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Disney Parks Podcast

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #696 – Infotainment With Imagineer Brian Collins

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #696 – Infotainment With Imagineer Brian Collins

In today’s show, we have Show Writer with Walt Disney Imagineering’s Brian Collins to share some “behind the magic” secrets with us about Disney and the amazing imagineers!  Brian helped create the magic for many of the world’s most beloved attractions including The Jungle Cruise, Epcot’s World Showcase and the former Great Movie Ride.

Brian will actually be joining us once a month for even more magic behind the magic, so stay tuned!
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INFO: How to Brunch at Walt Disney World

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Two of my favorite meals of the day are brunch and brinner. Any brinner fans out there by the way? Though brinner hasn’t caught on yet as I could hope for, most restaurants have jumped on the demand for that mid-morning mash up. Once considered an elite meal-time, brunch has become quite commonplace, and with that, some very typical dishes like Eggs Benedict and Avocado Toast are expected everywhere. At Walt Disney World though, especially Disney Springs, brunch is far from typical and ordinary- and delivers the unexpected.

So, make your reservation in advance, stay in bed a little later than usual, and get your appetite ready for these Disney Springs Brunch Fixin’s.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, House-Made Doughnuts

 

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Fried Chicken & Doughnuts

House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM-2PM

Speaking of Fixin’s, any place that offers a side of Garlic Home Fries or Brown Sugar Chile Bacon has my attention. Add bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s to that, and this place is undoubtedly right up my alley! 

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin, Saturdays and Sundays from [9:30]AM-1PM

The Rise & Shine Southern Brunch is true homestyle, Southern comfort. Fried Chicken and house-made Sugar Doughnuts come together in one dish like yin and yang. As for those doughnuts, they do come separately as a starter, piled with pecans and bacon and a whole lotta love! The Hush Puppy Benedict is another win- a Southern spin on a classic with (can you guess?) fried chicken in a deck of a poached egg, country ham, and pimiento hollandaise.

 

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, Full Irish Breakfast

 

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, Saturdays from 11AM-3PM/Sundays from 10AM-3PM

There’s nothing typical about the menu offerings here! Though you could go old-school for Brunchy Stuff like the Full Irish Breakfast, why not be daring and dig into some Whiskey BBQ Lollipop Chicken? Or a Lobster Club with lobster, egg, prosciutto and a side of Irish chips? If you are looking for Vegan or Gluten-Free options, it’s on the menu, too. The Rollicking Raglan Brunch even comes with entertainment, starting at noon.

STK Steakhouse, Lobster & Shrimp Eggs Benedict

STK Steakhouse, Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-3PM

If you want to splurge and take brunch to a level that would impress someone, this is it. Of course, you’ll be paying for food you will want to savor to the last bite, like Dry-Aged Delmonico Steak, Truffle Steak & Egg (not your average Walmart slab- this is wagyu beef), and additions like Parmesan Truffle Fries, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and King Crab Oscar. And, yes, Bottoms Up on Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.

 

The BOATHOUSE, Brunch Cocktails

 

The BOATHOUSE, Sundays from 10AM-3PM

Stunning waterfront views, dueling piano entertainment, and consistent top-rating reviews may be just a few reasons to make this your next brunch date. The Captain’s Sing Along Brunch serves brunch fare that’s not far from ordinary- Smoked Salmon Bagel and Avocado Toast. Yet, what makes it worthwhile, truly, is that you can order from the normal menu as well. Added fun factor- wearing a captain’s hat or BOATHOUSE shirt will get you a free mimosa!

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Sundays from 10AM-[1:30]PM

Brace yourself for this dish- Nutella-stuffed French Toast topped with Warm Berries and Mascarpone Whipped Cream…Oh…My..! And if that doesn’t do it for you, or you want something savory, there’s plenty of Maria & Enzo’s Signature Dishes on the menu as well. Still, if Melanzane alla Parmigiana seems much for the morning, you could just start off with something simpler- like an Italian Breakfast Board served with soft, scrambled eggs.

 

 

 

Now, would you stay in, take it slow for a day, and enjoy a brunch during your vacation at Walt Disney World?

Have you tried any of these locations for brunch and care to share your experience?

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Making Memories on a Budget

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Let’s get right to the point. Vacations are not at the top of many peoples “Priority List”, and in all honesty they aren’t cheap.  And, I get it! We all have bills that come first, so that much desired trip to WDW tends to get put on the back burner. While I wish I could wave a pixie dust filled wand and make everyones trip the cost of the change we find in the laundry, I can’t… BUT I can give you a few tips to help make a dream come true trip a reality and a little easier on the wallet!

 

~BOOK EARLY~

    Call as soon as the idea hits!

I cannot stress this enough. BOOK EARLY! When you book your vacation as soon as your desired travel dates are available, you are locking in those rates. To secure your vacation, all it takes is a $200, refundable deposit! Prices can go up at any time, without notice. But you will keep your lower rates. My favorite part of this is, it also allows you more time to save!

 

~WATCH FOR PROMOTIONS~

             Keep Your Eyes Peeled

While nothing is guaranteed, even WDW occasionally does release money saving promotions. A promotion can be applied to your existing reservation. Simply call and speak to a Cast Member (or if you are using the FREE services from our friends at Destinations To Travel, they will do it for you!) and see if your package qualifies!

 

~GIFT CARDS~

Use Discounted Gift Cards or ask for them as gifts!

Disney Gift Cards are a fantastic (and often overlooked) way to budget for your WDW Vacation. You can even find them at a discount using your Red Card at Target, as well as other locations such as some wholesale stores (BJs, etc). While the discount may not seem like much at the time, those savings add up… quick! Gift Cards can be applied as payment on your vacation package, as well as for food and merchandise at the resorts, in the parks and at most locations at Disney Springs. * Bonus Tip – If your family is looking for gift ideas for Christmas or Birthdays, ask them for a gift card!

I truly believe everyone deserves time away and something to look forward to. By working a “vacation fund” right into your budget and following the tips above, it can be done. And with plenty of time to experience the INCREDIBLE 18 Month Long 50th Anniversary Celebration! How will you Make Memories This year?

Do you have a favorite budgeting tip? Please share with us in the comments below!

photo credit : Disney

 

If a trip to WDW to celebrate the 50th Anniversary with Mickey and friends is on your mind, I would love to help! You can find me on Facebook at Destinations to Travel with Christina Smith, request a FREE, No Obligation Quote here, or join in the fun in our group Living The Magical Life.

Disney Parks Podcast Show #694 – Disney News for the Week of February 22, 2021

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #694 – Disney News for the Week of February 22, 2021

In today’s show, we have our friends from Destinations to Travel back to chat about all the new offers in Disney travel and what may be happening during the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.
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INFO: Bringing Your Pet to Disney World

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If there’s one positive outcome of the pandemic, it’s the surge of pet adoptions over the past year, right? Maybe you’re one of the many who now have a four-legged best friend that kept you from insanity as we all stayed indoors.
Now, the part you didn’t think through when you adopted: how to go on vacation. Better yet, a Disney vacation. You may have heard some horror stories from the local pet hotel (Cruella is real!), or there’s no one available to watch Fido while you go on your Disney getaway (they really just don’t want the responsibility). Now what?
Alas! Worry not! There are a select few Disney resorts that have dog-friendly accommodations! 
There are a few restrictions. Dogs are the only pets allowed (sorry cat lovers). Have two dogs? That’s ok, as two is the maximum permitted per room. Also, other than service animals, dogs are not allowed in any of the theme parks nor common areas at your resort (restaurants, pools, etc.). Yet, your dog can stay at your room, which will have access to designated spaces and walkways for pet relief and exercise. You’ll even receive a special welcome- dogs and their owners are greeted with a Pluto’s Welcome Kit! How sweet is that? The kit includes a mat, bowls, puppy pads, dog walking maps, and more. There’s even a “Do Not Disturb” Pluto door hanger to alert staff that your pampered pooch needs privacy.
More important facts to know:
  • Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room for more than seven hours, and must remain silent
  • Housekeeping services must be scheduled while you are in the room
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times
  • Furniture is off-limits in public areas
  • Vaccinations must be up-to-date and documents at hand
  • Dog food is not provided
Resorts with designated rooms for families with dogs are: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Interested in Disney’s campsites? Simply request a pet-friendly loop ($5 per night). Additional charges apply per night for each resort, starting at $50 per night. 
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is both cat and dog friendly, yet their policy limits to only one pet up to 25lbs.
Don’t forget to alert your Disney resort of your four-legged guest (or leave that to your Disney Travel Agent), and be sure to bring a pet carrier if using transportation.
Note, only service animals are permitted on the monorail, skyliner, and boats. 

