Category: DISNEY RESORTS

DISNEY RESORTS

THE ROSE AND THE CROWN: NOT OUR “CUP OF TEA”

Looking for a place to have a drink? Stop by the Rose and Crown Pub in London’s Epcot. Looking for a place to have authentic British food like fish and chips? Feel free to try but be prepared to wait.

One more piece of advice? I would not suggest this to be a family friendly atmosphere.

Service is slow and the food is pricey. While I was excited to dine here given the wonderful reviews, my frustration began when there was no real place to park a stroller with convenience.

The walk to the tables is extremely hard to navigate. Maybe that’s how it is in London?

The one bathroom is in the pub, right next to the bar area – which is often filled to capacity with adults doing what adults do at a bar. It’s not the easiest place to bring a toddler who wants to go to the bathroom. What did we have to do multiple times? Go to the bathroom. I chose instead to leave the pub and walk across the road to the public restrooms.

  • Yes they have fish and chips. Let’s face it, we have seen these before. They are easily made.

I was not totally thrilled with the menu, found here.

Long and short of things was that our server took so long that we did not even stay to wait for the dessert that came with our dining plan offering. This restaurant was a total disappointment.

As far as Epcot’s England, however, definitely walk around the tea garden and shops. The country itself is not to be missed.

 
DISNEY RESORTS, disney themed fun, Uncategorized

FIVE REASONS NOT TO AVOID THE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY HOSTS AT DISNEY – YOU CAN HUG THEM INSTEAD
  • Do the cheerful smiles of Disney Activity Hosts creep you out? Don’t let them- they are genuine, and you may want to hug them at the end of your visit. While the Activity Hosts are not babysitters (you must supervise your kids unless you are at the activity center with babysitting for a small fee), they will surely keep your child entertained and give you some breathing room
  • Toasted Marshmallows: Who doesn’t love a campfire? Almost every Disney Resort Hotel holds a family campfire with marshmallows to toast (no smores). And get this: As long as you wear shoes and follow the rules, you are entitled to unlimited marshmallows!
  • Community Hall: Guests of the resort are welcome to do arts and crafts (small fee), play games (ping pong/board games/ video games) and watch movies. We have made and painted pottery, made slime, created a craft bag, and done all sorts of fun things! And the activity reps walk your kids through every step of the way. You can participate or sit back and read a magazine!
  • Poolside activities: Starting at 1pm, the activity reps usually play games with the kids at the pool. It can be a godsend. Often the games have fun prizes. They aren’t lifeguards, though so be sure to keep your eyes on them.
mermaid bank made at community hall
  • Rainy day activities: When it rains, it sometimes pours! And the pool is closed. For those days, the activity reps will usually move the poolside activities into community hall or the Resort lobby.
  • MOVIES: Every evening of the week the Resort usually plays a family friendly Disney movie. The movies are shown on a large blow-up screen in a large area and range from Disney animated classics to Disney Channel Original Movies. They will even show Disney’s newest releases as soon as they’re available to the public. Some of the resorts will also provide an indoor option if it is raining or the movie can’t be shown outdoors for some reason. This activity is a great way to enjoy an old favorite or catch a new movie you’ve been dying to see. Bring snacks!
  • participating in poolside games
  • Halloween craft: painted rocks
  • drums at Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • drums!
  • learning about drums with the activity hosts
  • learning about Africa with the activity hosts
  • activities at Jumbo House and Kidani Village
  • activities at Kidani Village

 
character meet and greets, DISNEY RESORTS, disney themed fun

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW DISNEY JUNIOR DANCE PARTY – AND A FEW THINGS NOT TO DO!

There’s a new dance party in town and I am so glad there is. The old show definitely needed some changing up. Here are a few things to know about the experience.

This is your MC. Her outfit, complete with tablet in hand says it all. Be prepared to be thrust into the world of Generation Z.
Thinking that, in an auditorium it won’t matter when you show up? You’re partly wrong. If you can, try to be the first family in the fast pass line. You will then be either welcomed by all the Disney Junior friends or be assured a front row seat (with much audience participation that really makes the day).
Think about learning the dances before hand: For instance, the Spinechiller:

One thing you can’t do: get on stage. Don’t try it.

Parents, keep in mind that everyone sits on the floor. Kids get up and dance. If you or a member of your party do not want to sit on the floor there is limited seating on benches in the back. See all the crowds? Try and keep you and your family to their dancing zone.

Doc will be faced with someone who needs emergency treatment. Who else will you meet? Vampirina, Timon & Mickey
This is one of the few places you will see Mickey. He is not in the Disney Junior Courtyard anymore.

The dance party is approximately 25 minutes once it starts. Definitely a must see, we went a few times because those dance moves are catchy!

 
DINING, DISNEY RESORTS

Monsieur Paul – A signature dining experience

Dinner is the evening. So we headed to Epcot because good food is the foundation of genuine happiness – or so say the French. The menu speaks for itself, as do our pictures:

  • two credits on the dining plan as a signature meal or $$$$
  • Kids menu
  • Main courses
  • optional tasting menu – additional cost on top of dining plan

  • appetizers

When you enter, you are met with a beautiful spiral staircase and reserved hostesses. We chose the tasting menu to experience everything that France had to offer at that particular moment. We started off with this:

Our kids started off with this:

mozarella sticks and cherry tomato salad
  • salad
  • pate appetizer also available
  • kids grilled chicken and FRENCH fries
  • Tuna
  • French service
  • sorbet to clean the pallet
  • Fromage! Bring on the cheese
  • cheese!

What is not pictured is the constant bread service – best bread is from France!

Is the experience worth it? Absolutely. You could tell that every morsel that hit your mouth was well made. We also did not leave feeling disgustingly full.

Keep in mind that this restaurant is 2 points on the dining plan as a signature restaurant. They also have many add on options – but if you are here you may as well enjoy yourselves. The greatest part is that if you want to skip dessert, there is a wonderful ice cream spot with artisanal French flavors (16) and macaroon sandwiches.

 
CHARACTER DINING, character meet and greets, DISNEY RESORTS, disney themed fun, lists! what NOT to have or do on your trip, Uncategorized

THE WORST PLACES TO GO DRESSED AS A DISNEY PRINCESS WHILE ON DISNEY PROPERTY

This is Disney, so you can be a princess anywhere, right? – well yes. But there are certain things that you may NOT want to do while dressed as a Disney Princess. Here are a few rules: 

  1. Do not jump in the adult or kiddie pool area while dressed as a Disney Princess.  Not only do most of the Resort Pools have rules as far as what you can wear while in the pool, but a pool will certainly damage your princess dress.  Disney Resort pools, especially in the kid areas, tend to have a lot of chlorine in the pool. Chlorine ruins clothing. Especially princess clothing. As a general rule: wear a bathing suit, goggles, and plenty of sunscreen.  Definitely DON’t skip a frolic in the pool just because you want to keep your princess dress on. 

    Goggles not heels

     

    Bathing suits do best in the water

    Make sure you have a towel
  2. Do Not go on Safari while dressed as a Disney Princess. Most of the safaris on Disney Property are sandy, dusty, and sometime muddy.  You do not need your princess gown getting damaged in any way, shape or form.  Unfortunately, Disney Cast Members will not hold up your princess train or long skirt for you, so plan accordingly.  What should you bring on safari? Long socks, comfy shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a camera. 

    It gets hot and dusty on safari
  3. Do not go on Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids, or any other water ride while dressed as a Disney Princess (see #1 for advice on chlorinated water and princess attire).   While you are always not Guaranteed to get covered in water on some of these rides, you must assume that you will be and prepare accordingly. Which also means that you must secure your phone, wallet, and anything else that you may not want getting wet. (Most of these rides have lockers to lock your personal items away. But, if you take off your princess dress and put it in a locker, please be sure that you have on a bathing suit underneath). 

    You run the risk of getting wet at many Disney rides and play areas.
  4. Are you an adult? If so, then you MUST NOT wear any princess dress on Disney Park Property. Disney has official rules on this. They do not want people confusing you with actual cast members. You may do something called Disney Bounding. That will be explained another day.

