Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
FastPass: Yes
Ride Type: Outdoor Gentle Ride
Restrictions: None
Ages: All ages, mostly youngsters
Typical Wait Time: Moderate

If anybody has been to Disney World with children, you most likely have been on this ride and waited on the line.  In the middle of the day this line can become pretty unbearable because there was no shade and the line moves so slow you almost feel like you are going in reverse.  Well thank goodness the Disney Imagineers were at work this year to fix this!!!

Now Dumbo has doubled in size with two Dumbo rides and two separate lines.  One line is dedicated solely for FastPass users! The other line has a standby wait time available to you.  Now here is where the magic begins.  You walk in through the line and at the end awaits a Disney Cast Member.  You take a pager (much like a restaurant pager) and are able to roam free throughout the tent.  The best part is that there is numerous seating, it is completely air conditioned, and there is an enormous play area for kids 4-8 years old.  There are slides, climbing nets, toddler play area and much more! My brother and I (21 and 20) were definitely jealous of these little kids.  We can remember being younger and waiting in the horrible heat for dumbo and my parents remembered hearing us whine about too! This was definitely an awesome idea for a queue line.  When your pager lights up and vibrates, you bring it to the podium and you wait on a short line until you get on the ride.  I think we waited about 10 minutes from that point.  Definitely much better than being outside the whole time.  The ride is the same as it always us.  You use the lever to move your elephant up and down.  My brother and I kept ours up all the way the entire time because we were able to see a lot of the New Fantasyland.  Afterwards there is a Dumbo that is available to take pictures with!

Disney Tip: If you aren't going to watch the parade or the fireworks show, head to this ride during those times.  Most young kids want to see the parade and fireworks and this line tends to be a lot shorter.

New Fantasyland

Here is some info on the New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.  This has been Disney's biggest undertaking for expansion since the opening of the Animal Kingdom!  This will open up in stages over the next few years and really be an exciting new part of the Magic Kingdom.

As of July 2012, some of the Storybook Circus has opened up to the public.  If you have been to Disney World before, you probably have seen the Dumbo ride and also waited on the ridiculously long line with the sun beating right down on you.  Thank goodness Disney has changed this and made this line move quicker and also be more of a pleasurable experience.  I will have more info to come about this upgrade to Dumbo in a later post.

If you remember Mickey's Toontown Fair, then you probably remember Goofy's Barnstormer.  Well this Rollercoaster is back and literally exactly the same as it was before.  We asked the Cast Member at the entrance if it changed at all and he told us literally all they did was switch the exit and the entrance and add different scenery.  Now it is Circus themed to go with the Storybook Circus.

Toontown also used to have a railroad stop that came from Frontierland and went to Main Street, U.S.A.  Well luckily, that railroad stop is now the Fantasyland railroad stop and is open to the public.  This is a great way to get around the park quickly without having to walk.

Also now available is the Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station where guests can cool down with sprinklers in the play area.  If you remember Donald's Boat, you will find this attraction familiar because it is exactly the same, but with different decor.

There are many other things that are coming up in the future, even the near future.  If you have been to Disney this year, you have probably noticed the circus tents.  One of these will become a shop similar to the one that was in toontown.  Another Tent will become home to Pete's Silly Slideshows where you can meet your favorite Disney Characters as Circus acts!  Minnie and Daisy will be one line and Goofy and Donald will be a different line.

The other section of the New Fantasyland will be the Enchanted Forest.  Many of these attractions are expected to open December 6th, 2012.

Prince Eric's Castle will house the Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid Attraction in which you can hop in a shell and journey through the story of Ariel and all of her friends.  Ariel's Grotto should be reopening near this attraction at the same time where guests can meet Ariel.

One of the most awaited places to open has been the Be Our Guest Restaurant which will open in December.  This will be housed in the Beast's Castle and will be quick service for lunch and table service for dinner.  Gaston's Tavern will also open and will be quick service all day long.  Belle will also have story time with Lumiere near the castle.  Maurice's Cottage will also open around this time as well as a souvenir shop named Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Sometime in 2013, Princess Fairytale Hall will open which will feature everybody's favorite Disney Princesses.

Snow White's Scary Adventures has been closed, but in 2014 a new Snow White Attraction will become available.  The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will be in the center of this New Fantasyland and is sure to be a favorite of guests of all ages.

Disney Tip: If you want to see the entire model of the New Fantasyland in person, head to the One Man's Dream in Hollywood Studios.

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano

Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Serves: Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks
Reservations: Recommended
Price: Moderate
Cuisine: Italian
Disney Dining Plan: Yes
Menu Standout: Flatbread Pizzas and Chicken Parmesan





When you walk into this restaurant you will feel like you have stepped into a little Italian trattoria with its beautiful hardwood tables, chairs, and floors and little lights all around the restaurant.  This restaurant is a recreation of a restaurant in California by the same name!  Mama Melrose wanted to be an actor in hollywood, but her food was more of the attraction to her, and poof this restaurant was born!  The entry way is adorned with autographs of many famous people who went to the restaurant in California! If these famous actors, actresses, and directors enjoyed this restaurant, you definitely will too!

