Dining For Less at Walt Disney World

 Dining for Less Cha-Ching at WDW

For breakfast I suggest eating a granola bar or pastry in your hotel room, bring them from home or stop off at a local Target- 3200 Rolling Oaks Blvd
Kissimmee, FL 34747, (321) 677-3971) or Wal-Mart Supercenter- Kissimmee 3250 Vineland Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746,407-397-1125 for breakfast items, drinks, snacks and Disney souvenirs at a huge discount.

Magic Kingdom- I would grab some yummies at Main Street Bakery, for starters a Starbucks, Venti White Chocolate Mocha & a breakfast sandwich or a delicious house-made Disney sweet, you’re spending somewhere between $10 to 15 bucks. At DHS- Starring Rolls Café is my choice; my family might grab a croissant or apple turnover for under $7.00, any grab & go type of food. Over at EPCOT- Fountain View in Future World has Starbucks espresso and specialty beverages or just fill up on warm and tasty treats like Artisan breakfast sandwiches and house-made Disney sweets. While at the Animal Kingdom- try Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery.

*I would definitely save my largest meal for lunch, it’s usually less expensive during lunch hours and you could experience upscale dining without spending all your cha-ching, maybe try “Be our Guest” a quick service dining facility at Magic Kingdom with fine dining appeal, based off the popular tale Beauty & the Beast. Here you have a choice of three enchanted rooms & meals under 15.00 pp. Try the Speedy Salads and Sandwiches, Quick Quiche or the Chefs fave 8-hour-braised pork & for the little beasts, they’ll love Mickey meatloaf or whole-grain macaroni. Lunch time at DHS- 50’s Prime Time Café, it’s a stick to your ribs kind of lunch with a 50’s theme & fun lovin’ family humor. EPCOT-is a great place for Sushi, Sunshine Seasons- has an inexpensive selection, gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads, and wood-fired entrées. Animal Kingdom-Tusker House hosts “Donald’s Dining Safari Character Buffet” 11am-2:45pm, with the price being a bit steep at $30 to 59.99 pp, but it’s a character buffet with African influences and it will definitely fill up the hungry hubby’s out there.

*Dinner at Magic Kingdom, I would grab a combo-style meal at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn in Frontierland, they have a terrific “toppings bar” so you can make the simplest item on the menu go a lot further. I like the 1/3 Angus Cheeseburger-$10.79 served with fries or apple slices or the Taco Salad-$8.79 & add some hot cheese, caramelized onions or Pico de Gallo, yummy to my tummy. I particularly like to dip my fries in the hot cheese, always a late night family fave! At DHS- the Hollywood Brown Derby $15 to $29.99 per adult from 3:30-9:30pm. Enjoy a nice signature dinner with herb-roasted rack of lamb over buttermilk blue cheese-corn pudding, desserts & more. EPCOT- Rose & Crown Pub, fish & chips with a beer, simple & tasty! Animal Kingdom-Flame Tree Barbecue for none other than yummy barbeque.

 These are just a few suggestions for daily meals at WDW. By no means are they the cheapest for dining, but they offer a nice value for your money. Happy Eating*O*

Previously published on http://theadultsideofdisney.com/.

Tips for Parents and Little Ones Visiting Walt Disney World

Tips for Parents visiting Walt Disney World with little ones

• Have a strategic plan before your trip; Disney is not the place to wing it, as I’ve often said. Research the attractions, layout & meet & greets ahead of time. I promise the proactive approach is the only way to see WDW efficiently & will cause less headaches & aggravation. Trust me….
• Minimize those meltdowns by NOT Park hopping on your first trip. Try to concentrate on one park a day. Disney World is too large & getting to & fro is more time consuming than you might think. Take breaks & rest. Keep your routine as close to normal even on vacay.
• Adults can ride big rides, even if the little kids can’t- Disney has a system called “Rider Switch” that will allow the older members of your family to ride while the younger riders wait. You simply tell the Cast Member at any ride that has a height requirement that you’d like to do a Rider Switch. They’ll give you a Rider Switch pass (which works like a FastPass) so that after you ride, you can hand it to the other half of your party and they can ride without waiting in line.
• Nursing mothers or parents of small children; WDW has baby care centers available at all four theme parks. Open during regular park hours, each full-service facility is complimentary to use. Also a comfortable setting for a child who’s misplaced his parents, lost children will be looked after until a parent arrives.
• Bring snacks that they can snack on such as fruit snacks, apples or gold fish to keep their energy going or NOT, lol. You are allowed to bring food items; such as light snacks or foods that do not require heating into Disney theme parks. The Security Cast Member at the initial bag check will allow or disallow your food items when you enter the park. I’m sure they’ve seen it all, I bet it would be quite funny to hear all of the things peeps thought they could bring into the parks & a little scary too.

• Waterproof Sunscreen & please reapply.
• Make sure if your child has disabilities you have proper identification Walt Disney World provides Guests with disabilities -the Disability Access Service Card. It helps the guest and a number of people from his or her party—to schedule a return time at a specific attraction. For more information-guests should visit the Guest Relations Lobby located at the entrance of each theme park. 
• Safety, please watch your children closely. It’s a new exciting environment & they’re more prone to venture off- check into http://www.safetytat.com/or a dog-tag type necklace with parents name & number for security.
• Make sure you have proper medicines & prescriptions with doctor’s name & phone numbers with you while traveling.

• Be patient & enjoy your kids at their very age~ soon, very soon, they’ll be at a new stage in life & might not have the same likes & dislikes as before, so enjoy them in the moment. Originally published on http://theadultsideofdisney.com/.

Check out this information and much, much more on http://dawnsdorkydiary.com/ & http://www.mqpodcast.com/.

Universal Studios Presents Diagon Alley!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley Is Coming!!

Attention Harry Potter fans and all other Muggles!! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley is coming to Universal Studios Florida. Opening on July 8th, Diagon Alley is an expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter set in Universal Studios Florida nearby the existing Harry Potter attractions of Hogswort and Hogsmeade in the Islands Of Adventure Park. The two areas are connected by the Hogswort Express, but more on that later.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley starts at the Muggle version of a London waterfront which completely masks the magical Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank and the rest of the attraction. You will find King’s Cross Station which houses the terminus of the Hogswort Express. You’ll also see the Black family home which also served as the meeting place for the Order of the Phoenix at 12 Grimmauld Place, the Eros Fountain from Piccadilly Circus and a full size replica of the Knight Bus which Harry rode in the Prisoner of Azkaban. Finally you’ll see Leicester Square which houses the entrance to Diagon alley.

Once through the moving brick wall you’ll find yourself in the magical world of Diagon Alley, an exact replica of the movie and book versions. You’ll see a variety of shops and eateries on either side leading to Gringotts Bank at the far end. The famous Leaky Cauldron has been exactingly recreated and serves traditional English fare such as bangers and mash and fish and chips. Other dining choices include Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlor featuring such wizarding world flavors as butterbeer ice cream, chocolate chili ice cream as well as a host of more muggle style flavors. There are also a number of shops including Quality Quidditch Supplies offering sweaters, brooms and other Quidditch props, Madam Malkin’s Robes For Al Occasions for the discriminating witch or wizard searching for a new robe, and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, an exact duplicate of the three story shop featured in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. And definitely not to be forgotten, you’ll be able to go into Ollivander’s Wand Shop, purchase a wand and cast spells at various specified locations throughout Diagon Alley.

For those wizarding fans with a darker streak, Diagon Alley wouldn’t be complete without a walk down Knockturn Alley. Perpetually in the dark you’ll be able to explore Borgin and Burkes where you can buy a Death Eater mask and other dark magic items.

The centerpiece of the Diagon Alley experience is Gringotts Bank with it’s huge fire breathing dragon perched open its’ top. Upon entering the bank you’ll see goblins working away and finally you’ll come to the entrance to one of the most incredible rides ever, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. You’ll sit down in a car similar to those ridden by Harry and company in Part 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The ride itself is a spectacular combination of roller coaster, dark ride and 3D technologies as you navigate the underground vaults of Gringotts Bank and see many characters  both good and evil as well as magical creatures in the depths.

When you emerge from Gringotts, hopefully whole and unscathed, you’ll be able to explore two entirely new streets Horizont Alley and Carkitt Market. These brand new areas were named and designed with the help of Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling herself and include more shops and a space for stage productions of fables from The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

Once you’re ready to leave Diagon Alley you can go to Kings Cross Station back on the waterfront and board the Hogswort Express to Hogsmeade Station inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. You’ll need a Park-To-Park ticket to get to Hogsmeade and Hogswort. You won’t be able to see outside the train as you travel. Instead you’ll see landscapes, scenes and characters from Harry Potter stories through the windows as you travel to Hogsmeade and a whole different set of scenes on the return trip to Kings Cross Station. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida is a spectacular addition to the already incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Now Harry Potter attractions span both parks connected by the Hogswort Express. The excitement level is being ratcheted up to nearly unbearable levels. There’s no doubt that the Universal Studios Parks are a must see for any trip to Orlando. 

Don’t forget to book your trip with Jenn at Destinations in Florida. Jenn and all the experienced agents there are always ready to give you the most accurate and up to date information as well as help you plan the perfect trip to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruises and other great destinations. And remember, working with your own travel professional is always free. Isn't it time for you to discover Diagon Alley?

Some of my Favorite Walt Disney World Tours!

