A Review of Garden Grocer

For years I have heard people talking about Garden Grocer and how you can get groceries delivered directly to your hotel in Orlando.  Over the summer, my family stayed at the Boardwalk Villas and decided we would give Garden Grocer a try since we had a full kitchen.  A few weeks before our trip, we ordered breakfast items, drinks, and snacks.   When we arrived at the Boardwalk Villas, bell services had our order and they delivered it to our room immediately.   As I was putting our bag of groceries away, I noticed that one of our items (donuts) was missing and we had a pack of diapers that we didn’t order.   After a quick call to Garden Grocer, I was told to take the diapers to bell services and they would pick them up the next day when they delivered our donuts.  Sure enough, the next day we stopped by bell services and our donuts were there waiting for us.   While our experience wasn’t perfect,  I was pleased with the way Garden Grocer handled things.   I will definitely order from them for our next big family trip.  They may be a smidgen more expensive than a regular grocery store, but the convenience of eating breakfast in the hotel room before heading out to the parks in the morning was priceless.  Plus we still saved money compared to what we normally spend when we grab breakfast in a restaurant or in the parks.

Interested in placing an order with Garden Grocer for your next trip to Orlando?  Visit www.gardengrocer.com.

Romance at Walt Disney World

 

View of Cinderella’s Castle from the Polynesian Resort.

Regardless of whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, your first vacation without the kids, a honeymoon, any other special occasion, or just want a romantic escape, there is no better place for a romantic getaway than Disney World. Here are some fantastic ways you can spend time with that special someone:

• Stay at a romantic resort or splurge on a romantic view. If it is a special occasion, think about splurging for a theme park, water, or preferred view at a Deluxe resort. There is something cozy and romantic about relaxing on your private balcony watching fireworks or observing boats as they sail by.

• Begin the romance the moment you get there. Arrange to have flowers, champagne, chocolates, or a special gift delivered to your room. Walt Disney World Florist can deliver items to your room before you check in or shortly after your arrival.

• Book a relaxing couples massage. The Grand Floridian Spa and the Spa at Saratoga Springs offer a couples massage and other soothing spa treatments. Spa treatments must be booked in advance.

• Book a horse and carriage ride. Ride around the romantic Port Orleans Riverside or the rustic Fort Wilderness on a horse drawn carriage.

• Discover romantic things to do in the theme parks. In the Magic Kingdom, ride Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland and take a relaxing ride on the Liberty Belle Riverboat in Liberty Square. At Epcot, stroll around the World Showcase and browse in the shops, break for wine and cheese in France, and take the time to grab a friendship boat to get to the other side of the lagoon. If you go to Animal Kingdom, check out the often overlooked trails and enjoy the animals. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater if Fantasmic! is showing and watch the show beneath the starry sky.

• Watch the sunset. While you can find various places to watch the sunset, you can’t beat the ambiance of the beach at the Polynesian Resort. You can find a nice peaceful spot, or maybe a hammock, to relax and watch the sun go down.

• Watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks outside of the park. Head to the Polynesian Resort or the Grand Floridian and watch from a secluded location on the beach. At the Polynesian they even pipe the accompanying music over the speakers. If you want something truly special, you can book a Specialty Cruise and watch the fireworks from the Seven Seas Lagoon. (You can also book a Specialty Cruise to watch IllumiNations at Epcot.)

• Make reservations at romantic restaurants. Enjoy dinner at Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge while enjoying the view of wildflowers, the lake, a waterfall , and an erupting geyser. Eat dinner under the starry sky while boats sail by and a volcano rumbles in the distance at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. Make reservations at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort for a time that is about an hour before the Magic Kingdom fireworks are scheduled to start. When it is time for the fireworks, the California Grill dims the lights and pipes in the accompanying music so you can watch the fireworks from the comfort of your table while enjoying a wonderful meal. They will also let you out on their private 15th floor deck to view the show. If you want to really splurge on a romantic dining experience, make reservations at Victoria and Albert’s for an unforgettable five-course meal. You can even “upgrade” to a 10-12 course meal by booking the Chef’s Table. This is the only restaurant in Central Florida to be awarded AAA’s Five Diamond Award. Victoria and Albert’s is extravagant and expensive. Jackets are required for men and evening attire is required for women. Also, Victoria and Albert’s is one of the few places in Disney World where young children are not allowed.

