The 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner. So in honor of that I want to share with you some of my favorite recipes from past and present Food and Wine Festivals. I’m not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I LOVE chocolate! I admit it I am full blown chocoholic! And one of my favorite ways to indulge in my addiction is the flourless chocolate hazelnut cake from Italy at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. This cake combines all the gooey fudgeyness of a brownie with the rich decadence of fudge and then adds a bit of crunch with the hazelnuts, this is really a chocolate lovers dream! And this recipe is really and truly so easy. If you can whisk up five simple ingredients in a bowl, then you will be able to master this cake. Even the most novice of bakers will be able to impress their friends and family with this dessert!

Ingredients

7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

5 eggs

1/4 cup cocoa

Method

1.Preheat oven to 220F and butter a 9-inch round cake pan.

* This step isn’t necessary. But if you want to bring out the nuttiness of the hazelnuts, then you can toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over a medium-low heat for five minutes. Like I said its not necessary, but it does bring a little something extra to the cake.

2. Melt the chocolate and butter together and stir in the hazelnuts.

3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until fluffy (If you’re like me and I’ve no idea what the fluffy stage would look like, then I would suggest beating your eggs and sugar for 10-15 minutes. The eggs and sugar looked pretty fluffy at that point.) Fold chocolate and butter mixture into the eggs and blend just until all the ingredients are well-blended.

4. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch.

5. Allow to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate overnight.

6. To serve, unmold the cake and sprinkle the top with cocoa. (You could definitely top your cake with the cocoa, but whipped cream and/or powdered sugar works great as well!)

 

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

 

We are going to have another CONTEST for you guys starting today!

For this week, we would like for you to find as many Disney Characters as you can find in the below word search.To answer us you will need to send your answers to angelas@destinationsinflorida.com.

This contest will run until Friday at 5PM ET.  All emails must be recieved by that time.

This week you will be playing for a Vinylmation!

Good Luck!

 

Written by Angela Spurgeon, — Angela is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  She specializes in traveling with toddlers.  Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Angela at angelas@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

 

 

Before Mickey Mouse moved in, Orlando was a leader in the emerging citrus industry, fulfilling the country’s need for grapefruits, tangerines and oranges. As the citrus industry flourished, the City of Orlando was officially incorporated on July 21, 1875. Capitalizing on Orlando’s near-perfect, year-round flying weather, aviation brought another economic boom to the city. Orlando’s Municipal Airport became the Orlando Army Base and quietly contributed to the war efforts both before and after World War II as one of the first places to train bomber pilots. The military built a second Air Force Base which today is the Orlando International Airport. Another major growth period for Orlando occurred when Glenn L. Martin Company of  Baltimore purchased 10.6-square-miles (1,700-square-meters) of southern Orange County land to build a missile factory, bringing the aerospace industry to Orlando.

 

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.

Moderate resorts are a great way to stay at a quality resort without “breaking the bank.” Disney offers three different moderate resorts that are their mid-range resorts. The best moderate resort for honeymoons is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort is a pair of sister hotels, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter. These are beautiful resorts with a southern style and romantic feel. With the southern charm and peaceful surroundings, this is a great spot for honeymooners.

You can treat yourself to a Royal Guest Room at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and feel like the king and queen on your honeymoon. You can also take a horse drawn carriage ride to enjoy the scenic beauty of the resort. You could try roasting a marshmallow at a campfire or even renting a two-person surrey bike. The resort also offers multiple pools (including a whirlpool spa) and boat rentals, including motorized boat rentals as well as pedal boat rentals.

When you stay at a Disney resort, you 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.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a Disney World Resort. With 23 onsite Resorts, it can be a daunting task! First, consider the vacation desires of your family. Do you spend most of your time at the parks or do you like to spend time enjoying the atmosphere and amenities of a resort hotel? For many families, staying within a budget is a deciding factor. Location is another important priority. If you are traveling with a group, do you want separate rooms, or do you all wish to stay together in a Villa? Each resort has a special charm of its own. Take a look at the different types of Disney Resorts:

Deluxe Resorts
• 344-440 square feet (standard rooms)
• Two queen beds or one king bed
• Themed pools, gift shop, table service restaurants, health clubs, food court, and other amenities
• Interior corridors
• Themes are focused on beauty and relaxation

