Walt Disney World Resorts and Parks has so much to offer families when it comes to celebrating the holidays, but our family favorite is the holidays at Epcot. If you have never experienced Epcot during the Christmas season I highly suggest adding it to your next holiday vacation as you will not be disappointed. Your family will enjoy Epcot beautifully decorated for the holiday season, special offerings throughout the park and songs of the season with live performances of Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season.

Holidays at Epcot are unlike all other parks as you not only can enjoy the beautiful decorations, but your family is immersed in the chance to learn about holiday heritage from around the globe as you make your way through World Showcase. This is a wonderful opportunity for both young and old to learn what Christmas looks like in 11 different countries. My daughter looks forward to making her way through each country every year and then comes back to tell her class of the holidays in one of the countries.

On top of finding your way through World Showcase, your family is sure to enjoy the Candlelight Processional at the American Gardens Theatre. This experience is incredible as each night the Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator along with a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. This seasonal showcase is absolutely beautiful and is definitely an experience like no other. This awe-inspiring joyful event is included in your Epcot park tickets and is available nightly from November 27, 2015 – December 30, 2015. While this event is free to you, I highly suggest incorporating it with the Candlelight Processional Dining Package as it will guarantee your family a seat at a showing while not having to wait in the standby line.

The night ends at Epcot with an enhanced holiday Illuminations show on World Showcase Lagoon. This nightly show incorporates the traditional Illuminations with special holiday spirit with a musical finale that is sure to bring joy to your family!

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 kari@destinationsinflorida.com.

Are you traveling to Walt Disney World Parks during the month of December? If you are, you are in for a very special treat! On select nights, you can be dazzled by true Disney holiday magic at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney’s Magical Kingdom. This special event does require a special ticket that is separate from the cost of your park tickets, and it is highly suggested to purchase your tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in advance as it does tend to sell out on many of its nights. And while this is a special event the crowds are much less than your typical park day as Disney only sells a certain number of tickets per night.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, or MVMCP, is a night filled with Christmas magic that offers many holiday cheer that normally is not available in the parks. When your family attends this cheery party, you will enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa all throughout your evening along with countless character meet and greets all throughout the Magic Kingdom. While there is so much to see and do you will definitely not want to miss the magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A, an enchanting stage performance from your favorite Frozen sisters in A Frozen Holiday Wish, the special Celebrate the Season Show and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season and, of course, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Of course, no Christmas Party would be complete without Santa and Mrs. Clause being there to wish you and yours a “Merry Christmas.”

This year’s party is available on select nights with the following dates remaining: November 29 as well as December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18 from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

This special holiday event is a must for all ages and is sure to make even Scrooge cheery in Christmas spirit.

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 kari@destinationsinflorida.com.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Menu

Howdy, partners! Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café recently debuted a reimagined menu, which now features Tex-Mex cuisine.

The new menu includes burritos and rice bowls in a choice of beef, chicken, or veggies. Chicken or steak fajitas are also available, each accompanied by cilantro rice, beans and tortilla. A Southwest Salad offers mixed greens, monterey jack cheese, tomato, roasted corn, jalapenos and chipotle ranch dressing over either chicken or spicy beef.

Fans of the locations former fixin’s bar will find it’s back and stocked with tasty sauces, salsas, peppers, onions, cheese and more. All guests have unlimited access to the fixin’s bar, so top your dishes with whatever you like and as much as you’d like!

Pecos Bill is a Quick Service restaurant open for lunch and dinner daily at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The menu and prices are the same for both meal periods. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted here. This restaurant is located in the Frontierland area of the park. It’s close in proximity to The Country Bear Jamboree, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It’s just around the corner from Adventureland, so the ever-popular Pirates of the Caribbean is not too far away either.

Pecos Bill formerly offered burgers, chicken, fries, corn and similar fare, so this is a shift in the style of foods offered.

Will you be saddling up for some tasty Tex-Mex at Pecos Bill soon?

A Universal Orlando vacation will definitely be fun, but it can also be expensive. With a bit of planning, you can have a fantastic vacation that won’t break the bank. Here are some of my favorite money saving tips for your vacation.

• Choose the right season to visit – When staying onsite, remember that prices vary depending on the time of year you travel. If your dates are flexible, choose the Value season and avoid the Peak and Holiday dates.

• Buy your tickets in advance – Time is money when visiting theme parks. If you purchase your tickets in advance, you will save time at the gate. Plus, you’ll get $20 off and a coupon book with discounts on restaurants and merchandise. The more days you play, the less you pay per day.

• Rent a locker – Stash a change of clothes in case you get soaked by rain or a water ride. You might want a jacket, sunscreen or some snacks or even lunch to save instead of purchasing higher priced items in the parks.

• Choose a vacation package at an onsite resort – Since time is money, you will receive the added benefit of the Universal Express Unlimited ride access that will allow you to skip the regular line. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance to the parks in addition to having early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

• Set a budget for souvenirs – If you are traveling with children, it’s a good idea to surprise them with a small toy or two from an offsite dollar store. Let them have a budget for something special from the park.

