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Epcot Restaurants

February 3, 2012 By Alison Leave a Comment

Epcot Restaurants are some of the very best in Walt Disney World. There is something for everyone ranging from an authentic Moroccan Feast, to traditional Italian pizza, to an authentic British pub meal.

There are 2 full service restaurants in Epcot Future World:

Epcot Coral Reef

Photo by Expressmonorail

Dine whilst surrounded by a giant aquarium. This very unique restaurant in Future World has 8 foot high glass walls which allow diners to have a great view of the huge salt water Under The Seas with Nemo Pavilion exhibit. Watch the fish (and even some humans) swimming by whilst you dine.

The menu is of course seafood based. Many love the decor and the theme, but reviews are often critical of the service experience and the quality of the food.

Here is a complete guide:

Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant

Epcot Garden Grill Restaurant

The Garden Grill is one of only 2 full service restaurants in Epcot Future World. This restaurant moves! The Garden Grill revolves slowly giving diners an ariel view into the Living with the Land attraction.

The Garden Grill is home to Chip and Dale’s Harvest Feast which is an all you care to eat dinner served family style. This restaurant only serves dinner from 4pm and is no longer open for breakfast or lunch. The food is brought to your table already plated. As well as Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse and Pluto usually appear.

Epcot World Showcase Restaurants

There are many excellent restaurants located in Epcot Future World. Here is your chance to sample some excellent menus whilst making your way around the different country pavilions of World Showcase. All of the servers are from the country which they represent. The standard of service in the restaurants tends to be some of the best that you will experience in any of the Disney parks, and the diversity of the food and menus means that there really is something for everyone here.

Le Cellier Steakhouse

Located in the Canadian Pavilion, Le Cellier Steakhouse is one of the most popular of all Walt Disney World restaurants. It is one of the most difficult to snag Advance Dining Reservations for – so if you want to eat here then you really do need to plan well ahead of time. This is now a Disney Signature Restaurant which means that if you are using the Disney Dining Plan it will require 2 dining credits.

The menu at Le Cellier has a good selection of steakhouse type food. Popular offerings include New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Pacific Salmon.

For a complete guide see:

Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse

Epcot Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room

For traditional British fare head to the Rose and Crown Restaurant. The menu includes such British favorites as fish and chips, vegetable curry and bangers and mash. The desserts are well worth a try particularly the sticky toffee pudding. If you can get a table overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon before 9pm then you will get one of the best views of the Illumination:Reflections of Earth fireworks.

Bistro de Paris

The Bistro de Paris is the more upscale of the two restaurants in the French Pavilion. It is located the floor above the other French restaurant Chefs de France.

The atmosphere and menu is decidedly high end with such offerings as Lamb Shank and Roasted Duck Breast. Entrees are priced around $35 and upwards. There is also a Prix Fixe menu with optional wine pairings which is excellent value when you consider the quality of the food and service offered.

Chefs de France

This is the second restaurant in the French Pavilion which serves good quality French food for lunch and dinner. Favorites are French Onion soup, Escargot, the very tasty Macaroni and of course the Creme Brûlée. There is also a fixed price menu available. The decor is reminiscent of a traditional Parisian cafe. The waiters are on the whole extremely good and friendly (unlike many whom I have encountered in the real Paris)!

Restaurant Marrakesh

Photo by yourfavoritemartian

This is one of the least popular of the Epcot restaurants but it really shouldn’t be. Many are put off by the unfamiliar menu but the food and the atmosphere inside the restaurant are definitely worth a try. The belly dancing entertainment is a lot of fun. Try the traditional couscous, the kebabs or the Fish Tangine. Possibly better to skip the authentic Moroccan wine though!

Tokyo Dining

There are 2 restaurants in the Japan Epcot Pavilion and my personal favorite has to be Tokyo dining. It serves traditional and familiar Japanese food with great menu selections including sushi, bento boxes, and tempura combinations. You can watch the chefs prepare the sushi at one side of the room but if you possibly can get a table close to the window where there is a great view of World Showcase Lagoon.

If I had to vote for my favorite service in any Epcot restaurant it would be a tough call but Tokyo Dining would definitely be in my top 3. The waitresses are extremely attentive and helpful and do seem to genuinely want you to enjoy your dining experience.

Teppan Edo

If you want to enjoy a fun dining experience then head to Teppan Edo at the Japanese Pavillion. This restaurant adjoins Tokyo Dining but is very different in style and experience. Diners are seated at large tables centered where the chef will prepare your food right in front of you. This is a very entertaining experience and the food is generally excellent.

Tutto Italia

This is one of the excellent restaurants located in the Italy Pavilion. There is indoor and outdoor seating in this very elegantly designed restaurant. The menu is very traditional Italian food. Appetizer favorites include Fresh Mozzarella, Calamari and an excellent Cannellini Bean Soup. The entree menu has some good pasta dishes and a large selection of meat and fish choices. It is wise to leave space for dessert with Tiramisu being an excellent choice. The one disappointing menu item is the coffee – definitely not up to Italian standards but nonetheless unfortunately one of the best choices for coffee in Disney World.

Via Napoli

This is the newest of the Italian restaurants in Epcot World Showcase. The speciality of Via Napoli is the wood fired pizzas created in the huge pizza oven which dominates the hub of the restaurant. Guests can choose from individual or family sized pizzas. The atmosphere is less formal than Tutto Italia and it is a great place to take the kids.

Nine Dragons Restaurant

Photo by mrkathika

This authentic Chinese restaurant is really the only disappointing dining experience in Epcot World Showcase. Nine Dragons has a menu with items which are pretty standard for any US Chinese restaurant such as Kung Pao Chicken, Canton Pepper Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry. The service is not that great and the standard of food is pretty average. This is the only Epcot restaurant that I do not personally recommend. Chinese food is one of my favorites but for me this restaurant just does not get anything right.

Biergarten

If you are looking for a fun dining experience then head to Biergarten in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion. Every day is Oktoberfest in Biergarten! Guests are seated around large tables and can help themselves to an all you care to eat buffet. There is a huge choice of hot and cold buffet items including Bratwurst, Pork Shank, Rotisserie Chicken and a large choice of salad items.

