Disney's Fastpass

What is a Disney FastPass and why do I want one?  A FastPass is a free ticket that allows you to bypass the long lines at the most popular attractions.  How do you get one? It is easy. The FastPass distribution centers are usually close to the attraction entrance. All you need to do is insert your Key to the World card (your park ticket) and your FastPass ticket will pop out.  Make sure you take notice of when you are to return. It is usually a one hour window. When you return at the proper time period you will be able to enter the attraction through a special line for FastPass ticket holders only.

There are a few other things to remember when using FastPass tickets.

• Everyone in your party needs their own Fastpass. 
• Get your FastPasses early because some attractions will run out of tickets early in the day.  
• You will not be able to obtain another FastPass until the time listed on your ticket.
• FastPasses are only valid for the day listed on the ticket.
• Height requirements are listed and enforced. 

A FastPass is truly a part of the Disney magic!

Dole Whip at Walt Disney World

It can get pretty hot in Orlando Florida and there is one treat that can really help cool you off! Dole Whip can be found at Aloha Isle in Adventureland in Walt Disney World and it will do the trick!

This soft serve pineapple sobet is a "Must Have" on my list every time I visit the Magic Kingdom.  Yes, there are other items on the Aloha Isle menu, but to be honest I don't know why! Dole Whips rule! If you look at the menu you will see that you can even apply a snack credit for this yummy goodness if you are using the meal plan. What can be better than that?

The Dole Whips are available two different ways, alone or as a float with pineapple juice.

What if you have a Dole Whip craving but you aren't visiting the Magic Kingdom that day? Never fear, there is a self-serve dispenser in Capt. Cooks at the Polynesian Resort! Whew! Problem solved! I wish I had a Dole Whip in front of me right now.

A Hug From Minnie Mouse - Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday - Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

Breakfast surprise on the Disney Cruise Line

Today's Magical Memory is about our Mexican Rivera Cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line's ship The Wonder. Our favorite place to eat breakfast was at the Beach Blanket Buffet. We were able to snag this table on deck next to the railing. Such a view! You would think that this view alone would be enough to totally please anyone.
But wait...

Look over there! A whale!  Yes...really...a whale!

We actually saw two whales out there! I wonder if they were enjoying their breakfast too? I was sure glad they joined us for ours! :)  This wasn't the only time we saw whales while on this cruise, but that is for another post!

Les Chefs de France at Epcot

Are you ready to take a trip to France? Hmmmm, not enough time to hop on a plane? Well then, come along  with me on a visit to Les Chefs de France at Epcot  in the French Pavilion!

Walking into the Les Chefs de France is like taking a quick trip to Paris! We were seated by the window and were able to watch people stroll by. My husband and I enjoyed a three course meal! :)

I enjoyed the Salade ua blue (romaine hearts, blue cheese dressing, bacon, walnuts, croutons).

My husband started in on the Bisque de Hombard  (otherwise know as Lobster Bisque) right away, even before I could take a photo!  He said it tasted just like the Lobster Bisque that he once enjoyed in the "real" Paris, France.  I believe he enjoyed every bite!

My next course was Gratin de macaroni ( Baked macaroni with cream and gruyere cheese). While I enjoyed it I thought it could have been a little more creamy for my taste.

My husband had the Plat de Cote de Boeuf au Cabarnet avc pates (Beef short ribs braised in Cabernet with pasta, pearl onions and mushrooms).  The beef was very tender but I think the Lobster Bisque was a hard dish to top as far as he was concerned.

I will admit that dessert is often my favorite part of the meal! I loved the Creme Brulee (vanilla creme brulee and a madeleine). The crunchy sugary topping is a great match with the creamy vanilla custard like pudding found underneath. Okay, now that I am looking at this photo I am ready to go back right now for another one!

My husband ordered  the Profiteroles au chocolat (Puff choux with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce), and he enjoyed every bite.  I think I even enjoyed a bit of it too!

During our dinner we had a visit from Remy the rat from "Ratatouille"!  

You can read more about that visit here!  Fun is to be had at Les Chefs de France!

A Surprise at Les Chefs de France

You never know what will happen when you dine at a Walt Disney World restaurant!

While we were enjoying our dinner at Les Chefs de France at Epcot a cast member wheeled  a cart out with what looked like a large silver platter with a huge dome type covered lid on it.  The cast member whisked off the cover and there was  Remy the rat from "Ratatouille"!

The cast member then wheeled Remy from table to table so that they could interact with the guests. Yes, Remy moved, squeaked and interacted with the guests (The cast member interpreted the squeaks so that we could understand what Remy was trying to tell us.)! A visit with Remy is always a delight!

You can find more information about Les Chefs de France here, and about our three course meal!