My Favorite Place To Eat at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park- Flame Tree Barbeque

If you are planning to dine at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, I recommend Flame Tree Barbeque for a couple of reasons.

First, the food is really good! You must have either the half slab of ribs or the Smoked Chicken! Each comes with delicious baked beans and a delicious corn muffin!

Whichever you choose, the meal is around $10 plus tax. If you get a soft drink with your meal, you'll probably spend under $13 here. You will definitely get enough to eat here, and it is really tasty food!

The last time I ate there I remember there were some ducks in the eating area (this is outdoors), and the ducks were begging. You are encouraged not to feed the ducks, since they might get angry with you if you stop feeding you, and attack you to get your food!

Planning To Stay At A Disney Resort? Disney Vacation Club Resorts Are The Best!

If you are planning at trip to Walt Disney World, I say that you should get the best accommodations available. I've stayed at the Economy Resorts (the All-Stars Music and All-Star Sports), and they were nice, but....Don't do it! Get the bigger bang for your buck- stay at a Moderate Resort. Better yet- stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort (DVC Resort), and save money on that by RENTING YOUR POINTS FROM A CURRENT DISNEY VACATION CLUB MEMBER(DVC Member)!

DVC Members save big on accommodations at Walt Disney World by staying at DVC Resorts. There are several to choose from: Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Boardwalk Resort Villas, Disney's Beach Club Villas, The Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, and the newest- Bay Lake Towers at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

These accommodations can be rented from a current DVC Member- all you have to do is join a message board that rents points- check out disboards.com as an example. You will pay a lot less by renting from a DVC Member that you would from paying Disney the cash, in most cases. Disney Vacation Club Resorts are way nicer than the Economy Resorts, too.

To find out more about Disney Vacation Club, visit www.disneyvacationclub.com. If you decide to go on their Open House at Walt Disney World or Disneyland (which I recommend that you do), please tell them that you referred by DVC Member David Ransom (they have a Rewards Program for Members who refer new Members, so please tell them that I referred you, because it's true!)

Doing Disney's Dining Plan? Read Up On It Before You Go!

If you sign up for one of Disney's Dining Plans, make sure that you know how to use it, and if possible, keep any information that they give you on it, so that you can make sure that you will get all that you are entitled to on your trip. One day at the "Yak and Yeti" Restaurant on my last trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom, a waiter named Steve failed to notify me that I was entitled to an Appetizer with my Table meal. I found this out AFTER I left the restaurant and AFTER I left the park- and they had some good appetizers on that menu, too.

I will say this about the dining plan- some meals come with a dessert. Some places have some good desserts, and some desserts suck. One dessert that stands out that I really didn't like was the carrot cake that they gave me at an eatery on Sunset Blvd at the Disney-MGM studios- it was a round cake in a small, black, plastic pan, and that cake was so cheap- not tasty at all. I also hated the dessert that I had at the Yak and Yeti Restaurant- it was a dark chocolate cake with a fruity sauce on it- I hated the taste. What ever happened to good, old-fashioned German Chocolate Cake, or a good yellow cake with chocolate fudge frosting? When it comes to cakes and desserts, I like the basics, and I think that at Disney we should be able to find the basics!

Anyway, find out all you can about the Dining Plan before you buy it- don't waste your money unless you are prepared to eat a lot of food! You choices of restaurants can also make a big difference when using the Dining Plan- some places, like the restaurant, "Portobello" at Downtown Disney at WDW, have huge selections of meals that you can enjoy with the Dining Plan. So- find out what you like. Personally, I think that if you have to get the Dining Plan for more than 2 days, then you'll probably be eating too much food, so use caution when purchasing this plan!

