Any time is a great time to visit the Disneyland Resort but there are some new and exciting experiences that will make next year even more magical! 2016 is going to be an amazing year and you won’t want to miss what the Disneyland Resort has to offer! Here are my 7 reasons to visit the Disneyland Resort in 2016:
Beginning in February River Belle Terrace and Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante will have new dining experiences. Rancho del Zocalo will begin serving breakfast and River Belle Terrace will become a table service location for lunch and dinner.
2. New Stage Musical Coming to Disney California Adventure Park
Become immersed in the world of “Frozen” with a new “Frozen”-inspired stage musical in Disney California Adventure Park. Performances begin next summer at the Hyperion Theater.
Earlier this year we said “goodbye” to Luigi’s Flying Tires in Cars Land to make way for a new ride. I am so excited to see what the new attraction, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, is like! Luigi and his cousins, who are visiting from Italy, celebrate Race Day in Radiator Springs by demonstrating the dances of their village.
4. Super Hero HQ
Explore the Marvel universe through memorable character encounters, unique prop exhibits and interactive video games. You’ll be able to meet some of your favorite super heroes like Thor and Spiderman as well as have your favorite piece of Marvel art 3D printed onto a smart phone case.
5. Soarin’ Around the World at Disney California Adventure Park
Beginning next year, Soarin’ will be a brand new experience. Soarin’ Around the World will take guests on a journey over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders.
Travel to a galaxy far, far away with special new Star Wars experiences! Star Wars Launch Bay features characters, special exhibits and much more. Space Mountain has become Hyperspace Mountain. Star Tours features new scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Galactic Grill features Star Wars-inspired menu items.
7. Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration
The Diamond Celebration will last through September 5, 2016. That means more time to enjoy the exciting new shows, special food and merchandise. The “Paint the Night” parade, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, and “World of Color – Celebrate!” are not to be missed!
What are you looking forward to most at the Disneyland Resort next year?
The Disneyland Resort is going to be an extra magical place next year! Email me today to start planning your amazing 2016 Disney vacation!
I can’t believe there is a Star Wars rock band out there! They recently released a video of the Star Wars theme music. They are called Galactic Empire and they are pretty good, and this is coming from a person who is not a Star Wars fan.
A little something from their bio:
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…. actually fairly recently – a new heavy metal band was formed by some of the most infamous and feared villains in the galaxy. Introducing GALACTIC EMPIRE.
The band performs classic pieces from the iconic soundtrack of the Star Wars films written by John Williams.
Every time I go to Walt Disney World, I spend so much time thinking about what I will need in my park day bag to make my day as magical as possible. If you are a parent, you know how quickly your bag can fill up! Depending on who is traveling with me, I like to carry a crossbody bag or a backpack into the parks. Both are very comfortable and are able to fit on attractions securely. Here are my Top 10 suggestions on things to bring along with you into the parks to have your day go smoothly.
10- Hair Brush– This may not apply to everyone, but, I have long, thick hair and those water rides do a doozy to my hair. I love having a small hairbrush or comb with me so I can brush through it to avoid a knotty situation at the end of the day. And don’t forget some hair ties too….they are great for pulling wet hair back and keeping it out of your face!
9- Mints and Gum– You may have never noticed this, but, Disney does NOT sell gum ANYWHERE on property!!! Their rationale behind this is that they want to keep their parks and resorts looking as pristine as possible. You are allowed to chew gum in the parks, so no worries there. Just be sure to dispose of it properly when finished. There’s nothing worse than stepping in gum or having a stroller wheel get all gummed up. And, you may already have this in your carry-on bag for your flight to avoid the dreaded ear popping!
8- Hand Sanitizer– Hand sanitizer or wipes is a must for my family! Disney is a very popular place, and with being popular comes people…and germs. I connect a little hand sanitizer to the outside of my bag so it’s readily available throughout the day for my family to use. And we always take a little extra time to wash our hands just to reduce the risk of getting sick. Because, getting sick in Disney is no fun!
7- Sunscreen– This is an obvious one, as Orlando remains sunny and fairly hot all year round. A small container of sunscreen will help keep you and your family’s skin protected and the ouchies away.
6- Portable Charger– I started bringing one of these with me in 2013. With the introduction of the My Disney Experience app and using my phone as my main photography source, I quickly realized that my battery life was draining faster than ever. I love carrying a portable charger to give my phone a quick burst of energy while we are eating a meal. Then, I’m ready to go when we are done to continue capturing those beloved Disney memories!
5- Water Bottle– This is another biggie for me. We usually have a case of water delivered to our resort to enjoy throughout our trip. Bringing a water bottle into the parks will save so much money. And, you can ask for free cups of water at any of the quick service locations. Don’t pay for bottled water in the parks…it’s ridiculously expensive!!!
4- Autograph Book and Pen– My past trip was the first year my oldest son really loved interacting with the characters and he was obsessed with getting as many autographs as he could. We used an 8×10 photo mat to have the characters sign with Sharpies and then framed his favorite photo from vacation. Autograph books, pillowcases and hats are other great ways to collect your favorite characters signatures.
3- Cheap Sunglasses– It never fails that someone in our group always loses their sunglasses in the parks. Most recently, it was my mom who lost her’s on Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom. Bring along a check (yet stylish!) pair that you won’t mind if you lose. It’s much easier to swallow than losing an expensive pair. And while you’re at it, keep a backup pair in your room, just in case.
2- Flip Flops– Your feet will thank me on this one! I love to rotate shoes throughout my trip to ensure that my feet stay comfortable. If you love to wear sneakers to the parks, throw a pair of flip flops into your park bag and switch into them before you get onto any water rides. There’s nothing worse than walking around in wet socks and shoes, thus leading to blisters.
1- Ponchos– You can usually find cheap, compact ones in the camping section of any major store for less than $5. We stock up on these and throw one or two per person into our park bags. They are great in the event of a popup storm or even on water rides. I always wear one on Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom!! Side note on Kali River Rapids: The center of the raft where you used to be able to put your belongings no longer exists. So be sure to stow your valuables in one of the lockers outside the attraction or under your poncho!
So those are my necessities for traveling with my family. What do you like to pack in your park bag? Let us know!
Walt Disney World is the perfect setting for families to reconnect and create magical memories to last a lifetime! Email me at [email protected] to being planning your 2016 vacation.
Sure we love Disney, but what about our beloved pets? I think they need some Disney love too! What adorable kitty or pup wouldn’t want a snugly bed full of Disney cheer? That’s why for today’s Disney Find we’ve found some of our favorite Disney themed pet beds to share with our furry Disney friends!
I love how this BETOP Mickey Pet Cave has the classic Mickey appeal, fun mouse ears on top really pull it together. The inside cushion makes a great place to hide pet toys and is also removable for easy cleaning. I seriously can’t stop giggling at it’s Mickey ears!
Of course we can’t forget our PIXAR fans, that’s why we love the Lightning Mcqueen Pet Cushion. It’s lightweight and can fit in any room in the house. Pair it with a fun quilted Mickey pet blanket for the ultimate in Disney pet snuggles!
Last, but certainly NOT least is this amazing Komia Pet Igloo, with the super adorable Disney cuties characters adorning the roof! It’s definitely the ultimate sleeping spot for any posh Disney pet!
Have you found any fun Disney themed pet beds? I would love to see them!
There’s something so magical about Disney photographs, they’re always so full of color, joyful glimmer and magic. Capturing the Magic: A Photographic Journey through the Walt Disney World Parks is a visual journey that takes you on an artful tour of the parks.
Capturing the Magic explores the parks through stunning photography that will change the way you look at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The rich in-depth photographs transport you to the park so it’s almost as if you’re strolling through them from home. The photography by Bill Sferrazza and Eric Weber is truly enchanting, but the imaginative details of Holly Wiencek make this an artful masterpiece. This magnificent coffee table book won’t just share the magic with your home and guests, but will also donate $1.00 from every book purchased to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The Walt Disney Studios has announced that Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues to break records with weekend sales reaching $238 million in the U.S. and $517 Million in Global Debut.
Alan Horn, Chairman of the Walt Disney Studios shared the following statement. “Our sole focus has been creating a film that delivers that one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience, and director J.J. Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, and the Lucasfilm team have outdone themselves.” Mr. Horn did not forget to thank the fans for their support and commitment to ensure all enjoyed the film without spoilers saying “To all of the fans around the world who not only came out in Force to make this such an exciting and astronomical debut but who treated this film as their own and helped preserve the experience for their fellow fans by not spoiling it – thank you, we do.”
Star Wars: The Force Awakens which premiered on this week broke records from Day One. The film grossed $57 Million on Thursday, $120.5 Million on Friday, which was also the biggest single-day record as well as breaking the $100 Million mark in a single day. Records for fastest film to go from $100 Million to $200 Million, biggest December debut of $84.6 million, biggest IMAX (domestically) on all three nights (Thursday – $5.7 Million, Friday – $14 Million and $30.1 Million for the weekend and globally at $48 Million. The final record of $57,568 million for the highest theater for a wide release.
