Walt Disney World

2nd Annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration!

10 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 30 Comments

It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since the first-ever Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! It was such an amazing event and so much has happened since that time! I thought it would be great to go over some of my favorite moments from last year’s event as well as what I’m looking forward to this year. Then I thought it would be fun for all the 2011 attendees to link their blogs below so we can get to know each other and our blogs before we meet next week! It’ll also be a great way to connect during and after the event as well! Could I use any more exclamation points??!!

Last year I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect from Social Media Moms. One thing we knew, it was Disney, so it was going to be full of extra magic. We were definitely given the royal treatment and perhaps even a little spoiled with such great speakers like Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan, Maxine Clark, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Mary Ellen Hooper and Kathy Ireland. I know I l earned so much and became full of blogging passion by the end of the conference. We may have endured an unexpected cold snap, but pixie dust pulled us through and the surprises and special touches seemed to never end. (Feel free to check out my flickr stream of the 2010 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration!)

Chris Brogan and Zanna — Stalking Chris at a recent media event at Disney for another photo. 😉

One of my favorite moments was Chris Brogan’s speech, which makes me SO excited that he’ll be back this year. Another unexpected surprise was bumping into Chef Robert Irvine, who was there filming Dinner: Impossible and cooking for the amazing volunteers that Disney was honoring. Imagine my shock when I had the chance to meet Chef Irvine again later last year and discovered that the picture of Disney Moms Panelist Kathie and I with the Chef was in his desktop screensaver! These are just some of the amazing memories Disney is able to deliver, sometimes without even trying! I was also lucky enough to have the winning seat at our table for the Cinderella Build-a-Bear centerpiece and was able to take that home to share with the family. I cannot wait to see what magic this year brings.

As if knowing some of us were spoiled last year, Disney has upped the ante and given us accommodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This will allow me to check off almost all the Deluxe resorts on property (the only one I haven’t stayed at is Yacht Club, but I’ve stayed at Beach Club a million times and toured every hotel on property, so I’m not counting that!) 😉 I am excited to be able to share this experience with my family.

I’m also super excited that I get to hang out with fellow Moms Panelist and bloggy idol Oh Amanda. I haven’t seen her since Moms Panel training and can’t wait to be in the World with her again! Of course I’m thrilled to see lots of friends and people I met last year AND meet lots of new friends too.

Disney's Wedding Pavilion — Dreaming at the Wedding Pavilion (no, I'm not a natural blonde either)

Another highlight I’m looking forward to is the opening presentation and tour by Disney Fairytale Weddings. I have mentioned before that a Disney wedding was always my dream, since the pavilion opened the year we moved down and I worked at the Magic Kingdom. Sure, I had my reception at the Dolphin, but it’s not quite the same. And yes, it’s now been 14 years since I said “I do” but I still hold out hope that I can have a magical vow renewal on property at some point. Maybe for the 20th… 🙂

Anyway, our pixie dust princesses in charge of the Social Media Moms Celebration have hinted that there will be “special guests” during this presentation. I am crossing my heart and hoping it is the one and only David Tutera. To say I am a fan of him and his show is an understatement. I cry at pretty much every episode and wish he was around when I got married! I will try to hold myself back from hugging him to death in the off chance they let hundreds of mom bloggers near him… 😉 I really think he needs to do a special vow renewal episode, no? I’ve already got a built in flower girl and ring bearer!

Attendees, what are you most excited about the upcoming Social Media Moms Celebration? Did you attend last year or is this your first time? Have you been to Walt Disney World before? Share a bit about you and your blog – don’t forget to link it below! And be sure to say hello if you happen to see a crazy red head trying to camp out in the wedding pavilion!!

If you’d like, check out two posts I did last year for attendees planning for their Disney vacation:

Top 5 Must Sees for First Time Disney Visitors

Solo Parenting Tips to Visit Walt Disney World

Explore my Disney News section as well – including Fast Facts on Disney’s Wild Africa Trek and some Disney Merchandise highlights to be on the lookout for!

Thanks for visiting and see ya real soon!

