Tiffins, Nomad Lounge Newest Dining Experiences At Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

Celebrating the adventurous spirit of world travelers and explorers, Tiffins is the newest signature restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort, part of the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

“Tiffin” is the Indian word for a lunchbox used by travelers (also a mid-day meal), and the 252-seat restaurant in the park’s Discovery Island area is open daily for lunch and dinner with menus that takes diners to Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

“This new restaurant highlights our commitment to introduce new, innovative and immersive experiences only Disney can deliver,” said Beth Scott, vice president of Food & Beverage for Disney Parks & Resorts. “ We are confident that our culinary and beverage professionals have created something that re-imagines theme park dining, and encourage our guests to explore these authentic global flavors just as our Imagineers did when designing Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”

A detailed map within the restaurant’s entryway sets the stage for an immersive dining experience celebrating world travel, with bold artwork derived from sketches, journals and research from those who created the theme park.

“Tiffins is the signature restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrating the culture of design and research that went into creating this unique park,” said Emily O’Brien, Walt Disney Imagineering executive show producer for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“All the senses are explored and turned into amazing works of art,” said O’Brien. “Two of the three ‘galleries,’ or dining rooms, focus on Asia [Trek Gallery with 74 seats] and Africa [Safari Gallery with 64 seats], and the third [Grand Gallery with 114 seats] pays homage to animal species that the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund works to protect.”

The travel-inspired artwork includes a static, three-dimensional piece that features prayer flags blowing in the wind. “As our research team traveled up the high mountains of Nepal, the winds were strong,” explained O’Brien. “The prayer flags are rarely seen hanging, they are always blowing.” This portrayal of the motion is realistically captured in the display which will hang above a corner booth in the Trek Gallery.

“Tiffins is not about a make-believe place, it’s about real people and places,” said O’Brien.

Global Menu

From the familiar to something new, the menu offers diners starters such a Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup with Basil and Peanuts (Asia/Africa) and marinated grilled octopus (Europe). Sustainable seasonal fish crudo (South America) and a salad of roasted baby beets and goat cheese with walnut granola and a sun-dried cherry vinaigrette (North America) round out international creations.

Entrées include Berber-Spiced Lamb Chop with Mustard Greens, Lentil Stew and Mint Chutney (Africa); Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Huitlacoche Tamale, Hominy Succotash and Red Mole Sauce (South America); Miso-glazed Black Cod with Forbidden Rice in Steamed Bok Choywith Turmeric Sauce (Asia), and Grilled Head-on Shrimp with Tomatoes, Roasted Fennel, Olives and Sea Urchin Butter Sauce (Europe). For vegetarians, the Roasted Market Vegetable Curry with Quinoa, Zucchini and Lime Chutney brings a taste of Asia.

The kids’ menu includes roasted chicken, pan-seared cod and braised short ribs with seasonal vegetables and cous cous or multigrain rice, or roasted vegetables served over spaghetti squash.

Beverages focus on Africa, Asia and South America, including handcrafted cocktails and beers. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit-flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania.

“With a focus on South American and South African wines, the beverage program is very special – we don’t have another one like it at Disney,” said Master Sommelier Brian Koziol, Food & Beverage Concept and Development director for Disney Parks & Resorts. “The program will focus on environmentality: producers that focus on sustainability, organic wines, and bio-dynamic viticulture,” he explained. “Environmentality is a core value at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this beverage program is a great way to share that with our guests.”

Nomad Lounge

With beautiful waterfront views, the adjacent Nomad Lounge focuses on storytelling, and also on guests’ travels.

“We’re trying to tell the story of how guests can make a change,” said O’Brien. While the answers of Disney experts are displayed, guests also have the opportunity purchase a tag that supports the Disney Conservation Fund and to write their own answers to the questions to display above the bar– a way to share their own travel stories “so they can be a part of the story,” said O’Brien.

