Monthly Archives: February 2015

Are You a Disney Geek? Take the Quiz!

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Walt, Mickey, and MeWe go by many names – Disney Geek, Disney Nerd, Disney Maniac even – but we all have one thing in common:  Disney is more to us than a man, a theme park, or a movie-making company.  Disney is a way of life.  We are the Disney-addicted and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Are you a Disney Geek?  Take this quiz to find out.  Give yourself one point for every true statement.

  1. You have a Disney vacation planned.
  2. You’re using a countdown calendar or app to keep track of the number of days until that vacation.IMG_2380
  3. You have a Disney collection of some sort (pins, vinylmation, figurines, etc.).
  4. Your car shows off your DisneySide with an antenna-topper, magnet, or window cling.
  5. You are wearing a something Disney-related right now.IMG_1867 (2)
  6. You have at least one framed Disney picture hanging in your home.
  7. You listen to a Disney playlist while working out or cleaning house.
  8. You have ever cooked a Disney restaurant recipe at home.Disney Dog Henry Jones, Junior
  9. Your pet has a Disney name.
  10. You know the meaning of all of the following:  FP+, MDE, ME, MM+, TOT, BTMRR, EE, TSMWM, ADR, and SSE.
  11. You can say “Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas.” perfectly and you know what it means.DSCN0958
  12. You regularly check the Orlando weather and you don’t live in Florida.
  13. Your morning coffee or tea is consumed from a Disney mug.
  14. You’ve been emotional (and unashamed) on Main Street U.S.A.Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar
  15. You have cravings for Dole Whips, Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, or Churros.
  16. You have at least one Magic Band and will keep it forever.
  17. You purchase at least one new Disney guide book every year.
  18. You have a treasured photo of yourself (as an adult) with your favorite Disney character.
  19. You read Disney blogs or listen to Disney podcasts.
  20. You write for a Disney blog or host a Disney podcast.

Scoring.

5-10:  You like Disney vacations and some Disney merchandise, but you’re not obsessive.

11-15: You’re a real Disney fan and it shows!

16 or more:  You are a certified Disney addict.

Leave a comment!  What kind of Disney fan are you?

 

 

Disney’s Polynesian – Tonga Toast in Kona Café

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Disney’s Polynesian – Tonga Toast in Kona Café

by: Nick

Have you ever tried Tonga Toast, which can be found at the Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort?

 

 

Tonga Toast is a classic, as it has been served at the Polynesian since 1971. It’s sourdough bread, stuffed with banana and deep fried.

It’s served with a delicious Stawberry Compote.

I first had this delicious entree almost 20 years ago, and I’ve only had it twice, mostly because it’s a bit of a trip to get to the Poly for breakfast, but we may have to put it into regular rotation.

The recipe from Magical Recipes:

Ingredients
Tonga Toast
 
  1. 2 or 4 slices sourdough bread, cut 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
  2. 1 banana
  3. 1/3 cup sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  5. 1 egg
  6. 1/4 cup milk
  7. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  8. oil or shortening for frying
  9. whipped butter and/or syrup
    Strawberry Compote
  10. 10 large strawberries
  11. 1/4 cup sugar
  12. 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Tonga Toast
 
  1. Cut a 1-inch pocket in one side of each bread slice.
  2. Cut banana in half crosswise, then split each piece lengthwise.
  3. Remove peel and stuff 2 pieces of fruit in each pocket of bread; set aside.
  4. Mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
  5. Mix well the egg, milk and vanilla.
  6. Heat about 4 inches of oil in a pan to 350 degrees F.
  7. Dip stuffed bread into egg/milk mixture and let it soak a few seconds to let penetrate bread.
  8. Fry bread on both sides in hot oil until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
  9. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  10. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve.
    Strawberry Compote
     
  11. Slice 6 strawberries and place in small pot.
  12. Add sugar and vanilla, stir.
  13. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until mixtures starts to boil.
  14. Place 4 sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor.
  15. Add cooked strawberry mixture and blend until smooth.
  16. Serve warm or cold.

Is Tonga Toast one of your favorite Disney dishes?

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Listen to Nick (and Dave Hodges and me) on The Disney Exchange Podcast.

Romance at Walt Disney World

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RM-Happily-Ever-AfterSometimes, you’re so busy doing everyday things – working, raising children, getting those children to all their various activities, maintaining a household, and a million other little things that take up all your free time – you forget about simple pleasures.  Pleasures like adding some romance to your relationship with the person you’ve teamed up with for the long haul.

