Does your family love Epcot? What about relaxing at the pools? Disney’s Beach Club Resort is the perfect resort for you! Disney’s Beach Club Resort is located along Disney’s Boardwalk and is within walking distance to EPCOT and a short boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Rooms at this resort keep the sea in mind as its inspiration. Most rooms sleep up to 5 guests comfortably and offer Standard View (parking lot or rooftop), Garden View and Water View (lagoon or pool) rooms as well as Club Level rooms. Rooms come complete with an alarm clock with MP3 player, mini fridge, ceiling fan, coffee maker, hair dryer, safe, iron and ironing board, pool towels, telephone and flat screen TV.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers both quick service and table service options for dining. For something fun head over to Beaches & Cream Soda Shop and try if you dare the Kitchen Sink! For a fun character meal, Cape May Café has you covered with Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast complete with Goofy and Friends.

No beach themed resort would be complete without a Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet at Cape May Café serving up mouthwatering seafood every night. If seafood is not your delight, you can always head over to Captain’s Grille or treat yourself to a Signature Dining Experience at Yachtsmen Steakhouse both located at the sister resort Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Fun outside the parks is boundless with numerous activities for you to enjoy. The best pool on Disney property, Stormalong Bay, is more of a beachside waterpark than it is a pool as it covers over 3 acres and is sure to keep everyone entertained. Stormalong Bay features a sand-bottomed pool, a life-sized shipwreck replica, a 230 foot long waterslide, a lazy river, and three whirlpools.

For the little ones, they can enjoy the sand and gently sloping sandy beach of the main pool or make a splash in the kiddie pool complete with its own waterslide. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and simply relax there are three leisure pools located within Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts to provide a more tranquil environment.

After you have had your fill of fun at the pool, there is plenty more to be had with campfire activities, movies under the stars, boat rentals, fishing, bike rentals, tennis, volleyball, playgrounds, arcades and much more! No matter your age you are sure to have a blast at your next stay at Disney’s Disney’s Beach Club!

Written by Kari O’Dell:  Kari creates lasting memories by planning customized vacations all over the world.  Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you.  Traveling is her passion!  Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  If you are ready to save on your next vacation book your next vacation with Kari at 434-609-2370 or  kari@destinationsinflorida.com.

Animal Kingdom was long considered just a half day park by many guests. However, with new nighttime experiences, there’s so much to see and do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From thrilling attractions to Broadway-style theatrical performances and walking trails full of exotic animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this park. Here are the top five attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

It’s Tough to be a Bug!: This attraction, found inside the Tree of Life, was based on A Bug’s Life. The wait time is usually minimal and another way to cool off in the air conditioning on a hot day inside the park. Since the attraction can be a little frightening for little ones afraid of bugs, I always recommend letting them sit on your lap during the attraction, so they don’t have to feel any “surprises.”

Kali River Rapids: This twelve passenger raft ride is sure to soak you from head to tode and is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Before or after your ride (or if you’re just passing by), be sure to stop on the bridge to activate the elephant themed water sprayers and further drench riders as they pass by.

DINOSAUR: You will travel back in time to the Dinosaur Age to help a scientist from the Dino Institute complete a mission to rescue an Iguanodon from extinction. You will travel on your time rover through dark forests past all kinds of dinosaurs such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, and more throughout your journey to rescue the Iguanodon.

Expedition Everest: This thrilling roller coaster will take you to the top of Mount Everest where you will come face to face with the Yeti and then soar backwards down through the Himalayas. This exciting attraction is only available for guests 44 inches or taller. If your party doesn’t mind being split up during the ride, you can significantly reduce your wait time by joining the single rider line.

Kilimanjaro Safaris: My favorite attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris. There are just a few places in the world where you can get up close and personal with lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, elephants, cheetahs, crocodile, hyenas, warthogs, and more!

What is your favorite attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Written by Siera Duiser: Siera Duiser is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical and memorable vacations at no cost to you. Contact Siera to book your next vacation at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or 734-771-1290. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida are full of adventure and magic. Below are our top 3 must dos for any Harry Potter fan. There is so much to do and see it was tough to come up with just 3.

#3 Ollivander’s: What Harry Potter fan has not dreamed of going to Ollivander’s Wand Shop and getting fitted for a wand? I know I have! At Ollivander’s you and a small group of guest will meet a wand keeper and one of your group will be chosen to have a fitting. Remember the wand chooses the wizard, so it could take a few wands to find the perfect fit. You can check out our YouTube Video here of the Ollivander’s experience.

