​My husband and I had lunch at Paddlefish in Disney Springs on Friday, March 2nd.  I went in with mixed expectations as I had read several negative reviews.  I am happy to report that this will not be one of those!  It wasn’t terribly busy on this particular Friday at 12:15, but we were immediately seated at a window-side table over Bay Lake with views of Disney Springs and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.  I might as well get my only negative out of the way and here it is – when you have tables next to huge windows, you need to make sure that the windows are clean.  I’m sure it’s not easy to keep the outsides clean, but bird doo-doo is not very appetizing.  One other thing is that my husband was a little bothered by the motion of the water below him, so if you have any issues with motion sickness, ask for a table away from the windows.

​Built on a “paddleboat”, the restaurant is divided into several rooms and we were seated in the center section which has a very clean, contemporary feel.  Some complain that it lacks nautical themeing, but I found it to be pleasant and upscale. The room at the front of the boat looks a little more nautical with it’s brass railings and there is also outdoor seating.
I started the meal with a Lilly Spritz cocktail. A take on a kir royale, it contains Mas Fi, a brut cava sparkling wine, Cocchi Rosa, a vermouth-like aperativo, and seltzer. It wasn’t very carbonated (maybe the cava had been opened for a while?), but the flavors were great, especially with the aroma of the expressed orange peel floating on top. I would definitely order it again.
Next, we were treated to a tableside preparation of lobster guacamole. The sou chef brought out the cart with the avocados and all the add-in ingredients – cilantro, diced tomato, red onion, mild jalapenos, lime juice – and asked us if we would like to omit anything.  I asked to leave out the jalapenos and go easy on the cilantro and onion.  She expertly mashed and mixed all the ingredients in the large stone bowl, ending with a generous helping of lobster meat.  It was served with house made tortilla chips and I can definitely say that it was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.  The flavors were just to my liking and I appreciate that customers can have as much or as little heat as they like.

​ For our entrees, I chose the lobster roll and Bill chose the crispy fish sandwich. Yes, the lobster roll is pricey at $31, but it is 1-1/4 pounds of perfectly cooked lobster that you don’t have to extract yourself! In this case, the lobster was truly the star, dressed lightly with mayo and a nice crunch from a little celery. Just a bit of shredded lettuce sat at the bottom of the perfectly tender traditional split roll. I’ll admit reaching for the salt shaker, but otherwise it was just perfect and I was happy to take half of it home.
Bill’s sandwich contained two large pieces of flounder – definitely a knife and fork dish! He was very happy with the light, crispy batter on the fish.  He chose to accompany his sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries.  I have to say that the portions were quite generous.

​Our server, Cory, was very attentive and made sure we were completely satisfied. All in all, I am happy to recommend Paddlefish.  We’ll be back and at some point we’ll want to enjoy a drink on the top deck at sunset!  Thanks, Paddlefish for a lovely lunch.

Tuesday/Wednesday 2/27-28
When we checked into our one-bedroom villa at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, I was reminded how much I enjoy the spacious accommodations.  After 7 nights in 4 locations, it felt great to completely unpack the suitcases and be able to stay in one place for a week. Grocery shopping, golf (Bill) and a pedicure in Celebration (Jan) pretty much rounded-out that first day and it was nice to just make dinner and relax in our own villa.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they offer an hour-long tour of the Old Key West resort. We questioned whether we should delay going to the parks but were very glad we stayed back to take the tour.  Of course, we are aware that Disney Imagineers and designers tell a story with everything they create and that includes the resorts.  Conch Flats, the fictional location of Disney’s Old Key West Resort, uses real life people and places to inspire the design and tell the story.  Ernest Hemingway and Henry Flagler play prominently into the property.  Taking this tour reminded me once again of how I would like to create an architectural and design trip to Walt Disney World.
After the tour we headed over to Epcot, mostly to check out opening day of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.  I have both positive and negative feelings about this year’s festival.  The first disappointment was discovering that there is no Festival Center this year.  That means no free and low-cost seminars and demonstrations. No wonder I couldn’t find any schedules of them, as I’d been checking daily for weeks. It also saddens me that the Garden Rocks concerts are only on the weekends now, as opposed to every night. On the bright side, the gardens are absolutely beautiful and both new and perennial favorite topiaries grace the entire park.  The other positive is the variety of food offerings at the 15 “outdoor kitchens” featuring some delectable dishes.  We tried the Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef from the Cider House (United Kingdom), Braised Duck Confit with Parisian Gnocchi at Fleur de Lys (France) and Teriyaki Salmon with Furikake-seasoned Brown Rice from Hanami (Japan).  We enjoyed them all, but if I had to choose a favorite I think it would be the corned beef.

