Taryn's Mad Hatter Adventures

Tales from my (mostly Disney) travels!
Taryn's Mad Hatter Adventures
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  • Category: Dining Review

    • An Afternoon at Hollywood Studios–The Incredibles at Pixar Place, Baseline Tap House

      Posted at 12:00 pm by taryngirl, on April 12, 2019

      2/27/19

      Because we were near the front of Epcot, we opted for the bus to take us to Hollywood Studios vs. walking to the back of Epcot and getting on the boat to DHS.  So we waited, and waited, and waited.  A bus finally came!  It was also raining at this point.  BUT…we were headed to ride Slinky Dog!

      Here you can see the Disney Skyliner system that is under construction.  It is scheduled to open this fall!

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      Once inside we headed directly to Slinky Dog Dash to use our FP+.    From there, we stood in line for 20-30 minutes so I could do Toy Story Midway Mania!  On the way out of Toy Story Land, we stopped to check out The Incredibles at Pixar Place.  This is set to be in place on Pixar Place until September 30th.  There’s a dance party, character meet and greets including Edna Mode, and some special treats for purchase.  They also have a really awesome “Wall of Disney!” IMG_4244IMG_4249IMG_4246IMG_4245IMG_4226 2

      You can see they do have some items that are snacks on the Dining Plan.

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      Chrissy was getting hungry, so we made our way to Baseline Tap House.  Neither of us had ever been here!

      (The currently closed ride.)

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      They have a limited food menu here.  But all options that pair nicely with beer!

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      Chrissy ordered a beer flight.  And I ordered the Black Cherry Soda, which apparently I forgot to take a picture of!IMG_4255IMG_4256IMG_4257

      This was all REALLY GOOD!  And I would definitely come here for a quick snack and drink.  The outdoor seating is really nice and the atmosphere cozy.

      There was one more show for the Frozen Sing Along, and we decided to hit it on the way out!  We were almost in the front row and the show was less than half full.  Our favorite actor was there so that definitely made it fun!

      Posted in Dining Review, Disney, Hollywood Studios, Snacks, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Baseline Tap House, Disney, Hollywood Studios, Pixar Place, Snacks, The Incredibles
    • Epcot Morning Touring

      Posted at 12:29 pm by taryngirl, on April 9, 2019

      2/27/19

      After breakfast at All Star Movies, we headed to Epcot.  We got there around 11:30 a.m.  We were in no rush.  We had some FP+ scheduled and were really having a leisurely day.

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      We noticed that Spaceship Earth had been down all morning, but when we walked through the gates they must have just opened up.  So we hopped right on it with no wait!  It was my most unusual ride this time.  Our car was very jerky and squeaky, and our little interactive screen on the way down wasn’t working correctly.

      From there we needed to head to our Frozen Ever After FP+.  We cut through the walkway to the left and got some good views of the scenery being set up for the Flower & Garden Festival.

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      It really was a perfect day weather wise!

      We didn’t eat here, but I snapped a quick picture of the current Quick Service Menu at La Cantina de San Angel.  This is located right on the water outside of the Mexico pavilion.

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      This is the menu for the Mexico table service restaurant that is open for dinner, La Hacienda de San Angel.  This is located outside of the Mexico pavilion on the water, and is only open for dinner.

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      Much to our delight, some of the topiaries were up!  In Norway:

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      After riding Frozen Ever After, we were deciding what we wanted to eat for lunch.  We planned to snack around at some quick service places, but we weren’t TOO hungry yet.  We had eaten in China last time and I LOVED IT!  So that was on my mind…

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      We took a quick jaunt through the shops here.  It’s one of my favorite…maybe because I am part Chinese?  Maybe because I love what they offer?  I’m not sure!

      When exiting out the back, we came across this neat find:

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      I was trying to ask the man questions, but he was taking pictures and trying to get people to purchase.  I didn’t know if it was a temporary thing, part of Flower & Garden that would be starting, etc.  Later on, he actually was carrying one through the Lotus Blossom and showing people who were eating there.

