Fresh Mediterranean Market-The Perfect Breakfast at Walt Disney World

Imagine having plentiful breakfast choices all made from the freshest ingredients.

Fresh Mediterranean Market being true to its name, serves fresh Mediterranean style breakfast daily in a bright, airy space. Fresh is my favorite breakfast destination at Walt Disney World.

As you enter the restaurant on the ground floor of the Dolphin Resort, the hostess will seat you at a comfortable, sunny table. All tables are pleasant and most have views. The dining area is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows with views of the Swan, lagoon and Friendship boats. A server immediately brings coffee, tea and freshly squeezed orange juice to your table.

You then begin your quest for the perfect breakfast.

Mine usually goes like this-

First I go to the made-to-order omelette station. I take a plate and choose some freshly grilled sausage or bacon and add sautéed rosemary potatoes, then go ahead to create my omelette.

Currently there is a veggie/cheese bar where you can choose the ingredients for your omelette, put them in ramekins and bring them to the chef. (Shout out to Britney for being the best omelette maker!) I choose plenty of fresh vegetables and ask the chef to make my omelette with egg whites. While the chef is making my omelette, I go check out the muffin and pastry bar. (The omelette is healthy so I can offset with some yummy baked goods). Everything always looks so good. I have a weakness for baked goods. They are all miniature sized so the cause for guilt is miniature too, right?. I choose a couple of muffins or danish (or both) and put them on a separate plate.

The omelette is then added to my plate. All fresh! I add some fresh fruit to my plate and go to my table. I return one more time to get two more necessities to  finish off creating my breakfast table. Oatmeal and juice. I like my oatmeal with butter, brown sugar and raisins. I get that and  go to the juice bar and choose one of three different freshly squeezed juice concoctions. My favorite is the wheatgrass. I drink on average three glasses of that juice.One of the things that makes Fresh special is the choice of juices at the juice bar. They all have different health benefits and all are really delicious.

 Now, I am ready to sit down and enjoy my breakfast. While eating, the server continues to pour coffee and fresh juice.

Fresh squeezed orange juice and wheatgrass juice

This is the perfect breakfast before hitting the Disney Parks. Fresh, nutritious and all you care to eat. All for around $20.

Me happy!

I always choose Fresh Mediterranean for breakfast during my stay at Walt Disney World. Give Fresh a try. I guarantee that your hunger will be satisfied and that you’ll leave with a big smile on your face!

Fresh Mediterranean Market is located on the ground floor of the Dolphin Resort. It is only open for breakfast and lunch.

Try Fresh Mediterranean Market on your next trip to Walt Disney World. If you don’t like it, tell me and breakfast is on me.

Mickey Continues To Influence Fashion In 2010

In 2009, I reported that fashion design house Iceberg incorporated the Mouse into their collection. In 2010, Mickey and Minnie continue their strut down the runway...

“For Spring 2010, Tavik will be debuting its women’s swimwear line, showcasing a mix of subversive swimsuits to versatile cover-ups. Think Saved By The Bell and The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. These prints and graphics were trended straight from Tavik’s favorite looks back in the early 90s. Inspiration for Tavik’s new swim line reflects the bright neon colors mixed with washed-out tones to keep the trends on key. The line keeps the revolutionary electro sense that Tavik so very well carries and brings a new contemporary fashion sense to swimwear”.

What do you think of Mouse inspired fashion? Are you ready to represent Mickey on the beach?

Les Vin De France in Epcot

If you are in the mood for a glass of wine but you don’t want to sit down for a table service meal, Look for Les Vin De France in Epcot.

France is one of the leading wine-producing countries in the world. At Les Vin De France, an assortment of wine and champagne is offered by the glass. Beaujolais, Cote du Rhone, Cabernet, Merlot, Pouilly-Fuisse and Chardonnay are some of the wines available for tasting.

The storefront resembles a turn of the century wine boutique. The interior looks like a countryside wine shop. Bottles line the shelves and are displayed in windows. Gingham table-cloth covered tables display everything related to wine from linens, aprons, kitchen utensils, soaps, cookware, bottle toppers and openers to chocolates and cookies.

