Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Lights, action and plenty of entertainment awaits you in this magical city. From the amazing Cirque Du Soleil shows concerts featuring past and present artists to a comedian that will make you laugh like never before, Vegas is the place to be.

Besides the Hotels that are known for their glitz and glimmer, Las Vegas has other unique activities that are rarely talked about. You could do Indoor Skydiving, Tandem Skydiving, Zip Lines at the Bootleg Canyon and Voodoo Zipline, learn to fly an airplane (Sky Combat), shoot machine guns, ride race cars, fly in a hot air balloon, do extreme canyoning, or even jump from the Stratosphere Tower, and other must-do crazy things in Vegas.

Among the most fun things to do in Las Vegas are racing, off-road adventure tours & ATVs, dirt bikes, RZR and Dune Buggies. The rides vary in difficulty – some RZRs are appropriate starting from age 16 and don’t require any preparation. There are ATV tours that need you to be experienced, and for riding dirt bikes you need of course to be a seasoned biker! The rides usually take place in picturesque places – Hidden Valley, Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire.

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.

You saved up your hard-earned cash and have decided to take your family to Orlando.  That is the first step in making memories to last a lifetime.  Did you know that Universal Orlando Resort and Royal Caribbean International have partnered to give you the best overall family vacation? 

Here are my top Five reasons why you need to extend your Universal Orlando vacation and add a Royal Caribbean Cruise.  

Combining two great adventures into one vacation:. Most families will fly in to visit the Universal Orlando Resort. Now that you are in Florida you are very close to one of the many cruise ports in the area with Port Canaveral is only one hour away. So why not save time and money by adding a Royal Caribbean Cruise to your current vacation. You can add the cruise pre or post Universal Orlando. I do think that enjoying a nice cruise on the back end of your vacation is the way to go.

FREE Transfers: One benefit of this great partnership is they included all of your Transfers.  From the airport,  Universal Orlando Resort and to Port Canaveral to board your ship. No need to rent a car or pay for a shuttle it is all included in your pre or post add on.

Vacation from your vacation:  With all of the walking and running around your family will do by visiting the Two major theme parks at Universal Orlando.  Hanging out with Harry Potter and Blue Man Group. You will be ready to relax; there is no better way to relax than to be sipping a frozen drink on the Lido deck of a cruise ship. Enjoy a nice relaxing day at the spa offering massages, facials and much more. Or just relax in one of the hot tubs or pools enjoying the ocean breeze.

Experience the Island Life: Choose from a 3 or 4 Night Bahamas Cruise. Or enjoy a longer 4, 5 or 7 Night Eastern/Western Caribbean cruise. Go shopping at the local markets and find one of a kind handmade items. Find a great white sand beach and make some footprints in the sand. Take a tour of the quaint towns and immerse yourself in the Island culture.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has something for everyone:  Offering great children’s and teen programs at Adventure Ocean to keep the kids busy.  Great dining, You can choose from fine, casual or specialty dining.  World class entertainment and shows all included in your price.   With great shopping and Bingo, there is no need to leave the ship. Plus Duty-FREE shopping on many items, including Jewelry, Liquor and much more.

So why wait? You can now experience the best of both worlds by combining a Universal Orlando Vacation with a Royal Caribbean Cruise.

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 

 

Calling All Lovers of Good Music, Eats and Brews!

It’s time again to eat, drink and rock at SeaWorld Orlando’s Bands, Brew & BBQ festival every Saturday and Sunday, February 13 through March 6. The event is in partnership with USO Central Florida and honors America’s heroes.  It features live concerts from top classic rock and country musical artists, tasty BBQ and thirst-quenching brews, and special discounts for active duty military and veterans.

This year’s event kicks off with live performances by the unstoppable multi-platinum, Grammy nominated Smash Mouth on Saturday, February 13, and R&B legend, Gladys Knight, fondly known as the “Empress of Soul” on Sunday, February 14.  Event festivities begin at 12 p.m. each weekend, with concerts at 4 p.m.*

In addition to the signature acts and festivities, the event also will feature a secondary stage to showcase local bands, and a DJ spinning music for guests to show off their line dancing and boot scootin’ skills.

Beyond the stage, guests can enjoy a Harley-Davidson Orlando display of motorcycles specifically for Bands, Brew and BBQ along with a collection of classic cars.

