“Savor the Savanna” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Offers Private Tour, Exclusive Viewing and African-Inspired Culinary Delights

As the sights and sounds of the savanna come to life at dusk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, visitors to the theme park now have the opportunity to experience them in an up-close-and-personal way with the new “Savor the Savanna” tour. This premium offering affords guests a private two-hour safari trek through the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve, with a spectacular world of creatures, such as gentle giraffes, playful wild dogs and regal lions, roaming about.

The leisurely pace and a knowledgeable Harambe guide help to ensure no one misses the array of exotic animals in a variety of unique habitats. The safari vehicle will stop frequently for the best wildlife viewing and photo opportunities, and the guide will point out fascinating facts along the way.

A highlight of the adventure is a stop for dinner at an exclusive viewing area. Here, guests will enjoy a selection of regional beers, wines and specialty drinks and savor African-inspired tapas, right in the middle of the breathtaking savanna. It’s a bounty of flavors bursting with delectable tastes and textures.

After the journey, guests will receive a special keepsake memento of their unforgettable evening to take home.

Cost for this exclusive experience, which is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, is $169 per person. Each participant must be at least eight years old, and valid theme park admission is required.

New multi-dimensional attraction brings the next generation of the King Kong legend to life on an unprecedented scale

Excited guests gathered in Universal’s Islands of Adventure to help mark the official opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest mega attraction, Skull Island: Reign of Kong.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong brings the next generation of the King Kong legend to life on an unprecedented scale. The adventure begins as guests are transported deep into a mysterious world, where their mission is to discover creatures of unknown origin with the 8th Wonder Expedition Company, the research team leading the excursion. After braving ancient temple ruins and encountering hostile natives, they board a massive 40-foot-long, 17-ton expedition vehicle to navigate the increasingly foreboding terrain.

The specially designed expedition vehicle, which operates on a completely trackless ride system, takes guests deeper into the ominous island, where they soon find themselves in the midst of a brutal struggle between beasts of unimaginable size and ferocity.

Then, as those creatures turn on the expedition, there is an even more enormous, earth-pounding presence. It is Kong – in the flesh. Towering nearly three stories tall, he is so close that you can feel his breath and sense his emotion. But is he friend or foe?

And tomorrow, Universal Orlando’s fifth on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, will welcome its first guests. The 1,000-room Caribbean-themed hideaway will feature the destination’s largest resort-style pool with a water slide, cabanas and a fire pit. The pool is surrounded by two sand beaches, a picturesque waterfall and a breathtaking lush lagoon, which will take guests to Universal Orlando’s two incredible theme parks and CityWalk via water taxi. The hotel will also feature several unique and immersive dining experiences.

Micheal Myers will be returning to Halloween Horror Nights 26 in a sequel to his house from Halloween Horror Nights 24. Also, Universal Orlando has a photo package My Universal Photos. With My Universal Photos, you will have access to all your pictures from your Universal Orlando adventure.

Are you thinking about heading to Orlando for a fun family vacation? But you are afraid to leave your pets at home. Well, the great news is that you can bring them with you. Yes, now your pets can enjoy a vacation of their own at Best Friends Pet Care. Located inside the gates of Walt Disney World. I have used their services in the past for my dog and highly recommend them.

All pets must be up to date on all of their shots; You can fax over your paperwork before arrival to save time. The facility is very clean, and the staff is wonderful. The mornings can be crazy with new arrivals, so make sure to allocate enough time to get registered. Keep in mind some breeds are not allowed to participate in playtime with other dogs.(Aggressive Breeds).

• Services they offer:
• Boarding & Pet and Stay
• Day Camp
• Grooming
• A la carte services

All of the accommodations are climate controlled. Standard sizes starting at 4 x 7 or 4 X 8. Two potty walks are included. Guests are allowed to stop in at any time during operating hours to walk their dogs in the doggie park or walking trail. I did go and visit my dog in the afternoon on the first day just to check in and make sure that she was alright. She was fine, and I was more stressed then she was. I was also happy that they did send photos of my dog to my phone which was nice.They also have pet-cams that you can log into throughout the day to check in on your pet.

