101 Followers on Twitter

Hi everybody! Our Mousecapades just hit a milestone: 101 followers on Twitter! We're over the moon about it and we hope that we can continue to grow and improve. With your help (via tweets and comments), we hope to make Our Mousecapades better and more exciting over the coming months. Thanks again for the support.

Have a magical day!

Shun the Non-Believers!

*Disclaimer: Please don't really shun anybody because they act the way Kristin's co-worker does in the story below. They just don't get it.*

For those of you who may not know, I am in the midst of planning my next trip to Disney.  A few weeks ago, I was using one of my breaks at work to review some of the travel plans I have already made.  A co-worker came up behind me and very condescendingly said “You’re going again?  How many times has that been?  It can’t be that interesting!  You really should go someplace else.”  My first reaction was to defend myself:  I do travel elsewhere.  I have been all over the east coast, have been out to California. I have traveled to various places around the Caribbean, have started my European adventures and am in the midst of planning an extended stay in the Middle East within the next calendar year. 

Then it occurred to me, WHY should I feel the need to defend myself?  I enjoy vacationing in Disney World.  It is fun for me and who cares whether or not SHE finds it interesting, I find it interesting.  To me Disney is more than just a series of theme parks.  The attractions are only a small part of the appeal to me.  I enjoy the food, the environment, the music, and the smells.  I enjoy my time there.  I love to let go and allow the silly part of my personality take over.   I love the new memories I create with my loved ones and I love reliving some of the old.  I love watching the resort evolve over the years and having new and exciting experiences in a place I know and love so well.

To me this is no different than vacationing at the same beach house every summer or going on a bi-annual camping trip.  So what if instead of hiking through Yellowstone or going on a cruise or taking a ski vacation every year, I choose to travel to and stay in Disney?  This is what I enjoy doing, this is a place I LOVE to be.  I intend to travel there with my future husband and the new family we create.  I think about how wonderful it will be to have a complete family vacation there with my parents, sisters, our husbands and any babies that may be running around.    I love that Walt Disney World and the Disney experience has become such a foundation within my family.  In many ways, I grew up in Walt Disney World and it has become a part of me.  

So, to this nosey co-worker and anyone else who may scoff at my vacationing choices, judge all you want.  I love my time at WDW and I will continue to do so.  There are always going to be people out there who judge our choices just because they do not understand them.  As I said earlier, my first reaction was to go on the defense; however, since I have taken a step back from the situation, I realize that being content and excited with my choice to go to WDW again is far better than trying to explain myself to a non-believer.   

Never be embarrassed to say that you’re going back to WDW!  Only those who have already experienced the magic can truly understand why you want to return.

TTFN!

Tonga Toast

Yesterday (August 8, 2012), the Disney Food Blog posted a copy of the recipe for Tonga Toast: a South Pacific take on French toast served at the Polynesian’s Kona Kafe. Well, as luck would have it, I needed a special breakfast recipe for this morning. (My roommate is finishing her job from hell today, and I wanted to make her a congratulatory meal.) I have to admit, I’ve never had the Tonga Toast at the Kona Kafe, so I have no idea how my own version will match up and I won’t try and compare them, as I have nothing to base a comparison on.

Normally, I’m terrible at breakfast foods. I can make a mean omelet, but that’s pretty much it. You hand me pancake mix, they come out dense and tasting decisively not like pancakes. You put me in front of a waffle iron, they all burn or come out with holes in the middle. Despite my dismal past attempts at breakfast time, I thought I would give the Tonga Toast recipe a try. (To get a copy of the recipe, go to the Disney Food Blog. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/08/08/disney-recipe-tonga-toast-from-kona-cafe-in-disney-world/#more-62918)

Preparation for Tonga Toast was surprisingly very easy. It took maybe 10 minutes and smelled just like snickerdoodle cookies. YUM! The most difficult part of the prep was not letting the bananas fall out of the bread while I was dipping it in the batter or flipping it over in the pan; however, overall, I’d say this recipe was a huge success. There were a couple of really great things that I noticed about this recipe that I’d like to share with you.

1.)   You really do want to cut the bread at 3 inches thick, or thicker. The reason being that the batter seeps into the center of the bread and when you put it in the pan to fry, the outside gets toasty (or crispy, depending on how long you fry it) and the inside stays tender and delicious.

2.)   I didn’t need all of the batter or all of the sugar/cinnamon mixture. You could, probably, cut the batter in half and the sugar/cinnamon mixture by a little bit and still have more than enough for what you’re doing.

3.)   I used a slightly under-ripe banana. I was worried about how this was going to work when I woke up and the bananas were still not ripe, but it worked great. The flavor sweetened and the texture softened while the banana cooked. Now I’d be afraid that things would get too mushy if I used a ripened banana.

4.)   This meal cost less than $15 to make and can definitely serve 4 people. Especially if you pair it with a protein like sausage, eggs or bacon, this meal is very filling. Maybe not the best breakfast for a hot morning in August, but definitely one that will fuel you for a few hours.

I’d like to thank the Disney Food Blog for posting this recipe. I feel like a budding breakfast pro now that I know how to make this dish. And I’ve decided that the next opportunity I get to have breakfast at the Kona Kafe, I’m going to give the Tonga Toast a try and see how my own stands up in comparison. I’m pretty proud of this culinary venture, so here’s a photo showing today’s delicious breakfast.

Have a Magical Day!

Park Passes 101

One of the questions I am most often asked by friends or family members vacationing in Disney is: which park pass is the best?  Well, honestly, that depends upon how long you are staying and what extra activities you may want to do. Currently, Disney offers four types of passes: Single Day Passes; Magic Your Way Tickets; Theme Park Annual Passes and the Disney Premier Passport.

