Deb's Digest

Thursday I went to Animal Kingdom. I really had wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom. However my TouringPlan subscription reminded me it was Extra Magic Hour at MK and a park to avoid.

My second choice was Animal Kingdom which was not crowded at all! My main reason for visiting the park was to take menu photos to update AllEars.

Actually, the parks are not crowded right now. Most Marathon folks have headed home and there is a couple day lull before the 3 day weekend coming up.

I had a great spot in the parking lot, very unusual for me - second car in. Don't you always feel like you are at the end of the LONG row? I do, but today I lucked out.

Despite the low crowds the turnstiles to enter the park were a bit backed up.

I enjoy walking through the Oasis checking out what animals and birds can be seen. There are a few different trails, so take time to explore. I love when there are Cast Members around to talk to about the various birds and animals. Today, a Cast Member was showing a skull from a Babirusa.

There is also a great little seating area off by the Baribusa area. Quiet and out of the way.

I love seeing the Tree of Life as you come out of the Oasis. Today's blue sky made for a great photo!

One thing I have noticed over the years is that artist or author park appearance are rarely announced in advance. A few years ago I was so excited to happen upon none other than Joe Rhode signing books in Animal Kingdom. His appearances at Animal Kingdom are VERY rare, but it always pays to ask at the "Times Board" and check out the stores yourself. There just might be an author or artist you would like to meet.

Creature of habit, I generally start on the left side of Animal Kingdom and make my way around. Today, I decided to head right and begin in Dinoland USA.

The longest wait I saw was for the photo op with Pluto and Goofy!

There are lots of "dinosaurs" to be found in this part of the park so be sure to look all around, even up! This dinosaur can be found in Restaurantosaurus!

A couple of dinosaurs can be seen on the Cretaceous Trail.

There is also a nice quieter area with benches and shade. This would make a good spot while you are waiting for others to ride Dinosaur.

A couple dinosaurs are also near the Dinosaur Fast Pass area!

Next I wandered over to Primeval Whirl. Pretty much a walk on. There are 2 areas to measure height, this one is cute with the animal paw prints where a child should stand.

Things were really quiet in the arcade game area. Just curious, do any of you play these games?

Really short lines today for Expedition Everest as well, about 10 minutes when I went past around 10am. Also the single rider line was closed.

I was glad to see the "test seats" still available for folks to see if they can transfer in from their wheelchair or if they will fit with the lap bar. It's nice and out of the way of the mainstream.

The last thing I did was journey along the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Be sure to pick up a guide with info about the animals along the trail.

You can also get a guide to the birds as well.

The Komodo Dragon was out sunning himself. I didn't see the Tapir - come to think of it, it's been a long time since I saw her. Anyone see the Tapir recently?

I went through the bat area, there was lots of fruit hanging for them to eat.

A couple of the tigers were out. I had a nice chat with Cast Member Dennis about the Tigers. I've said it before but these Cast members are a wonderful resource of information about the animals and birds. Don't hesitate to ask questions and engage in a conversation.

I left the park around 11:30am. You can see from the Times Board the waits were still pretty short!

A beautiful morning in my favorite park.

In case you didn't see this great photo of Big Al on the Disney Parks Blog......

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

It is time for another Walt Disney World Dining Bits and Bites. Hopefully, now that we live in Florida, I'll be able to do these more often.

Last week Linda and I stayed two nights at the Contemporary Garden Wing (AP Rate which we got just 10 days prior) and spent both days in the Magic Kingdom and MK resort area.

This segment contains a quick service, theme park full service and signature dining.

CONTEMPO CAFE - CONTEMPORARY

Chicken Chop Salad $7.69
Deb: I have not been a fan of the Contempo Cafe, my previous 2 dining experiences were not so great. However I must say the Chicken Chop Salad was very fresh and perfect for lunch. It had the right balance of veggies, protein and carbs! I always ask for dressing on the side and was glad I did. The mayo based dressing really had little flavor and the vegis more than made up for it! I would have this again and would also recommend it to you!

