Halloween Merchandise

A few looks at this years Halloween merchandise. This year they have some great Logos and some decorations with a little darker look. Much better then the normal Chip and Dale in a sheet Trick or Treating.

It's Alive!

In a earlier post I made a reference to a resorts aliveness factor. So I decided it was time to explain this rating system I use so in future resort posts I can include its Aliveness score. A resort is alive when it has something special that makes it more then just a bunch of buildings to sleep in. I use six categories to base the rating on then from there come up with a overall score. Below are the six categories.

1. Immersive themeing

2.Activities for guests

3. Water features

4. Other natural features

5. Live Entertainment

6. Background Music

Immersive themeing is rated in how well the theme takes you way to another place. A good example would be the Wilderness Lodge and how it takes you away to the National Parks of the North West. Activities for guest are activities that the cast put on for guest on a regular basis. An example would be the pool side games at most resorts. Water features can be both man made or natural. Examples would be the Polynesian Resort has man made creeks and waterfalls and also great beach front views. Other natural features would include things like fire effects like tiki torches at the Poly, walking trails like at Fort Wilderness, or Caribbean Cay the lush jungle island in the middle of the Caribbean Resort. Two great examples of live entertainment would be Bob Jackson at Port Orleans Riverside and the Campfire Movies at Fort Wilderness but there are many more. And lastly background music (BGM). Most resorts have it but which ones use it well? you'll have to wait and see in future posts.

Magic Kingdom ABC's: I

I is for the Indians on the banks of the Rivers of America.

Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Avast me hearties! I wanted to wish everyone a happy Talk Like A Pirate Day. And if ye come seeking adventure of salty old pirates you've come to the right place. On the official Disney blog it has been announced that there are new changes coming to the Disney World Pirates of the Caribbean. The changes are to be inspired by the forth film On Stranger Tides. They will announce what the changes are soon but the word on the deck is mermaids may be afoot.

And to end this special holiday post I leave you with my faviorte lines from the Talk Like A Pirate Day Theme song Enjoy hearties.

And maybe we'll never get closer,

Than watchin' 'em on the big screen,

So here's to old Errol and Depp as Jack Sparrow,

And every damn one in between!

Disney Dining: The Blue Bayou

This Post is Dedicated to a dear friend of mine Peter and his fiance Amber. Another great couple brought together by the Mouse. I wish you two the best.

Peter is a California Boy so i decided to do a post from his home park of Disneyland. The Blue Bayou Restaurant is one of my Favorite places to eat at Disneyland second only to Club 33. It comes as no surprise then that they share a kitchen as Club 33 is located directly above. My favorite feature to this restaurant is the theming. as soon as you walk inside regardless of the time of day you are instantly taken to the banks of the bayou on a warm summers evening. the tables are arranged on the patio of an old plantation house. and lanterns and mangrove trees branches hang above your head as you eat. And to top it all off the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean Pass by as you eat.

Below I have listed both the lunch and dinner entrees but my recommendation is to go for lunch and have the famous Monte Cristo. A masterpiece of Ham and turkey with Melted cheese goodness in a bread shell, it is easily my entree at the Disneyland Resort.

Lunch Entrees

Each entree served with Cajun-inspired salad or a cup of our signature New Orleans gumbo.

Split Plate Charge $12.00 - each diner receives choice of salad of gumbo.

Buccaneer's Beef Short Ribs - Slow-roasted, then finished in a Zinfandel demi-glaze. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $33.99

Royal Street Seafood Jambalaya - A robust combination of jumbo gulf shrimp, mahi mahi, tasso ham, andouille sausage and chicken, tossed with Cajun-style "dirty rice" $31.99

Tesoro Island Chicken - Roasted and finished to perfection in Pan Au Jus and served with Blue Bayou Potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $31.99

Roasted Beef Strip Loin - Seasoned with Chef's signature fivepepper blend, then slow roasted over rock salt. Topped with Armagnac sauce and crispy hand battered onion rings. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $37.99

Cajun-Spiced Salmon - Stuffed with goat cheese, oven roasted tomatoes, artichokes topped with citrus beurre blanc and served with Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $33.99

Le Special de Monte Cristo - Turkey, ham, and swiss cheese in a battered egg bread, lightly fried to a golden brown. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $24.99

Isla-Cruces Crab Cakes - Succulent pan-seared Crab Cakes, topped with lobster beurre blanc and mango slaw. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $34.99

Portobello Mushroom and Couscous Macque Choux - Marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette, then broiled and served with roasted corn and bell-pepper couscous and sautéed spinach. $29.99

Dinner Entrees

Each entree served with Cajun-inspired salad or a cup of our signature New Orleans gumbo.

Split Plate Charge $12.00. Each diner receives either salad or gumbo.

Buccaneer's Boneless Beef Short Ribs - Slow-roasted, then finished in a Zinfandel demi-glaze. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $33.99

Bayou Surf & Turf - Sweet petite lobster tail from the Pacific Northwest, paired with an expertly broiled filet mignon, bearnaise sauce. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $44.99

Royal Street Seafood Jambalaya - A robust combination of jumbo gulf shrimp, mahi mahi, tasso ham, andouille sausage and chicken, tossed with Cajun-style "dirty rice" $31.99

Tesoro Island Chicken - Roasted and finished to perfection in pan au jus. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $31.99

Filet Mignon - Broiled to perfection and topped with bearnaise sauce . With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $39.99

-- With a succulent pan-seared crab cake $46.99.

Cajun-Spiced Salmon - Stuffed with goat cheese, oven roasted potatoes, artichokes and topped with citrus beurre blanc. With Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $33.99

Roasted Beef Strip Loin - Seasoned with Chef's signature five-pepper blend, then slow roasted over rock salt. Topped with Armagnac sauce and crispy hand battered onion rings. With Blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $37.99

Isla-Cruces Crab Cakes - Succulent pan-seared Crab Cakes, topped with lobster beurre blanc and mango slaw. With blue Bayou potatoes and seasonal vegetables. $34.99

Portobello Mushroom and Couscous Macque Choux - Marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette, then broiled and served with roasted corn and bell-pepper couscous and sauteed spinach. $29.99

Magic Kingdom ABC's: H

H is for the Horses that stroll "Right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A."

Making Memories: Wine and Beer!

In honor of the announcement that the Magic Kingdom will no longer be dry, here are some photos I took a few years back at food and wine. Enjoy!

Making Memories: Halloween Time!

Today was the first day of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and the start of the special event hat-trick. Halloween, then Food and Wine, and Christmas.

Magic Kingdom ABC's: G

G is for Grizzly Hall home of the Country Bear Jamboree .

Making Memories: Mexican Sunset

The sun sets on another adventure packed day at World Showcase.

Magic Kingdom ABC's: F

F is for Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A.

Plumber's Corner: Fountain of Nations

The fountain of Nations can be considered the center piece of Epcot second only to Spaceship Earth. One of the largest water features on Disney Property, She holds 108,000 gallons and pumps 30,000 gallons every minute. In fact if all of the 324 jets went off at the same time there would be 22,000 gallons of water in the air at once. At night the show enhances with over 1,000 lights powered with the help of 190,000 feet (35 miles) of electrical wiring. 

The fountain is just that a fountain untill every 15 minutes the area music goes down and the show music comes up. below is a list of the tracks played. 

Standing in motion - Yanni

Iron Will Main Theme - Joel McNeely

Flying Circus from the Rocketeer - James Horner

The Rescuers Down Under Main Theme - Bruce Broughton

Day One - John Tesh

Air Battle from Surprise in the Sky - Disney

Mickey's Show - Disney

Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand from the Millennium Celebration - Disney

Lounge Lizard: Tune In Lounge

Tune In Lounge

Tucked in between the 50's Prime time Cafe and Hollywood and Vine. This small lounge has a rather unique theme. The theme is that of a 1950's family room complete with bad wall art and black and white tv's. It can get crowded with guest waiting to be seated at the 50's Prime Time but if you visit between the meal rushes you can have the place to yourself. And as a bonus you can order off the 50's Prime Time menu at the bar. The drink menu is pretty common in comparison with other WDW bars but below is a list of Special drinks available here.

Dad's Classic Cocktails - Choose from Cosmopolitan, Classic Martini, Grand Margarita, or Singapore Sling. Priced 9.25-10.25
Selection of 12 Different Wines - Choose from a variety of reds, whites and sparkling wines. Prices vary.
Selection of Bottled Beer - Featuring Budweiser, Coors Light, or O'Doul's (non-alcoholic) Yuengling, Samuel Adams, Heineken, or Corona and Bass Ale or Stella Artois
Selection of Draft Beer - Bub light 5.25, Yuengling 6.00 Blue Moon 6.00
Selections From Dad's Liquor Cabinet - Our family's glowing drinks served with Dad's "Experimental Electric Ice Cubes" choose from: Blue "Glow-Tini" inspired by the Year of a Million Dreams, Dad's Electric Lemonade, Mowie Wowie, or Grandma's Picnic Punch. - $10.25 

Magic Kingdom ABC's: E

E is for the Main Street Electrical Parade and it's "thousands of sparkling lights 

and electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds".

World Traveler: Japan Part 3

Katsura Grill

The Katsura Grill formally known as the Yakitori House is one of my Favorite light dinner options in all of Walt Disney World. Not only does the Katsura have a delightful menu it also has one of the most scenic outdoor dinning areas threw out the property. While enjoying your sushi or shogun combo you also get to relax while listening to the sounds of rushing water from a near by waterfall all why seating neath shade trees strung with traditional Japanese lanterns. This all makes for a enjoyable experience with great food at a reasonable price.

Katsura Grill Menu

Sushi

California Roll $8.50

Spicy Tuna Roll $8.99

Tokyo Sushi Combo - 4 pcs. California Roll and 3 pcs. Nigiri - $9.99

Udon

Udon $7.99

Beef Udon $9.99

Tempura Shrimp Udon $9.99

Japanese Curry Udon $9.99

Teriyaki

Served with steamed vegetables and rice

Teriyaki Chicken - $8.99

Teriyaki Beef - $9.99

Teriyaki Salmon - $11.99

Teriyaki Combo Meal

Tonosama Combo - teriyaki beef, chicken and salmon $12.99

Shogun Combo - teriyaki chicken and beef $10.99

Sushi Combo Meal

California Roll and Tsukemen Combo $12.99

Spicy Tuna Roll and Tsukemen Combo $12.99

Recommendation

Japanese Curry Rice $8.99

Okonomi Yaki - savory grilled "Japanese vegetable pancake" $7.99

Chicken Cutlet Curry $10.99

Chicken Cutlet Pan - breaded chicken sandwich with a tangy sauce $8.50

Tsukemen Salad - mixed greens, ramen noodles and shredded crab stick $6.99

Kids' Pick

Teriyaki Chicken with rice and vegetables, soft drink, served with cookie $6.99

Side Items

Miso Soup $2.99

Side Salad $3.99

Edamame $3.99

Desserts

Cookie $2.50

Matcha Roll - green tea swirl cake $4.25

Ice Cream - green tea $3.99

Ice Cream - Azuki, Strawberry $3.99

Beverages

Kirin Ichiban 20 oz. Draft Beer - $7.50

Kirin Light Beer $5.75

Plum Wine or Sake (cold or hot) $5.75

Magic Kingdom ABC's: D

D is for Dumbo the elephant that can fly!

Photoshop Fun: Vintage Tower

Photoshop Fun: Downtown with some Character

Some familiar faces from around the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

World Traveler: Japan Part 2

Mitsukoshi Department Store

 Shopping in Japan can be a fun adventure for any shopaholic. At the Mitsukoshi Department Store you'll find all kinds of treasures from the far east. You can add to your collection of stuffed animals with their large selection that includes everything from Hello Kitty to Pokemon. Also pick a oyster and have it opened to find a beautiful pearl that you can have mounted into jewelry while you shop. further into the store you will find everything from kimono to bonsai trees. And in the rear of the store a large collection of dinnerware and decor for the home. Also a mini market and Saki Bar.

The Mitsukoshi Department Store is based on the Chain of stores in Japan created in 

1673 and still going strong today.

Some views from around the store.

Some of the items sold at the store. A few more unique then others 

like the bag of dried fish or the cellulite towel.

Magic Kingdom ABC's: C

C is for the Columbia Harbor House.

Magic Kingdom ABC's: B

B is for Boat Docks at the world famous Jungle Cruise.

Making Memories : Cruisin on castaway

A beautiful day on Disney's Castaway Cay. Just behind the palms on the right was the Flying Dutchman. I'll have pics of it in future posts.

Magic Kingdom ABC's: A

Sorry been away on vacation but i'm back and ready with a ton of new posts. Today i'm starting a new topic called Magic Kingdom ABC's. I think it's self exploratory so I hope you enjoy.

A is for Aloha isle home of the world famous Dole Whip.

Making Memories: Anandapur at night

Another look at the beauty that is Animal Kingdom at night. This time we travel to Asia and the village of Anandapur. If you look closely behind Expedition Everest you can see the fan of spot lights from Hollywood Studios.

Making Memories: Sail in Grand style

Even with the fact that The Grand Floridian is one of my least favorite resorts it still has some cool things to see and do. This includes sailing like in the picture above, relaxing to the swinging sounds of the band in the lobby, or purchasing a gingerbread cookie from inside a real life size gingerbread house during the holiday season. the point is ( to quote the Enchanted Tiki Room) that every cloud has a silver lining.

Gardner's Shack: around the castle

Gardner's Shack is just a series of some of the more attractive views around the parks featuring the flora and fauna of the parks and resorts. Today some of the greenery around the castle. Being one of the most photographed structures in the world its important to make the surrounding grounds look good also. Several years ago now the trees in the hub were removed to give a better view of the castle. Was this a good move or a bad one. I for one miss the twinkling light that adornd those trees at night, but let me know what you think. Leave any thoughts you have on it in the comments below, and if you like the blog please plus us on Google+ . Thanks!

note: last two pics of hub with trees borrowed from the interweb. If they are yours thanks.

Making Memories: Disney's Polynesian Resort at dusk

The Polynesian Resort in the early evening. Dusk is when the resorts exotic beauty comes out with tiki torches, luaus, and fireworks reflecting on the water from the Magic Kingdom.

World Traveler: Japan Part 1

This is the first in a series that will dive into the depths of the world showcase pavilions at Epcot. Today we look at the exterior of the Japan pavilion. upon entering the pavilion we see a traditional torii gate along the waters edge, A Japanese Pagoda, and several authentic buildings surrounding a courtyard. At the rear of the courtyard are large gates and a moat that lead to a Japanese castle. The pavilion is home to several dinning and entertainment options which we well look at in future posts. Including the Mitsukoshi department store, A chain of stores founded in 1673 in Japan.

Making Memories: Tree of Life at Night

Animal Kingdom at night a rare site. Best time to get shots like this is to visit around Christmas when the hours are extended and the sun goes down early. Oh and don't forget the tripod.