Must-Haves for a Magical Walt Disney World Vacation

You are packing your bags for a Walt Disney World vacation, and so far, you have the essentials. You have all of your outfits chosen, you have your autograph book and pen in tow, and of course your favorite pair of Mickey Mouse Ears. However, there may be a few things missing from your suitcase that could really come in handy during your magical vacation.

For anybody that has ever stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort and turned on their television, then they MUST know ‘Must Do’ Stacey! Stacey hosts the Must Sees and ‘Must Do’ at Walt Disney World, which is broadcasted on all Resort televisions. Fun fact, Stacey is actually from my hometown! Anyways, I am going to be bringing you the Must-Haves for a Walt Disney World Vacation… you know, the Musts that come BEFORE your arrival!

~ Portable Phone Charger— Now, I do not say this lightly… you will NEED a portable phone charger if you plan on spending majority of your days frolicking around the parks. You do not realize how much you are on your phone at the parks, even when you are not… if that makes sense. You are constantly taking snapchats, using all of the awesome snapchat location filters around the park, taking pictures of everything and anything, posting pictures and making everybody back at home jealous. Your phone dies quickly, trust me, and you will not want to waste time constantly running over to Rapunzel’s Tower (or you know, bathrooms and a charging station) to charge it. By all means, it’s a lovely Tower… but not a place you want to be chained too in order to charge your phone in time for Wishes. These portable phone chargers are relatively cheap, and can carry over 1.5 the charge of your phone.

~ Comfortable Shoes— A lesson I learned on my very first park experience of my Disney College Program. Comfortable shoes are going to be your very best friend by the end of a full day at the parks. The Walt Disney Parks give you a WORK OUT. You are working out, without even realizing you are working out. You are walking MILES, and comfortable shoes are a must, and one of the most important accessories you will have (even more important than those Mickey Ears!) Wearing comfortable shoes does not mean you have to give up style, there are plenty of stylish and cute comfortable shoes! Even better, some comfortable shoes come in Disney styles, like the Disney Vans! Just make sure to break them in before your vacation.

~ Disney Gift Cards— This may seem silly, but it is an excellent way to keep track of how much you spend. Some places even sell the Disney Gift Cards in bulk for a discount! I bought $150.00 of Disney Gift Cards from Sam’s Club for $143.00. It may not seem like a big discount, but it’s $7.00, and that could be a quick service meal, or snack in Disney. It adds up, especially the more gift cards you buy. Some people save up to $50 by buying these discounted gift cards in bulk, and use them to pay off hotel rooms and park tickets. The gift cards can be used ANYWHERE in Disney, so it is a good thing to invest in, and a good way to watch how much money you spend.

~ The Not So Obvious Backpack Essentials— This includes a water bottle, advil, and sunscreen. Water bottles are expensive at Walt Disney World (along with everything else there…), however, WATER is free. You can go to any quick service shop, or Starbucks, and ask for a cup of ice water and they will give it to you for free. There are also water fountains where you can fill up your water yourself. So BRING THAT WATER BOTTLE AND SAVE YOUR MONEY! Bring your own advil, because you never know what those long park days with screaming children will do to you, and bring your own sunscreen. Of course Disney has these toiletries for sale on property, but for double the price you pay at home.

Rest in Peace Streets of America.

~Umbrella or Poncho— Sure, you think you are brave enough to endure the Florida weather and rain storms, but believe me when I tell you… the rain can come down hard, and spending your day soaked is not always enjoyable, especially when everything is air conditioned. Again, Disney has these available on property, but you will be spending a lot more than you normally would on these items when you probably have several laying around your garage and car that you could easily pack up.

Well, that’s it everybody. Once you conquer all of these Must-Haves, you are guaranteed to be prepared for all the magic in store at the happiest place on earth. We covered all of the Must-Haves for your Walt Disney World vacation that you, well, Must-Have! Thanks for reading my Must-Have Disney, and I hope you have a magical vacation!

 

 

 

The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Disney Edition

Who else remembers the show on Food Network called “The Best Thing I Ever Ate?” Essentially, each episode of this show was dedicated to a different kind of food, and celebrity chefs and hosts from Food Network would talk about where you could find their individual favorites. Well, I decided to put my own personal spin on the show and write something up called, The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Disney Edition.

Now, it is no secret that I am a big lover of food, and not just any food, all types of food. I would be lying if I told you that food was not one of the many things I loved about Walt Disney World. With over 300 restaurants on property, Walt Disney World has a plethora of dining options, making it often hard to decide where to go, and what to eat. Well, I am here to make that decision easier for you. I have compiled a list of some of the best things I have ever eaten at Walt Disney World, excluding dessert of course (that deserves a post of it’s own.)

— French Onion Soup from Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. First and foremost, I am going to begin this list with a food that has always been a favorite of mine, french onion soup. I have always been a fan of this soup, but it was not until I tried this soup at Be Our Guest that I really found my FAVORITE french onion soup. I mean, I even ordered this soup when it was 90 degrees outside… that’s just how good it is. This soup is broiled to perfection every time, and you cannot go wrong ordering this with your meal.

— Grilled Chicken Sandwich from Capt. Cook’s at the Polynesian Village Resort. I swear I am not bias on this sandwich. Taste for yourself! This grilled chicken sandwich comes with cheddar cheese, bacon (which I opt for it without), teriyaki sauce, and pineapple salsa. This sandwich is amazing, and adds that perfect Hawaiian flare to a classic favorite.

— The Char-Grilled Sliced Filet of Beef from The Garden Grill in Epcot. Honestly, this entire Chip ‘N’ Dale harvest feast is just absolutely delicious, and a must try. The food is so fresh, and you can certainly taste the homegrown flavors that are incorporated. My personal favorite is the beef. It’s is sliced so thin, with that char-grilled finish and comes drenched in a red wine demi-glace. I am officially drooling. This family-style meal also comes with all-natural sliced turkey breast, sweet potato fries, garden fresh vegetables, buttermilk mashed potatoes, and more.

— Sticky Wings from Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Village Resort. I know what you are probably thinking, this list is completely biased since the Polynesian was my home work location… but honestly, the Polynesian has some of the best tasting food I have ever had, including these sticky wings. These are glazed chicken wings with a tangy mustard drizzle and toasted sesame seeds. These wings may be messy, but they are delicious, and a very popular item from the Kona Cafe. Also, don’t forgot to try the Kona coffee served here! It comes directly from Hawaii, and probably the smoothest coffee I have ever tasted.

— Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread from Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom. This waffle is light, fluffy, fruity, and filled with chocolate. What is there not to love about this delightful combination? I am a HUGE fan of breakfast and waffles, but this just may be my favorite waffle combination ever.

— Croissant Jambon Fromage from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in Epcot’s France. In English, that means ham, cheese and béchamel in a croissant. Sounds simple, but this is absolutely delicious. The croissant is flakey, buttery, and tastes extremely authentic.

Walt Disney World is filled with so much great tasting food, and I wish I could try everything (cue Gazelle.) These are just some of my favorite things I have ever eaten at Walt Disney World. Now, it’s your turn to share. What is the best thing YOU have ever eaten at Walt Disney World?

Disney College Program Bucket List

In 82 short days, I will be boarding a plane with a one way ticket to Orlando, Florida in hand. I know it is still over two months away, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these next two months will fly by. I’m starting to buy stuff for my dorm room in Disney, including a twin comforter and The Little Mermaid sheets. However, aside from all of the purchases I will be making within the next two months, there is yet another thing I have to get ready before my trip to the most magical place on Earth! What is that you may ask? A Disney College Program Bucket List!

Yes, I will be in Disney for five months straight, but once I’m there, I know it will be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of my work schedule as a Disney Cast Member. I plan to take advantage of every single day off, and even every free minute I have while in Disney, since it is a once in a lifetime experience and internship. When else will I have the opportunity to go the parks of Walt Disney World free of charge? I have composed a Disney College Program Bucket List, and even though it is still a work in progress, here is the rough draft!

• First and foremost, eat dinner at Be Our Guest.
• Fill up an autograph book with all of the princesses.
• Attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dressed as Belle.
• Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
• Eat, and drink, around the world at Food and Wine Festival in Epcot.
• Eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
• Ride every ride in Magic Kingdom.
• Visit every Walt Disney World resort.
• Watch ‘Wishes‘ from the Polynesian Beach.
• Watch ‘Illuminations‘ from Italy in Epcot.
• Begin my very own Beauty and the Beast pin collection.
• Succeed in the four parks in one day challenge.
• Dinner and a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theater at Disney Springs.
• Attempt the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream (not alone!)
• Watch a sunset at Magic Kingdom.
• Attend the filming of the Christmas Day Parade.
• Draw a picture at the Animation Academy.
• Work a shift in all four parks, ESPECIALLY in the new Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom.

What do you think of my list so far? Am I missing anything MAJOR?

How-To: Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Disney Style

Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Or, in English, Happy 5th of May! May your day be filled with refreshing margaritas and zesty tacos! This holiday is not all about indulging in Mexican cuisine, however (although it’s not a terrible idea.) Cinco de Mayo is a day observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. People all over the United States and Mexico celebrate their Mexican pride by throwing major parties and fiestas.

There are many different ways to celebrate this fun-filled celebration, and there are also many different ways to show your Disney side while doing it!

If you are fortunate enough to be spending Cinco de Mayo in Disney World (or really just any day in Disney World,) you have a few options to get your margaritas and taco fix! Of course there are the obvious restaurants in Epcot’s Mexico, including: La Cantina de San Angel, La Cava del Tequila, La Hacienda de San Angel, and San Angel Inn Restaurante. From tacos, to empanadas, to nachos, to burritos, to churros, these restaurants are sure to fulfill your Mexican cravings with authentic Mexican cuisine.

No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a couple of margaritas! If you are in the Disney area, make sure to check out Dockside Margaritas at the new and improved Disney Springs, formally Downtown Disney. This laid-back, waterfront bar just recently opened, and is sure to be a hit. Some of the margaritas served here includes a sunset margarita and habanero lime margarita! Just be careful, and do not drink and drive!

If you are not celebrating this Mexican holiday in Disney World, join the club. There are still ways to show your Disney Side while celebrating right in the comfort of your own home. One way is to recreate your favorite Disney-inspired Mexican food and drink. The fiesta margarita served in Epcot’s Mexico is delicious and dangerous, and can also be made right at home! This margarita personally is my favorite. It is layers of lime, strawberry, and mango flavors in a slushy form. All you need is some tequila (well, maybe a lot), ice, flavor mixtures, and a blender and you are set! It may not taste quite as good, but it will hold you over until your next visit to Epcot.

Throw in the 1945 Disney film “The Three Caballeros,” get out the tortilla chips and salsa, and add some Mickey Mouse ears made out of olives to your tacos and you are ready to show your Disney Side!

How are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo? If I didn’t have two papers due tomorrow, I would have endless tacos in one hand, and fiesta margaritas in the other!

Disney College Program: Must-do’s with your Roomies

There is so much to see and do during a Walt Disney World vacation, and even MORE for those fortunate souls spending five, or more, months at the happiest place on Earth for the Disney College Program! The Disney College Program is a once in a lifetime experience for Disney fans alike, but it also creates lasting friendships that do not end when the program is over. In between the busy and crazy work schedules where you will be making magic, it is important to spend time doing things with your roommates that you cannot do anywhere else.

Here is a list of must-do’s with your roomies during your magical program!

◦Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream, Disney’s Beach Club Resort– This legendary dessert is served in none other than a kitchen sink, and it is filled with sugary treats. This is no small feat, and needs equal contribution from all the brave roomies involved. This dessert includes eight scoops of ice cream with various toppings, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, candy bars, and more. The list goes on and on, so make sure you bring your appetite (and ALL your roommates), and prepare for a sugar overload!

◦Eating (& Drinking) Around the World at Epcot– For those participating in the fall and fall advantage programs, you are in luck! The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival takes place during the end of September until the middle of November, and is an unforgettable memory for you to share with your roommates. Try unique culinary offerings from countries that are typically present in Epcot, and many that are not (for example, Greece and Poland,) and drink various alcoholic beverages that are custom to each country (only if you are 21, of course!) Make your way around the world, just make sure to pace yourself (and don’t start with the margaritas in Mexico!)

◦House of Blues in Downtown Disney– For the Disney College Programmers, show your Disney ID when you go to the House of Blues on any Sunday night, and get in for free (if you are 21 and older!) Listen to live music, and dance the night away with your roommates! They also showcase various concerts throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for your favorite artist to be making an appearance!

◦Jellyrolls at Disney’s BoardWalk– This is a piano bar with dueling pianos, how awesome does that sound? It’s also placed right on the BoardWalk, so it really cannot get much better than that. Eat dinner on the BoardWalk, then make your way over to Jellyrolls before the night is over. This place looks awesome, and definitely is not your average 21 and over bar.

◦Attend the Housing Events (especially Grocery Bingo)– Throughout your program, there will be various housing events with different themes that will be open to all. There is usually free food at these events, making it worth your while. These events are a great way to meet people on the program that you might not meet otherwise. You also are given the opportunity to meet many different Disney characters, without waiting in the long lines of the parks. For example, during your graduation days, you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy in their graduation cap and gowns to celebrate your accomplishment! One of the events includes Grocery Bingo. This is just like regular bingo, except the prize is a full bag of groceries (which would eliminate a trip to Publix during that week!)

◦Four Park Challenge– Alright, so this is something that anyone can do, but most people want to relax during their vacations, and this probably wouldn’t do the trick. Make it to all four parks in one day. Sounds easy? It’s a lot harder than it seems (and exhausting,) I’m sure. With transportation, crowds, and more, this would have to be masterfully planned out. Personally, I would love to make it to the opening of a park, and end it with the fireworks at another, with the two other parks in between. Make sure to document your adventures, and pat yourself on the back when you finish.

◦Resort Hop– There are over 25 resorts at Walt Disney World, and each and every one has a unique theme. Use this once in a lifetime experience to check out these amazing resorts that you will not find anywhere else. Not to mention, a Cast Member can use most resort pools. Spend a couple days off just resort (and pool) hopping with your roommates, and make sure to check out all the cool amenities with each resort.

How-To: Have an EGG-celent Disney Easter

“For He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)

The happiest and most blessed of Easter’s to all of you! I pray your day is filled with happiness, bliss, and unconditional love. Whether you are spending this blessed and spring-tastic holiday at home, or on vacation, there are many ways to add Disney into your Easter celebrations!

My Disney Themed Easter Eggs

For starters, if you are spending Easter at the most magical and happiest place on Earth, then you are in luck! Epcot is hosting an “Egg-Stravaganza 2015,” where you can search for hidden Disney Easter eggs all over the park all throughout the countries. You can purchase a map to keep track of all the eggs you find, and at the end after you have completed your map, you receive a special surprise (or so I’ve read…)! Also, Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is still going on, so you can see beautiful springtime flowers on Easter, and be reminded that He is risen!

However, if you are not fortunate enough to be celebrating Easter in the parks, there are still great ways to bring the magic of Disney into your Easter holiday! I did this by coloring and decorating my Easter eggs with Mickey and friends stickers! They sell special Disney themed egg coloring kits, and they come with stickers, wraps, and even paper stands decorated with your favorite Disney friends. This is a fun, and easy way to add some fun to your egg coloring activities.

I hope that everyone has a year filled with good health, and happiness. Always remember, that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17)

Dine with the Characters: Top 5 Places in Walt Disney World

Absolutely no Walt Disney World vacation is complete without dining with your favorite characters. When I was a little girl, I always looked forward to eating breakfast with Pooh Bear, or dinner with Mickey Mouse. This was always one of the highlights of the trip for me, and we have so many character dining experiences on video. Most of them are buffets, and I remember I would run back to the table if I saw Minnie Mouse (my favorite at the time) nearing our table. There are many places around the Walt Disney World Resort that have dining experiences with the characters, but these are my top.

1. 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian– The experience, and atmosphere at this beautiful and elegantly decorated buffet-style restaurant is unforgettable. For breakfast, dine with Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh! These delightfully cheery characters will put you in a magical mood. The breakfast food here is fresh, and scrumptious. One of their signature breakfast offerings

1900 Park Fare

is Floridian Strawberry Soup, and believe me when I say it is delicious! A bowl of that with a side of Mickey waffles, what could be better? Dinner here is a dream come true. Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner is just that. You have the chance to dine with Prince Charming, Cinderella, and the evil stepmother and stepsisters, resulting in an evening with lots of entertainment. The menu consists of a carving station, seafood, salads, and delicious side offerings. You cannot go wrong with dining at either one of these times. The experience of the restaurant with the characters lives up to the delicious standards of the cuisine.

2. Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary– This was always a must-stop for me and my siblings when were younger. We would often stay at the Contemporary, because of it’s convenience to our favorite theme park, Magic Kingdom. We would always eat breakfast here, and I have nothing but wonderful memories here. The restaurant is in a very open and bright environment, and the delicious scent of the food carries

Chef Mickey’s

throughout. You can dine here with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Basically, the fab five. Often times, at parks, the lines to meet these characters, especially Mickey and Minnie, can be extremely long. What better way to kill two birds with one stone! Breakfast includes the basics, but also includes turkey sausage, frittata, kielbasa, and hash! My personal favorite, no matter where I go, are the Mickey waffles. Dinner here includes the same characters as breakfast, with American Cuisine featured dishes, ranging from roasted chicken, beef, and pasta. Nothing beats a good meal with your favorite pal Mickey Mouse!

