Mariachi Cobre

Mariachi Cobre is a traditional 12-piece Mexican Mariachi band that performs daily in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot theme park in Walt Disney World Resort. Sway to the rousing sounds of this mariachi band as they deliver the warm, rich melodies of Mexican folkloric music.

Did you know Mariachi Cobre has been the headline performance group at the Mexican Pavilion at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center since it opened in 1982? Several of the original band members are still there today!

Mariachi Cobre is a band of internationally acclaimed mariachi musicians. The group was formed in 1971 by Randy Carillo, his brother, and two fellow students. Over the years some the company of players has changed, but they’ve been performing at Epcot’s Mexico pavilion since the very beginning, and are among the longest lasting live performers at the park.

They often can be found outside the Mexican pavilion near the shop housing authentic Mexican souvenirs. From time to time, they will venture inside the Mexican pavilion and patrons of the San Angel Inn restaurant can enjoy the music while they dine.

Showtimes vary so make sure you pick up a times guide as you enter the park or ask a cast member. Here’s a short video of a recent performance by Mariachi Cobre outside the Mexican pavilion.

 

Hawaii is a beautiful and romantic set of islands that most people dream of traveling to at some point in their lives. Disney has opened Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii. Many couples think of Hawaii as the ideal honeymoon spot, but why not have your big day there as well? Aulani offers beautiful, elegant weddings for couples to say “I do” in a tropical paradise.

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa offers three beautiful outdoor ceremony locations for the Wishes collection- the AMA AMA Patio, the Kipuka Courtyard, and the new Halawai Lawn. The AMA AMA Patio boasts the unforgettable ocean view while the Kipuka Courtyard features a mosaic tile waterfall backdrop. The new Halawai Lawn is a beautiful Hawaiian garden. This resort also offers five different reception locations including two ballrooms, the Kipuka Courtyard, the Kipuka Lawn, and the Halawai Lawn. Weddings taking place here include an officiant, a ceremony musician, the bride’s bouquet, the groom’s boutonniere, photography, reception, and day of coordinator. These packages begin at $4,000 along with a food and beverage minimum expenditure per person as well as a room night minimum expenditure.

Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii also offer a Memories collection for the most intimate gatherings.  The Aulani Memories Collection is designed for up to fifteen guests, including the bride and groom. Ceremonies are held at Alohi Point on weekday mornings only. This package includes leis for the bride and groom, a solo musician, an officiant, professional photography, and a Disney Wedding Specialist. These events cost $2,500.

Explore your Disney wedding at Aulani or vow renewal today! Contact siera@destinationsinflorida.com!

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.

Have you ever heard the terms “Sunny Florida” or “The Sunshine State”?  Don’t let the nicknames fool you!  Florida weather is unpredictable.  You can expect an afternoon thunderstorm most days, especially in the summer.  Some days are just cloudy & rainy.

Don’t let a forecast of rain spoil your Disney day!  You’ve paid good money for your trip.  With a bit of planning, you can make this one of your best vacation days ever!  You will find lower crowds on a rainy day because locals may make other plans and there are people that don’t realize how much you can see and do without getting wet.  You might throw in a towel but don’t throw in the towel on a great opportunity!

Arrive at the park early.  Most Florida showers are in the afternoon.  If you get there early, you can enjoy a less crowded park and take in lots of attractions before the storms.

Pack smart.  Sure, you can purchase a poncho in the park and they are cute!  However, they’re costly and heavier than the ones you can get at a Dollar Store beforehand.  It’s smart to bring an extra pair of socks and a ziplock bag to hold your electronics.  If you are traveling with family, it’s a great idea to rent a locker to store a change of clothes for everyone.

Concentrate on one area at a time.  Epcot, for example has pavilions that feature many attractions under one roof.  You can spend several hours in one building and not get wet.  Just think, in the Land Pavilion alone, you can ride Soarin’, see the Circle of Life, experience Living with the Land, dine at Seasons or The Garden Grill and even take a Behind the Seeds Tour. 

There are so many possibilities for rainy day fun.  Consider, resort hopping, Disney Quest, a movie or shopping at Downtown Disney. Spend an afternoon bowling at Splitsville.  Of course, you’ll want to be safe.  Avoid lightning and extreme wind.  Don’t wear slippery shoes.  But don’t let the rain spoil your Disney vacation!

