One of the best vacations you can experience is setting sail on a cruise! Whether you choose to cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Carnival Cruise Line you are sure to have a new favorite way to make memories.

When you decide to cruise you are given the opportunity to experience several ports of call all over the world all within one trip! On top of experiencing wonderful ports of call, you will also be able to dine on scrumptious cuisines, relax at the spa, watch world class stage productions, join in on shore excursions that you may not normally experience and so much more all on your cruise. And we cannot forget all the fun to be had by your children whether in the kid’s club or teen’s club. No matter if you are young or young at heart a cruise is a perfect vacation for all!

Aside from all of the incredible perks planning a cruise can be overwhelming if you are a first-time cruiser. We want to help you feel confident in your cruise vacation so here are our Top 5 Tips for First Time Cruisers!

1. Call your Travel Professional first – Your Travel Professional will be your personal guide to all aspects of your cruise! They will be able to discuss the different cruise lines and which one will be best for you and your desires as well as making sure you select the best stateroom category and then ensure you get the perfect room for your family. Additionally, they will be able to help you decide on the best shore excursions, dining times, and all the extras. The best thing about using your Travel Professional is all of their knowledge and services are FREE to you!
2. Book early! – Typically when you book early, you are locking in the best price on your cruise. But should your price go down due to a sale your Travel Professional will be able to adjust the pricing to reflect those new discounts.
3. Pre-Book your shore excursions to ensure your shore excursions does not sell out before you board!
4. Know what your cruise price includes and does not include so that you are better prepared once you board.
5. Each night you will receive a program for the next day in your room. Make sure to read it and see if there is anything you do not want to miss! This daily schedule of events will be your holy grail while cruising. It will tell you everything that is going on that day, theater schedules, special events, dress code for dinner, port information and so much more. You do not want to miss out so make sure you are prepared by reading it.

Your first cruise is sure to be the most fun and relaxing memories your family has ever made! Are you ready to set sail?

Written by Kari O’Dell:  Kari creates lasting memories by planning customized land and sea vacations all over the world.  Not only does she find you the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, but she will fill in all the blanks for you, all at no cost to you.  Traveling is her passion!  Passing that magic on to your family is what fuels that passion!  If you are ready to save on your next vacation book your next vacation with Kari at 434-609-2370 or kari@destinationsinflorida.com.

Zip Line on Royal Caribbean Cruise Oasis of the Seas

One of the highlights of a Royal Caribbean Cruise ship called the Oasis of the Seas is the zipline at the top of the ship!  Daredevils can zip across the ship high above the onlookers from all the decks below!

Are you brave enough to zip line across a cruise ship?

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

The lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a great place to relax and reflect during your Walt Disney World vacation. Here you can sit back in a comfortable arm chair or rock by the fire while you take in the beauty of the rustic majesty of America’s Great Northwest.

The resort’s architecture was inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge celebrates American craftsmanship and honors the beauty of the untamed wilderness. Soak in the splendor of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs that overlook a murmuring creek. Inside, discover towering totem poles, headdresses and more, and sink into a plush leather armchair in front of the roaring fireplace.

If you are planning a meal at Artist’s Point or Whispering Canyon Cafe, leave extra time to explore the lobby and to appreciate it’s beauty before or after your meal. Take the time to look at the many artifacts that can be found in the lobby and to admire the intricately carved totem poles. Following the flowing stream from inside the lobby to outside as well. Be sure to talk to Cast Members in and around the lobby as they can tell you interesting facts about the lobby’s design. They might even point out some Hidden Mickeys!

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge?

 

New Restaurant Brings Incredible Chocolate, Deliciously Expansive Menu

The Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium at Universal CityWalk may be the most spectacularly delicious example yet of what happens when the team that designs theme park attractions comes together with the team that creates blockbuster food and beverage experiences.

Set to open later this year, The Toothsome Chocolate Factory will be a full-service restaurant that brings together a specially created and expansive menu plus an incredible array of gourmet-level chocolates and desserts – all in a highly themed, unique environment that can only be found at Universal CityWalk.

