Beyond the Burger: Best Meal Options Using Disney's Quick Service Dining Plan

Dining at Disney is one of my favorite topics. Partially because there are so many great restaurants to choose from, but also because I love that Disney offers 3 great dining plans. For me, adding one of the dining plans is a great way to take care of a big part of your vacation expenses ahead of time. There are not many all-inclusive vacation destinations in America, but a Disney vacation package comes very close.

There are 3 dining plans to choose from and I am a big fan of 2, the Plus and Deluxe Plans. The 3rd plan, the Quick Service Plan has always left me a little lukewarm. Not because it isn't enough food, but because of the type of food that is usually available on the Quick Service Plan. The Quick Service generally equals counter service meals. Counter service meals usually equal hamburgers and hot dogs. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good burger or dog now and then, but not every day. So I always tended to shy away from the Quick Service Plan. But I have been really thinking about it and I think the Quick Service Plan is catching a bad rap. So I have decided to prove myself wrong and create a list of restaurants and dishes that will break you away from the typical counter service meals.

Park-by-park, here are some of my suggestions for restaurants and dishes:

Magic Kingdom

Friar's Nook-While not exactly healthy, Friar's Nook recently added 3 different types of gourmet mac & cheese menu. Granted one is a cheeseburger mac, it's still better than an actual cheeseburger.

Tomorrowland Terrace-You can get 2 different salads at the Tomorrowland Terrace that will take you away from the standard Caesar or House salad. The Citrus Shrimp Salad and the Beef & Blue salads offer some unique flavors to choose from.

Be Our Guest Braised Pork

Diamond Horseshoe-The Diamond Horseshoe offers 3 really yummy sandwiches, the Hand-carved Turkey, and Hand-carved Pork Brisket, and the Portobello Sandwich. Bonus, you can get apple slices or chips as a side.

Columbia Harbour House-This restaurant has some really great options for the vegetarians with the Lighthouse Sandwich and Vegetarian Chili. Besides their famous Battered Fish Platter and New England Clam Chowder, they also have a nice Grilled Salmon plate as well.

Be Our Guest-The newest edition to the Magic Kingdom quick service restaurant collection is really breaking the mold and redefining "fast food". Not only because it's the only quick service restaurant that you can make a Fastpass plus reservation for, but the menu really stand out. The Braised Pork and Tuna Nicoise are two examples of this. Not to mention the Croque Monsieur Sandwich and Quinoa Salad.


Animal Kingdom

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes- This one is a favorite of mine. Asian inspired dishes served in easy take and go Chinese food containers like the Honey Chicken and the Teriyaki Beef Bowl are fun, fast and delicious as well. The Ginger Chicken Salad is another winner, and for vegetarians, the Roasted Vegetable Couscous Wrap is a great option.

Flame Tree BBQ Pork Sandwich

Flame Tree BBQ- I would like to begin and end with the best thing to eat it the entire park-the Pork Sandwich. BUT-the whole concept of a pork sandwich isn't groundbreaking or new. But it is GOOD! There are also some other great dishes, like Smoked Chicken Salad and the Baked Ribs & Chicken Combo plate are both great.




Hollywood Studios

Min & Bill's Dockside Diner- Here we get to revisit Macaroni & Cheese with 2 fun combos, the Barbecued Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese and the Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese.

Starring Rolls Cafe-While you can get a few varieties of sushi rolls here, if you want to go the route of Marie Antoinette and "let them eat cake", then a stop in here is in order. I may or may not have been guilty of foregoing a traditional meal for one of their famous cupcakes. The Butterfinger, the Chocolate Peanut Butter and the Red Velvet Cheesecake cupcakes are decadent and HUGE!

Studio Catering Company- Sandwiches are the word here. Fresh flavors like Toasted Tuscan Deli, Spicy Buffalo Chicken, and Grilled Vegetable, are a nice change from the standard ham & cheese, and plain old turkey. And while they do have a Turkey Club-applewood smoked bacon, roasted red peppers and arugula give it personality.

