Category Archives: Florida

Halloween Horror Nights 26 Welcomes Back Michael Myers

Michael Myers Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26

The original Halloween maze that Universal Orlando Resort created for Halloween Horror Nights 24 was a massive success. For fans of the original film, it was an opportunity to walk through the scenes of a revered horror film and be pursued by horror icon Michael Myers.

Just like the movies, Universal has been inspired to continue the story. You’ll have the chance to experience the final scene of 2014’s maze at Halloween Horror Nights 26 and immediately walk in-between the homes of Haddonfield. You’ll be attacked by Myers the entire way before seeking refuge within the hospital. Universal is recreating all the iconic events from the story, including Myers’ fiery “end”.

Many fans who grew up with the original Halloween loved and appreciated that its sequel was simply titled, Halloween II. It literally picked up the events within seconds from where the previous ended. What fans thought was the end was merely the first half of a horrific story!

The sequel continued Myers’ terror on the town of Haddonfield. And instead of a sleepy neighborhood, we were placed into the confines of Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. It’s a cold, stark setting, but also—just like the original—very familiar.

And just like in 2014, Universal couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with Malek Akkad, producer of so many installments of the Halloween franchise.

Hell has indeed returned to Haddonfield. And Halloween Horror Nights.

Are you planning to go to Halloween Horror Nights 26? Vacation packages are still available! Contact us today to start planning your adventure!

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.

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 8, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 8, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Watch Princess Elena of Avalor’s Royal Welcome Live Stream: Princess Elena of Avalor is ready to make her debut at Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Parks Blog has announced that they will be there to live stream the first performance of the limited time show “The Royal Welcome of Princess Elena of Avalor.” On August 11th, Magic Kingdom Park will welcome Elena, crown princess of Avalor, in a special ceremony taking place on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Beginning August 12, the royal welcome for Elena of Avalor will be presented several times daily at the park.

Epcot

New! Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band Now Appearing In Germany: World famous yodeler Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band now bring spirited and authentic music to the German gazebo. The group will perform on the stage adjacent to the Germany pavilion five days a week.

New! 2016 Epcot Cookbook Celebrates Best of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: The newest Epcot cookbook shares the best-of-the-best recipes, but also includes favorites from the 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which started adding its Outdoor Kitchens in 2013, now an integral part of the spring fest. The cookbook will be for sale at Mouse Gear, Gateway Gifts and other Epcot shops during and after the festival.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Reminder! New Menu Items Coming to Sunset Boulevard: Beginning August 2, some delicious new menu items will be added to the Sunset Ranch Market area. Inspired by the fresh selections traditionally found at a farmer’s market, a selection of baked potatoes will now be available at Fairfax Fare, including the Fairfax One Pound Baked Potato with tri-tip beef, brown gravy and white cheddar, and the Loaded Fairfax Potato with sour cream, cheddar and bacon. Toluca Legs Turkey Co. will become Sunshine Day Café which will offer an all-new menu inspired by a day at the market. Turkey legs will no longer be sold at this location.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! DJ Dino-Mite to perform in Afternoons: DJ Dino-Mite, DJ in DinoLand U.S.A., will perform an afternoon show from 12-3 p.m now through Aug. 27. This performance will be in addition to his regular 7-10 p.m. performance.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Flying Fish Reopened at Disney’s BoardWalk: The time has come for the much-anticipated opening of Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk, with an all-new menu and expanded wine list – and a beautiful new interior and next-door cocktail lounge, AbracadaBAR. With hues that conjure up the deep blue sea and a clear-glass school of artful fish and bubbles suspended from the stretched-fabric ceiling, the new Flying Fish features a sophisticated interior that pays homage to the golden era of seaside boardwalk dining. The popular “Chef’s Counter” is redesigned, now with seating for 12 at three separate tables directly in front of the open kitchen, where a six-course dinner with its own menu is offered.

Along with sustainable fish, entrées include planch-seared Hokkaido scallops; Wagyu filet mignon; Maine lobster Nero Pasta with golden tomato sauce, young artichokes and micro-lemongrass; Wild Alaskan King salmon; bison striploin, and Wood-Fired Cobia and Carabinero Prawn with rosemary-laced arroz bomba, Peruvian sweet pepper and andouille. And popular wine flights are back, as well as an all-new cocktail menu.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! 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 like Don “Ducky” Williams, handmade treasures including jewelry from Jortra and stationary from Boiled Books, and unique keepsakes such as the latest Precious Moments Dolls from doll designer Linda Rick.

