Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1203

Disney World Lost and Found

By Maddi Higgins

We all know that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve lost something and have no idea where it is. Luckily, Walt Disney World has created a system that efficiently reconnects items with their owners. Here’s a quick guide to Disney World lost and found to help alleviate that pit in your stomach.

“OH NO! I lost….”

 

Theme Park Lost and Found

Something in one of the theme parks/water parks/Downtown Disney

Luckily, most guests at Walt Disney World are honest people who will hand off lost items to a cast member, and cast members keep a watchful eye out for items left behind. Lost items are sent to the guest relations office at the front of each park until the end of the day. The next day, the items are cataloged and sent to the central lost and found location at the Transportation and Ticket Center. High value items are held for 90 days; less valuable items are held for 30 days. You can call 407-824-4245 to check to see if your item is there.

Something on the bus/monorail/watercraft

Items found on the monorail or watercraft are sent to the location they are servicing. Items found on the buses are sent directly to the lost and found at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Items found on the Magical Express buses are sent to Mears. If you just got off the Magical Express bus, the Magical Express Service Center might be able to track down the item.

Something at my resort

Lost items at the resort are brought to the concierge desk. If you lost it after you checked out and moved to another resort, the item can be delivered to the new resort. If you realized you lost it after you went home, the concierge will often offer complimentary shipping of your item to your home address, though this service is not advertised by Disney.

Something at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports

ESPN’s Wide World of Sports has its own lost and found location at Guest Services, so contact the area directly for any lost items.

My child

Teach your kids to look out for cast member name tags. Photo by Maddi Higgins

First of all, don’t panic. Lost children are common at Walt Disney World, so there is no need to be embarrassed or afraid. All cast members are all trained to keep an eye out for lost boys and girls; confused children will quickly be collected. If you misplace your youngster, notify the nearest cast member. The cast members will spring into action to ensure the safety of your kids. Be prepared with a description of your child, the clothes they’re wearing, etc. Lost children in the theme parks are brought to the baby care center, marked on the park map by a pacifier logo. Some parents chose to mark their children with a phone number using a custom-made temporary tattoo, writing it on the back of a celebration button, or just writing on them with a marker. Another good tip is to train your kids to look for cast member name tags. In any case, there is no need to fear; just let the nearest cast member know the situation. You will have your child back in no time.

Disney World Lost and Found Summary

A map for all Disney World lost and found locations can be found on the Disney website. Don’t be afraid to ask a cast member where to look for your item. When you find someone’s lost item, remember to help a fellow Disney fan by turning it in to the nearest cast member.

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Noshing Around World Showcase – Snacks from Canada

By Katie McNair

Epcot is well known for having the largest variety of options for dining at Walt Disney World, especially around the World Showcase. However. we are focusing on the snacking options in each of the countries. So let’s head back to Epcot and see what we can find!

A blue arrow pointing the way to Epcot

We started in Japan, and tried rice crackers and red bean paste buns. After really enjoying the rice crackers, I am looking forward to trying something else. Next, let’s try to see what we can find to try in Canada, home of the really popular cheddar cheese soup.

Before we head to to Canada, let’s review:

Snack Rules

No snacks over $10; preferably less than $5
As unusual as possible
Something I personally would eat

Approaching the Canada Pavilion

The pavilion in Canada looks like it’s set in the mountains

Canada has a narrow front entrance that opens to an expansive view of different styles of architecture. It goes back quite a far distance, and has restaurants, O Canada! attraction, plus sweeping views of mountains and flowers. It’s visually striking, and mostly hidden unless you climb the stairs.

The pavilion showcases the different cultures of Canada

But let’s head to the shops to check out the snack situation!

The Northwest Mercantile is one of two shops in Canada

The Northwest Mercantile is the first shop you come to as you climb the stairs. Outside the door is a bunch of frontier supplies, like lanterns and snowshoes, and is styled like a log cabin. Like many of the pavilions in the World Showcase, this shop flows into the next shop.

The other shop in Canada

 

The Snacks from Canada

Once you go inside the Northwest Mercantile, your eyes will need to take a minute to adjust to the darkened interior. When they do, you will see a small table to your right that has a small collection of snacks. Compared to Japan, the selection is quite small and limited, featuring a maple theme.

All of these snacks are maple flavored.

On the snack table they have maple creme sandwich cookies, maple flavored toffee, maple flavored hard candy (which has no actual maple, strangely enough), maple mints, and maple crumbles, that they suggest sprinkling in your coffee or on top of ice cream. So many maple options!  The maple snacks range in price from $2.95 to $13.95 for one of the larger boxes of cookies.

Ketchup flavored chips? Bizarre.

Heading through the store to the Trading Post portion, there’s a small display of chips and gummy candies. The chips are apparently traditional Canadian flavors, which include Ketchup and Montreal Steak Spice, and the chips cost $2.95 each.

These are available on the Disney’s Dining Plan!

The gummies are mostly recognizable, but the fun thing about them are they are on the Disney Dining plan as a snack option! Sometimes you may find you have leftover snack credits, and you could easily spend them all at once on snacks that you can take home with you. If you’re purchasing them without a snack credit, they cost $3.95 each.

After carefully weighing all of my options, I decided that I had to try something maple, and so I picked out a maple leaf lollipop.

Here’s a maple leaf lollipop. What flavor is it? Maple!

I really like maple flavor, so I expected to enjoy this, plus it was only $2.95, so it made it a great choice.

It’s made of 100% maple syrup!

The maple lollipop was very detailed and quite tasty. It had an unusual texture for hard candy, which seemed particularly sticky. It lasted for a long time, and had an intense maple flavor (perhaps obviously!) I recommend trying it if you enjoy maple flavoring, since it was reasonably priced and was a satisfying sweet treat.

Quite a large lollipop

So what do you think of the options of Canada? Are you enjoying snacking around the world? Did you prefer the snacks from Japan? Let me know!

 

 

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Camping at Disney World – A Day at Fort Wilderness

By John Scanlan

On the shores of Bay Lake, sitting on 750 acres of pine and cypress, Fort Wilderness is often the forgotten resort among its Magic Kingdom brethren. Many times it is overlooked, or dismissed altogether, simply because it is a campground, and the idea of “roughing it” can make many trip planners cringe. But passing by the most unique place in Walt Disney World based on perception would be a mistake. Give it a try, and your Disney World trip might go something like this:

Welcome to the most unique place in Walt Disney World

Your Fort Wilderness experience begins as most Walt Disney World vacations do, with check-in. Instead of a walk in lobby, there is a set of tall, drive thru bays where you will be greeted by a Cast Member. Much like the other resort hotels, Fort Wilderness has different options for your stay. If camping in a tent, a pop-up, or a small trailer with no slide out, you can book a tent/pop-up campsite (loops 2000 and 1500). These sites have a paved area for you to park your car on, and a shell rock area on which to homestead. Each site is equipped with water, electric, and cable hook ups, as well as a charcoal grill and a picnic table. Though these sites are the cheapest—a nightly cost ranging anywhere between $49 and $105, depending on the season—they are also far enough away from the swimming pools and waterfront area that you will need to consider a mode of transportation (we will get to the different transportation options shortly).

