Monsieur Paul Restaurant in Epcot

Delight in the culture and flavors of France that renowned chef Paul Bocuse has shared with the world for decades.

Formerly Bistro de Paris restaurant in Epcot, Monsieur Paul is recently refurbished and located just upstairs from Les Chefs de France, the other gourmet French restaurant in the France Pavilion.

Here, you’ll discover a focused wine list, inventive twists on traditional French dinner and breathtaking views of World Showcase. This is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply savor delectable cuisine in a serene setting.

The Ambiance
Enjoy an elegant-yet-relaxed approach to French dining. The décor in this newly refurbished restaurant presents classic French architecture with bright colors and a touch of modern design. If a window-side table becomes available when you arrive, you’ll enjoy a unique vantage of Epcot.

At Monsieur Paul, you can experience authentic French cuisine after a day at the park—without the need to change your attire. Refer to the Dress Code below for more details.

The Bocuse Connection
Chef Bocuse first opened Les Chefs de France at Epcot in 1982—it was the first Bocuse-affiliated restaurant in America. His son, Jerome Bocuse, owns the company behind Monsieur Paul.

Named Best French Craftsman in 1961 and Chef of the Century in 2011 by the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Bocuse has achieved extraordinary culinary honors throughout his career. He achieved 3 Michelin stars for 48 straight years at his famous Lyon restaurant, Auberge du Pont de Collonges.

If you are looking for elegance, comfort and top notch amenities you can look no further than Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando Resort.  Here you can experience la dolce vita – the sweet life. All with two world class theme parks just steps away.

Guests enjoy impeccable and attentive service. From the classically-inspired fountains and charming courtyards to the authentic music filling the piazza, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel enables guests to escape to the sunny shores of the Italian Riviera.

Plus, as a deluxe on-site hotel guest you’ll stay in the heart of the excitement at Universal Orlando Resort and receive  exclusive theme park benefits you won’t receive staying anywhere else including:

• Universal Express Unlimited ride access to SKIP THE REGULAR LINES in both theme parks all day – a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day (valid theme park admission required)
• Early Park Admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, one hour before the theme park opens (valid theme park admission required)
• Complimentary shuttle or water taxi to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
• Complimentary access to the other on-site properties and all of the amenities they offer (Hard Rock Resort and Loews Royal Pacific)
• Complimentary package delivery
• And much more!

In room amenities include:

• In room safe
• Keurig Coffee makers featuring Emeril’s coffee and teas
• Refreshment pantry–soft drinks, candy, nuts..etc at additional charge
• High Speed Internet (additional fee applies)
• In Room Dining
• 32″ flat panel television

 

 

 

The pool at Portofino Bay is amazing it offers a sand beach, zero entry, waterslide, pool bar and eatery. You can also reserve a private cabana for the day that includes a ceiling fan, flat screen television, refrigerator and personal server. Fees for the Cabana rental vary depending on the season, inquire at concierge for pricing.

The resort also offers a quiet pool for those looking for something a little more calm and relaxing.

Kids clubs are also available during your stay each evening from 5pm-11.30pm. The cost is $12 per child/per hour ages 4-14 and they must be potty trained. Speaking of kids activities, each day there are FREE poolside activities for the kids such as karaoke contests, dance parties and much more!

So what are you waiting for? The sweet life awaits you! It’s time to plan your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation today!

Written by “Vacation Wizard” Jennifer Greene, Jennifer is a Universal Parks and Resorts Specialist with Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact her today for a free quote  at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com and get your Universal Adventure started today! 

Tangled Rest Area at Magic Kingdom Theme Park

The “Tangled” themed rest area is now open at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The new highly themed area features: restrooms, a ‘D-Zone’ charging station, and a game to find the ‘hidden Pascals’ throughout the area.

The centerpiece to this area is the iconic “Tangled” tower above a rocky waterfall, this is situated closest to the Haunted Mansion attraction. And for the first time, Walt Disney World is offering guests a chance to charge their electronic devices for no extra cost in what they call the “D-Zone.” The ‘D-Zone’ in the Tangled area features 6 charging stations, each with two outlets and USB outlets are said to be added in the near future. The new area is intended to link Fantasyland to Liberty Square.

In the new area, there are many details for fans of “Tangled” to find, including 10 hidden Pascals throughout the area, Flynn Rider’s satchel, Maximus’ horse shoe prints, Rapunzel’s guitar and of course, plenty of frying pans.

The new area is intended to be the new pathway linking Fantasyland to Liberty Square and the old bathrooms across the way are rumored to be closed to make way for an interactive queue for Peter Pan’s Flight. And while Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are not currently meeting and greeting guests in the new area, it is rumored that they will make appearances there from time to time.

