Not all couples are taking their honeymoon immediately following their wedding. If your honeymoon dates are flexible, plan to attend a special event during your Disney World honeymoon!

Walt Disney World has special events throughout the year for you to enjoy. Many of these events are actually geared more towards adults than children. Some of the events you could plan to attend are the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Star Wars weekends, or one of the many events leading up to the holidays.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is a beautiful spring event featuring topiaries throughout the park, flower and garden displays, HGTV presentations, and even concerts! You can enjoy walking through this event together and there are plenty of great photo opportunities! Plus, new for 2013, there are garden marketplaces where you can try delicious dishes!

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival occurs every fall. There is lots of “adult” fun at this with international food and beverage marketplaces, wine seminars, culinary demonstrations, and a concert series. Plus, you just might find a celebrity chef here!

For couples who are Star Wars fans, the Star Wars weekends at Hollywood Studios might be a fun event for you! This event takes place select weekends in May and June. You can meet your favorite Star Wars characters and celebrities and even get their autograph at this special event! You’ll also catch parades, motorcades, talk shows, and more all from Star Wars!

There are numerous events leading up to Christmas at Walt Disney World. If you travel between mid-November and the end of December, you can enjoy special events at most parks. Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party while Epcot offers the Candlelight Processional and Hollywood Studios features the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. The Walt Disney World Resort decorates their theme parks all for the holidays. You will enjoy just seeing all the decorations!

Are you thinking about a Disney World honeymoon? Contact Siera to help you plan your perfect honeymoon!

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.

The first thing you see when approaching EPCOT Center is Spaceship Earth, rising high into the Florida sky.  As Cinderella’s Castle is to the Magic Kingdom, so is Spaceship Earth to EPCOT.  It’s a perfect spot for photo opportunities!

Spaceship Earth is often called “The big golf ball”!  However, if you wanted to use it as a golf ball, you’d have to be 1.2 miles tall!  This iconic structure is 180 feet high and 18 feet off the ground.  The structure was designed by Disney Imagineers and consultants including science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, who helped write the original storyline.

Some interesting facts:

• It’s a complete sphere supported by three pairs of legs
• It features 11, 324 silver facets made of Alucobond, forming 3840 points
• When it rains, people underneath won’t get soaked. Water is collected in a gutter system and routed into Showcase Lagoon
• Spaceship Earth weighs 15,520 pounds!
• It took 26 months and 40,800 labor hours to build, opening in October, 1982
• It’s actually 2 spheres, one inside the other
• There is a VIP lounge above the post show area of the attraction
• In September, 1999, a Mickey Mouse arm holding a wand and the year 2000 was installed to celebrate the turn of the century.  It weighed almost 50 tons and was removed in 2000

Portions of the ride are dark but all ages will enjoy it.  There are no height restrictions. It’s usually crowded during the morning but not later in the day.  You will travel on an omnimover, meaning the ride is continuously moving.  It may stop for wheelchair guests because they must transfer from the chair.

The storyline takes you back in time and features scenes depicting communication from early times through the present.  It features lifelike Audio-Animatronics with Judi Dench as the narrator and lasts about 15 minutes.  At the end, you have the opportunity to design the kind of future you want using a touch screen that is on your ride vehicle.  You can even email a cute video to a friend before leaving!

 
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.

 

 

 

I thought Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure was strictly for thrill seekers and Harry Potter Fans, I was mistaken. In plain sight is a whimsical area called Seuss Landing. It is vibrant, bright and cheery. The kids will also be familiar with many of the attractions if they have read the Dr Seuss books. Any child could spend quite a bit of time exploring and playing while other family members may be off riding The Hulk.

In Seuss Landing you will find 5 attractions to keep the little ones entertained:

• The High In the Sky Trolley Ride is a slow trolley ride that gives you a view high atop Seuss Landing, be sure to ride both colors as they show different things around the area
• The Cat in the Hat is a “Tilt-a-Whirl” type ride.  The story of the Cat in the Hat is played out in cars that spin round and round. (warning: if your child gets motion sick you may want to skip this one)
• One Fish Two Fish is a mild ride, you control the motion of the fish (up and down) while trying to avoid the water being shot at you from squirt posts.
• The Caro-Seuss-el is beautifully designed interactive carousel featuring characters from several Seuss storybooks. The ride has ample seats, some move and some are stationary.
• If I Ran the Zoo is an interactive playground for children, sure to let them get out some of that energy

A tip when you are visiting Seuss Landing: the bright colors in this particular area of the park reflect quite a bit of sun.  BE SURE to wear LOTS of sun block.  Bring waterproof sun block for kids, as the area has a few water attractions and I am sure they won’t be able to resist them on a hot summer day.

If you would like to take a break from the sun step inside the Circus McGurkus Cafe, there you can refill your drinks, grab a snack or just enjoy the air-conditioning and watching the trolley pass by above you.  Don’t let the thrill rides scare you away from Islands of Adventure with small children, there is plenty for them to experience as well.

