#Epcot – Rooting to Rise

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

Posted on February 16, 2015May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

Starting first with Canada and their beautiful Victoria Gardens~

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

Finding a Little Disney in My Christmas……

Posted on January 5, 2015April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

My dream is to stay in Walt Disney World during the Christmas Season; I have only seen the Magical Holiday Splendor in pictures. If I close my eyes…… I can see myself standing on Main Street USA at nightfall as the “snow” swirls around me, gorgeous greenery suspended above the streets and endless wreaths hung upon the lamp posts from the Train Station to Cinderella Castle. One day this will be my reality, but for now I search for a little Disney in each Christmas Season.

Here are a handful of places I found Disney right in my own “backyard”, here in New York state ~

Main Street USA is about 1,095 miles from Maybrook, NY

Though A Frosty Fest is just 44 miles away ~

Instead of the Candlelight Processional

I have the Maybrook/Montgomery Girl Scout Troop

Here they are singing…..Do You Want To Build A Snowman?

I may not have the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

BUT….. I have the Lights on Frozen Ridge Road

Unfortunately we are not able to meet with Olaf….

However we had his family member visit us in our front yard!

I can not saunter through Epcot, World Showcase at a moments notice…..

Although, I can stroll through our local Arboretum which is full of nuances to World Showcase along with majestic gardens.

Thank you for joining me with Finding a Little Disney in my Christmas! May we all find a little Disney in our every day lives.

~Maureen

Quick Tip Tuesday ~ A Must Have!

Posted on September 30, 2014April 24, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Recently Nicole and her family paid Epcot a visit and of course they had to take a walk around World Showcase for a peek at the Food and Wine Festival. Upon their visit they discovered this handy invention.

A miniature tray with a cup holder and just enough room for a snack. How ingenious, not just for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival but for at home as well! What a great item to travel with in the car on long trips or for a picnic! You could even use these while at any park within Walt Disney World. I just love these miniature trays. They can be purchased at Epcot for $5.oo each- a great souvenir that you can use over and over. 🙂

~Maureen

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

Four Magical Cast Member Experiences

Posted on June 18, 2014April 29, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Continuing on with our Magical Theme this week >>>>> I would like to talk about the Disney Magic within Disney’s Cast Members.

Walt Disney Parks are known for their stellar hospitality and I have to say in most cases I am in agreement. I want to share with you some great experiences my family has had with Walt Disney Cast Members:

At the Caribbean Beach Resort a manager walked by the pool area and stopped to inquire how my family was enjoying their vacation. My husband shared with the cast member of management how Rebekah just learned to swim right at that moment in that pool. She took a Caribbean Beach Disney pin off her shirt and presented it to Rebekah to congratulate her for this accomplishment!

While dining at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot with Rebekah and my sister in-law, we spotted a cast member with a little extra Disney Magic. As he was cleaning and straightening tables he would stop and ask near by guest’s their name and then serenade them with their own personal song. As he came closer to our table he asked Rebekah if it was her birthday, she replied “no”. He began to sing a “very merry unbirthday to you” and incorporated her name in the song; he was very sweet and entertaining!

At Whispering Canyon Café my husband, Rebekah and I had a knee slapping experience with our CM waitress. We were very tired that morning because it was toward the end of our Magical vacation week. We soon pepped up, this hooting hollering CM had us practically rolling on the floor with laughter. She knew just what we needed to spark up our magical day!

While on our Two Moms and A Mouse trip to WDW, Nicole and I met a lovely young lady who was a cast member in World Showcase Germany. Her name was Christina. Christina was more than eager to start up a conversation with us. We had ordered the Wine Flight and were ready for take off…….just as Christina came aboard. She asked how we were enjoying our beverages and began to answer our many questions about her country. Since Nicole and I were in such a celebratory mood she also talked to us about Germany’s celebrations and taught us how to say “Cheers!” in German. “PROST! to Christina!”

There is a wonderful cast and crew that help to create the abundance of magic Disney displays! I have had so many wonderful encounters with many Cast Members, but sometimes you just find some extra special magic in a few of them!

Tell us about your magical encounters with the Magic Making Disney Cast Members!

If you missed out on Monday’s Magic Kingdom’s Montage of Magic check it out!

~Maureen

Easter Bunny comes to Town Square in the Magic Kingdom!

Posted on April 19, 2014May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

The Easter Bunny and his Mrs. have been visiting the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World this week for a daily meet-and-greet in the Town Square area near City Hall. If you are visiting Epcot or Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Sunday you can find them in the Character meet and greet areas.

Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th our Hippity Hoppity friend will start off the pre-parade down Main Street USA!

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

Two Moms Traveling World Showcase (without the kiddies)

Posted on March 12, 2014May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

Today we are visiting Epcot’s World Showcase –
Nicole and I had the opportunity to cruise the world and experience each countries delights. Whether it was a pint of ale with a basket of chips or a glass of wine beside Italy’s 14th century Doge’s Palace we were fully immersed in food, drink and culture. We roamed through gardens of Japan, strolled through streets of Morocco and toasted the Mariachi Cobre (an 11 piece instrumental group) with our authentic margaritas. We saluted World Showcase as we departed for the evening with great smiles upon our faces. Look for more fun filled ventures with Nic and Mo on the Go!

~Maureen

Meeting World Showcase Cast Members…. A highlight of my visit.

Posted on March 11, 2014May 1, 2016 by twomomsadmin

While Nicole and I took our world tour around the lagoon, sampling each countries finest “beverages”, we had the privilege of meeting Christina in Germany. Christina was more than eager to start up a conversation with us, (I think we looked like 2 super amusing gals). We had ordered the Wine Flight and were ready for take off…just as Christina came aboard. She asked how we were enjoying our beverages and began to answer our many questions about her country and their celebrations, since Nicole and I were in a celebratory mood . This became one of many highlights of my Two Moms and a Mouse vacation, it was such a pleasure to meet Christina, I am sure Nicole and I will always remember her. So… when you are visiting World Showcase strike up a conversation with one of their native country residents and enhance your memories on your Disney vacation. “Prost” as we toast to Christina!

~Maureen