Day 1301: Dole Whips in Wisconsin

I may have to drive two hours to get it, but I finally got my Dole Whip outside of Disney! 

I may have mentioned a while back about how there are a couple of locations throughout the country where you can locate a real, authentic dole whip without ever stepping foot on Disney property, but for those like me, these locations are few and far between. The closest Orange Leaf to my home used to be about 20 minutes, but when they still existed in Green Bay and Appleton, I didn't know what was awaiting me there. Now, I have to travel two hours to Waukesha to find the closest store, and that's not exactly worth it...even if I could get all the dole whip I ever wanted. 

Still, when you happen to be passing through the area on your way home from a week and a half long road trip, it makes perfect sense to stop on the way and pick up an extra special treat. Granted, I'll be eating a dole whip at Disney in about week, but the fact that I got it in Wisconsin made the entire experience even more special. 

Will I make the trip all the way to Waukesha just for a dole whip in the future? Probably not. But the next time I'm in the area you'd better believe I'll spend plenty of time at the local Orange Leaf. 

Have a magical day! 

Day 1122: Frontierland

The sense of smell can be pretty powerful, and I find that when I happen to relate it to Disney, it gains even stronger. In fact, I think this is certainly something we all end up doing, since I know for a fact that I'm not the only one who talked about the distinct scent that is the "Burning of Rome" or the flavorful aroma you get right before taking your first bite of a beloved Dole Whip. Even things like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion have very distinctive smells that seem to only exist in those locations.

Apparently, Frontierland is another of those locations.

When I moved about a week and a half ago, it meant walking into a brand new building for the first time...again. And of course, this place was supposed to be my new home. When I moved into the Townhouses, I continuously had the feeling that I was at Old Key West or, even more so, Saratoga Springs, but that was more about the setup than the smell. Now, living in a dorm called Riverside, I walked into the building and instantly felt at home because the hallway had the most distinctive "Frontierland" smell I've ever found outside of Walt Disney World.

I figured the smell would disappear over time or I would get used to it, but nope. Even a couple of weeks later the hallway still reminds me of Frontierland, and honestly, it's sort of a nice relief to come home to Riverside after a long day and have it smell like home.

What smells like home to you?

Have a magical day!

Day 1045: Hungry

Oddly enough, as I write this I'm hardly hungry at all, considering the fact that I just ate my lunch, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't go for a dole whip (or two). The truth is, when we leave Disney, there are few things we miss as much as the food we eat there. From the Cobb Salad at the Brown Derby to Churros, Disney food is something special, and as I grow closer to my trip, I find myself craving only Disney foods. What are those foods you ask? Well, lucky for you, I have a list!

1. Dole Whips

Plain and simple, this one ranks in at number one, because Dole Whips are such a Disney thing and I could literally live on them for the rest of my days. I have the feeling that many of my fellow Disney fans will agree, as it's commonly cited as one of the most loved Disney treats, regardless of which coast you're on!

2. School Bread

This is actually the thing that inspired this post, as the other day I had such a want for some school bread after a friend tweeted about eating some. Now I'm counting down the days until it's in my hands again, and gosh that day can't come fast enough.

3. Cobb Salad

I mentioned this salad from The Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios a moment ago, but just a mention doesn't do it justice. I had it last when I was down in Florida in June, and I realized what I'd been missing out on. Needless to say, I made sure we were taking a trip to Brown Derby just so I can eat this salad in January. Wow...I'm excited about a salad guys.

4. Churros

You can't go to a Disney park and not want a churro these days. What used to be a Disneyland treat has spread to both coasts, and now you can find multiple flavors out in California in addition to the classic flavor that's now made it's way to Disney World.

5. Turkey Legs

I'm not always up for a turkey leg, mostly because it's just too big for me to eat all on my own (my brother, on the other hand...). Still though, the turkey leg is such a classic Disney food that I always sort of wish was on my plate, especially during the holiday season. I mean really, how awesome would it be to have Disney Smoked Turkey Legs for Thanksgiving dinner instead of a whole turkey. I'd be perfectly fine with that.

6. Matterhorn Macaroon

I may be going to Disney World, but that doesn't mean I don't miss the Matterhorn Macaroons that are out at Disney World. I don't know what that little bundle of heaven was, and honestly I don't think I care all that much because it was delicious.

Now, do you think there's a way to get this all delivered to my house?

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on December 30).

