Orlando

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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Maya Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Published on October 1, 2018 in Disney Destinations/Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

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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STK Orlando – Disney Springs

Published on August 6, 2018 in Orlando/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

STK Orlando at Disney Springs opened its doors May 25, 2016 but I was just able to experience it for the first time.

STK Orlando is an interesting place… The outside style reminds me of The Hangar Bar or The Edison – more industrial brick and beams with a casual feel – and the front patio would be a relaxing spot to people watch.

Once you step inside you feel as if you are about to enjoy an intimate dining experience – it’s dark with pops of light with a warm inviting feeling.

However, the experience is anything but intimate due to the very loud nonstop music – top 40 tunes and classics from decades past. While the music choice was to my liking, the volume was not conducive for an intimate experience and gave it a more club like vibe rather than a signature dining experience feel as we are accustomed to with Disney (think California Grill or Flying Fish). It was a challenge to have a conversation with our dinner partners and a bit hard to even hear what our server was saying at times.

Regardless of the ‘club vibe’, the food lived up to the reviews and our expectations as did the service! Something to remember before you go, the menu is à la carte but a delicious bread service is included.

We waited for our table in the lounge area and the bartender was very accommodating, answering our questions and offering tastings and her personal experience to help me choose a wine. The drink menu offers some interesting cocktails that I will need to go back and try another time and they carry a few Florida beers that my husband tried. They also offer a full wine list to choose from.

We enjoyed the Double Smoked Bacon – more like large chunks of fatty pork but very tasty once you cut the fat off (IMO) – for a starter as well as the Shaved Brussels Sprouts for a salad.

While STK is known for its steaks, they serve an amazing Scottish Salmon too. With your steaks you can choose various sauces and/or toppings (for an additional charge) and there are several delicious sides to compliment your protein as well. The sides are priced a bit on the high side, but they are large enough to share – the problem is that you want to try them all!

Dessert also did not disappoint, we ordered the Warm Baked Cookie with chocolate sauce, caramel and vanilla ice cream. Again, large enough to share.

STK Orlando currently offers a Social Hour, weekdays 3:30 – 6 pm, and Thursday – Saturday, 10 pm to close. In addition, you can reserve the venue, or parts of it, for private events. On the evening we were there we were not able to go to the rooftop dining area due to a private event.

While they do seat walk-up Guests, reservations are accepted and recommended. They currently accept reservations via your My Disney Experience account or Open Table. Some Dining Plans are accepted and this is a Signature Dining experience, requiring 2 Table Service Credits per person.

Overall, if you are looking for a fun place with great food and service that is geared more towards an adult experience rather than a family experience, I would recommend STK Orlando, just be prepared for the loud music and club vibe.

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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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UP! A Great Bird Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Published on May 21, 2018 in Orlando/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

The newest attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, ‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’, is located at the Caravan Stage in Asia, former home of Flights of Wonder, and debuted April 22nd for the 20th Anniversary celebration.

Similar to Flights of Wonder, this new show entertains with bird species from South America, North America, India, Africa, and other locations around the globe, but now also features Russell and Dug from ‘UP’.

During this 25-minute show you will join Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug for an all-new adventure as they discover bird species from around the world.

More than 15 different species of birds make an appearance, including parrots, toucans, macaws, and a marabou stork that flaunts a magnificent 10-foot wingspan!

‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ is now performing daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and you can experience the show as standby or with FastPass+ access.

After the show, head on over to Discovery Island for a meet & greet with Russell and Dug!

*Park tickets required to experience this show.

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

Published on January 15, 2018 in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

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.

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.

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!

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

Published on April 23, 2017 in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

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: 7/20/2020 – Savi’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

Published on March 8, 2017 in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

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

Published on February 20, 2017 in CityWalk/Islands of Adventure/Orlando/Stay on Property/Universal Orlando/Volcano Bay by Crystal Boston

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!

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!

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.

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.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Cabana Bay Beach Resort do not offer the Universal Express Unlimited ride access.

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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