Tag: animal kingdom

What Disney World Pros Know That You…Don’t.

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 21, 2020

Have you ever wondered why some people have it waaay better at Disney World? Is it MAGIC?

It’s Mickey!

No, friends — it’s because some people are privy to a little expert knowledge you might not know about!

But that’s why you’ve got pros like us in your corner! You see, we’re all about helping you simplify your Disney World vacation so that you and your family can have the best time EV-AH! Let’s explore a few little changes that could have a big impact on your enjoyment!

Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute to Buy Your Souvenirs

A lot of folks wait until the last day of their trip to buy keepsakes, but that’s often a bad idea! Many of the Disney parks’ items are exclusive AND super-popular — meaning they have a pesky little way of selling out!

Rose Gold Minnie Ears

But it’s not just that — not every store carries the same stuff! You might be heading to Disney Springs on your last day and hitting up World of Disney thinking they’ve got it all, but some items are truly unique and only sold inside the parks at certain spots!

So if you see it, snag it! (I once passed up a Flower and Garden Dooney and Bourke Bag at Epcot, and it STILL haunts me to THIS day!)

2020 Flower and Garden Festival

Don’t want to carry those Starbucks Mugs, Minnie Ears, or apparel that you purchased at the parks around with you all day? Have it sent back to your resort! If you’re staying on-property, any gift shop can send your merchandise directly back to your hotel’s main gift shop. That way you DON’T have to haul it around with you and you can usually pick it up the very next day!

If You Don’t Like Your Room You Can Ask to Switch

Speaking of hotels, not all guest rooms are created equal. Some might have a different layout than you’re used to if you’ve stayed at that resort before. Or maybe you got saddled with a view of the pool when what you really wanted was a lagoon-view room instead. No matter what the case may be, if your guest room isn’t doing it for you, our advice is to ask for a swap.

This is also a great way to get closer to the elevators because in most cases rooms at the END of the hall with a loooong walk are usually an even-trade with ones that are more centrally located. (But, naturally, if you want to upgrade to a better room [say you want a king-size bed instead] you may have to pay the extra cost.)

Keep in mind most guests can make a general room request when they do online check-in, so be sure to check. Your hotel might not be able to accommodate a room change if space is limited, but it never hurts to ask!

Always Know When Your FastPass Booking Window Opens

Many of the most popular rides at Disney World book up FAST! That’s why it’s important to know when your FastPass window opens up. This happens 60 days out from the first day of your arrival if you’re staying at a Disney World or select Good Neighbor hotel OR 30 days out for everyone else. You can begin booking at 7AM EST sharp!

Rock N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios

If you’re like us, you might be making your reservations several months in advance, but always set a reminder (or mark it with a BIG red magic marker on your calendar) so that you don’t forget to make those FastPasses on the very first day of your booking window!

Don’t Take a Bus If You’re Running Late to Your Reservation

It’s easy to get caught up in your room (or oversleep!) and forget you have a FastPass or dining reservation starting in 30 minutes. You might be tempted to hop on a bus with the hopes you’ll make it there in time, but there are plenty of other options, too!

You Probably Want to Avoid Taking a Boat, Too!

Remember — buses only run every 10 or 20 minutes or so from the resorts to the parks at the busiest times of day (morning and evenings). Midday you might be waiting even longer! If you just missed the last bus, you could be in for a long wait and miss your reservation. That’s why we recommend calling a Minnie Van or using a Ride Share service (or call a taxi!).

Minnie Van

You WILL have to pay out of pocket for this option, but you won’t have to worry about waiting for a bus and you’ll probably get to your destination a lot more quickly.

And for the chronically-running-late, Disney typically offers a grace period (usually about 15 minutes for FastPasses and dining reservations), but still, we wouldn’t want you to chance it!

Ride Seats Matter

Did you know your ride experience may vary depending on where you sit? If you’re seeking “maximum thrills,” ask the boarding Cast Member if you can sit in the very last row of coaster-type rides such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Slinky Dog Dash. You’ll get whipped around like a ragdoll — which our kids happen to REALLY enjoy! Ourselves? Maybe not quite as much!

Big Thunder Mountain

Soarin’ can be extra-exhilarating if you ask to be seated in a row at the very tippy-top of the attraction, and don’t forget — Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway offer unique experiences depending on where you’re seated each time! We bet you’re totally going to see some stuff you didn’t catch on your first ride through!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Check out some of our Disney World ride hack video here to learn more of these juicy little secrets!

Don’t Rule Out Disney World’s Value Resorts

Disney’s most inexpensive resorts, known as the Value resorts, don’t get the credit they deserve sometimes! A lot of people dismiss them because they associate “value” with “economy,” but in actuality, there are some pretty great options out there when it comes to Disney World’s value resorts.

Art of Animation Ink and Paint Shop

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are two of our favorites. Pop Century recently remodeled its rooms and both resorts are on Disney’s Skyliner line with access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios!