The food is not the best in World Showcase but the atmosphere are experience certainly are.

Akershus Princess Storybook Dining

This dining location in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion is much less about traditional Norwegian food and more about quality time spent with the Princesses. This is the only Epcot restaurant which is open for breakfast as well and lunch and dinner. The menu for breakfast is traditional American food served family style. Lunch and dinner have an all you care to eat cold buffet and you can order as many entree items off the menu as you like.

Princess Storybook Dining is a great place to meet the Disney Princesses. The quality of the food is not what you go here for. If you realize that then you won’t be disappointed.

You can read a full guide including a menu at:

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

San Angel Inn

The very atmospheric San Angel Inn is located inside the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. The setting is spectacular, overlooking the replica Mayan Temple and the dim lighting all adds to the ambience of the restaurant. Watch guests float by on the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride as you are enjoying your meal. It is pretty dark in the restaurant but this is all part of effect. The menu offers all the usual Mexican fare: Tostadas, Tacos, and Enseladas. Of course the San Angel Inn also has great margaritas to try!

La Hacienda de San Angel

This is another relatively new addition to Epcot World Showcase just outside the Mexico Pavilion. One of the major plus points of this restaurant is the huge windows overlooking World Showcase Lagoon. This makes it the perfect place to watch Epcot Illuminations if you manage to get a table by the window.

Of the 2 Mexican restaurants in Epcot this is my favorite menu (although it is pricier than San Angel Inn).

Whichever Epcot restaurant you choose you will be sure to have a great experience (the only exception to this in my opinion being the somewhat mediocre Nine Dragons). As will all restaurants in Walt Disney World make sure that you make Advance Dining Reservations up to 180 days ahead by calling 407 WDW DINE or by reserving online at Disney World Dining

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

Best Day To Go To Disney World

February 1, 2012 By Alison 1 Comment

Which is the best day to go to Disney World? The answer to this depends on a number of different factors. There are ways to predict the likelihood of a particular Disney World park being more or less crowded on a particular day or time of year. However these factors are only indicators of how busy a Walt Disney World park may be on a particular day or during a particular time of year. Predicting Disney crowd levels is an art – not an exact science!

Photo by armadill0444

Which are the Busiest and Quietest Times at Walt Disney World?

The most crowded times of the year are Christmas, New Year and the 2 weeks around Easter break. As you would expect, July 4th weekend is also one of the most popular times to visit Disney World.

Summer Vacation which is mid June until mid August. The later weeks in August tend to be much less crowded although there are many British visitors as their school break extends into late August/early September. So if you are arriving from the UK those last 2 weeks in August are a much better choice than the first 2 weeks.

Remember also that even if you do have to visit at the busiest times of the year then advance planning can go a long way to enhancing your Disney experience. Simply having an idea of the layout of the parks and which rides that are on your must see list will mean that you see a lot more and get more out of your visit. Always make sure that you use a Fast Pass when they are available for an attraction.

At busy times the park opening hours will also be extended with extra parades and fireworks scheduled.

Moderately Crowded Times

The parks are also likely to be busy during other major school and college breaks.

Spring Break is often around the same time at Easter break so the parks will be busy from mid March until mid April.

President’s Day until the end of February

Memorial Day Weekend

Thanksgiving Week is usually very busy.

Quieter Times to Visit Disney World

The first 2 weeks of February are good up until mid February.

The final 2 weeks of April right up until mid June tend to be good. If Easter is late then try and delay your visit in April until after the school vacation is over.

October until the week before Thanksgiving

The Best Months to Visit Walt Disney World

The quietest times are in January after the first week is over and the kids have gone back to school.

The first 2 weeks of December are a great time to visit. Not only are the crowds low but you also get to see all of the Christmas and Holiday decorations. The one downside can be the weather.

These are the quietest times at the parks. The downsides are that the weather can be cool in December and January and also that the parks will tend to close much earlier than at the busy times. All in all though this is a great time to visit if you want to beat the crowds.

Which are the Best Days to Visit Disney World?

Once you have decided the time of year that you are going to visit then you should be aware that certain days are more likely to be busy in certain parks.

Magic Kingdom Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Epcot Wednesday and Friday

Disney Hollywood Studios Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday

Disney Animal Kingdom Monday, Tuesday and Friday

You do need to know that lots of factors come in to play though rather than just these broad recommendations. They do tend to be a good indicator but once again this is not an exact science.

One good rule of thumb to follow is that if there is an Extra Magic Hour then if you are not staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel you should avoid this park. The Extra Magic Hour allows Disney resort guests to either enter a specific park early or to stay later than usual opening hours. This adds up to more people in that park on that particular day.

Another factor to look at is scheduled events. So for instance if the Disney World Marathon is being held on that weekend then you will find more guests in all of the parks. Or if it is a Star Wars Weekend at Disney Hollywood Studios then that park will be much busier than it usually would be at that time of year.

Whichever time you visit Walt Disney World make sure you are as prepared as you can be be by reading guides, looking at videos and deciding which rides and attractions your family will really enjoy. Then you will be very sure that you will get the most out of your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

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Top 10 Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for Kids

January 30, 2012 By Alison Leave a Comment

Which are the best Walt Disney World Restaurants for kids? Disney World offers some very unique dining choices and sometimes it can get overwhelming to choose which ones the kids are really going to love. It can be difficult to choose which of the Disney character dining experiences, or the uniquely themed restaurants are the ones which your kids are going to like the most. Here is a guide to my personal Top 10 best Disney World restaurants for kids.

Photo by hubsterdisney

Disney Sci Fi Dine In Theater

Photo by expressmonorail

Think diner food in one of the most unique restaurants in Walt Disney World and here you have the Sci Fi Dine in Theater. The kids are going to find this Disney Hollywood Studios restaurant a whole lot of fun. Step back to the 1950s for some traditional diner food in a restaurant which looks as though you have stepped right into a movie drive in. The first thing that you will notice is of course the tables which look like convertible cars all lined up in front of a huge movie screen. The second thing you as an adult will notice is how loud and dark the room is! The fun here is about the design and the atmosphere so make sure that you ask to sit at one of the convertible car tables as there are some picnic style tables at the back of the restaurant which you will probably want to avoid.

