Category Archives: Florida

10 Unique Experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

As many of you know, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back in 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary. With seminars, workshops, and more planned, we wanted to highlight ten unique experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are many seminars and workshops from top Disney, local and nationally-renowned artists but here are a few you don’t want to miss:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Art of Topiaries – Our Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries you see here on the Disney Parks Blog. After this seminar, you’ll be inspired to create Disney sculptures at home to amaze your neighbors.

Watermelon Carving – You need to see this to believe it. A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at your next party. This seminar is hosted by the National Watermelon Promotion Board and will be something to talk about!

Magic with Water – The same Disney Photo Imaging team you read about here on the Disney Parks Blog will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You’ll also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.

Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators. Drop by this seminar and watch your drawings come to life!

Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make your own food photography shine.

Inspiring Floral – Over the years, the Disney Parks Blog has covered some of the amazing work created by Disney Floral Designers. This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.

Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold your oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths you can take with your new skill.

Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit your photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.

Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw your own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.

Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.

What sounds good to you? Let us know in the comments below.

And to book any of these experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, call 407-WDW-TOUR or 407-939-8687 or ask your travel agent for assistance.

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. 

Dine with Super Heroes at Universal’s New Marvel Character Dinner

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

With great power comes great responsibility… and hunger! If there’s one thing no hero or heroine should go without, it’s a delicious meal. As of Thursday, December 7, you can now enjoy a dinner buffet with your favorite heroes at the all-new Marvel Character Dinner. In case meeting these characters in person isn’t enough to ignite your excitement, you’ll also indulge in a menu created specifically for this new experience.

Located in Cafe 4 in Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, this dinner buffet will feature Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue. Each character comes to your table to sign autographs and take photos, so start practicing your superhero pose! And what better way to share this epic experience with your friends (bragging rights!) than with one digital photo from My Universal Photos – included in the experience.

Enjoy fresh salads like orzo and mozzarella and tomato. We’ll also be serving up roasted rosemary lemon chicken, shrimp scampi and chicken scallopini (just to name a few).

Penne Bolognese, stuffed jumbo shells and specialty pizzas are the perfect option for any superhero. And of course – we didn’t forget the desserts. A heroic portion of assorted desserts will end your meal on the sweetest of notes.

Marvel Character Dinner will be available Thursday – Sunday, from 5p.m. – 7p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling (407) 224-FOOD (3663). This experience is one that any Marvel fan will not want to miss.

Dinner isn’t the only meal you can enjoy with your favorite Universal Orlando characters. You can grab breakfast with our characters on select days at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel.

Grab your family and friends, bring your appetite and enjoy!

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 Fun Facts about Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Perhaps one of the lesser known characters at Walt Disney World Resort is Sonny Eclipse, Magic Kingdom Park’s resident lounge singer, at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

The “biggest little star in the galaxy” has been entertaining guests at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park since 1995. Guests can catch his 27-minute set of tunes – and wisecracks – multiple times a day while they dine.

Here are five fun facts about the one and only Sonny Eclipse:

1. Sonny’s instrument is an Astro-Organ – The “out-of-this world” instrument he uses for accompaniment is a glowing keyboard-like creation called an Astro-Organ.
2. His hometown is Yew Nork City on Planet Zork – Sonny describes his hometown as a “topsy-turvy town where the subways are up and the streets are down.”
3. Sonny’s repertoire features only original songs – Sonny’s set includes eight original songs, including “Planetary Boogie,” “Bright Little Star,” “Space Angels” “Gravity Blues” and more. The songs were co-created by Walt Disney Imagineering and composer George Wilkens, who had previously written and arranged music for the Food Rocks attraction at Epcot and the “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” pre-show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
4. Sonny loves jokes – Sonny incorporates many jokes into his act – the cornier the better! (“You know, I recently heard the universe was expanding. Guess it’s time to loosen the asteroid belt!”).
5. Sonny has three backup singers – Sonny is backed by an invisible trio known as the Space Angels.

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. 

Two More New Hotels Coming to Universal Orlando Resort

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Two More New Hotels Coming to Universal Orlando Resort

Not one, but TWO new hotels are coming to Universal Orlando Resort.