 

Book your Disney World Vacation with Sheri Morris.  Sheri is a proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for Adults and works tirelessly to ensure that her guests have the best vacation experience ever! Contact her at (804) 405 5005 or email sheri@destinationsinflorida.com to book your stress-free Disney vacation.

Do you remember the time before smart phones? Internet Searches? Planning travel was a lot of phone calls, friends recommendations, driving to AAA or other places for maps and lots of other work. Sometimes people used a Travel Agent, but usually only on those big once in a lifetime trips. So now, we have our iPhones, HTC’s, Tablets, Laptops, and a wealth of information on all things, including Travel. Nowadays the internet has taken over for all those calls, all those trips to the library and more to get stacks and stacks of information for your vacation.

I do often wonder if it gets easier with all this information or is it now just overwhelming? If you want to visit a place like Disneyland or Walt Disney World you could get lost in the amount of information and never make it back out. But you don’t think of asking for help? Why? Travel Agents are still out there, and we are ready to help! Today more than ever Travel Agents are the best bet you have to navigate the information overload highway and keeping you on track.

I want to share with you why you need a Travel Agent (like US).

• There is NO COST to you!
• Disney, Universal and others Certifies Travel Agents
• We are Experts in our specialties – for me that’s Disney, Universal, Hawaii, Cruises and Southern California
• We know all the Promotions – Seriously we get daily emails
• We do the boring research, pricing options and more, then report back to you
• We offer suggestions and will plan your trip with as much detail as you want
• Free Gifts! – Really, why wouldn’t you want free things?
• No Stress Vacation Planning
• No hours spent researching
• Knowledgeable advice on restaurants, park tours and more
• Travel Agents work around your schedule and budget

Still not sold on a Travel Agent? Well if the lure of the free gifts doesn’t give you incentive, perhaps I can convince you another way. Having spent numerous hours at Disney parks, Disney Resorts, on Disney Cruises, and more, I can tell you I have never sat down at my computer and quickly done the reservation. I’ve looked at all the different dates, the different resorts/rooms, the different parks, Extra Magic Hours, calendar of events, and much much more. It takes me hours and hours sometimes to plan a week vacation. Why ever would you want to do that anymore? Travel Agents do all of that for you AT NO COST TO YOU!

Did you know that Travel Agents will also sit down and go through your trip, offer restaurant recommendations, perhaps even suggesting one you’ve never been to… However, if you want, I will personally offer to put your trip together in calendar form to give you a complete itinerary, including for any who want it, a complete daily breakdown of your day at each park. All For Free! If you already know what you want, then I’ll do the scheduling for you. Yes I say I a lot, but that’s what I do… Honestly, it’s what almost all Travel Agents would do for their clients.

Joining forces with a Travel Agent only makes sense in todays world of too much information. You are planning a trip to spend time with your family and friends, yet you spend all your free time before the vacation in front of your computer planning. Let us take care of all that, we will spend the time finding the best pricing and promotions for your vacation! In addition, you make a new friend with your agent centered around something you both love, Travel!

If you’re still not sure after all my compelling reasons, I’d love to know why. Leave a comment below with your comments.

Contact DisneyDaniel today to book your first, next or Best Disney Vacation!

Written by Daniel Mullarkey, DisneyDaniel — Daniel is a self-proclaimed Disney Geek, Disney Vacation Planner and a Disney Specialist! When he’s not adding to the plethora of Disney trivia in his head, you can find DisneyDaniel on his Facebook Page and/or follow him on Twitter!  Book your next vacation with Daniel at 425-420-8988 ordaniel@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

 

Would you like to dine in a unique octagonal shaped building situated right on the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon and take in the spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom, all while enjoying a delicious coastal theme meal? Then, you need to try Narcoossee’s located at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort! Narcoossee’s serves a fantastic selection of fresh seafood, including lobster, snapper, tuna, flounder and shrimp. However, their menu does appeal to a wide range of tastes. In addition to the seafood specialties their menu features, filet mignon, chicken breast, vegetable, and dishes tantalizing desserts, like  key lime crème brûlée or baked chocolate mousse!

