Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: Part 1

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Welcome to EpcotAlrighty, here we are again, to talk about the other BIG happening in WDW right now – Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival. I am just as excited to chat about this event today as I was to tell you about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Just so you understand my enthusiasm, let me elaborate – I love food. I love to make it and I love to eat it. I LOVE wine. Probably more than food. Maybe. It’s a tough call… Anyway, I also love to photograph food I make or that is served to me. My husband teases me about this constantly. He calls me a hipster and says I embarrass him. We went to California Grill last year on our honeymoon and he wouldn’t let me take any pictures of the food. I should have. The food was as BEAUTIFUL as it was delicious. Now all I have are my memories… *Sigh.

So now that I’ve shared, you can imagine the kind of excitement this event can bring. I am going to be honest with you though, I’ve only been to this event once, a couple of years ago before I developed the habit of photographing food. So unfortunately I don’t have a lot of pictures. But I DO have a ton of information and tips for you! Hooray! So much so, in fact, that I am breaking Epcot Food and Wine Festival into two posts.

The Basics: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, this year, began on September 27th and will be running daily through November 11th. This insanely large event breaks down into two main categories: Food Marketplaces and Special Events (seminars, demonstrations, concerts, celebrity appearances, etc.).

Today, in Part 1, we are focusing on the Food Marketplaces.

World ShowcaseYou will need an admission ticket into Epcot to visit Food & Wine Fez, and from there some events are free and some are of an additional cost. The Food Marketplaces are all a-la-carte. So you can purchase as much or as little as you would like to taste.

This year there are 30 (holy cow!) Food Marketplaces. Some of the Food Marketplaces have several things to eat and drink while others may only have one or two offerings. You can certainly try a little flavor from around the world. Here are this year’s Food Marketplaces and their offerings:

  • Terra – This tantalizing menu was developed with a focus on things that come from the earth. Munch on: Trick’n chick’n curry with basmati rice featuring Gardein chick’n breast, Chili Colorado with house-made chips and chashew cheese featuring Gardein beefless tips, and Chocolate cake with coconut mousee and passion fruit sauce. Sip on: Fresh watermelon juice, Napa Smith Organic IPA, The Vegan Vine Chardonnay, The Vegan Vine Red Blend.
  • Brazil – To Eat: Seared scallop with ragout of tomatoes, peppers, hearts of palm, and steamed rice or Crispy pork belly with black beans, onions, avocado, and cilantro. To Drink: Cerveharias Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer, Carnaval Moscato White, and Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça.
  • Argentina – Taste the Beef empanada, or the Grilled beef skewer with Chimichurri sauce and boniato purée. To drink:
    • Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
    • Terrazas Reserva Malbec
    • Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
    • Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Australia – Head down under with these food and beverage options:
    • Garlic shrimp with roasted tomatoes, lemon myrtle and rapini
    • Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies
    • Pavlova – crispy meringue shell with fresh Driscoll’s berries and vanilla custard.
    • Rosemont Estate Pinot Grigio
    • Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay
    • Rosemont Estate Merlot
    • Penfolds Bin 8 Carbernet Shiraz
  • Mexico – This booth is bringing classic Mexican flavors that are sure to delight. A comer y beber:
    • Shrimp taco with purple cabbage
    • Taco de ribeye with salsa de chipotle
    • Rice pudding
    • Dos Equis Beer
    • Sangria
    • Tequila Flight
    • Mango-Habanero Margarita
  • Singapore – Travel to far-away places with the flavors in this Food Marketplace:
    • Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice
    • Seared mahi mahi with jasmine rice and “Singa” sauce
    • Tiger Beer
    • Marqués de Caceres Satinela
    • Singapore Sling featuring Hendricks Gin and Cherry Herring
  • China – This Food Marketplace has a large selection of China’s flavors. Food offerings: Mongolian beef in a steamed bun, Black pepper shrimp with suchuan noodles, Chicken potstickers, and Silky spun ice with toppings (3 flavors, coconut, strawberry and chocolate). Beverage offerings include: Tsing Tao Beer, Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling, Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah, Kung Fu Punch with vodka, Happy Lychee with vodka, and Lychee-aerated water.
  • South Korea – Have a true taste of Asia with these offerings:
    • Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce
    • Lettuce wrap with roast pork and kimchi slaw
    • Bohae Black Raspberry Wine – Bokbunjajoo
    • Jinro Chamisul Soju
    • Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju
  • Africa – Try the Berbere-style beef with onions, jelapeños, tomato, okra, and pap or the Spinach and paneer cheese pocket. To drink you’ll find Man Vintners Chenin Blanc, The Wolftrap Red, and Porcupine Ridge Syrah.
  • Cheese – This Food Marketplace is featuring Once Upon a Vine’s The Lost Slipper Sauvignon Blanc, The Fairest Chardonnay, The Big Bad Red Blend, and A Charming Pinot. They would all make an excellent pairing to the Almond-crusted blue cheese soufflé with fig jam, or the Artisan cheese selection including: Beechers Flagship Reserve served with honey, La Bonne Vie Triple Cream Brie served with apricot jam, and Wijngaard Goat Gouda with Craisin bread.
  • Brewer’s Collection – This impressive collection can be tried singly, or in two different flight options.
    • Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
    • Radeberger Pilsner
    • Altenmünster Oktoberfest
    • BraufactuM Parlor
    • BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer
    • Warsteiner Premium Verum
    • BraufactuM Darkon
    • Warsteiner Premium Dunkel