 Written by Jennifer Greene-Vacation Wizard Jennifer is a Universal Specialist with Destinations in Florida, If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It” then contact her today for a free quote for your next Universal Adventure or Disney Vacation at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181

 

 

Guests who want to be pampered while onboard the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy just need to head to the Senses Spa & Salon.  Guests can choose from a variety of treatments including massages, wraps, facials, hair and nail treatments. Men can also receive a variety of grooming services in the barber shop. Some of the signature services are the Senses 24 Karat Gold Facial, Elemis Aroma Seaweed Massage, and Chocolate Indulgence Body Treatment. Chill Spa is the teen area. 

Teens have their own special menu of treatments including the Fabulously Fruity Facial, Mother/Daughter Paradise Massage, Acne Attack Facial, Father/Son Chill Out Massage, and Hot Chocolate Wrap. Two of the most popular features in the Senses Spa are the heated lounge chairs and Rainforest Room. 

The Rainforest Room features four different shower experiences including Water Fun, Tropical Thunder, Rainforest, and the Sea Mist Experience. Guests can purchase a cruise pass for unlimited entry to the Rainforest Experience. Guests can also choose to receive their spa treatment in a private villa. Every villa comes with a tea ceremony, bathing ritual, and foot cleansing ceremony in addition to your spa treatment(s). 

The couples villa is very nice way to spend some quality time with your significant other.  Disney recommends that you book all of your spa treatments before you set sail.  Personally, I have never had any problems getting a reservation onboard.  I usually wait to book onboard because Disney Cruise Line will run specials throughout your cruise. 

Embarkation day specials usually include an additional 15 minute treatment to enhance the signature service.  You will find the daily spa special in your Personal Navigator. The spa gets very busy on sea days.  However, the best spa specials tend to be on port days. 

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.

Visitors may be surprised to learn about the multitude of arts and culture offerings in Orlando. The Orlando Ballet; Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, In Partnership with UCF; Bach Festival Society; Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra; Orlando Repertory Theatre, in partnership with UCF; Mad Cow Theatre; Broadway Across America – Orlando series and several professional and community theatre companies are just a few of the area’s options. The same ideals of creativity and innovation that rank Orlando’s theme parks among the best in the world, not to mention raw talent and showmanship, overflow to the surrounding community, making the area a haven for artists and performers. The area is also home to hundreds of museums, galleries, theatres, gardens and historic homes. Many of Orlando’s arts offerings can be found along its “Cultural Corridor,” an 8mile (13kilometer) stretch along Interstate 4 (I-4), spanning from Downtown Orlando to historic Winter Park.

 

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.

There are plenty of activities for couples to enjoy at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. One thing I recommend for couples to do on their vacation or honeymoon is to catch one of the many shows at Disney World.

My personal favorite (and many others’) is Wishes Nighttime Spectacular. There’s nothing better than watching fireworks behind the iconic Cinderella Castle. It is also romantic to watch fireworks together here and share a kiss under the sparks! There are lots of places to watch Wishes from, both inside and outside of Magic Kingdom.

Another great show you won’t want to miss is the Main Street Electrical Parade. You will see characters and more all lit up as they travel down Main Street, USA. There are half a million sparkling lights synchronized to a musical soundtrack.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot is another great fireworks show, but this one centers around the World Showcase Lagoon. This is more than just a fireworks show though as you will also see lasers and a video. You can even pick which country you’d like to watch the show from!

The Electrical Water Pageant passes through the Seven Seas Lagoon and can be seen from Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort, or the Contemporary Resort. This water parade is a great way to see sea creatures all lit up!

Fantasmic is a great nightly show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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.

Nestled in the back of the first floor of Disney’s Polynesian Resort you’ll find a gem of a counter service restaurant, Capt. Cook’s Snack Company.  This is one of the few places you will find 24 hour dining at Disney World.

Capt. Cook’s offers a varied menu, featuring American food with South Pacific flair!  Ordering is a bit different from most counter service establishments at Disney.  Upon entering, you’ll see kiosks with touch screens for placing your order.   It’s a simple process and photos are included to help you make your selections.  Once you have ordered you can pick up any additional items from the grab and go section and proceed to the cashier.  You will be given a buzzer to let you know when your order is ready.

Breakfast features standard fare, including Mickey waffles, breakfast platters and sandwiches.  One of the highlights is Tonga Toast that the Polynesian is famous for.  It’s a yummy breakfast treat consisting of sourdough bread stuffed with bananas, deep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.  Tonga Toast can also be found upstairs at the pricier Kona Café.

Lunch and dinner offerings include sandwiches, salads and stir fry.  Capt. Cook’s also serves flatbreads with various toppings.  The vegetarian chili is delicious.  Many scrumptious desserts can be found such as gourmet cupcakes, assorted cookies and brownies.  However, the most popular item at Capt. Cook’s is the Dole Whip machine!  That’s right folks…self serve Dole Whip, the frozen pineapple concoction that’s almost addicting!  You may purchase a cup and fill it as high as you like!

