Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Discover over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Identify each species with a Wildlife Field Guide (found in your Guest Room, with extras available from the Lobby Concierge), and learn more about African animals and ecosystems during fun programs led by Animal Specialists.

Here’s a look at what you can see from the savanna viewing area just outside the main hotel lobby. Next time you are visiting one of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s fine restaurants, make sure you take a walk outside to enjoy the firepit, the view and learn from the cast members who originate from Africa!

Savanna view at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Hotel is one of the most spectacular views you will find at Disney World. Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.

Contempo Café is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on the Grand Canyon Concourse. It is right next to the well-loved Chef Mickey’s restaurant. Contempo Café has comfortable seating with plenty of space to move around. Kids will enjoy watching the Monorail pass through the resort while they dine. It is a great place to escape from the parks for a quick snack or meal during breakfast, lunch or dinner.

While Contempo Café offers quick-service dining, it’s not your run-of-the-mill theme park food.  There are many delicious options that are filling and affordable. It is a nice option for those with quick-service dining credits when using a Disney Dining Plan.

During breakfast hours, guests can choose from:

• Assorted Baked Goods and Muffins
• Breakfast Platters
• French Toast and Mickey Shaped Waffles
• Breakfast Sandwiches and Burritos
• A la carte items

Lunch choices include:

• Specialty Salads including Barbeque Chicken, Chicken Caesar, Steakhouse and Vegetable
• Various sandwiches including Spicy Chicken, Hot Smoked Turkey and Lobster Roll
• Delicious Flatbreads with different toppings
• Burgers
• Sushi

Dinner offerings are even more exciting! Some of the menu items include:

• Beef Pot Roast
• Salmon Filet
• Pasta with Marinara, Meatballs or Alfredo Sauce
• Even more choices of Salads, Sandwiches and Flatbreads

Contempo Café has a wonderful variety of Kids’ Meals available. They also have a very nice selection of delicious desserts. Be sure to try one of the huge specialty cupcakes! You will also find a great selection of grab-and-go items if you’re in a hurry.

Be sure to include a stop at Contempo Café during your next Walt Disney World vacation!

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

Havaianas is located in “The Landing” section of Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs). Havaianas at Downtown Disney is a great place to shop for some fun flip flops for your vacation. You can even make your own custom pair!

This name Havaianas had its inspiration in Hawaii, the paradise of sun and sea that has everything to do with the Havaianas mood.

The name selection was considered as ideal, since the sandals were adequate to be worn in places with a hot climate, leaving the feet free and uncovered.

Besides, Hawaii refers to that delightful feeling of enjoying a pleasant and relaxing moment, and there’s nothing better than enjoying those moments with a comfortable pair of Havaianas!

Here’s a video of Havaianas at Downtown Disney:

If you were a fan of Babycakes NYC at Downtown Disney, you may be wondering what happened to their store. Good news! Babycakes is back, but it’s now called Erin McKenna’s Bakery!

So if you are looking for some indulgent baked goods that are refined sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan or Kosher, plan at visit to Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC? at Downtown Disney!

From their website:

In 2005, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC opened on the Lower East Side of Manhattan with two rules:
1. Create a bakery free of harmful ingredients.
2. Wear cute uniforms.

Today, as then, we focus on the underserved— people with gluten, dairy, egg, and soy sensitivities, the health-minded, and, most importantly, allergic kids who are often unable to indulge.

We select all ingredients responsibly and use our natural sweeteners sparingly. Our goal is to make eating vegan and gluten-free fun and delicious, and we’re very glad to have you with us. Get cozy and enjoy!

A Summer of Minion Madness at Universal Studios Florida

With the Minions movie coming out this week and a bunch of new Minions activities going on in Universal Studios this summer, it’s easy to see everyone is just crazy about these cute little guys! Here’s a list of ways you can enjoy Minions at Universal Studios.

First, check-out some of the new Minions merchandise and snacks:

• Minion Sipper – Take a break from the heat with a cool beverage in a Minion shaped sipping cup, fill it up and refill throughout the day—even if you come back to the parks another day. Pick one up in the Production Central area of Universal Studios at Sliver Screen Soda, outside Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit or at Front Gate Popcorn.
• Freeze Ray Drink – Sip on a refreshing and “freezing” smoothie available from the food & beverage kiosk in Production Central Music Plaza and Kid Zone Pizza.
• Minion Cupcakes and Cookies – Who can resist snacking on oh-so-sweet-and-cute Minion cupcakes or cookies? Grab one at Beverly Hills Boulangerie or San Francisco Pastry.

