Posts filed under 'Downtown Disney'
Whether you’re Irish or Irish at heart, gather your family and head over to Raglan Road for three days of leprechaun-approved St. Patrick’s Day fun at this pub and restaurant located in the Downtown Disney® area. Running Thursday, March 15 through Saturday, March 17, 2012, the
St. Patrick’s Day Festival presents bands imported straight from Ireland, award-winning Celtic dancers and a variety of authentic festivities.
Here are a few highlights:
Thursday, March 15:
- Exclusive luncheon and culinary demonstration with Irish Master Chef Kevin Dundon, who will prepare a few deliciously authentic dishes (reservations required)
- Live music and dancing featuring a performance by Creel, a band that combines rock music with traditional Irish sounds
Friday, March 16:
- Musical performances by Creel with special guests and Murphy’s Law & The Irish Rogues
- Impressive shows featuring the Raglan Road Dancers
Saturday, March 17:
- Musical performances by Creel and Murphy’s Law & The Irish Rogues
- Raglan Road Dancers performing throughout the day
- A concert featuring ELEVATION, “the world’s greatest U2 tribute band”
- Dancers from the Watters School of Irish Dancing
- St. Patrick’s Day themed face-painting, stilt walkers, and more
Choose your best shamrock-shade attire and check out Raglan Road’s official event site for celebration times and details. You can also view a video of last year’s festivities.
March 14th, 2012
Go “green” on your Orlando vacation – celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Downtown Disney® in Walt Disney World® Resort.
Enjoy a full day of Irish fun at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, located in Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island.
The festivities start at Noon and include:
- Irish Dance Performances
- Live Music by Creel & U2 Cover Band eLevation
- Face Painting
Plus, enjoy special entrees at Fulton’s Crab House, also located in Pleasure Island and at Wolfgang Puck Cafe, located in Downtown Disney® West Side.
Don’t miss this fun Disney vacation event!
March 14th, 2011
For tasty savings and delicious Orlando dining on your Central Florida vacation, don’t miss Orlando Magical Dining Month – starting next Wednesday and running the entire month of September.
Now in its fifth year, this annual culinary celebration features over 60 participating upscale restaurants in the Orlando area offering special three-course, prix fixe dinners for just $30 during normal dinner hours.
Among this year’s participating Orlando dining partners, you’ll find:
- Eleven at Reunion Resort
- Portobello Trattoria in Downtown Disney
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room at Pointe Orlando
- Latin Quarter at Universal CityWalk
- HUE Restaurant in downtown Orlando
Orlando Magical Dining Month is presented by the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau and benefits the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Central Florida.
For additional Orlando vacation dining options, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Orlando Restaurant Guide.
August 25th, 2010

by Rick E-Mouse
April 30, 2010 Edition
See Cirque du Soleil La Nouba at Downtown Disney

For a truly spectacular Orlando vacation entertainment experience, be sure to see Cirque du Soleil La Nouba at Downtown Disney West Side.
This out-of-this world show combines the thrills of circus stunts with the magic and beauty of live theatre. Each show features a stunning blend of breathtaking acrobatics, amazing dance choreography, enchanting music and a touch of humor – plus exotic costumes, lighting and sets – all propelled by an enthralling cast of characters.
The show is so engaging that you’ll wonder where the time went!
For an unforgettable and immersive Orlando vacation performance, don’t miss Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.
April 30th, 2010

