Monthly Archives: January 2016

Top 5 Tips For A Girls Trip To Disney

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So you and your buddies want to plan a girls trip to Disney!  Awesome, however this vacation will be a little different than the ones you’ve planned with the family.  I’ve got some good ideas that will make your girls trip a raging success!

1. Choose your resort carefully.

You and your gal pals are splurging for a trip just for yourselves so you might as well start things off right with a great resort.  For this, I’d choose a Deluxe resort like Disney’s Polynesian Village or maybe Grand Floridian.  You want to be close to the action and feel a bit pampered at the same time.  Grand Floridian even has a Senses Spa on site so it would be a great choice.

2.  Decorations!

If you have space in your luggage, you might consider picking up a few things to decorate your resort room.  If it’s a bachelorette party, say, you can pick up some cute decorations at a party store in your hometown, or have them shipped to the resort via Amazon.  And if you don’t want to do the work yourself, check out Disney Floral & Gifts.  They can deliver right to your room!

3.  Special meals and drinks.

Because it’s a special vacation with your friends, see if you can get reservations to some of the nicer restaurants on property.  Maybe check out California Grill or Narcoosee’s.  If you and your girls want to get something fun to drink, try Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at The Polynesian, or Jock Lindsay’s Hanger Bar at Disney Springs.

4.  Get VIP treatment.

You and your ladies are staying at the best resort, so why not get the VIP treatment and upgrade to Club Level?  There’s complimentary food and drinks all day, plus a cocktail hour every evening.  It’s a great way to take your resort experience to the next level.

5.  Get those buttons!

Let everyone know you and your girls are here for some very special girl time and be sure to get those celebration buttons from your resort check in desk or Guest Relations at the parks.  Maybe you’ll even get a little extra pixie dust!  How fun!

Enjoy this time with your best friends and make the most of your kid-free, spouse-free vacation!

 

 

 

Top 5 Cupcakes at Disney World (at least today!)

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The cupcake is a special thing and has it’s own life at Disney. One of the zillion of reasons that Disney is a very special place is their prioritizing of snack foods, like the Dole Whip, but also the cupcake. They do not make one cupcake they make lots of different cupcakes and there is one for every person…keep trying if you have not found it because I believe there is a cupcake soulmate out there for you. Disney also celebrates special events and seasons with special cupcakes and when you find your favorite it will have you coming back and running back into the park for one more (believe me this is my life). This list is subject to change on a daily basis.

  1. Pina Colada Cupcake – Gasparilla’s Grill at the Grand Floridian. This is a new 01882901cad87115f7a1e4ed08131d143985df13dcfavorite because it is a NEW cupcake (at least for me)! Gasparilla’s is the remote quick service at Grand Floridian that let’s face it with all the other great food options at GF why would anyone go there just to try the quick service? Well, we did and then we went back because of the cupcake. It was delightful and not to heavy. It is similar to a coconut cupcake with the added fun of the pina colada flavor and pineapple. YUMMMY!
  2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake –  Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort This little delight is the perfect mix of peanut butter (my favorite) and chocolate (the World’s favorite). The odd thing is I am not a huge fan of chocolate but this cupcake is above all that. Coincidence that it is at another quick service that you have no business at unless you are a guest at Contemporary (which I was not)? Clearly, I go to all the resorts trying out their quick service cupcakes or something?
  3. Dulche de Leche – Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary Resort. If the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake did not get you there then this one should. It is so gooey and moist just like the best dulche de leche. It is worth every bite and being at Disney has no calories so…monorail over there daily.
  4. ff35a09acde8a7c00d825f6f1e0e824cSmores Cupcake – Roaring Fork at Wilderness Lodge Resort (yes ANOTHER quick service all the beating path). This does not maybe sound appealing or just too plain but it is a great messy wonderful bit of fun. The perfect balance of moist and cakey is one to compare with all of their counterparts and will come out on top. For you chocolate lovers it is topped with a Hersey piece.
  5. Oreo Bon Bon Cupcake – Boardwalk Bakery (for one place and NOT a quick service) at Boardwalk Inn. This yellow cake with vanilla frosting but do not despair chocolate lovers it has Oreo crumbles on top. It is such a great cupcake and everyone loves it from kids to adults alike.