#2 Interactive Wands: Once you have your wand, you need to try it out. Spread out all over both sections of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are special markers where you can use your new wand to perform magic. Witches and Wizards of all ages can make lights flicker, fix a suit of armor, curse a bird, and lots more.

#1 Harry Potter and The Escape from Gringotts: This is the ultimate Harry Potter adventure! On Escape From Gringotts, you will join Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they race through the vaults trying to escape troll, dragons, Death Eaters, and even Lord Voldemort. This is a high speed, pulse rising, thrill ride that every Potter fan will want to ride again and again.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the must go to destinations for any Potter fan.

When you reference the Mountains in Walt Disney World (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain), they are all great, but my top choice is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  

My birthday is November 15th, and so was the Grand Opening Celebration of Big Thunder Mountain.  I happened to be in Disney that week and had a chance to experience this great family friendly coaster as a child.  Which began my love for roller coasters and Disney.

The story goes that a flash flood passed through this old western mining town of Tumbleweed causing havoc.  Where riders get to ride on runaway mine trains through a haunted gold mine.  The ride is about 3 minutes and 30 seconds long and speeds up to about 30mph.  It is on a track with 3 main dips but no big drops.  If you are looking for a more exciting ride, always sit in one of the rear cars. As the front cars are tamer.  Fun Facts: Check out the quirky names of each mine train. I.M. Brave, U.R. Bold, I.B Hearty, I.M. Fearless, U.R. Daring & U.R. Courageous.

Make sure to ride twice, Once during the day and again at night when the sun goes down, and the mountain is lit up.  You will have an entirely different ride experience.

So on your next adventure to Walt Disney World make sure to take a ride on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Don’t forget to get a FastPass + and enjoy the ride.

Written by Dawn Caitano: Dawn creates lasting memories by planning your customized vacations all over the world. Not only does she find the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you. Traveling is her passion! Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  So call Dawn today to start your next Adventure. Book your next vacation with Dawn at 917-494-5771 or dawn@destinationsinflorida.com

Try Skydiving without Jumping Out of a Plane

Have you always dreamed of skydiving, but aren’t exactly ready to jump out of a plane? Then you’ve got to pay a visit to iFly near Universal Orlando and International Drive during your next visit to Orlando!

What is iFLY?  iFLY is the experiential entertainment company that created modern indoor skydiving. They make the dream of flight a reality by giving customers “wings” in a safe and reliable environment.

Wondering how long the experience is?

Each flight within the wind tunnel lasts 60 seconds. When jumping out of an airplane, the free fall portion lasts approx. 45 seconds. At iFLY, your total flight length depends on the package that you choose.  If you reserve a package that contains 2 flights, you will have 2 turns in the wind tunnel with an instructor lasting 60 seconds each. Some of the packages include double-length flights, which last double the time at a reduced cost. The entire iFLY first-time flyer experience takes approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.

If you aren’t in Orlando, iFLY has 37 locations around the world in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia, and the list continues to grow. Visit a location near you!

Universal Orlando has the rides to make you scream your hardest and to get your pulse racing. Destinations In Florida can help you feed your need for speed with our special Universal Orlando tickets with round-trip shuttles from any hotel in Orlando, including the Walt Disney World hotels.

Here are our top five rides that will make any adrenaline junky happy:

1. Dragon Challenge at Islands of Adventure: What is better than one inverted roller coaster, how about two? On Dragon Challenge you can climb on one of two dragons and reach top speeds of 60 MPH. You will be turned upside down five times on this Harry Potter themed coaster. One of the great things about this coaster is the two interlaced tracks which each provide a different experience.

   

2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida: Universal Orlando has combined music with a killer coaster to create a ride that will help you live your Rock & Roll dream. When you first board you get to choose your personal soundtrack from 30 different songs, my favorite is Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue. Next, you will go up the 167 ft lift hill at 90° and then reach top speeds of 65 MPH while racing around the Universal Studios backlot.

   

3. Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida: Imhotep is waiting for you! He is waiting to steal your soul while launching you to speeds of up to 45 MPH. The Mummy combines a dark ride and a state of the art roller coaster into a heart pounding thrill ride that will leave you with only one question. Are you brave enough to ride again?

   

4. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: Are you ready to join Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a thrilling adventure? Once you are inside you will come face to face with dragons, trolls, and even Lord Voldemort. This cutting edge experience will have you twisting, turning, and racing around the vaults of Gringotts. This is a must do for any thrill seeking Harry Potter fan.

   

5. The Incredible Hulk at Islands of Adventure: Are you ready to feel what is like to be The Hulk? With a top speed of 67 MPH, seven inversions, and launch from 0 to 40 MPH in 2 seconds, this coaster will make your pulse race. On August 4, 2016, The Hulk was relaunched with major upgrades that only enhanced one of the best coasters in the world.

