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Disneyland Resort in California

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I have been to Disneyland in California several times – when I lived in California and again in September 2016 when I participated in the runDisney Coast-to-Coast Half Marathon – I didn’t know at the time, but this was the last year for this runDisney experience in California. However, a lot has changed even since 2016 so I was very excited to be chosen to participate in a Travel Agent learning experience at this Disney Destination!

While we toured all 3 of the Disneyland property hotels, we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. Even though you are in the heart of Anaheim, this is still a very large property with 3 towers for rooms. We stayed in standard rooms that all had magical Disney touches from the light fixtures to the headboards to the faucets! Everything was so “Disney”.

Trader Sam’s

And we toured a themed signature suite at this hotel – Adventureland Suite – which was AMAZING! This suite takes guests on the most luxurious safari ever. With the feel of an explorers’ camp from the 1930s, the Adventureland Suite features a master bedroom fashioned as a safari lodge with a claw-foot bathtub in the living area. In the master bathroom there is a grotto with a foot spa, steam and rain showers, and lighting and sound effects that make you feel like you’re in a rain forest or savanna. There is also a second bedroom, which makes you feel like you’re sleeping in a safari tent. The Asian/Indian-inspired main living area includes a wet bar, a flat-screen TV hidden behind artwork above the faux fireplace, and a “hidden” closet (hint: try the bookcase). When you’re in this suite, it even sounds like you’re in the jungle: the doorbell “rings” with tiki gods playing drums, and – for the first time in a Disneyland Hotel suite – themed background music plays three separate tracks inspired by the Jungle Cruise, Disney adventure-themed movies and music first created for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

There are also 3 other signature suites at the Disneyland Hotel – Fairy Tale, Big Thunder, Mickey Mouse Penthouse and Pirates of the Caribbean. All signature suites include concierge level access.

Disneyland Hotel Concierge

All of the property hotels have signature suites and concierge level service. The concierge service is different than Walt Disney World where you book the Club Level room type for concierge level services. At Disneyland Resort you book any room type and then pay additional to add on the concierge services per person per night. And, unlike Walt Disney World, you are encouraged to take food and beverage from the concierge offerings to enjoy when in the parks.

Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa Concierge
Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa Standard Room
Paradise Pier Lobby & Elevator Areas
Paradise Pier Standard Room
Paradise Pier Malibu Suite
Paradise Pier Malibu Suite
Paradise Pier Malibu Suite
Paradise Pier Pool Area

During our resort tours we also enjoyed Brunch at Storyteller’s Café with Mickey and Friends!  This character dining experience offers a delicious buffet with great character interaction for Breakfast and Brunch. It was a fun experience and I would definitely recommend it for your Disneyland vacation!

Dining reservations open 60 days in advance and walk-ins are typically not available.

There are 5 locations for character dining:

  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures (Napa Rose) – Breakfast with Disney Princesses
  • Disneyland Park – Breakfast with Minnie & Friends at Plaza Inn – 7 -11 am *Park ticket required
  • Disneyland Hotel – Goofy’s Kitchen – Breakfast & Dinner
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Mickey’s Tales of Adventure (Storyteller’s Café) – Breakfast and Brunch – after 2:30 pm there are no characters
  • Paradise Pier – Donald’s Seaside Buffet – PCH Grill is a small venue and characters are only at Breakfast – this dining experience is known for the best character interaction.

There are 2 parks at Disneyland Resort – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park – and they are only separated by a small courtyard-like area so park hoppers are definitely the way to go with tickets at Disneyland. Disneyland Park is very similar to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort except it’s a bit smaller – or at least seems smaller. This is where the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open Summer 2019.

Note: With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge scheduled to open Summer 2019, non-Star Wars fans should plan to visit NOW before opening date.

Disney California Adventure is similar to Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The two new attractions, Incredicoaster and Guardian’s of the Galaxy, were definitely on my “to-do” list as they were not open yet during my 2016 trip! Neither disappointed but Guardian’s of the Galaxy was my favorite – but one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World is Tower of Terror and Guardian’s is a similar experience with different theming and a bit different experience but close.

Incredicoaster
Guardian’s of the Galaxy
Radiator Springs Racers
Carsland

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also offers a secret entrance for guests staying at that hotel. This hotel sits “inside” Disney’s California Adventure and offers great views of the park.

