Category Archives: In General

What IF – You Had Unlimited Funds on Your Next Disney Vacation

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What if WednesdayFellow Disney Fans!  It’s time once again for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our imagination to answer Disney-specific “What-if” questions.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and
compete to invent the most popular answers.  Get ready to let your imagination run wild!  And as Drew Carey would say, this is ”the show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.”  Let’s play!

Do you know what I love about What-if Wednesdays?  The passion and creativity contestants bring to the table when coming up with answers.  This week, those two characteristics were especially evident in the responses I received to this question…

What if you had unlimited funds for your next Disney Vacation?  What would you FINALLY get to do?  What would change?

This week, Facebook readers by far had more to say than Twitter followers!  Answers fell CR Instagrammostly into three categories:  WHAT type of Disney vacation you’d take, WHERE you’d be staying and eating, and finally WHAT specific activities you’d enjoy.

Here’s what our Facebook participants had to say:

Our own Megan played along this week with:  “So. Many. Souvenirs. Hahaha.
Really tho I would like to see Cirque du Soleil again. Perhaps stay at the grand Floridian. A very epic spa day maybe!   Some shopping at Down Town Disney.”  – That’s my girl!  I’d want in on that spa day action.  Think about it – halfway through your stay, you book and entire day for a massage, facial, pedi – you’d be so rejuvenated and ready to get back out to those rides and attractions!

Niki said,  “This is a great question!!! I would definitely stay at the Beach Club…maybe Poly…I would spend the extra money on boat rental for fire works, maybe serious shopping at DTD and definitely purchase a come back trip!!!”  I’d never even thought about one of those fireworks cruises.  I LOVE this idea!  Here’s a link to Specialty Cruises at Walt Disney World (in case you want to know what Niki and I are so excited about!).

IMG_5111Randi would enjoy dining at “Victoria and Albert’s and stay at Contemporary.”  I like Randi’s way of thinking – stay at a Magic Kingdom resort on the monorail loop (and the Contemporary is GREAT!), eat at the best fine dining experience at Walt Disney World and then just hop back on the monorail to get back to your resort when dinner is over.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner! (or seafood, or veal, or lamb, or beef – no telling what those chefs at V&A’s will come up with!)

Jenni wins the prize for most substantial plan!  “I’d go to Anaheim, then Hawaii, then Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Disney cruise, then WDW. You said unlimited funds… I’d spend at least 4-5 days at each with a 7-10 days at WDW.”  I suggested doing the cruise last as a means of recuperating from all that traveling and theme-park walking, but Jenni loves Walt Disney World, she wanted to save the best for last.  Go, Jenni!

Christine had only two items on her wish list: “Stay  at a deluxe resort and spend a night in IMG_5038Cinderella’s castle for my daughter.”  I don’t know how old Christine’s daughter is, but having a mom who wishes she could give you the unbelievably magical experience of staying in Cinderella Castle is pretty darned special!  Loving-mom bonus points to Christine!

Ruth was very decisive when she jumped into the discussion with:  “AKL for one week followed by a week with a MK view with all the backstage tours.”  Well, Ruth, I have to agree with you about the tours!  I’m embarrassed to say that (like the fireworks cruises) using unlimited funds to take the tours never entered my mind until now.  I’ve always wanted to do one of the tours, but they are kind of pricey.  Plus the Backstage Magic tours take 7 hours – that’s a lot of precious vacation time, but if you’re going to be at the World, then there’s plenty of time for pretty much everything!

Stephanie had a very well-thought-out list (including my most favorite answer of the day):  “Stay at a deluxe resort, eat at the more expensive restaurants, buy souvenirs for kids I IMG_2544don’t know at the parks, do the dolphin adventure at Epcot, and take a couple of tours.”  Yes, Stephanie said with unlimited funds she would buy souvenirs for kids she doesn’t know at the parks!  Oh, Stephanie!  You are so sweet!  Haha!  For me, other people’s kids are, well….let’s be honest – they’re like a huge downside of Disney vacations and you want to buy them presents.  You are absolutely the nicest person and I’d say I want to be you when I grow up, but…I’m pretty sure I’m WAY older than you and totally (supposed to be) grown up already.  You get 100 bonus points for generosity and liking children!!!

Ellen knew exaction what she’d do:  “I want to go to Aulani!”  Oh, yeah!  Aulani…Disney’s Hawaiian resort.  It looks like a slice of paradise and there are all those Hawaiian things to do and see!  Plus, Disney service, kids programs, and activities!  If you haven’t checked out the website for Aulani, take a peek!  Good answer, Ellen!

