Doug Travels Orlando

Disneyland Resort in California

Published on February 1, 2019 in Disneyland/Stay on Property by Crystal Boston

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”.

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.

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**

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.

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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The Disney Dream – Very Merrytime Cruise

Published on January 17, 2019 in Disney Cruise Line by Crystal Boston

The Disney Dream was the very first cruise ship I sailed on in 2012 and then again in 2014. I wasn’t a Travel Agent in 2012 yet and still learning my way as a Travel Agent in 2014 so I haven’t written a blog about my experience on the Disney Dream…

The Disney Dream’s first voyage was in January 2011 and it was last refurbished October 2015. As the first of the larger Disney cruise ships to set sail, the Disney Dream is still just as magical as her sister ship, the Disney Fantasy.

So, here you go! I actually sailed on the Disney Dream early November 2018, this was a regular Disney cruise experience, and then again early December 2018 which was a Very Merrytime cruise experience.

The Very Merrytime sailings offer many fun holiday activities in addition to the normal onboard fun! This was my second Very Merrytime Disney Cruise experience, my first was on the Disney Magic out of the port of Miami. This time we sailed out of Port Canaveral for both November and December. On a Very Merrytime cruise, you experience the magic of the holidays before even boarding the ship!

And remember to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before you sail away! The Navigator app will help you locate experiences while onboard, check out dining menus and the drink of the day and stay in touch with your fellow cruisers via the messaging feature.

The holidays seem to make anything more magical, even a Disney Cruise! The ship was all decked out for the holidays and there was a tree lighting ceremony, a gingerbread house as well as gingerbread house making classes, even Castaway Cay was decorated for the holidays, and Santa and Mrs. Claus sailed with us too! And, as a special touch, many of the characters were also dressed in their holiday themed costumes.

Once onboard I always head straight to Cabanas for lunch and I get a big plate full of fresh peel ‘n’ eat shrimp and then dessert – what can I say, it’s vacation!

Around 1:30 pm my stateroom is ready, and I head there to unpack and then go explore the ship – catching up with crew members that I have come to know from my previous sailings on the Disney Dream and meeting new crew members too. This is time for you and your family to also start enjoying the pools and water slide onboard and check out the kids clubs and other activity areas. And if you would like to make any changes to your dining rotation you can do this now as well.

After the safety drill (which is required attendance for all cruisers), we head to the upper decks for the Sail-Away Party. Our favorite location to view from is the deck just above the pool area/stage on the port side of the ship.

Once we set sail the shops open and I can check out the Disney Cruise Line souvenirs – I like to get a new Tervis cup with each cruise. And then it’s time to get ready for the evening activities – Broadway-like musical productions, dinner and other fun activities for adults and children. And there is even a move theater onboard – movies are free to watch and they always show the most recent Disney movie – while the movie is included with your cruise, popcorn, snacks and beverages for your movie are available for a fee.

My husband was cruising with me and we always choose a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah or Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. We enjoy going out on our verandah to “feel” the ocean and we always choose the Starboard side because we love seeing Castaway Cay as we enter the port!

Disney Cruise Line has thought of everything to ensure first-rate comfort and convenience during your cruise. We have never felt cramped or crowded in our stateroom when cruising with Disney. The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah design features include:
      A sitting area with a couch, TV and desk
      A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas
      A “split bath” (in most) that includes a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and tub and       a half bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet
      A leather-upholstered ottoman with hollow inside storage
      Cabinets with storage space in the living area
      And my favorite feature – Elevated wooden bed frames for under-bed storage of       suitcases and other large items
For the kids (or kids at heart), a mural of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy and her brothers soaring through a starry sky reveals itself when the upper-berth bed is pulled down!

And don’t forget about the fun and amazing towel art that the talented crew leave in your stateroom – you can also sometimes find towel art around the pool area too!

