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5/2/2018 • Walt Disney World •
The name "Disney" is as American as apple pie. Perhaps that is because the company Walt and Roy Disney created was deeply rooted in the values of the American Dream. Here are some of my favorites areas of Walt Disney World where the heart of America shines brightly. American Pavilion, Epcot American Adventure – Narrated by audio-animatronic figures of Ben Franklin and Mark Twain, guests experience various depictions of American life during key moments in American history, including the Revolutionary War and the Great Depression. Voices of America – Save time to enjoy the sounds of these a capella singers in the rotunda of the American Pavilion as they sing American standards (“America the Beautiful) as well as modern Disney classics (“Let It Go”). Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom The Muppets present Great Moments in American History is an entertaining show where our favorite Muppets describe their versions of Paul Revere’s […]
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3/27/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
Need a little reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks? The Waldorf Astoria in Bonnet Creek offers just that. Tucked right inside Disney property, it boasts indulgent relaxation just minutes from the theme parks. My husband and I wanted a quick getaway for the weekend for a little “R and R.” We decided on the Waldorf Astoria and were so glad we did. While the grounds were beautiful, the thing that stood out most to us was the exceptional customer service, from the gentleman checking us in after midnight to the warm and friendly chefs at Oscar’s restaurant. Upon checking in, we were upgraded to a spacious suite with a living room, a gorgeous marble bathroom and a lanai that was perfect for enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning. Although the décor seemed a bit dated, it gave us exactly what we were looking […]
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4/16/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Guided catch-and-release excursions allow you to experience bass fishing at its finest—all year round! This relaxing experience provides a break to guests who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Disney Parks. Guests may choose from Guided Bass Fishing Excursions, which includes a 21-foot Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to 5 Guests, and Bass Nitro Fishing, which features a tournament-style Nitro Bass boat for one or 2 people. Both 2-hour and 4-hour excursions are offered daily, and if available, an extra hour may be added in person at the Marina. A single fisherman may book an afternoon excursion at a reduced rate. Excursions are offered in the morning at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m. All Walt Disney World Resort Guided Fishing Excursions include: An experienced guide Rod and reel Tackle Artificial and live bait Non-alcoholic beverages (Guests may not bring beverages, food or […]
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3/19/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
As a Travel Specialist, I am often asked where I “like” to stay when I visit Walt Disney World? One of my most preferred locations is Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. The atmosphere is very whimsical and intended to be reminiscent of visiting Atlantic city! It opened in 1996, the year of my first Disney vacation!! It is located on Crescent Lake, directly across from Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club. Boardwalk offers entertainment, dining, and is a short walk to the world showcase in Epcot. It is a bit of a longer walk to Hollywood studios or you have the option of taking a brief boat ride to both parks. Disney Springs, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom transportation is via bus. The Boardwalk resort is a deluxe property and brings many additional amenities. Deluxe resorts offer larger rooms (compared to a value or moderate resort), valet parking, outdoor nighttime movies, a club […]
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3/26/2018 • Disneyland, Reviews •
In 1926, the Carthay Circle Theater opened in Los Angeles and quickly became one of the most famous movie palaces in the Golden Age of Hollywood. A decade later, on December 21, 1937, Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, the world’s first full-length animated movie, premiered at this theater to a sold-out audience. This was the start of a new life for Walt Disney and the beginning of a dream that resulted in Disneyland’s opening in 1955. Disneyland will forever remember the Carthay Circle Theater and has featured this theater in California’s Adventure Park as its signature building. It’s no surprise then that inside this building is one of the best dining experiences you will find on the property. Featuring décor of the 20s and with pictures lining the walls of the famous stars that once graced the screens of the theater, you feel like you are walking into […]
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3/20/2018 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
If you LOVE Magic Kingdom and plan to spend a lot of your time there, Disney's Contemporary Resort may be the perfect place to call "home" on your next Disney vacation. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the original Disney resorts that opened in 1971 along with Magic Kingdom and is located on the Resort Monorail system. The monorail runs directly through this resort and makes a stop inside to load and unload passengers. In fact, it is so close to Magic Kingdom you can actually walk to the park. This allows you to spend more of your vacation time at Magic Kingdom versus waiting for transportation to take you there. It is also an excellent choice if you want a time-saving option to bring tired children back to take a nap or a swim in the middle of a hot Orlando afternoon. The Contemporary Resort has two sections of […]
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3/16/2018 • Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World •
Disney Club Level rooms are available “exclusively” at Deluxe Disney Resorts. The following resorts offer the opportunity to stay in a Club Level room, those include Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’sWilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. When staying in a room on Club Level, you will be pampered with additional amenities that you would not have access to when staying in a regular room. Many of the Club Level rooms are located to offer guests amazing views. Lounges also tend to have awesome views. My family loved the Club Level lounge at the Contemporary Resort. We were able to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks on the balcony of the Club Level lounge, while enjoying desserts and beverages. This was such a magical experience. Each night you will receive turn-down […]
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3/13/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World •
If you are looking for a delicious steak while vacationing at Walt Disney World, please be sure to head north to the Canadian Pavilion for a visit to Le Cellier Steakhouse located in the World Showcase at Epcot. Lunch and dinner are served in this quaint wine cellar modeled after a Canadian chateau-style hotel. My experience when dining here is you will be able to sit back, relax and feel pampered by your server. I have always found my servers to be polite, friendly and ready to make dining here an experience to remember for me and my family. The servers are natives of Canada and love to discuss their native country. During each visit, I have been fortunate to engage in interesting conversations with the servers who enjoy sharing fascinating facts on what it is like to live in Canada. Baskets of rolls are served upon arrival. I cannot […]
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3/9/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
As I have mentioned in previous entries, my oldest son, is living with Fragile X Syndrome. A genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges. Even my “typically” developing children have struggled with some behavioral challenges while visiting Walt Disney World. Although the parks are amazing, there are so many amazing dining options throughout the property. Character and/or themed dining is often as exciting as visiting the parks! Character dining offers an opportunity to have a meet and greet with characters without the long lines, nor the pressure of someone waiting in line behind you! In many locations, the characters circulate table to table to ensure you have 1 on 1 time with them! In our many trips, although we love the different locations and themes, often times we found the locations didn’t work for my family. I won’t go into all of the various challenges we have […]
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2/28/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World •
Heading to Disney and on a budget? Not a problem. I’ve got a few tips and tricks this month that will help your dollar stretch a little farther so you can splurge on the Rose Gold Minnie Mouse Ears you’ve been eyeing. 1. Get a kid’s meal instead of an adult one at the quick service restaurants. Not only are the kid’s meals inexpensive, but they also provide just enough food so that you won’t have leftovers that you either have to throw away or figure out where to store them on your next ride. Plus, it never hurts leaving a little room for a Dole Whip. 2. Bring your own snacks and even lunch into the park. Disney permits a small cooler, no larger than 24” X 15” X 18” which is perfect for some PB and J sandwiches. Other items like apples and trail mix also travel really […]
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