The Disney Wonder will be heading to Alaska for a summer of amazing cruises.  The Disney Wonder will offer a 7-Night Alaskan Cruise departing out of Vancouver, Canada from June 3-September 2, 2013.  An Alaskan cruise offers exciting excursions that you just can’t do anywhere else.  Want to go whale watching, gold mining, or dog sledding? Or would you rather lounge on deck and gaze at seals, waterfalls, eagles, and breathtaking glaciers?

The 7-Night Alaskan Cruise takes you through Tracy Arm, Alaska.  You will view this destination from the ship.There are three additional ports of call on the 7-Day Alaskan Cruise.  The ports are Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  There are so many amazing excursions on this cruise.  I took the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier in Skagway.  The view from the helicopter is absolutely amazing! There will be glacier guides waiting to answer all of your questions and help you explore the glacier when you land.

Based on a coworker’s recommendation I decided to go to the Taku Lodge in Juneau.  When you arrive by seaplane your hosts will be busy preparing fresh salmon along with other goodies. My favorite part of this excursion was watching the bears help “clean” the grill during dinner.

As you cruise on the Disney Wonder there will be several Disney touches along the way. Of course there will be plenty of opportunities for you to take pictures and hang out with your favorite Disney pals along the way.  Mickey and all of his friends have several different outfits that were made especially for the Alaskan Cruise.

For the first time, Disney will be traveling to Sitka Alaska in 2014.  This port is only available on the 9-Night Alaskan Cruise on May 24, 2014.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Are you ready to set sail on an Alaskan adventure of a lifetime? 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.

There is a lot of luxury aboard the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line — the Disney Fantasy. One of the most impressive parts of the ship is one of two signature royal suites; the Roy O. Disney Suite.

This extravagant space is decorated with Art Deco touches of glamour from the 1920s and 1930s. A stay in the master bedroom gives you sweeping views of the ocean if you can stay awake long enough to enjoy that view, what with the fluffy Frette feather duvets, deluxe Frette bed linens and memory foam pillows doing their best to lull you into a relaxing deep sleep.
Sink into a cozy armchair or kick up your feet from the comfy sofa and enjoy watching a Disney movie, or maybe just lose yourself in a book. The Roy O. Disney Royal Suite’s Media Library will allow you to kick back and relax.

Escape to your own private teakwood verandah and relax in a comfy cushy deck chair or take a soak in the hot tub.
Your main living quarters have floor to ceiling windows. Other amenities include two bathrooms including a master bath with a rain shower, a whirlpool tub, double sinks and walk-in closets. There’s a dining salon, pantry and wet bar, all with stunning ocean views.

Here’s a video tour of the Roy O. Disney Suite

Star Wars Weekends is an annual special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park that celebrates the legendary Star Wars saga and the animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend, you can join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations and more!

Star Wars Weekends is returning this summer, taking place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 17-June 9 2013.

Remember that Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park admission is required. Availability is limited for some events, which may be cancelled at any time.

Sample Event guide for Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10 2012

The Return of Star Tours
Blast into the universe of Star Wars like never before—in 3D! Star Tours—The Adventures Continue takes Jedi from Tatooine to Coruscant and beyond. With several possible missions, you never know where the Force may take you.

Celebrity Autographs
Have a memento signed by Star Wars celebrities attending the event! One autograph per Guest. A Disney’s FASTPASS ensures your place in line at the celebrity autograph kiosk outside the Front Gate entrance. Grab a FASTPASS before the park opens, as quantities are extremely limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Once FASTPASS tickets have been distributed, stand-by tickets may be issued, although stand-by tickets do not guarantee an autograph.

Please note that each Guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS. Guests may not get a FASTPASS for other members of their party, nor may Guests save a place in any FASTPASS line for other party members.

Train, You Must
Kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills and prepare to do battle with Darth Vader himself at the Jedi Training Academy. And in the Padawan Mind Challenge, they can test their wits before the Jedi Council.

Hyperspace Hoopla!
At the end of each day, let loose with music, comedy and dancing at the Hyperspace Hoopla! With so many Ewoks, Wookiees, stormtroopers, Jawas and otherworldly creatures, young Jedi and their parents would be wise to have their cameras ready.

Video from 2012 Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Looking for an amazing French family vacation?  Look no further than an Adventure by Disney vacation!

