Tallest, Fastest and Longest roller coaster in Orlando Coming to SeaWorld

Surfacing at SeaWorld Orlando will be the Mako roller coaster, a 200-foot-tall hypercoaster that will reach 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track – nearly a mile long — and leave riders feeling both breathless and weightless.  Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks,Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster.

“On Mako, guests will experience what it’s like to be this apex predator, surging through the water at top speed and chasing prey throughout a massive reef,” said Brian Morrow, Senior Director of Development and Design for SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.  “It will be a wild mix of fear, thrills and fun.”

The new coaster also will become one of the world’s few true hypercoasters, a group of roller coasters known for high speeds and steep drops and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.”

SeaWorld’s new hypercoaster will be the centerpiece of the newly themed surrounding realm focused on sharks.  The 2-acre plaza will be redesigned with new pathway theming and educational experiences, and feature Mako, Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, and themed shops.

Check out a sneak peek of this coaster at the Sea World press event announcing the Mako Roller Coaster!

Orlando Dinner Shows

If you speak with anyone heading to Orlando, what are the first things you will likely hear?  Surely, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be at the top of the conversation.  The magic of Walt Disney and Mickey, sunshine, vacation, theme parks, entertainment and always…what are we going to eat?  Food and fine dining is often a treat for families on vacation, and it is well known that Walt Disney World has some of the greatest opportunities for guests to dine while immersed in experiences, not just meals.  For families, there is one type of meal that is sure to give every family member special memories –dinner shows!  Dinner shows, both on and off Walt Disney World property, are sure to add the perfect memory to your vacation.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

Location:  Pioneer Hall, Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort, Walt Disney World

Enjoy a rustic, southern, rootin’ tootin’ great family experience at the Hoop Dee Doo!  The Hoop Dee Doo Revue has the distinction of being the longest running dinner show in America.  While the family style meal of ribs, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread , strawberry shortcake with unlimited draft beer, wine and sangria and soft drinks are a draw in itself, the meal is secondary to the show.  Presented by the Pioneer Hall Players, the show is truly good old fashioned family fun.  Interactive with the audience, excellent voices, and hilarity galore give the audience much more than your average dinner experience.  Many people return to the Hoop Dee Doo every time they visit Disney World, because while the main parts of the show stay the same, the audience participation gives the entertainers the chance to show off their comedy chops. Three categories of seating doesn’t mean that you can’t be part of the show either.  The Pioneer Hall Players make their rounds through all the audience saying hello or asking for volunteers. With three showtimes daily (4:00pm, 6:15pm 8:30pm), it gives many opportunities for families to fit this exciting and delicious experience into their vacation plans.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Location: Luau Cove, Polynesian Village Resort, Walt Disney World

Aloha!  Enjoy a traditional Polynesian evening filled with traditional luau entertainment and food, the Spirit of Aloha is a chance for Disney World guests to once again, enjoy a dining experience that is unique and they might not be able to get in their home town.  This entertaining luau is complete with a story, fire-knife performers and hula dancers.  Guests will enjoy delicious tropical mixed greens with mango poppyseed dressing, pineapple coconut bread, BBQ pork ribs, Lanoi roasted chicken, fresh seasonal veggies and Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert. In addition to soft drinks, lemonade, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages, Guests 21 years of age and up can enjoy beer and wine with their meals. For an added charge, indulge in a fruity cocktail—like the tropical rum punch served in a hand-carved coconut keepsake.

One thing to consider with the Spirit of Aloha is the weather.  While the Hoop Dee Doo is set inside, the Spirit of Aloha is set outside with covered seating.  So, during very hot months, the later show might be the most comfortable.  If the weather forecast is 50 degrees or below, the show will be cancelled (your payment will be refunded or you can reschedule).  There are two showtimes available daily at 5:15pm and 8:15pm.

