Our favorite personal healthcare companion is here to take care of all your refreshment needs with this Baymax mug we found at Magic Kingdom! You can also get yours online at shopDisney for $24.99.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Closing Due to Cold Temps
As a result of cooler temperatures in Central Florida this week, Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park at Walt Disney World is set to be temporarily closed on Monday, February 5, Tuesday, February 6, and Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
This year, Universal Orlando is stepping up its Mardi Gras game with an incredible lineup of merchandise. From exclusive apparel to fun mugs and masks, there’s something for everyone looking to add a little extra sparkle to their Mardi Gras experience. Let’s dive in and check out what’s in store for us this year at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Great news for those visiting Universal Studios Florida during the Mardi Gras celebration: the famous Bloody Mary Booth is back, and it’s serving up some spicy and exciting flavors that you won’t want to miss!
For those who love a good kick in their drink, the Bloody Mary Wild is the way to go. This version is not for the faint of heart! It’s packed with flavors and a bit of heat to spice up your Mardi Gras experience. The drink mixes New Amsterdam Vodka with tomato juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup for starters. Then, it adds some horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, black pepper, sriracha, and Louisiana hot sauces to turn up the heat. If you’re looking for a drink that packs a punch, this is it!
You can get the Bloody Mary Wild in a 20 oz souvenir cup for $19.50. If you decide you want more, refills are just $15.50. There’s also a 12 oz option available for $15.00.
Not everyone loves a spicy drink, and that’s okay! The Bloody Mary Mild is perfect for those who prefer a gentler flavor. This version keeps it simple and tasty with New Amsterdam Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, celery salt, and black pepper. It’s a smoother, less spicy take on the classic drink but still absolutely delicious.
Just like the Wild version, the Mild comes in a 20 oz souvenir cup for $19.50 (with refills at $15.50) or a 12 oz cup for $15.00.
Besides the star of the show, the Bloody Mary booth also serves up some other refreshing options. If you’re in the mood for something different, you can grab a Miller Lite for $10.00, a Modelo for $11.00, or a Truly Vodka Seltzer for $12.00. The stand also has soft drinks available for purchase.
Whether you’re daring enough to try the Wild or prefer to keep it Mild, the Bloody Mary Booth at Universal Studios Florida’s Mardi Gras celebration has something for everyone. So make sure to stop by, grab your drink of choice, and enjoy the festivities with a delicious, refreshing beverage in hand. Cheers to a fantastic Mardi Gras!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Visitors to Universal Studios Florida can now experience a unique immersion into the universe of Universal Movies. The newly opened Monster Makeover, located inside the Five & Dime store, offers guests the opportunity to be transformed into their preferred Universal Monster. This transformation is done by the same skilled makeup artists who create the character makeup for the iconic Halloween Horror Nights and Universal’s Mardi Gras Celebration!
The new Monster Makeover location is contained in a room near the rear of the Five & Dime in an area that was formally a storage room located behind the store’s cash registers.
The room contains a full workstation to allow the artists to transform guests into the monster of their choosing.
A variety of full and half-face options are available, at a cost of $125 + tax for a one-hour full transformation makeover or $65 + tax for a 30-minute mid-makeover.
Guests can book their reservation for the Monster Makeover online. Reservations are required, and the service is quite popular so we recommend making your reservations as early as possible!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Universal released a ton of information about the all-new Epic Universe Theme Park back on January 31, 2024. The announcement included the names of the themed lands that will call the park home, details about several attractions, and a virtual flyover of the Celestial Park area. Somewhat hidden in the announcement was the confirmation of a preview center that will open soon at CityWalk!
The preview center will reportedly contain interactive elements that will allow guests to immerse themselves in Epic Universe before the park opens in 2025. While Universal has yet to confirm the exact location of the preview center, it is widely believed to be currently under construction in the former Universal Legacy Store.
The Legacy Store closed back on January 7th. Universal noted that the store was closing to ‘make way for an exciting new experience for our guests.’ The Legacy Store originally opened back in 2021 as a way for guests to explore a myriad of props and photos from Universal attractions.
No specific timetable for the opening of the preview center was included in the announcement, other than it will open ‘later this year.’
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Fall in LOVE with the Cupid’s Bombashake from Vivoli Il Gelato
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a special treat in Disney Springs?! Vivoli Il Gelato is offering Cupid’s Bombashake for a limited time.
