Laura Baustian | Pixie Dust Queen

Author Archives: Laura Baustian
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
  
  Posted at 2:53 pm by Laura Baustian, on September 15, 2022
  The Kitchen Sink
  
  From Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
  
  Ginormous ice cream sundae from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
  
  Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club
  
  We heard about the Kitchen Sink Sundae before our first trip to Walt Disney World in 2012. My boys begged to go to Beaches & Cream each trip. Advanced reservations are a must and are hard to come by. Seriously! A reservation to Beaches & Cream is one of the most sought-after reservations. The boys excitedly asked, “Did you get a reservation?” After multiple unsuccessful attempts, I was lucky enough to grab one.
  
  What’s all the fuss about Beaches & Cream?
  
  The fuss is all about the huge ice cream sundae known as “The Kitchen Sink”.
  
  If there is a topping for a sundae, it’s on The Kitchen Sink. It literally….really….has every topping and ice cream you can think of and it is served in a small kitchen sink. Yes, you read that right. Your ice cream sundae is served in a small sink. That’s how huge the sundae is.
  
  So What is in the Kitchen Sink?
  
  Disney shares recipes with guests. There are quite a few cookbooks and Disney party planning books with Disney recipes. Sometimes you can find recipes on their website, sometimes you just need to ask. The Kitchen Sink recipe was on their website. The Kitchen Sink would be a great treat to make for a summer birthday party!
  
  Beaches and Cream presents The Kitchen Sink
  
  You can see so many of the toppings – twinkies, Oreos, sprinkles, whipped cream (two full cans), bananas, chocolate syrup, brownies and cherries on top! I do not suggest tackling this treat on your own, or even with a friend. This is definitely a challenge for a small group!
  
  PDQ and Family Tackle the Kitchen Sink
  
  The boys couldn’t wait to grab their spoons. Hubby and I were a little more cautious. There was no plan of attack, just a quick discussion of favorite ice cream flavors and which toppings we each called dibs on! We all had our share of the sundae. We ate, and ate, and ate….and ate some more.
  
  The last bit of The Kitchen Sink
  
  As you can see, we put a huge dent in The Kitchen Sink. The boys did most of the damage. I miss the days of being able to eat as much as I want and not put on a pound, or end up with a stomach ache! The boys worked on The Kitchen Sink until they could not fit one more smidge of ice cream. We left Beaches and Cream with full tummies, happy boys, and memories made.
  
  If you’re looking for something fun to do – Beaches and Cream located at The Beach Club Resort, is a definite. Best of all, you don’t need a park ticket! Just a dining reservation.
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  Posted in Activities, Food | 0 Comments | Tagged "Disney" "travel" "families" "planner" "tips" "children" "vacation", "family" "children"
- Tonga Toast at Home
  
  Posted at 2:40 pm by Laura Baustian, on February 17, 2021
  Dining at Home Disney Style: Tonga Toast
  
  When COVID hit and all things “normal” changed drastically or ceased altogether, one of the things my family looked forward to was “Dining at Home Disney Style.” We decided we would create some of our favorite Disney dishes at home. One of our very favorite breakfasts is Tonga Toast, from the Kona Cafe in the Polynesian Resort. Tonga Toast is similar to French toast because it is dipped in an egg/milk mixture, but it is stuffed with banana slices, deep-fried, and dipped in cinnamon and sugar. The savory bread with the semi-sweet bananas offsets the cinnamon sugary sweetness for a delectable balance of flavor and texture. Sound delicious? Here’s how to make Tonga Toast for “Dining at Home Disney Style!”
  
  Tonga Toast: You will need:
  A loaf of unsliced white bread from the bakery. Our bakery was out of unsliced bread, so we used a small loaf of French bread and altered how we sliced it.
  
  1 to 2 bananas
  
  4 eggs
  
  1 1/2 cups milk
  
  2 cups of oil
  
  3 Tbl sp sugar
  
  1 Tbl sp cinnamon
  
  Tonga Toast: Step by Step
  
  Start with the unsliced bread. You will need to slice your bread into 4-inch slices. Next, take one of the 4-inch chunks and make a slice at the 2-inch mark but not all the way through. You just want to cut a pocket for the banana slices to fit. Next, slice your bananas. You may go with round slices or cut the banana in half and then slice length-wise. It is completely your preference. We found it easier to work with longer slices, than small round slices. Now, put the sliced banana into the pocket of your chunk of bread. Because we had to improvise with a small French loaf, rather than a traditional rectangular loaf of bread, we sliced it down the side and made a pocket for the banana.
  
  Bread, Banana, Egg & Milk
  Banana Stuffed Bread
  Heat the oil
  
  Next, you will want to heat your oil to fry the banana-stuffed bread. Before placing the banana-stuffed bread into the oil, make sure the oil is hot. It might be easier to get the oil hot, then lower the temperature a bit. The oil should be at medium-high heat. If the oil isn’t hot enough, your toast will be oil-soaked and soggy. While the oil is heating, whisk your milk and eggs together until blended. Dip your banana-stuffed bread into the egg/milk mixture. Make sure all sides are coated. Then, carefully place the bread into the hot oil. We used tongs to avoid burning fingers. Fry until golden brown on the outside. After you remove the toast from the oil, place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
  
  Dip the banana stuffed bread into the milk/egg mixture.
  Banana Stuffed Bread
  Resting Toast
  Tonga Toast: Final Steps
  