Four Cheese and Mushroom Flatbread

The menu is what makes this restaurant special.  I have never had anything bad here! It is probably one of the largest menus you will find at Disney World, with items varying from pizzas to pasta to meats and seafood.  All of the pastas are homemade and everything is cooked almost right in front of you because there is an open kitchen.  The last couple of times I have been there I have gotten the campanelle pasta or the gnocchi.  Both were absolutely delicious and I would get these again and again!  The Flatbreads are also amazing and many people even get them as their meal because they are so good.  My family got one as an appetizer to share and it was gone in literally seconds.  They also have delicious desserts like cheesecake and chocolate cannoli cake, both of which are amazing.

Chicken Campanelle

This restaurant is also part of the dinner and a show option where you can eat lunch or dinner at a particular restaurant and then have automatic seating at the Fantasmic show that night. You must do this in advance by making a reservation and request the dinner and a show option.  The only thing is, if you do this package you must get an appetizer, an entree, and dessert for a flat fee of around 35 dollars.  My family was unaware of this when we got there and I wish we would have been hungrier for all of the food we ordered.  It was nice though when we got to walk right up and have seats waiting for us at Fantasmic though!

Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto

This is one of the most delicious restaurants in Disney World and is both kid and adult friendly.  If you are looking for italian food that is still familiar to the American palate, this is your restaurant!

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios Backlot
Serves: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Reservations: Recommended
Price: Moderate
Cuisine: American
Disney Dining Plan: Yes
Menu Standouts: Milkshakes and All American Burger

This restaurant is one of the best in Disney for all ages! You walk in to an awesome looking restaurant that is made to look like a drive in movie.  Each family has their own car to sit and eat in with a great view of the enormous television.  50s and 60s flicks are usually playing on the screen and are entertaining for the entire family.  The waiters and waitresses sometimes even wear roller skates when bringing food to your car!






Not only is the atmosphere cool, but this place has some pretty awesome food as well!  Don't leave without one of their creamy, thick milkshakes or homemade, flavored sodas.  Awesome appetizers like spinach and artichoke dip and their famous BLT soup.  Last time we went my brother got the All American Burger.  It's a 1/2 pound burger patty, topped with 2 hot dogs, sauerkraut, griddled onions, mustard, and ketchup.  You won't find anything like it anywhere else! Dessert favorites are red velvet cheesecake and peanut butter chocolate cake! This restaurant also has a great kids menu with things like mac and cheese, chicken fingers, tomato soup, and much more!

This restaurant is loved by all for the atmosphere and great food.  Don't miss out because it is an experience like no other!

Fantasmic

One show that you cannot miss is Fantasmic! It is a 25-minute show at Hollywood Studios and happens most nights, especially during peak season.  Before your trip you can check online to see what nights the show will take place.  During especially crowded times, like the summer, there are two showings at 9:00PM and 10:30PM.  This is a show unlike any other show at Disney World.  Mickey Mouse has nightmares about all of the Disney villains, but of course knowing Mickey he doesn't let them ruin his sleep!  All of your favorite Disney characters are in this show.  There are beautiful fireworks and awesome water special effects throughout the show.  The music consists of all of your favorite Disney songs.

Fantasmic is located on Sunset Boulevard at the Hollywood Hills Theater.  This is between Tower of Terror and the Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage Show.  Seating begins 90 minutes prior to the show, and most people begin to line up at that time.  You can most likely get a seat 30 minutes prior, but it won't be the best seat.  I have rarely seen a person being able to find a seat closer to the showing than 30 minutes.  It is advised that you may get wet if you are in the first few rows, but I sat in the second row this past time and never felt a drop.  You also may wonder what you are going to possibly be doing besides just sitting before the show begins for all of that time, but Disney Cast members do a lot of fun things with the audience before show start.


If you want to beat the lines at this show, there is a way.  If you make lunch or dinner reservations at either Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano or Hollywood and Vine you can choose the dinner and a show package. Basically you make a reservation the day you want to see Fantasmic and select the package deal.  This allows you to go 30 minutes to show time, sometimes even less than that, and walk right to the front of the line to your own reserved section.  Hollywood and Vine is a buffet and Mama Melrose's is an al a carte menu.  However, with the Mama Melrose package you must order an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a flat fee of about 35 dollars a person. My family did that and I felt like the money we spent really did not add up with the food that we ordered.  But I do think it was worth it because we had awesome seats and did not need to wait in line at all.  Plus the meal we had was delicious.

Don't miss out on this show because it will be something you will never forget!

Reminder: This show is dependent on the weather! Do not be disappointed if a show is cancelled due to rain!

