Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Review

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights beginning in November and running through the month of December.  Prices vary depending on the dates.  You can pre-purchase (and I highly recommend doing just that) tickets for all dates.

Christmas is a GREAT time to go to Disney!  The weather is usually very nice and crowds aren’t too bad if you go in the beginning of December or mid-November.  Once you get near the holidays, it gets busier.  There are decorations everywhere you look.  The resorts are all decorated in their own ways and the parks each have trees and magical touches.  There’s of course the Christmas party and then you also have the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios.

If you time it right, you may be able to catch the live filming at Magic Kingdom for the ABC Christmas parade… lots of celebrities & musical guests appear.

Now onto the review of the party:

Just the same as the Halloween party, you can enter the park beginning at 4pm with your party ticket.  The actual party does not begin until 7pm and it runs until midnight.  I highly recommend getting the most out of your party ticket and entering the park at 4pm.

The first lighting of the castle will occur at 6:15pm.  I recommend finding a good spot on Main Street for this show.  It’s expected to change this year with Elsa taking over the lighting but the time should remain the same.  There’s also another show at 8pm.

It is truly beautiful.  One of the most magnificent sights you will ever see at Walt Disney World.  The lights twinkle and change color ever so slightly.  Every time you look, it seems to be a little different.

There are props throughout the park to take pictures by…

As for entertainment, there is plenty!  Stage shows, dance parties, parades & fireworks!

The fireworks are bigger than the normal Wishes… they are set off 180 degrees around Magic Kingdom so it seems as though they are completely surrounding you.

Unlike the Halloween party, there is no trick or treating (of course) BUT they do offer free hot chocolate, hot apple cider & cookies at certain locations throughout the park.  This is a nice way to take a break from all of the festivities.

Of course there are the special characters.throughout the park as well… and Santa Claus!  How cool would it be to actually meet Santa IN Disney!?

If you will be in Disney over these dates, I can’t recommend going to this party enough.  The lines are very short (almost non-existant) for most of the attractions and the extras are worth it!

Contact me today and I can help with your reservations for no extra cost.

Foodie Friday: Liberty Tree Tavern

Liberty Tree Tavern is located inside the Magic Kingdom in Liberty Square.

Lunch and dinner are both served here but they are both served differently.  With lunch you can order off the menu and dinner is served like a family style Thanksgiving.

Inside the restaurant, you’ll find all sorts of colonial type decor.  Lots of wood accents and antique lighting.  The waitstaff even dresses in colonial costumes.

In the waiting area there’s a table for kids to color pictures on.

Drinks are served in these super cool mugs:

There’s something for everyone on the lunch menu… tavern fried cheese, clam chowder, salads, cheeseburgers, BLT’s, fish & pot roast.

Declaration Salad:

Clam Chowder:

The Freedom Pasta:

New England Pot Roast:

The pot roast is our absolute favorite!  Everything is so tender… mmm…

Kids have lots to choose from as well.

Mac & Cheese:

Pasta with Marinara Sauce:

Kids meals are usually served with green apples or other sides:

Liberty Tree Tavern is famous for their dessert, the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake:

There’s also the Johnny Appleseed’s Cake:

and Martha Washington’s Cake:

And of course, ice cream with sprinkles:

Dinner is like a Thanksgiving meal served family style (brought to the table).  The menu consists of the Declaration Salad, Patriot’s Platter (turkey breast, carved beef, sliced pork with traditional accompaniments with mixed greens and house-made dressing) and Johnny’s Appleseed Cake for dessert.  Soft drinks are included with dinner.  There’s also water and specialty beverages available at an extra cost.

Don’t miss out on this hidden gem at the Magic Kingdom!

Why Pre-Purchase Memory Maker? Tips & Tricks

Have you ever had family portraits taken?  How much did that cost?  $100-$200… even more???  How about having your picture taken while on vacation?  Every. Single.  Day.  Come on… you’ve never hired a photographer to come along with you on vacation?  Disney has you covered!

For only $169 ($30 off the normal price), you can pre-purchase the Memory Maker and have it added to your reservation.

There are photographers throughout all of the parks and sometimes at resorts.  You can get your picture taken by ALL of them.  No need to worry about missing out on being in the picture with your family… photographers are happy to take as many pictures as you’d like.