French beer and specialty drinks are also available. Most offerings are under $10. Since the wine and price list is always subject to change and Les Vin De France does not have a link to an online menu, the best choice is to go in and explore for yourself.

Samantha Brown of Travel Channel chose France for her favorite drink at Epcot-The Grand Marnier Orange Slush. Who doesn’t trust Samantha or at least want to try her favorite drink? You can find that frozen drink here.

Walking through, the shopkeepers are welcoming. Stop and share  a glass of wine with friends or with someone romantic. Or have a glass for yourself to take the edge off. Another option is to buy a bottle to take home or back to the resort. If you don’t want to drink at all, take in the aroma of the wine or enjoy some chocolate.

The wine glass can be saved as a souvenir.  Take it with you next door to the Palais du Cinema (make sure it’s empty when you get there) and go to a comfortable, plush seat in the air-conditioned theater and enjoy Impressions de France. Impressions de France is an 18 minute movie which is projected onto five screens. It is my personal recommendation for best movie in Epcot. This is the perfect place to relax with a warm, soothing wine afterglow while virtually strolling the market places, palaces, country sides and regions of France.

I would like to hear from anyone who has visited Les Vin De France in the France Pavilion at Epcot. Leave a comment below and share your experience. Thank you!

Kona Island Sushi Bar at the Polynesian Resort

Garden and waterfall at Polynesian

If you love sushi like I do, then you crave it. There are places in Walt Disney World to satisfy that craving.

You are best advised to go outside of the Japan pavilion in Epcot and venture into the Polynesian, the Contemporary or the Swan Resort. There you will find Kona Island Sushi Bar, California Grill and Kimonos respectively. Sushi is almost completely absent from the menus of both Teriyaki House and Teppan Edo in Epcot. Aside from an eel roll or the common California roll, there aren’t many sushi choices the Japan Pavilion. I’m guessing that for most families sushi is probably as foreign as the country of Japan itself. Kids may not like it, but what about the adults?

Follow me to the Kona Island Sushi Bar in the Polynesian Resort. It is not the best of the three above mentioned places but it does have it’s unique attributes and strong points.

Sushi and Tikis

Let’s start with atmosphere. Located in the second floor lobby of the Great Ceremonial House of the Polynesian Resort, the sushi bar is directly across from the Monorail. It is situated immediately to the left of the entrance, on the outside perimeter of the Kona Cafe. (During the daytime, the sushi bar converts to a coffee/pastry bar).

Seating at the sushi bar is extremely limited. There are only about seven stools. Another 10 or so are lined along the window looking out toward the monorail. Originally I had intended to eat at Ohana. I had a reservation but I had arrived early and had also brought along two new friends. After waiting longer than I had liked with a pager in my hand, anticipating that it would soon light up or vibrate or something, it didn’t happen quickly enough for my growling stomach.  I turned the pager in and headed over to Kona Island Sushi Bar located just steps away. I lucked out. Four of the seven stools became available almost immediately.  The tiki gods were smiling on my hunger.

We took our places around the sushi bar. Surrounded by a view of tikis, a garden with a waterfall, in short by all things Polynesian, the mood is set for a festive, Brady Bunch goes to Hawaii kind of good time. One point for Kona Island.

Next, the quality of the food. Even though the full menu of Kona Cafe is available at the bar, we order sushi. It seems right. I have eaten sushi many times in my life. I am not expecting a life changing sushi experience.

Kona Island does put their own spin on sushi. Ingredients associated with Polynesia such as pineapple and mango are incorporated into the dishes. Our chef, Dre, served our sushi with impressive presentation accentuating the dish with designs of fruit puree or infused mayo.

