#disney boardwalk italian restaurant

[disneyrover]

Trattoria al Forno Is So Good, It's Worth Making a Special Trip For!

Trattoria al Forno at Disney's Boardwalk is often overlooked for dinner. I'm here to tell you why it's worth making a special trip for.

Despite knowing a lot of information about the various resorts around Walt Disney World and many of the restaurants at these resorts, I’ll admit that until recently I knew very little about Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. I knew they had a character breakfast, but that was it. Unfortunately, the character breakfast is paused for the moment. Breakfast is still available, just…

[parksaversnews]

Hop Into the Magic: The 2024 Easter Foodie Guide for Disney Parks

Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and indulgence, and what better place to embrace the spirit of the season than at the Happiest Places on Earth? From delectable desserts to savory delights, Disneyland and Walt Disney World are pulling out all the stops to make your Easter visit a truly egg-stravagant experience. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other as we unveil the ultimate 2024 Easter Foodie Guide for these beloved Disney destinations.

Walt Disney World Resort 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge  The Mara (Available March 24 through April 6; mobile order available)  - Carrot Tart: Carrot cake, cream cheese-citrus mousse with caramel insert, chocolate shell, and toasted coconut (New)  Disney’s Beach Club Resort  Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available March 18 through April 1)  - Carrot Cake Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake with toasted marshmallow, pineapple, and shortcake topped with a specialty carrot cake Beach Club Marketplace (Available March 24 through April 6; mobile order available)  - Carrot Fudge: Chocolate fudge with a vanilla ‘carrot’ decorated cookie (New)  Disney’s BoardWalk  BoardWalk Deli (Available March 24 through April 6; mobile order available)  - Hot Cross Buns

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa  Gasparilla Island Grill (Mobile order available)  - Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup: Layers of chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, and cookies ‘n cream pieces with springtime décor (Plant-based) (Currently available through April 1) - Fruity Cereal Pop: Fruity cereal crisped treat (Currently available through April 6) The Grand Cottage  - Bunny Pop Flower Pot: Chocolate flower pot filled with jelly beans and three chocolate bunny pops (New) (Currently available through April 1) - Fruity Cereal Mickey Pop: Mickey-shaped fruity cereal crisped treat (Currently available through April 6) - The Easter Treat Box: Dark chocolate-filled bunny, carrot blondie pop, marshmallow pop, carrot cake chocolate bark, confetti pop, and meringue nests (Currently available through April 1) - Easter Marshmallow Pop: Three large marshmallows dipped in a yellow chocolate coating topped with Easter quins (Currently available through April 1) - Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup: Layers of chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, and cookies ‘n cream pieces with springtime décor (Plant-based) (Currently available through April 1) - The Grand Egg: White chocolate egg filled with jelly beans sprayed in spring colors (Currently available through April 1)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available March 24 through April 6; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only)  - Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing Disney’s Riviera Resort  Le Petit Café (Available March 24 through April 6)  - Easter Egg Macarons: Strawberry-honey, blueberry-coriander, and orange-milk chocolate flavors (New)  Disney’s Yacht Club Resort  The Market at Ale & Compass (Available March 24 through April 6; mobile order available)  - Carrot Fudge: Chocolate fudge with a vanilla ‘carrot’ decorated cookie

Available at Various Lounges and Table-Service Restaurants Throughout Disney Resort Hotels  - Gin Daisy: Empress 1908 Gin, Grand Marnier, grapefruit soda, lemon juice, hibiscus grenadine, blackberry, and raspberry (Available through May 31) 

Disney Springs  Amorette’s Patisserie (Mobile order available)  - Easter Bunny Petit Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, berry compote, and cream cheese mousse (New) (Currently available through March 31)  - Easter Basket Panna Cotta Cup: Layers of passion fruit, coconut, and strawberry panna cotta (New) (Available March 22 through 31)

The Ganachery (Available March 20 through April 1)  - Milk Chocolate Bunny Piñata with crisp pearls and marshmallow treats (New)  Paddlefish (Available March 31 only) - Easter Special: Arctic Char with miso, sweet corn, exotic mushroom, and edamame Terralina Crafted Italian (Available March 31 only)  - Easter Special: Short rib ravioli with brandy cream sauce and wild mushrooms - Spring Fling: Giffard Creme de Pamplemousse Liqueur, Malfy Con Limone Gin, and elderflower - Mimosa Flight Vivoli il Gelato (Available through April 30)  - Chocolate Bunny: Milkshake with chocolate and chocolate chip gelato, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings

Magic Kingdom Park (Available currently through March 31) - Mickey Spring Caramel Apple: Granny Smith apple covered in caramel, dipped in yellow-colored chocolate coating with Springtime M&M’s Milk Chocolate candies, and drizzled with white chocolate (New)  - Mickey Spring Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop dipped in yellow-colored chocolate coating with Springtime M&M’s Milk Chocolate candies and drizzled with white chocolate (New) - Mickey Spring Cereal Treat: Crisped rice cereal treat dipped in yellow-colored chocolate coating with Springtime M&M’s Milk Chocolate candies and drizzled with white chocolate (New) - Spring Popcorn: Caramel popcorn with Springtime M&M’s Milk Chocolate candies, mini marshmallows, and crushed vanilla cookies drizzled with yellow-colored chocolate coating and white chocolate (New)

Disneyland Resort 

Disneyland Park  Red Rose Taverne (Available through April 28; mobile order available)  - Spring Stuff: Shortbread cookie, red velvet cake, raspberry, and pastel-colored sprinkles Available at Various Locations Throughout the Disneyland Resort  - Donald Duck Spring Egg Sipper (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply); Available at the following locations: - At Disneyland park: Churros near Casey Jr. Circus Train, Churros at small world Promenade, Galactic Grill, The Golden Horseshoe, Harbour Galley, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe,Refreshment Corner, Stage Door Café, Tomorrowland Fruit Cart - At Disney California Adventure park: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Corn Dog Castle, Fairfax Market, Mortimers Market, Paradise Garden Grill, Outdoor Vending Carts Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa  Storytellers Cafe (Available March 31 only)  - Easter Dinner Buffet: Enjoy an Easter feast with appearances from characters to celebrate the holiday.

Pixar Place Hotel Great Maple (Available March 30 through April 5)  - Truffled Egg Salad Tarts: Truffled egg salad with sweet relish in a puff pastry tart topped with maple bacon and smoked paprika (New)  - Pork Chops Campagnola: Mozzarella and parmesan crusted 12 oz. pork chops served with baby potatoes, roasted garlic, cherry peppers, and sundried tomatoes finished with a marsala agrodolce sauce (New)  Disneyland Hotel  Goofy’s Kitchen (Available March 28 through May 12)   - Goofy’s Kitchen Springtime Buffet: Join Goofy and some of his friends, including Clarabelle, dressed in their springtime best along with festive, seasonal décor in the restaurant for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. (New) Available at Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort, including Marceline’s Confectionery, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Pooh Corner (Currently available through March 31; mobile order available)  - Yellow Minnie Caramel Apple: Granny Smith apple covered in caramel, dipped in white chocolate, and decorated with a yellow-colored white chocolate bow, a yellow sanding sugar skirt, and white M&M’S Milk Chocolate candies for the polka dots (New)  - Peanut Butter Fudge Easter Egg: Peanut butter fudge shaped into an egg, covered in milk chocolate, sprinkled with chopped peanuts, and drizzled with milk chocolate (Available at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen only)  - Chocolate Fudge Easter Egg: Chocolate fudge shaped into an egg, covered in milk chocolate, and drizzled with pink-colored white chocolate (Available at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen only) - Bunny Cereal Treat: Cereal treat dipped in white chocolate and decorated with a coconut-covered marshmallow tail and white and pink-colored white chocolate for the bunny feet - Pink Minnie Cereal Treat: Minnie-shaped cereal treat dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with a pink bow with white polka dots, a pink sanding sugar skirt, and white M&M’S Milk Chocolate candies for the polka dots - Strawberry Shortcake Marshmallow Wand: Three marshmallows covered in caramel, dipped in white chocolate, and rolled in crushed graham cracker and strawberry crisps - Chick Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in yellow-colored chocolate and decorated with orange M&M’S Milk Chocolate candy feet, marshmallow wings, dark chocolate eyes, and orange-colored beak - Bunny Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop dipped in white chocolate and decorated with marshmallow feet, an M&M’S chocolate candy tail, and pink-colored white chocolate (Not available at Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff)  - Pink Minnie Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with a white chocolate pink bow with white polka dots

Shanghai Disney Resort 

Shanghai Disneyland  CookieAnn Bakery Café (Available March 6 through June 20) - Rose Cookie - Spring Donut

Il Paperino (Available March 6 through June 20) - Vanilla & Apple Flavored Frozen Treat Sundae - Disney LinaBell Waffle with Vanilla & Apple Flavored Frozen Treat - Loquat Flavored Ice Cream Cone - Waffle with Sea Salted Flavored Ice Cream

Royal Banquet Hall  - Royal Banquet Hall Spring Brunch: Immerse yourself in the colorful spring landscapes in the heart of the Enchanted Storybook Castle. (Available March 16 through May 26)  - Royal Banquet Hall Princess Set Menu: Be fully immersed in a fairytale world through the Disney princess inspired set menu. (Currently available)  - Royal Banquet Hall Spring & Summer Chocolate Afternoon Tea for Two: Guests can spend a warm and cozy afternoon time every weekend in the beautiful fantasy fairytale castle. (Available March 16 through August 25) Shanghai Disneyland Hotel  Lumière’s Kitchen (Available March 30 and 31, April 20 and 21, and May 11 and 12) - Lumière’s Kitchen Spring Season Brunch Buffet: Enjoy seasonal flavors and specialty dishes throughout the spring, including princess-themed desserts in March, Chip ‘n’ Dale-themed desserts in April, and Beauty and Beast-themed desserts May Disneytown  Donald’s Dine ‘n’ Delights (Available March 1 through 31) - Wagyu Meatball Pizza

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort 

Hong Kong Disneyland Park  Main Street Corner Cafe Hosted by  Coca-Cola (Currently available until June 10) - CookieAnn’s Mango Passionfruit Tart - Gelatoni’s White Chocolate Pistachio Cream with Almond Cake - CookieAnn’s Citron Pineapple Smoothie - StellaLou’s Grape and Strawberry Shake

Plaza Inn Hosted by Jade Garden & Cha Cha Room (Currently available until June 10) - Duffy & Friend’s Springtime Set Menu Main Street Market (Currently available until June 10) - Duffy & Friends Crepe Cake (Chocolate / Strawberry / Mango) - Duffy & Friends Croffle (White Chocolate Strawberry / Chocolate Hazelnuts) - Duffy & Friends Donuts - Waffle Marshmallow Outdoor Vending Cart outside Disney’s Storybook Theater (Available during the show period for “StellaLou’s Wonderful Wishes Ballet” from April 5 to May 5) - Grape Popcorn Midtown Delights (Currently available until June 10) - Hokkaido 5.0 Milk with White Peach-Flavored Soft-serve

Disney Explorers Lodge  Chart Room Cafe (Currently available until June 10) - Raspberry and White Chocolate Cheese Tart with Pistachio Cream World of Color Restaurant (Currently available until September 30) - Duffy & Friends Afternoon Tea Set

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel  Crystal Lotus (Currently available until June 10) - StellaLou Purple Sweet Potato and Green Tea Glutinous Rice Dumpling Enchanted Garden Restaurant (Currently available until June 10) - Lunch and Dinner Buffet with Duffy & Friends themed dessert

Tokyo Disney Resort 

Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta Oceano, Silk Road Garden, and BellaVista Lounge (Currently available April 1 through June 30) - Duffy & Friends Come Find Spring: Dinner courses with special, spring-themed menu items

Disneyland Paris Resort  Agrabah Café Restaurant (Available March 23 through April 7) - Passion-mango confit and white chocolate praline ganache PYM Kitchen (Available March 23 through April 7) - Strawberry confit, chocolate ganache, white chocolate dome, and cocoa-almond crumble Plaza Gardens Restaurant (Available March 23 through April 7) - Pavlova with cocoa meringue, hazelnut-cocoa praline and coconut ganache

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-try Easter treats at Disneyland? Some of the popular Easter treats at Disneyland include the Bunny Cereal Treat, Easter Eggs from Marceline's Confectionery, and the Easter Minnie Apple from the Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen. Where can I find the famous Easter egg displays at Walt Disney World? The incredible hand-crafted Easter egg displays can be found at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort. These displays showcase dozens of intricately decorated chocolate eggs. Are there any special Easter dining experiences at Disney World? Yes, several restaurants offer special Easter dining experiences, including the Easter Brunch at Steakhouse 71 at Disney's Contemporary Resort and the Easter Buffet at Storytellers Cafe at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. What are some unique Easter treats at Walt Disney World? Some of the unique Easter treats include the Carrot Tart at The Mara (Animal Kingdom Lodge), the Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup at Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian), and the Easter Egg Macarons at Le Petit Café (Disney's Riviera Resort). Are there any alcoholic Easter beverages available? Yes, you can find alcoholic Easter beverages like the Gin Daisy (available at various lounges and restaurants throughout Disney Resort Hotels) and the Cotton Tails Daiquiri at Belle Vue Lounge (Disney's BoardWalk Inn). Can I find Easter treats at Disney Springs? Absolutely! Amorette's Patisserie, The Ganachery, and Paddlefish are just a few locations offering Easter-themed treats and desserts at Disney Springs. Are there any plant-based or vegan Easter options? Yes, there are plant-based and vegan options like the Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup (plant-based) at Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian) and the Carrot Tart (plant-based) at The Mara (Animal Kingdom Lodge).

Conclusion

Whether you're seeking traditional treats or unique culinary creations, Disneyland and Walt Disney World have something to delight every Easter enthusiast. From the whimsical chocolate egg displays at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resorts to the delectable carrot tarts and bunny macarons at Epcot, this year's Easter offerings are sure to leave you hopping with joy. Read the full article

[elfyourmother]

I saw your tags about wearing a tiara in WDW (which, fuck yeah) and it reminded me to update you on my trip! We've booked a week in Beach Club and we've got our tickets! And now I'm going to add finding a tiny tiara to my ear shopping because I fucking love that.

nice! i keep having to postpone bc of various things and just hoping I can still go with Dandy in Sept

Beach Club is a great resort and probably my fave Disney resort in the Epcot area, you’ll be at an advantage for rope dropping Remy (but not GotG). Definitely get parkhoppers if you can swing it because you’re in a prime spot to take advantage of the dining in World Showcase. It’s also a nice walk to Hollywood Studios though I tend to only do that at rope drop and take the friendship boat back.

Definitely check out the dining at the Swan & Dolphin, Marriott properties next to Yacht Club; the Fountain is a far superior version of Beaches & Cream at a similar price point and way easier to get into. Il Mulino at the Swan is the best Italian food on property (it’s the satellite location of a local restaurant here in NYC). Idk if they brought it back but Kimonos sushi bar there used to have karaoke.

I think Jellyrolls is open again, it’s a fun piano bar on the Boardwalk that goes 21+ only after 8p. In general I really like that area as an adults only Disney person, it suffered a lot with the loss of live entertainment when property reopened but a lot of things are back now. I hope you guys have fun

[cara-terra-pace]

Rich Neighbors Au Part 3: Bye Bye Miss Parisian Pie

Part 1 Part 2 The Gabrieling Procrastination Art Rich Neighbors Vine Animatic

-Oh my watermelon kids

-they are finally in America!!!

-First stop: Trash City!

-oops sorry NYC, sorry, they just sound the same when I say them out loud so I get them confused sometimes :)

-(I’m kidding New Yorkers don’t kill me please)

-okay, okay, getting off topic.

-so they’re in New York

-they’re just kind of wandering and they end up running into the Elmos.

-Mari was almost pulled into a hug with one and Felix had to drag her out of the way, saving her from the creep

-they then immediately booked it to a restaurant, hoping that would give them a bit of a reprieve.

-Hard Rock Cafe was the one they picked, Nino’s choice, obviously.

-Marinette gushed over the mini milkshakes for like ten minutes.

-someone ended up recognizing them. They took a picture, posted it on twitter and now BOOM

-every single one of their fans and customers know exactly where they are.

-but ANYWAY

-they’re in nyc, why not go to a broadway show?

-Six. They go to see Six. Don’t @ me, I like six and I thought Marinette and Nino would both enjoy it

-Mari is LIVING for their outfits.

-Nino is also loving every minute.

-They’re in the front and Nino is basically grinning the whole show but during Heart of Stone you can see him tear up a bit.

-Felix actually enjoys it. He shoves all the thoughts of historical inaccuracies out of his head and mostly just listens to Mari ramble about the outfits.

-Adrien vibes with Seymour honestly. And Parr. And basically all the queens.

-Nathalie likes the show too, mostly because it’s a nice break for her and the songs are pretty catchy too

-for Mega Six, Mari is filming and all the queens look directly into her camera

-they also take it and dance on stage with her phone, filming everything

-Mari is about to faint. Doesn’t matter that she’s technically famous, she is DEAD

-they don’t see her face when they take and give back the phone so when she comes backstage afterwards with the gang, at first they just recognize her hair and see her as the girl who was filming the Mega Six

-then they see her face and the costume designer is trying so hard not to squeal, oblivious to the fact that she’s doing the exact same thing.

-Mari is absolutely gushing to them about how great the show was

-She tells Parr that her song was what kept her going in school, since she’s listened to the Broadway and West End soundtracks about a billion times. (Pretend like the broadway one is already out time is a construct with rich people)

-side note, they post the pictures and video and suddenly A BUNCH of Six fans are now following Mari and now Mari is designing outfits inspired by the queens because AH THE COSTUMES ARE GORGEOUS I COULD TALK ABOUT THEM FOR DAYS I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

-fun fact, they are all wearing a “If Found, Please Return to Nathalie” shirt

-Felix is adorable and bought Mari some hair pins with watermelons because Watermelon Kids

-yes Nathalie has a shirt that says “I’m Nathalie”

-they actually did lose Adrien and these two girls were able to return him to Nathalie and they all took a pic with them and followed the two on Twitter

-they don’t know what else to do in New York, so they just make their way down to...

-New Jersey!

-Seaside Boardwalk!!

-they mostly stick to the arcades, Mari sticking to casino pier, and them getting fries and lemonade as a snack.

-they spend the night at the boardwalk, going on a few rides like Moby Dick, and Pirate’s Cove.

-they spend the night at a house of a friend of Tom Dupain’s and the next day, they go to the Ocean County mall because it was close to the house.

-Adrien complained a bit about going to “the least cool mall in the state” but stopped when he found a five below at the plaza.

-five below is his weakness.

-mall, fun, yada yada yada

-bath and body works is inside? Mari’s in heaven.

-Friendly’s for lunch! Ice cream all around my friends!

-that afternoon they go to laser tag and completely dominated.

-Twins on one team, Watermelon Kids on the other.

-for some reason (the reason is called because I said so) they decide to go down to another boardwalk further south.

-on the way they go to lobster house for lunch (lobster house is amazing I don’t even really like it for the food it’s just the VIBES. they are. immaculate.)

-they go to Wildwood and ohhh

-Nino and Adrien are living it up on the rides

-rollercoaster, log flume, submarine ride slash game thingy!

-they’re doing it all

-and Felix and Mari are being so cute and domestic winning each other things at the games

-and then the arcade, where Felix is hopeless at Skeeball and ends up slipping and Mari helps him up while trying not to laugh

-can I just say that I think Mari is probably really good at claw machines?

-she has some weird sort of luck when she’s playing and she’ll always end up winning a prize

-they spend the night at a cute little hotel and the next day they go mini golfing

-now this is where Felix for some reason shines

-Mari keeps losing her golf ball and having to go search for it

-Adrien and Nino are both mediocre at it.

-Adrien got a hole in one and he and Nino screamed and Nino picked him up and spun him around

-they also got ice cream at said mini golf place

-Khor’s is just...*chefs kiss*. They all got the orange and vanilla swirl because I said so and it’s a Khor’s classic

-Felix picks an Italian place for dinner that night. It’s called Little Italy and it’s pretty good.

-and, that’s a wrap for New Jersey! Next...

-alllll the way down to.... North Carolina!

-they spend only a day in North Carolina, but they do go to these caves.

-and also, this place with food that’s mainly made of... alligator?

-basically, it’s a rest day.

-Mari gets SUPER inspired and buys fabric to make a jacket inspired by the caves and honestly it’s gorgeous because she used not only the tan of the rocks, but the beautiful blues of the water.

-NATHALIE BREAK

-she’s so tired but she’s having so much fun with her boys!!!

-she actually feels pretty well rested a few days into the trip.

-Nathalie can’t help but fuss over the kids

-and coo at their cuteness when they do cute things

-She and Mari always share a room

-and the three boys share a room

-Nathalie helps Mari do complicated braids because she’s super good at those and Mari can only do a basic braid.

-next!

-South Carolina!

-specifically Charleston.

-ghost tout ghost tour ghost tour

-“and this is the building where a dude saw the ship that held all his crops sink. He then proceeded to-“

-it gets graphic in that moment and Marinette is having fun but also isn’t a fan of thinking of... uh, head not being on body???

-pirates!!! They go into this cave thingy and see piratey stuff, which is entertaining for everyone because it’s creepy in the cave, which Mari enjoys, PIRATES, which Adrino enjoys, and history for the grumpy Felix

-it’s quiet and everyone’s happy, which Nathalie is living for.

-they mostly just walk around looking at pretty things the next day

-rainbow row rainbow row

-Mari is so inspired that she buys a cheap sketchbook from target just so she can get all these ideas down

-she desperately wants to sew but she has to wait since they don’t have access to a sewing machine.

-so, they eat at a sandwich shop before hitting the road.

-they make a quick stop in Georgia, laugh at a sign that lists the marvel movies made in Georgia, then leave.

-(sorry Georgia. I’m sure you’re a very nice state but I’ve had limited interaction with the state besides passing through and sometimes stopping to eat lunch.)

-this is the thing they’re very excited for!!!

-Florida!

-specifically, Orlando

-that’s right, DISNEY WORLD.

-they are spending a whole week here.

-that’s right, 7 days of fun.

-day 1, animal kingdom because they get there in the afternoon and there isn’t as much they want to see in animal kingdom. They have loads of fun though and are planning on dropping by another day for the first half of the day.

-next day is Magic Kingdom

-they go on so many rides.

-small world is Adrien’s favorite ride, don’t @ me.

-Casey’s Corner is where they get lunch because Mari loves the aesthetic.

-MINNIE EARS ALL AROUND

-Marinette has a different one for every outfit

-Aristocats ears!!!

-she can’t explain why she loves it, she just DOES.

-for their last day (yeah this is out of order but who cares) they park hop, ending in magic kingdom and staying for the fireworks. Our favorite designer wears these lovely light up ears

-when they went to animal kingdom on the first day you KNOW Mari had some cute ears

-shh don’t tell the boys and Nathalie but Felix actually asked Mari to be his girlfriend when they were in Hollywood studios

-they walked off together, and sat on a bench somewhere sharing a snack

-our extra boy asked if she could be his girlfriend with matching beauty and the beast rings

-Mari said yes and she smiled soooo much.

-it’s kind of hard to explain everything so let’s just talk about the interesting stuff!!

-Marinette VIBES with the princesses oh my god

-TIANA INSPIRED OUTFIT PLEASE

-Disney is V fun but... sorry boys, it’s time for Marinette to get some sewing done! (Also I’m kind of bored of writing Disney this took several weeks bc I would write like a sentence a day lol)

-CALIFORNIA TIME

-they do go for one day in Disneyland but most of it’s spent going to get some inspiration for Mari.

-fabric stores fabric stores.

-that girl is sketching and coming up with ideas like her life DEPENDS ON IT

-inspiration explosion

-also some normal Knick knack shopping, so Mari gets some time away from staring down at her tablet and sketchbook.

-resting and just going to try all different sorts of normal, causal restaurants

-living the life

-also, Felix and Mari go on their first date. I say first date Very Loosely because it’s actually them sitting in Mari’s hotel room eating pizza and watching a movie and though they both consider it a date, they want to have a cute, cliche first date when they back home.

-Speaking of home...

-They are about to fly back to Paris when they get a message from Jess, one of the girls who found Adrien in NY.

-It was a message from her asking if she could check her latest tweet.

-it was a recording of Jess playing guitar, the song (an instrumental version of Miraculous but slightly modified) being wonderfully sweet. Aeon, the other girl, was also in the video, humming along to Jess. At the end, Jess dedicated the video the them and they both gushed about how nice they were in person and that both of them had waited until they had the arrangement ready before they posted it on social media.

-it thawed even Felix’s icy heart.

-and as they flew back to Paris, Nathalie couldn’t help but think of what a perfectly wonderful trip it had been. Minus... the accidents.

-But there’s no need to talk about that here.

-They reach Paris safe and sound, and Marinette takes a long, long nap right before she goes into creative mode and sews all the outfits she had sketched. Advantages of being rich, you know? You don’t have to worry about fabric price.

-While Mari was sewing, everyone else was also slowing down.

-And gearing up to go back to school

-*dramatic music*

-What will happen next? Even I have no idea!

.......

It’s almost like.... I exist??? Haha, but seriously, sorry for sort of going MIA??? I finally finished this, mostly by getting lazy towards the end. Yes, before you say it, I don’t hate NYC. It’s cool there, I just love making fun of it and the fact the special cam eout a few days ago is just pure irony. All of those links should work, so you can actually buy the Disney things I’m talking about! If they aren’t, please tell me so I can fix them. Next up is the Nathalie mentioned “Accidents”. That should take way less time because I’m going to go with the tried and true method of “Make stuff up and hope it makes sense”. I say should because you never know with me, I’m a mess ❤️❤️❤️

Tag list: @bigpicklebananatree @kris-pines04 @animegirlweeb @akana-sama @insomniac-nerd-posts-things @virgolioness @goblinwhoships @toastlover21 @buginetye

[familyfunjourneys]

Mangia! Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno is bountiful to say the least. Located on Disney’s Boardwalk, this cozy and casual restaurant serves Italian versions of classic breakfast dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied and fueled up for your day in the parks. Unfortunately, the Bon Voyage Adventure character breakfast that was offered here is still paused for Covid, but this one should definitely be a consideration, especially if you are staying in the Epcot area resorts. When you book your vacation with me, I’ll be sure you know all about off-the-beaten path dining options like this one! katrina@familyfunjourneys.com #wdw #disneydining #trattoriaalforno #disneyboardwalk #brunch #disneybreakfast #omelet #bacon #disneyfoodie #disneyboardwalkresort #waltdisneyworld #disneytravelplanner #disneylife #disneygram #disneytrip #disney #instadisney #disneymagic #disneyfan #disneyfamily #disneyinsta #disneypic #disneyfun #disneyplanner #disneyig #familyfunjourneys — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/35sQz7N

[mayamaslov]

Review: Country Gravy On a Breakfast Pizza and Ridiculously Perfect French Toast? This Disney World Restaurant Understood the Assignment.

Review: Country Gravy On a Breakfast Pizza and Ridiculously Perfect French Toast? This Disney World Restaurant Understood the Assignment.

You had us at Tiramisu! We are off to Disney’s BoardWalk! Disney’s BoardWalk Recently, Trattoria al Forno released two new menus, bringing some exciting (and pretty delicious) Italian flavors to Disney’s BoardWalk. Their new dinner menu impressed –So much so, we reserved ourselves a spot for breakfast! While Italian eats can be frequently spotted throughout Disney Parks and are often, well…

[thewdwcouple]

Happy Spaceship Earth Sunday! In the past I never really new what to write as a caption for Spaceship Earth Sunday’s, but the last few weeks somehow these have turned into our recap and update posts, and I kind of like it that way! And this last week was definitely busy, but it was a great one! The beginning of last week we went to Orlando to try out a new restaurant which will be an upcoming Monday dining review. Then we hit opening day of Flower & Garden Festival which we had really been looking forward to, and it was such a wonderful day! (However, we did end up sunburnt 🤪) Yesterday we had a sunrise senior portrait session over at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort for @jtr_media which turned out beautifully. Then ventured over to Windermere (right behind Magic Kingdom) for some Italian Ice. We are having a Giveaway so make sure you check our previous post to enter! Then today Josh ran and Live Streamed a 10K over at Old Key West & Saratoga Springs. Now we are heading to Disney Springs for some Gideon’s, and then filming another Monday Dining Review from DS which has been highly requested so you won’t want to miss it! Be sure to Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss an upload! And check out our History & Secrets of Spaceship Earth Video!⠀ ➡️Link in Bio⠀ . . . . . . . . 📷 @jtr_media #sonya7iii ⠀ If you’re looking to plan a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort head over to @goldgellgetaways so we can help you book your next vacation today!⠀ #wdwcouples #goldgellgetaways #travelagent #disneyinsta #disneyig #disneyblogger #disneyvlogger #disneyworld #disney #disneyphoto #disneyparks #wdw #disneyphotography #photography #happiestplaceonearth #disneylife #disneygram #sunsetsunday #annualpassholder #disneyigers #disneymagic #seedisney #waltdisneyworld #epcot #epcotcenter #spaceshipearth #disneysunset #spaceshipearthsunday #thewdwcouple (at Epcot) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMHxY8yBcy1/?igshid=175xdbs79497e

[imagineared]

*:･ﾟ✧ °o° BUCKET LIST

Though I have been to Disney World seven times now, there’s still plenty that I have never done, and there’s always going to be more I haven’t, but there are things I definitely want to do – so here’s a list of that, that I will work through on my program ( and subsequent programs ) and perhaps add or subtract to. The number of things in each section will vary. Here it goes!

GENERAL PARK THINGS / RESORTS

IF EXTENDED: Audition for the Candlelight Processional Choir

Bowl and Eat at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Bring an Autograph Book for Kids Dressed as Characters to Sign

Do the Kitchen Sink with Roommates or Friends

Do Some VoluntEAR Events ( At Least Three )

Earn a Four Keys Card

Fill an Entire Autograph Book

Go to All FOUR Main Parks in a Day

Go to BOTH of the Water Parks

Go to a Camp Fire at Fort Wilderness

Go to the Festival of the Arts

Go to the Flower and Garden Festival

IF EXTENDED: Go to a Candlelight Processional

IF EXTENDED: Go to the Food and Wine Festival

IF EXTENDED: Go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

IF EXTENDED: Go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Go to Movie Night at a Resort

Meet the Infamous Richard at the Grand Floridian

Ride an Amphicar at Disney Springs

Ride Characters in Flight at Disney Springs

Ride EVERY Ride / See EVERY Show at Animal Kingdom

Ride EVERY Ride / See EVERY Show at Epcot

Ride EVERY Ride / See EVERY Show at Hollywood Studios

Ride EVERY Ride / See EVERY Show at Magic Kingdom

See a Concert at the House of Blues

See a Movie and Eat at the Disney Springs AMC

Stay at Least Once at the Boardwalk

Stay at Least Once at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Stay at Least Once at the Polynesian

Stay at Least Once at the Grand Floridian

Stay at Least Once at the Contemporary

Stay in a Pirate Room at Caribbean Beach

Stay in a Royal Guest Room at Port Orleans Riverside

Visit Every Disney Resort and Have a Drink or Food There

Work in Every Park + Disney Springs and Water Parks 

Work in Every Disney Owned Store in Disney Springs ( The Art of Disney, Basin, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - if Merch is a Prt with Register / Check-In, Disney’s Design a Tee, Disney’s Candy Cauldron - If Food Trained, Disney’s Days of Christmas, Disney’s Pin Traders, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, Goofy’s Candy Company - If Food Trained, The LEGO Store, Market Place Co-Op, Market Place Co-Op Cherry Tree Lane, Market Place Co-Op D-Tech on Demand - If Personalization Trained, Market Place Co-Op Disney Centerpiece, Market Place Co-Op Disney Tag, Market Place Co-Op Twenty-Eighth and Main, Market Place Co-Op Wonderground Gallery, Mickey’s Pantry - If Food Trained, Once Upon a Toy, Star Wars Galactic Outpost - If Possible, Star Wars Trading Post - If Possible, Tren-D, World of Disney )

Work in Every Resort ( If Put in a Resort - All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Art of Animation, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Caribbean Beach, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Fort Wilderness, French Quarter, Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Polynesian, Pop Century, Riverside, Saratoga Springs, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club )

CHARACTER VISITS

Alice

Anna

Ariel at Her Grotto

Baymax

Captain Jack Sparrow

Elsa

The Fairy Godmother

Hades ( Unlikely, But Hopeful )

Hercules ( Unlikely, But Hopeful )

Jasmine

Megara ( Unlikely, But Hopeful )

Moana

Pain and Panic ( Unlikely, But Hopeful )

Peter Pan

Rafiki

Rapunzel

Talking Mickey Mouse

Tiana

Tinker Bell

Wendy

MAGIC KINGDOM

Be There at Least Once at Rope Drop and Watch the Welcome Show

Do a Backstage Haunted Mansion Tour

Do a Pirate’s Adventure

Do the Mountain Run ( Splash, Space, Big Thunder )

Eat at Cinderella’s Castle

Go to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Get a Package ( If I Can )

Go to Pirate League and Get the Mermaid Look ( If I Can )

Ride Every Ride I Haven’t

Ride Haunted Mansion 13 Times in a Row

Ride Haunted Mansion with the Lights On

Ride Space Mountain with the Lights On

See Every Show I Haven’t

See the Rainy Day Cavalcade

Stay for the Kiss Goodnight

Try a Mac ‘N Cheese Hotdog at Casey’s Corner

Visit and Do All Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Spots

Work at Big Top Souvenirs At Least Once

Work at Bonjour! Village Gifts At Least Once

Work at The Emporium At Least Once

Work at Memento Mori At Least Once

Work at Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar At Least Once

Work at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe At Least Once

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Be Picked for the Indiana Jones Show

Be There at Least Once at Rope Drop

Do a Backstage Tower of Terror Tour

Get My Face Painted

Go to a Toy Story Land Preview

Meet the Live Show Casts

Ride Every Ride I Haven’t

Ride Tower of Terror 13 Times in a Row

See Every Show I Haven’t

Work at Rock Around the Shop At Least Once

Work on Sunset Boulevard

Work at Tattooine Traders At Least Once ( If Possible )

Work at Tower Photo ( If Photo Trained ) or Tower Hotel Gifts At Least Once

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Become a Wilderness Explorer

Be There at Least Once at Rope Drop

Do the Wild Africa Trek

Meet the Live Show Casts

Ride Every Ride I Haven’t

Ride the Rides in DinoLand USA

See Every Show I Haven’t

Work in Asia’s Merchandise Spots ( Perhaps at the End of Everest )

EPCOT

Be There at Least Once at Rope Drop

Do Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Duffy Bear Being Signed At Every Country

Pick a Pearl at Japan Pavilion

Ride Every Ride I Haven’t

See Every Show I Haven’t

Try a Food or Candy from Each of the Countries in the World Showcase ( Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, UK, Canada ) #eataroundtheworld

Work at MouseGears ( At Least Once )

RESTAURANTS ( FULL SERVICE )

Epcot - Biergarten

Epcot - Garden Grill

Epcot - Les Chefs de France

Epcot - San Angel Inn

Epcot - Tutto Italia Ristorante

Epcot - Via Napoli

Hollywood Studios - 50′s Prime Time Cafe

Hollywood Studios - The Hollywood Brown Derby

Magic Kingdom - Cinderella’s Royal Table

Magic Kingdom - Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen

Magic Kingdom - Liberty Tree Tavern

Magic Kingdom - The Plaza Restaurant

Magic Kingdom - Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Disney Springs - The Edison

Disney Springs - Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant

Disney Springs - Frontera Cocina

Disney Springs -  Homecomin’ - Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine

Disney Springs - House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

Disney Springs - Jaleo

Disney Springs - Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante

Disney Springs - Planet Hollywood Observatory

Disney Springs - Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

Disney Springs - Terralina Crafted Italian

Disney Springs - T-Rex Cafe

Disney Springs - Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

The Boardwalk - Trattoria Al Forno ( Breakfast )

Wilderness Lodge - Whispering Canyon Cafe

RESTAURANTS ( QUICK SERVICE / SNACK )

Animal Kingdom - Eight Spoon Cafe

Epcot: Choza de Margarita

Hollywood Studios - Pizzerizzo

Hollywood Studios - Woody’s Lunchbox ( When Open )

Magic Kingdom - Be Our Guest Restaurant

Magic Kingdom - Casey’s Corner

Magic Kingdom - Gaston’s Tavern

Magic Kingdom - Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

Disney Springs - Daily Poutine

Disney Springs - D-Luxe Burger

Disney Springs - Pizza Ponte

Disney Springs - The Polite Pig

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/mothers-day-in-orlando/

Mother's Day in Orlando 2019 - Top Picks to Spoil Mom

Are you spending Mother's Day in Orlando? It's often hard enough to find that perfect gift, but it can be even more challenging if you're away on vacation. But have no fear, we have lots of ideas to spoil that special lady in your life

Whether your spending Mother's Day at Disney or want a peaceful day away from the crowds, we have suggestions to suit everyone.

Here's our top picks for Mother's Day in Orlando

Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette's Patisserie

You've probably seen images of the super cute and iconic Mickey Cake. It tastes as good as it looks. If Mom loves dessert or baking, this is definitely one that takes the cake in gifts.

During the Cake Decorating Experience, Mom will learn all about techniques that go into creating Amorette’s signature Character Dome Cakes. And she'll get to see behind the scenes in the Amorette's Show Kitchen where all that deliciousness is created daily.

The class instructor shares insider tips and shows the full techniques that go into creating these masterpieces from start to finish. And Mom gets to take the cake home to enjoy with family and friends. Or keep to herself. It's her day!

There's a choice of cake too: On Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday the Mickey Dome Cake is featured. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday it's the Artist’s Choice Character Dome Cake. 

Classes are held before store opening in Amorette’s Show Kitchen. The Cake Decorating Experience starts at 9am and last for 90 minutes. Classes are taught in teams of two and include a maximum of 14 participants per session. The cost for two people, including the cake and beverages during class, is $149 plus tax.

And if you're not around Disney World for Mother's Day, you can get it as a gift for when you are visiting.

Book online at Disney's Website.

Disney Springs Treats Tour

Shopping, desserts and Disney? Sounds like the perfect combination for any Mom! From bangles and bags to sweet treats, there's plenty to surprise that special lady in your life.

Here's a few of our top picks for Mother's Day at Disney Springs

Coffee Lovers: Head to Joffrey's for a coffee and treat Mom to some Latte Coffee Art. They will imprint a special design in coffee dust on top of the coffee. You can have a special Mother's Day print, or a selection of Disney characters. It's so cool, Mom will love it!

Decadent Desserts: If Mom has a sweet tooth, then she's in for a treat. Amorette's Patisserie, Ghirardelli, The Ganachery and Sprinkles always have special, limited-time Mother's Day offerings.

Bangles, Bags and Bling: If Mom likes a bit of sparkle, there are some dazzling stores in Disney Springs. Ever After Jewelry Co & Accessories has some stunning Disney jewelry designs and accessories. Pandora has a Mother-Daughter bracelet building station. Alex & Ani have adorable charms, bracelets and more. Sugarboo are hosting a "Mom & Me" terrarium building class on May 11, 8:30-10am. Make reservations: 407 560-0479

Unique & Sentimental Souvenir: The Silhouette Portraits cart in Disney Springs Marketplace offer hand cut silhouettes. These old-fashioned, traditional creations are made in minutes by talented artists. Costs range from as little as $12 for 1 person and you can have up to a family of 4. A range of frames are available as an extra.

Charter A Private Boat

For the ultimate relaxing day, how about a little island hopping on a private boat tour? We treated my parents to a trip a couple of months ago, and we all absolutely loved the experience.

If you are spending Mother's Day in Orlando and looking for something on May 12th 2019, this might not work for you as spots are always limited. But give it a try, you might hit lucky. If you are visiting at a later date, this is great gift option. Give Mom a gift card on Mother's Day with details of the trip she'll be taking.

Captain Todd from Private Island Charters offers a full day or 3 hours excursion off the Gulf Coast. It's a couple of hours drive from Orlando, so plan to make it a whole day out.

The private charter boat takes up to 6 and you have the boat and Captain Todd all to yourself.

Take a packed lunch, load up on swimming gear and lather on the sun lotion. Captain Todd is a wealth of knowledge on the local area and wildlife. And you'll get to explore remote islands and sandbars. You'll have a pretty good chance of seeing dolphins playing in the waves too.

A total day of relaxation for Mom and lots of fun for all the family.

Read all about our experience with Private Island Charters for full information.

Have a Blooming Mother's Day in Orlando

If Mom loves flowers, plants and nature, you can't go far wrong with a Mother's Day trip to one of Central Florida's awesome botanical and natural gardens. Explore lush backdrops of flowering foliage with sweet aromas filling the air.

It's FREE admission for Mom's on Sunday May 12th 2019 at both Bok Tower Gardens and Harry P Leu Gardens.

Bok Tower Gardens

This 250-acre woodland setting offers a totally tranquil setting where Mom can get some real peace and quiet. Bok Tower Gardens is a designated site of the Great Florida Bird and Wildlife Trail.

Carillon Concerts: The centerpiece of Bok Tower Gardens is the 205-foot tall Singing Tower. The tower has a 60 bell carillon with two concerts on Mother's Day at 1pm and 3pm.

Pinewood Estate: Pinewood Estates is a 1930's twenty room mansion filled to the brim with elegance. You can take self guided tours through the resorted Mediterranean style home.

Natural Trails: Preserve Traill offers wildlife, flowers and fauna along a 1.5 mile preservation walk. Pine Ridge Trail is a 3/4-mile walking trail through a longleaf pine/turkey oak habitat. You'll maybe spot endangered species like gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snakes, gopher frogs and Florida mouse. Not the Mickey kind.

Hammock Hollow: Kids will love exploring Fairy House Trail, reading the stones in the Word Garden and cooling down in River Walk. (Take a change of clothes!) The 18 separate sections to Hammock Hollow will keep all ages occupied.

Where: 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida 33853. Phone: 863-676-1408 Web: Bok Tower Gardens

Harry P Leu Gardens

Leu Gardens. Stroll through 50 acres of meandering pathways shaded by 200-year-old trees. and discover natural and landscaped gardens.

Florida’s largest rose garden is in full bloom during the month of May. Sugarbuzz Dezert Company and Peak Season Pops will be selling delicious treats!

Garden Admission: $10 adult and $5 child (4 – 17 years of age) Where: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 Web: Harry P Leu Gardens

Mother's Day Brunch

Brunches are hugely popular on Mother's Day in Orlando. There are lots of offerings all around Kissimmee, Disney and Universal.

Here's a pick of just a few:

Island Grove Mother's Day Mimosa Brunch Island Grove Winery at Formosa Gardens have a Mother's Day Brunch with bottomless Mimosas. It's $39.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids. Seating at 11am and 2 pm.

Opa Taverna: Celebrate Greek style. Order the Family Style Menu for 4 and Mom's is free! Or select the Greek inspired Brunch Buffet and Moms get a free Mimosa. The buffet is $35 a head for adults, $15 for children.

Lakeside Bar & Grill Mothers Day Buffet | As well as a Mother's Day feast, Mom can create a unique and complimentary cocktail at the MOM-mosa station. Located in the Bohemian Hotel in the town of Celebration, the Lakeside Bar & Grill is a beautiful location. See full menu Cost is $59.00 adults and $25 for children aged 6-12. Served from 11am to 3pm.

STK Disney Springs Earn favorite child status and treat Mom to STK Mother's Day Brunch. The brunch special features Brunch Classics, Raw Bar, Dessert Playground, DJ, Vievite Rosé Garden, Flower Wall & more. Brunch is served from 10.30am to 3pm. Cost is $79 for adults, $22 for children.

Maria & Enzo's  Mother's Day Brunch at this Disney Springs Italian eatery offers a full feast of breakfast and lunch dishes. For a sweet end, head to the chocolate fountain where you can drizzle a variety of decadent items. Book in advance. Cost is $45 for adults and $20 for children. Brunch is served 9.30am to 3pm.

Have A Celebration Mother's Day

How about a Mother's Day Celebration in Celebration? The Town of Celebration is one of our favorite places to visit. We're sure Mom's will love a visit to this elegant and picturesque town.

Farmers Market: Start the morning browsing the Celebration Farmers Market. There's a selection of local arts and crafts, fresh produce, organic foods and fresh-baked goods. The Farmers Markets opens at 9am and packs up around 3pm.

Grab A Bite: Once Mom has worked up an appetite, there are lots of dining options at Celebration. Lakeside Bar & Grill Mothers Day Buffet is from 11am-3pm. Mom can create a unique and complimentary cocktail at the MOM-mosa station. Cost is $59.00 adults and $25 for children aged 6-12. Full Menu. Columbia Restaurant is Florida's oldest restaurant chain. Wonderful food and elegant surroundings. There are lots of dining options in Celebration including Italian, Thai, Japanese, Mexican and traditional American.

Take a Stroll: Take one of the beautiful walking trails around the lakes or explore the boardwalk through natural woodland. Lots of peace and quiet and you'll see the natural inhabitants of Celebration.

Do Some Shopping: Browse some of the unique boutique stores on Market Street. There are gifts stores, clothing and accessories and collectibles. Dog owners will love the Woof Gang Bakery!

Take a Ride: Celebration Bicycle Tours offers 7 mile guided tours or you can rent bikes and go at your own pace around Celebration.

Give Mom A Princess Mother's Day Makeover

If Mom still yearns to be a Princess, give her a Disney Character Couture Package for Mother's Day. Talented Disney stylists will transform hair, makeup and nails into designs inspired by classic characters.

Character Couture Packages:

StoryBook - Character Inspired Hair - Adults $80, Children 4-12 $50

Magical Makeover - Character Inspired Hair & Makeup - Adults $105, Children 4-12 $75

 Timeless Transformation - Character Inspired Hair, Makeup & Nails - Adults $120, Children 4-12 $90

Annual Passholders, Disney Visa Holders and DVC Members get 15% discount. Florida Residents get 10% discount.

Character Couture Locations:

Ivy Trellis Salon - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Salon by the Springs - Disney's Wilderness Lodge

La Vida Salon - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Ship Shape Salon - Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

Packages are available for on-site and off-site guests. Full Details.

We hope you have an amazing Mother's Day in Orlando and Kissimmee, whatever you choose to do. Check out our What's On in Orlando in May Guide too for other ideas.

[trekadvisers]

12 Stops to Make On Your Southern California Family Road Trip

Courtesy of The Points Guy by Jon Bailey

We’re all California dreamin’ once in a while, so when the Golden State calls you for a visit, bring along this handy list of hot spots for a family road trip with kids stretching from San Diego to Santa Barbara.

One caveat: There is so much to do in Southern California, that it can be overwhelming. Take it from a local — don’t make yourself crazy trying to hit everything in one trip. Plan for at least five nights so your family can properly enjoy the sights and avoid being stuck in the car the whole time.

The view at sunrise from Santa Barbara’s East Beach.

San Diego

Start with flying into the super easy San Diego International Airport (SAN) and hop the shuttle to its brand-new rental car facility. Once settled into your vehicle, you and your family will be ready to roll on over to some of the great experiences San Diego has to offer.

Warm Sands: Visit La Jolla Shores Beach for warm sand, clean beaches and family-friendly waters. You can bring a picnic lunch and spread out on the grass, or walk into the nearby village for sandwiches or tacos. Up the road a bit is the stunning Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the UCSD Birch Aquarium. (Entrance to the aquarium is $19.50 for adults, $15 for kids 3–17 and free for kids 2 and under.)

Wild Animals: San Diego is famous for the zoo, and it is really an amazing place. However, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a less-crowded and very interesting alternative when you have a car. (A one-day pass is $56 for adults and $36 for kids 3–11.) The safari park is about 32 miles from downtown San Diego, and well worth the drive to see wild animals in their natural habitats. Giraffes, gazelle, rhinos and more all graze on open acres of hilly grasslands. For an extra fee, consider the Caravan Safari package that allows families an even closer view of the animals. ($125 per person plus park admission; participants must be 6 or older.)

Get up close and personal with the animals at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Legos for Days: If your kids are younger, Legoland California is an all-time favorite. Exhibits and characters made completely of Lego bricks dot the park landscape. Rides and shows are geared to an audience 12 and under, but parents and older siblings will have a pretty great time here too. For an amusement park, the food is pretty darn good and there is plenty to keep you busy for the whole day. Legoland is in Carlsbad, about a 40-minute drive from downtown San Diego. (Admission is $90 for kids and $95 for adults if bought in advance online.)

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Spending

Anaheim

Just over an hour up the coast from San Diego, Anaheim is home to the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, among other attractions. It would be hard to drive past the Matterhorn and Space Mountain without stopping for a visit, so by all means stop and stay a spell.

Always a favorite — everyone loves the Mad Tea Party ride at Disneyland (except Dad — ugh).

So Much Disney: Anaheim would be a sleepy orange grove without the dreams of Walt Disney, and his Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park are a magical legacy. The parks, just down the road from Disney studios, are a little more quaint and OG than Florida’s Disney World. Buy the two-day Park Hopper Pass as you simply cannot do it all in one day, though three days might be too many unless this is your only destination. Admission to Disneyland parks varies. (Here’s where to stay at Disneyland.)

Knott’s Berry Farm: Amusement park junkies should consider including a quick visit to Knott’s Berry Farm. Just 10 minutes from Disneyland in Buena Park, Knott’s is one of our kids’ favorites for straight-up thrill rides. Without all the Disney hoopla, this park does a great job with crowd management and plenty of entertainment (and some stomach-dropping rides that had us all in laughing fits). Plus, they have darn good berry pie a la mode — it is the same family that started the jam empire. (Daily admission for ages 3 and up starts at $49 per person.)

Rides for both daredevils and littles are easy to access at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Trendy Food Hall: When you grow weary of amusement park food, drive 10 minutes to the Anaheim Packing District for decent grub. A converted orange-packing warehouse, this collective is a group of interesting food vendors spread across two large floors. We love this place because the food is fresh, healthy and diverse, so we can all get different things and still sit together in the center court.

Lots of great food choices at Anaheim Packing District.

Los Angeles

Broadly known as “LA,” the Los Angeles area is vast. It’s comprised of many cities and neighborhoods that run together in a jumble. A car and much patience is necessary for getting around this area, and a good mapping app on your smartphone will help you gauge traffic flow. (Don’t make these mistakes that travelers make in Los Angeles.)

The rides on Santa Monica Pier

Carnival Over Water: The Santa Monica Pier and surrounding beach, often used for TV and movie scenes, are a must-see. On the sand near the pier, locals and visitors can show off their skills bouncing on a springy tightrope, rolling across the sand in giant inflatable “hamster balls” and swinging on giant monkey bars. On the pier, enjoy the rides at Pacific Park throughout the day and into the night. Restaurants and shops help entertain those who might be less ride-inclined. You can buy a wristband that entitles you to unlimited rides all day for $32 (ages 8 and older) and $17 for kids 7 and under. Otherwise, pay per ride. Admission to the park itself is free.

Glass Slide Above Downtown: Not for the faint of heart, OUE Skyspace is part Hollywood museum/part observatory/part thrill ride as it perches 70 stories above Downtown LA. The views from here are exceptional, with outdoor balconies sporting nearly 360-degree views of the Hollywood sign, Santa Catalina Island, the sometimes-snowcapped San Gabriel Mountains and more. But that slide! Curving around the outside of the building, the slide is completely made of high-strength glass. Sliding down that tunnel means stomach-dropping views through the floor to the streets more than 1,000 feet below ($25 for adults and $19 for kids 3–12, plus $8 per person for the slide).

It’s unnerving to slide on glass 1,000 feet in the sky.

Planets Day or Night: At the famous Griffith Observatory, our solar system and galaxy are on display in various entertaining and scientific ways. Exhibits feature discoveries about the planets, space and our views of them throughout human history. The huge telescope was not in operation when we visited, but good timing might allow guests a peep into the stars. Along with an excellent planetarium ($7 for adults, $3 for kids 5–12 and free for those under 5) and various shows throughout the day, this is a different kind of star-struck Hollywood experience. (BTW, the Hollywood sign is directly adjacent and looks enormous up close.) Note that the observatory is closed April 22–May 6, 2019.

The first telescope Griffith J. Griffith used to view the stars, on display at Griffith Observatory

Santa Barbara

One of our favorite cities in California, Santa Barbara, is about two hours up the coast from LA. The view as you hit Ventura and drive up along the beaches and oceanfront is one of the most beautiful highway vistas on the West Coast and well worth the drive. (You could plan to fly out of Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) or choose to drive back to Los Angeles and depart from LAX.)

The Queen of Missions: Built in 1786, the Santa Barbara Mission is the 10th of 21 constructed as part of Father Junipero Serra’s sojourn from Mexico to Northern California. Every California fourth grader learns about the missions of California, which means our kids could recite interesting facts about how adobe bricks are made and the fine art of basket weaving. This stunning mission is so well preserved that guests can really get an authentic feel for mission life in early California. Time your spring visit to coincide with Santa Barbara’s I Madonnari Italian street painting festival, when renowned artists paint masterpieces on the pavement outside the mission steps.

Visiting the Santa Barbara Mission on the right day, we enjoyed the chalk painting festival.

Bicycle Built for Two (or Four or Six): On the waterfront near Stearns Wharf, a variety of two- and four-wheeled cycles are available for rent by the hour (prices vary). The ride along the paved boardwalk is one of the most beautiful in California, with wide beaches, waving palms and gorgeous ocean views. For families with younger kids, the four-wheel buggies might be the best bet. On our last visit, we left our kids asleep in the hotel room and rented bikes for an early morning view of the local fishing boats heading out for the day’s catch.

A ride along the Santa Barbara beach boardwalk is a great way to enjoy this city.

Food and Photos: Near the wharf, a once-blighted warehouse district has been reclaimed as the Funk Zone. Wine-tasting rooms, trendy restaurants and fun art exhibits have given this area a lot of character. We explored the Funk Zone by taking a great food tour called “Eat This, Shoot That!,” an combination of a walking eat-a-thon and food photo class. Our tour guide instructed us on how to take great pictures of food with our smartphones while we tasted and sipped our way through the streets. (The tour costs $99 for adults and $89 for non-drinkers and kids 6–21.)

On the Eat This, Shoot That! walking food tour, we sample great dishes.

Where to Stay

We’ve done this drive a few times now, discovering new things to do each time we visit. Along the way, we’ve stayed at some great hotels. If you’re planning your own Southern California road trip with kids, you may want to choose one hotel group for the entire vacation to consolidate using elite status or earning points via various promotions. We chose Hilton, largely because of its extensive Hilton Honors program that allowed our family to cash in points for some stays while amassing new points at other properties.

Every view is fantastic from the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

San Diego

Hilton San Diego Bayfront: Downtown on the waterfront, this high-rise hotel is centrally located with all the conveniences. Award rates from 31k–60k points per night.

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines: Overlooking the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and ocean beyond, this hotel is near beaches and a fun hang glider port. Award rates from 43k–50k points per night.

Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim: Across the street from Disneyland, the Hilton Anaheim is in the midst of it all and slightly removed from the bustle of Disneymania. (Here’s some information if you’re debating staying on-site at Disneyland or at an off-site property.) Award rates from 33k–50k points per night.

Los Angeles

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City: Literally walking distance to Universal Studios and Universal Citywalk, this large hotel also is very close to Hollywood. Award rates from 50k–60k points per night.

The Beverly Hilton: Steeped in Hollywood history, the Beverly Hilton is an original grand dame and host to the Golden Globe Awards each year. Award rates from 60k points per night.

The Beverly Hilton Hotel has been host to many celebrities over the years.

Santa Barbara

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort: This hotel is right across from the city’s main beach and is a short walk to the wharf, Funk Zone and more. From 59k–80k Hilton award points per night.

The view from our room at Santa Barbara Hilton.

If you’d like to stay at Hilton properties on your Southern California road trip too, there are some good welcome bonuses available for its cobranded credit cards.

Credit Card Welcome Bonus TPG Bonus Valuation Annual Fee    Elite Status Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card 150,000-point bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first three months. Terms Apply. TPG values the bonus at $900 $450 annual fee (See Rates & Fees)(up to $500 in annual travel credits) Hilton Diamond status Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card 125,000-point bonus after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. Terms Apply. TPG values the bonus at $750 $95 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) Hilton Gold status Hilton Honors American Express Business Card 125,000-point bonus after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. Terms Apply. TPG values the bonus at $750 $95 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) Hilton Gold status Hilton Honors American Express Card 75,000-point bonus after you spend $1,000 in the first three months. Terms Apply. TPG values the bonus at $450 $0 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) Hilton Silver status

  Want to read more about family road trips? Here are a few related articles:

6 Tips for Surviving a Road Trip With a Large Family

10 Remarkable Road Trips in the U.S.A.

5 Epic Road Trips Across America

9 Ways to Help Your Children Remember Family Trips

Best Credit Cards for Road Trips

Jon Bailey covers LGBT family travel for TPG and blogs at 2DadsWithBaggage.com. Follow Jon and his family’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

All images courtesy of 2DadsWithBaggage.com

For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Ascend Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex Card, click here.

Original Article: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/southern-california-family-road-trip/

Check out the original post here: http://www.jamcosolutionsllc.com/12-stops-to-make-on-your-southern-california-family-road-trip/

[goatmilkstuff]

Research... #goatcheese #brickoven #pizza #italian #restaurant #love #florida #family #fun #food #disney #vacation #travel #visit #cool #places #gmsgoeseast (at Trattoria Al forno at Disney's Boardwalk) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtRzEJWBqWe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ctnjn94sb970

[anachef]

Review: Dinner at Trattoria al Forno on Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk

Trattoria al Forno opened on Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2014, and from its inception, the Italian eatery has been a warm and welcoming place for guests to enjoy a meal.

Learn About: Trattoria al Forno

Boardwalk Restaurants Disney World Restaurants

In 2017, Trattoria al Forno expanded its dining options by adding a unique character breakfast called the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast. This character meal allows guests to meet Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Ariel, and Prince Eric while dining on entrees and pastries inspired by Tangled and The Little Mermaid.

The Bon Voyage Adventure is a playful meal full of references to the animated films, but dinner at Trattoria al Forno remains a sophisticated affair (as far as theme park dining goes). There’s no dress code here, which makes it a convenient spot to grab dinner after a day at nearby Hollywood Studios or Epcot. The restaurant is also just a quick walk from the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, making it relatively simple to get to even if you’re not staying at BoardWalk Inn and Villas.

We thoroughly enjoyed our initial dinner here when Trattoria opened, and I was excited to dig into more of the slightly eclectic menu and to savor a little more of the cozy ambiance.

Trattoria al Forno sign

Atmosphere

Trattoria al Forno commands quite a bit of real estate on the BoardWalk, owing to its spacious interior. The black awnings and the gold text on the signs are classy and let you know that you’re about to dine in style. You’ll also find the BoardWalk’s walk-up pizza window tucked beneath one of the awnings.

See our recent BoardWalk Pizza Window review here!

Disney’s BoardWalk

The interior of the restaurant is not your cookie cutter Italian eatery. Diners find rich tones and materials, like rich wood ceiling panels and lots of filigreed wrought iron.

Trattoria al forno waiting area

Trattoria al Forno

There are several dining rooms, each with its own tone but all with a sense of home featuring mismatched furniture, tufted booths, and a variety of warm lighting sources.

Kitchen and dining room

The high-backed, tufted booths are particularly cozy, giving your dining party a sense of separation and richness.

Rounded Booth

The so-called Tavern Room has high bricked walls, ceiling panels, iron details, and playful green chairs.

Decor

From just about anywhere in the restaurant, the absolutely massive open kitchen is visible. Diners can observe almost all aspects of work in the kitchen, which a fun element that adds to the feeling that you’ve come home, in a sense.

Wide Shot of the Trattoria Kitchen

Design details include lots of rustic brick juxtaposed against modern elements, like stylish light fixtures.

Trattoria Stone Medallion at the Hostess Station

Lighting

No matter where you’re seated in Trattoria al Forno, the intent is warmth and comfort, and I appreciate pockets of this in the midst of the theme park World.

Eats

Trattoria al Forno is an Italian restaurant, but from our first visit, the menu included both classic preparations and new takes on traditional cuisine. The drink menu is similar in that diners can find Disney World favorites like the Magical Star Cocktail alongside slightly twisted drinks like the Italian Manhattan.

Drink Menu

If you’re looking for a unique Italian drink, check out the Liquori Italiani at the end of the meal for digestives, liqueurs, and dessert wines.

Italian Liqueur Menu

The food menu includes Antipasti, Pizza al Forno — cooked in a huge wood-burning pizza oven — and Secondi Piatti.

Trattoria al Forno Menu

The dessert menu is small but offers good variety. We’ll get back to this in a bit.

Dessert Menu

I started my meal with Prosecco. It was a light, crisp way to begin.

Prosecco

I wanted to start with something light because I knew my meal was going to be rich and heavy. Delightfully so.

Trattoria al Forno spread

Dinner at Trattoria al Forno starts with complimentary Ciabatta Bread that’s served with Tuscan Olive Oil.

Ciabatta Bread and Olive Oil

The bread is served warm, and diners are encouraged to tear it apart rather than cut it.

Italian Bread and Olive Oil

Inside, the structure is airy and strong, and while I generally try not to fill up on bread, when it’s done this well… it’s hard not to eat more than you intend to eat.

Italian Bread and Olive Oil

I wanted to order one of the restaurant’s signature pizzas, and I couldn’t resist the Pizza Oliveri. This is topped with Smoked Prosciutto, Rosemary, Potato, and Fresh Mozzarella. The prosciutto was salty, and the fresh mozzarella was creamy and flavorful; but overall the pizza didn’t wow. While fine, it wasn’t noteworthy or destination-worthy dining.

Pizza Oliveri

First up for entrees was Oak-Grilled Strip Steak served with Fire-Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Herb-Scented Beef Butter. On my visit, the seasonal vegetables included broccolini and carrots.

Oak Grilled Strip Steak

The steak was cooked and seasoned appropriately, with distinctive grill marks.

Oak Grilled Strip Steak

The steak was also cooked to the perfect doneness for me, and it was still juicy. The Oak-Grilled Strip is a great (if not typically Italian) entree here, but if you’re in the market for steak, there are better to be found in Disney World — check out Shula’s Steakhouse, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Le Cellier Steakhouse.

Oak Grilled Strip Steak

If you’re in the mood for pasta (and, really, when are we not?), you’ll find several options. And this is where Trattoria really shines. First up for me: Pasta alla Carbonara with House-Cured Pancetta, Local Organic Egg, Pecorino Romano, and Fresh Pasta. The key here in all aspects was the freshness.

Pasta alla Carbonara

The house-cured panchetta offered some briny savoriness, and the poached egg added lots of richness. The dish was seasoned well, and the addition of the micro-greens on top was interesting. I enjoyed this dish, and those who love a seriously runny egg atop a dish of tasty food will love it, too.

Pasta alla Carbonara

My second pasta dish was Polpette. Polpette translates to meatball, so if you see this on a menu, go for it! We enjoyed a giant polpette on our first visit here, and these smaller ones were just as flavorful. The ground veal, pork, and beef are laced with herbs, making these meatballs something special. In fact, despite the mealworm-ish look of the Ricotta Cavatelli pasta, this was probably my favorite dish of the night.

Polpette

I wanted to give the desserts here another try. On our first visit, we found them to be lacking, which is disappointing when you’re finishing out an otherwise terrific meal. First up were Zeppoli — essentially Italian doughnuts — served with three dipping sauces (dark chocolate ganache, pistachio cream, and caramel). These were decent, and I appreciated having multiple sauces to mix and match. The doughnuts were a little dense, so you might consider sharing this one.

Zeppoli with Dipping Sauces

The Dark Chocolate Semolina Torta is served with Brachetto Raspberry Crema. Brachetto is an Italian red wine, so there’s a bit of a boozy undertone to this one. As for the dark chocolate in the dessert’s title? I didn’t really get much of that. It was definitely lighter on the chocolate than I was expecting it to be. Overall, this is forgettable.

Dark Chocolate Semolina Torta

The Budino was a simple dessert but was the most satisfying of the three. The Roasted White Chocolate Italian Custard beautifully coated the back of a spoon, and the House-made Amaretti Cookie was light and crispy.

Budino

The rich cherry atop the custard provided dramatic visual and flavor contrast. I really enjoyed this one.

Budino

So the desserts are a little improved over our last visit, but honestly? With Ample Hills Creamery and Boardwalk Bakery within easy walking distance, I might forego the dolci at Trattoria al Forno in favor of something more indulgent and delicious.

Nosh or Not?

Mangiare at Trattoria al Forno if:

You’re planning a Disney date night and want to enjoy the BoardWalk.

You’re an Italian food fan and want to dine at AAAAAALLLLLLLLL the many Italian restaurants in Disney World.

You’re staying at the BoardWalk and like to try all the dining options offered at the resort.

Head elsewhere if:

You don’t want to spend time and money on table service meals during your vacation.

You’re not staying at the BoardWalk and don’t want to travel there.

You aren’t a fan of Italian food.

Overall

Trattoria al Forno is a decent Disney restaurant option. The food is well-done and flavorful, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It’s not so fancy that you need to dress up, but if you want a nice night out, you certainly won’t feel out of place here. We’ve enjoyed our meals at Trattoria al Forno, and the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast is a terrific non-park character meal. And while it’s easy to forget the BoardWalk restaurants when you’re making reservations (unless, of course, you’re staying in one of the nearby resorts!), Trattoria al Forno is worth a try.

Have you enjoyed a meal at Trattoria al Forno? Let us know what you thought! 

Related posts:

Tips From The DFB Guide: The BEST Tables To Request at Disney World Restaurants!

Review: Dinner at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jiko

21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED

from the disney food blog https://ift.tt/2S1nhRQ via https://ift.tt/LNvO3e

[jenguerrero]

Hi everybody! I just spent the last two weeks down at Disney and Universal with my family. It really is a magical place. I think this was our 6th trip there, so we thought we had the drill down, but they’ve changed so much since our last visit, like 6 years ago. If you’ve never gone, you should totally rectify that!

*How* magical is it? Here’s a little story from the end of a wonderful and exhausting day at one of the parks…. We were so tired but ran to Downtown Disney for a few last things the kids wanted. I looked down and the pocket I keep my phone in was unzipped and my phone was gone. We tried Find My IPhone but there was no signal. It’s such a crowded tourist area that it has to be popular with thieves because bumping into people and having someone’s hand brush against your handbag is so common that it would dull any red flags. I was so upset thinking all the photos of the kids and my niece were just gone. A security guard on a bike asked if everything was alright. I explained and he asked if I wanted his help. Absolutely sure that there was nothing he could do, I <as politely as I could but skeptical or even cynical is an understatement> asked if that ever works. He took down a report and then walked us across all of Disney Springs, slower than turtles stampeding through peanut butter. About a block from guest services, he told me he was hopeful because there was no signal. Their procedure is to turn them off before turning them in. If there’s a signal on find my IPhone, they know they don’t have it. I thought it could also be explained by my power running out. He walked up to a guest services person and they ducked into a locked room and walked back out with a phone. Yeah, the opening picture is of Alex and Kat ten years ago in front of a Mickey topiary making mouse ears with little closed baby fists. I started crying and tackle hugged the security guard. He was beaming. I actually think fixing our problem made his day, too. Only at Disney, right?!

Off the beaten path stuff that we adore…

We rented a pontoon boat at the Polynesian resort. It’s a fabulous experience. You can turn up the radio and take a super chill ride past the Magic Kingdom monorail area (the castle’s visible!), Discovery Island (Big attraction for the teenagers because there’s all kinds of legends and stories about this abandoned island. No, you’re not allowed to set foot on land there.), the Grand Floridian resort, and the Fort Wilderness resort. There were only 4 of us but I think it can seat 6 (or maybe 8). It’s $45 for 30 minutes, but you don’t have to watch the clock. We were out for 45 minutes and they charged us for that, not an hour. You have to be 18 to drive it. They had little 2 person boats that you only have to be 12 to drive. I think those were $30/half hour. The Polynesian has a great gift shop with high end Hawaiian shirts, and there are speakers playing Hawaiian music everywhere – even the parking lots. There’s a Dole Whip stand there, too. If you don’t know what that is, pineapple soft serve (twisted with vanilla if you like), and you can get it on top of pineapple upside down cake or floating in pineapple juice if you like. There are other locations to rent boats, but this is our favorite so far.

Surrey bikes. What?! Yeah. It’s a 4 person bike vehicle with a roof. There’s a little basket on the front that our youngest used to LOVE riding in when she was tiny with a bell for them to enthusiastically ding. There’s no gears, so you get a mighty fine workout going uphill over two bridges for each lap you do. We rented one down in the boardwalk area. I think it’s like $30/half hour. If you like to get in a vacation-y workout while you’re on holiday, I totally recommend it! The boardwalk also has boat rentals, beach yoga, a running trail, and a bunch of boardwalk restaurants.

New/Modified rides…

The new Avatar flight ride at Animal Kingdom is the best thing at an amusement park ever. Really. I bet you think that’s subjective, but it’s totally factual. And satisfactual. They send you in with a warning page when you enter the line. I’m afraid of heights <not too bad, because there’s nothing I wont ride at a Disney park> so I was concerned. Are they actually ziplining us all? My bet was on no because they couldn’t efficiently get through a line of people like that. Will it be like Soarin’ and just strap us in a big porch swing as images go by? Probably not. I reminded myself that Disney was in the business of delighting people, and I would probably be delighted. I’m so glad I did! I worried for nothing. You climb on what looks like a Star Wars speeder bike. You are secured in place by safety gear wrapped around your abdomen and your lower back like a big hug, and more holding the back of your legs against the bike. Then you put on virtual reality goggles. Images and wonderful smells whiz by as you’re just sort of tilted about. But it all feels so real! I looked sideways at one point and saw that there are so many rows and columns of the bikes, kind of like the wall of doors in Monsters Inc.

The Slinky Dog coaster at Hollywood Studios actually feels like you’re riding a slinky at one point. They speed you up like you’re on a hot wheels track at the middle. It’s too fun! It’s kind of the perfect starter coaster because it decelerates on the droppy parts. Yes, that’s a technical term.

The Seven Dwarves Mine Train at Magic Kingdom is a really fun kiddie coaster. I love the safety bars on it. You know how on some rides, there seem to be predetermined clicks, and you’re trying so hard to get it to click down one more? Not on this. It’s somehow more personalized, so when you pull it down, it exactly fits you. Nice. We waited a torturous three hours to get on (they estimated 1 ½), so if you want to ride it, maybe head straight there from the gate.

We always loved the Norwegian boat ride at the Norway pavilion at Epcot, so we were a little sad to hear they were giving it a makeover for Frozen. Nah, it’s awesome.

The Kilamajaro Safari ride at Animal Kingdom has been updated to be so much more informative (super yay!), but they killed off the whole “Simba 1! Simba 1! There are poachers in the area!” (Boo!)! Three of us were sad, but my youngest thinks they’ve completely ruined it.

The Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom. Okay, this was only slightly modified, but it’s my personal amusement. They select a bad guy in the audience each time. He used to be called “That guy”, and now he’s called “Sullivan”. My husband gets picked every time. Not even kidding. The last 4 trips. He did this time, too, and my sweet little niece got picked as the monster’s helper! Day made!

Food…

Disney does food so well. On our first night there, we headed to Bongos, Gloria Estefan’s Cuban restaurant at Disney Springs. The bacon wrapped plantains appetizer was amazing. The steak with chimichurri and fufu (mashed green and sweet plantains) was fantastic, and I had a tropical cocktail that was fabulous. They have live music in there, and people dancing, and it’s just buckets of fun. In terms of your pocketbook, it’s in the category “all your money”.

At Epcot, we ate at Le Cellier one day and Coral Reef another. Le Cellier is at the Canada pavilion. The filet mignon over the mushroom risotto is absolute perfection, and my personal fave at Disney. We got reservations this time, but on trips where we couldn’t get the reservation we’ve wanted at Epcot, we’ve had good luck running straight to the restaurant we wanted right when the world showcase opens. It seems to be the best shot of them squeezing you in. At Coral Reef, we had the salmon, and it was to die for. I had the mahi mahi on another trip and that’s glorious if you are in a tropical mood. They’re both in the in the category “all your money” category.

At Magic Kingdom, we always eat at Tony’s because my kids think the doggies sharing the spaghetti plate in Lady and the Tramp is the most romantic scene in movie history. I think it might actually be the almost kiss in It’s a Wonderful Life, but the kids have let me know exactly how wrong I am on that one. By the way, the ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta there is fabulous. Most of your money.

The second day at Magic Kingdom, we found a restaurant we’d never noticed before, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. If you can’t get enough of the cheesy jokes on the jungle cruise, this is the place for you! We adored it! It’s as corny as can be and the food was great, too. One kiddo had a pineapple tofu dish, I had A Lot at Steak Salad, my hub had a whole fried hogfish, and our other kiddo had the sustainable fish of the day. All were super yummy. Most of your money. There are two cheap super-popular-for-a-reason treats that you really need to consider there: Dole Whip and Orange Bird. They are both fruity soft serve deals right before you get to the Enchanted Tiki Room or Pirates ride, and will give you delicious distraction while you’re in line.

At Hollywood Studios, we ate a Mama Melrose’s. Nice Italian food. Most of your money.

At Animal Kingdom, we ate at Yak and Yeti’s. Fantastic stuff. I had chicken tikka masala, my hub had Korean fried chicken and waffles, one kiddo had honey chicken, and the other had a shrimp and scallop sriracha mac and cheese. The sushi starter was nice, too. Most of your money.

We headed back home. On the drive, we realized our favorite Po’ Boy in New Orleans would only add 30 minutes to that 19 hour drive. So worth it. I think we’ll stop for beignets on the drive there next time.

Onto a week or two of health food to atone for vacation. We bought a new saki set at Epcot, so I think I’ll get busy making sushi! Happy week, and let me know if you need any Disney recommendations! 😀 ~Jen

Family Vacay at Disney World! Hi everybody! I just spent the last two weeks down at Disney and Universal with my family.

[dailynynews-blog]

The 9 Best Disneyland (Anaheim) Hotels of 2018

New Post has been published on https://www.usatelegraph.com/2018/9-best-disneyland-anaheim-hotels-2018/

The 9 Best Disneyland (Anaheim) Hotels of 2018

Anaheim’s magical Disneyland Resort is home to Disneyland Park (opened by Walt Disney himself in 1955); and Disney California Adventure Park, a newer attraction inspired by the fascinating culture of the Golden State. In this article, we look at the best Disneyland Resorts and Walt Disney Good Neighbor hotels – ranging from budget off-site options perfect for young families, to luxury resorts in the heart of the park. Choose any one of them and discover for yourself why Disneyland is known as the Happiest Place on Earth.

01of 09

Best Boutique: Hotel Indigo Anaheim

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•••

Despite being located a 15-minute walk from Disneyland’s main gate, Hotel Indigo Anaheim is a far cry from the larger-than-life world of the park itself. With just 104 rooms, it offers an intimate sanctuary for those in search of peace and quiet. The hotel decor is bright and contemporary, evoking the area’s farming heritage with a series of agricultural murals. Rooms and suites ensure your comfort with cable TV, a mini-fridge, an iPod dock and a spacious ensuite bathroom.

Soak up the California sunshine in the garden or by the sparkling swimming pool, where a hot tub and cabanas add to the vacation atmosphere. All-day dining restaurant Chambers Bar & Bistro serves gourmet Californian cuisine in a relaxed setting, while a menu of hand-crafted cocktails allows you to unwind in style. A fitness room, free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking complete the list of on-site amenities.

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Best Overall: Disneyland Hotel

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•••

Located a short walk from both theme parks and the restaurants of Downtown Disney, Disneyland Hotel is the ideal choice for those who like to be in the heart of the action. Best of all, staying at one of only three on-site hotels means that you qualify for early admission to the parks each morning. The hotel’s three towers honor Disneyland’s iconic Adventure, Fantasy and Frontier themes. All rooms and suites sleep at least five adults and include free Wi-Fi and satellite TV.

For a truly magical experience, book a Signature Suite. Choose from six different themes, ranging from Fairytale to Pirates of the Caribbean and Mickey Mouse. The hotel has a choice of swimming pools, including one with two monorail-style water slides. Head to Steakhouse 55 restaurant for romantic fine-dining; or to Goofy’s Kitchen for kid-friendly buffets amidst a cast of Disney characters. In the evening, adults can unwind with cocktails and live music at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Other amenities include a fitness center and spa.

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Best Budget: Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn

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•••

Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn is not the cheapest hotel in the Disneyland area, but it is hard to beat in terms of value. A Disney Good Neighbor hotel, it’s located across the street from the resort’s main gate – allowing you to save money on transport. Rooms and suites include premium cable TV, complimentary tea and coffee and free Wi-Fi, while a mini-fridge and microwave allow for basic self-catering. Avoid pricey dining in the park by fixing your own lunches before you go in.

This is an especially good choice for families on a budget, since children under 18 stay for free. The hotel serves a hot and cold breakfast buffet every morning, and there’s a restaurant and lounge next door for convenient evening meals. When you’re not in the park, relax by the heated pool and spa. Other highlights include a fitness room and laundry services, while free parking minimizes costs for those driving to Disneyland.

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Best for Families: Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground

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•••

The Howard Johnson has won TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Hotels for Families in the United States award five times. It’s an eight-minute walk from Disneyland Resort – allowing you to avoid the stress of riding public transport with small kids. All rooms include a 37” TV and a Keurig coffee maker, though the pirate-themed Kids Suite stands out as the best choice for families with two separate en-suite bedrooms.

The hotel’s Castaway Cove water park boasts water slides and cannons, a toddlers’ wading pool and a 30-foot pirate ship. Alternatively, spend a quiet moment in the secluded Garden Pool or play foosball together in the game room. Mimi’s Café has an extensive kids’ menu and cocktails for Mom and Dad. Save money by buying ingredients for packed lunches at Main Street Market and by using the free Wi-Fi and parking.

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Best for Romance: Hotel Ménage

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•••

A tranquil option located a 15-minute walk from the resort’s main gate, Hotel Ménage is the perfect choice for couples with a love of all things Disney. Contemporary rooms and suites offer a seductive cream-and-chocolate color scheme. Keep celebratory champagne cool in the mini-fridge, then curl up together for a romantic moment in front of the 42” TV. All rooms include a hot buffet breakfast.

In the evening, treat your loved one to a cozy meal at gourmet comfort food restaurant Tru Grits. The hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool is fringed with slender palms and illuminated at night. From here, you can enjoy front-row views of Disney’s famous fireworks, before sharing specialty cocktails at tiki-style Palapa Bar & Lounge. There’s also a fitness center and free Wi-Fi.

06of 09

Best Luxury: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

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•••

The most luxurious of the Disney resorts, the Grand Californian includes a private entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. A rustic haven with woodsy grounds and Craftsman-style decor, all rooms have plush beds, satellite TV and a private balcony or patio. Splash out on a Signature Suite,or upgrade to a Club Level room for complimentary afternoon tea and wine receptions at the exclusive Craftsman Club.

There are several pools, including one with a giant water slide wrapped around a redwood stump, as well as one with a hot tub and private cabanas. Napa Rose restaurant pairs five-star California cuisine with rare regional wines. If you’re traveling with kids, head to Storytellers Café for Disney Character buffet breakfasts. Other unforgettable experiences include open-air movie nights, craft workshops and luxury spa massages.

07of 09

Best for Nightlife: Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

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•••

For a true taste of Disneyland nightlife, stay at retro-boardwalk-inspired Paradise Pier Hotel. Located within the park gates, this option puts you within a 10-minute walk of the bars, restaurants and entertainment venues of Downtown Disney. Start your celebrations in one of the private cabanas on the rooftop pool deck. In season, Sand Bar serves specialty cocktails, while the Disney fireworks are clearly visible from the water. Surfside Lounge is another excellent option for relaxed pre-dinner drinks, while PCH Grill gets you in the mood for fun with a bonfire-inspired dinner buffet. After a late night, your beach-style room or suite provides a place to recharge with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a luxuriously comfy bed.

08of 09

Best Business: Hyatt Regency Orange County

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•••

Ideally situated for work and play, Hyatt Regency Orange County is a seven-minute drive from Disneyland and a five-minute drive from Anaheim Convention Center. You can also host meetings of all sizes at the hotel, which boasts 65,000 square feet of event space. Choose a Business Plan room for complimentary benefits, including premium Internet access, a pressed shirt service and a full breakfast each morning. A 37” TV and a plush bed help you to unwind after a busy day. The hotel also offers tennis and basketball courts, two heated pools and a gym. Sample Italian pizzas and pastas at TusCA restaurant, followed by local microbrews at OC Brewhouse.

09of 09

Best B&B: Candy Cane Inn

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•••

A much-loved Disneyland accommodation option for more than 50 years, Candy Cane Inn welcomes you with a cobblestone driveway and an atmosphere of retro nostalgia. It’s a 10-minute walk to the park, and there’s a free shuttle every 30 minutes. Rooms and suites are quaintly comfortable with a Queen-sized bed and coffee maker. Every morning, enjoy a free deluxe continental breakfast on the pool terrace, surrounded by the hotel’s landscaped gardens. There’s a hot tub, a wading pool for kids and a spa and fitness center for adults.

[ropedropnet]

News Nuggets from Around Disney World

If we’re doing our non-comeback, comeback, we have got to post a new edition of News Nuggets. As I mentioned before, there’s a an “in progress” set of News Nuggets that will be lost to the Patreon-only support realm forever (posting news from early September doesn’t seem particularly helpful now.) That means, these News Nugget are much more cutting edge, including: Dates from next year’s Flower and Garden Festival (scheduled to run Feb. 28 – May 28)..

I kid (mostly), the biggest news relates to some of the upcoming changes to The Studios, including learning that Galaxy Edge is located on the planet Batuu and bunch of news / rumors concerning Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, including:

Rumors of an opening date in April / May of 201;

Confirmation that it’s a trackless ride system.; and

Even rumors for the various scenes that will take place in the ride) (I didn’t read this one, since it’s way too early for me to get spoiled on that stuff.

That said, there were still plently of other News Nuggets over the past few day, so let’s get to it:

Speedway near Boardwalk to close for Refurb – I assume they’re adding a Fastpass+ return pump.

Tomorrowland Terrace at the Magic Kingdom Returning for Mobile Order-Only Test – I like mobile ordering, but I fear a mobile order ONLY restaurant is going to cause some headaches.

New Outdoor Seating Area Opens at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Magic Kingdom – I wonder how busy this will be. It seems like it might be an okay place to sit and relax during more pleasant weather.

Buon appetito! Disney Springs Welcomes Three New Italian Concepts – It’ll be interesting to see how these fit in with the newer restaurants at Disney Springs (especially, quality wise.)

Animal Kingdom’s “Pandora: The World of AVATAR” Banshees Now Available for Adoption Online – Get your Christmas shopping done early!

Rumor that Flights of Wonder at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to End Later This Year – That would kind of be a bummer.

Just Announced: The SpectacuLAB Interactive Show Set to Debut at Epcot in November – This sounds like something that is in line with Epcot’s “original vision.” Let’s see if people show up.

All in the Details: First Look at Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land – Who doesn’t love an old fashioned soda float?

Galactic Goodies Galore at Star Wars: Galactic Nights – I wonder how close they are to making this a monthly (or more frequently) event.

Iconic Mouse-Eared Headwear Sparkles This Fall at Disney Parks – If everyone can get Rose Gold Mickey Ears, will Elyssa still want them?

First Look at NBA Experience Coming to Disney Springs – Summer 2019 is a long time from now.

New Ale & Compass Restaurant Menu – I’m looking to give some of the breakfast options a shot (though I actually have a lunch reservation for next weekend.)

Stitch’s Great Escape Returns for Christmas Season at the Magic Kingdom – Yay?

http://ift.tt/2m9InSA

Photos of the 2017 Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail – WDW News Today gives a photo walk through of this year’s Christmas Tree Trail (I haven’t look through the photos, since I want to see them in person without being “spoiled.”) I’m not sure you need to go to Disney Springs specifically to see this, but it’s a nice thing to look at if you’re there.

Splash Mountain Refurbishment is Still Scheduled for Early 2018 – Even though Splash Mountain isn’t quite finished its more than 2 month refurbishment, it’s still scheduled for a month long refurbishment in 2018. Having such a headline down for a quarter of 12 month period seems weird.

Duffy’s Friend Gelatoni Makes His Debut on ShopDisney – I wonder how long before Elyssa’s asks that Gelatoni joins Fenway and Shellie Mae at our house…

Long-Delayed Choza de Margarita Now Open in Mexico at Epcot – We’ll give you a review once Elyssa has had a chance to have one…

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Milestone Celebrated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Just 2 more years, right? Right?

Disney’s Magical Express Now Picking Up Guests 4 Hours Before Their Flight – In 4 hours, I’d already be halfway back to NC if I was driving…

Hot Chocolate Ganache with Bailey’s, now available at The Ganachery – I see things like this and think “Oh. That’s interesting.” Then I remember the look one of the chefs gave me when I asked about the chocolate bars they used to have when it opened, while telling me “Those are never coming back” and I shrug.

easyWDW Review of Narcoossee’s – Glad to see Josh joining the team. (Okay, that might be a stretch…but he didn’t hate it.)

The Magic Kingdom to Distribute Bonus “Surprise” Paper FastPasses on Select Evenings Through November & December – This will be interesting if it happens. I assume they’ll use this to help with distributing people throughout the park.

Disney Springs Introducing Hands-Free Shopping This Holiday Season – It’s easier to lose track of how much you’ve already spent if you’re not holding the items you bought.

Enjoy A More Relaxing Black Friday Weekend at Disney Springs – ‘3 Days of Fun”, eh?

New Permits Show Building Placement for Ratatouille Attraction and France Expansion – It’s pretty much what you’d expect.

New Road Opens to Magic Kingdom Area Resorts – This is going to make getting to Whispering Canyon so much easier.

Exclusive First Look: Starspeeder Flight Through Crait on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney Parks – I’m still avoiding Last Jedi spoilers, so I won’t be looking at this too closely.

New Projections, Celebrity Appearances & More Announced for Star Wars Galactic Nights – I would be fine with them adding these projections to other evenings.

Celebrate the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort! – Even though Elyssa and I plan on being there, I don’t think we’ll be doing any of these “special events”.

Star Tours Will No Longer Mix Places & Characters from Different Eras, Ride to be Separated Into Two Paths – It looks like Star Tours will be a little less random for a bit (6-12 months) and then the “new” trilogy will get split out. I’m not sure that’s necessary, but it’s not entirely unexpected.

Jessie & Rex Arrive in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – I say they “have” to get this done before the summer crowds, but I’m sure the holiday crowds wish there was something a little more at The Studios this year.

That’s it for this helping of News Nuggets. It feels good to be back. Let’s end this with a little transformation into Christmas from the folks at Inside the Magic:

The post News Nuggets from Around Disney World appeared first on Rope Drop [dot] Net.

from News Nuggets from Around Disney World

[islandsunfla]

ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF-SEASON RENTALS MAKE THE BEST FLORIDA VACATION

ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF-SEASON VACATION PERK

You’re probably wondering exactly when is the off-season?

NO CROWDS, LESS TRAFFIC.

When off-season hits it’s like a switch flips. The transition really is that drastic. One of the most noticeable aspects of the off-season is the traffic. Your morning/afternoon/evening commute will be shorter, there are far fewer cars on the road.

Everything is just a little easier in the off-season. You don’t get stuck trying to cross the bridges, grocery store lines are a breeze, and there is no wait for a table at ANY of your favorite restaurants.

BEACH RENTALS ARE CHEAPEST IN THE OFF-SEASON

Across Anna Maria Island’s off season you’ll see the prices on beach rentals drop to the lowest rates of the entire year. This is the perfect time to plan a vacation, or even a last minute getaway.

This is the time to search for the best deals. You might even luck out and find discounts stacked on top of these already low rates. When high season comes around discounts are not super common, however, always be sure to check Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals for an up to date list of discounts any time you are planning a visit.

“SEE THE “REAL FLORIDA”

When you visit Anna Maria Island in the off-season there are fewer tourists, and therefore, you really can get a feel for the authentic local flavor. That “real Florida” vibe that only locals know about is a bit watered down when there are so many visitors. When slow season comes around you’ll find locals have more time to chat about the island life.

WEATHER, RAIN AND FLORIDA HEAT

You may notice the off-season coincides with a very hot time of year, and also hurricane season. While this may not seem like the ideal time for a vacation, Floridians will disagree.

There are several benefits to planning a vacation in the middle of the hot summer. First, it’s a great time for swimming. That is obvious. Second, your relatives will think it’s too hot and won’t want to come with you. Not that family vacations aren’t fun, but it can be hard to manage the vacation schedule of a large group. You’ll actually get to relax on this vacation!

Florida off-season weather may seem like a deterrent, but really, you can plan a vacation ANY time of year in Florida and end up with more rain than forecasts predict. If you are worried about a hurricane interrupting your stay then consider travel insurance. It will cover you in the event a named storm makes land fall and evacuation is necessary.

There is something special about experiencing a heavy Florida storm. They tend to come out of nowhere, and disappear just as fast. The crack of lightning with booming thunder can be both exhilarating and relaxing at once.

ENJOY THE AIR CONDITIONING

Any Floridian will tell you ALL buildings and indoor places have air conditioning. We aren’t just talking about little window units. We’re talking about fresh air conditioning blasting on ultra high. Yes it will be hot outside, but Floridians know how to keep it cool.

CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS DON’T SUFFER

When visiting during the off-season you’ll still find the same great customer service and friendly faces that you experience during the high season. This time of year may be a break from the hustle bustle, but employees in the travel and tourism industry work just as hard to impress visitors no matter the time of year. In fact, you may even find people are just a little friendlier and have more time to really go the extra mile.

Get ready to find the best off-season vacation. Contact us today!

If it’s your first visit, take a few hours to explore our peaceful little island. Get your toes wet (literally) on a boat tour around Anna Maria Island, or take to the skies for a parasail ride. Rent a bike, scooter, boat, or jet ski to explore for yourself, or hop aboard the free island trolley for a chauffeured tour.

Of course, you could just enjoy a lazy day on the Gulf, aboard Captain Kathe’s Cortez Charter. As we like to stay, on Anna Maria Island you’re free to do everything or nothing at all.

Beaches

Florida is home to 1,200 miles of golden coastline, with powder-soft white sands that rake in the superlatives. And yet, even among such fine company, Anna Maria Island still reigns supreme.

Named by TripAdvisor as America’s #1 Beach Vacation Destination, our pristine sands are considered some of the best in the nation. And for good reason: tall, wispy sea oats frame protected shoreline, where foamy waves roll onto iridescent sands. The warm Gulf breeze and ubiquitous salty scent is the the sweet, sweet icing on our island cake.

Read more about Anna Maria Island beaches. And don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite beaches and sandy corners.

Fishing

Without a doubt, after sunbathing and swimming and beachcombing, sport fishing is the most popular pastime on Anna Maria Island. It’s part allure – will you catch “the limit”? – and part simple pleasures – fresh Florida seafood is a definite delicacy – but whatever the secret sauce, Anna Maria Island fishing is a perennial favorite among our guests.

If you ask us, one of the best ways to while away an afternoon is on an island pier. Three fishing piers – Bradenton Beach City, the Rod & Reel Fishing Pier, and the historical Anna Maria Island City Pier – offer a relaxing environment and some serious catches. Be aware that if you fish off the beach, a fishing license if required; if you fish off a licensed pier, you’re covered. (Always check current regulations, as requirement change per state and federal law.)

Of course, fishing on Anna Maria Island doesn’t have to be laid-back. Hire a fishing charter and head out into the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay and the Backwaters, and explore the wilds of Florida waters. Tours are tailored to you, whether you’re a serious angler, a family with kids, or leisurely fishing for your next meal.

One thing is sure: there’s always something special about spending time on the water. Remember what anglers say – days spent on the water don’t count against your days on earth.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite fishing spots and charters.

Attractions & Recreation

Anna Maria Island’s recreational options are almost as numerous as grains of sand on the beach. From boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing, to sail boating, scuba diving and snorkeling (check out the sunken ship 200 yards from your condo’s front door!); from kayak rentals, bicycle rides and scooter adventures, to air boat tours, wind surfing, and dolphin tours; from mini-golf, shark-teeth treasure hunts, and fishing, to alligator tours, greyhound races and manatee watching, Anna Maria is determined to thrill.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite attractions, activities and tours.

Restaurants

On Anna Maria Island, our restaurants enjoy some of the best real estate anywhere: beachfront, Gulf-front, Bay-front and Waterway-front. But if there’s anything that could even hope to outshine the view, it’s the food: just-caught seafood, fresh produce, and all other matter of home-cooked delicacies, served under an umbrella with a side of sea breeze.

The Anna Maria Island dining scene offers an incredible variety of restaurants from Cuban to American, from German to Italian, from French to Chinese. Trust us when we say, you haven’t truly experienced the island until you’ve witnessed the spectacular sunset from your favorite restaurant, café, or bar & grille.

Read more about Anna Maria Island restaurants. Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite restaurants, on and off island!

Entertainment

Anna Maria Island and its neighboring cities offer a full schedule of live entertainment, mind-bending fun, and intellectual stimulation. Close to home you’ll find the Island Players live theater, South Florida Museum and Aquarium, Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens, Jungle Gardens, DeSoto National Park or the Manatee Players, and the Asolo Center for the Performing Arts and many other venues.

Of course, if you can drag yourself off the island – and really, it’s debatable; once we’re here, we never want to leave! – you could visit the G-wiz science museum, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota West Coast Symphony, Tampa’s Florida Aquarium and the renowned Dali Museum in nearby St. Petersburg.

Then there’s Adventure Island and Mote Marine Laboratories, where you’ll come face-to-face with live sharks in a 135,000-gallon shark tank. Learn about marine life and stroll along a boardwalk, in picturesque waterfront areas filled with lush vegetation.

Our neighboring cities also play host to year-round excitement with training and seasonal games for teams like baseball’s legendary Pirates, the Red Sox and the Tampa Devil Rays, as well as Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Stanley Cup winners, the Tampa Bay Lighting.

Golf is also another favorite pastime, and with more than two dozen public and private courses from which to choose – not to mention at least 200 more within a short drive – Manatee County and its neighboring communities are a virtual golfing paradise.

Our Florida beach rental condo is located within 10 minutes of the internationally famous David Leadbetter IMG Golf Academy and Nick Boliterie Tennis Academy both located in Bradenton Florida.

Tampa is 35 miles north, where you can go wild at find Busch Gardens. The most famous Mouse in the world, as well as Disney World and all the Orlando attractions, are only a two-hour drive to the northeast.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite entertainment offerings!

Shopping

Beach shops. Elegant boutiques. Gift shops. Jewelry stores. Art galleries. Treasure troves. Souvenir markets. Craft shops. Mom-and-Pops.

Anna Maria Island is something of a shopping paradise. From elegant evening wear to one-of-a-kind souvenirs, from casual beach gear to artisan coffee, there’s something to please absolutely everyone here. So whether you’re looking for something with local flavor, or just a replacement for the beach towel you forgot on the lounge chair, you’ll find it.

And for bigger shopping trips, the nearby cities of Bradenton and Sarasota offer four full-service shopping malls, hundreds of specialty shops, quaint shopping villages, upscale boutiques and flea markets. Driving south along Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll discover Sarasota and the world-famous St. Armand’s Circle shopping district, renowned for its upscale shopping and fine dining.

For the shop-till-you-drop type, the Prime Outlets Mall in Ellenton is just the place. It’s the largest manufacturer’s outlet on Florida’s West coast. A beautiful Caribbean environment is the setting for over 135 designer and brand name outlets that will save you 25%-75% off retail prices.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite shopping stops!

Join AnnaMariaCondoRentals.com on Things To See & Do on Anna Maria Island

HOW TO INQUIRE AND RESERVE ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF-SEASON RENTALS MAKE THE BEST FLORIDA VACATION

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August 25, 2017

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http://bit.ly/2ixX3cE 449 800 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-08-25 17:53:242017-08-25 17:53:24ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF-SEASON RENTALS MAKE THE BEST FLORIDA VACATION

Things To Do

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April 29, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gbQMmc 882 1200 Antonio Bortolotti http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Antonio Bortolotti2017-04-29 11:58:072017-07-12 15:51:56Things To Do

Blues, Brews & BBQ on Bridge Street

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April 15, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gbQMTe 349 657 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-04-15 07:30:552017-06-30 13:51:31Blues, Brews & BBQ on Bridge Street

Easter Family Fun on Anna Maria Island!

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April 8, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gbQNqg 239 356 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-04-08 07:00:492017-06-26 06:24:25Easter Family Fun on Anna Maria Island!

Quick & Easy Anna Maria Island Smoothie

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March 26, 2017

http://bit.ly/2geonfn 667 1000 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-26 09:00:142017-05-03 07:50:59Quick & Easy Anna Maria Island Smoothie

St. Armand's Circle Sarasota

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March 21, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gckvv9 163 300 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-21 13:24:482017-05-03 07:53:06St. Armand's Circle Sarasota

St. Patricks Day Parade 2017

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March 20, 2017

http://bit.ly/2ixJ46J 532 800 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-20 17:21:072017-06-26 05:43:49St. Patricks Day Parade 2017

Parasailing On Anna Maria Island

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March 20, 2017

http://bit.ly/2iy1moi 422 874 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-20 11:23:292017-05-03 07:58:45Parasailing On Anna Maria Island

Cortez Fish Market

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March 19, 2017

http://bit.ly/2ixAaWQ 659 900 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-19 16:20:492017-05-04 06:07:10Cortez Fish Market

PreviousNext

Hello

Things to do

If it’s your first visit, take a few hours to explore our peaceful little island. Get your toes wet (literally) on a boat tour around Anna Maria Island, or take to the skies for a parasail ride. Rent a bike, scooter, boat, or jet ski to explore for yourself, or hop aboard the free island trolley for a chauffeured tour.

Of course, you could just enjoy a lazy day on the Gulf, aboard Captain Kathe’s Cortez Charter. As we like to stay, on Anna Maria Island you’re free to do everything or nothing at all.

Beaches

Florida is home to 1,200 miles of golden coastline, with powder-soft white sands that rake in the superlatives. And yet, even among such fine company, Anna Maria Island still reigns supreme.

Named by TripAdvisor as America’s #1 Beach Vacation Destination, our pristine sands are considered some of the best in the nation. And for good reason: tall, wispy sea oats frame protected shoreline, where foamy waves roll onto iridescent sands. The warm Gulf breeze and ubiquitous salty scent is the the sweet, sweet icing on our island cake.

Read more about Anna Maria Island beaches. And don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite beaches and sandy corners.

Fishing

Without a doubt, after sunbathing and swimming and beachcombing, sport fishing is the most popular pastime on Anna Maria Island. It’s part allure – will you catch “the limit”? – and part simple pleasures – fresh Florida seafood is a definite delicacy – but whatever the secret sauce, Anna Maria Island fishing is a perennial favorite among our guests.

If you ask us, one of the best ways to while away an afternoon is on an island pier. Three fishing piers – Bradenton Beach City, the Rod & Reel Fishing Pier, and the historical Anna Maria Island City Pier – offer a relaxing environment and some serious catches. Be aware that if you fish off the beach, a fishing license if required; if you fish off a licensed pier, you’re covered. (Always check current regulations, as requirement change per state and federal law.)

Of course, fishing on Anna Maria Island doesn’t have to be laid-back. Hire a fishing charter and head out into the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay and the Backwaters, and explore the wilds of Florida waters. Tours are tailored to you, whether you’re a serious angler, a family with kids, or leisurely fishing for your next meal.

One thing is sure: there’s always something special about spending time on the water. Remember what anglers say – days spent on the water don’t count against your days on earth.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite fishing spots and charters.

Attractions & Recreation

Anna Maria Island’s recreational options are almost as numerous as grains of sand on the beach. From boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing, to sail boating, scuba diving and snorkeling (check out the sunken ship 200 yards from your condo’s front door!); from kayak rentals, bicycle rides and scooter adventures, to air boat tours, wind surfing, and dolphin tours; from mini-golf, shark-teeth treasure hunts, and fishing, to alligator tours, greyhound races and manatee watching, Anna Maria is determined to thrill.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite attractions, activities and tours.

Restaurants

On Anna Maria Island, our restaurants enjoy some of the best real estate anywhere: beachfront, Gulf-front, Bay-front and Waterway-front. But if there’s anything that could even hope to outshine the view, it’s the food: just-caught seafood, fresh produce, and all other matter of home-cooked delicacies, served under an umbrella with a side of sea breeze.

The Anna Maria Island dining scene offers an incredible variety of restaurants from Cuban to American, from German to Italian, from French to Chinese. Trust us when we say, you haven’t truly experienced the island until you’ve witnessed the spectacular sunset from your favorite restaurant, café, or bar & grille.

Read more about Anna Maria Island restaurants. Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite restaurants, on and off island!

Entertainment

Anna Maria Island and its neighboring cities offer a full schedule of live entertainment, mind-bending fun, and intellectual stimulation. Close to home you’ll find the Island Players live theater, South Florida Museum and Aquarium, Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens, Jungle Gardens, DeSoto National Park or the Manatee Players, and the Asolo Center for the Performing Arts and many other venues.

Of course, if you can drag yourself off the island – and really, it’s debatable; once we’re here, we never want to leave! – you could visit the G-wiz science museum, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota West Coast Symphony, Tampa’s Florida Aquarium and the renowned Dali Museum in nearby St. Petersburg.

Then there’s Adventure Island and Mote Marine Laboratories, where you’ll come face-to-face with live sharks in a 135,000-gallon shark tank. Learn about marine life and stroll along a boardwalk, in picturesque waterfront areas filled with lush vegetation.

Our neighboring cities also play host to year-round excitement with training and seasonal games for teams like baseball’s legendary Pirates, the Red Sox and the Tampa Devil Rays, as well as Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Stanley Cup winners, the Tampa Bay Lighting.

Golf is also another favorite pastime, and with more than two dozen public and private courses from which to choose – not to mention at least 200 more within a short drive – Manatee County and its neighboring communities are a virtual golfing paradise.

Our Florida beach rental condo is located within 10 minutes of the internationally famous David Leadbetter IMG Golf Academy and Nick Boliterie Tennis Academy both located in Bradenton Florida.

Tampa is 35 miles north, where you can go wild at find Busch Gardens. The most famous Mouse in the world, as well as Disney World and all the Orlando attractions, are only a two-hour drive to the northeast.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite entertainment offerings!

Shopping

Beach shops. Elegant boutiques. Gift shops. Jewelry stores. Art galleries. Treasure troves. Souvenir markets. Craft shops. Mom-and-Pops.

Anna Maria Island is something of a shopping paradise. From elegant evening wear to one-of-a-kind souvenirs, from casual beach gear to artisan coffee, there’s something to please absolutely everyone here. So whether you’re looking for something with local flavor, or just a replacement for the beach towel you forgot on the lounge chair, you’ll find it.

And for bigger shopping trips, the nearby cities of Bradenton and Sarasota offer four full-service shopping malls, hundreds of specialty shops, quaint shopping villages, upscale boutiques and flea markets. Driving south along Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll discover Sarasota and the world-famous St. Armand’s Circle shopping district, renowned for its upscale shopping and fine dining.

For the shop-till-you-drop type, the Prime Outlets Mall in Ellenton is just the place. It’s the largest manufacturer’s outlet on Florida’s West coast. A beautiful Caribbean environment is the setting for over 135 designer and brand name outlets that will save you 25%-75% off retail prices.

Don’t miss our Insider’s Guide, exclusive to Absolute Anna Maria guests, where we detail our favorite shopping stops!

Join AnnaMariaCondoRentals.com on Things To See & Do on Anna Maria Island

HOW TO INQUIRE AND RESERVE ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF-SEASON RENTALS MAKE THE BEST FLORIDA VACATION

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August 25, 2017

…

http://bit.ly/2ixX3cE 449 800 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-08-25 17:53:242017-08-25 17:53:24ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF-SEASON RENTALS MAKE THE BEST FLORIDA VACATION

Things To Do

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April 29, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gbQMmc 882 1200 Antonio Bortolotti http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Antonio Bortolotti2017-04-29 11:58:072017-07-12 15:51:56Things To Do

Blues, Brews & BBQ on Bridge Street

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April 15, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gbQMTe 349 657 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-04-15 07:30:552017-06-30 13:51:31Blues, Brews & BBQ on Bridge Street

Easter Family Fun on Anna Maria Island!

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April 8, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gbQNqg 239 356 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-04-08 07:00:492017-06-26 06:24:25Easter Family Fun on Anna Maria Island!

Quick & Easy Anna Maria Island Smoothie

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March 26, 2017

http://bit.ly/2geonfn 667 1000 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-26 09:00:142017-05-03 07:50:59Quick & Easy Anna Maria Island Smoothie

St. Armand's Circle Sarasota

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March 21, 2017

http://bit.ly/2gckvv9 163 300 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-21 13:24:482017-05-03 07:53:06St. Armand's Circle Sarasota

St. Patricks Day Parade 2017

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March 20, 2017

http://bit.ly/2ixJ46J 532 800 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-20 17:21:072017-06-26 05:43:49St. Patricks Day Parade 2017

Parasailing On Anna Maria Island

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March 20, 2017

http://bit.ly/2iy1moi 422 874 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-20 11:23:292017-05-03 07:58:45Parasailing On Anna Maria Island

Cortez Fish Market

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March 19, 2017

http://bit.ly/2ixAaWQ 659 900 Terry Whyte http://bit.ly/2gd7Ub2 Terry Whyte2017-03-19 16:20:492017-05-04 06:07:10Cortez Fish Market

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Hello

Hello

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The post ANNA MARIA ISLAND OFF-SEASON RENTALS MAKE THE BEST FLORIDA VACATION appeared first on AnnaMariaIslandCondoRentals.com.

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