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Where to Find Sleeping Beauty in Disney World

December 2, 2011 By Alison Leave a Comment

Where can you find Sleeping Beauty in Disney World? Sleeping Beauty or Princess Aurora is a very popular Disney Princess and many guests hope to meet her in person when they visit Disney World. So where are the best places to find her?

Photo by lorenjavier

Sleeping Beauty in Disney Magic Kingdom

Sleeping Beauty is easiest to find in Magic Kingdom where she can be in one of a number of places. As with all Disney characters remember that you should check schedules the day that you arrive in the park and that character appearances are subject to change without notice.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table is the incredibly ocular restaurant inside Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Getting a reservation here is the most difficult of all the Disney restaurants. The combination of the attraction of dining inside the Castle and the chance to meet some of the Disney Princesses makes this the most difficult of all of the restaurants to get a reservation for in the whole of Walt Disney World. It isn’t just Cinderella who you will find here. Sleeping Beauty sometimes makes an appearance here. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Photo by armadillo444

Disney Dreams Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom

This is one of the most popular parades in Disney World and it is held most days (usually around 3pm) in Magic Kingdom. Princess Aurora and her Princess friends make an appearance in each parade. This is one of the best chances to see the Disney Princesses but of course this is a parade so you can only watch them from afar. The Main Street Electrical Parade is another chance to see Aurora. This is not held every day so check your schedule for appearances.

Dream Along With Mickey

This is a must see show which takes place in the forecourt at the front of Disney’s Cinderella Castle each day. Usually there are 3 performances each day but as always check your schedule. Mickey and Minnie also appear in this song and dance show which includes Snow White, Cinderella and Princess Aurora.

Disney’s Storybook Princesses Town Square Theater

There is a good chance that you will be able to meet and greet Princess Aurora in the Town Square Theater. Even if Sleeping Beauty is not there then you will certainly be able to see one of her Disney Princess friends. Check your schedule for times. This is one of the best places for meeting the Disney Princesses without having to book a character dining meal.

Princess Aurora in Epcot

Over the years the Disney Princesses have made more and more appearances inside Disney’s Epcot and now it is one of the best places to go for a chance to see your favorite.

Disney Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus

Disney Princess Storybook Dining is one of the very best places to spend some quality time with the Disney Princesses. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Akershus restaurant in the Epcot Norway Pavilion there is a good chance that Sleeping Beauty will be there. Usually 4 or 5 Disney Princesses are there at any one time and can include Princess Jasmine, Snow White, Belle and Sleeping Beauty. There is no guarantee that a specific Princess will be there but there is sure to be at least one Princess on your favorites list.

Princess Aurora is also regularly seen outside the Epcot France Pavilion. This is an excellent place to meet both Belle and Sleeping Beauty as generally the lines are shorter than for meet and greet in Magic Kingdom. Look on your daily schedule for times.

Princess Aurora Outside the Disney Parks

There are few chances to see the Disney Princesses outside the Disney parks as they usually keep to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t see Princesses inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party

This regal tea party is held each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30am until Noon in the Grand Floridian Hotel Garden View Lounge. Hosted by Miss Rose Petal who is a rose from Sleeping Beauty’s garden this is a very special, and at $250 for one adult and one child, very expensive tea party. Any of the Disney Princesses can be there with Rose Petal but often it is Sleeping Beauty herself. This is a very popular event and the reviews are usually positive. It is recommended for girls aged 3 to 11 and is promoted as a mother daughter event. As well as being served tea, cake and sandwiches, girls receive a lot of extra goodies including a doll which is dressed just like Princess Aurora.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess? Have you had the chance to meet her yet? Leave me a Comment below.

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Walt Disney World February 2012

November 29, 2011 By Alison Leave a Comment

Are you thinking of visiting Walt Disney World in February 2012 and want to know what events are happening and which rides are being refurbished. When you visit Walt Disney World it is always a good idea to know what special events will be taking place as well as finding out which rides will be closed. So what is happening in February 2012 at Walt Disney World?

Photo by armadillo444

Disney World Ride and Attraction Closures for Refurbishment in February 2012

If you have small children you need to know that the Dumbo ride in Magic Kingdom is closed from January 9th until February 17th 2012. There are of course plenty of other rides for toddlers but if your young one particularly wants to ride on Dumbo then you may want to prepare them for the fact that it is closed.

Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom is also closed fro refurbishment and will re open on 27th May. This is a very popular attraction and so that area in the park will likely be rather busy with guests finding that the only major attraction in that area is Splash Mountain. So plan ahead if you want to ride Splash Mountain as the lines will likely be longer than usual for that time of year. Ride early in the day or later at night, or get a Fast Pass.

