Located on the shores of Bay Lake, not far from the Magic Kingdom is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  This Deluxe resort is themed after turn-of-the-century National Park Lodges.  It has a rustic feel as it is built as a giant log cabin with exposed timber columns but by no means is it less than incredible!

As you enter the Lobby of this resort, you’ll be amazed at the sheer size of it.  It is 7 stories high, with an 82-foot fireplace where you can relax in a nice leather chair!  The 55-foot totem poles that flank each side took over a year to complete and were crafted by Native American historians and totem pole artists. In the rear of the lobby, there’s a little bridge that covers a simulated hot spring.

Many different lodging options with various views are available at this resort.  The standard rooms are 340 square feet, a little less than the other deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World.  They can accommodate four guests, plus one child under 3.  Rooms have two queen-size beds, or one queen and bunk beds, or one king bed and private patio or balcony.  Club level rooms and suites are also available for those desiring extra personalized service including the Old Faithful Club, offering continental breakfast, snacks and beverages throughout the day.

Two heated swimming pools with a 67-foot waterslide top the long list of amenities.  The bubbling spring in the lobby flows over a waterfall into a creek that empties into the main pool. Fire Rock Geyser sends a giant plume of water high into the air every hour! There is also a leisure pool and whirlpool spas. Fun activities include Disney movies under the stars, arcade, watercraft rental and daily activities for the kids.

Three restaurants are onsite. Artist Point offers a Signature Dining experience.  Whispering Canyon Café features family-style Canyon Skillets. Roaring Fork and a poolside snack-bar have quick-service options.  Transportation is convenient to the parks via boats and buses.

Treat your family to a splendid vacation at one of the best themed Disney properties, Wilderness Lodge.  You’ll take away TONS of happy memories!

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.

The third annual TCM Classic Cruise will be held aboard the Disney Magic on December 8-13, 2013.  The cruise will depart from Miami, include two days at sea, and make stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay.  Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz will be the Turner Classic Movies hosts for this event.  There will also be a number of special guests onboard including Robert Wagner, Alex Trebek, Jane Powell, Theodore Bikel, Eddie Muller, Illeana Douglas, Margaret O’Brien, and the Alloy Orchestra.  In addition to the plethora of onboard activities provided on the Disney Magic, guests will be able to participate in panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and film screenings specifically designed for Turner Classic Movies.  One of the main events will be the Turner Classic Movies Winter Ball.  The ball will start with a poolside dance revue and move to an indoor dance floor later in the evening.  There will be live music and beautiful holiday décor.  This is sure to be a spectacular event for classic movie fans.

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.

I have always wanted to go to Ireland.  Maybe it’s because I have some Irish in me but I have always been fascinated by those rolling green hills, the music and the dance of Ireland.  In an Adventures By Disney vacation to Ireland, you will be transported back in time to explore the countryside, roam around castle ruins, and kiss the Blarney stone.

My son and husband would be thrilled just with the day spent in Dublin with Adventures By Disney– a privately guided tour complete with exploring Dublin Castle, then my husband’s favorite part, lunch at the Guinness Storehouse, and then my son’s favorite part, boarding an amphibious vehicle for a unique look of the city- on land and water!

After travelling to Cashel, your family  will walk uphill to the ancient Rock of Cashel and see the royal seat of the Kings of Munster, exploring the medieval buildings– which my daughters will love!  Junior Adventurers can search for lucky shamrocks on the sacred grounds where Saint Patrick once stood, I want to do that!

On your 4th day in Ireland, you will be in Killarney and will travel by horse drawn carriage to Muckross House, an historic Victorian estate that borders the picturesque lake in Killarney National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You even get to have lunch in the garden restaurant of this estate and explore the area on bike or on foot with your family.  My whole family would love this!

Blarney Castle and your chance to kiss the Blarney stone are next.  Then you will spend the next three nights in Dromoland Castle!  While there you will explore the grounds and have a medieval banquet.  While staying here, you will also visit a working farm and go to the Cliffs of Moher which drop over 700 feet (213 meters) straight into the ocean.  What a site!

To book this amazing Adventures By Disney or any other Adventures By Disney, contact Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com today!

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

Trivia Tink is spending the week at the parks, so why not keep the theme park theme going? Tink is bringing you down out of the trees to look for this week’s trivia question.

What is the largest single attraction at Walt Disney World ?

Think you know the answer? Email the answer to me at ErinBenge@DestinationsinFlorida.com by Sunday, September 22nd, 2013 12:00pm Eastern Time. A winner will be chosen at random from all correct responses.  The winner will receive this Tower of Terror Collector’s Pin !

This week Trivia Tink took to the tree tops for a “Where In The World” trivia question.  You were asked..

Way up in the tree tops Trivia Tink took this picture, where was she?

 The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse in Magic Kingdom!!

A few little tidbits about The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse –

• There are only three remaining attractions based on the original design. Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.
• The Treehouse in Disneyland was closed down in 1999 and reopened that same year as “Tarzan’s Treehouse”.
• When Walt Disney World opened in 1971 it was one of the original attractions in Adventureland.
• The tree, while intended to look real, is actually made up of steel, concrete, and stucco, stretching 60 feet (18 m) tall and 90 feet (27 m) wide. Yet, it looks exactly like the one in the movie.

