Magical Moments - Packing Essentials

This week finds me struggling to retain focus on anything non-Disney.  Though this particular member of the DLuminations team spends several weeks a year in the WDW parks, each approaching visit is still replete with anxious anticipation.  So, as I work through a few last minute items on my packing list, I thought this post would provide the perfect opportunity to discuss packing essentials, and packing tips for a WDW vacation.

I think it is pretty safe to assume that you have already figured out items such as basic toiletries, clothes, reservation information, extra cash, photo ID, insurance card, etc. should already be packed.  Thus, I will focus only on those items that you may not have considered as a part of your normal packing list.

1.      Frogg Togg Chili Pad:  With projected summer temperatures hovering in the lower to mid-90s, there is absolutely no way I am traveling to the parks without a few of these in my bag.  To save money, we purchase 2 Frogg Toggs and cut it in 4 smaller strips.  These are easy to fold, slip into a zip-lock bag and pack.  They are also big enough to make a difference in comfort, while small enough to wrap around your neck comfortably.  There are more tips for keeping cool in an earlier post.

2.      Sun Block:  Sunscreen isn’t just a poolside or water park essential.  It is absolutely recommended for the parks.  I’ve recently heard of an increase in the number of skin cancer diagnoses for lips, so some form of Chap Stick with sun block is also highly recommended.  Two other great options are thin, long sleeve shirts (dry-fit running shirts are ideal) and sun / bucket hats.  Though long sleeve shirts may sound warmer, they actually protect your skin while keeping you cool.

3.      Pocket size bottles of Hand Sanitizer:  Remember, millions of people visit the parks annually, and even though Disney works amazing feats of magic, they can’t sanitize everything daily.  So, as you move from the attractions to the restaurants or snack locations, hand sanitizer proves highly useful!

4.      Running Socks:  You can find these at any sporting goods store.  Unlike traditional cotton blended socks, these socks are moisture wicking, so they help prevent blisters.  This is a packing essential when you are walking through the parks on hot summer days.  (It may also be important to remember that you will be walking a lot, so wear sneakers if at all possible.)

5.      Body Glide: Popular with runners and other endurance athletes, these balms help prevent blisters from forming on your feet and inner thighs during long durations of movement – especially in the heat.

6.      Pictures of Your Kids:  I’m sure you would jump at the chance to show a picture of your kids to any willing stranger, but that isn’t the purpose here.  In case your kids get separated or lost, you can have something to show park officials as they help your kids reunite with their lost parents.   It may also be a great idea to have some sort of separation plan.  In the event that you and your children become separated and anyone finds himself or herself lost, plan ahead to meet at a specific location inside the parks.  For instance, if I were to find that my son had walked away for a moment and we could not find each other, already having a plan to meet at the entrance to the Hall of Presidents in that case may save a lot of trouble and anguish.

7.      WDW Trading Pins:  Years ago we decided we would not get caught up in this craze.  Unfortunately, we did succumb to the phenomenon.  That said, pin trading is a great way for you and you kids to collect souvenirs, while keeping busy in the long lines.  (More on this in a later post.)

8.      Batteries:  We love to take photos and video using cameras, Flip Cameras, phones, etc.  Extra batteries are useful and are much cheaper if you bring your own!  Also, don’t forget any battery chargers you may need.

9.      Rain Poncho:  Years ago, you could find Yellow Ponchos with Mickey prominently depicted thereon moving through the parks on a rainy day.  The design has changed somewhat over the years, but the price has always remained high.  I recommend taking a trip to the Dollar General where these are more affordable.

10.  Sunglasses – for obvious reasons.

11.  Mobile Phones / 2-Way Radios:  If you travel to the parks with large parties, or if you have older kids who might like to venture off by themselves, these items may be a great way to keep in touch when you need to.

12.  Sandals / Flip-Flops / Boating Shoes / Crocs:  For the water parks and resort pools, but not the parks.

13.  Glow Sticks:  I must admit, I learned this one from a friend.  A big hit with the kiddos, these come cheap at the local dollar store, but similar type items can break the back in the parks.  So, load up beforehand.

14.  Light Jacket / Sweatshirt:  For those traveling to the parks in the winter months, Orlando can be rather chilly.  So, bring something to cover up with.

