The Best Drinks I've had in Disney

When you think of Disney...you don't often think of drinks. However, Disney really delivers some quality beverages! I decided to highlight some of my favorite Disney drinks in today's post.

Candy Apple Cotton-Tini

T-Rex Cafe, Disney Springs

This drink is a must-order for me. This martini is poured over a giant piece of cotton-candy. It is great fun getting to pour the drink and watch the candy quickly dissolve. The taste and smoothness is out of this world. It is perfectly sweet and sour all at the same time. Even though Disney does not own T-Rex, I think this is the most Disney drink you can find. I feel like I am stepping into a Disney movie every time I see one of these bad boys. Definitely add the cotton-tini to your list of must do's.

Florida Citrus Freeze

Dockside Margaritas, Disney Springs

Sticking to our current Disney Spring themes, the next drink is the Citrus Freeze. This was very refreshing and the quantity was very giving as well. I guess they weren't lying when they named this a "freeze" because I got the biggest brain freeze drinking it. However, that is not bad at all on a hot Florida day. No complaints here! I love the citrus flavors and I felt the bartender was very generous with our drinks. They looked pretty and were packed with flavor. The big orange on top made a nice addition to an already refreshing drink. Dockside margaritas is the place to visit for anyone looking for ice cold drinks with loads of flavor.

Rum Dole Whip

Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Dole whips are one of my favorite things...and so is rum! Mix the two together, and you have one happy girl. The one pictured above is from Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival 2016, but I am told that alcoholic dole whips are available at Animal Kingdom too! Such a fun twist on a Disney classic.

Frozen Rum and Coke

Animal Kingdom

I don't have a picture because I drank it too fast! It's a simple drink with a lot of flavor. Sometimes a coke is just not enough to fill my cravings. Sometimes I need that coke to be frozen...with lots of rum! Yum! 

Pro-tip: This goes very well with food from Yak and Yeti. Alright, now I'm hungry and thirsty.

Now here is my question for you....what are your favorite drinks you've had in Disney?

Tweet me at @DoingTheDiz or tell me below in the comments.

Be sure to enter your email in the far right corner so you never miss any Diz talk.

-Tann

Top Five: Animal Kingdom Attractions and Rides

To be honest, I had never really been drawn to Animal Kingdom... that is until a few months ago. I had always thought it was a bit crowded with too little to do. I was very wrong. What was now my least favorite is now one of my favorites. This is because I did it right. I relaxed. I enjoyed the sites instead of trying to make sure I saw everything. I found delicious food and cozy spots to enjoy them. I actually found my most relaxing days to be in Animal Kingdom on my last trip. The food, the sights, the sounds, and the attractions all offer so much. 

Number Five:

Dinosaur

Well, this ride kinda freaks me out...but I like it! It is just so dark, and I have a real issue with things popping up in front of my face. However, the more I get on...the more I open my eyes! The animatronics are great and I really enjoy the story. I also really enjoy the jerky and bumpy nature of the ride itself. Hopefully one day I will be able to ride it with my eyes open the whole way through.

Number Four:

Kali River Rapids

I went on this for the first time a little while back. I really enjoyed it. It was burning hot that day so the big wave of water was very refreshing, and I dried off very quick in the sun! It was fun to interact with other Disney visitors in our "tube". We all laughed at who would be the one to get the most soaked. If this ride was longer, it would be higher on my list. It falls a little short, but overall a good memorable time!

Number Three:

Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest was a much needed addition to Animal Kingdom. I would have to say it's the first real big name attraction there. It is visually attractive and fun. A nice coaster with a few yeti twists and a backwards drop! I didn't find it to be too intense either. It is definitely a must-do for coaster enthusiasts.

Number Two:

Festival of the Lion King

This show is nothing but a great time. It is fun, cheery, and visually beautiful! The cast is always on their A-game. The show includes acrobatics, singing, dancing, and more. It honestly blew me away. I love the Disney attractions that make me feel like I am in Disney. This absolutely does the trick.