• Super Silly Banana Split Dippin’ Dots – Enjoy ice cream balls of banana joy at the Dippin’ Dots Cart near the Music Plaza Stage.
• Minion Cotton Candy – Grab fluffy cotton candy enclosed in a special Minions bag from Silver Screen Soda.

Throughout the summer, you can also get to know more of Kevin, Stuart and Bob after Universal’s Superstar Parade in front of Mel’s Drive-In. This daily interactive parade features beloved characters from throughout the park, larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of street performers.

You can also hang out with Minions at the in-park Universal Superstar Character Breakfast featuring a full breakfast for the whole family and special appearances by characters from the Superstar Parade.

While you’re here, you can also scout out Minions throughout Universal Studios in the Minions Scavenger Hunt.

Bonus: make sure to snap a picture near the special Minions hanging out at the Universal Studios arch.

If you can’t make it to the parks but need a Minion fix, we’ve got you covered: just grab something from the huge selection of Minion merchandise in the online store.

And, of course, be sure to see Minions on the big screen at AMC Universal Cineplex with IMAX at Universal CityWalk. You can make it a night out with the CityWalk Movie and Meal deal. Enjoy dinner at one of the CityWalk restaurants along with your movie tickets.

The Minions are so much fun, we even took our Minion along with us to the parks! Take a look!

If you love the Minions as much as we do, you’ll want to get as much of them as you can at Universal Studios this summer.

 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers a real treat for guests who enjoy swimming and water play. The Big Blue Pool is the single largest hotel pool at Walt Disney World with over 308,527 gallons of water!  This swimming pool complex is conveniently located just outside of the lobby, Animation Hall and surrounded by the popular Finding Nemo Family Suites.

The Big Blue Pool is themed after the Disney•Pixar movie Finding Nemo.  Your family will be totally immersed into the storyline of the film as the popular characters of Crush, Nemo, the jellyfish and other ocean creatures are everywhere!

This under-the-sea adventure pool offers much more than what you would expect at a Value Resort. Some of the family-friendly features of this pool include a sloping, zero-entry and underwater speakers where you can actually hear Disney songs and audio from Finding Nemo.  The pool is open year-round and is heated to 82 degrees. You must be staying at Art of Animation in order to use Big Blue Pool. Lifeguards are on duty and cast members lead out in a wide variety of poolside games throughout the day.

Behind the Big Blue Pool is Schoolyard Sprayground. This is a fantastic interactive water play area for younger children with fun pop-up water jets and fountains. Squirt’s Righteous Reef dry playground is right next door with more set pieces and characters from the film.

The Drop off Pool Bar is beside the pool complex where you can enjoy beverages and snacks. There is even a refillable mug station! Poolside movies under-the-stars are shown nightly with entertainment for the entire family. Be sure to check out the Recreation Calendar to learn what activities are being held each day.

Don’t miss a cool dip in the Big Blue Pool during your next stay at Art of Animation Resort during your Walt Disney World vacation!

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

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation for your family, there are many options to consider.  With choices ranging from Value to Deluxe Villa accommodations, it can be a challenge!  Let’s take a look at the four main categories of Disney Resorts.

Value Resorts

All Star Movies, All Star Sports, All Star Music, Art of Animation and Pop Century are in this least expensive category. These resorts feature larger-than-life themes that will delight children of all ages. Your family can enjoy swimming pools, food courts and pizza delivery. Most have outside corridors. Standard Room sizes are 260-277sf. Art of Animation and All Star Music offer Family Suites which are larger.

 

 

Moderate Resorts

You can experience exotically themed locales. Full and quick service restaurants, themed swimming pools with slides and tons of recreational opportunities abound. The Moderate Resorts are Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins. Standard Rooms are 300-314sf.

Deluxe Resorts

These resorts are the best of the best that Disney offers. Guests receive extraordinary service in incredible settings with quick and full service restaurants featuring Character and Signature dining, room service, upscale shopping and highly themed pools and spas. The close proximity to the parks is invaluable to guests who want the most from their Disney vacations. Deluxe Resorts are Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and Yacht Club Resort. Standard Room sizes range from 344-448sf. These resorts have salons, valet parking and incredible lobbies!