Fairfax Fare-Now I said I was staying away from burgers and dogs, I think their take on hot dogs needs to be mentioned. Macaroni and Cheese & Truffle Oil Hot Dog, and Barbecued Pork and Cole Slaw Hot Dog, are more than your typical dog on a bun. Of course you can also grab a nice Chicken & Spareribs plate as well.


Epcot

Because there are so many great options, I am going to move a little quicker and break the park up into 2 sections-Future World and World Showcase.

World Showcase

La Cantina de San Angel Tacos de Barbacoa

Lotus Blossom Cafe-Much like the Yak & Yeti, great Asian dishes.

Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles-Great soups. Great sandwiches. And a great place to have dessert first. What? It's vacation!

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar-Antipasti, Paninis and Small Plates and wine! Nosh to your hearts delight.

Katsura Cafe-Sushi, Udon, & Teriyaki Plates. And if you're a sake or plum wine fan-this is your place.

La Cantina de San Angel-Tacos, FANTASTIC nachos, Margaritas and Paletas (Fresh fruit pops).

Tangerine Cafe-One word: Shawarma!

Yorkshire County Fish Shop- Fish+Chips+Cold Beer=Awesome. Enough said.

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar Antipasti, Paninis & Desserts

Future World

Sunshine Seasons Mongolian Beef

Sunshine Seasons- This is easily the best quick service option in the park-maybe even all the parks, simply for how many choices there are at this restaurant. This is my go-to when I just can't look at another burger or even Caesar salad. Oak Grilled Salmon, Mongolian Beef, and Spicy Thai Green Curry Shrimp are just some of the delicious choices available in this restaurant. Selections change daily, but there is always so much to choose from that you are guaranteed to find something to satisfy everyone in the family.






Downtown Disney (Soon to be Disney Springs)

I couldn't compose a list like this and leave out THE BEST value in all of the quick service restaurants, Wolfgang Puck Express and it's close runner competitor, Earl of Sandwich.

Earl of Sandwich-Simple idea, done oh so right. Soup, salads and sandwiches. My personal favorite sandwich is The Original 1762, should be on every menu in the whole Kingdom. They also do some really fantastic wraps as well.

Wolfgang Puck Express-I truly saved the best for last with Puck's Express. At Puck's you can turn a quick service credit into Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Oven Roasted Salmon, Spaghetti & Meatballs, or a variety of delicious, huge pizzas. If you are a fan of Macaroni & Cheese-Puck's is NOT to be missed. Seriously-do not put off trying it. But no matter which great dish you have-make sure to save room for my absolute favorite quick service dessert-Creme Brûlée with Berries. I did mention this is all for 1 quick service meal credit, right?

Wolfgang Puck Express Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

Wolfgang Puck Express Macaroni & Cheese

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**Besides being the owner and travel professional of Snapshot Getaways, Lisa is an avid traveler, food nerd, blogger & podcaster. Her answer to pretty much everything is food or travel, and is happiest when the solution includes both. You can contact her at Lisa@ SnapshotGetaways.com, to talk food, travel, Disney-whatever.

Top 5 Nap Spots in Animal Kingdom

Back to my series on napping in Disney World.  Sometimes those little legs just need a rest, so here are my Top 5 Nap Spots in Animal Kingdom.  Animal Kingdom is a great park to find napping nooks, so keep an eye out.  Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order:

