The Seas With Nemo and Friends at Epcot - December 2009

The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot

The Seas with Nemo and Friends is located in Future World at Epcot.  It was formerly known as the Living Seas pavilion.  The ride features Nemo from Pixar's animated film Finding Nemo as he travels through the sea and encounters friends and foes.  A lot of the aquarium that was seen in the Living Seas ride is now covered in the present Seas with Nemo and Friends.  Back in December 2009, I took a short video clip of the ride.  Enjoy.

Epcot Fountain of Nations at Night - December 2009

Epcot Fountain of Nations at Night

In the center of Future World is an attraction that is often missed by people passing by it.  The Fountain of Nations transforms into a dancing water display synchronized to music several times during the night.  In my opinion, the best time to watch the Fountain of Nations is at night.  There are special colored lights that illuminate the water effects.  Below is a video of the Fountain of Nations at night.

Main Street Philharmonic in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom - December 2009

Main Street Philharmonic in Fantasyland

In a previous blog post (Main Street Philharmonic - September 2012), I covered the Main Street Philharmonic performing at Main Street USA.  Back in December 2009, I was able to film the Main Street Philharmonic performing in Fantasyland.  The band was awesome while they entertained visitors in Fantasyland.  Below is the video that I took.  Enjoy.

Ride Video of the Wildlife Express to Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom - December 2009

Animal Kingdom has a train that takes visitors to the Conservation Station, where visitor can pet animals like sheep and goats.  The train is called the Wildlife Express.  Riders sit facing the side of the train so that they can see the backstage areas of Animal Kingdom where the animals sleep during the nighttime hours. It's an enjoyable and relaxing train ride.  I took video of the ride back in December 2009.  Enjoy!

Ride Video of Journey Into Imagination with Figment from December 2009

I have visited the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot since it opened back in the 1980s, and have seen the rides and attractions changed throughout the years.  One ride that has been through lots of changes is the Journey into Imagination.  I rode it when it had the Dreamfinder and Figment.  I also rode the version of the ride that did not feature either the Dreamfinder or Figment.  Luckily, Disney decided to add Figment back to the ride.  Here is video that I took back in 2009 of the entire ride experience from start to finish. Enjoy!

It's A Small World ride video from the Magic Kingdom - December 2009

It's A Small World is a classic ride that originated at the 1964 New York World's Fair.  It was eventually transported over to Disneyland.  When Walt Disney World opened with the Magic Kingdom, It's A Small World was one of the original rides.  The main difference with the Walt Disney World version and the Disneyland version is in the ride queue.  At Walt Disney World, the ride queue is indoors vs. an outdoor queue at Disneyland.  I also think that the boats are wider at Walt Disney World than Disneyland.  Both versions of the ride are equally enjoyable. I took video of the ride when I went with my family in December 2009.  Enjoy the video!

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

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 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.