Creating Magic and Memories at the Harmony Barber Shop

8 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I’m pleased to bring you a guest post today from a wonderful Disney fan and friend, Mary Jo Collins. Known as “MoJo” by most, she just effervesces with Disney magic and pixie dust when you meet her. I am honored to have her here sharing some wonderful stories and information on everyone’s favorite barber shop – Harmony. You may remember we recently took our littlest guy, Giovanni there for his first haircut. The magic they share will truly touch your heart. Take it away, Mo Jo! (click to enlarge photos)

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Echoing through the air, a beautiful rendition of “Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby” serenades a starry eyed child sitting high in the swinging chair. Just a few minutes earlier, a story about the big fish caught last week is followed up with talk of the weather. From the ornate carved woods and the checkerboard floor to the good conversation abound, you have been taken back to a place gone by. It is a quaint barber shop with a harmonious barber shop quartet nestled on a familiar street. It’s not Mayberry. And it’s not Floyd Lawson standing behind the chair with his scissors in hand. It is much more. It is the Harmony Barber Shop. Many families around the world have visited this fine establishment to experience the time-honored tradition of a haircut in the Magic Kingdom.

Harmony busy day — The bustling Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony empty chair with booster — The barber's chair awaits a child

Harmony Emily window — Emily enjoys the view from the window of the Harmony Barber Shop

Considering Walt Disney’s fondness of a hometown Missouri barber shop, Main Street, U.S.A. would not be complete without this hidden gem. Discovering the essence of an old-timey barber shop in today’s world where a quick 5 minute cut at a SuperCut is just status-quo would certainly make Walt proud. Even the barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans, is occasionally on-hand to treat guests with their excellent four-part harmony. Here, anyone is welcome to take a seat in the barber’s chair and be exposed to some magical hair treatments. Matter of fact, about 400 guests of Walt Disney World experience the Harmony Barber Shop each week.

With the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A.

Located just past City Hall on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom, the Harmony Barber Shop offers the traditional haircut, as well as a variety of specialty menu treatments. While the barbers have a license and usually years of experience, they are indeed Cast Members and are experts at entertaining children and comforting them during the process. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Walk-ups are always welcomed, but advanced reservations can now be made thru Walt Disney World Reservations. Ask for a booking via “Children’s Activities”, otherwise the Cast Member may have a hard time locating it. They accept 2 reservations at the top of each operational hour and 2 reservations at the half hour. The 2 reservations per half hour are given priority, then walk-ups are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

Harmony Blaise First Haircut — For some children the first hair cut can be scary, Cast Members try to comfort the child with toys, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers. Pictured here is Blaise before his first hair cut.

A standard haircut for an adult is $19 and children 12 and under is $15. The barbers always offer some special pixie dust to top off the new do for no additional charge. To add a little festive color to your current style or to your freshly cut hair, add $5 for the color gel. Men can also get a beard or mustache trim for $10. Now, the Harmony Barber Shop’s most famous treatment is the “First Haircut” and rightly so. People have been known to delay their child’s first haircut for months so that they could do this world renown experience on an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. To the delight of the children, they are treated to fun with pixie dust, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers till their hearts content. After the first haircut concludes, the child is awarded a certificate and a “My 1^st Haircut” embroidered Mouse Ears. Then to finish the show, pictures are taken with the ubiquitous “big red scissors” and Mickey cape. The “First Haircut” with all the special extras is $18.

Harmony first hair cut Jennifer — Noah was mesmerized by the Mickey Mouse stickers during his first hair cut.

More than anything, the Harmony Barber Shop leaves an indelible memory for so many guests. From a first hair cut to a fun punk hair-do with pixie dust, the transformations that occur on a daily basis at the Harmony Barber Shop are a perfect example of the campaign “Let the Memories Begin.” The change in appearance of its patrons is no less dramatic than the change in their spirit. It’s a homey, personal memory that is so rare while vacationing, but is so perfectly composed at the Harmony Barber Shop. Here are a few more of the thousands of memories that have been culminated over the years. Don’t miss John Eric’s story at the end.

Special Occasion Hair Cut with Pixie Dust.

Having never had my hair cut in a barber shop before, my 40^th birthday trim in the Harmony Barber Shop was a refreshing treat on a scorching June day.

Harmony 40th Mary Jo — Celebrating my 40th Birthday with a trim!

Harmony celebrating the Goofy Challenge — Jeff celebrated the finish of the 2011 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge with a new cut.

Pixie Dust.

Spiked to perfection after a trim.

Harmony child cut with spiking — Barbara created super spikey hair to the delight of Wyatt

First haircuts, Harmony style.

Harmony first Cindy2 — Getting the first hair cut

Harmony first Cindy — Covered in Mickey Mouse stickers for the first hair cut

Harmony first cut Neil — Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Leslie helps entertain her son during his first hair cut on his very first birthday!

Harmony first Cindy big red scissors — The finale of the first hair cut experience... Pictures with the big red scissors and Mickey cape

Harmony first cut neil mickey ears — The famous "First Haircut" Mickey Ears

A Celebration of life.