The restaurant will be located near the entrance to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, and visible around the entire CityWalk lagoon. Welcome to the 19th century inspired, Steampunk-era chocolate factory, complete with towering smokestacks and tanks, piping and other equipment for chocolate production. Inside, a mix of brass, dark wood and gadgetry – along with staff who will look and act the part – will complete the Steampunk feel.

This unique experience will be punctuated by the food that will completely enrapture you. The menu features a wide variety of unexpected, yet familiar dishes – from all-day-brunch crepes and quiches to unique takes on classic steak, seafood and pasta entrees, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, scrumptious salads and so much more. The number of options will leave you speechless. And the desserts and specialty items will be beyond the imagination.

The artisan milkshake collection will include shakes with names such as Chocolate x5 – mixed with chocolate spirals, chocolate chunks, chocolate ice cream and more – along with Bacon Brittle, Espresso Buzzzz, Red Velvet and Key Lime Pie.

The sundaes include S’mores – with chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallow cream, graham crackers and more – Salted Caramel Flan, Chocolate Brownie Bark – and more.

Guests will also be able to watch chocolate creations being prepared – and take home samples purchased in the restaurant’s retail shop.

The new restaurant will be the latest in a progression of incredibly popular dining concepts that have opened at Universal CityWalk over the past couple years – nine new concepts in two years, to be exact.

Are you looking to book a Disney Cruise but aren’t sure where to start? I think the Disney Wonder might be a great place to start.

The Disney Wonder is one of the smaller ships in the Disney Fleet and is a sister ship to the Disney Magic. She has so many destinations to explore including Alaska, Hawaii, California, Panama Canal, Western Caribbean and the Bahamas. This year she even started a few sailings from Puerto Rico allowing a journey to the Southern Caribbean islands that none of the other ships in the Disney Cruise line sail to.

The Disney Wonder is a beautiful ship and is so welcoming from the minute you step into it. I fell in love right away. We started with lunch, dropped off our carry-on luggage in our room and started playing. We found the basketball hoops and ping pong tables right away, took a look at the pool while grabbing a free soda and ice cream, and then looked at the mini golf course. Doing this gave us a great feel for where everything is located… Don’t worry if you are lost the first day; you will know exactly where everything is located by day 3 and then have the next 4 days to feel like an expert.

Disney Cruise line has taken its impeccable service that you find in the parks and has made a wonderful experience at sea. The rooms were spacious with plenty of storage, the food was wonderful, we enjoyed fire works at sea, and let’s not forget all of the amazing shows and character greetings that are available during your journey.

My children loved the choices of activities each day. I would sit them down at night when we got back to our room, and we would go through each of the activities the following day, and they would tell me what their must do was. It isn’t all for kids, my husband and I made sure to take a mixology course, ate dinner at Palo, and enjoyed ourselves at the adult only comedy clubs and dances. Did I mention that Disney’s kid’s club are open until midnight with no additional charge?

Character meet and greats are daily and offer a great variety of characters. My favorite encounter was on the last day at Sea; we were walking in the hall, and Peter Pan was walking through. He grabbed my daughter’s hand and sat down on the ground with her while having a conversation… She talked about her friend Peter for months after the cruise… Disney is great at making a lasting impression.

Every Cast Member on our cruise made us feel welcome and important… I hope I can help you book your next adventure on a Disney Cruise.

This article was written by Pam Mikhail, an agent with Destinations to explore. She has been creating magical vacation memories for other families since 2012 and is ready to share her experience with you. As a certified agent to many destinations including Disney, Universal, and Cruise Line Industry of America, You know she has the expertise to get you the best deal, offering a hassle free planning process. If you are ready to start exploring and would like her expertise at no additional cost, contact her today to make a lifetime of lasting memories for your family. Email her at pam@destinationsinflorida.com or call at (262)442-0706 to book your next family vacation. 

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S SKULL ISLAND: REIGN OF KONG EXPERIENCE REACHES EVEN HIGHER LEVEL OF HYPER-REALISM WITH REVOLUTIONARY RIDE VEHICLE

Your mission is to explore a treacherous island teeming with creatures of unknown origin.  You will face ominous terrain, impenetrable jungles – and surprises beyond your imagination.  A traditional off-road vehicle will not do.  Your expedition will require something more…colossal.

