Universal Orlando isn’t just made up of  two world class theme parks, there is also CityWalk. You can grab a quick snack, relax over dinner,  catch the latest movie or dance the night away. Popular among locals and visitors alike  this 30-acre entertainment complex is Orlando’s top destination for a night of family fun, a place to hang out with friends, or a romantic evening for couples. In addition to its nightclubs, restaurants, shops and cinemas, CityWalk is also host to a variety of concerts and special events throughout the year.

The dining options are endless at CityWalk, whether you are looking for a quick bite or a nice meal you can be sure to find it here.  You can choose from Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom, The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, Latin Quarter, NASCAR Sports Grill, NBA City, Pastamore Ristorante’ and Pat O’Briens. Reservations can be made 30 days in advance for many of  these locations.

If you are looking for great nightlife look no further than Pat O’Briens, Red Coconut Club, CityWalk’s Rising Star Karaoke Bar or Fat Tuesday. There is sure to be music that will let you dance the night away.  Citywalk is also home to many live music events in Orlando. You can find various live events at Bob Marley- A Tribute to Freedom, Margaritaville and Hard Rock Live to name a few event venues.

Traveling with the family then you will want to grab tickets to see Blue Man Group, the hottest live event in Orlando. This high energy, fast paced show is great for tweens and teens. If Blue Men aren’t your idea of fun then head over to Hollywood Drive In & Golf and challenge the family to a game of mini-golf.

Whatever you choose to do on your next Universal Orlando Vacation, be sure not to miss this entertainment hot-spot!

Written By Jennifer Greene-“Vacation Wizard” Jennifer is a Universal Parks and Resort Specialist with Destinations in Florida Travel. If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It” contact her today at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181 for your free quote. 

One of the best things about a Disney Cruise is almost everything is included in the price of your cruise.  Of course the price includes your stateroom but that is just the beginning.  You will receive incredible food in casual dining venues as well as during your rotational dining experience in the three main dining restaurants.  Most of your beverages are included.  Guests have 24 hour access to complimentary soda, tea, lemonade, fruit punch, and milk.  One of my favorite activities onboard a Disney Cruise is going to see first run movies in the Buena Vista Theatre.  Not only do you get to see new releases but Disney also plays movies that are still in the theater.  If a new Disney movie premieres during your cruise, Disney will play it for you on the same day it is released in the theaters! The youth clubs on Disney Cruise Line have the longest, complimentary hours at sea.  Disney is the only cruise line that offers fireworks at sea.  You can also expect numerous character experiences throughout your cruise.  You will get a chance to take pictures and get autographs from many of your favorite Disney characters.  Here are some of the additional items that are included in the price of your Disney Cruise Vacation:

• Snacks, ice cream, and quick service meals on the pool deck
• 24 hour room service
• Original Broadway style musicals
• Deck parties
• Fitness center
• Recreation activities
• Entertainment for all ages throughout the day and night

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight 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.

I have found the perfect solution to the age old problem of what kind of family vacation to take with a teenager!  Adventures by Disney has announced 3 vacations that are designed with the teen adventurer in mind.  I know my teens would love any of these new vacations– along with the opportunity to meet other teens that are travelling with their families and thrilling activities just for them.

The first vacation is 8 days/7 nights in Peru.  Our teens will enjoy a salsa lesson on the beautiful grounds at Sol y Luna, stargazing at a bonfire set against the Andes Mountains, horseback riding and watching a traditional Paso horse show.

7 Day and 6 nights in Costa Rica is what my girls would choose.  With a photography lessonat Laguna Lodge, your teen with learn to capture amazing nature shots.  A beach party on the sands of Guanacaste- what teen wouldn’t love that?  You’ll also set sail through a rainforest teeming with exotic wildlife- catch a glimpse of sea turtles, toucans, sloths and white- headed capuchin monkeys.

8 days and 7 nights in Arizona and Utah round out Adventures by Disney’s teen-focused vacations.  You’ll take a scenic bike ride through Sedona’s Boynton Canyon and take an evening hike to catch the sunset at the Grand Canyon. How about an extreme animal encounter?  This would be top on my teens’ list, for sure-  getting up close and personal with tarantulas and snakes.  You’ll also head to Red Cliffs Lodge for some volleyball, tennis and swimming- the whole family can get into that!

