Taryn's Mad Hatter Adventures

Tales from my (mostly Disney) travels!
Taryn's Mad Hatter Adventures
  • About Me
  • Home
  • Disney World
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Trip Reports
  • Request a No Obligation Quote
  • Contact
  • Category: Vacation

    • Diagon Alley

      Posted at 10:21 am by taryngirl, on April 30, 2021

      11/16/20

      One of my main goals was to spend some time in Diagon Alley. This whole area is like a page out of the book! There are so many details, that with each trip I notice something new.

      To enter this area, it’s not really marked. You have to just walk in doorways and find it! It’s located next to King’s Cross Station.

      This is King’s Cross Station, where you can board Hogwart’s Express to travel to Islands of Adventure and the village of Hogsmeade.

      Once you walk through the doorway, you are immediately transported to a magical place!

      Immediately to the left is the Leaky Cauldron, which is a quick service eatery

      Keep walking straight ahead and there are a variety of shops, and one of the coolest parts…

      The dragon that sits atop Gringotts Bank is a true fire breathing dragon. It goes off every so many minutes. You will know it’s gearing up to breathe fire when you hear the rumbling starting.

      I love walking through the different shops. There is one called Eyelop’s Owl Emporium/Magical Menagerie. Here you can purchase owls, and all of the other magical pets, as well as items to take care of them.

      If you walk outside of this store, in the window you can see a snake who will speak Parseltounge to you.

      Also located in this area is Knockturn Alley. This is a very dark, walk through area. The theming is amazing! You can see these singing heads:

      Borgin and Burkes shop is located here.


      Everything was decorated for Christmas!

      If you are a super Harry Potter fan, there is no shortage of merchandise depicting your “house.”

      Be sure to visit Gringotts Money Exchange! Behind the counter you will see a goblin. You can ask him a question and see what he has to say. You can trade US currency for Gringotts bank notes. These bank notes may be used for purchases within Diagon Alley at select locations.

      There is no shortage of Butterbeer! There are a few locations that serve it.

      This is also a fun shop! Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes has apparel, toys and other souvenirs.

      You can find all kinds of goodies at Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop!

      Possibly my favorite snack in all of Universal is ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor! They have soft serve, hard pack, and a special feature of Butterbeer ice cream!

      I’m sorry this is partially eaten, but it was hot and melting and I had to start eating it immediately! I can never decide on just one flavor, so I get two…Chocolate Chili and Strawberry and Peanut Butter. SO GOOD! (So good that I went back and got it the next day too…)

      Just outside of Diagon Alley you can find the Knight Bus! There is usually a bus conductor there that you can have conversation with, as well as a shrunken head.

      Overall, we had a great time in Diagon Alley! It was not crowded at all, and the weather was perfect. This is for sure a don’t miss for me!

      Posted in Diagon Alley, Uncategorized, Universal Orlando, Vacation | 0 Comments | Tagged Diagon Alley, Universal, Universal Orlando, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
    • A Stroll Around Universal Studios Florida

      Posted at 11:47 am by taryngirl, on April 1, 2021

      11/16/2020

      If you recall, we had just left Disney and arrived at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. After we were all checked in and dropped our luggage off in the room, we went straight to the bus stop. The buses drop you right on the outside of City Walk.

      You can see all of the precautions they are taking to make sure guests feel safe while visiting. The seats on the buses were numbered and the bus driver assigned us seats.

      There were physical distance markers all over the place.

      General rules were also posted and hand sanitizer was readily available.

      Temperature checks are required before entering City Walk and the parks. If you are staying on resort property, they have people there to check. They then give you a wristband so you don’t have to stand in the line at City Walk/the parks.

      Here you can see the barriers up since the lines can get long! As you can see, we had no line and zipped right through!

      There’s lots to do at City Walk…shopping, eating, eating, and more eating, miniature golfing, and there’s even a movie theater!

      Getting closer to the park entrance!

      This is the street that you see when you enter the entrance gates.

      I had read about Universal’s Holiday Experience and the Macy’s Balloon exhibit, so we decided to check that out first. This walk through experience showcased huge Macy’s balloons and colorful Christmas floats featuring characters we all know and love from Shrek, Despicable Me, and Madagascar!

      It was really neat! And a great way to see several characters, and SANTA! You were able to take pictures with them behind you if you wanted.

      We found Marilyn Monroe when we exited!

      You can see how pretty empty it was:

      We did see some characters out and about. There weren’t the typical meet and greets, but characters socially distanced with photo opportunities.

      Here you could stand 6 feet in front for a photo opp.

      On the way out, we saw these tall, festive characters!

      Overall, it was a great day at Universal.

