Category Archives: United States

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

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

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

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

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

Two More New Hotels Coming to Universal Orlando Resort

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Two More New Hotels Coming to Universal Orlando Resort

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

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

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

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

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

Disneyland Throwback Nite to Kick Off Disneyland After Dark Events

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

When night falls, the Disneyland Resort lights up with even more magic – and beginning next year, you will be able to experience this enchanting time with a new series of events. Disneyland After Dark kicks off January 18 with its first after-hours event – Disneyland Throwback Nite!

Step back in time to the ‘50s and ‘60s for a taste of the classic after-dark experience at Disneyland. Come dressed in your best to enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth under a million twinkling lights, swinging to the tune of the bands and enjoying your favorite rides in the cool moonlight ‘till the clock strikes 1 a.m.!

Original attraction posters of Disneyland experiences from yesteryear welcome you as you commemorate the evening with special photo locations – and unlimited digital downloads are included with your event admission! Live music and dancing bring the bygone era to life throughout the park, and the sky lights up with an exclusive showing of “Fantasy in The Sky” fireworks. Guests will receive a commemorative lanyard and a vintage-inspired park map that will highlight the special experiences taking place throughout the evening.

This trip down memory lane will truly be one for the ages! Tickets for Disneyland’s Throwback Nite will be available on Disneyland.com for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders beginning Nov. 30 and for general public beginning Dec. 7.

And this is just the first in an ongoing series of unique events! Each Disneyland After Dark “nite” will be a can’t-miss experience featuring specialty entertainment, themed food, collectible merchandise and more.

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 Experiences and Panels Announced for A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

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

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

Pixar Pier to Feature Four New Neighborhoods at Disney California Adventure

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park when Pixar Pier opens along the southern shore of Paradise Bay, with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise throughout. This new, permanent land in the area that is now Paradise Pier will introduce four new neighborhoods representing beloved Disney·Pixar stories.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The first of the four themed neighborhoods guests will find is inspired by “The Incredibles.” Here, the new Incredicoaster, permanently transformed from the attraction that is now California Screamin’, will open with Pixar Pier in summer 2018. This new experience will feature a mid-century-modern-style loading area, new character moments and a new look for the ride vehicles. To prepare for this transformation, California Screamin’ will close Jan. 8.

The popular Toy Story Mania! will anchor the “Toy Story”-inspired neighborhood. A neighborhood inspired by “Inside Out” will be found on the western side of the boardwalk and will welcome a new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.

The fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will have a new look, with each of the 24 gondolas featuring different Pixar characters and the iconic face of Mickey Mouse remaining on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. At the Games of the Boardwalk, which already includes the Bullseye Stallion Stampede game, all of the midway games will be inspired by Pixar characters. Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk and Sideshow Shirts will close Jan. 8 to begin this transformation.

Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar will be transformed into a new lounge and grill offering sparkling views of Paradise Bay and the new Pixar Pier. Both locations will close Jan. 8, with Cove Bar reopening briefly in April before closing again for its permanent transformation. Guests wishing to reserve “World of Color” dining packages after Jan. 7 may consider Carthay Circle Restaurant or Wine Country Trattoria.

The remaining areas of the land that is now Paradise Pier, including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, will become a new land called Paradise Park.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Pixar Pier will open during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, which begins April 13. The celebration will include the new “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks as well as the return of Pixar Play Parade and “Paint the Night” parade, and much more throughout the entire Disneyland 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. 

Black Friday Disney World Deal to Spend Christmas at Disney World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

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

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

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

German Artisan Cheese Plate, Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, Germany

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany)

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

Stollen Holiday Fruit Cake, Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, Germany

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

American Holiday Table (The American Adventure)

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

Maple Bûche de Noël, Yukon Holiday Kitchen, Canada

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

Assort Holiday Cookies, The Cookie Nook, Festive Center

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Cookie Nook (The Festive Center)

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Feast of the Three Kings (Showcase Plaza)

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

Holiday Sweets & Treats (Showcase Plaza):

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

Refreshment Cool Post (Outpost):

Food Items:

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

Beverage Items:

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

Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza):

Food Items:

  • Chocolate Peppermint Glazed Croissant Donut

Beverage Items:

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

Fife & Drum Tavern (The American Adventure):

Food Items:

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

Beverage Items:

  • Brew Hub Pumpkin Spice Dunkleweiss, Lakeland, FL

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Alsace Holiday Kitchen (France)

Food Items:

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

Beverage Items:

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

Tarabaki Holiday Kitchen (Morocco)

Food Items:

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

Beverage Items:

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

Warm Apple Fritter, The Cookie Nook, The Festive Center

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

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

Beverage Items:

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

Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China)

Food Items:

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

Beverage Items:

  • Mango Wine
  • Tsing Tao Lager

Hokkaido Holiday Kitchen (Japan)

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

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

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)

Food Items:

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

Beverages:

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

Additional Festival Locations:

UK Beer Cart

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

Fountain View

  • Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake

Canada Popcorn Cart

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

L’Artisan des Glaces (France)

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

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie (France)

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

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

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

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Canada:

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

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company® Showcase Plaza:

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

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

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

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

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

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(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frog Choir

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

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

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

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

(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)

Celestina Warbeck

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Complete Guide to the Food at Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Complete Guide to the Food at Festival of Holidays and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!

Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure park this year with a wonderful and diverse array of food and beverage offerings! Through Jan. 7, you’ll be able to feast on these delicious items at the Festive Foods Marketplace and Disney ¡Viva Navidad!. This year, 12 different marketplaces are scattered throughout the area with dishes spanning various cultures and holidays. Here’s your list of all the delicious food at Festival of Holidays at Disney Viva Navidad available this year!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Chips, Breads & Holiday Spreads

  • Chicken Liver Paté with cherry jam and pistachios
  • Cranberry-Pear Tart with rosemary-infused cream
  • White Chocolate-Dipped Lingonberry Speculoos Cookie
  • Chorizo Queso Fundido with house-made tortilla chips

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Making Spirits Bright

  • White Cranberry, Pear and Blood Orange Mimosa Flight (Also sold individually)
  • White Wine Flight with Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand; Fess Parker Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County; and Bertenura Moscato, Italy (Kosher) (Also sold individually)
  • Red Wine Flight with Castle Rock Pinot Noir, Reserve, Russian River Valley; Joel Gott Zinfandel, California; and Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County (Also sold individually)
  • Chandon Sparkling Wine, Brut, California
  • Red & White Rotational Wine Selection

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Joy to the Sauce

  • Seared Salmon Filet with lemon-caper sauce
  • Beef Short Rib with mashed potatoes and gravy and topped with cranberry sauce
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding with brandied vanilla sauce
  • Conundrum White Wine Blend, California
  • Rodney Strong Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
  • Holiday Eggnog Cocktail with whipped cream and nutmeg
  • Apple Lemonade with whipped cream and caramel

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Spicy Celebrations

  • Nashville Fried Hot Turkey with dill pickles
  • Beef Corn Tamale a la Plancha with spicy rojo sauce
  • Spicy Peanut Brittle
  • Pomegranate Margarita with a chipotle-smoked sea salt half-rim
  • Winter Michelada with Modela Negra and a brown sugar rim
  • Modela Negra Lager, Mexico

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Brews & Bites

  • Sliced Calabrese Salami with crackers
  • Warm Bavarian Pretzel with whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • Beer Flight: For a Snowy Day with Victory Prima Pilsner, New Belgium Accumulation White IPA, Aftershock Oatmeal Rasin Cookie Ale and Great Divide Hibernation Ale (Also sold individually)
  • Beer Flight: For a Sunny Day with TAPS The American Cream Ale, Brewery Ommegang Witte, Backstreet Raspberry Sour and Refuge West Coast Red Ale (Also sold individually)
  • Stone Brewing IPA
  • Unsung Naturia Double IPA
  • Karl Strauss Holiday Porter

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Holiday Duets

  • Macaroni and Cheese with cornbread crumbles
  • Warm Polenta with chilled crab salad
  • Cookie Butter and Jelly Cheesecake
  • Holiday Mickey and Minnie Cookies
  • Pomegranate Mule garnished with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprig
  • Fever Tree Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic)
  • Warm Chocolate Float with whipped cream and brownie crumbles

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Classic Crocks and Casseroles

  • Chana Masala with grilled garlic naan
  • Green Bean and Mushroom Casserole with crispy onions
  • Milk Chocolate Candy Cane Pot de Crème Cup
  • Ice Green Mint Tea with mint sprig

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Blissfully Braised

  • Braised Pork Belly Adobo with garlic fried rice
  • Braised Lamb Cheeks with Mediterranean cauliflower
  • Fruit and Nut Rugelach
  • Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Hoppy Poppy IPA
  • ACE Premium Craft Hard Apple Cider

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

A Twist on Tradition

  • Reuben Potato Smash with Russian dressing and rye toast crumble
  • Butternut Squash and Almond Pakora Fritters
  • Chocolate Yule Log with candied chestnuts and clementine compote
  • Horchata Fudge
  • Pumpkin Spice Float Cocktail with cream liqueur, vanilla ice cream and pumpkin seed brittle
  • Frosty Frosé – Frozen Rosé with blue curacao and white cranberry juice with mint sprig

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Winter Sliderland

  • Holiday Ham Slider with pineapple relish
  • Roast Turkey Slider with cranberry sauce
  • Egg Nog Macaron
  • Hot Buttered Rum with a cinnamon stick
  • La Crema Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
  • Festive Beer Flight with Bottle Logic Brewing (714), Blonde Ale; Oaskar Blues Brewery Pinner, IPA; Barley Forge Brewing Co. The Patsy, Coconut Rye Stout; and Modern Times Fruitlands, Passionfruit and Guava Gose (Also sold individually)
  • White Hot Chocolate with house-made cinnamon marshmallow

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Grandma’s Recipes

  • Grilled Chicken Sausage with red beans and rice
  • Beef Brisket with brown sugar-glazed carrots
  • Sweet Potato Pie
  • Molasses Gingerbread Cookie
  • Merry Cherry-Pineapple Punch with assorted jellies
  • Warm Bourbon Cider with bourbon-infused marshmallow

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Festive Holiday Extras

  • Brussels Sprouts with goat cheese, cranberries and bacon
  • Baked Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
  • Pineapple Kesari with golden raisins
  • Holiday Sherbet Punch with flavors of pineapple, lime and orange
  • Ballast Point Brewing Company Piper Down, Scottish Ale, San Diego

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Treats for Santa

  • Mickey Snowman Cookie Decorating Kit
  • Warm Bourbon Cider
  • White Hot Chocolate

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at Paradise Garden Grill

  • Street Tacos – Trio of corn tortilla tacos filled with carnitas, carne asada and chicken, topped with white onion and fresh cilantro, served with lime-cilantro rice and black beans
  • Chicken Mole Plate – Chicken slowly cooked in Mole Sauce, garnished with cotija cheese, served with lime-cilantro rice and tortillas
  • Burrito – Flour tortilla filled with black beans, lime-cilantro rice and choice of carne asada, carnitas, or chicken with salsa and Mexican crema
  • Torta al Pastor – Soft telera roll, chorizo beans, al pastor, cabbage, guacamole and Mexican crema
  • House-Made Pozole – Mild chile and pork stew with hominy and oregano, topped with sliced radishes
  • Buñuelos – Two golden fried flour tortillas dusted with cinnamon sugar, served with a side of cajeta
  • Kid’s Cheese Quesadilla
  • Kid’s Street-Style Taco – Corn tortilla taco filled with choice of carne asada, chicken or carnitas, topped with white onion and fresh cilantro, served with lime-cilantro rice and black beans topped with queso blanco, served with choice of small lowfat milk or small Dasani® Water
  • Dos Equis Lager
  • Dos Equis Ambar
  • Red Sangria
  • Corona
  • Negra Modelo

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at Paradise Pier – Outdoor Vending

  • Elote – Street-style corn with mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and tajin
  • Horchata – Sweet rice beverage with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon
  • Jamaica – Traditional slightly sweetened hibiscus tea
  • Chicharrón – Puffed wheat wagon wheel, tapatio and lime wedges
  • Strawberry Paleta – Fresa (strawberry) fruit bar

(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. 

Complete Guide to the Sweets and Treats at Holidays at Disneyland Resort

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is here, and you are going to love all of the wonderful treats at Holidays at Disneyland Resort that are in store for the most magical season of the year! From now until January 7, 2018, you’ll be able to find everything on this guide at various locations throughout Disneyland Resort.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Run, run, run as fast as you can to try a tasty gingerbread man! You’ll be able to find these delightful gingerbread men at many locations throughout both parks and all three hotels. Disneyland park will offer gingerbread man cookies at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, Market House, Red Rose Taverne, The Golden Horseshoe and Stage Door Café; Disney California Adventure park will have them at various carts throughout the park, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, Pacific Wharf Café and Pacific Wharf Coffee Cart; at the Disneyland Resort Hotels, you’ll find them at The Coffee House, Hearthstone Lounge, and Surfside Lounge.

Snowman shortbread cookies will also be available throughout the entire resort. At Disneyland park, you’ll find them at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café and Market House; while at Disney California Adventure park, you’ll find them at various carts and Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café; and at the Disneyland Resort Hotels, you’ll find this cookie at Tangaroa Terrace and Surfside Lounge.

Other offerings that will be available across Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks include holiday crispies, parfaits and brownies at various carts and locations throughout the resort. Peppermint mochas will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café in Disneyland park; Pacific Wharf Coffee Cart in Disney California Adventure park; and The Coffee House, Hearthstone Lounge and Surfside Lounge at the Disneyland Resort Hotels. For the cotton candy fans out there, you’ll be excited to find yummy candy apple cotton candy at various carts in both parks.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At Disneyland park, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café will be serving up caramel apple muffins with streusel as well as pumpkin spice lattes. The Main Street Coffee Cart will be offering various holiday doughnuts. At the French Market Restaurant, you’ll find praline cheesecake with graham cracker crust, a layer of praline crunch and almond brittle. And for those wanting to get their chocolate fix, you can get a chocolate coffee Yule Log at Plaza Inn, with coffee buttercream filling, chocolate crunch and chocolate ganache.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For the peppermint lovers out there, if you stop by Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream, Stage Door Café or Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, you’ll find crushed candy cane topping, as well as peppermint ice cream at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor. And Mint Julep Bar is celebrating the season with scrumptious candy cane beignets ­– yum!

There are also several offerings continuing from the fall, like the graham cracker churro with marshmallow dipping sauce at the New Orleans Square Churro Cart and the Campfire S’mores Funnel Cake at Stage Door Café.

Savory options include the Enchanted Maize Flatbread at Red Rose Taverne with mozzarella, roasted corn, pickled red onions, parmesan, spicy lime aioli and chopped cilantro; or try the Bison Blue Cheeseburger at Hungry Bear Restaurant with candied bacon, sautéed mushrooms, baby kale and blue cheese tarragon sauce on a whole wheat ciabatta.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

At Disney California Adventure park, there will be many offerings in addition to the Festival of Holidays marketplaces. Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream will have a cinnamon roll apple strudel sundae, crushed candy cane topping for hand-dipped bars, and cinnamon spiced, dark chocolate Ghirardelli and white chocolate Ghirardelli hot cocoa. Mortimer’s Market and the Boudin Bread Cart will have candy cane-shaped bread and snowman-shaped bread. Award Wieners will be frying up gingerbread funnel cake fries. At Schmoozies, you’ll find a pumpkin pie smoothie, a blended peppermint Malibu mocha, a holiday doughnut and a Santa’s Mittens Macaron with mint chip ice cream; and Pacific Wharf Café will have pumpkin spice bread pudding.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

In Cars Land, Flo’s V8 Café is serving up chocolate peppermint pie and a peppermint candy cane shake, while the Cozy Cone Motel will have a red churro with crème anglaise and crushed candy cane topping.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

On the savory side, you can find Elote at various carts throughout the park – street-style corn with condiments including parmesan, mayonnaise and chile-lime seasoning. A turkey pot pie soup will be available at Pacific Wharf Café, and a meatloaf with bacon will be offered at Flo’s V8 Café. You’ll find the chicken verde cone at the Cozy Cone Motel, and at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, you can find a chorizo thick-crust pizza with creamy tomato sauce, mozzarella and cotija cheese, spicy chorizo, fresh pico de gallo and a tomatillo-cilantro crema drizzle.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

From Dec. 1 through Jan. 7, Carthay Circle Restaurant will have some special additions to their menu, including prime rib with cranberry horseradish, roasted leg of lamb with Christmas shrimp relleno, peppermint affogato, ginger monkey bread and a poinsettia cocktail consisting of Cointreau, cranberry juice and champagne and garnished with a twist of orange zest. You’ll also find this cocktail at Carthay Circle Lounge.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The festive fun doesn’t stop at the parks! You’ll also be able to find some fun and delicious holiday offerings at the Disneyland Resort Hotels as well. The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel and Surfside Lounge at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will be offering eggnog, eggnog lattes and caramel apple muffins with streusel.

At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you can find a Black Forest bundt cake at White Water Snacks and an eggnog latte at Hearthstone Lounge. And at the Gingerbread House Cart will be tree ornament cookies, pumpkin coffee loaf, traditional and peppermint hot chocolate, and hot cider with the option to add spiced rum.

Which of these treats at Holidays at Disneyland Resort would you most like to try?

(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.