With 55 seats inside, and 46 seats in a covered outdoor area, Nomad Lounge offers a half-dozen small bites such as a vegetarian summer roll, a seared Wagyu beef skewer, honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs, Indian butter-chicken wings, seasonal fish balls with shishito peppers and house-made head cheese and chicken liver pate with chutney.

Like Tiffins, the lounge offers handcrafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors, imported beers and a South American and South African wine list. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit-flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania.

For Tiffins reservations, guests can visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

New Nighttime Show, ‘The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ Celebrates Blockbuster Hit with Music, Magic and Dance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Live singers, dancers, musicians and fire performers celebrate the epic story of The Walt Disney Studios’ “The Jungle Book” in a limited-engagement nighttime extravaganza opening May 28, 2016, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Performed beneath the stars in the park’s new outdoor 5,000-seat Discovery River Theater, “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,” debuts as the park introduces additional nighttime entertainment including a post-sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris adventure and visually stunning Tree of Life “awakenings” with Discovery Island song-and-dance merriment.

“The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” welcomes guests to the dangerous, captivating world of the young “man cub” Mowgli and the jungle animals that protect and threaten him. Featuring traditional Indian music as well as the wildly popular songs of The Jungle Book, the show immerses guests in the culture of and beauty of India and the peril of the jungle with singers, musicians, dancers and visuals.

As the show opens, barges festooned with Indian banners and intricate flower decorations float into view carrying river-bound singers, dancers and musicians.

The show’s opening number begins with an ethereal Indian chant in the Rajasthan style, then builds to an energetic sound featuring drummers and performers offering gifts of light with a dance of candles. The music segues to the film’s score, and the show’s water screens rise to reveal an image of the ornate cover of “The Jungle Book” story by Rudyard Kipling. As the book pages open, an engraved jungle scene transitions from black and white to the colorful 3-D world of the film.

Driven by John Debney’s “The Jungle Book” film score, the show’s live music is arranged in Indian styles that feature the sitar and tabla drums for beloved tunes including “The Bare Necessities,” “Trust in Me,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” Big-screen images from the film combine with impressionist projections and narration by the panther character Bagheera, to open a portal into the artfully-told story.

The 25-minute show is awash in special effects that include fire, and massive water-screen projections. While some of the cast tell the story from water’s edge and inside the theater, multiple barges and boats become additional sets pulsating with dozens of performers, scenic backdrops and light and fire effects.

“We’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing team of collaborators from around the world, from the filmmakers behind the blockbuster movie to a creative team of artists who helped to infuse our show with authentic aspects of the culture of India,” said Michael Jung, executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering.

Poignant film moments resonate, as when “wolf-mother” Raksha says farewell to Mowgli and tells him, “You will always be my son.” As the journey proceeds, guests will flinch at the sudden roar of tiger Shere Khan that leads to a thrilling chase, and they’ll laugh at antics of Baloo, the free-spirited bear and pal of Mowgli. As the tale unfolds, the audience can’t help but be mesmerized by the frighteningly hypnotic charm of Kaa.

Breathtaking water-screen images of an elephant herd, a virtuosic fire performance and dynamic live percussion build to a frenzied show climax. For the show finale, the cast of “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,” performs an Indian-influenced mega-medley that becomes a boisterous mash-up of the acclaimed film’s top tunes, and performers spread throughout the aisles to transform the amphitheater into one huge immersive party celebrating the music, story and world of “The Jungle Book.”

As guests depart Discovery River Theater, they can continue celebrating in other areas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the evening comes alive with wondrous new nighttime experiences and a party-like atmosphere.

Here are my favorite fun ways to beat the heat at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. We all know how much fun you can have in Orlando, but the heat can be a problem for many visitors.

