Today at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort 

Published March 26, 2016 by Disneyways.com

It’s the day before Easter 2016, here at Ft. Wilderness! Let’s mosey over for a visit to Tri Circle D Ranch! I’ve never been here right before the trail riding tour. It’s neat to see everyone all lined up and ready for an adventure! 

 
   
   

Now let’s head over to the Trading Post! Beer and Wine can be bought here…  
 Disney board games to pass the time out here in the wilderness!  
Cute themed air freshener … 
Ft. Wilderness resort wear!   
Such a cute display!   
Tomorrow I’ll have a few photos for you from the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review – so y’all come back now… ya hear?! 

SING ALONG!!! WDW Discounts, Animal Kingdom after dark and more!!!

Published March 16, 2016 by Disneyways.com

March 15, 2016 at 7pm Eastern we did a live facebook broadcast that included Animal Kingdom after dark, a new WDW discount club, details and menu regarding table service at the Diamond Horseshoe! I had someone ask me about my history of working with disney dining – from home – so we covered that too. Click HERE to see the video with all the links and comments attached. Thanks to everyone who tuned in live. See you next Tuesday at 7pm Eastern on Facebook!

Catch Jerry on the Sweep Spot Podcast HERE

Get your Kingdom Classics CD  and so much more cool Disney stuff at this website – with a discount!!

Details on the CD Launch Party and dinner with Peter Alden can be found HERE.

Here’s what I’m doing on St. Patrick’s Day if you want to come.

Menu for the new Table Service lunch and dinner at the Diamond Horseshoe is HERE.

Click here to learn my secrets on how to get last minute dining reservations at Be Our Guest!

Skipper Canteen review, new technology at Small World and more ‪Disney‬ news!

Published March 10, 2016 by Disneyways.com

March 9, 2016 at 7pm Eastern we did a live facebook broadcast that included thoughts and feelings on my first visit to the new Skipper Canteen restaurant in Adventureland! We also discussed the new technology at the It’s a Small World Attraction and so much more! Click HERE to see the video with all the links and comments attached. Thanks to everyone who tuned in live. See you next Tuesday at 7pm on Facebook!

Disney Cruise Line 101 ~ by Guest Author Kendra Trump

Published March 3, 2016 by fromfirstkisstorockingchairs

Disney Cruise Line 101 by Guest Author Kendra Trump

Disney does cruising! The Disney Cruise Line has a fleet of 4 magnificent ships, the Wonder, Magic, Dream and Fantasy. Aboard each of these ships is a fun-filled, magical, experience just waiting for you and your family. Disney knows how to keep guests happy no matter if it’s on land or sea. Disney Cruise Line is a way to enjoy a luxurious vacation with the whole family.

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Disney Dream docked at Castaway Cay

Disney definitely puts a spin on cruising, the design of the ships will have you reminiscing of sailing times from days gone by. The clean sleek lines, colors, and beautiful boats will capture your attention the first time you see them. The ships have 3 pools, a splash zone, the Dream and Fantasy have a water roller coaster slide onboard called the AquaDuck, sports area where you can enjoy a game of basketball, shuffleboard, and a jogging track, exquisite spas, clubs, movie theaters, and beautiful theaters that produce Broadway style shows at sea! There is something for everyone onboard a Disney ship. (One thing you will not find onboard is a casino.)

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AquaDuck- Water slide onboard the Disney Dream

Aboard the 4 ships are areas for every age young and old. Nurseries for your little ones who aren’t potty-trained as well as a splash zone for those still in swim diapers, diapers swim or regular are strictly not allowed in any of the pools. Amazing kids clubs that make me wish I was a child myself, with fun age appropriate activities. Tween and Teen only clubs, which will keep your older children so happy you will want to know what they did with your real teenagers! And of course the elusive adult-only areas, (spa, pool, hot tub, bar, quiet areas, and adult only dining experiences) yes even though it is Disney there are areas where adults can be adults where no children can be seen or heard.

