#Animal Kingdom – Rooting to Rise

My Search for the Ultimate Cup of Coffee ~ in Walt Disney World

Posted on September 15, 2014April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

As I sit here drinking my third cup of coffee courtesy my Keurig, I wonder how I will survive without this prerequisite to my morning on my next trip to the Vacation Kingdom. How will I start my day with a smile? Certainly Mickey is a major incentive to wake up and head out the door in optimism – but that perfect cup of coffee just helps the whole process along, creating a much smoother departure for the day. I have fantasized about packing my Keurig; I have a single cup model, maybe it would fit in my carry-on bag? Reality strikes and I am back to contemplating how I will satisfy my preconditioned need for a superb cup of liquid sunshine.

I wasn’t always such a coffee critic. My local Stewarts (upstate NY’s coffee, ice cream and convenient store), was my go to place for my morning ‘Cup of Joe’ while on my way to work. I believe it was the birth of my daughter that caused a necessity for a strong and sensational cup of black coffee and I have been on the search for the ultimate cup ever since. I think I have been pretty darn close since my beloved Keurig has come into my life, but I feel I have yet to find THE cup to end ALL cups.

Back to Walt Disney World and where to find my required liquefied liveliness ~

I have done some research on finding the best coffee within Walt Disney World Resort and have found several locations, some of which I have experienced, but many I have not! Let’s start out with the resorts and work our way into the parks.

While stumbling into the resort’s food court first thing in the morning to filler-up, once upon a time, Nescafe’ would have been found. I am not sure about you but this was the only part of the morning I would dread at Disney. I couldn’t comprehend what I was actually drinking- was it tea, maybe hot chocolate? One thing for sure, I knew it was NOT coffee! I later found out this was instant coffee……. well that explained it!

I am so happy to report back in February of last year (2013) Nestcafe’ was replaced by Jeoffrey’s. Jeoffrey’s specialty coffee was already being served at several kiosks through out the parks as well as some fine dining locations, then it became the standard coffee for all Disney owned and operated locations. In my eyes and according to my taste buds, this was a huge improvement; I could at least identify what I was drinking 🙂

I have heard far and near that if I wanted THE BEST cup of coffee I was to find it at the Polynesian Resort in the form of Kona coffee. This Hawaiian blend is rich, not too bold and is run through a French Press– what’s not to like? But for me it is still lacking a bit in flavor. That being said I would order a cup right now in a hot minute if I could! This Hawaiian delight can be found in several areas within the Polynesian Resort. Kona Cafe (French Press Pot), Ohana (French Press Pot) and for the To Go-ers, Kona Island.

Next stop on this search is Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have read that I can find an amazing cup of African bean coffee called Kenya AA at Boma, an African inspired buffet within this resort. This coffee is said to be “full bodied and full of flavor with heavy acidity displaying a gentle floral aroma as well as berry and citrus notes”. At Boma this is served in a French Press as it is in the Polynesian Resort table service restaurants. I will make a special trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge on my next visit just to experience this!

Onto the Grand Floridian where the cutest cup of coffee can be found at the Grand Floridian Cafe. This restaurant has become one of Nicole’s favorite breakfast spots and is also where she loves to order her latte’. This is no ordinary latte’…… see for yourself!

According to Nicole this latte’ receives high marks, the Mickey head may have something to do with it 🙂

We are heading out to the parks so put your Mouse Ears on! Destination, Magic Kingdom.

The Grand Opening of Starbucks in June of 2013 brought another dimension of coffee drinking to the Magic Kingdom and later on to Epcot and in the near future to the remaining two parks.

Out here in the “real world” Starbucks is not my first choice of coffee but I do enjoy one in a low fat latte’ form. Just stepping into a Starbucks intimidates me. These coffee drinkers are very serious about their caffeinated purchases which keeps me from scanning the menu for a new and exciting coffee concoction. I think I will stick with my low fat latte – quick, easy and safe!

Traveling over to Hollywood Studios–

Nicole’s favorite coffee spot is a little nook called Writer’s Place. It’s a cozy little coffee shop that is rarely busy. It serves Barista-style coffee and delicious bakery items; I am told the carrot cake cookie is a must! Specialty coffee is not the only favorable item in this shop, there is a selection of books to browse or maybe find a new favorite coffee mug to take home.

Next stop will be in Epcot, World Showcase. Have you heard of ‘Drinking Around the World’ (World Showcase)? This can apply to coffee drinkers as well! Depending on the time of day ordering a Coffee Margarita from La Cava in Mexico may be somewhat of an interest, but for now lets stay on the hot coffee track.

I have read Via Napoli serves up an Italiano coffee that will turn steps into sprints and make mouse ears stand up straight and tall – this cup may be for experienced coffee drinkers only!

Let’s dip into Tangierine Café located in the Morocco Pavilion. Here I read about the Kasbah Coffee – strong and bitter but the hazelnut liquor adds just a touch of sweetness. This sounds like a delicious way to end the night while watching illuminations and maybe gives that little extra zip to find the car at the end of the night.

