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Disney AEP Day 3- Breakfast & Art Of Animation & Pop Century Resort Tour

1/31/2019

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We started the day back at The Contemporary Resort and we were served a delicious buffet style breakfast at The Wave . . . of American Flavors. There was a wide range of items to choose from and I loaded up my plate to just about overflowing.  

​As a southerner, I was always a little sad that grits were never a thing I liked. When I saw them on this buffet, I decided to give them another go. They were delicious. Ceddar grits, to be specific. YUMMY! Our trainer also highly recommended the Wave Signature Sweet Potato Pancakes, and they also did not disappoint. Try them WITHOUT syrup first, and you may decide they stand alone and do not need extra anything.
After breakfast, we went back to our meeting room and learned all about why you should visit Disney in 2019. So many new and exciting things happening that I have shared and will continue to share as the year goes on. After that, it was time for more resort tours and this day was PACKED with touring. Our first stop and what I will focus on in the Blog is our visit to Art of Animation and Pop Century.

Art of Animation

The way to our heart is through food, and they fed us VERY well on this trip. Upon entering Art of Animation, we went directly to their quick service location, Landscape of Flavors.  Let me just say, if you can't find something delicious to eat here, you won't find it anywhere. This place had such a wide variety of selections, it was almost impossible to choose what to eat. And the dessert. . . Lort have mercy, just fabulous.  I was completely impressed with this dining experience, and frankly was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

Art of Animation Resort

Accommodations 

Finding Nemo Family Suite

Area between Art of Animation and Pop Century that will be a pick-up station for the new Skyliner Gondola System

Pop Century Resort

Can I just tell you how much I loved Pop Century Resort?  This ended up being a surprise to me as I had never been here, nor had I given it much thought. I left here feeling like this resort is a fantastic option for those wanting to save on accommodations, and maybe splurge on extras like the Deluxe Dining Plan, Early Morning Magic, Disney After Hours, (I will have a Blog dedicated to THIS soon), or even VIP tours. FYI- I can book all of these for my clients.

My husband and I are bed snobs and require a minimum of a queen size bed. When our daughter was young enough to thoroughly enjoy theming offered at these resorts, we turned our noses up because of the double bed situation. Well that has all changed. With recent refurbishments, which, by the way, do NOT feel like you are staying in a value resort, Pop offers a king or queen size beds in all the rooms, plus a fold down desk that converts into a queen size bed. And the rooms are so nicely done, you would have NO idea you were in a value resort.

And let me also point out how fantastic the theming is. It is over the top. I think no matter your age, Pop Century will have a theme that appeals to you. It was just an adorably eye pleasing resort with surprises around every corner and details details details.

The Resort

Accommodations 

Standard Room

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AEP WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT TOURS:  Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa & Day 1 Wrap Up

1/29/2019

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Our final stop on our first full day was at, in my opinion, the most beautiful resort on Disney property.  The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is Disney's flagship resort. It is absolutely overrun with Victorian-style class and sophistication.

When you enter through the main lobby entrance, the fragrance of sweetness and the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes, just sweeps you away to a time long ago, evoking Palm Beach’s golden era.

Talk about convenience, it is just one stop (at the Polynesian) to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, which puts you in a prime location for your park visits. You also have the option of complimentary boat and bus transportation.

I have to say that when I first came here years ago to dine at 1900 Park Fare, I was blown away by the beauty of this resort. It is white glove first class all the way. However, it does NOT feel stuffy or pretentious to me at all. 

The Resort

Accommodations 

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Standard & Deluxe Rooms
Amenities
  • Alarm clock with radio
  • Coffee Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • In-room safe
  • Internet - Free WiFi Service
  • Iron & ironing board
  • Mini-refrigerator
  • Pack 'n Play Crib
  • Telephone with voice mail

Rooms & Suites with Club-Level Service
Amenities
  • DVD Player
  • Complimentary fax assistance
  • Complimentary health club access
  • Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
  • Evening turndown
  • Pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning
  • Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

Garden View Room

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers distinctive dining selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 
  • Cítricos:  Experience a gastronomic indulgence of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list.
  • Narcoossee’s:  Dine in a waterfront setting with freshly caught seafood and fabulous views of Seven Seas Lagoon. 
  • Victoria & Albert’s:  Enjoy award-winning haute cuisine with classic elegance, including fine china, sterling silverware and crystal stemware.  (Had some client's get engaged here. Very romantic!!)
  • Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table Dinner:  Delight in a 10-course tasting menu crafted by the chef de cuisine with wine pairings by the sommelier.
  • Victoria & Albert’s Queen Victoria Room Dinner:  Splurge for a table in this intimate, Old-World dining room with Victorian furnishings and very limited seating.
  • 1900 Park Fare:  Enchant your little ones with a tea party or buffet in a carousel-themed dining room—hosted by Disney Characters! 
  • Highway in the Sky Dine Around:  Hop on the monorail for a culinary journey at 3 different Disney Resort hotels, including Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! 
  • Garden View Tea Room 
  • Grand Floridian Café
  • Cítricos Lounge
  • Mizner’s Lounge
  • Gasparilla Island Grill
  • Beaches Pool Bar & Grill
  • Courtyard Pool Bar

