Harry Potter Park Shops

Check out the inside of Honeydukes, Zonkos, Owl Post, Dervish & Banges, and Filch’s Emporium at the new Harry Potter Park!

Honeydukes:
A must-stop for visitors to Hogsmeade, at Honeydukes the shelves are lined with all manner of colorful sweets, including Acid Pops, exploding bonbons, Cauldron Cakes, treacle fudge, Fizzing Whizzbees, and Chocolate Frogs, which contain a wizard trading card in each box. Inside the shop you can fill up a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans… who knows what tasty (or not so tasty) flavors you’ll discover! The shop also offers other classic favorites such as chocolates and fudge.

Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods:
Here you can see confiscated items and purchase Hogwarts and Quidditch clothing, house crest banners, movie prop replicas, chess sets, magical creature toys and other assorted treasures.

Purchase souvenirs such as Hogwarts clothing including jackets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shoulder bags, caps and scarves; plus house crest banners, stationery and other gifts. There are authentic movie prop replicas including character walking sticks, Death Eater masks and film-based chess sets; assorted Quidditch clothing; magical creature toys and clothing; plus a variety of assorted toys and other souvenirs. It is also here, at the attraction’s exit, that guests can purchase a photo of their ride experience on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Zonko’s:
Zonko’s is your destination for novelty items, jokes and toys. At Zonko’s Joke Shop you can take home such items as a Sneakoscope, Extendable Ears, Screaming Yo-yos, a Boxing Telescope, Fanged Flyer, Pygmy Puff, Shrunken Heads, and more. There are sweets including Fainting Fancies, Fever Fudge, Nosebleed Nougat, and U-No-Poo. The shop also offers Zonko’s t-shirts, mugs, and other assorted souvenirs.

Dervish & Banges:
Be sure to stop at Dervish and Banges for such magical items as Sneakoscopes, Spectrespecs, Omnioculars, and The Monster Book of Monsters. Dervish and Banges carries all your Quidditch needs including t-shirts, Quaffles, Golden Snitches and brooms including the Nimbus 2001 and the Firebolt. You’ll find Hogwarts school uniforms and clothing including robes, scarves, ties, t-shirts and sweatshirts. The store offers an assortment of other merchandise such as journals and stationery items.

Be sure to stop at Dervish and Banges™ for such magical items as Sneakoscopes, Spectrespecs, Omnioculars, and The Monster Book of Monsters. Dervish and Banges carries all your Quidditch™ needs including t-shirts, Quaffles, Golden Snitches™ and brooms including the Nimbus 2001™ and the Firebolt. You’ll find Hogwarts™ school uniforms and clothing including robes, scarves, ties, t-shirts and sweatshirts. The store offers an assortment of other merchandise such as journals and stationery items.

Dumbo Ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World

Guests of all ages are invited to fly high in the sky with Dumbo The Flying Elephant in this classic attraction at Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom theme park.

Dumbo The Flying Elephant is inspired by the title character from the 1941 Disney animated motion picture. And now, you can fly like Dumbo, too! On this ride, you’ll take to the skies with Dumbo as he practices his newfound abilities.

During your aerial adventure around the circus, maneuver the easy-to-handle joystick inside your Dumbo gondola up or down to control just how high—or how low—you want to go. Guests of all ages are sure to love this magical, fantastical flight that offers great views of the vibrant Storybook Circus.

After the initial opening, this classic ride doubled in size—and fun—when Dumbo was joined by his twin in summer 2012 for a ride that features 2 squadrons of airborne pachyderms!

Here’s a short video of the Dumbo Ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World:

Magic Kingdom theme park, one of 4 Theme Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions, backstage tours and beloved Disney Characters.
Designed like a wheel with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways spoke out across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom theme park and lead to 6 whimsical lands of family fun!

Disney’s Vibe is the teen hangout on board each of the Disney ships.   Vibe is designated for youth ages 14-17.  Vibe can open as early as 10am and stay open until 2am.  Vibe includes multiple flat-screen televisions, videogames, board games, music listening stations, and DVD players.  Vibe even has its own pool deck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

    

Here are some of the activities available in Vibe:

• Dive into DJing- Hop on the turn tables and learn to scratch with Guest DJ Streak.
• ESPN Dream Team Draft Day- Join the “commissioner” and engage in this interactive fantasy basketball draft unlike anything you’ve ever seen.  Can you draft the basketball team of a lifetime?
• Gender Wars- Join your Vibe counselors as we see who reigns supreme in this ultimate battle of the sexes!
• Super Sloppy Science- Join Professor Make-O-Mess in some of the most extreme experiments you will ever see!
• Anyone Can Cook Pizza- Join our chef as he shows you how to make pizza.
• Zombified- A big shot Hollywood producer is putting the final touches on his latest big picture,      Zombified! Teens are invited to pitch in by performing as zombies in several scenes, as well as some of the speaking roles.
• That’s Hilarious- Do you friends all say you should be a stand up comedian?  Then come be a part of the cast of this wild improv show.
• Teen Dance Parties: Dance the night away to the hottest pop hits in an exclusive teen-only dance party!
• Teen Download- What does your Disney cruise have in store for you? Through the use of the latest media technology such as interactive web pages and videos, interact with other teens and counselors and design your very own dream vacation filled with activities, games, Port Adventures and down time.
• Ghost Voyagers- The ship is passing through mysterious waters of history and legend. Strange      occurrences have happened to several passengers in the past. Were these circumstances actual ghosts or just the imaginations of the people who witnessed them? Equipped with state-of-the-art ghost-hunting gear, it’s up to the “Ghost Voyagers” to find out.