#5 Hit the Water Rides

When you are at Universal’s Islands of Adventure make sure to try out one of the three great water rides. You won’t just get wet you will be soaked! Make sure to take that into consideration when experiencing any of these three attractions. Make a big splash on Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges or The Jurassic Park River Adventure. There are daily lockers you can use to safely secure your dry clothes and cell phones until you get off the ride. If you are willing to take on the challenge then you will have a splashtacular refreshing way to beat the heat.

#4 Butterbeer Ice Cream

Enjoy stepping into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ And make sure to enjoy a refreshing Frozen Butterbeer ™ or Butterbeer ™ Ice cream to keep you cool on a hot summer day. You will not be disappointed. They do offer regular ice cream flavors to satisfy the entire family.

#3 Universal Orlando Pools

Did you know if you are staying at one of the Universal On Site Hotels you can stay at one and swim at five? If you are looking to get out of the heat, you can take a shuttle over to the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and enjoy the lazy river.  Or why not take a water taxi over to Lowes Portofino Bay Resort and enjoy a quiet afternoon by the Villa Pool. How about a little excitement tries the Pool at the Hard Rock? So have fun getting out of the sun and into the fun at one of the great Universal on-site hotel pools to keep you cool during the afternoon heat.

#2 Wet n Wild

If you are not lucky enough to be staying on-site at Universal Orlando that is ok.  Did you know you can purchase a multi-day ticket that includes Wet N Wild? Orlando’s largest water park! Make sure to experience this iconic water park before their doors close for good, December of 2016.

#1 New Volcano Bay Water Park

Don’t be too upset that Wet n Wild is closing, Universal Orlando’s next big thing is the Volcano Bay Water Park.  This water park will be located behind the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

On your next family adventure at Universal Orlando be sure to beat the heat by taking advantage of some of these fun cool tips!

Written by Dawn Caitano – Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find 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!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@destinationsinflorida.com

Are you ready to hit the best water park in Orlando? Aquatica by SeaWorld! Come along The Jones Family as they spend a day at Aquatica by SeaWorld.  Why do you think the “locals” consider Aquatica by SeaWorld the best water park?  Come along and see…

Get ready to splash this summer at Aquatica by SeaWorld!

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire debuting at Magic Kingdom

Performed on the grandest stage in the kingdom, the new show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,” which debuts June 17, presents Mickey Mouse and his troupe of Merry Makers – Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy – who invite 10 new friends from different animated worlds to join the celebration. This “timeless fairytale” of a show combines grand dance, fireworks and stunts with memorable music, an original song and special effects.

The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. Premiering May 28, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Imagine a place where families can reconnect; adults can recharge, and kids can immerse themselves in fantastical worlds only Disney could create. With today’s modern innovation and timeless whimsy, the Disney Wonder is home to 11 decks overflowing with restaurants, pools, recreation and more, and is always ready to transport you to exotic locations that are waiting to be explored.

The Disney Wonder has many Stateroom options, one that will fit any family’s need! I always like a room with a view when I travel, so the Verandah rooms are my favorite.

There are four main categories that encompass 9 different room types—or different deck locations within those types. Here is a breakdown of each type.

Concierge – ?Our most luxurious accommodation. Each has a large, private verandah and premium amenities and services.

Verandah –  ?Our most spacious non-Concierge staterooms, each with a private verandah and some with partial views.

Oceanview –  ?Enjoy more space than Standard with scenic views through a real porthole window—or possibly 2.

Inside –  ?Our base accommodations, featuring a classic nautical motif, a porthole mirror, and no exterior view.

Besides the GREAT accommodations and food, Disney also offers many on board events that are sure to capture the hearts of Children and Adults alike. Events like Meet and Greets or Dining with Disney Characters. There are games galore and plenty to see off shore multiple locations including Disney’s very own island, Cape Cay.

She sails to the Bahamas, the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean’s, Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean, British Isles, Alaska, and Canada. Disney ships leave from multiple ports of call.