Day 889: InstaDisney Food

One of the things I'm most grateful for, especially in the past year or so, is the spectacular group of Instagrammers I've gotten the chance to know. Honestly these are some of the greatest people, and it's wonderful because we all get to share our love of Disney together, growing excited when one of us heads to the parks, and sad again when they return home.

But let's take a step back for a second so I can explain. Normally when we travel to Walt Disney World we arrange for one table service meal a day, leaving us with roughly one counter service meal a day. However, on this trip we had fewer reservations (I only had the Rebel Hangar), opening up plenty of time to try new treats from throughout the parks. The only problem was that I eat at the same places every time, and with increased opportunity, I didn't know where to go. So I went to the best people to find the answer: Instagram!

So on my first day of the trip, I posted the above picture with a call for my followers to share some of their favorite Magic Kingdom treats with me and I would try as many as possible throughout my trip! Luckily, I got several of them...

First, Stephanie (seashoresweets) recommended a Citrus Swirl, which I'd never actually had before! Normally I'm not a huge ice cream person, but this was delicious, at least it was one I got it to stop melting long enough to take a picture! 

Next Monica (DailyPrincessLife) clued me in on the Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel from the Lunching Pad, which honestly was like heaven. I love cream cheese, I love pretzels, I love Disney, and boy was it ever a perfect match! 

My good friend Scott (Disneyscott98) told me I had to test out the Mac & Cheese with Breadcrumbs from the Friar's Nook in Fantasyland. I wasn't dissapointed. This is easily some of the best mac and cheese I've had, and I can't wait to return to try the other flavors too!

Paul (paulyvs) reommended a classic, which was already on my list as it's my personal favorite Magic Kingdom treat: The Dole Whip! I can't eat fresh pineapple due to an allergy so the dole whip is actually one of the greatest things in the world. It's lactose free AND it doesn't set off my pineapple allergy. When I've got one in hand, especially when sporting my Dole Whip bow from Magic Ribbons, I'm just about the happiest girl in all of Disney World. 

And while not technically a reccomendation on Instagram and not techncially at Magic Kingdom, I have to mention the S'mores Cupcake from Wilderness Lodge. I was a little afraid that I wasn't going to get one, but I managed to find one the day before I left. For a cupcake lover like myself, this little thing was absolutely a win. I've had s'mores cupcakes before, but nothing like this! You can bet I'll be trying it at home ASAP! 

Thanks to everyone on Instagram who suggested treats for me to try out! I have a couple left for the next trip that I'm saving too!

Before we finish up here though, I have to ask my blog readers for my next trip! What are some of your favorite Magic Kingdom treats or snacks? What about at Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom! Leave your suggestion in the comments and you never know, you might end up with a mention in one of my vlogs or here on Everyday Disney! 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on June 23 due to travel).

Day 493: Little Bites

Day 12 of the Disney Photo Challenge: A picture of your favorite Disney food item. 

Blast from the Past: 

Oh no, not this again. 

Actually, this one is a bit easier. Not easy, but easier than the restaurant itself. 

I really...REALLY...love Turkey Legs. 

If you haven't had a Disney Turkey Leg, you haven't lived...sorry, but that's how it is. Well, maybe you've lived, you just haven't eaten. These things are as famous as the classic Disney Mickey Bar (Produced right here in Wisconsin!). The Turkey Legs are giant...and fatty..but DELICIOUS! It's a food that you can't eat yourself...so I have my brother. We're Turkey Leg buddies and share our turkey, often while watching a parade or sitting taking a break from the heat of the day. 

They're not cheap, but I do suggest, if you go to Disney, find a friend and bite into one of these Turkey Legs. They're so good. 

Back to the Future: 

Right now? Dole Whips. After the dream I had last night about dole whips I've wanted one ever since. Too bad I'm too far away to find one.

For real though, you just can't beat a dole whip. Cold, creamy, pineapple goodness that I can actually eat...and gosh, I'm just making myself want one more, aren't I?

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on August 19).

Day 298: #ProudMomentsOfLizziesLife

I really hope this is different from any previous post I've done because I really just did a search through my entire blog for key words that go along with this, and while I found a couple posts that are kind of similar, one specifically, I don't think I've had a blog post on this specifically, so it get the honor of being it's own post!

Here's the backstory and explanation as to what the title of this post means:

Whenever I'm texting or talking with my friends, they will sometimes make a reference to something Disney, whether it be a quote or a saying from a movie or something about the parks that I really didn't think they knew. They surprise me with them all the time now, meaning that, as I've discussed before, I've done a great job teaching them about all things Disney, especially since for the most part, my friends have never been to Disney World (and certainly not as often as I have).

