Category Archives: Orlando

Candlelight Processional 2017 Dining Packages Now Available

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Candlelight Processional is always a popular holiday event at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort. As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. Even with three shows held every night beginning Thanksgiving weekend, it is always hard to find a seat for these incredible performances which is why the Candlelight Processional 2017 dining packages can be invaluable!

Candlelight Processional dining packages include a meal at a participating delicious restaurant in or around Epcot and then reserved seating for one of the three shows that evening. Candlelight Processional 2017 dining packages are available with the Disney dining plan for two table service credits.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the Candlelight Processional 2017 narrators confirmed so far:*

  • Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

The Candlelight processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These Candleight Processional 2017 dining packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional 2017 dining packages or to find out more information, call
407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

**  (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Delicious New Additions to Menu at Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Tucked in The Seas with Nemo & Friends in Epcot’s Future World, Coral Reef Restaurant is a cool respite from the Florida sunshine, dimly lit with a spectacular backdrop of the largest inland saltwater environment ever built (fun fact- it holds enough water to fill 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools).

Every seat in the restaurant is a good one for watching more than 4,000 sea creatures that call The Seas home – sharks, sea turtles, rays and 85 species of tropical fish. And you might even see a scuba-diving Mickey Mouse.

Chef Keith Schockling recently added new dishes to the menu, both savory and sweet. Coral Reef Restaurant fans, never fear, the lobster bisque, there since the restaurant opened, remains on the menu.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For starters, there’s a charbroiled octopus with nori sushi rice, sesame slaw and a soy reduction; a lump crab cake with watercress-citrus salad and a classic remoulade; seafood salad with Gulf Shrimp and mahi mahi in a citrus marinade with a little kick from serrano peppers, a little sweetness from mango sorbet and crisp plantain chip, and a seasonal house salad – for summer it’s mixed greens, raspberry vinaigrette, fresh berries, feta cheese and sunflower brittle.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New entrées include one from land and one from sea: the tuna bowl with spice-crusted tuna, rice noodles, charred bok choy, crisp shiitakes, pickled vegetables and broth (or you can substitute tofu for tuna, if you prefer); and a bone-in roasted pork chop with potatoes, creamy pimento cheese, braised greens and a honey-barbecue vinaigrette.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There’s even a new sweet, a rich citrus bread pudding with whiskey sauce, candied pecans and salted caramel gelato.

For reservations at Coral Reef, visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Top 10 Things to Eat for Breakfast at Universal Orlando Resort’s Hotels

breakfast-at-universal-orlandos-on-site-hotels-1170x731

Top 10 Things to Eat for Breakfast at Universal Orlando Resort’s Hotels

From the theme parks to the pools and everything in between, there is so much to do at Universal Orlando Resort. One thing is for sure, a great breakfast is essential to checking everything off your to-do list. So before you set sail on the water taxi, or clock in some steps by walking to the theme parks, check out these delicious breakfast options.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Trattoria Del Porto

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has a twist on the traditional breakfast with an Italian atmosphere. Take in the beautiful views of the Piazza while enjoying a full breakfast buffet or some of their delicious a la carte options! Two of the stand-out dishes at Trattoria Del Porto are the Breakfast Quesadilla and Eggs Beneditto.

breakfast-quesadilla-from-trattoria-del-porto

Breakfast Quesadilla – Spinach, Sweet Potato, Onion, Diced Tomato, and Aged Cheddar stuffed in a Tortilla shell. Top it off with two Poached Eggs, Tomato Hollandaise and your choice of Bacon or Sausage.

eggs-beneditto-from-trattoria-del-porto

Eggs Beneditto – Poached eggs, prosciutto, arugula, ciabatta, tomato hollandaise and potato hash make for one scrumptious dish.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – Amatista Cookhouse

Breakfast with a view and Caribbean vibes is what you’ll find at Amatista Cookhouse. You have the option of a lavish breakfast buffet or scrumptious and unique a la carte options. The Latin flair stands out in the Caribbean French Toast and the Egg White and Smoked Turkey Arepa.

egg-white-and-smoked-turkey-arepa-from-amatista-cookhouse

Egg White and Smoked Turkey Arepa – Complete with baby spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes.

caribbean-french-toast-from-amatista-cookhouse

Caribbean French Toast – Caramelized pineapple and toasted coconut for those of you who have a bit of a sweet tooth.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Islands Dining Room

The Polynesian vibes of Royal Pacific are echoed in both the décor of Islands Dining Room as well as many of their dishes. Indulge in a full breakfast buffet or delight in their mouthwatering a la carte options. Whether you believe that calories don’t count on vacation and go with the Tahitian French Toast, or are trying to stick to a healthy meal plan and choose the Paleo Smoked Brisket Hash, you are sure to be delighted!

tahitian-french-toast-a-lorange-from-islands-dining-room

Tahitian French Toast a L’Orange – Caramelized bananas with a sweet cinnamon butter (can’t get much better than this!)

paleo-smoked-brisket-hash-from-islands-dining-room

Paleo Smoked Brisket Hash – Slowly smoked beef brisket, sweet potato, onion and peppers, two sunny side up eggs and a side of avocado and tomato-arugula salad.

