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Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
Christmas Tree Trail Debuts at Disney Springs
What could be better than the newly redesigned Disney Springs? The new Disney Springs at Christmas, of course! As a long-time Florida resident, I look forward to seeing the dazzling decorations at the Disney theme parks and upscale hotels every year. It’s a holiday highlight for me. I’m especially excited when they change something or add a new element to an already fabulous festive celebration. Everything the ‘Mouse’ does is mammoth, so I fully expected the new Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs to be another over-the-top dramatic display of awesomeness!
But, brilliant it wasn’t. It’s a rare occasion that I’m disappointed by anything Disney does, but these Disney-designed displays were anything but remarkable. Nothing extraordinary here; in fact, the Christmas Tree Trail was quite ordinary! Perhaps I’m just spoiled by the likes of the 45-foot-tall holiday tree in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel, or the myriad of other awe-inspiring trees spread throughout Disney properties. Or maybe the memory of the breathtaking presentation of the Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art was too fresh in my mind. Maybe. But given the spectacular transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, whereby the metamorphosis was no less miraculous than watching a beautiful butterfly evolve from a caterpillar, I envisioned an unforgettable inauguration performance by the trees on the trail. Not an unreasonable expectation from the Disney decorating-Divas, right?
15 Different Disney-themed Trees
The holiday enhancement to the newly redesigned Disney Springs Marketplace area is a free (I know, the words Disney and free usually don’t jive!) walk-through experience that consists of fifteen trees, each one inspired by a different Disney character or story. Here’s a list of the ones that received a starring role in the Christmas Tree Trail premiere:
- Mickey and Minnie Mouse
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Princess and the Frog
- The Little Mermaid
- Mary Poppins
- Frozen
- Cinderella
- The Jungle Book
- 101 Dalmatians
- Tangled
- Alice in Wonderland
- The Muppets
- Mulan
- Villains
- And… one with no name! Perhaps Moana??? I don’t know; take a look and tell us what you think it is!
Christmas Tree Trail Photo Tour
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Themed Christmas Tree
Beauty and the Beast Themed Christmas Tree
The Princess and the Frog Themed Christmas Tree
The Little Mermaid Themed Christmas Tree
Mary Poppins Themed Christmas Tree
Frozen Themed Christmas Tree
Cinderella Themed Christmas Tree
Jungle Book Themed Christmas Tree
101 Dalmatians Themed Christmas Tree
Tangled Themed Christmas Tree
Alice in Wonderland Themed Christmas Tree
The Muppets Themed Christmas Tree
Mulan Themed Christmas Tree
Villains Themed Christmas Tree
The “No Name” Mystery Tree
Christmas Tree Trail: Perfect Backdrop for Holiday Photo Cards
It’s not that my time spent touring the Christmas Tree Trail was bad, it just wasn’t grand. The trees were done on a much smaller scale than I expected. Most of them were about the size of my own Christmas tree; 7 – 7 1/2 feet. I thought the themes were great, and the decorations were nice, but most of them looked like typical Disney ornaments that can be purchased in almost any Disney gift shop. (Hmmm, suddenly I might see a connection here! A monumental marketing ploy if that’s true.) Usually Disney holiday trees are quite elaborate — one-of-a-kind masterpieces that you wouldn’t expect to see anywhere else. And very difficult to duplicate. But with a brief visit to the Days of Christmas shop or the popular World of Disney store you can replicate any tree that you’ve seen here, without a degree in interior design.
Another surprising element of the Christmas Tree Trail was the accessibility of the trees. There was nothing around the perimeter of the trees to keep people (and curious kids) from touching them or handling the decorations. I noticed that smaller children really seemed to enjoy the trees. And since there were no boundaries protecting them, families were able to capture group photos while holding the trees on their lap (well, almost!). Perhaps the trees were meant to be interacted with. I didn’t see any “Do not touch” signs or “You break it, you bought it” threats.
*TIP… The trees make a beautiful backdrop for a family photo, perfect for those holiday photo cards. Plan a family photo session in front of each one, then pick your favorite! (Unlike the theme parks, I didn’t see the presence of official Disney photographers, but someone is always willing to snap a picture of you and your family if you ask them.)
Forecast: Snow!
During our stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail we were able to enjoy a light ‘snowfall,’ Florida style! The artificial snow is a nice attempt to make the experience a little more ‘magical.’ Far from a blizzard or white-out, it did succeed at causing our hair, glasses, and nose to become snow covered (or should I say “soap covered?”) The day we attended was quite chilly, by Florida standards. The high temperature on that Sunday afternoon in mid-November was only in the 60’s, with a sustained wind that made it feel much colder. (I know, we’re so spoiled here in the Sunshine State!) So, for a brief moment, I envisioned I was back home for the holidays. The faux snow gently falling, along with Christmas music playing in the background (another [pleasant] surprise, as that’s not always politically correct anymore) created a wonderful feel-good wintry moment for my senses. I can’t help myself!
Christmas Tree Trail Photography Tip
Disney advertises live toy soldiers, singers, and a full slate of other additions to the Christmas Tree Trail experience but I didn’t see any of that. I chose to view the trees during the day, as most nighttime photos I’ve seen make it difficult to see the decorations. (I don’t use professional nighttime camera lenses.) And, Disney uses an over-abundance of ‘blue’ spotlights which turns every tree into an icy blue color.
*TIP… For the best photos, I would recommend viewing the trees during daylight hours. Then, if time allows, do another walk-through after dark, to experience the nighttime effects and maybe shoot a short video or two. I doubt you’ll see girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, but you may capture snowflakes that stay on your nose and eyelashes!
Photograph the Trees During the Day for Best Results
In Conclusion…
A fun way to put a cherry on top of your Christmas Tree Trail tour is a visit to Aristocrepes. Here, you can purchase a Gingerbread Pumpkin Crepe and gourmet hot chocolate. (A kiosk with warm roasted chestnuts and hot mulled cider would have caused me to linger a little longer!) These are special foodie items that are only available during the holiday season, which lasts until January 8, 2017 at Disney Springs.
I’m not sure I would recommend a special trip to Disney Springs for the sole purpose of seeing the Christmas Tree Trail, but if you’re already there, then by all means take a minute to view the trees. They’re a little out-of-the-way, at the far end of the complex, so they are easily missed. The trees are located in the Marketplace section, where the old Downtown Disney bus stop used to be. On the way, plan a stop at World of Disney which is all decked out for the holidays. With over 50,000 items, it’s the world’s largest assortment of Disney merchandise! Splurge on a holiday hat or deck your neck with those infamous Christmas bulb light-up necklaces. With a little forced effort, you’ll be in the yule mood sporting a holly jolly Christmas at the “Happiest Place on Earth!”
The World’s Largest Disney Character Store at Christmas
UPDATE: Christmas Tree Trail 2017
I’m happy to report that the 2017 Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs will be bigger and better than the 2016 premier, according to an official Disney announcement. Yay… as it was in dire need of improvement!
This year, the Christmas Tree Trail will expand to twenty-five trees. Many of the evergreens will be larger than last year’s trees. There will be ten new trees inspired by Disney classics including Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Snow White, and Dumbo.
Definitely worth a re-visit for me!
Sound Off… It’s Your Turn…
What was your favorite tree on the Christmas Tree Trail? What does the “no name” tree represent? While visiting Disney during the holidays, would you take the time to see these trees? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know!
OMA Festival of Trees — Celebrating 38 Years!
The annual Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) is my go-to event to kick off the holiday season in Central Florida. For those who like to decorate early, the festival always occurs the week before Thanksgiving, giving the buyers an opportunity to display their creative finds for visiting family and friends while feasting on that fabulous fried turkey dinner.
Each year the Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees has a different theme. Let the Joy of the Season Shine was the theme chosen for the 38th anniversary of this popular event. It will run from Saturday November 16th to Sunday November 24th. It is always presented by the Council of 101, a group of nearly 300 women who volunteer their time and talents to make this holiday tradition possible. They were founded in 1965 with a vision to further the cultural development and education of the visual arts in Central Florida. Their two main fundraisers, Festival of Trees in November and Antiques Show in February, provide much needed financial resources for the Orlando Museum of Art.
Upwards of 20,000 people visit the Festival of Trees each year! And since it began over three decades ago, more than $5 million dollars has been contributed, making it the major fundraiser for this popular Central Florida Art Museum. All totaled, the Council of 101 has been instrumental in giving the museum more than $14 million dollars since 1965!
How to Purchase a Festival of Trees Item
While strolling through the various venues at the Festival of Trees, you’ll notice that each item is accompanied by a sign like the one pictured above. The sign contains an item number, title of the piece, the name of the donor, name of the designer, and a selling price. When an item has been purchased, a red SOLD sticker will be placed on it. Payment for available items should be made at the sales desk in the Council of 101 Grand Gallery. The items may be picked up immediately after the close of the Festival on Sunday, and during the day on Monday. Arrangements for delivery can be made for the larger trees.
Deck the Halls at Orlando Museum of Art!
There are three main showcase areas for the Festival of Trees — Deck the Halls, Designer Trees and Vignettes, and Gingerbread Village. Deck the Halls area is where you will see stunning displays of unique wreaths and small tabletop trees. I love decorating for Christmas, so I’m always impressed by the level of ingenuity expressed here. Clever imagination and originality abound. A wreath is just a wreath, unless it was conceived by one of the inventive designers at Festival of Trees! They’re constantly coming up with innovative new ways of doing wreaths. Some of the resources and materials they use literally blow my mind. Check out a few of my favorites from Deck the Halls…
Designer Trees and Vignettes — Photo Tour
The one-of-a-kind trees, winterscapes, and vignettes offered in this section are truly brilliant. If you don’t come away inspired, you may want to check your pulse! Even if you choose not to purchase a tree, I guarantee your own creative juices will be flowing by the time you leave.
TIP… Take lots of photos! Keep them in a digital album and refer back to them year after year. Use them as a starting point to create your own holiday masterpiece. Oftentimes you can improvise, using materials and color schemes more conducive to your own home decor, and achieve the same outstanding results.
Plan to linger in this area for a while. There’s usually Christmas music playing softly in the background — sometimes via live musicians or choirs. Allow the sights and sounds of the season to seep into your spirit. After all… it is the most wonderful time of the year!
Gingerbread Village at Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees
Your nose knows how to find this area! Just follow the sweet and spicy scent of gingerbread. The awesome aroma permeates an entire section of the Orlando Museum of Art. Sponsored by Macy’s, each gingerbread masterpiece is created by local culinary artists and available for purchase. Take a moment to notice the remarkable detail in each one. Here’s seven of my favorites from the Annual Festival of Trees…
Entertaining by Design Raffle at OMA Festival of Trees
One of my hubby’s favorite parts of the Festival of Trees at Orlando Museum of Art is the opportunity to win a spectacular prize. Patrons of the Festival can purchase raffle tickets for the drawings. They’re very reasonably priced at $1 each or 25 for $20. There’s a wide variety of donated items — things like Gift Baskets, Gift Certificates for Dinner, Design Consultation, Getaways, Progressive Wine Dinner, Spa Services, Cocktail Party for 20 People, Shopping Spree, Tablescapes, Designer Jewelry, and Decorated Trees.
Simply choose the items that interest you and deposit a ticket in the container located by each item. Then, wait for your phone to ring after the close of the Festival of Trees! We’re still waiting… but hey, it’s for a great cause, right? Check out a few of the drawings from previous years…
Toyland Town and Santa Claus at OMA Festival of Trees
As with any other place that features fragile displays, great caution must be used if choosing to take young children to the Festival of Trees. But if you do, be sure to visit Toyland Town, a special area where children can do crafts, play games, and even join in a scavenger hunt. At select times Santa will be present to receive the wish list for all good little girls and boys! Then your little ones can shop-till-they-drop in the Toyland Shop which is filled with kiddie gifts and great stocking stuffers. (Mom and Dad can visit the Festival Boutique for unique grown-up gifts!)
