Tiffins Restaurant At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

On our last trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, we booked a late dining reservation for Tiffins Restaurant. Before we dive into the dining review let me share the benefits of making a late dining reservation. Well, first off by late I mean booking a time right at or close to that day’s park closing time.

Choosing a Later Dining Time

On this specific day Disney’s Animal Kingdom closed at 5pm. We booked our reservation at 4:50pm. So why do we do this? Well depending on the time of year, the restaurants usually are not as crowded during this time because most people are already heading out of the park. With less people in the restaurant, it gives you more of a VIP experience. Another reason to dine at this time is it really gives you the freedom to sit back and enjoy your meal. No feeling rushed to get back out and experience the park attractions.

While you are dining, the crowd is heading back to the resort buses, their cars, or other modes of transportation. If you are not a big fan of crowds or waiting in long lines to leave the park, this is another reason to book a late dining reservation. Once you are finished with your meal, coming out of the restaurant into an almost empty park is something everyone needs to experience at least once at each of the parks. 

Now, The Good Stuff

Now, let us talk about Tiffins Restaurant. The restaurant itself is themed to celebrate global discovery. Created by the same imagineers and animal experts that built Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Inspired by actual notes and field sketches of the Imagineers artwork, photographs, paintings & sculptures can be found throughout the restaurant. Tiffins Restaurant has three elegant dining rooms honoring Africa, Asia, and some of the world’s most exotic animals. Asia (the Trek Gallery), Africa (the Safari Gallery), animal species found in the park (the Grand Gallery). Please note, this restaurant IS a signature dining experience.

We dined in the Safari Gallery. Tucked away in a corner booth we were able to take in the sights and sounds of this amazing dining room. We started with a signature bread which was gluten friendly with a Red Pepper Hummus, Spicy Coriander Yogurt, Ginger-Pear Chutney as well at the Tacos a plant based Tinga (shredded beef) cheese, avocado & a pickled slaw on a corn tortilla with a squeeze of lime for additional flavor. Of course, we have all had tacos before but these were very unique to the culture and tasted very good.

Dinner for me was the Shrimp & Grits. A gluten friendly meal that had Jumbo shrimp topped with heirloom tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon pepper jam on top of a nice warm bowl of grits. This meal was really good I really enjoyed the flavor of this dish it was also very filling. My husband had the Lobster Mac n Cheese he said it was different but good this was the first time he had tried mac n cheese with lobster added.

Tiffins Desserts

We were really too full for desert but because we were celebrating my birthday this trip, we had on our celebration buttons. Our server brought out a special birthday dessert on the house. Passion Fruit Tapioca Créme a Chocolate Crumble, Citrus Fruits, Coconut Crème. This is a gluten friendly dessert and it was super delicious.

My Opinion On Tiffins Restaurant At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I think this restaurant is more of a choice for a date night or an all-adult trip. Kids of course are welcome (there is a kid menu the menu items are not the usual items you would find at other restaurants). The items here are special and unique to the Tiffins Restaurant. Overall, we enjoyed our experience at Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal. We will definitely dine at this location again so we can try some of the other amazing dishes as well as dine in the other two dining rooms.

Not hungry for a sit-down dinner? Check out Nomad Lounge located right next to Tiffins restaurant. You can dine on small plates as well as grab a beer, glass of wine or a specialty cocktail. If you are heading to Disney World without a dining plan, click the link to learn some great tips!

Have you dined at Tiffins Restaurant yet? We would love to hear about your experience. Come join us over on Facebook at Disney Express Lane to share your thoughts.

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! Why is it so unique you might ask? Many people are quick to say “No!” when they learn that Sanaa serves “African or Indian cuisine.” I’m sure most people glance at the menu and think, “Oh this is going to be weird and spicy!” Luckily that is not the case at all. Yes, the food does have an authentic African/Indian flare to it, but most people find it delicious and unique. Join me as we talk about Disney World Dining: Sanaa, to find out why I love it!