I highly recommend handing the photographer your phone or your own personal camera as well.  This will insure that you get that special photo and in case there is a problem with the photo system, it’s much easier to find the photos when you know the time and place it was taken (and you have a copy of what everyone was wearing).

Photographers are not only located at each of the park’s trademark icons but throughout as well.

Besides the famous landmarks, they are often found at character meetngreets.  Have fun and interact with your family while the photos get taken for you!  Live IN the moment!

How about “on-ride” photos?  You know, the ones that cost $17+ EACH!!!  Yup, those are INCLUDED!!!  You get all photos AND video of some rides (where it’s available)… on-ride photos are available on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Splash Mountain, Test Track, RocknRollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest & Dinosaur!  Videos are now available on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train & Tower of Terror.  There is no better souvenir than a photo & a video.

Many restaurants also take photos before your meal such as 1900 Park Fare, ‘Ohana (breakfast), Spirit of Aloha dinner, Hoop De Doo Revue dinner, Chef Mickey’s Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus, Tusker House (breakfast), Perfectly Princess Tea Party & the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage!

Do you plan on visiting Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirate’s League?  Guess what!?  You’ll get a private photo session for your little one included with Memory Maker!  Photographers are ALSO at each Jedi Training Academy show.

Magic Shots.  These are the absolute COOLEST!  Ask each photographer that doesn’t have a tripod if they can do these.  They will ask you to pose a certain way and when you check your account, you’ll see what was magically added to your photos.. sometimes it’s a character and sometimes it’s a prop.

Going to a special event?  Perhaps the Halloween or Christmas party at Magic Kingdom?  The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights?  Photographers will be all around ready to capture these moments.

How exactly do we get our photos you ask?  First, you spot a photographer… these are very easy to find… they all wear the same types of outfits and they have giant cameras on them!  Sometimes there’s a line by them and sometimes there’s not.

Once the photographer takes your picture, they will scan your Magic Band.  These photos will automatically link to your My Disney Experience account online.  When you get home, feel free to add borders, stickers, edit and crop to create as many photos as you’d like.  When you are done, simply download them all onto your computer and send them in to get prints.  Walgreens, Walmart, Shutterfly, etc. will all print out photos at very low prices.

I can’t recommend this purchase enough!  We easily end up with at least 300 photos from each trip…  The $169 price tag is worth all of those memories.

Feel free to contact me to book all of your Disney needs.  My services are 100% free and I’ll be sure to get you the best deal possible.  youcandreamittravel@yahoo.com

Resort Review: Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Want to visit Disney AND stay on property but you don’t want to break the bank?  Check out Disney’s Pop Century Resort.  Out of all the value resorts, THIS is our favorite.  Let me show you why…

Pop Century was officially opened on December 14, 2003.

As you arrive, you’ll notice retro signs leading up to the resort…

Who hasn’t heard THAT a million times?

Let’s sure hope so!

Pop Century will take you back in a way that only Disney can… larger than life props, characters & bright colors.  This place is full of fun!

One of the top reasons we choose Pop out of all the value resorts is because of the price!  It is only a few dollars more than an All-Star resort but less than Art of Animation.  Unlike All-Stars, Pop has their own buses… no sharing and no waiting while they stop at other resorts… straight to the parks!

There are five different sections of this resort and they are split up into decades from the 1950’s to the 1990’s.

Classic Hall is the main building where you’ll find the check in desk, guest services, shopping, arcade & food court.

Memorabilia lines the walls in Classic Hall… take a moment to look it all over.  This will take you waaaay back!

There’s a children’s waiting area with movable stools, video games and a television that plays nothing but (what else?) Disney programming.  If the weather becomes bad outside, activities are moved indoors and cast members do their best to keep the children occupied with such games as charades among others.

The gift shop is located in the middle of Classic Hall.  Here you can find all sorts of great souvenirs, snacks, clothing, luggage & vacation essentials.

Through the gift shop, you can enter the food court.  There are several different stations where you can choose from pizzas, pot roast, sandwiches, soups and more.  This is also where you can buy refillable mugs and fill them.

The resort icon’s are scattered throughout.  These are larger than life and many of them reflect the decades they reside in.  There are also movie characters and so much more to discover.

There are three pools on property.  One is the Hippy Dippy Pool (the main pool located behind Classic Hall) and then the Bowling Pin pool near the 1950’s building and the Computer pool near the 1980’s pool.