     

  • Germany – Delight your German side at this Food Marketplace offering traditional eats and a host of beverages. To eat: Schniken nudel (pasta gratin with ham and cheese), Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll, Apple strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and vanilla sauce. To drink: Altenmünster Oktoberfest, BraufactuM Darkon, J&H Selback Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Reisling Auslese, Weingut Pitthan Dornfelder Dry Barrique Style
  • Poland – Good eats: Kielbasa and potato pierogie with caramelized onions and sour cream or Zapiekanki (toasted mushroom, caramelized onion, and cheese break with house-made ketchup). Good drinks: Okocim Brewery, Okocim O. K. Beer, Frozen Szarlotka (apple pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, Temptation Zinfandel
  • Italy – This menu is made of traditional dishes from this well-loved culture’s cuisine that will have your mouth watering.
    • Ravioli de formaggio all’emiliana (baked cheese ravioli with creamy beef bolognese sauce, parmesean and mozerella)
    • Salsiccia e “papacelli” Napoletani (sweet Italian sausage with peppers and onions on ciabatta bread)
    • Cannoli al cioccolato (chocolate covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate, and candied fruit)
    • Moretti Beer
    • Prosecco Zardetto
    • Pinot Grigio Mezzacorona
    • Chianti Castello di Querceto
    • Italian Margherita
  • American Adventure Coffee Cart – Here you can find your coffee fix. Shakin’ Jamaican coffee is made with Kahlua, with a touch or either vanilla or caramel. You can choose to have it hot or cold.
  • Hops & Barley – New England is brought straight to you with the tastes of this menu. If you can’t decide which beer floats your fancy, you can go for the flight option.
    • Lobster roll with lemon herb mayo
    • Griddled lobster tail with garlic herb butter
    • New England clam chowder with a side of Tobasco
    • Craisin bread pudding with Gran Marnier anglaise
    • La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
    • Rogue Chocolate Stout
    • Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvée
    • Samuel Adams Boston Lager
    • Samuel Adams Octoberfest
    • Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat
  • Florida Local – This spot is all about celebrating the Florida flavors. Dine on the Florida grass-fed beef slider with white cheddar and sweet & hot pickles, or try the Florida shrimp ceviche with fire-roasted vegetables and micro cilantro. Beverage offerings from the sunshine state: Florida Orange Groves Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria, Florida Orange Groves Key Limen Florida Key Lime Wine, Orlando Brewing Sun Shade Organic Pale Ale, and Cigar City Brewing’s Florida Cracker Belgium-Style White Ale.
  • Japan – Presenting traditional Japanese dishes, this booth will delight the sushi and teriyaki lover. To eat: California roll, Spicy hand roll (tuna and salmon with chili pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil topped with Kazan Volcano sauce), Teriyaki chicken hand roll (marinated dark meat chicken with sushi rice topped with teriyaki sauce), Youki tofu (topped with miso sauce, edemame, and served with grilled veggies). To drink: Sapporo Draft Beer, Saki: Junmai Ginjo Yuki “Snow,” Green Tea Colada
  • Morocco – To eat: Kefta pocket, Harissa chicken roll, Baklava. To drink: Casa Beer, Ksar White, Sangria, Mimosa Royale
  • New Zealand – Well known for their wines, this booth is certainly offering a charming sampling of New Zealand grapes. Not to be outdone by the wines, the food offerings are full of flavor:
    • Steamed Green Lip Mussels with Garlic Butter and Toasted Bread Crumbs
    • Venison sausage with picked mushrooms, baby arugula, and black currant reduction
    • Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney
    • Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio
    • Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
    • Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
    • Kim Crawford Pinot Noir
  • Belgium – Belgium is bringing the waffle! Try the Potato and leek waffle with braised beef, or the Belgium waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream, or a Belgium waffle with berry compote featuring Driscoll’s berries. On tap you’ll find Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, and Leffe Brune – served singly or try a beer flight. Chilled coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur is also available.

