Key West and the Florida Keys is the southernmost place in the USA. The southern tip of Key West is about 90 miles from Cuba. The Florida Keys begin in Biscayne Bay and stretch southwest before ending at Dry Tortuga. There are 42 bridges that connect these different keys. The two largest islands are Key Largo and Big Pine Key.

Other well-known islands found in the Florida Keys are Islamorada, Marathon and Key West.

The Keys are very calm, serene and laid back place to visit. This is a great place to relax and rejuvenate your spirits. Key West is quaint and classic. Key West has a lot to offer with its great fishing, art, theater, Hemmingway’s Home, shopping, fine dining and lots of entertainment.

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from such as the best camping spots located in the country, luxurious resorts, quaint bed and breakfasts to rustic, family-owned lodgings.

Key Largo is known as the Diving Capital of the World since it has the most dazzling underwater parks and reefs.

Islamorada is known as the Sports Fishing Capital of the World. Plus with the variety of fish in the waters makes Islamorada a favorite of divers too.

Barbara Roach is your Personal Travel & Cruise Concierge. I have been organizing travel for years. We know the where to find the best deals, what really constitutes “value” and how you can make your vacation dollar stretch, especially when it comes to planning travel with kids.??Regardless of your destination, my goal is to exceed your every expectation and deliver you to a most enchanting vacation. We’re here for you too – just a phone call away; before, during and after your travel. For information concerning Disney or any other destination, please contact me at 401-323-1294 or email me at barbararoach@destinationsinflorida.com 

Universal Mardi Gras Concert Schedule Announced

Let the good times roll at Universal Orlando Resort’s 2016 Mardi Gras celebration. On select nights Feb. 6 through April 16, guests can top off their day in the theme parks with a family-friendly version of the famed “N’awlins” celebration at Universal Studios Florida – featuring delicious Cajun cuisine, a dazzling parade and 14 nights of exhilarating concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

This year’s star-studded concert lineup features a diverse array of talent with something for everyone to enjoy. Headliners include rock band Fall Out Boy, teen pop sensation Shawn Mendes, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Adam Lambert, country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes and legendary entertainer Diana Ross. For the complete line-up, see below.

This year’s Mardi Gras parade features 12 vibrant floats, including four new additions that celebrate different cultures and festivals from around the world – Venetian Carnival, Oktoberfest, 4^th of July and Rio de Janeiro Carnival. All of the exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.  Plus, guests can visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine and see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. Guests can take advantage of a vacation package including the all-new Cabana Bay Beach Resort starting from $149 per adult, per night, tax inclusive. The package includes 3-night on-site hotel accommodations, a 2-day Park-to-Park ticket, Early Park Admission and more. For more information on this vacation package and Mardi Gras, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

2016 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP
Mardi Gras Event Dates	Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza)	New Orleans Bands (performing in the French Quarter)
February 6	Hunter Hayes	Rockin’ Jake
February 13	Diana Ross	Mississippi Rail Company
February 14	Barenaked Ladies	Mississippi Rail Company
February 20	Nate Ruess	Naughty Professor
February 27	Fall Out Boy	Cha Wa
March 5	Kool & the Gang	Beth McKee & the Sliders
March 12	The Fray	Soul Project
March 13	Adam Lambert	Soul Project
March 19	Shawn Mendes	The Big Easy Playboys
March 20	3 Doors Down	The Big Easy Playboys
March 26	REO Speedwagon	Gravy
April 2	T-Pain	Dirty Bourbon River Show
April 9	Jessie J	Daddy Mack Blues Band
April 16	Yandel	Big Al and The Heavyweights

Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Orlando

For many of us, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® is a TV tradition this time of year. But most of us will never see the Macy’s Parade in person – or will we? Once the legendary New York City parade ends, many of its breathtaking balloons and floats are sent straight to us for Universal Studios Florida®’s very own holiday spectacular featuring marching bands, clowns, and an appearance by Santa himself! Afterwards, enjoy the spectacular tree lighting ceremony with music and a dazzling display of lights!

Watch the 2015 Macy’s Parade at Universal Studios Florida here:

Universal Studios Florida® comes alive during the holidays with balloons and floats beyond your imagination, marching bands, Santa, and seasonal sing-alongs for the little ones.

