Enjoy the tour and big thanks again to Kay for sharing her suite with us!

Many people have asked for the music used in the video above, it’s from Poppin’ Guitars: A Tuneful of Sherman, which is a great CD! Check it out below:

Contemporary Mary Blair gingerbread tree - my favorite display!

Yesterday we took a quick photo tour of Walt Disney World’s monorail resorts and their holiday decor. Today we’ll focus on what Disney’s Contemporary Resort is cooking up for guests who visit the Mary Blair-themed gingerbread tree in the Grand Canyon Concourse.

As you know, Mary Blair is the gifted artist responsible for so much within early Disney history, including the awe-inspiring murals on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Perhaps her most famous contribution is whimsical design of the “it’s a small world” attraction. As a tribute to Mary’s art, Disney has created a gingerbread tree in her style for the past 3 years. This display instantly became my favorite of the Disney resorts, surpassing even the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, simply because of the simplicity and tribute to Mary Blair.

The gingerbread tree has changed a bit since its first year, when it was just a plain tree with some frosting ‘snow’. Last year candy canes and ornaments were added with space for photo ops.  This year the tree has brighter ornaments, a hidden Mickey or two, and the “it’s a small world” background is now edged in lights, has a black backdrop, and Mr. Sun’s face moves as it does in the attraction. When the tree first appeared, all that was sold at the counter were gingerbread cookies in the shape and style of “it’s a small world” characters and a few other treats. Now there are quite the array of elegantly decorated and beautiful cookies and treats, in addition to a Contemporary Resort-shaped A-frame gingerbread house with white chocolate monorail inside! Let’s take a closer look:

Stay tuned for more posts on the individual resort goodies, starting with the delicious treats offered at the Contemporary Resort. We’ll also visit the Grand Floridian gingerbread house up close, see what the Beach and Yacht Clubs have to share and come back to the Polynesian when their little gingerbread houses are out!

My family are not Disney Vacation Club members, but with my husband and I, an 11 and 10 year-old, a 2 year-old and occasionally my mom, we like staying in DVC properties because of the extra space. We rarely use the kitchen facilities other than the refrigerator but we definitely use every other inch of space and amenity these wonderful resorts offer.

Old Key West in general is one of our favorites because of the beautiful lush, secluded atmosphere the resort possesses. I’ve said this many times, but I could really spend a month at Disney just chilling out at the resorts they are so relaxing and Old Key West is no exception. We’ve always loved Olivia’s restaurant and the pool area too. The only issue we ever had with Old Key West was that it was starting to show its age. In fact, the last time we stayed there around my birthday last year, we actually complained to management about some things, just because I wanted them to be aware of what we’d experienced. So when we were told at that time that the resort was scheduled for refurbishment in the coming year, we were relieved and excited.

Our most recent stay was completely problem-free and we had a wonderful time. Old Key West continues to be on our ‘favorites’ list (which actually has a lot of resorts on it because it’s so hard to choose just one!). The renovated rooms, which will be completed resort-wide by March 2011, now all have the same mattresses and shower heads used in the other Deluxe resorts, which are heavenly. There are other little decorative touches here and there, but the most prominent changes are shown below –

New laminate wood floors everywhere but the bathrooms, where the original tile remains, granite counter tops and Roman blinds on the French doors.

View of the dry bar area with granite counters

All televisons have been replaced with flat panel models. Stacey never looked so good.

View from our room - building 35

Fun dolphin fountain area by the pool, so many cool little bridges and nooks to explore here.

One of my daughter's favorite water slides - see the hidden Mickey? (People on the side were playing bingo for prizes)

The only negative I have to say about our stay is that it was TOO SHORT! I hope you enjoyed the quick new-room tour!

When I held the book in my hands, my first thought was how lucky Valerie Childs must be, and how much I wanted to be her when I grew up. This hardcover book was over-sized like a coffee table book and the full-color pictures were just beautiful. Our friend had also somehow gotten a few Mickey Mouse balloons {not inflated} and stuck them in the middle of the book, where there was a double-paged picture of the very same balloons. It was like a magical surprise every time I turned to that page.

I would stare at this cover wanting to BE that lady.

And I would stare at this back cover for ages looking at all the individual people.

I loved this book because it focused on Disneyland as well as Walt Disney World. I would take note of the differences between the two places; from the font of Land vs. World {not that I knew what a font was back then} to the rides locations of the rides. I’d never been to Disneyland {still haven’t, must remedy this!} so seeing pictures of the pirate ship or Storybook Land or the Matterhorn were like seeing snapshots of a foreign country I wanted to explore. Seeing the attractions and places I’d been to in Walt Disney World was like seeing pictures of “home”.

Now, looking at the book for the first time in quite a while and 31 years after it was published, it’s like a magical time capsule full of history. I would love to get all of the pages scanned in, but I’d have to find some industrial sized-scanner to get them all in. In the meantime, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite pages with you and we could stroll down memory lane together. For those that did not visit the parks during this time, it’ll be fun to see how things started out.

The original Main Street Electrical Parade

The mystical (to me) pirate ship and Matterhorn

The balloon page, with 30 year-old balloons still intact

Gorgeous sunset at the Empress Lily. This view is no longer possible (without Photoshop)

More impossible views - The Contemporary without Bay Lake Towers (OR The Grand Floridian in the background!) and one of River Country's water slides.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I looked for the book online and it does appear to be on ebay. It really is one of my treasured collectibles both for the pictures it contains and the memories it brought me as a child. Do you have a favorite book in your Disney collection?

In addition to the card benefits, Tables in Wonderland also offers exquisite gourmet dining experiences throughout the year. Experiences such as dining inside The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and other unique offerings limited to a small number of lucky diners. When I heard about the following dinner, I immediately thought how much my mom would enjoy it, and wanted to try and secure a spot as a thank you to her for all she’s done for us. I was lucky enough to get those spots, thanks to Nicole at the Tables in Wonderland team (I just emailed our info like anyone else who was interested in attending). My mom is so excited and I cannot wait to experience this with her next week!

Since I can’t wait, I thought I’d share the menu with you all so you can drool get excited too. I’m especially interested in this dinner because it features all local Florida area ingredients and specialties. In fact, we live a few towns over from one of the farms which is featuring items on the menu. Rest assured I will be taking pictures right and left and will report back after the event!

Event Details:

Tables in Wonderland Presents:  The Wave’s Discovery Dinner

Thursday February 25th, 2010

Reception

Appetizers paired with August Kesseler Sylvaner/Riesling, 2007, Rheingau, Germany

Salad

Myakka Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Aged Balsamic Strawberries and Tiny Opal Basil

Marques de Caceres Rose, 2008, Rioja, Spain

Appetizer

Seared Sea Scallops with Cream Corn and Applewood Smoked Bacon

Tablas Creek ‘Cotes du Tablas’ Blanc (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc), 2008, Paso Robles, CA.

Entree

Duck and Lobster Two Ways –Duck Confit and Sliced Breast.  Lobster Tagliatelle and Caribbean Spiny Lobster

Domaine Vincent Girardin ‘Emotion de Terroirs’ Burgundy (Pinot Noir), 2005, Meursault, France

Dessert

Lott Farms Strawberry Charlotte with Strawberry infused Gelato, Chocolate Truffle Mousse, Strawberry Nectar, Balsamic Strawberry reduction.

Perrin et Fils Vinsobres (Syrah/Granache), 2007, Cotes du Rhone, France.

The Wave Discovery Dinners continue in February by celebrating our Central Florida Strawberry crop.  Our Farmer/Chef dinner will feature Lott Farms located just west of Plant City, Florida.  Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land and purchased and built their family farm of 50 acres in 1983.  They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren since that date.  Mike’s great strawberries are sold under the Classic label through C&D Produce Distributors.

Jim Killam is the North Florida Sales Manager for Vineyard Brands.  He is the importer of all the wines that have been chosen to pair with the menu selections to be served this evening.  Jim has been involved in the Food & Beverage Industry for over 30 years and has been a long-time friend and partner with the Walt Disney World Food & Beverage team.  Jim is a Certified Sommelier by the Court of the Master Sommeliers.

{Above taken from Tables in Wonderland email sent to me.} If you are interested in purchasing a Tables in Wonderland card – call the office at (407) 566-5858, Monday-Friday 9a-5p Eastern or email WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com

{Disclosure} I am a member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. My position with the panel did not give me any advantage or discount on this event. As stated above, we have been Tables in Wonderland members since it began.