The food here is not the best in Disney World. You come here for the atmosphere. And usually because the kids really want to go here. Expect average food at high prices and you won’t be disappointed.

For more information about restaurant and to see the menu here is our guide:

Disney Sci-Fi Dine in Theater

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

The Akershus restaurant in Epcot World Showcase is home to the very popular Disney Princess Storybook Dining. If you want to give your kids one of the best chances to meet and talk with the Disney Princesses then this is a great opportunity. You can never guarantee that a certain character will actually appear but you do often find Princess Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Princess Jasmine and Snow White.

You have a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Disney Princess Once Upon a Time Breakfast offers pre plated all you can eat breakfast favorites. The Princess Storybook Lunch and the Dinner are a combination of all you care to eat buffet items and entrees which you order from the menu. The quality of the food is pretty average but really you go here for the great chance to meet the Princesses not for the food.

The price of the meal includes a photo package. For more information here is our guide at

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

Disney’s Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Villa Resort

There are very few restaurants in the world where you can dine whilst looking out of the window to watch zebras, giraffe and other wildlife passing by. Sanaa is located at the Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village. There is a huge picture window overlooking the savannah. One of the best times to go is lunch time as of course you can see the animals passing by outside. This is a very unique experience for all the family, not just the kids!

This is one of the lesser known Disney restaurants but it is also one of the most spectacular and if you are prepared to be a little adventurous it also has some of the very best food.

The menu is described as being African food with Indian influences. What this translates to is a very high quality interesting menu with such items as Tandoori Chicken, various curries, spicy side dishes and naan breads. Don’t be concerned if the kids are more of the mac and cheese preferring kind! Sanaa has the usual kids menu offerings of pizza, cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese.

Disney Chef Mickey’s

Photo by Bart Hanlon

Chef Mickey’s is a very popular character dining experience for all the family. It is particularly great for young children as it is chance to get up close to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Chef Mickey’s is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort which is just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom. Breakfast and dinner are served each day.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale are usually there at breakfast. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck usually go for dinner. As with all character appearances these are subject to change.

The food is good quality buffet fare and there is plenty of choice for even the pickiest eaters. This is very popular with young children so go there expecting a noisy, fun atmosphere and you won’t go far wrong!

For a complete guide with the menu and prices go to

Disney Chef Mickey’s

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Want to know how you can get a look inside Cinderella’s Castle? Be one of the lucky ones who manage to snag a reservation at the most popular of the Disney Restaurants – Cinderella’s Royal Table. This is an extremely popular restaurant. Not only do you get to dine inside the Magic Kingdom Castle but you also get to meet Cinderella. You may also see The Fairy Godmother, Princess Belle, Princess Aurora and Snow White (you know I am going to say that all character appearances are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice).

The food is pretty good and the kids (and the grown ups) will love the chance to meet their favorite Princesses.

For a complete guide go to:

Cinderella’s Royal Table is it Worth It?

T-Rex Cafe Restaurant in Downtown Disney

This is a relative newcomer in Walt Disney World which was created by the same people who brought you the very popular Rain Forest Cafe. The theme is of course the pre historic world so expect dinosaurs, decent but pricey food and a whole lot of noise! This is a great restaurant to take the kids and of course as it is in Downtown Disney you can visit on one of your non park days as you won’t need a ticket.

The menu at the T-Rex Cafe is definitely on the pricey side. But who can resist Asteroid French Onion Soup, Brachiosaurus Bruschetta , or a Gigantosaurus Burger? Well the kids probably can but don’t worry, there is a kids menu with the usual favorites, pizza, burgers and pasta.

Disney Crystal Palace Restaurant

The Crystal Palace is located at the end of Main Street in Magic Kingdom. It is a great place to take the kids, particularly the 5 and under set. This is one of my very favorite Disney character dining restaurants as not only do you get to meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore the food is also pretty good for all the family. The Crystal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A particularly good choice is lunch as you can take a break in the middle of the day to sit down and refuel.

1900 Park Fare

This is another very popular Disney World character dining restaurant where at dinner you get the chance to meet Cinderella. 1900 Park Fare is located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort so is just a very short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. It has some of the highest quality buffet food in the whole of Walt Disney World. Breakfast characters include Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, and Tigger. If you want to see Princess Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Drizella and Anastasia then they are usually scheduled to appear at dinner.

There is a special children’s buffet section which is low down so that the kids can help themselves. 1900 Park Fare is of course a very popular Disney dining location. It can get pretty busy and is rather loud but it is definitely a winner with the kids!

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review is a fun dinner show which has played to guests since 1974 at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The show is practically unchanged since that time so if you are looking for Disney nostalgia which is great fun for both kids and adults then this is a wonderful choice. The show is held in Pioneer Hall which is the hub of Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort. It is very popular and shows run 3 times a night.

The food is served family style and includes breads, salad, Fried Chicken, Smoked Barbecued Pork Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, and Country Style Baked Beans. Very traditional fare. The real appeal of this experience is of course the entertainment. Table are pre assigned and the closer you are to the stage the pricier the reservation. Be prepared to be entertained by Johnny Ringo and Claire de Lune the dancers, Jim Handy and Flora Long the singers, and Six Bits Slocum and Dolly Drew provide the comedy.

Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant

Photo by expressmonorail

Epcot Coral Reef restaurant is another great choice for both the kids and the adults. Coral Reef is a restaurant with a difference. The restaurant has a wall of 8 feet high windows which look onto the huge salt water aquarium. which is part of the Seas With Nemo and Friends pavilion in Epcot Future World. Sit and eat your meal whilst you watch up to 85 species of fish in the giant tank. Perhaps more entertaining for the children is the fact that often you can see divers float past your table.

Whilst the concept of Epcot Coral Reef is an excellent one and the decor and theme are a brilliant idea, reviews are mixed about the food and the service. Here is my review at:

Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant

Whichever restaurant you choose in Walt Disney World there are plenty of options to keep the kids (and the grown ups) happy. Which is your favorite Disney restaurant? Leave me a Comment!

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Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Disney World Dining, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Restaurants, Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Walt Disney World March 2012

January 28, 2012 By Alison Leave a Comment

If you are visiting Disney World in March 2012 it is always good to know what events are happening and which rides and attractions will be closed for refurbishment. Planning ahead is always a good idea when you vista Walt Disney World. The more you know before you go, the more you will enjoy your vacation! We have tried to be as accurate as possible with these dates but things do change, so if you are visiting in March always check schedules before you arrive.

All photos by hubsterdisney

Is March a good time to visit Walt Disney World?

In early March crowds do tend to be relatively low and the weather is usually great with an average temperature of 78 degrees. March of course brings Spring Break so expect the crowds to be heavier, particularly around the week of March 10th when many schools are on vacation.

Which Disney World Rides are Closed in March 2012?

One of the most popular rides with young children is Dumbo The Flying Elephant and this will be closed until March 12th 2012. You will want to warn the little ones about this to avoid disappointment. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is close by and is exactly the same type of ride, but for many it just isn’t the same!

Another Magic Kingdom headline ride Big Thunder Mountain is close for refurbishment until May 27th. This is a very popular ride in the park so the fact that it is closed may mean that crowds are heavier in that area and that the lines for the adjacent ride Splash Mountain are longer. As always with the popular rides get a Fast Pass if you can and this will cut down the amount of time that you spend in line.

The Studio Backlot Tour in Disney Hollywood Studios is closed is closed from February 13th to March 9th 2012.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is closed until March 18th but Blizzard Beach is open if you want to enjoy one of the water parks. This doesn’t tend to have too much effect on crowd levels as traditionally attendance at the water parks is lower in these winter months.

Disney World Restaurant and Resort Facility Closures for March 2012

One of the restaurants in Epcot’s Italy, Tutto Italia Ristorante will be closed until April 28th 2012. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom is also closed until March 28th.

If you are a guest of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa then you will want to know that the pool slide will be closed from February 6th and reopen on March 3rd. The pool itself is still open, it is just the slide that is being refurbished.

Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

This is a very popular annual event in Disney’s Epcot park and runs from March 7th to May 20th 2012. No separate entrance ticket is needed – it is included with your general admission to Epcot. The park is beautifully decorated with flowers and spectacular topiary designs.

This popular Flower Power Concert Series is held at the weekends at the American Gardens Theater in World Showcase. Performances are at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

March 9th to 11th Jose Feliciano
March 16th to 18th Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
March 23rd to 25th The Guess Who
March 30th to April 1st The Spinners
April 6th to 8th Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
April 13th to 15th Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 20th to 22nd The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
April 27th to 29th Chuck Negron, Formerly of Three Dog Night
May 4th to 6th The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
May 11th to 13th Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 18th to 20th Davy Jones

There are also HGTV celebrities scheduled to present the concert series as follows:

John Gidding from HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block – March 9th to 11th
Sabrina Soto of The High/Low Project – March 16th to 18th
Jason Cameron from DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves – March 23rd to 25th
Camille Styles who is an HGTV.com Entertainment contributor – March 30th to April 1st
Dan Faires of HGTV.com’s DanMade and Fan Favorite HGTV Design Star Season 5 – April 6th to 8th
Brandon Johnson who is host of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney – April 13th to 15th
Meg Caswell, of Meg’s Great Rooms is presenting April 20th to 22nd
Monica Pedersen from HGTV Dream Home Tour 2012 and Designed to Sell is presenting April 27th to 29th
Antonio Ballatore, HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment – May 4th to 6th
To be determined – presenting May 11th to 13th
Genevieve Gorder of Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star – May 18th to 20th

Have a wonderful vacation if you are visiting Walt Disney World in March 2012.

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Disney Cruise Alaska 2013

January 26, 2012 By Alison Leave a Comment

Are you thinking of a Disney Cruise to Alaska in 2013? The Disney Wonder will return to Vancouver in 2013 to sail on 7 night cruises to Alaska. The Disney Wonder will once again sail out of the port of Vancouver which was her home port for the summer of 2011. She takes a short break in 2012 when Disney Wonder will sail from Seattle on her Alaskan cruises.

The scenery in Alaska is breathtaking. It is a place like no where else in the world. Cruising is one of the easiest ways to experience Alaska. You can watch the scenery go by as you sail past magnificent scenery and experience the wonder of the glaciers. The Disney Wonder is regarded by passengers as one of the very best cruise ships in the world – so what better way to travel?

Sail dates for 2013:

27th May, 3rd June, 10th June, 17th June, 1st July, 8th July, 15th July, 29th July, 5th August, 12th August, 19th August and 2nd September 2013

The itinerary:

Monday Vancouver, Canada
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Tracy Arm, Alaska
Thursday Skagway, Alaska
Friday Juneau, Alaska
Saturday Ketchikan, Alaska
Sunday At Sea
Monday Vancouver, Canada

Perhaps the highlight of the cruise will be the journey though Tracy Arm, Alaska which is a fjord located close to the Alaskan city of Juneau. The ship will sail slowly through the fjord so that passengers can experience this amazing place.

There are 3 port stops on the Disney Alaskan cruise. Skagway is a small city on the south coast of Alaska which reminds visitors of a bygone era. Famous as the 19th century site of the Klondike Goldrush this is a place with a fascinating history. The biggest attraction here is an excursion on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. This is one of the work’s great railway journeys and Disney passengers can experience this amazing excursion on their port stop in Skagway.

Disney Wonder in Skagway

The Disney Wonder will also visit Juneau which is the state capital of Alaska. One of the most popular places to visit is the Mendenhall Glacier. This is the most accessible glacier in Alaska as you can easily reach it by bus from the port. Another popular excursion is to ride the Mount Roberts Tramway which takes passengers 2,000 feet high up over the port which gives a magnificent view of the area.

Ketchikan is another of the port stops for the Disney Wonder. One of the things that you really notice on an Alaskan cruise is just how very small each city that you visit really is. This is the 5th largest city in Alaska but it has a population of under 8,000 people and is just 12 blocks long. The city has an interesting mix of tourist shops where you can spend a couple of hours browsing for local products. Ketchikan is also know for it’s totem poles and boasts the largest collection of 19th century examples of this craft in the world. A very popular excursion is to the Misty Fjords National Monument. This amazing National Monument covers 2.2 million acres and is an area of spectacular beauty which was carved out by glaciers 10,000 years ago.

Disney Cruise Port Ketchikan

An Alaskan cruise is an increasingly popular travel choice for guests and what better way to experience this than on the Disney Wonder. Disney is undoubtedly one of the very best cruise lines in offering well designed staterooms, exceptional service, activities for all the family, the best kids clubs at sea, and of course that exceptional Disney onboard entertainment.

The staterooms are up to 25% larger than the industry standard and are really well designed for the maximum comfort of guests. Unique to Disney Cruise line is Rotational Dining. The dining experience is always an important part of any cruise experience and Disney takes this to a new level. The Disney Wonder has 3 main dining rooms and you move around them each night of your cruise – but you take your wait staff with you. The Disney wait staff really are the very best at sea and they will make sure that your dining experience is the best.

And of course you really can’t experience the Disney magic anywhere else at sea. There are plenty of opportunities to meet the characters, watch a Disney movie, or enjoy the Broadway quality entertainment each day.

If you have always wanted to experience the wonder of this amazing place then consider taking a Disney Cruise to Alaska in 2013.

All of the great photos are courtesy of hubsterdisney

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Disney Cruise Alaska 2012

If you want any help with booking your Disney Cruise just Contact Us at EverythingMouse Travel for completely free expert advice. We do all the work so you don’t have to!

Filed Under: Cruises, Disney Tips, Disney Wonder Tagged With: ,

Top 10 Walt Disney World Must See Rides and Attractions

January 26, 2012 By Alison 4 Comments

What are the must see Walt Disney World rides and attractions? This is of course a very difficult question to answer. There are so many things to see and do at Walt Disney World that to choose just a few that you absolutely must do is rather a challenge. But of course I am never one to walk away from a difficult task so here is my own personal Top 10 Walt Disney World must see rides and attractions. They are in no particular order – choosing a Top 10 is difficult enough, putting them in order would have been impossible!

All of the amazing photos are by expressmonorail

Disney Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams Fireworks

No visit to Walt Disney World is complete without seeing the Wishes Fireworks at Magic Kingdom. This spectacular fireworks show debuted in 2003 and has been enchanting guests ever since. The show is hosted by Jiminy Cricket and The Blue Fairy and is a classic tale of good against evil. It is a magical mix of fireworks, music and lighting effects. Watch out for Tinkerbell flying across the skies!

Which is the best viewing spot for Disney Wishes fireworks? There are many to choose from but some of my favorites include on the platform of the train station at the end of Main Street, sitting at one of the tables outside at the Plaza Restaurant, various spots in Fantasyland (which is less crowded but you can’t see Tinkerbell) and of course California Grill restaurant in the Contemporary Resort.

Be careful to check the schedule for times and dates of showings for Wishes as these do vary.

Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The thing about Disney attractions is that they are just so amazingly themed – and Disney’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the best examples of this anywhere in Walt Disney World. Want to drop 13 stories in an elevator? This is the Disney attraction for you!

Disney is the master of theme park story telling and every great ride has a back story. The Hollywood Tower Hotel has a history. It opened in 1919 and soon established itself as one of the places to be for the movie crowd. But on October 31st 1939 five guests enter the elevator of the hotel just as lightning strikes. The child star, her nanny, two young starlets and the bell hop vanish . All the other hotel guests run from the building leaving their belongings behind.

The attention to detail in the line is exceptional. It looks just as though you would imagine it would if it had been abandoned in 1939. The Cast Members play their part brilliantly, all adding to the anticipation of the ride.

The Tower of Terror is not for the feint of heart. It is a thrill ride and has a height requirement of 40″. It is very popular so make sure that you use a Fast Pass or arrive very early in the morning.

For more on this amazing attraction visit

Disney Twilight Zone of Terror

Star Tours The Adventure Continues

If you are a fan of Star Wars (and even if you aren’t) this motion simulator ride is one of the best Disney World attractions. Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios this classic ride has a complete overhaul in 2011. You will see all your Star Wars favorites including your accidental pilot C3PO who will take you on a journey which has 54 variations. This new technology means that you never know quite which direction your journey will take.

Kilimanjaro Safari

Not many of us will get to experience a real safari in Africa but The Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is a great substitute for the real thing. Walt Disney himself always wanted to have a theme park which allowed guests to see real live animals and Animal Kingdom was the realization of his dream.

Guests board an authentic safari type vehicle as they are taken on a tour of the 100 acre African savanna. The ride is also authentically bumpy so take note of those warnings! The very best time to take the safari is in the early morning. This is not just because the lines are likely to be shorter but also because this is the time when the animals are at their most active.

There is a great commentary by the tour guide who will help you to see as many of the animals as possible. Some of the most popular sitings are of elephants, zebra, giraffe, rhino, hippopotamus and of course the lions (don’t worry they are kept out of your reach by some very clever discreet Disney landscaping). You may even be lucky enough to see the Cheetah (they are often quite difficult to see). Also on the savanna are warthogs, gazelle, flamingo, ostrich, okapis and wildebeest.

As with all popular Disney attractions make sure that you get a Fast Pass or ride early in the morning. It will cut your time waiting in line.

It’s A Small World

This classic Disney ride is one of the original attractions which was over seen by Walt Disney himself. Disney World has seen many changes over the years but this cheerful musical boat ride remains true to the original ideals of Walt himself. The theme is quite simply world peace through global understanding. Hundreds of animatronic dolls representing many countries around the world sing the unforgettable It’s A Small World theme song. Guests board a slow moving boat and sail around watching the brightly colored moving dolls sing their happy message. You know you will never get that song out of your head, but somehow it is worth it!

Epcot Test Track

Another very original Disney World ride, Epcot Test Track is a theme park ride unlike any other. The story is that guests are needed to test the cars just like the crash test dummies do! Guests board a 6 passenger vehicle which will take them on a journey through various tests. These tests include braking, heat and cold tests, hair pin bends and of course the final speed test. Your test Track vehicle will reach speeds of up to 65 mph before bringing you back to the testing facility.

This one is a lot of fun and is a truly unique ride. It is thrilling without being scary so a lot of guests who don’t usually enjoy thrill rides like roller coasters will enjoy Test Track. It is of course very popular so use the Fast Pass or if you don’t mind riding without the other members of your party the Single Rider line will save you a lot of time.

For more details visit

Epcot Test Track

Epcot Illuminations Reflections of Earth

This is another must see fireworks event at Walt Disney World. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a unique fireworks, lights, pyrotechnics and music spectacular which is shown every night (weather permitting) around Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon.

Most places around the World Showcase Lagoon give a good view of the show but do be aware that trees can block your view so choose your viewing spot carefully. At busy times you do need to reserve a place at least an hour ahead of the show. Some of the best places to view are the bridge between the United Kingdom and France, on the platform just outside the Japanese restaurants, and if you can get a reservation, the outside viewing area in the restaurant at the Rose and Crown Restaurant.

For more information about this amazing fireworks show:

Epcot Illuminations

Soarin

Located in Disney’s Epcot Future World, Soarin’ is a must see attraction. It is a ride which simulates flight, rather than a flight simulator! Another very unique experience only available in Disneyland, where it originally debuted, and Disney’s Epcot.

Guests board a huge structure which has rows of seats in front of an extremely large screen. The seats are then lifted up into the air and have gentle motion which feels like flying. The movie Soarin Over California is then projected onto the huge screen so guests feel as though they are flying over the state. The movie is beautifully filmed and seems to fly you over many destinations including Yosemite, The Wine Country, San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Diego and of course Disneyland.

Pirates of the Caribbean Ride

This is another classic Disney ride which originally debuted in Disneyland in 1967. This was the last attraction which Walt Disney personally supervised and participated in it’s design. Guests board a slow moving boat which will plunge down a (very small) waterfall and then take them through a series of dark scenes with animatronics, pyrotechnics, and explosions all to the tune of Yo Ho It’s a Pirates Life For Me!

Most guests these days will be very familiar with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and they will be pleased to see that Jack Sparrow appears in the ride more than once.

Fantasmic!

Make sure that you arrive early for this Disney Hollywood Studios night time spectacular. Even though the auditorium has seats for 6,900 guests and standing room for 3,000 more it does reach capacity. To get the best seats you do have to be there 60 to 90 minutes before the show starts.

Once again the theme is good against evil, with Mickey Mouse dressed as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice battling the Disney villains. The show is spectacular. Expect pyrotechnics, a huge dragon, images projected onto water, fire which seems to be right in front of you, fireworks and an epic musical score. This show seems to have every special effect known to Disney World thrown in! Of course all ends well for Mickey and at the end of this 25 minute show many of your favorite characters sail past you on the water in front of the set.

Never under estimate how popular this show is – arrive as early as you possibly can to get a good seat. This can be a long wait if you have young children or if it is cold out at night. The only way to beat the crowds is to book a Fantasmic Dining Package which you can reserve ahead by calling 407 WDW DINE. You then reserve a meal at one of the Disney Hollywood Studios restaurants and get a place is the reserved seating area for Fantasmic. This is a reserved area, not a reserved seat so you do still have to be there around 30 minutes before the show.

It is very difficult to pick a Top 10 Walt Disney World must see rides and attractions but here are my personal favorites. Which ones have I left out? Which have I included that you really don’t enjoy? Leave me a Comment below!

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Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Rides, Rides, Rides and Attractions, World Showcase Tagged With: , , , ,

Disney Cruise from Miami 2013

January 25, 2012 By Alison Leave a Comment

Disney cruises will sail from Miami in 2013. Although Miami is a new home port for Disney cruises it has long been popular with other cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. The Disney Wonder will move from Los Angeles and there will not be any Disney Mexican Riviera cruises after December 2012. The Mexican Riviera cruises have long been seen as a tough market and so the move from Los Angeles is not unexpected.

Photo by Wyscan

The move for the Disney Wonder will mean that Disney cruise lines will have two Florida home ports in 2013. The Disney Dream and the new Disney Fantasy will both sail out of Port Canaveral in Florida. There will be a lot of choice for passengers in 2013 wanting to sail on a Disney Cruise, with sailings out of Port Canaveral and Miami Florida, and Galevston for Caribbean and Bahamian cruises, Vancouver for Alaska, and Barecelona Spain for exciting European itineraries.

The Disney Wonder will sail 4 night cruises to the Bahamas, and 4 and 5 night cruises to the Caribbean. Most will include a port stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay.

So what are the 4 and 5 night itineraries from Miami?

Disney Wonder 4 Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami 2013

The sail dates are: 10th January, 24th January, 7th February, 21st February, 7th March, 21st March, 4th April, 18th April, 2nd May 2013

Thursday Miami, Florida
Friday Key West
Saturday Nassau
Sunday Disney’s Castaway Cay
Monday Miami Florida

5 Night Western Caribbean Cruise on Disney Wonder with Castaway Cay

The sail dates are: 5th January, 19th January, 2nd February, 16th February, 2nd March, 16th March, 30th March, 13th April, 27th April 2013.

Saturday Miami Florida
Sunday At Sea
Monday Cozumel Mexico
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Disney’s Castaway Cay
Thursday Miami Florida

Disney Wonder 5 Night Western Caribbean Cruise with Grand Cayman

Monday Miami Florida
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Grand Cayman
Thursday Cozumel, Mexico
Friday At Sea
Saturday Miami Florida

This cruise does not include a port stop at Castaway Cay, but includes Grand Cayman instead.

