Category Archives: Things To Do Outside of the Parks

Something Crazy: Princess Half Marathon

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I did something crazy today. I registered to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon on February 22, 2015.

I am so nervous and here’s why:

I. Don’t. Run. 

The farthest I have ever run was when I ran the Royal Family 5k in February of 2011.IMG_1682Despite not having trained a lick for that race, it was so much fun. I knew that I wanted to run another race in Disney World, and every time I saw RunDisney post pictures of people crossing their half marathon finish lines, fists up and tutus flaring in celebration of their accomplishment, a feeling would rise up inside of me.

I want to do that.

I made up my mind when I was pregnant with Lorelai that 2015 would be that year. Given that it was probably going to be my last pregnancy, I wanted to really get in shape and feel good about myself and my body again after delivering her. For the past six months, I have been mildly working out {can’t get too aggressive after just giving birth, unfortunately} and trying to change a few bad eating habits I had developed over three and a half years of being in an almost constant state of pregnancy. {Seriously. During a forty-two month period, I was pregnant for almost thirty months! All of my stinkin’ late babies…} A few months ago I started training with a running app on my phone, and for the first time ever, I am actually starting to enjoy running. It is one of those couch-to-race apps, so it was slow going at first and honestly a bit too easy for me, but I didn’t want to skip ahead on the training schedule because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t pushing myself too much. I really want to accomplish this, and I don’t want my tendency to be impatient to get in the way of that.

I am currently at the point of running three to four miles on my long runs and I’m averaging an eleven to twelve minute mile. I know that is despicable to some, but for me, that is a really big deal. I’ve got nothing but time between now and next February and I am looking forward to where my training will lead. I am trying not to set my standards too high, as not to disappoint myself. My goal is to get across the finish line of a Disney half marathon, not crush a seven-minute mile average.

So here’s to setting goals and working hard. Here’s to running 13.1 miles in an athletic princess costume through Cinderella’s Castle! Here’s to…something crazy. Disney Princess Half Marathon, I’m coming for YOU! I’ll be the one in a tutu.

With love, Malorie

A Once Upon A Toy Rope Drop

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Rope drop (verb) – to arrive on time or early to the opening of a specific location. “I can ride most of the rides in Fantasyland in one hour if I rope drop the Magic Kingdom.” 

Rope drop is a term that is used quite often in the Elrods Go Disney vocabulary. We are firm believers in rope dropping. We’ve visited Disney in busy times and down times and each time we have been able to accomplish much if we just get there on time! And that’s with three kids four and under.

Last September, we discovered a new spot to rope drop! The Once Upon A Toy store at the Marketplace in Downtown Disney.

IMG_6032We are obviously early-risers, considering the ages of our children, so we were up and at ’em, had eaten breakfast, and were at Downtown Disney before many of the stores were open. The weather was cool, the crowds were sparse, and for a melancholy me, it was the perfect peaceful morning; slowly strolling the streets of one of my most favorite places on Earth with my awesome ohana.

As we walked past Once Upon A Toy, the woman on the far left of this picture approached us and asked if we would like to be their family of the day {or something like that}. She said our picture would be posted somewhere online {I can’t remember where, we never did seek it out}, and our boys could do the honors of turning on the toys and trains for the day. We excitedly accepted. Duh!

Luckily, Tim captured the happy moment on his iPhone. After performing the store-opening duties, Jack and Cole each received a certificate and small toy for their job well done. So. fun. Check it out! {To see the whole WDW Trip 2013 video, click here.}

While there, the boys also spent their souvenir money from their great-grandmother, MeMama. They got the Walt Disney World Railroad model train. Can you say spoiled rotten?

IMG_5977I think our boys would agree that this was one rope drop that was well worth the trip. We hope to do it again someday!