"​Between all the flowers and food, we managed to hit a couple attractions: the reimagined Mission: SPACE (the Green mild version really is very mild now) and the American Adventure. No visit to Epcot would be complete for me without hearing a set by the Voices of Liberty and once again they did not disappoint!
We headed to Disney Springs for dinner to try The Polite Pig for our first time.  You order at the counter and they bring it to your table.  We loved the smoked offerings and the ability to choose your spice level (no spice for me and some spice for hubby) by requesting that some of the fixings be served on the side. They also offer several nice beer choices on tap along with a bourbon bar, and specialty cocktails.
Our goal for the evening was to get over to Magic Kingdom to see “Happily Ever After,” the nighttime fireworks spectacular that replaced "Wishes" last year. While the story line was not as prominent, the projections on the castle were pretty amazing. Did the projections deter from the fireworks themselves? Mixed opinions on that.  I liked it, but you really do need to get a good view of the castle to fully enjoy it.  The other thing we wanted to do at MK was to see the new Hall of Presidents. Well done, although it’s sad that they feel the need to have security guards inside the attraction now – I don’t remember them having to do that in the past.
All in all, a great first day.

My family and I had the pleasure of sailing on the Disney Fantasy with a Star Wars Day at Sea.  It really encompassed more than a day, considering the Star Wars movies playing in the theater all week.  Even though we did not dress in costume ourselves, it was fun to see families getting into the spirit with grown up Darth Vadars and little Princess Leias!

If you sail on the Disney Fantasy with a Star Wars Day at Sea, here are the top ten ways to experience it according to the Disney Parks Blog:
​1. Choose your costume wisely. Before you even step on the ship, choose a side and plan your day’s attire. Whether you resemble Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers or other iconic Star Wars characters, dressing up adds to the fun for young and old alike.
2. Indulge in the Star Wars films. In the days leading up to the epic celebration, check out all of the Star Wars feature films in the Buena Vista Theatre, culminating in a showing of the newest film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
3. Encounter heroes who inspire you. New in 2018, you are guaranteed a time to meet and take photographs with C-3PO and R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Before you even step onboard, reserve these character encounters online.

​7. Send your kids to Resistance training. At Star Wars: Command Post, Younglings can embark on an action-packed training adventure with members of the Resistance who will teach them how to hone their skills to defeat First Order Stormtroopers.
8. Cheer as Padawans face the dark side. In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children can learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skills in a final face-off with Darth Vader and, new to 2018, Kylo Ren.
9. Watch the epic saga come to life on stage. The “Summon the Force” deck celebration is where you can unleash the Force during games, music and a galactic dance party. The event features stunts, special effects and favorite Star Wars characters, including Rey for the first time in 2018.
10. Get inspired by a stunning fireworks show. The day’s grand finale is a spectacular pyrotechnics display set to John Williams’ iconic music. Both lifelong Star Wars fans and those new to the adventure are sure to get chills as you watch the pyrotechnic show with family by your side.

I'd love to work with you on booking your next Disney Cruise!  Let's make it a Magical year!