John Eric Bartels’ mom and dad had always dreamed of having their son’s hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. In April 2008, Jay and Alisha took their son John Eric to Walt Disney World for some much needed magic. Fighting a battle against Stage IV Neuroblastoma Cancer, 22 month old John Eric didn’t have hair to cut. However, the dream of having their son encounter the Harmony Barber Shop was important. With love and compassion, the Cast Members gave John Eric a special, one-of-a-kind treatment. After the lavishing of the Mickey Mouse stickers, a unique “Hidden Mickey” was painted on the back of his head. John Eric watched contently looking in the mirror as the barber worked her magic. He was so proud of his “Hidden Mickey” that he wore it for several days. The heart and soul of John Eric and his parents were lifted that day by their amazing experience. Jay and Alisha will always be grateful for this memory.

Harmony John eric in the window — John Eric loved his experience at the Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony john eric stickers — Getting bunches of Mickey Mouse stickers

Harmony John Eric getting his HM — John Eric getting his "Hidden Mickey"

Harmony John Eric HM — John Eric loved his "Hidden Mickey"

This article is written in memory of John Eric Bartels (June 18, 2006-May 16, 2008)

Harmony in memory of John Eric2 — John Eric with Pluto

Harmony john eric display — The day in the Harmony Barber Shop will always be a cherished memory.

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Many thanks to Mary Jo for sharing these wonderful photos and family stories with us. In addition to being a wonderful mom of two adorable Disney kids (Emily and Wyatt above), you can find Mary Jo on twitter at @MoJoDisney, on facebook, and hanging around the WDW Radio team, where she is a member of the WDW Radio Running Team, Finisher of 11 Disney Running Races (including Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge)! She just came back from the WDW Radio Disney Dream cruise – maybe we can convince her to come back and write about that here too!

Mr. Teller of Penn and Teller Visits Disney World

12 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Perusing my twitter stream the other day, I noticed that Mr. Teller, the tacit partner of the magical duo making up Penn & Teller, was in Orlando. The partners were actually performing nearby at UCF but Teller appeared to make his way over to Walt Disney World the next day. I’ve been a fan for years, so I follow both Penn and Teller on twitter. I couldn’t resist sharing when Teller started tweeting pictures of some friends he met at WDW:

From Teller’s tweet: “I’m at Walt Disney World. They seem to favor monarchy in these parts.”

Teller at Disney World — Mr. Teller meets Ms. White

From the tweet: “With a Toy Story army man.”

Teller at Disney's Hollywood Studios — and Mr. Teller meets a green army man

You never know who you’ll see in the World! Have you ever seen a celebrity in the parks? Back when I worked in the Magic Kingdom I saw Bruce Willis (during the Demi years) and Sylvester Stallone at Planet Hollywood. Earlier than that I saw Dick Van Patton over by the ABC Commissary at the Studios. And of course Chef Robert Irvine twice now! I think I’m due for another celebrity meeting, no?

Amazingly Magical Disney Themed Birthday Party Ideas

10 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 13 Comments

In the course of my travels across the interwebs, I came across a photo of a birthday cake themed to the Disney Pixar movie UP. I had planned to share the photo here with all of you, and then friend and blogging maven (and Moms Panelist too) OhAmanda, shared the blog post that the cake actually came from. I was in awe. She suggested I do a whole post on Disney themed parties. I thought that was a fabulous idea, and she should know, since she created her very own Rapunzel birthday party for her adorable daughter. (Actually, you’ll find below she has a knack for pretty awesome parties!) Thanks to Amanda’s help, I have a bunch of pixie-dusted ideas to share with you here. I think it puts my X-box 360 Controller Cake to shame, but with a little faith and trust…well, you know the rest!

Let’s start off with OhAmanda and her Rapunzel’s Golden Hair Birthday Party. You have to check out all of the unique touches and parts of the party that linked back to the Tangled storyline. Just precious!

{Click photos to enlarge}

Tangled birthday party — Instead of lanterns, they released balloons with lights inside. HOW COOL!

Tangled Rapunzel cupcakes — Remember one of the Pub Thugs wanted to bake cupcakes??

Ok, next up – UP! This UP themed birthday party from Wendy Updegraff completely blew me away. Get it? Balloons? Blew away? Sorry…just look at these unbelievable photos. I think this made even Martha Stewart jealous!

Photographer Jessica Claire shared not one but TWO amazing Alice in Wonderland-themed birthday parties. I would live in these pictures if I could!! Be sure to head over to see the rest of Annabelle in Wonderland and Nicola’s UNbirthday.