Every weekend (Thursday through Sunday) in August, new artisans will be featured. Painters like Greg MCCullough, Darren Wilson, William Silvers, Joe Kaminski and Jasmine Becket-Griffith will sit alongside niche craftsman who sell items that include giftable plants (Petal Pushers), Handmade Soaps and Beauty Products (Rinse) and decorative house and garden flags (Swaying in the Breeze). Guests can expect to find jewelry made from recycled beads at Magic Ink and decorative Italian masks from Annalisa Masks. Pop Gallery, the eclectic art haven on the West Side, will have a booth featuring unique pieces, as will Name Works. And on select dates, these diverse artists will be joined by photographer Carlos Cuba, Precious Moments figurine sculptor Hiko Maeda, and game designer Quynh Kimball. Whether you prefer your art “fine” or simply “fun,” there’s something for everyone!

New! New ‘Miss Fortune Falls’ Attraction Coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Spring 2017: A brand new attraction called Miss Fortune Falls is coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in spring of 2017! Miss Fortune Falls will be a family-style raft attraction that takes guests on a splashing journey through the fabled Captain Mary Oceaneer’s past. Legend has it that Captain Oceanear, a treasure-hunting heroine, traveled across the sea collecting unique artifacts before she became stranded at Typhoon Lagoon many years ago by a rogue storm. Aboard treasure rafts, guests will ascend to the top of the attraction before plunging into a white-water adventure where they will be able to spot some of the treasures Captain Oceanear gathered from around the world. With a ride time of two minutes, Miss Fortune Falls will be among the lengthiest attractions at both Disney Water Parks.

Merchandise Events

New! Three Dooney & Bourke Collections to Premiere on Shop Disney Parks App in August 2016: In August 2016, we will premiere three new Dooney & Bourke collections on the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. This free app offers access to thousands of products found at Disney Parks which you can have shipped directly to your home. The highly anticipated Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast” collection will be released via the app on August 15. Three handbags inspired by Walt Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” will be released on August 22 via the app. This year, Walt Disney’s “Dumbo” celebrates its 75th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Disney is releasing three handbags on August 29 via the app.

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.

Universal’s Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort Opening in 2017

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Universal’s goal for Volcano Bay was lofty, to create a water park unlike any else in the world. However, they took everything they already know about crafting amazing theme park experiences and designing luxurious resorts, and then used that to create a one-of-a-kind water theme park in Universal’s Volcano Bay.

One of Universal’s first goals for Volcano Bay was to eliminate hassles for guests so they can focus on the fun. So, they found a way to get rid of long lines and even made it so you don’t have to carry your tube. They also spread amenities like dining throughout the park, so you won’t have to hike up to the front of the park for a bite to eat. And Universal brought the mindset of designing a world-class resort to create a water paradise.

Spanning 28 acres, Volcano Bay will transport you to a lush, tropical oasis inspired by the Pacific isles. Every step while you’re here can be filled with thrills, indulgence or rejuvenation.

Thrill seekers can enjoy unique experiences like surprising drop slides and our white-water action river. Or if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you’ll be able to enjoy a soothing winding river, serene beaches and two-story private cabanas.

Volcano Bay is made up of four incredibly themed areas with Polynesian influences ranging from Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand and more. Here’s what you’ll find in each area.

Krakatau:
At the heart of the park, you’ll see the 200-foot-tall volcano called Krakatau. By day, you’ll see its majestic waterfalls. And by night, the volcano will illuminate with blazing lava.

Three distinctive body slides are found at the rear of the volcano, and each starts off with surprise doors that drop out from beneath you:
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A racing, 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet through the center of Krakatau. It will be the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
- Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Two intertwining slides where you’ll fall freely along 124 twisting feet.
Punga Racers: A high-speed race through four different enclosed slides featuring manta-shaped mats.
Secret Attraction: I can’t talk about this one yet, but it’ll be like nothing else in the park.

Wave Village:
Located at the base of Krakatau, Wave Village is a perfect place to soak in the sun and relax on the sandy shores. It includes:

Waturi Beach: A sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where you can swim, relax on the sand or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.
The Reef: An adjacent leisure pool with calmer waters and exciting views of riders speeding through the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

River Village:
River Village offers several family-friendly attractions and experiences and features:

Kopiko Wai Winding River: A gentle, winding river that passes through the volcano’s hidden caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and a journey through the cave of starlight.
Tot Tiki Reef: A whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano.
Runamukka Reef: A three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more.
Honu: An adventurous, multi-passenger raft ride that will soar across a dual wall.
Ika Moana: A twisting, multi-passenger raft ride that will glide across bubbling geysers.

