Doug Travels Orlando

Toy Story Land – Opening June 30, 2018

Published on March 14, 2018 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

This Summer, Get Ready to Play Big in a New Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

I was invited to a special industry showcase hosted by the Walt Disney Company to learn all about the park-wide reimagination for Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

In this NEW eleven-acre playland in the larger-than-life setting of Andy’s imagination, Andy has designed the perfect play space decorated with more than 400 toy blocks and towering toys from the hit Toy Story franchise.

Toy Story Land also brings the addition of new attractions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

Slinky Dog Dash, with a 38” height requirement, this is a family-friendly toy-filled coaster that twists around curves, hills and drops.

Alien Swirling Saucers, with a height requirement of 32”, is designed to be your very own toy rocket. Hang on tight as the Aliens take you on a spin through space. But, watch out, you may be “chosen” by the Claw!

BOTH of these new attractions will be eligible for FastPass+

The entrance to Toy Story Land is near Toy Story Mania!, which remains one of the top attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Toy Story experience that stared it all!

And don’t forget about the food… As “honorary toys” you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Woody’s Lunch Box. This new dining experience will be a Quick Service option and will accept the Disney Dining Plans. Woody’s Lunch Box features classic American fare, old-fashioned soda floats and other Toy Story-themed specialties with tasty treats like three-cheese grilled cheese and a banana split parfait. Be sure to check My Disney Experience for updated menu information.

So buckle up your space ranger utility belt, set your lasers for big fun and get ready for the biggest play date of all time – June 30, 2018!

Toy Story Land—where kids of all ages can play and experience new adventures.

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Disney Magic– Marvel Day at Sea

Published on March 5, 2018 in Disney Cruise Line by Crystal Boston

I recently returned from my first experience on a Marvel Day at Sea cruise on the Disney Magic.

This was my second experience on the Disney Magic and I cruised just before the ship goes in to dry dock for a few updates – most notable, reimagining Carioca’s into Rapunzel’s Royal Table! But more about that once I cruise on the refurbished Disney Magic…

This was also my first 5-night itinerary, with 2 days at sea and a first visit to Cozumel – lots of firsts with this cruise experience!

Since we had just sailed on the Disney Magic in December, we knew our way around the ship and, even though we did not have the same stateroom as December, we were lucky enough to have the services of our same stateroom Hostess, Esther. She was always so friendly and accommodating, taking care of our every need – even things we didn’t know we needed – and she creates the best Towel Art!
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One of the things we love about a Disney Cruise is the rotational dining. It’s fun to get to know your server team but to also be able to experience different dining options. As this was a 5-night cruise, we were able to experience Animator’s Palette twice – it’s my favorite in the rotational dining options. And, this time, we dined at Lumiere’s on our final night so our breakfast on disembark day was also at Lumiere’s.

While I have toured the other stateroom types, we have always chosen a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah and we prefer the starboard side so that we have a great view of the island when we arrive at Castaway Cay. The staterooms are good sized with under-bed storage for your luggage and we have never felt crowded in our stateroom when cruising with Disney, even on the smaller ships. My favorite feature is the elevated bed frames for under-bed storage of suitcases and other large items.

This Marvel Day at Sea sailing offered Marvel Character Meet & Greets and entertainment in addition to the normal onboard fun! We signed up in advance for meet & greets with several characters – including Black Panther – and then met some without “reservations”. [Rich_Web_Slider id=”10″] There were also characters roaming about the ship during our Marvel Day at Sea and an evening show with fireworks – Disney is the only cruise line that is granted permission to display fireworks at sea. [if you have read some of my other blogs, fireworks are a big deal to me!]

Even though this was a 5-night cruise, we only had 2 ports of call – Castaway Cay and Cozumel. While Castaway Cay is always my favorite port of call, Cozumel was a new experience for us. We were able to check out some “local” shops and also found a restaurant chain that we frequent back home.
While our Marvel Day at Sea was filled with lots of Marvel fun, on our second day at sea we were more able to enjoy the ship – movies, pools, water slides, games, dining, entertainment – it’s all included.

