The live entertainment at the Disney parks is so unique and unparalleled as far as I am concerned. My family and I experienced one of the best examples of this once at the Animal Kingdom. We were on our way to our favorite ride at the park, Expedition Everest, when all of a sudden my husband started scrambling for the camera. He said, “Oh my gosh, look at that!.” Read more
Wordless Wednesday: Boat Rentals
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a non-park day or just an afternoon, check out the mini powerboats available for rent. Drivers must be at least 12 years of age and 5 feet tall. If you’re traveling with a big group, larger boats are also available for rent. Both options are a great way to relax and enjoy the Florida sun!
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Karen grew up in the Boston area and traveled to Disney World many times with her parents and sister. Always staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins gave the trips a feeling of a home away from home. It also started the tradition of attending the Hoop Dee Doo Review on each trip! Somehow that show sparked her interest in the Disney College Program. Which she did in the fall of 2002, working as a hostess @ Captain Jacks in Downtown Disney. Now as an adult, Karen finds herself traveling to the parks on a yearly basis! Photography has always been a hobby of Karen’s, but over the past few years it has become her passion. It’s even taken her to her favorite place! The Make a Wish Foundation sent a family to Disney for a week and Karen was lucky enough to be their photographer of choice! She got to tag along and photograph their memories being made. She hopes to get that experience again someday! You can find more of Karen’s photography on her site www.KPportraits.com.
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Dining at Disney World: Bring Your Hammer and Your Appetite
EPCOT has always been a one stop shop for would be travelers to experience the wonders of the world in a day. I must apologize in advance. I am a huge comic book geek as well and can’t help throwing in some Thor references. So lets hop on the Bifröst and head to Norway. Added to the World Showcase in 1988, this pavilion allows you to walk on cobblestone streets and view beautiful architecture.
The Malestrom is one of my favorite rides in the World Showcase. It does have a FastPass option but unless you are there at peak times you really don’t need it. This dark ride takes you in a viking ship through the country’s history. It also shows you how the sea has influenced Norway’s culture. There are some scenes that might be frightening to little kids so beware. Be on the lookout for some hidden Mickey’s too!
Norway also plays host to a variety of great food options. The Kringla Bakeri og Cafe has so many delicious treats I doubt Thor could eat them all. This is always a great spot for an inexpensive snack to get you through the day.
The school bread ($2.69) is a sweet bread roll filled with vanilla custard and rolled in toasted coconut. The texture is a cross between a doughnut and a very good dinner roll. It isn’t overly sweet either. So you can still get a treat and not feel bogged down for the rest of your journey around the world.There are also some sandwich options as well. I recommend the ham and apple with Jarlsberg and Muenster cheeses ($6.99).
The Akershus Princess Royal Banquet Hall is probably the most famous of Norway’s dining options. This character dining experience is a must for little princess’ and Disney fans alike. There will be four to five Disney Princess’ roaming the dining room at any given time.They serve Breakfast, lunch, and dinner here as well. Reservations are highly recommended as it will fill up quickly. Along with the price of your meal you will also receive a complimentary image package depending on the amount of paying guests.
The breakfast buffet is pretty standard. They serve scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potato casserole, and a couple of herring dishes just to keep them honest.
Lunch is a bit different you will receive “A taste of Norway” to begin your feast. It is a selection of sliced deli meats,seafood, and cheeses. Then you may choose an entree from a selection that includes seared salmon cakes, open faced roast beef or chicken sandwiches. If you want something traditional try the Kjottkake ( I will let you find the pronounciation on your own). These Norwegian meatballs are served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and lingonberry sauce. Dessert is served family style and they do have a childrens menu also. Prices for lunch range from $41.00-$50.00 for adults and $25.00-$28.00 for children.
Dinner is served the same as Lunch only with more complex meal options. Prices range from $46.00-$55.00 for adults and $25.00-$30.00 for children under 9. You also begin with the “A taste of Norway” platter. You can choose from seared beef tips, pork tenderloin, and pan seared salmon. I recommend the oven roasted Chicken breast with fennel hash and tomato jam.
Character dining can be expensive, but how else can you meet your favorite Disney characters, fill your Asgardian sized appetites, and most importantly stay out of the Florida heat.
So grab your horned helmet and let your braided pigtails down, because Norway is waiting for you!
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Keith was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.He now lives with his wife a few miles from his childhood home. His first trip to the Magic Kingdom was at the age of two and while the only memories are in pictures, the magic laid dormant within him. Until he saw the animated movie Robin Hood, and his love began to grow. He has always had an interest in food and the togetherness it brings. He became a classically trained chef and all around foodie. His last trip to Disney World was in 2011 and he has been learning, researching, and keeping up on all things Disney since. He hopes to bring you all of the food news from the parks, tips on how to save money on food, and all the tastes and smells from the House of Mouse (especially when smell o vision is invented). You can follow Keith on Twitter @DarthChef79.
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Fun and Food on the Boardwalk
Continuing my review of Disney’s Boardwalk……Now that you’ve settled into your room, it is time to get some food and drink. Well, there are quite a few options on the Boardwalk and in the resort. The Boardwalk has two sides- Villas and Inn. The Villas are for Disney Vacation Club (DVC), the Inn for cash guests. On the Inn side, there is a small bar (Belle Vue Lounge) that is open in the evenings, but when we were there it was serving coffee, hot chocolate and some light snacks/breakfast. Read more
Thrifty Thursday: Smarter Than Your Average Phone
There is pretty much nothing I hate more than getting that horrible text message notice that someone on my family plan has gone over our data plan. How does that even happen?!
One thing I know for sure: I won’t be wasting my data in Disney World anymore! Disney World offers free wireless Internet access in all of its theme parks, all resort rooms and public spaces, and all feature pools and bus stops.
And it’s super easy to access:
Just select the Disney Guest network, accept the terms of use and you’re in business. Easy peasey.
Don’t expect super high speeds or anything super special. But it is wi-fi, and it is free. And it is a great way to keep your phone bill under control as you refresh the Lines App or access the Magical Meals e-book from your Dropbox account.
Have you used the free Disney wi-fi? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE! And for a limited time only, receive a FREE Disney gift card for qualifying Disney vacation packages! Ask for details!
Melissa Sue works in higher education communications in upstate New York, where she lives with her husband Robert, a secondary school teacher, and her cavapoo George (as in King George). Melissa began visiting Disney World when she was six and today owns a piece of the magic at Bay Lake Tower. She blogs at Mouse on the Mind and tweets @msorrellsgalley. She’ll be contributing money-saving tips to The Affordable Mouse.
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