Mouse Beat

Nine Dragons Epcot

2009-01-06T03:30:00.001-05:00

Location: Nine Dragons- Epcot’s China

Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner

Reservations?: It is recommended that you make a reservation by calling (407)WDW-DINE (at least 180 days in advance). We showed up one busy night in December and were able to find a table without a reservation.

Price Range: $ 15 to 35.99 per person

Type of Food: Chinese

Review:
Nine Dragons is a beautiful restaurant. Like much of China it is very ornate. I would have liked to walk around and looked at the amazing detail in the place, especially the little statues recessed into the wall of the dining area, but it was really a fast paced busy atmosphere. The dining room is very large and can accommodate many guests and although the restaurant was not that crowded (there were still tabled open) it was very loud and the waiters were running around quickly.
The food was great! Norwood tried the family meal with honey sesame chicken and I had the wheat tofu and veggies. With the meal Norwood received soup an entrée and dessert. Here is a look at what we ate…

Norwood enjoyed his meal and his only compliant about it was that there were not many vegetables. I really enjoyed my meal. The sauce and the tofu were wonderful and the veggie choice was a nice compliment to the flavor of the sauce. The portions were large; in fact I could not finish all my meal.

I would give Nine Dragons 6 out of 10. The food was fantastic but my personal preference for a less lively atmosphere keeps me from rating it higher.

Kimonos Disney’s Swan and Dolphin

2009-01-05T02:42:00.002-05:00

Location: Swan- Epcot Resort Area

Meals Served: Dinner and late night snacks

Reservations?: It is a lounge so walk right in and take an available seat or table. If you are a party of 6 or more they will make a reservation for you if you call (407)WDW-DINE

Price Range: Varies on what you choose to eat it can be anywhere from $8 (for a roll- rolls come in pieces of 5-8) or $50 for a large meal for two

Type of Food: Japanese

Review:
If you are traveling with the kids or you do not like Japanese food (lots of sushi on the menu) then you might want to look elsewhere in the Swan. Just down the hall is the Garden Grove which is an all-you-care to eat character dining restaurant (dinner is buffet style and with characters). Those with kids or seeking American cuisine headed past Kimonos to the Garden Grove. Now if you are a fan of a dark intimate atmosphere and Japanese food you will be in heaven like Norwood and I were. It is a dark lounge with a lovely Japanese decor. Look up and you will see bamboo ceiling lights and the most gorgeous kimonos. When we stopped in for an early dinner (around 6pm) there were few people and the atmosphere was quiet. Our waitress did tell us that around 9:30pm every night the rock stars roll in for Karaoke and it tends to become livelier. One thing I noticed many were confused about was the seating. Since it is a lounge you are welcome to sit wherever you want whether it is at the sushi bar a plush couch or the bar at the back of the lounge.

The food was perfect! Norwood and I have eaten at many Disney restaurants and we have never left so satisfied both with the food and the price. There are many vegetarian options so if you are not a sushi fan have no fear. I highly recommend the asparagus roll. It is cooked asparagus and cream cheese wrapped in rice and seaweed. It is absolutely wonderful! Although the menu does not list deserts there are several to choose from just ask a friendly waitress what deserts they have available.

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) I give Kimonos a 10. I recommend this lounge to those seeking a night away from the kids (although there were kids at the lounge enjoying the food) it is geared a little more towards adults. I can guarantee that you will find Norwood and I there when we want dinner near Epcot.

Disney Hotels 2008

2009-01-02T03:53:00.001-05:00

I know we live just down the street from Disney but there is something absolutely magical about staying on Disney property all day and all night. Norwood and I tried a few resorts last year and we liked each one we tried in different ways. To cap off the five favorite memories of Disney World 2008 I thought I would list some of my favorite moments while staying at a Disney Resort.

5: Eating at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)… Yum! We liked it so much that we ate there for our Christmas Eve dinner.

