World of Color (from two perspectives) - Disney California Adventure - March 2012

I had the opportunity to experience Disneyland for the first time during March 2012.  I heard about a night time show that Disney California Adventure holds almost every day called World of Color.  It is a water-light show that can be seen around the lake.  There are prime spots to see this show which fill up early in the evening.  There are also reserved spots that can be purchased as part of a table service dinner package.  I saw the show twice during my stay from two different perspectives.  I first watched the show where all the visitors preferably watched the show, from the front.  There was a crowd of people obstructing my view at times.  This made it very challenging for me to watch and enjoy the show.  Here is a video from that perspective.


The second time I watched the show, I was right outside California Screamin'.  There was no crowd from this perspective.  I thought the show was way cooler from this vantage point.  I made a video of the World of Color from this viewpoint.

Main Street USA Singers - Magic Kingdom - December 2009

One my most favorite times to go to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is during the morning.  During this time, all the cast members on Main Street USA line the street and welcome all the guests to the Magic Kingdom.  Disney also features during this time the Main Street USA Singers.  They sing and dance around a trolley.  One of the songs that I always remember from them is "I'm Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street U.S.A".  That song always brings a smile to my face and sets the happy and fun tone from my day at Walt Disney World.  I was able to take a video of their performance during December 2009.  Enjoy the video!

Playhouse Disney Live On Stage - Disney Hollywood Studios - December 2009

Disney Hollywood Studios currently shows a children show called Disney Junior Live On Stage.  Years ago, Disney showed another show in the same building called Playhouse Disney Live On Stage.  It's the same type of show with song and dance numbers with puppets and a live host. Most of the characters in this show were from the popular TV shows shown during the Playhouse Disney block on the Disney Channel.  The kids love this show because the host interacts with the kids, and encourages the kids to sing and dance throughout the show.  You do have to sit on the ground throughout the entire show since there are no seats in the building.  I have created a 16 minute video that highlights the show.

This Week in Disney Foodies - December 21, 2013 to December 27, 2013

Here is the recap of this week's posts in the Disney Foodies facebook group

Saturday, December 21 2013

EatDrink Disney posted food pics from Jiko, Splitsville, Citricos.....

Appetizers and drinks at AKL before heading to Grand Floridian for dinner — at Victoria Falls Lounge. - EatDrink Disney

Appetizers and drinks at AKL before heading to Grand Floridian for dinner — at Victoria Falls Lounge. - EatDrink Disney

Appetizers and drinks at AKL before heading to Grand Floridian for dinner — at Victoria Falls Lounge. - EatDrink Disney

3 Pepper Calamari, Fantasy Roll (seaweed in lieu of soy paper), and a big ol' IPA. Delicious!! — at Splitsville Bowling Ally Downtown Disney. - EatDrink Disney

They seated us right across from the open kitchen. For foodies like us - could not get any better. Dinner and a show!! — at Citricos. - EatDrink Disney

Sunday, December 22 2013

Lauri Carr posted food pics.....

Gingerbread cupcake with cream cheese icing... - Lauri Carr

EatDrink Disney posted food pics from Citricos.....

Almost the final installment of our progressive dinner - WDW style. We ordered the Granny Smith Green Apple Sorbet at Citricos. We were both a bit disappointed with this simply because it wasn't what we were hoping for. We were expecting a tart, acidic palate cleanser. It was sweet and had an odd texture due to the apple peel. It did pair nicely with the fresh berries though. - EatDrink Disney

Charcuterie platter, Citricos - EatDrink Disney

Butternut Squash Soup, Citricos - EatDrink Disney

The drink on the left is a Citropolitan. Didn't care for that one much. The other is a martini, straight up. Guess my husband enjoyed it. Not a drop left in the glass. - EatDrink Disney

Love the detail on the olive pick. - EatDrink Disney

Entrees at Citricos --- Butter-poached Monkfish and Oak-grilled Filet of Beef. Both dishes were excellent. The fish was flaky and moist. I especially like that it wasn't a heavy dish even with the addition of the risotto. The steak was ordered medium rare and was cooked perfectly. - EatDrink Disney

The not-so-grand finale of our progressive dinner...Rode the monorail to Contemporary for something chocolate. Ended up with a Mammoth Pecan Pattie from the sweets display at Bayview Gifts. It was delicious, as usual. Can't go wrong with pecans and caramel covered in chocolate. The not-so-grand part was when I ran into a closed, glass door because I was too preoccupied with my dessert. My husband saw it all happen thru a window on the other side of the gift shop. He was doubled over laughing. Not sure if anyone else saw but I'm going to pretend they didn't! - EatDrink Disney

Monday, December 23 2013

Jeffrey Brice posted food pics from the Rose and Crown and Narcoossee.....

Quick lunch yesterday at The Rose and Crown with my family. Ordered four Scotch Eggs and a Guinness and one of the bartenders heard me and proclaims that the "perfect lunch for one." - Jeffrey Brice

Apple tart at Narcoossee's. - Jeffrey Brice

Megan Orr posted food pics from Jiko and Flying Fish.....

Wild boar tenderloin from Jiko -very different , probably not something we would try again and very small portions for the price - Megan Orr

Fish from Jiko. I'm not usually very adventurous with my good but this was amazing and possibly my favorite dish of the trip - Megan Orr

Chocolate and tea safari from Jiko - again, something different but that's what Jiko is all about. We weren't so sure about this one but it was actually pretty good! - Megan Orr

Flying fish cafe duo of Caesar salad and crab cake! Hubby says he wishes he would have got just the crab cake , it was very good! - Megan Orr

Potato wrapped red snapper from Flying Fish! I'm normally a tuna fan but tried this off his plate, was delicious , I so wanted to trade - Megan Orr

Flatbread at Jiko- again it was very different , appetizers were not our favorite where but the main course was amazing and the atmosphere was so calm and relaxed - Megan Orr

Flying Fish Banana Napoleon... One word = delicious!! Would go back just to get this! - Megan Orr

Char crusted yellowfin tuna from the Flying Fish... Honestly was not my favorite, the red snapper beat out the tuna at this restaurant - Megan Orr

Tuna tartare sushi roll from the Flying Fish! - Megan Orr

Chocolate indulgence from the Flying Fish- very sweet and heavy - Megan Orr

Sweet potato bread pudding from Jiko! So good! - Megan Orr

Wednesday, December 25 2013

Carrie Derderian posted a food pic.....

Our Christmas morning tradition: Tonga Toast and Strawberry Soup. Merry Christmas, Foodies! - Carrie Derderian

EatDrink Disney posted food pics.....

The Eat Drink Disney version of the much loved carrot cake cookie from Writer's Stop. Our daughter made these and they are FABULOUS!!! - EatDrink Disney

The Eat Drink Disney version of the much loved carrot cake cookie from Writer's Stop. Our daughter made these and they are FABULOUS!!! - EatDrink Disney

Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - December 2009

I previously posted a blog post with videos of the 2011 Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  This nightime show at Disney Hollywood Studios has remained relatively the same each year it has been held.  2011 was not the first time that I went to this show.  Back in 2009, I went with my family to Walt Disney World to celebrate the Christmas holiday.  The show back then was fun and exciting, with the same lights dancing to the music of Transiberian  Orchestra and other Christmas songs.  There were a lot more people the night that I went back in 2009 compared to the time that I went in 2011.  I made a video with my Canon HF-200 camera.  It's best to watch this in HD.  Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Restaurant Marrakesh - Food Review and Video of Music and Bellydancing - December 2009

Restaurant Marrakesh is one of the table service restaurants at Epcot located at the Morocco Pavilion in the World Showcase.  It is open for lunch and dinner, serving traditional dishes from Morocco.  It's not too difficult to get reservations at restaurant.  Not too many people are familiar with Moroccan food and tend to shy away from it because of their uncertainty of the food or their hesitation to eat food that they consider strange.  Along with the food, Restaurant Marrakesh offers musical entertainment and bellydancing.  When I went with my family on December 2009, I had the Marrakesh feast, which consists of Harira soup (traditional hearty soup flavored with tomatoes, lentils and lamb); Beef Brewat Rolls (baked layers of thin pastry filled with seasoned minced beef, eggs, fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar); Marrakesh Mixed Grill (Tenderloin of Beef Shish Kebab, Lamb Merzuez Sausage, Marinated Chicken Kebab) served with roasted potatoes; and Assorted Moroccan pastries.  This is a lot of food!  Make sure that you get the mint tea!  It is one of the most refreshing drinks at Epcot.  Overall, I enjoyed the meal.  I thought the meats were tasty and well complemented.  The appetizer and dessert was delicious.  The highlight for me at Restaurant Marrakesh was the music and bellydancing.  It's live music with a musician playing tradition Moroccan music and bellydancing.  The bellydancer was awesome!  I took pictures and video of my meal and the entertainment.

Celebrate the Seasons at the Magic Kingdom - December 2009

Celebrate the Seasons is a night time Christmas show that is shown during December in front of Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom.  This show features Christmas themed song and dance numbers with all the Disney characters.  I enjoyed watching this show.  When I watched it during December 2009, I did not have the greatest view.  I filmed the show using my Canon HF-200 camera.

This Week in Disney Foodies - December 13, 2013 to December 20, 2013

Here is the recap of this week's posts in the Disney Foodies facebook group

Friday, December 13 2013

Jeanette Yeschke posted food pics from Sci-Fi Diner and Drive-In and Be Our Guest.....

Sci fi candy bar dessert. - Jeanette Yeschke

Mussels - Be our guest. - Jeanette Yeschke

Candlelight Processional at Epcot - December 2009

Back in December 2009, my family had the opportunity to spend the Christmas holidays down at Disney World.  I really wanted to see the Candlelight Processional at the World Showcase in Epcot.  The day that my Mom and I tried to go was really crowded.  We got there too late to get a seat in the theater.  My mom and I were relegated to standing in front of the American Adventure Theater and trying to see the performance from a far distance.  Luckily I could overcome the distance issue since I had a really good zoom capability on my camcorder.  The challenge was still people getting in front of me an blocking my view.   Despite the distance issues, the choir sounded great and Epcot did a great job to spread the sound of the choir throughout the American Pavilion. I was still able to take some pictures and video of the event.

My mom at the entrance of theater. We got there too late so we could not get a seat.

I had to zoom in to get this shot of the Candlelight Processional because I was all the way across at the American Adventure Theater.

I had to zoom in to get this shot of the Candlelight Processional because I was all the way across at the American Adventure Theater.

This Week in Disney Foodies - December 6, 2013 to December 13, 2013

Here is the recap of this week's posts in the Disney Foodies facebook group

Friday, December 6, 2013

Constance Ondrejicka Himelberger posted a food pic from Blue Bayou Restaurant.....

Monte Cristo with fruit Kabob.... Heaven on a plate ! I love the food at Disneyland Resort ! — at Blue Bayou Restaurant. - Constance Ondrejicka Himelberger

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Rusnik Campground posted a food pic.....

Oh no....they are almost gone! - Rusnik Campground

Constance Ondrejicka Himelberger posted a food pic from Boudin Bakery.....

1st Clam Chowder Bread Bowl of the trip. Sure wish WDW had this ! — at Boudin Bakery - Disney California Adventure. - Constance Ondrejicka Himelberger

Electronica - Disney California Adventure - March 2012

Disney was promoting the TRON movie back on 2012 in Disney California Adventure by setting up a nightly event called Electronica.  The park setup a techno-style environment where they had DJs, dancers and techno lightning.  They also had a theater playing the trailer to the TRON movie.  The night that I visited, the crowd did not seem into the techno music to dance.  It was kind of lame.  I think this setup would have been better in Disney World, at Disney Hollywood Studios.  I have pictures and a video of Electronica from the night in March 2012 that I went.

Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular - Disney California Adventure

I had the opportunity to go to Disneyland for the first time during March of 2012.  I wanted to see the musical show at Disney California Adventure called Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular.  It was based on the animated movie Aladdin.  Disney built a special auditorium for this show.  Here are pictures that I took in front of the theater.

You enter the auditorium from what seems to be the back of the building. There are multiple levels that the audience can be seated to watch the show.  You line up based on the level that you want to watch the show.  The orchestra level quickly fills up, so the cast members will close off those lines that when the level is full.  The upper levels require most people to climb stairs, except if you need to use an elevator.  We sat at the upper most level, which I think was the third level.  The level actually had an escalator when you go from the second to the third level. Once you get into the theater, the seats on the third level were stadium-style seats, with no obstructed views of the stage.  The performance was broadway quality.  The actors playing Aladdin and Jasmine were great and could sing the songs really well.  The genie stole the show because he would say a lot jokes that were about things happening at during 2012.  I was able to take video of the performance with my Canon HF200 camera. Enjoy the videos!

Disneyland Express

For guests of the Walt Disney World resort hotels, Disney provides the Disney's Magical Express bus service to transport guests and their luggage to and from the Orlando International Airport.  This transportation is included with any stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel.  Guests of the Disneyland resort hotels are not offered the same level of transportation like Magical Express.  Disneyland has partnered with the Gray Line tour bus company to offer the Disneyland Express bus.  Reservations for this bus service cannot be made with Disney when you book a reservation to Disneyland hotel.  The reservation must be made with Gray Line, and must be done at least 24 hours before you schedule a pickup time.  Also, there is a fee per person to take this transportation.  With Disneyland Express, they will not pickup your luggage and deliver it directly into your hotel room like Magical Express.  Also, Disneyland Express has no employees at LAX to show visitor where to go to board the bus.  You will need to remember to go to the right area at the bus waiting areas outside of the Arrivals areas in order to find the bus.  You can easily miss the Disneyland Express bus if you are not at the right place at the right time.  The Disneyland Express bus driver was nice and helped us pack the luggage into the undercarriage of the bus.  On our ride, we were the only ones on the bus.  We stayed at a "Good Neighbor" hotel that was right outside off Disneyland property, Fairfield Inn by Marriott.  The bus driver would not drop us off at the entrance to the hotel. Instead, the bus driver dropped us off at the corner of the street.  We needed to walk across a long driveway to get to the hotel with our luggage.  Luckily, we did not have too much luggage and the luggage had wheels.  Still, if this is an inconvenience considering that you pay a fee just to take the transportation.  Taking the Disneyland Express really made me miss the Magical Express.  I'm totally spoiled by Magical Express and want that level of service.

Below is a video that I took with my Canon HF200 of the ride from LAX to Disneyland.

Illuminations Reflections of Earth Christmas Edition at Epcot - December 2009

A couple of days ago, I posted videos from the 2011 edition of Illuminations Reflections of Earth Christmas Edition.  I just found my videos from the 2009 edition.  Both shows look very similar.  I took this video from the entrance to World Showcase.  I shot these videos using my Canon HF200.

Animal Actors Show at Universal Studios Florida

The Animal Actors Show is a stadium style attraction that features animal trainers showing how animals perform in TV skits.  The trainers bring on individuals from the audience to participate in some of the animal stunts that the animals perform.  This show has comedy bits done by both the trainers and the animals.  It is a fun and entertaining show to attend.  I highly recommend watching this.  Below is a short vid that I made on December 2011 with my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone.

This Week in Disney Foodies - November 29, 2013 to December 6, 2013

Here is the recap of this week's posts in the Disney Foodies facebook group

Friday, November 29, 2013

Rusnik Campground posted food pics from Tutto Gusto.....

Tutto gusto spaghetti and meatballs. And I think Pici. Pasta with lamb ragu. - Rusnik Campground

Cannelloni from Tutto Gusto. OMG so good! - Rusnik Campground

My First Ever Visit to Disney Art of Animation Resort

Whenever I stayed at Pop Century, I would always look across the lake and wonder what Walt Disney World would ever due to the former sister resort to Pop Century.  It laid unfinished and abandoned for years.  When I got word years ago that they world turn it to the Art of Animation Resort, I was super excited.  I kept track of the construction progress on my stays at Pop Century and online.  Construction was finally done on Spring 2012.  When I got to visit WDW on September 2012, I had to make a visit to this new resort a priority.  I took disney bus transportation from one of the parks during lunchtime to check it out and have a taste of the food at their food court.

Once I got off the bus, I took out my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone and took video footage chronicling my first steps into the resort.

I took pictures too of the area and the food!

My Experience at the 2011 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party,,,captured in video! - Part 5 - Entering and Exiting the Party

This will be the last post in the series.  I will cover the experience of entering and exiting the party.  Depending on the night that you attend, the crowds tend to be the highest towards the beginning of the party.  I think this mostly because most of the young kids that want to attend the party will not make it to the end because they will be tired and fall a sleep.  The night I attended the party was very crowded at the beginning of the first hour.  Below is a video that I shot with my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone of me walking down Main Street USA navigating through the crowds of people.


I stayed the entire time and made sure that I waited to be one of the last people to leave the park.  It makes a big difference to do this.  When  I walked down Main Street USA, it was totally empty.  I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Main Street USA without being rushed. Below is a video that I shot with my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone of me walking down Main Street USA at the end of the party.

Mannheim Steamroller Sound Check at Universal Studios Florida - December 2011

During December 2011, Universal Studios Florida featured the famous musical act Mannheim Steamroller to play during the evening.  This was very during that year.  I was lucky enough to catch a sound check that Mannheim Steamroller did to prepare for their evening concert.  This band sounds great during their sound check.  I shot two videos using my Motorola Droid Bionic to capture these moments.

Rhino Rally at Busch Gardens Tampa - December 2011

During my first ever visit to Busch Gardens Tampa, I wanted to try the Rhino Rally safari to see how it would compare to the safari at Animal Kingdom.  I'm going to summarize it right now....there is no comparison.  The safari at Animal Kingdom is 100 times better than Rhino Rally.  Rhino Rally lasts only 5 minutes!  The driver cracks some bad jokes along your "journey".  This ride needs to either be overhauled or just eliminated because it adds no value to the landscape of animals that live at Busch Gardens Tampa.  I shot two videos using my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone.

My Experience at the 2011 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party,,,captured in video! - Part 4 - Wishes (Christmas Edition)

This post in the series covers the fireworks show shown during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Wishes.  This is based on the same Wishes fireworks show that is shown every night at the Magic Kingdom.  The park puts a twist on the show, adding elements of Christmas in it.  It is a great show to watch, and something you do not want to miss while you are at the party.  I watched it near the bridge that leads to Tomorrowland.  Below is the video that I shot using my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone.