Show 59 - Delectable and Delicious Disney Snacks plus Money Saving Tips

Welcome to the podcast show notes for podcast number 059, dated 23rd August 2015. You can hear the show by subscribing to our show via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any of the other podcast catching places out there. Finally, you can also click on the link below.

So, ahead of you, you will find answers to some listener questions on:

• Summer snack attacks
• How much money should you take

Disneyland - Photo Credit, M Young

Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World - Photo Credit Disney World Website

First, we would like to share an email with you. Michelle and Jayne. I was hoping you would help me as I am going to Disneyland for the first time in 6 years. I am on a limited budget so I plan to try and eat lots of snacks. Can you advise what I should try? Eric from Wisconson. Well, curiously we also received a message via Facebook from Julian from Bromsgrove, as he and his family are going to Walt Disney World and they are wanting us to recommend our top five snacks. So here goes with the information we shared on the podcast.

Lets start with Walt Disney World: 

• Downtown Disney does offer some cheap options and I recommend the Earl of Sandwich Brownie Sandwich. This is two of the most delicious brownies filled and sandwiched together with creamy, sugary and delicious vanilla, chocolate or peanut butter frosting. This is available in Disneyland and WDW.

  

  Napoleon - Photo Credit, Disney Food Blog

• EPCOT is a fabulous place to graze and get great snacks at a reasonable price – some are quite generous and can be shared! However, we recommend visiting France and Norway. Firstly, in France you will find the Napoleon. This pastry is topped with a thick layer of icing it has layers of flaky, buttery pastry are with thick, rich vanilla custard cream in between. My local Greggs do one and they are delish! Its available at Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie for $4.25 And as you are in France, don’t forget the Artisan d’Glace ice cream brioche sandwich for $4. Next stop we mentioned was Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe for their $3 school bread or the rice cream for $2.69.  

• Now to the Magic Kingdom and on the edge of Fantasyland, almost Tomorrowland, there is a kiosk called Cheshire Cafe and they serve up a Gourmet Cake Cup but it is de-constructed and is basically layers of cake sweet cake and frosting with chocolate decoration on top. This runs in at just under $5. 

  

  Gourmet Cake Cup

• Quick mention for the carrot cake cookie from Writers Stop at DHS.
• Talking of cupcakes, WDW does offer the most amazing array of choices in both parks and resort hotels. From Red velvet to peanut butter, these $5 (or so) treats are very shareable. So try these! 

  

  Butterfinger Cupcake

Now lets move to Disneyland:

• Maurices’s treats offer a range of twists from the cheddar garlic to the strawberry or chocolate one and are around the $4 mark. 

  

  Twists - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

• Edelweiss snacks in Disneyland have the chilli lime corn on the cob which it great value for just under $5.
• Another great snack is available from the Harbour galley – just near The Haunted Mansion. They do a range of jacket potatoes from around the $7 price point and you can choose from BBQ chicken, bacon and sour cream and shrimp salad. Awesome carb loading for the days where you are hitting the park for a long day. 

Next question is about budgets and this is from Clare in Penkridge. I’m going to WDW for the first time. I do not know what expenses I should reasonable expect. I have park tickets and I am staying at an off site hotel and expect to spend three days in WDW (1 MK, 1 DAK/EPCOT and 1 DHS). Can you advise?

This is difficult as everyone has different spending habits and at the end of the day you could manage on around $20 a day but you could aos quite easily spend $400! But here are a few guidelines: 

Walt Disney World - Photo Credit, Disney World Website

• Biggest expense is food. If you eat breakfast off site you only have to purchase two meals in park. So I would budget $35-40 a day providing you are not having any sit down table service meals. This figure sounds high but includes buying water as hydration is important. Remember can bring water in with you too. I buy the small concentrate juice bottles and add that to water bottle or water fountain re-fills.
• Souvenirs range from a few dollars upwards. I like to post myself a postcard, also maybe buy a pin with the year or season on. You can spend $$ on this section so set yourself a budget!
• Ride photos, tend to be a pricey option but if you get one take and you love it, it will set you back around $17. If you want ten or more of such photos or character pictures, Disney do Photopass and in WDW it is around $170 but occasionally you can find vouchers to get it a bit cheaper.
• Things such as headache tablets, sun cream and plasters can be bought inside the park but are expensive. Take your own.
• How are you going to pay for goods? It may seem irrelevant if you live in the USA but as you are from the UK us overseas visitors need to plan ahead as most credit cards charge additional transaction costs for converting currency. I always take currency and a pre-payment card that I load with US dollars prior to my trip.
• Final cost - cell phone use. At Walt Disney World there is wifi in the parks and most hotels offer this free of charge. However, texting and calls if not done via the internet can be costly and leave you with a nasty surprise 3/4 weeks post holidays. For UK guests, the mobile network Three off the ability to take your package with you for no additional cost, where as Vodafone charge £5 a day! So check up on this. In Disneyland, there is no in park wifi. So unless you visit a Disney hotel or certain establishments at Downtown Disney you will have to wait until you return to your hotel.

And that is it for this set of show notes. We will be back on Sunday 30th August with the show notes for show 60 which is a special crossover show! Part one will be released on Window to the Magic Podcast on 24th August (show number 485 1/2) and it begins an in-park adventure, where we begin a quest to ride an attraction but with Paul Barrie in charge, it gets a little confusing! Then, part 2 will be released on Sunday 30th August by us. Listen to both shows, answer the question we pose at the end to win a prize.

To submit your own question or contact the show: 

Email – info@Disneydreamgirls.com

Twitter @disdreamgirls

Facebook Disney Dream Girls

Meerkat – DisDreamGirls

Show 056 - Starters, Steaks, Fish and a Cocktail

On this weeks show we celebrate the 3rd August 1933 and the release of The Mickey Mouse watch. Do you own one? The original starting price was $3.25. If only that had stayed still!

Also we discuss on the show the new experience that is coming to Innoventions at EPCOT. The Gladden paint company is sponsoring 'Colortopia' which will open in fall 2015. Details are scant at the moment but it will be interactive and have some accessible content once you have the location.

Then we looked at a few frequently found message board items, where you can frequently find strange rumours being born or questions that really don't even warrant posting.

Then, the final segment of show 54's foodie feature and below I share pictures and menu descriptions to tempt you to try and taste something new.

To listen to the podcast, subscribe to our show via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or you could simply click on the link below.


The starter you wish would never end - Disneyland

Napa Rose Scallops

Napa Rose, Pan Roasted Diver Scallops $22.00
On a Sauce of Lobster and Lemon Accented with Vanilla

Carthay Circle, Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits $12.00
Stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon, and Jalapinos 

Café Orleans, Bowl of New Orleans Gumbo - $9.49
A rich, flavorful Stew with Chicken, Andouille Sausage, and Tasso Ham served with Cajun-style "Dirty Rice" 

The starter you wish would never end - WDW

Pot Stickers, Animal Kingdom

California Grill @ Contemporary – Walt Disney World
Chili-Coffee Rubbed Pork Flatbread
Washington Red Pear Butter, Pepper Jack Cheese, Pears, Coffee Barbecue sauce  - $16.00

Grand Floridian Café @ Grand Floridian
Pan-seared Scallops with Bacon-laced Arugula, Spinach, and Fennel-Meyer Lemon-Butter Emulsion - $12.99

Teppan Edo @ Epcot (Or from Tokyo Dining) Assorted Tempura Shrimp, Chicken, and Vegetables  -  $8.95

Yak & Yeti Restaurant @ AK Dim Sum Basket for Two
Pork pot stickers, shrimp siu mai, cha su boo and pork siu mai steamed on a banana leaf, soy lime dipping sauce  -  $13.99

The best steak based meal - Disneyland

Steakhouse 55 - Photo Credit Disney Parks Website

Paradise Garden Grill, Grilled Steak Skewer - $11.99
served with Rice Pilaf, Cucumber Salad, Pita Bread and your choice of sauce: Moroccan Chili, Chimichurri or Tzatziki

Carnation Café, Country-Fried Steak and Eggs - $13.49
Steak topped with country gravy served with two eggs-any style, café breakfast potatoes and choice of toast

Steakhouse 55 Bone-in Rib Eye - $46.00
With our Signature "Steakhouse 55" Rub 18 oz and Ill jazz that up with a broiled cold water lobster tail ($27), a side of Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes which comes with a white country gravy and minced chives ($9) and their steamed asparagus with orange zest inspired Hollandaise ($12)

The best steak based meal - WDW

Ragland Road Steak - Photo Credit Disney Parks Website

Citricos @ Grand Floridian Resort - Oak-grilled Filet Mignon  - $49.00
Crushed Yukon Gold Garlic Potatoes, Peppadew Pepper, Caramelized Onions, Broccoli Rabe, and Cabernet Reduction 

Raglan Road @ Downtown Disney Serious Steak  - $29.00 
10 oz. sirloin topped with Irish whiskey marmalade glaze, with fresh basil oil, mashed potatoes and topped with beer battered onion rings 

Shula’s Steak House @ The Dolphin
Place to go for your classic selection of various steaks!!
12-ounce Filet Mignon - $55.00
16-ounce New York Strip  - $49.00
20-ounce Kansas City Strip - $51.00
22-ounce Cowboy Ribeye  - $54.00
24-ounce Porterhouse - $51.00
48-ounce Porterhouse - $105.00 
20-ounce Prime Rib served with Yorkshire Pudding and Au Jus - $49.00
10-ounce Steak Mary Anne
Two 5 oz. Filets with a Cognac-Peppercorn Sauce - $48.00

The best fish based entrée - Disneyland

Fish and Chips - The Golden Horseshoe

The Golden Horseshoe, Fish & Chips $9.99
With Tartar Sauce. Served with Sliced Apples or Fries.

Uva Bar, Downtown Disney, Market Fish a la Plancha – market prices
Brussels sprouts, preserved lemon puree, fingerling potatoes, applewood bacon
The best vegetarian option

Surfside Lounge, Paradise Pier Hotel, San Ysidro Fish Tacos - $10.99
Pan Seated Seasoned Cod in a Corn Tortilla, Green Cabbage and Avocado Sauce, served with Wood Oven Roasted Tomato Salsa

The best fish based entrée - WDW

California Grill - Dragon Roll

California Grill @ Contemporary Dragon Roll 
Spicy and Tataki Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, Dragon Sauce, Hijiki-Shirataki Salad  - $25.00

Coral Reef @ Epcot Seared Mahi Mahi - $26.99
Seared Mahi Mahi with Laughing Bird Shrimp, Hearts of Palm, Jasmine Rice, Cilantro, and a Coconut-Lime Sauce

Flying Fish Café @ Boardwalk Char Spice-crusted Yellowfin Tuna Filet - $40.00
Mediterranean Char Spice-crusted Yellowfin Tuna Filet and Poached lake Meadow Naturals Araucana Egg Arugula served with Pesto-laced Panzanella, Baby Artichokes, Saffron Onions, Capers, Fennel, Tiny Tomatoes, Taggiasca Olives, Pole Beans, Spicy Greens   

Hollywood Brown Derby @ DHS Fareo Island Salmon - $36.00
Pan-seared with a Cardamom and Mustard Seed Crust ver a Sweet and Spicy Cream Corn with Local Peppers, and English Peas      

Kona Café @ Poly Togarashi Spiced Ahi Tuna - $23.99
Served with Tempura Fried Vegetable Maki Roll and Red Wine Reduction  

Tokyo Dining @Epcot Grilled Salmon Salmon Filet - $28.95 
Served with Teriyaki Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables, Croquette, and Sukiyaki Beef Rice  

Cocktails - Disneyland

Cove Bar, Tropical Ginger Lemonade
Skyy Infusions Pineapple Vodka, Minute Maid Lemonade, Ginger, and a splash of Grenadine

Carthay Circle Lounge Double Pear Martini- $13.00
Double Cross and Absolut Pears vodka, Pear Nectar, and fresh Lime Juice complemented with a marinated Baby Pear, served up

Cocktails - WDW

50’s Prime Time Cafe, Mardi Grogs @ Port Orleans French Quarter Mango Margarita - $11.00
Patrón Silver Tequila blended with Mango Purèe topped with a Passion Fruit-Mango Foam 

Rix Lounge @ Coronado Springs, Birthday Caketini
Pinnacle Cake Vodka, Crème de Cacao, Amaretto, Godiva White Chocolate liqueur, and a splash of cream served with a rainbow sprinkle rim 

We will be back with our next posting on 9th August 2015. 

Show 52 - Best Disney Desserts Including the Kitchen Sink!

Welcome to the show notes that accompany our podcast episode 52 (our show can be found by visiting the iTunes store or by clicking here to listen now. Whether you listen to the show or not, we hope you will enjoy reading about something we hold close to our hears - desserts! Below, we have ten sumptuous categories for your delectation and I am sure between Walt Disney World and Disneyland you will find something to your liking to try.

Category 1 - Most Calories

WDW, Narcoossees at Grand Floridian, Candy Bar

Dark Chocolate-Mocha Bar with House-made Guanaja Chocolate Gelato - $11.00

Or California Grill at the Contemporary the Warm Homemade Fritters

Banana-stuffed, Cinnamon-dusted Fritters complemented with a Trio of Dipping Sauces - $13.00

Disneyland, Stage Door Café, Frontierland, House-Made Funnel Cakes

With strawberry, chocolate, or powdered sugar topping $6.49 

Or Entire Ghiradelli Menu

Narcoossees Candy Bar

Least Calories

WDW, piece of fruit $1.69 or fruit cup $3.79

Disneyland, pineapple spear and spice it up with Tajun spice

Fruitiest

WDW, Dole Whip or pineapple whip 

Or Tamu Tamu Refreshments at AK with either dark rum or coconut rum - $6.50

Or The Wave, Contemporary, Strawberry-peach Belini Cake

Peach-glazed Sponge Cake layered with Almonds and Strawberry Mousse accompanied by Champagne Sorbet - $6.99

Disneyland, Ritas Baja Blenders in DCA The Tropicool

Strawberry non alcoholic drink $5.39 though they have lemon and sometimes cherry

Or Jolly Holiday Bakery, Meyer Lemon and strawberry tart

Crisp shortbread cookie filled with light creamy sweetened Meyer lemon cream topped with thinly sliced strawberries and then has a puree of fresh strawberries and top with cream and a white chocolate square

Or Carthay Circle Summer Pineapple Coconut Semifreddo Rum vanilla pineapple conserve and chilled tropical fruit broth $12.00

Tropicool Drink

Meyer Lemon and Strawberry Tart

For the chocoholic

Disneyland, The Plazza, Seasonal Yule Log

Chocolate sponge with a thick layer of chocolate chestnut cream and covered in a dark chocolate ganche (recommended by Denise Jones)

Or chocolate mousse cupcake

Or Village Haus, black forest cupcake $5.49

Or Carthay Circle, Valrhona Milk Chocolate Creme Brulee Tart

Fresh marinated raspberries and chocolate sauce $12.00

Or Ghiradellis Decadent Drinking Chocolate with Biscotti - Made with melted semi-sweet chocolate chips and packed with intense chocolate flavor in every rich, velvety sip $4.95

 

Valrhona Milk Chocolate Creme Brûlée Tart

Yule Log, Photo Credit Denise Jones

Best Value

WDW, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Kitchen Sink

8 Scoops of Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee, and Mint Chocolate Chip smothered in every topping they have plus pound cake, cookies, muffins, cherries, whole can of whipped cream and everything but the kitchen sink!

Or Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Port Orleans French Quarter – Beignets 3 for $2.99 or 6 for $4.29 – proper New Orleans style beignets, little pillows of dough doused in sugar

Or From Mara, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Zebra Domes pack of 5

Consist of a thin layer of white cake, a dome of Amarula Liqueur mousse, coated in a white chocolate ganache with a dark chocolate ganache drizzle.

Disneyland, PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel offers a Kitchen sink for $22.49

Or Golden Horseshoe Hot Fudge Sundae - two scoops of vanilla ice cream and two freshly baked chocolate chip cookies topped with whipped cream, hot fudge, chocolate morsels and a cherry $6.29 

Or Ghiradelli Presidio Passion - Strawberry Hot Fudge Sundae

Vanilla ice cream smothered between layers of sliced strawberry topping and our freshly homemade hot fudge, beautifully topped with whipped cream and a chocolate covered strawberry $9.95 when you consider the choc covered strawberry is $4.95

Zebra domes

Kitchen Sink, Photo Credit WDW Website

Worst Value

WDW, Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Downtown Disney -The Earthquake Family Favourite

Eight scoops of Ice Cream, eight delicious toppings, finished with fresh Bananas, Whipped Cream, Chopped Almonds, Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips and Cherries - $34.95 – simply because this makes the kitchen sink look even better value!

Disneyland Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop Earthquake Family Favourite

Eight scoops of ice cream, eight delicious toppings, finished with fresh bananas, whipped cream, chopped almonds, semi-sweet chocolate chips and cherries $37.95

Or Anything lemony!

Most Interesting Way to Serve Ice-Cream

WDW, L’Artisan des Glaces, EPCOT, croque en glace

Warm brioche bun with any flavour ice-cream in the middle with either chocolate or raspberry sauce – is this just not a posh Arctic Roll?

Disneyland, Clarabelle’s in DCA, Mickey Sundae

These sundaes are served in the Mickey pants ice cream dish Chocolate Chip Cookie & Hot Fudge Sundae

Strawberry Sundae

Mint Chocolate Chip Sundae

Mocha Almond Fudge Sundae $11.99

Mickey's Kitchen Sink, Photo Credit Corey Kivett

Most Decadently indulgent Ice-Cream

WDW, Ice Cream Martini – L’artisan des Glaces

2 Scoops of ice cream, with a shot of Grand Marnier, Whipped Cream Vodka or Rum

Or Beaches and Cream, Fudge Mud Slide - $8

A gooey, chewy Brownie covered with Hot Fudge, Three Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream, Oreo Cookies, and Whipped Cream topped with Chocolate Syrup and a Cherry

Disneyland, Club 33, Cheddar cheese ice cream

As it came with a three course lunch, it worked out very expensive!

Or Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour

Peppermint ice cream with crushed candy cane pieces in molten chocolate dipped waffle cone – seasonal

Peppermint Ice Cream

Most Refreshing Desert

WDW, Dole Whip again or if not the Citrus Swirl

Also need to mention School Bread as only $2.99 from Kringla Bakeri go Kafe, Norway, Epcot  - Sweet Cardamom Bun filled with Vanilla Crème Custard and topped with Glazed and Toasted Coconuts – simply beautiful.

Disneyland, Dole Whip float served with cherry and an umbrella

Or Gibson Girl Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Dipped Waffle Cone 

Single or Double; choice of chocolate or chocolate with peanuts or sprinkles $5.19/$5.69 with rainbow sherbet flavour

Dole Whip at WD, Photo Credit WDW Website

Best non-dessert dessert!

WDW, Captain Cooks at The Polynesian, Tonga Toast

Banana-stuffed Sourdough Bread, Battered and Deep-fried, and dusted with Cinnamon Sugar - $5.19. Comes with sausage or bacon, not sure why, maybe a British thing mixing savoury with sweet for breakfast?!

Disneyland, Flos V8 Café, French toast brioche

Or Caramel French toast on the breakfast buffet at Grand Californian Hotel with lashings of buttery caramel sauce ladled on top

Or Café Orleans or Blue Bayou, Le Special de Monte Cristo Sandwich - Turkey, Ham, and Swiss Cheese battered and fried to golden brown, served with a Fruit Skewer $26.49 or the cheaper version at Café Orleans Monte Cristo Sandwich - sliced turkey, ham and Swiss cheese fried in a light batter and served with berry puree dusted with powdered sugar $18.99

Or Turkey leg – suggested by Jesse Stephenson and we won't make any further comment on that thank you very much!

Tonga Toast, Photo Credit WDW Website

Monte Cristo, Photo Credit WDW Website

We hope you have enjoyed reading these notes and if you want further details, please take the time to listen to our podcast either via iTunes (subscribe by clicking here). 

Show 51 - Selfie Sticks, Marathons & a Skywalker

Ahead of you are five news topics from our DDG view point, so lets start spreading the news with contributors Michelle and Sarah and here are this weeks topics:

• 2016 packages are released
• Confirmation of a fifth Indiana Jones Movie
• Reflections on the first week of 'poop for sale' in Disneys Animal Kingdom
• Selfie Sticks are to be no more in Disney parks
• Disneyland Paris half Marathon details released

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

This week saw the release of 2016 packages and a few changes have been made. For mini golf, vouchers have increased, yes you read that bit right, from two to four vouchers, plus four vouchers have been added enabling admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports. Also, there are discount changes for Splitsville and Planet Hollywood. However, there have been removal of some restaurants from the packages. How do you feel about this? 

Also this week, Cinemablend.com released news that Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, during a Variety expose on his career, revealed that his next project is the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones movie. So the question is, would a 72 year old Harrison Ford work or should film makers re-invent the role with a younger actor?

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Lets leap to Animal Kingdom and Zuri's Sweet Shop and it seems to have been doing a roaring trade... well everyone on our twitter feed has been giving it a go! What are your thoughts? On the show, I ask Sarah what she thinks and whether she is game to try! I'll give you a clue, her answer was no!

Moving to the west coast of the USA and in Disneyland have you ever wondered what the bakers, artists and engineers that create the Haunted Mansion Gingerbread extravaganza do during the summer? Well they build a replica castle! Inside the stunning Grand Californian Hotel you will find a 3 foot tall rendition of Sleeping Beauty Castle and it took a staggering a 140 hours to create. We are talking about 54 pounds of rice cereal, 18 pounds of marshmallows, 30 pounds of white chocolate, 40 pounds of gum paste, 15 pounds of fondant and 6 hidden mickeys!

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Finally, more details have been released about the Disneyland Paris inaugural half marathon. Package registration will start next October 6th, 2015. There is also a limited number of individual registrations available from 12th January 2016. From what we gather, package registration is race ticket and accommodations. No prices as yet we are afraid. For further information, go to run.disneylandparis.com

We hope you have enjoyed reading these notes and if you want further details, please take the time to listen to our podcast either via iTunes (subscribe by clicking here). 

Show 48 - Disneyland in a day

Can you really do a successful one day visit to Disneyland? As a Disney fan, surely all time in a Disney park can be said to be a success, however, join me, as I share some pictures and memories of my one day trip to Disneyland.

Firstly, I hear you ask, you live in the UK, why was this just a one day trip? Well, I flew to Northern California to spend time with friends and I couldn't imagine a trip to California without visiting Disneyland, so I asked one of my friends, Jesse Stephenson (author of the blog Quest For Vault Disney), whether he could be persuaded to spend a day and a half in Anaheim. Luckily, as an avid Disney fan, he said yes and we made plans. We had a simple remit of go and see the parade, fireworks and stand in awe of the 60th bling that Disney had installed (ok we did also want to see the Hatbox Ghost and the upgraded Abominable Snowman aka 'Harold' in the Matterhorn Bobsleds too). Now to the downside, to enable us to get to Disneyland as early as possible, we had to get a 5.30am flight but thankfully, this went to plan and indeed we were at City Hall for just after 9am.

First port of call, for me is always the Mickey floral and I wasn't disappointed. The train station behind was bedecked in drapery and even the lampposts had been spruced up and adorned with the diamond logo and 60th celebration colours of blues and white.

Once on Main Street, I felt overwhelmed and the sparkles of the castle called me closer and closer, as if she was calling my name to hurry to photograph her beauty. Wow! From the roof down, it sparkled and it just looked simply magical. Bear in mind the last castle I had seen was in Disneyland Paris (and boy that is a stunning castle), I was not disappointed by the enhancements that had been made.

As we were in the hub, a decision had to be made on the attractions we wanted to ride. By this time it was 9.45am and we knew Fantasyland queues would be growing longer (the park was busy!). Therefore, we took the decision to go to Tomorrowland first and grab a Space Mountain fast pass and then queue for the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. I had only ridden this once before and was thrilled with the short line. Additionally, I got some great audio that I will be sharing in an upcoming podcast. From Nemo, we had a twenty minute wait for Star Tours. I loved it. Again, my last experience was Paris and as that was an older incarnation, this re-visit was most welcome. I know, you will all be yelling "You don't do Star Wars, Michelle!" I know. I'm sorry. But I do enjoy the attraction. Prior to handing over our Fastpasses for Space Mountain, we had some Astro Blasting fun with Buzz. I never ever get higher than level 2 so I guess I'm a poor shot! Jesse took great delight with his victory... however the scores show a different story!

By this time, I had been awake nine hours and I needed food! What better than a hop, skip and a jump to Jolly Holiday Bakery. I was ravenous and I eagerly began eyeing up the beef sandwich but then I read the salad menus and was intrigued by the mash up of grilled chicken, strawberry and goat cheese spinach salad. I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone; as it was delicious. The strawberry balsamic dressing was sublime and the picked red onions and candied pecans really made it a filling lunch. Of course, there is no trip to Jolly Holiday without dessert and the Mickey-shaped raspberry French Macaron did not fail me. This is a stunning dessert, so much so, when I offered a slither Jesse he uttered WOW and was amazed how tasty it was. He then took my plate and proceeded to clear it of crumbs! (sorry Jesse but just had to share that!)

With full tummies, we grabbed fast passes for Indiana Jones, which luckily were due just before our dinner reservation, and then sped to the Mansion. Whilst we weren't fortunate enough for a ride slowing or stoppage in front of Hattie himself, it was at a pleasing enough speed to take in the full effect and marvel at those clever imagineers for enabling him to reappear. Post Hattie, it was off for Swashbuckling fun on Pirates. Whilst in line, the couple in front turned round and introduced themselves - they were only podcast listeners! Oh my... apart from organised meets this had never happened to me before, so it was a fun first! Final stop in New Orleans Square, and was the most dangerous attraction of the day... the Pandora charm shop and I'm afraid my purse got badly damaged!

Following my financial exertions, we went to Fantasyland and went to say hi to Harold, the infamous abominable snowman. Now, I have ridden the Matterhorn twice and both times found it too brutal and rickety on my back but I had to ride it to report back the changes... The suffering I go through for my listeners! Anyway, single rider line was going down quickly and within ten minutes, I was ushered to a front sled seat. Oh my word! What a smooth ride and I loved the new effect. I actually enjoyed it! So from now on, I will always ride the front seat. At this point, I met my good friend and fellow podcaster Thomas Allison (he hosts a fabulous podcast about cruises) and we just had to ride its a Small World. With Jesse and I whizzing then to Big Thunder and Indy, we left Tommy to shop for some 60th merchandise and then met up with him later for our evening meal.

Our evening meal was at Carnation Cafe. I have never had a bad meal here and today was no different. Now, those of you who listen closely to the show, will know my aversion to Disneyland pickles (well most green food!). However, I had heard such amazing things about them from Ashley Kennedy-Turner I had to try the appetiser; which sees them coated in a covering of Panco and parmesan breadcrumbs. Yum yum! They were delicious so I urge you all to give them a try! My entree was the Main Street Cheeseburger and whilst it was tasty, I had had better.

 

By this time, time had ticked to 6pm and Main Street was pretty crowded already with blankets and towels. No this wasn't a protest or an organised nap but prepared Disneylanders sitting out waiting for the first parade to pass through, in around three hours time! Already, the curb spaces had gone so we decided, as this was a major reason for the trip, that we had best go and grab a spot and prepare for a long wait. However, it wasn't too bad as we got a pre-parade of podcasting friends as Paul Barrie (from Window to the Magic), with his friend Wendy Cooper, and Richard and Sarah Woloski (from Skywalking Through Neverland) popped by to say hi (as you do!)

I appreciate many of you will not have seen the parade and fireworks, therefore I have decided not to spoil it for you. And all I will say is that it was well worth the wait and I recommend you plan in at least two nights to view the fireworks from different locations.

Post parade and firework fun, we wandered straight on to Mansion and then made the grave error of going to Splash Mountain. Yes, it is a firm favourite. However, post ride I couldn't have gotten wetter if I had swam my way around rather than sitting front row in my log. Anyways, I'll never learn! In the distance, we then heard a familiar strand of music... Fantasmic was starting. Well it would be rude not to try find somewhere to stand. Luckily, as most park guests were waiting for the second showing of the parade we were able to grab a hot cocoa and enjoy the show from a fairly good walk up location. By this time however, my sugar levels were dropping, my clothes were dripping and my eyes were drooping so we made a slow meander down Main Street to head back to the hotel. However, as always, we popped in by the Fire House and said our thanks to Walt before heading for the exit.

Can you do Disneyland in a day? Yes... well nearly all of it anyways. I am so thankful for my fourteen hours of Disney fun and I think I managed to cram quite a lot in the day. However, I believe that every now and again doing a one day trip is fun however, for my next trip (a whopping sixteen days) the pace will be much much slower!

For an audio version, where Jayne and I chat through the day, please listen to our podcast via iTunes by clicking this link - iTunes podcast player.

All photographs and content can not be reproduced without the explicit permission of Disney Dream Girls.