It was such a relief to wake up on Tuesday morning healthy and feeling like a million bucks after Monday’s sickness. I hadn’t eaten in twenty hours and I was ready for a big breakfast with the Disney Characters! We headed to the hotel’s lakeside dining hall for breakfast. I had fresh fruit, bacon, eggs, and a Mickey Mouse waffle. Coffee stillswasn’t appetizing, but I think that’s because I’m too picky when it comes to coffee. Their waffles were the best I’ve ever had and I’d love to know their waffle mix recipe.
First things first: buy Minnie Mouse ears! This was a difficult purchase because I’m incredible bad at making decisions and there were way too many to choose from. I decided to stick to the basic.
I was so excited when we walked into Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. This was on my bucket list since I was a little girl and it was actually happening.
There was a parade in the street with great performers and everything felt so magical. I felt like I was in a movie scene.
Cinderella’s Castle is even better in person! I took about 40 photos of the castle.
We grabbed some coffee at Starbucks and headed over ride Space Mountain!
We were so pumped for this ride and it was worth the wait! It was pitch dark in there and just looked like outer space! You go up, down, around, and I could ride that all day long.
There were parades almost every hour.
My favorite character! I had a Woody doll growing up and he was my favorite. He had a string in the back to pull and he’d say “Howdy Partner! My Name’s Woody, There’s a Snake in My Boot, You’re My Favorite Deputy.” I used to annoy my brother with my doll.
One of the most magical moments was when the Disney Princesses came out to sing and dance. I’m not going to lie. I teared up a bit because it was a special moment. I’m going to get made fun of for this but, this moment was special. I grew up looking up to these Disney Princess’s and characters. Seeing all the little kids around look up to the same Characters made me feel like a little girl again and it just took me back to my younger years. I guess Walt Disney just makes you feel like everything in life is going to be okay and dreams can and will come true if you work hard for them.
I was so impressed with the Magic Kingdom.
Tea in Fantasy Land.
We took a little boat over to explore Tom Sawyer’s Island.
Tom Sawyer’s Island was pretty cool. We went through trails and inside caves.
We were hungry, so we decided to have a late lunch at Jungle Skipper Canteen. The Canteen is located in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. If you’re not one for corny jokes and puns, do not go here. If you do not like good service and interactive waiters, do not go here. They were awesome! We also didn’t have to wait longer than two minutes to be seated.
I loved how unique the menu was. We decided to split a meal and appetizers.
Delicious Ambassador bread with spiced honey sauce.
They had a signature mango drink that we couldn’t say no to. It’s the punch line punch! It was crazzzzzy sweet but so good.
We chose the falafel, the sea shu mai, and the “a lot at steak” salad.
The sea shu mai was a legendary blend of Pork, Shrimp, Mung Beans, and Spices wrapped in Gyoza Skin then steamed
The falls family falafel was so good! It was crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. It simply melted in your mouth. It had chickpeas, garlic, onion, lemon juice, and herbs served with a white bean dip and a tomato cucumber salad.
The “A lot of Steak” salad was my favorite. The Thai-marinated flank steak was cooked to medium rare (My preference) and tossed with hearts of romaine, carrots, red peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Sharing all the dishes was a prefect lunch.
We walked around even more while our food digested. We followed the Magic Kingdom map so we didn’t miss anything.
How cute are these Mickey Apples? This would be fun to do for a theme party.
The Magic Kingdom was so peaceful. It was such a chilly day so it wasn’t as crowded as we expected.
It was windy and cold. There was noway I was going to ride splash mountain!
My friend kept begging me…
Two hours later I said “yes.” Luckily, I didn’t get wet at all! It was a pretty cool ride 🙂 I loved the the ride through the cave with all the characters.
We bought an ornament at the Christmas Store.
Such a true quote.
We were EXHAUSTED! We wanted to head out so we could get ready and go to Downtown Disney. It really was a magical day at the Magic Kingdom!
We headed back to the hotel so I could take a shower and get ready to go out.
We bundled up and headed to the waterfront at Downtown Disney. This place was SO cool and I wish we could go when it’s warmer out.
It was around 8pm so we decided to split appetizers at different restaurants instead of ordering meals.