Stay at Bay Lake Towers at Disney's Contemporary Resort

If you get a chance to stay there, you should definitely spend a night or two at Disney Vacation Club's new Bay Lake Towers at Disney's Contemporary Resort! I stayed there for 2 nights on my most recent trip, and it was the one of the best places that I've ever stayed! The views from this Resort are phenomenal! Although I had a lake view, it was a really good view! And when you walk to anywhere around the resort and look out of the window, you see Space Mountain! It was great that this resort is about a ten minute walk to the front gate of the Magic Kingdom, with a nice pathway to lead you there! I will go into details later, but I'm telling you, the Bay Lake Towers are now one of my favorite resorts at Walt Disney World (behind Wilderness Lodge but just in front of Old Key West!)

Portobello Restaurant Was Great!

I went to Portobello Restaurant last night at the Marketplace near Downtown Disney, and the food was really good! I had a personal pizza and some complimentary bread (which came with olive oil and a roasted garlic bulb), along with a cremesicle alcoholic beverage, and some bread pudding and coffee. It was good, but there was an Italian family next to my table, with 3 little girls, and the little girls were playing and talking and shouting really loud in Italian, and the parents laughed and thought that it was charming. I tried to remember that Disney is for kids, and that I was here for fun, too.

I tried to arrange Disney's Magical Express for my party that's flying in tonight, and who technically would board the bus on check-in date (Sept 8), but since we aren't supposed to check in until 4PM, they won't let my sister and her boyfriend ride on the Magical Express. That means that I have to drive to the Airport and pick them up! Alas!

I think I'll go to the movies at Downtown Disney shortly- they have a lot of movies that I want to see!

Going Tonight To Portobello Restaurant at Marketplace at Walt Disney World

I have a reservation at the Portobello Restaurant at the Marketplace. It's for 9:30PM so I better get going soon! Also managed to get a reservation for Wednesday at California Grill and for Friday at the Chefs de France! Tried for Le Cellier Steakhouse, but it is sold out for 1 week...

Rent A Car In Advance and Save!

If you are planning to rent a car on your trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, it makes sense to do it in advance! Go to priceline.com, or another travel website, or you might try the car rental agencies online, like alamo.com or enterprise.com.

I always book from Alamo at the Orlando Airport. It's so convenient to book from Alamo, and the cars are a few steps away when you walk outside the terminal. Study that map of where you are going before you start driving, so you know where you're going! I've been here enough to know that when I get out of the airport to drive on the 528 West (a toll road), and that'll get you to where you need to go- to the I-4 West if you're going to Disney, or (in my case) to the John Young Parkway south!

Renting a car in advance can give you some good prices, and you'll know what you are spending before you leave home, pretty much. Some credit cards have protection from damage to the car, so check with your card carrier to find out about those benefits. American Express offers a service (for $20 per rental) where if I rent a car, I'm covered from bumper to bumper, and they become the primary insurance (instead of your regular car insurance carrier) in the case of damage to your vehicle. I also have my own liability insurance, in case I hurt someone or something with the vehicle. Of course, the car rental companies all offer insurance options (which can be pricey) when you rent a vehicle.

So, if you must rent a car during your trip to Walt Disney World, save some money by renting in advance.

Flying Southwest Airlines? Bring a jacket, or your own blanket!

Flying Southwest Airlines? Bring a jacket, or your own blanket! If you are planning to sleep on the plane, it can be cold on there, and the airline no longer gives out blankets (due to swine flu!) I bought a blanket (kind of like a snugee) from Brookstone for $35 plus tax, but save your money by just bringing a jacket or blanket onto the plane!) The same goes for U.S. Air, I heard.

I'm At Oak Plantation in Kissimmee, FL

I'm here at the Oak Plantation Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, where I own a timeshare week. Last night when I checked in, I discovered something quite disturbing- they had rented my unit to someone else! I couldn't believe it, but there was nothing that I could do. They gave me a new room (a 1-bedroom, which is what I owned, except that mine is supposed to be a bit better). After a comfortable night's sleep, I wok up late and went to speak to the Resort Manager. I spoke to a supervisor and explained my dilemma- I had wanted to use MY ROOM, which I never had before. They responded by upgrading me to a 2-bedroom, which is in a better location. Hey, that works, because my sister and her boyfriend are arriving late tomorrow night.

I moved everything from that first unit to my new unit, and everything seems cool. I'm now sitting at their internet cafe, typing this. It's a nice room, this internet cafe. It has free soda, but what's missing is coffee.

Got My Boarding Pass

Hey, I'm in Group B. That's OK, because I really waited late to do the online check-in. Lucky I'm not in the "C" Group. Now, I gotta find my car rental info and print that and put it in my bag...

A Few Hours From Departure...

Going to check in online with Southwest Airlines now...

Flying Southwest Airlines? Check The Current Fares and Save to Orlando!

About 2 hours ago, I curiously checked the adult fares from Los Angeles to Orlando, FL for this coming Sunday (when I was scheduled to leave at 8:30AM). My Mom thought that she might want to join my sister and me on the trip to Walt Disney World, so I looked into it (she ultimately decided not to go). I found a fare to Orlando for $159 one-way, and $129 on September 14th for the return trip. That was a lot cheaper- $74 cheaper- than what I had paid, so I went into the Southwest Airlines online system and changed my flights. I'm still on the same plane for the return flight, although I lowered my fare, and I'm leaving LAX about 40 minutes sooner than I was originally planning to, but now I have $74 that I can use on a future Southwest Airlines flight (before June). I can handle that, I think. Maybe a trip to Walt Disney World in January? We'll see!

Pack Early For Your WDW Trip

I'm remembering that it's so beneficial to pack early for your Walt Disney World trip. Normally I'm awake the whole night before travelling, just packing all night long (and consequently exhausted when I get to the airport). But now that I'm packing early, I'm finding out key things, like that my stylish swim trunks will not fit me anymore, so I have to find the ones I took to Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago and use those.

I'm charging the iPod right now (I don't listen to it that much, but on an airplane, it's so nice to have something of your own choosing to listen to!) I've packed my prescription medicine, and I'm charging the cameras. I don't really have to, but I could even iron the pants that I'll use over there. For my video camera, I might even buy some extra memory cards before I leave (although I wish I'd thought to buy those off Amazon.com a week ago- much cheaper than trying to waltz into Best Buy). But then again, Best Buy is probably much cheaper than buying them from Disney!

I still have to look into some nice WDW restaurants! That can be done online now...

America Sings

I ain't gon' study war no more..

Packing For My Trip to Walt Disney World! Yeah!

I am packing now for my trip to Walt Disney World, and listening to my favorite Disney Theme Park music on iTunes. I wish that Disney still had those machines in their theme parks that allow you to make CD's from their collection of attractions music. Right now, I'm listening to "Sooner or Later" from Splash Mountain (really from "Song of the South", a movie that Disney should really release on video!) I hope that I don't forget to pack anything- but I will have a rental car, and Wal-Mart is within walking distance of the Resort where I'm staying, the Oak Plantation Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, where I own a Timeshare and own the week at the unit where I'm staying. This will be the first time that I've stayed there during this week. This will also be the first time that my sister Julie will visit Walt Disney World. Oh, boy, what should I show her? I'm flying there on Sunday. My sister will fly in on Tuesday. On Wednesday night, we'll check into Disney's Wilderness Lodge for 2 nights. On Sunday, my sister and her boyfriend will fly home, and I'll check into Disney's Bay Lake Towers for 2 nights, before returning home.

I booked a car for my entire stay, through Priceline.com, and I got a good deal- I booked it a month ago.

I am considering buying the Annual Passport that works at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It's $700. If I buy it, I think it would be a better idea to buy it here in California, because here, the $700 includes tax. At Walt Disney World, they will charge $700 plus tax. No discounts on this for Disney Vacation Club Members, either... Aw, shucks!

OK...let me pack...I'll update as I go along!

