AJ from the Disney Food Blog Answers Your Questions!

Published July 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Don’t you just love the subject of Disney FOOD? Most Disney fans who love Disney food are familiar with the fabulous AJ Wolfe and her fantastic website, DisneyFoodBlog.com.

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A few moths ago, AJ graciously agreed to do an interview with us. Right away I sent out a call to action for you guys – all my friends and  readers here at Disneyways – and asked you to send in YOUR questions for AJ. Thank you so much to everyone who responded!

AJ recently sent me an email with all the answers to your awesome questions and she really made my day. I am so grateful to her for taking time out of her busy schedule to respond to us. I can not thank her enough! Please be sure to write to her on twitter, facebook, and visit her site often – I know she would love to hear from you! Also, don’t forget to check out the latest versions of all of AJ’s guides to Disney food! Without further adieu – here is our Q&A with AJ Wolfe.

1. John from Atlanta: What classic MK snack do you think needs a makeover?

It’s not so much a makeover, but I would love it if Walt Disney World would bring the same great garnishes to their Dole Whip floats that Disneyland currently uses. There’s something magical about a little umbrella and a cherry!

2. Heidi S. from McAlisterville, PA: I’m set in my ways and get a Dole Whip Float on every visit to the Magic Kingdom. However, I need to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. What do you recommend?

Have you tried the Citrus Swirl? It’s a great nod to Disney tradition as well, and has recently returned to the parks in its original form. A twisted combination of frozen orange juice and vanilla soft serve, you can even get this delicious treat as a float as well!

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3.DisneyPirate Dave from Treasure Island FL:
Is there any information in the book for people with special dietary needs like diabetes, allergies, vegan, or other?

Absolutely! We at Disney Food Blog know it’s extremely important that guests with special dietary needs are able to access the information they need to have an enjoyable visit, so we have included an extensive section in The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining on special dietary needs. It’s chock full of tips, links, and resources that you can use to plan ahead, or while you’re on the go, to ensure a safe eating experience.

4. Samantha J. from Niagara Falls, Canada:
I always thought Disney could make a ton (like they need it!) and save their guests a lot by having a PARK refillable mug, what are your thoughts on this?

I’m up for anything that makes the Disney dining experience more enjoyable! That have been rumors that Disney was testing Park Mugs, but as of this date, we haven’t seen them come to fruition.

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5. Sarah N. from Sarasota FL:What is your best cost-effective snack tip (or best suggested item to use use DDPP snack credits on)? What do you consider the most decadent snack to be? What’s the most expensive snack you’ve seen?

My best cost effective tip would be this: don’t ever leave with unused snack credits! If you find yourself with leftover snack credits on the day you’re to leave, visit one of the confectioneries or gift shops that sell items you can take with you, and use your snack purchase to buy these edible souvenirs. Not using every last credit would be a shame!

I think, hands down, the myriad of ginormous Disney cupcakes available for a snack credit would have to win my vote for most decadent snack. They’re huge, and easily shareable between a couple of people. But the new salted caramel ganache at the Boardwalk Bakery is a close second!

The most expensive snacks are usually associated with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. They regularly feature several of the higher-priced items for a snack credit. Last year, for instance, you could get lobster for a steal! That’s also another tip that I like to give readers: if you’ll be in Walt Disney World for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which takes place September 27 — November 12, be sure to save your snack credits for a trip to the World Showcase Marketplace Booths!

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6. You must know so much about Disney food already, but was there anything new that you learned while writing this book?

There is always something new to learn about Disney food! They are constantly trying new things, and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t. I think the biggest news this year will be how My Magic + will continue to impact the way that we go about making advance dining reservations. I see the potential for that to be a real game changer for how guests weave dining into their Disney experience.

7. Are you currently working on any new projects or books?

Always! We have just released our very first DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks, and it’s already a big hit! We are currently putting the final touches on our DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which is available for pre-order (and includes the 2012 guide for free). Other books in the works are an updated guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays (which also includes the 2012 guide for free). Finally, we are continuing work on additions that focus on Disneyland Parks, and Dining with Kids in Disney World as well.

8. What is the next snack you plan on enjoying when you go to Magic Kingdom?

It might depend on cravings at the time, but I’d say there’s a better than good chance I’ll enjoy an ice cream cookie sandwich from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments! No trip would be complete without one!

9. How long will the new guide to snacks be available?

For the forseeable future! We take great pride in making sure that the information in the books is current and relevant, so we release new versions annually.

10. I know we all have, or will have our own reasons for loving the book. But what do you think makes your book the very best out there and who do you think will benefit most from it?

In a nutshell, there is no other Disney guide out there that provides a complete look at all things related to Disney food, but that doesn’t stop us from creating the BEST books we can. We have the knowledge and we have done the research to bring you the most comprehensive and truly useful guides to Disney dining possible, and our books are a fantastic resource for planning a vacation at Walt Disney World. We’re constantly dreaming up new ways to make our next versions even better than the previous ones.

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Click here to browse all the latest e-guides that the Disney Food Blog has available to help you plan YOUR dining experiences on your next trip to Disney!

Tips for Keeping your Valuables Safe During your Disney Vacation ~ By Tamara Botzum

Published July 12, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Safety First ~ A Guest Post by Tamra Botzum

  Upon hearing of the struggles a friend is going through after theft of some items in her hotel room in October of 2012, I feel it’s time to think about what one should and should not do when vacationing.
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  Don’t tell people on social networking sites where you are going or when.  Having a status message like this can open your home to being robbed while you are on that fabulous Disney Cruise.  If you have an enthusiastic travel agent, ask him or her nicely not to post your vacation plans.  If you are polite, your agent should not take offense to maintaing your privacy.  Feel free to brag about your vacation when you return home!
   Posting photos online from your mobile devices can also give others a clue that you are not home.  Photos are often tagged with a location.  Status messages also can disclose where you are at the time, too.   Remember, you are on vacation, you can leave the social networking alone for a bit.
  Do you need insurance?  Check with your homeowners and car insurance policy if you are covered for theft.  You may be surprised what they will cover!   If you rent your home, check your renters insurance.  If you feel you need travelers insurance, you needn’t buy it from where you booked your vacation. Instead, try a third-party insurance company like insuremytrip.com.   You may even save some money!
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Oh my, your daughter wants to bring her iPad mini, your son wants to bring along his iPod, and you are just dying to use that brand-new digital camera!  It is a good idea to write the serial numbers down for each device you will be taking on your trip.  Take a photo of them, too.  Keep that information in a safe location at home. This includes your cell phones, too.
  Take only the credit cards you will use and make a copy of them before you leave on vacation.  Make a copy of your drivers license, too.   Keep the copies and serial number information in a secure location.   My first choice is a safe deposit box at a bank.  They come in a variety of sizes and the rental period is usually for a year.  If you must keep this important information at home, get creative.  One example, is keeping your information behind some photos hanging on your wall. Just don’t forget where you hid them.
  When you are on vacation, take precautions there, too.  Use the safe in your room.  Sure, those room safes are not known to be spacious, but it’s far better than having that new iPad stolen.  Also be sure to lock your door when you are in your room.    If you don’t want  housekeeping in the room, be sure to use the DO NOT DISTURB sign.  You can request extra towels and toiletries from housekeeping.
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If you are using public wifi, be extra careful.  Try not to check your banking or shop online when using public wifi unless you are absolutely certain you are not in a public area and the wifi is secure.  Chances are, that Amazon item you saw on your iPad app while lounging at the pool can wait until you get home.  You can never be too certain who is watching when you are busy looking at your smartphone.
  Ahh jewelry. I really love jewelry.  Try to resist the temptation of wearing expensive jewelry when on vacation.  Keeping your jewelry in a safe deposit box is a great place to keep them when away from home.  This is the time to wear the funky and colorful jewelry you know you have!  You may even find some new jewelry while on vacation.
  I hope you have found this article interesting and insightful.  We envision our vacations to be perfect, and with a little extra preparation and some diligence, you CAN have a perfectly stress-free vacation!  Do you have any additional tips on how to stay safe?  Please let me know in the comments below!  I would love to hear from you!
~Tamara
Tamara Botzum is a recent graduate of The Disney College of Knowledge and is happily selling Disney travel through CruiseDirections.com.
Tamra
Tamara and husband Spencer have visited Walt Disney World over eight times so far. Their first trip together was in 2006.  They have also visited Disneyland twice.  When Tamara is not selling Disney vacations, she enjoys reading, interacting with Disney friends on Facebook, traveling, writing short stories and crafting.

Podcast Meetup – News, Free Dining, Least Crowded Christmas Party Dates and More!

Published July 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Click here to learn more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast!

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Disney Parks Podcast Meetup

Monorail Crawl

Location: Magic Kingdom Resorts

Date: July 20, 2013

Beginning at 5:00 PM

We want to meet you! Drinking alcohol is totally optional. Come get a soft drink or just hang out and chat!

Join us for some or all of the monorail stops!

Here is the agenda:

Outer Rim lounge – Contemporary Resort 5:00 to 6:00PM
Tambu Lounge – Polynesian Resort 6:30 to 7:30
Mizner’s Lounge – Grand Floridian Resort 8:00 to 9:00

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Tune in this week to hear some great news and information – including:

RunDisney Announces the Tinker Bell 10K at the Disneyland Resort

  •  New Menu at Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • FREE DINING

  • Touring Plans recommendations for the least crowded dates to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Click here to go to this episode and listen in! 

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Join the Optimist! The worlds of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy were only the beginning…

Published July 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Don’t you love watching Walt Disney on TV and YouTube – or just hearing his voice? I know I do. There’s a reason everyone seemed to think of him as Uncle Walt. It is amazing to think so much joy and inspiration is still coming forth from this man. He made an amazing difference to the world during his all too short life.

WALT the Optimist

Walt represents many things to a number of people. Nobody could argue that Walt Disney was a real-life “visionary idealist” – and that trait is the big star in The Optimist,” a new alternate reality game presented through a partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development and The Walt Disney Studios.

This 6-week alternate reality game will engage us with social media, email, physical mail, and culminate at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 9-11, 2013.

Here is how it was explained to us on the D23 website:

“In this narrative adventure, participants around the globe linked by social media will join fictional characters to explore both virtual and physical realms, piecing together an imagined story of Walt Disney, the Imagineers and other visionary thinkers and their potential involvement in a mysterious project that sought to build a better future.”

walt2Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development head Scott Trowbridge is behind the whole thing, and here is what he had to say:

“…One of our characters has discovered some previously unknown facts that could change what we think we know about Walt Disney, Imagineering and Disneyland Park. Players can participate at different levels of engagement over the six-week story—from leveraging social media and mobile devices to visiting unique physical sites from the story in and around Los Angeles.”

Some characters and situations in The Optimist are based on real people and events. Overall though – the experience is just pretend – and not supposed to represent real history.

optimist

The hope is to connect people around the world with each other, and to tell a story that is unbelievable yet encouraging. We could all use some encouragement at times – so I am excited about what this has in store for us!

Visit Optimist.Disney.com to learn more about the experience and get started! If you already have an account with Disney to book your resort stays and dining reservations – you will use that same login information here.

Least crowded dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2013

Published July 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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It’s like Christmas in July!

Tickets have been on sale for quite some time for the 2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and I know some of you out there are already making plans to come celebrate your holiday here in Walt Disney World! If you prefer wide open spaces to walk and shorter lines for attractions, you may be wondering what some of the best dates are to come and party. In researching the best date for the Disney Parks Podcast team to get our holiday on – I stumbled on some great information from TouringPlans.com that I wanted to share with you today.

According to the site –  last year’s crowds indicate that Tuesday Christmas parties are less crowded on average than parties held on any other day of the week. Friday is the next-best day to attend a Very Merry Christmas Party.  We can enjoy lower crowds for the Christmas parties right between the Thanksgiving and Christmas busy periods. Four of the five parties between December 3 and 10, 2013, are among the TouringPlans.com top 7 least-busy parties – but they expect Sunday, December 8th to be a bit busier. While there are no Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties during Thanksgiving week, the parties just prior to and just after that break are traditionally busy. Thursday and Sunday are the busiest days – and many November dates rank among the most crowded. You may also want to avoid the last few parties before Christmas, because they are also quite crowded.

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In general the wait times during the Christmas parties are quite low, averaging only about 9 minutes. The Christmas parties may be your best bet to enjoy some of your favorite attractions.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for the least crowded, best day to visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2013…

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Touring Plans says to circle Tuesday, December 10, 2013 on your calendar.

That Christmas Party, on a Tuesday in early December, was the least-crowded event in 2012’s schedule. If that date doesn’t work for you – just refer to the recommendations above for help. Don’t forget – Epcot and Hollywood Studios have SO much to offer as well during this time of year.  I hope you’ll consider coming “home” for Christmas – and we will see soon!

Disney Tip to Help Customize Your Celebration

Published July 7, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Who says you can’t get anything at Disney for free? Disney is a great place to celebrate any occasion and make magical memories! If you are in the parks and want everyone to know what you’re celebrating – stop by a Vacation Planning Booth, or Guest Services to pick up your celebration button! The best part is – they are absolutely FREE! If you are staying at a Disney resort – just ask for a button when you check in. You may receive special treatment or surprises if you wear it proudly throughout the day. Buttons may vary – but right now they have different ones for your birthday, anniversary, family reunion, happily ever after and more!

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For lots more Disney World “Secrets” click here! Have you ever worn a celebration button at Disney? What were some fun things that happened on your special day?

Lava Lounge now Open in Downtown Disney Orlando

Published July 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com
Photo Credit: DisneyFoodBlog.com

Photo Credit: DisneyFoodBlog.com

I was super excited to get to check out the brand-new Lava Lounge at Rainforest Café. Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs!)  fans like me will love this place. The setting couldn’t be more perfect. It’s right on the waterfront, which is something I loved. The entrance is themed like a cave entering the side of the volcano.

Lava Lounge

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Not your average lounge lizard – the Lava Lounge has an animatronic crocodile in the front! He wakes up every few minutes to growl and show you his teeth. The kids were standing around in awe looking at this thing.

That’s not all! Without even trying the food here yet – I can tell you two of my favorite things about this place so far:

1. There was a wait to dine inside at Rainforest Café, but at the Lava Lounge, seating is first-come, first-served.

2. Not only can you order from the full Rainforest Café menu, but there’s also a special menu featuring items created just for the Lava Lounge!

With cool names for the assorted dishes such as “Volcanic Sliders”, “Tectonic Tacos”, and something called “The Jungle Runner” as a signature drink – how can you go wrong? There are lots of choices on the menu, so chances are there’s something everyone in your party will enjoy.

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Don’t let the “Lounge” title throw you off; it’s a space for all kinds of groups. The animals inside will be great for conversation, and may give you a chance to teach the kids something new.

Lava Lounge Monkey Lava Lounge Bird

For even more fun, The Rainforest Café Volcano erupts multiple times each evening with a sizzling display of flame spires, fireballs, steam bursts and fog that erupts in sync with a light and sound show. It is really impressive, and you can see, hear and even feel it from inside the Lava Lounge.  It’s the sort of thing you’d only expect to see at a Disney theme park…or maybe Las Vegas. Check out this cool video!

So have you tried the Lava Lounge yet? What did you think?

 

Limited Time Magic July 8 to July 14, 2013 Experience Mickey’s America Streetbeat

Published July 5, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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July 8 to July 14, 2013

Soak up the sounds of a little Limited Time Magic as America Gardens Theatre comes alive at Epcot, thanks to the musical performances of “Mickey’s America Streetbeat.” For a limited time, join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald as they come together with an energetic troupe of young performers—watch the fun unfold as they take part in an over-the-top display of hip hop, percussion and acrobatics. From the rhythm and tunes to the tap-dancing of their shoes, it’s set to be one incredible jam you won’t want to miss!

For tips on how to get great photos with characters – click here!

Happy Independence Day 2013!

Published July 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

We want YOU to have a very Happy July 4th!

Let freedom ring!

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Photos! Beautifully Disney Launches it’s Latest Edition – Unlock the Spell!

Published July 2, 2013 by Disneyways.com

You may have heard about the Sephora or Urban Decay makeup brands and their partnerships with Disney. Back in February we got to get a first glimpse at the Beautifully Disney line, which is owned and created by the Disney Company itself. Wickedly Beautiful was a fun launch at Downtown Disney, complete with Disney makeup artists on hand to treat guests to mini makeovers! Take a look at the videos we got from that event.

June 29th 2013, Beautifully Disney launched it’s latest makeup line: Unlock the Spell! There were no mini makeovers on the east coast this time, but just the same, I rushed to Downtown Disney to take a look and get you some photos! I braved the rain and more but it was all worth it. I think the colors look like lots of fun! Do you agree?

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Here’s a special tip for you! For a limited time, guests have the opportunity to purchase a Beautifully Disney 5 Piece Brush Set for $15.00 plus tax with any Beautifully Disney cosmetic merchandise purchase of $40.00 or more. If you are unable to pick up this brush set during this special promotion, look for it at its normal retail value of $19.95.