      Up next…Margaritaville, City Walk, and Cabana Bay at night!

      Posted in Uncategorized, Universal Orlando, Vacation | 0 Comments | Tagged Universal Orlando
    • Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

      Posted at 10:58 am by taryngirl, on July 4, 2019

      We had a big summer vacation planned, that included a Disney Cruise on the Fantasy, followed by 5 days at Disney World.  However, I had exactly 14 DVC points to burn, and what better place to spend it than Disney’s Vero Beach Resort!

      My family absolutely loves this resort.  The beach, the pool, the activities, the feel, the staff… It’s all AMAZING!

      For the first time I did not book a Villa, but instead a room at the Inn.  Typically these are regular hotel rooms with a kitchenette.  (sink, toaster, microwave…). Since it was only one night, I just wanted to be as close to the action as possible.

      I was able to link our reservation in My Disney Experience, and learned that we could indeed use our MagicBands to open the door.  I logged in and found our room was ready. (We had spent the night before close to the Orlando Airport, and were on our way to Vero Beach by 11:00 a.m.). The ride was about an hour and a half.

      When we got to the room, we were pleasantly surprised with how spacious it was!  It was an accessible room with tons of space!

      fullsizeoutput_3c5a

      The area upon entering:

      fullsizeoutput_3c67

      fullsizeoutput_3c69fullsizeoutput_3c6afullsizeoutput_3c6dfullsizeoutput_3c71

      The hall leading to the bathroom and sleeping area.

      fullsizeoutput_3c89fullsizeoutput_3c92fullsizeoutput_3c98fullsizeoutput_3c9e

      We had a standard view but could still see some of the ocean.

      fullsizeoutput_3c9ffullsizeoutput_3ca0

      A quick video tour:

      More to come with pics from around the resort!

      We were sad we only had one night to spend here.  It’s definitely on our list to return with some friends and family for a longer time period.

       

      Posted in Disney's Vero Beach, Uncategorized, Vacation | 0 Comments | Tagged Room Review, Vero Beach
    • Magic Kingdom Afternoon Touring

      Posted at 9:42 pm by taryngirl, on March 5, 2019

      2/26/19

      After checking out the room, we headed to the bus stop.  There were only 2 other people in the bus line for Magic Kingdom.

      We arrived around 1:30 p.m.  The weather was perfect!  A little overcast, not raining yet!

      IMG_4028IMG_4030IMG_4032IMG_4033IMG_4034

      We made our way towards Tomorrowland.  We originally were going to ride the Peoplemover, but the line was ridiculously long!  So we skipped it and hit Carousel of Progress instead.  IMG_4035

      Next we hit Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin with our first FP+. IMG_4036

      We both hit some great targets!  And got stuck in the Zurg room.

      From there we decided to get a snack on the way to our next FP+.  I had been eyeing some new ice cream cones that were announced!

      IMG_4037IMG_4039IMG_4040

      ALOHA ISLE

      They had just added a new cone here called the Hei Hei cone, which I just had to have.  My friend opted for this masterpiece, which has also been on my snack list forever!

      Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Dole Whip!  You can pick vanilla, pineapple or swirl.

      IMG_4041

      I had a bite and it was really delicious.

      Hei Hei Cone–pineapple dole whip with raspberry soft serve in a blue cone.

      IMG_4042

      This was good.  It was a little more sour than I was expecting!  But it was still good.  We found a spot in Frontierland to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade that was going on.

      IMG_4043

      After the parade, we headed to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to use our FP+.  Then, for the first time since the new presidency, we checked out the Hall of Presidents.  My friend, who is a history lover had never seen it and she was excited!

      Onto our third FP+…the Haunted Mansion.

      IMG_4045

      Right after we scanned through with our FP+, we secured a 4th FP+.

      We took a quick jaunt through Fantasyland and went straight for Pooh to use our 4th FP+.

      IMG_4046IMG_4047IMG_4048

      I had to check out the shop that has tons of ears!  I love these Small World ones!IMG_4049

      A good option for boys!IMG_4050

      And a good option for those that prefer Villains.

      IMG_4051

      Super cute graduation ears!

      IMG_4052

      Up next…Magic Kingdom PM Touring!

      Posted in Disney, Magic Kingdom, Touring Plan, Uncategorized, Vacation, Walt Disney World Resort | 0 Comments | Tagged Disney, Magic Kingdom, Touring Plan, Walt Disney World
    • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

      Posted at 9:03 am by taryngirl, on February 25, 2019

      1/7/19

      We finished up our yummy lunch at Three Broomsticks and then took some time to explore Hogsmeade.  The brave ones went to ride Forbidden Journey.  I unfortunately can’t because of my motion sickness!

