Back to The World

It’s official. Wdwprince is going back to WDW.

The dates are Sept 20-24. Originally I was planning on going the last week in Sept like I’ve done for the last 2 years. I was intent on staying at my resort of choice for this trip, the Swan/Dolphin. When I went to book today, both resorts were sold out.

I’ve decided to go with the flow. I booked the trip a week earlier. The money I saved by shortening the trip, I put toward an annual pass. So even though I won’t be able to do both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Food and Wine Festival in one trip, like last year, I will be able to make as many short trips as I like with my annual pass.

So maybe I’ll go to Food and Wine and Mickey’s Christmas Party in November! I love creative thinking.

I’m already planning and will be asking for some suggestions as the date nears.

Update 7/28

I’ve come up with an itinerary for my trip. As of now it goes like this-

Monday Sept 20

• Pick up Annual Pass and MNSSHP tix at Magic Kingdom
• MK from noon-3pm Lunch at Columbia Harbor House.
• Rent a boat from Sammy Duvall and cruise Seven Seas Lagoon until 4:30
• Back to Dolphin Resort. Swim in pool. Late lunch at The Fountain or Cabana Bar.
• Epcot 7-9pm. Dinner at Tokyo Dining or Flying Fish. OR go to Hollywood Studios 7-10pm for Extra Magic Hours.

Tuesday Sept 21

• Breakfast at Fresh Mediterranean
• Animal Kingdom 9am-3pm then Dolphin pool OR Surfing at Typhoon Lagoon, stay until 3pm.
• Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show 5:15pm at Poly
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Late dinner Pecos Bill.

Wednesday Sept 22

• Kouzzina for breakfast.
• Dolphins in Depth in Epcot stay until 2pm. Lunch at San Angel Inn.
• Dolphin Resort pool until 4:00
• MK 430-8pm. Dinner at Liberty Inn.
• Downtown Disney-Characters in Flight, shopping 9-11pm

Thursday Sept 23

• Breakfast at Fresh Mediterranean
• Open choice of park morning-afternoon
• Parasail at Contemporary 3:30pm
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Dinner at Tony’s Town Square.

This is my itinerary as of now. I may add a tour or event. Since my trip is so short, I’m not sure I want to commit 3 hours or more to a tour even though I really want to try one. You may have noticed that my itinerary is MK heavy. That is not by chance. I’ve decided I need to be there at least once every day of my trip, lol. And yes I’m going twice to MNSSHP and I can’t wait. Although I’ve done Spirit of Aloha, that is also worth a repeat visit even though I could be trying something different. I like it that much.  So that is how things stand for now. Any suggestions or comments are welcome.

See ya real soon!

PS Rumor Alert. As I sit here in Starbucks in the theater district of Times Square typing this post, I over heard a guy near me talking to another. One of the guys is the lead actor in the puppet musical Avenue Q. (No, they’re not muppets). The other was telling him that his next show would be with Disney. And it’s Freaky Friday. Has anyone else heard of Freaky Friday coming to Broadway? You heard it here first.

Uniqlo and Disney=Cool Tees

Uniqlo, Japan’s most popular apparel retailer, has currently teamed up with Disney to produce a really cool line of Mickey apparel for men and women.

Currently, there are tees, hats, belts and even underwear.

I’m fortunate enough to live close to the flagship store in NYC. Pretty much every style and graphic is in stock. I picked up a few Tees and a pair of underwear.

Here are the Tees that I purchased-

If you don’t have a Uniqlo near by, take a look at their website to see what’s available online. The fabric, quality and design are excellent for the price. Almost everything is under $15.

I bought a pair of Mickey boxer briefs too but some things are private…

Ok, you can peek at my underwear-but in the package

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 for The Spirit of Aloha dinner show offers traditions throughout Polynesia including dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. On my previous visit to Walt Disney World this show was sold out. I am really looking foward to seeing it this time! I am here at the Polynesian Resort about 30 minutes before my scheduled 5:15pm dinner 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, surrounding cascading waterfalls, set the tone of the South Pacific. Lush greenery, totems and statues of tiki gods adorn the gardens. Inside of the Great Ceremonial House, the tropical scene extends throughout the lobby. An indoor garden, more tiki and the rushing sound of water provide just the right atmosphere. 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 from the Ceremonial House, I begin to look for 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.

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 solo I really want to be close to the stage to fully 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 lei 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 in the humidity.

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 in the area closest to the stage). My table is about three tables back from the stage. After twice requesting a table closer to the stage, the server suggests I speak to a manager. “When everyone is seated, if there are any closer tables available, you can move to that table”. As this does not seem likely to happen, I choose to go with the flow, sit at my given table and hope that once I eat I will be happier.

