The Walt Disney World Blog

Walt Disney World Vacation Information and Advice

M. M. – Sunshine Seasons at Epcot

Posted on September 9, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Hello hungry people! For MUNCHY MONDAY this week we are visiting one of the best Quick Service spots in Walt Disney World – Sunshine Seasons at Epcot.

If you’re in Future World in Epcot and your stomach starts to rumble, head to The Land Pavilion and make your way downstairs to quiet your hunger in this delicious eatery.

Part of what makes Sunshine Seasons so charming is it’s bright decor. Vibrant greens, warm yellows, and oranges are the focus of the color scheme, making you automatically imagine warm sunshine and lush grass. The Land is designed with an open floor plan, so that the seating area of Sunshine Seasons has a view of the ceiling overhead. Suspended above are whimsically painted hot air balloon sculptures and draped ribbons. The globes of the hot air balloon sculptures each represent one of the 4 seasons, centered around one that is painted as the earth.

Sunshine Seasons serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As far as breakfast is concerned, Sunshine Seasons is one of the few spots in Epcot that offers this meal. The menu is minimal, but you’ll find the basics such as pastries, breakfast sandwiches, fruit, bagels, yogurt, and even french toast for kids.

Lunch and Dinner offer much more extensive and variant menus. But here’s what is really great about it – Sunshine Seasons offers yummy, flavorful, HEALTHY food. Let’s be real. When you’re at WDW, you’re on vacation and for many of us that means indulgence. We tend to eat less carefully and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I find I get to a point where I really want something more than a burger and french fries. Sunshine Seasons is a fantastic spot to grab something tasty and healthy to give your body some much needed fuel. (Epcot is huge – you do a lot of walking!!)

The lunch & dinner food choices all fall into categories: Sandwiches, Asian Flavors, Soup and Salad, and Wood-fired Entrees. Each category has it’s own station, where you order what you like. In the sandwiches station you can expect to find something such as a turkey sandwich with monterery jack cheese and chipotle mayo on ciabatta bread, served with potato salad. I have that delicious sandwich for lunch more than once. Salads offer classics like chicken cesear, or try one with roasted beets and goat cheese.The grill features oak-grilled chicken and fish entrees served with veggies. If you want something with Asian flair, try the Mongolian Beef with veggie fried rice, or the Spicy Cashew Chicken with vegetable stir-fry noodles. Kids have a range of choices such as a chicken leg with mashed potatoes or rice and grapes. Or perhaps they’d macaroni & cheese with carrots and grapes. And let me tell you – that mac n’ cheese is darn good.

If your sweet tooth happens to strike, fear not. Just because there are healthy choices here doesn’t mean dessert isn’t at hand. A big, beautiful case displays a myriad of dessert choices so you can find just about anything you’d like. (Think cheesecake slices, mini fruit tarts, cookies, strawberry shortcake, brownies, and plenty of cupcake choices.)

After you finish eating, don’t leave The Land right away! Soarin’, Living With The Land, and The Circle of Life attractions are also in this pavilion. The Garden Grill restaurant calls The Land home as well, but that’s another yummy story for another MUNCHY MONDAY.

Just like anywhere in WDW, the menu may change with the seasons. But overall, Sunshine Seasons is focused on offering healthy choices with some Asian flavors. I know you’ll find something there that will make you smile.

M. M. – Poolside Cocktails

Posted on September 2, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Welcome to Labor Day MUNCHY MONDAY! I hope everyone has had a fun and tasty holiday weekend with plenty of BBQing. Around here, Labor Day is typically is the last day for public swimming pools to be open. Tomorrow students will head back to school (if they haven’t started already), and the doors to summer will shut up tight. Fall is right on our heels. I know many people are ready for cooler breezes, autumn colors, and pumpkins. I’m just not. Really NOT READY. Give me summer all year with warm, beautiful sunshine, vibrant flowers, beaches, swimming pools, and a garden overflowing with fruits and veggies. The longing for continual summer and poolside hours has brought me to this week’s MUNCHY MONDAY: Poolside Cocktails.