Worried about keeping track of all the activities onboard or where your children/spouse may be? Don’t be, (2) Wave phones (think cruise cellphones) can be found in each room which allows you to stay in contact while onboard. Personal Navigator newsletters are delivered to your stateroom every evening so you can keep track of all the fun activities onboard and at the port of calls, as well as where and when characters will be meeting! There’s an app for that too, be sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to keep you up to date on the happenings of the ship as well!

Not only has Disney outdone themselves on the general areas, the staterooms are top of the line as well, in size and features. Disney’s standard staterooms are some of the largest at sea right now with innovative storage areas to make the most of every square inch in your stateroom. They also have split bathrooms in select categories of rooms, meaning Mom can relax in a hot shower after a day of fun at sea without being interrupted because someone has to “go!”

Aboard the Disney ships you will participate in rotational dining so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy all the restaurants aboard the ships at dinner time. A part of rotational dining is keeping the same server each night, they will start to remember your drink orders and have them ready for you before you arrive if you are a habitual person like myself 😉 Not interested in participating in the main dining option? You are more than welcome to enjoy a quick service meal or the same food everyone else is enjoying in a less time constricted manner at one of the buffets aboard the ship.  Dinner’s not the only time for amazing food experiences onboard, be sure to come back soon for an article all about dining with Disney Cruise Line, it really does deserve its own limelight!

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Even the chairs are part of the fun at Animator’s Palate restaurant!

Disney may have an amazing fleet of ships, but they also have their own private island, Castaway Cay, which is definitely the cherry on top of this magical experience. Castaway Cay is an island about midway between the Bahamas and Florida. It is the perfect island experience, beautiful water, pristine beaches, and of course Disney magic! The island is set up much like the ship with areas for kids, teens, families, and adults only. Bonus Tip: For an extra magical souvenir for loved ones or yourself, Castaway Cay has a Post Office on site where you can mail a postcard or letter with the exclusive Castaway Cay postage mark. You will arrive home well before your letter does so this is a nice idea for when you are feeling “homesick” for the islands and want a pretty reminder to magically appear in the mail. The post office does only accept cash, so bring along some small bills when you disembark the ship!

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Mail a note from paradise at the Castaway Cay Post Office!

Disney Cruise Lines is a magical vacation for the whole family, stay tuned for more exciting information about sailing the high seas with Disney!

kendraKendra Trump is a busy mama who loves to travel! With countless trips to Disney Destinations under her belt she found her true passion for helping people experience the magic of travel as a consultant with Simple Luxuries Travel. Kendra currently resides in Northern Virginia, with high hopes of moving to Castaway Cay one day soon! You can follow her blog from first kiss to rocking chairs for more travel fun.

Dining Review: The LakeHouse at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Published February 24, 2016 by Disneyways.com

The next time you are in the Walt Disney World area and need a refreshing break from the Parks – we hope you will consider dining at the newly opened LakeHouse at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress! It is super close to Disney Springs. They specialize in highlighting healthy, locally-sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. You do not have to be staying overnight at the Hyatt to enjoy this restaurant – and you can stop in any day of the year.

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When you enter this glorious space you will realize quickly that the $2.8 million redesign was a wise investment on the part of this resort. During the daytime you are immediately surrounded with light, and the vibrant setting is also very lovely in the evening. The vibe is totally modern and sleek – yet you will still feel very cozy and welcomed at the same time. Just look at this lovely booth where they seated us!

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Chef Max visited with us once we were seated to introduce us to the menu. There was a wide variety of dishes from appetizers, soups & salads, entrees & desserts! There were even several vegan and gluten free options for my friend and dining companion – the fabulous Sarah Norris of Gluten Free Diary Free WDW!

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There is a full bar available too, so we kicked it all off with sipping on some cocktails to get the full experience. Everything we tried was wonderful and The LakeHouse version of the Moscow Mule had a nice presentation in a copper mug.

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I’m not usually a sushi person but the Rainbow Roll and the Caterpillar Roll were gorgeously presented and I am so glad I gave them both a try. We went back and forth trying to decide which was our favorite, as they were both so delicious and fresh!