French Toast

  • France – Rich traditional flavors make up this menu from the country with a long-standing classic culinary history.
    • Escargots persillade en brioche (garlic and parsley snails in brioche)
    • Boeuf bourguignon (braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes)
    • Crème brûlée au chocolat au lait (chocolate milk crème brûlée tropped with caramelized sugar)
    • Beer Kronenbourg Blanc
    • Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
    • Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
    • Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
    • Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush (vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Gran Marnier, and cranberry juice)
  • Ireland – This Food Marketplace is bringing the best of Ireland’s favorites:
    • Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie
    • Kerrygold cheese selection: reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig
    • Warm Chocolate pudding with Bailey’s custard
    • Guinness Draught
    • Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
    • Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen
  • Canada – To eat: Canadian cheddar cheese soup (yes please!), Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisee, maple Minus 8 vinaigrette, or “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce. To drink: Moosehead Lager, La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine, La Face Neige Sparkling, and Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah.
  • Greece – Taste the classic Mediterranean flavors of Greece in this extensive menu. To eat: Taste of Greece – grilled and marinated calamari, hitipiti, eggplant dip, olives and pita bread, Griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey, Chicken gyro with tzatziki sauce, Spanakopita, or Dannon Oikos Blueberry Greek Nonfat Yogurt Cup. To drink: Domaine Skouras Moscofilero, Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri, Apha Estate Axia Syrah-Xinomavro, or Ouzo by Metaxa
  • Refreshment Port – Dole Pineapple is the star of the show here! Try these tropical delights:
    • Dole pineapple fritters
    • Fried Shrimp with Dole pineapple sweet & sour sauce
    • Fried chicken chunks with Dole pineapple sweet & sour sauce
    • Orange Dole Whip
    • Orange Dole Whip with Crème de Cacao White
    • Frozen Dragon Berry Colada featuring Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum
  • Desserts & Champagne – It’s as if this Food Marketplace was made just for me, filled with sweet delights and bubbling wine. Dessert offerings: Chocolate orange cupcake, Hazelnut chocolate cheesecake, Morello cherry pistachio mousse, Guylian Belgian chocolate seashell truffles. Can’t decide?  Don’t worry, they offer a Dessert trio option. To Drink:
    • Pyranud Weiss Cream Beer
    • Möet & Chandon Ice Impérial
    • Möet & Chandon Impérial
    • Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial
    • Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé
    • Frozen S’mores
  • Hawai’i – Through this menu I can almost hear the ocean and the ukulele. Eats: Kalua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise or Tuna Poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips. Beverages: Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave Golden Ale, Kona Brewing Company’s Pipeline Porter, Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Réserve, Aulani Sunrise featuring Ocean Vodka
  • Scotland *NEW THIS YEAR* – A delightful menu full of tradition is a great way to welcome this beautiful country to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival.
    Food: Seared Scottish salmon with cauliflower puree, watercress and malt vinaigrette, Vegetarian haggis with neeps & tatties (grilled vegetable cake with rutabaga and mashed potatoes), Scottish banoffee tart with bananas, Scottish whisky toffee, Walkers Shortbread Cookies and sweet cream. Drinks: Innis & Gunn Original, Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich, and Glenfiddich Scotch Flight.
  • Craft Beers – A selection of craft beers that would please any beer lover can be tried singly, or in two different flight options. (Here is where my hubby would want to stay.)
    • Dogfish Head Brewery, Namaste
    • Abita Brewing Company, Fall Fest
    • Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy
    • Florida Beer Company, Devil’s Triangle
    • New Belgium Brewing Company, Fat Tire
    • Widmer Brothers Brewing, Alchemy Ale
    • Red Hook, Audible Ale
    • Sierra Nevada, Torpedo Extra IPA

As you can plainly see, you could eat and drink ALL STINKING DAY and still probably not try every Food Marketplace. Hubby thinks that a long weekend should be devoted to the sole purpose of taking in as much of the festival as possible. I have to say that it’s not a bad idea.

Whether you have one day or 4 days to check it out, here are my TIPS to make the most out of your time visiting the Food Marketplaces in the World Showcase:

  • Plan Ahead and Prioritize – Make sure you make yourself aware of all of the food & beverage offerings. Pick up a Food & Wine Fez guide and mark what you most want to try. If you are still wanting more, you can go back for your second choices.
  • Share, Share, Share! – While all of the portions at the Marketplaces are sized with the idea of sampling in mind, sharing with a friend or family member is the best way to go. You will save on cost, and room in your tummy, so you can try more flavors.
  • Budget – Know how much you are willing to spend ahead of time. Taking a specific amount of cash, or buying one of the Food & Wine Fez prepaid giftcards will keep you from overspending.
  • Pace Yourself – Make sure to give yourself enough time for what you want to experience. The World Showcase is huge, so be sure to factor time for walking, as well as the Food Marketplace lines.
  • Avoid the Weekends – If possible visit the Food & Wine Fez Monday – Thursday. The weekends draw in the locals (understandably!), so the lines are often longer.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

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Halloween MKBoo to you! I am really excited to share a little of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party with you today. I love Halloween and this special event is packed full of entertainment that makes it a spectacular time for all.

