Christmas at Walt Disney World - Episode 101 of The Disney Exchange

The Disney Exchange Podcast is Lisa, Dave, and me, Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Thank you all so much for all the wonderful feedback on Episode 100, and for the reviews on iTunes.

This week we are talking the our choices for the Top 5 Christmas happenings at Walt Disney World this year.

This being the Disney Exchange Podcast, we manage to make the top 5 a top 11. 

1. Special Offerings, which we broke out into :

The Jingle Cruise and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.

Photo: Lisa

Photo: Lisa

The Candlelight Processional, World Showcase Storytellers and special holiday food offerings at Epcot's World Showcase.

The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The new events and activities coming to Disney Springs.

2. Where to find Santa and Santa Goofy 

3. Christmas trees and decorations at the parks.

4. The Cinderella Castle Lights and lighting ceremony 

5. Resort Decorations 

The Wheel of Distiny topic: Is Memory Maker worth the price? 

 Sebastian, Lisa, and Raymond

You can request a Listener Number, suggest a show or wheel topic, or just say hello on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange  or email us at: info@thedisneyexchange 

And if you are so inclined, a 5 start review on iTunes would go a long way towards getting our show out to the masses!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!
 

The Disney Echange - The First 100 Episodes

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

 Me, Dave, & Lisa

On Sunday November 13th we celebrated our 100th Episode! If you are just discovering The Disney Exchange, welcome, and if you are a long time listener, thank you!

I've put this list together so that new fans can bookmark this page and listen to each and every golden moment of the show, and for long time listeners who just can't get enough of me us.

001 The Disney Exchange - Here we are!

002 The Disney Exchange - Disney Transportation

003 The Disney Exchange - DVC vs. Deluxe Resorts ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Worst counter service restaurant at Walt Disney World


004 The Disney Exchange - Disney Best and Worst of 2014 ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : What are we looking forward to in 2015?


005 The Disney Exchange - Things You Can Only Do At Disney ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : One small thing you always look for at Walt Disney World.


006 The Disney Exchange - Epcot’s World Showcase ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Places to Watch Illuminations.


007 The Disney Exchange - A Walk Through Disney’s Animal Kingdom ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : One Favorite Souvenir you always buy


008 The Disney Exchange - Animal Kingdom Lodge Table Service ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite attractions that have been around half our lives


009 The Disney Exchange - Touring Disney’s Hollywood Studios ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite ride vehicle.


010 The Disney Exchange - Quick Serve In The Parks ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Suggestions for Rainy Days.


011 The Disney Exchange - Things To Do On Property, Outside The Parks ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Our favorite movie released prior to the year of our birth.


012 The Disney Exchange - Run Disney ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Movies we are most looking forward to this year.


013 The Disney Exchange - Living With Food Allergies in Walt Disney World ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Walt Disney World attraction with no height requirement


014 The Disney Exchange - A Day At The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Adult Beverages at Walt Disney World.


015 The Disney Exchange - Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival ; The Wheel of Distiny topic: Best Disney ride for thrill seekers.

016 The Disney Exchange - Take A Ride Vehicle Home ; The Wheel of Distiny topic: A Disney movie you’d like to see remade or a sequel to.


017 The Disney Exchange - Best Table Service in the WDW Parks ;The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Way to Add a Little Disney to Your Day When Not at a Disney Park


018 The Disney Exchange - Disney Souvenirs ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Scene in Epcot’s Spaceship Earth


019 The Disney Exchange - Disney Cruise Line ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Walt Disney World 3D attractions.


020 The Disney Exchange - Resort Category Comparison ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite part of the Maharaja Jungle Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.


021 The Disney Exchange - Walt Disney World Attraction Swap Outs ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Disney Princess


022 The Disney Exchange - Favorite Places to Take Rest at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny : Things people buy at Walt Disney World that we think are a waste of money.


023 The Disney Exchange - Progressive Dinner on the Monorail Resort Loop ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Summer sun survival tips.


