A little Disney magic makes Christmas even better :)

Hi gang! Sorry I've been M.I.A. for the past couple months, but it's been that time of year and well, you know how it is. Even has hectic and crazy as the season can be, this year I couldn't resist taking the time to make it extra magical for my sisters-in-law. For their Christmas gifts, I knew I wanted to get them something for our trip, but everything I thought of just didn't seem quite special enough for that first time visit. Then it hit me: Why not put together a pack of Disney World essentials? A Disney Survival Kit sprinkled with love and advice from an older sister and WDW veteran :). Inspired by all the tiny, extra magical Disney touches, the gift became a piece of art. I think I had as much fun making it as they had opening it.
So if you're looking for some creative ways to get your kids even more excited for a Disney trip, or if you just want the magic to start right away, maybe this will give you some ideas. It was definitately a big hit with Kayla and Ashley. I think they are still wearing their Minnie Mouse boggins!


I decided to use a Neverland theme to tie all the parts of the gift together. I found a treasure chest at Hobby Lobby big enough to hold everything and painted the outside and inside of the lid. I also attached tags to each item inside, with a poem explaining why it was in the box.

When the girls opened the chest, the first item they pulled out was an envelope filled with customized maps of all four theme parks. You can order them from the Disney World website personalized with your favorite attractions lists. And best of all: they're FREE! Once you've ordered them, Disney will mail them to you in about 3 weeks.

Next, they found two Mickey ear pens (one of my favorite souvenirs) and an autograph book, as well as two disposable cameras.

 

Since we're going in Feburary, I wanted to get them something cute to keep warm with. I found adorable Minnie Mouse boggins at Wal-Mart and paired them with some plain black gloves.

The last surpise took me almost a month to complete. I had seen some "I'm going to the Walt Disney World Resort" T-shirts on the Disney Store website and loved them for a gift idea, but I really didn't like the ones from the store, so I made my own :). I bought two plain shirts at Hobby Lobby and a special paint medium to make my acrylic paints suitable for fabric. (You can also use ready-made fabrice paint, but I wanted more control over my colors and I have TONS of acrylics already.) For the front of the shirt, I painted an artsy version of Cinderella Castle on a background of paint-splatter fireworks, based on my own "Wishes" painting. On the back, I painted Mickey ears and "Disney Bound!"

The best part was seeing their faces when they first opened it. It's that look of magical anticipation, and I can't wait to see it again the first time they walk down Main St. at the Magic Kingdom. If it's possible, I think they are even more excited now! Seeing them excited makes me excited. I'm so glad I could bring a little Disney magic to their Christmas morning.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Miranda

Planning Step 4: What time is the 3:00 parade??

Now that we've got all the major decisions out of the way, it's time for the fun part. This is my favorite part of the planning process, but for some (especially first-timers) it can seem a little daunting. You've got all these days and nights to live in the magic of Disney, so how are you going to spend them?
The first step I take to answering this question is to take a look at the calendars for each park. (You can view them on the Disney World website several months in advance.) You can view the times for major entertainment events (i.e. fireworks and parades) in the parks by clicking on any date on the calender. Opening and closing times are also listed, as well as Extra Magic Hours.

Here are the direct links to the calendars for the four major theme parks:
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom

I always jot down the days and times for each firework show and parade in each park so that I can make a quick reference to it later. Not every event happens every day. For example, Wishes and the Main St. Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom only happen on select nights.
The first event I schedule is Wishes. It is my favorite event at the parks, and I always love to save it for that very last night. It makes for a sort of grand finale to a great vacation. If possible, I also like to schedule Wishes for a night when the Electrical Parade happens right before the fireworks. That way, you get both events back-to-back. This most typically happens on weekend nights. This will be the case for us on our next trip, as our last night will be a Saturday night.

From there, I decide which days I want to do catch the other events. If you have the Park Hopper option on your ticket, you can visit one park during the day and then catch the nighttime fireworks at a different one. We are going to do that on our first day on our February trip. After arriving, we'll head to the Magic Kingdom first. After lunch we'll go over to Epcot and enjoy the attractions before ending the night with Illuminiations. The Fantasmic show at the Hollywood Studios does not show in February, so we will have the other two nights to enjoy extremely short attraction lines while everyone else is grabbing their spots for the fireworks.
During the day, three of the parks have parades at 3 or 4 p.m. These parades are daily, so you have plenty of flexibility in choosing which days you want to see each parade. As for us, we will be seeing Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom on our second day and the Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom on our last day. We're skipping the parade at the Hollywood Studios and instead, taking advantage of the shorter attraction lines during that time.
By planning firework and parade viewings first, it's much easier to decide other aspects of your vacation schedule, such as dining reservations, since you already know which parks you're going to be in on which days. Next I'll share with you how it's possible to see a whole theme park in less than a day ;).