We also signed up in advance for the Mixology session during our second day at sea. It was a very fun and informative session and, for $20.00 per person, the price was great as it included the 5 adult beverages that were featured during the session. I highly recommend any of the adult beverage sessions offered during a Disney Cruise.
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Castaway Cay is my favorite port of call when cruising with Disney!! Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island and is consistently rated by Disney Guests as their favorite port of call and it’s reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers. The ships will dock right at the island to allow you to come and go as you please while enjoying experiences such as snorkeling, boating, swimming and sunbathing. Bicycles can also be rented if you want to explore the island’s nature trails. While all areas of the island can be reached by walking, an island tram offers four stops to help you easily get where you want to go.

We are runners and, weather permitting, Disney Cruise Line offers a 5K on every stop at Castaway Cay. It’s very informal but you do get race bibs and a medal at the finish line. If you want to participate in the 5K on Castaway Cay, you can register at Guest Services once onboard your cruise. Your registration ticket, “Key to the World” and photo ID are required the day of your event to participate. The 3.1-mile out-and-back event is free and family friendly; it’s open to walkers and runners ages 10 and older. The race takes place first thing in the morning on the island, typically with a meeting time onboard of 8 am, and participants are the first Guests off the ship at Castaway Cay. This is a very casual fun experience worth the early wake-up!

Your “Key to the World” card works for all purchases on Castaway Cay except at the local post office where you can send mail to your loved ones back home with a Bahamian postage stamp; the post card postage rate is approximately $0.65 USD each. Dining is also included as part of your cruise package with covered outdoor restaurants serving burgers, BBQ chicken and ribs and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Families can have fun together at the Castaway Family Beach and, if you are traveling without children, Disney offers “adult only” areas at Castaway Cay – Serenity Bay, a secluded beach exclusively for adults. After our 5K and lunch I spent my afternoon on Castaway Cay laying in a hammock on Serenity Bay – it was a simply amazing day and a great way to kick off our cruise!

Cruising with Disney is a very casual experience – I wore sun dresses and flip flops while my husband wore shorts and polos – we did dress up a bit for dinner but “cruise casual” attire is appropriate for dinner. The only exceptions are if you reserve adult only dining experiences at Palo or Remy which both have dress codes. We enjoy the rotational dining exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, experiencing a different restaurant and menu with the same servers each evening. And, unlimited room service is also included!!
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In addition to exceptional dining experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers many entertainment options including Broadway-like musical productions, viewings of recently released Disney movies, character meet & greets that you often cannot find at the parks, deck parties, water slides and pools, dance clubs, karaoke, trivia and so much more! O’Gills Pub even offers a buffet of light snacks early evening with another buffet for late night snacks later each night. There is definitely enough to keep you busy on a Disney Cruise if you aren’t the lounging at the pool or beach type and you won’t go hungry!

And be sure to give a big wave to Goofy as you disembark, he’s busy helping the crew prepare the ship for the next cruise…

From January to early March, 2019, 10 special five-night Disney Magic sailings will take Guests to the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe during Marvel Day at Sea.

The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

Marvel Day at Sea 2019 will only be on Disney Magic five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami, departing Jan. 6, 11, 20, 25, Feb. 3, 8, 17, 22, March 3 and 8.

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Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Published on January 15, 2018 in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

I have eaten at many of the Signature Dining locations on Disney property, with plans to try the rest very soon – but they keep adding more!

Narcoossee’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, was definitely a favorite! The venue is not very large, and the restaurant location is a bit hidden, but it does offer a panoramic view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant from the waterfront verandah.

Narcoossee’s offers steak and seafood – including whole-steamed Maine lobster. And, like all Walt Disney World Resort restaurants, a tasty kids menu too! Dining Plans are accepted and this Signature Dining experience requires 2 meal entitlements per person.

I shared my dining experience with my husband and a good friend. To start, we ordered the Artisan Romaine Wedge with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Herbed Mascarpone, Tomato, Avocado, and Parmesan along with the Shrimp and Crab Cake with a Creamy Rémoulade Sauce and Red Quinoa-Cabbage Slaw. Both were visually appealing and well prepared.

Our entrees were both sea & land selections and we shared the Narcoossee’s Signature Mashed Potatoes made with Boniato-Russet Mash, Applewood-smoked Bacon, Tillamook Cheddar, Scallions. This dish was excellent! The portion size was large, the potatoes were perfectly prepared, the bacon was thick and very flavorful and it was hot when delivered to our table.

For our main courses we chose Benne-crusted Herbidean Salmon with Haricot Verts, Vidalia Onion Soubise, and Peanut Romesco and the Grilled Grass Fed Filet Mignon with Yukon Gold Rustic Mash, Seasonal Vegetable, Red Wine-Oxtail Reduction – the filet was my choice and I requested the Roasted Brussel Sprouts in place of the Seasonal Vegetables. I am particular about my Brussel Sprouts and these were some of the best that I have had on property and my steak was cooked to perfection!

We all chose to skip dessert, although there were many sumptuous offerings that sounded very tempting – especially the ‘Narcoossee’s Candy Bar’ – a Dark Chocolate-Mocha Bar with House-made Guanaja Chocolate Gelato!

In addition to a delicious meal, we were pleased to learn that Narcoossee’s also carries a couple of our favorite adult beverages – Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Oak Aged Beer for my husband and Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon for me.

If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort, I highly recommend Narccoossee’s for food, service and atmosphere.

Reservations are recommended at this and all Signature Dining experience restaurants and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Menus are subject to change.

All Signature Dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort have a ‘business casual’ dress code…
Men may wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jackets are optional.
Women may wear dresses, skirts or dress shorts with blouses or sweaters.
Not permitted in the dining room are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and shirts with offensive language or graphics.

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The Disney Magic Very Merrytime Cruise

Published on December 18, 2017 in Disney Cruise Line by Crystal Boston

I just returned from my first experience on the Disney Magic and also my very first Very Merrytime Cruise!

It had been a couple years since my last cruise and once we booked on the Disney Fantasy in May we got the “cruise bug”! It’s a good bug to have…

On this 4-night itinerary, not only was this my first experience on the Disney Magic and a Very Merrytime Cruise, it was also our first experience in Key West – and, YES, Key West is open for business and ready for you!!

The Disney Magic is one of their smaller ships and we learned our way around quickly. Our dining experiences were also new to us – we enjoyed Carioca’s and Lumiere’s for dinner and, of course, we always enjoy Animator’s Palette – it’s my favorite in the rotational dining options. We dined at Animator’s Palette on our final night so our breakfast on disembark day was also at Animator’s Palette.
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On the Disney Magic the kids clubs are intermingled on the common area decks rather than separate from the main areas as on the larger ships. We did notice the children more on this Disney cruise than when we have sailed on the Disney Dream or the Disney Fantasy.

My husband was cruising with me and we chose a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah for our first Disney Magic experience – we prefer the starboard side so that we can see our ports of call on arrival. The staterooms are good sized with under-bed storage for your luggage and we have never felt crowded in our stateroom when cruising with Disney, even on this smaller ship.
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The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah design features include:
A sitting area with a couch, TV and desk
A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas
A “split bath” (in most) that includes a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet
Cabinets with abundant storage space in the living area
And my favorite feature – Elevated bed frames for under-bed storage of suitcases and other large items

This Very Merrytime sailing offered many fun holiday activities in addition to the normal onboard fun! There was a gingerbread house, Santa, Christmas trees, holiday music throughout the ship and more. As a special touch, many of the characters were also dressed in their holiday themed costumes.
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We had 3 ports of call – Key West, Nassau and Castaway Cay. While Castaway Cay is always my favorite port of call, we chose this cruise itinerary because of the stop in Key West. This was our first experience in Key West and we enjoyed a beautiful day – seeing the Southernmost Point with lunch at Gas Monkey Bar & Grill and then met up with friends that were also cruising with us at Bourbon Street Pub. The locals were friendly and we definitely plan to go back to Key West!
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Our preference for our Nassau port of call is to stay onboard and enjoy the ship – movies, pools, water slides, games, dining, entertainment – it’s all included.

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, consistently rated by Disney Guests as their favorite port of call – and MY favorite port of call when cruising with Disney!! Castaway Cay is reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers and the ship will dock right at the island to allow you to come and go as you please while enjoying experiences such as snorkeling, boating, swimming and sunbathing and bicycles can also be rented if you want to explore the island’s nature trails. While all areas of the island can be reached by walking, an island tram offers four stops to help you easily get where you want to go.