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 the potential for crankiness melt away. The stage isn’t that far after all. I am ready to sit back and consume as much delicious food as I “care-to-enjoy”. I wonder if this change in wording from “all-you-can-eat” to “all-you-care-to-eat” is Disney’s way of encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Maybe some guests were taking “all you can eat” too literally.

Start the show!

The show is divided into three parts with two intermissions. The intermissions provide time to enjoy each course without having to chew fast, gulp it down and turn your head to watch. (Tables are not facing the stage directly, they are perpendicular to the stage so you have to turn your head).

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 collectible souvenir. But I am going to Magic Kingdom directly from here and I don’t want to carry a Monkey Coconut around the park. Plus, it’s $15 so I decide to pass.

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 (the ribs are my favorite). All of the food is delicious beyond my expectations. 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, never worry.

At this time the second act begins. The second act focuses less on dialogue and more on performance. Characters take the stage in native Polynesian costumes and 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, it is awesome.

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. And I ate all three. No problem! I am still in the enjoy zone, not the ready to burst zone.

Once the dessert and coffee is brought out, the final act begins. The performers welcome children, anyone celebrating a birthday or anyone who is celebrating anything to come up on the stage. Some audience members are selected by hand. Please don’t choose me! Phew. I usually don’t manage to escape situations like this.

A guest gets jiggy.

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

Next, the stage is cleared for the fire dancer. This is must-see and definately a crowd pleaser.

The show is exuberant, enjoyable, light-hearted, entertaining, thrilling, interactive and 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 from this experience, 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 are available to rent. It is an enchanting time of day at this beautiful resort. Across the lagoon, I admire the modern structure of the Contemporary and the stately Grand Floridian Resort.

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

Seating is three-tiered with the most expensive seating being closest to the stage. (There is a $3-$5 price difference between tiers).

The price for the show may seem steep but take these things into consideration-

• Table service dinner in any Disney resort or park is going to be somewhat pricey. 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 show is a nice break for 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.

China Receives “Worst Of” Award of Epcot Food and Wine at WDWPRINCE

The Culprit

Sorry China, I think you are an amazing country with superb cuisine but…you did not bring it to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival 2009! What can I say, this rice pancake with shrimp is an insult to the lives of the shrimp that were taken to make this. On closer inspection, were there shrimp in in? I couldn’t find any.

The flavor was, well, flavorless. Not there. I sometimes like foods that are very subtle in flavor or even kind of starchy. But this was just inedible. It was the only Food and Wine Festival purchase that I threw out after one bite. And trust me, I’m not a finicky eater. I certainly don’t believe in throwing food out. Even the trash can was insulted that I would feed it such an awful morsel.

So China, step up to the plate (bad pun intended) and next year be innovative, tasty and deliver the goods (another bad pun intended for New Yorkers). Again I love China. I want to love them at Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Maybe next year.

Wu Dan- Friendly Server or Deceitful Accomplice?

Ka Yan- Chef Extraordinaire or Culinary Culprit?

Please leave comments with your experience, favorite or otherwise at Epcot Food and Wine Festival. I would like to hear!

Hey, Tsing Tao Beer is good! Redemption?

D23-Size Matters

Men's Medium Tee

Tip about ordering apparel if you are a D23 member-

Order the size that you are!

I have heard that Disney generally sizes their clothing differently. A medium is a large, a large is an XL, etc. I am a size large. When I ordered a tee from D23 in size medium, it actually was a medium! I now have to work out harder at the gym or risk looking like Winnie The Pooh.

5 Things You Have To Man Up To Do At Disney!

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Here are 5 adrenaline pumping activities on Disney property that require some testosterone-

1 Richard Petty Driving Experience- Feel the steel, put the pedal to the medal. Ride as a passenger or take the wheel for 8, 18 or 30 laps. We’re talking a NASCAR-style stock car in speeds of up to 120 mph. It’s location is right next to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. There is no charge to watch but you might as well get behind the wheel leave fear in the dust!

2 Swimming with Sharks-Get in the saltwater with nothing but a mask, lifejacket and snorkel and swim with the sharks! Shark Reef at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is home to leopard and bonnethead sharks, stingrays as well as other tropical sea life. Make sure you’ve fully digested your Dole Whip before you face one of these monsters. True to Disney, it’s a totally safe environment. Cop out, avoid getting wet and watch the sharks from a porthole in the sunken tanker at the bottom of the pool. Manly thing to do, get in the dang pool and face them sharks!

