Category Archives: Florida

New Details Shared for the Disney Skyliner Transportation System

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Earlier this year, we shared the news the Disney Skyliner transportation system will give our resort guests an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Today, we have a new details on what you can expect from the Disney Skyliner system.

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’ figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

Stay tuned for future updates, including an opening date on this incredible new guest option.

(Thanks 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. 

Learn About Dinosaurs at Universal Orlando’s Jurassic Park Discovery Center

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

What was life like as a dinosaur? If you could be a dinosaur, which would you be? Have you ever tested your dinosaur knowledge? All these questions and more can be answered with a trip to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center in Universal’s Islands of Adventure!

Located right next to the Raptor Encounter in Jurassic Park, the Jurassic Park Discovery Center is an interactive play space and educational exhibit where dinosaurs co-exist with humans. Here is a sneak peek at what you can find in the Discovery Center:

1. Fossils

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

When you first walk through the doors of the Discovery Center, your eye is automatically drawn to the skeletons in the middle of the building. The life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex and Alamosaurus fossils were actual props used in the Jurassic Park films. They are pretty photogenic, if I do say so myself.

 

2. Discovering Dinosaurs

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

This area features two unique learning stations. The first are the Rock Wall Scanners. Use the scanners to view which dinosaur fossils lay in the rock and to reveal hidden secrets. You never know what you might find! The next is Drawersaurs, where drawers and dinosaurs meet to showcase informational facts about our prehistoric friends.

 

3. DNA Sequencing

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Join Mr. DNA as he walks you through the steps to fuse your DNA with a dinosaur’s DNA. Create a one-of-a-kind hybrid human/dinosaur by scanning your brain and hand. I tried it out for myself, and Mr. DNA suggested that I would be a herbivore. How’d he know I love a good salad?!

 

4. Nursery

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Stroll on over to the nursery to test and scan dinosaur eggs. If you’re lucky, you might even get to witness one hatch. There is usually a new hatchling ready to make its way into the world twice an hour. When I visited a baby Velociraptor hatched! The paleo-biologist even selected an audience member to name the newest dino. Her name is Barbara and she is as cute as can be.

 

5. You Bet Jurassic

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Compete against your closest friends to test your dinosaur knowledge in a trivia game show. Do you know how much food Alice the Apatosaurus eats each day? 450 pounds…I didn’t get that one right.

 

6. Beasaur

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Experience exactly how dinosaurs view, hear, and speak when you step into these dino-vision goggles. If you move your head around a little while wearing the goggles, the dinosaur mimics your movement. Try not to scare your fellow dinosaur friends too much!

 

7. Bonus!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Throughout the day, a scientist will bring out a rolling cart with dinosaur fossils and props from the Jurassic Park films. These hands-on items all have different stories and backgrounds. I learned about amber and how the movie producers created fake amber (red rock in photo above) for the film because it’s much prettier to look at than real amber (small black rocks to the left of red rock).

I told you there was a lot to do, but there’s nothing like seeing it all for yourself. Stop by next time you’re in the area or need a great place to cool off.

Bonus: You might notice that the building resembles the “Welcome Center” from the film.

Have you been to the Jurassic Park Discovery Center? What was your favorite part? Tell me in the comments below.

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. 

New Details for the Enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New Details for the Enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Earlier this year, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World began some extensive construction projects and now Disney has released some new colorful details about those enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach which are scheduled to debut late this summer!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined as the port of entry where guests will check in before embarking on their island vacation. This centralized location will offer resort guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining, including an all-new Centertown Market for casual eats, an all-new Shutters restaurant offering waterfront dining adjacent to the new Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge, and Calypso Trading Post for shopping.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Centertown Market will be expanded and enclosed, creating a quick-service restaurant with an indoor street market vibe. Guests will enter the space under a large palapa-like structure, accented with glowing colored light pendants made from glass bottles. The market will feature open shutters, wooden light posts, awnings, ornamentation and unique seating areas. Guests will also have access to the Grab n’ Go market for a specialty coffee and quick bites.

Shutters, a Caribbean-inspired table-service restaurant, will be located on the waterfront of Old Port Royale, transporting guests to a beachfront home in the tropical islands. Large open shutters will allow the sun to cast a warm light into the space adorned with handmade items that appear as they’ve been found on the islands. Leaves and floral design motifs will fill the space, celebrating the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

A festive poolside bar, Banana Cabana will be a great place to gather for food and drinks, immersing guests into the fun and relaxation of island life. Cabana-style drapes will flank seating areas and re-purposed steel drums will illuminate a central communal table made from a wooden boat.