How to Save a Rainy Day

Florida weather is not the most predictable, especially during the summer months.  Rain showers and thunderstorms come and go as many times as you see Mickey Mouse in the Magic Kingdom! Don't let the rain get you down because Disney World actually has a lot of ways to save a rainy day!

1. Take a shopping break- Every theme park has a very wide array of shops to choose from, and luckily they are usually indoors.  Browse the stores and buy souvenirs for your family while its raining.  You are going to do it at some point during your trip, so why not when its raining.  If you don't want to worry about carrying your merchandise around in the rain, Disney has a policy in which they can send your packaged merchandise to guest relations in the front of the park and you can pick it up later.  So buy anything you want, you only need to carry it from the park exit to your hotel!

2. Take a food break- Everybody can always go for a quick snack, so stop by any quick service restaurant and grab fries or a drink while you wait for the rain to stop.  While you eat you are having quality family time and can even plan the rest of the day.  If it starts raining within a half hour of any table service reservation, head to the restaurant because you may be able to get seated early.  And even if you end up waiting, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the waiting area of the restaurant.  Usually there is seating available, plus you will be dry!

3. Head to indoor rides- Many rides in Disney World are indoor and have indoor queue lines.  Just because it is raining, doesn't mean your day is ruined!  I will give a list of indoor rides below so you can make sure to head there in case a storm hits your vacation!!

Magic Kingdom

• Space Mountain 
• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
• Stitch's Great Escape
• Carousel of Progress
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• It's a Small World
• Peter Pan's Flight
• Mickey's Philharmagic
• The Haunted Mansion
• The Hall of Presidents
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• The Enchanted Tiki Room

Epcot

• Spaceship Earth
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends Attraction
• Living with the Land
• Soarin
• The Circle of Life
• Captain EO
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Mission: Space
• Universe of Energy
• Maelstrom
• Gran Fiesta Tour

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
• The Magic of Disney Animation
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Toy Story Mania
• The Great Movie Ride
• The American Idol Experience
• Star Tours-The Adventure Continues
• Muppet Vision 3D

Animal Kingdom

• It's Tough to be a Bug
• Expedition Everest
• Dinosaur
• Festival of the Lion King

4. Buy Rain slickers- All over Disney World, Rain slickers are available.  Don't forget to save them for your next trip so you don't need to buy new ones.  They will keep you dry and fold up to almost nothing.  Use them as you walk from place to place and you will be able to enjoy the park as if it were sunny!

Main Street Electrical Parade

All of the Disney World Theme Parks have fantastic parades to offer.  A favorite Magic Kingdom is the Main Street Electrical Parade.  Tinkerbell leads the parade of LED lights and special effects that light up all of Main Street U.S.A.








This is a must see for any kids! It is a parade like no other because every float is completely covered in lights.  All of your kids favorite Disney characters are in this parade and make it so special for them.  There are 23 different floats that go through this showstopping parade.

The parade follows the traditional Magic Kingdom parade route which is heading from Main Street to Frontierland.  There are plenty of viewing locations throughout the route, but it gets crowded early.  Plan to arrive 45 minutes early to snag the perfect viewing spot! Usually the parade runs during peak seasons and special events!

Disney Tip: During super peak seasons, there are 2 shows, an early and a late one.  If your family has enough steam left in them, plan to stay for the later show because it is usually less crowded!

For more information on the Main Street Electrical Parade, please check out this link:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/entertainment/main-street-electrical-parade/

ESPN Club

Location: Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Serves: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Reservations: None accepted
Price: Moderate
Cuisine: American Bar Food
Disney Dining Plan: Yes
Menu Standouts: Buffalo Wings, Philly Cheesesteak, and Cocktails






If you have a sports fan in your family, this is the place to take them! My brother is the biggest sports fan you could ever imagine, so when we found this restaurant we knew it was a must! Best part, no reservations required! I personally have never had to wait for a table, but I am sure at peak seasons there is a wait, but luckily next door is an awesome arcade and shop that helps the wait time to go by fast!




There are about 100 televisions all over this restaurant making it the number one choice for sports bar on Disney property.  Awesome atmosphere with sports memorabilia everywhere.  It may seem like a traditional bar, but this place is a great place for kids especially big sports fans.  Plenty of families spend lunch and dinner in this restaurant and it is very kid friendly.

Not only if the atmosphere great, but the food is awesome.  They are famous for their buffalo wings which are out of this world with multiple sauces to choose from, from mild to super hot.  Philly cheesesteaks, juicy burgers, sizzling hot dogs, tasty sandwiches, succulent barbecue, sensational salads, and of course thirst-quenching beer and cocktails.  Of course there is a kids meal with burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and more!

Don't miss this restaurant for the sports lover in your family.  Fantastic food, great atmosphere, and tons of fun for the entire family!