If camping in a larger apparatus, you are left with three options for your stay: full hook up sites, preferred sites, or premium sites. The full hook up sites (loops 1600 – 1900) are the next in line on the affordability scale, ranging in price from $66 to $124. In addition to the amenities and hook ups provided in the tent/pop-up sites, these sites include sewer and have a longer paved area to park your rig on. They are still a good distance from where the action is, however, and a transportation option will still need to be considered.

The preferred sites are next in line as far as cost, ranging from $75 to $133. These sites are basically identical to the full hook up sites with the exception of their location. Located in 100, 200, and 300 loops, these sites are within a short walk to both the main pool and the waterfront area. TIP: If staying in the preferred sites, request your location in numerical order (start with the 100 loop, then the 200, etc.). The 100 loop is a prime location, located in the waterfront area, a very short distance from the Settlement Trading Post. Loop 300 is the largest of the three preferred loops and is in an awkward location within the campground as far walking to the pool or waterfront.

Lastly, the premium sites range in cost from $81 to $137. Whereas the preferred sites are limited to three loops, the premium sites are the most abundant (loops 400 – 1400). Premium sites are nearly completely paved, with only a small shell rock section in the back or to the side. Also, they boast an upgraded charcoal BBQ grill, which is really nothing more than adding a lid to the existing grill you would find in any of the other sites. While most of the loops in the premium classification are close to the pool and waterfront, some (loops 1100 – 1300) will still require transportation. TIP:        If staying in the premium sites, request your site in loops 400 – 700. These sites are centrally located between the pool and waterfront. Our favorite is the 700 loop. Also, being that the cost difference between a preferred and a premium site is negligible (no more than $6 at any given time), we always opt for the premium. Having a completely paved site is a huge bonus with little kids, as shell rock can get tracked very easily into the camper.

The last option available for your stay is a cabin. Each cabin comfortably sleeps six people, has a full kitchen and a bathroom, flat screen TV, a large deck equipped with a picnic table for outdoor living, and a charcoal BBQ grill. Possibly the best thing about the cabins, however, is that housekeeping will attend to your cabin just as if it were a room at any of the resorts. And this includes your dirty dishes (dishes are provided in the cabins). The cabins (loops 2100 – 2800) are the farthest from the main pool and waterfront areas, however, the much smaller (and less crowded) Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool is located near the 2500 loop. The cabins are the most expensive option in Fort Wilderness, starting at $294.

Once you have decided which option is best for you and have your site assignment, you are pointed in the right direction and sent on your way. As you head out of the check-In area you may see a group of riders on horseback following their guide as they head out from the Trail Blaze Corral. Horseback trail rides are a great activity for campers nine years of age or older and more than 48 inches tall. There is also a cost for the 45 minute ride of $46.

Soon you will be at your designated site, unpacking your gear and settling in for an enjoyable vacation. Though you’ve worked hard to get your living quarters squared away, you will no doubt want to explore what the campground has to offer as soon as possible. The activities at Fort Wilderness mostly take place in two locations: the waterfront marina area and the Meadow Recreation area. As discussed earlier, you may need transportation to get to one or both. One great option—and one we frequently use—is bicycles. They are something that can be brought from home or rented from the Bike Barn for a small fee.

Another free option is to take the internal bus service offered by Fort Wilderness. Each loop has a stop nearby where you can hop a bus that will take you anywhere you will need to go within Fort Wilderness. Of course, with this option comes the caveat that, like all Walt Disney World bus transportation, this can take some time, and you will rarely get from point A to point B directly. This is my least favorite transportation option anywhere on Walt Disney World property, and Fort Wilderness is no exception.

Another option is to travel by golf cart. If you are fortunate enough to have your own and are able to transport it with your rig then congratulations, this is by far the best option for transportation in Fort Wilderness, not to mention the most fun. Don’t have a personal golf cart? No problem, you can rent one to the tune of $62 per night, including tax. TIP: If transport is all you are looking for from a golf cart, why not consider upgrading your site instead? Even if you are camping with a tent you can upgrade to a premium or preferred site and be able to walk to any activity you choose. The cost of upgrading from a tent/pop up site to a premium site is no more than $43 at any given time of year. This gives you a savings of $19 per night by upgrading and walking instead of renting a golf cart.

Now that you have your mode of transportation you can head out and explore. A great first stop on your tour might be the Meadow Trading Post and Recreation area. The Meadow Trading Post is the larger of the two general stores and has a plethora of Fort Wilderness apparel, camping supplies, and, of course, the typical Disney commemorative merchandise.

Cast a line near the Bike Barn.

Once through the backdoor of the Meadow Trading Post you will cross a stream, but only if you want to. This stream is a flood with activity, from fishing (catch and release, of course) to canoeing, and you could easily spend an afternoon enjoying these calm waters.

More activities await as you enter the Meadow Recreation Area. A snack bar has all the usual suspects to satisfy your appetite or quench your thirst, and Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Arcade has your gaming needs covered. But, of course, the main draw to this area is the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool. Complete with a children’s pool, a children’s splash area, large hot tub, and a corkscrew slide stemming from an oversized barrel that once adorned neighboring River Country, the pool area would be the envy of any moderate resort. Surrounding the pool are tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, volleyball courts, a playground, and enough open grass to toss around the old horsehide.

The Meadow Pool

Your next stop is the Bike Barn, just a short walk from the pool area. Here is where you will set up most of your activities for the trip. Fishing, canoeing, archery, Segway tours, all can be arranged here for a fee. They also offer activities unique to each day of the week, such as Mickey Tie-Dye and Build-A-Button. Be sure to check the Recreation Activities calendar given to you at check-in for the days and times of these, and other, activities.

Pricing of activities available at the Bike Barn.

Perhaps you’ve brought man’s best friend with you for the trip—yet another perk of camping at Fort Wilderness. Now might be a good time to head back to your rig and give Fido some attention. Tip: While there will be several designated dog walking trails throughout the campground, if you have a small dog it may be beneficial to stay off of them. The trails typically wind through thickets of pine trees and can get covered in pine needles which, in turn, will attach themselves to your pal’s coat and find their way into your camper. Instead, try Waggin’ Trails Dog Park. Located next to the 300 loop, there is plenty of space for your dog to roam free and take care of business.

With Rover settled and dusk approaching, you decided to head down to the waterfront for a bite to eat. As you reach the end of Fort Wilderness Trail you will find a path only accessible by bike, golf cart, or on foot. Traveling under the Spanish moss covered oaks, you will hear banjo music seamlessly piped in, and you may even see a deer or wild turkeys strutting around. Coming to the clearing at the end of the path, you will notice the Settlement Trading Post on your right. This is the smaller of the two general stores, though it still has most of the supplies you will need for your stay.

Heading away from the trading post, your next stop will be Pioneer Hall. Pioneer Hall has three locations for food and drink: Crockett’s Tavern, Trail’s End Restaurant, and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. With a sweeping porch around its exterior, Crockett’s Tavern is a quaint bar inside of Trail’s End. Drinks can be ordered without ever setting foot inside of the tavern as a drink window will provide you access to a server. Drink in hand, you can relax in a wooden rocker and enjoy your beverage on the porch as you take in the expertly themed scenery.

Drink window at Crockett’s Tavern.

If you are hungry for a good, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal, then Trail’s End is your place. Trail’s End has a full buffet of country favorites for both breakfast and dinner, and an a la carte menu for lunch. It is the most affordable buffet on Disney property, averaging a cost of $25 for dinner and $18 for breakfast (per adult, the average cost for children is $14 for dinner, $11 for breakfast). For Trail’s End menu information and more, click here. Tip: Trail’s End has a Take Out entrance where you can order most items off the buffet for both breakfast and dinner. We utilize this when in a hurry or trying to save some cash. Our favorite is the biscuits and gravy. One order comes with two oversized biscuits smothered in gravy for only $3.69, including tax.

In the mood for dinner and a show? Then head next door to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. One of the longest running dinner shows in the country, Hoop-Dee-Doo has three shows per night: 4:00 PM, 6:15 PM, and 8:30 PM. Mixed in with the slapstick comedy and country western songs is an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal that consists of buckets of fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, and other BBQ fare brought right to your table. Also, this is one of the only places on Disney property in which alcoholic beverages are included with your meal. TIP: Though Hoop-Dee-Doo is a fan favorite, you can read my thoughts on why I decided to skip it here.

None of those dining options strike your fancy? How about a character interaction? Just behind Pioneer Hall is Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. This open-air pavilion has dozens of picnic tables for you to sit, and a full buffet of BBQ favorites. As with Hoop-Dee-Doo, beer and wine is also included in your cost. The big draw here, of course, are the Disney characters. Though subject to change, on most nights you will find Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip, and Dale dancing around the dance floor or passing by the tables. This is not a typical character meal, however, and the characters do not come to each table, so you are not guaranteed to see each one. But, during the ninety minute experience you will have ample time to seek out your favorites for a dance, photo, or even an autograph.

While in the area, why not stop by the Tri-Circle-D Ranch? Home to draft horses and Cinderella’s ponies, there is even a working blacksmith shop here. This is a great place for the kids, who can enjoy a ride on one of the ponies or miniature horses, provided they are at least two years old, weigh no more than eighty pounds, and are no more than 48 inches tall, for $5 cash.

Pony rides are a great, cheap source of entertainment for the kids.

Still in the mood for some equine fun? Why not take a private carriage or a wagon ride? Advanced reservations can be made for a carriage ride, which is a 25 minute intimate excursion through the woods. The rides start at 6:00 PM and run until 9:30 PM, weather permitting. The cost is $45 for your group.

Wagon rides are first come, first serve, and also depart nightly from the front of Pioneer Hall, but begin at 7:00 PM. This 45 minute tour of Fort Wilderness only costs $8 for adults, and $5 for children. A fireworks ride can also be scheduled, complete with audio from Wishes, provided that Wishes is running that evening, of course.

With your evening almost over, it is time to enjoy the night time activities Fort Wilderness has to offer. Possibly the best choice, not only at Fort Wilderness, but on any resort property, is Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long. Located near the Bike Barn, things kick off in the outdoor arena filled with benches and bleacher seats when one, or both, of the giant fire pits are lit. Feel free to roast marshmallows, hot dogs, or most whatever you like here while you wait for the entertainment to start. As the fire roars, the sing-a-long will begin on a stage in the front of the arena with a Cast Member playing guitar and singing campfire favorites. Shortly after the music begins, Chip and Dale make an appearance on stage, then quickly separate to meet their guests. Then, as Chip and Dale wave goodbye, the movie du jour begins on the drive-in style screen. Times of this event will vary based on the season, so check your Recreation Calendar. TIP: Though the Chuck Wagon sells marshmallows and kits for roasting, it is perfectly acceptable to bring your own. This is a fantastic activity if trying to stick to a budget as it provides you with a character interaction, snack, and a movie all at no cost!

Chip and Dale join in the sing-a-long.

Finally, your evening is coming to a close, but before you head back to your bunk, you make your way back to the waterfront one last time. This time, you head to the Bay Lake shores and find a good spot to settle in. It won’t be long until the Electric Water Pageant cruises in your direction, and stops in front of the marina for your viewing pleasure. As the floating parade finally departs, the main event begins and Magic Kingdom’s Wishes Nighttime Spectacular explodes into sky. Tip: A lot of people will try to obtain a lounge chair on the beach to enjoy the show, but I prefer to be on the marina dock. The Wishes audio is piped in using speakers located on the dock, near the marina office, and most locations on the beach are too far away to hear it.

Your night is finally complete and you can head back to your camper, fully exhausted and ready to rest. However, as the crowds dissipate, you look down the marina dock and see two boats. One waiting to take you to Magic Kingdom, the other waiting to take you to the Wilderness Lodge or Contemporary Resort. Maybe tomorrow you will venture out of the campground. Maybe.

Please welcome John Scanlan to the TouringPlans blog team. John lives in Palm Beach, FL, and runs The Fort Wilderness Blog.

 

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Favorite Park Series: Disney’s Epcot

By Angela Dahlgren

Hello again! Welcome to Epcot. If you haven’t read my highlights on Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, please do so now.

Take in the beautiful scenery.

*Twiddles thumbs. Checks Twitter. Reads a blog post.*

Done? Okay, let’s ‘soar’ right in!

Memorable Moments

Pick your mode of transportation! Soarin’ is a popular ride that allows you to hang-glide over California, feeling the wind in your face whilst smelling the fragrance of zesty orange trees. (Fun Fact: The first model for Soarin’ was made out of an erector set!) Once you land on solid ground, hop in a Chevy at Test Track. Strap yourself in and brace yourself for the ride of your life! Put on your space suit, join the NASA team and shoot for the stars as you travel to Mars in your rocket via Mission: Space. To ease back into Earth’s gravity, swim underwater to the ‘clamobile’ where The Seas with Nemo & Friends take you “under the sea.” Finally, use those feet and travel indoors to Innoventions where you’ll find interactive and educational games the whole family will enjoy.

Awesome Atmosphere

There are two entrances into Epcot. Walking in from the back entrance, you’ll step right into the World Showcase. Embrace the opportunity to visit eleven nations just steps away from each other. Each country is an immersive experience where you’ll find unique attractions, merchandise, cuisine and even Cast Members native to the land. Rock out to live entertainment such as Off Kilter and the British Revolution. Enjoy a relaxing stroll and admire the beautiful scenery (made increasingly more magnificent during the International Flower and Garden Festival). Bring the kids to a ‘Kidcot’ station where they can create their own free souvenirs at each nation. Take your time and have fun exploring the wonders the World Showcase holds.

“Finding” Nemo

When I walk through the main entrance into Future World, there is a certain energy buzzing about. It’s a feeling of endless possibilities…of exciting things to come. The Seas contains a nearly six million gallon aquarium full of thousands of sea creatures to observe. Living with the Land explores Disney’s agricultural breakthroughs and offers an additional Behind the Seeds tour that delves further into Disney’s fascinating horticultural techniques. Not to be overshadowed is the Fountain of Nations, an astounding fountain compromised of twenty-five different bodies of water representing twenty-nine nations. It serves as a reminder that no matter the distance, gender, race or views; we are one world.

Good Grub

Good Grub indeed! When it comes to gourmet dining, Epcot hits it out of the park. Each country includes a different dining experience that carries you away to its native land. My personal favorite, Teppan Edo, found in Japan, is teppanyaki style dining that is not only delicious but entertaining as well. From juggling kitchen utensils to making an onion volcano, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off the chef! Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, found in Norway, is a great place to bring your little Prince or Princess (although who am I kidding? I went before I even had a child and was just as excited as the little ones dining around me.) As you consume a scrumptious feast, various Princesses come to your table, stopping for autographs and photo opportunities. Should you be looking to work off those desserts, dance to the polka after a buffet meal at the Biergarten in Germany. Try a pastry in France. Taste some Gelato in Italy. Gobble up fish and chips in the UK. Eeek! I could spend hours writing about the food but alas, I bet you’ve had your fill.

Innovative Illumination

For anyone who has seen IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, you know that writing and reading about it just doesn’t do it justice. Located in the World Showcase lagoon, this fireworks show leaves you with goose bumps and (in my case) tears from the moment the torches surrounding the World Showcase are blown out. Meaningful music assists as fireworks, lasers and other pyrotechnics narrate the story of our earth’s creation. As the banging of drums signal the bursts of the first fireworks, you’re off on an adventure full of exhilaration, inspiration and hope. I have the soundtrack and highly suggest purchasing it if you can get your hands on it.

A photo without people in it. Unheard of!

Completely Captivating

What’s that golf ball doing here? Is Paul Bunyan playing a round of golf? (I know, these jokes have been heard over and over, but I couldn’t resist!) Spaceship Earth gives you an educational overview on how communication and technology have evolved from past to present. What I love about this ride is how I can sit in a cool, slow-moving vehicle while going back in time. Not only are there realistic animatronics telling the story but you can participate in Project Tomorrow, an interactive experience that presents state-of-the-art advances in medicine, transportation and energy.

Should you have the chance, I highly recommend taking advantage of the tours Epcot has to offer. My husband participated in DiveQuest where he was given a tour of the aquarium before plunging into the waters; snorkeling and scubadiving amongst sharks, barricudas, sea turtles and more. A couple of years ago, we went on a Segway tour of the World Showcase and it was incredible! After a crash course (literally…I ran into a wall), we embarked on a private tour before its 11:00 AM opening led by a guide who shared facts and stories about each country. Once I got the hang of it, I was weaving in and out around pillars and maneuvering my way through the shops without breaking anything! Unfortunately, the Segway tours at Epcot have been cancelled. I think we should start a petition to bring it back. It was such an awesome experience that I would definitely do again.

 Do you love Epcot as much as I do? What country is your favorite and why? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter @AngelaDahlgren

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Favorite Park Series: Epcot

By Angela Dahlgren

Hello again! Welcome to Epcot. If you haven’t read my highlights on Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, please do so now.

Take in the beautiful scenery.

*Twiddles thumbs. Checks Twitter. Reads a blog post.*

Done? Okay, let’s ‘soar’ right in!

Memorable Moments

Pick your mode of transportation! Soarin’ is a popular ride that allows you to hang-glide over California, feeling the wind in your face whilst smelling the fragrance of zesty orange trees. (Fun Fact: The first model for Soarin’ was made out of an erector set!) Once you land on solid ground, hop in a Chevy at Test Track. Strap yourself in and brace yourself for the ride of your life! Put on your space suit, join the NASA team and shoot for the stars as you travel to Mars in your rocket via Mission: Space. To ease back into Earth’s gravity, swim underwater to the ‘clamobile’ where The Seas with Nemo & Friends take you “under the sea.” Finally, use those feet and travel indoors to Innoventions where you’ll find interactive and educational games the whole family will enjoy.

Awesome Atmosphere

There are two entrances into Epcot. Walking in from the back entrance, you’ll step right into the World Showcase. Embrace the opportunity to visit eleven nations just steps away from each other. Each country is an immersive experience where you’ll find unique attractions, merchandise, cuisine and even Cast Members native to the land. Rock out to live entertainment such as Off Kilter and the British Revolution. Enjoy a relaxing stroll and admire the beautiful scenery (made increasingly more magnificent during the International Flower and Garden Festival). Bring the kids to a ‘Kidcot’ station where they can create their own free souvenirs at each nation. Take your time and have fun exploring the wonders the World Showcase holds.

“Finding” Nemo

When I walk through the main entrance into Future World, there is a certain energy buzzing about. It’s a feeling of endless possibilities…of exciting things to come. The Seas contains a nearly six million gallon aquarium full of thousands of sea creatures to observe. Living with the Land explores Disney’s agricultural breakthroughs and offers an additional Behind the Seeds tour that delves further into Disney’s fascinating horticultural techniques. Not to be overshadowed is the Fountain of Nations, an astounding fountain compromised of twenty-five different bodies of water representing twenty-nine nations. It serves as a reminder that no matter the distance, gender, race or views; we are one world.

Good Grub

Good Grub indeed! When it comes to gourmet dining, Epcot hits it out of the park. Each country includes a different dining experience that carries you away to its native land. My personal favorite, Teppan Edo, found in Japan, is hibachi style dining that is not only delicious but entertaining as well. From juggling kitchen utensils to making an onion volcano, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off the chef! Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, found in Norway, is a great place to bring your little Prince or Princess (although who am I kidding? I went before I even had a child and was just as excited as the little ones dining around me.) As you consume a scrumptious feast, various Princesses come to your table, stopping for autographs and photo opportunities. Should you be looking to work off those desserts, dance to the polka after a buffet meal at the Biergarten in Germany. Try a pastry in France. Taste some Gelato in Italy. Gobble up fish and chips in the UK. Eeek! I could spend hours writing about the food but alas, I bet you’ve had your fill.

Innovative Illumination

For anyone who has seen IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, you know that writing and reading about it just doesn’t do it justice. Located in the World Showcase lagoon, this fireworks show leaves you with goose bumps and (in my case) tears from the moment the torches surrounding the World Showcase are blown out. Meaningful music assists as fireworks, lasers and other pyrotechnics narrate the story of our earth’s creation. As the banging of drums signal the bursts of the first fireworks, you’re off on an adventure full of exhilaration, inspiration and hope. I have the soundtrack and highly suggest purchasing it if you can get your hands on it.