Indoor seating is comfortable but somewhat limited.  It can be crowded, especially during breakfast hours.  Outdoor seating is plentiful but don’t be tempted to feed the birds!  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Be sure not to overlook Capt. Cook’s Snack Company during your next Disney World Vacation.  It’s the perfect place for a quick breakfast, a mid day break from the parks or a late night snack.  Consider grabbing a Dole Whip to eat while watching the fireworks from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  You’ll be glad you did!

 

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.

I will admit I had not yet experienced the coveted Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s number 1 selling item–Butterbeer.  In February, I finally had the chance to enjoy the infamous treat. Boy am I glad I did! Butterbeer can be served cold or frozen, I would say I am a frozen Butterbeer girl. It’s the most delicious mug of goodness I have had as a theme park snack. You can get this served in a regular cup or a fun collectors mug, I spent the extra cash on the collector mug. As I strolled around the Wizarding World, I took in all of the details and sights while enjoying my Butterbeer. Every Muggle will love this treat on their trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

When you enter Hogsmeade Village there is a Butterbeer stand in the middle of the village, there will surely always be a line because people think they can only get it there–not true. Head on over to the Hog’s Head Pub for one, there is rarely a long wait and the ambience is wonderful. You can even look around Three Broomsticks once you get your beverage.

Have you enjoyed Butterbeer yet? If so, how would you describe it?

Written by Jennifer Greene “Vacation Wizard”–Jennifer is a Universal Specialist with Destinations in Florida. If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It”, contact her today for a free quote for your next Universal Adventure or Disney Vacation at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181.

Disney Magic will receive a makeover between September 7, 2013-October 10, 2013.  Guests will be able to experience the reimagined Disney Magic on cruises beginning October 20, 2013.  Disney has recently released some of the details about the changes that will be made to the Disney Magic.  A few of the features of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will be added to the Disney Magic.  These venues include Andy’s Room, It’s a Small World Nursery, Pixie Hollow, The Chill Spa, and D Lounge.  Here are some of the brand new features that will be added to the Disney Magic:

AquaDunk is a three-story body slide being added to the pool deck. It begins with a near-vertical drop that sends guests on an exhilarating ride in a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.

Carioca’s is a new Rio de Janeiro themed restaurant where, during the day, there’s a festival theme and, when night falls, the atmosphere transforms into an after-hours city scene with softly illuminated lanterns flickering overhead.

Twist n’ Spout water slide and AquaLab are on deck for kids. Toddlers will be able to  play in the new Nephews’ Splash Zone, offering pop jets and squirting figures of Donald Duck’s nephews.

The adult entertainment district will now be called After Hours.  After Hours will include Fathoms night club, Keys (piano bar and lounge), and O’Gills (Irish pub and sports bar).

My favorite new addition is Marvel’s Avengers Academy and the Mickey Mouse Club in Disney’s Oceaneer Club.  Although this area is open to 3-12 year olds I sincerely hope that there will be plenty of open house slots so I can bring out my inner superhero!

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.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Fun is the flavor at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival  presented by HGTV! Savor seasonal foods and refreshing tastes at Garden Marketplaces across World Showcase. Then, enjoy the glow of enchanting topiaries and gardens as they light up the night.

Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House: Eight fanciful fairy topiaries of Pixie Hollow, including Tinker Bell, Fawn, Vidia and Terrence, take over the Butterfly House this year where hundreds of colorful winged beauties flit to life.  On the Imagination Walkway

What’s Budding in 2013
Help us celebrate our 20th year with a bumper crop of brand-new surprises, as we’ve been hard at work to make your visit to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival more colorful than ever! Here’s just a sampling of what’s in store:

New Topiary Additions: Join the Party with Mickey and Friends, Mike and Sully of Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.”, Phineas and Ferb, and many others.

Garden Marketplaces: Getting around Epcot is thirsty, and hungry, work! Luckily, you’ll find a robust offering of gourmet bites and beverages, inspired by Spring and the international flair of World Showcase.

Illuminated Gardens: Stay and play as select topiaries and gardens now light up the evening. It’s an extra sprinkling of pixie dust, and a most magical way to end your day.

Land of Oz: Discover an all-new garden and children’s play area inspired by the new Disney film “Oz the Great and Powerful”, featuring Cozy Domes® and Evos® play systems, designed to stretch imaginations and muscles.

Garden Passport, Presented by HGTV: Pick up this complimentary guide to all that’s new this year, with select items labeled “TRY it!”—-encouraging families to see new things, taste new foods, and have fun together!

Truly Dazzling Topiary Displays
The star attraction of the Festival, these Disney character-shaped shrubs are sure to enthrall Guests of all ages:

• NEW! Party with Mickey and Friends!
• NEW! Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” featuring Mike and Sully
• NEW! Phineas and Ferb
• NEW! Disney•Pixar’s “Radiator Springs” featuring Lightning McQueen and Friends
• Beauty and the Beast
• The Lion King
• Disney•Pixar’s Woody and Lotso
• Peter Pan
• Lady and the Tramp
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• Winnie the Pooh and Friends
• Plus many more of your favorites!

Over 75 topiaries in all, as well as newly themed gardens, interactive play areas and informational displays—-all awaiting your discovery.

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