At WDW pools are open year-round, and mostly, the weather is conducive for swimming year-round. I can not emphasize enough that you should stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel when visiting WDW. There are hotels for every budget, and the benefits are abundant. Every resort has at least one pool, usually more. The main pool at every resort hotel is uniquely and elaborately themed. Each of these wonderful pools also has a pool bar offering a varying selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails in addition to non-alcoholic beverages.

WDW vacations are often so jam packed – and understandably so. There is so much to do and you want to make sure you get every-cent-worth from the hard earned money you spend to have said vacation. But adults should take time out every day (or two) to sit at the poolside bar and enjoy a cocktail and the scenery. WDW Resort Hotels are very charming. The details that go into creating their story and magnificent settings are numerous. Take time to appreciate the views of your resort hotel and relax. You’re going to enjoy your vacation, as a whole, much more if you do.

One of my favorite WDW Resort Hotels is Caribbean Beach. I love the vibrant colors, tropical plants, and the steel drum music that floats on the air. It has a fantastic pool complete with cannons that shoot water and two waterslides. One slide, that twists and turns for 82 feet, is particularly noteworthy. Husband is a waterslide enthusiast, and he gives this one two thumbs up. Tots even have their own play area built around a pirate ship that spills gallons of water on delighted little ones every couple of minutes. Next to the main pool is Banana Cabana. Pull up a stool. Order a drink. Sip on happiness. The bar is close enough to the pool that you can enjoy the scene, but just far enough away that you are removed from the noise and hubbub. The Banana Cabana has a variety of tropical flavored cocktails that all come served in a perfect Caribbean looking color. Two of my favorites are the Poolside Plunge and Paradise Punch. The Poolside Plunge is a mix of Bacardi Black Razz Rum and Odwalla Lemonade with a touch of Grenadine and Sprite. Paradise Punch is made with Coruba Coconut Rum, VeeV Açaí Spirit, Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine. Feeling eternal summer yet? I’m not a banana person, but Hubby is and he loves the Banana Cabana: Cruzan Mango Rum, Coruba Coconut Rum, and Crème de Banana, with orange and pineapple juices and a float of Grenadine. Aloha.

The bar at every resort pool is slightly different, but all include a variety of tropical cocktails. Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas are also usually on the menu. Another popular choice at Caribbean Beach is the Piña CoLAVA: a frozen swirl of Piña Colada and raspberry purèe infused with Bacardi Black Razz Rum. If you have a special request, just ask. I have found each and every cast member working the pool bars to be friendly and accommodating. If they’re able, they’ll be happy to make it for you. If you’re not a cocktail person, don’t worry – there is also a decent selection of beer and wine.

Make room in your next trip for some poolside libation. I promise you won’t be sorry. Since we aren’t at WDW to get our own Poolside Plunges from the Banana Cabana, I made Hubby and me an at-home tropical cocktail. I used sparking wine with some fresh, local peaches we snagged at the Farmer’s Market, and a splash of Apperol and lime juice. I think the color is pretty good! It looks Caribbean to me. Cheers – Here’s to summer.

M.M. – Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar

Posted on August 26, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Pictured above my friends, is pure happiness. A perch in the shade with my favorite ice cream treat in the ENTIRE WORLD: Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar. Welcome back to MUNCHY MONDAY, the tastiest day of the week.

Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar:

noun

Perfection. A frozen serving of silky, creamy vanilla ice cream covered with a thick, rich chocolate shell in the shape of the iconic Mickey ears.

Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar is a whole-lotta-name. My family and I usually just call it a Premium Bar, and I’ll treat you all like one of the gang and refer to it as such here. Sold exclusively by Disney, we can thank Nestle for bringing this delight to us. The bar comes packaged in a red, blue, and white wrapper featuring a smiling Mickey face. (You can see the wrapper stuck under my cup in the picture above.) Now-a-days you can find a Premium Bar just about anywhere on Walt Disney World property. They’re available at all theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney, from an ice cream cart. You won’t have to trek far in any park to find one of these carts set up with a big, blue umbrella and a sign displaying what goodies it offers. You may also be able to find a Premium Bar in the food court of your WDW Resort Hotel. Just ask a cast member if your hotel serves them up.

Now that you know where to find them, let’s talk strategy. Everyone has a different approach to how they eat a Premium Bar. Hubby, as seen to the left, digs right in, biting off an ear. He prefers to enjoy the chocolate & vanilla flavors together in bites. I’m not really a bite-my-ice cream kinda gal. I like to savor the ice cream slowly as it melts. So I very carefully eat the chocolate shell first and then eat the vanilla ice cream layer by softly melting layer. You can see below, how I’ve already got the side of the chocolate coating off, exposing the vanilla ice cream. My strategy also makes the Premium Bar last longer. Win.

Like Pineapple Dole Whip, I shamelessly eat more than one of these during a WDW trip. I simply love them. They’re the ideal treat – sweet, cool, and refreshing. Incidentally, I’ve discovered that despite of the countless hours I’ve spent at Walt Disney World and the many, many times I’ve enjoyed this treat, I have very few pictures of it. I will say that this reason is probably two pronged. Firstly, it’s so tasty you want to eat it immediately, and photographing it doesn’t really come into consideration. Secondly, we usually visit WDW in the summer. And it’s HOT. There is little-to-no time for snapping pictures before you start to have a melting mess on your hands. But the melting mess, especially when you’re a kid, is part of the fun.

M.M. – Chef Mickey’s

Posted on August 19, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Welcome back to MUNCHY MONDAY! I must admit I had a hard time deciding what to write about this morning – there are just too many delectable choices at WDW. Fortunately, my very wise momma suggested one of her favorite dining spots – Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Hotel. Though I wouldn’t admit it to her, Mum knows best and she proved it with her perfect pick. Chef Mickey’s has it all: great food, a breath-taking setting, and lots of VIP treatment from Mickey Mouse and his pals.

Located inside Disney’s Contemporary, this restaurant is just a short stroll or Monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. The restaurant is open and bright, with striking views of the Monorail coming and going. The many windows of the Contemporary let in plenty of light and offer picturesque views of Bay Lake and the Magic Kingdom. You can also glimpse the beautiful mosaic mural by the legendary American artist Mary Blair. Don’t be surprised if the mural looks familiar, especially if you’ve just come from the Magic Kingdom. Mary Blair was instrumental in creating designs for Magic Kingdom’s classic attraction It’s A Small World. She also created designs for the boat ride El Rio del Tiempo in the Mexico pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, as well as concept art for Disney classic films such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and Song of the South.

Window view from Chef Mickey’s

This spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all three meals are hosted by Mickey and friends. Personally I think this is one of the best ways to meet the VIP characters. Dressed in their kitchen finest, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto (sometimes Chip n’ Dale too!) come to visit you right at your table one by one. You have time for pictures, autographs, and plenty of hugs. A lot of special interaction can happen with character dining that doesn’t always happen at the parks. And the best part – no waiting in line! How special to be a kid (or kid-at-heart like me) and start your day having breakfast with Mickey Mouse and his pals before hitting the parks. Or in turn, take a break and have lunch with the gang, or see them at dinner as the perfect end to the day.

My brother (a chef himself) & Chef Mickey

Chef Mickey’s is a buffet restaurant, so help yourself to as much as you like. Breakfast includes items such as scrambled eggs, quiche, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits, bagels, croissants, french toast, breakfast potatoes, cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, and my favorite- Mickey Waffles! And if you’re like me, you’ll be pairing your eats with lots of coffee and fresh juice. Lunch and dinner buffets are host to American fare such as soup & salad, pastas, roasted turkey, fresh fish, roasted chicken, carved beef, and various veggie sides. Kid’s can have all of their favorites too – such as macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, and pizza. Dessert can be found at the ice cream sundae bar. Yes please.