      The weather was just perfect!

      fullsizeoutput_27fe

      My first stop was Honeydukes!  I couldn’t wait to see all of the sweet goodness!fullsizeoutput_27ff

      Many of the candies were consistent with the movie.  Chocolate frogs, exploding bon bons, etc.

      They also had a case with many yummy treats!  I was so full, I didn’t get anything.  But so many things looked delicious and the line was long!fullsizeoutput_2800fullsizeoutput_2804fullsizeoutput_2805fullsizeoutput_2806

      Looking back, I regret not getting anything to eat for later!

       

      fullsizeoutput_2807fullsizeoutput_2808fullsizeoutput_2809

      I went into all of the little shops.  Everything was themed so wonderfully.  It really felt like I was in the movie!  fullsizeoutput_280afullsizeoutput_280bfullsizeoutput_280e

       

      Posted in Hogsmeade, Islands of Adventure, Uncategorized, Universal Orlando, Vacation, Wizarding World of Harry Potter | 0 Comments | Tagged Hogsmeade, Honeydukes, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
    • Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

      Posted at 8:46 pm by taryngirl, on February 24, 2019

      8/17/18

      We were toying around with heading to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or not.  It had been so hot, and it was the very first party of the year.  We knew it would be crowded!  But how could we go all of that way and not do it right??  So we bought our tickets.  Some side notes.  DVC members could actually enter the party at 2 p.m. if they wanted.  2 hours earlier than the normal 4 p.m. entry.  Even though party hours are listed as 6 p.m. until midnight, you can technically enter at 4 p.m.  The party festivities don’t begin until 6 p.m., but you still can ride rides or eat, etc. until then!

      We didn’t bring official costumes for this.  But we did have ears!  So we opted for those.  It was SO HOT AND HUMID!  So we were glad to not be wearing anything heavy.   Here we are leaving Bay Lake Tower on our walk over to Magic Kingdom.

      fullsizeoutput_2c09

      When you get to the turn styles, you will enter at the ones with the cast members all dressed in their Halloween uniforms.  They will get you a wristband which is used to let cast members know you are there for the party (and paid for it!).

      You also can pick up the special brochure that outlines everything special for the event.

      fullsizeoutput_2c0dfullsizeoutput_2c0efullsizeoutput_2c0f

      Here’s a snippet of a video.  When you enter through the gates and get past Tony’s, you will go the back way…not up Main Street!  So you are actually behind the buildings on Main Street.  Here you will see special merchandise, maybe some trick or treating, maybe some special photo opportunities, etc.  You will come out near Tomorrowland.  You can also see some other costumes!

      This is just one of the trick or treat trails.  Traffic moves one way so the line keeps going!  It was packed!

      fullsizeoutput_2c11

      We were a little bit hungry, so we hit up Columbia Harbour House.  Surprisingly, this is the only food picture I have from here!  This is the Garden Salad with Chicken from the Kid’s Menu.  Came with two sides and a drink.  It was CHAOS in here!  They forgot one of my sides and I didn’t even go back to the counter to get it.  This was the perfect size for my hunger at the moment!

      fullsizeoutput_2c12

      From there, we hit a few rides.  We also stopped by the dance party in Tomorrowland before making our way to the front of the castle for the fireworks and parade.

      fullsizeoutput_2c13fullsizeoutput_2c15

      We got a really good spot in front of the castle.  It was crowded!

      fullsizeoutput_2c16

      There was a Hocus Locus show going on in front of the castle.  We were a little too far away to see it.

      fullsizeoutput_2c19

      This parade is probably my favorite parade!  I love the costumes on the live characters, and my favorite is the grave diggers!

      fullsizeoutput_2c1bfullsizeoutput_2c1dfullsizeoutput_2c1e

      fullsizeoutput_2c20fullsizeoutput_2c21fullsizeoutput_2c23.jpegfullsizeoutput_2c24.jpeg

      Our loot from trick or treating!

      fullsizeoutput_2c25.jpeg

      Our PhotoPass pics!

      fullsizeoutput_2c2e.jpegfullsizeoutput_2c56.jpeg

      I’ve done the Halloween Party 3 times now.  I’m not sure I need to do it again!  The price seems to go up each year.  My kids have both experienced it at least once.  I would like to do the Christmas Party though one more time!