And, if you are looking for a quiet spot to get away from it all – the Alfresco Tasting Terrace is the perfect little spot!

The Downtown Disney area offers shopping, dining and entertainment with many outdoor areas to enjoy during the day and at night. Splitsville is new to Disneyland and more new venues will be opening soon!

I also highly recommend adding MaxPass to your resort package. MaxPass will allow you to make advance FASTPASS selections the day of your visit and also includes PhotoPass. If you aren’t heading in to the parks first thing in the morning, be sure to walk over to the Monorail entrance to activate your park tickets – just enter the Monorail area, scan your ticket and exit – you can then make FASTPASS selections if you have MaxPass. Without MaxPass you will only be able to use the paper FASTPASS system once inside the parks.  With MaxPass you can have mobile FASTPASS selections and also paper FASTPASS selections for the same or overlapping times.

The PhotoPass system is a bit different at Disneyland than Walt Disney World… for ride photos you will want to take a screenshot of your photo code and enter it into your Disneyland Mobile App as the photos do not automatically capture to your account like they do with your My Disney Experience (MDE) account at Walt Disney World.

And, once you link your park ticket to your mobile app, take a photo of it to save to your phone in case your internet is not working once at or in the parks. They can scan the photo of your park ticket instead of needing to open your mobile app.

Disneyland Resort is a great way to kick off a Southern California vacation – Disney/San Diego/Hollywood – and I can book it all for you!

At Paradise Pier there is an Alamo Car Rental office which offers no drop fee to pick up at one location and return to another. So, for example, you could rent a car at Disneyland and drop it in San Diego for your return flight home without any additional drop fees.

If you are looking for a laid back, more spontaneous Disney vacation experience, where you will often see the characters roaming around and interacting with Guests, then Disneyland is for you! Contact me to help you book and plan your Disneyland Resort vacation!!

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Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

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Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort recently opened, replacing the former Shutters dining location. Located along the Old Port Royale promenade, this family-friendly spot offers signature dishes for lunch and dinner.

When looking at the menu for this table service dining experience I was not very excited. However, don’t let the menu deter you, the descriptions do not do the food justice and our server was super helpful with recommendations and she was spot on! I highly recommend Sebastian’s Bistro and would say that is it now one of my favorite dining experiences on property!

I dined with friends and, first, we enjoyed island inspired appetizers – Grilled Jerk Chicken Wings, Arepa and Caribbean Pull-apart Rolls – before our dinner.

For dinner we chose the Slow-cooked Pork Shoulder, Sautéed Shrimp and Tamales, Grilled Skirt Steak “Chimichurri” and the Sustainable Fish which was Mahi Mahi. Everything was delicious and prepared exactly as ordered and the presentation was perfect.

And, of course, dessert is always a must.

We shared the Warm Chocolate Pudding and Banoffee Tart, which was the recommendation of our server. And, because it sounded fun, I also ordered the Message in the Bottle – stick with what your server recommends, this tasted like raw eggs to me… And, I do apologize, I didn’t get a chance to take a photo before we dug in to the Banoffee Tart – but it was DELICIOUS!!

When planning your dining experience at Sebastian’s Bistro, be sure to allow time before or after dinner to enjoy the outdoor bar, Banana Cabana. It’s a fun and relaxing spot with island music and friendly bartenders.

Be sure to add this dining experience to your “must do’s” for your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort! Walk-up Guests can sometimes be accommodated, however, reservations are accepted and recommended. Reservations are currently available via your My Disney Experience account and some Dining Plans are accepted.

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The Edison at Disney Springs

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The Edison at Disney Springs is a fun dining spot or even a great place to just stop for adult beverages. It boasts an industrial gothic-style and serves up classic American cuisine, craft cocktails and unique entertainment.

Designed to look like a 1920s electric company, The Edison offers several themed dining/lounge areas with a steady lineup of unique acts like contortionists, aerialists, live cabaret, DJs and more.

Guests arriving after 10:00 PM each night must wear venue-appropriate attire. Men may wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts. Jackets are optional. No ball caps, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops allowed. Guests also must be at least 21 years of age to enter The Edison after 10:00 PM.

We have imbibed at the lounges and dined at The Edison several times but, while I have experienced some of the entertainment, I have not yet had the opportunity to experience the ‘adults only’ nightlife – soon!

