What is your favorite Walt Disney World resort to visit?
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While I would like to think I will offer the best and most up to date information that is out there about Disney, it simply cannot be true. There are too many amazing blogs out there that already do that. And to be honest, I just don't have the time! However, I will offer my honest opinions and experiences as frequently as possible. This blog is simply a way to document my experiences and collect my thoughts while talking about the love of my life, Walt Disney World and Disney in general. Thanks for reading!
If you are anything like me, Walt Disney World vacations can sometimes be few and far between. I just have to face the harsh reality that I can’t always afford to visit several times a year. Not to mention that staying in a deluxe resort would result in my family being forced to eat ramen noodles for the next fifteen years. Ok, so it’s not that bad…but I am sure you catch my drift. It can be expensive! It is because of this fact that while at Walt Disney World I like to indulge in a little activity called resort hopping. Resort hopping is especially fun when making dining reservations. Our family usually tries to make our dining reservations at as many different resorts as possible so that we have the time to look around and enjoy all of the different resorts on Walt Disney World property. For example, the gorgeous Wilderness Lodge pictured above is one resort I have never had the pleasure of staying at. However, on our last trip when we took advantage of the free dining offer, we decided to reserve a sit down meal at The Whispering Canyon Cafe. We went early that day and walked around the grounds, looked in the shops, had a drink by the pool, and then made our way into dinner. I sometimes find that these times spent just relaxing and taking in the sights are more enjoyable then the time spent rushing around to get from ride to ride. There is so much more to Walt Disney World then just the parks and guests who may not have experienced a Walt Disney World resort are truly missing out on a part of the magic. Now I am not saying you should crash the resort and spend every waking minute there. The resort after all is for the guests staying there. However, taking a leisurely stroll before dinner or making a trip to the shops is more then ok and a wonderful way to pass the time.
What is your favorite Walt Disney World resort to visit?
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One of my favorite means of transportation while in Walt Disney World is by boat. That’s why this week we’ve chosen to feature the Friendship boats that can be found along the waterways between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Even if you are not a guest staying at one of the resorts along the way (Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, or Swan & Dolphin), you can still experience this pleasant ride by catching a boat at any of the docks either near the parks or at the resorts themselves. It is especially fun to choose the Studios or Epcot as your morning park and hopping on a boat to one of the resorts for a dinner reservation later that evening. The photo opportunities alone are worth the trip as you get to see several aspects of each resort from the water. There’s nothing quite like being in Walt Disney World and feeling the breeze as you glide past some of the gorgeous deluxe resorts. If you’ve never experienced a ride on the Friendship boats, it is an absolute must do for your next vacation!
Which mode of transportation at Walt Disney World is your favorite? Today’s Monday Magic photo features one of Walt Disney World’s most popular deluxe resorts, the Polynesian. One of the original resorts at WDW’s opening in 1971, the Polynesian is located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon and is just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. Not only is this resort relaxing and elegant, it also holds two of the most popular restaurants at WDW, one of which is top on my list of favorites. On the second floor of the lobby which is called The Great Ceremonial House, you will find the Kona Cafe and Ohana. The Kona Cafe is a must do for new guests and returning guests alike especially for breakfast. It just isn’t a trip to the Polynesian without tasting the wildly popular Tonga Toast. Auntie Kaui’s Tonga Toast is similar to thick French toast, but this French toast is stuffed with banana and is topped with sugar and cinnamon. What could be a better way to start off your day at Walt Disney World?
Which restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is your favorite? One of the more amazing creations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom would have to be the magnificent Tree of Life. Not only is this centerpiece to the park massive in size, but the detail that went into each carving on the Tree of Life is truly something to be seen. It could take hours to spot and identify the more then 320 animals that appear on the trunk and branches. What some people don’t realize however is that they can’t all be seen just by standing in front of the tree and looking up. The same is true for the back of the tree or at any point around it on the main pathways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That is why a leisurely stroll through the Discovery Island Trails is a must do on each visit to the park. There are several small pathways around the tree that guests can enter and most walk right past not even realizing they are there. It is on these pathways that you can get an even closer view of the details on the Tree of Life. In fact, some animal carvings can only be seen from these pathways. There are also several real animals to enjoy along the Discovery Island Trails. A favorite carving of mine would have be the turtle shown above. You can actually walk right past this turtle and it always makes for great family photo opportunities. The trails can be located on your park map and once you find them you will wonder how you ever missed them in the first place.
What is your favorite animal carving on the Tree of Life? I love to focus on the hidden magic at Walt Disney World and those little things that you can sometimes walk right by without even noticing. In my opinion there are several things in the Japan pavilion that you may not notice unless you really take the time to explore. When you first walk by you will be sure to see the large pagoda on the left side of pavilion and of course how can you miss the full-size department store to the right. But what’s directly behind the pagoda is something that not everyone takes the time to investigate. Walking up the hill behind the pagoda, you will find a beautiful setting that includes a koi-filled pond. If you follow the path to the very top, not only does the lovely garden setting continue but you will run into one of the best counter service meals in the World Showcase. Katsura Grill represents historic Japan and is modeled after Kyoto’s 16th century Katsura Imperial Village. This counter service location features teriyaki beef, chicken, and fish along with Japanese favorites such as sushi, tuna rolls, and much more. Not only is this a great location for the food, but it also can be very quiet and free from crowds during most times of the day. The next time you are in Epcot, make sure to take some time to explore in depth the beauty of the Japan pavilion. It has much more to offer then first meets the eye.
What do you like the most about the Japan pavilion? This week’s Monday Magic photo captures the splendor of one of the most beautiful and beloved parks in Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom. There is nothing more magical then arriving at the parks for an early morning breakfast reservation and walking down Main Street with no one else around. The streets are empty and it can be the perfect opportunity to stop and look around at all of the rich detail. Not to mention, the great photo opportunities!
Featured in the background of this photo is The Crystal Palace, a popular character dining location and one that offers one of the best breakfasts in the Magic Kingdom. This restaurant can be booked for breakfast reservations before park opening which gives guests a chance see Main Street U.S.A. and some surrounding areas like they have never seen before. If you could be one of the only early morning guests in any park in Walt Disney World, which would it be? |
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