A photo without people in it. Unheard of!

Completely Captivating

What’s that golf ball doing here? Is Paul Bunyan playing a round of golf? (I know, these jokes have been heard over and over, but I couldn’t resist!) Spaceship Earth gives you an educational overview on how communication and technology have evolved from past to present. What I love about this ride is how I can sit in a cool, slow-moving vehicle while going back in time. Not only are there realistic animatronics telling the story but you can participate in Project Tomorrow, an interactive experience that presents state-of-the-art advances in medicine, transportation and energy.

Should you have the chance, I highly recommend taking advantage of the tours Epcot has to offer. My husband participated in DiveQuest where he was given a tour of the aquarium before plunging into the waters; snorkeling and scubadiving amongst sharks, barricudas, sea turtles and more. A couple of years ago, we went on a Segway tour of the World Showcase and it was incredible! After a crash course (literally…I ran into a wall), we embarked on a private tour before its 11:00 AM opening led by a guide who shared facts and stories about each country. Once I got the hang of it, I was weaving in and out around pillars and maneuvering my way through the shops without breaking anything! Unfortunately, the Segway tours at Epcot have been cancelled. I think we should start a petition to bring it back. It was such an awesome experience that I would definitely do again.

 Do you love Epcot as much as I do? What country is your favorite and why? Let me know in the comments and on Twitter @AngelaDahlgren

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Observations from Epcot: July 30, 2014

By Seth Kubersky

Take a stroll around Epcot with us without having to leave your air-conditioning! (Photos by Seth Kubersky)

Following my Frozen-filled visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios last week, I found myself back at Walt Disney World a few days later for some observations from Epcot. As a child, EPCOT (as it will always be capitalized in my heart) was my favorite WDW park, and the massive Beard/Abrams coffee table book on the park’s creation remains among my most prized possessions. As everyone knows, Epcot’s attractions (especially in Future World) have been radically overhauled over the past 2 decades, and now I rarely visit the park except during the fantastic Food & Wine or Flower & Garden festivals.

My first mid-summer Epcot experience in several seasons started on a sweet note, as I snagged a parking spot along the center aisle; there is nothing worse than having to walk a football field’s length just to get to the tram.

Spending a lot of time at Universal Orlando lately, I’ve been frustrated by how slow their entry procedures are, even after new ticket scanners were recently installed. In contrast, the turnstile-free entry at Disney’s parks has become my favorite element of MyMagic+. Scanning a MagicBand usually seems swifter than swiping a barcode, and the finger scanners at Disney are still far faster and more reliable than Universal’s new biometric readers.

 

Thanks to some transportation delays (a.k.a. my cat kept me from leaving the house on time), I arrived at Epcot just as the window for my first prearranged FastPass+ reservation of the day at Maelstrom was about to expire. But thanks to my long legs, I managed to power-walk from the Epcot main entrance to the Norway pavilion in just under 15 minutes, making it to the FP+ return entrance seconds before the unpublicized “grace period” ended.

 

It’s a good thing I had that FastPass+, since a recently resolved temporary breakdown had boosted Maelstrom’s standby wait beyond a half hour, which is the longest I’d ever consider waiting for the brief boat ride. Even the FP+ return queue extended outside the doors, though it moved swiftly and I was seated onboard my Viking boat in about 7 minutes.

Maelstrom still has a certain cheesy charm, with blacklight sets that share more lineage with Fantasyland’s classic dark rides than the ambitious edutainment originally found in Future World.

Back, back! Over the falls!

Insert giant snowman animatronic here?

 

The doors to Maelstrom’s post-ride film were propped open, allowing exiting guests to cross through the theater mid-screening. Since it was suicidally sultry outside, I decided to sit in the air-conditioning for a moment and watch the end of the movie. At first, I was surprised at how many fellow guests had also stopped to watch, but then I realized almost all of them were either asleep or on their smartphones. Not a good sign for the future of this film…

 

The internet rumor mill is working overtime with buzz about Norway being bulldozed (or at least heavily rethemed) in favor of Frozen’s Arendelle, so I wanted to explore the pavilion again while I still had the chance.

 

This area used to hold FastPass kiosks, but is now mostly empty.

The first large shop after the ride is dominated by Helly Hansen merchandise, which appears to be the Norwegian answer to Nike.

If Norway’s shops are renovated, this is the area I’ll miss the most: snacks!

No matter what the future holds for the Norway pavilion, I hope this guy always has a home.

 

If you are looking for Frozen merchandise in Epcot, fear not! The meet & greet may have moved to Magic Kingdom, but there are still several rooms in Norway stuffed with Frozen souvenirs.

 

Since it felt like 98°F out, I followed up the Norway film with a screening of China’s CircleVision 360 movie next door.

 

Even though it hasn’t been changed in years, the Tomb Warriors exhibit adjacent to China’s theater lobby is one of Epcot’s unheralded gems. Be sure to spend a few minutes there on your next visit to admire the artistry of these sculpted soldiers.

 

China’s current 360 film isn’t as coherent as the original version, but it’s still gorgeous and retains much more of the spectacular 9-camera footage than Canada’s updated movie did. Unfortunately, the image is jumpy and inconsistently focused; it could really use a digital upgrade like the one France’s film got.

 

 

After the showing, I strolled through China’s gift shops, which are exceeded only by Japan’s for window-shopping. The complex reminds me of New York City’s Pearl River Market, only with higher prices.

 

 

Lunchtime! What could be better on a hot day than a spicy bowl of curry udon and a cold beer? Enjoying them with a spectacular view, of course. The combination of quality food, reasonable prices, and a soothing zen-like environment makes Japan’s Katsura Grill one of my favorite quick service restaurants in World Showcase.

 

In the ultimate example of international irony, I finally found a post-meal refuge from the oppressive heat in the desert nation of Morocco. The museum near the pavilion’s entrance is small but houses some truly inspiring artifacts, along with soothing a/c.

Note: You don’t have to be wearing a fez to explore Morocco’s Fez House, but it doesn’t hurt!

Even in this post-Diagon Alley era, the winding pathways of the Morocco pavilion remain (along with Disneyland’s New Orleans Square) among the most authentic, immersive environments in any theme park. You really feel like you could get lost in this deceptively small area for hours.

 

I had intended to continue my World Showcase film festival with Impressions de France, my favorite of the park’s films, and the only one that is essentially unchanged since the park’s opening day. Unfortunately I was once again running late for my next FastPass+ reservation, and had to settle for a brief visit to the theater lobby to say “hello” to the friendly gargoyle.

 

My path back to Future World took me past this spot between Refreshment Port and the Imagination pavilion, which appears to be undergoing preparations for this fall’s Food & Wine festival.

 

More construction walls can be seen outside Innoventions West.

 

Even though I was running behind, sometimes you just have to stop and smell the roses, or whatever form of flowers these are. Dammit Jim, I’m a writer, not a botanist!