As you can see, all three of these new teen-focused Adventures by Disney would keep any teen happy on a family vacation.  Which will you chose?  The suggested age for these trips is 13+ but guests as young as 4+ can come along.  Space is limited, with only one departure per destination. Don’t miss your chance to create once-in-a-lifetime memories, connect with your family and connect with the world.

Written by Diana Edgar — Diana is an Adventures by Disney Expert on United States trips and around the world.  Are you ready for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation?  Diana is ready to help you plan your magical Disney vacation. Book your next vacation with Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

 

 

Breakfast is absolutely my favorite meal of the day. Which some would consider weird since I am totally not a morning person, but I love everything about breakfast. I especially love those lazy weekend mornings where the whole family gathers in the kitchen to make a big yummy breakfast full of eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes, and I could seriously go on and on! But, if I had to pick one breakfast item to be my absolute all time favorite breakfast food it would have to be Belgium waffles. A hot fresh Belgium waffle, some strawberries and whipped cream make me the happiest person in the world! So when I saw these waffles at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival last year I was super excited, in fact I was so excited I got two orders of the waffles! And, these waffles were so good, I knew I was going to have to make them as soon as I got home! However, once I got home life got in the way and I forgot about the amazing waffles I had at Epcot, but then I started this blog and I knew I needed to share this amazing recipe with you guys. So I made the waffles for the first this past weekend, and they were just as good as I remembered them. In fact they were so good that my dad, who does not even like waffles, asked for seconds! And, the recipe for the waffle batter and the berry compote was honestly so easy, everything came together 1-2-3!

Here is what you need for the waffle batter:

Belgian Waffles

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon dry active yeast

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cups milk

2 tablespoons beer

1 egg

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 stick butter, melted

Here is what you need for the berry compote:

Berry Compote

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon red wine (ok in all honesty you really don’t need the red wine. You basically mix the red wine and the cornstarch together to make a thickening agent for the compote. So if you decide to make this recipe and do not have the red wine on hand and really don’t want to spend the money on a bottle of wine for 1 tablespoon then you can definitely substitute water for the wine.)

1/2 cup apple, orange, or cranberry juice

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup fresh blackberries (my family doesn’t like blackberries so I just didn’t use them and I just substituted an extra 1/3 of cup each of the other berries. The beauty of this recipe is that you can really use whatever berries you want. You can take out berries you don’t

like, add extra of the berries you do like, make the compote with all one berry, or just use whatever is in season, its totally up to you!)

1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

1 cup fresh raspberries

Method of Preparation:

For berry compote:

Combine cornstarch and red wine in a small bowl, stirring until cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.

Combine fruit juice, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch mixture, blueberries, and blackberries. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, until berries are softened and mixture is thickened. Add strawberries, stirring to combine. Remove from heat, and gently fold in raspberries. Serve warm over Belgian waffles. 

For Belgian waffles:

Sift flour into a large bowl. Add sugar and yeast. Create a well in the center of mixture.

Add water, milk, beer, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until mixture is just blended. (Don’t worry if there are lumps; they will dissolve as the batter rests overnight.) Add melted butter, and stir until just incorporated. Refrigerate batter overnight. Bring mixture to room temperature. Ladle waffle batter into a Belgian waffle maker; cook according to manufacturer’s instructions. My waffle maker only makes one waffle at a time. So in order to keep the waffles warm until we were ready to eat, I just placed the finished waffles on a cookie sheet in a 225-degree oven so they would stay warm until we were ready for them. Serve warm with berry compote and whipped cream

I am telling you, you will not be sorry when you try these waffles! Seriously what could be better on a Sunday morning then a glass of OJ and Belgium waffle covered in berries and whipped cream! This is my definition of heaven! And, just remember anyone can bring the magic of Disney into their kitchen, all you need is a little faith, trust, and a pinch of pixie dust! As always have a magical meal!

 

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located within 15 miles (24 kilometers) of the Orange County Convention Center and major attractions. Forty-five (45) scheduled airlines and 11 charters provide nonstop service to 84 destinations in the U.S. and 33 international cities.

More than 35 million passengers use Orlando International Airport annually, making MCO the third busiest airports in the U.S.

 

Written by Stacy Gaffney, “Sorcerer Stacy” — Stacy is an expert in planning an affordable Disney and Orlando vacation. Watch out for the magic, as Sorcerer Stacy plans your vacation! Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Stacy at 877-918-8941 or stacygaffney@destinationsinflorida.com.