Miranda

Planning Step 3: Tickets

In one of my very first posts, I gave you the skinny on the different ticket options available. (If you need a refresher, check out the "That's the Ticket" post.) There are three options to choose from. You can add all of them, just one or two, or none to your base ticket.
This time the only option we'll be adding is the Park Hopper option. We're going in February, so it will be much too cold to visit the water parks (adios Water Parks & More option!); and since we're really trying to save on this trip, we won't be needing the No Expiration option either.
I think I've mentioned that my favorite option is the Park Hopper. I use it every time I visit the parks. This option gives me the freedom to jump around to multiple theme parks in the same day, so that I can see what I want to see when I want to see it. It helps add great flexibility to my vacation schedule. Let me give you one example.

Since this is Kayla and Ashley's first visit, the first thing I really want them to experience is that walk down Main St. at the Magic Kingdom. I can't tell you how excited I am to see their faces when they see Cinderella Castle for the very first time. There's just something about that walk that is profoundly magical, and I can't think of a better way to start off our Disney adventure.
But I've got a plan, and you can't see Illuminations fireworks at Magic Kingdom.
So after that inaugural walk, we'll hit a couple of classic attractions (Peter Pan!!) and then catch the monorail to Epcot. We'll spend the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the attractions there, and then end our first day with the brilliant Illuminations of Earth firework show. Without the Park Hopper, we would have to stay at Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day, or would have to go straight to Epcot to begin with. And another great plus: if at lunch time, we decide we need a break, we can head back to the hotel, take a nap and then head right back to Epcot without having to buy another ticket. It's like having a skeleton key that unlocks all the doors to all the parks any time you want :).

~*What do you do with that half-day at Disney?*~
This is a question that's crept up on more than a few of our vacations. From where we live, Disney World is about a 9 or 10-hour drive, depending on traffic. Usually we leave very early in the morning, around 2 or 3 a.m. to avoid rush-hour in Atlanta. Traffic is almost never an issue that way, but it does give us a somewhat annoying arrival time, around mid-afternoon. So, do you spend the full price of admission just to enjoy a few short hours at the parks?
As hard as it is for me to step on Disney property and not race to the Magic Kingdom, I have to say I can't validate paying full price for less than half the time. A few times in the past, we have paid for that extra ticket day, but not anymore. Why pay extra when there's plenty to do at Disney that doesn't require theme park admission! Case in point: Downtown Disney.
If our travel schedule causes us to arrive with only a half-day for our first day of vacation, we get settled into our hotel room, then head to the Downtown Disney area. There's plenty to do there for the rest of the evening. You can go shopping, try out some great restaurants, do a little dancing, catch a movie or a show. If you're tired from traveling, end the night early and rest up for a full day in the parks.
Another way to avoid unused park hours is to simply adjust your travel schedule. For our next trip, we're planning on leaving a few hours earlier than normal so we'll arrive mid-morning. That way, we'll still have plenty of time to enjoy the parks that day. 

Now we're getting to the fun stuff! It's time to start planning out our days :). See ya real soon!


Miranda

Planning, Step 2: Choosing a Resort

The main factor in the "Where do we stay?" decision is usually price. Often, the absolutely cheapest route is to stay at a hotel off Disney property. You can find places just outside the gate that are comfy and very reasonably priced. During the time when my parents and I made yearly trips, this is what we did. However, now I prefer to purchase hotel and ticket packages and stay on-property, which is exactly what we're going to do in February.
~*Choose Your Category*~

Disney offers hotels for every budget. There are value, moderate, and deluxe lodging options available. Like I mentioned before, the main goal of this trip was to be cost-effective, so we are choosing one of Disney's 4 (soon to be 5!) value resorts.

To learn more about each budget category, see my previous posts on resorts:

• Value Resorts

• Moderate Resorts

• Deluxe Resorts Part I and Part II
• Other Lodging Options
~*Choose Your Resort*~
Once you've decided on a budget category, it's time to choose your resort. Each one is uniquely themed to suit various tastes and interests like music, movies, sports and pop culture. Previously, we've stayed in the Pop Century value resort. This time we chose the All-Star Movies Resort. My sisters-in-law and I LOVE movies, especially Disney movies, so this theme suited us really well. I know they're going to love looking out the window and seeing a 3-story tall Woody smiling back at them.
You can take a tour of each resort on the Disney World website. Just click on the "Places To Stay" tab on the main menu bar. Take a look at the All-Star Movies Resort here.

Yay! Now we've got somewhere to lay our heads down. Now let's take a look at those tickets!
Miranda

Planning, Step 1: When and How long?

The first step in planning any trip, Disney or otherwise, is deciding when you want to go. Normally, we plan for April or May, but this time we decided to try February. And here's why:
 ~*Value*~
Like most other vacation destinations, Disney has price and popularity "seasons." Mid January to mid February is the value season, when package rates are cheapest. You can book a room at one of the value resorts for around $84 per night during the value season. The same room would be $107 per night during regular season, and $134 during peak season. Peak season is any time around holidays and summer. Regular season is during the Spring and Fall months.
~*Crowds*~
Value season is also the least crowded. The kids are in school, and most people don't think of the winter months as prime vacation time. On one trip, we talked to a couple who had annual passes to the parks. They planned multiple trips throughout the year, but said their favorite time to come was during late January. The husband said it was like a "ghost town" during that time. There is little or no waiting for most attractions, and no fighting for a good spot at the parades. *Fingers crossed* that it's true!
~*Weather*~
In February, you're less like to roast than you would in the heat of July. Having been to Disney in the middle of summer, I know first-hand that it is NOT my favorite time of year to go. It is HOT! Spring and Fall are pleasant; still shorts and tank top weather, but not searing heat. December is a nice 70something in the day, but quite chilly at night. In February, the average low is in the 50s and the highs are in the 70s. Sounds like great Disney weather to me!

