Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Harry Potter World) Offers Early Access to Hotel Guests

Do you want to be treated like a VIP? One of our favorite perks of staying at a Universal Orlando on-site hotel is the Early Park Admission. When you stay at Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, or Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you get into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure an hour before the gates open to the general public. It is a fantastic perk to beat the crowds! 

Take a look at what it’s like to get early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Another way to obtain Early Park Admission is to book a Universal Orlando vacation package at a Universal Orlando Partner hotel. A vacation package includes accommodations and theme park admission tickets.  You can choose from over 40 Universal Orlando Partner Hotels, so there is something for everyone!

Chosen based on quality, reputation and proximity to Universal Orlando, the Universal Partner Hotels are each located within minutes of Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando Partner Hotels that offer access to Harry Potter World include both “value” and “moderate” price category resorts. “Value” resorts typically have the following amenities: Outdoor Pool, Breakfast Area, and Guest Service Desk. “Moderate” resorts typically have the following amenities: Outdoor Pool, Full Service Dining, Concierge Desk, Room Service, Bell Services, and Breakfast Area.

Though the official name is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, many people refer to this area of the Universal Orlando parks at “Harry Potter World.”

 

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Shop – Calypso Trading Post

For many, shopping is a big part of vacation! Buying trinkets, souvenirs and mementos from your trip is a long-standing tradition. Walt Disney World hotels bring the shopping to you with great, big retail shops located right on site. Often in or near the hotel lobby, shops at Disney World hotels include traditional vacation souvenirs like t-shirts, tumblers and picture frames, but they also carry jewelry, toys, fine art and more.

Take a quick tour around Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort shop with this video:

You’ll also find beach toys at this location since there is a sand beach on site. Most, if not all, of the shops will carry swim suits and resort wear for guests who may have forgotten theirs (or those who’d like something new for their vacation.

As you can see in the video, this shop carries sundries like sunscreen, toiletries and snacks. They also carry lunch meats, cheeses, loaves of bread, peanut butter and jelly, bagels, full size bags of chips, bottles of soda, energy drinks, and even wine and beer. They do also carry souvenir foods like Mickey shaped pasta, Disney themed candies and chocolates.

They have everything from magazines to Mickey ears, and plush toys to housewares. Make sure you save some time for shopping right at your Walt Disney World hotels!

Hop Dance and Street Party at Universal Orlando

Do you want candy? Sing and dance along with E.B. and the rest of the gang from the animated movie Hop in the streets at Universal Studios. After dancing along with them, don’t leave just yet as you can get autographs and pictures with them as well to finish off this “sweet” experience!

If you aren’t familiar with the story, here are some details from Wikipedia. Hop is a 2011 American Easter-themed live-action/computer-animated comedy film from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment. The film was released on April 1, 2011, in the United States and the United Kingdom. Hop stars the voice of Russell Brand as E.B., a rabbit who does not want to succeed his father, Mr. Bunny (Hugh Laurie), in the role of the Easter Bunny; James Marsden as Fred O’Hare, a human who is out of work and wishes to become the next Easter Bunny himself; and the voice of Hank Azaria as Carlos and Phil, two chicks who plot to take over the Easter organization.

E.B. dreams of becoming a drummer, so in this Hop Dance party at Universal Orlando, you see him playing the drums along with other drummers and dancers to the tune of “I Want Candy” since it’s an American tradition for the Easter Bunny to leave candy for children. It’s a fun Hop dance party that you can also experience daily as part of the SuperStar parade at Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Studios Florida Nighttime Show – Cinematic Spectacular

After spending the day living and riding your favorite movies from Universal’s repertoire, cap off your experience by watching Universal Studios celebrate the company’s rich film history with a show that takes place on the lagoon.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular will take you on an emotional journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, laughter, and the battle of good versus evil. All of the classic film clips are projected onto cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon, surrounded by colorful, synchronized fountains, and pyrotechnics against a stirring musical score.

With Morgan Freeman as the show’s narrator, you’ll immediately be drawn in. Once the famous film clips start rolling on the amazing water screens, you’ll be completely immersed in over 100 years of unforgettable moments in cinematic history. Film fans will not want to miss these highlights of Universal’s catalog of celebrated motion pictures.

Have you seen Universal Studios Cinematic Spectacular in person? What did you think?

Quick Tip to Save Money on Disney Vacations

If you have ever visited Walt Disney World, you know there is merchandise available for purchase just about everywhere you look. Kids get excited about all the great products around them and often want you to purchase everything they see! Things that glow, flash and spin are sure to grab their attention while you are waiting for the evening parade or fireworks, so if you want to avoid purchasing them, you’ll need to be prepared!

Here’s a quick tip on how you can save some money on Disney vacations with a little advanced planning.

Do you have any tips or tricks for saving money on Disney vacations?

