WDW Bridesmaid!

I'm going to be a Walt Disney World Bridesmaid in 4 days!!!!

Photo of the Week: Cinderella's Castle

So here's a different on your traditional castle shot.

Favorite EPCOT Country: Mexico

EPCOT (aka Nerd Park in our house) holds the esteemed position of our "favorite park."  Something about the combination of science and culture appeals to me.  I also find it to be a lazy park.  You can enjoy it quickly or slowly.  You can wander through the countries, stopping to eat delicious snacks when you feel like, and then admire the pickle tree in Germany.  You could also blaze through each country, buy the postcard, find the pressed penny machine and be on your way.  I can't really explain it, but we enjoy this park more than any other and it isn't because of the booze.  Although, I have heard the avocado margarita in Mexico is delightful.

Speaking of Mexico, I have to give it the "MY FAVORITE COUNTRY IN EPCOT" award.  

Minus the seagull/churro incident, which sent the rest of our party diving under the table and me fending off a crazed seagull to the point where I tossed the churro to protect my face, Mexico, for me is the most relaxing country in Epcot (PS: Special Thanks to the Cast Member working at the counter service window who gave me a new churro for free.  It took the sting out of my bird attack).

What makes a great country in EPCOT?

(1) Great Music: I sure do love that Mariachi band.
(2) Great Attraction: very few counties can boast of this and I have to give it to Mexico for never having a line, being in a boat, and something my 2-year-old actually remembers from her last trip.
(3) Great Food: Churros, tacos, quesadillas, this is the best food overall (the egg rolls in China are also amazing).
(4) Great Theme: I appreciate the ride, the market, and a restaurant are all inside, making this an ideal place to cool off  in the summer.  There are also wonderful things to buy and look at inside too.
(5) Characters: I know that nearly every country has a character, but do they have Donald in a sombrero?  Honestly folks.  How can you top that?
(6) Great View: I sure do love sitting on the outdoor terrace eating some tacos.

And that's why when I recently found myself in the Dentist's chair having a cavity filled I went to my happy place and it was Mexico.

What is your "happy Disney place?"  Leave me a comment and let me know!

Grocery Delivery at Walt Disney World

In 2011 we took our two-year-old daughter for her *gasp* second trip to Walt Disney World.  She eats a lot of different foods, but I was concerned that she wouldn't get enough to eat on our trip.  Also, that kid eats the very second her feet hit the floor.  Don't try to put her off long enough to feed the baby or shove a protein bar in your own mouth.  She will be hopping around you singing a song about oatmeal or repeatedly telling you, while waving one hand to emphasize her point, "I don't want my waffles toasted."  I don't bother explaining that they are frozen and have to be toasted.

How could I get her breakfast the second she wakes up when our character meal is at least a 15 minute bus ride away...if the bus comes exactly when we arrive at the bus stop?

It seemed foolish to run to quick service and get her waffles or pancakes when we were going to eat again in only an hour, but it also seemed cruel to make her wait.  For one thing, I didn't want to hear the oatmeal song our entire trip, but I also get cranky when I'm hungry and I don't want her feeling like that either.

Solution: Garden Grocer

After doing a little research on the internet (I thank God nearly every day for the internet...seriously), I discovered that you can have groceries delivered to your Walt Disney World Resort!  I ordered everything for her breakfast that she needs; Oatmeal, milk, cinnamon, and applesauce.  Even if she ate french fries at every single meal, I knew that she would eat one good meal a day.  She could even eat it for dinner or snack and she could eat first thing in the morning.

This was the best thing I've ever done on vacation.  Smartest mom-move ever.

This year I will be doing the same thing.  I am also ordering diapers, wipes, water, formula, rice cereal, cheezits (husband request), bananas (daughter request), and fish crackers (do kids live on these or what?!).  This eliminates at least one suitcase and the need to shop once we get there.

You can check it out for yourself at www.gardengrocer.com 

Some notes: There is a minimum order and a delivery fee.  The prices are a little steeper than you would normally pay, but you do not have to shop for yourself.  I'd rather have that 2 hours for fun than spend it at the grocery store. They sell most major brands, fresh produce, and also a wide variety of organic options.  Groceries are delivered to bell services if you are not there.  (Thanks Bell Services!!!)  I have had great success with this service on two occasions and highly recommend it.

5-Year Anniversary of My WDW Honeymoon

5 years ago today I stepped into the lobby of the Yacht Club, a newly married (less than 24 hours before) woman, for an amazing WDW Honeymoon.  My new husband had carefully planned a surprise trip just for me us.  Although, I had told him that if we went anywhere other than WDW for our Honeymoon he shouldn't bother marrying me!

What followed was a week of magical moments - a Keys to the Kingdom Tour, a romantic dinner in Cinderella's Castle (complete with champagne glasses I still have), and a hilarious encounter with Winnie the Pooh who was very excited to see HUNNY-mooners.  What I love the most were the little touches that made our trip amazing.  The "congratulations" sign that hung in our room, the surprise honeymoon package Rick ordered for us with my ears (above), our honeymoon buttons, and the dozens of congratulations we received from cast members and guests alike.  Because of that experience I always congratulate couples I see in the parks together.

I love being a Disney Hunny-mooner.  I can't think of any place I'd rather go...ever.

HAPPY HONEYMOON ANNIVERSARY WALT DISNEY WORLD!  

You are the most magical place on earth.  My love affair with "Mickey's House" was sealed on this date in 2007.

Photo of the Week: Polynesian Pool

The Volcano Pool at the Polynesian

Pregnant at the Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom is one of the most challenging parks to visit while pregnant.  You cannot ride the big three rides: Everest, Dinosaur, or Kilimanjaro Safari.  That leaves very little to do except catch a couple of shows.  Since this is our second favorite park and the park with the best food (in my opinion) it was a little hard to visit during our BABYMOON II (like a Honeymoon, but to celebrate your baby instead!). 

I had, however, taken up photography in recent months and enjoyed taking some interesting photos of this bicycle in Harambe.  I love Disney's attention to detail and this park is one of the most beautifully done. 

I didn't mind the chance to sit, photograph, and also visit the bathroom a few times while my husband and daughter enjoyed the safari.