The fun continues with Grinchmas™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, featuring the Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular. Stay in the heart of the holidays at one of our spectacular on-site hotels. From special holiday buffets to visits from Santa and everything in between, there’s something cheerful for everyone to enjoy. Plus, on-site hotel guests enjoy exclusive theme park benefits that are sure to make your visit a merry one.

What do you think is the best part of the Macy’s Parade at Universal Studios Florida?

Meeting Characters at Universal Studios Orlando

We enjoyed meeting all of the Universal Orlando characters at a special event held at Universal Studios! It was fun to meet everyone from Beetlejuice to Popeye to Gru and the girls from Despicable Me!

Walk the red carpet with us here….

Which of these characters would you most like to meet at Universal Orlando Resort?

Disney World Weather: Top 5 Things to Do When it Rains

Have you ever heard the term “Sunny Florida”?  Don’t let the nickname fool you.  Florida weather is unpredictable.  You can expect an afternoon thunderstorm most days, especially in the summer.  Don’t let a forecast of rain spoil your Disney day.  You’ve paid good money for your trip.  With a bit of planning, you can make this one of your best vacation days ever.  You will find lower crowds when it rains because locals may make other plans and some people don’t realize how much you can do without getting soaked.

• Concentrate on One Area at a Time – Epcot, for example, has pavilions that feature many attractions under one roof.  You can spend several hours in one building.  Just think, in the Land Pavilion, you can ride Soarin’, see the Circle of Life, experience Living with the Land, dine at Sunshine Seasons or The Garden Grill and even take a Behind the Seeds Tour.

• Visit Disney Springs – Take in a movie and dine in comfort at this state-of-the-art cinema with Fork & Screen® Dine-In Theatre or enjoy an afternoon of bowling at Splitsville.

• Resort Hop – Take a ride on the Monorail and explore all of the Deluxe Resorts. Relax in the lobby or game room and enjoy a snack.

• Go Shopping – There are countless gift shops to browse and find the perfect souvenir.

• Continue with Your Vacation Plans – Pack smart with a poncho, some extra socks and some Ziploc bags for your electronics. You might throw in a towel but don’t throw in the towel on a great opportunity.

There are many possibilities for rainy day fun.  Of course, you’ll want to stay safe.  Avoid lightning, extreme wind and slippery shoes.  Most Florida showers pop up in the afternoon.  By arriving early, you can enjoy a less crowded park and take in many attractions before the storms. Whatever you do, don’t let the rain spoil your Disney vacation.

Written by Sheri Morris — Sheri is a proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and works tirelessly to ensure that her guests have the best vacation experience ever! Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

LEGO Master Builder Workshop at LEGOLAND Florida

We got to have a behind the scenes tour of a Lego Master Builder Workshop at Legoland.  It was an amazing experience to see these Master Builders in action!

Did you know you can learn how to be a LEGO Master Builder at LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Florida? Show off your building skills in our Master Model Builder Sessions, included with your stay. Kids can sign up at Concierge upon arrival for this one-of-a-kind experience! Sessions are limited to 12 guests.

Master Model Builder Sessions are at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. daily*. Recommended for all ages.

 

*Times are subject to change. See the Concierge for exact times during your stay.

Disney World Pictures:  Splash Mountain

Let’s take a “Photo Friday” trip into Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. As you make your way past Pecos Bill Café and go around the bend, you start to hear screams of delight. Now, you look up and see one of the best rides in all of Magic Kingdom… also known as Splash Mountain.

This is one ride and attraction that embodies all the Disney magic you can imagine. From the theming, animatronics, lots of laughter, the excitement of a thrill ride… and of course, as in true Disney fashion, a happy ending. Based on Walt Disney’s 1946 classic “Song of the South”, Brer Rabbit is followed by Brer Fox and Brer Bear through twists, turns and swamps throughout the Briar Patch until he finds his way to his Laughin’ Place.

A great ride for the whole family. Definitely a 10 out of 10… and a “Must Do” for our family!

Tips: Since this is one of the most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom, be sure to arrive early, especially when the weather is warmer. FastPasses are strongly recommended.

