Just a short post today...
There are so many excellent websites devoted to Disney that you could spend days (I have!) just trolling through the articles and information available.
Since most people aren't that crazy, you could try this site.
Disney Pix
Disney pictures are everywhere. Any major site provides them, and sites like the DisBoards give posters on the message boards the opportunity to add their own.
What I like about Disney Pix are the "classic" shots - early photos from the parks and resorts that are hard to find but SO interesting to look at.
It's snowing like crazy here - makes me wish for palm trees that much harder!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
WDW Rides - Don't Bother!
I have to put a huge caveat at the beginning of this post:
This is only my OPINION. If this is your first or only visit to WDW, go ahead and try everything. But if there's limited time, here are a few attractions you can avoid:
Magic Kingdom
*Country Bear Jamboree - these Audio Animatronics are so old you can hear the clicks.
*Enchanted Tiki Room - for me, this attraction is too loud. BUT it's cool and there's seating.
*Mad Tea Party - how long will it take for you to get sick?
*Stitch's Great Escape - Let's just bulldoze this now. Frightening and stinky.
*Tomorrowland Indy Speedway - I can have more fun on the Go-Carts 5 minutes from my house. Still, we'll probably go on them this next trip because Helena is interested in it.
Epcot
*Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - This 3-D film is way past it's prime. At least Captain EO had some excellent music and snappy dance moves.
*Innoventions - I just don't have much interest in this area, which highlights technology of the near future (and sometimes, even the near past).
Animal Kingdom
*Dinosaur - Let's expand this to include all of Dinoland, U.S.A. (except for Finding Nemo: The Musical). My feeling on this ride was that it was jerky to the point of pain, loud, and obnoxious. But lots of people enjoy it as a thrill ride.
*Rafiki's Planet Watch - We did this last time. It's basically a train ride to a petting zoo. I think Helena liked it, and there were opportunities to visit with characters (but Rafiki was kind of scary looking). For adults, though, there's not much to do here.
*Triceratops Spin - Dumbo with cheesy dinosaurs. This ride seems like a filler - a way to absorb some crowds. It's just not very imaginative, and it's in Dinoland, U.S.A., which I'm not a fan of anyway.
I couldn't find any attractions that I would immediately tell you to ignore at Disney's Hollywood Studios. There are some that I would skip, but only because they don't fit within my interests. The only one that is solely for kids is "Playhouse Disney: Live On Stage." Helena and the other kids in the theater ate it up.
Soon I'll do a post on the Must Dos.
This is only my OPINION. If this is your first or only visit to WDW, go ahead and try everything. But if there's limited time, here are a few attractions you can avoid:
Magic Kingdom
*Country Bear Jamboree - these Audio Animatronics are so old you can hear the clicks.
*Enchanted Tiki Room - for me, this attraction is too loud. BUT it's cool and there's seating.
*Mad Tea Party - how long will it take for you to get sick?
*Stitch's Great Escape - Let's just bulldoze this now. Frightening and stinky.
*Tomorrowland Indy Speedway - I can have more fun on the Go-Carts 5 minutes from my house. Still, we'll probably go on them this next trip because Helena is interested in it.
Epcot
*Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - This 3-D film is way past it's prime. At least Captain EO had some excellent music and snappy dance moves.
*Innoventions - I just don't have much interest in this area, which highlights technology of the near future (and sometimes, even the near past).
Animal Kingdom
*Dinosaur - Let's expand this to include all of Dinoland, U.S.A. (except for Finding Nemo: The Musical). My feeling on this ride was that it was jerky to the point of pain, loud, and obnoxious. But lots of people enjoy it as a thrill ride.
*Rafiki's Planet Watch - We did this last time. It's basically a train ride to a petting zoo. I think Helena liked it, and there were opportunities to visit with characters (but Rafiki was kind of scary looking). For adults, though, there's not much to do here.
*Triceratops Spin - Dumbo with cheesy dinosaurs. This ride seems like a filler - a way to absorb some crowds. It's just not very imaginative, and it's in Dinoland, U.S.A., which I'm not a fan of anyway.
I couldn't find any attractions that I would immediately tell you to ignore at Disney's Hollywood Studios. There are some that I would skip, but only because they don't fit within my interests. The only one that is solely for kids is "Playhouse Disney: Live On Stage." Helena and the other kids in the theater ate it up.
Soon I'll do a post on the Must Dos.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Doing Disney on the Cheap
As I was preparing this post, Dan looked at me and said, "Why aren't we following this list?" Nice. Actually, we do many of these things and will do more on our next vacation.
Many people assume (rightfully) that Walt Disney World is outrageously expensive, and probably out of the realm of possibility for their family. This sentiment is particularly true among larger families, which often require two hotel rooms or larger, more expensive Disney Vacation Club accommodations. Here are some ideas to make your trip less financially daunting - pick and choose the ones that work for you.