The itinerary for both November and December were 2 ports of call – Nassau and Castaway Cay – with the December itinerary offering an additional day at sea as well.

My preference for Nassau is to stay onboard and enjoy the ship – movies, pools, water slides, games, dining, entertainment and all the soft serve ice cream you want – IT’S ALL INCLUDED!

Every Disney cruise that departs from Port Canaveral or Miami stops at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, consistently rated by Disney Guests as their favorite port of call – and MY favorite port of call when cruising with Disney!! And, as I mentioned previously, the island was decked for the holidays with a large Christmas tree greeting you on arrival.

Castaway Cay is reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers and the ship will dock right at the island to allow you to come and go as you please while enjoying experiences such as snorkeling, boating, swimming and sunbathing and bicycles can also be rented if you want to explore the island’s nature trails. While all areas of the island can be reached by walking, an island tram offers four stops to help you easily get where you want to go.

Your “Key to the World” card will work for all purchases on Castaway Cay except at the local post office where you can send mail to your loved ones back home with a Bahamian postage stamp; the post card postage rate is approximately $0.70 USD each. Dining on the island is also included as part of your cruise package with covered outdoor restaurants serving burgers, BBQ chicken and ribs. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and, if you are traveling without children, Disney offers “adult only” areas at Castaway Cay – Serenity Bay is a secluded beach exclusively for adults (where you just might encounter Captain Jack Sparrow strolling the beach!) and families can have fun together at the Castaway Family Beach. Cabanas are also offered for rent in both beach areas but it’s best to reserve in advance during your online check-in as they are very popular and sell out quickly!

I am a runner and since I have started cruising with Disney Cruise Line they have offered a 5K on Castaway Cay – IT’S INCLUDED. It’s very informal and you can run or walk. You also receive a race bib and medal at the finish line. If you want to participate in the 5K on Castaway Cay, you can register at Guest Services when you board your cruise and your registration ticket will be added to your onboard activities. Your “Key to the World” and photo ID are required the day of your event to participate. The 3.1-mile out-and-back event is free and family friendly – open to walkers and runners ages 10 and older. The race takes place first thing in the morning on the island, typically with a meeting time onboard of 8 am, and the runners are the first group to disembark the ship. The vibe of the event is casual, a fun experience worth the early wake-up!

Cruising with Disney is a very casual experience – I wear comfortable dresses and flip flops while my husband wears shorts and polos – even to dinner. The only exceptions are if you reserve adult only dining experiences at Palo or Remy which both have dress codes. And, unlimited room service is also included!!

I enjoy the rotational dining exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, experiencing a different restaurant and menu with the same servers each evening – my favorite is Animator’s Palate on all 4 Disney ships.

It’s fun to get to know your servers and I requested the same service team for my December cruise that I had for my November cruise and, even though it was a month later and they had served many Guests since me, they remembered everything about my likes and dislikes! Amazing service is just one of the things that keeps me coming back to Disney for my vacations – land or sea!

In addition to Castaway Cay and exceptional dining experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers many entertainment options including Broadway-like musical productions, viewings of recently released Disney movies, character meet & greets that you often cannot find at the parks, deck parties, dance clubs, karaoke, trivia and so much more – be sure to say hi to Tony from Spain when you cruise on the Disney Dream!

Some experiences are included, and some are offered for a fee. There is definitely enough to keep everyone – adults and children – busy on a Disney Cruise if you aren’t the lounging at the pool or beach type. And Disney is the only cruise line allowed to display fireworks at sea!

There are also “adult only” experiences and areas on the ships, so if you are traveling without children, which we normally do, you will be able to find adult spaces.

And be sure to purchase your photo package in advance for the best price – you can then just pick up your photo prints or digital images from Shutters on your final morning.

There is so much more I could share about cruising with Disney but then this would be a very long blog… If you are thinking about a Disney Cruise Line vacation, reach out to me and I will help you make the most of your magical experience!

