My 30th birthday is in March.  I’ve been saying for the past year that all I want for my birthday is to go to Disney.  Thanks to Alexia from Destinations in Florida finding me a deal, it looks like that will come true!  I’m super excited!

The plan is to spend a week at the Fort Wilderness campground.  We are looking to buy a popup in the next week or so to take with us on the trip.  We plan to cook most of our meals since eating in Disney with the 6 of us would add up super fast.

On my actual birthday, I think we will go to Fogo de Chao, one of my favorite restaurants, in Orlando.  So glad that they have one down there now!

Now here’s the big question.  How do we tell our kids that we are going to Disney?  

They are age 10, 7, 4, and 3.  I definitely don’t want to tell them early so I don’t hear the constant questions of how many more days until we go.  I also don’t know about packing without them knowing.  I homeschool and there is really no way I can get around them knowing I’m packing.

So should I tell them the day before?  Surprise with balloons and Mickey Pancakes?  Mickey shaped cookies?  Treasure hunt with Disney goodies at the end?

I’d love to hear ideas!  Comment and let me know what you did or what you would do!

This is a guest post by my friend Alexia.  Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.  When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.  Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!

If your kids are anything like mine, they want everything they see in every single gift shop at Disney World.  This can be difficult, especially when some of the rides exit though a gift shop.  Shopping at Disney World also means paying premium prices.  I remember seeing Disney Princess dresses for $65.00.  The exact same dress sells for $40 at the Disney Store.  Buying souvenirs at Disney World doesn’t have to break the bank though.  Here are some ideas for inexpensive souvenirs at Disney World:

Character Drawings:  A free animation class is held every 30 minutes at the Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  A Disney animator will teach you step by step how to draw a Disney character.  These drawings are great to take home and frame!  Tip:  Take an empty paper towel roll with you to roll up your drawing and put it inside.  It will keep it safe while you finish exploring the park!

Pressed Pennies:  All the Disney parks and hotels have pressed penny machines.  My girls had a blast hunting for the machines.  Each penny will cost you $0.51.  (There are also pressed quarters that cost $1.25.)  Clean and empty mini M&M containers make great pressed penny money containers.  We used a large container for quarters and a small container for pennies.  I have heard of other people using just one container and alternating two quarters and one penny so you have the exact amount already counted out.  Mentos gum containers are the perfect size to hold your finished pennies.  Most gift shops also sell pressed penny books to display your pressed pennies.  These books cost between $7 and $14 depending on the type of book you purchase.

Epcot Passports:  These passports can be purchased for around $10 at most gift shops in Epcot.  Your children can then have them stamped at the Kidcot stations in each country and have a cast member write them a message in their native language.  Each Kidcot station also has fans (usually Duffy and one other character) that kids can color and have stamped for free.

Pins:  Pin trading is a big deal at Disney World and Disneyland.  You will see most cast members wearing a lanyard with Disney pins on it, along with many guests.  You can trade pins with cast members if you see one that you like.  All Disney gift shops sell pins starting at $7.95.  You can also purchase pins before you leave on eBay and Amazon.  Just make sure your pins are authentic.  Some on eBay are counterfeit and cast members cannot accept them.

Pick a Pearl:  The Pick a Pearl counter is located at the Mitsukoshi store in the Japan pavilion in Epcot.  Guests are allowed to pick an oyster from the tank, and a cast member will cut open the oyster for you to reveal your pearl.  The pearl is then measured and put into a baggie. You can choose to have it set in jewelry right at the store if you want or take it with you in the baggie.  Pick a Pearl is $14.95 and jewelry settings begin at $10.  Tip:  Rumor has it that the hairiest, ugliest oysters have a better chance of containing two pearls instead of one, so pick an ugly oyster!

Build Your Own Mr. Potato Head:  Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney has a Build Your Own Mr. Potato Head station with every Potato Head part you can think of, including some Disney exclusives.  For $20, you can full your box to the brim!  Tip:  Buy a Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head body at home.  Bigger pieces like the body take up a lot of space in the box.  Try to fill the box with smaller pieces to stretch your dollar!

What are your favorite inexpensive souvenirs at Disney World?

This is another guest post by my friend Alexia.  Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.  When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.  Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!

