NYC. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. How about the best city to completely immerse yourself in culture and make the most of the holidays? Have you ever wanted a front row seat to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? How about ice skating under the twinkling lights of the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? New York City is the place to spend the holidays and here’s why…

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off of the holiday season in NYC. These larger than life inflatables of everyone’s favorite characters glide down the streets in between marching bands, floats and street performers. The balloons are like nothing you’ve ever seen up close and personal. One our favorite things to do is visit the American Museum of Natural History the day before the parade and watch them inflate the balloons. Come parade time; there are so many different ways to enjoy the parade – you can grab a spot along the parade route bright and early that morning, or maybe from a hotel room or a restaurant with a view along the parade route. Either way, it sure beats watching it from your couch. Plus, take the day off from cooking and have dinner at one of the many fantastic local restaurants.

Just a day after the jolly old man in the red suit caps off the parade and giving thanks, the city bursts with holiday magic. Some top things to do for the holidays in NYC are to catch the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, stroll down Fifth Avenue admiring the holiday windows, shop at holiday markets, or meet Santa at the Macy’s Herald Square store. Take a carriage ride around Central Park and maybe stop in for a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity. Also, don’t miss the Wollman Ice Skating Rink – it’s a beautiful spot to dance on ice with the NYC skyline as your backdrop. Manhattan also hosts the lighting of the world’s largest Hanukkah Menorah – such a special way to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights.

While there are so many options to enhance your holiday trip to New York City, I can take away the overwhelming part of planning the perfect getaway for your family. This holiday season you’re surely not to be confused with Scrooge when you get in the holiday spirit in this city.

Written by Michelle Guthrie: Michelle is a wife and mother to 3 young children. She was born and raised in Florida and a long time Disney World annual passholder. When her family isn’t vacationing at Disney or Universal, they’re taking road trips to see the USA. It’s her family’s goal is to catch a game at every MLB ballpark. Michelle is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical vacations that create memories to last a lifetime…all at no cost to you. Contact Michelle to book your next vacation at Michelle@destinationsinflorida.com or 813-928-9432. You can also follow her on Facebook here.

2016 Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Runs March 11-17, 2016 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs

Never call Ireland’s most famous holiday “St. Patty’s,” and avoid green beer if you want an authentic St. Patrick’s Day experience.  Celebrate as the Irish do during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs March 11-17.  Award-winning Irish bands and quick-stepping Irish dancers will showcase their roots during Central Florida’s most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebration that also will feature inventive cuisine by Irish celebrity chef and PBS/Create TV personality Kevin Dundon.

St. Patrick’s Day Entertainment

Guests can enjoy a mighty selection of beers, spirits and craft cocktails with Dundon’s authentic Irish dishes while musicians and dancers perform on multiple stages.

Headline acts during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival include Irish bands JigJam, The Raglan Roots Coalition, Cooney & Ryan, Avi McGourty and The High Road:

• The Raglan Roots Coalition – 10 years down the road, Raglan felt it was time to shake its boogie – Roots style, with this new Irish house band.  Think soul-rocking Celtic bluegrass with some hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats, and you’re only halfway there.
• JigJam– The hottest new act on the Celtgrass music scene, this County Offaly, Ireland, trio blend the best of hard-driving American Bluegrass and Irish folk music.
• Cooney & Ryan– One of the finest traditional Irish music duos around, these accomplished, energetic musicians often invite the crowd to sing along.
• Avi McGourty — Award winning singer-songwriter McGourty from County Tipperary, Ireland, is a rising star on the Irish music scene with her soulful lyrics and joyful musical renditions.
• The High Road— These young, traditional Irish musicians who met in University in Ireland exude musical chemistry.  A predominately Irish traditional group, they also play British folk, blues and soul.

St. Patrick’s Festivities

St. Patrick’s festivities will include complimentary face painting and giveaways. Mighty Festival hours are 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m. March 11, 14, 15 and 16; noon until 1:30 a.m. March 12 and 13; and 11 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. March 17. The pub opens weekdays at 11 a.m. for lunch and weekends at 10 a.m. for brunch.

St. Patrick’s Day Facts

If you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like the Irish, here are seven fun facts to keep in mind:

1. Never call the holiday “St. Patty’s.”  It’s either “St. Patrick’s Day” or “St. Paddy’s.”
2. A shamrock has three leaves (not four – that would be a clover).
3. Americans invented the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737 in Boston.
4. Most Irish pubs do a full month’s business on St. Patrick’s Day.
5. Guinness sells 13 million pints on St. Patrick’s Day versus the usual 5 million daily.
6. Raglan Road is America’s #1 Irish Pub.
7. Green beer is an American invention. Raglan Road does not serve green beer.

Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Dining

Guests can order from Raglan Road’s popular lunch, dinner and bar menus that include new dishes just introduced by Chef Dundon.  The dinner menu features loin of bacon and cabbage, the authentic Irish dish of St. Patrick’s Day, plus other Irish classics created with Dundon’s modern twists. Throughout the event, the restaurant’s Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service eatery will offer Irish favorites, as well, including fish and chips.

On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. Reservations can be booked for other festival days by calling 407/938-0300.

During the festival, Dundon will host an exclusive four-course luncheon and culinary demonstration March 14 and a signature dinner and wine event on March 15. Details are available at www.raglanroad.com.

Owned and operated by Irish partners John Cooke, Paul Nolan and celebrity chef Kevin Dundon – famous for his five-star hotel and cookery school in Ireland – Raglan Road features traditional Irish dishes and new creations with a Celtic twist.  The restaurant’s warm interior of aged walnut and mahogany woods from old Irish bars and churches was built in Ireland and shipped to Orlando.  Live entertainment nightly and during weekend brunch includes Irish house band Raglan Roots Coalition, plus the Raglan Road Irish Dancers.  Lunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner 3-11 p.m.; Bar menu 11 p.m.-late; Saturday and Sunday Rollicking Raglan Brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is located at Disney Springs in the Walt Disney World Resort, 1640 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  Visit www.raglanroad.com or call 407/938-0300.

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It’s inevitable that you’ll need to stop for a snack as you hike your way around Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. The body needs fuel, and here’re my top 5 favorites items to fill up on!

#5 ButterBeer – Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This delicious treat can come in any number of forms. Frozen, Cold, and a few times with Rum… it matters not how you partake of this snack; it only matters that you do. It’s well worth the stop.

#4 Duff Beer – Moe’s Tavern

Who says the parents can’t get lost in Springfield’s most famous tavern? Pull up a bar stool. Push aside Barney and ask for a mug of your favorite beer, Duff!

#3 Lard Lad Donut – Springfield

Lard and Donut just fit together don’t they? If you’re going to enjoy a donut, why stop at a lighter version when staring at you is a gigantic donut with pink frosting. I can’t say for sure these donuts actually contain lard, but they are pretty sweet and a delicious way to gain energy for the mid-afternoon rush!

#2 Flaming Moe’s – Moe’s Tavern

We’ve heard rumors of a Flaming Homer… I doubt it could stand up to the Flaming Moe’s though. A kid-friendly version of a world-class beverage. People come from miles around to enjoy Moe’s famous cocktail, and now you too can quench your thirst with a Flaming Moe!

#1 Ice Cream Sundaes – Schwab’s Pharmacy

Ice Cream, Ice Cream, We all Scream for Ice Cream…Or something to that effect. Let’s not stop at just ice cream though. Let’s go all the way with an original Schwab’s Pharmacy Ice Cream Sundae! This replica pharmacy location provides all the ooey gooey goodness of an old fashioned sundae. Stop by and treat yourself!

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Seafari Eco-Tour Explores Underwater Wonderland in Panama City, Florida

For visitors wanting to add a truly unique experience to their beach vacation and locals interested in exploring the underwater wonderland in their own backyard, the new Seafari Eco-Tour by Capt. Anderson’s Marina delivers 3.5 hours of fun in the form of an educational adventure!

Leaving from the Grand Lagoon (located in the Historic East End of Panama City Beach), participants will see osprey nests, cormorants diving for fish, dolphins trying to steal bait fish from the live wells, and photogenic blue herons and pelicans hanging out on the pilings.

Once in St. Andrews Bay, the crew will set out a permitted trawl net (the only permitted trawl net in the area) which is dragged in specific areas so as not to disturb any of the soft coral species or delicate marine environment. The net, hauled in by hand, is always an eye opener when visitors see what is recovered in such a short time.  As long as it is viable for both visitors and marine life, the specimen may be touched or held; viewing tanks are set up for the rest.

After the cruise, the crew releases the specimens back to the water.   A study of the biodiversity of the St. Andrews Bay ecosystem in 2008 listed it as “one of the most, if not the most, diverse estuary in North America” with an impressive ecosystem supporting 3,643 reported species.  The report states that “there are also a number of populations of rare and endemic species, a few of which are known only from small areas of this ecosystem and nowhere else on Earth.”

