As our Florida theme parks begin to reopen, operating procedures have been scrutinized, adjusted and fine tuned to meet the health and safety concerns of protecting staff and visitors alike. Much of what a visitor is used to has remained, but guidelines and additional procedures have been added to comply with CDC recommendations. This, of course, changes our theme park normal. Universal Orlando Resort will be the first major theme park to open their gates. Let's take a look at what guests can expect in regards to new safety and health guidelines, social distancing and touchless transactions.

​Changes begin right at the beginning, in the parking garages.  In order to create distance between travel groups, parking is being staggered. This is an easy way to social distance groups which also naturally staggers the arrival to the first checkpoint which is temperature check and instructions to put on your face covering, if you haven't already done so.

Signage is clear and present!

At the entrance to each park and CityWalk, spieling team members bring a little levity to brighten the mood and remind guests of the required face coverings while visiting, social distancing guidelines within the parks and attractions, hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer. By the time guests have reached the entrance plaza of either park, they are fully aware of  the new expectations and guidelines. 

In case you might have missed it, a face covering is REQUIRED! Not going to sugar-coat this one - it's annoying, it adds nothing to any fashion statement one might be trying to make, there is a whole new biosphere going on between the nose and chin (think rain forest), it adds a new level of discomfort with the summer heat and humidity and darn it, how many times will you go to take a sip from your water bottle only to have your attempt thwarted. For now, this is what is needed to have the parks open.  Embrace it, work with it, figure out what is best for you and your family and enjoy.  

What about character greetings, you ask? They are still happening, but have a different approach, so to speak.

When it comes to meeting a favorite character, changes have been made to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Guests will interact with their favorite character from a healthy distance.

Characters are positioned on a raised platform, which is cordon off by at least 6 feet from guests.  This allows for interaction and an awesome photo op, but at a safe distance.

Staggered car parking.

Temperature check.

​Face covering is required, except when 
​eating and drinking.
​
Social distancing throughout the parks.

At select locations, guests will be required to use
hand sanitizer prior to boarding ride vehicles. 
​
Capacity will be limited throughout all attractions, restaurants and shops.

You will utilize the Official Universal Orlando Resort App
 for mobile food and drink ordering,
purchasing park tickets for touchless entry,
and setting up TapTu Pay for Volcano Bay.

#universalorlandoresort #universalstudios #islandsofadventure #florida #blogger #universal #lovefl #visitflorida #harrypotter 

Looking to add a little adventure to your visit?  Florida residents may upgrade to the Gatorland Grunt package for just $11.99 plus tax.  This combo ticket features three of our most popular attractions:
 Meet-A-Gator, Gator Chow to feed the Gators and a day pass on the Gatorland Express! 
 
More details on all of these experiences, including pricing and availability, are available at www.Gatorland.com

Ride The Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure
Fly Above Alligators on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line
                      Come face to face with rare white gators in the White Alligators Swamp
Feed giant alligators at Adventure Hour
Gator Jumparoo and Up-Close Encounters are two shows you don't want to miss!
                                            Touch and feed three of the Largest Tortoise Species in the world
Meet giant crocodiles in Jungle Crocs of the World or for a more exclusive experience, that’s not for the faint of heart, take advantage of the Trainer-For-A-Day Experience
                                                  Photograph exotic wild birds nesting in the Alligator Breeding Marsh
 Do you dare venture out after hours with the Gator Night Shine experience?
                  Take your picture inside the historic Gatorland Gator Mouth entrance

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary.  Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida's best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo and Up-close Encounters.  Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road adventure.
 

For more Gatorland information, visit www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS. 
Facebook - www.facebook.com/gatorland
Twitter -@gatorland.com
Instagram - gatorland_orlando https://www.instagram.com/gatorland_orlando/ 
 ​

​#gatorlandglobal  #gatorlandisawesome  #wearealligators #afloridaadventure

Three new films are debuting at Epcot today;  Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along and Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360. Although they all add a sense of refreshing and revitalization to their host attraction, there is one that stands out, one that brings a touch of nostalgia and one that brings a sense of urgency for action.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, located in France, will share the screen with Impressions de France, alternating show times throughout the day. The film, a twist on a tale as old as time, was well received by the audience and by virtue of it being a "sing-along", provided an opportunity for audience participation.  There was no need to prod here, the audience was fully "all in" and embraced the experience.  I don't want to give anything away, you will need to see for yourself, but, be on the look-out for zinger lines, which had the audience belly-laughing and one quick nod to Mickey himself. There might be others, I just caught the one. For the light-hearted, fun experience, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is my pick for the film that "stands out".

For a touch of nostalgia, Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360  brings back all the wonderful feelings the original film brought out. This new version gives us some new scenes, mixed in with the familiar, like the awesome Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the audience loved it.  Kudos to the genius who gave us back the original song.  Loved it the first time around and still do. It definitely brings back all emotion! I loved the audience reaction when it began to play, there was this collective awwww.  Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360  is definitely the feel good film of Epcot!

From beginning to end, this new film, Awesome Planet, showcases the diverse biomes of our beautiful planet through stunning imagery. To just say stunning, really doesn't seem like a powerful enough statement. The photos are truly awesome which is fitting considering the title. Awesome Planet, which is presented in The Harvest Theatre within The Land pavilion, reflects the message presented in the original film Symbiosis, which ran from 1982-1995. We are reminded of how diverse our Earth is, how working together to keep her healthy is imperative and the importance of conservation endeavors. This film drives those points home, so to speak, and finishes with a directive to seek out more information through the Disney Conservation Fund.  All good things!




Let's Talk!  Leave a comment about your reactions to the new films! See you around the World!

#epcotawesomeplanet #beautyandthebeastsingalong #canadafarandwide #waltdisneyworld #epcot #epcotfilms

For many families, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a yearly Christmas tradition. It just wouldn't be the holidays without experiencing all the magical, festive fun!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event.  A regular one-park base ticket or park hopper ticket will not get you into the party! 

The Christmas merriment begins at 7 pm, but you may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm.  You will receive a special, Very Merry wristband to identify you as a party guest.  From 4 to 7 pm, you may enjoy all the Magic Kingdom has to offer and at 7 pm the park flips to Christmas party mode! 

Don't forget to pick up a Very Merry guide so you can plan your evening.  You do not want to miss -Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration at Castle Forecourt Stage,
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show!

Cinderella Castle is always gorgeous during the holiday season; especially when Elsa works her Frozen magic on it!

All your favorite characters join in on the fun and holiday spirit in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!  

The attention to detail comes out, throughout the park, in the Christmas decorations.  Be sure to notice the changes from one area to the next! I love the Mickey shaped wreaths on Main Street, U.S.A.

​Spy the giant candy cane stick and you know you have found a special holiday treat location! Peppermint, ginger molasses and snickerdoodle cookies are handed out throughout the park at specific locations.  You might also find a snowman pretzel and don't forget your special Welcome Holiday Treat on Market Street! Dancing when you find the candy cane stick is optional!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is on select dates through December 22.  Make sure you buy tickets in advance because some dates are sold out!

I would love to hear your thoughts - have you attended a party this season?  What did you think?  #verymerry #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #mickeysverymerrychristmasparty

The wait is over for Walt Disney World's newest transportation system to take flight. Disney Skyliner  connects four resorts - Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Art of Animation, Disney Caribbean Beach and Disney's newest DVC Resort, the Riviera, to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. (The Rivera Resort will open in December.)

Although the Skyliner is touted as a transportation system, in my book, it is definitely an attraction.  The views are amazing, with a bird's eye look at the four featured resorts, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

You will notice a couple of things when you ride.

1. Unlike the gondola rides of the past, this system is smooth and quiet.  No hard rumbles when you pass over the towers.

2. No air-conditioning you say?  The gondolas are designed with louvers that allow the air to past through quite nicely.  My hair was actually blowing in the breeze!  The stations have industrial strength fans going keeping the breeze moving within the stations as your gondola begins to slow down for exiting.

3. Each gondola is equipped with a 2-way communication system allowing quests to receive information or contact a cast member in case of an emergency.

The gondolas are painted in whimsical shades of purple, yellow, tangerine, green, orange, teal, blue, and red. Not all the gondolas are character themed but I think you will spot some of  your favorites! The designs also incorporate  themes from Disney films and attractions.  