1. The Tree of Life-In and around the Tree of Life are tons of benches, many covered by tree canopy. Find a shady spot and cross those fingers.  Usually you will have no problem finding an empty bench, unfortunately you aren’t near any amenities like bathrooms or food.
2. Rafiki’s Planet Watch-Hopefully taking the Wildlife Express Train will put your little one in the mood to nap.  From then on, find a spot.  Inside the Conservation Station can be a little noisy, but lighting is dim and there is air conditioning.  Older children can explore with another adult in the Affection Station (aka Petting Area).  While bathroom facilities are great, no food options are available except for a snack cart so plan ahead.
3. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail-You will need to get through the more congested areas, but I find the Gorilla Trail to be a great nap spot.  People are encouraged to speak quietly so as not to scare the Gorillas, so it can be a peaceful place to relax.  Once in there you are cut off from amenities, but there are plenty of exciting sights.
4. Walkway from Africa to Asia-You should be able to find a quiet corner along this walk.  Look along the river for great benches and a beautiful view.  Check the Flights of Wonder schedule and go in-between shows.  It can be a tad noisy if the crowds are large, but you are centrally located and can walk off the main drag down the smaller paths.  
5. The Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A.-This one is hit or miss depending on your child’s age.  The Dino Dig area is covered and shaded, if you can get your baby to ignore everything else going on around them.  Any older kids can explore the rest of the Boneyard.  Bathrooms and food opportunities are available right outside, although you are not allowed to bring food into the Boneyard.

Disney Devotee Tips-Animal Kingdom is so expansive that walking around with your little one in the stroller may be all it takes to put them to sleep.  Then you can grab yourself a treat and take a rest on the nearest bench. 

Good Luck getting your Little One to sleep.  Animal Kingdom can be done less than a day, so perhaps this is a day to head back to the room for a good, long nap.  If you have older children that still want to explore and ride Expedition Everest over and over, have one parent stay behind.  Happy Napping!

Maria is a Travel Planner with Snapshot Getaways.  You can follow her facebook page or contact her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com to plan your next trip!

Christmas in the Rest of "The World"

Everyone knows that the Magic Kingdom is the place to be during the holidays.  At least everyone that read my last article, Christmas in the Magic Kingdom.  Now, I'm going to continue my Christmas series and discuss what happens during the Holiday season at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is like Santa's Workshop.  Everything you need to fill your stockings surrounds you at every turn.  If I had an unlimited shopping experience at Downtown Disney my first stop would be the LEGO imagination center.  Actually it's where my husband and kids would blow the most money.  They would stock up on unique Lego pieces and then get a set to put together when they got home.  Me, well I would take my half and spend it all at Once Upon a Toy and Disney's Day of Christmas.  Once Upon a Toy is where I would splurge on some Mr. Potato Head pieces (for my sons of course) and get a few board games for the upcoming winter months.  Disney's Days of Christmas store not only has ornaments, but holiday goodies such as cocoa, chocolate and cookies.  Great gifts to bring home for those unlucky enough not to be at Disney with you.  Everywhere you turn there is a variety of one of a kind shops to make everyones holiday merrier.

After  you've completed your holiday shopping, Downtown Disney boasts some holiday events.  Here is where you will find the big man himself, Santa Claus.  Starting November 14th through New Years Day (times vary), you can meet Santa and give him your wish list in his chalet.  Note:  In past years, December 25th through January 1st, Santa was replaced by Santa Goofy.  My guess is that Santa has a few things to do?  Santa's Village is located next to the World of Disney Store.  Purchase a cocoa at Ghirardelli and stroll through to take in the lights, stilted Toy Soldiers and Holiday musical
performances.  Treat your children to a ride on the small holiday train or the elegant carousel.

Mickey Mom's Tip:  Have someone stay with your children and make a night of it.  Either use Disney's childcare options or beg Grandma to put them to bed.  Then head out to do your shopping in peace and privacy.  Enjoy a couples dinner at any of the fantastic restaurants in Downtown Disney.



Hollywood Studios

Like the other parks, Hollywood Studios has a specially decorated tree at its entrance.  Covered in movie feel and old reels, reminding you where Disney began.  However, the reason to visit Hollywood Studios at Christmas is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  Jennings Osborne from Arkansas once has an extravagant display of Christmas lights and decorations.  So much so that he purchased the property next to his so that he could make his display larger.   In 1995 Jennings decided to give all his lights and decorations to Disney so they would be on permanent display during the holiday season.  I think there might have been some push from the local residents in his hometown to make this happen.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is not to be missed.  The show begins at dusk and ends at midnight, beginning November 7th and is included with your admission to Hollywood Studios.  Every building in the Streets of America section is covered in millions of lights and lighted sculpture.  There are lights between the buildings and over your head. Every 10 minutes or so these lights are set to music and the magic begins.  Grab a hot cocoa and take it all in.  I can't seem to find the words to express how breathtaking this experience is. If you are lucky, your evening will be capped off by a little Disney "snow.

Mickey Mom's Tip:  This is not to be missed if you are in Disney for the holidays.  Make the evening special by treating yourself to a cocoa and a holiday dessert.  Then find a park bench in the Streets of America.  There are tons of hidden gems in the show, so don't forget to look at the windows on the buildings.

Animal Kingdom

Of all the parks, there is definitely less of the "typical" Christmas characteristic here; more organic but magical none the less. When visiting you will notice less of the holiday decor for the protection of the inhabitants and considering the theme of the Animal Kingdom. That is not excuse not to make a visit during your holiday trip. Their Tree is filled with African and Asian art pieces, animal themed of course. 

Mickey Mom's Tip: The characters at Adventurers Outpost will be in their holiday costumes. Swing by for a unique photo opportunity that will be sure to remind you of your special trip to Disney.



Epcot

Epcot during Christmas is one of my favorite places. This is actually where we spent Christmas Day during our trip. It was less crowded and we had our Christmas Dinner at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion. Epcot has many special events during the holiday season. The most popular is the Candlelight Processional. The story of Christmas is read by celebrity narrators and accompanied by an orchestra and choir. In 2014 it will be held nightly from November 29th to December 30th at the American Gardens Theater. Times are 5pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm, but get there early to get a seat. This performance is free with your paid Epcot admission, but Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages are also available for an additional cost. Your reservation will guarantee seating and premium fireworks viewing. They include a meal of your choice at many Epcot restaurants. Reservations can be made with your Disney Travel Planner or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE and selecting "special dining events". Tickets are on sale now. At of this time here are the announced celebrity narrators:

2014 Candlelight Processional

Another reason to make time at Epcot during the holidays is to tour the World Showcase. Each pavilion boats a Storyteller who shares to traditions of Christmas in their country. Each Storyteller takes a different approach to entertaining the visitors. In Mexico the Three Kings put on a show and in China they share how the New Years celebration is most important to them. Several pavilions boast a Santa Claus, La Befana (Italy) or Father Christmas in detail detailed costume. In 2014 from November 29th through December 30th, Storytellers are available daily. Santa and Mrs. Claus can be seen in the American Pavilion from November 29th to December 24th.  Check your times guides for a schedule when you arrive at the park. Each pavilion also sells in their shops treats, ornaments and holiday treasure that you will not find anywhere else without a passport.





Mickey Mom's Tip: If you children still believe in Santa be sure to have some answers to their questions about all the different Santa's. We told our son that these were just actors pretending to be Santa and that the real Santa changes his clothes depending on which country he visits. Just be ready for THAT question!

Are you looking to book a Holiday vacation to Walt Disney World?  Contact me at maria@snapshotgetaways.com for a quote.

Update on Refurbishments-October 2014

Magic Kingdom Park
Walt Disney World Railroad The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Haunted Mansion Splash Mountain Cinderella's Royal Table Harmony Barber Shop	Sep. 29 - Nov. 7, 2014 Sep. 29 - Nov. 7, 2014 Nov. 10 - 21, 2014 Dec. 1 - 19, 2014 Jan. 4 - 30, 2015 Jan. 5 - Mar. 6, 2015 Feb. 2 - Mar. 30, 2015
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Fantasmic!	Nov. 19 - 21, 2014
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Pangani Research Center - Aviary and Hippo viewing closed Affection Section Kali River Rapids	Sep. 2 - Nov. 14, 2014 Oct. 7 - Nov. 10, 2014 Jan. 20 - Feb. 2, 2015

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Closed for Annual Refurbishment	Oct. 26, 2014 - Jan. 3, 2015
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Closed for Annual Refurbishment	Jan. 4 - Mar. 14, 2015

Disney's All Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court Note'able Games Arcade will serve as a temporary location for grab-and-go meals such as sandwiches, salads, and bakery items. Transportation will be provided for Guests who wish to dine at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort or Disney's All-Star Movies Resort. Pizza and other items available for in-room delivery daily from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.	Aug. 4 - Dec. 19, 2014
Note'able Games Arcade Guests may visit the arcades available at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort and Disney's All-Star Movies Resort.	Jul. 26 - Dec. 19, 2014
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
Uwanja Camp Water Play area not available	Sep. 22 - Oct. 24, 2014
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Guest Room Renovations Guest rooms will be refurbished with new hard and soft goods. Guests will not be accommodated in the affected areas but it is possible that some noise could travel while work is in progress (between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily).	Oct. 13, 2014 - Aug. 22, 2015
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
General Construction The east portion of the beach (near the Transportation and Ticket Center) and Sunset Point are being refurbished and are unavailable. Guests may see or hear work in progress.	Dec. 2013 - Mar. 2015
Great Ceremonial House - Lobby The atrium is being reimagined to highlight the cultural elements of Polynesia and provide more expansive views. At certain times of day, there may be some noise and alternative paths of travel may be needed throughout the Great Ceremonial House. To enhance the check-in experience, Guests are encouraged to participate in Online Check-In.	Mar. - Dec. 2014
Nanea Volcano Pool and Slide The main pool and slide will be closed for enhancements. Guests who stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort while the main pool is closed will receive one complimentary ticket for each member of their party to visit Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park during their stay.	Jul. 28, 2014 - early 2015
Samoa Snacks Merchandise Location Closure	Aug. 29, 2014 - TBD
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Silver Creek Springs Pool The main pool and slide will be closed for enhancements. During this time, the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge will remain open. Guests will also have the opportunity to visit either the Main Pool at Disney's Contemporary Resort or the Meadow Swimmin' Pool at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Complimentary transportation will be provided to both of these neighboring resorts.	Sep. 3 - Nov. 27, 2014
Trout Pass Pool Bar	Sep. 3 - Nov. 27, 2014
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Guest Room Renovations Renovation work is scheduled to take place between 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. No guests will be accommodated in the renovation area as to minimize impact on the guest experience.	Aug. 20, 2014 - TBD

Downtown Disney® Area
Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that Guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Downtown Disney and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences.	Through Mar. 2016 

Backstage Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Hey Disney Devoted Fans!!! It's Dulcie again and I just recently had a client that went to Disney's Animal Kingdom and took her daughter on the Backstage Safari tour for her 19th Birthday!
(It's good to see my family isn't the only one that likes to make these tours extra Birthday surprises)

I asked her a few questions that I thought everyone would like to know about the tour and she sent me some photos to use in this post too.

I just want to say THANK YOU Brianne for sharing your experience with us all.

How many guests were in your tour group?

There were 8 guest total, including Cheyenne and me. This gave us all the opportunity to get to know each other just a bit and so felt a bit more relaxing versus a huge group.

In your opinion were there too many people or was it perfect for the type of tour you were doing?
Eight people was the perfect amount of guests. I personally think that anything over 12 guests on this particular tour would be too many.The reason why is that once you are on the Safari Truck, the less crowded the seats are the better opportunity to take pictures without having someone in your way. From the size of the van they provided for the first part of the tour, my guess would be that 12 might be the maximum per group, but I could be wrong

Did you find the Backstage Animal Safari physically challenging or was it a pretty easy tour? 

Backstage Safari was an easy tour.  It started out at the meeting place by the front of the park. We then walked at an easy pace through a small portion of the park in order to get to the transportation van.  When in the van, we drove over to the animal holding area for the rhinos and elephants. After that tour, we rode in the van to the nutrition building, then walked across the parking lot to the veterinary hospital.  We did our tour and were able to sit for about 15 minutes in the classroom, get some water and use the restrooms. Back into the van and off to the area where we would catch the Safari bus. The road the Safari bus drives on is bumpy, but not to the point of discomfort. (I had injured my back just days before this trip and the road didn't make it any more uncomfortable).  We started our tour at 8:30am and so it was nice weather and the animals were out and visible throughout the ride.