15.  First Aid Pack:  Disney Parks do have first aid areas, but I recommend a small kit of your own – especially if you have kids.  4 – 5 Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, Aspirin (or other pain reliever), sinus medication (Nose Spray, etc.) are all items that you may be thankful for on any given day.

16.  Back Pack: After looking at the list above, you shouldn’t need to wonder why this is on the list.

So, there you have it, a few additional packing essentials for your trip to WDW.  Good luck gathering your essentials for your next trip.  Feel free to add any tips or essentials on your list in the comments section below.  We would love to read about any items that you feel are absolutely necessary to pack.

Dining: Sci-Fi Dine-In

            Among the many things I love about Disney is their attention to detail.  For Disney, storytelling isn’t something that happens only on-screen, but with everything they do.  The parks themselves are setup to tell a specific story.  So are the attractions, restaurants, resorts, everything.  And, when Disney tells a story, everything speaks. 

Each detail relays something crucial to the story itself, right down to the pavement in the lands of the Magic Kingdom (more on that in a later post).  That detail and storytelling lends itself amazingly well to themed restaurants and resorts. 

One wonderfully themed restaurant that is fun for kids of all ages is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater gives the illusion of dining outside at a 1950s drive-in theater.  

Slip into the front or back seat of the booth and peer through the windshield at a series of science fiction movie clips from days gone-by.  Sip on an Oreo Cookie milkshake or vanilla Coke while you sit beneath the perpetual stars and take in this unique setting. 

The restaurant opens at 11am and remains open until normal park closing.  So, the timing allows me to eat here for lunch, which I prefer.  The meals are just the right proportion and it allows me to save room for a walk-up meal later in the evening.  Plus, I have the remainder of the day to walk-off any additional calories from the milkshake! 

Entrees range from $12 - $22, while appetizers are in the $7 - $10 range.  Using the Disney Dining Plan option will cost 1 Table Service Credit.  Depending on the plan you have, a Desert and possibly an Appetizer are included.  I like to use my desert option to get the milkshake, so I can also get a vanilla Diet-Coke.  This restaurant also accepts Tables in Wonderland for Florida residents and Annual Pass holders.

For lunch, I recommend the Crispy Onion Rings as an appetizer.  Along with the vanilla Coke, they add to the nostalgic feel of eating in a drive-in theater in the 50s.  The BLT Soup is quite nice as well.

Being from the Deep South, I see BBQ as an art, not to be trifled with.  As a result, I normally don’t order BBQ from a restaurant like this.  However, the Smoked Baby Back Ribs are actually very tasty. 

If you are not a BBQ fan, I suggest the Tofu - just kidding!  No real culinary fan would ever suggest that.  Instead, the Reuben is actually pretty good as is the Angus Chuck Burger.  The burger is much better than the normal patties you would get from walk-up service locations throughout the parks.  I recommend topping with cheddar, sautéed onions, mushrooms and bacon.  The cucumber melon salad is a better choice than fries, especially if you ordered onion rings as an appetizer.

Want to try making something at home?  Here’s the recipe for the BLT Soup:

Ingredients:
1 8-ounce can Tomato Basil Soup
6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
6 ounces shredded lettuce
3 slices white bread (toasted and cut in ½)
Directions:

1.      Cook soup according to directions on can.

2.      Ladle into bowl.

3.      Place a half slice of toast on top of soup.

4.      Add 1 ounce of shredded lettuce on top of toast.

5.      And 1 ounce of chopped bacon on top of lettuce.

Yep, it’s that simple. 

If you have tried these dishes, would like to comment or have a different suggestion, please let us hear from you by placing them in the comments section below.  Want to share photos of your dining experience, send them to DLuminations@gmail.com, we will post them on our DLuminations Facebook Page.

First Look: Disney's Art of Animation Resort

This week D-Luminations got its first look at the great new resort that recently opened at WDW, Disney's Art of Animation Resort.  Though only partially open, the resort is a wonderful addition to WDW.  Art of Animation is the fifth resort to be priced in the value category following the All Star and Pop Century Resorts.  This resort will feature family suites as well as standard rooms.  The resort should be fully operational in September 2012.

