Do you remember the time before smart phones? Internet Searches? Planning travel was a lot of phone calls, friends recommendations, driving to AAA or other places for maps and lots of other work. Sometimes people used a Travel Agent, but usually only on those big once in a lifetime trips. So now, we have our iPhones, HTC’s, Tablets, Laptops, and a wealth of information on all things, including Travel. Nowadays the internet has taken over for all those calls, all those trips to the library and more to get stacks and stacks of information for your vacation.

I do often wonder if it gets easier with all this information or is it now just overwhelming? If you want to visit a place like Disneyland or Walt Disney World you could get lost in the amount of information and never make it back out. But you don’t think of asking for help? Why? Travel Agents are still out there, and we are ready to help! Today more than ever Travel Agents are the best bet you have to navigate the information overload highway and keeping you on track.

I want to share with you why you need a Travel Agent (like US).

• There is NO COST to you!
• Disney, Universal and others Certifies Travel Agents
• We are Experts in our specialties – for me that’s Disney, Universal, Hawaii, Cruises and Southern California
• We know all the Promotions – Seriously we get daily emails
• We do the boring research, pricing options and more, then report back to you
• We offer suggestions and will plan your trip with as much detail as you want
• Free Gifts! – Really, why wouldn’t you want free things?
• No Stress Vacation Planning
• No hours spent researching
• Knowledgeable advice on restaurants, park tours and more
• Travel Agents work around your schedule and budget

Still not sold on a Travel Agent? Well if the lure of the free gifts doesn’t give you incentive, perhaps I can convince you another way. Having spent numerous hours at Disney parks, Disney Resorts, on Disney Cruises, and more, I can tell you I have never sat down at my computer and quickly done the reservation. I’ve looked at all the different dates, the different resorts/rooms, the different parks, Extra Magic Hours, calendar of events, and much much more. It takes me hours and hours sometimes to plan a week vacation. Why ever would you want to do that anymore? Travel Agents do all of that for you AT NO COST TO YOU!

Did you know that Travel Agents will also sit down and go through your trip, offer restaurant recommendations, perhaps even suggesting one you’ve never been to… However, if you want, I will personally offer to put your trip together in calendar form to give you a complete itinerary, including for any who want it, a complete daily breakdown of your day at each park. All For Free! If you already know what you want, then I’ll do the scheduling for you. Yes I say I a lot, but that’s what I do… Honestly, it’s what almost all Travel Agents would do for their clients.

Joining forces with a Travel Agent only makes sense in todays world of too much information. You are planning a trip to spend time with your family and friends, yet you spend all your free time before the vacation in front of your computer planning. Let us take care of all that, we will spend the time finding the best pricing and promotions for your vacation! In addition, you make a new friend with your agent centered around something you both love, Travel!

If you’re still not sure after all my compelling reasons, I’d love to know why. Leave a comment below with your comments.

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

Written by Daniel Mullarkey, DisneyDaniel — Daniel is a self-proclaimed Disney Geek, Disney Vacation Planner and a Disney Specialist! When he’s not adding to the plethora of Disney trivia in his head, you can find DisneyDaniel on his Facebook Page and/or follow him on Twitter!  Book your next vacation with Daniel at 425-420-8988 ordaniel@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

 

Would you like to dine in a unique octagonal shaped building situated right on the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon and take in the spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom, all while enjoying a delicious coastal theme meal? Then, you need to try Narcoossee’s located at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort! Narcoossee’s serves a fantastic selection of fresh seafood, including lobster, snapper, tuna, flounder and shrimp. However, their menu does appeal to a wide range of tastes. In addition to the seafood specialties their menu features, filet mignon, chicken breast, vegetable, and dishes tantalizing desserts, like  key lime crème brûlée or baked chocolate mousse!

Situated on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Narcoossee’s provides a wonderful location for an intimate and quiet dinner. All the tables of the restaurant are arranged along the side of the building that overlooks the lagoon. This allows for most of the tables to have a wonderful view of the Electrical Water Pageant as well as Magic Kingdom’s Wishes, the restaurant even pipes in the music from Wishes! What’s more romantic than enjoying a fine meal with an impressive fireworks display in the background!

If you want to be sure to experience Wishes while you are enjoying your meal then, be sure to make your reservations for an hour before Wishes is set to begin. Remember there is never a guarantee of getting a table right by the window, but it never hurts to ask! So be sure to check into your reservation early and ask about getting a table by a window. And, if you are not lucky enough to get a table with a view of the fireworks, Narccoossee’s does have a deck that wraps around the restaurant that provides the perfect outdoor viewing spot.

At Narcoossee’s the prices range from $36 to $59.99 and they do accept the Disney Dining Plan here. To ensure you get to experience the fine dining and fabulous atmosphere of Narccoossee’s be sure to make your reservations up to 180 days in advance. When you make your reservation you will need to provide a credit card to guarantee it. Remember, if you cannot make your reservation you must cancel at least one day in advance or your credit card will be charged $10.00 for every person on the reservation.