1. PLANNING. Without this simple first step, lots of time and money will be lost. Remember that Walt Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan - and you'd never go to Manhattan without a plan, right?
2. Never pay full price for tickets or room accommodations. Whether you stay on or off Disney property, you'll almost never have to pay full price. Legitimate discount tickets are available at multiple sellers. Room prices are always discounted for some reason or another. Vacation packages are sometimes on sale, particularly through AAA and at slower times of the year.
3. Travel during the off-season. If this is at all feasible for your family, this is the time to go: you can visit WDW when temperatures are more moderate, crowds lower, and prices at their lowest.
4. Limit add-ons to your tickets. Consider the number of days you'll be visiting and whether you'll really use the "Water Parks and More" feature. Do you have time to visit Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or Disney Quest?
5. Camp. Staying at Fort Wilderness is your cheapest route, and from all reports it's one of the nicest campgrounds in the U.S. You can even rent tents and equipment from Disney if you wish (although that might defeat the purpose of camping by increasing the price).
6. Join AAA. This works whether you plan to drive or not. You receive 20% room discounts and are eligible to purchase discounted vacation packages. Also, there are other perks - infrequent dining discounts, preferred parking and the like.
7. Buy souvenirs at discount stores. This includes disneyshopping.com, the Disney Store's clearance section, "big box" stores, and the Disney outlet malls surrounding WDW. If you have a car, this last choice is great - the outlet stores stock actual "Walt Disney World" branded merchandise, but some of it might date from the previous year or two.
8. Remember that when you buy Magic Your Way tickets, the cost of additional days is ridiculously low - the difference between 6 and 7 day tickets is $2, for example. However, the additional costs in lodging, food, and souvenirs might off-set the discount on your ticket. Carefully weigh this when planning your trip. For us, it's less expensive to have a longer trip than two shorter ones because of the distance it takes to get to WDW in the first place.
9. There are LOTS of free things to do at WDW, including: riding the monorail, taking boat rides, visiting other resorts, etc. See the Mousesavers website for more ideas.
10. Get your fixed costs (lodging and tickets, transportation to WDW) as low as possible, and then try to reduce your flexible costs (food and souvenirs) as well.
11. Instead of paying big ATM fees in the parks or at the resorts, cash a personal check at your resort's concierge desk. It is a free service.
12. Watch for codes, pin numbers, and discounts on the DisBoards or at Mousesavers.
13. Save for your trip before you leave. Pay yourself a set amount monthly - $50 or $100 - and you'll have a head start on paying for your trip.
14. Save money on dining! Food is EXPENSIVE at WDW. There used to be an unenforced rule at WDW about not bringing food into the parks; that has since been discarded and snack foods and drinks are welcome at the parks. You cannot bring in a cooler of any kind, but whatever fits in a backpack works.
15. The least expensive (but very good) non-character buffets at WDW are the Trails End at Fort Wilderness and the Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
16. The cheapest character meals are: Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom, 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian resort, and O'Hana at the Polynesian Resort.
17. Consider splitting large portions with those in your traveling party. Parents and children can usually do this without difficulty, as long as they can agree on what to order!
18. One of the cheapest snacks on property is also one of the healthiest: fruit! Each theme park has at least one stand where fresh fruit is sold, usually for $1 a piece. You can also choose cut fruit in a cup (like pineapple) for no more than $4.
19. All Disney counter service locations will provide you with a large cup of ice water at no charge. If the funky Florida water isn't to your taste (and it won't be), bring along the small Crystal Light On-the-Go packets and put one or two of those into the water.
20. There are a few places at WDW that actually do provide a good value. One of these is the Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney. For around $10 a person (or less) you can get very good sandwiches and fresh salads.
21. Eat breakfast in your room. All Moderate and Deluxe resorts have refrigerators, and refrigerators can be rented for $10/day at the Value resorts. You can store milk and juice, buy a couple of boxes of cereal or granola bars, and be all set for the week. (Dan would vote for buying those gross little chocolate donuts.) All of these items are on sale, at inflated prices, at each resort's gift shop. A better choice is to get to a Publix grocery store or a Super Wal-Mart.
22. Less-expensive souvenirs are sometimes more. Mickey ears cost around $12 a person and are the quintessential Disney souvenir. You could also buy postcards, pressed pennies (located all over the theme parks and resorts, they cost 50 cents to create plus the penny), take pictures, etc.
23. If you have a family with more than 4 or 5 people, consider staying off-property at an All-Star Vacation Home. Alternatively, if you really DO want to stay on-property, you can try for the All Star Music Family Suites. One other on-property option is to rent Disney Vacation Club points. For around $10 a point, you can stay at any DVC resort for a small fraction of the cash price.
Here are a few links:
Mousesavers
DisBoards
All Star Vacation Homes
Disney Vacation Club Rent/Trade Information
The bottom line at Disney World is never terribly low, but it doesn't have to be outrageous either. Consider too that you are getting an incredible amount of entertainment and amenities for the price you're paying.