I highly recommend the Reindeer Romp Children’s Party, a specially ticketed evening event that occurs during the nine day Festival of Trees. Entertainment for the kiddos includes things like Balloon Artists, Storytellers, Comedy Variety Artists, Crayola Experience, Face Painting, Sing-Alongs, StiltFun, Russian Ballet of Orlando, Photo Booth, and yes, Santa Claus himself! It’s a wonderful holiday party for the entire family.
***Reindeer Romp information and tickets (November 22, 2024)
***Breakfast with Santa information and tickets (November 16, 17 & 23, 2024)
Festival of Trees Special Events
Each year there are specially ticketed events happening at the Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees. The Festival opens with a Tree Lighting Reception followed by a Formal Gala that includes Food, Wine and Spirits, Entertainment, and a Silent Auction. This year, the opening night tree-view party will be Friday, November 15, 2024.
Additional information regarding admission pricing, parking, special event tickets, senior day, military appreciation day, entertainment schedule, photos from prior Festival of Trees, and Orlando Museum of Art Membership can be found on the Orlando Museum of Art website.
38th Annual Festival of Trees
WHEN: November 16-24, 2024
TIME: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
PRICE: Adults $20 | Child (3-12) $12 | Senior (60+) $12
LOCATION: Orlando Museum of Art – 2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
THEME: Let the Joy of the Season Shine
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE: 38th Annual Festival of Trees Tickets
Festival Hours and Ticket Prices
General Admission Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, November 16th – Sunday, November 24th
Ticket Prices: Adult $20, Children $12 (age 3-12), Senior $12 (60+), Military & First Responders (with ID) $12
Parking Fee: $7 daily
Tickets available at the door or online at Eventbrite
Want More Themed Christmas Tree Ideas?
For those craving even more themed Christmas tree ideas, check out my review of the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs. This year the popular holiday event begins on November 10, 2023, and runs through the end of the year (2024 dates to be announced). Disney will showcase 20+ trees, all inspired by a specific Disney character or story. If you love all things Disney, and happen to be in the Central Florida area for the holidays, you may want to check this out. Here’s the best part… it’s FREE! I know, you can’t say that about too many Disney related things, right? Disney Springs is a great way to experience the magic of Disney, without paying the ever-increasing theme park admission prices. And, the atmosphere is especially magical during the holiday season!
Please Share Your Thoughts
I hope you have been filled with inspiration from the photo tour of Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art in Central Florida. Please share your thoughts, ask a question, or simply let me know you have visited today by leaving a reply in the comment section below. Hearing from you is the best part of my day!
Harry P. Leu Gardens – An ‘Old Florida’ Attraction
Leu Gardens — Vintage Florida!
As a 16-year Florida resident, I’m always searching for little hidden gems off-the-beaten-path from the hustle and bustle of Central Florida theme parks and other tourist-driven attractions. Amazingly, I’ve found one in the most unexpected place… 2 miles from downtown Orlando! So close to ‘the Mouse’ and his house at Walt Disney World, yet a million miles away (at least that’s what it seemed like to me). Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of Mickey’s fondest fans, but every now and then I crave some of God’s handiwork more than man-made Disney magic. The Harry P. Leu Gardens satisfied my appetite for an authentic “Old Florida” respite. They have perfectly preserved the beauty, culture, history, and environment of vintage Florida.
Harry P. Leu Gardens – Celebrating 55 Years!
Harry P. Leu Gardens — Celebrating 55 Years!
In 1961, 55 years ago, the City of Orlando was given a grandiose gift. Harry Leu and his wife Mary Jane donated their home and gardens to the “City Beautiful.” The restored 19th century home has become the historic Leu House Museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The botanical gardens contain nearly 50 acres of cultivated tropical and semi-tropical plant collections from around the world, thanks to the extensive international travels of Mr. and Mrs. Leu. [Of course, that was prior to governmental regulations that restrict bringing certain agricultural products into the United States.] Their passion for horticulture is what transformed their estate into the botanical oasis that we enjoy today.
Leu Gardens — 14 Dedicated Areas
Leu Gardens is strategically divided into 14 different areas to better appreciate the offerings. Interpretive signs, QR Codes, and plant labels can be found throughout the gardens. I did, however, think the signage could have been better. Even with a map, my hubby and I found the navigational aides to be sparse for such a vast property. Although, we did encounter several staff members in golf carts who were more than willing to help with directions and any questions we had.
Following is a listing of the 14 dedicated areas within Leu gardens:
- Garden House Welcome Center
- Tropical Stream Garden
- Idea Garden
- Herb Garden
- Butterfly Garden
- Vegetable Garden
- Rose Garden
- Color Garden
- Leu House Museum
- Palms, Cycads & Bamboo
- Floral Clock
- White Garden
- Arid Garden
- Camellias
Leu Gardens — Free Admission The First Monday Of Every Month
My husband and I visited Leu Gardens in early October. We happened to be there on the first Monday of the month, and received free entry, as is their policy every month (excludes special events). Although adult admission is a modest $10 (parking included), the “freebie” was greatly appreciated.
Additionally, if you have a Membership in any of the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Gardens throughout the country, you can take advantage of the reciprocal admission program and receive free admission to Leu Gardens simply by showing your Membership Card and photo ID. Florida has some outstanding botanical gardens and museums that participate such as Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, and Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden in Winter Park. With nearly 50 reciprocal partners in the Sunshine State, the cost of Membership will certainly pay for itself many times over! Here’s a link with additional information on a Leu Gardens Membership, including pricing and benefits.
Leu Gardens Self-Guided Walking Tour
Our tour at Leu Gardens began at the Garden House Welcome Center where we picked up a map for our self-guided walking tour. This building also provides space for business meetings, receptions, retreats, art exhibits, and plant groups. Classes are offered year-round for gardening, landscaping, history, wildlife, art, photography, and cooking.
For the plant enthusiast, be sure to stop by the botanic library. The Gift Shop was small but had some unique items to memorialize your visit or suitable for gift giving. A practical purchase would be the all natural botanical herbal insect repellent for your leisurely stroll amidst the gardens.
Leu Gardens Gift Shop
All Natural Botanical Herbal Insect Repellent
Leu Gardens In The Fall
As previously mentioned, I visited Leu Gardens in early October. Since the climate of Central Florida is conducive for year-round plantings, I was expecting much more color. There were a few pockets of gorgeous autumn hues in the Color Garden, but generally speaking, flowering plants were not plentiful. This was my greatest disappointment. I enjoyed the gardens enough to return, but will choose a different season when I do.
Entrance To The Color Garden
Leu Gardens In The Fall
Autumn At Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens In The Fall – Color Garden
Leu House Museum — National Register Of Historic Places
The Leu House Museum is included in the entry fee, and should not be missed. I truly enjoyed my guided tour through this restored 19th century home. It was fascinating to see and hear about turn-of-the-century Florida living. Four families owned the property before it opened to the public in 1961, and each story was captivating. Our docent was extremely knowledgeable and answered questions without hesitation. Many of the furnishings in this historic home were originals left by Mrs. Leu; others are period reproductions.
Tours last about 25 minutes and are available on the hour and half hour. From November 13 – January 2 you can see the Leu House Museum decorated for the holidays. Creative juices flow as 9 local interior designers work their magic in each of the 11 rooms of this estate — everything from Christmas trees, tablescapes, wreaths, vintage ornaments, and much more. You’ll go home with a few decorating tips, for sure!
Leu House Museum – National Register Of Historic Places
Leu House Museum Photo Tour
The Majestic Rose Garden — In Memory Of Mary Jane Leu
The Rose Garden at Harry P. Leu Gardens is nothing short of spectacular! The fact that Mary Jane Leu loved roses is quite evident here. She created it as a place of beauty and education for future generations. It contains some very old garden roses; those existing prior to 1867, as well as more modern varieties. This is the largest formal rose garden in the state of Florida! No wonder Leu Gardens is a favorite wedding destination that hosts over 300 weddings every year. It has been voted as one of the best wedding venues in Orlando.
Formal Rose Garden At Harry P. Leu Gardens
Formal Rose Garden
Largest Formal Rose Garden In Florida
The Floral Clock At Leu Gardens
There are certain not-to-be-missed sections of Leu Gardens, and the Floral Clock is one of them. This feature was inspired by the famous floral clock of Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scottish version was commissioned in 1903, and was the first of its kind in the world. This one was donated by the Kiwanis Club of Orlando in 1975. The unique and stunning display is an actual working clock and the floral designs that fill the face of the clock are changed seasonally. Although not as intricate and well-groomed as I had expected (it appeared somewhat overgrown and the hands of the clock were difficult to see), it is worth a few minutes of your time.
Leu Gardens Floral Clock
The Landing With Floral Clock In Background – A Popular Wedding Location
The Landing At Leu Gardens
Palms, Cycads, And Bamboo
This specialty garden is sometimes referred to as “the dinosaur garden” because it contains many plants dating back to the prehistoric age. For example, Cycads are primitive plants that existed for nearly 200 million years. During the Cretaceous Period when dinosaurs ruled the Earth they were the main plant life. Even though they are palm-like in appearance, they are cone bearing plants and have no relation to palms.
The Palms in this collection rank among the most extensive in the United States. It is vast with nearly 400 species that are well suited for our Central Florida climate. Palms are useful for providing food, furniture, and even wax for surfboards (Carnauba Wax Palm). While strolling the Palm Garden, take a moment to read the plant labels that identify the common name, botanical name, plant family, and origin of each specie. They’re quite interesting.
If you’re a lover of Bamboo like I am, you will be fascinated with nearly 50 varieties in this garden. Bamboo is a woody-stemmed plant in the grass family. Some grow only a few inches tall, while others reach over 70 feet with canes 5 inches in diameter. If you’re considering planting Bamboo in your Central Florida backyard (or even in a controlled indoor environment) I highly recommend visiting Leu Gardens first, where you can check out tons of different species. Some of them have been growing for more than 30 years. When you’re ready to buy, Beautiful Bamboo in Groveland, Florida is a nursery that specializes in Bamboo, about 30 minutes from Orlando.
Dinosaurs And Cycads
Cone Bearing Cycads
Spectacular Towering Palms
Exotic Striped Bamboo Canes At Leu Gardens
Beautiful Clumping Bamboo At Leu Gardens
The Butterfly Garden
Always a favorite of mine is the Butterfly Garden. I’ve been to many in Florida; some were pretty awesome, other’s not so much! The one at Leu Gardens is worth a few minutes of your time. There’s just something about this flying insect that puts a smile on my face every time I see one. To me, this gentle creature that floats in the wind is the epitome of beauty and grace. In this specialty garden, a wide variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees are planted to attract different types of butterflies. Some of them are nectar plants, others are larval plants that caterpillars eat. Many also attract hummingbirds and night-flying moths.
While in the Butterfly Garden, another visitor pointed out the presence of a snake that was trying hard to go un-noticed. Obviously, he got busted! I didn’t stick around long enough to see what kind it was, for even the harmless ones freak me out. Because of my speedy departure from this area, I didn’t spend any time looking at the Herb Garden which displays both culinary and medicinal herbs. The fragrant aroma, however, was proof enough that it existed! The Vegetable Garden area seemed barren. The fenced-in plot of land didn’t have any visible crops. Perhaps they were in-between the summer and fall plantings.
*TIP… Although Leu Gardens is impeccably manicured and maintained, be aware that it is a vast, open area with dense, lush plantings that may be desirable to wandering animals and critters like the one mentioned above. I highly recommend staying on the dedicated walkways. Be vigilant and keep your adventurous spirit in check!
Entrance To Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Garden
Lake Rowena Overlook
The Tropical Stream Garden is appropriately named. There’s a variety of tropical and subtropical plants throughout this garden that create the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. This is where you’ll see bird-of-paradise, bananas, bromeliads, heliconias, and other tropical beauties. If you’re looking to momentarily escape the Florida heat you’ll want to linger the peaceful paths here. There’s an abundance of shade in this garden. There’s also a sparkling little stream that winds its way into Lake Rowena.
