Anyone who has a food allergy or dietary restriction has heard of the legendary chef TJ Sudiswa.
Recently he was honored at the FARE National Food Allergy Conference in Orlando with the Outstanding Professional award for all the work that he has done to help those with food allergies at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Chef TJ is currently cooking up delicious creations at Trails End and Hoop Dee Do Musical Review, both at the Fort Wilderness Resort.
Being a newcomer to the vegan community I quickly learned about his impressive creations that would often make omnivore dining companions drool with envy including homemade soups, cheese bread, nachos, dessert towers and more.
A wonderful blog for the vegan community, Vegan Disney World, shares their experience at Trails End with Chef TJ. Just try not to get too hungry while reading it.
Photo courtesy of Vegan Disney World.
I can tell you, I have our October reservations booked and I can’t wait to experience this dining masterpiece.
I apologize for not having a blog on Monday. We were spending a lot of time together as a family that there just wasn’t enough time to post yesterday.
This also lead to a great point. While we all love Disney, our lives also have other aspects.
So here is a look at ours.
Friday
Friday was a pretty fun day for us. After work we went out to eat with my parents and Lily had her first ever ice cream cone. (I know. What kind of parents are we to wait this long for our child to have an ice cream cone?) She picked out her own flavor, rainbow, and loved it.
It was a little messy, but really worth it.
Saturday
Saturday was a really busy day. I was invited to two bridal showers and I unfortunately had to make a choice. While I was at the one shower, Lily and Kev were spending some daddy daughter time.
She met Geoffery giraffe and had her picture taken, visited the bookstore and was spoiled by her daddy.
Lily and Geoffery hanging out.
Sunday
This was such a fun day for us. A little known fact about me is that I hate bugs. But, this summer I am making the effort to try and get outside more and embrace nature since our Lily loves the great outdoors.
So, this summer we are going to attempt camping. But, just like in the movie “What About Bob” we are taking baby steps and had our first camping experience indoors.
We bought a six-person tent and new air mattress at Walmart and spent Sunday night camping out in our living room.
I do have to say that our tent, Ozark Trail brand, was super nice and easy to put up.
Tent constructionWe loved the tent and referred to it as “our house.” It was so big we couldn’t get the entire thing open.
Even though we didn’t sleep outside, we did go out to our fire pit to make s’mores and burn off some extra energy before we settled down for the night.
Our fire pit going strong.
Monday
Monday was the day that we had our cookout and spent even more time outside.
After our camp-in, which went surprisingly well and we got a pretty nice night’s sleep, we went up to the mountains for some of the best pancakes. Then we decided to take a walk around Ohiopyle to see the waterfall and the new visitor center.
After our time exploring the mountains, we came home and put out our inflatable pool together and spent a long time splashing around until we got so tired it was time to come in take our nap. We finished the day with a small cookout and playing with our toys including our trains.
We had such a wonderful time over the weekend, and I am sad to see it come to an end. Today, we both went back to work and our regular schedule is put back into action. But, it is nice to know that we have the rest of the summer ahead of us to explore and have many fun adventures.
What are you most looking forward to this summer? Leave your message in the comments below.
This week there was a lot of new excitement through all the parks. A new restaurant and night time entertainment kicked off at Animal Kingdom, an additional track opened on a popular attraction in Hollywood Studios and a new rumored restaurant was announced.
Tiffins’ Grand Opening
This week Animal Kingdom saw a lot of attention as it ushered in a new area of night time entertainment at the park.
On Friday, Animal Kingdom’s newest restaurant, Tiffins, opened. This new addition added another table service restaurant to the park.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
The menu for the restaurant is a little more for the adventurous eater, but there are some items that are a little more tame.
The following menu items are available at Tiffins according to the restaurant’s listing on the Walt Disney World resort website.
Appetizers:
Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup
Black-Eyed Pea Fritters
Archaeologist Salad
Sustainable Seasonal Fish Crudo
Marinated Grilled Octopus
Flash-fried Icy Blue Mussels
House-made Head Cheese and Chicken Liver Pate
Salad of Roasted Baby Beets
Entrees
Chermoula-rubbed Chicken
Berkshire Pork Tenderloin
Grilled Head-on Prawns
Wagyu Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib
Pan-seared Duck Breast
Berbere-spiced Lamb Chop
Hoisin-glazed Halibut
Roasted Market Vegetable Curry
Whole-fried Sustainable Fish
Kid’s Appetizers
Archaeologist Salad
Black-Eyed Pea Fritter
Soup of the Day
Kid’s Mickey Check Meals
Roasted Chicken
Pan-seared Sustainable Fish
Kids’ Meals
Braised Short Ribs
Vegetable Pasta
Desserts
Passion Fruit Tapioca Creme
Lime Cheesecake
Sorbet Tasting
South American Chocolate Ganache
Calamansi Mousse
Kids’ Desserts
Caramel-Chocolate Cake
Fresh Fruit Salad
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Zingiber Fizzie
Tealaves Iced Tea
Powerade
Hibiscus Henna
Vitaminwater
Specialty Cocktails
Night Monkey
Lamu Libation
Anapurna Zing
Hightower Rocks
Draft and Bottled Beer
Kungaloosh Spiced Execursion Ale Draft-USA
Xingu Black Lager-Brazil
33 Export Lager–Vietnam
Beerlao Dark Lager–Laos
St. George Lager–Ethiopia
Singha Lager–Thailand
Safari Amber Draft-USA
Exploration Beer Flight
Beerlao Lager–Laos
Palma Louca Pale Pilsner–Brazil
St. George Amber Lager–Ethiopia
Tiger Lager–Singapore
Both Tiffins and Tusker House are part of The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Dining Package.
New track added to Toy Story Midway Mania
In order to cut down on the super long wait time that people were experiencing with Toy Story Midway Mania at Hollywood Studios, which could reach over 100 minutes, a third track was added.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
So far, things have been going well. The major test will be in a few weeks when the summer season is in full swing.
Rumor Watch: Rizzo’s Pizza
A rumor has been floating around that the former Pizza Planet, located in what is being called Muppet Courtyard, will be reopened and redesigned as Rizzo’s Pizza.
It will feature a heavy Muppet theme surrounded around the cheesy rat, Rizzo and his pals.
We will have to wait and see if this pans out.
With all the news coming out what are you most excited about? Leave your comment below.
Ever since the transformation of Hollywood Studios has been taking place, there has been a lack of attractions in this particular park.
Gone are the Streets of America, The Animation Studio, the Backlot Studio Tour and others.
Many of the attractions that were a part of the opening day festivities in May 1991, that gave the park it’s unique behind the scenes of Hollywood flair, are now long gone.
One attraction that has withstood the test of time is Muppet Vision 3D.
This full-sensory 3D video, located in what is now being called Muppet Courtyard, is a hit with audience members of all ages.
Falling inline with the premise behind the park, the story-line of the attraction has Kermit the Frog take the audience on a behind the scenes tour of the Muppet’s newest developments in 3D technology featuring Muppet favorites such as Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Bean Bunny, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and more. The audience is also introduced to the character of Waldo, a 3D fairy.
The attraction also makes use of auto-animatronics, full costumed characters and fun sensory experiences like bubbles and water squirting.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
While some of the 3D films at Walt Disney World can be a little intense for some Mousekatots (I’m talking about you, “It’s Tough to be a Bug”), this one is tame and really a lot of fun. Not giving anything away, but at the end there is fun and spirited cannon battle. This could be a little intimidating to some of the more skittish toddlers, but it is played off more playfully than threatening.
One of my favorite parts of this attraction is the pre-show area. It is made to look like the Muppet studios and it is full of bad puns and sight gags. Always, remember to look up. You will miss a lot of the charm if you don’t look everywhere.
While there are Fastpass+ available for this attraction, it really isn’t necessary. With the park being devoid of a lot of attractions currently the park really isn’t that busy. Also, since the attraction has been around for many years, people don’t feel the need to see it every year. However, this could change with the opening of Rizzo’s Pizza at the former Pizza Planet location.
Photo from our honeymoon in 2007
All-in-all this attraction is one that should be placed on your to-do list with your Mousekatot. Who doesn’t love the Muppets?
To coincide with the new nighttime offerings at Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney Resort opened their new adventurous dining experience, Tiffins.
Located on Discovery Island at the back of Pizzafari, Tiffins will add another table service restaurant to the park.
The menu looks like it would be better suited for people with more adventurous palates. It appears some of the items that were available at the Skipper’s Canteen in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom were taken from that menu and added here.
Some menu items include marinated grilled octopus for an appetizer, grilled head-on prawns, roasted market vegetable curry, Chermoula rubbed chicken and more.
For the little ones in your dining party, there is pan seared sustainable fish, braised short ribs, vegetable pasta and more.
For the complete menu, keep an eye out for out Weekly News Roundup on Sunday.
Are you interested in trying this restaurant? Leave your comments below.
Low blood sugar is an enemy of parents everywhere. One minute your little tot is an angel having their photo taken with Cinderella and the next minute they are in full meltdown mode throwing themselves on the ground of Main Street U.S.A.
This is why you have to be prepared and have snacks packed in your day bag. But, if you forget or your toddler is not feeling the granola bar that you packed earlier, then you need to know where the best places are to find something to feed your “hangry” Mousekatot.
Here are my tot five suggestions for best snacks in the Magic Kingdom for toddlers.
1. Pretzels
Photo courtesy of disneydining.comA soft pretzel is a really good choice for your toddler. They are huge, filling and create little mess. Plus, the Magic Kingdom offers various varieties through out the park.
The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland offers a sweet cream cheese pretzel. Cool Ship, also in Tomorrowland, has Mickey pretzels.
Back in Storybook Circus, near Fantasyland, you can purchase a Mickey Pretzel along with cheese sauce at the pretzel cart. The pretzel and cheese combo can also be round at the Churro Cart in Frontierland.
Just a tip, avoid purchasing your pretzel at the pretzel cart in Storybook Circus. It costs an extra $.25 here.
2. Mickey Ice Cream Bar
Our Mousekadad showing off his Mickey Ice Cream Bar.
There is nothing more iconic than the Mickey Ice Cream Bar. Just watching, and photographing, your toddler eating this melty treat makes for great photos and great memories.
The easiest way to find the Mickey Ice Cream Bars is by looking for snack carts positioned throughout the Magic Kingdom.
Some of the locations including the refreshment cart at the castle hub area, popcorn and ice cream cart at the Storybook Circus area, Maurice’s Amazing Popping Machine in Enchanted Forest, popcorn and ice cream cart menu in Adventureland, nut and ice cream cart in Adventureland, frozen treats cart menu in Frontierland and popcorn cart in Tomorrowland.
3. Fresh Fruit
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.
If you are looking for something a little healthier for your Mousekatot there are plenty of options available including fresh fruit.
Some of the freshest, sweetest and most refreshing pineapple comes from Aloha Isle in Adventureland. (This is also where you can find the famous Dole Whip.)
Prince Eric’s Village Market in the new Fantasyland section of the park sells lots of whole fresh fruit including our Mousekatot’s favorite, bananas.
For something that is a little more like a dessert, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland offers no-sugar-added mango gelato.
4. Uncrustables
Photo courtesy of DisneyFoodBlog.com.
The Smucker’s Uncrustable sandwiches, that are pretty much pocket sandwiches filled with peanut butter and jelly, are a big hit with our toddler.
These sandwiches can be found at all the various counter service restaurants throughout the park.
The best part is if you are on the dining plan, these sandwiches count as a snack option, which is great for a quick, light lunch for your little one.
5. Mac and Cheese
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
While Mac and Cheese is considered more of a meal than a snack, I think it is very important for parents to know where they can find this favorite meal time treat.
The best place to find mac and cheese in the Magic Kingdom is at The Friar’s Nook located in Fantasyland.
The counter service offers traditional macaroni and cheese, and more exotic flavors like pot roast and barbecue chicken macaroni and cheese.
So, next time your Mousekatot is having a meltdown, just take a deep breath, don’t panic and find the nearest food cart to help restore the peace.
What is your toddler’s favorite snack in the Magic Kingdom? Leave your comment below.
Every so often, Disney needs to shut down some of their attractions for a brief period of time to add a little more pixie dust or to fix any issues that might be happening.
This can put a bummer on your vacation if your favorite attraction is closed during your time in Walt Disney World.
Luckily, if it isn’t something that just popped up, Disney is good with releasing their refurbishment schedule ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
Here is the most recent list of scheduled refurbs for Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
Meet Cinderella and a visiting princess at Princess Fairytale Hall: Opening June 21
Swiss Family Treehouse: July 6-Sept. 25
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Aug. 8-Nov. 19
Liberty Square Riverboat: Aug. 15-Aug.22
it’s a Small World: Aug. 22-Aug. 16
Epcot
House of the Whispering Willows Gallery: Opening June 17
The long anticipated third track to the very popular “Toy Story Midway Mania” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios opened today.
The track opened a few days ahead of its original May 27th scheduled grand opening.
According to Disney, the expectation is that the track will increase hourly capacity by 50 percent, reduce wait times and allow more Fastpass+ to be used.
This means a lot since it was not unusual for the wait time during peak season to reach over 100 minutes.
The update might have been ordered considering the popularity that section of Hollywood Studios will receive when Toy Story Land opens in the future.
According to the Disney Parks blog, the new themed land will feature a variety of attractions and restaurants including “Slinky Dog Dash,” a family coaster, “Alien Swirling Saucers” and more.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
What are you most excited to experience at Toy Story Land? Leave your comments below.
Yesterday, the Walt Disney Cruise line announced the ports and itineraries for 2017 cruises.
New additions include Canada coast itinerary and new ports from New York.
The Magic will take the cruise line’s longest-ever voyage to the Atlantic Canada coast on Oct. 21 and will include the first time Disney has visited the port of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
There will also be a lot of seven and eight night sailings from New York to the Bahamas with a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, and a brief visit to Port Canaveral where guests can go and visit Mickey Mouse on land at Walt Disney World. A park hopper pass and transportation is included in the price of this voyage.
Disney Cruise Line will return again to Galveston, Texas for eight, seven-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
There will be two special cruises, Nov. 10 and Dec. 1, when the Wonder will follow a western Caribbean itinerary that includes Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.
It appears the Wonder will follow a regular itinerary that includes the ports of Key West, Nassau and Castaway Cay, originating out of Galveston during November and December.
Before it start’s it journeys out of Texas, the Wonder will be stationed out of San Diego with cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riveria for September and October.
The Baja itinerary will include stops at Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico.
The Mexican Rivera will include visits to Puerto Vallerta and Mazalian.
While all of this is going on with the Magic and the Wonder, the Dream and Fantasy will continue their usual routes to the Bahamas and eastern and western Caribbean.
Parents of Mousekatots everywhere let out a collective groan today as Netflix announced their new partnership with Disney. This means parents will now have to watch way more episodes of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” than they would ever have wanted to. (However, this also means the classics from some of our childhoods like “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast” will be available at the drop of a hat, which is great news!)
In a press release from Netflix, “From September onwards, Netflix will become the exclusive US pay TV home of the latest films from Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Pixar.”
No news has been released about what titles will be available but it will be safe to say that Disney’s most recent blockbusters such as “Zootopia,” “The Jungle Book” and this summer’s anticipated “Finding Dory” will be part of the line up.
So, are you excited about this new service or are you worried you will be “Hot Dog Danced” to death? Leave your comment below?
The long anticipated third track to the very popular “Toy Story Midway Mania” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios opened today.
Mousekatots 