Disclosure: If you make a purchase through the links posted below, I may receive a small compensation. Read the full disclosure.
~Snow day!! Yep, L is off school again today (and probably will be tomorrow and Wednesday too because it’s supposed to be even colder around here) so we are taking advantage of that and are headed out to breakfast!!! This is Snow Day #6 since we started school after Christmas Break!
~As it is, this weekend has already seemed extremely long to me and now it’s even longer. Our weekend was super low-key and included running a few errands, drinking Starbucks, building legos, playing Superhero and lucky L got to go to The Nut Job with his Nana! I mentioned it before, but we also went to the Commissary and PX which I highly enjoyed. The Commissary couldn’t make it any easier to use coupons. Not only do they have a bunch right there for you (including some newspaper inserts), they put everything they have military coupons for right in one area. Love that place!
~I had huge plans to watch the Grammy’s last night (I am going to watch Sean and Catherine’s wedding later this week), but WB had other ideas for me. I did catch a few performances though which are really the best part. Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons? Nailed it. Beyonce and Jay-Z? Nailed it. Madonna? No. Does anyone really know what Daft Punk looks like? No seriously. Have we ever seen what’s under those helmets? Or are they maybe really robots? Also, I loved Taylor Swift’s fangirl dancing in the front row. She was having a great time!
~I started tagging everything non-subscription box related with “Not A Review” so if you just are swinging by here quick and want to see what’s going on, but don’t have time to read a ton, here you go! I am going to tag giveaways and coupon posts with that too.
~We finalized our Spring Break Disney trip last night (well sort of) and I am quite looking forward to it! I stayed up late booking some dining reservations because, if you have ever been to Disney, you know those book up fast. You can book them out 6-months in advance, so we are certainly way behind. Any recommendations?? We got the dining plan and I like to get my money’s worth out of those table service meals. Chef Mickeys, California Grill and The Crystal Palace are on my short list. What else?
~I’m not super sure what subscription boxes are coming this week, but my guesses are From the Lab, Birchbox Man, Julep, Crafter’s Crate, Silly Rhino and MunchPak! I also have a few reviews still to get caught up on, including KaleidaKidz, Stork Stack (so much going on with that one this month) and Project DIY. Oh, I would think some Fancy Boxes (Jennifer Love Hewitt and Tyler Florence) should be arriving soon as well.
~I started watching The Real World Ex-plosion over the weekend and it did not disappoint. You were all right. I was interested in this cast right away. I am so looking forward to more of this crazy. And of course, I am beyond ready for more Teen Mom this week. I wish they were on more often!
~And finally, I’m curious, how often do you all go to the movies? B and I were talking about going and it got me thinking about the last movie I saw in the theatre. I cannot even recall. *Maybe* Toy Story? I don’t even know. It’s been years. Are we weird? L and my mom go all the time – it’s their thing – so he’s up all up to date on the latest kids movies, but B and I? We have to wait until they are out on iTunes or Netflix or whatever. When is the last time you went? What’d you see??
That’s it for now, but what’s up for your Monday? Anything big going on this week?
50s prime time diner! And if you can book a late dinner in England at EPCOT at the restaurant on the water, request to sit outside and you can stay there for the fireworks
Ohh I like the England idea!!! Thanks!!
Are you going to have to make up all of those snow days? That would be craziness. We have to make up all the days we miss so if we miss Wed this week we go on Saturday (probably anyway).
Have you looked at Hollywood and Vine? For breakfast and lunch they have Jake, Handy Manny, Sophia and Doc McStuffins. It’s a buffet so you won’t have to worry about WB and its really good.
I go to the movies a couple times a year normally but for some reason I went 3 times last week. LOL It was kindof crazy.
I’m not sure if we will?? We are allowed 6 snow days a year and today is number 6. The governor could waive us having to make up anything after 6 days, we could end having to make up the days at the end of the year or they could add on a few minutes to the end if each day. No one knows yet!
I’ve ever been there! I will totally look into it! I like to get my money’s worth with the dining plan ;).
SO exciting you are going to Disney! We are going in October (and yes I am already thinking/planning!) I hate to admit this, but I have never (in 7 years) been to the movies with my husband! How sad is that? 🙂
Where are you staying? We haven’t been in a few years (since L was 3 I think) so I am excited to see what’s changed!
We were just there in December and we all thought that Ohana (in the Polynesian) had the best breakfast. Their dinner is insane too but it books up fast so you are probably out of luck with that.