Your “Key to the World” card works for all purchases on Castaway Cay except at the local post office where you can send mail to your loved ones back home with a Bahamian postage stamp; the post card postage rate is approximately $0.65 USD each. Dining is also included as part of your cruise package with covered outdoor restaurants serving burgers, BBQ chicken and ribs. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and, if you are traveling without children, Disney offers “adult only” areas at Castaway Cay – Serenity Bay is a secluded beach exclusively for adults and families can have fun together at the Castaway Family Beach.
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We are runners and weather permitting, Disney Cruise Line offers a 5K on every stop at Castaway Cay. It’s very informal but you do get race bibs and a medal at the finish line. If you want to participate in the 5K on Castaway Cay, you can register at Guest Services when you board your cruise. Your registration ticket, “Key to the World” and photo ID are required the day of your event to participate. The 3.1-mile out-and-back event is free and family friendly; it’s open to walkers and runners ages 10 and older. The race takes place first thing in the morning on the island, typically with a meeting time onboard of 8 am. The vibe of the event is casual, a fun experience worth the early wake-up!

Cruising with Disney is a very casual experience – I wore sun dresses and flip flops while my husband wore shorts and polos – even to dinner. The only exceptions are if you reserve adult only dining experiences at Palo or Remy which both have dress codes. We enjoy the rotational dining exclusive to Disney Cruise Line, experiencing a different restaurant and menu with the same servers each evening. And, unlimited room service is also included!!
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In addition to exceptional dining experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers many entertainment options including Broadway-like musical productions, viewings of recently released Disney movies, character meet & greets that you often cannot find at the parks, deck parties, dance clubs, karaoke, trivia and so much more! O’Gills Pub even offered a buffet of light snacks early evening with another buffet for late night snacks later each night of our sailing. There is definitely enough to keep you busy on a Disney Cruise if you aren’t the lounging at the pool or beach type.

And don’t miss Goofy as you disembark, he’s busy helping the crew prepare the ship for the next cruise…

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4 Rivers Little Smokehouse on the Prairie

Published on October 17, 2017 in Florida Locales by Doug

It’s not little and it’s not on the Prairie and though close, that is not the real name of one of my favorite BBQ locations.

4 Rivers Smokehouse on Fairbanks Avenue is where I go for my brisket, and in all honesty that is all I can say, but only because that is all I ever order. It’s not really all I order, sides are important too… BBQ beans and Smoked Jalapenos (Jalapenos stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon) are my usual side selections.

The 4 Rivers BBQ beans. Everything I’m looking for in a side of beans.

The Smoked Jalapeno, a perfect appetizer to the brisket platter. Two jalapenos equal one side.

This past Saturday a dilemma presented itself on my way to the office. I had dropped my wife at work on the south side of Orlando and must drive north to Maitland. On the way, just a short distance before my work exit is Fairbanks Avenue. It was approximately noon… what’s a guy to do…

Since work awaited and it is going to be a long day the brisket plate is in order. This is a cut from the point. The plate allows for three sides. I have the usual and try the potato salad.

I don’t want this to be longwinded. The pictures speak for themselves. If you love brisket I believe you will love a trip to 4 Rivers.

Here is another picture of brisket from a previous visit.

This is another cut from the point. The point will have a bit more marbling (fat) giving you a more moist cut. If you prefer something a bit leaner then get a cut from the flat. My preference is the point, but order what you prefer and we will all be happier. Notice there is a bit more bark than the other photo. A bit of bark is always tasty.

Most of the time I ask for no sauce. The brisket can stand on its own.

After you order your meal and grab a drink you may notice tucked into the back corner of the Fairbanks location is the Sweet Shop. If you didn’t order and eat enough BBQ to make yourself uncomfortable then you obviously under-ordered. In any case, the Sweet Shop at the back of the restaurant can help you out. So far I’ve tried what I believe to be called the Coconut Bomb and a Dolly Madison. My favorite being the Coconut Bomb.

These may be labeled Cakeballs, but in the midwest, these would be referred to as Buckeyes. Always a favorite from Grandma. My wife’s family calls them peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. That tells you all you need to know. They are pretty literal.

During the week, if you are heading to lunch at 4 Rivers on Fairbanks Avenue then be prepared to stand in line for a bit. It takes a bit of time to get through, but it moves along ok. The advantage being plenty of time to make a decision on the extensive menu.