Here’s what our friends on Twitter had to say:

IMG_3280Jayne Phipps (@JaynePhipps)  tweeted that the idea of unlimited funds “gives greater freedom especially when shopping :)”  Well, there are a lot of shopping options – and even more in the future when the new Disney Springs (Down Town Disney) is complete.  Trust me – shipping it home instead of trying to keep up with purchases is worth the extra cost – which you can pay with the imaginary What-if money you’re pretending to use right now.

 Wonders of The World (@V24Wonders) “Last year I would easily have said stay at the Poly but because of the construction/refurb I’ll go with Tree House Villas”  – Now, I have heard a rumor that the pool at the Poly (Polynesian) will be closed later this summer for the resort’s re-design (and the addition of DVC rooms/villas) and the pool closure may last a YEAR!  If that’s true, then Tree House Villas would be awfully fun!  If you haven’t seen them yet (at Saratoga Springs) – look here.

 Oli Oliver (@OliRage) Knew exactly what to do with unlimited funds, “Never leave. Victoria and Albert’s.” – Hilarious and brilliant at the same time!  I confirmed with Oli that he hadn’t yet had the opportunity to dine at Victoria and Albert’s and neither have I.  You bet if I had unlimited funds I’d go hang out there with Oli for a meal or two.  It’s quite the splurge, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews.

Sarah (@CheshireCanuck) would “Stay at the Grand Floridian for a week!”  Then added, “Oh I’d also buy out the Magic Kingdom for a night and have all my friends and family show up to a surprise vow renewal for us” – what a creative and romantic answer – Unlimited funds would IMG_0834certainly mean being able to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something extra special.  I like the idea of a Disney vow renewal.  Well played, Sarah!

Jennifer (@Minnie_ears) Would, “Stay at the Poly and the Grand, club level for like, a month!”  Well, Jennifer, I can vouch for the excellence of club level – we were unexpectedly upgraded (Yay, Pixie Dust!) to club level once at the Grand Floridian…sadly, it was only a two-night stay.  The snacks, the breakfast foods, the service, and the Magic Kingdom view were all spectacular!!!  An entire month of that and you’d be SO spoiled!!!

Rebecca Kelly (@rkellyWDW) After careful consideration, Rebecca needed two tweets to respond: “OK. Unlimited funds: Land & Sea cruise and WDW trip. Deluxe Dining plan. Stay at AKL for 5 days before, Savannah level, &…then at the Poly for 5 days after the cruise. I think I’d have to do a 7-day cruise but doesn’t matter where. ;).  – So we’re talking a 17-day vacation!  Sounds DSCN3118perfect and I agree that as long as you’re cruising with Disney, it really doesn’t matter where you go – it’ll be a great time with phenomenal service, good food, and the best nighttime entertainment in the cruise industry.  All this imaginary fun! Can I pretend go with you, Rebecca?

DisneyPrincess83 (@OzGoofyPrincess) would “stay for 3 months. We stayed for 6 weeks last year. Just over 5 weeks at WDW and a Disney Dream Cruise.”  Really?  SIX weeks for vacation would be so incredible, I can’t even begin to imagine 3 months.  If you spent five weeks at Walt Disney World before your Disney cruise – and you still want to come back for more, then that answers one of the questions I’ve always had:  How long do you have to stay before you’re satisfied?  Clearly the answer is longer than five weeks.  The closest to a six week vacation I’ve ever had was maternity leave…and…. yeah, that’s not at all like a Disney vacation.  At. All.

WOW!  What great participation and thoughtful, creative answers!!!  I appreciate everyone for playing and if you have any suggestions for future “What-if” questions, be sure to let me know. 

Remembering Dallas McKennon – Voices of Disney

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IMG_1263Have you ever ridden Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?  How many times have you heard the prospector’s voice say, “Howdy, folks! Please keep your hands, arms, and legs inside the train, and remain seated at all times. (Laugh) Now then, hang onto them hats and glasses, ’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” ?  If you’re like me, Big Thunder Mountain just wouldn’t be complete without that announcement!

The prospector is none other than Dallas McKennon!  Who, you ask?  Well, if you don’t know about the late Dallas McKennon, let me tell you all about him!  Dallas McKennon’s contributions to Disney go way beyond the voice of BTMRR’s prospector.  During his 50-year career, Dallas McKennon’s face and voice appear in so many places!  Some are going to surprise you.

