Did you know that you can eat in your stateroom and it is included with the cruise fare? You can! After a long day at Castaway Cay, many guests just want to relax in their stateroom. Disney Cruise Line Room Service is available 24 hours a day.   Gratuity is not included and there is a charge for certain snacks and beverages.  A sample Room Service Menu is listed below. Since Disney has such extraordinary customer service, they will also take special requests.  So if you’re dying to have a Mickey bar all you have to do is ask!!

Salads and Appetizers

Southwestern Caesar Salad

Blacked Chicken Quesadilla Salad

Mexican Tortilla Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

All Hands on Deck (assorted cheeses)

Fresh Fruit Bowl

Sandwich Island

BLT

Ham/Turkey & Cheese Sandwich

Focaccia Sandwich

Tuna Salad

Chicken Fajita

Steak Sandwich

All-American Fare

Cheeseburger

Hot Dog

Macaroni & Cheese

Chef’s Specialties

Mexican Fiesta Pizza

Vegetarian Delight Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza

Meat of Veggie Lasagna

Dessert

Cake at Sea

Big Island Cookie

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Have you ever heard the terms “Sunny Florida” or “The Sunshine State”?  Don’t let the nicknames fool you!  Florida weather is unpredictable.  You can expect an afternoon thunderstorm most days, especially in the summer.  Some days are just plain cloudy & rainy.

Don’t let a forecast of rain spoil your Disney day!  You’ve paid good money for your trip.  With a bit of planning, you can make this one of your best vacation days ever!  You will find lower crowds on a rainy day because locals may make other plans and there are people that don’t realize how much you can see and do without getting wet.  You might throw in a towel but don’t throw in the towel on a great opportunity!

Arrive at the park early.  Most Florida showers pop up in the afternoon.  If you get there early, you can enjoy a less crowded park and take in lots of attractions before the storms.

Pack smart.  Sure, you can purchase a poncho in the park and they are cute.  However, they’re costly and are heavier than the ones you can get at a Dollar Store beforehand.  It’s smart to bring an extra pair of socks and a ziplock bag for your electronics.  If you are traveling with family, it’s a great idea to rent a locker to store a change of clothes for everyone.

Concentrate on one area at a time.  Epcot, for example has pavilions that feature many attractions under one roof.  You can spend several hours in one building and not get wet.  Just think, in the Land Pavilion, you can ride Soarin’, see the Circle of Life, experience Living with the Land, dine at Seasons or The Garden Grill and even take a Behind the Seeds Tour.

There are so many possibilities for rainy day fun.  Consider, resort hopping, Disney Quest, a movie or shopping at Downtown Disney or an afternoon of bowling at Splitsville.  Of course, you’ll want to be safe.  Avoid lightning and extreme wind.  Don’t wear slippery shoes.  Whatever you do, don’t let the rain spoil your Disney 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.

Disney Magic will have three Mediterranean Cruises departing from Venice, Italy this summer.  Guests can choose 9 or 12 nights.  Disney Cruise Line has arranged for some fantastic excursions while you are in Venice.  Visit St. Mark’s Square and tour Doge’s Palace.  Visit a venetian mask shop or take an evening cruise by gondola.  The Mediterranean Cruises have spectacular ports of call on each itinerary.  Whether you prefer history, architecture, beaches, or general sightseeing there’s an excursion for you.  You can even add an Adventures by Disney tour to your cruise vacation for a unique VIP experience of Europe.  This is truly the vacation of a lifetime.  Here’s the itinerary for the 12 night cruise from Venice:

1. Venice, Italy
2. At Sea
3. At Sea
4. Piraeus (Athens), Greece
5. Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
6. Rhodes, Greece (Greek Isles)
7. Heraklion (Crete), Greece
8. Mykonos, Greece
9. Santorini, Greece
10. At Sea
11. Valleta, Malta
12. At Sea
13. Barcelona, Spain

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Little Mermaid fans rejoice!  There is a fun indoor attraction in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World just for you!  Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid is a slow moving ride and the perfect attraction for Ariel fans of all ages!

Prince Eric’s Castle is the place to see Ariel and all her friends in Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid. You will enter through a rather dark cavern and climb aboard the cutest little colorful clamshell ever! See whozits and whatzits galore as you glide through scenes featuring classic songs from the popular animated feature film, The Little Mermaid.  Along the journey, you’ll see all the well-loved characters from the film, including Ariel, Prince Eric, King Triton, Sebastian, Flounder and Ursula!  Little ones might be slightly intimidated by Ursula.  She’s huge, at 7 ½ feet tall and 12 feet wide!

The scenes are filled with delightful music led by Sebastian. You’ll watch the “newt play the flute and the carp play the harp”!  Be sure to look at all the “stuff” in Ariel’s gadget-filled grotto because it’s really neat!  At the grand finale of the ride Ariel and Prince Eric exchange romantic glances and the wedding is celebrated!