We ordered the Volcano Roll which is spicy tuna with tempura crunch. Priced at $13.99  I really like spicy tuna rolls and I always order them. The Volcano Roll satisfied my craving. We also tried the Dragon Hand Roll which is barbecued eel wrapped in rice and covered in seaweed. Hand rolls are large and as the name implies are eaten by hand, not with chopsticks. That was delicious but on the expensive side at $13.99 We also ordered some salmon and yellowtail sashimi. You can not mess that up. The fish was fresh and light. The sushi chef can also make whatever you request if it’s available.  Overall, we were pleased with our food. It will satisfy any craving you have for decent sushi. Like I said, my expectations were set to decent and my expectation was met. That’s good. Disappointment is not a good.

Chef Dre serves up sushi with a side of cool.

What also gives Kona Island Sushi Bar an edge over it’s competitors is the specialty drink menu. Awesome that you can get a Mai Tai served in a tiki mug while enjoying sushi. It definately enhances the fun factor. A variety of sake, wine and beer is also offered. I was offered quite a large sample of sake by the waitress and liked it so I then ordered sake to go with the Mai Tai. Yee haa. (Mai Tai are made with rum and an assortment of tropical fruit juices). Since we were winding down our day and not driving, we mixed and didn’t worry. Priced at $8.25, Mai Tai were a good deal. You do not get to keep the mug, but then again I didn’t ask.

That Mai Tai has met it's match.

One too many Mai Tai for that camera flash!

I  recommend Kona Island Sushi Bar as a good option for those dining solo, with a date or with a couple of friends. Operating hours are from 5pm-10pm. Kona is great for those seeking sushi served in a fun, casual atmosphere. No reservation is required, just a little luck or alot of patience. Make sure to enjoy what makes Kona Island Sushi Bar special, it’s signature cocktail the Mai Tai.

Mahalo!

Todd English’s bluezoo

The bluezoo Review.

As everyone knows, the Dolphin Resort is one of my favorite resorts on property as Walt Disney World.

Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant is one of the reasons why. No mistaking, this is an expensive restaurant. For those expecting Disney theming, you will not directly find it. There are no characters or character references. (Maybe there are hidden Mickey’s, anyone know?). What you will find is good service, exceptional food and the kind of detailed theming that Walt would be proud of.

Visually bluezoo compliments and enhances the Dolphin resort. The motif of bluezoo references life under the sea. What could be more appropriate for a resort with a Dolphin for a mascot?

Approaching the restaurant, water cascades over a sheet of glass through which stylish images of food appear. Think Davy Jones appearing through the smoke before the waterfall on the Pirates of  the Caribbean attraction. Walking into the stylish dining room the theme of water flowing continues. Wave-patterned wall art, rain drop glass and steel room dividers, chandeliers that resemble chic-looking jelly fish and flowing wall paper patterns all create a soothing sense of being deep under the sea. Even the pattern of the carpet ripples in colors of blue and turquoise without creating a feeling of sea sickness. All is harmonious and calm in this sea.

Undulating steel, wood and glass compliment the aquatic color palatte.

A sweeping bar and a large, abstract wall sculpture of a shoal of fish visually leads into the dining area. To the right of the main dining area is a smaller, enclosed and more intimate rectangular dining area. I was seated with my partner in the main dining area by the window in the center. I prefer the main dining area. The scale and color of the interior works best here. We decided on an early dinner and  there were not many guests. A large table of business men (there is a large convention center in the resort) sat in the center, a few couples and adult families accentuated the outer parameters.

We started by ordering a dozen fresh oysters as appetizers. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. He described the different types of daily-harvested oysters being offered as well as recommending a nice bottle of white wine to compliment our meal. The oysters were very good, as they should be in a restaurant that is almost completely dedicated to fish. The bottle of wine was perfectly paired with the shellfish. It was fresh and light with citrus overtones.

Miguel enjoying the perfect pairing of white wine with fresh oysters

For an entree, I ordered Tuscan Tuna. It is served with white bean puree, tomato, artichoke, pine nut and garlic chips.  Priced at $31. I ordered the tuna medium rare. It was cooked perfectly. It was balanced and full of flavor. And very filling. The presentation was modern and artistic.