My advice? Go if you can. If you can't go right now, but you'd like to someday, start saving something now. You'd be surprised how small amounts can add up.
Do you have any ideas to contribute? Post them in the comments section!
Many people assume (rightfully) that Walt Disney World is outrageously expensive, and probably out of the realm of possibility for their family. This sentiment is particularly true among larger families, which often require two hotel rooms or larger, more expensive Disney Vacation Club accommodations. Here are some ideas to make your trip less financially daunting - pick and choose the ones that work for you.
1. PLANNING. Without this simple first step, lots of time and money will be lost. Remember that Walt Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan - and you'd never go to Manhattan without a plan, right?
2. Never pay full price for tickets or room accommodations. Whether you stay on or off Disney property, you'll almost never have to pay full price. Legitimate discount tickets are available at multiple sellers. Room prices are always discounted for some reason or another. Vacation packages are sometimes on sale, particularly through AAA and at slower times of the year.
3. Travel during the off-season. If this is at all feasible for your family, this is the time to go: you can visit WDW when temperatures are more moderate, crowds lower, and prices at their lowest.
4. Limit add-ons to your tickets. Consider the number of days you'll be visiting and whether you'll really use the "Water Parks and More" feature. Do you have time to visit Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or Disney Quest?
5. Camp. Staying at Fort Wilderness is your cheapest route, and from all reports it's one of the nicest campgrounds in the U.S. You can even rent tents and equipment from Disney if you wish (although that might defeat the purpose of camping by increasing the price).
6. Join AAA. This works whether you plan to drive or not. You receive 20% room discounts and are eligible to purchase discounted vacation packages. Also, there are other perks - infrequent dining discounts, preferred parking and the like.
7. Buy souvenirs at discount stores. This includes disneyshopping.com, the Disney Store's clearance section, "big box" stores, and the Disney outlet malls surrounding WDW. If you have a car, this last choice is great - the outlet stores stock actual "Walt Disney World" branded merchandise, but some of it might date from the previous year or two.
8. Remember that when you buy Magic Your Way tickets, the cost of additional days is ridiculously low - the difference between 6 and 7 day tickets is $2, for example. However, the additional costs in lodging, food, and souvenirs might off-set the discount on your ticket. Carefully weigh this when planning your trip. For us, it's less expensive to have a longer trip than two shorter ones because of the distance it takes to get to WDW in the first place.
9. There are LOTS of free things to do at WDW, including: riding the monorail, taking boat rides, visiting other resorts, etc. See the Mousesavers website for more ideas.
10. Get your fixed costs (lodging and tickets, transportation to WDW) as low as possible, and then try to reduce your flexible costs (food and souvenirs) as well.
11. Instead of paying big ATM fees in the parks or at the resorts, cash a personal check at your resort's concierge desk. It is a free service.
12. Watch for codes, pin numbers, and discounts on the DisBoards or at Mousesavers.
13. Save for your trip before you leave. Pay yourself a set amount monthly - $50 or $100 - and you'll have a head start on paying for your trip.
14. Save money on dining! Food is EXPENSIVE at WDW. There used to be an unenforced rule at WDW about not bringing food into the parks; that has since been discarded and snack foods and drinks are welcome at the parks. You cannot bring in a cooler of any kind, but whatever fits in a backpack works.
15. The least expensive (but very good) non-character buffets at WDW are the Trails End at Fort Wilderness and the Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
16. The cheapest character meals are: Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom, 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian resort, and O'Hana at the Polynesian Resort.
17. Consider splitting large portions with those in your traveling party. Parents and children can usually do this without difficulty, as long as they can agree on what to order!
18. One of the cheapest snacks on property is also one of the healthiest: fruit! Each theme park has at least one stand where fresh fruit is sold, usually for $1 a piece. You can also choose cut fruit in a cup (like pineapple) for no more than $4.
19. All Disney counter service locations will provide you with a large cup of ice water at no charge. If the funky Florida water isn't to your taste (and it won't be), bring along the small Crystal Light On-the-Go packets and put one or two of those into the water.
20. There are a few places at WDW that actually do provide a good value. One of these is the Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney. For around $10 a person (or less) you can get very good sandwiches and fresh salads.
21. Eat breakfast in your room. All Moderate and Deluxe resorts have refrigerators, and refrigerators can be rented for $10/day at the Value resorts. You can store milk and juice, buy a couple of boxes of cereal or granola bars, and be all set for the week. (Dan would vote for buying those gross little chocolate donuts.) All of these items are on sale, at inflated prices, at each resort's gift shop. A better choice is to get to a Publix grocery store or a Super Wal-Mart.
22. Less-expensive souvenirs are sometimes more. Mickey ears cost around $12 a person and are the quintessential Disney souvenir. You could also buy postcards, pressed pennies (located all over the theme parks and resorts, they cost 50 cents to create plus the penny), take pictures, etc.