The Lake Rowena overlook was beautiful and relaxing. The boardwalk and gazebo are named for John Wyckoff, one of Leu Gardens original board members. This is one of the newer additions to the Gardens. Take a walking break and enjoy the stunning vistas here. An aquatic wetland garden contains mostly native plants. And… have your camera ready — I’d be surprised if you don’t see heron, turtles, and an occasional alligator!
Lake Rowena Overlook
Peak Season Pops — A Refreshing Respite
Although Leu Gardens does not currently have a cafe on site, frequently there are visiting approved vendors that offer sandwiches or snacks. Hubby was hoping for a hot dog stand, but got to try some popular popsicles instead. Peak Season Pops are gourmet ice pops that are all-natural and handmade with local seasonal ingredients. We met the owners who are an awesome husband and wife team. Honestly… they were the best ice pops I’ve ever had! I’m not usually a popsicle person, but it was very hot and they looked so refreshing. I had the Autumn Roasted Peach and hubby had the Pineapple Lemongrass. Both were outstanding. If you’re in the Orlando area, check out Peak Season Pops for delivery options, special events, birthdays, etc. I highly recommend them. Brooke Chen (owner) was telling us they just did a wedding wherein the bride and groom opted to serve gourmet popsicles instead of traditional wedding cake! Apparently this trend is catching on here in the Sunshine State. For additional information visit the Peak Season Pops website.
*TIP… If you’re planning to be at Leu Gardens for a while, small bag lunches are allowed on the patio of the Garden House Welcome Center. Beverage vending machines are also available in the lobby of the Welcome Center.
Brooke and Danny Chen – Owners Of Peak Season Pops
Gourmet Ice Pops In Seasonal Flavors
Beyond The Gardens — Educational Classes And Workshops
It’s very difficult to see the entire 50-acre botanical Garden in less than 2 hours. We did a leisurely stroll for more than that, yet still managed to miss a few key points of interest. We did not view the Mizell Cemetery or the Idea Garden. The world famous Camellias (largest documented collection in Eastern North America) were not in bloom so we didn’t spend much time in those areas. A 2 hour window is recommended for adequate viewing of the Gardens. We’re planning a return trip, but possibly in the spring, hoping for significantly more color.
Visit the Leu Gardens website for a calendar showing what plants are in bloom in any given month. There’s also information on upcoming events and classes — things like monthly outdoor movie night, monthly storytelling for young children, seasonal concerts, annual plant sale, seed swaps, gardening for honey bees, aroma therapy for intestinal health, bats of Florida, the Leu House holiday lecture, wreath making, mini gardening and fairy gardens, casual Tuscan cooking, and on and on and on! The diverse educational offerings are impressive at Leu Gardens.
*TIP… Bring (or purchase) bottled water, apply insect repellant, and wear comfortable shoes!
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT:
Nature Connects® Art with LEGO® Bricks: January 6 – April 22
A one-of-a-kind, outdoor exhibit featuring many larger-than-life sculptures built with LEGO® bricks. Over 450,000 bricks were used in this exhibit to bring nature to life throughout the 50-acre botanical gardens.
Price: Included in the daytime Garden admission of $10 (adult)
Hummingbird from Nature Connects Art with LEGO Bricks!
In Conclusion
Leu Gardens is an urban display of botanical beauty just a short drive from the “happiest place on earth!” It’s not nearly as magical, mind-blowing, or mesmerizing as ‘the Mouse,’ yet memorable in many ways. You’ll experience a sense of serenity that is instantly calming as you intentionally distance yourself from the insanity that sometimes exists in Central Florida tourist areas. Wildly tropical with formal gardens. I know, sounds like an oxymoron, but at Leu Gardens they co-exist in perfect harmony. So go ahead and do your crazy theme park thing, then swing by here for a perfect portrait of what Florida used to be!
Vintage Florida – The Way It Used To Be!
Question: Have you been to Leu Gardens? If you have visited this Central Florida attraction, please share your experience & helpful information with our readers by replying in the comment section below!
Epcot Food And Wine Festival – 2016
Welcome to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2016 photo tour! Here, you’ll get a taste of what’s new, some oldies-but-goodies, what I liked, and what I loved! And, as we journey on this epicurean trip around the world, i’ll share a few helpful tips for your next visit to Epcot’s most popular annual event.
Food and Wine Theme – Taste Epcot!
The theme for the 2016 Food & Wine Festival is ‘Taste Epcot.’ The front entrance to Epcot nicely displays the theme, and it’s the perfect back-drop for a group or family photo to begin your day. With a little patience, Disney employees are more than happy to photograph the moment for you, but be prepared to wait in line during the busiest hours.
Dazzling Disney Landscapes
Although the main attraction of the Food and Wine Festival is, of course, the food — let your stomach growl long enough to slow down and enjoy stunning views of fabulous flora all decked out in their finest fall colors. Sure, they’re not as spectacular as the springtime Flower and Garden Festival displays, but definitely worth a look.
Club Cool – Presented By Coca-Cola!
Cola Flavors From Around The World!
Another worthwhile diversion is a quick stop at Club Cool. If you entered Epcot through the main front gates, you have to pass by it anyway enroute to World Showcase where most of the Festival food kiosks are located. Inside is a gift shop featuring pretty cool Coca-Cola-branded merchandise, along with a FREE (I know, I know, the words free and Disney are rarely used together) tasting of soft drinks from around the world. There are 8 different cola flavors found in places like Greece, Thailand, Japan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Peru, Brazil… and my favorite, Italy. The Italian cola is called Beverly, and it’s like drinking a non-alcoholic aperitif before dinner to stimulate the appetite. It’s actually a traditional part of Italian refreshment culture. Beverly has a very bitter flavor that people either love or hate. I love it… my hubby, well, not so much! The beverage machine is self-serve, so feel free to sample as many as you like. For me, this is a fantastic place to cool down from the Florida heat and wet my whistle at the same time. Try it, and let me know which is your favorite!
Food and Wine Festival Shop
My second stop (right after Club Cool) was the most ingenious idea my husband has ever had. (After almost 40 years together, that’s saying a lot!) He recommended that we purchase a pre-paid Disney Gift Card. There are a number of Festival-themed Disney Gift Cards to choose from. We selected the mini-sized gift card (which is their most popular). The mini card features the Festival logo, and is attached to a wearable wristlet. You can choose the dollar amount to put on the card. We started with $100. There are no fees involved and it is accepted everywhere, no exceptions. Some of the other gift cards have limitations regarding usage. A Disney employee took the time to explain all options and any restrictions.
They’re available at select merchandise locations throughout Epcot, like the one pictured above where I purchased mine. The beauty of these cards?… well, they make paying a breeze! The average price for individual food and wine offerings at the kiosks are between $5-$7. It was always inconvenient for me to charge such a small amount at every stop, and the added stress of making sure I didn’t lose the card. With my new Disney Gift Card on my wrist, I simply show it, they scan it, and ta-dah… I’m ready to eat! No more fiddling in my pocket or purse. Such an easy way to pay!
Chicken and Dumplings
Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese
With more than 30 delicious and exotic marketplaces available for the Food and Wine Festival, one must choose wisely, as it’s almost impossible to sample everything. Our first stop was at Farm Fresh. We almost passed this one up, as the offerings seemed a bit boring — nothing exotic. It was more like traditional ‘comfort food.’ But I’m so glad we tried it. Hubby had the Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese which was superb. Made with cheddar cheese, pepper bacon, green onions and peppers, it had a nice little ‘kick’ to it. Nothing boring here! The flavor combinations were excellent and left you wanting more.
I had the Chicken and Dumplings, made with stewed chicken, mushrooms, and spinach. Oh my goodness… I never thought I would be raving about such a simple dish. The sauce was extremely tasty, it was loaded with tender generously-sized chicken chucks, and the dumplings… well, I have never had dumplings so good. They were huge, and literally melt-in-your-mouth. I’m not kidding. I was raised on Pennsylvania Dutch cooking where dumplings are king, but these were the best I have ever had! I don’t know how they got them so light and moist. Typically they’re very dense and heavy. I had to resist the temptation to order another portion! My only complaint about this stop was that the food temperature on both items was barely warm.
Look at the size of those dumplings…
Disney Gets The Prize For Best Dumplings… Ever!
Taco de Camaron
Barbacoa Enchilada
Next stop for us was Mexico. One of those ‘oldies-but-goodies’ for my husband is the Taco de Camaron. It’s a battered shrimp served over a flour tortilla with crispy purple cabbage and chipotle mayonnaise. He loves his food hot and spicy… very hot and spicy! This dish is far from hot and spicy, but flavorful nonetheless with the chipotle. He would have liked it kicked up a hundred notches on the heat index, but still enjoyed it, as always.
I usually pass on the Mexican offerings being we live in central Florida where Mexican food and restaurants abound. But I broke tradition and opted for the Barbacoa Enchilada. Unlike hubby, I don’t do well with spicy food. I love it, it just doesn’t like me. Upon ordering, I asked the Disney employee if there was anything spicy in it. She patiently described the ingredients, and offered me to return it if I didn’t like it. Wow… that’s the first time I was given a money-back guarantee during the umpteen times we’ve attended the Food and Wine Festival. Turned out to be very smart customer service — I loved it! The corn tortilla tasted just like the hand-made ones I had in Guatemala. The beef barbacoa was excellent, and the mole sauce was surprisingly outstanding. And yes, I stopped by to thank the young lady on my way to the trash can. This is one of those ‘repeat’ items i’ll have during my next visit to Epcot in a few weeks.
[***Question: Have you ever taken the time to thank a Disney employee for going above and beyond what was expected of them? Please share in the comment section at the end of this article. Many Disney employees earn little more than minimum wage, work outside in the heat, humidity and tropical downpours, and hear complaints all day long. Oftentimes we’re quick to complain and slow to compliment those in the hospitality industry. Make it a point to give ‘kudos’ when appropriate. We may never know the positive effect in that person’s life!]
SOARIN’ Around The World!
By now you’ve heard that one of the most popular Epcot attractions has been totally re-done. SOARIN’ has become SOARIN’ Around The World. We were able to get a FastPass for it so we took a brief respite from lunch to try the new version. It was awesome! Hubby liked the old version better, but I respectfully disagree. It remains my favorite Epcot ride.
Wine & Dine Studio
Since the heat index was over 100 degrees this September day, SOARIN’ was the perfect way to cool down and beat the heat for a while. But after our hang-gliding experience around the world, we were ready to indulge in our next round of tasty treats. The Wine & Dine Studio is one of the new marketplaces at the Festival this year. And what a great addition it was! Of everything I tried, it was here that I had my number one tasting food item — the seared scallop! I kinda cheated with this choice because I already knew from the pre-Festival tasting event with members of the Press that this was a favorite among the voters. Because of that, hubby and I both had the same thing, something we rarely do.
Seared Scallop
The seared scallop was served over a truffled celery root puree (something I’m not usually fond of) and brussels sprouts with wild mushrooms. Oh my goodness… heaven on earth! This dish is worthy to be served in any 5-star restaurant this side of Mars. You have to try it. ‘Nuff said!
Even if you pass up on the Wine & Dine Studio, stop by long enough to shoot a couple of photos. It’s a beautiful area as evidenced by the slideshow above. It’s also one of just a few areas that offer a place to sit your food and beverage down while eating. They have an ample amount of counter space under the trellis for that.
Islands Of The Caribbean
Our next stop was the Islands Of The Caribbean, another new entry this year. This area gets my vote for the most beautiful displays. Lush landscaping and small vignette-type displays feature islands like Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica (see slideshow below). They also have a couple of thatched-roof tiki huts with tables to get you out of the hot sun while you munch on Mojo Pork, Quesito or other Caribbean cuisine tapas.
