Orlando is the epicenter of fun and excitement, with more than 100
attractions that keep visitors coming back for more. Take the mix of legendary
theme parks, spectacular museums, world-class entertainment and blockbuster
rides and attractions, and it would take about 67 days to visit all of the
entertaining offerings in 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 stacy@destinationsinflorida.com.

Victoria & Albert’s restaurant in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers a unique dinner menu each night of exceptional, contemporary American cuisine served with unparalleled charm and elegance.

An 11-year recipient of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award, this Signature Dining restaurant serves fine cuisine with wine pairings from an award-winning cellar. The renowned, 6-course prix fixe menu is prepared artfully each day with ingredients culled fresh from the world market.

Ambiance
Victoria & Albert’s restaurant offers an intimate 2-hour to 2.5-hour dining experience amongst gentle harp strains and the sparkle of imported crystal in a Victorian dining room. Sit in the midst of romantic splendor in this establishment celebrated the world over for its exquisite culinary creations and transcendent atmosphere. Butler service, personalized menus and a long-stem rose for each lady are just a few of the touches that create an opulent, palate-pampering experience.

Valet Parking is available at no additional cost. Children under the age 10 will not be served.

Dining Experiences
Each season has its own flavors and colors, and each day Chef Hunnel selects whatever is fresh at the market to create unique menus for the Dining Room, Queen Victoria’s Room and the Chef’s Table. The pricing for these elegant and intimate dining experiences are as follows:

• Victoria & Albert’s Dining Room: Menu Prix Fixe begins at $125.00 per Guest. Wine Pairings from $60.00 per Guest. (Pricing does not include tax and gratuity.)
• Queen Victoria’s Room: Menu Prix Fixe begins at $200.00 per Guest. Wine Pairings from $95.00 per Guest. (Pricing does not include tax and gratuity.)
• Chef’s Table: Menu Prix Fixe begins at $200.00 per Guest. Wine Pairings from $95.00 per Guest. (Pricing does not include tax and gratuity.)

Proper Dining Attire

• Men: Dinner jackets with dress pants/slacks and shoes. Ties are optional. (Please no jeans, shorts, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.)
• Ladies: Cocktail dress, dressy pant suit, skirt/blouse or nice dress.(Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.)

The Disneyland Resort in California has three packages available for weddings and vow renewals. Couples who desire Disneyland weddings and vow renewals can choose from the Escape collection, the Wishes collection, and the Couture collection to fit events of all sizes and budgets.

The Escape collection is perfect for intimate affairs or modest budgets. Couples can choose from four ceremony venues including the Wedding Garden, Brisa Courtyard, Adventure Lawn Gazebo, and Parkview Terrace. Each location has a different feel and will shape your wedding accordingly. This package includes a fresh floral bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake, a champagne toast, a CD player or I-Pod hook up, personal wedding website, self-parking, a Disney wedding planner, and a three-course plated meal. There are plenty of extras you can add for additional costs such as Disney characters, additional beverages, or floral displays. These packages cost $5,000 with a 5 night room guarantee or $6,450 with no room guarantee.

The Wishes collection allows couples to select their ideal wedding from locations to entertainment to food and beverages. These weddings do have minimum expenditures depending on the day and time of the event. These couples can select to be married at Disneyland Park, Disney’s California Adventure Park, Parkview Terrace, Rose Court Garden, or Brisa Courtyard. The reception can take place in a theme park, restaurant, or ballroom. Couples can add special touches to their event such as Disney characters or Cinderella’s Coach.

The Couture collection actually allows brides and grooms the opportunity to work with celebrity wedding planner David Tutera and use some of his exclusive designs only for Disney weddings. There are four unique styles created by Tutera specially for Disney brides exclusive to this collection. The ceremony locations are the same as the wishes collection and brides can choose to customize these events as much as they desire. These weddings have a minimum expenditure of $65,000 plus tax including a food and beverage minimum of $175 per person.

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.

The Aquaduck on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream is a thrilling 765 foot water coaster that takes over the side of the ship and then racing down the middle of the ship before going through the front funnel. The Aquaduck on the Disney cruise line is a great ride that offers amazing views of the Fantasy and the ocean. You can ride alone or with a friend making it a great family ride. If you are on the Disney Fantasy or Disney Dream I would definitely make time to ride the Aquaduck.

My first trip to Disney World back in 1986 was multi generational.  It included my parents and children as well as other family members and my boss who was like a grandfather to me.  There were ten of us.  Since I was the “designated planner” of the group, I was put in charge of setting up the trip.

Fortunately, we used a travel agency that was very helpful.  They gave us information and recommended some books for me to read.  I devoured the information and soon learned that planning ahead is key for a successful trip.  Little did I know, that one day I would be planning magical Disney Vacations for families just like ours.

