I’m so far behind on everything I set out to do in 2020, which makes no sense considering how much time I’ve been sitting at home! January was a huge month for us. We were just getting over a horrendous virus, pretty sure it was covid, and our weekends were jam packed with Girl Scout winter ski camps and our family trip to Walt Disney World. I finally managed to get all the videos we shot on our trip and here is part 1 of our Disney vacation! We stayed at the Old Key West Resort and this video highlights our park days at Epcot and Animal Kingdom!
Posts tagged #Walt Disney World
Scout Trip to Disney's Fort Wilderness Campgrounds?
You won’t be disappointed with Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds! Check out all of the amenities and their is even a primitive group campsite for large parties, perfect for scout groups!!
Our Top 5 attractions for the under 5 at Walt Disney World
Recently, I've been getting asked for suggestions on the can't miss attractions at Walt Disney World. There are so many things you can do at each of the 4 parks that it can seem overwhelming. This got me thinking and so I asked my daughter, who has been to Disney World several times only at the age of 5. Here is my daughter's top five list!
It's a Small World
-Fantasyland
She has loved this ride since before she was 1 and it's a classic. There is something magical and happy about this ride that opens up their little eyes. It's located in the Magic Kingdom in Fantasyland.
Disney's Electrical Parade
-Fantasyland
This is a can't miss! Seriously, your kids will love this just as mine did. We always plan this one ahead as it's only offered on certain days and at certain times. The sparkly lights at night with the famous Disney characters drive the kids insane! In a good way, that is.
Dumbo
- Fantasyland
It's a classic and it's fun! They recently revamped this attraction. This is more of an adventurous ride as the height can be intimidating to little little kids. Bella is not a fan of "thrill rides" but still enjoys this one very much.
Kilimanjaro Safari ride
- Animal Kingdom
This one is such an adventure for young kids. It's so much more than a Zoo and you feel like you are really on a safari in this open atmosphere. We have always had the most luck of seeing the amazing animals if you go right when the park opens. This ride is located at the Animal Kingdom Park.
The Little Mermaid and Nemo Ride
-Fantasyland and Epcot
These are a combo as they are kind of the same but with different movie themes and both are great for young kids. The Little Mermaid ride is at the Magic Kingdom in Fantasyland and the Nemo ride is at Epcot.
Dressing up at the parks
- Anywhere!
Okay, this is actually number 6 and it's not really an attraction but my kids love doing this so I just had to mention. The kids love wearing their costumes at the parks. You can find some pretty affordable princess outfits that wont break the bank ahead of time at Target or Walmart. You can even get a coordinating outfit that resembles a character and the kids will be excited. I would recommend bringing some loose clothes for them to change into just in case they get hot in the dresses.
Have you heard of
Disney Bound
? People, by people I mean adults too, actually dress up like characters in their own interpretations with regular clothes while matching the color palettes of the characters. For a more detailed explanation I found an article
that describes it best. It's pretty cool and I'm sure we will try this on our next visit. You can find some ideas on pinterest by searching
!
Honorable mention: Winnie the Pooh ride at Fantasyland
The ride itself can be a tad outdated but the kids still love the black florescent scenes. The main attraction with this ride is actually waiting in line. They have fun games and activities throughout the line to keep the kids occupied and entertained.
Have you traveled to Disney World with your little one's? What are their favorite attractions? Leave your comments below!
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Character Breakfast at the Hollywood and Vine
It seems like every time we visit Disney World we have to do a character breakfast of some sort. This past trip we did 2! We usually do the Cape May character breakfast and buffet at the Beach Club Resort. This year we decided to add a second character breakfast and try out the
Hollywood and Vine Restaurant.
Hollywood and Vine Character
Breakfast Buffet
It's located in the Hollywood Studios theme park right across from Echo Lake.
The character buffet is also offered for lunch as well, although, breakfast is cheaper at 30 per adult.
We were so excited to dine with the Characters from Disney Jr at the Hollywood Vine Restaurant located in the Hollywood Studios theme park!
I have to say, if you have kids that watch Disney Jr. they will love this character breakfast more than the others!
We decided to do an early breakfast so we could play in the park the rest of the day.
The characters included:
Sofia the First
Doc McStuffins
Jake and the Neverland Pirates
Handy Manny
The Buffet:
It was very good and offered plenty of options for all tastes such as waffles, eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt bar, frittatas.... I could go on but you get the idea. There is also a ice cream sundae bar that the kids will love!
The Scene:
Its set up like a 50's diner with the plastic and sparkly couches. The dining experience also provides some musical entertainment and dancing on the part of the characters in costume. Kids can get up and dance along with their favorite characters.