Best Friends Pet Care also has indoor and outdoor (2) room suites. Vacation Villas, VIP Luxury Suites, Kitty City and Pocket Pets. If you are staying on site, the price is a little lower then if you are staying in a non Disney owned property. Prices start at $28 to $89 depending on the choice of accommodations or pet.

• Play and Stay (4) hours of playtime with other dogs.
• Playgroup 30 minutes of play with other dogs.
• Playtime 10 minutes with an associate.
• Cuddle time
• Walk and explore
• Bedtime story
• Ice cream break
• Holiday meal
• Premium bed

Leave your fears behind and take your family on vacation and be sure your pets will enjoy a little vacation of their own.So if you need a place for your pets to spend a few days while you are visiting Orlando or the Walt Disney World Resort head over to Best Friends Pet Care.

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.

26 Eat to the Beat Concert Acts Perform Sept.14-Nov. 14

Eight new Eat to the Beat musical acts join 18 fan-favorite bands for a diverse lineup of pop hit makers who will rock America Gardens Theatre during the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 14-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.

New-to-the-festival acts in 2016 are Wang Chung, BoDeans, Plain White T’s, Jeffrey Osborne, Toad The West Sprocket, Living Colour, Soul Asylum and Delta Rae. Guests can tune into their favorite returning acts that will include Los Lobos, STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas, Wilson Phillips, Tiffany, Hanson and Boyz II Men.

Concerts take place at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. daily. The lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission) includes:

Sept. 14-15               Wang Chung NEW! “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
Sept. 16-18                STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
Sept. 19-20                Air Supply “All Out of Love”
Sept. 21-23                BoDeans NEW! “Closer to Free”
Sept. 24-25                Fuel “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)”
Sept. 26-28                Sugar Ray “Fly”
Sept. 29-30                Los Lobos “La Bamba”
Oct. 1-2                       David Cook “Light On”
Oct. 3-4                       Wilson Phillips “Hold On”
Oct. 5-6                       Blues Traveler “Run-Around”
Oct. 7-9                       Plain White T’s NEW! “Hey There Delilah”
Oct. 10-11                  38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
Oct. 12-13                  Jeffrey Osborne NEW! “On the Wings of Love”
Oct. 14-16                  Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Oct. 17-19                  Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx “Lady”
Oct. 20-21                  Christopher Cross “Sailing”
Oct. 22-23                  Toad The Wet Sprocket NEW! “Walk on the Ocean”
Oct. 24-25                  Chaka Khan “I Feel for You”
Oct. 26-27                  Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen”
Oct. 28-29                  Living Colour NEW! “Cult of Personality”
Oct. 30-Nov. 1           Hanson “Get the Girl Back”
Nov. 2-3                      Soul Asylum NEW! “Runaway Train”
Nov. 4-6                      Delta Rae NEW! “Bottom of the River”
Nov. 7-9                      Boyz II Men “Motownphilly”
Nov. 10-11                 Sister Hazel “All For You”
Nov. 12-14                 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”

(Songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list)

Guests also can sip and nosh their way around the World Showcase and watch talented performers weave music, dance, acrobatics, comedy and other acts into the festivities. A sampling of entertainment includes:

• Classic American pop hits performed a cappella by American Music Machine (America Gardens Theatre)
• Perfect harmony of Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
• Infectious beat of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
• Retro British hits by British Revolution (United Kingdom)
• Jaw-dropping stunts by The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats (China)

“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights up the World Showcase with lasers, music and fireworks to provide a “wow” ending to each festival evening. Visit EpcotFoodfestival.com and watch for festival updates.