My partner Miguel ordered the Miso Glazed Black Cod. It is served with warm sesame spinach and pea tendril salad. Priced at $35. Miguel ordered salmon as a healthy choice. The miso glaze was good, the salmon was cooked well and the spinach was flavorful. It did not leave him feeling heavy or “yucky”. After having eaten many Disney treats earlier that afternoon, he was looking to eat lighter and healthier. This entree was a smart choice.

For dessert, we ordered coffee (for me) and espresso. (For espresso addicts, check out my post of places throughout Walt Disney World to find espresso here).

For dessert we shared the Warm Chocolate Cake with liquid ganache center, maracaibo chocolate cream pudding and peanut ice cream. Priced at $13. This is as you would expect from the description. The peanut ice cream pairs well with the chocolate cake.  The saltiness of the peanut brings out the sweetness of the chocolate.

Me feeling happy and maybe a little drunk after a very good meal.

If you are looking for an adult dining experience to share with good friends, family or a boyfriend or girlfriend I recommend Todd English’s bluezoo. Expect a dining experience on Disney property, not Disney in your dining experience. It is possible to dine at bluezoo without a reservation, however it is always a good idea to make one. Dress code does not allow shorts, sleeveless shirts or anything too casual. Dress nicely.

Enjoy your dining experience…Under the sea….under the sea…Hey, make your own Disney references!

For a look at the menu, click here.

You can make a reservation at (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.

The Spirit of Aloha at The Polynesian Resort

Solo in The Kingdom-Part 2 of Day 2

The Spirit of Aloha dinner show at the Polynesian Resort!

The advertisement promises to showcase traditions throughout Polynesia including dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. I have been looking forward to this show for quite some time. Last time I was here at Walt Disney World this show was sold out. I am here at the Polynesian about 30 minutes before my scheduled 5:15pm time. Come with me as I get into the Spirit with authentic dances, enchanting music and an “all-you-care-to-enjoy” feast.

As I approach the Polynesian Resort, tropical plants surround cascading water setting the tone of the South Pacific. Lush greenery, totems and statues of tiki gods adorn the garden. Inside of the Great Ceremonial House, the scene extends throughout the lobby. Another indoor garden, more tiki statues. It is tropical and reminiscent of the tiki culture of the 50’s. I love the theming of this classic resort.

Lobby garden

Lobby wall sculpture

The restaurant Ohana is empty at this hour. On my last visit, it was so crowded that I decided to eat at the Kona Cafe sushi bar. Even though this post is not about Ohana, it is worth noting the detailed theming and wonderful Polynesian atmosphere throughout.

Palm frond shaped dining chairs at Ohana

Gods of the tiki bar

Leaving Ohana and coming out of the Main House, I need to find Luau Cove where the show is. Following a short, winding pathway past beautifully manicured lawns, trees and bushes where large, looming tiki reside, and a view of Seven Seas Lagoon,  I eventually arrive at a small hut.

It is very humid and hot today. A woman greets me, smiles and places a lei around my neck. I wait in a line to check in with the host. Since I booked my reservation online, I wonder if I will have any difficulty checking in. The host checks a list for my name. Everything goes smoothly, no problem. I request a good seat, since I am alone I really want to be close to the stage and experience the show. The host nods and gives me a ticket to bring to the second check in area. I am not sure if it was a nod of “I got you covered” or a nod of “Yeah, keep on moving, NEXT!”

The Lei maker

While waiting to get to the next check point, pictures are taken of the guests in their leis by resort photographers as an option for later purchase. I decline and head over to the next hut where I will receive my designated seat and assigned server.

I’m not sure why, but even with a great deal of patience, the wait at this stop was extremely long. It took a very long time for the two people in front of me to get the information they needed. A really, really long time.

I got to know the backs of these two very well.

After getting my pass, I join a throng of people waiting for seating to begin. This is the most uncomfortable part of my experience. After getting stuck waiting in a long line of two (yes, sarcasm) I now get funneled into a stagnant group of hot, sweaty bodies.

Waiting to be seated was neither cute nor fun.

When seating begins we are bottle-necked down a short path to an open air stage. Next to the stage is an area of covered seating.  The tables appear to be long tables with community seating. In fact they are separate tables lined up resembling one long table.