Returning this year, the patriotic-themed USO Family Garden will offer animal encounters, Explore Zones and a kid-friendly interactive host making this the perfect place to play for families with young guests. Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy this family-friendly area while they learn to line dance, meet animals and have fun all afternoon.

Bands, Brew & BBQ is included with regular park admission.

SPECIAL PACKAGES:

For a VIP experience, packages with reserved seating are available.

• VIP Front Row Seating & BBQ Package – Starting at just $40, guests can reserve a front row seat (just inches from the artists); enjoy a delicious BBQ Tasting Sampler, and one Quick Queue unlimited.

• Concert Floor Seating & Quick Queue – Starting at just $24, guests can reserve floor seats right in front of the band and Quick Queue unlimited.

This year, SeaWorld’s chef experts fire up the grill with a bold array of BBQ options beyond the ordinary.  From smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy, there are options for every craving, plus guests can match menu items with specific craft brews or a flight of wine.

SPECIAL BANDS, BREW & BBQ PACKAGES INCLUDE:

New this year, connoisseurs of BBQ and craft brews can delight in sizzling sampler packages sure to elevate the taste buds.

• BBQ Tasting Sampler – Guests can choose up to five menu items from SeaWorld’s sampler selections at any of the Bands, Brew & BBQ food locations for just $20.

• Craft Brew Sampler – Guests sample 10 ice-cold craft beers — from a selection of more than 30 brews — for just $30.

• BBQ Tasting and Craft Brew Sampler (Best Value) – This sampler includes five menu items and five craft brew samples along the Bands, Brew & BBQ Pathway –all for only $35.

MILITARY OFFER – ACTIVE DUTY AND VETERANS

• SeaWorld Orlando also is proud to offer a special discount for enlisted men and women and veterans during this event, including 50% off the standard price of the 2016 Fun Card, which allows unlimited admission to SeaWorld all year for the price of a single-day ticket. Military also get 10% off special sampler Bands, Brew & BBQ packages. For more details, visit wavesofhonor.com.

LIMITED TIME OFFER – 2016 SEAWORLD ORLANDO FUN CARD

• As a special discount for purchasing early — now through March 6— guests who purchase a Fun Card will pay for less than a day and play all year long. During this special timeframe, the 2016 SeaWorld Orlando Fun Card is just $94 plus tax, which is a $5 savings.

*Event times, dates and talent are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

 

One of the best parts of a Walt Disney World vacation is the opportunity to try some delicious snacks. While Rice Krispie Treats are a simple treat that anyone can make at home, Disney puts a little magic into these to make them extra special.

There’s nothing better than a snack shaped like Mickey, and you will find them in all shapes and sizes at many different locations throughout the Disney parks and resorts. If you visit Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs, you can create your very own customized Rice Krispie Treats with toppings of your choice.

The options for this iconic snack are seemingly endless as they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are dipped in chocolate or bright, candy coating, drizzled with caramel or colored frosting or sprinkled with glittery goodness. You’ll see toppings galore including, crushed candy or cookies, m&m’s, peanut butter chips, nuts, chocolate chips and more. During Holiday seasons throughout the year, the adorable treats are available in different themes. You can even purchase pre-packaged Rice Krispie Treats using a snack credit when using a Disney Dining Plan and take a little magic back home.

My favorite place to get one of these goodies is at the Confectionery on Main Street in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park. Quite often, you can watch as they prepare them in the open kitchen. If you happen to be there at the right time, you may even get a free sample.

Be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth by trying a Rice Krispie Treats during your next Walt Disney World vacation. You’ll fall in love…guaranteed.

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 sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

Gator100 Award to be Received February 19, 2016

We are proud to announce Destinations in Florida will be honored with University of Florida’s Gator100 Award for the second consecutive year.

Founded in 2015, University of Florida’s Gator100 honors the 100 fastest-growing, Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses in the world. The Gator100 recognizes Gator alumni who have built successful ventures. It is a celebration of this entrepreneurial spirit as well as the accomplishments of these companies.

Destinations in Florida’s owners and co-founders Allison and Tim Jones are both graduates of University of Florida.