Deluxe Villa Resorts

With the comforts of home, these resorts are perfect for families desiring more space with Disney charm and exceptional service. Deluxe Villa Resorts are located at Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Villas at Grand Floridian, Beach Club Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs and the Villas at Polynesian Village. These include kitchens and some can accommodate up to 12 people.

As you can see, there are many different room types and amenities available. There’s a Disney Resort to fit the budget and vacation desires of everyone!

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

Kids Fly for Just $4 on July 3rd, 4th or 5th

Bring the family to see the Orlando Eye lit red, white and blue as we celebrate the 4th of Jul-EYE at I-Drive 360. As an added bonus for every adult Orlando Eye ticket purchased from July 3rd – 5th, you’ll receive a child’s ticket for just $4! Make sure to take advantage of the FREE Parking available next to the attractions.

The fun doesn’t stop at 400-feet either, stick around for more!

• Orlando Eye light show
• Selfies with Uncle Sam in the Terminal Building
• FREE giveaways
• Live music from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on July 4th
• Entertainers, artists and more!

Terms & Conditions: $4 Orlando Eye child’s ticket available with the purchase of an Adult Orlando Eye ticket for flights during July 3rd, 4th or 5th, 2015. One $4 child’s Orlando Eye ticket with the purchase of one Orlando Eye adult ticket. Normal upgrade charges apply to any combination ticket. Discounted tickets cannot be applied to pre-purchased tickets or combined with any other discounts or offers. Restrictions may apply. Not for resale. Prices and hours are subject to change without notice. Attraction admission is not guaranteed and subject to availability.

July 4th BBQ Options in Orlando

Don’t feel like firing up the grill this Independence Day?  No problem, we’ve compiled a list of local restaurants cooking up some sweet deals for your July 4th celebration!

American Q | www.americanq.com

Celebrate the fourth in BBQ style at American Q with a special flatbed buffet stocked with summer staples like Crocked Sweet Beans, Roasted Florida Sweet Corn and Sweet Potato Salad. They are serving #MoreQ from the rodizio, with 12 options, including all-you-can-eat St Louis Ribs and Free Range BBQ Chicken, Texas Bark Beef Brisket and Flank Steak, carved tableside.

Wash it all down with American Q’s Mt. Laurel cocktail- Jack Daniels with fresh lemon juice, grapefruit juice, ginger syrup and orange peel garnished with a sprig of thyme.

Upload your best 4^th of July selfie on social media with hashtags #BResort, #StayatB, and #BPatriotic, for a chance to win a complimentary dinner for two at American Q or a complimentary spa treatment at B Indulged AVEDA Spa!

Cost:  Endless options for just $39.95; $10 for kids under 7 chickens tall

Duffy’s Sports Grill | www.duffysmvp.com

Stop by Duffy’s Sports Grill on Thursday, July 2 to get your Rib Fix in a little early. They are serving a ½ rack of our award-winning BBQ Baby Back Ribs with your choice of side for $9.95!

4 Rivers | www.4rsmokehouse.com

4 Rivers Smokehouse may be best known for their BBQ, but this Independence Day The Sweet Shop is offering some festive treats in celebration of the stars and stripes. Make sure to swing by the Sweet Shop and pick up a signature Blueberry Pie  ($7.50) or patriotic Strawberry Shortcake ($4.75), served on a fluffy biscuit cut in half and soaked in strawberry sauce, stacked high with fresh cut strawberries, brown sugar whipped cream, and a sprinkle of confectioner’s sugar. These sweet treats are available through the month of July. 4  Rivers Smokehouse will be closed on the Fourth.

 

Soco | www.socothorntonpark.com

Located a short walk away from Lake Eola at the intersection of Summerlin and Central in Downtown Orlando, Soco is the perfect place to dine for the Fourth of July before heading to the lake for the annual fireworks show. Enjoy a savory Southern dish such as the Slow-Roasted Barbecue-Glazed Pork Belly Biscuits.

Members of the U.S. Military: Enjoy Special Vacation Discounts

Now’s the perfect time to start planning your next trip to a Disney park for later this year.

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are extending the special pricing we announced last July on theme park tickets and accommodations for active duty and retired U.S. military personnel at domestic sites. The discounts are extended through mid-December.

Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 17 for Walt Disney World Resort, Dec. 18 for Disneyland Resort and used by Dec. 20.

As Disney fans know, support for the U.S. Armed Forces is a long-standing Disney tradition. We expect more news to be coming soon regarding the 2016 Military discount program.