Hard Rock Hotel Orlando – The Kitchen

Eat like the rock star you truly are at The Kitchen. Feast on a seemingly endless breakfast buffet, complete with guitar waffles, or select from one of the many delectable a la carte options. You can’t go wrong with a dish named after The King himself in “The Elvis” French Toast or go with the tried and true breakfast sandwich, The Remedy.

the-elvis-french-toast-from-the-kitchen

“The Elvis” French Toast – Start with baguette slices and smother with a caramel sauce, peanut butter and bananas.

the-remedy-from-the-kitchen

“The Remedy” – Fuel up with a butter toasted kaiser roll, two eggs over hard, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Bayliner Diner

Whether you’re looking to grab a croissant to go or sit and enjoy the retro commercials while dining on delicious breakfast fare, Bayliner Diner has something for everyone. Bayliner has the breakfast classics down; the Poached Eggs or a Bacon-Egg-Cheese Croissant are just what you need for a jam packed day!

poached-eggs-on-gouda-swirl-from-bayliner-diner

Poached Eggs on Gouda Swirl – Baby spinach, hollandaise sauce and breakfast potatoes round it out for a hearty dish.

bacon-egge-cheese-croissant-from-bayliner-diner

Bacon-Egg-Cheese Croissant – Add a side of breakfast potatoes for a brunch classic.

The delectable dishes you see here are just a small peek into the bountiful breakfast choices at Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a leisurely breakfast, fit for a king or queen, or to just grab something quick and delicious before heading to the theme parks, we have something for everyone.

*Breakfast at Universal’s on-site hotels is available from 7am – 11am weekly and from 7am-12pm Saturday and Sunday.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Cool Off with Frozen Summer Games at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Frozen Summer Games have officially returned to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park for another summer of fun!

In addition to the return of the games, families can now meet the team captains, Kristoff or Olaf, near the Beach Haus merchandise shop! Disney’s Blizzard Beach is the only location at Walt Disney World Resort where guests can meet Kristoff, so be sure to take the opportunity to say hello to the “Frozen” star.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Meeting a few of your “Frozen” friends is the perfect way to kick off the Frozen Summer Games, where once again guests visiting Blizzard Beach can join Team Kristoff or Team Olaf to participate in a variety of friendly competitions, including Ice Pail Relays, Ski Pole Limbo and Slide Races.

With family activities, crafts and a DJ playing the “coolest” hits, you’ll definitely want to check out the Frozen Summer Games when you visit Disney’s Blizzard Beach. And with the weather heating up, this is a really fun way to “chill” out!

What Frozen Summer Games activity are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Five New Restaurants at Disney Springs Coming Later in 2017 and 2018

Three new dining concepts are expected to open by year’s end at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, with two more in the works for 2018.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs, with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant replaces Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Look for some fun wine education, including special events and visits from winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

And The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime, is planning to open by year’s end. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Looking ahead to 2018:

  • Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, will open on the West Side, bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, with an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Think paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches.

  • And a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

Which one of these new restaurants at Disney Springs are you most looking forward to trying?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Halloween Horror Nights 2017 Tickets and Vacation Packages Now Available

Halloween Horror Nights 2017 Tickets and Vacation Packages Now Available

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Halloween Horror Nights 2017 Tickets and Vacation Packages Now Available

All our times will come, and yours is deadly close. In a few months, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2017 will be upon us. Soon we’ll be able to revel in the terror with some of the vilest beings to ever walk the Earth with nine haunted houses, five scarezones and two live shows cut from the most twisted stories in horror history.

I hope that you’re already getting pumped for Halloween Horror Nights this year because all ticket and vacation packages are on sale now. With a record-breaking 34 select nights from September 15 to November 4 and new ticket options, more souls than ever will be able to experience the ultimate Halloween event.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

One great ticket option is the Halloween Horror Nights Flex Ticket, which conveniently allows you to scream your hearts out on any one Sunday through Friday or Sunday through Saturday event night.

One of my favorite vacation packages allows me to have a vacation in the heart of horror at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort for two nights starting at $225. If you are a huge horror buff, being able to stay close to the horror at one of Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels will be an incredible experience that you can’t pass up.

And you know what’s even better? By staying on-site, you’ll be able to get into one of Universal’s theme parks one hour before the park opens with Early Park Admission, as well as get special access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entry gate each event night until 8p.m.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

You can also enhance the horror by adding a R.I.P Tour or Unmasking the Horror Tour to your vacation package. I would recommend the R.I.P. tour because you’ll get priority VIP entry to all the haunted houses!