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is a proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Florida Travel for adults and RV travel.  Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804-405-5005 or sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

Extra On Board Credit Only Available From Destinations in Florida

We are proud to offer our guests an extra perk on their Norwegian Cruise Line vacation as a way to thank you for booking with us! Any NCL Cruise booked with us during the month of December 2015 will receive an extra $25 Shipboard Credit! This is on top of any other offers or promotions we have already applied to your vacation, too!

Our agents would love to assist you in selecting the perfect Norwegian Cruise Line vacation. We have experience with several of the ships, including the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Escape and more! Many of our agents are graduates of “NCL University” and we are ready to help you find the most perfect cruise for your vacation needs!

This extra perk is only available to agents of Destinations in Florida / Destinations to Explore Travel, so contact us today! 

Contact Us for a Free, No-Obligation Quote Today!

877-918-8941 or Request a Price Online

Who says the Grinch Stole Christmas?! He certainly didn’t steal it from Universal Studios Orlando

I was just there last December for Christmas with my family, and the Seuss Grinchmas area was hands down one of our favorite parts of the park for the holidays. There were bright wreaths everywhere, Christmas music playing, and a sense of the holiday spirit throughout.

Several places for great photo ops for the family—a favorite is with the Grinch himself, or next to a massive 60ft Christmas tree. Stop inside one of the many unique Seuss stories to listen to a Christmas story being read, get your holiday shopping done, and don’t forget to stop in the Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy store for lots of sugary yummies!

Be sure to stop and listen to the Who-ville singers as they carol their way through Seuss Landing and take a spin on the festive Caro-Seuss-el, hop aboard The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train ride or go for a wild ride on the One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue fish attraction
So much to see and do in Seuss Landing during Grinchmas—so don’t be a Grinch and check it out this year!

Regina Cwiklinski Travel Agent with Destinations to Explore
I love to travel with my husband and two young kids to Disney, Universal, and tropical destinations. I also love to help other families plan their dream vacation. Happy Travels!
regina@destinationsinflorida.com 262-707-7909

Disney Pop Century Resort opened to the public on December 14, 2003. It’s one of the least expensive ways to stay right on Disney Property. As many Pop Century fans say ‘it may be small on price, but not on fun.

The average standard room starts at $107 and top out at $236 for a preferred room, in 2015. But it is not short on Disney Magic. Pop Century Resort, or POP as some Disney fans call it, is themed around icons and memories from the 20th century. We go from Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head to a huge jar of Play-Doh, to roller blades, to a large replica of a Mickey Mouse telephone. Each section of the resort represents a different decade. It ranges from the 1950’s to the 1990’s; and these buildings house over 2,800 guest rooms.

Head over to the Fast Forward arcade for some great rainy day fun. It’s a great spot to play all the great games from every generation. POP also offers three giant pools, each themed to a decade and a smaller kids pool area too.

Make sure to stop over at Everything Pop Food Court to enjoy some yummy treats or a full quick service meal. In addition to that, POP also has laundry facilities, high-speed Internet, and transportation to and from all the Disney Parks and Disney Springs. Out of the five Disney Value Resorts, only two have dedicated bus line and Pop Century is one of them!

A quick fun tip… Did you know that in Classic Hall you can also gather twice a day to dance your heart out? Every morning at 8:00 cast members hit the ‘dance floor’ and twist away. It really gets your day started off right. Come back at 6:00 pm get your dancing shoes and join everyone to do “The Hustle”.

From the amazing pools, fun activities and great amenities Disney’s Pop Century is one amazing resort.

Written by Veronica Mazarelli: Veronica 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 Veronica at veronica@destinationsinflorida.com.

For many visitors, a trip to Central Florida would never be complete without a check in at SeaWorld Orlando. With so many different attractions, rides, and educational opportunities, it’s a park worth considering for many who come here.

One of the premier experiences you can add on to your visit is to swim and interact with marine wildlife, such as dolphins and stingrays. Both experiences give you and your fellow travelers a fantastic way to create a bond with these amazing beings that can’t be forgotten.

Beyond the aquarium aspect of SeaWorld, is a whole theme park with lots of rides and attractions. There is Journey to Atlantis for those of you who may want to take a cool and somewhat wet ride. Kraken is one of the worlds top roller coasters and can’t be described without a direct view of the coaster. Let’s just say there’s nothing else even close to it in the Orlando area.

SeaWorld also prides itself on conservation efforts, including a Manatee rehabilitation center at the park. It’s one of my favorite locations to visit at SeaWorld. See these gentle giants swimming through their rehabilitation center and being made strong enough to return to the wild is a beautiful sight to behold.

It’s difficult to write about SeaWorld and not mention that there is some controversy about the park. SeaWorld has been in the news for some time due to the unfortunate loss of a trainer and the subsequent movie and news stories. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your travel agent. We are here to help find the best fit for your travels and to answer your questions honestly and with the most accurate information.