Rainforest Village:
Rainforest Village features an incredible assortment of attractions for thrill-seekers, including:

Maku: North America’s first “saucer ride”, sending multi-passenger rafts speeding around three saucer-shaped curves.
Puihi: A breath-taking multi-passenger raft ride that will plunge you into darkness before bursting into a funnel and launching into a zero-gravity drop.
Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Two twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides that launch you four- or six-feet above the water at the end.
TeAwa The Fearless River: An action-packed, racing torrent river where you’ll have to hang tight in your inner tube amidst roaring, whitewater rapids.
Taniwha Tubes: Four unique Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
Puka Uli Lagoon: A tranquil pool where you can swim and relax.

As you can see, Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a water park unlike any other! We can’t wait to check it out next summer! How about you? Will you visit Volcano Bay when it opens in 2017?

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 1, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 1, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! The Muppets Are Coming This Fall in an All-New Show: Beginning this fall, the Muppets will be visiting Magic Kingdom Park, where they’ll take part in an all-new live show, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.” Sam Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard for the Muppets, will join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, as they gather outside The Hall of Presidents to present historical tales in hysterical fashion as only they can. From the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Muppets appear throughout the day to share with Guests, their own unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of the United States of America. Featuring an original song and plenty of wacky Muppets humor, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History” will make its debut in October 2016.

Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! New Menu Items Coming to Sunset Boulevard: Beginning August 2, some delicious new menu items will be added to the Sunset Ranch Market area. Inspired by the fresh selections traditionally found at a farmer’s market, a selection of baked potatoes will now be available at Fairfax Fare, including the Fairfax One Pound Baked Potato with tri-tip beef, brown gravy and white cheddar, and the Loaded Fairfax Potato with sour cream, cheddar and bacon. Toluca Legs Turkey Co. will become Sunshine Day Café which will offer an all-new menu inspired by a day at the market. Turkey legs will no longer be sold at this location.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Reminder! New Animals at Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Ameraucana chickens, silver leghorn chickens, and naked-neck turkens are the newest animals at Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Reservations Now Open for Flying Fish: After a major re-imagining, reservations opened July 29 for dates beginning August 3 and beyond at Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk. The entire interior, including the on-stage kitchen, has been beautifully redesigned, along with an all-new menu crafted by Chef Tim Majoras, a veteran of the Flying Fish kitchen. The seafood-centric menu features entirely sustainable fish and shellfish, and includes Chef Majoras’ creations such as corn-crusted wild Gulf shrimp, wild Alaskan king salmon and plancha-seared Hokkaido scallops.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! “Get Directions” Feature on My Disney Experience: Disney has just launched a new My Disney Experience feature called “Get Directions” that makes getting around the Walt Disney World Resort a snap. The new GPS navigational tool delivers turn-by-turn walking directions and valuable transportation information right to your mobile device.

Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

August 4-28 – Two new Precious Moments dolls will be released in August at Marketplace Fun Finds in Disney Springs Marketplace. The dolls were inspired by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Guests can meet Precious Moments doll designer Linda Rick on August 12-13 at the location.

Epcot

August 4-5 – Guests can meet representatives from Kit Heath at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase from noon to 7:00 p.m.

Closures and Refurbishments

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

Skull Island: Reign of Kong Now Open at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

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The moment that has been years in the making is finally here… Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is officially open!

You can now venture into the dark jungles of Skull Island. You’ll encounter hostile natives and fend off vicious predators. Finally, you’ll come face-to-face with the mythical beast himself: King Kong.

When the ride opened for the first time, guests were treated to a special celebration marking the opening before they embarked on their adventure.

If you’re not familiar with this attraction, you can check out Universal Orlando Resort’s full description below:

“Enter the ruins of a primal realm and journey into the dark heart of an island filled with untold dangers. Vicious, ancient predators and unspeakable monstrosities rip into your crew and swarm from every side. Then, in an act of sheer ferocity—or monstrous bravery—King Kong charges between you and certain doom with an earthshaking fury. With each thundering roar and each chest-pounding thud, one colossal truth comes clear.

This is his home, his kingdom. Only he reigns.”

Then, be sure to grab yourself a ticket to Universal Orlando Resort and experience Skull Island: Reign of Kong!

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.

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 25, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 25, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

Reminder! Early Morning Magic Extended: Earlier this year, Disney Early Morning Magic launched at Magic Kingdom Park to give eager guests the opportunity to be among the first to experience theme park attractions and breakfast inside the park. Early Morning Magic is a special ticketed event that allows guests access to select attractions and a breakfast inside the park all before park opening time. Disney Early Morning Magic been extended through September 30, 2016 for Magic Kingdom Park.

Epcot

New! Bookings Now Open for Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events: While there are plenty of events included with Epcot admission for the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, this year’s “premium events” include some don’t-miss options. Reservations are now open. Book via 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378), which opens at 7 a.m. each day. Go to epcotfoodfestival.com to choose your lineup.