Overall, I would say we enjoyed this character breakfast the most! The characters are much more familiar to the kids and the food was great!!
Have you tried the Hollywood and Vine before? Have you tried a different character breakfast at Disney World? I'm curious as to what everyone else has tried!
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Date night Bucket List: France at the World Showcase in Epcot
I had the opportunity to check off one of my dating bucket list items on our recent family vacation to Disney World! I wasn't sure if we would get the opportunity to spend some time alone and it magical happened!!
I've have been dying to try the
restaurant in the World Showcase at Epcot. You need to make the reservations ahead of time and it needs to be done via
, not over the phone. We learned this the hard way as we scrambled on the internet via our phones. We were lucky to be able to make the reservation that morning.
Everyone at the restaurant is from the country of France so you genuinely feel like you are there. There is a low light ambiance that makes this restaurant intimate. That is one of my favorite things about Disney World. You always feel like you have escaped reality and you are somewhere else in different place or time.
The Food
The food was amazing! I mean AMAZING! I haven't had a meal like that in a long time and it was well worth the price. They even brought out these cute little loaves of french bread for the table.
We both enjoyed the Filet de boeuf grille (beef tenderloin) with a green peppercorn sauce and the potato gratin and green beans. Here is a link to their
.
The meat was very tender and juicy almost like butter melting in your mouth. The potato gratin was very creamy and delicious as well. The green beans were cooked so perfectly and lightly buttered. All together the meal was heaven! I enjoyed dipping some of the potato in the peppercorn sauce. It was so subtle an not overwhelming at all. Of course I paired my steak with a glass of Pinot Noir.
We were lucky to have a table at the very front of the restaurant near the windows and caught the evening show of illuminations.We would have grabbed some dessert but our plan was to hit up the
Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie
for some chocolate croissants and coffee. Unfortunately, it was closed by the time we finished our meal. Poor planning on our part but the evening was still amazing.
Overall Experience
I would definitely suggest this restaurant as I'm sitting here dreaming about the delightful cuisine. The atmosphere was very real and I would even recommend taking the kids as they have a wonderful kids menu.
What I enjoy as well was that this restaurant wasn't too stuffy. Since it's inside the park you get a variety of fellow dinners from the sun soaked park hoppers to the date nighters like the hubby and myself. You can dress this evening up or just enjoy a fabulous meal. It's up to you!
Have you every dined at Les Chefs de France? What did you think of the digs? What other restaurants have you enjoyed at the parks? Let's have a discussion in the comments!
Magical Monday: Our Magic Bands are here!!
*This post contains my affiliate link that helps support my family.
This seems to be the start of the 3 week build up to our Disney Vacation!
Our Magic Bands arrived this week...
All 18 of them...ooops
Looks like Disney didn't realize that we're resort hopping this trip.
Resort hopping is one of my favorite things to do. You get a feel for the many resorts and they're all so very different and unique.
Resorts this trip
- Disney's Art of Animation Resort - Specifically the Nemo room
- Disney's Old Key West - an oldie but a goodie - 1 bedroom villa
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas
We have already stayed in two out of the three. We are new to the Art of Animation Resort and we really wanted to try out the pool!
photo found here:
I can't wait to write a review for ya'll!
Road Tripping
I'm getting a little anxious as this is the first time we will be road tripping it with our kids. We decided to drive this time due to plane ticket prices soaring in the past year and our littlest no longer flies for free. They can barely stand being in the car for 45 minutes so I'm a kind of terrified for this drive.
We've made some driving entertainment arrangements for them. We bought a
RCA DRC79982 9-Inch Mobile DVD Player with Additional 9-inch Screen
for the back seats. They each get their own and we have a large collection of Disney DVDs to last through both there and back.
I've also started to put together their own goodie buckets with games and activities for them to do on the way there. I bought these
activity trays that just so happened to work nicely over there car and booster seats.
Welcome to Magical Monday Link up!!!
Magical Monday is a link up dedicated to any and all things Disney. Every Monday we will be here to share our favorite moments and posts. It can be a post about a review from the parks, a craft, recipe or just a heartfelt memory. Whatever it is (past or new) link up those Disney inspired posts!!
Rules
This will be pretty simple.
1. Just link up your post below.
2. Add the Magical Mondays button to your post or a simple link will do.
3. Visit other participants and start sharing!
<div align="center"> <a href="http://3wittlebirds.blogspot.com/" title="3 Wittle Birds"><img src="http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/kdelarosa05/95f5467c-715c-4960-88de-ed02e7a9bc61.jpg" alt="3 Wittle Birds" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
First Ever Magical Mondays Link up!!!!
