We LOVE Character Dining at Walt Disney World. Yes, it costs more than a regular sit down meal, for those of us not on the Disney Dining Plan) but in some cases I feel it is worth it for the food and the character interaction.

There are currently 11 Character Dining Experiences (not including dinner shows or events at the Swan or Dolphin). Each experience varies as to what meals it serves, how the food is served and which characters are present.

The most sought after Character Dining Experience is Cinderella's Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom. There is something special about dining with Cinderella in the castle that makes it one of the hardest reservations to get. I have never succeeded at scoring this reservation :-( Cinderella's Royal Table serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a pre-plated all-you-care-to-eat meal. Characters you may find there are Fairy Godmother, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Aurora, and Snow White.

If it is princesses you are after Princes Storybook Dining at Epcot, which serves family-style breakfast, lunch and dinner at Akershus in Norway at Epcot. You can also try Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. There they serve a dinner buffet.

There are 4 breakfast only Character Dining Experiences. I have never done any of these because we are not big breakfast eaters and I cannot justify the cost. These are:

• Donald's Safari Breakfast buffet at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. Where you can see Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey.
• Cape May Buffet at the Beach Club Resort. Where you can usually find Goofy, Minnie and Donald.
• Supercalifragilistic Breakfast buffet at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort plays host to Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter.
• 'Ohana Breakfast at the Polynesian Resort is served family style and features Lilo and Stitch.

If you have young children who are Playhouse Disney fans you should check out Playhouse Disney's Play 'N Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The buffet serves breakfast and lunch and features JoJo, Goliath, June and Leo.

We used to frequent the Garden Grille at Epcot's Land Pavillion, until they overhauled the menu a few years ago. They serve a family style dinner with Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale.

This week's Destination Disney is about special behind-the-scenes tours. I love Disney's tours! Yes, the cost additional money over and above the ticket price but, for the true Disney fan, they are well worth it.

Several years ago my husband and I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour for his birthday. It is a 4.5 hour walking tour of the Magic Kingdom. The highlight of the tour is going into the Utilidors! It was very cool and worth every penny. You must be 16 years of age or older. Currently this tour costs $65.00 per person.

One year we gave my dad and early Christmas present and sent him on the Yuletide Fantasy Tour. Dad is a Disney fanatic and a Christmas Decoration nut so this was the perfect gift for him. This tour visits the theme parks, resorts and the warehouse where the decorations are made. He loved every minute of this trip and still talks about it years later. You must be 16 years of age or older. This tour runs during the month of December and last year it cost $69.00 per person.

There are several tours I would like to do at Disney World. I would love to do the Backstage Safari Tour and tie it in to our homeschooling but you have to be 16 and Jordan is only 14. The Epcot Seas Aqua Tour is yet another homeschoolers dream. My dream tour is the 7 hour $219 per person Backstage Magic Tour. Jordan, my train fanatic, has wanted to do the Steam Trains Tour for years.

Inside the Pirate League at the Magic Kingdom

I had a dream tour a few weeks ago. I was part of the 1st Disney Florida Mom Blogger Mixer. I was privileged to share that weekend with 6 other mom bloggers and we were treated like princesses. We toured Bay Lake Tower, The Treehouses at Saratoga Springs, All-Star Music Family Suite, Caribbean Beach Resort Pirate room, The Pirate League and American Idol Experience. We ate at The Wave, California Grill and Hollywood Brown Derby and rode Characters in Flight. It was a busy day and a half but it was magical! Characters in Flight

 

I'll be honest, I don't spend much time in Germany when I go to Epcot. With a last name like Schultz you would think I would visit Epcot's Germany but...the stench of sauerkraut wafting from the Biergarten makes me want to hurl (sorry). I do enjoy the Hummel store and when the wind is blowing in the right direction I peek in there to see what's new. On my birthday trip I did take a picture of one of the buildings so here it is.

This week's Destination Disney Topic is Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. Liberty Square has only 3 attractions but lots of personality. Liberty Square looks like it it was transplanted in Florida from Massachusetts during the 1770's. The architecture is beautifully colonial. In the Center of Liberty Square stands the Liberty Tree, a 135 year old oak. The Liberty Tree was the meeting place for the Sons of Liberty during pre-revolutionary war times. The music that plays in the background is often the song "The Sons of Liberty" from the Disney live action film Johnny Tremain, based on the classic book by Esther Forbes. There is also a replica of the Liberty Bell that was cast for Walt Disney World and placed in Liberty Square in 1989.

The Haunted Mansion is the primary attraction in Liberty Square. A fun and spooky dark ride with the grim grinning ghosts. The Hall of Presidents is the educational attraction, and a great show to see while you sit and relax in the air conditioned theatre in the middle of a hot Disney day. Lastly, you have the Liberty Square Riverboat that takes you on a relaxing 17 minute tour on the Rivers of America.

There are great places to shop in Liberty Square. The Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, The Yankee Trader and the Heritage House all have great colonial themed merchandise. If you want to eat in Liberty Square you can chose from the character meals at Liberty tree Tavern, conter service at one of our family favorites-Columbia Harvest House or grab a snack to go from Sleepy Hollow of the vendor carts in the Liberty Square Marketplace.

In September of 2004 we were blessed to take 3 friends from our church with us to the Magic Kingdom for the day. They had never been to the Magic Kingdom before and we had a lot of fun introducing them to the Magic of Disney. It was a beautiful day and there were no crowds so we were able to ride rides multiple times! It was so much fun. Our friends: Laura, Lisa & Luke chose to get a turkey leg to eat while we were in Liberty Square. As you can see from the photos-they really enjoyed it.

If you love Disney too, join us in this fun meme. visit http://homeschoolblogger.com/reviewsbyheidi to join.

Today's topic is Disney's Boardwalk. I have been to Disney's Boradwalk several times but, alas, I can't find any pictures of my time there. My husband and I like to go to Disney's Boradwalk in the evening when we are at Disney without the kids. It is a great place to stroll and relax and just enjoy the boardwalk atmosphere.

The last time I was at Disney's Boradwalk was December 2007 and we ate dinner at Big River Grille and Brewing Works. The meal was delicious and the restaurant has a sports bar kind of feel.

Disney's Boradwalk has several shops and restaurants around the outer edge of the boardwalk while part of the inner edge includes some carnival games, food kiosks and street performers. Someday I would love to go to Jellyrolls at Disney's Boradwalk. Jellyrolls is famous for its sing-alongs and dueling pianos. Jellyrolls is for those ages 21 and up and charges a $10 cover charge.

If you are a Disney fanatic like I am, stop by Reviews by Heidi and take part in this fun meme.

Today's topic is easy for me. I actually wrote a post on this very subject on my The Mom Maven blog's Walt Disney World Wednesday post. It asks and answers some important questions.
"There are several questions you need to ask yourself before making this important decision.

1. Will you have a car while visiting Disney World?
2. Will you be visiting other non-Disney attractions while visiting central Florida?
3. How many people, adults and children, will be traveling in your party?
4. How much time do you plan on spending in your room?
5. What is your per night budget?" to read the rest of this post- Should You Stay On or Off Disney Property?

I have stayed both on and off property at Disney World. One of my goals is to try every Disney resort at least once...someday. I have stayed at all of the Value Resorts, all of the Moderate Resorts (except for the Fort Wilderness Campground),  and Animal Kingdom Lodge.






I'm excited! I will be at Epcot on Monday 5/25/09 celebrating my birthday! It has been 16 months since my last visit to a Disney park and I can't wait.

This week's topic is Pixar Place. Pixar Place is the street formerly known as Mickey Avenue. This is now the home to the Toy Story Mania attraction. When I was at Disney in September 2007 this is what Pixar Place looked like...
Yes, all Pixar Place was in Septemver 2007 was signs on a fence-teasing park visitors about what was to come.

Fast forward to 2009. In the last 2 months both of my children have ridden Toy Story Mania on their birthday trips to Disney (someday I'll get to ride it). They both said the very long wait was worth it. The queue themeing is amazing and the ride was a lot of fun and seems longer than most rides. This is the picture Jordan brought back from Pixar Place.

 

I'm baaaacckkk! My computer is back from the shop and my photos were spared, Praise the Lord!
This week's topic is China. I'll be honest, we don't usually stop in China at Epcot. We aren't big fans of Reflections of China-the Circle Vision 360 degree movie. I do have 1 China picture though so here it is...

Animal Kingdom is the most misunderstood park at Walt Disney World. It is huge! A lot of people have the idea that this park doesn't take a whole day to tour, but it does. Today we are visiting Africa. There are three attractions in Africa. The most popular is Kilimanjaro Safari. This is a fun, educational ride. It is best to try to ride this in the cool of the day when most of the animals are active, the hotter it gets the lazier the animals get. This is a Baobob Tree, also called an upside-down tree because the branches look like roots.
On the Safari ride you can see lots of different kinds of animals-elephants, giraffe, Tomies, warthogs, sable antelope, impala, lions and more.

Here are some hippos.


A young elephant.

Also in Africa is the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. This is a walking path that takes you to see lots of other African animals.

The third attraction in Africa is the train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch and Conservation Station. The train runs regularly on a circle track and on your journey you get to see some of the back stage facilities for the animals. At the Conservation Station there are many interactive exhibits, a petting zoo, and an educational area where zoo keepers bring animals out and teach the guests about the animal. There is even a vets office-where you can even see them performing exams and minor surgeries!
This is a cool hidden Mickey on the wall mural as you enter the Conservation Station.

We also get to meet some of our favorite Disney characters at the Conservation Station.
Pocahontas

Jiminy Cricket!

When you visit Disney's Animal Kingdom~Africa take your time and enjoy the Disney touch that is every where. Plan a meal at the Tusker House or grab a snack at Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery or at Tamu Tamu. The shopping is great at Ziwani Traders so make sure you check that out too.

I have come to the conclusion that I need a trip to Disney World. Ok, I've wanted to take a trip for a year now but...I need to take a trip so I can get more pictures that fit the themes of this meme. I have pictures of hotels, parades, rides and shows that no longer exist, characters you name it...but I can't find any pictures of Sunset Blvd. Since I can't find any pictures I am going to bore you with my thoughts on Sunset Blvd.

Sunset Blvd. is a very busy street at Disney's Hollywood Studios. As you enter the street on your left is Starring Rolls Cafe-my favorite place to get breakfast in this park. Other eateries on Sunset include Rosie's All-American Cafe-burgers and fries, Anaheim Produce Company-great for a quick, healthy snack, Catalina Eddie's-pizza and salads, Hollywood Scoops-ice cream, and Toluca Turkey Legs.


Shopping on Sunset is a lot of fun.  Beverly Sunset has a fun candy store-try the chocolate sprinkle marshmallows on a stick, and a villians and Fantasmic themed store. You can also shop at Legends of Hollywood, Planet Hollywood, Tower shops and more!

There are 2 shows on Sunset is Beauty and the Beast. This show is a must see. Disney started this show as an experiment to see how their animated musicals would translate to the stage. Due to the success of this show-Disney ventured to Broadway. The most amazing night time spectacular is also on Sunset Blvd....FANTASMIC!! Ok, so I'm a litle excited. For years we avoided this show because we had read that it was scary for young children. Our first Fantasmic experience was in 2001, my boys were 5 and 7. My youngest was a bit scared, and sat on my lap most of the show. It is an amazing show and, if your kids are old enough, do not miss it. The technologies used will blow you away. Also on Sunset you can often find amusing Streetmosphere performers.

The 2 biggest rides in the park are found on Sunset also. Tower of Terror-which none of the 4 of us have ever ridden and Rock'n'Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. My husband and I are not rollercoaster people. Big Thunder Mountain Railway is the limit for us. Well, a bunch of friends and fellow Disney fanatics were constantly picking on us for not riding es in the park are found on Sunset also. Tower of Terror-which none of the 4 of us have ever ridden and Rock'n'Roller Coaster. One April, when hubby and I were at the park without kids we decided to brave the ride. We were both shaking as we entered the pre-ride area. We were praying and coaching ourselves all the way through the line. We got in our car and when the ride took off-it took my breath away-literally. I couldn't breathe for half of the ride. I kept praying and when I could finally breathe, I screamed like crazy. I was very nervous because I couldn't see or hear my husband. I couldn't wait to get out of there. We exited the ride and collapsed on a bench when we exited the ride. We have now learned to take a deep breath and hold it as the ride takes off then you can exhale and breathe normally. I have ridden this ride several times over the years. This is now my hubby's favorite ride. His record is 6 times in a row-during extra magic hours-but he has learned that his body's limit is 5. After he did 6 he felt woozy and not well the rest of the day. Our oldest son loves es in the park are found on Sunset also. Tower of Terror-which none of the 4 of us have ever ridden and Rock'n'Roller Coaster  and our youngest, who is now 13, knows that next visit he doesn't get the choice to opt out of the ride.

I wish I could find my Fantasmic pictures, I know I have some really good ones. Oh well.

Not much to say here but Love it!! I was so happy when Disney re-themed this pavilion. I loved the old ride and once the previous sponsor pulled out the ride sat dormant for years. I couldn't wait for it to re-open. Turtle Talk with Crush is a not to be missed area in this pavillion.

This week's topic is one that I could go on about forever. Adventureland has some of our favorite classic Disney attractions: The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, The Jungle Cruise-where you can see the backside of water, The Enchanted Tiki Room and Pirates of the Caribbean. If you love pineapple this is also the place to get a Dole Whip, yummy! I decided to focus on one of the newer Adventurland attractions-Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial. This is an interactive 20 minute show that takes place several times a day near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride (check your times guide for exact show times).

From Steve Soar's WDW Entertainment site, "There are pirates among us! And they're looking to recruit. None other than Captain Jack Sparrow's first mate, Mack, is searching out brave souls who dream of a pirate's life. Can you swing a sword, sail the seas, and spot a cursed treasure before you plunder it? Maybe Captain Sparrow will even let you take the Pirate Oath and join his crew."


Mack and Jack teach a junior swashbuckler how to sword fight.


The show opened in the summer of 2006 and is still going strong. The actors are amazing and both kids and adults enjoy the show.

For years we skipped the Mexico Pavillion at World Showcase in Epcot. The boat ride hadn't changed since it opened, the restaurant isn't our kind of food and the shop is often noisy and crowded. Then in April of 2007 the ride re-opened after a lengthy closing and re-branding. The boat ride is now "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros!" The ride now features the three stars of the 1944 movie "The Three Caballeros". Disney did a great job of keeping some of the classic Mexico travelogue feel while incorporating Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito into the theme. The ride is now much more child friendly as they spend most of the ride chasing Donald Duck through Mexico.

 

Today's theme is Disney's Animal Kingdom-Camp Minnie Mickey. My favorite thing at Camp Minnie-Mickey is the Festival of the Lion King. A beautiful live show that showcases talented singers, dancers acrobats, stilt walkers, aerialists and more! The show is hosted by 4 singers and Timon does what he can to take control but it is the crowd favorite Tumble Monkeys that steal the show.

I knew the minute I saw this week's topic that it was going to be a tough one. We don't spend much time on Hollywood Blvd. Everytime we enter the park we go straight to the kiosk to get our times guide and check out the pin selection. We usually don't shop at the stores on the way into a park but I have bought some really cute shirts in the shops on Hollywood Blvd.

The only attraction on Hollywood Blvd. Is the Great Movie Ride. This isn't one of our favorites but we ride it once a year. We all close our eyes during the Alien scene and the rest of the ride is ok. The  Brown Derby Restaurant is also on Hollywood Blvd. I have never eaten there. It is one of the more pricey restaurants with lunch entrees averaging $24 and dinner entrees averaging $28. The Brown Derby restaurant is one of 3 that are part of the Fantasmic! Dinner package. The Brown Derby price for the package is $46.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids ages 3-9. The perk is, instead of waiting in line 60-90 minutes for Fantasmic! you can arrive 30 minutes ahead of time at a special entrance and sit in a reserved section.

The icon of Disney Hollywood Studios is the Sorcerer's Hat. The hat, which debuted in 2001 for the 100 Years of Magic Celebration, originally housed a shop where you could buy large, interactive pins, and game kiosks.  You would buy your pin and then when you got answers correct on the game kiosks, your pin would light up. There were also sensors in rides in all 4 parks so your pin would "magically" light up. The pins were big and bulky, but they were fun. Now the hat is home to a regular pin-trading store.
When the hat was installed there was a large public outcry because it blocked the view from the entrance to the Chinese Theatre.
 
I love this picture. One morning Ron and I went to Extra Magic Hours at what was them MGM Studios. Ron wanted to catch 5-6 rides on Rockin' Rollercoaster before the park opened and I wanted to take pictures like this one-with no other guests in sight.