Don't miss new Star Wars event at Disney's Hollywood Studios

This is definitely one for all of my Star Wars geek friends - and there are a lot of them. Heck - I am one of them! Here's an exclusive event that Disney has never held before: Star Wars Galactic Nights will debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios on April 14.

Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character and celebrate 40 years of Star Wars milestones. Fun happenings include: Imperial March and March of the First Order, Star Wars celebrity sightings in a motorcade down Hollywood Blvd. and the "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular" nighttime show that lights up the sky. You can also get your picture taken in front of cool Star Wars' movie backdrops.

For information on the special event, which requires a separate ticket, visit this web site.

Also see:

Top reasons to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios

The inside scoop on revised Star Tours 3D ride 

Fab animals, food at Disney's Animal Kingdom

While Walt Disney World's other theme parks in Orlando typically get much more attention -and attendance - than Animal Kingdom, this park is definitely underrated. It features two Broadway-quality shows: Finding Nemo and The Lion King, as well as fabulous animal sightings, activities for kids and high quality food.

Even though we went on the Safari Tour in Africa around noon, most of the animals were active! We saw three lions, hippos, zebras, elephants and many more native African animals that we had never seen before. We also did walking tours to see more animals - monkeys, snakes, beautiful birds and much more!

The Finding Nemo show was very entertaining - for adults and children alike.

While we wanted to eat at Yak & Yeti for lunch, the wait was too long. Instead, we checked out the new Harambe Market in Africa, where you can get grilled sausage along with African and Indian dishes and African sodas and a few varieties of beer. My husband had the Beef Gyro, which was delicious and filling, and I had the Chicken Masala. Since I have not had this classic Indian dish before, I can't legitimately compare Disney's masala to others. I can only say I really enjoyed the flavor, as well as the accompanying rice and pita bread.

Meanwhile, we saw cranes and other construction equipment for the planned Avatar Land, which will draw many more visitors to this park! Also going on right now is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Don't miss the beautiful character greenery designs, the food, and the music!

Related: 

Top reasons to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios

Top 10 favorites at Epcot Food and Wine Fest

Top Reasons to Visit Disney Hollywood Studios in December

The two top reasons I wanted to visit Disney Hollywood Studios this month were to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights - sadly, for the final time - and to see the new Star Wars attractions that opened earlier this month.

The lights, as usual, were spectacular. Plus, Disney's Hollywood Studios added new features this year that took the attraction over the top. First, the lights are timed to so many different holiday music themes that you are constantly entertained as you walk through the expansive attraction. We also marveled at the tunnel of LED lights that displayed very unique dancing shapes.

The new Star Wars Launch Bay did not disappoint. First, you watch an interesting 10-minute documentary of the making and importance of the Star Wars movies (albeit a promotional push for Star Wars movies and video games). Next, you get to see cool props from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and even get your picture taken with them.

We were also thrilled that the Star Tours sim ride included scenes from the new movie and an appearance by BB-8. We didn't check out the other new Star Wars attraction, which is sort of a Jedi training camp for kids.

So, make sure to visit the park before January 3 to see the Osborne Lights - and get to all the new Star Wars happenings before they get too crowded!

Also see:

Inside Scoop on Revamped Star Tours 3D

Don't Miss New Events at Epcot Food & Wine

In addition to my favorite activity - "eating around the world" - during the annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival, I love all the special dinners and culinary classes that go on during the festival. The average person can see cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, or taste food they never would have tried.

This year, the Festival added many fun new events. Here are my favorites:

* Italian White Truffle & Wine Pairing Dinner: Enjoy a luxurious, five-course meal featuring truffles, set in an Italian summer villa atmosphere.

* Party for the Senses: The biggest Food and Wine Festival event every year, this upscale dinner features Disney chefs from all over the world, preparing dishes from their country. Get tickets now for the October 25 dinner.

* Dining Through the Decades - A Tribute to Walt Disney: Honoring Walt Disney's creative genius, this dinner is served with a side of fantasy and magic. I can't wait to see the unique dishes - and wine pairings - the chefs come up with.

* Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing: The menu is inspired by the spice trades of Africa and Europe and is held in the restaurant at Morocco. I love the atmosphere at this restaurant!

* Late Nights Live: this year, you can stay after the regular park hours and take part in a street party with dancing, food and drinks! I love this addition for Orlando residents who want to enjoy the festival in the evening.

* Food for Thought: Join celebrity chefs for cooking tips, their personal stories, and tastes of their delicious food. Featured chefs this year: Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Rick Bayless, Cat Cora, and others!

To obtain reservations for these special events, call 407-939-3378.

What's New at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Today marks the start of the fabulous, over-the-top Epcot Food and Wine Festival, an event I look forward to every year. This really gives me a chance to try foods from all over the world, while walking around a beautiful park, at my own pace. Every year, Epcot ups the ante on classes, special events and the type of food offered at each country. 

Here are the top new foods and beverages you will want to try this year:

At the new Patagonia Pavilion (featuring South American dishes), check out the Roasted Salmon with Arugula Chimichurri, the Grilled Beef Skewers, and the Beef Empanadas. Several delicious wines are also being served at this pavilion. While the Australian pavilion always features some sort of lamb dish, this year you can also get

Conch Salad

Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes and Pavlova, a dessert that features custard and berries inside a crispy meringue shell.

Instead of its traditional escargot dish, the French Pavilion is featuring a delectable-looking Escargot Tart with garlic, spinach, bacon and Parmesan. At the new Farm Fresh Pavilion, check out the Griddled "Yard Bird", griddled chicken with braised greens and habanero sauce. I love that this pavilion features several Orlando and Florida ales as well. The new Conch Salad at the Puerto Rico Pavilion looks very tasty as well!

Of course I want to try these new dishes, but I also have to stick with some of my old favorites, such as the Belgian Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream in Belgium. Please let me know your favorites - and the new dishes you try this year - in the comments section below.

When: Sept. 19 - Nov. 10, 2014

Unforgettable Culinary Adventures at Waldorf and Hilton's Food & Wine Weekends

Are you looking for an unforgettable dining experience this weekend? I promise that you will find that at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek's Orlando Food & Wine Weekends, which run through November 9.

The two fabulous properties have created unique culinary events that complement the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. However, after dining at the Waldorf's Bull & Bear restaurant, I can tell you that the food that these expertly-trained chefs whip up - and the personalized treatment you receive - will be far beyond the crowded experience of the Food & Wine Festival.

Every weekend, the Waldorf and Hilton Bonnect Creek features the events below and more. Pick and choose which ones you would like to try, and then go back next weekend for something different.

Bar du Chocolat and Champagne Tasting: choose from a buffet of carefully made chocolate treats from Waldorf Astoria Orlando's world-class pastry team, using recipes from all over the world. These chocolate conocotions are paried with an extensive selection of fine champagnes. 

A Taste of Waldorf Astoria: try exclusive tasting menus and wine pairings from master chefs in the Waldorf Astoria brand. 

II Cibo Della Vita: New tasting menus and wine pariings every weekend from the kitchen of La Luce by Donna Scala at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

Pea Ringu - The Art of Sushi Pairing: the outstanding culinary team at Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge explore perfect pariings for its outstanding sushi dishes, includign beer, sake, and wine.

Royal Tea: Guests can savor to tea, house-made pastries, and tea sandwiches in the wonderful, fun environment that is Peacock Alley. 

For more details on these events, visit www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/food-wine or www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com/food-wine.