking on this link and even downloading a copy for your computer or phone.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is filled with attractions and fun for all ages. The park is always evolving as Disney brings movie magic to life. Today, I’m sharing five of my favorites with you.

#5 The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – The Twilight Zone® television show featured unexpected endings and that’s exactly what you experience on this 199 foot attraction. After boarding a service elevator you begin ascending. At the 13th floor, your journey into the star-filled realm begins. Suddenly, the cable snaps and the elevator begins to free-fall down an abandoned shaft. Down it goes….then up again as the doors open and close—there seems to be no pattern to the madness. The views are incredible and frightening at the same time.

#4 Star Tours – This is a 3-D motion-simulator ride with incredible cinematic special effects that features multiple scenes from the popular Star Wars movies. Your adventure is different each time.

#3 Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith – Thrill seekers roll off into the darkness on a stretch limo ride.  The fun begins when you hop into a stretch limo and hang on as you blast off, from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Speeding through night scenes of Hollywood, you will experience three different inversions. There are 2 loops and a corkscrew that will blow you away. One of the best parts of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the soundtrack. Your limo is outfitted with 125 speakers, 24 sub-woofers and a 32,000 watt audio system.

#2 The Great Movie Ride – Experience a slow tram ride inside replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre that takes you through classic movie scenes with 50 Audio-Animatronic figures of movie stars. It’s a fun way to cool off and relive some of the best movies of all time.

#1 Toy Story Mania – The entertaining waiting area, filled with nostalgic toys and a giant audio-animatronic Mr. Potato Head who interacts with guests. Your ride vehicle has a spring-action shooter shaped like a toy cannon. The object is to hit as many targets as possible as you compete with friends for the highest points in the 3-D game. It’s fun to spin through carnival midway games as you travel between scenes.

Make sure your family gets to experience all of the fun rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during your next Disney Vacation.

Written by Sheri 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. 

Imagine a place where you can feel like you just stepped into a storybook. A place where you can walk through Disney history. A place that is as magical as Disney itself. That’s what you will find when you step inside Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. The castle’s design was based on a Bavarian Castle, and the drawbridge has only been lowered twice – once at the opening of the park in 1955, and again in 1983 at the rededication of Fantasyland.

Once inside the castle, you will relive scenes from the beloved Disney classic movie, surrounded by attractions and 3-dimentional displays which feature interactive moments and of course special effects. You will get to witness the transformation of Maleficent into a fire-breathing dragon.

The Castle will be transformed into a glistening and gleaming, sparkly masterpiece for the Diamond Celebration. A scene you will not want to miss. There’s a bit of Prince or Princess in all of us. Contact me to get your Disneyland tickets today!

Contact me at joanne@destinationsinflorida.com for a free quote today!

Written by JoAnne Traczek: I am a retired Veteran who is enjoying helping people travel all over the world! I enjoy planning all your travel needs, no matter what you need or where you go. I have seen a great part of the world and love to share my knowledge with people who enjoy traveling. Contact me when you want to see the world. I will be happy to help you, one destination at a time.

High School applicants for Disney Dreamers Academy class of 2017 to be selected for exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime program

High school students nationwide can now apply to be among 100 students selected to participate in the 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy will mark the program’s 10^th year.

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE and Walt Disney World Resort will host selected Dreamers during a four-day power-packed career and educational exploration in March 2017. “Giving back is important to me, and especially to our youth – our future leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring artists.” said Harvey. “We’ve seen more than 900 committed students come through the program, and I’m excited to find the next 100. The tenth anniversary will be special, and I encourage all high school students to take a minute of their time to apply for this incredible opportunity.”

For nearly a decade, Disney Dreamers Academy has helped to inspire young minds from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a variety of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills, such as communication techniques, leadership values, and networking strategies.

The event takes place in the very magical and creative setting of Walt Disney World Resort. Dreamers are taken both on stage and behind the scenes, where Disney theme parks become vibrant ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

“We’re excited to welcome back Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE for the tenth year,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vice president of deluxe resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “This program is unique for the opportunity it affords teens to be inspired and motivated to accomplish their goals. By applying for Disney Dreamers Academy, high school students from across the country are taking an important step forward that can influence and change their lives forever.”

Disney Dreamers are exposed to celebrity motivational speakers and special guests who share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “ESSENCE has been honored to help identify the next generation of big dreamers and welcome them to Walt Disney World Resort for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This tenth year will be no exception, and we’re delighted to further play a role in setting our future leaders on the path to success.”

Applicants to the Disney Dreamers Academy program must answer essay questions about their personal stories and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams.

