Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Breakfast at Cape May Café in the Beach Club

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Enchanted Tiki TalkAgain!  Can you believe how lucky we are?  Last week, we had an awesome planning post by Keith from the Enchanted Tiki Talk Podcast and today, I’m super stoked to bring you a post by my friend Sean who also happens to be a host in the Tiki Hut!  Sean’s bringing us a great restaurant review – those of you who love character meals will love this post! (For lots more Disney fun, be sure to follow Sean and Enchanted Tiki Talk on Twitter and Like Enchanted Tiki Talk on Facebook, if you haven’t already, please give the podcast a listen – Sean, Keith, and Alan do a great show and score awesome interviews!)

Breakfast at Cape May Café in the Beach Club

By Sean from Enchanted Tiki Talk Podcast

There are several good character breakfast buffets at Walt Disney, but one of my favorites is at Cape May Café in the Beach Club resort.

My wife Sharon and I have grown to love Cape May Café. Not only is the resort a great place to visit but Cape May Café is much quieter than Chef Mickey’s. Granted Mickey doesn’t make an appearance here but you do get Goofy, Donald and Minnie Mouse. But you also get them in their swimming suits which is a nice touch. Disney certainly plays up the beach atmosphere at the resort which adds to the charm of your breakfast there.

Now Cape May Café is smaller and a little less rowdy in my opinion. The food selection is a bit smaller as well but they still serve all the basics like, pancakes, eggs and Mickey Waffles among other things.  The staff was always attentive and we never felt like we needed to get out of there for the next guest to sit. We also like to book the later times for character breakfasts just because it usually is a little less crazy.

The thing that we really have come to love is the character experiences. The last few times we have gone we have noticed that the characters spent a little more time with the kids. Just as an example Goofy drew his name on my sons paper mat on the table and then Minnie Mouse came for pictures with my son and then noticed my daughter sleeping in the stroller. Next Minnie wanted a photo-shoot covering her mouth with 1 finger showing us that we need to be quiet with a sleeping baby there.  Then you have Donald who stole my hat. You would think after Mickey’s Philharmagic he would have learned his lesson. Sean's Cape May Cafe Review 1

In many ways I felt it was more of an intimate experience with the characters. I think some of that comes into play because it does feel smaller and there isn’t ever a rush to get to the Magic Kingdom.  It is just less chaotic overall and that’s what I love about eating there.

I know lots of people prefer to eat in the parks or feel like they don’t want to stray too far from the parks, but just taking time to explore the Beach Club Resort is worth the trip. Just as an example take a look at Stormalong Bay which is the pool that is shared by the Beach and Yacht Club. It has a sandy bottom and probably one of the best water slides on property.  As a non-resort guest you probably can’t explore the pool area but maybe if you ask nicely they might let you have a look.

I think the biggest thing for me here is that it’s a great idea to get out of the parks and explore the resorts a little more.  You can certainly kill a few hours exploring the Epcot area resorts especially at night. But for something a little different take a look at Cape May Café for breakfast. Oh did I tell you that at night it’s a seafood buffet with all the crab legs you can eat! Well now you know. Only thing is it’s not a character meal but did I mention all you can eat Crab Legs!!!

Have you tried Cape May Café?  Where is your favorite character dining experience at Walt Disney World?

 

The Burden of Happiness

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Akamai 2Fans of the Enchanted Tiki Talk Podcast will love today’s guest writer!  Having been fortunate enough to have been invited into the Tiki Hut, I can attest to how funny and sweet the show’s hosts are.  When Keith agreed to write some guest posts for me, I was so excited for you guys to get to know him a little better.  He’s a great guy and I’m lucky to count him as a friend.  Enjoy!

The Burden of Happiness

As many diehard Disney fans know we take the Disney Parks very seriously. I can’t tell you how many “debates” I’ve had with people who don’t share the same opinion of Disney as I do. However, when those folks need advice on their trips to Walt Disney World I’m always the guy they turn to. I jump at the chance to do this, because I love to live through them even if I can’t get to the parks as often as I’d like.

