You can sail to the Caribbean on Oasis of the Seas and experience a cruise unlike any other! From exciting and adventurous activities to delicious dining options, your whole family will love sailing on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Oasis of the Seas.

Your kids will never be bored on this vacation. They can swim at the H2O Zone kids water park, visit with some of their favorite DreamWorks characters, catch a movie, learn to surf at one of two FlowRider surf simulators, conquer one of two 43 foot high rock walls, cool off at the ice skating rink, zip line 82 feet across the ship, and so much more. Your kids are sure to love the complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program and teen program as well.

Don’t worry mom and dad, there’s plenty for you to do, too. You can get away and unwind at the jazz club or comedy club or karaoke bar, swim at the adults only pool, work out at the fitness center, shop in designer boutiques, or relax at the full-service Vitality Spa. There are also plenty of entertainment options from Broadway’s hit musical CATS to ice skating shows and more.

No one will go hungry during your cruise either with twenty-five dining options onboard. You can try the six-course seasonal menu at 150 Central Park by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, Chops Grille American steakhouse, Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, and other delicious restaurants.

When will your family visit the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas?

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.

Guests now have a new option to create and personalize retail Magic Bands at Walt Disney World Resort. Walt Disney World recently opened a new retail Magic Band on Demand station inside the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. location near Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom Park. This new option for guests is similar to the D-Tech on Demand boutique first introduced in June 2014 at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace.

At the Tomorrowland location, you may choose to create either a retail MagicBand or a D-Tech phone case. If creating a retail MagicBand, we offer your choice of eight different Magic Band colors including purple. There are also approximately 40 graphics to apply to your custom Magic Band. There will be a few Magic Band graphics that will only be found in this location that salute classic Magic Kingdom Park attractions and icons. In addition to artwork, the retail MagicBand can be personalized with a name printed on the outside.

Once designed, the retail MagicBand is printed in the location. The printers use UV ink which dries immediately and requires no cooling time.

For the final step, the custom retail MagicBand can be either associated to your My Disney Experience account, or you can give it as a gift to friends or family who may be visiting Walt Disney World Resort soon.

Retail for a custom retail MagicBand is $21.95 while a personalized retail MagicBand is $29.95.

Twenty-four of the world’s most endangered sea turtles were flown from Massachusetts to Florida yesterday for life-saving rehabilitation by SeaWorld experts. The critically debilitated, cold-stunned turtles are part of the overwhelming amount of stranded and endangered sea turtles impacted by the region’s oncoming winter weather, and were flown to Orlando courtesy of the United States Coast Guard.

The 24 juvenile sea turtles flown in on Thursday were originally rescued by the New England Aquarium and volunteers of the Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary at Wellfleet Bay on Cape Cod.  The sea turtles were re-warmed and stabilized by the New England Aquarium at their marine animal hospital in Quincy, Mass. until they were ready for transport.

Sea turtle experts at SeaWorld spent much of the night conducting full health examinations on each turtle to determine health status. The goal is to provide a stable environment for the sea turtles to regain their strength, and ultimately be returned as soon as possible.

HISTORY REPEATING:

This week’s rescue is a repeat of history, as last winter (November 2014) SeaWorld Orlando helped care for 72 cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles rescued in New England under similar circumstances.  All of these turtles were cared for by SeaWorld and successfully returned to warmer ocean waters once they were rehabilitated.

On Saturday, January 16, the nationally broadcast Sea Rescue™ will air its 100th original episode featuring the record-breaking turtle cold stunning event in New England from November 2014 to January 2015 that involved hundreds of turtles being flown south for rehabilitation.    This special episode showcases the partnership between SeaWorld and other organizations coming together to save these endangered turtles.

Shell Shocked, the story of the New England cold stun turtles, airs Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17on ABC affiliates.  Check your local listings.

For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. More than 27,000 animals have been rescued by the expert animal rescue team that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at (888) 404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.

2016 is shaping up to be truly unforgettable for guests at Walt Disney World Resort with the debut of new attractions and stunning shows, delectable new dining options, signature shopping locations and returning guest-favorite annual events.

Here are the top reasons to start packing your bags for a Walt Disney World vacation:

1. The Galaxy Is Sweeter Than Ever Before: New Star Wars Experiences Debut

Starting Jan. 5, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will launch its latest Star Wars-inspired experience with the addition of the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.” As the enthralling fireworks show lights up the sky, guests can enjoy out-of-this-world desserts and specialty drinks in this separate ticket offering until March 19. This experience complements all of the other new ways to experience Star Wars in the park, including Star Wars Launch Bay, which takes guests into the Star Wars saga, including the newest movie adventure, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

2. Light Up The Night With “Rivers of Light” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will come alive at night with new nighttime entertainment and experiences, the most spectacular being the “Rivers of Light” show debuting this spring. With a waterway as its stage, the innovative new show will feature entertainers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery in a performance that truly brings the animal kingdom to life at night.