A one hour stop at Shell Island and Dolphin Encounter are also included.  Shell Island is a pristine and uninhabited strip of land separating the Gulf of Mexico from St. Andrews Bay; Seafari explorers can wander paths through sand dunes and protected turtleand shore bird nests, wade into the surf for shells or just relax on the sugar white quartz sand facing the emerald green waters of the gulf.  And since large populations of wild bottlenose dolphins call the bay home, watching them frolic in the local waters is a common occurrence during each trip.

The Seafari Eco-Tour w/Shell Island & Dolphin Encounter trips start running in Mid-February leaving the dock at 1:00 pm, and from Memorial Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend a 9:00 am morning trip is also available.

Reservations can be made online at CaptAndersonsMarina.com, or by phone 800-874-2415 & 850-234-3435.  Rates range from $12-$23, including tax and the Shell Island state park fee, making the Seafari Eco-Tour an affordable trip for all family budgets.

Capt. Anderson’s Marina, a fixture of Panama City Beach since 1957, is one of the largest privately owned marine recreational complexes in the world, located within minutes of scenic St. Andrews Bay and the bountiful fishing waters of the Gulf of Mexico.   Owned by two pioneer families who have a seafaring history spanning hundreds of years, the marina is open year-round and currently operated by Capt. Kenneth Anderson and his family.

The facility offers a full range of fishing choices from 5 large & affordable Deep Sea Head/Party boats for bottom fishing, to over 25 Private Charter Boats for custom built offshore adventures including Sport Fishing& Trolling; to 4 Dive & Snorkel boats for spear fishing and sightseeing. There’s also the Capt. Anderson III, an iconic double decker sightseeing boat; and the newest boat in the fleet, the Shell Island Express Ferry,the most convenient and least expensive way to enjoy spending the day at Shell Island.  The combined marina fleet has a daily carrying capacity well in excess of 2,000 persons, and the sprawling parking lot accommodates 800 vehicles so there is plenty of free parking and room for buses.

Also conveniently located at the marina are 2 large Waterfront Restaurants, a Nautical Gift Shop, a Fish Market where you can purchase fresh seafood or have your own fresh catch cleaned & packed for travel, and a local Farmers Market in the parking lot every weekend!

For all of the boat schedules, up-to-date event information, and to watch a video of the Seafari Eco-Tour, visit CaptAndersonsMarina.com ; also like us on Facebook, and #CaptAndersonsMarina.

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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.

Port Orleans French Quarter is one of the smallest resorts on Disney property with 1008 rooms in seven three-story buildings. A ‘sister’ resort next door, Port Orleans Riverside has more than twice the number of rooms. The small size 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.

The food court called Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is decorated with Mardi Gras parade props featuring standard fare as well as Cajun specialties such as jambalaya and gumbo. Authentic beignets are a special treat at the bakery and can be addicting. Pizza delivery is also offered. A drawback of this resort is that it lacks a full-service restaurant. However, Boatright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Riverside is within walking distance. 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. An interactive water play is for children is scheduled to open in early spring, 2016. 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 Disney Springs and by bus to other locations. Bring your family to the Disney version of the “Big Easy” and enjoy a vacation to remember.

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is the 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 sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

Baby Dolphin Born at Discovery Cove in Orlando, FL

Discovery Cove in Orlando has a whole new reason to celebrate dolphin awareness month this March with the birth of Skye – a 52-pound newborn dolphin.

On February 23^rd, 2016 at approximately 5:36 a.m., 32-year old dolphin, Astra gave birth to this flippered bundle of joy. The newborn is a healthy 4-foot long calf that is nursing and bonding with her mother.

Skye is the 30^th dolphin to be born at Discovery Cove since it opened in 2000, along with mom, she will also be joining her sisters Amara and Aries.

The Team is excited to welcome this new addition and is providing around-the-clock care for Astra and her new calf. The veterinary and animal care team has been observing the progress of the baby 24 hours a day, ensuring the highest level of care is being provided by monitoring her behavior, respirations and nursing.

Just this past week, the SeaWorld and Discovery Cove Veterinary Team performed their first neonatal wellness exam on the calf with mother, Astra by her side. These neonatal examinations are a crucial part of the general health care given to all animals at SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove.

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Disney Dreamers Academy students find ideal educational and inspirational playground at Walt Disney World Resort

Each year, 100 teens are selected from among thousands across the country to come together to participate in an once-in-a-lifetime, innovative, educational and mentoring program, the Disney Dreamers Academy.

The program is Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine. It was inspired by Walt Disney’s passion for motivating those around him to dream big. The classroom is Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Known as the place where dreams come true, Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect location for this four-day experience, designed to fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future.

Disney Dreamers Academy takes the same assets and resources that make vacation memories of a lifetime for travelers and uses them to inspire, teach and motivate this select group of students. The teens receive the unique experience of observing a living laboratory and getting behind the scenes to explore firsthand how Disney turns dreams into reality.