4: Watching Norwood ride Air Trix at the Caribbean Beach Resort…

3: Watching the kids have tons of fun on all the neat “larger than life” things at the All Star Resorts…

2: Stumbling onto my first pin trading night at the Contemporary…

And my favorite moment while at a Disney Hotel/Resort of 2008 is….

1: Getting my first picture with Minnie Mouse at Disney Contemporary Resort!

So many great memories of Disney World at 2008. Seven months of Disney every week was really awesome. I look forward to seven more! Have a magical weekend!

Hollywood Studios Memories 2008

2009-01-01T03:26:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

To wrap up 2008 let us talk about the park that is still a mystery to me; Hollywood Studios. There are so many things I have yet to do at Hollywood Studios. I have rode the biggies, Hollywood Tower of Terror and Rock N Roller Coaster, but I have not been on Toy Story Mania, have not seen a Hollywood Studio parade and the many other things there are at Hollywood Studios, but I have done some fun things and have some fond memories of Hollywood Studios. Here are my five favorite things I have done at Hollywood Studios in 2008…

5: The Actors out and about… It is really neat that you can just one minute be walking down the streets in Hollywood Studios and then in the next minute you are presented with entertainment, and there is no need to stand in line!

4: The Great Movie Ride… still my favorite attraction at Hollywood Studios!

3: Pin Central (aka Mickey’s Hat)… Hollywood Studios by far has the best pin central in all the parks.

2: Mulch Sweat and Shears… we discovered them this year and they were absolutely wonderful! Check out the comments section on my First Mulch Sweat and Shears Post to find out more about the band and other places you can find them (thanks Jennifer for all the info!).

And my favorite thing that I will continue to go back to Hollywood Studios for is….
1: Fantasmic! I am at a loss for words, oh wait I found one… WOW!

So there you have it all my favorite 2008 memories of Disney World theme parks… but there is one more day left in the week. What shall we talk about??? Oh I know how about the Disney Hotels. I have had some fun at various Disney Resorts in addition to the theme parks I will tell you what my top five are tomorrow.

Animal Kingdom Memories 2008

2008-12-31T02:47:00.000-05:00

Animal Kingdom is a special place. So unlike the other Disney parks. Every time we enter Animal Kingdom I am amazed at what Disney has built. No zoo or other animal related park can compare to Animal Kingdom. There are so many things we have yet to discover at Animal Kingdom but we have had some wonderful times. Here are my top five favorite Animal Kingdom 2008 memories….

5: The bats! Never had I looked so close at giant bats before and I never thought I would say that they are cute. But there was this one bat who was so curious that he came right up to where I was standing taking photos and looked down at me. Every time we go I have to take a walk over to see the bats in Asia.

4: Eating at the Yak and Yeti… My favorite place to eat in Animal Kingdom.

3: Discovering the green button at Kali River Rapids… The River Rapids is one of the few rides at Disney that I will actually ride again. It is fun and in the summer a necessity. And when we noticed the magical green button well we just had a grand time spraying those on the ride.

2: Riding for the first and the last time Everest… I know why people flock to Asia and get their fast passes for Everest it is definitely a thrill ride but I am too chicken to ride it again. I am so glad that I did… too bad my eyes were closed for most of it.

And the memory that ranks number 1 in my book from Animal Kingdom is….

1: Kilimanjaro Safaris! I have more photos of giraffes, elephants, cheetahs rhinos and a lot more of the animals you see one your two week tour then I thought I ever would. Each time we go it is one of the first things that we do and every time we went we saw different animals.

Is it just me or is it time to take a trip to Animal Kingdom!? Tomorrow we re-visit my favorite memories of Hollywood Studios, the park that I still know the least about.

Epcot Memories 2008

2008-12-30T03:22:00.001-05:00

Anyone who has read this blog since the beginning (or even more than one week) will be able to tell that Epcot is my favorite Disney Park. I love the concerts, special events and of course the World Showcase! Yesterday I listed my five favorite Magic Kingdom memories of 2008 and I told you that it was a difficult decision to narrow it down to just five… but Epcot… lists were made things were crossed off… paper was scattered all over my office trying to decide on just five of the best times I had a Epcot. So without further ado here they are…

5: Walking into the World Showcase just as it opens… There is nothing more cool than being one of the first people into the World Showcase while all the shops and restaurants are still opening.

4: Eating at Teppan Edo… it stills holds the place as my favorite Epcot restaurant and I have eaten at quite a few now.

3: China… if you only knew how much time and photos were taken in China… well actually I guess you do know if you look at my photos. It is by far my favorite country in the World Showcase. I love to walk around the shops and look at all the Buddhas.

2: Bono! I loved the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series but my favorite band to perform this summer was 2U a Tribute to U2!

And here is it my favorite thing that happened at Epcot in 2008 drum roll please……
1: David Cassidy! Oh excuse me I almost fainted at the memory of the excitement of seeing the great David Cassidy at Epcot. He was fantastic and honestly now that I think back on Eat to the Beat I cannot remember who else we saw… I am sure we saw many great bands but DAVID CASSIDY! You cannot beat that!

Wow! I had a great time at Epcot and I have to say it is so fun going through the photos and deciding on my favorite moments. I cannot wait to tell you about Animal Kingdom tomorrow.

Magic Kingdom 2008

2008-12-29T03:59:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that in just a few days we will all enter another new year!? The time truly does go by fast when you are having fun and this year Norwood and I have had fun! We have spent seven wonderful months exploring Disney (and we are going for a year). I thought since this Thursday is a new year I would spend this week highlighting some of my favorite Disney World memories from 2008. At any point this week jump in and share yours too. To begin our Disney reminiscing let us start in the Kingdom where imagination and fantasy rein… Magic Kingdom.

Before 2008 Magic Kingdom was for me, the place where you see Mickey and Minnie and ride the Haunted Mansion. I never before spent so much time and discovered so many things about Magic Kingdom. It was hard to narrow down my top 5 favorite memories of Magic Kingdom, I mean there were so many perfect days, but here we go….

5: Dream along with Mickey Stage Show… I do believe if I wish hard enough my dreams will come true!

4: Dreams Come True Parade… I am not an old Disney Parade pro but I have to say the Dreams Come True Parade is one of the prettiest Disney parades I have seen. All that lovely blue!

3: Riding the Rides with my little sister… We screamed, we laughed... I will never forget it!

2: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party… where else in the world can you pretend you are a kid and trick or treat at 30 years old! My only regret of the night is that it was too cold to wear a costume.

And my absolute favorite memory of our Disney 2008 adventures is…..
1: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! It was so fun we had to go twice!! I love Main Street with the decorations, snow, Christmas Music and all the awesome stage shows! There is no better place to be if you want to celebrate a Disney style Christmas.

Ahh looking back at Magic Kingdom makes me want to go right now! Actually I think I will charge my camera and head out to make more magical memories. Tomorrow I will tell you about my top five Epcot memories.

Disney Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-26T03:14:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Although all the presents are opened and Christmas goodies eaten I thought we would spend at least one more day celebrating Christmas 2008 at Disney. One of my favorite things to do at Christmas time is to make a gingerbread house. Today I wanted to highlight just a few of the gingerbread houses that can be found around Disney World. First up is the house seen on the Travel Channel the Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian.