Once you decide when you want to go, you need to decide how long you're going to stay. I have stayed varying lengths of time at Disney World, from one week to one day, and I've found that my magic number is 5 days. This allows you one day in each park, plus one day to go back and check out anything you might have missed or revisit your favorites.
This time we are staying four days and three nights. It's a day less than I normally like, but I think with the lighter crowds we'll still have plenty of time to see everything. If you're planning your first trip, Disney recommends one week. I can't say I completely agree. If you're also purchasing the dinning plan, you'll definitely need a week (you spend a big chunk of time eating!), but if you're purchasing the basic Magic Your Way package, 5 days should be plenty.
When you decide on your vacation dates, the instinct is to book it right away, but I don't recommend it. (Believe me, it's so hard not to!) Unless you're planning on going during a holiday, chances are, rooms are going to be available. Another exception would be if you're purchasing the dining plan. Some restaurants book up quickly for reservations (Cinderella's Castle can book up several months ahead). I usually reserve my room and tickets no more than a month in advance. The longer you wait, the less likely you'll have to worry about cancelling.

Well, that does it for now. The next step will be choosing your hotel. To Disney, or not to Disney, that is the question!

See ya soon!
Miranda

108 days, 13 hours and 36 minutes

That's how long I have to plan the perfect first Disney World vacation for my two younger sisters-in-law. I can't tell you how excited I am that they will finally be able to experience the magic their brother and I have been telling them about for years. My husband and I originally planned this trip as just a quick, cost-effective getaway for the two of us. But after talking to our sisters, we decided this would be the perfect time to take them along. That's when my excited planning became estatic, can't-wait planning.
This is slightly different from every other trip I've planned before, and I'll be honest, it may be a little challenging. Our little group will have variations in age, tastes, interests, and of course Disney experience. All that made me decide that this is the perfect opportunity for me to take you through the planning process with me. I'll show you step-by-step what I'm going to do to make this the most magical first Disney experience my sisters can have.
So what are we waiting for? Let's plan!

Boo to you!

Hey gang! I know, I know, I've been slacking again :(. It seems that time is just never on my side lately. But even if I don't post, you know I've always got WDW on the brain :) LOL. 

Anyway, it's finally October! This past Saturday, Oct. 1, Walt Disney World celebrated its 40th birthday. Pretty awesome, huh? I've experienced the parks during every season, but the Fall is definitely my favorite! Maybe it's because the weather is so amazing during this time of year, or because the crowds are lighter than in the summer, or maybe it's just that Disney seems to love Fall and Halloween as much as I do. No matter how you slice it, Disney in October rocks!

 Disney only decorates for two holidays: Christmas and Halloween. During the first week of September, the Magic Kingdom transforms into a celebration of oranges, reds and golds. There are giant Mickey ear-shaped pumpkins, scarecrows, colorful leaf garlands and wreaths, and the shop windows on Main Street all hold fascinating Halloween displays to stop and admire. On certain nights, the park gets even more into the season with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. 

On these nights in September and October, you can show off your costume and go trick-or-treating all over the park (and I don't mean just kids. Adults too!). There's also a special Halloween parade called "Boo To You" and a special Hallo-wishes fireworks show. All your favorite characters (some of them never seen during normal park hours) will also be decked out in their Halloween costumes and ready to meet and greet. Here's a little peek at the fun at MNSSHP:

Now here's the downside. The Halloween party requires a separate ticket. Your regular admission to the Magic Kingdom will not let you stay for the party after closing time. Likewise, if you have a party ticket, you can't get into the Magic Kingdom for the whole day on that same ticket. 

On party nights, the park closes at 7 p.m. At that time anyone without a ticket for the party has to leave the park. Party-goers will be given wristbands that show you've paid the extra fee. If you've bought a party ticket, but don't have a regular Magic Kingdom ticket, you can usually get into the park about two or three hours before the party starts.
Now I know what your asking, "So just how much does this cost?" Well, it depends on when you go. If you go to a party in September it's much cheaper (around $54 per person for ages 10 and up). Most October parties cost about $60 per person, but Halloween night is the most expensive at $68 per person. These prices are if you buy the tickets in advance. If you purchase them the day of, they cost a few dollars more. 

Now the next question, of course, "Is it worth it?" Again, it depends. For me, definitely. Halloween is my favorite holiday and the extra magical touch that Disney gives it makes worth every bit of the $60 I'd pay for my ticket. I'd also say it's worth it if you have kids.

