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Author Archives: Savannah
Top 5 Animal Kingdom Traditions
If you have been bitten by the Disney bug, then chances are you try to visit Walt Disney World as often as you can. If so, then you probably have some traditions that you must embrace each time you visit to make your trip complete. I have some Animal Kingdom traditions that I would like to share with you, and they just might be some of your traditions too!
5. Walk Through Asia-One of my favorite places at Animal Kingdom is Asia. For me, Disney is at its best in this part of the park in regards to detail, story, and experience! As I make my way towards Expedition Everest, it’s a tradition of mine to study the signs, the ruins and remains of the old village, as well as the construction projects going on and the references to the mythical yeti as I make my way towards Expedition Everest!
4. Tree of Life Picture-No matter how many times I’ve seen it, the Tree of Life never ceases to amaze. Once I walk out of the Oasis, I am awestruck every time; and it’s a tradition for me to snap a picture of the tree no matter how many times I’ve done it before!
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris-This attraction is one of Disney’s greatest attractions of all time and one of its most unique in that it’s actually alive! Not only do you get to see free roaming African wildlife, you also get to experience a taste of African and an African safari! So for a complete Animal Kingdom experience, this attraction is one of my Animal Kingdom traditions!
2. Mickey Premium Bar-Disney regulars would agree that Animal Kingdom seems hotter than other parks; and since there is a lot to see and a lot of ground to cover, one of my traditions in order to keep cool is to snack on a Mickey Premium Bar!
1. Expedition Everest-One of my favorite WDW attractions, this Expedition Everst has two things that I really enjoy in a ride: a great story and great thrills! I even enjoy waiting in Expedition Everest‘s queue which seeminly transports me to a village in Nepal and is chock full of details! Naturally, it’s a tradition for me to throroughly study all I can in this attraction’s line and then enjoy a pulse-pounding ride forwards (and backwards) down the mountain! It’s a must-do during my trips to Animal Kingdom.
Now it’s your turn! I want to hear your own Animal Kingdom traditions so be sure to leave a comment and share them with us!
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Top 5 Hollywood Studios Traditions
If you have been bitten by the Disney bug, then chances are you try to visit Walt Disney World as often as you can. If so, then you probably have some traditions that you must embrace each time you visit to make your trip complete. I have some Hollywood Studios traditions that I would like to share with you, and they just might be some of your traditions too!
5. Star Tours-Since I am a huge Star Wars fan, a trip to a galaxy far far away is definitely a tradition for me! Before the opening of Star Tours: The Adventure Continues last year, it was a tradition for my brother and I to ride the original and repeat Rex’s old lines; and now I look forward to seeing what place in the Star Wars universe the ride is going to take me!
4. Writer’s Stop-This little cafe is tucked next to the popular Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and sells a variety of Disney books and an excellent array of bakery goods and refreshments! It’s one of my traditions to drop by this spot for a quick breakfast or a snack during one of my visits to Hollywood Studios.
3. Shopping for Pins-I always look forward to shopping for new Disney pins to add to my collection; and it’s a tradition for me to spend some time browsing the pins for sale under the giant Sorcerer’s Hat at the center of the park.
2. Tower of Terror-This is one of my favorite attractions at Walt Disney World, so naturally it’s one of my traditions! I always try to find new details when waiting in the lobby and choose the left line when waiting in the boiler room. Some guests say the left line is faster and the drops on that side are more intense; and while I can’t be sure, I think they’re right!
1. Rock n’ Roller Coaster-Another of one of my favorite attractions, I can’t leave WDW without a wild and crazy ride on Rock n’ Roller Coaster! My favorite part of the ride is the catapult from 0 to 60 mph straight into a loop. It’s also a personal tradition of mine to perform my own air guitar solo while rocketing upside down!
Now it’s your turn! I want to hear your own Hollywood Studios traditions so be sure to leave a comment and share them with us!
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Top 5 Epcot Traditions
If you have been bitten by the Disney bug, then chances are you try to visit Walt Disney World as often as you can. If so, then you probably have some traditions that you must embrace each time you visit to make your trip complete. I have some Epcot traditions that I would like to share with you, and they just might be some of your traditions too
5. Shop at MouseGear-Next to the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney, this massive store, in my opinion, offers the best variety of Disney souvenirs! One of my traditions is to save my souvenir budget until I drop by this store because I can see a variety of merchandise all in one place. Plus, the chilly blast of A/C when you walk inside helps too!
4. Club Cool-This Future World spot sells Coca-Cola merchandise and features soda fountains distributing different soft drink flavors from around the world. What’s even cooler is that you can sample these international drinks for free! Even though I visit here often, it’s still a tradition to drop in to sample a few of favorites and quench my thirst without cracking open my wallet!
3. Funnel Cake at the American Adventure-When trekking through Epcot’s World Showcase, one of my traditions is to stop at the American Adventure’s Funnel Cake Stand and satisfy my sweet tooth with a warm, sugary Funnel Cake!
2. Shopping at Germany-One of my favorite things to do at the World Showcase is to shop; and one of my traditions is to stop at the Germany pavilion to do a little browsing! This pavilion has sports gear, toys, Christmas decor, cuckoo clocks, steins, and more. Plus, the square is charming and like walking into an old storybook.
