Jun 26

DiVine – Animal Kingdom

dsc00690Guests at Disney World are accustomed to characters found within the parks. We look for our favorites – they are obvious and easy to spot…all of them except one found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Hidden within the lush vegetation on the pathway between Africa and Asia is one of the most fantastic characters you will ever see – her name is DiVine.  

IMG_4967DiVine is painted in hues of green, adorned with leaves, ivy and clusters of grapes in order to camouflage her with the foliage of the park. She performs on stilts and her height ranges anywhere between 7 and 16 feet, depending on what she is doing with her hands and legs. When standing still, it is almost impossible to distinguish DiVine from the dense flora of the park until she moves.  When she does move, her gestures are delicate, organic and mystical.  This is when the crowds will start to gather around her to watch the moves of a graceful ballet dancer.

IMG_4966DiVine does not make eye contact with guests, in fact she often keeps her eyes closed as she continues her contortions and slow movements.  You will never hear DiVine speak but the expressions on her face are as if she has experienced pure nirvana.  She can’t sign autographs – she is a plant – but if you’re lucky, she will pose for photographs with guests and she is easy to photograph due to her slow and defined movements.

So, how is it that her leaves and flora remain on her in the hot and humid weather that makes all of us feel as if we are melting?  She uses a special body spray so that the leaves and ivy stay on her body and it takes hours to replicate the details of nature in her costume in order for her to astound guests on a daily basis at the Animal Kingdom.

divine2The interesting part is that DiVine does not work directly for Disney. She is contracted by Disney through a company called Living World Entertainment and there are several people who portray this beauty in nature. Each person who portrays DiVine must have a background in dance and fine arts and is expected to meet certain height and weight requirements for obvious reasons.  DiVine is an artist of nature and can actually be hired for private parties.  She is a sight to behold.

The next time you are in the Animal Kingdom, keep your eyes open because you never know when a tree branch may move and this mystical character may appear.  DiVine conveys the park’s theme of the inherent value of nature. She is beautiful, magical, mysterious and magnificent all at once. She is simply “DiVine”.

Jun 21

Harambe Nights

imagesHave you heard about the new nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?  For the first time ever, the Animal Kingdom offers a special ticketed event called Harambe Nights that takes place every Saturday throughout the Summer.  This special event pairs an impressive 55 minute theatrical production of “The Lion King Concert in the Wild” with a high-energy street party featuring Africa-inspired food, beverage and entertainment.

0614ZW_151_PM1-640x425The production is a compilation of celebrity narrators, a live orchestra, choir and special effects presenting Simba’s coming of age. This event is a memorable evening of storytelling, inspired dining, live music and dance set in the streets of an African village.

It all begins with a lively welcome reception in the park’s Harambe Village where savory appetizers, a specialty cocktail, and a selection of refreshing wines and beers are on the menu.

After the welcome reception, guests make their way to their seats at the brand-new Harambe Theatre, dak830009-600x400where dramatic lighting, breathtaking scenic pieces and projection exclusive to this production will transport them to the African savanna. “The Lion King Concert in the Wild” brings the humor and heart of the story to life by blending excerpts from the Disney classic film with stage theatrics.  Each week, a celebrity narrator backed by a live orchestra joins a company of singers and dancers to recreate the drama of an African story circle.

The lineup of narrators for the remainder of the summer include:

  • Montego Glover — June 21, 2014
  • David Alan Grier — June 28, 2014
  • Michael Beach — July 5, 2014
  • Harry Lennix — July 12, 2014
  • Joe Morton — July 19, 2014
  • Alfre Woodard — July 26, 2014
  • Brian Stokes Mitchell — August 2, 2014
  • Patina Miller — August 9, 2014

Beginning with the iconic birth-of-Simba scene and continuing through the show’s gripping climax, guests are immersed in Simba’s journey to find his place as the Lion King. The guest narrator adds emotional perspective to the original tale inspired, in part, by African folklore and Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

After the theatrical extravaganza wraps up, the post show street party continues in Harambe Village into the evening featuring dak730011-600x399Afro-pop rhythms, dancers, costumed stilt performers, and popular characters from The Lion King. The celebration will feature
a culinary nod to Africa with multiple buffet stations of perfectly seasoned dishes for pairing with a selection of beers, wines and specialty beverages all included in the event admission. Soft drinks and water also are offered.  Gourmet desserts under the stars and a special farewell experience delivers a delicious ending to a magical evening. This is an event you won’t want to miss.

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The event runs from 7-10:30 p.m. General admission tickets for Harambe Nights run $119 ages 10 and up; $79 ages 9 and under. Premium floor seating tickets run $134 ages 10 and up; $94 ages 9 and under. Parking is complimentary.

 

 

Jun 20

Fourth of July at Walt Disney World

UnknownThe Fourth of July at Walt Disney World sparks patriotic entertainment for the holiday.  Tomorrow officially kicks off summer and Walt Disney World has a lot in store. The Fourth of July is just around the corner so get ready to get your red, white and blue on to celebrate Independence Day during a special tribute to the stars and stripes. It’s a two-day patriotic extravaganza as Disney Parks honor America with a Fourth of July celebration that will light up the night.

Here is a line-up of special entertainment and events throughout the parks:

 

Magic Kingdom – July 3rd and 4th

  • Park Hours  – 8 am to 1 am  Extra Magic Hours from 1 am to 3 am on July 3
  • Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky – a 14 minute, 360-degree fireworks extravaganza starting at 9:00 pm on July 3 and 4.

Epcot – July 4thimages

  • Meet your favorite Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire outside The American Adventure (Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Chip and Dale)
  • Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps – Performances at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4 and 4:45 p.m.
  • The Voices of Liberty will perform at America Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45, and 3 p.m. and inside The American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5 p.m.
  • “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” a dazzling display of pyrotechnics at 10 p.m., followed by a heart-pounding, grand finale salute to America.
  • Don’t Look Back (Sounds Like Summer concert series)  – 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m.

imagesDisney’s Hollywood Studios – July 4th

  • Join the party at the Sorcerer Hat with a DJ at 6 pm.
  • Mulch, Sweat & Shears will take you on a musical road trip through America – 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m
  • “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration” fireworks spectacular at 10:15 pm

Mickey wants YOU to join him and all the gang to celebrate this great country of ours!

 

Jun 12

Top 10 Disney Snacks – Magic Kingdom

I don’t often purchase the dining plan when we are at Walt Disney World.  It’s not because I don’t think it is a great value because it can add up to be a great savings, especially for families.  When we are in the parks and do have meals, they are table service dining but for the most part, we snack ALL day long, especially in the Magic Kingdom.  So, here is a list of my Top 10 Disney Snacks at the Magic Kingdom.  Did your favorite make my list?

IMG_623110.  TURKEY LEG

The smoked turkey leg found in Frontierland is considered one of the Magic Kingdom’s 4 food groups.  This giant smoked leg is large enough to be a meal, and sometimes enough for 2 people to share, but it is considered a snack.  Loaded with the smoky, salty flavor, this leg is sure to satisfy your snack attack.

 

images9.  FUNNEL CAKES

My, oh my, the funnel cakes are divine!  Whether you like them sprinkled with powdered sugar, covered in cinnamon or loaded with fruit and whipped cream, Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square is where you need to be to enjoy one of these sinful delights. I usually just go for the powdered sugar one although the one with the strawberries and whipped cream is to die for!

 

images8.  PORK SHANK

If you are looking for a manly sized snack, served in a manly tavern then stop by the manliest of manly places, Gaston’s Tavern, for a tender and delicious roasted pork shank.  Partner you shank with LeFou’s Brew, a mixture of apple juice, marshmallow and passion fruit, for a great quick service snack.

 

Unknown7.  MICKEY ICE CREAM BAR

No trip to Disney is complete without one of these premium ice cream bars! The creamy, cool vanilla ice cream dipped in a decadent chocolate shell is also known as one the Disney’s 4 food groups and a definite must-have in our book. This is the most common snack credit used on the dining plan and can be found in numerous ice cream carts throughout the park.

IMG_66756.  CANDIED APPLES

Ahhhh, the candied and carmel apples found at Disney – the sweetest treat in the World. Starting with a Granny Smith apple, the Main Street Confectionary creates various characters that are a true work of art. Whether you want Mickey, Minnie, Belle, Maleficent or even Mike Wysowski, these giant candied orbs will definitely please your sweet tooth.

images5.  POPCORN

It’s the first thing you smell when you walk through the train station’s arch into the Magic Kingdom and makes for the best snack while waiting for the parade. Yes, it’s fresh popcorn – Disney style!  More than 5.2 million bags of popcorn are popped at Disney World every year.  That’s over 45,000 pounds of buttery, salty goodness.

photo 2.PNG-24.  KITCHEN SINK ICE CREAM

If you love a good ice cream sundae, then this is the treat for you.  One scoop each of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, topped with hot fudge, caramel and strawberry sauce, covered in whipped cream and topped with chocolate and peanut butter chips and cherries.  Enough to share with several people. And…you get to keep the Mickey sink!  Yes, please!

images3.  GOURMET CAKE CUPS

Everyone loves cupcakes, right? This goodie found at the Cheshire Cafe is a not a cupcake – it’s a cake cup. Take a cup and add a layer of icing and then a layer of moist cake. Cover that with more icing and then more cake and then more icing. Oh and don’t forget more cake and a massive pile of icing on top. Yum! 

images2. MICKEY PRETZEL

There is a very close tie between number 2 and number 1 in my snack list.  I absolutely love the Mickey Pretzel.  To me, it is quintessential Disney and I must have at least one on every visit. I can’t resist them. Again, one of the 4 Disney food groups, this salty treat can be found at a cart in Frontierland across from the Trading Post.

tumblr_n5d402uzNx1tw4524o3_2501.  DOLE WHIP

Last but definitely not least, the Dole Whip! If you have not had one, you have not truly experienced Disney.  It is a great reminder of my childhood and the hot days of summer spent in the parks. This refreshing soft-serve pineapple dessert is sure to cool you off and tantalize your taste buds.  Found only at Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

Have a magical day snacking!

 

Jun 10

Whispering Canyon Cafe

IMG_6397It’s been a little while since my last blog. You’re wondering where I have been, right? Well, I have been at Walt Disney World having a blast, taking pictures – 1,973 pictures to be exact – and eating delicious food. One day during our visit, we decided to leave the parks to go check out the Wilderness Lodge, a place we have not stayed yet nor have we visited.  We found ourselves relaxing on one of the many couches taking in all the fabulous architecture and especially the air conditioning. As I lay there relaxing, I posted a picture of the lobby on my Facebook page and a friend from high school chimed in that this was his favorite place to stay and how he loved dining at the Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Ahhh, it was located right behind me but it was so quiet – not a guest to be found. This must be some quiet little dining experience that is enjoyable at the end of a long day in the parks. Right? Not quite.  My friend says to dine there….and ask for ketchup.  Hmmm….ketchup.  I am not a fan of ketchup so I wonder what that is all about.  Enter another friend on FB who says in all caps – “DON’T ASK FOR IMG_6740THE KETCHUP.”  Now these guys have piqued my interest so I make reservations for breakfast the morning we are set to leave and go home.

The Whispering Canyon Cafe is no ordinary place.  It is a rootin’ tootin’ good time and it gets loud – just like the sign warns – but that is what makes it so fun.  We are told our server, Tootsie Pop will be right with us and the next thing I know cocktail napkins are being flung across our table and there she is Tootsie.  No kidding, she looks just like she stepped out of the movie Tootsie.  Linda is a real name and she is a real doll.  She pulls up a chair and joins us for a chat as if she has known us our whole lives.  She looks at my daughter and says “yea I know, you want a milkshake” and turns to me and says “and you want a mimosa”.    Spot on, Tootsie!

IMG_6731After she arrives with our morning drinks, she wants to know if we are going to be “little piggies” and have the all you care to enjoy breakfast.  Sure – bring it on!  As we are enjoying our scenery, one of the servers screams across the dining hall for “KETCHUP” and this is when the fun begins!  It’s hilarious!  From the other  side of the dining hall another server responds loudly “YEAH I NEED TO CATCH UP!” and all of a sudden there is chaos and yelling between the servers and then a large tray of ketchup, actual bottles of Ketchup are being delivered to a table!  These bottles remain on your table until the next guest requests ketchup and then your whole table has to deliver the ketchup to those who request it.  It’s so funny and you can’t wait to join in.

IMG_6727In the meantime as we wait for our food and take in the funny escapades all around the cafe, the music starts and there is a parade of people on stick ponies.  My child joins in on the fun and parades around the restaurant with a huge smile on her face riding high on her pony.  Ok she has to ride high because the pony is only about 3 feet tall!  The funniest part is she thought she was too old to do it but there were adults joining in on the fun as well.

IMG_6728So much going on in just the hour we are in there.  Are you wondering where our food is?  We are not even thinking about our food at this point because we are having so much fun.  But here it comes….this large tray of delicious breakfast.  All you can eat at that.  Mickey waffles, scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage…yes, please!  Feed me, Seymour!  It looks great – but don’t touch it yet because this blogger has to have a picture of it!  May I have some ketchup, please Tootsie?  And it starts all over again!

As I am snapping a picture of our yummy breakfast, Jeff, the server at the next table over rolls his eyes and says, “You gotta be a foodie?”  To which I respond, “No, I am a blogger” and then he proceeds to offer a sip of my mimosa to the guests at his table.  Ummm….NO, funny guy, I will share a lot of things but my mimosa is not one of them!

As we are enjoying the delectable array of wonderful breakfast treats that magically continue to multiply at our table, Jeff is standing before us and he starts stacking our ketchup bottles into a pyramid.  Hmmm…..I ask him if I may take a picture of him for my blog.  He asks me if he may get some props before I take his picture.  Ok, what is this guy up to???  He comes back a couple of minutes later with something behind his back piquing my curiosity and before I know it he is posing for what has become my favorite picture of this trip.  Now considering that I have taken a total of 1,973 shots in 5 days this must be something special, right?  Exactly!  Here is Jeff – he’s funny, witty and creative and I offer him a huge thanks for giving me this pose and a smile for the rest of the day! It doesn’t get any better than this! How did he know that I was a fan of the Mickey ears?IMG_6734

I highly recommend the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Not only is it fun and entertaining but the food is great too. This is my new go-to place at the Walt Disney World Resort and one that I will make a tradition of dining at during every visit.  Make sure that you say hi to Jeff and Tootsie for me.  I am sure that they are making memories for guests everyday – I know they both gave me an experience I will never forget!