Chefs from Disney and across the country serve up their finest creations during the Party for the Senses grand tasting experiences during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Each event, held at the park’s World Showplace pavilion in Future World, promises an evening of exotic taste treats by Disney and celebrity chefs; wines, beers and other beverages from around the world; plus breathtaking acts by Cirque du Soleil “La Nouba.” (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! PizzeRizzo Restaurant Replacing Pizza Planet: Pizza lovers, rejoice! PizzeRizzo will open this fall in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in the former Toy Story Pizza Planet location. Rizzo The Rat owns and operates the pizzeria, where guests can grab a pizza pie and a cold drink. Enjoy a casual Italian-American dining experience in a whole new way, through the eyes of the lovable, wisecracking Muppet.

New! Club Villain Returns this Fall: Due to the popularity of Club Villain, it will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall. Reservations have been opened for select dates beginning in September. Shows will be hosted every Friday and Saturday during September and October, with two shows performed nightly at 5:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Additionally, shows will be offered on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31. As a reminder, Club Villain is a ticketed dining and entertainment offering held in Sunset Showcase providing a spellbinding evening for Guests to enjoy savory culinary delights from New Orleans and beyond, fiendish concoctions from the Potions Bar, meet with the villains and dance the night away.

New! Character Meet and Greet Location Changes: Goofy, Chip & Dale are located on Commissary Lane across from Writer’s Stop, while Daisy & Donald are by the main entrance in front of Sid’s porch.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! New Animals at Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Ameraucana chickens, silver leghorn chickens, and naked-neck turkens are the newest animals at Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Surrey Bike Rentals Now Available at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: New surrey bike rentals became available on Monday, July 18. Guest can rent single and double surrey bikes, beach cruisers and elliptical bikes at the marina between noon–8 p.m. daily.

New! First Look Inside AbracadaBar at Disney’s BoardWalk: AbracadaBar is a new cocktail lounge that will soon open for business at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. When it comes to describing this new location, “magic” is key. As the story goes, this little lounge was a former stomping ground for the famous magicians, boardwalk illusionists, and lovely magician’s assistants of the Golden Age. After a show, prestidigitators would gather to “conjure” up new cocktails, swap magic tips and tricks, and stay up all night attempting to “out-charm” each other with their extraordinary illusions. According to BoardWalk lore, it was on just such an evening that every single magician in the lounge vanished into thin air, and was never seen again … Now, after sitting vacant for nearly seventy years, the secret magician’s lounge is now back in the spotlight and making its world debut as “AbracadaBar.” Once inside, guests will get a special peek at the sophisticated social club of some of the most famous illusionists of the 20th century. While it’s rumored that the magicians who frequented the lounge vanished without a trace decades ago, their magic still remains strongly intact, and can be seen, heard, and savored in the bar’s signature cocktails.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! “Get Directions” on My Disney Experience: Guests can now navigate Walt Disney World Resort through a new, GPS way-finding feature, “Get Directions,” on the My Disney Experience mobile app. This addition will allow Guests to conveniently navigate to their favorite Walt Disney World destination whether walking or taking Walt Disney World Resort Transportation.

New! The Polite Pig to Open in 2017 at Disney Springs: The Polite Pig will bring a new twist on favorite local flavors to Disney Springs when it opens in spring 2017. A sister restaurant to The Ravenous Pig of Winter Park, FL, The Polite Pig will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including locally-brewed Cask & Larder beer, wine and cocktails. The 5,000-square-foot venue will be open daily for lunch and dinner, with seating for about 200 guests.

Merchandise Events

New! Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Products Arriving in Fall 2016: The 45th Anniversary of Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort is only a few months away. The Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary assortment contains a variety of apparel items for adults including short and long-sleeved shirts. Guests will also find two Dooney & Bourke handbags that will each contain a 45th Anniversary leather hangtag. There are several unique souvenirs for this celebration including a 1000-piece puzzle, a light-up ear hat ornament, an antenna topper, and a pennant with candy. The arts and collectibles team is releasing two limited edition coins – a 39mm commemorative copper coin that is presented in a custom acrylic display; and a silver plated coin in a box. Both coins will feature the Magic Kingdom 45th anniversary artwork.

Closures and Refurbishments

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

Meet Kubo and The Two Strings Characters at Universal Orlando Resort

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Meet Kubo and The Two Strings Characters at Universal Orlando Resort

Telling larger than life stories is one thing, but living them is another. Now you can meet Kubo, Beetle and Monkey from Kubo and the Two Strings at Universal Studios Florida this summer for a limited time through August 19.