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Next came the appetizer course. Chef Max and the team brought out Grilled Shrimp Cocktail and French Onion Fondue. Both sounded great but to actually taste them – was incredible. If you’re a fan of shrimp like I am, you will enjoy the grilled shrimp cocktail served with Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce, shaved horseradish (which added a unique twist), and sliced cucumber. The shrimp was perfectly grilled and was complimented with the Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce. I loved this unique take on one of my traditionally favorite appetizers.

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The French onion fondue was also a highlight of the evening. Served with warm bread, this rich and decadent fondue combined everything I love about French onion soup in one dish. Warm gooey, savory and even a little sweet – I found it hard not to eat every bite of it! The little cast iron skillet was adorable too.

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For our soup and salad course, our group sampled the Warm Spinach Salad, the Salad Bowl, and the Manhattan Style Shrimp Chowder. Both salads were big hits, and if you’re a beet fan, you’ll love the warm spinach salad served with golden beets.

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If you enjoy a bit of texture in your salad, order the salad bowl with spicy pecans, pecorino cheese, and figs.

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If soup is more your taste, the Manhattan Style Shrimp Chowder is a must order. Normally I enjoy a creamier based soup. But again the LakeHouse rocked my world with this one. It had a hint of spice, lots of shrimp, and before I knew it I had eaten the entire bowl. I will go back just to order this soup alone!

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For entrees, Chef Max brought out 4 dishes. First, the Cauliflower Steak – featuring fresh grilled vegetables and a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. The grilled cauliflower had tons of flavor, making it the star of this dish. Chef Max noted that you can add chicken or steak to this dish for some added protein.

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The second gluten free entrée was the KC Bone In Strip Steak served with steak fries, grilled tomato, and watercress salad. The steak was expertly cooked and very flavorful.

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My favorite entree of the evening was the filet mignon with herb bread pudding, red wine sauce, mushrooms, and asparagus. The herb bread pudding reminded me of my Mom’s homemade stuffing. Dipping it in the red wine sauce was especially divine. The mushrooms had a delightful meaty flavor and I have never had asparagus that tasted so delicious before. The star of course, was the filet. We cut it with a fork – and the incredible flavor was like a party in my mouth.

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Normally I am not one to order fish – but even I had to admit – another highlight of the entrees was the Sea Bass in citrus butter and served on lemongrass orzo. Everyone agreed the fish was beautifully cooked. There was a very light crunch on the outside and the flaky white fish inside was beautiful, moist and savory. The citrus butter sauce was delightful.

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Finally, Chef Max served a variety of desserts that included: Hot Roasted Apple Tart, Key Lime Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae, Sticky Toffee Date & Fig Bread Pudding, and Classic Double Fudge Cake. Save room for dessert – you will not want to miss this. Everything we tasted seemed better than the last!

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Overall, those visiting the LakeHouse will find the food delightful and delicious and the ambiance inviting. We loved sipping drinks, enjoying our dinner, and looking at the views of the lake. We timed it just right and got to enjoy a perfect Florida sunset. We hope you’ll give it a try. While you are there say hello to the little pink flamingo for me.

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We can’t wait to go back to the LakeHouse again for another delicious meal and thank the LakeHouse at the Hyatt Grand Cypress for inviting us to experience all that the newly opened restaurant has to offer.

**Disclaimer: The LakeHouse at the Hyatt Grand Cypress invited the team and I to enjoy dinner at no cost to us. This did not influence my honest opinion.

Disney World Girls Getaway Weekend

Published February 17, 2016 by Disneyways.com

Ladies this one is for you! Just for a minute, imagine running away to Disney World with your best girlfriends – some you may not have even met yet! Doesn’t that sound like a dream? Well now, thanks to Amanda and her team at Living With The Magic, YOU can make this dream a reality in 2016! Curious to know more? Check out the beautiful article they have posted for you with all of the details by clicking on any of these graphics below! I just might see you at one or more of the events during Girls Getaway Weekend! Woo hoo!! Can’t wait!!

