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Top 3 Snacks at Magic Kingdom

Mickey Mouse snacks

Been awhile since lunch and too early for dinner? Snack time! There’s one thing you definitely won’t have to worry about on a Disney trip—going hungry. In fact, there are so many options, it’s often hard to choose. Some fan favorites, like the Mickey Premium Bar ice cream treats, are available pretty much anywhere on property. Other goodies can be found only at select locations. Here are our top three snack picks at Magic Kingdom:

1)      This relatively new treat debuted just last year an instant crowd pleaser. It’s somewhat nutritious and very much delicious! The Nutella Waffle Sandwich can be found at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, which is just to the left of Cinderella Castle as you enter Liberty Square from the Hub. This one’s easy to replicate at home when you need to satisfy that homesick-for-Disney longing. Other waffle “sammies” are available as well.

Nutella Waffle Sandwich Disney World
Nutella Waffle Sandwich

2)      With over a million-and-a-half of these sold annually across Walt Disney World Resort, the Giant Smoked Turkey Leg is certainly satisfying. Each weighs about a pound-and-a-half—yes, I said a pound-and-a-half! It used to be sold as a Disney Dining snack credit, but is now charged a full Table Service credit, as it is indeed a meal of its own. You can get them at kiosks in Frontierland along the Rivers of America.

Andrew Zimmern turkey leg Disney World
TV's Andrew Zimmern enjoys Giant Turkey Legs too!

3)      And of course, the Dole Whip. You didn’t think I’d leave that one off, did you? Aloha Isle at the entrance to Adventureland is one of very few WDW locations that offer this delightfully refreshing pineapple softserve. It’s creamy and smooth, yet light and fluffy. You can also get it as a Dole Whip Float—the famous ice cream served in pineapple juice. It comes in other flavors too, but who gets those?

Dole Whip Disney World
Dole Whip, photo courtesy Focused on the Magic

Were your favorite Magic Kingdom snacks on this list? If not, tell us what you like!

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Top 3 Snacks at Magic Kingdom

Sleepy Hollow’s Nutella Waffle with Fruit.

Sleepy Hollow's Nutella Waffle with Fruit.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “Where can I get a waffle with chicken and salad greens on top of it in the middle of the Magic Kingdom?” well, your dreams have just been answered.  You can now get a waffle with Nutella, sweet and spicy chicken, or ham, prosciutto and Swiss cheese at Sleepy Hollow, the quick service counter on the right as you enter Liberty Square.   Since I’d just had lunch (with some Imagineers, you know the usual) and I was still a bit hungry (because one does not stuff one’s face while dining with Imagineers, especially good-looking ones), I decided to make a beeline over to Sleepy Hollow and try out the Nutella waffle.

The great thing about the Nutella waffle is that it’s covered in fruit so you can tell yourself that you’re being virtuous all while you’re digging through the berries and bananas to get to the chocolate goodness that is Nutella.  Not familiar with Nutella? It’s a chocolate and hazelnut spread, but the chocolate far outshines the hazelnut flavor.  At $5.59, it’s a pricey snack that doesn’t count as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan, but it’s big enough for two or even three to share.

The waffle is your standard Belgian waffle. It could be a bit more tender but overall I had no complaints about the flavor. They give you a pretty generous serving of strawberries, raspberries, and bananas, about three-fourths of a cup. My only complaint would have to be the schmear of Nutella, which was on the thin side. A couple more tablespoons would have made it perfect.

This snack far outshines Sleepy Hollow’s signature funnel cake, so the addition of the Nutella waffle is a welcome one for a quick bite of something sweet on that side of the park. I’ll definitely try it again.

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a travel agent and a member of the Mouse Chat podcast. Email her at [email protected] or call 919-889-5281 to find out how you can get a free Disney gift card when you book your next vacation.

Sleepy Hollow's Nutella Waffle with Fruit.

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney has released the dates for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year’s festival will be held from September 28, 2012 to November 11, 2012. So start making your plans now to attend this food and wine lovers paradise!