The New Norway Epcot Attraction Celebrates a Summer Snow Day

No wonder summer is Olaf’s favorite time of year – it’s the perfect time for guests to explore the kingdom of Arendelle. For the first time in forever, “Frozen Ever After” is now open at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort. The new attraction inspired by the blockbuster hit Frozen celebrates a “Summer Snow Day” in a family-friendly adventure.

A stone archway greets guests to the kingdom of Arendelle. A royal proclamation poster announces the “Summer Snow Day” celebration as guests begin their stroll. On their way to the harbor, guests will get a peek inside Kristoff’s icehouse, as the “Official Ice Master and Deliverer” and walk through “Oaken’s Tokens” at the port of Arendelle. Visitors should watch the sauna door, where Oaken likes doodling in the steam!

Guests board their boats at the harbor, and Sven and Olaf kick off their journey in the Willow Forrest before sailing through Troll Valley, and up the North Mountain. Anna and Kristoff welcome guests to the palace, while Olaf twirls on the ice.

When the glittering doors open leading to the Ice Palace Great Room, guests are encouraged to sing along to Elsa’s familiar anthem, “Let It Go” as the Queen’s ice magic surrounds them.

As the boat glides back down the mountainside, happy Snowgies surround Marshmallow. He roars his mighty greeting with a blast of his cold breath on guests’ return to the Bay of Arendelle.

To meet the regal sisters, guests are invited to visit the cozy Royal Sommerhus. Located just outside of a picturesque Norwegian village, the rural retreat is inspired by a cabin in the countryside of Norway. Anna and Elsa have opened their charming country cottage for visitors.

Decorations and family heirlooms adorning the foyer walls reflect the Royal Family of Arendelle. The sisters’ receiving room includes details reflecting their personalities: snowflakes on the white wooden shutters and rug for Queen Elsa, and a sunflower pattern throughout Anna’s area.

Fun Facts:

• Frozen Ever After is the first Frozen-themed attraction and Royal Sommerhus is Elsa and Anna’s permanent character greeting at Disney Parks.

• Guests can witness Elsa’s ice magic on Frozen Ever After.

• Composers Bobby and Kristen Lopez created new lyrics to the cherished Frozen film songs.

• All of the original voice talent from the film returned and recorded dialogue and songs for the attraction.

• Frozen Ever After features the most advanced Audio-Animatronic figures to date and the first to be all-electric, which provides fluid movements and the ability to animate in new ways.

• Walt Disney Imagineering traveled to Norway to research architecture, décor and artifacts; guests will find their inspiration at the Royal Sommerhus and throughout the pavilion.

• The design of Royal Sommerhus and the surrounding area is modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin in Trondheim.

Join Mickey Mouse on a PinQuest that will take you all over the Magic Kingdom. By completed the quest you will get exclusive trading pins. Walt Disney world has released details for the Candlelight Processional at Epcot and how you can ring in 2017 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

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.

 

Cruising for the first time can be overwhelming. Here are five tips that will help make your first cruise a little less stressful.

Tip 1: Arrive one day early for your cruise. One night in a local hotel will give you a day to rest prior to you boarding your ship and make sure you are not delayed getting to the ship.

Tip 2: Make sure you have travel insurance. This will give you a peace of mind should something happen and you are unable to go. Ask your travel agent and they will help you choose the best plan for you and your family.

Tip 3: Have all your documents ready and filled out prior to your boarding of the cruise ship that includes your set sail pass and passport. This will help you have a smooth check-in.

Tip 4: Make sure when you pack your carry on to bring a bathing suit, change of clothes just in case your luggage does not arrive in time for dinner. Also, this way to can head direct to the pool and start your relaxing vacation fast.

Tip 5: Use zip lock bags to store your toiletries and suntan lotion. This will make sure you don’t have any spills or leaks. They are also great for when you go on shore.

Barbara Roach is an Independent Travel Concierge with Destinations In Florida. When it comes to making travel arrangements, most people are overwhelmed, especially when it comes to sifting through the maze of travel offers online. I know where to find the best deals, and what constitutes “value” and how to make your vacation dollar stretch, especially when it comes to planning travel with kids.

Regardless of your destination, my goal is to exceed your every expectation and deliver you to a most enchanting vacation. We’re here for you too, just a phone call away; before, during and after your travel. You can contact me at barbararoach@destinationsinflorida.com.

“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” Fireworks and Projection Show Immerses Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests in Galaxies Far, Far Away

A nighttime spectacle unlike any other celebrating a space-based saga paints the skies above Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the awe inspiring Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Walt Disney Resort.

With galaxies not so far away for its canvas, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will light the night with Star Wars-themed fireworks, lasers, projections and other amazing special effects paired with Star Wars-themed music and iconic characters and scenes from the seven-film, pop culture phenomenon.

One of many magical highlights of the four-park summer line-up at Walt Disney World Resort is one of the biggest, boldest sky shows in the 27-year history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, according to show director Michael Roddy of Disney Creative Entertainment.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular unfolds nightly in a series of acts in the skies and around the heart of the park. State-of-the-art effects projecting onto the Chinese Theatre and other buildings will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

Imagine gazing at the twin suns of the desert planet Tatooine, scavenging with Rey on Jakku, navigating through an asteroid field, soaring down the trench of the Death Star and delivering the final blow to destroy Starkiller Base.

The blockbuster show is punctuated by a tower of flame shooting tongues of fire skyward as well as powerful crisscrossing spotlight beams, creating lightsabers in the sky.

“It is a Disney sky show like none other,” Roddy said. “We are actually able to cast fireworks to tell different parts of the Star Wars story, in colors identifiable with the film whether it’s green for Yoda or creating a starfield up in the sky. Projection mapping technology allows us to dramatically overtake the buildings with images from the Star Wars saga. Custom animation delivers motion picture moments and perspectives never before experienced. And surround sound makes it seem like a TIE fighter just flew past and exploded next to you.

“So many of the things we love about Star Wars we were able to bring to life,” he said.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is part of Star Wars-inspired entertainment throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios including a new live stage show; stormtroopers march; Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction; a reimagined Jedi Training; themed food and beverage offerings; and Star Wars Launch Bay featuring themed galleries, artifacts, merchandise and Star Wars character encounters.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at-a-glance:

• Produced by: Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment, in collaboration with Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic.
• Length of performance: approximately 12 minutes.
• Performance schedule: once nightly (showtimes vary).
• The show incorporates music and imagery from all seven films in the Star Wars
• Opening projection scenes recall the Hollywood premiere of the first Star Wars film in 1977.
• Tower of flame fires up to 140 feet in the air.
• Custom visuals were created for some projections to fully immerse guests in sequences from the films, recreating familiar scenes in ways never before seen.
• Audio for the show is presented in 7.1 channel surround, creating a rich sound quality and making possible such effects as the sound of TIE fighters and X-wing starfighters flying above and around the audience.

Enter the realm of dinosaurs at the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride in Islands of Adventure. This is a great way to cool off on a hot day in the park because you’ll certainly get wet during the final splashdown.

Board a large raft that gently floats you into the world of Jurassic Park. You’ll start your journey among some friendly plant-eating dinosaurs. But the tension builds as you veer off course into the raptor enclosure. The power to the fences is out, and the Raptors have broken loose. You sense them watching (hunting?) you as you enter the darkness of the Environmental Systems Building. And suddenly, there it is, a massive T-Rex coming straight for you! Your only escape is the dramatic plunge through the dark down to safety.

When it was built, the 85-foot plunge was the largest theme park water descent ever constructed. It’s an incredibly thrilling and somewhat unexpected drop. You will get wet—the question is, how wet?

A nice, soaking spray will hit you as you plummet toward the bottom. It will be just enough to keep you cool for a while as you explore the rest of Jurassic Park.

Written By Laura Schindler: Are you ready to explore the jungles of Jurassic Park yourself? Laura can help get you there! Laura 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 with Laura at Laura@DestinationsInFlorida.com