Monthly Archives: August 2014

Walt Disney World – Great Places to Take a Break

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Resing along Sunset Blvd in Disney's Hollywood StudiosSometimes when you’re at Walt Disney World, you just need to sit a spell.  You know, take a load off, rest your feet, relax for a minute.  It’s a good time to enjoy a snack, maybe engage in a little of the primo people watching Walt Disney World affords.  I mean, c’mon, in my daily life I never get the chance to watch folks go by from all over the world – it’s fun!

Here are my most favorite places in the whole Walt Disney World to enjoy a few quiet moments:

Magic Kingdom – Over in Fantasyland, by the Tangled bathrooms – shoot, that doesn’t Fantasyland / Rapunzel's Towersound very appealing, does it?  But you know where I’m talking about, don’t you?  Right past It’s a Small World, in the Tangled rest area, you’ll find seating with charging stations (cleverly hidden in faux tree stumps) and a great view of Rapunzel’s tower, the floating lanterns, and, yes, there’s excellent people watching as folks pass along the path between Fantasyland and Liberty Square.  The handy restroom is just a bonus.

Animal Kingdom – Back behind the Flame Tree Barbeque, above the Discovery River, there’s an excellent seating area with a terrific view of Expedition Everest!  Enjoy lunch or simply sit and rest for a while – it’s usually quiet in the morning or between lunch time and park closing.  Like most of the best places to take five, there are great Disney details to soak up!

Resting in Epcot's Italy PavilionEpcot – There are many excellent places to take a break in Epcot!  For some reason, one of my absolute favorite spots is in Italy.  I love the buildings, the view of the Venetian gondolas on the water, the perfectly aged look of each detail, the very excellent statues – sit along the sides of the Doge’s Palace where the benches are shaded under the palace’s arches.  If you want to snag a glass of wine from the pavilion’s nearby wine shop – it makes the relaxing even more…well, relaxing!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – This is my favorite place to sit on a cloudy or even a rainy day – Taking a Breat in Disney's Hollywood Studiosdown by Echo Lake, the tables by Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner are the place to rest.  Why I like them so much is purely due to my own happy memories of having a snack or a cold beer and being so happy about being on vacation at Walt Disney World – are there more scenic places to sit at the Studios, sure, but that’s my favorite.  Another good option is anywhere along Sunset Blvd. – especially along the end closest to Hollywood Blvd.  Resting there ups your changes of running into a spontaneous performance by the incredible Streetmosphere actors.

Bay Lake Boat Transportation / Disney's Contemporary ResortOutside the Parks – When I really want to rest and have a few quiet moments of tranquility, I catch a boat and it’s not just any boat.  I want to boat that leaves from the Contemporary’s boat dock (or you can catch one at the Magic Kingdom) and travels over Bay Lake to Fort Wilderness.  I just get on the boat and ride.  Maybe catch a power nap if I’m really beat.  The view is incredible and the experience is a nice change from the busy atmosphere of the parks.

Where are your favorite places to take a break?  What makes them special to you?

New Closures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Planes at Disney's Hollywood StudiosAs with each of Walt Disney World’s parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios garners its fair share of rumors and debate – especially lately with the not-yet-finalized Star Wars expansion plans in the works, the announced closure of the American Idol Experience, and just last week – the announced closure (August 17th) of the American Film Institute Showcase and Shop.  Rumors continue to swirl about other closures ahead and, while that makes me a little sad for what will be lost, I’m completely thrilled that the Studios will be getting some long overdue attention – and not just with Star Wars – I’m really hoping Disney will be adding more new and different experiences.  Old rides and attractions did not receive necessary updates – Many have gone virtually unchanged for 25 The Showcase Shop / Disney's Hollywood Studiosyears!  My hope is that these worn, tired, and outdated experiences, even if they’re completely replaced, will allow the Studios to reach its potential as a full day park.  I even heard a rumor this week that the park might receive a completely different name…we’ll see, won’t we?