So when these moments arise, I have a saying, and I'm sure you can guess what that saying it. Yep, you guessed it, Proud Moments of Lizzie's Life, although I tend to put it in a hashtag because that's just how it works.

But now I'll share a few of the recent Disney references that they've come up with and have made me smile:

Dole Whip: 

Today one of my friends had surgery at the dentist, meaning that her diet now consists of everything and anything that you don't need to chew...mostly shakes and pudding and jello and the such. Earlier when I was asking them what I should write about for this blog post (and others), her only comment was: "What to eat after you go to the dentist Disney connection? A dole whip would be nice right about now." Yes, a proud moment of Lizzie's Life indeed.

Movie Quotes: 

These seem to come up all the time, and some more than others. For instance, when I go back to see my High School Band perform, sometimes I'll ask "How's it Goin'," in which someone will respond, "Same as always" and I'll reply "That bad huh?" Yeah, Star Wars for the win. And it goes right hand in hand with the fact that whenever I see one of my friends I'll be like "I love you" and she always responds "I know."

But tonight when I was texting my friend we were talking about decisions people make and she added in "A terrible decision really," and I just sat and laughed. Flynn Rider always has the best quotes if you ask me.

Disney History: 

Today at lunch there was a Proud Moment of Lizzie's Life when I was telling one of my new college friends about Disney and showing her a few pictures of my last trip to Disney because we were talking about something or another and got onto the topic of Disney, because, really, when don't I get on the topic of Disney? Anyway, one of the pictures was this one:

And my college friend goes "Some guy with Minnie Mouse" and I responded "Roy Disney," to which Megan replied "Walt Disney's Brother?" Yes, yet another moment that makes Lizzie Proud.

But then there are the random times in which my references are lost on them. I mean, yesterday we were talking about our deaths approaching with finals, and Megan and I decided we would share a Crypt....and of course a wealth of Haunted Mansion references popped into my head, from "No Mourning, Please" to "The Crypt Doors Creak" and back to the numerous headstone sayings. Yeah, I wish they would understand my jokes sometimes, but maybe after we all go to Disney they'll totally get more of them!

For now, let's just continue having #ProudMomentsOfLizziesLife

Here's today's Disney History: 1971: The formal dedication of Walt Disney World in Florida takes place with Walt's Brother Roy O. Disney officiating. The park has been open since October 1. Standing alongside Roy O. Disney during the dedication in Town Square is Mickey Mouse. A grand opening parade down Main Street USA, featuring a 1076 piece band and led by Music Man Meredith Wilson (the composer of 76 Trombones) kicks off at 2 p.m.

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on November 19 due to time restrictions).

Day 96: Mickey Waffles

I could have posted about this a couple of weeks ago when I was watching Star Wars and actually ate these, but I didn't really get around to it until now, and since there was a picture prompting me to write this on my Pinterest, now seems like a good time.

Mickey Waffles.

We've all had them, and if you haven't, you need to. They're almost as much of a simple of Disney food as the Turkey Leg or Dole Whip, but honestly, this is probably my personal favorite. They're served throughout Disney World (and Disneyland too I'm sure), and I have to say that I'll be actually eating one when I go to WDW in July...since I generally don't eat these on property.

But the reason I don't eat them on property is because I can eat them at home (so I save my money...and stomach room...for foods I can't eat at home!) I am lucky enough to have a Mickey Waffle Iron at home, meaning that any time I want, I can have these little beauties...

Oh yes, we eat them often. I'm pretty sure any time my friends sleep over we have Mickey Waffles for Breakfast...even if I'm not a breakfast eater. 

Now I want Mickey Waffles. 

Here's today's Disney History: 1947: Actor John Ratzenberger, Pixar's "good luck charm" is born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. All of Pixar Animation's feature films has included Ratzenberger's voice, such as Yeti in Monsters, Inc. and Hamm the Piggy Bank in all Toy Story features. According to director/screenwriter Andrew Stanton, Pixar actually has a rule stating that Ratzenberger must be in all Pixar films. His voice credits include Underminer in The Incredibles, Mack in Cars, Mustafa in Ratatouille, John in WALL-E and Construction Foreman Tom in Up.

Have a magical day!

Day 71: Disney Experts???