And here’s the best part… Both hotels will offer our lowest price tag yet, with nightly rates starting at less than $100.

Of course, when you stay at the new hotels you’ll enjoy the awesome benefits that come with staying at a Universal Orlando hotel. Early Park Admission to our three theme parks, complimentary transportation across the destination and resort-wide charging privileges are included.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

But don’t let that price tag fool you. This new hotel complex will be a destination unto itself. Guests will enjoy the sun, surf and sand with a laid-back coastal feel. Vibrant and natural colors will set a free-spirited and beachy tone, inviting you to hang loose and enjoy your family vacation. Not to mention three pools, poolside bars, two food courts, coffee bars and fitness centers, just to name a few of the amenities.

So to recap, that’s theme park thrills, exclusive benefits and a seamless Universal Orlando experience with nightly rates starting below Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

The new hotels will be located at the intersection of Universal Blvd. and International Drive, just minutes away from Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk’s dining and entertainment options.

Reservations will open in early 2018 – be sure to stay tuned for more details.

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 Experiences and Panels Announced for A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Hold on to your Hippogriff because we have more details to announce for Harry Potter fans’ favorite event, A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018.

I’m so excited to share with you that Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) is joining the Harry Potter film stars line up for next year’s event!

There will also be new content and returning fan favorites for witches, wizards and Muggles to enjoy at the Harry Potter Expo. You’ll be able to step into J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World with:

  • NEW: “Wizarding Costumes from Harry Potter: The Exhibition” – You’ll be able see some of the most stunning costumes from the Harry Potter series and walk the runway to pose for a one-of-a-kind keepsake photo.
  • “The Sorting Hat Experience” – If you don’t know your Hogwarts house, you’ll have the chance to find out if you’re a Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor or Slytherin at “The Sorting Hat Experience.”

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

  • Pottermore – Start practicing your Harry Potter trivia because Audible Recall is back with updated questions. And, you can even play against your fellow housemates with house-specific rounds each day of the event. #HogwartsRules
  • Scholastic – Scholastic is celebrating 20 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was first published. You can write your favorite Harry Potter memory on the Muggle Wall, step into a life-sized recreation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stoneand enter to win one-of-a-kind Harry Potter prizes.

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

  • MinaLima – Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima are back this year to share their graphic designs of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and so much more.
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – “The Making of Harry Potter” is back to give you the opportunity to see first-hand some of the incredible effects that were used in the Harry Potter film series.
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – As the play gets ready to open on Broadway, you’ll get an exclusive, never-seen-before look at the costumes, designs and imagery from the production.

Get ready for three brand-new panels you won’t want to miss:

  • Discover Behind-the-Scenes Secrets with Award Winning Special Effects Supervisor, John Richardson – The magic comes alive as John Richardson – Special Effects Supervisor on all eight Harry Potter films – shares with you how flying broomsticks, floating candles, wand explosions, fire-breathing dragons, and more were created on the Harry Potter film set.
  • “Graphic Design for Film: Creating the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes” – Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima are here to chat about what went into bringing Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes to life.
  • “The Magic of Costumes in Harry Potter” – Join Jany Temime, award-winning costume designer behind the last six films, and Eddie Newquist, exhibition curator, to talk about the amazing costumes in the Harry Potter films.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your house robes and wands, and book your vacation package today for A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018.

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. 

Black Friday Disney World Deal to Spend Christmas at Disney World

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Black Friday Disney World Deal: Wrap Up the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package for Exclusive Holiday Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort
You can celebrate the magic of the holidays in The Most Magical Place on Earth with the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World® Resort. With this exclusive vacation package, you will arrive on December 21 and depart on December 26, 2017 and enjoy an itinerary full of magic, including special experiences just for Guests on this package! Take a look at all the unique Yuletide offerings included in this festive offer:
  • December 21, 2017- One ticket per Guest in your party to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
  • December 22, 2017- Access to special nighttime Extra Magic Hours at Pandora- The World of Avatar within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
  • December 23, 2017- A special holiday Character experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • December 24, 2017- An invitation to a special Christmas Eve dinner celebration at Epcot
  • December 25, 2017- A special holiday gift delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room

This special holiday vacation package also includes a 5-night stay at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels plus 4-day Theme Park tickets with Park Hopper option. These exclusive packages start at $139 per person, per night, for a family of four in a standard room at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Hurry, this offer is only available to book through December 10, 2017 and is subject to availability.