DSC_0007Starting in September, Magic Kingdom undergoes a transformation where pumpkins, scarecrows, and festive banners deck the entrance and Main Street, U.S.A. for all guests to enjoy. On select nights, Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party from 7:00 PM to midnight. The party is a special ticketed event, requiring a separate ticket for admission. Even though Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party begins in mid-September, I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it until October when Halloween is closer. (It’s like seeing Christmas decorations before November has even started… Ugh.)

DSC00335So what happens between 7:00 PM at 12:00 AM that makes Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party so awesome? The sun sets, Magic Kingdom comes a’glow, and guests will find lots of extra, elaborate Halloween themed entertainment. Organized events and random touches come together to bring Halloween magic to guests.

Here are the big events that happen during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

Trick or Treating throughout Magic Kingdom – When you’re a kid you look forward to trick-or-treating for all of October. When you’re an adult, you delight in handing out candy to kids, but secretly I think we all just wish we could get out a pumpkin bucket or pillowcase and go around our neighborhoods to get free candy for ourselves. And of course, at Mickey’s Not Scary Halloween Party – you can! Kids and adults alike, costume or not, can go to several different locations throughout Magic Kingdom to trick-or-treat. Cast members are generous in the candy-giving, and you’ll be thrilled to leave Magic Kingdom with plenty of sweet treats in your bag.

DSC00430Disney Villains Dance Mix and Mingle – As you may expect, you can find villains a plenty during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. During the Villains Mix and Mingle, the villains kick off the festivities in front of the castle, then venture out to greet the guests. It’s a fantastic opportunity to visit with some of your favorite not-so-nice characters that aren’t always available for autographs and photos.

DSC00404 Halloween EeyoreDSC00411Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade – Personally, this is my favorite part of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. The parade kicks off with the Headless Horseman riding down Main Street, U.S.A. on his beautiful, black stallion holding a lit jack-o-lantern. Swiftly following is a parade of Halloween floats and beloved Disney characters, many who are sporting costumes themselves. Goofy, assisted by Pluto brings the candy fun to the parade in a big way. The beloved spooky attraction The Haunted Mansion has its own segment in the parade as well. The Graveyard Caretaker leads the way with his faithful hound, followed by grave diggers dragging shovels that send sparks flying, dancing ghouls, and a float sporting the three Hitchhiking Ghosts.

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DSC00426DSC_0089Happy HalloWishes – Centered over Cinderella Castle, which glows in Halloween colors, you will find this end of the evening firework spectacular. The Disney Villains are the star of the show, sending up a colorful variety fireworks to a medley of the villain’s musical themes.

Main Street, U.S.A. Entertainment – Roaming Main Street, U.S.A. guests can find a barbershop quartet of dead cowboys. They hold no shortage of barbershop tunes, puns, and jokes.

All of that alone makes for a marvelous night. But for me, it’s the small extra touches that fall into 5 categories really make Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party great:

DSC_00121. Costumes – Adults and kids alike come to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in costume. In fact, I was really surprised at the number of costumes we saw the night we went. People dressed to the nines. Many of the guests who weren’t wearing costumes were still wearing Halloween themed colors or t-shirts. I didn’t come prepared with a costume, but I scored a fun Mickey’s Not So Scary shirt from The Emporium that made me festive. I will note that Disney asks guests to make sure their costumes are tasteful. Most people seemed to comply without any problem.

HalloweenNot So Scary2. Decor – The extra decor goes a long way into making the night special. It creates a remarkable air of festivity. Everywhere you look there are pumpkins, cast members in special Halloween themed dress, ghosts, and Halloween colors.

3. Extras – Naturally spooky areas or attractions such as The Haunted Mansion are dressed up. Cast members at The Haunted Mansion are spooky enough on any normal day, but during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party you’ll find them looking extra gruesome, covered in spider webs. We also found Madam Leona sitting on the lawn, entertaining guests as they entered. We went back to The Haunted Mansion an extra time just to see her again.

DSC_0072DSC_00754. Characters – Keep your eyes open, you tend to find extra characters available for meet and greet during Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party. This little boy to the left had a rare photo-op with all seven dwarfs.

5. Attractions at Night – During the party you get to visit some of your favorite attractions in the dark. Some have an entirely different feel when you visit them after the sun goes down. I highly recommend heading to Frontierland to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain in the dark. Pirates of the Caribbean, though not outside is also great attraction to see during your Halloween-time Magic Kingdom visit.

Whew. That’s a lot to share! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a jam-packed special event and we had a marvelous time when we went. Though it is costly (averaging around $60 per person), I feel you really get a lot for your money. Anyone else who has visited Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party have an opinion on price/value of the ticket?

