Market Street Cafe

The Market Street Cafe is a diner located in the town of Celebration, right outside of Disney. Located across from the lake at downtown Celebration, you get a wonderful view of the water and you can go for a stroll around the town after you've eaten at this friendly restaurant. The staff is accommodating, chatty and friendly and the food is casual but tasty. Our favorite dish is, hands down, the open faced meatloaf sandwich. You are served a tender meatloaf, smothered in delicious gravy, atop a piece of Texas toast all alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Also, for the breakfast lovers, they serve breakfast all day long! Finish it off with a brownie sundae (so big you'll need some help to finish it off) or coconut cream pie. The Market Street Cafe is a wonderful little restaurant with booth or counter seating, serving comfort food at good prices, and set in the picturesque town of Celebration.

Disney's Days of Christmas

Even Florida gets chilly, and when I pull out my jacket I start thinking about the holidays. Usually a stop at the Disney's Days of Christmas located at Downtown Disney Marketplace, gets me in the spirit. This shop is all about Christmas, every day of the year! You can get ornaments and cards, stockings and Christmas village sets in the middle of June. It's tucked out of the way, across from the carousel and near the Rainforest cafe. Get a dose of holiday cheer and stop by.

Columbia Restaurant in the town of Celebration

The Columbia Restaurant has many locations and the following is about the restaurant located in the town of Celebration. My husband and I have eaten here a few times and I haven't had a bad dish yet. They serve authentic Spanish cuisine from traditional paella to yellow rice and chicken to a burger on Cuban bread and steak and potatoes. I ordered the beef tips "salteado" and it was delicious, cooked with peppers, onions, chorizo (spicy sausage), potatoes, garlic and served with yellow rice.

For dessert my husband ordered the Godiva chocolate cake which was moist and tasty. We have also ordered churros (it came with seven sticks), and comes with three different dipping sauces!

Overall the places is very nice. You can choose to sit outside with a view of the park and pond or sit inside with beautiful tiles and murals. The prices are comparable to that of the nearby Disney restaurants. If you and your family would like a day away from Disney but still have a pretty setting, then stop by the downtown Celebration.

World of Disney

The World of Disney is located at Downtown Disney's Marketplace. You wont miss it because there's usually a group of children hanging outside, waiting for Stitch to 'spit' on them. This expansive store has huge rooms for everyone in the family. It even houses the "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique". The photo above was taken in the Adventure room and if you have any one in your family that loves pirates and anything from Pirates of the Caribbean, then they'll love this room. You can get swashbuckling swords, loot, treasure chests, pirate hats and even a skull or two!

The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is an attraction located in Liberty Square at Disney's Magic Kingdom. This is so popular that there are several websites dedicated only to this attraction! Ghosts and ghouls abound as you take a tour of the mansion in your Doom Buggies. You will travel up and down house accompanied by eerie sights and sounds. Be careful, because you may find that you've picked up a passenger along the way!

Make sure to get there early or grab a FastPass because the lines can be long. It may be a little scary for young children and you do go through a few dark areas. Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys as well.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Every year the Magic Kingdom holds a spooktacular Halloween party on select nights. This event is fun for the whole party because there is trick-or-treating throughout the night, a beautiful fireworks show themed around Halloween called Happy Hallowishes, a parade where the headless horseman makes an appearance and everyone's in costume, including your favorite characters, so make sure you come dressed as well!

This is a 'hard ticket' event, meaning that it is a separate ticket and price from the regular admission and it is only on select nights. Once you're there, you will be given a map marked with the locations where they give out candy and not to worry, because they will supply you with a trick-or-treat bag. You will get a discount if you purchase your tickets in advance but if you buy them at the resorts or that day you will pay full price. There are discounts for annual passholders and dvc members, just ask over the phone, when you purchase. Tickets go quickly!

Haunted Halloween Wagon Ride

Explore the woods of Disney's Fort Wilderness on a wagon ride. Your group will sit in a wagon, drawn by magnificent, large horses as your driver tells you creepy tales of mysterious travelers from long ago. Make sure your driver stays on your path, because it's said that the woods are roamed by a headless horseman who chases after the lost. But with over 700 acres of woods, it's easy to get lost...

This is a first come, first served ride, and tickets begin selling in the morning. Because of its popularity, there are no guarantees that you'll even get on if there is a wait and you haven't bought tickets. Tickets are $15 for anyone 10 and older and $10 for anyone 3-9. If you'll be at Disney in October, make sure you look into this!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Do you hear those screams of terror?

This creepy hotel will scare the socks off of you. Spend some Halloween fun at the Disney-MGM Studios, on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. This attraction allows you to meander up, through the walkway and gardens of the hotel and brings you into its lobby, where you'll find elevators and Rod Serling waiting to take you to your destination. Will you survive?

I've ridden this ride several times and it is one of my favorites at MGM-Studios. It's especially eerie at night, in the dark, when the plummet comes unexpectedly.

Warning! The attraction does have height and health restrictions so be sure to read the signs and take precautions. Also, make sure you get a FastPass! because this attraction is very popular.

Also, there is a rumor that there really is a ghost that dwells in this hotel. One that glides along mysteriously, but does not respond when called out to. Ask the cast members...

Halloween Outside of the Parks

You don't need to go to the parks for Halloween to have fun at Disney. The resorts often have fun things to do. Both Downtown Disney and Disney's BoardWalk offer trick-or-treating and also have other activities for the children and the young at heart. I've seen in the past few years that the BoardWalk has had a pumpkin carving contest, in which the guests are the judges and the cast members display their creative side. They also had a d.j. and candy for everyone. Other resorts offer displays and candy, just make sure to ask at the front desk or concierge, they usually have notice of what they will be doing.

The Writer's Stop

This tiny, nondescript shop is the perfect place to get off of your feet and enjoy a pastry and drink. You can also peruse their collection of books. It is located between the ABC Commissary and the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater at Disney-MGM Studios. It's so small you'll miss it on your way to an attraction or eatery but they have a great assortment of gifts and souvenirs for those who like to draw, write or read. Once in a while they will have celebrities sign autographs there as well so keep an eye out!

Disney on a Budget: Boating

Boating is a great way to spend a day in Disney and out of the theme parks. You can rent boats at various locations depending on what resort you're staying at. You can even rent boats at Downtown Disney. The rates vary for the type of boat and the duration that you rent it for. You have a choice of kayaks, pontoon, sailboats and even SeaRaycers and Boston Whalers.

My husband and I have kayaked along Fort Wilderness' creeks and have seen gators sunning themselves. We have rented SeaRaycers and zipped around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and have seen the mysterious shores of abandoned "Discovery Island" on a Boston Whaler.

This is truly Disney on a budget because prices are reasonable and if you ask you may find that there are discounts. Pack a picnic lunch, idle along the different canals and see if you can spot the unique wildlife or jet around and let the mist of the water and the breezes refresh you.

If you're interested in parasailing, line skiing or wakeboarding visit Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Japan Pavilion

The Japan pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase is a scenic spot to stop, shop and eat. The pavilion has several places to eat, both counter and table service. Walking around you'll notice the pagoda and torii gate. You'll even see beautiful koi fish swimming in pools and creeks. The Mitsukoshi Department Store is a great place to shop for unique gifts that symbolize Japan. You can even watch as they retrieve fresh water pearls from oysters! There are plenty of entertainers from Matsuriza (Japanese drums) and storytellers to someone who fashions candy into animals and flowers. Also, check out the exhibits, located inside Japanese castle, called "White Heron".

This pavilion has plenty of shade and plenty to do so either grab your credit card or grab a kaki-gori (shaved ice topped with an assortment of fruit flavors) and relax as you enjoy a trip to Japan.

Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Located at Disney's Magic Kingdom, in Tomorrowland, the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway is a fun little ride for the whole family. Approximately 5 minutes long, you run a course in a mini speedcar around the track. There is a height restriction to be the driver, however, there is no height restriction for a passenger. It is one of the original attractions of Walt Disney World and gets you off your feet for a while, but of course, it is one of those attractions that always has a line so grab a FastPass!