Saying Goodbye

If you’ve ever been on the Studios Backlot Tour, you’ve been in the American Film Institute Showcase – a collection of easily recognizable props from famous movies.  As you exited the exhibit, you’d pass through a shop selling movie memorabilia and props.  The shop had some very cool merchandise which was Disney's Hollywood Studios - Catastrophe Canyoncompletely different than in most other Walt Disney World retail stores.  Sadly, it was one of my favorite parts of the Backlot Tour!  I’m extra pleased in light of the closure of the exhibit and shop that we took the time for one last Backlot Tour while we were at Walt Disney World in May.  On that tour, we notice right away that no volunteers were chosen for the Pearl Harbor filming demonstration at the beginning of the tour – that was another of my favorite parts of the experience.  Once, many years ago, Raymond and I completely shocked our children by volunteering to be in the show – our few moments as deckhands in Pearl Harbor remains one of our happiest Disney memories to this day.Volunteering for the Studios Backlot Tour

Certainly, the Studios Backlot Tour is a perfect example of an attraction that could have, should have been updated over the years.  Instead of being updated, it slowly lost its magic over time.  After showing mostly the same special effects (like Catastrophe Canyon) and prop types (especially in the abandoned vehicle graveyard), elements of the tour were removed or diminished.  As with most of the Studios, the Backlot has been in need of a change for a long time.

Superman's CapeGoodbye original Studios Backlot Tour – We’re really looking forward to what’s coming next!

Are you a fan of the Studios Backlot Tour?  What are/were your favorite parts of this attraction?Scene Drawing from E.T.

Sound of Music Puppets

Walt Disney World Group Activity Must-dos

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Celebrate a Dream Come Trup ParadeCall me crazy (no, really -it’s okay, lots of people do) but I think there are some really fun activities that everyone should do – as a group – while vacationing at Walt Disney World.  I’m not talking about the usual stuff like ride this ride or eat in this restaurant – I’m talking about specific group events that, if you’ll take my advice, are certain to enhance the enjoyment of your entire travel party!  What’s perfect is that these are suitable for all groups – children, adults, friends, family – everyone plays, everyone has fun.

Ready?  My 5 Walt Disney World Group Activity Must-dos:Yoda and Chewie Hats

1. Try on Hats – No, really – it’s almost symbolic of embracing your ability to let go and enjoy being in the moment.  Be silly!  There are thousands of hats at Walt Disney World in nearly every shop, in every park and resort.  Try on hats in each country in Epcot’s World Showcase.  Chapeau, lid, cap, sombrero…just have fun!  And have your camera ready.

Tower of Terror Ride Photo2. Stage a Ride Photo – Nothing says “I had the best time EVER” like a ridiculous ride photo.  Once you figure out where the cameras are, get busy!  You will have to fork over a few bucks to buy the picture(s), but what could make a better souvenir than you and your – insert group description here – having the time of your life on iconic Disney attractions.  Need suggestions?  Check out these hilarious pics!

3. Meet a Character – If you have a few extra bucks, especially if you’re travelling with children, Meeting Minnie at Chef Mickey'sspring for a character meal.  At the very least, make the time for at least one character meet-and-greet.  Nothing brings out your group’s collective inner-child like the chance to pose for a picture with a favorite Disney character.

4. Hunt for Hidden Mickey’s – You can find the classic shape of Mickey Mouse’s head hidden everywhere.  Big, small, obvious, subtle – make it a group activity and throughout your entire visit to Walt Disney World you’ll be amazed and astounded by the number of Hidden Mickey’s there are and how much fun it is to look for them.  Bring a little gift bag along and keep score – the person who spots the most Mickeys wins!  Find everything you need to know here.

