Last Chance! Catch Special Walt Disney World Resort Experiences this Summer Before Time Runs Out

Summer is here, and now, more than ever, is the time to visit Walt Disney World Resort before the clock strikes midnight on limited-time magical moments across all four theme parks.

But if fall is the fairest time of all for some, never fear – several recently opened experiences will extend their stays. Here’s a look at what’s happening over the next few months across the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks:

Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! returns to Epcot June 14-Aug. 18, 2019, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Star-Lord and Gamora take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos, showcasing hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mix tapes. Live shows take place daily in the America Gardens Theatre. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Now It’s Time to Say Goodbye …

 Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park

• Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse together – in special celebratory outfits – in Town Square Theater as part of Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration. (Ends Sept. 30)
• Discover seldom-seen Disney friends at the flagpole in Town Square. (Ends Sept. 30)

Entertainment at Epcot

• Bid a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” as the nighttime spectacular’s nearly 20-year run at World Showcase Lagoon draws to a close. (Ends Sept. 30)
• Take a musical journey through the cosmos with Star-Lord and Gamora during Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! at the America Gardens Theatre. (Ends Aug. 18)

An Incredible Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Leap into action at Pixar Place during “The Super Shindig” dance party with Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. (Ends Sept. 30)

“Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Walk on the wild side during this raucous celebration where young adventurers let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor along with their pals Timon and Rafiki. (Ends Sept. 30)

… And There’s Still Plenty of New Magic in Our World

Several special experiences new to Walt Disney World in 2019 will continue into the fall and beyond, including:

• Dance with favorite Disney pals in front of Cinderella Castle during “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” at Magic Kingdom.
• Become a rookie racer and learn the rules of the road during Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Also at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, step into the world of Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.,” or meet Edna Mode from Disney and Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”
• Take in the grandeur of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as it awakens anew each night with scenes inspired by “The Lion King,” or snap a photo in front of special “Lion King” backdrops perfect for sharing on social media.
• Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, see the nighttime show “Rivers of Light: We Are One,” now featuring additional imagery and familiar animal characters.

Immersive Themed Lands Take Guests Inside Their Favorite Stories

• Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom immerses guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences.
• Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios makes guests feel like “honorary toys” as they play alongside Woody, Buzz Lightyear and other favorite Toy Story While in Andy’s backyard, take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash or grab a bite to eat at Woody’s Lunch Box.

Special Ticket Offers Available this Summer

The Summer One World Ticket is a great way for guests to experience all this excitement at Walt Disney World, available for purchase now through Aug. 23, 2019. For only $74 per admission (plus tax) – a total price of $444 (plus tax) – guests receive one admission to each of the resort’s four theme parks and two water parks.*

Florida residents can purchase Get Your Ears On Tickets now through Aug. 25, 2019, for as low as $55 per day (plus tax). The 3-Day Get Your Ears On Ticket is $199 (plus tax, while the 4-Day Get Your Ears On Ticket is $219 (plus tax).**

For more information on these special experiences or summer ticket offers, visit Disneyworld.com.

Sarasota Named Top-Ranked Destination for a Quickie Weekend by Hotwire

Have you heard that Sarasota was recently named a top ranked destinations for a #quickietrip by 

Hotwire? I am not surprised as it's one of my family's favorite destinations for a weekend trip! The beaches are beautiful, and there are many activities for families.  

According to Hotwire, "June/September are beautiful, while July/August are popular with families thanks to low hotel rates, less traffic, and easy flights into SRQ."

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Speaking of Sarasota, I am not sure if I told y'all about the amazing dinner we had at Prague earlier this summer.  The restaurants serves Czech + Mid European food in an old-world setting.  

We chose to go for an earlier dinner because (1) we had the kids with us and (2) the restaurant offers special pricing during Happy Hour from 5-6 PM Tuesday – Sunday. 

 

Indoor and outdoor seating is available. 

We chose to sit inside since it was a hot day.  

My husband ordered the Chicken Schnitzel and spaetzel. (He comes from a German background so was in pure heaven during this meal.)

I chose the Carpaccio appetizer for my meal, and it didn't disappoint. 

If you want a unique and flavorful culinary adventure, head to Prague in downtown Saraosta. After dinner, take a stroll through the neighboring streets.  You are sure to find more to do.  

Downtown Sarasota is bursting with trendy corner cafés and artesian shops.  Catch an independent film at Burns Court Cinema, shop art galleries along Palm Avenue, or grab a signature happy hour cocktail or a local craft beer at one of the city’s diverse watering holes and restaurants.  

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We @visitsarasotacounty every year, but this trip was the first time we explored the Downtown Historic District — and y’all, we could not have had a better evening! #FamilyFirst ➡️SWIPE➡️ to see the fun last night. We started with an amazing dinner at #PragueSarasota (which serves Czech + Mid European food). Discovered some beautiful art sculptures. Enjoyed tiramisu and coffee at @salutesarasota. And listened to a jazz band at @mattisons_ City Grill. Next time you head to #SiestaKey or #LongboatKey, do yourself a favor and take some time to discover Downtown Sarasota. . . . . #visitsarasota #mysarasota #orlandoblogger #floridalife @visitflorida #satasotafl #sarasotaeats #floridavacation #downtownsarasotafl #hosted

A post shared by Jen | Yellow Beads Blog (@yellowbeadsandme) on May 31, 2019 at 4:52am PDT

Record-Breaking 120+ Restaurants Join Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining for 2019

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns Aug. 23 - Sept. 30 where foodies can dine on haute cuisine from more than 120 fine dining restaurants offering a $35 three-course, prix fixe dinner menu. A full list of participating restaurant partners launched today at OrlandoMagicalDining.com and features menus, including special options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets, and the ability to make dining reservations directly though OpenTable.

“Now in its 14th year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has reached an unprecedented number of restaurants with more than 120 and 11 new to the program,” said Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel. “The expanding depth of options for diners this fall reflects Orlando’s thriving culinary scene found in all areas of our destination, from the tourism corridor and Restaurant Row to downtown Orlando, Winter Park and beyond.”

Eleven new restaurants – including two celebrity chef restaurants – have joined Orlando's Magical Dining
program for the first time, including Jaleo by José Andrés. Image © Rey Lopez/Jaleo

New to Magical Dining for 2019

Eleven new restaurants – including two celebrity chef restaurants – have joined the program for the first time:


•           Bella Tuscany Italian Restaurant

•           Bites & Bubbles

•           Enzo's Hideaway

•           Euphoria

•           JALEO

•           Menagerie Eatery & Bar

•           Mia's Italian Kitchen

•           The Backroom Steakhouse

•           The Edison at Disney Springs

•           The H Cuisine

•           Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill



Special Diet Options: Orlando’s dining scene has made increasing strides toward catering to all foodies. For the second year in a row, diners can easily identify vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options marked on the OrlandoMagicalDining.com website. These special menus are available across the destination, from downtown Orlando venues like Artisan's Table to Paddlefish in Disney Springs, Hamilton's Kitchen in Winter Park, Winter Garden’s Market to Table and even in the theme parks, at Sharks Underwater Grill at SeaWorld Orlando.

Dining with a Purpose: Every year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining contributes one dollar from each meal served through the program to local charities.

For more information, go to OrlandoMagicalDining.com.

Disney Bounding for the new Lion King movie

Last week a group of us met at Disney's Animal Kingdom for a Disney bound to celebrate the upcoming live-action Lion King movie!

Knowing it was going to be hot (it's July afterall!), we decided to go for a more casual look. We took photos at park opening around the Africa area on the park, but we seemed to really like the new wall that went up two weeks ago. It translates to "Can you feel the love tonight?"

Our photographer for this shoot was Dean Powell of Everyday Moments Photographer. 

The entire group with the Tree of Life in the back!

Below are individual pics.  I have tagged each person's Instagram accounts. 

Simba (@the.thriftymouse) + Nala (@JackieGuss)

Scar (@the.pixie.gypsy)

Baby Simba + Rafiki (@holly_alixandra)

Zazu (@thenorthernprpester)

Mufasa + Baby Simba (@Mrs.Everydaymommy)

Timon (@yellowbeadsandme) + Pumbaa (@happilyeverjacksonco)

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Fun Fact: “The Lion King” was originally titled “The King of the Jungle”. Then, someone realized that lions don't actually live in jungles, and so the title was changed.

A post shared by Jen | Yellow Beads Blog (@yellowbeadsandme) on Jul 16, 2019 at 3:49am PDT

When I do a Disney Bound, I first pick an overall color scheme to match the character, and then add in accessories. My usual "go to" stores for bounding are Target, JCP, Marshalls and Etsy.  I try not to spend more than $10 to 20 on accessories, and I try to pick pieces of clothing I know I will wear again. (If you are interested, here are some past bounds I have done at Walt Disney World: Dumbo, Princess Anna, Iago from Aladdin, Winnie the Pooh)

Here's the details for this Timon outfit:

Relaxed tee in Orange: Target
Wide Leg Linen Pants: Liz Claiborne at JCP
Beads: Extras by O via Etsy
Woven Straw Bangle: Target
Timon Bracelet: Eerie & Enchanting via Etsy

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By the way, keep an eye out for lots of new Lion King inspired desserts. I found this adorable Paw Print Peanut Butter cupcake at Art of Animation Resort

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Nothing in the world beats the combination of peanut butter and chocolate!! I’m LOVING this new Paw Print cupcake from @waltdisneyworld’s Art Of Animation. . . . . . #WaltDisneyWorld #wdw #disneycupcakediva #disneycupcake #lionking #disneycupcakes #disneysnack #WDW #DisneyLove #disneyworld #disneytreats #disneyfood #disneyeats #cupcakes #cupcake #disneysnacks #instadisney #disneyfoodie #disneydesserts #disneysweets #disneyfan #disneygram #disneysnack #cupcakesofdisney #disneyfoodblog #instacupcakes #disneycake #disneylove #disneymagic

A post shared by Jen | Yellow Beads Blog (@yellowbeadsandme) on Jul 13, 2019 at 11:41am PDT

Outfits for July 4th Holiday

I love wearing red, white and blue all summer long! 

This year, I found this navy blue Stars tee from United Monogram.  It is super soft and I love that it was monogrammed with my initials. I can pair it with red shorts and the Disney Cruise line beads from Extras By O. 

The shirt also pairs well with linen pants.

Red sandals from Target completed my look!

Here are a few other July 4th outfits I have worn in the past.

I got this Patriotic Disney tee from The Magical Feather.

A simple blue tee with red shorts is easy outfit to assemble.

I found this top last year at Marshall's (and got another similar one this past week)!

Happy Summer Y'all!