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Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Published on January 16, 2019 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

I recently experienced the new Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, which opened December 16, 2018.

If you have eaten at Artist Point previously, you will notice a few changes… First, the check-in host is now located at the bottom of the ramp before you get to Territory Lounge.

And, while the layout of the restaurant has not changed much, there are new “rustic” features, inspired by the Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, creating an Enchanted Forest.

**If you have dined at Artist Point in the past, the menu cover will be familiar but the menu selections and experience have changed**.

This is now a prix fixe dinner and Snow White, along with Dopey and Grumpy and the Wicked Queen, make appearances for meet & greets as well as song and dance performances.

For this prix fixe dining experience, you will have shared appetizers for the table. However, they bring enough for each Guest to have their own “small plate”. My favorite was the Wicked Shrimp Cocktail (center photo).

For your entrée, you will choose individually from the menu selections. With our group of 6 we ordered Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank, Royal Prime Rib Roast and Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken. Of these, I had the veal, which was DELICIOUS – I requested the Roasted Brussels Sprouts instead of the Wilted Winter Greens and they went very well with my veal and Celery Root Mashed – a great side to steak or chicken, tastier than mashed potatoes with half the carbs – it tasted a lot like mashed cauliflower and was delicious and light, perfect with my veal. As with all Disney dining experiences, there are also children’s selections on the menu.

And, for dessert, you have a shared experience again with plenty for everyone at the table. I love dessert but the “Poison” Apple was my favorite – I might have eaten two!

At the end of your meal your server will deliver a very special treat…
The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen – Crackled Maple Popcorn with Ganache Hearts – presented with white gloves in a royal treasure chest!

Even the adult beverages are themed! Our group enjoyed the Enchanted Apple (vodka martini) and Evil to the Core (berry margarita).

And, there is a PhotoPass Photographer on hand at the end of your meal to capture you with the Wicked Queen so be sure to purchase Memory Maker with your resort package! It’s a fun but challenging Photo opp – you want to smile for a photo but you also want to follow character with the Queen…

This is a fun character dining experience. If you are a Snow White or Wicked Queen fan, or you just love those cute Dwarfs, be sure to make a reservation for your next Disney vacation! Advance reservations are a must (they were turning Guests away when we checked in for our reservation) and are currently available via your My Disney Experience account and some Dining Plans are accepted.

Please note: Disney Characters join guests for dinner only. Character appearances are subject to change. Menu items are subject to change.

Shared Photo and Video Credit with William Coleman

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International Travel – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Published on December 24, 2018 in International Travel by Crystal Boston

If you are thinking about an International destination for your next vacation, it is your responsibility to obtain all necessary documents for entry and exit required by law or regulations of the countries you are traveling from and to. All carriers reserve the right to refuse service to any guest who does not have the necessary documents with valid expiration dates.

*Click images to link to more information.

Know Before You Go

A passport is your key to international travel. Due to a surge in passport applications, you should apply several months in advance, especially if you need visas for your foreign destinations. Travelers should make sure their passport is valid at least six months after returning home and has two or more blank pages, or some countries may not let you enter.

Note that passports for children under 16 are valid five years and adult passports 10 years, so check expiration dates carefully. It is recommended that all cruise ship passengers have their passport with them in case of emergency, even if not required.

Below are links to more information online that you will find helpful with your International travel planning:

Travelers Checklist

How to Apply for a Passport

How Long Does it Take?

Get a Passport in a Hurry

Check Application Status

Sign Up for STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Get Emergency Help During Travel

If you are overseas and in need of emergency assistance contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

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Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno

Published on November 27, 2018 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

The Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk debuted April 2, 2017 but this character dining experience is very popular and books up quickly, so I was just able to experience it for the first time!

I have eaten at Trattoria al Forno for breakfast and dinner many times under previous restaurant names, as well as dinner at the current Trattoria al Forno, but this Bon Voyage Breakfast is the best experience of them all for food, service and character interaction and is a fun experience for everyone – including your servers who were all having a great time!!