• Explore the resorts. Take a stroll along the beach of the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, wander along the river at Port Orleans, explore the grounds of the Caribbean Beach Resort, observe the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or walk the boardwalk at the Boardwalk Inn and Villas.

• Get a button from city hall. If you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday or are on your honeymoon, request a button at check-in or at City Hall in the Magic Kingdom that announces your special occasion. It is not guaranteed, but you may possibly encounter a tiny bit of extra magic while donning one of these buttons.

• Pop the question. If you are not married yet, you would be hard pressed to find a more romantic location to propose than in front of or in Cinderella’s Castle. Disney even has a special engagement package available for those dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

• Get married or renew your vows. If you want the ultimate splurge, take advantage of one of Disney’s wedding or vow renewal packages. There are various enchanting spots where you can hold your ceremony. With Disney, you can live the fairytale.

Even though Disney World is known for being for families, there are romantic things to do all over the World – you just have to know where to look.

Review of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue

My son playing a washboard at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue.

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is an entertaining hoedown in an Old West-style dance hall at the Fort Wilderness Resort.  The song-and-dance vaudeville act is based greatly on slapstick comedy, hokey gags, goofy puns, and plenty of audience participation.  The Wild West performers interact with the audience, and guests celebrating birthdays and anniversaries might be singled out for special attention.

The all-you-care-to-eat meal consists of salad, barbecue ribs, fried chicken, corn, baked beans, and bread, with strawberry shortcake for dessert.  Complimentary drinks include soda, beer, wine, and sangria.  Cocktails and bottled beer are not included, but can be purchased at an additional cost.

The show is extremely popular.  I recommend that you make your reservations 180 days in advance. You can make your reservations on-line, by calling 407-WDW-DINE, or by contacting your travel agent.  The sooner you reserve, the better your table will be within your category.  Full payment is required with all reservations and is refundable up to 48 hours in advance.   Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is located in Pioneer Hall at the Fort Wilderness Resort.

To get to the Hoop-Dee-Doo, take the boat to Fort Wilderness from the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, or Wilderness Lodge.  Special buses may run to and from some resorts, or take any Fort Wilderness-bound theme park bus.  Driving is an option, too.

A Review of Disney’s California Grill

The California Grill is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Disney World. It is located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort and provides sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom area. The California Grill is on the dining plan but requires two table service credits per meal since it is a signature restaurant. The dining area is stylishly decorated with its focus being the open kitchen and the incredible views. This restaurant does have a tendency to get a little bit on the noisy side, perhaps because it is so open. The menu changes weekly but features sushi, appetizers, grilled or roasted seafood and meats, sinful desserts, and fine wines. My personal favorites include the oak-fired beef filet and the sushi. The sushi rolls on the menu tend to be incredibly creative and unique. Also, the extensive wine selection is absolutely amazing. The typical entrée will cost between $30 and $45. Kids meals range from about $8 to $14. The California Grill is great for couples, guests celebrating a special occasion, and those who just want to add something a little special to their vacation. Although it is a more sophisticated dining experience, you will see plenty of children in the dining room.

The open kitchen at Disney’s California Grill.

I rate the California Grill as not to be missed. To make your experience a bit more memorable, make your reservation for about an hour before the Magic Kingdom fireworks begin and ask for a table by the window. The lights are dimmed in the restaurant for the fireworks and the accompanying music is piped in. Don’t be concerned if you can’t obtain a window table as you are able to view the fireworks from the restaurant’s deck while the music plays over speakers. This is an extremely popular restaurant, so I recommend making your reservation 180 days in advance, especially if you are planning to watch the fireworks.

A Review of Disney’s Old Key West Resort

 

Studio at Disney’s Old Key West.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort mainly serves Disney Vacation Club members, but other Guests can reserve rooms  as well.  Old Key West is located between Downtown Disney and Epcot.