Is their breakfast a character one still? I remember going years ago but I int know anything now.
I was wondering what you thought of this month’s Stork Stack. We were so disappointed with ours. And the drama, whoa!
I was waiting for the dust to settle on the refunds and everything! I think e-mails from A Harvest Co are still coming out, but I know some people received theirs.
We really like the character breakfast at the Polynesian. We tried Chef Mickeys on our last visit and are scrapping it and going back to the Polynesian when where are there in a few weeks. Also the pizza place in Italy at Epcot is fantastic, they have these huge brick ovens with faces on them, the boys loved it. You used to be able to get these huge, gooey cinnamon rolls on Main Street in Disney as a snack for breakfast, I heard they have moved them to Gaston’s which is the new restaurant opening up in Fantasy Land so it’s something different to do for breakfast.
When does Gaston’s open? That sounds fun! And I so need to look into the Polynesian breakfast!!
I *think* Gaston’s is open now, or getting ready to any second?
Gaston’s is open. If you like apple flavored drinks, the Le Fou’s Brew is AMAZING. It’s a frozen apple juice with a hint of marshmallow flavor topped with mango/passion fruit foam. SO good. I seriously want one now just talking about it.
Our favorite meals there:
With kids – Tusker House, Chef Mickey, Hollywood and Vine. (basically, buffets are a safe bet with picky eaters and the characters make it fun for kids)
Without kids: Victoria and Alberts (only special occasions – it’s really expensive) Hollywood Brown Derby, California Grill, Jiko.
Also, some good counter service places are Columbia Harbor House (yummy lobster rolls), Sunshine Seasons (big variety all in one place), Pinocchio’s Village Haus (yummy flat bread pizza things), many of the Epcot country CS locations.
We love Disney World. Have fun!! 🙂
TOtally agree on the buffets! I am all over those for kids!
Where is Le Fou’s? Magic Kingdom??
Gaston’s is open and the cinnamon rolls are AMAZING. 🙂
I couldn’t reply again to your reply above, but to answer your question about Le Fou’s Brew, they sell it at Gaston’s in Magic Kingdom! 🙂
When I was little eating at the Polynesian was my absolute favorite, they have a character breakfast and I thought it was the coolest. I was just there in October and ate at the Kona Grill (in the Polynesian as well), the food was awesome, but the drinks were even better!
I need to look into their character breakfast!
Yes, Kona Grill is good too. I got their steak and it was one of my favorite meals while in DW.
Thanks!
Haven’t been to Disney in years, but do remember riding the monorail to have lunch at one of the hotels. Gave us a nice break during the middle of the day, and the restaurant wasn’t very crowded. Got the tip from The Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld, so you might want to check that book out.
We haven’t been to the movies in years! Between the high ticket prices and the crowds, it just seemed more enjoyable to watch the movies when they come out on cable. We lived in an area where people talked during the movie (driving DH crazy), but have since moved so need to see what the theaters are like down here.
Oh gosh, L thinks riding the monorail is almost as fun as the Disney parks itself!!!!
I really haven’t been to the movies in years. SO long.
We just went this past October & didn’t care for the Crystal Palace. It’s a New Orleans themed buffet & found not everything was labelled properly. My husband’s sister was with us, who is allergic to shellfish, and ended up eating a shrimp dish. Thank goodness the first aid station is right next door. She got help very quickly and was fine. I honestly thought they might comp her dinner or something, but didn’t even offer. I love Disney World, but we won’t eat there again. Our favorite was Garden Grove at the Swan Hotel.
http://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/mobi/index.html#gardengrove
They serve their tossed salads in a dressing “spinner.” The kids thought it was really cool.
I did not get the memo on the Disney trip… Did you know this in December?? I’m afraid I can’t talk to you now (unless I book a trip to a warm place soon)! We had school today — be glad L is in Kindergarten because snow days are really screwing things up like Final Exams and rescheduling sports and stuff! We haven’t had a full school week in forever!
I did not know this in December. This was like a one week ago decision! Book a trip!
I’m unclear why school was called today. Everywhere around here was closed though. Tomorrow is for sure a goner. They should just call that now!
We were just in Disney World in December, and the new Be Our Guest restaurant was our absolute favorite! The food was AMAZING! We brought our then 20-month old and he did fine. You kind of have to stalk the reservation board for that one.
I love Disney so much, I just can’t wait to go back! You guys will have a blast! Where are you staying?
