Best Disney World Late Night Snack
Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll
The winner of the 2011 "Best Disney World Late Night Snack" award can be found at the Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom. As you peruse the line of tempting treats you will soon realize that they have saved the best for last.
Unlike any of the other treats you will find, the Cinnamon Rolls are kept warm in order to preserve the gooey goodness and serve them with that "fresh out of the oven" taste.
Bold Disney Guests have been known to ask the Cast Members to pile on extra melted icing for that extreme sugar rush.
As an added bonus, this incredible snack is considered a Disney Dining Plan Snack Item. If you are using the Disney Dining Plan, it only takes one snack credit to enjoy all of this sugary, gooey warmth.
All Day Treat - Best At Night
Although you can obtain the Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll all day, it is best at night. Whether you grab one while waiting to watch Wishes or are looking for a little extra energy before you tackle the late night Extra Magic Hours at the Magic Kingdom, this snack cannot be beat.
Agree Or Disagree?
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Disney's Animal Kingdom Presents It's Tough To Be A Bug!
Tree of Life Theater
The iconic structure for Disney's Animal Kingdom is called the Tree Of Life and it greets the theme park guests with its amazing carvings of a wide variety of animal carvings throughout its trunk and roots. The "It's Tough To Be A Bug!" is actually housed in a special theater within the base of the Tree of Life. One of the benefits of experiencing this attraction is all of the great things you will see on the pathway to the theater entrance.
Many of the 325 animal carvings on the Tree Of Life can only be seen on the path to the It's Tough To Be A Bug! attraction.
Do not be in a rush, take your time to make sure you get a chance to catch all of the animal carvings hidden amongst the "roots."
As the end of the path nears you head underground, beneath the Tree Of Life, to find the theater deep inside. It is only appropriate that you would find a show about bugs located here.
It's Tough To Be A Bug!
Once seated inside the Tree of Life Theater it is time for It's Tough To Be A Bug! This is a 4-D Show that includes: Audio-Animatronic Characters, 3-D Movie, and many special effects involving scent and touch. The characters involved in the attraction should be familiar to those of you that have seen the 1998 Disney Pixar film "A Bug's Life."
Disney World Trivia: Did you know that "It's Tough To Be A Bug!" is the first attraction developed by Disney Imagineering based upon a movie, where the attraction actually debuted before the movie?
Flik serves as the Master of Ceremonies for the show and tries to guide the action, that sometimes goes amiss. Part of the message of the show is to make the audience aware of all of the bugs that we share our world with.
One of the first acts in the show involves Chili, the Chilean Tarantula, who actually is quite friendly despite his menacing appearance. He demonstrates his prowess of throwing poisoned quills at targets...until the targets move out in front of the audience courtesy of 3-D special effects.
You knew it wasn't going to go well, when Claire De Room, the stinkbug, was going to demonstrate he talents. As expected, the audience captures the brunt of the demonstration.
The events start to turn scary for the audience as the Termite-ator thinks the audience needs to be eliminated and sprays his acid on them. (This character is based upon a real-life type of termite that can spray acid.)
The Dung Brothers are there for comic relief and we also learn of one of the greatest benefits of bugs is their ability to "eat" waste.
The scariest part of the show occurs when the large audio-animatronic Hopper makes his appearance and orders his fellow bugs to turn on the humans that have tried to eliminate them.
This is typically the point in the show where many children decide that they have seen enough and want out (my daughter included.) It really is scary for young children and I would advise against taking them to this attraction.
The special effects are great starting with the very impressive Hopper. There is also a unique effect when the wasps are ordered to attack.
Order Is Restored
Soon Flik restores order and puts a happy ending on the show. There is one last special effect to take place to surprise the audience at the very end of the show.
Great 4-D Show!
It's Tough To Be A Bug! is a great show that should not be missed (unless you have young, easily scared children.) The combination of the 3-D film with the audio-animatronic characters, and the 4-D special effects make this the best of the similar films you can see at Disney World.
The great views that you get of the carvings on the Tree Of Life are another reason to go see this show. Many of these carvings can only be seen on the path to this attraction.