Be sure to bring along your passport next week as we travel to our next stop on my list of the most romantic dining spots in Walt Disney World, because we’re heading to Paris!

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.

 

Disney’s Oceaneer Club is the hot spot for youth ages 3-12.  Disney’s Oceaneer Club provides entertainment all day long.  Oceaneer Club can open as early as 8am and stay open until 12midnight. Hours vary each day so make sure you check your Personal Navigator.  The Oceaneer Club on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder is themed to look like Captain Hook’s ship from the movie Peter Pan. Children are able to immerse themselves in their favorite Disney movies in the themed areas of Oceaneer Club on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  The themed areas are: Andy’s Room, Monster’s Academy, Pixie Hollow, and Disney’s Explorer Pod.

There are tons of toys and games that youth can play in Disney’s Oceaneer Club. Youth can get on a computer, read, watch tv, play dress up, or enjoy the arts and crafts area.   The Youth Activities Counselors also have lots of planned activities each day.  Here are some of the activities available in Oceaneer Club:

• Disney’s Once Upon a Time: Bartleby the Bookmaker leads the kids through the art of bookmaking and wows them with his very special talent: When he reads the books, he makes the characters come to life!
• Big Top Fun Fest: It’s a Disney Circus with clowns, jugglers, and classic Disney cartoons.
• Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends: Mickey Mouse and his pals stop by to play some of their favorite games with Disney Cruise Line’s youngest cruisers and their families.
• Pluto’s Pajama Party: Pluto hosts the greatest slumber party at sea!
• Tinker Bell’s Talent Show: Tinker Bell will sprinkle a little pixie dust and highlight the talents of all the youth in Oceaneer Club
• Camp Rocking Out: There will be singing, dancing, tents, and lots of fun as youth discover their inner Jonas Brother.
• Do-Si-Do with Snow White: Learn the “Dance of the Seven Dwarfs” and then perform it with Snow White and Dopey.
• Little Einstein’s Adventure: Lots of fun activities to bring out your inner genius.
• So You Want To Be a Pirate: Complete pirate training and test their skills with a visit from Captain Hook.
• Mouseketeers in Training: Youth will receive training and receive a special inspection from Mickey Mouse.

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.

 

Breathtakingly beautiful Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, the most populous in Canada and our Disney Cruise Line home port.

Vancouver British Columbia is located on a lush peninsula in southwestern British Columbia surrounded by water on 3 sides and situated alongside a picture-perfect, snow-capped mountain range, this world-class city has a stunning skyline.

A bustling metropolis to be certain, Vancouver retains its strong connection to the great outdoors. From more than 200 parks to the century-old Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning the Capilano River, Vancouver seamlessly blends the rural with the urban to create a cityscape unlike any other.

For art lovers and treasure hunters, no visit to Vancouver would be complete without spending time at Granville Island, boasting a fabulous farmer’s market, shops, eateries and art galleries. And Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America.

Thanks to its natural beauty, recreational activities and thriving artistic and gastronomic scenes, Vancouver is a leading destination for visitors from around the globe. And it’s a fantastic departure port worth exploring on either end of your Disney Cruise Line vacation.

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km from South America have been called ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’.  This isolation of these islands have led to the development of some unusual animals.  Adventures by Disney will give your family a vacation that you will never forget in the Galapagos Islands!

On Fernandina Island, you will join a naturalist  and visit one of the largest populations of native marine iguanas, then hike over the lava flows and see the flightless cormorant, one of the world’s rarest birds.

Swimming with sea turtles and sea lions awaits you on Isabela Island!  Check out the wildlife in the saltwater lagoons and explore caves that are inscribed with names of pirates and whaling vessels from the 1800s.

View penguins, manta rays, sea turtles and sea lions on Floreana Island and visit the historic post office.

On Santa Cruz Island, you will have a guided visit of Los Gemelos, two volcanic craters where giant tortoises roam.  Then watch for Darwin’s woodpecker finch and the vermillion flycatcher in the Highland’s Scalesia Forest.

Your family will encounter giant tortoises and sea lions alongside an array of fascinating wildlife on San Cristobal Island.

Adventures by Disney is heading to the Galapagos Islands December 27, 2013- January 5,2014.

Book your amazing Adventure by Disney with Diana 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.

 

Disney Cruise Line weddings and vow renewals are a great option for couples who want a little bit of magic, but something a little different than the traditional Disney parks. These events can accommodate groups of all sizes, from two to one-hundred. Guests can choose from cruises sailing to ports including Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Pacific Coast and Hawai’i.

