Yak and Yeti at Disney's Animal Kingdom

By: Nick

Located in Disney's Animal Kingdom's Asia section is perhaps one of the most beautifully themed restaurants in all of Walt Disney World, Yak & Yeti.

As with almost everything in WDW, there is a back story.
Yak & Yeti is a house owned by a wealthy merchant who has fallen on hard times. To supplement his income, he has converted his home into an establishment that well-to-do travelers might seek out in India. It is filled with items collected by the owner and his family on their travels throughout Southeast Asia.

You can spend plenty of time just looking at all the incredible items scattered throughout.

My favorite dining area is on the second floor. We request a table by the window overlooking the courtyard, making it a great place to people watch as you enjoy your meal.

My wife and I ate here during it's opening week in 2007, and the food quality has not slipped a bit in the ensuing years.

On our most recent trip, my wife and I both ordered the same dish, the Chicken Lo Mein - Lo mein noodles, carrots, cabbage, green onions and bean sprouts. Served with chicken $17.99.

Yes, you can get Chicken Lo Mein at any Chinese restaurant, but this is the best either of us has ever had! Perfectly cooked chicken, noodles and vegetables. I could go for some right now!

On past trips we've had the Baby Back Ribs – slow-roasted ribs, hoisin BBQ sauce, chicken fried rice, sweet chili slaw: $25.99.

The ribs are very tender, and the spice tangy, but by no means overwhelming. The fried rice is amazing.

 
Crispy Mahi Mahi - filet of mahi mahi, Japanese bread crumbs, Cantonese sweet and sour sauce, jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables: $23.99.

The mahi mahi is crispy on the outside, yet light, flaky and juicy inside. The chili sauce is lightly spicy and the vegetables are always fresh.

Duck with Anandapur Glaze – roasted half duckling, orange wasabi glaze, jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables: $23.99.

The duck was delicious, and the sauce a perfect compliment.

Yak & Yeti is owned by Landry's Inc., which also owns the Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Restaurants located at Walt Disney World, and they do not accept the Tables in Wonderland Card, but do give a 10% to Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members at lunch and dinner.

Sleeping Beauty Castle : Where in Walt Disney World?

Yes, I know that Sleeping Beauty Castle is in Disneyland, but this lovely painting of that castle can be found in Walt Disney World. Do you know where? The answer can be found below the photo.

uı ʞɔǝɥɔ ɹǝʌo 'ʇɹosǝɹ ʞןɐʍpɹɐoq s,ʎǝusıp ɟo ʎqqoן ǝɥʇ uı

"The Muppet Movie" and "The Muppets" Soundtracks

By: Nick

This past weekend, ABC Family played a Muppet movies marathon. I was fortunate enough to catch  The Muppet Movie and The Muppets back to back (but, I was not happy that they edited out a couple of songs from The Muppets, but I digress.) Seeing these 2 films back to back was terrific as there are several references to the original in The Muppets.

I grew up with the Muppet Show, and my parents took me to see The Muppet Movie in the theater in 1979.

A few months ago I found the The Muppet Movie Original Soundtrack Recording album at the flea market, for just $2!

The album art and photos are wonderful.

To say I get emotional from these songs would be an understatement. These songs are intrinsically linked to my childhood.
 

Side One:
Rainbow Connection
Movin' Right Along
Never Before, Never Again
Never Before, Never Again (Instrumental)
I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along

Side Two:
Can You Picture That
I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along (Instrumental)
I'm Going Back There Someday
America
Animal...Come Back Animal
Finale: The Magic Store

Movin' Right Along...

We don't really buy many CDs anymore, but I felt compelled to buy The Muppets soundtrack when it came out in conjunction with the excellent 2011 movie, which I had the pleasure of taking my parents to!


It comes with a booklet with lyrics to the original and classic Muppet songs.


This soundtrack, like the original, elicits a wide range of emotions.
Take the "Rainbow Connection" (Moopets Version).
I laugh!
I hear Kermit sing "Rainbow Connection", and I cry.


I listen to "Pictures in My Head", a wave of nostalgia rushes over me, and I laugh AND cry!


And the new songs are perfect Muppet songs.
I hear "Man or Muppet" and I'm singing that at the top of my lungs for the rest of the day.
Does my wife mind?
No, because she's singing along with me!


Beautiful packaging.


Have you ever wanted to hear Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" sung by a Muppet Quartet? Have you wondered what Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" would sound like clucked by chickens? Well here's your chance!



So, are you a man (or woman) or a Muppet?

Dinoland at Animal Kingdom . . . That flat car!

Dinoland at Animal Kingdom . . . That flat car!

By: Gaylin

I have a few places at Disney World where taking a photo is a must-do. One of them is in Dinoland in the Animal Kingdom. Every trip I say, "Time to take a photo in my new car!". Even if I am on a solo trip I get someone to take my photo, because it is "my car" . . . not yours!

I figured you didn't need to see all the flat car photos, 3 is plenty.
This first photo is from 2005, me and my shaved head again.

This photo is from 2006, we were on a tour at the Animal Kingdom and they all thought I was nuts to want the photo of the 4 of us and the tour guide (she is the one hanging off the back of the car). Then when it was time to take the photo, everyone hauled their cameras out.

This is from my first solo trip in April 20, 2008, taken by some random stranger! If you ever go on a solo trip, don't be afraid to ask cast members or strangers to take your photo. They will, can't say the photo will always work out but they will take one.

Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Mug

By: Nick

I love the graphics on this mug, purchased in 1996 at Walt Disney World, celebrating it's 25th anniversary, and just recently rediscovered in a box in my garage.



I know of only one other item with this image, a glass ball ornament I own, but I am on the lookout for more.



It's time to Remember the Magic!

Walt Disney World Kodak Watch, Lost and Found

By: Nick

As I've talked about in past posts, I have a lot of stuff. Much too much to display all at once. And, in my youth, I moved frequently, so would put stuff in boxes, not to be seen again for years. Many items are in our attic, basement, and garage.

I often will see something out at a flea market or antique shop, and say "I have that." My wife will say "Really? Where?".
To which I will sheepishly reply "I have no idea.".
 Sad, really.

While putting some stuff away in the garage, I opened a box, and there sitting on top, was this watch:


I remember this watch, just like I remember the magic. What I couldn't remember, is how it was distributed. I knew, obviously, it was a Disney World/ Kodak promotion, but could not remember if it was in store or mail away. A Google search has revealed it could be obtained with a proof of purchase from a roll of film and $7.95.
What's a roll of film? Kids, ask your parents.


I had a couple, and wore one. I put this in a box, to be rediscovered 15 (!) years later.


Made for Eastman Kodak Company, 1997.



I found another item in that box, also celebrating Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary.
Stop back tomorrow to see it!

Pete's Silly Sideshow

Over in the new Storybook Circus section of The Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland expansion, Pete, the perpetual Disney ne'er-do-well, has somehow managed to put together a sideshow of some of Disney's biggest stars!

Signs for this spectacle greet you as you enter this area, beckoning you to step right up!

The Sideshow is located to the right of Big Top Souvenirs.

Once you enter you are greeted by "Astonishing Acts of Curiosity", or Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Minnie as you've never seen them before!

Goofy is 'The Great Goofini", stunt goofster extraordinaire!

Donald is "The Astounding Donaldo",  snake mesmerist!

 

Daisy is "Madame Daisy Fortuna", teller of fortunes.

And Minnie is "Minnie Magnifique", with her dog act.

 

I found it somewhat interesting that the Imagineers chose the roles that most fit the personalities of the characters. Goofy, in his classic  "How To" cartoons, was a bit of a dare devil. Minnie is sweet, and her cartoons often have her interacting with dogs. And Donald and Daisy, let's be honest, have a bit more of an edge to them, and their roles here seem fitting.

There are PhotoPass photographers here to get your photos, as well as take pictures with your personal cameras.

The exit leads you directly into  Big Top Souvenirs, in case you are in need of a snack after all the excitement of Pete's Silly Sideshow!

 

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

Big Top Souvenirs at The Magic Kingdom

By: Nick

Ladies and Gentlemen, please direct your attention to the Storybook Circus portion of the New Fantasyland expansion, to discover the most stupendous, the most terrific, the most fantastic new shopping experience in all of Walt Disney World: Big Top Souvenirs!

That may have sounded like hyperbole, up there, but this really is a fantastic place, with a circus tent atmosphere located in the new Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom next to Pete's Silly Sideshow.

The fun starts before you even get inside the store. On one of the days we visited, 2 Cast Members were out front, and they were pin trading in a new and novel way.

The pins were presented on popcorn themed cushions! Love it!

 

The circus atmosphere continues throughout your shopping or dinning experience. 

I did say dining, as there is a snack section and a beverage section. I didn't have any of the goodies this trip, but will be sure to the next time I go to the circus.

It's great to see one of my all time favorite characters, Humphrey the Bear, represented. Not familiar with Humphry? Please check out some posts about him here.

There are circus cars all around the store, serving different purposes, such as this embroidery station.

Checkout locations.

They have all sorts of merchandise, from your basic Walt Disney World and Mickey Mouse tees...

... to special items, such as these hats, mugs and plates featuring Dumbo.

So come one, come all, to the newest and best store in all of Fantasyland: Big Top Souvenirs!

Disney Vacation Carry On: The Story Behind the Photo

Disney Vacation Carry On: The Story Behind the Photo

By: Gaylin

When I go to Walt Disney World, I only like to take carry-on luggage. The first time I ever flew to Florida, my luggage got lost, this must have been traumatic because I will cram every thing into carry-on, rather than take a bigger bag. Or it is because I am frugal and don't like paying for checked luggage. Either way, I can go to WDW for 9 nights with carry-on.

But . . . how many souvenirs can I bring home, if I am only taking carry-on? As it turns out, I can bring a lot! And yes, I did bring my clothes home.

 

Here is another photo of the loot, once I'd tidied up.

How to Avoid Over Packing on a Disney Vacation

I confess. I'm an over packer.

There are several reasons for this.

For one, we go to the parks early, and then return to the room for a nap or a swim. I don't want to wear the same sweaty shirt and such that I wore that morning. So, that's 2 shirts and extra underthings per day.

What if it rains? I need to bring a couple of extra pairs of socks and a couple more shirts, and yes, extra underthings, just in case.

I wear night clothes. Nothing outrageous, lounge pants, and a t-shirt. And, while I do re-wear the night pants, I often get up earlier than my wife (because I'm too excited to sleep!) and take a walk, which means I'm sweating up that shirt, and that means I'll need a new one for that evening.

What if I get a stain on my pants or shorts? Gotta bring at least a couple of extra pair of pants!

Then there are dress clothes. Do we have any fancy dinners planned? How many? Gotta have nice button down shirts for those. Maybe even a suit!

And I can't wear the same thing twice because I am going to have my picture posted on Instagram and scattered across several blogs and Facebook pages!

Then there's packing for cooler months!  Bulky clothes take up a lot of space in your suitcase.

Okay, let's see what I can do to cut back on some of this.

• Washing clothes is an obvious option. This would eliminate about 1/2 of the shirts, socks, and underclothing I usually bring.

• Stain stick would eliminate the need for extra shorts and pants due to spills.

• If I have multiple meals at fancy restaurants planned, one pair of dress pants would be sufficient.

• Have one or 2 shirts tops for exercise. I'm going to walk, get sweaty, and shower. I could just re-wear that exercise shirt the next day, since I'm going to shower anyway. Then I could re-wear the shirt that I used to sleep in.

• Re-wear jeans or shorts. 

• I'll pack closer to the time we depart. This is tough, I pack early, like a week prior to leaving. But that leads to over-packing in the cooler months. But if I watch the weather channel before  packing, I'll avoid packing unnecessary bulky clothes. 

• In those cooler months, a lot of sweaters and sweatshirts can be replaced by one jacket.

• I'm not on prescription medication, but do bring cold medicine, just in case, as well as aspirin, Airborne, and various other pharmaceuticals. I will take only a few of each, and put them in a plastic baggie, rather than have my bag look like an apothecary.

I hope some of these packing tips help you (and me!) on your future Disney Vacations.

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

Stop back tomorrow to see an article by Gaylin, who REALLY knows how to NOT overpack!