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Kalua Pork Slider, Hawaii Booth

The festival allows you to enjoy everything Epcot has to offer plus additional kiosks in the World Showcase that feature food and drinks from around the world. Last year’s festival included offerings from Belgium, New Zealand, and more. Each country in the World Showcase also has special offerings just for the festival. Last year my husband loved the Kalua Pork Slider from the Hawaii booth and the dessert trio from the Desserts & Champagne booth was amazing.

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Dessert Trio, Dessert & Champagne Booth

The Food & Wine Festival also has special cooking demonstrations and dining events, mixology classes and wine tastings, and live music from the yet to be named artists that will be a part of the Eat to the Beat concert series.

This is one Disney event I would definitely make plans to attend. Just make sure to come hungry.

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney Store 25th Anniversary Giveaway

Disney Store 25th Anniversary Giveaway

On March 28, 2012, Disney Store will celebrate its 25th anniversary. In celebration of this momentous occasion we are giving away this HUGE Disney Prize Pack!

Disney Store 25th Anniversary Gift Pack consists of a Mickey & Minnie Mouse Photo Frame, a World of Disney Journal, a World of Disney Ballpoint Pen, and a World of Disney Reusable Tote. All of these items plus many more are available now at Disney Store.

For more information about Disney Store’s past 25 years, be sure to visit its official blog, The Buzz, which is posting daily articles celebrating its vibrant history.

To enter just use the Rafflecopter form below. As an added bonus I will manually enter any shares you do from the top or bottom of this page. (Just click the red Share Button) You have between now and Saturday March 31st at 12:01am. to enter.

So enter, comment, and share as often as you like.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disney Store 25th Anniversary Giveaway

Register Now for the Star Wars Celebration VI Costume Pageant

Register Now for the Star Wars Celebration VI Costume Pageant

Celebrations are a showcase for amazing fan-made Star Wars costumes, and the Celebration VI Costume Pageants are your chance to show off your creation, or watch incredible costumers strut their stuff.

Registration starts today! Click here to download the rules, guidelines, and registration form.

The Costume Pageants are currently scheduled for the afternoons of Friday, August 24 and Sunday, August 26, planned for the Celebration Stage with celebrity host James Arnold Taylor . Costumes will draw inspiration from across the galaxy of Star Wars, from movies and television to books and comics to the fertile imaginations of creative costumers.

Your entry must be postmarked by July 15, 2012, so download your entry form today!

Need some inspiration? Check out the great fan-made costumes on display at prior Star Wars Celebrations in 2010 and 2007!

JediMouseketeer.com and the Sorcerer Radio Network will be covering Star Wars Celebration VI LIVE! Stay tuned for more information regarding our coverage coming soon!

*Source StarWars.com.

Register Now for the Star Wars Celebration VI Costume Pageant

Disney Baby Celebrates 1 Million Facebook Likes

Disney Baby Celebrates 1 Million Facebook Likes

Disney Consumer Products announced today that its Disney Baby Facebook page has reached and surpassed more than 1 million Likes in just fourteen months, making Disney Baby the fourth most popular baby brand on Facebook. To celebrate this social media landmark, Disney Baby will release a special tribute video to thank its Facebook community and after much demand is also launching a new Facebook sweepstakes series with coveted Disney Baby products as prizes. To further engage its loyal Facebook community, Disney Baby also announced the addition of its new Disney Momgineers tab, making the Disney Baby Facebook experience more interactive, conversational and informative.

“I am so excited to see our social media community thriving,” said Jeannine D’Addario, Vice President, Disney Moms and Babies for Disney Consumer Products. “As a mom, I know how important it is to be part of a community that celebrates life with baby at every stage.”