This resort is unique because of its dressed-down and laid-back atmosphere.  Lush plants and low, white clapboard buildings with sky-blue eaves evoke genuine Key West style.  The public areas of the resort  make Guests feel as if they are in a small town.  The charming waterside shop, cafe, and bar are connected by wooden pathways.  The Conch Flats Community Hall provides many different activities for Guests to take advantage of.  The atmosphere is vibrant, friendly, and relaxing.  Accommodations are roomy, comfortable, and attractive.

Despite the intimate feel, Old Key West is big enough to get lost in.  The resort’s 761 “homes” range from studios with kitchenettes that sleep 4-5 adults, to huge one-bedrooms with full kitchens that sleep 4-5 adults, two-bedrooms also with full kitchens that sleep eight adults, and the amazing three bedroom Grand Villas that sleep up to 12.  All have a private patio or balcony.  All but the studios consist of a master bath with a huge two-person whirlpool tub, an expansive living area with full kitchen, dining area, and queen-size sleeper sofa, and a washing machine and dryer.  Villas offer views of the golf course, waterways, or woods.  Amenities in all rooms consist of a TV , fridge, microwave, coffee machine, high-speed Internet, and voice mail. One-bedroom and larger villas feature a fully equipped kitchen area, big-screen TV, DVD player, and in-room safe.

For swimmers, three leisure pools and a large themed pool with a water slide, hot tub, sauna, and sandy play area round out the “R.E.S.T. Beach Entertainment Division.” A kid’s wading pool is near the main pool.

There are several dining options available to Guests.  Olivia’s Cafe is a cozy, informal restaurant that serves good food in a homey atmosphere.  Goods’s Food to Go over by the main pool serves breakfast, hamburgers, and snacks.  Also by the main pool, the Gurgling Suitcase has drinks and snacks.   Turtle Shack by the Turtle Pond Road pool serves snacks seasonally.  Pizza delivery is also available.

The Old Key West Resort is ideal for playing and relaxing. There is something for everyone.  Tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, and volleyball courts are available.  Guests can also rent boats and bicycles at Hank’s Rent ‘N Return, golf at the nearby golf course , or try out the walking and jogging path.  A fitness center has Nautilus equipment and a sauna, plus massages are available.  The Conch Flats Community Hall provides activities and organized events for children.  Play areas are near some of the pools.  The two arcades have plenty of games to keep the children happy.  The Conch Flats General Store sells general and Disney products, plus food and sundries.

Disney’s Old Key West is perfect for groups and families who wish to stay together. Location is important at this expansive resort.  I recommend requesting a room near the Hospitality House or a bus stop.

A Review of Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

 

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

For my family vacation in August, I had the privilege of staying at the Boardwalk Villas.  For the most part, I was very pleased with this resort.  As a matter of fact, I think this may be my “new” favorite resort.

Hands down, the best thing about this resort is its location.  The Boardwalk Inn & Villas are located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Guests can walk to Epcot from the Villas in approximately ten minutes.  You can also take a boat to Epcot, but I recommend you walk if possible. Taking the boat most likely will take just as long if not longer than walking.  Also, you get to enter Epcot through the International Gateway, so you can avoid all of the hustle and bustle of the main entrance.  Hollywood Studios is approximately a fifteen minute walk or you can take a boat.

Because of the prime location of this resort, the amount of dining options we had was outstanding.  Besides the restaurants on the Boardwalk, we could walk to the restaurants at the Yacht & Beach Club and the Swan & Dolphin. Best of all, since we had park hopping privileges, we also had the option of walking to the World Showcase and eating at one of the many restaurants there.

As for the actual Villas, they were clean and spacious.  We had a water-front room so we could see parts of Epcot from our balcony.  My favorite activity on this trip was watching the fireworks from Illuminations from the comfort of our balcony.  We had a one bedroom villa which consisted of a master bedroom with a king bed, a bathroom, a living area with a pull-out couch, a kitchen, a closet with a washer and dryer, and two balconies.  My twelve-year-old son was very comfortable on the pull-out.

The infamous clown slide at the Luna Park Pool.

The Boardwalk Villas share amenities with the Inn. The only amenity we had time to take advantage of was the Luna Park Pool. My son loved the clown slide at the pool and my husband and I loved Leaping Horse Libations (the pool bar)!