Select Disney Dreamers, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they will participate in life-changing sessions and be  surrounded by the creativity and innovation represented in Disney theme parks around the world. Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 2017.

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, through Oct. 31, 2016. A distinguished panel of leaders will judge the applications, and winners will be announced towards the end of 2016.

For more information regarding applications, interested applicants can visitDisneyDreamersAcademy.com, or follow the Dreamers on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.

The Jones Family take on Universal Orlando Parks with a Water Ride Challenge!  They went to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and hit some of the popular water rides.  These rides get you SOAKED!  They challenged each other to see who could ride all of the rides and still be the least dry!  Who was the winner? Watch and find out…

Have you been on the water rides at Islands of Adventure?  How dry were you?  Leave a comment below and share your fun experience.

When you think of luxury and magic all in wrapped in one. It is the Four Seasons Orlando with a magical Disney touch! Located inside the gates of Walt Disney World Resort®, Four Seasons Orlando is a Five Diamond Award winner. Featuring a spa, golf, children’s activities, fun filled kids island, adult only areas and great dining options. This resort is a great place to make your home base when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort®.

In the lobby of the Four Seasons, you will find the Disney Planning Center. You will be delighted to be greeted by a Disney Cast Member, who will seamlessly help you with your plans. The Disney Planning Center is there to help you plan your magical vacation at Disney World. The planning center is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Disney Experiences

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Friends takes place twice a week on Thursdays & Saturdays at Ravello’s Restaurant. During peak season, they add Tuesdays to the schedule. This is a buffet offering a wonderful assortment of traditional breakfast offerings. Also a children’s buffet and omelette station. Also included is complimentary digital downloads with a professional photographer taken with Goofy & His Friends. For Reservations call 407-313-7777. Breakfast is served between 7:30 am to 11:00 am.

$46.00 for adults – $24.00 for kids ages 3 to 12
Tax and gratuity are not included in the prices above.

Guest Rooms & Suites

Fresh and inviting contemporary decor. There are 443 spacious guest rooms, including 68 suites. With views of the Theme Park, Lake & Golf Course. Rooms also come with a flat screen TV, charging station, in-room safe, and coffee maker.

Dining at Four Seasons

There are so many restaurants for everyone in your family.

• Capa – This restaurant is a Contemporary Spanish Style Steakhouse, located on the rooftop of the 17th floor. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Wishes Fireworks from this restaurant. Reservations recommended.
• Ravello – This restaurant features modern Italian dining on the 1st floor. Ravello serves breakfast from 6:30am – 11:00am and dinner from 5:30pm to 10:00pm nightly.
• Pb&G – Offering up the best of what Florida has to offer. In a poolside setting, suspended over the lake, you can enjoy some tasty treats in a spectacular view. Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
• Plancha – This restaurant features a Cuban/American inspired menu with a picturesque lakeside setting. Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

Lounges

• The Lobby Bar – The place to connect, people watch and indulge. Dinner and Cocktails from 3:00pm to 12:00am. Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Live music on Monday’s and Tuesdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• Capa Bar – This bar is a sophisticated spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on the rooftop of the 17th floor. Tapas and award-winning wines are served with a view to die for.
• Lickety Split – Perfect for someone on the go. Serving quick bites, pastries & gelato throughout the day.

Explorer Island & Family Playground

Four Seasons Orlando features two water slides, zero-entry pool, splash park and lazy river. Kids can also check out the kids club called the Hideout.  For the adults, there is alo the Oasis Pool & Jacuzzi with an underwater entertainment system.

Golf

Tranquilo Golf Club is set on a picturesque and serene Tom Fazio designed course, with varying elevation and wetlands. It is secluded and tranquil for a perfect way to escape and enjoy the abundant wildlife.

So if you are looking for a great place to stay when visiting the Orlando area, look no further than the Four Seasons at Disney World. You will have a fun filled relaxing vacation with top of the line accommodations and services.

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn specializes in multi-generational travel as well as honeymoons and proposals at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid cruiser, having set sail on all the major cruise lines. Dawn’s experience and expertise, along with a sprinkle of her pixie dust, will make your vacation one to remember! Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@destinationsinflorida.com

The Jones Family hit Universal Orlando Resort for a fun filled day!

They hit some of the best of the best at Universal Orlando; including the Superstar Character Breakfast, Men in Black Immigration Tour (shhhhh…it’s a secret), Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Hard Rock Private White Room, and Blue Man Group.  Learn some great secrets for your next visit to Universal Orlando!

Call 877-918-8941 for more information about your next Universal Orlando vacation!