OUCH!! The Disney Bug bit me!

I've been bitten by the bug to go back to Walt Disney World.  I'm not sure if it is the thoughts of the above picture that has made me ready to go back.  It encompasses the idea of a fantasy world where everything is happy and bright.

Maybe, it's this scene that is pulling me back, with the thoughts of carefree strolls and time to enjoy the scenery.  The idea that I can step away from my activities and they will be waiting, patiently, for me to return.

Or, the excitement of visiting exotic locals, all within easy walking distance from one another.  The attention to detail.  The authenticity of each setting.  Visiting with the people from each country and finding out about their lives before and during their American experience.

Goodness, maybe it is something like this little guy that has bitten me! (Yes, this is a picture from WDW.)








After thinking and weighing all the options, I'm pretty sure I know what it is that keeps calling me back to the World.  It's this...

and this...

and this...

and this...

and this...

To sum it up in words, it is the time we spend together and the memories that linger, that make me want to return again and again!!

Disney World Food Tips

I thought I would start some data sheets with my family's Disney World Tips. They are only our opinion but these opinions have been developed over several Disney trips.

FOOD

1. Advance Dining Reservations (ADR's) are a must for sit down meals.

2. Eat breakfast in your room.

3. Take snacks into the park with you.

4. Eat at irregular times such as 11am and 4pm.

5. Sit down meals are expensive.

6. Sit down meals can be magical.

7. Character meals are an easy way to have character interaction without the lines.

8. Disney meals typically have very large portions.

9. Allears.net has Disney menus posted.

10. Share a 'meal' and eat more often during the day.

11. Dehydration and hunger are fun killers.

12. Bring single-serve drink mix: the water has a strange taste.

13. Water is free at counter service restaurants.

14. Don't waste time or money on the "castle dinner" if you are on a budget. It isn't all that exciting on the inside.

15. DRINK DRINK DRINK! Dehydration sneaks up on you.

16. In Magic Kingdom don't get ice cream sandwich from a cart vendor; go to the bakery on Main Street; theirs' are huge and 'homemade' (better yet get a cinnamon roll)

17. Meal plans only work if you are staying at a Disney hotel.

18. Chocolate will melt, even M&M's!

19. Pack zip lock baggies & take into parks for leftovers and other items.

20. Meal plans can save you a lot of money if you are wanting to do a lot of sit-down dinners.

21. Popcorn buckets can be fun souvenirs. We use ours for lunch pails.

22. Kids meal plates, shaped like mickey, can be wiped out and taken home as a souvenir.

23. Know where you are going to eat before you leave for the park in the morning. Choosing can be a big time killer.

24. Soda's are crazy expensive; drink water.

25. You can leave the park to eat a picnic lunch that you have kept in the car.

26. The counter service lines are long and crowded. Choosing what you want to order before you get there is a good idea.

27. We don't do a lot of kids meals. We just split a grown-up meal between us.

28. Each restaurant is themed; notice the details.

29. Hotels offer 'free refill' mugs; it's cheaper just to keep drinks in your room.

Now, some of our personal favorite places to eat.

Sit-down meal: Food- LeCellier (EPCOT)
Characters- Akerhaus (EPCOT)
Theme- Oktoberfest (EPCOT)
Fun- PrimeTime Diner (DHS)

Counter Service: Variety- Sunshine Fare (EPCOT)
Food/quantity- Flame Tree BBQ (AK)
Different from norm- Yakatori (EPCOT); Yak&Yeti (AK)
Good to relax and let kids go- Pizza Planet (DHS)

Snacks: Cinnamon Roll- Bakery (MK)
Ice Cream Sandwich- Bakery (MK)
Churros- (Every park)

Hope this helps. I'll be doing other topics in the next few weeks.