The Disney Imagineers have come up with some amazing ideas to make Disney Cruise Line stand out amongst its competitors.  Here’s a list of ten things Disney Cruise Line did first:

1. Fireworks- Disney Cruise Line is the first and only cruise line to shoot fireworks at sea.  All of the fireworks are food based products so fish can enjoy the leftovers from the show.
2. Rotational Dining- Once onboard you will rotate between three themed restaurants on each ship.  Your servers and tablemates will rotate with you each night.
3. Magical Portholes-Inside staterooms become oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  Each inside stateroom features a magical porthole that gives you a real time view of the outside ship.  In addition to the view your favorite Disney character may pop up on the screen at any moment.  You never know who you will see on your magical porthole.
4. Free Soda & Wave Phones- You can access free soft drinks on the pool deck 24 hours a day.  You will also have access to wave phones to help you keep in touch with your family while onboard.
5. Premiere Movies- Movies premiere onboard the ship the same day they premiere in theatres (including Digital 3-D screenings so you get the full effect on seeing the movie on land).
6. Yellow Lifeboats- Orange did not fit into the Mickey theme of the ship so Disney received special permission to use yellow life boats on each of its ships.
7. Split Bathrooms- Shower/tub in one area while the toilet is separate.
8. Dock at Castaway Cay- Disney is the first cruise line to dock at their own private island.  It’s much more convenient to just walk off the ship without having to tender.
9. Unbelievable Youth Spaces- There is almost an entire floor dedicated to youth activities for babies to pre-teens.  Disney is the first to also have dedicated youth spaces just for teens and tweens.
10. AquaDuck- This water coaster will take you 765 feet up, down, and around the side of the ship on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

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.

How have I never eaten here before!?! Raglan Road at Downtown Disney is AMAZING! The food is delicious and the service is awesome!

When you are first seated a server welcomes you to the restaurant. Out server was extremely helpful with the questions we had. We were interested in the Kiss Before Shrimp appetizer. However, it has chilies in it, when we asked how spicy it was she responded that it did have some spice but they could make the dish with out the chilies for us. I then asked her opinion between the Fish and Chips and the Raglan Risotto. I’m a huge fan of not fish and chips and risotto so I was having a hard time deciding. Our server told me she was a big fan of the risotto so that is what I went with!

While we waited for our appetizer theft brought us out Irish Soda Bread and a Guinness glaze, which is a sweet glaze made up of sugar, Guinness, and olive oil for dipping. The bread and the glaze are out of this world! I can’t wait to get home and try making this bread myself!

The Kiss Before Shrimp was delicious it was the perfect blend of garlic, butter, and lemon juice. And the baguette the served with it was perfect to soak up all the sauce! I knew I ordered the right thing when our entrees came out. Just looking at the risotto I knew it was going to be amazing! And when I took that first bite, I was in heaven! Hands down best risotto I have ever had! The fish and chips came out wrapped in white paper served in a silver cone. The server then takes the cone and essentially shakes out the fish and chips on to you plate. The fish was lift and crispy and not at all greasy. The chips were cooked perfectly, crunchy yet warm and soft on the inside! We finished our meal with the Dunbrody Kiss. As they describe it is chocolate, with some more chocolate, and then add more chocolate. And they are not lying! It is chocolate overload in the best possible way! They start with a crust of crushed up snickers and corn flakes. Yeah, you read that right, crushed up snickers and corn flakes, the they top that with a chocolate mousse and cover that with a chocolate ganache. Then they top it off with a chocolate drizzle and two chocolate pieces. Oh My Gosh! This dessert was amazing! And you better believe we ate every last bite!

Over all my first experience at Raglan Road was amazing and it definitely won’t be my last!

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.

One our partners at Your First Visit was recently featured on the popular show WDW Today.  The owner of Your First Visit, Dave, spent some time with those fun guy from WDW Today chatting about his website and visiting the Walt Disney World Resort.  Click on this link to enjoy this fun show, featuring Dave.

Dave’s site is the perfect tool to help you beat the crowds during your Disney World vacation.  His website is the Instruction Guide to Walt Disney World.  His tips and tricks will save you time, help you pick the best times to visit Disney World, and make the most of your visit with Mickey Mouse.

Check out Your First Visit to help plan your upcoming trip to Disney World.

Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center is ranked second in the United States in terms of exhibition space with more than 2.1 million-square-feet (640,080-square-meters). The Center also offers 479,190 square feet (14,605 square meters) of meeting rooms. There are more than 11,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the facility.

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.

Did you know that Walt Disney World offers special tours to let you see a little backstage magic or just learn more about their world-class theme parks? There are many different tours you can try at Disney World. So, why not take a tour on your Disney World Honeymoon? Please note, these tours are an additional cost and some may be available only seasonally.

