Snagging a Table

I admit to feeling awkward securing a table. It required that I stalk a table when I spotted a mom showing signs of cleaning her kids up to exit. 

I approached and politely asked if they were preparing to leave? They said they were and I encouraged them to take their time as my peeps were still ensconced in line. But also told them I'd be the vulture standing nearby.

It worked out fine. 

In fact, it turned out that I have significant vulture-skeels and was able to relieve the stress of a couple other fams tiredly wishing for a table. 

Especially if you're going to eat during typical meal times (it was 12:30ish, lunch when we chose to eat) try to release someone from your party to secure your table. Of course, this may be tricky for the table-getter to order. I used the food I was seeing on tables around me to decide. My son order for me. 

Nice table-service! 

My Food Experience

I've enjoyed Disney's food, from their cruise ships, to their quick service, to sit down restaurants, to the dinner shows. Let it be known, food is not my thing. I can't cook it. I don't crave it. I do not have a sophisticated palate. I do not live to eat, I quite literally eat to live. But, here's my food experience nonetheless. 

The quality of quick service (Disney's fast food) is equivalent to Red Lobster's kid menu. Definitely higher quality than The Real World's fast food, but will cause a slight cringe at it's $10 price tag.

In Animal Kingdom I discovered Starbucks is priced like a Real World Starbucks! 

For lunch I ordered a kid's chicken skewer (Animal Kingdom.) The meal included steamed (cold) broccoli, apple slices, a barbecue chicken skewer, and a mini bottle of water. All for $7.45. Easily satisfied me. 

Yesterday at EPCOT, my teens split one Fish & Chips meal in the UK section (It did not include a drink.) They both claimed satisfaction from that one meal. (I was not with them to price it. But adult meals at their cheapest are generally $9-$12.)

When we were in Hollywood Studios two days ago, the three of us split two chicken nugget/fries meals. $10 each. We couldn't finish it, the amount of chicken and fries was MORE THAN sufficient.

We've brought our own energy drinks into the park, and have been very glad to have them. It was sort of funny yesterday to experience another guest nearly drooling as they leaned in, pointed to our drink cans and asked with much envy, "Where did you get those?"

One of the most annoying aspects of Disney are the other guests. If they are flying high on adrenaline and excitement, and we are lethargic and dragging, it's a frustrating mix. Most guests are at the parks with PURPOSE, and their energy can be annoying. For good or bad, we chug energy drinks to banish the lethargy and attempt to stay in sync with the other crazies. 

Sometimes. 

Only sometimes.

Conservation Station, Animal Kingdom

Waiting to get on the train for a SHORT ride was painless. 

The train ride takes you by the behind-the-scenes barns & shelters. I saw a White Rhino, which is rare as its not always in the shelter. 

The whole park has a learning program where you can earn badges for making specific stops at learning stations. There are at least six badge warning opps when you get off of the train at the Conservation Station. 

Be prepared for a walk. It's a shaded, paved walk. But, a walk nonetheless. 

THE CONVERSATION STATION IS AN INDOOR, AIR CONDITIONED BUILDING.

Not only is the building air conditioned, it's educational. There are "booths" that offer a nice break. They are dark & cool. They also offer a "story" about the rainforest being endangered. I am not a fan of shared headphones, which are required if you want the affect of the sounds. But the other aspects were refreshing. I went in a second booth, not realizing each booth was identical to the other. There was a family in it and the kids were a little nervous by the darkness and sound affects. I loved it and nearly fell asleep!

There are plenty of bathrooms here. 

There's a glass-enclosed working lab where technicians are testing poop. There's an indication that they also test urine here, but the gal I was watching definitely had her hands on poo! The signs indicate they're testing animals for maturity and reproduction. There are technicians on hand for explanations, I was too lazy to get in on the action. (I'm here this time for the air conditioning, not the education. I'll learn later with my kids. Ha!) 

Once Upon a Time...

I've been coming to Disney World (not to be confused with Disneyland, the original Disney park, in California) since birth. It's not just a fun place to me. As a Floridian (I live in the same Central Florida town I was born in) Disney World is a fantastic job source. I have friends employed here. My sister also worked here. They have wonderful training that in turn makes the hospitality even outside of Disney enjoyable. Their influence is felt and appreciated across the board.

I also love their inclusion of those with disabilities. Not only do they make the parks and resorts comfortable for those with handicaps, but they hire many with unique life challenges. From short-people, to those in wheelchairs, Disney is remarkable in their inclusion. 

Are their prices high? Yes. 

It's expensive to go. But it's truly a magical experience if you can get here. However, even in their expense they've made some attempts and tweaked some ways to get even the budget-minded in on the magic. 

Disney Springs (formally Downtown Disney) requires no money to park, and no money to stroll the streets. The exteriors of the stores and restaurants are equivalent to that of the streets in their amusement parks. The employees have the same training. This gives those who visit downtown Disney the same feeling of the parks, minus the expense. If you want something more "fun" than the ambiance, they have some ala carté amusements you can purchase. Plus, there are some entertainment-style restaurants. 

Disney is not famous the world-over because humanity is naive, but because humanity likes to be treated well. Disney has mastered the art of hospitality and magic. Yes, you'll deal with snotty, spoiled kids when you attend. And you'll be closer than is pleasant to crazy parents. But that's not Disney's fault. Disney has done everything possible to make their treatment of you exceptional. 

When you visit, be nice to others. Help your children remember they are creating an ambiance for others. And if you attend alone, as I often do, lift your eyes from the mess of people around you and focus on Disney's preparation for you. 

It's a place to create fantastic stories and memories.

It's been a few years since I've had an annual pass to Disney. I am very much looking forward to sharing this year with you!