Enchanted Tales with Belle is a delightful attraction in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.  It is a fun and interactive experience that appeals to all ages.  This mixture of show and meet-and-greet encounter is based on the 1991 Disney film, Beauty and the Beast.

As you follow the cobblestone pathway through the enchanted forest to Maurice’s Cottage, you will notice the attention to detail that Disney is famous for.  There is memorabilia scattered along the way featuring items from Belle’s childhood such as books, growth charts and items you might imagine her father, Maurice may have made in his workshop.

Upon entering Maurice’s workshop you’ll see a vast assortment of projects that he has been working on.  The attention to detail is amazing! Your eyes will be drawn to the magic mirror on the wall as the room darkens and the mirror begins to twinkle and sparkle.  Incredibly, it soon it transforms into a doorway that you walk through to enter the wardrobe room.  Madame Wardrobe and castmembers will explain how guests can help re-enact the story of Beauty and the Beast for Belle on her birthday.  Parts are chosen and simple props are handed out to volunteers who want to take part.

From this point, everyone walks into the Beast’s library.  Lumiere, the talking candelabra, directs everyone to their place.  Once Belle makes her entrance, the short play begins.  There is an opportunity for photos with Belle for all of the participants and they are given a special bookmark as a memento.  It all ends with the happy song “Be Our Guest”!

Encourage your kids to take part in the show if they want to meet Belle.  Don’t miss Enchanted Tales with Belle on your next visit to Walt Disney World. You will be mesmerized from beginning to end!

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.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expansion at Universal Orlando Resort will Include Leaky Cauldron Restaurant

In May 2013, Universal Orlando announced the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expansion as Diagon Alley. We’ve been awaiting more details ever since!

During a media event today, Universal Orlando officially announced that the Leaking Cauldron from the Harry Potter films will be part of the Diagon Alley expansion. This restaurant will offer guests a place to rest, enjoy some unique food offerings while immersed in Harry’s world.

From earlier announcements, we know that Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests already experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.  The new Diagon Alley area within Universal Studios will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.

And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Expressin The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley. In addition to new shops and experiences, there will be an attraction based on Gringotts bank too! All elements are directly inspired by the fiction and films.

We can’t wait to see what details will be revealed next! We hope to see some concept art and menus soon for The Leaky Cauldron.

In the meantime, check out the huge new expansion also announced today for Universal Orlando CityWalk!

Which of these new eateries is most exciting to you? You’ve got nine to choose from — eight at CityWalk and The Leaky Cauldron!

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

2014 to be an Epic Year at Universal Orlando – New Resort, Wizarding World Diagon Alley Opening and Eight New Venues in Universal CityWalk Expansion

Universal Orlando’s CityWalk will undergo a historic expansion during 2014 – all part of an epic year for Universal that will include the opening of the destination’s largest hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Universal Orlando announced Thursday that it will open eight new venues across CityWalk throughout 2014 as part of a bold growth strategy designed to complement the entertainment complex’s already popular collection of national brands.

The expansion comes after a nationwide search for culinary concepts that include a mix of established national brands, up-and-coming concepts and Universal’s own creations.  The new venues will share an overall theme that includes inviting common areas, al fresco dining, open kitchens and more.

The new venues include Hot Dog Hall of Fame, featuring iconic hot dog creations from some of our nation’s most famous ball parks.

Additions also include CowFish, an innovative and trend-setting concept out of Charlotte, North Carolina with a signature dish called “Burgushi;” and popular frozen treat spots Cold Stone Creamery and Menchie’s.

    

Original concepts include Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, a unique tapas-style restaurant, Bread Box, a home-style sandwich shop;  A new modern Italian kitchen concept, where guests can watch as the culinary team handcrafts their pasta from scratch; and Red Oven Pizza Bakery – Universal’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery, which is now open.

    

Exact opening dates will be released at a later time.

Also announced today, The Leaky Cauldron from the “Harry Potter” films will be part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion – Diagon Alley. This expansion also opens in 2014.