  Gently dab, or turn the toast on the paper towel-lined plate to absorb all the excess oil. You want just enough oil to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick. While the toast is resting on the plate, mix your cinnamon and sugar on a platter. Carefully roll the toast in the mixture to coat. You could also mix the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl and sprinkle it over the hot toast. Finally, slice your toast, plate, and serve!
  - Coat with cinnamon and sugar
  - Plate and serve!
  Tonga Toast: Closing Thoughts
  
  A regular rectangular loaf of bread should result in 3 to 4 servings. Our modified version with a small French loaf made two servings. At the Kona Cafe the toast is served with strawberry compote. “Dining at Home Disney Style” the toast was served with fresh fruit. When you are missing your favorite places, see what you can create at home that is similar to what you are missing. Best case scenario: you end up reminiscing about “that one time when. . . .” while you enjoy a fabulous meal. Worst case scenario: you end up reminiscing about “that one time when. . . . ” while making new memories of that one time when you tried to create a vacation favorite at home. Either way, memories are shared and made; and time is spent with those you love.
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  Posted in Food | 0 Comments | Tagged Disney Dining, Disney Food, Disney Recipe, Kona Cafe, Polynesian Resort Recipes, Tonga Toast
- Disney’s Wild Africa Trek
  
  Posted at 10:22 am by Laura Baustian, on July 27, 2018
  Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek
  
  If you’ve ever wanted to go on a safari, but aren’t brave, daring, or bold enough, then Disney has an option for you. Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek in Animal Kingdom gives you a a behind the scenes private safari. You get to learn about the animals you see on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. The trek does require an additional fee, as it is an extra (not included with the price of a regular park ticket). It was totally worth it!
  
  Wild Africa Trek: Getting Started
  
  Our trek was scheduled for 12:30 – 3:30 PM on a Friday afternoon in June. We checked in with Tess around 12:15 near the Kilimanjaro Safari fastpass entrance. Frank and Claire were our guides for the afternoon. Tess explained the details of what was and was not allowed during our trek. Anything you wanted to take with you, such as sunglasses or phones, had to be tethered to you for safety of the animals. Our guides would take candid and posed photos throughout the trek. If there was something in particular we wanted a photo of, our guides would be happy to snap away at our request. There were three other families joining us on the trek. We had to weigh in, and be fitted with the necessary safety gear. So, one at a time, we stepped on the scale. A safety vest and harness was selected by the Trek team. They were careful to make sure the vest and harnesses fit correctly and were comfortable. They explained what straps they were tightening, and what to expect throughout the suiting up process. We were also provided cool little microphone receivers to wear. They could talk along the tour, and we could easily hear them! I don’t think I have ever had so much safety gear on at once! Straps, buckles, heavy-duty carabiner clips, zipped up vest and we were ready to go!
  
  The boys in their safety gear ready for the trek!
  
  Wild Africa Trek: Off and going!
  
  We started our trek walking through Gorilla Falls and the aviary. Frank explained about the different types of birds flying about, the nests we could see being built as birds flitted in and out of them. Exiting the aviary we went through a little side gate, and left crowded park behind. The first stop on the trek – the hippos (Henry and Hans- father and son). We were tethered to a cable and allowed to go into the exhibit. We watched as the hippos ate watermelon thrown to them from the caretakers. We walked over a bridge that looked like it came out of an “Indiana Jones” movie. Even though we were tethered, it was still nerve wracking. The bridge was about 20 to 25 feet above the ground. There were boards missing, and you really had to watch your step! On the first part of the suspension bridge we were over the hippo pool. The second part of the bridge was over the Nile Crocodiles. If you are afraid of heights, this may not be for you. I had to take a lot of deep breaths to stay calm and make it across.
  
  Yes! Those are Nile Crocodiles below me!
  
  Wild Africa Trek: In the jeep we go.
  
  Once we made it across the bridge, we were met by a small safari jeep. We were provided frozen, frosty towels, and binoculars. Let me just say, June in Florida is hot. An outdoor tour between 12:30 and 3:30 was scorching! Those towels were awesome. We toured the savanna stopping along the way to take photos and learn about the animals. We saw giraffes, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, African dogs, and wildebeest. Did you know a cheetah can only run at its top speed for about 100 yards? Or, that the African dog is the most successful predator with a kill rate of about 80%? I didn’t, but I do now. We ended our drive at a little hut, called a boma, which means “safe place”, in the middle of the savanna. There was a flock of flamingos nearby, and you could see elephants and giraffes in the distance.
  
  Giraffes, Elephants, Hippos and more!
  
  Wild Africa Trek: Snack Time!
  
  Once we all exited the jeep, the guides began setting up tables. The delightful snacks were provided by Tusker House. In the little lunch canteens were two layers of snacks. The menu included: cured meats like prosciutto and beef, chicken curry salad, sun-dried tomato hummus with pita bread, fresh fruit with ginger and mint, marinated tandoori shrimp, and a smoked salmon roulade with dill (like a tortilla roll up). The beverage served was Disney’s amazing POG juice. My boys can drink their weight in POG. After such a hot trek, the menu was perfect! Not only was it beautifully presented, it was light, cool, filling, and most of all delicious!
  
  Snacks provided by Tusker House for the Wild Africa Trek.
  
  Wild Africa Trek: Worth it?
  
  Absolutely! My two boys said it was the best day at Disney! We made memories, learned new things, and tried some new food! The guides were knowledgeable, entertaining, and provided superb service. Can we afford to do it every trip? No, but for a special treat, we would totally do it again! If you have the opportunity, or are wondering if it’s worth it. My crew vote YES! Click here for more tips on enjoying everything Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer.
  
  The Wild Africa Trek!
  
  Our Wild Africa Trek guides say Thank you!
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  Posted in Activities, Disney | 1 Comment | Tagged "Disney" "travel" "families" "planner" "tips" "children" "vacation", "family" "children", Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom tips, making memories, Walt Disney World travel
- Disney’s Four Park Challenge: Four Parks in One Day
  
  Posted at 9:12 am by Laura Baustian, on July 13, 2018
  The Challenge: All four parks in one day!
  
  What is the four park challenge?
  
  The four park challenge is an unofficial challenge some Disney fans attempt to accomplish. To be successful, you must visit all four parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and EPCOT) in one day. It is suggested that you take photos at each of the park entrances, or attractions, to prove you were really there. There is no reward other than bragging rights, although some people do request an “I’m Celebrating” button to let others know of their accomplishment. I strongly recommend your group be made up of children over the age of 8. You know your children and whether or not they could handle the pace of the day. It can be a fun and exciting day if everyone is motivated and up for the challenge!
  
  Challenge accepted!
  
  All four parks in one day? Well, if you just hop the bus to each park and take a photo out front it would be easy. There’s really no challenge there. The challenge is going into the parks and enjoying your favorite attractions. Disney World’s Four Park Challenge can seem daunting if you don’t have a plan. My oldest son felt the need to add some specific requirements to the challenge. We had to experience at least two rides, or attractions, and have two snacks between the four of us at each park. Well, we did it. According to hubby’s fitness tracker, we covered over fourteen miles (29,500 steps) that day! We even had time to relax by the pool mid-day. A good plan made all the difference in the (Disney) world!
  
  Four Park Challenge – Park 1- Animal Kingdom
  
  We mapped out our day taking advantage of extra magic hours and utilizing our fastpasses strategically. We started the day at Animal Kingdom. Extra magic morning hours allowed us entrance to the park at 8:00 AM, instead of 9:00. Since we were staying at The Beach Club Resort, we were up bright and early to catch the first bus out and be at the park by 7:30 AM. We followed the rope drop through Animal Kingdom to Pandora’s Flight of Passage. We were on and off the ride by 8:20. Next, we headed to Expedition Everest to use the first fastpass of the day. The crowd was still small enough that we rode it twice and our two boys were able to ride it three more times! We stopped by the Starbucks on the way out to grab our two snacks – a Mickey Cinnamon Roll, fruit, coffee and juice. While we were having breakfast, I used the My Disney Experience App to make the next fastpass for Star Tours in Hollywood Studios. Park one- check!
  
  Four Park Challenge – Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest
  
  Four Park Challenge – Park 2- Hollywood Studios
  
  We took the bus from Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios. We had our picture made on the way in. We headed to Rock’n Roller Coaster, our family favorite! Disappointingly, It was closed. Not to be thrown off, we decided to carry on and head to Frozen Sing Along. While my boys weren’t thrilled with the choice, they went along with it because Toy Story Land had not opened yet, and they don’t like the Hollywood Tower of Terror. We heard the story of Queen Elsa according to the Arendelle Historians. Next, we rode Star Tours. The final item for Hollywood Studios was lunch at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. We had advance reservations, so getting in without a super long wait was no problem. My hubby and oldest son had the steak. Both raved about how tender and delicious it was. My youngest and I shared a pasta and chicken dish. Two attractions, and at least two snacks- done!
  
  Four Park Challenge – Hollywood Studios
  
  Break Time!
  
  Knowing that my family does better with some down time, especially when we have an early morning, I scheduled some time to go back and relax at the pool. Hollywood Studios is within walking distance to the Beach Club Resort. It was quicker to walk over than wait for a bus. The boys swam, while my hubby and I relaxed pool side with rum drinks! After about a two hour break, we headed over to EPCOT to use our next fastpass for Soarin. EPCOT is also within walking distance to the Beach Club.
  
  Four Park Challenge – Park 3- EPCOT
  
  Four Park Challenge, EPCOT
  
  It was beginning to cloud up as we walked over the bridge to the entrance near World Showcase. We rode Soarin’, and then headed over to ride Nemo and Friends. We toured the aquarium for a bit during the biggest part of the afternoon downpour. On the way out, we stopped and had Mickey Bars. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a Mickey Bar!
  
  EPCOT 4 Park Challenge Snack
  
  Four Park Challenge – Park 4 – Magic Kingdom
  
  We were a little wet, tired, and ready for the challenge to be complete. Earlier in the week we were given a use anytime fastpass for up to four attractions. We used it to ride the Flight of Peter Pan. We also rode The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the boys enjoyed Goofy’s Barnstormer. At this point we were ready to sit down and relax for a bit so, we staked out our place for fireworks in front of the castle. Hubby and the youngest went to get dinner from Casey’s Corner. While we waited for fireworks to begin, we shared hotdogs, french fries, and talked about what a crazy, fun day it was. The fireworks were amazing, as always!
  
  Four Park Challenge – Magic Kingdom
  
  Challenge Complete!
  
  Our friends and family kept up with us as we completed the challenge through Facebook. We were complete exhausted by the end of the day, but we did it. To be successful you MUST have a good plan and take advantage of all the extras like extra magic hours, advanced dining reservations, and fastpasses. You also need a little flexibility in your plan. With a little faith, trust, and pixie dust you can complete the challenge! Leave a comment and let me know if you have completed the challenge.
  
  To learn more about Fastpasses and Extra Magic Hours check out Disney Planning 101.
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  Posted in Activities, Disney, Planning, Tips | 2 Comments | Tagged "Disney" "travel" "families" "planner" "tips" "children" "vacation", "Disney" "travel" "vacation" "planner", Four park challenge, itinerary, making memories, Tips and Tricks
- Animal Kingdom Tips
  
  Posted at 9:00 am by Laura Baustian, on March 9, 2018
  Animal Kingdom Tips! – Start with an itinerary.
  
  An itinerary is a must have for any Disney park so you can make the BEST use of your time. Having an Animal Kingdom itinerary will allow you to prioritize the attractions and rides most important to you on your fantastic day at Disney!
  
  Animal Kingdom Tips – Most Popular Rides
  
  Fastpasses can be tough to get but try to get them on the TOP, most popular rides.
  
  CLICK HERE for fast pass information in Disney 101
  
  Avatar’s Flight of Passage – Get a Fastpass
  
  Ride through the amazing land of Pandora on the back of a banshee. With 3D glasses and virtual technology, you will swear you really were on the back of a banshee!
  
  Height Requirement: 44”
  
  Avatar Flight of Passage is located in Pandora. Get a fastpass!
  
  Kilimanjaro Safaris – Get a Fastpass
  
  Take the 18 minute open air safari expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve through the African savanna and see REAL, live animals.
  
  Height Requirement: None
  
  Kilimanjaro Safari ride lets you see animals across a variety of habitats.
  
  Expedition Everest – Get a Fastpass
  
  Travel through the Himalayan mountains on a fast train to see for yourself if the legend of the Forbidden Mountain is true! This is a roller coaster that has some dark spots, big drops, and runs backwards through sections of the track to keep riders safe from the Yeti!
  
  Height Requirement: 44”
  
  A thrilling roller coaster ride in Animal Kingdom.
  
  River Na’vi
  
  Boat ride through the land of Pandora. Float through caves and experience plants that glow and fascinating creatures of the forest.
  
  Height Requirement: 44”
  
  Kali River Rapids
  
  This water river raft ride involves lots of spinning and a few small drops. Be prepared to get WET.
  
  Height Requirement: 38”
  
  Dinosaur
  
  Travel back in time on this thrill ride to see the prehistoric world. There are loud dinosaur sounds and some dark spots. Not for the littles.
  
  Height Requirement: 40”
  
  Primeval Whirl
  
  This roller coaster type ride combines the small drops of a roller coaster with the spin of the teacup ride. Teens and tweens LOVE.
  
  Height Requirement: 48”
  
  Animal Kingdom Tips – Must see shows in Animal Kingdom:
  
  Finding Nemo, the musical
  
  This must ‘sea’ musical adventure is one for all ages. Enjoy the fun music and fantastic costumes. Disney has some of the best trained cast members in the world. You also have a chance to rest your feet and enjoy the nice air-conditioned theater during the show.
  
  Festival of the Lion King Show
  
  This 30 minute Broadway type show is bigger than life with color, music and puppets telling the age-old tale of Simba, the lion cub. Enjoy the fantastic show, air conditioning, and a chance to rest your feet.
  
  Lion King is a great show to take in at Animal Kingdom.
  
  There are other attractions and shows, but these are the must do’s in my opinion.
  
  Animal Kingdom Tips – Always arrive early!
  
  I always recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to park opening. If your little ones can handle it, 45 minutes is better. Arriving early allows you to be at the front of the line to enter the park, and make your way to your first attraction sooner.
  
  We take our breakfast with us, and eat while we wait for the park to open. Bagel sandwiches, toast with peanut butter and Nutella, or granola bars are easy to pack and eat on the go and saves money, too! Grab some OJ and coffee at Starbucks, or pack it in your backpack and you’re set for the morning!
  
  Animal Kingdom Tips – The BEST Animal Kingdom Itinerary
  
  My PRO recommendation for the BEST Animal Kingdom Itinerary for teens/tweens:
  
  Go to either Na’vi River , or Flight of Passage in Pandora- whichever one you don’t have a fastpass for is the one to do first thing. Arrive 30-45 minutes prior to park opening. This allows you to be at the front of the crowd. If you didn’t grab a time guide, or map from your hotel you can get one at the entrance to the park. Expedition Everest is next on the list. If the line is really short, you may want to ride it twice! Now head to Dinoland for Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl. If you enjoy getting wet – now is a good time for Kali River Rapids. My two boys love it but my hubby and I do not. We enjoy getting a snack while they ride. They are old enough to wait in line together and know the rules of being allowed a tiny bit of freedom in the parks. When they get off the ride, we have a snack waiting for them. And. . . they didn’t have to wait in another line for a snack.
  
  CLICK HERE – For tips about allowing some time for Independent Exploring for Teens.
  
  Now is a great time to hike the trails of the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Even though it’s called a trek, it doesn’t require any more hiking than a trip through your local zoo. I’ve done it in Converse sneakers and in sandals! It’s a paved path made to look like a trail. You see lots of animals and tons of foliage so it looks like you’re trekking through the jungle.
  
  Fabulous animals await along the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom
  
  CLICK HERE– for tips on the BEST travel shoe to avoid sad, tired feet, real jungle trek or not, you do miles of walking at Walt Disney World.
  
