As guests staying in the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort you will experience a unique family vacation. While having all the comforts of home, you’ll be in the midst of a 750 wooded acre campground complete with wildlife, campfires and cypress trees.
The rustic, yet modern American Frontier themed cabins sleep six. They all have one bedroom with a double bed and a set of bunk beds, one full bath, living area with a pull down Murphy bed, private patio, charcoal grill, picnic table and a fully equipped kitchen. Daily housekeeping service is provided. They will even wash your dishes!
Recreational offerings at the resort are some of the best on Disney property. There are two swimming pools, a quiet one and one with a large waterslide, kiddie pool and whirlpool spa. Kids of all ages will enjoy the video arcades, campfire program with marshmallow roast, movies, hiking, petting zoo, horseback riding, archery, tennis, basketball, volleyball and more! Boats, canoes and water-skis can be rented as well as golf carts and bikes.
Dining opportunities include Crockett’s Tavern and Trails End Restaurant, as well as several snack bars. Two popular dinner shows are held at the resort, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue and Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue.  Transportation to the Magic Kingdom by boat is very convenient. Other areas can be accessed by bus.
Your family will enjoy being together at this beautiful moderate resort at Walt Disney World. Check it out!

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.

On your next visit to Universal Studios be sure to pack an extra set of clothes for the kids and stop by to see Curious George. This area in the back of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!

Someone has let all of the circus animals out of their trailer and turned the whole town upside down. What has that mischievous monkey gotten himself into this time? Now your children can join him on his adventures. Follow George’s footsteps as a series of colorful storybooks highlight the pathways and add to the charm that is the Curious George book series.

This unique playground offers a variety of activities for children of all ages. Curious little ones can explore the colorful Animal Show tent with plenty of play activities for toddlers. Enter the town’s cartoonish buildings and grab a pump, valve, hose or lever to spray (or drench) your friends with water. And head to the Man in the Big Yellow Hat’s Ball Factory where you can throw, blast and launch thousands of soft foam balls at family and friends – and anyone else within reach.

Don’t forget those extra clothes because kids can take aim with a water cannon at the town center’s clock tower and fill a pair of 500-gallon buckets that periodically dump water in a spectacular splash on the street below.

Written By Jennifer Greene- “Vacation Wizard” with Destinations in Florida Travel. Jennifer is a Universal Parks and Resort Specialist, if you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It” contact her at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com today for a free quote.

Palo is an Italian fine dining restaurant available on all Disney Cruise Ships.  The atmosphere in Palo is amazing.  Palo has a beautiful view of the ocean and the area exudes luxury.  This is definitely a great spot for a romantic dinner as Palo is exclusive to adult guests.  Disney Cruise Line has exceptional service throughout the ship but the servers in Palo are top notch.  Palo serves brunch and dinner.  Dinner begins with bread service followed by antipasti.  Each guest can order an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.  Of course there are also several wines available that you can select to accompany your meal.  Every time I talk about eating at Palo everyone raves about the Chocolate Soufflé.  It was definitely the highlight of my meal.  Guests must make a reservation to eat at Palo.  Brunch has several buffet stations in addition to hot made to order items.  The chicken parmesan is a favorite amongst the buffet options.  Anyone dining at Palo must adhere to the dress code.  Men are required to wear dress pants and shirt or jacket. Women must wear a dress or pantsuit.  There is a $20 charge per person to eat at Palo.  Platinum Castaway Club members can eat at Palo for free.  There are many food options onboard but I definitely recommend Palo for an exceptional dining experience.

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.

Growing up I was actually a pretty picky eater, and I could be terribly stubborn when it came to trying new foods. However, as most things related to childhood, I did eventually outgrow my pickiness as well as my stubbornness about trying new things. When I found myself at the Belgium Kiosk at last year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival I decided to try something I had never had before, mussels. I never had anything against mussels, this wasn’t about being picky or stubborn, no one in my family likes mussels so I was just never introduced to them. And, I mean the dish was mussels in a roasted garlic cream sauce! Seriously how bad could anything in a roasted garlic cream sauce be! And, it was seriously good! Although I do have to admit I’m still not sure if I liked the mussels themselves or the roasted garlic cream sauce that was covering the mussels, either way it was amazing! After I got home from last year’s Food and Wine Festival I knew I wanted to try to make this dish again. But, I knew my family did not care for mussels so I was little unsure of what to do. Then, I decided I could make the roasted garlic cream sauce and just substitute the mussels for something my family does like, clams. And, the dish turned out just as amazing! Do not be scarred of this recipe! It is super easy, and you know what, if you don’t like mussels or clams, make the sauce and put it over fish or shrimp, or if you do not like seafood try putting it on top of chicken or use as a pasta sauce, do what ever feels right to you. These recipes are not law, you do not have to follow them to the letter, if you want change something, go right ahead. That’s one of the fun things about cooking, the experimenting! But, I am telling you, you have to try this one, it is so easy and really soooooooooo good!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Roasted Garlic Puree