Forget something? No worries! With its history of being the port’s import and export facility, Calypso Trading Post will offer shoppers Disney merchandise and other vacation essentials.

What changes at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are you most excited about?

Stay tuned for more details on these enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort!

(Thanks 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. 

2018 Garden Rocks Concert Series at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The 2018 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will feature 17 favorite artists whose hits span more than five decades during the 2018 Garden Rocks concert series.

2018 will be the 25th event year and the Garden Rocks series features singers and groups from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s with hit-makers in a variety of genres including rock, pop, country, R&B and dance.

There will be brand new acts such as country favorites Lonestar, British rock legends Foghat; and Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles – along with returning treasures disco pioneers Village People and ‘80s supergroups like Night Ranger.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There will also be a couple of artists that have played other Epcot festivals like Survivor, Smash Mouth and Rick Springfield, who will be new to Garden Rocks this year.

Here is this year’s lineup for the 2018 Garden Rocks concert series (subject to change without notice):

  • March 2-5: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
  • March 9-12: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • March 16-19: Simple Plan “Welcome to My Life”
  • March 23-26: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
  • March 30-April 2: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
  • April 6-7: Foghat (NEW!) “Slow Ride”
  • April 8-9: Survivor (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Eye of the Tiger”
  • April 13-14: Smash Mouth (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “All Star”
  • April 15-16: Rick Springfield (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Jessie’s Girl”
  • April 20-21: Jo Dee Messina (NEW to Garden Rocks!) “Stand by Me”
  • April 22-23: Lonestar (NEW!) “Amazed”
  • April 27-30: Blood, Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
  • May 4-7: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
  • May 11-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
  • May 13-14: Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles (NEW!) “Hotel California”
  • May 18-21: The Guess Who “American Woman”
  • May 25-28: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”

2018 Garden Rocks performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission.

For more information on the Festival, check out EpcotInSpring.com. Keep checking back here for more information on the Garden Rocks Dining Packages which will be coming soon, too!

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. 

Treat Yourself to the Free Summer 2018 Meal Offer at Disney World

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We’ve cooked up a sweet surprise!

Enjoy a FREE meal at a Quick-Service location, per person ages 3 and up, per night when you buy a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Walt Disney Travel Company room & ticket package at a select Disney Value Resort.
For arrivals most nights 5/29–8/25/18. Book through 2/11/18.

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. First use must occur on or before 12/31/18. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Offer excludes campsites and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort––The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms. Everyone in the room must be on the same package.
Each Quick-Service meal includes one entrée and one nonalcoholic beverage (or, if age 21 or over, one beer, wine or cocktail). Children ages 3–9 must order from the children’s menu, if available.Walt Disney Travel Company CST# 1022229-50 ©Disney WDWRST-18-62450

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. 

Top Four Reasons to Plan a 2018 Universal Orlando Resort Vacation

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

With an amazing 2017 behind us—did someone say Universal’s Volcano Bay AND Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon AND an entirely new Holidays?—there’s no slowing down in 2018. From grand openings to upcoming announcements, here’s a quick look ahead at what you can expect for a 2018 Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged

Opening: Spring

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

The latest installment of the Fast & Furious franchise isn’t in your local cinemas or streaming on your favorite device. It’s a big, bold ride—and it’s right here at Universal Studios Florida. Jump in alongside your favorite Fast characters in a crazy chase scene that feels like it’s right out of the movies. The attraction is also filled with cars and props from the movies, perfect for that selfie on your IG.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Opening: August

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

If you’re looking for modern, sleek and perfectly-priced accommodations while you’re here, look no further. Our sixth hotel welcomes you this August. You can already book a room and start dreaming about the views out your floor-to-ceiling windows, the sparkling pool and our first rooftop bar.

Perched 17 stories up in the air, you’ll enjoy striking, panoramic views of all three theme parks. You’ll be able to look out over the iconic Hogwarts Castle, the twists and turns of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, and the tropical oasis of Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Special Events

Beyond the rides and shows, your favorite events will be back this year! A Celebration of Harry Potter and Mardi Gras are just around the corner, but here are a couple more to look forward to.

Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Opening: September, with select nights through October

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

The world’s premier Halloween event will return for it’s 28th straight year at Universal Orlando. When this event ends, guests always wonder, “How will Universal top this next year? There’s no way.” But then those demented geniuses go off and do it. Can’t wait to see the terrifying houses, scarezones and shows they scare up for us.