Wantilan Luau

Location: Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal Studios

Don’t think that you are only able to experience a luau at one location in Orlando!  At Loews Royal Pacific, a Universal Orlando Resort you will also be able to savor the exotic fare of the South Pacific and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian dinner show.  Just like at the Spirit of Aloha, guests will enjoy an evening of authentic Polynesian food and entertainment, which is held weekly on Saturday nights.  The Wantilan luau features an all-you-can-eat buffet of Polynesian delicacies, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, and Mai Tais as well as live Hawaiian music and traditional hula dancing.  Fire and hula dancer entertain the audience while also teaching some lucky dinners the hula! Dinner shows are weekly, Saturday nights at 6:00pm

Medieval Times Dinner Show & Tournament

Location:  Kissimmee, Florida

Depending on where you live, you very well might have a Medieval Times near your home town, as there are eight locations spread out over America.  Your visit to Orlando is a great reason to experience this great family dining experience while vacationing.  As in keeping with the “times” there are no utensils and guests eat everything with their hands.  There is a set menu including roasted spare ribs, BBQ chicken, herb roasted potato and castle bread.  But Medieval Times has never really been known for their taste bud satisfying phenomenal food.  Some children might not love everything on the menu, but the entertainment and show more than makes up for it.  The restaurant is split into teams, and guests can cheer on their knights as they compete in an epic tournament complete with horse tricks, jousting and sword fighting.  Open most days of the week, you can celebrate birthdays and other group events at this location.

For more information or to purchase tickets:  Contact Erin Johnson at Destinations in Florida at 214-697-7732 or at erin@destinationsinflorida.com.

Father’s Day Specials from Top Orlando Eateries

Dad’s Day is just around the corner! If you haven’t made plans to honor the patriarch in your household, you are in luck because we have a terrific list of options sure to wow Dad on his big day!

Taverna Opa Orlando | www.opaorlando.com

Go Greek on I-Drive with 36-Hour Marinated Lamb Chops and Greek beer for dad! Dads eat free with the purchase of a family-style dinner for four. Belly dancing starts early at noon!

Location: 9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

4 Rivers Smokehouse | www.4rsmokehouse.com

Make dad king of the grill this Father’s Day with the Pitmaster Kit featuring its hot and signature sauces, and rubs including the All-Purpose, Brisket and Coffee. And don’t forget the brisket candle which brings the allure of 4 Rivers Smokehouse to your home!

Dragonfly Robata & Grill | www.dragonflyorlando.com

Celebrate dad. Create moments. Experience Dragonfly for Father’s Day.  The Restaurant Row concept modeled after a Japanese izakaya is bringing the ranch to the table with a three-course featuring Snake River Farms for a three-course menu. Cost: $65 per person; Add Japanese Whiskey Flight including Hakushu, Nikka, Hibiki for $25.

Location: 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL 32819

American Q | www.americanq.com

Join us at American Q where dad eats free from the FLATBED BUFFET with a booking for four or more and one child. Dads also receive one complimentary house-made barbecue sauce and a cigar. Live music and a whiskey bar will be available in the courtyard.

Cost: Father’s Day buffet $44.99 per person; $10 for kids under seven chickens tall

Location: 1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Duffy’s Sports Grill | www.duffysmvp.com

Bring dad into Duffy’s to celebrate and be the first to preview the Prime Time Burger, featuring 1/3 lb. hand-formed prime chuck topped with Manchego cheese, candied bacon, siracha ketchup, which officially hits the menu on July 2.

Don’t forget to register as a Duffy’s MVP to score a $10 bonus with your Father’s Day meal!

Location: Offer valid at all Duffy’s locations

Soco | www.socothorntonpark.com

Sip and savor on Southern bites and libations for Father’s Day at Soco for brunch with favorites including Kentucky Cooler and Lobster Eggs Benedict.

Location: 629 E Central Blvd, Thornton Park, Downtown Orlando

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is located in the Tomorrowland area of Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park. It is a fun and competitive shooting-gallery style ride for all ages. The ride is based on the Disney•Pixar Toy Story movies.

The storyline theme is the epic battle between the evil Emperor, Zurg and Buzz Lightyear. Zurg is stealing batters from toys to power a new weapon of destruction. Your job, as a Space Ranger is to fire lasers from your cannon to stop him.

Buzz Lightyear will give you a mission briefing as you board. The ride and most of the queue is indoors. You will enter a series of space-themed settings with glowing neon lights and targets with a “Z” insignia. There are robots, aliens and other villains to attack. Your scores are shown on a digital scoreboard in your space cruiser. Be prepared to outscore your friends as you spin your car 360 degrees and shoot! When you hit a target, your score will increase and you will see the flashing lights and beeping sounds. At the end of your mission, the you are given a Star Command ranking based on the points you score.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is really a blast!  Make sure to secure a FastPass+ for it during your next Walt Disney World vacation.