Records worldwide were also set with biggest opening weekend going to the UK (4 days), and Australia, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, Poland (3-day), Denmark (5-day), Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Serbia, New Zealand. The second biggest opening weekend in France, Belgium, Israel, Chile.
Financial Records are not the only ones that have been broken, Star Wars: The Force Awakens also showed a record 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A+ for the Cinemascore from women and younger audiences.
The Force has awakened at the theaters and the proof is in the records. Have you seen The Force Awakens? What side are you on?
There’s an amazing new look and feel in the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista located in the Disney Springs Resort Area, including the introduction of the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.
“For the value-minded vacationer, we now offer the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista featuring spacious rooms and access to all the amenities that our guests have come to expect in our adjacent Skyview tower,” said General Manager Jay Leonard.
The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista includes 394 guestroom accommodations comprising 330 rooms with two double beds and 64 rooms with one king bed.
Corporate travelers, groups and associations will appreciate the 25,000 square feet of function space, the 12,000-square-foot ballroom and 21 function rooms.
The 19-story Wyndham Lake Buena Vista tower features 232 guestroom accommodations, including seven parlor suites, 42 rooms with one king bed and 183 rooms with two queen beds.
The two Wyndham properties are Official Walt Disney World Hotels, located in the Walt Disney World Resort. As such, continuous shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is available. A Disney Character Breakfast is featured three days a week, and an on-site Disney Store is offered for those seeking souvenirs. Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions can be purchased online through the hotel website or by visiting the Guest Services Desk in the tower lobby.
Guests of both hotels have plenty of activities to enjoy at the resort. The Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground features two pools with many interactive water attractions for children, a hot tub and an abundant amount of space to stretch out in the Florida sun. The Oasis Bar & Grill, located poolside, is perfect for cooling off and refueling for the next adventure. The resort also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, along with tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts.
As part of the recently announced multimillion-dollar renovation, a lake house retreat concept ties together the tower’s redesign, led by global hospitality design firm The Gettys Group. The lobby space is reenergized with a fresh, neutral color palette accented with vibrant turquoise and pops of chartreuse. Distressed wood paneling, white granite, custom wood screens and bead board paneling are a few of the finish details that are now incorporated into the lobby. The concept extends throughout the public spaces – from Sundial Cafe to the Eclipse Lobby Lounge to the Lakeview Restaurant.
The textures and patterns selected for the tower guest rooms and suites are reminiscent of those found in nature. Custom case goods and lighting, plush seating in neutral-toned upholstery fabrics, luxurious pillow-top bedding and modern bathroom fixtures are all just part of the numerous upgrades to the hotel.
The Wyndham hotels are adjacent to Lake Buena Vista and have gorgeous water views. The guest rooms and suites in the Wyndham Skyview Tower offer guests a true sanctuary with generously appointed accommodations and all of the amenities that could be found in a central Florida vacation lake house.
One of the toughest decisions you have to make when planning a Walt Disney World vacation is where to stay. I love to try different resorts and love to explore each one! Here are my Top 10 Resorts Not to Miss in Walt Disney World:
1- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort- here you will feel like you are a character in your favorite Disney and Disney Pixar movies. From Little Mermaid to Cars to Lion King and Finding Nemo, excitement and amazement are around every corner. The spacious Family Suites are great for larger families to spread out and I love swimming in The Big Blue Pool!
2- Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts- there are so many things I love about these two resorts. For families, I absolutely love Stormalong Bay, Cape May Cafe and Beaches & Cream. If you are headed to WDW on an adult-trip, you can not beat the quick, 5-minute walk into Epcot’s World Showcase or a stroll over to the other side of Crescent Lake for the fabulous nightlife at The Boardwalk.
3- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort- now that construction is just about complete, the Polynesian Village Resort provides everything you need for a great family vacation- spacious rooms, an amazingly themed pool- complete with volcano slide, delicious dining options and places for adults to relax and unwind. Not to mention, you can have a front and center seat for Wishes on the beach.
4- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa- this resort holds a very special place in my heart, as it was my “home” for many years growing up. This is where my family has stayed the most and nothing beats the floral smell that welcomes you into the breathtaking lobby. Don’t let Disney’s flagship resort intimidate you…there is fun for the whole family waiting here, including the Perfectly Princess Tea Party, Pirate Adventure Cruise, Alice in Wonderland themed splash area and zero-entry pool featuring a twisting waterslide. Fabulous dining options and close proximity to the Magic Kingdom make it one of my favorites.
5- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge- is there any better way to start your day than to wake up, step out on your balcony, and be greeted by African safari animals? If you said “no”, then you definitely want to consider Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for your next trip. Unique dining options and experiences are all nestled into this picturesque resort.
6- Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside- this is one of my favorite resorts for aesthetics. The grounds are absolutely beautiful! As you walk through lush, manicured walks through the Magnolia Bend Mansions down to the Alligator Bayou, you will feel like you stepped back into the days of Mark Twain and steamboat travel. It is at this resort that you will find the impressively themed Royal Guest Rooms, complete with touches from Princess Tiana and all her friends. End your day with a private fireworks show on your headboard. It’s truly magical!
7- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort- although this resort is the largest on Disney property, its rooms are divided up into villages representing different areas of the Caribbean. You can’t help but put a smile on your face as you walk through this colorful resort, complete with secluded spots to sit, relax and take in the island way of life. Many of the rooms here are themed after “Finding Nemo”, but, there are also unique, Pirate-themed rooms here that feature a “Pirates of the Caribbean” feel.
8- Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter- the sister property to Port Orleans Riverside, you will feel like you stepped into New Orleans over at the French Quarter. The lively Big Easy awaits as you stroll down cobblestone walks and imagine the smell of magnolia blossoms in the air. This resort also screams romance…so if you and a loved one are planning a trip to Disney, this moderate resort is where you will want to be! Did I mention you can also find delicious beignets here?!?!
9- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort–this is another resort that I recall vividly staying at in my earlier years. The cabins here are super spacious and sleep up to 6 adults, which is also great for larger families. You also have use of a full kitchen in your cabin and access to two of my favorite dining spots- the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. The resort will make you one with the great outdoors, and if you are like me and don’t overly enjoy roughing it, consider this a great way to go glamping!!!!
10- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort- although this resort is current experiencing a transformation over at its sister Villas, we love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for its majestic lobby and natural feel. Follow the bubbling hot spring that begins in the lobby outside as it is transformed into a gushing waterfall that flows into the swimming pool. And don’t miss Fire Rock Geyser, a 120-foot geyser that erupts each hour during the day. It’s truly impressive!
Whenever anyone asks me what resorts I’d recommend, these are always top of my list. Hopefully I have helped provided a little first hand experience into your early trip planning process. If you are ready to take the leap and book your next magical vacation, email me at [email protected]. With over 30 years of traveling to Walt Disney World, I can help create the most magical vacation for you and your family!
This year sprinkle an extra dash of cheer on the holiday season with some Disney friends and partake in a festive feast. On Christmas Day you can have dinner with Mickey and his pals at Disney’s PCH Grill at the Disneyland Resort! This Christmas dinner takes place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 25, 2015.
Start off the all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet with a collection of fresh salads and fruits-including heirloom tomato-mozzarella topped with creamy pesto & aged balsamic reduction finished with fresh cracked pepper and sea salt.
Then, take your pick from favorite Christmas classics like an herb-marinated roast–carved on the spot and served with savory beef au jus, spice rubbed ribs and your choice of honey BBQ or spicy BBQ sauce with corn bread shells and honey butter pearls.
Be sure to save room for dessert! There is a variety of delicious treats to choose from created by the Disneyland Resort Pastry Team.
There’s also a kid’s buffet designed with them in mind. The kid’s buffet features kid favorites like a mac n’ cheese station, mini hot dogs, cheeseburger sliders, build-your-own cheese or pepperoni piza and much more! They’ll also be able to pick from a spread of scrumptious desserts.
You can make reservations online or by calling (714) 781-DINE.
Also, Goofy’s Kitchen will be closing temporarily from January 19 to February 9, 2016 to receive a new look. While it’s closed the characters will find a new home at the PCH Grill. The Surf’s Up Breakfast with Mickey and Friends will continue as usual.
Fans of Full House have been waiting for news of the highly anticipated spin-off, titled Fuller House which will premiere on Netflix, Friday, February 26, 2016.
The show focuses on DJ (Candace Cameron Bure) who with the help of her sister, Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Kimmy (Andrea Barber) raises her three sons. Special guest appearances by members from the original show will include Bob Saget, John Stamos, Dave Coulier and Lori Loughlin as well as Scott Weinger aka Steve) and twins Nicky and Alex (Blake and Dylan Tuomy-Wilhoit). The only members who will be missing will be Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle in the original “Full House” series.