Adventures by Disney will travel to France in an 8 days/7 night vacation, taking you and your family through Versailles, Giverny, Normandy, Loire Valley and Paris.

Picture yourself in France while participating in these activities and much more,

Have a guided tour of Claude Monet’s home in picturesque Giverny and then create your own impressionistic masterpiece in his gardens!

Sitting upon a breathtaking island is the monastery, Mont Saint- Michel.  You’ll explore the fascinating corridors and hallways of its ossuary, abbey, scriptorium and more.

Visit Omaha Beach, where the United States secured victory in World War II and take a privately guided tour of the Normandy American Cemetery.

How about biking through the grounds of Chateau de Chambord and a wine tasting in the Loire Valley.

You’ll also have access to over 60 Paris museums and attractions with a provided 2- day museum pass.  Then you’ll enjoy a private farewell dinner inside the Louvre museum.

And of course, your French Family vacation is not complete without a stop at the Eiffel Tower!

To book this incredible French family vacation or any Adventure by Disney, contact Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.  Diana is a Disney Travel Specialist and is excited to help you plan your vacations!

While it is true that Walt Disney World is the happiest and most magical place on earth, few people realize that it can be just as romantic. After a fun filled day in the parks with your family, sometimes its nice to just get away for a quiet meal for two. So be sure to make your reservations, arrange for the babysitter, and get dressed up because The Disney Foodie is going to take you on tour of what I think are five of the most romantic restaurants around Walt Disney World.

Le Cellier is the perfect spot for a romantic date night. It is located beneath the Chateau at the Canadian Pavilion. The stone arches and the ambient lighting give you the feel of dining in an underground wine cellar. At Le Cellier you will dine in a setting that is inspired by the wine cellars of the most majestic Canadian château-style hotels. Here you will indulge on delicious fare such as filet mignon, pan-seared halibut, pacific king salmon, and Le Cellier’s signature Canadian cheddar cheese soup, as well as other tantalizing dishes from the various provinces of Canada. And no meal at Le Cellier would be complete with out a glass of fine Canadian wine. There are a wide variety of vintages to choose from inside the glass and wood showcases that surround the interior of the restaurant. With its stone arches, candle chandeliers, and intimate atmosphere this is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two.

Dinner at Le Cellier ranges in prince from $36 to $59.99, and they do accept the Disney Dining Plan. To ensure your romantic dinner be sure to make a reservation. Le Cellier accepts reservations up to 180 days in advance. However, you do have to provide a credit card to guarantee your reservation. Please remember that if you cannot make your reservation you must cancel at least one day in advance or they will charge your credit card $10.00 for every person on the reservation.

Be sure to check back next week to see what the next restaurant on our tour of the most romantic dining spots in Walt Disney World will be!

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.

 

 

Various forms of free entertainment are available at Downtown Disney in addition to the world-class restaurants, dazzling shows and unique shops that line the waterfront. Shop in the world’s largest Disney store, dine amid life-size prehistoric creatures, bowl a game at the 30-lane alley and more. This fun-filled district includes Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island. Parking and admission to Downtown Disney area are complimentary.

Often you will find bands playing as you enjoy Downtown Disney. One of which is Nova Era.
The band performs nightly Thursdays through Sundays at Downtown Disney, Lake Buena Vista, FL. in front of Fulton Crab House. Show times 7,8,9,10 pm. Free and open to the public. When you are there, stop by and give them a listen for a good time!

Other free entertainment includes living statues, a DJ, one-man-bands, singers, Irish dancers and more.

http://www.facebook.com/NovaEraMusic

www.novaeramusic.com/

 

No Disney vacation is complete without experiencing a classic Disney parade at the Magic Kingdom! Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom is one that should not be missed!

Sway to the upbeat music as you enjoy the colorful floats filled with popular Disney Characters in their festive best in the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade.

Beloved Disney Characters dance on dazzling floats as they celebrate dreams come true! You’re sure to spot some of your Disney favorites in this delightful parade that winds its way between Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland.

Some of the Disney Characters you might spot in this popular parade include:

• Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto
• Snow White
• Alice in Wonderland and The Mad Hatter
• Peter Pan and Captain Hook
• Pinocchio
• Aladdin

Like history come to life, this parade pays tribute to classic Disney stories and characters that have touched so many lives. Enjoy this celebration to relive the dreams of youth and create new dreams for a new generation.

