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Early Morning Magic Starting at Hollywood Studios August 1st

Toy Story Mania

If you are a fan of Magic Kingdom’s Early Morning Magic, where a limited number of guests can enter the park early to enjoy specific attractions, as well as enjoy a buffet breakfast, then you’ll be even more excited to hear that not only has Disney Early Morning Magic been extended through September 30, 2016, for Magic Kingdom Park, but that Disney’s Hollywood Studios will soon offer Disney Early Morning Magic as well!

Beginning August 1, a select number of guests can experience Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beginning at 7:45 a.m., guests can enter the park and experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Toy Story Mania!, Pixar Place character greetings (with Woody and Buzz), and Mickey and Minnie on Commissary Lane and Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight. Guests can also partake in an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast at ABC Commissary from 8-10 a.m.

Guests can begin booking Disney Early Morning Magic for Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting today. The number of tickets available for each morning is limited, so visit DisneyWorld.com/EarlyMorningMagic to reserve or call 407-827-7350 for more information. (Please note that a theme park ticket is required in addition to the Disney Early Morning Magic ticket. Disney Early Morning Magic is also a separate experience than Extra Magic Hours, which are held on different dates).

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks vacation, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my facebook page here.

photo credit: Disney

Enjoy a Delicious Beverage Seminar at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

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Beverage Seminars
Sample select adult beverages during the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival that will put you in touch with your inner wine, beer and spirit connoisseur. Reservations for Beverage Seminars can be made beginning Thursday, July 21st.

Salud!

Raise your glasses as sommeliers and other beverage experts share their extensive knowledge at these deliciously informative presentations. Attendees can taste these popular potables while developing a new appreciation for state-of-the-art winemaking, brewing and distilling techniques.

Event Details

  • Location: Festival Center, Vineyard Stage
  • Held daily at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM
  • $15 per Guest, tax included

Click here for the official event calendar for the Beverage Seminars, including featured appearances and presentations.

Reservations

Starting July 21, 2016, use the Check Availability tool above to book online or call (407) 939-3378 to reserve your spot at a Beverage Seminar—held daily at 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, September 14 to November 14, 2016.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended as this event fills up quickly. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Required Epcot admission is not included with event ticket. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older. Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, where you can enjoy the Epcot Food & Wine Festival this fall. I would be happy to provide a no-obligation travel quote along with FREE planning services! 

Photo Credit: Disney

New Sneak Peek of Disneyland’s Star Wars Land

starwarsland

Star Wars Land was announced at last year’s D23 Convention–a brand new immersive land to be opening at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA and at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.

The official groundbreaking for Star Wars Land in Anaheim just occurred in April, and construction on the site can be seen from guest parking. Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced that a new sneak peek has been unveiled at Disneyland. There is a large photo posted on the fence on the Big Thunder Trail in Frontierland (the trail that runs between Fantasyland and Frontierland).

In the image (post above) the concept art for the 14-acre land is shown, with lots of little details embedded in the picture (i.e. the Millennium Falcon ride). This will be the biggest expansion in Disneyland’s history, with Star Wars Land estimated to be opening sometime in 2019.

 

Universal Studios temporarily closes garage due to suspicious package

Universal
Universal

Universal

Earlier today one of the parking garages at Universal Studios Orlando was closed due to a suspicious package. During a routine K-9 patrol they noticed the package and the Orlando Police were called.

Guests were asked not to enter the south garage and no other closures or evacuations were needed.

It is not mentioned what was found by the K-9 patrol.

The all clear was given around 5pm and parking resumed.

 

 

There is no further information at this time.

Lunch Review of Frontera Cocina in the Disney Springs Town Center

DS

DS

A recent visit to Disney Springs Town Center found me looking for something new to try for lunch.  I wanted to find a place to get inside, out of the heat of the day, and relax over a bite to eat. Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina fit the bill perfectly.  This classic Mexican cuisine lunch and dinner establishment offers great atmosphere, an eclectic menu, and amazing views.

The atmosphere is laid back yet fun. Our waiter was very helpful with the menu.  He introduced himself, made some suggestions, and referred to my grand-daughter as “Princess.”  The dining area offers a wonderful space to sit and relax over a drink and a meal.

The interior color scheme is warm and inviting and features a lovely bronze-colored chandelier in the center of the dining area.  The bar area has subtle lighting with pops of lime green and red coloring.  The open kitchen provides an element of fun and intrigue as you watch the chefs prepare the food.

The menu offerings include starters, soups, salads, tacos, and tortas, as well as some really amazing entrees and sides.  This was lunch and I was not overly hungry.  I decided to go with the Sikil Pak which is considered a starter.  This flavorful pumpkin seed dip with habanero is creamy with a bit of a spicy kick to it.  The texture is similar to hummus.  The dip was served with cucumber, jicama, and warm tortilla chips.  I found this option to be a perfect lunch portion for me and I really enjoyed it.  I would definitely order it again.

The children’s menu is slightly adventurous and since I had my 10-year-old grand-daughter with me I had her look at the menu before we went in to sit down.  The offerings are quesadillas, chicken enchiladas, and chicken tacos.  She decided to go with the chicken tacos with chihuahua cheese.  This meal was served with an awesome plantain rice and grilled zucchini.  She ate both tacos and about 1/2 of the rice.  She tried the zucchini but since it was blackened from grilling, she did not care for it.  The portion was plentiful for her age group.

Seating is located in the main dining area as well as the bar area.  There is also fabulous outdoor patio seating offering fantastic views of the Disney Springs.  Definitely a location I would like to try when the weather is cooler here in central Florida.  If you are fortunate enough to get a table near a window you will enjoy the views of Town Center from the main dining room, or the Disney Springs from the bar dining area.

The popular “Wall of Fame” runs along the walls of the main dining room.  These thin shelves feature hundreds of bottles of liquor, primarily tequila, creating an intriguing focal point and an element of fun during your dining experience.  You will also see top shelf bottles featured above the bar area with subtle lighting.

We were able to get a table right away even though we did not have reservations.  I am sure this will not be as easy to do when the word gets out about the awesome food offerings.  I highly recommend a lunch stop to Frontera Cocina on your next visit to Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Marvel Tsum Tsum #1 Brings Pint-Sized Heroes to the Marvel Universe

Marvel Tsum Tsum

The Tsum Tsum excitement is coming to the Marvel Universe, and they’re getting their own series! Today, Marvel is proud to present your look inside Marvel Tsum Tsum #1. This all-new limited series will debut in August!

Writer Jacob Chabot (The Mighty Skullboy Army) and artist David Baldeon (Captain America, Web Warriors) bring you an in-continuity tale of these stackable sensations as they come face-to-face with their super hero counterparts! As well as marvel villains too! If someone didn’t already know about Tsum Tsums, it might be hard for them to miss now! So what happens when the Marvel Tsum Tsums find their way into the Marvel Universe? When a crate of these pint-sized piles of fur accidentally falls to Earth en route to The Collector, one small group of Brooklyn teenagers will find out! NOw for the best part, the Marvel Tsum Tsums actually believe they’re the real Marvel Heroes! This will be a 4 part series.

Marvel Tsum Tsum 3Marvel Tsum Tsum 2

Featuring all your favorite Marvel heroes and villains, this new series is TSUM-thing you won’t want to miss! Get in on all the action when Marvel Tsum Tsum#1 comes to comic shops and digital devices everywhere next month!

MARVEL TSUM TSUM #1:

  • Written by JACOB CHABOT
  • Art by DAVID BALDEON
  • Cover by CHRIS SAMNEE
  • Variant Cover by GURIHIRU (JUN160824)
  • Classified Connecting Variant A (JUN160826),
  • Japanese Game Variant (JUN160827)
  • Photo Variant (JUN160825) Also Available

Look forward to this exciting new addition to the marvel universe August 03, 2016. To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

Full Collection of the Disney Starbucks Mugs

Disney Starbucks Mugs

Disney always makes beautiful collectible mugs, but so does Starbucks. When you put those two great things together, you get the amazing Disney Starbucks mugsFull Collection of the Disney Starbucks Mugs.

Amazon now has 2 sets available for you to choose from. The Full four park Collection of Walt Disney World and the two park collection for Disneyland. The mugs have beautiful designs that highlight featuring the Disney Parks’ skylines and classic icons. The Walt Disney World Collection features: Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Magic Kingdom. The Disneyland collection features: Disneyland and California Adventure. These come in their original Disney Parks boxes. That’s great if you like also like to collect them.  These are an excellent way to get the whole collection, even if you aren’t able to make it to the all the parks yourself. With so many options how do you choose which one to collect first?

If you just can’t get enough of Disney and Starbucks, there is also the travel mugFull Collection of the Disney Starbucks Mugs and tumblerFull Collection of the Disney Starbucks Mugs available on amazon as well! I carry my tumbler almost every where I go on hot days!

Do you also like to collect the Disney Parks Starbucks merchandise?

Reserve a Spot at the Celebrity Breakfast Series “What’s Cookin’ With…” at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

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What’s Cookin’ With…

What’s Cookin’ With…is a celebrity breakfast series held on select Friday and Sunday mornings, from September 16 to November 13, 2016, during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Reservations for this event can be made beginning July 21st at the rate of $129 per guest.

Eat, Drink and Ask Questions

Start the day in a most delicious way—at plated breakfasts featuring celebrity chefs and other industry experts. While enjoying the VIP guest’s favorite dish, listen to tips, tricks and insights into what makes his or her selection so extraordinary. Plus, foodies are in for a fabulous pièce de résistance, which includes a cooking demo, question-and-answer session and sparkling toast. Salud!

Event Details

  • Location: Festival Center, Chef’s Showcase
  • Select Fridays and Sundays
  • 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
  • $129 per Guest—plus tax, gratuity included

Guest Schedule

  • Friday, September 16 – Elizabeth Falkner
  • Sunday, September 18 – Bryan Voltaggio
  • Friday, September 23 – Andrea Robinson
  • Saturday, September 24 – Robert Irvine
  • Friday, September 30 – Graham Elliot
  • Sunday, October 2 – Buddy Valastro
  • Friday, October 7 – Jamie Deen
  • Sunday, October 9 – Cat Cora
  • Friday, October 14 – Emily Ellyn
  • Friday, October 21 – Andrew Zimmern
  • Sunday, October 23 – Rock Harper
  • Friday, October 28 – Duff Goldman
  • Sunday, October 30 – Geoffrey Zakarian
  • Friday, November 4 – Alex Guarnaschelli
  • Sunday, November 6 – David Guas
  • Friday, November 11 – Sarah Fioroni
  • Sunday, November 13 – Jehangir Mehta

Each event has one seating option. Required Epcot admission is not included with event ticket. Alcohol will only be served to Guests 21 and older. Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Reservations

Starting July 21, 2016, call (407) 939-3378 to reserve your spot at What’s Cookin’ With… a celebrity breakfast series held select Fridays and Sundays, from September 16 to November 13, 2016, during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended as this event fills up quickly. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation this Fall along with a visit to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. I would be happy to provide a no-obligation travel quote along with FREE planning services. 

Photo Credit: Disney 

The 2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Series Full Lineup has been Announced

Eat

Eat

The full list of nightly performances in the 2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Series at this year’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival has finally been released. There are a total of 26 amazing acts, including a number of new groups.

Event Details

  • World Showcase at Epcot America Gardens Theatre
  • Nightly concerts—Sep 14 to Nov 14, 2016
  • Showtimes are 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM
  • Valid Epcot admission is required

Songs listed below are for artist recognition only and may not be included in a performance playlist. All entertainment and artist appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Wang Chung – NEW!

September 14 to September 15, 2016
Known for their song “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”

STARSHIP Featuring Mickey Thomas

September 16 to September 18, 2016
Known for their song “We Built This City”

Air Supply

September 19 to September 20, 2016
Known for their song “All Out of Love”

BoDeans – NEW!

September 21 to September 23, 2016
Known for their song “Good Things”

Fuel

September 24 to September 25, 2016
Known for their song “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)”

Sugar Ray

September 26 to September 28, 2016
Known for their song “Fly”

Los Lobos

September 29 to September 30, 2016
Known for their song “La Bamba”

David Cook

October 1 to October 2, 2016
Known for his song “Light On”

Wilson Phillips

October 3 to October 4, 2016
Known for their song “Hold On”

Blues Traveler

October 5 to October 6, 2016
Known for their song “Run Around”

Plain White T’s – NEW!

October 7 to October 9, 2016
Known for their song “Hey There Delilah”

38 Special

October 10 to October 11, 2016
Known for their song “Hold On Loosely”

Jeffrey Osborne – NEW!

October 12 to October 13, 2016
Known for his song “On the Wings of Love”

Tiffany

October 14 to October 16, 2016
Known for her song “I Think We’re Alone Now”

Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX

October 17 to October 19, 2016
Known for the song “Come Sail Away”

Christopher Cross

October 20 to October 21, 2016
Known for his song “Sailing”

Toad the Wet Sprocket – NEW!

October 22 to October 23, 2016
Known for their song “All I Want”

Chaka Khan

October 24 to October 25, 2016
Known for her song “I’m Every Woman”

Billy Ocean

October 26 to October 27, 2016
Known for his song “Caribbean Queen”

Living Colour – NEW!

October 28 to October 29, 2016
Known for their song “Cult of Personality”

Hanson

October 30 to November 1, 2016
Known for their song “MMMbop”

Soul Asylum – NEW!

November 2 to November 3, 2016
Known for their song “Runaway Train”

Delta Rae – NEW!

November 4 to November 6, 2016
Known for their song “Run”

Boyz II Men

November 7 to November 9, 2016
Known for their song “End of the Road”

Sister Hazel

November 10 to November 11, 2016
Known for their song “All for You

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

November 12 to November 14, 2016
Known for their song “Go Daddy-O”
Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation and experience the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival. I would be happy to provide a no-obligation travel quote along with FREE planning services!

2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths and Menus

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The 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival booths and menus have been released and the Disney Food Blog was kind enough to share all the details! New kiosks in 2016 include Wine and Dine Studio, THE CHEW Collective, Chocolate Studio and Islands of the Caribbean. The Food and Wine Festival will be held at Epcot from September 14 until November 14, 2016 from 9:00am until park closing.

Beauty and the Beast Teaser Poster Released

Us Disney fans are beyond excited for the release of the live-action “Beauty and the Beast“, so fortunately for us Disney gave us another small glimpse into the upcoming film, with its teaser poster:

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This is an iconic image that the 1991 Disney animated classic is known for, and it’s amazing to see the live-action interpretation of the Beast’s rose.

The film also recently released its first teaser trailer:

The live action film will also be a musical, and comes a year after the animated film’s 25th anniversary. “Beauty and the Beast” features an all-star cast, including Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (the Beast), Luke Evans (Gaston), Kevin Kline (Maurice), Josh Gad (Lefou), Ewan McGregor (Lumiere), Ian McKellen (Cogsworth), Stanley Tucci (Maestro Cadenza), and Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts). “Beauty and the Beast” will be released March 17, 2017.

 

Staying at the Shades of Green Military Resort at Walt Disney World

Shades of Green entrance
Shades of Green entrance

Did you know that the U.S. Armed Forces has a resort at Walt Disney World?   The Shades of Green Military Resort is located between the world-famous Palm and Magnolia golf courses across from the outer bands of the Polynesian Resort.  This resort proved to be an excellent choice on a recent stay to Walt Disney World. From the lobby, the rooms, the family technology center, and the restaurants, to the grounds, the pools, the fitness center and the playground, Shades of Green is comfortable and is a beautiful place to stay on your next visit to the Walt Disney World.

Upon arrival, you must show a military/government ID to the guard at the entrance kiosk.  As you drive along the entrance road you will notice the American flags displayed from all of the light poles along the way.  The front entrance of the resort is absolutely breath-taking with its waterfalls, large rock formations, and small pond. These features highlight the front of the building and the porte-cochere where vehicles can pull in for registration parking and valet parking.  To the left of the building is the parking garage.

As you enter the lobby you will immediately notice the stone fireplace, the lovely seating areas, the exposed wood beams and the glorious chandeliers.  There are fresh flowers on tables and the entire lobby area is very clean.  There is an amazing photo-op, with a life-size mickey mouse statue, at one end of the lobby.  There is a children’s sitting area complete with child-size chairs and a television showing Disney movies.  The reception desk is lovely and the check-in process was quick and easy.  You will be required to show your military/government ID during check-in.  Off the lobby is a beautiful outdoor seating deck, with a large stone fireplace, and a lovely view of  some of the outdoor grounds.

The standard rooms are well-appointed with two queen size beds and a pull-out style sleep sofa. There is a dresser, flat screen television, and a table with two chairs.  Most of the rooms have recently been updated with new flooring, furniture and televisions. Each room has either a patio or a balcony with two chairs and a small table.  I found the beds to be very comfortable and they do provide a good nights sleep. The sleep-sofa is a standard style and fine for children to sleep on.  The bathroom is nice, and larger than most you will find on property, with tiled floors, double sinks and glass-enclosed shower.  Standard rooms offer 480 square feet of space.  Suites vary in size and sleep from four people in the Garden Suite up to fourteen people in the Palm Suite.