Disney’s Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West Resort – October 2017

Published on October 15, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug

Olivia’s Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As the following photos will attest, my visits have only been for dinner.

Wendy and I stopped in to have a quick bite. We agreed to split the Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken…which is a favorite of ours and a favorite of many others based on various reviews I have read. As is typical, I start with good intentions to split the meal, but my stomach holds great power over my brain as is becoming quite apparent from my tight pants.

As such, when the special is mentioned and the homemade of the day revealed I weaken and order both soup and entree while my wife is left with the plate of Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken for herself. I don’t believe she minded making the sacrifice but gave me the look that conveyed her chagrin of my weak willpower… and tight pants.

Soup of the day is Chicken Noodle with Mickey Pasta. How can you say no to that? A good light broth with finely diced carrots, celery, and onion with the chicken and Mickey Pasta of course. It is so good. If you like chicken soup you will like this bowl of chicken soup goodness.

If you observe the additional black pepper in the chicken noodle closeup… it has been added by me… I am a fan of pepper. Observe the pepperless pic prior… no need to worry of overseasoning.

Before moving onward to the entree, let me state that prior to the arrival of the appetizer and after the drinks, pineapple and coconut rolls with small chunks of pineapple are served with some mighty fine whipped butter.

Here lies half a roll… all that remained before I remembered to take a photo.

The special that lured me from a shared meal with the wife was Shrimp and Grits in a white wine sauce. I like shrimp, and grits, and a rich creamy sauce. It’s hard to go wrong with this plate. It is very rich though and I was unable to finish the meal.

The shrimp and grits with assorted ingredients are centered in the plate and surrounded by the sauce. An island of goodness. Pepperjack cheesy grits, in white wine cream sauce, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, celery, diced ham with a hint of Tobasco…that about covers it.

Following are some photos of previous visits for your viewing pleasure.

Slow Cooked Prime Rib, Olivia’s potatoes and green beans in Cabernet Demi-Glaze.

I’m not much of a beer drinker, but if you are looking for something refreshing on a hot day this is my favorite. Schofferhofer Grapefruit Bier.

Cup of chili – soup of the day. Sometimes beans and sometimes not.

On the outside looking in. Thought this was a nice view of the main dining area of the restaurant.

Hurricane Damage on Disney’s Main Street USA – My One Photo

Published on October 6, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug

A few days after a guest appearance by Hurricane Irma, I was strolling down Disney’s Main Street USA and thought I might see some possible wind damage. I tried to keep a sharp eye because I knew it was something that I would tire of quickly… think about it…. how sad is it that I’m walking around the Magic Kingdom looking for storm damage. One might think there are better things to do with your time at “The Most Magical Place on Earth” or anytime that the power is out at the office and you have a free day during the week.

About half way up Main Street at the emporium (on the left when looking at the castle) there are typically window awnings on the Victorian Turrets. I glanced up and something didn’t look right. Park employees did a nice job of removing the hardware, but my eye knows balance and the Turrets were out of balance. The Turret Feng Shui was no longer harmonizing as well as the barbershop quartet. As proof I submit this photographic image.

Though difficult to see in this image, 3 of 5 awnings are missing from the turret.

Just to the right of the photo, off camera, the other Turret with yellow and white awnings was missing a few too.

Why no second photo? My interest waned and I no longer cared to look for damage. One photo was all I needed… mission accomplished. Power was out at the office and it was time to relax a bit and enjoy the day at “The Most Magical Place on Earth”.

The Diamond Horseshoe – Magic Kingdom – Four Meat Meal :)

Published on October 5, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Doug

I think this place was called at one time or another, The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon… maybe it was Diamond Horseshoe Revue. No matter, it is now “The Diamond Horseshoe” and it sits in Disney’s Magic Kingdom right smack middle of Frontierland. Let’s make it clear at the start… There is no show at the ‘shoe’ unless we count people watching or the parade as it dances, sings and waves its way down the street.

The Diamond Horseshoe isn’t about the show any longer, but there still exists a nice ambiance and some good food. I popped in the other day to check things out and chat with the cast members. It’s not your typical interior. There seems to be a bit more theme and craftsmanship at this restaurant. Maybe since it was constructed early in the park’s history a bit more time and detail was allowed. That’s just a guess or a SWAG one might say.