So whether it is a Honeymoon, Family Reunion, Girls/Guys week away, or just for pure FUN, I will make sure the Disney Wonder will be waiting in port to help you celebrate! 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. You can reach me at joanne@destinationsinflorida.com.

As a travel agent I get asked on a regular basis, “why should I book with a travel agent versus the internet (Travelocity, Expedia, etc.)”. A typical response is, “why wouldn’t you want a one on one approach to your travel needs?” Now many people assume they will get that same customer service with an internet based travel company—that’s not usually the case. Typically you are contacting a call center with hundreds of people who are just order takers and its their job to book your trip, not offer advice or listen to your travel needs.

Here are the top 5 reasons why booking with a travel agent will save you money, time and most of all, make your travel experience stress-free:

1. A travel agent is your main contact—no need to sit on hold listening to elevator music or wait days (sometimes weeks) for a response to your questions, concerns, requests.
2. Building rapport with clients—as a travel agent we know which guest is going to Disney World for the 1st time, celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary, looking for an adventure vacation or a relaxing vacation—its our job to know YOUR needs and wants and make sure those needs are met during your vacation
3. Price watching—when a promotion is released, or a discount is offered at a particular resort we hop on it and adjust your vacation package to make sure you are getting the best offer possible
4. Confidentiality—rest assured that after your vacation you aren’t going to be inundated with emails or phone calls from third party vendors because your information was sold for marketing purposes by said internet travel company
5. Best of all, it is FREE—yes, many people are surprised to learn that travel agents do not charge you, the client, a fee. So when you book with a travel agent, your cost is the same as if you booked direct via the internet but you are getting that hands on, one stop shop customer service—a total bonus for you! And you are supporting a small, local business

The next time you are considering a family vacation to Disney World/Disneyland or Universal Studios, perhaps a family reunion aboard a luxurious cruise ship, a romantic trip to an all inclusive resort or a weekend get away to Las Vegas and anywhere in between—think about giving your travel agent a chance to help plan your upcoming vacation

As a travel agent, the best part of my job is helping people travel and explore new destinations and create lifelong memories. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Explore specializing in Disney, Universal, cruises & all inclusive resorts. I can be reached at regina@destinationsinflorida.com to answer any of your travel questions. Thanks for supporting my local business and my family:

Guy Harvey to Paint Giant Mural at SeaWorld Orlando’s New Shark Wreck Reef

On May 23 and 24, visitors to SeaWorld Orlando will have the unique opportunity to watch world-renowned marine artist and conservationist Guy Harvey paint a signature mural in the park’s new realm, Shark Wreck Reef. The 16-foot by 24-foot original artwork, featuring a Mako shark, will join only a handful of murals created by the celebrated artist and will be a focal point in the heart of SeaWorld’s Orlando park.

 

Opening June 10, Shark Wreck Reef blends education and thrills while immersing guests in an underwater world. Mako, Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, is the centerpiece of the new realm.

Guy Harvey, perhaps best known for his wildly popular t-shirts depicting offshore and nearshore marine life, will also commission an array of exclusive paintings and apparel, which will be available only at SeaWorld. SeaWorld will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of such items directly to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. 

 

In April, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (SEA) and Guy Harvey announced a new partnership focused on ocean health and the plight of sharks in the wild. The two organizations will partner to raise awareness of these important issues, and collaborate on science and research to increase understanding of how to better protect these critical predators and their habitats.

 

In addition to the science and research efforts, Guy Harvey and SeaWorld will also work together to increase public awareness about ocean health and the need for shark conservation. SeaWorld’s new roller coaster, Mako, will be a major platform for this effort. In the queue lines for the new coaster, guests will be educated and entertained through digital platforms that provide access to the real science of sharks in the wild and ways they can help protect them with Guy Harvey as the host. Elsewhere in the realm guests will have access to real-time shark tracking and videos from Guy Harvey’s vast library of compelling and visually stunning shark expeditions. Interactive materials will also share information about shark conservation and ways to get involved.