The Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom is located outside of the park, just past bag check. You do not need a park ticket to go to this restaurant if you are going on your last day or you don't have a ticket for Animal Kingdom.
All guests can get there by jumping on a Disney World bus or driving to the Animal Kingdom. If it is open, there is a bag check on the left-hand side which is quieter than the other lines and takes you right to the entrance of the restaurant.
The Rainforest Cafe is 1 Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan.
I had been to the Rainforest Cafe a good 10 years ago and none of us liked it, so we originally had low expectations of the restaurant. Luckily, we were proved wrong!
Check in is located just inside the main entrance in an elephant booth, which I love! Once you have checked in, you are free to roam the shop until your safari party is called.
I was sat right next to this little guy, who is in need of a little TLC!
Our table was just inside the main entrance in a little corner, which was lovely. I had the view of the aquarium for the whole meal and took great pleasure in watching all the fish swim around!
The menu is very varied, with many options. They also have an allergy menu which the chef will come out and explain to those who require it. You are able to have anything on the main menu on the Dining Plan which is great for those who love a big meal!
I ordered the chicken parmigana which, in my opinion, is the best one on property. The picture doesn't do it justice of how big it is! There are two huge chicken escalopes, a pile of tagliatelle which shavings of cheese on top and a wedge of garlic bread. It is amazing! The chicken is thin and crispy, with a huge amount of melted cheese and marinara sauce. The garlic bread is great and nice to dip in the sauce. The pasta with the sauce is also delicious!
I will always remember the first time I went to Rainforest Cafe and we saw someone order the Volcano and all the servers would shout it out! When our server said that two people can share it on the Dining Plan, I knew what I was having!
In true Rainforest Cafe fashion, our server arrived shouting "volcaaaaano!" which had me in fits of giggles. The dessert is huge, as you can see. There are three massive wedges of chocolate brownie, with a mountain of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, topped with chocolate sauce and a sparkly thing! It is amazing! The brownies are nice and rich and gooey and work well with the ice cream. I shared this with my sister and we didn't even finish it, so I would say this could serve three people easily!
Overall, I really enjoyed the experience here. The food is so good with an atmosphere to match. We had a really good time with our server who was fantastic. This restaurant is great for families with little ones, or big kids alike! I'd like to try the one in Disney Springs to see if there is any difference between the two.
What has been your favourite experience at the Rainforest Cafe?
Showing posts with label animal kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animal kingdom. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2018
Monday, September 24, 2018
Sanaa Lunch Review
Sanaa is a African/Indian inspired restaurant located in Kidani Village at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. For guests staying on site, take a bus from your resort to Animal Kingdom and then head to the bus stop for the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The bus ride is extremely short and Kidani Village is the first stop. For guests coming from a park or Disney Springs, take the bus from that park straight to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
You enter the lobby of the hotel on technically the first floor. Sanaa is located downstairs. There are a set of stairs at the far end of the lobby and an elevator to the right.
The view onto the savannah from the stairs at the end of the lobby is amazing. The rooms of the hotel surround the savannah where you can see all sorts of animals. Coming down these stairs, there is a single door that takes you out into the savannah and seating area. I definitely recommend getting here early to sit and look at the view from the outside.
I spent at least half an hour looking at the giraffes who were happily wandering around picking up fallen leaves and playing! I can only imagine the view from the rooms facing the savannah. It is my dream to stay here one day!
Here is a panoramic shot of one side of the savannah, giving you a bit of scope of how big this space really is. To the left is the main lobby building, followed by the savannah and the rooms on the right. The large windows on the bottom floor of the lobby building is Sanaa.
Head back into the main building the same way you came and take a left. You will see the sign for Sanaa and the check in desk. We had a little bit of time before we could check in so we sat on the rocking chairs on an outdoor veranda overlooking the savannah. It was incredible and I could have sat there all day!
A Cast Member will check you in and ask you to take a seat whilst your table is being prepared. I really love the attention to detail on the wall - the bumpy texture is to make it look like a mud hut!
The restaurant itself is beautiful. It is very bright thanks to the large windows that overlook the savannah. We were seated in the second row of tables behind the windows which was still an incredible view. If you are really keen on sitting by the window, then do let the Cast Member know when you check in and they will do their best to accommodate you.
This was the view from our table. We could easily see all sorts of animals, including a bird which was very determined to somehow come into the restaurant!
The detail and theming even continues to the back of the chairs. There is also a (not so) Hidden Mickey on one of the booth tables at the back!
The menu is amazing and very varied depending on how much spice you like. My recommendation is to go with the Journey and Harvest options. You are able to pick one from the Journey and one from the Harvest and it is served with rice. I was really torn between the Paneer Tikka or the Aloo Masala. They also have an extensive allergy menu that caters for all allergies.
I ordered the butter chicken with paneer tikka. For those of you who don't know, paneer is a non-meltinng farmers cheese. It doesn't taste of a huge amount and has a texture similar to halloumi. The sauce is was in was so tasty and so perfectly spiced it added an amazing flavour to the cheese. You get a lot of it and I didn't manage to finish it.
The butter chicken is on a whole new level. The sauce is beautiful, with a lovely balance of spices that compliments the paneer tikka really well. The chicken was lovely and tender and I really liked the fact that it wasn't just chunks of chicken breast, but all sorts of different parts of it. The rice was really well cooked and wasn't sticky which it can be in some restaurants.
For dessert I ordered the 3 chocolate mousse that comes with a biscuit crumb, strawberry coulis and strawberries in a syrup. It was amazing! I want the syrup recipe! The mousse was so light and creamy and each chocolate flavour worked very well together.
I can't recommend Sanaa enough. It is a nice break from the parks without ever feeling like you have left Animal Kingdom. If you have young ones, I would definitely recommend getting there a bit earlier to sit outside in the savannah - there are some rocking chairs and smaller chairs for you to sit in and relax. The lounge area is equally nice to sit in if you want a bit of air conditioning.
The restaurant itself is so amazingly themed and the food is incredible. We had on our reservation that we had a birthday and an anniversary. They brought my parents some champagne, my sister a birthday flair to her dessert and all the servers sang happy birthday to her with a Sanaa twist.
It was very quiet at lunch which was quite nice. It is almost like a bit of a hidden gem! There were a few business meetings going on which I took as a good sign.
Have you been to Sanaa? What was your favourite thing?
You enter the lobby of the hotel on technically the first floor. Sanaa is located downstairs. There are a set of stairs at the far end of the lobby and an elevator to the right.
The view onto the savannah from the stairs at the end of the lobby is amazing. The rooms of the hotel surround the savannah where you can see all sorts of animals. Coming down these stairs, there is a single door that takes you out into the savannah and seating area. I definitely recommend getting here early to sit and look at the view from the outside.
I spent at least half an hour looking at the giraffes who were happily wandering around picking up fallen leaves and playing! I can only imagine the view from the rooms facing the savannah. It is my dream to stay here one day!
Here is a panoramic shot of one side of the savannah, giving you a bit of scope of how big this space really is. To the left is the main lobby building, followed by the savannah and the rooms on the right. The large windows on the bottom floor of the lobby building is Sanaa.
Head back into the main building the same way you came and take a left. You will see the sign for Sanaa and the check in desk. We had a little bit of time before we could check in so we sat on the rocking chairs on an outdoor veranda overlooking the savannah. It was incredible and I could have sat there all day!
A Cast Member will check you in and ask you to take a seat whilst your table is being prepared. I really love the attention to detail on the wall - the bumpy texture is to make it look like a mud hut!
The restaurant itself is beautiful. It is very bright thanks to the large windows that overlook the savannah. We were seated in the second row of tables behind the windows which was still an incredible view. If you are really keen on sitting by the window, then do let the Cast Member know when you check in and they will do their best to accommodate you.
This was the view from our table. We could easily see all sorts of animals, including a bird which was very determined to somehow come into the restaurant!
The detail and theming even continues to the back of the chairs. There is also a (not so) Hidden Mickey on one of the booth tables at the back!
The menu is amazing and very varied depending on how much spice you like. My recommendation is to go with the Journey and Harvest options. You are able to pick one from the Journey and one from the Harvest and it is served with rice. I was really torn between the Paneer Tikka or the Aloo Masala. They also have an extensive allergy menu that caters for all allergies.
I ordered the butter chicken with paneer tikka. For those of you who don't know, paneer is a non-meltinng farmers cheese. It doesn't taste of a huge amount and has a texture similar to halloumi. The sauce is was in was so tasty and so perfectly spiced it added an amazing flavour to the cheese. You get a lot of it and I didn't manage to finish it.
The butter chicken is on a whole new level. The sauce is beautiful, with a lovely balance of spices that compliments the paneer tikka really well. The chicken was lovely and tender and I really liked the fact that it wasn't just chunks of chicken breast, but all sorts of different parts of it. The rice was really well cooked and wasn't sticky which it can be in some restaurants.
For dessert I ordered the 3 chocolate mousse that comes with a biscuit crumb, strawberry coulis and strawberries in a syrup. It was amazing! I want the syrup recipe! The mousse was so light and creamy and each chocolate flavour worked very well together.
I can't recommend Sanaa enough. It is a nice break from the parks without ever feeling like you have left Animal Kingdom. If you have young ones, I would definitely recommend getting there a bit earlier to sit outside in the savannah - there are some rocking chairs and smaller chairs for you to sit in and relax. The lounge area is equally nice to sit in if you want a bit of air conditioning.
The restaurant itself is so amazingly themed and the food is incredible. We had on our reservation that we had a birthday and an anniversary. They brought my parents some champagne, my sister a birthday flair to her dessert and all the servers sang happy birthday to her with a Sanaa twist.
It was very quiet at lunch which was quite nice. It is almost like a bit of a hidden gem! There were a few business meetings going on which I took as a good sign.
Have you been to Sanaa? What was your favourite thing?
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Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Disney World Attraction Quote A-Z Quiz
The rules:
Each A-Z has a quote relating to a Walt Disney World attraction throughout all 4 parks. Comment with your answers below.
Some are easy, and some may be a little more difficult! Some are part of quotes...not all letters are as easy as you think!
And it all starts with a wish.
Buenas dias senorita, my siestas are getting shorter and shorter.
Come on everybody, here we go!
Don't be chicken!
Elsa's made a magic winter show, with summer snow, for Sven and me and you!
First it's G, then C, then D and then going back to G.
Go with the flow.
Hang on to your hats and glasses 'cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!
It's the eighth wonder of the world. The back side of water!
Jambo everyone.
Kindly step all the way in please and make room for everyone.
Like a grand and miraculous spaceship.
My name is Patrick and I'll be your Chief Flight Attendant today.
Now some person I don't even know reminds me there's no eating, drinking, smoking or flash photography allowed in my dream.