23. If you have a family with more than 4 or 5 people, consider staying off-property at an All-Star Vacation Home. Alternatively, if you really DO want to stay on-property, you can try for the All Star Music Family Suites. One other on-property option is to rent Disney Vacation Club points. For around $10 a point, you can stay at any DVC resort for a small fraction of the cash price.
Here are a few links:
Mousesavers
DisBoards
All Star Vacation Homes
Disney Vacation Club Rent/Trade Information
The bottom line at Disney World is never terribly low, but it doesn't have to be outrageous either. Consider too that you are getting an incredible amount of entertainment and amenities for the price you're paying.
My advice? Go if you can. If you can't go right now, but you'd like to someday, start saving something now. You'd be surprised how small amounts can add up.
Do you have any ideas to contribute? Post them in the comments section!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Port Orleans Riverside Links
The last three times that I have visited the Walt Disney World Resort, I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside. It's a sprawling, beautifully landscaped resort themed to Southern Louisiana - both the more rustic Alligator Bayou section and the manicured Mansion section. There are plenty of things I love about it: the grounds, the theme, the Riverside Mill (food court), the Sassagoula river, and the boat that travels between Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and Downtown Disney.
After Disney's Wicked Good Discount, both Holly and Nikki's families will be staying at Port Orleans Riverside. For this purpose, I will post just a couple of links featuring more information and, best of all, pictures!
Port Orleans Unofficial Site
AllEarsNet Port Orleans Page
WDW Info Port Orleans Review
Each of these sites will provide, with a little exploration, plenty of photos, plus descriptions of room layouts, recreational activities, amenities, special events, and dining options.
Speaking of dining options: I have eaten at both the Riverside Mill Food Court and the resort's only table service restaurant, Boatwright's. The atmosphere at both places is outstanding. My experience at Boatwright's was nothing special - the food was okay but not memorable, with a slight Southern, cajun flavor. For a more detailed review, click below.
Kevin Klose's Boatwright's Review
Thursday, November 6, 2008
AMAZING Disney Deal!
Sorry for the long drought in posting, but I think this will make up for it!
Disney is offering a fantastic "free nights" vacation package offer. This is probably the best offer I've seen since 2003. It is valid for stays January 4 through June 27, 2009 (with April 5-18 blacked out).
Here are the details:
*Buy a 4-night/4 day vacation package, get a 7-night/7-day package. That's 3 FREE hotel nights and 3 extra days on your theme park admission tickets!
*Travel between January 4 and March 29 and you will also get a $200 Disney Gift Card, redeemable for dining, souvenirs and more at Walt Disney World! (Travel after March 29 does not include the Gift Card.)
So how much will this save you? Here are three examples (amounts approximate):
*Family of 4 (2 Adults, 1 Junior age 10-17, 1 Child age 3-9), staying at a Value resort, Standard room, January 8-15 (7 nights): $276.75 savings on hotel room + $38.33 savings on tickets + $200 gift card = $515.08 total savings.
*Family of 4 (2 Adults, 1 Junior age 10-17, 1 Child age 3-9), staying at a Moderate resort, Standard room, January 8-15 (7 nights): $502.88 savings on hotel room + $38.33 savings on tickets + $200 gift card = $741.21 total savings.
*Family of 4 (2 Adults, 1 Junior age 10-17, 1 Child age 3-9), staying at Beach Club resort, Water View room, January 8-15 (7 nights): $1383.75 savings on hotel room + $38.33 savings on tickets + $200 gift card = $1622.08 total savings.
As you can see, the primary savings are on the hotel room portion, so the higher category hotels offer the most total savings. The hotel discount works out to 43% off the room rate when you book 4 nights and get 7 for the same price.
You must buy a package that includes at least 4 nights' accommodations at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel plus minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Base Tickets to qualify for the FREE nights and the extra days on your tickets.
You can stay longer than 7 nights (up to 10 nights) with this package, but there is a maximum of 3 free nights and 3 extra days per ticket, per stay. You can stay less than 7 nights, but you still must purchase 4 nights, so you'll end up with less than 3 free nights/extra days.
Here's the link to www.mousesavers.com:
Vacation Package Discounts
I hope it's okay to brag here: We have saved at least $600 personally. Holly and her family were able to upgrade from camping to staying at a Moderate resort for just $200 for the whole vacation. Nikki and her family saved $1000.
Bottom line? If you can at ALL afford to go (beg, borrow, steal), you should do it. This is the best deal Disney's offered since the 9/11 attacks, when people stopped traveling altogether. Take advantage of this if at all possible. The special runs through the end of June 2009.
Disney is offering a fantastic "free nights" vacation package offer. This is probably the best offer I've seen since 2003. It is valid for stays January 4 through June 27, 2009 (with April 5-18 blacked out).
Here are the details:
*Buy a 4-night/4 day vacation package, get a 7-night/7-day package. That's 3 FREE hotel nights and 3 extra days on your theme park admission tickets!