Pescado con Coco
Hubby’s tummy was getting full but I was still going strong. I tried the Pescado con Coco: seared grouper, pigeon peas and rice, with coconut sauce. The concept was great (i’ll try almost anything with a coconut sauce!) but I probably wouldn’t have it again. The rice was too salty for my taste buds (the olives, most likely), and it had large chunks of sausage that weren’t mentioned in the ingredients, which I’m not a fan of. The grouper was great, as was the sauce, but was hoping for a stronger coconut flavor. Overall… good, but not a repeat item for me.
One thing I really liked this year at the Food and Wine Festival was the style of the food kiosks. Each one was a tiny replica of the type of architecture that is indicative of the country it is representing. I’ve included a few of them in the photos below…
Greece Marketplace At Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Canada Marketplace At Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Ireland Marketplace At Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Brazil Marketplace At Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Our final stop was at Brazil — not because we wanted this culinary adventure to end, but because our bellies were busting at the seams! We had done our homework and looked over a listing of each food item in advance of our visit. We had a good idea of what we wanted to sample before we even got there. Since we attend the Food and Wine Festival multiple times each year, we limit our food to 5 or 6 countries during each visit. With great anticipation we were looking forward to trying the crispy pork belly with black beans and tomato at Brazil. Once again, hubby and I ordered the same thing.
I have fond memories of the very first time I had crispy pork belly. It was at Disney, at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood Studios. Gosh, that had to be about 10+ years ago. It was so incredible, it became the gold standard by which I measure every crispy pork belly appetizer I try. None has ever compared to that first experience. That’s why I was so excited to sample it at Epcot. Hubby and I both agreed that although it was great, it was not phenomenal as I was expecting. I thought it was a little too lean. I mean, come on… if you’re gonna have pork belly, then pork fat should rule! Despite my criticism, some people we chatted with said it was the best item at the Festival, in their opinion.
Crispy Pork Belly
To end our epicurean tour around the world, we chose to have dessert in Norway, rather than a food kiosk from the Festival. The Kringla Bakery is a permanent part of the World Showcase at Epcot and we love the berry cream puffs from there. Plus, it was another opportunity to go inside to escape the blazing hot sun.
Berry Cream Puff
The berry cream puff was the perfect ending to a perfect day at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival. Interested in the cost of today’s tasting tour? Well, for everything i’ve included in this article, plus 2 bottles of water, the price tag was $64.31. We’ve been attending the F&WF since its inception 21 years ago, and have witnessed steady price increases, but still consider this event one of our Disney favorites. Here’s another tip: as locals, we always go on a weekday, and try to get there early in the day. As you can see from the photos, most of the kiosks had little or no line!
Stay tuned for our next visit where we’ll be sampling even more delectable dishes. This year, the event runs from September 14th – November 14th, 62 days of deliciousness!
Have you been to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival? Maybe you have a question about the event. Or perhaps you have a tip of your own that you’d like to share with our readers. Please post your question or comment in the reply box below!
The Newly Redesigned Disney Springs
Disney Springs Grand Opening Celebration
The Grand Opening Celebration of the newly redesigned Disney Springs is in full swing. It takes place during July and August of this year. You might remember this newly expanded entertainment and shopping complex by its former name: Downtown Disney.
Change doesn’t come easy for me. I’m the type of person who holds so tightly to my comfort zone I have to be pried away from it with a crowbar. So, I was definitely not a happy camper when Disney announced the complete overhaul of Downtown Disney, a place I had become quite fond of. I liked it just the way it was. After all, I had been attending the complex since 1976, one year after its inception. Then I remembered the multiple rebrandings I had lived through over the past 40 years. It began in 1975 as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village but 2 years later was renamed Walt Disney World Village. Then in 1989 it transformed into Disney Village Marketplace, only to become Downtown Disney 8 years later. Through every dramatic change in appearance its landscape had become better. Much better. So then… change is good! At least that’s how my analytical mind tried to reason this latest metamorphosis.
AMC Movie Theatres at Disney Springs
Know Before You Go: Disney Springs Has Parking Garages, Parking Lots, and Valet Parking
It was the final day of a certain movie that I really wanted to see, and since the AMC Movie Theatres in Disney Springs had an afternoon showing, it was the perfect opportunity for hubby and I to see a movie and check out the changes to this iconic Disney property.
***TIP: When attending the AMC Theatres at Disney Springs, be advised there are 24 different theaters, with an entire section for the Dine-in Theatres (featuring in-theatre dining, full bar, and premium seats). You cannot get from one section to the other without going outside and walking around the perimeter of the [very large] building. Yes, we found out by experience, and it almost caused us to miss the start of the movie. There seemed to be ample Disney employees around, so it’s best to ask one of them to direct you to the proper AMC entrance.
***TIP: There are 2 new multi-level parking garages at Disney Springs. One is called the “Orange Garage” and the other is the “Lime Garage.” If attending the AMC Theatres, you want to choose the “Orange Garage” since it’s the closest one. Another option would be the Parking Lots named Watermelon, Grapefruit, and Mango, which are a short distance away from the AMC Theatres. All parking is complimentary with the exception of the 3 Valet Parking areas surrounding Disney Springs. Giving consideration to your parking choices in advance will save valuable time upon your arrival.
***TIP: Disney Resort Hotel Guests have access to free bus transportation to Disney Springs from all Disney hotels. A few of them like Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, and Port Orleans Resort can also get to Disney Springs by boat.
“Orange” Parking Garage At Disney Springs
Progress is impossible without change
~ Walt Disney
So, What’s New At Disney Springs?
All of my fears about losing my beloved Downtown Disney were unfounded. In fact, for me, the new Disney Springs was ‘love at first sight!’ My eyes bore witness that the extreme makeover was something good and positive, a real game changer. There was nothing about the redesign that I didn’t like. It was pure awesomeness. Here are some of the impressive improvements…
World-Class Dining
There are now 51 dining options at Disney Springs — literally something for everyone! Whether you’re looking to mingle with Celebrity Chefs or simply grab a gourmet cupcake, it’s all here. From Asian to Cuban to Japanese to Irish and Italian, and every cuisine in between, the choices are truly global. I’ve always liked the authentic Old Havana-style atmosphere of Gloria Estefan’s Bongos Cuban Cafe™ and frequented The Dining Room At Wolfgang Puck® Grand Cafe for its creative Californian cuisine, but now Disney has added even more famous Chefs to the melting pot.
Morimoto Asia™
Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto (widely known from the Food Network’s Iron Chef America) has chosen Disney Springs as the venue for his very first “Pan-Asian” restaurant. Not only is the food outstanding and visually appealing, but wait until you see the interior of this 2-story dining experience with its 20-foot-long glittering chandeliers and private dining spaces. The second level is a sushi bar and lounge. For a light bite or snack try Morimoto Asia™ Street Food — it’s ‘fast food’ that is flat-out good!
Fun Fact:
Chef Morimoto showed his playful side when he joined Chef Mickey Mouse at the restaurant’s grand opening to create a 60-foot sushi roll!
Celebrity Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Pan-Asian Restaurant At Disney Springs
Celebrity Iron Chef Morimoto’s Street Food At Disney Springs
Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine
Another new addition to the Celebrity Chef line-up is Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming. If you’re a fan of Southern feel-good favorites like I am, you’ve got to try this one. It features farm-to-fork cuisine with some of my all-time favorite comfort foods like Church Lady Deviled Eggs, Bee Haven Bay Fried Green Tomatoes, Addie Mae’s Chicken & Dumpling Soup, Shrimp & Grits, and Fried Chicken & Doughnuts. Wash it all down with Sweet Tea Shine (sweet tea, fresh-squeezed lemon, and moonshine!), then save room for an authentic homespun treat for dessert… the Shine Cake, a slice of Chef Art’s irresistible moonshine cake!
Chef Art has worked for Florida governors and big names like Oprah Winfrey. He is a native Floridian (hence the name of the restaurant, Homecoming) and a 2-time James Beard Foundation winner. The eatery not only serves up classic Florida fare, but much of the interior was constructed using elements from Florida like cypress, camphor, and eucalyptus. Even the zinc tabletops were made in the Sunshine State and the murals (inside and out) were painted by a local Tampa artist, Matt Callahan.
Celebrity Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Restaurant
Celebrity Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Restaurant
Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs™
If it’s Guacamole, Carnitas, and Fried Plantains that you’re craving you’ve come to the right place. Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs™ is the brainchild of Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless. You may remember him from the TV show ‘Mexico: One Plate at a Time’ on PBS. Here at Disney Springs his gourmet Mexican dishes are served in an upbeat, contemporary atmosphere and the outdoor patio showcases stunning water views of the blue/green “springs.” Right next to the patio is a walk-up window which is a great place to try some Beef or Pork Tacos or a Blood Orange Jalapeño Margarita without taking in a full sit-down meal.
Frontera Cocina By Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless
STK Orlando®
Another up-scale newbie to Disney Springs is STK Orlando®. Yes, I’ve heard that ‘The Mouse’ has been munching on those mouth-watering steaks! STK is certainly not new to the steakhouse scene, only to Central Florida. With locations in places like New York City (3 of them), Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington DC, London and Milan, tourists from across the nation and around the world will recognize this remarkable eatery. It’s not your Daddy’s traditional American steakhouse with dreary dark wood and stuffy atmosphere. STK Orlando® is a swanky, high-energy, chic steakhouse where you’ll find yourself compulsively shooting scores of selfies to share on all your social media outlets. Did I mention swanky? — Yep, by every definition of the word, stylishly modern and expensive. You don’t have to dress up to impress your date, simply show up!
STK Orlando
STK Orlando
Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
Another high-energy-vibe restaurant addition to Disney Springs is Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas. The chefs here have managed to create a menu that is as diverse as the Americas themselves, representing the culinary differences found in North, Central, and South America. If you’re not into a fun nightlife vibe with live, loud music, you’ll want to try this one during the day. Although they offer full course entrees, the appetizers (tapas) seem to steal the show here. Don’t be afraid to order several in lieu of an entree. Paradiso 37 is a popular beverage spot as well. Beverage, as in adult beverages. Probably the floor-to-ceiling tequila bar with 50+ kinds is a sure giveaway for that! It’s pretty impressive, actually, even for a tea-toddler like me. They also boast “the world’s coldest draft beer” — a cool 29° or slightly below. Twenty-nine degrees with anything in Florida is a fantastic thing. Although the newly redesigned Disney Springs is extremely family-friendly (like most things Disney), it’s best for the kiddos to experience this hotspot during afternoon hours.
The BOATHOUSE®
The BOATHOUSE® specializes in steak and seafood in an upscale waterfront prime location. The nautical-themed restaurant also features a more casual outdoor menu with an emphasis on sandwiches, burgers, and of course lobster rolls! Save room for their famous key lime pie in a mason jar or the gigantic Gibsons s’mores baked Alaska for 4. After dinner set sail in one of the Amphicar vintage vehicles for a 20-minute tour of Disney Springs. If classic cars from the 30s, 40s, and 50s don’t float your boat, splurge for a romantic guided tour aboard the Captain’s Italian Water Taxi or the 19th-century steamboat Lady Rose where you’ll enjoy a champagne toast and chocolate-covered strawberries ($75 per adult for a 30-minute cruise). It’s kinda like the exclamation point to an outstanding day at Disney Springs!
The BOATHOUSE
Vintage American Amphicars
Vintage Amphicars from the 30s, 40s, and 50s
Murder Mystery Dinner Train – Fort Myers, Florida
Murder Mystery Dinner Train: A Unique Dining Experience
The Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers, Florida was one of my best birthday dinners ever! Partly because it was a gift from my best friends who were visiting from Pennsylvania, and I got to spend my special day with them — and partly because it was very different from the usual dinner-at-my-favorite-restaurant and flowers which are to be expected every year. I have to admit, in over half a century I had never been to a murder mystery dinner show. And, the fact that this one was on a train was extra special and unique. Here’s my review of this special occasion gift…
Seminole Gulf Railway Train Car
The Fort Myers Murder Mystery Dinner Train has been running for about 25 years, since the early 1990s. The popular Southwest Florida attraction is operated by the Fay family who runs up to 4 railcars during each excursion. They had purchased and refurbished vintage sleeper coaches that each hold 50 passengers, for a total of 200 when the train is at capacity. Our tickets were for the Sanibel Car, which my friend Donna is introducing in the photo above.
