Six Fun New Experiences at Disney World

Part of a Disney vacation is a bit of nostalgia. There will always be the places we go back to because we have great memories there (Chef Mickey), Rides that no trip is complete without (Pirates of the Caribbean) . And tasty treats that we just can’t miss (hello, Dole Whip).  We love these experiences so much that we feel the need to repeat them over and over . It’s not Disney without them. Yet, there is do much to do in Disney and new attractions are added all the time .So this trip I decided to mix some fun new to us experiences.

Harmony Barbershop

When I planned our first family trip to Disney in 2012, I had already been to Disney nearly 2 dozen times and yet I still purchased a guidebook. I did this because I had never done Disney with a kid and wanted to update myself on what types of fun there was for the under 3 crowd. That was when I discovered the Harmony Barbershop. Located on Main Street the Barbershop is tucked into a small corner haircuts for a reasonable price and all haircuts include a sprinkle of pixie dust. They also do a first haircut special that includes Mickey Ears.

This was a last minute decision on my part. Days before our trip it snowed and Jack missed his hair appointment. I thought I could just call up Disney and book an appointment but I was wrong. I made a few more calls and was able to get Jack in.

When we arrived the place was busy but they were still taking walk ins, so John was able to get his haircut too. When John mentioned that the shop was busy, the barber replied that this was actually a slow day. So if a magical haircut is a must do for you, make sure to call ahead.

Meet Mickey in Town Square

No trip to Disney World is complete without meeting the mouse himself. We make sure to visit Mickey every time we are in Disney World, but the Mickey that is in Town Hall on Main Street is one that you must see and one that I suggest you book a Fast Pass Plus for because he tends to have a long wait. The reason behind all this is because Mickey in Town Hall talks. That’s right the he talks to you and your family.

I was really wary of how Jack would do with talking Mickey. But from the moment he saw him talk to the family in front of us, I knew he was excited. With My Magic Plus, Mickey has access to some special information about your party. Like Mickey remembered seeing us when he arrived by train for the opening of the park. He then proceeded to play choo-choo train with Jackson.

I’ve heard rumors that soon Mickey will be able to know your kids favorite color among other personalized facts.

California Grill


When I was a kid the restaurant at the top of the Contemporary was called Top of the World and they had this fabulous brunch that I remember. We had M and M’s for breakfast and there was sushi. Now this restaurant is the California Grill, and while it has been under this name for many years, it was recently renovated.California Grill offers a fabulous view right into the Magic Kingdom. Which you see the moment you walk off the private elevator and into the restaurant. The lounge is situated in the middle of the restaurant with Cinderella Castle perfectly in the background.

And while the restaurant feels fancy and up scale it is most definitely kid friendly. When we ordered a fruit punch for Jackson they made a special one just for him. Our meals were delicious and the fall dessert sampler included a pumpkin muffin, creme brulee and a cake pop all in bite size portions.The kids dessert option was cookies and pop rocks ice cream and Jack loved it.

I really can’t wait to go back to California Grill though next time I’m hoping to do a more adult experience and have wine, sushi and cheese while watching the fireworks.

(sadly my phones battery ran out on our way to dinner, so I don’t have any pictures but trust me it was breath taking).

Rope DropI have been coming to Disney World for over 20 years and only recently found out about Rope Drop, which goes to show that it pays to read a guidebook. For those like me who are unaware of Rope Drop, Rope Drop is the show that happens right before the Magic Kingdom opens. If you arrive at the park before opening you will have a chance to see Mickey and his friends arrive on the train to open the Magic Kingdom.

It is so magical that we now make it a priority to see Rope Drop at least once per trip. Jackson love to see all his “friends’ arrive on the train and having Mickey welcome you to the park is such a great way to start your day.

 

Be Our Guest


On the first day of our vacation we received an email saying that we were invited to test, the Fast Pass Plus at Be Our Guest restaurant. I can’t tell you how excited I was that we were picked for this exclusive invite. Be Our Guest restaurant is themed after Beauty and the Beast, which is my favorite Disney movie.

The restaurant is 3 rooms the Rose room (where the wilting rose from the movie is kept), the West Wing (featuring pictures of Belle and Beast) and The Ballroom (which is identical to the one from the movie). When we arrived I had to explore each room and I was not disappointed. We ordered our food in advance as part of the Fast Pass test. The food at Be Our Guest is more upscale than most quick service places in Disney World and definitely has more healthy options. When we checked in we were informed that our food would find us, and sure enough once we had picked a table our food was wheeled up to us on a serving cart. When John asked how they did it, he was told it was an enchanted restaurant. But we have an idea how that magic works.

The food was great and the grey stuff (cupcake) was delicious. Every time I walk into the Beauty and the Beast area of New Fantasyland I feel like a little girl again, and I was so giddy that we got to dine in the ballroom.

John even managed to convince the prince to dance with me.

Tutto Gusto


Did you know there is a wine bar in Disney World? In the back of Italy in Epcot sits a cozy little wine bar called Tutto Gusto which John and I snuck away to while Jack was with the grandparents.

They off a wide variety of Italian wine flights, small plates and cheese pairings. I felt like I had died and gone to Disney vacation heaven. John and I spent an hour or so sipping wine and eating cheese by a fireplace. And there were no kids insight. And while I love everything about Disney, love that everything is kid friendly, love that I never have to wonder if there will be a kids menu, it was oh so nice to have some relaxing adult time.