Couples can get married on any of the four Disney Cruise Line ships- the Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, or the Disney Dream- or on the beach of Disney’s private island- Castaway Cay. These weddings include your officiant, ceremony musician, the bride’s bouquet, the groom’s boutonniere, wedding cake, champagne toast, day of coordinator, dinner for the couple at Palo, a commemorative certificate, and a $100 stateroom credit. Couples hosting their event on Castaway Cay also receive round-trip transportation from the ship to the ceremony site for all guests. Onboard ceremonies begin at $3,000 for the couple and eight guests while Castaway Cay ceremonies begin at $4,000 for the couple and eight guests. Additional guests can be accommodated for an extra fee depending on the location selected.

Disney Cruise Line has great features for both couples and families. Disney Cruise Line is an especially nice option for vow renewals because it offers something for everyone- adults can have some alone time while the kids play in a supervised activity center. All of the Disney Cruise Line ships offer spas, fitness centers, an adults-only restaurant, an adult only pool, nightclubs, lounges, and special entertainment.

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.

 

Mid-week of our anniversary trip to Walt Disney World, we experienced the most unforgettable meal of our lives…’Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort!

‘Ohana (meaning Family) was an unlikely choice for our anniversary celebration dinner.  This sought out restaurant is well known for never ending skewers of meat, lots and lots of meat.  We were following a vegetarian diet!  It’s also known as a bustling place with kids playing limbo in the middle of the floor, having races, shaking maracas.  Not exactly a relaxing and romantic atmosphere!

In spite of it all, we shared an incredible meal that we will never forget because we planned ahead.  When making our dining reservations, we indicated our dietary preference.  After being seated with our “Welcome Bread”, we had a visit from the Chef.  He asked us questions about the types of food we liked and asked us to trust him to prepare our meal.

What followed was a 7 course vegetarian meal, fit for a king!  We feasted on bread, salad, soup, hummus, noodles and veggies, including bok choy, swiss chard and fried tofu.  Oh, the words sound so ordinary but trust me, each was incredible.  The special sauces and seasonings were culinary delights that teased our senses!  The centerpiece of our dinner was a feast in itself.  It presented as a huge mound of crispy rice noodles topped with fried asparagus and marinated tofu.  Underneath, were rice and vegetables in a delicate peanut sauce with just the right tang.  Dessert was the traditional Hawaiian Bread Pudding that ‘Ohana is famous for.

The evening was made complete when we were serenaded and presented with leis followed by a dance especially for us to celebrate the anniversary of our marriage.  I can’t promise that you’ll have the same experience as we did but I guarantee that you will have a meal to remember when you dine at ‘Ohana!

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’s Animal Kingdom Villas  at the Animal Kingdom Lodge — is an African lodge-style Resort boasting spacious accommodations that include kitchenettes/kitchens and multi-bedroom units. Featuring over 30 species of wildlife that roam free amidst 4 lush, tropical savannas, the Villas offer you the unique opportunity to observe exotic animals in their natural habitat from special viewing areas throughout the Disney World Resort –and from the balconies of select Guest rooms.

The Villas are located on the 5th and 6th floors in the main building—called the Jambo House—of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which also includes Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.

Set amidst an expansive wildlife preserve, the Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort features authentic African inspired architecture and the kraal African-village landscape design—a semi-circle design popular in Africa which offers expansive views of the surrounding savannah and its many animal inhabitants. Thatched ceilings, large beams, a woven ceiling, hand-carved golden-tone furnishings, real African artifacts and a vast mud fireplace in the main lobby surround you in the inimitable spirit of Africa.

Get up-close glimpses of the animals and a panoramic view of the sprawling grounds at Arusha Rock, an elevated rock platform just outside the main lobby. Discover thousands of indigenous African shrubs and grasses—including the most recognized canopy tree of Africa, the copperpod—that paint a picture reminiscent of the unspoiled African grasslands.
Savor authentic African cuisine at 2 award-winning restaurants, Jiko – The Cooking Place and Boma – Flavors of Africa. Enjoy unique animal-themed programs for the whole family and relax in the Uzima pool, an 11,000-square-foot zero-depth entry pool that offers a 67-foot-long slide.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge — Jambo House has been designated by the Florida Green Lodging Program, recognizing the Resort’s environmentally responsible practices.

Exciting Animal Encounters at Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Sunset Savanna, the Arusha Savanna and the Uzima Savanna are open 24 hours a day. Each features a unique look and feel, and is home to different exotic animals.

Among the animals you may see are Ankole Cattle, Bontebok, Eland, Zebra, Greater Kudu, Impala, Okapi, Red River Hog, Nyala, Reticulated Giraffe, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Thompson’s Gazelle, Waterbuck, White-Bearded Wildebeest, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Blue Crane, East African Crowned Crane, Greater Flamingo, Marabou Stork, Ostrich, Pink-Backed Pelican, Spur Winged Geese, Guinea Fowl and Ruppel’s Griffon Vulture!