The delicious Cupid’s Bombashake is a strawberry cheesecake shake, topped with whipped cream, pink sprinkles, and a cheesecake filled bomboloni. This whimsical creation transforms the traditional milkshake experience into a heavenly delight. It is $17 and will be available for a limited time.
Vivoli Il Gelato is a world-famous, family-run shop located at The Landing in Disney Springs.
Ready to experience Disney World with your Valentine? Contact me to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical and stress-free vacation.
Walt Disney World recently extended theme park hours for three of the parks this month. Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are all offering more time for guests to experience the parks!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has adjusted its operating hours, extending its closing time beyond the initially planned schedule. Originally slated to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the park will now remain open until 8:00 p.m. on February 18 – 20 and February 23 – 24. Additionally, on February 21 and 22, the park will continue to welcome visitors until 7:00 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The operating hours for Disney’s Hollywood Studios have also been modified. Initially planned to operate from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the park will now open at 8:30 a.m. every day from February 18 through 24, offering early entry at 8:00 a.m.
Magic Kingdom
The original operating hours for Magic Kingdom, set from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, have undergone changes. Now, on February 19 and 22, the park will extend its closing time to 10:00 p.m., and on February 18, 20, 21, 23, and 24, it will remain open until 11:00 p.m.
Most days will maintain the regular 9:00 a.m. opening time, with exceptions on Friday, February 23, and Saturday, February 24, when the park will open its doors at 8:00 a.m.
Will you be visiting Disney World this month?
If you’d like to start planning your next Disney trip, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical and stress-free vacation.
New Lunar New Year Food Offerings Now Available at Universal Hollywood
Hollywood & Dine at Universal Studios Hollywood is now offering a Lunar New Year menu! Guests can enjoy the new food offerings during the month of February.
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a wonderful and stress-free vacation.
Our Review of the 2024 Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando
February 1st kicked off Sea World’s highly anticipated Seven Seas Food Festival, and we were fortunate to be invited to attend this exciting event filled with delicious culinary cuisine offerings from around the world! We couldn’t wait to try some of these amazing bites and special sips offered during this fabulous event.
We started our day with refreshing welcome cocktails, sampling just a few of the many boozy beverages this event has to offer. With over 80 wine and cocktails and 65 craft brews to try, you’ll definitely have to come back over and over again to taste as many as you can!
We then began our tour around the world traveling through the Culinary Marketplace, where SeaWorld’s Master Chefs invite you to experience many flavorful and unique dishes from around the world. No passport required! At each country’s markets, you can discover unique dishes featuring Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian and North Atlantic dishes throughout the park. A new addition to the Marketplace is the Veggie Market, where they offer plant based sandwiches and tacos with a vegetarian twist.
With so many amazing food offerings, we sampled as many as we could- including the Pão de Queijo Brazillian Cheese Bread from Brazil, the Tempura Battered Sushi from Asia, Walking Gyros from the Mediterranean, the Mini Calzone from Italy, and the Fish and Chips from the North Atlantic! Each and every bite was so delicious, and I know we will be returning to try more of all the incredible food options!
Let’s not forget about desserts! The Seven Seas Food Festival also has a mouthwatering array of delectable sweets that you’ll want to try. We tasted the Orange Bliss Cupcake and the Cocoa Loco Cupcake from Sweet Sips, the Cannoli from Italy, and the Mini Creme Brulee from France (my personal favorite!) There are so many incredible dessert options for your sweet tooth!
In addition to all of these amazing food and beverage offerings, SeaWorld is also holding live concerts that are held every weekend during the festival at their open-air Bayside Stadium! Add a taste of rock, country, Latin, or 90s throwback sounds at our live music performances every Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3 – May 19.
Sea World’s Seven Seas Food Festival is running select dates, now through May 19th. You can find the official festival guide here to plan ahead. You’ll definitely want to dive into this sea of culinary delights and entertainment at SeaWorld! Whether you’re a food enthusiast or looking for family fun, there’s something for everyone at SeaWorld’s Seven Food Festival. We’ll definitely be returning to this incredible event!
Universal Orlando has officially kicked off its 2024 Mardi Gras celebration, and the park is alive with the spirit of New Orleans! Just yesterday, guests began to experience the vibrant transformation that brings the essence of the Big Easy to life. We have your first look at the food booths and decorations from this years festival ready for you!
