Top 5 Best Snacks at Walt Disney World

We’ve linked up with Destination Disney to share our picks for best snacks at Walt Disney World. What we love about our snack picks is that they are all included on the Disney Dining Plan as one snack credit!

1. Mickey Bar At the top of our list has to be the ever-popular Mickey Bar. Vanilla ice cream with a milk chocolate coating-YUM! We think these are a definite favorite of children (at least ours) and adults too! Another plus about this snack is that you can find them in all the parks at almost every land/street, etc. and at resorts within WDW as well.

2. Dole Whip Pineapple Float This yummy soft serve creation can be found at Aloha Isle in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom. One word: Scrumptious and a must try–this is a super treat on a hot Florida day!

3. Zebra Domes This is one of our favorite African treats. You can find them at two of the restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. So delish!

4. Pork Egg Rolls You can find these at Yak and Yeti (counter service restaurant) at Animal Kingdom. Plain and simple, we just love Asian cuisine so these rolls made the cut!

5. Hand-twisted Pretzels There are pretzels throughout almost all the parks, but our favorites are at Sommerfest in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot.

What are your favorite snacks at Walt Disney World?

Top 6 Best Quick Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

We have done a previous Walt Disney World post on the best places for table service dining, but decided when we linked up with Destination Disney to focus on the best quick service restaurants within the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts.

1. Peco’s Bills Cafe~Magic Kingdom

This restaurant is located in one of our favorite lands at Magic Kingdom, Frontierland. There are plenty of positives to this quick service restaurant. First off, the atmosphere is a great western theme which is so fun! If you can’t make it to Wilderness Lodge for a taste of the Ol’ West, then this is next best bet. Second, the food is pretty amazing and different for your typical theme park food. We happen to love the taco salad here. Peco’s Bills also offers a great toppings bar for your juicy burgers. Last, and most unique, is the automated ordering system that Peco’s Bills offers. Skip the line and use your Disney Dining Plan or credit card to order your meal.

2. Columbia Harbour House~Magic Kingdom

Columbia Harbour House is another Magic Kingdom quick service restaurant that we love. It’s located in Liberty Square and is one of the more spacious eateries. There is plenty of  indoor seating so you can enjoy your meal in the AC! Our favorite menu items here are the Shrimp Basket and Tuna Sandwich. The tuna might be an ordinary pick to some but we love it!

3. Wolfgang Puck Express~Downtown Disney

Want a table service meal at a quick service price? Then Wolfgang Puck Express is the place for you! Take a break from the parks and your resort and head over to Downtown Disney for some shopping and then get some yummy eats from this quick service restaurant. Enjoy scrumptious pizzas, salads, and more all with that great, raved-about Wolfgang Puck taste. You won’t regret dining here!

4. La Cantina de San Angel~Mexico Pavilion, Epcot

Epcot has great quick service restaurants, but this one stands out to us because it is one of our favorite pavilions, Mexico. At the La Cantina you can sit outdoors right by the lagoon and enjoy some wonderful, authentic Mexican cuisine. The kids menu is little lacking with just two choices, Empanadas de Queso (fried, cheese filled dough) and Chicken Tenders, but the empanadas have always been a big hit with our kids. The dessert here is great too! Who doesn’t love a Churro?!

5. Flame Tree Barbecue~Animal Kingdom

Another great place to get some bang for your buck and the really use your dining plan wisely. Flame Tree offers some very tasty barbecue meal choices in very large portions. Perfect for sharing if you want to save a buck or a dining credit. The ribs and chicken bbq is a  perfect meal for sharing. This is by far one of the best dining options within Animal Kingdom!

6. Riverside Mill Food Court~Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Why do we love the Mill? Well, it is at one of our favorite resorts, Port Orleans Riverside. You can dine here and when you’re done you can take the boat over to Downtown Disney or enjoy walking the grounds of the resort–sounds like a perfect evening to us! This restaurant offers great scenery of the iconic waterwheel and the Sassagoula River. The food options are abundant with five serving stations — bakery/ice cream, grill, pasta, carved meats, pizza, etc — plus the Grab and Go refrigerator which contains all your chilled drinks and pre-packaged items. Don’t miss out on the Riverside Mill experience during your next Disney vacation!

What are your favorite quick service dining spots within Walt Disney World? Share them with us in the comments below!

8 Best Lands/Areas at Walt Disney World Theme Parks

We’ve linked up once again for another week of Destination Disney to share our favorite lands throughout the Walt Disney World Theme Parks!

In no particular order…

1. Mexico Pavilion~Epcot

If your kids are little too young to truly enjoy everything about World Showcase–have no fear—they would most definitely enjoy Mexico as their favorite country. Why? It’s simple: The Gran Fiesta Tour. Hands down one of our favorite Epcot attractions and most all little children love this ride! Also, you can’t beat some of the yummy food you can find in Mexico. Most kids love the dessert choices!

2. Dinoland~Animal Kingdom

Another no-brainer in our book, especially if your kids love dinosaurs. If so, this land is a must do. Our favorite parts about Dinoland are the “little” kid friendly rides like the Tricertop Spin and the fun rides for older kids and adults like Dinosaur.

3. Adventureland~Magic Kingdom

Get your Dole Whips, ride some oldies but goodies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise and run into a character or two!

4. Africa~Animal Kingdom

So much to love about Africa! It houses one of our favorite restaurants, Tusker House, one of the best rides, The Kilaminjaro Safari, and is in close proximity to one of our favorite meet and greet spots, Camp Minnie Mickey!

5. Future World~Epcot

Test Track and Soarin’. ‘Nuf said.

6. Frontierland~Magic Kingdom

Have a rootin’ tootin’ good time in this land! Love the rides like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Love the great eats like Peco’s Bills. Love some of the character meet and greets you can find while stopping through!

7. Tomorrowland~Magic Kingdom

Tomorrowland isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (too futuristic/outer space themed), but it’s a must do in our opinion. First of all, the Tomorrowland Terrace has great food for a counter service restaurant. So if you’re around this land for lunch, stop by! Tomorrowland also houses some great attractions like Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and Space Mountain.

8. Fantasyland~Magic Kingdom

What’s NOT to love about this land? It’s getting a facelift which will add some even better things to what is already pretty darn fantastic. This land hosts can not miss attractions like It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, and The Many Adventure’s of Winnie the Pooh. You can always spot a few great characters in this land as well.

What are you favorite places at the Disney Parks? Please share them with us!

Top Favorite Disney Characters

We’ve linked up with Destination Disney again this week to list our top fav Disney Characters!

9. Princess Aurora

This is one of my girls’ favorite princesses! Her golden hair and pink dress make her so princess perfect! She’s pretty friendly in person too .

8. Daisy Duck

This character also makes the list due to another kids favorite. She is Donald’s heartthrob and Minnie’s best friend. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with this sweet, friendly duck?!

7. Donald Duck

Funny, stubborn, and knows how to pitch a pretty good fit–He fits right in with my clan and is again one of our favorites! We all love seeing him get into some mischief on the Gran Fiesta Tour and always hope to spot him for a meet and greet in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.

6. Mickey Mouse

Well, you can’t love Disney and not love this great mouse! He’s loveable, loyal, and an all around great pal. Plus, the entire reason all these wonderful places exist!

5. Princess Belle

Belle is what I like to call a “fixer”. She tries to help people become better from the inside. Patient, kind, and loving–she’s one gal you’d want on your side!

4. Pluto

He’s Mickey’s right-hand pooch. Wish he was mine!

3. Tigger

Wooo-hoo-hoo-hoooo! Love this character! He’s a great problem-solver, even if he goes about things in an unconventional way!

2. Minnie Mouse

Love her pink and red style!

1. Goofy

What a funny, goofy pal! Tons of fun and always seeing life from a funny standpoint. Definitely the top of my list!

Who’s your favorite Disney Character? Tell us in the comments below!

Destination Disney Link-Up: Top 10 Disney Attractions

We’ve linked up with Destination Disney over at Heidi’s Head to share our list of Top 10 Disney Attractions!

So, here we go…

10. Pirates of the Caribbean: This is a no-brainer! Who doesn’t love pirates these days? Plus, when you really need a good break from walking around the park, this boat ride offers a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy some AC and pirate action!

9. Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Well, when you’re traveling with little ones (like me!) and the line for Dumbo is waaaaaay too long, then your next best bet will the be The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Same kind of ride as Dumbo…Spinning carpets with up and down motion, BUT my kids especially love the golden camels! Watch out! You just might get sprayed!

8. Gran Fiesta Tour: Nestled in the back of the San Angel Inn in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, this is probably not a top pick for most Disney goers. Let me say though, if you have small children, this is the ride for you! Our kids LOVE this silly little boat ride featuring Donald Duck. Best of all, there is hardly EVER a line! We say get your laughs in and take the time to enjoy the Gran Fiesta Tour!

7. Studio Backlot Tour: This is a great attraction at Hollywood Studios. Get a first look at how special effects work and also learn a little more about the history of Disney!

6. It’s a Small World: One word: Classic! It’s a must-do Fantasyland attraction no matter how young or old you may be!

5. Beauty and the Beast Live! On Stage: Sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful production put on at Hollywood Studios. Really and truly, this is a first rate show and a must see for all princess lovers!

4. Splash Mountain: Get a little wet and have a little fun on this log ride based on Disney’s film, Song of the South. Our kids love this ride and who doesn’t love the big drop into the Briar Patch?!

3. The Festival of the Lion King: Get in line early to see one of the showings of this live production at Animal Kingdom. Audience participation, live stunts, and good music make this attraction one of our very top picks! You definitely don’t want to miss this!

2. Kilimanjaro Safari: A favorite for many, this one comes in second, but a close first really! Get aboard a safari jeep and take an adventure through the African safari. See some beautiful animals up close and get some great pictures for your scrapbooks!

1. Toy Story Mania: Coming in at #1 for us is the very popular Toy Storia Mania at Hollywood Studios. Why? Well, it is far more fun that Buzz’s Space Ranger Spin (for many reasons but one being that the laser doesn’t ever seem to work correctly for me–I aim, but no points are ever credited)! You can shoot out all kind of targets in 3D on Toy Story Mania! Another fun feature of this attraction is the talking Mr. Potato Head. You’ll love seeing him as you walk through the stand-by line!

What are your favorite Disney Park attractions?

Disney Dining: Our Top Picks for Dining at Downtown Disney

If you are heading to Walt Disney World and are using the Disney Dining Plan you may not consider Downtown Disney as a dining option. Think again! There are several restaurants at Downtown Disney that fall under the dining plan for both counter service and table service. We are going to share with you our top picks for dining at Downtown Disney (DTD).

Best Counter Service Restaurant: Wolfgang Puck Express

This, without a doubt,  goes to Wolfgang Puck Express. Please do not confuse this with the Wolfgang Puck Cafe (a table service restaurant also located at DTD). The Wolfgang Puck Express offers the same great flavors as the cafe, but for only ONE counter service credit per person. The menu is quite good and this is definitely the place to get the most food for your credit. If you are paying out of pocket this is a great option too as the portions at Express are huge! We last dined here during our winter trip to Disney and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I got the chicken ceasar salad, brushetta, brownie, and beverage (all under the dining plan). Out of pocket the salad is around $15, and that’s the ballpark price for most entrees here. Like we mentioned, the portions are enough to feed more than one person. So, although a little pricey for counter service, you do get a lot of food for the money. Not to mention all entrees are prepared with the same Wolfgang Puck gourmet style as if you ordered from the Cafe. We give Wolfgang Puck Express two thumbs up! It’s a must try on your next trip, especially if you have counter service credits to use.

Best Table Service Restaurant: Fulton’s Crab House

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience while at Disney then try Fulton’s Crab House. This restaurant is set up in a three-tiered river boat! It offers a great atmosphere, awesome views, and delicious food! All seafood is flown in daily and super fresh–seafood lover rejoice! Fulton’s is open for lunch and dinner, but we suggest dining here for dinner so you can load up on a great meal and not have to risk walking all over the parks with such a full tummy. If you don’t like seafood there are a few other options on the menu so don’t shy away from this great eatery. However, we do suggest Fulton’s for the avid seafood fans. The Alaskan King Crab Legs are a diners favorite, but also consider Fulton’s Seafood Trio or the Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli. If you’re into wine Fulton’s has a great list with over 50 selections. Some of our friends dined here on their last Disney vacation and claimed Fulton’s was their best meal of the week. If you’re paying out of pocket be prepared to pony-up as Fulton’s is not cheap. If you’re on Disney’s Dining Plan then save your credits; Fulton’s Crab House is signature dining experience and uses TWO table service credits per person. Fulton’s is a favorite among Disney goers so we do suggest making dining reservations in advance.

Best Family Oriented Restaurant: T-Rex A Prehistoric Family Adventure

We vote the T-Rex Cafe as the best place to dine for family fun. This restaurant is covered under the dining as a table service restaurant and uses ONE table service credit per person. If you have children of varying ages in your group this restaurant is must-do! Tired of character meals? Again, T-Rex Cafe is a must-do! While dining you’ll be surrounded by life-size, moving dinosaurs. One favorite is the large octopus over the main bar area–and look out–it really does move! So characters in the traditional sense won’t be found here, but you’ll still be entertained with all the dino action. Keep in mind your very young children may be a little timid to eat with life-size dinosaurs, so think about that before dining her. As far as the menu goes, T-Rex Cafe is most famous for its Layers of the Earth Lasagna, Prehistoric Pizzas, and the Eruption (a to-die-for dessert). The children’s menu carries all the staples as well. Your family will definitely enjoy their time here and also get a great meal in the process. It’s a pretty popular restaurant so be sure to snag advanced dining reservations. Walk-ups risk waiting up to an hour and half on busy days.

**These are the opinions of SharpMoms. SharpMoms was not paid by Disney to endorse these restaurants.**

A Hidden Vacation Treasure: Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Are you in the process of planning a spring or summer vacation? When many of us think about going to the beach for a getaway we automatically think of Florida, especially if you plan on traveling within the U.S. However, if you read along with us you’ll see that there is a hidden beach treasure just off the coast of the Carolinas. This great, family-oriented vacation spot is Edisto Beach, SC. Have you been there before? Many have not. In fact many people have never even heard of this beautiful island. We suggest you give a try for next beach vacation and here’s why:

Edisto Beach is a quaint little beach town filled with many vacation rentals-all beach homes and condos. Looking for hotel? You won’t find one on Edisto Island. This beach has remained virtually uncommercialized. It’s very refreshing to visit a tourist town and not find one big building. Now, if you’re looking for great food you’ll definitely find some while you’re visiting. This beach has some great restaurants like Sea Cow, Dock Side, and The Old Post Office. The food is so good here that the town just held a food festival with events like oyster roasts, cook-offs, and charity dinners.

Alright, so in a town that has no big attractions you might be thinking you’ll get bored. Think again! The Edisto Beach State park is right on the island and a great place to visit or camp. The park offers RV sites as well as cabins. There is also the Edisto Island Serpentarium, a perfect place to take kids who love reptiles and amphibians. Like fishing? There are several boat charter and touring companies on the island ready to take you on a great adventure! Visit Botany Bay or take a small boat out to Shell Island, a treasure trove of beautiful shells. Does your husband like to golf? Edisto happens to be home to a wonderful course.

Still not sold? Another reason we love this easy-going beach town is simple. Edisto Beach is very close to a great southern city, Charleston, SC. We day trip to Charleston at least once a vacation when we travel to Edisto Beach. There is so much to do there! Great shopping, restaurants, and an aquarium (the kids will love it)!

We hope you’ll consider Edisto Beach as your family vacation. You will not find another beach like this! The whole town is so family oriented. You will really be “getting away from it all” when you visit!