I read an article this morning about being a Disney Expert. The article is hilarious and you can find it on the WDWRadio Blog HERE, so I do suggest reading it, but it got me thinking.

What experiences in the parks make us Disney Experts, or Disney Geeks or anything of the sort? What are the qualifications to know everything there is about the parks and the company, and is it ok to miss a few things? The article talked about a middle school class asking their teacher (the author) about her lack of Turkey Leg eating...and luckily I'm not in the same boat...sort of.

Turkey legs are, in my opinion, delicious...until you get towards the bottom and you just become sick of it. But my brother and I often share one a trip, and that's more than enough for me! But I didn't try a turkey leg until just a few years ago myself, and I honestly don't remember what caused me to try it on that trip! It's not something you HAVE to have eaten to be a Disney expert, but it does help. Not that I can talk much since I've never actually had a Dole Whip...and I can no longer eat the delicious ice cream since I'm lactose intolerant (well...I can...but it's just annoying). But I have been trying my hardest to get things done I've never actually done before, and I even created a bucket list for my last trip, which held over 30 things on it. I got all but a couple done, but I'm still happy with what I accomplished! I've already talked about my challenges for the next trip (and I've decided on which one I shall be doing...but I'm not going to talk about it until I get closer!), but for instance, some of my challenges included meeting a character I've never met before (MARY POPPINS!!!), Getting New Mickey Ears and Taking a Tour of the Stars, along with some silly ones like finding a Blue Dinosaur and eating Chicken with Ketchup (it's a long story).

But, now that I've thought about it for a while, here's my top 5 list of must-do things at Disney if you consider yourself a Disney Expert:

1. Spaceship Earth: Ok, I might be a bit bias here, but I do feel that it's something every Disney lover should experience. The attraction is great, and it holds a lot of Disney history in it, especially from the creation of Epcot itself. Plus it's air conditioned, and who doesn't love that?

2. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth: We're still in Epcot, but it's funny because I'm actually currently listening to the soundtrack from Illuminations. Either way, this is a must see, as it's honestly one of the best fireworks shows in the world...and it's my personal favorite. The way World Showcase lights up with the fireworks in the sky and the way the music completely surrounds you...that's something you have to experience.

3. One Man's Dream: If you're going to call yourself a Disney Expert, you'd better have gone through One Man's Dream over at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can't be an expert on the parks if you don't know about the man behind it all. It's a wonderful presentation of the Walt Disney story, complete with plenty of artifacts from Disney archives. And again...it's air conditioned!

4. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover: I think this one is completely on my list as well. You have to go on the TTAP at some point. It's a great way to people watch, which is another thing I think every good Disney fan should do at some point and time (as creepy and stalker-like as it sounds). That I think every Disney Fan should know Tom Morrow...even if you do know the newer, less-funny version of his mention. I never will forget (and still repeat while riding) "Calling Mr. Morrow. Mr. Tom Morrow. Your party from Saturn has arrived. Please give them a ring." Much more fun that "Calling Mr. Morrow. Mr. Tom Morrow. Please contact Mr. Johnson in the control tower to confirm your flight to the moon."

5. The Rose Gardens: I talked about this a little bit the other day I believe, stopping and smelling the roses that is, or maybe I just talked about it in my memoir, but either way, every good Disney expert has to take a stroll through one of the many rose gardens in the parks. They're a tribute to Lillian Disney and it slows you down a little bit. Each is a quiet spot and also a great place to people watch...meaning that it's something every Disney fan must do.

Of course, there are tons of different things that each Disney fan must do. A few that come to my mind as runners up include The Haunted Mansion, Hoo-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness, Taking a ride on all three mountains at Magic Kingdom (and of course, the Matterhorn at Disneyland and Everest at Animal Kingdom), and asking about George before riding Pirates of the Caribbean. But everyone is different, and no Disney expert is alike. That's why I'm the Epcot Expert. I could tell you a lot of stuff about Epcot, not everything, but a lot, and yet I can't tell you nearly as much about the Hollywood Studios!

So what's your top five? Think about it!

Here's today's Disney History: 2012: The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World unveils the first phase of the new Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland with a "soft" opening. The Storybook Circus area pays tribute to the traveling circuses of the 1950's and 1960's and features the first part of "Dumbo, The Flying Elephant" (with Dumbo spinning clockwise for the first time in Magic Kingdom history), "The Barnstormer, Starring the Great Goofini" and "The Fantasyland Train Station."