While we’re looking at Alice in Wonderland themed ideas – check out OhAmanda‘s Ace Party (as in Ace of Spades!) for her little guy:

Here’s another of OhAmanda‘s masterpieces – her Snow White birthday party – complete with Seven Dwarfs mine and Wicked Queen’s punch!

Be sure to check out OhAmanda.com‘s Pirate themed birthday party and Muppet Puppet Party too! I need her to plan my next birthday I think.

If traditional Disney is your thing, I’ve got two Minnie Mouse themed birthday parties to share with you. One from At Second Street blog and the other from Two Parts Sugar as shared on DisneyEveryDay.com. Seems like Disney parties are on everyone’s mind this month! Check out these adorable ideas:

Hey Howdy Hey, here’s another great party! Check out this Toy Story Jessie-themed party from Beth Kruse!

I hope you enjoyed these party-inspiring photos and blogs! All photos are copyright their original owner and just shared here to spread the magic. For even more fun (and easy to create) birthday party ideas, check out FamilyFun.com. If you have a Disney themed party that you went all out for, let me know!

Gowalla and Disney Reveal Passholder Exclusive Virtual Pin

5 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 5 Comments

If you’ve ever gone anywhere with someone who uses location-based check-in apps like Foursquare, Gowalla, or even Facebook Places, you’ve probably rolled your eyes at the very least or perhaps cautioned us from walking into a fountain as we attempt to check in. Everywhere.

We are easy to spot; we’re the ones constantly looking at our phones, searching for locations to check in to and of course, share with the world (and cursing the lack of cell service to complete our check in!). Who doesn’t want to know that we are getting our morning coffee at Starbucks, buying socks at the mall, or enjoying seeing a movie with friends? As newbies find out quickly, quite a few people not only aren’t interested but actually get annoyed with constant check ins! Hrmph. Never fear, there are actually settings in all services which allow you to keep your check-ins to yourself, only share with friends, or share with twitter, facebook, or both.

While each of us use the apps or services in a different way – some to meet up with friends in the same location, others to keep family informed, others just to chronicle their every move, we’re all in it for the fun, and yes, tiny pixelated rewards we may get for checking in. Disney teamed up with popular service Gowalla a few months back and created official Disney check-ins, virtual pins, trips to complete and items to pick up along the way. With the huge social media army nestled firmly within the Disney fandom, this was a natural and welcomed partnership.

Disney Gowalla places — Some of the most popular Walt Disney World check-in spots on Gowalla. There are Disneyland spots as well.

Fans could now share their Disney visits and experiences as they happened online. Users can take a photo of a location and leave it behind for future visitors to see. Gowalla also uses random items which may be found or dropped along the way and with the Disney partnership, those items now included Mickey Mouse ear hats, Hitchhiking Ghosts, and Walt and Mickey Partners Statues. Disney created their own official “trips” which include checking in to multiple locations, either within one or more parks, the resorts, or a combination of places within Walt Disney property. Committed users will be rewarded by the trip completion and a virtual pin to add to their collection. Another benefit is visitors themselves can make their own trips which guests can also complete, adding to the fun and competitive aspect of checking in.

Disney Gowalla trip pins — Some of the virtual Disney pins from Gowalla for trip completion

Gowalla has now announced a new Walt Disney World Passholder exclusive virtual pin. No details have been given as to whether proof of Passholder must somehow be shown to obtain the virtual pin. Perhaps just not publicizing it anywhere but the Passholder newsletter is the level of “exclusivity” mentioned. If there’s one thing the Disney community does, it spreads news, so I’d imagine many guests will be achieving this particular pin, Passholder or not. I’ll have to report back on it when I complete the challenge myself. One of the spots, Disney Junior – Live on Stage! does not premier until March, but the check-in spot is available currently, so there may be some dishonest checking in among die-hard Gowalla users. Below are the complete set of spots you must check in at to earn the Passholder virtual pin.

Gowalla Disney Passholder Virtual Pin check-ins — Disney Passholder Virtual Pin check-ins

Personally, I love the marriage of Disney and Gowalla and for an obsessive personality like my own (hence my blog), it’s just the thing to keep me excited about the next big thing at Walt Disney World. Much to the dismay of my family, my check-in addition is not going anywhere any time soon. Unlike many other Disney collections (Dooney & Bourke purses, Vinylmation, constantly updating Disney merchandise…) this virtual one is compact, portable, and best of all – free! I no longer fear ending up on an episode of “Disney Hoarders” (that would make an awesome show, btw), my fears now involve a drained battery in my phone. My 12 year old son is following along in my footsteps and we now challenge each other to see who can check in to a spot first. Makes a mother proud…

Gowalla is a free app available for Android, Blackberry, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Palm devices.