I have paid for premium seating (which means a table closest to the stage). My table is about three tables back from the stage. After twice requesting a table close to the stage, I ask to speak to a manager. He suggests that I wait until everyone is seated and if there are any closer tables available, I can move to that table. As this does not seem likely to happen, I choose to go with the flow and sit at my assigned table.

It is a table for two and I have it to myself. On one side is a family of four. On the side closer to the stage is a young couple with a baby. I can feel myself about to get cranky. Immediately food and drink is brought to me by a very friendly server. I feel my potential crankiness turn to relief. The stage isn’t that far after all. I am ready to sit back and have delicious food be brought to me as much as I “care-to-enjoy”. I wonder if this change in wording from “all-you-care-to-eat” to “all-you-can-eat” is Disney’s way of encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Start the show!

The show is divided into three parts with intermissions, providing time to enjoy each course in between with having to chew fast, gulp and watch. (Tables are not facing the stage directly, they are perpendicular to the stage so you have to turn your head to watch).

The first course consists of pineapple-coconut bread, mixed greens with mango-poppy seed dressing and fresh pineapple. The salad is much tastier than it looks. Not that it looks bad, but it’s really good! Just the right amount of dressing, it is sweet and fresh. The pineapple bread is good too but I am careful not to fill up before the main course.  Beverages that are “complimentary” with the meal include-beer, wine, soda, lemonade, coffee, tea and milk.  Some specialty cocktails are offered for an extra cost. Pele’s Fire Punch sounds good. It is a mix of rum, banana liquor, blackberry brandy ,pineapple juice and grenadine. It’s served in a hand-carved Monkey Coconut. This would make an interesting and possibly collectible souvenir. But I am going to Magic Kingdom directly from here and don’t want to carry a Monkey Coconut around. Plus, it’s $15 so I decide to pass on the Coconut.

Food is served on an elevated canoe-shaped platter

After the first course is set out, the show begins. Characters come onto the stage and begin to perform a light-hearted comedy sketch. It has something to do with an aunt, unrequited love between two teenagers and a goofy slacker who won’t leave home. The plot is thin but it’s not really important. This is just the appetizer of the show. The main course will bring the beef.

Auntie Emcee

The cast of characters-Can you spot which are the "lovers", how about the "slacker goofball"?

During the first break, the band plays while the characters change costumes. Appetizers are cleared, drinks refilled and the second course is brought out. It consists of Roasted Chicken, Polynesian Rice, Broccoli and Barbecued Pork Ribs (which are my favorite). All of the food is delicious and beyond my expectations. I am surprised that some reviews that I have read said otherwise. The ribs are smothered in BBQ sauce. I eat as much as I want without feeling overly full. My server is very attentive without being intrusive. I am offered more of anything and any type of beverage. I stick with the lemonade. Never mix.

At this time the second act begins. The second act focuses less on dialogue and more on performance. Characters take the stage in native costumes and begin to perform as the sun begins to set.

I am really starting to settle in to the rhythm and feel of the show. The dance performances are exciting and full of color. The costumes are bold and at times scant. The music is tribal, pulsating and entrancing. The dancers are fully involved in the music and ritual. All of the dancers are appealing. Everyone is taken into the feeling and spirit of the show both on stage and in the audience. As much as I want to reach for a BBQ Rib, I can’t take my eyes off the stage. The show is fast paced and I don’t want to miss any of its awesomeness. Yes, awesomeness.

As the second act ends, the band continues to play through intermission. Dessert and coffee is brought out. I get my own platter with three Kilauea Volcano Delight desserts on it!  Basically it’s a chocolate lava cake in the shape of a pyramid. The dessert is so good and not at all heavy considering it is all chocolate. Yes, I ate all three. No problem.

Once the dessert and coffee is brought out the final act begins. The performers welcome children, anyone with a birthday or anyone who is celebrating something to come up on the stage. Some audience members are selected by hand. Please don’t choose me!

A guest gets jiggy.

Next some more performances by the dancers. This time mostly solo.

After some dancing along and singing, the stage is cleared for the fire dancer.