 

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

After all of the stress of planning your dream wedding, you and your new spouse have a wonderful honeymoon to look forward to. You will spend time together just the two of you celebrating your new life together. There are many factors to consider when deciding where you would like to spend your honeymoon. Here are just a few tips to help you choose your honeymoon:

• Budget- The most important factor you will want to think about is your budget for your wedding. Although you may be dreaming of a two-week European adventure, your budget may not allow an international vacation. Figure out how much you’re willing to spend and then determine what types of vacation fit into your budget.
• Weather- You will want to consider the time of year you will be taking your honeymoon. If you’re getting married during the cold winter months, a tropical getaway may be the perfect place. However, if you are getting married in the late summer or fall, you will need to consider hurricane season. Do some research to make sure the climate will be what you expect for your honeymoon.
• Adventure versus relaxation- Are you looking to see and do as much as possible? If so, an Adventures by Disney tour may be right for you. However, if you are looking for romance and relaxation, you may want to look into a Caribbean Cruise.
• Use a travel agent- There are so many benefits to using a travel agent. Since our services are free, you won’t have to budget anything extra to use our services. However, we can help you choose places that fit into your budget, discuss the weather climates, and help you find and book the honeymoon of your dreams!

What do you think is the most important factor to choose your 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.

Disney characters appear in an array of different settings on every Disney Cruise.  Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto make their first appearance during the Sail Away Deck Party.  During the deck party, the characters help you kickstart your cruise with a live stage performance.  The characters appear in several live stage shows throughout your cruise.  They really shine in the Broadway style shows in the Walt Disney Theater.  Each day there will several character meet and greet opportunities.  There is a list of all the character appearances with times and locations on the back of your Personal Navigator each day.  You will be able to take pictures with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy every day.  The characters have several different outfits to wear during the cruise so your pictures will all be different.  The Disney Princesses are also a very popular meet and greet.  In addition to the scheduled character appearances listed on your Personal Navigator don’t be surprised if you happen to see a princess walking down the hall for an impromptu photo opportunity.  If you want to get pictures with all the princesses at one time make sure you attend the Princess Gathering.  The Princess Gathering usually occurs twice.  You should arrive a few minutes early to get in line for this royal gathering.  Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is full of characters.  You can find Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Mickey, Pluto, Daisy, Chip & Dale, and a few others around the island.  Everyone will be wearing their best pirate gear.   The characters love to drop by the kids’ areas especially at the Oceaneer’s Club and Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line offers a character breakfast for cruises 7 nights or longer. There are so many ways to enjoy your favorite Disney characters during a cruise and many opportunities to do so.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten 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.

Boma Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

It’s that time of the year when families are getting together, the leaves are falling and it’s getting cold outside. It’s also the time of year when I think about making a nice, warm soup.  When pondering all of the soup recipes I could make, my mind quickly drifts to the best soup I ever tasted….it was at Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Today, I want to share my own version of the Boma Butternut Squash soup recipe with you.   I think you’ll agree that it’s the perfect cure for one who is craving soup and craving Disney!

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe – Just Like Boma’s!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium Butternut Squash
• 6 Tablespoons Butter
• 8 ounces Water
• 8 ounces Heavy Cream (whipping cream)
• 8 ounces whole Milk
• 4 Tablespoons Sugar (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch mixed with a little cold water
• 4 slices of American Cheese
• Dash of Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and roast the squash face down in the oven at 325 for 45 minutes or until done.
2. Melt the butter in a large soup pan.
3. Mix and mash the squash with water. Add heavy cream and milk.  Puree in a blender until smooth.  Pour mixture into soup pan.
4. Add sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
5. Mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and add to the soup.
6. Add the American cheese and continue mixing until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Continue stirring until thoroughly heated.  Enjoy while hot!

This Boma butternut squash soup recipe makes 8 delicious servings.

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.

Last week’s trivia was about one of Trivia Tink’s favorite lovable dwarfs — Dopey!

You were asked..

“What 3 things were different about Dopey than the other Dwarfs?”

Dopey was the only dwarf in the 1937 Walt Disney animated picture “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” who:

• Did not speak
• Had blue eyes
• Did not have a beard

Did you get the correct answer?  We selected a winner at random from those who submitted the correct answer. This week’s winner is Jennifer K. — Congratulations Jennifer!  Erin Benge (erinbenge@destinationsinflorida.com) will contact you shortly to arrange delivery of your prize!

Thanks for playing! Remember to check our blog for additional trivia and contests each week!

Written by Erin Benge, also known as “TriviaTink” — Erin is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  She specializes in traveling with toddlers and multiple generations.  Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Erin at ErinBenge@DestinationsinFlorida.com!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought I would share a few reasons why I’m thankful for Disney Cruise Line.

