Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

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?

Kid Free Disney

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If your nest is still full and you love Disney vacations, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like to take a kid-free trip to Walt Disney World.  If you fell in love with Disney World before you had kids, you have some idea how that is, and may long for the eventual return of park touring sans stroller, bags full of supplies, and meltdowns.  RM-DuffyTo do what you want to do, go where you want to go…where the only whining you hear is your own on the day you have to leave.  Think about it!  Once the kids are grown, it’s your turn to enjoy Walt Disney World exactly the way you want to.  For us that means we still invite the kids (both adults now) along occasionally, but vacation alone at least once a year.  (If your children still live at home and you can overcome the guilt involved with leaving them behind while going to Disney World, you’re a stronger person than I am!)

Kid Free Disney

So you’ve finally made it.  You’ve booked an offspring-free trip to Disney World.  In order to fully flex your kid-less status, there are plenty of opportunities available to minimize exposure to other people’s children while maximizing your footloose and fancy free vacation happiness.  Here are a few ideas for your consideration…RM-Grand-Floridian-Senses-Sign

Splurge at the Senses Spa – No kids allowed!  With the Spa’s extensive menu, you’ll find something appropriate for pampering yourself at this serene spot at the Grand Floridian.  We’ve enjoyed the Massage for Two on more than one occasion and highly recommend it!RM-California-Grill-Interior

Book a Great Meal – Disney’s Signature Dining options offer an opportunity to dress up a little (or a lot) and dine in Disney splendor.  Citricos-MichaelWe love the California Grill, Jiko, Shula’s Steakhouse and Citricos (just to name a few).  Great service, fewer non-grownups, and excellent food are the draws and while these restaurants are more expensive, it’s worth it for a special evening out.RM-Sunset-Animal-Kingdom-Lodge

Take a Leisurely Stroll – Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, the early and late hours of the day are both great times to take a walk and explore resort grounds.  Bay-Lake-Tower-SunriseI can attest to the beauty of all the monorail resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian Village, and Grand Floridian), Port Orleans Riverside, and the Boardwalk areas for this highly relaxing activity.  Dawn and sunset are my personal favorite times of the day at Disney World.RM-Mizner's-Lounge

Relax in a Lounge (or a few) – There are so many to choose from!  Whatever your preference – loud and boisterous or quiet and reserved, there’s a pub, bar, or lounge for you.  Mizner’s at the Grand Floridian, the Belle Vue Lounge on the Boardwalk, The Outer Rim Lounge at the Contemporary, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian, Victoria Falls Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Jock Lindsey’s at Disney Springs are all places we highly recommend.RM-Victoria-Falls-Lounge

Fellow kid-free people! What are your favorite aspects of an adults-only trip to Walt Disney World?

 

 

Review: Disney Springs AMC Dine-in Theatre

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I’ve heard about AMC Dine-in Theatres before, most particularly the one in Disney Springs.  The concept is awesome, but we have yet to give it a try.  Maybe because we go to the movies a lot at home (at our ordinary old-fashioned-type theater) or maybe because we’ve never made room on our Disney World vacation schedule to squeeze one in.  We’ve been fortunate on the last several trip to have had spectacular weather and going to the movies seems more like a great rainy day plan to me.  Luckily, Nick’s treated himself to dinner and a movie in Disney Springs and here’s what he thought…

Review: Disney Springs AMC Dine-in Theatre

By Nick

On my latest solo trip to Walt Disney World I had a few items I wanted to cross off my must do list, and to go to the AMC Fork & Screen theater in Disney Springs was one of them.

I had some preconceived reservations going in, and some of these reservations were justified.

One of these was would I really want to see a movie for the first time with servers walking around, interacting with me or other patrons, thus causing me to miss something?

So I chose a movie I had already seen, twice in fact, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

I went on the morning after I took the Monorail Loop Lounge Tour, and was feeling none too clear headed, and it was also a rainy day, so, the perfect time to go to a movie. I was told that the AMC in Disney Springs, unlike my local theater, doesn’t have reserved seating, but that is not the case with the dine in theaters apparently, as I was indeed able to pick a seat for the 11am show.

After arriving in Disney Springs via bus a little early, I walked through the rain from the one side DS to the other, walking through shops along the way.

Once I got to the theater, I went in the wrong entrance, going in by Splitsville. This is the regular side, but since I didn’t have any clue how this sprawling theater was laid out, I asked where the Fork & Screen theaters would be found and was told the entrance to that side was by Planet Hollywood, but since I’d been through security already (yes, I had to empty my pockets and get patted down!) and it was pouring rain, I was directed through the inside of the theater to the doors to the dining side.

I was allowed into the theater about 20 minutes before the 11am showtime and was quickly greeted by a very nice server who took my order and returned a few minutes before 11 with my cheeseburger, fries, and Bacardi and Coke.

The burger and fries was pretty good and the rum and Coke was fine. I was pretty much finished by the time the movie started after what felt like 20 minutes of previews.

As for the theater, the seats recline very far back, which isn’t a problem, unless the person in front of you is sitting up eating, and their head is very much in the way, which was the case for about 15 minutes of the movie.

About halfway through the film, I realized I hadn’t seen a server at all for awhile. I decided I wanted to try one of the milkshakes I heard were so good, and maybe a small popcorn to satisfy my savory and sweet craving.
I pushed the button that I was told would bring a server quickly…and waited about 20 minutes before someone showed up.
I asked for a small popcorn, and was told they only came in large buckets (?!) so I passed and got a chocolate milkshake, which was absolutely better than I was told it would be. Very highly recommended.

The overall experience however, was mediocre at best. And it wasn’t cheap. I got the bill 10 minutes before the end of the movie, and admit I did not analyze it thoroughly, but it was $35! (That price doesn’t include the cost of the movie ticket.)

My suggestion, if you want a designated seat, this is the way to go. I noticed several people around me who did not order a thing, so can only assume they chose this theater for that reason.
Grab a meal at Splitsville next door, where the food is fantastic and reasonably priced, and save room for a milkshake at the theater.
Follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends on all their many Disney adventures:  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.  You can listen to Nick, our friend Dave and me on The Disney Exchange Podcast where we talk about…well, you can probably guess.