The Main Street Electric Parade is only running on February 2nd, 6th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th. 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th, and 27th 2012.

The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor which is located on Main Street in Magic Kingdom will be closed until March 27th 2012.

Unfortunately Fantasmic! is only staged in Disney Hollywood Studios for limited dates in February 2012. Over the last year the once daily show has now been reduced to select performances. Fantasmic! will only be shown on February 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 28th, and 29th. The wait time for Fantasmic! is always long – you need to arrive at least 60 minutes and up to 90 minutes before the show starts. These shows are likely to be extremely popular due to the limited availability of performances. If you want to book a Fantasmic! Dinner Package be sure to do so as much ahead of time as you can by calling 407 WDW DINE.

Tutto Italia Ristorante is closed in Epcot until April 30th 2012. There is another restaurant as an alternative in Epcot Italy but make sure you get your reservations ahead of time for the very popular Via Napoli Ristorante.

Typhoon Lagoon is closed until 17th March 2012 but Blizzard Beach is open during that time if you want to visit a Disney Water Park.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

The annual Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is taking place from February 24th to February 26th. The weekend is full of special events and the Disney Princess Half Marathon takes place on Sunday February 26th 2012. The half marathon is run through Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Who can resist the chance to earn a Disney Princess Half Marathon Tiara Finisher Medal? Other events taking place over the weekend include Disney Royal Family 5K, Disney Royal Family Kid’s races and Disney Princess Fitness Expo.

If you want more information visit the official Disney Princess Marathon site.

The event is not as large as the Disney World Marathon which takes place in January each year but it will have an effect on crowds. So expect the parks to be pretty busy on that weekend. In fact the busiest week in February is likely to be 17th February to 26th February as this is the President’s Day weekend crowd. If you have a choice of when to visit in February 2012 then most likely the quieter weeks will be the first 2 weeks of February 2012.

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Disney Hollywood and Vine

November 27, 2011 By Alison 3 Comments

Disney Hollywood and Vine is a buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is a character buffet for breakfast and lunch but not dinner. This restaurant is great for families with young children for breakfast and lunch as the Little Einsteins are in attendance. If you want to get up close and personal with June, Leo, Hanny Manny and Special Agent Oso this is the place to be at breakfast and lunch. Dinner is rather quieter and does not have character appearances. So what are the menus at Disney Hollywood and Vine?

Photo by lorenjavier

All prices are correct as at November 2011. Increased Holiday pricing does apply on select dates. All menus are subject to change. And of course the usual warning that although characters do appear at breakfast and dinner there is no guarantee that a certain character will appear.

Hollywood and Vine Breakfast

This is served from 8am until 11.20 and costs $30.88 for adults and $17.03 for children aged 3 to 9. The under 3s are free. These prices include taxes but gratuity is extra. It is also one dining credit if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. The buffet is typical buffet food and is of course all you care to eat:

Freshly Baked Pastries
Seasonal Fruit
Assorted yogurts
Breakfast Meats
Scrambled Eggs and Frittata
Mickey Waffles with Assorted Toppings
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits.

Disney Hollywood and Vine Lunch

Lunch is also a character meal with the Little Einsteins from 11.40 to 2.25. The cost is $35.14 for adults and $19.16 for children aged 3 to 9. This includes tax but gratuity is extra. This is one dining credit for the Disney dining plan.

The buffet is all you care to eat. The selection does vary but here are some items which are usually on the lunch menu:

Selection of Salads including Mozzarella and Tomato, Orange and Watercress and Caesar Salad
Carved Ham, Turkey and Salami
Fish of the Day
Seafood Pasta Alfredo
Chicken Satay and Peanut Sauce
Grilled Polenta with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Sauteed Green Beans
Creamed Corn Bread
Children’s Selection usually includes Fries and Mac and Cheese
Fresh Fruit and Assorted Cheeses
Selection of Breads
Desserts and Pastries including Berry Cobbler, Snickers Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse Cake
Soft Serve Ice Cream

Disney Hollywood and Vine Dinner

This is not a character buffet. It starts at 3.30 and closing time varies according to park closing time. The cost is $35.14 for adults and $19.16 for children aged 3 to 9.

The Fantasmic! Package is also available for this restaurant. This is the same price as the usual dinner menu but guests get a seat in a reserved area for the Fantasmic show on the day of their visit. Note that this is not a reserved seat, but a seat in a reserved area. This cuts down the time spent waiting in the Fantasmic! Auditorium. There are a limited number of Fantasmic Packages available each day and you can reserve by calling 407 WDW DINE up to 180 days ahead.

The dinner menu items include:

Selection of Salads including Mixed Field Greens, Caesar Salad, Orange and Watercress Salad, Dijon Potato Salad.
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Peel & Eat Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce.
New Zealand Mussels
Endive and Goat Cheese Salad
Prime Rib
Pork Loin with BBQ Onions
Seafood Pasta
Herb Crusted Salmon
Mediterranean Chicken
Baked Chicken with Blackberries
Vegetarian Pasta.
Sauteed Onions, Peppers and Mushrooms
Bean Cassoulet
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Sun Dried Tomato Polenta
Creamed Corn Spoon Bread
Green Beans with Garlic and Tomato

Key Lime Tart
Rice Krispy Treats
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Double Chocolate Cake
No Sugar Added 3 Berry Cobbler
Apple Crisp Cobbler
Vanilla Sauce
Carrot Cake
Chocolate Mousse
Mascarpone Snicker Cheesecake

So what is dining at Disney Hollywood and Vine like? Breakfast and lunch are of course the character meals and the LIttle Einsteins appeal very much to young children. Dinner is quieter but still busy. So expect a lot of young children and a lot of noise. My 5 year old absolutely loves it. The selection of food is good and there should be something to please everyone, but the quality of the buffet food is pretty average. In fact it has my vote as one of the lower quality Disney restaurant buffets available.

Have you visited Hollywood and Vine? What do you think? Leave me a Comment below.

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Epcot Test Track Video

November 26, 2011 By Alison Leave a Comment

Have you ever wondered what it is like to experience Epcot Test Track? This great video shows you exactly what to expect from this thrilling Epcot ride. Of course nothing can compare to actually experiencing it but this gives you a great idea of what Test Track is actually like. This is a video which shows the complete Test Track ride so if you want anything to remain as a surprise don’t look! But if you want to know exactly what the ride entails this is one of the best videos of the ride.

Test Track is one of the most popular rides in Epcot. On most days the lines will reach 60 minutes. So how do you minimize the amount of time that you spend in line. You do have to do a little forward planning. There are two very popular rides in Epcot. Soarin’ and Test Track. The lines for Soarin’ tend to be even longer with waits between 60 to 120 minutes on most days. The way to make sure that you can experience both rides without standing for hours in line is to make sure that you arrive as close to park opening time as possible. Remember that the parks generally open 30 to 45 minutes before published opening times so make sure that you arrive early. As soon as Epcot opens walk quickly to either Soarin’ or Test Track and get a Fast Pass. Then go to the other ride and get in line.

The Fast Passes for Test Track do tend to run out in the afternoon on busy days so make sure that you get to the Fast Pass machine or get in line for the ride as soon as you arrive in the park.

Remember too that Test Track has a Single Rider line which is usually a short wait. You will not be seated with your party but if you don’t mind this then the Single Rider Line is a great option.

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Where Can I Find Snow White in Disney World?

November 18, 2011 By Alison 1 Comment

Where can I find Snow White in Disney World? Snow White is one of the most beloved of all the Disney Princesses. If you want to make a young Princesses dream come true on her vacation you need to know the top spots where Snow White may appear. As with all character greetings nothing is guaranteed as the schedules of the Princesses may change. But here is a guide as to where you are most likely to find Snow White in Walt Disney World.

Photo by express monorail

Disney Dreams Come True at Magic Kingdom

Snow White appears on a float with two of her Seven Dwarves in the Disney Dreams Come True Parade at the Magic Kingdom. This is a great parade to see the Disney Princesses. The Parade is usually held at 3pm in Magic Kingdom on most days but you must check your daily schedule to see if it will be performed on the day that you visit.

Main Street Electrical Parade

This amazing parade of dazzling lights features many of your favorite Disney Princesses including Snow White. Again you must check the daily schedule to see if the Main Street Electrical Parade is running during your visit.

Disney’s Storybook Princesses Town Square Theater

Snow White can sometimes be found in the Disney’s Storybook Princesses meet and greet in the Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom. This venue has the advantage that a Fast Pass is available so that you can save time standing in line waiting for the Princesses. As with all character greetings check your schedule to see the available times and which characters are scheduled to appear.

Dream Along With Mickey

This is a fabulous show which is performed by a large cast of characters in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Snow White appears in Dream Along with Mickey alongside her Prince and fellow Princesses Aurora and Cinderella. This is usually performed 2 or 3 times daily and you watch from the Cinderella Castle forecourt. Check your daily schedule for times.

Snow White does of course have her own attraction, Snow White’s Scary Adventures but this is not a place where you will see Snow White herself. This is due to close with the opening of the new Fantasyland in 2012. I do also caution guests with young children. This ride is not named Scary for nothing. It can be terrifying for young children and parents should use caution. Snow White will be getting her own dedicated ride The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and a new meet and greet in the expanded Fantasyland.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Photo by expressmonorail

Want to know what is inside Cinderella’s Castle? The one place that Disney guests can pay to get inside the Castle is Cinderella’s Royal Table restaurant. Although this can be a difficult quest. Getting a reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the most difficult Advanced Dining Reservations to snag. You have to book as soon as places become available 180 days ahead (or up to 190 days ahead if you are a Walt Disney World Resort guest).

Snow White sometimes makes an appearance at Cinderella’s Royal Table. But you know what I am going to say? Of course appearances are not guaranteed!

Disney Hollywood Studios

Photo by armadillo444

Unfortunately there are not any Disney Princess meet and greets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You will only see Snow White performing in Fantasmic! the spectacular night time show which is performed on select nights in Disney Hollywood Studios. Recently there have been a lot of nights when Fantasmic! is not performed so check your schedule during your visit to see which nights it will be performed.

Disney’s Epcot

Epcot is a good location for meeting Snow White. She appears daily in the Germany Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. This is usually one of the best locations in Disney World to see Snow White. Check your schedule as soon as you arrive in the park to see what times she is due to appear.

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

Disney Princess Storybook Dining serves breakfast, lunch and dinner each day in the Akershus Restaurant in the Norway World Showcase Pavilion. As always you can never guarantee which Disney Princess will appear you have a reasonable chance that Snow White will appear as she is one of the most frequent of the guests at this very popular restaurant. Make sure you get your Advance Dining Reservations early.

One place that you can be sure that you won’t see Snow White or any of her Princess friends is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. None of the Disney Princesses ever travel to Animal Kingdom.

There are plenty of opportunities to meet Snow White in Disney World. Is Snow White your favorite Disney Princess? Leave a comment below!

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Walt Disney World Marathon

November 16, 2011 By Alison Leave a Comment

Each year in January the Walt Disney World Marathon takes place. Where better to run a challenging 26.2 mile marathon than Walt Disney World? For 2012 the Disney marathon events will take place from 5th January to 8th January 2012. The full marathon will take place on Sunday 8th January 2012. The course route takes you through all four of the Disney parks – Disney’s Epcot, Disney Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. So at least the scenery will be able to distract you from just how exhausted you are some of the time! And of course there is no other Marathon in the World where you would be able to have your photos taken with Disney characters along the route. Who better to motivate you than a Disney Princess or Mickey Mouse?

Photo by melody

Here is a great video which is well worth watching if you are thinking of entering the Disney Marathon as it gives a great idea of what to expect

The Disney marathon course starts just outside Epcot on World Drive. The finish line is also in Epcot (in the parking lot) and competitors will have plenty of water and food stations around the course. The start of the event is at 5.30am. All competitors must maintain a 16 minute mile pace. It is suggested that you train for the marathon at a 15 minute mile pace.

This is Disney of course so the Marathon is started by Mickey Mouse and his friends pressing the button for the start of the fireworks which start the race.

You have to be at least 18 years of age to register for the full Disney World marathon (there are options for other ages). The registration fee is now $160 per person. For future events usually Disney offers a discount if you register early so bear this in mind for 2013. Registration always fills up as of course there are only a limited amount of entries allowed each year. So you do need to make your registration application as early as possible if you want to qualify.

New for 2012 is the Walt Disney World Marathon Relay. This event will be part of the full marathon but will allow participants to run as a 2 person team – so each completes a half marathon. The first half includes Epcot and Magic Kingdom, whilst the second part includes Disney Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and finishes in Epcot. The registration fee is now $320 for the team.

If you can’t find a running partner for the relay marathon you may want to run the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. This is held on Saturday 7th January 2012. Now in it’s 15th year the Half Marathon starts at Epcot and goes to Magic Kingdom before going back to the finish line at Epcot.

For the truly dedicated you may want to consider the Goofy Race and a Half. Participants run both the full marathon and the half marathon.

If you want to make this a family event there consider the Disney Family Fiesta 5K featuring the Three Caballeros. This family event takes place in Epcot. The fee is $50 per participant. There is also a stroller division of this race with a $55 entry fee.

For those aged 13 and under the Disney Kids Races there are various races including a Diaper Dash for those aged 12 months and under.

The Walt Disney Marathon weekend has special events to keep all the entrants and their families busy. The Pasta in the Park buffet dinner is held on Thursday January 5th to get the weekend of to a celebratory start. Tickets are $47.50 for Adults and $28.35 for Children (ages 3-9). Pasta in the Park is held in the World ShowPlace Pavilion in Epcot. A separate admission ticket to Epcot is also required.

Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo starts on Thursday January 5th and runs to Sunday January 8th 2012. This is held at HP Field House and Jostens® Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There will be guest speakers featuring celebrity runners, official race merchandise and exhibition stands. This is also the place where you will pick up your registration packet.

If you want to register for the Walt Disney World Marathon 2012 go to Registration for more details. You do need to hurry as most of the events are almost at capacity.

All weekend there will be special Disney transportation from all of the resorts. This includes transport to the Fitness Expo and to the start lines (and from the finish line of course). The monorail resorts will not have buses to the races but you can use the monorail to Epcot. You must be aware that if you are staying at one of the Epcot resorts then you must take a bus to the start line. The World Showcase International gateway entrance to Epcot will not be open in the early morning so do not make the mistake of thinking that you can walk through that way to the start line. The only way to get there from the Epcot resorts is by bus.

You do not need a park ticket to enter the Walt Disney Marathon. But of course many of the competitors and their families do stay at the resorts and visit the parks. If you are visiting the parks on that weekend and are not involved in the Marathon this does have a big effect on park attendance. January is usually a quiet time but the Disney Marathon weekend is busy. There will be some road closures on the Saturday and Sunday when the races are held so if you are going to the parks in the morning you will need to allow extra time.

For everyone competing the Walt Disney Marathon is an amazing event. Will you choose to be part of it. Leave me a Comment below if you have ever competed in the Disney Marathon or if you are going to in the future.

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Top 10 Disney World Rides for Teenagers

November 9, 2011 By Alison 2 Comments

What are the very best rides for teenagers at Walt Disney World? Although the Disney parks are perhaps best known for their appeal to younger children and adults this does not mean that if you have teenagers in your group they are going to feel left out. A Disney World vacation truly is for everyone, including the teens.

Here is my list of Top 10 Disney World rides for teenagers.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

What better than a mix of rock music and a high speed roller coaster? The teens are likely to want to ride this major Disney Hollywood Studios attraction more than once. This Aerosmith inspired roller coaster ride accelerates from 0-57 mph in just 2.8 seconds cataputing riders 200 feet! This is an intense roller coaster particularly by Disney World standards – riders experience G Force of up to 4.5.

Read more in this Disney Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster guide.

Disney Hollywood Tower of Terror

The Hollywood Tower of Terror is another attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios which is sure to keep the teenagers happy. Riders plunge 13 stories in this 199 feet tall very imposing attraction. The ride sequence is random so you never quite know which ride you will experience. The theming on this ride is excellent. The teenagers may not ever have seen the Twilight Zone television series but they will appreciate the general spookiness of the place, right down to the excellent bell hops who control the elevator.

If you want to know more go to Disney’s Tower of Terror Guide.

Star Tours The Adventure Continues

You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to appreciate this amazing motion simulator ride (but it helps). Star Tours has just undergone a major redesign and it is now one of the very best rides in the Disney parks. This is another attraction in Disney Hollywood Studios which the teenagers will really enjoy. There are now 54 possible variations so you never know which sequence you are going to get. If you are familiar with the Star Wars movies you will recognize the classic pod race scenes on Naboo, enjoy the snowy lands of Hoth and of course love to battle it out on the Death Star.

Mission Space

This is the ultimate thrill ride for teens at Disney’s Epcot. Tell them that it was the first ride to supply vomit bags for guests and you are sure to get their attention. This is an extreme ride. Heed the warnings and if you are not ready for this ride then you can select the Green line which is the none spinning version.

Nasa astronauts say that Mission Space gives riders a good idea what it feels like to be launched into space. I guess you can’t beat that endorsement! As with all Disney rides this one has a story. Guests board a 4 person vehicle to be launched on a mission to Mars. You experience up to 2.5 G Force on the Orange ride so even the most reluctant teenager can’t fail to be impressed by this intense Disney ride.

Test Track

This one is a highly unique ride which really doesn’t have any comparison with any other theme park ride. The whole idea is that this is a test facility for new vehicles. Guest board a 6 person vehicle. Riders will experience a series of tests including handling, breaking, and a hot and cold test. The final test is the high speed test where you will reach speeds of 65 mph on an outside steeply banked circular track. This is one for the thrill seekers out there and the teenagers are going to love it.

If you want to know more here is a guide to Epcot Test Track

Soarin’

Another very original ride located in Disney’s Epcot theme park. This 4 minute 40 second simulated flight ride is a flight simulator of a very different kind. You board a huge structure in front of a very large screen. The structure goes up to 40 feet into the air and guests get a sensation of flying. It takes guests over the amazing sights of California including Yosemite, The Wine Country, Monterey, San Francisco, San Diego and of course Disneyland. This is a very unique ride with no other attraction in the world quite like it.