Plus, if you book with Siera at Destinations in Florida by Monday, November 27, 2017, every child in your family will also receive a FREE pair of Mickey ears! Contact Siera today to start planning your magical holiday vacation.

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. 

Complete Guide to the Food at International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Complete Guide to the Food at International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

Epcot recently kicked off its new International Festival of the Holidays, celebrating holiday traditions from cultures all over the world. This year boasts a joyous array of Holiday Kitchens located throughout the World Showcase. Discover the flavors of the season with new recipes from around the globe and indulge in appetizing dishes, desserts and drinks at this Yuletide extravaganza.

Delight in a mouthwatering warm apple fritter with cinnamon ice cream and warm caramel sauce at The Cookie Nook Holiday Kitchen at the Festive Center, or savor the Réveillon de Nöel in France, a delicious turkey breast stuffed with mushrooms and chestnuts with sweet potato purée. You’ll be sure to find your holiday spirit at one of the 15 unique Holiday Kitchens that decorate the World Showcase this year along with even more seasonal offerings at various quick service locations throughout the park. Here’s your guide to everything available at the 2017 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays from Nov. 19-Dec. 30.

German Artisan Cheese Plate, Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, Germany

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)

Food Items:

  • German Artisan Cheese Plate – German ButterKäse with ham, mushroom brie with pretzel crostini, and Tillamook cheddar
  • Sauerbraten, Red Cabbage and Spätzle
  • Cheese Fondue – served in a bread bowl with fresh steamed baby vegetables and marble potatoes
  • Stollen Holiday Fruit Cake

Beverages:

  • Possmann Pure Hard Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
  • Possmann Pure Hard Black Currant Apple Cider, Frankfurt, Germany
  • Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen
  • Cider Flight
  • Specialty Riesling
  • Glühwein – House-made hot spiced wine

Stollen Holiday Fruit Cake, Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, Germany

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

American Holiday Table (The American Adventure)

Food Items:

  • Slow-roasted Turkey – with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin – with green bean casserole, roasted sweet potato wedges and a Champagne demi-glace
  • Chocolate Pecan Tart – with whipped cream and caramel sauce

Beverages:

  • Orange Blossom Brewing Cranberry Kringle Pilsner, Orlando, FL
  • Shipyard Eggnog White Porter, Clearwater, FL
  • JDub’s Season’s Greetings Peppermint Milk Stout, Sarasota, FL
  • Holiday Beer Flight
  • Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Chardonnay “Goldie”, California
  • Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, California
  • Chocolate Apple Shake – featuring Twinings® Winter Spice Tea and butterscotch schnapps
  • Cocoa Candy Cane Hot Cocoa – with peppermint schnapps
  • Firenog – Eggnog with cinnamon whisky
  • Chocolate Apple Shake – featuring Twinings® Winter Spice Tea (non-alcoholic)
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)
  • Eggnog (non-alcoholic)

Maple Bûche de Noël, Yukon Holiday Kitchen, Canada

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)

Food Items:

  • Seared Salmon – with maple-whisky glaze, parsnip silk, apple chutney and hazelnut croquant
  • Traditional French Canadian Tourtiere Meat Pie – with Canadian ketchup
  • Maple Bûche de Noël – maple mousse rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake with cranberry sauce and pecan crumble

Beverages:

  • Château des Charmes Riesling Icewine
  • Neige Apple Ice Wine
  • Red Stone Cabernet Franc Icewine
  • Ice Wine Flight
  • Fielding Estate Pinot Grigio
  • Fielding Estate Red Conception
  • Frozen Coffee – with whisky
  • Unibroue Éphémère Elderberry

Assort Holiday Cookies, The Cookie Nook, Festive Center

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Cookie Nook (The Festive Center)

Food Items:

  • Warm Apple Fritter – with cinnamon ice cream and warm caramel sauce
  • Snowflake Sugar Cookie
  • Snickerdoodle Cookie
  • Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
  • Gingersnap Cookie – with cream cheese icing and cranberry jam
  • Sachertorte – chocolate cake with apricot jam and dark chocolate glaze
  • Decorated Gingerbread Cookie
  • Holiday Tree Sugar Cookie
  • Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Beverages:

  • Brew Hub Pumpkin Spice Dunkelweiss, Lakeland, FL
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Sparkling Christmas Coffee Blonde, Titusville, FL
  • Central 28 Beer Company Joy From the World Holiday Dubble, DeBary, FL
  • Holiday Beer Flight
  • Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Cranberry Wine
  • Cranberry Sprite Punch – with pear vodka
  • Hot Cocoa – with crème de menthe
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)

Three Kings Bread, Feast of the Three Kings, Showcase Plaza

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Feast of the Three Kings (Showcase Plaza)

Food Items:

  • Shredded Beef Tamale – with avocado crema and cilantro Rice
  • Roasted Pork – with smashed yuca and pickled green bananas
  • Three Kings Bread

Beverages:

  • Presidente Pilsner, Dominican Republic
  • Coquito – with a rum floater
  • Coquito (non-alcoholic)

Holiday Sweets & Treats (Showcase Plaza):

Food Items:

  • Peppermint Sundae – chocolate ice cream, whipped cream and peppermint candy

Beverages:

  • Shipyard Candy Cane Coffee Porter, Clearwater, FL
  • Frozen S’Mores – with caramel vodka
  • Hot Cocoa – with assorted cordials
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)
  • Frozen S’Mores (non-alcoholic)

Refreshment Cool Post (Outpost):

Food Items:

  • Warm Caramel-Stuffed Salted Pretzel – with soft-serve ice cream and chocolate sauce

Beverage Items:

  • Hot Cocoa – with cream liqueur
  • Shipyard Eggnog White Porter

Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza):

Food Items:

  • Chocolate Peppermint Glazed Croissant Donut

Beverage Items:

  • Hot Cocoa – with chocolate liqueur
  • Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic)

Fife & Drum Tavern (The American Adventure):

Food Items:

  • Holiday Apple Pie Sundae – with soft-serve ice cream, caramel sauce and crunchy streusel topping

Beverage Items:

  • Brew Hub Pumpkin Spice Dunkleweiss, Lakeland, FL

Three Kings Bread, Feast of the Three Kings, Showcase Plaza

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Alsace Holiday Kitchen (France)

Food Items:

  • Napoléon de Saumon Fumé, Brioche à l’aneth – smoked salmon Napoleon in a dill brioche
  • Réveillon de Nöel – turkey breast stuffed with mushrooms and chestnuts with sweet potato purée
  • Bûche de Noël au Chocolat – slice of chocolate Christmas Yule Log

Beverage Items:

  • Spiced Rum Punch Slush – spiced rum, orange and pineapple juice with cinnamon
  • Merlot & Cabernet Blend, Bordeaux Château de Bechuad, Saint Emilion
  • Holiday Kir – sparkling wine and cranberry syrup
  • Champagne Brut, Nicolas Feuillatte

Tarabaki Holiday Kitchen (Morocco)

Food Items:

  • Grilled Lamb Kefta and Grapes – with cucumber, red pepper, pickled pearl onions, harissa and cilantro dressing
  • Confit of Chermoula Chicken Drum – with cinnamon Granny Smith apple, toasted almonds, brussels sprouts and pinot noir syrup
  • Triangle Honey Briwat – with almond paste, rose water and toasted sesame seeds

Beverage Items:

  • The Andalusian Poinsettia Cocktail – sparkling wine, orange liqueur and cranberry juice topped with orange blossom water
  • Walnut Spiced Coffee – with walnut liqueur topped with cinnamon and whipped cream
  • Casa Beer

Warm Apple Fritter, The Cookie Nook, The Festive Center

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

  • Fusilli di Gragnano alla Carbonara – fusilli pasta in a creamy parmesan sauce with pancetta and onions
  • Cotechino con Lenticchie – fresh Italian salami sliced with lentils
  • Crespelle di Mele – cinnamon apple fritters and a vanilla sauce drizzled with chocolate caramel sauce
  • Panettone alla Milanese – warm Italian fruit cake with vanilla sauce and cherry syrup
  • Panettone Mignon – miniature traditional Italian Christmas fruit cake