    Do not pick up the phone and cancel your trip yet!
  5. Are you frustrated yet? Are you wondering why you should go to Disney at all if there are so many reasons NOT to wear your princess dress in certain places? Do not call your friends to cancel your trip! Here are some great ways to have fun in your princess attire while on Disney Property: 

  6. Cinderella came to Akershus

  •  Go to Akershus Castle, Cinderella’s Castle, and Be Our Guest Restaurant and dine with other royalty. At Be Our Guest Restaurant, you may not meet other princesses but you will surely have the chance to tame a wild beast.
  • All of the character meet and greets welcome guests dressed as princesses. You will surely be treated the way a princess deserves to be treated.  But be careful: If you choose to dress as a Disney Princess and meet another Disney Prince or Princess, they will surely ask questions about your character. 
  • Want to go to a regular restaurant dressed as a princess? Feel free! Also feel free go shopping. Everyone knows that princesses love to shop. 
  • No-one will stop you from sleeping in your princess dress instead of your pajamas but lay down carefully so as not to wrinkle anything. 
  • Do you want to go to the arcade dressed as a Disney Princess? Feel free. But bring a purse for $$ for the game room.  Most of the arcades have a machine that requires Disney guests to put $$ on a game card. 
 
Disney history, DISNEY RESORTS, disney themed fun, Uncategorized

BUMPS AND SHIVERS….YES, EVEN AT DISNEY!

   They go bump in the night and send shivers down your spine. Your nightmares.  The stairs creak because a ghost is walking. Do these things keep you awake at night? Then you probably shouldn’t keep reading.

        Something that feels so right has to be.. wrong, right? Or at least eerily spooky? Disney is so much fun that there have to be some skeletons hiding in the closet, or “secret underworld” that lies behind the scenes.  

Ever wonder why the light is kept on in the apartment above the firehouse on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom? No, there are not firefighters in there. That is Walt Disney’s actual apartment.  After Walt died, Disney employees tried to turn the light off but it always turns back on.. 

 

two people dressed as ghost
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

  • The Pirates of Caribbean Ride is constructed with real bones, I have mentioned this before.  Do cast member still conveniently dispose bodies there? That’s for you to guess and for me to never find out. 
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
    Photo by Renato Danyi on Pexels.com

     

  • Disney’s Main Street is haunted by more than just Walt Disney.  A lady in white wonders the streets at all hours. She was killed on Main Street’s grounds before Disney built his empire. She has never been put to rest, and is constantly wandering the streets and checking storefronts for her children. Legend has it that she has been known to have guided actual lost children to the Baby Care Center. Would you trust her with your kids? Instead of telling my kids to look for “the lady in white” I usually make sure that we all decide on a designated area should they get lost.. but that’s just me. 

    adult bridal bride brunette
    Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels.com

     

  • Do you ever ride the monorail? One teenager tried to sneak into Disneyland in 1966 by climbing a fence, a fence that led right to the monorail tracks. He was then decapitated, run over by the same train that was supposed to take him to experience the joy of Disney.  If you look closely, more than a few people have spotted him running alongside the train. 

    bridge clouds cloudy dark clouds
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

     

  • Several people report that a small boy stands at the exit of the Haunted Mansion, crying. When a guest or employee tries to speak to him, he ignores them as if they are not there.  Well, he is not there. He is of another dimension. Possibly one of the ashes scattered around the Haunted Mansion.  Click here to learn more. 

    time lapse photography of four black metal cooking wares
    Photo by Devon Rockola on Pexels.com

 

Is your spine tingling yet? There are more real life accounts of employees who have passed in very gruesome ways, but I will save these for another day.

 
DISNEY RESORTS, disney themed fun, lists! what NOT to have or do on your trip, theme parks, Uncategorized

TOP FIVE THINGS NOT TO DO ON ITS A SMALL WORLD

“It’s a Small World” is probably the most popular ride- traditionally- in the Magic Kingdom. It is family friendly, for all ages and sizes. But there are still some things you should never do on “It’s a Small World”. 