For more information about the ESPN Club, check out this link:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/espn-club/

Disney Mobile Magic

With all of the new apps for smart phones, Disney had to come up with an absolutely fantastic app, and they sure did deliver! The Disney Mobile Magic App has everything you could want to know about Disney.  It is for both Disneyland and Disney World.  I will focus on the Disney World Part!

When you are in Disney World, your phone recognizes which park, resort, or other place you are!


If you are in a park, you have a guide map right on your phone! One of the best features is the list of attractions with ride times listed.  It gives up to the minute times of all of rides in that park, plus the time in which the current FastPasses are available.  No more worrying if FastPass times will overlap or you will miss your favorite ride because the line is too long! You also have a list of all of the characters in the park and when the characters will be at a specific location.

Dining is also on the App! Choose any restaurant and see available reservations right on your phone!

You can even check the weather for up to 3 days and play games like Disney Trivia and a Disney Character Quiz!

You can even set up favorites and check transportation schedules from your current location!

What a great way to navigate around the park.  Best part is that it is completely free and definitely alleviates stresses in the park.  Don't go to Disney without this app because it will make your life way easier!

Mickey's Philharmagic

Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
FastPass: No
Ride Type: 3-D Show
Restrictions: None
Ages: All ages
Typical Wait Time: See now

The queue line at Mickey's Philharmagic!

This 3-D show is a crowd pleaser for sure! You are seated in Mickey's Opera House with your Opera Glasses (3-D glasses) and get to see all of your favorite Disney characters.  It starts out with everybody's favorite duck, Donald, who tries to steal Mickey's sorcerer hat and wand and lead his orchestra.  You journey through movies like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and much more! The songs are classics and all of the kids ( and kids at heart) love singing along.





The 3-D effects are excellent! You even sometimes have some 4-D effects like water (don't worry, not too much) and Donald flying through the audience.  Even though it is dark, usually this ride does not scare the youngsters in your family!  It is 12 minutes long so it is definitely a really great experience without feeling too long.  This will definitely be one of your child's favorite because it combines all of the best Disney movies into one.  I know my brother and I who are now in our 20's still love seeing this film because it takes us right back to our childhood! Adults love it because it really is a fantastic show and you can't help but get caught up with the music.

Because this is an indoor ride, it is a great idea if the weather gets too hot or it begins to rain! Also the line is usually never too long because shows happen frequently and the Opera House is very large!  It's a great idea if the park gets really crowded and other lines are far too long!

P.S.: Don't forget to return your Opera Glasses on the way out!

Disney Fun Fact: Mickey's Philharmagic is home to one of the largest SEAMLESS projection screens in the world! You'll see why when you visit!

For more information on Mickey's Philharmagic, please follow this link:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/mickeys-philharmagic/

The Crystal Palace

Location: Main Street U.S.A., Magic Kingdom
Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reservations: Highly Recommended
Price: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine: American Buffet
Disney Dining Plan: Yes
Menu Standouts: Omelet Station and Carving Station

Winnie the Pooh French Toast

One of the best restaurants in Disney World is the Crystal Palace.  From the food to the entertainment to the atmosphere, this is a HUGE hit for the entire family! It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is an all you can eat buffet.  My family and I always go for breakfast just because the breakfast foods are really special and spectacular.  They have wonderful breakfast potatoes covered in cheese, delicious egg casseroles, Mickey Mouse shaped waffles, a cooked to order omelet station, and the most fabulous french toast covered in cinnamon and sugar! Dinner is just as fabulous with a carving station, mashed potatoes, different vegetables, delicious breads, and fantastic apple crumbles and ice cream desserts! All meals have a fantastic kids buffet that you even catch adults sneaking food from sometimes!

Besides the great food is the fantastic atmosphere.  There is nothing better than walking down Main Street on a Sunday morning and entering this beautiful crystal room.  No lights are necessary because the sun glistens in the windows and illuminates the whole restaurant.  Beautiful topiaries of all of the Winnie the Pooh characters are in the center of the room.  It just can't get more beautiful than this!





On top of the food and atmosphere, this restaurant is also part of Disney's Character Dining.  Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet make their rounds at every meal from table to table to sign autographs and take pictures.  What a great way to meet characters without waiting on line in the Florida sun! Don't worry if you are at the buffet when the characters come to your table, they usually fit in 2 rounds to every table throughout one meal.  Every half hour, this restaurant goes into an uproar when all of the kids (and kids at heart) are invited to join the parade with the characters around the restaurant.
Don't miss this Disney favorite! Reservations go fast for this restaurant, especially for breakfast! Don't be late because this is one place you don't want to miss!!

For a further description of Winnie the Pooh's French Toast, please follow this link:
Winnie the Pooh's French Toast

For more information on the Crystal Palace, please follow this link:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/the-crystal-palace/

Tips for Quickly Entering the Parks

Entering the Park can take some time especially at peak seasons.  At park opening the entrance can get extremely crowded.  Here are some tips to speed up your time at the entrance so you can spend more time in the park!