One night while we were on our honeymoon in Oct. 2009, we were on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom with a little girl and her parents. She was all dressed up in her Sleeping Beauty costume and gave my husband and I a sweet "Congratulations" when she saw our "Just Married" badges. I asked her if she was going to the party, and she gave me an excited "Yes!" When we all got off the monorail, she grabbed each of her parents' hands and pulled them toward the entrance with a huge smile. I told Brandon right then that we were coming back and bringing our kids to Mickey's Halloween Party.

Did I mention there's free candy??? :)

Happy Haunting!
Miranda

Attractions: Test Track

Attraction Quick Facts

• Riders must be at least 40 inches tall.
• FASTPASS is available. I recommend grabbing a pass, then heading next door to Ellen's Universe of Energy until your ride time comes up.
• The ride is both indoor and outdoor... warm and cold.... bumpy and smooth... It's a little bit of everything :).
• The que winds through a GM testing facility where you can learn how vehicles are made and tested to be as safe as possible. There are some pretty neat things to check out while you wait.
• There are six passengers per car. Since the most frequent party size is four people, if you split your party into pairs, or ride as singles, you're more likely to move to the front of the line, as they're always asking for parties of two to fill the empty seats. (Trust me, it works!)

This is one of my favorite rides at Disney. You step into the shoes of a crash test dummy and take a wild ride through automotive safety and durability. I won't give you too much of an on-ride tour for this one, because there are a few things that are better left as a surprise, but I will tell you that you will NOT be bored on this little road trip.
You'll test everything from brakes to steering to shocks to speed. At first, the tests are simple, not-to-thrilling experiments with different road surfaces and environments, followed by a winding road course of brake and steering tests. After that, it really gets fun ;).

What I really love about this attraction is that before and after the ride is just as interesting as the ride itself, especially if you love cars. I mentioned earlier that throughout the que there are exhibits to look at that show about vehicle design, testing and safety. There are more similar exhibits after you exit the ride, as well as an entire showroom of new GM vehicles. Here you can also see a glimpse of the future of automotives with the hydrogen car.

Another plus: If it's a hot day, the little ones will also love the car wash themed mist station just outside the building.

I know this is a really really short attraction overview, but like I said, some things are just best experienced :). Bottom line, this is one of Disney's best attractions. It's fun, family friendly, and oddly educational. You'll love it!

Attractions by the Ages: Epcot

For Younger Kids

·      Journey into Imagination with Figment – Join everyone's favorite purple dragon for a look into the power of the human imagination.

·      The Seas with Nemo and Friends – Jump in a clam-mobile and journey through the sea in search of Nemo. Little ones and Nemo fans will love it!
       Turtle Talk with Crush — An interactive show where kids can learn all about sea turtles from Crush himself. They can ask questions and Crush will really answer!

For Pre-Teens and Teens

·      Test Track –Ever wonder what the life of a crash test dummy is like? Strap in and find out on this mild thrill ride that takes you on a new kind of road test!

·      Mission Space – Travel to Mars on this G-force intense simulator. It's awesome! But stay clear if you're prone to motion sickness.

·      Kim Possible's World Showcase Adventure – Kids can become secret agents and join Team Possible in saving the world from bad guys. Using their Kimmunicator, they can travel around World Showcase gathering clues and stopping villians, and maybe even happen across a hidden reward.

·   

For the Whole Family

·      Spaceship Earth – This relaxing, slow moving ride takes you from the time of cavemen into the present day, with a glimpse into the future.

·      Ellen's Universe of Energy –Jump into Ellen's dream and journey back to the time of the dinosaurs with her and Bill Nye the Science Guy to learn all about energy.

·      Mission Space Advance Training Labs – After, or instead of, your ride on Mission Space, step into this realm of space-themed interactive games and activities.

·      Living with the Land – This boat ride takes you through different environments of Earth, and also gives you a tour of how Disney is actively learning from the land, and the many plants and produce they grow at the parks. You'll even find out how they grow those pumpkins in the shape of Mickey ears :).

·      Soarin' – This is my mom's favorite ride in all of Disney World. By combining a unique dome-shaped I-MAX screen and new ride technology, you'll feel like you're soaring over California in a hang glider. See the sights, feel the wind, and even smell the orange groves. Amazing!

·      Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – Simba, Timon and Pumbaa teach you a little about the circle of life in this educational, but cute, film.

·      Captain EO – Returning to Epcot for the first time since 1994, this 3-D film stars Michael Jackson, and features special effects by George Lucas and musical numbers by Michael.

·      Image Works – After your Journey into Imagination with Figment, you'll come into Image Works where you can enjoy interactive games and technologies. There are super cool things here. We almost never got my dad out of here the first time!

·      O Canada – A 360 degree wrap-around screen shows you the beautiful sights of Canada in this short film.

·      Impressions de France – A wrap-around film featuring France.

·      Reflections of China – Another wrap-around film featuring China.

·      Malestrom – Journey into Norway's past on a Viking boat ride.

·      Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Cabelleros – Donald and pals take you on a boat tour through brilliant Mexico.

