Bippity Boppity Bed Bugs: My Magical Spring Break at the Swan

I know, I know.... Bed Bugs... Magical??

A Quick Pick Me Up from Pineapple Lanai

The Polynesian Resort is an under the radar second location on Disney World property to pick up a Dole Whip Soft Serve!

Capt. Cook's Dining Review

It's been quite a while since we posted an updated review on Capt. Cook's (see 2012 review here).  We decided to check out the remodeled Capt. Cook's since it just reopened.

After a long ride on Disney Park Transportation, we were really happy to sink into some cozy seating. I decided to try something different this time around. I chose the Chicken and Waffles featuring crispy buffalo chicken fritters on a waffle with romaine and ranch dressing (Buffalo sauce on the side). Gus ordered the famous Pulled Pork Nachos topped with Onions, Cheese, Spicy Mayo, Tomatoes, and Pineapple Salsa.

We picked out a spot and took in some of the tropical feel of the room. Warm wood and banana tree leaves add warmth to the room. The textured walls and Polynesian type markings accent the space beautifully. 

We tried the pork nachos and were instantly disappointed. The toppings were cold and the chips were tough and inedible. Gus went back and asked for fresh plate. Within 5 minutes or so, he was given the new plate, but it did not help. The dish did not compare to the awesome pork nacho found in Miami. The pork had little to no seasoning.  The nachos were bland.

This was a photo of the first batch.

I was also disappointed with my chicken and waffles.  The waffle was dry and the chicken rubbery.

If we weren't so hungry, we would have left and tried out one of the other locations upstairs.

To add insult to injury, the food did not sit well with me and ended up causing us to cancel the rest of our plans for the day (getting sick at Disney stinks period.)

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge

 I thought I would start out by reviewing our favorite place to eat, Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We make sure we eat here every time we go to Disney. As a matter of fact, the year we took my daughter for her high school graduation trip, we ate at Boma twice. We also stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, so it was very convenient. At least that was our excuse. It is a treat in every since of the word.
     The experience starts as soon as you arrive at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is on of my favorite resorts on Disney property. The lobby will take your breath away. It is darker than some but I would call it cozy and warm. Take a moment to walk around and enjoy the wonderful decor. You will be amazed! Arrive early so you can walk out and see the animals on the savannah. There is nothing like seeing some giraffes, zebras and other wildlife before you go in for dinner. When we went in December last year, they were making s'mores over a fire pit. But don't be tempted by those, save your appetite for dinner.
    Boma is downstairs to the right off the main lobby. Again, take time to enjoy the beautiful decor of this restaurant. It has warm colors and wood accents. We have enjoyed several different table locations on our many visits. They are all convenient and comfortable. I would recommend Advance Dining Reservations (ADR) as soon as you can make them. We did get in during the graduation trip at the last minute. It never hurts to check on a restaurant once you arrive for your trip, they have cancellations all the time. We also managed to get into Le Cellier at the last minute on the graduation trip. Disney magic at work!
     Now, about the food. I love this place because they have things I might not ever get to try otherwise. I am an adventurous eater who loves to try things at least once.  My husband is a pretty picky eater and my daughter is not usually a huge eater but both of them love Boma. When a restaurant can draw all three of us back every time it gets a five star rating. Boma is a buffet style restaurant which is not usually my choice, unless it is in Disney. They do buffet  like no one else. Each section is separate so you can go back without breaking in line. From the soups to the carving station to the desserts everything is fresh, plentiful and clean. They have labels on everything and the staff are happy to tell you what is in a certain dish.
     Start with some bread and soups. I love the butternut squash and carrot ginger soups. Move on to main dishes and salads. I tried the avocado, grapefruit and papaya salad last time and loved it. And don't miss the watermelon rind salad, yummy.  Be crazy and try new things, it might end up as your new favorite. The carving station features several different sauces to try. If you have children or adults who aren't ready for some of these things, they have mac and cheese and several other things to  please anyone. Our favorite thing is the dessert section! It never disappoints and yes, we are the people taking pictures of our desserts. Zebra domes have a following and it is well deserved. They are bite size, creamy chocolate delights. They are so popular they now sell them in the Mara, the quick service restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
    I guess you can tell that the food at Disney is a highlight for me and my family. We love the whole experience, the food, rides, shows, resorts and the people. It is exciting to get to share my little bit of experience with everyone. I hope to do more research soon. The worst thing is not having a Disney trip planned. Maybe next fall my husband and I can sneak away for an adults only trip. Sounds like a potential post to me.
     I would like to end each post with a tip that we have found to be helpful or fun. Maybe someone else does it also or maybe it is something only we do. My first tip is to take a picture at the same place each trip. It is so much fun to see your children grow or just how people change. I did not start this until our third trip so I encourage you to do this from the beginning, especially if you plan on going multiple times. This our daughter on the prop outside of Star Tours. In order from the top, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013. Look how her hairstyle changed!