3. Explore Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night

Starting in spring, guests will get to experience the African savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a whole new light: amid the orange glow of the setting sun. During the nighttime adventure, guests can extend their travels on the safaris into the evening.

 4. Experience Frozen Ever After at Epcot

The new “Frozen”-inspired attraction will open its doors in the Norway pavilion at Epcot in spring. In it, guests will be transported to the Winter in Summer Celebration where Queen Elsa creates a special day for the kingdom. Guests also will travel to Elsa’s Ice Palace, the ice-blue world of the North Mountain, and the Bay of Arendelle.

 5. Stop By The New Frozen Character Greeting Location at Epcot

Guests can meet the royal sisters Anna and Elsa at Epcot at a new character greeting location in the Royal Sommerhus at the Norway pavilion starting in spring.

6. Experience New Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park

This new, themed restaurant opens in December 2015 and gives guests the chance to experience “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” in one of several unique dining rooms, including a crew mess hall and a once-hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorers and Adventurers. The restaurant is staffed by friendly Jungle Cruise Skippers, known for their clever jokes.

7. Try New Dining Offerings at Disney Springs

Disney Springs will continue to grow in 2016, with plans to add new eateries including STK steakhouse, The Edison, Sprinkles, Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, as well as two new restaurant concepts by chefs Art Smith and Rick Bayless.

8. A Shopper’s Paradise at Disney Springs

As Disney Springs nears completion with the opening of Town Center, 2016 will bring some new, must-do retail shops to Disney Springs, including Edward Beiner, Lilly Pulitzer, L’Occitane en Provence, PANDORA, Tommy Bahama, UGG, UNIQLO and Zara.

9. Staying Fit While Having Fun With runDisney Events

The 2016 runDisney racing season kicks off Jan. 6-10 with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. This will be the first of four racing weekends held at Walt Disney World Resort in 2016, which include:

• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Feb. 18-21
• Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side April 14-17
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Nov. 4-5.

10. Save On A Magical Stay at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Guests visiting early in 2016 can take advantage of a special Disney resort hotels offer for stays most nights Jan. 2 – April 13 and save up to 25 percent on rooms at select Disney resort hotels.

11. Enjoy Walt Disney World’s Springtime Events

Epcot will be in full bloom this spring when the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, with its colorful topiaries and dozens of Outdoor Kitchens, returns for 90 days starting March 2 through May 15, the longest the festival has ever run. And, more fun grows at Disney Springs with Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival March 17.

12. Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot

Guests onboard the popular Soarin’ attraction will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its debut at Epcot in 2016.

13. Dine at Tiffin’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The parks’ newest eatery will open its doors this spring to offer a menu inspired by the places the Imagineers traveled to when developing Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffin’s will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.

14. Celebrate The Invictus Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports

The Invictus Games will come to the United States for the first time ever in 2016. The games celebrate our wounded servicemen and women from around the world competing in a variety of sports events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex May 8-12.

 15. Experience Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Grown-up guests can party with the Disney Villains in a soiree led by Dr. Facilier from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” at the new Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The fun starts Jan. 16 and is a separate ticket event. Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included.

16. Share An Unforgettable Fall & Holiday Season

A new year means the return of festive fall events, including The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and more.

Make 2016 the year to visit Disney World!

Take a Ride on LEGOLAND Project X Coaster

LEGOLAND Florida is located in Winter Haven, Florida. It’s just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks or downtown Tampa, and it’s a must-do for families with LEGO lovers!

With rides for little ones, thrill rides, water rides and more, there’s something for everyone at LEGOLAND. One of the “thrill” rides is the Project X Coaster. It’s a “mouse” type coaster that starts out with a high hill. There are sharp turns and quick drops on this fun ride. Riders are carried by a small four person car. Without much weight, the vehicles zip along the track for your ride and the coaster reaches speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. There’s a vertical drop of the ride is almost 50 feet, too!

Take a virtual ride through with our POV video here:

Details about Legoland Rides on Project X:

• Guests must be able to transfer to ride vehicle
• Minimum rider height is 42 inches
• Guests below 48 inches in height must be accompanied by a responsible rider of this height or taller

About LEGOLAND Florida:

The only Florida interactive theme park where LEGO^® comes to life and kids take control.

LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort is built for kids. The 150-acre interactive theme park offers more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, restaurants, shopping, a breathtaking botanical garden and the LEGOLAND Water Park all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. The LEGOLAND Hotel is located just steps from the park entrance and features 152 rooms. Recently opened, Heartlake City is a colorful new land based on the LEGO^® Friends toy line.

