Category Archives: Walt Disney World

Disney World Snack Check

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Over the past year, some of my favorite Disney World snacks have disappeared.  Now I find I’m challenged with finding acceptable replacements.  Remember how enamored I was with the Roasted Pork Shank in Gaston’s Tavern?  Gone.  Remember the glorious Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle in Sleepy Hollow?  Also gone.  How about that amazing Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzel I enjoyed so much at Animal Kingdom?  You guessed it…gone.  While I’ve never been a fan, even the quintessential Disney Turkey Leg is becoming so scarce, fans will surely be disappointed if/when those legs are permanently off the menu.

Disney World Snack Check

Not one to dwell on what I cannot change, I propose we focus on future Disney World visits and devise a plan for snacking necessities.  I’m open to suggestions.  If you have a favorite snack that is not on this list, please don’t hold back!  Let me know where I can find it and what you love about it.  In the meantime, here are the snacks I’ve got left (at least as far as I know right now) and where I’m planning to eat them:Churro-DHS

Churro –  Snack Cart in Frontierland / Magic Kingdom (if you need to know why this is the perfect treat, check here) – otherwise, you’re probably a fan like me and you know the comfort and perfection of this snack’s crunchy-chewy delectableness.Citrus-Swirl

Citrus Swirl – Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland / Magic Kingdom – Another snack I can and have waxed poetic about.  I’m picturing myself enjoying one of these during the late afternoon after taking a ride on either Jungle Cruise or Pirates.  Adventure makes me hungry and a Citrus Swirl will get me through to supper time without spoiling my appetite.Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar – Animal Kingdom.  Sure, I know you can get these in any park (and I do love them in Epcot), but Animal Kingdom is HOT!  I need ice cream here most of all.  It has a certain brunch-time appeal to me.Starring Rolls / Red Velvet Cupcake

Something Cake-ish – No visit to the Studios would be complete without at least a bite or two of either a cupcake or a Carrot Cake Cookie.  Both of those options are too much for me to eat on my own (too much sweetness), but sharing works out great!  I prefer mine early in the day and I don’t care if my cupcake is Butterfinger or Red Velvet since both are heavenly.  I’ve been buying my cupcakes at Starring Rolls and my cookie at The Writer’s Stop.  With all the changes going on at the Studios, there’s no telling when those locations and their offerings may change.  This will be top priority on my next visit in a few weeks.RM-Epcot-Italy-Gelato-Espresso

Croissant Donut? Chocolate Croissant? Espresso Gelato “Affogato”? All three excellent snacks have been available in Epcot.  I’ll be there during Food & Wine so I’m not sure I’ll have the time or intestinal fortitude to get to any of these on my next visit, but all are solid snack choices in my opinion and all are also great for sharing.

What do I need to add to the lineup?  Egg roll? Fudge? School Bread maybe?  What are your favorite Disney snacks? Have any of your go-to snacks disappeared?

 

 

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Gorilla Falls

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Gorilla at Disney's Animal KingdomIt was Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail for just three months after Animal Kingdom first opened.  Then Gorilla Falls became the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.  Now, after 18 years, the trail’s name has been changed back to the original. No matter what you call it, this is an awesome place to explore in the Africa section of the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Gorilla Falls

I could give you all the reasons there are out there for all the name switching, but none of that matters.  What’s important about this particular trail is that it is fantastic and deserving of a solid slot in your Animal Kingdom (full day!) touring plans. (AND the gorillas are wonderful!)  RM-Pangani-ForestIt seems to me that a lot of people will, if they go on the trail at all, squeeze it in between Kilimanjaro Safaris and whatever’s up next on their FastPass+ schedule.  Rushing through this collection of animals, precisely crafted atmosphere, and information is not advised! You need to allow ample time (I prefer early in the day) to make the most of this opportunity.  The Safari is great, but the trails are where you can take as much time as you like to watch and learn (and photograph!) Animal Kingdom’s animals.Hippos at Disney's Animal Kingdom

What do I love about Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail?  I’m glad you asked!  Like so many other Disney experiences, it’s not one thing alone, but rather the individual parts coming together to make the whole so wonderful!  Underwater hippo viewing, naked mole rats, meerkats, not one, but two separate gorilla viewing areas and so much more!Gorilla-Mother-and-Baby Gorilla at Animal Kingdom WDW RM-Gorilla-and-Baby-in-Grass

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is themed around animal conservation and research, so there’s a ton of interesting information all around (animal list, exhibit details and full backstory here).  The research building is packed with details and fun opportunities for further exploration – open drawers, look around, check out the minutiae of the carefully designed Disney details.  Cast Members are always available to answer questions or provide fun facts about the animals along the way.RM-Meerkat-Feast

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a must-see for me every time I visit Animal Kingdom.  What’s your favorite part of this experience?