Dale in Festival of Fantasy Parade5. See a Parade or Nighttime Show – I know a lot of people who don’t take the time for this – I think they’re missing out on some incredible Disney magic!  The Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom (most days, 3:00 pm) is simply breathtaking!   The Main Street Electrical Parade, also in Magic Kingdom (most evenings, sometimes twice) is completely different, but unique and super entertaining.  See Fantasmic (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) or Illuminations in Epcot – choose one or see them all!  I cannot think of a better way for your entire travel party – be it friends, family, or both – to stop and relax for a few minutes and be amazed…together!  Of all the shows, our family’s favorite is Wishes (Magic Kingdom) which takes place most nights and involves audio, video (projected on Cinderella Castle), and fireworks – all combined in a way guaranteed to bring goose bumps at the very least.  It usually makes me a little teary-eyed.

Have you and your friends or family done any of these?  What are your favorite group activities?

 

Enjoying Wine at Walt Disney World

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Wine Wall in Epcot's Tutto GustoEnjoying Wine at Walt Disney World

I love a glass (or two, sometimes) of good red wine.  I may occasionally enjoy a nice chilled glass of Chardonnay, but predominately I like Cabernet and prefer to enjoy a glass with dinner.  This is never more true than when I’m on vacation.  Raymond has similar taste in products from the vine, so when we eat at a Disney table service restaurant, we usually order a bottle to share.  I’ll add that it doesn’t go as far as it used to now that one of our offspring has reached the ripe old age of 24 (this week!) and has inherited her parents’ taste in wine.  (Happy Birthday, Megan!)  I suppose perhaps this is why we’ve only dined at Cinderella’s Royal Table one time.  I would have enjoyed the experience much more with a glass of wine!  No, I am not advocating a rule/menu change, just making an observation.  But (as usual) I digress.

Back to Wine!  Let me preface the rest of this post with a disclaimer – I am not a sommelier.  I’m not an expert or even a wine snob, really (except I do tend to steer clear of most pink wines) – I Disney's Flying Fish Cafe Interiorjust have developed a love for a good, tasty wine – I’m thinking maybe all those lessons learned at wine tastings on Disney Cruise Line are taking hold.  I thought I’d discuss a few of the places we’ve found at Walt Disney World with especially good wine selections and ask you to comment with your suggestions on where else we should go for good vino!

Flying Fish Café – Just having eaten at this popular Boardwalk eatery in May for the first time, the memory of the delicious food and wine is fresh in my mind.  We loved absolutely everything about the Flying Fish – especially our waiter, Bob!  Should we have needed assistance with selecting a wine to enjoy with dinner, I’m confident Bob would have been more than up to the task of making an excellent recommendation.

Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge – In general, we don’t drink a lot of African wines, so here we do rely on our server’s assistance.  Last time we ate at Jiko, we had a wine pairing for each course and this worked out very well for us.  Kudos to Jiko!  Always exceptional food and service – and excellent wine.

The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort– Raymond and I have only eaten here once – we stopped in for a late lunch, sat at the bar, and let the bartender select a wine for us to enjoy with our Bison Burger – I don’t know which we loved more – the wine or the burger!  Both were top shelf.  If I’m not mistaken, the wine was a Bommarito Cab from Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyards.  It was an exceptionally great late lunch at The Wave!  Afterwards, I remember Raymond headed off for a massage at the Contemporary’s spa and I, for the fist time ever, went Tutto Gusto in Epcot's Italy Pavilionto the Magic Kingdom by myself.  I can even remember wearing my classic Donald sweatshirt that day.

Tutto Gusto – Small plates, huge wine selection – that’s what you can expect in this cozy little corner of Epcot’s Italy Pavilion.  This may not be the place if you’re looking for a big meal, but it sure won’t disappoint you if you want a snack and a great glass of wine.

The Hollywood Brown Derby – The Derby has my vote for one of the coolest restaurants on Disney property for atmosphere – sweeps you away, far from its location smack dab in the middle of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The food is great and as far as the wine list, guests can select from “Old and New World wines from Italy, France, California, Australia and The Hollywood Brown Derby / Disney's Hollywood Studiosbeyond” (as described on Disney’s website).  If you want a good meal and glass of wine in the Studios, this is the place.

Are you also a Walt Disney World wine lover?  What have I missed that I need to try?  We’re less than two months away from our next visit, so any and all suggestions will be most welcome!