Here is the list of tours available at the Magic Kingdom:

• Disney’s Family Magic Tour
• Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
• Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
• Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy
• Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour

Here is the list of tours available at Animal Kingdom:

• Sunrise Safari
• Backstage Safari
• Wild Africa Trek
• Wild by Design

Here is the list of tours available at Epcot:

• Backstage Magic
• Behind the Seeds
• Disney’s Dolphins in Depth
• Disney’s Holiday D-Lights
• Epcot Dive Quest
• Epcot Seas Aqua Tour
• Gardens of the World
• The UnDiscovered Future World

Take this opportunity to learn more about the magic behind Disney and you may just learn something new about your new spouse as well!

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.

If you are planning a vacation at a Disney World Resort hotel, you might be considering whether or not you want to add a Dining Plan to your reservation.  There’s a chance that you don’t even know what the Dining Plan is all about!  It’s actually a simple way to make dining during your vacation more enjoyable.

By selecting a Disney Dining plan, you are actually paying for your food in advance and saving money.  Depending on the plan you choose, you will receive a certain number of meals and snacks each day at a variety of locations.

How do they Work?

• When you book a vacation, purchase a package that includes a Disney dining plan.
• While vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, choose from over 100 select restaurants available.
• Present the Key to the World card given to you at check-in to your server or cashier prior to ordering. The card electronically monitors your party’s allocated meals.
• Track your meals with the easy-to-read receipt your server will provide you, displaying your remaining meal balance.
• Redeem your meals in any order throughout your stay until each person’s meal total is complete.

Your “Key to the World” card is like a credit card that is only good for the time you are at Disney.  It also serves as the key to your hotel room.  Dining credits are loaded onto the card and it can also be used to charge souvenirs throughout Disney World.

Most plans include quick-service meals and table-service meals.  A quick-service meal is one where you order from a counter.  There are many great options available.  Don’t be fooled by the myth that you’re limited to burgers and fries!  Table service is just as it sounds—a sit-down restaurant with a server.  The choices for table service meals are incredible with options that include character meals and signature dining.

Try a Disney Dining Plan if you possibly can.  Sure, you can bring sandwiches, granola bars and fruit from home—and yes, you can take these into the parks!  If you do, you’ll save a little money but you’ll miss out on incredible dining adventures.  Shouldn’t you treat yourself to something special on your vacation?

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris”  Sheri is a 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.

Universal Orlando offers 3 onsite hotels (with a 4th opening in 2014) each resort offers a little something extra each month for guests and locals alike.  On the last Thursday of every month (except Nov & Dec), Hard Rock Resort offers something they call Velvet Sessions. Simply put, the hotel lobby is literally transformed into a live entertainment venue. Yes the lobby!  This event has been named Orlando’s only rock and roll cocktail party.

Velvet Sessions feature a different band each month and includes complimentary cocktails (limited selection), butler-served hors d’oeuvres and warm-up music starting at 6:30 pm. At 8:30 pm, the featured band starts and a cash bar is available. Complimentary valet parking is available.

Prices: $29 online, $35 at the door, VIP $50 available online only. Prices also vary in September and October

*Buy your tickets online and receive early entry at 6 pm, along with free specialty drinks. http://velvetsessions.com/
** VIP tickets include the benefits of a standard ticket, plus a special viewing area with a private bar serving specialty drinks.

Some of the past performers include: Joan Jett, The Romantics, Eddie Money, The Tubes, The Fixx, ABC, Foreigner, Brett Michaels and more.  Be sure to put this event on your do not miss list next time you visit Universal Orlando Resort!

Written by Jennifer Greene- Vacation Wizard Jennifer is a Universal Specialist with Destinations in Florida. If you are ready to Rock Out on your next Universal Vacation contact her for a free quote at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181

There are many ways to make your Disney Cruise Vacation even more magical.  Here are a few to get you started:

Land and Sea Packages- Combine your Disney Cruise with a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.  You can visit Disney before or after your cruise vacation. I like going to the park before my cruise.  I usually wear myself out when I go to the parks so I love being able to relax on a cruise to finish my vacation.

Adventures by Disney Experience-  If you decide to take a Mediterranean cruise, you can add an Adventures by Disney Experience.  Pre-cruise packages are available or an onboard add on.  The onboard add on gives you the opportunity to experience the service of Adventures by Disney during your cruise.  You will have two Adventure Guides to make sure you have incredible experiences at every port.  You will definitely feel the VIP treatment as you explore Europe.  Pre-stay adventures are also available on the Barcelona sailings.

Weddings, Vow Renewals and Commitment Ceremonies- How would you like to get married onboard one of Disney’s beautiful cruise ships?  How about renewing your vows on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay? Disney Fairy Tale Weddings will help you plan a ceremony that you and your loved ones will never forget!

Celebrations- If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, Disney offers several options to help you with your festivities.  You can purchase celebration cakes, floral arrangements, romance packages, or birthday packages.

