Disney: Ride Recommendation: Soarin'

What I will talk with you about today is one of my FAVORITE rides at Disney.  

Nowhere else can you board a real live Erector set, smell the smells, dip and soar other than taking a ride on Soarin'.

Park: Epcot

Area: Future World West

Fastpass+ Available

First, get a Fastpass.  Make sure this is your Tier 1 choice at least one day when you go to Epcot.  It's not only my favorite but a Disney fan favorite and must do so it always has an average of a 120-minute wait.  They have made the queue fun and made it interactive with games in the queue.  This ride did recently get a refurb just this past June.  They added a third theater and have a new movie.  Previously it was Soarin' Over California and you took in the sights and smells of California.  On June 17, 2016, they debuted Soarin' Around the World.  So now you take in the sights of our wonderful world.  Superman and Cupcake have watched the new one on YouTube and are impressed and excited to ride.  I don't like to be spoiled so I didn't watch - I'll experience it when we go on our next trip to Disney.  Now, there are 3 elements to this ride that I love!  The music - I love the Soarin' soundtrack!  It's perfect for what you're doing and does what a soundtrack is supposed to do meld into the movie.  The music makes this an over-the-top experience because I feel it is what you hear should you actually be hand gliding over the world.  The smell - it's hot, everyone is sweating, pack about a hundred of you together and it should smell like my classroom did after seeing high school and then middle school but no.  They spray in smell to match what you're seeing - you're in the mountains, you get a subtle pine scent.  You're by the sea, smell that salt air.  My favorite is the orange grove because you get fresh oranges.  You don't even realize it, it's just part of making it a memorable ride.  It's my favorite.  I kind of hope they make the orange smell-it into a car freshener - I would get it.  Lastly, the cinematography is fantastic, really spot on.  It's hard to make a movie in the style of pretending you are flying over it because it's too easy to feel like you ran into buildings or into tops of cars (Europe in the Air at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a prime example) but this is totally believable.  So the overall point is go ride Soarin'.  Seriously, go.  Right now, go ride Soarin'.  You can thank me later. 

Disney: Recommendation: Enchanted Tales with Belle

We love New Fantasyland.  We love Beast's Castle, Little Mermaid, the circus complete with Casey, Jr.  and you can even see footprints of various Disney horses.  One of the neatest experiences we have come to love is Enchanted Tales with Belle

Park: Magic Kingdom

Area: Fantasyland

Fastpass+ available

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This is such a fun experience.  First tip - get a Fastpass for it.  We've done it twice and it's much easier to get a fastpass, otherwise it's an hour wait.  You are taken through Maurice and Belle's cottage to a magical picture that opens up and takes you into Beast's castle.  They tell you they're going that Belle is coming and they want to surprise her with a retelling of how she and the Beast met and fell in love.  Then they pass out parts.  There are all kinds of parts!  For as many kids want to be involved is how many can be apart. They have ways to stretching the characters.  As far as getting picked for the role you want - be loud and be up front.  Make noise, get noticed.  Since there is no way of getting separated from your child so we've let Cupcake be in the front and we hang back.  Cupcake has scored two pretty big roles - the very first time we went in February 2013 she was the Beast.  She loved it and you actually get to spend a bit more time with Belle.  The second time she was Maurice.  She enjoyed getting to act in both roles.  You can see pictures below.  This has always been a great experience and we highly recommend it.  Even dads get in on the act - they get chosen as the Knights in Armor.  Superman got picked the time when Cupcake was Beast.  Whatever you do, make sure you hit this at least once in your Disney life. 

Waiting to go in and get started - Knight and Beast

That's where he had to stand the whole time

Getting ready to make her big entrance

And what an entrance she made

They got to pose with Belle

It all ends with Belle dancing with the Beast

Cupcake as Maurice

Disney: Snack Recommendation: Alice in Wonderland Cake Cups

Before our last Disney trip we heard of a delicious snack being served in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.  Superman and Cupcake were lucky enough to get to enjoy this delectable treat that satisfies any sweet tooth (I was at the spa).  They discovered the cake cups at Cheshire Cafe.