Disney AMC 24 DINE-IN Theatre Fork & Screen Menu & Details!

3 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

AMC Downtown Disney 24 now open, a new theatre experience with a menu of possibilities –

Our local movie theatre has a dine-in option but it is limited to those 21+. While I do enjoy going on date nights with my husband without kids in the theatre, there have been times I wished we could bring all the kids with us and enjoy the dinner option as well. It’s not like the 21+ makes the theatre kid-free, since we still share a theatre with regular movie-goers, the 21+ area is just in the balcony. AMC seems to have perfected the best of both worlds. Guests must be 18+ or accompanied by a 21+ parent or guardian, so you can’t just drop the kids off for dinner and sneak off to House of Blues. The menu showcases something for everyone from appetizers to drinks and desserts. Let’s check out how it works and the Fork & Screen menu offerings:

Watch the latest movies with seat-side service at AMC Dine-In Theatres™, a new experience that combines the cuisine and cocktail options of a restaurant with the fun and excitement of a movie theatre. AMC® offers two options of Dine-In Theatres. If you’re in the mood for casual dining, check out Fork & Screen® or try Cinema Suites® for an upscale experience. Each option has its own exciting atmosphere and selection of tasty, surprisingly affordable menus. How the AMC Dine-In Theatre Experience Works

1. Select your movie, showtime and reserved seating preference.
2. Price includes your movie ticket, dining is at an additional cost
3. Menus are available at your seat. Press the call button and a server will arrive to take your order.
4. Relax and enjoy the movie while you dine at your seat. If you need anything else, simply press the call button.
5. The server will deliver your check before the end of the film.

Guests of Fork & Screen can enjoy in-theatre dining combined with the most current movies and other exciting events presented in the immersive big-screen viewing environment of an AMC theatre. Guests have to be 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or guardian that is 21 years or older. Adult guests are able to order beer, wine, cocktails and food at MacGuffins. Named after a term coined by famed filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, MacGuffins is a warm, relaxing and inviting bar with a spacious lounge. Guests can relax before or after their entertainment at tables and soft-seating areas. Guests 18 years old and over, and minors accompanied by a parent or guardian, are welcome to enjoy MacGuffins.

(Menu updated 5/12 – items and prices subject to change)

New Summer Introductions

New Orleans Lobster Salad Torta | $10.49Chunks of real lobster, seafood, celery, green onions and capers mixed in a light mayonnaise-based remoulade and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.
Sonoma Chicken Salad Torta | $9.99All-white meat chicken, grapes, apples, celery and pecans tossed in a light mayonnaise dressing and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.

Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta | $14.99Pan-seared jumbo shrimp tossed in zesty seasoning with corkscrew pasta and creamy sundried tomato sauce, and sprinkled with fresh tomato and basil bruschetta.
Classic Supreme | $10.99A fully loaded flatbread sprinkled generously with a blend of Italian cheeses and topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions.

Appetizers

Buffalo Chicken Wings | $9.99Jumbo chicken wings glazed with our spicy wing sauce. Served with crisp celery and blue cheese dressing to cool the heat.
Wings & Things Sampler | $12.99Our spicy buffalo chicken wings and golden cheese sticks partnered with onion loops and house-made potato chips, with ketchup, blue cheese and marinara sauce for dipping.
Crab Rangoon Dip | $8.99A new recipe with hot white Cheddar, cream cheese and real crab, seasoned with herbs and spices, and served with a plate of fresh wonton chips and Thai coconut sauce.
Veggie Triple Feature | $7.99Icebox carrots, jicama and celery sticks, served with oven-toasted pizzetta strips, hummus and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Queso Blanco Dip & Chips | $7.49Diced tomato and green chilies in a white Cheddar cheese dip served with fresh tortilla chips.

Breadstick Sampler | $6.99Two soft pretzel Bavarian breadsticks and six cheesy Pizzetta strips with queso blanco and marinara sauces for dipping.
Golden Mozzarella Sticks | $8.49Delicious mozzarella cheese crusted with breadcrumbs and fried to crispy golden perfection. Topped with our Parmesan blend and served with marinara sauce.
Loaded Potato Skins | $8.49Crispy potato skins covered in melted Cheddar and Jack cheese, topped with hickory bacon, sour cream and green onions. Add crab rangoon dip. $2.99
Parmesan Fries | $6.99Deep-fried until crispy and tossed with our seasoned salt, Parmesan cheese blend and Italian flat leaf parsley. Served with ketchup and garlic basil aioli.

Tenders & Fish

Served with classic-cut fries. Substitute onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $0.99.