1. Pack Wisely!-There is a bag check by security guards at the entrance of every single park and lines can get pretty long.  Pack as lightly as you can because this definitely alleviates time there.  Bring only the basics like sun screen and personal belongings.  If you must bring a bag packed with lots of snacks, try to unzip any zippers before hand so the security guards can easily check pockets and pouches.  My mom and I actually found clear purses that make it very easy when going through the bag check.  Security guards have always complimented them because they never even need to open our bags, they just shine a light through and can see everything!
2. Have park hoppers ready!- After bag check comes entering the park! Have each guest already hold their park hopper in their hand to speed up the process. Usually park hoppers have a different disney character on each one, so assign each family member a different character for the entire trip.  Make sure everybody is familiar with the protocol of what happens: Insert your ticket arrow facing in, put your pointer finger on the finger machine, wait for the light to turn green, go through the turn style, and collect your card.  If there are any issues, a cast member is there to help.  Getting this process down really makes things go quickly.
Quick Tip: Assign a "carder" for the entire trip! My parents always gave me and my brothers jobs to do on our Disney trips and my brother was always the "carder".  He has the exclusive and very important job of collecting all of our cards after we entered the park and handing them to my dad for safe keeping.  Not only did he feel special because he had a job, but our tickets never got lost and it sped up park entrance!
3. Separate your party! - Now that my brother and I are older, we usually separate into a couple of different lines.  When we were younger, my mom and me would go on one line and my brother and dad went on another line.  We basically cut our time in half and we would make it a little contest to see who's line would move faster!  Never let a child go on a line by his or herself but splitting up your party with adult supervision can be a great way to speed things up!
4. Bring your own strollers!- Stroller lines in the morning are long and torturous! Everybody is excited to get started and now you have to wait on a ridiculously long line to pay a fee to have a stroller that you only need to return later that night when everybody is exhausted and needs to go home.  Yes carrying a stroller around can be quite a pain, but it saves lots of time and can be taken in and out of the park.  You don't need to pay each day for a new stroller and you don't need to return it.  I spent many years in those strollers and let me tell you, they are not that comfy!

Hope these tips make entering the park quick and painless!

Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party

This is one event that many guests have actually never heard of.  If you have ever walked by Tomorrowland during the time of Wishes you have probably seen this and just thought it was an area for VIPs only and that it is incredibly expensive.  Well actually it is open to all guests and not as expensive as one may think.  Admission is about 28 dollars for guests 10 and older and 15 dollars for guests 9 and younger.  Now let me tell you what this whole event is.  A full all you can eat dessert and coffee bar filled with beautiful and delicious desserts.  Every family gets their own reserved table with a name tag on it.  The best part is that you get an absolutely beautiful view of the fireworks show that nobody else can get in the park besides the people at the dessert party that night.  The party starts 1 hour before the fireworks begin and you are free to enjoy all the desserts before and during the fireworks.

This is how my family and I spent New Years Eve and boy was it spectacular.  Nothing made us feel more special then to walk up to a table with a beautiful decorated centerpiece with our name on it and eating all the desserts we could eat.  The fireworks were amazing (as usual) but our view was the best I have ever had for the Wishes Fireworks Show.  The best part is that you don't need to reserve a spot on the crowded Main Street U.S.A. hours before the fireworks start, and then of course be blocked by somebody right before the show starts.  Only 50 people fill this space so you have a great shot of being able to see the fireworks.  Just as a reminder, if you are celebrating this way on New Years Eve and are 21+, don't expect to get champagne at the Magic Kingdom.  There is a strict no alcohol policy in the entire park and no alcohol can be sold.

The Menu was absolutely delightful. Creamy cheesecakes, light and fluffy chocolate mousses, chewy cookies, light fruit tarts, and airy pastries.  There is also tea and coffee available which are absolutely delicious.  This is an experience you will never ever forget!  It does fill up so reservations are required and you must pre-pay.  I recommended you shoot for at least 4-5 months in advance when booking this especially during peak seasons!

Look at this beautiful view of the castle!

Our private table!

Beautiful Dessert Bar!

For more information on how to book reservations, please follow this link:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/

Magic Kingdom Character Greetings

There are a couple different locations to find characters in the Magic Kingdom.   Here are some spots where you will be able to find them!

Mickey Mouse- Mickey used to be found in the judge's tent in Mickey's Toontown Fair, but since it has closed he can now be found at the Main Street Theater Hall.  He is usually there the entire day and you can even get FastPasses to see him to speed up your wait time.  Sometimes Minnie makes an appearance with Mickey later in the day, but don't be disappointed if she isn't there!

Disney Princesses (Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White)- Any combination of these princesses  make appearances at the Main Street Theater Hall on a separate line from Mickey Mouse throughout the day.  Again FastPasses are available, but they will be separate from the Mickey Mouse FastPasses.