A meal with favorite characters is a great way to celebrate your day and this table service spot is well worth taking some time out of your schedule for. Chef Mickey’s is popular with guests so reservations are a must. I suggest you make them as soon as you are able to after booking your vacation. The characters and cuisine are subject to change, but for the most part it’s a pretty steady scene with lots of smiles and laughs.

M.M. – Prime Time Cafe

Posted on August 12, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Welcome to week two of MUNCHY MONDAY! Last time we launched MUNCHY MONDAY by paying homage to my favorite WDW snack: Pineapple Dole Whip. Whenever I say Pineapple Dole Whip, I hear the sparkling sound of an angel chorus singing harmonious “ahhhhs” in my brain. It’s just that good.

But as delicious as Pineapple Dole Whip is, sometimes you need a full meal. So this week MUNCHY MONDAY is devoted to a delicious restaurant that delivers lunch and dinner with a side of silliness: 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

As the name suggests, stepping inside this restaurant is like stepping into the 1950s. But more specifically, your mom’s kitchen in the 1950s. Teapots and other knickknacks are scattered about, the walls are covered in wallpaper, square black and white tile stretches out over the floor, the chairs are decked in vinyl and chrome, and lacy curtains hang in the windows. Old fashioned televisions with knobs dials are scattered around the restaurant playing clips from classic black and white television for your enjoyment as you eat.

The menu shows off the entire family’s best recipes. Favorites include Dad’s Grilled Pork Chop, Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken, Cousin Ann’s Traditional Meatloaf, Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast, and Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie. There are plenty of mashed potatoes, green beans, and collard greens to go around! Milkshakes make a special treat with dinner. Be sure to try the 50’s Prime Time Café’s specially flavored Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake! For the adults in the house, specialty cocktails are served from Dad’s Liquor Cabinet. Or, check out the Tune-In Lounge where you can watch television, try one of the classic cocktails, and order from the menu if you get hungry.

Waiters clad in yellow aprons and waitresses in pink gingham dresses are all members of the family here, and they treat you as if you’re at home. Mind your manners and keep your elbows off the table or you may just hear a mini-lecture. Be sure to eat your veggies too, if you don’t, they may be spoon fed to you or you may be denied dessert (not really of course!).

When it comes time to order dessert, you’ll be handed a View Master to take a look at the menu. Flipping through, you’ll see choices such as warm apple crisp, ice cream sundaes, and cheesecake. No sweet tooth will go unsatisfied in Mom’s kitchen.

50’s Prime Time Café brings great home-style favorites to the table and their silly antics guarantee you’ll have plenty of laughs as long as you’ve brought your sense of humor. As with any Table Service restaurant, be sure to make a reservation.

W.T.D.W. – Epcot, World Showcase – Mexcio

Posted on August 8, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

¡Hola amigos! ¿Come están ustedes? I hope this finds you all well this week. I realize that I’m posting this week’s WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY on a Thursday, and if you’re astute you noticed I missed MUNCHY MONDAY this week as well. It has been a week of life highs and lows. Sadly, my husband’s aunt passed away unexpectedly, and we spent the early part of the week celebrating her beautiful life and attending her funeral services. A day later, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary!! It’s been a busy week with very little time for writing until now.

So this week on WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY (ahem, Thursday…) I want to take us to Mexico in the World Showcase at Epcot. Hugged around a beautiful lagoon, the World Showcase is home to eleven countries. Mexico is first on the leftmost side as you approach the World Showcase from Future World. Colorful and celebratory, with plenty to see and experience, I always look forward to visiting Mexico.