·      American Adventure – This 30-minute show features great moments and people from American history. You'll see animatronic versions of Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Mark Twain, JFK, Susan B. Anthony and more.
        Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – At 9 p.m. every night, the sky above Epcot lights up with this amazing firework and water show on World Showcase Lagoon. The show can be seen from anywhere around World Showcase. My personal favorite spot is on the Future World side of the lagoon, straight out from Spaceship Earth. It gives you a great view of the whole World Showcase, and it makes for a quicker exit after the show.

Disney Photography [101]: Camera Gear

Hey again gang! I've been trying to upload this for-ev-er. Blogger has been so grouchy about uploading my videos lately, but I've finally found a way to get it here. This is the first of what will hopefully be many videos giving you Disney World photography tips. I've been dropping little photo nuggets throughout my blogs, but now I decided to take it a step further.
I'm a big fan of YouTube tutorial and how-to videos, and I noticed there were none (at least that I could find) that really gave any Disney vacation advice, photography or otherwise. So I thought, why not? I could post all this in a written blog I suppose, but some things are just better explained in person. This first one is just sort of an introduction to what camera gear I bring with me to the parks. More specific tips will follow.
I hope this helps and you guys enjoy :)!

Epcot: An Overview

Happy 4^th of July everyone! Ok, I know I’m a little late, but I hope you had a fun weekend just the same. As for me, I spent some great time with family and friends, and even did a little WDW vacation planning. Bran and I are hoping to take a trip next year with two of our best friends (who have never been). I’m beyond excited!!

Anyway, to curb my craving for now, I think it’s time for another park tour! Today we’ll take a trip through my dad’s favorite park: Epcot.

Epcot was the second theme park built at WDW and opened in October of 1982. Originally, Walt’s vision was not a theme park, but an actual city. EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt’s idea called for a futuristic way of life, where there would be no vehicles above ground and the city would showcase technological and cultural developments. There would be no such thing as a “bad part of town” because Walt wouldn’t allow it. Sounds too good to be true, right? Apparently so. When Walt died, his vision for EPCOT died with him. Shrinking funds caused the company to decide they weren’t in the business of running a city, and so EPCOT, the city became Epcot, the theme park.

As saddened as I am that his successors left Walt’s greatest dream behind, I am glad they found some small way to honor his hope to blend technology and culture. Epcot is made up of two areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World celebrates all the technologies of tomorrow. You can play with new gadgets and gizmos that aren’t available to the public yet, and learn about things that are still in the works. Across the lagoon, World Showcase celebrates all the diverse cultures of the world. You can feel like you’ve traveled around the world in a matter of minutes, visiting famous landmarks and trying amazing foreign cuisine. It almost feels like two theme parks in one, and I tend to experience it that way as I make my way around the park.

Future World

When you enter the park, the first thing you see is Spaceship Earth (or as I call it, the giant golf ball :). This is the icon of the park, even though it isn’t the center. Epcot is the only theme park that doesn’t have Walt’s signature “wheel hub” layout. Instead, it is hourglass shaped, with Future World filling the bottom half.

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! Right as you exit the turnstiles, you’ll most likely find a park photographer waiting. This is the most popular spot for a photo with the big ball as a backdrop. Because it’s so close to the entrance, it can be a little cramped and crowded, so if you want, you can’t wait until you get to the other side of Spaceship Earth, where I have another photo spot to show you ;).

Since you basically have to walk right into Spaceship Earth to get anywhere else in the park, this can be your first attraction stop. It’s a relaxing, slow ride that takes you through time from the first cave men to the 21st century. (I usually don’t visit this until later in the day though, because it’s a great way to cool down and there is almost never a line).

Both paths around Spaceship Earth take you into what I call a “courtyard” area. This area is surrounded by curved buildings that house shops, dining areas and Innoventions, where you can try out all those gadgets I told you about.

*Imagination Photog Photo Tip! In the center of the courtyard is a fountain. Walk around to the other side of it for a great (and less crowded) shot of Spaceship Earth.

You’ll notice two paths between the buildings, one on the left beside Mouse Gears and one on the right beside Innoventions. Like I’ve told you before, I always tend to go left.

Over here you’ll find three attractions: Ellen’s Universe of Energy, Mission Space, and Test Track. Mission Space and Test Track are the most popular, so I recommend getting a FASTPASS for one of those two and then going to ride Ellen’s Universe of Energy. By the time you get off, it should be time to use your FASTPASS.

Now we’ll head back between the buildings, through the courtyard, and over to the other side of Future World. On this side there are three more pavilions: the Seas, the Land and the Imagination Pavilion.

The Seas Pavilion – This is where you’ll find the two Nemo attractions in the park. In “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” you’ll hop aboard a clam-mobile and search for Nemo in a live fish aquarium. The technology on this ride still baffles me. It’s so cool, both kids and parents will love it. There’s also “Turtle Talk with Crush” where your kids can ask Crush a question and he will actually answer! It’s a great interactive and educational technological wonder. The Coral Reef restaurant is also in this pavilion.

The Land Pavilion – This houses three attractions and two restaurants. If you’re hungry, look for the Garden Grill and (one of my favorites) the Four Seasons Grill. You’ll also find the “Circle of Life” film attraction featuring everyone’s favorite talking merkat and warthog along with the lion king himself. Downstairs holds the other two attractions: Living with the Land and Soarin’. I recommend getting a FASTPASS for Soarin’ (because the line is always forever long) and riding Living with the Land while you wait for your time. They are both favorites of mine.