My fabulous blogging friend and fellow Walt Disney World Moms Panelist OhAmanda does Top 10 Tuesday every week and each week I think “I really need to participate in this!” but I always either have a different topic on tap, or can’t think of a list in time. So this week, I’ve finally found a topic to join in with. Below are ten of the many things I am looking forward to tomorrow, when we arrive at Walt Disney World for the first-ever Social Media Moms Celebration. One thing I am NOT looking forward to is the fact that Amanda will not be there. *sobs* However, she just got back from Blissdom and taking part in amazing workshops there AND seeing Harry Connick Jr. so that is slight consolation I guess. Anyway…

10. Being able to be at Walt Disney World both as a blogger and as a Moms Panelist – WITH my family. Moms Panel training was so amazingly fun, and though I wouldn’t change it for the world, the fact that my husband and children will be with me this time around, is a treat. I really love how Disney put together the registration that way, to include families.

9. Celebrating J.’s birthday (the 10th) at Disney. I suppose I could’ve been quiet about this whole thing and let him think I planned a huge celebration at the new ESPN Wide World of Sports just for his birthday, but the hundreds of strangers crashing the party might’ve given it away…I’m confident it’ll still be a special day for him and hope I can force him to wear a Disney Birthday Button!

8. Diving into the world of Social Media/Blogging conventions feet first by attending my first conference at Walt Disney World! I am hoping this is just the first of many. Watching friends and fellow bloggers attend BlogHer 09, Type A Mom 09 and now Blissdom 10 has definitely wet my appetite for blogging conferences I must attend next year. I’m hoping to get to BlogHer ’10 this year too. Working on sponsors for that now! The fact that it’s my first one and Disney’s first one seems like a perfect fit.

7. Dole Whip! I don’t really need to say more.

6. Getting to hear the speakers Disney has secured for the conference. Guy Kawasaki. Chris Brogan. Maxine Clark. Just to name a few. As a new-ish blogger I’m all ears for any and everything I can learn about the process and how to improve as a writer and communicator. I figure I might as well start off at the top, right?

5. The special events Disney has planned for us. Sooo, I may have mentioned this is DISNEY, yes? And my love for all things Disney? And my recent super fabulous Disney Moms Panel training trip (which I will continue writing about soon, promise!) where I experienced quite a bit of pixie dust? This is DISNEY. Can you imagine the special surprises they have planned for us? There have already been reports leaked about the performers who will be at Thursday night’s Epcot celebration (entertainment subject to change). I can only imagine what else they have in store for us.

4. Meeting new friends from twitter. In the course of expanding my blogging topics and connecting with others who are attending this conference, I’ve made a ton of new friends whom I cannot wait to meet in person at Disney. I feel like I should probably wear my twitter handle on a t-shirt or print out a poster size version of my twitter picture so I can ensure people know who I am because I don’t want to miss anyone!

3. Meeting old friends from twitter. Another benefit to this celebration being held at Walt Disney World is many of my Disney fan friends from twitter were eager to attend as well. Because of that, quite a few of them will be at the conference and I will get to meet them too. People that have been with me from my start on twitter and followed my journey onto the Moms Panel. It will be great to finally put faces to the names, in person.

2. Staying at the Polynesian. I mentioned in my previous post about the Social Media Moms Celebration that the Polynesian was one of the few resorts I had not stayed in. It has always been one of our family’s favorite spots for dining and visiting, so the fact that we will get to sleep there too, experiencing all the resort has to offer guests, is a real treat.

2 of our fearless Moms Panel leaders: Laura Spencer & Jo Anne Wallace, who make everything more fun! (Oh, and those royal-looking people would be the gorgeous Princess Tiana and the debonair Prince Naveen!)

In other words - I’M EXCITED!!! If you are attending, what are you most looking forward to? Please, please look for me because I am terrible with associating twitter names with real names and I don’t want to miss anyone. See you tomorrow!

picture courtesy of Art's fan page on Facebook

After we’d moved on from our roles as Cast Members, my husband got into the IT field, and happened to take on a contracting job working on the resort computer networks. He was in charge of several resorts at a time, but his office for a while was right on the second floor of the Beach Club. He got to see Art and talk with him daily and I know he loved those moments too. As our lives moved on we still visited Beach Club regularly, whether to stay or stop in for breakfast or dinner at Cape May’s delicious buffets, or dessert at Beaches and Cream. We were always happy to see Art on each of those visits.

