While I’ve had dinner at Trattoria al Forno several times, this was my first breakfast experience. It did not disappoint.
Staying at the Boardwalk Inn made booking a last-minute breakfast here very easy. We were able to snag the reservation the night before and get a nice breakfast in our tummies before heading over to Epcot for more picture taking and Food & Wine exploring. Not to mention a ride on Guardians of the Galaxy!!
You’ll find all the delicious breakfast options from omelets and frittatas to pancakes and even a breakfast pizza.
I chose a Peach Bellini and the Caprese Omelet. Both were delicious and the service was excellent. The restaurant was busy, but we didn’t feel rushed.
A lovely start to the day. Trattoria al Forno never disappoints.
Let’s take a walk on the Boardwalk. This area at EPCOT is, and always has been, one of my favorite places to wander.
On a recent trip, I stayed at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort and was able to spend a good amount of time exploring the Boardwalk.
The Boardwalk comes alive at night with a barbershop quartet and magicians, jugglers, and a very lively ice cream shop with incdredibly delish creamy delights.
One of the main complaints I hear about The Boardwalk Inn is the lack of easy dining options. Which is strange, because honestly, there are tons of dining options, and it’s not a long walk to 4 other resorts with dining options and all the countries of World Showcase.
The Inn itself has a wonderful little grab-and-go coffee shop off the lobby. They even had a very yummy specialty coffee drink à la Starbucks style. Breakfast goodies like croissants, muffins, and yogurt.
Iced Frappe on the back porch overlooking boardwalk
One of my favorite restaurants on the boardwalk has always been Trattoria Al Forno, and it’s a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Full review here. Right next door is AbracadaBar with curious concoctions with names like Hoodunit’s Punch and The Conjurita!
Quick service options include Pizza by the slice, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas, and Boardwalk Ice Cream!
The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers offers a bakery as well. And along with Trattoria Al Forno, Flying Fish is another table service option.
I really enjoyed my time strolling the boardwalk. The margarita was delicious, the quartet sang Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys and then looked for a Barbara and found me. I was only the second Barbara they had ever actually had in the crowd. The Thundering Surf Peanut Butter and Chocolate Sundae was divine! Definately make time for an evening on the Boardwalk next time you are at Disney World. Better yet, stay right there!
Of course, there are the ever-popular Halloween and Christmas parties as well.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Join some of your favorite Disney Characters for an evening of spirited fun at this spooktacular celebration.
Get your favorite costume ready and make your plans to live it up—collecting candies, sweets, and delightful treats—all while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with electrifying entertainment and eerily fun activities.
Like the Halloween party, the party starts at 7pm, but your special ticket allows you to enter the park at 4pm to get a head start on activities.
Set your sights on a group of sinister sisters as they bewitch and bedazzle the residents of Magic Kingdom park at the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.
Don’t miss Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular*—a wickedly wild fireworks display featuring some of your favorite Disney Characters.
Collect a bag full of candy as you roam the trick-or-treat trails in search of some of your favorite sweets.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
When Mickey celebrates the season, Magic Kingdom park lights up with excitement for Guests of all ages. Cinderella Castle shimmers. Joyful music fills the air. Disney Characters don their most festive attire. Favorite attractions take on a holiday theme. And enchanting surprises lie around almost every turn!
Christmas fun awaits as Mickey invites his pals over for an unforgettable party.
Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle.
Holiday parade brimming with joy and magic!
Look to the sky as your host—Minnie Mouse—presents a dazzling fireworks show full of festive cheer.
Bring home a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party memory with a piece of official merchandise from shops across the park.
Wild Africa Trek
Be awestruck viewing wild animals in their natural habitat on the 3-hour Wild Africa Trek. Discover animals of nearly every variety living in the Safi River Valley—an amazing environment that resembles their home in Africa.
Walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna—with a chance to view African creatures including towering giraffes, powerful rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles.
Along your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the majestic animals you’re viewing as well as the general operation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and details about the park’s dedication to animal conservation.
And as if your safari weren’t enough, you’ll receive complimentary photo services as well. Enjoy the animals of the Harambe Reserve while a trained photographer captures all the action and excitement throughout your adventure. At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download images taken during your Wild Africa Trek experience. Two gourmet snack breaks are also included.
Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home.
Experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic!
This resort was an ambitious effort by Walt Disney Imagineering to bring guests closer to the magic and fully immerse them into a world, or in this case, the African Savanna. Not only did the design team want to provide a truly authentic experience, but they also wanted to add an element with which they had little control… Animals!
Opening on April 16, 2001, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — today is known as Jambo House — is one of the resort’s most spectacular and most authentic-feeling hotels. The resort recreates the feel of an African reserve lodge. The architecture, interior design, and landscaping creates one of the most immersive Disney resort experiences for guests.
The planning and design of the lodge took place from 1997-98 and construction lasted approximately two and a half years. The backstory on the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort is pretty straightforward. “We worked closely with Joe Rohde from the very beginning,” said Randy Johnson. “So the story behind the hotel developed organically as he [Rohde] collaborated with the team during the design process.”
The Design
The design of the Animal Kingdom Lodge was influenced by one guiding principle — the design team wanted guests to become part of “the journey.” “We wanted guests to experience a magical and slightly mysterious safari expedition into the unexpected and the profound,” says Johnson. “We wanted to create an authentic experience, textiles, art, and artifacts that would be seen during their ‘safari’ trip.” To create this authentic safari trip, the team used as many native materials as possible in the lodge.
Be sure to take the time to enjoy the lookouts, the time spent gazing at the giraffe or zebras will undoubtedly be one of your favorite experiences. The central lobby of Animal Kingdom Lodge is set up with numerous overlooks. Sunset Overlook shows over 30 different species on the Savannah. If you aren’t sure exactly what animal you are spotting, there is a Wilderness Field Guide in the main lobby.
Visitor at breakfast at Saana at Kidani Village
The Savannah view room is definitely worth it. Relaxing on your own balcony and enjoying the animals is hard to beat.
Animal Kingdom is a theme park in Walt Disney World that is themed around the natural world and its creatures. As such, there are many animal trails that guests can explore to see a wide variety of animals up close and learn more about them. Here are some of the most popular animal trails at Animal Kingdom:
These animal trails provide guests with a unique opportunity to see animals up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring each trail and to observe the animals from a safe distance to ensure their well-being.
Maharajah Jungle Trek: This trail takes guests through the ruins of an ancient palace in the forests of Asia, where they can see tigers, bats, birds, and other animals native to the region.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: This trail leads guests through lush African forests where they can see gorillas, hippos, birds, and other African wildlife.
Discovery Island Trails: These trails wind through the center of the park around the Tree of Life and offer guests the chance to see a variety of animals, including flamingos, kangaroos, and lemurs.
Oasis Exhibits: These exhibits are located at the park’s entrance and showcase a variety of animals, including giant anteaters, wallabies, and sloths.
So many animals! Plan to spend some time enjoying these animal treks, this is what Animal Kingdom is all about.
Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is a unique theme park located in Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. The park is known for its educational and entertaining attractions, and it offers guests the chance to meet and interact with a variety of characters.
Here are some of the characters you can meet at Epcot:
Disney Princesses – Epcot is the perfect place to meet your favorite Disney Princesses. You can interact with Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, Snow White, and other princesses in the World Showcase. Don’t forget to bring your autograph book! You’ll find Belle in France, Snow White in Germany, Jasmine in Morocco, Mulan in China and so on…
International Characters – Epcot’s World Showcase is home to characters from around the world. You can meet Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland in the United Kingdom Pavilion. You can also meet cultural representatives from various countries who share their customs, traditions, and stories.
Vanellope – Pose for a pic with the fastest racer this side of the internet inside Imageworks in World Celebrations.
Anna & Elsa – Chill out with royal sisters Elsa & Anna from Frozen at their charming summer cabin, Royal Sommerhus in the Norway Pavillion.
Joy – Meet Joy from the Disney and Pixar film Inside Out at her workplace—inside the head of Riley, an 11-year-old girl. You will find Joy at Imageworks
Meeting characters at Epcot is a magical experience that guests of all ages can enjoy. Don’t forget to bring your camera and autograph book, and be prepared to make memories that will last a lifetime.
f you’re a fan of movies, television shows, and popular culture, you’ll definitely want to visit Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Florida. This theme park is dedicated to the magic of Hollywood and features attractions, shows, and experiences that allow you to step into some of your favorite films and TV shows. But one of the highlights of Hollywood Studios is the chance to meet and interact with some of the most beloved characters from the world of entertainment. Here are some of the characters you can meet at Hollywood Studios.
Mickey Mouse and Friends: No trip to a Disney theme park is complete without meeting the mouse that started it all. You can meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and other classic characters at the park, either at scheduled meet-and-greets or in impromptu encounters around the park.
Star Wars Characters: If you’re a fan of the Star Wars franchise, you’ll be thrilled to meet some of the iconic characters from the movies. You can pose for a photo with Chewbacca, meet BB-8, or even come face-to-face with the intimidating Darth Vader or Kylo Ren.
Toy Story Characters: Round up the gang and get those batteries charged! Shake the snakes out of your boots and say howdy to Sheriff Woody. Yodel a hello to Jessie the Cowgirl. Remember to greet Buzz Lightyear with your best Space Ranger salute—he’s always looking for a few good toys. Throughout the day, be on the lookout for the Green Army Drum Corps!
Disney Junior Characters: If you’re traveling with little ones, they’ll love the chance to meet some of their favorite characters from Disney Junior shows. You can meet Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Fancy Nancy, among others at Animation Courtyard.
These are just a few of the characters you can meet at Hollywood Studios. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney movies, Star Wars, Marvel, or more, there’s sure to be a character that will make your visit to the park unforgettable. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your day to make sure you don’t miss any of these exciting character encounters!
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, you’re in for a treat. Not only is the park home to a variety of exotic animals and breathtaking rides, but you’ll also have the chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters in a setting that’s truly unique.
Here are some of the characters you can meet at Animal Kingdom:
Mickey & Minnie: Join the globetrotting couple at the Adventurers Outpost as they prepare themselves for their next grand expedition. Peruse exotic mementos they’ve collected on their trips around the world before posing for a postcard-perfect picture with the pair.
Pocahontas – This beloved Disney princess can be found near the Tree of Life, where she’ll be happy to pose for photos and sign autographs.
Donald Duck – This feathered friend is a favorite of many visitors to Animal Kingdom. You can find him near DinoLand U.S.A., where he’ll be happy to take photos and sign autographs.
Kevin: Meet Kevin at the Character Landing by Flame Tree Barbeque
Dug and Russell – Fans of the movie “Up” won’t want to miss the chance to meet these two lovable characters. You can find them near the park’s entrance, and they’re always happy to make new friends.
Meeting these characters is a great way to add some extra magic to your visit to Animal Kingdom. Make sure to bring your camera and autograph book, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories.
Magic Kingdom is a magical place where dreams come to life and fantasies become reality. It is home to some of the most iconic Disney characters that have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. From the classic Mickey Mouse to the newer characters like Merida, there is a character for everyone at Magic Kingdom.
Here are some of the characters you can meet at Magic Kingdom:
Mickey Mouse: Pop into Mickey’s rehearsal room at Town Square Theatre for the chance to greet Mickey! Discover props and posters from Mickey’s magical career in the theater and maybe even spot a disappearing dove or a rabbit coming out of a hat. The greatest magic of all happens when Mickey Mouse strikes a pose for a fun photo with you.
Cinderella: Cinderella is one of the most beloved Disney princesses, and she can be found at Magic Kingdom, at Princess Fairytale Hall, where she often greets her fans in front of her castle. She is always dressed in her signature blue gown and glass slippers, ready to enchant visitors with her grace and beauty.
Donald & Goofy: Step right up and say hello to the stars of this slapstick circus: snake charmer extraordinaire The Astounding Donaldo and his daring stuntman pal The Great Goofini! Share hugs, get autographs and snap pictures of your new friends—before the show’s over at Pete’s Silly Sideshow.
Winnie the Pooh & Tigger: Spend some time in a shady place deep in the Hundred-Acre Wood. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger love seeing new friends at the Thotful Spot and old to share hugs and maybe even a smackerel of honey.
Aladdin & Jasmine: Make your way into the exotic marketplace in Adventureland to meet Princess Jasmine and her prince, Aladdin. They’ll share stories of Agrabah under the shade of a colorful awning. You can recount your own tales of adventure in another magical kingdom you may know.
In conclusion, Magic Kingdom is a magical place where visitors can meet some of the most iconic Disney characters. From classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to newer characters like Merida, there is a character for everyone at Magic Kingdom. So, next time you visit this enchanting place, don’t forget to say hello to your favorite Disney character.
Since we cannot be at Disney World right now, let’s take a look at some of the things that make it so special.
Today let’s take on another classic, Pirates of the Caribbean.
A Pirate’s Life for You
Board a weathered barge for a treacherous voyage to the 17th century, when rowdy rogues and ruthless rapscallions ransacked Caribbean seaport towns. Sing along as pirates serenade you with their anthem, “Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).”
Sail past haunted Dead Man’s Cove. Navigate cannon fire between a Caribbean fort and a striking 12-gun galleon. Behold boisterous buccaneers drunk on the spoils of plunderin’ as flames engulf a seaside town.
Be sure to keep a spry eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow, from The Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Magic Kingdom’s Pirate’s of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland opened on December 15, 1973. This classic Disney ride first opened at Disneyland on March 18, 1967. It’s a boat ride, but when the idea first came about (sometime in the 1950s), the attraction was going to be a walkthrough wax museum!
Pirates of the Caribbean was the last ride Walt Disney himself actually oversaw and worked on before his death in December of 1966. Unfortunately, Walt passed away three months before the boat ride was finished, so he never saw the final product.
The ride inspired the popular film series and has even been revamped to include many of the films’ characters, including Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa.
Pirates Fun Facts:
During the ride’s battle scene between the pirate ship and town’s fortress, you’ll hear cannon balls whizzing over your head and dropping in the water. The illusion is created by moving cannons, flashes of light, and blast from beneath the waves!
Another memorable scene from the ride is the town in flames! This effect is actually just created by a bunch of different cloths, fans and lights.
There are over 120 Audio-Animatronics on the ride. This is a mixture of both human and animal animatronics.
The film characters added to the ride are all voiced by their original actors. Some of the ride’s original Audio-Animatronics are voiced by Paul Frees; you might recognize him as being the “Ghost Host” from the Haunted Mansion!
In 2012, mermaids were added to the grotto scene in Magic Kingdom. You can see the mermaid skeleton onshore, but it’s harder to catch the one swimming port side in the water!
Magical Travels with Barb 