There are four floors to each building with stairs and elevators in each of them.  No private balconies but there are connecting doors so if you’re traveling with a larger group, you will want to request this option when making reservations.

Children’s wading pool area:

A standard room at Pop Century has two double size beds.  Rooms are 260 square feet.

Each room features a framed poster with whichever icons from the decade it’s located in.

Mini fridges are also located in each room… great for keeping leftovers or children’s juice boxes (or adult’s beverages for that matter) cold.

Windows face the outside at Pop Century and are sooo much fun to decorate!  You’ll notice a lot of this around the resort.  It’s also much easier to locate your room

Pop Century is located just across Hourglass Lake from Disney’s newest resort, Art of Animation.  You can take a walk over the Generation Gap bridge to check out that resort.  There are a lot of neat statues to take pictures in front of at that resort… it’s worth the walk over.

Pop is full of character from their retro golf carts

to their colorful playground.

Even when that sad departure day comes… they will keep you busy building and hoolahooping as you wait for the Magical Express to take you home.

I highly recommend staying at Pop Century.  I often said I would never stay anywhere else but it’s kinda fun trying out new resorts 🙂  Pop will always be my favorite value resort.

Foodie Friday – Starring Rolls in Hollywood Studios

We’re going to take a look at my favorite quick service restaurant in Hollywood Studios today, Starring Rolls Cafe.

Starring Rolls Cafe is located on Sunset Boulevard.  They are normally open for breakfast and lunch from 9am-4pm.

There is no indoor seating… it’s strictly outside tables and chairs.  You order inside… there are lots of danishes, pastries, sandwiches, sweets & sushi to choose from.

Starring Rolls is most famous for their $4.19 cupcakes.  These are also a GREAT way to spend snack credits!  I highly recommend the Butterfinger OR the Red Velvet cupcake… so very yummy!

There’s also specialty cupcakes during holiday seasons and for other events 🙂

Be sure to check this place out the next time you’re in Hollywood Studios!!!  It is well worth the stop.

Thrilling Thursday: It’s Tough To Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom

This week’s Thrilling Thursday is the “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” attraction at Animal Kingdom.

This theater is located underneath the iconic Tree of Life.

As you make your way through the queue, you will begin to notice all of the animal carvings.  Did you know that there are more than 325 sculptures hand carved into the tree & roots?  It’s absolutely amazing!  See how many you can spot!

Once you make your way into the cave, you will be able to pick up a set of “bug eyes”.  These will help you see in the theater.

The cave is actually quite dark (but it’s cool)… everyone will crowd in and wait until the doors open.

The theater looks just like you are actually inside the tree.  The show is in 4D which means there are a few more surprises in store for you than what you can only see.

Lots of insects make appearances… there are also some lizards & spiders.  It can get scary for little ones but it’s also a very fun and silly atmosphere.  The scary parts only last for a few seconds.

I am going to rate this a 4/10 for thrilling.  The darkness and scary bugs might frighten little (or big) people but this is only a show.  Once it’s over, you leave the theater and get another great view of the tree as you exit.  We really enjoy this show and I highly recommend trying it at least once!

Foodie Friday: Hoop De Doo Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

How would you like to “have a good time tonight”?  You can do JUST that at the Hoop De Doo Revue located at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.  This dinner show is put on three times each night.  You can choose from 4pm, 6:15pm & 8:30pm.  There are also three different categories for pricing/seating.  Category 1 is most expensive but the seats are in PRIME location being right in front of the stage in the middle of all the action.  Category 2 is mid-priced scattered on the ground floor and side balcony.  Category 3 is in the very back and upper balcony.  All seats are fantastic and the performers are sure to move around the entire hall to include everyone in the show.

Before arriving at Pioneer Hall, you are able to have your tickets printed out at your resort’s front desk.  This will be your ticket into the hall.

There is a photo opportunity just outside the Hall and if you have Memory Maker, these photos will be added for no additional cost.

Once inside you will be led to your pre-assigned table.

We have done both Category 1 & Category 3 seating… both were fantastic!!!

The tables are all set and appetizers are already out for you to begin enjoying.

Corn bread with honey butter.

Tossed salad with the yummiest dressing ever!

