Blog Posts by Tressa Krippel

Avatar Flight of Passage

3/25/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Flying on the back of a banshee is an important rite of passage for the Na'vi, and now visitors of Pandora: The World of Avatar have a chance to experience the thrill of this journey at Disney's newest attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom Park. Deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara, visitors can now climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s amazing landscape, explore the bioluminescent forests, and soar by the Na'vi living among the moon's beautiful flora.  This attraction will immerse your all your senses as you feel the breath of your banshee beneath you, smell the aroma of the foliage of the rainforest and feel the crisp, cool feel of the waters of Mo'ara. The journey begins in the queue as guests begin an uphill trek towards the mountains floating above the valley.  You will pass over a land bridge, travel near waterfalls and pass by […]

Satuli Canteen Quick Service Dining in Pandora: The World of Avatar

3/27/2024 • Walt Disney World • Quick Service Dining at Pandora - The World of AVATAR The Satuli Canteen is the Quick Service Dining location in Pandora:  The World of Avatar.  It has a unique menu of healthy dishes to satisfy all travelers exploring the Valley of Mo'ara on Pandora. Situated between the Flight of Passage and the Na'vi River Journey,  this former RDA (Resource Development Administration) mess hall is now a peaceful resting spot adorned with the art of the Na'vi and supplying travelers with all the comforts of home.  Travelers will find cuisine inspired by their journey through the Valley of Mo'ara.  Satuli Canteen is considered a fast-casual restaurant on the Quick Service Dining Plan. Our meals were served off a china bowls, reminiscent of flora of the natural habitat.  Guests will find silverware to dine with, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.  Self-serve drink stations are also available. Since I do not have an adventuresome palette, I was hesitant that I would find […]

Caramel Confections at the Karamell-Küche

5/16/2017 • Reviews, Tips, Walt Disney World • Looking for something sweet while at Epcot? Caramel Confections at the Karamell-Küche" Nestled inside the quaint village-like setting of Germany at Epcot's World Showcase is one of my favorite treasures...Karamell-Küche {Caramel Kitchen}. This charming confectionary is a "must-do" on every trip to EPCOT.  The rich smell of Carmel entices you in as you walk by the front door.  Guests are immediately greeted with the smell of the fresh caramel popcorn that is being made in the store.  Don't be afraid of the line.  It will move fast and the wait is definitely worth it!!!  At quick glance, many will see the caramel popcorn identified as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.  While I highly recommend this use of your snack credit, don't think you are limited to just the savory hot caramel popcorn.  As you wait your turn, you will get a glimmer of the delicious, heavenly treats that are […]

Dining with Disney Royalty at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

4/18/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is located at Epcot's Norway Pavillion. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet and greet with Disney Royalty on your next Walt Disney World vacation.   Join the Disney Princesses for Storybook Dining inside a medieval castle setting in heart of Norway.  When you arrive, guests are immediately greeted by Belle in her gorgeous yellow ballgown.  Don't worry, a Photopass photographer is present! This means you will have a fantastic photo on your Memory Maker photo account. You will be able to enjoy later and send out to family and friends.   After your visit with Belle, guests are are seated in one of two rooms reminiscent of great hall inside a storybook castle.  On my most recent visit, our waiter Paal explained the menu and made suggestions from the menu.  At lunch and dinner, every Guest’s royal feast begins with a “Taste of Norway”. This features Scandinavian seafood, […]

Resort Spotlight: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

2/21/2017 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a one-of-kind destination at Walt Disney World.  Its views of exotic animals grazing on nearby savannas, guests will feel as if they have escaped on an authentic Safari adventure! This deluxe resort property is located near Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.  The African-inspired resort gives guests the opportunity to view grazing exotic wildlife outside their rooms and public areas within the resort. This leaves guests feeling as if they are staying on the African savanna. The rooms can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus one child under age 3. They are available with either a king-size bed, two queen-size beds, or one queen-size bed and bunk beds. Amenities include room service, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, coffee makers and refrigerators.  Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge also has guest suites and Concierge Level accommodations. This offer access to the Kilimanjaro Club lounge, robes, turndown service and the opportunity to participate in two unique […]