The most famous appetizer on the menu is the DB ‘Clothesline Candied Bacon’, which we order every time and always enjoy! For our main dining, we have experienced the Organic Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese, Caesar Salad with Salmon and The Edison Burger with fries – all delicious!

You can also slip through the back passageway to Enzo’s Hideaway, a speakeasy-inspired tunnel bar, for more food and beverage.

Be sure to add this dining experience to your “must do’s” for your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort – especially for an adults only experience! Walk-up Guests can sometimes be accommodated, however, reservations are accepted and recommended. Reservations are currently available via your My Disney Experience account or Open Table and some Dining Plans are accepted.

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Maya Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

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Maya Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is not new to Disney or to me but it has been several years since I have experienced this dining location and it was much too long to wait…

From the time we arrived at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort we experienced a lively atmosphere – a warm welcome from the attendant at the entrance, open hospitality at the indoor bar, Las Ventanas, and a friendly greeting from the hostess, manager and staff at Maya Grill – our experience before any food was served was exceptional.

We shared our experience with local friends celebrating their birthday and, on arriving at Maya Grill for our dinner reservation, we were met by a Hostess and the manager as well as a seater – all were very friendly and welcoming making our experience fun from the start.

On being seated, our server was quick to greet us and offered suggestions for beverages and food choices from the menu. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a casual Tex-Mex Mayan feel and you could comfortably enjoy a dinner here after coming straight from a day at the parks.

After our server brought our beverages he delivered a bread service to start, along with our appetizers – Queso Fundido and House Guacamole – everything was delicious and prepared well.

Our entrées consisted of Maya Grill’s Signature Fajita Skillet, Seafood Grill Platter (which was enough for two!), Beef Short Ribs and a Classic Caesar salad with a side of steak (for me) at the recommendation of our server – it was delicious, and I loved how it was prepared and served.

For dessert we shared the Ancho Chili Creme Brûlée and Chocolate Abuelita Panna Cotta – both were amazing – the Creme Brûlée was very light and I love everything chocolate!

And you can’t dine at Maya Grill without experiencing the Margarita Flight, which includes 5 shot glasses of specialty handcrafted Margaritas – Mango Blueberry Basil, Classic, Horchata, Pineapple and Jalapeño!

While Disney’s Coronado Springs is undergoing extensive construction, be sure to add this dining experience to your “must do’s” for your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort! Walk-up Guests can be accommodated, however, reservations are accepted and recommended. Reservations are currently available via your My Disney Experience account or Open Table and some Dining Plans are accepted.

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Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by

I have eaten at many of the Signature Dining locations on Disney property, with plans to try the rest very soon – but they keep adding more!

Narcoossee’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, was definitely a favorite! The venue is not very large, and the restaurant location is a bit hidden, but it does offer a panoramic view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant from the waterfront verandah.

Narcoossee’s offers steak and seafood – including whole-steamed Maine lobster. And, like all Walt Disney World Resort restaurants, a tasty kids menu too! Dining Plans are accepted and this Signature Dining experience requires 2 meal entitlements per person.

I shared my dining experience with my husband and a good friend. To start, we ordered the Artisan Romaine Wedge with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Herbed Mascarpone, Tomato, Avocado, and Parmesan along with the Shrimp and Crab Cake with a Creamy Rémoulade Sauce and Red Quinoa-Cabbage Slaw. Both were visually appealing and well prepared.

Artisan Romaine Wedge
Shrimp and Crab Cake
Our entrees were both sea & land selections and we shared the Narcoossee’s Signature Mashed Potatoes made with Boniato-Russet Mash, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Tillamook Cheddar, Scallions. This dish was excellent! The portion size was large, the potatoes were perfectly prepared, the bacon was thick and very flavorful and it was hot when delivered to our table.

Narcoossee’s Signature Mashed Potatoes
For our main courses we chose Benne-crusted Herbidean Salmon with Haricot Verts, Vidalia Onion Soubise, and Peanut Romesco and the Grilled Grass Fed Filet Mignon with Yukon Gold Rustic Mash, Seasonal Vegetable, Red Wine-Oxtail Reduction – the filet was my choice and I requested the Roasted Brussel Sprouts in place of the Seasonal Vegetables. I am particular about my Brussel Sprouts and these were some of the best that I have had on property and my steak was cooked to perfection!

