The Magic Kingdom has several charming places that are hidden away in plain sight.
One such place is nestled in Fantasyland near the boarder between this land and Tomorrowland.
It is called Cheshire Café and looks like something straight out of a storybook.
This little kiosk, that resembles a little cottage complete with sundae shop chairs and decorative umbrellas offers an assortment of light breakfast options and quick grab and go snacks.
This location does not participate in the Disney Dining Plan, but nothing is more than $5.
This restaurant would be the perfect place to grab a quick, toddler friendly breakfast before you take on the attractions in Fantasyland.
Menu items include:
Assorted Cereals with Milk
Muffins
Whole Fruit
Simply Orange Orange Juice
Minute Maid Raspberry-Lemonade Slushy
Mocha Iced Coffee
Hot Tea
Smartwater
Minute Maid Lemonade Slushy
French Vanilla Iced Coffee
Nestle Hot Cocoa
Coffee (regular and decaf)
Dasani Bottled Water
*Insert shameless plug here*
For more tips about other restaurants that would be a good fit for your Toddler as well as to what attractions will be a hit with your Mouskatot, pick up a copy of Mousekatots today.
They make wonderful Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
For many people the Monorail at Walt Disney World is more than a vehicle for transportation.
For awhile now people have been using the monorail as a way to drink at the different deluxe resorts in the form of a monorail bar crawl.
Disney decided to take things one step further and offer a new experience: Highway in the Sky Dine-Around.
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
This new experience, announced by the Disney Parks Blog yesterday, is a sort of “progressive dinner” that will start Dec. 2.
Participants will have the opportunity to dine at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
According to the blog, the dining event will start at The Wave … of American Flavors at the Contemporary for a cocktail, then hop on the “highway in the sky” to the Polynesian to have South Pacific themed “sips and appetizers.”
Next stop will be at the Grand Floridian for dining at Citricos for an entrée and wine pairing. There will also be a sparkling wine and sampling of artisanal cheese in the lobby.
The final stop of the grand monorail food tour will be back at the contemporary for dessert, cordials and coffee on the private patio with the view of fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
This dining experience will be available Tuesday, Friday and Sunday (with blackout dates of Dec. 23 and Dec. 31).
The cost is $150, gratuity included, but tax is additional. Valet parking is included.
If this sounds like something up your alley, you can make reservations at 407-WDW-DINE.
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
While the price tag is pretty hefty, it is still a little cheaper than Victoria & Albert’s and it seems like this is more of a unique experience that lets you save the best of the hotels on the monorail line. (Visiting the different hotels are one of my favorite things to do on vacation.)
Is this something you would like to try? Leave a comment below.
Earlier in the year Walt Disney World Resort announced that they would be renaming and remodeling the then current Pizza Planet restaurant located near the Muppets 3D attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The restaurant that would be replacing Pizza Planet was to be named PizzeRizzo and would be themed after the sarcastic, but loveable, Muppet rat Rizzo.
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic
With the restaurant scheduled to open Nov.18, the menu has been released according to Orlando Theme Park News, and it looks like there will be plenty to eat on the menu.
Entrees
Vegetable Pizza (mushrooms, peppers, onions and tomatoes served with Caesar salad) $9.99
Peperoni Pizza (served with Caesar salad) $9.99
Cheese Pizza (served with Caesar salad) $9.49
Meat Lovers Pizza (served with Caesar Salad) $10.69
Meatball sub (served with Caesar salad) $9.99
Antipasto salad (ham, salami, pepperoni, Kalamata olives, mozzarella, tomatoes, chopped romaine and Italian vinaigrette) $10.49
Kids Meals
Cheese pizza (includes applesauce, carrot sticks and choice of small lowfat milk or small Dasani water, Minute Maid juice box, small Nesquik chocolate milk or cookie substituted upon request) $5.99
Mini chicken sub (includes applesauce, carrot sticks and a choice of small lowfat milk or Dasani water. Minute Maid juice box, small Nesquick chocolate milk or cookie substituted upon request.) $5.99
Kids’ Mickey Check Meal
Kids’ Mickey Check Meal — Power Pack (Dannon Danimals yogurt, apple wedges, carrot sticks, Goldfish crackers, apple-cinnamon snack bar and choice of small lowfat milk or small Dasani water.) $5.49
Desserts
Tiramisu $4.59
Cannoli $4.99
Beverages
Assorted fountain beverages (regular) $3.29
Assorted fountain beverages (large) $3.69
Dasani bottled water $3
Coffee $2.79
Hot tea $2.79
Hot cocoa $2.79
Minute Maid apple juice $3.29
Milk $3.29
Nestle Nesquick chocolate milk $3.29
Non-alcoholic peach Bellini $4.99
Alcoholic beverages
Wild berry basil Limoncello lemonade $9.75
Moretti Blond (20 oz draft) $9
Bud Light (20 oz draft) $7
What items are you most interested in trying? The veggie pizza and Caesar salad sounds very yummy.
While Mousekatots is usually about enjoying Walt Disney World as a family, it is also nice if Mom and Dad can sneak away for a few minutes for a nice date night to enjoy the resort’s nighttime offerings.
While Disney Springs is a great place where you can go to a bunch of different lounges and restaurants in one night and try your hand at bowling or go to a movie, the various resorts at Disney also offer unique wateringholes.
During our last vacation to Walt Disney World, we stayed at the Beach Club Resort for the first time (this turned out to be my favorite resort, ever).
Being so close to the Boardwalk, we walked over to the resort one night to check out the AbracadaBar.
Just like with all Disney restaurants and night spots, AbracadaBar has an interesting “story.”
This place was the former hangout of magicians, illusionists and their assistants. After every show they would gather together to share laughs, tricks and friendship until the early hours of the night.
No one knows what happened, but one night the magical hotspot just disppaeared, along with everyone in it.
Recently, the hot spot has been rediscovered and has been opened to the public.
The mystery behind the AbracadaBar
The lounge is decorated just like how the magicians would have left it complete with their posters, some tricks on the wall and beautiful lighting and wallpaper.
The menu is small, to be expected, but it has a bunch of different drinks.
Side-by-side menu
After looking over everything I opted for The Conjurita, “a colorful margarita that never reveals it’s secrets! Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, Cointreau, Simple Syrup and Lime Juice. (It even comes with a magic trick!)
Here is a live review of what I thought of the drink. (Please excuse how dark the video is. It was very dark inside the lounge.)
Kevin ordered the Elixir, the same drink the magicians were drinking when they disappeared. “The mysterious cocktail that may have made a room of magicians vanish into thin air … Lucid Absinthe and Water.” Yep, you heard that right, absinthe, the green fairy.
While today’s absinth doesn’t have wormwood like the kind that was drunk by bohemium poets, it still packs a bit of a punch.
Here is Kev’s review.
If you have the opportunity to checkout AbracadaBar, I highly recommend it. The drinks were great, and strong, and it is such a fun atmosphere.
Will this lounge be on your radar next Walt Disney World visit? Leave your response in the comments below.
When I often think of Walt Disney World, I think of an indulgent vacation with a lot of relaxation.
However, just because you are on vacation, it doesn’t mean that you have to take a vacation away from your healthy lifestyle.
While Mickey ice cream bars, churros and giant turkey legs might sound good, if you take it to the extrememe you might regret it when you get home.
Here are my tot five tips on staying healthy while at Walt Disney World.
1. Eat Healthy
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
You are on vacation, and the last thing you want to do is worry about if you are eating healthy or not. It’s your vacation so you want to enjoy your food a little more than you would at home. This is fine as long as you work in a little healthy foods every now and again.
At Disney this is easy to do. All restaurnts, including quick service, offer healthy options like salads, rice dishes, lean sources of protein and more.
For the Mousekatots, you can look for the Mickey Check on menus throughout the resort. This will indicate the healthiest options for the little ones.
2. Portion Control
If you are going to grab a bite to eat for breakfast, lunch or a small dinner and you want to watch your calories, you can always purchase a child’s meal for yourself.
Even on the dining plan you can use a credit for a child’s meal (and if a child has a dining plan they can use the credit for an adult meal. They aren’t separated into adult and child catagories like they used to be.)
3. Swap out your dessert credit for a snack
If you are on the dining plan, you are entitled to dessert with your counter service restaurant.
Instead of getting a dessert, you can swap it in for anything that is considered a snack like a piece of fresh fruit.
4. Exercise
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
If you go on a Walt Disney World vacation you are going to do a lot of walking.
But, if you are a runner or enjoy going for a morning walk to get some exercise or take in the sights and sounds of your resort, Disney has something for you.
In a partnership with new balance, the athletic shoe company, each of the resorts has a map that shows you the best and safest places to run or walk at your resort as well as the distance.
These maps are usually on sign posts around the resort. If you can’t find them, ask at the front desk and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
5. Balance is Key
While eating healthy and exercising is important while you are on vacation, you also want to cut yourself some slack. Treat yo self!
If you have been healthy all day, a nice little treat won’t undo all of it.
Also, if you do put a little weight on during your vacation, don’t stress. It is your vacation and you can always lose what you put on.
What are your tips for staying healthy while at Walt Disney World? Leave it in the comments below.
There have been a lot of announcements out of Walt Disney World this week including a new holiday show, new princess meet and greet, the return of favorite food items and more.
For this week’s Tot Five we will take a look all of this news so you can plan your upcoming holiday vacation.
1. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!”
Even thought Halloween isn’t here yet, Walt Disney World is looking to the holiday season and just made an exciting announcement concerning Hollywood Studios.
A new nighttime projection show, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” (JBJB) will start Nov. 14 at the studios.
According to the Disney Park’s Blog, “The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.”
The show will feature musical numbers from Disney favorite movies including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more.
There will also be a Holiday Dessert Party that can be purchased for an additional fee.
2. Meet and Greet with Princess Elena of Avalor at the Magic Kingdom
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Ever since the coronation of Princess Elena of Avalor it was only a matter of time before she started meeting guests in the kingdom.
Starting Nov. 24 Princess Elena will meet with guests at the Princess Fairytale Hall with her other princess friends
I am so bummed out that we are going to miss seeing her when we go down for our latest trip.
3. DINOSAUR down for a longer than planned Refurb
The Animal Kingdom attraction was closed this summer for a refurbishment and was scheduled to open next Thursday, is going to be closed for awhile longer.
There have been reports of people who made FastPass+ reservations for the high intensity attraction all the way out to the middle of November have had their passes switched out for Expedition Everest passes.
So far, there hasn’t been an official comment about what happened with the attraction. I just hope that it isn’t going extinct.
4. Culinary favorite makes a return
Fans of the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow can rejoice. The snack is back.
The sandwich, available at this eatery located at Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, retails for $10.29.
5. Magical Night Time Weddings
Wanna get married at the Magic Kingdom at Night? You can do that now.
Yep, you can have your own Cinderella dream wedding after 11 p.m. at the kingdom and can be custom made for whatever your heart desires.
The wedding can accommodate up to 300 guests in Fantasyland.
Watch the video below to see a snippet of what your dream wedding can be like.
What are you most excited about when it comes to these new announcements? Leave your comments below.
When people think of going to one of Disney’s many quick service restaurants, the thoughts of fatty burgers and fries might fill their head.
But, just like with everything else with Walt Disney World, you can set the bar higher and treat you and your family to better tasting food that is rich in flavor and nutrition and will help fuel you for the rest of your day.
Enter Epcot’s Tangerine Café, situated in the Morocco pavilion.
It offers a variety of options that help give guests a taste of Africa without compromising flavor and authenticity.
Open for both lunch and dinner it offers a variety of entrees, sides, kids meals and desserts.
Entrées include Mediterranean Chicken Wrap, Mediterranean Falafel Wrap, Shawarma Chicken Platter, Vegetarian Platter, Mediterranean Sliders Combo, Mediterranean Lamb Wrap, Shawarma Chicken and Lamb Platter, Shawarma Lamb Platter and Moroccan Kefta Sandwich. Sides include Hummus, Tangerine Couscous Salad, Lentil Salad, Tabouleh, Marinated Olives and French Fries. Kids’ Meals include a Hamburger and Chicken Tenders.
There are a variety of tasty desserts and beverages that can also be purchased at Tangerine Café.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
The average cost of an Entrée is $10.
The café is included on the Disney Dining Plan and will count as a quick service credit.
Will you add Tangerine Café to your list of must try restaurants on your next trip? Leave your comments below.
For more tips and a complete list of menu items for the various restaurants in Walt Disney World, pick up your copy of Mousekatots.
Part of the fun of going to Walt Disney World during this time of year is how festive everything is.
Pumpkins, fall leaves, seasonally appropriate bunting, scarecrows and more decorate every inch of the resort.
Another fun thing to do is take advantage of all the different items that are not usually available during the regular, non-holiday, days of the park. (Think the pumpkin spice craze times infinity!)
This year, Disney didn’t disappoint. Here are a few of the unique Halloween/fall offerings available at the parks.
Popcorn Buckets
Popcorn buckets, that are sold in the parks, are a huge collectable item. (There is even a Facebook group dedicated to the collection of these salty souvenirs.)
Each season, Disney offers a special and limited edition bucket that corresponds to the season.
This year, Disney has been offering a refillable bucket that is either valid the day you purchase it or the length of your stay (I have seen reports of both cases.)
This season’s Halloween refillable popcorn bucket is super cute and pays homage to an old fashioned Mickey cartoon:
Photo courtesy of Disney Food Blog
For those who are not concerned about the refillable option, there is an adorable vampire Mickey popcorn bucket that is also available to celebrate the holiday.
Photo courtesy of Inside the Magic
Witches Brew
Well, not really witches brew, but something to get you in the mood more or less, is the goulish strawberry lemonade slushy. This beverage can be found at the Friar’s Nook at the Magic Kingdom.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Main Street Bakery Treats
This bakery is scaring up some treats to be more fun than frightening. Treats featured include chocolate dirt and worms cupcake, vanilla spider cupcake and Halloween sugar cookie.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Candy Corn Cone
What is more iconic then everybody’s favorite candied vegetable, candy corn! In this take on the seasonal treat, Storybook Treats in the Magic Kingdom, offers a candy corn ice cream cone.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Which of these treats sound the most tempting to you? Leave a comment below.
While the focus of Mousekatots is usually on toddlers and spending time as a family, but sometimes it is nice for Mom and Dad to sneak away for a little alone time and romance.
In my opinion, one of the most romantic places for dinner in Walt Disney World is the California Grill situated atop the Contemporary Resort.
Themed like a trendy casual California restaurant with floor to ceiling windows that offer a view of Magic Kingdom including Cinderella’s Castle.
As a bonus when the castle’s fireworks show is happening, you can either go outside on the balcony to watch the performance or you can sit at your table to watch the show while the music is piped into the room.
In addition to the atmosphere, the food is excellent and on par with any other fine dining restaurant in the United States.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
California Grill hosts brunch on Sundays and dinner daily.
The brunch is Sundays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes several buffet items like hardwood-smoked salmon, shrimp tempura, kale and apple salad, California rolls with jumbo lump crabmeat, and more. Guests will also be able to order an entrée choice that is prepared in the kitchen including blueberry pancakes, eggs Benedict, grilled hanger steak and more.
The brunch also has a variety of both soft beverages and spirits including wines from their extensive wine list.
The cost for brunch is a hefty $80 for adults (children 3-11 are $48).
Dinner is a completely plated dinner that has the air of class and sophistication.
There are several courses to choose from that feature selections for all different types of pallets including rotisserie chicken flatbread, roasted bone marrow, duck liver pate, a variety of sushi, chef’s selection cheese board, Florida swordfish, coconut vegetable curry, seafood ramen, chocolate pudding cake, banana buzz and more.
Dinner can range from $36 to $69 per adult ($9 to $18 per child).
Included the costs for children even though I said that this place is perfect for date night, just in case you were interested, because the cost seems a little steep for the younger crowd.
There is a dress code for the restaurant. Men can wear khakis, dress pants, jeans, dress shorts and collard shirts. Sports coats are optional.
The ladies can wear capris pants, dresses, slacks, jeans, skirts and dress shorts.
Items that are not permitted include swimsuits, swim coverups, hats for men, cut-offs, torn clothes, T-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.
We have only had the opportunity to enjoy dinner at California Grill once before they had the latest remodel. It was an amazing experience so I can only imagine what the dining experience is like now.
Does California Grill make your list of places to try for date night? Leave a message in the comments below.
This week kicked off the 2016 Food &Wine Festival at Epcot.
While the Mousekatot’s have Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party, we parents have the food and wine festival.
Instead of candy lines and costumes, we have food from around the world and exotic libations.
There are a lot of things to try at this year’s festival and one could spend all day eating or drinking around the world.
But to save you from a stomach ache or even worse a day at the amusement park with a pounding headache and dark sunglasses, here are my Tot Five drinks to experience around the world at this year’s festival.
1. Strawberry Plum Wine Cooler with Takara Plum Wine (China)
This is a personal favorite of mine. I can remember a few years ago, the hubby and I had this on one of our anniversary trips. I will admit that I got a little tipsy off of just one of these. We sat on the bench and just people watched while we giggled to ourselves as the plum wine kicked in.
$7
2. Stella Artois Hard Cidre (Belgium)
Photo courtesy of Stella Artois.
There is nothing better than a frosty Stella in my opinion. Now if you throw in the flavor of apples to give it a more seasonable taste, you have a match made in heaven.
It is fall. So that can mean only one thing: pumpkin spice everything! So it only makes sense that Twinings, a big name when it comes to teas and who already has a strong presence at the UK pavilion, would combine the tea with vodka.
$9.50
4. Two Henrys Blueberry Vanilla American Wheat Ale, Plant City, Florida (Craft Beers)
Photo courtesy of Daily Beer Review
One of my favorite beers is Seadog Blueberry Ale. It has a slight fruity taste without being overly sweet. I think that this would taste really good and have a nice flavor that is a little different that what you can usually find.
$4
5. Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Sever Ice Cream with Bacardi Coconut Rum (Refreshment Port)
Dole Whip with alcohol. Take a wonderful, iconic Disney treat and alcohol. Nuff said.
$10
Anything on this list that you would be interested in trying this year? Leave a comment below.
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