    I was "lucky" enough to have been at Walt Disney World when Hurricane Irma was coming through.  Unlike some natural disasters, when you know a hurricane is coming, you have time to prepare...and boy, does Disney know how to prepare.  I was pretty much in awe of how they took care of their guests and their property.
     My two daughters and I were fortunate to be staying in a 1-bedroom villa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, so in addition to the large master bedroom and bath, we had a living room and full kitchen. We were good as long as the power didn't go out...and it didn't.  (Apparently Walt Disney World is on its own power grid and people come to Disney during hurricanes because they know they'll be safe there.)  Just in case, however, Disney resort staff had come around to all the rooms and provided flashlights to the guests in case of a power outage.
     The parks were set to close early in advance of the hurricane, so we made a last trip over to the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot and were amazed to find that the huge parking lot there had become a staging area for literally hundreds of repair vehicles.  By the time we exited the park, the lot was full, including dozens of coach buses who'd carried in emergency workers. 

There was a curfew set and everyone had a curfew, so we knew we'd be stuck in our room for two days.  Disney could have soaked people on food & supplies, but they didn't.  They provided "Ride Out Kits" with food and water for $24 for a family of 4.  Board games were also made available for sale in the gift shops.  Whereas the local grocery stores were completely wiped out of water, Disney had plenty.

You’re spending an exciting day in the parks at Walt Disney World.  There’s an abundance of sensory stimulation, from the exciting attractions to navigating your way from one place to another.  Then, depending when you’re there, there’s the Florida heat.  You may want to take a little break from the crowds and the bustling pace.  Here, in no particular order, are ten places where you can relax and chill out in the parks.
 
At Epcot there are many places to relax, but here are a few of my favorites:
 
1. The American Adventure pavilion – First of all, it’s air conditioned, as are many of my suggestions.  There’s also beautiful artwork on the walls and performances by the talented Voices of Liberty several times a day.  Here’s a tip for listening to Voices of Liberty. The group only faces one direction, so as you enter the rotunda, you’re going to want to sit on the right side facing the left. You’ll see those guests “in the know” sitting on the floor right up to the red terrazzo circle – that’s the best place to hear the group. After you listen to Voices, you can go upstairs and relax in the nice cool, dark theater for a 30 minute show telling the story of our nation’s history featuring audio animatronics, film and music.
 
2. Another cool, dark theater is in the France pavilion where you can enjoy an 18-minute film, Impressions de France, showcasing the country’s beautiful scenery.  Stop in Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie on your way out for a delicious pastry.
 
3. Although it’s not air conditioned, the outdoor courtyard in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion is a lovely garden in which to sit and rest your legs for a bit.  If it’s quiet you’re seeking, avoid this place later in the day when British Revolution performs several times in the late afternoon and evening. The tribute band featuring the music of British rock bands gets the crowd going with favorites from groups like The Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen and more.

4.  A gentle boat ride through the greenhouses in Epcot’s Land pavilion, Living With The Land shows you high-tech horticulture in the “living laboratories”. Some of the produce and seafood grown here is actually used in some of The Land’s restaurants.
 
5.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom features two of the best shows on property – Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Musical.  Watching a show in an air conditioned theatre is an obvious way to cool off, but if you don’t want the stimulation of a show, try taking the Wildlife Express Train from Harambe, Africa to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.  The peaceful, 7-minute ride takes you behind the scenes and along the way you’ll see some of the veterinary facilities where the animals are housed.
 
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios you’ll find one of my favorite places to take a break and have a beverage:
 
6. Tune-In Lounge – This “cocktail lounge” is the waiting area for the 50’s Prime Time Café restaurant, but if you stop in at non-peak meal times, you can grab a seat at the bar for a refreshing drink. You can even order a milkshake at the bar…try the PB&J shake – you can specify if you want it made with chocolate or vanilla ice cream – it’s so rich that you may want to split it with someone!

7.  Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is an overlooked attraction, but you can stroll through the exhibits at your own pace. It features over 400 artifacts such as one-of-a-kind animation art, paintings, storyboards, photos, models, props, costumes and more.  At the end of the gallery tour you can watch a 15-minute film about Walt Disney’s life and career hosted by Julie Andrews.
 