Disney’s Skyliner

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort also offers family suites. These rooms have separate sleeping quarters for parents, PLUS two bathrooms to get park-ready in! For all that extra space at the same price as a higher-end moderate resort, it’s definitely worth considering!

Cars Building at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Several of the All-Stars Resorts have also recently renovated some of their rooms (which you can ask for when you book!). While value resorts might not be for everyone, they’re awesome for folks who are planning on spending more of their time at the parks anyway. They have great food courts, themed-play areas, and over-the-top pools, too!

Plan to Visit Around Disney World’s Busier Times but Not DURING Them

You’ve probably heard some horror stories about the crowd levels at Disney World (or seen them televised!) around Christmastime, but that shouldn’t scare you away from a winter trip to Disney World!

Christmas at Epcot

The holiday “transformation” in Disney World typically starts to happen almost immediately after Halloween. Sure, all of the special festivals and events might not be happening quite yet, but you can still see a lot of the Christmas decorations and even enjoy some of the special holiday treats that begin arriving as early as November 2nd!

And believe it or not, Halloween season in Disney World normally kicks off as early as mid-August, meaning you can celebrate with Mickey and his friends way before the throngs of people begin to flood in!

Always Aim for the Second Parade or Show

A lot of people who have spent a long, full day at the parks will try to hit the first evening show or parade so that they can file out immediately afterward, but that doesn’t mean you have to! We prefer to ride attractions (which usually have a shorter wait time) during the first show. Then once the park begins to empty out a little, we walk right up and catch the second show without a lengthy wait.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks

Yup! On less crowded days, we’ve often found a good spot just a few minutes before the show started without having to secure it an hour+ in advance. Of course, if you want a really, REALLY good spot because parades are one of the most important parts of your trip, it wouldn’t hurt to stake your claim a little early — just in case! We’re just saying the “you-must-secure-your-fireworks-or-parade-spot-one-hour-in-advance” rule isn’t really ALWAYS a thing!

And there you have it! More pearls of wisdom from some classy Disney dames who are always happy to dish out a little expert advice!

Which of our tips was the most helpful for you? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, 2012 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, advice, Art of Animation, best disney vacation, changes to fastpasses, disney skyliner, Disney World, disney world planning, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, don’t buy your souvenirs on the last day, don’t take the bus, Fastpass, how to have the best disney vacation, how to have the best vacation, if you’re running late, planning advice, pro tips, remodeled rooms, request a different room, second fireworks, switch rooms, tips and tricks, value resort, what to do if you’re running late

Disney Food Disney Parks

Disney World Foods That Are SO GOOD They’ve Been Around Since Opening Day (And Where to Get ‘Em)

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 20, 2020

We here at DFB talk a lot about what the BEST food items are in Disney World.

Sunshine Tree Terrace

We have lots of favorites — some are classic and some are brand-new — but there are some Disney foods that are undeniably good. How? They’ve stood the test of time!

We’re taking a look at some of the dishes in Disney that have been around since OPENING DAY of their park or restaurant. You KNOW how often menus change in Disney, so that’s quite a feat!

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at California Grill

First up, we’re taking a look at a classic dish from California Grill, the signature restaurant on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. California Grill is always an experience thanks to the sweeping views of the Magic Kingdom and nearby resorts, and, if you’re there at the right time, the perfect view of the Happily Ever After fireworks show in Magic Kingdom.

View from California Grill

Like most of the signature restaurants in Disney World, California Grill has a rotating menu that changes based on market-inspired and seasonal ingredients and decisions from the chef. It’s also gone through several different executive chefs since 1995, so you can imagine that not many original menu items have stuck around.

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at Disney’s California Grill — the best appetizer in the World!

That is, except for the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. This appetizer was introduced on the first California Grill menu when the restaurant replaced Top of the World in 1995. It’s seen very minor adjustments over the years, but it’s still a single, large ravioli stuffed with goat cheese in a tomato broth topped with crispy mushrooms.

The ravioli was a hit then and it remains a hit today. In fact, we consider it one of the best things we’ve ever eaten in Disney World!

Cobb Salad at The Hollywood Brown Derby

Cruising on over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’re headed to a classic Disney World dining location — The Hollywood Brown Derby. This location is a replica of the famous Brown Derby restaurant in the real Hollywood, and it features the iconic Cobb Salad to boot!

Cobb Salad

For those who don’t know, the Cobb Salad was supposedly invented by (original) Brown Derby owner Robert Howard Cobb (there are actually a few versions of the story of the origination of the Cobb Salad!). In nearly all cases, the salad is comprised of finely chopped Greens, Turkey Breast, Bacon, Egg, Tomatoes, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Avocado, Chives, and Cobb Dressing (similar to French dressing).

The dish has been a staple of the restaurant in Tinseltown just like it has been at the Disney World iteration. To truly represent the original restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby opened with Disney MGM Studios in 1989 with a Cobb Salad on the menu.

Brown Derby Lounge

And it’s still there to this day! Seriously, you gotta try this Cobb at least once. There’s a reason it’s lasted so long!

Grapefruit Cake at The Hollywood Brown Derby

The Cobb Salad isn’t the ONLY dish at The Hollywood Brown Derby that’s stood the test of time. Once you’re done feasting on your greens, you can wrap up your meal with the DELICIOUS Grapefruit Cake. Ever wondered how this treat came to be?

Grapefruit Cake at Hollywood Brown Derby

Rumor has it that famed Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons told the REAL Brown Derby’s owner, Robert Howard Cobb, that all of his desserts were way too fattening and he should offer something healthier.

Cobb’s response was to tell his chef to make a dessert that had grapefruit in it because, at the time, a grapefruit was popular around Hollywood for its “slimming abilities.” The grapefruit cake — with all it’s NOT so slimming cream cheese frosting — was born!

Grapefruit Cake from The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Like the Cobb Salad, the Grapefruit Cake debuted on the menu when MGM Studios opened in 1989 and it remains the most popular dessert to this day. If you can’t get to Hollywood Studios soon, we recommend making one for yourself at home. This cake is THAT good.

Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace

You might think that the arguably MORE famous Dole Whip is the treat that’s been around from Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s opening day, but it’s actually a different frozen and fruity delight! We’re talking ’bout that Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace!

Citrus Swirl and Orange Bird cup

So, why was the Citrus Swirl around on the opening day of Magic Kingdom? Well, it all comes back to some of the sponsorships of Adventureland at the time!

Sunshine Tree Terrace (and The Enchanted Tiki Room [then called the Tropical Serenade], FYI) were both sponsored by the Florida Citrus Commission back in the ’70s. Disney ended up using OJ from Florida orange growers in the Orange Swirl and even created a mascot to go with the sponsored locations — the Orange Bird!

This Little Orange Bird Has Quite a History!

Now this special treat is a little bit different because it HAS disappeared from the menu a few times (once for a LONG time only to reappear in 2012!).

Recently, Disney even tried to replace it with the VERY different Orange Swirl made with Orange Dole Whip, only to bring back the original. The OG Citrus Swirl is a combo of frozen orange juice and vanilla soft serve.

Sunshine Tree Terrace

It’s a really unique treat with the tangy real orange juice that we think every Disney World fan should try at least once! Now, you can get Orange Swirl OR the OG Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace (plus a bunch of other Dole Whip flavors!). So, despite some hiccups, Citrus Swirl has been delighting guests since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971.

Safari Amber Beer in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Next up, we’re checking out a drink that’s been in Disney’s Animal Kingdom since it opened in 1998. The Safari Amber Beer was developed by Anheuser-Busch for the new theme park and it’s still available in restaurants around the park to this day!

Safari Amber on Draft at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa at Kidani Village

Recently, we’ve spotted it at Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue, Harambe Market, Restaurantosaurus, The Smiling Crocodile, Tamu Tamu Refreshments, Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages, Yak & Yeti Restaurant and the Dawa Bar — it seems like it’s everywhere! You can also spot the Safari Amber at Epcot’s Refreshment Outpost and occasionally at dining locations around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

If you’re a beer lover, you gotta try the Safari Amber at least once. After all, it’s EXCLUSIVELY available in Disney World!

Fish and Chips at Rose & Crown Dining Room

We’re wrapping up our tour of iconic opening day foods with a visit to the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot! This was one of the original nine World Showcase pavilions that opened with Epcot in 1982 and Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room has been around since the beginning!

Rose & Crown Fish & Chips

Of course, the most iconic item on the menu at Rose & Crown is the Fish and Chips — and they’re tasty too! The fish always has the CRUNCHIEST batter and the chips (fries, FYI!) are usually perfectly cooked — crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This meal is super representative of UK culture and eats and we’re so glad it’s stuck around.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to snag your Fish & Chips QUICK, you can buy a similar meal from Yorkshire County Fish Shop just next door to the Rose & Crown.

Rose & Crown Fish & Chips Interior

YES these Disney eats should be on your bucket list. After all, they’re practically historic! Any dishes and drinks that can stand the test of time quite like these goodies must have something pretty magical going for them!

Have you tried these opening day foods? Tell us in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, Cult Favorites, disney parks, disney resorts, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, California Grill, Citrus Swirl, Cobb Salad, dining, Disney World, disney world dining, Fish and Chips, Grapefruit Cake, opening day, Opening Day Foods, Rose & Crown Dining Room, Safari Amber, sonoma goat cheese ravioli, Sunshine Tree Terrace, The Hollywood Brown Derby

Other

How Meeting Mickey Mouse at Disney World is COMPLETELY Different Than It Used To Be!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 19, 2020

Is there anything more quintessential on a Disney World trip than meeting Mickey Mouse? We’ll make the executive call: No, no there isn’t.

Mickey Mouse

You’ve been able to meet Mickey since the very earliest days of Disney World and it’s a tradition that will likely stand the test of time for years to come. Still, meeting Mickey used to be a VERY different experience. Scoring that hug from the Mouse has changed a lot over the years. Now, you’ll have some decisions to make if you want to schmooze with the Big Cheese.

Characters used to be free-roaming (believe it or not)!

Back in the opening months of Magic Kingdom, Disney characters used to roam the parks freely. Nowadays, seeing Mickey take a stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. might cause some serious traffic jams!

Still, characters remain somewhat free-roaming over in Disneyland, but Disney World characters are a little more (ok a LOT more) scheduled.

Meeting characters back in the day was a free-for-all!

To meet Mickey in Disney World today, you’ll need to head to an existing meet and greet location in the parks, or schedule a character meal. The good side of this is that these meetings are a lot more controlled than free-roaming. You can guarantee that precious face-to-face time with Mickey without having other guests clamoring for his attention too! On the other hand, you will have to pay for your experience — either with your time or money!

Now, meeting Mickey is a lot less random AND a lot less “free.”

If you’re looking to meet Mickey in present day, you have some options. You can choose to wait in a LONG line to meet the Mouse, spend one of your daily FastPasses, or book a character meal.

Meeting Mickey at a Meet and Greet

Let’s talk option one — meeting the Mouse in a meet and greet format. There is a Mickey meet and greet in every Disney World park. He meets at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, in the theater in the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot, Adventurer’s Outpost in Animal Kingdom, and Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams in Hollywood Studios.

Mickey Meet and Greet

The meet and greets are free (with your park ticket, of course) but wait times can be over an hour and even spike above 90 minutes long at times. Whew! That’s a big chunk of your park day for a quick hug and a picture! So even though you’re not spending any extra cash, you’ll still “pay” with your time when you go the standby route!

Alternatively, you can snag a FastPass for the Mickey meet and greets in Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Just remember there’s currently no Fastpass option for the Epcot or Hollywood Studios meet and greets.

Mickey Meet and Greet

In this instance, you’ll be “paying” with one of your FastPasses. Since Magic Kingdom doesn’t have a tier system, you’ll be using up one of three potentially better-used FastPasses for a chance to briefly meet Mickey. This could work for you if meeting Mickey is a MUST for your family, but it could mean having to wait a couple of hours for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, or any other ride you gave up using that FastPass on.

In Animal Kingdom, the Adventurer’s Outpost is a Tier 2 Fastpass so you’ll be passing up on a Fastpass for Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, or another popular attraction. But still, using your Fastpass in Animal Kingdom might be a better move than using one in Magic Kingdom since you can usually spot shorter waits for the Tier 2 attractions in this park.

Mickey Mouse

Whichever way you choose to handle your Mickey meet and greet, you’ll be spending coveted park time or FastPasses, so be wary!

Meeting Mickey at Character Dining

Instead, you could opt to spend your money and go the character dining route. Mickey meets at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, ‘Ohana breakfast in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Tusker House in Animal Kingdom, Topolino’s Terrace breakfast in Disney’s Riviera Resort, Garden Grill in Epcot, and a few other locations. Click here to check em all out!

Farmer Mickey

This option is great because you’re GUARANTEED time with Mickey AND other characters, a cute pic, and NO WAIT. Plus, you get to chow down while you’re at it. For us, food is always a plus.

On the other side of things, character dining tends to be expensive and a lot of times you might only get a quick hug and a pic before Mickey has to move on to another table.

Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters

Plus in this case, you’re paying for the experience ON TOP of a park ticket (unless you dine in one of the resort restaurants where he meets). That can get pretty pricy! But hey, you gotta eat, right? So if you can factor into your budget a character meal, this is a great way to meet Mickey (and more!).

Meeting Mickey at Hard-Ticketed Events

There’s a third option to meeting Mickey as well, although this one is under special circumstances. Some of the After Hours events in the parks feature Mickey. Mickey met guests at the Hollywood Studios After Hours, the Animal Kingdom After Hours, and the Magic Kingdom After Hours (NOT Villains!) plus Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the past.

Mickey Mouse

If you’re headed to one of these events make sure to check in advance whether or not Mickey will be there! Remember though, this one is probably going to cost you just as much, if not MORE than the other options. You’ll be paying to attend the hard-ticketed event AND you’ll have to wait in line once you get there. So this one is a combo of money and time. Still, it’s important to note that it’s an option if you ARE planning to get your party on.

So, what’s the best way to meet your favorite character?

These tips don’t ONLY apply to Mickey. You’ll pay with money, fastpasses, or park time to meet other members of the Sensational Six, the Seven Dwarfs (you can meet a couple at Storybook Dining at Artist Point or the whole gang at the Halloween and Christmas parties), Winnie the Pooh and friends (at some character meals or the holiday parties), and the Princesses too!

Wait Time to meet Anna and Elsa

That leaves us wondering, what’s the best way to meet your favorite character? Well, that depends on your family and your needs!

Wait in line for a meet and greet if…

You don’t mind taking the time to wait.
You’re willing to head to the park right when it opens or stay until it closes to get the shortest lines.
You’re really hoping to use those FastPasses for other attractions.

Get a FastPass to meet your favorite character if…

FastPass is an option for their meet and greet.
Meeting your fave character is a must.
You’re not bothered by losing out on other FastPasses.
You see a day-of FastPass for the meet and greet when you’re in the park.

Head to a character meal if…

You want to meet a bunch of characters all at once.
You really don’t want to wait in line.
You don’t mind spending the extra money for the experience.

Meet your favorite character at a hard-ticketed event if…

You’re looking to meet your chosen character in a special, seasonal outfit.
You’re hoping to meet a rare Disney character (like Jack and Sally at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party).
You’re already heading to a party and you’re looking to meet Mickey (or anyone else!) while you live it up!

So there you have it! We’ve laid out all the different ways that you can meet Mickey nowadays so that you can pick what’s best for YOUR trip!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Contemporary Resort, Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Polynesian Resort, Riviera Resort, Walt Disney World, ‘Ohana, After Hours, after-hours event, Chef Mickey’s, Garden Grill, Hollywood and Vine, Mickey Character Meal, mickey meet and greet, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse Character Meal, Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet, Minnie’s Seasonal Hollywood and Vine Lunch and Dinner, Topolino’s Terrace, Tusker House

Disney Parks

10 Secret Tips to Make Your Disney World Vacation WAY Easier!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 19, 2020

Here at Disney Food Blog, we’re ALWAYS snacking on cookies, cupcakes, and more to tell you which of Disney World treats you don’t want to miss, but we’re also constantly on the lookout for new crumbs of wisdom for how to have the best overall experience possible on our Disney World vacations (see what we did there?)!

Bee Cupcake at Animal Kingdom!

Our Disney World habits have helped us pick up quite a few tricks over the years which have, until now, stayed pretty much under-the-radar — meaning you’re not likely to find them in any guidebooks or Facebook groups!

We’re sharing our top ten most-handy bits of advice when it comes to prepping for your next trip to Disney World! Let’s get right down to business!

1. Take Screenshots of Your Itinerary on the My Disney Experience App

Capturing a screenshot image of your scheduled FastPasses or Advance Dining Reservations will really help save your phone battery at the parks! That battery life will start to dwindle FAST with all the opening and closing of the My Disney Experience app you can do in a day!

We like to take this hack one step further by saving the image as our home screen — that way, all we have to do is “jiggle” our phone to see our plans that day! On an iPhone, you can take a screenshot by simultaneously pressing the power button on the side of the phone and one of the volume buttons. Then go into settings and select your image as your background! GENIUS!

2. Also, Take Photos of Your Hard Tickets and MagicBands

By now you probably think we’re a little obsessed with taking pictures of everything — annnnd you wouldn’t be wrong! But we do it for a reason — it’s saved our skins a number of times in the parks!

Pirate Minnie MagicBand

That’s because it’s a lot easier for Cast Members to help you replace something you’ve lost if you have a record of “having it” in the first place! Hard tickets, Photopass cards, and back of your MagicBand (with its number visible) are all things we always snap a quick pic of — just in case we misplace any of them! Disney can look them up by their number and help you get a replacement that much faster.

3. Consider Buying Disney Gift Cards Ahead of Time

If you’re looking to curb some of your vacation spending habits and save a little money at the same time, consider buying some prepaid Disney gift cards before you head off to Disney World!

©Disney

They can really help you stay on budget PLUS if you shop at Target, a Target RedCard gives you 5% off your purchase of Disney gift cards! Grab your rain ponchos and any last-minute toilettes for your vacation while you’re at it!

4. Be on the Lookout for Extra Fees

From rental fees, to cancellation fees, to parking fees, and every fee in between, fees are a pesky problem to have at Disney World if you don’t know about them in advance!

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

To keep hidden fees from sneaking up on you, here are some common culprits!

Nightly Parking Fees For Disney World Resort Guests

Disney World Resorts began charging an overnight parking fee in March of 2018. Here are the current rates being charged:

Disney World’s Value Resorts: $15 per night
Disney World Moderate Resorts: $20 per night
Disney World Deluxe Resorts & Deluxe Villas: $25 per night
Valet parking is available at certain resorts for $33 per night

Riviera Resort Entrance

Note: Disney Vacation Club members are NOT charged for parking when using their DVC points to book a room or when staying at a Deluxe Villa because the cost is included in membership dues. For campers, one parking space is complimentary per campsite for guests at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.

Staying Offsite Fees

If you’re planning on staying somewhere offsite, be prepared for additional fees like the cost of parking at the Disney theme parks.

Theme park parking is complimentary for Walt Disney World hotel guests and Annual Passholders, but everyone else will be paying:

$25 per day for standard parking
$45-$50 per day for preferred parking
$30 per day for oversized parking

Does Everyone Want To Ride Splash Mountain??