Expedition Everest

The newest and the most thrilling of the Disney World Mountains is located in Disney Animal Kingdom park. Guests board the Anandapur Rail Service train which is scheduled to take them to the foot of Mount Everest. The journey begins mildly enough but then the tests, turns and drops begin. This is a classic roller coaster with amazing Disney theming. The attention to detail is amazing – Imagineers spent 6 years researching this ride.

Kilimanjaro Safari

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a very unique place to experience a very different animal park. The Kilimanjaro Safari ride is a favorite with all ages and teenagers are likely to enjoy this very unique opportunity to get as close to a safari experience as you can without traveling to Africa. Board a safari vehicle and your guide will take you through the plains of Africa to see lions, zebras, elephants, giraffe, hippo and many other animals at very close quarters. Don’t worry it is all in a very controlled environment so whilst you can see the lions this is Disney after all and they aren’t going to get near you!

Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Ride

This Magic Kingdom ride will be a big hit with the teenagers if they enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Plenty of chances to catch sight of hero Captain Jack Sparrow even if he is just an audio animatronic figure. This is one of the oldest of the Disney rides (it debuted in Disneyland in 1967) and is the last attraction which Walt Disney worked on personally. A dark boat ride with lots of dark images, fighting and explosions, this one should appeal to the teens.

Space Mountain

Space Mountain is a classic Disney roller coaster which teenagers should enjoy. Not because it is fast or particularly thrilling (it only ever reaches 28 mph which is a snails pace for modern roller coasters) but because it is a unique experience. The appeal of Disney’s Space Mountain appeal is that it uses light very effectively and creates the great Disney illusion of not being quite what it seems.

What are your favorite Disney World rides for teenagers? I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below!

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All images by express monorail

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Walt Disney World Dining Reservations

November 7, 2011 By Alison 4 Comments

Walt Disney World dining reservations are easy to make either online, over the phone, at Guest Services locations and also at any Disney World restaurant. Disney World has more than 100 restaurants within the parks and resorts. Standards are usually very high and they offer something for everyone. From breakfast at Chef Mickey to fine dining at Victoria and Albert’s, Disney World has something for everyone.

Whilst it used to be easy to get walk in reservations at Disney World in all but the most popular restaurants, now it has become increasingly difficult. It is still possible to get a walk in spot in all but the busiest times but you may find that you are waiting from 45 minutes to 90 minutes for that table that you want. So it is always best to plan in advance when you can and make Disney Advance Dining Reservations.

How do you make Walt Disney World dining reservations?

You can call 407 WDW DINE. The reservationist will allow you to book as many restaurants as you like. This of course can take some time, and it often takes a long while for you to actually reach a reservationist after calling the number. This wait time does seem to have improved since the introduction on the online booking system.

An easy way to make Advance Dining Reservations is to book online on the Disney World website. The link is

Disney World Dining

This works most successfully from your home computer but I have booked many reservations on my iPhone (often whilst in the Disney parks waiting in line for an attraction).

The best way to do this is to create an account online so that you can easily keep track of your reservations.

You can also make reservations by going to Guest Services, the Concierge at a Disney resort, or from any Disney World restaurant dining podium.

When Can I Make Disney World Dining Reservations ?

You can make reservations 180 days ahead of time. Disney World resort guests have an advantage as they can make them for up to 10 days of their stay – so effectively up to 190 days ahead of time.

Is it really necessary to plan ahead such a long way for your Disney dining? Unfortunately yes it is these days. For some restaurants such as Cinderella’s Royal Table and Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse it is almost impossible to make a reservation unless you call or go online at exactly 8am on the day that booking starts. These are extremely popular restaurants with limited seating so you do need to be quick. For other restaurants even if you start 60 days ahead you are going to find that certain restaurants are just not available. Of course it is easier in the slower season, but if you are going at a busy time you really do have to plan as far ahead as you can. Keep checking back as there are cancellations.

Remember too that there is now a new Disney dining cancellation policy. Credit card guarantees are now required for 19 additional restaurants and if you do not cancel with a full day notice (which is more than 24 hours – there has to be a full day in between) then you will be charged $10 per person for a late or non cancellation. It will be interesting to see how this affects the possibility of getting a walk in at these restaurants. Will Disney diners not be willing to risk forgetting to cancel? Somehow that seems unlikely as of course the charges apply at the most popular and difficult to get into restaurants in Disney World.