Produced by John Stamos, the spin off is hoping to bring fans of the original a chance to reconnect with the cast and see where they are today. Will you be one of the fans watching Fuller House on Netflix? I wonder who will be coming through the door in the video below?
Yesterday, while I was walking around Ann Arbor, avoiding going back to work, I entered Walgreens on a mission for snacks. However, what I found was so much more magical!
SOHO has created a new Cinderella inspired make-up and accessory line for Walgreens.
The collection features everything a Disney Princess could want; lip gloss, eye shadow, make-up bags, liquid eyeliner, and more! The best part? Everything it total affordable!
First, I have an unnatural obsession for make-up bags. I just love how pretty they are and the promise they give of organizing all my stuff. These Cinderella bags are no exception – I love them all! I really love that the line features multiple patterns and sizes. You can choose your favorite, or collect them all.
Now , on to the make-up!
The Ready of the Ball Beauty Book is an all-in-on purchase that features eye shadow, blush, eye pencil, lip-gloss, and brush. If you are looking for the biggest bang for your buck, this set is definitely for you at only $9.99
If you’re looking for simple a little more simple – then check out these smaller sets of lip gloss and liquid eyeliner. I love the fun metallic colors of the eyeliner, which would be perfect for a New Year’s Eve party or the transitions from winter to spring (is it spring yet??). The lip gloss is subtle and great for everyday wear. You won’t have to worry about bright red lips standing out in the office (not that there is anything wrong with that!) with these shades. Each set is $4.99, so you can definitely pick up both to complete your collection.
The SOHO Cinderella line also features items that are available in store only including this HUGE eye-shadow set, hand cream, and eye-shadow primer. I feel like the eye shadow set is too big to be completely practically. I mean, where would I store this?
Now, I will say that I didn’t purchase any of these items, although I did squeal in delight at seeing it all displayed together. I really love Cinderella, and this seems like a more updated version of the classic film. My favorite pieces are definitely the make-up bags – they are just so shiny and pretty!
I’m really interested in hearing how you feel about this line! Do you love it or are you lukewarm? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.
The brand new table service restaurant in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, the Jungle Cruise-themed “Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen” located in Adventureland, had it’s official grand opening on Wednesday, December 16, 2015. But it actually had a soft opening prior to that, beginning on Sunday the 13th of December. I was lucky enough to be celebrating the holidays at WDW with my family during the soft opening earlier this week, and had a wonderful dinner at the Skipper Canteen on Monday!
In talking with a cast member while dining at the restaurant, I learned that currently they are only planning on doing walk-ups (that’s right – NO advance dining reservations at all!) at this new location, as a sort of test to see how this new & different method goes. He explained to me that they realized there were too few table service dining locations in the Magic Kingdom, for such a popular & busy park, and that getting reservations at one of them was becoming a difficult task for many guests, unless booking very far in advance. So they saw a need for something to change the game, and this is their proposed solution for the time being – to offer this alternative on a first come, first serve only basis. Of course, as with all things Disney, this could be subject to change in the future, based on the results of this little experiment. But at least for the month of January, don’t be expecting to make any reservations to eat here! Lucky for us, there was no wait at all when we arrived around 4pm on the 14th. However, if they are on a wait when you go, they will take your mobile phone number at check-in and text you to let you know when your table is available. This is so nice considering you won’t have to actually wait around right outside the restaurant and you’ll be freed up to go do something else until they’re ready to seat you!
The staff are trained to fully immerse you in the Jungle Cruise theme & story for the entire duration of your visit. The full backstory is printed on the backs of the menus – a letter from Alberta Falls, the restaurant owner – but the servers are very good at telling you all about it in their own words when introducing you to your surroundings, and with enthusiasm. The story goes that Alberta’s grandfather, the famous explorer Dr. Albert Falls, established the Jungle Navigation Company in 1911, a cargo shipping business on the jungle rivers of Adventureland. But soon after Alberta inherited it from him, the business declined and it was “dry docked.” Then one of the jungle boat skippers came up with an idea to offer guided tours of the jungle to visitors.
These jungle cruises became very popular with globetrotters and now business is booming! Due to the success, Alberta decided to open up the home offices to hungry travelers. There are 3 dining rooms – the crew’s mess hall, the old Falls family parlor, and her grandfather’s old secret meeting room for his Society of Explorers and Adventurers (the S.E.A.). I just loved the eclectic decor throughout – the leopard print chairs in the once hidden S.E.A. meeting room, the wooden hand-carved scenes from the Jungle Cruise attraction incorporated into the parlor fixtures, and the stained glass parrot chandeliers in the parlor (which remind you of the Enchanted Tiki Room).