Situated on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Narcoossee’s provides a wonderful location for an intimate and quiet dinner. All the tables of the restaurant are arranged along the side of the building that overlooks the lagoon. This allows for most of the tables to have a wonderful view of the Electrical Water Pageant as well as Magic Kingdom’s Wishes, the restaurant even pipes in the music from Wishes! What’s more romantic than enjoying a fine meal with an impressive fireworks display in the background!

If you want to be sure to experience Wishes while you are enjoying your meal then, be sure to make your reservations for an hour before Wishes is set to begin. Remember there is never a guarantee of getting a table right by the window, but it never hurts to ask! So be sure to check into your reservation early and ask about getting a table by a window. And, if you are not lucky enough to get a table with a view of the fireworks, Narccoossee’s does have a deck that wraps around the restaurant that provides the perfect outdoor viewing spot.

At Narcoossee’s the prices range from $36 to $59.99 and they do accept the Disney Dining Plan here. To ensure you get to experience the fine dining and fabulous atmosphere of Narccoossee’s be sure to make your reservations up to 180 days in advance. When you make your reservation you will need to provide a credit card to guarantee it. Remember, if you cannot make your reservation you must cancel at least one day in advance or your credit card will be charged $10.00 for every person on the reservation.

Be sure to bring along your passport next week as we travel to our next stop on my list of the most romantic dining spots in Walt Disney World, because we’re heading to Paris!

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.

 

Disney’s Oceaneer Club is the hot spot for youth ages 3-12.  Disney’s Oceaneer Club provides entertainment all day long.  Oceaneer Club can open as early as 8am and stay open until 12midnight. Hours vary each day so make sure you check your Personal Navigator.  The Oceaneer Club on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder is themed to look like Captain Hook’s ship from the movie Peter Pan. Children are able to immerse themselves in their favorite Disney movies in the themed areas of Oceaneer Club on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  The themed areas are: Andy’s Room, Monster’s Academy, Pixie Hollow, and Disney’s Explorer Pod.

There are tons of toys and games that youth can play in Disney’s Oceaneer Club. Youth can get on a computer, read, watch tv, play dress up, or enjoy the arts and crafts area.   The Youth Activities Counselors also have lots of planned activities each day.  Here are some of the activities available in Oceaneer Club:

• Disney’s Once Upon a Time: Bartleby the Bookmaker leads the kids through the art of bookmaking and wows them with his very special talent: When he reads the books, he makes the characters come to life!
• Big Top Fun Fest: It’s a Disney Circus with clowns, jugglers, and classic Disney cartoons.
• Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends: Mickey Mouse and his pals stop by to play some of their favorite games with Disney Cruise Line’s youngest cruisers and their families.
• Pluto’s Pajama Party: Pluto hosts the greatest slumber party at sea!
• Tinker Bell’s Talent Show: Tinker Bell will sprinkle a little pixie dust and highlight the talents of all the youth in Oceaneer Club
• Camp Rocking Out: There will be singing, dancing, tents, and lots of fun as youth discover their inner Jonas Brother.
• Do-Si-Do with Snow White: Learn the “Dance of the Seven Dwarfs” and then perform it with Snow White and Dopey.
• Little Einstein’s Adventure: Lots of fun activities to bring out your inner genius.
• So You Want To Be a Pirate: Complete pirate training and test their skills with a visit from Captain Hook.
• Mouseketeers in Training: Youth will receive training and receive a special inspection from Mickey Mouse.

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.

 

Breathtakingly beautiful Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, the most populous in Canada and our Disney Cruise Line home port.

Vancouver British Columbia is located on a lush peninsula in southwestern British Columbia surrounded by water on 3 sides and situated alongside a picture-perfect, snow-capped mountain range, this world-class city has a stunning skyline.

A bustling metropolis to be certain, Vancouver retains its strong connection to the great outdoors. From more than 200 parks to the century-old Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning the Capilano River, Vancouver seamlessly blends the rural with the urban to create a cityscape unlike any other.

For art lovers and treasure hunters, no visit to Vancouver would be complete without spending time at Granville Island, boasting a fabulous farmer’s market, shops, eateries and art galleries. And Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America.

