Disney Field Hockey Showcase 2013

The BHE (that's Best Husband Ever) and I  have had a hard time getting our Blog on.  We started out with great intentions.  Having been to Disney so many times; helping countless friends to plan their perfect Disney vacation; and experiencing Disney Dining with the need to eat gluten-free we felt we had a lot of great advice and unique perspective to share with people.  But after the first post we kind of got caught up in planning our December trip to Disney and then came the Christmas craziness.  While things are still not calm, such is life with 2 teenagers who play sports and are active in lots of activities, I thought it was time to just jump in and get it done.  So here goes.

My daughter and I will be leaving in 7 days for another trip to Disney.  This one is less of a vacation and more of a destination.  She will be playing in the Disney Field Hockey Showcase. Woo Hoo, go High Styx Pride.  Because this trip requires us to be more flexible I have only made 2 dining reservations.  We are arriving a day early so we can spend one full day at the parks.  Since we were unable to get a reservation for Be Our Guest during our December trip she and I made that a priority for this trip and I booked the reservation 6 months ago when I was sure were going to be going, so day 1 we will touring the Magic Kingdom.  Day 2 is the start of the tournament and we have games until 2 PM after which we can do whatever and day 3 she doesn't play til 5 PM with the second game time depending on where the team is ranked.  So while it looks like there is ample time to visit the parks I didn't want to feel obligated to visit so I made no dining reservations for these 2 days.  We think we would like to check out the food at Splitsville and maybe grab some grub at Earl of Sandwich and Ghiardelli's these two days, neither place takes reservations which works for us. 

Field Hockey tournaments are unpredictable.  Players get hurt, get sick or are just plain tired depending on the teams you play.  Not having a plan seemed like the best plan for this trip.  Being an Annual Passholder helps with this plan.  If on day 2 we want to quick run to EPCOT for bite to eat or a snack we have the flexibility to do that, if we wake up and decide a quick ride on Rockin' Roller Coaster will get her pumped for the next game we can do that or maybe some shopping.  LuLu loves shopping!!  The possibilities are endless and because we have the annual passes I don't feel any pressure to go to a park if she gets hurt, sick or just wants to nap.  If we needed to buy tickets I'm not sure how I would approach the situation.  

Several of the other families are getting 4 day park hoppers.  That seems to make sense and is a great compromise to enough days without being too many and is probably what we would have purchased.  If she had gotten sick or injured I would have added the no expiration date and used the remaining days on a future trip.  Works for us because we go a lot.  If you don't visit Disney regularly or ever, 1) why not?  haven't you heard that it is the greatest place on earth 2) you are going to make yourself use those days no matter what and this may not turn out to be the best Disney experience for you or your athlete.  So what is the solution?  I don't know.  Every family needs to evaluate what they want to get out of such a trip.  If this is the only time you are going to be is Disney and want to do it all, go for it, but remember that you will be exhausted and your athlete may not play as well as they normally do when well rested.  If you want to play well then maybe less of the parks will give you more out of your trip.  The main focus for us is to evaluate each day individually and plan activities that are fun but won't zap her energy for the next game.  Like I said, field hockey is the focus, not vacation time.

Our second reservation is for Boma the day before we leave.  This is one of LuLu's favorite restaurants.  The reservation is for when the entire tournament is over, so we don't have to worry about missing the awards ceremony and it just so happens to be where we are staying, Animal Kingdom Kidani Villas.  Have you stayed there?  This will be our first time, super duper excited.  We have a way early flight the next morning and thought a nice meal at the resort followed by packing was the perfect ending to our trip.

So what do you think of our no plan plans?  Have you been to Disney for one of their many sporting events? Would love to hear about your experience.

Eating Counter Service

Eating Counter Service:  Great Food, Great Prices, Great Experience

                In today’s current economic state of affairs people want to find ways to trim their vacation budgets.  One way to do this while still having a wonderful Disney vacation is to stretch your food dollar.  One of the great aspects of the various dining experiences at Disney is that you can have great food and excellent experiences all while not breaking the bank.  Below I have outlined ten Counter Service restaurants that in my opinion are among the very best in Disney World.  I have included prices points as a reference, so please know that prices may vary after publication of this article.

10.       Earl of Sandwich – Downtown Disney

                Found at the north end of Downtown Disney near the “Once Upon a Toy” store and the Disney transportation bus stops is this quaint deli style Counter Service location.  A family of four can eat here for less than $30 including beverages.

For just six ($6) dollars you can get a great sandwich.  Whether you are in the mood for a Roast Beef Sandwich (“The Original 1762”) or a club sandwich (“The Earl’s Club”) or something different (“The Full Montague” – roast beef & turkey with sharp cheddar and aged Swiss cheese with Earl’s mustard sauce!!) there is something on the menu for everyone.  In addition to the delicious sandwiches there is a plethora of soups for just three ($3) dollars and salads for six ($6) dollars.  If you are looking for a nice salad on a hot steamy summer day in Florida, I would recommend the Caprese Salad – field greens and romaine lettuce with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil.

9.         Old Port Royale Food Court – Caribbean Beach Resort

                Throughout the Disney resorts there are numerous counter service restaurants that could have made the list.  However, there are few that are heads and shoulders better than the rest.  In my opinion the king of the resort counter service locations is Old Port Royale Food Court located at the Caribbean Beach Report.  The dinner has a choice of selecting food from several different food stations.  This is great for a family who has diverse appetites and desires.  The stations from which one can choose their food are apply named: Royale Pizza Pasta Shop, Old Port Royale Hamburg Shop, Bridgetown Broiler (dinner only) and the Deli.

                At the Royale Pizza Pasta Shop you can choose among a number of items including a pizza (large - $14; individual - $7) or baked ziti ($7), or soups.  The Hamburger Shops offer a 1/3 pound Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($9), or for the more adventurous a Caribbean Burger ($9) or the nest Chili-Cheese Dog on property ($8)!  All can be washed down with a Smoothie ($4)

                During the dinner hour the Bridgetown Broiler is open.  You can select from a number of delicious choices:  baked chicken ($9) roasted turkey ($10) or Pan Seared Salmon ($10).  Each of these come with a choice of two sides.

                If you find yourself at the Caribbean Beach Resort Old Port Royale Food Court is an excellent choice for a counter service meal for either lunch or dinner.

8.         Liberty Inn – EPCOT – The American Pavilion

                The Liberty Inn makes the list primarily because of it’s location.  Frankly the traditional American fare (Smokehouse Burger - $9; Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad - $8; Chicken Nuggets - $8) is average.  However, the Liberty Inn located within the American Pavilion is ideally situated approximately half-way around the World Showcase.  This allows the World travelers to get through half of the pavilions, then take a break to re-energize themselves with decent food.  Once re-charged they can then finish the other half of the showcase.

                Depending on the time of day and season, the traveler can watch the American Experience, or maybe even one of the numerous concerts held right in from of the American Pavilion in the band shell. 

7.         Sunshine Seasons – EPCOT – Land Pavilion

                This cafeteria style restaurant is located on the bottom floor within the Land Pavilion.  The food choices are bountiful and all designed to be healthy in nature.  They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The seating is plentiful in the center rotunda.  The atmosphere can be loud and chaotic especially as non- dinners move through the seating area to get from the stairs to Soarin’.  However, the variety of choices and the quality of the food certainly place Sunshine Seasons on this list.

                For breakfast one can choose a Breakfast platter that includes bacon, eggs, and sausage ($7) or a bacon, cheese and egg croissant ($6).  For lunch and dinner, the options expand exponentially:  there is an Asian section that includes among other items Mongolian Beef ($10) or Sweet and sour chicken with Jasmine rice ($10); a soup and salad bar that includes among its options a Togarashi Seared Tuna Noodle Salad ($10), and a Ceasar Salad with Oak-fired chicken ($9).  Can you say WOW!!!  But for the meat lovers, there is a Grill section.  There you can choose from Oak –grilled Rotisserie Chicken ($10), Oak-grilled fish ($10), or a slow-roasted pork chop with cheddar mashed potatoes (Yummy!) ($12).

No matter what your taste buds are calling for, you are sure to find something scrumptious at Sunshine Seasons, and certainly within anyone’s budget.

6.         Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café – Magic Kingdon

                Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Café is a typical counter service restaurant.  As you walk down “main street” that transitions the guest from Liberty Square to Frontier Land, Pecos Bill’s is toward the end of the rustic Old West façade buildings. 

                The fare includes all of the traditional choices.  A Guest can get a burger (or veggie burger) with fries or apple slices for less than $9; a BBQ Pork sandwich ($9), a Cesar salad ($7), or a Taco Salad ($8).  In addition to the main courses, there are also great sides: Corn on the Cobb ($2), chili cheese fries ($4), or an onion ring basket ($4). 

The portions are sufficient to make even the hungriest Cowboy leave satiated.

5.         Beaches and Cream – Yacht and Beach Club

                Beaches and Cream makes the list because the food and the experience is virtually one of a kind.  There are many people that consider this a MUST eat place every trip.  While the food is exceptional, it falls into the middle of the pack because this is one of the priciest of the Counter Service locations to make the list.  B & C is located within the Beach Club hotel, just outside of EPCOT’s International Gateway.  So for guests that are visiting either EPCOT, or even Hollywood Studies, that want to enjoy a nice atmosphere and quality food, and are willing to go off the beaten trail a little, will truly enjoy Beaches and Cream.

                A Guest can enjoy a double cheeseburger for $14 (a single is $10), or a hot roast beef sandwich on a submarine roll ($12).  There are cooler meals, which include a Caesar salad ($12), turkey sandwich ($11), or Grilled Vegetable sandwich ($12).

                But people do not go to Beaches and Cream for the main courses.  No matter what meal you select, it is an absolute requirement that you save room for the “Cream.”  That’s right, Beaches and Cream is second only to Ghirardelli for their ice cream creations.  What better way for a family to bond, than to share the “Kitchen Sink” ($23).  This includes eight scoops of ice cream, every topping in the kitchen, and a can of whipped cream!!

                But for those who want to just enjoy a sundae, there are traditional favorites such as the Banana Split ($8), a either a two ($6) or three ($8) scoop sundae;  or a waffle cone ($4).  My favorite is the Strawberry shortcake ($6).  The angel food cake covered in vanilla ice cream is delicious.

                If you are ice cream connoisseur you cannot miss this side trek to Beaches and Cream. You get the benefit of being able to walk off some of the calories as you walk back to re-enter EPCOT!

4.         Backlot Express – Hollywood Studios

                Located between the exit of Indiana Jones and the Jedi Training stage is a hidden gem of a restaurant.  While the walking ways outside of this restaurant are typically filled, especially around one of the Jedi Training shows, if you get in prior to the show ending, you will find a virtually empty restaurant.  The food selections are more than acceptable, and hot Florida days, the respite from the sun and humidity is always welcome.

                Selections include an Angus Cheeseburger covered in Onion Straws (can order without the onion straws - $9), cheddar cheese, tomatoes, pickle, lettuce ($10), a Southwest Salad with Chicken which includes mixed greens, corn tortilla, black bean relish and avocado, with a cilantro vinaigrette dressing ($8), or a grilled turkey and cheese sandwich ($9).

3.         Casey’s Corner – Magic Kingdom

                At the end of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, looking out on Cinderella’s Castle is Casey’s Corner.  Themed after turn of the century Americana, this hot dog stand serves some of the best hot dogs you will ever have the pleasure of consuming.  The Cast members are dressed in 19^th Century ballpark attire, which just adds to the charm of this restaurant. 

