Animal Kingdom’s Earth Day Birthday

It’s Earth Day – and that means it’s also Animal Kingdom’s birthday!  Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed its first guests on April 22, 1998.  From that Earth Day Birthday to today, this fourth jewel in the Walt Disney World park crown has been near and dear to my heart for everything that it is (and also for what it is not).Animal Kingdom-Entrance

Animal Kingdom’s Earth Day Birthday

Even before I visited Animal Kingdom for the first time, I was fascinated by everything I’d heard and read about this unique Disney park – I could not wait to see how live animals, ultra-themed lands, and Disney magic would come together.  Once I saw it for myself, Animal Kingdom instantly became (with Magic Kingdom) one of my two favorite parks.  Where Magic Kingdom welcomes guests into whimsical lands full of charming make-believe characters, Animal Kingdom immerses visitors in exotic locations, both past and present, from around the world.MM-Animal Kingdom Everest

Back in 2014 on this very day, I posted 16 best things about Animal Kingdom.  They are each still part of what keeps me visiting this absolutely-a-full-day park again and again.  Since that time, Animal Kingdom has changed for the better – with even more new additions coming in the near future and beyond.Animal Kingdom Thirsty River

This week Animal Kingdom has been in the news a good bit – and not all of the press was positive.  Rivers of Light has been delayed indefinitely (replaced in the meantime with a Jungle Book themed show) and other nighttime attractions and shows are set to premier later than originally hoped.  I realize that for many Disney fans with upcoming vacations, this is a huge disappointment.  Let’s focus today instead on the many positive and exciting aspects of this incredible park – I’m convinced that delays only mean that all the kinks will be worked out in due time and the final product will be well worth waiting for!Animal Kingdom Animal Carvings

Happy Birthday, Animal Kingdom!  I love everything you are, everything you aren’t and everything you are about to become.  Best wishes for many happy returns of the day!

Are you an Animal Kingdom fan?  What are you most looking forward to in this park’s future?Maharajah Jungle Trek Artistic Details

 

 

The Time We Almost Ate at Spice Road Table

Spice Road Table TableA few weeks ago, Raymond and I found ourselves in Epcot, in need of a snack, and with a bit of time on our hands.  Circumstances like these always make me want to try something new!

The Time We Almost Ate at Spice Road Table

We were enjoying a leisurely stroll through World Showcase.  We’d just left our friend Nick (yes, the Disney Musings and Disney Exchange Nick) as he headed off to meet friends in the Mexico Pavilion.  I realized I was hungry and we had quite a bit of time before our Il Mulino (in the Swan) reservation.  We needed something light – I immediately thought about the small plates at Spice Road Table and how we’d never eaten there.  We could sit and relax for a while enjoying this Morocco pavilion eatery’s prime location on the World Showcase Lagoon.  We’d heard mixed reviews (many negative), but we were willing to be open-minded.  We are pretty easy to please and were only after a snack.Spice Road Table Dining Area

We approached the podium inside the entrance and I asked how long the wait would be.  I couldn’t see much of the dining area, but there appeared to be open tables.  The host said there would be no wait and we where promptly shown to a table near the water.  We opened our menus and began discussing what we would order to share.  The weather was great and we loved our table’s location.Spice Road Table ViewNormally, at this point, we’d expect a server to stop by and ask about beverages.  If they’re busy, they’d stop by to let us know that they’ll be right back.  There were hardly any other diners around us.  We talked over our options and decided on the  Hummus and Imported Olives with Cornichons and Zaatar Pita Bread ($10) and the Brie Fondue – Baked Brie with Rosemary Croutons ($10), we’d also planned to order cocktails.  We were ready!  We were hungry!Spice Road Table Menu2 Spice Road Table Menu1Spice Road Table Menu

At one point during this time, we noticed a group of several women we believed to be servers congregated near the entrance to this patio dining area engaged in quiet discussion.  Certain they were deciding which tables needed attention and by whom each party would be assisted, we felt certain our order would be taken in short order.

Here’s where being married for almost 27 years comes into play.  We made small talk.  I took a few pictures.  Then Raymond gave me a look that spoke volumes…This look clearly asked, “How long are we going to wait for a server?”  I, of course, was already prepared with my answer, “We’ve been here 7 minutes, let’s give them 3 more.”  Seriously, on the nearly empty dining patio, guests shouldn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes to be greeted by a server.

We sat in companionable silence – Raymond with an amused look on his face as he watched me try to surreptitiously check my watch a time or two.  Finally, I burst out laughing and we got up and left.  We weren’t mad, just surprised and a little disappointed (we wanted something to EAT!).  No one spoke to us or even seemed to notice our departure.  We ended up in the Japan pavilion’s Katsura Grill where we shared sushi and drank sake and enjoyed being together at Walt Disney World. Katsura Grill - Sushi and Sake

As for Spice Road Table?  There are too many other places to eat for us to try that one again anytime soon.