For a truly unforgettable experience, make reservations for the Wanyama Safari. Enjoy up-close encounters with the Resort’s wildlife, followed by a delectable South African feast at Jiko – The Cooking Place.

Activities for Children
In addition to animal-themed activities and the Uzima pool and slide, there’s a wading pool for little ones, a 24-hour, high-tech game room and a 24-hour playground. And don’t forget to take advantage of Simba’s Cubhouse, a supervised activity center for children ages 3-12 that affords parents a carefree night on the town. (Additional fee required.)

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

Living with the Land is a 14-minute boat ride in Future World at Epcot theme park that explores agricultural advances in the rain forest, Africa and beyond.

See the Future of Food Production in Living with The Land
Gain a newfound appreciation for where your food comes from on this cruise through the living laboratories of Epcot.

Many of your favorite foodstuffs—chocolate, coffee, vanilla, tomatoes and rice, to name a few—grow on trees, vines and now even in soil-less environments. See firsthand how Disney’s horticulturalists are using innovative growing techniques and cross-breeding high-yield crops with the goal of sustaining our growing global population.

Educational and Profoundly Fascinating in Living with The Land
Multimedia displays of diverse eco systems, from rain forest to farmstead, bring our agricultural history to life. As you cruise by, hear about mankind’s past successes, failures, lessons learned and hopeful future when it comes to living off the land.

See specimens of produce from around the world, some modified to jaw-dropping effect, in the pavilion’s 4 greenhouses. Live eels, tilapia, catfish, freshwater shrimp and American alligators are also on display as you travel though the fish farm.

Sail through the greenhouses of The Land Pavilion and behold 9-pound lemons, Mickey-shaped pumpkins and more!

Living with The Land

You can even taste the fruits of this labor for yourself by dining at Sunshine Seasons or the Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion, both of which serve produce and seafood fresh from the farm.

Like what you see or want to learn more? We can sign you up for the Behind the Seeds tour, which is an in depth walking tour of the facilities!

About the attraction:

Epcot® Future World

Disney FASTPASS Service

Thrill Level: 

Slow Rides

 

Why I love Disneyland…

Image Courtesy of Vintage Disneyland Tickets

I first visited Disneyland when I was about 8 years old. My family went in a van with a porthole. It’s odd what we remember isn’t it? I don’t even know whom that ugly van belonged to. With my family were my Aunt and her children. It was a fairly large group of us traveling from Missouri to California, in the porthole van. Try and imagine a very uncool Mystery Machine van but in brown with 1970’s colors running down the side… Then imagine it 100 times worse and you’ll be close.

We stayed along the way in some fantastic K.O.A. campgrounds… Well fantastic may be a strong word for the accommodations, but we were going to DISNEYLAND! I couldn’t wait; I had wanted this trip for as long as my young 8-year-old self could remember.

I’m not sure I could tell anyone anything specific about our visit. I have memories of just being overwhelmed with excitement, with a bit of fear mixed in.  It could have been the Sky Way that caused the fear to be honest. When you first saw it, it went into a mountain! What is going on there? There are of course bits and pieces of memories but overall I know it started my love of all things Disney and that lives on with me to this day.

It took me over 11 years until I got to visit Disneyland again. This was the trip that sealed it for both my wife and I. We were hooked and there was no going back! Unlike my first visit, this one is etched into my memory forever. Every detail. Even if it wasn’t permanently imprinted on my mind, we have 1000’s of pictures, so I could always be easily reminded.  Matter of fact I think they are still in the Costco envelopes. Perhaps I should go on a Picture Hunt!

Through the years, we have made it a goal to visit Disneyland at least once, if not more times, a year. Heading down from our home in Seattle for a weekend is one of our favorite ways to spend our entertainment dollars. I almost hate to admit this, but my wife and I at times have ditched our son with grandparents and jaunted down to Disneyland for a weekend away for just us. Please don’t send me hate mail over that…

In the end, I can simply say that I love visiting Disneyland (and Disneyworld!). Truly it’s a magical place for my all. When I walk under the arches and see Main Street USA, I let go of any stresses I might have had, any worries and any troubles. I once again look upon Disneyland with my 8 year old eyes. I’m certain Walt wouldn’t have wanted it any other way…

And really, is there anything greater than that?

Plan your next trip here courtesy of DisneyDaniel at Destinations in Florida!: Disney Planning

I hope you find this information fun, new and worthwhile.

Written by Daniel Mullarkey, DisneyDaniel — Daniel is a self-proclaimed Disney Geek, Disney Vacation Planner and a Disney Specialist! When he’s not adding to the plethora of Disney trivia in his head, you can find DisneyDaniel on his Facebook Page and/or follow him on Twitter!  Book your next vacation with Daniel at 425-420-8988 ordaniel@destinationsinflorida.com.