I usually surprise them at the lengths I will go. From binders with show times, parades, hidden gems, restaurants, kids activities, etc. Even the most disinterested person comes back with so many smiles and excitement. That is the fun for me is to make someone who doesn’t want to go into someone who can’t wait to go back. I know that feeling all too well, because I was “that guy”. Since that fateful first trip I came home with a hunger for knowledge. I read everything I could on Walt himself, the parks, etc. Then, I started writing for a blog. Which lead to my own site. Which lead to co-hosting a podcast and the rest is still writing our story.RM-WDW-Entrance

You can imagine my excitement when I was approached by my mom about a “big family trip to Walt Disney World”. The last time we were there as a family I was two years old (a long time ago). Being the Disney guru that I am I was tasked with planning said trip. The trip is several months away and prices for 2016 haven’t been announced yet so I have had some time to think about how to attack this.

This is where the burden comes in. We will have three separate families spanning three generations to consider. We have everyone from the Disney addict (me), casual Disney fans, skeptics, and those who want a trip with an extra helping of shows-hold the thrill rides. As I said earlier I take the Disney Parks very seriously and want everyone to see it through my passionate eyes. The more I think about planning this the more ovewhelmed I become.RM-Cinderella-Castle

So I am sure some of you out there were or are in the same boat I am. I have some things that I know for sure.

  1. Get a Disney authorized travel agent. I have done trips both ways and believe me it is much easier with a travel agent. It doesn’t cost you any extra and the time you save is remarkable. I don’t want to publicly endorse one but if you wish to know who I use please let me know (@dolewhipdaily or keith@enchantedtikitalk.com)
  2. Each family will have a separate reservation. This way if life gets in the way it won’t affect the whole party. I have had to cancel trips because of changing jobs. So it is just easier and they can pay for the trip at their own pace.
  3. Have a big ol’ family meeting. Before our 180 day mark we will all get together and hash out what we want to do. We all won’t want to do the same things, ride the same rides, eat at the same places. So we will either have to compromise or agree that certain times we will be apart.
  4. Park hopping is a must. I always suggest this anyway, but I think in large groups it even makes more sense. All of us know that even the best laid plans get changed due to many factors. So having the flexibility can ease tension and the possibility of a un-magical day.
  5. Let each family plan a day. I know many people do this with their kids to help them feel a part of the process. For me not only will it lessen the “burden”, but it allows each family to research and get involved in the fun as well.DSCN2870

I am sure as I continue in the planning I will have many updates for you. Let me make one point clear before I finish. I use the term “burden” very loosely. There is nothing I like more than spending time with my family. To have us all together at Walt Disney World has been a wish of mine that looks like is finally coming true. I am even getting emotional writing this, because I know the memories we make there will last many lifetimes. Mostly because when my brother and I get together things tend to get crazy and stories will be handed down for many more generations!

To hear more about Keith’s passion for all things Disney, listen to the Enchanted Tiki Talk Podcast, follow Keith on Twitter, and Like Enchanted Tiki Talk on Facebook.

 

On Ellen’s Energy Adventure

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RM-Universe-of-EnergyBefore I proceed with this post, I must disclose that I do not dislike Ellen DeGeneres.  I wouldn’t want anyone to be confused on that point.  I DO like Ellen.  Her Energy Adventure?  Not so much.  I’ve discussed in the past the Walt Disney World Attractions I could live without.  Today I’m taking that one step further by confessing this:  If there were a SINGLE attraction I would do away with at this very moment and replace it with something (anything!) better, it would be in Epcot’s Future World.  The attraction I find the weakest of all (although it is, undeniably and excellent place to take a nap)…The once-interesting and semi-entertaining Ellen’s Energy Adventure.