As many of you know, Raymond and I have been married more than 25 years.  We’re not old! (At least we don’t feel that way yet.)  We’re mature – and with that maturity has come an appreciation for our relationship and how we’ve managed to stay incredibly happy – really, truly, enduringly happy as a couple all this time.  We remember to enjoy each other’s company and there’s no place better for this (to us) than when we’re on a Disney vacation.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I give you my top five ways to add…

Romance at Walt Disney World

Hold Hands – I know there are different cultural norms in different parts of the world and even in different parts of the country, but holding hands is not only romantic, it allows you to literally connect with the one you love.  No, you don’t have to tour Epcot’s World Showcase hand-in-hand if that makes you uncomfortable, but walking to the bus after a long, happy day in the parks or strolling around, leisurely exploring your resort is a good time to feel like kids again…together.RM-Bay-Lake-Tower-Balcony-View-Sunrise

Take in a Sunset (or a sunrise) – I don’t know if it’s Florida or just being at Walt Disney World, but we’ve notice that there are some spectacularly romantic sunsets (and sunrises) to be enjoyed!  If your resort accommodations have a balcony, step out for a quiet moment to enjoy a cup of coffee together in the early morning or after a busy day, a late-night snack or nightcap.  Plan for these special moments and make them count!RM-BLT-Sunset

Enjoy Some Time for Two – Use a Disney babysitting service or kids’ club, but go out ALONE!  Spring for a nice dinner or, if that’s not in the budget, a cocktail and snacks.  Even if you just want some alone time to watch a movie or stroll along Disney’s Boardwalk – remember where this whole adventure began…when you were just two.RM-Epcot-R&L

Splurge on Luxury! – Whether it’s a couples massage at the Senses Spa (Grand Floridian), dinner at the California Grill (Contemporary Resort), or a Wishes Fireworks Cruise – Nothing says romance like a special occasion planned just for the two of you!  Yes, it’s expensive, but your relationship is worth it!  And the memories are priceless.RM-Duffy

Be Goofy!  I’ll bet that one of the things you fell in love with in your favorite person was their sense of humor.  They make you laugh out loud – and vice-versa.  Life isn’t always a piece of cake, but finding joy in the midst of mortgage payments, medical bills, and college tuition is what keeps you going!  I don’t care how rusty you might be at this – find your inner goof and be a kid again.  Happiness is contagious and absolutely free of charge.

What’s your favorite way to add a little romance to your Disney vacation?

 

 

 

Best Ride Vehicles at Walt Disney World

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STUDIO_ROCKNRCOASTERRIDE_7071496091Let’s talk about ride vehicles!  There are so many different kinds of rides and vehicle types at Walt Disney World, there’s something for everyone!  Imagine for a minute you’re on your most favorite ride!  Now answer this:  Does your favorite ride also contain your favorite ride vehicle?

I’ve been spending a lot of time running lately in preparation for the Glass Slipper Challenge – which means I’ve had a lot of time to daydream about Walt Disney World.  I started thinking about which rides and attractions I like the most and then I was thinking more specifically about each ride’s vehicle and realized that some rides I love, actually have vehicles I…hmmmm….let’s say “dislike”.

It’s true!  For example – I love Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but find getting in and out of the limo verywd001wdw201414578668651 awkward and the harness very restrictive – I know it has to be secure for safety reasons, but that restraint makes me very glad I’m not claustrophobic like my friend Heather!  Space Mountain is so near and dear to my heart, but those rockets are ridiculously uncomfortable.  I guess what I’m getting at here is that I’m about to name my most favorite ride vehicles which, in some cases, have nothing to do with my overall feelings about the ride in which they reside.

Best Ride Vehicles at Walt Disney World:

DoomBuggy – This timeless classic is the Model T of the ride vehicle world.  Basic black, smooth and rounded, they glide gently along, keeping you safe from the ghosts and ghouls of the Haunted Mansion.  Turned backwards, they easy you comfortable downward through the cool and eerie darkness.  This mode of attraction transportation is about as perfect as can be!RM-PeopleMover-Seat

PeopleMover – These beauties represent omnimover awesomeness.  Maybe I love the fact that their blue upholstery matches my eyes.  Maybe it’s how you can sit facing forward or backward.  Maybe it’s the cars’ boxy shape.  Whatever the reason, the humble PeopleMover vehicles rank high on my list of favorites.RM-Jungle-Cruise-Backside-of-Water

Jungle Cruise Boats – Happy little sailing vessels with snappy names and shady awnings.  What else needs to be said?  Plenty of room for everyone – party on the rivers of the world!RM-TSMWM-Vehicle

Toy Story Midway Mania Cars – Have I mentioned lately that Rex is my TSMWM spirit guide?  Of all the vehicles in all of Disney World, this is the one I most want to take home!  Think about it!!!  Armed and dangerous on my morning commute – cut me off and bam!  Dart to the tire.  An armory of virtual missiles at my disposal.  I’d add projectile goo – because when you are driving slow in the fast lane?  You deserve goo to teach you a little bit of a lesson.  Driving down the highway, wind in my hair, launching an array of items from my vehicle’s cannon….livin’ the dream, baby!

I really want to know!  What is your favorite ride vehicle and why?  Which one would you most love to take home?