The Disney Wonder will return to the West Coast for Alaskan cruises out of the port of Vancouver Canada. There will be a repositioning cruise in 2013 when the Wonder sails from Miami to Los Angeles, and then a Pacific Coastal cruise when she sails from Los Angeles to Vancouver.

14 Night Panama Canal Disney Wonder Repositioning Cruise

This will sail on 6th May from Miami to Los Angeles and will include a port stop at Castaway Cay.

Monday Miami Florida
Tuesday Disney’s Castaway Cay
Wednesday At Sea
Thursday At Sea
Friday Cartagena, Colombia
Saturday At Sea
Sunday Panama Canal
Monday At Sea
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday At Sea
Thursday At Sea
Friday Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Saturday Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Sunday At Sea
Monday Los Angeles, CA

The Disney Magic will then sail to Vancouver to start her season of 2013 Alaskan cruises.

Whichever Disney Magic Cruise from Miami that you choose in 2013 you can be sure that you will be sailing on one of the most popular and highly rated cruise lines in the world.

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Disney World Birthday Ideas

January 24, 2012 By Alison Leave a Comment

Are you celebrating your birthday at Walt Disney World and want some ideas of things that you can do to make the day special. Disney World is a great place to spend any day but it is always a lot of fun to spend your birthday at the parks. So what is there to do on your birthday?

Photo by expressmonorail

Disney World Free Things to Do on Your Birthday

If you are staying at one of the Disney World resorts then always tell the Cast Members at the time you make the reservation and at the time that you check in that someone is celebrating a birthday. They will usually ask you what your favorite Disney character is and arrange for something special like balloons and perhaps even a small cup cake or dessert treat to be brought to your room. I have done this many times – sometimes it works and sometimes not but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Another fun and free thing to do is go to Guest Services at the parks and ask for a Birthday Pin. This is a fun keepsake but also when you wear this most Cast Members will say Happy Birthday to you when they see it. If you have an autograph book with you the characters will often put a special birthday greeting in there for you.

Disney Celebration Cakes

If you are dining at any Disney World restaurant or staying at a Disney World resort you can order a customized cake for a birthday or other special celebration. Call 407-827-2253 for customized cake orders and give at least 48 hours notice. The cake can be delivered to your room or any Disney full service restaurant.

If you just want a 6″ celebration cake you can order these at the check in podium of any Disney restaurant. You can also order these via your concierge or front desk at any Disney resort if you want it to be delivered to your room. They do not need to be ordered in advance like the customized cakes. The cost for this celebration cake is $21 plus tax and gratuity.

If you do not want to buy a cake then mention the fact that there is someone with a birthday in your party at any Disney restaurant and they will usually bring a small cup cake with a candle in it for you.

Goofy Party Central

If you want to celebrate a child’s birthday with a party at Disney World then Goofy Party Central is a great option. Parties are held every day by advance reservation in a special party room at Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney. All parties are 90 minutes long and are for guests aged 3 and up. To reserve your party call 407-WDW-BDAY.

The rate for Goofy Party Central for up to 12 guests is $367.38. You can add up to 3 more guests for $25 each. Each party includes 2 hosts, invitations and thank you cards for your guests. There are 2 theme choices for your party:

The Perfectly Princess Party

Perfect for your little Princesses birthday when she will receive a crown, a sash, a boxed glass slipper and mylar balloon. Guests play Perfectly Princess party games, decorate a special treat and receive an autographed picture of Cinderella, a glow necklace and a balloon.

Goofy’s Scien-Terrific Birthday Bash

A Goofy themed birthday party for your special day. The birthday child will receive a Goofy gum ball machine and a mylar balloon. Guests play Goofy games, decorate a treat and get a Goofy glacier cup. They will receive special glow glasses, a party balloon and an autographed picture of Goofy.

Celebrate at a Special Disney World Restaurant

There are lots of amazing Disney World restaurants to choose from for your birthday celebration. Whatever your age there is something that you will really enjoy for your special day.

For younger children a special character meal is a great idea. Here is a guide to the choices available:

Disney World Character Dining

There are plenty of choices for the adults too. Here is a guide to the very best:

Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Walt Disney World

However you celebrate your Disney World birthday you will be sure to have a magical and memorable day!

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

Disney Mediterranean Cruise 2013

January 24, 2012 By Alison 1 Comment

Do you want to know more about a Disney Mediterranean cruise for 2013. It has been announced that the Disney Magic will return to Europe in 2013 for some exciting Mediterranean cruises. The Disney Magic will sail to Barcelona in May 2013 on a transatlantic journey and then will offer several different Mediterranean cruises for June, July and August 2013.

Disney Mediterranean Cruise for 7 Nights

Sailing dates are:

June 1st and June 8th. August 10th, August 17th and August 31st 2013

This itinerary will give guests the chance to visit the amazing Italian cities of Florence, Rome and Naples. The journey time to Rome from Civitacecchia is around 90 minutes through the beautiful Italian countryside. In Rome of course you will see amazing sites such as The Forum, The Colloseum and The Spanish Steps. Florence is a little further out from La Spezia but it is easily reachable for a full days excursion.

Villefranche is also a port stop from which you can easily visit Nice and Cannes in France. Here is the 7 night itinerary.

Saturday Barcelona, Spain
Sunday At Sea
Monday Villefranche (Nice), France
Tuesday La Spezia (Florence), Italy
Wednesday Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Thursday Naples, Italy
Friday At Sea
Saturday Barcelona, Spain

12 Night Mediterranean Cruise with Venice

This is the first time that Disney has offered a cruise which includes a port stop in the amazing city of Venice. Here the Disney Magic will stay overnight in Venice so giving guests the chance to spend even more time in this great city. In addition to port stops for Florence, Rome and Nice, the Disney Magic will also dock in Naples and Dubrovnik. This is a first for Disney cruises and anyone looking for a great European cruise will be excited about this new itinerary.

Sailing dates are: 27th June and 25th July 2013.