Deluxe Villa Resorts
• 355-412 square feet (standard rooms)
• Beds dependent on number of rooms
• Themed pools, gift shop, table service restaurants, health clubs, food court, and other amenities
• Themes are focused on beauty and relaxation
Moderate Resorts
• 314-340 square feet (standard rooms)
• Most with queen beds
• Themed pools, gift shop, table service restaurants, food court, and other amenities
• Simple themes focused on beauty and relaxation
• Exterior corridors
Value Resorts
• 260 square feet (standard rooms)
• Two double beds or one king bed
• Themed pools, gift shop, and food court
• Exterior corridors (except for Art of Animation Family Suites)
• No Table Service restaurants, lounges, health clubs, spas, valet parking, or water-recreation
• Bright colors and oversized icons decorate the landscape
Camping at Fort Wilderness
• Fully equipped Campsites
• Tent sites to Premium Sites
• Themed pools, 1 with waterslide
• Unique Recreational Opportunities including horseback riding, archery and canoeing

As you can see, there are many different room types and amenities available. It would be beneficial to enlist the help of an expert Disney vacation planner (like me!) to help make your decision. There’s a Disney Resort to fit the budget and vacation desires of everyone!

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.

 

Let’s go on an adventure to Aunty’s Beach House at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. If you have any 3 to 12 year olds with you, you’ll be making a visit to Aunty’s Beach House for sure. It is 5200 Square Feet of Fun!  Once inside your kids will become a part of Aunty’s O’hana (family).

Let’s tell the cast members at check in what we’re up to. No one gets in or out of this area without express permission and a signed agreement. These kids are their responsibility and they do not take it lightly. Be prepared to provide a safe word to get your kids out, as well as your kids wrist band to sign in and out with.  After a few days the cast members may know you, but that doesn’t mean they will let up on the security. I for one appreciated knowing this.

If we look into the first room we see young boys and girls dressed in costumes acting out their favorite Disney movies. I see Sleeping Beauty and her Prince, Belle and Prince Adam, and much more. Some are even acting out on a the stage. Next to the stage is a grouping of electronic tables loaded with interactive games.

At the back of Aunty’s Beach House is a “kitchen”. This was where the kids do cooking classes, science experiments and play, with supervision of course. A Favorite activity is when the kids made Stitch’s Space Goo. That was an experience in itself. Another day they made Flubber, which personally I think was the same as Stitch’s Space Goo but a new color is all. You can also experience Eruption Disruption Volcanic Science.

Your kids can learn some of the local Hawaiian arts and crafts making. Create their own lei, or a pupu shell necklace. Local artisans spent time teaching the staff how to continue the old traditions of jewelry and ornamentation making. Let your kids learn these long held traditions in the safety of Aunty’s Beach House!

Aunty’s Beach House offers a vast array of programs, most are complimentary, but a few are “premium” programs. For example, the Fish Are Friends program is a 3 hour long program that teaches kids how the animal specialists train, feed and take care of all the marine life located at Aulani. Included with the experience is a copy of the “Disney Oceans” DVD and other take away items. A Must do for any budding Marine Biologists.

Let me highlight some of the other programs quickly for you. Aunty’s Beach House has Character Visits, Hula lessons, Story Time, Games, Hawaiian Learning Experiences, Mini-Canoe making and races, and so much more. There is so much to see and do at Aulani.

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disneyland he can be found planning Disney Vacations. Contact me today to book your first, next or best Disney Vacation.

Universal Studios offers a Superstar Parade with many of our children’s favorite characters. You can watch the parade twice daily at 2pm and 5pm. The parade route starts next to Beetlejuice and Louie’s Italian Restaurant, wraps down through Production Central, moves through Hollywood, and exits next to the Horror Make-Up Show theater. The stars of this parade are Spongebob and Pals from Bikini Bottom, Gru and his girls from Despicable Me as well as his Minions, Dora and her pals along with her cousin Diego and we cant forget EB from HOP and all his friends. This is a fun parade full of dancing, roller skating and more! Be sure not so show up late for the parade as it only lasts about 15minutes. When the characters aren’t entertaining us in the parade they are greeting guests once a day next to Mel’s Drive in (see park times guide for details when you visit), they will even perform for the guests. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nM_bR6cDL8</a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nM_bR6cDL8"> Universal Tip:If you don’t have little ones to watch the parade with then head on over to Rip Ride Rockit the line is usually short during the parades.