As you approach Mexico you are welcomed by an Aztec inspired pyramid with warm terra cotta colors and splashes of turquoise. The landscape surrounding the pyramid is rich and thick. As you step inside, you will notice expressive, wood carved animals in bright, vibrant colors. These fantastically carved animals are from the Oaxacan culture, and are an important part of Mexican Folk Art. Many beautiful carvings are on display with details about their history and significance. Often, there is an artist working at a table surrounded by carved animals of all shapes and sizes. Further inside, you will enter the Plaza de los Amigos. I love the ambiance of the plaza. It is perpetually just past twilight, and twinkling lanterns suspended overhead glow softly upon a Mexican marketplace. Fountains trickle water, creating relaxing, peaceful background sounds. Carts and tiendas (shops) feature jewelry, glassware, leather goods, clothing, instruments, books, sombreros, and many authentic merchandise items for sale.

In the back of the Plaza de los Amigos, you can find the entrance to the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. This charming boat ride is a cultural tour of Mexico with a fun twist created by the three caballeros: Donald, Ponchito, and José. Lovable Donald Duck is missing, so Ponchito, and José go in search of him and you are along for the ride. Unbeknownst to them, Donald is off enjoying the Mexican culture; trying on sombreros, snapping pictures, listening to a mariachi band, and taking an ocean swim. This ride is very kid friendly and there usually isn’t much of a wait, even during peak seasons.

If you’re hungry there is plenty of opportunity to grab a taste of Mexico. San Angel Inn Restaurante, a Table Service restaurant, is located in the Plaza de Los Amigos set amongst a Mayan pyramid and smoking volcano. A second Table Service restaurant, La Hacienda del San Angel, offers a flavorful menu and beautiful views of the World Showcase Lagoon. If you want to try a flight of tequila, La Cava del Tequila in the Plaza de Los Amigos offers a variety of tequila tasting options as well as Mexican beers, wines, and light snacks. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, try the Cantina de San Angel. There you’ll find treats such as margaritas, tacos, empanadas, nachos, and guacamole. ¡Ole!

We always have a good time having a margarita, trying on sombreros, and relaxing on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. Keep an eye out, if you’re lucky you may be able to see a live mariachi band or meet Donald Duck. Donald often appears in Mexico for meet and greets wearing a colorful sombrero and serape. It’s a great opportunity to snag an autograph and pose for a unique photo!

Until next time, ¡Hasta luego amigos!

Welcome to Munchy Monday!

Posted on July 29, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Welcome to MUNCHY MONDAY, our new weekly installment of the blog focusing on all things delicious at Walt Disney World!

Food is everywhere at Disney World. There are restaurants ranging from the elite Victoria & Albert’s at The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, to casual themed dining such as the Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are Quick Service options at all resort hotels and theme parks – where you can find sandwiches, salads, burgers, tacos, and barbeque, just to name a few. Snack carts offer choices such as ice cream, popcorn, and roasted nuts. There are coffees, wines, beers, specialty cocktails, milkshakes, and even Doofenslurpers (a sweet, slushy drink inspired by the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas & Ferb)!

So as is our goal, we want to help you know before you go. With so many appetizing options to indulge your palette with, MUNCHY MONDAY will help you know what food options are out there, so you can make sure to eat exactly what your mouth desires.

We’re going to kick off MUNCHY MONDAY with what we consider to be the holy grail of snacks: Pineapple Dole Whip!!! And we are not alone. This tasty treat has long been a favorite among Walt Disney World guests, and has recently been featured on t-shirts available at WDW.

Pineapple Dole Whip: Soft Serve ice cream infused with Dole pineapple juice. Amazing. This delectable Dole Pineapple Soft Serve can be purchased on its own (how we like it!) or layered with a refreshing serving of pineapple juice, as seen to the right. Eat and sip!

Now that we’ve peaked your interest, here’s how to get your own Pineapple Dole Whip:

Go to Magic Kingdom.
Head to Adventureland.
Locate Aloha Isle – across from the entrance to Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and get in line.
Eat Dole Whip before it melts!
Pause and enjoy that tropical flavored satisfaction after polishing off every last drop.