The 40-square-mile resort with four theme parks, two water parks, 36 resort hotels, 200 restaurants and much more, offers an abundance of resources for career exploration.

During the program, Disney Dreamers Academy students participate in immersive, hands-on workshops with Disney Cast Members, representing the best in their fields. In virtually any career in which a student might be interested, whether accounting or zoology, the Walt Disney World Resort can pull from among its team of 66,000 to provide mentorship opportunities.

Since the program’s inception, Dreamers have gone into a laboratory with a veterinarian at Animal Kingdom, prepared a meal with hydroponic vegetables grown at Epcot, mixed music in a recording studio at Hollywood Studios and built a model roller coaster with Magic Kingdom engineers.

In addition to these behind-the-scenes moments, students have the chance to hear from some of the resort’s top level executives, celebrity partners, corporate sponsors and other affiliated professionals to learn what they do, how they do it, and how they got there.

The theme parks themselves provide their own inspirational and educational moments. Each park is full of opportunities that do more than just provide entertainment, but bring to life something that otherwise might seem distant or impossible.

At Disney Dreamers Academy, students have had the chance to engage with cultures from around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase, observe animals in their natural habitats on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, hear from the country’s greatest leaders in the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom and learn about how the entire company got started at Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For students, just the experience of visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can end up being the ultimate lesson in the power of dreaming big.

“Walt Disney World exists because of one man’s dream,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Vice President of Deluxe Resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion, Tracey D. Powell. “Our goal is to continue the legacy of making dreams come true at Disney Dreamers Academy.”

 

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Epcot is not always seen as the most family-friendly park for families with little ones, but there is plenty for kids to enjoy at Epcot from the Kidcot Fun Stops to family rides. There’s so much more to Epcot than exploring the World Showcase that your whole family is sure to love. Here is our list of the top five family rides at Epcot:

1. The Seas with Nemo and Friends: This is the perfect ride for any fans of Finding Nemo (and soon to be Finding Dory). You get to board a clamshell and dive down into the big blue world to see Nemo and his friends. You will re-live his journey and then have the chance to explore huge aquariums with coral reefs, dolphins, manatees, sharks, and other sea life.
2. Living with the Land: This twenty-minute boat ride takes you through the different greenhouses at Epcot, which grow plants and crops that are harvested to feed guests throughout restaurants all over Epcot. You just may be able to spot a hidden Mickey or two on your ride, too.
3. Soarin’: Although you do have to be at least 40 inches tall to ride Soarin’, this is a family favorite for kids of all ages! My son has loved this ride since his third birthday when he was big enough to ride for the first time. Previously, this ride took you soaring over California, but should have new destinations to see after the refurbishment is complete this summer.
4. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: This is a slow moving boat ride through the Mexico pavilion that usually has a very minimal wait time. Your kids will recognize Donald Duck as he stars in The Three Caballeros.
5. Journey Into Imagination with Figment: This is a classic attraction for Disney fans who have been visiting for a while. You get to journey into the land of imagination and learn about the five senses with Figment in this colorful, musical ride.

What do you think is the best family ride at Epcot?

Written by Siera Duiser: Siera Duiser is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical 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.

Meet n’ Greet with Characters from Disney’s Zootopia!

Beginning this spring, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Disney’s Zootopia will be visiting Disneyland Resort, where guests can find them on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney California Adventure park and at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort during the “Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party at Magic Kingdom Park. “Zootopia” opens in theaters in 3D on March 4.

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Live like a rock ‘n’ roll superstar at the exciting Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. You don’t have to be a rock star to stay at Hard Rock Hotel. But after just a few hours, you’ll definitely get used to living the lifestyle.

There is a wealth of recreation and personal service and attention that will make you feel like a Celebrity. The Hard Rock Hotel is lively, yet laid back. Classy, yet totally casual, with a sand beach pool that immerses you in sound, not just water; authentic rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia; the legendary Palm Restaurant and more.

When you book a room at the Hard Rock, you not only get superb service and quality accommodations, you will also benefit when you visit Universal Studios. Guests will be able to skip the regular lines with unlimited ride access in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day). You will also receive early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, 1 hour before the theme parks open. You will have priority seating at select restaurants throughout the resort and complimentary transportation to both theme parks, City Walk, Wet ‘n Wild, Sea World, and Aquatica.

Having all these free and complimentary services, made my visit so much more enjoyable because I had nothing to worry about. I was able to relax and enjoy the ADVENTURE!

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 help you, one destination at a time. You can reach me at joanne@destinationsinflorida.com.