With love, Malorie

Five Things To Do on a Rainy Day in WDW

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My oh my, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine, just as the song says, is streaming through our living room window and the warmth it brings is a marvelous thing. We couldn’t say so a week ago. For about a week and a half we were all but drowning here in the south Atlanta burbs. And the wind! And the cold! Awful. It definitely didn’t feel like your typical Georgia May weather.

I’m really glad we are on an upswing, but all that dreary rain did was keep us longing for our trips to Disney. One morning, Tim and I even discussed our favorite things to do in WDW on a rainy day. “That,” I thought, “is a good thing to post about.” Especially for people that would not call themselves Disney goers, and would think it’s a waste of a day to have rain in Disney World.

So here are the Elrods’ top five things to do if it rains in WDW:

5. Stay in the parks! If you’ve got the proper gear {i.e.. warm jacket if it’s chilly, a raincoat/poncho, and shoes that can withstand the wetness}, and the gung-ho to stick it out, I say do it! The rain clouds will send the crowds a-runnin’ for gift shops and the transporation center, leaving lines short for the taking. And since many attractions are indoors {as are many of the queues}, the fun doesn’t shut down just because of a little precipitation. The show must go on! 25057_10151360525690630_1488896517_n

4. Try out Disney Quest. Personally, we have never gone to Disney Quest, but one of my besties just got back from a WDW vacation this March and she and her husband had great things to say about. Lots to do, tons of entertainment, and every single bit of it indoors!

3. Catch a movie. I know it may not be something special that you can only do in Disney, but when you’re stuck indoors, why not catch a flick? I saw a movie there when I was a teen with my other best friend, Stacey. It was a great theater. It has since been updated and even offers some Fork & Screen showings, as well. Check it out.

2. Go bowling! Aw man, we haven’t bowled a game there yet, but the new Splitsville is amazing. Tim and I gave it a walk-through when we were there in December and really wished that the wait time for a lane wasn’t so long. Which brings me to a heads up! You may want to call ahead to see if you can reserve a lane or get on a waiting list, because when it rains, this may be a popular destination. But once you’re there, you’re sure to have a fun distraction from the lousy weather. 553533_10151358694775630_567034760_n 188733_10151358694615630_1410275144_n

1. Enjoy. Your. Resort. I don’t think I can reiterate this enough. Enjoy. Your. Resort! Even if you are staying at an All-Star. Look, Tim and I know as well as anybody that staying on property at a WDW resort is expensive. That’s why we made the jump to Disney’s DVC. But we truly believe it is worth the price, because the resorts are nice and there are plenty of activities right there to keep you busy and making memories.

At the All-Stars, we have had many a fun night in, ordering pizza, sitting in the food court playing board games and dominos, while my dad and sister got filthy rich in yellow, paper tickets from the arcade. Some of those memories have bonded us the most. I’ll never forget playing dominos with my folks in the food court of Pop Century, when up walked Tim to surprise me. I had tagged along spontaneously with my parents on their quick-trip February getaway. Tim surprised me by taking a couple days off work and drove down to be with us. These were our kid-free days. Wow, to only imagine being so spontaneous these days. Ha!329_41522195629_7908_n 329_41766850629_1147_n

During these past few days of pouring down rain, Tim and I would daydream about being back at our beloved Wilderness Lodge, sitting in rocking chairs in front of the gigantic fireplace, watching the rain come down outside. All of the deluxe resorts have children and recreation rooms. Tim borrowed a board game from the Cubs Den at the Wilderness Lodge that we enjoyed, my sister and I colored and made refrigerator magnets at Bay Lake Tower, and the boys colored pictures while my sister made a drawstring backpack at Old Key West!  No, these aren’t considered five star entertainment ideas, but they are fun and relaxing, and a great alternative to sitting in your room, imitating Grumpy while you wish the rain away. However, if you do choose to sit cooped up in your room, at least turn on Stacey! There isn’t a trip where we don’t have on our list of things to do – Watch Stacey’s Top 7 Must See’s and her WDW “Must Do’s” from top to bottom at least one time through! {Elrod WDW Tip: This is the perfect thing to have on the TV while you’re unpacking to get you super excited that you’ve finally arrived!}IMG_4365

Well, there you go! Don’t be a downer if the rain sets in, try one of our five ideas to weather the storms in WDW. And hey, fellow Disney goers, what are some of your favorite ways to beat the rain?

With love, Malorie

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday: Resorts and Relaxation

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This week’s theme over at Focused on the Magic is Resorts & Relaxation. [Big sigh] This is my favorite one yet! My oh my, how we love to just kick it at the resorts. Definitely one of the perks of staying in a nicer resort is the freedom to feel like you don’t have to “go, go, go” all of the time. And personally, I believe that people haven’t experienced Disney the right way until they have stopped to take advantage of the plethora of things WDW has to offer outside of the parks. From the poolside bingo and trivia games at the value resorts to the surrey and bike rentals at the deluxe resorts, they all have something fun to offer on your lazy days at the Happiest Place on Earth.DSCF0945 190161_197037676984850_4542823_nDSCF1133 195915_197037830318168_1776177_nIMG_1616Don’t forget to hop along to other Wordless Wednesday posts, leaving love and pixie dust behind you!

With love, Malorie

 

Focused on the Magic

Trip Report: Christmas Surprise Day 1

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Ooo! Look at that! Another post that took me days to write to completion! You might want to refresh yourself on the backstory of this trip. All caught up? Okay great, let’s begin.

Well, Thursday rolled around very quickly. With Christmas being booked full of our usual family parties and traditions, we were left with only Wednesday to prepare for our trip. We went last minute shopping to make sure we had the house stocked with diapers and food for the boys, and bottled water, snacks, and the like to take with us on our trip.

We’ve got leaving for WDW down pat. It’s like a well-oiled machine.

Night before departure:

Fill up gas tank. Load the car of all luggage, minus the bathroom bag {we do still take the time to brush away our dragon breath in the morning}. Pre-set coffee maker. Set alarm for 4:30am, at the latest.

Morning of departure:

Tim’s alarm goes off. He jumps out of bed and readies himself. I roll around and moan, but not for as long as usual since we are going to WDW. After Tim finishes up his quick morning routine, I mosey to the bathroom and make myself presentable while he gathers last minute items {phone chargers, pillows, etc.} and pours our mugs of coffee. By the time he’s done, I’m done. And voila! {Wow. When I tell that story I sound like a real slug. And my husband sounds like a superhero. Eh. I guess that’s pretty accurate.}

Usually we have the boys to get up, as well, which we usually do last minute to encourage continued sleeping in the car {just change their diaper and carry them across the house in their jams to the carseat like you are carrying an egg on a spoon}, but this morning was nice because it was just the two of us. We were up and out of there in no time!

We arrived at our destination at about 11:30am. We unloaded the car, changed out of our comfy travel clothes and put on something a little more Date-Day worthy. Tim had Downtown Disney and resort hopping on the agenda for the day.

We started out with resort hopping. Since we are planning on buying in to DVC within the next few months, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Saratoga Springs were on the top of our list to visit because those are the only two DVC resorts we had yet to see. {Clarification: we have been to Animal Kingdom Lodge several times, but had never been over to Kidani Village to see the DVC area.}29601_10151358696410630_648119087_n 15427_10151358696300630_963819966_nWe started out there because we were hungry for lunch and decided a stop by The Mara at the Jambo House for a yummy bite to eat. We ordered the half chicken dinner with cous cous and vegetable stew to share. The veggie stew was sooo yummy. I could have just eaten a big bowl of that over cous cous and been perfectly happy. 530349_10151358918230630_239533904_nAfter eating, we headed over to Kidani Village to look around. We loved it. It was gorgeous; a little mini-Jambo House, with great views of the Savannah. We also browsed the gift shop {I picked up some trading pins for my little sister’s 13th birthday}, and stepped inside Sanaa for a sniff and peek. Consensus: smelled and looked good!525977_10151358696090630_589001126_n 407434_10151358695835630_609078105_n

We really enjoyed what little time we spent at Kidani Village, but we came to the conclusion that although the atmosphere is top notch and the boys would love it, we think the Animal Kingdom Lodge is going to remain a fun place to visit instead of a place to stay. Since staying at Bay Lake Tower and Wilderness Lodge, we have become the biggest of snobs when it comes to location. At this age and stage of our lives, Magic Kingdom is just the place we want to be, so staying close and at a resort that provides better transportation than lugging a double stroller and two kids two and under on to a lengthy bus ride is the way we want to go. So sorry, AKL. We love your restaurants and sweeping Savannah views, but as far the Elrods go, that’s probably the deepest we’ll venture into the South African wildlife.

Next we hit up the Art of Animation. Although, we know we will most likely never stay there either, we have been really excited to just take a look around. It was so great! Colorful, bright, excellently themed, and perfect for families with little ones that don’t fit the standard family-o-four room. Tim and I had fun just walking around, so I can’t imagine how excited Jack and Cole would be there. The food court was also pretty cool, and had many options that the other value resorts don’t offer. We were pretty tempted by a few items, but decided to save our snacketite for later. 1532_10151358695620630_183500229_n164675_10151358695720630_1159742274_n282923_10151358695250630_1464492533_n734638_10151358695115630_2125760763_n

Later turned out to be the next stop, which was Saratoga Springs. We walked through the main lobby, made the quick walk-through the gift shop/quick service stop {the set up there was a bit confusing to us…}, admired a mug we were tempted to buy, and grabbed an order of their house-made potato chips. Elrod WDW Tip: Those house-made chips {that you can get at several resorts and locations} taste super yummy dipped in ranch dressing or BBQ sauce. Just sayin’. 397589_10151358694990630_405584907_n400150_10151358919320630_224195795_n564768_10151358694845630_1487085791_n

Incase you haven’t noticed the poor quality of these pictures yet, the reason why they look so pixely is because we decided that on this trip we were going to have fun focusing on us. Each other. So we left the fancy-schmancy camera home and took what we felt compelled to capture via our crack-screened iPhone 4’s.

We had a nice time bumming around Saratoga Springs. We sat in the quick-service area for a while, dreaming and talking about DVC and missing our boys but not missing our boys all at the same time. We also at that time came to the conclusion that we felt similar feelings toward Saratoga Springs as we did toward AKL. Nice, but not our “home”. We definitely felt the lead to buy in at the Wilderness Lodge and make the “seven month switch” to Bay Lake Tower some years, if it’s available. DVC insiders, you know what we mean.

That being decided, we stood up, dusted the last few chip crumbs from our laps, and headed to Downtown Disney, feeling better bonded and more lovey-dovey than we had in a while. Dreaming with your spouse will do that to you. We are definitely advocates of spousal future dreaming.

Due to the fact that it was two days after Christmas, Downtown Disney was crowded! We had a little bit of trouble finding parking, but eventually found a place near Planet Hollywood. It was pretty tough getting around, but we were in heaven simply because we didn’t have a double stroller to, “Excuse me, excuse meeee..” through. We kept commenting to each other how we didn’t even care it was crowded because we didn’t have the boys to worry about. We were like two little mice, slipping in and out of flocks of strangers. We know where everything is and even short cuts here and there, so were unaffected by how many people were there.

We went in shops, got a mocha and biscotti from Ghirardelli, and snooped around the brand-spanking-new Splitsville. And let me just say, for those of you who rolled your eyes at the thought of a bowling alley in WDW, I say “Bah humbug!” That place was amazing! We are totally looking forward to knocking down some pins there in the near future.430804_10151358694435630_1846793425_n553533_10151358694775630_567034760_nAfter a while wandering around Downtown Disney, we were beat. Although adrenaline goes a long way, waking up at 4:30am can still take it’s toll on a body. We headed back to our place of stay, the same we stayed at on our Christmas trip in 2010, owned by an amazing and generous family we are blessed to know. Get this guys. We. took. a. nap!

Whaaa? I know. Two adults that have two toddlers got to take a nap. And it was glorious. One of those naps where you sleep so hard you don’t move so you wake up with lines imprinted on your face and arms. Yeah. So good.

We woke up, stretched, and surveyed the time. Late. Way past our dinnertime. Like 6:00! Woah!

Hey. We eat on toddler time. Dinner occurs in our house between 4:30 and 5:00 everyday. The fact that we wouldn’t eat dinner until 7:00ish made us feel even more footloose and fancy-free. We were walking on the wild side, I tell ya!

We chose Chevy’s. We had eaten there a couple years back with some of our best friends on a Braves Spring Training trip, and Tim had been salivating over the potential of eating there again ever since. Since we weren’t staying on property, it was an excellent opportunity. 557424_10151358918145630_1466200092_n

Once we’d finished our tacos and licked the cheese dip bowl clean, we did what all old farts do; headed back to the town home to turn in early. Ahhhh….Tim and I are going to make the best old people. And I can’t wait. But to our credit, we did want to get in bed on time because the next day was our one and only day in Magic Kingdom and we wanted to give it all we had.

Eeee! Just saying, “day in Magic Kingdom” gets me giddy. A sure sign of a Disney maniac, yes?

With love, Malorie

 

Christmas in July: Home for the Holidays

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One of the things I love about staying at Disney Resorts is the way they greet you when you walk in for the first time. “Welcome home!” they all say, and to the regular Disney Goer, that is exactly what it feels like when you walk through those doors or drive under that big Walt Disney World sign.

A much more fun and exciting home away from home; that’s how the Elrods view Disney, and at Christmastime it is decorated up in such a way that would make even Martha Stewart a little lightheaded. Although, not all of the resorts are worth your time at Christmas, visiting any of the Deluxe and even a few of the Moderate resorts can be exciting, inspiring, and at times, breathtaking. Oh and guess what the best part is…it’s free!

The easiest way to get around to the resorts is to use your own mode of transportation; aka: your car. All of the resorts will have some sort of security to get through, but tell them your reason for visiting and they will let you in, no problem. Also, be prepared to show a picture I.D. However, if you are visiting Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, there are some amazing resorts with even more amazing Christmas decorations that you can visit very easily using Disney Transportation, or your own two feet! Here’s a list of the nearby resorts and how you can get to them without driving:

From Magic Kingdom:

Contemporary Resort – short walk, monorail

Polynesian Resort – monorail, boat ride

Grand Floridian Resort – monorail, boat ride

Wilderness Lodge and Campgrounds – boat ride from Magic Kingdom or the Contemporary Resort

From EPCOT:

Beach and Yacht Club Resorts: short walk from the back gate of EPCOT

Boardwalk Resort: short walk from the back gate of EPCOT, or a boat ride

So now you know where to go, but what is there to see? Well, Disney definitely doesn’t skimp when it comes to Yuletide Magic, but two themes that you will notice the most are the exquisite Christmas trees and jaw dropping gingerbread creations.

The Christmas trees at Walt Disney World are just one of the things that Disney Cast Members work all year round to plan and perfect. Some are simple but ornate, some carry themes, and some sweep up to great heights of six stories tall! These vertically blessed trees are breathtaking sights to behold and are so large that they can be tough to capture in just one picture.

The Grand Floridian

The Wilderness Lodge

The gingerbread creations will leave you gawking, as well. I say creations because in Disney, just throwing together a little house with a Santa Clause-clad gummy bear on the roof is not their style. Imagine whole gingerbread villages and life-sized gingerbread trees! Or even better, a real, working carousel made of gingerbread with chocolate horses, or a gingerbread house so large that it is actually a little shop that they sell refreshments from! Disney makes it all possible and you just have to see it to believe it for yourself.

