Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Jellyrolls

In honor of my mother's birthday this Saturday (and the extra night we're adding on to our trip just to go here), I'll be talking about her favorite place in all of Walt Disney World-Jellyrolls!

Jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar located on the Boardwalk at the Boardwalk Resort right across from the Atlantic Dance Hall. It can be easily walked to from Yacht & Beach, and the Swan & Dolphin. If you're in EPCOT earlier in the day you can always take a stroll over her from the international gateway entrance. There is a $12 cover to get in as Jellyrolls is 21+.

Happy Birthday to my mom on Saturday! 

There are 2 pairs of performers each night and can play nearly any song you will come up with. It's no frills in here with free popcorn and daily drink specials. There's seating scattered throughout with stacks of napkins typically on each table. It's on these napkins that you write down your song request. You then place your request on one of pianos, typically with a tip. I've seen someone throw down $100 just to have their song played before. I've heard everything from Billy Joel to the thong song. You name it they'll play it.  Watch your wallets when the booze starts flowing people. 

Really getting into it now!

Not only do they play your song, but it's a big sing-a-long that everyone joins in on. Sometimes there's certain songs where the players will have you stand up and do a dance to get everyone loosened up. It can get rowdy in here, especially whennventions are at 03e nearby resorts. This is also a great place to go celebrate post-race during the RunDisney weekends. 

Jellyrolls is truly one of my all time favorite adult activites where you can let loose and not have to worry about making a fool of yourself. Trust me, there's always going to be someone acting more drunk ridiculous than you. Next time you're down by the Boardwalk, be sure to check out Jellyrolls!

QOTD: Have you ever been to Jellyrolls? What song would you request?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Goofy's Candy Company

One of my favorite parts of planning my Disney trips is the food. There are just so many amazing treats to enjoy but this classic is my favorite--The Mickey Rice Krispie. It hands down takes the cake as my favorite way to spend a snack credit. Recently I discovered that at Goofy's Candy Company in Downtown Disney you can customize your own Mickey Rice Krispie! Also available to customize are candy apples, 3 pretzel rods, 4 marshmallows on a straw, or a ginger bread cookie. How can you possibly decide?

Once you've made the decision of what to customize you get to pick out all the delicious toppings. Disney makes it super easy for you by providing a check list of all the options. Write your name at the top of the paper, check off what treat you want, what kind of chocolate you want it dipped in, one topping, and finally chocolate drizzle. You may add additional toppings for an extra $1.00 each. 

Then you hand in your completed form and watch a cast member bring your delicious creation to life. Try not to drool. When it's done they'll call your name, make sure you pay before you rip that bad boy open to get a taste! 

Are you done yet? Are you done yet? Are you done yet?

This is a great treat for kids and adults to partake in, and I found that the create your own treats typically are a little larger than the equally priced pre-made options. So next time you have a sweet tooth while in Downtown Disney, make sure to stop by Goofy's Candy Company!

Yum! Ready to dig in!

QOTD: What kind of treat would you make?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Henna in Morocco

One of my must do activities while I'm in EPCOT is to head on over to the Morocco Pavilion for henna tattoos! Firstly, what exactly is henna? 

"...Henna is a paste made out of crushed leaves and twigs of henna plant...When this paste is applied in skin (just like writing from a marker) and left for few hours, it leaves orange to dark maroon stain in the skin which fades away in 7 to 14 days." [Source]

There are 2 spots in which you can get henna while at Morocco. The first spot, and the most well known used to be located on the water where Spice Road Table is now. Since construction, it's moved across the way closer to Tangerine Cafe. The second, and lesser known spot is back in the bazaar area. 99% of the time there is almost no wait back here compared to the artist out front on the main walkway.

I love the beauty of each henna design and that all have a meaning behind it. There is a book displaying the available designs with prices starting around $15 and going up to $60. The price will depend on the size and complexity of the design. Each design can usually be re-worked to fit whichever area of the body you would like it placed on. The display may show it on a hand but it can easily be translated to be put on your foot instead.

It typically takes 5-10 minutes to do each tattoo. The henna looks and feels like puff paint as it's going on. It will dry, and eventually crumble off over the next 24 hours. Once the paint has crumbled off your design is left on your skin in an orange tint. The tattoo continues to darken for about a day after the tattoo is applied. Depending on how you care for you tattoo it can last anywhere from 7-14 days. 

If you love real tattoos, are afraid of needles, or just can't commit, henna is a great option! It's fun and most importantly not permanent. It's a great souvenir that you can show off during your trip and when you get home.

QOTD: Have you even gotten a henna tattoo while in WDW? 

Where in the Walt Disney World Wednesday-Magic Kingdom's Kiss Goodnight

I'm feeling the need for a little Disney magic in my life, so today I'm featuring the Goodnight Kiss at Magic Kingdom. In true Disney style, you don't just leave the park, the castle sends you out in style. The Goodnight Kiss happens every night at park closing. Enough typing, I'll let the video do the talking.


QOTD: Have you ever stayed long enough to watch the castle's goodnight kiss?


Lauren

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Wild Africa Trek

In honor of Earth Day yesterday and Animal Kingdom's 16th birthday, today's post is featuring the Wild Africa Trek! 

Wild Africa Trek is "a privately guided VIP expedition offering close encounters with exotic African wildlife in their native habitat." The cost for the trek is NOT included with your park admission. Prices can range from $189-$249 per person. In order to participate you must be at least 8 years old, 48" tall, and between 45 and 300 lbs. Each trek lasts approximately 3 hours. All of these restrictions are in place for guest safety to ensure everyone has the safest and most fun possible.  

There are multiple trek times throughout the day so you may pick what is most convenient for your schedule. Ours started around 12:30, in July. Guys, I don't know if you've heard, but Florida in the summer is HOT. If you're susceptible to overheating easily an early morning trek might be better for you. Also, it rains EVERY DAY during the summer around 3:30/4:00. If you did your math correctly we were handing in our gear at the end of our tour just as the afternoon storm was starting. Had we started 30 minutes later we would've been caught out in the rain on our trek. 

I've got my princess pose going on

I was lucky enough to be able to do this with my Mom and Bryan while she was down visiting. We're always looking for new activities to try out and there was an awesome cast special on the trek so we took the plunge! I'm normally not a big outdoorsy girl, ironic I was working at Animal Kingdom, so I didn't go in with high expectations for our trek.Let me tell you, to this day, the Wild Africa Trek has been one of my favorite Disney experiences. 

Cheesin' for the camera

You start by meeting your guide and anyone else who has signed up for the same time slot as you. Groups are limited so the size won't get too large, but you may luck out and have the tour to yourself occasionally. Once everyone has assembled you're brought to a back stage area where you're fitted for a harness and a vest. You're also gifted Wild Africa Trek water bottles as souvenirs so you can fill them up to use during the Trek. At this time there's also lockers you can put your belongings in since they suggest not to take anything that doesn't have a strap on it. To start the tour everyone is given a whisper set (those wireless headphones your see tour groups wearing) so your guides can communicate with you. Two guides will accompany you and will alternate between taking photos the entire time. About 2 weeks after the tour a photo disc with said photos will be mailed to your home. 

Bridge 1 of 2

Once everyone was settled we were off! We made our way into another backstage area and stopped briefly to discuss some strategically places animal skulls. After a quick photo op we made our way to the first rope bridge. I love ropes courses, zip line, things of that nature so I was excited for this part. If you're ever on the safari you might notice some people climbing over you or hanging out above the alligator enclosure. This is where that happens folks. You're sent across the bridge by the guide and as soon as you reach the platform, there's another bridge for you to cross! Once both bridges were completed we were high above the alligators and got to learn more about them. 

The wilderness must be explored!

After that we made our way through the woods to appear at a truck waiting to whisk us away. This time we were brought over to that random hut in the middle of the savanna on the safari (ahhh it makes sense now). At this point we had been on the tour for about an hour so we got a break to have a snack, use the bathrooms, and take advantage of the viewing platforms.

Our snack came in these cool metal canisters which held perfect portions of prosciutto, melon, curried chicken salad, shrimp, hummus & pita, and smoked salmon. There were also pitchers of Jungle Juice, that same one served at Boma breakfast or water to refill your bottle. 

The OCD side of me loved this

The break was amazing because you're right in the middle of the action and have incredible views of the animals. There was a platform you could venture too off the back of the hut that brought you right to where the rhinos were.  

They were RIGHT THERE!

After about 30 minutes or so we were back onto our truck. This time for a private safari tour. What's different about this than just taking the safari is since you're in a truck, they can drive off the road and up closer to the animals. Our guides also had more in depth knowledge of the safari and its inhabitants that they were able to share. It became more of a conversation that a tour or ride. We were again, able to get closer to the animals than you'd be able to on the safari. 

Watching the Safari check out the Safari

Once our safari tour was complete we made our way back to where we got fitted for vests and harness in order to turn them back in and collect belongings. Before you go it's explained that a portion of your trek fee will go towards animal conservation. Here you can select which wildlife you'd like your money to go towards. 

All in all, the Wild Africa Trek is a unique experience that gets you backstage and lets you see the animals in a new way. It's great for those who like adventure and being active. The price tag can get hefty for a family on top of park admission, but if you ever have the chance to do it, I'd absolutely try it at least once. 

Lauren

QOTD: Have you ever done the Wild Africa Trek or is it on your Disney wish list?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Movies Under the Stars

This week our "where" for Where in the WDW is all over property at each resort. As cast members, there's always a plethora of fun free things to do on property and this was one of my favorites. A bunch of us would head over to one of the resorts and watch whichever Disney movie was playing that night--us and all the kids.

Movies Under the Stars can be found in your recreation guide when you check in and is typically listed under children's activities (but everyone's a kid at Disney, right?). Each night of the week a different animated film is shown on a large blow up screen outside at every resort. The movie may not be the same at every resort though so you can pick and choose where you want to go/what you want to watch.

My favorite place to watch movies under the stars is at the Polynesian Resort. Not only do you get to watch a movie on the beach, when the movie is finished the music for Wishes is piped in and you have a front row seat for the fireworks. 

Other resorts such as Yacht/Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, etc also host a campfire before the movies as well. Smores, and a Disney classic?! Sign me up. 

If you're ever looking for something low key to do at night after pounding the parks all day, this is a great option. 

QOTD: Have you ever watched movies under the stars during your WDW stay?

Also, a big thank you to Lauren at Lauren's Glass Slipper for nominating us for a Liebster Award! We'll get working on those questions and have a post for you tomorrow!

Lauren

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-The Villas at the Grand Floridian

As promised, I have some great things to share with you from my most recent WDW trip. Over the 4 nights my mom and I were at Disney we stayed at The Beach Club, Saratoga Springs, and the brand new Grand Floridian Villas. Guys. They are BEAUTIFUL. I died and went to Interior Designer nerd heaven. Lets start from the beginning though before I get too ahead of myself.

The Villas are a short walking distance from the main building of the Grand Floridian. Franck's Bridal Salon and The Wedding Pavilion are your next door neighbors here so there's always a chance you can catch some magical moments being made. 

When you walk into the lobby you are greeted by this adorably Marry Poppins themed fountain. To the left are a few desks where you sit and check-in and to the right is a little seating area and of course a TV with Disney cartoons playing to keep the little ones occupied. 

We made our way up to our room which was beautifully decorated in shades of mint and pale blue. We had a studio which can sleep up to 5 people! The sofa pulls into a bed as does the console-TADA!

The Console Pulls Out Into ANOTHER Bed!

Since it's possible to sleep so many people in the smallest room offered there are 2 bathroom areas that are connected but can be closed off from one another. One central area that has the coolest sink/mirror combo ever.

Selfie!

There's a TV in the mirror!

To the left is a standard shower/tub combo and the toilet. To the right is a beautiful and very large walk-in shower. You have a choice of using either the standard shower head, or the rain shower head coming in from the ceiling. What a rough way to start the day! Do I want to use the regular or rain shower head-decisions, decisions.

I wouldn't mind showering there everyday

Directly across from the bathroom is a little wet bar area that has your standard mini-fridge, sink, coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. 

As if this room weren't amazing enough check out the view of the Magic Kingdom we had!

I spy Space Mountain

When the doors to the balcony were open you could hear the music from the Magic Kingdom and the sounds of the steam train. I didn't find the noise to be disturbing when the doors were closed and we were trying to sleep at night which will be good for those with little ones and anyone who likes peace and quite.

Admittedly, I was never that big of a fan of the Grand Floridian, but the villas have totally won me over. It's in a great location. We were able to walk to the Polynesian for Tonga Toast for breakfast. Though the monorail doesn't stop at the villas, there's a quick walk in a covered walkway to the main building to catch it. 

What I want to know is when can I move into this place? If anyone from Disney is reading I'd like to make one of the new villas into my own personal on property apartment!

Lauren

QOTD: Have you stayed at the Grand Floridian Villas or are you planning to for an upcoming trip? What are you most looking forward to?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday- California Grill

California Grill is by far my favorite signature restaurant, or any restaurant for that matter, on Disney property. I have visited many times, and most recently Lauren and I ate there for our celebratory meal the day before our first half marathon. It has been newly refurbished with a slightly newer menu, some items changing just a bit with the seasons and some completely new and wonderful dishes. 

I have always tried to get a reservation a little bit later in the evening. If you go around the time of the Magic Kingdom fireworks you can actually watch them from the observation deck on the 15th floor of Disneys Contemporary Resort, where the California Grill is located. The Lights will dim and the music that is synchronized with the fireworks will be played in the restaurant and outside on the observation deck—"immersing Guests in the magic of the night." It's truly such a wonderful experience. Dining before the fireworks and still want to experience the show from this very cool view point? Not to worry! Bring your receipt to the check-in desk on the 2nd floor for reentry to the California Grill. Then, enjoy the show either from the California Grill Lounge or the outside observation deck.

If you are on the Disney Dining plan this meal will be worth 2 sit down meal credits. It is definitely worth it and will not disappoint. When we visited in November, I told them we were celebrating our first half marathon when I made the reservation back in April. When we arrived our table had a little something special on it for our celebration.

Lauren had the Oak-fired filet of beef with local tomato risotto, baby vine tomatoes, petite basil, and tomato butter. This is still on the menu! 

My curry crusted scallop dish with a pumpkin ravioli was seasonal and is no longer on the menu, but it sure was delicious. 

We got a dessert because we were on the Disney dining plan, creme brûlée, and of course they added some Disney magic to get us pumped up and congratulate us on our half marathon. 

I've always enjoyed eating here. The food and wine selection is amazing with a great atmosphere to match. I highly recommend trying this signature restaurant if you haven't already. 

-Kayla 

QOTD: What is your favorite signature Disney restaurant? 

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-La Cava Del Tequila

Have we mentioned yet that we like to eat? We also like to drink, sampling local cocktails from around the world showcase. One of our favorite places to stop is La Cava Del Tequila located inside the pyramid in Mexico. Here you can either sit down for some chips, salsa and a margarita or grab a drink to go from the bar. They have an extensive menu of different margaritas and tequila shots/flights that never disappoint. I can honestly say I've never had a bad drink here. I've sampled the wild passion fruit, avocado, hibiscus, and jalapeño margaritas (not all at once) and they're all top notch.

How can you say no to such a beautiful concoction?!

One of my favorite things about La Cava is that they are very active on social media and are frequently hosting promotions. Make sure you follow them on twitter and Facebook as that's where they'll announce a lot of their promotions. During Wine & Dine weekend if you came in with your medal they had goodies to give away! We got organic agave nectar and keychains (that looked like a legend of the hidden temple shirt). Where else are you going to get free stuff in Disney?! Right now they're hosting a Facebook contest until Saturday the 22nd to win a $50 gift certificate so check it out! Who can't use $50 towards delicious margaritas?!

Free swag!

While you're there make sure to say hola! to our favorite bartender, Pepe! He mixes up a mean drink and can even suggest some that may not be on the menu.

Source

QOTD: Have you even been to La Cava Del Tequila, what's your favorite drink or snack?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday- Animation Academy

Entrance to the Animation Courtyard-Just past The Little Mermaid and Disney Junior

The Animation Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite activities and is always a must do. You can find the Animation Academy hidden back in the animation court yard. First you watching a short film, after you exit there's an area for photos with characters, and off to the side is the animation academy! 

Kayla's beautiful drawing of Snow White!

A Disney artist teaches a class step by step how to draw Disney characters. When you walk into the animation studio you will see rows of desks with paper and pencil ready and waiting for you. In the front is a stage with a screen that shows what the lead animation is drawing. When you go in they will always stress there is NO ERASING during the class! Don't be scared, just draw loose and light and you may surprise yourself with the outcome. 

Showing off the finished product!

The classes are held every 30 minutes on the hour and the half hour. Typically about 20-30 people are in each class so make sure to show up early in order to ensure a seat. I have drawn characters such as Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear, and Goofy just to name a few. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist I encourage you to check this spot out! It is amazing how easy the artists make it and you may be surprised by your results! It also makes for a unique (and free!) souvenir. 

Lauren

QOTD: Have you ever experience the Magic of Disney Animation? What characters have you drawn or would you like to draw?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Pick-a-Peal (Japan)

I have a new favorite must-do activity while visiting Epcot. During our first half marathon and celebrating after at the the food and wine festival in Epcot, Lauren and I were all about trying new things in the place we thought we knew oh so well. 

I wanted to get something extra special to commemorate this trip. Something we both had never done before. So I convinced Lauren (which wasn't difficult) to go pick out our own oysters. After opening the oyster you are guaranteed to get an awesome pearl. You can then create your own piece of jewelry with it too! 

We went to Mitsukoshi in Japan, in Epcot! Definitely the best place to pick your own pearl. There are other places 

to do this on Disney property but Japan is by far the best in my opinion. 

You pick an oyster out of a tank. Then the wonderful cast members open the oyster up for you and present your pearl! 

They put on a nice show to get the crowd (and mostly the person picking the oyster pumped up)! It was so fun. You can then enjoy the pearl as is after they clean it. Or the best part, I was able to get my pearl placed in a ring setting! 

I loved the experice! I will be back again I'm sure! I think a new necklace is in order after my next race, don't you?

Oh and remember the biggest and ugliest oyster produce the biggest and rarest pearls!

-Kayla

QOTD: Have you picked your own pearl? Would you display it as a piece of jewelry? 

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Be Our Guest

Every Wednesday we're going to be posting "Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday." These posts will be our favorite places, activities, tips, restaurants etc about the Walt Disney World Resort.

Our first installment will feature Be Our Guest Restaurant. We chose Be Our Guest as the restaurant where we celebrated our completion of Wine and Dine. It was Kayla's first experience here but I had dined here once before for a lunch and a dinner. Overall it is still new and novelty to me so I was not opposed to going back! When we arrived we checked into the host stand and were given a buzzer. We waited a few minutes and then we were summoned across the bridge into the Beast's castle. Once inside you're greeted by spectacular views of the ballroom, which is where we were seated. There are two other rooms open, the west wing (where the rose is kept), and the garden room. All three rooms are open during lunch as well.

The Ballroom

Our waitress happened to be a fellow runner and training for Dopey. She suggested protein for dinner to help with our recovery. Kayla ordered the Salmon and I ordered the Lamb Rack. Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious, no complaints here. 

Refueling after hitting the parks all day!

 Even though we were stuffed we had to try the gray stuff. Let me tell you it was delicious, especially when it comes on top of a brownie. Previously, you had to be celebrating something and the gray stuff was brought to you at the discretion of your waiter/waitress. Now everyone is free to order it off the menu. 

Try the gray stuff, it's delicious!

Periodically during dinner the master (Beast) would walk through the ballroom then greet guests in the library (the same room where lunch quick-service orders are taken). Once you had finished your meal you were free to go have your photo taken with the Beast. 

Beast was jealous of our medals.
We were jealous of his castle.

We made our reservations 180 days in advance (the earliest you can make them) which is always recommended. In a past trip I have gone up to the host stand around 4/4:30 and asked if they were taking walk ups. Occasionally they will take you right around 4 without a reservation but it's not always a guarantee. Also, in the days leading up to your visit, there may be some cancellations so keep checking! 

All in all we were very happy with our Be Our Guest experience and think it is well worth the 1 sit down credit if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. Don't forget that if you can't get a dinner reservation you can always go for the quick-service lunch. We both look forward to dining at Be Our Guest again in the future!

Lauren

QOTD: Have you dined or would you like to dine at Be Our Guest for dinner? What were your impressions?