Dining

Of course if you read what I wrote about Disney you would know I recommend staying at their resorts. Eating at them is my next suggestion. You have so many options for all types of appetites. Here are my favorites: Whispering Canyons at Wilderness Lodge, a family style restaurant with hands on fun including pony races. Love this place! We had visited the lodge in the past and love the rustic atmosphere that makes you feel far from Florida with its majestic ceilings that extend to the top story, massive fire place and coziness not found in many other places. During a Christmas trip to Disney we decided to eat Whispering Canyons, which is located in the lobby. We had a very large crowd, I think 20 of us and soon realized to seat all of us together would take too long so we told them we could be divided into 2. We were seated soon. The food is chicken, skillet meals all you can eat served on a Lazy Susan, ribs etc. but save room for dessert because it’s even better. It is a little more pricey then some places but worth it.

The next place I love is the Polynesian. They have 2 great options for dining. First Ohana – we went here with the kids, my brother and his wife a few years ago. Pay one price, eat all you can, keep in mind children’s prices only go up to age 9…since when is a 10 year old an adult? Anyway, you start with bread & salad, and then appetizers of dumplings and wings – remember it is all you can eat so ask for more if you are up to it. The main course is a variety of things cooked over an oak fire including shrimp; steak, pork and turkey…again eat up. The dessert is the best, bread pudding with bananas and caramel sauce. Until then the thought of bread pudding made me cringe, wet bread, no thanks. But I have to say this dessert was to die for. Even my non eating dessert husband asked for 2nds. If you time it right and sit in the right spot you can watch the fire works at Cinderella’s castle from your table. I look forward to going back to Ohana. The other option is The Spirit of Aloha Luau which is outside. This is a fest with entertainment. You sit at a long table with others unless you have a huge party, and courses are brought out. Again this is a pay one price dinner. You start with the salad and bread, not plain bread but sweet island bread, then vegetables, rice, chicken and ribs follow, finally a volcano dessert is delivered to the table. Prior to entering they do take family photos that can be purchased, and fireworks can be seen from here as well when timed right. Make reservations for this meal. Of course the Polynesians has other choices for food but these are the 2 I have been to.

Another place I love, especially for young kids, is Chef Mickey located in the Contemporary – the hotel the monorail goes through. We went for dinner quite a few years back, this is all you can eat buffet, so you pay one price. The main Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie etc.) come to you which is great; you do not have to move except to get your food. Each one stops at your table and gives you enough time for photos. The dessert bar has many options; see a trend in what I like? Again they take a family photo with characters for you to purchase.
As any Disney place, don’t forget to look for the hidden Mickey’s.

WDW Accommodations

Call ahead to see if anything is not open (pool)
If you are going to a WDW theme park and plan on staying the night in the area, WDW accommodations are the way to go and they are comparable to other hotel rates in the area. For me, one of the biggest reason is because you can let them do the driving for you. By letting them have this responsibility you not have to read a map, turn around after missing an entrance, and use your gas. Honestly, it doesn’t take that much longer to use their system as opposed to getting in your own car. They have 3 options: boat, bus and monorail, depending where you are and usually children are entertained just by being on one or the other. The staff at the resorts are more than willing to help you with anything and smile; they are so “Disney”. The transportation runs longer than the theme park hours to accommodate the late crowds and after a long day it’s nice to know you can just get on board and head back to your room. The monorail stops at the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Polynesian and the Grand Floridian Resorts. The boat only goes to certain locations as well, buses go everywhere. For example: we were at Fort Wilderness. We took the boat to the Contemporary and then a monorail to the Polynesian to attend the luau. We even took a bus to Downtown Disney, which has several stops there which can eliminate lots of backtracking. Strollers can fit on any of the transportation options. It you spend some time learning about it ahead of time it makes things less stressful.

Gifts for Kids

Gift for kids – each resort sells charms with their name or them on them for a bracelet; they are quite cheap and fun to collect for girls. They also have pins that are popular with Disney fans. The pins can run more money than the charms but you can trade them with cast members and even other collectors.

WDW Value Resorts

$Value Resort – All Star Movies – beds not very comfortable, cute themed rooms; The Toy Story area was fun looking especially for photos. We were disappointed to be in the --- and found out the pool was closed. We had to walk a long way to get to where everything was located. I know it is not always like this but it would be a good idea to call ahead and ask. The food court had a nice variety for quick meals. The prices weren’t bad; some kid’s meals would be perfect for a not so hungry adult. For the price it was nice to be close to the theme parks and 2 nights was fine.

WDW Fort Wilderness

Fort Wilderness – If you have never taken your kids camping taking them here will only give them a false sense of what it means to be outdoors because WDW’s FW is top notch! We have tent camped here years ago with large groups of family and friends. More recently we took our camper and even experienced the cabins through other family members. I can only say good things about FW. They have “loops” off the main road and each loop has their own community bathroom which is air conditioned, and very clean. Near the bathroom are a laundry room, ice machine, posting of movies, bus schedules and other information. They have at least 2 little stores with souvenirs and basic items. They have hidden areas of small parks, a lake to use a paddle boat, beach volleyball, petting zoo, horse back riding, a large lake where you can rent boats and peacocks roaming around. The have a pool, tennis courts and even shuffleboard. At night they show an outdoor movie complete with fire pit for smores and a visit by Chip & Dale who come to sing-along before the show starts. Also at night you can view the Magic Kingdoms fireworks at the lake front. Be prepared for mosquitoes and bring a blanket to sit on in the sand. They have great food options and even a 2 options for special dining. Staying at FW you really need either a bike or a golf cart. You can rent them from Disney or bring your own. That is how everyone gets around and you see carts all over. Get on the list to rent one ASAP so you do not have to wait, and make sure it is charged. For pet lovers, they have a loop just for you so ask for it. It is probably our favorite place to stay on Disney property.

Walt Disney World Water Parks

WDWWater Parks:
Blizzard Beach – a snow themed water park in sunny Florida! BB is home to the longest family raft ride (Teamboat Springs), for the thrill seekers they have Summit Plummet, the world’s tallest and fasted free fall slide. If climbing to the top of the mountain is not for you they offer a ride on the ski lift. Like typical Disney, the park is in the circular shape with a lazy river that goes by each ride. The smaller kids area, where I spent a lot of time with my 2, felt out of the way and I found myself wondering where everyone was. I prefer Typhoon Lagoon.

Typhoon Lagoon – My favorite water park ever. TL is laid back with it’s beachy vibe and sandy bottom. The wave pool is the best with huge waves that are even used for surfing after hours. They offer snorkeling in a salt water tank that is kept cold for the real sea life including lemon sharks, among other things. You do not need to know how to snorkel to do this, and you shouldn’t pass it up. The fish are so use to seeing us humans, so no one is getting bite or anything like that. I suggest you go before the crowd gets big because if you really like it just go again. The ride Crush “N” Gusher is a water ride that actually takes you both downhill and up by high powered water jets. When we went on my son rode with me and he did not like it, and I wasn’t that eager to try it again. The tube you are in does not have a bottom so yours hits the rollers that help get you going upward. TL also has a circular lazy river that passes by each ride. The park offers lots of shaded areas which I didn’t find at Blizzard Beach. Worth the money and geared towards all ages.

*Tip for Disney water parks – buy the drink mug, you pay one price and can refill it all day.
If you are getting it, buy early to make the most of your money.
You can bring food / drinks into both parks. Kids meals are decent for the price.
Be prepared for rain – it’s Florida. I take extra garbage bags and bag up my stuff if needed, until the rain stops. Also if it does rain, a lot of people leave, hang out and wait for it to blow over - you'll get great seats and the park is missing a lot of people...more room for you!