1. Le Cellier-This is my family’s favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World, so naturally it’s a tradition to eat here when we visit Epcot. We usually eat here for lunch if we get the reservation, as it equals only one credit on the Disney Dining Plan; and it’s tradition for us to partake of the incredible pretzel bread, Cheddar Cheese Soup, and the Filet Mignon with Mushroom Risotto. Believe me, after eating this steak, you will be ruined for life!
Now it’s your turn! I want to hear your own Magic Kingdom traditions so be sure to leave a comment and share them with us!
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5 Often Overlooked Quick Service Restaurants
Often overlooked these Quick Service restaurants are a hidden gem at the Walt Disney World Theme park!
There are two different types of dining at Disney World: table service and quick service. Table service restaurants are dining destinations that offer either buffets or served meals with appetizers, main courses, desserts, and service.
Meanwhile, quick service restaurants are set up like cafeterias offering quick, but tasty, menus where you pretty much serve yourself. However, quick service restaurants are not to be underestimated. Disney carries their use of theme, storyline, and design into these dining locations too; and some of the menus at counter service locations are incredibly delicious and a far cry from your standard theme park fare of simply burgers and fries!
1. Columbia Harbour House - This quick service location can be found in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom and it offers a great menu and setting. Columbia Harbour House has a New England, nautical theme set in the colonial period with dark woods, brass accents, anchors, and items from old ships decorating the walls. You will also find cupboards filled with dishes and fireplaces with odds and ends on the mantle and more in the dining areas, making you feel as if you stepped backed in time into real early America! Also, many don’t realize that this restaurant has a second floor. It’s rarely crowded there, dim and cool, and has windows overlooking the park and a great restroom. It’s a great place to escape the crowds! However, the seafood inspired menu here is the real star. At Columbia Harbor House, you can feast on a vegetarian sandwich, tuna, fried fish or shrimp, salads, and delicious Clam Chowder!
2. Sunshine Seasons – This quick service location can be found on the first floor of The Land pavilion at Epcot! Here you can dine right in the middle of all the action taking place in The Land with Soarin’ and Living with the Land right next door! The food at Sunshine Seasons is very unique in comparison to other quick service locations as some of it is actually grown inside The Land pavilion and it is the only place in Epcot’s Future World that serves breakfast! It’s also some of the best quick service food you can find in all of WDW, and a great place for those looking for a healthy meal. Sunshine Seasons offers different stations, each with their own menu. Some of the selections offered here would be Sweet and Sour Chicken, Rotisserie Chicken, a Flatbread sandwich, Strawberry Shortcake, and Soarin’ inspired Creme Brulee! Also be sure to look above to see four hot air balloons representing each season hanging from the ceiling.
3. Captain Cook’s Snack Company - Located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Captain Cook’s is a favorite quick service location among many guests. The breakfast menu offers standard breakfast fare, along with the famous Polynesian Tonga Toast, banana stuffed French Toast. For lunch or dinner, try to choose between a pork sandwich, stir-fry noodles, turkey club, chicken caesar salad, and a variety of flatbreads. In addition to being open 24 hours, this is also the only other place, besides Aloha Isle in Adventureland, where you can get a Dole Whip!
4. Riverside’s Mill -Port Orleans Riverside’s food court is one of the best! Here there are different stations to choose from, whether you are in the mood for sandwiches, salads, pizza, meat, or burgers. What makes this dining destination great is the setting and the Create-Your-Own-Pasta bar. Here you get to choose your own ingredients and the servings are huge! The food court is located in what appears to be an old mill with a huge waterwheel just outside. The high ceilings and variety of seating make this place appear huge! Plus, there are plenty of windows to let in light and provide a view of the waterwheel and the Sassagoula River; and the wooden beams, and relaxed, country atmosphere make it comfortable and charming!
5. Gasparilla Grill and Games – Located at the Grand Floridian, this quick service location offers a budget friendly, but yet tasty, menu for Grand Floridian guests or visitors and is open 24 hours. This dining location is both a mini food court and an arcade; but don’t let that stop you from giving it a shot. This Grand Floridian restaurant continues the resort’s light and airy decor, providing adults a pleasant place to eat and talk and kids a place to play! The menu here is also exceptional with a fabulous Caesar salad, the Grand Floridian Club Sandwich, stir fry, vegetarian lasagna, roast beef, and more!
So what is your favorite quick service restaurant at Walt Disney World? Did any of ours make your list?
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Disney World Quick Tip – Getting the best seat in the house
Many popular Disney World attractions are shows, such as Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage, The American Adventure, and more! However, what most guests are thinking about when the theater doors open is how to get the best seat, especially when you have kids!
While many theaters at Walt Disney World have seating that offers great views no matter where you’re at, the best views for many shows are in the center, near the front. From this location, you have a direct view of the action and close proximity to the characters, especially when it’s a live show. However, when you enter the theater, Cast Members require guests to move all the way across the aisle. Therefore, if you’re the first one in, you will probably get one of the worst seats!
So if you want a great seat at a show at Disney World, don’t push to be the first through the theater doors. If you do, you will be required to go all the way across the aisle and end up with a distant aisle seat. Instead, hang back a little and let the crowds flow in until they have filled up half of the theater, then make your way to an empty seat which should be at the center of the theater! However, be warned that the seats towards the front tend to fill up fast!
So when you’re hunting for a great seat at a Disney World show, don’t rush! Let other guests take the other seats and then get the ones you want. It’s much less stressful and you and the kids will have a great view!
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