Namaste; a moment of calm among the chaos

I’m always on the lookout for new & unique experiences at the Disney parks, hidden magic that isn’t always obvious but is always waiting to be discovered. I aspire to find the magic in simple everyday moments, and this is no different when I’m in Orlando. Sunrise Yoga on the Boardwalk Lawn was that moment of hidden magic for me.

Walking miles around theme parks, early morning fast passes and late night fireworks can be exhausting so when I discovered Disney Yoga sessions, I headed straight to Boardwalk for some much needed stretching & resting. 

I went to the 8.15am sunrise session on the Boardwalk Lawn; blue skies, a cool breeze, and the soft sound of the lake rippling. There were 10 of us at the session and Tracy, the instructor, was fantastic at incorporating practices that were suitable for all ages and abilities. Afterwards, I walked along to the Boardwalk Bakery for a coffee and then through the back entrance of Epcot for a day in the parks!

Yoga is offered to hotel guests on selected days at Boardwalk Resorts, All Star Resorts, Saratoga Springs, Wilderness Lodge & The Contemporary Resort. Just reserve a place at the front desk of your hotel. Mats & water are provided and a fantastic instructor, Tracy from YCART Fitness.

Harmony Barbershop; My First Haircut experience

A haircut might not be at the top of everyone’s list when they are on vacation, but this has to be one of my all-time favourite memories from our visits to Walt Disney World. Both of my children have had their first haircuts at the Harmony Barbershop, complete with a photo-pass opportunity, Mickey Ears souvenir hat and a certificate that we’ve framed! The cast members were so kind and patient with them and it felt like a very unique yet everyday experience. We were also serenaded by The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, which happens at certain times throughout the day. 

It’s also great value for money; the My First Haircut experience costs $25 but if you don’t want to do this experience, there are also the options of a Child’s Hair Cut starting at $18 and an Adults Haircut from $19.

Don’t forget to make a reservation, as it gets very busy! They do have a limited number of appointments available for walk-ins, so you could try and get an appointment on the day but book online here if you don’t want to miss out.

Looking for a regular hair salon? There are hair salons in several of the Disney Resorts. The Grand Floridian, Yacht Club Resort, Saratoga Springs, Coronado Springs and Dolphin hotel all offer hair cuts, styling and colours. There are also spa treatments available if you want to treat yourself to some pampering & relaxation on your trip(you are on holiday, after all!). 

Delicious Disney

On my last visit to Disney World I treated myself to a copy of the Delicious Disney Sweet Treats Cookbook with the intention to recreate some of my favourite desserts from across the Disney parks & resorts.

The first recipe I've chosen to make is the Kilauea Torte, which is served at the Kona Cafe in Disney's Polynesian Resort.

I must admit I was nervous at trying to recreate this classic dessert and do it justice, but luckily I found it surprisingly simple, and the result was very impressive. This is also perfect for anyone with a gluten allergy or intolerance as the recipe calls for gluten-free flour.

Ingredients

1/2 pound dark cooking chocolate broken into pieces

1/2 pound unsalted butter

4 eggs

2/3 cup caster sugar

1/2 cup gluten free self-raising flour sifted

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 325F and spray six ramekins with 

cooking spray

2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and set aside

3. Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until well blended.

4. Fold melted chocolate into eggs and sugar. Add sifted flour and stir until flour is mixed into chocolate.

5. Evenly divide the batter among the ramekins and bake for 12-15 minutes until the top of the cake is just beginning to set. 

Serve immediately.

Happy baking everyone!

***Review***Ohana Best Friend Breakfast

If you're thinking of booking the Ohana Best Friend Breakfast at Disney's Polynesian Resort, do it!

We went and absolutely loved it, here are our best bits:

1. The setting is beautiful- huge windows with views across the Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella's Castle.

2. The food is served family style, and is brought to you on a big skillet which looks so impressive when it arrives. Plus, it's all you can eat so they'll just keep bringing more when you're running low!

3. There wasn't anything on the menu we didn't like. From the pineapple bread we were given on arrival, to the tropical juice, never ending coffee pot (my personal favourite!) eggs, ham, Mickey waffles, it all tasted so good. The kids also requested hot chocolates which our server was happy to bring them. There isn't a set children's menu, they just eat whatever they like from the skillet, which worked great for us as we have a fussy eater so this meant he could pick and choose whatever he liked.

4. Cameron (4) and Lucy-Rose (2) loved the character interactions. They got to meet Mickey, Pluto, Lilo & Stitch and joined in a little parade with them.

5. This dining experience us $44 per adult and $20 per child (infants free)

We went as a family of four, but there were plenty of couples, groups of friends, large parties, so this really is a dining experience for everyone. After breakfast we took the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, it's easy to get from this resort to the parks, making it a great place to start your day.

Baking with Mickey

I've had my collection of Disney Cakes & Sweets Magazine for a while now; yes, they finally created a magazine that combines two of my favourite things, Disney AND Baking! Pour me a freshly brewed coffee while I browse magical recipes, and I really am in heaven.

So I thought I'd start at the beginning and try out a recipe from Issue 1, and seeing as I'm a bit of a brownie connoisseur (or at least, eat A LOT of them) it only seemed right that I put Bullseye's best-ever brownies to the test. 

The recipe includes raspberries, and I have to admit I was sceptical as I don't usually like fruity brownies, but these were the perfect blend of chocolatey gooeyness with a raspberry tang that is ridiculously good. 

BULLSEYE'S BEST-EVER BROWNIES

200g butter, plus extra for greasing 
200g dark chocolate
3 eggs
300g caster sugar
1tsp vanilla extract
125g plain flour
1/4 tsp salt
75g walnuts
125g raspberries or blueberries (I used raspberries)

1. Preheat the oven to 180c. Grease and line a 34 x 20cm baking tin with baking parchment. 

2. Break chocolate in to small pieces and melt it with the butter in a bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water.

3. Put the eggs, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and whisk together until thick and creamy. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and then sift in the flour and salt and add the nuts. Fold in the raspberries very carefully so that the fruit doesn't break up too much.

4. Scrape the mixture in to the prepared tin and bake for about 25 minutes. The top should be cracked but the inside should have a fudgy texture. Start to test at around 20 minutes as all ovens vary; use a cocktail stick or skewer and insert in in the centre - a few moist crumbs should adhere to the skewer when the brownies are done. Leave to cool in the tin for 20 minutes before cutting in to squares. Store, wrapped in baking parchment, in an airtight tin. 

These taste so good served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. (Special shout out to The Very Lovely Sauce Company's Salted Caramel Sauce, trust me you'll thank me for it once you've tried it!) 

Now, go and bake these yourself, they are way too good not to try!

The Happiest Coffee on Earth

Coffee time is a bit of a daily ritual in my house and it's no different when I'm in Orlando! So I've taken it upon myself to sample endless cappuccinos across the Disney Parks (all in the name of research, of course!) to help coffee lovers everywhere find the happiest coffee on earth.

So after narrowing my extensive list down, here it is,
my Fab Five Coffee Guide…

5. Writers Stop, Hollywood Studios

This little gem has all the charm of your local neighbourhood book store, the perfect blend of literature and lattes. The homely and familiar atmosphere, book lined walls, and the sweet lingering smell of home baking, makes it the perfect place to sink in to the comfy sofas and relax with a frothy coffee. I rarely leave Writers Stop empty handed as it sells my top three merchandise must haves… bakeware, coffee mugs and a huge selection of books.

4. Kusafari Coffee Shop & Bakery, Animal Kingdom

Set amongst the hustle & bustle of the Mombasa marketplace, near Kilimanjaro Safaris, this is the perfect place to get coffee on the go. What makes this place special is the experience that goes with it. If you time it right, you can sip your coffee to the backdrop of the Burudika band or Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe. These vibrant African musicians play the sounds of the Congo region with such passion and enthusiasm that its completely captivating to watch…and you can’t help but dance along to the rhythm!

3. Main Street Bakery, Magic Kingdom Park.

My entire wedding party made a quick stop at the Main Street Bakery for cappuccinos and cinnamon buns before heading to ride the Teacups! The cast members at the bakery made it extra special, bringing out a beautifully hand decorated wedding cake, wedding gifts, and some obligatory bride & groom Mickey ears. Needless to say, this coffee spot holds a very special place in my heart.

Main Street Bakery has since become a Starbucks location but it hasn’t lost its Main Street charm or familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon buns. There are now four Starbucks locations throughout the Disney Parks, plus one at Disney Springs. Fountain View at Epcot, Creature Comforts at Animal Kingdom, Trolley Car Café at Hollywood Studios and Starbucks at Disney Springs West Side. A coffee mug from each of these Starbucks park locations is on my must-have-merchandise list for my next visit!

2. Kona Café, Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

The relaxed, tropical ambience of the Polynesian makes for an exotic setting to enjoy the 100% Kona coffee and treats. The Kona Café is quick service, so the seating area isn’t anything extraordinary, but take your coffee and cake out to the sun loungers on the white sand beach, sit back and soak up the views across the Seven Seas Lagoon.
On my last visit I tried the much raved about French Press coffee, with the pumpkin pancake stack, which was incredible.
 Like all of the Disney Resort hotels, this one is beautiful and uniquely themed so it’s definitely worth a visit. Even if you aren’t staying on Disney property, you can still jump on the Monorail and explore the resorts.

1. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion, Epcot

Stepping inside this Norwegian Castle, with soaring cathedral ceilings and regal archways, I can see why it’s a popular choice for dining with the Princesses. This medieval setting, with a Norwegian-American inspired menu, is also home to my absolute favourite Disney Coffee… The Viking. A rich Columbian coffee infused with kamora coffee liqueur and baileys irish cream. Even better when you indulge in The Royal Chefs Dessert Plate to go with it. Maybe a little much for your morning cup of Joe, but hey, you’re on vacation;-)

If you want The Viking, without the Princesses, grab a cup to go at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion.

Disneyland Resort Paris

Disneyland Resort Paris

Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios

Two Parks, Double the magic!

Christmas is my favourite time of year to visit Disneyland Resort in Paris. Thousands of sparkling lights adorn the resort & light up the sky, festively dressed cast members & characters share the holiday cheer and the Parisien winter sunshine creates a stunning backdrop, making it the perfect place to make some magical merry memories.

But whatever time of year you visit, the Walt Disney vision of delivering a seamless magical experience to all guests can be felt throughout the park. Although, in my opinion, it doesn't sparkle quite as brightly as Walt Disney World in Florida, it never fails to capture hearts & inspire imagination through a whole host of parades, attractions, themed hotels, fireworks, shows and delicious Mickey shaped treats. 

Disneyland Park

Adventurous Attractions

Best for...

Smiles: Madhatter’s Teacups

Screams: Phantom Manor

Character Spots: Princess Pavilion in Fantasyland

Tiny Tots: Le Pays des Contes de Fees in Fantasyland

Resting tired legs: Disneyland Railroad in Discoveryland

Waking sleepy heads: Space Mountain: Mission 2

The whole gang: It’s a Small World

Ending the night with a bang: Disney Dreams Nighttime Spectacular

Disney Dining

Breakfast: Auberge de Cendrillon (dine with the Princesses)

Lunch: Market House Deli on Main Street

Dinner: Rainforest Café in Disney Village

Coffee & Cake: Starbucks on Main Street

Quick Bites: Casey’s Corner Hotdogs on Main Street (Walt’s favourite food!)

Little Bundles

The Baby Care Centre (located by Plaza Gardens Restaurant) has a fully equipped baby care room with bottle warming facilities, feeding & baby change area. There are items to purchase, including

nappies, wipes, and baby food.

Discovery Arcade & Liberty Arcade- These are undercover walkways that run parallel either side of Main Street so if you're looking

for a quiet seat with your bambino or need to shelter from the rain

then this is the place to be! You can still access the shops and 

restaurants from inside the walkway.

A little extra magic

Don’t miss the Disney Magic on Parade at 17:30 daily in Disneyland Park. The best Parade viewing area is outside the Pizzeria Bella Notte in Fantasyland, it’s much quieter than on Main Street so you’ll get a much better view!

Walt Disney Studios Park

Where the wonders of cinema, television and animation are brought to life in Spellbinding Shows and Rides!

Adventurous Attractions

Best for...

Smiles: Stitch Live

Screams: Tower of Terror

Character Spots: Outside the Blockbuster Cafe

Tiny Tots: Place de Remy

Resting tired legs: Animagique Show

Waking sleepy heads: Rockin’ Rollercoaster

The Whole Family: Les Tapis Volants

Disney Culture & History: The Art of Disney Animation

Disney Dining

Breakfast: Earl of Sandwich at Disney Village

Lunch: Restaurant Des Stars

Dinner: Bistrot Chez Remy

Coffee & Cake: Blockbuster Cafe

Quick Bites: Restaurant en Coulisse

Disney Village

A magical mix of restaurants, live shows, street performers, bars and shops,definitely worth a visit!

Restaurants include Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Café, Annette’s Diner & Billy Bob’s Country Saloon. There’s also a Mcdonalds, Starbucks and Earl of Sandwich for quick bites.

You can access the village without Disney Park tickets, so it’s the perfect place to visit in the evenings for a wander round the shops and indulge in a little Disney magic!

There’s also an air balloon ride by the lake; it’s tethered and doesn’t go very high so is perfect for all the family.

Festive Fun

The Holiday Season is well underway at Disneyland Paris, with the merry magic running from 7th November 2015- 7th January 2016. 

Here are our favourite Christmas festivities taking place across the resort:

Christmas Parade- a merry musical procession featuring your favourite characters and of course Santa on his sleigh! 

Disney Dreams of Christmas- A seasonal twist to the nighttime fireworks spectacular, with appearances from Frozen characters! Takes place daily at Park closing time. 

Frozen Sing-along and Royal welcome. Anna & Elsa will be rolling through the streets of Disneyland Park in a horse drawn carriage. Check times when you arrive. 

Disney village will be covered in a blanket of snow and twinkling fairy lights while hosting festive street entertainment, live concerts & sparkling surprises. 

And a few final thoughts…

Park Ticket Prices (correct as of Winter 2015):

£69 per adult or £64 per child for a 1 day/2 Parks Pass

Download the free Disneyland Paris App for your phone to access information about show times, plus wait times for rides and any ride closures.

Photopass- Let the professionals take photos of the whole family as you make your way around the park and on rides. You can purchase in advance on the website or any of the main shops when you arrive at the park.

Transportation is so easy; the Eurostar takes you directly from London to Disneyland, so you're amidst the magic from the moment you step off the train. Most of the hotels nearby provide shuttle service to & from the parks so there's no need to worry about driving.