Which are the easier restaurants to get late reservations and walk ins for? It is usually possibly to get into some of the less popular Epcot restaurants such as the Nine Dragons Restaurant in China World Showcase. There is a reason for this though – unfortunately the food is overpriced and not great. Better bets are Germany’s Biergarten buffet and Morocco’s Restaurant Marrakesh.

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Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano

Princess Storybook Dining

Disney Chef Mickeys

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Disney Dining Cancellation Policy

October 31, 2011 By Alison Leave a Comment

Disney World Dining has just introduced a new policy for the cancellation of Advanced Dining Reservations. Credit card guarantees will now be required for 19 of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World. If you do not cancel with a full day’s notice then you will be charged $10 per person for the cancelled ADR.

You can cancel a reservation online, by calling 407 WDW DINE, at any restaurant podium, at a concierge desk or at guest services in any Disney park.

It is important to realize that it is a full day notice, not 24 hours notice. If for example you have a reservation on 6th December you would have to cancel on 4th December – so you have a full day between your reservation and the cancellation date.

Which are the restaurants included in the new cancellation policy?

1900 Park Fare

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Artist’s Point

California Grill

Cape May Café

Chef Mickey’s

Cítricos

The Crystal Palace

Flying Fish Café

The Garden Grill

Hollywood & Vine

Jiko – The Cooking Place

Le Cellier Steakhouse

Narcoossee’s

O’hana

Tusker House Restaurant

The Hollywood Brown Derby

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Victoria & Albert’s has a cancellation policy of $25 per person.

These dining venues with entertainment will continue to charge the whole price of the dining reservation

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Of course these are some of the most popular restaurants in the whole of Walt Disney World. I wonder how long it will take to extend this list? Getting an Advance Dining Reservation has become increasingly difficult in recent years, and advance planning is always the better option. But sometimes plans can change so you need to make a last minute change to your restaurant choice. Make sure that if you have booked an ADR that you now note which you have give credit card guarantees for – or it will cost you dearly!

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Restaurants Tagged With: ,

Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse

September 3, 2011 By Alison 6 Comments

The Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canadian Pavilion of World Showcase is one of the most popular restaurants in the whole of Walt Disney World. Second only to Cinderella’s Royal Table in difficulty of getting a reservation you really do have to plan ahead to snag a table at this Signature Dining Restaurant.

Photo by ExpressMonorail

How do you get a reservation at Le Cellier? Call 407 WDW DINE or book online up to 180 days ahead. You do have a better chance if you stay at a Disney resort as you can book 180 days ahead for up to 10 days of your reservation (effectively giving you up to a 10 day head start on everyone else).

Le Cellier translated means, yes you guessed it, The Cellar. If you didn’t know it was there you could walk past the entrance without noticing it. Le Cellier is located below the Chateau in the Canadian Pavilion. There are no windows in this small restaurant and it is designed to look just like a wine cellar.

Picture by Mandy_Jensen

Le Cellier has long been known as one of the best restaurants in Epcot and gained a reputation for being very very difficult to get a reservation. It took me many attempts before one day years ago when I simply decided to see if I could get a ‘walk in’ reservation at lunch and hit lucky. So even if you don’t plan ahead it is sometimes worth asking when you arrive. Just don’t rely on it – and have a back up plan!

In 2011 Le Cellier was designated a Signature Dining Restaurant so will require 2 Dining Credits for dinner if you are on the Dining Plan. Is Le Cellier really that good? Many now feel that it falls a little short of the mark, particularly on service. I have not dined there since the Signature Dining designation so perhaps they have upped their game. but for me, the standard of the food and service just wasn’t as high as the other top restaurants in Disney World. Diners consistently rate the food very highly.

Why was it always so difficult to get a reservation at Le Cellier. Not only the good reputation and serving a popular type of cuisine. But also the simple fact that it just isn’t very big! Le Cellier is one of the smaller restaurants in Walt Disney World so it just can’t accommodate many diners.

When Le Cellier became a Signature Dining Restaurant, you guessed it, the prices went up quite a lot! If you are set on dining here you may want to try for a reservation for lunch. The menu is very similar to the dinner menu but there are slightly lower prices. Also if you are on the Dining Plan then lunch only requires one Dining Credit.