by Rick E-Mouse
April 22, 2010 Edition
Earth Day Celebrations at Walt Disney World
Celebrate Earth day today on your Orlando vacation with special events at Walt Disney World.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrate “Party for the Planet” with interactive stations, kids activities and more. You can even meet Jiminy Cricket at the entrance until 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm at Rafiki’s Planet Watch!
And at the Magic Kingdom, Jiminy Cricket will be appearing in the Rose Garden from 10am to 3pm.
At Downtown Disney Marketplace, enjoy Earth Day activities from 10am to 1pm, including butterfly releases occurring every half hour. You can also see the new Disneynature film “OCEANS” at the AMC Pleasure Island 24 in Downtown Disney West Side!
And don’t miss the beauty of nature in full bloom at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival now through May 16th.
Celebrate the magic of the planet – visit Walt Disney World on your Earth Day Orlando vacation!
April 22nd, 2010
Create your own Disney magic on your Orlando vacation at DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park in Downtown Disney.
Located on the second floor, the Create Zone includes these fun interactive and creative activities:
- Animation Academy – Learn to draw your favorite Disney characters just like a real Disney animator!
- Radio Disney Songmaker – “Record” your own custom song CD from a selection of music styles, vocals, lyrics and more.
- Sid’s Create-A-Toy – Make your own unique “super” toy using various parts of different toy figures.
- Living Easels – Create your own artistic masterpiece via touchscreen with a variety of backgrounds, colors and characters.
- Cyberspace Mountain – Design and ride your own virtual roller coaster!
Beyond DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney, you can create your own custom t-shirt at Disney’s Design-A-Tee shop and find ready-to-customize Disney Vinylmation figures at the new D Street shop, opening this Saturday, April 3rd!
And for more creative fun, visit the new Ridemakerz store next to DisneyQuest, where you can build your own customized car – including choosing body styles and detailing plus even adding sound and remote control features!
For a fun and interactive Orlando vacation experience, visit Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.
April 1st, 2010

by Rick E-Mouse
March 11, 2010 Edition
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations for Your Orlando Vacation

Get out your green and enjoy these two great St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on your Orlando vacation:
St. Patrick’s Day at Walt Disney World – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. Enjoy Irish music, dance, food and more at this all-day event.
Performances include:
- Creel and Danielle at 12 Noon
- Myra Waters’ Dance Troupe at 1pm
- Elevation U2 – dubbed “the world’s most popular U2 tribute band” – from 10pm to close
There are also games and contests with prizes, party favors and more!
The celebration begins at 11am on Wednesday, March 17th. Admission is $10 for adults and free to kids under 18.
Kissimmee Irish Family Fest – For more St. Patrick’s Day fun, head to
Silver Spurs Arena at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee.
Enjoy Irish food provided by Savor Catering and entertainment including live music from Robbie O’Connell, Aoife Clancy and the Clancy Legacy and The Makem & Spain Brothers – plus dance performances by the Tir na Greine School of Irish Dance of Central Florida.
You’ll even receive a souvenir Irish mug with your admission!
Doors open at 5:30pm on Wednesday, March 17th. Performances begin at 6pm.
For tickets and more information, visit the Kissimmee Irish Family Fest website.
March 11th, 2010

by Rick E-Mouse
December 23, 2009 Edition
2009 Orlando Vacation Attraction Recap

This year, many great new Orlando vacation attractions opened to the delight of all. If you missed any of them, catch them now or on your 2010 Orlando vacation:
- Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot
- The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney
- Manta at SeaWorld
- The Pirates League at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World
- Hollywood Rip Ride RockitSM at Universal Studios Florida®
Also, be sure not to miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, scheduled to open Spring 2010 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure®!
December 23rd, 2009
For free, family friendly Orlando vacation fun, visit the 34th annual Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World this weekend.
Presented by Sharpie, the Festival of the Masters features over 150 award-winning artists with their work on display – including paintings, sculptures, photography and more.
Other highlights include:
- 6,000 square feet of sidewalk chalk art on display – plus a special area for the kids to make their own!
- A meet and greet with Cirque du Soleil® La Nouba™ performers – including face painting fun!
- Special kids’ activities – like Disney character drawing lessons, a DJ Dance Party and more!
Also, don’t miss the House of Blues Folk Art Festival celebrating the 11th annual “Where the Art Meets the Soul” festival with top folk artists, live music and more!
The festival, located at Downtown Disney West Side, runs this Friday, November 13th through Sunday, November 15th. Hours are 9:30pm – 5:30pm. Admission and parking are free!
Don’t miss this free and fun Downtown Disney event – check out the Festival of the Masters on your Fall Orlando vacation!
November 11th, 2009

by Rick E-Mouse
October 29, 2009 Edition
Enjoy Free Halloween Fun at Downtown Disney