Imagination Pavilion – In this pavilion you’ll “Journey into Imagination with Figment” and play with cool interactive technologies in the Kodak “What If” Labs. The park has also brought back Captain EO, a 3-D attraction starring Michael Jackson.

That’s it for Future World. Now we’ll head back toward the courtyard, and (standing with Spaceship Earth at your back) straight toward the World Showcase Lagoon.

World Showcase

There are 11 international pavilions that surround the lagoon. They are (from left to right):

·         Mexico

·         Norway

·         China

·         Germany

·         Italy

·         United States of America

·         Japan

·         Morocco

·         France

·         United Kingdom

·         Canada

World Showcase is the only instance where I go against my “left” tendencies. For some reason, I always go right here, starting my world tour with Canada and walking around to Mexico. You can go whichever direction you wish. I promise there are no shortcuts. LOL

Some of the countries have attractions, and all of them have outstanding restaurants. You can taste authentic foods and chat with cast members who are natives of that country. There are also Kid-cot Fun Stops in several of the countries where kids can make crafts and learn something about the culture. You can also meet and greet your favorite characters in their own countries. Take a little time and explore each pavilion. Each one is full of little surprises. I discover something new each time I visit. To get you started, here’s a quick look at some of my favorite stops on World Showcase:

·         O Canada – This film will surround you with the sights in sounds of Canada as the viewing screen wraps around the entire room. So cool!

·         Off Kilter – Also in Canada, this band gives a great performance. They’ve been playing at Epcot for as long as I can remember and I still love to hear them.

·         Impressions de France – Similar to the O Canada film, this is another great way to cool down and see a beautiful country.

·         Voices of Liberty – This a cappella group is amazing to hear. Step inside Independence Hall at the USA pavilion and hear them for yourself.

·         Reflections of China – Another great and educational film.

·         Malestrom – Hop aboard a Viking boat for a ride through Norweign history. But look out for the waterfall!

·         The Grand Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros – This fun boat ride will take you through beautiful Mexico, where you might just see a familiar temperamental duck and his two Latino friends.

There's one more thing you can't miss. After you’ve gone through time and been around the world and back, what better way to end the day than with Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot’s famous firework and water show! You can catch the show every night at 9 p.m. from anywhere around World Showcase Lagoon. My personal favorite spot is on the side closest to Spaceship Earth. It gives you a beautiful view of the entire World Showcase, and makes it much easier and faster to leave the park afterward. The best spots get taken fast, so try to get there at least 30 minutes early.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

That's it for now. Talk to ya real soon!

Miranda

Top 10 Spots to Stop on an Empty Stomach

This morning I was looking through a friend’s Facebook photos from their recent trip to WDW, when my stomach started to growl. I had just eaten breakfast, but my tummy still screamed out for attention. Taking a second look at my computer screen, I realized why. There, in brilliant Technicolor, was the adorable image of my friend’s two kids sharing a cup of pineapple ice cream, freshly scooped from Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Man, what I wouldn’t give for just one lick of that spoon….

Anyway, thinking about that ice cream got me to thinking about all the other great food you can get at the Walt Disney World Resort. I honestly haven’t eaten anything there that I didn’t like (and that includes the muscles I tried in Epcot). Just like the attractions, there’s something for everyone. Here are my top 10 favorite places to eat on Disney property:

Brandon and I eating at Cinderella's Royal Table on our honeymoon. That cake was AMAZING!!

10. Electric Umbrella, Epcot — This place is a burgers-and-fries (or chicken fingers!) kind of joint. The menu is simple and the food tastes great. I’ve been eating here since my earliest visits as a kid and love it. Most everyone else does too, so it tends to be really crowded during lunchtime.
Price range and type: Quick-service meal (think something like gourmet fast food), about $6 per person.

9. Earl of Sandwich, Downtown Disney — We discovered this little gem on our last trip in December. It has great Panini sandwiches and gourmet coffees and teas. It reminds me of my favorite little café that went out of business a few years ago. If you love that quaint coffee shop atmosphere, you’ll love this place.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6-$10 per person.

8. Tony’s Town Square, Magic Kingdom — You know that adorable scene in Lady and the Tramp with the spaghetti? Yeah, this is that Tony and that spaghetti tastes pretty darn awesome. I love the elegant, yet casual décor that pays tribute to a classic piece of Disney animation. Everything I’ve tasted of the Italian cuisine was outstanding. And yes, I ordered the spaghetti :).

Price range and type: Sit-down meal, about $15-$30 per person.

7. Sunshine Season Food Fair, Epcot — This place is like five restaurants in one. It will remind of a college cafeteria the way it is set up. Choose from several different types of cuisine, then grab a drink and pay the cashier on your way to the dining area. This is another spot we always seem to stop by if we’re in Epcot around lunchtime. Like the Electric Umbrella, it’s very popular, but very tasty.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6 per person.

