A Little Spring in the Midst of Winter ~ and a Big Surprise at Check-In

There is always something special going on at Walt Disney World; each season bringing that extra magical touch. My favorite time to visit Walt Disney Resort has always been September. I love the carved Jack -O- Lanterns that line the top of Main Street’s buildings and the fall garlands and wreaths that adorn the lamp posts, with the added bonus of the park attendance being at a low capacity.

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One year I decided to take an impromptu trip in May. I was really excited to see Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, the online pictures were just breathtaking! Going in May was not the only change that was happening during that particular Walt Disney World vacation. This time Rebekah and I were traveling with my sister-in-law Jackie who had not been to the resort since she was sixteen, she was beyond eager for our travels to commence!

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Before I share some of the gorgeous topiaries I reveled in, let me share with you a couple highlights of my Walt Disney World vacation with my sister in law.

We had the absolute pleasure of staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort; this happens to be one of my top three favorite resorts on WDW property.

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Upon checking in we were informed that we had been upgraded from a standard view room to a Junior Suit with Concierge service.  I guess at the time I was a bit uninformed because I had no idea what this entailed, but I quickly became informed and  just couldn’t believe the extra Magic we were receiving! I asked the Cast Member why we were receiving these upgrades and he replied, “Just because we wanted to make your time extra special.”

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After settling ourselves in the room, we made our way up, up, up to Old Faithful Club on the concierge level which was located on the 7th floor. Our Key to the World card gave us special access to this club level. When we loaded onto the elevator, in order to enter onto this floor we had to insert our card into the slot provided.

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We enjoyed free continental breakfast in the morning and in the evening it was so wonderful to have a complimentary cocktail! During the day they also offer an afternoon tea that includes yummy treats and in the evening they have a small buffet of dinner foods. This was an amazing experience and one that I was completely grateful to have!

That evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner and dessert at T-Rex in Downtown Disney.  I LOVE this restaurant for it’s prehistoric atmosphere. Even if you are not able to stop in for a bite, I suggest you pop in just to take a peek.

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The following morning we bee-lined it to the Magic Kingdom.  Our first stop was to get Jackie her first pair of Ears where we happened upon another wonderful surprise. She received her name embroidered on her Ears free of charge; they said because we were the first guests of the day! Next onto meet my favorite Mouse…. he needs no introduction!

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The next day we visited Epcot and I was so excited to see the International Flower and Garden Festival! During our time there we enjoyed another delicious meal at the Coral Reef in the Living Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion. This is another restaurant I just LOVE because of it’s unique setting. It is as if you are dining under the sea with all the beautiful creatures of the ocean. The lower wall is an open view into the Living Sea tanks and it promises to be great view from any table!

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NOW …. onto Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival!

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Entering the walkway that leads to World Showcase we were greeted by Peter Pan, Captain Hook and tick tock – tick tock, hooks greatest fear!

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Coming upon International Gateway we found my favorite fellow and his best girl along with Donald and Daisy.

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Starting first with Canada and their beautiful Victoria Gardens~

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I adored the tea cups in the United Kingdom where we also met Alice.  Along the route we Pooh and friends and here we also found the infamous Captain Hook and both his nemesis’ Peter Pan and tick tock the Alligator!

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Moving on toward France we saw gorgeous topiaries of Aurora and Cinderella dancing with their Princes~

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Onto Italy we found the most adorable couple, Lady and Tramp. They look beautiful surrounded by all the colorful flowers and plants!

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Germany was in great company with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

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Along our travels we came across the cutest Mickey Heads, I would so love to place these in my front yard so I could share my #Disneyside with all my neighbors!

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A not to miss experience is the Butterfly Tent, this particular year it was themed with Bambi and his friends~

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This event has become one of my favorite times to visit Epcot. If you are planning a vacation anytime from March to May please make sure to enhance your experience by taking time to meander around World Showcase.

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Top Five Disney Desserts I Would Love on my Thanksgiving Table! ~ and their recipes

After the turkey has been carved and consumed and the sweet potatoes are no more, most people will excuse themselves from the Thanksgiving table for a long winter’s nap. Not my family, out roll the desserts.  Today while doing a little Disney dreaming I began to visualize all my favorite desserts adorning the Thanksgiving Table, a girl can certainly dream. Below I have compiled a list of five Disney desserts I would love to see on my Thanksgiving table!

‘Ohana

Bread Pudding

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Pineapple bread pudding topped with ice cream and covered in caramel sauce.

‘Ohana Bread Pudding Recipe

Tony’s Town Square

Tirmisu

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Espresso-soaked Lady Fingers, Whipped Mascarpone, and Dark Chocolate Shavings.

Just like Tony’s Tiramisu

Raglan Road

Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding

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Bread and Butter Pudding with Butterscotch and Custard Sauces.

Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Writer’s Stop

Carrot Cake Cookie

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Moist Carrot Cake discs sandwiching  cream cheese frosting.

Writer’s Stop Carrot Cake Cookie Recipe

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Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake

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Not really a cake per-say, it’s a “crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside toffee chocolate chip cookie-ish sort of thing.”- Disneyfoodblog.com

Liberty Tree Tavern’s Ooey Gooey  Toffee Cake Recipe

There it is folks, the five desserts I would love to find on my Thanksgiving table today.  How about you? How many of these have you tried and would love to have a serving of today?!

 

 

A Mecca of Entertainment ~ Downtown Disney- WDW

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Welcome to those of you joining me from Rolling with the Magic and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

Need a day off from the parks?  Looking for a leisure day of shopping, shows, action, and a variety of cuisine?