Premium VIP Tours

Walt Disney World is massive and Disney virgins & veterans might find it difficult to navigate efficiently. Well don’t fret Disney can take that worry away- for a little cha-ching, O.K. a lot of cha-ching. Imagine the experience of WDW with perks such as; door-to-door transportation preferred event seating and expedited entry to select attractions. I just wish we had Prince Charming to pick up the tab, lol. Here is a list of what Walt Disney World offers. Up to 1o people per group- For more information, please call (407) 560-4033.

                                   Hourly Rate per guide        Hourly Rate per guide (holiday)         
Resort Guest-          $315.00                                 $355.00

Non-Resort Guest $340.00                                 $380.00 

Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Location: Magic Kingdom® Park

Price: $79.00

Guests must be 16 years of age or older

Want to see the (not so secret) Utilidors of the Magic Kingdom, learn secrets & tips about Walt Disney & your beloved attractions. Then you’ll enjoy this 5 hour walking tour that includes lunch at Columbia Harbour House. For more information, please call (407) 939-8687.

Backstage Magic

Location: Epcot®

Price: $249.00

Guests must be 16 years of age or older

Discover Walt Disney Nursery & hit all four theme parks in one day on this magical 7 hour tour. Lunch is included at Whispering Canyon Café at majestic Wilderness Lodge. Please call (407) 560-4033 for more information.

Disney's Family Magic Tour

Location:  Magic Kingdom® Park

Price $34.00

Guests ages 4-10 years old with paying adult

Guided 2 hour walking tour filled with adventure. Find hidden clues & complete the quest. For more information, please call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687.

The Magic behind Our Steam Trains Tour

Location: Magic Kingdom® Park

Price: $54.00

Suited for tweens, teens & adults

Step aside Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney had a love before you were imagined and it was steam locomotives. If you are a train enthusiast join Disney engineers for this in-depth 3 hour tour which includes backstage access of the roundhouse. Please call (407) 560-4033 for more information.

Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour

Location: Magic Kingdom® Park

Price: $30.00

Guest ages 12 & older

Like many of you- I love Mickey Mouse; it was love at first mouse ears, until I learned about the kid-at-heart behind the mouse. If you admire Walt Disney as much as I do, you will definitely enjoy this delightful 3 hour walking tour. Learn about Walt’s childhood in Marceline, Missouri and enjoy an early arrival into Magic Kingdom for photo opportunities. For more information, please call (407) 939-8687.

Behind the Seeds

Location: Epcot®

Price: Child $16.oo & Adult $20.00

Guests of all ages

This is a one hour educational tour which features a peek at the four greenhouses that makeup the Land pavilion. Learn about hydroponics and more efficient ways to garden. Call for Reservations (407) 939-8687

There are so many terrific Walt Disney World tours, I couldn’t list them all. Disney’s made it difficult for you to select just one. Remember valid theme park admission is required. Have fun choosing the one that’s fits your family! Woot.

 

 

 

 

Mickey & Minnie's LOVE Story

In 1928 Mickey Mouse was born on a train from New York to L.A.; he popped out of Walt Disney’s head and onto his drawing pad. The intention Walt had for Mickey was simple, simply to make peeps laugh. Mickey Mouse far surpassed his intention which brings me to his vivacious “GIRLFRIEND” Minnie Mouse. She first appeared in 1928, in “Plane Crazy”. Minnie’s trademark outfit is a red & white polka-dot dress with white bloomers, high heels & matching bow. Minnie has gone by many aliases Princess Minnie and Maestro Minnie to name a few. Some even believe her “real name” is Minerva Mouse, but the Walt Disney Company has her name registered as the one & only Minnie Mouse. Her best gal pal is Daisy Duck & of course her main squeeze is numero-uno himself “Mickey Mouse”. In the September 30, 1933 issue of Film Pictorial magazine, Walt Disney addressed the most asked question “Are Mickey & Minnie married?” his response NO but “in private life, Mickey is married to Minnie.” So yes & no is the answer, I guess it’s whatever our imagination wants for them. Mickey’s creation was born out of necessity to replace Walt’s previous star Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. But Mickey could not fill the void alone, thus Minnie was created to be the impetus for Mickey, she was created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. Mickey & Minnie were not an item right away, probably had something to do with Minnie’s independent demeanor; Gloria Steinem ain’t got nothin’ on Minnie, lol! The 1929 animation short “Mickey’s Follies” portrayed the moment that Mickey Mouse first expressed his feelings toward the high-heeled vixen “She is my little Minnie Mouse.” It was also Minnie’s first song appearance with “Minnie’s Yoo-Hoo”, this song firmly established Mickey and Minnie as a couple & them living happily ever after. "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse."
—Walt Disney

True Facts:

The actors who voiced Mickey and Minnie — Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor — were married in real life.

Minnie was originally voiced by Walt Disney. 

Both of Minnie’s parents are farmers. 

Minnie is actually the one who introduced the character of Pluto in The Picnic.