 

I made it to The Land pavilion just in time for my Soarin’ FastPass+, where I found a new test underway. Rather than allow guests without FastPass+ reservations to wait in the standby line (which would typically be about 90 minutes), an army of Cast Members were distributing paper tickets with return times printed on them. Guests were advised to take no and return at the appointed time (a couple hours in the future) at which time they would wait an estimated 30-45 minutes before riding.

This new system appeared to be confusing and frustrating many guests, who didn’t understand why they were unable to stand in the standby line like usual. The huge amount of labor required to distribute and explain the tickets must have outweighed any increase in efficiency, and the ride’s entry area degenerated a messy cluster of mad, milling guests.

Disney has been experimenting with similar return ticket methods at the Frozen meet & greet and Jack Sparrow walkthrough, but those attractions have very limited capacity and appeal. Soarin’ is arguably the park’s (and perhaps the resort’s) most popular attraction, and this test threw a serious monkey wrench in many guests’ touring plans.

Reaction appears to have been so negative that the experiment was abandoned early; even the survey taker who interviewed me after my ride admitted that it was proving very unpopular with both guests and employees. A better solution (in my opinion) would be for Disney to accelerate construction of a third theater in order to increase the attraction’s hourly capacity.

 

In addition to the return to paper FastPasses, this experiment involved restricting crowd flow through the pavilion with temporary barricades, with Cast Members stationed to enforce one-way only traffic on the stairways.

A side effect of the Soarin’ test was unusually long lines for Living with the Land. While I’m used to the boat ride being a walk-on, the standby line was 30 minutes or longer during my visit.

 

 

For my final FastPass+ attraction of the day, I rode Spaceship Earth. Again, a ride that used to be a walk-on most of the afternoon now always seem to have a substantial queue, which I gratefully skipped past.

As an added bonus, the ride stopped for about 10 minutes while I was in the transition between the “tech tunnel” and the climactic starscape (also known as “180 Top”). I actually enjoy getting stuck in scenes where I can see animatronics, but as you can see in the following photo this is one of the least interesting spots to spend an extended period of time.

 

Finally, I stopped by the park’s central FastPass+ kiosk cluster to see what attractions were available for a fourth FastPass+. Two words: slim pickings (and I don’t mean the actor).

 

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Top Ten Places to Find: Air Conditioning!

By Lisa Gilmore

Being located smack-dab in the middle of the Sunshine State, and having average temperatures of 80 degrees or higher eight months out of year, Walt Disney World is practically a tropical destination. As such, it is necessary to plan appropriately to make sure you and your family are prepared to withstand this intense heat, humidity, and sunshine. And since we’re all the “Type-A” Disney World trip planners, there are definitely some tricks we all have up our sleeves to beat the heat and keep cool in Disney World. It’s great to make sure you pack comfortable, loose fitting clothes, plenty of sunscreen, and incorporate a mid-day nap/pool break in your daily Touring Plan. Once in a while, we find ourselves in the parks during the heat of the day and need to find an air conditioned sanctuary to help us keep our cool (literally and figuratively)! So, here is a list of the top ten places in the parks to find a cool corner of air conditioned sanctuary to revive you before you complete your Touring Plan mission.

 

Escape the heat by enjoying the Carousel of Progress.

Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom): Proudly sitting in the corner of Tomorrowland (close to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin), Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a slowly rotating indoor (air conditioned!) auditorium that takes guests on a time-traveling adventure. Watch how technology and innovations impact the lives of our favorite turn-of-the-century family. This is a fun 20-minute show with pretty cozy chairs. If you manage to avoid taking a brief nap, you’ll have the catchy tune stuck in your head all day. It’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow…

Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom): Right next door to Pecos Bill Tall Tell Inn and Café, it’s a great spot to soak in some of that great bear culture. Being only a 10-minute show, this entertaining reprieve from the heat is brief. On the bright side, your backside probably doesn’t want to be sitting on those bleacher-style benches much longer than 10 minutes. It’s a cult-classic and has an avid following, while others find it hokey. No matter which camp you fall into, it’s still a great break from the Florida heat. Just remember, don’t feed the bears.

The Hall of Presidents (Magic Kingdom): Mixing education with entertainment (edutainment, if you will), Hall of Presidents is a classic Disney attraction in the center of Liberty Square. Spend a bit of your afternoon getting to know some of our nations founding fathers. Recently updated in 2009 to include President Obama and a new narration from Morgan Freeman, the show has a bit more pizazz than you might remember. The show’s run time is approximately 23 minutes and boasts some seriously comfortable seats. The auditorium beckons you in with the promise of cool air and the lulling soliloquy from Morgan Freeman, you may need a caffeine boost after the show to revive you from your relaxed state. As a bonus, the air conditioned sanctuary is not restricted to just the show auditorium, if you just need a quick little break, feel free to meander the attraction lobby. Peruse the historical artifacts on display or engage in conversation with the cast members about their favorite president.

 

Retreat to the EAC in Finding Nemo – The Musical

Finding Nemo: The Musical (Animal Kingdom): Animal Kingdom is one of the toughest parks to stay cool in. There are few indoor attractions, so finding some much needed AC can be challenge here! Luckily, on the walkway between Dino-Land and Asia, there is a large theatre showing regular productions of Finding Nemo: The Musical. This is a 30-minute Broadway style show.  Live performers are coupled with larger-than-life artistic puppets and act out the thrilling story of Nemo’s adventure and Marlin’s quest to find his son. Though you may seek out this theater to escape the jungle-like heat in Animal Kingdom, you’ll love every minute of this creative retelling of the Pixar classic story.

It’s Tough to be a Bug (Animal Kingdom): Flick and his insect friends invite us to join them in the base of the Tree of Life to see what an integral role bugs play in our daily lives. Fun, creative and unique, this show may not be for those who aren’t fans of our six (or eight) legged friends. This eight minute show offers some fun insight into the life of bugs while escaping from the Florida heat. As you exit the theater, enjoy lingering in the shadow of the Tree of Life and be sure to examine the animals engraved in the trunk. See if you can spot your favorite critter.

Impressions de France (Epcot): World Showcase in Epcot offers several informative films about the host countries in different pavilions. Impressions de France is definitely one to check out. It’s the top pick as a country film for this post because it offers decent seating (unlike the films in Canada and China), and it’s in the middle of the World Showcase trek, so by the time you hit France, you’re probably ready for a little break to rest your feet and recharge your battery. This 18-minute film offers some great scenes of the beauty of France and some familiar classic music as you tour through this country on film.

Enter the Aztec style pyramid to tour Mexico and leave the Florida heat behind.

Mexico Pavilion (Epcot): Mexico in World Showcase is unique among the countries since almost all of the pavilion is located indoors! Enter the Aztec-inspired temple and explore the treasures and mystery of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping, San Angel Inn Restaurant, and La Cava del Tequila. You can even enjoy a mini luxury cruise around Mexico hosted by the Three Caballeros. Nothing can help escape the heat and recharge like a refreshing beverage at the bar in La Cava del Tequila or a few minutes of leisurely browsing among the shopping kiosks.