  1.  Don’t put your hands in the water while riding the boat. This ride made its mark at the 1964 World’s Fair. I doubt you are riding in filtered water. You could be riding in basically the same water they had in 1964. That is water that is over forty years old! And dirty! Also, we have never heard of an alligator sighting, but be careful – and keep your hands in the boat!close up of bottle pouring water on glass
  2. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
  3.  Don’t worry about a Fast Pass (on non holidays). The line for this ride usually moves pretty quickly because there are so many boats. You do not have to run like crazy to get on this ride and beat the crowd. The one perk of a fast pass? Your name MAY show up somewhere along the ride. So do it for that reason only.people doing marathon
  4. Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com
  5.  Don’t go on this ride looking for thrills and chills. As I said before, this is NOT a scary ride. You do not go fast or upside down. You go on here to relax. There is no screaming on this ride. Please do NOT scream. You will upset people.
    Photo by Genaro Servu00edn on Pexels.com
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
  6.  Do NOT plan on learning a new language on this ride. Yes, seven languages and twenty five countries are represented on the journey. But you will be so busy looking at all of the beautiful scenery that I doubt you will pick up a language that quickly.  If you want to try: English, Portuguese, German, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Italian! The ride can be found at five Disney Parks and Three Continents so go ahead and try.
  7.  Don’t be afraid to sing a long. Below are the lyrics to get you started
  8.   Finally, DO look up as the ride is beginning. People often hold up signs from the Pinocchio Haus

   It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears. It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears.
               

There’s so much that we share

That it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all

 It’s a small world after all
 It’s a small world after all
 It’s a small world after all

It’s a small, small world

There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone.

Though the mountains divide
           And the oceans are wide
           It’s a small world after all

            It’s a small world after all
            It’s a small world after all
            It’s a small world after all
            It’s a small, small world

 
DINING, DISNEY RESORTS, lists! what NOT to have or do on your trip

FIVE THINGS NOT TO DO AT JIKO THE COOKING PLACE

Also the name of Animal Kingdom’s Signature Dining Experience, “Jiko” is Swahili for “a cooking place.” So “Jiko – The Cooking Place” literally means “A Cooking Place – The Cooking Place.”    In true “cooking place” form, Jiko has two wood burning ovens that make you feel as if you are actually standing next to a fire.  The chefs prepare offerings in an open kitchen for all to see. 

Here are five things not to do if you decide to enter Jiko: 

  1.  DON’T wear a bathing suit and flip flops. You might be at a Disney Resort, close to the pool level, but this is a Signature Restaurant and there is a dress code.  According to Disney, Signature Dining restaurants provide unparalleled cuisine in upscale, elegant surroundings, sampling only the finest fare Disney chefs can prepare. Dress for the occasion! At least cover yourself up!

    orange pink white stripe bikini near shell on sand beach
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
  2. DON’T expect to see any animals while you dine. Jiko does not have any windows overlooking the African Savannah. Disappointed? Don’t be. The food on your plate will be so delicious and inviting that you won’t be able to focus on anything else. 
    KIDS MENU
    MINT TEA
  3. DON’T forget your wallet – this restaurant is pricey. Two points on the dining plan and anywhere from $70-150 per adult. Don’t worry. No need to bring African currency – the restaurant takes US dollars, credit cards, and Magic Bands! For those who are wondering, US dollars are also very popular in Africa and can usually be used as currency without  converting.  Many places frequented by the Bantu people also use shillings as a form as currency – but currency throughout Africa varies.

    dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-47344.jpeg
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
  4.  Looking for a red wine to go with your steak? DON”T expect to see Malbec or your favorite French Wine on the menu. Jiko is known for authentic African wines. There are wines that you won’t be able to find anywhere else on property and very few locations across the US outside of Disney World. For you wine fans out there, this is a great opportunity to try and experience new flavors and test your wine palate. If you want to take this experience to the next level, you can schedule a wine tasting that is offered on Wednesdays. You will get to sample wines from the South Africa region along with cheese pairings. The wine pairing experience is by reservation only.  For guests over 8, the Wanyami Safari Experience (special reservation through Guest Service) allows time for you on a trek through the African Savannah and then a multi-course dinner with wine tasting is supposed to be incredible!

    alcohol blur bright burnt
    Photo by PhotoMIX Ltd. on Pexels.com
  5.  DON”T be afraid to try new foods – because I guarantee, if you are not familiar with African culture, you will not understand more than half of what is on the menu. But it is tasty, I promise. Start out with the “Taste of Africa” you will see!Green Eggs
  6. DO bring your appetite! We were stuffed after this experience. Because you do not want to miss a bite!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 
character meet and greets, DISNEY RESORTS, theme parks