Appetizer: Hand Crafted Cheese Selection With Crackers And Seasonal Fruit
Upon boarding we were escorted to our reserved table which displayed the menu for the evening along with the first of our five course dinner. The appetizer was a Hand Crafted Cheese Selection with Crackers and Seasonal Fruit. It was strategically placed in the center of a setting that rivaled most fine dining white tablecloth restaurants — right down to the fresh cut single yellow rose. Since it’s the unofficial flower of friendship, it was perfect for our long-standing foursome friendship. I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting such elegance.
Murder Mystery Dinner Train – Elegant Table Setting
While perusing the menu to select our dinner choices, I captured this picture of Ron and Donna, our best friends for decades — almost as long as the Murder Mystery Dinner Train has been operating. Cultivating a long-distance friendship is a beautiful thing, even if there is 1200 miles between us. You can imagine how much we look forward to our yearly visits — sometimes in Florida, sometimes in Pennsylvania, and oftentimes somewhere in between!
Murder Mystery Train Dinner Menu
Our 5 Course Dinner Menu
This was our 5 Course Seasonal Dinner Menu with 3 entree selections to choose from. I chose the Dijon Salmon, Donna had the Chicken Cordon Bleu, and our hubby’s both opted for the manly portion of the Chef Carved Imperial Prime Rib. The Soup du Jour was Creamy Potato Leek. We all chose the Fresh Florida Caesar Salad instead of the Fruit Cup with Toasted Coconut and Raspberry Drizzle. Add warm Fresh Baked Rolls to all of this and we were almost too full for dessert… almost. It would have required more willpower than I had to resist the Ghirardelli’s Spring Surprise.
Chef Carved Imperial Prime Rib
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ghirardelli’s Spring Surprise
The portions were generous and the quality exceeded our expectations. In fact, hubby commented that the prime rib was the best he had in a while. Whenever I’ve been to any kind of dinner show the food was always secondary to the entertainment, but not so here. It’s cooked fresh onboard, with quality ingredients, which matters. At times the train ride was a bit bouncy while eating, but they do stop during the main course.
Route Of The Dinner Train
Our 5 course meal was perfectly timed between acts during a 40-mile round trip that lasted just over three hours. You can see from the map that the train begins and ends in Fort Myers, at Colonial Station. There were a few scenic points along the route, my favorite being the crossing of the Caloosahatchee River. Since the inception of the Murder Mystery Dinner Train, more than 70 original scripts have been produced and dramatized. They like to change them regularly for the sake of their repeat patrons, which is a large part of their business. I, myself, am looking forward to doing the Murder Mystery Train again in the near future.
Show Program For The Murder Mystery Train
The name of the show we attended was “A Hard Day’s Death” with excellent and professional-quality acting. In the early days of the Murder Mystery Train they contracted an acting troupe for the shows, but now the railway employs its own crew of actors. (The wait staff is employed by Seminole Gulf Railway as well.) A Hard Day’s Death had the perfect mix of intriguing murder, dark secrets, and humor. For me, it was a highly enjoyable ‘who done it?’ murder mystery with well-developed characters. Rock ‘n’ Roll fans, specifically fans of the Beatles, laughed out loud at the satirical take on the classic, “A Hard Day’s Night.” It was most certainly a humorously exaggerated imitation of the vintage hit. The various references to the iconic British Band and their music showed creative genius on behalf of the play writers. Kudos to them!
Murder Mystery Clue Sheet
Here’s how it works: Each person is given a ‘Clue Sheet’ like the one shown above. The goal is to play the role of detective and solve the crime. As a savvy sleuth, you must not only gather information to determine who the murderer is, but your analytical mind must figure out the motive as well. Once you establish who done it and why, you must put your answers on the Clue Sheet, along with the vital clues that helped make your decision. Then, there is one bonus question given and used as a tie-breaker, if necessary. Prior to the final act the Clue Sheets are collected and judged. A winner is chosen from each train car, and given a prize. Here’s my friend Ron completing his Clue Sheet — with confidence that he has solved the crime…
My Friend Ron Completing The Clue Sheet
Cast Of The Murder Mystery Dinner Train Show
A Hard Day’s Night had so many twists and turns in the story line, it was quite challenging solving the crime. Every one of those incredible actors convincingly conveyed their alibi. For me, it was difficult accusing any one of them “beyond a reasonable doubt.” At times, the evidence strongly suggested they were all innocent… other times they all seemed somewhat guilty. A well-written murder mystery will cause your analytical mind to work overtime — and this one succeeded! No one in our train car correctly guessed the murderer and the motive… bar one ‘Perry Mason’ onboard. Yep, my friend Ron! He was presented the Murder Mystery Dinner Train “Super Sleuth Award” by one of the cast members, along with his super sleuth prize, a commemorative mug with the name and logo of the event.
Super Sleuth Award Presented To My Friend Ron
A Parting Good-bye From Cast Members!
Murder Mystery Dinner Train: The Perfect Special Occasion Gift
What a unique and enjoyable way to spend my birthday! I highly recommend the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s great for birthday’s, anniversaries, first-dates, date night with spouse, group events, or… simply because you happen to be in Southwest Florida.
The experience is not inexpensive — $75 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and $79 on Saturday (taxes and gratuities not included), but you are getting dinner, a play, and a train ride. Ala carte, you would pay much more for a triple header like this. Like many of my fellow Floridians, I welcome the opportunity to visit attractions that are off the traditional ‘tourist track’ of the hectic Central Florida theme parks, and I certainly found a little gem with the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. I would love to return, next time seeing one of their popular holiday-themed events such as “A Merry Little Murder” at Christmas or the train’s “Sweetheart Express” special event with a strolling violinist around Valentine’s Day. For more information, reservations, or answers to frequently asked questions, you can visit the Murder Mystery Dinner Train website here or call 239-275-8487.
Upcoming Special Events On The Murder Mystery Dinner Train…
(View the complete 2018-2019 schedule here)
TRAINED FOR DECEPTION
WHEN: January 17, 2018 – March 18, 2018
WHERE: 2805 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33966
PRICE: Starting at $79.95/person
THE TROOPER’S TALE
WHEN: March 21, 2018 – June 10, 2018
WHERE: 2805 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33966
PRICE: Starting at $79.95/person
“NO MRS. JONES. I EXPECT YOU TO DIE”
WHEN: June 13, 2018 – September 2, 2018
WHERE: 2805 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers, FL 33966
PRICE: Starting at $79.95/person
Have you been on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Fort Myers? Or perhaps you’ve attended another Murder Mystery Attraction in Florida? We welcome your comments, or suggestions for additional off-the-beaten-path Florida experiences!
Davidson of Dundee Road Sign
Davidson of Dundee — A Taste Of Old Florida
Davidson of Dundee is one of those “Old Florida” icons. The company has been featured on the Food Network, Fox, CBS, ABC, and has also been featured in Smart Money and Southern Living magazines. The citrus candy factory and retail store is located in Central Florida right on busy Highway 27, in Dundee (about a 30 minute drive from Kissimmee). The Florida landmark is a family owned business and has been operated by members of the Davidson family for three generations. There’s a short video about the history of the company that is worth watching if it’s your first visit. Back in the early 1900s T. W. Davidson grew oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines near Dundee. In the 1960s his son, Glen, planted his own citrus groves.
When Glen was a child his mother made a delicious confection from citrus juice and sugar cane from the Florida Everglades. Later, Glen created his own version of the citrus candy, using the fresh juices from his groves. The candy had a sweet-tart flavor along with a unique jellied texture and instantly became a hit with friends and family. Back-in-the-day there was no social media marketing, but through old fashioned word of mouth people from all over began asking for a taste of the Florida citrus candy.
Florida Citrus Candy – Made By Hand In Small Batches
Florida Citrus Candy — Yummy Free Samples
Today Glen’s son, Tom Davidson, runs the family business. Tom still produces the same beloved flavors that his father did for the very popular jelly citrus candies, but has also enjoyed creating new flavors. A few additions have been the Fuzzy Navel, Margarita, Sunset Jelly, and [of course] Florida Hurricane. The store encourages visitors to try the plethora of flavors by offering free samples. Since this is my hubby’s favorite candy, I can assure you he has tried every single flavor. Even so, he usually sticks to the more traditional flavors like Orange, Key Lime, Orange-Pineapple, Cherry, Blueberry, and Grapefruit. The citrus candy is available for purchase in various size packages, but hubby buys 10-12 of the small bags so he can mix and match all of his favorites.
While they do advertise a tour of the candy factory, it isn’t much of a tour — only glass windows to peer into the operations from the gift shop. But, the real attraction here is the fresh fruit, jams, and citrus candy. As you can see from the photo above, the Florida citrus candies are made by hand, one small batch at a time. And, (very important to me), I’m always impressed with the cleanliness of this facility. I guarantee once you try Davidson’s citrus candies, you will never go back to buying those mass-produced artificially flavored cheap imitations sold in drugstores around the country. (Prior to discovering Davidson’s that’s where hubby used to get his!) There’s no comparison… plus, you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamin C in every bite!
Creamy Coconut Spread
Davidson’s Creamy Coconut Spread — It’s Not Just For Toast!
Davidson of Dundee also has a wide variety of homemade jams, jellies, marmalades, and spreads. Hubby loves anything coconut, so the Creamy Coconut Spread certainly caught his eye. Not only is it great on toast but you can get a little creative with this product. For example, it makes a delicious and super easy icing on chocolate cupcakes, or use it to fill the hollow center of chocolate thumbprint cookies! Think outside the box… spread a bit of this coconuty-goodness on some good quality dark chocolate and be prepared for it to melt in your mouth. Or, try stuffing a fresh date with Creamy Coconut Spread. Simply yummy. I bet you’ve come up with a few suggestions of your own just now…
Alligator Chocolate Candy
Davidson’s Choc-o-gator — The Perfect Florida Souvenir
One of the most popular gift items and souvenirs is Davidson’s chocolate candy in the shape of an alligator. After all, alligators are synonymous with the Sunshine State. Take a few of these back home for your jealous friends that couldn’t come to Florida with you. But be warned… chocolate melts very quickly in the Florida heat, especially when kept in a hot vehicle. While the chocolate gator will not spoil in hot weather, it will become a discolored and unrecognizable thingamabob! If you’re driving, I’d suggest keeping the chocolate alligators in a small cooler or some sort of reusable cold pack.
Florida Map Citrus Candy Basket
A Sweet Treat From Florida
Eat your way through Florida — literally! Another one of Davidson’s best-selling candy items is this assortment of citrus delicacies in a basket shaped like a Florida map. It includes pecan log slices (another of hubby’s favorites!), pecan orangettes, and your choice of a solid chocolate (or white chocolate) alligator. Florida souvenirs don’t have to be boring or typical anymore!
Fresh Florida Citrus Fruit
Bag Your Own Citrus Fruit
Bag Your Own Citrus Fruit at Davidson of Dundee
Another popular draw to Davidson’s is the ability to bag your own fruit. They are flat out fresh from the citrus groves and put in large bins like the one in my photo above. Sometimes they’re not the prettiest looking — there’s no waxing or shining of the citrus peels like in the traditional grocery stores — but the sweet just-picked taste more than makes up for their blemishes and outward appearance. The bags are sold in various sizes, and once you make your selections, you can choose to take them with you or have them shipped (additional fees apply) to addresses within the United States and Canada. The latter is extremely popular during the holidays.
I can remember living up north and receiving shipments of Indian River citrus in the middle of winter. There was no better antidote for the wintertime blues than some fresh Florida citrus showing up at my front door! We would always order a mixture of the “fab 4” — Tangelos, Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and White Grapefruit, all of which are available (seasonally) at Davidson of Dundee.
Florida-themed Gifts
Pick Up Some Florida-themed Gifts At Davidson’s
Although the main attraction at Davidson of Dundee is the fresh fruit, citrus candies, jams and jellies, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the assortment of Florida-themed gifts available in the retail store. In the photo above, my best friend from Pennsylvania is agonizing over which floppy hat to buy. She also purchased a tiny little bottle of Orange Blossom Perfume which made a great long-lasting Florida souvenir for her. Most of the gift products are not actually made in Davidson’s, but many are manufactured right here in Florida, like the Orange Blossom Perfume.
Orange Blossom Perfume Made in Florida
I was also introduced to Citrus Magic at Davidson of Dundee. This amazing product is not simply an air freshener but the best all-natural odor eliminating product I have found. In other words, it doesn’t simply cover up that “fishy” smell in your kitchen, it eliminates it. It works so well because it’s made with organic citrus oil, specifically oils from citrus peels.
***TIP: If you’re interested in trying Citrus Magic I highly recommend purchasing it through an online outlet like Amazon. After my first purchase at Davidson’s I found it much cheaper online.
Citrus Magic Odor Eliminating Spray
Davidson of Dundee — An Old-Florida Landmark!
In all honesty, Davidson’s is not the type of Florida Attraction I would go too far out of my way to visit. However, don’t pass this place up if you’re on your way to popular destinations like Legoland, Bok Tower and Gardens, antique shopping at The Barn in Lake Alfred, and points south of Orlando. It’s a great piece of Old Florida history if you happen to be “passing through!” (Note: The parking lot is large enough to accommodate buses and RV’s.) And… even if you’re a million miles away from this little Central Florida town called Dundee, many of the goodies I mentioned in this article are available through the Davidson of Dundee website!
Here’s A Great COUPON for Davidson of Dundee!
$5.00 OFF EVERY ORDER! (excluding fruit) USE CODE: sunshine5
Have you been to Davidson of Dundee? Or perhaps you have a favorite old-Florida landmark you’d like to share with our readers. Please reply in the “comment” box below!
The Morse Museum – Winter Park, Florida
The Morse Museum — A Winter Park Winner!
Are you an admirer of Tiffany glass? I wasn’t, until I visited the Morse Museum in Winter Park, Florida. At the risk of offending long-time Tiffany glass aficionados, I just couldn’t understand what all the fuss over Tiffany lamps was about. I thought they were just okay, nothing special, and certainly not superb enough to warrant the kind of bucks required to purchase an original. In fact, I used to think the Tiffany connoisseurs were a bit crazy to dish out such colossal sums of money at those high-end auction houses — more money than brains is what I thought. But my attitude changed when Hubby and I spent some serious time at The Morse Museum during my birthday getaway to wonderful Winter Park.
“Judging art is no trouble at all. Everyone does it. Understanding art calls for time and thought. That is where the excitement and fun are.”
~Hugh F. McKean
World’s Most Comprehensive Collection of Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933)
Although there are other galleries and exhibits at The Morse Museum, the majority of the building houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Since I wasn’t a Tiffany enthusiast, I had no idea his artistic talents were so vast. Whenever I heard the name “Tiffany” I automatically associated it with Tiffany lamps. But I learned there was so much more — including jewelry, pottery, enamels, paintings, mosaics, blown glass, and leaded-glass windows. In fact, Louis Tiffany was a painter, a decorator, an architect, a photographer, and a designer of furniture. In 1881 he was commissioned to decorate Mark Twain’s residence in Hartford, Connecticut. The following year he was commissioned by the 21st President of the United States, Chester Arthur, to decorate the Blue Room, East Room, a corridor, and the State Dining Room of the White House. His achievements were as broad as his success which extends across America, through Europe, and around the world.
The Morse Museum offers a short, but in-depth film which beautifully covers the life and art of Mr. Tiffany. It plays continuously, which enables visitors to enter and exit the theatre at any given time. I recommend watching the film before touring the galleries. That’s where I became educated regarding Tiffany’s accomplishments. Having that knowledge brought a huge appreciation for his works as I viewed the masterpieces on display.
The Morse includes works from every medium and type produced by Tiffany, and they’re nicely separated in many different rooms. Each room has a pamphlet specific to that gallery. Make sure to pick one up every step of the way. Not only does it include an Object Guide with information on each individual item in the room but also gives much history. By the time I completed my tour I had accumulated nearly 20 of them, which, when woven together, creates a wonderful biography of Mr. Tiffany. They’re a nice keepsake and souvenir. NO PHOTOGRAPHY of any type (camera, cell phone, video, etc.) is allowed in the Morse Museum, which is another good reason to take home the Object Guides, which contain small black & white photos of the most popular Tiffany works.
Morse Museum Object Guide
The Chapel
One of my favorite parts of the Morse Museum was the chapel. Mr. Tiffany originally created the chapel interior for an exhibit at the Chicago world’s fair in 1893. When the fair ended he reinstalled it at his New York City studios. After that, the chapel interior was installed in Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York. Eventually, the chapel fell in disrepair so Tiffany reacquired it, restored it, and moved it to his private residence on Long Island. And currently, it’s on display at the Morse Museum. All of the elements of the chapel exhibit are original, except two of the four benches. Amazing, considering it dates back to 1893! With the marble and glass-mosaic furnishings, four huge leaded-glass windows, sixteen glass-mosaic encrusted columns, and 10-foot by 8-foot chandelier, it was difficult keeping my camera concealed. More than any other part of the Museum, I really wanted a few photos of the chapel. It was soooo tempting to sneak a pic… but I obeyed the rules!
Since visitors are allowed to enter the chapel and sit on the benches, hubby and I did so. There was not only appreciation for the incredible talent on display, but everyone present had a deep reverence for the religious aspect. It was so quiet we could have heard a pin drop, and the atmosphere seemed to carry a Divine presence.
Laurelton Hall — Louis Tiffany’s Most Personal Design Project
In addition to galleries with Tiffany art glass, pottery, jewelry, and Tiffany lamps, a large section of the Morse Museum is dedicated to art and architectural objects from the most personal design project of Tiffany’s career — Laurelton Hall. About a half dozen rooms have been re-created to simulate the appearance and character of Tiffany’s private residence.
Laurelton Hall was a vast country estate located on 580 acres on Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island. The mansion consisted of 84 rooms on 8 different levels. He also built other structures on the property including conservatories and stables, and 60 acres of gardens. Every aspect of the estate was designed by Mr. Tiffany, and he was the interior decorator as well. Many of his own creations shared space with objects he collected from his travels around the world. Upon his retirement in 1918, Laurelton Hall became a study center for young artists and a museum for his collections and personal works. Mr. Tiffany died in 1933 and by 1940 a lack of finances forced the Tiffany Foundation to move to New York City and sell his prized collections as well as Laurelton Hall estate. Tragically, a fire gutted the mansion in 1957.
The Florida Connection
As news of the fire spread, Jeannette McKean (founder of The Morse Museum) along with her husband, Hugh, travelled from Florida to Laurelton Hall and purchased whatever Tiffany art pieces survived on the estate. Jeannette had been a long-time collector of Tiffany’s work, and Hugh was an artist himself who studied at Laurelton Hall. Undoubtedly, they were two of Mr. Tiffany’s biggest fans. The husband and wife team had the items shipped back to Florida and became the overseers of a massive restoration project on the Tiffany pieces (including the previously mentioned Chapel). The film we watched chronicled the process which was nothing short of remarkable. Jeannette and Hugh used the help of former Tiffany employees, artists who studied at Laurelton, collectors, and scholars to painstakingly piece together the life and art of Louis Tiffany so that visitors like me can experience it at the Morse Museum. Their collections were built over a half-century. Jeannette founded the Winter Park Morse Museum in 1942 and named it after her grandfather, Charles Hosmer Morse.
The McKeans set up the Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation to support the private Museum, and today it is able to operate without contributions of public funds. Trust me, the very modest admission fee of Adults $5/ Seniors $4/ Students $1 is well worth it. As an added bonus, Friday nights from 4-8pm are free from November through April! There’s always something special happening at The Morse Museum like “Holidays at the Morse,” “Spring at the Morse,” and “Summer at the Morse.” Each season you’ll find options like live music, curator tours, art demonstrations, lecture series, organized children’s events, or free films and matinees. Additionally, throughout the year, many of the Holidays have free admission. Visit their website at http://www.morsemuseum.org for hours of operation and more information.
Exhibitions at the Morse Museum 2015-2016 Guide
The Daffodil Terrace
After leaving the Tiffany Chapel exhibit we headed for the Laurelton Hall section of the Museum. There was a small area aptly named “Introduction to Laurelton Hall,” followed by the Daffodil Terrace. Mr. Tiffany loved daffodils. In fact, it was his favorite flower. Not only did he cultivate and plant them in prominent locations throughout Laurelton Hall, he made his own versions in glass for windows and lamps.
Just like the original Daffodil Terrace at Mr. Tiffany’s Long Island Estate, the one at the Museum contained eight Carrara marble columns each with concrete capitals encrusted with cast-glass daffodils. In the center of the columns was a skylight made of iridescent glass in a pear tree motif (his Long Island residence had a real pear tree in a planter that poked through an opening in the skylight). The ceiling was painted cedar wood, (the original used stenciled cedar Mr. Tiffany acquired in North Africa), and more than one hundred molded tiles in geometric and floral motifs, perfectly replicated right down to the wood-grain patterns of the originals. The Daffodil Terrace has a small sitting area where Museum guests may rest and overlooks a beautiful courtyard. This is the only area in the entire Museum that allows photography.
The Daffodil Terrace leads to the entrance of Laurelton Hall, which contains an original Iron Gate, circa 1904. Here, we were able to view replicated rooms of Tiffany’s mansion including the Dining Room, Living Room, Reception Hall and Study, all containing many original works of art.
Concrete Capitals Encrusted with Cast-glass Daffodils
In Conclusion
My visit to the Morse Museum was worth far more than the meager $5 admission fee. You can scurry through and be out in an hour, or, like me you can tarry and read the Gallery Guides as you go for a deeper appreciation of the life and art of an American Icon. The Staff/volunteers at the Museum were all friendly and beyond helpful. Most of the larger rooms had a dedicated Security Guard, especially in the Tiffany exhibits. I had questions along the way, all of which were impressively answered by the Security team who were extremely knowledgeable. Feel free to ask them anything. I got the impression they actually liked the engagement.
Yes, Tiffany Studios in New York City made leaded glass lamps by the thousands — but Louis Comfort Tiffany also made unique one-of-a-kind massive windows and little known works of art that can only be seen in one place… the Morse Museum in Winter Park, Florida! I highly recommend this Museum!
A Few of the Tiffany Lamps from the Morse Collection Listed in the 2015-2016 Guide
ADDITIONAL POINTS OF INTEREST & ACTIVITIES IN WINTER PARK
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
Winter Park Food and History Tour
Have you been to the Morse Museum? Please share your experience with our readers, or let us know the name of your favorite Florida Museum.
Tree of Life – Awakenings!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
May 2016 — The Opening of Animal Kingdom at Night
It’s here… the long awaited opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at night! This is a first for Disney; never before has Animal Kingdom been open after dark. Previously, of the 4 Disney Parks in Orlando, Animal Kingdom had the shortest hours. Since its inception, the park always closed at dusk. There was a good reason for that — the animals! After all, this park is dedicated to the animals. And animals, like you and I, need proper care and rest. Bright lights and loud noises are known to be very stressful for certain animals. So you can imagine the immense challenge that Disney had in creating a nighttime experience that pleased its guests without compromising the pampering and well-being of the animals. But hey, if anyone is up for a challenge… it’s Disney!