Be sure to check the Times Guide at Magic Kingdom park for the schedule and Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade parade times. Since this is an outdoor show, it is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Entertainment and Character appearances are subject to change.

Watch Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom right here:

Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is truly one of my favorite dining experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. I LOVE seafood and Cape May is the place to get it with a Cape Cod clambake-style buffet experience that includes crab legs, mussels and clams.

Serving a breakfast buffet and a dinner buffet, you get Disney characters along with your Cape May breakfast buffet and can enjoy the nostalgic New England décor and seaside setting during a casual dining experience at dinner.

As always, we recommend advanced dining reservations for Cape May and if you book your Disney vacation with Destinations In Florida, we’d be happy to make these reservations for you!

Cape May Café at Walt Disney World offers all-you-care-to-eat breakfast buffet and dinner buffet in a lively, beach-themed restaurant.

Character Dining Breakfast Buffet at Cape May at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Start your day with Goofy and friends at the Beach Club Resort Breakfast Buffet! During this Disney Character Dining experience, delight in a variety of breakfast favorites, including Mickey Waffles, a fresh fruit and yogurt bar, fresh-baked pastries and other favorites.

Seafood Buffet Dinner at Cape May in Walt Disney World
In the evening, feast on a seafood buffet at Cape May that includes crab legs, mussels and clams freshly steamed center stage, as well as a tantalizing selection of non-seafood dishes such as carved meats, ribs, chicken, seasonal seafood salads and pastas.

As you dine, enjoy the nostalgic New England décor and seaside setting of Cape May at Beach Club Resort.

Disney World weddings and vow renewals are one-of-a-kind, unforgettable celebrations. The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida offers the most options for weddings and vow renewals with four different packages for couples to choose from. Imagine arriving at your wedding in Cinderella’s Coach being pulled by six Welsh ponies, having Mickey and Minnie at your wedding reception, private fireworks, or saying “I do” with a real castle in the background. All of these are possible with your very own Disney World wedding or vow renewal!

The memories collection is perfect for intimate gatherings such as vow renewals or elopements. These events accommodate up to  6 people including the bride and groom at one of three Disney resorts. They can take place only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. This $2,495.00 package includes your venue, bridal bouquet, violinist, limousine transportation, photography, and a wedding coordinator.

The escape collection includes twenty guests including the bride and groom. These packages start at $4,925.00 and include a bouquet, boutonniere, photography, limousine transportation, wedding cake, champagne, a wedding coordinator, and annual passes for the bride and groom. Your ceremony venue can be either the Wedding Pavilion, the Canada pavilion at Epcot, or one of select Disney resorts. You also can add a reception for an additional fee.

The wishes collection allows brides to customize every aspect of their wedding and can include up to 300 guests, depending on location. There are numerous ceremony and reception venues at Disney resorts and even in Disney parks. These events have minimum expenditures of $12,000 to $20,000 depending on the day of the week. There are also food and beverage minimum expenditures of $100 to $150 per person depending on the meal being served.

The couture collection is similar to the wishes collection in allowing brides to choose every detail of their wedding and the variety of options for ceremony venues, but these weddings give brides the opportunity to plan their wedding with celebrity wedding planner David Tutera. These packages begin at $65,000. David Tutera has created 4 unique styles for these events, but brides can change any of these elements to bring their dream wedding to life.

What will your fairytale wedding be? Let us help make all your dreams come true!

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.

Sail through the greenhouses of The Land Pavilion and behold 9-pound lemons, Mickey-shaped pumpkins and more!

Living with the Land is a 14-minute boat ride in Future World at Epcot theme park that explores agricultural advances in the rain forest, Africa and beyond.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery through living laboratories as you cruise past the American plains, a tropical rain forest and the African desert to witness the latest developments in aquaculture and desert farming. Float by experimental greenhouses—where produce is grown for Epcot restaurants—and take a fascinating first-hand look at an aqua environment, the Aquacell, with alligators and fish. The greenhouses grow crops native to many cultures, including rice, sugar cane and bananas.

This thought-provoking ride will leave you amazed at the wondrous ways scientists are helping farmers prepare for the food needs of our world’s nations.

Take a look at Living with the Land at Epcot Theme Park in our video: