On The Road Travel

Updated 6/16/22 Located just off of Disney World property, you’ll find the adorable little town of Celebration, Florida. The Walt Disney Company founded the Celebration community back in 1994, and it has been growing ever since. With only about 10,000 residents, you definitely get the feeling of a quaint small town with focus on community and neighborhood. At the center of the town, you’ll find commercial areas including Downtown Celebration, Shoppes at Celebration Place, and Water Tower Shoppes, with a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities. On Front Street, right in the middle of the action, you’ll find the Celebration Town Tavern - one of my family’s absolute favorite places in the world. Their website says “Comfortable is the key world” and we couldn’t agree more. The family owned seafood and steakhouse is our happy place away from the parks. While their focus is Boston seafood, there’s something on the menu for everyone (including me who does not like seafood). You can ...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Inspired in design by a 1920s electric company, The Edison will transport you into an era of romance and sophistication throughout a range of themed dining rooms. Plus, if you’re lucky, you may even catch some live music! Located in the Landing at Disney Springs, you do not need a park ticket to dine here, but you will definitely want a reservation ahead of time. You can occasionally walk up and find a seat at the bar, but to get the full dining experience, you’ll need a reservation. Lunch is served 11:30AM-3:55PM and dinner is served from 4:00PM to 10:30PM. While this is technically a casual dining option, you can certainly dress up for a little date night. The vintage feel and fancy cocktails definitely make this more of an adult dining destination though children are certainly welcome. Appetizers here ...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Big River Grille & Brewing Works, located at Disney’s Boardwalk, is a great place to dine or have a craft beer for those that enjoy adult beverages. While not inside the Boardwalk Inn resort, it is just down the steps. So if you’re traveling from a park or resort, it’s best to take a bus or ferry boat to the Boardwalk. Busses do not travel from resort to resort, so if you’re traveling from your home resort, you’ll need to first visit a theme park and catch a bus or boat from there. Ride Share or taxis are also a good, quick option. If you’re at Epcot, it’s also a very short walk from the International Gateway. If you’re at Hollywood Studios, you can take the Skyliner to Epcot’s International Gateway and walk from there. Because it is on the Boardwalk, a park pass and park reservation are not require...

Cinnamon rolls are a must for me at Christmas and this is one of my favorite recipes for look-alike Gaston’s Tavern Giant Cinnamon Rolls! I found it on Inside the Magic , so all recipe credit belongs to them, but I have copied it below with some of my commentary and photos of my step by step process. Homemade cinnamon rolls are always going to be a bit time consuming, but these only have to proof for 40 minutes total so it’s really not bad at all! First things first, here are the materials you’re going to need: Mixer (one with a dough hook will make your life much much easier) and bowl Rubber scrapers Rolling pin 2-3 saucepans Microwave safe bowls An area big enough to roll them out 2 metal sheet pans with edges Measuring cups Measuring spoons Medium sized bowl for filling Liquid measuring cup The nice thing about the recipe is it uses pretty basic ingredients that you likely already have at your house. I went to Aldi and bought nearly everything just to see and it was about $20. A...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Located on the West Side of Disney Springs is City Works Eatery - a go to place for the beer lovers in your life. Here you’ll find classic American cuisine and a massive selection of beers including more than 90 local and global varieties. Since it is located at Disney Springs, you do not need park admission or a park reservation to dine here, though we always recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you’re able. You can take Disney transportation to get here, or if you’re driving, park for free in one of the parking garages or lots. (Strawberry, Watermelon, and Orange are closest to the West Side.). While this is a bit more adult-focused with a huge variety of adult beverages, it’s also a great place to find a high quality, American meal for those pickier eaters in your life. Plus, there are plen...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Tutto Italia Ristorante is the place to get a delicious, traditional Italian meal during your day at Epcot. Located in the Italy pavilion of World Showcase, you can grab a reservation here for lunch or dinner. Because it is located in Epcot, you will need a valid park admission to dine here, as well as a park pass reservation (at the time of this writing). We do recommend that you get a dining reservation as well, though you may be able to walk up and sneak in to sit in the wine cellar where they serve a limited menu of small plates and offer a full bar.  Lunch is s erved from 12:30PM to 3:55PM and Dinner is served from 4:00PM to 9:00PM. When dining plans are in play, this will use one table service credit per person. You can expect to spend anywhere from $15-35 for your meal, but you’ll want to budg...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Cruise your way over to Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen! Inspired by the legacy of the Jungle Cruise, you’re sure to have a delightful meal full of bad jokes and world famous jungle cuisine.  The Skipper Canteen is open for lunch and dinner, and because it is located inside the Magic Kingdom, you will need both valid park admission and a park reservation to dine here at this time. To get to the Magic Kingdom, you can take your resort transportation to the front gate, and once you scan in, you’ll want to head down Main Street U.S.A. and to the left, towards Adventureland. A typical adult meal here will cost anywhere from $15-35. When dining plans are in play, this will use one entitlement per person. I’m not gonn...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is, “A hilarious, high-spirited hootenanny the whole family will enjoy, accompanied by a finger-lickin’ countrified feast.” This is one of the special dinner show experiences at Walt Disney World and happens three times each night. While it’s off the beaten path of the Disney Resort, it is certainly worth the trip. This is a popular experience, and we would definitely recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the doors open at 4:00PM, 6:15PM, or 8:30PM. Seating will begin immediately, and the show will start 20 minutes later. Because the Hoop-Dee-Doo is over at the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, there are a few different ways to get there. If you’re using resort transportation, be sure to give yourself plenty of time - we re...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Iron Chef Morimoto has his very own restaurant in Disney Springs, and you will not want to miss it if you love Pan-Asian cuisine like I do! You may have heard of Morimoto Asia from bingeing the Food Network’s Iron Chef (as I am known to do). Morimoto’s take on Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes creates an unforgettable dining experience. Because this restaurant is at Disney Springs, you do not need a park ticket to dine, but I would definitely recommend getting a reservation ahead of time. You can take WDW transportation to Disney Springs from your resort hotel or any of the parks. If you prefer to drive, complimentary parking is available in one of the many parking garages. Morimoto Asia is a Signature Dining experience (I mean, he is an Iron Chef after all), so you can expect to spend around $25 per e...

Updated 6/16/22 For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the   Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Hollywood and Vine is the place to be if you have Disney Junior loving kiddos! Located in the Echo Lake area of Hollywood Studios, you can have an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet with Disney Junior friends in the morning, or Minnie and friends in the afternoon and evening. Since this restaurant is in Hollywood Studios, you will need valid park admission to dine here. Breakfast is served from 8:00am to 10:30am and includes favorites like Mickey waffles, made-to-order omelets, pastries, and fresh fruit.  Throughout your breakfast, you’ll be greeted by Disney Junior stars usually including Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Roadster Racer Goofy (subject to change). They’ll come around right to your table for photos and autographs! On the Disney Dining Plan (not currently available), Hollywood ...

Disney World vacations are always magical, but there are some Disney touches that make it just a little bit extra magical. On my most recent trip, we stayed with some friends off of Disney property, which we haven’t done in many years, and man was it a learning experience for some Disney veterans! So I thought this would be a great opportunity to share some of the pros and cons of staying off Disney property. Pros: Cost - There are many beautiful and clean resorts or other options like Airbnb/VRBO that are much less expensive than Disney resorts. If your budget is of concern, you can certainly find a non-Disney resort that won’t break the bank and will be a safe, clean place to rest your head at night. This is the most convincing reason for me to ever consider staying anywhere but Disney. Dining - One big benefit is the flexibility of dining when you’re not at Disney. It’s much more likely that you have a kitchen if you’re staying off property, so you’re able to make meals toge...

Updated 5/17/2022 Be sure to request a Resort Guide at the front desk so that you can have the most up-to-date information about resort happenings and schedules.  For the most up-to-date information about the phased re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the  Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Old Key West might actually be my favorite place in the world. Based in the warmth and tranquility of the Florida Keys, this Deluxe Villa resort welcomes you to your home away from home. Address: 1510 North Cove Road Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8421 Accommodations: As a Deluxe Villa Resort, Old Key West offers only one type of standard room, the deluxe studio, which can accommodate up to 4 adults and one child under the age of three. These rooms include a two queen beds (no pull outs!) and a kitchenette with a microwave, small fridge, coffee maker, and toaster in addition to your standard WiFi, flat screen tv, iron & ironing board, hair dryer,...

Updated 5/2/2022 - Be sure to request a Resort Guide at the front desk so that you can have the most up-to-date information about resort happenings and schedules. Some offerings may be discontinued during the phased re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort.  For the most up-to-date information about the phased re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the  Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. The Yacht Club is a Deluxe Resort that is themed after the seaside New England of the late 1800s. It has a nautical feel complete with hardwood floors and brass accents and an amazing clean scent when you walk through the doors. One of the best reasons to stay at the Yacht Club is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. The Yacht Club is within walking distance to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. If you don’t feel like walking, you can access both parks via a short boat ride. Plus, you can walk to Epcot's international gateway to take the skyliner over to Hollywood Studios ...

Updated 4/6/2022 - Be sure to request a Resort Guide at the front desk so that you can have the most up-to-date information about resort happenings and schedules. For the most up-to-date information about the phased re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the  Walt Disney World Know Before You Go Guide. Located within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios on Crescent Lake, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort takes you back to an early-20th-century East Coast beach boardwalk. This Deluxe resort has a little something for everyone including carnival games, shopping, and great food. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn 2101 North Epcot Resorts Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830   Room Accommodations: BoardWalk’s standard rooms offer either 2 queen beds and a day bed; 2 queen beds; 1 king bed; or 1 king bed and a day bed. This allows room for up to 5 guests plus one infant under 3. BoardWalk also offers Club Level service and Deluxe Villas if you’re traveling with a l...