   

Universal Orlando will make any thrill seeking, adrenaline junky happy. These are only a few of the thrills waiting for you at Universal Orlando.  Be sure you spend at least one day at this popular theme park destination.  You can book Universal Orlando tickets with shuttle transfers and they pick you up right at your Disney or Orlando hotel!  Book your ticket today!

Turtle Talk with Crush Gets New Finding Dory Characters

Join Crush at Turtle Talk with Crush as he welcomes a few new pals from the upcoming Disney•Pixar film!

While Dory has been stopping by Crush’s “Human Tank” for a while, for the first time ever the tubular sea turtle may be joined by Marlin, Nemo and Squirt! In addition to hanging with these old friends, Crush will be introducing you to some of his new dudes—including the whale shark Destiny, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the octopus—well, “septopus” actually, now that he’s lost a tentacle along the way.

Watch here:

Who’s your favorite Finding Dory character?

I’m still in relative shock on what we’ve been able to assemble for this year’s slate of content. The lineup for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26 is something special.

So this brings me to Universal Orlando last reveal  – FX’s American Horror Story. This all-new house will feature Season 1: Murder House, Season 4: Freak Show and Season 5: Hotel.

Since this fantastic series the HHN Team been watching and calculating how – if ever given the chance – they would translate it into a haunted experience. The most engaging aspect of American Horror Story is the fact that every season is a completely new storyline, with brand new environments and characters, not unlike Halloween Horror Nights.

First, they needed to decide how to capture all that content into a single house. The uber-maze or larger template they adopted, most recently with our popular 25th Anniversary maze last year, was the most ideal format.

You’ll be confronted by the horrors that reside within the walls of the newly bought Harmon residence and evade the abominations that call it’s basement home.

You’ll witness the atrocities that befell many of the unfortunate souls of a roadside Freak Show and encounter Twisty, a maniacal and deformed clown performer.

Lastly, you will check into the Hotel Cortez and unlock the domain of The Countess, as she ensures your stay is anything but pleasant.

These three seasons will be vividly recreated in every detail – environments characters and moments. The HHN Team worked extremely close with the series creator, Ryan Murphy and 20th Century Fox, to insure it captures the series in every way possible.

Learn more in this weeks’ video by clicking here.

To select just five of the best sweet treats in Epcot is no easy feat.  It took me days – literally, days, to get my list from over 40 treats down to five. And I’m still heartbroken that I can’t add them all.

These may not be on your top sweet treat list – but these definitely should be on your “I gotta’ try these the next time I’m in Disney” list.

1 Fresh Berry Cream Puff: You can get this sweet, light and fluffy treat from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion.  Personally, I can spend quite a bit of time in this bakery. Everything looks, smells and tastes delicious!! You can’t go wrong!

2 Salted Caramel Filled Chocolate Cookie: It likes a salted caramel brownie…. just divine!  Try it at Karamell Kuche in the Germany Pavilion. 

3 Mini-Churros with Caramel Sauce: Warm, sugary, cinnamony delights with warm caramel sauce… Need I say more?  Find these nuggets of happiness at La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion.

4 Strawberries and Cream Macaroon : A simply delicious strawberry macaroon with the perfect amount of vanilla and strawberry ice cream in the middle.  Just enough sweetness, but not too much. Found at L’Artisan Des Glaces in the France Pavilion. 

Unfortunately, I can’t end the list with “Every sweet treat you can find in Epcot” so, I will end it with my personal favorite of all time…

5 Funnel Cake with Ice Cream: Funnel cake is my all-time favorite.  But when I found out I could have my funnel cake and ice cream too…. even better! 

What is your favorite sweet treat at Epcot? 

Written by Veronica – Veronica has planned her family vacations for years.  Now she gets to do it for others, and it’s a dream come true.  She creates lasting memories to the destination of your choice by planning customized vacations.  She focuses on family and family reunion travel to all the best destinations… Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Disney Cruise Line and Sandals & Beaches Resorts, to just name a few.  She’ll help you find the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, and she will fill in all the blanks… all at no cost to you! She can’t wait to pass that magic on to your family.  If you are ready to save on your next vacation, contact Veronica!!   

Veronica@DestinationsInFlorida.com 

 

This week learn about how your Memory Makers can help you meet a princess, new pizza at Disney Springs, and more.

All these and so much more in this week’s episode of the Around the Mouse. You can watch the video by clicking on this link and even downloading a copy for your computer or phone.