Coming in 2016, The LEGO Movie 4D Adventure.

Who doesn’t want to save time when visiting Mickey and Minnie? Here are a few tips I have put together to help you save time and make your visit to Walt Disney World magical.

Tip #1 – Get To Know Your Resort
When you arrive, I always suggest my guests take that first day to get to know their resort. Find out where the buses pick up and drop off, and how far it is from your room. Find out the hours the buses run. Find out when Breakfast is served so you can grab a bite to eat and then catch the bus. Make sure you get on the right bus, look at the marque at the top of the bus. Most of this information is available when you check in, so be sure to ask your resort Cast Member.

Tip #2 – Make FASTPASS Reservations
Make sure you download the Disney App for your Smartphone. Making FastPass reservations will get you to your ride quicker and if there are any changes, the app will let you know. (Sometimes when it rains all day, they will open the FastPass for any time) Also, reserving your ride time to the morning hours, will help with lines as well.

Tip #3 – Get To the Parks Early
Don’t wait for the parks to open to go. Get up early, get some breakfast then head out to the parks on the first bus available, even if you have to wait for the park to open, you will still get to the rides before most of the public. Many of the Characters are in the parks early, so photo ops will be easy. Park maps can also be found in the lobby of your resort so you can do some planning that first day and be ready to hit the parks on day 2.

Tip #4 – Make Advance Dining Reservations
If you are going to eat at any of the sit-down restaurants, you will NEED to make Reservations. Wait lines can be up to hours, and that’s before you even get to the person who actually makes the reservation.

Tip #5 – Bring a “Survival Kit”

Put together a small Survival Kit such as Band-Aids, lotion, Ibuprofen, sunscreen, ponchos (yes it rains at Disney!), hand wipes, etc. The lines at the gift shops can get really long.

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.

A new Sunday brunch option, Brunch at the Top, arrives at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The menu is filled with fresh, market-driven cuisine such as shrimp and grits with Gulf White Shrimp, Chef’s frittata with Three Lake Meadow Farms Eggs, and grilled flat iron steak with soft poached eggs. The multi-course meal also includes an over-the-top Bloody Mary Bar and sweet mini-desserts. Cost is $80, $48 ages 3 to 11 and reservations can be made at DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

The owners of Destinations in Florida Travel love Star Wars, just as much as you do!

How much do they love it?  Check out a funny video from their recent visit to Legoland Hotel.

When you think of going to Disney on a Family vacation, one of the places you typically don’t think about (unless you are coming for a competition) is ESPN Wide World of Sports. Typically known for high school and college sports competitions, ESPN Wide World of Sports is overlooked by many families vacationing at Disney. So, why would you want to spend any time there with all the theme parks have to offer?

RunDisney Races

I know what you are thinking: “But I am not a runner!” Most people don’t know that with each Disney race comes a kids race. Kids races go from 6 months up to 12 years old and at a fraction of the cost ($15 per child for the dashes) of the runDisney races, they are a wonderful experience for your child. Most children dress up as characters and princesses to run. Your child gets to come to the expo to pick up their packet with all of the adult runners. They are given a bib and a T-shirt with the year and race on it. The race distances vary by ages from the 100m dash to the 400m dash. For the more advanced runners, they have a 1-mile fun run. For the babies who can’t even walk, they have the Diaper Dash, where they lay out mats and let the kids crawl to the finish line. As each child crosses the finish line, they receive a high-five from a Disney character and a medal. If you are planning to be at Disney during one of the race weekends, plan on signing your child up for one of these races. The downfall is that the races begin booking 180 days in advance and often sell out quickly. So, make sure you sign up on the RunDisney website to receive reminder emails.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training

Next time you vacation at Disney, carves out some time for your child to participate in a race or attend a baseball game. While not your typical Disney experience, ESPN Wide World of Sports can offer your family memories and experiences that they will never forget.

Kristi Gregory lives in Orlando with her husband and two boys.  Who better to plan a trip to Universal than a local who visits Universal multiple times a week?  Her clients enjoy insider tips, personalized itinerary planning, and attention to every detail of your trip.  Call Kristi at (859) 229-4840  or kristi@destinationstoexplore.com to start planning your next vacation. 

A sweet new way for guests to have even more out-of-this-world Star Wars fun begins Jan. 8 and runs through March 19, 2016, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party happens nightly beginning one hour prior to the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show. Guests can enjoy a selection of sweets as the night sky erupts with impressive fireworks, set to the most dramatic and memorable Star Wars themes of all time, including selections from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

On the menu, guests will enjoy lots of Star Wars themed treats, including the popular droid and Darth Vader cupcakes and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Call 877-918-8941 or your favorite Destinations in Florida agent to book your Star Wars dessert party.