The Cape May Cafe Breakfast Buffet

By Nick 

I love food, so naturally, I love a buffet. I also love characters, and like to "collect" them, meaning I like to get photos with characters in different attire.

So, knowing this, it's kind of surprising it's taken me this long to get the Beach Club Breakfast Buffet at the Cape May Cafe, inside the Beach Club in Walt Disney World, and it wasn't even planned!

My wife, Barbie, and I checked into the Beach Club Villas for one night, October 11th, before going on a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream. Upon check in, we learned our Magical Express pick up time to take us to Cape Canaveral wasn't until 1145 am on the 12th. We discussed what we should do with our time, and decided to just have a leisurely morning, rather than going to a park. I asked if there were any ADRs available for the Cape May Cafe's Breakfast Buffet, and there were not. We were told that there likely wouldn't be a problem getting a table if we came at opening, at 730am.

So, the next morning we approached the podium at about 720am, were given a pager, and within minutes, we were seated in a nice section near the back of The Cafe.

    

Within moments of being seated, our server, Adrienne, came over and took our beverage order. She was as delightful and friendly a Cast Member as we have had the pleasure to encounter.



We were directed to the buffet, where we were told by Adrienne that the most popular items were, not surprisingly, the Mickey Waffles, Chorizo and Four Cheese Scrambled Eggs, and french toast with banana caramel sauce.



I tried a bit of all of the above mentioned, along with a few other selections. The eggs were indeed delicious, as was the french toast. And you really can't go wrong with Mickey waffles, which went really well with a strawberry sauce and whipped cream. The sausage was very good, the bacon, well, it is typical Disney buffet bacon.



I also had a bagel with smoked salmon and pastrami style smoked salmon, which was very tasty. There is also Capers, Onions, Lemons, Tomatoes to add to this if you are so inclined.



Other cold offerings include Sliced Salami, Capicola, a selection of cheeses, hard-boiled Eggs, Low-fat Cottage Cheese, Apple Sauce, Healthy Grain Fruit Salad, Diced Pineapple, Diced Cantaloupe, Diced Watermelon, Orange Slices, Grapefruit, Strawberries, Apple Walnut Spinach Salad, Low-fat Strawberry Yogurt and Low-fat Vanilla Honey Yogurt, Macerated Fresh Mixed Berries, House made Granola and assorted cereals.

Along with the hot items I mention above, there are Scrambled Eggs, Frittata, Stewed Roma Tomatoes, Breakfast Potatoes Hand-carved Glazed Ham, Seasonal Vegetables, Hollandaise Sauce, Creamy Cheddar Grits, Biscuits with Home-style Sausage Gravy, Hot Oatmeal and Hot Apple Quinoa Cereal.

Of course, what would a character buffet be without characters?

Donald, Goofy, and Minnie Mouse, ready for a swim in the nearby Stormalong Bay, make their rounds while you dine.



 

As the morning went on, the Cape May Cafe did fill up, so while we are lucky to have gotten a table easily, if this is a character buffet you would like to visit, I highly advise you make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) at 6 months out.

This article was originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer. 

Stormalong Bay, Worth the Stay at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort

By Nick

My wife and I have been Disney Vacation Club members since 2007, when we bought a small resale contract, and have added on with small point purchases periodically since. We have a very small 30 point contract at the Beach Club Villas, which we acquired directly from Disney. I essentially added this small contract because of it's great pool, Stormalong Bay, which is only accessible for guests at the Yacht and Beach Club.

What makes Stormalong Bay such a great pool? Well, for one, it's more like a water park than just an ordinary pool. It's 3 acres consisting of 795,000 gallons of water and several different aquatic experiences which can be enjoyed by every member of the family.

The pools are sand bottomed, but, as the currents and people move the swirling silica around, it tends to bunch, so you may find clumps in one area, and none in others.
Speaking of swirling, one fun feature, located by the end of the massive water slide (more on that in a minute) is a whirlpool. Hop, well, float in, and throw your legs up, and jets will have you going in circles!

On to that slide. Climb to the top of the replica shipwreck, and take a ride down the 230 foot long slide, which is one of the highest on Walt Disney World property. Get there early, the lines get very long as the day wears on and the heat beats down!