The problem?  It’s called FUTURE World.  Ellen and her buddy, Bill Nye (of Science Guy fame) embarked on the current version of their adventure in 1996.  NINETEEN-NINETY-SIX!!!  Let’s look at five good reasons for Disney to consider alternatives to Ellen’s Energy Adventure…RM-Ellen's-Energy-Adventure

1.  1996 was a long time ago.  Technology has come a LONG way since then.  Times were different.  Ellen and Bill Nye were a lot younger, sure, but advances in energy and the way humans think about fossil fuel and the future of energy was as different as the fashions of the time.  As an illustration of how much time has passed, I’ll share with you a picture of our family at Walt Disney World in 1996 and our family last May:RM-Magic-Kingdom-Parade-Watching-1996WDW Bus Stop at Old Key West

If ever there were a reason to update an attraction, it’s 19 years of technological advances.  Ellen’s Energy Adventure, unlike Carousel of Progress and It’s a Small World, is not a timeless classic.RM-Ellen's-EarthRM-Ellen's-Volcano

2.  45 minutes!  Hello!  This is a HUGE time investment during a Disney vacation.  There are practically an infinite number of better ways to spend this time than visiting 1996.RM-Universe-of-Energy-Exterior

3.  Future World as a whole is in dire need of modernization.  It’s not just Ellen’s attraction.  Compared to what Epcot once was, compared to the charm and beauty of the World Showcase…Future World (basically half of Epcot) has undeniably deteriorated to just a few interesting or enjoyable areas/attractions.  So much wasted potential saddens me.RM-EEA-Dinos

4.  It wouldn’t take much to “plus” the attraction (as Walt Disney would have said).  Ellen and Bill Nye could certainly make a return visit for another rousing discussion of energy or the space could be completely reimagined.  Makes no matter to me – Future World needs more “future” and the available real estate is right there in Universe of Energy.RM-Ellen-and-Bill-NyeRM-EEA-Dinosaur

5. The scenes I know nothing about.  Why is there an attraction in Epcot with scenes I haven’t experienced?  I fall asleep!  Every. Single. Time.  I have never, in the past 19 years, ridden Ellen’s Adventure and managed to stay awake for the entire attraction.  I always wake up for the dino part – it’s my favorite.

Are you a fan of Ellen’s Energy Adventure?  What changes would you make to Future World if you could?

 

Underappreciated Epcot – The Seas

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RM-Bruce-and-JosephToday it may be called “The Seas With Nemo and Friends”, but it’ll always be “The Living Seas” to me.  I think this attraction area has a lot to recommend it (as I mentioned in my previous attempts to raise interest here and here).  My fried Nick would call it “Edutainment” for the educational/entertainment factor The Seas offers Epcot guests, but the draw for me is in the entirety of the experience.  Calm, relaxing, fun, and yes, even with a lesson to teach here and there.RM-Epcot-Aquarium-Eel

Maybe I’m aquarium-deprived since I live in rural Louisiana and it’s a pretty long haul to Audubon’s Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans (which is awesome, by the way), but there’s something about Epcot’s version of aquatic-animals-on-display that makes me ridiculously happy and magically transforms this little corner of the World into a must-see for me on every visit.  Seriously, don’t skip it – there are a lot of awesome things to see besides the Nemo ride (cruisin’ in Clammobiles!) and Turtle Talk.RM-Manatee  RM-Manatee-Eating-LettuceI’ve mentioned the Manatees before and how fun it is to watch them eat lettuce (no, I’m not kidding).  But wait!  There’s more!

Underappreciated Epcot – The Seas

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Bob? Sheldon?

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Dory!

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Peach!

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Jacques the Cleaner Shrimp

Next time you go, give it a try.  I think late morning (before maybe heading to the World Showcase for lunch) or mid-afternoon are great times to visit The Seas.  Our family likes to start in the main building to leisurely make our way to all the fish tanks and animal exhibits before we see Turtle Talk.  Then we wrap up the visit with Nemo and Friends – if we had small children, I would have them look for fish on the ride that we’d seen on display in the exhibits.

Depending on the crowd levels, The Seas could be explored in 60-90 minutes.  Short on time?  Allow 20-30 minutes to see the exhibits, then decide if you can afford to wait for the Nemo and Friends ride and/or Turtle Talk with Crush (FastPasses may be booked in advance).  Pre-school and lower grade-school-age children will appreciate those two attractions the most.RM-Epcot-Aquarium-Fish

Have you explored The Seas in Epcot?  What are your must-do attractions or exhibits?