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INFO: Top 5 Splash Zones at Walt Disney World

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Not all pools on Walt Disney World property are alike, and the same can be said of the splash zones, or aquatic play areas, that have been catching on throughout resorts over the years. Yet, not all resorts have these designated areas of water play for kids, and some are very basic geyser, ground sprays – this is commonly seen in Disney’s Value Resorts.

Aquatic Play Areas that go a little beyond sprays can be found at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Fort Wilderness Resort, and Animal Kingdom Villas–Kidani Village. The first ever installed on site is the Water Play Fort at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, which is ok– but I want to share with you those that will definitely give any kid a blast!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Reminder: Height requirement for most splash zones is 48″ and under, unless otherwise noted.

Alice in Wonderland Wet Play Area, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa: Everyone is mad here- crazed mad with excitement as the Mad Hatter’s gigantic hat tips and pours a deluge of water over the kids! This isn’t just a splash zone- it’s a “you’ll get drenched’  zone. Don’t let those dainty golden teapots fool you!

Kiki Tikis Splash Area, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: This spacious splash and play area features everything from a climbing zone with rope bridges, thatched roof huts, water squirting tikis, fountains and slides. All set within the lush, tropical landscaping of a South Pacific retreat.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

 

Aquatic Play Area by Double Lagoon, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter: Decked out in vibrant, Mardi Gras colors, this whimsical water play area will not leave one inch dry once the kids are done here. There’s slides, sprays, fountains, water canons, a water wheel- and all of this is right by the Sea Serpent Slide at the Double Lagoon pool. Staying at the Riverside? No worries- guests at both Port Orleans Resorts share pools which are within less than 10 minutes of each other. *Note: Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts are currently closed.

The Shipwreck Play Area, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Located by the Fuentes del Morro pool, there’s much swashbuckling fun for little ones. Three slides and a tipping water barrel is a sure win on a hot, Florida day.

 

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Splash Zone at Explorer Island, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World: I beg to call this anything but a splash zone. It’s more like a water park! There’s interactive fountains blasting water 30ft into the air, cascading waters, curtains of water and fog- all choreographed within a complex of ancient Roman ruins and arches. All of this is just part of the entirety of a 5 acre water park waiting to be discovered by everyone in the family.

Honorable Mention: Uwanja Camp, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village: There are 3 distinct zones to provide hours of fun for kids of ALL ages. The Observation Station is a jungle playground for children under 4 with a small kiddie pool, rope bridges, and gentle ground-bubbling geysers. Children ages 5 to 7  gather round the leaky water tower at Departure Zone, and kids 8 years and up can squirt water cannons and get soaked under the dumping water bucket station at Base Camp. This is ideal  for families with kids of varying age groups.

 

Do these splash zones fit the bill of your Top 5? Which is your favorite? Is there one not mentioned here that you would have added?

 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.

INFO: Character Dining Outside the Parks

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One experience that seems to appear on everyone’s must-do list during a Walt Disney World vacation is character dining. Many people pair that experience with a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom. The two go hand-in-hand, and though the latter should be done at least once in life (yes, that should be on your bucket list whether you love Disney or not), it isn’t the only dining location where one can meet Cinderella, or any character for that matter.

Since the start of the pandemic, many restaurants are still temporarily unavailable. Add the need for a Park Pass in the process- the planning involved in making a reservation can easily become an overwhelming task. How to make your vacation simpler? Look into dining experiences outside the parks.

Character dining has been modified for the sake of social distancing, amongst other COVID restrictions. Rather than stopping by tables for hugs, photos and autographs, characters now march on through the restaurants as a cavalcade. Autographs are presented at the table, usually, on a card before the end of the meal. Meals that were once served as a buffet are now brought to the table either family style or with a prix fixe menu instead. Despite all of this, a character dining experience should be enjoyed during your stay, especially if little ones (and young ones at heart) are part of your travelling party. 

The following are all the places you can find yourself dining with a character outside the parks- some even rarely seen anywhere else! Note: Advance reservations strongly recommended. For booking at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, call (407) 313-6161. Experiences with an asterisk (*)  are currently unavailable during the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resorts and restaurants. 

 

Chef Mickey’s Family Feast

Location: Chef Mickey’s, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Highlight: Celebration Mickey Pancake, Loaded Potato Cheese Casserole, Harvest Sweet Rolls

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Mickey, Donald Duck, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals

Location: Ravello, Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Saturdays only.

Highlight: Meals include Bakery Basket and Sliced Fruit.

Price: Adult $48/Child ages 12 and under $28

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

Breakfast a la Art with Mickey and Friends. Riviera Resort. Photos by Destinations to Travel with Jenni Maier

 

 

Breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends

Location: Topolino’s Terrace, Disney’s Riviera Resort

Highlight: Meals include bakery basket

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy Duck

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

 

*Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast

Location: Cape May Café, Disney’s Beach Club

Highlight: Mickey Waffles, Chocolate Pancakes

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy Duck

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

 

*Best Friends Breakfast feat. Lilo & Stitch

Location: ‘Ohana, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Highlight: Hawaiian Pork Sausages and Ham, Island-Style Fried Potatoes

Price: Adult $42/Child ages 9 and under $27

Characters: Lilo and Stitch

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

 

Prince Eric at Trattoria al Forno. Photo by Destinations To Travel with Tina Farmer.

*Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast

Location: Trattoria al Forno, Disney’s Boardwalk

Highlight: Flounder’s Flapjacks, Steak & Eggs, Poached Eggs w/Sausage, Polenta, & Focaccia

Price: Varies

Characters: Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric

Allergy-friendly: Options available

 

 

 

The Evil Queen, Story Book Dining at Artist Point. Photo by Destinations To Travel with Tina Farmer.

*Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Location: Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Highlight: Shared Appetizers and Shared Desserts

Price: Adult $60/Child ages 9 and under $39

Characters: Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, and the Evil Queen

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

This last location has 3 Character Dining Experiences…

Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner, and Wonderland Tea Party

Location: 1900 Park Fare, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Allergy-friendly: Guide available upon request

1900 Park Fare. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Photo by Destinations To Travel with Katie Prevot.

 

*The Supercalifragilistic Breakfast includes character visits from Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh.

Price: Adult $45/Child ages 9 and under $29

*Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner presents Cinderella and Prince Charming with a worldly menu.

Price: Adult $60/Child ages 9 and under $39

*Wonderland Tea Party is a dining and crafts event for children ages 4 to 12, Monday through Friday, from 2-3pm. Features Alice in Wonderland and The Mad Hatter.

Price: Child $49.

 

 

Have you dined at any of the locations listed? Would any of these replace the iconic Cinderella’s Royal Table at Cinderella’s Castle?

Where have you enjoyed the best character dining 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.

Special Thanks to fellow colleagues and independent travel agents at Destinations To Travel for their collaboration with photographs from their own travels!

INFO: Top 5 Pools and One Adults-Only Oasis at WDW

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Spending more time at the resort, and less time at the parks? After all, who doesn’t want to have a lazy, non-park day, basking in the sun and swimming in a perfectly perfect in every way 82 degrees Fahrenheit pool?

Here’s my Top 5 Pools that check off Everyone’s needs…

Stormalong Bay, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Stormalong Bay, Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club: 3 acres of swimming and splashing by the sandy beach, winding lazy river, and sandy bottom waters. There’s also a 230ft long shipwreck slide, and miniature slide and pool for little tykes. Adulting? Relax in one of the 3 whirlpool spas, grab a cocktail at Hurricane Hannah’s Bar & Grill, or await service in your own private cabana (advance reservation/fee required). Bonus: Kids Meals at the Grill come with pails- perfect for building sandcastles!

*Lava Pool, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Zero-depth entry pool, huge volcano with waterfalls and a 142ft long slide. There’s also an aquatic play area for tykes under 48″, and grown-ups can soak in the infinity hot tub that overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Barefoot Pool Bar and Pineapple Lanai (hint: DOLE Whip) will have you singing The Pina Colada Song all day. Escape. *This resort is scheduled to reopen in summer 2021.

Lost City of Cibola Pool, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Massive, 50ft Mayan Pyramid with cascading water down steps you can sit, or lie on (bottom steps only, por favor). Kids can glide down the 123ft waterslide- watch out for the spitting jaguar on the way down! The largest hot tub on WDW property resides here, toasting 20 guests at a time. Don’t sacrifice yourself there, though. As the kids play, cool off at the Siestas Cantina with a                                                                                                 refreshing drink, or grab a Grouper Taco and some Fried Shrimp. Perfecto!

Lost City of Cibola Pool, Coronado Springs. @Finding.Disney.1

Fuentes del Morro Pool, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Zero-depth entry pool, 2 waterslides, and spraying canons shoot from the remains of an old Spanish fortress. Younger swashbucklers will love the aquatic play area. As the kids go ARRGH like a pirate, adults can (responsibly) drift to Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas at the Banana Cabana. A 12-person spa pool awaits for a little more indulgence.

*The Big Blue Pool, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Swim along with Nemo and Friends in the zero-depth entry, big blue (308,527 gallons) pool, and sing along with music underwater! A simple sprayground gushes jets of water for little guppies. Note: Disney’s Value Resorts do not feature waterslides.                                      *The Big Blue Pool will be closed for refurbishment from January 11, 2021 through April 2021. You can still use Flippin’ Fins Pool or get cozy in the Cozy Cone Pool (cone cabanas fill up fast, yet require no reservation).

Honorable mention: The pools at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. A 3acre water wonder paradise with lush landscaping, waterfalls, grottos, and waterslide. Also on site, 2 lap pools and 4 whirlpool spas. Though this is not Disney-owned, it is well-worth a stay.

 

Oasis, Four Seasons Orlando. Don Riddle ©

And now, the moment every adult has been waiting for…the adults-only refuge…

Oasis, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World: Adult-exclusive, lakeside, infinity-edge, cabana-strewn, palm tree-lined, Instagram-worthy pool. Minimum age for entry, 21. Reread that all over again. Yes, it’s real, and it’s at WDW. It is not Disney-owned, but…does it matter?

If you do have kids, there’s no need to feel guilty as you redefine “me” time. Kids For All Seasons is a complimentary kids camp providing indoor and outdoor fun, including supervised swim time. Parenting at its finest!

 

 

Do these pools fit the bill of your top 5? Which is your favorite? Is there one not mentioned here that you would have added?

                                                                                                                     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.

Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

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Offering a luxurious bedroom , the Presidential Suite is spacious and reminiscent of a well-appointed private residence.

GENEROUS LIVING AREAS

Relax and feel perfectly at home in the Presidential Suite’s well-equipped office, living area, dining area with seating for eight, and family room.

TECHNOLOGY

The suite features state-of-the-art sound and electronic systems, including motorized drapery, controlled from a central touch pad system. A media screen and projector are concealed in the ceiling and drop down electronically for viewing.

TERRACE VIEWS

Savour a magnificent view of Epcot®’s iconic Spaceship Earth from your private 16th-floor terrace, offering 800 square feet (74 square metres) of stylish outdoor living, including a dining area for eight, a couch, a table and two chairs.

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Take the Video tour of the Beautiful suite

JAPANESE WAGYU BEEF RETURNS FOR A LIMITED TIME TO CAPA RESTAURANT AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO

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The Japanese beef known as “wagyu” is famed for its soft, buttery texture, high marbling ratio and superior taste. For steak lovers, it’s often attested that there is no better steak experience than wagyu.  In February 2016, Matsusaka beef, the ultimate within the Japanese beef industry, was directly imported from the Matsusaka Region of Mie Prefecture, Japan and introduced at Capa restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Now, the rare delicacy is back on the Capa menu for a limited time.

“I’m very happy to partner again with the Matsusaka Region, as the strength of its flavour and delectable fattiness makes it like the ‘dessert’ of beef,” says Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi. “Japanese wagyu meets extremely specific characteristics and must come from one specific breed. I love to share this exceptional meat with our guests.”

For ten evenings, February 10 through 20, 2017, the Matsusaka beef is available at Capa, in a special tasting called “From Matsusaka with Love” – perfect for Valentine’s Day. The tasting menu is offered for USD 225 per couple, including a trio of wood-grilled special grade Matsusaka beef: 3-ounce strip loin, 3-ounce tenderloin and 3-ounce ribeye.  An optional wine pairing is available, as well as the full Capa menu for choice of a la carte side dishes.

Matsusaka beef from Mie Prefecture has been recognised and honoured with the highest rankings for decades in the Japanese beef market.

By definition, Matsusaka beef cattle can only be virgin female cows of the Japanese black wagyu variety that have spent the majority of their lifespan, up till the time of slaughter, in Matsusaka City and its surrounding area and are registered under the Matsusaka Beef Identification and Management System.  Some cattle farmers provide beer to cows to stimulate their appetites and give them thorough massages to improve blood circulation and encourage even fat distribution.  Many farms raise their cows in individual rooms so they can be finely managed and assure a comfortable, stress-free life for their cows. Matsusaka beef producers spare no effort to produce the highest quality, richest, most finely dispersed marbling possible while managing their cows on a day to day basis. The rich marbling results in an exquisite taste.

Reservations to experience the Matsusaka beef tasting for two at Capa can be made by calling 407 313 6161.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi And Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber To Present Dinner At The Legendary James Beard House

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Experience the menu firsthand and send off the chefs at a James Beard House Preview Dinner on November 3, 2016

The invite is one that practically every chef would love to receive: the coveted offer to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York. This invite-only opportunity is extended by the James Beard House to chefs based on numerous criteria, including national reputation and demonstrated culinary excellence. This culinary dream come true is happening for Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi and Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber, of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

four-seasons-resort-orlando-at-walt-disney-world-resort-names-fabrizio-schenardi-as-executive-chef

The dynamic duo is headed to the Big Apple to cook at the James Beard House on Saturday, November 12, 2016.

“Cooking at the James Beard House is like cooking for a legend. It is the holy grail for chefs,” says Chef Schenardi. “It’s exciting for us to have this honour, and we can’t wait to present a memorable evening.”

Schenardi and team will present a five-course dinner, including a shaved artichoke salad with wild watercress, ricotta, toasted pistachios and a Moscato vinaigrette; smoked Clear Creek wagyu beef with beef fat aioli, charred leek and garrotxa; Carabinero shrimp with a saffron broth, sunchokes and mint; Ellensburg lamb tenderloin with quince, pumpkin and maple; and an apple rustic tart, with Spanish tetilla cheese and vanilla gelato. Each course will be paired with a different wine. The menu was designed to showcase the diverse restaurant concepts at the Resort, representing “a culinary tour of Four Seasons Orlando.”

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Cory Saffran, Director of Food and Beverage, says he believes the team was invited to cook because they have such a unique story to tell. “We’re proud to operate all of our Resort restaurants without an outside celebrity chef, and we have garnered a lot of recognition for each concept since opening,” notes Saffran. “The culinary scene in Orlando has experienced a true evolution the past few years and I feel we have been at the forefront of this change. Guests will enjoy tasting flavuors from local Florida fare to Cuban and then Spanish to Italian all in one evening!”

While the exquisite dinner will be served in New York on November 12, Orlando locals will have a chance to experience the meal in the Sunshine State. On November 3, 2016, at 6:30 pm, Chefs Schenardi and Saber are hosting a special preview dinner in the demonstration kitchen of Ravello, where they will have a trial run of this five-course menu with wine pairings. Attendees will be invited to sign a special “lucky apron” that the chefs can wear when they’re at the James Beard House. The dinner is available for USD 95 per person (tax and gratuity additional) and space is limited. Reservations: 407 313 6161.

Disney Parks Podcast Show #297 – Infotainment: Top 5 Lunch Locations At Walt Disney World Resort

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ddp-297SQDisney Parks Podcast Show #297 – Infotainment: Top 5 Lunch Locations At Walt Disney World Resort

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John share their Top 5 lunch locations at Walt Disney World parks and resorts.

Don’t miss our News Show this Wednesday with all the news and rumors from across the World of Disney Parks!

Continue Reading …

Listen to the Episode Below

Calling All Coffee Lovers: Barista Bootcamp To Be Offered At Four Seasons Resort Orlando

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For those who’ve ever wanted to become the consummate at-home coffee barista, Lickety Split at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is presenting the perfect chance. Guests can attend a Barista Bootcamp, this December, learning how to master single drip coffee, cold brew coffee, coffee cocktails, and latte art. The Barista Bootcamp is offered as part of Four Seasons Entertain U(niversity), a series of unique classes offered between October 1 and December 31, 2015 taught by the entertaining, culinary and beverage masterminds at Four Seasonss properties across the globe.

The Four Seasons Orlando

The Four Seasons Orlando

Lickety Split is an innovator among Central Florida coffee shop offerings, featuring techniques and equipment that are unique to Orlando. Lickety Split features Caffe Umbria coffee, a third generation Italian coffee roaster based out of Seattle, Washington, and offers six different blends and four different brew styles, enabling baristas to customise the coffee experience.

The two-hour Barista Bootcamp at Lickety Split will give the coffee lover the necessary skills to move beyond creating a basic “cup of joe” to creating an extraordinary, signature cup of coffee rich in flavour and with an artful presentation. Baristas-in-training will learn from coffee connoisseur Allison Burkard, Manager of Lickety Split, who honed her coffee making skills in Seattle, Washington at the headquarters for Caffe Umbria coffee roasting company.

Burkard will welcome guests by first teaching them how to make the signature cold brew coffee Lickety Split is known for. Next, she will discuss how to make the perfect single drip coffee. Burkard will also demonstrate how to add some holiday cheer to coffee by creating two different coffee cocktails. In addition, Burkard will provide instruction on latte art – including whimsical designs from Christmas trees to snowmen, perfect for the festive season. Guests will also learn about the art of the pour, and how to serve designer coffees with fun accents such as peppermint swizzle sticks and chocolate spoons, which can be easily made at home and lend a festive touch and holiday flavour to one’s coffee. Each guest will depart with a fun takeaway bag filled with decadent delights from Lickety Split.

Classes, offered at USD 75 per person, will be offered on December 5, December 12, December 19 and December 26, 2015 from [5:00] to 7:00 pm in Lickety Split. Reservations are required and space is limited; for reservations, call 407 313 6161.

The Four Seasons Orlando

The Four Seasons Orlando

 

The Four Seasons Orlando

The Four Seasons Orlando