DISNEY WORLD!
Does the word Disney excite you or scare you!? Let me give you some tips and must do's when it comes to Disney World.
First - FOOD!
I love food and there is no better place to explore all the different foods of the world than at Disney World parks and resorts. Here is a list of my favorite go to places to eat:
Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios. This is a quick-service place to eat that is fun and spacious. I can usually find a place to sit and it is eye catching. Another reason I love this place is for the kids meals of Darth Vader waffles and chicken nuggets. Not to leave off the desserts. The choices of desserts may change up a bit from time to time but check out the cupcakes!
Character Meals - Any of them! However if you have a princess in the family, eating at Cinderella's Royal Table is a must. I remember growing up and dreaming of being a princess being in the famous Cinderella's Castle. This is your opportunity. The cost is more than other character meals however the food is wonderful and your princess gets to have around 5 Princesses come directly to her table. If you want to make the moment even more special, pre-order your princess a crown and it will be delivered exclusively to her (for an extra cost, of course).
Whispering Canyon's BBQ meal! There is so much fun about this dining experience and it changes constantly. It's down to earth, down home cooking style food and endless ice cream shakes! I have to warn you though..... its rustic adventure is not for everyone and be careful if you have a ketchup user at your table. There you've been warned!
Sleepy Hollow..... if you haven't heard these 2 words when it comes to food at Disney, then please put it on your must have list! There is a small window located in Liberty Square that serves the FRESH FRUIT WAFFLE SANDWICH.... a waffle loaded with fresh fruit and a Chocolate-Hazelnut spread! If sweet isn't your thing, then try the Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich!
My ultimate favorite food experience at Disney is at the Polynesian Resort. Ohana! There are different options so please know which option is which. One comes with meeting Lilo and Stitch and is currently only at breakfast. The breakfast style character meals tend to be more cost friendly and are a great way to start your day. However when it comes to Ohana!.... go for dinner too! There aren't any characters but the food is to die for! My daughter (age 10 at the time) had an entire Bread Pudding dessert all to herself! Its an all you can eat delivered to your table style experience and not one item on the menu that I didn't just love.
Now before I depart the food section of this blog, let's talk about the Disney Dining Plan. If you enjoy a vacation where less worry is the goal, then get the dining plan, sit back and enjoy all the options. There are different dining plans available to accommodate your families desires. Table Service meals are an option in a couple of the plans available and those credits work towards Character meals. It's easy to track your credits. Snack credits can be a bit trickier. These work towards so many options and I encourage you to use them for the most expensive items you want and not use them drinks. Unless its Starbucks! Water is free everywhere! Just ask for a cup of ice water and save your money and snack credits for food options. It gets hot in Florida and one can dehydrate fast so drink up that free water! I bring a collapsible water bottle and take some water from our meal time with us to go. I also carry flavor drops to change up the taste here and there. The kids love it!
To Resort or Stay Off Site - this is the part of the blog where I may make some enemies.... that's okay, I'll try my best to be impartial..... who am I kidding! Stay on Site! I believe there are 2 Florida trips.... Florida (Universal, NASA, etc) and then Disney World! If you're doing Disney, DO DISNEY!
The resorts are Disney themed to even the smallest of details. Also the resorts add a level of convenience by being able to jump on the Disney bus system or the boats or the monorails and head right to the parks. When you've been in a park from open to close, its nice to get on that Disney transportation and relax.
Disney has done it right! When traveling to Disney, take advantage to the "MAGIC BAND" system. The magic band is worn and it is your ticket to the parks, your room key and your shopping in style! Every where you go at Disney the magic band is key. I remember being at Disney World and having to search thru all my pockets to find my ticket to the main gate and then putting them away and then getting out the cash or the credit card and then putting that away.... are you picturing this? Now I scan my wrist to enter. I scan my wrist to pay for my food or souvenirs. I scan my wrist to get into my room which in the past has been ready and assigned to me before my plane has landed on that Florida asphalt.
While I'm talking air travel, did you know that Disney has a Magical Express option? The Magical Express takes you from the airport and safely delivers you to your resort. All with the scan of your magic band. Oh and the joy of having your luggage tagged with the special yellow Magical Express tag and knowing that it will be delivered to your room while you enjoy your first day! Arrive early, go to the parks and when you return..... it's there. Magically!
I could talk Disney forever! One last note.... Disney is about adventures. Yes there are the rides, the foods, the atmosphere but don't overlook the aspects of Disney that involve a little mystery. Check out the Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom, the Pirate's Adventure, the Keys to the Kingdom tours and the many other tours available. Or check out one of Disney's magical parties at Halloween or at Christmas. There is so much to Disney..... I'll be here to book your first trip or your next!