Take a look:

Book your Disney & Orlando vacation with a local travel agency. World famous services, free gifts, guaranteed lowest prices, and all at no cost to you! Book your vacation with the local experts – we live where you’re traveling! Call 877-918-8941 or visit us online

The staterooms on Disney Cruise Line are some of the best in the industry (the absolute best for families).  The rooms are spacious with lots of storage areas not to mention all of the fun Disney touches throughout your room. There are four main types of staterooms on Disney Cruise Line.  These categories are inside, oceanview, verandah, and suites. There are different categories within each room type.  The rooms typically get bigger, have more amenities, and get more expensive as you go up each category.  The magic portholes have changed this trend a little.  Since the magic portholes have been such a huge hit with guests, inside staterooms can actually cost more than oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  The magic portholes give you a real time view of the outside of the ship and Disney characters randomly fly, drop, float, and/or bounce across the screen.  I love having an oceanview that I can turn off when I want an afternoon nap.  All of the staterooms have a split bath or more than one bathroom except the standard inside staterooms.  Disney Cruise Line has staterooms that can accommodate 3, 4, 5, or 7 guests.  For larger families, it may be cheaper to reserve two connecting staterooms than to reserve a family stateroom or suite.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

New French Bakery Epcot – Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie

The newly refurbished bakery Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie at the France Pavilion opens each morning at 9 a.m. — ahead of the 11 a.m. opening of World Showcase — so you can sip a latte with a chocolate croissant to start the day . . . or a cappuccino with a chaussons au pomme (apple turnover) . . . or an espresso with an éclair. And that’s just a taste of the expansive new menu that offers classic French goodies all day long.

Located in the space adjacent to the France movie theater exit, Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie offers sweets, soups, sandwiches, salads and authentic French dishes such as quiche, Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese) and pissaladiere, the pizza-like dish from the South of France, this version with tomatoes, olives and Gruyère.

The Lyonnaise salad is another classic, with frisee, bacon, eggs, croutons and light vinaigrette. Add pumpkin soup or lobster bisque for a satisfying meal. Plenty of choices are on the Disney Dining Plan.

You can imagine the wonderful aromas with French artisan bakers in the beautiful onstage bakery. Grab a seat in the courtyard and watch the world go by as you sip a Champagne and share a cheese plate and baguette. La vie est belle (life is beautiful)!

Book your Disney & Orlando vacation with a local travel agency. World famous services, free gifts, guaranteed lowest prices, and all at no cost to you! Book your vacation with the local experts – we live where you’re traveling! Call 877-918-8941 or visit us online

Chinese Acrobats at Epcot – The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats at the China Pavilion in Epcot

Watch Chinese acrobats perform impressive feats of agility, strength, and concentration near the entrance to the China Pavilion. Don’t miss this group of amazing entertainers on your next visit to Epcot at Walt Disney World!

In China, it is customary for aspiring athletes and acrobats to begin training and preparation at a very early age. The dream is to audition and be selected to join a professional acrobat troupe. The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats are such a troupe and they have just launched a year-long engagement at Epcot, arriving directly from China. Consisting of six men and two women, all between 18 and 21 years old, the talented performers have been together as a troupe for three years.

These gifted acrobats perform five shows daily, five days a week in the China courtyard and showcase extraordinary feats of strength, agility and balance. I discovered this amazing troupe yesterday afternoon and am displaying a small gallery of snapshots to whet your appetite.

Book your Disney & Orlando vacation with a local travel agency. World famous services, free gifts, guaranteed lowest prices, and all at no cost to you! Book your vacation with the local experts – we live where you’re traveling! Call 877-918-8941 or visit us online

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One of the most magical places in the world to get engaged is the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With a real fairytale castle behind you, what better backdrop could you ask for? If you are looking for a more private, planned-out proposal for your special someone, check out these Disney themed proposal suggestions at the Walt Disney World Resort:

• The Sparkle In Your Eye- Ask for your special someone’s hand in marriage on-board one of two spectacular fireworks cruises. Whether you prefer IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth or Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, her jaw will “drop like an anchor” when you pop the question.

• A Wild Wedding Proposal- If you are staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and looking for an adventurous proposal, popping the question during the Sunrise Safari might be perfect for you. This semi-private safari gives an in-depth look at the animals that graze the African savannah between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

• The Royal Treatment- You can present a royal engagement while dining inside the iconic Cinderella Castle. The “Glass Slipper Engagement” package at Cinderella’s Royal Table offers the perfect fairytale setting for your proposal. This package made for two features a personalized glass slipper presented on a bed of rose petals, specialty slipper desserts, and a celebratory toast of non-alcoholic champagne – all captured on camera by one of Disney’s PhotoPass Photographers.

