Category Archives: United States

Top Ten Reasons to Stay at a Universal Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

It truly pays to stay where you play. Here are the top ten reasons to stay at a Universal hotel during your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation, which will make you never want to leave.

1. Immerse Yourself into a Themed New World

Just because you’ve left the parks doesn’t mean you have to go back to reality. Keep living your best vacation because our hotels are themed to perfection:

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – relax within an Italian seaside village.

Hard Rock Hotel – live like a rock star.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort – escape to a South Seas paradise.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – unwind in a Caribbean island retreat.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – revel in retro fun with a Florida twist.

COMING IN 2018: Universal’s Aventura Hotel – experience a new, modern lifestyle.

2. Earn that Unlimited Free Universal Express Access

Three of the five hotels on property—Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort—include Universal Express Unlimited access with their stay. They’re valid at all attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. That means you get to skip the regular lines and ride more rides during your time in park.

3. Quick and Easy Transportation

Whether you’re taking the famous water taxis, shuttle bus or walking, you’re never more than a few minutes away from all the action of Universal Orlando’s three theme parks. That extra hour of sleep in the morning will work wonders.

4. Three Words: Early Park Admission

…Or don’t sleep in and take advantage of Early Park Admission. Each day, one or more theme parks and their most popular attractions open an hour before the scheduled time for on-site hotel guests. Those parks and their attractions include:

Universal Studios Florida

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Universal’s Island of Adventure

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Flight of the Hippogriff

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay rides, slides, and attractions are available during Early Park Admission.

5. All the Amenities

It’s true – we’ve got all the things you didn’t know you needed. Looking to rejuvenate at the spa? Got it. Want to work off the big dinner you had last night? We have complimentary fitness facilities. Craving some friendly competition? Step into our game room, my friend.

6. Afternoons at the Pool

After a long morning of exploring the parks, it’s about time to grab a drink and pull up an inner tube. Our refreshing hotel pools will help you rest up before heading back out for the evening’s festivities.

Pro Tip: spend a day pool-hopping and see every resort’s oasis, from the sand-entry at Portofino Bay Hotel all the way to the lazy river at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

7. Surprises only Universal Orlando can Provide

Name another hotel where you might be greeted by a Minion… We’ll wait…

8. Free Delivery of that Merch You’ve Been Eyeing

And don’t worry about carrying large, heavy bags. Have your souvenirs delivered directly to your hotel.

9. Dance the Night Away at Universal CityWalk with a Complimentary Party Pass

If you’re looking for a night out, your room key gets you club-to-club access at Rising Star, the groove, and Red Coconut Club in CityWalk throughout the duration of your stay. No cover charge!

10. Are You Not Entertained?!

As if all of the above wasn’t enough, staying on-site puts you right in the heart of the best entertainment Orlando has to offer.

Feast and hula at Loews Royal Pacific Resort’s Wantilan Luau, party island-style during the Caribbean Carnaval dinner show at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, watch a live show at Hard Rock Hotel’s Velvet Sessions, enjoy an evening out under the stars at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel’s  Harbor Nights, or head over to CityWalk and dance to the beat of the famous Blue Man Group.

There’s no question you’re going to be staying here during your next vacation. Which resort is the object of your affection?

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 Fixins to Enjoy at The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom Park