The Land Pavilion (Epcot): Home of popular destinations like Soarin’, Sunshine Seasons, and Living with the Land, the Land Pavilion in the Future World area of Epcot has plenty of attractions and snacks to help you cool off. All sheltered in the glorious indoor air conditioning, you can spend hours in this pavilion without working up a sweat.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Hollywood Studios): An indoor Broadway style musical production, this show will entertain the little ones and give the adults a break off their feet and much-needed AC-powered recharge. With a light mist as you join Ariel in her under seas adventure, this show is a nice refreshing retreat.

Animation Academy (c) Disney

Enjoy the air conditioning and the bonus of a free souvenir – keep your character drawing as a momento!

Animation Academy (Hollywood Studios): A hidden treasure in the back of the Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios. Not only can you find sanctuary from the Florida heat and humidity, you get to learn how to draw one of your favorite Disney characters by an authentic Disney Imagineer. Plus, at the end of the lesson, you get to keep your drawing. 30-minutes in the delightfully air conditioned studio, interactions with an Imagineer, and a free souvenir makes this one of the best retreats, yet!

The bonus of this great list of retreats is that each one also works for anyone looking to escape any Florida downpours, as well! So, whether you’re escaping the heat or rain, be sure to check out these amazing attractions.  Which ones are your favorites? Where do you go to find an air conditioned haven? Be sure to add to this list in the comments below!

 

 

 

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Chill While Others Thrill: Skipping Disney World Thrill Rides Part II

By Sarah Graffam

Does an attraction like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror inspire you only with terror despite its fantastic theming? Is Expedition Everest a must-do for your friends and family, while a trip on Wildlife Express Train is about as wild you get? Fortunately, Walt Disney World offers some great ways for you to chill while your companions satisfy their thirst for a thrill.

Part I of this article explored attractions at Magic Kingdom where chill seekers and thrill seekers are likely to part ways. Part II considers Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including options for those who prefer a more relaxing experience and places for your party to meet back up.

Epcot

Mission: SPACE and Test Track are both found in Future World East. A great place to hang while your friends experience these attractions is the Espresso Coffee and Pastries stand, located just outside of Innoventions East heading toward Mission: SPACE and Ellen’s Energy Adventure. It typically has a short line, especially in the morning, and it offers peaceful nearby benches where you can enjoy a beverage. Or if it is hot, you can take your beverage back into Innoventions East and find a bench.

In the same general area as the coffee stand, you can catch a performance by the JAMMitors drumming group while you wait. The 10-minute performance by this “clean-up crew” attracts an energetic crowd, and they perform up to seven times a day.

Mission Space Post-Ride Advanced Training Lab

Meet back up: Both Mission: SPACE and Test Track have post-attraction interactive exhibit areas; you can access these areas by walking through the attractions’ gift shops.

To many, Soarin’ is a gentle experience, but it can be quite scary for those afraid of heights. Luckily, Soarin’ is located in the Land Pavilion, which has lots of places to sit and enjoy its mellow soundtrack. Bonus: If you take a step outside the pavilion, you can hear some of the original background music for Epcot. Another option is to experience the Circle of Life film, an attraction that many people skip in lieu of the other attractions in the Land.

Meet back up: The Land Pavilion can get crowded, especially in its Sunshine Seasons food court, so it is best to agree on a specific place to meet. On the lower level of the pavilion, there are benches at the exit to Soarin’; on the upper level, benches near the restrooms are a good place to meet.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The end of Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features two of the most hair-raising attractions in all of Walt

Muppets Fountain

Disney World. Straight ahead is the terrifyingly tall Tower of Terror. To the left as you face the Tower, the Rock n’ Roller Coaster loops and turns through the dark. But there is one word that will ease your fears—shopping! In addition to the gift shops for both attractions, which have some of the best-themed souvenirs in the park, Sunset Boulevard is lined with shops such as Villains in Vogue and Sunset Club Couture.

Meet back up: Make your way back down Sunset Boulevard through the shops and have the rest of your party meet you at Starring Rolls Cafe. There, you can all enjoy a snack (the cupcakes are incredible!) or move on to another part of the park.

Star Tours is on the opposite side of the park in the Echo Lake area and is frequently mentioned as one of the more nausea-inducing attractions in Disney World. Again, shopping to the rescue! Tatooine Traders has tons of Star Wars merchandise. Shoppers come in waves as they exit the attraction, but you can take advantage of the times in between when there are fewer people in the shop. Another option is to wander over to the entrance of Muppet*Vision 3D and enjoy its fountain featuring Kermit and friends.

Meet back up: The Muppets Fountain is a great place to meet back up for a photo op.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you are with thrills seekers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they will be heading right when entering the park. In Asia, send your friends ahead to Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids while you enjoy one of a selection of iced or hot teas at the Royal Anandapur Tea Company. After, take a stroll through Maharajah Jungle Trek. This lush Southeast Asian forest exhibit showcases several animals, including Malayan flying foxes and Asian tigers. Cast Members will be happy to provide more detail about any of the animals or vegetation along the trek.

Maharajah Jungle Trek Asian Tiger

Meet back up: You will pass right by Kali River Rapids after going through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, so arrange to meet after your group rides.

In DinoLand U.S.A., DINOSAUR can be a rough ride as your vehicle rocks and lurches to escape ferocious predators. At the entrance to DINOSAUR, however, you can meet a much less menacing dinosaur. Dino-Sue is a life-size replica of the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton discovered in South Dakota in 1990.

Meet back up: My meet back up advice to you here is … don’t. At this point, the rest of your party can go on to the section of DinoLand with Primeval Whirl and TriceraTop Spin. Unfortunately, this is an area of the park that I have often found extremely hot and with not much to do if you are not riding. Maybe meet back up somewhere else in Animal Kingdom. Or end your day and beat everyone else back to the hotel pool.

Now that you know there are many alternatives to Disney World’s more-thrilling rides, you may just find that your more adventurous traveling companions are sometimes waiting for you!

 

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SATURDAY SIX: Top Six New Food Options in Diagon Alley’s Leaky Cauldron

By Derek Burgan

This week’s SATURDAY SIX takes a look at Top Six New Food Options in Universal’s Diagon Alley. We began our mouthwatering journey into Diagon Alley two weeks ago when we went through the best new drinks and continued last week by looking at the best new snacks. Today we finish up our glutonous trilogy by hopping into the Leaky Cauldron and checking out the newest food options inside the Wizarding World. Offering traditional British pub fare, the Leaky Cauldron serves a menu that differs wildly from the standard hamburgers, chicken fingers and pizza that we’ve become used to inside the theme parks. Our All-Star blue ribbon panel of experts sat down and tried everything, and today we’re counting down the best of the best….