       

      Posted in Disney, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Uncategorized, Vacation | 0 Comments | Tagged Disney, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Walt Disney World
    • Islands of Adventure -Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park

      Posted at 9:14 am by taryngirl, on January 28, 2019

      January 7, 2019

      We met up with all of the other agents just inside the gates at Islands of Adventure.

      fullsizeoutput_2a4a

       

      From here we made our way over towards The Incredible Hulk Coaster.  The Port of Entry area has some nice shops and great photo opportunities.  Puss in Boots was meeting along this stretch with no one in line!fullsizeoutput_27d5

      While some of the group went on Hulk, others went on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man.  Just a note.  I get motion sick.  Especially with the simulator rides.  I can’t do the rides where the screen is moving and we are falling, etc.  But I was ok on most of this ride!  The only time I had to close my eyes was the scene where we were falling.  

      fullsizeoutput_27d8

      This was such a cool ride!  We used our express pass and were on in no time at all.  I took some time to go into the shops along this street.  This one had some really cool merchandise!  fullsizeoutput_27d9fullsizeoutput_27da

      My daughter loves Groot!  I was happy to see these here!

      The quick service location in this land.  They weren’t open yet, as it was before lunch time, so I ran in to take a quick photo!fullsizeoutput_27db

      The actual comic book shop:

      fullsizeoutput_27dcfullsizeoutput_27dd

      I made my way back towards Doctor Doom’s Fearfall to meet up with everyone.

      fullsizeoutput_27df

      They did have a test seat outside of the ride that you could try before entering.

      fullsizeoutput_27e1

      From here we headed over to Toon Lagoon.  This area was practically empty!  We took some time to go into the shops.

      fullsizeoutput_27e2fullsizeoutput_27e4fullsizeoutput_27e5fullsizeoutput_27e6fullsizeoutput_27e7fullsizeoutput_27e8fullsizeoutput_27e9

      Unfortunately I didn’t go on this ride.  I really didn’t want to walk around wet all day!  You do get SOAKED on this!

      fullsizeoutput_27ea

      This whole area was so much fun!

      Our next stop was Skull Island:  Reign of Kong.  We used our express pass to ride the actual Kong ride.  This was a pretty cool ride!  King Kong at the end was pretty amazing.

      We were starting to get hungry now, and we really wanted to eat at Three Broomsticks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  We walked through Jurassic Park (the main ride was closed for refurbishment) on our way.

      fullsizeoutput_2768fullsizeoutput_2769fullsizeoutput_276a

      Up next…Hogsmeade!

       

      Posted in Islands of Adventure, Uncategorized, Universal Orlando, Vacation | 0 Comments | Tagged Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park, Marvel, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Universal, Universal Orlando
    • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

      Posted at 2:11 pm by taryngirl, on January 27, 2019

      August 15, 2018

      We arrived without incident about 4 p.m. using Lyft.  I had gotten the text around 11:30 a.m. that our room was ready!  So we headed immediately up the elevator to our room.  Scan my Magic Band…anddddd, the room was not clean.  The sofa bed was unmade, there were dirty towels on the floor in the bathroom, etc.  So we headed back down to the front desk.  I let them know the situation, and it was almost as if the girl didn’t believe me!  She offered us a FastPass.  Sure, why not!  It had to be for the next day though, which was our Magic Kingdom day.  She asked my daughter what she would like to ride, and Kinsey couldn’t decide between Splash Mountain or Space Mountain, so she gave us both!  We were so tired and hot and I just wanted to lay down.  But we had to sit.  And wait.  And wait.  For them to go clean it.  We sat outside for awhile in the back courtyard area:fullsizeoutput_207c

      We were so hot, so we went back into the lobby to wait.  My phone rang and it was the front desk.  I told them I was sitting right there and could see them!  She came over again and apologized for the room not being ready and that they were crediting my account $125 for the trouble.  About 15 minutes later, she came back again and said, “It’s ready!”  She personally went up with us to our room.  Guess what…THEY WERE STILL CLEANING.  She was mortified!  I told her it was fine and we were just going to sit in the hall until it was ready.  It was after 5 p.m. now!

      The two housekeepers finally exited.  We FINALLY got into the room around 5:30 p.m.  At least we knew it was really clean!

      We were staying in a Deluxe Studio, Standard View.  Here’s our room tour:

      fullsizeoutput_207efullsizeoutput_207ffullsizeoutput_2080fullsizeoutput_2081fullsizeoutput_2082fullsizeoutput_2083

       

      You can’t beat the location of this resort!  It’s a quick walk to the entrance of Magic Kingdom.  The security/bag check is on the walkway from here to the Magic Kingdom.  So you can avoid the longer lines at the monorail if you choose to walk.  It’s also faster than taking the monorail!  Contempt Cafe is one of my favorite resort quick service locations.  And the view of the fireworks from this resort is amazing.