*Travel between January 4 and March 29 and you will also get a $200 Disney Gift Card, redeemable for dining, souvenirs and more at Walt Disney World! (Travel after March 29 does not include the Gift Card.)
So how much will this save you? Here are three examples (amounts approximate):
*Family of 4 (2 Adults, 1 Junior age 10-17, 1 Child age 3-9), staying at a Value resort, Standard room, January 8-15 (7 nights): $276.75 savings on hotel room + $38.33 savings on tickets + $200 gift card = $515.08 total savings.
*Family of 4 (2 Adults, 1 Junior age 10-17, 1 Child age 3-9), staying at a Moderate resort, Standard room, January 8-15 (7 nights): $502.88 savings on hotel room + $38.33 savings on tickets + $200 gift card = $741.21 total savings.
*Family of 4 (2 Adults, 1 Junior age 10-17, 1 Child age 3-9), staying at Beach Club resort, Water View room, January 8-15 (7 nights): $1383.75 savings on hotel room + $38.33 savings on tickets + $200 gift card = $1622.08 total savings.
As you can see, the primary savings are on the hotel room portion, so the higher category hotels offer the most total savings. The hotel discount works out to 43% off the room rate when you book 4 nights and get 7 for the same price.
You must buy a package that includes at least 4 nights' accommodations at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel plus minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Base Tickets to qualify for the FREE nights and the extra days on your tickets.
You can stay longer than 7 nights (up to 10 nights) with this package, but there is a maximum of 3 free nights and 3 extra days per ticket, per stay. You can stay less than 7 nights, but you still must purchase 4 nights, so you'll end up with less than 3 free nights/extra days.
Here's the link to www.mousesavers.com:
Vacation Package Discounts
I hope it's okay to brag here: We have saved at least $600 personally. Holly and her family were able to upgrade from camping to staying at a Moderate resort for just $200 for the whole vacation. Nikki and her family saved $1000.
Bottom line? If you can at ALL afford to go (beg, borrow, steal), you should do it. This is the best deal Disney's offered since the 9/11 attacks, when people stopped traveling altogether. Take advantage of this if at all possible. The special runs through the end of June 2009.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Dining Details - Disney's Hollywood Studios Edition
This post (and additional "Dining Details" posts) will follow a similar format to the last one - a short description and picture of each table service restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and, when available, reviews from the DISUnplugged podcast. Let's eat!
1. 50's Prime Time Cafe - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Located on Mickey Avenue. Meals are served a la carte and feature Mom's home cooking. This restaurant is heavily themed, making you feel as though you've entered a 1950s TV sitcom. The servers interact with guests here; cast members introduce themselves as "Aunt Thelma" or "Cousin Joe" and encourage you to clean your plate, eat your veggies, etc. I especially recommend the pot roast.
2. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Menu is a la carte. This restaurant is also heavily themed, this time to a drive-in theater. Patrons enjoy their meals in a parked "car," with two seats in front and two in back (no cozy conversation here). The menu is mostly burgers, chicken, and salads. Located on Commissary Lane.
3. Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Diners enjoy both traditional and modern Italian food in a cozy, well-themed, rather low-lighted environment. Located behind Star Tours and the Muppet Vision 3-D attraction. Here's a review from Kevin:
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
4. Hollywood and Vine - Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Character meals are featured here, with Jo-Jo and Goliath and June and Leo from "Playhouse Disney" at breakfast and lunch. There are no characters at dinner. Food is served on a large buffet. This is a big place and it feels a bit like a cafeteria. Located by Echo Lake.
5. Hollywood Brown Derby - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 2 dining plan table service credits. This upscale, richly furnished restaurant is most appropriate for adults but is kid-friendly. Guests order a la carte and may choose from seafood and stake entrees or the famous (and tasty) Cobb salad. Located by the Animation Courtyard.
I'm starting to write like a guidebook author. Maybe because I read too many of them!
If anyone is interested, I can provide audio links to Kevin Klose's dining reviews. He has done more podcast reviews that written ones, and they're unfailingly entertaining.
1. 50's Prime Time Cafe - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Located on Mickey Avenue. Meals are served a la carte and feature Mom's home cooking. This restaurant is heavily themed, making you feel as though you've entered a 1950s TV sitcom. The servers interact with guests here; cast members introduce themselves as "Aunt Thelma" or "Cousin Joe" and encourage you to clean your plate, eat your veggies, etc. I especially recommend the pot roast.
2. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Menu is a la carte. This restaurant is also heavily themed, this time to a drive-in theater. Patrons enjoy their meals in a parked "car," with two seats in front and two in back (no cozy conversation here). The menu is mostly burgers, chicken, and salads. Located on Commissary Lane.
3. Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Diners enjoy both traditional and modern Italian food in a cozy, well-themed, rather low-lighted environment. Located behind Star Tours and the Muppet Vision 3-D attraction. Here's a review from Kevin:
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
4. Hollywood and Vine - Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and requires 1 dining plan table service credit. Character meals are featured here, with Jo-Jo and Goliath and June and Leo from "Playhouse Disney" at breakfast and lunch. There are no characters at dinner. Food is served on a large buffet. This is a big place and it feels a bit like a cafeteria. Located by Echo Lake.
5. Hollywood Brown Derby - Serves lunch and dinner and requires 2 dining plan table service credits. This upscale, richly furnished restaurant is most appropriate for adults but is kid-friendly. Guests order a la carte and may choose from seafood and stake entrees or the famous (and tasty) Cobb salad. Located by the Animation Courtyard.
I'm starting to write like a guidebook author. Maybe because I read too many of them!
If anyone is interested, I can provide audio links to Kevin Klose's dining reviews. He has done more podcast reviews that written ones, and they're unfailingly entertaining.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Dining Details - Magic Kingdom Edition
In helping Holly with her upcoming vacation, I realized that planning these trips is awfully complicated. To reduce some of her research time, I am posting a few consecutive entries regarding the Dining Plan, and more specifically, the restaurants that accept it and a few pertinent details. Here we go!
1. Cinderella's Royal Table - Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Includes characters such as Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. Requires 2 Dining Plan table credits. Advance credit card payment is required. Guests order off a limited menu, except for breakfast, where each guest is given a pre-plated meal of traditional breakfast foods. Located inside Cinderella's Castle. Here's a link to Kevin Klose's (of the DISUnplugged) review:
Cinderella's Royal Table
2. The Crystal Palace - Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style. Includes Pooh and his friends. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Food selection is ample, varied, and fresh. Located between Main Street U.S.A. and Adventureland.
3. Liberty Tree Tavern - Serves lunch and dinner family-style (where platters of food are brought to your table and replenished as needed). Food is all-you-care-to-eat. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Meals are traditional, "Thanksgiving Dinner" foods. This restaurant no longer provides character meals. Located in Liberty Square.
4. The Plaza Restaurant - Serves lunch and dinner. Order off a limited menu featuring sandwiches, soups, salads, and other light fare. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Decor is charmingly Victorian, but this is a small restaurant. Located on Main Street, U.S.A.
5. Tony's Town Square Restaurant - Serves lunch and dinner. Food is traditional Italian, ordered off of a menu. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Restaurant is themed to "Lady and the Tramp" but does not have characters. Here's a link to another Kevin Klose review:
Tony's Town Square
1. Cinderella's Royal Table - Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Includes characters such as Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. Requires 2 Dining Plan table credits. Advance credit card payment is required. Guests order off a limited menu, except for breakfast, where each guest is given a pre-plated meal of traditional breakfast foods. Located inside Cinderella's Castle. Here's a link to Kevin Klose's (of the DISUnplugged) review:
Cinderella's Royal Table
2. The Crystal Palace - Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet-style. Includes Pooh and his friends. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Food selection is ample, varied, and fresh. Located between Main Street U.S.A. and Adventureland.
3. Liberty Tree Tavern - Serves lunch and dinner family-style (where platters of food are brought to your table and replenished as needed). Food is all-you-care-to-eat. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Meals are traditional, "Thanksgiving Dinner" foods. This restaurant no longer provides character meals. Located in Liberty Square.
4. The Plaza Restaurant - Serves lunch and dinner. Order off a limited menu featuring sandwiches, soups, salads, and other light fare. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Decor is charmingly Victorian, but this is a small restaurant. Located on Main Street, U.S.A.
5. Tony's Town Square Restaurant - Serves lunch and dinner. Food is traditional Italian, ordered off of a menu. Requires 1 Dining Plan table service credit. Restaurant is themed to "Lady and the Tramp" but does not have characters. Here's a link to another Kevin Klose review:
Tony's Town Square
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Essential Guidebooks
Vacationing at Walt Disney World can be complicated, overwhelming, exhausting, and expensive. There are at least three ways to get the necessary information to alleviate all of those challenges: good guidebooks, informative podcasts, and easy-to-navigate websites. This post will focus on the guidebooks I've found most useful for my own use.
*My new favorite: Passporter's Walt Disney World 2009: The Unique Travel Guide, Planner, Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake by Jennifer, Dave, and Allison Marx. This guidebook can go with you everywhere at the World. It's very well-organized and includes ratings, descriptions, prices, details, and lists of additional resources (such as websites). Additionally, at the back of the book there are pocket pages to hold maps, receipts, etc. and an elastic band that holds the book closed, so you lose nothing. My only complaint? The pictures are all non-professional ones of the authors' family.
*An oldie-but-goodie: Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2009. This is the official guide of WDW, and it is very comprehensive. It's very weak on the touring plans, and offers no opinions or ratings. It does include good photographs and all activities provided at WDW. I've been reading this since the early 90s.