Planning A Trip to Walt Disney World Resort in September

On September 5, 2010, I will be checking into the Oak Plantation Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, and using a one-bedroom timeshare that I purchased about 13 years ago for the first time (I have the place for a week). While I have never stayed at this particular unit at the Resort before, I have stayed in my 2-bedroom unit that I own for a June use week. I really like this Resort, because it's close to lots of restaurants and shopping, and it's really close to Walt Disney World and Universal.

However, on 2 of the nights that I'm staying at Oak Plantation, I have used my Disney Vacation Club Membership so that I can stay 2 nights at the Wilderness Lodge at the same time. Why, you ask? Because I love the Wilderness Lodge, for one, but also because my sister is accompanying me on this trip, and it's her first trip to Walt Disney World (this was what I answered when they asked me, "are you celebrating anything?" My sister's boyfriend is also coming along for the trip.

After my sister and her boyfriend leave back for home on Sept. 12, I will check into the Bay Lake Towers at Disney's Contemporary Resort. I have stayed at The Contemporary once, but never at the Bay Lake Towers.

I still have to plan my rental car, my dining, and my Theme Park tickets! If I can come up with the cash, I want to buy that Annual Passport that's good for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort! More planning to come....

Can't Think Of What To Do At Walt Disney World? Ride the Monorail Until You Decide

If you are at Walt Disney World Resort and you can't decide what to do next, one thing that you can do that's fun (and free) is to ride the Monorail around the Seven Seas Lagoon until you decide what to do next. You can exit the Monorail and do lots of things- like enter the Magic Kingdom. You could also visit Disney's Contemporary Resort. You could get off at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and take another Monorail over to EPCOT. You could get off at Disney's Polynesian Resort, and explore everything that they have to offer. Or you could visit what I think of the ultra-elegant Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Personally, I like to ride around the Lagoon twice. Yes, you get used to knowing that spiel that you hear every time the doors open and close. The Monorail is truly one relaxing ride.

Get Your Walt Disney World Dining Reservations ASAP!

There are a lot of very popular restaurants at Walt Disney World. I suggest that you book your dining reservations as soon as possible!

The most popular places for dining are The California Grill (located on top of Disney's Contemporary Resort) and Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion of EPCOT. There are other great and popular restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort as well. However, these two are my favorites.

The California Grill has a fantastic view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, and all the hotels that surround it (as well as the Magic Kingdom).

Le Cellier Steakhouse is a beautiful location, and the food is so good! You must have the cheddar cheese soup when you're there!

To make your reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE. You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance of your visit! Wow!

Walt Disney World Trips Should Be Planned!

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, don't let making hotel reservations be the end of your planning. You must consider: do you also want to visit any other Orlando attractions? Will you rent a car, and if so, will you do it from an Orlando Airport location (for the length of your stay) or will you rent it at Walt Disney World? Will you dine at any of Disney's fine dining restaurants in the Theme Parks, or will you eat the fast food along the way? Will you take any special tours that Disney offers? Will you hit any of the Water Parks (Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach)? Will you want to park-hop, or will you be content doing one park per day? What can you do for fun that's free (or cheap)? Well, stick around here, because on this blog that is exactly what I ponder and explore!

Disney's Magical Express Is Located in the Main Terminal on the B Side, Level 1

Disney's Magical Express (the bus service run by Disney, which takes you from Orlando International Airport to your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel) is located in the Main Terminal Building on the B side, on Level 1. So, for example, if you fly into Orlando International Airport with Southwest Airlines (located on the A side), you will have to walk over to the B side once you have your luggage if you are taking Disney's Magical Express!