Enjoy free Halloween fun on your Orlando vacation at Downtown Disney’s Happy Haunting in Walt Disney World this Friday and Saturday – October 30th and 31st, from 5pm to 9pm.
This free, family-friendly Halloween event includes trick-or-treating at various shops in Downtown Disney West Side and Downtown Disney Marketplace, live music, magic shows, comedy entertainment – and more!
While you’re there, be sure to enjoy all of the shopping, dining and entertainment Downtown Disney has to offer.
Celebrate Halloween on your Orlando vacation – don’t miss Happy Haunting at Downtown Disney!
October 29th, 2009
Head for the skies on your Fall Disney vacation with these two great ways to see the Orlando area from above.
First, reserve your 5 Night stay at select Disney area vacation homes from ALL STAR Vacation Homes for arrival by October 31, 2009 and receive 2 FREE hot air balloon rides from Orlando Balloon Rides*!
A $350 value, this Orlando vacation adventure special includes a one hour sunrise flight over the Walt Disney World and Kissimmee areas – plus a traditional champagne toast, complimentary breakfast and commemorative flight certificate.
In addition to this great Disney vacation deal, you’ll also receive special Disney World and other Orlando attraction ticket discounts PLUS FREE pool and spa heat with your stay!
While you’re enjoying your Orlando vacation home stay, check out Characters in Flight operated by Aerophile at Downtown Disney.
New for this year and located at the waterfront on the West Side near Planet Hollywood, Characters in Flight features a tethered balloon, 72 feet in diameter, that’s decorated with popular flying Disney characters – including Peter Pan, Dumbo, Mary Poppins and more!
Enjoy the ride as you ascend up to 400 feet above Downtown Disney and witness a spectacular 360-degree aerial view of the Walt Disney World area.
Flights run Sundays through Thursdays, 10:30am to 11:00pm and Fridays, 10:30am to 12:00 midnight.
Reach for the skies on your Fall Disney vacation – reserve your Orlando vacation home from ALL STAR Vacation Homes today!
*Supplies are limited. See website for details.
September 10th, 2009

by Rick E-Mouse
August 28, 2009 Edition
Orlando Magical Dining Month Starts Next Week

Get ready for 30 days of mouthwatering savings! Celebrate the 4th Annual Orlando Magical Dining Month, starting next Tuesday and running the entire month of September.
Enjoy three-course prixe fixe dinners, including traditional and specialty cuisine at over 60 Orlando area restaurants. Meals are just $20 at casual eateries and $30 at upscale restaurants, and all include an appetizer, main entree and dessert.
These special prices are available nightly during normal restaurant dinner hours. Plus, one dollar from each meal will be donated to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Participating Orlando dining destinations include:
- Portobello Trattoria in Downtown Disney
- Los Generales Mexican Grill in the Hunter’s Creek Area
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room at Pointe Orlando
- Vines Grille & Wine Bar in the Sand Lake Road Area
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant at Universal CityWalk®
…plus many more!
Get a taste of Orlando and save – celebrate Orlando Magical Dining Month this September!
And for more information on Orlando vacation dining, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Orlando Restaurant Guide.
August 28th, 2009
Celebrate Mother’s Day vacation home style – pamper her with these luxurious in-home services:
Give Mom the ultimate relaxation vacation – order an in-home massage delivery from A-Team Massage.
Schedule a personal chef like A Chef of Your Own or Magical Mealtime to create the perfect Mother’s Day brunch – right in your own vacation home!
Surprise her with flowers from Town Center Florist – delivered right to your vacation home!
And if Mom would prefer to go out than on her special day, treat her to a scrumptious Mother’s Day brunch at Kenzie’s at the nearby Mystic Dunes Golf Club, fill her day with the beauty of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival or dazzle her with Cirque du Soleil La Nouba at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.
For more information, check out the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Guest Services directory.
Have a Happy Mother’s Day!
May 6th, 2009

by Rick E-Mouse
March 27, 2009 Edition
Characters in Flight Balloon Ride Opening Soon at Downtown Disney
Go up, up and away on your Orlando vacation this Spring – ride Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.
Scheduled to open April 1st, Characters in Flight, operated by French balloon manufacturer AEROPHILE, is the first major attraction for the popular Disney shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
Characters in Flight takes up to 30 guests 300 feet into the air on a six minute vertical tethered balloon ride where a ten-mile aerial panoramic view of the beauty of Central Florida awaits. A whopping 72 feet in diameter, the balloon features internal lighting and sports silhouettes of your favorite “flying” Disney characters, including Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. The ride will operate throughout the day, illuminating the waterfront with a dazzling glow at night.
Characters in Flight is located at the waterfront on the West Side of Downtown Disney, near Planet Hollywood. Prices are $16 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-9.
“Rise” to the occasion – check out Characters in Flight on your Disney vacation!
(Photo courtesy of AllEars.Net)
March 27th, 2009
For the latest in cutting-edge shopping on your spring break Orlando vacation, head to TrenD – opening this March in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
The new boutique, located near Once Upon A Toy and Pin Traders, brings your favorite Disney characters to the latest in modern fashion and accessories. Featured items include embroidered purses and stylish organic cotton fashions – with designers like Roxy, Tarina Tarantino and Kidada Jones.
Add TrenD to your shopping list on your spring break Disney vacation – head to Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World!
February 25th, 2009
by Rick E-Mouse October 9, 2008 Edition
October Walt Disney World Attractions & Events