Benne-crusted Herbidean Salmon
Grilled Grass Fed Filet Mignon
We all chose to skip dessert, although there were many sumptuous offerings that sounded very tempting – especially the ‘Narcoossee’s Candy Bar’ – a Dark Chocolate-Mocha Bar with House-made Guanaja Chocolate Gelato!

In addition to a delicious meal, we were pleased to learn that Narcoossee’s also carries a couple of our favorite adult beverages – Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Oak Aged Beer for my husband and Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon for me.

If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort, I highly recommend Narccoossee’s for food, service and atmosphere.

Reservations are recommended at this and all Signature Dining experience restaurants and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Menus are subject to change.

All Signature Dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort have a ‘business casual’ dress code…
Men may wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jackets are optional.
Women may wear dresses, skirts or dress shorts with blouses or sweaters.
Not permitted in the dining room are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and shirts with offensive language or graphics.

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Everything Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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UPDATED: 7/20/2020 With the reopening of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, some Star Wars experiences may be modified or no longer available, please be sure to check your My Disney Experience Mobile App for the most up to date information. UPDATED: 1/24/2020 With so many new Star Wars experiences added since I first wrote this blog it was definitely time to update the information… Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still THE PARK for everything Star Wars! Discover new and updated Star Wars experiences that bring you closer to the epic saga than ever before. It’s all here for you to explore! In order to help you plan your Hollywood Studio’s visit, you will find below links and information for all of the Star Wars experiences. When the land is busier, for access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge you can use a Boarding Group feature in your My Disney Experience Mobile App to reserve your entry time rather than waiting in a physical line. See my Blog for detailed instructions. •Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (SWGE)Hollywood Blvd (HB)Echo Lake (EL)Animation Courtyard (AC)Commissary Lane (CL) •Grand Avenue (GA)Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) Rides, Shows, Stage Shows & Fireworks: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (SWGE) (38 inches) Ride in the famous cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring flight—and whether you’re a pilot, engineer or runner, every role is crucial. *Check out my experience riding Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run *Tip: FastPass is available for this experience and is recommended. *Tip: For vacation dates on or after February 19, 2020, you are now able to secure an advance FastPass+ time.  In some cases you may need to join a Boarding Group in order to enter Batuu and/or experience Rise of the Resistance, be sure to ask a Cast Member on arrival at the park. –  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (SWGE) (40 inches) Join the Resistance in a climactic battle against the First Order. *Check out my experience riding  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (EL) (40 inches) *Offers Rider Switch Make the jump to hyperspace—and to a new destination from Star Wars: The Force Awakens—during a 3D, motion-simulated space flight. *Tip: FastPass is available for this experience and is recommended. Star Wars: Path of the Jedi (EL) Watch a 10-minute retelling of the blockbuster Star Wars saga and get a peek at the future of the galaxy. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (EL) Watch younglings train in the ways of the Force and put their skills to the test against the Dark Side! *TIP: Arrive before park opening to register your child, ages 4-12, for this experience. Your child must be present at the time of registration to participate. Registration is located at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost located between the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and the 50’s Prime Time Café. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Be flexible with your schedule to accommodate training times.        *TIP: During this experience a PhotoPass Photographer will be taking photos of everyone participating, including your child, and each participant will receive a PhotoPass Card so that you can download the photos to your Memory Maker. If you take the card to the Memory Maker Sales Center located just inside the park entrance, they will access the photos and add only the photos of YOUR child to your Memory Maker account.                                                                                         – Star Wars Launch Bay (AC) Check out movie props, play games, snap photos, screen videos, and greet Star Wars heroes and villains. Star Wars Launch Bay Theater (AC) Watch a behind-the-scenes video and see how a new generation of filmmakers is designing the future of the Star Wars saga. March of the First Order (HB) *Temporarily suspended Watch and listen as Captain Phasma leads her squad of Stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard to Center Stage. *This experience provides a great photo or video opportunity too! Star Wars: a Galaxy Far, Far Away (HB) Witness the power of this live show that brings iconic Star Wars moments to life. *Tip: If you have seen this show previously or the viewing area in front of the stage is already full, stand behind the stage during the show and then just to the left facing side of the stage as the show is ending and you will see the Star Wars characters as they exit, sometimes getting a fist bump or two, for great photo opportunities! Another good spot to see the characters enter and leave the stage (if you have already seen the show) is in the courtyard behind the stage. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (HB) Conclude your day with an out of this world fireworks finale bursting with Star Wars music and magic.