This dining experience offers a pastry service and fruit bowls for everyone with several entrées to choose from and, of course, a kids menu too. This is a prix fixe menu and adult and specialty beverages are an additional charge.

I shared this experience with my husband and we ordered the King Triton’s Shipwreck al Forno (Calzone with Scrambled Eggs, Bell Peppers, Salumi, Bacon, Sausage, Blend of Cheeses, and Sunday Gravy – the Sunday Gravy is an Italian tomato sauce) and the Royale Breakfast (Oak-grilled Steak, Cheesy-Egg Torte, and Fonduta with Breakfast Potatoes and crispy Onions). Both options were delicious!

During our meal the Royal Couples were announced and came around to the tables separately. Interaction with each was very personal and fun, especially with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. However, they were quick to move about when together, so it was a challenge to get a good photo of either Royal Couple – but I managed to get a great shot of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider having a little fun together!

Once all four were announced Ariel and Prince Eric dance around the room with anyone that wants to join in.

And, no worries if you forgot anything for your little Prince or Princess, there is a kiosk set up just across from the host stand to purchase whatever your Prince or Princess needs.

Of my many character dining experiences, this was one of the best on property and I highly recommend it – especially if you want fun interaction with these Royal Couples! Advance reservations are a must and are currently available via your My Disney Experience account and some Dining Plans are accepted.
Please note: Disney Characters join guests for breakfast only. Character appearances are subject to change. Menu items are subject to change.

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Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Published on November 19, 2018 in Disney Destinations/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

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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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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Universal’s Aventura Hotel NOW OPEN!

Published on August 22, 2018 in Universal Orlando by Crystal Boston

Universal’s Aventura Hotel opened August 15, 2018 and I was able to experience a bit of the hotels amenities during its first weekend.

This new hotel has a modern style and is within walking distance of Universal’s Volcano Bay and offers great views of all three Universal Orlando theme parks.

The lobby area is very stark and minimalist with concrete floors and modern furniture. Once you pass the check-in desk there is a lobby bar, barVentura, lounge seating area, Starbucks, and a quick service dining area, Urban Pantry. There is also a Universal store on the left and barVentura even offers a phone charging station while you enjoy a beverage!

Universal’s Aventura Hotel also offers a roof top bar, Bar 17 Bistro, which opens at 4 pm. To access the roof top you will need a Team Member to assist you with the express elevator, which will only take you to the 17th floor. Currently there is a host stand outside the elevator but if you don’t find anyone there, just see the front desk or Concierge for assistance.

Bar 17 Bistro sits on the left side of the roof top area and the right side offers space for private events. The bar area is also all concrete floors with modern eclectic seating arrangements and is open air. It did get quite windy while we were there, I can only imagine when it rains… And, during this time of year, one whole side of the bar area is in the sun (and heat). When we arrived, only one side of the bar was being used because no one wanted to sit on the sunny/hot side.

The views were amazing and, since there was not a private event the evening we were there, we were able to check out the views from there as well.

The menu, which is not the same at the bar as online (they have paper menus printed and we were told to not use the online menu) is an offering of small plates, featuring urban international flavors as well as classic options, and is served family style. I was with a few friends and we shared the Meat & Cheese Board, Bao Buns (you select 3 from a list of 8 options), Shrimp (which is not on the online menu, so I cannot remember the exact name of this dish) and Wagyu Beef Sliders. Everything was prepared well and we all enjoyed our selections.

As for drinks, while they do offer some specialty themed cocktails, we all ordered beer and wine so I don’t have anything to share… However, I can share that they use all plastic ware for beverages, including wine glasses, and the plates are all plastic as well. Only the silverware was “real” with paper napkins.

If you are looking for a spot to get away from the parks and just enjoy the view, Bar 17 Bistro is your spot!

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