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.

At Magic Kingdom’s new Be Our Guest Restaurant you get a dining experience straight out of the award-winning movie, complete with appearances from the Beast himself, and there’s even grey stuff and it is delicious!

You are transported into the fantasy world of Beauty and the Beast from the moment you step onto the stone, gargoyle lined bridge that leads up to the castle.  Upon entering the castle you continue down a hallway lined with ominous looking suits of armor, pass through an archway and there you are in the Grand Ballroom! The ballroom is the largest of the three dining rooms that are offered at Be Our Guest.  The centerpiece of this room would have to be the beautifully painted ceiling adorned with winged cherubs and gorgeous yet massive chandeliers. However, what I found to be the coolest feature of this room was the massive picture windows that look out across a wonderful mountainous landscape.  Look closely out the windows and you will even see a lovely little snowfall. We had just been seated at our table, complete with rose-folded napkins, when we heard a booming voice making an announcement. It turns out the master was in tonight and would be receiving guests in his study. Then, all of a sudden we saw the Beast walk through Ballroom and into the West Wing before ending up in his study where he would be posing for photos and giving autographs. I found this completely exciting because I had no idea I would get to meet the Beast!

While we enjoyed our meal in the grand ballroom, I was encouraged to get up and take a look around. So I wandered around and found myself at the forbidden west wing! But, don’t worry, it’s not forbidden at Be Our Guest. The West Wing is the smallest of the three dining rooms in the restaurant, and the detail that the Disney imagineers put into this room is truly amazing! They even included the enchanted rose, complete with falling petals. As the petals fall from the rose you can hear a thunder and lighting storm rolling in. On one of the walls hangs a torn portrait of the Beast as a young prince. With each passing lighting strike you can see the prince morph into his more menacing form. As I was at Be Our Guest for dinner I did not have an opportunity to see the Rose Gallery, which is the only dinning room that is just opened for lunch.  However, I did have a friend that ate lunch here, so I can pass on her information about the Rose Gallery on to you!  In this dining room you will find tapestries, which feature the various characters of the movie, lining the walls. The centerpiece of this room would have to be the grand music box that features a rotating sculpture of Belle and the Beast that looks like it was taking right out of the movie’s ballroom scene!

If I could only use one word to describe the food at Be Our Guest it would have to be AMAZING!!! This is one of the best meals I have ever had at Disney World. The menu features delicious French fare such as Mussels Steamed in White Wine and oven Baked Ratatouille, as well as many other delicious French inspired selections. I began my meal with the French Onion Soup, which came out bubbly with the Gruyere cheese looking perfect and tasted equally has fantastic. My mom decided to try the Garden Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, and it was a wonderfully refreshing salad.  For the main course I ordered what I later learned was the signature dish of Be Our Guest, the Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops. The shrimp and scallops are sautéed in a rich lobster sauce and served with veggies inside of a puff pastry shell, and it was absolutely delicious. For her main course my mom decided to try the Rotisserie Cornish Hen.  The hen itself was perfectly golden and delicious and the White Wine Au Jus only added to the deliciousness. It was served with seasonal vegetables and roasted fingerling potatoes. After two amazing courses, we finally came to my favorite part of any dinner…DESSERT! I promise you dessert at Be Our Guest is worth every single calorie!  After the main course, every table is presented with the dessert cart. I dare anybody to say no to this dessert cart, which is filled with rows of delectable cupcakes and cream puffs. You can choose from three varieties of cupcakes, Triple Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, or Strawberry Cream Cheese or you can choose from three varieties of cream puffs, Passion Fruit, Lemon Raspberry, or Chocolate. Being the chocoholics that my mom and I are, we went for the Triple Chocolate cupcake and the Chocolate Cream Puff. The Triple Chocolate Cupcake consists of chocolate sponge cake, chocolate mousse filling, and is topped of with chocolate ganache. Rich and decadent do not even begin to describe this cupcake, but oh my gosh it was so AMAZINGLY GOOD! The Chocolate Cream Puff was equally delicious, it was more of an understated richness. It was sweet and chocolaty, the perfect little compliment to an amazing meal.  And, as I said before there is even grey stuff! Only those celebrating something special are lucky enough to try the cookies and cream whipped panna cotta, and from what I have heard it is indeed delicious!

I cannot say that I was anything but, extremely impressed with Be Our Guest! The atmosphere was truly amazing. The imagineers left no detail untouched. I really felt like I walked straight into the Beauty and Beast movie. And, the food was equally spectacular. I think Be Our Guest is going to be a time-honored favorite for a long time to come! So as Lumiere would say, “Be our guest, be our guest. Put our service to the test!

If you would like to put Be Our Guest’s service to the test please keep in mind that reservations are strongly recommended for Dinner and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.

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.