Tony’s Town Square: Dining on Main Street USA

10/18/2016 • Walt Disney World • Looking for a delicious table service meal inside the Magic Kingdom?  Look no further than one our family’s favorite restaurants, Tony’s Town Square.  Inside this charming trattoria located on Main Street USA, you can enjoy your favorite Italian dishes, steaks and delicious desserts. The theming of the restaurant centers around the Disney animated classic, Lady and the Tramp.  In the lobby waiting area, children and grown-up kids can enjoy a few minutes of Lady and the Tramp, which plays constantly on the television. Kids can also color Lady and the Tramp coloring sheets while waiting for their table. The restaurant offers three distinct dining areas.  In the main dining room, guests will love the fountain of the canine couple, Lady and Tramp, that is the focal point of the room.  The main dining room offers comfortable family seating and is reminiscent of a classic New York City, family-owned, Italian eatery. […]

Adventures in Africa – Dining at the Tusker House

10/4/2016 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • If you headed to the far-east corners of Asia or have plans to explore the savannas of Africa, you will want to stop in Harambe for a delicious meal with your favorite Disney friends at the Tusker House Restaurant as you explore Disney's Animal Kingdom park.  It's Perfect for the Entire Family! This character meal is one of our family's "must-dos" every time we visit Animal Kingdom park.  The meal is hosted by Safari Donald Duck and you will find more Disney friends, typically Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy, all dressed up in their Safari outfits there too.  We have always found the character interaction at this restaurant to be fantastic and not rushed.  The buffet is 1 table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan and advance dining reservations are highly recommended.   The Tusker House is a fantastic choice for any family! Their dishes include family favorites, as well as specialty […]

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort- Review

3/18/2024 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a combination of Victorian Style and modern-day amenities. This Deluxe resort is located on the monorail loop outside of Magic Kingdom and provides quick access to the theme park by both monorail and boat transportation.  An exquisite 5-story-high atrium with glittering chandeliers, stained glass domes and grand piano welcomes guests when you arrive at the Grand Floridian resort.  Guests will enjoy live music throughout the day in the atrium.  Disney Royalty descends the grand staircase and greet guests daily in the lobby during the Princess Promenade.  During the Christmas season, guests will enjoy the sights and smells of the life-sizes gingerbread house and Victorian themed Christmas tree. Standard guest rooms at the Grand Floridian sleep 5 but the Grand Floridian Lodge Tower and Concierge Deluxe rooms sleep 4. Lagoon/marina/pool, garden, and theme parks views are all available. All rooms come with a mini fridge, ceiling fan, coffee maker with […]

Resort Spotlight: Escape to Disney’s Wilderness Resort

5/3/2016 • Walt Disney World • You will feel like you've traveled to the Pacific Northwest when you experience the warm, comforting feel of Disney's Wilderness Lodge. This Deluxe resort is nestled among the pine trees on the shore of Bay Lake. You'll enjoy the close proximity to Magic Kingdom, which is just a short boat ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon. This breathtaking resort features the rustic charm of the west, which you immediately experience as you are welcomed into the lobby by four large tepee chandeliers hanging overhead and two 55-foot high totem poles. The magnificent 82-foot tall fireplace in the lobby is the perfect place to relax in a rocking chair and sit by the fire after a day in the parks. The Silver Creek Springs Pool, which is the main pool at Disney's Wilderness Resort, recently underwent a refurbishment and now hosts a zero entry access to the pool The pool appears to […]

​Resort Spotlight: Disney’s French Quarter Resort​

5/3/2016 • Reviews, Walt Disney World • The fun and whimsy of Mardi Gras is gently mixed in with charm of the cobblestone streets of New Orleans at Disney's French Quarter Resort. This resort is the smallest of the moderate resorts on Disney property, which creates an intimate and unique experience that my family recently enjoyed for the first time. Disney's French Quarter is located along the banks of the Sassagoula River, offering boat transportation to Disney Springs as well as to its sister resort, Disney's Riverside resort. The moderate resort rooms have two Queen beds and can accommodate up to 4 guests, plus an infant under the age of 3. There are only seven buildings on property and each is equal distance to the pool, food court and the one bus stop on property. Buildings are three-stories high, but an elevator is available for your use if needed. Your family will enjoy spending time at the […]