Beverage Items:

  • Pinot Grigio – white wine
  • Chianti – red wine
  • Prosecco – sparkling wine
  • Corbinello – sweet sparkling wine
  • Moscato – sweet wine
  • Moretti Lager Beer
  • Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer

Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)

Food Items:

  • Pork and Vegetable Egg Rolls
  • Mongolian Beef Bao Bun and a Fortune Cookie
  • Celebration Barbeque Pork Rice Bowl and a Fortune Cookie

Beverage Items:

  • Mango Wine
  • Tsing Tao Lager

Hokkaido Holiday Kitchen (Japan)

Food Items:

  • New Year Celebration Soba: buckwheat soba noodle with spinach in hot soup with shrimp tempura or chicken
  • Cinnamon Mochi Cake – cinnamon and coconut cake

Beverages:

  • Strawberry Nigori Sake Cocktail – semi-sweet unfiltered sake with puréed strawberry
  • Sapporo Lager
  • Iced Strawberry Milk (non-alcoholic) – strawberry milk with Japanese calpico yogurt (non-alcoholic)

Shredded Beef Tamale, Feast of the Three Kings, Showcase Plaza

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)

Food Items:

  • Tostada de Tinga – crispy corn tortilla smothered with black beans, topped with chipotle chicken and garnished with crema Mexicana, queso fresco, avocado and tomatillo sauce
    Tamal de Chilorio – slow-roasted pork shoulder, marinated in ancho paste and stuffed in a corn masa, served with salsa tres chile and garnished with crema Mexicana and queso fresco
    Buñuelo Navideño – a thin round fried pastry, drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar

Beverages:

  • Pomegranate Margarita on the Rocks
    Frozen Kahlúa Coffee Margarita
    Horchata Margarita on the Rocks
    Dos Equis Lager – served with a Kahlúa floater

Additional Festival Locations:

UK Beer Cart

  • Eggnog – with Irish whisky
  • Eggnog (non-alcoholic)
  • The Tea Caddy (United Kingdom)
  • Twinings® Iced Christmas Toddy – Twinings® Iced Christmas Tea with honey & drambuie
  • Twinings® Iced Christmas Toddy – Twinings® Iced Christmas Tea with honey (non-alcoholic)
  • Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway)
  • Traditional Holiday Rice Cream

Fountain View

  • Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake

Canada Popcorn Cart

  • Pecan Maple Bark
  • Chilled Maple Café – Joffrey’s “Le Cellier Blend” Coffee with maple bourbon cream liqueur and topped with whipped cream and maple sugar

L’Artisan des Glaces (France)

  • Glace au Pain d’Epices – gingerbread ice cream with gingerbread pieces

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France)

  • Bûche de Noël au Chocolat – chocolate Christmas log with chocolate orange mousse, chocolate biscuit and praline crunch

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Future World East:

  • Warm Glow – Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur blended with sweet cinnamon syrup and steamed light cream topped with whipped cream

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Canada:

  • Gingerbread Chai – hot, creamy spiced chai tea flavored with gingerbread syrup and Irish cream and topped with whipped cream

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Showcase Plaza:

  • Crazy Elf – RumChata Cream Liqueur and cinnamon whiskey topped with steamed light cream and whipped cream

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® The American Adventure:

  • Holiday Mint – a decadent blend of chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup and Irish cream blended with steamed light cream and topped with whipped cream

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. 

Experience Holiday Magic During Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Hot Butterbeer is being served, garland is going up and house scarves are being worn. You can now celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (for the first time ever!).

Earlier this year we revealed the holiday details coming to both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, including festive garlands décor, holiday food and new entertainment.

Now I’m excited to share even more details on the yuletide-inspired entertainment.

Every night in Hogsmeade Village at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you’ll be able to see The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. Using the latest in projection-mapping technology, Hogwarts Castle will completely transform this holiday season.