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Hey there, all you hungry cowpokes – there is a brand new menu at The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom Park! If you want to get your fill of all the tasty details, then this post is for you. From hearty sandwiches, salads, and platters to delicious desserts, there are new fixins for everyone to enjoy!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Starting with the A la Carte menu, there is an array of sandwiches, salads, platters and sides that are sure to fill your belly, like the Carved Beef Brisket Sandwich with creamy coleslaw served on a brioche bun. Other sandwiches include Creamy Turkey Salad Sandwich that’s served on multigrain bread with lettuce and tomato, or you can try the Grilled Chicken Thigh Sandwich with BBQ mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion served on a Kaiser roll.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And for the BBQ-loving cattle-ranchers out there, you’ll love the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with mac and cheese and crispy onions served on a brioche bun. Or you can even just get the Mac and Cheese with bbq pulled pork, crispy onions, and green onions!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re looking for a lighter option, then there’s always the Mixed Green Salad with cucumber, tomato, onion, and honey shallot vinaigrette. You can even add your choice of any meat to top it off.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Of course, we can’t forget the finger-lickin’ platters! Served with your choice of two sides and cornbread, there’s the Carved Beef Brisket Platter, the Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Platter, the Grilled Chicken Thighs Platter, and even a Vegetable Platter with a choice of four sides!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And there’s plenty of sides to choose from, like the Potato Salad with grilled onions and a serrano dressing or Creamy Coleslaw with red and green cabbage. There’s also Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Bread with honey chipotle butter, Mac and Cheese, Corn on the Cobb with cheese, Corn Fritters, paprika, lime, and cilantro, and BBQ Baked Beans. Or chow down on a fresh House Salad or Watermelon Salad.

In addition, for cowpokes ages 21 and over, these frontier food favorites can be paired with classic American beers and wines. Enjoy a traditional lager style beer or a robust Pinot Noir while you chow down on a plentiful platter of Carved Beef Brisket, Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork, or Grilled Chicken Thighs.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

After getting your fill of dinner, you might be hankering for some sweet stuff. On the dessert menu are some tasty dishes – Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with bourbon glaze, Peaches and Cream Cheesecake with streusel topping, and a classic Blueberry Cobbler with lemon and mint cream and oat topping.

Now, if you’ve been out on the ranch all day and your stomach is rumblin’ for more, you might be interested in the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy appetizer, entrée, and dessert platters.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Start out with the Appetizer Platter with Mixed Green Salad, Watermelon, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad, Potato Salad, and Jalapeno Cornbread.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For the Entrée Platter, you can enjoy hearty helpings of Carved Beef Brisket, Smoked BBQ Pork, and Grilled Chicken Thighs accompanied with Mac and Cheese, Corn on the Cobb, Creamy Coleslaw, and BBQ Baked Beans.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Dessert Platter will fill your belly to the brim with Buttermilk Chocolate Cake, Peaches and Cream Cheesecake, and Blueberry Cobbler.

So come and get it! Mosey on over to this Old West music hall and try this delicious new menu for yourself. The Diamond Horseshoe is open daily for lunch and dinner from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to make your reservations today online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.

(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. 

19 Must Do’s in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Are you planning to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort? If you are, you’re probably already planning how to spend your days.

Which one do you go to first: Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida?

As you start the countdown to your visit, make sure to add to your list these 19 things that are must do’s in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

    1. Stand outside 12 Grimmauld Place and keep an eye out for Kreacher.
    2. Enjoy traditional British food including cottage pie, fish & chips, and bangers & mash at Three Broomsticks or Leaky Cauldron.
    3. Marvel at the multitude of jokes, gags, and gifts at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
    4. Trade your Muggle money for Gringotts bank notes.
    5. Enjoy scoops of soft serve ice-creams at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour.
    6. Face off with You-Know-Who on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
    7. Catch live performances throughout the day in Carkitt Market.
    8. Try all 20 flavors of Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.
    9. Have a chat with with the Knight Bus Conductor and Dre Head.
    10. Travel on the Hogwarts Express.
    11. Enjoy the Great Feast at Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade.
    12. Try tasty sweets at Honeydukes or Sugarplum’s Sweetshop.
    13. Keep your ears open to the cries of Moaning Myrtle.
    14. Mail letters with a special Hogsmeade postmark from the Owl Post.
    15. Make your way through the corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
    16. Fly above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
    17. Try a Butterbeer treat.
    18. See a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders.
    19. Repeat.

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. 