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about SeaWorld, other Orlando Vacations and beyond, he can be found planning Vacations. Contact him today!

If you are going back and forth with trying to decide if you want to do a Disney Cruise or spend your time in the parks, I have a great idea for you….why not do BOTH? Sailing on the award-winning Disney Cruise Line to a tropical destination before or after a stay at Walt Disney World Resort makes for the ultimate family vacation.  There are so many reasons why I love adding a cruise on to a Disney Parks vacation and here are my top 5.

• Experience the thrills and frills of a hassle-free vacation. You will stay in world-class accommodations, eat food that is prepared by first-rate chefs and be entertained from morning until night the Disney way.

• It’s a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. You could be zip lining from a tree top in a tropical forest one day and the next day relaxing at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.

• A short 3-4-day cruise is a great way for first-time cruisers to get acquainted. The shorter sailings allow you to see if cruising is the right fit for your family. Most activities, entertainment and dining options are included in the price of the cruise, so you will know what to budget. I bet you will be hooked once you experience a cruise.

• Experience the Disney Magic. From regal gatherings with princesses to dance parties with Mickey and the gang on Castaway Cay, a Disney cruise gives you the chance to interact with characters in a whole new way. And speaking of Castaway Cay, most of the cruises leaving from Florida make a stop at this tropical paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

• It’s all about location. With two Disney Cruise Line homeports in Florida, it’s never been easier to make both a cruise and resort stay part of your Disney vacation. Port Canaveral and Miami are within driving distance of Walt Disney World, making it convenient to stay at one of the resorts and enjoy all four theme parks before or after visiting tropical destinations on a cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

There’s no shortage of fun onboard or in port, but with so many options to recharge, you won’t need a vacation from your vacation when you return home. The Disney Cruise Line offers something for everyone in the family. You won’t know what to do first!
If land and sea appeal to you, then I would love to help you plan the ultimate Disney vacation. I hope to see you on board soon!

Written by JoAnne Traczek: I am a retired Veteran who is enjoying helping people travel all over the world! I enjoy planning all your travel needs, no matter what you need or where you go. I have seen a great part of the world and love to share my knowledge with people who enjoy traveling. Contact me when you want to see the world. I will help you, one destination at a time. You can reach me at joanne@destinationsinflorida.com.

As an Orlando local, one of my favorite places to enjoy some Christmas fun is at Gaylord Palms Orlando.  This hotel is just a few minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort.  You do not have to stay at Gaylord Palms Orlando to enjoy all of the Christmas fun.  You can pop over just to see ICE or grab a coffee and watch the Cirque Dreams show.  There is so much Christmas fun, your entire family will be screaming “HO, HO, HO!”

Gaylord Palms sets up their convention center into a winter wonderland called Alpine Village.  In Alpine Village you can go snow tubing, see the spectacular ICE display, meet Santa Claus, build a bear at the Build a Bear Workshop, decorate a gingerbread house, enjoy live musical performances or shop at one of the best stores for Christmas ornaments.

There is so much to do at the Alpine Village.  Some of these activities do charge an extra fee.  Be sure you double check the prices and pre-order your tickets, before you leave your home or hotel.  This will save you some time waiting in lines.

Of course, there are lots of activities that do not involve a fee, including Cirque Dreams show, Santa, and Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt.  The scavenger hunt is always our kids’ favorite activity.

My family and I just got back from a visit to Gaylord Palms and you get to come along with all of the Christmas FUN!

Day 1 with ICE & Snow Tubing at Gaylord Palms Orlando

Today was our 1st day at Gaylord Palms with ICE and snow tubing.  As Floridians, we got to see ice and snow in Florida!  We bundled up with hats, scarves and gloves.  Even our flip flops were left in the room and we wore boots and tennis shoes to keep our toes warm.  With ICE, it is a constant 9 degrees.  You are given a super warm parkas, but you still want to keep those toes, fingers and heads warm.  The snow tubing is a little warmer, but a light jacket is still a good idea.

Both activities are a lot of fun, especially the snow tubing.  Even Grandma hopped on the tubes with the kids.  It was a fun evening of Christmas laughs and screams!

Day 2 with Gingerbread Decorating, Build a Bear & Santa at Gaylord Palms Orlando

Today we started off with Gingerbread Decorating with Nutmeg!  This is one of my favorite activities for a small fee.  We bought a Gingerbread Family for under $25 and my whole family (including Grandparents) got to experience the decorating and the Gingerbread Character Meet & Greet.  For a character meet up, that is an amazing price!  We also hit the holiday Build a Bear Workshop and met Santa.

Day 3 with Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt at Gaylord Palms Orlando

This was the last day of our visit to Gaylord Palms.  We left the best for last with the Elf on the Scavenger Hunt around Gaylord Palms.  The kids LOVE this free activity!

When planning your holiday vacation or even a day trip in Orlando, be sure you check out Gaylord Palms Orlando.