There are tons of great details to look at everywhere, but the best feature of all was the gorgeous preserved butterfly round booth in the S.E.A. room – rumored to be Dr. Falls’ favorite. Fun fact: Many of the artifacts and masks hanging on the walls of the mess hall were relocated there from the long gone Adventurer’s Club that was once a staple in the old Pleasure Island district of Downtown Disney.
Our server, Paul, was fantastic and just like all the other servers and jungle cruise skippers, he was always quick and ready with the signature dialogue we’ve come to know and love about the Jungle Cruise – plenty of cheesy puns! He starts off by telling us that “Trader Sam told me you’d ‘beheading‘ this way.” We ordered a Thai Fanta melon frosty soda from the “exotic Coca-Cola selections,” which came with free refills just like any domestic soda offered! It was very refreshing & delicious, like a Sprite but with a rich melon flavor instead of lemon-lime. I loved the different twist. We also got a Schweitzer Slush specialty beverage ($5.50 or $14.50 with a souvenir mug), a frozen apple juice and passion fruit concoction topped with lots of bursting green apple boba balls (just like the ones you find in all different flavors at your local frozen yogurt shops.) It is very good and I highly recommend it as I really enjoyed the boba. We were served a plate of Ambasha bread prior to our meal, for the table to share, with a side of honey infused with fenugreek for dipping. It was really great! For an appetizer, we got the Falls Family Falafel ($8) – a “secret recipe” of chickpeas, garlic, onions, lemon juice and herbs served with white bean dip and tomato-cucumber salad. I was told it was “so good you’ll falafel your chair,” but this was the only thing we ordered that I wasn’t completely jazzed about. It was good, but the only reason I wasn’t totally crazy about it is that I felt it was a little too dry.
In my opinion, it just needed some sauce to make it better, and since it paired real well with the tomato-cucumber salad, I’m thinking a tzatziki sauce would be the perfect compliment. Next came our entrees. My husband had the rice noodle bowl with chicken and I had the Char Siu Pork, served with Chinese broccoli and white jasmine rice. Oh my god, the marinated pork flavor was crazy good!!! You definitely need to try it! My husband enjoyed his noodle bowl as well. The portion sizes are perfect. I’d love to try something different next time for the sake of trying something new, but it will be very hard not to get the pork again knowing just how good it is.
During your meal at some point, you might hear your server come by and say “Safari so good?” Haha! Picky eaters beware, because the kid’s menu doesn’t have the typical fare. Instead, they’ve chosen to include some of the more adventurous standard menu items, but with smaller portions for the kiddos. My little guy is a mac and cheese lover, so we ordered him the Junior Skip’s Mac and Cheese, which is an Egyptian style consisting of spiced ground beef (layered on the bottom), pasta, and bechamel sauce – so it’s more mild and creamy than cheesy. It’s wonderful. The combined beef is actually really good and even my picky eater loved it! His kid’s meal came with his very own dessert – a little chocolate volcano with a cool-looking candy lava spray. Wow. This dessert is amazing. Our Kungaloosh dessert was also equally amazing! Both are very rich, very chocolatey and to die for. The Kungaloosh is an African-inspired chocolate cake with a caramelized banana, cashew-caramel ice cream, and topped off with coffee dust. Needless to say, I was very, very satisfied with our meal and can’t wait to go back again!
The ArepasThe S.E.A. Shu Mai dumplings
Are you excited to try out this fun new eatery, or are you one of the lucky few that have already had the pleasure? If so, let us know what you think in the comments section below!
If you’re interested in booking a vacation to Walt Disney World to check out this awesome new restaurant, please contact me at [email protected]. As an agent with World of Magic Travel Services – the preferred travel agency of Chip & Co. – I offer complimentary planning services so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy your magical vacation!
has the classic Mickey appeal, fun mouse ears on top really pull it together. The inside cushion makes a great place to hide pet toys and is also removable for easy cleaning. I seriously can’t stop giggling at it’s Mickey ears!
. It’s lightweight and can fit in any room in the house. Pair it with a fun quilted 
for the ultimate in Disney pet snuggles!
, with the super adorable Disney cuties characters adorning the roof! It’s definitely the ultimate sleeping spot for any posh Disney pet!
: A Photographic Journey through the Walt Disney World Parks is a visual journey that takes you on an artful tour of the parks.