So today these are my top 5 but I will be most likely changing this list next week as I visit the World and have different experiences. All of these cupcakes are available all the time and are not special or seasonal (well they are special but you know what I mean…). What is your favorite cupcake?

 

 

Podcast Episode 78: In Depth: Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Jambo! Join us this week as we give you an in depth look at Animal Kingdom Lodge.  We’ll give you the inside scoop on the activities, the rooms, the dining, and the special events located within this gorgeous African-themed resort.

Happy listening!

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Yachstman Steakhouse Review

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When planning my last trip, I was on the search for a steakhouse. But not any steakhouse, one that would knock the socks off my steak loving husband as we celebrated his 30th birthday at Walt Disney World. I am happy to report I was successful!

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The Yachtsman Steakhouse located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is something special. A New England Style steakhouse, the Yachtsman is one of Disney’s signature restaurants. Signature restaurants are more expensive than other disney restaurants (and use 2 table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan) but the quality of food can’t be matched. Signature restaurants do have a dress code where tank tops, bathing suits, cover-ups, hats, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not allowed. Men should wear collared shirts (jeans or dress shorts are ok).

On to the food! At the Yachtsman “grain-fed beef is aged in-house and prepared on an oak-fired grill in the open kitchen”.

We were seated and served some delicious bread with salted butter and roasted garlic. I’m a big fan of carbs and this bread did not disappoint! Perfectly crispy outside, soft and warm inside. Yum!

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My husband started with one of his favorites, the French Onion soup. Yachstsman’s version got two thumbs up. I got a side of Truffle Macaroni and Cheese and OH my. It was hands down the best macaroni I’ve ever had in my life. I looked heavy but somehow managed to not be. The crispy onions on top were perfection on top of what was already a masterpiece. I could have eaten it for my entree and been perfectly happy!

On to the entree. I’ll admit right off the bat that I am not a steak person. Give me a piece of chicken or salmon any day, but I’ll pass on the steak. However! I figured since we were in one of the best steakhouses on Disney property I’d at least give it a shot. My 6-oz Black Angus Filet Mignon with Mashed Potatoes and Cabernet Wine Sauce was delicious, and I’m glad I tried it. My husband barely spoke at all while enjoying his 18-oz Kansas City Strip Steak with Malt Vinegar Fries, Black Garlic Aïoli and Chimichurri. Needless to say, it was a hit.

Feeling gluttonous, we decided to top off our amazing meal with dessert. We were stuffed so we decided to split the  Chocolate-Peanut Cakewith Pretzels, Salted Caramel Gelato and Liquid Ganache. It’s not in the description but that powdery looking substance tasted like peanut clouds. It was out of this world. The perfect way to end our meal!

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Have you eaten at the Yachtsman Steakhouse? What did you think? Is there a better steakhouse on property you want to tell us about? Hit up the comments and let us know!

 

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater- Review

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Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater was another new restaurant for me on my last vacation. I chose it for its ambience, which may have ended being downside for my family. This restaurant is themed like a drive in theater where the table and chairs are cars facing a large drive in movie screen. This plays campy movie clips from the 50’s and 60’s.IMG_3290

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A couple of the downsides were that is rather dark in the restaurant so if you are one who prefers a bright place this isn’t going to be a great choice. Also if you have an odd number of people and are not at the picnic tables one person will be sitting alone. And lastly as for this location is if you have a kid who is a bit of a chicken this might be hard. My daughter was a little scared by some of the clips, so keep that in mind for those kids who are the nervous sort.

My choice for dinner was the Salmon BLT Sandwich, it was very tasty, and very filling. It was not something I might have ordered regularly, but I am glad I tried it because I would order it again.

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My daughter had the chicken nuggets with fries. I tried them and they were good, better than your average but still chicken nuggets.

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My husband had the build your own burger which I have to assume was good as he finished it!

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My mother-in-law had the vegetarian shepherd’s pie, which I neglected to take a picture of or try, but she assured me it was tasty!

Bottom line; I would probably go back again but not any time soon. There are few choices to dine at Hollywood Studios so while it is on the short list I would check out 50’s Prime Time first.

