Category Archives: Orlando

Enter to Win a Trip to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

Win a Trip to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort for Four!

How would you like to win a trip to paradise at the all-new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. Now is your chance! From now until Sept. 16, you can enter to win a 3-day, 3-night trip for four in the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort “Message in a Bottle Sweepstakes”. Here’s what you need to do to enter.

First step is to click through to the “Message in a Bottle Sweepstakes” page and fill out the required information. Next step is to write your message to your friends and family and share on either your Facebook page or Twitter, telling them why you want to stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. You can write one message per day to increase your chances of winning the grand prize or up to 100 other prizes.

The grand prize winner will be chosen on Sept. 19, and will receive airfare, a 3-night hotel stay, as well as 3-day park-to-park tickets to Universal Orlando Resort and a $150 meal voucher to use at any on-site restaurant for the winner and three guests for the duration of your trip.

The 100 other prize winners will also be chosen Sept. 19 and include:

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort towel and towel stakes
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort thermal bottle
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort insulated beverage tumbler
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort utility bag

We look forward to seeing your messages and welcoming you to paradise!

See complete details and enter today.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Purchase or payment will not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 am ET on 8/26/16 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 9/16/16. Open only to legal residents of 50 US & DC (“Eligibility Area”) 21 or older. Limit 1 entry per person/email/household/day. Subject to Official Rules. See Official Rules for complete details. Void outside Eligibility Area and where prohibited. Sponsor: Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. d/b/a Universal Orlando Resort, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819.

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.

Performance Schedule for Rock the Universe 2016 at Universal Orlando

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Performance Schedule for Rock the Universe 2016 at Universal Orlando

Get ready to rock, ride and rejoice THIS WEEKEND at Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Florida! This is one of my favorite annual events at Universal Orlando Resort. For years, I’ve attended the event with my family or my church, and it really is a weekend to remember.

While enjoying some of the incredible attractions at Universal Studios, you’re able to experience performances by some of the hottest names in Christian music each night. You’ll get a weekend filled with faith & worship, music and theme park thrills!

And as a friendly reminder, here’s the talent line-up for this weekend.

Sometimes showtimes change, so check your park map when you get here for the latest information.

Friday, September 9

Skillet — 11:00 p.m.
Matt Maher — 10:00 p.m.
Jeremy Camp — 9:15 p.m.
Rend Collective — 7:45 p.m.
KB — 6:15 p.m.
Lauren Daigle — 8:15 p.m.
Finding Favour — 6:45 p.m.
DJ Promote — 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 10

Lecrae — 10:45 p.m.
Colton Dixon — 10:15 p.m.
TobyMac — 9:15 p.m.
Family Force 5 — 7:30 p.m.
Andy Mineo — 6:00 p.m.
NF — 8:30 p.m.
I Am They — 7:00 p.m.
DJ Promote — 9:15 p.m.

Plus, check out the Coca-Cola FanZone for even more live music, autograph sessions and more.

And if you want to attend the Sunday Morning Worship Service, make sure to register in advance. It’s free with your Rock the Universe ticket, but you must make reservations.

Tickets for Rock the Universe 2016 are still available, so grab your tickets now and get ready to rock. I’ll see you there!

Experience Immersive Paranormal Virtual Reality at Halloween Horror Nights 26

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You will have the opportunity to experience a cutting-edge, terrifying virtual reality at Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando Resort. “The Repository” seamlessly blends custom virtual reality technology with immersive real-life storytelling bringing guests into the next dimension of horror experiences.

Throughout this heart-pounding, psychological journey, guests’ most personal and intimate fears will be tested as they encounter real-life characters in highly themed physical environments, while working together in teams of four to uncover a paranormal mystery told through the use of the cutting-edge technology.

All of this is set in a centuries old warehouse where paranormal and supernatural artifacts have been collected and stored for hundreds of years. Recently though, the secretive organization behind this practice has installed state-of-the-art technology that allows spectral transportation into paranormal realms.

Until now, the supernatural has infiltrated our world on occasions labeled “hauntings.” Now, and for the first time ever, you will be sent across the SDP (spectral dark portal) directly into those terrifying environments.

“The Repository” can be purchased as an upgrade from your Halloween Horror Nights admission for $49.99 plus tax, per person. It will be available to guests during all Halloween Horror Nights events, beginning September 29 and running through October 31.

Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can purchase tickets beginning August 16. Tickets for the general public will be on sale beginning August 23. Halloween Horror Nights admission is required.

Get ready for The Repository, a paranormal virtual reality at Halloween Horror Nights, because the door will soon be open to a mind-blowing paranormal experience like no other.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios 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.