2 large heads garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

If you want to make the roasted garlic puree from scratch, well then you are far better than me. I cheated when it came to the puree. I bought a jar of already chopped roasted garlic (that can usually be found in the produce section of your grocery store). I dumped the whole jar into a processor and just processed it until it was a puree. Then I just used the amount needed for the cream sauce and it turned out just fine. 

Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 shallots minced

1/2 cup white wine

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 cups heavy cream

2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic Puree

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mussels (Clams)

4 pounds fresh mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup water

4 thick slices sourdough bread, toasted

2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill

2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

Method of Preparation:

 For the roasted garlic puree: Unless you’re like me and cheat with making the roasted garlic puree.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Remove excess papery skin from garlic, keeping head intact. Cut top 1/4 off of garlic head, exposing the cloves. Place each head of garlic cut side up on an individual square of aluminum foil. Drizzle each with oil. Wrap in foil, sealing edges. Place pouch in oven, and roast for 45 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes, or until cool enough to handle. Squeeze garlic from skins into a small bowl. Discard skins. Mash garlic with a fork until smooth.

For the roasted garlic cream sauce:

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add cream, Roasted Garlic Puree, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine. Simmer (do not boil) until sauce is slightly thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside. 

For the mussels: If you make this with clams instead follow the same cooking method.

If you make this with clams you want to make sure you clean the clams really well to ensure that you got rid of all the sand. I put my clams in strainer and just let water run over them for 10-minutes.

Place mussels, wine, and water in a large stockpot over high heat. Cover and bring to a boil.

Cook until mussels open, about 4 minutes. Remove and discard any mussels that do not open. Strain cooking liquid from mussels and discard liquid.

Place mussels in a large serving bowl, or in individual shallow bowls. Pour Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce over mussels, and garnish with parsley, dill, and chives. Serve immediately!

I served this with a crusty baguette instead of the sourdough toast, but feel free to serve with whatever you like! Now see that recipe wasn’t so hard and I know you will enjoy this one as much as my family and I did! Their only complaint was that there was no more. As always just remember that anyone can bring a little Disney magic into his or her kitchen! All you need is a little faith, trust, and pinch of pixie dust, and the inside look I give you into the Disney recipes doesn’t hurt! Have a magical meal!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, I’m always happy to hear from you! And if you try this recipe let me know what you thought about it!

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 -7090  or  meghan@destinationsinflorida.com.

Wonder why there are so many Olive Gardens and Red Lobsters around? Orlando is the corporate headquarters of Darden Restaurants.  The Darden family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable and successful brands in full-service dining.  They also run the Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones, and Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House restaurants.  Their brands are built on decades of learning from the guests. Their culinary inspirations come from the fishing villages of Maine, the family tables of Italy and the American West – icons that reflect the rich diversity of those who visit our restaurants.

Written by Stacy Gaffney, “Sorcerer Stacy” — Stacy is an expert in planning an affordable Disney and Orlando vacation. Watch out for the magic, as Sorcerer Stacy plans your vacation! Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Stacy at 877-918-8941 or stacygaffney@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida can make you feel like you are truly in the heart of Africa on your very own safari. One special treat, especially for honeymooners, is to purchase an Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna View Room. Choosing to stay in a savanna view room gives you the opportunity to have the view of one of the four lush savannas that are home to more than 200 hoofed animals and birds. You and your new spouse will love watching the animals right from your private balcony.

Plus, guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas can enjoy the Wanyama Safari and Dinner for up-close animal encounters followed by a delectable, multi-course feast. The resort also offers an 11,000-square-foot pool with an exciting waterslide and gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole along with two whirlpool spas.

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.

Children of all ages are delighted with Finding Nemo – The Musical. The show is a live action stage production that takes place several times each day in the 1500 seat “Theatre in the Wild” near Dinoland at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.  It’s one of the best live shows at Disney so you will need to arrive early to get a good seat in the air conditioned auditorium.  The pre-show is entertaining as Nemo intermittently swims through bubbles on the stage.