3 Tower of Terror-There is plenty of buildup and back-story until the moment when you are waiting before those dreaded elevator doors, ready to plunge into the Twilight Zone. The queue to this attraction is foreboding and full of detail. There is nothing like the moment when you are sitting in that dark elevator, waiting to be dropped and lifted…and dropped again. Every ride experience is different and randomly selected. Try not to scream too loud in front of your friends.

4 Expedition Everest-Approaching huge Mount Everest, hearing the roar of the Yeti and the screams of his victims. Watching the car appear to careen straight down the side of the mountain. Deep breath. You can do this. Don’t get in the fast pass line. When there isn’t too long of a line, get in the regular queu. There is plenty to see. Details of all those who made the trek before you. Why are those backpacks abandoned, what crushed all of that gear, where have those people disappeared to?  Get on and find out. Get ready for the Yeti.

Terror-ful Lobby

Beastly Mount Everest

So we’ve burned rubber, swum with salty sharks, plunged in dark terror, faced the fearsome Yeti, what’s left?

5 Work out!- Pump some iron.Come on guys. There are some really good, fully equiped gyms on property. Sure its a vacation but hit the gym at least half of the days you’re there. Put in an hour or so, burn off calories for a Mickey Ice Cream and look like a Disney Prince.

Some excellent health clubs on property are-

GRRRR

Boardwalk Inn-Muscles & Bustles Health Club

Swan Dolphin Resort Health Club

Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club

At least, get in the pool and swim! (Watch for Top 5 Pools on Disney property in an upcoming post).

What is Mickey’s Not So Scary? (Map Included)

Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Brochure Lists Open Attractions And Restaurants

There are several special events, each one a new reason to visit Disney World thoughout the year.

On Select dates from Sept 4 – Nov 1, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party takes place at the Magic Kingdom from 7pm-12am.

Like the name says, it’s not so scary which makes it fun for kids. But…it’s fun for adults too. Here’s why.

• If you like Halloween, and I do, special areas of Magic Kingdom are transformed into spooky haunted hallows using theming, music and lighting effects.
• It doesn’t matter what age you are, everyone can Trick or Treat! All receive a Trick or Treat bag at the entrance. There are Disney characters and Disney villians at special spots throughout the park dispensing treats.
• Very short lines with little to no wait! I could get on any attraction within minutes. (I attended the party during the last week of Sept)
• There are special Halloween fireworks. Also, the headless horseman starts off the Halloween parade with a ride through the park.

Mickey Ghost

Leota's Not So Dead Headstone

All is included in the price of admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance (and are cheaper that way). The cost this year is $55.38 total when you buy in advance.

Be sure to check out Leota’s Tombstone at the entrance to the Haunted Mansion. You may find that she’s not so dead after all.

Last year I came to the Halloween Party without planning to and I had a great time. Get a group of friends, go with your boyfriend or girlfriend or secretly enjoy it with your kids!

Me About To Have A Spooky Good Time

What Is Value Season at Walt Disney World?

There are certain dates during the year that are “value season” in Walt Disney World.

What does this mean for you? This means that resort prices are less expensive. It also means that some dining options and shows drop in price.

This year, Disney is listing value season at WDW as from Aug 27-Oct 3 2009. My favorite  time to go to WDW is during the last week in September and beginning of October.  The weather is generally milder and is much more comfortable for exploring the parks. Also, at that time there are two special hard ticketed special events happening, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Epcot Food And Wine Festival. Not bad at all.

Travel agencies can assist in finding package deals. I like to search and book on my own. I find that it is useful to start checking sites like Travelocity and Expedia about 7 weeks before your travel dates. It is also economical to book hotel and flight together. For the Dolphin Resort, the price dropped signifcantly 7 weeks out. The deal I got through Travelocity works out to less than $100 a night at the Dolphin. (Remember, that includes Extra Magic Hours at the parks and free transportation!) That’s the price of a value (or cheap) resort on Disney property. Lesson being, do some research! Watch for those rates to drop. If you check daily, you will see the rates fluctuate between $5 to $150.

Disney is again offering their Free Dining Plan this year. If you purchase one of their 5 night/5 day Magic Your Way packages which includes room and theme park tickets, you get a free dining plan. Basically you pay a flat per-person fee for dining each day. Details can be found at the link above.

Dinner theater shows like Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian, are about $15 less during value season. Also many restaurants on property cut their prices about 20% during this time. Another option for saving money on food is to buy an annual pass. Annual passholders can purchase a Tables In Wonderland Card. For Florida residents it is $100. Annual passholders can purchase one for $75. One of the benefits is 20% discount on all food and beverages at participating Resort hotel and Disney Theme Park restaurants. That includes alcohol!

Try out WDW during value season. The lines are  shorter, the weather is better, food is cheaper and you can spend money saved on yourself!