If pineapple alone doesn’t thrill you, you can try vanilla or orange Dole Whip Soft Serve, or swirl one of those flavors with the pineapple! Pineapple Dole Whip is only available at two locations in Walt Disney World: Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom and Cook’s Kitchen at Disney’s Polynesian. Aloha Isle offers pineapple spears, pineapple juice, coke and root beer floats, chips, and other beverage options in addition to the soft serve. Its location in the Magic Kingdom makes it the most practical way for most guests to get their fix.

For us, no trip to WDW is complete until Pineapple Dole Whip is consumed. At least once. Or twice… Or as many times as we can justify eating soft serve. Hey, it counts as a fruit serving, right?!?

Disney Springs is Announced!

Posted on March 18, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Disney is dynamic company that has managed to stay on top of the game for decades. In my opinion, Walt Disney was probably one of the most imaginative humans to ever walk this earth. But it wasn’t his imagination alone that made him successful. It was his ability to adapt, change, and pursue his dreams with tenacious fervor his entire adult life. Walt Disney World maintains his principles, for the most part, and that is why his legacy still exists. You can walk into Walt Disney World, no matter your generation, and be struck by wonder and feel completely free and happy. The parks and resort hotels house a few treasures from its start in the 1970’s, but much of what we know and love today as vacationers has been adapted, recycled, and added to what Walt Disney originally planned and built. These changes allow Disney to bring new and exciting experiences to guests, year after year.

On Thursday Disney announced one of those changes. A multi-year renovation and expansion of the Downtown Disney Area will occur, transforming the area into “Disney Springs.” As of now, I have yet to even write the Downtown Disney information segment of this website & blog, but that certainly doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of any attention. I’m just a one-woman-show, and there are only so many blogging hours in a week.

Currently Downtown Disney is a three part shopping and dining area arched alongside a lake. There are currently 13 table service restaurants, 7 quick service restaurants, and plenty of places to find a snack. Cirque de Soleil’s La Nouba calls Downtown Disney home, as well as an AMC Theater, a bowling alley, and a plethora of specialty shops that include a mega Disney Store and a Virgin Records. This general concept: leisure, shopping, and dining will be the mainframe of the new Disney Springs. It will just be on a much grander, more homogenous scale.

As with everything that Disney creates in the parks, there is a story line. These stories are sometimes fantastical concepts that transport you nevertheless. One of my favorite examples is the story of Typhoon Lagoon: One day a typhoon wreaked havoc upon a beautiful tropical paradise. The storm tossed ships, surfboards, and fishing gear everywhere on this paradise. “Miss Tilly,” was a shrimp boat that got marooned on a mountain peak. And this chaos that was left from the typhoon, created this water park paradise. The story of Disney Springs is a bit more authentic, but still charming. A turn-of-the-century lakeside settlement has blossomed into a thriving town. There is a Town Center and three communities: The Landing, The Marketplace and West Side. Each of the three communities will have its own flavor and personality. With over 150 establishments in the new Disney Springs, there will be plenty of entertainment, dining and shopping to be found as well as a beautiful setting with a focus on water.

Construction is set to begin in April, just a few weeks from now and projected to be completed in 2016. Big changes like this at Walt Disney World often stir the pot, but I think this is a very positive and exciting announcement. Downtown Disney will be taken to an entirely new level and give years of delight to guests of all ages.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is Here!

Posted on March 6, 2013 by waltdisneyworldblog

Today is the opening of the 20th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival! Running through May19th, the festival is a treat to the senses with plenty to see, smell, taste, and hear. But what is the real star of the show? Topiaries! More than 100 Disney themed topiaries will be on display at this years festival.

These wonderful plant sculptures of beloved Disney Characters are on display in garden settings throughout Epcot.