Magic Kingdom may be the busiest park with more attractions than the other parks, but there are still a few good places to rest and relax.
 
8.  The Hall of Presidents is a nice air conditioned theater featuring audio animatronic figures of all of our nation’s Presidents.  Several of the Presidents will speak, including Abraham Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address.  The Hall is closed for several months of refurbishment every time a new President is elected.
 
9.  The Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover is a relaxing 10-minute ride around Tomorrowland, taking you behind the scenes of some of the area’s attractions. Sit back and enjoy the view of guests below you as you glide on the track above Tomorrowland.

​There are certainly more places to rest and relax including the Baby Care Centers in all 4 parks where you can change, feed or nurse your little one.  If you’d like to get out of Magic Kingdom or Epcot for a bit, you can always take a ride on The Monorail.
 
10.  The Monorail has two routes.  The first route connects the Magic Kingdom with three resorts: The Contemporary, Polynesian Village and The Grand Floridian, as well as the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) -- adjacent to Magic Kingdom parking.  The second route has two stops: the TTC and Epcot.  Going from Magic Kingdom to Epcot, you would change monorails at the TTC.  You can get off the monorail at any of the three resorts and check out the shops, get a bite to eat, or simply relax in the lobby.
 
Do you have a favorite place to chill when you’re at the parks?  Let me know!

There are so many reasons to stay "on property" when going to Walt Disney World.  Here are my Top Ten.
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10. Free Airport Transfers – When you’re flying in and out of the Orlando International Airport, Disney’s Magical Express takes the stress out of getting to your resort. You are able to bypass baggage claim completely and let Disney personnel pick up your bags. (Ask me details on this.) From the moment your Magical Express bus leaves the terminal, your vacation starts with a welcome video featuring favorite Disney characters. There is no charge to or from when staying at a Disney resort. 

​9.  Free Parking – If you are driving to Walt Disney World or renting car when you get there, parking is free for Disney Resort guests at all parks, resorts and Disney Springs.
 
8.  Themed Resorts – Like everything Disney, the architecture and décor of every resort tells a story.  When you’re staying “in the middle of the magic,” as they like to say, you are immersed in a special place and time…from the cast members’ costumes to the landscaping to the guest room décor.  Take time to notice the artwork on the walls.  It sets your resort in its own place and time period.

​7.  Free transportation to the parks and Disney Springs.  Yes, many outside resorts offer shuttles to the Disney parks, but none run on the continuous loops like the Disney buses.  So if you want to take a midday break, it’s really easy to go back to your resort for a nap or a dip in the pool.  From some resorts you will have more than one option for transportation like monorail or boat in addition to the buses.
 
6.  Resort entertainment – Each resort has its own entertainment options. Whether it’s activities for the kids, live music, themed pools, Movies Under the Stars and more, there are lots of entertainment options that are included with a Disney resort stay.
 
5.  Free Magic Bands – These little wonders hold everything you need on a wristband. They hold your room key, park tickets, FastPasses, PhotoPass photos, dining plan credits and charge card, if you choose to link it, and they’re free to Disney resort guests. You customize them by choosing your color and what name you want printed inside. If you are not staying at a Disney resort, you can buy one starting at $12.99 + tax each.

​

​4.  Disney Dining Plan – Only Disney resort guests can purchase one of these money-saving options. The convenience and array of food options is unparalleled, and you can be confident knowing your food is already paid for.  There are several plans to choose from.
 
3.  Magic Your Way package inclusions – Disney resort guests get some extra magic and free stuff like souvenir luggage tags, free rounds of miniature golf, free admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and tons of discounts on water sports, dining and shopping.
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2.  Extra Magic Hours – On any given day one or more of the four Disney parks will either open an hour early or stay open two extra hours at night, exclusively for Disney resort guests.  That’s more hours for the same ticket price!