The Beach Club Resort

The Recipe:

36 lbs. of honey
96 lbs. of bread flour
100 pints of eggs
10 lbs. of spices
10 quarts of simple syrup
100 lbs. of icing
50 lbs. of dark chocolate
10 quarts of egg whites
100 lbs. of confectioner sugar

The Grand Floridian Resort

The Recipe:

1,050 lbs. honey
600 lbs. powdered sugar
35 lbs. spices
800 lbs. flour
140 pints egg whites
180 lbs. apricot glaze

Don’t think that trees and gingerbread will be all that you see at Christmastime in Disney. As you wander the halls and lobbies of these Disney Resorts you will also notice ornate wreaths, miles of garland, fun holiday merchandise in the gift shops, and Holly Jolly atmosphere music to boot.

Elrod WDW Tip: If you are staying at any of these hotels, check with the front desk and see if there is any special holiday events going on. You never know when you may encounter carolers in the corridors or pictures with Santa in the lobby. You may even get a glimpse of main mouse, himself…

You never know what surprises Disney will dream up when you make Walt Disney World your home for the holidays.

A Beachy Keen Day at WDW

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According to my paper chain, we have 26 more days until my family and I get to soak up the sun on the sand! We can’t wait. But did you know that there are some great beachy spots right in Walt Disney World? C’mon! Grab your towel and sun screen and I’ll tell ya all about them.

Soaking up the sun is easy to do in Disney, with each Disney resort having its own excellently themed and impeccably kept pool areas. However, if feeling the sand in your toes is up your alley, then I bet you would love the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resort pool.

Located between the Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts, Stormalong Bay stretches over three acres of land and is home to one of the nation’s largest sand bottoms pools! With jacuzzi areas, a quiet area, whirlpools, a lazy river, and tanning deck, this pool wouldn’t be complete without one of the tallest and longest water slides at any resort on Disney property. Climb aboard the shipwrecked boat to slip down the partially closed, ever popular slide. Stormalong Bay also has a large sand bottomed Kiddie Pool that is surrounded by sand, as well, so the little ones can dig and play to their heart’s delight.

Hungry? Step over the pool-side Beaches & Cream to grab a burger, or that Kitchen Sink I mentioned before. Hurricane Hanna’s also offers up burgers, fries, and quick snacks for the starving swimmer.

Oh, and did I mention that the EPCOT World Showcase entrance is just a short walk away from Stormalong Bay?

Another resort pool that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of Disney and into a tropical beach location is the Polynesian Resort. This is Tim’s favorite resort, but the fact that it has some of our favorite restaurants helps. The Polynesian pool is always a sight to behold, tucked in between luscious palm trees and centered around a 40 foot volcano! You can also slide down a 142 foot slide, or sit under a waterfall!

If strolling along the beach alone, or hand-in-hand with your honey, is a love of yours, the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Beach Club, and Yacht Club Resorts all have beaches where you can make that dream come true. True, you won’t have real ocean waves washing ashore, but there will be small lake waves! And if you time it right, you could watch the nighttime fireworks display at Magic Kingdom from the white sandy beaches of the Polynesian or Grand Floridian Resorts.

Now that’s what I call the best of both worlds.

Top 7 WDW Frozen Sweet Treats

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The past two weeks I have been blogging off the beaten path, you might say, and talking about things to do at Walt Disney World that are reminiscent of a beach vacation. With the southern sun heating things up to the low 90’s today and humidity levels at 35%, I can’t help but think about yummy, frozen, sweet treats to help me cool down.

So today I am bringing you the official Elrod countdown of our Top 7 Walt Disney World Frozen Sweet Treats! (Yeah…maybe 7 is a random number, I was going to do Top 5, but we just have too many favorites!)

