JUST ANNOUNCED: MINION LAND

Published on May 19, 2023 in Universal Orlando/Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations by Crystal Boston

Illumination’s Minions are taking over an entire street at Universal Orlando. Blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. Visit Illumination’s Minion Cafe where mischief is always on the menu. Get a sweet treat at Bake My Day and more. It’s Minion mayhem like you’ve never experienced before. Opening Summer 2023.

As soon as guests enter the land, they will be greeted by a “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave. Guests can blast their way to supervillain stardom in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, savor tasty dishes at the Minion Café, snack on banana-flavored popcorn at Pop-a-Nana, and meet fan-favorite characters along the way.

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast: Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, an all-new attraction where they compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience. Afterward, they exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.

Illumination’s Minion Café: It’s Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination’s Minion Café, the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto. This includes the Kitchen, where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu; the Breakroom, where guests can dine in the Minions’ break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room, a vibrant space adorned with colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.

Just as eye-catching as Minion Cafe’s themed surroundings is its delicious menu, the latest example of how Universal Orlando’s culinary team continues to raise the bar when it comes to theme park dining. Guests of all ages can enjoy inventive, family-friendly fare featuring nearly 20 items inspired by memorable characters and staples from the Minions franchise, including eclectic “despica-bowls” such as Otto’s Noodle Bowl, Agnes’s Honeymoon Soup and Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower (vegan offering); delectable handhelds such as the Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich; desserts such as Bob’s Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff; a kids’ menu for the “mini Minions” in the family that includes items like the Mini Boss’ Mega Melt.

The Minion Cafe will also feature an express window with a limited menu for those looking to satisfy their mischievous cravings quickly and return to the mayhem in Minion Land. Other attractions include:

Bake My Day: Topped with a massive pink cupcake that’s visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s’mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.

Pop-a-Nana: Banana-flavored popcorn, anyone? This walkup location features sweet and savory popcorn inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests can also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket.

Freeze Ray Pops: Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector, along with beverages.

Illumination Theater: Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing”—Rosita, Gunter and Johnny—at an outdoor Illumination Theater facade.

Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films. Minion Land is yet another example of how Universal Destinations & Experiences is raising the bar on immersive storytelling for the entire family using beloved stories and franchises often seen in films.

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All About the Disney Genie Service

Published on October 11, 2021 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Get Ready to Unleash the Magic of

Disney Genie Service!

Updated: June 23, 2023

There are 3 options for the new Disney Genie Service with access via your My Disney Experience Mobile App.

Disney Genie Service
Disney Genie+ [Lightning Lane]
Individual Attraction Selections [Lightning Lane – 2 per Guest, per day]

Beginning June 27, 2023, Guests at Walt Disney World Resort will purchase Disney Genie+ service based on how they want to visit the parks. Guests will be able to select either a single-park option or a multiple-parks option, subject to availability. With this update, prices may be lower at some Walt Disney World theme parks compared to others.

MAKING YOUR SELECTION FOR SINGLE-PARK OR MULTIPLE-PARKS OPTION:

When purchasing Disney Genie+, guests will have the option to select either a single park, or multiple-parks option. Prices will vary by park and date.

The multiple-parks option will be the most expensive, and will operate the same way as the original Disney Genie+ option.

For the single park Disney Genie+ option, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT will be priced lower than Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.

Example pricing is as follows:

Multiple Parks – $27
Magic Kingdom – $27
EPCOT – $18
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – $24
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – $16

Pro Tip: For single-park selections, until January 9, 2024 when Park Pass Reservations are no longer necessary for date based tickets, be sure to select the park that you have your Park Pass Reservation confirmed for.

Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections are now available for all Guests.

Disney Genie Service is a free service that is available to all guests with valid theme park tickets and offers a personalized day planner, tip board, wait times, virtual assistant, mobile order, virtual queues and more. No action is required to use the Disney Genie Service. Standby lines will be available to all guests. Ahead of or on the day of your visit, you can input your “Top Picks” for attractions, entertainment and dining, as well as your park hopping plans, and Disney Genie will generate a recommended itinerary based on your selections.

Pro Tip: Disney Genie recommendations are just that — recommendations. If Genie adds something to your itinerary that you’re not interested in doing, you can remove it and Genie will re-optimize your day with new recommendations.

Disney Genie+ is an additional purchase that can be added on the day of your visit via the My Disney Experience app, one day at a time, subject to availability, for an additional fee per ticket, per day. Disney Genie+ offers a next-available time to arrive at a variety of attractions using the Lightning Lane entrance – one at a time, throughout the day – to help you navigate through longer wait times. Lightning Lane is offered at more than 40 attractions throughout all 4 theme parks. Guests may use Lightning Lane for one attraction at a time, no more than once per attraction, per day. Disney Genie+ also includes AR PhotoPass lenses and a series of audio tours.

Pro Tip: Popular attractions fill up quickly and, if you want to maximize your morning, you’ll want to confirm your first Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane reservation as early as possible starting at 7 am each day. The quickest attractions to ‘sell out’ in each park are Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Test Track at EPCOT, Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom, and Na’vi River Journey and Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

NOTE: With the purchase of Genie+ you will receive your attraction photos, where offered. It is important to note that the PhotoPass with Genie+ will be for attraction photos only. Magic Shots and pictures around the parks will not be part of the photo benefit when purchasing Genie+. To ensure you receive all of your vacation photos, be sure to ask me about Memory Maker!

Individual Attraction Selections: This is an additional, day of, purchase to help you skip the lines to some of the most popular headliner attractions, such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Avatar Flight of Passage, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and more. Pricing is dynamic and will vary by date, attraction and park, per attraction, per person. Pricing will be displayed before purchasing your Individual Attraction Selection. This option may be purchased at up to 2 different attractions each day per Guest.

Pro Tip: While you can only reserve one Lightning Lane reservation at a time, it is possible to hold multiple reservations by utilizing the 2 hour window to your advantage, particularly if you plan to get a late start to your day. To do this, book a Lightning Lane return time that is more than two hours after park opening. When it’s time to book your next one (two hours after park opening time), choose another Lightning Lane reservation more than two hours into the future. This sets you up for eligibility for two Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane reservations at a time for the rest of the day. Continue to do this and you’ll get even more simultaneous entitlements. Note, this method will require you to rely on the standby queue or paid Individual Attraction Selections until it’s time to begin redeeming.

NOTE: For larger groups of 10+, you will need to have 2 people ready to purchase the Individual Attraction Selections and split your group into 2 or more groups. The system will only recognize a maximum of 10 Guests per purchase.

**View Larger Version >>>** **Walt Disney World Lightning Lane Attractions PDF**

The purchase of Disney Genie+ service is available in addition to standby entrance.

*Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances that are Disney Genie+ and individual purchases are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, are not guaranteed and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection.

For the full list of experiences offered through Disney Genie+, please check the My Disney Experience mobile app on the day of your visit, as attractions are subject to change.

Pro Tip: Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels who want to avoid the upcharge of Individual Attraction Selections should take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry for Disney resort hotel guests. Disney hotel guests are able to enter all four theme parks 30 minutes before official park opening time. Head straight for the two Individual Lightning Lane attractions (do the more expensive one first — it will fill up the fastest) and you should be able to ride both attractions quickly without having to pay. To maximize your Early Theme Park Entry time, plan to arrive an hour and 15 minutes ahead of the ‘official‘ park opening time.

Note: If you opt to not purchase Disney Genie+, you will still have access to the complimentary Disney Genie service, which includes personalized itinerary planning in your My Disney Experience Mobile app and standby access to park attractions.

MORE PRO TIPS:

Make Sure You Have Plenty of Battery for Your Phone

Using Disney Genie all day means you’ll be spending more time on your phone during your park days than you might have previously. Be sure to fully charge your phone and bring an extra battery pack.

When in Doubt, Ask the Guest Experience Team

Disney has stationed a number of Guest Experience Teams around all four parks. If you need help with Disney Genie, look for the blue umbrella and blue-shirted Cast Members.

Don’t Rely on Posted Wait Times

Many times, posted wait times are not 100% accurate. In the ‘Tip Board’ section of your My Disney Experience Mobile App there’s an Experiences tab that provides, by theme park, standby wait times, next available Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane times [$] and next available Individual Lightning Lane times [$$] that you can quickly reference to determine the best plan for your next experience.

Take Advantage of the Dining Tab in the Tip Board

Don’t miss one of the best new features introduced by Disney Genie – the Dining tab. In the ‘Tip Board’ section of your My Disney Experience Mobile App there’s a Dining tab that enables you to see, by theme park, walk-up wait times, next available table service reservations, and next available mobile order arrival windows, all at a glance.

FAQ’s:

When can Disney Genie+ be added to existing vacation packages?

Disney Genie+ can be added on the day of your visit via the My Disney Experience app, one day at a time, subject to availability.

Can I purchase Disney Genie+ for partial days of my vacation?

Yes, you can choose each day to add Disney Genie+ via your My Disney Experience mobile app starting at 7 am EST each day.

Can Individual Attraction Selections be purchased prior to my check-in date?

No, Individual Attraction Selections can only be purchased same day beginning at 7 am ET for resort hotel Guests. Guests off-property must wait until park opening.

If I want to “skip the line” at the parks, which do I need?

You need Disney Genie+, at a minimum, to skip lines at more than 40 attractions. If you’d like to skip the lines at the top headliner attractions, you will want to purchase Individual Attraction Selections at 7 am ET each morning of your vacation via your My Disney Experience mobile app.

Can I still enjoy attractions without Disney Genie+ or Individual Attraction Selections?

Yes, standby lines and virtual queues are offered without Disney Genie+ or Individual Attraction Selections.

Will Disney Genie+ “sell out”?

No, Disney Genie+ will be available to all guests who would like to purchase the feature.

Can I purchase Individual Attraction Selections without purchasing Disney Genie+?

Yes. You do not need to purchase Disney Genie+ in order to purchase Individual Attraction Selections.

Can Individual Attraction Selections be made for more than one park? For example, can one be for Magic Kingdom and the other EPCOT for the same day?

Yes, with a Park Hopper ticket type, Individual Attraction Selections can be made for more than one park in the same day. For example, you could purchase Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom and Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. The second park selection must be after 2 pm ET which is when park hopping opens.

Does Disney Genie+ open at 7 am ET for all guests, or only for those staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels?

All Guests with Disney Genie+ can select their first Lightning Lane attraction beginning at 7 am ET.

Do Individual Attraction Selections open at 7 am ET for all guests, or only for those staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels?

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Shades of Green® Resort or the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels can purchase Individual Attraction Selections on the day of their visit, starting at 7 am ET. All other Guests can purchase Individual Attraction Selections on the day of their visit, starting at each park’s opening time.

Can I modify a Disney Genie+ selection?

Yes, you can modify your selections to an available time/attraction, based on availability.

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Cocoa Beach Area Tours & Experiences

Published on September 8, 2021 in Travel by Crystal Boston

Are you planning a trip to the Cocoa Beach, FL area? Are you looking for new experiences during your trip?

If you answered yes to both questions, check out these tour ideas and add something fun to your itinerary.

You can either book direct on your own or reach out to me and I can assist with any questions or reserving your experiences.

crystal@wishuponastarwithus.com

You can even search for different experiences or destinations once you click any experience listed below.

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Destin, FL Area Tours & Experiences

Published on September 8, 2021 in Travel by Crystal Boston

Are you planning a trip to the Destin, FL area? Are you looking for new experiences during your trip?

If you answered yes to both questions, check out these tour ideas and add something fun to your itinerary.

You can either book direct on your own or reach out to me and I can assist with any questions or reserving your experiences.

crystal@wishuponastarwithus.com

You can even search for different experiences or destinations once you click any experience listed below.

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Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs

Published on November 12, 2018 in Orlando/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

If you are looking for comfort food and a fun atmosphere, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is the place!

I have experienced Chef Art Smith’s Homcomin’ at Disney Springs several times and every time was a great experience with a welcoming host/hostess, friendly servers and amazing food too with the vast majority of ingredients sourced from local Florida farms, ranches or fisheries.

This dining venue offers both inside and outside options for dining or if you just want to stop in for drinks at the Southern Shine Bar offering signature moonshine craft cocktails!

While the majority of the menu is more traditional southern comfort food offerings it does offer healthier choices too. The Bunch of Puppies are a tasty start and served with pimento cheese and red jalapeño jelly. Main Entrees include such dishes as Art’s Famous Fried Chicken and Shrimp & Grits with the Spinach & Kale Chopped Salad with chicken for a healthier option.

And don’t forget dessert – the Hummingbird Cake is always a favorite!

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

Published on October 28, 2018 in Disney Destinations/Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

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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Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Disney Springs

Published on August 12, 2018 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant has been at Disney Springs for many years, but I recently had the opportunity to visit this dining and entertainment venue again. With new menu items and entertainment since my last visit, it was like a whole new experience!

We started with adult beverages at just one of the 4 bars. With a fun assortment of themed cocktails and a wide offering of Irish, European and American beers, including local and craft varieties, there is something for every taste.

Following our “cocktail hour” we were seated for our reservation. The menu offers traditional Irish options—from Atlantic fish & chips to classics like Shepherd’s Pie—as well as several not-so-Irish options.

We enjoyed wings and scallops to start and our main dishes were traditional Irish options of fish & chips and shepherd’s pie as well as a not-so-traditional Red quinoa and white bean burger with Smokey Bacon and Almond-roasted Brussels Sprouts.

And, of course, dessert is a must… The Chef’s Dessert Flight offered a small taste of everything delicious!

Entertainment is offered daily from 4:30 pm until 1 am. There is a main stage and a patio stage with live music, dance shows and bands.

The Rhythms of Raglan Dance Show is the all-new entertainment featuring 90-minutes of live Irish music and dance presented by a talented mix of performers.

And, during each performance, kids are invited to join the dancers on stage and even receive a signed certificate of achievement.

We enjoyed a very entertaining and fun evening as well as great food and drinks! Reservations are accepted starting at 180 days but walk-ups are welcome as well, based on availability. Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant also offers a Saturday and Sunday Brunch.

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Donut King

Published on August 1, 2018 in Florida Locales/Walt Disney World by Doug Wilcoxon

If you just pulled an all-nighter driving so that you can view the sun coming up over Disney World, and let’s say that it is still a bit early before sunrise, the family is asleep, and you arriving from the west. Well, you are in luck.

It happens that west of Disney, approximately 20 miles, in the town of Minneola, is a little non-descript donut shop called Donut King. Open 24 hours a day so that no sudden donut desire goes unanswered, it will fulfill all your glazed, iced, sprinkled, creme or jelly filled desires. Don’t be fooled by appearances, there is a big selection in this little building. I’ve found the selection best early in the morning. If you are there before the sun is up then that should qualify as early.

Recently, a “Hot Donuts Now” sign was placed in the window, but the wife has limited my intake so I haven’t been able to take advantage as the neon beckons me for a donut. She only has my best interest at heart.

If you are a family of four. A dozen should be good. If the family is awake, maybe two dozen.

I wasn’t on vacation but thought it might be nice to treat some co-workers to a random selection of tasty donuts. This is referred to as a Doug Dozen.

After the above picture, you may require directions.

This is my favorite Donut King donut. The Chocolate Cake. I like my donuts simple.

An overview of the selection. The bottom case selection varies.

There is more than just donuts at Donut King, so check out the menu if you are hungry.

Full disclosure…Donut King has not paid me for this post, though I wouldn’t say no to a chocolate cake donut.

Be Our Guest Restaurant – New Prix Fixe Menu

Published on July 30, 2018 in Orlando/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

On Friday, July 27, 2018 Be Our Guest Restaurant debuted its new prix fixe menu for dinner and I was there to experience it!

The new prix fixe, 3-course menu features French-inspired dishes and includes an appetizer, main entrée and a trio dessert as well as non-alcoholic beverages and bread service. Adult beverages may be purchased for an additional charge.

For our appetizers we chose the Maine Lobster Bisque and Assorted Meats and Artisanal Cheese Selection. Both were very good, and the meat and cheese tray was much better than the previous cheese plate they offered at dinner service.

While all of the new menu items sounded amazing, we chose the Spice-Dusted Lamb Chops and Saffron-Infused Seafood Bouillabaisse as our entrées. Both were delicious and prepared to perfection! I am looking forward to trying other entrée options available on the menu.

Dessert is an amazing trio served on a platter with a ‘stained glass’ overlay that is edible. Every single bite was oh so delicious – but I do love my desserts!

And, for everyone wanting to know… The Beast still receives Guests in the library following dinner but, as many have anticipated, Belle was not one of the new additions to this Signature Dining experience.

I highly recommend the new prix fixe menu, my only disappointment was that they no longer do the “rose” napkins…

For dinner service, Be Our Guest Restaurant is a Signature Dining experience which requires 2 Table Service Credits when using the Disney Dining Plan. Current pricing, when not using a Dining Plan, is $55.00 for adults ages 10+ and $35 for children ages 3-9, tax and gratuity are not included. Breakfast and Lunch are still Quick Service options but do require reservations as well.

And here’s a little tip – if you reserve your dinner about 1 ½ hours before ‘Happily Ever After’ you will be able to view the fireworks show from the bridge just as you are leaving the Beasts’ Castle! #wishtips

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2019 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages Open June 19, 2018!

Published on June 8, 2018 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Are you thinking about a 2019 Walt Disney World vacation?

NOW is the time to request your quote! Resort Packages open June 19, 2018!

Check out reviews from my clients that have booked through me >>> travel reviews

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Get Ready to Unleash the Magic of

Disney Genie Service!

Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections are now available for all Guests.

MORE PRO TIPS:

FAQ’s:

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