Try Tasty Treats at The Incredible Tomorrowland Expo at Magic Kingdom

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Get your super suits ready (but not your capes!) and fly on over to Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park to try these deliciously SUPER treats! The Incredible Tomorrowland Expo is happening now, and in addition to exciting entertainment and merchandise, there’s some pretty SUPER food offerings (hang on tight, these INCREDIBLE puns aren’t ending anytime soon)!

Let’s get this started by DASHing to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where you can find the Dash Pizza (Sicilian-style cheese or pepperoni pizza), as well as tasty burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches, and salads.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café already has a pretty INCREDIBLE menu with burgers, chicken nuggets, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, and salads, but they’ve STRETCHED out their menu even more to include a Super Foods Salad and a Super Stretchy Burger inspired by Mrs. Incredible! The Super Foods Salad is a kale and spinach salad with quinoa, avocado, blueberries, and pico de gallo. The Super Stretchy Burger has flame-grilled angus beef that’s piled high with deep-fried mozzarella sticks, American cheese, bacon, and garlic ranch sauce.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re in the mood for some sweets, then Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodie’s is the place to go. Here you’ll find ice cream, smoothies, sundaes, and some fashion advice? That’s right, they’re cooking up Edna Mode’s “No Capes, Just Crêpes” Crêpe Sundae! Make sure to leave your capes at home, because these sundaes are SUPER and you won’t want to miss them. The first is a chocolate-hazelnut crêpe topped with ice cream and berries, and the second is a blackberry-lavender jam crêpe topped with ice cream and fruit-flavored cereal.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At The Lunching Pad, you definitely won’t be able to DISGUISE your excitement for the Mrs. Incredible Pretzel Mask – this soft pretzel comes topped with black salt and is INCREDIBLE with cheese sauce or some yellow mustard! And for those little-super heroes, they’ll love the Jack-Jack Cookies, freshly baked mini-chocolate chip cookies that are perfect for an on-the-go snack.

And at the Snack Carts around Tomorrowland, in addition to Mickey Pretzels, popcorn, and churros, there’s also a new sno-cone that will have you FROZEN in your tracks! Frozone’s Sno-Cones are blue raspberry-flavored and are sure to cool you down on those warm summer days.

This SUPER exciting Incredible Tomorrowland Expo starts today and runs through September 3, 2018. In addition to all of this INCREDIBLE food, you can also celebrate all things SUPER with exclusive merchandise and characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles.” Tomorrowland will even be decked out with Incredibles décor, sounds from the film, and a SUPER dance party on the Rockettower Plaza Stage 2-7pm daily.

And of course, don’t forget to see “The Incredibles 2” in theaters June 15 and check out all of the exciting things happening for Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World 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. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Enjoy Happily Ever After with the New After Fireworks Dessert Party

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Do you love fireworks, especially the incredible new Happily Ever After spectacular? Do you love dessert? Are you a fan of MAGIC? Well, then, I have good news for you! Due to the popularity of the Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom Park, there will now be an additional option to enjoy some treats and the incredible fireworks – the After Fireworks Dessert Party starting on May 28, 2018.

Now you can experience the legendary fireworks over Cinderella Castle from a special viewing area in the Plaza Garden, and afterwards, head on over to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and indulge in a delicious array of all-you-care-to-enjoy desserts!

On the menu for this sweet experience are treats inspired by each of the lands of Magic Kingdom Park. Among the offerings are the S’mores Action Station (Frontierland), Pineapple Delights (Adventureland), Ooey Gooey Toffee Cakes (Liberty Square), Macarons (Fantasyland), a Cookie Table (Tomorrowland), and Strawberry Tarts (Main Street U.S.A.).

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

But there’s more than just desserts! Savory snacks include cheese cubes, spinach dip with crackers, and house-made mini eggrolls. Fresh fruit is also available along with refreshing beverages such as sparkling apple juice, coffee, tea, and milk.

In addition, on July 3-4 and select nights during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests can enjoy special themed holiday treats as well as holiday fireworks.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Guests can make reservations for the After Fireworks Dessert Party by phone or online in their My Disney Experience account. Pricing is $69 for adults and $41 for children.