Written by Jennifer Greene–Vacation Wizard Jennifer is a Universal Specialist with Destinations in Florida. If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It contact her for a free quote for your next Universal Vacation at jenniferg@destionationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181

Disney has some of the best shows at sea.  One of my favorite Disney productions is The Golden Mickeys.  The Golden Mickeys is one of the signature, Broadway-style shows on Disney Cruise Line.  The Golden Mickeys is currently being performed on the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder.   Unlike any other show, The Golden Mickeys starts before you enter the Walt Disney Theatre.  As you pass the shops you will see the red carpet leading you into the theatre.  Make sure you arrive early so you can be admired by the paparazzi.  You may also be interviewed as you arrive on the red carpet by the celebrity interviewer, Rona Rivers.  In case you haven’t already guessed, The Golden Mickeys is based on a Hollywood awards show. When the show starts, the stage manager is in crisis mode because the Master of Ceremonies did not arrive.  As you know, the show must go on so the stage manager has to take on the role.  Awards are given to different Disney characters in various categories such as romance, heroism, villains, and friendship.  Characters perform a song and dance number before they accept each award.  The show is updated regularly with new video clips and new Disney characters.  I don’t want to spoil the ending so all I will say is you can expect some Disney magic!  The show is approximately 50 minutes.  Showtimes will be 6:15pm or 8:30pm.You will need to check your Personal Navigator to find out which day the show will be performed on your cruise.  I highly recommend that you gather your entire family and watch this heartwarming Disney classic.

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.

Maybe your family would like to stay closer to home for your next vacation.  No worries because Adventures by Disney has amazing vacations right here in the U.S.

Have you been out west to see the Grand Canyon?  I’d love to take my family on Adventure by Disney’s 8 days/7 nights vacation exploring the nature and history of great sites such as the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park.

Scratch one of the seven wonders of the natural world off your list- you’ll be seeing it up close as a naturalist guide takes you off the beaten path on a privately guided tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Explore the amazing mesas of Monument Valley with your very own Navajo-guided excursion in your off-road vehicle.

Do you remember the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?  Arches National Park is where they filmed the bit with young Indiana Jones!  And you’ll be right there discovering Arches National Park and hiking to it’s crown jewel, the Delicate Arch.

You’ll finish your trip with an exciting yet leisurely Colorado River rafter adventure, I can’t wait for that!  Then enjoy a down-home cookout with a real cowboy!  Ready to book your Adventure by Disney?  Contact Diana today at diana@destinationsinflorida.com

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

Trying to figure out the ins and outs of Disney dining can be just as overwhelming as planning your actual Disney vacation.  By following these few simple Dos and Don’ts I can help you take the stress and worry out of planning your Disney dining! Every week for the next five weeks I will give you one of my dos and don’ts of Disney Dining.

Do eat at unpopular times

Most people would typically consider breakfast to be around eight or nine in the morning, lunch at noon, and dinner around six or seven in the evening. It makes sense that these would be the busiest times at the quick service restaurants as well as the more difficult times to get reservations at the table service restaurants. Go ahead and change up your dining schedule when visiting Disney. You’ll have better luck getting reservations if you eat breakfast at 10:30, lunch at 3, and dinner at 8. Not to mention, the quick service restaurants will be a lot less crowded during off times, so while everyone else is eating lunch at noon, you can saunter right on up to all of your favorite rides!

Do not forget to make a reservation

Yes, reservations are so important that they bear repeating. Things have changed at Walt Disney World. A few years ago, it wasn’t as necessary to plan your meals ahead of time, and you had a fairly good chance of walking into a restaurant and being seated. However, that all changed with the introduction of the Disney Dining Plan. Now that more and more guests are taking advantage of the pre-paid Disney Dining option, the table service restaurants and character meals are booking up a lot more quickly. To have the best chance of getting in at the restaurant of your choice, it is highly recommended that you make your reservations  as soon as it hits the 180-day mark before your vacation.

Here’s a review of what we’ve covered already:

Week 1 Do and Don’t

Do Make Advanced Dining Reservations

Don’t be afraid to try something new

Week 2 Do and Don’t

            Do get a Disney Dining Plan

            Don’t forget to leave enough travel time to get to your dining destination.

Week 3 Do and Don’t

            Do a Character Meal

            Don’t Forget About the Resort Restaurants

Week 4 Do and Don’t

            Do Speak Up If You Have a Food Allergy or Dietary Restriction

            Don’t Forget To Cancel a Reservation

Well the time as come, the last week of my Disney Dining Dos and Don’ts series! Hopefully these simple Do’s and Don’ts will make your Disney Dining experience less stressful and more magical!

Written by Meghan Blair, the “Disney Foodie” — As a Florida Resident, Meghan combines her love of Disney and her love of food! She will give you the best restaurant and dining tips and suggestions to make your meals, just as magical as the rest of your vacation! Book your next vacation with Meghan at 954-328 7090 or meghan@destinationsinflorida.com.