The lineup of food booths this year is once again incredibly diverse, bringing an array of snacks, dishes, and beverages to the festival.
New Orleans Classics
Beignets (Vegetarian, $6.99): Fried pastry with powdered sugar.
King Cake Mini (Vegetarian, $6.49): Traditional cake with cinnamon icing.
Crawfish Etouffee ($7.49): Crawfish stew over rice.
Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya ($7.49): Mixed rice with meats and vegetables.
Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy (Vegan, $12.49): Sandwich with fried tomatoes and Cajun remoulade.
Shrimp Gumbo ($7.49): Shrimp and andouille stew over rice.
Shrimp & Crawfish Boil (Gluten-Sensitive, $14.49): A mixed bag of seafood and vegetables.
New Orleans Beverages
Category 5 Punch: Rum blend with juices, available in various sizes.
Espresso Martini ($14): Coffee, espresso liqueur, vodka, and syrup.
Chicory Coffee ($8): Coffee with marshmallow syrup and foam.
Puerto Rican Flavors
Pastelon (Gluten-Sensitive, $8.99): Plantain and beef casserole, paired with Piña Colada.
Bacalaitos ($7.99): Salt cod fritters with mayo ketchup.
Pastelitos de Guayaba (Vegetarian, $5.99): Guava-filled puff pastry.
Puerto Rican Beverages
Piña Colada: Rum blend with juices, available in various sizes.
Fanta Piña Colada ($4.99): A non-alcoholic tropical treat.
Brazilian Flavors
Shrimp Moqueca (Gluten-Sensitive, $7.99): A shrimp and coconut cream stew, served with white rice, paired with Mango Caipirinha.
Pao de Queijo (Gluten-Sensitive, Vegetarian, $6.99): Brazilian cheese bread.
Brigadeiros (Gluten-Sensitive, Vegetarian, $6.49): A Brazilian chocolate delight with condensed milk and Mardi Gras sprinkles.
Brazilian Beverages
Mango Caipirinha: A mix of cachaça, curaçao, lime, syrup, and mango, available in a 20-ounce souvenir cup ($17) with refills ($13), or a 12-ounce serving ($13).
Colombian Cuisine
Colombian Burger ($9.99): A grilled burger with cheese, pineapple slaw, and garlic sauce, paired with Aguardiente Punch.
Arepa de Choclo (Vegan, $8.49): A sweet corn cake with cheese and honey butter.
Oblea (Vegetarian, $6.99): A wafer filled with dulce de leche and strawberries.
Colombian Drinks
Aguardiente Punch: A mix of liquor, lime, syrup, and blackberry, available in a 20-ounce souvenir cup ($17) with refills ($13), or a 12-ounce serving ($13).
Spanish Delicacies
Ensalada de Pulpo (Gluten-Sensitive, $8.99): Octopus salad, paired with Sangria Rosado.
Papitas Bravas (Gluten-Sensitive, Vegan, $5.99): Crispy potatoes with aioli.
Classic Margarita and Gran Añejo Margarita: Available in various sizes and souvenir cup options.
Jose Cuervo Añejo Tequila and Modelo Beers: Including Modelo Chelada Lime and Pineapple.
French Cuisine
Bananas Foster Creme Brulee Crepe (Vegetarian, $11.99): Banana caramel and vanilla cream crepe, paired with Grand Framboise Slush.
French Beverages
Grand Framboise Slush ($15): A decadent blend of vodka, créme de framboise, raspberry purée, and chocolate syrup.
Various Wines: Selections include Charles De Fére Cuvee, Patient Cottat Sauvignon Blanc, and oth
Canadian Specialties
Candied Bacon & Onion Poutine ($10.49): Spiced curly fries with onion gravy, cheese curds, and bacon, paired with La Fin Du Monde.
Vegan Wild Mushroom Poutine (Vegan, $9.99): Curly fries with vegan cheddar, mushroom gravy, and truffle oil.
Canadian Drinks
Fire Cider: Fireball whiskey and apple cider, served in a 20-ounce souvenir cup ($17) with refills ($13), or a 12-ounce serving ($13).
LaBlatt Blue Light and La Fin Du Monde Draft: Available in various sizes and souvenir cup options.
Italian Flavors
Roman Suppli ($7.99): Risotto with cheese and vodka sauce.