TOP FIVE THINGS NOT TO ASK EEYORE! AND A FEW LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT HIM, TOO!
  1. DON’T Forget Eeyore’s birthday. One of Eeyore’s true passions is being remembered on his birthday. He likes to blow out the candles on the cake while his friends join him in the celebrating.  Want to mark your calendars for this year? Circle May 10th! Be sure to buy a red balloon! “Thanks for noticing me”
  2. DON’T Ask Eeyore if his house looks like it is falling down. If you ask him, he will FLIP OUT. He is constantly worried that his house is going to fall down. He is always rebuilding his house because Pooh and Piglet built his original house with the wrong kind of sticks – also the woozles are constantly bouncing it down.
  3. If you happen to see that Eeyore’s tail has fallen off, don’t ask Eeyore if you can fix it.  That is a job that falls exclusively to Christopher Robin. Are you looking for the tail? Try Owl’s house. Sometimes Owl likes to use Eeyore’s tail as a bell pull. “It’s just a tail”. 
  4. Don’t ask if you can ride him – or bounce him. He DOESN’T LIKE TO BE BOUNCED
  5. Don’t ask him to do your Spelling homework. He can’t spell.
  6. DO Ask Eeyore if he would like to eat some Thistles. He will say “Yes”. Also feel free to ask him for help with your garden.

Places to find Eeyore in Disney World: At Walt Disney World, Eeyore can be sometimes be met in the Magic Kingdom next to the Pooh attraction, but not all the time. Eeyore features everyday, all day, at theCrystal Palace Buffet on Main Street. In Disneyland Paris, Eeyore is sometimes near “it’s a small world”, or outside Plaza Inn on Central Plaza.  In California, Eeyore can usually be found in Critter Country near the Pooh attraction. In Tokyo Disneyland Eeyore can occasionally be found near the main entrance in World Bazaar, and always at the character dining at the Crystal Palace.

 
DISNEY RESORTS, disney themed fun, theme parks, travel, Uncategorized

CHECKLIST FOR THOSE HEADED TO A DISNEY RESORT

No need to worry if where your are going is as good as we’re you’re been.

Excited about an upcoming Disney Trip? Wondering what you will need? 

I’ll speak to those who leave for Disney on a jet, or any type of plane.  Those who drive may have a bit more flexibility as far as packing

If you are flying into Disney early, I highly suggest packing on the plane LIGHT, so that you don’t have to worry about leaving a bunch of carry on luggage in the hotel while you walk around waiting for your room.  By light, I mean, think about WEARING your bathing suit on the plane. For ladies, I suggest two piece so that you don’t have to have any difficulty heading to the bathroom on the plane! Kudos to anyone bold enough to just wear a bathing suit!! I usually opt for a skirt and top. No need for towels, most hotels have them at the pool. 

Are you one of those people that likes to wear their heaviest shoes on a plane? I suggest that you try and change that habit if you are. Not only would heavy shoes weigh you down in the event of any emergency, but it’s hard to relax in small spaces with clunky attire. I suggest flip flops or sandals that are comfortable when walking. You are going to a warm climate. You will be on the plane for a while. You don’t need to be squishing around heavy sneakers in the pool. 

nature woman feet legs
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Bring one carry on bag, not one for everyone. Pack two activities for the plane. Let’s face it, kids barely use them and every time i TRY to read it never happens. Bring several pairs of headphones, for kids I suggest the noise cancelling one. 

Pack an extra change of underwear/ bathing suit/clothes in a ziplock bag. Baby Wipes. Travel Size sunblock.

Bring a snack.  Keep in mind that a bag of groceries may get confiscated at security.

As far as suitcase needs: Bring two dresses, two pairs of shorts, about five pairs of underwear. Dress up clothes for the kids. That’s all. There is always laundry somewhere. I wouldn’t even bother with detergent, people usually leave left over detergent in the laundry room. You can just wash your clothes. There is no need to pack a ton of stuff. Trust me.  But do pack things you may not want to buy: Toothpaste. Sunscreen(in a safe travel friendly container). Feminine Products. tooth brush. Deodorant. Consider mailing diapers (if you need them) to the resort a head of time. Any bulky items, even groceries, can be mailed ahead of time. Just check with your hotel. 

If anything, we have learned that the best way to travel to Disney is Without being weighed down. You want enough room in your suitcase for everything you are bringing back!

No matter what you say now, you will be bringing some things back.