For more information or vacation rentals and more, click here.

Review of Columbia Harbour House: One of The Best Quick Service Restaurant at Magic Kingdom

With spring break upon many of us, we’ve been dedicating some of our blog posts to the happiest place on Earth, Walt Disney World, especially since many of our readers will be traveling there for their break (or sometime this year!). If you’re searching for a great quick service restaurant at Magic Kingdom consider Columbia Harbour House. Here’s one reason we like it: You can get to the park early, do all that you like in Fantasyland and then hit up the Columbia Harbour House on your way out of Fantasyland as you head to your next stop (we suggest Frontierland). Many people think that the quick service restaurants offer sub-par theme park food with run-of-the-mill choices like hamburgers and chicken fingers. That is so NOT the case at Columbia Harbour House. Their menu has a lot to offer like Lobster Rolls, a Shrimp Basket, and killer sandwiches.

When we dined here it was during a peak lunch time, around noon, but we didn’t have any trouble finding a table on the lower level. This visit we had the shrimp basket and fries, tuna sandwich and fries, and the kids each got a PB & J, grapes, yogurt and water. The portions on the adult meals were a great size and the kids got plenty with their meals to satisfy them as well. The food was stellar for quick service and very filling! I could go on and on about how they made a boring tuna sandwich taste so great! For dessert we chose the chocolate cake with Mickey sprinkles.

If you’re headed to Magic Kingdom and you’re not sure to where to land for a counter service meal, Columbia Harbour House is a great choice that will not disappoint!

Disney Character Dining: Cinderella’s Royal Table vs. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

If you are booking your first (or fifteenth!) Disney Vacation with little princesses in tow, then the big question will be: Where should you dine for a great character experience with the princesses? There are two choices for dining with some of those beloved fairy tale characters: Cinderella’s Royal Table located in the Magic Kingdom and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway section of World Showcase at Epcot. We’re going to break them both down and then you can make your pick!

Cinderella’s Royal Table, 2 Table Service Credits per Person

What a great way to make your little princesses dreams come true! Dine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner right inside Cinderella’s Castle in the middle of the Magic Kingdom. If you really want to dine here be sure to make advanced dining reservations the minute you can, 180 days before your vacation begins. This is one of the hardest reservations to get so book early! If you choose a breakfast meal then you will get into the Magic Kingdom most likely before the park opens. This gives you a great opportunity to take your picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle before the park is full of people! By the time you finish your meal, you’ll be able to hit the attractions in Fantasyland before regular visitors are admitted! Bonus!

The castle is very detailed, so no matter what meal you have here, you’ll love seeing all the little intricacies inside the castle. Your princesses will receive a princess wand and princes will get their own sword. Then, after you take your photo with Cinderella, you’ll follow the red carpet up the castle stairs to the dining hall. Let us add that your photos will be presented to you during your meal, at no extra fee. At Cinderella’s Royal Table, each princess is introduced into the hall with a snippet of their fairy tale being told over a loud speaker. Very grandeoso! Princesses you may encounter while dining here are Belle, Aurora, Snow White, Ariel, and Cinderella (though usually Cindy doesn’t make her way around the dining hall, just a meet and greet during your photo op). Princess interaction at this restaurant is good, but often will vary upon the day you visit, crowds, etc. You will definitely be able to chat with the princesses and get a great photo with each.

If you dine for breakfast you’ll enjoy fresh fruits, pastries, and traditional items like sausage, eggs, bacon and french toast. Lunch and dinner options vary from beef short ribs (a diners favorite) and beef tenderloin to the infamous Major Domo. Many folks do not rave about the food here, but the experience will be magical and unforgettable! The price is up there considering it is in the “Signature Dining” category at $30-$50 per meal, per person. Is it truly worth 2 Table Service Credits? Probably not compared to the other Signature Dining experiences you could have while visiting the Disney Parks. However, you may not be able to top dining inside Cinderella’s Castle and feeling like royalty!

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, 1 Table Service Credit per Person

For those who do not want to use 2 Table Service Credits, but still would like to experience a Disney Princess Character Meal, then Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is the place for you! Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is located in Norway at the World Showcase at Epcot. You can do a character breakfast or lunch here. The breakfast is brought to your table family style and includes fruits, eggs, bacon, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and potato casserole. Lunch and Dinner offer a cheese, meat, and salad appetizer buffet. Then you can choose some Norwegian cuisine off the menu for your main course. The salmon cakes and open-faced sandwiches are always some of our favorites here. The kids menu includes pizza and pastas, so don’t worry if they are not adventurous eaters!

When you arrive at the hall you will have your photo made with Belle in her yellow ball gown. These pictures will be given to you as part of your meal package-Bonus! As you dine, other princesses will make their appearance. You may meet Jasmine, Mulan, Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Aurora, or even Mary Poppins while dining (and for just 1 Table Service Credit per Person!). Cinderella is not a guarantee meet at Akershus, so if that is a deal breaker for you, be sure to book Cinderella’s Royal Table. The last time we visited the princesses were Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, and Ariel {you will only see Belle when you have your photo taken upon entering}. The princesses take their time at each table chatting and dancing with kids. Near the end of the princesses time out on the floor they will conduct a Princess Processional. Each area of the restaurant will be designated to one Princess and the kids can follow her around the restaurant for a “parade”. Lots of fun for the little ones! There are no fancy wands and swords here, but there is still a good time to be had at Akershus!

So, there you have it! The two most popular princess character dining experiences offered at Walt Disney World. Which do you prefer? In our opinion, if you want to save your dining credits, then visit Akershus for just one credit/person. If you’re going for a truly memorable, can’t-top-this experience then opt for Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Utilizing the Disney Dining Plan: The Top 5 Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

If you’re headed to Walt Disney World and plan on staying in the parks one of the best package additions you can choose is a Disney Dining Plan. There are a couple to choose from, but today’s blog is dedicated to those with Table Service Credits. The plans that offer this type of meal are: Magic Your Way Plus Dining, Magic Your Way Deluxe Dining, and the platinum and premium packages. These dining plans are great because you can use your Table Service Credit (TS) to have a sit down meal, with characters if you like, and really take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Here are our Top 5 picks on where we think you should spend your Table Service Credits.

1. Tusker House, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, 1 TS Credit per Person

Tusker House is a lovely buffet-style restaurant located near the entrance of Africa at Animal Kingdom. Many folks like this place because 1. the food is delish and 2. your children can enjoy meeting some of the Fab 5 characters during their meal. Characters at Tusker House are offered for breakfast and lunch. You and your family will meet Donald before you are seated. These pictures will be available for you to buy later on in your meal. It is upwards of $30 for the package. If you do not want to buy the package be sure to snap a few pics with your own personal camera. Lots of people enjoy the breakfast buffet, complete with Mickey Waffles. With the right reservation time you can dine as early as 8 a.m., which usually gets you into the park before it officially opens. My family dined at Tusker House during our last Animal Kingdom visit and enjoyed a scrumptious early lunch. We actually arrived during the breakfast/lunch transition around 11 a.m., so our kids were able to eat Mickey Waffles and some other yummy breakfast items as their lunch! They loved it! The lunch buffet was so great…rice pilaf, fish stews, and yummy meats–all with an African twist of course! During our time at Tusker House Goofy, Daisy, and Mickey came by our table more than once. If you’d like to avoid characters during your meal then book a dinner reservation. Tusker House is must a do on your next Disney vacation!

2. ‘Ohana, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, 1 TS Credit per Person

Lots of people get to Disney and then immediately get lost in the hustle and bustle of doing everything at the parks and not enjoying the wonderful sites and relaxation offered by the Disney Resorts. Even if you are not staying at a particular resort you can use the bus transportation to “resort-hop” and enjoy all the other resorts around Disney. One of the best sit down restaurants is ‘Ohana at the Polynesean Resort. This restaurant does offer character dining for breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, but we like it for other reasons too. Everything here is Haiwaiin Themed and the cast members are so fun here! ‘Ohana also offers a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and to us this is a major plus! If you are not into waiting around for the nighttime fireworks at Magic Kingdom with cranky children and aching feet then check the events calendar online and coordinate your dinner reservation with the fireworks show. What better way to watch the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks than while enjoying a great meal at one of Disney’s most popular and beautiful resorts!

3. Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 1 TS Credit per Person

Okay, before we begin let me start off by saying that we LOVE Hollywood Studios! Many people d0 not prefer this park, but it is not typically crowded and there are some great shows and attractions to be seen here. In fact, I was told not to plan on eating at this park at all because the restaurants were nothing to write home about, but I beg to differ! One of the best meals we had on our last Disney vacation was at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater located inside Hollywood Studios. We opted to eat lunch there and it was a great break from the busy morning we had at the park so far. The atmosphere inside is very neat! You and your family dine while in your very own 50s style car. While you eat you are entertained with a drive-in movie/shows straight from the 50s! I have to brag on my meal which was the Shrimp Bow-Tie Pasta. It was delicious! If you choose this restaurant don’t forget to pair your meal with a yummy shake! Our children are still talking about the fun time they had at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater!

{Shrimp Bow-Tie Pasta at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater}

4. Plaza Restaurant, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, 1 TS Credit per Person

If you are not big on character dining or are just tired of character dining, then give the Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom a whirl. It offers a great change of pace from one of Disney’s busiest parks, Magic Kingdom, and is just one TS credit, as oppose to other dining options at MK, like dining with Cindy at the castle for 2 TS credits/person or with Pooh and Friends at the Crystal Palace. The Plaza Restaurant is located on the corner of Main Street near the entrance to Tomorrowland. Don’t let its size fool you–it is one of the smaller sit down restaurants that we’ve seen at the parks, but the food is great! Hot meals and some “down home” cooking is how I would describe its menu. The kids menu offers the pretty basic choices, even PB & J for your picky eaters. Since it’s right across from Cinderella’s Castle you can see everything that is going on outside right from the restaurant and will have an even better view if you’re at a table near the window. You will enjoy the food and atmosphere at the Plaza Restaurant, all tucked away in a corner of Main Street, while still at the ever busy Magic Kingdom Park.

5. The Coral Reef Restaurant, The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot Theme Park, 1 TS Credit per Person

If you plan on visiting Epcot while using your dining plan you might be a bit overwhelmed by all the great food choices this park has to offer. We chose the Coral Reef Restaurant because it has a very unique setting…Wall-to-wall fish tanks! What better way to dine at a Disney Park than with tropical fish, and sometimes dolphin, swimming right beside you while you eat! The food at The Coral Reef Restaurant is not 5-star, but is very good. There are also vegetarian dishes on the menu, so a big plus for all the non-meat eaters out there. You may be swayed to dine at other restaurants within Epcot but, to us, nothing will beat the spectacular view you’ll have while dining here!

Why do we love this list of Table Service restaurants? Well, it’s simple. All these eateries offer a great atmosphere and are only ONE Table Service Credit vs. other Signature Dining Restaurants that will eat two Table Service Credits per person from your dining plan. What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite sit down restaurant that you like to frequent at Walt Disney World? Share your comments with us!

All thoughts and opinions in this blog are those of SharpMoms. We were not paid or asked to promote Disney Parks or restaurants.

Disney Tips: How to Have a Happy Disney Vacation at the Happiest Place on Earth

I recently took a trip to Disney World with my family and wanted to share some tips and tricks with all my readers so that you too can have a magical time at the happiest place on Earth! This was the first trip for our children (under age 5). No one can ever be sure how long days at theme parks will go with little ones, but it really went pretty smoothly. Most of our tips are pretty simple and we hope they will help you with your next Disney Vacation, whether it’s your first of fifteenth trip.

1. Take Advantage of Magic Hours

Magic Hours are offered to guests staying at Disney Resorts. While we were visiting we enjoyed Magic Hours at two parks, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Here was the difference: Hollywood Studios’ hours were offered in the morning, before the park opened to the public (aka visitors not staying at the resorts) and Magic Kingdom’s hours were offered after the fireworks show from 9pm-midnight. Our tip: Make sure to get to the park with morning Magic Hours. We were able to enjoy more than one attraction before the officially opened and we even got Fast Passes to one of the rides we really enjoyed (Toy Story Mania).

2. Character Photo Sessions…Skip a Few

At first, I wanted to be sure that the kids saw as many characters as possible, but as the trip went on I realized two things: 1. It was not going to be possible and 2. They didn’t seem to mind missing some characters in exchange for riding something fun or taking a break to have a Mickey Bar. You can easily snap some pictures of their favorite characters from a distance and share them with your kids after your trip. We even saw some characters in passing while they were heading in for a break and the kids still got a wave and a smile from some of their favorite Disney friends.

3. Arrive at Parks Early

We already noted that if you have extra Magic Hours in the morning to definitely take advantage. Chances are if you are traveling with kids they’ll be up early anyway for their days of fun, ours were! Tip: Arrive to the parks early, before “rope drop”. We did this each day and it really worked to our advantage. Keep in mind, the major crowds will peak around 10 a.m. so arriving early is to your benefit. At Animal Kingdom we buzzed back to Africa right after the rope drop to ride on the Kilaminjaro Safari–no line, no wait time. We were on and off and able to visit Camp Minnie Mickey and head on to lunch before those attractions got too crowded. At Magic Kingdom we saw the characters put on a little show before the park opened. Some characters arrived by train and Mickey welcomed everyone to Magic Kingdom. My kids enjoyed seeing some of their favorite characters before we were even in the park!

4. Do the Dining Plan

Many people say they don’t think the dining plan is worth it, but this was our first time with kids in tow to the parks and to use the plan. We wouldn’t have done it any other way! It was nice not to fork out more moolah every time a snack was needed and we were able to enjoy some great meals. We loved Columbia Harbor House for quick service at Magic Kingdom and also enjoyed the Plaza Restaurant for table service, again at Magic Kingdom. The kids loved their desserts at Plaza Restaurant: an upside-down ice cream cone complete with Mickey ears! It was a nice treat for on what was already great day!

5. Take Time to Relax

When we arrived at our resort we dropped off our bags and dashed off to a park. We really didn’t realized until the 3rd day of our vacation that we were approaching Disney all wrong! Be sure to take some time in the afternoons to go back to resort and refuel–take a nap, take a dip at the pool, check out the arcade, or browse the hotel shop. We finally caught on to this and then really enjoyed not only what our resort had to offer (many offer children’s activities at the pool and in the hotel throughout the day), but then also were relaxed and ready to take on the night life at a park or Downtown Disney.

6. Treat Your Princess like a Princess

If you have little girls then visiting with the princesses while at Disney World will be inevitable. If you choose a dining plan that allows table service as an option you may immediately consider Cinderella’s Royal Table at the castle in Magic Kingdom. Keep in mind this meal will use 2 TS credits, not 1 like many other character meals. To some this is worth it, to us it was not. Since we arrived at Magic Kingdom at rope drop we were able to go into the Princess Storybook Meet & Greet which is currently located at the front of the park in Liberty Square. Again arrive early because if you do the wait time will be low. We only waited 5 minutes and then met Belle, Cinderella, and Aurora. Since we were on dining I did want to take advantage of some character meals. We booked Akershus Storybook Lunch in Norway at Epcot. Here my kids got a picture taken with Belle. You get 2 4×6 prints and 1 8×10 as a part of your dining fee. Awesome! Then they also met Ariel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella! If you’re worried about Norwegian cuisine, don’t be! It was the best food and they have a special children’s menu for little ones to pick favorites like pizza or peanut butter & jelly.  At the end of meal they invite all princesses, and even princes, to join in on parade around the restaurant. Our kids were in Ariel’s line and had a great time!

7. Utilize the Fast Pass

Now that you arrived at the park early, make the most of Fast Pass availability. At Hollywood Studios a very popular ride is Toy Story Mania. If you arrive early you can grab a Fast Pass for later in the day and also ride then while the wait time is low. So here are our rules for Fast Pass use:

• Get your passes in the morning. You got there early, so get the most out of it.
• Don’t waste your Fast Pass. For instance, we really wanted to ride Splash Mountain but one of our children didn’t meet the height requirement. We decided to take turns with the child that could ride. While one parent rode, the other grabbed a Fast Pass. After the first turn on the ride we alternated kids. While our oldest got to ride twice our youngest spent her time meeting some characters in Frontierland.
• If you miss your wait time do not toss your passes. If your pass says to return to your attraction between 12:30 and 1:30 and it’s 1:45, don’t pass up riding. Just go ahead to the attraction. The fast pass doesn’t truly expire; you just have to use it before the day is over. **As of March 2012 this has changed. You must use your Fast Pass during the time frame provided. If you do not and arrive after the window, you will be sent to the stand-by line.

Remember, Fast Passes will not be available all day. We visited Hollywood Studios late one day and darted back to Toy Story Mania to grab some passes and at 10:30 a.m. the passes had all been handed out for the day!

8. Go to Disney When all Your Kids are over the age of 4

Lots of folks would disagree, BUT we found that even our 3 year old was just a hair too short for some things she really wanted to ride, while our almost 5 year old was tall enough for most everything. Another bonus: They walked everywhere on their own, no stroller needed, and they both were of potty training age. While Disney does have great baby care centers at all their parks, I was personally glad to not be changing diapers in the midst of the fun.

9. Be Prepared for Character Meet and Greets

If you forget to buy an autograph book, don’t worry, they are offered at almost all shops in the parks. Be sure to pack lots of pens. Some will get lost or quit working. If your child can handle Sharpies, we like those best. Grab a Times Guide when you enter the park and be sure to check and see when and where the characters you most want to meet will be in the park throughout the day. If you’re not sure about something, ask a Cast Member, they will be glad to help you.

10. Parades and Fireworks–Don’t Feel Obligated to See Them All

Every park either has a parade in the afternoon and some have parades and then fireworks at night as well. We just didn’t make it a priority to see every parade or fireworks show. Our first day was spent at Hollywood Studios and we did see the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade. That was great for our kids because they love Bugs Life, Toy Story, Up and all those great Pixar movies.  At Magic Kingdom we were busy enjoying attractions so we missed the afternoon parade. However we made time to see the Wishes fireworks show and it was a nice way to end a fun day at Magic Kingdom. Do a little research before you go to the parks and pick and choose what parades and other special things you’ll want to see with your children.

11. Have Fun!

Of course having fun is a must since you’re going to be at the happiest place on Earth! When we were planning our Disney Vacation I started to pre-stress about how the days would unfold, but as you get into the swing of things at the parks you’ll learn that it’s okay not to see every show, ride every ride, or see every character. Having two Mickey Bars in one day is okay. Eating a big, fat turkey leg for a snack is okay, too.

We hope these tips help you relax and enjoy your Disney Vacation a little more! Don’t forget to download the Mobile Magic App (Available for Droid and iPhone). This app is gold! You can navigate the park you’re currently visiting, see attraction wait times, and more!

What We Love Right Now July 20, 2011:Road Trips

Back-to-school time might be lurking around the corner for many of us, but there is still time to squeeze a little bit of fun out of the last few weeks of summer vacation. What better way to get away with your kids for a few days than a good, old fashioned road trip. Load up your car, fill up the tank, and head out for a great adventure!

1. Edisto Beach, SC

If you’re close to the east coast, this is a beach worth visiting. Serene and secluded, this is one beach town that is still just that. Full of nostalgia and quaint beach cottages, great eateries, a golf course, and of course a lovely beach. There’s a great serpentarium for your reptile lovers, spend a day at sea with chartered boat tours, or grab a bite to eat at the infamously popular Sea Cow restaurant. For more information, visit Edistobeach.com.

2. Kansas City, MO

Near the Mid West? Hit up Kansas City. There’s a great zoo…The Kansas City Zoo. See some Polar Bears or go on an African Safari! Too hot for the zoo? Beat the heat at Oceans of Fun, a great water park with slides, rides, and fantastic lazy river. This place is great for all ages. After your adventures you’ll have to eat. Try lunch or dinner at the Crayola Cafe, where you kids can color to their heart’s content on their placemats while they eat! (open Monday to Wednesday 11am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 5p).

3. Chicago, IL

Ah, we love the windy city! It’s a big city with a great feel. There’s plenty to do with your kids. Try Navy Pier and take ride on the Ferris Wheel. Then stroll around Millenium Park. You can always spend some time at The Field Museum. Take the kids to eat at the Rainforest Cafe (Wednesday Night is family night)

4. Nashville, TN

If you leave in the southeast, but don’t feel like taking another beach vacation, head to the music city! Get tickets to the Grand Ole Opry where there’s always a good show playing. Visit the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens where a great Family Night is hosted. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy puppet shows, musical acts, and more! Forget dinner at a restaurant, try it aboard a dinner boat cruise on the Cumberland River!

5. San Diego, CA

If you’re remotely near the west coast, then a trip to San Diego is a must. There is so much to do: Legoland, Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Beach. If you make it to just one or two of those places your trip will be a memorable one for sure! There are also lots of great family-friendly dining spots, like Wahoos and the Corvette Diner.

Have you been on a great family road trip? Tell us about it in a comment below!

Cheap Summer Fun

Not getting away this summer? There are so many things to do during the summer months to occupy your time. You can pick an array of things ranging from fairly inexpensive to as costly as you like, all without leaving the comfort of your own home or town. We’ve got some great ideas for very cheap summer activities to fill some time during your summer staycation.

1. Plan a Day at a Pick-Your-Own Farm

Fresh fruits make great pies and jams during the summer. Kids love to pick them. Check your area (Chamber of Commerce) for local farms for strawberry or other berry picking. Plan your day accordingly. Wear sunscreen and clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. Once you’ve taken your berries home, you’ll be set to make jams, jellies, and pies of all kinds!

2. Host a Bike Parade

Gather up the neighborhood kids on a weekday afternoon for a grand event. Encourage each child to decorate their bike beforehand. Once everyone is gathered up, the parade can begin and all the bikes can trail throughout the neighborhood. All the kids are sure to love this. At the end celebrate with popsicles (they tend to be fairly inexpensive, so if you have a lot of participants you won’t be breaking the bank).

3. Tour a Fire Station

Have toddlers or preschoolers at home? Touring a fire station is one of the coolest things you could do with a little one. The firemen are usually very gracious and let all the kids try one uniforms, go in the big trucks, and tour the whole fire house.

4. Have a Family Movie Night

Nothing beats a good, old fashioned family movie night. Order pizza and pick a old movie to watch. Can’t decide on a movie? Here are our Top 10 Best Movies for Families.

5. Visit a State Park

State Parks offer a great scene, perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. If you can’t get away for an overnight camping trip, even for just a day you could experience so much. Pack a picnic lunch and don’t forget your camera-you never know what you’ll see!

6. Town Festivals

Check your newspapers and local listing for town festivals. Each city has unique events so be sure you’re not missing out!

Have you had a great staycation? Share you experience with us!

What We Love Right Now March 9, 2010: Spring Break Staycation Ideas

It’s that time of year! If you’re not traveling you might be bummed out. No matter the age of your children if you are stuck at home during Spring Break week you’ll be looking for an activity or two to entertain them (and of course yourself also!). We’ve got a few ideas for Spring Break staycation fun!

1. Organize a Block Party: Chances are you’re not the only people in the neighborhood who are hanging out at home. See who else on your street might be spending the break close by and organize a day of play, movie night, or neighborhood barbecue.

2. Visit the zoo: If you have younger children this would be a great opportunity to visit your local zoo. Pack a lunch and make a day of it!

3. Camp: Your backyard works-and if it’s rainy the livingroom makes a great spot too!

4. Visit a National State Park: State Parks offer tons of great photo opps and a chance of everyone to really enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, you never know what kind of really neat wildlife you might see while you’re out exploring.

5. A Day at the Beach: If you’re close, head to the coast for the day and soak up the sun. A day trip to the beach will lift everyone’s spirits!

6. Family Cooking Night: We think cooking together is a great idea, so why not get everyone involved? Make it easy and try spaghetti, salad and bread or pizza. This is a guaranteed to be a fun for everyone!

7. Game Night: Let each member of the family pick their favorite board game (older tweens and teens might like to pick a video game) and host a family game night that’s sure to be hours of fun.

8. Patio Picnic: If the weather is warm enough, have a dinner by candlelight on your back deck or patio. Little kids will surely think this is a treat and who knows, it might even become a family tradition!

9. Have a Mini-Vacation Weekend: Choose one weekend to mark off on the calendar as a mini-vacation. Turn off all the cells. Watch movies, go out to dinners as a family, shop, visit amusement parks, aquariums…Play tourist for a weekend. No chores for the entire weekend. The idea is to have fun and play like you aren’t really at home.

10. Attend a Farmers Market: Fresh veggies, handmade treats-This could be a fun outing for everyone!

Do you have a Spring Break staycation idea? Leave us a comment!

End of Summer Getaways

Labor Day is around the corner, which means summer is officially coming to an end. If you ‘re lucky, you may have a few days to squeeze in an end of summer vacation. SharpMoms has some suggestions for you if you are looking for quiet, family oriented beaches on the east coast. Skip the hustle and bustle of Florida and pack up your family for a trip to the beaches of South Carolina, where memories will be made to last a life time.

First stop: Folly Beach, South Carolina. With Folly Beach rentals and a hotel right on the water, this small beach town packs a big bag of fun for the whole family. The beach is quiet, the peir is great for fishing, and the restaurants are super. SharpMoms suggests you stop by Rita’s for a super meal before you head back home. For more information on this beach, visit www.follybeach.com.

Next up, Edisto Island, South Carolina or Edisto Beach as it is also called. With serene beaches and a golf course right on the island, everyone is sure to stay happy during your stay! Edisto Island is a great family vacation destination and there are many beach homes and condos for rent at reasonable rates. For more information on where to stay and what Edisto has to offer, please visit www.edistoisland.com.

The best news? You are just minutes away from historic Charleston, SC if you stay at Folly Beach, and just a few more if you stay on Edisto!

Why does SharpMoms love these beach picks? Both are uncrowded and offer a wonderful family atmosphere. After your visit, let us know what you think! SharpMoms would love to hear about your stay!