If you are anything like me, you pack your entire medicine cabinet and enough Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer to last your family a year when you go on vacation.  As much as you think you are prepared, illness and/or injuries could happen at any time.  Here is everything you need to know about how to handle when sickness or injuries strike at Disney World:

If you suffer from a minor illness or injury such as a headache, upset stomach, runny nose, or blister while at the parks, head to the first-aid station. These first-aid stations are staffed by licensed nurses who can give you over the counter medicines, bandages, ice packs, etc. for free.  At the Magic Kingdom, the first-aid station is located at the end of Main Street, between Casey’s Corner and Crystal Palace.  At Epcot, the first-aid station is located at Odyssey Center, between Future World and World Showcase.  At Hollywood Studios, the first-aid station is located at Guest Relations building on Hollywood Boulevard.  At Animal Kingdom, the first-aid station is located at Discovery Island, behind Creature Comforts.  At Typhoon Lagoon, the first-aid station is located behind Leaning Palms.  At Blizzard Beach, the first-aid station is located between Lottawatta Lodge and Beach Haus.

If you suffer from a minor illness or injury while at your resort, the resort gift shop should have everything you need.  If it is late and the gift shop is not open, call the front desk.  They will usually open up the shop for you so you can get what you need.  Although I cannot confirm this, I have heard many people say that they were given what they needed from the gift shop for free if they asked for it when the shop was closed.

If you suffer from a moderate illness or injury such as an ear infection or persistent fever while at the parks, head to the first-aid station or alert a cast member.  They can call one of the local Urgent Care Centers for you.  Both Buena Vista Urgent Care and Centra Care are close and offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Disney property.  The shuttle service will usually stop at Walgreen’s for you as well if you need to fill a prescription.

If you suffer from a moderate illness or injury while at your resort, call the front desk.  Again, they can call one of the Urgent Care Centers for you.  If you do not want to leave your resort (and are willing to pay for it), the front desk can have a doctor come to your hotel room.  Doctors on Call Service (Docs) will send a licensed physician to your resort to treat you.

If you suffer from a major illness or injury while in the parks, call 9-1-1 or alert the nearest cast member.  They will call the Disney paramedics (yes, Disney does actually have paramedics) who are usually on the scene in less than five minutes.  The Disney ambulance will transport you to the nearest hospital, which is Florida Hospital Celebration Health.

If you suffer from a major illness or injury while at your resort, call 9-1-1 or call the front desk.  Again, the Disney paramedics will arrive and transport you to Florida Hospital Celebration Health.

One of the many things I love about Walt Disney World is the fact that the cast members go above and beyond to take care of the guests.  I have heard many stories of guests needing to take a cab back to their resort from the hospital, only to be reimbursed by the front desk when they return.  I have also heard many stories of guests returning to their resort from the hospital or urgent care to balloons and stuffed animals waiting for them just to try to spread a little Disney magic during a difficult time.

Have you ever had a medical emergency while at Disney World?  Did the cast members take care of you and your family?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

For past posts about Disney, click here.

This is another guest post by my friend Alexia.  Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.  When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.  Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!  

One thing I love about staying onsite at Walt Disney World is the free transportation systems.  There is no need to drive or rent a car unless you choose to do so.  Here is an overview of the Walt Disney World transportation options:

To and from the airport:  If you fly into MCO (Orlando International Airport), make sure you sign up for Disney’s Magical Express Service.  A few weeks before your check in date, you will receive a voucher and luggage tags in the mail.  Once you arrive in Orlando, head straight to Magical Express.  No need to pick up your luggage from baggage claim!  Disney will do it for you and deliver your luggage to your room.  One thing to note:  It can take up to three hours for your luggage to be delivered, so be sure you have everything you need for the day in your carry-on bags.

If you drive to Disney World:  Parking at all Disney resorts, Disney parks, and Downtown Disney is free if you are staying on the Disney property.  I live just south of Nashville, TN, and we always drive to Disney World.  It takes about 12 hours for us to get there.  Once we are there, the last thing we want to do is more driving, so I love knowing that we can just park our car at the hotel and use Disney transportation to go everywhere on the Disney property!

From the value resorts:  If you are staying at All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, Pop Century, or Art of Animation, the buses are your only transportation option.  Buses run to Downtown Disney, Disney Water Parks, Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports, and the four Disney parks.  If you plan on visiting another resort, you will need to take a bus to one of the parks or Downtown Disney and then switch busses to the resort you are visiting.  Buses usually begin an hour and a half before the parks open and run until about two hours after the parks close.

From the moderate resorts:  Like the value resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs Resort only offer buses as your transportation option.  Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter also offer a ferry boat to and from Downtown Disney.  The Cabins at Fort Wilderness also offers a water taxi to and from the Magic Kingdom.

From the deluxe resorts:  Animal Kingdom Lodge only offers buses as your transportation option.  Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Resort, and Wilderness Lodge also offer a water taxi to and from the Magic Kingdom.  Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan, and Dolphin all offer boats to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  Old Key West and Sarasota Springs offer a ferry boat to and from Downtown Disney.  Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Polynesian Resort all offer the Monorail to and from the Magic Kingdom.

If you plan on visiting other theme parks during your stay:  Universal Studios offers a round trip transfer ticket option as well.  This ticket option includes a shuttle to Universal Studios, one day base ticket to either Universal Studios or Island of Adventure, and a shuttle back to your Disney resort.  If you plan on visiting Sea World, Legoland, or else not on the Disney Property, you will need to drive.

What are your thoughts of the Disney Transportation system?  Are you a fan or do you prefer to drive?

 

This is another guest post by my friend Alexia.  Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.  When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.  Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!  

 

Last week we discussed the Epcot Food and Wine Festival which takes place in the fall. Did you know that Epcot also hosts a spring festival called the Flower and Garden Festival? Today we will go over Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival’s highlights and what to expect from this event.

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival takes place on select dates March through May. For 2014, the event will be held March 5, 2014 to May 18, 2014. This event is included in the price of admission of Epcot. Not much information for the 2014 festival has been released, but here is what we know so far and what to expect based on the past events.

 

Goofy, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck will be present in topiary form as they celebrate spring with a butterfly hunt adventure in the Epcot front entrance garden. Whimsical topiaries of Mickey Mouse and other Disney character favorites will surprise guests beyond the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth. More than 100 topiaries, 220 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape.

At the Festival Center, daily interactive gardening seminars will set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and popular HGTV celebrities will headline weekend seminars filled with home, garden and design ideas. Personally, I would love to attend one of these. I seem to have a black thumb instead of a green one. I think I have found every way possible to kill a plant!

Back by demand, the Cars garden and playground will bring Lightening McQueen, Mater, and friends to life. Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House will feature hundreds of the butterflies and intricate fairy topiaries including Tinker Bell and Periwinkle.
Musical entertainment pairs brilliantly with the breathtaking botanicals during the nightly Flower Power Concert Series. The diverse lineup of performers include popular musicians of the 1960s and 1970s. The opening weekend Flower Power Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre will present fan-favorite band The Guess Who March 7-9. Other pop acts set to perform include Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Village People, Paul Revere & The Raiders and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone.

Similar to the Food and Wine Festival, the Flower and Garden Festival will feature Garden Marketplaces at the World Showcase for the second year. Although there are not as many marketplaces as there are at the Food and Wine Festival, the Flower and Garden Festival Garden Marketplaces feature flavors from around the world using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Fan favorites from last year include shrimp and stone ground grits from the Florida Fresh Marketplace, tarte à la ratatouille et fromage de chèvre (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions and tomato tart with goat cheese) from the L’Orangerie Marketplace, baked goat’s brie with kumquat chutney from The Cottage Marketplace, and Dole Whip with Siesta Key spiced rum from the Pineapple Promenade Marketplace.

Have you been to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? What are your thoughts?

This is another guest post by my friend Alexia.  Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.  When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.  Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!  

My favorite event at Walt Disney World is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. During select dates during September, October, and November, this event is included with your regular Epcot admission. Today will we discuss what to expect from this fun event.

The most popular aspect of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival are the marketplaces. There are over 25 marketplaces featuring food, wine, and beer from different countries. The appetizer sized food selections usually vary in price from $4.00 to $8.00. The drink selections usually vary in price from $3.00 to $6.00. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, snacking your way through the marketplaces is a great way to use your snack credits and have a fun lunch or dinner. Even my picky eater loves to snack around the world for lunch and requests that we do it every trip to Epcot. If you are interested in trying the beverage selection or are not on the Disney Dining Plan, gift cards can be purchased at the welcome station for any amount for convenience. They even have gift cards you can attach to a wrist band!

Another popular aspect is the Eat to The Beat Concert series. These concerts take place at the American Gardens Theater across from the American Experience pavilion usually three times per evening and feature popular acts from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. For 2013, some of these acts included Starship, The Pointer Sisters, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, the Go-Go’s, Wilson Philips, and Christopher Cross.

Looking to sharpen your culinary or beverage skills? How about a seminar or demonstration? Guests can learn tips from a wine or beverage expert and sample the selections, learn how to prepare both trendy and classic cocktails from a professional mixologist, or learn tips and sample selections from chefs and beverage professionals during a 45 minute culinary demonstration. Prices for these demonstrations and seminars begin at $14.00 per person.

If you are looking for a signature dining experience, the Food and Wine Festival has you covered as well! Prices vary from $55.00 to $295.00 per person, depending on the experience you select. Experiences vary and include the 3D Dessert Party, Parisian Breakfast, Mexico Tequila Lunch Paring, and The Chocolate Dinner.

Have you been to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? What are some of your favorite aspects of it?

This is another guest post by my friend Alexia.  Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.  When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.  Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!  

When you have a family of four or smaller, the possibilities for hotel and resort options are endless.  When you have a family of five or larger, the options are much more limited.  At times, finding a resort for a larger family can be frustrating.  I’m here to try to make it a little easier for you!  Here are all of your resort options for families of five or larger at Walt Disney World.

Value Resorts:  In this category, families of up to six people plus one child under the age of three in a crib will have two options:  Family Suites at All-Star Music and Family Suites at Art of Animation.  At All-Star Music, Family Suites are 520 square feet.  At Art of Animation, Family Suites are 560 square feet and come in your choice of Finding Nemo, Cars, or The Lion King Theme.  Family Suites at both resorts offer three sleeping areas, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette.

Moderate Resorts:  The Alligator Bayou rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are 314 square feet and can accommodate up to five people.  These rooms have 2 queen beds and one fold down bed.  Please note, these fold down beds are a little small.  They will comfortably sleep a child, but not an adult.

The Cabins of Fort Wilderness are 504 square feet and can accommodate up to six guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  Each cabin features a double bed, set of buck bed, a pull out sleeper sofa, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Deluxe Resorts:  The Polynesian Resort standard rooms are 404 square feet and can accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  Each room has two queen size beds and one day bed.

The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa standard rooms are 448 square feet and can accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  Each room has two queen size beds and one day bed.

The Beach & Yacht Club Resorts standard rooms are 400 square feet and can accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  Each room has two queen size beds and one day bed.

The Boardwalk Inn standard rooms are 434 square feet square feet and can accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  Each room has two queen size beds and one day bed.

The Contemporary Resort standard rooms are 437 square feet and can accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  Each room has two queen size beds and one day bed.

Deluxe Villas:  These villas are the largest (and most expensive) option on the Disney property.  The villas are Disney Vacation Club rentals; which means that Disney Vacation Club members receive these options first.  Any remaining villas are usually released to the public about six months before check in dates.

The Beach & Yacht Club Villas offer two bedroom villas that are 1,083 square feet.  These villas accommodate up to eight guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib and feature a fully equipped kitchen, two full bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.

The Boardwalk Villas offer two bedroom villas that are 1,226 square feet.  These villas accommodate up to eight guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib and feature a fully equipped kitchen, two full bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.  A limited number of three bedroom Grand Villas accommodating up to 12 guests are available upon request.

Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas offer one bedroom villas that are 710 square feet and accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  The one bedroom villas feature a fully equipped kitchen, a king size bed in the bedroom, and queen size sleeper sofa in the living room, and a washer and dryer.  Two bedroom villas that are 1,173 square feet and accommodate up to nine guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib are also available.  These two bedroom villas feature a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer as well.  A limited number of three bedroom Grand Villas accommodating up to 12 guests are available upon request.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers one bedroom villas that are 727 square feet and accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  The one bedroom villas feature a fully equipped kitchen, a king size bed in the bedroom, and queen size sleeper sofa in the living room, and a washer and dryer.  Two bedroom villas that are 1,080 square feet and accommodate up to nine guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib are also available.  These two bedroom villas feature a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer as well.  A limited number of three bedroom Grand Villas accommodating up to 12 guests are available upon request.

The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offer two bedroom villas that are 1,080 square feet.  These villas accommodate up to eight guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib and feature a fully equipped kitchen, two full bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers two bedroom villas that are 1,075 square feet.  These villas accommodate up to eight guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib and feature a fully equipped kitchen, two full bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.  A limited number of three bedroom Grand Villas accommodating up to 12 guests are available upon request.

The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers three bedroom villas that are 1,074 square feet.  These Treehouse Villas accommodate up to nine guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib and feature a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a washer and dryer.

Old Key West Resort offers one bedroom villas that are 942 square feet and accommodate up to five guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib.  The one bedroom villas feature a fully equipped kitchen, a king size bed in the bedroom, and queen size sleeper sofa in the living room, and a washer and dryer.  Two bedroom villas that are 1,333 square feet and accommodate up to nine guests plus one child under the age of three in a crib are also available.  These two bedroom villas feature a fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer as well.  A limited number of three bedroom Grand Villas accommodating up to 12 guests are available upon request.

What’s your favorite Disney resort for larger families?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

This is a guest post by my friend Alexia.

We’ve gone over the top ten character meals, table service restaurants, quick service restaurants, and snacks at Walt Disney World.  This week we will discuss the top ten desserts:

1. The Kitchen Sink:  It seems like only Disney super fans know about this dessert.  It can only be found at Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.  It literally is served in a kitchen sink and includes the following: fudge topping, butterscotch topping, peanut butter topping, 1 medium banana, 1 cinnamon spice cupcake 1 angel food cupcake, 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream, 2 scoops of strawberry ice cream, 1 scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream, 1 scoop of coffee ice cream, chocolate syrup, marshmallow crème, strawberry topping, pineapple topping, 1 14-oz can of whipped cream, 1 brownie, 1 regular-sized candy bar, 4 chocolate cookies with cream filling, sliced toasted almonds, dark and white chocolate shavings, crushed chocolate cookies with cream filling, chopped jellied orange slices, milk chocolate chip morsels, peanut butter chip morsels, chocolate sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles, and maraschino cherries.  Sure it’s over the top and pricy ($29), but it’s something every Disney dessert fan should try once.  A word of advice:  Beaches and Cream is a very small restaurant and does not accept reservations.  I didn’t think that the wait would be very long because of this, and was told the wait was an hour and a half when we arrived.  Sadly, we didn’t have that much time and couldn’t try it.  Next time, I plan on calling ahead first.

2. Cupcakes:  These were also on the top ten snacks list, but they are something that Disney does right.  Again, there are too many to list, but stay tuned for a top ten cupcakes list coming soon!

3. Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake:  How can you not fall in love with this dessert based on the name alone?  This deliciousness consists of vanilla cake with toffee filling topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and toffee pieces.  It can only be found at Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom.

4. ‘Ohana Bread Pudding:  This dessert keeps guests coming back again and again to ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  It consists of bread pudding served with vanilla ice cream and bananas.  It is served with a small container with a warm banana foster sauce to pour on top. Trust me, you’ll want to use the whole thing.

5. Grapefruit Cake:  A signature dessert that can only be found at Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  If you are a grapefruit fan, this dessert is a must.  It’s a layered sweet cake with tart icing that includes yellow cake and a cream cheese and grapefruit blend frosting.

6. Maple Crème Brulee:  You can find crème brulee at many restaurants in Epcot, but Le Cellier in the Canada pavilion does it best.  It’s a simple dessert, consisting of custard and brown sugar.  It’s the hint of sweet maple syrup that sets this version apart from the rest.

7. Cinderella’s Chocolate Slipper:  This dessert is so elegant and decadent that it must be ordered a minimum of 48 hours in advance.  It is not found on regular menus and is made by the Grand Floridian Bakery.  The Royal Chocolate Slipper dessert at Cinderella’s Royal Table is a white chocolate slipper filled with chocolate mousse inside and severed with a side of fresh berries with coulis.  The chocolate slippers of the Grand Floridian restaurants (1900 Park Fare, Citrico’s, Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoossee’s and Victoria & Albert’s) consists of a white chocolate slipper filled with cream and raspberries and served with a solid dark chocolate cup filled with chocolate mousse and shaving of white chocolate with a touch of raspberry coulis on the side.

8. Profiteroles:  These Tutto Italia specialties at Epcot consist of a pastry topped with ice cream and covered in chocolate sauce.  Let’s face it: everything is better covered in chocolate, right?

9. Cream Cheese and Pineapple Fried Won-tons:  These sweet, light, and crispy desserts can be found at Yak and Yeti’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  An absolute must if you love pineapple as much as I do.

10. Baileys and Jack Daniel’s Mousse:  This is one of my personal favorites from Coral Reef in Epcot.  It is a light but rich chocolate mousse served with a caramel crisp.  It’s just the right size for a rich dessert.

What are your favorite Walt Disney World desserts?

Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.    Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!

What is your favorite Disney Dessert?

Below is another article by my friend Alexia.  If you are planning on taking a Disney vacation or just want to dream, contact her for some awesome rates and maybe a few little pixie dust surprises along the way.  P.S – My favorite snack is the chocolate dipped rice krispy treats covered in reeses pieces.  I also love the cinnamon rolls at the Magic Kingdom.

Many people don’t realize that the Disney Dining Plan comes with one snack per person per night (or two snacks if you are on the Deluxe Dining Plan).  Sure you could get the usually popcorn, soft pretzels, and funnel cakes, but Walt Disney World has so many more amazing snacks to offer!  Here are my top ten snacks at Walt Disney World:

1. Mickey Ice Cream Bar:  This is a simple and nostalgic treat.  My family’s trips to Walt Disney World are not complete unless we have a Mickey Ice Cream Bar at the Magic Kingdom.

2. Churro:  If you aren’t sure what a churro is, it is basically a stick of fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar.  It is also extremely delicious.

3. Dole Whip:  The Dole Whip is only available at two locations: Aloha Isle snack bar in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom and Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian resort.  A Dole Whip is a frozen pineapple sherbet twisted with soft serve vanilla ice cream.  The line at Aloha Isle is always extremely long, but it is well worth the wait!

4. Cupcakes:  There are far too many to list here, but Disney’s signature cupcakes are amazing.  Two places not to miss if you are a cupcake fan:  Starring Rolls Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Babycakes NYC at Downtown Disney.

5. Kaki-Gori:  Kaki-Gori is shaved ice, hand-shaped into an enormous snowball and topped with fruit syrup. Flavors include strawberry, tangerine, and honeydew, or a rainbow combination of all three flavors and can be purchased at the Japan pavilion at Epcot.

6. School Bread:  It doesn’t sound very appetizing, but this is actually a donut-like confection filled with vanilla custard and topped with sweetened coconut.  This sweet goodness can be found at the Norway pavilion at Epcot.

7. Chocolate Covered Marshmallow on a Stick:  Sounds simple, but it is oh so good!  Plus you can customize yours with different chocolate and topping choices, so there is something new to try every time!

8. Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treat:  Much like the chocolate covered marshmallow on a stick, you can customize yours with different chocolate and toppings.  You can watch your snack be made right in front of you at Goofy’s Candy Company in the Magic Kingdom.

9. Chocolate Covered Banana on a Stick:  The name says it all.  A frozen banana on a stick covered in chocolate.  This one is healthy since there is fruit involved right?

10. Food & Wine Festival Kiosk Snack Portions:  If you are visiting Epcot between late September and November, you should seriously consider ignoring the rest of this list and using all of your snack credits here.  My family’s favorite way to spend lunch at Epcot is to “snack around the world”.  Temporary kiosks from around the world are set up during the Food & Wine Festival and offer sample sized menu options.  Even my picky eater loved walking though the different countries and trying different foods for lunch.  She has already requested to do it again on our next trip!

What are your favorite snacks at Walt Disney World?