#7. Itzakadoozie

Where to find it: Almost anywhere! It is sold at almost all of the ice cream carts found throughout Disney property.

Itzakadoozie is pretty much just what it says it is; a kadoozie of a popsicle! Although this is one of my little sister’s favorite treats, I have to admit, standing in a line in the hot Florida sun is a little more enjoyable when you are licking a huge rainbow popsicle. This is a common favorite amongst the kiddos.

#6. Frozen Banana

Where to find: This one is pretty easy to find as well, since it is also sold at ice cream carts located in many Disney hot-spots.

Personally, I am not a big banana fan, but several of my family members have enjoyed this frozen snack! Dipped in chocolate, and commonly rolled in nuts, this is a frozen treat that won’t leave you feeling as guilty when you’ve finished. I mean hey, at least you met some of your daily potassium intake, right? Think of it as a frozen, chocolate-covered vitamin. Yum!

#5. Dole Whip

Where to find: Aloha Isle Refreshments in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, and Capt. Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort.

We actually went to Disney several times before trying the Dole Whip. We heard so many people rave about them, but had just never tried one. But boy are they yummy, and a tasty way to cool down too! Dole Whip is a non-dairy, soft serve that can be purchased by itself in a cup or served with pineapple juice as a float!

#4. Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar

Where to find: Almost anywhere they sell ice cream!

C’mon. It’s a classic! You know you want one. This chocolate dipped, vanilla ice cream on a stick is a must-have at least once on every trip! And don’t forget to take a picture! That’s classic too.

#3. Kona Cone

Where to find: The Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort.

Oh. My. Word. If you have kids, you have got to spoil them a little and let them try this amazing ice cream cone. But you see, it is not just any ice cream cone! It is huge, and homemade just moments before you eat it. Filled with two heaping scoops of ice cream (one chocolate, one vanilla), it is also decorated with fun-colored sprinkles, drizzled with chocolate syrup, with a chocolate medallion Mickey Mouse perched on top. Serving as a fun and sugary garnish, cotton candy is wrapped around the base of the cone and scattered with M&M’s for a slash of color. Can you say fun? Can you say YUM? Fun-yum. That is what this dessert is, even for adults.

#2 Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Where to find: The Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom.

Tim and I actually stumbled upon this treat a few years ago when we were trying to use up a snack credit on our Dining Plan. The menu said that a snack credit covered a Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich. Sounded good. So we tried it. Little did we know we would get the chance to pick our two favorite fresh-baked Main Street Bakery cookies and which kind of ice cream we would like to go inside! We thought it would be a small, pre-made sandwich. No siree, and let me tell you it was delicious. We have had different combos since, but that first ever Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich was vanilla ice cream sandwiched in between one sugar cookie, and one chocolate chip cookie. Delicious. Zero calories too, I’m sure. I mean, look at the size of that thing! You have to try it!

#1. The Kitchen Sink

Where to find: Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

Confession: We have never actually tackled the Kitchen Sink, but we plan to soon, and I just couldn’t not have it as the number one frozen treat in Walt Disney World! I have never heard of someone hating the Kitchen Sink, and I think I know why. Click the link below to see just what it is all about.

How to Make the Legendary Disney Kitchen Sink Dessert

See why it’s number one? I can’t wait to try it for myself!!

Well, I hope you enjoyed the Elrod countdown of our Top 7 Walt Disney World Frozen Sweet Treats! See you Friday for more Fun Facts ‘n Trivia!

Disney’s Wide World of Water Sports

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Last week we found out that Typhoon Lagoon is a great place to hang 10 with the waves, but there is another lagoon in Walt Disney World that offers up a whole slew of water sports for your whole family. Where, you ask? Seven Seas Lagoon, right outside of Magic Kingdom, and it’s adjoining Bay Lake! Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Centre, located at the Contemporary Resort Marina, invites you to have all the fun you can splash up in Walt Disney World.