Happy (Disney) World Elephant Day!

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Who doesn’t love elephants?!? I’m a huge pachyderm fan myself and my favorites, the most lovable elephants around, can be found at Walt Disney World. 

Happy (Disney) World Elephant Day!

Dumbo Magic Kingdom

photo credit: Nicholas Maglio

Dumbo!  Has a cuter elephant ever been imagined?  I think not!  While I can’t say I’m a fan of the ride in Fantasyland (I did try to ride it once), I can wholeheartedly claim a love for Dumbo that stretches all the way back to the 1960’s.  That’s a long time!  Dumbo even holds a place of honor on our Disney Christmas tree.Dumbo Christmas Ornament

The Jungle Cruise Gang – What bunch of good looking elephants.  Old and young, fierce and adorable – these guys (and the Skipper’s commentary) make this a must-do ride for me. I love the babies the best and if Disney ever makes a statue of this one… I will buy it at once for my home!Jungle Cruise Elephant Baby Jungle Cruise Elephant Family Jungle Cruise Elephant  WDW Jungle Cruise Elephant

“And look at all the elephants out here today! This comes as a complete surprise to me cause I had no idea these guys were going to be here. If you want to take pictures go ahead- all the elephants have their trunks on.” – Jungle Cruise Skipper IMG_5328Animal Kingdom’s African Elephants – Nobody I know loves Kilimanjaro Safaris more than I do! I’m crazy about seeing all the animals, but the elephants are the icing on the zebra dome  to me.  It’s simply awesome to see Animal Kingdom’s African elephants in person and I’m fascinated by the care they receive from their food to foot-care to enrichment activities provided by the staff.  You can find more information about these gorgeous animals here.RM-Towel-Elephant-DCL

Honorable Mention (not at WDW) – DCL Towel Elephant – One of the best stateroom perks on Disney Cruise Line is the way your Stateroom Host leaves you chocolates, Personal Navigators (itineraries for the next day), and towel animals!

Which Disney elephants are your favorites?  Happy World Elephant Day, Disney Friends!!!

5 Disney World Survival Kits

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On a short trip into a Walt Disney World park with older children (or none at all), it’s possible to go in free of cumbersome bags or backpacks.  The rest of the time?  Not so much.  Supplies are necessary.  The right supplies…imperative.  Personalized to your travel party’s particular needs, the well-prepared survival kit can save the day.

5 Disney World Survival Kits

Need one or need them all, survival kits are best packed in appropriately sized zip-lock bags carried within your backpack or carryall.  This way your supplies are protected from rain and water rides alike and all contents are sorted by their respective purpose.

  1. Weather Warrior Kit – Think sunscreen, caps or visors, lip balm with high SPF, rain ponchos, hairbrush & barrettes/ponytail holders, blotting papers, and wet wipes.  Sun or rain, this kit’s designed to keep you both comfortable and safe from sunburn and soaking rain (or Kali River Rapids).  It also allows you to touch up a bit before sitting down for a meal.Kali River Rapids / Disney's Animal Kingdom
  2. Tenderfoot Kit – If you are prone to blisters or sore feet, it’s best to think ahead.  You may need a dry pair of socks, moleskin, anti-chafing balm (like Body Glide) or even an easy to carry change of footwear.  No matter the park, you’ll be covering a lot of territory – best be ready to address the situation before those dogs start barking.
  3. Anti Hangry Kit – Hungry + Angry = Hangry.  When you’re having fun, it’s easy to ignore the early signs of hunger until it’s too late…suddenly folks are starving and you’re right in the middle of the line for Expedition Everest.IMG_2511Not to worry if you’re prepared!  Choose snacks that won’t melt in the Florida heat.  We like granola bars, Goldfish crackers, trail mix, hard candies and mixed nuts.  Consider some juice pouches if you have little ones along.
  4. Line Survival Kit – While Disney’s interactive queues have done wonders for the wait, there are still plenty of opportunities for boredom to set in (I’m looking at you, Soarin’).  Think age-appropriate activities that won’t run down your smartphone or tablet battery.  Trivia books, Hidden Mickeys Guide, small toys or puzzles, you get the idea.  You know your family and what they like – be prepared for impatience an pack accordingly.
  5. Mini Medicine Chest – This one’s been my savior on many occasion.  Skinned knees need a bandage, upset stomachs need an antacid, headaches and allergies need relief.  Thinks basics in small quantities and you won’t be sorry you planned ahead.Mini First Aid Kit for Walt Disney World Travel

How about you?  Are you a Disney World veteran?  What’s in your survival kit?