Once you pay at one Disney World theme park, you won’t have to pay again if you decide to visit more than one park in a day — just save your receipt! And if you’re a Walt Disney World resort guest or passholder you can upgrade to preferred parking by paying the difference between the standard rate and the preferred rate. Free parking is available at Disney’s Water Parks as well as ESPN Wide World of Sports and at Disney Springs.

Gratuity

Tips can really add up quick at Disney World! Even if you’ve already paid for all of your meals ahead of time with a Disney Dining Plan, note that gratuity isn’t included.

The Farmer at California Grill

We highly recommend budgeting an extra 18-20% of your planned table service meals to cover the tip of your hard-working server. Keep in mind, if you have a party of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill. And if you’re using a Tables in Wonderland card, you’ll also have an 18% gratuity added to your check no matter your party’s size.

5. There Are Special Perks for Kids Under Three

But enough about fees! Let’s talk about something A LOT more pleasant — FREEBIES! And if you have any children under the age of three, then lucky you! There are all sorts of great ways you can save some money! For instance, children under the age of three are allowed to eat off of a parent’s plate for free! This is especially nice at buffets where you’re free to make a plate for your toddler and one for yourself.

Piatta Alla Parmigiana con Pollo

And did you know children under the age of three don’t need a park ticket to get inside any of the Disney parks? Just remember, though, that if you plan to fly to Disney they might not be TOTALLY free — while Disney World lets kids under three in for free, children two and up require a full-priced plane ticket to fly. So if you’re in that two to three age range, keep that in mind!

FastPass Touchpoint

This little tip might really help you plan out when you should go to Disney World if you have children under three! The difference between going a few weeks before your child turns three or after their birthday could mean spending hundreds of dollars more!

6. Don’t Forget About Rider Switch

Worried about bringing a small child along and not getting to enjoy the thrill rides? Don’t forget about a magical little thing called Rider Switch! With Rider Switch, you and your partner won’t have to wait in line twice if you have a child who’s too small or doesn’t want to ride.

Here’s how it works: the person riding can let a Cast Member know they want to use Rider Switch BEFORE they get in line, and they’ll give them a special pass to give to the last Cast Member they encounter before boarding.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

When they’re done, they go outside and switch places with the second person, who can hop in the FastPass line to ride without a lengthy wait! Rider Switch has been around for years and it has been a lifesaver for those of us who travel frequently with small kiddos in tow!

7. Start in the Back

Many guests get hung up on the first few attractions they encounter when the parks open (ever noticed Spaceship Earth in Epcot has a LONG wait in the morning?!), but for the shortest wait times, always head to the back!

Big Thunder Mountain

Lots of times you can knock out some pretty popular rides without a FastPass if you head straight to the back of a park and get on ‘em right away! Then you can relax and enjoy a more leisurely pace while working your way back up to the front of the park for the rest of the day.

Keep in mind this doesn’t ALWAYS work — Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a good example of this. The most popular attractions are at the back of this park, like Slinky Dog Dash and all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, so everyone ELSE will likely be rushing to the back of this park first. In general, this tip works well for the other three parks.

8. Be Ready to Meet Disney Characters

Chances are you’ll probably run into some “colorful characters” at Disney World, especially if you’ll be enjoying a character meal at one of the park’s many dining locations.

To make life even easier for your Disney pals, bring a Sharpie marker from home which is a lot easier for characters with fuzzy or big-gloved hands to hold. They can even sign your shirt or backpack with it (as long as you’re not wearing it)! (Just don’t let it fall into your toddlers’ hands or they could do some SERIOUS damage!)

Goofy

We also like to keep our autograph books in a Ziploc bag we brought from home. That way, we don’t have to worry if it rains or our bag gets splashed on a ride.

Asking an attending Cast Member BEFORE you get in line how long the character will be out is also a really good idea. Characters can only be out for about 20 minutes at a time, so by asking, you can decide if it’s worth the wait or something you should circle back later on to see!

9. Know How to Exit Magic Kingdom on a Crowded Day (Without a Major Headache)

Did you know many of the gift shops on Main Street, U.S.A. are connected? That means if there are heavy crowds due to a parade or fireworks show ending, you can sometimes escape a little faster and a little easier through the gift shops.

Hello from the Magic Kingdom!

We also like to exit the park through the gift shop to get a nice, cool blast of AC before waiting at the bus stop (which can be a long, HOT wait!).

This exit strategy is also really helpful when it’s raining. You can practically get to the front of the park from Adventureland by entering at Casey’s Corner and exiting through the Emporium. There is a break between some of the buildings on the other side of Main Street, U.S.A., but the same general rule applies when exiting the park from Tomorrowland as well!

10. Always Check the Special Offers Tab Before You Book (and Check It After, Too)

Disney room and package discounts and offers are usually released closer to your travel date, so while something might not be available right when you book your trip, keep checking. Disney doesn’t advertise this, but you can usually get in on any deals by re-booking your reservation with the new discount applied!

Hi Mickey and Minnie!