Crispy Fish and Chips | $12.49Cold-water cod dipped in a beer batter and fried to a delicious crisp. Served with tartar sauce.
Chicken Tenders | $11.99Traditional crispy chicken tenders with your choice of barbecue sauce, ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
Fried Shrimp | $12.99Shrimp hand-dipped in beer batter made with local pale ale, and flash fried to golden perfection. Served with our sweet house-made ponzu sauce.

Thai Coconut Chicken Tenders | $12.49Our beer-battered golden chicken tenders served with a Thai coconut red chili glaze and sweet house-made ponzu sauce for dipping.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders | $12.49Beer-battered, perfectly golden chicken tenders. Spice them up or cool the heat with buffalo and blue cheese dipping sauces.

Burgers

Served with classic-cut fries. Substitute onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $0.99.

Fire Burger | $10.49Smoldering, seasoned ground beef with jalapeños inside, topped with pepper jack cheese, zesty chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomato and crispy, fried jalapeños.
Mushroom Swiss Burger | $10.49Sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese top an all-American beef burger with lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.
Blue Max Burger | $10.49Our all-American beef burger topped with blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, tomato and creamy blue cheese dressing on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.

Bacon Cheeseburger | $10.99Our classic aged Cheddar cheeseburger dressed with crispy bacon and topped with lettuce and tomato on a brioche-style Kaiser roll.
Classic Cheeseburger | $9.99Our all-American beef burger with Cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce and sliced tomatoes on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.

Sandwiches

Served with house-made potato chips. Substitute classic-cut fries for $0.99, or onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $1.99.

New Orleands Lobster Salad Torta | $10.49Chunks of real lobster, seafood, celery, green onions and capers mixed in a light mayonnaise-based remoulade and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.
Lime Chicken Griller | $9.99Perfectly grilled and seasoned lime chicken with creamy garlic basil aioli, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.
Roast Turkey Club | $10.49Roast turkey with Cheddar, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon and mayonnaise on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll.

Sonoma Chicken Salad Torta | $9.99All-white meat chicken, grapes, apples, celery and pecans tossed in a light mayonnaise dressing and scooped into a toasted bolillo roll with arugula greens and tomato. Served with a side of fresh fruit.
Prime Rib Griller | $10.49All-American, slow-roasted, shaved prime rib on a toasted brioche-style Kaiser roll. Served with creamy horseradish sauce.
Southwest Fajita Chicken Wrap | $9.99Melted Cheddar Jack cheese and grilled chicken, fire-roasted red and green bell peppers and diced tomatoes rolled in a flour tortilla. Served with sour cream and salsa.

Quesadillas & Tacos

Thai Bang Shrimp Tacos | $9.99White corn tortillas layered together with southwest sauce and Cheddar Jack cheese, then topped with sweet and sour slaw and crunchy breaded shrimp drizzled with Thai bang sauce. Served with fresh tortilla chips and house-made salsa.
Smoked Brisket Quesadillas | $9.99Grill-toasted flour tortillas stuffed with southwest-seasoned smoked beef brisket and shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

Fire-Roasted Veggie Quesadillas | $9.49Grill-toasted flour tortillas filled with bell peppers, sweet onions, tomatoes, shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Classic Chicken Quesadillas | $9.99Southwest seasoned grilled chicken and shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melted inside grill-toasted flour tortillas.

Flatbread Pizzettas

Served with marinara sauce for dipping

Classic Supreme | $10.99A fully loaded flatbread sprinkled generously with a blend of Italian cheeses and topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions.
Tuscan Pepperoni | $9.99Crispy flatbread with mozzarella and provolone cheeses and shaved pepperoni.

Margherita | $9.99Olive oil brushed over flatbread with mozzarella and provolone cheeses, fresh Roma tomato slices and fresh basil.

Pizzinis

Golden toasted flatbread sandwiches served with house-made potato chips. Substitute classic-cut fries for $0.99, or onion loops or Parmesan fries for only $1.99.

Chipotle Chicken and Bacon | $9.99Grilled chicken, smoky chipotle sauce, melted Cheddar Jack cheese and bacon sandwiched between a golden flatbread. Served with chipotle-style mayonnaise.
Sicilian | $9.99This meat lovers’ Pizzini features salami, pepperoni, ham and melted mozzarella with lettuce and tomato sandwiched between a golden flatbread. Served with garlic basil aioli.

Smokehouse Beef and Cheddar | $9.99Smoked beef brisket and melted cheddar topped with sweet and sour slaw and barbecue sauce and sandwiched between a golden flatbread. Served with our Carolina-style barbecue sauce.

Salads

Select salads available as a wrap and served with a seasonal fruit medley.

Asian Chicken Salad | $10.99Grilled chicken on a bed of crisp greens tossed with sweet Asian dressing and topped with crispy wonton strips and toasted almonds. Available as a wrap with a side of seasonal fruit.
Fresh Fruit Salad | $9.99Fresh strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple and melon, topped with toasted pecans and a house-made honey, citrus and yogurt drizzle.

Wedge Salad | $9.49Chilled iceberg lettuce with chopped tomatoes, sweet onions, blue cheese crumbles and bacon with house-made creamy blue cheese dressing.
Chicken Caesar Salad | $10.99Crisp romaine lettuce topped with grilled, all-natural chicken breast, house-made Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan cheese. Available as a wrap with a side of seasonal fruit.

Entrees

Tenderloin Tips | $15.99Tenderloin steak tips with sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions in a red wine demi glace. Served with red bliss mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Blackened Salmon | $14.99Our Cajun-spiced salmon served with red bliss mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Country Fried Steak | $11.99Battered, chopped steak served with country gravy, red bliss mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta | $14.99Pan-seared jumbo shrimp tossed in zesty seasoning with corkscrew pasta and creamy sundried tomato sauce, and sprinkled with fresh tomato and basil bruschetta.
Bistro Chicken Mac and Cheese | $11.99Sliced chicken breast on top of our corkscrew pasta, blended with a zesty white cheese sauce and sprinkled with buttery toasted breadcrumbs and bacon.
Chicken Alfredo | $12.49Seared chicken breast sliced and served over fresh pappardelle pasta noodles covered in creamy alfredo sauce and topped with fresh house-made bruschetta.

Kid’s Meals

Kid-friendly portions for ages 12 and younger.

Cheese Quesadilla | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.
Chicken Quesadilla | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.
Chicken Tenders | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.

Grilled Cheese | $6.99Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.
Flatbread Pizzetta | $6.99Pepperoni or Cheese. Served with apple slices, fries and your choice of a soft drink or 2% milk.

Desserts

Waffle Sundae | $7.49Two warm Belgium waffles infused with authentic maple flavor, topped off by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled in luscious caramel and a generous sprinkle of sweet and savory candied bacon.
New York Cheesecake | $6.99Indulgent New York-style cheesecake served with fresh sugar-glazed strawberries.
Chocolate Brownie Sundae | $7.99Moist and fudgy chocolate brownie served warm with a scoop of premium ice cream on top.

Cupcake Duo | $5.99A red velvet cupcake with a chocolate truffle center is perfectly paired with a vanilla bean cupcake stuffed with a vanilla bean-flecked cream.
Epic Chocolate Dream Cake | $6.99This generous slice of cake is so rich and decadent it tastes like a dream. Two layers of milk chocolate pudding are sandwiched between layers of dark chocolate cake and topped with creamy chocolate frosting.

Treats

Popcorn | $8.00With free refill
Plain M&Ms | $4.25
Peanut M&Ms | $4.25
Sour Patch Kids | $4.25
Junior Mints | $4.25
Twizzlers | $4.25
Reese’s Pieces | $4.25
Skittles | $4.25

Welch’s Fruit Snack | $3.50
Sour Patch Watermelon | $3.50
Buncha Crunch | $3.50
Air Head Extreme Sour Belt | $3.50
SunMaid Chocolate Raisins | $3.50
Milk Duds | $3.50

Martinis & Margaritas

Pomegranate MartiniAbsolut Citron Vodka and Cointreau combined with pomegranate liqueur and simple syrup.
Sour Apple MartiniPremium vodka, Sour Apple Pucker and Midori shaken with sours mix to create a deliciously tart cocktail.
CosmopolitanAn absolute classic with Absolut Citron, Cointreau, cranberry juice and a kiss of lime.

Golden MargaritaCuervo Gold and Gran Marnier with sours mix and a splash of lime juice.
Mango MargaritaA fresh and fruity mix of premium tequila, triple-sec and lime juice blended with a mango smoothie.
Strawberry MargaritaPremium tequila, triple sec and lime juice blended with a strawberry smoothie.

Specialty Drinks

Blue LagunaA tropical combination of Tanqueray Gin, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice and club soda with a splash of Blue Curaçao.
Velvet HammerA luscious mix of white crème de cacao, triple sec and grenadine blended with a vanilla shake.
HurricaneBacardi O and light rum with orange juice, sours mix, a splash of grenadine and Meyer’s Dark Rum for a delicious wave of flavor.
Caribbean CoolerCaptain Morgan and Malibu Rums with orange and pineapple juice and a splash of Blue Curaçao.