The last reason to see this show is the the lines are never very long and the theater is air consitioned, which provides a nice break on a hot day at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disney World Moderate Resort Hotel: Coronado Springs Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
When you pass through the gates to the Coronado Springs Resort you are transported to a land that is reminiscent of Mexico and the American Southwest. This 1,917 room sprawling resort is an excellent example of how the Disney World guest truly gets a resort experience when they step up to the Moderate Level Resort from the Value Level. The Coronado Springs Resort is unique amongst the others in that also houses a 95,000 sqft convention center, including a full-service business center and a 60,000 sqft ballroom.
The Coronado Springs Resort uses a variety of architectural styles representing different Southwest American, Mexican, and Latin American regions as you travel through the resort. Starting with the lobby, reception areas, and restaurants you are treated to the rich tradition of life at the finest guest ranchos of New Mexico or Arizona.
Behind the registration area you will find a beautiful mural.
The detailing in the Main Lobby is impressive.
This fountain greets you as you enter the main entrance.
Three Distinctly Different Guest Regions
The guest rooms are divided into 3 sections at the resort, each with its own distinctive style. The Casitas are three and four-story buildings that represent urban centers like Sante Fe or Monterey. These are found closest to the main building and are often frequented by convention goers at the resort.
The Ranchos represent the rural regions of the Southwest with two and three-story villas. Here even the landscaping changes to reflect the rural region with sagebrush and cactus along a narrow "arroyo" where a small stream flows over rounded river rocks.
The third guest area is called the Cabanas. These two-story buildings are inspired by the beachside resorts along the Gulf Coast with many of them having views of the 15 acre Lago Dorado Lagoon.
Guest Rooms
The guest rooms at the Coronado Springs Resort are well themed with Southwestern inspired decor. The standard room is approximately 314 sqft with either two queen sized beds or one king sized bed.. Each guest room has standard amenities like a desk area, flat screen TV, coffee maker, hair drier, and a small refrigerator.
Pictured below are some views of a standard guest room:
The doors pictured above can slide close to provide extra privacy in the dressing area. This really helps when trying to get your family ready in the morning. The rooms are definitely more spacious than the Disney Value Resorts and provides the extra room that is required as children get older.
At Coronado Springs Resort, you truly are at a Resort that could be a vacation destination in itself. The grounds that cover the resort are large, so that even though there are nearly 1,800 rooms you will never feel crowded. The 15 acre Lago Dorado not only provides beautiful views, but it is surrounded by white sand beaches for lounging. There are also boats that can be rented from the marina.
Other activities that can be done at the resort include: Health Club facilities, Jogging paths, volleyball court, video arcade, quiet swimming pools in each village area, 22 person spa located at the Dig site, children's playground, and feature pool and water slide.
The resort also contains an open air market with freshly prepared food choices called The Pepper Market, the Rix Lounge, Laguna Bar, and Siestas Cantina if you are looking for a snack or a drink. There is also a Table Service Restaurant at the resort called: Maya Grill featuring interpretations of Latin American cuisine.
Free Parking and Transportation
There is also complimentary Disney World Bus Service to take you to each of the four Disney World Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, & Disney's Animal Kingdom), both Disney World Water Parks (Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon), and Downtown Disney.
If you drove yourself, parking is FREE. If you flew into the Orlando international Airport (MCO) the complimentary Disney's Magical Express will transport you and your bags to and from the airport for FREE.
The Dig Site
The Dig Site is home to the iconic landmark of the resort which is a 5-story Mayan Pyramid called the Pyramid Of The Sun and is the focal point of the family water fun area.
Here you have a water area for the whole family to enjoy. There is a large swimming pool, the Jaguar Water Slide, the Spa, a children's water play area, Explorer's Playground, Volleyball court, areas to sit and enjoy the sun, and the Pool Bar called Siestas Cantina.
The entire area is themed to look like present day archaeological dig site that discovers a lost Mayan Kingdom. This is one of the best themed pool areas in all of Disney World.