Afterwards, be sure to continue your journey “under the sea” with a nearby meet-and-greet with Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto.  Be sure to take time to experience Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid during your next 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.

Alright runDisney fans, you just finished a race at the Walt Disney World Resort.  What are you going to do next?  I’m going on a Disney Cruise!!  There’s no better way to celebrate your accomplishment than on one of Disney’s fantastic cruise ships.  After months and months of training and hard work you deserve a relaxing getaway.  Disney Cruise Line provides runners with ample opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.  Guests can pamper themselves in the Vista Spa on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.  Senses Spa offers world class treatments on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  Relax on deck or rent a cabana at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.  If you’re still in the mood to run guests can participate in the Castaway Cay 5K before enjoying the rest of your day at the beach.  The next runDisney event is the Expedition Everest Challenge on Saturday, May 3, 2014.  If you want more of a challenge you can attend the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler Weekend on October 3-4, 2014 or the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend on November 8-9, 2014.  Now is the perfect time to start planning your cruise celebration!  Contact me for details on how to create the perfect runDisney vacation package for your family.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Be Our Guest is a 550-seat restaurant located inside the Beast’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The name of this enchanting restaurant was inspired by the song “Be Our Guest” from the film, Beauty & the Beast.  French-inspired items are included on the menu as well as some traditional fare. This restaurant is a little different from others at Walt Disney World. During lunch hours, it serves as a quick service location but for dinner, it transforms to a table service restaurant.

As you enter the castle, you will see that the lighting is dim.  There is a long hallway with stained glass windows and suites of armor guard.  Listen carefully and you might hear them carrying on a conversation!  Each dining room has distinct features.  The beautiful Ballroom has high ceilings, The West Wing, is an almost sinister room that showcases the Enchanted Rose, and The Rose Gallery, which showcases artwork of Belle and Beast.

Ordering is done by a touch screen terminal.  Cashiers are available to assist you if needed.  Once your order is placed, you will be given a magic rose to put on your table.  The rose is programmed so the wait staff will be able to deliver your lunch to your table. Even though this is considered quick service, your meal is served on real china and flatware!

Highlights of the lunch menu include carved turkey sandwich, carved roast beef or croquet-monsieur sandwich; all served with pommes frites (fries).  Some other options are a tuna Nicoise salad, a quinoa salad or a vegetable quiche.  French Onion and potato leek soups are also available. Kids will love the Mickey meatloaf or the whole grain macaroni among other offerings. Scrumptious desserts include lemon-raspberry, chocolate and tropical fruit cream puffs or lemon meringue, triple chocolate or strawberry cream cheese cupcakes.  For a really special treat, you could choose the Master’s cupcake.  It’s topped with “The Grey Stuff”.  Try it –it really is delicious!

Get in line early for a delicious lunch you won’t soon forget!  Who wouldn’t want to dine in the Beast’s Castle?!!

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.

Disney Cruise Line is overflowing with water fun for everyone.  Mickey’s Pool, Donald’s Pool, and Goofy’s Pool are the family pool areas on the Disney ships.    Adults can lounge around the Quiet Cove Pool or hop into one of the whirlpool spas.  Let’s explore some of the thrill rides and water play areas available on Disney Cruise Line.

AquaDunk is the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s water works.  AquaDunk is a 3 story body slide on the Disney Magic.  Once you step into ride, the countdown begins, and all of sudden the floor drops and down you go through the 212 foot long tube.

AquaLab is a water area for families on the Disney Fantasy.  There are pop jets, geysers and bubblers all created by Huey, Dewey, and Louie.  There are water experiments all around for hours of fun on Deck 12 Aft.  The nephews have also inspired a new water playground for kids 3 and under on the Disney Magic.  Nephews Splash Zone is located on Deck 9 Aft.

My favorite water feature on Disney Cruise Line is the AquaDuck.  AquaDuck is the first water coaster on any cruise ship.  The AquaDuck is a thrilling tube water coaster that spans four decks on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  Guests ride through 765 feet of tube even going off the side of the ship splashing into a lazy river.  This ride is fun for all ages but you must be 42 inches or taller to ride.  Once you’ve been on the AquaDuck you will be back.  One ride is never enough!

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is one of the value priced resorts located near Disney’s All-Star Sports and All-Star Music Resorts. All are in close proximity to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort features huge decorative icons and fun décor that’s all related to movies.  This resort will allow you to take pleasure in all the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort with value pricing.  It has a TON of kid appeal! 

As you stroll around this resort, you’ll see enormous, colorful icons including Herbie-The Love Bug, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, hockey sticks & hockey masks, Pongo & Perdita dalmatians (there are exactly 101 Dalmatians!), jack-in-the-box, sorcerer hats, brooms & buckets and much more!