Next was the Fulton Crab House for an appetizer and a drink.
Hot tea for my freezing fingers!
We split a crab cake over a fried green tomato and corn. This definitely goes in the top best crab cakes! So good.
My friend wanted to stop at one more place!
I was ready for bed at this point. He ordered calamari from Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant.
I was up early to pack my bags and grab breakfast. I had Greek Yogurt with granola and a skim milk latte at the hotel.
After ten days of traveling, it felt good to be home! It always feels good to be home 🙂
Till we meet again Disney World 🙂
- What is your favorite Disney Park?
- Who is your favorite Disney Character?
- Have you ever done a Disney Run?
Ashley says
I’ve completed three runDisney half marathons! It’s not only magical races, but an excuse to get to Disney more 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
That is awesome! You go girl 🙂
Emily says
Magic Kingdom is hands down my favorite park! I’ve been to Disney 20+ times now and it still holds true! Ariel will always be my favorite character. And I haven’t done a Disney run yet but I’m dying to! They are fantastic. Characters are out at the races and it really looks like a magical experience. The only problem is that you have to sign up pretty early and they sell out fast. I think 2017 is gonna be my year! I loved reading about your Disney trip! Disney is basically my life so if you ever need any recommendations I’d be happy to help! ?
Taralynn McNitt says
Holy Cow! You are like the Disney Queen! 20 + times…I really need to catch up!
I love Ariel too! You should definitely do a race this year 🙂 I’ll make sure to email you if I need any Disney assistance!
xo xo
Alexa says
1. Magic Kingdom is by far my absolute favorite. I love every tiny thing about it.
2. I love Winnie the Pooh, but I’m a pretty big fan of all the princesses.
3. I’ve never done a Disney run but when we were there in January, the Dopey Challenge was going on. People did a 5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathon in as many days! I was amazed by those people! I’d love to do one (not that one, per say) at some point!
Glad you felt better and could enjoy Magic Kingdom to its fullest!
Taralynn McNitt says
Me too!
Love the princesses! I may watch a disney movie tonight after the bachelor!
That is pretty impressive!
🙂 xo
Marissa says
EPCOT is my favorite park. Was just there this weekend.
Pluto has always been my favorite character.
Haven’t done any Disney runs, not sure that I ever will – they’re always packed. I’ve heard the best one to do is Food & Wine because it is in the evening and you get into EPCOT afterwards.
Taralynn McNitt says
I wish I could have experienced it more!
I had breakfast with Pluto 😀
I heard the food and wine festival is a must!
Heather says
My favorite Disney park is MK, but I could say that my favorite is whatever park I’m in on that given day. I’m Disney obsessed. My favorite character is Ariel! I would love to do a Disney run one day. I hear they are so well done! So glad you enjoyed your trip! I like Nick’s idea of doing the appetizers at different restaurants. I may have to use that idea on my next trip. Next time you will have to plan a longer one to experience the other parks as well!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love Ariel too 🙂
I heard they are fun and very organized as well. We did that in D.C. and like doing that around Charlotte. I always get full after the first restaurant though! We actually cut our trip short while we were there becuase we were so worn out, but we will make sure to visit all the other parks next time!
Danielle says
Next time you visit downtown Disney you absolutely need to eat at Raglan Road, the Irish pub and restaurant. The food is so out of this world. You will never taste better bread pudding plus they have Irish stepdancers!
Taralynn McNitt says
We wanted to go there so bad but they were SO packed! We did see the step dancers !
Rachel says
1. I’ve only ever been to Disney LAND in California, I love it there but I want to go to Disney World for sure, I think I’m going to start saving!
2. My favorite Disney character would have to be…errrr this is hard! Jack Skellington for sure!
3. Never done a Disney run but would seriously love to! Hm maybe I’ll make it a goal for next year!
Did you have the stomach flu? Glad you’re feeling better!
Taralynn McNitt says
I want to go to Disneyland now! 🙂
That’s a fun character! Love that movie!
Yeah, that run may have to go up on my list.
It was either that or food poisoning, no clue!
Thanks so much 🙂
Brooklyn says
This looks like the BEST day!
I want to go to Disney so bad! My family just went, I can’t wait until I go one day.
My favourite Disney character is Goofy. Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved him 🙂
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
It was 🙂
That is Nick’s dad’s favorite character and we had breakfast with him at the resort! I felt like such a kid.
Brooklyn says
You had breakfast with Goofy?! Best breakfast ever
Taralynn McNitt says
yup!!
Becky says
1. Epcot is a close second, but my favorite park is definitely Magic Kingdom. As you experienced, it’s so magical and classic Disney. It has so much to do and explore. I also love being there late at night when the ride lines are short and it’s much quieter. There’s a different kind of magic feeling at night. I always spend my first and last day in Disney at Magic Kingdom and at least 1 day in between.
2. My favorite Disney character(s) is very unique. I love the little green aliens from Toy Story! They’re my favorite because I think they’re so cute and funny. I also love Simba and Buzz Lightyear.
3. I haven’t done a Disney run yet but it’s on my bucket list! I want to do one either later this year or in 2017. They sound like so much fun and it’s the perfect excuse to go to Disney!
Taralynn McNitt says
1. I wish we could have stayed later but it was FREEEEEEZING and I didn’t have a warm enough jacket on. Magic Kingdom is the best! 🙂
2. Lol those guys are the cutest!!! They were hanging all over the space mountain gift shop.
3. I think they sound pretty fun too!
Tara says
Looks like you had a lot of fun!! I would have probably teared up too. It is so magical! My favorite character is Princess Belle. I have not done a Disney race yet, but I want to do a Disney half marathon someday!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I did 🙂 Glad I’m not the only one. Love Belle too! You’d be awesome at the half!
Sara says
Hellooo! I just wanted to let you know the cucumber tomato salad you had with your falafel is called Jerusalem salad. Just in case you ever needed to know 🙂 lots of love xxx
Taralynn McNitt says
Very cool 🙂 Thank you!
Hillary says
Oh my goodness! I think this is one of my favorite posts ever simply because I may be 24 years old, but I’m still obsessed with Disney, and I have been wanting to go so badly! Sadly when I was there I was with my school (I was a marching band band nerd and we played in the one parade over spring break at Magic Kingdom), and I was with friends who had been there before (I never had been there) so they knew what they liked and didn’t like so I feel I didn’t get to truly experience it all.
1. It’s been about 7 years since I’ve been there, but I think Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios were my top 2.
2. I have so many favorite characters, but I definitely think Belle, I love all Beauty and the Beast things. I’m determined to get a coffee cup that looks like Chip!
3. A Disney run I’ve read about and sounds awesome, I would love to do one in the future.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Hillary!!!
You must go back and experience it 🙂
You’d LOVE the gift shops with all the Beauty and the Beast cups!
🙂
carlee says
I went to Disney for the first time this past Christmas! It was so pretty seeing the park decorated for Christmas. Magic Kingdom was gorgeous at night then. The castle at night is a definite must see. Hopefully you got to see the nightly fireworks show there too! Animal Kingdom is my favorite park. The safari is awesome and Everest the best!
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet it was magical at Christmas time!
We will be able to see the fireworks next time 🙂 Toooooo cold!
Sharon says
I actually love that you posted a quote from Randy Pausch – his book and youtube video of “The Last Lecture” are truly inspiring and all about seizing every moment you have in life (which is exactly what you seem to do in your own life!). “Time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think” is another favorite
Taralynn McNitt says
I also love that. & those are amazing quotes!
Hilary says
The last time I was at a Disney Park I was 4 and this totally made me want to go back! That sounded like such a fun time!
Taralynn McNitt says
It was so much fun:) You’re never too young!
Carey says
I am so happy you enjoyed Magic Kingdom! Glad to hear you felt better to experience the magic! Next time you wil have to stay later to see Wishes Fireworks show. It is beautiful.
Taralynn McNitt says
We will for sure stay later! It was just way too cold 🙂
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Its a very close tie between hollywood studios and magic kingdom for me. My favorite Disney character is Ariel!!! Im obsessed with mermaids and I love the little mermaid show they do in hollywood studios!
Taralynn McNitt says
We want to go to Hollywood Studios so bad!!!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
GO! Right now! put down your coffee and go! haha 🙂 no seriously, its awesome!