Today, I’m sharing with you some of my best tips for a perfect vacation that includes the young and old.

Be flexible!  Don’t plan so much that you’re disappointed if things don’t go according to schedule.  Accepting the fact that things might will happen to alter your schedule can save a lot of stress.

Plan to stay at a Disney Resort Hotel.  There are so many reasons to stay on Disney property but the main one is convenience.  By staying on Disney property, you will be close to everything, saving you time and headache!

Arrive at the parks early!  This is important to avoid crowds and the heat.  Pace yourself and don’t try to do it all!  Be sure to drink plenty of water.

Schedule a character meal. It’s so much fun to dine with Mickey and the gang! The bonding time and sweet memories are well worth the cost.

Take a mid-day break!  This is one of the most important things you can do, especially with little ones and old folks.  Get out of the heat and enjoy the pool or take a nap.  Take time to refuel.

Watch the parade and fireworks.  The epitome of a Disney day!  There’s nothing better than to watch the smiles as you enjoy the wonder of it all.

Take pictures and use Disney’s PhotoPass Service. This will let you take home memories that will last a lifetime!

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.

Blue Bayou!

 

I realized I speak of Blue Bayou with my friends a lot. I figured if I was going to mention it so often I should give my whole opinion here instead of sporadically to just my friends and strangers. It’s really far too easy to get me talking about Disney related anything…

You should know that I eat at Blue Bayou pretty much every time I visit Disneyland. Just as an FYI when I visit Disney World I almost always eat at 50’s Prime Time Cafe…  Just a splash of information for you that has absolutely nothing to do with this piece. You’re welcome!

There’s a good reason why I almost always eat here. In my opinion it’s the best food in the park. Also, I love the fact that I get to watch Pirates of the Caribbean boats floating by. You are sitting “outside” at perpetual twilight, no matter what the actual time of day is outside. While you are surrounded by the sounds of the Louisiana Bayou… and the frogs, crickets and fireflies don’t actually bother you… Hint: They aren’t real… Shhh don’t tell…

The food offerings are some of the best in the park. They have such entrees as:

• Seafood Jambalaya
• Beef Short Ribs
• Roasted Beef Strip Loin
• Filet Mignon
• Crab Cakes
• Tesoro Island Chicken
• Surf and Turf

Every meal comes with either a Cajun inspired salad or the signature New Orleans Gumbo. I always get the Gumbo! While you may find better in New Orleans, you will not find better anywhere else on the West Coast of the USA…

There are a few desert options as well such as Crème Brûlée, Ice Cream, and Chocolate Cake. I’m usually too full to eat desert at the restaurant. Let’s be honest there isn’t a shortage of sweets in Disneyland now is there? I recommend heading to Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor.

 

As my 7 year old son says, the “Blue Bayou is a place where in the movie it says there are alligators. One nice one and the rest are mean. And this is how it goes, there was a girl and Prince who turned into frogs. They fell madly in love and some people helped them to realize their dreams.” I’m not fully sure that helps sell this restaurant but he made me put it in…

As you can see from the pictures and menu, there aren’t many things to dislike about Blue Bayou. Perhaps the biggest issue with the restaurant is that there aren’t enough tables! If you want to eat at Blue Bayou I recommend calling as soon as you know you’re going or as soon as they open up the booking window (60 days prior) for your trip timeframe. You’ll be disappointed if you miss out, trust me.

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.

Ketchikan, a port of call on a Disney Cruise Line Alaska & Pacific Coast Cruise vacation, is a city in southeast Alaska located on Revillagigedo Island along Tongass Narrows at the foot of the towering Deer Mountain. The city is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, fishing and colorful Native culture.

Things to See and Do
Ketchikan boasts the largest collection of original 19th-century totem poles in the world. Be sure to spend some time at one of the 3 totem pole parks in the area—Totem Heritage Center, Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park—each brimming with majestic, multi-colored Tlingit and Haida totems amid a spectacular rural setting.

History buffs will want to trace the steps of the early setters with a stroll down Creek Street, a suspended boardwalk populated by colorful houses, once a hub for brothels, and now home to a variety of eclectic shops.

The unbridled beauty and sheer size of Misty Fjords National Monument in Tongass National Forest is a nature lover’s paradise, providing all who enter with sweeping views of rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, rushing waterfalls, lakes and wondrous wildlife that defy description. Additionally, Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center, overlooking Ketchikan Creek, includes observation areas where you can glimpse spawning salmon and enjoy an up-close encounter with 2 bald eagles.

Local Culture and Flavor
With a population of approximately 7,800, Ketchikan is the 5th largest city in the state, despite being only 12 blocks long. Because the city takes so much pride in its native roots, it’s impossible not to feel its influence wherever you roam, be it in the city center or off the beaten track. Major attractions boast towering totem poles celebrating the various tribes indigenous to the area while shops both big and small offer one-of-a-kind hand-carved items for tourists.

Billed as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan’s economy is—and always has been—primarily based on fishing. The waters surrounding the town teem with 5 types of salmon: King, Red, Silver, Pink and Chum, making it a destination of choice for professional and amateur fishermen the world over.

Today, Ketchikan remains a treasured tourist destination where some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders share center stage with an intriguing and inspiring Native Alaskan culture.

 

The Disney Wonder will be heading to Alaska for a summer of amazing cruises.  The Disney Wonder will offer a 7-Night Alaskan Cruise departing out of Vancouver, Canada from June 3-September 2, 2013.  An Alaskan cruise offers exciting excursions that you just can’t do anywhere else.  Want to go whale watching, gold mining, or dog sledding? Or would you rather lounge on deck and gaze at seals, waterfalls, eagles, and breathtaking glaciers?

The 7-Night Alaskan Cruise takes you through Tracy Arm, Alaska.  You will view this destination from the ship.There are three additional ports of call on the 7-Day Alaskan Cruise.  The ports are Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.  There are so many amazing excursions on this cruise.  I took the helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier in Skagway.  The view from the helicopter is absolutely amazing! There will be glacier guides waiting to answer all of your questions and help you explore the glacier when you land.

Based on a coworker’s recommendation I decided to go to the Taku Lodge in Juneau.  When you arrive by seaplane your hosts will be busy preparing fresh salmon along with other goodies. My favorite part of this excursion was watching the bears help “clean” the grill during dinner.

As you cruise on the Disney Wonder there will be several Disney touches along the way. Of course there will be plenty of opportunities for you to take pictures and hang out with your favorite Disney pals along the way.  Mickey and all of his friends have several different outfits that were made especially for the Alaskan Cruise.

For the first time, Disney will be traveling to Sitka Alaska in 2014.  This port is only available on the 9-Night Alaskan Cruise on May 24, 2014.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Are you ready to set sail on an Alaskan adventure of a lifetime? 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.

There is a lot of luxury aboard the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line — the Disney Fantasy. One of the most impressive parts of the ship is one of two signature royal suites; the Roy O. Disney Suite.

This extravagant space is decorated with Art Deco touches of glamour from the 1920s and 1930s. A stay in the master bedroom gives you sweeping views of the ocean if you can stay awake long enough to enjoy that view, what with the fluffy Frette feather duvets, deluxe Frette bed linens and memory foam pillows doing their best to lull you into a relaxing deep sleep.
Sink into a cozy armchair or kick up your feet from the comfy sofa and enjoy watching a Disney movie, or maybe just lose yourself in a book. The Roy O. Disney Royal Suite’s Media Library will allow you to kick back and relax.

Escape to your own private teakwood verandah and relax in a comfy cushy deck chair or take a soak in the hot tub.
Your main living quarters have floor to ceiling windows. Other amenities include two bathrooms including a master bath with a rain shower, a whirlpool tub, double sinks and walk-in closets. There’s a dining salon, pantry and wet bar, all with stunning ocean views.

Here’s a video tour of the Roy O. Disney Suite

Star Wars Weekends is an annual special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park that celebrates the legendary Star Wars saga and the animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend, you can join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations and more!

Star Wars Weekends is returning this summer, taking place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 17-June 9 2013.

Remember that Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park admission is required. Availability is limited for some events, which may be cancelled at any time.

Sample Event guide for Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10 2012

The Return of Star Tours
Blast into the universe of Star Wars like never before—in 3D! Star Tours—The Adventures Continue takes Jedi from Tatooine to Coruscant and beyond. With several possible missions, you never know where the Force may take you.

Celebrity Autographs
Have a memento signed by Star Wars celebrities attending the event! One autograph per Guest. A Disney’s FASTPASS ensures your place in line at the celebrity autograph kiosk outside the Front Gate entrance. Grab a FASTPASS before the park opens, as quantities are extremely limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Once FASTPASS tickets have been distributed, stand-by tickets may be issued, although stand-by tickets do not guarantee an autograph.

Please note that each Guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS. Guests may not get a FASTPASS for other members of their party, nor may Guests save a place in any FASTPASS line for other party members.

Train, You Must
Kids under 12 can hone their lightsaber skills and prepare to do battle with Darth Vader himself at the Jedi Training Academy. And in the Padawan Mind Challenge, they can test their wits before the Jedi Council.

Hyperspace Hoopla!
At the end of each day, let loose with music, comedy and dancing at the Hyperspace Hoopla! With so many Ewoks, Wookiees, stormtroopers, Jawas and otherworldly creatures, young Jedi and their parents would be wise to have their cameras ready.

Video from 2012 Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios