(Why Can't Stitch Catch A Break?)

A larger-than-life Stitch at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, 2007.

I recently was reading my AllEars newsletter (something I look forward to weekly), and in passing, the writer expressed her distaste for Stitch's Great Escape (an opinion I vehemently share). That really got me thinking about the little blue alien. Ah, Stitch. You are, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite Disney characters. Your movie is fantastic, your hometown is enviable, and we both share a deep love of The King. And yet, we just can't seem to find a place for you, can we? Let's review the planet-sized failures (and perhaps some victories) of Experiment 626.

First and foremost, there is Stitch's Great Escape! What is pretty much a fail on its own is made even worse by the fact that it replaced one of the most beloved attractions in the Magic Kingdom. The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter was terrifying, and definitely not for children. But it was one of the best experiences the Magic Kingdom ever had and will ever have. I do understand the need to scrap it, because perhaps the Magic Kingdom really isn't the best place for blood-curdling screams and human-eating aliens to inhabit. Still, I lament the loss and wish that somehow the attraction could have been moved to Hollywood Studios, where it certainly would have been much more at home (and put that alien in the Great Movie Ride to shame). Instead, what replaced the terror, along with my dear friend Skippy, is one of the greatest disappointments in all of Disney's history.

Downtown Disney, 2005.

It started out rather cute. On my visit in the early spring of 2005, Stitch was on the loose in Downtown Disney. He crashed a van into a tree and left the evidence behind. NOTHING TO SEE HERE the signs around the crime scene said, with Wanted posters scattered around the area. It was a fantastic tie-in, in my opinion, to the new attraction in the Magic Kingdom. It showcased Stitch as we all know him, a mischievous little devil, wreaking havoc throughout the resort. I was impressed with the playfulness of it all. Moving into the Magic Kingdom however, is where the issue really begins. I think what Disney really did wrong was not scrapping the entire Alien Encounter attraction. Stitch may have had a better chance of obtaining his due popularity in his own right if the Imagineers had started over and built something just for him. You can't replace one of the greatest attractions in Disney history with something mediocre yet so similar and expect it to work, though it did seem to make sense at the time. Even the Cast Members working there aren't feeling it. Still, Stitch's Great Escape! remains. I'm not sure that it's high on the list of priorities right now, especially with the attraction across the way being so popular (The Laugh Floor Comedy Club is counted among my new favorites). We will just have to wait and see what Stitch's fate in the Magic Kingdom will be - I know I am not the only one who has made my distaste for this attraction apparent, and the lack of wait times tend to say it all.

Stitch's Supersonic Celebration, May 2009.

In the Spring of 2009, Stitch struck again in the Magic Kingdom, and unfortunately his luck wasn't any better. Stitch's Supersonic Celebration was a high-energy dance party featuring technology used in the uber-popular Turtle Talk with Crush over in the Animal Kingdom. The technology has been very successful, also being used in the Laugh Floor Comedy Club and entertaining guests young and old. So why didn't this show work? I'm not sure exactly. For one, this particular area of the Magic Kingdom doesn't seem to be all that high-traffic (like say, the stage in front of the castle). Also, perhaps many of our Disney kids don't like to listen to Elvis (crazy, I know). Perhaps the downfall of it all is that the show was 25 minutes long, which tends to be fairly lengthy when there are no seats and space is extremely limited. Whatever the reason, it just didn't work and Stitch's time dressing in Elvis attire was over soon after it began.

photo courtesy of Flickr

Now here is a place that Stitch can really call home. The 'Ohana restaurant, nestled in the Luxurious Polynesian resort, holds a Best Friends Breakfast every morning featuring Lilo & Stitch. What better place to host a meal than one reflecting your native Hawaii? I have not been to the breakfast myself, but have been told good things - this is a highly successful dining option for the Polynesian. Score one for the Stitchmeister.

Animal Kingdom, May 2010.

Another sunny moment for Stitch are his character outings. People love to see Lilo & Stitch while they are wandering around the parks, and lines to meet them are frequently long. In the above photo, J and I are posing with our friends in the Animal Kingdom. My question is this - what do Lilo & Stitch have to do with the Animal Kingdom? This one puzzles me. Nonetheless, squealing park visitors were delighted to see the duo out and about. Another high note for Stitch.

Downtown Disney, 2010.

Downtown Disney is quite possibly my favorite place for Stitch, and one of the most delightful. Sure, he's not "in the flesh" here, but he's up to his same old tricks. Stitch sits atop one of the entrances to the enormous World of Disney, daring anyone to try and avoid getting wet as they move forward! I have seen many park guests just standing outside, waiting to get a little dose of alien spit in the hot Florida sun. It's fun, it's colorful, and it really plays up to Stitch's character. I mean you wouldn't see Cinderella spitting on guests, now would you? 626 scores again!

So, I guess when you think about it, Stitch doesn't fare well with his own attraction. Maybe he'll land one some day, but I sort of doubt it (I hope to come back here in 5 years and have to correct myself). This doesn't mean that the little alien doesn't have love. He delights park guests in many ways day in and day out. Headlining just isn't his thing, at least for now.


Where do YOU think Stitch's place is in the Disney parks? Do you miss the Alien Encounter as much as I do? Tell me all about it!

Happy Mischief-Making!

(What to Wear: Animal Kingdom)

Let me introduce you to my personal brand of crazy: I like to theme my Walt Disney World wardrobe. When packing for my vacations, I need a rhyme or reason to every outfit. I shop for vacation clothes with Animal Kingdom's leopard print in mind, and Magic Kingdom's flowy, princess-inspired colors. For me, the pictures that are taken on each trip will last a lifetime, and I like to think that I planned accordingly. I know I'm not the only one out there who does this...am I? (brace for awkward silence...)

One of the easiest and most classic outfits that you can put together is a simple black dress with subtle animal-print accents (a cuff, leopard print sandals, etc). This is definitely one of my Animal Kingdom favorites. Below, see my picks for what to wear in the Animal Kingdom.

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1. Zimmerman Safari Dress, $245, Shopbop | 2. Neon Safari Glasses, $6.99, Urban Outfitters | 3. Ralph Lauren Large Bead Necklace, $58, Nordstrom | 4. Gold Elephant Ring, $24.99, ModCloth | 5. Kate Spade 'Lulu" Sunglasses, $84.90, Nordstrom | 6. BCBGeneration Animal Print Romper, $118, Bloomingdales | 7. Moving Target Dress, $49.99, ModCloth | 8. Corey Lynn Calter 'Dede' Tank, $40.99, Bluefly | 9. Kenneth Jay Lane Leopard Pendant, $99, Shopbop | 10. Fossil Cheri Fedora, $38, Zappos | 11. River Island Animal Print Cuff, $22.41, ASOS | 12. Medina Sandals, $228, J. Crew | 13. Keds 'Animal' Sneakers, $40, Bloomingdales | 14. Silk Sandbank Tank, $89.50, Madewell

Do you have a favorite Animal Kingdom outfit? Send me your pictures! I would love to feature them here on the blog.

Happy Shopping!

(Pit Stop: Mizner's Lounge)

MOM & Me at Mizner's, 2010.

While I often daydream about the day when I can afford a week-long stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, for now I must settle for a pit-stop at one of their acclaimed restaurants. Mizner's Lounge is the perfect place to go and grab a drink, either before dinner at Narcoosee's (as we were in the photo above) or on your way to the Magic Kingdom for Wishes!

The view from a window at Mizner's.

Mizner's Lounge is located on the second floor of the Grand Floridian Resort with a fantastic view of the Polynesian Resort across the water. The decor is upscale, and I would feel uncomfortable having a drink here in standard park clothes (ie shorts and flip flops). I'm not sure that there is a dress code, but why not make it a grand night and dress up a bit?

My first experience with the establishment was when J and I made a pit-stop here on our way to the Magic Kingdom, after a memorable evening at T-Rex in Downtown Disney. I ordered a specialty martini made with blackberries, and boy was it strong. The benefit to this is that you can sip it slow and really savor it, as drinks here are not inexpensive (a martini will run you roughly $10+). Mizner's Lounge offers a full bar and does have a specialty drink menu, as well as light bar snacks on certain nights.

Mizner's Lounge is located behind the band stand.

The element that makes this bar a real gem for me is the band that plays right outside. If you time your visit just right, you can sip your Cosmo to the swingin' sounds of the Grand Floridian's Big Band. The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra specializes in Ragtime and Traditional Jazz, and occasionally will play selections from our favorite Disney films. This is a treat for the ears and I really recommend that you try to catch them during your visit to the resort.

So, gather your friends and family, dress up in your finest Walt Disney World attire, and stop in for a martini at Mizner's Lounge. The atmosphere is basic and without frill, but I think you'll really enjoy the quiet, relaxing atmosphere and break from the hectic crowds. Take in the soothing sounds of the amazing jazz band and share in a toast with the ones you love! A visit to Mizner's Lounge is really what you make of it - why not make it a memorable one?


Happy Relaxing!

(T-Rex: It's Dino-mite!)

I'm not going to beat around the bush and make you wait until the end of this review to tell you how I feel about T-Rex. I LOVE it. In the span of our past two trips to Walt Disney World, I have dined there 4 times. I would have gone again if I had time, and definitely plan to go back on our next visit. So, since you already know I'm going to strongly recommend T-Rex, take a look at my favorite ways to enjoy your time in this prehistoric eatery.

Upon entering the Downtown Disney establishment, you're taken back to the age of the Dinosaurs. This is not the place to go if you're looking for a nice, quiet dinner. T-Rex is loud. Every 15 minutes or so, a meteor strikes and the dinos go wild! Expect lots of roaring, squawking and other prehistoric noises. The atmosphere is frequently dark, with flashes of light during the meteor showers. Depending on where you're sitting, there are a variety of lighting changes that make for a really fun, immersive atmosphere.

T-Rex was created by the same folks who brought us Rainforest Cafe, so you can expect the menu to be huge. Unlike Rainforest Cafe however, T-Rex does not serve breakfast. Bring a big appetite for lunch and dinner; T-Rex serves everything from great appetizers and salads to burgers, seafood, pasta, ribs, chicken and so much more.

If you're in the mood to munch, T-Rex offers the Supersaurus Sampler; Spinach & Pepper Jack Queso with tortilla chips, Bracchiosaurus Bruschetta, T-Rexadillas and onion rings round out the filling appetizer ($18.99). Make it a meal and add ribs for an additional $5.99. Everything was very good, and we found ourselves fighting over the queso and chips!

As I'm sure you know by now, what do I always order when it's on the menu? Say it together now...NACHOS! That's right, and T-Rex offers some of the best. One of my favorite experiences to ever come to mind is when J and I spent a memorable night at T-Rex, drinking way too much and munching away on nothing but nachos. After that we took a bus to the Grand Floridian where we proceeded to visit Mizner's Lounge for another liquid concoction, and then monorail-ed to the Magic Kingdom for a showing of Wishes! Now I know they don't serve alcohol in the Magic Kingdom, but if you get the chance to have a few drinks and then watch the fireworks, you're going to have a great time! But I'm getting off topic now...oh yes, nachos. The Colosso Nachos are made up of seasoned beef, pico de gallo, black beans, green onions, cheddar cheese, queso (plastic cheese!) and a hearty dollop of sour cream. Next to Margaritaville, these are probably my favorite nachos in the area. The tri-color chips don't hurt either, I'm a sucker for those.

Speaking of drinking too much, T-Rex has one of the coolest bars around. Surrounded by a giant octopus and littered with glowing fish tanks, this is a great place to have a drink while you're waiting for your table, or maybe just to stop by on your way to the Adventurer's Club (I know what you're going to say, but I'm still in denial that it's gone). I rarely ever see these chairs filled to capacity, so getting a seat shouldn't be a problem. T-Rex offers a variety of wines, beers and mixed drinks. You can get your drink mixed in a souvenir glass, and then top it off - refills are discounted (woohoo!) Drinks are available sans the glass as well.

I'm sure you've pretty much caught on by now; we're not usually very fancy eaters. A couple of drinks and appetizers keep J & I happy as clams. That isn't to say we aren't adventurous in our dining, and that we don't enjoy an expensive, well-prepared meal every now and then. We simply haven't made our millions (yet), and aren't terribly hard to please - especially if nachos or chicken wings are on the menu. Still though, sometimes on vacation you've just had enough of the junk, and you need a nice clean meal. This being the reason why I ordered a salad on one visit to T-Rex.

Pictured above is the Omnivore's Delight - iceberg, romaine and baby greens with goat cheese (one of my favorite things), Craisins, strawberries, red onion and carmelized pecans tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. I love everything about this salad - with the exception of the frisee. The weird lettuce is like nature's way of saying, "I'm gonna make you choke on your salad." 

I haven't tried any of the entrees at T-Rex, because I'm usually just so satisfied with an appetizer or a salad. J once got a burger, and said it was only OK. The restaurant also serves a good selection of desserts, including the Chocolate Extinction (I think something akin to Rainforest's Volcano! dessert). The restaurant is divided into multiple sections, including the Ice Age, Prehistoric Insects, Under the Sea and more. If you're lucky, you'll be seated inside of the Ice Age cave, which is a show in itself. Request it next time you visit, and you'll see why!

Is T-Rex going to win awards for amazing food? Probably not. But that's not why you go there. If you're looking for a fantastic dining experience in Downtown Disney, go elsewhere. T-Rex is about the atmosphere. Expect loud, raucous fun and you will not leave T-Rex disappointed. Reservations are recommended but not required. Lines can get very long here! Definitely visit Disney's reservations page for the easiest and most convenient way to make sure you get a table.

Have you been to T-Rex? I'd love to hear your opinion on some of their entrees! Leave your comments!

Happy Dining!

(Resort Files: Caribbean Beach)

The entrance to Caribbean Beach

Located in the Epcot area of Walt Disney World, the Caribbean Beach is a tropically-themed, moderately-priced resort. Opened on October 1, 1988, the resort is large, with 2,112 guest rooms. There are six villages, each themed after an island in the Caribbean: Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Aruba, and Trinidad North & South. We arrived at the Caribbean Beach resort after an overnight drive at about 530am for our family trip. The lobby was fairly empty, so check-in a was a breeze. The staff were very friendly despite the early morning hours, and we enjoyed talking with the Cast Member who checked us in.

Checking in at the Customs House (if we look tired, it's because we are)

We reserved the Pirates of the Caribbean themed rooms, so we would be staying in Trinidad South. Unfortunately, the rooms were the only touch of Disney that I felt throughout the entire resort.

Early morning at Caribbean Beach

The grounds are beautiful. Each village has its own pool and beach area, and the view across Barefoot Bay, the 45-acre lake, is picturesque.

A view from across Barefoot Bay

Since we arrived so early, we weren't surprised to find that our rooms were not quite ready. We left our things in the car and began to explore. Check-in takes place at the Custom House, which is quite a ways from Old Port Royale (or Centertown, as it is called), where dining is located. While I did read many complaints that the resort is too large, I did not find it a problem in terms of walking. The buses were another story, but I'll get to those in a bit.

On the first day of navigation, a map is a must!

While there are internal buses to take you from the check-in desk throughout the resort, I did not find these necessary. I would however recommend them if you are with someone who is handicapped or has trouble walking a distance. We took the scenic walk around the lake to Old Port Royale, where we enjoyed breakfast.

The food court at Old Port Royale

The breakfast was your standard Disney fare that can be found at most resorts. I had the cheese danish (somewhat of a first-day tradition for me), J had Mickey waffles, and MOM & P shared an omelette, which looked super yummy. While the food court definitely has a cool design, it lacks a Disney touch. Unfortunately we did not try Shutters, the resort's only table service restaurant. After breakfast we left to visit Hollywood Studios for a bit and returned once our rooms were ready.

Pirate of the Caribbean rooms at Caribbean Beach Resort

The pirate-themed rooms were very fun. The beds looked like ships, there was a refrigerator in the shape of a barrel and the bathroom was very pirate-like. So yeah, the room was cool, but something very similar could be accomplished by spending less money at Disney's All-Star Movies. I would recommend spending the extra money on these rooms only if you're a huge Pirates fan. Otherwise, I'm not sure it would be worth it. Please note as well, that Trinidad South is just about as far from the center of the resort as you can get.

Now on to the buses. Quite simply, they were the worst. The problem with such a large resort is that there are a lot of bus stops. Just when you think you're the only one in line for the Magic Kingdom, you realize that you are the last stop in a long line of bus stops. One morning we waited almost 35 minutes for a bus to the Magic Kingdom, making us late for our reservation at the Crystal Palace (another awesome tradition). On the other end of the spectrum, when you're headed back to the resort and you're exhausted, being the last stop is terrible.For this reason, I would suggest that if you choose to stay at Caribbean Beach, spend the extra money to get a preferred room, or simply walk to the main bus stop. It's definitely worth it!

the main pool at Caribbean Beach

We did take a swim in Trinidad South but did not spend any time at the main pool. Please excuse the photo as I snapped it while running through the rain - sometimes those days are the best!

Shooting baskets at Goombay Games

We found some respite from the downpour in the game room, which is always very fun. J & I enjoy playing air hockey and shooting baskets (I always let him win, but he'll tell you otherwise). This is probably the only other amenity that we used at the Caribbean Beach. We were always on the go!

sass & bide please don't go romper | Free People lace trim bandeau | Gorjana alphabet charm necklace | Marc script sunglasses | Jennifer Ouellette stripe turban headband

The best part of the resort? Definitely the hammocks. They are way too much fun!

So, would I recommend the Caribbean Beach? I'm leaning towards no. On the one hand, if you're like us and tend to be on the go throughout the majority of your vacation, it serves its purpose as a place to stay. However, as I have mentioned throughout this review, it just doesn't have that Disney feel to it. The resort is sort of old, and it sort of felt that way. Caribbean Beach gave off an empty feeling in the Florida heat. The bus service is terrible due to the enormous size of the resort. The food court is lackluster, but then again offers more or less the same fare you will find at moderate and value resorts. I did not take advantage of many amenities, such as the boat rentals at the lake and the main pool. This may have changed my opinion just a bit, but probably not enough. When you compare this resort to its moderate counterparts, it comes in last. You are getting a much better experience for your money should you choose to stay at either of the Port Orleans resorts, which I plan to rave about in a later review. Keep in mind that we certainly did not have any problems at Caribbean Beach service wise; cast members were all very nice and Mousekeeping was superb. There were definitely a lot of great things (the grounds are lush and green and beautiful), but I just don't think they outweigh the cons. In the end, I'm still glad that we gave Caribbean Beach a go because a lot of great memories were made there - ones that won't soon be forgotten!

Do you have another opinion on the Caribbean Beach? I'd love to hear all about it!


Happy Vacationing,

(Hats Off to You)

What is it about an Orlando vacation that drives us to try on all manner of hats? Even as a typical germaphobe, I lose all sense of how many heads each hat has undoubtedly graced, just to get that one photo that will forever live on my Facebook page. I, with the courage that typically only comes with the help of a liquid libation, run straight to the nearest, most wonderful hat and instantly throw it atop my head. It is from that point that I shout to my husband, "look at me, take my photo!" And, if I come to the conclusion that there are too many "hat photos" of yours truly, poor J must step in, and honor those vows that we spoke on our wedding day: "I promise to love and cherish you, and to take ridiculous, embarrassing pictures in Florida." Come to think of it, I wish that had really happened. Vow or not, he does manage to humor me on every trip. So without further ado, take a look at one fabulous hat photo collection:

2006, from left: then-MGM Studios; Epcot's Olympic chapeau; Mickey's Philharmagic; Epcot, again; Rainforest Cafe, Downtown Disney; Stitch's Great Escape! Magic Kingdom 

2007, from left: Team Mickey Athletic Club, Downtown Disney; Rainforest Cafe, Animal Kingdom; "Mexico," Epcot; Raglan Road, Downtown Disney

2008, both at Mickey's Star Traders

2009, from left: Epcot's Mexico; "Morocco," Epcot; Animal Kingdom

2010, top to bottom: World of Disney, Downtown Disney; Brown Derby Hat Shop, Universal Studios Orlando

2011, Disney Cruise Line, Mediterranean 

Do you have any fantastic and/or embarrassing hat photos? Send them on!

Happy chapeau-ing,

Disney Detox: Eating Healthy in the World

I was a pig this weekend. A no holds barred, never ever full, kind of pig. Ever have one of those weekends? It was rainy, so we were stuck inside. We had just stocked up on some chips and dip (never a great idea, even if it is for preseason football), and the temptation was just too much. So while I sit here watching the season finale of Falling Skies, and contemplate how I can get back on the nutrition track this week, I got to thinking of the healthiest ways to eat in Disney World.
There are so many food options throughout the Disney resort: After the first couple of days, it's easy to get sick of the chicken fingers and french fries that you grab on the go (unless you have the power to stay healthy the whole time, in which case I envy you). J and I always end up hitting our limit on the fried foods, and opt for the fresher, cleaner options about halfway through our vacation. Now, if we could just avoid the junk in the first place, we'd be off to a much better start. So my goal for this October (minus the Food and Wine Festival goodies, naturally), is to make a valid attempt at a healthier, fresher Disney diet. And here are some of my favorite food and snack spots that are going to make this goal a heck of a lot easier.

Harambe Fruit Market

Source: flickr.com via b on Pinterest

Aside from the soft pretzels, which are always a favorite snack of ours, Animal Kingdom's Harambe Fruit Market offers trail mix, pineapple, and - one of the most delicious autumn snacks - apples and caramel.

Columbia Harbour House

Source: flickr.com via b on Pinterest

Pleasantly tucked away in Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square, Columbia Harbour House is my favorite spot for a fresh-tasting lunch. You can have your chicken nuggets and eat them too, but I'd recommend opting for the Lighthouse sandwich (hummus and slaw), and the Anchors Aweigh (tuna). Plus, if you can snag a window seat upstairs, you've got a great view of park visitors venturing in and out of the Haunted Mansion.

Anaheim Produce

Another typical fruit strand a la Disney, but this one resides on one of my favorite fictional streets: Sunset Boulevard. Grab a hot soft pretzel if you must, but the gems here are the frozen lemonade and decent selection of fresh fruit. This is a great spot for a mid-afternoon snack in Hollywood Studios.


What are your favorite spots for a fried-free nosh? Do share!