Do you think that this tour was informational and did you learn a lot of new things about the care of the animals in the park?

The tour was very informational and it shows how humane and secure their holding areas are.  In the nutrition portion of the tour, we saw the staff preparing the meals for the next day and it was very interesting as to how the measure out everything, what goes into the meals and the freshness of the food. I think for the older kids, it gives them the opportunity to see what types of opportunities there are for careers within the park.

Did you get to touch or hold any of the animals?

Unfortunately we did not get to touch or pet any animals. I was going to ask if we could touch the Rhino mom and baby, but then then decided not to.  Simply because I assumed it could be harmful to them if anyone on their multiple tours had something that they could transmit to the animals without knowingly doing so.

What were the highlights of the tour for you personally?

#1- I would say the Safari Ride out to see the animals.

#2 The nutrition area and holding pens, especially since the happened to have a mom & baby Rhino there.

#3. Vet hospital was good because the tour guide was very knowledgeable about some of the lab tests and procedures being implemented on the animals and one of the lab techs was there and gave us quite a bit of

interesting info and even shared a couple pictures. 
However, we (especially Cheyenne since she wants to be a veterinarian) were very disappointed that there wasn't more to the vet hospital tour, for example - we thought we would have the opportunity to have a question

answer session with one of the vets there on duty, or a more in-depth tour of the facility, but it was only the lab that we got to see.

#4- The short, yet informational walking tour as we started out.   I was a bit disappointed that the elephants were already out of their holding pens by the time we got to that part of the tour, but looking back I don't think that there was anything saying there would.

Do you think that you would do it again in the future or was one time enough to say you had the experience?

We would do it again, especially if we had someone with us that had never been.  My reason for going again would be the Safari Ride with such a small group was more relaxing than trying to squeeze into the safari bus with a load full of strangers. 

What are 3 tips you have for someone going on this tour?

The weather didn't really affect us since we were riding in an air conditioned van and the safari ride in the bus was mostly shaded. Definitely bring a camera, but you have to be quick with taking the pictures as our bus only paused for seconds before moving on. Sunglasses helped because we would go from inside a bldg. and back out into the bright sun, but not needed in general for the riding around.

Do you think that the tour was too short or too long time wise?

We felt it was the perfect length of time.  We started at about 8:30am and were done by 11:30 am.  And that was even with folks asking questions and several park staff giving us lots of fun side stories about a variety of things.

The Backstage Safari Tour is not to be confused with the Wild Africa Trek.
Cost per person $72.00 +tax and is for ages 16 + *no exceptions will be made and you must provide a photo ID when checking in*.
They do offer discounted tickets to AP holders, DVC members and Disney Visa card holders.
A portion of the proceeds from the tours are donated to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

                     All information is current at the time of this blog post.
*Photos and personal interview courtesy of Brianne Hoover.These photos are not to be used or shared without permission.

 

A little about Dulcie...

I am a native Floridian who has been traveling to Disney World since 1976! I am Submariners wife,Mommy to a 9 yr old "Princess" Imagineer in Training and Travel Agent Extraordinaire with Snapshot Getaways. I earned my ears 4 years ago with Disney College of Knowledge and have enjoyed every Magical booking since.

Feel free to contact me for your FREE quote today and let's start Makin' Memories the Disney way.
Facebook-Dream Along with Dulcie
Twitter-DreamAlongWithDulcie
Email-Dulcie@SnapshotGetaways.com

Merry Christmas in July

Christmas in July and Happy Holidays!  I got Santa a great travel deal and he is currently sun bathing in St. Lucia!

I wanted to share some great events that take place in Walt Disney World for Christmas. Every resort and park is decorated to the extreme to get your holiday spirit ready. You will be able to purchase specialty holiday merchandise including: pins, shirts, popcorn buckets and more. Make sure you have your memory maker and your personal camera because you could take a whole day resort hopping and posing in front of Christmas Trees.