Holidays

Opening: Mid-November

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

2017 brought all-new décor, live shows and an incredible music and lighting spectacle on Hogwarts Castle with Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It also included an all-new Universal Holidays Parade Featuring Macy’s with entirely new balloons and floats. And all that’s on top of the fun of Grinchmas, Mannheim Steamroller performances and holiday cheer all around.

Well, it’s all coming back again this year for more holiday merriment and mischief. Consider your holiday travel plans booked. 

Crystal Ball Gazing

Even though Universal hasn’t given us too many details for the other exciting plans coming in 2018 and beyond, here’s a quick recap of what we do still have to look forward to!

  • The previously-announced ride replacing Dragon Challenge in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
  • An additional projection mapping experience at Hogwarts castle
  • Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular being replaced
  • Something new going in where Terminator 2: 3D was
  • A new venue coming to Universal CityWalk where Element was
  • Universal’s expanding hotel collection
  • The continued global expansion of Universal’s partnership with Nintendo

Whew! There’s a lot to look forward to during a 2018 Universal Orlando Resort vacation, that’s for sure.

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. 

18 Reasons to Book a 2018 Disney World Vacation

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

With a new whimsical land set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, plus the return of some amazing annual festivals and a multitude of new dining locations, 2018 will be an exciting year at Walt Disney World Resort.

If you’re considering planning a 2018 Disney World vacation, be sure to check out these 18 reasons why the new year should be the year for your Disney vacation!

1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi-Inspired Additions Are On Display At Star Wars Launch Bay – New props and models from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were recently put on display to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

2. Experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Hyper-Reality Experience by ILMxLAB and The VOID – This newly opened experience is guaranteed to be a hit for Star Wars fans in 2018. Located in Disney Springs, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe, allowing them to walk freely and untethered throughout a multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

3. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Now Offers Two New Destinations – This attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios now takes passengers to two exciting new destinations: Crait, the site of an epic battle in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Batuu, the remote outpost guests will discover when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at the park in 2019.

4. 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Celebration Begins January 3 – The Walt Disney World Marathon will mark its 25th anniversary this year. The race weekend will “run” from Jan. 3-7, and include a 5K, 10K, half-and-full marathon.

5. Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts Expands To Run January 12-February 19 – Epcot’s art festival returns for a second year, with this year’s event offering seminars, workshops classes on drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries. Guests can also enjoy world-class cuisine at the food studios, or enjoy a Disney on Broadway series performance.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

6. Disney After Hours Event Nights Return to Magic Kingdom Park January-March – Disney After Hours event nights will return to Magic Kingdom Park on January 19, 26, and 30, February 8 and 15, March 1 and 8. Experience an event that takes place after the park closes and is only open to a limited number of guests (which means much shorter lines) at 25 attractions and experiences.

7. Disney Springs Will Welcome Eight New Dining Locations – A total of eight exciting new F&B locations are set to make their grand debuts at Disney Springs in 2018. The Edison, along with Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are scheduled to open early in 2018, while Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are set to debut later on in the year.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

8. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary – This year’s festival will run from February 28-May 28. The 90-day event brings with it a multitude of Disney character topiaries, tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, new kids’ activities, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and much more.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates It’s 20th Anniversary – Walt Disney World’s theme park dedicated to celebrating life in the animal kingdom will mark a milestone 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, this year.

10. An “UP”-Inspired Show Will Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Spring – A new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s film “UP” will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village. Stay tuned for more on this new experience.

11. Celebrate The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Disney Springs – Raglan Road is the place to be for St. Patty’s Day, this March 17. The annual event features live music and Irish dance performances, plus plenty of great food.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

12. Toy Story Land Opens in Summer 2018 – The highly anticipated expansion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut to guests this summer, and with it, two new attractions: Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. Guests can already catch a glimpse of what’s in store inside the park’s Walt Disney Presents attraction, where they can view the model and some attraction vehicle maquettes.

13. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Enhancements Will Debut This Summer – Several areas of this resort are currently undergoing enhancements, including a transformation for the resort’s existing lobby, an expansion of Centertown Market, and the addition of a new Caribbean-inspired restaurant and pool bar.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

14. Get Into The Halloween Spirit At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – This event is a must-do for guests visiting in the fall. Get ready to collect candy, dress in costumes, and enjoy Halloween entertainment like only Disney can create. Highlights of this special-ticket party include “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks, the “Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” and more.

15. Fall Will Be Unforgettable With The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Plan for a fantastic fall with the return of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The 2018 event will feature many guest favorites – including global marketplaces, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, guest chef appearances, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and so much more.