1. Food:  There is never a shortage of fantastic food on a Disney Cruise.  I love the rotational dining concept.  Being able to experience a different atmosphere each night while still receiving outstanding service from the same wait staff add an extra level of delight to each meal.  Thinking about all of the cooking and cleaning that I will be doing this Thanksgiving makes me even more appreciative of dinner service on Disney Cruise Line.
2. Characters: There are plenty of places where a kid can be a kid but what about adults?  I love the fact that I can release my inner child on every cruise.  Mickey and Minnie are usually hanging out somewhere on the ship.  Disney has tons of activities centered around the family.  The kids club has several open houses throughout each cruise so the adults get a chance to make flubber or use the magic play floor. 
3. Quality:  Disney is known for exceptional quality and service.  When you pull up to the port you can see the difference in quality as soon as spot your Disney ship.  When you walk onboard you can see the attention to every detail from the carpets, to the artwork, to the many hidden mickeys.  The staff goes above and beyond to make sure your cruise is spectacular.
4. Entertainment:  The Broadway style shows onboard are spectacular.  No matter how many times I’ve seen Disney’s Believe it still manages to bring a tear to my eye.  Disney also has first run movies in the Buena Vista Theater.  I just feel extra special when I can see a midnight screening of a new movie on the ship at the same time it screens in theaters (especially since I don’t have to pay extra to see it!).
5. Did I mention the food?  My experience in the dining rooms has been great.  As I mentioned earlier Disney is all about providing exceptional service.  If you don’t see something you like on the menu (which is rare) you can have something made just for you.  The chefs and waiters are willing to do whatever they can to make sure you have a wonderful dining experience. 

These are just five of the many reasons I’m an avid Disney cruiser.  Disney Cruise Line provides the opportunity for families to relax and just have fun together. That opportunity is the main reason I’m thankful for Disney Cruise Line.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten 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.

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World in Florida and looking for a quick and tasty meal, check out Earl of Sandwich!  Located in the Marketplace area of Downtown Disney, Earl of Sandwich offers a wide variety of inexpensive gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads and tasty desserts.

Their website tells the story of the history of the sandwich: “In 1762, John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, had his hands full, literally. As First Sea Lord, he commanded the mighty British Navy, was a noted explorer, and also a dedicated gambler with a love of day long card games. This led to little time for food, so he came up with the ingenious idea (some say at the card table) of putting meat between two slices of bread. From then on it did not matter if you were fighting a great sea battle or laying down a Royal Flush, you could eat great food without too much fuss. Thus in 1762, the sandwich was named after its inventor, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Now 250 years later, the current 11th Earl and the Sandwich family remain passionate about the world’s most popular quick food that carries their name and have developed the sandwich everyone has been waiting for… THE WORLD’S GREATEST HOT SANDWICH®”

Earl of Sandwich is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Some highlights from the menu include my personal favorite, the All American – roast turkey, cheddar cheese, cranberries, lettuce, tomatoes and a special buttermilk ranch dressing.   They also offer a special holiday sandwich that’s very popular, the Holiday Turkey – turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberries and seasoned mayonnaise.  It’s quite messy, yet quite tasty!  All sandwiches are made with fresh-baked Artisan bread. The salads are large and easily split as are the dessert offerings.

You will most likely find a long line when entering the restaurant but don’t dismay!  Although sandwiches are made-to-order, the line moves quickly.   Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

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.

Disney Cruise Line serves tons of amazing meals on every cruise.  There is no reason to feel guilty for going to the midnight buffet or getting one more ice cream cone.  In addition to all of the glorious food there’s also a ton of activities to get you moving and burn some of those extra calories!  All of the Disney Cruise ships have state of the art fitness centers, walking tracks, and a basketball court onboard.   Each day a variety of classes are held in the fitness center such as yoga, cycling, Pilates, spinning, Fab Abs, etc.

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, also has plenty of fitness options.  You can participate in group activities such as Yoga on the Beach at Serenity Bay or the Castaway Cay 5K. You will even get a medal for your efforts once you complete the 5K. Families can rent bikes, play volleyball, rent a kayak, or just go for swim.  One of my favorite ways to burn off a mickey bar is dancing.  The entertainment staff will be glad to teach you a dance or you can just head to one of the nightclubs and dance the night away.  How will you stay active on your Disney Cruise?

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.