Disney World Dining: Sanaa

There are two main reasons I love Sanaa: Ambiance and Cuisine.

Ambiance

Sanaa is a table-service restaurant located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in the Kidani Village. Quite frankly, its location is a hot minute from the rest of Disney World, so some people don’t give Sanaa a chance simply because of where it is. Fortunately, once you arrive and see the scenery and eat the food, it definitely makes the trip worth it! As you make your way downstairs where the restaurant is located you’ll see that the entrance features some beautiful, handcrafted African artwork. The beads that line the podium are simply gorgeous. You might even be able to spy a Hidden Mickey on the mats behind the counter where the “Sanaa” Sign is displayed. The waiting area outside of the restaurant features large windows that look out onto Sunset Savanna, the same view that you’ll enjoy once you’re seated inside. This plays into the ambiance that I mentioned earlier! Be sure to keep your eyes open to see some amazing hand-crafted decorations.

In the main dining room, the view above changes to resemble a tree canopy with rustic lanterns hanging from the branches overhead. One of the reasons I wanted to eat at this restaurant was the view! I requested a Savanna view before I was seated and it was so neat! Chances are great that you’ll have an opportunity to see a variety of animals as you dine.

Walt Express Tip

If seeing animals is important to you, here’s a TIP: be sure to book your Advanced Dining Reservation for earlier in the day. Choose either lunch or an early dinner. Later reservations might fall after dark, and you won’t be able to see much except your reflection in the glass at that point. With all of that being said, now it’s time to take a look at the menu!

Cuisine

I had no idea what to order but our waitress was amazing! She walked me through all of the drink options and the entire menu. She suggested the Bread Service for an appetizer, so that’s where the meal began.

The Famous Bread Service

If you’re dining at Sanaa for the very first time, you should know that bread service here is not complimentary. However, it is very much worth the price of $17.00. It came with some incredible breads and accompanying nine sauces and spreads. My favorite sauces were Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney and Tamarind Chutney. The Bread Service was so unique and it was a great way to start the dinner.

Main Course

When it came to the entree part of the meal I decided to choose the Potjie Inspired option. This is where I got to choose one meat and one vegetable dish from several options and it was also served with rice. Overall the Butter Chicken was my favorite! The Butter Chicken I ate was so tender and flavorful, my fork would glide right through it. I loved it so much I now have created my own recipe and make it at home pretty often.

Dessert

Dessert was nothing short of amazing also. I had the Caramel N’dizi, which was Banana Financier with Caramelized Milk Chocolate Crémeux, Hazelnut Crunch, Banana-White Chocolate Chantilly, and Ginger Raspberries.

Disney Dining Plan

Sanaa is one table service credit per person on the Disney Dining Plan. The Bread Service is not included and will need to be purchased separately. The price for the bread service is $17.00.

Why I Love Sanaa

Sanaa remains one of my absolute top picks for dining at Disney World. Sure, it’s a little inconvenient, with its waaaaaaay off the beaten path location in Kidani Village. It’s true: you will likely need to mark off a few hours if you dine here. But it’s so worth it! The food is phenomenal. In addition to that, the care that Imagineers took in creating this restaurant is apparent everywhere. The view of the Sunset Savanna — free with a meal!! — is unparalleled. Usually, you would pay big bucks to see animals like this.

And don’t forget, once you’re at Animal Kingdom Lodge, there’s plenty to look at and see there as well. Even if you aren’t staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, this restaurant is worth the trip.  It is definitely a hidden gem and reservations aren’t too hard to get here!

If you plan to head back to Animal Kingdom Park, be sure to check out these snacks that are available! ANIMAL KINGDOM SNACKS!

Looking for more Disney Dining reviews? We have lots of great information in our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE! Join us today!

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Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

See For Yourself! This restaurant has had a few bad reviews in the past, but we decided to give it a try and we are sure glad we did.

On a recent trip to Magic Kingdom, we grabbed a reservation at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and was very surprised. Just goes to show you, find out for yourself before you judge! Lesson learned for this family. This restaurant is now on our must-do dining list for Magic Kingdom!

1. Atmosphere: Yes, this is the VERY restaurant that the Lady and the Tramp first kissed while sharing some of Tony’s delicious spaghetti. The restaurant is nestled in Town Square at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and is absolutely beautiful! We love sitting by the large windows and watching all of the activities on Main Street, USA! Love and romance is definitly in the air at this restaurant.
2. A Great Escape: Yes, this restaurant is a GREAT escape from the crowds and the heat! It’s very cool and comfy inside and has a terrific view!
3. Festival of Fantasy Parade: Make that reservation for around 2 pm and enjoy a view of the Festival of Fantasy Parade (begins at 3 pm on most days) from inside, where it’s nice and cool. There is also a parade package available with preferred outside viewing. We preferred to watch the parade from the inside in the cool air!
4. The Food: The food at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is simply amazing! It’s Italian themed and the portions are very large. You could easily share a meal, although we all know, I do not share my “Disney dishes”! This dish is the Italian Trio which consists of three classic favorites on one dish! Chicken Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Spaghetti with Pork-Beef Meatballs. It was simply divine! Also available for the little ones is a great Italian pizza!

   

   

5. Meet Characters: Did you know about the characters you can meet while visiting this area of the park? Meet Mickey Mouse AND Tinkerbell right here in the Town Square!

Things To Keep In Mind

• Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is one table service on the Disney Dining Plan.
• Admission to Magic Kingdom Park is required.
• Advance reservations are highly recommended. Make that reservation in your My Disney Experience account or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
• Allergy friendly options are also available.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and hope you enjoy on your next visit!

Love Disney and need more of it in your life? We have a great Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE. We would love to see you there!

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Disney 101: Character Dining At Disney World Parks & Resorts

What exactly is character dining and how does it work? Walt Express explains it all below!

What Kinds of Character Meals Does Disney offer?

Disney World has many options when it comes to dining with your favorite characters. From breakfasts with Mickey and friends to dinners with your favorite Disney Princesses, there is something for everyone! You can find character meals both in-park and at select Disney Resort Hotels, which means that you have so many options when trying to fit character dining into your plans!

What Are Some Important Things to Remember About Character Meals?

Disney World opens up dining reservations for everyone at 180 days before your trip. It is so important to schedule dining as early as possible so that you don’t miss out on your ‘must-dos’ for your trip! Dining reservations can be made via phone or online using your My Disney Experience account linked to your hotel reservation. (Also, when you use a Disney Travel Planner they will help you plan out and make these reservations, so you don’t have to wait on the phone and stress about getting your magical dining plans. They will take the stress out of it for you! (Grab a FREE quote here!)

If you are staying on property at a Disney World Resort, you are allowed the 180 days, PLUS you have a little bonus! You will be able to book your dining for the duration of your stay.

Where Can We Find Character Meals?

Character meals are available both in the Disney parks and the Disney Resort Hotels. We love having the choice to go to a meal at a Resort hotel because it gives a chance to explore other resorts during our stay. One of our very favorite things to do is eat at the three hotels on the monorail system near Magic Kingdom: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian. Each of these hotels offer its own unique dining opportunities, and it’s so fun to be able to enjoy the theming and the grounds of one of these resorts after a meal!

Here’s a quick list of some resort dining experiences, with the resort listed:

• Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast: 

Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort (featuring Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric)

• Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast: 

Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (featuring Minnie Mouse and friends)

• Best Friends Breakfast:

Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (featuring Stitch, Mickey, and friends)

• Chef Mickey’s Funtime Buffet:

Disney’s Contemporary Resort (featuring Mickey and Friends)

• Supercalifragilistic Breakfast:

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (featuring Mary Poppins, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger)

• Cinderella’s Happily Ever Dinner: 

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (featuring Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine and the Ugly Stepsisters at lunch and dinner)

As fun as dining at a resort is, having a character meal in park also can be a HUGE time saver for your family so that you can have those amazing character experiences, but still fit in as much park time as possible! In-park character dining options are just as fun and the experiences are still high-quality, without sacrificing the time it can take to leave a park and make your way to a resort for a meal!