Park: Magic Kingdom

Area: Fantasyland

I have a huge sweet tooth so this would have satisfied me to no end.  Superman's isn't as big as mine so he said it got a little too sweet and rich for him.  They come in 4 varieties - Mad Hatter Mocha Chocolate, Cheshire Cat Birthday Cake, White Rabbit White Chocolate and Red Queen Strawberry Shortcake.  It's layers of cake and icing.  Delicious.  This is not on the regular menu at Cheshire Cafe so you'll have to check if it's being served.  If you're lucky enough I hope you enjoy - seems a good one to share.  

Cupcake gives it her seal of approval

Disney: Restaurant Recommendation: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

Tucked away in the Magic Kingdom is one of my favorite quick service restaurants. What can I say I'm a sucker for singing green aliens.  Today I'll talk to you about Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe.

Park: Magic Kingdom

Area: Tomorrowland

View Menu Here

We discovered this place in our usual fashion - it was night extra magic hours at Magic Kingdom, we got hungry and this place was open.  What we weren't banking on was the delicious food we were served.  Cosmic Ray's has a variety of food from chicken, burgers, and sandwiches. Everything has been well seasoned and juicy. Definitely a pleasant and welcome surprise.  Also the break you need to finish using those magic hours.   There is also a topping bar here which means you can customize your own sandwich.  In the past they've had a delicious tomato soup as well.  It's not listed on the menu on the website but I'm not sure if it ever was.  It's usually listed at the cash registers as a special thing and you can make it your side. We also love to sit down where Ray is and listen to his corny show. We do love it though.  Superman has recently returned from his solo trip and said Ray was gone.  Not sure if he's gone for good or if he's being refurbished.  We'll check it out when we return (in under 60 days!).  Go give it a try. 

Disney: Ride Recommendation: Splash Mountain

I love the mountains of the Magic Kingdom.  I already gushed over Big Thunder Mountain and today I bring you another one.  This mountain is unlike any other you'll find.  This mountain has timeless characters, a song that you won't mind getting stuck in your head and one of the greatest splash downs around. 

Splash Mountain

Park: Magic Kingdom

Area: Frontierland

Height: 40 inches

FastPass+ Available

I searched and searched for a photo we have of Splash Mountain but I came up empty. This is one of my favorite rides.  It's the last thing you'll be able to find that is related to Song of the South.  I love how you follow Briar Rabbits journey of leaving the Briar Patch, being chased by Briar Fox and Briar Bear and even getting involved in his escape - it's the part where you splash down, and finally Briar Rabbit returning home.  This ride isn't hurried.  You get to go down several hills, journey through several scenes and brings you right into the story.  It's the epitome of Disney magic at its best.  Mark it as one of your 3 FastPass choices for the day because you don't want to miss this ride. 

Disney: Snack Recommendation: Jungle Juice Slushy

If there is one thing to be said about your Disney vacation is that at least once in your trip, no matter what time of year, you're gonna say, "I'm hot."  And if you are going in the summer you'll think or say it once every 5 or so minutes.  To Disney's credit there is a numerous selection of delicious frozen drinks available to help cool you down.  Let me interrupt myself and say we thought we knew snacks at Disney.  We thought we had those nailed and were pretty unimportant to us.  We. Were. Wrong. Disney has revolutionized this whole genre that is snacks - to the point that you with your snack credit you can have another meal. So to say we had a great time discovering these delicious little treats all over the property.  One afternoon we were taking a bit of a break in Animal Kingdom when on a whim we bought the fabulous concoction that is the Jungle Juice Slushy. 