Podcast Episode 77: Disney Cruises With Kids

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If you’ve been dreaming of a Disney cruise but aren’t sure what’s on board for your children, then you’ll definitely want to tune in this week!  We discuss all the awesome things about Disney Cruise Line for infants, small children, tweens, and teens!  You’ll hear about the nursery, the kids clubs, and the teen hangouts.  We guarantee there’s something for everyone!

Happy listening!

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Is the Quick Service Dining Plan “Worth it”?

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If you’ve ever planned a Disney vacation for your family, I’m sure this question has come up.  In fact, our own Jamie brought this question up with the standard Disney Dining Plan standard Disney Dining Plan last month.  When I was planning my family’s Disney vacation last year I decided to do a little research and see if the Quick Service plan was a good deal or not.  Here’s what I found out:

Breakfast

Location: Landscape of Flavors (Art of Animation resort food court)

Apple Danish  – (one snack credit or $3.59)

 

Coffee ($2.49 out of pocket) in resort refillable mug

Lunch

Location: Be Our Guest (Quick Service, Magic Kingdom)

Braised Pork entrée with sides of potatoes and green beans (one Quick Service credit or $14.99), fountain soda (included with dining credit or $2.99) , The Master’s Cupcake (included with dining credit or $4.59)

Dinner

Location: Pinocchio Village Haus (Quick Service, Magic Kingdom)

Caprese Flatbread (one Quick Service cred it or $9.99), fountain soda (included with dining credit or $2.99), no sugar added mango gelato (included with dining credit or $3.99)

Total cash price: $45.62

Price of the adult Quick Service Dining Plan (per night): $41.99

As you can see, the Quick Service Dining Plan did save a little money for us, but mostly allowed us to break even on food costs.  We ended up with more food on the dining plan than we would probably normally eat, but that’s ok.  We felt it was a good value and we enjoyed the convenience of not having to pull out a credit card when we were ready to pay.  Overall, it worked out well for us!

New Disney Movies for 2016 and Beyond!

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Disney has always a great movie line-up on the horizon and 2016 and 2017 are already shaping up to be perhaps the best two year’s ever. Some people are going to disagree because Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released in 2015 but let’s put that aside, for now, and look to the future (as only Star Wars would want you too!) In addition, there is more Star Wars to come so that helps all your Star Wars fans to look forward in anticipation.

  • The Finest Hours (Walt Disney Pictures) – Jan. 29, 2016
  • Zootopia (Walt Disney Animation Studios) – March 4, 2016
  • The Jungle Book (Walt Disney Pictures) – April 15, 2016
  • Captain America: Civil War (Marvel) – May 6, 2016
  • Alice: Through the Looking Glass (Walt Disney Pictures) – May 27, 2016
  • Finding Dory (Pixar) – June 17, 2016
  • The BFG (Walt Disney Pictures) – July 1, 2016
  • Pete’s Dragon (Walt Disney Pictures) – Aug. 12, 2016
  • Doctor Strange (Marvel) – Nov. 4, 2016
  • Moana (Walt Disney Animation Studios) – Nov. 23, 2016
  • Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One (Lucasfilm) – Dec. 16, 2016
  • Beauty and the Beast (Walt Disney Pictures) – March 17, 2017
  • Ghost in the Shell (DreamWorks) – April 14, 2017
  • Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (Marvel) – May 5, 2017
  • Star Wars: Episode VIII (Lucasfilm) – May 26, 2017
  • Toy Story 4 (Pixar) – June 16, 2017
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (Walt Disney Pictures) – July 17, 2017

Here is my top 5 list of Disney films I personally am looking forward to in 2016 and 2017:

1. Finding Dory I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for this movie and I am so

©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

©2013 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

happy they have finally made it happen. I am ready to laugh and be happy with Nemo and Dory again. Want to check out the trailer? Click Here.

2. Beauty and the Beast – This is a live action fantasy, musical film that stars Emma Watson (who does not love Hermione) as Belle and Ewan McGregor as Lumiere. This is done in a similar manner as Cinderella which was released in 2015.

3. Moana – Another princess movie! There can never be enough Disney princesses and Moana is joining the ranks. Want to see the voice of Moana being told she got the part? Cute youtube video Click here!