Here is a quick list of some in-park dining experiences, by park:

Disney’s Magic Kingdom:

• Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table (featuring Cinderella and her Disney Princess friends)
• The Crystal Palace featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends
• Be Our Guest (featuring The Beast at dinner-this can change sometimes)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Hollywood and Vine (featuring Disney Junior characters)-during breakfast.
• Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood and Vine (seasonal meals and table activities!)-during lunch and dinner.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Tusker House (featuring Safari Donald Duck)-available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Epcot

• Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill (featuring Chip, Dale, Pluto and Mickey)-available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (featuring the Disney Princesses)-available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What Else Should I Know?

• When planning character dining, be sure that you have checked out how many table credits a meal uses! You also need to plan on paying tax and gratuity for every dinner except at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Here is a great guide that will help!
• Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for a character meal! Sometimes characters can take a little bit of time to make the rounds, so be sure to give yourself at least an hour so that you have a chance to spend quality time with each one!
• Disney photographers aren’t normally available at Character meals except for a designated picture taking area, so be sure that you have your own personal cameras ready to take pictures!
• If you need someone to take a picture for you, be sure to ask a cast member and they will normally be more than happy to help.
• If you are gathering autographs, be sure to bring your autograph books along too!

Don’t be afraid to try character meals both in and out of the Disney parks. Each one is unique with different food options and special touches that you can’t get anywhere else! Here at Walt Express we also have lots of reviews that you can check out before your 180 day booking window. We also can help you access menus so that you can take a look at food choices before you book! Character meals are perfect for getting a great meal, making memories, and getting 1-on-1 time with your favorite Disney characters. What’s not to love?

Looking for even MORE Disney information and fun? We have a wonderful Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Marriott’s TownPlace Suites: A Hotel and Resort in Orlando Review

We absolutely LOVE to stay on-site in the Disney World resorts (check out reasons TO stay on-site), but sometimes that just does not work out. Walt Express has found a great option that will NOT take away the magic! Also a BONUS to this resort is that it will accommodate up to 6 guests in each suite!

The Marriott brand is known for classic luxury, but with affordable pricing! This makes the Marriott TownPlace Suites a great option to staying off site on your next Disney World vacation. This Marriott hotel is near the western entrance to Disney World (about 10 minutes from all of the parks)! The Marriott TownPlace Suites is also a Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel.

This hotel/resort is located at Flamingo Crossings/Western Entrance, 13295 Flamingo Crossings Boulevard, Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

Need more planning information? Check out: PLANNING 101

Room Accommodations

These suites will accommodate up to six people, making it a great value! Most rooms are set up with two queen beds and a sofa that will make out into a bed. King rooms are available, sleeping up to four.

Mobility accessible rooms are also available.

Bonus

One of the bonuses to this resort is that you can request a “DISNEY FIREWORKS VIEW” room! How awesome is that!?

Getting to the Parks

There are several options in getting to and from the Disney World parks. Simply choose the one that works best for you and your family and you are all set!

Driving

Driving worked as a great option for our family. We were about a 10 minute drive from all of the four Disney parks. Keep in mind, there are parking fees that you will need to factor in. But, if you are an annual pass holder, parking is free.

Scheduled Transportation

Marriott TownePlace Suites Orlando does provide scheduled transportation to and from the Disney transportation and ticket center, better known as TTC. The cost is $5 per person round trip. Check with the front desk for a list of the scheduled times during your stay.

Dining Options

Marriott’s TownePlace Suites has several dining options available on site!

Free Breakfast

Nothing gets you ready for a day in the parks like a great breakfast. It’s even better when it’s included in your accommodations. Keep in mind, this is not your regular “continental” breakfast. This is the whole works! Eggs, sausages or ham, cereal, waffles (and yes, they ARE Mickey shaped), bagels and more! Plus any topping imaginable. Just about anything you could want for breakfast is available. Most importantly, you will find an entire row of coffee AND all of the additions you can imagine.