Forever Disney,
Carol

   

An Evening at the Boardwalk Resort

Have you ever explored the Boardwalk Resort at Disney World?

We have always heard that the food options at the Boardwalk Resort are terrific. Upon arriving, we immediately began to explore our food options. My husband decided that he wanted to try some Pizza from the Pizza Window next to Kouzzina by Cat Cora. 

I, decided to try some treats from The To-Go Cart. With different classic flavors of some American favorites (I thought it was like going to the county fair), what's not to love!

I got a Pulled Pork Sandwich, Onion Rings, and a Chili Cheese Dog. The Onion Rings were the best tasting out of all the choices. 

After walking around and checking out the  entertainment, we decided to try the Funnel Cake Cart. What was a night out without dessert?

We felt like a pair of excited kids in a candy store! The funnel cake was absolutely delicious. We had the choice of numerous toppings.  We decided to try chocolate syrup drizzled on top with a block of Vanilla ice cream.

Looks delicious doesn't it?!

After a fun dinner on the go, we headed off to the other side of Crescent Lake to explore more of The Boardwalk Resort!

This side of the resort is close to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.  As a special perk, you are able to watch the fireworks from here! We also strolled over to the back entrance of EPCOT. The delightful sounds of the Italian Pavilion filled the air. It was possibly the first time I had ever heard the soundtrack for this area.  

Panorama of the Boardwalk Resort from the Boat Launch in the middle of Crescent Lake.

We recommend you take a stroll and explore the Boardwalk Resort if you find yourself with a night available during your next action packed trip to Walt Disney World.

Il Mulino Italian Restaurant - Walt Disney World Swan Resort

                                        photo ©Judy Dulberg

Have you been to Il Mulino in New York City?

Chef Mickeys

Chef Mickey's is the quintessential character meal at Walt Disney World. 

Narcoosees at The Grand Floridian

Narcoosee's is a signature dining experience located at Walt Disney World's Grand Floridian Resort. 

Ohana means Family (as in Family-Style Dining)!

The Fountain – Walt Disney World Dolphin

                                                                                Photo © Jennie Schacher-Rubin

                                                                   

I have a tradition when I stay at the Dolphin or the Swan. First thing I do is check in – the next thing I do is head to The Fountain and order a grilled chicken sandwich. This has been going on for years. I love this little restaurant. Years ago, the wait staff would sing and dance 50s style. They don’t anymore, but I am ok with that. As long as they keep serving up the amazing milk shakes, ice cream sundaes, and tradition 1950s fountain shop food – I am all good with it.

What’s so special about a grilled chicken? For me it’s the perfect food after a morning of travel and an afternoon and evening of hitting the parks before my room is ready. It’s not too heavy after all the travel and it’s just the right energy boost to kick off a second wind. Parks, here I come.

If grilled chicken isn’t your thing, no worries. The Fountain has a great assortment of soups and salads, burgers, specialty sandwiches and “fountain specialties” such as their Brownie Blast Sundae, Caramel Apple Sundae, Chocolate Raspberry Torte Shake, Coco Loco Shake - Chocolate & caramel cappuccino ice creams blended together, topped with whipped cream, malted milk balls & drizzled with chocolate & caramel sauces, Nutty-Chocolate-Covered-Banana-Shake and a wide variety of toppings, ice cream flavors, cake and cone types to make your own sundae, cone, float or shake.

Now when my best friend goes without me, she sends a picture of my old standby lunch – now that’s a true friend!

Contributed by Judy Dulberg

Cabana Bar and Beach Club– Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort Hotel

Image © J. Dulberg

There’s nothing I like better than sitting by a pool and not having to move too far to get a meal! At the Disney World Dolphin Resort you can do just that at the Cabana Bar and Beach Club pool service restaurant and bar.

Full Moon over Bay Lake

The beautiful full moon made its debut just as we were leaving dinner at Narcoosee's our last trip and with the sun having just set and the beautiful dusk colors still painting the sky I was mesmerized by this awesome view of the Contemporary.

Everything You Need to Know if you're Staying at the Poly in 2013

The Polynesian is arguably the most beautiful of Disney World Resort hotels, but it is currently undergoing some huge resort renovations that, without the most up to date info, may lead you to losing a little magic during your trip! First and foremost only two buildings are re-opened and freshly renovated (many of the longhouses which have not been renovated yet still remain open).  The two renovated ones are Hawaii and Samoa longhouses.  We recently stayed in the Samoa building during Spring Break (the week leading up to Easter) and it had JUST reopened... but more importantly was that there were renovations currently going on in TWO other buildings! Rarotonga and Niue are currently closed for renovations.  If you are looking at a map this means they started with Hawaii and followed right around the pools in their renovations.  The castmember checking us in also let us know that Tokelau is next! I think it would be safe at this point to assume they may continue to the east of Great Cermonial House and renovate Rapa Nui and Tahiti once Tokelau is done. 