“We are incredibly honored to be nominated again for the Gator100,” Allison remarked. She went on to explain, “Our company was built on marketing that is ‘outside the box.’ Every successful marketing tactic was unique and different from our competition. We continue to strive to be ‘one of a kind’ and come up with marketing ideas that are truly unique. In doing so, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit regularly, and we could not be more proud of our affiliation with UF, so it’s especially meaningful to be part of this exclusive group!”

The Gator100 Celebration events include day and a half of entrepreneurial activities planned across the UF Campus and culminating in the Gator100 Awards on Friday, February 19, 2016. Hundreds are expected to be in attendance, including students, University of Florida faculty and leadership, and entrepreneurial supporters from across the state. The guests will participate in workshops and sessions focused on celebrating the Gator Entrepreneur.

From businesses that serve the world to businesses serving their communities, the Gator100 is designed to recognize them all.  To be eligible for the Gator100, companies must have been in business for at least five years, be Gator-led or Gator-owned and have annual revenues of $100,000 or more. The Gator100 is ranked by Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), which is used to determine year-over-year growth over the past three years.  Destinations to Explore, the parent company of Destinations in Florida, was ranked number 53 in 2015. This year’s rankings and awards will be presented during the Gator100 Awards Gala on February 19, 2016 in the J. Wayne Reitz Union Grand Ballroom located on campus at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.

Go Gators!

Around the world in 80 days? How about one day? Tour some of the great countries of the world on your journey through EPCOT’s World Showcase.
Most of the countries in EPCOT’s World Showcase have attractions of their own to enjoy including vivid movies, amazing art exhibits, and entertaining rides and shows. You should also plan on taking some time just to explore each location. The details in the architecture and flora will transport you to another world. Look around at all the shops and maybe pick up an authentic souvenir or two. And there is no better place to sample an amazing variety of delicious food and drinks from around the world than here.

EPCOT’s World Showcase is one of my favorite places to just wander and people-watch at Walt Disney World. Grab a drink or snack and find a bench. Be sure to check out some of the amazing entertainment acts offered throughout the park as well, from the inspiring Voices of Liberty to the unbelievable Jeweled Dragon Acrobats and the always entertaining British Revolution, and everything in between, you can easily spend a full day in just this half of Epcot.

Another fun part about World Showcase is finding your favorite characters in their home countries. You may see Belle in France or Aladdin and Jasmine in Morocco, or even Senor Donald Duck in Mexico, in full Three Caballeros glory.

And what better way to end a day at Epcot than Illuminations, a stunning fireworks show that celebrates the spirit of humanity. Stake out your spot early for this not-to-be-missed spectacle. The perfect ending to a fantastic trip around the world.

Do you have a favorite attraction in EPCOT’s World Showcase?

Want to “travel the world” yourself? Laura can help! 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 with Laura at laura@destinationsinflorida.com.

Create-Your-Own Snack at Goofy’s Candy Co.

Goofy’s Candy Co. at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) has a very special create-your-own option to customize your very own perfect snack!

Start out by selecting your treat from options like caramel apple, pretzel rods, marshmallows, and Mickey krispy rice treats.

Next, you select a dipping flavor from white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate.

Then, you can choose one topping (or more with an additional fee) from a huge list including:

• mini M&Ms
• sprinkles
• peanut butter chips
• chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts
• sliced almonds
• cinnamon & sugar
• dark & white chocolate chips
• crushed Oreo cookie crumbs
• crushed Butterfinger
• Reese’s Pieces
• Trail Mix
• Coconut

Last, but not least, you can select one drizzle from milk, white or dark chocolate.

Once you have made all your selections, the Goofy’s Candy Co. Cast Members make your creation right in front of you! Check out our latest Goofy’s Candy Co. treat here:

If you prefer to stick with the classics, you can dig into bags of flavored popcorn, fresh cotton candy and Frozen-themed items like Olaf apples and cake pops here too. Goody’s Candy Co. is located in the Marketplace at Disney Springs and is open daily.

What snack will you create?

Disney World is a land filled with Magic and delight. There are rides for all ages that will thrill and delight even the youngest in your family. My top picks are based on my kiddos and which rides both my prince and princess have enjoyed over the years.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Dumbo is amazing and is located in Fantasyland, a favorite for little visitors. The carriage shaped just like the beloved elephant flies up and down creating a thrilling ride for the little ones. I love the giggles when the carriage falls a little when you let go of the button.

Toy Story Midway Mania – This 3-D ride entertains both the young and old. The kids get to hold onto a gun which sends 3-D objects flying to a screen in front of you. You shoot darts at balloons, throw pies, break clay plates. This ride spins and moves while the little ones interact with their favorite Toy Story characters, making this an enjoyable ride for both the adults and the children.

Peter Pan’s Flight – This ride is great for kids of all ages, and the children love as the carriage lifts them up over the land scape below. You can see the streets of London and the Tower of Big Ben, fly over the pirate ships and crocodile and experience Neverland the same way Wendy and Peter do, flying high above in the sky, all from the safety of your carriage.

The Sea’s with Nemo & Friends –This is a perfect ride for toddlers. When my daughter was 15 months and son was four we rode this ride at least 2 or 3 times a visit. Who wouldn’t love a shell-shaped carriage to bring you under the sea to enjoy watching your favorite friends from Finding Nemo? As the ride comes to an end, you glide past the real aquarium and see live sharks and sea creatures.

Journey into Imagination with Figment – This ride is fun for the little ones. This silly ride grabs the audience’s attention with Figment, the cute character that teaches your little ones about the five senses. Be careful with the smell lab, though, I’m sure your kids will giggle as they get a whiff of the wonderful aroma. At the end of the ride, your kids can enjoy themselves as they play with music and create their own figments. A little warning, the store at the end of the ride is filled with cute Figment stuffed animals.

Disney Is filled with joy and entertainment; I hope your little ones enjoy these rides as much as mine did.

This article was written by Pam Mikhail, an agent with Destinations to explore. She 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 lines, you know she has the expertise to get you the best deal and the best vacation offering you 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 (262)442-0706

The Ganachery:  New Gourmet Chocolate Shop at Disney Springs

The Ganachery, which is located in The Landing section of Disney Springs, is now open!

The Ganachery is a jewel box of a shop that showcases the beauty of chocolate with an experience much like a wine tasting. A well-trained chocolatier will greet guests as they enter The Ganachery, where an expert will be on stage mixing, decorating and enrobing each delicate bite.

The star of the show is a custom-made ganache, Disney’s own recipe for a luxurious mixture of melted chocolate and cream.

An extraordinary custom-blended dark chocolate is blended with cream, then covered in a “chocolate waterfall” to create 16 fabulous flavors, from coffee to cinnamon and curry. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! The signature flavor is dark chocolate with a note of Florida orange. All of the flavors fall into four categories: Spices, such a chipotle; Classic, such as orange, vanilla and caramel; Trendy, such as matcha yuzu chocolate; and Fruit, such as passion fruit and calamansi. There’s nothing ordinary about these tastes.

The trend in the United States is dark chocolate, and the Ganachery uses a bold, 65 percent dark chocolate made with a touch of vanilla. The shop offers both milk and dark so that there is something for everyone.

Even the boxes are a work of art – big flavors wrapped in tiny, beautiful boxes are a lovely souvenir.

Anyone who loves Disney knows that they never do anything unless they can do it in the most magical and memorable way. The Disney Cruise Terminal at Port Canaveral is no exception. Your Disney Cruise Line memories start way before you ever step foot into your home at sea. Compared to other cruise terminals you will find this one to not only function in a quick and painless manner but also be filled with Disney magic throughout. One perk our family always enjoys is that this is the Disney Cruise Terminal, so you do not have to stress about if you are going to the right terminal or being in massive amounts of people. Because of this, your amount of time spent in line is cut drastically as well as just an overall more memorable experience that you will not mind thinking back on. As soon as you enter the terminal you will pass through security similar to that of airports and then you will be greeted by the friendliest Disney Cruise Line Cast Members as you enter the second floor of the cruise terminal and complete your check-in.

Once you have finished checking in you will be able to explore the terminal which is much more than just a holding room for those waiting to board. You will find areas with comfy seating, TV’s with Disney classic movies playing as well as information on the cruise and cruise line. Additionally, you will be able to check-in the younger Disney cruisers and make sure they are all set up to have an amazing time onboard your ship. Before you board make sure to start your cruise off right by getting your family photo with Captain Mickey in the cruise terminal!

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 at kari@destinationsinflorida.com.