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Category Archives: Snacks & Treats

Tips for Saving Money off food at the Magic Kingdom

Tips for Saving Money off food at the Magic Kingdom

Most of us have a budget but Disney World can be a budget buster. My daughter and I have annual passes so we go as often as we can. Over the past few years I have learned a lot of money saving tips. Hopefully some of these can help you.

A huge one for me is getting a free cup of ice water in any quick service location that has a soda fountain. If the taste of the water bothers you then you can bring along some of those little flavored packets or Chip uses Mio. There are few locations that will only give you a cup of ice so in that case I just find the nearest water fountain. That can save you a lot of money especially when it’s hot out, which is most of the time here in Central Florida.

Disney World food prices can be a little expensive. So here are some tips that can help you save money on your next visit to Disney.

  • You can get a kids meal at a quick service location and if you are not a big eater that will be just fine for lunch or dinner or if you are a big eater that can be a good snack for you. Quick service locations do not ask the ages of the child. You can get a kids meal without the plastic box and save $1.50
  • The Plaza restaurant in the Magic Kingdom is a sit down restaurant, reservations are strongly recommended, their prices are reasonable, by Disney standards. There menu is limited but the selections they do have are all good and food portions are large enough to share.
  • Casey’s Corner is quick service restaurant, on main street, they serve mainly hot dogs and fries. The portion sizes are large so if you are not a big eater you can share a hot dog between 2 people. As a bonus they also have UNLIMITED CHEESE Sauce for nachos and hot dogs!!!
  • In Liberty Square, there is a food kiosk that sells mainly healthy snacks, along with some chips. They have these huge pickles, but they are big enough for 2 people. So put that with free cups of ice water and you have a snack for 2 people for less than $10.00.
  • If you have a sweet tooth you can get a cupcake at The Confectionery  or The Main Street Bakery. I know they are a little pricey but they are very good and they are huge so 2 people can split one. They also have many other tasty treats.
  • Try getting a Waffle Sand which from Sleepy Hollow. They have a sweet and spicy chicken waffle and a ham, prosciutto, and Swiss cheese waffle, both for $6.99; and a Nutella and fresh fruit waffle for $5.59
  • Another trick that works anywhere is using a company like Garden Grocer to order snacks and bring them with you to the parks.

With the money you save you can buy those Mickey ears you have been eying all day. What are some tips and tricks you use to save money on food at Walt Disney World? We would love to hear them in the comment box below.

 

Sunshine is Disney fanatic. You will find her counting the days until she gets to go back to Disney, while annoying her daughter with everything Disney.

Tips for Saving Money off food at the Magic Kingdom

Order The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2012 e-Book

Order The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2012 e Book

AJ over on The Disney Food Blog has just updated her must have Disney World Dining Guidebook! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2012 e-Book is out now.

While their 2011 edition was very extensive, the Disney World food landscape has changed a lot over the past 12 months. And they have taken this opportunity to greatly expand and update their critically acclaimed Disney World Dining Guide with over 60 more pages of information as well as updates throughout the e-Book.

Disney’s Crystal Palace-A Character Dining Experience Not to Miss

Disneys Crystal Palace A Character Dining Experience Not to Miss

Dining with characters is probably one of the most exciting parts of a Disney vacation.  Where else do your favorite Disney Characters share some magic up close and personal with your family?  You get a few minutes of individual attention from characters, sometimes entertainment, and a meal all in one!  Our family recently had the privilege of dining with Pooh and his friends at the Crystal Palace.  After this dining experience, it is one that will be repeated on our future trips for sure!

If you have base park tickets, make sure you schedule your reservation at Crystal Palace for a day you are planning to visit the Magic Kingdom.  You need your park ticket to enter the gates for your breakfast.  The entrance is usually all the way to your left as you approach the turnstiles at the Magic Kingdom.  There will be a sign that says, “Dining Reservations Entrance”, or something to that effect.

Schedule a breakfast reservation before the park opens for the day.  Why?  Because then you have Main Street USA virtually all to yourself.  The only people who are allowed in the park, before opening, is those who have reservations for dining.  We had an 8:40 ADR on a day when Magic Kingdom opened at nine.  Since we arrived around 8:20 to assure enough time for our reservation, we took some great pictures, and wandered Main Street USA without crowds.  It was a very cool experience, truly one of my favorite moments of our vacation.

Top 5 Favorite World Showcase Pavilions

Top 5 Favorite World Showcase Pavilions

World Showcase is one of the most popular areas at Disney World and at the top of our list when we visit. Who doesn’t like traveling around the world in an afternoon, experiencing different cultures, cuisine, products, architecture, and dining experiences!

Of the nine different Epcot World Showcase Pavilions, which are packed full of things to see and do, everyone has their own favorite; but today, we are listing my Top 5 favorite pavilions and why we love them!