New Dole Whip Location at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Dole Whip is a frozen pineapple soft serve treat that’s a Disney Park fan favorite. For many years, this treat was only available at Walt Disney World and the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Hawaii, so it was highly sought after and coveted by it’s admirers. While Dole Whip is starting to pop up at other soft serve chains across the county, it’s still highly regarded as a pinnacle treat of a Walt Disney World vacation.

The sweet pineapple treat now has it’s own decided shop at Disney’s Polynesian Resort — Pineapple Lanai! Pineapple Lanai is located just outside the Great Ceremonial House (lobby), not far from the resort’s feature pool area. Here you can savor a taste of island sunshine with the legendary frozen treat known as Dole Whip. Enjoy traditional soft serve swirls and floats, which are also available in souvenir Tiki Sippers or Bowls.

Dole Whip is still also available at Magic Kingdom Park at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. It should be noted that Aloha Isle recently swapped locations with Sunshine Tree Terrace, so do not panic if Aloha Isle is not where it’s “supposed to be” when you go looking for your pineapple paradise in a cup!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is one of my favorite annual events at Walt Disney World Resort! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held on select nights every September, October, and often the first of November. The party runs from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am inside Magic Kingdom Park and requires a special event ticket for admission.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party includes a number of special experiences including:

HalloWishes : This special version of Wishes is exclusive to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. You can enjoy these spectacular fireworks hosted by some of your favorite Disney villains. Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween

Parade : The parade is led by the Headless Horseman and followed by your favorite Disney characters in their own Halloween costumes! There are two parades each night, one before and one after HalloWishes.

Character Meet and Greets : This party is a great chance to meet rare characters or characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes! Don’t forget your camera or Memory Maker to capture these priceless photos.

Trick or Treating : Disney sets up trick or treat stations throughout the park where your whole family can get more candy than you can probably eat! Best of all, it’s included with your admission!

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular : This new stage show was created just for this year’s parties. The three sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus are hosting the best Halloween show of the year and will be accompanied by some of your favorite Disney villains!

Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress up for this special event. A great option is to plan to have your child experience a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League prior to the party so they will be all ready for the party in costume!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held on the following dates in 2015:
September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27
October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31
November 1

Are you planning to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?

Written by Siera Duiser: Siera Duiser is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She loves helping plan magical Disney vacations at no cost to you.

Contact Siera to book your next vacation at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or 734-771-1290. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Teamboat Springs POV Video at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Teamboat Springs POV at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is the ultimate family ride!  The whole family will scream and laugh on this water slide.

Your family of up to six guests can ride together and share an inner-tube raft along with lots of laughs on this epic whitewater journey down the mountain.

Hop in, hold on and get ready to be propelled through 1,200 feet of twists and turns on this super-long, super-wide waterslide. You’re at the mercy of gravity and unpredictable whitewater rapids as your raft banks left and right and rotates randomly, putting members of your party in the path of drenching splashes and sprays.

Each raft accommodates 4 to 6 Guests. If your party has fewer than 4, you may be asked to ride with other Guests.

TeamBoat Springs is just one of twelve attractions at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. There are rides for every level of thrill ride enthusiast from Summit Plummet, which drops you 120 feet, to Tike’s Peak, a polar-themed play land with pint-sized slides and aquatic activities aplenty.

Have you ever been to Blizzard Beach? What did you think?

 

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

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 your 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.

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

At Disney’s Polynesian Resort there is a tranquil hideaway that makes for an enchanting evening packed with fantastic fun and surprises. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a whimsically themed lounge—overrun with ancient artifacts and exotic treasures. Outside you will find the open-air Tiki Terrace, which is perfect for a relaxing sip or nibble under the starry sky, complete with the sounds of live Hawaiian-themed musical entertainment.

Trader Sam’s menu includes delicious cocktails unique to Walt Disney World Resort include the Polynesian Pearl, Nautilus, Castaway Crush, Tahitian Torch and the Dark & Tropical Stormy. Fans of Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in California can order classic concoctions like the Krakatoa Punch, Uh Oa!, HippopotoMai-Tai and Shrunken Zombie Head. To prove to your friends that you visited the grotto, you can even order your cocktail served in a collectible, Disney-exclusive tiki mug.

If you are hungry, order from the lounge menu which includes Hawaiian poke, sushi rolls, salmon oshizushi, corn-battered Portuguese sausage, kalua pork tacos, pan-fried dumplings, chicken lettuce cups with hoisin ginger sauce or the signature bánh mì sliders—made with a savory combination of roasted chicken and pork pâté.

Does the name Trader Sam sound familiar? If you’re a long-time Disney fan, it should. Trader Sam is the legendary “head” salesman who offers you a hard-to-pass-up deal—2 of his heads for 1 of yours—at the conclusion of Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom park.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is conveniently located steps away from the lavish lobby of the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the theme parks.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto welcomes the whole family—including children—from opening until 8:00 PM. After 8:00 PM, only Guests 21 years of age or older may visit.