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

New Bread Box Universal Orlando Resort Restaurant

How does a great sandwich and some Twinkies sound for a quick meal at CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort? 🙂

Try the new Bread Box Restaurant for lunch or dinner! It is a fun atmosphere and great food!

With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. Here you’ll find that the combination of quality meats and vegetables, fresh bread, and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more.

Look for Disney Coupons on Your Quick Service Dining Receipts

Do you want to save money on your souvenirs at Disney World? Of course you do! Learn this tip on how to save money without even leaving Disney World property.

During certain times of year, Disney World offers merchandise coupons right on your quick service dining receipts. They are usually good for 20% off a merchandise purchase at certain shopping locations during a specific window of time. Be sure to look at all your receipts carefully so you don’t miss out on these savings!

If you have ever visited ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for dinner, you would remember the delicious dessert that was served at the end of your Hawaiian feast. If you are like me, you probably were too full to finish it. The ‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode with Bananas-Caramel Sauce is one of those dishes that make you want to go back again and again! Today, I’m sharing the recipe with you, compliments of Disney Food Blog.

‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode with Bananas-Caramel Sauce:

 Ingredients

BREAD PUDDING
5 eggs
3 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 cup sugar
8 cups French or ‘Ohana breakfast bread

1. In bowl mix eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and nutmeg. Set aside.
   2. Cut bread in medium (usually 2-inch) pieces and place on cookie sheet pan. Put in 350 degree oven.
   3. Bake bread until lightly toasted: about 15 minutes. Remove bread and place in egg and milk mixture.
   4. Place mixture in a greased 10-inch cake pan, and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.
   5. Let stand 5 minutes

BANANAS FOSTER SAUCE

4 oz sugar
4 oz brown sugar
4 oz corn syrup
4 oz unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup spiced rum
1 cup banana slices

1. Combine sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and half of heavy cream in a large pan. Bring to a boil and slowly add remaining heavy cream keeping mixture at a steady boil.
2. Add spiced rum and flambe.
3. Candy will brown slightly; cook 3 minutes until candy forms into a firm ball in cold water. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Add sliced bananas. Serve warm.

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

Pool Cabanas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Indulge in a private cabana at the whimsical Beach Pool, adjacent to the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon. Book a beachside cabana at select Resort hotels for a relaxing day or fun-filled evening by the pool.

Enjoy the exclusive use of a shaded oasis equipped with virtually everything you could want for a half day, full day or evening.

Cabanas can be rented by Guests of the following Walt Disney World Resort hotels:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Guests must be staying at the Disney Resort hotel where the cabana is located and will need to present a room key at time of cabana check-in. One Guest in the party must be at least 18 years old.

Standard Cabana Amenities

SeaWorld Thrill Ride – Manta Roller Coaster

One of our favorite thrill rides in Orlando is Manta Roller Coaster at Sea World. Check out the video below to experience this roller coaster. Find out what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly like a giant ray when you experience Manta® – the only flying roller coaster of its kind in the world. Riders are taunted by a head-first, face-down inverted nosedive… and that’s just the beginning. Experience the full force and power of riding the high seas, all on one of the smoothest tracks in the world.

Non-riders are in for their own kind of thrill in the Manta Aquarium, with 10 stunning underwater habitats, over 100 rays, and thousands of colorful fish.

After you’ve returned to land, don’t forget to stop by Stingray Lagoon, where you can feel over 200 rays as they glide just beneath the surface of their habitat’s peaceful waters.

Guests using manual and electrical wheelchairs who would like to ride Manta will enter through the main ride entrance.

Universal Orlando CityWalk Hollywood Drive-in Golf

As Orlando locals, we love playing mini golf with our families! One of our favorite mini golf courses and what we consider the best mini golf in Orlando is Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal Orlando at CityWalk.

More About Hollywood Drive-In Golf: The two all-new, state-of-the-art 18-hole courses are unlike any other miniature golf experience. Inspired by the 1950’s era, guests enter a classic drive-in theater box office area where they select either a “single-feature” (18-holes) or “double-feature” (36-holes) with a choice of two family friendly courses, “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and “Invaders From Planet Putt.” Based on vintage horror flicks and “little green men” science fiction films, guests putt through elaborate movie-style scenes, passing through a cemetery, under a giant spider, around an enormous alien robot, through the open mouth of a giant space worm, and into the basement lab of a towering haunted house. Cutting-edge interactive elements and special effects immerse guests further into the “double feature,” and LED neon edge-lighting allows play during the day, night, and late night.