      Now…we were laying down resting before the DVC Moonlight Magic Event at Epcot, and the phone rings.  I answer it and someone asked if we would be in the room because Private Dining had a delivery for us.  I told them I didn’t order anything, and they said they knew that.  5 seconds later there was a knock on the door.  He brought a tray in with 6 gigantic Mickey shaped chocolate chip cookies and a 12 inch tall (at least) white chocolate Tinker Bell along with a note.  I completely forgot to get a picture because I was stunned!  They went above and beyond any expectation I had as far as making things right.  I NEVER got nasty or complained and begged for things.  The Disney magic was just offered!

      This is our home DVC resort and I absolutely would book here again!

       

      Posted in Bay Lake Tower, Contemporary Resort, Deluxe Studio, Disney, Room Review, Uncategorized, Vacation, Walt Disney World Resort | 0 Comments | Tagged Bay Lake Tower, Contemporary Resort, Disney, Resort, Room Review, Walt Disney World
    • 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.

      fullsizeoutput_268b

      fullsizeoutput_268c

      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.

      fullsizeoutput_2696

      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!

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

      fullsizeoutput_24d8

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

      The Menu:

      fullsizeoutput_268d

      fullsizeoutput_2694

      fullsizeoutput_2695

      fullsizeoutput_268e

      fullsizeoutput_2693

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

      fullsizeoutput_2697

      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.

      2019-01-12 07.28.51

      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.

      fullsizeoutput_2557

      fullsizeoutput_2558

      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.

      2019-01-12 07.33.39

      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.

      2019-01-12 07.35.36

      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.

      fullsizeoutput_2551

      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!)

      2019-01-12 07.42.432019-01-12 07.43.51

      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.

      2019-01-12 07.37.06

      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.

      2019-01-12 07.38.00

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

       

      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.

      50494095_10218897662453054_7918771146554605568_n

      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.

      2019-01-12 07.44.39

      Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie–Meringue, Gooseberry

      2019-01-12 07.45.13

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

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

      2019-01-12 07.46.02

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

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

      2019-01-12 07.46.43

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

      2019-01-12 07.47.26

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

      2019-01-12 07.48.48

      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
    • Tickets Now Available for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

      Posted at 9:43 am by taryngirl, on January 16, 2019

      337b842c-37e3-4d7b-8e22-341909de446b-2

      This year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will transform Magic Kingdom® Park into a spook-tacular celebration for a total of 36 nights!  That’s right, two additional nights have been added to the event, extending it to Nov. 1, 2019.

      Here are the dates for 2019:

      • Aug. 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
      • Sept. 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
      • Oct. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
      • Nov. 1

      Returning to the event will be spooky fun for everyone, including devilish Halloween décor, special entertainment such as fireworks, a parade and character greetings, as well as trick-or-treating throughout the park! In addition, you will have access to dozens of popular attractions and may even encounter some bewitching surprises along the way.

      If you are interested in adding tickets to this special event, please contact me at Taryn@MadHatterAdv.com!  Pricing starts at $79 and varies depending upon date.

      Posted in Disney, Holidays at Disney, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Uncategorized, Vacation | 0 Comments | Tagged Announcement, Disney, Holidays, Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, MNSSHP
    ← Older posts
    • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

      Join 64 other subscribers
    • Disney Topics

      AEP All Star Movies Animal Kingdom Announcement Avatar Baltimore Bay Lake Tower Breakfast Captain Cook's Club Level Contemporary Resort Cruise Cruise Cabins Cruise Compass Deluxe Studio Diagon Alley Dining Review Disney Disney's Magical Express Disney Cruise Disney Cruise Line Disney Dining Plan Disney Dream Disney Fantasy Disney Springs Disney Vacation Club Enchanted Garden Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Foodie Food Picture Galaxy's Edge Grandeur of the Seas Happily Ever After Harry Potter Hogsmeade Holidays Hollywood Studios Islands of Adventure Karamell-Kuche Kid Clubs Liberty Tree Tavern Magical Express Magic Kingdom Main Dining Room Memory Maker Menu Picture Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pandora PhotoPass Polynesian Polynesian Village Resort Port Canaveral Quick Service Resort Resort Review Room Review Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Satu'li Canteen Snacks Sunshine Seasons Table Service Tangierine Cafe Touring Plan Trip Report Universal Universal Orlando Vero Beach Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Resort Wilderness Lodge Windjammer Wizarding World of Harry Potter World Showcase
    • Blog Stats

      • 7,236 Visitors

Blog at WordPress.com.

Taryn's Mad Hatter Adventures
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Follow Following
    • Taryn's Mad Hatter Adventures
    • Join 64 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Taryn's Mad Hatter Adventures
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...