***Disclosure: Living With the Magic has given a small financial donation to help support Disneyways in exchange for sponsored social media posts. This blog post was not sponsored. This donation did not influence me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Enchanted Beauty Box Review by Guest Author Chris Frantz

Published January 17, 2016 by cfrantz323

When the team here at Disneyways offered me the chance to review the “The Force is Fierce” beauty box from Enchanted Beauty’s subscription service, it took all I had to respond in an adult fashion and not give in my baser instincts (ie, repeatedly shouting “GIMME” like a toddler…okay, fine, I may have yelled that as I typed something slightly more professional). As a lifelong Star Wars fanatic and full-time magpie (my husband jokes nothing that sparkles in a mile radius misses out on my ogling), it couldn’t be more tailored to my interests, and spoiler alert: I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed!

So, a little information about Enchanted Beauty: Per their website, it’s “a brand new Disney inspired monthly subscription box…to show off your Disney side, inner princess, Dark Side, theme park addict or even the villain inside of all of us!” Each month subscribers will receive “4 to 5 full-sized beauty products from well-known, popular, chic, and up-and-coming brands,” curated around each month’s specific theme. Subscribers pay $39.95 a month for their hand-picked packaged of goodies, including shipping (you’ll also receive tracking info on your package!).

boxOkay, now let’s get to the pretty, right? Right!

As a graphic designer I can’t help but take notes on visual presentation, and Enchanted Beauty scored high marks for starting the fun before I even opened the box with fun, poppy Star Wars tape securing the lid. Inside I found my treats cushioned in white, black, red and gold tissue – A+ color palette. My box’s theme was no doubt chosen to help celebrate the newly-released Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, but there’s no shortage of nods to the classic movies too. I got a chance to talk to Stacey, founder of Enchanted Beauty, and she let me know subscribers received either a “Light Side” or “Dark Side;” mine was a mix of both. You can see the contents in my photo, but here’s a detailed listing of what I got, with my notes:

  • Hard Candy eye shadow (“Make Believe,” 261). Stacey let me know it was chosen “because it looks like a moon and of course we all know the famous quote ‘that’s no moon,’” but it gives me a definite Death Star vibe too!
  • An adorable, handmade resin Chewie and Han necklace. It’s kind of abstract and made to look like pop art, so you can pay tribute to our favorite Star Wars BFFs in subtle style.
  • A star bracelet. It’d also make a great, in-theme extender if you want to rock your Han and Chewie necklace a little longer!
  • Hand-crafted Swarovski black crystal stud earrings. They’re from Etsy shop Sparkle & Steel and not only are they a solid everyday earring (reminiscent of the inky depths of space and a perfect pairing with your coolest Star Wars tees) but the packaging is great – they inform me that “Sparkle you must!” NO ARGUMENT HERE.
  • Heng Fang Cosmetics “Twist Up the Volume” waterproof mascara. A good staple, but you might be pushing your luck wearing it to your third viewing of SWVII since just the credits give you nostalgic weepies – sorry, more a note to self?
  • CoverGirl Star Wars Limited Edition Colorlicious Lipstick (Red #30). A very fierce color from the Dark Side collection. I own more red lipsticks than could be considered necessary (or healthy), but I’ve still had my eye on this one since its release, so I was stoked to get it!
  • A super cute Darth Vader keychain. It’s also a flashlight that makes lightsaber noises. LIGHTSABER NOISES. COME ON.

Overall it’s clear real thought and time was put into this collection, and I think it’s quite cool that – unlike a lot of beauty boxes – you receive accessories, too, and from small shops and makers to boot. The website notes while they’re working toward providing customers a taste profile in the coming months, they currently try to “only include items that all of [their] subscribers are able to enjoy [and] steer away from choosing any items that are age-specific or skin-tone specific,” which I think they succeeded at here. With the variety of fun stuff you’ll receive, this would be a great box for a few Disney geek pals or families with several Disney lovers of different ages in the house to split – this month’s box would provide sweet accessories for the younger geeks and on trend makeup for teens and ladies alike. (And if there isn’t a fight over the keychain by all parties – I REPEAT: LIGHTSABER SOUNDS – then we come from very different households. Even our cats want in on that one!)

If the price gives you pause, check this out: you can use the code WELCOME2016 at checkout for 25% off! There are also several options to purchase (monthly, if you’re just sweet on a given theme; three month, six month and twelve months prepay). You can find out more here on Enchanted Beauty’s site, and you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for all the latest on each month’s theme (next up is Frozen!), plus make up tips and more!

That’s all from me – thanks for the opportunity, Disneyways! (Don’t worry, readers – like the Force, the keychain will be with me. Always.)

Disclaimer: I was offered Enchanted Beauty’s subscription box for the month at no cost in exchange for my honest review. In communicating for this article I also struck up a business relationship with this business’s owner and will be creating marketing materials for them as a part of my graphic design business. This review was completed before this business relationship takes effect and does not influence my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.

 


Chris Frantz – seen here getting beauty tips from a fellow ginger – is a happily married mother of three furry “kids,” lifelong nerd and Walt Disney World fanatic. She’s also the graphic designer and owner of On A Roll Designs. She’d consider letting you play with the flashlight if you like her on Facebook and swing by her Etsy store to see how she can help you put your best aesthetic foot forward to commemorate special events and promote your blogs, shops, websites and small businesses with adventurous designs at affordable prices!

Top 5 New Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Guest Author Kate Voss

Published January 13, 2016 by Disneyways.com

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Photo credit StarWars.com

Top 5 New Characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Guest Author Kate Voss

Predictably, Star Wars fans were both excited and nervous when the new trilogy was first announced. While the beloved series was returning, it was doing so under a new director and new writers. Turns out, there was no need to worry. In addition to almost universally positive reviews, the first movie has so far broken all earning records in the United States and is on track to become one of the highest grossing movies in history worldwide. One of the most appealing aspects was the reintroduction of some classic characters, still played by their original actors. However, it’s not just nostalgia driving the movie. A new batch of characters have joined the crew and they are winning hearts as quickly as they are battles. Below are five of the best new characters from The Force Awakens.

Poe Dameron

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Photo credit StarWars.com

Everyone loves a pilot. When that pilot is young, attractive, and fights for the Resistance, he is definitely guaranteed to win fans. Not only that, but Dameron shows himself to be single mindedly committed to both his cause and his comrades, making him an appealing new hero for the series. His mother’s own heroism in the previous war and his loss of her as a child just makes him easier to love.

Finn

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Finn (John Boyega) Ph: Film Frame © 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved..

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Finn (John Boyega)
Ph: Film Frame
© 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved..

FN-2187, or Finn, makes our acquaintance first as a stormtrooper. Despite this, he quickly wins hearts by helping to rescue Poe Dameron and turning traitor against the First Order. Though he has trained to be a stormtrooper from when he is a young child, his soft heart and reluctance to kill in cold blood eventually drive him away from the men and women who trained him. Though he isn’t particularly interested in joining the Resistance at first, it is again his commitment to helping his friends which cements his involvement. Well, that and some bad luck.

BB-8

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Photo credit StarWars.com

Personality-filled droids are a Star Wars hallmark, and the updated series wouldn’t be complete without at least one new robot to fall in love with. Despite his cute and not particularly fierce appearance, BB-8 has been entrusted with vital Resistance information that the First Order is desperate to get their hands on. Aside from the strategic importance this lends him, the character is also essential in bringing Finn, Rey, and Dameron together, though the information he carries paints a bullseye on their backs.

Kylo Ren

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Photo credit StarWars.com

Kylo Ren is one of the most interesting new characters in the Star Wars universe. Much like Darth Vader before him, his actions are extremely dark. In fact, they are objectively unforgivable, as he resorts to torture and murder to accomplish his goals. Despite this, there is a thread of good still alive in him that keeps viewers intrigued. Without giving too much away, it becomes obvious where both the light and the dark in his soul come from, though his motivations for turning away from one for the other are less clear. This character will surely reveal himself further in the next two films, and fans will just as surely be fascinated by each new revelation.