The show was exuberant, enjoyable, light-hearted, entertaining, thrilling at times, interactive and yes sexy! If you are planning to visit WDW and you want an adult friendly dinner show, this is the one.

Aloha and goodbye

After feeling refueled and re-energized, I set out for a walk along the beach of the Polynesian Resort. The Seven Seas Lagoon looks beautiful with the setting sun coloring the surface of its serene water. I walk past the longhouses. The lamps of the docks are glowing orange. Several types of watercraft available to rent.It is an enchanting time of day at this beautiful resort. Across the Lagoon, I see the modern structure of the Contemporary and the huge Grand Floridian Resort.

I highly recommend this show. Don’t miss it. Book tickets for The Spirit of Aloha at the Disney website.

Tickets for the Spirit of Aloha show range from $53-$62 per adult. Seating is three-tiered with the most expensive seating being closest to the stage. (There is a $3-$5 price difference between tiers). Prices shown are for value season. To learn more about value season, read my post here. Top-tier seating during busy times of year is $75. The price for the show may be high but take these things into consideration-

• Sit down dinner in a Disney restaurant is not going to be a heck of a lot cheaper and here you can eat as much as you’d like.
• You also get to enjoy three acts of a really enjoyable show.
• The 5:15 pm dinner and show is a nice break and refuel between park hopping. (There are two shows per night 5:15 pm and 8:00pm)
• You are at the Polynesian Resort with all of it’s beautiful views and beach to explore afterword.
• And finally, you are on vacation. Create some wonderful memories!

Now it is time for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Come with me as I get on the monorail to The Magic Kingdom.

Part 3 of day 2 next.

Solo In The Kingdom Day 2

Day 2.

The sun is up and it’s a new day at WDW. I decide what my agenda will be for the day. I called for an 8:30 am wake up call and I am up early with decisions to make. On my past visits with my partner or friends, I would have been in the gym at the Dolphin Resort first thing in the morning, had breakfast at Fresh Mediterrean then headed out for the parks. Since it’s just me, I decide to skip the gym and breakfast and get over to Animal Kingdom for opening hour. Bad move? Maybe. When I arrive at Animal Kingdom, there are not many people there.

The kiosk upon entering where I should have had a pastry, no line!

I am excited to be back in the Animal Kingdom. Immediately I head for my favorite area of the park, Asia. Unfortunately my sense of direction is not keen enough to find Asia without a map. I circle the Tree of Life (is that a personal metaphor?) and I wander pathways for what seems like too long before I finally see the walkway leading into Asia. My favorite area of Animal Kingdom is almost empty. Yak and Yeti is not yet open, the outdoor seating area is empty, the bus that serves refreshments has no line, Kali River Rapids is a walk on, Mount Everest..ALL with little to no people! How great. My camera is in hand and I am ready to take some pictures of these semi-deserted areas.

A rare sight, Yak and Yeti peaceful.

Last chance for a snack before Expedition Everest

But I can not wait any longer. I have to ride Expedition Everest.  There is a small line but it moves quickly through the queue. A great part of the experience of the attraction is the story provided in the amount of detail and objects of the queue. There is evidence of travelers who have never returned. Or will they? There are artifacts of the beast that resides inside of the mountain. Valuables collected on previous treks,canned food and climbing gear, there are many objects which build the story and set the stage for what lies ahead.

The comforts of a missing person.

In my excitement to ride Mount Everest, I remember as I approach the ride that I did not yet eat breakfast! Was this a good idea? It’s early morning. I’m about to go on a thrill ride on a empty stomach. There is no turning back now. Well there is. I got a fast pass for later before I got on line, but I’ve come this far. Go for it!

Anticipation for the trek

No turning back!

I am seated next to a boy of who is probably 13 years old. I am feeling hungry and a little nervous about the ride. Maybe  it’s starting to show. As we approach the ascent the boy asks me if I’m afraid. I put on a brave face and say, “No, are you?” Nervously he says, “No” then he blurts out, “I puked on Big Thunder Mountain.”  Good to know! I laugh to myself. His mother turns around and shushes him. The train then makes it’s way to the summit and stops. Then it starts slowly…to…plunge backwards….aaah…darkness…dizziness…the Yeti.  Quickly we are back in the station.