The new Disney Momgineers Facebook tab is designed to expand the Disney Baby experience by sharing practical advice and tips, and hosting a forum to discuss a variety of topics relevant to new and expectant parents. The Disney Momgineers are employees of The Walt Disney Company who are also proud parents with the special mission of helping create the best baby experience possible. Knowing how precious moments with baby are and how important it is to feel good about the choices a parent makes, the Disney Momgineers bring a valuable source of experience and insight to Disney Baby from sharing real-life advice to providing input on new products.

The Disney Baby social media community continues to grow not only on Facebook, but also on Twitter, YouTube, and DisneyBaby.com. At the heart of its social media experience is Disney Baby Magical Moments, an easy-to-use tool that helps parents easily upload their baby photos and videos, adding to a dynamic collection of shared family experiences from other parents. The photos appear on DisneyBaby.com and the Disney Baby Magical Moments tab on Disney Baby’s Facebook page. From silly smiles to Sunday afternoon strolls, Disney Baby Magical Moments add to the community and create a warm and inviting place that online moms are responding to.

The new tribute video will be a compilation of these magical moments posted by fans that emphasize the joys of parenthood. The new weekly Disney Baby Magical Moments Sweepstakes offers fans the opportunity to win unique, feel good products from Disney Baby’s growing collection organized around key moments of the day, including Getting Ready, Baby’s Firsts, In the Nursery, Dressing Baby, Mealtime and Bathtime.

For more about the weekly prizes and video, please visit http://www.facebook.com/DisneyBaby.

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Disney Baby Celebrates 1 Million Facebook Likes

Don’t be that Guy – Top 5 Most Annoying Park Guests

 Don't be that Guy - Top 5 Most Annoying Park Guests

Everyone has the right to act a little crazy on their Disney vacation, after all you are paying to be there! In my travels however, I have found a few types of guests I can truly recommend you not to be.  I am providing you with this list not only for your reading pleasure, but as a public service announcement as well.

1. The modern-day princess – There is plenty of room at Disney for mini Cinderellas and Belles to strut their stuff, but adult women who feel it necessary to dress like Princess Kate are a bit out-of-place. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen ladies in dresses and skirts complete with high heels!!! Hey, I’m not knocking them for trying, but ladies listen up, those people staring at you are doing so out of pity not because you look good! Grab a pair of shorts and some broken in sneakers and thank me later. Oh and PS, you can go ahead and skip the perfume too.

2. The ride spoiler – Ok, we get it, you’ve been on Soarin before! There is no need to prove it by announcing what scene is next or telling how great the ending is or revealing where Hidden Mickey’s can be found. This behavior is just plain annoying and frankly ruins the magic for a lot of others. Let newbies be surprised about the drop on Splash and when Everest puts it in reverse!

3. The Stroller Soldier – These folks can’t seem to understand that a stroller is not a weapon of mass destruction! I cannot tell you how many skinned heels I’ve gotten by people running into me with strollers. I’ve also seen an elderly lady knocked over by a mom rushing to Fantasyland. Be careful with the strollers!

4. The Shutter Bug – Not only does this person cause major traffic back ups by stopping suddenly every few feet to snap a picture, but they also miss the real-time magic that is happening all around them! I know it is a sin to not got a great family photo in front of the castle, but remember to actually enjoy the little things that can easily e missed when you are searching for good angles and photo ops.

5. The yeller – I get it, kids misbehave, everyone is exhausted, your feet hurt, that Mickey Bar cost you an arm and leg, but try not to publicly yell at your family members! It ruins the magic for the passerby and it won’t make things better for you! I recall a woman scolding her child because she badly needed a cigarette before heading onto Kilimanjaro Safaris. That poor kid was so excited and instead got yelled at and had to wait with her mom while she inhaled a cigarette…ew.

So there you have it. Keep this stuff in mind for your next trip and I promise you things will be a little mor magical! What types of people have you encountered on your trips that others should avoid being?

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Don't be that Guy - Top 5 Most Annoying Park Guests

Disney World Quick Tip – Getting the best seat in the house

Disney World Quick Tip - Getting the best seat in the house

Many popular Disney World attractions are shows, such as Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage, The American Adventure, and more! However, what most guests are thinking about when the theater doors open is how to get the best seat, especially when you have kids!