When you are planning your honeymoon, you often want to spoil yourself and make it an unforgettable time. Disney World offers numerous deluxe resorts which each have their own unique features. However, all of them are beautiful resorts in prime locations and none will disappoint! The best deluxe resort for honeymoons is Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort has one of the best locations at Walt Disney World. Disney’s Polynesian Resort sits directly across from the Magic Kingdom, with only the Seven Seas Lagoon in between. This makes the resort picturesque. The resort offers 3 white-sand beaches, complete with palm trees and hammocks. This is also a great spot to see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom! Plus, the resort is on the monorail system for easiest access to the Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort has a tropical, Polynesian theme, which even includes a waterfall in the lobby. The theme continues with the volcano pool and Polynesian leisure pool. You can enjoy a poolside cabana together or catch a movie under the stars. There are also campfires on the beach most evenings.

The resort also offers Disney’s Spirit of Aloha show which has hula dancers, fire dancers, and more. You will also enjoy the multiple food offerings at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

If you’re looking to try something extra special on your honeymoon, you could even stay in a club-level room with access to a lounge with daily refreshments, turndown service, concierge, health club access, and more!

Plus, when you stay at a Disney resort, you can enjoy all the other great benefits including Extra Magic Hours, complimentary Magical Express, and complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Are you considering a Disney World honeymoon? Contact Siera to learn more and plan your happily ever after!

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.

When Walt Disney’s daughters were young, he enjoyed taking them to Griffith Park to ride the merry go round.  During one of these outings, he came up with the idea of creating Disneyland.  Walt envisioned a nice, clean place where parents and children could have fun together as a family.  The rest is history!

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is a delightfully simple ride that children adore.  It measures 60 feet in diameter and features 90 ornately carved wooden horses, beautifully painted and decorated. Each horse is unique.  As an old fashioned organ plays Disney classic music, you’ll spin round and round, enjoying the breeze and the simple thrill of the ride.  The carousel shines with 2,300 dazzling lights at night.

 

This attraction also features 18 hand painted vignettes from the Disney classic film, Cinderella.  It was once called Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel but the name changed to Prince Charming Regal Carrousel on June 1, 2010.  Some say that one of the horses on the carousel is “Cinderella’s horse.  However, Cinderella was not shown on a horse at any time in the film!

Originally built in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, it was called the Liberty Carrousel at Belle Isle Park in Detroit.  When found again in 1967 at Olympic Park in New Jersey, it was purchased by Disney. The merry go round received an extensive renovation and was placed in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1971.

It’s been said that we should enjoy the simple things in life.  Take a ride on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel and bring out the kid in you!

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.

 

As with any vacation, you want to get the most out of it as you can. Whether that’s the most value for your vacation dollars or time enough to complete your list.  Here we’ve created a handy checklist for you to follow along with as you start planning.  Of Course, you should use a Travel Agent, we will do this for you, while you dream of your Disney Vacation.

Our highlighted checklist plan:

• Plan the Best Time of Year for Your Visit – This is very personal, if you don’t like crowds, don’t go in July. If you don’t mind crowds and want full days with lots of options, July is your best choice.
• Put  Your Travel Agent to work for you, that’s why we’re so awesome
• Have Your Travel Agent Send You A Disney Vacation Planning DVD – It’s fun to watch no matter what
• Share your budget with Your Travel Agent – this should include your must do’s, food budget (then add 20%), souvenir and Mouscellaneous items
• Disneyland Resorts or Good Neighbor – Both have many pro’s and con’s. Find the right one for you can take some time. Time Savings by having a Travel Agent, tell us your priorities and we’ll find the right one
• Train your legs for lots of walking – I never do this and every time wish I had. Some might say I’ll never learn
• View The Park Maps Online – Great way to plan out your days at the Park
• 60 days prior have Travel Agent book Dining – This is Very Important. Places like Blue Bayou, and Character meals fill up fast.
• Create and follow packing list – Check weather report and pack accordingly.
• Don’t forget: Sunscreen, Medications, Sunglasses, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Camera, Cell Phone Charger, Glasses, Extra Contacts, Swimsuit, Light Jacket or Sweatshirt, Shorts, Jeans, Comfortable Backpack, Postage Stamps to share Postcards, Extra Memory for Camera, and Camera Charger
• Plan Your Ride – Rental Car or Resort Transit – This could also help decide which hotel to chose. Do you mind driving to parks or do you want to walk? Do you want to be in the middle of all the action with no worrying about getting a ride or walking? There are lots of choices around Disneyland, again, have your Travel Agent find the perfect hotel for you
• Find your Personal House of Worship – If you plan on crossing over Saturdays and Sundays, and it is important to your family to worship, then find a local church, synagogue, mosque or other house of worship to attend.
• Make a Countdown to Disney Vacation Project – The kids, oh come on all of you will, will love the countdown and it will keep you on track with getting the most done on time. Plus the excitement never wears off, it just grows and grows!