Flamingo’s

Flamingo’s is a great little restaurant/bar that serves up some tasty treats. After a long day in the parks, a “grown up” treat may be in order. Just walk down to Flamingo’s and dine there or you can place your order and take it back to your room.

Do It Yourself:

One of the best options (think money saving) to staying at the Marriott TownPlace Suites is the ability to cook in your room! The suite comes complete with a refrigerator/freezer, stove top (no oven), and microwave. The best part? There IS a dishwasher! That is pure magic right there! Also available are all of the cooking utensils and meal preparations you would need. And yes, there is also a coffee pot!

Grocery Delivery

When it comes to grocery delivery, you have a couple of options.

• Instacart:  GROCERIES delivered: Instacart and Publix.
• Garden Grocer: Get Groceries Delivered To An Orlando Resort

Space/Storage

These suites will accommodate up to 6 people very nicely. There are two queen size beds plus a couch that will make out into another bed. You will find a large closet that connects to the bathroom with shelves for tons of storage space. The bathroom is nicely sized and has a door that will close for privacy.

Housekeeping

Yes, housekeeping still comes by once a day to clean your room while you are out and about. THIS is where the magic is! After a long day in the parks, you STILL get to come “home” to a clean room.

Laundry

You will find an on-site self service laundry facility on the main floor. We used this facility and found it to be very well kept and extremely clean. We always have to do laundry at least once during a trip, so I just bring my own detergent and dryer sheets. There were “vending machines” with detergent and dryer sheets available.

Fees

There are no added parking or resort fees for this resort.

More To Come

Keep a close watch on Walt Express for more reviews on these great Marriott accommodations.

More Ways To Save

• Looking for more ways to save money while visiting Disney World? Check out: SAVING MONEY WHILE INSIDE DISNEY PARKS. 
• Another great option to staying offsite is the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort! Find out what they can offer your family.
• Take ALL of the stress out of planning ANY Disney vacation, but using a travel planner. Their services are totally FREE!! For more information on using a Travel Planner, click HERE!

Please join us in our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for more Disney tips and fun!

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Video: Chef Mickey’s: A Disney World Dining Review

Chef Mickey’s has been the quintessential favorite for character meals since it opened its doors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in 1996. Its history and convenient location just outside of Magic Kingdom make it a must do for so many families. Add in the fantastic character lineup and it’s easy to see why this reservation is always a tough one to snag.

The Characters

As mentioned above, the character lineup is the real star of the show at this dining reservation. This is the ONLY restaurant on property where you can meet the Fab Five. You will be able to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto at any meal you reserve at Chef Mickey’s. You can choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some restaurants only have characters for breakfast and sometimes lunch, but Chef Mickey’s has the Fab Five at every meal! The characters are known as the Fab Five because they are the five characters that were featured most in the classic Mickey Mouse cartoons.

My family thinks that Chef Mickey’s is a win-win, because we get a meal and tons of autographs all at one time! It’s a huge time saver to meet so many classic characters during a meal. For us, that means our children can get autographs and pictures with the characters here and we can spend park time meeting other characters and enjoying the attractions and rides. The only downfall with the characters at Chef Mickey’s is that sometimes the one-on-one interaction feels a bit rushed. This is the case at several character meals, so if you are really wanting to spend quality time interacting with characters, you might want to choose a traditional meet and greet instead of a character meal. However, this meal is not short on fun!

Celebrate Good Times

You definitely want to have your party attitude on tap for this restaurant. Go in ready for lots of fun at Chef Mickey’s. You will be surrounded by singing, laughing, and lots of children and adults clamoring to love on the fantastic characters. There are tons of fun littles touches throughout the meal. My favorite is when they play “Celebrate with Mickey Mouse” and everyone twirls their napkins, as I captured in the video above. Sometimes the characters even do a parade around the restaurant and invite everyone to twirl their napkins too. This is so much fun and it reminds me of dining in Italy years ago with my mother, where napkin twirling was quite the tradition.