Zabaglione with Berries (Gluten-Sensitive, Vegetarian, $5.99): A dessert with anglaise and berries.
Italian Drinks
Aperol Spritz Sorbet ($14): Aperol with blood orange sorbet.
Wine Selections: Including Bollini Pinot Grigio and Bertani Valpolicella.
Chinese Cuisine
Szechuan Noodle Salad (Vegan, $5.99): A spicy cold noodle salad with cucumbers, peanuts, cilantro, and scallions.
Spicy Smashed Cucumber (Vegan, $5.99): Marinated cucumbers with a spicy kick.
Potstickers ($5.49): Pork potstickers served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
Chinese Beverages
Lucky Buddha Beer ($10.75): A 12-ounce bottle of refreshing beer.
Hong Kong Boba Tea (Vegan, $9): Oolong milk tea with boba and cheese foam.
Philippine Cuisine
Pancit Bihon ($8.49): Rice noodles with chicken and vegetables, paired with Buko Juice.
Crispy Lumpia ($7.49): Pork-filled rolls with dipping sauce.
Pandan Cheesecake ($6.99): Cheesecake with coconut topping.
Philippine Drinks
Buko Juice ($12): Coconut water and milk in a souvenir coconut cup.
San Miguel Beer ($10.75): A European-style pale lager.
Thai Cuisine
Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp (Gluten-Sensitive, $8.49): Shrimp salad with Thai dressing, paired with Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea.
Green Curry with Chicken (Gluten-Sensitive, $6.99): Spicy curry with chicken and vegetables.
Chicken Satay ($8.99): Grilled chicken skewer with peanut sauce.
Thai Beverages
Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea: Gin blend with matcha and syrups, available in various sizes, including a mocktail option.
In addition to the food booths, the park is decked out in a variety of Mardi Gras decorations that transport guests from Central Florida to the heart of New Orleans. The immersion starts from the moment you enter CityWalk, with the Welcome to Universal Sign decorated with Mardi Gras trim.
Various displays containing the colors and themes of the season are located throughout Universal Studios Florida.
These larger than life jesters add an element of fun to the event!
A fun new Mardi Gras themed surprise is waiting around nearly every corner of the park!
And it wouldn’t be a Mardi Gras celebration without a bit of Jazz!
With Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration in full swing, you have until April 7th to immerse yourself in this annual extravaganza of flavors, music, and colors. Don’t miss your chance to experience the unique blend of excitement and culture that only Mardi Gras can offer. Make sure to visit before the festivities draw to a close, and take part in creating unforgettable memories at this spectacular event. Let the good times roll!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!
Disney Springs is currently buzzing with the energy of Black History Month, inviting everyone to a celebration filled with the vibrant tastes, sounds, and artistic expressions of Black culture. The culinary teams across Disney Parks have outdone themselves, creating a feast for the senses that pays tribute to Black heritage through an array of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks.
Disney Springs has pulled out all the stops to ensure that Celebrate Soulfully is not just an event but an unforgettable experience. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering offerings available this month:
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is serving up Charles Woodson Wines’ 2019 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon, a perfect pairing for any dish.
The Ganachery introduces the Cookie Butter Ganache Square, inspired by Chocolatier Cast Member Destiny Hinds, and Soulfully Pralines, taking a creative nod from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” crafted by Chocolatier Cast Member Sheila Moten.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar offers a new dish, Griot and Pikliz, inspired by Haitian cuisine and prepared by Culinary Cast Member Daphnee Vilme Dorcelian. This dish features epis-marinated fried pork shoulder served with fried green plantain and pikliz, a pickled cabbage slaw.
The Polite Pig features Pork Belly Diri Kolepwanwa, a sweet and spicy pork belly served with rice and black beans, topped with an onion jalapeño slaw.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes joins the celebration with House of Brown 2021 California Red Blend, a choice wine for guests to enjoy.
Vivoli il Gelato offers the Black Girl Magic Float, a delightful combination of vanilla gelato and Black Girl Magic wine from the McBride Sisters Wine Company, available through March 30.
While the delicious eats and sips are a major draw, Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Springs is about more than just food. It’s a celebration of culture, history, and the countless contributions of Black individuals to the tapestry of American life. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the music, art, and storytelling that are integral to the celebration, creating a truly enriching experience.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavors or someone eager to immerse themselves in cultural celebrations, Disney Springs has something for everyone this February. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
