Blog Posts by Missy Zolecki

Guest Experience Team – Walt Disney World

3/3/2020 • Tips, Walt Disney World • When visiting the Walt Disney World Parks you can enjoy assistance from the Guest Experience Team.  While there is a guest services area in each park, the Guest Experience Team can be found at various locations throughout the park. What assistance is available from a Guest Experience Team cast member?  General park information and recommendations My Disney Experience assistance FastPass+ information Wait times Lost and Found And more! For additional information visit Guest Services.   How do I find my nearest Guest Experience Team member? Locations are listed in the My Disney Experience App Search Guest Experience Team in the App and select that option You then can choose to “Find on Map” or “Get Directions” (this will give you instructions and how long it will take to arrive at the nearest Team member). Each of the 4 theme park Team Members will be wearing a blue polo with a […]

Disney Cruise Line: Palo Brunch – Keto Style

1/10/2020 • Cruises, Reviews • When embarking on a Disney Cruise, indulgence is what comes to mind.  While each of the ships has unique dining rooms that are part of the nightly dinner rotation, every ship also has an adult-only dining option, Palo.  Palo is known for its Northern Italian inspiration with a modern twist. They offer reservations for dinner and on select days, a brunch option. I have been following the Ketogenic way of eating for almost 2 years and my experience at Palo brunch was extraordinary.  Brunch and dinner are subject to an additional fee of $40/person, plus gratuity. The following dress code is recommended: Dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men Dress, skirt, or pants and a blouse for women. Jeans may be worn if in good condition (no holes).   My husband and I have had the privilege of enjoying the Palo brunch on both the Disney Dream […]

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop {Dining Review}

7/8/2019 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • If you have not had the opportunity to experience Beaches and Cream, add it to your bucket list!  Beaches and Cream is located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort near the Stormalong Bay pool! If you are visiting Epcot or Hollywood Studios, it is a quick walk or boat ride, or you can take a bus from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs. Upon entering the restaurant, it feels like a time warp to a 50’s soda shop!  There is limited table seating, but we have enjoyed sitting at the counter! Not only is it a unique experience, but the counter seating is a front row view for watching the creation of the amazing ice cream creations! I would describe the menu as classic comfort food.  Delicious burgers, grilled cheese, tomato bisque, and chicken salad to name just a few.  The classic sides include French fries, onion rings, soup, and […]

Ketogenic Dining on a Disney Cruise – Part 2

2/26/2019 • Cruises, Tips • When you are considering going on a Disney Cruise, one of the inclusions is all of the amazing food.  There are endless options throughout the ship not to mention 24-hour room service that is included with your cruise. Although there can be a lot of temptation, it was not difficult to maintain my Ketogenic way of eating. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I was able to experience a cruise 2 months in a row.  On one of those months, I waited until our first night of dining to discuss my needs with our server. On the second cruise, I called ahead of time to note my restrictions and then met with the staff upon embarkation. Breakfast options were tremendous and honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a breakfast filled with bacon?!!??  I requested to have my eggs made to order as I am always cautious about pre-made eggs. When […]

Following a Ketogenic Diet While at Walt Disney World

10/30/2018 • Tips, Walt Disney World • After a lifetime of dieting, I was still seeking the right fit for me. I was very intrigued by the guidelines of the ketogenic way of eating. My mind was made up, this is the right way for me! The basic guidelines of this way of eating are high fats, moderate proteins, and low carbohydrates. I was concerned if I could integrate my way of eating into our trips to Walt Disney World. I quickly realized dining locations throughout the property would be more than accommodating and allow me to follow my way of eating with ease! I avoid many specific cooking oils, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and hidden sugars. I was determined I would stay true to my guidelines eating 7 total carbohydrates or less per meal, eating more fat than protein, and only eating when truly hungry. If I was unsure if an item was within my guidelines, I […]

What is a Surrey Bike and Where Can I Rent One While at Walt Disney World?

4/19/2023 • Tips, Walt Disney World • When visiting Walt Disney World, there are so many incredible unique experiences available.  Golf, Mini-golf, fishing excursions, parasailing, and bike rental to name a few.  This blog entry will discuss a fun recreational activity that as many as 6 guests can enjoy together! A Surrey Bike is a multi-person bike that can accommodate 2-4 adults and even has an adorable basket in the front to accommodate up to 2 small children.  Each bike also has a bell under the cover and you will frequently see the younger children laugh as they vigorously ring the bell!  The bell is a way for riders to alert guests that are walking along the riding path that a bike is coming. Surrey bikes can be found at many of the resorts throughout Walt Disney World. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Disney's BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter Disney’s […]

Spotlight on the Boardwalk Resort

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 […]

Top Character/Themed Dining with a Special Needs Child

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 […]

The Edison @ The Town Center, Walt Disney World

3/19/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Innovation and change are a constant throughout Walt Disney World.  The Edison, recently opened at Disney Springs is the bee’s knees!  It is surrounded by 3 others recently opened venues as well.  Each with their own unique offerings, but the focus of this review is the largest of the group! A larger-than-life clock tower greeted us as we entered the dining area. There was so much to take in as we were seated.  Even the uniforms of the cast members were reminiscent of a 1920’s Speakeasy!  We were greeted quickly once we sat down, and our server pointed out interesting areas throughout the venue to enjoy.  There were tables throughout the upper and lower area of the restaurant.  She quickly pointed out that in the evenings, the lower area tables are removed, and that area is used for dancing.  Although families are welcome for lunch and early evening to dine, […]

Main Street Philharmonic – ​a​ Disney ​C​lassic Performance Not to be Missed

3/19/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • On a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom, we encountered the Main Street Philharmonic. I will be honest, we have seen countless parades that include them and have often seen them playing along Main ​S​tweet​ USA​, but this was the first time we stopped to enjoy their performance. In fact, we were trying to head to Tomorrowland for our expiring Fastpass. The kids were very engaged listening and watching them perform. They quickly sat down and asked to stay for their performance. We almost even missed our Fastpass, but no one seemed to mind. The Main Street Philharmonic is a 12-piece brass and percussion band. As we were approaching them, they were playing traditional Christmas songs. There were even a couple of small children that were dancing in front of them as they played. In between songs, members of the group would step forward and speak. They would explain what […]