Le Cellier Dinner Menu

Appetizers

The famous Le Cellier Cheddar Cheese Soup

Picture by Mandy_Jensen

Black and Blue Beef Steak Tartar – with a “Hot Spring Egg” and Pommes Gaufrette 16.00

Softshell Crab – arugula, lemon confit, Zellwood corn, and brown butter vinaigrette 14.00

Steakhouse Caesar – crisp romaine lettuce, aged parmesan, and pretzel croutons 9.00

Artisan Spicy Chicken and Chipotle Sausage – with Roasted Corn Polenta and Sweet Onion Jam 12.00

Heirloom Tomato Salad – macerated red Onions, Minus “8″ vinegar and smokey blue cheese 12.00

Assortment of Artisanal Cheese – accompanied with Chef’s Selection of dried fruits and preserves 14.00

Grilled Jumbo Asparagus Gratinee – with sauce hollandaise, Canadian cheddar an crunch bacon 11.00

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup – Made with Moosehead Beer and Bacon Cup 9.00

Le Cellier Lobster Chopped Salad – mixed field greens, haricot verts, avocado, tomatoes and “Lake Meadows” egg 16.00

Dinner Entrees

Photo Mandy_Jensen

Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon – 8 oz. Canadian AAA Beef Tenderloin with wild mushroom risotto, white truffle butter sauce and micro chervil 41.00

Grilled Bone-in Ribeye – 16 oz. bone-in ribeye with herb-parmesan potato wedges and maple-pink peppercorn butter 42.00

Canadian Prime New York Strip – 12 ounce strip steak with Gruyere-Yukon Gold Potato-Gratin, wilted spinach, and vin rouge reduction 42.00

Grilled Bison Strip Loin – with sunchoke puree, picked ramps, and huckleberry port reduction 41.00

Roasted Free Range Chicken – with marble potatoes, morel mushrooms, English Pea Nage and Roasted Shallot butter 30.00

Medallion of Beef Tenderloin – caramelized onions, pommes frites, and au poivre sauce 36.00

Pacific King Salmon – with parsnip puree, braised greens, pickled pearl onions and mustard sauce 34.00

Charred Pork Tenderloin – with maple polenta, sauteed pea tendrils, baby corn and warm bacon vinaigrette 32.00

Potato Leek and Goat Cheese Quiche – with melted leeks and truffle buttter sauce 23.00

Sides and Sauces

Poutine Fries – Canadian Cheddar, truffle salt and red wine reduction 8.00

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with white cheddar 7.00

Creamed Spinach with parmesan 7.00

Maple-glazed Rainbow Carrots in maple butter 7.00

Truffle Crushed Potatoes – Yukon Gold potatoes, truffle oil, European butter 8.00

Sauteed Mushrooms with herb butter 7.00

Le Cellier Dinner Desserts

Trio of Chocolate: Canadian Club Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Sorbet,and warm Chocolate-Almond Cake 10.00

Lemon Cheesecake with a Citrus Salad and Mandarin Orange Gelèe 9.00

Peach Clafoutis With Ginger Ice Cream, Peach Nectar and Ginger Snap 9.00

Lemon Cheesecake with a Citrus Salad and Mandarin Orange Gelèe 9.00

No Sugar Added Chocolate Mousse with Wild Berry Compote and No Sugar Added Raspberry Sorbet 9.00

Seasonal Sorbet 8.00

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Specialties

Tinker Bell and Friends or Buzz Lightyear Punch – Minute Maid light raspberry lemonade served in a souvenir Fairies or Toy Story 3 Cup with a glowing Tinker Bell or Buzz Lightyear Clip-on Light 6.49

Red Maple – Raspberry smoothie with a splash of Sprite 4.69

Niagara Refresher – Mango smoothie with a splash of Cranberry 4.69

Traditional Beers from Quebec

All priced at 6.75

Canadian Unibroue
La Fin du Monde
Maudite
Blanche de Chambly
Trois Pistoles
Ephemere

Additional Selections

Molson Canadian 5.75
Labatt Blue 5.75
Labatt Light Blue 5.75
Draft Moosehead Pale Ale 5.25

There is a good selection of cocktails including the Canadian themed Torontopolitan for 9.50 a glass.

This is a Signature restaurant and so it has a decent wine selection ranging from 8.00 for a glass to 110 for a bottle.

If you fancy an after dinner drink why not try the Canadian whisky flight which includes Crown Royal which was created for King George VI. The Whiskey flight is priced at 8.75.

Kids Menu at Le Cellier

The kids menu follows the usual Disney restaurant pattern of offering a include appetizer, entrée, and dessert served on a Mickey Plate with choice of 1% Mickey Milk, small Bottled Water, or 100% Apple Juice for 8.99.

Kids Appetizers

Carrot and Celery Sticks

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup

Kids Entrees

Grilled Chicken Breast

Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Hot Dog

Grilled Steak (add 2.00)

Kids Desserts

Fruit Cup

Ice-Cream Sundae

Filed Under: Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Disney World Dining, EPCOT, Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,
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