Don’t forget that free trip planning is just a click away!

Contact DisneyDaniel today to book your first, next or best Disney Vacation!

Universal Orlando Resort is an entire universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks unlike anything else in Orlando. At both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure every member of the family can share unforgettable moments together. You can have the ultimate adventure, enjoy fun with your kids, rejuvenate yourself, have a romantic dinner, and challenge yourself on incredible theme park rides.

If you’d like to help others experience that same fun, Universal Orlando Resort invites you and your family to take part in a unique volunteer opportunity at Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit “storybook” resort for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

At Give Kids The World Village, these precious little ones and their families experience a memorable, joyful, week long, cost-free visit to Central Florida’s attractions and are immersed in joy, hope and non-stop fun for a few unforgettable happy days.

Your family can experience this life-changing opportunity in one convenient vacation package!

Your package includes: 

• 3-night accommodations at one of three AAA Four Diamond Award^® on-site hotels at Universal Orlando
• 2-Day Base Ticket – one theme park, per day
• Four Hour Volunteer opportunity for you and your family at Give Kids the World
• FREE roundtrip transportation between hotel and Give Kids The World provided by Quick Transportation
• Universal Express^SM ride access to SKIP THE REGULAR LINES^† in both theme parks – a FREE benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
  
• Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before the rest of the general public

Volunteer Guidelines: 

• Volunteers must be at least 8 years of age.
• Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while volunteering.
• Please wear family-friendly clothing and closed-toe shoes.
• Inform Volunteer Services if you wish to have your hours verified for school, work, a scholarship, etc. Give Kids The World does not honor court-ordered community service hours.

*must call to book this special vacation package**

Jennifer Greene”Vacation Wizard” with Destinations in Florida Travel is a Universal Parks and Resorts Specialist. If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It”, contact her today for a free quote for your next Universal Adventure at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181

The best part of taking your family on a Disney Cruise is that there is fun for everyone. All of the kids will be busy with all of the incredible youth activities onboard.  No need to worry there are lots of activities for the adults too.

Adult Only Spaces:  It’s easier than you think to find a nice, quiet, kid-free zone on a Disney Cruise.  The Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Café are the adult only areas on the pool deck.  There are two whirlpool spas and a poolside bar available.  Palo (Italian cuisine) and Remy (French cuisine) are both adult only fine dining options.  Serenity Bay is the adult only beach at Castaway Cay. The Senses Spa & Salon is reserved for adult guests.  Disney also offers adult only port adventures.

Entertainment Districts:  Europa and Route 66 are the adult entertainment areas.  Each district has uniquely themed nightclubs, lounges, and bars.  Skyline is my favorite bar.  Skyline has 7 huge LCD screens behind the bar that give guests a view of some of the world’s most beautiful cities.  The skyline changes every 15 minutes and the drinks are based on each city.  I recommend purchasing the Passport to Skyline.  It costs $59, includes seven drinks, and you can keep the booklet as a souvenir.  There are activities for the adults throughout the day and late into the night. You can find adult only cabarets from the main show performers, game shows, trivia contests, and dance parties. The Quest and Match Your Mate are two crowd favorites. The Quest is an adult scavenger hunt.  Match Your Mate is the cruise version of the newlywed game.  Three couples are selected from the audience (get there early if you want to be one of the couples).  The show is always hilarious.

Beverage Seminars: Do you enjoy wine, tequila, champagne, martinis, margaritas, beer, whiskey, or cognac?  Whether you choose one or all of the above there is a tasting onboard for you.  All of the seminars charge a fee ($15-$30). Guests can reserve a spot for each tasting at guest services.  In addition to a few drinks, you will also learn the basics about each beverage so you can show off your knowledge when you get home.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight 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.