Two heated outdoor swimming pools, Fantasia and Duck Pond are perfect for a relaxing afternoon away from the theme parks. There’s also a kiddie pool located near the Fantasia themed pool.  The Fantasia pool has a very cool Sorcerer Mickey that sprays water.  Other recreational opportunities include a jogging trail, Reel Fun Arcade, movies under the stars and a playground.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort has ten three-story buildings with outside corridors and elevators.  There are five sections of rooms:

• Mighty Ducks
• 101 Dalmatians
• Toy Story
• Fantasia
• The Love Bug

Standard rooms are relatively small but adequate for 4 people at 260 square feet.  Each has two double beds, a vanity area and a table with 2 chairs, television, free wi-fi and a small refrigerator.

World Premiere Food Court has 5 cinema-themed stations to choose from.  It opens at 6 am serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks until midnight.  There will be no problem finding something tasty for everyone here!  There’s also a poolside bar and pizza delivery.  You’ll find fun Disney souvenirs and a small grocery section at Donald’s Double Feature gift shop.

For a Walt Disney World vacation that’s affordable to most everyone, consider Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.  Your kids will love you forever!

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.

Cariocas is a Brazilian themed restaurant on the newly reimagined Disney Magic.  There is a backdrop of Rio at the front of the restaurant and a beautiful mural of the Three Caballeros on the main wall.  The bright lanterns throughout give the restaurant a really nice feel.  I started off my dinner with a piece of warm banana bread which was great.  Your options for appetizers are Peruvian Causa, Empanadas Panzudas de Carne, Deep Fried Lobster Croquetas, or an Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tower. I tried the lobster croquetas and my husband’s empandas.  I enjoyed both appetizers but the lobster croquetas were definitely the better of the two.  Your soup or salad options are Sancocho de Pollo, Cuban Salad, Sopa de Frijoles Negroes Habaneros, or Tiger Shrimp Ceviche and Palmitos Salad. I thought the tiger shrimp ceviche was just okay.  Main course offerings include Lobster, Shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Skewers, Grilled Rum Marinated Swordfish, Grilled Orange and Lemon marinated Flank Steak, Slow Roasted Pork Belly, and Jose Cariocas.  I got the pork belly and was very very happy.  Carioca’s Ice Cream Sundae was the recommended dessert.  The sundae contained dulce de leche ice cream, caramelized apples, and churros.  As you can imagine the sundae was extremely sweet.  Overall, I enjoyed my meal at Cariocas.  I think the restaurant is a nice addition to the Disney Magic.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with ten cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.

Are you looking for a fun and romantic honeymoon? You may be interested in a Disney Cruise Line honeymoon, then! With adult only dining options, spa treatments, and the option to visit some of the country’s most beautiful islands, you’re sure to love a Disney Cruise Line honeymoon! Here are just a few options for a Disney Cruise Line honeymoon:

• 4 Night Cruise- Turn your honeymoon into a dream come true on a 4 night journey filled with magic, romance and impeccable Disney service. It will be a honeymoon to remember as you discover enchantment in the heart of Bahamian paradise.

• 7-Night Land and Sea Cruises- Experience the best of both worlds when you book an unforgettable honeymoon that combines a 3- or 4-day Bahamian cruise with an action-packed stay at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

• 7-Night Cruises- If a week of leisure and adventure is what you crave, let Disney Cruise Line® sweep you off on a 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise. You’ll enjoy a delightful mix of at-sea relaxation and in-port excitement.

• 12-Night and 14-Night Transatlantic Cruises- Immerse yourself in an adventure that echoes the historic transatlantic crossings of the golden age of sea travel. Boasting scenic tropical splendor, sweeping seascapes and age-old locales, in addition to one-of-a-kind Disney entertainment, dining and recreation onboard, a Disney transatlantic cruise is your ticket to unforgettable destinations steeped in antiquity and culture thousands of years in the making.

• 4, 5, 7, 9, or 12-Night Mediterranean cruise- Explore ancient cities and age-old cultures brimming with history thousands of years in the making. Sail from home ports in Europe are Barcelona, Spain and Venice, Italy—cities renowned for their architectural wonders, charming cafés and unforgettable scenery. Either city is an excellent starting point for your Mediterranean cruise.

• 2-Night, 4-Night, or 5-Night California Coast Cruises- From the world-class comfort and detailed service of a Disney Cruise Line cruise, experience the scenic splendor of California. Savor spectacular seascapes as you sail along the Golden Coast—departing from San Diego, Los Angeles or Vancouver, Canada.

• 14 or 15 Night Panama Canal Cruises- Set sail on a 14-night Panama Canal cruise with stops at beautiful port cities along the Riviera Maya, the Mexican Riviera and Colombia or embark on a 15-night Panama Canal cruise that departs from Miami, Florida and charts a course for San Diego, California.

Are you considering a Disney Cruise Line Honeymoon? I’d love to help you plan your Disney Cruise Line honeymoon at no cost to you and help you choose the perfect cruise for you! Contact Siera for more information or to request your free, no obligation quote.