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

  • Be well rested! As you can see, there is a lot to do and the party runs until midnight. Even adults can be completely wiped out at the end. Take time to rest, maybe even take a nap before attending the party.
  • Eat dinner early! With so much happening during this special event, you want to make sure you have plenty of time to experience all of it. Not only does eating dinner during the party limit your time to trick or treat or visit attractions, a late-running dinner reservation may mean you miss part (or all!) or the parade or fireworks show.
  • Be festive! As I mentioned, many people dress up in a costume or Halloween decor. It really makes the event more merry.
  • Be informed! It may seem like a silly reminder, but it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the night. Keep your eye on the time and make sure you know what events are happening when and where, so you don’t miss anything you want to see.
Specially themed Halloween treats

Specially themed Halloween treats!

Not So Scary

Hello October!

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Vinlymation on the windowsill.

Vinlymation on the windowsill.

Hello October! How did you sneak in here? I swear I had my eyes wide open, but I blinked, and now I find September gone again and October 3 days old. I also discovered it’s been almost two weeks since I blogged!

**Radio Silence…….**

Sorry about that. As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, my hubby and I just bought our first house! Exciting as it is, it has taken over my life. Built circa 1900, as you can imagine, the house needs a fair amount of TLC. We moved in and things were everywhere. It’s been driving me nuts. Cluttered space, cluttered mind – if you ask me. AND to top it off, getting our internet provider to provide us with internet seemed almost as difficult as a summit of Mt. Everest. But all is well now. Our stuff is out of storage, the internet is working, and I have painted and mostly set up my new studio/office space. Enjoy pictures to your left.

I am particularly enjoying having access to my Disney Parks coffee mugs again. Hubby and I are both coffee people. We love it. We grind our beans at home every morning and brew plenty for us both. I love to sip while I blog. I really think coffee is half the reason I choose to blog first thing in the morning. We bought this set of mugs on our honeymoon. There is a blue mug featuring Mickey, the green with Minnie, a yellow mug with Donald, and a brown mug with Goofy. I choose a different mug each morning depending on which character my mood most resembles. I chose Minnie this morning because I was feeling perky and ready to get some work done. As a side note, I love these new mugs I have seen on the Disney Store website. They have finally made a VIP character set to include Pluto!! Want them.

Anyway, the combination of my brief hiatus with my new space has really left me itching to blog. Fortunately, October is a very busy month at Walt Disney World with plenty to talk about. The first big happening is Epcot’s kick off of the 18th annual Food and Wine Festival. Secondly, Magic Kingdom is decked for Halloween and Mickey’s Not So Scarey Halloween Party is in full swing. Each of these amazing events will have its own post over the next week – so stay tuned!

W. T. D. W – Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom

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DSC00988A very merry un-birthday to you! I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date. No time to say hello. Goodbye! I’m late, I’m late, I’m late! Painting the roses red, we’re painting the roses red…

Infectious only begins to describe the playful, dancing music of this week’s WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY attraction: Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom. I barely have to think about this attraction before I’m whistling some of the tune from this delightfully dizzying ride all day. It’s just so happy and perky, you can’t help but bounce around humming. There is a lot of catchy music at Magic Kingdom, so you usually find yourself with a tune in your head at some point when you’re there – or at home wishing you were there!

DSCF0361DSCF1609Inspired by the 1951 Disney classic film Alice in Wonderland, this attraction is designed to be reminiscent of the tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter and March Hare. While the formal name of this ride is “Mad Tea Party,” amongst my family and friends it’s simply called “the teacups.” (We’re a straightforward bunch I guess.) A giant canopy in Fantasyland is host to this attraction. Hanging from the ceiling of the canopy are whimsical paper lanterns. In the center of the floor is a giant teapot, from which the mouse will periodically peek out. Surrounding the teapot are very large teacups sitting in saucers of various pastel colors. Guests climb aboard a teacup, and when the ride begins the teacups begin to spin and whirl around the teapot in the center. That in itself is delightful, but in my opinion, the real fun lies in the wheel that is in the center of the teacup. The wheel lets you control the speed and direction of your teacup’s spin. My mum, being a sensitive soul, won’t touch this attraction for fear of becoming ill. So that usually left this ride to my Papa Bear and me. Papa Bear would spin the wheel as hard and fast as he could, and I loved every turn. The wilder, the better in my book. And on the few special occasions my extended family was with us at WDW, my cousins and I too would have a good spin around.

Guests of any height may take a spin at the Mad Tea Party, so it’s a great ride for families. This attraction first appeared at Disneyland, and it was one of the original attractions of the Magic Kingdom when it opened in 1971. Each and every Disney theme park across the world has a version of the Mad Tea Party, which I think is kind of neat. It’s a Disney classic.

I was talking last week about the many simple pleasures that make Walt Disney World so delightful, and I think this is one of them. There is nothing overly complicated or mind boggling about this attraction, but the catching music, movement, and charm of the Alice in Wonderland theme makes Mad Tea Party simply delightful.

