Day 1258: Banana Bread Pudding

One of my all time favorite Disney restaurants is Boma, and I'll be completely honest in saying that I go more for the dessert than anything else. Since my first trip to the restaurant years ago, I've been a huge fan of the Zebra Domes, which I try to pick up as often as possible since they also sell them at Mara. However, that's not the only dessert that's top notch at Boma, because there's a whole slew of amazing treats to try out, including the Banana Bread Pudding.

My brother made this for a 4-H Foods Review a while back, but I liked the recipe so much that I picked it up while I was at home this weekend and spent part of my afternoon today making the dessert, despite the fact that I'm the only one home. Oh well, more for me! It's actually a really simple recipe, which doesn't always happen when Disney food is involved (the recipe for School Bread actually scares me a little), and aside from misreading the recipe and having to return to the store for more heavy cream, everything else was a breeze!

And yes, you can indeed find the recipe on AllEars!

So after a sort of frustrating start to my day, I returned to my apartment at college to watch Cars, eat sushi, and make Banana Bread Pudding. It's definitely lightened my mood and made me ready to spend some time working on Everyday Disney before the day is through. Leave it to Disney movies and Disney desserts to make a day better.

Have a magical day!

Day 857: Steps Forward

I'm no stranger to food allergies. Growing up, I was fairly conscious of them, as my dad is allergic to shellfish and my mom has an egg allergy. Now, I personally have a myriad of food allergies, including most fruits and salmon, plus I'm lactose intolerant. As you can imagine, this doesn't really make my life very easy, especially when it comes to dining out. However, eating at Disney has always been easier, and that's something that hasn't changed since learning about my variety of odd allergies.

Thankfully, things are about to get even easier. Previously, if you have a food allergy, you'd notate it on your reservation or mention it to a server at the restaurant and often times you'd have the chance to speak with the head chef, which is always one of the most exciting parts. The staff at Walt Disney World are absolutely brilliant, and while I have less experience with Disneyland, I'm absolutely certain that the kindness runs true there as well. This past January had several great experiences working with the chefs to make sure I was as happy and healthy as can be, and that's all you can ask for when you're dealing with food allergies.

But now, Disney is working on taking things one step further by notating various common food allergies on the menu so you, as a consumer, can quickly identify what you can and cannot eat. Of course, you're always more than welcome to chat with the chef, and you can read all about the new system on the official Disney Parks Blog!

Personally, I'm all for this new system, as it's Disney being super conscious of their guests with allergies. I've had a lot of great experiences with Disney Restaurants, although I feel like my favorite was at Boma this past January. I, per usual, got to chat with the chef before dinner and he walked me through the buffet before letting me know that I could deifnitely have a special dessert made for me. When I mentioned my love of Zebra domes, he even sent one out special with my other dessert, since I explained that I could have one and be totally fine. Of course, he also sent out raspberry sorbet and an array of other dairy free treats for me to enjoy and let me tell you...it was DELICIOUS!

The point here? Disney takes care of their guests, and I'm thrilled at the advancements they're making in their dining program to better accomidate those of us with food allergies. Many places will substitute...if you ask, but Disney is being proactive in every way possible and making sure you know what would need to be substituted before any questions arise.

What do you think of the new dining adjustments for guests with allergies? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on May 14 due to finals).

Day 111: The Lion King

Last night I was lucky enough to see a performance of The Lion King: The Musical. It was, as always, amazing!!!!

I've been fortunate to see multiple Disney musicals throughout my life. This was the second time I saw The Lion King (I saw it for the first time when I was about 5 or 6 in Chicago), and I've seen Beauty and the Beast twice as well. A couple of years ago I saw Mary Poppins, which is probably my favorite of those I've seen, although I'd really like to see the others I've missed, especially Tarzan because I'd like to see how they did it, and the same goes for The Little Mermaid. And Aida, since I haven't seen that either...and of course Aladdin will be starting this year too! So many shows to see, so little time!