This was the first year that Norwood and I made our way over to the Grand Floridian to see the impressive house. As you can see more the people in the shot (I am the one with the black polo and jeans) the house is tall and big enough for people to fit inside. If you walk around the other side of the house there are a couple of cast members selling gingerbread. Also the smell is wonderful! As you walk into the Grand Floridian Lobby you are welcomed by two things, the very impressive Christmas tree and the smell of gingerbread. By the looks of the crowds in the Grand Floridian it is a very popular Disney gingerbread house. Some gingerbread houses you may not be familiar with are the contest winners at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

There were four categories of gingerbread houses at the Animal Kingdom Lodge; Spirit of Africa, Most Holiday Spirit, Most Original and Best Disney Theme. All were impressive and unique in their own way. The first winner was the Spirit of Africa Gingerbread House:

This house is so neat. The creator of this house made it look a lot like the Animal Kingdom Lodge. From the roof to the animals in the fenced area and house I can definitely see why it won the Spirit of Africa award. My favorite part of the house is the little giraffe peaking over the fence. Next up is the house that won “Most Holiday Spirit.”

Although much smaller than the Spirit of Africa house it is also quite impressive with its creativity. I like how they used the spearmint disks to create a Christmas tree outside the house, used candy canes to line the roof and if you peek inside the door you will see Santa himself. Another house that creatively used my favorite candy… peppermint candy was the house that won most original…

This one is so neat, not a mistake could be found and look even a hidden Mickey! But if you want to see a house that brings out the Disney in Christmas then take a look at the house that won Best Disney theme…

Mickey's Lodge! This reminds me a lot of Fort Wilderness Lodge. I love the way they used pretzels to make the house look like a log cabin. Also if see all the little chocolate figures in front of the lodge? Each one of those figures is a Disney character.

Well today we have shared so many creative and yummy Disney Gingerbread Houses. Until next week… have a wonderful, magical and sugar filled weekend!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T02:39:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from all of us at Mouse Beat! Norwood and I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mulch Sweat and Shears

2008-12-24T03:18:00.000-05:00

If you want to rock and laugh at the same time then you must see Mulch Sweat & Shears. Last week Norwood and I caught one of their shows for the first time. I do not think I have ever laughed so much especially when they performed Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Below are some snippets from their performance of the song…

If you listen carefully you can hear Norwood singing along when we were all trying to cheer up the singer after he declared he wanted a pink pony for Christmas. It is a really fun show to watch and definitely brings out the Christmas spirit in everyone. Put Mulch Sweat & Shears on your “must see at Hollywood Studios List.”

Tomorrow I will talk about that all important Christmas symbol… the Disney Christmas Tree.

Fort Wilderness Campground Christmas Lights

2008-12-23T04:03:00.001-05:00

On one of our perfect day excursions to the Magic Kingdom last week Norwood and I decided to hop a boat and head over to check out the Fort Wilderness Campground. Norwood had saw a program on the Travel Channel that mentioned there were really impressive displays on individual campsites so we decided to go and check them out. As we were walking up to Pioneer Hall to find out where to go we saw a Horse Drawn Carriage pull up. I walked over to the driver and asked her about it and just our luck she had a no show so she could take us right then! The ride is about 20-25 minutes and it is $35 for the group. During the holiday season they take you around the campsite loops to see the light displays. Here is just a sample of what you can see on your tour…

The displays included many Disney blow up Christmas decorations, homemade decorations, larger than life snow globes, lights, lights and yet more lights and of course Santa Claus. A popular Santa display I saw at many sites was one in which he and Mickey were sitting on a recliner and waving to passersby’s.

The ride was absolutely perfect. Our driver Ashley was friendly and informative and Dutch was an amazing horse. He was so well behaved, it was definitely Disney Magic. Thanks Ashley and Dutch!

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

2008-12-22T03:49:00.001-05:00

Well we waited all year for this week to arrive and it is finally here… Christmas Week! When I was a kid I loved the week of Christmas. All the presents were under the tree and I could not wait to find out what I received. Since Christmas is this Thursday I thought we would talk about Christmas at Disney World each day this week. So let’s get the celebration started with a look at Hollywood Studios “Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.” If you like tons and tons of Christmas Lights you will love the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Take a look…

At 6:30 each night the New York Street comes alive with lights. The presentation when they first turn on the lights is really neat. The snow begins to fall (although on a hot night you may not think there was snow) and the lights dance. It is amazing how many lights are on New York Street and when it is 85 degrees in December and you need a little something to make it feel more like Christmas there is nothing better than the Osborne Lights... well maybe a horse drawn carriage tour of Disney themed Christmas lights. Tell you more about that tomorrow...

Captain’s Grille- Yacht Club

2008-12-19T04:10:00.000-05:00

After the Mega Mouse Meet, Norwood and I decided to walk around and look at the lovely decorations. It was during that time that we found a nice little place to have lunch. We settled in for hours and had a great conversation with each other and the waiter.

Location: Yacht Club Resort- Epcot Resort Area

Meals Served: Breakfast (buffet style), Lunch and Dinner (a la Carte)

Reservations?: Not a bad idea call (407)WDW-DINE

Price Range: $15- 35.99

Type of Food: American

Review: It is a lovely little place just inside the Yacht Club lobby. Norwood and I discovered it while we were walking around looking at the Yacht Club holiday decorations. It was busy but it was not very noisy. We had lunch there for $40.00 with tip, drinks and desert, very reasonably priced. We both had the soup and sandwich meal. The soup of the day was a gorgonzola clam chowder which was awesome! If you are looking for a quite, intimate place to have breakfast, lunch or dinner at a really great price I highly recommend the Captain’s Grille. Normally I am not a soup person but you must try the soups they offer and have a desert while you are at it. They have an impressive desert menu (my favorite was the blueberry tart).

As for the service, of course it was great. For example when my pickle flipped off my fork and onto the floor the waiter laughed with us and then brought me another. After our meal was complete we sat for hours and talked and our waiter came over to ask if we wanted water or anything to drink. We had already paid and he continued to come by and interact with us. He was great and made the meal that much more enjoyable.

Mouse Fest People

2008-12-18T03:42:00.002-05:00

**Edited December 28, 2008 to add: The identity of the pin guy has been discovered! Thanks to Tim at the Magic in Pixels for telling me that the pin guy is John Corigliano of Window to the Magic a great place to find podcasts about Disney!**

All this week I have been telling you about the people and the events that we enjoyed during Mouse Fest 2008. Today I want to introduce you to some folks who are doing interesting things in the Disney community. Take the pin guy…

Yes indeed all those shining things on his vest are Disney pins. In fact they are all Lilo and Stitch pins (click the photo to see it larger). The pin guy is a Disney podcaster and he has been collecting those pins since 2003. The vest weighs 16 pounds! Can you imagine! Of course I had to look through his collection (as did many others) and I saw pins that I have never seen before. He has a Steamboat Stitch pin that myself and another gentleman agreed was the pinnacle of his pin collection. In case you were wondering like I was when I first saw the impressive collection… the backs of the pins are locking backs to ensure that he does not lose any. (Oh pin guy if you are reading this, I am sorry I completely forgot your name and affiliation… leave me a comment or email me and I will let others know who you are).

Another group of interesting Disney folks that I meet during the Mega Mouse Meet were the people behind Disney Tube. Disney Tube is a really interesting community. Not only can you see Disney videos (no really when you search there you get real videos of people at Disney not things tagged Disney… but not really Disney) and you get to read other blogs and fan sites and vote on your favorites. I discovered a couple neat blogs there myself.

Mega Mouse Meet was a great place to mingle with other Disney fans and Norwood and I had a great time during Mouse Fest. One of the benefits of Mouse Fest that was not included in the handy dandy guide was the introduction to two resorts Norwood and I have not been to before. After the Mega Mouse Meet Norwood and I walked around the Disney Yacht and Beach club and found a great little place to have lunch which I will tell you all about tomorrow….