Born Dallas Raymond McKennon in Oregon in 1919, Dal McKennon made numerous memorable contributions to both movies and cartoons, for Walt Disney and other companies.  Remember the Owl in Sleeping Beauty?  Dallas McKennon!  He provided the voices for no less that FIVE characters in Marry Poppins:  Fox, Hunting Horse, Penguin 1, Carousel Guard, and Reporter #1.  Have you ever visited the American Adventure in Epcot?  Guess who provided the voice for Ben Franklin?  You betcha! – it was Dallas McKennon.  He also voiced four roles in Lady and the Tramp (Pedro, Toughy, Hyena, and Professor) and characters in several other Disney Sleeping Beautymovies and attractions – including Zeke in the Country Bear Jamboree.  Sounds and voices in The Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, and even barking dogs in 101 Dalmatians were all part of Dallas McKennon’s work.

Providing the voices of a huge number of characters in the Saturday morning cartoons I grew up with, Dallas McKennon has been a constant presence in my life.  Until I started blogging about Disney, I never even realized it.  He played 81 characters in Woody Woodpecker cartoons alone.  If you’ve ever watched any Archie cartoons, Dallas McKennon was the voice of Archie Andrews.  He also voiced the likes of both Gumby and Pokey, Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger and all three of the Rice Krispies characters Snap, Crackle, and Pop!

In live action movies, Dallas McKennon played innkeeper Cincinnatus along side Fess Parker in the Daniel Boone TV series.  He also appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds and with Elvis Presley in Clambake!

Dallas McKennonGone, since July 14, 2009 (just five days shy of his 90th birthday), Dallas McKennon is still contributing to the happy Disney memories of millions of children today.  Next time you’re on vacation and you hear Ben Franklin or the Big Thunder Mountain prospector, please tip your Earhat to the man behind some of our favorite Disney moments.

 

What-if Wednesday: The ONE Disney Restaurant Dilemma

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What if WednesdayLadies and Gentlemen!  Once again, it is time for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our Disney imaginations to debate a weekly “What if?” question.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and compete to invent the most popular answers.  Get ready to let your
imagination run wild!  As Drew Carey would say, this is ”the show where
everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.”  Let’s talk about FOOD!

This week’s What-if:  You’re going to spend a week at Walt Disney World!  (YAY!)  What if you had to eat every meal in the same restaurant then entire time?  Which place would you choose?

Holy Guacamole!  I should have known food would really get people talking – and thinking!  So many participants this week – I’ve divided the answers into three categories…

Category 1 – Table Service

In this category, we’ve got the folks with a particularly discerning taste and a BIG budget.  If IMG_5074you’re going to eat in the SAME table service restaurant every day for the duration of your Disney vacation, you have a passion and you don’t care how much it costs to feed it!  I admire that in a foodie!  So who fell into Category 1 and where will they be eating?

-A (@SaratogaSprings) voted quickly and decisively for “‘Ohana…soooo delicious”  Yes, indeed, ‘Ohana (at the Polynesian Resort) has a lot to offer.  Personally, I’m not as enamored with the meat (served Brazilian Barbeque style) as I am with the starters!  Noodles, salad, wings, dumplin’s …oh, MY!  I’ve always been so sad they stopped serving those cheesy potatoes.  Anybody remember those?

Disney Tutor (@Disneytutor) weighed in with “Raglan Road for every meal-great entertainment & food options, could never get sick of the bread&butter pudding” – Having eaten at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney several times myself (with an upcoming ADR there, to boot!) – this is an excellent choice.  Super fun atmosphere, great food, Irish dancers…and what a beer selection!  Yes, Disney Tutor, you do know how to pick ’em!

IMG_5077Raymond (@Southpaw9989) – said, “It would have to be Jiko. Such great food.”  A man near and dear to my heart (I’ve been married to him nearly 25 years) voted for a table service restaurant (at the Animal Kingdom Lodge) with a bit of fancy style, upscale atmosphere, and terrific food – someday we’ll get to eat there alone (without the offspring) and see if it’s as romantic as we think it may be!  In the mean time, the food at Jiko is truly excellent.  As is the service.  Oh, and the wine.  Good choice, Honey!

Bill Maguire (@wfmaguire) played in this week’s What-if round with this response:  “Good Q!  I’ll take Kona Cafe please.  4 reasons:  Tonga Toast, Sushi!!, The rest of the menu, and Kona beer!!”  Okay, Bill – you have a point!  Even though (I must confess), I’ve never had even one bite of Tonga Toast, I can appreciate the huge fan base this breakfast confection has cultivated over the years (at the Polynesian Resort).  I am a huge sushi fan – would not be put off eating it every day, and Bill had to trump it all with the beer!  Certainly a hearty breakfast, raw fish, and BEER! have all the makings for vacation dining perfection.  Well played, Bill, well played.