Have you eaten at Spice Road Table?  How did your experience compare to ours?

 

Disney Transportation Collectible Cards

Sometimes (okay, lots of times), I’m an awfully smug Disney fan.  I have this blog, I co-host a Disney-themed podcast, I visit Walt Disney World or take a Disney cruise 2-3 times a year, I follow a ton of like-minded Disney fans on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Periscope, and Blab – I’m in the know!  I know Disney!  And then the fates step in to remind me that I, contrary to what my Disney-inflated ego may tell me, do not know everything.  And I cannot tell you how happy that makes me!  Disney delights me by surprising me with what I don’t know – there’s still hidden Disney magic for me to find…even after all this time.RM-Tambu-Lounge

Back in February, Raymond and I arrived early at the Polynesian for our dinner at Kona Café.  We wanted to spend time at the Tambu Lounge in those comfortable tables and chairs scattered around outside ‘Ohana.  We got there just in time (before it got busy), claimed a centrally located happy hour spot, ordered up glasses of wine and proceeded to bask in the ambiance.  Before long, we noticed another couple looking for a place to sit and offered to share our table with them.  That’s how we met Carol and Brian – a great pair of fellow Disney fans!  We had lots to talk about over appetizers and more wine.  Carol and Brian were meeting up with their friend Wendy and her son, Ryan – before long our table was a happening spot!  Ryan (age 12) and I struck up a conversation about what we love most about Walt Disney World.  He mentioned how much he enjoyed collecting Disney Transportation Cards.  WHAT?  I’d never heard of them.  Never.  Not once.  ME! The proud mom of a Disney-loving son myself.  HOW DID I NOT KNOW?

Disney Transportation Collectible CardsRyan & Disney Transportation Card

Ryan explained:  They’re sometimes hard to find, but these cards are fantastic!  On buses, boats and monorails – collectors like Ryan ask Cast Members if they have any cards.  Sometimes they don’t, but when they DO, you can rack up quite a variety of trading cards specifically for Disney transportation.  I was fascinated!  I had no idea!  I’m a Disney fan over 50 and here was a 12 year old young man reacquainting me with the very best of all Disney magic – the unexpected kind!  And Ryan – once I’d been suitably amazed and humbled – presented me with my very own Transportation Card with which to begin my own collection.Disney Transportation Cards

My most sincere thanks to Ryan for reminding me that I don’t – and will never – know everything about Disney World, and for sharing his passion for collecting Disney Transportation Cards by patiently explaining the process and giving me my first card.  Ryan, you’re a great kid!

Did you already know about these Disney Transportation Cards?  Have you collected them?  Tell me how you found out about them and what your experience has been!

 

 

Disney World Dining – Party of Seven

In less than a week it’ll be time to book dining reservations for our fall vacation to Walt Disney World.  Sure, we’re mostly going for Food & Wine and plan to try as many kiosks as we can, but we’ll want some nice, sit-down meals as well.  Our travel party is made up of seven adults:  Our children, Megan, Joseph, and son-in-law, Grant, plus Joseph’s girlfriend, Lyndsey, and his lifelong buddy, Jason.  If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you might remember Jason from 2010’s Castaway Cay Double Dip vacation, Walt Disney World in 2012, and our Magic in the Med Cruise in 2013.  Since the purpose of this vacation is to celebrate Joseph’s 21st birthday, we feel it’s important for Lyndsey and Jason to come along! We’ll be at Disney World for seven days and nights.

Yoda and Chewie Hats

Jason and Joseph – Star Wars Weekend 2012

Disney World Dining – Party of Seven

Choosing restaurants for this trip is harder than I thought it would be, so I reached out to my Disney friends on Twitter and asked for suggestions.  I want the restaurants to be unique, with crowd-pleasing menus, and also to be a good value (we have Tables in Wonderland, which helps a bit).  The response was tremendous and I got some great ideas, but I’m really no closer to knowing what to do.  That’s where you come in…please add your suggestions in the comments.  Thanks, everyone, for your help!  Here’s what’s been suggested so far…

@kivus was the first to weigh in with “Via Napoli. Ordering XL pizzas is a great value for a party that big.” @joshgonz seconded this idea adding, “2 XL pizzas should work for 7. They even split the pizzas into 2 different kinds so you could try 4 different kinds”  Josh also mentioned ‘Ohana as being great for big groups. – I am totally in favor of Via Napoli for our arrival day dinner and trying to squeeze in an ‘Ohana dinner.  Thanks, John and Josh!

@WITHinMCO suggested choosing “the latest Crystal Palace or Tusker House breakfast so it’s like brunch” – I’d been thinking along these lines already.  We’ve never been to Tusker House and if there’s a Rivers of Light dining package offered as reported by several reliable sites, Tusker House moves to the top of the list.