Michelle and I have purchased and used both the Magic Your Way tickets and the Annual Passes.  I currently hold an annual pass that I purchased a few years ago and have continued to renew (an annual pass is only good for one year and must be renewed – at a discounted price- every 13 months).  Annual passes can be purchased as either a basic pass, or a premium pass.  In addition to unlimited park-hopper access to all theme parks, the premium pass buys you unlimited access to the water parks, the golf courses, DisneyQuest and the Wide World of Sports complex.  I’m not a big water park person and I don’t play golf, so I didn’t see the point of paying the additional cost for the premium annual pass; however, I do want to try out DisneyQuest.  Maybe I can convince Marco to go when we are down there in November.

Now, for the GREAT stuff!   Besides yearly park hopper admission to all the theme parks owning an annual pass buys you something you wouldn’t imagine- DISCOUNTS!  Being an annual pass holder entitles you to discounts on accommodations, dining and merchandise all over WDW.  These discounts are at the discretion of the Walt Disney Company and can change at any time.  Most of the dining discounts are available at sit-down restaurants for lunch and are only applicable to food and non-alcoholic beverages.  However, some of the discounts are pretty reliable, especially the accommodations discounts.  These discounts, in some cases, can be as high as 35% off deluxe resort rooms.  When we went last September and this past February, Michelle and I were able to score a 20% discount on both rooms with our annual passes.  THAT IS CRAZY!  So, if you’re either planning on staying in Disney for a LONG vacation (10 days or more) or if you are planning on booking more than one Disney vacation in a calendar year, I suggest purchasing an annual pass.

  

The Magic Your Way Tickets are a bit more complicated.  These are essentially length of stay passes which you can alter to accommodate your needs.  The base price ticket entitles you to admission to ONE park PER DAY of your length of stay.  This is VERY important and most often, the most misunderstood feature of this ticket.  If you purchase the MYW base ticket and do NOT purchase the Park Hopper Option along with it, you are limited to attending ONE park in one day.  This means whenever you enter and leave a park, the computer system at Disney counts this as ONE FULL day whether it has been a full day or not.  Then, if you choose to attend another park within the same day, your ticket is deducted ANOTHER day.  This means that if you and your family are attending Disney for a week and decide to go to the MK on Monday, leave at 5 pm to go to dinner in France at EPCOT, each ticket has been docked two days despite the fact that it is still Monday.  So, unless you are either OK with attending only one park per day or purchasing additional tickets at the end of your stay, then pay the extra bit to add the Park Hopper Option to your ticket. 

The Park Hopper Option allows you to enter and exit any park on any day as many times you want for the length of your stay.  So, if you or one of your kids wants to spend Monday walking in and out of the admission gates of the Animal Kingdom, then you’re covered!  Your ticket will not be docked any days and will only run out on the day after your vacation is over.  For an additional cost, you can also add the Water Park Fun and More Option which buys you access to the water parks, golf, mini-golf, DisneyQuest and Wide World of Sports.  The third additional option to the MYW ticket is the No Expiration Option.  Which means your unused theme park days never expire.  WHAT?! WHAT?!  I am fo-shiz here!  If you purchase this option any unused days your have on your ticket at the end of your vacation are still viable and can be used at a later time.  In my opinion, the MYW tickets are great if you plan on going for one Disney vacation within a year.  If you plan on traveling to Disney more than once within a calendar year, even if it is only for a long weekend, I highly recommend investing in an annual pass.  It will be more expensive up-front, but it will save you money in the long run. 

For information, including current prices, on all four passes, you can access the Walt Disney World Site Here:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets-passes/

For annual passholder accommodations discounts, you can either call the reservations line at Disney and ask, OR you can check out www.mousesavers.com This is a great website that deals with all discounts Disney!

TTFN!

Relaxing IN the PARKS? Are you MAD, woman?!

Indeed, I am not mad. Anyway you slice it, family vacations can be stressful and, based on the number of times our family has vacationed in WDW, you’re going to need to take a break every now and then. After one full day of running through the parks, you will understand the necessity of it. No matter how many times you have been to a WDW park, the heat, the crowds, the “go, go, GO!” feeling of it all can get overwhelming. Therefore, don’t feel weak or like you’re going to be missing out on too much if you need to pop a squat for a ten minute break or so. The rides, and the crowds, aren’t going anywhere, so do yourself a favor and take a rest. To make things a little easier, I have separated our favorite chill-out places by park and I’ve included maps of each park with these areas clearly marked for you.

We’re going to start with the Animal Kingdom. Personally, I find the Animal Kingdom the most relaxing park of the four simply by nature. With the large river snaking through the park and the majority of the walkways being heavily shaded by tropical plants, this park has a much less hectic feel to it. Factor in the nature walks and numerous stage shows that you can sit for, the Animal Kingdom is the ultimate park for someone who enjoys some thrills, but also enjoys punctuating their day with time spans of decidedly relaxed activity.

The Oasis (the entrance to the park) is a relative small area and, therefore, does not offer many good locations for relaxing. However, if you need to sit a spell while the rest of the party hits the bathroom, rents a locker or heads to guest relations to make a dinner reservation, there are some low walls and a few benches in the area where you can enjoy the sounds and the smells of the nearby birds.

Discovery Island, the center of the park, boasts a great relaxation area: Discovery Island Trails. This is a winding pathway that takes you past small habitats and in and out of shade. Some of these habitats are adjacent to small patios with tables and chairs. These little areas are absolutely great for a time out.

If you want to sit and chill in Dino-Land USA, steer clear of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama; this area is modeled after Jersey Shore boardwalks and is quite hectic with all of the bells, whistles and blinking lights. Instead, head towards Dinosaur and walk the Cretaceous trail. It’s cool, it’s lazy and it’s often unfrequented. Or, you could hang out at the shaded tables next to Restaurantosaurus. They’re out of the way and look directly at Dinosaur. They’re not a bad spot to watch the world go by, and the sweet potato fries from the quick-service inside are nothing to turn your nose up at.

