Pick-A-Pearl

For our recent trip to Walt Disney World my 15 year old daughter knew that she wanted to do something she'd never done before (there's always something new to try at Disney!) and that she wanted to bring home a unique souvenir that would do more than collect dust once she got home.

                                   

  

She did a bit of research and decided that she wanted to Pick-A-Pearl from the station at the Mitsukoshi store in the Japan Pavillion of EPCOT's World Showcase.

This store is quite large but the pearl station is easy to spot, front and center. When we approached the counter we weren't sure at first what to do but quickly figured out that we'd need to purchase a ticket to get our place in line. The ticket, good for choosing one oyster, cost $17 plus tax. Once we'd paid we were given a receipt with a number on it that we waited to hear called. It wasn't a busy day so we only had to wait about 10 minutes until it was my daughter's turn. The cast member gave her an enthusiastic welcome and then asked my daughter to choose her oyster from the shallow display case.

         

Once the oyster had been selected the cast member made a very big show of opening it to reveal the pearl inside and then measure (sizes vary) and clean it. The cast member then made a production (with drums!) of congratulating my daughter before presenting her with the pearl in a small plastic bag with the size marked.

                                      

                                      

                                      

At that time she had the option to move on and choose a setting for an additional fee. There are many, MANY options for settings at a variety of prices. But my daughter had done her research and knew what she wanted, a Cinderella carriage cage charm that opens to hold the pearl inside.

                                     

Overall she was happy with both the experience and with her extra special souvenir. We'd both highly recommend this experience!

Hope is ready to help you find the one of kind experience you're looking for on your next vacation. Contact her at Hope@SnapshotGetaways.com or find her on Facebook. You can also follow her on Instagram; sghope12. 

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.

Kids Around The World: 5 Fun Things for Kids To Do At World Showcase

One of the things I seem to hear a lot from parents visiting Walt Disney World is that they don't spend much time at EPCOT's World Showcase because their kids don't like it. There are few rides (even fewer with the recent closing of Norway's Maelstrom) and therefore the kids are just not that interested. However, many parents, myself included, love World Showcase and want to spend more time exploring the unique atmosphere of each individual country represented there. Well, it's possible to keep both parents AND kids happy in World Showcase with a little bit of planning. Here are 5 things, in no particular order, to try for your next trip:

1. Kidcot Fun Stops

Cast Members around World Showcase hail from the countries represented there and one of the most unique opportunities for kids to interact with them is at the Kidcot Fun Stops. Kids can create FREE crafts and chat with Cast Members, usually dressed in traditional clothing,  about their home country. Older kids will probably enjoy getting souvenir passports stamped at each of the 11 countries and Cast Members generally include a greeting with the stamp in both their native language and English. Look for the Kidcot symbol pictured in the background of the above photo.

2. Unique Character Meetings

There's no shortage of opportunities to meet characters at Walt Disney World but there's something extra special about bumping into Marie outside France or chatting with Jasmine and Aladdin at the Morocco pavilion. As an added bonus, in our experience at least, lines are much shorter at World Showcase meet-n-greets, probably because so many people don't realize that there IS a lot of fun to be had with kids in this area, thus keeping the number of kids waiting to meet characters lower. See your park map for meet times.

3. Around the World Challenges

If you really want to try to get your kids into each of the 11 countries but they don't seem interested in the Kidcot Fun Stops you might try a challenge tailored to their interests. My daughter has a fun hat picture from every vacation we've been on since she was about seven years old. She loves a good hat picture and usually hams it up for the camera. So, for our next trip to Walt Disney World we're planning a hats around the world challenge. We'll try to find a traditional hat (beret in France, viking helmet in Norway, etc.) in each country. We already snapped one from Mexico on our last trip.

My son has never been interested in the hat game my daughter plays on vacations but he does love to try new sweet treats wherever we are. He loved his gelato from Italy on our last trip and for our next trip we're planning to forgo Counter Service and share some snacks from around the world- we may get full before we try something from everywhere though!

The possibilities are really endless here- each country has unique art, music, food, games, and clothing offerings plus so much more. Wherever your child's interest lies you can probably come up with an around the world challenge that will appeal to them. If no one theme stands out try creating a scavenger hunt- a musical instrument in Mexico, an Eiffel Tower figurine in France, etc. The only limits are your imagination!  

4. One of a Kind Performances

Comedic juggling on the streets of Italy, acrobats in china, traditional drums in Japan, musicians in Morocco and the UK. There's a long list of fantastic performances happening at various times around World Showcase. Check your park map for times of the ones that interest your family most. 