Time to explore Africa and Asia while searching out the best cup of coffee in the jungles of Animal Kingdom! These travels lead right to Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. I am not sure if the best cup of coffee can be found here, but they serve espresso, even double espresso and that spells out CAFFEINE! Also offered on their menu is ice coffee – I have read it has a white chocolate flavor to it which sounds interestingly delicious. Animal Kingdom and ice coffee go together like peas and carrots – it just seems like this park is extra hot- Africa hot!

Our final stop is Downtown Disney. What goes well with mega shopping? A great cup of coffee, there is a need for super charged energy to conquer all those amazing shopping opportunities! The Ghirardelli shop is known for their ice cream, but I recently read they also kick out a great dark ice coffee with a dark chocolate flavor. A huge smile won’t only be from that awesome new Dooney and Bourke just purchased- it will also be from the Ghirardelli Ice Coffee!

Thank you for accompanying me on my search for a great cup of coffee. I have definitely found some new locations I will be visiting upon my next trip to Walt Disney World. Tell us about your favorite coffee spot(s) or a place you plan on trying on your next visit.

~Maureen

The Many Mountains of Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on April 30, 2014May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

I thought it would be fun to compare all the thrill seeking mountains in Walt Disney World. Which has the fastest speeds, highest incline drop, longest ride experience, tallest height restriction???

Let go check them out!

Let’s start out with my personal favorite-

A pitch black rocket ride……..

Space Mountain opened January 15, 1975 and is the oldest operating roller coaster in the state of Florida. You must be 44 inches tall to experience this high speed thrill.

Step on board this rocket for a high velocity trip into space! You will zoom by comets and reach for the stars at the speed of 27 mph for 2.35 minutes. This track will descend 26ft, hurling you down through the dark spirals of space.

Time to trade that rocket in for a train car…….

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad shared their cursed town and possessed train on November 15^th, 1980. You must be 40 inches tall to ride this crazy train.

All a- board for a 3 minute tour of a town wiped out by a flash flood! Go speeding at 35 mph through an old abandoned mine town on this possessed train that has no engineer and no crew aboard! The highest rock mountain you will tumble down is 50 feet tall.

From the Southwest to the Deep South……..

Splash Mountain plunged onto the scene in October of 1992. You must be 40 inches tall to float along these rivers.

Hop into this log and follow Br’er Rabbit on a 10 minute journey – turned crazy adventure, to find his laughing place. Out wit Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear as you drop 53 feet at 40 mph. Return home happy, safe, and waterlogged with Br’er Rabbit.

Ready for another train ride? How about in the Himalayas?

Expedition Everest became Walt Disney Worlds tallest mountain and most expensive coaster on April 7, 2006. You must be 44 inches tall to join this trek to find the Yeti.

Your train departs from the station which is located in the village of Serka Zong. For about 3 minutes you take speeds of 50 mph through the Himalayas. You get a glimpse of the Yeti’s shadow and suddenly hurl out the side of an 80 foot mountain. Just as you feel this may not have been a good decision, you pull back into the station, a little rattled but with not a scratch.

These are the Mountains of Walt Disney World? Have you conquered them all?

Tell us which is your favorite or which you don’t dare to board!

~Maureen

Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Don’t Pass It By!

Posted on April 3, 2014May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Jambo!

Today we are taking a train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station! Animal Kingdom has become a very special place to me; my love and appreciation for it has grown over the years. My first visit was less than stellar because I didn’t do the proper research before going. I knew Magic Kingdom and Epcot like the back of my hand, but Animal Kingdom was a whole other animal (excuse the pun).

Animal Kingdom envelops as much Disney magic as the Magic Kingdom does, but you have to look for it in a different way. The magic lies within its animals and environment. Each has so much to tell us and to teach us. You have to switch gears when entering Animal Kingdom’s gates; the thrills you will experience here are of a different kind. They are more quiet adventures, unless you dare to visit the Yeti at Expedition Everest!

Ok! Lets head on over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and see all it has to offer!

To get to our destination, we must board the Wildlife Express at the Harambe Train Station found on the outskirts of Africa.

This train is a little different; the seats face what you would otherwise call the side of the train. As we take this 7 minute journey, we will see the overnight animal housing for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

As our train pulls into our destination and we disembark, we must stay alert and pay attention not miss the lessons along the trail of Habitat Habit. This trail is properly named as we should all make it a HABIT to preserve and conserve our HABITAT for the good of the animals and ourselves. Along the way we will also be introduced to the Cotton Top Tamarans, who are an endangered species. Before you reach the end of Habitat Habit the kids have a fun challenge of their own, to help spot different species in a backyard setting- teaching them how to make their own backyard a great home for these creatures.

On to Conservation Station!

Conservation Station is an inside view of how Disney takes care of its animals. There is a lot to see in this building so let’s not rush through; it isn’t everyday that we get to see the awesome sights and inside workings of some of these stations.