Thanks to its natural beauty, recreational activities and thriving artistic and gastronomic scenes, Vancouver is a leading destination for visitors from around the globe. And it’s a fantastic departure port worth exploring on either end of your Disney Cruise Line vacation.

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km from South America have been called ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’.  This isolation of these islands have led to the development of some unusual animals.  Adventures by Disney will give your family a vacation that you will never forget in the Galapagos Islands!

On Fernandina Island, you will join a naturalist  and visit one of the largest populations of native marine iguanas, then hike over the lava flows and see the flightless cormorant, one of the world’s rarest birds.

Swimming with sea turtles and sea lions awaits you on Isabela Island!  Check out the wildlife in the saltwater lagoons and explore caves that are inscribed with names of pirates and whaling vessels from the 1800s.

View penguins, manta rays, sea turtles and sea lions on Floreana Island and visit the historic post office.

On Santa Cruz Island, you will have a guided visit of Los Gemelos, two volcanic craters where giant tortoises roam.  Then watch for Darwin’s woodpecker finch and the vermillion flycatcher in the Highland’s Scalesia Forest.

Your family will encounter giant tortoises and sea lions alongside an array of fascinating wildlife on San Cristobal Island.

Adventures by Disney is heading to the Galapagos Islands December 27, 2013- January 5,2014.

Book your amazing Adventure by Disney with Diana 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.

 

Disney Cruise Line weddings and vow renewals are a great option for couples who want a little bit of magic, but something a little different than the traditional Disney parks. These events can accommodate groups of all sizes, from two to one-hundred. Guests can choose from cruises sailing to ports including Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Pacific Coast and Hawai’i.

Couples can get married on any of the four Disney Cruise Line ships- the Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, or the Disney Dream- or on the beach of Disney’s private island- Castaway Cay. These weddings include your officiant, ceremony musician, the bride’s bouquet, the groom’s boutonniere, wedding cake, champagne toast, day of coordinator, dinner for the couple at Palo, a commemorative certificate, and a $100 stateroom credit. Couples hosting their event on Castaway Cay also receive round-trip transportation from the ship to the ceremony site for all guests. Onboard ceremonies begin at $3,000 for the couple and eight guests while Castaway Cay ceremonies begin at $4,000 for the couple and eight guests. Additional guests can be accommodated for an extra fee depending on the location selected.

Disney Cruise Line has great features for both couples and families. Disney Cruise Line is an especially nice option for vow renewals because it offers something for everyone- adults can have some alone time while the kids play in a supervised activity center. All of the Disney Cruise Line ships offer spas, fitness centers, an adults-only restaurant, an adult only pool, nightclubs, lounges, and special entertainment.

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.

 

Mid-week of our anniversary trip to Walt Disney World, we experienced the most unforgettable meal of our lives…’Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort!

‘Ohana (meaning Family) was an unlikely choice for our anniversary celebration dinner.  This sought out restaurant is well known for never ending skewers of meat, lots and lots of meat.  We were following a vegetarian diet!  It’s also known as a bustling place with kids playing limbo in the middle of the floor, having races, shaking maracas.  Not exactly a relaxing and romantic atmosphere!

In spite of it all, we shared an incredible meal that we will never forget because we planned ahead.  When making our dining reservations, we indicated our dietary preference.  After being seated with our “Welcome Bread”, we had a visit from the Chef.  He asked us questions about the types of food we liked and asked us to trust him to prepare our meal.

What followed was a 7 course vegetarian meal, fit for a king!  We feasted on bread, salad, soup, hummus, noodles and veggies, including bok choy, swiss chard and fried tofu.  Oh, the words sound so ordinary but trust me, each was incredible.  The special sauces and seasonings were culinary delights that teased our senses!  The centerpiece of our dinner was a feast in itself.  It presented as a huge mound of crispy rice noodles topped with fried asparagus and marinated tofu.  Underneath, were rice and vegetables in a delicate peanut sauce with just the right tang.  Dessert was the traditional Hawaiian Bread Pudding that ‘Ohana is famous for.

The evening was made complete when we were serenaded and presented with leis followed by a dance especially for us to celebrate the anniversary of our marriage.  I can’t promise that you’ll have the same experience as we did but I guarantee that you will have a meal to remember when you dine at ‘Ohana!

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.