(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. 

The Best Wizarding World of Harry Potter Food at Universal Orlando

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Whether you’re headed to Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley, you can experience a magical culinary journey in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is full of unique snacks, meals and even desserts that will place you right into the story! Here is a complete list of the best Wizarding World of Harry Potter food that you have to try as you eat your way through Universal Orlando Resort.

Outlined below is a route fit for a wizard on a break from school headed home for holiday. You’ll start in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and then venture by way of the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. There is so much to try along the way!

Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley…

1. Traditional English Breakfast from Three Broomsticks

Schools out and you feel like royalty. Step into Three Broomsticks for your usual: the Traditional Breakfast. And don’t forget your Hot Tea. 

2. Fresh Fruit from The Magic Neep Cart

Fruit makes for a refreshing snack to hold you until lunch and keep you cool as you run any last errands while you’re in town.

3. Three Broomsticks Shepherd’s Pie

Leaving to board the train for Holiday means you won’t be back for a while so you might as well have a satisfying send off. Nothing beats the Shepherd’s Pie at Three Broomsticks.

4. No-Melt Ice Cream from Honeydukes

What better delicacy to tip towards the castle than the mysterious pumpkin-flavoured No Melt Ice Cream? Every bite stays fluffy and creamy as you wait for the train!

5. The Leaky Cauldron Fish & Chips

A plate of crispy Fish & Chips makes for a warm welcome home.

6. The Leaky Cauldron Butterbeer Potted Cream: While you’re at the Leaky Cauldron, don’t forget to end your dinner with a proper dessert. A mason jar full of Butterbeer Potted Cream is sure to please every Butterbeer enthusiast. 

7. The Fountain of Fair Fortune Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice: Diagon Alley makes for the perfect evening stroll and is even better with a drink in hand. Swing by The Fountain of Fair Fortune for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic varieties. Pictured above is the Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice (non-alcoholic).

8. Say Goodnight with a Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes Skiving Snack Box: Three drawers full of delicious treats to munch on as the night comes to a close. Sweet dreams traveler, you’re home.

Or… in this route below, you can follow in the footsteps of a wizard heading from Diagon Alley and London to Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts castle, eating and snacking along the way.

Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade…

1. Egg, Leek & Mushroom Pasty at Leaky Cauldron: A warm biscuit like pastry filled with scrambled eggs and veggies is a delicious way to start the day. 

2. Sugarplum’s Sweetshop Butterbeer Fudge & Chocolate Fudge: It’s only fitting that you dip into Diagon Alley for last minute school supplies. A few morsels of Butterbeer and Chocolate Fudge are perfect to snack on while you shop.

3. Ploughman’s Platter at the Leaky Cauldron: Is it lunch, or perhaps brunch? Either way, Ploughman’s Platter serves up a fresh array of cheeses, bread, veggies and even scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs covered in crispy sausage—yes, these exist!).

4. Florean Fortescue’s Earl Grey & Lavender Ice Cream: Afternoon tea, ice cream style. This is the last stop before you exit Diagon Alley, so why not leave on a sweet note?

5. Jacket Potato from London Taxi Cart: London is home of the Jacket Potato. Choose from Loaded, Broccoli and Cheddar, Bean and Cheese, or Shepherd’s Pie topping. It’s the perfect pre-train snack, or enjoy it while on the train!

6. Chocolate Frog from Honeydukes: Welcome to Hogsmeade! Grab a sweet treat to hold you until dinner. After your train ride, you just might be craving a chocolate frog!

7. Great Feast Platter from Three Broomsticks: Gather around the table with your traveling companions. The Great Feast is piled high with both chicken and ribs, separated only by morsels of roasted potatoes and vegetables. Don’t forget it comes with salad too!

8. Three Broomsticks Fresh Baked Apple Pie: Warm spiced apples under a sweet drizzled crumble. Big enough to share…or keep to yourself and be very happy.