From the creators of The Boxtrolls and Paranorman comes a story of Kubo, a scrappy, shamisen-shredding 12-year-old with magical powers he’s only beginning to unlock. Kubo joins forces with Beetle (part samurai, part insect and all warrior) and Monkey (a loyal guardian and fierce protector) on a quest to save his family.

Kubo, Beetle and Monkey make daily appearances at the Character Party Zone, just outside Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show in Universal Studios, as well as on the title float during Universal’s Superstar Parade at 7pm each night.

Be sure to check out the face paint stations throughout Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where you will be able to choose from designs of each character and rock your favorite all day long!

Kubo didn’t choose how his story began. But on August 19, he will decide how it ends. While you’re waiting for the quest to begin, enjoy the trailer below then come out to meet Kubo and his friends at Universal Studios Florida.

Are you going to meet Kubo and The Two Strings Characters at Universal Orlando Resort this summer?

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 18, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 18, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Early Morning Magic Extended: Earlier this year, Disney Early Morning Magic launched at Magic Kingdom Park to give eager guests the opportunity to be among the first to experience theme park attractions and breakfast inside the park. Early Morning Magic is a special ticketed event that allows guests access to select attractions and a breakfast inside the park all before park opening time. Disney Early Morning Magic been extended through September 30, 2016 for Magic Kingdom Park.

Epcot

New! Eat to the Beat Lineup Announced for 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Eight new acts join the Eat to the Beat concert series this fall. Festival newbie Wang Chung kicks off the first two nights. The other festival first-timers include BoDeans, Plain White T’s, Jeffrey Osborne, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Living Colour, Soul Asylum and Delta Rae.

Here’s a look at the full lineup:

Sept. 14-15 – Wang Chung NEW! “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
Sept. 16-18 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
Sept. 19-20 – Air Supply “All Out of Love”
Sept. 21-23 – BoDeans NEW! “Closer to Free”
Sept. 24-25 – Fuel “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)”
Sept. 26-28 – Sugar Ray “Fly”
Sept. 29-30 – Los Lobos “La Bamba”
Oct. 1-2 – David Cook “Light On”
Oct. 3-4 – Wilson Phillips “Hold On”
Oct. 5-6 – Blues Traveler “Run-Around”
Oct. 7-9 – Plain White T’s NEW! “Hey There Delilah”
Oct. 10-11 – 38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
Oct. 12-13 – Jeffrey Osborne NEW! “On the Wings of Love”
Oct. 14-16 – Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Oct. 17-19 – Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx “Lady”
Oct. 20-21 – Christopher Cross “Sailing”
Oct. 22-23 – Toad The Wet Sprocket NEW! “Walk on the Ocean”
Oct. 24-25 – Chaka Khan “I Feel for You”
Oct. 26-27 – Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen”
Oct. 28-29 – Living Colour NEW! “Cult of Personality”
Oct. 30-Nov. 1 – Hanson “Get the Girl Back”
Nov. 2-3 – Soul Asylum NEW! “Runaway Train”
Nov. 4-6 – Delta Rae NEW! “Bottom of the River”
Nov. 7-9 – Boyz II Men “Motownphilly”
Nov. 10-11 – Sister Hazel “All For You”
Nov. 12-14 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”

Performances are 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. daily, and included in Epcot admission. (Lineup is subject to change; songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.)

New! Musique Aramenco Now Performing in Morocco: Musique Aramenco is the newest group to perform on the Morocco stage. The show incorporates the darbuka drum — the heart of folkloric and modern music — violins, and a belly dancer to create a pleasing fusion of traditional and popular dance music and melodies one might hear in countries along the Southern Mediterranean and Northern Africa.

Reminder! Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Started June 5: Enjoy another rocking rendezvous—the fun takes place at America Gardens Theatre with the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. Featuring renditions of songs from Boston and the Eagles to covers of classics by Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen and the Bee Gees, Sounds Like Summer is a cover-band blast from the past that’s fun for the whole family. The summer concerts for the upcoming week include:

July 17-23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Start August 1: Disney’s Hollywood Studios will soon offer Disney Early Morning Magic! Beginning August 1, a select number of guests can experience Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beginning at 7:45 a.m., guests can enter the park and experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Toy Story Mania!, Pixar Place character greetings (with Woody and Buzz), and Mickey and Minnie on Commissary Lane and Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight. Guests can also partake in an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast at ABC Commissary from 8-10 a.m. Separate Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required. The price is $69 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 through 9) plus tax.

New! Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party: At the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can experience out-of-this-world desserts and drinks inside Star Wars Launch Bay. Become immersed in the Star Wars universe with photo opportunities, exciting exhibits and thrilling character encounters. After enjoying an assortment of sweets — including themed cupcakes, cookies and brownies and a selection of savory snacks including cheese and flatbread and dip (as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) — you will be escorted to a VIP viewing area for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Cost is $69 for adults, $39 for children age 3-9. Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required to attend, and is not included in the price of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

The new nightly Star Wars fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” combines fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that turn the nearby Chinese Theater and other buildings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. The show also features a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. (David Roark, photographer)

New! Summer Strawberry Specialty Cupcakes Now Available: Take a bite out of summer with the new summer strawberry specialty cupcake now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This cupcake will be available at the following locations: Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, Rosie’s All-American Café, Starring Rolls Café, Trolley Car Café. This cupcake is included in the Disney Dining Plan and will be available through Aug 31.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Reminder! Tiffins Offering a Small Plate Lunch Menu: A new lunch menu featuring a smaller portions of Tiffins’ most popular dishes debuted at the restaurant on Sunday, July 3. From 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day, Guests will have the option of pairing two options from the menu along with a Jade rice blend for just $28 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The Taste of Tiffins lunch menu, the options allow Guests to select from the following ten dishes: flash-fried blue mussels, black-eyed pea fritters, crispy Yellowtail Snapper, sustainable fish crudo, 72-hour beef short rib, salad of roasted baby beets, market vegetable curry, marinated grilled octopus, Chermoula-rubbed chicken, or the masa and pulled pork tamale. Guests are also able to order from the existing all-day menu.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Celebrate Africa on July 20th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Guests of all ages to join our Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to celebrate African culture on Wednesday, July 20, 10-11 a.m. in the Jambo House lobby. This celebration will feature music, dancing and plenty of inspiration as our cultural representatives proudly represent their home countries. Guests may have their faces painted and will have the opportunity to learn about the many activities that make African culture so unique.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! Chef Art’s Homecoming Opens at Disney Springs: Chef Art Smith, a native of Jasper, Fla., (and former cast member in the Disney College Program), gives guests a taste of classic Florida fare. Featuring classic Southern fare in a casual, family-friendly setting, Homecoming overlooks The Spring and offers menu items including Art’s Fabulous Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Catfish, Momma’s Mac and Cheese and Shine Cake. The table service restaurant also serves grab-and-go items including Fried Chicken and Chopped Pork sandwiches. Homecoming is open Sunday through Thursday until midnight and Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m.

Chef Art Smith who will be opening his new restaurant Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine at Disney Springs in 2016. Photo by Tom Burton

New! Attend a Dooney & Bourke Release Party on July 23 in Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs: On Saturday, July 23 at Cherry Tree Lane inside the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs, Dooney & Bourke will hold a Release Party for the new Dooney & Bourke Disney items coming out this summer. At this event, we are releasing two new collections including handbags inspired by the classic Disney Parks attraction, “it’s a small world.” The four silhouettes in this collection will include a Shopper Tote, a Pouchette, a Wallet and a Wristlet.

The second collection, called “Lovebirds,” will include a Shopper Tote and a Letter Carrier.

For the first time, we will introduce four limited edition retail MagicBands containing Dooney & Bourke-inspired designs. Each MagicBand will have an edition size of 1,500, and each MagicBand will contain a specially designed slider with the Dooney & Bourke logo. The MagicBands will be packaged in decorative boxes.

Finally, guests attending this release party will have an opportunity to meet Ian Ray, Creative Director for Dooney & Bourke. He will be appearing at Cherry Tree Lane from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that day.

Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

July 20 – 24: Artist Greg McCullough returns to Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace with special appearances and signings from 1 – 8 p.m., each day.

Epcot

July 21 – 24: Meet renowned international artist Larry Dotson from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Art of Disney.

Closures and Refurbishments

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

Top 5 Spots for Happy Hour at Universal Orlando Resort

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The end of a day at the parks sometimes calls for a celebratory cocktail. Maybe you were able to conquer your fears and ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Or you’re just toasting the lasting memories you’ve just created. And sometimes, you just need to lower your revolutions after an excitement-packed day.

Whatever the case may be, you’re in luck. Universal Orlando Resort has several fun happy hours to choose from, all with top-notch service and beautiful settings.

Here are our top five favorite spots for happy hour at Universal Orlando Resort:

Emeril’s at Universal CityWalk – Daily, 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
It’s Mardi Gras every day at this New Orleans-inspired eatery. You’ll find half-priced well cocktails and bottled beers, and special prices for glasses of wine (red and white), specialty cocktails (changing seasonally) and a delicious selection of small plates.
The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel — Monday–Saturday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., All day Sunday
Happy hour includes a selection of draft beers, house wines and some specialty martinis and yummy Bloody Mary’s.
Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Located on the lobby level overlooking the pool area, Orchid Court Lounge is furnished with hand-carved furniture and adorned with beautiful orchids. Its sunset Sake and Sushi happy hour is a must after a day of rides.
Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Daily, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
This bar is a temple to craft beer. During happy hour, enjoy $3 off all craft bottled and canned beers and $2 off all draft beers, including Jake’s American Red Lager.
Swizzle at Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Daily, opening – 7 p.m.
This retro-themed bar, located in the hotel lobby, offers a unique take on classic cocktails from a bygone era. Happy hour includes specials on house wines and well cocktails, as well as some specialty liquors.