I loved the movie the Lion King as a kid, so the musical is just an awesome experience for me...and here is my short list of thoughts from throughout the show.

My favorite song is "He Lives in You." 

Everyone says that Circle of Life takes their breath away, but as amazing as it was, it just didn't do that for me. The reprise of He Lives in You though...did very much take my breath away. Maybe it's because it's a song that wasn't in the original movie (although it's in Lion King 2), and was unique to the musical, or possibly because it's just different from anything else that's really there. It's a slower song and it has a lot of meaning if you ask me. =)

I can really see how much the costumes are inspired by African heritage. 

I noticed it much more this time, and the thought that actually came to mind was Animal Kingdom lodge, and how every single costume could be a piece of amazing artwork displayed there. I think that's one of the greatest accomplishments of The Lion King on broadway....the costuming is just spectacular.

My only criticism is how much Nala moves her arms. 

Maybe it was just my cast, or maybe it's there entire time, but I think the arm movements could have been toned down just a little bit. There are times when those arm movements are nice, but constantly is just kind of distracting.

And that's what I thought...or at least that I could think of at the moment. It was, and is, a great show that I suggest everyone goes to see because it's truly magical in it's own unique way, which makes it even better.

Here's today's Disney History: 2008: In a press release, Disney announces the launching of Disneynature; " a prestigious new production banner that will literally go to the ends of the earth to produce major big screen nature documentaries." In the tradition of the old" True-Life Adventures" series, the first film to be released domestically under Disneynature will be "Earth" in April 2009.

Have a magical day!

Day 106: Animal Kingdom Lodge

Since I'm technically writing this on the 17th of April (Remember...I was at FBLA and had absolutely no time or internet access), I decided to look back to the Daily History for ideas on what to write this post on (when you have 5 days to write...it gets a little daunting).

So, in preparation, here's today's Disney History: 2001: Disney World's newest resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, opens at Osceola Parkway. The six-story resort features deluxe facilities and luxury suites with the feel of a South African game reserve lodge. A midst at 33-acre wildlife preserve, guests can gaze on any of more than 30 species of wildlife on display from the comfort of their balconies! The savannas are special areas built specifically for the AKL and are separate from the nearby theme park Disney's Animal Kingdom.

I, first of all, can't believe that this lovely resort is already 12 years old. That seems like much to old...but I suppose it's true. I've been lucky enough to stay at the resort once, back in 2008, and it was a great experience. I'd love to stay there again, only in Kidani Village, but at least I stayed there once, right? Then again, in July we'll have stayed at my brother's resort of choice, the Contemporary, so I think it's my turn to pick...although I'm perfectly happy with a room at Bay Lake Tower (I loved being able to be so connected to the parks, food and everything. That's a luxury you don't really have at Old Key West...although I'd really love to stay at the Beach Club...but that's another post).

I think my personal favorite thing about Animal Kingdom Lodge is the same as every one else's...the animals! It's amazing to be able to look out your window in the morning and see real live giraffes...and not have to go half way around the world to experience it! I still have an animal guide somewhere from when we went too...although I don't think we marked any animals off on it just so we could keep the piece itself.

But I can't have a post about AKL without mentioning one other thing...Zebra Domes. If you haven't been to Boma, or haven't picked some of these up in the Mara...hurry your way over there because you haven't ever experienced the best dessert in the history of the universe. Zebra Domes are by far my favorite dessert from anywhere on property, and I always have to go to the Mara to grab some to take back to the room if I'm not already eating at Boma (and sometimes I'll get them even if I am eating at Boma). I'm lucky enough to have a recipe and know how to make them, although they're never as good as those you can actually get at Disney. It was even on my bucket list to eat some...not that it was a hard addition to the list!

I also have an odd love for the store at Animal Kingdom Lodge...although I'm not sure why.

History is above...but you already knew that!

Have a magical day!