1.  Advance FastPass+ booking – Disney resort guests may book up to three FastPasses per day starting 60 days prior to check-in.  Other guests have to wait until 30 days out, which means the availability of the most popular attractions will be limited.
 
The non-monetary advantages alone outweigh any perceived advantages of staying at a non-Disney property, but when you start adding up the cost of everything you’d be paying for if you weren’t a Disney resort guest, it really makes sense.  Just in round numbers, the cost of all of the above for a family of 4 would run well over $500 for a 5-day stay and that doesn’t include all the discounts!  For my money, it pays to stay in “the middle of the Magic”!
 
If you are staying on points from one of those rewards programs, use the points for another vacation rather than miss out on all the advantages of staying at a Disney Resort.  

While it may be too late for this year, start thinking about planning a trip during the Christmas season next year.  You don’t have to go on Christmas Day (in fact, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest week of the year) because the festivities start right around Thanksgiving.  Walt Disney World absolutely comes alive during the holidays and here are my Top Ten reasons why you should experience the holidays there at least once.   

10.  Downtown Disney – throughout the holidays, the entire resort sparkles with Christmas decorations.  While we love to shop for Christmas trinkets in Downtown Disney, Disney Parks Merchandise is also offering Hanukkah-inspired gifts.  The area also hosts special entertainment during the holidays.  One can find carolers, street performers and even a holiday DJ dance party.  Of course no visit would be complete without a visit to Santa!

9.  Decorations – All the parks and resorts are decorated for the holidays, adding a festive atmosphere to an already magical place. Holiday topiaries and themed gardens delight the imagination. This year Magic Kingdom decorators had to alter the garland that traditionally hung across Main Street because the floats in the new daytime parade are so tall!

8.  Holiday treats – Throughout Walt Disney World you will find yummy treats created for the Christmas season.  From the seasonal popcorn buckets (Mickey dressed as an elf!) to gingerbread cookies to hot applejack cider, special treats for the holidays can be found in every park.

7.  Giant gingerbread houses – Every year a giant gingerbread house is erected in the lobby of the Grand Floridian.  Joining in the gingerbread celebration, this year a “Frozen”-themed gingerbread house adorned the Contemporary lobby and a gingerbread carousel took center stage in the Beach Club lobby.  Resort-hopping is a must during the holidays to see all the uniquely themed decorations.

6.  Holiday entertainment -- "Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season" brings soulful Christmas music to Epcot.  Live on stage several times throughout the day, this group of powerful singers and instrumentalists delights visitors with traditional Christmas music in their own inimitable style.  And back by popular demand at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special will have you in stitches with their holiday-themed improv show.

4.  Holidays Around the World at Epcot – The countries around World Showcase offer their unique take on the holidays.  From stories of Father Christmas dating back to 15th-century England to the colorful mariachis and dancers of Mexico or the Lion Dance of the Lunar New Year in China, each country presents its own time-honored traditions.  They also feature seasonal food and beverage selections such as the Buche de Noel au Chocolate (chocolate Christmas log) in France, Gluhwein in Germany, sweet tamales in Mexico and so much more. 

3.  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – This is a special “hard ticket” event that takes place at Magic Kingdom from 7 p.m. to Midnight on select nights in November and December.  The park closes early for people who haven’t purchased the Party ticket.  Ticket prices range from $67-74 per adult and $62-69 per child, depending on the date. While this may seem pricey, you could skip using a regular park ticket on the day of the Party…do something else earlier in the day…sleep in, go out for lunch, shop, resort-hop…then go to Magic Kingdom when they start letting Party-goers in at 4:00.  So what’s included for your special ticket?  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party boasts “live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade at this festive winter celebration.”  There are also character meet & greets, free cookies, candy canes and hot cocoa at various locations throughout the park and…wait for it…it snows on Main Street!  Make sure to nab your parade-viewing spot early!