It's all a blur.

I am feeling dizzy! I can’t believe it. Don’t pass out. No. Immediately after the ride everyone is unloaded into the gift shop before exiting. I am so disoriented that I start snapping some pictures to distract myself.

The first picture I took after departing the ride accurately depicts the haze I was seeing.

As the blood returns to my head, I smile and quickly decide to eat something. (Tomorrow I will definately have breakfast first thing). The outdoor seating area of Yak and Yeti now has a few guests. As I order a new item from the menu, the Mandarin Chicken Salad, the cashier tells me that I’ve made a good choice. She tells me that the salad is very good, and it is. I’m glad to be eating something healthy. Maybe I just made up a little bit  for skipping the gym.

Even the outdoor seating area of Yak and Yeti is nicely themed

Within the hour, the park has become extremely crowded and excessively hot. I spend the next five hours exploring parts of the park and attractions that on previous trips I had neglected.  Here’s where I begin to learn what I hadn’t learned on previous trips. It is important to pace myself. When I begin to feel hot, tired and slightly claustrophobic, go take a seat at one of the many indoor shows. It is a good way to recuperate. I recommend It’s Tough To Be A Bug to anyone who hasnt seen it. It is a fun show in 3D with unexpected special effects.  Finding Nemo the musical was very good but honestly I enjoyed the rest and air conditioning most. I will take this lesson with me to the other parks for the remainder of my trip. In the process, I will experience some enjoyable shows (Impressions of France in Epcot) and some that were not so enjoyable for me (Hall of Presidents, sorry fans of that attraction). There is still much of Animal Kingdom that I haven’t explored and will have to wait until next trip.

After a full day,  it is time for me to leave the crowds of Animal Kingdom and get ready for a new experience. I booked a reservation online for the Spirit of Aloha show at the Polynesian Resort. I am hungry and looking foward to and endless supply of food and an entertaining show. It begins at 5:30pm and I have an hour to get there. Let’s go.

Crowds rolling in, goodbye until next time Animal Kingdom

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Day 2 next. Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian Resort.

2009 Map for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

I am providing a map for anyone attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It can be a useful planning tool as it shows which attractions are open during the party. The hours are from 7pm-12am. Dates for December are 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18.

Solo in the Kingdom Day 1

Day 1

It’s my first day in Walt Disney World. I begin my ritual of heading to the Magic Kingdom first and riding my favorite attraction The Haunted Mansion.

I walk through the turnstiles. It is 2:25pm. Under the train station, I take time to look at the posters of some classic attractions. Next, I continue past the sculpture of Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse. The topiary is decorated for  Halloween. Now, I am standing before Main Street, alone! I can do whatever I want. I take in all of the details of Main Street, the shops, the windows, the merchandise. I see things I never took the time out to see before.

There is the mailbox perched on a lampost from which you can send mail from within the Magic Kingdom. I take my time noticing more details. The second floor windows reference Disney Imagineers. I make a left past Casey’s Corner  and cross the bridge with the colonial street lamps leading into Liberty Square. I can see the Haunted Mansion down and to the left. It is all mine! I enjoy the experience of the attraction in the way that one would lose themself in a good book. It’s my world.

 

I spend the entire day indulging. I ride whatever attraction I want. I eat in whatever restaurant I choose. I shop without shame.
I take time to explore attractions I never made time for before. The Carousel of Progress is not all that bad!

I have taken both my Nikon camera and Canon camcorder. One is stashed in my over the shoulder camera bag. The other is in constant use. Having my camera and camcorder added a sense of purpose. The need to document my experience enhanced my experience. I took many pictures.

The park is to close at 10pm. I stay until Wishes fireworks. Then head for the monorail for Extra Magic Hours at Epcot.