1. Norway Pavilion-This pavilion is our favorite because there is so much great stuff here! Norway transports me to a Norwegian village and back in time to the days of the Vikings! Norway is home to Akershus Storybook Dining, it’s one of my favorite character meals and restaurants. Here adults can experience delicious Norwegian fare while their own little princesses meet a variety of Disney princesses! Norway also has an attraction, Maelstrom, a boat ride through Norway‘s history and mythology. It’s actually pretty good too! In addition to this pavilions shops, there is also the Stave Church to explore; and if you get hungry, visit the Kringla Og Bakeri for some famous school bread and then enjoy it at the nearby seating area with grass growing on the roof!

2. United Kingdom Pavilion-This pavilion is interesting to me because of the history and variety of architecture and detail found here, particularly in the different buildings. Also, who doesn’t enjoythe popular Rose and Crown Pub and Yorkshire Fish and Chips! I like to shop too and the United Kingdom is a great place to do just that. There is also a vast variety of merchandise available here ranging from the Beatles to perfume to British toys and even tea. Tucked near the back of this pavilion is a quiet sitting area which provides a nice escape from the crowds; and you can often find entertainers performing on the street! Also, if you’re a big Disney character fan, as I am, the United Kingdom is a great place to find a vast quantity of Disney characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, and sometimes more!

3. France Pavilion-This beautiful pavilion is full charm and detail, and who wouldn’t enjoy seeing the Eiffel Tower in the background? The shopping here is great by the way. I always have to do some browsing while I’m here. I especially like the home decor, mini-Eiffel Towers, and perfume. There’s also two table service restaurants here: Les Chefs de France and Bistro de Paris. Les Chefs de France is one of my favorite WDW restaurants; and throughout the day, Remy from Pixar’s Ratatouille stops by! Be sure to France thoroughly on your visit as it goes back farther than many realize to reveal another shop and one of World Showcase’s best bakeries, La Boulangerie Patisserie. I also enjoy this pavilion due its location next to the International Gateway, where you can hop on a “Friendship” boat to visit the Epcot Resorts or continue on to Hollywood Studios.

4. Germany Pavilion-This is a popular pavilion with many guests, including myself. The Germany pavilion takes you into the pages of a classic fairytale with it’s clocktowers, turrets, and German village design. Here you can grab a meal at the Biergarten Restaurant or Sommerfest and do some serious shopping! There is a variety of German merchandise, such as Christmas ornaments, steins, toys, cuckoo clocks, soccer gear, and crystal jewelry. If you have a sweet tooth, like me, you must drop in the new Karamell Kuche for traditional caramel candies or some unique, caramel treats! Also, take some time to enjoy the minature train village nearby, kids and adults both enjoy it.

5. China Pavilion-I like Canada because it’s different than most World Showcase pavilions. Tucked behind its shops, which represent both Canada‘s rugged, Northwestern culture and elegant, European architecture, is a little piece of the Canadian Rockies. Several paths and bridges take you over little streams and by a waterfall on your way to a tribute film about Canada starring Martin Short, and it’s totally cool that the theater is nestled inside of a replica mine! For fellow shoppers, like myself, be sure to spend some time exploring The Northwest Mercantile; and everyone should walk through the peaceful and picturesque gardens. Need another reason why this pavilion is my favorite? Le Cellier! This is seriously one of the best restaurants at WDW property. Plus, one of World Showcase’s most popular entertainment groups, Off Kilter, can be found here!

So those are my Top 5 choices for my favorite World Showcase pavilions. What did you think? What is your favorite World Showcase pavilion?

Top 5 Favorite World Showcase Pavilions

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July

Fireworks light the sky above Walt Disney World Resort most nights throughout the year. This week, however, extra spectacular, super fantasmical pyrotechnic shows will dazzle the darkness with a pixie dusted patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rockin’n’rollin’ extravaganza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a classic sky show at Epcot infused with an Independence Day finale.

As Chip informed you recently, you can celebrate America’s birthday with a Disney bang!

  • Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light the skies at 9:00 p.m. July 3 and July 4 at Magic Kingdom Park.
  • Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration” rocks and rolls at 9:45 p.m. July 4, immediately following the 9:00 p.m. Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • The Heartbeat of Freedom” enhances “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” bursting high above Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon at 10:00 p.m. on the4th of July. In addition, Voices of Liberty will perform a 4th of July Concert at the American Adventure pavilion where guests may meet Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress.

During this holiday week, you’ll find special treats like these red, white, and blue chocolate dipped apples and layered cupcakes in eateries around the parks. Even the Mickey Rice Krispie treats have been given some holiday flair! (Photos courtesy Disney Food Blog.)

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July

You’ll also find patriotic plush Mickey Mouse and Duffy Bears in various shops, as well as Uncle Sam hats, beads, and an assortment of American flag-themed souvenirs, apparel, pins and knick-knacks in stores and at kiosks in the parks and at Downtown Disney.

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July

If you’re at the parks this week, keep in mind they will be super crowded as this is one of the Resort’s busiest times of the year. Be patient with those around you and expect long waits for attractions and transportation. Theme park hours on July 4 (subject to change without notice): Magic Kingdom, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.; Epcot, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Have a safe and magical 4th!

Walt Disney World Celebrates America this 4th of July
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