Posts Tagged ‘Walt Disney World’

Grab a seat for some of the most interesting quick-service fare to be found in EPCOT’s World Showcase.  Offering a more authentic “taste” of the country than many of the other pavilions, Morocco’s Tangierine Café serves up some traditional dishes at reasonable prices.

Couscous, lentil salad, falafel, hummus, and tabouleh are all found on the menu, along with various meats, wraps, and, of course, bahklava.

There is limited seating indoor seating as well as some lovely covered tables outside, where diners can sit and enjoy their shawarma with a side of atmosphere!

While it may not be exactly the change that many were hoping for, Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain has gone “Starry-O-Phonic” with the addition of a new audio feature.  All flights will now be enhanced by a specially-composed musical score and sound effects, playing from 60 speakers installed throughout the ride.

Because the system does not broadcast from onboard speakers, it doesn’t deliver the synchronized, immersive experience of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but riders report that it does add to the atmosphere and fun of this great attraction.

It takes a sharp eye to capture Mickey, hidden amongst all the amazing detail of the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you’re visiting at the right time and looking for a change from the usual fast food fare, consider a stop at El Pirata y El Perico Restaurante, located in Aventureland at the Magic Kingdom.

Open seasonally, the limited menu features food with a Mexican twist including such favorites as burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, with meatless selections for vegetarians.  The pleasant ambiance continues the theming of the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean and offers covered open-air seating.

Generous portions and a nice toppings bar make this a great option for a quick-service lunch.   El Pirata y El Perico is open only during the busiest seasons, and the short hours, typically from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. require a bit of advance planning.

UPDATE:  As of February, 2011, this restaurant has been renamed “Tortuga Tavern!”

A creative take on the reflective possibilities of the Universe of Energy Pavilion.

Those who think of September as an autumnal month may be surprised by the levels of heat and humidity in central Florida, where it is still very much summer.  Although temperatures remain pretty much the same as August, spanning the low seventies to the low nineties, the humidity actually ratchets up a notch and often lingers through the night.

Prices are at annual lows for pretty much the entire month and Labor Day is the only major American holiday that does not reflect any rate increases.

Historically, this month has been recognized as a quiet month and years before the advent of deeply-discounted packages, the Magic Your Way program, and the Dining Plan, Disney offered special deals that included such things as meal vouchers and savings on recreation and shopping.

The Christian music festival, Night of Joy generally takes place near the beginning of the month, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party runs on a number of evenings.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Both the Night of Joy, which runs for two evenings, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, generally offered on six or seven nights during the month of September, are held in the Magic Kingdom which is closed to all but holders of these hard tickets.  Other guests should plan accordingly.

Attendance levels: Few families take vacations at the very start of the school year and the low room rates reflect the light crowds.

Weather: Expect a continuation of summer heat and humidity.  Although this seems to be the time when guests express the most concern about hurricanes, the season typically runs from approximately June to November.  Located in the center of the state, Walt Disney World faces a lesser risk than coastal areas and has been constructed to exceedingly high standards.  There’s also a decrease in precipitation and more days without the afternoon showers so prevalent in June and July.

Packing: Bring summer clothes, but toss in a light jacket or sweater if you’re visiting towards the very end of the month.  Although it generally remains hot, cooler weather starts to arrive in October and occasional lower evening temperatures are not unheard of.

Summer weather and extended park hours, coupled with lessening crowds and lowering prices make August a favorite of many families; particularly those with back-to-school dates in September.

While the heat and humidity remain at peak summer levels, there’s a bit less rain and, toward the end of the month, attendance tapers back to half of what it was during the first week.  It’s the perfect time of the year to enjoy the water parks and the “cool” rides like Splash Mountain the Kali River Rapids!

Fast Facts

Special Events: August is traditionally a quiet time at Walt Disney World – perfect for just relaxing and enjoying the parks and resorts.

Attendance levels: As different areas around the country head back to school, crowd levels drop off dramatically.  Numbers are typically at July levels for the first week then gradually decrease day by day as local and national school districts reopen for the new school year.

Weather: Although it’s the least-rainy summer month, August nonetheless sees an average of more than six inches of rain.  It’s still very hot with daily highs and lows mirroring those of July.

Packing: Plan for the heat and pack accordingly.  Water parks often attract many local visitors so the last couple weeks in August offer a terrific opportunity to enjoy Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon since Florida schools generally start earlier than those in many other parts of the country.  So, toss in some extra swimwear and enjoy the pools!

Photo by S. E. Smith

On September 12^th, the book will close on Storytime with Belle in the Fairytale Garden at the Magic Kingdom.  Happily, it seems that Belle is awaiting the construction of her new home which will include an expanded version of Storytime: Enchanted Tales with Belle.

The area will be reimagined and open on October 15^th as a play and greet area featuring the stars of the upcoming movie “Tangled.”  Rapunzel, the princess with magical hair who has been imprisoned in a tower her entire life, and dashing bandit Flynn Rider who accidentally discovers her, will be on hand to greet guests at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks.

This new animated film, scheduled to be released this November, has been designed to recreate the look of classic fairytales, with details and ambiance inspired by Disneyland’s Fantasyland.

It’s wiring made wonderful!  Make it your mission to track down this special Mickey, hidden in Future World at EPCOT.