Our wedding reception was held at the WDW Dolphin Resort, so we were able to bring our whole wedding party around Epcot and the places we loved the most, Beach Club included. Our first son was born in 1999 and we strolled him past Art many a time before his sister joined us in 2000. We came and went throughout the years that followed, whether we were living in Florida or New England, but Art was still there, making thousands of guests memories just a little fuller. Our last child was born almost a year ago, and has also seen Art’s wonderful smile as we pass through the doors. Without realizing it, Art has witnessed the birth and expansion of our one little family…just imagine the countless other families he has affected!

The other day we were enjoying another visit to Germany’s Biergarten, a favorite among our family. As we watched the show going on before us, the performers invited guests to come dance to the music. I saw grandmother’s dancing with grandchildren, sisters and brothers spinning each other about, laughing…and I thought to myself – THIS is where magic lives. This is why Disney is so powerful for so many. It’s in the memories Disney makes you a part of, not just witness to. You can ride a ride countless times, you can check into a hotel and the experience is pretty much the same everywhere else. At Disney, you are drawn in, welcomed to take part – the magic is waiting for you to walk through those doors – and Art was most definitely that magic.

Thank you Art, you will be greatly missed!

Thank you, Art. Thank you for being the person you are and for sharing that person with so, so many over the last 16 years. You made the magic a little bit brighter and will be terribly missed. We wish you the best in the coming years!

If you’d like to read and see more about Art, you can visit the official Disney Blog, watch Disney author and fan Lou Mongello’s video interview through iTunes, and become a fan on his fan-run Facebook page. Good bye and good luck, Art, from your many grateful fans.

Of course, the first thing to remember is that you will not melt. Unless there are some hurricane-force winds going on or crazy lightning, Disney will remain open for your use. Certain rides with all or portions of the ride outside may temporarily shut down (especially if lightning is present) but the rest of the World will be there for those daring enough to get soaked and keep on walking.

Pre-yellow Disney ponchos? June 1983

In 2003, Disney made the switch to clear ponchos, so you weren’t *quite* as funny-looking (and you could spot your family members easier!). I have noticed that the most recent ponchos we purchased [it is the law that if you buy ponchos, you must forget them on every subsequent visit so you need to buy more when it rains again] are much thinner than they used to be, and the hood is sort of useless in keeping the rain off your face. If you have a baseball cap, wear that under the hood. You can also of course buy other ponchos at discount stores ahead of time but again, the key is remembering to carry them with you.

If, however, you arrive to the Walt Disney World Resort and see on the local weather that there is a 99% chance of rain all day every day of your visit, there are some activities to make you forget all about the rain rain rain coming down down down. Here are my top 3:

3. Innoventions This area of Epcot’s Future World is chock-full of activities to keep the whole family entertained. These buildings are located to the east and west of Future World, as you walk in the main entrance beyond Spaceship Earth. They have undergone many facelifts since their Communicore days with SMRT-1 (a robot that answered your questions with the latest in 1980s voice recognition technology) and the EPCOT Poll (a census-like poll where guests answered questions and learned group results at the end).

Club Cool by Coca-Cola's beverage choices

2. Resort Hopping on the Monorail This is a favorite activity of our family any time, but it’s especially convenient during a storm, because you never have to get wet once you hop on the Resort Monorail from the Magic Kingdom or the Transportation and Ticket Center. There are some truly unique shops and restaurants you can explore and enjoy whether you’re a hotel guest or not. In addition to being a fun rainy day activity, our family makes sure to tour the resorts each holiday season. I will discuss more on that in upcoming entries, but it is truly a magical experience the way Disney decorates for the holidays.