These specials are subject to availability. Don’t hesitate to call any of the bars to confirm. But do it soon and try these out. We all deserve more happy hours in our lives. Cheers!

Where is your favorite spot for happy hour at Universal Orlando Resort?

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 11, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 11, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! PinQuest Scavenger Hunt for Limited Release Pins: A new Disney pin trading scavenger hunt debuted in Magic Kingdom Park on June 30. Featuring Steampunk-inspired artwork, this Disney PinQuest starts with a purchase of an adventure kit, which contains a lanyard to showcase your pins; a decoder medal for use with PinQuest pins; and a lanyard pouch to hold the map included in the adventure kit. The lanyard pouch also holds PinQuest clue cards which are sold separately.

There are six different PinQuest clue cards. Each clue card has a question that needs answered and shared with a NavigatEAR Cast Member in a particular location. Once solved, you can redeem the clue card for a PinQuest pin using the perforated ticket on the bottom of the clue card. Continue the hunt by using the decoder medal from the adventure kit. Line up the arrows for each pin to determine your next destination within Magic Kingdom Park. After purchasing all six clue cards and receiving stamps and pins from each location, guests who have completed the entire Magic Kingdom PinQuest are eligible to purchase a QuestEAR pin completer pin.

Update! Diamond Horseshoe Open for Lunch and Dinner through Sept 10: Magic Kingdom Park guests will continue to have a table-service option for lunch and dinner at The Diamond Horseshoe through September 10. The Diamond Horseshoe is open daily, serving up a hearty, all-you-care-to-enjoy feast for Guests. As a reminder, the meal includes a salad, followed by a platter of flavorful entrees to choose from: barbecue pulled pork, sliced turkey, country smoked sausage or braised beef with all the fixin’s. Dessert is a chocolate brownie topped with a toasted marshmallow. Pricing is $33 plus tax for adults; $19 plus tax for children ages 3-9 years. Reservations are available.

Epcot

New! Taste Track Reopened With New Menu: Open daily from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Taste Track offers sweet treats in addition to a variety of soft drinks and hard sodas. This kiosk offers the following menu options:

Hot Fudge Sundae- Choice of vanilla, chocolate or swirl ice cream with hot fudge and choice of toppings rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, or waffle cone pieces
Caramel sundae – Choice of vanilla, chocolate or swirl ice cream with caramel and choice of toppings rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, or waffle cone pieces
Ice cream cookie sandwich – Choice of vanilla chocolate or swirl ice cream
Soft serve ice cream – Choice of vanilla, chocolate or swirl served in a waffle cone
Ice Cream Float – Barq’s Root Beer, Coke, or Diet coke with choice of ice cream
Not Your Father’s Hard Root Beer Float – Not your Father’s Hard Root Beer with choice of ice cream
Henry’s Hard Orange Soda Float – Henry’s Hard Orange Soda with choice of ice cream

New! 2016 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Now On Sale: As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. Celebrity narrators this year include some returning favorites like contemporary Christian music singer Steven Curtis Chapman, actors Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris and newcomers like legendary baseball player Cal Ripken, Jr. Here’s the list that’s been announced so far:

11/25-27 – Steven Curtis Chapman
11/28-12/1 – Neil Patrick Harris
12/2-12/3 – Whoopi Goldberg
12/4-12/12 – TBA
12/13-12/15 – Meredith Vieira
12/16-12/18 – TBA
12/19-12/21 – Joe Morton
12/22-12/27 – TBA
12/28-12/30 – Cal Ripken, Jr.

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the American Gardens Theatre. The Candlelight Processional Dinner packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited. This year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite Epcot restaurants like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Presented in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir, this festive performance takes place annually in November and December. Show times are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

July 10-16: Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
July 17-23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Reminder! Sneak Peek of “Pete’s Dragon” Now Playing: For a limited time starting July 1, a sneak peek of Disney’s reimagined classic “Pete’s Dragon” will be presented as part of the One Man’s Dream attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! Tiffins Offering a Small Plate Lunch Menu: A new lunch menu featuring a smaller portions of Tiffins’ most popular dishes debuted at the restaurant on Sunday, July 3. From 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day, Guests will have the option of pairing two options from the menu along with a Jade rice blend for just $28 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The Taste of Tiffins lunch menu, the options allow Guests to select from the following ten dishes: flash-fried blue mussels, black-eyed pea fritters, crispy Yellowtail Snapper, sustainable fish crudo, 72-hour beef short rib, salad of roasted baby beets, market vegetable curry, marinated grilled octopus, Chermoula-rubbed chicken, or the masa and pulled pork tamale. Guests are also able to order from the existing all-day menu.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Disney Countdown to Midnight – A New Year’s Eve Celebration at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Disney Countdown to Midnight – A New Year’s Eve Celebration at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is returning to ring in 2017 with even more excitement than last year. During this extraordinary event beginning at 8 p.m. at the resort hotel’s Convention Center, partygoers will experience the past, present and future in a myriad of magical ways. The event will boast a variety of entertainment offerings, kicking off with groovy dance music spanning from the ‘60s to today. Other musical acts such as Alter Ego will perform their extravagant music and dance-filled revue, as well as a unique musical act that will put a retro twist on songs of today. The culinary experience will feature best-of-the-best bites and wine pairings from California Grill, Flying Fish, Cítricos and Narcoossee’s. Guests will have the opportunity to view Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve “Fantasy in the Sky fireworks Spectacular. Tickets will be $225 (including tax and gratuity) and can be purchased at Disneyworld.com/countdown or by calling 407-WDW-DINE beginning July 4.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! Additional Disney Springs Locations Now Open: The following locations are now open in Town Center:

Sugarboo & Co. is a dealer in whimsy and fine fanciful goods, from uplifting art prints to charming home goods and whimsical paper products.
Columbia Sportswear offers innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor and fishing enthusiasts, including the Performance Fishing Gear collection designed with industry-leading technologies.
Shore is a fashionable American lifestyle brand featuring swimwear, fitness wear and everyday comfort clothing, with a selection of exclusive apparel only available at Disney Springs.
Superdry features clothing with designs that fuse vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a British style, offering products from outerwear and knitwear to leather goods and leisurewear.
Coca-Cola Store Orlando features a wide variety of Coca-Cola merchandise and a rooftop beverage bar. Guests can choose from several Coca-Cola brands from around the world, frozen beverages and over 100 drink choices via Coca-Cola Freestyle. A selection of specialty adult beverages are available in the evenings beginning July 8.

New! New Colors from Vera Bradley Blooming at Disney Parks in Summer 2016: Two new Vera Bradley colors are coming to Disney Parks this summer. In July, guests will find the Mickey’s Magical Blooms collection. This signature quilted cotton assortment includes a Campus Backpack, Mini Hipster and Front Zip Wallet, Zip ID Case, Medium Zip Cosmetic Bag, Triple Zip Hipster, Vera Bag and Large Duffel.

In August, Vera Bradley is releasing the lightweight Lighten Up Collection made of durable and water-resistant 560D polyester. The Lighten Up Collection will include Vera Bradley’s best-selling styles including the Lighten Up Lunch Cooler, Lighten Up Travel Organizer, Lighten Up Expandable Tote, Lighten Up Grande Backpack and Lighten Up Expandable Travel Bag.

New! ‘Words Are Powerful’ Bangles from ALEX AND ANI: ALEX AND ANI recently introduced new “Words Are Powerful” color infusion bangles inspired by Disney sayings and attributes of some of our most beloved characters. On July 18, they will continue the release of these amazing new pieces. From Elsa is a reminder to let it go and “Be True To Yourself.” Depicted on an icy blue colored charm, her iconic silhouette is framed by frozen fractals. The other uplifting bangle encourages you to “think happy thoughts,” highlighting everyone’s favorite spirited pixie, Tinker Bell! Each of these bangles costs $44.95 plus tax and will be available in both Shiny Gold and Shiny Silver finishes. They will be available online, on the Shop Disney Parks app via Shop iOS or Shop Android, and in stores at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Reminder! Refillable Popcorn Buckets Offered: Between June 26 and September 1, Walt Disney World locations are offering a souvenir popcorn bucket that may be refilled throughout the day at the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests may purchase the bucket for $10 with refills available for $1.50 each. This offering is available in Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports. The refill will be sold at all popcorn carts, but refillable buckets may only be available at select carts.

Merchandise Events

Epcot

July 12 – 15: Fragrance designer Geir Ness will be on hand for special appearances as he showcases the latest from his Laila fragrance and beauty collection. Meet Geir from Noon – 6 p.m., each day, at Puffin’s Roost in the Norway Pavilion.

July 13 – 16: As you travel around World Showcase, be sure to make a quick stop at La Signature in the France Pavilion where you’ll find the latest releases in fragrances and cosmetics from Guerlain.

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

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 11, 2016