Category Archives: United States

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

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We’ve cooked up a sweet surprise!

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

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

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

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

Top Four Reasons to Plan a 2018 Universal Orlando Resort Vacation

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

Fast & Furious – Supercharged

Opening: Spring

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Opening: August

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

Special Events

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

Halloween Horror Nights 2018

Opening: September, with select nights through October

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

Holidays

Opening: Mid-November

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

Crystal Ball Gazing

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

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

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

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

18 Reasons to Book a 2018 Disney World Vacation

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Kakamora Chaos with Moana Experience at Aulani, a Disney Resort in Hawaii

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Moana’s travels take her to many exciting destinations – and one of her favorites is Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Starting today, guests can visit with the Disney heroine during a new premium experience!

During “Kakamora Chaos with Moana” at Aunty’s Beach House, Moana is eager to learn more about her new friends, especially the games they play. During the interactive 90-minute experience, young guests will learn to play children’s games from Hawai‘i, as well as a game from Moana’s home island of Motunui: the Kakamora Relay!*

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are other fun ways to see Moana during her visits to Aulani Resort. Guests can join Moana and Aulani Resort’s beloved storyteller “Uncle” as they share the importance of the canoe—or wa‘a—during Kahakai Canoe Racing. The interactive activity concludes after building a canoe model and racing in the lagoon!

In the evenings, resort guests may choose to wind down around the fire pit as Moana and Uncle recount tales of adventure during Mo‘olelo Firepit Storytelling. Guests attending the the resort’s KA WA‘A lū‘au will also be delighted when Moana makes a special appearance during the lively pre-show, which pays homage to the incredible journey the Hawaiian people made across the ocean.

*Advance reservations for Kakamora Chaos with Moana are strongly recommended. Please call the Reservation Center at (808) 674-6200. This premium experience is available at an additional charge.

(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. 

Universal Orlando’s Youth Programs Teach Students About Exciting Careers

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

Today’s Dreamer, Tomorrow’s Problem Solvers

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

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

Practicing Prodigies to Movie Maestros

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

Backpack to Briefcase

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

Selfie Producers to Global Producers

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

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

Center Stage Always

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

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Five Tips for Planning Your Spring Break at Universal Orlando Resort

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

Step 2: Get the App

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

Step 3: Stay Cool

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

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

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

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

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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. 

Pixar Fest Begins April 13, 2018 at Disneyland Resort in California

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

As Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek announced at the D23 Expo in August, Disneyland Resort guests are invited to celebrate their favorite Disney·Pixar stories during Pixar Fest. Beginning April 13, 2018, this limited-time celebration of friendship and beyond will feature the debut of an all-new fireworks spectacular and the return of two favorite parades as well as even more beloved Pixar characters, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, themed food and beverage and new merchandise items.

“Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will light up Disneyland park beginning April 13. In addition to dazzling pyrotechnics and memorable music, the theme of friendship, ever-present in most Pixar films, is celebrated in this nighttime spectacular. Guests are invited to embark on an emotional journey that starts when unlikely Pixar characters first meet. As they set out on adventures and overcome obstacles together, “Together Forever” celebrates the everlasting friendships forged by beloved Pixar pals. The story comes to life through projections on iconic park locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water screens of the Rivers of America, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. This nighttime spectacular will even feature a special flyover by Buzz Lightyear at Sleeping Beauty Castle.

‘CARS’ CHARACTERS ‘PAINT THE NIGHT’ (ANAHEIM, Calif.)— Mack from the Disney●Pixar ‘Cars’ films is one of the characters featured in this all-new new after-dark spectacular at Disneyland park inspired by the iconic ‘Main Street Electrical Parade.’ ‘Paint the Night’ is full of vibrant color and more than 1.5 million, brilliant LED lights and features special effects, unforgettable music, and energetic performances that bring beloved Disney and Disney●Pixar stories to life. Celebrating 60 years of magic, ‘Paint the Night’ is one of three new nighttime spectaculars which will immerse guests in the worlds of Disney stories like never before. The Diamond Celebration at the Disneyland Resort begins Friday, May 22, 2015.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Also on April 13, the popular “Paint the Night” parade will return, this time to Disney California Adventure park. The parade features many Pixar stories, including characters from “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Cars,” and another Pixar story will join “Paint the Night” parade later in the year.

With the launch of Pixar Fest, “Pixar Play Parade” will make its way through Disneyland park for the first time. The parade will begin as most Pixar films have, with an appearance by the iconic and adorable Pixar lamp. Other new parade elements will feature characters from “UP” and “Inside Out.”

The Pixar Shorts film festival will feature rotating favorites such as “For the Birds” and “Lava” at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park throughout most of Pixar Fest. The Paradise Gardens area will feature a new Pixar-themed musical troupe along with Pixar character greeting opportunities as well as crafts and activities for our younger guests.

Guests can get into character and celebrate friendship with a host of new merchandise, including an exclusive Pixar Fest charm bracelet. With multiple bracelet options and a variety of charms with fun friendship messages and favorite Pixar characters, guests can mix and match for themselves, or friends and family!

All of these exciting new experiences come in addition to the many attractions and entertainment throughout the Disneyland Resort that include your favorite Pixar characters. Join the celebration when Pixar Fest begins April 13, 2018!

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.