Classic Characters (Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, etc.)- These characters have been known to be out very early in the morning to greet guests in the Town Square.  When I say early I mean park opening to about an hour after the park opens.  If your children want to meet any of these classic characters, then definitely get their early because lines get long quickly!

Tinker Bell and her Fairy Friends-These characters can be found in Tinker Belle's Magical Nook for an experience like no other.  Beautiful wall art and flowers make this spot a great place for taking pictures with your favorite fairies.

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen- These characters usually make appearances in Liberty Square near the Christmas Shoppe.  Check your times guide that is available at the park entrance.

Rafiki, Timon, Baloo, and King Louie- They can sometimes be found in Adventureland across from the Jungle Cruise.  Usually they only make appearances early on in the day and at high peak seasons.

Aladdin and Jasmine- Can sometimes be found outside of Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

Buzz Lightyear, Chip & Dale- Buzz makes appearances throughout the day next to the Carousel of Progress.  Check your times guide because lines can get extremely long for his character. Chip and Dale can be found nearby to Buzz and are often seen dancing in the show with guests near the Tomorrowland Stage.

Woody and Jessie- They have made many appearances in Frontierland near Splash Mountain.  Usually they are only out for a short part of the day.

Alice and her Wonderland friends- They have been known to make appearances near the Mad Tea Party, but sometimes it is not on the Times Guide and may happen at random points in the day.  If your child really wants to see these characters, ask a cast member near by if they know if they will make appearances that day.

Character Dining is also a great place to meet your favorite characters!

Crystal Palace- Located on Main Street U.S.A, this beautiful buffet is home to characters of Winnie the Pooh.  Pooh Bear, Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet make rounds every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout this restaurant.  This is a great way to get two things out of the way: eating and autographs! Don't worry if you miss a character because you are at the buffet, usually by the time you are finished eating they have come around again.

Cinderella's Royal Table- By far the most popular restaurant in all of Disney World, and rightfully so.  You can eat fabulous food inside Cinderella's castle while meeting everybody's favorite characters.  Cinderella greets her guests, takes pictures, and signs autographs upon your arrival.  Disney Princesses go around table to table at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to greet guests.  Some of the princesses include Snow White, Princess Aurora, and Belle, but others have made appearances as well.

If you want to learn some tips when greeting characters, please follow this link:
Character Greeting Tips

Tips on Making Reservations

Eating in Disney World is the of the most magical experiences you will ever have--if you have a reservation. Whenever my family goes to Disney World, there is always a family who didn't know they had to make any reservations and is wondering why every restaurant is at least a 2 hour wait or no seating at all available.  Yes many people do just eat at quick service locations, but if you want a nice table service meal, reservations are a must!

Reservations Tips
1. Plan ahead! Every trip my family ever went on, my dad always made an itinerary and booked all of our reservations way ahead of time.  Restaurants like Cinderella's Royal Table must be booked 180 days in advance because of their popularity.  Usually 60-90 days ahead of your trip is a good time to start booking reservations.  Pick a park to go to each day and make your reservations based on that.  Or in peak season, choose what park you go to based on reservation availability for your favorite restaurants.
2. Look at the menu ahead of time! Menu of the restaurants have the menu on Disney's website.  It is a good idea to check this out before booking a reservation.  You don't want to go to a seafood restaurant if your entire family hates seafood or bring your children to a place without a children's menu.  Looking this up allows people to choose their favorite restaurants and allows you to narrow down the restaurant list from the many that Disney has to offer.
3. Make the reservations! Making reservations at Disney is simple! Simply go on their website and go to Dining and Reservations.  Here you can choose your restaurant name, number in your party, date and time.  Then you can keep track of reservations under My Reservations in your account.  How easy is that?
4. Double book your reservations! As long as I can possibly remember, my dad has had 2 reservations for every single meal we have ever had in Disney World.  This is a great tip for a few reasons.  Make reservations in multiple parks this way you can switch parks and still have a dinner reservation.  Also you never know how hungry you are going to be at a certain time.  My dad always made a 5 o'clock and a 7 o'clock dinner reservation because if we were starving we had the 5:00, but if we weren't we could wait until 7:00.  However, always remember to call ahead if you are going to miss a reservation.  It is not considered polite to just not show up without notice to a reservation because reservations are very limited.  Once you have decided your plans, call the restaurant and let them know so that they can accommodate other guests.
5. Never be disappointed! Eating in Disney is very popular, and you are not always going to get the restaurant you want at the exact time you want.  Be flexible and if you really want a specific restaurant, check for cancellations daily until the time of your trip.  Many restaurants also may have a restaurant that is similar to it.  If you can't get one breakfast buffet, there will probably be a different one available that offers similar food.