The Pepper Market
The main eatery within the resort is the 420 seat Pepper Market, which provides a unique concept within Disney World. Instead of the typical food court, you encounter a pod setting with show kitchens where your food is prepared for you.
Featured offerings include: Mexican delicacies plus fresh baked goods, international coffees, pizzas, pastas, Chinese fare and a multi-purpose grill.
Excellent Resort Experience
The Coronado Springs Resort would be a destination itself if it wasn't for the fact that it is located in the middle of the Walt Disney World Resort. For a reasonable Moderate Level Resort price a family gains the space and resort amenities to allow them to relax during their vacation.
If you have a family that likes to enjoy part of their vacation resting poolside then this is certainly a resort that you will enjoy.
If you are trying to decide which Disney World Resort to stay at, you will not be disappointed by choosing to stay at the Coronado Springs Resort.
Walt Disney World Marathon 2012 Registration Is Now Open
If you register before April 24, 2011 you can save $20 on your entry fee as shown below.
Race Entry Fees and Deadlines
WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon
- $140 by April 24, 2011
- $150 between April 25, 2011 and July 3, 2011
- $160 on or after July 4, 2011
- $280 by April 24, 2011
- $300 between April 25, 2011 and July 3, 2011
- $320 on or after July 4, 2011
- $140 by April 24, 2011
- $150 between April 25, 2011 and July 3, 2011
- $160 on or after July 4, 2011
- $310 by April 24, 2011
- $330 between April 25, 2011 and July 3, 2011
- $350 on or after July 4, 2011
Additional Savings
There are two additional ways that you can save money on your Walt Disney World Marathon Regstration Fees:
- If you ran either the Walt Disney World Half Marathon or the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2011 you are eligible for an additional $20 discount on your registration fees if you register before May 15. (You should have received an email with special entry code.)
- If you are a Disney Rewards Visa holder you can receive an extra $15 discount on your entry fees by visiting: Disney Rewards Visa. You must register by April 24th to take advantage of this offer.
Running an endurance race at the Walt Disney World Resort is a memorable experience like none other. Whether it is a Half Marathon or a full Marathon there is no experience like running through a Disney World Theme Park before it opens (or after it closes.) It is a perspective that the normal Disney World guest will never see. You also get to see special on course entertainment inclduing you favorite Disney Characters.
New for 2012 is the addition of a 2 person relay for the Disney World Marathon. Here each person will complete a Half Marathon and together they will have covered the entire Disney Marathon Course and earn a special medal.
If you have been thinking about running any of these events now is the time in order to take advantage of the savings.
Peter Pan's Flight - A Disney World Classic Attraction
Peter Pan's Flight
Peter Pan's Flight is true to its name as it lets you pretend that you are flying through the story of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy, The Lost Boys, & Captain Hook as told in the 1953 Disney Film "Peter Pan."
Your ride vehicle is a sailing ship that is attached to a rail that is above the ship. This enhances the sense of flying as you have an unimpeded view of the scenes below you. The ship is simple in design yet well detailed to help you embrace your flight to Neverland.
Although the ride is relatively slow moving, you quickly see why people, young and old, continue to flock to Peter Pan's Flight. The bird's eye view (or Peter Pan's eye view) perspective makes the attraction different from any other Disney dark ride.
Disney Imagineers use the magic of forced perspective to make the distance between the tops of the buildings and the ground, as well as, the distance of the riders to the buildings appear greater than they actually are. This heightens the sensation of flying and makes the ride more exciting.
Wendy at her home in London.
Wendy being forced to walk the plank.
Captain Hook's Pirate Crew.
Classic Attraction That Is Still A Must Do!
Even as Peter Pan's Flight approaches it 40th anniversary it continues to be an attraction that is on almost everyone's must do list, as evidenced by the long lines. It is consistantly the most popular attraction in Fantasyland and it one the most popular in all of the Magic Kingdom.
Disney World guests love the chance to fly to Neverland and experience the J.M. Barrie story as if you had gotten some Pixie Dust and were allowed to fly along with Peter Pan himself.