 The Art of Animation Resort is set up similiar to the other value resorts.  There is a main building containing the check in area, food court, shops and arcade.  The food court features a wide array of offerings so everyone in the family should be able to find something they like.  A nice feature is that unlike the other value resorts the food is served on real plates (not paper) and offers actual flat ware (not plastic).  I had the Mongolian Beef and it was delicious.

The buildings which house the guest rooms are based on 4 classic Disney films, Finding Nemo (Suites now open), Cars (Suites opening June 18th), The Lion King (Suites opening August 10th) and The Little Mermaid (Standard Rooms opening Sept. 15th).  The suites are designed to accomodate up to six guestes and feature 2 separate bathrooms, a master bedroom, and three separate sleeping areas in the living space.  A feature I really like about the buildings that house the suites is that unlike the standard value rooms, the suites have inside corridors.

 The pool area was large and amazingly themed.  We were only able to see the Finding Nemo pool as it was the only one open.  The Imagineers have really stepped up the theming compared to the other value resorts.

 We were able to get a glimpse of the Cars, Lion King and Little Mermaid buildings though they were still under construction.  Again Disney has done an incredible job with the themeing. You may notice that the Little Mermaid buildings are different than the others.  This is because they were actually built to be apart of the the second phase of Pop Century that was abandoned after 9/11.  The Little Mermaid buildings have   outside corridors similar to the ones at the All Star and Pop Century Resort.

 If you are planning a trip to WDW, especially a large family, we highly recommend  the Art of Animation Resort.  The resort is located adjacent to Disney's Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and guests can enjoy complimentary transportation to the theme parks as well as the water parks.  For more information check out the WDW website and for more pictures check out the D-Luminations Facebook page.

Magical Moments - Keeping Your Cool!

**Notice Alert** This posting contains common sense, but not common practice.

OK, now that I have provided adequate warning that some things here may seem            needless to post, just keep in mind that most guests don’t practice the points, so here we go.

Disney Imagineers can do the seemingly impossible, including recreating mountains, making bears talk and ghosts socialize; but they seem to be at a loss for finding a way to keep the sweltering heat from being a factor through July and August.  So, it is up to the guests to take necessary precautions to keep cool while in the parks. 

Fortunately, Disney actually has setup the parks in a way that should help.  The majority of attractions in the Magic Kingdom are enclosed and air-conditioned.  The distance between the attractions is relatively short, and even the queue areas are usually shaded at least.  In addition, Main Street stores often provide a moment of relief from the hot sun.  There are also refreshment carts or areas located in strategic locations. 

EPCOT may be the most difficult area in which to keep cool.  Though Future World (the front half of the park) is comprised mainly of enclosed, interior attractions that are air conditioned, the World Showcase offers much less opportunity for shade and air-cooled comfort. 

Likewise, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom offer the same problems.  So, what do you do?

1.      Take advantage of the park layout.  Are you walking from one side of Future World to the other?  Walk through buildings such as Mouse Gears to keep cool instead of walking in the outside heat. 

2.      Plan your day so you are outside during the cooler parts of the day.   Since the World Showcase usually opens around 11am, wait until late afternoon to explore the area.  This will keep you out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.  Between the hours of 11:30 am – 3 pm, plan to visit the indoor, air-cooled attractions.

3.      Take advantage of cooling stations.  There are some cooling stations located in certain parks.  The most notable is located next to Test Track in EPCOT.  The water misting fans will feel great when you need it most.

4.      Water misting fans are also for sale throughout the parks.  However, I recommend purchasing one from WalMart.  These are just as good and cost much less.  Likewise, a regular battery powered fan is a good and inexpensive buy too.

5.      Bring water.  Drink early, sip often.  Disney will allow you to bring items into the park.  We usually fill a backpack with water and have taken small, cooler style jugs of water into the parks.  This will help tremendously.

6.      Four words – “Frogg Togg Chilly Pad”.  We first discovered these through little league baseball.  These towels are made from a material that retains water while remaining dry to the touch.  When you wet the towel, it begins to evaporate and gets cool.  If it stops cooling, just wet it again and it will once again provide cooling comfort.  This also comes in bandana form (The Chilly Dana).  Both are well worth the money!  http://www.froggtoggs.com/#cooling/

7.      Dress appropriately.  I like to wear a sun hat or a cap, but the sun hat provides a little additional shade to keep me cool.  If it gets too hot, you can wet the sun hat and it will provide a greater cooling. 