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.

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris, the city of love, and the location of the next stop on our tour of most romantic dining spots in Walt Disney World. Ok, you got me, we’re not actually in Paris, but the food and the atmosphere of Monsieur Paul will surely make you feel like you are dining in a quintessential French Bistro. Located in the France pavilion in Epcot, the entrance to Monsieur Paul can be a little tricky to find. Once you enter the pavilion you must walk all the way around Chefs de France, the other restaurant in the pavilion, before you reach a small, residential door adorned with a Bistro sign and menu. Then, you enter into a deep red-carpeted lobby with an art nouveau staircase that will lead you up to the restaurant. The dining room truly captures the romance and sophistication of classic French architecture with bright colors and a touch of modern design. The low ceilings and quiet ambiance create the perfect spot for an elegant and intimate dinner for two.

Monsieur Paul offers the traditions of French classical cuisine, created with the freshest ingredients, served at the perfect temperature, and prepared with just the right seasonings.

Menu items at Monsieur Paul may include such decadent items as black truffle soup, Lobster a l’Americaine, Herb-crusted rack of lamb, Grand Marnier soufflé, and Triple chocolate cake. At Monsieur Paul you will be sure to enjoy the classic dishes and techniques of French fare, all while being made with the freshest local ingredients.

Monsieur Paul is the perfect place to indulge in a glass of wine, they boast a superb wine list that features French wines from some of the most celebrated wine regions, like Southern France, Bourgogne and Bordeaux.

As being one of the few Epcot restaurants located on the second floor, Monsieur Paul offers you a unique vantage point of Epcot. As is true with all restaurants in Disney window-side tables are based on a first-come, first-served basis. If you schedule your dinner around 9pm and are lucky enough to get a window-side table that faces the World Showcase Lagoon then, you will be able to enjoy your meal while experiencing Epcot’s nightly fireworks show, Illuminations, Reflections of Earth.

Dinner at Monsieur Paul ranges in price from $36 to $59.99 and they do accept the Disney dining plan. To ensure you get a table, remember to make reservations up to 180 days in advance.

Only one more restaurant on my list of the most romantic dining spots in Walt Disney World! Any guesses of what will be number one on the list!?!

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.

Ready to discover the pyramids and ancient Egypt but not sure you want to make this trip on your own?

Adventures by Disney is definitely the way to go– your every detail will be taken care of for you as you discover this ancient land.

Adventures by Disney will take your family on a 10 day/9 night tour of Egypt.

Your family will join an Egyptologist for a privately guided tour of the treasures from King Tutankhamen’s tomb in the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.  While your Junior Adventurers play an art detective activity. You’ll also visit the Citadel of Salah Al-Din and the Mosque of Muhammad.

Another day, join an Egyptologist for an unforgettable tour of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. Next, ride on camelback through the Giza plateau with a view of the pyramids. Then enter the Khufu Boat Museum and see the pharaoh’s ancient “sun boat.”

Then fly to magical Abu Simbel, which features a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two of the most magnificent temples in the world—the twin monuments of Nubia! Then, take the 3-night Nile cruise ship Tamr Henna from Aswan to Luxor while viewing the Temples of Philae and Edfu.

At the Temple of Luxor, you will view pharaohs and gods. Wander down the Avenue of the Sphinxes, the royal processional path that connects Luxor and Karnak temples.

Finally, your family will join another Egyptologist who will guide you into the famed location of over 60 tombs for pharaohs and nobles on the West Bank of the Nile. Get a premium ticket that includes two top tours: the tombs of both King Tutankhamen and Ramses VI! There’s also a private tour of the monumental Karnak temple complex.

These are just some of the highlights of your trip to Egypt with Adventures by Disney!  For more information and to book your Adventure by Disney, contact Diana at diana@destinationsinflorida.com today!

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.

 

Casey’s Corner Pianist

This playful pianist bedazzles you with his impressive repertoire. Go ahead—make a request! He can play all sorts of Disney and ragtime tunes. The piano is located right outside the Casey’s Corner establishment and there are tables with umbrellas all around.  Watch him tickle the old ivories.  There is no wait for this experience. This is just another free live entertainment experience at Walt Disney World.

The ragtime piano sound can be heard as you round the corner from Main Street and it’s a treat for your ears that should not be missed. The talented musicians who play here have an amazing list of songs they can play and several of them have been at it for many years.