Toy soldiers parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom during “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” The festive processional is one of the happy highlights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a night of holiday splendor with lively stage shows, a unique holiday parade, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season nighttime fireworks, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. The special-ticket event takes place on select nights in November and December in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

16. Holiday Favorite Events Will Return – There are so many wonderful things to see and do during the most wonderful time of the year! With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, the Flurry of Fun celebration Disney’s Hollywood Studios, holiday shopping and entertainment at Disney Springs, and more, the holiday fun is never ending.

17. ESPN Wide World of Sports Will Expand – ESPN Wide World of Sports will open a new multi-use sports and entertainment venue in 2018. It will seat more than 8,000 guests and have the ability to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or concert configurations. For cheer and dance events, it will accommodate performance and warm-up space and include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas can be tailored for warm-up and practice, along with areas for judges and officials. There will be concessions throughout the building, and additional box office and entry to the complex.

18. Look For More Updates on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019 – Slated to open in 2019, this entire land will allow guests to visit a remote trading port on the edge of wild space, where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life – and where guests will find themselves in the middle of the action. The lands will feature two major attractions that put guests in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Each attraction – and even the land itself – will offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe like never before.

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. 

Universal Orlando’s Youth Programs Teach Students About Exciting Careers

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Universal Orlando Resort offers more than just the thrill of leisure entertainment. We offer a broad range of adrenaline pumping, educational programs that make a trip to the zoo look like a trip to the sandbox.

In today’s educational landscape, educators compete with the latest technology for their students’ attention spans. Why compete when you can show them that their everyday passions can be transformed into career paths? Universal Orlando’s Youth Programs focus on career readiness and preparing kids for the future in a way that genuinely excites them.

Use your cursor to slide images back and forth to reveal how Universal Orlando’s Youth Programs prepare the students in your life to take their passions to the next level.

Today’s Dreamer, Tomorrow’s Problem Solvers

Your Classroom in Motion: A Steam App Series allows groups to access different educational apps on tablets, guiding them through hands on learning experiences throughout the parks. From Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Science to Jurassic Paleobotany there is a STEAM driven program for all age levels and subject matter.

After a program like this, the next time students sit down for another physics assignment they may start daydreaming about how each problem gets them one step closer to designing roller coasters.

Practicing Prodigies to Movie Maestros

Sound Design: Music and the Art of Foley Workshop breaks down multiple aspects of what it takes to bring film to life. Students record an original underscore to popular films like Despicable Me or The Lorax. They create sound effects, record voice overs, and perform musical compositions crafted by Robert W. Smith with their instruments, choral voices, or even both!

Backpack to Briefcase

Group projects just got an upgrade. With Business Learning Series, students not only learn business principles that investment mogul Marcus Lemonis uses on his CNBC show The Profit, but they also conduct in-park field research, collaborating with their peers to identify business processes in the real world. At the conclusion of the program, they will have a keen sense of best business practices.

Selfie Producers to Global Producers

For today’s students, taking a selfie has become an art form. While a selfie may not seem like much, an interest in language arts, or screenwriting often starts with curiosity and a camera lens.

In Storytelling: It Starts with a Hero, students take a trip to Full Sail University where they are emerged in a world of film, photography, and set production. By the time they arrive to the parks, they are ready to hit the streets of our parks to create and capture stories of their own.

Center Stage Always

Some of us never grow out of playing dress up—instead we grow up to become amazing entertainers. With the STARS Performance Program, an otherwise routine stage performance becomes a production on display in front of an international audience. This shows students that the sky truly is the limit from here.

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. 

Five Tips for Planning Your Spring Break at Universal Orlando Resort

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

It’s hard to think about it when we haven’t even reached the holidays yet, but Spring Break is fast approaching. It’ll be here in all its sun-drenched glory before you know it. And after you’ve worked hard all winter, you know you’re going to be ready to play hard during your spring break at Universal Orlando Resort.

So when you’re ready to start planning the best Spring Break at Universal Orlando Resort ever, here’s a quick guide to help you along.

Step 1: Stay on Property for All the Perks of a Trip Around the World

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

One of my favorite things about staying on-site at Universal Orlando is that in addition to having a fun vacation at the parks, you can have a totally different travel experience based on which hotel you choose. Fancy some gelato and a stroll down a cobblestone street in Italy? Perhaps a hula in Hawaii? You can even time travel back to the 50s and 60s… but how?

Universal Orlando has a variety of on-site hotels with unique themes. So you can have the ultimate Spring Break in the parks while enjoying a Caribbean beach vacation at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, an Instagrammable Euro-trip at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or a rock-and-roll fantasy at Hard Rock Hotel.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort all offer free Universal Express Unlimited passes for every guest on the reservation, which gets you to the front of the line quicker.

When you stay at any Universal Orlando hotel, you get free transportation to and from the parks. You can travel to Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure on a leisurely boat ride or a quick bus ride to the heart of the action in Universal CityWalk. For guests staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you can utilize the convenient walking paths to Universal’s Volcano Bay.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Plus, on-site resort guests get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Universal’s Volcano Bay, which gets you into the park one hour before it opens – a perk I just can’t live without.

PRO TIP: It wouldn’t be a successful Spring Break in Florida if you went back home without a little tan! When you stay on-site, you have access to every pool on property. I like to take advantage of Early Park Admission and hang out in the parks until about lunchtime, then I pool-hop in the afternoon. Poolside drinks and snacks revive me until I am ready to head back into the parks for an evening of fun.

Step 2: Get the App

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Sunscreen and comfy shoes are a must during Spring Break, so don’t forget to pack them! Another must? The free Official Universal Orlando Resort App. It’s the single best way to plan your visit, both before you arrive and once you get to the resort. It keeps you updated on wait times, show times, restaurant options, maps and more.

You can also set up alerts to notify you when wait times change, so you spend more time experiencing the attractions, and less time making decisions about where to go next.

Step 3: Stay Cool

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

They don’t call Florida the Sunshine State for nothing! Be sure to schedule time to beat the infamous heat. A day at Volcano Bay is my favorite way to stay cool. Water rides, an epic wave pool and private cabanas you can reserve are open for the first Spring Break in Volcano Bay history. And call me crazy, but I think the combination of sandy beach, erupting volcano and thrilling Krakatau Aqua Coaster are way better than a boring old beach vacation.

You can stay cool at the “dry” parks, too! Check out Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Fallsand Jurassic Park River Adventure for a cold splash at Islands of Adventure; or cool off at Curious George Goes to Town in Universal Studios.

PRO TIP: There are so many things to see and do, you might just forget to stay hydrated and make sure to reapply sunscreen every so often. Take care of yourself out there!

Step 4: Let the Good Times Roll – It’s Mardi Gras!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Universal’s Mardi Gras is in full swing during Spring Break, so you can devour beignets, catch beads from colorful floats and dance in the streets to live music. It’s fun for the whole family! Not only is Universal’s Mardi Gras a great incentive to visit during the spring, it’s also included in the price of admission. Check out the stellar concert lineup, because you never know if your favorite band will be playing during your visit.

Step 5: Take Advantage of the Splash, Stay And Play Vacation Package

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Want to save an extra $75 for some spending cash during your break? The Splash, Stay and Play Vacation Package does just that on stays in March and April. You can visit all three theme parks, pick the hotel you want, take advantage of Early Park Admission and enjoy live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk. Choose what works best for your family and get the most out of your week.

There’s so much you can do at Universal Orlando during your Spring Break. Now that you’ve got the first few steps in hand, start dreaming of that warm weather and plan your spring vacation with us 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. 

Stop by the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs for Virtual Backgrounds

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Disney PhotoPass Studio located in the Disney Springs Marketplace is a favorite among princesses and knights who have visited Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but you don’t have to be on your way to the ball to have your photo taken here!

You can take a classic – or goofy – family or individual portrait on one of our standard backdrops.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re looking for a slightly more specialized photo experience, this studio also offers those of all ages the opportunity to pose in front of virtual backdrops using a green-screen technique.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here are just a few of the numerous virtual backdrop themes currently available: “Aladdin;” “Beauty and the Beast;” “Brave;” “Cars;” “Cinderella;” “Elena of Avalor;” “Inside Out;” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates;” “The Lion Guard;” “The Little Mermaid;” “Mickey and the Roadster Racers;” “Moana;” “Monsters, Inc.;” “Mulan;” “Peter Pan;” “Pirates of the Caribbean;” “The Princess and the Frog;” “Sleeping Beauty;” “Snow White;” Star Wars; “Tangled;” “Toy Story” and more!

So smile and say cheese, arrr, Agrabah, McQueen or Mickey – the choices are endless! Your photographer will make sure you have the best backdrop for your photo.

These photos can be linked to your My Disney Experience account and downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement or purchased individually.

If you’re looking for an even more customized offering that allows your little princess to step right into a classic Disney story, be sure to ask a photographer at the studio about a Personalized Storybook!

No reservations are needed to visit the studio, so stop by for your photo shoot whenever it fits into your day at Disney Springs!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(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.