Stage opposite the entrance. This was taken near the hostess stand. If you notice on either side of the stage are tables. Those tables would seem to be the best seat in the house. Feel like royalty as you dine overlooking the commoners. 🙂

I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time, but there is an upper balcony. There is no dining in the upper balcony. Dining doesn’t get at any greater elevation than the stage tables.

View towards the buffet counter… my favorite counter of all counters.

Don’t leave your seat. Your server will bring your food. All you care to eat. Buffet style brought right to your table.

Notice the fall garland. Very pretty. Reminds of a crisp October day in Illinois or Indiana, though when you step outside the Diamond Horseshoe, the reality of 92-degree temperatures reminds you that it is still Florida.

More fall garland. You may notice that the place is a bit empty. This is due to the fact that is was after closing time as I snapped these pictures. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween was beginning and the restaurant closed at 7:00 pm.

Since I was dining alone the food is proportional to the number of guests. If I had friends there would be a larger pile of each entree. Not pictured: Cornbread and Mac and Cheese.

Normally I take a photo of the menu, but it slipped my mind. Look it up on the web, but it may not be current. This food photo was taken 9/12/17. All the meats were excellent. The buffet meal is $35 per person for adults. Kids ages 3-9 can eat for $19

Pot Roast is melt in your mouth and that is not an exaggeration. BBQ pulled pork was very good. Sausage (always a favorite of mine) and sliced turkey breast were excellent.

There was a salad before dinner and it was good and I enjoyed the Chipotle Ranch Dressing. But really… to me the salad is just something to pass the time until the meat arrives… and my mom always told me it was good for me. My favorite part of the salad is croutons and dressing so I may be missing something health wise in that regard. Heck, I’ve even seen people eat salad without any dressing. You may as well pull the greens from your backyard.

I’m a tough judge of the beans, whatever you wish to call them… baked, bbq, cowboy, trailside. These beans were ok. They were not my favorite. What do I look for in beans? Thick sauce and full of flavor, some pork or brisket added and a smokey flavor, some type of pepper probably more for appearance than flavor. That is what I like. Usually my dining choice is not make or break due to the beans since I’m more interested in the meats that usually accompany the bowl of beans.

Dessert consisted of a campfire brownie. Sadly I had to pass on dessert, as the meat coma was beginning to make an appearance and I needed to get moving while I still was able.

I recommend the restaurant for those weary travelers looking for a hearty meal. Maybe your 10 year old won’t make a dent in the $35 dollar meal price if paying in cash so you may want to consider your food value in that regard, but if you have purchased the Disney Dining Plan and would like to treat the whole family to a great meal in a memorable location it can be done for a table service credit.

Minnie Van Service – Walt Disney World Resort

Published on August 29, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Have you heard about the new Minnie Vans at Walt Disney World? I recently had the opportunity to experience this new way to get around property.

*UPDATED: September 17, 2018 – Check back for future updates. With the new Minnie Van service, all vehicles are driven by Disney Cast Members and the vans are owned and operated by Disney. Service is offered from 6:30 am – 12:30 am daily (subject to change). Currently, you use your Lyft app to request a ride. Disney has a fleet of Minnie Vans and offers rides from all resorts and locations on property, and plans to add the service to the My Disney Experience (MDE) app. It’s a good idea to have a Lyft account already set up on your phone before arriving for your vacation. New pricing went into effect mid-September 2018 – The flat rate of $15.00 plus a per mile fee will get you anywhere on property and, if you would like to tip your Disney Cast Member, tipping is also available through the Lyft app. See below for sample pricing from three resorts on property to Magic Kingdom.

Note: Once on Disney property, your Lyft app should offer the Minnie Van service as a vehicle option – scroll through the regular Lyft options to “MORE”. If you don’t see the Minnie Van option, just inquire at the front desk, any Cast Member at Bell Services or the front lobby desk can assist you with set up and questions. Once you are set up with the service, you are ready to request your first ride!

You should plan to reserve your ride about 15 minutes before your preferred pick-up time as wait times can be 15-20 minutes. The standard Minnie Vans will seat up to 6 guests and all carry 2 car seats and each will accommodate rear facing up to booster.