Welcome to Magical Mondays Link up!!!
The world of Disney is something that is very close to my heart. I'm a former cast member and frequent vacationer of Walt Disney World. We are so excited to be going back in 4 weeks and I can't wait for this adventure. To count down our trip and continue on with the spirit, Magical Mondays is a link up dedicated to any and all things Disney. Every Monday we will be here to share our favorite moments and posts. It can be a post about a review from the parks, a craft, recipe or just a heartfelt memory. Whatever it is (past or new) link up those Disney inspired posts!!
Rules
This will be pretty simple.
1. Just link up your post below.
2. Add the Magical Mondays button to your post or a simple link will do.
3. Visit other participants and start sharing!
<div align="center"> <a href="http://3wittlebirds.blogspot.com/" title="3 Wittle Birds"><img src="http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx326/kdelarosa05/95f5467c-715c-4960-88de-ed02e7a9bc61.jpg" alt="3 Wittle Birds" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
Magical Mondays: My Disney Bucket List
Even though I have been here over a dozen times, there are still a few things I have not been able to experience personally or with my family.
For this week's Magical Mondays, I am highlighting my bucket list for our Disney Vacation in September.
Disney Vacation Bucket List
(Some of these I've already done but are worth the repeat!)
1. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with the girls
2. French Restaurant in Paris - Epcot, World Showcase
3. The New Snow White Ride.. Just opened up!
4. Belle's Castle and Be Our Guest restaurant
5. Dole Whip in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom.
6. Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom
7. Hollywood and Vine Character Breakfast - Hollywood Studios
8. Embroidered Mickey Ears w/ the names for the whole family
9. The Christmas shop in Downtown Disney
10. Downtown Disney shopping... I need a new coffee mug!
11. Character photo ops and signatures (the last trip Bella really got into this!)
12. Going on the Dumbo Ride with my youngest
13. The new Fantasyland Parade
14. Visit Tom Sawyers Island
15. Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian... they have a tea party for the little ones!
16. Enjoy a Gourmet cupcake from the Magic Kingdom (Chesire Cafe and pretty much every other park)
17. Enjoy a brownie sundae at the Ghiradelli Soda Shop
18. Eat and enjoy the music at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney
19. Eat and Drink my way around the World Showcase
20. Climb through the Swiss Family Tree House
21. Sport matching family vacation tees- I know this one is corny
22. Disney Junior Live on Stage
at Hollywood Studios
23. Let the the wiggles at Honey I Shrunk The Kids play yard
24. Camp out at Fort Wilderness
25. The Hubby pulling the Sword out of the Stone in Magic Kingdom
There are endless things to do at Walt Disney World resort, so it's important to plan in advance and know what you want to see and do. Otherwise, you will miss out on some of the timed parades and shows. I'm all for just winging it but this really is not a place you go to without a plan... unless you go multiple times:).
Magical Mondays: Disney Resort Review
Magical Mondays
Being an avid Disney vacationer, a former Disney College Program Cast Member and graduate, and daughter to vacation club members.... We travel to Disney World.... A LOT!
I've been blessed to have experienced such amazing resorts in our travels to the vacation spot that is practically a city in itself.
For countdown to our next Disney Vacation this September 2014, I thought I start my very first series to celebrate one of my favorite places in the world.
Resorts that I have experienced in the Walt Disney World Resort
- Coronado Springs
- Old Key West
- Saratoga Springs
- Port Orleans
- All Stars Resorts
- The Beach Club
- Board Walk
- Animal Kingdom
I feel like I'm missing some, seeing as how the number of Resorts Disney offers seems endless! Keep in mind, the Villas at each resort is only available to DVC (Disney Vacation Club) Members.
My
favorite
stays would have to be..
..
- Saratoga Springs Tree House Villas
- Animal Kingdom Kadani Villas
- The Beach Club Villas.
Today I would like share the experience of the...
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Location
Epcot's backyard!
The Beach Club Resort is located in a prime area around the Crescent Lake. Within this resort area there is a short walk around the lake to the Board Walk Resort, The Yacht Club, and The Swan and Dolphin. It's also a short walk to the back entrance to Epcot where you will enter right in the heart of the World Showcase. This would be ideal if you just wanted to bop on by one of the amazing restaurants for an evening meal. There is also a short boat trip that will take you to Hollywood Studios! This location is my absolute favorite and offers many entertaining options outside of the Resort.
- Walk to Boardwalk & Jellyrolls
- Walk to Epcot's backdoor
- Boat ride to Hollywood Studios
- Crescent Lake-water activities
The Pools
Sandy Beach Pool!
One of the best things about this resort is the pool!! Stormalong Bay is a playground of water activities for both child and adult. It is the only pool that offers a sandy beach where young children can hang out and build sandcastles. My girls enjoyed this pool so much and still talk about it to this day.
- Sandy Beach
- Life-size ship wreck water slide
- Lazy River
- 3 hot tub spas
Sandy beach @ Stormalong Bay pool
The Digs
Character Breakfast Buffet to die for!
Character breakfast anyone? Instead of having to travel to find one of these Disney vacation musts, you can have the option of walking to one in your own Resort!! Cape May Cafe is a fantastic restaurant that offers the Famous Character Breakfast buffet with options for any picky eater, including the Mickey Waffles! You will want to make advanced reservations for this one.
- Cape May Cafe
- Hurricane Hanna's Bar and Grill
- Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
- Martha's Vineyard
- Endless supply of dining options through Epcot and the other resorts and restaurants located on Crescent Lake.
Cape May Character Breakfast Buffet!
The Room
We had the luxury of experiencing the one bedroom villa suite with a garden view. The Villa's are offered to the Vacation Club members and they are fantastic. The whirlpool tub and bathroom were huge and the villa resembled that of a beach home. The general area included a couch with a sitting area and TV, a dining area with a full kitchen. A full kitchen is great if you are staying a couple days and don't want to spend all of your money vacation money on food. You can have a service deliver groceries and stock up on late night snacks and easy meals.
What to do!
The Beach Club is packed with activities and areas for all ages. It really is a resort for anyone.
- Sandcastle Club (ages 3-12)
- Movies under the stars on the beach ( this was a family favorite!)
- Campfire on the Beach - Sing along and yummy snacks
- Boat and Bike rentals
- Volleyball court
- Spa and Health Club
Highlights...
- Location
- Stormalong Bay Pool
- Cape May Cafe - Character Breakfast
- The Villa's
- The activities
I hope you enjoyed this weeks Magical Monday's! This review expresses my personal experience at The Disney Beach Club Resort and Villa. I was not compensated for this post, I was just so impressed with the resort that I had to share.
Have a Magical Monday everyone!
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Our Disney Trip 2013: Part 1
These pictures are a little late but I wanted to share our amazing trip with you all!!!
We went at the end of January and the weather was wonderful but slightly cold for swimming(we did anyways!).
Disney Beach Club
The Pirate ship with the slide!
We stayed at the Disney's Beach Club Resort, part of the Vacation Club!! The Villas were very spacious! Our favorite part... The pool!!!
How do they do that... the
sandy beach
pool? Surprisingly super clean too. Bella could sit there and build sand castles all day! Another thing I loved about the resort was that it was right off the Boardwalk and short walk to Epcot! Yes, we could walk to the back entrance of Epcot, without any lines and start in the World Showcase right by France!! One of the evenings Grandma and Grandpa offered to watch the kiddos and the hubs and I had a date night through World Showcase! We had coffee and chocolate croissants in France!
Animal Kingdom
We started off our first full day at Animal Kingdom! I knew the girls were really going to enjoy this park. We got on the safari ride right as it opened! This is the best time for this ride. I have been on this attraction more times I can count and this was by far the best time!! We got to see all the animals!
I saw this cure garden scape as we left the Festival of the Lion King!
Bella really got a kick out of the African musicians! She became pretty shy when the guy started smiling at her.
Hollywood Studios and Epcot
We didn't really spend much time at these two parks. By mid day the kiddies were cranky and hungry and all Bella wanted to do was swim. Here are some of the photo ops I remembered to get.
If any of you get a chance, I highly recommend stopping at the
Honey I Shrunk The Kids playground
!! I've always loved this attraction and it gives the kids a chance to run around and blow off some steam in a giant backyard playground just like the movie!!! Bella really enjoyed this.
Ride along with the giant ant or climb in a "spider web"
Epcot
Bella wasn't too excited about the Sea's with Nemo and Friends ride. I think she was more afraid of the sharks. We sort of had to
force
convince her that it would be fun.
See her enthusiasm?
Afterwards was fun... you can read all about it
.
It never stops amazing me at the little things she finds so much joy in. There was a fountain in Epcot, Bella thought it would be fun to just run through it. On a normal day I would have yelled and tried to stop her from soaking her clothes and shoes but today I was a little more carefree. I did manage to convince her to put her swimsuit on, but by that time it was a little too late...
Reminds me of something I have once done... although I wasn't so young:)
Stay tuned for Part 2 with Magic Kingdom and Character greetings!!! Oh there are so many pictures to share!