A spell will be cast on Hogwarts Castle, illuminating it in festive décor, candlelight and moments inspired by the films.

Imagine seeing the ghosts of Hogwarts singing carols, students riding broomsticks and creating snowmen, a moment inspired by the Yule Ball and many more surprises.

This experience is available multiple times throughout the evening, with later shows providing the best viewing experience.

Frog Choir

Also in Hogsmeade, you can see the Hogwarts Frog Choir perform.

Donning their house scarves, the Frog Choir has a brand-new collection of holiday carols:

  • “Christmas at Hogwarts” – This wizarding carol casts a Christmas spell that echoes through the halls of Hogwarts.
  • “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” – The choir will bring a new and festive life to this classic holiday song.
  • “The Most Magical Yule Ball of All” – Hosting the TriWizard Tournament also brings with it a magical event known as the Yule Ball. This song captures all the magic, elegance and wonder of this very special night.
  • “I Cast a Spell On Father Christmas” – This fun song is a cautionary tale asking young wizards to be sure of the incantation before casting a spell.

Their signature 5-part harmonies will spread Christmas croaks and holiday cheer!

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Celestina Warbeck

The Christmas carols don’t stop there. Take the Hogwarts Express over to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida to see the singing sorceress Celestina Warbeck and her Banshees.

They’re conjuring four new tunes from her chart-topping holiday album, Nothin’ Like A Holiday Spell with hits like:

  • “Nothing Like a Holiday Spell” – There are many spells and charms in the wizarding world. But during this time of year, conjuring warm feelings of yuletide cheer is the most magical spell of all.
  • “Accio Christmas” – This calypso inspired song officially brings a Christmas rhythm of the islands to the British Isles.
  • “My Baby Gave Me a Hippogriff for Christmas” – Have you ever received a gift that wasn’t exactly what you were expecting? This song describes one such moment our singing sorceress experienced.
  • “A Witch and Wizard’s Wintry Wondrous Land” – This classic wizarding carol shows there’s nothing more lovely than sharing the Christmas season with family friends—and of course Celestina’s fans.

 

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just one of the elements of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration. Click here to discover all of the holiday festivities. I can’t wait for you to experience it all and create memories this holiday season.

The Holidays celebration is now underway and runs through Jan. 6. Grab your tickets now and join us for Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

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. 

Complete Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Get ready to celebrate the season as the holidays return to Magic Kingdom Park! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is now taking place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom Park and you won’t want to miss all of the festive sweets and treats that the Magic Kingdom Chefs have cooked up this year. Here is your complete guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party treats:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

While most of these treats are exclusive to the party, there are three items that will be available daily through Dec. 22. The first one is a holiday cinnamon roll. This Mickey-shaped treat is decorated with red and green icing as well as a white chocolate snowflake. The second item available daily is a peppermint cupcake – a red velvet cupcake filled with peppermint mousse and topped with cream cheese, buttercream, peppermint sprinkles and peppermint bark. Both of these can be found at the Main Street Bakery. And the third item – a peppermint ice cream sundae available at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Storybook Treats.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the rest of this list is sure to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth, starting with some tasty Yule Log desserts! You’ll find the first at the Main Street Bakery; this Yule Log consists of white chocolate mousse, raspberry mousse, cassis pate de fruit and chocolate flourless cake. It comes covered with a red glaze, striped with white chocolate and topped with a garnish featuring Mickey and Minnie. The next Yule Log is at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and ganache featuring Chip and Dale and Donald Duck. And what’s more– both of these Yule Log desserts are gluten-friendly.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re looking for more gluten-friendly options, over at Gaston’s Tavern, “Beauty and the Beast” fans will be excited to try this gluten-friendly Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert. This flourless chocolate cake is filled with white chocolate peppermint mousse and covered in a yellow glaze with a chocolate garnish featuring Belle dressed in her holiday best. You’ll also find a gluten-friendly Tinker Bell Dessert at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café! This dessert consists of chocolate peppermint mousse, raspberry mousse, and dark chocolate mousse with a flourless chocolate cake bottom. It’s also covered in a green glaze and garnished with a chocolate piece featuring Tinker Bell.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