Chef Mickey’s is a fantastic place to celebrate birthdays and special occasions too. The waiters and waitresses do a great job of trying to make the meal extra special if they know you are celebrating ahead of time. We always call in before our trip and have it added to our reservation. This is easy to do yourself or if you are using a travel planner, ask them to do it for you. Sometimes you might receive a special birthday card or cupcake and even a little extra fanfare. The last two visits, our waitress brought over our cupcakes and had the characters stop by for an extra birthday hug. Now that’s what you call magical!

The Food

If you have read our reviews before, you know that we are honest about what we experience. With that being said, let’s just say that Chef Mickey isn’t likely going to win a Michelin Star for the menus he creates for this restaurant. Chef Mickey’s is a buffet, so expect buffet style food. Keeping that in mind, we actually like the food (notice I did not say love). There are plenty of great kid choices and several dishes the adults in our group always enjoy too. But seriously, don’t go to a buffet at Walt Disney World expecting anything to blow your mind and tastebuds away. However, don’t let that discourage you. Let’s talk about which foods we think are worth a second helping.

At breakfast, my kids eat enough bacon to pay for their portion of the meal. Seriously, have you bought bacon recently? That stuff is getting super expensive. They also enjoy the sausage and fresh fruit. But what they really get excited about (other than meeting characters) is the Mickey waffles! Ahhhh! You can almost hear angels singing when you take that first bite of a Mickey waffle. They are a delicious blend of malty, carby goodness that melts in your mouth with the warm, sweet syrup. The adults also like the cheesy potato casserole, ham and cheese frittata, and the cheese and berry blintzes. Brunch isn’t much different, but the offerings there combine both breakfast and some of dinner (so keep reading). For dinner, try the all you can eat peel and eat shrimp. Also, the carving station has some pretty yummy offerings. For the kiddos, the chicken nuggets and mac and cheese are always a big hit. No matter which meal you reserve, don’t skip dessert. Desserts are hard to mess up and Chef Mickey’s does a nice job with lots of yummy choices that will make your sweet tooth happy, happy, happy.

Tips

• If you don’t feel like waiting on the monorail, you can quickly walk to Disney’s Contemporary resort from Magic Kingdom.
• If your feet are tired, take the monorail to Chef Mickey’s.
• Chef Mickey’s is LOUD! If you or your children do not do well with loud restaurants, avoid this one.
• This restaurant accepts most Disney Dining Plans and would make a great addition to your magical vacation! Go HERE for more information on this fabulous restaurant!

What did you think of the Chef Mickey’s? Does it earn its ears for being the most popular character meal on property? Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to tell us what you think about Chef Mickey’s and to discuss other Disney related topics.

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How to Avoid 10 Disney Vacation Planning Struggles!

We all have our struggles when it comes to planning our magical vacation for Walt Disney World. Some cannot fathom the planning process or just simply do not have the time and may choose to use a Disney Vacation Planner. Others love the whole concept of planning for their magical trip and spend countless hours making it perfect. Whichever category you fall in, one thing is for sure: it takes time and perseverance to get the planning “just right” for you and your family.

Top 10 Struggles

1.) Waiting: So you have paid the deposit on your magical vacation and now YOU WAIT! Yes, it stinks but, waiting can be fun, right?! Just think, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Your heart will be full by the time you get there! Be patient, but in the mean time, here are a few things that can keep you occupied: Make a fun countdown calendar for the kids. Start a Disney Box. Watch the Disney Planning Video and Disney YouTube videos to get in the spirit.