* Special Tip* – Keep your eye out for favorite Alice in Wonderland characters such as Alice, Mad Hatter, Red Queen, and Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum around Mad Tea Party. You can often find them available for a meet and greet.

M. M. – T-REX at Downtown Disney

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How is it Monday already!?! My busy weekend, which included my husband and I buying our first house (!!) and moving, probably has something to do with my bewilderment. I’m ready to admit that I almost slacked today and skipped writing this post. I’m tired, and I have a million things still to clean and unpack. But somehow I just couldn’t go a week without posting. I knew I would be washing windows and unpacking dishes thinking about how I should have blogged. So here we are – MUNCHY MONDAY!

This week we are traveling to Downtown Disney – a foodie paradise. Currently there are over 28 various spots to grab a bite to eat, ranging from an AMC Dine-In Theater to an authentically Irish-themed pub, to a Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Soda Shop. You can find table service restaurants and quick service dining, as well as stands offering drinks and snacks. The choices are amazing. Perhaps even more amazing still, is the fact that Downtown Disney is under-going an extensive renovation and expansion that will include even more dining delights. When the project is complete, Downtown Disney will be called Disney Springs.

DSC_0237On our last trip, my family and I ate dinner at T-REX. If you’re familiar with Rainforest Cafe, then you’ll have a great idea what this restaurant is about. Owned by the same parent company, T-REX is a prehistoric dining adventure.

Mum at T Rex

My beautiful Mum giving a smile. Look carefully behind her and you can spot a wooly mammoth and a few jellyfish in the background.

My Grandmother, taking in the restaurants action.

My Grandmother, taking in the restaurant action.

As you approach the restaurant, you’ll see a mountainous structure with a cave-like opening. Perched atop is a very large dinosaur skeleton, green ferns, and palms. Inside, is a prehistoric wonderland. At the front of the restaurant you can locate the bar area, which has an oceanic theme. Behind the bar is a large saltwater fish tank on which a giant octopus is perched, with its tentacles stretching over the blue, water-like ceiling. Colored jellyfish are suspended from the ceiling, mingling with the octopus tentacles. The restaurants tables are nestled into several themed rooms such as an ice cavern and fern forest. While the rooms have individual themes, they are open to each other and one theme flows into the other. Everywhere you look there are animatronic wooly mammoths, giant bugs, and dinosaurs – including a 15 foot tall T. rex. About every twenty minutes there is a “meteor shower,” and the entire restaurant springs to life with movement and sound. With so much going on, this place is a sensory mecca.

The Ice Cavern Ceiling.

The Ice Cavern.

DSC_0282With a restaurant that is so focused on entertainment, I always find myself skeptical of the quality of food. I was very pleasantly surprised here. Not to be outdone by the decor, the T-REX menu delivers. The kitchen, appropriately named The Kitchen of Fire, is located behind a long fire pit. On the wall behind the fire pit you can see chickens rotating in a giant rotisserie. The menu is quite expansive, with something for any taste. Most of the menu flavors are true American, though there are some light Italian touches. Food is easily organized into sections: Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Carnivores, Pastas, Burgers & Sandwiches, and Seafood. Mixed drinks can be found in a section labeled “The Watering Hole,” and there are plenty of beer and wine selections as well. Desserts are can be located in “The End is Near.” Each and every item has a clever, prehistoric reference in its name, such as: Fossil Fish-N-Chips, Pork-Asaurus Sandwhich, Layers of the Earth Lasagna, and Jurassic Salad.

On our visit, I ordered the Paleozoic Chicken Sandwich: pizza dough with grilled chicken, lettuce, bacon, Pepper Jack cheese, avocado, tomato, and lemon aioli. It came with my choice of side (french fries!), and it was absolutely delicious. The portion was big, the chicken was cooked perfectly, and it was full of tasty flavors. My young cousins were with us, and one of them was kind enough to give me a bite of their Cosmo’s Cheesy Macaroni. Let me assure you I would’ve devoured any of the unfinished noodles, but he cleaned the bowl leaving me high and dry. Can’t say I blame him.

Open for lunch and dinner, T-REX is a very popular spot to eat. In the busy seasons the wait can be excessive. My family had a reservation, and we still had a fair wait to be seated at our table. That being said, we were also a party of 14 altogether. Bottom line: make a reservation. That goes forever and always, at any Disney dining location.

Between the active theme and the large number of tables inside, this restaurant is noisy. Downright loud, really. It’s hard to hear anyone that is not seated next to you or across from you. Additionally, the meteor shower that occurs every twenty minutes includes flashing lights and thunder-like rumbles that may be frightening to very young children. This is not the spot for a quiet, romantic dinner. But, T-REX is definitely a fantastic place to dine with kids of all ages. Overall, I was really impressed with the environment and food in this unique dining spot. My family and I had a blast.