Best Friends Pet Hotel

Best Friends Pet Hotel

Afraid your dog won’t behave if left alone while you have fun at the parks? Best Friends Pet Hotel may be a better option. The animal care facility at Disney World welcomes other small animal friends as well. There are web cams that allow pet owners to check in on their pet, and side yards for popping in on their dogs as well. VIP Suites include a television, raised bedding, and a private yard. Boarding starts at $47, and daycare starts at $28 per day.

 Have you ever brought your pet on a Disney vacation? Would you consider it for your next trip?

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Disney Parks Podcast Show #693 – Disney News for the Week of February 15, 2021

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #693 – Disney News for the Week of February 15, 2021

In today’s show, we have news about Walt Disney Imagineering and ABC team up for a new interactive series, Walt Disney Animation debuts a special look at ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’, key takeaways from Disney’s first quarter, headline news, meet-ups, trivia and so much more.
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By Bus, Boat or Skyliner – SUPER Ways To Travel Around WDW

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Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World knows how much planning is involved. If you haven’t been there yet… buckle up for the best experience ever! But even the most experienced WDW visitor can still have questions about the one thing we can easily overlook… How to get from point A to point B. Disney Transportation is by far the most magical way to travel around the “World”.  From arrival day to the day you leave and head back to reality, you don’t have to worry about how to get around. Here are the common forms of transportation, and where you can find them!

 

 

~Bus Transportation~

                   Resort Bus Transportation

As an on property guest, you have access to bus transportation to and from the parks and Disney Springs from most resorts. Simply head to the marked area at your resort and get whisked away to your reserved park or Disney Springs! At the end of the day, look for your resorts bus stop, and have a worry free trip back “home” (and yes, it’s ok if you take a little nap on the way back to your resort).

 

~Skyliner~

                                  Skyliner

The newest (and for many, the most fun) form of transportation is the Skyliner Gondolas. The skyliner route includes POP Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach and Riviera resorts. If you are staying at any one of these, the skyliner will be your best form of transportation to and from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The main hub is located at Caribbean Beach, so depending on which resort you are coming from, you will transfer to a new line depending on your destination. One of the best parts of this form of transportation is the stunning views you can see along your journey… especially at night!

*If you have travelers in your party who struggle with heights, be aware that if staying at a resort on the skyliner route, it is a possibility that busses MAY not be available to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. For free, expert assistance with choosing which Resort is right for you and your family, we recommend reaching out to Destinations To Travel

 

~Friendship Boats~

                         Friendship Boats

Friendship Boats are available to certain resorts and will shuttle you to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs (depending on your location). These are ideal for a relaxing, trip back to your resort after a long day of playing in the parks!

 

Of course there are many who prefer to drive themselves or rent a car to get around. Resort guests do not pay to park while at the parks (however there is a nightly resort parking fee). And a ridesharing service has become a popular option for many as well.

Tell us, which form of Disney Transportation is your favorite?

If you have questions about Disney Transportation or are ready to start planning your WDW vacation, I would love to assist you! Reach out to me on Facebook at Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith. Or we would love to have you join us in Living The Magical Life. I’m looking forward to Seeing You Real Soon!