Disney Sophisticate (@StyleOfDisney) – new Twitter follower (Welcome and Thanks) jumped right on into the game with gusto, “Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – at Epcot! Authentic, fresh  ingredients and wood-fired pizza to dream about” – way to join the game!  I have to disclose – we are huge Tutto Italia (also table service in Epcot’s Italy pavilion) fans and have never tried Via Napoli in spite of all the rave reviews.  Disney Sophisticate’s enthusiasm is pretty convincing – we’ve got to give this place a chance!

Les Davis (@LesDavis) – is going all out!  It IS vacation, after all.  Here’s what Les had to say: ” V&A, of course . . . Sorry to be so obvious with my answer.”  Way to dream BIG, Les.  Bravely willing to dress for dinner daily, Les would be dining in style and enjoying gourmet meals (hopefully with the appropriate wine pairings) at the Grand Floridian’s Victoria and Albert’s (affectionately referred to in our home as Vicky and Bert’s).

DisneyPrincess83 (@OzGoofyPrincess) – A return player for this week’s game, the Princess chose Epcot’s Teppen Edo (World Showcase, Japan pavilion).  “Love the food and feel of the restaurant.  And family style is a great way to meet other people.”  Food and friendship!  Who could ask for more?  Plus, watching those chefs cook the food ON your table is highly entertaining.

‏Category 2 – Counter Service / BuffetDSCN2611

Wesley Snyder (@365DaysOfDisney) – Would choose Tusker House at the Animal Kingdom Park.  Wesley didn’t say what it was about Tusker House that makes it his choice, but I bet I can guess!  Start of each day with Donald’s Safari Breakfast and enjoy a wide variety of unique dishes at every meal.  The special kids’ station serves food like corn dog nuggets, chicken drumsticks, and mac & cheese + much more.  Let me add: warm banana cinnamon bread pudding.  ‘Nuff said.  Good choice, Wesley!

Rebecca Kelly (rkellyWDW) – Rebecca took her time deciding – thought it over – and settled on Boma at the Animal Kingdom Resort.  This was the first thing that popped into my mind when I first thought of this particular “What-if” question.  Rebecca’s choice of this extraordinarily varied buffet would allow her to eat for a week and try different things everyday.  And eat unlimited Zebra Domes!

IMG_5370BRGUEST (@goodbye7407) – Like Rebecca, BRGUEST chose a great buffet, but this one is over at the Contemporary Resort – Chef Mickey’s!  “Food is great and will be with the characters always.”  Oh, yeah – Chef Mickey’s serves breakfast and dinner so you could start and end the day with the Fab Five entertaining you while you dine.  Also, while it’s a buffet that’s trying to cater to all eaters (even picky ones), the food’s pretty good.  I can’t imagine anyone not being able to find something tasty to enjoy.

Another Character Buffet fan, Amanda Payne (@RavenAven82) is going with “The Crystal Palace. They have the best food and endless Eeyore hugs!”  While we’ve not yet eaten there, Crystal Palace seems to have a lot of fans – Characters from Winnie the Pooh, beautiful location in the Magic Kingdom,

Paul Boudreau (@YoPaulieNJ) – Paul brought to the table (cough, pun intended) the well-thought out, Sunshine Seasons.  This counter service gem in Epcot’s Land pavilion has everything you’d want in a one-stop shop if such a vacation restriction actually existed.  Plus, it has THE chocolate croissant I love so much.

Dennis (@oakmanner) waded right on into the fray with Port Orleans Riverside food court (aka Boatwright’s Dining Hall).  I can vouch for Dennis’s choice.  We’ve stayed and dined at Port Orleans Riverside and the food court was great!  Fun atmosphere (themed as a boat-builders workshop), good variety of food with a Cajun flair.  Need a hearty Southern-style dinner?  This is DSCN2612the place.

Finally, Niki on Facebook had a very difficult time choosing, but in the end said, “my heart tells me Cosmic Rays….my belly tells me Cape May Café”.  Let’s take a quick look at each, shall we?  Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is located in the Magic Kingdom.  This eatery, specializing in American fare, is a very large and popular cafeteria.  Ray’s is the place to be if you need to satisfy a varied group of eaters with things like burgers, sandwiches, and salads for a reasonable price.  Cape May Café is a buffet within walking distance of Epcot over at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort area.  The addition of many delicious seafood items to this particular smorgasbord is what makes it so special.

Category 3 – Food Item Obsession!