On the downside, the gasoline fumes that emerge from all those cars. It can be a little much for those with allergies or just a sensitivity to fumes. Also, the ride can be extremely bumpy if you don't keep the steering wheel straight.

Harmony Barber Shop

The Harmony Barber Shop is an actual barber shop located between the Car Barn and the Emporium at Disney's Magic Kingdom. I was surprised when I found out that you can get an actual haircut here but you really can! It's an interesting little shop full of the turn-of-the-century effects.
If you need a haircut, here's the place to do it. The cast members are cheerful and who doesn't want to go into a barber shop that still has the pole!

Tusker House Restaurant

The Tusker House Restaurant is located in Disney's Animal Kingdom at Africa's Harambe Village, right after the bridge. It used to be a counter service restaurant that served delicious platters of salmon, rotisserie chicken, salads and sandwiches. Connected to the restaurant is the Kusifiri Bakery window that has a selection of assorted pastries and beverages.

At this time, Tusker House Restaurant has been closed for renovations and will re-open some time in early November as a buffet with a Character breakfast. This is a good change since the Animal Kingdom did not have a table service restaurant within the park, with the exception of the Character Breakfast, known as Donald's Breakfastosaurus. Also, Tusker House has enough room to seat large amounts both inside and outside.

I can't wait for the opening of the new buffet restaurant, although I am a little saddened because Tusker House Restaurant was a hidden jewel that served great food at great prices.

Nine Dragons Restaurant

Located at Epcot's China pavilion, Nine Dragon's serves both lunch and dinner, with separate menus. For the most part you need reservations for all of the sit-down restaurants at Epcot, however, Nine Dragons is usually easy to do a walk-in, the reason being the very fast delivery of your food and the large seating area.

The wait staff are not like many of the other restaurants, they do not stop to chat and tell you about China and what part of the country they are from, they just take your orders and serve your food. The restaurant itself is grand, with windows facing the walkway and lake. There are tall pillars and archways and the tables and chairs are carved and dark.

I have eaten at the Nine Dragons several times (we held our wedding rehearsal lunch here) and the food is always delicious, although a little on the pricey side. One of our favorites is the General Tso's Chicken and another favorite is the Canton Pepper Beef, all served with white rice. I've also had the Sichuan Kung Bao Chicken, which was very, very spicy. Overall I liked the lighter lunches here rather than dinner and it's always good as a backup if another restaurant is booked up.

Liberty Square Riverboat

Take a ride on the Liberty Belle along the Rivers of America. Located at Liberty Square in Disney's Magic Kingdom, this authentic paddle steamer takes you on a leisurely tour around Tom Sawyer's Island. You'll also get a great opportunity to take photos of The Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as life along the river.

This is great way to take a break from lines and walking. The riverboat has three decks and plenty of room for everyone. Check at the dock for departure times and make sure your camera's ready!

Voyage Of The Little Mermaid

Voyage Of The Little Mermaid is a live musical, with songs from this classic movie. Both live actors and puppetry, combined with special effects make it seem as if you're really part of it all. Parts of the show are dark and maybe scary for younger children. This show lasts about 20 minutes and is located at the Animation Courtyard of Disney-MGM Studios. The attraction is often busy so get there early or get a fastpass!

The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)

Zazu (feathery friend from "The Lion King") and Iago (from Disney's "Aladdin") show off a few musical numbers at this attraction. The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) is located in Adventureland at Disney's Magic Kingdom, right across from the spitting camel. Your hosts, along with other Audio-Animatronic birds, will serenade you with some familiar songs. So sing along and join the party!

The show is about 10 minutes long and often there are no long lines, but you will have to wait outside until the theater is available for the next group.

Celebration's Ocktoberfest

Celebration's Ocktoberfest (October 12 & 13)

The Disney built town of Celebration, located at the outskirts of the Walt Disney property will be holding a two day festival called Ocktoberfest. This is the first annual celebration of its kind.

Market Street, the downtown area of Celebration, is closed to vehicles and is festively decorated with hanging pumpkins and banners. Every hour, beginning at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., leaves fall onto the brick-paved street and after that a live band plays. Tonight it was "Heimatland Musikanten", playing popular German tunes, even some yodeling. Tomorrow night it will be the band "Orleans".

The streets are lined with tents from the town restaurants and shops offering tasty bites, from bratwursts to grilled shrimp to bananas foster. They also offered hayrides, face painting and pumpkin painting. It was a great treat that celebrates the arrival of Autumn and brings the community together for merrymaking.

"Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" Movie Set

This is an interactive play area where you and your children will feel as if you really have been shrunk. The "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" Movie Set is located right next to the Flatbread Grill eatery at the Disney-MGM Studios. There are large ants, a roll of film, LEGO's and other larger-than-life objects that you can climb and ride. Have a good time!

Port Orleans French Quarter

This lovely resort captures the New Orleans style with it's tree-lined, brick-paved streets (known as rues) and wrought iron architecture. Stroll down the many 'rues', such as Rue De Baga, or take a walk alongside the Sassagoula River. There is a boat to Downtown Disney from the dock or you can take the boat back and forth between resorts and Downtown Disney for a relaxing ride that's free!

There is no sit down restaurant at this resort but it does offer a quick service restaurant called "Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory" where you can also purchase the refillable mug. The French Quarter's sister resort, Riverside, does have a restaurant or you can enjoy the many at Downtown Disney.

Discovery Island Trails Photostop

At Disney's Animal Kingdom's Discovery Island you'll find a few trails that lead you around the base of the Tree of Life. This is a great way to get wonderful pictures of the beautiful carvings of the tree of life and for the most part it is not well-traveled so you can pose as many pictures as you'd like, there is also a waterfall close by. You'll find some exotic animals and lush scenery, so make sure your camera's ready!

Spelmanns Gledje

With a mix of accordion, bass, fiddle and guitar, Spelmanns Gledje are my favorite performers at Epcot. Situated at Epcot's Norway pavilion, the band plays a variety of polkas to waltzes. They usually play right outside of the Stave Church, either under the big tree or closer to the bakery's outdoor seating, so grab a rice cream (rice pudding found at Kringla Bakeri og Cafe), find a place to sit, listen to the music and get a taste of Scandinavia.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

The "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith" is located at Disney-MGM Studios' Sunset Boulevard, right next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The premise of the attraction is that the band is late for their concert and since they couldn't spend time with their fans (you) they offer you backstage passes and a ride in their limo to take you to the show. So the attraction has you take a harried ride around Tinseltown so you can catch Aerosmith's show.

This ride is fast, loud and exhilirating with many twists and turns. I've been on this ride once and that was enough for me! The g-force was very strong, the music was so loud and the darkness and unpredictability was a little much for me, however, I do know a little, old, lady that loves this ride and goes on it often. So you decide...

Living With The Land

Living With The Land is located at the Land Pavilion in Epcot's Future World (also home to Soarin'). It is an enjoyable and worthwhile boat ride that takes you through a simulated farm, desert and rainforest to teach you how our planet and our land has provided for us. It also takes you through their greenhouses where you'll see gigantic pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, bananas and other fruits and vegetables and the new technology that creates bigger, more nutritious produce. Along the way you'll also get to see a portion of their fish and aligator farm. You'll learn that most of the things grown there are used and served in their restaurants.

If you'd like to have a more intimate look at the greenhouse, I suggest that you take the 'Behind The Seeds' tour.

This is one of my favorite attractions in the park, not just because it gets you off your feet and into a cool atmosphere but you go away inspired and having learned and seen a thing or two.

Disney-MGM Studios Sorcerer Mickey Hat: Photostop

When you walk into Disney-MGM Studios, past the shops and trees you will see this well-known icon. It's hard to miss at 122 feet but it was not the original icon of the park. The original icon was the Earful tower (a water tower with Mickey Ears atop of it), which you can find now if you take the The Studios Backlot Tour.

This is a great opportunity for a photo. As you walk down Hollywood Boulevard the hat looms larger and you can actually make it seem as if the whole family were under the hat. You can even pose it so that it looks as if someone in the group has pulled it down slightly. If you'd prefer to be in the picture ask any cast member to take it for you, or get it done by the Photopass cast (they're trained in photography) who are always around with their cameras at hand.

Beneath the Hat is housed a little souvenir stop where you'll find autograph books, lanyards and of course pins. This is also the spot where character greeting occur, just check what time and which character.

Voices of Liberty

The Voices of Liberty is a touching, eight-part a cappella group of singers that perform at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. Because of the great acoustics, they sing inside the rotunda of the American pavilion. Their songs range from patriotic to folk music, classics such as 'God Bless America' and 'Oh! Susanna'. For me, it's one of those things that I must go see every time I go to Epcot, so don't miss out!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Located close to the Animal Kingdom, the lodge is categorized as a 'deluxe' resort. When you first drive in you'll see tall grasses and peaking above are thatched roofs, setting the theme for a trip to the wild. When you enter, the lobby is expansive, surrounded with warm colors, topped by a domed roof with fanciful lights and even a swinging walk bridge.

Outside there are walkways that lead you to private areas where you can watch giraffes, zebras and other animals feeding and walking around. If you get a room with a savanna view you would be able to see the animals when you wake up in the mornings.

If you are in the lobby and your and smell something delicious follow your nose downstairs to the restaurants: Boma and Jiko-The cooking place. We've gone to both restaurants and loved them. Boma is a buffet that features African-style cooking. Jiko is a little more upscale (there is a dress code), but like Boma it features African inspired foods.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great hotel to spend your stay at or just to come for the day to enjoy the food, architecture and the animals.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail takes you face to face with swimming hippos, climbing monkeys and majestic gorillas. It is located at Disney's Animal Kingdom, in Africa, right next to the Kilimanjaro Safari. This is one of my favorite attractions at the Animal Kingdom because there are no lines to get into since it is a walking tour. However, there may be a bit of a crowd at the hippo and gorilla windows but if you have patience you'll see spectacular sights, so have your camera ready!

The Earl of Sandwich

The Earl of Sandwich is located at Downtown Disney Marketplace, across from Once Upon a Toy. They serve, you guessed it, sandwiches as well as freshly made salads, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, tea, coffee, lemonade and fountain drinks.

This used to be a favorite of ours because the prices were so reasonable and the sandwiches were divine. The bread was freshly baked and the quality of the meats for the sandwiches were excellent. However, we've noticed that on a few later trips that the prices did go up and the quality and service went down. The last time we were there I had a roast beef sandwich (The Full Montagu) and the beef was tough, chewy and inedible. My husband had the Scudetto and thought it was just okay. We haven't been back since.

It does get very busy and the line can go, literally, out the door, so plan on eating off of the conventional eating times. The prices are still reasonable compared to most of the Disney establishments but if your family just wants burgers and fries then go do the McDonald's down the path.

Italy: Photospot

The photo above was taken at the Italian pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. Although Italy does not have the traditional ride or movie that the other countries have it is very picturesque. The beautiful plaza is a replica of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Campanile and across the way you can look over a 'canal' and see the gondolas moored to posts.

Around the plaza are shops selling everything from clothing and perfume to wines, sweets and chocolates and handmade masks. There is a fountain with a statue of Neptune, where you can pose for photos or just sit in the shade to rest your legs.

Recently the L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante was closed and a new restaurant has was opened in its stead called, Tutto Italia. Haven't been to the new restaurant but I'll let you know how it is when I try it!

Overall the Italian pavilion is a great place to just sit, have a canoli or gelato and enjoy the view.

Big Thunder Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain is located at Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. It is a roller-coaster in the form of a runaway locomotive barreling through an abandoned mine.

It doesn't have the drops like some of the other thrilling attractions have (even my husband will ride it) but the speed of the twists and turns will send you hurtling around your seat, and there are a few dips.

It is a very popular ride so I suggest that you either get fast passes or hop on as soon as the park opens.

Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney Marketplace

There are two Rainforest Cafes located in Disney, one is located at the Animal Kingdom and the other is at Downtown Disney Marketplace. You can catch a glimpse of the rocky facade and blue waterfall of this particular Rainforest Cafe at the corner of the Marketplace.

Inside the restaurant, clusters of vines and low lying branches and leaves house an assortment of creatures from gorillas to elephants and every 30 minutes a thunderstorm starts and the animals move and make noises.

There is a large selection to choose from and the menu does not change for lunch or dinner. Although the ribs are good, the rest of the food is just the same fare you would get at any chain restaurant like Chili's, but a little pricier because of its location.

The Rainforest Cafe is not Disney owned and does not take reservations. They are a first come, first served restaurant so come early for lunch or dinner to miss the wait. A note for parents of young children, I've noticed the few times that we've been there that the simulated thunderstorms and the animals' chest-pounding and hollering can frighten children.

Dinosaur

Located at Dinoland, Dinosaur is one of those rides that scare me...this is one of the newer rides where all the realistic props and effects help me believe that I am going back in time in search of a dinosaur and that I may not get back before the meteor hits.

Don't get me wrong, I love rollercoasters and all things fast, those don't scare me, but this ride is dark and bumpy, loud and well, it has a few surprises...

"it's a small world"

It's a Small World is located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. If you've never heard of this ride, you will need to see it. The beautiful backdrops help to make this ride memorable, as well as the music... Warning! You may not be able to get that song out of your head for a long time but maybe you'll learn how to sing it in other languages...

If not for the music or slow boat ride, check it out for the hundreds of dolls in all the different costumes from around the world.

Disney on a Budget: Fort Wilderness

You don't need to go to the theme parks to enjoy Disney. The resorts have many things to offer without the ticket prices, parking fees or the long lines. One of my favorite resorts to visit is Fort Wilderness. It is a campground that has loops for motorhomes, tents and cozy cabins, all nestled into 750 acres of woods.

Whenever my husband and I need some fresh air we strap our bikes to the car, pack a picnic and head over. We park in the lot across from the kennel and make our way past the horse stables up the road towards the marina, which is at the other end of the resort. The bike ride is not bad at all but if you'd rather save your feet then take one of the buses at the front of the resort, right by the stables.

You can enjoy a quiet, relaxing day at the marina, on the white sand beach, swinging on the hammocks, taking a hike around the woods or hopping on a boat and cruising around Bay Lake to get a glimpse of the Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary, or even hop off and explore those resorts. In the evenings, Fort Wilderness offers horse-drawn wagon rides at a first come, first served basis. For anyone 10 and over it's $8.00 and between 3-9 it is $5.00. It is a 45 minute ride around the resort.

At the end of the day you'll go home relaxed and at ease!

Sherlock's Of Celebration

Right down the street from Disney is the Disney-planned town of Celebration, which is a tourist destination in itself. One establishment that stands out with its red british phone booth outside, is "Sherlock's". Inside, this quaint shop sells tea, coffees, wine and pastries. It also has a small seating patio where live entertainment performs on the weekends. Whenever we pass by we always take note of the display of cakes and other pastries by the window.

For my birthday, we recently decided that it would be nice to purchase two slices of cake. I went in and bought a slice of layered chocolate cake and a coconut cake. Residents and Disney castmembers enjoy a 10% discount.

After dinner we divided the slices and tried them. My husband, whose has a sweet tooth, pronounced them delicious, leaning towards the chocolate cake. I liked them both, preferring the less sweet coconut slice. We ejoyed our cake and would go back again and sample another dessert. They had a tempting looking napoleon when I was there yesterday...

Also for more info on this place, go to the following website:
http://sherlocksgroup.com

House of Blues

The House of Blues is located at Downtown Disney Westside, right across from Disney Quest and adjacent to Cirque Du Soleil. We went a few days ago for a late lunch/early dinner (the menu does not change for lunch/dinner).

My husband and I shared an appetizer of brick oven pizza with mozzarella, marinara and pepperoni and I tried a cup of 'file gumbo', which had shrimp and okra. Both were very good. My gumbo came with a corn muffin as well. For an entree, I ordered a Creole Jambalaya with shrimp, andouille sausages, chicken and rice. It came in what seemed like a never-ending bowl. It had a nice flavor but too spicy for my taste, the kind of spice that blooms long after you've gobbled down the food. My husband went with a po-boy sandwich which looked like a whole loaf of bread stuffed with fried shrimp. He thought it was just 'ok'.

From the outside the restaurant looks like a weathered roadhouse with folk art strewn about on the lawn. The inside is pretty much the same, with folk art placed along the walls, along with the molded faces of singers. They played a mix of blues from Joss Stone to Hendrix. It was a comfortable atmosphere until the dinner crowd came in, mostly parents with babies, but it's Disney, so what do you expect?

Overall, I'm not sure we were impressed enough to go back but it's worth a try if you've never been before.

Reflections of China

This is a circle-vision 360 film where you stand in the middle of a theater as nine screens give you a full 360 degree view of everything. There are stunning views of the different lands and peoples of China. Visually beautiful and interesting, it lasts 14-minutes and is located within the Temple of Heaven (shown above) at Epcot's China Pavilion. Some days, if you get to the temple early, there is a lovely show called Si Xian, where a musician performs traditional music on a 'zheng' or Chinese harp.

Boulangerie Patisserie

I can't say enough about how tasty the pastries are here. Maybe the line out the door will convince you. Try the napoleon, fruit bavarois, pralineige or chocolate mousse... don't worry I can't pronounce them either. It's a little hard to find a place to sit and enjoy your pastries or beverage, often there is just one spot left located inside the gift shop seating area. If you prefer eating it outside then have a seat by the fountains, where you may be able to catch the Serveur Amusant show.

The Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour

The Studios Backlot Tour consists of both walking and tram tours. It can last from 45 minutes to an hour and takes you behind the scenes of how movies are made.

They feature props that were in popular movies, such as Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean. They also give you a quick glance of how costumes are designed and made. The 'exciting' parts of the tour are a little more interactive, where they show you how special effects are shot and directed. If you haven't been on it, you'll be in for a surprise!

Although this attraction is somewhat long it is a good reprieve off your feet and out of the sun, and you may learn a thing or two...

Splash Mountain

For me, Splash Mountain, is one of those 'must-ride' attractions. Of course there's the big splash at the end that may discourage a few of the more timid of the crowd, but that's just one, very small, yet exhilirating, portion of the ride. The rest is filled with great music, from 'Song of the South', beautifully designed audio-animatronic sets, and a cooling, longer-than-average, flume ride.

Fulton's Crab House

Fulton's Crab House is situated right where Pleasure Island meets Downtown Disney Marketplace and looks like a docked riverboat. My husband and I recently had dinner here for the first time and were seated on the second floor, overlooking the water, what a nice view. I had the stuffed Gulf Shrimp and he had the Fried Platter. We were very disappointed with the food. His platter wasn't worth the expensive price tag. It consisted of three scallops, three shrimps and a meager helping of lobster on a skewer. My shrimp was stuffed with crab meat, corn and chives and came with a side of broccolini. I expected it to be great but the stuffing had a strong, salty flavor and although the shrimp was good, I only had five, and not worth the $30.00 price.

On a more positive note, the lemonade I ordered was one of the best I've had, and my broccolini was fresh and sauteed perfectly. Also the starter bread was warm and you can't go wrong with warm bread. But, if all you can praise is warm bread and lemonade, we suggest you go to another restaurant and just enjoy the exterior of Fulton's.

Epcot's Maelstrom

This is my favorite boat ride attraction in all of Disney and I still can't fully explain why. Is it the 'epic journey' feel as you step in? Is it that classic Disney water smell or the cooling cave-like atmosphere on a hot day? Is it the seaside village that you eventually dock at?

It's one of those overlooked rides (I've never had to wait in line for it yet) and it is reminiscent of the classic Pirate's ride at the Magic Kingdom with just a hint of danger. Also, my husband loves the movie at the end, but it's always amusing to watch everyone quickly shuffle out before it starts. I've heard that they're replacing that movie with a more up-to-date one though...

Asia at Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite theme parks because it is so photogenic. There are many hidden spots that lead to great photo opportunities, such as the wildlife trails. It's a safari to far-off lands without leaving the comforts of home, and without malaria. There are also great quick-service restaurants, like Flame Tree Barbeque and Tusker House.

This photo was taken by Asia's entrance way, and you would have missed it if you didn't hang over the side of the bridge and view it from there, but it was worth it. It really evoked that mysterious, not well-traveled feel.