Disney World Vacation Planning: Reservations Are Required!
Popularity Has Its Price
Dining at the Disney World Restaurants has grown in popularity over the last several years. From the advent of the FREE Dining promotions to the growing popularity of the Disney Dining Plan, more people are now dining at the Disney World Table Service Restaurants.
This is not a bad thing, but it does mean that prior to arriving for your Disney World Vacation it is important to plan which Disney World Restaurants you would like to eat at and on which nights. Then, starting up to 180 days prior to your vacation, you need to visit the on-line Disney World site to make reservations.
No Tables For Walk-Ups
Many of the most popular Disney World Restaurants are filling up ahead of time to the point that they do not take "day of" reservations and rarely have space for walk-ups. This leads to long lines at the few restaurants that do save space for walk-ups. At the end of a long day in the Disney World Theme Parks, the last thing that your family is going to want to do is wait 1 to 2 hours for a table to eat.
Plan Ahead And Be In Control
In order to make the most of your Disney World Vacation, planning your Table Service Meals (aka sit down restaurants) ahead of time is required. Although that may be against your nature to plan where you are going to eat weeks or months in advance, by making the FREE Reservations ahead of time you put yourself in control of where your family will eat. You also reserve a time to eat and avoid excessive waits, which is definitely desired after a busy Disney World day.
Disney World Restaurants
Disney World has some great restaurants that are practically attractions themselves. Each provides a unique dining experience. Dining at Disney World is something that should be a part of every Disney Vacation. Whether you choose to visit one or many Disney Restaurants during your vacation make the experience a stress free one by making your dining reservations ahead of time.
Disney World has some great restaurants that are practically attractions themselves. Each provides a unique dining experience. Dining at Disney World is something that should be a part of every Disney Vacation. Whether you choose to visit one or many Disney Restaurants during your vacation make the experience a stress free one by making your dining reservations ahead of time.
Disney World Magic - Mickey Mouse Water Painting
Most often the Disney World Cast Member is dressed like the janitorial crew, but instead they are armed with a broom and a bucket of water. These talented artists then create Disney Characters, usually Mickey Mouse, in water on the sidewalk of street with little to no fanfare.
The fragile, temporary nature of painting with water is part of the charm. This is truly about sharing a magical moment, because soon the water will dry and all evidence of this work of art with disappear. The Epcot Cast Member pictured below was in the World Showcase near the Canada Pavilion and was quietly creating Mickey Mouse. At the end he asked the children nearby if they would like to help color in Mickey Mouse's eyes and nose. This added touch was very nice.
Mickey Mouse Water Painting
Here is a video of the Epcot Cast Member finishing the Mickey Mouse Water Painting. Once people realize what is going on, they stop to watch.
Slow Down And Enjoy The Disney World Magic
During your next Disney World Vacation don't forget to slow down enough that you notice your surroundings. Often there are wonderful little touches like the Mickey Mouse water paintings that people are in too much of a hurry to notice and miss out. These little touches are what makes Disney World special and creates memories that you will remember for years to come.
Magic Kingdom Haunted Mansion Interactive Queue
Interactive Queue
Throughout Disney World there have been projects aimed at improving the experience for Disney World guests while they are waiting in line. The first notable change occured in Epcot to the Soarin' attraction where interactive games were added for guests in the standy-by lines.
Much time went by and then during the Space Mountain refurbishment there was a major change to it's queue to include video monitors with an interactive game that could be played in short intervals and then you played more as you moved along in the line.
Next to receive the improved queue was The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh. This area was aimed at the younger Disney World guests and it has been very well received.
Fear Of Change
The latest to receive an updated, interactive queue is the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom. Whenever a classic Disney attraction is changed there is always some fear that your favorite part shall be removed and the attraction won't have that same charm any more.
From the video shown below it appears that some of the "old" has been mixed in with some of the "new." Time will tell how well the new queue is received, but I think that this addition will definitely "plus" the attraction.
Enjoy the video from Disney Parks and leave a comment as to your impression of the changes.