W. T. D. W. – TriceraTop Spin – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Rainer scared of the Yeti CROPI realized this morning that whenever I’m planning my next WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY post, my favorite thrill rides always try to sneak their way to the top of the list. But hey, maybe you’ve got kiddos that aren’t able to do thrill rides, or maybe you look like my brother over here at the thought of attractions such as Expedition Everest. Or perhaps you’re just one of those people who enjoys any type of attraction – calm to wild. With that in mind this week, WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY is heading to a very enjoyable, kid-friendly attraction: TriceraTop Spin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is divided up into seven lands: Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, and DinoLand U.S.A. Each land has its own personality and flavor. I bet you can guess which land TriceraTop Spin is in…

Greetings from DINOLANDWithin DinoLand U.S.A. there is a wildly colorful, dinosaur themed mini-land designed to represent a midway carnival called Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama. Here you’ll find a series of carnival style games such as Basketball Toss and Whack ‘Em (with a mallet), funky mirrors, photo-booths, and two rides: Primeval Whirl and TriceraTop Spin. Some people I know get very pumped about good ol’ Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama:

DSC00227DSC03040TriceriTop SpinTriceraTop Spin is an uncomplicated concept designed from the idea of an old-school, tin push top. Get it!?! TriceraTOP Spin!

Moving on… The base of the ride, shaped like the old-school top, is orange, red, turquoise, and blue with whimsical little gold stars. Arms extend from the base sporting turqoisy-green Triceratops dinosaurs that are waiting to give you a spin around in the air. (I bet you didn’t know Triceratops could fly.) There is even a blazing comet that spins around the top going the opposite direction of riders.

DSC_0931Each Triceratops can seat up to 4 people amongst its two rows. The fun part about this ride is that each row has a joystick which controls your individual dinosaur. The back row controls how high or low the dino flies, while the front row can tip the dino forward or backward. I think for a kid, this is fantastic. How exciting, to be able to make your dinosaur fly higher or lower as you see fit. Adults will enjoy the breeze on their faces and the views that the higher vantage point offers.

DSC_0934TriceraTop Spin is definitely a simple pleasure. But sometimes it’s the simple things that we remember the most – especially when you’re a kid.

M. M. – Sunshine Seasons at Epcot

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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.

Epcot Day

The Land 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.

The Land CeilingSunshine 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!!)

Sunshine SeasonsThe 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.

W. T. D. W. – Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Hello WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY friends! I am so excited about this week’s attraction: Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let’s all agree once more that an acronym would be appropriate, and call it TSMM! for short today. TSMM! is what I think of as a “big ticket item.” It’s one of the best attractions in all of Walt Disney World, and it is certainly one of the most popular.

Pixar Place

DSC05220Here’s the rundown: this fantastic attraction is a ride where you get to play 3D carnival games hosted by beloved Toy Story characters. Once in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find TSMM! at Pixar Place. This is also where the Pixar Place Camera Dept. is located, where you can meet some of your favorite Toy Story pals. Entering the queue transports you into a child’s toy wonderland. Everything is large and scaled to make you feel as though you are suddenly toy-sized. The ceiling and walls are constructed of game boards. Crayons, blocks, Lincoln Logs, playing cards, and game pieces are scattered everywhere.

Recently UpdatedToy Story Mania RainerIn the back of the queue you’ll find Mr. Potato Head in a straw hat and carnival striped sleeves, armed with a microphone. He moves and talks, entertaining guests with songs, jokes, and general commentary. I’m not sure if Disney included him as an added element of fun, or if they anticipated the popularity of this attraction and knew the queue line could frequently be lengthy. Either way, Mr. Potato Head certainly provides some welcome amusement while waiting in line, making time pass more quickly.

Once you’ve meandered through the game and toy pieces room, you pick up a pair of nifty 3D glasses and proceed to the loading room and board a vehicle. The vehicles are cream, each painted with a Toy Story character such as Bullseye or Little Bo Peep. The vehicles seat 2 couples that essentially sit back to back, making a total of 4 people per vehicle. In front of each person is a miniature cannon with a pull-string for playing the various carnival games.

Toy Story ManiaBefore you know it, your vehicle is zooming, twisting, and turning. Through the ride, your vehicle will travel to several different screens, each featuring a different scene, characters, and a classic carnival game (ring toss, balloon darts, pie toss, etc.) My favorite is the third game hosted by the Green Army Men, where you toss balls to break plates. Listen carefully and you’ll hear “I am not your mother!! Break those plates!” Makes me smile. Each game is timed and your scores are recorded so the player with the highest total points at the end of all the games is the winner.

Here are the 5 reasons why I think this attraction is beyond awesome:

  1. Toy Story Characters – Lovable, fun, and enthusiastic, the Toy Story characters bring this attraction to life.
  2. Movement – The way the vehicles move in TSMM! is so much fun. They zip around quickly, but the movement isn’t harsh in any way and  it’s often a bit unexpected. It always has me giggling as the vehicle hastens along.
  3. Game Variation – I love that you get to play several different games. It’s like having several attractions in one!
  4. 3D Technology – Disney gets better and better at presenting 3D technology and this ride proves it. The scenes are clear, crisp, bright, and very effective.
  5. No Height Limitations – This ride is something the family can enjoy together as there is no height requirement. But it goes beyond that; TSMM! is fun for all ages. And, if you’re anything like my family, the element of competition elevates the stakes. The winner gets bragging rights.

