We know you come to Florida for the warm tropical breezes and sunshine!  How about something new?  On February 13, the Special Olympics hosts their annual Polar Plunge event at the Aquatica by Sea World water park.  Aquatic makes the wave pool super chilly for this event.

There is no cost for plunging but Plungers are asked to fundraise a minimum of $100.  Plungers create their own personal Plunge web page; so friends, family and co-workers can donate online.  During this event, only the wave pool is chilled down, the rest of the rides are heated.  You and your spectators can enjoy Aquatica all day!

Help raise money for a great cause and have some crazy Florida fun during your vacation.  Click here for more info about joining this event.

As you know we love Harry Potter! WB Shop is having a special 3 day sale where you can buy your favorite Harry Potter shirt and then get the 2nd one at 50% off. That is a super sweet deal, even for Muggles!

Here are our favorite Harry Potter shirts:

Harry Potter Snape Portrait Adult T-Shirt 

$24.95-26.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hogwarts Burning Juniors Long Raglan Sleeve Black T-Shirt

$23.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gryffindor House Tie and Crest Youth White T-shirt

You can get this one in any of the other houses.

$19.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harry Potter Film Titles Adult Black T-Shirt

$24.95-26.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exclusive Personalized Ravenclaw Quidditch Robe Youth Jersey Style T-Shirt 

You can get this one in any of the other houses. Our house is divided between all four houses. What house are you?

$54.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are our favorite Harry Potter shirts! Now is the time to buy your favorites with this 3 day sale on all Harry Potter shirts. Buy one get one 50% off ends on 1/19 at 6 AM. Click here to start shopping.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I love to try new restaurants in the Magic Kingdom.

Here are my top 5 choices and why I think they are such great places to grab a bite to eat at the most magical place on earth

1) Tony’s Town Square–imagine two adorable doggies sharing spaghetti and meatballs–oh, Lady & The Tramp you say? Well, you are correct, and this restaurant takes that scene and puts you at Tony’s restaurant. I love the ambiance; the service is always warm and welcoming, and the spaghetti and meatballs are doggone delicious. Be sure to add this restaurant to your list of dining options

2) Casey’s Corner–right on Main Street, takes you back to the days of dates at the local soda shop sharing a root beer float with your sweetheart. Reminisce about the good old days as you enjoy a hot dog, the amazing french fries (some of my favorite french fries anywhere) and a shake while watching families walk down Main Street

3) Tortuga Tavern–this hidden gem my family stumbled upon after getting off the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, we were hungry and saw the sign and decided to check it out–so glad we did. Huge portions, ample sitting space, shade and something different from your usual sandwiches and fries. Highly recommend this as a hearty quick serve meal.

4) Cinderella’s Royal Table–I was hesitant to try Cinderella’s Royal Table out as I love Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot, didn’t know how CRT would measure up to the amazing experiences I have had at Akershus. Pleasantly surprised–taken up the long winding staircase after meeting and getting our picture taken with a Princess–it was Belle the day we visited. Sat down and could not believe the attention to detail from our waiter, the interaction with the Princesses and the gourmet breakfast we had. Be prepared for the 2 sit down credits you will use for this restaurant, but overall you can’t beat the fact you’re dining in Cinderella’s Castle

5) Be Our Guest–last but not least, the famous Be Our Guest inside the Beasts castle. We had a quick serve lunch here and ate in the main dining room–I liked that we chose our meals at the kiosks and were served within a few minutes of being seated. The kids meals were huge; my two young children barely could finish their food. My husband had the tuna Nicoise sandwich, and he said it was one of the best sandwiches he has ever had (he is the sandwich connoisseur of our family) Trying out a dinner is next our on the list when we head back to Disney, but the lunch is worth a try.

Written by Regina Cwiklinski, travel planner with Destinations to Explore specializing in Disney destinations, Universal Orlando, Beach Vacations, and Cruises. If you are interested in ideas or help planning your next vacation, you can contact Regina at regina@destinationsinflorida.com.

Guests trekking through Africa at Disney Animal Kingdom park will enjoy the new Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks. This adventurous food and beverage location rests near the foot of Expedition Everest and treats guests to an assortment of exotic drinks and eats.

The Trek Snacks menu varies throughout the day, with delicious pastries in the morning and more substantial bites such as sushi and sandwiches in the afternoon and evening. Breakfast pastries include assorted muffins and Danish, croissants and an indulgent chocolate twist. Healthful snacks offered include fresh fruit, crudité and hummus, edamame and an Asian noodle salad.

The Thirsty River Bar represents the type of cultural collision that has become a hallmark of the villages that serve as base camps for Everest trekkers. This must-stop location for climbers returning from their ascent features themed specialty cocktails, such as the Khumbu Icefall,  Himalayan Ghost and Durbar Margarita. Non-alcoholic beverages also are available, including the tropical-flavored Flying Yak and the Pink Lotus.

Contact us at 877-918-8941 for any questions about this new restaurant at Disney Animal Kingdom Park or to book your dining reservation.

Are you ready for your visit to Magic Kingdom?

Do you know how to beat the long lines and still see the “must do” rides?  Our Orlando local family take you on a 2-Day Video Tour of Magic Kingdom Park.  Learn how the local’s visit Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World.

Day 1 at Magic Kingdom

Day 2 at Magic Kingdom

COURTYARD POOL AT DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT

Escape to a serene environment at this zero-entry leisure pool, conveniently located behind the main building. Offering a calm and peaceful swimming experience, the heated Courtyard Pool descends to a maximum depth of nearly 5 feet, and features an adjacent whirlpool spa.

