Wordless Wednesday: Be Our Guest

Maria aka MickeyMom is a Travel Planner for Snapshot Getaways.  Please follow her on her Facebook page or email maria@snapshotgetaways.com for assistance planning your vacation!

Disney Devoted Kid Review: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

From a Disney Devoted kids point of view...

As you may know, the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Orlando, Florida has opened a new ride as a part of the New Fantasyland Expansion. This new ride, based on Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, takes passengers through the dwarves' mines. It resembles Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, due to its b oth indoor and outdoor track and with its quick drops and curves. But it differs Big Thunder through many of its attributes. For example, while both share sudden drops, twists, and turns, Mine Train is a much more controlled ride than Big Thunder. That was one the first things my mom and I noticed. Since the ride's less clattered and rickety, it's definitely quieter and milder than Big Thunder Mountain. This control softens the overall intensity of the coaster, which is great for riders who are scared of heights or drops. Even though the ride is much less intense compared to many others, it can still can the adrenaline running nonetheless. 

Another mentionable feature is the interactive queue. At the end of the outdoor part of the line and beginning of the indoor part, there are three interactive "games". The first is a drag and match game where different colored and shaped gems travel down the screen like a conveyor belt. Then you have to drag and match them into the correct holes (as the name suggests). The second, which is the most interesting in my opinion, is a motion activated water fountain set up like a sink with jewels set at the bottom. So when you put your hands out and let the water run down, it's as if you were washing the jewels from the mines. The third is a line of barrels that light up and play music when you spin them. Also, when they light up, an animation of each of the characters is projected on the ceiling. I think these were a nice addition to the queue but ultimately led to a longer wait time (because everyone was taking hours to wash their hands in the fountains). 

When my mom and I rode, we went on the 23rd of May, 5 days before the scheduled opening date. Our approximate wait time was an hour (a half hour shorter than the average wait at the time) but turned out to only be 20-30 minutes or so. I have no idea how long the waits have been recently but I assume no better than when we went, due to the ride's newness and advertising. Overall the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train is a terrific family ride to go on with your party, and I highly recommend you try it out on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom. 

Kerrigan is 13 year old Disney super fan. She has been been to Walt Disney World multiple times since her first birthday trip at 5 years old. She love to give a kid/teens perspective on the happiest place on earth.  Leave your article ideas for Kerrigan in the comments section below!

Disney Throwback: King Stefan's Banquet Hall

King Stefan’s Banquet Hall

Image courtesy of Imaginerding

Any Disney Devoted Fans born after 1990 are going to have no idea what I’m talking about.  So I’m going to get you all ready for the Double Jeopardy Question.  

When Disney World opened in 1971, the restaurant in Cinderella Castle was… 

If you guessed Cinderella's Royal Table would be wrong. The answer is…

King Stefan’s Banquet Hall

Yes, the restaurant featured in Cinderella Castle was named after Sleeping Beauty’s father.  It only took until 1997 for Disney to get sick of answering all the questions and change the name to Cinderella’s Royal Table.  Apparently the Disney Imaginers wanted to give the restaurant a regal name to match the dozens of Coat of Arms on the wall.  Since Cinderella’s father isn’t named in the movie, they decided on King Stefan.  Hence 25 years of confusing tourists and Cast Members.

 The menu was known for its Beef and Barley Soup and Fried Brie.  The Fairy Godmothers Vegetarian Plate was a gnocchi and vegetable combination, a favorite among diners.  The Kid’s menu resembles a fast food chain “crown” and joins other King Stefan’s Banquet Hall collectibles on Ebay.  Check here for recipes featuring menu items from the original Royal Table.

As my first Disney visit was as an adult, I never knew King Stefan’s Banquet Hall.   Please share your stories, favorite menu items and collectibles with Disney Devoted fans in the comment section below.

Maria aka Mickey Mom is a Snapshot Getaways travel agent, blogger and mom to two boys.  Follow her on Facebook!

LeFou's Brew

LeFou Who?  LeFou's Brew!  Fans of Beauty and the Beast are flocking to the New Fantasyland for Be Our Guest dining.  Well right next door is Gaston's Tavern with a water fountain statue of the man himself in front.  Inside you will find a signature drink named after his ever-present sidekick LeFou.

LeFou's Brew is a non-alcoholic drink available in Gaston's tavern, along with Roasted Pork Shank and Cinnamon Rolls.  For $4.49 or a snack credit, you can enjoy your concoction in a plastic cup.  Pay $9.99 and you will enjoy your drink in a souvenir stein or goblet.

So what is LeFou's Brew made of?  Well, you might be better off not reading this part.  It's no-sugar added frozen apple juice, toasted marshmallow and topped with a mango/passionfruit foam.

You either love or hate this drink as it is a little different.  Let us know in the comments section your review of LeFou's Brew!

Maria (aka Mickey Mom) actually liked LeFou's Brew and you can follow her Facebook page.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to Open May 28th!

The long anticipated addition to the New Fantasyland FINALLY has an opening date.  May 28th is the big day, and you are now able to add as a FastPass Plus option.  Resort guests can make their Fastpass Plus arrangements 60 days in advanced and 30 days for everyone else.  Check out photos from Media Day here.

Traveling to Disney World this summer?  Contact us at snapshotgetaways.com for special pricing and events.