5. Agent P's World Showcase Adventure

This was formerly known as Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure but was recently rethemed to incorporate Perry the Platypus's alter ego, Agent P, from the hit Disney Channel show Phineas and Ferb. The story has changed but the effects hidden around World Showcase remain the same as kids follow clues sent to them on the F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment) which can be picked up at kiosks located at various points around World Showcase (see your park map for kiosk locations). When clues are successfully solved it shows kids fun effects hidden within the countries of World Showcase.

With multiple stories taking place in different countries this is an adventure that can be enjoyed multiple times, all while giving parents the opportunity to enjoy the architecture, gardens, and other unique aspects of the countries their kids are "saving". 

A Final Word of Advice

Don't try to do all of these at once! Pick one or two of these activities for your family and take it at a leisurely pace. One of the great things about a day at World Showcase is that it can give you the opportunity to slow down a bit from the usual hustle and bustle of Walt Disney World. And if you don't try to do it all in one trip you'll have more fun options for your NEXT trip to Walt Disney World! 

Hope is a self-proclaimed travel addict who loves EPCOT's World Showcase. Contact her today at Hope@SnapshotGetaways.com, or find her on Facebook, for help planning your next trip around the World. 

Candlelight Processional 2014 with Updated Narrators!

The Candlelight Processional is personally one of my favorite holiday events that takes place at Epcot at Walt Disney World.  There is nothing like seeing a favorite celebrity read off the story of a savior being born, accompanied by an orchestra and a choir to fill you with the holiday spirit. This is a must for anyone who is not in the holiday spirit and might need a little help. My family has enjoyed each time,  as each narrator and restaurant makes each experience unique. It is a must do at least once. So to help you and your family enjoy this event we have compiled some information.

What is the Candlelight Processional?

The Candlelight Processional is the biblical telling of a savior born in Bethlehem. The story is narrated by a celebrity.  It also includes a fifty piece orchestra and a full choir who enhance the story by filling the amphitheater with amazing music and beautiful harmonies. 

Where is the Candlelight Processional located?

First you need to head to Epcot. Then head back to the World Showcase. Next make your way  to the American Pavilion. It is located at the American Garden's Theater.

What is the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

The Candlelight Processional Dinner package is where you or your travel agent will call and make an advanced dining reservation (ADR) to one of the participating restaurants. You can book these packages up to 180 days in advance of your arrival. You will dine at your selected reservation time at the restaurant you choose from the participating restaurants. The package includes a 3 course meal or a full buffet for lunch or dinner depending on the restaurant you choose. You will then pay for the package at the restaurant  or use your dining plan.  Prices for the packages start at around $30 plus for lunch and $ 50 plus for dinner and may be higher depending on restaurant. If you choose to use your dining plan it will with be one or two table credits depending on restaurant.You will receive a sticker that you wear that has your showtime on it when you pay. This package will get you a guaranteed seat inside the pavilion to see the show. Just remember some narrators are more popular than others and those packages tend to sell out quicker.

Participating Restaurants:

Biergarten

Chef de France

Coral Reef Restaurant

The Garden Grill

Nine Dragons Restaurant  

La Hacienda de San Angel

Restaurant Marrakesha

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room

San Angel Inn Restaurants

Teppan Edo

Tokyo Dining

Tutto Italia Ristorante

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

What if I don't do the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package?

I just want to say from experience that skipping the package may hurt your chances of being able to see the show. At the American Garden's Theater there will be two lines. One line is for those that have bought the dinner package and will be guaranteed a seat. They will be let in first. The second line in the stand-by line. If the theater does not fill up they will let the standby line in to stand in the back. However, I have seen them turn standby lines away before.

Narrators for 2014:

• Jodi Benson November 28 and 29, 2014
• Neil Patrick Harris November 30 to December 2, 2014
• Jonathan  Groff December 3 and 4, 2014
• Whoopi Goldberg December 5 and 6, 2014
• TBD December 7 to December 9, 2014
• TBD December 9 to December 11, 2014
• Joe Morton December 12 to December 14, 2014
• Chita Rivera December 15 to December 17, 2014
• Ana Gasteyer December 18 to December 20, 2014
• Marlee Matlin December 21 to December 23, 2014
• Isabella Rossellini December 24 and 25, 2014
• Blair Underwood December 26 and 27, 2014
• Steven Curtis Chapman December 28 to December 30, 201                                                      As narrators are announced for the  TBA dates we will be sure to keep you posted.

Other Tips:

• This event does not require a separate ticket. However you will need admission to Epcot and that admission price is not included in your dining package.
• Seating at the Candlelight Processional is first come first serve unless you have reserved a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package.
• The show times are at 5 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM except on 12/7/2014, where there will only be a 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM.
• Narrators are subject to change
• For best pictures of your narrator do not sit in the first three rows and sit more towards the middle.