  Go on the Kilimanjaro Safari. Lunch! We love Yak and Yeti. It has food with an Asian/American theme. You can get lettuce chicken wraps, fried rice, Asian style barbecue ribs or a burger! They also have great cocktails. Mid-day in the summer – a mojito hits the spot! The margaritas are good, too! After lunch is a good time to take in one of the shows, either Festival of the Lion King, or Finding Nemo- the Musical.
  
  We like Finding Nemo because it’s funny and provides a nice break with air conditioning during the middle of the day. The show lasts about 30 minutes so, it’s a perfect short break to cool off and rest tired feet.
  
  We like The Festival of the Lion King even more than Finding Nemo. The performers and audience participation increase the engagement level for tween and teen boys. It’s action packed – a cross between a traditional circus and Cirque de Soleil. Again this show gives you about 30 minutes resting your feet while seated in the air conditioning. It’s also worth noting that the show changes. Parts of it are similar each time, but the acrobatic acts change,
  
  The Wildlife Express will take you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station. We met Timon, Rafiki, and Chip & Dale. You don’t need another ticket to ride the Wildlife Express train as it’s included in the price of your Animal Kingdom entrance. Look for the hidden Mickey’s! We found a hidden Oswald shaved in a sheep’s fur.
  
  Take the train back down the mountain. Enjoy the Exploration Trails and Gorilla Falls. After all that walking, you’ll be ready to take in another show. Now is a good time to catch the show you didn’t see earlier – Nemo, or Lion King. Tough to be a Bug is a cute show. It gets dark, has loud parts, and can be intense and scary for little guys. You know your child and if they would find it exciting or too scary. My youngest was 8 the first time he saw the show and he was ok with it. He really liked when the “bugs” ran through the seat.
  
  Dinner time! There are multiple schools of thought on dining in Disney. My family enjoys one sit down meal a day. The other meals may be snackish in nature, or something from a walk up restaurant. If we have Yak and Yeti for lunch, that would be our sit down for the day. Dinner might be something from Flame Tree Barbecue.
  
  You know your family and your dining preferences but don’t be afraid to check out something new and be adventurous, too! There are wonderful dining experiences in Animal Kingdom park, and at the Animal Kingdom resorts. Jiko, located at Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House, is an award-winning restaurant featuring African inspired entrees, and has one of the largest South African wine collection in all of North America!
  
  We always make reservations for our one sit down meal per day. This ensures we have the meal of our choice, and we don’t spend time waiting for our name to be called for a table. It also ensures we slow down enough to eat one real meal a day.
  
  The Awakening at the Tree of Life, and Rivers of Light are evening only events. Check the times guide to see when they are occurring.
  
  There are great shows the cast members do throughout the day in the different lands. Drummers, dancers, and my favorite street performer on stilts – DiVine! We also enjoyed Flights of Wonder, the bird show. You know your family and the pace at which they are comfortable going. Rushing all day is never fun. Sometimes it’s better to use the Disney Experience app to do something with a shorter wait, even if it means a little more walking. And, I always keep extra entertainers in my backpack – just little things to keep the kiddos entertained while waiting in line. CLICK HERE for tips on essentials to include in your day pack for a Disney park.
  
  I would love to hear about your Animal Kingdom favorite tips! Leave some in the comments section to share with others.
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  Posted in Disney, Planning, Tips | 2 Comments | Tagged "Disney" "travel" "families" "planner" "tips" "children" "vacation", Animal Kingdom, Animal Kingdom tips, itinerary
- Romance in Walt Disney World?
  
  Posted at 9:00 am by Laura Baustian, on February 14, 2018
  Romance and Walt Disney World might not be two words you think of together, but. . .
  
  According to Travel Channel’s Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations, Walt Disney World is #4 for newlyweds. I’ve planned honeymoon trips for couples and always recommend a few special places to eat. In fact, there is at least one romantic restaurant in each park, and some amazing signature places in a few of the resorts. Want to know more? Let’s get started!
  
  Romance in Magic Kingdom
  
  Magic Kingdom is home to Be Our Guest. You can dine in the castle where the Beast and Belle reside. Reservations are a must, and dinner is my favorite meal to enjoy. The dinner menu takes a cue from the French setting of the movie and provides some delectable offerings! Appetizers such as Mareseilles Style Mussels, Lobster Bisque, and a Cheese Plate to name a few. The entrees include Grilled Strip Steak, Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops, Roasted Lamb, and of course Layered Ratatouille. My husband had the lamb. He loved it so much he raved about it to the waiter. The next thing we know, the waiter says the chef will be happy to share the recipe if we will leave our email address. The dessert cart was a sight to behold! Full of sweet, heavenly choices like The Grey Stuff! It was delicious. They also offer ‘Eclair a’ L’Orange, and Lemon-Raspberry Cream Puffs. Really, no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong. The robust wine list includes offerings from California’s Wine County, as well as a detailed selection from France.
  
  Of course, when you walk to the castle to check in you stand in awe of the details on the outside. From the stone work on the bridge, to the gargoyles on the turrets. Be prepared for walking into the most magnificent dining room. The ceiling is filled with clouds and angels. The light blues, soft silver-grey and gold accents create a romantic atmosphere. And, if you tell Disney Dining when you make your reservation you are celebrating a honeymoon, or anniversary, they will often provide some extra magical pixie dust! If you are lucky, you may see the Beast at dinner. He occasionally strolls through.
  
  Sometimes you can have a dance with the Beast at Be Our Guest.
  
  Romance in Animal Kingdom
  
  Technically Jiko is in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but if you venture over to Animal Kingdom, you might as well have a lovely dinner overlooking the savannah. The menu is inspired by flavors of Africa, and the wait staff explain the traditions and cultures. My boys still talk about the fancy place with the rose-scented hot towels. Yes, they bring you hot towels before dinner to clean your fingers with! The food was what you would expect from a Disney Signature restaurant – amazing. Jiko has one of the largest collection of South African Wines in the US. We had a bottle from Black Pearl. I only remember because of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” reference. But, in reality, Black Pearl is a coastal area in Africa where the vineyard is located.
  
  I planned a honeymoon trip for a couple recently. Their first dinner at Walt Disney World as newlyweds was at Jiko. I mentioned it when I made the reservation. The groom’s mother sent me a wonderful email telling me how they were presented with champagne, dessert, and congratulations at dinner! I don’t know that this happens for every couple, but. . . you never know.
  
  Romance in Hollywood Studios
  
  By far, the most romantic restaurant in Hollywood Studios has to be Hollywood Brown Derby. Ask for a booth in the back corner! The wine selection is awesome. The wait staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful at making recommendations if you need help choosing. The menu has something for everyone. I prefer the strip steak and a glass of cabernet, while my friend Suzy prefers the Cobb Salad and a glass of pinot grigio. Something for everyone! You can also get a special dining experience to include a pass to a reserved seating section for, “Fantasmic.”
  
  My family loves Hollywood Brown Derby. All the photos, caricatures, and autographs are great fun to look at while you wait for your table, or food. The food is consistently well preprared, and the wait staff – friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about anything menu, or Disney related!
  
  Romance in EPCOT?
  
  I would have to say, at this point, Le Cellier in Canada is our favorite. But, we haven’t tried Monsignor Paul’s in France. We did enjoy Rose and Crown Pub, but wouldn’t call it “romantic”. Fun? yes. Good food? Yes. Awesome view for Illuminations Show? Yes!! EPCOT has so many dining locations that you can hardly go wrong with choosing one. The atmosphere at Le Cellier was amazing. You are practically in a cave. No cell phone service equals an uninterrupted meal for two. From the appetizer of Poutine (french fries with cheese curds) to the main course of a huge steak, and mashed potatoes! You really cannot go wrong.
  
  Romance around the Resorts
  
  So many choices abound! You can enjoy a complete luau at the Polynesian, complete with tropical drinks in coconuts and fire-dancers. You can have a meal at the Chef’s table at Victoria and Albert’s. (This is on my list of things to do. . . after the boys go off to college!) The Contemporary is home to California Grill. The handsome hubby and I have enjoyed a few special celebrations there. If you have reservations around 8:00 PM, your dessert course should arrive around the time fireworks go off over Cinderella’s castle. The entire restaurant comes to a halt. Everyone goes out onto an observation deck to watch the fireworks. The music comes through! The sparkles burst in the sky! And, all is right with the world. At least, for that moment. We celebrated an anniversary and a birthday at California Grill. I highly recommend it.
  
  Celebratory dinner at the California Grill ended with a wonderful surprise!
  
  Romance in Walt Disney World
  
  No matter the park, no matter the resort, there is plenty of romance to be found at Walt Disney World. Not just dining experiences, but horse drawn carriage rides, spa treatments for two, and special behind the scene events for guests over 18! For a really romantic experience stay at the Polynesian Resort, Club level and enjoy desserts and aperitifs as you watch the fireworks from your private balcony!
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  Posted in Food, Planning | 0 Comments | Tagged anniversary trips, couples in Disney, honeymoon tips, newlyweds, Romance, Walt Disney World travel
- Days recommended for a Disney World vacation
  
  Posted at 9:30 am by Laura Baustian, on January 15, 2018
  People often ask me, “How many days should we plan to spend at Walt Disney World?” My response is, “It depends. A bare minimum is 4 days. Better is 5 days, and the best is a full 7 days.” Let’s look at options for each of the scenarios.
  
  Bare Minimum – 4 days
  
  You are going to be able to go to each of the parks, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. You will be able to see just about everything at EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom, you might see everything, but you will be rushed. Magic Kingdom – no way. There are so many shows and attractions in the Magic Kingdom, you are going to have to pick and choose. And, you will be rushed all 4 days.
  
  If you plan wisely, or use a planner (Disney Tips and Tricks 101), you can do all 4 parks. You will have great memories with your family and lots of pictures to share. If it’s go for 4, or not at all. Go for 4! Another option is to prioritize what you want to see and do. This can help save time, and maybe cut out one of the parks. For ticket options, I would suggest a 4 day base ticket. If you opt for park hopping over the 4 days, you spend some of your precious time on Disney transportation that could have been spent in the park.
  
  Better – 5 days
  
  If you can go for 5 days, you will be able to see and do just about everything in all 4 of the parks. You might prioritize and skip some things that your family isn’t interested in, to be able to spend more time on a preferred activity. A 5 day trip would allow for 2 days at Magic Kingdom, 1 day at EPCOT, 1 day at Hollywood Studios, and 1 day at Animal Kingdom. You wouldn’t need to rush quite so much. You may even have a little down time to lounge near the pool in the afternoons, or evenings. For ticket options, I would suggest a 5 day with park hopper. This allows you to have flexibility with dining reservations.
  
  Best – 7 days
  
  Why 7 days? You can see and do everything you want. You can have a day to just hang out at the pool, or to do something besides the parks. When you rush through a vacation, you are really pushing it with the kiddos. Mine would have major melt downs if we went at a 4 day pace. Melt downs don’t make for a great vacation. A good planner will help you create an itinerary that’s just right for your family, thus minimizing the melt down opportunities. Having the flexibility of 7 days allows for your family to have some down time. For ticket options, I suggest at least a 5 day with park hopper option. This would allow for the 5 day park plan (2 at Magic Kingdom, 1 at each of the other parks). If you go with a 6 day ticket, you can visit your favorite park the last day! My boys always choose Hollywood Studios, thanks to Toy Story Mania and Rock ‘n Roller Coaster.
  
  No matter what you choose, you will have a great time. It is the happiest place on earth!
  
  For tips on how to save money on your trip, check out The Educational Tourist
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  Posted in Planning, Tips | 0 Comments | Tagged "Disney" "travel" "families" "planner" "tips" "children" "vacation", how many days
- Age requirement for being alone at Walt Disney World
  
  Posted at 3:30 pm by Laura Baustian, on January 8, 2018
  Letting your children venture out on their own in a public space can be scary. The bigger the space, the scarier it is. How do you know when your child/children are old enough for some freedom at Walt Disney World?
  
  At Walt Disney World children under 14 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older. Keeping that in mind, you know your child best. Listen to your instinct and do what you think is best. Now if you feel they might be ready, and they are at least 14 years old, here are some things to consider.
  - Do they follow directions without direct supervision?
  - Do they know what to do if they need help?
  - Can they identify a “safe” grown up in a public place?
  If you answer yes to those, then your child might be ready for a little vacation freedom. Here’s how we started with our boys:
  - You must go with a buddy, or sibling.
  - Start small. Our boys were allowed to wait in line, and ride something on their own. We waited near the exit.
  - At the hotel, we allowed them to venture into the pool and on the slide while we watched from a lounge chair. Both of my boys are excellent swimmers, and I still kept my eyes on them. They just felt like they had freedom.
  - After my boys had demonstrated the maturity and responsibility needed, we let them go to the lobby and wait for us if we weren’t ready exactly when they were.
  - They were eventually allowed to go to the food court of the hotel, get breakfast, and bring it back to the room.
  - Their favorite was the scavenger hunt type activities in Adventureland. It’s a smaller area to try out freedom. There is a defined purpose (find the treasure using the map). You can sit at a table and keep them in your sight, while they feel like they have freedom.
  At the time, Harley was 14 and Harrison was 12. Next time, we may allow them a few hours on their own. When we do allow them to go on their own for longer periods of time, we will add some safety features.
  - Cell phone- must be turned on, have sufficient battery power, and have sound and vibrate activated.
  - A designated, specific meeting place – say at the entrance of Gaston’s Tavern. You want somewhere contained enough to easily spot your child/children.
  Keep in mind you are training your child. You are teaching them how to be safe and responsible in a large public area. It’s important to start small with a “safety net” near by. We also debrief after some freedom time. We ask the boys the following:
  - Did everyone behave?
  - Was your brother kind?
  - Did you return to the designated location at the correct time?
  - Were you where you were supposed to be?
  If the answer is yes, we celebrate! Mickey Bars all around.
  
  Again, you know your child best. Do what you feel is right for you and your family.
  
  To read what another travel expert shares about visiting Walt Disney World, check out The Educational Tourist
  
  Want to know more about other than park activities? Check out More than the parks
  
  Disclaimer – I am not a safety expert. I am just a mom who’s been there and learned what worked and what didn’t.
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  Posted in Activities, Tips | 2 Comments | Tagged "Disney" "travel" "families" "planner" "tips" "children" "vacation", "family" "children", age requirement, parenting, Planning, safety, supervision
- How many Days until Disney? Important dates to know
  
  Posted at 3:00 pm by Laura Baustian, on January 4, 2018
  Did you know there are important Disney deadlines and dates for planning a trip to Walt Disney World? When can you book a room, dining, and Fastpasses? As a travel consultant who specializes in Disney Destinations, I would be happy to help you in planning your trip. But, if you enjoy the planning and want to give it a go on your own, make sure you are aware of the not to be missed dates.
  
  Here is what you need to know:
  
  As far as 499 days prior to check-in, you can book a room at a Walt Disney World resort. You will be able to add park tickets, dining plans, and the Memory Maker at a later date.
  
  About 200 days before arrival, travel packages are usually released by Disney. Travel packages include the room, tickets, and other add-ons like a dining plan, and Memory Maker. Sometimes travel packages come with a savings incentive!
  
  , you can make your advance dining reservations. You may have heard these referred to as ADR’s. Some dining reservations can be hard to get. If you want to eat at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom, or have dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, you will need to make your reservations on your 180 day mark. You can log into your My Disney Experience account at 7:00 AM (Central), or call 1-800-WDW-DINE at 8:00 AM (Central) to make your advance dining reservations. You will need a credit card to guarantee the reservation. Your card will not be charged, unless you fail to show up and fail to cancel the reservation. Some special dining events, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, require payment in full at the time of the reservation. It’s much easier to cancel a reservation closer to the date, than trying to get one at the last-minute. I suggest making the most important dining reservations right away. If you are not able to get a reservation you really wanted, then Mouse Dining is a great place to set an alert for when a reservation becomes available.
  
  60 days to Disney –
  
  60 days and counting, you are going to want to personalize your Magic Bands!
  
  Magic Bands act as your room key, park ticket, Fastpass holder, and you can link a credit card to it if you wish. To personalize your band, you choose a color for each person in your group. If two people want the same color, no problem! You get to put a name inside each band.
  
  Still at 60 days if you are staying in a Walt Disney World resort, then you can make your Fastpass selections, and check-in online. To make Fastpass selections, go to your My Disney Experience account and start making your choices. You should be able to log in and access your options at 7:00 AM (Eastern time). Online check-in allows you to make room request, for example if you want to be close to the elevator, or on a lower floor. The requests are never guaranteed, but it never hurts to ask. During online check-in, you can enter your cell phone number. You receive the text stating your room is ready, allowing you to go straight to your room bypassing the front desk!
  
  This is a good time to sign up for the Magic Express if you plan on using Disney transportation from the Orlando airport to your Walt Disney World resort. You will need your flight information when you make the Magic Express reservation.
  
  30 days to Disney –
  
  30 day count down is here! Your package must be paid in full today. Log into your My Disney Experience account, or call Disney, to make the final payment. If you are staying off of Walt Disney World property, today is your Fastpass selection day. 30 days out is also the last day you can cancel a package without a fee. For cancellations 29 to 2 days prior to check-in, there is a $200 fee. Any cancellations 24 hours or less will result in your losing the entire cost of the package. If you have travel insurance, the rules are different. Also, if you did not make the Magic Express reservation previously, now is the time. You will receive tags to put on your luggage before you check them at the airport. You want to make sure there is time for Disney to send those to you before you leave.
  
  The week you leave –
  
  3 days out is the last day to purchase the Memory Maker for $169 price. After the 3 day mark, it goes up to 199.
  
  The other important time to remember is 24 hours. You may cancel any of your dining reservations for any reason. You must do so at least 24 hours prior to the reservation, or you will be charged $10 per person on the reservation.
  
  If you have additional questions check out my post on Disney Tips and Tricks 101.
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  Posted in Disney, Planning | 1 Comment | Tagged advance reservations, Disney planning, Important Disney dates and deadlines
- Important Disney Deadlines
  
  Posted at 3:00 pm by Laura Baustian, on January 4, 2018
  Did you know there are important Disney deadlines and dates for planning a trip to Walt Disney World? When can you book a room, dining, and Fastpasses? As a travel consultant who specializes in Disney Destinations, I would be happy to help you in planning your trip. But, if you enjoy the planning and want to give it a go on your own, make sure you are aware of the not to be missed dates. Here is what you need to know:
  
  As far as 499 days prior to check-in, you can book a room at a Walt Disney World resort. You will be able to add park tickets, dining plans, and the Memory Maker at a later date.
  
  About 200 days before arrival, travel packages are usually released by Disney. Travel packages include the room, tickets, and other add-ons like a dining plan, and Memory Maker. Sometimes travel packages come with a savings incentive!
  
  At the 180 day mark, you can make your advance dining reservations. You may have heard these referred to as ADR’s. Some dining reservations can be hard to get. If you want to eat at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom, or have dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, you will need to make your reservations on your 180 day mark. You can log into your My Disney Experience account at 7:00 AM (Central), or call 1-800-WDW-DINE at 8:00 AM (Central) to make your advance dining reservations. You will need a credit card to guarantee the reservation. Your card will not be charged, unless you fail to show up and fail to cancel the reservation. Some special dining events, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, require payment in full at the time of the reservation. It’s much easier to cancel a reservation closer to the date, than trying to get one at the last-minute. I suggest making the most important dining reservations right away. If you are not able to get a reservation you really wanted, then Mouse Dining is a great place to set an alert for when a reservation becomes available.
  
  60 days and counting, you are going to want to personalize your Magic Bands!
  
  Magic Bands act as your room key, park ticket, Fastpass holder, and you can link a credit card to it if you wish. To personalize your band, you choose a color for each person in your group. If two people want the same color, no problem! You get to put a name inside each band.
  
  Still at 60 days if you are staying in a Walt Disney World resort, then you can make your Fastpass selections, and check-in online. To make Fastpass selections, go to your My Disney Experience account and start making your choices. Online check-in allows you to make room request, for example if you want to be close to the elevator, or on a lower floor. The requests are never guaranteed, but Disney does make every effort to exceed expectations! During online check-in, you can enter your cell phone number to receive a text when your room is ready. Once you receive the text, you may go straight to your room bypassing the front desk! This is a good time to sign up for the Magic Express if you plan on using Disney transportation from the Orlando airport to your Walt Disney World resort. You will need your flight information when you make the Magic Express reservation.
  
  30 day count down is here! Your package must be paid in full today. Log into your My Disney Experience account, or call Disney, to make the final payment. If you are staying off of Walt Disney World property, today is your Fastpass selection day. 30 days out is also the last day you can cancel a package without a fee. For cancellations 29 to 2 days prior to check-in, there is a $200 fee. Any cancellations 24 hours or less will result in your losing the entire cost of the package. If you have travel insurance, the rules are different. Also, if you did not make the Magic Express reservation previously, now is the time. You will receive tags to put on your luggage before you check them at the airport. You want to make sure there is time for Disney to send those to you before you leave.
  
  3 days out is the last day to purchase the Memory Maker for $169 price. After the 3 day mark, it goes up to 199.
  
  The other important time to remember is 24 hours. You may cancel any of your dining reservations for any reason. You must do so at least 24 hours prior to the reservation, or you will be charged $10 per person on the reservation.
  
  If you have additional questions check out my post on Disney Tips and Tricks 101.
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  Posted in Disney, Planning | 1 Comment | Tagged advance reservations, Disney planning, Important Disney dates and deadlines
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