For “ear-y” Halloween fun, world-class cuisines and wines plus an all new “Dino-mite” dining experience, head to Walt Disney World on your Orlando vacation and enjoy these great October attractions and events:
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – Enjoy kid-friendly Halloween fun like parades, fireworks trick-or-treating and the NEW Haunted Pirate Cruise! Select nights at the Magic Kingdom now through October 31st.
EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival – Sample delectable cuisines and wines from around the globe, enjoy special demonstrations by renowned chefs and winemakers and “Eat to the Beat” with hot musical acts like Boyz II Men, Otis Day & The Knights and more! Now through November 9th.
T-REX Cafe at Downtown Disney – Journey into the prehistoric past for a unique and fun “dine-osaur” experience. Enjoy casual dining and shopping amidst a lush landscape of waterfalls, jungles, fossil dig sites and – of course – giant animated dinosaurs! Opening October 14th.
October 9th, 2008
September 18, 2008 Edition
The WEEKLY EARFUL Disney Vacation
News, Tips and Secrets
by Rick E-Mouse
T-Rex Cafe Roars into Downtown Disney this October!

Make your Orlando vacation a journey into the prehistoric past at T-Rex Cafe – a unique dinosaur-themed restaurant, opening this October in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.
The T-Rex Cafe will feature giant animated dinosaurs, a lush landscape of waterfalls and prehistoric plant life, plus a recurring meteor shower that fills the “skies” with a spectacular rain of fiery light! There’s also giant fish-filled aquariums, a fossil dig site and more!
Menu highlights include fun dining choices like Pterodactyl Wings, Raptor Ribs and a Gigantosaurus Burger. And lastly, a dino-themed gift shop – the perfect place to “dig up” your favorite souvenir – completes the T-Rex Cafe’s motto: “EAT SHOP EXPLORE DISCOVER”.
September 18th, 2008
August 14, 2008 Edition
The WEEKLY EARFUL Disney Vacation
News, Tips and Secrets
by Rick E-Mouse
Savor the Savings this September
During Orlando Magical Dining Month

Please your palate and save a mouthful at Orlando’s top eateries during Orlando Magical Dining Month!
During the entire month of September, enjoy three-course dinners at more than 50 participating area restaurants at budget-friendly prices. Casual menu selections are only $19 and upscale choices are just $29.
Among the restaurants included are:
- Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney
- Pastamore at Universal CityWalk
- Tommy Bahama Tropical Café at Pointe Orlando
…and many, many more!
Celebrate Orlando Magical Dining Month. Visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes Guest Services page for more information – and reserve your table today!
August 14th, 2008
CATCH THESE EXPLOSIVE
JULY SUMMER FILMS ON
YOUR ORLANDO VACATION:
- July 2: Hancock – superstar Will Smith plays a reluctant superhero
- July 11: Journey to the Center of the Earth starring Brendan Fraser
- July 18: The Dark Knight – Batman takes on the Joker!
- July 25: The X Files: I Want To Believe – Mulder and Scully are back!
See these and other great summer vacation blockbusters at these Orlando area cinemas (movie availability at theatres may vary):
Get the
STAR treatment on your Orlando vacation. Book a luxurious Orlando vacation home with ALL STAR Vacation Homes now and save $150 on select homes!
July 1st, 2008
Make your July 4th celebration truly explosive!
Celebrate the Disney way at these awesome Walt Disney World fireworks extravaganzas:
MAGIC KINGDOM Fantasy In The Sky – 9:00pm
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS Fourth of July Fireworks – 9:00pm
EPCOT Illuminations – 10:00pm
DOWNTOWN DISNEY Downtown Disney Fireworks Spectacular – 11:00pm
Also, don’t miss special fireworks displays at SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando CityWalk.
HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!
June 30th, 2008
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