8.      Wear wicking shirts (Dry-Fit) may be better than normal T-shirts or polo style shirts of cotton material.   They are light-weight, move heat and moisture away from skin and allow air to flow through the fabric.  Also, lighter colors are better because they don’t attract or absorb heat.

9.      I have actually worn shorts with loose fitting, long sleeve shirts.  This can actually provide comfort through shading your arms.  The looser fitting material is also usually thinner than most normal cotton, polo style shirts.  Believe it or not, long sleeves can be cooler.

10.  Eat spicy food.   Yep, you read right.   Spicy food increases sweat which keeps you cool.

11.  Eat a frozen treat.  Frozen Lemonade from the Yak & Yetti counter service restaurant, or an Itzakadoozie Popsicle from any ice cream cart can not only hit the spot, but can cool you down nicely. 

12.  Rest occasionally throughout the day.  Don’t feel the need to rush around all the time.  Take a moment to sit in a shaded area; there are plenty of those in the parks.   

The most important thing to remember is to be prepared for the heat.  Disney parks don’t have to be unbearable in June, July and August, if you are ready to fight it wisely. 

How do you fight the heat in Disney?  Add comments or tips in the section below.  Have you tried any of these, let us hear how they worked for you!  

Dining: Nine Dragons

 This past weekend I attended the last days of this years Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot and had a great time.  The park was pretty busy as it was the last weekend and the weather was beautiful.  We were able to see Mickey Dolez perform as part of the Flower Power Concert Series, he was filling in for Davy Jones who passed away earlier this year.  He was great and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

 For lunch we decided to eat at the Nine Dragons restaurant located in the China Pavillion as we hadn't eaten there in a while.  The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.   Nine Dragons offers cusine from the four regions of China:  Cantonese, Szechuan, Mandarin and Kiangche.

We ordered the Honey Seasame Chicken (16.98) and the Canton Pepper Beef (15.98), both were delicious.  The menu is varied and offers more selections than a typical Chinese restaurant.  As is typical for a theme park the prices are more expensive, about 20 percent more than chain restaurants, but the quality of the food is much better.  

Service was exceptional, the server was very attentive and knowledgable.  We ate at 2pm a great time because it's not very busy, we were seated as soon as we walked in.  The restaurant was redisgned inside a few years ago and it's very beautiful, the decor is Chinesse but done with in more modern design.  The Nine Dragons is a great dining option.  The full menu can be found on line.

Resorts - Wilderness Lodge

It must be enormous fun to be an Imagineer. Being challenged to tell stories through the most minute detail, finding ways to transport people to another time and place instantaneously, and inventing ways to capture not only the history but the feel of a location and scale it down to a smaller representation must be nothing short of exciting.  But, until the day comes that we have the opportunity to work as Imagineers, we must simply resort to enjoying the excitement that comes with experiencing the final product of their labor. 

And, what better way to “resort” to enjoying the results of the Imagineer’s efforts than to spend time in a Disney “Resort”?  One resort that offers an abundance of detail necessary to be an innovative representation of nature’s wonders is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

As with all our resort themed posts, we realize there are a multitude of blogs or sites available with in-depth information about resort costs, layout, etc.; as always, DLuminations would like to forego the in-depth review you may find on other sites and offer a brief overview of things of interest surrounding the resort that may help you make the decision as to whether or not you would like to stay there.

Atmosphere:  This Deluxe Resort features genuine artifacts and authentic decorations that celebrate both the ancient Native American cultures and early American settlers and explorers alike. 

The main building is constructed from 85 loads of Lodgepole Pine which serves to set the rustic tone of the Pacific Northwest in a simpler time.  Stepping inside the lobby instantly transports you to a different place.  A mixture of logs, stone and leather are accented with two 55-foot totem poles and accents of Native American artifacts to create such an immersive atmosphere, you almost feel as if you should be wearing buck skin pants, moccasins and a coon-skin or cowboy hat.  I can almost imagine the king of the wild frontier himself - Davy Crocket - lounging around the lobby, spinning yarns for anyone who will listen.  A perfect place to find Mr. Crocket might be next to an 82-foot tall fireplace which serves as the centerpiece of the beautifully decorated lobby.   