This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will bring the thrilling next generation of the King Kong legend to life in Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Everything about the new attraction will be massive.  And Universal Orlando needed an entirely new – and revolutionary – way to transport guests into the middle of the adventure.

Guests will board a specially designed expedition vehicle that will do what no other Universal ride vehicle can do and take them where no other vehicle can go. 

The 40-foot-long, 17-ton expedition vehicle will use a sophisticated positioning system to independently navigate a rough, jungle road through unpredictable terrain. The front and back axles that support the vehicle’s 45-inch wheels can be steered individually, allowing the vehicle to take sharp turns and pull off complicated maneuvers. It will be one of the most immersive and realistic ride experiences on Earth – all within one of the most immersive and realistic theme park experiences ever created.

As guests board their expedition vehicle, they will meet one of the five guides who will be their driver – each with a distinct personality.

·         Becky Callahan: The loose-cannon cowgirl who isn’t fazed by the dangers awaiting her on Skull Island.

·         Will Denham: The fresh-faced, adventure-seeking younger cousin of famed movie director Carl Denham.

·         Jinks Costanza: A hardened New York City ex-con who is wary of the island’s mysteries.

·         Kalana: A mystical descendent of the natives who first settled on the island.

·         Charles “Doc” Jordan: A PhD student in paleontology who took time off from his studies to explore the world.

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled 18 new guest experiences in the past five years – powerful attractions, incredible dining opportunities and a dramatically themed hotel. And more is on the way. Coming in 2016 is Universal Orlando’s fifth on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort; and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, a groundbreaking attraction in Islands of Adventure. And in 2017 will come Universal’s Volcano Bay, an entirely new water theme park experience.

 

You’ve planned your perfect Universal Orlando vacation. You have booked your on-site resort, your Park to Park Tickets are in hand, and you even have a few dining reservations made. You finally get to the parks and… it starts raining! “My vacation is ruined!”

Not necessarily. If you find yourself at the Universal Parks with some rain, grab a poncho (preferably one you’ve brought from home, those suckers are more expensive at the parks) and check out our Top 5 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Universal Orlando Resorts!

#5 Hop on all the indoor rides or check out the shows

Both parks have plenty of indoor rides and attractions for you check out when the weather gets a little damp.

#4 Get your souvenir shopping out of the way or have a meal at City Walk

With this option, you can even stay at the parks too. You have many options at both parks for shopping and eating. And of course, there is never a dull moment at City Walk!

#3 Head back to your on-site resort hotel

Enjoy some rest and relaxation back at your Universal Resort. These amazing resorts have the best amenities and activities to keep your mind off of the rain.

#2 You’re already wet… so why not enjoy a spin or two on the water attractions

Ripsaw Falls or Jurassic Park River Adventure are two great options. Kids in tow? There is plenty of water-filled fun at the fountains and water play areas.

#1 Check out the Hogwarts Castle with your very own tour

Simply ask a Hogwarts Castle cast member when the next tour is.

No matter what you end up doing… just sit back and try to enjoy it. There seems always to be a chance of rain with Florida weather. Just don’t let that ruin your time. You still have lots of options to enjoy Universal Orlando Resorts.

Veronica has planned her family vacations for years.  Now she gets to do it for others, and it’s like a dream come true.  She creates lasting memories to the destination of your choice by planning customized vacations.  She focuses on family and family reunion travel to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Disney Cruise Line and Sandals & Beaches Resorts.  As well as Southern United States; like Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Savannah and Atlanta.  She’ll help you find the BEST accommodations with the BEST value, and she will fill in all the blanks… all at no cost to you! She can’t wait to pass that magic on to your family.  If you are ready to save on your next vacation, contact Veronica!! 

Veronica@DestinationsInFlorida.com 

The castle was opened July 17, 1955; the castle is the oldest of all Disney castles. The inspiration behind this castle was the Neuschwanstein Castle located in Germany. The Disney family coat of arms hangs above the archway to the castle. It is composed of three lions passant in pale.