We have lots of favorites at the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella's Holiday Wish is where there is a celebration and then the castle glows with millions of white lights. It usually happens around 7 pm, but check your times guide to make sure you experience this breath taking celebration. Holiday Wishes Fireworks and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade are also added just in time for the holidays. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is one of the highlights for Magic Kingdom. It does require a separate admission and the party usually starts at 7 pm, but in the past you have been allowed in at 4pm or 5 pm. This event includes free cookies, hot cocoa, snow falling, toy soldiers and many more magical events. One of the lesser known events, but one of my boys favorite is Tomorrowland's Christmas Party.  This event takes place in Tomorrowland at a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It includes snow falling, interaction from the crowd, visits from Stitch, Buzz, Mike and a sing-a-long.

 Animal Kingdom is my boys favorite park and they celebrate the holidays as well. They have a huge tree out front with the most unique ornaments on it. They used to change the Jingle Jamming Parade to a Christmas theme, however with the parade being removed earlier this year we are looking forward to seeing what additional items Animal Kingdom comes up with. It is also very interesting to see the ways to celebrate the holidays that include wildlife conservation and going green.

Hollywood Studios also celebrates the holidays in many ways. An absolute must see is the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It is breath taking and amazing.  It is a highlight when we go during holiday trips. There are so many lights everywhere and they are synchronized to music and a great soundtrack. It all started modestly in Arkansas as a single home's annual display. Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights. Over time, the collection of lights grew and grew. In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world. Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer. Remember to find all the hidden Mickey's and the families black cat, which changes location every year. This event is included in the price of admission.

Now on to Epcot which is my absolute favorite during the holidays. To walk around the World Showcase and to see each country and how they celebrate the holidays including foods, drinks, music, entertainment and their Santa and what he is called. Epcot is not a park to skip for the holidays, it is a MUST! Epcot also has what is called the Candlelight Processional. Candlelight Processional is a holiday event held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot. The rich sounds of the full orchestra and choir fill the theatre as a special guest narrator takes the stage. Let the story of the babe in a manger touch your heart as it has for generations, accompanied by warm and inspiring holiday music. We have gotten to experience Neil Patrick Harris and Trace Adkins as narrators. The Candlelight Processional is a goose bump, put me in the Christmas mood event. There is a stand by line which you can wait to get in, and depending on the narrator you may not get into the theatre. My advice to you is take advantage of the dinner packages. Make advanced reservations, go and enjoy your lunch or dinner and then after you dine you get a sticker you wear that will get you a seat.

There are many restaurants that have Christmas Day dinners but make sure you or your travel agent calls ahead to make advanced dining reservations as they fill up fast.

There are religious services for the holiday and you can check your travel agent or when you check in to get a list of sites and times.

Don't forget the Gingerbread House at The Grand Floridan and the Gingerbread Tree at  The Contemporary. You can even get a yummy slice of gingerbread.

You can call a Disney shopper or the Disney Florist to get a tree for your room if you like. We just went to the local Walmart and got a little fiber optic tree. Make sure to take things if you have a window you would like to decorate. It is always cool to see the windows in the All Star Resorts with cards and lights. Also we had a hard time finding wrapping paper, tape, shirt boxes and other supplies on property. This is something you might want to go out and get or again call a Disney shopper. From experience it can be quite tricky to wrap present in a bathroom at 2 am so the children will not hear but celebrating Christmas morning in Disney is worth it.

If you have been during the holidays feel free to share what you like or don't like about the festivities at Disney World. If you have never been Snapshot Getaways can help with that. This holiday season the Snapshot Getaways family would love to help your family can get there. If you can't make it this holiday season all it takes is $200 down to get you set up for next holiday season. Contact us at Snapshot Getaways  so you can have an amazing holiday time like my family did.

Amanda Hansel is a mom of two pirates in training and a self proclaimed Disney junkie. She is also a Destination Specialist with Snapshot Getaways. You can reach her on Twitter or Facebook for questions or free quotes.