The 40 minute show based on the Disney•Pixar film features on-stage human “puppets” that are larger than life.  You will see acrobats, singers and dancers that portray Marlin, Dory, Nemo, Squirt, Mr. Ray, Crush, and the sharks. Nigel, the pelican is 22 feet tall! The colorful puppets were designed by Michael Curry, who created the puppets for Disney’s Broadway hit, “The Lion King.” The vibrant set features innovative lighting, incredible props and special effects that create a spectacular undersea environment.

The story depicts Marlin, a clownfish who is the protective father of Nemo. Little Nemo tries to “find his own way” but is separated then reunited with his dad after facing many undersea challenges.  It’s a heart-warming love story between father and son.

It’s best to catch this show in the afternoon when you can use a rest, get out of the heat or possibly avoid a thunder shower. You’ll find yourself singing along to “In the Big, Blue World” and “Just Keep Swimming” as you are entertained with this shortened version of the film.  It’s a must-“sea” attraction!

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 you think of a Disney Vacation do you think of well that’s it for the next few years? We can’t afford that remodel or a new car… We want to help avoid that feeling of despair with a few tips on how to save a few pennies along the way. Here’s a few of the ways we can think of to help with Saving While At Disneyland.

Transportation: Use Anaheim Resort Transit instead of driving and parking at Disneyland Park. At $5.00 for 1 Day or $12 for 3 Day’s it’s far less than the $15 per day to park your car at Disneyland. This Disneyland Saving plan could save you over $50 on the average trip to Disneyland alone.

Dining: Find a hotel or room that has at least a refrigerator so that you can have breakfast in your room, even a bowl of cereal will be a lot less money. It’s also the quickest way to get to the fun stuff. Pack snacks and a lunch for the day. Ensure you use a small insulated bag during those hot days. Once you’ve saved some money by not spending it on lots of food throughout the parks, you can enjoy a nice sit down meal in the parks, or hop out and head to Downtown Disney for a different experience.  Disneyland Saving Plan of at least $30 per person per day you utilize this.

Souvenirs: They are everywhere, even before you enter the parks you’re hit with merchandise to buy. If you have kids you’ll know soon enough every item available for sale. Here’s an easy tip, pre-buy some souvenirs from Disney Store online and then hand them out to the kids as you go along. If you have kids you know this may not be enough, so set a limit early in the trip on what the kids can get. I encourage my own son to “window shop” and then at the end of the day he can go back and buy one item he really wanted.

Glow Items: The sun goes down and the neon light up sticks come out. Instead of buying the light up bubble maker, or the other assortment of light up toys, bring a pack of glow sticks available for $1.00 at your favorite local store. Let the kids use their imagination to build their own rocket ship or necklace and wear them proudly.

Non-Park Days: Never underestimate the greatness of heading to Downtown Disney and just enjoying the free 3 hour parking, as well as all the live, free entertainment available throughout the area. Head into the resorts and check out their activities. A lot of free things to do as well. And you can even watch the fireworks for free from Downtown Disney. Maybe not quite the same, but still a lot of fun and less expensive.

Universal Orlando Resort Announces Universal Dining Plan!

Universal guests can now purchase all-inclusive vacation packages!  Unlike like Disney’s dining plan, you do not have to add the dining plan for every night of your stay at Universal, you choose the dates you want to purchase it.

Important note – you cannot add Dining Plan after you have arrived at Universal Orlando. It must be booked in advance with your Universal Parks and Resorts Vacation Package.

Adult Plan:

• 1 Table Service meal: 1 entree, 1 non alcoholic beverage, 1 dessert (includes the Superstar Character Breakfast)
• 1 Quick Service Meal: 1 entree platter, 1 non alcoholic beverage
• 1 Snack
• 1 Beverage

Child Plan:

• 1 Table Service Meal: 1 children’s entree, 1 non-alcoholic beverage, 1 dessert (includes the Superstar Character Breakfast)
• 1 Quick Service Meal: 1 children’s entree;, 1 beverage
• 1 Snack
• 1 Beverage

Entree Offerings: 

• Table Service: all items EXCLUDING Lobster will be included
• Quick Service: all items are available for redemption
• Dining Carts: Turkey Leg Combos, Hot Dog Combos and Corn Dog combos will all be considered a Quick Service Credit

Snack Credit Examples: Snacks available on the dining plan include churros, pretzels, chips, fruit cups, ice cream, pastries, cookies, Cinnabon, nachos, funnel cake and more. Premium beverages (Regular Butterbeer, Frozen Butterbeer, Icee or Lemon Slushies) can also be redeemed as a snack credit 

Beverages Credit Examples: Beverages available on the plan include fountain soda, bottled water, bottle soda, coffee, milk, juice, Powerade and a few offerings from Starbucks in Universal Studios.