Hope these tips have helped!  To make reservations and learn more about Disney Dining please check out this link:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/

Character Greeting Tips

Character greeting tips:
1. Have your autograph books ready! Autograph books are available at almost every gift shop in the parks and at every hotel. There are the classic autograph books and the new autograph/picture books where the character can sign and you put the picture right next to it.  Always remember to write your name and address in the front of the book in case it gets lost, somebody can return the book to you.  When I was a young child, my parents were pros when it came to character greetings.  They always attached a pen to me and my brother's books and would rubber band the last page we used.  This way every time we met a new character, they had a fresh new page to open up to without any rustling through pages and pages.


2. Have your camera ready! There is nothing worse than being next in line in Disney world and the person in front of you just starts to take out their camera in the middle of their child's visit.  Have your camera and video camera ready ahead of time with plenty of room left on a memory card.  Remember to charge all cameras the night before so they have enough battery for the entire day.  Nothing worse than having your children meet Mickey, and your camera dies!  Disney has also begun photopasses where you get a photo pass card and give it to each photographer to take professional pictures of the entire family! Then later use your card number to look the pictures up online.  Have this card ready so that when you get to the front of the line, you can hand your card right over!


3. Always make sure your child wants to meet the character first! This one sounds silly, but you would be surprised! Many children, especially around the age of 2, are easily frightened by these giant sized characters.  I can still remember being 4 years old and being so excited to meet Mickey for the first time, but as soon as we got up there my 2 year old brother had a melt down and threw our autograph books at Mickey Mouse (yes a true story).  If this happens don't worry! Many kids get afraid when they meet their first character.  But always ask them first because there isn't anything worse than waiting in line in the horrible heat of Florida for a half hour just for your child to break out into hysterics.  Never force your child to see a character that they are really afraid of (such as a villain).  They will always remember that terrible experience and won't want to meet other characters on the trip.


4. Always check the times guide!  When you enter the park, next to the maps are times guides with show times and character greeting locations.  When traveling with children, always check this first.  Characters are out only certain parts of the day and it can be pretty upsetting if your son wants to meet Aladdin and you miss it because you are waiting online for a ride.  Pick a few characters that your children absolutely need to meet and plan around that.  Lines can get pretty long so allow 20-30 minutes per character and try to get there a little earlier than the time on the times guide.  A line usually begins to form even before the character gets there.  Also the times guide is just what it is, A GUIDE! Sometimes characters leave a little bit earlier than the time on there or the line gets closed off because it is too long. Never take the chance if it is something your child really wants to do.


Hope these tips are helpful! Some families just skip over characters but they are what make Disney such a magical place.  Even if you just get a few autographs, your kids will love the experience! My brother and I always went a bit overboard in out 15+ trips to Disney World.  We even compiled a list and found we met over 100 characters, some more than 20 different times! Meeting characters was always so exciting for us and I think it made our Disney trips even more memorable!

Rose and Crown Dining Room and Pub

Location: Disney's Epcot: World Showcase United Kingdom Pavilion

Serves: Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks

Reservations: Recommended

Price: Moderate

Cuisine: Traditional Pub Fare

Disney Dining Plan: Yes

Menu Standouts: Scotch Egg, Fish and Chips, Sticky Toffee Pudding

Like all of the World Showcase pavilions, you will feel as if you have taken a trip right to the actual country.  All of the waiters and waitresses are from the United Kingdom and very excited about their culture.  This restaurant is broken up into two sections: the dining room and the pub.  At the pub, no reservations are required and you can walk right in and usually be seated immediately.  The pub's menu is similar to the dining room, but is a little bit shorter.  To dine in the dining room, usually you need a reservation but the menu is a little larger with more variety.  The decor is classic United Kingdom and makes you feel like you are in a pub.  Obviously this place has some of the best beer in Disney World and is a huge crowd pleaser.  

The menu is the best of the best of British cuisine.  My dad always gets the Scotch Egg and is never disappointed.  Basically it is a hard boiled egg surrounded by sausage!  My brother and I are huge fans of the potato and leek soup .  Obviously one of the most popular items at this restaurant is the fish and chips.  They truly are spectacular because the crust is so crispy, but the fish is moist and tender.  

The Fish and Chips

This restaurant does have a kids menu that has a few different items other than just chicken fingers and hot dogs like fish and chips and bangers and mash.  This restaurant is probably more enjoyable for older aged children or adults, but it is definitely appropriate for the entire family.  For me personally, I love stopping here in the middle of the day for lunch and being able to enjoy the view of the lake in the middle of World Showcase.  Another perk to this restaurant is that even though it is a different cuisine than just American, it is not as adventurous as some other cuisines like Moroccan or French which is definitely a plus for the picky eaters in your family.  

For a further description of the potato and leek soup, please check out my other blog "What's Justine Cooking?": Potato and Leek Soup

For more information about the Rose and Crown Dining Room and Pub, please check out this link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/rose-and-crown-dining-room/

Kona Cafe

Entrance to the Kona Cafe

Location: Disney's Polynesian Resort
Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Reservations: Recommended
Price: Moderate to Expensive
Cuisine: Asian/Polynesian style
Disney Dining Plan: Yes










The Kona Cafe has some of the best food the Polynesian has to offer.  It gives traditional American food an Asian twist in a very delicious way.  My family first tried this restaurant last August, and we were not disappointed at all.  The restaurant is casual but the decor is absolutely beautiful.  Classic island colors cover the restaurant and add warmth to this dimmly lit atmosphere.

