Who forgot.....

 

Who forgot that they started a blog for their travel business? That would definitely be me. How could I forget that? Well, it's easy actually. I am not someone who usually blogs so, though my intentions were strong when I started, I quickly realized that I don't even know what to blog about.

If you have found yourself on my blog "hi". If you have come back - thanks for sticking around. I will try to see about posting at least once a week going forward, but I'm not making any promises. Do you have suggestions on what you would like to see me blog about? I'd love to hear it. For now I'll tell you about something I saw in my email this morning. I interested me because I just completed all my training and am a certified travel agent with them. Who is them? They are Beaches Resorts. An all-inclusive family resort located in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. The email I received stated:

Beaches Resorts announced plans Wednesday to invest nearly $1 billion into the expansion of its family all-inclusive vacation brand, doubling its footprint within the next five years. Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, delivered the big announcement at the company's "Made of Caribbean" global launch event in New York City.

Stewart highlighted plans for three new resorts and a major expansion of Beaches Turks and Caicos property. New destinations for the brand include a Beaches in Barbados; a Beaches in Exuma, The Bahamas (the former Sandals Emerald Bay); and Beaches Runaway Bay in Jamaica. During this week's event, there was also a sneak peek of the new Treasure Beach Village coming to Beaches Turks and Caicos. (Photo above: Rendering of Beaches Runaway Bay in Jamaica).

"As a family from the Caribbean, we have a deep love for our islands, and it's incredibly gratifying to draw inspiration from our guests," said Stewart. "Our growth strategy is rooted in meeting their wants, with the importance of family time being at the core of our brand's DNA. We know that now, more than ever, families are prioritizing connection and seeking enriching, multi-generational vacations. We are committed to not only meeting this demand but going above and beyond to wow them with new product offerings and provide unforgettable shared experiences."

To read more click here.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide 2024

By: Disney Destinations
November 14, 2024






We’re making our foodie list and checking it twice! What holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort would be complete without the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth? This cherished celebration brings holiday traditions, festivities, and flavors from around the world to guests from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2024.

With over 15 Holiday Kitchens, there’s plenty of season’s eatings to be had. Guests will want to unwrap the delicious new Coffee Mocha Cookie and check out the new Holiday Kitchen, Favorites of Festivals Past. Back this year are a sleighs-worth of cherished bites, including the Slow-roasted Turkey and Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie.

This year, EPCOT will also be home to a brand-new gingerbread display that brings Spaceship Earth to life – in gingerbread form! Guests should be sure to stop by CommuniCore Hall to see this new creation and learn more about what’s new at this year’s festival.

For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, the Holiday Cookie Stroll is back and filled with a decadent and delicious lineup of cookies from the Holiday Kitchens. Guests can collect stamps in their Festival Passport by purchasing five of these items to redeem a special treat from Holiday Sweets & Treats. Guests should start making their cookie list with the menu items highlighted below.

In between sampling seasonal bites and sips, guests can enjoy Holiday Storytellers, grab the whole family for some more holiday fun with Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt, or experience the beloved Candlelight Processional – a moving retelling of the story of Christmas featuring a celebrity narrator and stirring songs performed by an orchestra and choir.

All this merrymaking will work up an appetite, so let’s dive into all the wonderful things to eat at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth!
2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Menus
World Celebration
NEW! Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow Menu

Location: CommuniCore Hall

Food Items:Spaceship Earth Tile Gingerbread Triangle (New)

Beverages:Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Gingerbread Milk Shake (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Gingerbread Milk Shake with whipped cream vodka
Seasonal Wine
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Gingerbread White Stout
81Bay Brewing Co. Gingerbread Coffee Porter


NEW! Favorites of Festivals Past Menu

Location: CommuniCore Plaza

Food Items:Reuben Croquettes with pastrami, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese with thousand island dipping sauce
Brown Sugar and Mustard-glazed Ham Sliders with cranberry and apple coleslaw on a Hawaiian roll
Bauducco Panettone Holiday Trifle with eggnog custard and cranberry cherry compote