Veronica has planned her family vacations for years. Now she gets to do it for others, and it’s like a dream come true. She creates lasting memories to the destination of your choice by planning customized vacations. She focuses on family and family reunion travel to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Disney Cruise Line and Sandals & Beaches Resorts. As well as the Southern United States; like Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Savannah and Atlanta. She’ll help you find the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, and she will fill in all the blanks… all at no cost to you! She can’t wait to pass that magic on to your family. If you are ready to save on your next vacation, contact Veronica!! Veronica@DestinationsInFlorida.com

Decorations at Universal Orlando Holidays

Celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando® Resort. At Universal Studios Florida®, the joy and wonder of the Macy’s Holiday Parade™ fills the streets with floats and more.

The fun continues with Grinchmas™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, featuring the Grinchmas™ Who-liday Spectacular.  Universal Studios Florida® comes alive during the holidays with balloons and floats beyond your imagination, marching bands, Santa, and seasonal sing-alongs for the little ones.

For many of us, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® is a TV tradition this time of year. But most of us will never see it in person – or will we? Once the legendary New York City parade ends, many of its breathtaking balloons and floats are sent straight to us for Universal Studios Florida®’s very own holiday spectacular featuring marching bands, clowns, and an appearance by Santa himself! Afterwards, enjoy the spectacular tree lighting ceremony with music and a dazzling display of lights!

Stay in the heart of the holidays at one of Universal Orlando’s spectacular on-site hotels. From special holiday buffets to visits from Santa and everything in between, there’s something cheerful for everyone to enjoy. Plus, on-site hotel guests enjoy exclusive theme park benefits that are sure to make your visit a merry one.

Have you seen the Macy’s parade or the Universal Orlando Holidays decorations?

Humunga Kowabunga POV Video

Brace yourself for the slide of your life as you hurtle 214 feet downhill at a 60-degree angle. Holy guacamole! Three side-by-side enclosed body slides provide high-octane thrills, chills and spills for big kids, teens and adults. You won’t know what’s coming next as you zoom downhill in the dark, drop 5 stories in seconds then spray your way to a surprise ending. Scream “kowabunga!”—if you can!

Want to know what it’s like to ride Humunga Kowabunga at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water park? Take a ride with us right here!

Would you brave this attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon?

 

Thousands of tourists flock to Universal Orlando Resort each year. One of the lesser known areas of Universal Orlando Resort is CityWalk. CityWalk is the area outside the gates of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure known for great food, shopping, and entertainment.

Dining Favorites

The dining at Citywalk Orlando is some of the best in the city. While there are many choices such as, Emeril’s, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Hard Rock Café and Vivo Italian Kitchen, there are three restaurants that are at the top of my list.

• First, I love Cowfish. Not just like……LOVE. I love sushi, and my husband does not so this place is perfect. It’s a casual restaurant with an upscale feel that serves the best sushi and the best burgers. Also, you cannot leave without trying one of their milkshakes.
• My second favorite place is Antojitos Authentic Mexican restaurant. This restaurant has the Mexican feel with authentic food. Order the guacamole as an appetizer, it is to die for.
• Finally, I love NBC Sports Grill and Brew. During basketball season (as a Kentucky fan) this is one of my favorite places to watch the games. Of course, it is also a very popular place for all sports and sporting events with flat screen TV’s and a diverse menu. It will have something for everyone.

Attraction Favorites

There are several different entertainment choices at CityWalk.

• The first is the AMC Cineplex 20 and IMAX. Playing all the new release movies, it is your typical upscale movie theater so you can take in a movie after dinner. If a movie is not your kind of show, you can go and see the Blue Man Group. These guys perform every night (sometimes multiple times) with their loud music and entertaining performances. It is a “must see” when in Orlando for a visit.
• You can challenge your family to a game of miniature golf at Hollywood Drive Inn Miniature Golf Course. This course has two 18 whole courses themed for scary movies and sci-fi movies. Don’t worry, though, it is completely family friendly for small children.
• If you are looking to have fun with your significant other, there are three great choices at CityWalk. You can go to Pat O’ Briens where the dueling pianos will entertain you with their music or if you are more into singing yourself, go to Rising Star. Rising Star is a karaoke bar where you will have backup singers. It really is the best karaoke option if you love to sing.
• Finally, if you just want to party or meet new people, check out The Groove, which is a dance club that plays all of the latest music.

There is something for everyone at CityWalk. Don’t miss out on the great food, entertainment, and nightlife the next time you are vacationing in Florida.

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 email to start planning your next vacation.