We finally got to celebrate my (Abbie) birthday at Disney World a couple weeks ago! Everyone else in our family has had their turn wearing the birthday button and getting the special cake and ice cream at dinner. It was finally my turn! Now all I had to do was pick the location of my birthday dinner, a gigantic task for someone who loves Disney as much as I do. Read more
On our last trip to Walt Disney World, we spent two full days off and on in the Magic Kingdom. Every time we had walked past Be Our Guest the line reached as far as the eye could see. I knew about some guests being able to book fast pass times for lunch, but I couldn’t find a proper “crack” online to be able to. So on our last day we decided to skip breakfast and go early for lunch. The Restaurant opens at 10:30am for lunch. Read more
Quick service restaurants are very popular throughout the parks. To avoid the crowds, try to eat earlier or a little later. Peco Bill’s in The Magic Kingdom can get extremely busy, unless you eat lunch on the earlier side. You could have the place to yourself!
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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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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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The Disney press corp gave us two new things to talk about this past week. Unfortunately for me neither of which were food related. Fortunately for you I can make anything food related. Disney parks will once again test the cast members’ mettle by leaving three of their parks open 24 straight hours on May 24th. I started to daydream about being able to enjoy a whole day of magic. Then of course my mind went straight to food. If I were lucky enough to be stuck in the Magic Kingdom for that long, what would I eat?
To start your day imagine standing in front of the Main Street Train Station for the welcome show. Here is a video to help set the scene.
My first stop would normally be the Main Street Bakery for their famous cinnamon roll. However, it is currently undergoing some updating. Don’t worry you can still go to Gaston’s Tavern to get the cinnamon roll (only $3.99). Minnie and I usually share this because it is huge.I always ask the server to put extra sauce on top and they always oblige.
After wandering around New Fantasyland for a while you look down and check where Mikey’s hands are on your watch and realize it’s time for lunch. Well since you are probably still in New Fantasyland you should head over to the beautiful Be Our Guest Restaurant.
They offer counter service at lunch, in a high tech fun way. You order your meals at a kiosk and receive a rose that will act as a locator for the staff. Just place the rose on your table and the staff will bring your food to you. I would suggest the grilled steak sandwich and pomme frites ($11.99).
As many of you know I have a special connection to the dole whip. So after walking around in the hot May Florida sun. I would have to cool down with the signature Disney treat. Head over to Aloha Isle in Adventureland.
I always get the Dole Whip Float ($4.99). Pineapple soft serve with Dole pineapple juice is a perfect way to take a break and chill. Check my earlier blog to make this delicious treat at home.
At this point it will probably be around 2:00 in the afternoon. Minnie and I would go and do some attractions and shows before heading to dinner. I would suggest making an ADR for dinner. There aren’t many sit down restaurants in the park and it will get crowded very quick. One of my favorite scenes in a Disney movie is the Bella Note dinner in Lady and the Tramp. You can recreate this at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street.
Start with the mixed green salad ($5.49). Although Tony’s has many delicious entree options. How can you resist their spaghetti and meatballs ($17.99)? I am sure you won’t be the only one sharing a strand of pasta with your loved one.
At this point in the night you can relax watch the fireworks, take in the parades, and digest. After most of the crowd goes home after the fireworks, go back and ride the attractions that look the best at night. Such as Splash Mountain, Dumbo, and the Haunted Mansion. While Minne finds a nice place to take a nap (love ya but, you know it’s true), I would turn into a carnivorous beast until I had a turkey leg ($10.25) in my hand. The Turkey Leg Cart in Frontierland is the only place you can find them in the Magic Kingdom.
So by now it’s around 3:00 in the morning. Back when I actually stayed up that late there was one thing I needed….. junk food. You remember the filling, greasy, goodness needed to wind down a long night. I would head back to Main Street and go to Casey’s Corner.
They serve the All-American ballpark food that we love but with a twist. It’s usually a “counter time decision” on which hot dog I order. I either go for the chili cheese dog ($9.59) or the BBQ slaw dog ($9.19) with pulled pork and cole slaw on top.
Now it’s around 5:00 in the morning and Minnie is “dragging” me to do some shopping. She suggests always do your shopping when you are leaving so I don’t end up carrying a lot of bags.
As the 24 hours draws to a close you stand in front of the castle for the “Goodnight Kiss”. You can see the video here.
As you leave the park to board the bus back to the resort, thank the cast members on your way out for making your unique day in the Magic Kingdom so special.
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and stress-free!
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.