American Horror Story: The Last House for Halloween Horror Nights 26

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American Horror Story: The Last House for Halloween Horror Nights 26

It’s pretty impressive what Universal has been able to assemble for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has finally revealed the last house for Halloween Horror Nights 26 – FX’s American Horror Story. This all-new house will feature Season 1: Murder House, Season 4: Freak Show, and Season 5: Hotel.

Since this fantastic series began, Universal has been watching and calculating how – if ever given the chance – they would translate it into a haunted experience. The most engaging aspect of American Horror Story is the fact that every season is a completely new storyline, with brand new environments and characters, not unlike Halloween Horror Nights.

First, Universal needed to decide how to capture all of that content into a single house. The uber-maze or larger template Universal has adopted, most recently with their popular 25th Anniversary maze last year, was the most ideal format.

You’ll be confronted by the horrors that reside within the walls of the newly bought Harmon residence and evade the abominations that call its basement home.

You’ll witness the atrocities that befell many of the unfortunate souls of a roadside Freak Show and encounter Twisty, a maniacal and deformed clown performer.

Lastly, you will check into the Hotel Cortez and unlock the domain of The Countess, as she ensures your stay is anything but pleasant.

These three seasons will be vividly recreated in every detail – environments characters and moments. Universal has even worked extremely close with the series creator, Ryan Murphy and 20th Century Fox, to insure it captures the series in every way possible.

This reveal rounds out the most eclectic slate of brands we’ve ever had. Combined with Universal’s original content houses, scare zone, and show slate, Halloween Horror Nights 26 is looking to be one for the books.

You won’t want to miss this year’s event so make sure to book your Universal Orlando vacation and grab your tickets now!

Chance Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

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Chance Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

Halloween Horror Nights 25 was a monumental success. The designers quickly realized that they had a unique opportunity to elevate someone from “deadly sidekick” into “event icon”—Chance!

Who better to take Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights by the throat than someone who has been influenced by Jack, learned from him? But someone who brings with her a new environment and tone to the event.

Halloween Horror Nights 26 literally takes place where we left off. The aftermath of the carnage is still fresh and Chance finds herself incarcerated for the crimes of last year. With the “Jack in the Box” on an evidence shelf somewhere waiting for someone to turn the crank once more, Chance bides her time within her cell.

But this is not a tragedy for her. This prison is a toy box. It’s within the confines of her cell that she enters her horrific “theatre of the mind”. She knows that the acts committed inside her mind will manifest in the real. Both equally deranged and gothically beautiful.

So, there are two very distinct states of mind for Chance—as well as two distinct looks. Terror itself, ripped in half… the shockingly real and the grotesquely imagined. This is an evolved Chance taking her rightful place atop Halloween Horror Nights.

How these worlds collide and the amazing nightmares that are brought forth as a result is what Halloween Horror Nights 26 is made of. Our amazing line-up of houses and scare zones—drawn from movies, TV shows, and original stories—all live within the confines of her terrifying theatre.

Chance-the-Clown-Halloween-Horror-Nights-HHN-26-3

As she stands center stage within a yellowed, flickering spotlight, I can see her with a coy and maniacal smirk stating simply…

“The Show Must Go On.”

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 29, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 29, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns: On select nights September 2 through October 31, Magic Kingdom park will host Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This slightly spooky event includes exclusive Halloween-themed parade, stage shows, fireworks, and character meet-n-greets. Kids of all ages come in their favorite costumes to trick-or-treat throughout the park while stopping only to ride their favorite ride. This special hard ticket event occurs on select nights in September and October from 7 pm to midnight.

Reminder! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed for Refurbishment: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for refurbishment until Nov. 18. If you are looking for roller coasters, visit the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland or Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.

Epcot

Reminder! Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Starts Soon: As summer winds down and fall is on the horizon, the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will soon get things sizzling. This year’s Festival, featuring over 30 global marketplaces, will extend to a record 62 days. That means there’s, even more, time for you to enjoy the amazing samplings and offerings that abound all through Epcot’s World Showcase and even into Future World. This event begins Sept 14th!

New! Innoventions Changes Coming Soon: Starting September 14th, The Sum of All Thrills and StormStruck will no longer be available at Innoventions. Sponsorship agreements with Raytheon and FLASH have reached an end. No official announcements on what will replace them have been made yet. Guests will still be able to enjoy Colortopia by Glidden in Innoventions.