Keep in mind, most special offers cannot be combined and some promotions, such as Disney World’s Free Dining offer, and they tend to fill up especially FAST! That’s why we always like to recommend our trusted travel agency, Small World Vacations. If a special offer is announced after Small World Vacations helps you make your arrangements, they’ll even help you get the discount applied to your vacation without you having to do any of the legwork!

We hope we helped provide you with a few not-so-common tips to make the most of your trip. A LOT of work goes into planning the perfect Disney World vacation both before you go AND once you’re there, so knowing how to work around common problems and some tips to save time or money can be a huge help!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Character Dining, disney merchandise, Disney News, Disney Springs, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, advance dining reservations, bring sharpie, bring ziplock, buy disney gift cards, caretaker sandwich, character greetings, fastpasses, gratuity not included, hidden fee, into the unknown, kids under three, know how to exit magic kingdom, My Disney Experience, parking fees, redcard 5%, Rider Switch, screenshot, special discount tabs, start in the back, take photos of your hard tickets, target redcard, under the age of three

Disney Parks Other

What to EAT at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date May 17, 2020

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our FAVORITE resort hotels when it comes to all things FOOD.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

There are some simply incredible restaurants here to choose from and we totally recommend you check this resort out, even if you aren’t staying here!

Victoria Falls Lounge

We’re going to be starting our Animal Kingdom Lodge food tour today at Victoria Falls Lounge. This is located right alongside Boma. You’ll typically find guests here enjoying a beverage or a light snack while they wait for their reservation for Boma, but we think it’s worth a trip all on its own!

Victoria Falls Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Since it’s so close to Boma and Jiko, you’ll typically find drinks at Victoria Falls that you can also order at these table service restaurants. So, if you can’t get a reservation, you can still enjoy the beverages! One of our favorites is the Victoria Falls Mist.

Victoria Falls Mist

Note that this drink, which takes its name from the bar, has recently disappeared from the menu. But since it was kind of the “go-to” drink at this location, we suspect the bartenders are happy to still mix it up if it is, indeed, gone from the menu. This is a very light and refreshing beverage, which mixes Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, Melon and Banana Liqueurs, Sweet-and-Sour, and Sprite.

Pool Bars: Maji Pool Bar and Uzima Springs Pool Bar

Each of the resorts’ two main sections, Jambo House and Kidani Village, have their own pool bar so guests can sip on a refreshing beverage on a hot Florida day. The Maji Pool Bar is located in Kidani Village…

Maji Pool Bar

…while the Uzima Springs Pool Bar is located at Jambo House!

Uzima Springs Pool Bar

Both bars are great spots to relax on your day off from the parks and enjoy a cold beverage or two. The best part about these quiet pool bars is that you DON’T have to be a guest at Animal Kingdom Lodge to stop by! On our last visit, we sipped on the Safari Mudslide.

Safari Mudslide

These bars are known to switch up their seasonal specialties often, making it a new experience every time we visit!

The Mara

The Mara is our next stop on our Animal Kingdom Lodge tour. This will be your “to go” stop for quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

The Mara Menu

But don’t let the “fast-casual” label fool you: this is a GEM when it comes to tasty Disney food, especially desserts!

The Mara Dessert Menu

One of our favorite desserts is the Zebra Domes! These are the same beloved desserts that can be found at Boma but you can get THESE without a table service reservation! These little domes pack some massive flavor with an Amarula Cream Liquor mousse filling, sponge cake base, and white chocolate coating.

Zebra Domes

Another favorite treat of ours is the Nyala Brownie.

Nyala Brownie

BONUS POINTS for this treat coming in a Mickey shape! This peanut butter brownie has taken on many forms over the years, and has disappeared and reappeared a few times. You get a dense, fudgy brownie with a metric ton of peanut butter frosting on top. It’s pretty amazing.

Nyala Brownie

If you see it in the display case, GRAB IT! You’ll be glad you did.

Sanaa

We’re moving on now to the three main table service restaurants in Animal Kingdom Lodge. All three of these restaurants offer free behind-the-scenes tours, giving guests a glimpse at the inspiration behind and design of the three restaurants. Definitely worth considering even if you don’t have a reservation at that restaurant! The first of the table service restaurants we’ll talk about is Sanaa.

Sanaa

Located in Kidani Village, this table service lunch and dinner location also serves up a counter-service breakfast!

Lunch Menu at Sanaa

If you dine at Sanaa for lunch or dinner, you will be in for an amazing experience — the windows overlook the Savanna with animals walking by as you dine! If you want the very best views of the Savanna, we recommend you make a lunch reservation so you can see the animals in full daylight. Once it gets dark, it’s tougher to spot the critters outside!

Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna

There are a few standout menu items we have to mention! The first is the Bread Service. We feel like we’ve told everyone we know about this must-try app. This is a standout dish at Sanaa, complete with Indian Naan bread and an assortment of flavorful dips!

Sanaa Bread Service

The dips that you can choose from include Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, or Tamarind Chutney. Can’t decide? YOU CAN GET THEM ALL (totally what we always do!).