Hubby and I experienced Animal Kingdom at night on June 1st, just 5 days after its debut. Just like a Hollywood Premier, there was much chatter and anxious anticipation from Disney fans, fanatics, and critics. So yeah, I just had to see for myself what all the buzz was about. As seasoned Annual Passholders we have the luxury of choosing to spend an entire day or just a few hours at the theme parks. With a heat index of 106° that day, guess which option we chose? We arrived at Animal Kingdom around 5:30 PM — that’s about the time of day the fiery heat of the Florida sun begins to dissipate. When we went on Wednesday the park was open until 11:00 PM. We had done our homework, scheduled our 3 FastPass+ attractions in advance, and planned on staying late.
The Festival of the Lion King — A Kaleidoscope of Color!
Our first stop was The Festival of the Lion King performance in Africa. I regret not taking the time to view this incredible show in previous visits. I was thinking it would be too ‘juvenile’ for me without my grandson present… WRONG! It’s a 30-minute high energy Broadway-like stage show of puppetry and colorful pageantry celebrating, of course, Simba. The little lion prince and his friends take the liberty to do their version of the story, a bit different from the movie, but hey, the would-be king can do what he wants! There were dazzling dancers, stilt walkers (how do they do that?), gigantic moving floats with animatronic characters, larger-than-life puppets, acrobatic monkeys, and (near and dear to my heart) a fire dancer twirling his torch. [Did I mention I used to do that? No, really! Waaaay back in the day, I was a competitive twirler using multiple batons, knives, and fire batons (have you ever smelled singed hair or fingernails?). But I’m all grown up now, only a spectator with enormous respect for those who attempt such fascinating feats.] Disney also managed to strategically insert at least 6 songs from the film — Hakuna Matata, Be Prepared, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Circle of Life signaled the grand finale, which, quite honestly, came a bit too soon for me. I thought the fast moving production was magnificently done. Even if you’re doing an adult-only Disney vacation, you need to make room for this energetic tribal celebration. You’ll leave the theatre feeling good… and refreshed (it’s also a great place to cool down!).
The Festival of the Lion King – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
The Festival of the Lion King – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Finding Nemo — The Musical
Our next stop in Animal Kingdom was the 7:00 show of Finding Nemo — The Musical, located in Dinoland. Thus far, the park looked and felt just like it did on any of our previous visits, but the sky was still sunny and bright. Finding Nemo is a stage show whereby Disney took a hugely popular non-musical animated movie and recreated it into a musical production; the first time Disney had done that. The show is almost entirely portrayed through outstanding puppetry mixed with colorful props, animated projections, really cool lighting, and under water effects that only Disney masterminds could produce. Now when I refer to “puppetry,” you need to reprogram your brain to think of puppets the Disney way… not those tiny little (boring) hand puppets we remember as a kid. No, you need to envision gigantic, humongous, colossal creations that so cleverly camouflage the puppeteers that you forget real people are controlling them. Two of the puppets in particular were so massive they practically consumed the entire stage. Remember Crush the turtle? Well, he was the cadillac of puppets since he was as big as a car. Then there was Nigel, the pelican, who was so tall his head almost went through the roof. I’m not kidding. It’s a 40-minutes show, unless they have technical difficulties right in the middle of it like they did during our show. Even so, they fully recovered, and after a 10 minute delay the show went on. It’s a great story line with elements of drama, humor, and suspense — I won’t give away the plot, though, in the rare event that you haven’t seen Finding Nemo.
Finding Nemo – The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Finding Nemo – The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Finding Nemo – The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
I was impressed with both The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo. However, if time is an issue and you have to choose just one, I would recommend The Lion King. The non-stop high energy vibe is a bit more exhilarating. Both of them are indoors allowing you to wipe the sweat from your brow.
***TIP #1 For both of the aforementioned shows, because of the layout of the theaters, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house! In other words, you can arrive late in line and still be assured a good viewing spot. Therefore, you can save your FastPass+ to use on busy ride attractions rather than these two shows.
***TIP #2 If you’re a camera buff like I am, be advised that Finding Nemo does not allow flash photography or video lights. While you’re waiting for the show to start, set your camera to nighttime setting (with no flash) and you won’t miss any good photo opportunities. In The Lion King it’s okay to use flash photography.
After Dark in the Park
By the time we had exited Finding Nemo — The Musical it was 7:50 and sunset was just a half hour away. Animal Kingdom was beginning to take on a whole new look and ‘feel.’ It was dusk, and small pockets of lights were popping up here and there. The lighting was not over-done. In fact, some areas in the park were very dark with little or no lighting. At times, it became difficult to read the signage. Several times we asked a Disney Cast Member for directions.
Dusk at Animal Kingdom – Tree of Life is Beginning to Come Alive!
We had some time to spare before our scheduled FastPass+ at Kilimanjaro Safari, so we stopped at Yak & Yeti’s™ counter service for a bite to eat. Hubby had the Teriyaki Beef Bowl and I chose the Honey Chicken. We shared a side of Pork Egg Rolls. By the time we finished it was quite dark in the park and time to head over to the Safari.
Our Food from Yak & Yeti Counter Service
We walked through Harambe, the African village within Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. This is where the Harambe Wildlife Parti takes place. Playing on the stage was the Burudika Band, a group of Afro-Pop musicians performing music popular in Africa. Park guests were dancing in the street to their upbeat tunes. Harambe also has a vibrant marketplace and diverse eateries. You’ll notice from the photo below that the daytime crowds had thinned out. In fact, this section was quite un-busy by Disney’s standards. We did not see the advertised stilt walkers, the Karibu Sisters, the Harambe Soccer Meerkats, or the Village Acrobats. I’m not sure if they were not performing this night or if they were in a different spot and we missed them. Again, Animal Kingdom at night is a brand new Disney experience, and like any opening, they are still working on perfecting things.
Harambe African Village at Night in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Harambe Nighttime Wildlife Parti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Mombasa Marketplace at Night in the African Village of Harambe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Yak & Yeti Restaurant – So Beautiful at Night
Kilimanjaro’s Safari Nocturnal Encounter — Highly Disappointing!
We arrived at the Kilimanjaro Safari and took our place in the FastPass+ line. Our wait was approximately 10 minutes, far better than the 30-minute posted wait time in the standby entrance. I had been on the Safari ride umpteen times before, but was excited to be able to view the nighttime habits of the animals. For some of them, the setting sun doesn’t signify bedtime. For instance, lions lounge around during the day, but become more active at night. Antelopes only sleep in short spurts as they’re constantly aware of predators who desire them for dinner (of course, they don’t realize their home is Disney, and not the African savanna in the wild!).
We boarded our open-air safari jeep and my camera was pre-set to ‘nighttime’ as I didn’t want to miss a photo opportunity. Unfortunately, during our 18-minute expedition into the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve, we only seen a few animals… maybe 6 or 7 at best. I was certain our bumpy transport through the rugged terrain would yield many glimpses of the rarely seen nocturnal habits of certain animals. But exploring the African savanna at night wasn’t the unforgettable journey I had anticipated. At times, the tour seemed like we were actually in Africa with some elements of adventure and suspense. It was eerily quiet, except for weird unidentifiable animal noises in the distance and surrounding bush. I expected something to jump out at any moment… but, nope! Sometimes the 18-minute tour seemed like an eternity and actually, well, for lack of a better word, boring. That was my personal opinion, but in exiting the ride, I overheard many people expressing the same sentiment. I felt bad for the droves of park guests who stood in the standby line for upwards of half an hour. I fully understand that, just like the daytime Kilimanjaro Safari Tour, everyone’s experience will differ. After all, even Disney magic can’t control the actions of live animals. Even though I was disappointed, hopefully your tour will yield better results.
Kilimanjaro Safari at Night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
How Disney Prepared for Nighttime at Animal Kingdom
To me, it seemed that Disney spent a ton of time and money on something that can be very hit or miss. The Kilimanjaro Safari nighttime project actually started 3 years ago. Everything had to be done carefully to ensure they wouldn’t disturb the animals. Here’s a few of the changes they made to the Safari:
- Doubled the animal population. Many of the animals receive their pampering after dark. For example, this is when the elephants get bathed backstage. And yeah, the process is a little longer than bathing a dog! So, in order to have enough animals on display for the tour, they almost doubled the animal population by both breeding and acquisition. They even added 2 new species — hyenas and painted dogs.
- Disney installed soundproofing. For some of the animals noise can be bothersome and even stressful. As you know, Disney’s nighttime shows can be very loud, so Disney installed soundproofing around the areas of certain animals. Soundtracks for their new nighttime shows were played over and over again so the animal caretakers could observe what they could comfortably tolerate. Fireworks were a definite no go! Even though Disney’s other 3 theme parks have them, they were considered too stressful for the Animal Kingdom inhabitants. Instead, they created a nighttime show with floating lanterns and huge water screens called, “Rivers of Light.”
- Special Safari lighting was installed. In order for the Safari guests to be able to see, special lighting had to be installed. The positioning of the lights and the wattages had to be carefully considered. To maintain the quality of life for the animals, Disney wanted a softly lit environment, something that looked like ‘natural’ light. Now, parts of the savanna was made to look like the glow of the setting sun. Other parts are still dark with no special lighting so the animals can choose whether to roam in the light or remain in the dark. (The latter was the case on my tour!)
Signage regarding noise during the Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
A giraffe during the nighttime Kilimanjaro Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom
As mentioned, we only seen a handful of animals during our nighttime Kilimanjaro Safari Tour. I captured this giraffe (photo above) in the darkness. In addition, I saw some Nile Crocodile, a White Rhinoceros, Nile Hippopotamus, Sable Antelope, and a few unknown birds. Unfortunately, my photos were too dark for the animals to be recognizable. I’m glad I took the nighttime Safari to see what all the fuss was about. But honestly, unless I’m hosting out-of-town visitors who insist on seeing it, it was my first and last nighttime Safari. For me, the whole idea of taking a Safari ride is to view animals, and the daytime tour at Animal Kingdom is much more conducive for that!
The Tree of Life Comes Alive!
One of the highlights of my visit to Animal Kingdom at night was watching the park’s iconic Tree of Life come ‘alive.’ I’ve always enjoyed looking at the Tree of Life, the centerpiece of Animal Kingdom, and marveled at the artistic carvings of various animals in the trunk of the massive 145-feet-tall, 50-feet-wide sculpted tree. But this night it was even more spectacular. One of the new nighttime additions to the park is the “awakenings,” as Disney calls it. They are high-tech projection shows that feature short stories (about 3 0r 4 minutes long) of a particular animal. “Magical fireflies” kick off each scene. When you see the tiny dancing white lights surround the tree, that is your cue to look up. The flickering fireflies seem to “awaken” the animal carvings that suddenly come alive and almost appear realistic.
The first was the story of a red fox and its unlikely friendship with a polar bear. (Only Disney can turn a lush green forest into a winter wonderland before you can blink your eyes.) For me, this was the most visually stimulating of the 2 shows. It was action-packed and at times the tree seemed to explode. The second story was a playful deer and bird in the woods. Simply incredible! Disney has taken the invention of projection mapping technology to new heights. I would have liked to see them all. Disney Cast Members have said there is no set time for the projection shows, and in the Animal Kingdom brochure there is no set schedule listed. They are advertised as random, but seem to be every 15-20 minutes. We watched 2 of them in half an hour. But even when the projections are not being played, the bright, almost psychedelic-looking, changing colors on the Tree of Life create continual photo and video opportunities. Yes, this is definitely a not-to-be-missed event in Animal Kingdom after dark.
Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life – Daytime
Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life – Nighttime
Tree of Life Nighttime Projection Show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Tree of Life Awakenings – Polar Bear Winter Scene
New Evening Experiences at Animal Kingdom
Disney is working on a new animal-friendly nighttime water and light show called, “Rivers of Light.” A sneak peek into the previews looks pretty spectacular, but the opening has been delayed. There is a temporary water show called, “The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic” that debuted on May 28th. Like any Disney “first” it’s difficult to see it without waiting in the standby line for hours, scheduling a FastPass+ (which was already maxed out for the night we went), or booking a pricey combination dinner/show package which allows VIP seating for the show. Initially we opted for the standby line, but changed our mind when we approached the brand new 5,000-seat amphitheater. Patience is a virtue but sometimes I’m not a virtuous woman! Wasn’t in the mood to exchange 2 hours of my time for a 20-minute show — after all, I am a local so I’ll catch it later.