Rey

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Photo credit StarWars.com

Rey is still largely a mystery herself. A fierce fighter and extremely capable, her history and parentage are not well known. What is known is that she is Force-sensitive, ensuring that her role in the next two films will likely be significant. Though she starts out as a mere scavenger at the beginning of the film, it is clear that she is much more. She is also a breath of fresh air in the traditionally male-heavy Star Wars universe, which desperately needed a little estrogen.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens..Rey (Daisy Ridley)..Ph: David James..© 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens..Rey (Daisy Ridley)..Ph: David James..© 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved.

Whether a fan of villains, heroes, futuristic technology or just a good redemption story, there is something for everyone in the newest Star Wars film. Though a quick refresher course with the old films and spin offs via Google Play and Direct TV  is advisable, The Force Awakens manages to stand on its own despite the weight of the previous six films resting on its shoulders. Not only that, but with its casting choices the franchise has thrown open the doors to welcome new fans in. The far far away universe that so many people have come to love continues to grow, and it feels as though the newest saga is just beginning.

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Photo credit StarWars.com

About the author: Kate Voss is a writer and blogger based in the Windy City. Fuelled by coffee and chocolate, she’s an MSU alum with a passion for traveling and love of all things Disney. Her favorite Girl Scout Cookies are the Trefoils.

 

 

Valentine’s Day Italian Style at Portobello Disney Springs this February

Published January 10, 2016 by ltdjosh

PORTOBELLO RESTAURANT DEBUTS 3-COURSE VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

Whisk a loved one away on a culinary trip to Italy

(LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL; January 6, 2015) – Italian countryside concept, Portobello Restaurant (1650 Buena Vista Dr.) in Disney Springs offers an extravagant prix-fixe dinner for sweethearts and that special someone this Valentine’s Day on Sunday, February 14.

Guests can start the romantic meal with a complimentary round of Jeio Prosecco as Chef Cristobal Lopez serves a 3-course prix-fixe menu where lovers can pick and choose from two different starters and entrees. Menu highlights include a Flat Iron Steak with spinach, garlic, and rosemary potatoes as well as a Chocolate Mousse with mascarpone whipped cream. The entire menu includes:

Starter

 

Choice of

Tomato bisque

Or

Arugula salad, candied walnuts, raspberry vinaigrette

Entrée

 

Choice of

Flat iron steak spinach, garlic, rosemary potatoes

Or

Swordfish peperonatta

 

Dessert

Chocolate mousse, mascarpone whipped cream

 

The prix-fixe menu at Portobello Restaurant is $95.00 per couple and reservations can be made by calling 407.934.8888. For additional information please visit www.portobellorestaurant.com.

About Portobello Restaurant

Located in the heart of Downtown Disney at 1650 Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida,Portobello Country Italian Trattoria presents guests with a classic osteria experience celebrating the simple flavors of Italy. Crusty breads, sun-ripened tomatoes, imported Prosciutto di Parma, freshly caught fish, fruity olive oil, and pungent cheese set the stage for the warm, family-friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. Portobello is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for dinner daily from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. For more information visit www.portobellorestaurant.com or call 407.934.8888and follow Portobello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

10 Disney Films That Will Inspire You to Travel ~ By Guest Author Jason Biondo

Published January 7, 2016 by Disneyways.com

10 DISNEY FILMS THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO TRAVEL

Disney films are beloved and admired for their colorful story-lines, enchanting and beautiful princesses as well as handsome prince charmings. All movies that Disney creates are loved not only by children, but everyone who are young at heart because they simply showcase beautiful musical scores and shows stunning pictures. Over time, Disney continues to create memorable
memories and inspiration brought about by magic and dreams.

If you’re a big Disney fan and a travel junkie at the same time, then you must know where you can find and experience being on the setting of your favorite Disney movie. Here are some of the all-time favorite Disney movies that were inspired by real-life locations.

1. Lion King

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This classic Disney movie has surely created wonderful memories because of the morallessons it brings, songs that marked in every child’s life and of course, the stunning settings of this film. The scenery of this film was inspired by a gorgeous desert in Africa – Serengeti, which is located across northern Tanzania and southwest of Kenya. This safari desert is life-changing like how it was pictured in the movie as it holds beautiful landscapes and wild animals that will surely spark your wanderlust. This movie will awaken your adventurous side as well as you desire to see more of this wonderful world. Hakuna Matata and enjoy life!

2. Aladdin

As a child, you were surely dreamt of riding the magic carpet and wonder how it feels like to see the world up in the sky. Aladdin is a movie based on Arab folklore that is full of enchantments – a magic lamp, a genie and three wishes. The movie has highlighted several stunning places like pyramids, palaces, deserts, alley ways and even China. But did you know that the Sultan’s Palace in the movie was inspired by the real life famous architecture in India – the Taj Mahal.

3. Mulan

Showcasing the countryside and unique cultures of China, Mulan is a story about a fearless girl who disguised as a man to go to a war. The Emperor’s Home in the movie was actually inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. If you remember the famous line told by Fa Zhou to Mulan about life and how it should be enjoyed, you will surely be moved to accomplish your dreams and go on different adventures and explore the world.

4. Frozen

Photo credit Disney

Photo credit Disney

Remember the scene where Elsa went away from her kingdom to elude people’s judgment about her hidden capability? The ice palace she created as a place she could live for isolation was based on the concept of Hotel de Glace in Quebec City, Canada. The hotel is surrounded by snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures that open during winter. This fortress has 44 rooms, abundant ice sculptures, and imposing snow vaults. This film by Disney will surely motivate you to free yourself from fear and give you the
opportunity to do things you want without worrying about other’s verdict. Do you want to build a snowman?

5. Tangled

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Rapunzel, leaving the tower to take control over her own life brings inspiration to go on the road and explore different adventures. If you have watched the movie and look forward to seeing settings like the places featured in this film, then the real life places that were actually used as inspiration for this movie will completely amaze you. The tower was inspired by the Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France – a fortified islandcommune with a population of 44 people. The art director of the movie chose this location in order to create gallant painting style. Additionally, the scene at the lake fullof floating lanterns was taken insights from the annual festivity in China, Taiwan and Thailand.

6. Up

Who would have forgotten about the exceptional and adventurous journey of Carl and Ellie? Ellie’s desire to fulfill his and his wife’s dream of going to Paradise Falls was fortified after his wife passed away. Voyaged through Carl’s house hovering in the air has amazed children and the paradise Falls has enthused people to see a similar setting. Well, you may want to visit the Angel Falls in Venezuela’s Canaima Natural Park where this famous setting has been based. It is known as the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, it is also called as “waterfall of the deepest place”.

7. Lilo & Stitch

As Lilo and her family ventured towards the world, it has left a moral lesson about the importance of family and the bond created by traveling together. The settings of this film were enthused by the landscapes of Kauai town in Hawaii which was perfect for its homey-inspired tale.

8. Brave

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Merida, a fearless girl who’s desperate for freedom from her royal family set foot in the woods alone for the liberty she wanted. Brave features beautiful ruins, majestic landscapes and castles along Merida’s journey and some of it were actually real pictures that you can visit. This movie will surely inspire you to visit Eilean Donan Castle, which is known in the film as DunBroch Castle. Built during the mid-13th century, it is located in the Scottish highlands and is overlooking the sea. If you are fond of historic places and folklore, visiting Eilean Donan Castle is what you might need to satisfy your wanderlust.

9. Finding Nemo

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The film was set in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Watching this movie may inspire you to book a scuba diving classes, go snorkeling to a marine conservation or even urge you to book a trip to Australia.

10. Enchanted

The movie is about some animated characters coming into the real world and becoming real people. Based in New York settings, this film features various scenes featuring the Central Park will surely make you want to visit the busiest city in the world. This romantic comedy movie will surely bring in the wanderlust in you as the urbaninspiration and soundtracks will motivate you to see the world.

Inspired to travel? Open your travel planner now, and create your own magical and enchanting Disney-like escapades!

About the Author: Jason Biondo is a travel junkie and an amateur bodybuilder who loves to share insightful tips to his fellow travelers and fitness enthusiasts. He is also a User Interface Developer Consultant and the founder of Trekeffect.
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