Travel Tip: Refer to this guide next time you’re in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and want an authentic dining experience.

Must be 21 years of age or older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages at Universal Orlando Resort.

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. 

2018 Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort to Run September 7- October 31

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

2018 Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is returning for even more days of wicked fun! Beginning September 7 through October 31, a spell will be cast at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, transforming the Disneyland Resort into a frenzy of happy haunts.

This limited-time seasonal celebration will include special attraction overlays, themed décor, seasonal treats and merchandise, plus spooky encounters with favorite characters.

Oogie Boogie will once again take over Disney California Adventure park with stylish Halloween decor along Buena Vista Street and a swarm of bats encircling Carthay Circle Theatre. Cars Land will celebrate Haul-O-Ween as Radiator Springs turns into Radiator Screams! For the occasion, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will transform into Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree while Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters changes into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. In Hollywood Land, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.

Over at Disneyland park, the Pumpkin Festival will greet guests as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A. Fan-favorite attractions will also return, including the eerily delightful Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Additionally, the highly anticipated Mickey’s Halloween Party will host 15 nights of fun. This separate-ticket, after hours event gives you the chance to make your Halloween Time experience even more fun with some exclusive entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire and trick-or-treating throughout Disneyland park!

Be sure to purchase your Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets* early and mark your calendars for the dates below. Tickets may be purchased online at Disneyland.com/party (until the day before the event), at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400.

  • June 5: Tickets on sale to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members
  • June 12: Tickets on sale to general public
  • Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018 dates: Sept. 19, Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Sept. 26, Sept. 28, Oct. 2, Oct. 5, Oct. 9, Oct. 12, Oct. 16, Oct. 19, Oct. 23, Oct. 26, Oct. 29, Oct. 31

For more information about Halloween events at the Disneyland Resort, please visit http://www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Are you heading to 2018 Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort? Start planning your spooky fun today!

*Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Jack Skellington and Haunted Mansion Holiday are inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

(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. 

Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe 2018 Tickets Now On Sale

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

I’m so excited to share that tickets for Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe 2018 are on sale! Now is the time to start making your plans to attend Florida’s biggest Christian music festival featuring two spectacular days of uplifting music and worship, September 7 and 8, 2018 at Universal Studios Florida. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy live concerts by 12 of Christian music’s biggest names, attend autograph sessions with some of the artists, experience some your favorite attractions and so much more.

To catch all the action, your best bet is to take advantage of the 2-Park Rock Your Weekend Park-to-Park Ticket. For less than $43 per day (plus tax), this amazing deal enables you to visit Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure (one park per day) during the day, and enjoy inspiring tunes each night from some of the top artists in Christian music. Casting Crowns, TobyMac, Jesus Culture,  and more are set to take the stage. Here’s the full lineup for Rock the Universe 2018:

Friday, Sept. 7

  • TobyMac
  • Jesus Culture
  • Lauren Daigle
  • Red
  • Zach Williams
  • Trip Lee

Saturday, Sept. 8

  • Casting Crowns
  • For KING & COUNTRY
  • Family Force 5
  • Brandon Heath
  • Andy Mineo
  • Ryan Stevenson

Several other ticket options are also available to ensure you can rock out at Rock the Universe 2018, including 1 and 2-night event tickets, discounted tickets for Annual Passholders, and special rates and packages for youth groups.

Plus, don’t forget to add a Rock the Universe Express Pass so you can skip the regular lines at all your favorite attractions.

I can’t wait to see you at Rock the Universe 2018. It’s going to be a blast! With Disney no longer offering Night of Joy, you won’t want to miss Rock the Universe 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. 