I also want to mention that the Boardwalk itself can be pretty entertaining.  There is something for everyone.   Guests can rent surrey bikes, shop in the stores, hang out at a bar, visit one of the adult-only venues, watch entertainers such as jugglers and magicians, or just stroll along Crescent Lake.

The only negative experience we had was with the Disney buses.  We had to rely on the buses to get to and from Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Downtown Disney.   Unfortunately ,the Boardwalk Inn & Villas share buses with the Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, and Dolphin.  Stopping at all of these resorts made for some really long rides.

Despite our disappointment with the buses,  the Boardwalk Villas now tops my family’s list of our favorite Disney resorts.   I highly recommend Disney’s Boardwalk Villas for adults and Guests with older children.

My Experience on Amtrak’s Auto Train

 

The Auto Train

My family and I just came back from yet another amazing Disney World family vacation. For this vacation, we used Amtrak’s Auto Train to go to and from Florida. What makes the auto train special is that we got to take our vehicle on the train with us. This is great because we didn’t have to rent a car or rely on Disney transportation…but my absolute favorite thing about taking our vehicle with, is that we could pack whatever we wanted as long as it fit in the vehicle. ( If you like to go shopping, the last point is particularly important!)

We made our reservations on the Auto Train about nine months in advance, using Amtrak’s website. I actually suggest booking even sooner than that if at all possible because the least expensive rates are offered about a year in advance. The closer you are to your vacation dates, the higher your fare is going to be. The reservation process was very simple. We made the decision to book a Family Room so we would have a little privacy, which obviously cost a little more than the standard coach seats. Also, we had to pay the oversized vehicle rate when making our reservation because we were taking an SUV. (You must select the oversized vehicle option if you have a truck, van, or SUV.) Amtrak gives discounts to certain groups and organizations. My family was able to save a lttle bit by taking advantage of the AAA discount.

Loading Cars onto the Auto Train

On the day of departure, we had to be at the Lorton, VA station by 2pm. The Auto Train only stops at two stations- Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. This is actually advantageous as the more stops you make the longer your ride is. Since I live in Pennsylvania, my family had about a 3 ½ hour drive to get to Lorton. Once we arrived at the train station, we pulled up to a booth in our vehicle and were given our vehicle number. Then, we pulled our vehicle forward and left our vehicle for the Amtrak crew to load on the train. We had to ensure that we took from the vehicle anything we would need to have when we were on the train. My family than went inside the train station to check-in. All adults in the travel party had to show a form of ID during the check-in process. At check-in we also got to choose which dinner seating we wanted. Typically, there are three seatings (5pm, 7pm, and 9pm) to pick from.

After we checked in, we sat and waited in the overcrowded train station until about 2:30pm when they let us board the train. Waiting around to board was unquestionably the least interesting part of the trip. Getting on the train was a fairly simple process because the helpful train attendants helped everyoneget on the right train car.

After boarding the train, all we had to do was sit back and take it easy. Since we booked a room for our trip, we were treated to a wine and cheese tasting at 3pm in the lounge car. Regrettably, the wine tasting is not offered to the coach passengers. The train departed the station promptly at 4pm. Since we selected the first seating (5pm) for dinner, we didn’t have to wait long until the announcement came letting us know it was time to head to the dining car. (Please note: do not misplace the dining tickets they give you when you check-in and make sure you take them with you to the dining car. They will not seat you without your tickets.) Eating on the Auto Train was a rather enjoyable experience. For dinner, we got a salad, roll, entree, dessert, wine, and soda- and it was all included in the cost of our train ticket. The tables in the dining room sat four people. If there was a travel party of more than four people, they had to split up. Also, travel parties of less than four people sometimes had to sit with other people.

When we were not having dinner, we spent time in the train’s lounge and relaxed in our room. Amtrak normally shows a family friendly movie in the lounge. There is also a bar in the lounge car where we could purchase alcoholic beverages, sodas, and small snacks. My son enjoyed the lounge car. He really liked watching “The Lorax” while playing 500 Rummy with me and my husband.

