Photo Flashback! August Calendar Shot

For August's calendar shot, I chose this sunny image of the monorail heading through Epcot.

Photo Flashback! Our Favorite Part of the Flower and Garden Festival

I love all the topiaries, gorgeous mass plantings, and the new food booths at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.  However, as a mom and a huge fan of Epcot, my favorite part of the festival is the various playgrounds added during the springtime.  These colorful and creative play areas provide some much needed opportunities for little ones to work off some energy.  I just wish they'd be available year-round!!

These photos are from the 2013 festival.  This was one of three play areas and was located in the grassy area near the Morocco pavilion.

They even gave the grown-ups a chance to work off a few calories.

Photo Flashback! September Calendar Shot

Today we were supposed to post our "September Calendar Shot."  So how did I choose this image? Well, September brings back to school...which made me think of school bread...and I've never paused to take a photo of it so another shot from Norway makes the cut.  If you haven't visited the Stave Church Gallery, be sure to pop in on your next visit to World Showcase.  There are a few artifacts inside and it's a nice break from the Florida heat.

"Best Of" Magical Blogorail: Hidden Treasures of Epcot

Hiya Pals! In our continuing celebration of Epcot, I'd like to share a past article all about my favorite park.  What hidden treasures of Epcot are on your must-do list?  ~Amy


Welcome to those of you joining me from A World View and those of you just hopping aboard.

I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

While at first glance, it wouldn't seem like Epcot is a very kid-friendly park, there are hidden treasures your children will adore.

In World Showcase, the Cast Members alone can be a hidden treasure. More than someone to just ring up your t-shirt or prepare your snack, these young people are a wealth of knowledge. Consider having older children ask a certain question of a Cast Member (CM) in each pavilion. Is your child a little foodie, sports fan or movie buff? Have them ask CMs about their favorite foods, sports or films from their home countries. My children are too young for this yet, but I had a CM from each World Showcase country sign a first birthday card for Tink. It was lots of fun for us and I hope it's special to her later.

Be sure to check the entertainment schedule and watch a few of the performers at Epcot. The Jammitors are a fun percussion group who drum on buckets and trashcans while telling silly jokes. They appear multiple times near Innoventions East and West. In France, the kids will enjoy the acrobats, as long as they don't get any ideas about stacking all of your kitchen chairs. The World Showcase Players is another terrific act, performing on the streets in the United Kingdom Pavilion. This troupe recreates stories loosely based on famous tales. There is lots of audience participation so stand up front and jump right in.

The Jammitors as the Jammin' Chefs during the
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Candy, candy, candy. What child doesn't love the stuff? Let your child buy a bit of candy in each World Showcase pavilion to see what kids in other parts of the world enjoy as a treat.

Don't underestimate the entertainment value of simply running and being a kid. The hedge maze in the back of the UK pavilion is a wonderful place for children to burn off a little energy and it's tucked out of the way. If the weather is nice, consider letting the little ones play in one of the splash pads or cooling stations. Just pack a change of clothes and let them get wet. In Mission Space, there is a small playground area perfect for some wiggle time while the big kids take in the E-Ticket attractions.

If you time it right, there is a special hidden treasure at Epcot for parents. Be sure to have a stroller for this one. Epcot is a huge park and will tire little legs. If you can get them to sleep in the stroller, Mom and Dad can enjoy one of the many unique adult beverages available at Epcot and walk together along the promenade. It's a way to sneak in a mini-date, even if one of you does have to push the kiddos.


Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Focused on the Magic.

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 ~ My Dreams of Disney
2nd Stop ~ A World View
3rd Stop ~ Growing Up Disney (you are here)
4th Stop ~ Focused on the Magic
Final Stop ~ Makin’ Memories

This article originally appeared on Growing Up Disney on 9/16/11.

In Celebration of Epcot's 30th Anniversary...Off Kilter

I originally wrote this post as a part of the 30 Days to 30 Years series hosted by DISTherapy and Pursuing the Magic.  I'm sharing it here for today's big anniversary.  Hope you enjoy the videos at the end of the article.  Ridge and DisneyDad are at Epcot today so keep an eye out here and on twitter (@cwridgeway) for updates on the festivities.  ~Amy

1997 was Epcot's greatest year because that's when they hired Off Kilter.  Ok, so that's a stretch but the band is one of my favorite things about my favorite park.

I didn't realize that Off Kilter started at Epcot in 1997 until this series of blog posts was suggested.  My college program term was at the end of that year so I guess I have been a fan since the beginning.  Now, I rarely make a trip to Walt Disney World without catching at least one Off Kilter performance.  I keep their 5 CDs loaded on my iPhone.  The uptempo songs are terrific for running or just motivation to do housework.  "Follow Me Off to Carlow", "Irish Rover" and "Whiskey in the Jar" are just a few of my favorite Off Kilter songs.