2.) Planning Dinner Reservations: Make a list of your favorite restaurants. If you have never been to Walt Disney World, make a list of your favorite cuisines then at 180 days out work down your list starting at your favorite and make your reservations. Try not to get overwhelmed by all of the available choices, just go by what your family likes. All of them have their pros and cons, just like with anything else in life. Don’t forget, Disney Springs has a lot to offer too! Use this idea to narrow down your park days based on where your family wants to dine! Also, check out our dining reviews for inspiration and great information on many of the most popular locations.

3.) Planning FastPasses: You are the only one that knows what is important to you and your family when it comes to your magical vacation. So pick your first FastPass+ choices and adjust from there. My FastPass+ choices may not be the same as yours and vice versa. For instance, I go with three children under the ages of six, so my top two Fast Passes are Peter Pan’s Flight and Enchanted Tales with Belle. If my husband and I were the only ones going, the top two Fast Passes would look A LOT different. If you are staying on Disney property, make sure you plan your FastPasses 60 days out. For all other guests, you will be able to reserve your choices at 30 days out. The sooner you do this, the better your chances are of getting what you want!

4.) Deciding which Characters or Princesses to Meet: If you feel you cannot seem to fit all of the meet and greets in that you would like, then character dining may be right for you. Walt Disney World has a lot of dining experiences you can choose from, but don’t let the choices overwhelm you.

5.) Money: Okay yes, money is obvious. But let’s be honest, you will need money on hand when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Between airline tickets, hotels and park tickets, the price for a family can add up. Disney World, Disneyland and all other parks are getting more expensive every year. However, as I have said before, you are paying for quality at Disney Parks and you will certainly get your money’s worth if you plan well. Our tips for saving are to start a Disney Vacation Account, buy Tinker Bell gifts before you arrive, or get a Disney Chase Visa Card. Selling items from your home on eBay and Etsy are also a great option. The possibilities are endless of how you can save or earn money for your next magical vacation. Get creative and build that Disney fund!

6.) Going with multiple age groups: Making everyone happy can be daunting, but stop with the struggle. You can’t make everyone happy all at the same time. If you are going with multiple age groups, don’t be afraid to split up and then come back together at the end of the day.

7.) To take a stroller or not take a stroller: If you have little ones, your stroller will be your “home base” during your day in the park. Your stroller can be used to keep all of your kids’ necessities. Even if your child doesn’t usually use a stroller, you might want to consider it. It is A LOT of walking in Walt Disney World and kids get tired fast. I highly recommend Kingdom Strollers if you are flying or don’t want to take up valuable packing space in your vehicle. My family and I have always had a great experience with their services and they will deliver straight to your resort.

8.) Breaks or NO breaks: Planning breaks is a struggle for most families. No one wants to plan a break when they could be having fun. But let me tell you, PLAN THE BREAK! Yes, I am yelling at you, because if you don’t, you will be the one yelling. So yeah, plan the breaks, no matter your age. Whether you go back to the room and take a nap or rest on a bench, breaks are a MUST. Don’t get overly tired, because you won’t enjoy yourself. So make your trip worth while and get some rest.

9.) How much should the kids be allowed for souvenirs? Hey, this is completely up to you. I get asked this a lot and I have to say my kids don’t take a lot because we go so frequently. No matter how much you allow them to take, consider getting a Disney gift card and letting them pay on their own. They will feel important and special, but make sure you write down all of the gift card information just in case they lose it. Pick an amount for each child to spend and stick to it! When the money is gone, they are done shopping.

10.) Should I invest in ID tags or wristbands? In my opinion, YES! Walt Disney World is a big place and you never know what could happen. It would make it a lot easier if your child has all of his or her information on an ID tag or wristband so that Cast Members can find you. I love the wristbands below, because my daughter has severe food allergies, so I include that on the wristband. My daughter thinks they are cute too! So it’s a win-win!

We hope this helps!

Hopefully this will help take those struggles out of your magical vacation! What would you add to the list? What is a struggle you have while planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss your biggest planning struggles and many other Disney related topics.