So now that everyone is pumped and ready to go whiz around and champion the games, let’s mention the downside. Because this attraction is so wildly popular, the queue line can often be long. REALLY long in peak seasons like summer and Christmas. Here’s how to help avoid an excessively long wait time:

  • Arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios early and make this your first stop. Early to rise and seize the short lines!
  • If you are staying at a WDW Resort Hotel (which you should be!) try to visit this park during Extra Magic Hours, especially the morning ones. There are less people in the parks at those times, and therefore queue lines are shorter.
  • Utilize Fastpasses! It feels so amazing to step into the Fastpass queue and bypass the standby queue. Especially when the standby queue is over 45 minutes long.

M. M. – Poolside Cocktails

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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.

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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.

Caribbean Beach Floral DetailWDW 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.

Caribbean Beach LakeOne 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.

Caribbean Beach PoolThe 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.

tropical drink

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.

W. T. D. W. – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom

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Frontierland SignWhen I started WHAT TO DO WEDNESDAY I told myself I would rotate parks weekly, so my dear readers could have diversity. But even though I wrote about classic It’s A Small World in Magic Kingdom last week, I’m staying put in MK this week to visit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I can’t help myself! When you have a whim, you have a whim. I have some great pictures and great stories about this attraction. So let’s head west into Frontierland and hop aboard a run-away mine train.

DSCF2151The story goes that once there was a mountain, and that mountain held plenty of gold. Prospectors discovered the mountain’s riches and set up a mining company. But before long, strange and unexplained things started happening. There were cave-ins and trains would take off unexpectedly. The miners high-tailed it out of there leaving the mountain abandoned. Years later a new group has decided to tackle the mountains treasure and they’re having a rowdy time about it. Guests are along for the adventure. As you board the train an enthusiastic voice rings out “Hang on to your hats and glasses ’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” If you’re anything like us, you’ll be quoting that phrase after you’ve ridden Big Thunder.

DSC_0099This ride is my Mum’s well-chosen favorite in all of Walt Disney World. The attraction is full of humorous scenery, twists, turns and dips. Despite the warning of this being “the wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is relatively calm for a coaster style attraction and not too scarey for kids. There are no giant hills and drops, just plenty of winding at a delightfully fast pace. So holding on to hats and glasses is good, accurate advice.

DSC01687Outside of the dashing, twisting train ride, this attraction is full of fun scenes, little details and great views. This is also an attraction that you should absolutely ride in both daylight and darkness. It has a different feel each time. (It’s especially fun at night around Halloween,.) Personally, I love it at night, but you do see more of the details in the day.

DSCF2129DSC_0097I can’t tell you all about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad without telling you a family story that always makes us laugh. The first time we visited Walt Disney World I was 4 and my brother was 2 and a half. I’m sure at that point I was already 40″ tall, which is the minimum height requirement for many of the more adventurous attractions. My family got into the habit of splitting up for big chunks of the day so my Dad and I, who are thrill lovers, could visit the more exciting attractions. My Mom, who enjoys thrill rides, but doesn’t crave them, would take my little brother to mild, kid friendly attractions. They spent A LOT of time on Dumbo and Mr. Toads Wild Ride, which is no longer at Magic Kingdom. My little brother, as a kid, was a big chicken. He wanted nothing to do with anything that even looked like a roller coaster. One trip, when he was big enough to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mom and Dad decided to see if they could bribe him into riding so we could ride as a family. They knew that if he would just give it a try, he’d like it. So we entered the queue, and I can remember the protesting beginning. My parents told him that if he’d ride, they’d purchase a Star Wars toy for him. As we moved along the queue, brother’s protests became more fervent, and the number of Star Wars figures promised kept increasing. Finally, Mom and brother boarded the train in a row in front of my Dad and myself, and poor brother is now having a full, crying meltdown. A cast member very nicely told my Mom that they couldn’t let him ride if he was so upset. So they got off, and had meet my Dad and myself at the ride exit.

DSCF2150I don’t remember on which of the family trips my brother first rode Big Thunder, but I am happy to report that he eventually did and now will happily face even the scariest coasters. We always laugh about the story, and I chuckled even as I was typing it. Memories such as that, and the time you spend with your loved ones, is part what makes WDW so special. The time my Dad and I spent on our own visiting thrill attractions is a priceless treasure. These days my husband is my ride partner, and I’m very thrilled to say he gives Big Thunder Mountain Railroad an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Big Thunder Mountain RailRoad