Taralynn McNitt says
lol on my way!!
Jenn says
I hope you got some good pictures of you and Nick together, even if you didn’t post them. I always forget to take those pictures on vacation. I went to Disney World for my honeymoon, you’re making me want to go back sooner than we’re planning!
What is your favorite Disney Park? I love Epcot and the World Theater
Who is your favorite Disney Character? Probably Dopey, he’s just too cute!
Have you ever done a Disney Run? No, but several of my friends have.
Taralynn McNitt says
We definitely did 🙂 We bought some of the professional ones taken to frame. We didn’t get too many together cause I was snapping everything else.
Dopey is adorable 🙂
Kristin says
I love your Disney posts!! I went when I was maybe 3 or 4 so, don’t really remember but definitely would love to go back one day! A few years ago I was staying right near downtown Disney for a conference for work and my mom actually came with me! We didn’t have enough time to justify the price of tickets so we found a bunch of free stuff like downtown Disney and had a great time!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Kristin!!
Glad you had the chance to see Downtwon Disney! 🙂
Emily B says
*sigh* so jealous! I love Disney World. I love anything and everything Disney. I am definitely a kid at heart. Disney Nerd for life!
My favorite park is by far Magic Kingdom. It just brings all of your favorite Disney movies to life. When I saw the castle for the first time at age 17, I cried! Belle is my FAVORITE of all time! Ever. I love Beauty and the Beast. Love love love! I haven’t done a Disney run but it’s on my bucket list!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol me too 🙂
I love seeing all my favorite characters at the Magic Kingdom! Glad I’m not the only one who cried!! 🙂
Carrie says
1. I’ve never been to Disney world but I’ve been to Disneyland a bunch of times and its really fun, even when you get older. Disneyland is right next to California Adventure Land and you can buy a “hopper pass” that lets you go in and out of both parks. Pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite ride but I like space mountain and splash mountain a lot too.
2. I don’t have a favorite Disney Princess but I dressed up as Belle for Halloween once when I was a kid.
3. I did the Disneyland Half Marathon that’s on the Sunday before Labor Day in September. It was really fun and we got to run through The Angel’s baseball stadium and across the freeway. I would do it again for sure but it was by far the most expensive race I’ve ever done.
You should go to Disneyland! You won’t have to worry about the weather being too cold most of the year.
Taralynn McNitt says
We had the Disney World Hopper pass but spent all day at Disney…whooooops. Those parks are tiring, but so fun. I’d love to go to Disney Land.
I love Belle 🙂
Nice job on the half! May be expensive but so worth it I’m sure!
Disneyland is on the list!
Brianna says
My absolute favorite Disney Park is Magic Kingdom with EPCOT being a close second! I love the entire place so so much! My favorite Disney Character is Dory but Ariel is my favorite princess. One of my big goals for 2017 is do to the Disney Marathon! I know it’s so far away but I’m planning on going back to Disney in 2017 so it gives me a year to train since I’m not really a runner.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thats a great goal for 2017!
I also love Dory & I can’t wait for the new movie.
Mystic says
I did the Dopey challenge at Disney World last month. You run the 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon on consecutive days. RunDisney does a really good job with race organization (mostly – there are always a few snafus!) and the races are fun. There are characters every mile you can get photos with, good course support, fun entertainment. They have a chocolate mile, give out sponges to cool you off, TONS of water stops, etc. If you want to hit a PR, a Disney race is not the place – there are a lot of people who aren’t runners, but just want the experience and photos with the characters, which makes the course really crowded and hard to navigate, sometimes. But it’s fun, and NOTHING compares to running down main street towards the castle on half-marathon or full marathon day! That alone is worth the (extremely high) price of the races!
Taralynn McNitt says
Damn! that is so badass. I’d be dead.
After reading your comment, you have me wanting to run the Disney races so bad!!
Melodie says
I have the same Woody doll!!!! I actually laughed out loud when you went through all the different sentences!
You forgot “yeeeeehaaaaa” ;))
Thanks for sharing the picture, looks like you had an absolutely fantastic time – there’s no place like Disney!
xoxo
Mel
Melodie says
I have the same Woody doll!!!!