There is a Family Technology Center located near the shops and the ticketing desk.  You can purchase military tickets to the Disney Parks and other area attractions at the ticketing desk.  There are tables and chairs, televisions, and computers in the Family Technology Center.  Your children can watch the Disney Channel while you access the computers.

The three restaurants on the grounds of Shades of Green Resort are Evergreens, Manginos, and Garden Gallery.  Evergreens is located by the main pool and offers pub style food for lunch and dinner.  Along with having a bite to eat, you can play a game of pool or enjoy the arcade while relaxing with a drink from the bar.  Manginos is a sit-down restaurant with a full menu.  This location also offers great all-you-can-eat nights for dinner such as New England Clam Bake or Prime Rib.  Prices for the all-you-can-eat nights range from $22 to $30.  Menu items offer appetizers, entrees and desserts.  Garden Gallery is a buffet-style restaurant offering breakfast and dinner.  Adults pay $13.95 for the breakfast buffet and$17.95 for the dinner buffet.  Children ages 5-11 are $5.95 for either meal.  Each night features a fun family night theme such as Carnival or Chef Noah’s Wings.

There is a nice fitness center on-site and the walkways and paths provide a nice area for a walk or a run early in the morning.

If you are looking for a quick grab-and-go option, stop by the Express Cafe located beneath the main lobby where you exit for the Shades of Green bus transportation area.  Here you can pick up a pastry, coffee, sandwich, chips and other quick-serve items.  The busses run about every 20-30 minutes depending on the park you are traveling to. Transportation is provided for all four parks, the two water parks, and Disney Springs.  If you want to travel to Magic Kingdom I highly recommend the walkway from the Shades of Green to the Polynesian where you can catch the resort monorail.  The pathway between the two resorts is paved, easy to walk, and provides some really nice views as well.

The grounds of Shades of Green Resort offer a tranquil setting with lush greenery, stone and wood walkways, ponds, pools, wild turkeys, a wedding gazebo, and a playground.  The resort also borders the world-famous Palm and Magnolia golf courses.  The wood walkways create a path for walking over the ponds.  The ponds have many beautiful fish providing for a peaceful area to sit on one of the benches and take in your surroundings.  The stone walkways move you along the grounds between the ponds, the wedding gazebo, and the buildings.  You will notice the wild turkeys that make themselves at home along the grass between the buildings and one of the walkways.

The wedding gazebo has a brick walkway leading up to the gazebo.  You can purchase a brick for this walkway for $75 with three lines and up to twenty characters per line online at www.shadesofgreen.org/brickorderform.  The beautiful grounds surrounding the gazebo offer a spectacular background for wedding pictures.  Even if you are not there for a wedding, the grounds provide a spectacular background for family pictures and selfies alike.

The main pool area is very inviting.  It offers a good size pool with a water slide, poolside games, and live music on occasion.   If you are unable to find seating in the fenced pool area, there is additional table and chairs outside of the fencing.  This main pool area also offers a really great children’s play area with splash pad, water-dumping bucket, and child-size water slides.  The children’s area has its own fenced area and is separated from the main pool.  You will notice the lovely water wheel feature near the main pool.  This entire area provides some nice photo-ops as well.

Located across from the main pool area is the playground.  Here the children can climb and explore to their heart’s content amongst some large shade trees and a soft padded fall zone surrounding the climbing structure.  There are chairs and a wall surrounding the playground offering places for you to sit while your children play.

Room rates fall under three categories and are based on military rank.  Military personnel on active duty, Veterans who are retired or disabled, Department of Defense Civilians, Widows/Widowers, and Medal of Honor recipients qualify.  For a complete list of eligibility and rates go to www.shadesofgreen.org.

I have been to Walt Disney World Resort many times and this recent stay at Shades of Green Resort was definitely the most restful visit I have ever had.  From the room size and the grounds, to the views and the amenities, Shades of Green is a very comfortable place to stay.  While there is plenty to do at this resort, the tranquil surroundings provide for some much-needed rest and relaxation.  The first time I stayed at this resort was many years ago when my husband was on leave from an overseas tour of duty.  A lot has changed at the resort as it has doubled in size since that first trip.  The key factors that have remained the same are that this resort continues to offer a location where you can get away from it all, spend quality time with your family, and head to the Walt Disney World Parks to be in the midst of the action.  I strongly recommend a stay here if you qualify.

What do you think of Shades of Green Resort?  Please leave your comments in the box below.

 

 

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