Mega Mouse Meet 2008

2008-12-17T04:47:00.001-05:00

The Mega Mouse Meet is the BIG one. It is where all the people who are hosting Mouse Fest events or just along to enjoy the events gather to find each other and new people too. With about 1000 people in attendance you are sure to make friends to meet up with. I can honestly say I have never been to something like the Mega Mouse Meet before. Tables were set up along the perimeter of the room with the hosts and authors greeting people, handing out goodies and giving away prizes. Those who were registered for Mouse Fest were able to enter to ballroom an hour earlier than other guests and were given snacks and drinks. I have to give props to the Mouse Fest coordinators the snacks were really good. Norwood and I both enjoyed the soft pretzels (one filled with apple and the other with pepper jack cheese). After grabbing a few snacks we joined a few people at a table. While people ate or walked around from table to table Dave Marx from Passporter called out raffle numbers and gave away some neat prizes. I myself won a Deluxe 2009 Passporter. I think that was the first time I have ever won anything. It is a very neat little guide set up in planner style and my copy just happens to be autographed by the author. Very cool!

As I walked around from table to table I was amazed at all the different Disney communities out there. One of the communities I discovered through Mouse Fest was Tagrel.com. They are a nice community that encourages friendship and cast member appreciation. While I was at the Photography 101 meet I met one of their members Will and he told me to check them out so the next day I found their site online and signed up for their community. While at the Mega Meet I told them how I just signed up the night before and to welcome me to the community they gave me a special little Tagrel pin…

Thanks so much Tagrel! There were lots of interesting people to meet at the Mouse Fest Mega Meet tomorrow I will tell you more about some of the interesting folks Norwood and I meet.

Mouse Fest Events

2008-12-16T03:51:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned briefly yesterday there is a whole book full of fun things to do while at Mouse Fest with the various groups that are hosting. If you love the rides at Disney and want a large group of folk to ride with Mouse Fest is a dream. Many groups got together and laughed at the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, screamed on Expedition Everest or marveled at the movies on the Great Movie Ride. But if you are a little more of a ride chicken (guilty!) and prefer events that do not involve you having the death grip and screaming they have events for you too. One of my favorite things to do is take pictures in all the Disney parks. There were several groups at Mouse Fest hosting photo scavenger hunts, tutorials, photo walks, and contests. I joined in on two photo events. Tim Devine from The Magic in Pixels hosted many photo related events during Mouse Fest. Norwood and I were able to attend two. We went to a Photography 101 lecture at the Noodle Station in Magic Kingdom…

Here Tim shared some tips on how to take better photos. From advice on the Rule of
Thirds (for photo composition) to exploring your camera setting Tim made it easy to better understand our cameras. I really have to thank him for clarifying the aperture settings, now when I change my own aperture I actually know a little more about what I am doing. Oh and not to mention, ahh realizing how I should properly change my lens, yeah I often had a disregard for the inside of my camera when changing my lens.

The next day those who joined him again at Animal Kingdom were given the chance to test out our new skills on a Tree of Life Animal Hunt. Norwood and I have been to Animal Kingdom many times and I have often taken photos of the Tree of Life. It was not until Friday of last week that I was made aware of how close you can actually get to the tree. Tim took the group on trails all around and through the Tree of Life. When you really look up close at the tree there are some amazing animals that you can find. Here is my favorite from the hunt…

And here is Norwood’s favorite shot from the hunt…

We had a great time at both the events and meet some great people. Tomorrow I will tell you about the BIG event that happens at Mouse Fest… the Mega Mouse Meet.

Mouse Fest 101 and Kickoff Party

2008-12-15T03:21:00.001-05:00

I have had a busy weekend! I am sure that many of you out there know about Mouse Fest which is a gathering of Disney fans from all over the world. For five days we all get together and do various things in the park. Norwood and I went to Mouse Fest for the first time this year. All this week I will be sharing our impressions what events we had a chance to participate in and a little about some of the people we met. The first land event was Mouse Fest 101 and the Kickoff ceremony.

At Mouse Fest 101 event Mike Scopa (All Ears) and Mark Goldhaber (Mouse Planet) talked all of the new comers through the event and gave our tips on how we could effectively enjoy the many events that were offered. It was a great place to ask questions if you had any about the event and it was also a place to gather any missing or lost Mouse Fest supplies (like the nifty little pocket guide). After the presentation we all then had a chance to meet each other and some of the folks that would be hosting events during our five days of celebrations. Some of the crowd favorites were Deb Wills from All Ears and Dave Marx from Passporter. Norwood and I were amazed at the turn out of all first time Mouse Festers. We met a few people and a big time celebrity…

Mickey! For many of my daily readers you know that a trip to Disney for us is more than just a walk around the world a concert or exploring the African wilderness. It is often a search for good coffee. While our time at Mouse Fest 101 and Mouse Fest Kick Off was no different. After Mouse Fest 101 Norwood and I searched the Contemporary for the often sought after cup of coffee. Right when you enter the Contemporary resort (from the convention center walkway) there is a little coffee shop that makes good coffee. A little tip for coffee hounds such as myself… look for an espresso maker… often times if there is one present you can have them make an Americano which will offer the bold flavor (or close to it) some of us love. With a place to get good coffee in our sights we suddenly noticed a small line forming near the entrance. Peeking around the shoulders of others I noticed the man of the hour Mickey Mouse! Decked out in his best attire he was available for hugs and pictures, so naturally Norwood and I stood in line. While it is not the best shot (my silly eyes are closed) it is a keeper and it is the first picture I have with Mickey Mouse!

Although it rained like a hurricane was in town it was a great day. Tomorrow I will tell you more about our Mouse Fest experience.

Holiday Shopping- Germany

2008-12-12T03:30:00.000-05:00

What would a week at Mouse Beat be without a little shopping trip in Disney World? Today I want to take you on a Holiday Shopping tour around Germany. It is so pretty right now in Germany and there are so many unique Christmas gifts. Take for example the Santa merchandise…

As you walk around Germany there are so many ornaments and gifts that you are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list. I mean they even have a little something for people like me…

Have a great weekend everyone!

Kwanzaa Display- America

2008-12-11T03:04:00.000-05:00

My favorite thing about Epcot is that not only can you go and be entertained but you can also learn something. Part of the Holidays Around the World experience is walking around the World Showcase and seeing the different ways that people celebrate the Holiday Season. Kwanzaa is just one exhibit in the World Showcase. Located in America next to Santa’s Village it is a small display that gives you a brief history of what Kwanzaa means with a beautiful display of a harvest that might have been celebrated. Talk a walk around the world next time you are in Epcot you will see neat little tidbits about holidays and world culture.

Santa’s Village- America

2008-12-10T04:55:00.000-05:00

Christmas is just not Christmas without a visit to the big guy in red. All around the World Showcase there are different versions of Santa Claus in different countries. While you are waiting in line of the Candlelight Processional make sure to sneak back to Santa’s village and sit on Santa’s Lap. He makes appearances at various times during the day. Check the show and character times guide to see when you can go and whisper your Christmas list to Santa and meet Mrs. Claus.

Biergarten Restaurant- Germany

2008-12-09T03:44:00.003-05:00

Location: Epcot – Germany

Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner

Reservations?: Probably a good idea (407)WDW-DINE

Price Range: $19.99 Adults, $10.99 Children (Lunch) and $28.99 Adults, $13.99 Children (Dinner)

Type of Food: All- you- care to eat German Food (Biergarten Menu)

Review: If you are a vegetarian you might want to eat somewhere else. There are not many choices (unless you love bread) for the non meat eaters out there. If you love sauerkraut and bratwurst you will be in heaven. And of course there is lots of beer to sample and enjoy. The best thing about this restaurant is that it is a buffet, which means you can sample a little of everything. I recommend taking a look at the desert bar… trust me you will not regret it. Also there is a neat little dinner show while you eat.

While we were there last week it was not only Oktoberfest but also a Christmas celebration. With Christmas carols and dancing it was a festive time. It is worth seeing but I have to admit I will probably not go back personally, only because I am not too fond of meat.

Candlelight Processional

2008-12-08T03:20:00.002-05:00

All over Disney World the holidays are in full swing. No matter what park you go to there is a little bit of holiday cheer and holiday events happening. All this week we will look at just a little bit of the Holidays Around the World in Epcot. To start off the week let’s talk about the very popular Candlelight Processional. This year was the first time Norwood and I have seen the processional. We had no idea that it was so popular. We went last week just to see Neil Patrick Harris. We arrived a couple of hours early so we could have dinner before the first show and had assumed that we would be able to just walk right in a few minutes before the show started, like all the concerts we had been to all year long at Epcot. After talking to our dinner companions at Biergarten in Germany we found out that the best way to ensure that you have a seat is to make reservations at an Epcot restaurant with the Candlelight Processional tickets included. With the help of our wonderful waiter at Biergarten we were able to get tickets for the second show.

The Candlelight Processional is amazing! To the music of a mass choir and a 50 piece orchestra a guest narrator (on our night the great NPH!) will tell the Christmas Story. It is absolutely lovely from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend it and I also want to stress to have your tickets included with your meal (most of the World Showcase sit down restaurants are participating – ask the person at Disney when you make your reservations about the cost and restaurants that offer the tickets). Also get in line early. We went two hours before our show was to begin and we were not the only ones in line. After our show (we had the second show) we noticed that the line went from America all the way to Japan for those who had tickets.

If you would like to see more photos of the processional check out my Disney Holiday Slideshow or see below…

Want more Epcot? Check out the Epcot Slideshow.

Exposition Hall

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Located on Main Street Exposition Hall is a place to take funny photos with character cutouts, really nice photos as a princess or sit inside the quiet comfortable theatre and watch classic Mickey films. Every time we are at Magic Kingdom we stop in and Exposition Hall and wonder back to the theatre. It is a nice place to get out of the rain, heat or crowds. Plus there are a bunch of exhibits up to browse. Take a look at these old cameras and photographs…

And if you are feeling like you want to be silly just stick your head through any of the numerous cutouts and have someone snap a shot of you. Here is one that allows you to become a part of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves…

Well I hope that some of your favorites made it on my Magic Kingdom Favorites list this week if not tell us about them! Have a magical weekend!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority

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Call me crazy but I like Transit Authority. I like to ride around and get great views of the park and go through the top of Space Mountain (because that is as close as this ride chicken will get). It is nice to get up there in the air and take a leisurely ride around and see Tomorrowland and Cinderella’s Castle, especially when the park is busy. I feel like it is just Norwood and I (most of the time we have our own car) way above the park and it is because of that, that I mark this as one of my favorite things in Magic Kingdom. Here are some of the photos from our last trip on the Transit Authority…

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

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We saw this neat 3D movie for the first time this year but we absolutely love it. This show really feels like Disney with Goofy, Donald, Mickey and Minnie putting on their symphony. I love the sound effects like when Goofy is running around before the show starts to find Donald and then later open the curtain. Or when you can hear little Minnie and her high heels clicking around back stage. Not only are the sound effects really neat in this show the 3D movie is amazing. When little Donald reaches out to grab onto something when the instruments become mad I always reach out my hands for him. My favorite movie scene of the show is when Donald ends up at the table in Beauty and the Beast, oh the smell of apple pie! And the end of the show! I laugh out loud every time I see little Donald in the back wall. Plus you get to wear the cool opera glasses! This show is one of my favorite things in Magic Kingdom tomorrow I will tell you more about my favorite Magic Kingdom rides. If you want to see more of my Magic Kingdom photos head on over to my Magic Kingdom Slideshow.