Part of the new evening experiences at Animal Kingdom include a few of the daytime classics… after dark. Not all of the attractions remain open at night, but in addition to Kilimanjaro Safari, 2 hugely popular ones, Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids are both available until the park closes. Also, a new full-service restaurant called “Tiffins” has opened along with the “Nomad Lounge” right next door. The menu items look a bit more exotic and upscale compared to other restaurant offerings in the park. A must-try for me and the foodie in your family!
In Conclusion…
All in all, I had a great night at Animal Kingdom. A few disappointments for sure, but the overall atmosphere after dark was worth a visit. I think it’s especially nice for adults. It almost has a ‘romantic’ feel to it. Perhaps its all the deliberately dimly-lit little alcoves hidden here and there — and really, all the best things in life happen in the dark!
Enjoying a Secluded Little Alcove Surrounded by Darkness with Hubby
Have you been to Animal Kingdom at night? I’d love to hear about your experience. Or maybe a question popped into your mind while reading this article. Submit either of them via the comment section below! And… have a “magical day!”
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens – Winter Park, Florida
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens — National Register of Historic Places
The older I get the greater appreciation I have for ‘old’ things! For me, the aging process has invoked a desire to seek out historical places, oftentimes a serene paradise of beauty and tranquility. These special spots of Americana seem frozen in time, just waiting to be discovered. Since May is National Historic Preservation Month it seemed fitting to tell you about a fabulous Florida historical find, right here in my own backyard.
It was during my birthday weekend in Winter Park, Florida when I came across The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hubby and I spent hours exploring the compelling world of renowned artist and sculptor Albin Polasek. Our Polasek experience featured the famed artist’s home and studio and a 3.5-acre lakeside sculpture garden, an outstanding oasis of peacefulness and creative artistic genius.
May 2, 2000 – Albin Polasek House and Studio Added to National Register of Historic Places
Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios (HAHS) — National Trust for Historic Preservation
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that prior to my visit I had never even heard of Albin Polasek. Thank goodness for the endeavors of the Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios (HAHS), a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The national consortium is dedicated to helping American art-related historic sites preserve their buildings and collections so that people like me can be introduced to people with remarkable talent like Mr. Polasek.
If you have any interest at all in American Art, you should check out the organization’s website at http://Chesterwood.org. From New York to California, and everywhere in between, the extraordinary HAHS Sites host a half million visitors a year (plus 2, now that we’ve gone!), allowing them to step inside the intimate living and work spaces of American artists across the country. It’s one thing to read about artistic talent, but when we get to explore the actual places where painters had set up their easels and sculptors positioned their modeling stands, it can profoundly enrich our understanding of the creative process. There are at least 33 HAHS Sites nationwide that tell amazing stories of these artists’ lives. There’s probably a few in your State!
There are benefits of becoming a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation:
- A one-year subscription to the National Trust’s quarterly magazine, Preservation
- Special discounts and packages for hotel stays at participating Historic Hotels of America
- Worldwide travel possibilities with National Trust Tours
- A personalized membership card which will outline further benefits as a member of the organization
Who was Albin Polasek?
Mr Polasek was born in 1879 in Frenstat, Moravia (modern day Czech Republic). He apprenticed as a woodcarver in Vienna prior to immigrating to the United States in 1901; he was 22 years young. He spent 4 years in the Midwest working as a woodcarver, then began his formal art training in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His teacher and mentor was the sensational sculptor, Charles Grafly. Under his guidance, Mr. Polasek learned the traditional techniques of sculpting, while developing his own distinct style. Two of Albin’s best-known sculptures were also his earliest. He created Man Carving His Own Destiny in 1907 and Eternal Moment in 1909, both as a student of the Pennsylvania Academy.
After touring the Albin Polasek Museum it’s difficult to choose a favorite sculpture as they were all spectacular specimens of a creative mind, but the Man Carving His Own Destiny certainly captured my attention and would be a top-pick for me. It was located on the front lawn prior to the Museum’s front entrance. It was a visual work of art, but for me, the intellectual purpose could not be overlooked. It was a vivid reminder that every person is responsible for carving out his own destiny. After a few minutes of staring down this magnum opus, I received this interpretation: Our purpose in life doesn’t just happen! Most often it’s a long painful process, whereby we chisel a path one grueling step after another — just like the sculptor did when he chiseled this masterpiece out of a chunk of cold rock. How he did it was beyond me, and how you and I reach our destiny despite adversity is no less dramatic.
Man Carving His Own Destiny – Limestone Sculpture by Albin Polasek 1961 (Original 1907)
In 1909, while still a student at the Academy, Albin Polasek became an American citizen. One year later, Polasek won the Prix de Rome competition, thus receiving a 3-year fellowship at the American Academy of Art in Rome. During his studies in Rome his Sower sculpture received an Honorable Mention award at the 1913 Paris salon. After completing his studies in Italy he came back to the United States and set up a studio in New York City. At the age of 37 he was invited to head the Sculpture Department at the Art Institute of Chicago. He was best-known for his tenure there, where he remained for nearly three decades.
In 1927 Polasek was elected an Associate Member of the National Academy of Design, an honor that cannot be applied for, only conferred. The honorary degree is reserved for America’s top sculptors, painters, architects, and printmakers — the creme de la creme. In 1933 he received full academician status and was able to place the coveted N.A. after his signature (meaning he’s a member of the National Academy, a goal many aspire but few obtain).
Albin Polasek Self Portrait, 1933, Bronze
Albin Polasek would go on to do large public commissions, both stateside and abroad, capturing international attention. In 1942, his Mother Crying Over the World sculpture created a world standard for depicting the horror and grief of the Second World War. The sculpture was included in our tour, and was heart-rending, to say the least.
Albin Polasek Retires in Winter Park Florida
At the age of 70, Albin Polasek retired to Winter Park, Florida where he self-designed his home that remains on beautiful Lake Osceola. Just a few months after retiring he suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed on his left side. The rest of his life was spent in a wheelchair — and although his health and physical strength was cruelly taken away, his passion remained. He was still able to draw, paint, sculpt in clay, and carve wood with his right hand. As we learned during the tour, he even continued carving stone with the help of an assistant. (See photo below of Polasek in his wheelchair carving limestone with the help of an aide.) In fact, 18 major works were completed after the stroke. One of them, the politically motivated Victory of Moral Law, received world-wide acclamation.
Even a Wheelchair Couldn’t Keep Polasek Down!
In 1961 the Albin Polasek Foundation was set up to share his life’s works with the public. The Polasek Museum is a 3-part experience — the artist’s home, the private chapel, and the meticulously manicured sculpture gardens. On the day we attended, parts of the Museum were undergoing routine maintenance. We were given free admission since part of the tour was not accessible. Usually, docents guide guests through the Museum offering informative commentary about the life and times of Albin Polasek, but they were not available during our visit. Just as disappointing, we missed out on seeing the chapel interior, as it is only available with a docent led tour. (But hey, what do you want for free, right?) Even though our self-guided tour was an abbreviated version of the guided-tour, we were not let down. How could we be? In his lifetime Polasek created more than 400 impressive works, half of which are currently on museum property! With creativity around every corner, there was still ample space to explore with flashes of instant inspiration over Polasek’s ingenuity.
Albin Polasek Residence-turned-museum in Winter Park, Florida
Artist Albin Polasek’s Private Chapel – Winter Park, Florida
Albin Polasek Lakeside Sculpture Gardens – Winter Park, Florida
Albin Polasek died in 1965 and was buried in Winter Park’s Palm Cemetery, with his own 12th Station of the Cross (1939) as his monument. Since then, many contributions have been made by The Polasek Foundation to the City of Winter Park and Central Florida including various sculptures and art scholarships. In 2000 Mr. Polasek was named a “Great Floridian” by the state of Florida — only those who have made significant contributions to the history and culture of the Sunshine State are recognized and given this special distinction. (He’s in good company with people like Walter Elias “Walt” Disney… remember that guy?) In 2004 Polasek was inducted into Florida Artists Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made sizable contributions to the Arts in Florida.
Stations of the Cross – Albin Polasek – Fiberglass and Bronze 1945
As you can imagine, the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens are a popular destination for weddings and other special events. The radiant flora of the Polasek gardens coupled with the backdrop of lazy Lake Osceola can create some impressive photography. Here’s a few of my favorites…
Pilgrim at the Eternal Gate (Bronze) – Albin Polasek Sculpture Garden, Winter Park Florida
Serenity at the Albin Polasek Gardens – Winter Park, Florida
Radiant Flora at the Albin Polasek Sculpture Garden
Wasserman/King Under The Sea – Concrete 1962 – Albin Polasek
Hubby Found Some Beautiful Bamboo… With A Burst Of Blue!
Albin Polasek Gardens Overlooking Lazy Lake Osceola
Winter Park Boat Tour As Seen from Albin Polasek Sculpture Gardens
Beautiful Bamboo-lined Walkways at Albin Polasek Sculpture Gardens
Albin Polasek – The Victorious Christ, Bronze 1939, (This Cast 1978)
Albin Polasek was said to have been a deeply religious man, and elements of his Christian faith were visible throughout the tour of the Museum and Gardens…
Inspirational Quote by Albin Polasek Regarding His God-given Purpose!
Quote by Albin Polasek Regarding the Spiritual Side of Man
The Polasek Museum gallery also features rotating exhibitions by contemporary artists as well as historical collections. On our visit we ‘stumbled’ upon Byron Walker, a native Floridian artist who resides in Winter Park. He specializes in sculptural art and landscape development. He told us that the intent of his work is to assemble and display materials in ways they were not originally designed to function. Most of his current works are created from recyclable materials such as windshield glass, wood, steel, plastics, stone, organic matter, and plant life. I took his picture (see photo below) with a piece that was on display in the Polasek Gardens — an oversized chair made from 1,255 feet of garden hose. Pretty creative, huh? I told Byron I had seen a smaller, similar version during Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival a few years ago, and to my amazement he said he was the artist that created it for Disney! It’s a small world after all… (pun intended!).
Artist Byron Walker With His Garden Hose Chair
Winter Park Paint Out — A Plein Air Festival
For 8 years the Polasek Museum has hosted the Winter Park Paint Out, an annual plain air festival. En Plein Air is a French term meaning “in the open air” and describes art works painted outdoors with the subject directly in view rather than in a studio. Since the event takes place the last week of April, they were busy making last minute preparations during our visit. If you’ve never been to the Museum, this is a fantastic time to go. Free admission is offered during the week-long festival, along with oil and acrylic painting demonstrations by 25 nationally acclaimed artists. What could be better than a front-row seat to creativity? In addition, the Saturday Night Garden Party is a special paid event that allows you to mingle with the artists (a sell-out every year) and purchase their one-of-a-kind artwork.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT:
9th Annual Winter Park Paint Out
Host: Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
Where: 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, Florida 32789
When: April 23 – 29, 2017
For additional information check out the event page on the Albin Polasek Museum website!
The Natural Beauty of an Angel’s Trumpet
Albin Polasek Gardens — Heaven on Earth!
As I was leaving the Albin Polasek Sculpture Gardens, contemplating my next stop at The Morse Museum (with the most comprehensive collection of Tiffany Glass in the world!), I couldn’t help but notice the exquisite beauty of this Angel’s Trumpet shrub. The exotic beauty of its large trumpet-shaped fragrant blooms were a showstopper for me, and a reminder of what a heavenly day I had at the Gardens. It was enough to make my heart sing. What a great birthday celebration I had in Winter Park… it was almost as if Mr. Polasek and the angels themselves were smiling down upon me!
Have you been to the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park? Please share your experience or helpful information with our readers. Or perhaps you have a question? Simply reply in the comment box below — I’ll try my best to answer it!