The piano is a professional upright with the hammers having been specially treated with liquid plastic for the honky-tonk style of play, allowing them to bounce of the strings more quickly. Be sure to stop by, listen and say hi to the piano players, some of whom have been there for more than 20 years.

Show times vary, so make sure you pick up a times guide from a Cast Member and don’t miss this great performance! Grab a coke, hot dog or popcorn, take a seat and enjoy!

Here’s a short video of the Casey’s Corner Pianist at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World:

Book your Disney & Orlando vacation with a local travel agency. World famous services, free gifts, guaranteed lowest prices, and all at no cost to you! Book your vacation with the local experts – we live where you’re traveling! Call 877-918-8941 or visit us online

Spring has hit Disneyland and there are some new Limited Time Magic. Disneyland Spring Fling begins today through March 31st.

Time to get hoppin’ when a well known floppy-eared friend arrives. You can visit the Easter Bunny in the Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.  Of course you’ll be able to pose for pictures when visiting.

Head over to Disney California Adventure park for an Easter Egg Hunt. Russell and Dug have hidden oversized Easter eggs throughout Redwood Creek Challenge trail. There are clues to follow and puzzles to solve all to help you earn your very own Spring Egg-tivity Badge!

With all the Limited Time Magic at Disneyland this year, it’s the Year of the Ear. During the Disneyland Spring fling you can find and get your own Oswald The Lucky Rabbit ear hat. Check into Oswald’s Service Station in Disney California Adventure Park. Get there early so you can get yours!

Lastly, make sure you keep an eye out for a special bunny hop dance on Main Street, U.S.A. starring the Easter Bunny and friends, including the Dapper Dans, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse!

I hope this information has been helpful and fun. Contact me to plan your own trip to Disneyland Spring Fling, or any time you’re ready to visit!

Mariachi Cobre

Mariachi Cobre is a traditional 12-piece Mexican Mariachi band that performs daily in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot theme park in Walt Disney World Resort. Sway to the rousing sounds of this mariachi band as they deliver the warm, rich melodies of Mexican folkloric music.

Did you know Mariachi Cobre has been the headline performance group at the Mexican Pavilion at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center since it opened in 1982? Several of the original band members are still there today!

Mariachi Cobre is a band of internationally acclaimed mariachi musicians. The group was formed in 1971 by Randy Carillo, his brother, and two fellow students. Over the years some the company of players has changed, but they’ve been performing at Epcot’s Mexico pavilion since the very beginning, and are among the longest lasting live performers at the park.

They often can be found outside the Mexican pavilion near the shop housing authentic Mexican souvenirs. From time to time, they will venture inside the Mexican pavilion and patrons of the San Angel Inn restaurant can enjoy the music while they dine.

Showtimes vary so make sure you pick up a times guide as you enter the park or ask a cast member. Here’s a short video of a recent performance by Mariachi Cobre outside the Mexican pavilion.

 

Hawaii is a beautiful and romantic set of islands that most people dream of traveling to at some point in their lives. Disney has opened Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii. Many couples think of Hawaii as the ideal honeymoon spot, but why not have your big day there as well? Aulani offers beautiful, elegant weddings for couples to say “I do” in a tropical paradise.

Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa offers three beautiful outdoor ceremony locations for the Wishes collection- the AMA AMA Patio, the Kipuka Courtyard, and the new Halawai Lawn. The AMA AMA Patio boasts the unforgettable ocean view while the Kipuka Courtyard features a mosaic tile waterfall backdrop. The new Halawai Lawn is a beautiful Hawaiian garden. This resort also offers five different reception locations including two ballrooms, the Kipuka Courtyard, the Kipuka Lawn, and the Halawai Lawn. Weddings taking place here include an officiant, a ceremony musician, the bride’s bouquet, the groom’s boutonniere, photography, reception, and day of coordinator. These packages begin at $4,000 along with a food and beverage minimum expenditure per person as well as a room night minimum expenditure.

Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii also offer a Memories collection for the most intimate gatherings.  The Aulani Memories Collection is designed for up to fifteen guests, including the bride and groom. Ceremonies are held at Alohi Point on weekday mornings only. This package includes leis for the bride and groom, a solo musician, an officiant, professional photography, and a Disney Wedding Specialist. These events cost $2,500.

Explore your Disney wedding at Aulani or vow renewal today! Contact siera@destinationsinflorida.com!

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.

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 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 are 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 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 to hold 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 alone, 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. Spend an afternoon bowling at Splitsville.  Of course, you’ll want to be safe.  Avoid lightning and extreme wind.  Don’t wear slippery shoes.  But don’t let the rain spoil your Disney vacation!

 

Book your Disney World Vacation with Sheri Morris.  Sheri is a proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for Adults and works tirelessly to ensure that her guests have the best vacation experience ever! Contact her at (804) 405 5005 or email sheri@destinationsinflorida.com to book your stress-free Disney vacation.