I have personally seen Neil Patrick Harris and Trace Adkins. Both gentleman were amazing in their telling of the story. I do not think you can choose a bad narrator because they are telling a beautiful story. One year we chose to dine at Rose & Crown. The food was delicious but my children were not crazy about it. The next time we ate at Via Napoli and that was a hit with my children. We are going this year as well. Our narrator is TBA at this time and we will be choosing Via Napoli again. Have you been to the Candlelight Processional? I would love to know who your narrator was and where you chose to eat for your package? Will you be attending this year?

Amanda Hansel is a self proclaimed Disney nerd who has 2 boys. She is also a travel agent with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her on Facebook and on Twitter. She would love to hear from you or chat about Disney with you.

Spice Road Table-Review

Spice Road Table is a cozy Mediterranean treasure that opened in Morocco a little over 6 months ago.
We were there for the soft opening and we were very impressed with the service we received. Everyone was so friendly and really made us feel at "home".

The best part about going to Epcot are the different experiences you can have in one park.
Don't be afraid to talk to the Cast Members in the park. They love talking about their home country and are always willing to share so much with the guests. I think this is why we find ourselves here many times in one trip.

Spice Road Table gets its name from the legendary spice trades between historic civilizations in Asia,Northeast Africa and Europe. Herbs and spices were used to trade as a primary source of commerce. The most common used in this trade were cumin, cinnamon, tumeric, cardamom, cassia and ginger. So be ready to have a explosion of spices and flavors when you dine here.
I even ordered a glass of water so I could enjoy all of the flavors we were about to take in.
(They have a nice selection of wines, Mediterranean beers and cocktails too.)

There are 2 different seating options. I chose to sit inside because the weather was a little too chilly for this Florida girl. They have a beautiful patio area that would be a nice place to sit and relax on a warmer day though. We requested to be seated near the windows for a better view of World Showcase Lagoon.

When I got the menu I noticed it wasn't like a typical table service but it wasn't a counter service type restaurant. It was a nice mix of both. You had smaller portions of food but you had someone to serve you. I've noticed when we are at Disney we try things we wouldn't typically try at home. So this is always a fun adventure for us.I think we are finding ourselves to be Disney Foodies...OH MY!

We had a hard time deciding if we were going to get a platter to share or order something individually just because we weren't sure of the portion sizes. We decided to share and I'm glad we did because we had room left for desserts. I mean who doesn't pick dessert options before eating? Most of the time I'm so full that I don't even get dessert at Disney but this time the portion was perfect since we split it and could enjoy samples of our top 2 picks of desserts!

We started out with the Hummus and Imported Olives with Cornichons and Za'zatar FlatBread.

The 3 of us all had a nice size sample of everything that was on the platter and it was enough to enjoy but not too much that we had any left on the plate.

Next came the "main courses" for us. My husband and I got the Tingis Sampler to share. I've never been a fan of lamb but when we were on our DCL cruise in December our server talked me into trying it and I've loved it ever since.
Our daughter got the chicken strips but said next time she was going to get her own Tingis Sampler! She really is a very picky eater but she transforms at Epcot into a different child. I am glad she is willing to sample different foods and if going to Epcot is what it takes, then LET'S GO!
The platter was small but filling. It was enough for each of us to have a good sample of each item without feeling stuffed. We slowly savored every bite but after the lamb slider we were already planning another visit to Spice Road Table. The Merguez sausage was amazing!!

And then dessert.....
The 3 of us all decided we wanted to try the Almond and Rosewater Cake with Blood Orange Sauce with a side of Chocolate Pyramid and Almond Ice Cream!! 
*My daughter recently found Chocolate Pyramids in Walmart and after tasting one she threw the other in the trash.."they don't taste like they did at Spice Road Table" according to her. So it must be the MAGIC of Epcot*
The desserts were DELICIOUS!! The cake was so moist and you could taste a hint of the rosewater which made it even better.And the chocolate pyramid was...chocolaty! You can't go wrong with chocolate....


                                     

My family really enjoyed the experience and we can't wait to go back and enjoy this little hidden jewel in Epcot.
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Kids menu items are served with carrot sticks,apple sauce and 1% milk.

• Watermelon Delight Fruit Cocktail-$5.99
• Moroccan Sunrise *drink*-$5.99
• Fried Chicken Tenders-$7.99
• Hamburger-$7.99
• Moroccan Style Pasta-$7.99
• Ice Cream-$2.99

****They do not accept the Disney Dining Plan at the time of the writing of this blog post.****

*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.

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Email-Dulcie@SnapshotGetaways.com