Our agency recently went to Orlando to explore and learn more about the theme parks and attractions in the area. Part of our trip had us staying at the Universal Orlando Resort. I chose to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel has always been my favorite one to stay at in Universal, but it had been a while since I stayed there. (I had to check out the other properties!) From the moment you walk in the door you are treated like Rock Royalty! Upon check-in, I had to hurry and go because we had some meetings to get to. It wasn’t until later in the day that I was able to get to my room. I had a pool view, standard room. The room was spacious, with 2 queen beds, a bathroom and a mini-fridge. There was a nice large desk area – which was nice because I had to do some work during this trip. I could look out the window and see the pool. As far as dining options, you can always be a true Rockstar and order room service! The room service menu had a lot to offer all day long. The Kitchen is at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando. They have a great buffet breakfast! (Lunch and dinner are wonderful, too!) I did head over to the Velvet Bar one night for a good adult beverage. This bar is located right off the lobby and has a patio area where you can sit outside. You can also head downstairs to Emack & Bolio's Marketplace. This is a quick service restaurant where you can grab a quick bite to eat. They offer pre-made sandwiches to warm meals prepared while you wait. There are a few other restaurants located at the Hard Rock Hotel that I will have to try next time! If you are musically inclined or just want to pretend to be a rock star, you can “check out” a guitar! The Hard Rock Hotel has a guitar menu with 20 different Fender guitars to choose from. There is even a tv station that offers guitar lessons 24/7.
I personally had fun wandering the hotel looking at all the rock memorabilia. From the picture of John Lennon at the front desk, to Paul McCartney’s guitar and Lady Gaga’s outfit – there is so much to see. The Hard Rock Café is also right there if you want to see more (and grab a bite to eat!) The pool here is great! There are plenty of beach chairs so you can sit in the sun and work on your tan! There was live music for a little while on the stage at the pool. Also, when you go under water you can hear the music playing through the pool speakers. The service is impeccable! From the moment I walked into the pool area until the moment I left there was someone to make sure I was okay. There is food and drink service at the pool. I was sad to leave as I did not get to spend as much time as I would have like to at the Hard Rock Hotel. On my way out, I did, however stop at the front desk to get my room key cut into guitar picks. This is a neat souvenir you can bring back with you to remember your stay at the coolest hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort! Let me know if I can help you plan your next visit to the Hard Rock Hotel (or any of the other hotels on Universal Orlando property)! Until then… Rock on! Lisa Liptak lisa@mdvtrips.com Lisa Liptak Dream Maker Mickey’s Dream Vacations (708)828-7111 Epcot has the best festivals! Throughout the year, it draws in guests from all over the world to see and enjoy the current festival being offered. I have been so lucky as to see all of them at different parts of the year. On my most recent trip this January, I came during Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts. The décor and floral arrangements were amazing and there were many creative and fun displays to see. There multiple shops selling beautiful Disney art, shops you can create your own art, expression stations, and entertaining shows! This festival has performing arts, visual arts, culinary arts, and seminars/workshops offered. If you are like me, another thing that always draws me in is the FOOD! There were many different little outdoor kitchens with a wide variety of different food options! The best part, is many of them are on the dining plan as snack credits! My favorite little plate that I tried was from the Deconstructed Dish booth. I tried the deconstructed strawberry cheesecake! It was so delicious! If you want to try several different booths, I recommend that you get the booklet of all of the outdoor kitchens with their offerings. Though Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts has ended for this year, there are more amazing festivals to attend. The next festival starting is: Epcot’s International Flower and Garden show February 28- May 28, 2018. Here you can see beautiful topiaries, sample delicious food, and there is even a live butterfly garden area. Last year we watched a butterfly come out of its chrysalis right before our eyes! Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival is usually in the fall (starting in Sept-Nov)! This is a high favorite among many that visit Walt Disney World! Food and alcohol parings draw many in from all over the world! Here you can taste delicious foods and refreshing beverages. Eat and drink your way around the World Showcase! No matter what time of year you come to visit, there is always something to see and do at Epcot! I would love to help you plan your next vacation! Contact me at alli@mickeysdreamvacations.com My new favorite place to eat is Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming in Disney Springs. Chef Smith only uses produce and meats by farmers within a 200 mile radius of his restaurant. He also visits once or twice a week. This restaurant has been voted the best place to eat in Disney Springs. They are famous for their fried chicken, trust me it was AMAZING! They brine their chicken in buttermilk 24 hours before they prepare it. I love macaroni and cheese, it’s on of my favorite side dishes, and theirs didn’t disappoint!! Make sure you leave room for dessert! We had the hummingbird cake, another one of their specialties. They have several to choose from, but this one sounded amazing and it was!! Reservations are highly recommended for Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming.
Contact your agent today if you would like to dine here. |