*TIP: Cast Members will ask everyone to stand up before the show starts. The best location is, of course, front and center stage – but you will need to arrive early to snag a spot! If the front section is full, the next best spot is center to the stage just to the right of the handicap area behind the section taped off for a walkway or any spot center to the stage will be a good viewing area. The There is no stage show, everything happens on the screens mounted on the stage or in the sky. Watch for the light sabers too! Star Wars Characters Meet & Greets: Darth Vader at Star Wars Launch Bay (AC) Chewbacca at Star Wars Launch Bay (AC) BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay (AC) *TIP: Wait times can be long but the lines do move quickly, so don’t be intimidated by a long wait time – at least it’s air conditioned! If you are a Disney Visa Cardmember, just present your Disney Visa card for a special character meet & greet offered daily from 11am to 4pm. Characters may vary daily for this offer. Also, during the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party is a great time to experience the characters as wait times are 20 minutes or less. Photo Opportunities: Star Wars Photo Opportunities Snap a photo in Star Wars settings throughout the park, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Dining: *Disney Dining Plans not accepted. You can now use Mobile Order via your My Disney Experience Mobile App to avoid waiting in lines at select Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Quick/Counter Service locations. * Oga’s Cantina (SWGE) Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the notorious watering hole where smugglers, bounty hunters, and weary travelers of all ages can come partake in some out-of-this-world refreshments. To make trip planning easier, Oga’s Cantina will follow the 180-day reservation process currently offered for restaurants requiring reservations. While there will be limited walk-up availability, reservations are highly recommended. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; however, any no-shows will be charged. *Disney Dining Plans not accepted. *Check out my experience at Oga’s Cantina * Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (SWGE) Mobile Order Hungry travelers can fuel up on galactic grub at this local eatery in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge * Milk Stand (SWGE) Mobile Order Quench your thirst with a cup of Batuu’s legendary blue or green treat, served frozen * Ronto Roasters (SWGE) Mobile Order Sink your teeth into a savory grilled sausage and roasted pork wrap at this exotic meat stall * Kat Saka’s Kettle (SWGE) Pop into this eclectic food stall for some Outpost Mix, a sweet, savory snack made with popcorn Backlot Express (EL) Two Suns of Tatooine Hummus available at this Quick Service Dining location Shopping: Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (SWGE) Constructing a lightsaber is a rite of passage in the life of a Jedi, as this elegant weapon from a more civilized age is attuned to its wielder through the Force. Inside Savi’s Workshop, your Clients will feel the presence of the Force as they craft their own lightsabers, customizing them with various hilts, accessories and the all-important kyber crystals. For the Savi’s Workshop experience, there will be limited walk-up availability, but reservations are highly recommended. A credit card guarantee is required for each reservation. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; any no-shows will be charged the full price of the experience. Guests can bring one guest to observe the experience. UPDATED: 7/20/2020Savi’s Workshop is currently a modified experience and advance reservations are not required. Legacy lightsabers are available for purchase and you scan a QR code on arrival to view the available options. Below is a sample of available options during a recent visit. Droid Depot (SWGE) Droids can be some of the most loyal companions in the entire Star Wars galaxy, and now your Clients can have the chance to build and customize their own astromech friends at the Droid Depot. Patrons pick pieces and parts off a conveyor belt to construct one of two core models (R-series or BB-series), which can then interact with elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Reservations are highly recommended and there will be limited walk-up availability. A credit card guarantee is required for each reservation. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; any no-shows will be charged the full price of the experience. The experience area is limited to the builder and one Guest—at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older. Creature Stall (SWGE) Discover curious creatures and critters from across the galaxy—and take home a new friend! Toydarian Toymaker (SWGE) Browse handcrafted toys and collectibles at this whimsical workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Black Spire Outfitters (SWGE) Outfit yourself for galactic adventures at the colorful apparel shop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Jewels of Bith (SWGE) Features exclusive items from Batuu. Resistance Supply (SWGE) Pick up gear that proves your allegiance to the Resistance and helps fight the First Order Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities (SWGE) Shop for mysterious and unique galactic artifacts collected by a legendary antiquities dealer First Order Cargo (SWGE) Proclaim your allegiance to the mighty First Order and shop for recruitment gear and supplies Tatooine Traders (EL)                                                                                    Descend upon this desert dome to procure rare Star Wars memorabilia and create your very own lightsaber or droid. Launch Bay Cargo (AC)                                                                                       Take home a piece of the Star Wars saga—including life-size sculptures, autographed memorabilia, high-end movie prop replicas and print-on-demand phone cases featuring your choice of extraordinary Star Wars art. Keystone Clothiers (HB)                                                                                      Star Wars fans, your shop has come in! And it’s loaded with epic apparel, gifts and gear for the whole crew. Special Events & Tours: Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party Watch the fireworks from a reserved viewing area with Star Wars-themed desserts and drinks. *Tip: Advance reservations are highly recommended. Star Wars Guided Tour This seven-hour guided tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide. You will blast off on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, get an in-depth, insider’s tour around Launch Bay. Plus, Guests age 4-12 will have an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. And, the finale of this unforgettable day includes reserved viewing for the fireworks show. *TIP: I highly recommend this experience, especially if you are a Star Wars fan! The cost for the tour compared to the cost for the dessert party is a DEAL! Plus, this BONUS, if you have younglings that want to participate in the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience, doing the tour provides the opportunity to participate without the need to arrive before park opening to sign up. Disney’s Hollywood Studios park admission is required for both experiences. Additional fees apply for these separate ticketed experiences. COMING SOON: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser A 2-Night, All-Immersive Adventure. Come live your very own epic Star Wars story with exclusive amenities and experiences, including a planet excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Scheduled to open 2021. *Please check your My Disney Experience Mobil App or Times Guides at the park for current performance times for the major stage shows and fireworks. You can also follow me on Facebook for more live posts and photos as well as Instagram and Pinterest – SWGE!

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Rivers of Light – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by

The long awaited ‘Rivers of Light’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park has finally made it’s debut!

Rivers of Light is located in the park’s Discovery River lagoon between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. It features water fountains, mist screens, floating lanterns, fire effects, lasers, lights, fog, projection mapping as well as live performers and incorporates the park’s Tree of Life into the show too.

This new nighttime experience celebrates the beauty of all living things. With a brilliant fusion of water, sound and light, it’s a unique experience that will entertain the whole family!

Rivers of Light is staged in the middle of the Discovery River, with seating split in two sections: on the shores of Asia in front of Expedition Everest, and along the banks of DinoLand U.S.A. in front of Finding Nemo—The Musical. All of the seats in Asia – half of the show’s 5,000 seats – are reserved for Guests with FastPass+. The other half of the seats, on the DinoLand side, are for those booking the Rivers of Light dining packages (available at Tusker House or Tiffins) and for standby Guests. There are also very limited, partially obstructed viewing areas around the river. I have viewed from all 3 areas and I highly recommend the dining package viewing area if you plan to see this new experience!

As sunlight fades, the ‘stars’ begin to twinkle in the trees surrounding Discovery River. A vibrant awakening of flitting fireflies leading to a ceremonious procession across the water of floating lotus blossoms that morph into colorful dancing fountains and over-sized animal sculptures – tiger, turtle, elephant, and owl – that light up in various colors.

The show begins with four flickering, lotus flower lanterns floating on the lagoon. They’re soon joined by shamans. The shamans conjure the forces of fire and water to reveal the majesty of the natural world, mostly as video projections on a huge water screen projected at the back of the lagoon.

In the final moments, the largest lotus sprouts a blazing tower. This magnetic display culminates in a triumphant blend of song, light, color and earthly elements. We are all bound together by earth and spirit — past, present and future.

Rivers of Light joins other nighttime experiences recently added to Animal Kingdom, including the sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris, Discovery Island Carnivale, Harambe Wildlife Parti and the Tree of Life awakening. Be sure to watch the video posted above, my photos do not do this show proper justice!

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Universal Orlando Resort

in CityWalk/Islands of Adventure/Orlando/Stay on Property/Universal Orlando/Volcano Bay by
Your kids grow up and so do vacations. If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers fun and thrills for the whole family, a Universal Orlando Resort vacation is the perfect destination vacation for you! I recently completed a week of training at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and it is the Ultimate Central Florida Vacation destination!
CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT
We spent our week at Cabana Bay Beach Resort and it’s a fun resort with so much to do! Go for a swim or relax in the lazy river, take the family for a game or two at the bowling alley or get your fitness on at the Jack LaLanne Fitness Center. From the moment you arrive, you will be taken back to the iconic beach resorts of the era with décor that throws back to the 1950’s and 60’s. It’s a fun place to hang out with the entire family. Also, when staying on property, you will enjoy exclusive benefits to make the most of your vacation. It’s the best way to experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer!
LOWES ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT
On our first day we were able to tour all 5 of the resorts on property. Although Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a fun throw-back vibe, I prefer the tropical styling of Loews Royal Pacific Resort. This resort offers the breathtaking splendor of lush tropical surroundings and you feel like you’re on a tropical island in the South Seas.
LOWES PORTOFINO BAY RESORT
   In addition, Lowes Royal Pacific Resort offers Universal Express Unlimited ride access in both theme parks FREE with your resort stay, which is also offered at Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
HARD ROCK HOTEL
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Cabana Bay Beach Resort do not offer the Universal Express Unlimited ride access.
LOWES SAPPHIRE FALLS RESORT
Universal Orlando Resort also offers special events throughout the year, and most all are included with your park admission! We were lucky enough to be at the resort during the Mardi Gras celebration and participated in the Mardi Gras parade held nightly during the celebration! Other special events throughout the year include ‘A Celebration of Harry Potter’ (usually held the last week of January), ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ held in the fall (this is a special ticketed event and is not included with regular park admission), and the ‘Macy’s Holiday Parade’ and ‘Grinchmas’ experience held in the winter. We kicked off our second day with breakfast at Three Broomsticks inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. This Happy Potter themed dining experience offers a traditional English breakfast, porridge, and other more traditional options along with pumpkin juice and Butterbeer! We were then free to tour the parks and explore on our own. If you want to experience all of the Harry Potter themed adventures, be sure to add a Park-to-Park ticket with your package as the Harry Potter experiences are in both parks and you can’t get from one to the other, or ride the Hogwarts Express, without a Park-to-Park ticket. During the day we were able to use the Universal Orlando Dining Plans for Quick Service and Table Service. There are many good Quick Service options both inside the parks and a couple at CityWalk. I chose Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches for my Quick Service lunch. This is a uniquely themed little spot that looks like an old-time soda shop, with great food and atmosphere. It was a quiet place to relax after a morning in the parks. For evening, we dined at Vivo in CityWalk and the service, food and experience were all excellent. The dining plans are easy to use and the Team Members and servers can all answer your questions about how to use your dining plans. Day three we were able to experience a VIP Tour and I would highly recommend adding a VIP Experience Tour to your vacation package! Along with a personal guide, the VIP Experience includes priority front of the line access to all rides and attractions including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions and experiences; exclusive behind the scenes tours, complimentary valet parking (1 vehicle, based on availability); continental breakfast to start your day, reserved Seating at shows; lunch at one of Universal Orlando’s 50+ dining venues. All VIP Experience Tours are date and time specific. There is also a Private VIP Experience Tour option as well as Halloween Horror Nights Tours. While we were able to experience attractions without waiting, it was also exciting to see the backstage areas of the parks. For our evening experience, we enjoyed the entertainment of the Blue Man Group. This is a family friendly and fun show that is also definitely worth adding to your vacation package. Universal Orlando Resort will have new attractions opening soon, including Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious Supercharged Underground Racing as well as a whole new park – Volcano Bay (which will offer virtual lines via TapuTapu, an interactive wearable designed exclusively for Volcano Bay experiences) – opening May 25, 2017! You will want to experience this full day water park during your vacation which will also offer themed dining experiences and shopping. Be sure to add at least a 3-Day Park-to-Park ticket to your vacation package so that you can experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer! If you are looking for excitement, thrills AND relaxation for your next vacation, something that is family friendly – from the little ones up to the adults – I highly recommend Universal Orlando Resort in Florida! So, come on, what are you waiting for? Contact me today and let me help you create your own #universalmoments!

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