New! Disney PhotoPass Captures Your Adventure on Frozen Ever After: Frozen Ever After, a new attraction featuring the wintery world of “Frozen“ in Epcot’s Norway pavilion now includes an on-ride photo opportunity so you can relive the magic of your adventure long after you’ve journeyed through Arendelle. To preview, purchase and download this attraction photo, you must be wearing a MagicBandduring your adventure. Your photo will be automatically associated to your My Disney Experience account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com or in the My Disney Experience mobile app alongside all of your vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! Club Villain Returns: On select nights September 2 through October 31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host Club Villain at Sunset Showcase.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Reminder! “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” Ends Next Week: “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” ends it’s limited engagement show on September 5. As fall season approaches, Disney’s Animal Kingdom park hours will fluctuate with the season but Kilimanjaro Safaris will continue to be available from park open to park close along with Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale and the awakening of the Tree of Life.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

Reminder! Limited Time Offer at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: As part of the Grand Opening Celebration this summer, Disney Springs is introducing a limited time offer at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Marketplace. Beginning Aug. 7, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Visa Card members, and Walt Disney World Resort Guests will receive a 10% discount at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for guests age 3-12. This discount is available only at the Disney Springs location and applies to all reservations through Sept. 5.

Merchandise Events

Epcot

August 26-29 – 12-7pm – Guests can check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representatives from noon to 7:00 p.m., each day at The Queen’s Table.

August 31-September 4 – Learn more about fragrances and cosmetics by Givenchy in the Plume et Palette shop at France Pavilion in World Showcase.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

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. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote.

Enjoy Magical Dining Month at Universal Orlando Resort

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Another one of the most magical times of the year is almost here: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. Get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure at some of our unique on-site hotels and Universal CityWalk restaurants.

From August 29 through October 2, you can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe dinner for only $33. I’d say that’s pretty magical!

The prix fixe dinners include your choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the Magical Dining Month menu at our participating restaurants.

Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Caribbean, Asian or American, we have the perfect date night restaurant for you.

Check out the list of participating restaurants at our destination:

Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Enjoy a relaxing evening with waterfront dining and delightful Caribbean dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

16-16740, Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort pre-open photo shoot. Food and drinks

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop and Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Embark on an exotic culinary journey through the Pacific Seas with bold flavors at both of these tropical restaurant destinations.

Bice Ristorante and Mama Della’s Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Indulge in authentic Italian dishes for an unforgettable meal the whole family will enjoy. Buon Appetito!

Advertising Resorts Shoot at Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort UOR PBH

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel

Get ready for a meal fit for a rock star with a menu that features the best in comfort food from juicy burgers to mouth-watering flat breads.

Advertising B-roll and National DRTV commercial shoot for Resorts at Hard Rock Hotel HRH at Universal Orlando Resort UOR

Emeril’s Orlando at Universal CityWalk

Craving the tastes of the Big Easy? Spend a night out at Emeril’s Orlando and enjoy Creole-based gourmet creations.

Straight from the bayous of Louisiana, this sophisticated, spirited culinary adventure is a cousin to Emeril’s of New Orleans, created by master chef Emeril Lagasse. Star of the hit “TV Food Network” program Emeril Live, Lagasse is one of Food & Wine Magazine’s top 25 chefs in the country and a James Beard Foundation award winner.

Best of all, a dollar from each Magical Dining Month meal will be donated to The Russell Home for Atypical Children. This local charity has been helping severely disabled children and adults for over 60 years.

So make your reservations now, support a worthy cause, and get ready for a magical month of dining across Universal Orlando Resort.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen Now Open For Preview

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The sweet sense of anticipation keeps building for the official grand opening of Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant later this fall. Starting this week, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is now open for preview.

The preview is a time for the new restaurant to offer a limited number of guests the opportunity to get a sneak peek at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium as Universal puts the finishing touches on the experience in preparation for its official opening. During this time, the restaurant will be open on a limited, unscheduled basis.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a 19th Century Steampunk-themed, 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 impressive menu features twists on classic steak, seafood and pasta entrees, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, incredible salads, all-day brunch and so much more. And, of course, the desserts are absolutely out-of-this-world.

If you have a chance to try some of the incredible sweet treats and unique savory fare at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium during Preview, let us know what you think!

Here are a few photos of the amazing dishes available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen:

Don’t Miss Krampus at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26

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Krampus at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26

This year, Universal Orlando Resort is bringing to life the terrifying Christmas legend Krampus at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26. Universal has collaborated closely with filmmaker Michael Dougherty, Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures to bring authenticity to each terrifying encounter.

The Engel home is decked out for the holidays and all of you are invited to join them. From the myriad of dark elves, gingerbread men wielding nail guns, and the engorged Jack-in-the-Box, to my favorite… the Teddy Bear, each room is full of its own horrifying moments pulled from the film.

You’ll not only try and dodge the invading dark elves around every corner, but will also have to keep your holiday spirits up, while sneaking past the looming presence of Krampus himself. Each encounter with Krampus holds its own unique perspective, as he gathers more souls for his sinister workshop.