Thanks for playing, don’t forget we have an all new one starting. Check it out and see if you can answer Trivia Tink.

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!

If you’re looking to spend a relaxing day outside of the theme parks on your Walt Disney World Resort honeymoon, check out Disney’s Boardwalk area.

• Atlantic Dance Hall- When the sun sets, the sounds and lights come to life where you can dance the night away.  Be sure to take a break on one of the balconies with a romantic view of the rippling waters of Crescent Lake. Plus, you can enjoy dueling DJ’s select nights of the week.
• Jellyrolls- You can raise a glass as you enjoy the music of dueling pianos. These 2 piano maestros can play anything!
• Surrey bike- You can rent a surrey bike and take in the Boardwalk area together on this fun ride.
• Street performers- You can sit on a bench and enjoy one of the numerous street performers.
• Carnival games- Your new Mr. can show off his skills and win you a special prize at one of the Boardwalk’s carnival games.
• Enjoy the scenery- Disney’s Boardwalk is set around Crescent Lake where you can watch the boats sailing by or take in the sights of the beautiful surrounding hotels.

What’s your favorite activity on Disney’s Boardwalk?

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’s All-Star Music Resort is one of the value resorts located near Disney’s All-Star Movies and All-Star Sports Resorts.  All are in close proximity to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Disney’s All-Star Music Resort features huge decorative icons and fun décor that’s all related to music.  It was the first of the Disney Value Resorts to offer family suites that allow larger families to experience the all the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort while staying within a budget.

As you stroll around this resort, you’ll see 40 foot tall guitars, jukeboxes, saxophones, cowboy boots and maracas!  Three heated outdoor pools are perfect for relaxing afternoons outside of the theme parks. There’s a huge swimming pool shaped like a guitar featuring a fountain of the Three Caballeros, a piano shaped pool and a children’s pool. Other recreational opportunities include a jogging trail, an arcade, movies under the stars at night and a playground.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort has ten three-story buildings with elevators and outside corridors.  There are five different areas, Calypso, Jazz Inn, Rock Inn, Broadway and Country Fair. Standard rooms are relatively small but adequate for four people measuring 260 square feet.  Each has two double beds, a vanity area and a table with 2 chairs.  The 192 family suites are 520 square feet.  They were actually two separate rooms that have been renovated to form the suite.  Included is a kitchenette with small refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker.  For sleeping, there’s a queen bed in the bedroom, a sleeper sofa and two chairs that convert into beds in the living room.  The suites have a flat screen television in each room and two full baths.

Dining options include the Intermission Food Court with six sections serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.  There will be no problem finding something tasty for everyone here!  There’s also a poolside bar and pizza delivery.  Maestro Mickey’s offers Disney souvenirs and a small grocery section.

For a Walt Disney World vacation that’s affordable to most everyone, consider Disney’s All-Star Music Resort.  You’ll have a rockin’ good time!

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 email sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

I will admit I had not yet experienced the coveted Wizarding World of Harry Potters number 1 selling item–Butterbeer.  In February, I finally had the chance to enjoy this treat. Boy am I glad I did!! This treat can be served cold or frozen, I am a frozen Butterbeer girl. It’s the most delicious frozen mug of goodness I have ever had. You can get this 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 for sure.

When you enter Hogsmeade Village there is a Butterbeer stand right 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 a Butterbeer yet? If so, how would you describe it?

 

Jennifer Greene is an Agent with Destinations in Florida Travel, she is a Universal Parks and Resorts Specialist.  Jennifer is known as the Vacation Wizard and will help create magic for your next vacation!  Contact her today at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181 to book your next Magical Journey! 

Guests can now view their Personal Navigator via smart phone on the Disney Fantasy with the new Disney Fantasy Navigator app.  You can download the app in the iTunes Store or Google Play Store.  The app is free and there’s no need to worry about data charges.  All you need to do is put your phone on airplane mode and turn on the wifi.  You will be connected to the ship’s Intranet and have all of the information from your Personal Navigator at your fingertips.  Make sure airplane mode is on because Disney will not reimburse you for any data charges from your cell phone carrier.  The Disney Fantasy Navigator allows guests to get a full calendar of events being held on the ship along with the location.  The app features a deck map to make sure you find your destination. You can click on each activity to get additional information.  Guests will be able to view the movie schedule, information on the feature show in the Walt Disney Theatre, Drink of the Day, port of call information, and character greetings.   The app will also have special offers and promotions being offered throughout the ship.  You can mark your favorite activities in the app and then you’re on your way to enjoy all the fun the Disney Fantasy has to offer.    One of the things the app offers that you cannot find on the Personal Navigator is the nightly dinner menu for the rotational dining restaurants.  Disney Cruise Personal Navigator is only available on the Disney Fantasy but there are plans to launch it on the rest of the fleet very soon.

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.

These tours are being offered by Adventures By Disney from April 2014- August 2014 with an adult only trip in August of 2014, if you are travelling without kids.

Ready to book your family’s  next vacation, explore America, and make memories that will last a lifetime?  Contact Diana today at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.