Disney Just Says It Right/Spring Break 2011

  picture taken @ the Magic Kingdom, WDW 

Spring Break, March 2011

 

Take for instance this first picture. It's banner "Let the Memories Begin!" EXACTLY!!! And that is what every trip to the "World" is all about. It's no secret that I LOVE going to WDW! And even though I've been a handful of times and I am an avid reader of Disney travel I still don't know it all (and believe it or not, I still haven't done it all) but I do know a good bit and I'd like to share some with y'all using some of our pictures from our Spring break trip 2011.

First up: Character Meals

The meals are served three ways.

• Traditional buffet-style -- available at most of the participating restaurants. 
• Family-style -- the server brings large bowls/plates/skillets of food that you serve yourself and pass around the table. 
• Pre-plated meals --These meals are served to each guest and each plate includes the same meal.

As a rule, you need to make Advance Reservations for character meals.

Most options are all-you-care-to-eat and have one fixed price for the meal. At the family-style and pre-plated meals you need only ask to have seconds of anything.

For all of the Character Meals -- the characters make their way around the room, stopping at each table. When they stop at your table have your camera ready as well as any autograph books. You don't have to run after the character or wait in a special line. In fact, the characters generally will not stop for you if you chase them.

So how should you pick which Character Meal? It really should be based on which Character's you want to see. Then followed by the type of food served.

***Look for my post coming  up soon about our most recent Summer trip to WDW to see our TOP 3 Recommendations!!!

pictures taken during breakfast @ The Crystal Palace 

inside the Magic Kingdom

Top 5 Hines Family Musts for WDW:

1- Pirates League: with the kiddos no matter their age. Heck many adults join in on the fun as well! 

2- Harmony Barbershop:  Did you know you can get a real haircut on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom? Oh and the most precious thing ever is the my first Mickey ears they give out for a baby's first haircut! But for me it is all about the "FAIRY DUST"!

3- Family Picture with the castle in view!

4- One Man's Dream inside Disney's Hollywood Studios

5- Custom made Mickey Mouse tye-died T-shirts from my friend Cassi!

My thoughts on the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

It really is where "Disney Springs to Life"!!! During the EIF&GF, they offer a pamphlet that gives you the location of the events as well as where to find each unique topiary. We were new to it and so we kinda followed the pamphlet. We stopped by each location listed for a topiary. And every one of them was truly amazing. We did not see any of the gardening shows but we did opt for the Behind the Seeds Tour @ Epcot Land Pavilion. This was not only a very reasonable tour but it was also very informative and inspirational! The weather during the Spring is quite nice.  All in all it was a lovely time to visit and I would love to go again!!! 

Some "FOOD" for thought ~ literally 

If there is one thing Disney has down it is TREATS! for sure!!! Just take a look at the collage. Don't forget that if you are using the Disney Dining Plan many of the treats can be purchased using a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit!  

Pictured on the tray is the BEST Cupcake in all of WDW... The Butterfinger Cupcake found inside Disney's Hollywood Studios @ the Starring Rolls Cafe! 

Next up is a MUST have treat for me, a Mickey Mouse Rice Crispy Treat and this one was freshly dipped in milk chocolate and covered with mini M & M's! 

The BEST "Bang for your Buck"(under $5.00)  has to be the Jumbo Mickey Waffle complete with strawberries and whipped cream. It can be found inside the Magic Kingdom in Sleepy Hollow. We stopped by here first thing in the morning and used our snack credits for the day. It was our breakfast at the cost of a snack! Now that's a deal! 

See that picture with the boys and I at the vending machines, well that my friends is a row of the all new Coca-Cola Freestyle. It's a touch screen drink dispenser that features over 100 different flavors from the Coca-Cola companies product line. My favorites are the Fanta Zero flavors like peach and raspberry. Oh did I mention these machines make the best "suicide" drinks ever! At WDW the machines are located inside the AMC movie theater @ Downtown Disney. 

Next up is the ever famous and popular amusement park treat, the Turkey Leg. To me it's a little to prehistoric or even carnivorous. Reminds me of Bam Bam but hey my kiddo totally digs into one every trip! 

Check out the "Groovy" Tie-Dyed Cheesecake that can only be purchased over at the Pop Century Resort. The last few trips we have spent our first night over at POP and so it has become our "late night treat" and boy is it not only tasty but fun to eat! And it qualifies as a snack on the DDP!

The last picture is not really a snack at all. In fact to us it is the best Signature Dining meal/restaurant in all of WDW. It is Jiko located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House.  It is truly a great dining experience. Our recommendations are the Crispy beef "Bobotie" Roll for an appetizer and the Oak Grilled Filet Mignon over White Cheddar Mac & Cheese for a entree. Steve also really enjoyed the African imported lager/beer, Tusker. 

Be on the lookout for a post from our Summer trip as well!!! COMING SOON...