Drink orders will be taken and you will be served in mason jars.  The great thing about this dinner show is that all beverages are included with your admission.  This includes the following: Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Root Beer, Sprite, Orange, Pink Lemonade, Iced Tea, Light Pomegranate Lemonade, Apple Juice, Milk, Chocolate Milk, Hot Tea, Coffee, Draft Bud Light, Draft Yuengling, Chardonnay, Rose, Sangria, and Merlot.  Yes, you read correctly.  Alcohol is INCLUDED and it’s all you can drink!  Be aware, cast members do have the right to deny you if you’re getting a little rowdy so keep it under control!

Soon after you get your drinks you can expect the band to arrive!  They come in jabbering and ready to have a good time.  Songs and jokes ensue and before you know it, you’re clapping and singing along!

Food is served in a very abrupt way (you’ll see once you’re there).  As for choices, you’ll have plenty!  This is all you can eat so pack it in and if you want more, ask for it!  There’s fried chicken:

Smoked BBQ Ribs:

Mashed Potatoes:

Baked Cowboy Beans:

Seasonal Vegetables (usually corn):

If you have picky eaters, feel free to make a request!  We were also able to get grilled cheese, french fries…

and Mac & Cheese!

The show continues on while you enjoy your food and eventually it’s time for dessert… even that is presented during the show…

Yummy strawberry shortcake!

There are a few points during the show where they include members of the audience.  My son was lucky enough to be chosen during our first time at Hoop De Doo…

He was brought on stage to be the sheriff!

They made him the star of the show!

He was even given a certificate for taking part in the show that night.

At the end of the night washboards are handed out to all of the tables and everyone is encouraged to make as much noise as possible (this is where it might be a good thing to have had a few mason jar fulls of that wine)!

It sure does get loud in there!  The band makes their way around to interact one last time with everyone before they head back out to their next show.

We LOVE Hoop De Doo.  So much that we booked it for another upcoming trip.

If you’re on the dining plan this ends up being two table service credits and you are only able to book either Category 2 or 3.  Gratuity is included with the dining plan so no need to worry about that (especially after all of that drinking)!

So the next time you’re in Disney, be sure to check out the Hoop De Doo Revue!

Foodie Friday – Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village

Sanaa is a new favorite of mine.  This restaurant quickly climbed the leader board after we ate there for our first time in May 2014.  I wish I had been there sooner!

Sanaa is located at Kidani Village which is actually part of Animal Kingdom Lodge.  It’s on the ground floor which makes it feel secluded from the rest of the resort.

It’s best to book a lunch here… prices are a tad bit cheaper and you get to view the animals right outside the window (you won’t be able to see them later on during dinner when it gets dark outside).

Start your meal off with a signature drink such as the mango margarita:

or the habanero lime margarita:

The appetizers all sound so delicious but there is one thing I come here for and that’s the world famous Indian Style Bread Service.  You get to choose which breads & which accompaniments you’d like but I highly recommend getting them all for a mere $2 more.

Bread Choices – Naan, Garlic Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, and Falafel Chips.
Accompaniments – Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeno-lime pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney

They are arranged from cool to spicy so no surprises!  I recommend splitting this with someone or this could be a meal in itself.

On the appetizer list there are also lamb kefta sliders, potato & pea samosas, soups & chana tikki.

If you still have room, the entrees are seriously just as good as the appetizers!

My personal favorite is the butter chicken & spicy durban shrimp slow cooked in gravy and served with rice.  You can choose from Butter Chicken; Spicy Durban Shrimp; Beef Short Ribs; Goan Seafood Curry; or Chicken Vindaloo.

There are many other choices on the entree menu like sandwiches from the tandoori oven, fish & chicken.

Kids choices are more tame with choices like cheeseburgers, meatballs, chicken or cheese pizza.

Dessert (again, if you have room) is also a hard choice… pudding, mousse, cheesecake or how about some alcohol infused strawberries?

These are infused with different flavors of Godiva liquor including chocolate, caramel & white chocolate.

I was also given this as a surprise dessert for my birthday:

My son ordered the “Decorate your own Cookie” dessert which he was pleased with!

Sanaa is not to be missed!  This has become a MUST DO for us on every trip.  They accept the dining plan and it takes one table service dining credit.

Contact me for all of your Disney travel planning needs.  My services are 100% free and I’ll do as much or as little of the work as you want including dining & fastpass reservations!  youcandreamittravel@yahoo.com

Thrilling Thursday: Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom

One of our favorite attractions in Magic Kingdom is the Haunted Mansion!