It looks like Sandy Claws is “Making Christmas” again with his new cake push-pop – available at Sleepy Hollow. He’s filled his dessert with layers of orange vanilla cake, cranberry cherry mousse, white crispy pearls, cream cheese buttercream and holiday sprinkles. It’s also topped with a chocolate piece featuring none other than Sandy Claws, himself! And that’s not all, Sleepy Hollow will also be serving up decadent red velvet Mickey waffles with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and holiday sprinkles.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Finally, if you’re looking to get your egg nog fix, then look no further than Storybook Treats, where you’ll find an egg nog custard dessert, topped with spiced chocolate cake, meringue and an edible Scrooge McDuck gold coin.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you want to get in on the merry celebration and try all these delicious sweets and treats, then get your tickets today for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This winter celebration takes place on select nights though Dec. 22 at Magic Kingdom Park and includes live entertainment, spectacular fireworks, and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.

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. 

Where to Find the Gingerbread Displays at Disney World in 2017

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

As the holiday season draws near, the Walt Disney World Resort pastry chefs are bustling with excitement as they prepare their magnificent gingerbread displays at Disney World! Each year, guests travel from around the world to see the beautifully-crafted gingerbread creations that adorn our parks and resorts. Today, you can get the inside scoop on what’s in store for this year!

Starting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant will have a 3-foot long African-inspired gingerbread marketplace on display from Dec. 10 to Jan. 2, created by Pastry Chef Amber Vega. Over at Epcot, Pastry Chefs Noah French, Jason Stricker, and Crystal Saunders will be putting together two gingerbread displays at The American Adventure featuring the United States Capitol Building as well as the Lincoln Memorial. These will be on display starting Nov. 19 and will contain over 50 pounds of gingerbread! On Black Friday, Nov. 24, Pastry Chefs Yoly Lazo and Joseph Lodato from Disney Springs will have a set of gingerbread icons that celebrate the story behind Town Center; look for a display in the window of Amorette’s Patisserie where you can enjoy a sweet treat in between shopping stops.

If you’re planning to go resort hopping to see the festive holiday decorations, the deluxe resorts will be featuring gingerbread displays that you won’t want to miss. On the 4th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll find the beautiful Cinderella Castle, designed by Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes and his talented pastry team. This display recreates the castle in the style of legendary artist Mary Blair on a backdrop inspired by “it’s a small world.” With oversized gingerbread cookies depicting Cinderella and Prince Charming greeting guests from the castle forecourt, this 18-foot tall display is crafted from thousands of gingerbread blocks, rolled fondant, and a mouth-watering amount of modeling chocolate!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

This year also marks the 18th anniversary of the Holiday Carousel – a life-size, edible spinning carousel that’s become a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This year’s carousel is designed by Pastry Chefs Thomas Huebner, Jennifer Ladisky and Cindy Roman. The Lilo and Stitch-themed carousel will feature horses with hand-painted holiday characters and hand-crafted gingerbread snow flakes. See if you can spot all 18 hidden Mickeys on this display! There will also be a limited-edition pin featuring Lilo and Stitch available for purchase starting 11/17 at the Beach Club Marketplace. And right next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, you’ll also find the annual Holiday Miniature Train! These beautiful holiday displays will be in the lobbies of each resort starting Nov. 17.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And for the “Grand” finale, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is celebrating the 19th anniversary of its famous life-size gingerbread house, which will be located in the main lobby of the resort now through January 1, 2018. Each year, the Grand Floridian pastry team, led by Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, spend over 400 hours baking the gingerbread and over 160 hours constructing and decorating the house, which also contains The Bake Shop. There you can find gingerbread ornaments, cookies, and gingerbread house kits, all made using a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria. On Nov. 18, there will be a pin trading event with a special limited-edition pin featuring the penguins from “Mary Poppins.” What’s more, decorating aficionados will be excited to attend gingerbread house decorating demos conducted daily in the lobby in front of the display starting Dec. 1.

Note: Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels is for the exclusive use of guests with confirmed rooms, dining and recreation reservations. However, bus transportation is available from each of the four parks and Disney Springs. Guests may also park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and visit Epcot, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Contemporary Resort via the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail.

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