On April 29, 1957, visitors were able to walk through the castle and view entire story of Sleeping Beauty. As you walked through the castle you would hear the song When You Wish Upon a Star. These were redone again in 1977 to resemble the windows on Main Street USA. Then in October 2001 the walkthrough was closed for unspecified reasons, but some believe it was because the September 11th attacks and the potential danger if they left it open.

The walkway reopened in November 2008 that featured new technology. Visitors who are unable to climb stairs or navigate the passageways of the Castle can still experience the walkthrough “virtually” in a special room on the Castle’s ground floor. This room is lavishly themed, and presents the closed-captioned walkthrough recreation on a high-definition TV.

Did you know the original geographical center of the Magic Kingdom was in the middle of the round park, where the “Partners” statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stands. The addition of Toontown moved the actual center of the park a few yards northward, but still on the hub side of the castle drawbridge.

Sleeping Beauty Castle is also used as a Logo for Disney.

Barbara Roach is your Personal Travel & Cruise Concierge. I have been organizing travel for years. We know the where to find the best deals, what really constitutes “value” and how you can make your vacation dollar stretch, especially when it comes to planning travel with kids.??

Regardless of your destination, my goal is to exceed your every expectation and deliver you to a most enchanting vacation. We’re here for you too – just a phone call away; before, during and after your travel.

For information concerning Disney or any other destination, please contact me at 401-323-1294 or email me at barbararoach@destinationsinflorida.com 

SeaWorld to Stop Breeding Orcas in Captivity

When SeaWorld opened its doors more than 50 years ago, killer whales were feared and even hunted. Now, they are among the most beloved marine mammals on the planet thanks, in part, to SeaWorld.

Today SeaWorld made historic announcements that reflect changes in society and SeaWorld’s evolution with those changes. Here’s what they said:

• Last generation of killer whales: The killer whales in our care will be the last at SeaWorld.  We haven’t taken a whale from the wild in nearly 40 years.  Now, we’re going further and will end our orca breeding programs as of today. With the skills and dedication of our entire SeaWorld team, we will protect and care for these whales — here at our parks — for the rest of their lives where guests will continue to view and be inspired by them.

• Introducing new, inspiring, natural orca encounters rather than theatrical shows: We will introduce new, inspiring, natural orca encounters rather than theatrical shows, as a part of our ongoing commitment to education, marine science research and the rescue of marine animals.  Everything will reflect the natural world and will focus on the research, education, care and respect that align with our mission to advance the well-being and conservation of these beautiful creatures. These programs will focus on orca enrichment, exercise and overall health, and the change will start in our San Diego park next year, followed by San Antonio and then Orlando in 2019.

• New partnership to protect oceans and marine mammals:We are pleased that The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) supports the changes we announced today. These two leading organizations are coming together for an agreement that will further both groups’ missions. SeaWorld and the HSUS are joining together in a partnership focused on the health of our oceans and the animals that call them home.  HSUS and SeaWorld have common ground, in that both of our organizations love animals and want to protect them.  The partnership helps each group extend its own mission and is based on their joint interest in preserving and protecting wild animals and the places they live. The issues around animal conservation and protection are much bigger than any one organization, and we can be much stronger together.

While these decisions were not easy to make and represent a shift in our business, they do not change our core values and purpose: to protect animals in the wild and inspire our guests to join us in this critical mission. Thank you for your continued support and we invite you to learn more about the new SeaWorld at SeaWorldCares.com/Future

What do you think of these changes? Will you visit SeaWorld?

Footprint complete for Orlando’s Longest Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando!

SeaWorld Installs Final Piece of Mako’s Giant Track

SeaWorld Orlando has installed the final piece of Mako’s nearly mile-long steel track – completing the footprint of what will be Orlando’s longest coaster (as well as fastest and tallest).

Following tradition, the 12,500-pound, final piece of track was topped with a waving American flag as it was lifted high in the air by a giant crane, and then bolted into place by workers.  The moment finished off a track that is 4,760 feet of pure thrill.

When Mako – a true hypercoaster – opens this summer, it will top 200 feet high and reach speeds of 73 mph. Riders will feel weightless as they reach the top of each hill. 

This January, SeaWorld topped off the highest point of the coaster, with a crest that reaches 200 feet in the air.

For more Mako information, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com and join the conversation using #NothingFaster.