# 6 –  Bangers & Mash

Bangers & Mash (photo by Brandon Glover)

 

Bangers & Mash delivers in a big way. Two large pieces of sausage sitting on top of mashed potatoes with onion gravy and servings of vegetables to top off the plate. Seeing real vegetables instead of french fries at a quick service restaurant still takes some getting used to, but it is definitely something long needed in the theme park world. One day we are going to have to have an official Bangers & Mash Taste Test between Walt Disney World and Universal. Settling once and for all which venue has the best version of this dish with entries from Rose & Crown (Epcot,) Raglan Road (Downtown Disney,) Finnegan’s (Universal Studios Florida,) and the Leaky Cauldron. ($11.99)

# 5 – Specialty Chicken Sandwich

Specialty Chicken Sandwich with salad (photo by Brandon Glover)

 

The Specialty Chicken Sandwich is going to be a big hit with many of our favorite foods all put into one sandwich. Grilled chicken, Colby cheese, bacon, and roasted tomatoes sit between the handmade bun, but what puts this sandwich over the top is the apple butter mayo. Personally I’m not a big fan of plain mayonnaise, but Universal already showed me something with the incredible maple mayo for the chicken and waffle sandwich at Cletus’ Chicken Shack  and the apple butter mayo for this chicken sandwich was very tasty.  ($10.99)

# 4 – Fisherman’s Pie

Fisherman’s Pie (photo by Brandon Glover)

 

Three different types of seafood are included in the Fisherman’s Pie. Salmon, shrimp and cod are baked together with some peas in a potato-topped crust. Steven Jayson, the corporate executive chef for Universal, is serious when it comes to fresh seafood as he has fish flown in daily from Alaska for Lombard’s Seafood Grille and other selected dishes across the parks, including this pie.  ($14.99)

# 3 – Beef, Lamb, & Guinness Stew

Beef, Lamb, & Guinness Stew (photo by Brandon Glover)

 

Served in a bread bowl, the Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew is think and filling. The Guinness itself is not overwhelming and the stew has a surprising amount of actual meat. Like the Fisherman’s pie, the side salad is a really strong side for this dish as it compliments the warm stew well. ($12.99)

# 2 – Banger Sandwich

Banger Sandwich with potato wedges (photo by Brandon Glover)

 

The Banger sandwich is remarkable as you get a rather large sausage that is covered in a special mustard aioli that reminds us of the Dalkey mustard at Cookes of Dublin, one of our favorite places in Downtown Disney. There is also some roasted tomatoes along with sautéed cabbage and onions loaded into the roll as well. A fantastic sandwich worth going out of your way in the park to try. This was a tough call as many of those polled would put The Banger sandwich at the top of their list, it’s that good. ($11.99)

# 1 – Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole (photo by Brandon Glover)

 

The picture above says it all. While on a much smaller scale than the Gringotts dragon or even the Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees stage show, it’s hard to believe that Toad in the Hole exists inside an American theme park. A huge hit with guests (part of which could be attributed to the lower price point compared to other entrees) the Toad in the Hole is two pieces of traditional sausage baked into a Yorkshire pudding and served with onion gravy and vegetables. To quote Ned Flanders, this is scrumdiddlyumptious. ($8.99)

HONORABLE MENTION: The Ploughman’s Platter

The Ploughman’s Platter (photo by Brandon Glover)

The Ploughman’s Platter (photo by Brandon Glover)

 

Your humble author is actually writing this description under protest as I personally feel The Ploughman’s platter  is an amazing achievement within a theme park. However, I have consistently been outvoted on this topic and repeatedly told that, while unique, The Ploughman’s platter is more of a side dish to enjoy with a Wizard’s Brew than a good meal like the other options listed above. The Ploughman’s platter includes Scotch eggs, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, a regular salad, Branson pickle relish, a selection of English cheeses, and bread. Did we mention these English cheeses are actually flown in from Britain? “We spared no expense.” – John Hammond, Jurassic Park ($19.99)

So there you have it: the Top Six New Food Options in Universal’s Diagon Alley. See you next weekend for the latest edition of the SATURDAY SIX, where we are going to look at the construction capital of the world, Downtown Disney. If you had fun, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast.

Special thanks to crack staff photographer Brandon Glover for his invaluable assistance in this article. I would also like to thank  Meg (one of the founding members of #PotterWatch, her story of which you can listen on  episode 3.2 of the Parkscope podcast), “the better half” @loveleelaura88, @MagisterGermain, @laurenlikesnaps, @FelipeWWoHP of OrlandoUnited, Downtown Disney Historian @Trygve and the usual gang of idiots.

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In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of August 1, 2014

By Rikki Niblett

In Case You Missed It!

Um…somebody please tell me how it’s now AUGUST?! I don’t understand how that happened already! Where did summer go?

This week we have lots of great articles, including some fun stuff about Guardians of the Galaxy, an 80s television tribute video for “Let it Go,” and more. Read on for more!

In Case You Missed It – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors

 

If you are in Orlando this weekend, and you love yo-yos, make sure to check out Duncan Toys’ International Yo-Yo Competition being held at the House of Blues at Downtown Disney.

The Four Seasons Orlando opens this weekend officially to guests and since the resort is on Disney property, it has a few Disney-related influences. Find out what they are in this Orlando Sentinel article. 

When visiting the Orlando area, there are a ton of free things that you can do. This Parade article talks about not only some of the free things that can be done at Walt Disney World, but also around the whole city. Something to keep in mind on your next trip.

Disney Cruise Line won several awards in the inaugural “Bon Voyage Awards” for Cruiseline.com. The ships won for “Best Mainstream Cabins,” “Best On-board Evening Activities,” “Best Services for Children under Three,” and “Best Services for Children Ages 3-12.” Congrats!

Today, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy was released and I’ve heard excellent things about this movie. Matter of fact, it is expected to do so well that they are already working on a sequel, which is slated to come out in theaters July 28, 2017!

Speaking of Guardians, with the release of the movie, the press has been booming with articles. One of them shows what a good guy Chris Pratt (who plays Star-Lord) really is, by surprising an audience at a charity screening. Also, read about how Nicole Perlman made history as the first female writer credited on a Marvel Studios film. Who’s going to see this movie this weekend?

Some people are so talented that it just blows my mind. I ran across this YouTube video of “80s TV Sings Let It Go.” This is so neat and had to have taken a LOT of time to create.

I wish to see the first trailer for Disney’s Into the Woods, which gets released on Christmas Day this year. I see my wish has come true! Check out the trailer for yourself!

For those who are excited about Star Wars, guess what? Even Mark Hamill is thrilled that he’s in the upcoming movie, according to this interview with Time.

What is one of the keys to Disney’s success as of late? The Motley Fool believe one piece of the puzzle is that the company has and creates its own content. Make sure to read on to see what the other piece is.

 

In Case We Missed It

 

What did we miss? Attach your idea to a Star-Lord Quad Blaster and send them to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.

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In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of August 1, 2014 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.