• Enchanting Wishes- You can make this night a moment she’ll never forget by presenting her with a pixie dusted rose and wish bracelet. After you wish upon a star together, you can kneel down and pop the question. After your proposal, have the wish bracelet engraved to commemorate the date of your engagement. Later, enjoy a celebration back at the room with the exclusive “Wishes” sparkling juice and toasting glasses.

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney Cruise Line has plenty of options for family fun during your cruise vacation.  There are tons of activities onboard for families to do together.  Here are a few selections for you to look for in your Personal Navigator once you get onboard:

• Saludos Amigos Fiesta– This is a Latin dance party featuring Donald Duck.  Even if you can’t dance tell the kids not to worry because the entertainment staff will be there to teach you how to salsa.
• Family Animation– Learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters.
• Bingo-Spa Bingo, $5000 Jackpot Bingo, Pajama Bingo, and more!  Cash and prizes abound for all you bingo lovers out there.  You must be at least 18 years old to purchase bingo cards and claim a prize.
• Family Fusion Game Show– Four families are selected from the audience to be contestants in this game show.  Families get to see how well they know each other and work together.
• Karaoke– There will be lots of Disney favorites during the karaoke sessions onboard.  The group performances are usually a big hit.  Gather your entire family, put together some choreography, and perform for the crowd.
• Family Dream Quest– Dream Quest is a scavenger hunt. You never know what the host is going to ask you to find.
• Mirror Mirror Game Show– Dopey hosts this fun family game show.  Pick a team captain (Grumpy, Sleepy, Doc, etc.) and test your Disney knowledge.
• Family Crafts– Save a little cash and create a fun souvenir to take him as a reminder of your fantastic cruise vacation.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Ok, I just got back from Disney World and I have to say that one of my favorite things to do there is to explore all the different country pavilions that Epcot and the World Showcase have to offer.  I love looking around the shops and definitely getting food from every country.  This year, I was particularly interested in the Italian pavilion- it’s just so beautiful.  So I’m in the market for a trip to the real Italy and I think this Adventure by Disney fits the bill.  Let me know what you think.

This 9 day/8 night tour starts in Rome and ends in Venice.

My favorite part of this tour?  The VIP experience at the Colosseum in Rome– walk through the ruins of the Colosseum and enjoy a special opportunity to tour the underground tunnels and step “on stage” as you enter the Arena.

If that wasn’t enough for you, how about a private, after-hours tour of the Vatican City Museum?  Travel through 5 centuries of human civilization as recorded by the greatest artists throughout history, including a tour of the Sistine Chapel.

You’ll also get a private tour of Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s landmark townhall.  including the stunning frescoes, beautiful artwork — and secret passages! You’ll also climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city and don medieval costumes for fun photo opportunities.

Add in a pasta-making class, creating your own Venetian mask, and a private Gondola ride in Venice and you’ve got the recipe for an amazing family vacation!

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

 

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Are you thinking about popping the question? Do you wish your Prince Charming would pop the question? There are some amazing, over the top engagements at Disney World that you can plan for your engagement.

If you wish to add that extra sprinkle of magic, you could consider these over the top proposal options available at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

A Grand Idea

You can propose in style by renting out the 48-foot Sea Ray “Grand 1” Yacht at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This elite cruising vessel can accommodates up to 13 people and features a small kitchen, dining area and three fully furnished staterooms. Plus, you can include champagne and strawberries or even go all out with a complete catered dinner while onboard.

An Intimate Engagement

You can have a proposal as unique as your relationship when you arrange a privately catered engagement event at a Walt Disney World resort beach, pool, balcony, or other location.

The Ultimate Happily-Ever-After

As her Prince Charming, you can provide her with her very own fairytale. First, you will render her speechless when she receives two dozen, four-foot roses the night before your proposal. Then, the next night, when the fireworks light up the sky over the castle, you can pop the question with style. While your princess is mesmerized with your chivalry and charm, your Walt Disney World Resort room will be set up with a romantic celebration to remember. When you arrive back at your resort room, she will discover that it has been transformed by the Fairy Godmother into a Princess In Room Celebration. What better way to start your “happily ever after” together?

You can feel free to send these suggestions to your mister to let him know you’d like one of these over the top engagements at Disney World! Remember, our proposal services are free when you book your Disney World vacation with us so let me do the work for you. Then, all you have to do is pop the question!

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.