The menu is extremely diverse and allows diners to be adventurous while still eating foods familiar to them.  The breakfast features a Disney World favorite, Tonga Toast, and other classic American fare with a twist.  Lunch and Dinner consist of delicious meats glazed with sweet and sour sauces, fish and shell fish with tasty sauces, and the desserts with an island flare.  Last time we went my brother and I shared 3 appetizers that were absolutely to die for: the sticky wings, crab cakes, and pot stickers.  The kids menu consists of kids basics like chicken fingers, hot dogs, and cheeseburgers.  Although this restaurant is definitely a nice place for the entire family, it is not as special as a character meal for the kids.  I would say this is the place to go with older children or just adults because the food is spectacular.  Something you should not leave this restaurant without is a cup of their famous kona coffee.  Even if you don't stay for dessert, this cup of coffee is the perfect end to any meal.

Lump Crab Cakes with Jalapeno Lime Cream

Sticky Wings for Two

For a further description of the delicious sticky wings at the Kona Cafe, please check out my other blog "What's Justine Cooking": Kona Cafe Sticky Wings

For more information about the Kona Cafe, including menus, please follow this link: 
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/kona-cafe/

Disney's Polynesian Resort

Area: Magic Kingdom

Theme: South Pacific

Resort Category: Deluxe

Disney's Polynesian Resort is notably one of the most beautiful of all of the resorts.  The beautiful white sandy beaches and the lush palm trees will make anybody feel like they are immediately on the vacation of a lifetime.  Not only is it a great place for romance but also a fun place for kids.  Basically it is the best of both worlds and makes every family member happy. 


List of Restaurants
The Kona Cafe

Pros

Monorail yellow in front of the Polynesian

1. Monorail- On the second floor of the resort, the Magic Kingdom monorail makes stops all day long.  This may not seem like that huge of a deal, but the monorail runs far more frequently than the buses and boats and usually has more seating available (much better for returning late at night with tired children).  Because there is no parking at the Magic Kingdom, in order to get there you must stop at the Transportation and Ticket Center and take some form of transportation from there (monorail or boat).  Staying at the Polynesian alleviates any transferring and allows you to take the quickest and most comfortable way to Magic Kingdom.  One other thing about the monorail is that it is unlike anything anybody has ever seen.  I can still remember being a young child, and me and my brother looking out the windows of the monorail at the beautiful landscape beneath us.  We were in amazement of what we were riding on and all that we could see below us. 

MONORAIL TIP: If you have small children, don't forget to ask the monorail operator if your children can ride in the front and help drive the monorail.  Not only is it the best view in the entire train, but it is an experience you will never, ever forget!

2. Spa and Health Club- Even though the Polynesian itself does not have a Spa and Health Club on its property, guests staying at this resort are able to use the Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club free of charge.  It is only one monorail stop away and has excellent state of the art services.  The Health Club is completely free of charge for guests and there are some additional fees for spa services.  You must be at least 14 years of age to use the facilities.

3. Neverland Club- This club is an activity's center for youngsters that is completely supervised and is available for kids age 3 to 12.  There is an additional charge and reservations are required.  This is a great idea if you want to head over for a massage at the Grand Floridian or want to go for a nice night out at Downtown Disney.  In this Peter Pan themed space, kids play games, video games, and are also provided with snacks and dinner. 

4. Recreation-Disney's Polynesian Resort is home to some of the best recreation in the whole "World".  Some of the things you can do there consist of jogging trails, bike rentals, fishing, an arcade, boat and canoe rentals, and beautiful beaches.  It is also home to an experience unlike no other, Cabana rentals.  You can rent these cabanas for your family and be steps away from the beach as a Cast member waits on you.  They are also home to some of the best pools in all of Disney World.  There are two heated pools with very different personalities.   The Nanea Volcano Pool features a volcano,waterfalls, and a water slide great for the whole family to enjoy a day of fun.  The Poly East Pool is the quiet pool where people can just relax and swim.  There are so many things to do at this hotel, you may even forget about the parks all together. 

Cons

1. Price- Because the Polynesian is a Deluxe hotel, it can get a little pricey.  During peak season this hotel can cost up to $500 dollars a night.  Sometimes guests feel that it is not worth it considering most of their time is spent in the parks and they never enjoy any of the amenities the hotel has to offer them.  If you are one of these families who spend most of their time in the park, maybe a hotel that is moderate or value may be worth looking into to.  If you are looking to enjoy all of the things the hotel has to offer, than spending money on the Polynesian may be your best bet. 

For more information about Disney's Polynesian Resort, please click this link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort/