Mama Monday : Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot

Hi Mamas! Today we are checking out one of many ways that Epcot is educational for you and your children. One of the most informational and educational tours at Walt Disney World is the Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot. Here you will go backstage to explore experimental plant growing techniques. Currently hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, is being used for a lot of the plants here. You will get to learn how this works. You will even learn some techniques that you can use at home in your garden. Disney grows a lot of their own vegetables that are served in the restaurants. There’s also a fish and alligator portion of the tour as well.  You will see The Land Greenhouses at Epcot. And you will be shown some record breaking crops including a gigantic tomato plant that produces thousands and thousands of tomatoes.

Who can do this tour? It is great for all ages!

How long does it last? One hour

Can strollers and wheelchairs go on the tour?  YES! You will be provided a small stroller for children and it is wheelchair accessible. It is a walking tour though so the rest of the family will need to be able to walk.

How much does this tour cost? $18 for age 10 and up and $14 for 3-9. Anyone under 3 is complimentary.

How often is the tour? Every day starting at 10:30 and the last tour is at 4:30.

You go to the desk next to Soarin’ in the Land to sign up. You can also call 407-WDW-TOUR if you prefer to book in advance.

I have personally taken this tour and it is really interesting. I think any age would love this tour because at all ages you will learn something.  It moves quickly enough to hold everyone’s attention. One of the fun parts for kids is to look for the veggies that are being grown in the shape of Mickey heads. You will want to definitely take what you learn and apply it at home in your own garden.

Mama Monday : Sweet Treats Tour

 Hi Mamas,  Today I am taking you on a picture tour of my favorite treat(s) in each park. Come along and let your mouth start to drool!





First stop-Animal Kingdom. Mickey Ice Cream Bars can be found just about everywhere at Walt Disney World. But my favorite place to have one is at Animal Kingdom Park.

This was my oldest son's very first Mickey Mouse Bar that we let him have all on his own. His little cheeks are full because he couldn't believe it was ALL his! Take note of those pudgy fingers gripping the ice cream!

Next Stop is Hollywood Studios and there's just something about that place that makes me want popcorn. I am sure it is all the movie paraphernalia. I especially love the popcorn stands here.

At Epcot I couldn't choose just one, so you get a bonus. Lefse can be found in Norway. It is a cinnamon sugar potato cake that resembles a tortilla rolled up. They don't charge nearly enough! I tried to make these one time at home. 

And how can you pass up this caramel deliciousness in Germany? I will take one of each please.

My most recent favorite treat can also be found multiple places but I like having one at Magic Kingdom after seeing Wishes-a Mickey Mouse cake pop! I prefer the chocolate covered ones and not the sprinkles or sugar coated ones. The dots at the bottom of the stick let you know what flavor. My personal fave is Red Velvet!

I promise this blog post had zero calories! And when you get to taste them at Disney, you will be walking so much it won't matter. Enjoy!

What's your favorite treat at Walt Disney World? Click to share with me on my facebook page.

Mama Monday : Spa time on a Disney Cruise

Hi Mamas, welcome back to Mama Monday! In keeping with our two week all cruise theme, I am taking you to the spas on the Disney cruise ships!

On the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, the spa is Senses Spa and Salon. I recently toured the one on the Dream and I have chosen what we will be doing on our Disney cruise! On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder the spa is Vista Spa and Salon. At all of the spas you can enjoy a variety of services including massages, manicures, pedicures, facials,  wraps, etc.  The salons offer cuts, shampoos, color services,  and updos for that special date night or occasion.

Spa Villa 

On all four ships, there is a Spa Villa Treatment Package. This is the total indulgence and something worth splurging on!  The spa villa has a spa treatment room, an open air shower, private verandah, a whirlpool outside on the deck,  a tea ceremony, and a foot cleansing ceremony. Depending upon the package, it lasts anywhere from 105 minutes for a single session up to 155 minutes for the couples sessions. You choose from a list of options of massages and facials for your spa treatment and then you are given some privacy to enjoy the whirlpool and the private verandah. 

 

You can add strawberries and champagne to your experience as well for an extra charge.  The couples sessions start at $449 and go up to $589. Total splurge but totally worth it for all that you receive. 

If you are wanting to enjoy the spa but not quite splurge to that extent, you can visit the Rainforest Room for a much lower fee per person. This is on a daily use rate, so you can pay for one day or more than one day. The Rainforest is aromatherapy steam rooms or sauna styled like a Roman bath. Relax on warm tiled chairs and enhale the aromatic vapors for a truly blissful experience.

Both of these options are for guests 18 and up. On the Fantasy and Dream there is a teen spa called Chill. It is for teens ages 13-17 and offers manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials among other selections.

With the incredible cruise offers for the fall, plus my special per person on board credit offers, you have the perfect opportunity to indulge in a spa experience on a Disney Cruise ship! Happy Sailing!!

Fall Cruise Destinations 2013

Hi all, Chick Melissa here and as promised on my facebookpage, I am writing today about a few of the cruise destinations in our featured fall offers. 

The one I find the most fascinating is Castaway Cay! It is likely the only time I will get to be on a private island.  Where else can you use your Key to the World card on an island? Once you step off of the cruise ship you are surrounded by an incredible island to explore all day long.  This is Disney’s private getaway in the Bahamas.  The concept of the different areas for kids, adults, or families continues on at the island. There’s a family beach, shops, dining locations, and plenty of excursions to choose from. My favorite excursion to book for Castaway Cay is the Private Cabana options.   Who wouldn’t want a view like this?   

It is truly the ultimate in experiencing a private island. The price runs about $500 for the day.

If you can’t get enough of Castaway Cay, check out this site. 

Next up is Nassau. This is the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It offers everything from casinos, to beaches, to history, to animal encounters, and of course Atlantis!  My favorite things to book here are the various Atlantis options. They seem to be the most popular. You can explore the waterpark which is massive called the Aquaventure. You will notice that Disney cruise ships do not offer gambling. If you want to  check out a casino, this is your place to do so. Just remember the kids aren’t allowed into the casinos. You can also have a variety of Dolphin experiences here at Atlantis. If you have been to Nassau and done these things before or if you are doing an adult’s only getaway, check out the options at the Graycliff Hotel. My personal must do one day is the Wine Luncheon. Their wine cellar houses more than 250,000 bottles of wine! Plus who wouldn’t want to see a hotel that a pirate built in the 18^th century?

And last but not least -St. Thomas. This is part of the US Virgin Islands.  Here I recommend snorkeling! It is the perfect place for all skill levels because the water is typically on the calm side depending upon which part of the island you are on. There is the Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel excursion that is a must do. You get to explore Honeymoon Beach. Plus any time you can be on a Catamaran in the Caribbean you should! You do watch the Bachelor right? It really is that gorgeous and that perfect.

Mama Monday : Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Let’s talk about shoes today.  You will be amazed at the number of mamas I see strolling, running, trying to keep up with their kids in what looks to be the most uncomfortable theme park shoes around at Disney.  Ladies, give yourself a break and wear COMFY shoes. You are going to be walking miles at Disney.  On average you are going to walk 9-12 miles a day while there.  Take a pedometer or your Fit Bit and have fun calculating how many Mickey bars you can eat!  

While these heels are definitely cute, they will not make great walking shoes for the day. The only time you will find me in heels is if we have a date night and we plan on just dining out at a resort restaurant.

For the day time I recommend sneakers or a walking shoe like one made my Clarks or Merrill.  These are my all time favorite for the parks! These are the Minnie Mouse New Balances that were released in January.

I have seen a lot of people walking around in Toms also. I personally need a little more support than those offer but I do switch into them for the evening.

I also like wearing flip flops in the evenings as well. 

Overall I think changing shoes at some point during the day is key.  We almost always take a break in the afternoon. When we head back to the parks I switch into a different pair for the evening. 

I firmly believe you can choose cute shoes that are also comfortable shoes. You want to be able to keep up with your kids so choose your shoes wisely! Your feet will thank me later.