3. The Garden Grill at Epcot– This dining experience is not like anything you have ever done before. This restaurant REVOLVES in The Land at Epcot. The food here is served family-style, and it is certainly some of the freshest food you will eat on your stay. The sights here are ever-changing because of the rotating you will be doing while

The Garden Grill

viewing parts of The Land, all while enjoying your meal and talking with the characters! Characters you will be dining with include Chip ‘n Dale and friends. Dinner is the only meal served here, but it includes platters of beef, all-natural turkey, along with fresh vegetables and sides. This dining experience is fresh, fun, and entertaining all wrapped into one.

4. Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club– This beach-themed breakfast buffet is like an early morning beach party with a lively atmosphere. The table cloths are made out of paper, and crayons are provided for all ages to write and doodle during their breakfast.

Cape May Cafe

The characters here, including Goofy, are all dressed in beach attire, making the pictures that much cooler! Keep in mind, the characters are only available during breakfast time. The breakfast menu includes both hot and cold offerings, including chorizo and four cheese scrambled eggs, hand-carved glazed ham, cheddar grits, breakfast potatoes and more! This is a fun, beach filled experience that is both fun and appetizing!

5. Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom– Alright, so I have never been here, but it’s a dream of mine to go. I did not even know this place existed until recently. I’m going to have to guess that my parent’s were not aware that you could dine in Cinderella’s Castle, because I’m sure they would have brought Princess Danielle there. Here you LITERALLY dine INSIDE of the Castle. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, all with the characters, but not just any characters. Here, you can dine with royalty. Royal Characters include Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, and Ariel. *FAINTS* You are greeted downstairs by Cinderella, and given a photo opportunity. Once your table is ready, you are escorted up the spiral staircase to the dining room. Breakfast menu includes caramel apple stuffed french toast, baked quiche, beef

Cinderella’s Royal Table

tenderloin and egg, lobster and crab crepes, and more! Lunch menu includes seasonal gnocchi with roasted vegetables, pan-seared chicken, slow-roated pork tenderloin, and seasonal cheesecakes! I’ve heard from a very reliable source that the pumpkin cheesecake there during the fall is “divine.” Dinner menu includes steak and shrimp, rice with roasted vegetables, and chef’s fish of the day! You CANNOT forget the finale, dessert! There is a dessert called The Clock Strikes Twelve, “a white and dark chocolate in a tribute to the moment when Cinderella loses her slipper.” I plan to eat here when I go down in August. Mark my words.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Favorite Things Friday: Epcot World Showcase

I feel like I had a FastPass+ for the week. It went by SO quick! Hope everyone enjoyed their last week of February. For my Favorite Things Friday, let’s take a trip around the world. That is, the world showcase in Epcot. Here are my top five favorite countries in the Epcot World Showcase! (Sorry this turned into my top favorite places TO EAT in the Epcot World Showcase…)

My siblings and I at the Italy Pavilion

1. Italy — The Italy Pavilion has got to be my favorite place in Epcot, and definitely a delicious place to eat. Besides the Pavilion being beautifully decorated with statutes, a bridge, and a water fountain, you truly feel as if you are walking around the streets of Italy. Italy is a place where I am dying to go, so that may be why I love it so much. The food here is real authentic Italian, and I stuff my face every time with homemade pizza and pasta. *MMMMMMMM*

2. China — The China Pavilion is beautiful as well. Guests are greeted with a large Chinese gate. One of my favorite things about each country is the music. The music really matches each country, and gives you the real feeling of traveling the world. Nine Dragons, the full-service gourment Chinese restaurant, is similar to traditional Chinese, but a TON better than the take-out you are used too. I love the look of this Pavilion, especially the ponds and bridges.

3. Mexico — Nothing beats the indoor atmosphere of Mexico. This pyramid is bustling with the sounds of Mexico, and the smells of Mexico. The inside is a dimly lit Mexican marketplace. I like the ride that goes along with this country as well! There’s a boat ride

My sister and I at the China Pavilion

you can take, kind of giving you a tour around Mexico, while in search for Donald Duck!

4. Japan — I’m starting to realize that this list is just a list of my favorite places to eat in Epcot, but I really do love the hibachi restaurant here. You can watch chefs cook right in front of you at Teppan Edo. The pagoda at the Japan pavilion is just a trademark, and so recognizable. But seriously, the food is great. They even make the fried rice into mickey ears right in front of you. You cannot miss that!

5. France — THE DESSERTS! You cannot beat the desserts in France. No matter where we end up eating dinner, we always save room for dessert in France. This country is filled with flowers, and it’s just so quaint. All the countries are absolutely breathtaking, and really have some distinct qualities to each that really makes you feel as if you have just taken a long plane ride to the neighboring country.