Prices are around $7 per ticket extra for Fork & Screen, plus of course the cost of food and drinks. Prices may vary with showtime as well. Watch for updates with Disney AMC pricing as it becomes available. Will you pay for this added experience? Sure beats nachos or a chili dog, in my opinion!

VIDEO: What Do Vinylmations Do When You’re Not There?

2 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

Thanks to a fellow Disney fan for introducing me to this video. Nice start for a great medium for Vinylmation figures – stop motion animation! Check out The Vinylmator:

What do you think YOUR Vinylmations do when you’re not around?

First Haircut Magic at Harmony Barber Shop

28 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 11 Comments

first haircut magic kingdom — Ready for anything with Mickey stickers!

It’s not news to any regular readers that we go to Walt Disney World…a lot, nor that we have 3 children. My oldest son is about to turn 12 this weekend, my daughter is 10 and my youngest son turned 2 the end of October. While we have visited the barber shop in the Magic Kingdom many times, in both its locations, we had never experienced a “first haircut” there. With our first child, the thought just never occurred to us and we took him to a local kids hair cutting place. With our daughter, well, we just never really cut her hair until she was about 4 anyway! So since we now frequent Disney a lot more than “normal” with the blog and Moms Panel and twitter meet-ups etc. It seemed only natural to experience this rite of passage, well, the right way.

Now what’s changed since our last visit, aside from the new location, is that you can now actually book appointments at the Harmony Barber Shop. Since this is such a popular attraction among those who know the Magic Kingdom, the wait time can get quite long in the shop. Simply calling 407-WDW-DINE will secure you a spot in the barber’s chair. Walk-ins are still available but will be taken when available around those with appointments. Our time was for 11am on a busy Saturday, and despite the line out the door, the wait wasn’t too bad for those without appointments. These dual-skilled cast members/stylists know their stuff and do it efficiently. The “First Haircut” package is $18, a child’s haircut is $15, Adult haircut is $19 and colored hair gel and pixie dust is $7.50

Mickey Chinese New Year Antenna Topper-Year of the Rabbit!

23 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Saw this yesterday in the Magic Kingdom (at Star Traders to be exact) and of course, couldn’t resist adding it to my collection of Disney antenna toppers!

Gung hei fat choi!

The Magic, The Memories and…US!

20 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

I was recently invited to attend the media preview for the Magic Kingdom’s much anticipated “Castle projection show”. The show was announced some months back along with the 2011 campaign – “Let the Memories Begin“. The show and campaign itself received much criticism from cynics, assuming Disney was just using other people’s photos and videos so they didn’t have to come up with something on their own. Many objections to “YouTube videos on the castle” were heard over the interwebs.

Ever the Disney-supporter, I posted on twitter and facebook about how I supported this campaign. Really, I’m the kind of Disney fan that doesn’t think we are “owed” anything, yet many critics compare each year’s promotion to the Year of a Million Dreams or the What Will You Celebrate? campaigns, which were overflowing with extras, freebies and one-of-a-kind experiences. Last year, you still got a free ticket – if you volunteered for it. This year, however, the focus is on families – no matter what that consists of, and the memories created at Disney Parks throughout the world. After all, aren’t the best “extras” the intangibles that you hold in your heart and mind for years to come?

Despite my understanding and excitement about Let the Memories Begin, I still wasn’t sure how the Castle would fit in to this equation. After all, people don’t typically like when Cinderella Castle is messed with. (I happen to be one of the few people in the universe that thought it was cute – but totally understand those that were upset at its appearance for their visits; a year is a long time for bright pink.) Would this be something that most guests couldn’t relate to if their pictures weren’t selected? Would it disrupt the magic of the kingdom? Well, all my fears were assuaged Tuesday night when I experienced “The Magic, The Memories and You” first-hand.

First we were treated to a press conference with Park executives Al Weiss, and Meg Crofton. We were told about the upcoming news at the Parks (Wild Africa Trek, La Hacienda, Via Napoli, Star Tours 2). Alan Bruun, Associate Creative Director Walt Disney World Entertainment then gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the new castle show was created. The castle was actually graphed with a grid for the 3-D photo imaging required to ensure seamless projections and special effects. We were shown the locations for the 16 projectors used in the show. In addition to videos pulled from the Let The Memories Begin site where guests can submit their family videos, 500 photos taken in-park that day will be hand-picked to appear in the sometimes twice nightly show on the castle. As Bruun was quoted that night, “it’s a heck of a lot more than a slide-show on the castle”. Since seeing is believing, we all headed over to Cinderella Castle to experience the show for ourselves.