Late Night Food Plans For Your Late Night Walt Disney World Resort Arrival

If you come into Walt Disney World late at night and check in late at your hotel (like after midnight), there is still hope if you are starving and want to eat something good- like pizza! You can ask your hotel's front desk what pizza options that they have. I personally prefer Papa John's pizza. The last time that I asked the front desk at Disney's Boardwalk hotel when I arrived at 12:30AM, they told me that Papa John's didn't deliver there, and they offered me Pizza Hut and another pizza company. When I got to my room, I called the Disney operator on the phone. They told me that Papa John's was probably closed by then, but they gave me the number. I called Papa John's, and they answered the phone! They took my order, and in an hour I got a large pizza delivered to me in the lobby of the hotel (they called me and told me that the driver was almost there and would meet me in the lobby!) I was starving, so I really grubbed on about 5 pieces of that pizza that night! So, the moral is this: ask, and don't take anyone's word as gospel. Always try to get what you want at Walt Disney World. In this case, I got my Papa John's pizza!

I'm at Old Key West Resort Right Now

Here I am on New Year's Day, up early in the morning, doing laundry, and typing here on this blog! Well, I get inspired (as a writer) when I'm on vacation alone, in an environment that seems to lend itself to creating good literature.

So far at Walt Disney World, I really haven't done a lot of riding of rides. I seem to have developed a habit of simply taking my time, especially when I realize that I am spending quite a fortune on the rooms alone. I am in the Disney Vacation Club, and that should be saving me money. However, it's the holiday season, and the points charts indicate that I'm spending lots of points to stay here in my resorts. On 3 of my five nights here, I'm staying in a 1-bedroom vacation home, as opposed to a studio (since it's only me staying here!) Therefore, I like to just take my time in waking up, and I like to sleep in.

I've been to Walt Disney World over 40 times in my lifetime, I'm guessing (all of that since 1993). I'm not sick of it- I love it- it's just that I really like to take my time, that's all.

I just put my load of laundry into the dryer, although it's 4AM. I'm really not all that sleepy. In fact, I'm excited about the new year- I feel like Stewey on "Family Guy".

Tomorrow (which is today, techincally, and will begin after I wake up from going to bed), I am going to have to do a few things: find a "Best Buy" (or cruise on over to Wal-Mart in Kissimmee on I-192- I know where that is!) to get another memory card for my video camera. I woudn't have to do this, but this old iBook G4 from Apple is too old for me to use with that video camera, so I have to wait home to download the videos of my trip onto my desktop iMac at home. I wonder how much the video card is going to cost?

By the way, I rented a car for one day a few hours ago. You don't need a car at Walt Disney World, but if you are used to renting one here, you can get withdrawals if you don't have one sometimes. I got it quite easily and quickly, right here on Disney property! An Alamo Rent-A-Car van picked me up in front of the Resort, and took me to the Customer Care Center near the Magic Kingdom. I was out of there in five minutes! Wow!

Right now it's raining outside, and it is so peaceful sounding! I am going to sleep so good when I finally go to bed in a few minutes!

I have to say, Christmas week is really the best time to come to Walt Disney World. It's really crowded at the Theme Parks, especially at the Magic Kingdom (which I have not visited yet on this trip), but to make up for it, they offer Disney Resort guests something really cool- something called "Extra Magic Hours", where they let the Resort guests into the theme parks one hour earlier than other guests, and they also give the Resort guests up to 3 extra hours beyond park closing on certain nights, so that they can ride more rides with little or no crowds! Additionally, during the week between Christmas and New Years, the Resort is decorated so beautifully, and there's Christmas music piped into every Resort Hotel and Theme Park! I love it! Now I know why Mariah Carey and Celine Dion love to come here so much and stay in such nice hotels- not only because they have tons of money and can do it (but that's a good reason!), but because they love it, too! Yeah!

Well, I'm getting tired now, but I'll write a few more tips and tricks the next time I'm writing this blog. I'm already planning my next trip to Walt Disney World, you can bank on that! And, now that I've had some time to think about it, I might not leave Disney property today to go to Best Buy or Wal-Mart- I'll just spend quality time and the Theme Parks and at my favorite Resort, which I will check into today- the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge! Yeah!