Hidden Details in the Indiana Jones Adventure Queue at Disneyland Park

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

One of my favorite things about Disney Parks is the way they immerse guests in a story, often down to the tiniest details. The Disney Parks Blog is helping us take a closer look at details you might have missed in some of your favorite attractions or maybe even details you may have noticed and always wondered about! This time, we get to dig deeper with one of history’s most famous archaeologists at Indiana Jones Adventure queue in Disneyland park.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

From the moment you enter the queue, Indiana Jones Adventure transports you to the past with immersive details and interactive elements. Take a close look into Indy’s office and you’ll find 1930s copy of “Life” magazine featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on the cover.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are also nods to the famous films. The wall of Indy’s office is made of crates, one of which is labeled, “Deliver to Club Obi Wan.” This is a reference to the opening sequence of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” – which takes place in Club Obi Wan, itself an homage another famous Lucasfilm character. (If you can name this reference – of course you can – leave your guess in the comments!)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are also clues to the adventure ahead. Next to his desk, you will find a bulletin board posted with correspondence between Indy and Sallah as well as a large map of the entire temple drawn by Dr. Jones himself. Depicted here are traps, landmarks and even a guide to which gifts can be found behind each of the doorways inside the Chamber of Destiny.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are even hidden details to find once on board your troop transport. Past a menacing 45-foot-tall decaying skull of Mara and before a lunging 100-foot long King Cobra, you’ll see a skeleton wearing Mickey ears embroidered with the name “Bones.”

The Temple of the Forbidden Eye is full of many more immersive details. The next time you make your way through the temple passageways, keep an eye out for archaeological tools, traps and even try to decipher some of the Maraglyphics carved into the walls.

What is your favorite detail of Indiana Jones Adventure queue at Disneyland park? Tell us in the comments!

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

Top Five Thrill Rides at Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Looking for thrills this summer? Universal’s Volcano Bay is perfect! Sure it’s a great place to rent a cabana, bring a book, enjoy the wave pool at Waturi Beach, and let the kids play at Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef. However, there are a number of exciting adventures awaiting for you, too! Here are the top five thrill rides at Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort.

1. Krakatau Aqua Coaster

17-27295 VB17 Volcano Bay Assets 100417
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
Universals Volcano Bay VB

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

When you arrive at Volcano Bay (right when the park opens, of course), head straight for the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. It’s one of the most popular rides at Volcano Bay. Is it a raft ride? Yes! Is it a coaster? Yes! It’s a truly unique combination of the two, and no matter how many times you experience it, the thrills never get old.

2. Ko’okiri Body Plunge

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

After conquering the aqua coaster, head around to the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. Climb to the top of the volcano, get into a capsule, and wait for the drop door to open. Scary, but how can you not do it? The 125-foot drop is over in a flash, but it’s one of the most thrilling attractions at Volcano Bay.

3. Honu ika Moana Slides

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Honu and ika Moana are actually two different, multi-person slides that depart from the same platform. The green slide is ika Moana. It’s great for kids and people looking for moderate thrills. Just sit down, enjoy the twists and turns, and get wet! Honu offers pure exhilaration though, as it sends you up two massive walls!

4. Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Have you always taken it for granted that water slides deposited you into a shallow pool at the end – a nice, graceful exit? Not Ohyah and Ohno! You exit Ohyah four feet above the pool, and Ohno drops you six feet! Make sure you experience at least one on your next visit.

5. Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Just past Ohyah and Ohno are the Kala and Tai Nui Body Slides. If you liked the Ko’okiri but wished that it was longer and curvier, you’re set! Walk up to the top of the slides, stand over the trap door, listen to the drums get louder and louder, and then drop and twist all the way down. Always my favorite way to end the day – one last splash before heading back to Waturi Beach to dry off.

Those are just the top five thrill rides at Volcano Bay. You’ll love the rest of the park as well – even if the thrills are slightly more subtle. The Punga Racer mat slides and Taniwha Tubes – Tonga & Raki are always fun, as are the Maku Puihi round raft slides – especially Puihi, where gravity seems to disappear briefly.

Summer is the perfect time to unleash your inner thrill seeker. Which ride do you want to go on first?

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.