Asia always feels crowded because of the popularity of the Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest, but it is still possible to catch a few minutes of peace and quiet. If you head on over to the Yak & Yeti restaurant and stand with your back facing the front door, you should see a small snack/tea stand. Directly behind that stand is one of those small patios with tables and chairs. From there, you should get a great view of not only Expedition Everest, but of the Tree of Life as well.

Finally, there’s Africa. This area is normally quite crowded as well, but fear not! I have a place. If you look at the white awning just as you enter the village of Harambe, you will notice a lot of crowded tables. Walk all the way to the left and all the way to the back: voila! I give you the Dawa Bar. For some reason, the tables around the bar always seem empty and, added bonus!, the beer at this bar (both draft and bottle) is pretty fairly priced. Sit back, relax and enjoy a nice brew while you watch Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade. You’ll be glad you did.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Camp Minnie Mickey do not sport any rides; however, with the petting zoo at Rafiki’s and the character meet and greets in Camp Minnie Mickey, you may run into a different kind of hectic than you’re used to in the rest of the park. I would still seek out a comfortable location to rest, especially in the air conditioned conservation station in RPW. If you find one, let us know!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be a bit of a tough place to find a quiet rest, but I’ve got ya’ covered. Unlike the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios is severely lacking in shade, which is a major bummer. Unfortunately, this means that the small areas of shaded seating are ALWAYS over crowded. One key piece of advice I can give you is this: if you’re looking for a quiet (or relatively so) location to rest, stay away from the Tower of Terror and Rocking Roller Coaster area. These are the two most popular thrill rides at WDW and their waiting areas are always overflowing with other guests. If you are over in that area and don’t mind taking a bit of a stroll, head back towards Hollywood Boulevard. Just behind the times board and right next to the Hollywood Brown Derby is the Starring Rolls Café. This is your final destination. There are outside tables with umbrellas and decreased foot traffic. So, while your friends/kids/family are seeking their thrills, you can enjoy a nice seat and, perhaps, a delicious pastry.

Just on the other side of Hollywood Boulevard, turn on to Vine Street. As you’re walking along Vine, take a look to your left and you’ll see the Tune-In Lounge. This is one of Hollywood Studios’ most overlooked locations, as it actually serves as the welcome area to the 50’s Prime Time Cafe. It’s relaxed and it’s AIR CONDITIONED! There’s no need to order an alcoholic beverage when you’re in here. Want to sit and sip a bottle of water, an iced tea or a coke? Go for it, but utilize this lounge to its fullest. It’s a great place to relax and there may even be a television or two broadcasting a sporting event or the news.

If you’re towards the back of the park near Muppet Vision 3 – D, Lights, Motors, Action, or Star Tours, make your way to the Streets of America. Why, you ask? The Writer’s Stop! It is a coffee shop with real coffee (no Nescafé here!), where you can sit in a comfortable club chair and watch Disney cartoons. This is, by far, my favorite spot in Hollywood Studios. It is easily overlooked and thus always empty. Even if you’re not looking to take a rest, the coffee here is worth it. They use real espresso and concoct your drink right in front of you. You can even browse through some merchandise or purchase some rock candy to stir into your café mocha.

One final location is right by the exit to the Back-lot Tour and within a short walk to Toy Story Mania: The Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. Granted, if you’re child free you probably will not frequent this location; however, for those with children, this could be great. It allows your kids the opportunity to keep going and running off their sugar/adrenaline highs, while allowing you to rest up and keep a close eye on them all at the same time. 

In EPCOT, most of your rest locations are found in World Showcase where it is less ride-centric. However, there are a couple of quiet zones in Future World that you can take advantage of.

If you are in Future World West (the side of the park where you can find Soarin’), you’re going to want to head towards the Seas with Nemo and Friends. Look straight at the seagulls and then hang a right instead of a left; in moving away from the ride entrance, you’re moving away from the crowds. Round the next corner on your left and you will find yourself outside of the Coral Reef Restaurant. Directly across from the restaurant’s entrance you will find a couple of benches that, although not always shaded, are removed from the main traffic of the park. The only park goers you will really have to deal with are those eating at the restaurant or looking to do the same thing you’re doing.

Future World East boasts 1 worth while rest area. Between Ellen’s Energy Adventure and Mission Space is the Wonders of Life Pavilion. Although this building has been closed since the late 90s, the pathway between the pavilion and Mission space boasts a stretch of delightful shade and small walls to perch upon. I love this brief walk.

If you need a break in EPCOT, but your kids are still “go, go, GO!”, head to Ice Station Cool. This small shop (on the border of Future World West and the main thoroughfare between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase) features multiple tasting stations of Coca Cola products from all over the world. Although the shop does not supply any benches per se, you can take a seat on the stairs and watch as your kids exercise their inner soda critic. (Note for the health conscious: the tasting cups provided can’t be much more than 1 to 2 oz. Although there is no limit to how much soda you can taste, at least you know that each time your kids go to sample, they won’t be filling up on 8 to 10 oz of soda.)

I love strolling around the World Showcase lagoon with a cool margarita, frosty beer, or tasty glass of wine in hand. To me, this is relaxing in and of itself; however, there’s no way that everyone is content with just strolling when there is so much to see, do and taste. My top picks for a quick rest in World Showcase are located in Norway, Africa, America, Morocco and the United Kingdom.

In Norway, you can find an outdoor, covered patio directly between the bathrooms and the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. Here, you can indulge in the smells of the bakery while you wait for the small of bladder to relieve themselves. The patio also offers really good views of parts of the pavilion; SO, if your kids (or friends) want to join Team Possible and hunt down the villains of Norway, you will be able to watch them for most of that activity from the bakery patio. Another added bonus: the patio is close to a beer stand.

The African Outpost is not so much a pavilion as it is a drink & snack stand mixed with a souvenir shop. However, it does boast a fairly large collection of covered tables bordering on the lagoon. These tables offer a great view and tend to go quickly.

Although the American Adventure houses a very disappointing quick-service restaurant of McDonald’s fare, it does house a lovely outdoor collection of tables and chairs. They’re relatively close to the American Adventure’s bathrooms and they have the added bonus of being within hearing of the shows at the America Gardens theatre and the fife and drum band performances. Another great place to chill in the American Adventure is the rotunda of the main building. Air conditioned and with benches, the rotunda allows you to marvel at the excellent attention to detail and catch a set of the Voices of Liberty. Of course, you’re encouraged to see the next showing of the American Adventure audio-animatronic stage show, but you’re not required to. The American Adventure is also filled with quite a bit of historical information for any of you who wish to brush up on your American history.

In Morocco, you’re going to want to head all the way to the back of the pavilion. Through all of the shops, right outside the restaurant Marrakesh, you will find an oasis of sorts with stone benches and fountains. Again, very few people outside of diners at Marrakesh venture this far into the pavilion. Also to be found in the Moroccan pavilion is a small anthropological museum. I have only been in this section a few times, as the display does not change very often; however, it is ALWAYS quiet in here. If I remember correctly, I was alone in the exhibit for at least 10 minutes each time I visited. It’s very informative and it allows for some alone time and any needed quiet reflection. The museum is not even marked on the map, which is a clear sign that it will always be quiet.

The United Kingdom boasts three of my all time favorite relaxation zones. The first is pretty obvious: The Rose and Crown Pub. The pub WILL get crowded and, 75% of the time, you will not get a seat, but if all you’re looking for is an air conditioned, relaxed environment where no one will rush you, head on in. Spot number 2 is the garden right outside the pub and just behind the outdoor beer stand. I love this spot for 2 reasons: the views (over the lagoon and of the main thoroughfare) and how removed from all the hustle and bustle of the crowds it feels. It’s shaded, it’s quiet, and it’s perfect. You’re surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs and nothing could be more wonderful. Last, but not least, is the garden around the stage of the British Invasion music show. When the show is not playing, this is probably the quietest area of the park. Without the show, most people see no reason to be back there. The garden marks the furthest point of the pavilion that guests can access and, aside from some shrubs and some benches, does not really offer anything of note to most park goers. 

The park that I’m sure most people are curious about is the Magic Kingdom. There is no question that as the quintessential Disney Park, the Magic Kingdom is the most ride-centric. That being said, it can be hard to find a nice, uncrowded place to rest. It’s very true that there are areas where you will never find a spot to rest up, but I guarantee that there are a handful of wind-down spots just like the other three parks.

Main Street is a tricky section because it is the one thoroughfare that is constantly crowded as people funnel in and out of the park. As Kristin and I discovered on our last trip, take a turn down the “side road” just before the Main Street bakery. At the end of that road, you will find a mini-courtyard of sorts with nothing to do but sit. Then, there is an area just outside of the ice cream shop with yellow and white umbrellas. These tables extend along an off-shoot of Main Street as well as a small platform at the bottom of a flight of 3 or 4 stairs. You will get a great view of the castle, too!

There is only 1 real location in Adventureland where you will find a good spot to unwind. If you’re looking at the Aloha Isle Dole ice cream stand, there are two small recessed areas to either side with some tables and chairs. This location can get crowded later in the day when more and more people are craving some pineapple soft serve, so hit this spot early on.

When walking between Frontierland and Liberty Square, you can choose one of two walkways. If you take the one that is closer to the water as opposed to the path that is closest to the rides and shops, you will stumble upon a couple of great areas. Though small and few, these portions of shaded seating along the underused walkway, offer a great view of Tom Sawyer’s Island and limit the number of times you’re cut off by someone with a stroller.

Fantasyland is just as tricky as Main Street when you’re looking for a quiet location, as the crowds tend to infiltrate every area. Nonetheless, there are 2 places in Fantasyland where you can catch a quick break. For the first location, start with your back facing Cinderella’s Golden Carousel and head towards the castle itself. Just before walking through the Castle, hang a left and head down the bridge to the side, past Cinderella’s wishing fountain and keep your eyes on your left. You should stumble upon a mini-amphitheatre that is used for story telling and character meet and greets. When this section is not in use for these purposes, the stone benches are shaded and welcoming.

Fantasyland location 2: stand with your back to the teacups and looking down the pathway towards the castle and Main Street. Towards your right you will see a smoothie stand and just on the other side of the smoothie stand is a seating area. I love this spot and not just because of the delicious smoothies. Very few people use that pathway, so it’s relaxing and great.

For Tomorrowland, there really is only one worthy place for a relaxing sit-down: the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Why this ride? You’re removed from the crowds, it’s slow moving and you can (generally) stay on for as many go-rounds as you would like, so long as you ask to remain in your seat before you get off the ride. I find this ride to be so relaxing that I watch videos of it on YouTube when I’m having a particularly stressful day.

You have to remember that it is possible to find relaxation anywhere you are in WDW. You might have to look for the quiet, shaded spots, but they’re there. What area of the parks do you find the most relaxing? Let us know!

To make it even easier, here’s a link to low and high-res park maps on All Ears! Print ‘em out, mark your favorite spots or even plan your route through the park before you leave for vacation! http://allears.net/tp/map.htm

Have a magical day!

Michelle

Puppies and Pastries - Two of Our Favorite Things

Hello All!

So the Disney Parks Blog and the Disney Food Blog both posted some great things this week.

On the Disney Parks Blog, we are introduced to a little dog named Lilly who has some unusual markings that will make any Disney lover melt again after seeing her little face. You should especially watch the video:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/07/lucky-dog-mickey-meets-his-biggest-four-legged-fan/

On the Disney Food Blog, you'll find a review of two pastries at the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe: Lefse and jam filled waffles. The waffles make me salivate. Go check out the pictures!
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/07/31/review-lefse-and-waffles-at-epcots-kringla-bakeri-og-kafe/

We want to send a big "THANK YOU" to the Disney Parks Blog and the Disney Food Blog for these articles. They definitely brightened up our morning!

TTFN!

Food and Wine Festival Booths and Offerings Announced!

As you all know by now, Kristin will be in Disney World for the food and wine festival this year and she's more excited than words can truly convey. I'm so jealous that I could almost cry when I think about it! Even though I can't be there, I can live vicariously through her while salivating over the types of foods she may (or may not) be tasting. This year, there will be 29 booths, including 2 new ones: a booth of local Floridian flavors and a booth they are calling "Terra," which features vegan offerings.

Are you ready for the break down of the offerings? Because here it comes!!!!

Australia:
Shrimp on the Barbie with Pepper Berry Citrus Glaze
Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
Lamington (Chocolate and Coconut covered Yellow Cake)

Beverages
Rosemount Estate Taminer Riesling
Rosemount Estate Chardonnay Semillon
Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Shiraz
Rosemount Estate Shiraz Cabernet


Argentina:
Beef Empanada
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree

Beverages
Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay
Terrazas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
Terrazas Reserva Malbec


Belgium:
Steamed Mussles in Hoegaarden Beer Broth and Baguette
Belgian Wallfe with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles

Beverages
Hoegaarden
Stella Artois
Leffe Blonde
Leffe Brune
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Iced Coffee


Brewer's Collection:
Beverages only
Radeberger Pilsner
Altenmunster Oktoberfest
Altenmunster Dunkel
Hovels
Schofferhofer Weizen
Schofferhofer Grapefruit
Berliner Kindl Dark
Sion Kolsch


Canada:
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta and "Minus 8" Onion Jam
"Le Cellier" Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce

Beverages
Neige Premier Apple Ice Wine
Neige Bubble
Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah
Moosehead Beer


Caribbean:
Ropa Vieja with Cilantro Rice
Jerk Spic Chicken Drumstick with Mango Chutney

Beverages
Bacardi Frozen Dragon Berry Colada
Bacardi Torched Cherry Frozen Cherry Limeade


Cheese:
Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread
Trio of Artisan Cheeses: Beecher's Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Goat Brie and Rogue River Creamery Echo Mountain Blue Cheese

Beverages
Sterling Vintner's Collection Sauvignon Blanc
Sterling Vintner's Collection Riesling
Sterling Vintner's Collection Pinot Noir
Sterling Vintner's Collection Meritage 


China
Mongolian Beef with Chinese Steamed Bun
Pork Pot Stickers
Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce and Pickled Vegetables
Mango Tapioca Pudding

Beverages
Tsing Tao Beer
Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
Happy Lychee with Vodka
Sunny Guava with Coconut Rum 


Craft Beer
Beverages Only
Wimer Rotator IPA: Spice IPA, Portland, OR
Red Hook Pilsner, Portsmouth, NH
Blue Moon Seasonal, Golden, CO
Leinenkugel Berry Weiss, Chippewa Falls, WI
Florida Beer Company's Devil's Triangle, Florida
Abita Purple Haze, Louisianna
Full Sail IPA, Oregon
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Nevada


Desserts and Champagne
Yogurt Panna Cotta with Orange Cake, Raspberries and Pomegranate
Lemon Custard Verrine with Blueberry Compote
Dark Chocolate Mousse with Chili and Salted Caramel

Beverages
Nesquick Frozen Chocolate Foam
Nesquick Frozen Strawberry Foam
Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial
Moet & Chandon Imperial


Fife and Drum
Beverages only
Red Stag Lemonade by Jim Beam®
Red Stag Honey Tea Lemonade by Jim Beam® 


Florida Local - NEW BOOTH!
White Corn Arepa with Mangalitsa Pork Rilette and Zellwood Sweet Corn Salad
Florida Shimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables, Fried Plantains and Cilantro

Beverages
Florida Beer Company Florida Lager
Florida Beer Company Key West Southernmost Wheat
Florida Orange Grove Key Limen
Florida Orange Grove Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria


France:
Escargots Persillade en Brioche
Coq au Vin sur Gratin de Macaroni
Creme Brulee au chocolat au lait

Beverages
Chardonnay, Bouchard aine & Fils
Merlot, Chateau de Mercade Bordeaux
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush


Germany:
Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese)
Roast Bratwurst in Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel with Karamel-Vanilla Sauce

Beverages
Selbach-Oster Estate Spatlese
JH Selbach Riesling Classic
JH Selbach Riesling QbA Red Label
Niersteiner Spiegelberg Dornfelder
Radeberger Pilsner
Altenmunster Dunke


Greece:
Greek Salad with Pita Bread
Griddle Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Spanakopita
Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt Cups

Beverages
Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
Domain Skoura St. George
Sigalas Assytiko
Alpha Axia Syrah


Hawai'i:
Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips

Beverages
Seven Tiki® Mai Tai
Heitz Cellar Chardonnay
Kona Brewing Company Big Wave Golden Ale
Kona Brewing Company Pipeline Porter


Hops & Barley
Linda Bean's® Lobster Claw Cuddler® Chilled with Herb Mayonnaise
Linda Bean's® Perfect Main Lobster Roll®
Linda Bean's® Maine Home Style Clam Chowder
Pumpkin Mousse with Craisins and Orange Sauce

Beverages
Samuel Adams Boston Lager®
Samuel Adams® Seasonal
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
17th Anniversary Festival Beer - Samuel Adams® Chocolate Bock
Samuel Adams Light®
Samuel Adams® Cream Stout
Samuel Adams® Latitude 48 IPA
Angry Orchard Cider


Ireland
Lobster and Seafood Fisherman's Pie
Kerrygold® Cheese Selection: Aged-Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Cashel Blue with Apple Chutney and         Brown Bread
Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey's Ganache

Beverages
Guinness
Bunratty Mead Honey Wine
Bunratte Potcheene Chilled Irish Coffee


Italy:
Ravioli di Formaggio All'emiliana (Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Beef Bolognese, Parmesan, Mozzarella)
Salsiccia e "Papacelli" Napoletani (Sweet Sausage, Red Pepper, Ciabatta Bread)
Cannoli al Cioccolato (Chocolate-covered Cannoli Filled with Ricotta, Chocolate, Candied Fruit)

Beverages
Moretti Beer
Prosecco Zardetto
Pinot Grigio Mezzacorona
Chianti Castello di Quercetto
Italian Margherita


Japan:
Spicy Hand Roll (Tuna & Salmon with Chili Pepper, Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil Topped with Kazan Volcano Sauce)
Karaage Hand Roll (Crispy Chicken Breast with Sushi Rice and Spicy Mayonnaise)
California Roll (Avocado, Cucumber, Crab, Mayonnaise, Smelt Roe Rolled in Sushi Rice and Seaweed)
Sukiyaki Beef Pan (Marinated Thinly Slice Rib Eye with Sauteed Onions and Teriyaki Sauce Served in a bun)

Beverages
Kirin Ichiban Draft Beer
Sake-Kikusui Super Dry, Junmai
Sake-Bishounen Junmai Ginjo
Sake Strawberry Mist


Mexico:
Crispy Shrimp Taco with Chipotle lime Mayo and Cabbage Served on a Flour Tortilla
Taco de Filete with Cascabel Pepper Sauce and Scallions Served on a Flour Tortilla
Natilla de Cajeta (Caramel Custard Served with Sauce)

Beverages
Dos Equis Beer
L.A. Cetto Chardonnay
L.A. Cetto Petite Syrah
Lime Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks
Tequila Flight: Tequila Bianco, Reposado and Anejo


Morocco:
Kefta Pocket (Ground Seasoned Beef in a Pita Pocket)
Merguez Sausage (Beef and Lamb Sausage with Grilled Peppers and Onions)
Baklava

Beverages
Casa Beer
Amazigh Red
Sangria
Mimosa Royale


New Zealand:
Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad
Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney

Beverages
Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Kim Crawford Un-Oaked Chardonnay
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir


Poland:
Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
Zapiekanki-Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House Made Ketchup

Beverages
Chandon Carneros Chardonnay
Tyskie
Belvedere® Frozen Lemon Apple "Tea" 


Scandanavia:
Taste of Scandanavia: Cured Salmon, Herring and Shrimp Salad
Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries
Rice Pudding with Driscoll's® Only the Finest Berries™

Beverages
Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee
Xante
Xante Sunshine 


Singapore:
Beef Rendang with Jasmine Rice
Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and "Singa" Sauce

Beverages
Tiger Beer
Marques de Caceres Satinela
Singapore Sling


South Africa:
Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce
Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket

Beverages
Fairview Savignon Blanc
Fairview Pinotage


South Korea:
Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
Mung Bean Pancake with Shrimp and Kimchi Sauce

Beverages
Bohae Black Raspberry Wine - Bokbunjajoo
Chung Ha Soju Fruit Slushy
Chung Ha Soju


Terra - NEW BOOTH!
Trick'n Chick'n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein Chick'n Breast
Chili Colorado with House Made Chips & Cashew Cheese, featuring Gardein Beefless Tips
Chocolate Cake with Passion Fruit Sorbet and Coconut Foam

Beverages
Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc
Paul Dolan Pinot Noit
Silk® Berry Smooth   



 Everything looks so tasty but the booths that we're most excited about are Belgium, cheese, dessert & champagne (most the champagne part, but the yogurt panna cotta sounds delectable), the Belevedere® Frozen Lemon Apple Tea from Poland, Terra and a few other offerings like the spinach and paneer cheese pocket from South Africa. If I were able to go with Kristin and Marco, I'd be all over the Mexico and New Zealand booths as well. Normally, Kristin drags Marco to Middle Eastern restaurants all over the New Jersey/New York area. I wonder how he will think WDW's Middle Eastern food compares?

If you're looking for more in depth information on the food and wine festival, or you're looking to book a trip for the festival, check out the following websites. They will be incredibly helpful and should at least stir up your appetite.

Official Disney webpage for the Food and Wine Festival: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/marketplace/

Illuminating EPCOT blog:  http://www.illuminatingepcot.com/food-wine-festival-2012/food-wine-booths/

All Ears (our favorite source for everything Disney): http://allears.net/index.html

Go ahead, tell us what you would be most excited about sampling.

Have a magical day.
Michelle

What is YOUR Favorite?

Like many modern American families, the five of us: myself, my two sister and our parents; are spread across a few states and do not see each other as often as we used to.  One of the ways we maintain our relationships is through frequent texting and often, our texts have a Disney theme.   

Michelle and I may be the authors and administrators at Our Mousecapades, but a love for everything Disney spans our entire family.  We all share a love and a deep sense of nostalgia for Walt Disney World and something we frequently do is text each other our ‘Walt Disney World Favorites’.  This game, usually started by our eldest sister, Melinda, is all about naming your Disney favorites without thinking.  Basically one person will text the other four a question such as “What is your favorite Disney World hotel?” and we answer as quickly as possible, without thinking.  This is also a really fun game to play in person, especially on long car rides!   

We recently spent the bulk of a Sunday night engaged in this game and I thought I would share with you some of our questions and answers:

Q:  Top 5 Rides at WDW?

A:  Soarin’, El Rio del Tiempo (the original), Livin with the Land, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story Mania ( I know that is 6 rides, but these were the top six shared among everyone)

Q:  Favorite Classic Extinct Disney Attraction?

A:  Horizons, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Journey Into Imagination (the original)

Q:  Favorite Disney Sit-Down Restaurant?

A:  Jiko, The Rose and Crown Pub, The Biergarten

Q:  Favorite Disney Quick Service?

A:  Sunshine Seasons, Columbia Harbor House, Restaurantosaurus

Q:  Favorite Lounge or Place for Drinks?

A:  Victoria Falls Lounge (the overall favorite).  Honorable mentions were the lounge and pool bar at the Polynesian.

Q:  Favorite Disney Sidekick?

A:  Mike Wazowski, Meeko, Stitch (not really a sidekick, but who cares)

Q:  Favorite Disney Parks Snack?

A:  Popcorn or Dole Pineapple Soft Serve.

Q:  Favorite WDW Resort Lobby?

A:  Animal Kingdom Lodge, hands down.  Our Dad was the only one who said something else.  He loves the Polynesian.

Q:  Favorite Fountain in WDW?

A:  The Epcot entrance fountains, the Miss Piggy fountain in front of Muppet Vision 3D, the Spanish mission fountain in front of Pirates of the Caribbean and the fountain of the Venetian God in the Italy Pavilion.

Q:  Favorite Hotel Pool?

A:  Yacht and Beach Club!  Everyone loves the pool at the Yacht and Beach Club!

Q:  Favorite Classic Disney Cartoon on Disney TV (in the WDW Resort hotel rooms)?

A:  Lambert the Sheepish Lion and Camping Trip

Now, these are just some of the questions we asked each other and every time we play this game we ask each other different questions.  When we get the chance to sit down together as a family, we will sometimes play this game.  This is not only about sharing our Disney favorites, but a great way to bond through sharing our childhood memories.

For information on menus or for exceptional photos of the resorts check out allears.net

So, go, play, have fun and please, share with us the questions and answers your family came up with!  Until next time, have a magical day!

Love,

Kristin

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue: All You Can Eat and All You Can Laugh

A Disney World family tradition that I will never forget is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show. It’s a slap-stick comedic dinner show, loosely based on the traveling vaudeville acts of the 19th century Midwest. Found at Fort Wilderness resort, the Hoop-Dee-Doo does two shows a day, serving up innocent humor and delicious barbeque.

The show begins outside of Pioneer Hall – a large building with a log cabin feel – when someone from the wait staff invites a small child to ring the dinner bell. You follow the line into the hall (of course there is a line) and you’re seated at a table assigned to you when you make your reservation. At the time you make your reservation, you get to choose from three locations: location 1 has the best seats of the house. They are on the main level, along the stage and in the very center of the floor. Location 2 includes the perimeters of the main level, as well as the center section of the mezzanine, while location 3 includes the sides of the mezzanine. As someone who has sat in all three locations, the table assigned to you does not truly affect the many ways in which you can enjoy the show. Certainly, there are very specific tables that involve more interaction with the actors, strictly due to their location and the nightly targeted tables for comedic bits; however, sitting in the mezzanine is equally as enjoyable as sitting right next to the stage.

The tables are covered in red table cloths, with tin plates, red and white checked napkins, a tin bucket full of green salad and a wooden block with fresh made corn bread, accompanied by the most delicious whipped honey butter in existence. The servers take your drink orders and deliver them to your table in mason jars! (In recent years, we’ve been collecting mason jars and using them as glasses, too! It’s a ton of fun.) Unlimited water, soda, juice, milk, beer and sangria are all included in the price of your “ticket,” while anything with hard alcohol will be an additional price clearly marked on the drink menu.

Once everyone is seated, you’ve ordered your drinks and had time to start munching on some leafy greens and tasty corn bread, the Professor and Smiling Jack begin playing away. Together, they entertain you with some toe-tapping ditties on the piano and the banjo; generally, I have known this part of the show to induce quite a bit of off-rhythm clapping from the audience. It’s fun, Midwestern music, expertly played and it continues throughout the show. About 5 – 10 minutes into the music, you suddenly hear a rumble from behind and in storm the Pioneer Hall players: Dolly Drew, Flora Long, Claire DeLune, Six-Bits Slocum, Jim Handy and Johnny Ringo.

A few musical numbers later, and your dinner is being brought to your table: fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, corn and baked beans all served in tin buckets. Everything is all you can eat and everything is pretty delicious, good ol’ fashioned barbeque. (Unfortunately for Kristin, nothing on their standard menu is vegetarian. The standard vegetarian meal offered is grilled vegetables and pasta with marinara sauce. The vegetables are normally zucchini, carrots, and cauliflower. If you’re not going to be filled by this towering plate of veggies, then you should probably think twice about sitting for this dinner show.) Eventually, the show starts up again; however, you’re encouraged to keep eating. Your server will continue to bring you more buckets of food until you’ve decided that you’ve had enough. At the end of the show, “Ma” (the metaphorical head chef) whips up some strawberry shortcake that is served with great fanfare and lots of whipped cream.

As evident, the food at the Hoop – Dee – Doo Revue is very specific; aside from the vegetarian substitution, there are no options on the food menu. Although the food is delicious, from a meat eater’s perspective, you may want to think twice before booking the show if you’re not a fan of fried chicken and ribs. In all honesty, the show can be pricey with adult tickets ranging from $54.99 - $67.99 per person based upon the location of your table. (Luckily, gratuity and taxes are included if you stick to the drinks included in the original price.) If you’re a big “all-you-can-eat” diner and find nothing more enjoyable than barbeque and big laughs, then this dinner show is for you. Nobody rushes you and nobody makes you feel unwelcome.

Now that you have a run down of the food, it’s time to talk about the show! The actors are split up into pairs: Dolly & Six-bits, Flora & Jim, and Claire & Johnny. Each couple has a designated purpose to the show: Flora & Jim are your singing duo; Claire & Johnny are the designated dancers; Dolly & Six-bits provide the most laughs and the most entertaining conflicts. Each couple has some form of a romantic overtone to their interaction, no matter how dysfunctional that romance may be. These six actors spend probably about half the show interacting directly with the diners. Doing everything from singing small rhymes about where people come from to sitting in the laps of gentlemen and asking them to “toot,” these actors get right up in your personal space and make the audience a part of the show. The “big spectacle” at the end of the show requires the participation of 4 willing audience members, picked at random by the actors. It really is a lot of fun and it encourages everyone to laugh and to have a good time. If you don’t leave with your cheeks hurting, then this show was not for you. It’s good natured entertainment and fun for the whole family.

The songs from the show have a tendency to get stuck in your head; therefore, you should be singing them for pretty much your entire life. Unfortunately for me, they recently revamped the music in the show and changed some of my favorite numbers. The opening number was not the same when we saw the show last September and that made me a little sad. However, the opening number that I know and love plays through my head every time I think about this show.

I do not want to give too much away; however, it is an amazingly good time. If you don’t mind interacting with actors and you enjoy eating your weight in barbeque, this is the show for you. It’s an easy boat ride from the Magic Kingdom and, if you’re lucky, the bus driver at the end of the night may drive you directly to your hotel or to a location where it is easy to access a bus to your hotel. Of course, you can always drive to the campgrounds and park in their main parking lot; however, I do not recommend this if you’re planning on indulging in some liquid cheer. Better to be safe and take the bus.

So the next time you’re headed to WDW, maybe you should consider the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue as a fun, care-free dinner experience. You can look up times and prices here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hoop-de-doo-musical-revue/

Until next time, here’s a YouTube link to my favorite opening number.

TTFN!

Update

Hello Everyone!

I know Michelle and I haven’t been keeping up with the blog and we apologize.  The past six weeks have been a whirlwind for us and I wanted to write a brief up-date on what has been going on in our lives.  Michelle has been especially busy with her move this coming weekend. She will be relocating to Washington D.C. to pursue a Master’s Degree in museum studies at George Washington University.  So with Michelle’s impending move and my crazy work schedule (I have been working 6 days a week, sometimes 7, for quite sometime now), we have had little time for blogging L.

However, things have quieted down a bit and I am so happy to report that my boyfriend, Marco and I are in the midst of planning a trip to Disneyworld for the up-coming Epcot International Food and Wine festival.  Marco has never been to the food and wine festival and I have only been once.  Needless to say, I LOVED it.  Attending the food and wine festival is, by far, one of my most loved Disney memories and I am so excited to share this experience with my Marco.  I am also so excited to be able to be in DISNEYWORLD on my BIRTHDAY (our travel dates coincide with my 27^th birthday)!  How AWESOME is it going to be to wake up in DISNEYWORLD on my birthday!!!!

Considering I have been the one to plan most of the Disney trips, I have decided to let Marco plan this one.  Marco loves the idea of staying at the Beach Club; he loves the location, the convenience to be able to walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and he also loves the laid back décor and comfortable feeling the Beach Club resort offers.  However, considering the Beach Club is in a PRIME location, especially during food and wine, accommodations are a bit pricey. I have an annual pass, so we are anxiously waiting to hear what kinds of annual pass discounts Disney is offering for our travel dates.  If, even with the discount the Beach Club is out of our price range, we will be shacking up at The Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Information about annual pass discounts can be found at:

http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#discountmenu 

Or, if you have already booked you room, go ahead and call the Walt Disney World Accommodations line directly.  If the discount for the time you will be staying is still in effect, a representative will be more than happy to help you.

Another great thing I have discovered: Dunkin Donuts and JetBlue have partnered, offering a 10% discount on ANY JetBlue flight when you purchase certain 1lb bags of Dunkin Donuts coffee.  The discount is good for any one-way or round trip ticket to any available JetBlue destination as long as the ticket costs at least $100.  Unfortunately, the offer is only valid if you are flying out of Newark-Liberty International Airport in NJ or JFK, LaGuardia or Westchester County Airports in New York.  This is very convenient for us, considering Newark is our closest airport.  The flights need to be booked between July 1^st and September 4^th for any flight departing between September 5^th and November 7^th.   More information can be found here:   http://boardingarea.com/blogs/dealswelike/2012/07/05/10-off-jetblue-coupons-at-dunkin-donuts/

Well, that is all for now.  I will keep you up-dated on our travel plans.  Expect a review of the annual passholder benefits to be up soon as well!  Now if only I could decide where I want to celebrate my birthday dinner?  Jiko?  La Hacienda de San Angel?  Victoria and Alberts?

Have a Magical Day,

Kristin J

HIDDEN MICKEYS!

So, this time around, we did our Hidden Mickey hunt in the Magic Kingdom. I tried to group our photos based on the land they're found in. Can you guess where these Hidden Mickeys are? I bet you can! No hints from us! Some of them are small/obscured, but they're there; keep scouring.

Adventureland:

Frontierland:

Fantasyland:

Tomorrowland:

These are not all of the Hidden Mickeys in the Magic Kingdom; far from it, actually. Some of them are really hard to find and others are just IMPOSSIBLE to photograph. We hope you have fun with these! We had a great time looking for them.

TTFN!!!!!