Then Downtown Disney is the perfect place for you!  Day or night this place is hopping with excitement!  This Mecca of diverse amusement is divided into three sections.

Marketplace,

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Pleasure Island,

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and West Side. 

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I would suggest finding a map or using My Disney Experience on your smartphone to help navigate through this island of entertainment.

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Let’s begin with shopping ~ Shopping in Walt Disney World is a MUST!  Where else can we get our fix of a multitude of Disney merchandise?

Clothing to Crystals, Pins to Vinylmation -it’s here!  Let’s start out in Marketplace, this is where the majority of DTD (Downtown Disney) retail locations reside.  You can design a special Disney Family T-shirt,

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find that special family holiday ornament,

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and visit Mickey’s Pantry for a unique culinary utensil. 

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Browse through a shop of extraordinary works of art, or are the kids begging for something a little more fun?  Check out the magnificent Lego Imagination Center, where you can build your own Lego car and enter it in a race amongst other Lego enthusiasts! 

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Some specialty shops that intrigue me are Lefty’s, where gifts are geared to that special left handed someone in your life, Marketplace Fun Finds- everything is $25.00 and under, a great place to find souvenirs that won’t break the bank! And my all time personal favorite store Tren-D! 

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The most awesome Disney Designed clothing and accessories! 

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If you don’t have the patience to visit all these specialty shops then I suggest two places, World of Disney and the brand new amazing Marketplace Co-Op.  World of Disney just about covers every shopping need one may have, if you need it, most likely World of Disney has it.  The brand new Marketplace Co-Op houses an array of specialty items, many of which are Disney themed. 

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We can keep on shopping but we have other places to visit, anyone hungry?  Let’s eat!  Just want a snack, need something sweet?  Want to sit down and relax while you enjoy a delicious meal?  You can do all that at DTD.  You can find food trucks, pubs, candy shops, fun dining, and fine dining. 

A fairly new addition to DTD cuisine is food trucks offering dishes inspired by each of the Disney theme parks.  These trucks will be finding their permanent home this summer in the West Side area.

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Some of my favorite inexpensive in price but rich in flavor eateries are, Earl of Sandwich and Wolf Gang Puck Express both found within Marketplace.  Food is fresh and made to order, I am never disappointed when dining at either location.

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If you are looking for FUN dining, my all time favorite is T-Rex, located in Pleasure Island. 

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Each room is themed in varied prehistoric landscapes with a raining meteor shower every 15 minutes. 

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Right outside is a Dino Dig Bone Yard to keep the kids entertained while waiting for a table. 

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If Fine Dining is more your speed, Fulton’s Crab House or Portobello can both be found in Pleasure Island.  Fulton’s is located in a large paddleboat permanently docked at the entrance to Pleasure Island and centers most of their menu on seafood, though chicken and steak are available as well. 

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Portobello is Italian cuisine in a Mediterranean setting; indoor and outdoor lakeside seating is available.

Looking for that laid back pub feel?  Head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant located in Pleasure Island.  They have an amazing menu along with a great array of beverages to help make your smile even brighter! 

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You may be treated to some Irish Step Dancing while dining; if you choose to dine later in the evening you will be entertained by a live band.

Take a little BBQ, some outdoor seating, live entertainment and a great cocktail and you have The Smokehouse at House of Blues in West Side.  It doesn’t get more laid back than this!

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Time to get your sweet on!  We can stay in West Side and check out the Candy Cauldron or hike it back to Marketplace to Goofy’s Candy Co. 

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Either one promises to delight with their brightly colored sugary concoctions!  What’s that?  You wanted ice cream?  Then come on, we’re going to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop! 

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You can smell the aroma of warm fudgey chocolate even before reaching the door!

 So are we full?  I’d say so!  Ready for more fun?      

DTD has an range of entertainment; rain or shine they have it covered!  Most of this amusement takes place in West Side, let’s take a look at what’s going on!

Have you ever been in a Hot Air Balloon?  Me either, but we can at DTD’s Characters in Flight Balloon Ride!  Travel 400 feet in the air for a 360 degree view of Disney Property!

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Disney Quest is out next stop.  This is not just your ordinary arcade; in this building you will find 5 stories of cutting edge technology – check out what Disney Imagineers dreamt up for these interactive experiences.

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24 screens, 5,400 seats ……. A stadium? Close, it’s AMC Downtown Disney 24.  Check out the latest flicks and enjoy a little lunch or dinner at the same time! 

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How about checking out the new Splitsville Bowling Alley……. And so much more, see the video below to find out what else you can experience in this entertainment complex!

Splitsville at Downtown Disney West Side

We must not leave without seeing Cirque Du Soliel – La Nouba – A theatrical circus presentation.  I have read this is the best live entertainment venue in Orlando!  You will not see this show anywhere else; it is made specifically for Disney!  I have been told it’s a “not to miss experience” and it is at the top of my “Must See” list!

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Besides all this you can find great street entertainment throughout the streets of Pleasure Island and the outskirts of West Side.  Look for a times guide for information on which bands are performing when you are visiting or find an updated entertainment schedule on this website wdwent.com  

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Well that’s going to do it for this tour of Walt Disney World’s entertainment Mecca, Downtown Disney!  

I think we may need help carrying all these shopping bags 😉

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Ashley Aspires.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Disney Babies Blog

2nd Stop ~ Rolling with the Magic

3rd Stop ~ Two Moms and A Mouse

4th Stop ~ Ashley Aspires

Final Stop ~ 400 Miles to Disneyland