The Disney Skyliner Station located at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is the main hub and transfer station. From this location you can transfer from any incoming line to another.  If you want to go to Epcot from Disney's Hollywood Studios, you just hop the Skyliner back to the hub and transfer to the Epcot line.  Important to note:  you may NOT park at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort to ride the Skyliner.  Only guests staying at the resort and those guests with confirmed reservations at Sebastian's Bistro will be allowed to park.  

Would love to hear your comments and answer any questions you might have! Let's talk!

1.  The My Disney Experience App is a must download.  There are those who absolutely love the app but there are those who despise its very existence! If you fall Into the later category, it is best to come to terms with the app and embrace the technology. After all, we are beyond your grandmother's Disney!
When downloading the app, you must complete all the steps, even the set up profile module.  The app will not function if all the steps to setting up account are not completed.
​
Complete Profile
Create our Family and Friends List
Link your resort reservation and ticket media
Manage your vacation plans (ie setting up fast passes and dining reservations)  
   
The app is important for several reasons.  It is your personal, find-out-everything-you-need to-know about-your-Disney-trip-information hub. But also, with My Disney Experience, you can track your dining plan credits, link your park tickets and resort reservation, make Fast Passes, file a lost item report, open your  resort hotel room door via blue-tooth, skip the quick service lines and mobile order your food, check on wait times for attractions, make dining reservations and so much more!  

It is also important to remember that only one person within the travel group manages the groups plans.  If everyone is linked through the Friends and Family list, everyone will be able to see the group's plans but only the person managing the plans, makes changes to itinerary through their app. Everyone can have a My Disney Experience account but only one manages the group's itinerary.

2. No need to go to the lobby of your resort for check-in.  Through your My Disney Experience app, you can utilize Online Check-In. If your stay is not paid in full  and you do not have an active credit card on file, you will not be able to use the online check-in function. Using the online check-in allows you to go directly to your room.  On the app, there is a map of the resort so you can find where your room is located.  Also, there is a blue-tooth option through the app to open your hotel door.  This comes in handy if you arrive late and don't have your magic band.

3. There is a resort parking fee! If you are driving to the resort, whether in your personal vehicle or a rented car, you will pay a parking fee for keeping your car at your resort.  This policy has been in place since March 21, 2018, so this is not new news!

​Rates are as follow: Deluxe Resort - $24, Moderate Resort - $19, Value Resort - $13

4. The Memory Maker is great for those who want to keep those fun attraction photos and the special photos taken by the Disney Photo Pass cast members. Link your Memory Maker to your My Disney Experience, so your pictures will automatically appear on the app once you start taking pictures. Make sure on your Friends and Family list you have set photo sharing permission for those you want to have access.  Only the guest assigned to the Memory Maker will be able to download photos.  For those on your Friends and Family list who have their Magic Band scanned for a photo, make sure on your app to toggle the viewing switch to view all Photos. It defaults to view only my photos.

5. Disney's Magical Express is transportation from Orlando International Airport to your resort and is an easy why to get to Walt Disney World without having to rent a car.  A few things to keep in mind when utilizing this service.  If you have checked your bags at your home airport with the yellow Disney tags, your bags will be delivered to your room at your resort.  Keep in mind that it takes approximately 4 hours from the time you land, to the time your bags are in your room. It is always wise to pack a carry-on bag with anything essential you might need like medicines, change of clothes, magic bands and swimsuits. Please do not put the yellow Disney tags on your luggage if you are going to need your luggage when you arrive at your resort, Just make sure you pick up your bags at baggage claim before boarding the Magical Express.  If you are arriving in Orlando after 10 pm, you must collect your luggage at baggage claim before boarding Disney's Magical Express. 

There's still time to enjoy Disney's After Hours event at Animal Kingdom. With only three more dates, March 20, 27 and April 3, they are sure to sell-out!
What I loved about this event is you have the opportunity to experience your favorite attractions without the long waits you might experience during regular park hours. Need I say, Avatar Flight of Passage anyone?

 As an After Hours ticket holder, you receive early admission beginning at 7 pm, with the event running from 8:30 - 11:30 pm. 
We took advantage of the early entry to try the Flame Tree Barbeque.  As many times as we have visited Disney's Animal Kingdom, and enjoyed the wonderful aromas coming from Flame Tree, we never stopped. I am so glad we finally gave it a try! 
Don't judge, but we tried the Baked Mac 'n Cheese with pulled pork, and French Fries with pulled pork and cheese. A lot of cheese, and pork right there!  Both were as you can imagine, wonderfully awesome. Next time, yes there will be a next time, I'm going for the St. Louis Rib Dinner.
Need a snack? Disney's After Hours has you covered!  What's not to love about endless popcorn, Mickey Bars, and a cold beverage! Located in designated areas, you can grab a snack and drink whenever you choose.