Park: Animal Kingdom

Area: Africa

Snack Stand: Mahindi

View Menu Here

It was a hit for us all immediately.  It is a delightful mix of orange juice, guava, and passion fruit.  And when I mean delightful mix - I mean it all comes together in this sweet, cool slushy that puts any ICEE or Slush Puppy to shame.  It made it that you didn't want to gulp it down but to savor each sip and roll it on your tongue.  If you are ever in the mood to cool down or just enjoy yummy things I would suggest giving this a try. 

Disney: Restaurant Recommendation: Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom

When you're at Disney, you are inside what is commonly referred to as the "Disney Bubble." Basically, when you are in Disney - nothing else exists, except princesses, pirates, fairies and whatever experiences Disney can create with their magic.  It's the reason I write to you about princess makeovers, eating in castles and what to do should you meet a pirate.  So why wouldn't they have a place where you can sit down, take a rest and enjoy a meal in the rainforest?  I think it would be weird if they didn't

Rainforest Cafe @ Disney's Animal Kingdom

Park: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Area: Front of Park (right before the turnstiles)

Type: Table Service

Dining Plan: 1 Dining Credit

View Menu Here

First, this restaurant is not owned or operated by Disney.  They have a contract with Disney and they still do accept dining plans. Rainforest Cafe also has 2 locations.  1 here at Animal Kingdom and the other is in Disney Springs over in the Marketplace.  We have only eaten at the one at Animal Kingdom ('cause that's how we roll) and have enjoyed each time we have gone.  They have a wide variety on the menu (typical American fare) and we've tried different things each time and we've enjoyed every meal we've had. There's enough variety to keep us all happy and the service has lived up the standard we expect from anywhere we go in Disney.  And what a place to eat at Animal Kingdom.  The jungle animals go crazy every 15 minutes or so.  It's a dependable place we look forward to going to.  Give it a try - you just might like hanging out with the animals as you eat. 

Disney: Ride Recommendation: Kilimanjaro Safaris

Disney is great in that you are in Central Florida but oh the places they let you go.  One of the coolest things they let you do is hands down bring the plains of Africa to you when you head to Disney's Animal Kingdom and take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Park: Disney's Animal Kingdom

Area: Africa

Fastpass+ Available

This ride is a wonder.  First, because you get to go and discover wild animals you never get to ride the same ride twice.  There is always something new to discover every time you ride.  I've been riding this ride since 1999 and it's still gives me the same excitement as it did the first time. It's one of the largest attractions on property at Disney and you get to take 18 or so minutes out of your day and re-discover how awesome nature is.  And always be on the lookout for a new baby giraffe or elephant - they never disappoint to delight and entertain.  And with the addition of night life coming to Animal Kingdom they will be adding night time safaris! It will a whole new experience including getting to use night vision goggles.  Night life is being delayed (Rivers of Light was to start April 22  but has been moved to May. #ThanksShanghai) but it should be in full swing as summer gets into full swing.  We cannot wait!  And kudos to the cast members who work this ride - they are actually driving your ride vehicle while reciting a script and pointing out all the animals.  I absolutely recommend using a fastpass on this ride because it is very popular and always has a pretty hefty wait time.  A definite must do!

Photos from our many times enjoying the safari

Disney: Recommendation: Fantasmic!

Disney World does amazing nighttime entertainment is pretty great.  I love Wishes, love Illuminations and can't wait for Rivers of Light to start at Animal Kingdom.  I love all the nighttime shows in different ways but they really are all pretty great.  My favorite of them all is Fantasmic! This show is so fun!  It has Lion King and Princesses and Mickey getting back his imagination from the villains!  It has fireworks, projections on water and live performers. All of it put together is a show to fall in love with.  This show is all about Mickey's imagination. Mickey. All of the wonderful things that came from Disney pretty much came from Mickey's imagination (ya know since Walt invented Mickey and even voiced him for a time). Best part - the music.  What a great score! Fantasmic! is a very popular show so I recommend 2 courses of action. 1.) You can get a Fastpass+ for this.  Now rumor floating around is Fastpass is going away for the parades and shows so keep an eye on that.  2.) The way we use is to book the Fantasmic! Dinner Package.  You get to pick from 1 of 3 restaurants at Hollywood Studios (all of the restaurants accept the dining plan) and then you get VIP seating at the first showing of Fantasmic! (I mean it - it's center section seating). If you don't plan on using the dinner package be prepared to be in line early and for a long time or if you go on a night where there is a second show plan for the later one.  Back when we were newbies in 2010 we figured we wouldn't be making the first show with the line we saw so we grabbed some dinner and went to the later showing - it was neat.  It was about 11 when it was all over and the then 2 year old Cupcake asked what we were doing next.  It's a favorite of all 3 of us.  Here's some pictures...