Beverages:Southern Tier Brewing Co. Tiramisu Imperial Stout
Keel Farms Pecan Pie Hard Cider
Point Snow Pilot Pistachio Nut Brown Ale
Beer Flight


World Discovery
Connections Café Menu

Location: In World Discovery

Food Item:Holiday Sugar Cookie
Connections Eatery Menu

Location: In World Discovery

Food Item:Holiday Sweater Liege Waffle: Chocolate-coated brioche waffle with a flurry of blizzard themed sprinkles and white chocolate garnish

Beverage:Coquito Milk Shake: French vanilla gelato, cream of coconut, nutmeg, and cinnamon (Non-alcoholic beverage) (Spirited version available with Bacardí Superior Rum)


Holiday Hearth Desserts Menu

Location: The Odyssey

Food Items:Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with cream cheese icing
Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie
Mouse Crunch made with Red & Green M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies
Mint Chocolate Mousse Wreath

Apple Caramel Crumb Cake
Chocolate-covered Toffee Brittle

Beverages:Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Frozen Caramel Hot Cocoa: Hot cocoa with whipped cream and TWIX cookie bar pieces (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Wicked Weed Brewing Jack Frost IPA
BrewDog Winter Staycation Pecan & Toffee Stout
Wicked Weed Brewing Milk & Cookies Imperial Milk Stout
Cocoa Candy Cane: Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with Peppermint Schnapps
Beer Flight


World Showcase
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Mexico

Food Items:Empanada de Pollo: Fried corn tortilla filled with chipotle chicken and potatoes topped with chile rojo salsa, crema Mexicana, and queso fresco (New)
Tamal de Puerco con Mole: Shredded pork in corn masa topped with mole negro, queso fresco, crema Mexicana, slivered almonds, and sesame seeds (New)
Dulce de Leche Churro sprinkled with cinnamon sugar

Beverages:Holiday Margarita: Dos Hombres Mezcal, tequila, cranberry lime juice, allspice and orange blackcurrant liqueurs (New)
Coconut Guavarita: Tromba Blanco Tequila, coconut water, guava cream, hint of lime rum, and orange liqueur with a toasted coconut rim (New)
Holiday Cerveza: Mexican Artisanal Craft Lager with black currant liqueur


Shanghai Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: China

Food Items:XO Fried Rice: Chinese sausage, onion, green onion, mushroom, egg, and house-made Hong Kong XO Chili Sauce (New)
Beef Noodle Soup Bowl with slow-braised beef shank, green onion, and house-made chili oil
Vegetable Spring Rolls with citrus sauce

Beverages:Taro Bubble Milk Tea: Green tea and boba (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)
Brew Hub Year of the Dragon: Dragon Fruit Lager
Butterfly Lantern: Butterfly pea blossom gin, vodka, prickly pear, lychee syrup, soda water, and white boba
Lychee Martini: Vodka, lychee syrup, and vermouth (New)
Peach of Longevity: Peach Schnapps, citrus vodka, piña colada mix, and orange juice (New)


Refreshment Outpost Menu

Food Items:Peanut Stew with sweet potatoes, mustard greens, and roasted peanuts (Plant-based)
DOLE Whip Raspberry (Plant-based)

Beverages:Ciderboys Caramel Apple Hard Cider
81Bay Brewing Co. Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Wheat Ale
Crooked Can Brewing Company Crème Brûlée Lager
Boyd & Blair Chai Tea Mule


Bavaria Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Germany

Food Items:Cheese Fondue in a bread bowl with steamed baby vegetables and marble potatoes
Pork Schnitzel with mushroom sauce, spätzle, and braised red cabbage
Hazelnut Linzer Cookie

Beverages:Possmann Pure Hard Cider
von Trapp Brewing Trösten Smoked Dark Lager
Köstritzer Schwarzbier
Regional Riesling
Glühwein: House-made hot spiced wine (Served warm)
Beer Flight


Tuscany Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Italy

Food Items:Montanara: Fried house-made pizza dough with pomodoro sauce, parmesan, and fresh basil
Dolce Pizza: Fried house-made pizza dough with sugar and cinnamon
Panettone: Panettone bread pudding and vanilla cream (New)

Beverages:Bombardino Freddo: Creamy eggnog and Italian brandy
Prosecco
Moscato
Chianti
Italian Red Sangria
Italian-inspired Margarita: Tequila, triple sec, and limoncello
Peroni Pilsner


American Holiday Table Menu

Location: The American Adventure

Food Items:Slow-roasted Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce
Blackened Catfish with Hoppin’ John and Comeback Sauce
SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS bar pieces

Beverages:Crooked Can Brewing Company Bah HOPbug IPA
3 Daughters Brewing Eggnog White Porter
Playalinda Brewing Co. Peppermint Chocolate Stout
Beer Flight


Funnel Cake Menu

Location: The American Adventure

Food Item:Gingerbread Funnel Cake: Vanilla ice cream, gingerbread crumbs, whipped cream, and red and green sprinkles (New)


Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Japan

Food Items:Sushi Tree Roll: Christmas tree-shaped sushi roll with krab meat and cream cheese topped with ikura salmon roe and spicy mayo
Toshikoshi Soba: Buckwheat soba noodle in hot dashi (fish-based) soup topped with shrimp tempura and chopped green onion
Mochi Donut Wrap: A soft, chewy fusion pastry served with strawberry, whipped cream, strawberry sauce, and sweet red beans wrapped with “gyuhi” rice cake sheet (New)

Beverages:Ichigo Boba: Cranberry and yuzu cream drink with calpico and popping strawberry boba pearls (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Japanese Punch: Shōchū, plum wine, cranberry, and lemon juice
Chocolate Nigori: Creamy texture of Nigori Sake and rich sweetness and gentle bitterness from chocolate (New)
Sapporo Premium Black Beer


Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina Menu

Location: Morocco

Food Items:Grilled Kebabs with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aïoliChermoula chicken
Moroccan-spiced lamb
Stone-baked Moroccan bread with dips (Plant-based)

Beverages:Ciderboys Cranberry Razz Hard Cider (New)
Bold Rock Apple Crumble Hard Cider
Gulf Stream Brewing Holiday Snakebite
Holiday Fig Cocktail: Kleiner Feigling fig liqueur and white cranberry juice
Hard Cider Flight


L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Between Morocco and France

Food Items:Pastrami on Rye with house-made pickles and deli mustard
Smoked Salmon Potato Latke
Potato Latkes (Plant-based)
Rugelach: Pastry filled with raspberry jam, walnuts, and cinnamon
Black and White Cookie (Plant-based)



Beverages:Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout (New)
Frozen New York Whiskey Sour: Manifest Whiskey and Manischewitz Blackberry Wine


Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: France

Food Items:Crème De Saumon Fumé en Brioche aux Grains de Sesames, Concombre Et Radis: Smoked salmon spread on a sesame brioche roll with cucumber and radishes
Rôti de Jambon Sauce Moutarde à l’Ancienne, Pommes Darphin: Roasted ham with mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, white wine mustard sauce, and darphin roasted herb potatoes (New)
Bûche de Noël au Chocolat et Caramel: Chocolate fudge Christmas log with a caramel cream center (New)

Beverages:Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini: Vodka, chocolate milk, and whipped cream
Spiced Cranberry Punch: Pol Rémy Sparkling Wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, and spiced brown sugar (New)
Chateau Haut Beaumard Cabernet Sauvignon (New)


UK Beer Cart Menu

Location: United Kingdom

Beverage:Frozen Chocolate Orange Cocktail: Hot chocolate, orange syrup, and blood orange liqueur
Canada Popcorn Cart Menu

Location: Canada

Beverage:Canadian Hot Toddy: Maple syrup, honey, black tea, lemon juice, cinnamon, and Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whisky served warm


Yukon Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Canada

Food Items:Seared Salmon with butternut squash purée, maple-bourbon glaze, and fennel-arugula salad
Beef Bourguignon with crushed potatoes
Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie

Beverages:Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic beverage)
81Bay Brewing Co. Peanut Butter Banana Porter
Playalinda Brewing Co. Maple Cookie Blonde Ale
Collective Arts Coffee Maple Porter
Regional Icewine
Regional Red Wine
Frozen Joffrey’s Coffee with Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whisky
Beer Flight


Refreshment Port Menu

Location: Near Canada

Food Item:Turkey Poutine: Sweet potato fries with turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and crispy onions

Beverages:Keel Farms Pumpkin Hard Cider
Pasek Cellars Cranberry Wine


Swirled Showcase Menu

Location: Near Port of Entry

Food Items:Holiday Mickey-shaped Liquid Nitrogen Pop: Chocolate cake dipped in ganache made with Red & Green M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis
Soft-serve in a ConeVanilla
Apple-cinnamon
Dark chocolate

Beverages:Floats: Barq’s Red Crème Soda or Barq’s Root Beer with Vanilla Soft-serve (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Bourbonola and Cherry Cola
Floats:Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. Bourbonola with dark chocolate soft-serve
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and Barq’s Red Crème Soda with apple cinnamon soft-serve
Coffee Float: Dark chocolate soft-serve with iced coffee and choice of Mozart Liqueur


Holiday Sweets & Treats Menu

Location: Near Port of Entry

Food Item:Peppermint Sundae: Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and peppermint candy

Beverages:Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Chocolate Peppermint Shake with Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Hot Cocoa by Joffrey’s Coffee with Choice of Liqueur: Baileys Original Irish Cream, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, or Grand Mariner
Chocolate Peppermint Shake: Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and whipped cream vodka
Deschutes Brewery Jubelale (New)
Southern Tier Brewing Co. 2XMAS Ale
Wicked Weed Brewing Hop Cocoa Porter
Beer Flight


Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Between World Showcase and the Imagination! Pavilion

Food Items:Kālua Pork with Okinawa sweet potatoes and mango salad
Lomi Lomi Salmon with tomatoes, onions, salmon roe, yuzu-mayonnaise, and yuca chips
Coffee Mocha Cookie topped with coffee-infused buttercream, cocoa nibs, and chocolate-covered espresso beans (New)

Beverages:Melon Breeze: DOLE Pineapple Juice, lime juice, melon liqueur, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
The Bruery 5 Golden Rings (New)
Florida Orange Groves Winery Pineapple Sparkling Wine


Nochebuena Cocina Menu

Location: Between World Showcase and the Imagination! Pavilion

Food Items:Plant-based Chorizo Tamal with cotija and spicy red chile sauce (Plant-based)
Pastelón: Sofrito-marinated beef with sweet plantains and olives
Cinnamon-spiced Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Beverages:Ponche Navideño: Christmas punch with apple, pears, guava, oranges, dried hibiscus, brown sugar, tamarind, cinnamon sticks, and cloves served warm(Non-alcoholic beverage)
Left Hand Brewing Co. Mexican Hot Chocolate Milk Stout (New)


Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen Menu

Location: Between World Showcase and the Imagination! Pavilion

Food Items:Cinnamon-glazed Almonds
Cinnamon-glazed Cashews
Cinnamon-glazed Pecans
Fire-roasted Chestnuts

Beverages:Eggnog (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Eggnog with choice of cordial: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, or Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
Southern Tier Brewing Co. Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale


World Nature
Sunshine Seasons Menu

Location: The Land

Food Items:Peanut Butter Cookie made with Red & Green M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Menu

Location: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company throughout the park

Beverage:Merry Mint Cookie Latte: A festive blend of espresso, toasted marshmallow syrup, peppermint syrup, dark chocolate sauce, and milk topped with peppermint whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumbs (Non-alcoholic beverage) (New)Spirited version available with Baileys Original Irish Cream



When it comes to food, there’s always something for the kids – and the kids at heart – at Disney Parks, especially during the holidays! Take a peek at a few delicious options from this Foodie Guide the whole family is sure to love.

NEW! Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow MenuSpaceship Earth Tile Gingerbread Triangle (New)

Holiday Hearth Desserts MenuMouse Crunch made with Red & Green M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies

American Holiday Table MenuSlow-roasted Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce

L’Chaim! Holiday KitchenPotato Latkes (Plant-based)

Swirled ShowcaseHoliday Mickey-shaped Liquid Nitrogen Pop: Chocolate cake dipped in ganache with Red & Green M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

© Disney. All rights reserved.

Virgin Voyages Reveals More Details of First-Ever Alaska Voyages

Have you been wanting to take an adults only cruise to Alaska? Now's your chance. Virgin Voyages Reveals More Details of First-Ever Alaska Voyages. 

Virgin Voyages’ “Brilliant” Alaska cruises will feature stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, and Prince Rupert, B.C. among other ports, as well as scenic cruising in Tracy Arm. Itineraries, departing from Seattle and Vancouver, will range from seven to 12 nights.

In addition to the port calls, Virgin Voyages will make some onboard enhancements, including featuring locally sourced Alaska seafood in select venues

Continue reading by clicking the link - Virgin Voyages Reveals More Details of First-Ever Alaska Voyages

Hilton Signs on a New All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun

For those of you who enjoy all inclusive vacations, Hilton has a new place for you to stay. Check out their newest location in Cancun, then get in touch with me to book your amazing stay!

 The Sens Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton, which will be renovated and reopen in 2026. 

This is one of about 10 new deals in Mexico that Hilton has made in 2024 alone, making the country one of Hilton’s largest growth markets. The hotel company has more than 100 properties in Mexico and about 40 now in the pipeline. 

Hilton Signs on a New All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun

Day of the Dead celebrations at Sandos Caracol

Day of the Dead - November 1st and 2nd are two very special days for those across Mexico and living abroad. It is a day where families and friends come together to celebrate those loved ones who have passed away. This is a day for celebrating their life, and you are not going to want to miss the celebrations at Sandos Caracol!
They have tons of Day of the Dead Activities and Amenities planned to make your stay even better. Contact me to book today.

BIG News!!

I am so excited to share with you all that Universal Orlando Resort has a NEW park coming May 22, 2025. It's - Five Immersive Worlds. One Amazing Theme Park. Select multi-day tickets and packages will go on sale October 22. Bookings for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, will also be made available. I couldn't be surprised if they sell out quickly. That means you'll want to contact me right away to make sure you don't miss out. 

What are these 5 Immersive Worlds? 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic
From 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry, explore international wizarding communities and the magic that connects them in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
At SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.

How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk
Take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. It’s a heart-warming and exhilarating adventure for all ages.

Dark Universe
From the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam, Dark Universe is a world of myth and mystery.

Celestial Park
Step into a lush, green world where thrills, entertainment, dining and shopping lead all who enter on an exhilarating journey of discovery.

Which one would you want to visit first? I think we would hit up Harry Potter since my husband and daughter both love those moves. Check out their preview on YouTube here. 

Halloween

Part of being a travel agent is sharing all the amazing vacation opportunities with YOU! This morning I am excited to share the Halloween celebration at Nick Resort Punta Cana. 

GET SPOOKY WITH US! Kids Stay Free Up to 12 Years Old

Head to Nick Resort Punta Cana for an extraordinary Halloween celebration that will delight your whole family and create lasting memories. This event is packed with exclusive activities: from resort-wide Trick-or-Treat outings and themed costume parades to Halloween episode screenings and pumpkin decorating workshops. For a limited time, you can take advantage of the promotion: kids stay FREE, creating an unbeatable family getaway experience. Act quickly—availability is limited!

Click here to request a quote.