Walking into Conservation Station we are greeted by larger than life animal murals along the walls, it takes my breath away each time I see it.

Rounding the corner we enter into a large room featuring many educational areas. In the center is Animal Encounters. Here a cast member will accompany an animal that we may or may not be able to touch, depending on the species or its temperament. The Cast Member is there to inform us about the animal and answer any questions we may have. In the past when I have visited, I seen a komodo dragon, a very long snake, and a great big opossum.

Tucked in a corner of the large room is Song of the Rainforest. Let’s open the door and head in, we can take our whole group with us. There are headphones and a comfortable bench to rest on. Here we can listen to the sounds of the rainforest and if we close our eyes we just might forget where we are and really feel as if we are in a rainforest.

In front of this area we will have a chance to meet with one of the following characters, Pocahontas, Jiminy Cricket, or Rafiki and his pals. Don’t forget your autograph book!

On the far side of the room we can check out animal feces at the Wildlife Tracking Center. Here they test the animal’s feces, which can provide them with great information such as their health or even if they are going to have babies! The coolest thing of all, we get to hold elephant poop! Don’t worry it has been sealed with a special coating so we won’t get dirty, stinky hands.

If we visit the Conservation Station in the morning hours, we just may see an animal being treated in the Veterinarian Treatment Room. This is a Cotton Topped Tamaran, he is just having his routine check up.

Moving down the line we come to the Animal Nutrition Room. Here is where the food is prepared and we have an inside view of what different animals are fed.

On the end we will see reptiles and amphibians; not my most favorite part of Conservation Station. Snakes are not my favorite thing to look at, so I usually move rather quickly past this area.

Want to pet some animals? Let’s go out that back door to Affection Section. Here we will see a variety of animals; this may change depending on the time of your visit. Animals that need special help or attention are sent to Animal Kingdom and we can meet some of them at Conservation Station and Affection Section. The goats here are always looking to have their hair brushed, there are baskets of brushes to help them stay tangle free.

Want to help Animal Kingdom keep up the amazing job of education, conservation, and research? You can! You can donate a $1.00 or more and receive one of these great pins. Just ask a cast member about them if you do not see them displayed.

Well, it’s time to take the train back to Harambe Train Station – a little fun fact? It only takes 5 minutes on the way back opposed to the 7 minutes on the way there.

I hope you enjoyed our time together at Rafikis Planet Watch and I sure hope you come back and visit again because you never know what you will find!

~Maureen

Sum Up Sunday Walt Disney World News 3/24-3/30

Posted on March 30, 2014May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Star Wars Themed Character Dining Experience! Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater and Hollywood & Vine will be hosting a Stars Wars Character Dining meal between May4th – June 15th. To find out how to book your reservation and see the gang dressed in their best galactic wear click here

Epcot’s Communicore East and West buildings are receiving a new color scheme as well as Club Cool and Mouse Gear.

Boardwalk will see the closing of Kouzzina by Cat Cora on September 30th 2014. A new restaurant will take its place.

Captain Cook’s quick service restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will change its refurbishment date from March 28^th to April 8^th, 2014. It is expected to reopen this summer, but no actual date has been given. While it is closed a temporary quick service location will be available in the Great Ceremonial House.

Annual Passholders receive their Magic Bands. To receive your Magic Bands (as an Annual Passholder) you will need to register and order with ‘My Disney Experience’.

To read more about this click here.

‘Tom Casey’s Let’s Get Rockin!’ presents a new Live Interactive Band every Thursday night @ 9pm at Boardwalk’s Atlantic Dance Hall.

Dream of being a Rock Star? You can join in with the band! Novice or expert you can play an instrument or be a lead singer. There is a song for every Genre. Make your way there by May 15^th, 2014 to have your chance to be a part of a live band!

March 31 2014 – FastPass+ and MagicBands will be available to offsite day guests.

The offsite day guest using regular single day or multi-day tickets will be able to make FastPass+ reservations up to 30 days before their park visit. Offsite guests may purchase a MagicBand but it will not be necessary to use FastPass+. The RFID enabled ticket media can serve as the entry to FastPass+ attractions.

The day guest will also need to register on ‘My Disney Experience’ apps and website, this way they are not restricted to using the Fastpass+ kiosks. To begin using advance FastPass+, guests will need to link their ticket in ‘My Disney Experience’ before any FastPass+ reservations can be made.

Disney is creating and building a new state-of-the-art laundry facility near ESPN Wide World of Sports and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. “The new facility will showcase some of the textile industry’s most cutting-edge features including conveyors and air suction tubes that quickly move linens and machines that automatically sort, separate and fold,” said J.R. Garcia, director of textile services at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Gardens Kiosk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will now be offering Baby Cakes NYC gluten free doughnuts.

Today increased parking fees at all Walt Disney World parks take place. The resorts have also increased their valet parking rates. This will mostly effect offsite guests.

New parking fees are:

Automobile, taxi, limo or motorcycle: $17
Camper, trailer or RV: $18
Bus or tractor trailer: $21