While many theaters at Walt Disney World have seating that offers great views no matter where you’re at, the best views for many shows are in the center, near the front.  From this location, you have a direct view of the action and close proximity to the characters, especially when it’s a live show. However, when you enter the theater, Cast Members require guests to move all the way across the aisle. Therefore, if you’re the first one in, you will probably get one of the worst seats!

So if you want a great seat at a show at Disney World, don’t push to be the first through the theater doors. If you do, you will be required to go all the way across the aisle and end up with a distant aisle seat. Instead, hang back a little and let the crowds flow in until they have filled up half of the theater, then make your way to an empty seat which should be at the center of the theater! However, be warned that the seats towards the front tend to fill up fast!

So when you’re hunting for a great seat at a Disney World show,  don’t rush! Let other guests take the other seats and then get the ones you want. It’s much less stressful and you and the kids will have a great view!

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Disney World Quick Tip - Getting the best seat in the house

Take 25% off at the Disney Store – Today Only!

Take 25% off at the Disney Store - Today Only!

Today only! In celebration of the Disney Store’s 25 Anniversary they are giving you 25% off your purchases!

To learn more and to get your 25% off just click here!

Take 25% off at the Disney Store - Today Only!

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Take 25% off at the Disney Store - Today Only!

Disney Store Celebrates 25th Anniversary Tomorrow!

Disney Store Celebrates 25th Anniversary Tomorrow!

Disney Store will celebrate its 25th anniversary on March 28 at stores nationwide, and in recognition of this important milestone, Disney Store will give the first 250 guests at each location silver commemorative Mickey Mouse ears. In addition, Disney Store will host a variety of family fun activities throughout the day, including Disney trivia, games, a dance party and more. As an added bonus, guests will receive 25 percent off purchases made in store and online at DisneyStore.com for the entire day. Although known for delivering “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day,” Disney Store has created magical memories for guests of all ages for 25 magical years.

“Disney Store’s 25th anniversary is about celebrating our guests, our products, and the memorable experiences we create for families every day,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Store worldwide, “We take great pride in delivering on the Disney promise of excellence, and look forward to bringing the magic of Disney to our guests around the world for many years to come.”

In 1987, Disney launched the entertainment retail model, by opening the first Disney Store in Glendale, California. Today, there are more than 350 Disney Store locations worldwide, and more than 200 million people visit Disney Store every year. In 2010 Disney Store launched a new store design featuring immersive Disney storytelling neighborhoods and interactive experiences, once again establishing itself as an innovator in specialty retail.

Disney Store created a commemorative video featuring guests who shared their favorite videos and photos of Disney Store memories over the years. Exclusive products inspired by Disney stories sets Disney Store apart, and a collection of 25th anniversary merchandise has been released with new artwork featuring a collage of favorite Disney characters. From collectibles like the limited edition Mickey Mouse light up Vinylmation™ figure, to apparel and stationery, the assortment allows every member of the family to share in this special occasion and create new memories with Disney Store.

There’s still time for guests to submit photos of their favorite Disney Store moments for a chance to have them seen by millions on Disney Store’s digital billboard in the heart of New York’s Times Square.

To find a Disney Store location, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Updates , become a fan on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore to stay connected to your favorite destination.

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Disney Store Celebrates 25th Anniversary Tomorrow!

First Look: Park-Inspired Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers Game

“Disney

Have you heard? Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers is coming soon and it’s the first social game inspired by our very own Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Yes, it includes “The Tree of Life,” and during game play, you’ll have a chance to create and nurture your own wildlife nature preserve around it – with exotic animals. A few of the game’s locations will be familiar to  readers.

Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers - Coming Soon Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers - Coming Soon Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers - Coming Soon Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers - Coming Soon

When it launches on Facebook, players will also be able to search for hidden objects in some spectacular natural settings, from the Rocky Mountains to the Amazon rainforest to the Australian outback. We can’t wait to experience it. Take a first look at the new trailer for Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers and let’s us know what you think.

