Tag Archives: Disney World

Jul 24 2015

Check Out Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sams

A South Seas Hideaway

Have you visited the new Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort yet? My family and I had the chance to check it out last month and we loved it! If you are a fan of tropical drinks, Hawaii, or the Jungle Cruise, definitely stop by the next time you’re in Disney World. Here’s everything you need to know about Trader Sam’s courtesy of Disney:

Trader SamsTrader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the latest addition to the newly reimagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  Located off the Great Ceremonial House, the themed lounge serves exotic drinks and small plates, while offering scenic views of the marina and Seven Seas Lagoon.

Founded by Adventureland’s famous “head” salesman, Trader Sam, the Walt Disney World Resort version has some similarities to the original Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Resort. But magical theming reflects its new resort location.

Guests are welcomed to Trader Sam’s, a South Seas hideaway, to explore a menu full of “magical tropical drinks and food,” and while the Walt Disney World version shares a few exotic cocktails and small plates from the Disneyland location, it has its own menu, according to Chef Lenny DeGeorge.

The famous Trader Sam cocktails, available in Disney collectible Tiki mugs, are a mix of old and new.

Only at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto:

  • Polynesian Pearl
  • Nautilus
  • Castaway Crush
  • Tahitian Torch
  • Dark & Tropical Stormy

Favorites imported from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar:

  • Krakatoa Punch
  • Uh-Oa!
  • HippopotoMai-Tai
  • Shrunken Zombie Head

Sam’s No-Booze Brews:

  • Schweitzer Fall
  • Skipper Sipper

Small bites at Trader Sam’s Grotto include chicken lettuce cups with hoisin ginger sauce; Hawaiian poke with Sriracha aioli and wonton chips; kalua pork tacos with shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables; pan-fried dumplings with soy-sesame dipping sauce; roasted chicken and pork pâté bánh mì sliders with pickled vegetables; salmon oshizushi (pressed sushi); corn-battered Portuguese sausages with curry ketchup, and a Headhunter Sushi Roll.

The lounge has 50 seats inside and 82 on the patio. Reservations are not required.

The lounge has over 1,200 pieces of memorabilia to check out and ordering certain drinks causes some fun special effects. Because of Trader Sam’s popularity, you could be looking at an hour or two wait or more for a seat inside. If you would rather not wait, head to the nearby Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace for the same menu, live Hawaiian music, plus a view of Seven Seas Lagoon.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you visited Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto yet?
Did you love it? Please leave a comment!

Jul 23 2015

Vivoli il Gelato Now Open In Downtown Disney

Vivoli il Gelato

Hand-Crafted Goodness Straight From Italy

Have you tried the newest spot for a delicious dessert in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs? A brand-new location called Vivoli il Gelato has recently opened serving many tasty options. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Experience the hand-crafted goodness of Italian gelati, sorbetti, espresso drinks, Panini sandwiches and much more. After 85 years, this world-famous, family-run gelato shop from Florence has finally opened a second storefront—at Disney Springs! 

Opening daily at 10:00am, a wide variety of Gelato and Sorbetto flavors are served including fresh cream, imported Italian chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, rice pudding, salted caramel, coconut, peanut butter, sweet cherry, Italian coffee, banana, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, orange, mango, and mixed berry. Prices start as low as $5.00 and dining plans are not accepted.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you visited Vivoli il Gelato yet?
Did you love it? Please leave a comment!

Jul 22 2015

More About The New Frozen Attraction

Frozen Ever After

“Frozen Ever After”

So have you heard the latest about the new Frozen attraction opening in the Norway Pavilion next year? Whether you love it or hate it, Frozen is here to stay and at least it is bringing a much needed new attraction to Epcot. Hopefully, in addition to showcasing our favorites from the film, it will also feature Norway and its beautiful scenery and rich history. Here’s what we know so far courtesy of Disney:

Epcot guests will be able to visit the kingdom of Arendelle when the highly anticipated attraction “Frozen Ever After” opens in the Norway Pavilion in 2016. The family adventure welcoming guests to the magical world of “Frozen” will feature the popular story of the royal sisters, hit songs and new technology for an icy trek that is sure to warm hearts.

Once onboard their boat, guests will visit Arendelle for the Winter in Summer Celebration. Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers and creates a winter-in-summer day for the entire kingdom. Guests also will visit Elsa’s Ice Palace and the ice-blue world of the North Mountain, along with other locations before returning to the Bay of Arendelle.

Of course, favorite “Frozen” characters including the Snowgies from the animated short “Frozen Fever” will be part of this new attraction, along with spectacular sights inspired by the film.

To hold court with the royal sisters Anna and Elsa, guests will be invited to visit the charming “Royal Sommerhus.” It will reflect the architecture, interior design, cultural arts and crafts of Norway.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you looking forward to the new Frozen attraction?
Do you miss Maelstrom? Please leave a comment!

Jul 21 2015

Ice Palace Boutique Opens July 26

Ice Palace Boutique

A Flurry of Frozen Fun

Opening on July 26, the Ice Palace Boutique at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is a brand new wintry salon where kids ages 3 – 12 years old can undergo a special Frozen transformation. Here are all of the details courtesy of Disney:

The Ice Palace Boutique will be located on Commissary Lane across from ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Unique to this location, guests can purchase select packages where families can also join in the “Frozen” fun. Additional party members can enjoy the exclusive Ice Palace Café, an immersive “Frozen”-themed café with included snacks while they wait for their Anna or Elsa.

Frozen CupcakesThe party will also get reserved seating at one show of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Hyperion Theater.

The “Frozen”-inspired packages include:

  • Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package – This package includes Anna or Elsa-inspired shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, a braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory and an exclusive photo opportunity. Package retail: $75, includes tax.
  • Ice Palace Boutique Package – This package includes the items offered in the Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package. It also includes access to the Ice Palace Café and reserved seating at one of the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” shows. Package retail: $175, includes tax.
  • Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package – This package includes an Anna or Elsa costume plus the items offered in the Ice Palace Boutique Package. Package retail: $240, includes tax.

The Ice Palace Boutique Package and the Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package is for up to 6 guests, including the child getting the magical transformation.

Reservations can be made in advance and are highly recommended. To book your appointment, please call 407-827-7400. The location may be able to accommodate guests without reservations on a limited, first-come, first-serve basis each day.

There is also an Olaf-inspired package available that includes a glitter hairstyle and Olaf t-shirt. Reservations are not required for this package and will only be available on-site at the location. Package retail: $19.95, plus tax.

Ice Palace Boutique will only be offered during Frozen Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios which continues through September 7, 2015.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting the Ice Palace Boutique this summer?
Have you made a reservation? Please leave a comment!

Jul 20 2015

Mickey And Minnie Tsum Tsum Giveaway

The Latest Disney Craze

All About Tsum Tsum

Have you heard about the latest Disney craze – Tsum Tsum? Tsum Tsum, which literally means “stack stack” in Japanese, are offered in both an app and adorable plush. The free app is available for download in the App Store or Google Play. Collect, connect, and pop the cute Disney Tsum Tsum to earn coins.

The adorable Disney plush Tsum Tsum are the hottest new collector’s item and are available in a variety of characters and sizes.

Tsum Tsum Collage

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself some Tsum Tsum gear:

  • Disney character Tsum Tsum are available for purchase on DisneyStore.com (affiliate link), at your local Disney Store, at Target, and at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney.
  • They come in three sizes – mini, medium, and large.
  • They also have Tsum Tsum clothing and gear available on DisneyStore.com.
  • Mini Tsum Tsum are $4.95, medium Tsum Tsum are $12.95, and large Tsum Tsum are $24.95.
  • There are many characters to choose from in a variety of sizes including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, Dale, Dumbo, Stitch, Pooh Bear, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and more.
  • On the first Tuesday of every month, a brand new collection of mini Tsum Tsum plush are revealed on DisneyStore.com. On Tuesday, August 4, the Aladdin Collection will be released.

The Giveaway

Interested in getting an adorable Tsum Tsum of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Friday, July 31, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a pair of mini Mickey and Minnie Tsum Tsum. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Mickey & Minnie Tsum Tsum

Click image to enter!

Check out this cute video featuring the Mickey and Minnie Tsum Tsum!

Can’t wait and need a Disney Tsum Tsum right away?
Please click this link to purchase one today!