As you approach the gates, you’ll hear eerie sounds and notice the morbidly dressed folks.  Just after you enter the queue, look to your right and you’ll see (or rather not see), the invisible horse and carriage.  This is a fun place to get a photo op when you disembark the ride.

The Haunted Mansion property is purposely left to be overgrown to give it that “deserted” look.

It’s a tradition for us to get a picture in front of these statues on every trip.

Our favorite part of the queue is the interactive area… you can make music by touching instruments on a “stone” wall.

Play the musical organ (be careful, you might get wet!)

Try to get all the books pushed back into the bookcase… good luck!

There’s even more than I pictured here and this is all before even entering the building!  Be sure to check out the grave stones before entering the doors.. some of these are hilarious!

“Brother Dave” is actually a tribute to imagineer Dave Burkhart.

Keep an eye (or two) on this grave… it may just come to life!

Groups are led inside through a dark hallway to a room with portraits all around.  It will seem crowded (as it’s supposed to be).  Everyone is instructed to move towards the center of the room and away from the walls.  Once the “show” begins, you’ll be greeted by your “Ghost Host”.  The room begins to stretch and a few other special effects happen.  It goes dark for a few seconds and then the lights come back on and you’re then led down another dark hallway to the loading area for the ride.

Doom buggies are loaded with up to 3 guests.  The ride is very slow but very dark.  There’s nothing overly scary and it’s really quite intriguing to try to figure out how they pull some of these rooms off.  At the end, keep an eye on those hitchhiking ghosts!  They might just take your head!

My rating for this ride is a 3/10 only because of the darkness.  There is no height requirement… you can take an infant on if you wish.  This is not a normal haunted house where people will jump out at you.  Everything is animatronic.  It is worth a ride on every trip!  Don’t miss it!

Resort Review: Kidani Village at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Kidani Village was officially opened on May 1, 2009.  It’s the second part of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s construction.  Kidani means “necklace” in Swahili.

Kidani is the only Disney resort that has an underground parking garage.

We stayed at Kidani Village in December 2013.  Our room was located on the third floor right outside the elevators (very close to the lobby).  We had a one bedroom savanna view room and it was AMAZING!

The thatched ceiling in the lobby is gorgeous!

A great place to relax for adults & kids alike:

The souvenir/dining shop… also where you would refill your mugs:

A map of the Kidani property:

All sorts of neat artifacts scattered throughout the hallways of this resort.  Lots to look at and tons to learn about!

There was a beautiful room just off the lobby with a fireplace, tv and lots of relaxing chairs.  You could also sit out on the deck that overlooks the savanna if you wanted.

Our room:

Dining & Living Area (pull out couch & pull out bed for 3 extra sleeping spaces):

Full kitchen:

King size master bedroom:

2nd master bathroom… walk in shower & jacuzzi tub:

Notice the Lion King tiles 🙂

Kidani has two savannas… Pembe & Sunset.  Our view was looking out over Sunset.

The back of the resort:

Our walk to the bus transportation:

Monitors let you know when to expect the next bus:

The arcade:

Sanaa (Kidani’s only table service restaurant):

The beautiful walk to the pool area:

The Survival of the Fittest gym is open 24 hours for all Animal Kingdom Lodge guests ages 14 and over.

You can find all sorts of great activities planned for each day near the pool.  Our favorites are the movies under the stars.

Check out the zero entry pool!

Complete with a twisty slide!

Children’s water play area:

More play areas:

Hot tub:

The lobby took on a different feel at night… it was so beautiful!

Keep in mind if you’re staying at either of Animal Kingdom Lodge’s resorts (Jambo House or Kidani) you will not be allowed to bring a balloon on property.  The animals are not allowed to be fed or touched either.  There are so many activities going on throughout these resorts… I highly recommend staying here at least once!  It’s the most amazing & immersive environment.

My personal reasons for choosing Kidani over Jambo were the quietness.  Kidani is smaller and seemed to be much less busy than the giant lobby at Jambo House.  Kidani is also first on the bus stop loop.  The buses stop at Kidani then go to Jambo to pick up and then go to the parks so you usually always get a seat and you’re always the first to get dropped off.  Last but not least, Kidani’s one bedroom rooms boast a second bathroom and area also quite a bit larger than the ones at Jambo.  When you have 5 people sleeping in one room, a second bathroom is a MUST!

Contact me today if you’d like more info on booking your next stay at Kidani Village!  youcandreamittravel@yahoo.com