Magical Blogorail: My Ideal Disney Meal

Welcome to those of you joining me from A World View and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 2nd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

This month's blogorail topic is so much fun. We were asked to put together our ideal Disney meal, selecting its courses from any Disney restaurant we choose. I have no idea how I shall narrow the list but here goes…

Appetizers: Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro from the Brazil Marketplace at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival -and- Mozzarella Stuffed Rice Balls - crispy fried risotto, fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce from Portobello at Downtown Disney

Soup: Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup - made with Moosehead Beer and Nueske's Smoked Bacon from Le Cellier

Salad: Mozzarella and Tomato Salad- with mixed greens and balsamic syrup from Olivia's Cafe at Old Key West

Entree: Tamarind Seafood Stew over rice, salmon, and samosas from Tusker House with a side of green beans from Olivia's

Cheese: Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig from the Ireland Marketplace at EIF&WF

Dessert: The Chocolate Wave from Coral Reef -and- white chocolate Cinderella slipper from my Disney Fairy Tale Wedding

Oh my, would I be full but happy after this meal! What would be on the menu for your ideal Disney meal?

Thanks to AllEars.net for listing menus and making this post easier. :)

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is My Dreams of Disney.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ A World View

2nd Stop ~ Growing Up Disney

3rd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney

4th Stop ~ Disney Donna Kay

Final Stop ~ Colorado Mountain Mom

Magical Blogorail: What to Do on Arrival Day at Walt Disney World

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Red. Enjoy the ride as we share what we do on the day we arrive at the Disney parks.

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We've tried various things over the years but my favorite thing to do on our arrival day at Walt Disney World is NOT MUCH! I know, I know. You are excited to be at WDW and want to hit the ground running but I suggest a slow start is the way to go.

My family just got back on Sunday from 8 days at Walt Disney World. Our first day went quite well so let's walk through it. Our reservation at Old Key West (OKW) began on Sunday, November 3. We decided to break up the 650 mile drive and left on Saturday morning. We met my brother, Chris, near Savannah and caravanned to Jacksonville, FL for the night, using business travel points for the room. The girls got a chance, albeit brief, to play in the hotel pool in the evening and started Sunday with a good breakfast. My husband and brother cruised with the top down on Chris' Mustang and the girls enjoyed Disney movies while I drove the minivan. My parents had stayed in Kissimmee on Saturday night so they had already completed check-in at Old Key West and were doing some shopping. We all decided lunch at Olivia's Cafe was the way to go. I love their po boy, the guys are fans of the Duval Street burger, and the girls love the make-your-own ice cream sundae.

Ready to go to Walt Disney World!

After lunch, our room wasn't yet ready so we boarded a boat for Downtown Disney (DTD). Dad and Chris went to Guest Relations to buy Tables in Wonderland cards and the rest of us did some browsing. We let the girls ride the kiddie train and then my parents went back to OKW while the children played at the Lego Store. Minnie fell asleep on the bus and Tink voluntarily went to bed as soon as we got in the villa. Dad and Chris went grocery shopping for us all and brought home deli pizzas for dinner. Since the villas at OKW have full kitchens, it was easy to cook this simple meal. After dinner, my husband took the girls to the playground while I worked on a MagicBand issue with the front desk.

Taking photos of a toddler is an unpredictable thing

Woody totally photobombed this shot

Monsters University was playing near the pool and playground

We've tried hitting a park on the first night or making reservations for a character meal or shopping later than we should at DTD, but simply relaxing and getting settled in seems to work best. Allowing this time for the kids to not be strapped into a car seat and not waiting in line anywhere is helpful. Letting everyone chat and catch up is nice. Getting a bit of extra sleep before a tiring week is awesome.

Please leave a comment below and let me know what your family likes to do on your arrival day at Walt Disney World.

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Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is My Dreams of Disney.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Growing Up Disney
2nd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney
3rd Stop ~ Disney Donna Kay
4th Stop ~ Heidi's Head
Final Stop ~ A World View

May Trip Report: Sick at Walt Disney World

In over 40 years of trips to Walt Disney World I never remember being sick until now.  Both my wife and I got sick on this trip.

Mom and I booked this trip to see the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

I felt bad before we drove down on Saturday to be at Old Key West to meet Amy and the Girls on Sunday.  Sunday I made it around EPCOT for dinner at The Garden Grill in The Land pavilion.  An all-you-care-to-eat meal and I was sick. The food was good, I just couldn't eat.  I mostly watched the girls eat and how excited they got when Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale came by the table to visit with them.  Our waiter was excellent and made over the girls appropriately and gifted both of the girls with some stickers and one of the small Toy Story alien dolls before we left.

Mickey and the Girls at The Garden Grill

If you have never been to the character dinner at The Garden Grill it is fun.  Your dining room rotates so you see many of the scenes from the Living With The Land boat trip.  The food is served "family style" with plenty of choices.  Dinner started with warm fresh rolls with a maple butter.  Then there was turkey and stuffing, "sustainable fish of the day" (ours was grilled tilapia),  and a char-grilled filet of beef.  (The Garden Grill Menu can be found here.)  Since I was not feeling well, the warm fresh rolls were fantastic.  I ate a few bites of the filet of beef and some of the sides, but an all-you-care-to-eat restaurant when you are sick would not be my first choice.  Of course reservations had been made weeks before and everyone else was ready for a good meal.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Monday was Mom's birthday.  Amy and I were going to take her to lunch at Le Cellier in the Canadian Pavilion at EPCOT.  Unfortunately, since I was not feeling well, Amy canceled our reservation Sunday night. I was feeling better Monday, but would not have enjoyed eating there.  (Ridge ate there on his trip the end of May.  I hope he writes a full report for Growing Up Disney.)  We still went to Epcot.  By the time lunch came around, Amy had Tink and were off alone and Mom and I had Minnie.  Minnie had fallen asleep in her stroller so we pushed her around to The Liberty Inn at the American Pavilion for lunch.  She slept while we ate.  Mom wanted a cheeseburger and I ordered her the 1/3 lb Angus Smokehouse Burger and I had the Chili-Cheese Hot Dog (as you can tell I was feeling much better).  The Smokehouse Burger has barbecue pulled pork, cheese and an onion ring on it.  It was much bigger than what Mom could eat, but she tried.  The Chili-Cheese dog is big and I did my best to finish it off but left most of the fries.  Mom was not feeling well so we went back to the room early.

Minnie at EPCOT

Tuesday was Mom's turn to be sick.  Amy and I took the girls over to The Magic Kingdom and I had a ball with the girls.  We started with breakfast at The Crystal Palace which is another character meal with Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and Pooh. We then visited Princesses (see post here), Mickey Mouse, took the girls on The Jungle Cruise, and then Aloha Isle for a  Dole Whip.  Mom was feeling better that evening and joined us at for dinner at Olivia's at Disney's Old Key West Resort.

Girls just want to have fun!!!

Wednesday everyone was feeling fine.  Amy took Tink and went off to a park while Mom and I stayed at Old Key West and played with Minnie.  We got out and went off property to Chevy's at the Crossroads for lunch.  Minnie loves Mexican and the chips and salsa are first rate.  She ate well but enjoyed the ice cream at the end the best.

Thursday we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Lunch was at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano.  We shared the antipasto platter for an appetizer.  I had the Penne alla Vodka, Mom and Amy shared a grilled sea bass and a gnocchi dish that they both enjoyed.  Tink had the best dessert with a Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcake.  It has to be seen to believed.  Disney's web site describes it as "A Chocolate Cupcake with "Spaghetti" Frosting and a Chocolate "Meatball"' with a Strawberry "Marinara Sauce" and White Chocolate "Cheese"."  Amy had told me about this but it really has to be seen.  See end of post for a picture.

Amy and the Girls at The Crystal Palace with Tigger

Friday as we prepared to leave we had breakfast at Olivia's.  Tink and Minnie had mini-Mickey Waffles and I had a big Mickey Waffle.  I love waffles anyway and the Mickey ones just make it a little more special.

If you haven't noticed yet Mom and I have been so many times to Walt Disney World over a 40 year span, we plan our trips to the park around were we want to eat for the day.  Of course when you are sick and don't feel like eating it really doesn't matter where you are.  Feeling bad is still feeling bad.  Of course somehow feeling bad is better if you are at Disney World and having my Granddaughters along for the week didn't hurt either.

--DisneyDad

Tink and....errr....Tink at EPCOT

Amy said since I had said the Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcake had to be seen, I should show it.  This is a iPhone photo that is a little dark, but I think you can get the idea of the cupcake with no problem.   I'll post more on this Monday's Five Photos post.  -- DisneyDad

Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcake from Mama Melrose - Yum Yum!!!

Spring Fever or No WDW Reservations!

Spring Fever or No WDW Reservations!

Cinderella Castle - One of my favorites sights at WDW

OK… we are getting close to the end of winter.  Spring will begin soon and spring fever will begin to set in.  For me it has started already. 

Today is March 1^st and I don’t have any reservations for a trip to Walt Disney World!

In January, Amy went to Walt Disney World with her girlfriend from college, Amy, and daughters, Tink and Minnie.  It was the first time my granddaughters had been to Walt Disney World without me.  I sat at home reading emails, seeing her posts to Facebook (link to FB here) and to here at Growing Up Disney, just as many of you did.  IT WAS HORRIBLE!  They were at Walt Disney World and I was at home! (See Amy's January Girls Trip report under the Trip Planning tab)

Looking towards Olivia's at OKW

As I sit writing this, I do not have any reservations to go to Walt Disney World and don’t know when I’ll be going back.  I am very busy at work this year and dreaming of the time I can retire when trips will be easier to plan.  I’ve been talking to my wife about a trip in December for our 40^th wedding anniversary, but have not made any reservations.  We went to Walt Disney World on our Honeymoon in 1973. (See The Family Behind the Blog tab for an almost 40 year old picture from our honeymoon).  I had talked to her about going on the Disney Vacation Club Members Cruise on the Disney Cruise Line in September to celebrate our anniversary but she did not want to spend that much money on a trip.  Since Amy and her family live a few states away, if her family is not going with us to Walt Disney World, I rather vacation at her house to visit with the granddaughters. (Thank goodness for FaceTime so I get to see them occasionally).


Tink and Minnie at OKW resort before a day at the Parks

So I sit here with my spring fever getting worse, thinking about our next trip, yet to be planned.  My wife asked me last week where I’d like to go for dinner.  I answered, “Olivia’s” and she surprise me by saying, “Me too!”  Of course, Olivia’s is the restaurant at Disney’s Old Key West Resort and is pretty much my stock answer to where I’d like to go for dinner.  There are better restaurants at Walt Disney World than Olivia’s, but it is the restaurant at my Home-away-from-Home at Walt Disney World for the past 20 years and I enjoy eating there. 

And besides, if I can eat at Olivia’s it means I am at Walt Disney World!

Disney's Old Key West Resort --- like the sign says :-)

December is a long way off, and it may take till then before I go back.  There may have been an occasional year over the past 20 years since we became Disney Vacation Club Members that we have not been at least once… but not very many.  And I do have Amy and Ridge who would love to use our Vacation Club Points for a stay if they can (both of them are listed as owners on our DVC deeds).  Ridge has a reservation for May for Star Wars weekend.  Amy currently does not have any reservations as this year is busy for her too. 

And I sit here dreaming of when I will be back.

--DisneyDad

Tink at Animal Kingdom

 Do you have reservation?  When is your next trip?  When is your favorite time to visit Walt Disney World?  Have you seen New Fantasyland? 

I’d love to hear about your trip plans. - DisneyDad

I Love EPCOT!



Entrance to New Fantasyland at The Magic Kingdom

 

Walt Disney World with Grandchildren

Here at Growing Up Disney we have discussed many times about how old a child should be before you take them to Walt Disney World.   In general, unless you can travel to WDW frequently, I think they should be old enough to walk all day without needing to be carried.   If you have a large stroller you don’t mind carrying it around, you can take a younger child.  A very young child will not remember the trip.  More than once I have seen the tired parent carrying a tired child and pushing the stroller.  That does not make for a fun trip for anyone.

But, if your trip is not a once in a lifetime event, take them early and take them often. 

We recently went to WDW with my two granddaughters.  My wife and I had planned a trip and Amy decided she and the girls could come with us the week before our trip.  We had a one-bedroom villa at Disney’s Old Key West Resort booked that will sleep 5 so we had plenty of room.  The trip down was an event in itself.  Once we arrived the fun really began.  When you travel with young children it works best to keep them on their “home” schedule as much as possible.  So we tried to keep the girls on some sort of schedule.  This was something new to my wife and I as our “schedule” consists of doing what you want, when you want.  It’s been a long time since we have had young children to take to WDW.

Lunch at Olivia's

The days in the parks were fun, watching the girls and their wonder at all they saw.  Amy had some specific things she wanted Tink and Minnie to do on this trip and we just followed along.  While trying to do the things on her list, we also ran into some wonderful surprises.  Like when we ate lunch at Olivia’s and Tink’s picture which she and I colored was announced as the picture of the day and posted on the door to the restaurant (along with the other pictures of the day) with much pomp and fanfare.  Then after lunch we arrived at our room and were greeted by a flock of ducks on our patio.  The girls seemed to love that.

DUCK!

The next day we walked into Main Street at the Magic Kingdom.  Amy was going to get Fast Passes for the Mickey Mouse and Princess character greetings and as she was rounding the corner there was Mary Poppins.  Tink got to visit with Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins also came over to talk to Minnie who was watching from her stroller.  Not so unusual, except there was no line and no waiting.  Mary Poppins was there by herself just waiting for some young child to find her and find her we did.  At the Studios we happened up on one of the shows as we were walking around with Tink giving Amy a few moments alone.  Tink had great fun dancing and sharing her goldfish crackers with Mulch, Sweat, and Shears.

Mary Poppins & Tink

Tink sharing treats with Mulch, Sweat, & Shears

Mostly, my days in the park were spent pushing Minnie’s stroller, and Mom and I would watch her while Amy took Tink on some of the rides.  But I got to watch.  I got to watch my daughter take her daughter on her first rides.  It was fun.  I got to ride with Tink and Minnie on Prince Charming's Royal Carrousel while Amy took pictures.  And we all rode It’s a Small World and watched the children sing and dance.  We all rode the Kilimanjaro Safari; I think Tink liked seeing the animals while Minnie just enjoyed being bounced around.  Tink seemed to enjoy Muppets 3D and Mickey’s Philharmagic while Minnie liked playing with the 3D glasses.  When you have been to WDW as many times as I have, when you take a small child, especially your grandchild, you get to see things new again through the eyes of a child. 

Tink and Minnie on Main Street

We didn’t do all the things Mom and I normally do when we go to WDW, but we’ll be back.  We are, after all, Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders, we will be back.  I’ll only get to see my granddaughters experience WDW for the First time once.  Our next trip will be different.  The girls will be older and will see things differently.  I wouldn’t miss all the “Firsts” for anything.  We live about 600 miles from the girls so we already miss lots of “firsts” and “seconds” in their lives.  I’ll take what time I can get with them, and if a lot of it is experiencing “Firsts” at WDW, I’ll take it.  I wouldn't miss it for anything.   I don’t mind sharing them with Mickey.

--DisneyDad

Minnie Moms: I Love this Photo Because... Part 2

It's time for more photo fun with our Minnie Moms.

Beth: This photo is one of my favorite of all our Disney vacations. Joey was just 14 months at the time, and it was his very first trip to Walt Disney World. To celebrate his first trip, our family experienced our very first character meal at Cape May Cafe in Disney's Beach Club. The characters spent so much time playing with Joey, who laughed, slapped them five, pinched their noses and gave them kisses. He even enjoyed a few rounds of peek a boo with Chip and Dale. This photo shows how much he just loved the characters, and it was also the moment that I knew I made the right decision taking him at such a young age. He may not remember that exact moment, but I do! It was truly a special Disney moment for all of us!

Amy:  I ran across this one and to me, it was a really fun moment.  We had just finished lunch at Olivia's. They gave us coloring sheets.  Now mind you, the group was just me and my parents.  I was crashing their trip and had just arrived at Old Key West on Magical Express.  It was lunchtime and we had a leisurely lunch and colored while we waited for our food.  You can see Mom's Ariel masterpiece right above DisneyDad's Mickey.  I was about to bust to tell them I was expecting Tink, but couldn't find the right moment until IllumiNations that night.  But back to the picture, I love that my parents are big kids and will color.  And I love that Disney displayed their art alongside the other children (at heart.)

Thanks to Beth for joining me today.  Please visit the Minnie Moms page for past articles and more information about these fabulous ladies. 
~~Amy

Day After One More Disney Day Lunch...

So 6 am came and went, the Magic Kingdom closed, I went for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and then napped for a while. When I awoke it was late in the day and food was on my mind. "Away to Olivia's," I said to myself.

My waiter was John, a Cast Member with over ten years of service at OKW. We chatted about the 24 hour event, he remembered that I liked Long Island Iced Tea, and we looked over some of my pictures.

He brought me a small bowl of the soup of the day, Mexican Queso. Wonderful and cheesy.





The actual appetizer I ordered was the crab cakes with a small salad and two dipping sauces.






For lunch I had the Duval Street burger. It's an elongated patty served on the pineapple bread they serve at dinner with shrimp, pepper jack cheese and pico de gallo.  Do yourself a flavor favor and add the applewood smoked bacon.





I lingered around after such a wonderful lunch and started writing a post while it settled (and had another iced tea).

John talked me into dessert and I had banana bread pudding. It is fantastic and I want it again... Now. Served warm with a caramelized sugar glaze on the ice cream.





If you ever get the chance, give Olivia's at Old Key West a try. It has grown to be one of my favorite lazy day places.

- Posted by Ridge using BlogPress from my iPhone

Team Post: Off The Beaten Path

Today the Growing Up Disney family discusses our favorite "off the beaten path" parts of Walt Disney World.

DisneyDad:  Amy once posted a picture here of Tink smelling a flower at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with a caption reminding us to “Stop and Smell the Roses”. It is a reminder to appreciate the little things. At WDW there are lots of places to stop and smell the roses. From Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Port Orleans resorts, you can rent a boat to explore the waterways that are out of view. If you don’t want to rent a boat there are water taxis available to travel to Downtown Disney. These are wonderful ways to enjoy the one of the waterways that are out of the normal places people visit.

In the parks there are many nooks and crannies that most people miss. In the Magic Kingdom, for instance, there are a couple of places where there are white rocking chairs up next to a building that most people RUN past. The rocking chairs make a great place to rest and people watch (one of my wife’s favorite pastimes.) At EPCOT there are several places that are good places to rest. At the UK pavilion there is a nice garden behind the Twinings Tea shop. The garden where the British Invasion plays is a nice place to rest when the music is not playing. If they are performing, just get up and dance and sing along with the music!

If you have a young child along on your trip, like we have had on our last 2 trips, a nice place to rest becomes even more important. At EPCOT we let Tink nap and then fed her lunch inside the Liberty Inn. Not real quiet, but it is air-conditioned and that makes it real nice on a hot day. At the Magic Kingdom we found one place that was under the former Skyway in Tomorrowland near Space Mountain. It was quiet, allowed Tink to nap and had benches we could sit on. It was quiet, that is, until a rainstorm brought in lots of people trying to stay out of the rain.

Slow down and keep your eyes open when you visit a park. There are lots of out of the way places you can sit, rest, or like Tink, take a nap.

Ridge: If you have been to Disney only once, five times or 50 times there are little things you can do to make your Disney experience a little more magical and exciting. One thing that found to be a great off the beaten path activity are the tours that Disney offers. In February I took the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at the Magic Kingdom. It was really a great way to learn some of the behind the scenes info and history of the Walt Disney Company and of the man himself. The guides are all extremely knowledgeable and mine was very funny and I think that really helps to make everything more memorable. There are lots of other tours available and one of the newest and most talked about is at the new jungle trek at Animal Kingdom.

Hidden Mickeys are another fun way to search for other things that aren’t necessarily main stream yet. There are books and websites on the matter. If for some reason you are reading this and not sure what a hidden mickey is, they are little ways in which the imagineers can sign their work since they can’t actually write their names on the attractions. So make a game out of finding them. Get a copy of Steve Barrett’s book Hidden Mickeys Guide that are now even sold at WDW and start hunting. It can add a whole extra layer of fun to a trip.

There are lots of things that are edible that are often also overlooked. One of the little gems I found a while back and wrote about was the Carrot Cake cookie at Writers Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re wondering though Epcot, there are always little things to try in each country and one of my favorite places to try something new is Japan. Mitsukoshi Department Store is the place to go to find everything that should and shouldn’t be tried by the squeamish. They have snack sized crabs that I am guessing are lightly killed and flavored, cooked and packaged for your enjoyment. If that isn’t your style, there are large varieties of candies, gums and sodas. All of the pavilions have little hidden gems of goodness just waiting for you to find them. Take a picture; tell your friends.

Amy:  One of my favorite things I've discovered off the beaten path in the last couple of years is the carrot cake cookie.  I hear they are now found in other spots as well, but they are the claim to fame of the Writers' Stop at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  I have to admit I used to walk right past this little shop, but now I find it a great place to grab a delectable snack and rest a bit.  

Sadly, I never made it there, but Storytime with Belle was an off the beaten path attraction I have wanted to see for a while.  (It's now a greet and play with Tangled characters.)  There is a very small theatre tucked into the landscaping of the castle as you cross into Tomorrowland.  It wasn't really an age appropriate activity for me before Tink but I like to see everything at least once, so I am sorry I didn't slow down here.  With one daughter and another baby girl on the way, I am sure we'll be visiting here in the future.

Please don't yell at me, but I still haven't made it to Beaches and Cream.  It's just been off the beaten path for me.  As much as I want to try a No Way Jose (a peanut butter and hot fudge sundae,) I haven't made it there.  

One place I rarely miss but is off the beaten path for most guests is Garden View Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.  Afternoon tea here is a real treat and as much as I love the theme parks, I adore this time of quiet and refinement, most usually shared with my mom.  

Another off the beaten path afternoon treat is the Tune In Lounge at 50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Chris and I have stopped here for a cool beverage and appetizers on a couple of trips.  I don't see it on the current menu, but they used to have some tasty fried Boursin cheese with jam.  On one visit, and my husband was with us for this experience, one of the Streetmosphere Cast Members wandered in and joined us.  He hung out with us long enough to break character a few times but it was quite a hoot cutting up with him and the other guests.  It's never been a crowded spot, so I wonder if people know you can eat at the bar.

For an off the beaten path activity, I recommend mini-golf at Winter Summerland.  It's got a really cute theme and is another nice break from crowds, especially during a long visit or a busy time of year.

Not that I've made it out the last few trips, but a morning jog at Walt Disney World is usually rather fun.  It's interesting to watch the World wake up.  I especially like it when my path takes me over to Downtown Disney.  It's oddly still in the morning and it's fun to see the little princesses coming out of Bibidi Bobidi Boutique.  

One of my favorite off the beaten path restaurants is Olivia's at Old Key West, our DVC home resort.  It's not too big and has a very relaxing atmosphere.  The service is usually good and not as rushed as some larger, more popular locations.  One of my favorite things here is the mozzarella and tomato salad.  They use good ingredients and it's a nice light meal when you've overdone it on park food.  

What are your favorite attractions, restaurants, shops, or other activities that other people seem to walk right past?

Magical Blogorail: Welcome Home!

Welcome to those of you joining us from Meet the Magic.  This is the 2nd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

MY FAVORITE WDW RESORT: WELCOME HOME!

My favorite Walt Disney World Resort is definitely Old Key West. My parents bought into the Disney Vacation Club in 1993 and at the time, Old Key West WAS the Vacation Club. The other resorts didn’t come along until later. Even once other DVC properties became available, we still always prefer to stay at OKW.

Granted, Old Key West lacks some of the pizzazz other resorts offer. There aren’t huge waterslides, you can’t walk to Epcot or visit a rooftop bar with Magic Kingdom views, and no giraffes will pass your veranda. However, Old Key West appeals to those looking for a little more relaxed atmosphere. It is themed like Key West after all and relaxation certainly rules in the Keys. The buildings are painted in pastel shades with white gingerbread trim that occasionally includes everyone’s favorite mouse. The lush landscaping continues the tropical island vibe. Inside is the true asset of this resort. SPACE! Old Key West’s villas are substantially larger than the other DVC properties. The DVC studios/villas all include essentially the same amenities but OKW’s offer more floor space and room to spread out. My family stayed in a 2 bedroom at Saratoga Springs during part of our last trip. While this is still far larger than an average hotel room, it feels cramped in comparison to Old Key West.

I also enjoy visiting the table service restaurant at Old Key West, Olivia’s. Again, it’s nothing flashy, but I’ve always had a nice, relaxing meal here. Reservations are available and I would suggest them, just to be on the safe side, for larger groups but we’ve always been able to walk up and be seated fairly quickly. At dinner, they serve yummy coconut pineapple bread while you wait on your meal. Chris discovered a burger on this bread at lunch on our last trip. My toddler is really hard to feed on the go since she favors fresh fruit and vegetables above all else and she loves Olivia’s fruit salad and carrots/green beans. If you ask DisneyDad where he wants to go to dinner, he’ll usually say Olivia’s and I don’t just mean when we are at WDW. It’s his go-to answer for that question.

Old Key West is on the canal leading to Downtown Disney and you can take a boat to and from the shopping and dining area. I usually prefer to take a bus over and then return leisurely by boat. This proximity to Downtown Disney is also nice for joggers. The OKW grounds themselves are good for a workout or you can catch the path at the back of the property and head to Saratoga Springs and Downtown Disney. It’s interesting to see that area so quiet early in the morning.


One of Disney’s golf courses runs through the property and the buildings are situated so that the patios or balconies have pleasant views. I love when we get a villa overlooking a pond with a fountain. It’s so nice to go out and spend a few minutes on the patio/balcony listening to the water and drinking a cup of coffee in the morning. And speaking of coffee, like other DVC properties, Old Key West has a fully equipped kitchen in the villas (studios have a kitchenette.) We don’t cook much on vacation, but it’s helpful to have breakfast in the room before heading out for the day.

Living room of a Grand Villa

Over the years, we’ve stayed in all sizes of accommodations. Studios, one bedroom villas, two bedroom villas, and in 2010 the three bedroom grand villa. Each has its own advantages but of course, the grand villa outshines the rest. With two stories, three bedrooms, four full baths, a large kitchen and dining room, and a two story living room, it would be my choice for each trip if it didn’t cost so many points. We normally get a two bedroom and it’s so nice to stay in the same place each time. I know exactly where all my things should go and can get settled in quite quickly. It really feels like home away from home. I’m kinda sad that they are refurbishing the rooms. The new colors just don’t look right to me.

Aunt Suzie and Mom at the pre-wedding welcome party

With all these years of visits, there is also a sentimental component to my choice. I remember being a young teenager checking my look, complete with belt pack, in the full length mirror of the second bedroom and watching a friend mug for the camera in the entry way in his Steak N Shake hat on our high school graduation trip. I remember celebrating Christmas in the living room of an Old Key West villa during my semester of WDW College Program and giggling with three of my best college friends in a studio during our January break. I remember countless nights of wanting to throw a pillow at my brother sleeping in the next bed and taking a nap in my cozy queen bed after completing the WDW marathon. I remember Mom hosting a welcome party in the kitchen and living room for family who had arrived for our Disney wedding and having my hair and makeup done at the kitchen table by Rex. I remember taking a photo on the balcony before leaving for our honeymoon and another before leaving for dinner at Jiko for our fifth wedding anniversary. I remember sleeping on the pull-out bed on the trip when I told Mom and Dad I was expecting my first child and the look on their faces at the patio table at Olivia’s when I told them another was on the way. I remember Mom overfilling the dining area cabinet with our favorite goodies and making more sausage balls in the kitchen when we ran out of our favorite breakfast treat. I remember how delighted we were to get 2 two bedroom villas next to each other and directly across from the Hospitality House on the wedding trip and how much my in-laws enjoyed their villa. I remember having breakfast at Olivia’s with friends and family before leaving for our Disney cruise honeymoon and even remember the days when Olivia’s had Pooh and friends at a character breakfast. I remember my daughter making a huge mess of her first birthday cake at the dining table in the grand villa and biting into her first Mickey ice cream bar in the living room of the grand villa as if she did that all the time.

"Tink" and her Mickey Mouse 1st birthday cake

Old Key West is a special resort to me and my family and certainly one I would recommend to others. If you’d like a little extra breathing room at the end of the day, this just might become one of your favorites as well.

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1st Stop - Meet the Magic
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