The itinerary for the 12 night Mediterranean cruise is:

Thursday Barcelona, Spain
Friday Villefranche (Nice), France
Saturday La Spezia (Florence), Italy
Sunday Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Monday Naples, Italy
Tuesday At Sea
Wednesday Venice, Italy
Thursday Venice, Italy
Friday Dubrovnik, Croatia
Saturday At Sea
Sunday Valetta, Malta
Monday At Sea
Tuesday Barcelona, Spain

12 Night Mediterranean Cruise with Greece

The Disney Magic visits Greece and Turkey for the first time. This 12 night cruise has port stops for Nice, Florence and Rome as well as the exciting new ports in Greece and Turkey. Guests can explore the ancient city of Athens and the beautiful island of Mykonos in Greece as well as the beautiful capital city of Malta, Valletta, and marvel at the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey.

There are sailings on 15th June and 13th July 2013.

Saturday Barcelona, Spain
Sunday Villefranche (Nice), France
Monday La Spezia (Florence), Italy
Tuesday Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
Wednesday At Sea
Thursday At Sea
Friday Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Saturday Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
Sunday Mykonos, Greece
Monday At Sea
Tuesday Valetta, Malta
Wednesday At Sea
Thursday Barcelona, Spain

Disney Magic 4 Night Mediterranean Cruise

For guests looking for a shorter break then this 4 night cruise from Barcelona on the Disney Magic is a great choice. With port stops in Villefranche for Nice and Cannes, and Palma on the island of Mallorca this is a chance to sail with Disney on a short cruise in Europe.

Sailings are on 9th July and 6th August 2013 out of Barcelona.

Tuesday Barcelona, Spain
Wednesday Villefranche (Nice), France
Thursday At Sea
Friday Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Saturday Barcelona, Spain

For every Disney cruise EverythingMouse Travel can help you with FREE booking and planning advice. Booking a cruise can be confusing and time consuming so let us take care of all the details for you.

Contact us at EverythingMouse Disney Travel Agents for FREE EXPERT HELP.

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Best Disney World Resort for Kids

January 20, 2012 By Alison Leave a Comment

Which is the best Disney World Resort for kids? Walt Disney World is an amazing place for a family vacation and you want to make the best choice of resort so that the kids are happy.

There are so many excellent hotels and resorts to choose from it can get confusing. Here is my guide to the resorts which I consider give the very best value and fun for the younger members of the family. Each resort chosen is one that I think that kids 9 and under are going to love.

Photo by expressmonorail

Best Disney World Deluxe Resort for Kids

Photo by expressmonorail

This is perhaps the most difficult category to choose because there are so many great choices. So this one comes down to location, good sized rooms, and a great themed swimming pool. The best choice? Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

When anyone thinks of Disney World they think of Magic Kingdom. And of course Cinderella’s Castle. So what if you could wake up in the morning, hop on the monorail and be in Disney’s Magic Kingdom within minutes? Disney’s Polynesian Resort is an ideal choice for families with young children.

Location is really important when traveling with kids and choosing the Polynesian Hotel and resort means that you can get to and from the Magic Kingdom (and Epcot) really easily. Travel time is particularly important if you have younger children who may still need a nap in the day time. You can easily go out early in the morning and return back to the hotel in the afternoon, let the children rest or have some time in the pool, and then go back out to one of the parks in the evening.

The theme of the Polynesian is the South Seas. It is a relaxing and tranquil place for the adults, but a lot of fun for the kids too. Another advantage of this resort for families with young kids is that the rooms are amongst the largest of any of the standard rooms on Disney property. Standard rooms are around 410 square feet, with he 476 square feet rooms are located in the Tokelau, Rapa Nui and Tahita longhouse buildings. There is a lot of room for up to 5 family members to comfortably sleep.

There are 2 swimming pools at the Polynesian. The kids are sure to love the Nanea Volcano Pool. It is one of the best themed Disney World pools and has a water slide. There is also a good sized sandy beach where the kids can play and the adults can sit and relax.

Best Disney Moderate Resort For Kids

Photo by mrkathika

Of all of the choices of Moderate Resort Disney’s Caribbean Beach Hotel offers the most for young children. The brightly colored buildings, decent sized rooms, fun themed pool and the option of a pirate themed room makes this a great choice for the 10 and under crowd.

The Pirate themed pool at the resort is a lot of fun for the kids and has a wading pool and a whirlpool. The children’s water play area includes squirt hoses, a large bucket that pours water from above and 3 waters slides. There is plenty to do here including renting water craft and bikes.

Kids love themed rooms and the Caribbean Beach was one of the first hotels to offer this (now the idea is being expanded throughout the Disney resorts as the Pirate Rooms have been such a big success here). The hotel has motel style rooms which sleep up to 4 guests.

As a moderate Disney resort it offers great value for families and of course has all of the advantages including free transport between all of the DIsney parks.

Best Disney Value Resort for Kids

The Disney Art of Animation Resort is a brand new hotel resort which opens in May 2012. This makes it the newest and the very best of the Disney Value Resorts. The Value Resorts have always been about good quality motel style accommodation for families who want all of the advantages of staying with Disney.

The Art of Animation Resort has four themes all based on very popular Disney movies – The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo or Disney Pixar Cars themed areas.

The concept art shows that the rooms are going to be beautifully themed.

When the resort is complete at the end of 2012 there will be 3 themed swimming pools. The Big Blue is the main swimming pool and has a Finding Nemo theme. The main pool is named The Big Blue and has a Finding Nemo theme. The Cozy Cones swimming pool is in the Cars themed section and the Flippin Fins Pool is in The Little Mermaid section. Kids are going to love the over the top theme where they can really feel as though they are part of the Disney World.

The Disney Art of Animation Resort also has a very big attraction for families – The Family Suite. These suites are going to be in The Nemo, Cars and Lion King areas of the resort and each will sleep up to 6 guests and have 520 square feet of space. These suites will be particularly popular with families who are looking for more space than most Disney hotel rooms provide, but which is also still at a reasonable price.

Which do you think is the best Disney World resort for kids? Leave me a comment below to let me know what you think.

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Filed Under: Disney Tips Tagged With: , ,
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