 Ready to see our first show!  Cupcake - age 2 1/2 

It's a great time and a definite must see!

Take a sneak peek at this YouTube Fantasmic video but just remember you can't beat seeing the show live and in person. 

Disney: Snack Recommendation: Butterfinger Cupcake

So yes, today I'm talking cupcakes.  I love cupcakes and Disney makes exceptional ones. (They put grey stuff on cupcakes at Be Our Guest, come on!). Last time we were in Disney we finally stopped at the ever popular Starring Rolls Cafe. We tend to enjoy the soon to be gone Writer's Stop more but for 4 years we'd seen Starring Rolls at the top of lots of people's lists for yummy snacks and quick service. So we finally put it on our itinerary and tried it on our last trip.  Depending on when you stop the line can be long, the place is small so that means cramped and if you stop after breakfast time it's pretty much snacks only.  They didn't seem to have anything that made them stand out or different so it's not a must do for us.  However, I tried one of the most delicious and sweet cupcakes I ever had and it had my favorite - a mountain of icing on top with filling in the middle.  I discovered the legendary Butterfinger Cupcake.  First, it's a giant cupcake so you could eat it for a meal or share it with someone. It's a chocolate cupcake with chocolate ganache filling and it's topped with a peanut butter icing and covered in another layer of ganache with butterfinger crumbs.  There was so much icing! It took me a few bites to get to some actual cake.  This is a very rich cupcake so it will satisfy a sweet tooth and then give you a cavity.  I like the sweet stuff but even towards the end it started to be a bit much for me. I suggest using a fork to get through this thing because it's massive.  The cake was delicious - it was lush and dense and it worked well with the icing.  Make sure you have a drink, you'll need it.  It's a cupcake that worked for me and since it's a rich dessert it wasn't something I'd get over and over again which means it will always be a special treat. 

You can check out the Starring Rolls Menu here.

Disney: Restaurant Recommendation: Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano

Today we are going to talk about one of my top 5 restaurants in all of Disney World and definitely my favorite Hollywood Studios Restaurant. Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano will not disappoint - it redeems where Tony's Town Square disappoints. Read on to find out how delicious it is and if you book the right dining package a huge perk that goes along with eating here. 

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano

Park: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Area: Streets of America (by The Muppets 3D)

View Menu Here

I've never had a bad meal at this place. They have all kinds of Italian dishes from pizza to pasta.  I love the atmosphere in the restaurant with the hanging grapes and twinkling lights.  You could be eating outdoors in Italy. The food has always been cooked well, nothing over done or under cooked. My favorite meal here has been the New York Strip Steak that comes with a side of mac and cheese. I've also tried the Chicken Parmesan.  I have nothing to say about anything I've tasted a bite of, it's always been spot on.  The staff has always been really nice and helpful.  The one visit Cupcake couldn't decide on what dessert she wanted and they brought her both.  The biggest perk about eating here is it's one of the restaurant you can book with the Fantasmic! Dining Package. You can choose from 3 different restaurants to eat at and then you get VIP seating at the first showing of Fantasmic! (like center section VIP seating).  Also, no matter what dining plan you are on you get an appetizer, entree and dessert.  There is no downside to not booking this package. This is a must eat at Disney. 

June 2014 - with the biggest steak ever.  Note the Cupcake giving me a hand with my expression