At this point I am deliriously tired. Still I have to get those extra hours! I arrive at Epcot. Again I am noticing details. The sidewalk in Future World is glittering with lights. As I make my way to World Showcase, the Illuminations fireworks begin to explode. The welcoming display is relentlessly pleasing. One explosion of sound and color outdoes the next. When it is over I decide to end the night with some late night dinner.

Every restaurant I go into is booked completely at 10pm! Nine Dragons is completely mobbed. Akershus has some seats available but honestly it looks tired. From the staff to the buffet. It has peaked for the night. I make my way to Japan. Teppan Edo has got a line out of the door. No chance. Down the stairs I go and up again across the way. Yakitori House is just what I need. Some sushi (ok California roll but close enough) and a large lemonade hits the spot. I enjoy my food while texting my partner to share my experience.

It was an exhausting but fun day. Time to head over to the Friendship IV and head back to the Dolphin Resort.

In the morning I will get up early. Animal Kingdom then Spirit of Aloha with a last stop at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Stay tuned for Day 2.

My First Solo Trip To Walt Disney World

Ready For Adventure

What must it be like to travel to Walt Disney World alone? The initial thought  filled me with excitement. I imagined doing all of the things that I want to do, when I wanted and answering to no one.

Occasionally thoughts of doubt would creep in as I considered it. (Ok let me be honest. I booked the tickets first, then considered my doubts later.) What if I’m lonely? I am going without my partner or my friends. What if my imagination created a facade that would come crumbling down once I got there? What if I get stares for being alone? What if?

Surprisingly, these thoughts never took away from my excitement.

When the morning finally came, I woke up after sleeping about 4 hours and got on the earliest plane to Orlando. I did not sleep on the plane.

I arrived at the MCO airport and walked as quickly as I wanted to the tram to get to the hub. The freedom of walking at my own pace!

Once outside of the airport, I got into a cab. Here is where I was reminded of the downside of traveling alone. It sucks to pay for transportation to and from airports alone! It averaged about $65 every cab ride whether in Orlando or New York. I figured, hey, I want to get where I want to be as quickly and easily as I could manage so that justified the price for me. The cab driver gave me his card and offered me a discount if I used his service when I was to leave. As a side note, the driver made very friendly conversation. After revealing that I was going to the parks and that I was not here on business, we talked about Disney; tourism, hotel rates and other things relating to travel in Orlando. I started to feel comfortable about my decision to travel alone. The first person I made conversation with since landing was interesting, friendly and didn’t judge me.

My resort of choice is the Dolphin Resort. You can read more about my general experience with the Dolphin here.

 

Dolphin Lobby

I had stayed at the Dolphin twice previously.When I got to the front desk, I was met with an employee who had assisted me the first time I stayed here. Let’s just say I much preferred the person who assisted me on my second trip. (I was upgraded to a room with a balcony and a view of Tower of Terror from my bed, at no extra charge).

I decided to stick with my strategy. I explained to the girl that this was my first time here on vacation alone and perhaps she could give me a room that SHE really likes to help “celebrate” this occasion. (Disneyphiles will note the extra meaning of the word celebrate.)

I was not suprised from the overall demeanor of this person that I would not be “celebrating” the way I did last time. I did not receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony. She did, however, give me a room that “does not face the parking lot”. Ok. And it “does have a queen size bed”. Ok. And it “has a view but it’s partially obstructed”. Ok. It was room 11-111. That number sounds good. I’ll take it! I’m here alone, I’m number one, 11111!

I got up to my room. I let myself fall back into the big comfy bed. I rested as long as I could before getting up, excited. I am in Disney World, let’s go! (Yes my inner thoughts were in the form of a dialogue at times. I’m alone, cut me a break!)

I decided that from this point on, I will develop a ritual. It will become tradition.

My ritual will be to always to go to the Magic Kingdom first. Then to my favorite attraction, The Haunted Mansion.

I headed out to get the bus. No sooner had I stepped out, when a bus was heading toward the stop. Across the front of the bus were the streaming words “Magic Kingdom”. A very auspicious start! Service could not be better timed.

Exhausted but excited I headed to Magic Kingdom.

End of  part 1.

Day 1!