@HoCoHowie said, “Sanaa all day.” and, while this was another idea that hadn’t occurred to me for this trip, Sanaa is an excellent place for an adults-only dinner in a terrific atmosphere!  Howie also added, “And with the trios you can do a lot of sharing!” – Without a doubt, after Sanaa’s bread service starter, there’s no way I could do justice to an entrée, so sharing would be perfect (and economical)!RM-Sanaa-Bread

From @UrbanOtaku22 – “I would say The Wave and Raglan Road are two adult friendly places.  Raglan road because of the beer.  Wave due to food.”  We love Raglan Road and have enjoyed an evening there many times in the past.  Recently, Raymond and I discovered The Wave’s super menu and great service.  All these ideas may be making our decision harder instead of easier!  We will be staying at Bay Lake Tower, so The Wave is very convenient!Disney's-Wave-Entrance

@CT_Mickey_Man (aka my friend Dean) suggested Wolfgang Puck Express because, “a few can share their pizzas. Good sized salads. good prices.” – Yet another Disney Springs place we’ve never tried!  Sounds like an excellent choice for a big group, but I don’t know if that’s where I’d choose among all the great places in Disney Springs since we’ve not eaten there before.

@SC_singledad (Steve) threw Trails End onto the list of restaurant candidates.  I thought, Hey! We’ve never eaten there, but I understand the food at dinner is the same fare served at the Hoop Dee Do Musical Review.  I have to say, that fried chicken is amazing!  Plus, all you care to eat!  Good idea for a group with big appetites like ours!  Turns out, Steve was actually suggesting breakfast over dinner, and thinks Trails End and Boma are the top two breakfast buffets on property.RM-Welcome-to-Fort-Wilderness

@ree1064 offered up three different ideas – The Plaza in Magic Kingdom (economically good food), ‘Ohana (Polynesian Village Resort), and Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge).  Of these, ‘Ohana is my favorite – nobody goes away hungry, the food is good for the price, and the Poly has Trader Sam’s and the Tambu Lounge – both fantastic places for a pre-dinner cocktail.  I’ll confess, I’ve never been to The Plaza and Artist Point was a two-time disappointment.  ‘Ohana just moved to the top of the list (right after Tusker House).RM-Tambu-Lounge

@sprinklemedis mentioned hearing that Biergarten in Epcot’s Germany pavilion is good for larger parties.  I’m thinking this…Pros:  It’s in Epcot where we plan to spend lots of time, I’ve been trying to get there for a while (unsuccessfully) since I’m half-German, and it’s a buffet, so probably a good value with plenty of options to choose from.  I could use more input on this one if you’re so inclined.Germany Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase

@mechurchlady made several suggestions like Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge), Tusker House (Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Garden Grill (Epcot), Bongos (Disney Springs), Cape May, and Turf Club.  She added Kona Café (Polynesian), Boatwrights (Port Orleans Riverside), Olivia’s (Old Key West) and Portobello.  And also suggested The Plaza (Magic Kingdom), Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, and Coral Reef (all at Epcot) as well as Shula’s (at the Dolphin)  Of these, Cape May stood out – We’ve never been there, but have heard great things.  It’s at the Beach Club (convenient), is a seafood buffet (we’re all seafood lovers) and a good value.  If we can afford the splurge, Shula’s would be excellent.  Raymond and I could not have been happier with our experience there in December.Shula's-Dining-Room-Orlando

@SteveGehret was another vote in favor of The Wave – “The Wave has room for big groups, again pricey.  Hit that up at dinner then take the monorail to Trader Sam’s.” – nothing wrong with that, Steve!  Thanks!

@hkeller thinks, “Food and Wine. Every day.” is the way to go.  I’m with you there, Heather, we do plan on spending plenty of time making the rounds.RM-Epcot-Food&Wine-Passport

@JamboEveryone voted for Sanaa, Kona Café, Restaurant Marrakesh, and Tiffens.  I agree with Safari Mike on Tiffens as a very strong possibility – Opening at the end of April (I believe), Tiffens (new table service in Disney’s Animal Kingdom) sounds wonderful with a menu dedicated to the art of travel.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed for either Tusker House or Tiffens offering that Rivers of Light dining package.

@PeasandCarrots3 (Hi, Carmen!) thinks La Hacienda (Mexico Pavilion) and Boma are two great options.  Of the two, Boma is the stronger option for our group since, sadly, Raymond and Joseph are not fans of Mexican food (at all, not even a little bit).  We haven’t taken a family vacation that did not involve at least one meal at Animal Kingdom Lodge in many years.

After all the helpful advice, I’ve got Tusker House, ‘Ohana, Via Napoli, Tiffens and Sanaa as top choices right now with Trails End, Boma, The Wave, Cape May, and someplace at Disney Springs as possibilities.  Have I mentioned how hard this is?  What would you do???

Special thanks to @DutchLombrowski for spreading the word on Twitter that I needed help.