 One of my favorite parts of Busch Garden Williamsburg is visiting all of the European countries. It is home to six countries, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy spread out across 383 acres. Busch Gardens has been voted the world’s “Most Beautiful Park” for 20 consecutive years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association and it is no wonder, they have some absolutely breathtaking grounds. While visiting the New France area (French Canada) I saw a sign that caught my eye for a Canadian Ice Wine Tasting. After purchasing the Ice Wine Tasting I decided to upgrade to the Wine Tasting Trio. By doing this, it provided an extra three tastings at any of the four locations through out the park for an upgraded price of $29.99 (this was in addition to the $19.99 I had originally paid for the Ice Wine Tasting). This price includes four tastings at each stop and a collectible Busch Gardens wine glass that you are able to bring back for discounts on future tastings! They gave me a wristband with three hang tags that were ripped off at each location. I started in New France with the Ice Wine tasting (which was my favorite of all of them) where I sampled a Reisling, and three Ice Wines. My favorite one being Heinz Eifel Eiswein from Germany which they explained was a slow harvest with cold nights in November, allowing the mature grapes on the vine to freeze overnight. The frozen grapes are then pressed before they thaw, yielding the sweetest juice from the fruit due to its low freezing point. I found it extremely interesting to listen to all the facts and learn about wine I had never heard of. This specific wine was so sweet and smooth it was almost like drinking juice. Our next stop was over in Germany where we had more amazing wine I had not tasted before. Along with more Riesling and some Pinot Noir (which is typically my wine of choice), I tried Gerstacker Nurnberger Gluhwein. This is a type of mulled wine that tastes of Christmas in a bottle. A delicious combination of red wine, sugar and selected spices, Gluhwein can be served over ice or heated with a cinnamon stick in the winter. I was told this will consume your home with delightful scents! I enjoyed mine room temperature. After two great experiences we headed over to Italy. Here we tasted more dessert type, light bodied sparkling wines a little lower in alcohol. My favorite from this specific tasting was the Annalisa Moscato from Piedmont, Italy. This was an easy drinking white wine with tastes of peaches, nectarines, and apples. I am usually a red wine enthusiast so this was a great day of learning about whites that I did enjoy. During the course of the day I made sure to drink a ton of water. Although the tastings are small, there were four samples at each destination, and we did visit four countries. During the summer in the heat, it is very easy to get dehydrated. Our last and final stop during our day at Busch Gardens was France. I was most excited about visiting here because I was positive it would be where I would taste my favorite wines of the day. I was completely blindsided when I found out it was my least favorite stop. Here we tried a french sparkling wine, Ros a Merlot and a sparkling white Vouvray. Although I usually love red wines, this specific Merlot was so heavy I could not take more than one sip. I was told there were many others who felt the same about this particular wine during the course of the day. I had never tried a Merlot I did not like, so this was a first. The day was a success and I really enjoyed the wine tasting. I loved learning all about the wines, how they were made, where they came from and of course most of all tasting them! Each of the Busch Gardens cast members were very knowledgeable about the destination we were visiting and the wines they were representing. I would highly recommend it if you visit the area and enjoy wine. If wine is not your thing, you can head over to the Brauhaus Craft Bier Room for a flight of their craft beers. For more information on the tasting or to book your Busch Gardens Williamsburg vacation reach out to a Starstuff Travel Planner today! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
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Disney’s Riviera Resort Celebrates the Elegance of the European Riviera, with a Disney Twist7/15/2019  For centuries, the European Riviera has inspired visitors to relax, rejuvenate and play along the Mediterranean. At Disney’s Riviera Resort, projected to open December 2019, the history and charm that enchanted Walt and Lillian Disney, and so many others, comes alive. In each meticulous detail and around every turn, you will see how Imagineers are creating a resort that celebrates the elegance of a modern European retreat blended with a touch of old-world glamour and a uniquely Disney twist. Here’s a closer look at the careful planning and thoughtful features that make Disney’s Riviera Resort so special.  The overall design of Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by the elegant, early 20th century hotels situated along Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Like the region itself, Disney’s Riviera Resort will convey classic European designs mixed with modern expressions. Its articulated stone base and smooth stucco façades will be accented with decorative metalwork and colorful awnings. French mansard roofs and Italian style arches and loggias will intermingle with other architectural styles found along the coastal region. The center building, or tower, with expressive roofs and ornamental details, will be at the heart of the resort. Adjacent wings are designed as if added progressively to accommodate more travelers. The resort itself is a layered story, inspired by the buildings and architecture in Europe that grew and evolved over time.  Each wing of the resort will grow in height, from eight to 10 stories, allowing for sweeping views of the resort to be seen from the rooftop restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace– Flavors of the Riviera. If this sounds tantalizing, I should mention that bookings are now open for Topolino’s Terrace, with reservations available beginning on December 16. Porticos, towers and terraces, as well as a unique, coastal-inspired color palette, will give each resort wing an exterior style all its own a visual representation of the changes in design styles that influenced regional resorts throughout the century. The window styles will vary across the façade of the resort, with variations in size, shape and mullion designs. Continuing the inspired architectural details, the iconic window awnings of the region will be married with shutters of varying colors and arrangements. A variety of decorative railings throughout the resort will feature a subtle Disney twist, with motifs of Mickey Mouse and his leading lady, Minnie.  By incorporating these detailed differences into the design, Imagineers captured the progressive feeling of European architecture, imparting a sense of history and story that developed over time. Under construction and projected to open December 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World Resort will be inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney. From the resort, you will be able to stay just a gondola ride away from all the excitement and experiences via the new Disney Skyliner system when it opens this fall. Bookings for Disney’s Riviera Resort are open now so get ready to create your story in the middle of the magic. To book your stay at Disney's brand new Riviera Resort reach out to a Starstuff Travel Planner today! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram  Fans of fun and adventure know that food can be a total experience, a transport to a different time and place, a combination of flavors and sensations. If you’re a Universal Studios Hollywood fan, passholder, or even first-time visitor, you know this better than anyone! Here are six of our favorite delicious dishes that embody the stories, the scenes, and the Hollywood flourish we know and love. 1. Butterbeer Ice-Cream We all scream for ice-cream, but fans of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will scream in delight when they try this ice-cream with that iconic, unmistakable Butterbeer flavor. 2. Bangers and Mash at Three Broomsticks When visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, head to this snow-capped inn and enjoy a plate of Bangers and Mash, a traditional British dish with savory flavors that will have you feeling right at home. 3. Chicken Waffle Sandwich Cletus’ Chicken Shack Savory meets sweet in this irresistible sandwich in Springfield, U.S.A. Double battered, extra crispy fried chicken breast between two waffles with maple syrup mayo. 4. Meat Haters’ Pizza at Luigi’s Pizza You’ll want a piece of this pie! The pizza is a big slice of crispy veggies, tangy sauce and melted cheese! 5. Tropical Twist Cone at Studio Scoop The vacation vibes of these tropical flavors bring a true “twist” to your tastebuds. With options like Orange Berry and Tropical Sunset, this cone is so LA it might as well be wearing shades. 6. Mel’s Diner milkshake Mel’s Diner is more than a Hollywood icon: it’s a trip back to the drive-in and diner days of 1950s Americana, where young up-and-coming stars and movie-makers chowed down. The classic diner milkshake will satisfy your sweet tooth while saying “Welcome to Hollywood, dahhling.” *This article was provided by Vax Vacations Access and Universal Studios Hollywood To book your next Universal Studios Hollywood adventure, reach out to a Starstuff Travel Planner Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram |
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