Sleeping on the train

The sleeping arrangements vary depending on whether you are in coach or in a sleeper car. In the coach section, the chairs recline and the passengers slept half sitting up. Because we had a room, our car attendant pulled down and made our beds for us at the time we requested upon boarding the train. I do want to point out that regardless of whether you choose coach or a room, do not expect to have a great night’s sleep. The Auto Train is a quick moving, somewhat bumpy train and we were “reminded” of this a few times throughout the night.

The next morning, before arrival in Sanford, Amtrak provided a continental breakfast in the dining car. It was nothing incredible, just cereal, muffins, bagels, a banana, coffee, and orange juice. Nevertheless, it served its purpose as a quick breakfast prior to arriving at our destination.

The planned arrival time was 9:30am. We were extremely fortunate and arrived in Florida over an hour early. (We arrived before the scheduled arrival time coming home too.) Once we got off the train, the crew started unloading vehicles. We patiently waited for them to call our vehicle number. When our number was called, we jumped in our vehicle and drove off to Disney World. When it was time to return home, it was the exact same process- except for we were slightly saddened to leave warm Florida and our wonderful family vacation behind.

Auto Train Tips:

• Look at the train ride as part of your vacation, It is a time to relax, eat good food, spend time with your family, and enjoy some amazing scenery.
• Take into account the age and personalities of your children. If your child can not sit still for more than a few minutes, riding the train may not be for you.
• Pick the middle (7pm) dinner seating. It divides your evening up a little nicer.
• Remember to bring books, magazines, portable DVD players, hand-held video games, a deck of cards, etc. Now is the time to read that book you bought and didn’t have time to read or teach your family a new card game.

 

 

Saint Patrick’s Day in Disney World

No matter what the special occasion, large or small, one thing Disney knows how to do is celebrate. Saint Patrick’s Day is no exception. If you happen to be traveling to Disney World over Saint Patrick’s Day, you will come across food, music, entertainment and merchandise with Saint Patrick’s Day flair.

Hands down, the best spot to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day is at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney. Stop by and delight in authentic Irish cuisine like soda bread, unique creations like the Raglan Risotto and some of the finest beer you will find on tap anywhere. While Raglan Road features Irish music and entertainment year round, they truly take it up to the next level on Saint Patrick’s Day. In previous years, they have offered special events on March 17th as well as a couple of other days around it. If you plan on going to Raglan Road, advanced dining reservations are highly suggested.

Also, be on the lookout for special Saint Patrick’s Day merchandise. In recent years, Disney has sold Saint Patrick’s Day mouse ear hats and special Saint Patrick’s Day collectibles. Naturally, you will be especially excited about this merchandise if you are of Irish heritage or if you have a Disney collection. Holidays seem to be a great time to pick up special pins, Vinylmation figurines, and other collectible items.

If your Disney World vacation dates include March 17th, make sure you stay alert for any special events that may be taking place throughout the World, both in the parks and at Downtown Disney. After all, how often do you get to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day Disney style?

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your 2013 Disney vacation. For more Disney tips, tricks, and special offers, check out my facebook page.

Question of the Week

Do I really have to book my dining reservations months in advance?

First, let me say that you never have to do anything.  Having said that, if there are any restaurants that you absolutely, positively, definitely want to make sure you eat at…. than yes, you do have to make your advanced dining reservations 180 days in advance (or as close to it as possible.)  The reservation time slots fill up fast, sometimes within a matter of hours, especially for the more popular restaurants.  If your touring style is more laid back and you don’t care where or when you eat, or if you don’t mind eating a lot of counter service meals, than this doesn’t have to concern you as much.   Just remember,  it is not unusual for the most popular sit-down restaurants to turn away “walk-ins” during the busiest times of the year.   Simply put, if you expect sit-down meals during your vacation, than reservations are a must.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training

Every spring, some of Major League Baseball’s most popular teams take on the Atlanta Braves at Walt Disney World Resort during spring training.  Last year, the Cardinals, Yankees, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies made up the core of the Braves’ home schedule.

Games usually start in March so be on the lookout for the 2013 schedule.  Each Braves spring training game has a unique Disney feel with family oriented fun, including in-game entertainment, Disney character appearances and on-field fan experiences.  The last several seasons, kids had the opportunity to run the bases after every game.  It is estimated that tickets will go on sale sometime in January.

Contact me for more information or to start planning your spring 2013 Disney World vacation.