      Of course I decided I wanted to eat at the Lotus Blossom Cafe. This was the current menu at the time.  It had different things on it since we had eaten there in January!

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      I went with the Beef Noodle Mongolian Style.  This has a little kick, so be aware!  But it was so good!

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      After that, we continued through the countries until it was time to head to our Nemo FP+.  We took the boat back to the other side.

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      We had time before our FP+ and wanted to shop, so we went to MouseGear first.  This is one of my favorite shops anywhere!  (I made a purchase but had absolutely NO room left to take anything back since I only had a backpack.  I had it shipped directly to my house for somewhere around $7!)

      After our Nemo FP+ we went over to the Land pavilion for a snack.  On the way down to Sunshine Seasons, we stopped at this little counter area at the exit of the Living With the Land ride.  They had these super cute plants!

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      If I had space in my luggage, I would have purchased one of these!  It’s the perfect gift for my youngest daughter, and so neat to think we have a piece of “the Land” in our home!

      We were in the dessert mood, and couldn’t decide between these two things:

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      A fabulous piece of Carrot Cake.

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      A Whoopie Pie.IMG_4230 2

      The Carrot Cake was the for sure winner!  It was SO GOOD.  Moist and amazing frosting.  The Whoopie Pie was just ehhhh.  I doubt I would get it again.

      We had one more FP+ to use here at Journey Into Imagination With Figment.  As soon as we used it, Chrissy was on the app securing another FP+.  We decided to head over to Hollywood Studios because she was able to get SLINKY DOG DASH!!!

      In case you wondered…here are three different flavors of popcorn located near the entrance to Figment!  To my knowledge, you can get the refills in your bucket with these flavors.IMG_4231 2

      We stopped at Guest Services on the way to the bus to Hollywood Studios to see if they still had any Figment magnets for Annual Passholders…SCORE!  They did.  We did have to show our AP and he did look us up online.

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      Posted in Dining Review, Disney, Epcot, Quick Service, Snacks, Touring Plan, Uncategorized, World Showcase | 0 Comments | Tagged Dining Review, Epcot, Flower & Garden Festival, Lotus Blossom Cafe, Quick Service, Sunshine Seasons, The Land, Touring Plan, World Showcase
    • Breakfast at Disney’s All Star Movies

      Posted at 2:42 pm by taryngirl, on March 19, 2019

      2/27/19

      I really try to eat Mickey waffles every time I go to Disney.  This trip was no different!  I checked the online menus before staying here and was super happy to see them listed!

      We were heading to Epcot today and weren’t in a super hurry.  We had some FP+, but they were for later and we weren’t planning on rope dropping anything.

      We stopped at the food court on the way to the bus stop.

      Here are the various menus for the different “windows.”

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      There really is something for everyone.  They also have the grab and go cases available, cereal, bagels, pastries, etc.

      Chrissy opted for one of the Breakfast Flatbread Pizzas and a side of Potato Barrels.  I tried a bite and it was yummy!  IMG_4154

      This is my go-to meal.  Mickey Waffles with Sausage (no bacon, so extra sausage) and Breakfast Potatoes.  SO GOOD!  I don’t know what it is about Disney sausage, but it’s my absolute favorite.  Especially with the waffles.

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      I would also have this the next day for breakfast…

      Posted in All Star Movies, Dining Review, Disney, Quick Service, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World Resort | 0 Comments | Tagged All Star Movies, Dining Review, Disney, Foodie, Quick, Walt Disney World
    • A Quick Getaway – All Star Movies!

      Posted at 2:57 pm by taryngirl, on March 1, 2019

      2/26/19 Part One

      I received an email invitation for a Disney Annual Passholder after hours event.  In checking my calendar…I was free. In checking flight prices…they were dirt cheap!  In checking with a travel buddy…she was free to attend also!  What start out as a 1 day trip, ended up being 2 days. 

      The first step was getting reservations for the event.  They are extremely limited in number and it’s first come first served.   Success for us both! 

      The next step was booking a resort.  I was able to find a room at All Star Movies with an Annual Passholder (AP) rate.  Total cost…$238 including tax for 2 nights in a Standard room.  And finally, I had to book my airfare.  I fiddled around with Philadelphia and Harrisburg.  I was able to get good pricing on way down to Orlando from Philly with my friend.  But my return flight would be to Harrisburg. Total cost for airfare was about $90 TOTAL on Frontier.  (I usually fly Southwest form Philadelphia.  Just last August Frontier began service from Harrisburg.  I also recently became a Den Club Member.  Harrisburg is actually closer to me and an easier drive, so I was excited to try it!). We also realized this would be a birthday trip for both of us!  

      I was up at out the door at 4 a.m. for the drive.  Our flight was smooth and we arrived a half hour early into Orlando.  Since we were only coming for two park days, we packed everything in a backpack to use as our personal item.  With Frontier Airlines, the flight is usually cheaper but you pay for each “add on”.  Carry on baggage, checked baggage, choosing a seat…these all have costs.  See HERE for full information on Frontier’s policies.  

      We headed for the Magical Express which is located on the B side of the airport.  From landing until arrival at our resort, it was about an hour.  Our Magical Express had stops at Coronado Springs, All Star Sports, All Star Music and finally our resort, All Star Movies.  It was a packed bus!

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      Our plan was to check in at the desk even though we had the room number texted to us.  We wanted to get our birthday buttons, decline mousekeeping so we could get a gift card, and make sure my Magicband worked since it didn’t at the airport.  (I had completed online check in and got the text that our room was ready while we were on the Magical Express.). We also wanted to get lunch at the food court and then head to the room to drop things off.  

      Here are some pictures of the food court!  We made it there at about 12:45 p.m. which is prime lunchtime and it was surprisingly EMPTY!  The food court has several different “bays” that you can order from.  Here is an overall menu featuring all of the bays:

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      This surprised me!  A wine display!

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      (Dining Plan Eligible)

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      We both decided to order from here!  I honestly couldn’t decide.  I get too overwhelmed with too many choices.  I was running around from bay to bay trying to narrow it down.IMG_3996IMG_3997IMG_3998IMG_3999IMG_4001

      I opted for the Meatball Sandwich and it came with 2 sides.  I could pick from chips, a roll or a side salad.  This was actually a lot of food for the cost I though!  The chips were amazing and the meatballs were really good.  The castmember was also very friendly and talkative. IMG_4002

      My friend ordered the Spinach Artichoke Pasta and also got two sides.  I’m assuming it was good because she ate it all!IMG_4003IMG_4004IMG_4005

      Overall I really liked the variety and the quality for it being a “value’s” food court!

      My friend decided she really wanted dessert so she went back up for this Cookie Dough.  Since she was wearing her birthday button, they gave it to her for free!  It was also very good!

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      Part 2 up next…the actual resort and our room!

      Posted in All Star Movies, Dining Review, Disney, Quick Service, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World Resort | 0 Comments | Tagged All Star Movies, Disney, Disney's Magical Express, Food Court, Food Picture, Foodie, Magical Express, Walt Disney World
    • Animal Kingdom Morning Touring

      Posted at 10:32 am by taryngirl, on February 23, 2019

      8/17/18

      Our plan was to be up and out of the room early today, but we got a late start!  We got to the bus stop at 9:20 a.m. and ended up not getting to Animal Kingdom until 10:20.  There were 4 scooters waiting to get on!  So we missed our Safari FastPass+.

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      We did make it to our second FastPass+, Dinosaur!  This is my favorite ride in AK.

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      I think Kaylee is screaming in Alex’s ear here…hahahahaha.

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      Donald’s Dino-Bash was happening while we were there.  The whole land is transformed into a celebration.  There are special character spots with Launchpad McQuack and others!

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      Kinsey had her very first meet and greet ever with Pocahontas!  She spent several minutes with her.  It was very special!  These are all PhotoPass pictures.

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      We stopped to enjoy It’s Tough to be a Bug on the way over to Pandora.  This can be scary for little kids believe it or not.  At one point it gets pitch black while spiders descend from the ceiling and smoke blows into the room!

      From there we headed over to Pandora for our Flights of Passage FastPass+.  Sadly I don’t ride this because of my motion sick issues.

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      I spent some time watching this man in the utility suit while I waited.

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      This is one of my favorite backdrops for pictures!  It’s become a tradition now so I take pictures of my daughters here each time.

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      Lunch was of course at my favorite Satul’i Canteen.

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      Cheeseburger Steamed Pod (Kid’s Meal)–Steamed Cheeseburger Pod stuffed with Ground Beef, Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle and Cheddar Cheese served with Vegetable Chips and Grapes.  It also comes with a drink (not pictured).

      We cut this and shared it amongst everyone.  It’s very good!  It’s a nice little appetizer.

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      Chopped Wood Grilled Chicken Bowl–Choice of base (I did rice!), wood grilled chicken, vegetable slaw, with your choice of sauce.

      This is my go to and one of my favorite quick service meals in all of Disney!  I say this in every trip report, but it’s a nice change from the regular offerings.

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      I always get all 3 sauces and mix them together in my bowl!

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      Chili Garlic Shrimp Bowl–Shrimp tossed in chili garlic sauce with noodles and vegetable slaw

      This is a little bit spicy!  Spicier than anyone was anticipating.  But still good!

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      Slow Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl–Slow roasted marinated beef with choice of base and vegetable slaw with bobos.

      The inside of the restaurant:

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      This was my first time watching UP!  A Great Bird Adventure Show since it changed from Flights of Wonder.  I reallllly loved the Flights of Wonder show.  I think it was an often forgot about experience in Animal Kingdom.

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      The new show was okay.  It wasn’t my favorite though!  Some of the elements were the same as the old show.  And some were new.  I encourage you to check it out at least once!

      Posted in Animal Kingdom, Dining Review, Quick Service, Satu'li Canteen, Touring Plan, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Animal Kingdom, Dining Review, Pocahontas, Quick Service, Satu'li Canteen
    • Magic Kingdom After-Fireworks Dessert Party

      Posted at 12:45 pm by taryngirl, on February 18, 2019

      8/16/18

      In all of my times traveling to Disney World, I have NEVER done a dessert party!  For one, my husband does not really like dessert, and two, it’s pricey!  When I saw that a new AFTER Fireworks Dessert Party was introduced, it intrigued me.  I DREAD when fireworks are over and there’s a stampede to exit…crowds, pushing, etc.  What better way to avoid all of that than eating some dessert!

      I booked us online and the cost was $69 for an adult and $41 for a child.

      Upon arrival, we headed to Tomorrowland Terrace area.  There were two different check-in stands as there are multiple dessert parties that you can do.  They issued us wristbands and then we had an escort to our reserved seating area in the Plaza Garden.  (You can check in up to an hour prior to the fireworks!). Once inside the Plaza Garden area, it’s free seating/standing anywhere you can find space.  It was not crowded at all when we got there.  We ended up here:

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      View straight ahead.

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      To our left.

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      To our right.

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      Most people at this point were just sitting on the lawn waiting.  We didn’t feel crowded or squished at all!

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      Behind us:

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      It’s starting!!

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      Our view was spectacular!  On very crowded, hot days, this experience may be worth it just for the lack of stress with the fireworks viewing!

      Once the Happily Ever After fireworks were over, we headed directly back to Tomorrowland Terrace for the dessert party (while everyone else was bum-rushing the exit!).  We checked in again at the podium and showed our wristbands.

      There were so many amazing options!

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      Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake!

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      POG Juice!

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      The seating area.  You can see it wasn’t full at all!

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      Overall, WE LOVED IT!  I would absolutely do it again (and skip dinner prior).  With the egg rolls and spinach dip, that was a meal itself!  I loved that everything was a small serving allowing us to sample multiple things.  I especially loved the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake with ice cream, the macaroons, and the chocolate covered strawberries.

      I would love to hear if you have ever done a dessert party?  Let me know in the comments!

      Posted in Dessert Party, Dining Review, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Dessert Party, Dining Review, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
    • Magic Kingdom Morning and Breakfast at Be Our Guest

      Posted at 5:11 pm by taryngirl, on February 8, 2019

      8/16/18

      We had 9:30 a.m. breakfast reservations at Be Our Guest.  Since we were staying at Bay Lake Tower, we walked over!  It’s a quick, short, painless walk.  And you have your own security on the walkway over, so you avoid the mass screening lines once you arrive.

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      We were meeting my cousin in front of Be Our Guest, and made it there just in time.  This gentleman greeted us on the walk across the bridge.

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      So many fun details in this restaurant!

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      These fellas are lined up along where you wait to order.

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      Be Our Guest is one of the few Quick Service locations that accept Advanced Dining Reservations.  You can also order ahead for breakfast or lunch up to 30 days prior to your reservation.  Under My Reservations a link will appear next to your reservation.  You don’t have to do this though if you are not sure what you want!  I can be indecisive so I never order ahead.  I like to see what I’m hungry for once I get there.  ***NOTE!  This is from August.  Pricing has gone up since then and is not $28 for an entree!  the menu itself is also different now!  They have added just waffles, French toast sticks, etc.

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      Ordering is done on a touchscreen or with a live person.  They had both when we were there.

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      Breakfast and lunch seating is wherever you can find a spot!  There are three different “rooms” that you can choose from…Grand Ballroom, Rose Garden, and West Wing.  The Grand Ballroom has the most seating.  For dinner you are seated where they put you.

      Grand Ballroom:

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      West Wing:

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      I like to eat in the West Wing if I can find a table!  The rose is in this room and the room goes through a transformation as time goes on.

      For breakfast, you get a plate of pastries for your party.  My cousin and I ordered separately, so they got their own plate.  So this was just for 2 of us!  I didn’t order Kinsey an entree or meal here.  I knew she would just eat these pastries!
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      My meal:

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      Open-Faced Bacon and Egg Sandwich–Poached Eggs, Applewood Bacon, Brie Cheese, and Arugula on a Croissant served with Fresh Fruit.

      I loved this actually.  I have a hard time paying $25 for a breakfast though!  So we definitely don’t eat here every trip.  It’s more of a splurge.  It IS a good value on the dining plan for a Quick Service though.  A beverage also comes along with the entree.

      My cousin’s:

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      Vegetable Quiche–Mushroom, Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Onion and Chive Quiche served with Fresh Fruit

      My cousin’s:

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      Feast A La Gaston–Scrambled Eggs, Herb-Roasted Potatoes, Apple Smoked Bacon, and Sausage served with Fresh Fruit

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      After our yummy breakfast, we hit some rides in Fantasyland on the way to our first Fastpass+ at Haunted Mansion.

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      Posted in Be Our Guest, Dining Review, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Quick Service, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Be Our Guest, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Quick Service, Walt Disney World
    • Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic at Epcot

      Posted at 9:55 am by taryngirl, on February 5, 2019

      8/15/18

      Being a Disney Vacation Club Member does have some perks!  There are some special events held throughout the year for us.  We were lucky that one was happening while we were there!  I also was luckily able to get tickets…these events sell out quickly!  It’s a free event, but they limit the number of people.

      The event time was 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., however attendees could start entering at 6 p.m.  Upon arrival, we were given our food vouchers (a quick service meal was included), a wristband and a map/schedule of events through a special check in line.

       

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      Each person was given a voucher for a quick service meal available at one of the locations listed above.

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      We headed straight for Sunshine Seasons!

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      Mongolian Beef–Mongolian Beef and Vegetables served with Rice (You can pick from fried or white rice). $13.49

      This was my meal.  I never really get to eat lunch here.  Usually only breakfast because I am waiting while people are riding Soarin’.  This was good!  The dessert was the Key Lime Tart, and one of my favorites!  I did pay out of pocket for the dessert here.

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      (I have no idea which this is!)

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      This was a special for the evening I believe, as I can’t find it on the regular menu!

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      Slow Roasted Pork Loin–Slow Roasted with Mashed Potatoes, Barbecue Sauce (she got it without) and Corn on the Cob $13.99

      I think this was just okay.  A little bit dry if I recall.

      When we were finished eating, we headed towards Spaceship Earth.  (We had FP+ for this evening!  We were able to make them for regular park hours before the official party started.)

      After our Spaceship Earth FP+, we headed to our Test Track FP+.

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      It was really hot and muggy this evening.  Another perk for the party was unlimited fountain beverages.  We stopped in Electric Umbrella for some drinks and for Kinsey’s meal of Chicken Nuggets.

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      Mousegears is one of my favorite stores!  So of course I had to check it out and see what seasonal merchandise they had.

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      They have really stepped up their game!  It used to just be a few t-shirts.  If you happen to come unprepared for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, don’t worry!  They have plenty you can choose from!

      From here, my cousin and her family wanted to meet Sebastian.  He had one of the longest lines!  Kinsey and I rode Nemo while they waited.  There was a steel drum band for entertainment while waiting in the line!

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      We went from there to the dance party that was happening with a live DJ.  Kinsey couldn’t get enough!

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      It was soon time for the fireworks, so we walked to the edge of the World Showcase.

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      After that, we were pretty tired, so we headed back to the resort.

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      Overall, it was a really fun time!  There were other rare characters to meet but that wasn’t our focus.  We just wanted to have a good time and hit a few rides.  Oh, and have a Mickey Bar!  I would definitely do this again if we happened to be there during these special events.

      Posted in Dining Review, Disney, Epcot, Quick Service, Sunshine Seasons, Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Disney, Disney Vacation Club, Epcot, Moonlight Magic, Quick Service, Sunshine Seasons
    • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Three Broomsticks Lunch

      Posted at 8:08 pm by taryngirl, on February 4, 2019
      We continued on to Hogsmeade and headed straight for Three Broomsticks!
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      We got there at a really good time.  There actually is a queue outside so the cash register areas do not get too jammed, and so the doors are not blocked for those who are exiting.  We luckily avoided this and walked right inside.
      Here’s a picture of the breakfast menu that they serve.
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      And the lunch menu:
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      We already knew we were all going to get The Great Feast!  When getting the feast, you cannot use a quick service credit per person.

               Once you are in the line inside, the first person you get to will tell you what register   number to go to.  You place your order at the register and they normally hand you your food right there.  We were such a big group with 3 orders of the feast, so they just gave us our drinks and brought our food to the table.  We were given a number to put on our table.

      There is another person who seats you.  I think this is to avoid people saving seats.

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      The chicken was moist, and the ribs were good!  I loved the potatoes and the vegetables.  I could do without the corn on the cob.
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      I really enjoyed this meal!  I thought it was really good.  When looking at the price, it almost seems cheaper to order just a single serving per person.  But it was fun to get it in a feast!  

      I would definitely return here!

      Posted in Dining Review, Islands of Adventure, Quick Service, Uncategorized, Wizarding World of Harry Potter | 0 Comments | Tagged Dining Review, Harry Potter, Hogsmeade, Islands of Adventure, Quick Service, Three Broomsticks, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
    • Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

      Posted at 1:20 pm by taryngirl, on January 20, 2019

      I was lucky enough to enjoy the latest character meal being offered in Walt Disney World!  Storybook Dining with Snow White!  I was in Orlando for a travel agent training, so I joined several other agents at Artist Point in the Wilderness Lodge on January 10, 2019.

      We took Lyft from Animal Kingdom Lodge where we were staying.  We got Lyft XL as there were 6 of us, and the cost was about $3 per person once we split it up with tip.  There is no direct bus from resort to resort.  So we would have had to bus to Magic Kingdom, then get on a boat or another bus to Wilderness Lodge.  It was just easier to do Lyft and we were there in a jiffy!

      Wilderness Lodge is GORGEOUS!   The lobby is stunning.  I personally have never stayed here but I would love to!  I felt like I was in a cabin in the mountains somewhere.  Here are a couple of shots of the lobby.

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      Check in for Artist Point is through the lobby and to the left.  At the check-in desk, the hostess was sure to tell us to enjoy our “60 minute dining experience.”  She sent us up the ramp where another hostess sat us at our table immediately.  She also said, “Enjoy your 60 minute dining experience.”

      Artist Point has been magically transformed into an enchanted forest for this special character dining experience.  It used to house a different restaurant, and the switch excited half the people, and upset the other half.  Now, you can dine with Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy, who come to visit you at your table, and the Evil Queen who is stationed in the center of the dining room and you go to her to get your picture taken.  Kind of like the Beast at Be Our Guest for dinner.

      Also noting, we were staying 1 night at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and we all had the Disney Dining Plan for this 1 night stay.  This dinner is $55 plus tax for an adult.  The Dining Plan costs $75.49 per adult.  Dinner also comes with a drink, which can be an alcoholic drink, and we all know those cost more than a soda!  So besides this meal, we still had 1 Quick Service Meal (also comes with an alcoholic drink if you wish), 2 Snacks, and the Refillable Mug.  We more than made out by using the Dining Plan this night.. You can read more about the different Dining Plans HERE.

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      We were seated and greeted by our waiter.  He welcomed us to our “60 minute dining experience.”  (What the heck!  They really want you in and out!). He took our drink orders and explained the menu.  We all opted for an alcoholic drink, as this came with the Dining Plan.  This dinner is a little bit different, as everyone receives the appetizers and desserts automatically.  You don’t get a choice.  You DO get to choose your main course though.

      Almost immediately, Snow White stopped by our table.  One of our agents was FaceTiming her daughter so she could see the restaurant, and just then Snow White stopped by!  She had a really cool interaction with her…asking her if she was in a magic mirror!

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      We wanted a group picture with her, which was impossible at our table.  So we had to move to out to the hostess stand.

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      She was really great and stayed in character the entire time!

      The Menu:

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      This is the “allergy” menu they provided us when asked.

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      I opted for the “A Brew of Peaches.”  It sounded like it was going to be sweet and fruity!  Peach, raspberry, sugar and bourbon.  How bad could it be?

      2019-01-12 07.36.27

      Well…it was SO STRONG!  All I could taste was bourbon.  I actually thought it wasn’t my drink and he made a mistake.  We passed it all around the table!  But alas, this was the drink I ordered.  I ended up giving it to my friend and just had water.  Notice the drippings down the side of the glass.  I think that was the sugar!  I think everyone else enjoyed their drinks.  Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures.

      These were our place settings.

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      The characters here do not sign autographs.  Instead you receive this apple with signatures attached to your napkin.

      While we were waiting for appetizers, Grumpy found us.

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      His character was great!  He “happily” took a picture with each of us.

      Our appetizers arrived.  They are placed on this spinning “tree” that is attached to the center of the table.  Our party of six had two tables pushed together.  So three were on this table and three on the other, except they had all 6 shrimp in this one jar.

      These are shared and are one per person.2019-01-12 07.31.07

      Up first is the Winter Squash Bisque.  Caramel Loli, Granola.  The white thing on the stick is actually marshmallow that is meant to be stirred into the soup.

      2019-01-12 07.31.54

      This was my favorite of the three items given to us.  It was smooth and creamy and tasted really good.  It was maybe 4-5 spoonfuls.

      Next, is the Hunter’s Pie.  Chicken, black truffle, stone fruit preserve.

      2019-01-12 07.32.39These were just okay.  The center of the pastry part…the chicken was actually hard.  Like a solid disc.  I dipped it into the preserves which tasted ok.  I personally didn’t love this!  Maybe 1.5 inch in diameter.

      Last was the Wicked Shrimp Cocktail.  Soy, Miso, Avocado, Thai Chili, Greens.

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      I don’t eat shrimp so didn’t taste this.  I’m not allergic, I just don’t like it.  Two others in our group also don’t eat it.  So at the start of our ordering, one person mentioned it.  He brought here this next picture…a Tomato Salad.

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      She also doesn’t eat tomatoes!  So she gave it to me.  This was delicious!  Fresh and really good flavor.

      Overall, my opinion on the appetizers…not my favorite!  Really small portions and I would prefer to choose what I would like to eat and not have a preset menu.

      While waiting for our main course, Dopey found us.

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      He was super cute and playful compared to Grumpy!

      Our main courses had finally arrived!

      I ordered the Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken.  Confit Potatoes, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Apples and Chestnut Butter (Two views below!)

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      This was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!  The chicken (yes there is a bone) was so moist and flavorful with the sauce.  The Brussel sprouts were cooked perfectly and tasted great with the sauce and potatoes.  I would definitely order this again if I ever went back!

      My friend ordered the Magic Mirror Slow-Braised Veal Shank.

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      Three others ordered the Royal Prime Rib Roast.  Horseradish Mashed Potato, Hay-Smoked Carrots, Popover, Jus

      2019-01-12 17.51.41

      Some ordered with regular mashed potatoes.  This had mixed reviews!  One person commented that they wished they kept the horseradish mashed potatoes instead of regular.

      The below picture is the Brother’s Grimm Chicken with Broccolini substituted for Brussel Sprouts.

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      Every now and then, music came over for all to hear, and the characters danced around the dining room.

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      While we were waiting for our dessert, someone came to our table to tell us the Evil Queen would be leaving soon, so we might want to go see her now.

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      She was REALLLLLLLY good!  She was not friendly, and not nice.  Haha!

      Our dessert was brought soon after we got back to our table.  These were also shared and were 1 per person.

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      Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie–Meringue, Gooseberry

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      This tasted kind of like apple pie!  It was tasty, and small.  Maybe 3 spoonfuls??

      “Poison” Apple–White Chocolate-Apple Mouse, Sour Center

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      This was super cute and tasted just ok.  Gone in two bites!

      Miner’s Treasures–Sponge Cake, Chocolate Gems, and Buttercream Icing

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      This was my favorite of the three!  I loved the addition of the chocolate gems, and the buttercream frosting was really good!

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      Just when we thought we were finished (we were way past 60 minutes here by the way!), our waiter showed up with this:

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      He explained that this was The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen.  Cracked Maple Popcorn, Ganache Heart.

      To me it was a little strange!  He scooped it out of the box with a spoon and put it on the plate.

      Overall Impression:

      This is a great deal if you have the Disney Dining Plan.  The character interactions were great.  I loved my main course.  The decor in the restaurant was neat.  There is a photo pass photographer at the Evil Queen.

      I thought the appetizer and dessert portions were small.  I don’t like not having a choice! If you are a particularly picky eater, I don’t know if this is the restaurant for you.

      I would eat here again, but only if on the Dining Plan.

      I would love to hear any comments or questions you may have!  Have you eaten here?  What was your favorite part of the dining experience?

      Posted in Artist Point, Dining Review, Disney, Uncategorized, Vacation, Walt Disney World Resort, Wilderness Lodge | 0 Comments | Tagged Artist Point, Dinner, Disney, Disney Dining Plan, Foodie, Resort, Seven Dwarves, Snow White, Storybook Dining, Table Service, Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge
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