Complimentary towels are available at the pool and lifejackets are available at The Captain’s Shipyard. Pools lifts and other access options can be arranged for Guests with disabilities or limited mobility.

Pools are open every day, including during winter. The pools are heated to 82°F/28°C throughout the year.

The Courtyard Pool Bar is located adjacent to the Courtyard Pool at the Grand Floridian. It also has a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Plus a small menu of burgers, flat bread pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and desserts is available.

About Disney’s Grand Floridian

Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish bayside Resort hotel. Relax in the sumptuous lobby as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes. Bask on the white-sand beach, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch the fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.

Whether you are a newbie or a veteran to Disney World the Main Street Electrical Parade in the Magic Kingdom is a delight for all ages. This glowing parade of all of your favorite Disney characters is filled with spinning, and gliding floats as well as lighted dancers that are all coordinated to a 20-minute memorable soundtrack. Keep an eye out for beloved characters such as Pinocchio, Cinderella, Pete’s Dragon Elliott, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan as they build up to the unique culmination in tribute to America.

This nighttime parade begins on Main Street U.S.A. and travels up through Liberty Square and ends in Frontierland. Make sure to check your times guide because on certain nights and during the Peak Season this nighttime parade may have two showings scheduled. If there are two showings, the 2nd showing will be less crowded. If you like to use Fastpass+ for parades and fireworks viewings, Fastpass+ is available for the Main Street Electrical Parade. Our favorite viewing area is on Main Street between the flagpole and the Partner’s statue. If you are able to get positioned in this area, then you will also have a prime viewing to watch Wishes after the parade.

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.

CityWalk at Universal Orlando Gets New Sports Bar Restaurant

NBC Sports Grill & Brew introduces a unique sports-dining experience unlike anything you’ve seen before. This place is a Game Changer. Inside, a wall of Foosball tables invite guest to test their skills while nearly 100 HD screens play a constant stream of sports coverage. Offering private dining, areas for groups and an indoor-outdoor beer garden, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a stylish and sophisticated addition to Universal CityWalk®.

Take a look around the newest CityWalk hotspot here:

Located just outside Universal Studios, NBC Sports Grill & Brew with it’s 100-foot-wide stadium screen light up the area and draws you in as exciting sporting events are shown outside the building. Once inside, this new eatery offers a fun and casual atmosphere for all ages. With table games built right into your table and over 90 HD TVs throughout the establishment, the whole family will enjoy their experience here. The menu features you might expect to find in a sports bar style restaurant like nachos, flatbreads, ribs and wings as well as many interesting items such as crab scotch eggs, cedar planked salmon, brie burgers, chicken pot pie, entree salads and tons more. There are over 75 items on this menu! Check out the video to see the entire menu as well as the bar menu.

With ample seating on two floors, including covered patio seating, NBC Grill & Brew has plenty of space for large or small parties. The covered semi-outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the Florida sunshine and blue skies while you dine.

With lots of beer on tap, bottled beers, cocktails and wine, there’s a hearty selection at the bar too.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a great new addition to CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort and a must-do for sports lovers! The restaurant is now open daily from late afternoons until 2am.

 

Disney Merchandise at Disney Boutique

The Disney Theme Park Merchandise team recently introduced a new clothing and accessories line for fun loving Disney fans called “Disney Boutique.” This collection features modern styling, fabrics and trims all presented in a unique Disney way.

Disney Boutique items can be found in many shops around Walt Disney World property, but there is a central boutique at Tren-D, which is located in the Marketplace at Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney).

Take a look at all the new Disney merchandise at Tren-D with us in this video tour:

Disney Boutique merchandise is also available online at DisneyStore.com.

 

From the moment you wake up and enjoy early entrance to the Disneyland parks to the moment you rest your head on a pillow beneath a magical headboard featuring Sleeping Beauty’s Castle (more about this later), you’ll feel immersed in the spirit of Disney. The Disneyland Hotel is classic Disney with a contemporary flare. Located just steps from Downtown Disney and a short walk to both Disneyland and California Adventure.

You’ll find lots of elements from some of your favorite Disneyland Park attractions and original lands in the hotel’s three towers. In the Fantasy Tower (main building and reception area) have a seat in a teacup chair as you imagine you’re whirling around in one of the spinning teacups from the Mad Tea Party ride, or walk down memory lane as you admire all of the memorabilia displayed throughout the hotel. The Adventure Tower is themed after Adventureland houses theme-park view rooms and the concierge. It’s also a favorite of many because it’s closest to the walkway to Downtown Disney. The third tower is the Frontier Tower themed after Frontierland. The lobby boasts an amazingly detailed model of Big Thunder Mountain. No matter which building you stay in, be sure to visit the lobby in each tower. Now, more on those magical headboards – each room has a beautifully carved wooden headboard of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. There is a lamp on the bedside table that once you push the button, it illuminates fireworks over the Castle and plays When You Wish Upon a Star…the perfect way for a Disney-lover to drift off to dream.

The Disneyland Hotel offers one of the most Disney-themed pools amongst the Disney Resorts. You can splash around in the E-Ticket pool or zoom down one of the Monorail-themed water slides. You’ve never had a ride on a monorail like this before. Kids and adults will line up to ride over and over again. The pool area also offers a nice children’s splash play area. The hotel also offers several dining options with character meals at Goofy’s Kitchen, the popular Steakhouse 55, and poolside dining at Tangora Terrace and Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar. There’s no mistaking you’re staying in Disneyland when you stay at the Disneyland Hotel.