• The loop from Magic Kingdom takes you first to the Contemporary Resort which always has some fun shopping to experience as well as the popular must-reserve dining spot Chef Mickeys, as well as the delightful culinary addition of The Wave on the first floor. Another treat on the ground floor (no pun intended) is the coffee and espresso bar Contemporary Grounds, which serves delicious lattes. Our family also loves the arcade at the Contemporary and has spent many hours there accumulating tickets to turn in for prizes.
• Next stop on the monorail is the Polynesian Resort. The decor alone is reason enough to spend some time here – the lush gardens and waterfalls will relax even the most frazzled park visitor. Here you’ll find shopping with a tropical flair and items not found in other locations. Delicious meals, desserts and coffee await at the Kona Cafe (one of my favorite restaurants on property). Here’s a secret – you can also get Dole Whip at Captain Cook’s Snack Co. inside the Polynesian! You don’t even have to be inside Magic Kingdom to enjoy this popular treat. Breakfast lunch and dinner are also served at Captain Cook’s, if you’d like more than dessert.
• The final stop on the monorail resort loop is the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s flagship resort. While here you can enjoy the elegant atmosphere, shops and restaurants, listen to music or just explore the lobby. There is a Basin White location within the Grand Floridian which offers unique items not found in the Downtown Disney location, so it’s worth a visit if you love their soaps and bath bombs as much as I do.

T-Rex Cafe dining experience is unforgettable

However you choose to spend your rainy day at Disney, remember Mickey can’t control the weather (as much as I’ve been wishing for a clear dome with air conditioning placed over Disney World on the hottest of summer days there!). As frustrating as it might be to have your vacation interrupted by ride-stopping, shoe-soaking rain…you are still in the Happiest Place on Earth and it’s truly how you react and make the most of all Disney has to offer that sets the tone for the success or failure of your trip. Some of my happiest memories are of wearing cloth napkins on my soaking shoulders inside Germany’s Biergarten, laughing at how we’d just run through the rain and puddles to get there. A change of plans doesn’t have to mean a short-change in the memories.

'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort

These Mickey shaped waffles are small in size, but big in taste. I like to save them for the end of my breakfast, almost like having a “breakfast dessert” (that’s allowed on vacation, right?). Once home, however, you might find yourself pining away for that fluffy golden breakfast treat. Of course the best part of making breakfast at home is that you can have it any time of day or night! Our family loves breakfast-for-dinner nights. How can you make a Disney breakfast at home, you ask? Simple!

our Mickey Waffle maker

Next, you need the official Mickey Waffle recipe:

Mickey Waffles
4 eggs, separated
1 cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
2 cups flour
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted but cooled
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until light. Add melted butter (cooling makes sure you don’t cook the egg yolks as you mix it), milk and vanilla extract. Sift the flour, baking powder & salt into the egg mixture beat well. Beat egg whites until stiff and gently fold into batter. Bake and serve. [edit: just discovered the wonderful DisneyFoodBlog's article on Mickey Waffles, which notes a recommended 'secret ingredient' for the flour used in the batter that you may want to check out and try.]

Voila! Disney breakfast at home. Tipping your server is optional, please thank the chef. Enjoy the happy smiles and full tummies that follow!

now a Mickey Waffle afficionado!

Antelope, Giraffes and Zebra, that’s who! And that is just a few of the many animals you can see right from the windows of Sanaa (pronounced Sah-NAH) the newest restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Sanaa is located in the Kidani Village section of Animal Kingdom Lodge, a new area built for Disney’s Vacation Club members. Kidani Village contains studio, 1 or 2 bedroom villa suites. This area has its own lobby and check-in area, its own pool and recreation area and its own savanna, viewable from many of the villas as well as Sanaa itself.

While the lobby area is not as breathtaking as Jambo House (the original Animal Kingdom Lodge section) it is still quite beautiful. It is more cozy. However, you will still be in awe as you walk down the spiral staircase to Sanaa and get your first glimpse of the savanna. The staircase itself is beautiful, and the thatched roof above this area is amazing. After you check in for your reservations at Sanaa, feel free to explore the hallway directly behind you. It is beautiful on its own and you can see the animals from all the windows. There is a viewing area outside, where you can walk out and see the animals closer without glass to get in the way. There are cast members out there to ask questions and a firepit for late night story-telling.