Bread Service Accompaniments

OF COURSE, we have to mention their ridiculously good Butter Chicken! We like to call this dish “heaven in a bowl” because it is jam-packed with SO much flavor! It’s traditionally a combination of butter, cream, tomato puree, garam masala, and other spices, resulting in a super-rich but super delicious meal. It can be ordered as a sort of sampler entree where you choose one item from a list of meat and seafood simmered dishes, including Butter Chicken, one choice from a variety of vegetarian slow-cooked options, as well as a bowl of Basmati Rice.

It’s seriously the standout entree and we have to fight with ourselves EVERY time we go to Sanaa to try other things on the menu (but our hearts will forever and always belong to the Butter Chicken).

Butter Chicken

And for dessert, we’re giving ALL of the gold stars to the Spice Trade Candy Bar.

Spice Road Candy Bar

We’ve had BAD “candy bars” at other restaurants, but this one is a sure winner — it’s a Coconut, Apricot, Caramel, Pistachio, and Cashew Bar covered in Milk Chocolate, and topped with Chai Cream, Pistachio Crumb, and Apricot Gelee. Whew! Think of it as the most luxurious Snickers Bar you’ll ever eat.

Boma

Our final two restaurants are both in the Jambo House section of Animal Kingdom Lodge. First up is Boma! This buffet-style restaurant is a fan-favorite and offers some really unique African-inspired eats.

Boma

Their breakfast buffet is a fun mix of traditional American-style dishes as well as African dishes!

Breakfast Pastries from one of our favorite buffets — Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Some of the more African-inspired breakfast options include Turkey Bobotie. For the kiddos, there are Simba & Nala waffles, and we love their goat cheese scrambled eggs and pecan praline bread pudding!

Lion King Waffles at Boma

For lunch and dinner, everyone in your party should find something they’ll fall in love with! They have a delicious rotating assortment of soups, including butternut squash soup and chicken corn chowder.

Boma Mulligatawny Soup

There should be multiple varieties for you to choose from when you dine!

Soup’s on at Boma!

While this buffet appeals to those with a more adventurous palette, there are plenty of options for pickier eaters too, especially the kiddos who will find plenty of ‘mainstream’ options (things like spaghetti, chicken nuggies, and mac and cheese, of course!).

Another reason why we love eating at Boma is their Jungle Juice! Also known as POG Juice, this Disney World classic beverage appears in multiple resorts under various aliases (it’s known as Moonshine over at Trail’s End restaurant at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort!).

Jungle Juice…or POG Juice…or Moonshine…

For dessert, this is another location in Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can get ZEBRA DOMES!

Zebra Dome at Boma

So if you missed out on grabbing some over at The Mara, you can get your fill at Boma!

Jiko

Last but CERTAINLY not least is Jiko. This is a signature restaurant, meaning that if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll be redeeming two of your table service credits here as opposed to just one per person. If you’re paying out of pocket, be prepared to dig a little deeper into those pockets here! This is a truly special dining experience.

Gorgeous Lighting at Jiko Mellows Through the Evening to Mimic the African Sunset

Jiko gives off a much more romantic vibe than Sanaa and Boma, making this a perfect spot for date night!

Jiko Menu

If you aren’t looking for a full meal but still want to experience Jiko, you may be interested in their wine tastings! Did you know that Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to the largest selection of South African wines outside of South Africa? That means there’s PLENTY of African wine to try here, especially if you book a reservation for their Wine Tasting.

Jiko Wine Tasting Room

Offered every Wednesday, you get to sample a trio of wines selected by the sommeliers at Jiko. Reservations are highly recommended and there is a dress code!

Jiko Wine Tasting

But of course, there’s much more to Jiko than a wide selection of wines. They have SPECTACULAR food. One of the standout dishes has always been their Oak-grilled Filet Mignon with Mac and Cheese. A perfectly cooked steak covered in a rich red wine reduction over creamy mac is the stuff dreams are made of.

Oak Grilled Filet with Mac and Cheese

And pro-tip: if the side dish is different, ask for the KIDS’ mac and cheese with your filet! That’s the original version that made this dish a hit to begin with! While their menu has changed a bit over the years, you can always order that awesome kids’ mac and cheese as a side dish if you want to give it a taste. Just ask your server!

Savanna during the day

For the ultimate Animal Kingdom Lodge culinary experience, check out the Wanyama Safari. This tour is open to all guests — you don’t have to be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge to book it! Your evening begins with a pre-safari reception, and then you head out onto the Savanna for a special tour! After the safari, you’ll enjoy a multi-course dinner at Jiko.

Overall, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great place to experience a variety of food options and dining experiences. We think it’s worth checking out even if you aren’t staying at the resort! It’s full of character and has lots of must-try items!

What is your favorite restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com

Tags animal kingdom, food, Jambo House, Kidani Village, lists, Maji Pool Bar, Nyala Brownie, Sanaa, The Mara, Zebra Domes