1900 Park Fare

This wraps up day 1 activities for our AEP. After we left the resort, we headed out on our own to enjoy the parks. My group of girls headed to Hollywood Studios to take in the new Toy Story Land. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't feeling well as I brought a bit of a sinus infection with me and it was turning into a bronchitis-like chest thing. The weather was COLD (in the 40s) so that wasn't helping. Regardless, I did hang in long enough to ride Slinky Dog Dash and it was SO worth it. When we return in April, I plan to really take full advantage of the new additions to Hollywood Studios. Below are a few sneak peek photos of Hollywood Studios.

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AEP WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT TOURS: DISNEY'S Polynesian Village Resort

1/28/2019

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Our second stop on our resort tour was a doozie.  We were whisked off to the lush and tropical Polynesian Village Resort. Again, Disney has gone over the top with details here. I don't know a single guest I have sent here that didn't LOVE it and most will only stay here after their first visit.  It has been a favorite part of the Disney resorts since 1971.

What is NOT to love?  
​First of all, Dole Whip.  Also, Monorail transportation, Boat transportation, Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Views of Magic Kingdom Fireworks and Electrical Water Parade, Character breakfast at 'Ohana and dinner too without characters, but with delicious food, and SO much more. 

​The resort itself is Hawaian themed and Disney has outdone itself here. 

Below I have included some photos I took and I can't express the challenge it was to get all those shots with upwards of the 16 people in our group, in every single room. LOL I was usually last woman out of every room we visited. Our guide was patient and kind and never cursed me out loud a single time, that I know of.

As always, please leave a comment or question. LIKE us and SHARE us with your friends and family on Facebook.  We are a small business and every recommendation from you helps us to grow!!

As for accommodations, the Polynesian Village offers a wide range:
  • 478 rooms, 6 suites, 360 deluxe studios and 20 Bungalows
On our tour we visited an amazing bungalow right on the water, a studio suite, and a garden view room.   

Accommodations 

The Exquisite Bungalos

 Lake view:
  • 1 King Bed
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • 2 Single Pull Down Beds 
Sleeps up to 8 Adults
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The Studio

Views of Landscaping or parking area:
  • 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • 1 Single Pull Down Bed
Sleeps up to 5 Adults
Includes:
  • Refrigerator 
  • Kitchenette With Small Refrigerator

Garden View

  • 2 Queen Beds
  • 1 Day Bed
Sleeps up to 5 Adults
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AEP Walt Disney World Resort Tours: Disney's Wilderness Lodge

1/23/2019

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Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Before our resort tour began, we were treated to a delicious meal at Whispering Canyon. The menu includes: American, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, & Gluten Free Options.

This is a favorite dining location for many of my clients. They have a bit of a shtick there where the servers are part of the entertainment. A bit brash for some, but you can opt out of that if you'd prefer just a 'normal' experience. Personally, I like a good smartypants and I live and breath sarcasm, so the humor is a joy for me.  

Frankly, I'd go there, if for no other reason, just to take in the beauty of the location at Wilderness Lodge. Aside from that, I thought the food was delish. I'm a meat and potatoes kind of girl, so BBQ and baked beans was right up my alley. I may have eaten an extra bowl of baked beans by myself. (Keep quiet #Fab5) #WhatHappensAfterExtraBakedBeansAtWDWStaysAtWDW or does it??

We had the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Skillet. It was so yummy and like it says all you can eat.
​It included:
  • ​Fresh-baked Cornbread
  • Slow-smoked Pork Ribs
  • Barbecued Pulled Pork
  • Citrus Herb Chicken
  • Western-style Sausage
  • Mashed Yukon Potatoes
  • Buttered Corn
  • Cowboy-style Baked Beans

We also had some sort of strawberry cobbler topped with ice cream that I wish had been served first, because I could have made that my meal. Sadly, I did not get the name of it. As you can see from my photos below, I had some sort of fascination with the light fixtures. It's the Disney details that I adore and this place was chocked full of details.

Whispering Canyon

Touring the Resort

I did take lots of photos in the rooms that we visited, but instead of posting them all here, which really does NOT do them justice, I added the resort brochure below. If you are interested in more information regarding what each room has to offer your family, contact me directly at Andrea@MakeBelieveVacations.com.

Accommodations 

Concierge Club Level

Club Level Amenities
  • DVD Player
  • Complimentary fax assistance
  • Complimentary health club access
  • Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
  • Evening turndown
  • Pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning
  • Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
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Disney AEP Day 2 (First FULL Day)

1/22/2019

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We started the day at Disney's Contemporary Resort for training sessions. Learned so much about what is new at Walt Disney World and what is coming in 2019 and the future plans for 2020 and beyond.  

Disney will always be growing and changing. That is the way Walt  planned it.  So keep that in mind if you think of Disney as a been there done that. I was here just over 2 years ago and the entire World of Avatar was just being built, Soarin' was being reimagined as Soarin' Around the World, Frozen Ever After was under construction, and not to be left out, the recently opened new Toy Story Land with 2 new rides, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, was still a mystery to come. So on this trip I had several new-to-me experiences, even though I have been there done that too.

A few new must see attractions/events started on Jan 18th, while we were here:
  • The new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” will parade up Main Street, U.S.A. several times daily. You can meet Mickey and Minnie together – in their new birthday outfits – in Town Square Theater.
  • Hollywood Studios began celebrating the park’s 30th anniversary with The Incredibles, who will host a dance party at Pixar Avenue. A NEW meet and greet with the one and only Edna Mode is also located there!! You will also have the chance to meet Mike and Sulley from Disney Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” and Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang are ready to welcome you into Andy’s backyard at the new Toy Story Land.
  • Disney on Broadway Concert Series Expands During Epcot International Festival of the Arts – This celebration runs Jan. 18-Feb. 25. This year, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will expand to seven days a week. The festival also will feature 13 Food Studios, a variety of workshops led by artists, interactive exhibits and activities, and much more.
  • “The Lion King” Roars Again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the animated classic “The Lion King.” Rafiki and Timon will lead you in dances and games during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island.
​
After our presentations we visited and extensively toured the following resorts:
  • Disney's Wilderness Lodge- Dined at Whispering Canyon
  • ​​Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & SPA
​
I added a few photos below.  I will do a separate BLOG for the resort visits and dining.  

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A Sneak Peek at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Why Disney in 2019?
  • Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios – On May 1, Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park is honoring this achievement all year with a new 30th anniversary logo and other fun and excitement
  • Say Adios to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – After nearly 20 years at Epcot entertaining guests, this nighttime spectacular ends later this year. Now, more than ever, you’ll want to spend one last evening around World Showcase Lagoon celebrating this classic show that began back in October 1999. **MORE on this later as we ended our whirlwind AEP at a dessert party viewing IllumiNations at the China Pavilion area of Epcot. (photos to follow)**
  • Jaleo Cooks Up Fresh Tastes at Disney Springs – Chef José Andrés will cook up the flavors of Spain in Disney Springs with his new Jaleo restaurant, opening this winter. 
  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – returns March 6-June 3. 
  • Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios –When this new show experience opens this spring, you'll see Lightning McQueen, who will teach you about racing from his years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen!
  • Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Perhaps the MOST EXCITING NEWS--Live your own Star Wars adventure when this deeply immersive land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall. You’ll explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where you’ll find all manner of new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, characters and creatures from a galaxy far, far away. The land will also feature two thrilling new attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. (Opening this summer at Disneyland Resort)
  • Take a Ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Opening later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this will be the first ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. It will feature a new original story and lovable theme song, taking you on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. New technologies will transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an astounding multi-dimensional experience.​ (No glasses required!)
  • And So Much More . . .
Detailed information courtesy of Disney Parks Blog © Disney, All Rights Reserved
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Disney AEP (Adult Education Program)  January 2019 Arrival Day

1/21/2019

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I flew out of Pittsburgh to arrive in Orlando around 1PM.  We were told to check into our resort (Caribbean Beach), then head over to Animal Kingdom (AK), using the complimentary Disney transportation buses, by 4PM.  Not too much time to dilly-dally around. I took quite a few photos of our resort and will post the best below. The refurbishments at Caribbean Beach Resort are beautiful, especially in the lobby area. You would think you were in a deluxe resort with the magnificent reach to the sky ceilings and grand flowing sheer yellow drapes. Just beautiful.

We had a short walk to catch the bus to AK and the bus arrived really quick, which was a nice surprise. Upon arriving at AK, I took even more pictures, but had to quickly get to our meeting location by the Dinosaur ride. We had our greet meeting, went to Tusker House for our dinner, and were set free a little early due to some technical related issues that wouldn't allow the video to be played for us on the tv. 

Tusker House dinner is a character meal with Donald Duck and Friends in their safari outfits. There is tons of food, served buffet style. This was the first time I had eaten there this late (around 7PM) and it was a fantastic time if you are into character interactions. And I mean serious interactions. They spent tons of time, not only with us as a group of Disney-crazed adults, but also spent time playing with, dancing with, etc. all the tables of children surrounding ours. It was so fun to watch the interactions, seeing as we all came without our kids on this trip. So if you want all the time you can get with characters, booking a dinner closer to closing time is a great option. PS- As your travel agent, I can and will take care of this for you. Just say the word.
​
Taking advantage of our extra free time, we, as superior travel agents, scored ourselves the MOST coveted fastpass out there . . . Flight of Passage(FOP). Our little group that became the best of friends, wandered through Avatar and I enjoyed my first (certainly not last) ride on FOP. It was the most amazing breathtakingly beautiful ride I have ever been on. I would say, Bonine might be a good idea if motion sickness is a thing for you. Having just visited Universal Orlando in April and ridden all the Harry Potter rides, FOP blew them away. I mean BLEW THEM AWAY. It was incredible. A must-do and for sure FASTPASS+ selection at 60 days out.  It definitely lives up to all the hype and then some.

After that we decided to head to Epcot for its onsite resort guest exclusive Extra Magic Hours.  We rode Soarin' which I have been dying to ride since its refurbishment to Soarin' Around The World, a couple years ago. Our last trip, it was being refurbished so I went Soarin-less that entire trip.  Not this trip!!  It was also fantastically amazing. We laughed and oohed and ahhhhed and smelled the smells and enjoyed the visually superior cinematic experience. Just a perfect ride and still hands down my favorite. (Sorry FOP, but my heart belongs to Soarin')

We hit up Figment after that and decided that since our official first full day of AEP was going to be BUSY and LONG, we would call it a night.

See pictures below and more about the January AEP in future Blog posts to come.  Feel free to ask any questions below or email me at Andrea@Makebelievevacations.com.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Note: In the photos with Caribbean Beach Resort you will see Disney's Skyliner Gondola station that is currently under construction. It is set to open in Fall of 2019. As many of you know, this new state-of-the-art gondola system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort. Also pictured, under construction, is the aforementioned Riviera Resort. As we traveled to Disney's Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort later in the week, I took more photos of the under construction Skyliner areas. You will see them in later posts. ​

Tusker House

On the buffet menu at Tusker House:

Selection of Fresh Breads and Pita 
Tabouli and Hummus Dips 
Fruit Chutney 
Spit-roasted Chicken 
Curries 
Roasted Pork 
Peri Peri Whole Salmon 
Basmati Rice and Curry Chicken 
Vegetarian Offering 
Black-eyed Pea Salad 
Fruit Salad 
Vegetable Salad 
Brownie 
Banana Bread Pudding 
Strawberry Cake 
Kids' Deli Meats and Cheeses 
Kids' Mashed Potatoes 
Kids' Macaroni & Cheese 
Kids' Corn Dog Nuggets

​More Information

Animal Kingdom

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Going To Walt Disney World for Training!!!

1/7/2019

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I've been invited to an onsite Disney training in a week at Walt Disney World. I will be eating at places I haven't and doing resort tours and even touring and having lunch on the Disney Dream cruise ship. We are staying at Caribbean Beach Resort and I will be able to give a full update on the extensive refurbishments that have been going on there for quite some time.  
To me, one of the most exciting things we are going to do is After Hours at Magic Kingdom.  A group of us have purchased the add-on special event. We will be among a limited number of guest in the parks for 3 hours after the park closes to regular guests. See more information here.  This special ticketed event is now available at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom on select nights. I cannot wait!!! I will try to Facebook Live during our After Hours event, Thursday, January 17 between 9Pm - 11PM. Visit my Facebook page during those hours to see for yourself.
I can't wait to share what I learn as I visit new dining opportunities and resorts. I will be sure to share here what I experience.

On our list of dining:
Tusker House at Animal Kingdom
Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge
The Wave . . . of American Flavors at The Contemporary Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Boma-Flavors of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge
​Living Seas Salon at Epcot

Resort Visits:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Art of Animation
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Let me know if there are any questions you'd like me to ask or any photos you'd like me to take while I am there.

See Ya Real Soon!


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    Author

    Andrea Greene
    ~Wife
    ​~Mom 
    ​~Travel Agency Owner
    ~Vacation Planner
    ~Loves All Things Disney

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