Daniel Grote (@dangrote) wanted to know, “Does the Main Street popcorn cart count? I could live off popcorn for a week…”  This popcorn has its own cult following.  Seriously – people wax poetic about it.  Jump on in and comment if you have absolutely any idea WHY!?! – Other than everything tastes better at Disney World!

David Hodges (@thedislife) – would live off waffles.  No, not Mickey waffles, but the very popular and unique “Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow (Magic Kingdom). All day, Every day.”  Waffle obsessed, Dave then added, “while you’re there you need to pick up a Nutella Waffle also. It will be like a meal with dessert”  I cannot resist the idea of these waffle-meals.  So, yes!  I’m going to give them both a try in the very near future.  They sound GREAT!

Honorable Mention: 

Our Hawaiian friend, Dave Tupper (@dstupper) did not choose a restaurant at all.  Dave’s vote was for enjoying each meal in our DVC villa.  Dave’s confidence in my cooking abilities was absolute – he said, “Because I’m sure your cooking is Da Bomb Digity!”  Dave also asked a question of his own, “Can you make Cheesecake?”  Indeed, Dave, I can.  And it’s pretty epic – My Aunt Millie’s recipe, in fact, cranks out what I affectionately refer to as MOAC (the mother of all cheesecakes).  Served with a homemade caramel topping and you’ve got something really special.

That wraps it up for this week, folks!  As always, thanks so much for playing.  Watch Twitter and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife) for the next chance to play What-if Wednesday!

 

 

What if Wednesday – Disney Olympics Version

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What if WednesdayLadies and Gentlemen!  It’s time once again for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our Disney imaginations to answer the question “What if?”.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and compete to invent the most popular answers.  Get ready to let your
imagination run wild!  As Drew Carey would say, this is ”the show where
everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.”  Let’s play!

This week’s Question:  What if Walt Disney World held Olympic events?  What would they be?

Amy from Facebook (a huge fan of Disneyland) kicked us off with:  “One time, our Main Street atIMG_2139 DL had a giant pool on it for Michael Phelps. It was so cool! I’d like to see that in person!”  Let’s think….Hmmmmm.  if we move the oh-so-inconveniently-located Magic Carpets of Aladdin over in Adventureland and put in a pool – filled with obstacles that pop up as you swim like Jungle Cruise animals and Pirates from the Caribbean – contestants and spectators alike would have a pretty good time!

Upon A Star Jenn from Twitter (@UponAStarJenn)  Asked “what about park jumping? I definitely qualify!”  Agreed.  This takes skill, perfect timing, keen eyesight (for making your way through crowds of other guests).  Here’s how this event could work – Contestants are assigned 4 rides – one in each of the 4 parks.  The person who completes all the rides in the shortest time takes GOLD!

Jenn had a second suggestion – “How about stroller dodging?”  Now I had already thought a Stroller Slalom event would be fun, but stroller dodging is an actual necessity at all Disney Tower of Terror Collageparks!  What if we combined the two?  A stroller course (with obstacles) through, say, the Magic Kingdom where stroller drivers must race to complete the course in record time while pedestrians are given a course of their own to complete without being mowed down by the stroller drivers.  Oh, yeah – thrills, action, danger – all the makings of great entertainment.

Bill Maguire from Twitter (@wfmaguire) is ready!  He tweeted “sign me up for tower of terror drop freestyle.”  Oh, Bill!  This one’s my absolute favorite.  Points for skill / level of difficulty and points for artistic style.  Think about the types of costumes one could wear to compete in this event!  No doubt about it – this would be a spectator sell-out.

Rebecca Kelly °o° (@rkellyWDW) tweeted her idea for a competition – “consecutive rides on the Mad Teacups? That’s GOT to be considered an endurance sport!” That would take both stamina and strong constitution (if you know what I mean)…which leads us to Rebecca’s other suggestion:   “And now on the Projectile Vomiting Event… ;D”IMG_3298

I was wondering how long it would be before someone suggested a food-related event and Twitter follower 1 Min Disney Dream (@1MinDisneyDream) Didn’t let me down.  His idea?  An event based on this:   “How many Dole Whips can you eat in 20 minutes?”  Now, I know how many Dole Whip enthusiasts there are out there.  Exactly what number of Disney’s famous “popular frozen treat blended in pineapple, orange, vanilla or swirled flavors” do you suppose one can consume in 20 minutes?  How much of a factor would painful brain freeze play in the competition?  If you want to try it at home and let me know, here’s a Dole Whip recipe you can use.

Which of these events do you think You’d like to try?

Thanks for playing!