6. Boulangerie Patisserie, Epcot — Whenever we get hungry for an afternoon snack at Epcot, we always seem to be in the France area of World Showcase. Coincidence? Probably not. This pastry shop has plenty of fabulous ways to satisfy your sweet tooth, or even your not-so-sweet tooth. I recommend the ham and cheese croissant or anything with “chocolate” in the name.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $3-$6 per person.

5. ABC Commissary, Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Looking for a great place for breakfast? This is it! They’ve got everyone’s favorite morning starters. Dad gets his sausage and eggs; Mom gets her bacon and biscuits; I get my pancakes, and Brandon gets a big sampler of everything. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy your meal. I haven’t found any big crowds here in the morning so far.

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6 per person.

4. Aloha Isle, Magic Kingdom — Remember that pineapple ice cream I told you about earlier? That stuff is Heaven in a cup, and this is where you’ll find it. They also have other fruit flavors like orange (also yummy!). But beware, the line is almost always ridiculously long, even in cold December.

Price range and type: Quick-service, about $3-$6 per person.

3. Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom — Eating dinner at Cinderella’s castle is something every little girl in Disney World longs to do, and I have to say, it definitely doesn’t disappoint! You are treated like royalty the moment you walk in the door. After a chat with Cinderella herself for a bit, you ascend a red carpet spiral staircase into the gorgeous dining room overlooking Fantasyland. The attention to detail here is exquisite! The Fairy Godmother and Cinderella’s mice make appearances and talk with you as you enjoy a three-course gourmet menu. The food is excellent, but the price is much more than I would normally ever pay for a meal. That’s why I’ve only eaten here once, on my honeymoon, because it was a very special occasion. The price for dinner is a little over $100 for two people, which includes drink, an appetizer, main course and dessert. Breakfast and lunch are a little less expensive.

Price range and type: Sit-down meal, about $40-$50 per person.

2. Le Cellier Steakhouse, Epcot — On our 2007 trip, I chose this restaurant for my dad (he loves anything with “steakhouse” in the title), but we all ended up falling in love with it. It’s French-Canadian cuisine in a wine cellar/castle setting. It’s absolutely beautiful! The main courses and desserts here are to die for (I recommend the whiskey cake!)

Price range and type: Sit-down meal, $15-$30 per person.

1. Flame Tree BBQ, Animal Kingdom — This is without a doubt the BEST barbeque I have ever tasted! The classic pork sandwich is my favorite on the menu. It comes with baked beans and a drink and literally melts in your mouth. My dad loves the ribs, my mom loves the turkey, and Brandon just loves anything from this place. A definite “must taste” for your next trip!

Price range and type: Quick-service meal, about $6 per person.

You can check out Disney's entire list of eateries under the Where to Eat menu tab on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Now, if anybody's going to WDW soon and would like to bring me back a bbq sandwich and a pineapple ice cream, it would be much appreciated :).

Bon appetit!

Miranda

Goodbye Toontown :(, Hello Princesses!

An aerial view of the new Fantasyland construction during Spring 2011.

I know I should have blogged about this sooner, but I wanted to do my research before I threw my opinion around here. It may seem odd, but to tell the truth I’m still kinda on the fence about this whole “Fantasyland Expansion” thing. Weird? Yeah, I know. My favorite area in my favorite park is going to double in size and I’m still not too sure about it. As they say, I guess stranger things have happened. Anyway, here’s what’s going down in the Magic Kingdom.

Way back in 2009 Disney announced plans to do a major reconstruction on the Fantasyland area of the Magic Kingdom park. The overhaul would double the size of the area and create spectacular and permanent homes for the most popular Disney princesses, as well as bring brand new movie-themed attractions to the park. The original plan called for Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Cinderella and Aurora to have their own special areas and attractions. Tinkerbell and her fairy friends would also have their own home at Pixie Hollow, and the Dumbo attraction would be moved to a new location, doubling in size and capacity.

I’m not sure exactly when, but at some point before January 2011 the plan changed. Cinderella and Aurora’s areas were eliminated, most say because Disney was afraid there were too many girly elements to the plans. Instead, Cinderella and Aurora will join other lesser-celebrated princesses in Princess Fairytale Hall. The Pixie Hollow area was also scrapped, with Tinkerbell in friends finding a home somewhere in EPCOT (no real details on that yet). New attractions replaced these eliminated areas. There are now plans for a Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train coaster and Goofy’s Barnstormer coaster is getting a makeover with a circus theme being added around the area that it will share with the Dumbo ride. Confused yet? Yeah, it took me a minute to sort through all that too.

Noticed I haven’t mentioned anything about Mickey’s Toontown Fair? That’s because Mickey, Minnie and Donald are now homeless :(. I think this is the biggest problem I have with the new expansion. When I realized Toontown had been wiped off the map, I almost wanted to cry. I loved this area as kid. I still love it. When you’re a little kid there’s nothing cooler than getting to walk through Mickey Mouse’s living room, or browse through Minnie’s refrigerator, or hop aboard Donald’s boat. If I had known our December trip would be my last time in Toontown, I would have taken a little more time and a few more pictures.

Not everyone shares my sentiments of course. My mom and dad are thrilled about the change. They had to all but drag me out of Toontown when I was little, and Mom was dreading having to go through the same thing with the grandkids (because you know any child of mine is going to be as much of a Disney kid as I was). Then I told her Dumbo was doubling in size, and she realized she wasn’t going to be totally off the hook :).

A rendering of the new expanded Dumbo attraction.

The meet and greet area for Mickey and the gang has been moved to the square on Main Street, in the old Exhibition Hall. They’ve been there since April and everything seems to be going well so far, or at least the photos look great. I know Walt always said move on to things bigger and better, but it’s still sad to see Toontown go. On the bright side though, I did get to see the neighborhood all decked out for Christmas :).

As for the rest of the new Fantasyland, I’m super excited about it! 

A rendering of the Ariel's Adventure attraction.

Work is well underway on the new Little Mermaid ride called Ariel’s Adventures. The ride will be similar to Disney’s other omni-mover rides (like Winnie-the-Pooh and Nemo), but something about this one just seems cooler. You start your journey on land and then dive down below the sea visiting all your favorite scenes from the movie.

A rendering of the Beast's castle and Belle's village.

On the other side of the construction site, crews are building the Beast’s castle, which will house the new Be Our Guest restaurant. Belle’s village and cottage will also be built providing new and unique ways to interact with Belle herself. 

A rendering of Snow White's cottage and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Across from Belle will be Snow White’s cottage and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride. I’m not sure exactly what the plans are for this coaster, but I imagine it to be a blend between the traditional dark movie ride-throughs and the Thunder Mountain coaster. I don’t know about you, but that sounds absolutely AWESOME to me!

Well, that’s the basic idea of what’s going on behind that big construction wall at Magic Kingdom. Areas of the new Fantasyland will be opening from 2012 to 2013. Can’t wait!!

Attractions by the Ages: Animal Kingdom

Disney puts an insane amount of effort into making sure their parks have something for everyone, but of course not every attraction is going to appeal to you and your family. That’s why it helps to have an idea beforehand of which attractions you definitely want to see on your trip.

I’ve broken down all the attractions at the Animal Kingdom by appropriate age groups. Some are geared towards little ones, some are great for teens or mom and dad, and there are some that the whole family can enjoy together.

For Younger Kids

·      The Boneyard – Kids can dig for fossils and play on the archaeological themed playground in Dinoland, USA.

·      TriceraTop Spin – Similar to the Dumbo attraction at Magic Kingdom, hop on the back of a triceratops and fly over Dinoland.

·      Kids Discovery Clubs – Keep an eye out for cast members all around the park ready to teach the kids about nature through hands-on experiences.

·      Affection Section – Take the Wildlife Express Train to get to this great petting zoo.

For Pre-Teens and Teens

·      DINOSAUR – An indoor thrill ride that takes you back to the time of the dinosaurs. For a detailed look at this ride, check out my previous post.

·      Primeval Whirl – This mini-rollercoaster in Dinoland, USA will send you spinning around turns and up and down dips.

·      Expedition Everest – A thrill ride that takes you to the top of a mountain to battle the fearsome Yeti monster. It’s also my favorite rollercoaster ever! Check out the previous post for detailed info.

·      Kali River Rapids – An adventurous raft ride down a jungle river that is sure to cool you off. Prepare to get wet!

For the Whole Family

·      The Oasis Exhibits – View and learn about different kinds of wildlife near the park entrance.

·      Discovery Island Trails – See even more animal exhibits on Discovery Island.

·      It’s Tough to be a Bug – This 4-D show inside the Tree of Life will show just what a bug’s life is really like.

·      Festival of the Lion King – This musical acrobatic show is a must see! It’s one of my all-time favorite shows in the parks. You’ll find it in Camp Minnie-Mickey.

·      Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails – Meet and greet with all your favorite characters throughout the day.

·      Kilimanjaro Safaris – See African wildlife up close in person as you ride through the savanna. See attraction details in the previous post.

·      Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – See gorillas and other wildlife.

·      Habitat Habitat! – See playful animals, like monkeys, on this nature trail.

·      Conservation Station – See how Disney cares for the animals in this sneak peek behind the scenes.

·      Flights of Wonder – Meet all kinds of interesting birds and their trainers in this live show.

·      Marajah Jungle Trek – See tigers, bats and other Asian wildlife.

·      Finding Nemo the Musical – The newest live show at the park, and a fantastic must-see! Check out full details in the previous post.

·      Fossil Fun Games – Dino themed carnival games everyone can try.

·      Cretaceous Trail – Discover extinct dinosaurs as well as other animals and plants that survived the prehistoric era.

·      Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade – Don’t miss Mickey and all the gang in this wild and musical parade at 3:45 p.m. daily. My favorite spot to catch it is near the Flights of Wonder attraction.

Maybe this will help you know which attractions you want to take a closer look at. If you have a general idea of what activities you want to do before you go to a particular park, you can help maximize your time there. If you use the planning tool on the Walt Disney World website, you can create a favorites list to help you keep track of the attractions you want to see. You can also find more information about each of the attractions on the website.

Talk to ya real soon!

Miranda