4. The Jungle Book – Another live action coming out in Spring of 2016 and has quite _1439777280the cast list including Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o, Bill Murray, Christopher Walken and Ben Kingsley to name a few. Neel Sethi who plays Mowgli and is a cutey! Want to see more info and a teaser then Click Here.

5. Alice: Through the Looking Glass – The sequel to Tim Burton’s Alice in
Wonderland is coming soon. My favorite Mad Hatter is back and Johnny Depp I know will do the part justice. This is another live action movie and if anything the cinematography will be amazing.

 

So this is my Top 5 list and I would love to hear your thoughts and what you are looking forward to seeing?

 

5 Things to bring to the parks if you’re taking an infant

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Bringing my infant to Disney World, I learned a few things about packing the perfect park bag for babies. Every parent is different but I found these 5 things to be invaluable for my little family while we toured the parks!

  1. Stroller accessories. We were stopped several times by people asking where we got our stroller setup. I have a very particular baby, and was worried she wouldn’t sleep anywhere but her crib. Wrong! Here’s how we did it. I purchased this stroller canopy and this fan with foam blades, safe for baby fingers. The canopy perfectly covered the part of the stroller that the attached canopy didn’t and the fan provided cooling and white noise for the baby. She took several 2 hour naps like this! It took some walking at first but once she was settled my husband and I could sit and enjoy a Dole Whip or take turns riding Space Mountain (thank you rider swap!) FYI I used the Baby Jogger City Mini stroller, which is the same stroller rented out by many Orlando stroller rental companies.
  2. Bottled water, if your baby drinks formula. Your milage may vary, but I found it worthwhile to pack a bottle or 2 of room temperature water in our bag every day. To me Florida tap water has a distinct taste and my daughter noticed it too. Also having bottled water at the ready meant when baby went from zero to starving on the People Mover I didn’t have to go anywhere to make that bottle! Crisis averted.IMG_2292
  3. My husband and I made some dining reservations that weren’t character meals. This was a risk, but we found that our daughter did ok! Character meals were better because the new “friends” that came around kept her entertained but non-character meals were ok too. One thing I found helpful was a suction cup table top toy that she’d never played with before, like this. We only brought it out during eating time, and it usually bought us several minutes of grownup talk time 😉 IMG_2143
  4. A camera. A REAL camera. I didn’t take it out as much as I’d hoped to, but our DSLR camera captured some pictures that will last a lifetime. Things that would have blurred on a cell phone camera (even the best ones!) are clear and priceless. Don’t forget your camera!
  5. This one is cheating a bit, but don’t forget to pack your patience and a sense of humor. I’ve written before about how things won’t go to plan, but that will be so much worse if you can’t just let these things roll off. Would I have loved to see the Beauty and the Beast performance at Hollywood Studios? Sure! But the baby was hot and cranky and the pool was calling our name. And you know what? That’s ok.

Do you have any tips for things to bring with you to the parks to help make a trip with your infant easier? We’d love to hear them!

Via Napoli- Review

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Situated in the Italy pavilion of Epcot, Via Napoli serves wood fired pizza as well as a full menu of Italian favorites. They are probably most well-known for the Neapolitan pizza and their awesome stoves named after Italy’s three active volcanoes. This is a very popular restaurant so be sure to make your reservations early. This is a great restaurant for large parties since they have plenty of seating. Plus most people love a great pizza and this is the place to get it!

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Since we had a picky eater amongst us we chose to go with the Quattro Formaggi in the Mezzo Metro. This serves 3-5 people and is the largest size of pizza. It is pretty big, but the crust is thin so if you have a part of 4 with more than 2 adults this might be a good choice!
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Children are given a neat activity sheet and crayons which helps to keep them entertained while the food is being made!

The pizza is covered in mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and provolone. It got a big thumbs up from everyone in our party!

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The restaurant itself is very elegant looking and the centerpiece of the ovens are so neat to look at. It is pretty loud in the restaurant so just be aware of that if you are looking for a quite dinner. Our service was perfect and we had no problem getting anything we needed.

Bottom line: we would go again! The pizza was amazing and the atmosphere was fun! This is perfect for families and large groups!