How Does it Work?

The meals and snacks can be redeemed at all participating Universal Dining Plan locations, located throughout Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure theme parks as well as Universal CityWalk. Guests are issued a paper ticket at time of purchase, which can then be redeemed for a dining plan card at Guest Services or the Universal Desk at On-Site Hotels.

There are over 100 restaurants participating in the Universal Orlando Dining plan including:

• Lombard’s Seafood Grille 
• Finnegan’s Bar & Gril
• Mythos Restaurant
• Bob Marley A Tribute to Freedom
• Pastamore
• Mel’s Drive-In
• Monsters Cafe
• Pizza Predattoria
• Thunder Falls Terrace
• Wimpy’s
• and so many more!

Note: There are no offerings within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at this time, but you can use a dining snack credit for a Butterbeer.

Download Universal Dining Plan Guide

What is the Price?

The cost of the plan is $45.99 for adults (10 and up) $17.99 for children (3-9), gratuities are not included for table service meals.  You can also up-charge your plan to include the Cinematic Spectacular Dining Experience for an additional fee of $20 for adults, $7 for child.

Want to Try the Universal Orlando Dining Plan for Free?

For a LIMITED time Universal Orlando will be offering FREE DINING for off-site resort guests! 

Enjoy 2 FREE days of the brand new Universal Dining Plan valid in both Universal Orlando theme parks as well as select locations in Universal CityWalk , when you and your family stay a minimum of 4-Nights at a Universal Partner Hotel with this exclusive Vacation Package! (not valid for on-site resorts).

Valid for travel 8/15 – 11/24/13 and 12/2 – 12/19/13.

Vacation Package Includes

• 4 night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
• 3 day base tickets-one theme park per day
• 2 FREE days of the Universal Dining Plan per person
• Early Park Admission to Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Plus travel between 8/15-9/2 and receive Early Entry to Transformers: The Ride 3-D
• Offer valid for purchase until 8/29/13 for travel dates 8/15-11/24 and 12/2-12/19

Contact us today for your Vacation Quote! 877-918-8941 or https://www.destinationsinflorida.com/request-a-quote/

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

We would all love to spend as much time at Disney as possible.  But what if you only have one day?  What to do?  How do you make the most of your one day at Disney?

Here are a few tips to make sure to get the most out of your trip.

1.  Pick the right day – Crowd levels vary and you can find days within a week that are better than others.  Of course Spring Break and holidays will be the busiest, but it can also be busy around the marathons and special events.  As a travel agent I can help you pick the perfect day for your Disney visit and decide which park to visit.  There are a few factors to consider:

• The park hours – you probably won’t want to pick a day that the parks close early for a special event.

• The crowd levels – weekdays tend to be less busy.

• Closures and special events – consult the Disney calendars to know which events or closures are happening.

2.  Plan your day – make a list of the rides you do not want to miss and the character photos you want to get.  Write down the Fastpasses you want to get (see below) when you enter the park.  Plan where you would like to get lunch and make a dining reservation if needed.  Don’t waste your time trying to decide while you are in the parks or waiting to eat because you did not make a reservation.

3.  Get to the park before it opens – You want to be the first people in line, to enter the park.  But also to see the opening gate drop.  Most of the crowds start to get heavy around 10 am, so if you are there at opening you can avoid some lines or get your favorite character photos.

4.  Use the Fastpass – They are free!  I am always surprised by how many people think they need to pay for the Fastpass.

• The Fastpass kiosks are located outside of select attractions.  Look for the (FP) image on your maps.

• Use your park tickets to get the FastPasses

• You will get a window to return to avoid the lines later in the day.

• Save time by having one person take all of your park tickets to get the Fastpass.

• You need one Fastpass per person.

5.  Don’t try to do it all! – It is ok if you can not do everything. It is better to enjoy the time you are there then to feel like you have to rush from place to place.  If a wait time is too extended decide f you will skip it or come back.  Even though this is your one day, you should enjoy it!!

6.  Understand the wait times – Certain rides have longer waits than others.  As your travel agent I can help you plan your day to get to those rides and reserve some of the less popular rides for later.

The fact is that if you only have one day you may not be able to do everything.  Especially if you choose Magic Kingdom.  But with some help, planning and patience you will be able to enjoy it!

Patti Persia is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida.  As part of her travel services she watches for discounts, helps with planning, reservations and more.  Her guests also get fun gifts and freebies to make their trip even more magical!  You can reach her at 302-5mouse6 or Patti@DestinationsinFlorida.com.