Continue reading »]]> Staying at the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian Resort offers more than just luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views, it also offers up a truly magical way to arrive at the front gates of The Magic Kingdom.

Water Taxi on the Seven Seas Lagoon

With the wind on your face, the motion of the water, picturesque views, and the call and response of boat horns; nearly all the senses are roused, inspired and prepared for the magic that waits past the ever growing train station in the distance. The Water Taxi operates on the Seven Seas Lagoon and stops at the Grand Floridian Resort followed by the Polynesian Resort and then onto the stop at The Magic Kingdom dock.  The loop takes around 15 to 20 minutes and seating is limited as the boats are not very big. And sure, the Monorail is the obvious choice if you just want to get to The Magic Kingdom but who wants to do that? You want to ARRIVE at The Magic Kingdom!

Continue reading »]]> The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was once known as Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. The name was changed a few months after the park’s opening in 1998 but the emphasis remained the same, the Lowland Gorilla. The trail has many opportunities to view and learn about these amazing animals. One such learning opportunity comes in the form of a large chalkboard filled with interesting facts about Gorillas.

The Lowland Gorilla Chalkboard

The board contains a life sized chalk drawing of a Lowland Gorilla surrounded by details about the animal. Guests can learn about the size, weight, and other physical attributes while studying how these features shape the Gorilla’s lives in nature. The chalkboard is located to the left of the Gorilla viewing glass area. As you continue along the trail you will be able to view the Lowland Gorillas unobstructed, only separated by natural barriers and the open air. This area is one of the most serene spots in all of Disney World so take a moment, slow down and watch their eyes watching you.

A Gorilla on The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Continue reading »]]> Star Wars Weekends blasts off this Friday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through June 10, 2012. Makin’ Memories live coverage will begin next weekend when we will bring you live photos and videos of all the Star Wars Weekends festivities. Follow us on Twitter to see the fun as it unwinds and check Makin’ Memories Photoblog each day for a summary of Instants taken throughout the park.

"These aren't the droids you're looking for" - Star Tours Queue

The best way to prepare for a weekend full of Star Wars characters and fans from all over the country is to brush up on your movie knowledge. Starting this Friday you can watch the films that inspire legions of fans on Spike TV starting with Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace at 8:00 pm EST. All six films will be shown in order this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and then the following weekend.

For all the Star Wars Weekends details visit the sites below and read up on what is sure to be a bumpy ride!

Star Wars Weekends – Official Disney Site
All Ears Star Wars Weekends Page
Star Wars Weekends Print and Video Ads

Continue reading »]]> Each year to celebrate the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the garden behind the Tea Caddy in the United Kingdom Pavilion is converted into the English Tea Garden. Scattered among the garden’s flowers and manicured shrubs you will then find oversized teacup planters. Hanging from each planter is a comparable sized tea bag tag describing the tea that would be made from the plant growing inside. Aside from the tea blends these tags also tell a bit of Twinings history that is usually too small for the drinker’s eyes.

The Twinings Logo

The eloquent and simple Twinings lettering is the prominent feature on the brand’s logo. As the tag states, Twinings was established in 1706. The address on the logo reads 216 The Strand, London WC2, England; this location is where Thomas Twining opened Britain’s first tea room, a location from which it still operates to this day.

Twinings at the English Tea Garden

Above the brand name you will notice a coat of arms followed by a Royal Warrant of Appointment:

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
TEA & COFFEE MERCHANTS R. TWINING AND COMPANY LIMITED. LONDON

The coat of arms pictured on the logo is that of Queen Elizabeth II and the royal warrant below it certifies that the Twinings Company provided its goods to the royal family. The warrant allows Twinings to advertise this prestigious honor on each and every tea bag they sale.

Tea on display at The Flower & Garden Festival

Each piece together makes the Twinings logo, created in 1787 and the world’s oldest logo in continuous use. The English Tea Garden at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival holds more than just flowers and tea plants; it also bears a rich history that spans more than three hundred years, showcasing tea that is literally fit for a Queen.

Continue reading »]]> The air is cold and the lights are low, casting deep blue shadows on the surrounding rock and sand. The wind rushes by and then you hear it, the classic eerie refrain, “Dead men tell no tales”. That is how Pirates of the Caribbean at The Magic Kingdom begins; with a warning from a faceless voice upon a scene of pirates that did not heed those words.

"Dead men tell no tales" on Pirates of the Caribbean

The beach in this scene is scattered with the remains of a ship wreck as well as the remains of some of the ship’s crew. The first pirate’s skeleton has a black pirate hat, eye patch, a weathered jolly roger, and a sword plunged through his heart. The second has been left standing with a rusty old blade to support his bones as well as a newfound friend.

A Pirate’s Skeleton

From the looks of it these two they have not told any tales for quite some time but I have a feeling they will not deter Magic Kingdom guests from sharing what they see here. This scene and the haunting one that follows have to be the scariest in the entire park; setting everyone on edge right before you…

Continue reading »]]> The cream rises to the top at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop and I do mean literally! Throughout all of Disney World and its many fabulous restaurant and eateries, there are few with as much flavor as this cozy little blast from the past.

The Jukebox inside Beaches & Cream

Beaches & Cream is meticulously themed and offers a delightful menu centered on the classic American duo of burgers and shakes but don’t feel left out if you are like us and don’t eat meat. You can still enjoy this tasty combo thanks to the soda shop’s very own Veggie Burger.

Veggie Burger with Fries

There are many ways to make a veggie burger; Beaches & Cream goes the way of the Grain Patty, a combination of grilled vegetables with what looked to be rice as the main ingredient. The burger is prepared on a multi-grain bun complete with cheese, lettuce and tomato with golden french-fries on the side. With one bite you will think to yourself “Who needs meat when you’ve got the Beaches & Cream Veggie Burger?” Even if you don’t experience a redefining moment you will surely enjoy this delicious burger. And don’t forget the milkshake!