*For the extremely obsessed WDW traveler: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009 by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa. This book is hundreds of pages long, and covers every possible angle of WDW - touring plans, crowd levels, ratings and readers' opinions, restaurants and hotels on and off property, etc. I enjoy reading it but wouldn't necessarily recommend it as your primary resource.
*For visual interest and absorbing trivia: The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World 2008 by Julie and Mike Neal. Beautiful photographs and interesting facts make this book the best for casual reading and skimming. It does include all that a guidebook would in terms of prices, attractions, maps and the like, but gives very little guidance regarding efficient touring, saving money, etc. Still, very much worth the money.
Many of these guidebooks (albeit in older editions) may be available through your local library or via a site like www.half.com. No matter which you choose, be sure you have at least one as you plan your trip (or dream about it, at least!).
*My new favorite: Passporter's Walt Disney World 2009: The Unique Travel Guide, Planner, Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake by Jennifer, Dave, and Allison Marx. This guidebook can go with you everywhere at the World. It's very well-organized and includes ratings, descriptions, prices, details, and lists of additional resources (such as websites). Additionally, at the back of the book there are pocket pages to hold maps, receipts, etc. and an elastic band that holds the book closed, so you lose nothing. My only complaint? The pictures are all non-professional ones of the authors' family.
*An oldie-but-goodie: Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2009. This is the official guide of WDW, and it is very comprehensive. It's very weak on the touring plans, and offers no opinions or ratings. It does include good photographs and all activities provided at WDW. I've been reading this since the early 90s.
*For the extremely obsessed WDW traveler: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009 by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa. This book is hundreds of pages long, and covers every possible angle of WDW - touring plans, crowd levels, ratings and readers' opinions, restaurants and hotels on and off property, etc. I enjoy reading it but wouldn't necessarily recommend it as your primary resource.
*For visual interest and absorbing trivia: The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World 2008 by Julie and Mike Neal. Beautiful photographs and interesting facts make this book the best for casual reading and skimming. It does include all that a guidebook would in terms of prices, attractions, maps and the like, but gives very little guidance regarding efficient touring, saving money, etc. Still, very much worth the money.
Many of these guidebooks (albeit in older editions) may be available through your local library or via a site like www.half.com. No matter which you choose, be sure you have at least one as you plan your trip (or dream about it, at least!).
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ten Reasons You Just Might Like Walt Disney World
For Holly, and anyone else who may be considering a future trip:
1. Cinderella Castle - Obviously a popular iconic figure and an instant visual cue, this structure is also beautiful and unexpectedly detailed (i.e., the five murals featuring more than 500 million pieces of Venetian glass in the castle's archway).
2. The Monorail - Almost the best ride in all of WDW. Riding the monorail between Epcot and the Ticket and Transportation Center really emphasizes the space and scope of WDW's size. It's relaxing, it's easy, and has beautiful views in every direction.
3. "Soarin' Over California" at Epcot's Future World - This deceptively simple ride lifts you (and a few dozen of your best buddies) several feet off the floor, places you in front of an enormous IMAX screen, and through scent, sound, and gentle motion, make you feel like you actually are soaring over the state of California. It's unbelievable, really.
4. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority - This ride, located in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, is often overlooked, as it is not a headliner attraction. It is relaxing, cool, quiet, and never, ever crowded. I have never seen a line here, and it's often possible to ride continuously, without getting out of your ride vehicle. It's an elevated train, basically, but more technologically complex - it uses linear induction motors and emits no pollution whatsoever. Because it's elevated you enjoy gorgeous views of Tomorrowland, and it takes you through many of the Tomorrowland attractions, specifically Space Mountain. One of my must-dos.
5. The Atrium at the Polynesian Resort - Hop off the monorail sometime and just walk around this resort. The atrium features...well, just look at the picture. Enough said.
6. The Innoventions Plaza music at Epcot's Future World - Actually, I could say that this goes for all music played throughout WDW. I really create memories through sound and, thus, I have good emotions attached to this music in particular. Since I have no photos of the music, you'll have to go to www.mouseworldradio.com to find it.
7. The boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside resort to Downtown Disney - Again, one of the best rides in the park, and it requires no theme park admission OR money! It's more or less a boat shuttle, but the captains are friendly and informative, and the ride down the Sassagoula river is pleasant and just long enough to be satisfying. There are some choice views of the Treehouse Villas (now being renovated as part of the Saratoga Springs resort) as well as views of the Saratoga Springs Resort proper. Especially satisfying at night.
8. Cleanliness/Friendliness - Once more, I have no picture that can encompass this topic, but it can't be overstated. Hard as it is to achieve on my own at home, I have such an appreciation for clean surroundings, manicured gardens, and order. I also appreciate the overwhelming percentage of both cast members and guests who seem to be on their "Christmas season" behavior all the time at WDW.
9. Dole Whips - Yum.
10. Spaceship Earth - This is the icon of Epcot. However, it is unique in its technology and its ride experience. This ride moves you, slowly, towards the top of the structure's interior while tracing the history of communication. It was recently renovated and now features Judi Dench as a narrator - I would have plumped for Julie Andrews, if we must have a female voice. Anyway, it is an enjoyable ride for all ages and a nice way to relax in air-conditioned comfort on a hot Florida day. Don't miss it!
1. Cinderella Castle - Obviously a popular iconic figure and an instant visual cue, this structure is also beautiful and unexpectedly detailed (i.e., the five murals featuring more than 500 million pieces of Venetian glass in the castle's archway).
2. The Monorail - Almost the best ride in all of WDW. Riding the monorail between Epcot and the Ticket and Transportation Center really emphasizes the space and scope of WDW's size. It's relaxing, it's easy, and has beautiful views in every direction.
3. "Soarin' Over California" at Epcot's Future World - This deceptively simple ride lifts you (and a few dozen of your best buddies) several feet off the floor, places you in front of an enormous IMAX screen, and through scent, sound, and gentle motion, make you feel like you actually are soaring over the state of California. It's unbelievable, really.
4. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority - This ride, located in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, is often overlooked, as it is not a headliner attraction. It is relaxing, cool, quiet, and never, ever crowded. I have never seen a line here, and it's often possible to ride continuously, without getting out of your ride vehicle. It's an elevated train, basically, but more technologically complex - it uses linear induction motors and emits no pollution whatsoever. Because it's elevated you enjoy gorgeous views of Tomorrowland, and it takes you through many of the Tomorrowland attractions, specifically Space Mountain. One of my must-dos.
5. The Atrium at the Polynesian Resort - Hop off the monorail sometime and just walk around this resort. The atrium features...well, just look at the picture. Enough said.
6. The Innoventions Plaza music at Epcot's Future World - Actually, I could say that this goes for all music played throughout WDW. I really create memories through sound and, thus, I have good emotions attached to this music in particular. Since I have no photos of the music, you'll have to go to www.mouseworldradio.com to find it.
7. The boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside resort to Downtown Disney - Again, one of the best rides in the park, and it requires no theme park admission OR money! It's more or less a boat shuttle, but the captains are friendly and informative, and the ride down the Sassagoula river is pleasant and just long enough to be satisfying. There are some choice views of the Treehouse Villas (now being renovated as part of the Saratoga Springs resort) as well as views of the Saratoga Springs Resort proper. Especially satisfying at night.
8. Cleanliness/Friendliness - Once more, I have no picture that can encompass this topic, but it can't be overstated. Hard as it is to achieve on my own at home, I have such an appreciation for clean surroundings, manicured gardens, and order. I also appreciate the overwhelming percentage of both cast members and guests who seem to be on their "Christmas season" behavior all the time at WDW.
9. Dole Whips - Yum.
10. Spaceship Earth - This is the icon of Epcot. However, it is unique in its technology and its ride experience. This ride moves you, slowly, towards the top of the structure's interior while tracing the history of communication. It was recently renovated and now features Judi Dench as a narrator - I would have plumped for Julie Andrews, if we must have a female voice. Anyway, it is an enjoyable ride for all ages and a nice way to relax in air-conditioned comfort on a hot Florida day. Don't miss it!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Evolution of an Obsession
After much encouragement, and a commitment to sink more time into blogging (!), I've decided to begin my "specialty" blog about Walt Disney World, "The World With Beth."
My interest in Disney World and other Disney-related subjects began, as it does with most of us, in my childhood. After a particularly frightening medical procedure at 5 years old, my mother fixed me a snack and let me watch "Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too" in our Beta VCR player. We had a couple of trips to WDW as young children (pre-5) which I enjoyed, and later wished I could remember more about. I enjoyed various Disney movies, especially during the late 1980s/early 1990's resurgence under Michael Eisner. But the real fun started when I made a trip to WDW at 12 years old with my mom, aunt Christina, and sister Andrea. Mom and Christina decided to go off on their own one evening and left Andrea and I to decide where we'd like to go. We ended up taking the bus to Epcot, where there was palpable excitement and no lines! We were free, essentially "adult," at ages 15 and 12. It was wonderful, and at the time, it was one of the few moments where we DIDN'T argue.
For me, WDW is a place of freedom, where the perfectly created "Disney" reality BECOMES my own reality. You are taken care of, entertained, fed, and befriended by cast members and other visitors alike. It is beautiful, clean, happy, safe, and detailed in ways casual guests would never realize. Although you pay for the privilege, you come away realizing that no detail was too small to be perfected and polished, and you believe it was done just for you.
You can choose what kind of experience you want: Are you single and you want to enjoy the clubs? Do you have young children who are dying to hug Pluto? Are you a "foodie" who wants to experience international cuisine without a passport? Are you a senior who is concerned about mobility and safety? This is the place.
Here's where I ask for help: Blog topics. I could use some. Because no more than half a dozen people will ever read this, I can personalize it to what you want or need to know. No question is too obscure, no challenge too great!
See you in the World!
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