First Look: Park-Inspired Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers Game

Coming in 2013 – Adventures by Disney Introduces Families to the Far East

Coming in 2013 - Adventures by Disney Introduces Families to the Far East

Continuing its tradition of creating award-winning immersive experiences around the globe, Adventures by Disney announced today an all-new destination for 2013 – Southeast Asia. Featuring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the 12-day, 11-night itinerary will give travelers the opportunity to experience some of Asia’s most exotic and culturally-rich cities – including Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat – in a way they may not have thought possible; as a family.

Coming in 2013 - Adventures by Disney Introduces Families to the Far East

The leader in privately-guided group excursions, Adventures by Disney specially designs its itineraries to engage guests of all ages, providing authentic, hands-on experiences that leave each participant with memories to share and deeper knowledge of the world around them. In Cambodia, adults will have time to take in the unique architecture of the Temples of Angkor Wat while Junior Adventurers live the history of the ancient structure on a tuk tuk vehicle treasure hunt. Families will work together in Laos at an organic rice farm where they will have a hand in each of the 13 stages of rice production. Meal preparation is a team effort in Vietnam where guests will hand-pick ingredients from a Hoi An market, and then learn to make their own Vietnamese delicacies with the guidance of a local chef.

Coming in 2013 - Adventures by Disney Introduces Families to the Far East

Beyond the popular tourist spots, Adventures by Disney gives families a unique view of each destination with another of its signature features – off-the-beaten path experiences. From a horseback ride through the rural villages of the Cambodian countryside to getting acquainted with students at a school in Laos, families will gain a true-to-life perspective of Southeast Asia and its people. Two knowledgeable Disney Adventure Guides lead explorers every step of the way, taking care of all the details and ensuring that each member of the group – even mom and dad – can let go and take in every moment. The Southeast Asia itinerary also includes time to enjoy some fun in the sun along the coast of the South China Sea and features luxurious hotel accommodations, such as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and private transportation throughout the trip.

“We are thrilled to invite families to experience new corners of the world with Adventures by Disney, as we expand our portfolio of more than 20 destinations to include Southeast Asia,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “This exotic new itinerary holds true to Disney’s dedication to storytelling, exceptional customer service and incredible value. With our award-winning itineraries, families are treated to a worry-free experience, perfect for vacationers taking their first international excursion or even the seasoned traveler.”

Also new, Adventures by Disney will launch a first-ever one-day tour of the Los Angeles area, “Lights, Camera, Magic,” allowing families to discover the iconic locations and star-studded sites of Hollywood, The Walt Disney Studios and Beverly Hills. Guests will be transported back in time during a behind-the-scenes look at The Walt Disney Studios, which is both a working studio and the headquarters of The Walt Disney Company. Then, it’s on to experience famous locations like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Hollywood’s famed Sunset Strip.

Whether it’s a brief journey close to home or an enchanting quest across the globe, Adventures by Disney provides families with the ultimate adventure. Additional details and dates for the new Southeast Asia itinerary and other 2013 offerings will be available on the Adventures by Disney website in late spring. In the meantime, guests are encouraged to contact the reservations center at 1-877-728-7282 with any questions.

About Adventures by Disney

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided-family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.  Families traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary experiences at locations including: the South African plains, the great cities of Europe, North America’s national parks, the ancient monuments of Egypt, Costa Rica’s rich rainforest, the ruins of Pompeii and Machu Picchu, Australia’s Outback and the Great Wall of China.

Over the last seven years, Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its excellence in family tourism and was ranked #1 among Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters for Families in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best awards 2011 readers’ survey.

With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights everyone. Visit AdventuresbyDisney.com, call 1-877-728-7282 or contact Pixie Vacations.

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Coming in 2013 - Adventures by Disney Introduces Families to the Far East