Once inside the park, you never know who  you might meet. I popped in to see Mickey and Minnie and take advantage of the no-wait photo-op.  ​​

Orlando may be known for its popular theme parks and attractions, but pull back the curtain of Mickey ears and churros and you’ll discover a whole new kind of world-class entertainment tucked within the City Beautiful: a thriving arts community.

Artistic and cultural gems of all kinds are scattered across the city in the form of art galleries, museums, performance venues, and festivals, but perhaps the highlight of them all is the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

This jaw-dropping campus features multiple theaters, classrooms, and event space presenting everything from educational programs, outdoor festivals, comedy shows, Broadway performances, and so much more.

I’ve had the pleasure of attending two concerts and several shows from the Broadway in Orlando series, which features touring productions of top shows from The Great White Way. Everything I’ve seem has been hosted in the Walt Disney Theater, the center’s largest venue at over 2,700 seats.

My favorite Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center was Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. It was an awesome show with great music and an insight into her talent of songwriting. I had no idea the hits she wrote for other artists!
 
While It may be too late (no, it definitely is) to snag tickets for this season’s production of hit shows like Hamilton or Dear Evan Hansen, there’s still plenty to look forward to, including the musical styling of the Boston Pops on Tour, a trip to Paris with Anastasia, and a hilarious evening with Carol Burnett. You can check out the full list of upcoming events hosted by the Dr. Phillips Center here.

Beyond the Broadway shows, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has also hosted musical talents such as Idna Menzel and Donny and Marie.  Loved, loved, loved both shows!

Even in the heart of downtown, parking for the center is a breeze via a nearby parking garage, public transit, or valet. With a variety of restaurants within walking distance, the location of the Dr. Phillips Center makes it easy to dine before your show. Make it an unforgettable evening with a meal at Kres Chophouse or Ceviche, or keep it casual with a trip to Wahlburgers or Graffiti Junktion. If all you need are some munchies, the Dr. Phillips Center offers light bites, snacks, and beverages for sale.

With so much to experience at the Dr. Phillips Center, what are you most looking forward to in 2019?    



​

One of the things I love about the Disney Parks and Resorts is the unique experiences offered to create lasting memories with loved ones!  During the holidays, it's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that fits the bill! And no, it's not all about the free cookies, holiday treats and hot chocolate, although, the cookies are hard to pass up, but the combination of decorations, parade, live shows and fireworks! You can't help but be in awe when it begins to "snow" on Main Street, USA!

The park is all decked out in its holiday bling, from Main Street, USA, to every land in the Kingdom! 

During the party, you have the opportunity to catch up with some of your favorite characters for photos and autographs with several making a rare park appearance! Be on the lookout for Jack Shellington as Sandy Claws, Scrooge McDuck and of course, Santa himself!

Although the party officially begins at 7 pm, guests with their Very Merry Christmas Party tickets may enter the Magic Kingdom at 4 pm.  Once you enter onto  Main Street, party guests are directed to the right, behind Main Street for Very Merry photo ops!  It's at this location that you receive your Mickey shaped Christmas cookie, which are delicious, I might add! From 4 - 7 pm you are free to enjoy the park and at 7 pm, the party magically begins!

Get ready for the happiest, most festive musical celebration as Mickey and his pals get together for a holiday party!  Staged at the Castle Forecourt, this fun show will surely get you in the holiday spirit!

One of my favorite parades - it's just that good!

As anyone who has celebrated the Christmas season at the Magic Kingdom knows, Holiday Wishes is beyond spectacular!  Stay to the end because there's a finale surprise waiting to light up the holiday sky!  You will not be disappointed!

Taking place at the Castle Forecourt Stage, Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a dazzling winter wonderland for a holiday celebration!

The Edge is a five piece a capella group with smooth vocal harmonies.  Singing all your favorite classic Christmas tunes, this is a fun and quite entertaining show!