It’s almost time for you to brave Halloween Horror Nights 2017. Which night will you be visiting?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Six Reasons to Plan a Visit for Summer 2017 at Disney World

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

It’s always a great time to plan a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, but this year is an extra special time to visit! With a whole new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and new nighttime experiences at both Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, summer 2017 at Disney World will be one to remember! Here are more details on the exciting additions to Disney World:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Pandora- The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Pandora – The World of Avatar, an all new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is now open. You will journey 4.4 light years away from Earth for the chance to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Valley of Mo’ara,a world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring banshees. Learn key phrases in the Na’vi language, ride on the back of a banshee on the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage, board reed boats for Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly excursion down a rainforest river to see the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, and bask in the beautiful bioluminescent glow of the land after sundown.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park: The new “Happily Ever After” nighttime fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom, performed nightly, features stunning projections on Cinderella Castle, capturing the heart, humor and heroism of many favorite Disney animated films. What a fantastic finale to a day at Magic Kingdom!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • The Music of Pixar Live at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrate over 20 years of lyrical brilliance with music that’s made cinematic history with“The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters!” This all-new, nightly concert series inside Theater of the Stars showcases a selection of unforgettable soundtrack favorites from Cars, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story and UP—all performed by a live orchestra. As the symphony plays, giant screens will feature a movie montage, outtakes and interview excerpts with the folks behind Pixar’s captivating music. And don’t be surprised to see some of the studio’s funniest characters stop by to steal the spotlight with their own brand of comedic relief. It’s an immersive, family-friendly experience fans won’t want to miss!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

  • Miss Adventure Falls – This family-friendly raft adventure just debuted at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and whisks guests through the remains of a treasure hunter’s hideout.
  • “Disney Movie Magic” Projection Show: This new projection show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms the park’s iconic Chinese Theater with special lighting and state-of-the-art projection mapping technology to put you right in the middle of a high-energy celebration of films from the Disney family of studios. There will be dozens of movies highlighted, from Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” to contemporary blockbusters such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” the Indiana Jones adventures and this summer’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

It’s not too late to plan your vacation for summer 2017 at Disney World! Contact us today!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Celebrate Father’s Day 2017 at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

With Father’s Day right around the corner, many guests are looking for special ways to treat dad. Check out this list of ways to treat Dad for Father’s Day 2017 at Disney Springs – including experiences beginning before June 18.

Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs is kicking off the celebration early and offering a Style My Coke Father’s Day Bottle for visiting guests. This one-of-a-kind gift will only be available during the week of June 11.

Vintage Amphicar Tour Water Taxi Tours at The BOATHOUSE is offering the chance to treat your father to a memory of a lifetime when you book a captain-guided tour of Lake Buena Vista aboard a vintage Amphicar. To celebrate Father’s Day, you’ll receive $25 off the price of a tour and a free family photo when you purchase an experience from June 16 through June 19.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Looking to treat dad to a nice meal on Father’s Day? Father’s Day reservations are limited; call 407-WDW-DINE to book a table or to check availability for other dates in June.

STK Orlando – On June 18th, STK Orlando is featuring a special menu featuring a 70-day Dry Aged Prime New York Strip with House Tater Tots, scallions, and bourbon-peppercorn sauce. You can also enjoy the New York Strip menu topped with a Lake Meadow Farm Egg for brunch. On Father’s Day, dads receive one complimentary POP-sicle (Bourbon in a champagne glass with an orange bitters ice cube) in addition to a special takeaway gift.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Paddlefish – Also on June 18th, you can share a special surf & turf meal with dad. The meal features a 20-ounce Porterhouse, jumbo gulf shrimp, and a double stuffed potato paired with a glass of cabernet sauvignon, and red velvet cake for dessert.

Senses – A Disney Spa Activation at Marketplace Co-Op – From June 16-18, bring dad by for massages and facials from noon-9 p.m. Prices start at $20 and includes a complimentary brew at the bar inside Twenty Eight & Main at Marketplace Co-Op (Additional beverages sold separately. Spa Appointments made on a first-come, first-served basis.)

There are also limited-time offers especially for Father’s Day you don’t want to miss.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Sprinkles – Beginning June 11 through June 18, you can say “thank you” with the Sprinkles DAD box! Salty Caramel, Red Velvet, Black and White, Vanilla Milk Chocolate. The cupcakes have Sprinkles stars and DAD sugar decorations.

Tommy Bahama – To celebrate Father’s Day, for every $175 you spend from now through June 18, 2017, you’ll receive a $50 Award* to use on any purchase in our stores, or purchase of $100 or more in our restaurants or at tommybahama.com. *Your $50 Flip Side Award is good on purchases made between June 19 – July 16, 2017.

United World Soccer – On June 17 and June 18, you’ll receive 20% off an adult/youth full-priced Jersey bundle for Father’s Day. Discount applies to the customization add-on as well.

UGG – For Father’s Day week at UGG, you can receive a free leather money clip with any purchase of men’s product beginning on June 11 – June 18.

Sublime Gifts & Finds – Enjoy 15% off all “Dad Books” by Compendium Publishers from June 11 through June 18. Give your Dad a gift of the stories you share, written in your own words. When you’re finished, the book will be a keepsake.

Johnston & Murphy – If you buy one pair of pants or shirt for Dad, you’ll receive half off the 2nd item now through Father’s Day – June 18.

Columbia – Now through June 18, you’ll receive 25% off “almost everything” in the store to celebrate Father’s Day.

The Ganachery – Now through Father’s Day, you can enjoy a pairing of chipotle ganache and Knob Creek bourbon at a discounted price.

Disney’s Days of Christmas/The Art of Disney/Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories – You can find great gifts to personalize for Father’s Day 2017, included wood and metal frame engraving, personalized ornaments, and father/son themed sketches.

Here is the summary of all of the promotions and experiences available for Father’s Day 2017 at Disney Springs:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

See The Shining at Halloween Horror Nights 27 at Universal Orlando Resort

See The Shining at Halloween Horror Nights 27 at Universal Orlando Resort

(Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

See The Shining at Halloween Horror Nights 27 at Universal Orlando Resort

When bringing iconic horror films to life at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, a common question we find ourselves asking is, “How the heck are we going to turn this movie into a haunted house?” But, hey—we’re always up for a challenge. This year is no different. Universal Orlando Resort bringing The Shining to Halloween Horror Nights 27.

There are so many intense and creepy moments packed in the whole film. So we held hands, took a deep breath, and entered the Overlook Hotel.

I just finished looking at some of the house designs and am thrilled by the story we’re telling. It will be the warped psychological thriller you know and love with our own Halloween Horror Nights twist.

We cast the Overlook Hotel as the aggressor and view it as if you have the “shining.” Our goal is to have you constantly doing a double take and give you that, “Did I just see that?” feeling.

After watching this movie for the first time I remember saying, “I would never go into room 237.” So, of course, that’s where we’re going to take you: all the places you shouldn’t go.

You’ll come face-to-face with the murderous, ghostly entities around every corner. And of course, the best part will be trying to escape the sharpened edge of an axe.

I can’t wait for you all to see what’s in store for you with The Shining at Halloween Horror Nights 27. You won’t want to miss it, so make sure to grab your tickets and book your Halloween Horror Nights vacation package now.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Meet Minions at Universal Orlando Resort with Gru and His Brother, Dru

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Meet Minions at Universal Orlando Resort along with Gru and His Brother, Dru

Meet the cast of the new summer blockbuster, Despicable Me 3, in Universal Studios Florida. From now through Aug. 19, you’ll be able to meet Gru, his twin brother Dru, and of course, his Minions.

First, meet the Minions that are trading in their denim for stripes at the Jail Minion Tattoo Parlor near the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction. Here you’ll be able to snap photos with the new Jail Minions from the movie and receive your very own temporary Minion tattoo.

Meet and Greet times are below. *Subject to change.

  • 9:20 AM
  • 10:20 AM
  • 11:20 AM
  • 1:20 PM
  • 2:20 PM
  • 3:20 PM

Next, head over to the KidZone area for a chance to meet Gru, Dru, new Tourist Minions, and Mel. You can take pictures with your favorite new friends, and dance along to the groovy soundtrack from the movie.The Tourist Minions even joined us in celebrating the opening of our new water theme park Universal’s Volcano Bay!

The Tourist Minions even joined us in celebrating the opening of our new water theme park Universal’s Volcano Bay!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Meet and greet times are below. *Subject to change.

  • 11:50 AM
  • 12:50 PM
  • 1:50 PM
  • 2:50 PM
  • 4:25 PM
  • 5:40 PM

You can even share your photos with the Despicable Me 3 characters on social media using #UniversalMoments.

Do you already have a favorite character? Be on the lookout for all-new merchandise from Despicable Me 3, and take home memorabilia of your favorite characters.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Merchandise is available at the Universal Studios Store and the Super Silly Stuff store in Universal Studios, as well as the Trading Company in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the Despicable Me 3 weekend takeover at Universal CityWalk from June 30 – July 2. The Minions are taking over the lagoon stage and turning all-things yellow. Join us for a dance party and bust out your best moves. It will be bananas!

And, be sure to check out what exciting new adventures await Gru and his Minions in this very fun, new animated film. Despicable Me 3, hitting theaters June 30.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.