The post How to Avoid 10 Disney Vacation Planning Struggles! appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Teppan Edo Review

Teppan Edo made a significant impression on my family! My family has been to traditional hibachi-style restaurants before, but I was worried that it would be a bit “much” for my kids, then ages 4, 1, and 1. I was afraid that they would already be in sensory overload from the parks, but surprisingly, it was a wonderful experience.

The service was impressive, and the energetic vibe, with chefs juggling utensils, making flaming onion volcanoes, and more, made the experience a lot of fun. If you have younger children who have never seen a hibachi show, you will find this can be an incredible experience.

Teppan Edo is located in the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot. The decor is really nice, and the restaurant is full of hibachi-style tables with grills in the center.  Every seat has an excellent view of each chef cooking genuine Japanese cuisine that does not disappoint the palate and really entertains the children while we wait. Everything we ordered was delicious, fresh, and served piping hot!

Teppan Edo Overview

Restaurant: Teppan Edo
Where You Can Find It: EPCOT – World Showcase, Japan Pavilion (located inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store area)
What’s On the Menu: Teppan-style Japanese cuisine including steak, chicken, shrimp, scallops, salmon, noodles, rice, and vegetables
Dining Style: Table Service
Dining Plan: Yes – 1 Table Service credit per person
Price Range: $$$$ (over $60 per adult)
Reservations Accepted: Yes
Meals Offered: Lunch and Dinner (typically late morning through park close)

Special Events or Character Meetings at Teppan Edo

Teppan Edo currently does not offer character dining or any special dining events. The entertainment comes from the chefs themselves as they cook your meal and interact with customers.

While you won’t meet a Disney character at this restaurant, the performance show will keep kids and adults engaged and entertain everyone! You will find it feels like an experience without having to schedule entertainment.

What to Expect at Teppan Edo

One big takeaway is that it is more of a communal dining experience. Meaning you will be seated with other parties around the same grill. They will serve up your salad, noodles, vegetables, rice, and your choice of protein, all right in front of you.

It is going to be a bit louder of a restaurant because of the interactions you will find here all the time. This is not ideal if you are hoping for a quiet or more romantic setting.

Depending on the number of people there and how many chefs are cooking, it can also take a bit longer to get your whole meal compared to a standard table-serve restaurant. One con to note is that it’s a set price, so if you have to leave or don’t eat certain dishes, the price remains the same.

Our Experience at Teppan Edo

I find that Teppan Edo is a very standard hibachi meal experience compared to other restaurants. The food was good, with fresh ingredients used and served hot. The other thing to note is that we left feeling full, as the servings were enough to satisfy our cravings.

The price point is a bit high, so you need to expect that when you go in. I found the chef very entertaining and engaging, which helped make the price point feel like we were getting what we paid for. But nothing truly stood out compared to other restaurants.

Teppan Edo Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Interactive hibachi-style cooking with live chef entertainment.
• Located in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion, a convenient World Showcase dining option.
• Large portions that can leave you feeling full.
• Fun group atmosphere, especially for families with kids. It is an entertaining experience for all.
• Reservations make it easy to plan your EPCOT day, especially during peak dining hours.
• A reliable choice for guests who already enjoy hibachi dining, or if you have a larger group.

Cons:

• Fixed price means you pay the same, even if you don’t eat every course.
• Communal seating may not appeal to guests wanting privacy. Everyone eats together around the grill.
• This will be a loud environment, which can be overwhelming for some diners.
• Expensive compared to similar hibachi meals outside Disney. So you are going to pay for the experience of it as well as your food.
• Not ideal if you’re short on time due to a longer meal. Depending on how busy it is, getting your food will take longer than in a standard restaurant.

More Disney Restaurants to Consider

• Coral Reef Dining Experience At Disney World’s Epcot May Surprise You
• Garden Grill: A Disney World Dining Review
• Video: Chef Mickey’s: A Disney World Dining Review
• Chefs de France: A Disney World Dining Review

View our full range of Disney restaurant reviews here.

The post Teppan Edo: A Disney World Dining Review appeared first on WaltExpress.com.