As we were brought to our table, we were told that Sanaa was meant to represent a marketplace – the decor is to look like the trees of a village and a colorful marketplace within it. We were lucky enough to be seated right at a window. Our server welcomed us and carefully explained how the menu at Sanaa worked, with its special entrees and drinks. We instantly felt special and taken care of with the patience and attention we received. I would add that this was because we were celebrating a birthday there, but I was actually quick to notice that all the tables around us, with the same and different servers, received this same incredible

Decor in Sanaa - Can you find the Hidden Mickey?

We ordered the Indian Bread Sampler, where you pick 3 types of breads and 3 accompaniments. The bread choices are Naan, Roti, Paratha, Paneer Paratha. We chose all but the Roti. The accompaniments to choose from are: Mint and Onion Raita, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Garlic-Ginger Pickle, Mango-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney. Your server can explain better than I the differences between all of these choices, but we went with the Cucumber Raita, Hummus, and Garlic-Ginger Pickle. We loved them all. I highly recommend this sampler, because there will be something for everyone and at the very least, you can share plain naan with your picky eaters.

We also ordered the Mustard Seed Crusted Scallops with a coconut cream sauce. I am a sucker for all things coconut, but even if you are not a fan, it’s not an overpowering coconut flavor. These scallops were perhaps the best I’ve ever eaten. They were perfection on a plate. I would go back and order 2 orders for an entree, they were that good! I definitely want to try the Samosas next time though, because I’m sure they are delicious too.

For an entree, I ordered the Tandoori Chicken. I have had Tandoor chicken many times before, so I knew I couldn’t go wrong with it. To my surprise, it came already off the bone and in fork-sized pieces. Perfect! It came with your choice of Basmati rice or 5-grain Pilaf. “From the Tandoor Ovens” also has a shrimp or lamb chop option rather than the chicken.

Other menu options include slow-cooked meats, or a vegetarian option as well, including chicken or shrimp curry, paneer cheese and spinach, or beef short ribs. Also available are African Cooking with Indian Flavors, which feature Cornish Game Hen, Strip Steak, Dum Biryani and a Sustainable Fish, which changes nightly.

Our meals were just fantastic, and though were worried about my picky 10 year-old, as you read, he loved his naan pizza. My daughter enjoyed her Meaty Macaroni made with ground turkey as well. The problem with dinner was that we were so full from the delicious appetizers and entrees that we had no room for dessert, which, if you know me and my family at all, is shocking.

As we dined, various animals strolled past, stopping to eat some strategically placed hay, or hanging out by the trees further back. We loved watching the Antelope *right* outside our window. Soon many friends joined and later the far-off Giraffes came by to say hello. In the distance we could see Wildebeests, Zebras, and the long-horned Ankole Cattle. We saw Ostriches off to the side and Red Crown Cranes came up closer than any other creature, since they could fly around the little unobtrusive barriers set up so you don’t end up having Wildebeest for dessert. Even the server remarked that there was an unusually large turn-out of animals that night.

While we were enjoying the view, we started to hear drums from the front of the restaurant. I thought they must just do a musical presentation, but as we continued to watch, the drummers paraded through the restaurant and over to a table where they sang a Sanaa version of Happy Birthday. I thought that was really impressive, but then they came over to our table for my mom’s birthday. They sang the song again and it was SO moving! Way different than a plain ol’ Happy Birthday by weary servers that you usually see in restaurants. Everyone was clapping along to the beat and looked genuinely excited for your celebration. After the song, a hostess handed my mom the Disney birthday card that you usually get, signed by various characters. However – this card was signed by every member of the front of the house staff, with wishes in their native language. I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. As a result, I *highly* recommend Sanaa for a birthday celebration. I know that’s where I’m headed for MY birthday this year.

All in all, our experience with Sanna was a marvelous one. I have been singing its praises ever since to anyone that’ll stand still. I loved it there, and so did the whole family. It is not just a place to eat…it is an experience – one which you’ll likely treasure for years to come. If you are planning a trip to Disney World, include Sanaa in those plans. If you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Oh! I almost forgot – on our way out we stopped at the restroom. I’m not sure I’ve ever said this about a restroom or not, but it was GORGEOUS. Beautiful dark wood and stone…just beautiful. Make sure you make a stop there before you go!

All photos are ©Zanna DiMarzio under Creative Commons license – more photos available at Flickr.

I’ve mentioned before how my mother is our Cruise Director for trip planning. She sets up all the Advanced Dining Reservations and all that good stuff. I’m excited because we are straying from our usual Japan Teppan Edo and Boma for dinner.

Spaceship Earth awaits!

• We arrive on Wednesday and will be heading to lunch at the T-Rex Experience in Downtown Disney. A friend of mine has raved about the Cotton-Tini (Martini poured into a glass full of cotton candy!) so I’m hoping I can try that. We’ve been there about 3 times already, but I do enjoy it. I think the food is actually better than RainForest Cafe, despite the same ownership. Overpriced and loud? Sure. Welcome to Orlando! Dinner that night is being played by ear, which is always fun to do too.
• Thursday we’ll be heading to ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort for breakfast. They have a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast, sort of like a buffet you don’t have to get up for. They bring it to you in a skillet. The kids always love dancing around the restaurant there too – we’ll see if they are officially ‘too cool’ for that now. That night we’ll be trying out the all-new Sanaa restaurant over in the recently opened Kidani Village section of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas. I’ve heard nothing but good reviews for it, so I can’t wait.
• Friday we’ll be heading to Maya Grill for breakfast. That place is sort of our little secret (well not anymore)…it offers a delicious breakfast buffet but is usually never crowded (there are no characters, which is probably why). The scenery is always beautiful over at Coronado Springs Resort as well. For dinner we’ll be heading to the Garden Grill in Epcot, which we have fond memories of. If you saw the last entry on birthdays, you can see our daughter enjoying some time with Dale there. A friend of the family is a server there as well so we like to say hello if we catch him working.
• Saturday will bring us to The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom for breakfast, another wonderful buffet, and Pooh characters. I can’t wait for the baby to meet them. We’ll be trying out the new Paradiso 37 for lunch that day – from what I’ve seen it looks fabulous. That night we’ll be headed a few towns north to celebrate my mom’s 70th birthday with all her friends. Should be a blast.
• Sunday we’ll be checking out, but not before Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort for breakfast and Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom for lunch. Can you believe in all our years and hundreds of visits we have never eaten at the Liberty Tree Tavern?? I guess being from New England it just seemed like Sunday dinner so we never needed to check it out, but we are going to finally get to see for ourselves.

We had planned to head home after lunch on Sunday, but Disney has thrown us for a loop by inviting all the Mickey’s Mom’s Club members to an Illuminations party that night. If you had applied to the Disney Mom’s Panel in the past, you were given an invite to join the MMC website and invitations were extended to those members. I’m very excited to meet my fellow MMC members, as well as some of the Disney Mom’s Panel which I’ve been getting to know on Twitter for the past several months. Can’t wait!

I will try to update while we are gone with at least some picture posts, and there will definitely be a full trip report upon my return. You can also keep track of my updates and cell phone pics by following me on Twitter (click on the bird to your right). Wishing you all some end-of-summer Pixie Dust while I’m gone!

Mickey is everywhere!

There are several things you can do to make your birthday more special at Disney, including ordering gift baskets, flowers or balloons to your Disney resort, or special ordering a small cake ($21) to be delivered (with song of course!) as you dine in a Disney restaurant. In addition, there is one very important, completely FREE thing which you should do first and foremost upon arriving on Disney property: Tell EVERYONE it’s your birthday!! Tell the front desk when you check in at your resort, tell them at the ticket sales booth, guest relations or City Hall at the parks, and tell them at every Disney restaurant at which you dine.

The birthday button is your key to special Disney attention

Citrico's special birthday treatment

a celebration cake may be purchased for a fee, cupcakes are free

a special Kona Cafe creme puff on my birthday

We told the front desk at Disney’s Beach Club Resort it was our daughter’s birthday and she was greeted with a nice surprise one day as we were relaxing in the room. This is not guaranteed, but worth a try, tell everyone!!

you never know what your Disney resort might bring on your birthday

balloons & an autographed Tink doll at the Beach Club

of course princesses get special birthday treatment

Of course this year is the Free Admission on Your Birthday promotion at the Disney Parks, which is a wonderful way to celebrate! And if you have annual passes or admission tickets already, there are other options that ensure you receive some Disney magic on your special day. Whether or not you make visiting Disney on your birthday an annual tradition, don’t be shy and enjoy celebrating YOU in the Happiest Place on Earth!