We are doing a Family Suite at the Art of Animation. We’ve never stayed there before but were sucked in by the bigger rooms! Where did you stay??
I heard that was a really nice place! We stayed in a 2 room villa in Saratoga Springs…got a good deal on vacation club points. My son’s favorite part of the trip was the Donald Duck splash pad at the hotel!
That sounds great!!
We were just there in November. When you ride the monorail, ask the driver for a if they have any trading card. They have special trading cards. As for school, last year we had a hurricane in October and a Blizzard in Feb, they took away our Spring break and my boys went until the end of June 🙁
Oh goodness! How many days off did you have?
We used 10 snow days last year. We stayed at the Art of Animation in November in the Cars suite. You will love it
We did the Cars one too!!!!
Don’t forget about Military discount. We got our 4 day park hopper passes at Shades of Green. Cars suites are near the cozy cone pool. That was a great pool, less crowed and they supply life vests. We did not need them, but just wanted to let you know they are there, free. I have older boys and they both enjoyed the place. The Murphy bed in the room, was a big hit.
Oh I’m on that military discount! My husband is getting them at work this week! I booked a military rate through Disney too. It basically allowed to use to the suite for the same price we would have paid for regular room. Amazing deal.
We got the same deal. My husbands Reserve base in not near us, that is why we got our park hopper there. We are all about the discounts here too! The closest PX and commissary is over an hour away. When we lived in VA we were only 20 minutes away.
It was such a good deal wasn’t it??? If they are offering a discount for being in the military, we are using it!
The boat drivers have trading cards too! We got some when we took the boat to the Polynesian from the Magic Kingdom last March.
If you google Daft punk with no helmets there are a few.
Googling!
Love the photos of them when they were much younger. I can so see them in the robot helmets. The older photos of them? LOL, not so much.
replying here, too lazy to find the other post. you are probably right, and it’s purple too. how much are the replacements in store? we have a joann’s now in the mall. i just haven’t been because we haven’t been around and it’s too cold to go all the way to the mall. going this weekend.
anyways, BEACH CLUB. breakfast & the lunch/dinner buffets were awesome. and it’s walkable from the back of epcot. husband & i agreed next time we go we are staying in one of those resorts! i still haven’t written up my halloween trip. i am SO behind.
gaston’s is open! ohana has lilo/stitch character breakfast.
jiko used to be my fave but i was meh on it this time. boma is usually our favorite buffet food wise, and tusker house inside AK runs close!
the ONE thing you must do if you do table service (not buffet)- tell them you do NOT want them to stretch it into a 2 hour meal. if you do not you spend ALL DAY SITTING THERE. it didn’t use to be that way but it’s gotten really terrible. and surprise, our most pleasant meal the whole trip? tony’s town square lunch on the last day!
I don’t think they are too expensive. Maybe $5 a roll?? Not bad.
OMG, we stayed at Beach Club once and it was fabulous! You can walk to MGM. It’s maybe 15 minutes? Not too bad. SO expensive (at least I think for the size of the rooms), but the sandy bottom pool was so cool for the kids. We booked a suite at one of the “value” resorts this time and I am so looking forward to that extra space. But I do love Beach Club! Where did you stay last time?
I’ll check out Boma!
we stayed at coronado springs in oct.
btw, caramel sea salt dang chips were at my safeway in the produce section.
I need to go find those! If only to try them once!
We’ve stayed there! I like their little sandbox area by the pool!
Did you see that the glossy box la Prairie box was released???
I did! Are you getting it??
The Whispering Canyon Cafe at The Wilderness Lodge is a lot of fun. I have been there for lunch and breakfast and both was good. If you are at Magic Kingdom you can get there by boat. The fun thing about the Whispering Canyon Cafe is the waiters. They do funny things through your whole meal. If you ask for ketchup you will end up with all the ketchup in the place on your table!! If you ask for a little water you will get water in a tiny glass, and other things like that. Last time we had a very funny waiter, he even put my little brother in “Jail”.
That sounds fun! Totally checking that one out!
I go to the movies like twice a year – and I seem to always have a giftcard movie ticket. We ONLY see movies we really want to see… it’s not like in high school where it was like let’s go to the mall and see what’s playing and pick on. Oh, and have you noticed on Seinfeld they go to the movies constantly? And they don’t really have cell phones yet (they do a little bit) and they have car phones and it’s super weird.
I am so old I remember when my parents and a bag phone in the car!
And I totally remember that about high school. We used to see everything!
We don’t go to the movies either and haven’t gone since before my baby was born (7+ months ago). We find we have more fun relaxing at home anyway! That’s so fun you’re going to Disney! We always love the German restaurant in Epcot (Biergarten) and Boma at the Animal Kingdom.
My husband is all over those German restaurants. He really likes the Princess character one with the buffet. LOL!
My kids are 16 mos and 4 yrs. Our last trip to Disney was in November. Our next will be October ’14. We all really enjoyed the character breakfast at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. It will be on our list every year. We also liked the character dinner at The Garden Grill. Strongly consider these two. The food was really good at both. The kids enjoyed the Hollywood & Vine character breakfast, though the food was not as good. The food was good and the adults were very entertained at 50’s Prime Time Cafe, though the kids were a little less entertained there. We had two adults only dinners that were terrific… One was at La Hacienda de San Angel (EPCOT). We sat by the water and watched the fireworks during dinner. The food was some of the best Mexican food I have had. I think kids would do fine there. My husband and I also ate at Narcoosee’s one night. We used four sit down meal entitlements, but it was worth it. I have to say, it was one of the best meals I have EVER eaten. I don’t say that lightly. We are from New Orleans, so we KNOW good food. We had a window seat there, too, so we were able to watch the fireworks during dinner.
Well, enjoy your snow days. It looks like we’re actually going to have one here tomorrow, and that just doesn’t happen!
Where do you live?
And there are SO many fabulous restaurants it seems. So hard to decide. I have never done a character breakfast at Animal Kingdom, that that could work!
I need to look into Narcoosee’s if only to read all about this fabulousness that I will not get to partake in this trip! It sounds amazing!
Suburbs of New Orleans.
Can you send me some snow so I can have a snow day please??
It’s not even the snow as much as the FREEZING weather. I will happily send you that!
Tusker House has an amazing character breakfast! We got to see all of them and the food was amazing as well. I second the people that said 50’s prime time, that place is really fun and so is the sci fi drive in.
Thank you!!
Yay for Disney! It is my favorite place in the whole world – we actually just came back from Disneyland and are deciding if our next trip is Disney World or Disney Cruise…tough decisions lol! Here are our favorite dining spots: Rose & Crown (Epcot, late, water table to view fireworks), San Angel Inn (Epcot, lunch, not a fan of dinner menu), ‘Ohana (Polynesian, character breakfast and all you can eat dinner), Crystal Palace (MK, breakfast), Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge, dinner)…there’s more but those tend to top the list! I’m not sure if you’ve been here, but I use this website for all my meal planning http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm Hope it helps!
You probably can’t go wrong with either! Someone else mentioned it too, but I will totally check out All Ears!
Disney meals: I was going to suggest Prime Time Cafe. We went there when my son was 4 and he had fun. We enjoyed Chef Mickey’s breakfast, and the Crystal Palace breakfasts on that trip too. We’ve really enjoyed 1900 Park Fare’s character meals (Grand Floridian). The night one is Cinderella and friends, but I think breakfast is more like Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and sometimes Pooh characters.
For quick service in Epcot, on our last trip we went to the French place twice because we liked it so much. There were really good sandwiches, including something like cheesy bread for our little vegetarian and then the yummy desserts! We also had one of my favorite pizzas of all times at Via Napoli. The service was a bit of a bummer there, but the pizza margarita made it worth going back someday for us.
Also on this last trip, I took my son and his cousin (they were both 10) on the Pirates and Pals cruise. That leaves from the Contemporary resort where you meet up and grab plenty of snacks, and can have photos taken with Captain Hook and Smee. Then you catch your boat and view the electric water parade, and then you watch Wishes. It was a fun way to see the fireworks. The pirate captain tries to entertain everyone during the periods of waiting which might be pretty dull for little ones. That might be the time when a hand held game might come in handy, but once the fireworks start it’s really special. You have the music piped aboard, and a visit from a special guest when you return to the dock.
I kind of want to have breakfast with Mary Poppins. That sounds fun. I totally need to look into Prime Time Cafe! Everyone is recommending it!
I will have to remember that Pirates and Pals for when WB is a tad older. That sounds really neat!
I asked my son and he reminded me of the Dinosaur place T-Rex at Downtown Disney. The boys would probably love all of the animatronic dinosaurs and decorations in there, but when we went the food was incredibly bad. However, the desserts looked really cool. We decided that if we ever returned we’d just go for dessert so you could enjoy the fun without wasting lots of money on a mediocre (or worse) lunch or dinner.
OMG yes, we have been there and it is so cool. I recall L liking the dino nuggets which were likely super overpriced, but he liked them. It’s like Rainforest Cafe, but with Dinosaurs. I am going to have to plan a lunch (or better yet, like you said a dessert) there or something!
Are you familiar with the All Ears website? They have all the menus and tons of good info on the parks.
I have heard of it?
I go to the movies all the time..love it! Yesterday I saw “12 Years A Slave” so sad and to know it’s based on a true story really gets to you. I recommend seeing “Captain Phillips” if you venture out 🙂
That was a good one??
You should look into using one of your quick service credits at Wolfgang Puck Express at Downtown Disney – the one near World of Disney. It’s the best value for the quick service credits, and the food is great.
Will do! Thanks!
IF you REALLY want to know…
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/in-case-you-were-wondering-this-is-what-the-guys-from-daft-p?bffb
Thank you!
What is the rule for snow/cold days there? It seems more reasonable there. Our schools never give snows days unless there are huge drifts, and only gives cold days if it’s -20 or -30 with windchill. I feel like that is kind of ridiculous. Even when it is that cold they try to do the late start crap. Although, I guess most of the winter we are well below zero, except this year.
Also, we are doing a Disneyland trip is April. So excited! Disney World is so much better for meals!
We are allowed 6 a year. THis year is crazy. I don’t think we got one at all last year! Icy roads, wind chills below -25 and too much snow will land you a snow day here!
best part of magic kingdom and epcot now = STARBUCKS. 🙂
if you can try to get a reservation at be our guest in magic kingdom … soooo good! pizza in italy is a great lunch! i took my son to the disney junior breakfast at hollywood studios and he loved seeing all of the characters.
if you’re there during flower and garden festival i heard they’re having the food booths set up like they do during food and wine so you can eat and drink your way through the world ( and you can use your snack credits for those booths )
so many yummy options to choose from!!
Yes!!! This will be coming in quite handy!! Who doesn’t need coffee at Disney???
Did you get MagicBands? If so, have you had them before? There are some good tips/tricks you should know for using those, too.
My husband has to buy the park tickets and then I guess somehow I will be adding those to my profile to get the magic bands? I am a little fuzzy on that, but I am sure it will work.
You are staying on property, so I think they notify you 4 to 6 weeks in advance if you are getting magicbands. It seems like everyone is getting them now, though. (Once you get them once, you can use them on every trip.) At that point, you can add them to your account and add your tickets to your bands. Then you can add you fastpasses. The fastpasses get a little tricky, sometimes.
Ohhh, okay! That makes sense! Thank you!
If you are going to the Disney in Orlando definitely eat at the Floridian hotel. It is one of the Disney hotels and is super luxe and delicious. Best part is that they take the Disney dining plan so it is a fancy meal for less!
Oh yes, I like to use my plan to the max of its potential!
You can totally max out the value of the dining plan at Kona Cafe for dinner at the Polynesian and Coral Reef at Epcot. Both have excellent food and I’m sure the kids would love to see the fish in the huge tank at Coral Reef. Time it right and you can see scuba divers who swim right up to the windows to interact with the guests. Kona doesn’t have as much entertainment but they have some really cool desserts for kids. If you’ve never done sci-fi diner at Hollywood Studios, that’s really fun too, but the best value on the dining plan is Mama Melrose’s. Also, I recommend Flametree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom for one of your counter service credits and grab a table by the water – it has a great view of the Asia section of the park. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Thank you! I have always enjoyed Coral Reef!
Haha I never really go to the movies anymore (unless it’s Christmas – then I go to the movies with my family) because I download or stream everything (including all the newest films). The last movie I saw in the theater was The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug just this past Christmas. 🙂
We never do either!!!
The best place to figure food out in DisneyWorld? The Disney Food Blog!
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/
They will break it down to “best cupcakes”…”best hamburgers” etc. I used them when I went to Disneyland in CA (they are much more DisneyWorld centric) and found some amazing things I never would have if not for that blog.
Thank you!
Here is a link that shows you what daft punk looks like!
In Case You Were Wondering, This Is What The Guys From Daft Punk Look Like Without Their Helmets http://bzfd.it/1mPkiF8
I was so shocked to see what they looked like, but I kind of wish I would have kept it a secret and to think of them as robots! Haha
Thanks!