024 The Disney Exchange - The First Day of Your Walt Disney World Vacation ; Wheel of Distiny topic: Favorite Disney Sidekick


025 The Disney Exchange - Meeting Disney Characters on a Disney Cruise and at Walt Disney World ; The Wheel of Distiny topic: Best Place to Get Coffee at Walt Disney World


026 The Disney Exchange - Walt Disney World Recommendations for Young Families: Part 1 ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite sweet treat at Walt Disney World.


027 The Disney Exchange - Walt Disney World Recommendations for Young Families: Part 2 ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Walt Disney World Guidebook(s)


028 The Disney Exchange - Walt Disney World Trip Planning ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Name an attraction you have ridden multiple times in a single day & what were the circumstances, and HOW did you get to ride it multiple times?
 

029 The Disney Exchange - Disney To Do Lists ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What Country would you like to see added to Epcot’s World Showcase?


030 The Disney Exchange - Half a Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : The oddest thing we have ever eaten at Walt Disney World.


031 The Disney Exchange - The Best in the Lands ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : The most disgusting thing we’ve eaten at Walt Disney World.


032 The Disney Exchange - Progressive Dining Around the Epcot Area Resorts ; Wheel of Distiny topic : The best queue to stand in at Walt Disney World in the heat.


033 The Disney Exchange - Photography at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Marvel Cinematic character.


034 The Disney Exchange - Favorite Pixar Films ; Wheel of Distiny topic : The Pixar character we most identify with.


035 The Disney Exchange - Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Statue or Stationary Figure at Walt Disney World.


036 The Disney Exchange - Big Changes Coming to the Disney Parks ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Way to Start the Day at Walt Disney World
 

037 The Disney Exchange - Adult or Kid Friendly Dining at WDW ; The Wheel of Distiny topic: Best Run Disney Training Tip


038 The Disney Exchange - Pros & Cons of the Disney Dining Plan ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : What is the latest you’ve ever stayed out at a Disney Park?

039 The Disney Exchange - Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ; The Wheel of Distiny topic: Who is the Avenger character you’d most like to have dinner with and why?


040 The Disney Exchange - Counter Service Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Epcot ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : If you only had one attraction to choose to ride at Epcot, what would it be?


041 The Disney Exchange - Aulani with Special Guest Dave Tupper ; The Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Disney attraction music.
 

042 The Disney Exchange - Attractions at Walt Disney World We Can Do Without ; The Wheel of Distiny topic: What did you think of the first episode of The Muppets which made it’s debut September 22nd?


043 The Disney Exchange - Walt Disney World With Non Disney Lovers ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite view at Walt Disney World.

044 The Disney Exchange - Disney Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic: Favorite non fiction Disney book.

045 The Disney Exchange - The Best Things I Ever Ate at Walt Disney World ; The Wheel of Distiny topic: The Scariest Thing of Any Ride at Walt Disney World

046 The Disney Exchange - Packing For a Trip to Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic: Favorite spot for Holiday Decorations at Walt Disney World

047 The Disney Exchange - Walt Disney World, Where Does the Money Go? ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What was the first Disney Park attraction you ever went on?

048 The Disney Exchange - Progressive Dining Around Epcot’s World Showcase ; Wheel of Distiny topic: Where and when is a room view worth paying extra for.

049 The Disney Exchange - runDisney Redux with Karen Seal ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Which Disney character would you like to have dinner with and why?


050 The Disney Exchange - Disney Will Dos ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite live music at Walt Disney World.


051 The Disney Exchange - Monorail Loop & Epcot Resort Area Lounge Hopping ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Turkey Leg, yes or no?


052 The Disney Exchange - A Year of Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite live action Disney movie. 

053 of The Disney Exchange - Armchair Imagineering ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Star Wars Movie.

Bonus Episode : Merry Christmas 2015


054 of The Disney Exchange - FastPass Strategies at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : 2016 Walt Disney World Resolutions

055 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Progressive Dining Around Disney Springs ; Wheel of Distiny topic : 2016 Disney Movie you are looking forward to the most.

056 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Things That Still Surprise Us At Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Our favorite attraction exit at Walt Disney World.

057 Exchange Podcast - Highs & Lows From Our Recent Trips to Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Are the talking characters, such as Mickey Mouse, wonderful or creepy?

058 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - More From Our Recent Trips to Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is your favorite Disney dog?

059 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Table Service at the Parks on the Disney Dining Plan ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Disney animated movie post 1989.

060 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Planning a Trip to Walt Disney World For Large Groups
; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Pool.

061 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Planning a Make-a-Wish Trip to Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : The one must do attraction you would suggest a first time visitor to Walt Disney World visit.

062 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Hidden Spots in Walt Disney World's Parks ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Walt Disney World resort lobby.

063 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Value Resorts at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite light saber from the Star Wars Saga.

064 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - All Together at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : One thing in a park we get a photo of every trip to Walt Disney World.

065 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Disney Soup ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Things you are looking for the most at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival this year.

066 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Planning a Solo Trip to Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : If you had $1000 extra to spend at Walt Disney World, what would you spend it on?

067 of The Disney Exchange Podcast - Table Service on the Disney Dining Plan at the Resorts
; Wheel of Distiny topic : What mode of Transportation is your favorite to get to the Magic Kingdom?

068 The Disney Exchange - Eating on a Budget at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Have you ever encountered someone famous at a Disney Park? 

069 The Disney Exchange - Stage Shows at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What other FastPass changes would you like to see implemented?

070 The Disney Exchange - Best Disney Dining Day ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is a good restaurant at Walt Disney World for an Anniversary Dinner under $60?

071 The Disney Exchange - Things You Don’t Have to do at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is the most expensive souvenir you’ve ever bought at Walt Disney World?

072 The Disney Exchange - Quick Service at the Parks on the Disney Dining Plan ; Wheel of Distiny topic : If you could be a cast member at any attraction in Walt Disney World, which one would it be, and why?


073 The Disney Exchange - Four Parks in One Day ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Steak Restaurant at Walt Disney World.

074 The Disney Exchange - Hot Weather Survival Tips ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is your favorite scene from the Disney animated classic The Little Mermaid?

075 The Disney Exchange - Summer Awakens at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Who was your first Disney guide and how did they help with your love of Disney?

076 The Disney Exchange - Avoiding Overindulging at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Do you avoid parks with Extra Magic Hours?

077 The Disney Exchange - Sharing is Caring at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is your favorite background music loop?

078 The Disney Exchange - Favorite Epcot World Showcase Pavilions ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Best restrooms at Walt Disney World

079 The Disney Exchange - Why, I Never! ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Where in a Walt Disney World Park have you taken a nap.

080 The Disney Exchange - Quick Service Breakaway ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite place to people watch at the parks.

081 The Disney Exchange Podcast - We Love the Nightlife ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Our favorite Walt Disney World Cupcake.

082 The Disney Exchange - Patriotism at the Parks ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Have you ever spit any food out at Walt Disney World?

083 The Disney Exchange - Epcot Food & Wine Festival Planning ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Scene from Spaceship Earth.

084 The Disney Exchange - Epcot Food and Wine Kiosks ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is your favorite Country Bear?

085 The Disney Exchange - Shades of Dave ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What Walt Disney World aspect of experience to you miss most between visits?

086 The Disney Exchange - Worth the Wait ; Wheel of Distiny topic : If you had only one day at Epcot, which Tier 1 FastPass attraction would you choose, Soarin’ or Frozen Ever After?

087 The Disney Exchange - Backstage Tours at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Who was/is our favorite Spaceship Earth narrator?

088 The Disney Exchange - Breakfast at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Do you get or have you ever gotten the Disney vacation planning DVDs/Videos?

089 The Disney Exchange - Avoiding Kids on a Disney Cruise ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Which one past attraction would you bring back to Walt Disney World or Disneyland?

090 The Disney Exchange - Moderate Resorts ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Have you been to a Disney first aid station and what was your experience?


091 The Disney Exchange - Mickey's Not So Scary 2016 ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Do you purchase travel insurance?

092 The Disney Exchange - Our Upcoming WDW Trip Plans ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Do you order a new Magic Band for every trip or do you reuse your old ones?

093 The Disney Exchange - Disney Dairy ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite place to watch a sunset at Walt Disney World.

094 The Disney Exchange - Dealing with Crowds in 3D ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is your favorite TV show that went to Walt Disney World for an episode?

095 The Disney Exchange - Drinking Around World Showcase ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Favorite Scene from The Haunted Mansion

096 The Disney Exchange - WDW, a Hurricane, and Lisa Green ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is your favorite thing about the recently opened Soarin’ Around the World?

097 The Disney Exchange - WDW, a Hurricane, Nick, and Dave ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Are you familiar with the Marvel character Doctor Strange, and are you looking forward to the upcoming movie?

098 The Disney Exchange - Must Do, Will Do, Never Do ; Wheel of Distiny topic : Where do you suggest a large group, ages ranging from 5 to 69, dine?

099 The Disney Exchange - Table Service Breakaway ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What is your favorite scene or joke on The Jungle Cruise?

100 The Disney Exchange - Ride Vehicle Comfort at Walt Disney World ; Wheel of Distiny topic : What Disney animated movie would you like to see made into a live action movie next?

You can find us on on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange  or email us at: info@thedisneyexchange 

And if you are so inclined, a 5 start review on iTunes would go a long way towards getting our show out to the masses!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

WDW Ride Vehicle Comfort- The Disney Exchange Podcast Episode 100

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave and me, Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

100 Episodes! Yikes! Thanks for the kind intro Dave Tupper!

There is noise makers. There's balloons. There is laughter. There's confetti, there are tuxedos.

We very briefly reminisce and my new contract finally arrives before we launch into this week's topic, ride vehicle comfort.

We each share our height and body proportions before discussing the various types of ride vehicles in each of the parks in Walt Disney World, focusing in on some of the most popular rides, for instance, our thoughts on the Doom Buggy ride vehicles in the Haunted Mansion, and their similarities to the Clamobiles in Under the Sea - Voyage of the Little Mermaid, also at the Magic Kingdom, and The Seas With Nemo and Friends in Epcot.

The Wheel of Distiny topic: What Disney animated movie would you like to see made into a live action movie next?

Finally, we wrap things up with our Listener Number Giveaway! Congrats Katy, #118!
Please contact us at info@thedisneyexchange 


Just because the contest is over doesn't mean you can't request your Listener Number, suggest a show or wheel topic, or just say hello on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange  or email us at: info@thedisneyexchange 

And if you are so inclined, a 5 start review on iTunes would go a long way towards getting our show out to the masses!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

What She Said...Pulling My Disney Comfort Closer

I'm publishing this article which Lisa just posted yesterday on her Living a Disney Life Blog because she has summed up how I feel about this past week pretty well. - Nick  

By Lisa Green 

This is the first post I’ve written all week – I still love you guys and I still have a lot to say about Disney and my love for all the joy and magic I find in it.  This week I’ve been distracted by a few things, not the least of which has been the hate-filled rants and incredibly vicious attacks I’ve seen all over social media related to our American democracy and the process of electing the people who govern our country.

Pulling My Disney Comfort Closer

I treasure my own freedom of speech and believe we are entitled to speak our minds.  I love a good debate between open-minded adults who can argue a point without making personal attacks on those with opposing views.  If you’ve ever met me in person, you know I possess no shortage of opinions on a wide variety of topics and am never afraid to express my feelings.  I speak my mind…sometimes too quickly, sometimes too passionately, but not with the purpose of tearing down another human being intentionally.  On social media?  I choose to post family events and happenings, the occasional humorous meme, and lots of pictures of my dog, Junior. 

  

I also post a LOT about my love for Disney.  It’s not that I don’t have strong feelings about religion or politics, I’m simply choosy about when and where I express those particular opinions and with whom I’d like to debate them.  I believe one should never email, text, or post on social media anything one would not say face-to-face – hiding behind an online identity to be hateful is the sign of a coward.

 I didn’t unfriend or unfollow a single person, but I was shocked and dismayed by what I read on Wednesday morning.  I’m not a person with delicate sensibilities, but the vitriol!  The utter disdain for fellow citizens and their right to their own beliefs and decisions was shocking to me!  Complete strangers hurling horrific insults at one another, spewing poison with no respect, no compassion, and no reason!  And what purpose did it serve?  Why would anyone want to show the world the very worst version of themselves they have to offer?  Is that who they really are?  If so, then we do indeed need to fear for the future of America – her citizens have chosen anger and hate over respect, tolerance, and love.

Then I figured out why I was so surprised.  Remember this post about the Disney fan community?  I follow (and am followed by) thousands of fellow Disney fans on social media.  Overwhelmingly nice people in general who are brought together by their passion for Disney vacations, movies, characters, collectibles, and more.  Some are fellow bloggers and podcasters, all are very geeky about Disney.  The ugliness on social media was not coming from these people.  They were, like me, disgusted enough to politely ask, “Why can’t we all get along?” before taking a break from Facebook and Twitter to ride out the election aftermath watching movies or planning a vacation.  Once again, I am reminded how special my Disney friends are and how much I appreciate being part of such a loving group of humans.

I’ll be back next week with more Disney topics to share – in the meantime, thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Lisa can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at @life_of_green

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast! Our 100th Episode comes out tomorrow!

R2-D2 Shout Out? Where in Walt Disney World?

By Nick and Barbie 

Where in Walt Disney World would you find this stenciling that Barbie spotted?
We believe it is a shout out to my favorite droid R2-D2.
The answer is below the photo.

sbuıɹds ʎǝusıp ʇɐ ɹɐq ɹɐbuɐɥ s,ʎǝspuıן ʞɔoظ

Table Service Break Away at Walt Disney World: Episode 99 of The Disney Exchange

The Disney Exchange Podcast is Lisa, Dave, and me, Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Dave thinks Christmas is starting too early, shares some interesting info on construction at the Magic Kingdom, and we all hope that PizzeRizzo at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be an improvement over Pizza Planet.

Back on Episode 80 we took a look at taking a break from the heat and crowds of the Theme parks at Walt Disney World to visit a resort to have a quick service meal.

This week we are talking about taking a break to visit table service restaurants.
For example, you're at the Magic Kingdom, and it's a busy time of year, and you just want to get away from the crowds. We suggest making an ADR at a Monorail Resort restaurant, like Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.

The Wheel of Distiny: What is your favorite scene or joke on The Jungle Cruise?

Photo: Lisa

Next, our 100th Episode! We're going to be having a giveaway for our Numbered Listeners.
Back in the early shows we would joke about our low listener numbers, saying we had 12 whole listeners, and that included us and my wife! People started giving themselves numbers and it became a badge of honor for some!

You can request your Listener Number to be eligible for the giveaway up until 5pm on November 7th, and you can request it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange, Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange  or email us at: info@thedisneyexchange 

And if you are so inclined, a 5 start review on iTunes would go a long way towards getting our show out to the masses!

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange!

Il Mulino at Walt Disney World's Swan

 

 

 By Lisa Green  

 

“Lively ambiance, attentive service, delicious Italian fare – Il Mulino in Walt Disney World’s Swan resort is a treat to delight both the appetite and the spirit.”…Me, once more channeling my inner food critic.

August, 2014:  We were 180 days from our February trip to Walt Disney World and  I wanted ADR’s (Advance Dining Reservations) at some places we’d never been before.  I’d been thinking about one particular restaurant for a long time.  Raymond and I both love Italian food and I’d heard great things about Il Mulino at the Swan – what better time to eat pasta than the night before running the Princess Half Marathon?  Checked the available times and YES!  Scored a 6:00-ish dining time.  Early? Sure – but I was going to be getting up mighty early every morning of this trip to participate in my first three runDisney events.  I wanted a place to relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner before turning in for the evening.

February 21st, 2015:  I’d run the Enchanted 10K that morning and spent the afternoon at  Disney’s Hollywood Studios – a combination guaranteed to work up a heck of an appetite!  We caught a boat from the Studios to the Swan and walked into Il Mulino right on time.  Immediately we noticed that Il Mulino was a hopping place!




An energetic, happy crowd filled the dining room and our table for two was right in the middle of the action next to a glass wall that separates diners from the kitchen.  We had a great vantage point for watching the dining room, the entrance, and the goings-on in the busy kitchen all at the same time!

An energetic, happy crowd filled the dining room and our table for two was right in the middle of the action next to a glass wall that separates diners from the kitchen.  We had a great vantage point for watching the dining room, the entrance, and the goings-on in the busy kitchen all at the same time!



We didn’t mind the noise in this particular location, but I’d suggest asking for a table in another section of the restaurant if you’re in the mood for some quiet conversation.

Rather than a single server, we had a serving team.  Personable and professional, each person that we interacted with throughout the evening demonstrated an obvious pride in both the restaurant and the level of service provided.  The team of Tony (from Italy) and Svet (from Bulgaria) worked together flawlessly to make sure we had an outstanding experience.  Once seated, it wasn’t long before we received some bread and also a complimentary appetizer!

The delicious starter was courtesy of the chef who wanted us to enjoy our meal in spite of the kitchen running a little slower than usual.  Honestly, the place was great and there was such a terrific atmosphere, we probably wouldn’t have noticed the slow kitchen at all, but we did enjoy the Caprese salad very much.

 

Tony was happy to help us with our wine selection – suggesting a bottle from the extensive wine list that was both delicious and in our price range.  We took our time reading over the menu before deciding on our entrees.



Raymond ordered the Spaghetti al Frutti di Mare (Baby shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and calamari in a spicy red or garlic white wine sauce) and I opted for the Linguini alle Vongole (Linguini with red or white clam sauce) – both of us chose the red sauces for our pasta. 



We were extremely happy with our choices!!!  We also ordered a plate of spinach in garlic and olive oil (pictures do not do it justice – it was delicious!) 



You’d think we’d have been stuffed after all of that, but we had to try the gelato.  We love gelato!  It was the perfect dessert after such a fantastic meal.

 

Great food, great service, wonderful wine AND Il Mulino has…..a bucket of limoncello.  Yes, you heard me – a metal pail of lemony goodness which is ladled into a little glass that appears right in front of every adult guest when their meal is finished.  And this little, but certainly not insignificant detail was not immortalized for you by my camera.  I’ll blame the wine.  I can’t believe I failed us this way – no picture of our limoncello…which didn’t last long anyway.  I did get a picture of the bucket though!



Carbs consumed in sufficient quantity to see me through the next morning’s 13.1 mile run, we bid goodnight to Il Mulino and the Swan.  We’ll be back, though, this dining experience shot Il Mulino straight to the top of the must-do list for our next Walt Disney World vacation.

(Note:  The Swan is located on Disney property, but is a Westin resort, not operated by Disney.)
Have you visited Il Mulino?  What was your dining experience like?

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.

She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at @life_of_green

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!

My First Trip to WDW – 1996

By Shendl Rewitzky

I originally stayed at POR in December 1996 when it was called Dixie Landings. It was our very first trip to the USA and to Walt Disney World.  (The beginning of my Disney Addiction!)

We flew out of South Africa on South African Airways and it was so exciting to be on the way to our first visit to the place that has become the most special place to visit!

We flew into Miami International Airport after about a 16 hours journey and had a 6 hour or so wait before our connecting flight to Orlando.  We found a lovely little coffee shop/restaurant that was luckily open at 6am in the morning and they had the freshest donuts, twisted and glazed for only $0.95!! They were delicious!!

We met some lovely people while waiting at the airport for our connecting flight. Maria Veronica served us at the Galaxy Bar when we stopped in there for some refreshments and snacks. She was a lovely lady and so friendly!

I was fascinated by the Stunning Christmas Trees in the Hotel and the Airport. We do not have such stunning trees in South Africa so I was immediately hooked on America at that point already and I had even arrived at Disney World Yet!!

We got to see our first stretch Limo on the way to board our Delta Airline Flight to Orlando. Very exciting! The one memory I have of the Delta flight was that I had asked for Pretzels instead of Peanuts when the food service came around (I had braces at the time and wasn’t allowed peanuts) and the air hostess never brought them. I was not impressed…LOL.

 We arrived at Orlando International and on our way to the Mears Shuttle, we saw the HUGE Christmas Tree that the hotel rooms look down onto and we were Amazed that a tree could be that big!  We went to our Mears Shuttle for our journey to Dixie Landings, WDW!

 We arrived at Dixie Landings (now Port Orleans Riverside ) and we checked in and then were escorted to our room by a Cast Member in a stretch golf cart. We had a room in Magnolia Ben, Room 8719, in the Mansions section of the resort and at that time the resort used to give you an old-fashioned newspaper, The Sassagoula Times, with all the Resort and Park happenings.

The rooms had Rain Poncho’s and Refillable Mugs on the top of the Mini Bar Fridge Unit. You were charged only if you took one of the products to use. (In the days when there was a lot more trust in the world)

We loved walking past Ol Man Island and over the bridge to the Food Court,   Colonel’s Cotton Mill, to get our first American breakfast. I can’t remember what we ate but I am pretty sure I had the pancake stack with bacon and I remember being not able to finish the food at all!! It was HUGE but delicious .  It was such a peaceful walk especially as we were early birds and made sure to get the first bus out to a Park. Not much has changed these days at POR in the design of the Food Court. The Food offerings are definitely healthier than they used to be and maybe there are less options to choose from now. That part is a little cloudy in my memory!

Here is a Summary of the 3 parks we visited in 1996.

Everything was dressed up for the 25th Anniversary and we headed to Magic Kingdom for our first park and I remember us being disappointed that the Castle was dressed as a Giant Cake!! We hopped on the Railway and stopped first at Mickey’s Toon Town Fair. It was so much fun to go through Mickey and Minnie’s Houses and of course Donald’s Boat. I wasn’t yet brave enough to Ride Goofy’s BarnStormer!  I love the Magic Kingdom and I loved all the Special Parades that are on at Christmas Time.

Epcot was our Second Park and we rode Spaceship Earth for our very first ride at Epcot! At this stage, we had no idea what we were doing and just went with the first ride we saw! It was amazing and it will always be one of my favourite rides at Epcot. We were impressed with the Braille Maps around Epcot and the stroller parkings! 
We loved all the little Menu’s that the Restaurant handed out to entice customers in. The Days before the Disney Dining Plan and you could still walk up to some restaurants if you were willing to wait a bit.

We visited MGM Studio’s next and We loved this park. We were greeted outside the Entrance by Chip and Dale.  We really enjoyed the Vibe of the park and the Streets of America. We met Goofy dressed as Santa. So much fun!!

We, my Mom, Dad and Myself, stayed just past New Year’s Day before making the long journey back to South Africa!!  In 1996, the parks were definitely much less crowded than they are now but Magic Kingdom was still packed on Christmas Day!

Epcot is still one of my favourite parks ! I just love the World Showcase and all the Food Choices!
I have since been backed to Disney World with my parents another two times in 1998 and 2004 and once with my Husband, Dieter in 2013. We are currently on a countdown to our next WDW Vacation at Pop Century in Sept 2017.