One little spark of inspiration.
Paging Mr Morrow. Mr Tom Morrow.
Quiet and when I say "now" we will all shout "surprise!".
Ready when you are, CB!
Seal genetic matching room.
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.
Under the sea, under the sea.
Very Merry Christmas!
We're not gonna make it, we're not gonna make it!
Xperiment 626, better known as stitch, always up to his usual antics.
You are about to discover what lies beyond the fifth dimension.
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!
Each A-Z has a quote relating to a Walt Disney World attraction throughout all 4 parks. Comment with your answers below.
Some are easy, and some may be a little more difficult! Some are part of quotes...not all letters are as easy as you think!
And it all starts with a wish.
Buenas dias senorita, my siestas are getting shorter and shorter.
Come on everybody, here we go!
Don't be chicken!
Elsa's made a magic winter show, with summer snow, for Sven and me and you!
First it's G, then C, then D and then going back to G.
Go with the flow.
Hang on to your hats and glasses 'cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!
It's the eighth wonder of the world. The back side of water!
Jambo everyone.
Kindly step all the way in please and make room for everyone.
Like a grand and miraculous spaceship.
My name is Patrick and I'll be your Chief Flight Attendant today.
Now some person I don't even know reminds me there's no eating, drinking, smoking or flash photography allowed in my dream.
One little spark of inspiration.
Paging Mr Morrow. Mr Tom Morrow.
Quiet and when I say "now" we will all shout "surprise!".
Ready when you are, CB!
Seal genetic matching room.
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.
Under the sea, under the sea.
Very Merry Christmas!
We're not gonna make it, we're not gonna make it!
Xperiment 626, better known as stitch, always up to his usual antics.
You are about to discover what lies beyond the fifth dimension.
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!
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Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Why Do I Love Disney?
I constantly get asked why I love Disney, why I go to Disney World so much, why I don't go other places? More commonly, I get told Disney is for kids and I am sad for going so much.
Well, you are wrong.
There are no words to describe that feeling of first seeing the Castle in Magic Kingdom, smelling the smells in Spaceship Earth, seeing the floating mountains of Pandora or that first drop on Tower of Terror.
Disney is an escape. The second you cross under that archway it is like everything else melts away. No one else matters. It is like my pupils suddenly go Mickey shaped.
Disney is the one place I feel happy, safe and secure. It is like a comfort blanket and nothing will beat that massive hug from Mickey Mouse.
Watching little girls in their Princess dresses meeting their idols they never thought they would see in person, watching the smiles of everyone at that point in Happily Ever After where Tinker Bell flies or thanking the phoenicians on Spaceship Earth.
Explaining why you love Disney World to someone who has never been is no easy task. They have never watched the fireworks, done the 4 parks, 1 day challenge or ridden Flight of Passage.
Disney definitely isn't lying when they say it is the Happiest Place on Earth. I challenge anyone to go there and not smile the whole time.
Why do I go back so much? No two trips are ever the same. Disney is constantly opening new lands and attractions. I only went last September and there is already a whole new land that I haven't seen yet.
I could do the exact same things on every trip and yet it would still feel different. There are still things I haven't done yet or seen yet. There is a whole new land opening next year (yay for Star Wars) and then things opening throughout the next couple of years.
I probably won't be going back until 2021 for the 50th anniversary so everything is open, but I could go every year and still find something different.
Is Disney for kids? Probably. Do I still love everything about it? Definitely.
Disney turns you into a big kid. You will see people walking around in their Minnie Mouse ears, rocking the vibrant Disney t-shirts; adults will wave at characters in the parades and cry at the shows and fireworks.
There is still so much I need to explore, from new hotels and experiences to discovering new Hidden Mickey's and photo spots.
Why don't I go to other places? I do! I love travelling, but Disney will always be my go-to holiday destination. I love finding a new country or city to visit, but nowhere ever feels as magical as that big old mouse.
Disney means something different to everyone. To me, it is home.
Well, you are wrong.
There are no words to describe that feeling of first seeing the Castle in Magic Kingdom, smelling the smells in Spaceship Earth, seeing the floating mountains of Pandora or that first drop on Tower of Terror.
Disney is an escape. The second you cross under that archway it is like everything else melts away. No one else matters. It is like my pupils suddenly go Mickey shaped.
Disney is the one place I feel happy, safe and secure. It is like a comfort blanket and nothing will beat that massive hug from Mickey Mouse.
Watching little girls in their Princess dresses meeting their idols they never thought they would see in person, watching the smiles of everyone at that point in Happily Ever After where Tinker Bell flies or thanking the phoenicians on Spaceship Earth.
Explaining why you love Disney World to someone who has never been is no easy task. They have never watched the fireworks, done the 4 parks, 1 day challenge or ridden Flight of Passage.
Disney definitely isn't lying when they say it is the Happiest Place on Earth. I challenge anyone to go there and not smile the whole time.
Why do I go back so much? No two trips are ever the same. Disney is constantly opening new lands and attractions. I only went last September and there is already a whole new land that I haven't seen yet.
I could do the exact same things on every trip and yet it would still feel different. There are still things I haven't done yet or seen yet. There is a whole new land opening next year (yay for Star Wars) and then things opening throughout the next couple of years.
I probably won't be going back until 2021 for the 50th anniversary so everything is open, but I could go every year and still find something different.
Is Disney for kids? Probably. Do I still love everything about it? Definitely.
Disney turns you into a big kid. You will see people walking around in their Minnie Mouse ears, rocking the vibrant Disney t-shirts; adults will wave at characters in the parades and cry at the shows and fireworks.
There is still so much I need to explore, from new hotels and experiences to discovering new Hidden Mickey's and photo spots.
Why don't I go to other places? I do! I love travelling, but Disney will always be my go-to holiday destination. I love finding a new country or city to visit, but nowhere ever feels as magical as that big old mouse.
Disney means something different to everyone. To me, it is home.
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Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Disney World Fastpass Plans - August 2018
As of today, I have completed all of the FastPass bookings for my August trip!
If you stay on Disney property you are able to book your FastPasses 60 days out of your arrival date. You are usually able to do the first 10 days of your trip, with the following days being able to be booked in turn. Outside of Disney property, you are able to book 30 days out.
FastPasses are available in hour time slots and you can't have any clashes.
FastPass bookings become available at midday UK time. This is much better than the previous time that required an early wake up call!
So, on with the plan.
August 23rd
Splash Mountain - 09:35
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - 11:30
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 15:45
Splash Mountain is my second favourite ride in Magic Kingdom and I am so glad it is open on this trip! I am looking forward to getting drenched! Buzz Lightyear is a great sit down in the air conditioning and we all like to try and beat my dad! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a very popular ride, hence the random gap between reservations. We love this ride and have it quite a few times through the trip.
August 24th
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - 08:10
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Celebration - 10:00
Alien Swirling Saucers - 12:10
I rode Tower of Terror for the first time on my last trip and absolutely loved it. I am so looking forward to getting my mum on this ride. We all love the Frozen Sing Along and always hope we get Ben, who is absolutely hilarious. This is a show made for kids, aimed at adults. We have a FastPass for Alien Swirling Saucers! We wanted to get Slinky Dog on this day, but it was completely booked.
August 25th
Frozen Ever After - 11:50
Spaceship Earth - 13:00
The Seas with Nemo and Friends - 14:25
This will be the first time my family will have ridden the Frozen ride. My dad is a closet Frozen fan and I have no doubt that he will be singing along. Then we have 2 old reliables. Spaceship Earth is one of my favourite attractions; I pretty much live for the smell of Rome. Nemo is another good sit down attraction and a good chance to rest your feet.
August 26th
Kilimanjaro Safaris - 09:45
Kali River Rapids - 11:05
Flight of Passage - 18:10
Kilimanjaro Safaris is always best to have in the morning - there are more animals out! Kali around lunch is a good chance to cool off with a bit of a splash (or the whole wave!). This will be the first time that my family will have seen Pandora. Flight of Passage completely blew me away before and I am really looking forward to do it again.
August 27th
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - 16:30
Splash Mountain - 19:05
Haunted Mansion - 20:05
Thunder Mountain is a good classic with us and you always have to try and follow the goat. Another Splash FastPass, this time in a bit of darkness. Finally, my favourite ride of all time - the Haunted Mansion. This is always great in the dark, especially when the Cast Members really get into character.
August 28th
Rock n Roller Coaster - 16:50
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - 17:55
Slinky Dog Dash - 19:55
A good classic for me and my sister is the Rock n Roller Coaster. None of my other family do this ride so looks like we are going on 3 times in a row! Back on the Tower of Terror, hoping that my family like it... We finally got the FastPass for the Slinky Dog Coaster. I am really looking forward to doing this, especially in the dark.
August 29th
Peter Pan's Flight - 09:25
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 10:55
Pirates of the Caribbean - 12:05
Peter Pan is obviously a must-do for any Disney trip. Always ask for Pixie Dust when you get into your pirate ship! Another Mine Train FastPass; can you tell we like this ride? A trip through Pirates to see the new Red scene. Looking forward to seeing that in person.
August 30th
Na'vi River Journey - 09:45
Dinosaur - 10:55
Expedition Everest - 12:00
Really looking forward to seeing my family's reaction to the River Journey ride, especially the Shaman of Songs at the end. Dinosaur is another must-do for us - we're not gonna make it, we're not gonna make it! Everest is mostly one for me and my sister, but we are hoping that our parents do this one too!
August 31st
Test Track - 09:10
Journey Into Imagination with Figment - 10:25
Spaceship Earth - 11:45
Test Track is always best to do in the morning, just in case it breaks down during the day. Figment is another classic for us. I will forever have that song in my head! Another FastPass for Spaceship Earth for a nice sit down with Judy Dench.
September 1st
Tomorrowland Speedway - 15:15
Dumbo the Flying Elephant - 16:30
Jungle Cruise - 20:00
An evening for classic rides! Tomorrowland Speedway is going to be a good way to hopefully get a quick sight of the TRON coaster construction. Dumbo is a Disney classic and no ride is completely without a spin on the flying elephant. Finally, some classic puns on the Jungle Cruise!
September 2nd
Soarin' Around the World - 16:30
Living with the Land - 17:30
The Seas with Nemo and Friends - 20:00
This will be the first time my family have seen the Around the World version of Soarin! I am excited to see their reactions. Then for a nice sit down on Living with the Land and Nemo.
September 3rd
Na'Vi River Journey - 09:05
Kilimanjaro Safaris - 10:20
Dinosaur - 11:20
Another trip to Animal Kingdom. We chose to do Na'Vi River Journey just because we are going with my grandparents who won't do Flight of Passage. Then back to two classics.
September 4th
Toy Story Mania - 09:00
Rock N Roller Coaster - 10:00
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - 11:30
Toy Story Mania, similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride, really evokes the competitive side in all of us. We all quite enjoy this ride. Then (mostly for me and my sister again) we have Rock N Roller Coaster. Then the Indiana Jones shows before lunch for a bit of a sit down.
September 5th
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 16:00
Space Mountain - 17:00
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - 18:00
The Mine Train in the evening is great fun and you get some great views around New Fantasyland. Space Mountain is mostly for me and my sister again, we will most likely use everyone else's FastPasses for this. Then we have Winnie the Pooh, which I absolutely love. Brings me right back to my childhood!
September 6th
Test Track - 09:05
Living with the Land - 10:25
Spaceship Earth - 11:25
The basic Epcot goodies for a bit more of a chilled day leading to the end of our holiday. As recommended earlier on, Test Track definitely in the morning.
September 7th
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 10:25
Splash Mountain - 11:25
Pirates of the Caribbean - 12:30
The last full day of our holiday will be spent in Magic Kingdom, savouring the magic for another year. Again with the Mine Train, Splash and Pirates. They are great classics for us so the best way to spend our last day.
So, that is our overall FastPass plans for August 2018.
The next post will be the overall trip summary, including a breakdown of things we are doing on different days like water parks and outside of Disney.
If you stay on Disney property you are able to book your FastPasses 60 days out of your arrival date. You are usually able to do the first 10 days of your trip, with the following days being able to be booked in turn. Outside of Disney property, you are able to book 30 days out.
FastPasses are available in hour time slots and you can't have any clashes.
FastPass bookings become available at midday UK time. This is much better than the previous time that required an early wake up call!
So, on with the plan.
August 23rd
Splash Mountain - 09:35
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - 11:30
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 15:45
Splash Mountain is my second favourite ride in Magic Kingdom and I am so glad it is open on this trip! I am looking forward to getting drenched! Buzz Lightyear is a great sit down in the air conditioning and we all like to try and beat my dad! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a very popular ride, hence the random gap between reservations. We love this ride and have it quite a few times through the trip.
August 24th
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - 08:10
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Celebration - 10:00
Alien Swirling Saucers - 12:10
I rode Tower of Terror for the first time on my last trip and absolutely loved it. I am so looking forward to getting my mum on this ride. We all love the Frozen Sing Along and always hope we get Ben, who is absolutely hilarious. This is a show made for kids, aimed at adults. We have a FastPass for Alien Swirling Saucers! We wanted to get Slinky Dog on this day, but it was completely booked.
August 25th
Frozen Ever After - 11:50
Spaceship Earth - 13:00
The Seas with Nemo and Friends - 14:25
This will be the first time my family will have ridden the Frozen ride. My dad is a closet Frozen fan and I have no doubt that he will be singing along. Then we have 2 old reliables. Spaceship Earth is one of my favourite attractions; I pretty much live for the smell of Rome. Nemo is another good sit down attraction and a good chance to rest your feet.
August 26th
Kilimanjaro Safaris - 09:45
Kali River Rapids - 11:05
Flight of Passage - 18:10
Kilimanjaro Safaris is always best to have in the morning - there are more animals out! Kali around lunch is a good chance to cool off with a bit of a splash (or the whole wave!). This will be the first time that my family will have seen Pandora. Flight of Passage completely blew me away before and I am really looking forward to do it again.
August 27th
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - 16:30
Splash Mountain - 19:05
Haunted Mansion - 20:05
Thunder Mountain is a good classic with us and you always have to try and follow the goat. Another Splash FastPass, this time in a bit of darkness. Finally, my favourite ride of all time - the Haunted Mansion. This is always great in the dark, especially when the Cast Members really get into character.
August 28th
Rock n Roller Coaster - 16:50
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - 17:55
Slinky Dog Dash - 19:55
A good classic for me and my sister is the Rock n Roller Coaster. None of my other family do this ride so looks like we are going on 3 times in a row! Back on the Tower of Terror, hoping that my family like it... We finally got the FastPass for the Slinky Dog Coaster. I am really looking forward to doing this, especially in the dark.
August 29th
Peter Pan's Flight - 09:25
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 10:55
Pirates of the Caribbean - 12:05
Peter Pan is obviously a must-do for any Disney trip. Always ask for Pixie Dust when you get into your pirate ship! Another Mine Train FastPass; can you tell we like this ride? A trip through Pirates to see the new Red scene. Looking forward to seeing that in person.
August 30th
Na'vi River Journey - 09:45
Dinosaur - 10:55
Expedition Everest - 12:00
Really looking forward to seeing my family's reaction to the River Journey ride, especially the Shaman of Songs at the end. Dinosaur is another must-do for us - we're not gonna make it, we're not gonna make it! Everest is mostly one for me and my sister, but we are hoping that our parents do this one too!
August 31st
Test Track - 09:10
Journey Into Imagination with Figment - 10:25
Spaceship Earth - 11:45
Test Track is always best to do in the morning, just in case it breaks down during the day. Figment is another classic for us. I will forever have that song in my head! Another FastPass for Spaceship Earth for a nice sit down with Judy Dench.
September 1st
Tomorrowland Speedway - 15:15
Dumbo the Flying Elephant - 16:30
Jungle Cruise - 20:00
An evening for classic rides! Tomorrowland Speedway is going to be a good way to hopefully get a quick sight of the TRON coaster construction. Dumbo is a Disney classic and no ride is completely without a spin on the flying elephant. Finally, some classic puns on the Jungle Cruise!
September 2nd
Soarin' Around the World - 16:30
Living with the Land - 17:30
The Seas with Nemo and Friends - 20:00
This will be the first time my family have seen the Around the World version of Soarin! I am excited to see their reactions. Then for a nice sit down on Living with the Land and Nemo.
September 3rd
Na'Vi River Journey - 09:05
Kilimanjaro Safaris - 10:20
Dinosaur - 11:20
Another trip to Animal Kingdom. We chose to do Na'Vi River Journey just because we are going with my grandparents who won't do Flight of Passage. Then back to two classics.
September 4th
Toy Story Mania - 09:00
Rock N Roller Coaster - 10:00
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - 11:30
Toy Story Mania, similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride, really evokes the competitive side in all of us. We all quite enjoy this ride. Then (mostly for me and my sister again) we have Rock N Roller Coaster. Then the Indiana Jones shows before lunch for a bit of a sit down.
September 5th
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 16:00
Space Mountain - 17:00
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - 18:00
The Mine Train in the evening is great fun and you get some great views around New Fantasyland. Space Mountain is mostly for me and my sister again, we will most likely use everyone else's FastPasses for this. Then we have Winnie the Pooh, which I absolutely love. Brings me right back to my childhood!
September 6th
Test Track - 09:05
Living with the Land - 10:25
Spaceship Earth - 11:25
The basic Epcot goodies for a bit more of a chilled day leading to the end of our holiday. As recommended earlier on, Test Track definitely in the morning.
September 7th
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 10:25
Splash Mountain - 11:25
Pirates of the Caribbean - 12:30
The last full day of our holiday will be spent in Magic Kingdom, savouring the magic for another year. Again with the Mine Train, Splash and Pirates. They are great classics for us so the best way to spend our last day.
So, that is our overall FastPass plans for August 2018.
The next post will be the overall trip summary, including a breakdown of things we are doing on different days like water parks and outside of Disney.
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Friday, June 08, 2018
Disney World Dining Plans - August 2018
Happy Friday!
As you may know if you follow my Twitter or Instagram, I am heading back to Disney World in August for my 11th trip! This time, it is for a whopping 17 nights at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
We upgraded to the Disney Dining Plan so I am going to share with you my reservations for this trip. I will do a general trip overview after we have booked our FastPasses next Saturday (eek!).
August 22nd
We don't have any reservations booked for our first night. Usually, we head into Magic Kingdom but we are so tired that we don't tend to eat anything. Thought best to save it for a night we will enjoy it!
August 23rd
We have Tony's Town Square Restaurant booked for 18:35 in the Magic Kingdom. This was one of my favourite restaurants on my last trip. I am really looking forward to chowing down on the Chicken Parmigana again, it was so good! I love the atmosphere in here and the Lady and the Tramp fountain always makes a good photo. Be sure to go and spot the paw prints out the front of the restaurant.
August 24th
We have 50s Prime Time Cafe at 13:40 in Hollywood Studios. This was another favourite of mine last year. As with Tony's, the atmosphere is fantastic. The food equally is great and I especially love the friend chicken. I also, hands down, recommend a milkshake. You can have this as a drink or dessert (get it as a drink!) and it is massive! Whatever you don't drink there and then you can have in a take out cup.
August 25th
We have a breakfast reservation at Be Our Guest at 08:30 in the Magic Kingdom. I especially love getting a "before the park opens" reservation. Now that you get to head to the castle before the park opens, it has lost its charm a little, but it is a great time to take those less crowded castle pics. You then get let through to Fantasyland and New Fantasyland without anyone else around. It again makes for great photos. I am hoping to have the Feast a la Gaston. This was a new one for me on the last trip as I believe they changed their menu and I loved it!
We then have a dinner at the Rose and Crown Dining Room at 16:15 in Epcot. This was another great one for me last time. I had the tikka chicken which was fantastic and the jaffa tarts which, if you know me, are completely ideal. If you go here, try and get a later evening slot and sit outside for the fireworks. We are hoping to change our reservation to a little later so we can watch IllumiNations.
August 26th
We have a lunch reservation at The Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom at 13:30. I much prefer the Animal Kingdom site than the one in Disney Springs. It usually seems slightly less crowded. Wherever you sit in here, you will have a great time. Last year I had the chicken parmigana for my meal followed by the cheesecake. I might try something a bit different this time.
August 27th
We have a dinner reservation at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom at 17:10. This is a completely new restaurant for me and I am really excited to see what it is like. I have seen so many videos that show the restaurant itself and how the servers are very similar to the Skippers on the Jungle Cruise. I think this is going to be right up my street!
August 28th
We have a breakfast reservation at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian for 09:25. This is a great buffet restaurant with some equally great character interactions. I will not lie, I am mostly excited for unlimited tater tots. I so wish we had them in the UK.
August 29th
We have lunch reservations for Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom at 12:50 and 13:20. We have two separate ones due to not being able to get a table of 6, but hopefully we should be OK to go in together. Lunch is a great way to use a quick service credit and you get more food then a usual quick service meal.
We then have a dinner reservation for Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' at Disney Springs for 18:30. This is a new one for me entirely, so I am excited to see what it is like. The menu seems interesting and the combination of fried chicken and donuts seems like a different choice!
August 30th
We have a lunch reservation at Sanaa at the Animal Kingdom Villas for 13:00. I am super excited about this one. The food is my favourite style of cuisine and I am really hoping we will get to sit near the window with a great view. I am excited to try the butter chicken!
August 31st
We have a dinner reservation at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom for 18:00. I went here on my last trip for breakfast and loved it so it will be nice to try it out for dinner. There is also some great photo opportunities for safari pics! Although I am excited to try a few different bits and bobs, I can see that the kids section has corn dog nuggets and mac and cheese...
September 1st
We have a dinner reservation at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom for 17:55. This is an oldie but goodie for my family. Before we had the dining plan, we would pay for a meal here. I love the character interaction with the Winnie The Pooh characters. I had my 18th birthday here and Tigger made me walk round the room for the friendship song. I love the variety of different dishes and the fact I can drink chocolate milk to my heart's content.
September 2nd
We have a dinner reservation at Via Napoli in Epcot for 18:45. This is another great return from my previous trip. I really enjoyed Via Napoli, especially for the fact that the pizza was nice and traditional. I love the ovens at the back and definitely recommend you go and check them out.
September 3rd
We have a lunch reservation at Yak and Yeti in Animal Kingdom for 13:15. This was my ultimate restaurant on my last trip and I already know what I will be eating. Chicken tikka masala! It was probably one of the nicest ones I have eaten in a long time, and I have eaten a lot of them! I love the authentic decor in the restaurant too - it definitely doesn't feel like you are in Disney!
September 4th
We have a lunch reservation for Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano at Hollywood Studios for 13:05. This was one the "maybe" list for my last trip so I am excited to be heading there this time. I love a classic Italian meal and the decor in here seems really great.
September 5th
We have a dinner reservation for California Grill at the Contemporary Resort for 19:35. This is probably the one I am most looking forward to. I am never one for "posh nosh" but I am really excited to watch Happily Ever After from the roof terrace and eat some great food. I have no idea what I am going to eat, but if in doubt get the chicken!
September 6th
We have a lunch reservation for Garden Grill in Epcot for 13:20. This was another favourite of mine from my last trip. I love the fact that the restaurant rotates into the Living with the Land ride (super underrated ride!). I had great character interactions and I adore the fact that there is goldfish in the mac and cheese.
September 7th
Our last day! We have breakfast reservation for Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom at 09:35. It is pretty much traditional to do the Magic Kingdom on your last day so why not do it in style at the Beast's castle?
We have our last lunch reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern at 13:40. We went here for our Christmas dinner back in 1999 so I am really excited to visit it again. The food looks great and will be a nice relaxing end to our trip.
So, that is the overview of my dining reservations. Stay tuned next week for FastPasses!
As you may know if you follow my Twitter or Instagram, I am heading back to Disney World in August for my 11th trip! This time, it is for a whopping 17 nights at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
We upgraded to the Disney Dining Plan so I am going to share with you my reservations for this trip. I will do a general trip overview after we have booked our FastPasses next Saturday (eek!).
August 22nd
We don't have any reservations booked for our first night. Usually, we head into Magic Kingdom but we are so tired that we don't tend to eat anything. Thought best to save it for a night we will enjoy it!
August 23rd
We have Tony's Town Square Restaurant booked for 18:35 in the Magic Kingdom. This was one of my favourite restaurants on my last trip. I am really looking forward to chowing down on the Chicken Parmigana again, it was so good! I love the atmosphere in here and the Lady and the Tramp fountain always makes a good photo. Be sure to go and spot the paw prints out the front of the restaurant.
August 24th
We have 50s Prime Time Cafe at 13:40 in Hollywood Studios. This was another favourite of mine last year. As with Tony's, the atmosphere is fantastic. The food equally is great and I especially love the friend chicken. I also, hands down, recommend a milkshake. You can have this as a drink or dessert (get it as a drink!) and it is massive! Whatever you don't drink there and then you can have in a take out cup.
August 25th
We have a breakfast reservation at Be Our Guest at 08:30 in the Magic Kingdom. I especially love getting a "before the park opens" reservation. Now that you get to head to the castle before the park opens, it has lost its charm a little, but it is a great time to take those less crowded castle pics. You then get let through to Fantasyland and New Fantasyland without anyone else around. It again makes for great photos. I am hoping to have the Feast a la Gaston. This was a new one for me on the last trip as I believe they changed their menu and I loved it!
We then have a dinner at the Rose and Crown Dining Room at 16:15 in Epcot. This was another great one for me last time. I had the tikka chicken which was fantastic and the jaffa tarts which, if you know me, are completely ideal. If you go here, try and get a later evening slot and sit outside for the fireworks. We are hoping to change our reservation to a little later so we can watch IllumiNations.
August 26th
We have a lunch reservation at The Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom at 13:30. I much prefer the Animal Kingdom site than the one in Disney Springs. It usually seems slightly less crowded. Wherever you sit in here, you will have a great time. Last year I had the chicken parmigana for my meal followed by the cheesecake. I might try something a bit different this time.
August 27th
We have a dinner reservation at Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom at 17:10. This is a completely new restaurant for me and I am really excited to see what it is like. I have seen so many videos that show the restaurant itself and how the servers are very similar to the Skippers on the Jungle Cruise. I think this is going to be right up my street!
August 28th
We have a breakfast reservation at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian for 09:25. This is a great buffet restaurant with some equally great character interactions. I will not lie, I am mostly excited for unlimited tater tots. I so wish we had them in the UK.
August 29th
We have lunch reservations for Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom at 12:50 and 13:20. We have two separate ones due to not being able to get a table of 6, but hopefully we should be OK to go in together. Lunch is a great way to use a quick service credit and you get more food then a usual quick service meal.
We then have a dinner reservation for Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' at Disney Springs for 18:30. This is a new one for me entirely, so I am excited to see what it is like. The menu seems interesting and the combination of fried chicken and donuts seems like a different choice!
August 30th
We have a lunch reservation at Sanaa at the Animal Kingdom Villas for 13:00. I am super excited about this one. The food is my favourite style of cuisine and I am really hoping we will get to sit near the window with a great view. I am excited to try the butter chicken!
August 31st
We have a dinner reservation at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom for 18:00. I went here on my last trip for breakfast and loved it so it will be nice to try it out for dinner. There is also some great photo opportunities for safari pics! Although I am excited to try a few different bits and bobs, I can see that the kids section has corn dog nuggets and mac and cheese...
September 1st
We have a dinner reservation at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom for 17:55. This is an oldie but goodie for my family. Before we had the dining plan, we would pay for a meal here. I love the character interaction with the Winnie The Pooh characters. I had my 18th birthday here and Tigger made me walk round the room for the friendship song. I love the variety of different dishes and the fact I can drink chocolate milk to my heart's content.
September 2nd
We have a dinner reservation at Via Napoli in Epcot for 18:45. This is another great return from my previous trip. I really enjoyed Via Napoli, especially for the fact that the pizza was nice and traditional. I love the ovens at the back and definitely recommend you go and check them out.
September 3rd
We have a lunch reservation at Yak and Yeti in Animal Kingdom for 13:15. This was my ultimate restaurant on my last trip and I already know what I will be eating. Chicken tikka masala! It was probably one of the nicest ones I have eaten in a long time, and I have eaten a lot of them! I love the authentic decor in the restaurant too - it definitely doesn't feel like you are in Disney!
September 4th
We have a lunch reservation for Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano at Hollywood Studios for 13:05. This was one the "maybe" list for my last trip so I am excited to be heading there this time. I love a classic Italian meal and the decor in here seems really great.
September 5th
We have a dinner reservation for California Grill at the Contemporary Resort for 19:35. This is probably the one I am most looking forward to. I am never one for "posh nosh" but I am really excited to watch Happily Ever After from the roof terrace and eat some great food. I have no idea what I am going to eat, but if in doubt get the chicken!
September 6th
We have a lunch reservation for Garden Grill in Epcot for 13:20. This was another favourite of mine from my last trip. I love the fact that the restaurant rotates into the Living with the Land ride (super underrated ride!). I had great character interactions and I adore the fact that there is goldfish in the mac and cheese.
September 7th
Our last day! We have breakfast reservation for Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom at 09:35. It is pretty much traditional to do the Magic Kingdom on your last day so why not do it in style at the Beast's castle?
We have our last lunch reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern at 13:40. We went here for our Christmas dinner back in 1999 so I am really excited to visit it again. The food looks great and will be a nice relaxing end to our trip.
So, that is the overview of my dining reservations. Stay tuned next week for FastPasses!
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Sunday, October 11, 2015
The Tea Monologues | Disney's Animal Kingdom
Let me take you on an adventure to Disney's Animal Kingdom.
It is a spectacular park (even when you get caught in the tail end of a hurricane where the huge leaves provide excellent alternatives to umbrellas).
The first thing you see is this:
The Tree of Life. With several hundred carvings, a series of waterfalls, and the home to those little bugs from A Bug's Life in It's Tough To Be A Bug, you really can't go wrong.
It also has some of the best photo spots.
Let's all ignore the scars on my face!
Our first stop is a 2 weeks trip on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
At the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris, and on the other side of Animal Kingdom, are two exploration trails; Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
They are home to so many awesome animals - the perfect place to get some brilliant photos.
Whilst you are over that way, why not check out the Festival of the Lion King?
Can you feel the love tonight?
I bumped into these two wandering around, too!
Oh oo-be-do, not sure I want to be like you-o-o!
Although this is all quite fun, the place to be is at Finding Nemo: The Musical in Dinoland USA - just keep swimming, or go with the flow, whichever takes your fancy! Just don't let the sea monkey take your money. And yes, I can confirm that Dory is a natural blue.
No trip to Dinoland would be complete without jumping on a Time Rover to find an iguanodon now, would it?
"We're not gonna make it, we're not gonna make it!!"
Sorry if you were ever on this ride with me...yes, I am that annoying person who quotes specific parts of the script.
Next, I think it's time to find the Yeti to keep the dinosaur company.
I have a few rather amusing ride photos from this....
You know, I have also managed to avoid getting a complete soaking on Kali River Rapids. I am not really sure how considering everyone else walks off completely drenched! I like to think this of quite a big achievement.
Finally, for the first time in forever (sorry) I went to see Flights of Wonder. I haven't seen this show in yonks because we generally seem to avoid it. I found it quite amusing, especially when the parrot sings...I am easily amused really.
On my way out I spotted DeVine - that's some pretty good camouflage.
That conclude my little wander around Disney's Animal Kingdom. Obviously I have way more photos than this...I may do a separate post for Kilimanjaro Safaris because I have about 100 photos from that ride.
Join me next time for a day in a different park!
Tell me in the comments what your favourite part of Animal Kingdom is!
As always, thanks for visiting and I shall see you next time!
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