My favorite part of Stormalong Bay is the lazy river. I can spend hours just floating around here, until my wife has to insist we leave due to excessive pruning! I've read that you can rent tubes. I'm not sure where from, as I have always just found tubes floating unattended at all hours of the day!

There are bridges that connect different areas of the complex, and it's a great place to view the surrounding area, offering great views of the entire Boardwalk area as well.

For kids, and kids of all ages, there are pool parties held each day. For young ones, there are sandy beaches for them to play on, with a gentle slope into a wading pool.

For grownups, looking for an adult beverage, Hurricane Hanna's Waterside Bar and Grill offers great views with your beer and signature cocktails and frozen beverages.

They also offer Bar Appetizers and Entress.

After a meal and drink or 3, you can soak in the quit and fairly hidden hot tub, or find a secluded spot under a waterfall.

As mentioned above, Stormalong Bay is accessible to Yacht and Beach Club guests only, and there is actually a Cast Member located at the entrance checking Magic Bands. Hours change depending on the season.

Also, as was the case on our recent trip, portions may be closed for refurbishment. Disney should notify you if this is the case.

Potions of this article was originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Diva and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.

The Disney Exchange -Episode 003 Show Notes

by Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

-This weeks topic, the difference between DVC and Deluxe Resorts

-Dave talks about renting DVC points, and I refer to our first and only rental experience at Old Key West.

-Lisa and I explain that DVC Rooms have trash and towel service on the 4th day. Full service is on day 8.

-We talk about room sizes at DVC resorts, and the fact that a kitchenette/ kitchen is a great way to save if you like to cook.

-I explain that we never have need to use a microwave because of my immense stature.
I'm not fat, I'm big boned.

-Lisa immediately breaks one of her New Year resolutions which is to actually pay attention to Dave and me, and goes on to explain that she uses her kitchenette often.

-I give room square footage for DVC and we somehow find ourselves (okay, it was MY fault) discussing LAST week's show topic, transportation, again.

-Dave brings up the fact that some resorts are 100% DVC, such as Saratoga Springs and Old Key West, and I contemplate the next step after all the Deluxe resorts have a DVC Resort.

-Lisa and I disagree on which resort has the best location in relation to a theme park. It's Beach Club, and since I'm typing this, I'm right.

-Old Key West's, Saratoga Spring's, and Animal Kingdom Lodge's remoteness is discussed, and we all agree Animal Kingdom Lodge is AWESOME, especially during longer stays.

-Marathon Weekend (1/9-1/11) and the fact that there is no room availability on Disney property is discussed.

-I talk about why I feel having a higher floor at the Boardwalk Villas, and a Boardwalk View is important.

-Lisa rubs in tells about her Grand Floridian Villas point purchase and we discuss 11 month and 7 month booking windows.

-We talk about split stays, and the downside of changing resorts frequently during one trip.

-Lisa brings up the sizes of DVC Grand Villas and I get free and loose with Dave's money.

-We revisit the location of certain resorts to theme parks and, yep, I'm right, Beach Club is closer to Epcot than Bay Lake Towers is to the Magic Kingdom. I have no hard facts to back this up, but, again, my show notes, my rules.

-How cool are those Tree House Villas at Saratoga Springs?! Have an extra bed for me for free? Contact me on Facebook! :)

-Dave asks what our favorite DVC resorts are, and Lisa defers to me after accusing us of being snarky. My choice: The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian and I explain the many reasons why.
Lisa's is Bay Lake Tower, and Lisa gives her reasons, which apparently includes strange men handing her towels. We reiterate the greatness of Animal Kingdom Lodge.

-We spin the Wheel of Distany, and land on the Worst Counter Service Restauarant:
Dave's - Pecos Bills
Nick's - ABC Commissary
Lisa's - Pizza Planet

Trip Report: October 11th-October 17th 2014 - Part 1

by Nick 

Saturday, October 11th

If you follow the blog or our Facebook page, you'll know I suffer from TETSS. Too Excited to Sleep Syndrome. Well, for once, I followed my own advise, and actually managed to get a good night's sleep, despite waking up at 3:00am to get showered and ready for our 4:00am airport shuttle pickup.

Our flight departed from the Philadelphia International Airport at 6:30am, and we were actually 20 minutes early. We fly Southwest Airlines almost exclusively.

We were loaded on our Magical Express bus very quickly, there was barely a line at 9:00am, but we did wait about 15 minutes for more people to load before we were on our way to the Beach Club Villas.

As soon as we checked in, we left our carry on luggage with bell services and headed for Epcot. First stop, the Refreshment Port located by the entryway to World Showcase, where Barbie had a Croissant Donut.

I only had a bite, as I was saving my appetite for the International Food and Wine booths.
We headed for the Festival Center, located at the old Wonders of Life Pavilion in Future World.

 

We browsed around, and made a couple of purchases. I decided that, as it was a very hot day, a nice cool beverage was in order, so I bought a beer at the Intermissions Cafe located conveniently right there next to the merchandise section! The Einstok Icelandic White Ale is a favorite new find.

We then headed back towards World Showcase as food kiosks were just opening. First stop was New Zealand, where I had the Lamb Meatball and the Green Lip Mussels. The Mussels were a little dry, and tough perhaps because of all the breadcrumbs; but the meatball was excellent! A really strong start, and one of my favorites from the festival. 

Next we visited the Farm Fresh stand, where we sampled both selections they had to offer, the Pepper Bacon Hash, and the "Yard Bird," which is chicken.

The Hash was pretty good, the yard bird, meh. I also had a couple of beers: Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale and Orlando Brewing's I-4 IPA. Both...meh. I'm not a big brown ale fan, and this IPA was unimpressive. At least the Cast Members at this booth were high energy and fun.

Next stop, Germany, where Barbie picked up the Berliner-Yeast Doughnut filled with Apricot Jam. It was pretty good, but could not compare to the Croissant Donut. I had a beer from the Brewer's Collection, the Braufactum Palor, a pale ale. Not bad, nothing to write home about.

It was now well past noon, and HOT. So, yes, I was in need of another beer. I got the Snapshot from New Belgium Brewing at Hops & Barley. This was at least better than the previous 3 beers I'd had, but, not in the same league as that Einstok from earlier in the day.

We were lucky to have found a shady spot and enjoyed a slight breeze off of the beautiful World Showcase Lagoon. 

Our next kiosk was one I'd missed last year, Brazil, and I got the Crispy Pork Belly. It was very good, not as great as I'd hoped. I think I'd hyped it up in my own head to a level that nothing short of excellent could have truly satisfied me. Yes, I really like pork. I also had a Xingu Black Beer, which was actually very nice.

If you've been keeping track, I'd had many beers that day, and it was about 130 degrees, and I really needed a swim. Luckily, I was sent a text that our room was ready. A quick change into our bathing clothes, and we were off to my favorite pool in all of Walt Disney World, Storm-along Bay.

We spent a few hours here and at the resort before heading back to Epcot in the evening for more food. 

When we arrived, it being a lovely Saturday evening, Epcot was absolutely jam packed.

Barbie said she wanted fish and chips, so off to the United Kingdom we went. There was barely a line at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop, as everyone was sampling the F & W booths. We ate overlooking the Lagoon.

We then headed for France. The line for this kiosk looked to be about as long as the queue for Soarin', so we headed around World Showcase, and stopped at Italy. 

I had the Filetto di Pollo, or Chicken with Marsala Sauce. It sounds like a simple dish, but it was delicious, especially the mushrooms and sauce. I also had a Moretti La Rossa. I've had regular Moretti Lager, and was not impressed, but this Doppelbock was much better, highly recommended.

Our last stop of the evening was Singapore, where we had the Mahi Mahi and Jasmine Rice. The fish was very moist and the rice and "Singa" sauce was as good as it smelled. An excellent dish.

Walking back towards the International Gateway, we made a short side trip the the Chase Lounge located at the American Adventure Pavilion. Stop back tomorrow for more details on this very nice feature for Disney Visa card holders.

 

On our way out of the park for the evening, we decided to watch Impressions de France, and I'm really glad we did, because on the way out, we spotted our friends Marilyn and Peter in the shop! We met this lovely couple on our first Disney Cruise back in 2012. It was a really great surprise, and a wonderful end to a wonderful day.

Choosing your Resort By Room Picture – the Deluxe Villas

By Shendl

If money was no object, or if you are a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Member,  and you could only choose your Disney Villa by a picture of the bedroom, which one would you choose?

The names are at the bottom of the article – No peeking!

Your choice may surprise you!

1.

2.

3.

4.

 5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Of all the Deluxe Villa Bedrooms, my #1 choice would be No10!
Which one will you choose?

1. Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House
2. Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village
3. Contemporary Resort - Bay Lake Tower
4. Beach Club Villa’s
5. Boardwalk Villa’s
6. Old Key West Resort
7. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse Villa’s
8. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
9. Villa’s at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
10. Villa’s at Wilderness Lodge Resort & Spa

Room photographs are from the Walt Disney World website.

How Often Do You Change Your Disney Vacation Plans?

by Nick

I know I'm not the only one.
I tinker and tweak my Disney Vacation right up until the day we go, and very often, during our trip.
Our upcoming trip in October 2014 may be a record breaker though.

It started off when I booked 3 nights at the Beach Club Villas (BCV) in November of 2013, for a Saturday, Sunday, and Monday night.

Why only 3 nights? Because we only have a very small 30 point Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contract there, and that is all I could book at the 11 month window.

The plan was to book 3 more nights at the 7 month window.

When that window opened up, the ONLY studio rooms available were at Saratoga Springs.
Now, I should have just booked 3 nights, and wait-listed them for the Beach Club.

But here is what happened instead.

I decided, spur of the moment, that we really needed to take a Disney Cruise!

A couple of things played into this somewhat hasty decision.

One, we had booked another DCL Cruise while on our Alaskan Cruise in 2012, but had to move it back as something had come up, so had a 10% discount and $100 credit to use.

Two, we had JUST gotten back from a Royal Caribbean cruise that my Father-in-Law had given us as gift, and I had cruise fever!

  The Disney Dream in Nassau. 

So here is what I did.

While speaking to Guest Services, I went online and saw that there was a 4 night cruise on the Dream leaving on a Sunday.
I told Guest Services I'd call back, and got on the phone with Disney Cruise Line (DCL), and booked the cruise! I then called DVC back, and cancelled 2 nights at the BCV.

When I told my wife Barbie what I'd done, her first response was "Awesome!" And then she asked "Didn't you book Beach Club because it's during the Food and Wine Festival, and you wanted to be close to Epcot?"

Oh my.

Yes, that is exactly what I'd done.

So, while I was excited about the cruise, I now had a bit of remorse that we'd only have one evening to enjoy Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival!

This remorse sort of stayed with me for a few days. 

So, a week later, I called DVC, and booked one night at the end of our cruise at Old Key West, which was the only thing available besides Saratoga Springs.
I'd have booked more, but we have a pet/house sitter, and we need to work around their schedule, so we only have Saturday-Friday to work with.

We really like OKW, but, again, Food and Wine is going on during that time, so I wait-listed Boardwalk and Beach Club.

A couple of days ago I got a letter in the mail (yes, snail mail, not email!) that we were booked for one night at the Boardwalk Villas! Our wait-list had come through very quickly indeed!

Every change that has been made has had me on the phone with DVC and DCL, and online with Southwest Airlines, changing flights, transfers, and Magical Express.
But I love it!

The plan as it is now.

Saturday: Fly in to Orlando in the afternoon. Check into the BCV. Walk around Epcot's World Showcase and eat and drink! Maybe spend a bit of time at the pool in the evening.

Sunday: Not sure what time the DCL bus picks us up. If we have time, we'll go to the Magic Kingdom. If not, we'll have an early breakfast at Cape May Cafe.
Cruise!

Monday-Thursday: On the Dream. Transfer from Cape Canaveral to BWV. Thursday evening at Epcot, hitting booths we missed. Depending on where our room is, we'll either stay at Epcot for Illuminations, or watch it from our room.

Friday: Magic Kingdom. Late flight home

How often do you change your schedule while planning a Disney Vacation?