Enchanted Rose Now Open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Step into a tale as old as time when you enter the new Enchanted Rose lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa which is now open! 

Inspired by the magic and romance of Disney’s popular live-action movie, “Beauty and the Beast,” the lounge features four unique gathering spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast with elegance around every corner. Above the main bar, Guests will take in the sights of a gorgeous chandelier inspired by Belle’s flowing golden ball gown, while the library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishings. A garden room takes its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding the castle, and an outdoor patio evokes the romance of Beast’s garden terrace. 

The menu features a variety of delectable, shareable bites like artisanal cheeses, a house-made flatbread, short rib sliders, and even white sturgeon caviar. The lounge’s focal point is its library of wines. Sit back, relax and enjoy charming wines from around the world served by the ounce, glass, or bottle. Champagne, beer, and cider will also be available along with table-side cocktails. 

While browsing the menu, read about a story of love that inspired the Amour cocktail. There’s also a story of envy to accompany the Envie cocktail. Brian Koziol, Master Sommelier, states “Our tales of table-side cocktails are a contrast of each other. The Amour is an elegant vodka cocktail featuring notes of citrus, pear, and flowers with a slightly sweet taste, while characteristics of the apple brandy Envie showcase apples, herbs, and bitters with a potent taste.”

Also on the menu are beverages without alcohol for Guests of all ages. These mocktails include the Garden Spritzer (with herbal distilled non-alcoholic spirit, lime, agave, and soda), the B&B (with iced tea, lemon, blueberry, and basil), and the Rosemary Cooler (with lemonade, vanilla, and rosemary). 

Enchanted Rose is now open on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa!  T book your Walt Disney World vacation, contact Simply Perfect Vacations today!

As your Disney Vacation Planner, SPV will help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things we will do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Now Open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Young princesses and knights can step into their own fairytale at a “grand” new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, now open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! The location offers guests age 3-12 magical transformations from their own Fairy Godmothers-in-Training at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Joining the existing Biddidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at Magic Kingdom® Park and Disney Springs®, the latest enchanted boutique at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a great option for Guests looking to dress up before visiting Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or enjoying a delightful buffet at 1900 Park Fare. Plus, a Disney PhotoPass Studio has also recently opened at the resort, providing you the opportunity to capture picture-perfect royal portraits in front of a traditional backdrop. 

In addition to the recently-opened boutique, all Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations have introduced special new merchandise including a spirit jersey, Minnie Mouse Ear headband, MagicBand and accessories, available to add to any transformation package. 

Young princesses can also choose from four new hairstyles inspired by modern royalty with customizable options including braids, bows and flower halos. Take a look at the video below for examples of the new styles:

• Enchanted – Hair is styled in a bun or messy bun hairpiece and includes choice of princess bow or shining tiara.
• Fantasy – Hair is swept back into a bun, covered with a curly hairpiece and topped with a coordinating flower halo.
• Royal Braid – Hair is styled in a bun and accessorized with an attached Royal Braid. A princess bow completes this look fit for royalty!
• Pixie Magic – Add a colorful touch to this hairstyle with an elegant ponytail and matching flower halo.

As always, a variety of transformations are available and may include hairstylng, nail polish, accessories, gowns and more depending on the package you choose. Reservations for all Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations are encouraged and can be made up to 180 days in advance!

For Disney Vacation pricing contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46! 

New Bar and Lounge Will Evoke ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

A new “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired lounge is coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this fall. The enchanting lounge will celebrate the magic and romance of the popular Disney live-action movie.  

Formerly Mizner’s Lounge and Commander Porter’s, this re-imagined lounge will feature four unique spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast. The signature bar will glow from the light of a magnificent gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. The formal library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. The garden room will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. And an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.

It’s the latest new Disney magic coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In February, it was announced a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location will open this summer at the beloved and picturesque resort hotel located on the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

With charm and elegance to be found around every turn, this quaint bar and lounge will be the place where you can put Disney's service to the test and share a tale as old as time.

For Disney Vacation pricing, contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46! 

22nd annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

There are many special numbers to celebrate as we announce the 22nd annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, opening August 31 - November 13, 2017 – that’s 75 days to sip, savor and enjoy one of America’s top food festivals. 

And to celebrate the park’s opening 35 years ago in 1982, there will be a record number of Marketplaces – 35 in all – stretching around World Showcase and into Future World.

While the Marketplaces play a starring role, it is recommend to plan ahead so you don’t miss favorite celebrity chefs, hands-on culinary workshops and demonstrations at the Festival Center, Party for the Senses, or a favorite artists at one of the nightly Eat to the Beat concerts. 

This year there are more family favorites, too, with the Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt back for another year as well as culinary demos and dishes geared toward kids’ palates.

Along with Party for the Senses, the festival includes specialty dining and pairing events at World Showcase restaurants and events at the resort hotels such as Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 

To book your Walt Disney World vacation, email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com. As a Disney Vacation Planner, my FREE personalized vacation planning services will help you find a Disney World resort and room that fits your family's needs and wants! I'll help you plan Advance Dining Reservation and FastPass+ reservations (essential to getting the most out of your vacation) more! Plus all of my Walt Disney World clients that book a Package with me gets a FREE Disney Gift Card to use how they wish while on vacation! Email me today to start planning your vacation today!

Gasparilla Island Grill - New Menu!

After a recent refurbishment, Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has reopened with a new menu. Elevated flavors, artisanal ingredients and great attention to detail can be found through each station – hot sandwiches and pizzas, the sandwich and salad bar and coffee and dessert.

At the Sandwich Bar, each sandwich is assembled per order, keeping the bread – which is baked fresh in house daily – perfectly crusty.  Enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients including Tillamook Cheddar on the smoked ham sandwich, Florida orange vinaigrette on the roasted turkey, thick slices of Mozzarella on the grilled vegetable sandwich and roast beef with horseradish. And, each sandwich is served with house-made chips.

Create your own salad at the salad bar, topping it off with flank steak or marinated chicken. At breakfast, the salad bar becomes a yogurt bar allowing you to build parfaits with toppings such as fresh fruits, granola and bananas in a decadent caramel sauce.  

Pizzas are served on dough made in-house daily.  Choose from sausage and Mozzarella, fire-roasted tomatoes with basil pesto and a three-cheese blend, or the chicken and mushroom. For hot sandwiches, indulge in the artisanal burger, featuring 7 ounces of a signature beef blend, bacon and Cheddar cheese on a freshly-baked Brioche bun. Other options include a Mahi Mahi “Ruben,” featuring house-made cabbage slaw on marble Rye bread, or the chicken and Brie, a delicious twist on Cordon Bleu – with ham, spinach, raspberry mustard on a Brioche bun.

Finally, enjoy specialty coffees and delicious baked goods, pastries and sweets including Coconut Pot de Crème, Almond Fruit Tart, Chocolate Mousse Pie, Mickey Brownie, Minnie Mouse Cupcake and assorted cookies and other sweet treats.

To book your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - a Disney Vacation Planner. 

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get more help and advice than you would if you booked on your own.  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; and free tips and tricks!  

Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a free Disney Gift card and more! With all of these things from me, and all of the great things happening at Walt Disney World in 2017 - you're bound to have a magical vacation!

New Highway in the Sky Dine-Around Launches at Walt Disney World Resort

You can now experience a culinary journey around the Walt Disney World® monorail with stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert along the way at some favorite Disney resorts.  The new Highway in the Sky Dine-Around gives Guests priority boarding on the monorail for an unparalleled dining journey around the circuit between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

You will start the journey by checking in at The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort then board the monorail to be whisked off to Disney’s Polynesian Resort to celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific with island-inspired sips and appetizers.

Guests will hop back on the monorail and head to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, stepping into the elegant hotel to enjoy a sumptuous wine dinner at award-winning Cítricos. After dinner, Guests sip sparkling wine and sample artisanal cheese in the lavish lobby.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the final stop for dessert for cordials and coffee on a private patio with the Magic Kingdom® fireworks over Cinderella Castle as the backdrop.

Bookings for Highway in the Sky Dine-Around are now open for this offering on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. (No dine-around between Dec. 18 and Jan. 3). Cost is $150 plus tax and gratuity. Availability is limited and valet parking is included. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or online at Disneyworld.com. 

To book this unique dining experience with your Walt Disney World vacation, email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com. As a Disney Vacation Planner, my FREE services will help you find a sailing and stateroom that fits your family's needs! I'll help you plan port transportation and more! Plus all of my Disney Cruise Line clients get a FREE on-board ship credit for some extra spending money on their vacation! Email me today to start planning your vacation today!

Victoria & Albert’s Voted the No. 2 Restaurant in the United States

Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was voted the No. 2 restaurant in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards.

No. 2 out of 10, the Walt Disney World® Resort restaurant remains the only Florida restaurant on the illustrious list.  Victoria & Albert’s also is a AAA Five-Diamond Award winner, under the helm of Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera, maître d hotel Israel Perez and Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek.

In 2016 the award-winning dining room added a Chef’s Degustation Menu, a series of 10 small courses, along with the seven-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. The smaller Queen Victoria Room offers a 10-course menu paired with exclusive wines from the restaurant’s impressive cellar, and there is a Chef’s Table for up to eight guests in the kitchen.

TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, according to the website, with more than 250 million reviews and opinions covering accommodations, restaurants and attractions. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period.

If you want to dine at this top-rated Walt Disney World restaurant - or simply just go to Walt Disney World? Email me - lauren@magicaltravel.com - for a FREE, no obligation vacation quote!  Or fill out the fast and easy form below (click here to open it in a new page)! As a Disney vacation specialist, let me put my expert knowledge to your benefit and help you plan a magical vacation. Combine that with my free planning services, you're bound to have a magical vacation!