I actually laughed out loud when you went through all the different sentences!
You forgot “yeeeeehaaaaa” ;))
Thanks for sharing the pictures, looks like you had an absolutely fantastic time – there’s no place like Disney!
xoxo
Mel
Melodie says
I have the same Woody doll!!!!
I actually laughed out loud when you went through all the different sentences!
You forgot “yeeeeehaaaaa” ;))
Thanks for sharing the pictures, looks like you had an absolutely fantastic time – there’s no place like Disney!
xoxo
M.
Taralynn McNitt says
lol YES!! YEEEEHAWWWW:)
definitely no place like Disney!
Colleen says
I’ve never been to a Disney Park and I’m 21! One day I’ll be begging my family to take me you can be sure of it ;] Doing a Disney run would be like a dream! I’d be SO DOWN for that! & my favorite Disney character is Rapunzel for sure! She is so adventurous even though at the same time, she’s terrified. I find it very admirable. So glad you shared this post with us Tara! Made me feel like I was there for a bit :] <3 xoxo
Taralynn McNitt says
You definitely need to get to Disney! It took me 25 years but worth the wait! Thanks for the kind words!
Casandra Schaefer says
Welcome to Florida! I’m so glad that you enjoyed your little trip to Disney! I love Disney so much that I moved to the Orlando area and got myself the annual pass! Orlando was recently named the 4th most romantic city in the US! Looks like a fun time!
Taralynn McNitt says
It was great :):) I’d definitely get an annual pass if i lived there!
Erin says
I have lived in Orlando my whole life and have actually was over going to Disney, we prefer Busch Gardens… your post actually made me want to go to Disney again! I haven’t been in about 10 years, except to Food and Wine to see Hanson lol!! Glad you had fun and didn’t get rained out!
Taralynn McNitt says
I grew up going to Busch Gardens in Virginia and that was always fun. 🙂 Glad we didn’t get rained out either!
Leah says
Taralynn, I am so happy for you that you finally got to experience Disney… It is definitely my happy place and I can’t wait to go back. I wanted to comment and let you know that next time you go to downtown Disney you HAVE to go the T-REX restaurant. It is the most delicious restaurant with the coolest atmosphere I have ever seen.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Leah!! That sounds fantastic! 🙂
shanna says
i have only been to Disneyland. I’ve been twice. the first time was for a marching band function so we were limited on time, etc. but we got to see the behind the scenes part of Disneyland that the employees try so hard to keep the public from seeing. that was cool.
my favorite character is dopey. and ariel. and I have to move on from the question before I make a list. heh.
I have never done a Disney run but I know many who have and they love them.
as far as feeling silly or worried people are going to poke fun at you for being emotional about the parades and experiencing something you’ve dreamed about your whole life, don’t! that’s the magic of Disney. that’s why Walt designed his parks. for dreaming, for being a kid again, for the magic. you experienced his dream.
now I want to go back. I haven’t been since ’97 and I’m far overdue for a visit.
Taralynn McNitt says
Those are both great characters and it sounds like you had a really cool Disney experience. & thank you for the kind words!
You should go:)
Lacey says
So magical and I love that you admitted to crying.
Taralynn McNitt says
It was just one of those moments lol
Rachel says
Yay! I’m so glad you had a magical day at Magic Kingdom!! 🙂 I haven’t tried the Skipper Canteen yet but I really want to! I might have to get that salad when I go!
What is your favorite Disney Park? Disneyland in Cali, Magic Kingdom, Epcot
Who is your favorite Disney Character? Ariel
Have you ever done a Disney Run? Yes, I just completed the 10K for Princess weekend today. I’ve done 2 1/2 half marathons(one was cut to 7.2-ish miles because of weather), two 10k’s now and a 5k!! I’m addicted! haha. I’m doing the Star Wars 5k in April at WDW!
Taralynn McNitt says
The salad was so good and Skipper canteen was so much fun. The staff was hilarious.
I’ve still never been to Disneyland but oNE DAY!
Love ariel too!
Nice job on completing all of those races! so inspiring!
janel says
I love this! I’m a Disney addict and we have Disneyland passes but I’ve never been to the Magic Kingdom and really want to some day. Looks amazing.