The excitement for this property, and what it adds to this year’s event, is the same excitement as waiting to see what Santa has left under the tree. Mixing two cups of horror with humor, a tablespoon of trick, with a dash of treat, and you’ll receive the most gruesome holiday gift ever.

Remember, it’s better to give than receive… unless you’re Krampus. He only takes.

You won’t want to miss out on the horrifying cheer Krampus is bringing to Halloween Horror Nights. Purchase your Halloween Horror Nights 26 tickets or vacation package now and become a part of the legend this fall.

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 22, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 22, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Main Street Electrical Parade Ends: The Main Street Electrical Parade, Magic Kingdom Park’s long-running nighttime parade, will officially end its historic run at Walt Disney World Resort on October 9 and then head toDisneyland Resort for a limited-time encore engagement. There has not been an announcement regarding what will replace the Main Street Electrical Parade yet.

New! Princess Elena of Avalor Has Arrived: Princess Elena has arrived at Magic Kingdom Park! For a limited time, “Princess Elena Royal Welcome” will be presented several times daily on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. During the ceremony, Cinderella and Prince Charming introduce their special guest from Avalor. With great fanfare, Princess Elena arrives accompanied by a contingent of regal banner carriers and musicians.

Epcot

New! New Hands-On Experiences at the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: For the first time, the most delicious time of year at Walt Disney World has expanded into the resorts, with family-friendly experiences like Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll create dishes under the direction of a Disney chef. Budding culinary stars as young as nine-years-old can participate. In Festival Center workshops like Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! you can learn the secret of making sushi from celebrity Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Other classes include pasta making, wine pairing and crafting cocktails.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” Ends Sept 5: “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” ends it’s limited engagement show on September 5. As fall season approaches, Disney’s Animal Kingdom park hours will fluctuate with the season but Kilimanjaro Safaris will continue to be available from park open to park close along with Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale and the awakening of the Tree of Life.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Craft Cocktails Star at New AbracadaBar at Disney’s BoardWalk: The beverage menu at the new bar offers “Curious Cocktails,” “Worldly Wines” and “Baffling Beers.” The cozy space offers chickpea popcorn for noshing, but no food. Favorites include The Conjurita, a margarita with tequila, Cointreau, simple syrup and lime juice – and a little magic trick comes with the presentation. The Coney Negroni replaces the classic gin in the drink with bourbon. And for a kick, Pepper’s Ghost combines pineapple vodka and habanero lime. Non-alcoholic beverages include the Seashore Sweet, a nod to the former candy store that used to be in this location, made with lemonade and blue cotton candy. Here’s the cocktail menu to help you plan ahead:

Walt Disney World Resort – General

Reminder! Art in August at Disney Springs: “Art in August” kicked off Thursday, August 4, 2016, at Disney Springs Marketplace. With tents set up throughout the promenade, guests can expect to find Disney artists, handmade treasures including jewelry and stationery, and unique keepsakes. “Art in August” is a vibrant, open-air art stroll that celebrates the diversity of art, featuring a little something for everyone. In addition, Guests may participate in interactive demonstrations on the promenade such as chalk drawing and meet the artists behind the Disney magic. “Art in August” is another way Guests can enjoy Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration – an event that combines new venues, added entertainment and special retail promotions, all happening through Labor Day.

Merchandise Updates

New! Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party Merchandise: Commemorative Merchandise for Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party have been announced via the Disney Parks Blog. Guests attending this year’s parties will find shirts for adults and kids and even a special one for Annual Passholders. One of the most popular items are Disney pins. This year there will be limited edition and limited release pins. There’s also a limited release mystery pin set with character faces drawn in spider webs. There are also a number of items with the Sanderson Sisters logo celebrating the Villains Spelltacular show which is presented only at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events. A limited edition retail MagicBand with an edition size of 3,000 will be released at Emporium and Box Office Gifts on Main Street, U.S.A.

Merchandise Events

Epcot

August 12-14 & 26-29 – 12-7pm – Guests can check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representatives from noon to 7:00 p.m., each day at The Queen’s Table. We will be offering bottle painting and personalization on August 13-14, 27-28.

August 31-September 4 – Learn more about fragrances and cosmetics by Givenchy in the Plume et Palette shop at France Pavilion in World Showcase.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

Spreading Magic

Travel Agent Specializing in Family & Romance Travel

Category Archives: Orlando

Enter to Win a Trip to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

Performance Schedule for Rock the Universe 2016 at Universal Orlando

Experience Immersive Paranormal Virtual Reality at Halloween Horror Nights 26

American Horror Story: The Last House for Halloween Horror Nights 26

Chance Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 29, 2016

Enjoy Magical Dining Month at Universal Orlando Resort

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen Now Open For Preview

Don’t Miss Krampus at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 22, 2016