Chicken Spinach and Artichoke Flatbread $8.79
Linda: This was disappointing as the description of the flatbread did not jive with what I received. The spinach and artichoke appeared to be a creamy dip spread on the flatbread - not a chicken, spinach and artichoke flatbread that was advertised. There were VERY little actual spinach or artichokes. Plus the sauce was VERY thick and not at all appetizing. I was expecting fresh spinach and chopped artichoke therefore would not order again nor recommend it.

CALIFORNIA GRILL - CONTEMPORARY

Heirloom Apple Salad - winter greens, aged Gouda, dried cranberries, pumpkin-apple dressing $14
Deb: I love when greens means something other than Romaine or Iceburg lettuce and I would expect nothing less from a signature restaurant. The selection of greens were crunchy and did remind me of "winter". I loved the aged Gouda sprinkled on the top. If there was a slight disappointment with the salad it was the dressing. I felt the pumpkin-apple dressing was on the bland side and did not have the flavors I expected. That said, it was still a great salad and I would order it again!

Creamy Parsnip and Sunchoke Soup - apple gastrique, truffled goat cheese gougere $11
Linda:
Yum Yum! Sunchoke was described as a cross of the edible parts of a sunflower and an artichoke. Seasoned perfectly, not over salted, and had a savory and sweet flavor (sweet coming from the small bits of apple). The goat cheese was in a puff pastry you can see on the side of the soup in the photo. I highly recommend and I'd order again!

Triple Cheese Flatbread - pecorino, asiago, and provolone, sun-dried tomato and arugula pesto $12
Deb: I didn't want a full, heavy dinner and so opted for the salad above and this flatbread. I'm not much of an adventurous eater so this fit the bill for me perfectly. I'm a big fan of flatbreads from the signature restaurants with Jiko and California Grill making some of my most favorites!

Dragon Roll - spicy and tataki tuna, shrimp tempura, bell pepper, avocado, chili soy glaze $28
Linda: Another Yoshi (Sushi Chef Extraordinare) Winner! A superb and very filling entree. If shared would make a great appetizer for 2. The only thing I didn't care from was the red bell pepper. Highly recommend and I'd order again.

LIBERTY TREE TAVERN - LUNCH - MAGIC KINGDOM

Colony Salad - Washington apples, sweet pecans and applewood smoked cheddar, dried cranberries Craisins, and grilled chicken tossed with field greens in honey shallot vinaigrette $14.49
Deb: I love lunch at the Liberty Tree Tavern. The Colony salad is a wonderful blend of flavors accented with the apples. I forgot to order the dressing on the side so it was a bit "soupy" for me, but that was my error. I've had this salad before and I'll have it again - try it next time!

Pilgrims' Feast - traditional roast turkey with herb bread dressing, mashed potatoes and a garden vegetable $14.99
Linda: This hit the spot. I debated between this and the Tri-Corner sandwich and the server recommended the turkey - Spot on! Some of the most moist and tender turkey breast I've had in a long time. Green beans cooked just right, dressing was yummy - I joined the Clean Plate club for this one! Highly recommend!

Post Your Reviews and Read what Others Say about:
Contempo Cafe
California Grill
Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch

That's it for this edition of WDW Dining Bits and Bites!

The Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, Cast Member Choir and guest choirs. A guest conductor leads the orchestration of this moving tribute.

I love the Candlelight Processional, but the lines have gotten so long for every show, that I only manage to see it every few years. I was fortunate last week to see Neil Patrick Harris narrate the Candlelight Processional.

From the moment it began, I sat mesmerized in my seat watching and listening to the beautiful sounds of the Christmas season. The 6 year old sitting in front of me barely moved during the entire performance.

In addition to Neal Patrick Harris, the guest conductor was Dr. William Powell, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Auburn University. I can't recall another conductor so animated that he became part of the show. There were times, I wasn't sure where to train my eyes. It was all so fascinating to watch.

THE PROGRAM

Shout for Joy
O Come All Ye Faithful

Il Est Ne
O Holy Night

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Away in a Manger
Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy
What Child is This
Do You Hear What I Hear

Silent Night
Joy to the World
The Hallelujah Chorus

Today we journey back to May 1976 and a special "Family Edition" of the Cast Member Eyes and Ears of Walt Disney World.

Cast members were invited to a "Splash" Preview of River Country! The "Splash" party takes place May 29-June 3rd, 1976.

And near the end of the article there is another attraction to visit: "Transporation will be in operation each day until dusk to take everyone to view the brand new Treasure Island (later renamed Discovery Island)! There are new birds, a walk through cage, refreshment area and much more!"

There is even a scrapbook page of past May events. Here is an interesting one:

May 12 1967 Reedy Creek became a Public Corporation in the State of Florida.

This entry of Step Back in time is courtesy of AllEars reader Steve Gorman who sent photos of his 1971 visit to the Magic Kingdom.

" I am getting ready to leave for another Christmas Disney trip and this will put me at the 45th time I have visited Disney. I guess I was hooked at the early age of 7...... "

Thanks for sharing Steve!

The Disney Fantasy, the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet will set sail March 31, 2012.

As the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, each with their own character, so too are the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

The Disney Cruise Line has slowly been releasing information about the Fantasy highlighing its differences from the Dream.

I am in Toronto Canada to attend a special media "Behind the Curtain" event. Later this morning we will learn more about the entainment coming to the new Disney Fantasy Cruise ship.

Previously, DCL announced that Believe (which debuted on the Disney Dream) and a new Aladdin show would be part of the Fantasy's entertainment.

Last night I spoke with David Duffy, Creative Director for Disney Cruise Line Entertainment and Port Adventures. When asked if the Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular would be similar to the smash hit currently in Disney California Adventure, David smiled and said YES! There wll be some small differences and he hopes the Walt Disney Theatre provides a more intimate setting for the show.

Having seen the Aladdin show in California, cruisers on the Fantasy are in for a real treat. This show is a broadway class and a fantastic production.

Stay tuned for more information later this morning. Follow me on Twitter @allearsdeb for announcements!

On our way to the RADP 16th annual meet and greet (more on RADP at the end) we stopped by the Yacht and Beach Club to see the holiday displays.

The lamposts were wound with garland, balls and lights - I'll have to swing by one evening to see how pretty the entrance way looks.

In the lobby there is garland all around and the centerpieces are the holiday tree and gingerbread display.

I love looking closely at the various tree ornaments. See how many you can find like the Seahorse, and starfish.....

The Gingerbread Carousel has returned.

And if you look closely you'll see the QR codes around to learn more about the display. The QR codes require a reader app that you can get for your cell phone. (Make a note to get one of those :)

Ariel has a special horse too!

Snow White has a revolving castle

And the Gingerbread Shop is open evenings, Monday-Thursday 6-8pm and Friday and Saturday 4-8pm. The shop didn't need to be open to enjoy the smell of gingerbread. If you want a Gingerbread House to purchase, head over to the Beach Club Marketplace.

Next stop, Disney's Yacht Club. The lampposts here have the same garland and lights adornments.

And as you walk closer there is a beautiful floral display of red and white poinsettias and impatience.

The holiday tree has a nautical theme with boats and lighthouses.

A wonderful Dickens aka Dept 56 display complete with a train, highlight the shops and restaurants of the Yacht and Beach club resorts.

See if you can spot the Hidden Mickey in this photo!

Soon it was time for the RADP meet at the International Gateway. RADP (rec.arts.disney.parks) is where I got my start online and was the only type of message board that existed back in the early days.

The strangers who met those first few years in December have become dear friends and family. Each year they continue to gather at WDW to celebrate the holidays and their friendships.

In January 2011, AllEars® reached an important milestone - 15 years online!! To thank everyone who has supported us over the years, we decided to have a year long celebration. All Ears has had meets in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, on the Disney Wonder cruise ship, and in New York City. The grand finale of our yearlong anniversary celebration is "A December to Remember", December 8-11, 2011 -- a long weekend full of special events held at various locations in the Walt Disney World Resort.

One week from today is the official beginning of our special celebration -- December to Remember

While some events are sold out, many others are open to all - no RSVP necessary. We have lots of new AllEars Trading Cards to hand out and team members now have their own individual cards as well! Be sure to see how many you can collect during December to Remember.

On Thursday December 8th, we focus on the Magic Kingdom/Resort area.

5pm Magic Kingdom. Closing in on almost 10 years, Mike Scopa has hosted his December Dole Whip Meet as a venue for all December guests to meet up, get reacquainted, and just share the joy of Walt Disney World, and of course, that delight know as Dole Whip. Join Mike as he celebrates yet another signature meet at Magic Kingdom's Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

Fort Wilderness Holiday Lights Tour! 6:30pm - 8:00pm. - Ft. Wilderness Campground - Hosted by Erin Blackwell. The Fort Wilderness resort's holiday decorations are becoming famous, featured on the Travel Channel and Orlando Attractions and a favorite with photographers. Now we're giving a tour of some of the greatest guest displays, ending with watching the Wishes fireworks! It's a great opportunity to enjoy spirit, the holidays, and the unique community planned by Walt Disney himself.

Meet at Pioneer Hall (where the Hoop Dee Doo is performed) at 6:30pm. We will wait fifteen minutes for everyone to join us while Erin Blackwell gives history and details that make Fort Wilderness unique. This is an easy walking tour, but Erin will also have an electric (golf) cart for up to 5 people to ride if they prefer. And, of course, Fort Wilderness is ECV friendly.

Friday, December 9th is Disney's Hollywood Studios Day.

AllEars® Meet and Greet at Rosie's All American Cafe on Sunset Blvd.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. We held this meet in 2010 and it was such a great success we decided to do it again!!! Just head down Sunset Blvd towards the Tower of Terror. Rosie's is on the left side.

Saturday, December 10th is Animal Kingdom Day!

Smile and Say Jambo at Animal Kingdom 8:15 a.m.
Meet AllEars® Picture This! Photo Bloggers Scott Thomas and Barrie Brewer for a morning at Animal Kingdom. Early risers (or those wanting coffee) should meet outside the Rainforest Cafe. No tickets required.

Once the park opens AT 9AM, the group will get Kilimanjaro Safari FastPasses and then walk the Pagani Exploration Trail.

Sunday December 11th is Epcot/Resort Area Day

Team AllEars® Run/Walk/Wog Yer Buns Off - 7 a.m. Join Team AllEars® Co-Captains Michelle Scribner-MacLean and Mike Scopa as they go for a leisurely run/walk/wog (weather permitting) from the Boardwalk Bakery to Disney's Hollywood Studios and back. This enjoyable 5K+ route will take us past Storm-a-Long bay, along the path to Disney's Hollywood Studios, and a return back to Boardwalk. We will meet at the Boardwalk Bakery and be ready to run by about 7 a.m. Will the Osborne Lights be on? You never know...

The Around the World CHOCOLATE Challenge from 2:00pm -4:00pm

2:00pm at Epcot's World Showcase -- The French Arm, that quiet little spot that's located down the stairs along the water in the France pavilion.

Join your AllEars.Net co-hosts Laura Gilbreath and Deb Koma, as we go "in search of"...
CHOCOLATE! We have devised a scavenger hunt/game that will send AllEars.Net readers out into the World to answer questions and gather clues from those country pavilions in an effort to win prizes -- all involving CHOCOLATE, of course! The mission? Complete an assortment of CHOCOLATE challenges, to be revealed closer to the mission date.

Prizes will be awarded; all will involve CHOCOLATE in some way!
Special gift to the first 50 participants at the meet -- gift only available while limited quantities last.

So as you can see, there are lots of fun activities planned. We hope you'll join us for our December to Remember 15th Anniversary Celebration!

For More Information visit the December to Remember Area!