So what does that mean for travelers? If it were me and I wanted to ensure I got a new room and did not have to walk through unsightly construction going on (the workers will likely enter and exit the premises with supplies out into the parking lot along side Rapa Nui) I would request SAMOA.

Samoa was a great location, nice proximity to the pool, beach, and Great Ceremonial House.  Additionally, there are still four longhouses over on the Luau Cove side of the resort and a rumor that the Poly mind build DVC space.  I HIGHLY recommend that if you are staying at the Polynesian this year prior to your room request in online check-in you call the hotel directly and ask which longhouses are currently renovated and under construction so you can plot out a way to avoid the wrong areas and request the right ones!  Anyone staying at the Poly should also know that this is one of the most convienent and luxurious resorts.  Not only can you hop right on a monorail to travel to Magic Kingdom but you can walk out to Ticket and Transportation Center (or monorail over) and head into Epcot! Additionally, one of the only 24 hour quick service stops is located here.  You can't get hot food 24 hours a day but you can find great refrigerated choices like sushi from Kona and salad & sandwiches.

All visitors to the Poly should make plans to eat at one of their three table service locations (I recommend all three!).  Kona Cafe and Ohana are both located upstairs in the Great Ceremonial House and serve great dinners.  I prefer Ohana for the breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, and Mickey, however! Also, if you are on a budget you can get some of the Kona breakfast favorites (like Tonga Toast) at the quick service location, Capt. Cook's! Luau Cove is home to the last dining location, a dinner show called Spirit of Aloha- in the spirit of luaus that can be found all over the 50th state! :)

Also, be sure not to miss some time wandering around the resort. The lush beautiful flora and tropical scents and touches are relaxing enough to be a vacation unto themselves.  The beach is beautiful even if just for a short walk or to take in Wishes after a long day.  I am a huge fan of this resort.  After we stayed here in 2011, I could not wait to come back.  At other resorts I have had a great time, truly enjoyed my trip, but was ready to try the next locale.  Here at the Poly I feel like I could escape into the tropical oasis for days! I love the torches at night and the music, I love the shops and the tiki carvings, I love the hidden mickeys and the room theming (both new and old are wonderful)!  If you are planning a trip here and have any questions, feel free to ask and I will answer as best as I can (or post some more pictures to help you envision your upcoming vacation)!

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Our first trip staying at the Poly was in February 2011 and I wasn't really sure whether we would want to commit time to the dinner show so I put it on the back burner.  When we decided to go back I knew I wanted to get this show in because I loved the culture surrounding the resort.  The show starts with the premise that Lelaini is going to college.  The community surprises her and they create an interactive show celebrating her and showcasing some amazing Polynesian dances.

(They even have a birthday hula- that me in the black shirt in the back row towards the left!)

And perhaps the part that was stuck in our heads the most- the integration of some Lilo and Stitch songs! We were singing Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride for the rest of our trip! I think if you are staying at the Poly this is a must for a nice way to enjoy your hotel grounds and get the most of the resort.  If you can't afford the Poly but want to be immersed in island culture this is also a great choice! The food is served family style and is pretty good (plus there were beer and wines included on the menu without having to pay extra) but its the entertainment that makes this worth every penny.

Prices currently run for Adults $58.99-$73.99 and Children $29.99-$39.99 depending on what category you choose.  We were in Category 1 which is closest to the stage and for the show during Spring Break we booked about 4 months in advance but you can book up to 180 days out.

Happy Weekend! :)

Let's all Disney dream together for a moment and have a nice virtual Dole Whip from Capt. Cook's and enjoy this view of the castle from the beach at the Polynesian together. :)

Show me a sign!

I love everything about the Poly right down to the retro polynesian style of the signs.  Theres something extra magical about knowing a resort has been open since the beginning. 

Swan & Dolphin Take 2

 

Even though the Swan and Dolphin offer discounts to teachers I can't help but feel like they are off property hotels located on property.  Have you ever stayed at either? What did you think? Id love some details.  And why the heck is there a fish on top of the dolphin??

2 Line Review: California Grill

I know I have raved about the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort before but it really is just divine: the views, the food, the waitstaff... signature dining does not even suffice.  This place is perfect.

View from the Boardwalk

I love Boardwalk, and part of that comes from how much I love Epcot and Spaceship Earth and how you can see it peaking through the trees behind Beach Club across the way. :)

2 Line Review: Capt Cooks

This is the best hotel counterservice I have been too-- I love that its got a Dole Whip machine and its open 24 hours!  Plus you can get other Poly favorites like Kona Cafe's Tonga Toast here and sushi to go!