                The choices are very straight forward – Hot Dogs.  The question becomes how do you want your hot dogs.  There is the Chicago Style Hot Dog, which is topped with diced tomatoes, pickles, Chicago-style relish, and banana peppers ($8).  There is the standard self-explanatory Chili Cheese Dog ($8).  This is my favorite. Yes it can be messy, but what good hot dog is not!  But then there is the Barbeque Slaw Dog ($8)!  Oh my!!  This hot dog is topped with pulled pork, cole slaw, and flavored with a sweet barbecue sauce.  Each of the hot dogs include fries or apple slices.  For the less adventurous among us, there is a traditional hot dog ($7) or Loaded Nachos ($7). 

                What makes Casey’s so high on the list is not only the quality of the food, but also it’s great location.  You can grab a quick hot dog either as you enter or leave the park.  Every single guest must walk past Casey’s Corner as they come into the park and as they leave.  The food may be simple, but so was the turn of the century.  They have managed to take the most basic of foods, the hot dog, and turn it into a dining experience without killing the budget.

2.         Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe – EPCOT – Norway

                Located in the Norway Pavilion in the World Showcase, this frequently over-looked counter service restaurant is just shy of fantastic.  Keep in mind, I am not necessarily the most adventurous diner, so when I place a restaurant that is not “standard” fare at the top of one my lists, it should really stand out as a special place.  The offerings contained within the Bakery change on a regular basis, so while I have outlined some of the possibilities below, I would encourage you to always stop in and check out the numerous options on any given day.

                Kringle is a little kafe at the mouth of the Norway experience.  It is set up in such a manner that enables you to view the selections as you walk through the line which is formed in front of the deli/ bakery counter leading to the register.

There are a variety of “cash and go” options (many of which are included as snacks if you are on the dining plan):  sweet pretzel – either with or without Almonds ($4), School bread ($2), Lefse (a potato bread with butter and cinnamon sugar - $2) ,Berry Cream puff ($4), and Verdens Beste (a rum cake with a custard and almond meringue topping ($3).

                For those guests looking for a sandwich, the choices are simply unbelievable.  There is a salmon and egg sandwich ($8), a Norwegian Club Sandwich, which includes the traditional turkey, ham and bacon, but is accentuated with Jarlsburg and Muesnter cheeses, topped with tomato, red onion and lingonberry mayo ($8), or a Vegetable torte, comprised of roasted mushroom, spinach, potatoes, and the Jarlsburg and Muenster cheeses ($6).

1.                  Flame Tree Barbecue – Animal Kingdom

My number one counter service location, without reservation is the Flame Tree Barbeque, located within the Animal Kingdom.  This restaurant has the highest possible grades in the three essential elements that drove the requirements to make this list:  quality and quantity of food, location and atmosphere, and price. 

My family of four will go to the Flame Tree every trip.  Universally we will order four different meals:  ½ slab of St Louis style Ribs ($10), ½ chicken meal ($10), Barbecue Chicken Salad ($8), and either the Pork Sandwich ($9) or the Smoked Turkey Breast ($9).  Every one of these meals is flavorful, and delicious.  The quantity of food that is provided makes finishing any of the meals an event.

Located on Discovery Island makes the Flame Tree Barbecue centrally located in the park.  The counter is at the front, and the seating is outside.  However, the seating is almost all covered either via natural covering (trees) or via a covered patio near the water.  The one drawback is some of the wild birds that wander around the eating area.  A guest heading from either DinoLand or Asia can smell the barbecue cooking long before they are actually at the restaurant- it is like a magnet just pulling you in.

                As you can see each of the above restaurants offers great food, some of them are more expensive than other locations, but if one searches they can find food that will satisfy every discriminating diner in the party.  Eating is a key to any trip to Disney for my family, and we enjoy eating at all different kinds of places, but one does not need to spend their entire vacation budget eating.  The above list gives you enough great places to eat twice a day on a trip of average length (6 days/ 5 nights) almost twice a day without having to spend a fortune.  

Have you eaten at any of our top 10 choices?  What did you think?  What are your favorite counter service places to eat?