Vans are configured with bucket seats in the front row, captain’s chairs in the second row, and a third row bench seat that is best suited for your little ones or smaller adults. All vans offer phone charging via USB ports, and rear seat climate controls to help you adjust the temperate to your liking. And our driver even had Disney music on the radio!

If you require a mobility van, which will accommodate one mobility scooter/vehicle and up to a total of 8 guests, you will need to ask the front desk to request this type of van for you. There are 2 mobility vans currently in the fleet.

The Minnie Vans will only provide service on Disney property and they will make multiple stops if needed – for example, if you originate at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and you have friends staying at Pop Century that you would like to stop and pick up – as long as you are all going to the same destination and you all fit in one vehicle you’re set! The Minnie Vans will also make quick stops (around 5 minutes) at non-Disney locations on property, such as gas stations and McDonald’s. **UPDATED**The Disney Minnie Van service, is also now available for travel to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) for guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Unlike the regular Minnie Van service, however, Minnie Van airport shuttle service reservations must be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, not through the Lyft app. The shuttle service is available for flight arrivals from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and for flight departures from 9 a.m. to midnight. Each Minnie Van can hold up to six passengers and eight medium-sized suitcases. Up to three complimentary car seats can also be provided and ADA accessible vehicles are available. The price is $150.00 one way.**UPDATED** If you are headed to experience the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, your Minnie Van will drop you off right at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort so you can skip the bus. At Magic Kingdom, they drop off and pick up at Bus Stop #8 in the bus loop – however, the Lyft app will show Ticket & Transportation Center.

At the larger resorts, the Minnie Van will pick up and drop off close to your room. And, if you take a Minnie Van to a destination on property from your designated originating resort you can absolutely request a return ride! If you happen to lose any items during your Minnie Van ride, they will try to get your Lost & Found items back to the location closest to where you were dropped off or originated from.

I would definitely suggest trying the Minnie Van service, especially for early morning dining reservations, signature dining experiences where you a bit more dressed up or getting back to your resort at park closing after a full day of parks. It’s quick and convenient and, well, it’s just FUN to ride in that red polka dot Minnie Van!! I invite you use my offer code for discounted rides with Lyft. Lyft: WISHWITHCRYSTAL – Redeem offer at https://www.lyft.com/invite/WISHWITHCRYSTAL *UPDATED: September 17, 2018 – Check back for future updates.

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The Pirates League – Magic Kingdom

Published on June 19, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

Show your Pirate side the next time you visit Magic Kingdom park!

Similar to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience, which is for ages 3-12, The Pirates League is a makeover experience that the whole family (ages 3 and up) can enjoy together! Choose from pirate, empress or mermaid options, all with coordinating accessories to complete your makeover.
Most pirate packages include facial makeup and hair, sword and The Pirates League logo sash, reversible bandana, earring and eye patch, The Pirates League bag, temporary pirate tattoo, unique pirate coin necklace, pirate’s key, official pirate name and personalized pirate oath. The mermaid packages include luminous mermaid makeup and makeup palette and nail polish, mermaid hairstyle and color-changing hair clip, distinctive mermaid necklace, mermaid sash and bracelet.

Our little pirate chose the zombie pirate makeover because it was scary. Your first task for your makeover is to determine your pirate name by spinning a wheel which turns a treasure chest to roll the dice. The numbers on the dice lead you to your pirate name. Our zombie’s official pirate name was ‘Benjamin Sharkstench’.

All of the ‘Pirate Masters’ are friendly and very good with the little ones, telling jokes and sharing pirate stories as they transform your pirate. If it’s your birthday, be sure to let them know and they whole crew will sing you a pirate birthday song!

Once your makeover is complete, you are sworn in to The Pirates League and taken to a hidden chamber where your Pirate Master will surprise you with a bit of pirate treasure.

Our little pirate enjoyed this makeover experience. One of his favorite parts was that during our day in the park everyone was looking at him and commented how awesome his face paint was.

For the money and the experience, I highly recommend this makeover. It’s much easier to confirm a reservation than the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and adults can participate too – I think, one day soon, my husband and I might just have our own pirate makeover experience!

The Pirates League is located between the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean and Plaza del Sol Bazaar. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance, packages start at $39.95. Options for the basic pirate and mermaid packages can even include an entire pirate or mermaid outfit, for an additional charge.

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