It can take about a year or more to get the topiaries into shape for the festival. Disney horticulturists begin with an intricate wire frame, which is then filled with a base. Different green and blooming plants are then planted on top. They grow fill out to become the outer layer of the form guests see. The different plants such as ficus and reindeer moss, that are used on the topiaries give the sculptures varying colors and textures that bring the characters to life with personality.

Some of the topiary displays have appeared in previous Epcot International Flower & Garden Festivals, but many are making their first appearance this year. Party with Mickey & Friends Topiary display is new this year and will greet guests in the front of the park as they enter. A brand new Phineas & Ferb Topiary will mark the entrance to Future World. Another new topiary featuring Disney-Pixar favorites from this summers upcoming Monsters University will stand before the entrance to Epcot’s World Showcase.

Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lay and the Tramp, Buzz Lightyear, and Whinnie the Pooh & Friends are a few of the many favorite topiary displays that will return to the festival this year.

Many of these topiary gardens will twinkle and glow as the sun sets to create a fresh experience for guests at night – a first for the Flower & Garden Festival. Others include areas where kids can play and explore such as “The Land of Oz,” themed after the upcoming Disney film Oz the Great and Powerful, and a butterfly garden featuring Tinkerbell and friends.

Another especially exciting first this year is a special small plates menu developed specifically for the festival. Different dishes featuring fresh produce will be available throughout the World Showcase at spots called “Garden Marketplaces.” Each location will have unique menu items influenced by the flavors of the hosting country. I personally would head to Mexico’s Jardin de Fiestas for Crab Tostadas with Chipotle Mayo and Valentina Salsa and a strawberry-infused Rosita Margarita. Yum. Italy’s Primavera Kitchen is offering a Limoncello flavored Pana Cotta with wild berries would make for a tasty sweet treat in my opinion! Three Garden Marketplaces outside of the World Showcase: Pineapple Promenade, Florida Fresh, and Fruits by the Glass are showcasing culinary delights such as Shrimp and Grits, spiced rum Dole Whip, and Tomato and Carrot wines that are calling my name. Loudly. Actually it’s more like they are screaming my name into a megaphone saying “I am delicious! Try me!!!”

The fun doesn’t end with topiaries, gardens, and culinary delights. There are also concert series with bands such as The Guess Who and The Village People, presentations on gardening topics, and appearances and presentations from HGTV stars such as Chris Lambton and Egypt Sherrod.

Any day at Epcot is full of fun, education, and international flavors. The Flower and Garden Festival provides an opportunity to really embrace Spring and celebrate many of the treasures mother Earth offers us.

One of My Favorite Snacks

Posted on October 22, 2012 by waltdisneyworldblog

There are about a million wonderful things about Disney World. Seriously. In a place that is twice the size of Manhattan, that contains 4 Theme Parks, 2 Water Parks, around 25 hotels, and over 100 restaurants, I’ll probably write a million posts easily.

But today, as I sit down to write my second true post, finding a place to begin talking about anything is seeming incredibly daunting. As I’ve been sitting here trying to decide what to talk about I’ve realized that I am hungry. And so, as my stomach is growling at me for an afternoon snack, it seems as though food will be where I begin.

One of my favorite Walt Disney World snacks is a Disney Parks Icon: The Mickey Premium Bar:

These can be found all throughout Walt Disney World. Look for an ice cream cart located in the parks, usually under a large blue umbrella. If you don’t see one in your immediate view, walk 25 steps in any one direction and you’ll find one. This frozen treat in the shape of a Mickey head is a rich and creamy vanilla ice cream bar with a thick chocolate coating on the outside. So simple, yet so stinking delicious – especially when it’s hot as blazes outside. Everyone eats his or hers differently, but my technique is to each all of the chocolate coating off first, then slowly enjoy layer by layer of the vanilla ice cream as it slowly melts. If my fervent testimony isn’t enough, let me give you this fact: This is the most in demand snack at Walt Disney World. Yum.

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