In case you aren't familiar with them, Off Kilter is the house band of sorts at the Canadian pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase.  I'm going to let the guys describe themselves.  This is from the home page of their website.  Off Kilter is a high-energy, progressive Celtic band that blends many hard-driving musical styles, bringing a whole new twist to Celtic music.  The only thing I'd add to their description is humor.  An Off Kilter show is musically enjoyable with quite a few laughs thrown in.  They sing rock songs with a Celtic twist, traditional songs with a rock edge and even a few original songs.

Check out the Off Kilter website to hear more music, read bios on the band members, see available merchandise, etc.  Randy Holbrook is the lead guitarist and I discovered that he plays not only with Off Kilter but also with a New Age band and in a show at Sea World.  If you look through my photos of the group, you'll notice a few new faces.  Since it's a regular five day a week gig, from time to time, someone is sick or on vacation and another musician will take his place.

Yes, I totally ripped this off their site.  Screenshot!

We usually tour Epcot so we'll end up in the vicinity of Canada in the afternoon or evening.  It's so much fun to be near the World Showcase Lagoon, enjoying some Celtic rock, a good beer and hopefully a light breeze.  Regarding the beverage, the stage at Canada is conveniently located between stands selling Canadian and British beers, so arrive a little early and pick up some refreshments.  If you are lucky enough to be visiting during the Food and Wine Festival, there is usually an additional beer marketplace in this area so your options are expanded.

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I was in the parks alot in 1997.  In January, I took a trip with my three best friends during our university's January break.  We had a great time being a bunch of big kids, wearing silly hats at Magic Kingdom and doing cartwheels at Epcot.  Oh goodness, I doubt I could do that now.  Anyway, I still think of my friend Michelle every time I pass that area at World Showcase.  Another funny Epcot memory from that trip is the mime at France.  For some reason we all thought he was really cute and caught his show a couple of times.

In August of 1997, I moved into Vista Way and began work at Crystal Palace.  I've finally found my scrapbook after our move so I'll share more about that soon.  

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A few videos of Off Kilter my brother and I have taken over the years....

"Run, Run Away"

"Run, Run Away" bagpipe solo

"Follow Me Off to Carlow" bagpipe solo

Photo Flashback! Spaceship Earth

I think this will always be one of my best shots of Spaceship Earth.

Photo Flashback!-- Epcot Drawbridge

Many people high-tail it out of Epcot as soon as the fireworks are over but as I have brought up in the past, it is a perfect time to get those night shots you always wanted. One really cool one is the drawbridge. Set up your tripod, set your camera to bulb and hold for that just right exposure because it is dark at Epcot after the fireworks are over. You have at least an hour before they start sweeping you towards the front. So take that last lap and get some fun pictures.

Photo Flashback! Night Pictures, Epcot

At park closing you don't have to immediately vacate the premises because the restaurants in the back of World Showcase will still have guests eating so you have at least an hour before you are asked to leave. That is the perfect time to get out your tripod and start taking some long exposure shots of the pavilions without anyone in front of them.

Magical Blogorail: The Best of World Showcase

Welcome to those of you joining me from A World View and those of you who have just hopped aboard.  I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.

This month, Magical Blogorail Red is discussing the World Showcase pavilion where we like to spend the most time.  Well, I can't ever pass up a chance to hang out in Canada and catch a show or two from Off Kilter.  (LOVE THEM!)

Jamie from Off Kilter, me and Pal Mickey

However, the pavilion where I spend the most time is United Kingdom.  I have been in love with British history since elementary school.  In college, I had the opportunity to live in London for a semester, studying and working for a Member of Parliament and traveling on the weekends.  I love wandering the streets of the pavilion and taking in the architecture.  Next time you visit, slow down, notice the detailing of the buildings and think about the eras represented.  

Can't pass up a phone booth pic!

  

United Kingdom's shops are always a must-do for me.  For one, I love hearing the accents of the Cast Members.  It takes me back to my London days.  Secondly, I almost always buy something at the tea shop and my brother is likely to cross the street and buy something with the logo of his favorite soccer team.  Even if you aren't a tea fan, pop into the tea shop on your next trip.  British chocolate is SOOOO much better than what we are accustomed to here in the States.  My personal favorites are Penguins and milk chocolate Digestives.  (I said they made good chocolate.  I didn't say they came up with the best names.)

For @disneynine

This was in one of the shops on my last visit.  How many can you answer correctly?

She almost had to come home with me.

The British Invasion. (Recently replaced. Boo!)

The architectural photos were taken by my brother
and co-blogger, Chris.  Thanks!

The table service restaurant in the United Kingdom pavilion is Rose & Crown.  It's pub-style dining with a fantastic water-front location.  If you are lucky enough to dine outside here during IllumiNations, you are in for quite a treat.  However, we typically eat here for lunch every few trips.  I am a big fan of the midday break and this is a super place for one.  The food and service are always good.  Of course, the fish and chips are tasty, but don't hesitate to branch out and try something else from the menu.  I always enjoy the cheese and fruit appetizer.  With the more relaxed atmosphere comes a little more wait.  It was too much for Tink to handle on her first trip to WDW at one year old but an older child would be fine.

A trip to Walt Disney World usually includes plenty of food and we find the fish and chips take away to be just enough for a lighter meal, especially when you need a little more after a day of nibbles at the Food and Wine Festival.  Notice I didn't say quick.  Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a popular counter service location and sometimes the line can get quite long.  

And of course, there is the beer.  While I recommend reservations to eat at Rose & Crown, you are welcome to stop into the pub for a pint at any time.  There isn't a ton of seating but it's worth a visit.  Some of the bartenders are quite unique and so is the entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, I now can't find the picture I want but the World Showcase Players are a clever improv troupe that performs on the streets of the UK pavilion.  It's usually very funny, but if you are shy, don't stand too close as there is lots of audience participation.

Wandering World Showcase is among my favorite activities at Walt Disney World and it's not complete without a visit to the United Kingdom.  What pavilion in World Showcase draws you in and captures your imagination?

Thank you for joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is WDW Backstage.

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 ~ Makin’ Memories
2nd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney
3rd Stop ~ A World View
4th Stop ~ Growing Up Disney
Final Stop ~ WDW Backstage

Tink's First Birthday Trip Part 1

I have been meaning to share my own trip report from our April vacation for a while now.  There's no time like the present, so here it is.  This was written while we were at Walt Disney World and appeared in Audrey's personal blog that we use to keep family updated.
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On Sunday, we got up super early and headed to the airport. Audrey did well on the flight to Houston, but it is difficult to hold a curious, active, social little girl in your lap for an extended period of time. She napped in her stroller in the Houston airport while we pushed her up and down the terminal. The airline seat fairies smiled upon us for the flight to Orlando and we managed to have an empty seat in our row which allowed the little one to squirm with more freedom. Granddaddy picked us up at the airport in his new Mercedes (we've all had fun with the new car.) We splurged on DVC points this time and got a Grand Villa at Old Key West. It's two-stories, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths and fabulous. After dinner, Audrey got to dig in to a Mickey Mouse smash cake made by her grandparents. We all had fun watching her make a huge mess with the cake.

Monday morning, Chris, Andy, Audrey and I bought park tickets and then took the ferry to the Magic Kingdom. Audrey's first time in the park was a quick one. We took a few pictures in front of the castle and left for brunch. Granny and Granddaddy were waiting on us at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. It was chaos for the first little while, but overall we enjoyed our meal with Pooh, Tigger, Mary Poppins, Alice, and the Mad Hatter. We all wondered how Audrey would react to characters. Of course, she liked Mary Poppins and Alice and their pretty dresses. Thankfully she was also happy with Pooh and Tigger. The Mad Hatter was a different story and I was so glad he was last. He, just as a part of the character, is cantankerous and made Audrey cry. A monorail ride later and we were back at the Magic Kingdom. We took some cute photos on Main Street including some great ones with Audrey walking down the street with Granddaddy. Her first ride was "it's a small world." She seemed really interested in all of the dolls but poor thing was so tired that she was asleep by the end. Audrey tried pineapple Dole Whip but preferred the vanilla ice cream. That evening, Andy and I went to Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful meal.

Tuesday was full of firsts. Audrey's first trip to Epcot, first french fry, first lemonade, first time to really use a regular straw, first time to color and play with crayons. When we arrived at Epcot, it was about nap time so Andy and I strolled Audrey around World Showcase. We enjoyed the walk while she slept. We met the whole gang at Rose and Crown for lunch. Audrey didn't want to sit still so Granddaddy and I took turns walking with her. She had great fun trying fish and chips and feeding some to Granddaddy and Granny. Uncle Chris took the lead on a project to have a birthday card card signed for Audrey in all the languages of World Showcase. Almost all the signatures ended up coming from pretty girls...imagine that. The card turned out really cool and we had fun exploring the pavillions. Granny and Granddaddy took Audrey to dinner at Olivia's at Old Key West and she had the whole restaurant wrapped around her very small little finger. She makes people light up--her red hair and big smile always attract attention. Andy, Chris and I came back to the villa with Mickey ice cream bars for everyone. Audrey shared mine and ate it like she'd done that dozens of times. The little one went right to sleep after her big day.

Tomorrow is the big first birthday!
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The next part of the adventure is coming soon.