Walt Disney World, January 2017, Part 4

By Nick


Tuesday, January 24th

We had a nice lazy morning at the Boardwalk, just enjoying the beautiful weather.

Barbie and I walked in to Trattoria al Forno, and asked if they could fit us in for breakfast, and we were seated immediately.

Being able to do this will very likely change April 2nd when they start hosting the new character dining experience Bon Voyage Breakfast.

After breakfast we took a dip in the pool and relaxed in the hot tub before heading to the Magic Kingdom.

We didn't have any FastPasses until later that evening, so we just walked around, enjoying the weather,  the relatively low crowds, and the Festival of Fantasy Parade.

We headed over to Tomorrowland and took a ride on the People Mover and visited the Carousel of Progress before heading to Adventureland to meet up with Gaylin for a ride on the Jungle Cruise.

The 3 of us met up with our friends Kandi, John, and their 2 kids Grayson and Sawyer for dinner at Skipper Canteen.

We had a very good meal and, just like every time I've eaten here, we had excellent service! Thanks Robin!

Barbie, Gaylin and I headed over to Big Thunder where we had FPs, and then met up with Kandi, John and the kids at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The guys took a ride while the ladies waited with the baby, and then we swapped.

 Front: Kandi and Gaylin Back: single rider guy and Barbie

We said our goodnights and headed out before Wishes was over to beat the crowd.

Before heading in for the evening, we grabbed ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery. Wow, amazing stuff!

We took a walk around the entire Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Club area as we ate this fantastic treat.

Parts 1 - 2 - and 3

The Disney Exchange- Episode 32- Progressive Dining Around the Epcot Area Resorts

By Nick  

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

-The Disney Exchange is David Hodges, Lisa Green, and me, Nicholas Maglio  

-Main Topic: Progressive Dining Around the Epcot Area Resorts

-We start the show with a talk about how hot Walt Disney World is in the Summer, and Dave gives out a great tip to beat the heat; Don't stand out in the sun. You heard it here first folks, feel free to pass on this knowledge to friends and family.

-A progressive dinner is a group meal where each course is served at a different venue, and we did our first show on this topic back on episode 23, so please check that out as well. And then give episodes 1-22 a listen. And 24-31 too. Thanks!

-There is an argument a disagreement about which resorts should actually be considered Epcot area resorts, and Lisa points out her info is from the actual official Walt Disney World website.
Dave intends on putting in a formal petition to have it changed.

Reader/ listener poll:  Should Caribbean Beach be considered an Epcot Area Resort?

 Photo: David Hodges

-After several hours of arguing discussing we finally get to it, and focus on restaurants at Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk, and Swan and Dolphin.

-We each pick a different restaurant for a before dinner cocktail/ snack, an appetizer, Lisa has a soup/ salad course, an entree and a desert.

Me and the No Way Jose

-We describe each selection, and give the prices, adding up the entire meal including tip at the end. Guess who had the most expensive meal.

-We apologize to our box wine drinking listeners.

-Wheel of Distiny topic : The best queue to stand in at Walt Disney World in the heat.

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange: Your Scotch Whisky Headquarters.

You can find us on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange
Or email us at: info@thedisneyexchange 

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

Do You Remember: Spoodles at Disney's Boardwalk Resort?

By Nick

In September of 2008, we visited Spoodles at Disney's Boardwalk Resort for the first time. The location was excellent, as one of our home DVC resorts is the Boardwalk Villas.

The food was terrific.

We couldn't wait to return on our next trip.
Sadly, it was closed to make way for Cat Cora's new restaurant, Kouzzina.
This made my wife carry a grudge, and it wasn't until this past January that I could convince her to try breakfast at Kouzzina.
Do you have a favorite restaurant that is now gone but not forgotten?

Jellyrolls at Disney's Boardwalk Resort

Lets talk about one of the BEST places for adults to cut loose at Walt Disney World.

It's been a long day at the parks!
You say you want to go somewhere to unwind, kick back, have a couple of drinks and sing songs from the 50s to present day along with a crowd of complete strangers? Then check out Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar at Disney's BoardWalk Resort in Walt Disney World.



Through the night, 2 talented pianists take requests from the audience, and amaze with their memories and skills.



Try to stump them, if one player doesn't know it, the other probably will!

To request a song, write one down on a piece of paper, a napkin, etc., bring it up to the fellas, and set it on either piano.

As the evening goes on, and requests increase dramatically, a $5 or $10 dollar bill helps ensure your song gets played. A $20 helps even more. On the evening I went, the piano players did a medley of Muppet songs, "brought to you by the number 20". These guys are not only musically gifted, but quick witted as well.

They play everything from "Great Balls of Fire" to recent songs that I didn't recognize, (but the younger members of the audience sang along to), and everything in between!

If you request a birthday or anniversary wish, they will often bring the recipient on stage, to perhaps give a shot to, which happened to one of the members of our party.



They also may play an audience participation tune, such as "The Unicorn Song". Don't worry if you don't know how do it, as I didn't, they will walk you through it.



Also don't be surprised to find yourself pulled into a conga line, as I was. Resistance is futile, not that I resisted!

I mentioned drinks earlier. There are 2 bars, one on each side of Jellyrolls. I will be honest and say beers aren't cheap, and the selection is limited. I was told by my companions that the mixed drinks weren't very strong, but this is just a minor complaint in what is otherwise one of the most fun evenings I've ever had at Walt Disney World.

Portions of this article were originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.

A Walk Around Disney's Boardwalk Resort

Imagine a resort that is within easy walking distance of 2 major theme parks, has restaurants, clubs, midway style games, magic shows, acrobats and jugglers, and a 1930's themed pool. Did I mention it also has a roller coaster inspired water slide, elephant fountains, and a pool bar that looks like a carousel?

This place does exist, and it is Disney's Boardwalk Resort. Disney's Boardwalk Resort is comprised of 2 sections:  Disney's Boardwalk Inn (which is in the deluxe resort category), and Disney's Boardwalk Villas (a Disney Vacation Club timeshare resort).

As DVC members, Barbie and I have the great pleasure of calling the Boardwalk Villas home.
I thought we'd take a look at some of the wonderful things the Villas have to offer.

Let's start with the lobby. It is beautifully decorated with a seashore feel, with comfortable chairs and couches.

There are several room categories: studios, one, two and 3 bedroom (known as Grand Villas).
The villas with bedrooms have kitchens, and washer/dryers.

We have always stayed in a studio. There is just me and my wife, and we feel this is plenty of space.
It comes with a queen size bed, fold out couch, microwave, coffee maker, and small refrigerator.

There are also 3 view categories here: Standard, which has a view of the front entrance, or parking lots. Preferred, which has a view of a pool, or the Swan and Dolphin hotel. Finally the Boardwalk view, with a view of the- you guessed it-Boardwalk.

 

Speaking of the Boardwalk, this area is a destination unto itself. As you walk along you will discover the many restaurants, shopping options, and entertainment.

For food , there is the Big River Grille, serving American Cuisine and beer brewed on site.

Flying Fish is more upscale (and expensive), also serving American and Seafood.

Kouzzina, a Cat Cora restaurant, serves Mediterranean food. 

The Boardwalk Bakery has baked goods and coffee drinks.

And for sports fans, there is the ESPN Club.

Since we are over here at the ESPN Club, let's head back the other way and look at the shops. Right next door to the Club is their official store.

 

Have a sweet tooth? Stop in Seashore Sweets. Looking for the perfect nautical painting? Check out the Wyland Galleries.

Keep moving along, and you'll come upon a group of stores: the Screen Door General Store, Thimbles and Threads, and Disney's Character Carnival. They are all in one location, selling a wide range of personal items, clothes, pins and toys.

There is also a small store inside and slightly off the Main Lobby, called, Dundy's Sundries.
Since we are back inside, let's change into our swimming gear, and hit the pools.

The main pool area is called Luna Park.

Here you'll find the excellent water slide, Keister Coaster which is built like a wooden roller coaster.
Nearby is the Leaping Horse Pool Bar, which is themed to look like a carousel.

There is also a quiet pool, which is where the Community Hall is located.
Bicycles, noodles, life jackets and tennis equipment are available for rent. Movie rentals are also available, free for Disney Vacation Club members. There are daily activities for kids.

It's cooled off considerably since night fell. Let's get changed and head back to the Boardwalk for some of the enterainment.

The Boardwalk takes on a new feel at night. Buzzing with excitement and the sound of carnival games, there are also several performers on any given evening, including magicians and acrobats.

What an exciting day! Let's get a drink and relax. Inside is one of my favorite spots, the Belle Vue Lounge. You can get pastries and coffee here in the morning, and cocktails in the evening.

It's getting late, and we have a long day planned at the parks tomorrow. Luckily, from the Boardwalk's excellent location, it is extremely easy to get to 2 of them. It's a short walk over to Epcot. The walk is slightly longer on a path along the waterway to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Both are also easily reached by boat.
Bus service will take you to Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and the water parks.

 

I hope you've enjoyed visiting one of my favorite destinations in all of the World, Disney's Boardwalk Villas.

 

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

Breakfast at the Boardwalk's Kouzzina by Cat Cora

Barbie never wanted to eat at Kouzzina by Cat Cora. She loved the restaurant that used to be at this prime location at Disney's Boardwalk Resort, Spoodles.

 

But on the last day of our trip this past January, we decided not to visit a park before Magical Express was to return us to the airport, and back to reality. We were hungry. As we were staying at the Boardwalk, I was able to convince my wife to at least look at the menu. She saw a couple of entrees she found intriguing, and we headed inside.

 

We were told it would be a 20 minute wait, but the pagers were not working.

So we waited. And waited. And...
35 minutes later, we were finally called. Not a great start.

Our server was friendly, but not very attentive, in fact she was pretty slow.
Strike 2.
But the food saved this from being a complete strike out.
I ordered the Country French Toast : Grilled Fig and Anise Bread with Apple Fig Compote with choice of bacon or chicken sausage. - $11.99

My wife ordered the Classic Golden Waffle : with whipped Mascarpone Cheese, Honey and Chopped Pecans with a choice of bacon or chicken sausage.-$10.49

 
We each chose bacon, but, because I wanted to try the sausage, we ordered a side of bacon and sausage. We also split the waffle and french toast.
The bacon was good, the sausage delicious. I really liked my french toast, but the waffle was terrific!
And the coffee. I love coffee, and I really loved the coffee here.
As mentioned above, service was slow. And if we were in a rush, we wouldn't have been as forgiving.
The table next to us, in fact, complained through most of their meal about the lack of attention to their ever empty glasses of juice.
Will we return? My wife feels it was good, but with so many other great choices at Walt Disney World, it wouldn't be at the top of her list. We agreed, if in similar circumstances, we would have breakfast here again. And if friends wanted to go for lunch or dinner, we would accompany them.

Portions of this article were originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.