When I started writing this blog I found myself quite conflicted on what ten attractions were the most “overlooked”, meaning an attraction that does not get the attention it rightfully deserves.  So I queried three reliable Disney aficionados – my three daughters – on which attractions they thought were the most overlooked.  There was surprising disagreement, not only with which attractions should be included on the list, but also on the order in which to list them.  Therefore, I decided to take all the lists and average the ratings and here they are, the Top Ten Overlooked Attractions at Walt Disney World:

10. These two attractions are listed as number 10 largely because at least half of us did not think they were “overlooked” – rather than continue the debate, let’s give Mickey’s PhilharMagic and Country Bear Jamboree a tie…personally I love the 3D musical film at Mickey’s PhilharMagic, but am not a big fan of the animatronic Country Bears.  Don't argue with me - everyone has their own tastes!

9.  Kidcot Fun Stops at Epcot – At each country around 
World Showcase there is a little craft station where kids (or adults can join the fun!) can create a free souvenir to take home – it’s usually a mask or cut-out of Duffy attached to a paint stick. They can color on it and get it stamped with each country’s “passport” stamp.  These stops are not always easy to spot and if you don't know what it is you could easily walk by wondering why there are children gathered around a table with crayons etc. without ever knowing that your child could take part for free!

8.  Grouped together in the number 8 spot are the three spectacular movies in the China, France and Canada pavilions at Epcot.  “Impressions de France” is a traditional film, while “O Canada!” and “Reflections of China” are shown in Circle-Vision 360.  While people may overlook these because they think they’re a boring travelogue, all are beautifully filmed highlights of their respective country and, incidentally, a great way to beat the Florida midday heat.   Be forewarned -- watching them can also make you dizzy!

7.  Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom – apparently I like this 10-minute ride around Tomorrowland more than my kids do.  I think it’s fun to circle above that section of the park, going in and out of shops and attractions while looking down at all the people…listen for the announcement “Calling Tom Morrow…”!

6.  In Epcot’s Land Pavilion, while rushing to the popular Soarin’ attraction or one of the restaurants, you could easily miss Living With The Land.  This takes you into the back of the pavilion through the greenhouses where they are constantly experimenting with different growing techniques.  Depending on when you’re there you could see anything from a 9-pound lemon to Mickey-shaped pumpkins being grown.

5.  Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico pavilion of Epcot transports you on a gentle boat ride while you take in the sights and sounds of various places in Mexico.  Donald Duck and his amigos Pancito and Jose Carioca appear throughout the ride.  It’s easy to miss when you’re distracted by the shops and Cava del Tequila!

4.  In Disney’s Animal Kingdom park you can board the Wildlife Express Train in the center of Africa.  While people may think it’s a long ride out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the 1.2 mile journey takes only 7 minutes and you’ll see some of the animal housing and veterinary facilities where they take care of the park’s animals.

3.  Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is a classic piece of Disney straight out of the mind of Walt himself.  Though the outdated reputation of this ride and the fact that it isn't a "thrill" make this a less desirable attraction for some, it’s still fun to see the vast changes in communication through the 20th Century in this audio animatronics show.

2.  In the Animation Courtyard section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios you’ll find an attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction has several components including an entertaining short film about the process of creating Disney animated characters, a character meet and greet area, a gallery of original artwork and more.  But one of the more overlooked areas (although it seems to have gotten more crowded lately!) is the Animation Academy where a Disney artist will teach you how to draw a character.  This is one of my favorite things to do and I now have my own “gallery” of characters I drew myself!  NOTE:  This attraction has been closed to make room for Star Wars Launch Bay.

1.  The most overlooked attraction could be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is both a small “museum” and a film tribute to the man who started it all.  People walk right past this treasure trove of rare models, sketches and costumes. Walt's story is recounted through these artifacts in the gallery, which leads into the theater.  Narrated by Julie Andrews, the film tells the story of Walt’s life and genius, including rare footage from home movies.  It always brings a sentimental tear to my eye!  

So what are your favorite attractions that you feel deserve more attention?  Did I miss anything?  Let me know!