The fireplace – a recreation of the strata of the Grand Canyon featuring over 100 colors in various hues – also offers a wonderful location for resting with the family after a full day in the parks; or before a meal in one of the restaurants as you spin your own yarns about recent adventures in the parks.  The 8-story atrium not only serves to house the large accents of the totem poles and the fireplace, but helps to capture and convey the grandness of the National Parks it helps to celebrate.

Moving to the back of the lobby, you will find a small bridge that crosses the headwater of Silver Creek.  The water bubbles from the lobby and flows over Silver Creek Falls and into the Silver Creek Springs Pool. 

Paying tribute to the wonders of nature that can be found in our National Parks, the resort features many wonderful sights.  Drawing inspiration from Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, Fire Rock Geyser erupts with a 120-foot plume of water.

Resort Location:  Wilderness Lodge is conveniently located near the Magic Kingdom and adjacent to both Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. 

Restaurants:  Whispering Canyon Café may possibly be one of the most enjoyable and memorable meals for you and your kids.  Remember to ask for “Ketchup!”.  Artist Point offers a more elegant setting for families or couples.  The grilled Buffalo and the Salmon are notable menu items.  Roaring Fork offers a great option for those guests in a hurry - Disney fast food at its finest.

Pools:  There are two pools to choose from.  Hidden Springs Pool and Silver Creek Springs both offer a great atmosphere and a fun water slide is also available to enjoy.  In fact, Silver Creek Springs was ranked as #4 on our list of Top 10 Disney Resort Pools.    Wilderness Lodge also offers a beach of white sand by Bay Lake, a great place to relax and soak up some sun.

Other Activities & Attractions:  Waterslides, watercraft, and bike rentals are actually fairly common activities offered by a number of Disney resorts, and Wilderness Lodge is no exception.  However, Wilderness Lodge offers a number of unique activities for children including Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing Along, and a 24-hour playground, a supervised activity center named the Cub’s Den which allows children to play while the adults spend a few precious moments alone.  For adults, a Segway Tour is available on the grounds.  Fishing is also available for those anglers who just can’t get enough of the sport, or for those who want to relax by tossing a line and pole into the Florida waters. 

    

Have you stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort?  What were your opinions?  Was there something you liked about the resort or wanted to add to help people better enjoy their stay?  If so, just add your comments below, we would love to hear from you.      

Dining: Tutto Italia: Italy Pavilion at Epcot

 Yesterday I had the pleasure of eating at the new restaraunt in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot, Tutto Italia, which took the place of Alfredo's.  Tutto Italia joins the ranks with the best Epcot restaraunts, delivering great food and great service.  If you are in the mood for great Italian food this is the place to go.

 The decor has been changed as well as the seating arrangements.  Seating is much more comfortable than Alfredo's, with more space between tables.  We ate around 2:30 in the afternoon which is a great time, it wasn't crowded at all.  The server's were friendly and very knowledgable of the menu.  Pricing is moderate to expensive.  The menu features typical Italian fare (spaghetti, lasagna, fettucine) but also pork chops, salmon filet, salads and other exceptional offerings.

 We started with the Calamari Fritti ($15) which was delicious.  Much better than any you would get at a chain restaraunt.  The portion was large, with enough to be shared by two or three people.

 For our entree's we selected the Fettuccini Vecchia Roma ($22) and Pollo Insalata (salad w/chicken $18).  Both were amazing and again the portions were large.  Pricing is about 20% more than a typical chain restaraunt, but remember it is a vacation destination and the service and quality of the food is much better.  The full menu is available on line.

 Adjacent to the new restaraunt is the Wine Cellar featuring fine Italian wines by the glass as well as Italian and American beers on draft.  The decor is inspired by an Italian wine cellar and has seating for 96.  The bar also features small plate offerings with classic flavors from Italy.  Until now the only bar at Epcot was the Rose and Crown in the England Pavillion.  Anyone who's been there knows how crowded it gets, the Wine Cellar makes a great alternative.

With Via Naploi and now Tutto Italia the Italy Pavillion has two great sit down restaraunts.  If you are in the mood for great Italian cuisine we suggest you try either of these two restaraunts.  We suggest you make priority seating arrangements prior to your visit so that you are assured a table.  If you are staying on Disney Property inquire about the Disney Dining Plan.