*Note Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Centre requires all those 18 and under to have adult permission and an adult must be present when any/all waivers are signed.

Parasailing!

Take a solo ride, or ride with a friend, at least 450 feet above the lake for a bird’s eye view of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. You must be five years or older to ride with weight  requirements between 125 lbs – 330 lbs. Flights take place seven days a week, weather permitting, between 9:00-4:30 in summer seasons, and 10:00-4:30 in winter seasons. Pricing is as follows:

Single Flights :

Regular – $95+ tax per flight (8-10 minutes at 450 feet)

Deluxe – $ 130+ tax per flight (10-12 minutes at 600 feet)

Tandem Flights:

Regular – $170+ tax per flight (8-10 minutes at 450 feet)

Deluxe – $195+ tax per flight (10-12 minutes at 600 feet)

Water Sports!

If feeling the wind in your hair and catching air on the wakes is more your style, then Sammy Duvall’s got you covered. Snag a boat that can hold up to five guests and water ski, wakeboard, kneeboard, and tube to your hearts’ delight. Pricing is as follows:

$85 + tax: 30 minutes

$165 + tax: One hour

$185 + tax: Premium Trip includes pick up and drop off for Bay Lake Resorts

Personal Watercraft!

Last, but not least, in the waters of Walt Disney World you can take a guided or non-guided excursion on your own personal wave runner! Wave runners hold up to three guests with maximum weight limit 400lbs. You must be 16 or older and contain a valid driver’s license and photo ID to drive the wave runners. Pricing is as follows:

$135 + tax: One Hour guided excursion

$80 + tax: 30 minutes non-guided

$135 + tax: One hour non-guided

For reservations to do any or all of these WDW activities, call 407-939-0754. Reservations are recommended and can be made 90 days in advance. Also know that there is a 24 hour cancellation policy.

So what do ya think? Would you ever consider taking a day off from the parks to set sail and splash around in Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon? There really is no end to the amount of fun you can have on your next WDW vacation…it’s all up to you!

Surfin’ WDW

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Of course every time I think of surfing, Surfin’ USA by the Beach Boys plays in my head…a token summertime fun-in-the-sun song.

Personally, I have never gone surfing. And honestly, I’m not really that interested. 🙂 I am a lay-on-the-sand kinda girl…a wiggle-my-toes-in-the-water kinda girl…a maybe-get-waist-deep-in-the-water kinda girl. Mostly it’s because of the sea critters.

I don’t do sea critters.

However, if I was ever going to learn how to surf, I know exactly where I would go. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon!

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is just one of two Disney water parks. It’s complete with nine waterslides, a Shark Reef where you can snorkel with real-live sharks and tropical fish, and a Surf Pool where six foot waves wash ashore every 90 seconds!

A Surf Pool, with guaranteed ride-worthy waves every 90 seconds and NO creepy sea critters?

Yup! That would definitely be my kind of surfing!

Also, for the rest of you beginners out there, you can take surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon! With class sizes of no larger than twelve, two instructors will teach you how to ride the waves better than Lilo and Stitch. Lessons take place early in the morning on select days before the park opens, and include soft-sided surfboards for use during the lesson, half an hour of on-land instruction, and then two hours to surf the crystal-clear waters of Typhoon Lagoon. To set up your surfing lesson call (407) WDW-PLAY or email WDPRSurfingPrograms@email.disney.com. You must be 18 or older to make the appointment, but you only have to be 8 years or older to hang 10 on the waves.

If you are a more experienced surfer, you can actually rent out Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool for your very own 100 Wave Surf Event! You can invite your friends and throw a party where you know the waves won’t let you down. For more information call (407) WDW-SURF.

See? Just one more beach-fun activity that you can do right in Walt Disney World! Why would you ever vacation anywhere else again?

“Everybody’s gone surfin’, Surfin’ WDW!”