Guests trekking through Africa at Disney Animal Kingdom park will enjoy the new Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks. This adventurous food and beverage location rests near the foot of Expedition Everest and treats guests to an assortment of exotic drinks and eats.

The Trek Snacks menu varies throughout the day, with delicious pastries in the morning and more substantial bites such as sushi and sandwiches in the afternoon and evening. Breakfast pastries include assorted muffins and Danish, croissants and an indulgent chocolate twist. Healthful snacks offered include fresh fruit, crudité and hummus, edamame and an Asian noodle salad.

The Thirsty River Bar represents the type of cultural collision that has become a hallmark of the villages that serve as base camps for Everest trekkers. This must-stop location for climbers returning from their ascent features themed specialty cocktails, such as the Khumbu Icefall,  Himalayan Ghost and Durbar Margarita. Non-alcoholic beverages also are available, including the tropical-flavored Flying Yak and the Pink Lotus.

Contact us at 877-918-8941 for any questions about this new restaurant at Disney Animal Kingdom Park or to book your dining reservation.

Are you ready for your visit to Magic Kingdom?

Do you know how to beat the long lines and still see the “must do” rides?  Our Orlando local family take you on a 2-Day Video Tour of Magic Kingdom Park.  Learn how the local’s visit Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World.

Day 1 at Magic Kingdom

Day 2 at Magic Kingdom

COURTYARD POOL AT DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT

Escape to a serene environment at this zero-entry leisure pool, conveniently located behind the main building. Offering a calm and peaceful swimming experience, the heated Courtyard Pool descends to a maximum depth of nearly 5 feet, and features an adjacent whirlpool spa.

Complimentary towels are available at the pool and lifejackets are available at The Captain’s Shipyard. Pools lifts and other access options can be arranged for Guests with disabilities or limited mobility.

Pools are open every day, including during winter. The pools are heated to 82°F/28°C throughout the year.

The Courtyard Pool Bar is located adjacent to the Courtyard Pool at the Grand Floridian. It also has a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Plus a small menu of burgers, flat bread pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and desserts is available.

About Disney’s Grand Floridian

Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish bayside Resort hotel. Relax in the sumptuous lobby as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes. Bask on the white-sand beach, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch the fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.

Whether you are a newbie or a veteran to Disney World the Main Street Electrical Parade in the Magic Kingdom is a delight for all ages. This glowing parade of all of your favorite Disney characters is filled with spinning, and gliding floats as well as lighted dancers that are all coordinated to a 20-minute memorable soundtrack. Keep an eye out for beloved characters such as Pinocchio, Cinderella, Pete’s Dragon Elliott, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan as they build up to the unique culmination in tribute to America.

This nighttime parade begins on Main Street U.S.A. and travels up through Liberty Square and ends in Frontierland. Make sure to check your times guide because on certain nights and during the Peak Season this nighttime parade may have two showings scheduled. If there are two showings, the 2nd showing will be less crowded. If you like to use Fastpass+ for parades and fireworks viewings, Fastpass+ is available for the Main Street Electrical Parade. Our favorite viewing area is on Main Street between the flagpole and the Partner’s statue. If you are able to get positioned in this area, then you will also have a prime viewing to watch Wishes after the parade.

Written by Kari O’Dell:  Kari 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 your next vacation with Kari at 434-609-2370 or at kari@destinationsinflorida.com.

CityWalk at Universal Orlando Gets New Sports Bar Restaurant

NBC Sports Grill & Brew introduces a unique sports-dining experience unlike anything you’ve seen before. This place is a Game Changer. Inside, a wall of Foosball tables invite guest to test their skills while nearly 100 HD screens play a constant stream of sports coverage. Offering private dining, areas for groups and an indoor-outdoor beer garden, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a stylish and sophisticated addition to Universal CityWalk®.

Take a look around the newest CityWalk hotspot here:

Located just outside Universal Studios, NBC Sports Grill & Brew with it’s 100-foot-wide stadium screen light up the area and draws you in as exciting sporting events are shown outside the building. Once inside, this new eatery offers a fun and casual atmosphere for all ages. With table games built right into your table and over 90 HD TVs throughout the establishment, the whole family will enjoy their experience here. The menu features you might expect to find in a sports bar style restaurant like nachos, flatbreads, ribs and wings as well as many interesting items such as crab scotch eggs, cedar planked salmon, brie burgers, chicken pot pie, entree salads and tons more. There are over 75 items on this menu! Check out the video to see the entire menu as well as the bar menu.

With ample seating on two floors, including covered patio seating, NBC Grill & Brew has plenty of space for large or small parties. The covered semi-outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the Florida sunshine and blue skies while you dine.

With lots of beer on tap, bottled beers, cocktails and wine, there’s a hearty selection at the bar too.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a great new addition to CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort and a must-do for sports lovers! The restaurant is now open daily from late afternoons until 2am.

 

Disney Merchandise at Disney Boutique

The Disney Theme Park Merchandise team recently introduced a new clothing and accessories line for fun loving Disney fans called “Disney Boutique.” This collection features modern styling, fabrics and trims all presented in a unique Disney way.

Disney Boutique items can be found in many shops around Walt Disney World property, but there is a central boutique at Tren-D, which is located in the Marketplace at Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney).

Take a look at all the new Disney merchandise at Tren-D with us in this video tour:

Disney Boutique merchandise is also available online at DisneyStore.com.

 

From the moment you wake up and enjoy early entrance to the Disneyland parks to the moment you rest your head on a pillow beneath a magical headboard featuring Sleeping Beauty’s Castle (more about this later), you’ll feel immersed in the spirit of Disney. The Disneyland Hotel is classic Disney with a contemporary flare. Located just steps from Downtown Disney and a short walk to both Disneyland and California Adventure.

You’ll find lots of elements from some of your favorite Disneyland Park attractions and original lands in the hotel’s three towers. In the Fantasy Tower (main building and reception area) have a seat in a teacup chair as you imagine you’re whirling around in one of the spinning teacups from the Mad Tea Party ride, or walk down memory lane as you admire all of the memorabilia displayed throughout the hotel. The Adventure Tower is themed after Adventureland houses theme-park view rooms and the concierge. It’s also a favorite of many because it’s closest to the walkway to Downtown Disney. The third tower is the Frontier Tower themed after Frontierland. The lobby boasts an amazingly detailed model of Big Thunder Mountain. No matter which building you stay in, be sure to visit the lobby in each tower. Now, more on those magical headboards – each room has a beautifully carved wooden headboard of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. There is a lamp on the bedside table that once you push the button, it illuminates fireworks over the Castle and plays When You Wish Upon a Star…the perfect way for a Disney-lover to drift off to dream.

The Disneyland Hotel offers one of the most Disney-themed pools amongst the Disney Resorts. You can splash around in the E-Ticket pool or zoom down one of the Monorail-themed water slides. You’ve never had a ride on a monorail like this before. Kids and adults will line up to ride over and over again. The pool area also offers a nice children’s splash play area. The hotel also offers several dining options with character meals at Goofy’s Kitchen, the popular Steakhouse 55, and poolside dining at Tangora Terrace and Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar. There’s no mistaking you’re staying in Disneyland when you stay at the Disneyland Hotel.

 

New Mako Coaster Construction Progress at SeaWorld Orlando

At SeaWorld Orlando, construction is well underway way on MAKO – an all-new hypercoaster opening this summer – begins to take shape along the Orlando skyline.  The coaster was “topped off” recently as cranes put into place the tallest point of the structure – the tracks of its signature 200-foot tall hill.

When it opens, Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster –this 200-foot tall hyper coaster will reach speeds of 73 mph along 4,760 feet of track, which is nearly a mile long.  The thrilling ride will be the centerpiece of a two-acre, shark-themed realm in the park.

Guests visiting SeaWorld Orlando can continue to witness the rise of the massive steel track over the next few months as construction continues to build one of the world’s few true hypercoasters – a type of coaster known for high speeds and steep drops, and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.”

Mako will be the centerpiece of the newly themed surrounding realm at SeaWorld Orlando The plaza will be fully shark themed and include Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops and educational experiences.

Continue to stay up to date on all construction details and announcements and Join the conversation online using #NothingFaster.

Star Wars Launch Bay is the central locale for guests to celebrate all things Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Inside, guests may encounter beloved Star Wars characters, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, including ones from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and have access to Star Wars merchandise. (David Roark, photographer)

Park View Room Tour at Paradise Pier Hotel

Celebrate the heyday of California beachfront boardwalks at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Step back in time at this old-fashioned yet modern hotel—home to a variety of dining, shopping and recreation opportunities—and ride a wave of relaxation from your charming seaside-themed room all the way up to the rooftop pool for some welcome fun in the sun.

Rooftop Pools with Waterslide

Cool off, catch some rays and enjoy the view at the rooftop pool deck, home to the Paradise Pool and the twisting California Streamin’ waterslide. Young ones looking to make a splash are invited to dip their toes in the Children’s Pool, while adults in need of a little rest and relaxation can lounge the day away in the Paradise Spa whirlpool hot tub.

Rooms

Stay in rooms that reflect the casual yet elegant beachfront pavilion hotels of the early 1920s. Sand-and-surf-themed furnishings and décor, elegant park-influenced artwork and all the modern amenities you would expect from a Disney Resort hotel make this a perfect fit for families looking for a whimsical yet restful stay.

Featuring rooms for almost any size family, select accommodations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel even offer views of Disney California Adventure Park and the World of Color nighttime water spectacular. Take a look at the view here in this video tour of a Park View room at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel:

Have you stayed at Paradise Pier Hotel? If not, would you like to?