Number One:

Kilimanjaro Safaris

This is a surprise for me to put as my number one, but honestly this safari is what Animal Kingdom is about. It is unlike a zoo in the fact that it really looks like you are out on a safari. It is also a new ride every time as the animals are unpredictable. Instead of me just talking about it, let me show you!

There you have it! My top five AK attractions. Comment yours below or make a blog post of your own and comment the link! 

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-Tann

Guardians of the Galaxy to Replace Ellen's Energy Adventure?

Earlier I posted about my three least favorite rides. Ellen's Energy Adventure was on that list. I mentioned that I would love for it to be revamped or replaces with something more current. Little did I know...there is a rumor out right now about a possible Guardians of the Galaxy ride taking over Ellen's spot in the future. With the now confirmed news of it taking over DCA's Tower of Terror...I could really see this happening! I personally have always thought that Walt Disney World's tower would be safe from any closures as it is just so iconic to Hollywood Studios.

So in honor of this rumor...here are my top three reasons why I support this rumor/idea.

 It is current and relevant

Guardians is a hit right now, especially with it's upcoming sequel coming out. I love Ellen as a person, but the ride falls flat to current times. The video quality itself is outdated. I almost feel as I have stepped into a time machine into the 90's let alone into the prehistoric ages. The jokes just don't do it for me anymore either. To be quite frank, it's a little boring and I usually skip it for that reason. Now, Guardians would pull in a lot of people and with that giant space...Disney could whip up something brand new and great. Something that today's people are passionate about and interested in.

It goes along with Epcot's theme

Ellen's Energy Adventure is located in the Futureworld portion of Epcot. First off, it never made sense to me why they had such an outdated ride in a park that is dedicated to the future. I feel like they have to keep to it's theme...the future. I feel like Guardian's is a great fit for future world. What is more futuristic than space travel and aliens? With mission space at Epcot...it would fit right in! 

It will be great for Epcot

Epcot is my favorite park, but I do feel like it needs more big name rides. Soarin' is highly popular and test track is up there too. With the release of Frozen Ever After, their rides are really becoming popular.  If they had just one more really good ride, I would be over the moon. I love Epcot and would love to have just a few more quality rides to hop on away from the heat! Overall, it will clean up Epcot a bit and make it feel more current....or dare I say, futuristic? You may be able to sense that I think Epcot has some very outdated elements to it. Speaking more along the lines of Futureworld and not World Showcase. With nearly every other park going through expansions, I want to see Epcot thrive and keep up with the other parks by changing it up and staying relevant. 

Well, that was my quick little post. I really am looking forward to hearing if this rumor is true.

Tweet me your thoughts on the rumor at @DoingTheDiz on twitter or leave a comment below.

-Tann

Let's Discuss Our Least Favorites

Hello, all!

Disney World has tons of hits, but there are rides that I skip out on. Some are just in need of updates, while some are taking up room from what could be better rides. I am going to share with you three of my least favorite, and what I would like to happen with the space.  After you read mine, comment the same below or make your own blog post and share the link. 

Note: I am not calling any of these rides "bad" rides, these are just the ones I do not personally like. What could be ones least favorite, could be another's most favorite.

Number Three

Tomorrowland Speedway

I am sorry to say, but I do not like the Tomorrowland Speedway. I don't really know of others opinions outside my own families, but I truly did not enjoy it. It is a car on a track that goes very slow. The steering element is hardly there, our turns were so jerky and bumpy. I am sure kids enjoy this ride as they have never been behind a wheel before, but I feel there is something that can be done to elevate the excitement of this ride for both kids and adults alike. The element of Tomorrowland is lost on me in this ride. Maybe if they updated it just a bit to make it more futuristic, I would be on board. Possibly make the cars look newer and fresher. Give the track some fun lights and tunnels. I feel that tomorrowland has to change with tomorrow in order to keep to it's name.

Number Two

Ellen's Energy Adventure

I used to really enjoy this ride back in the day. That is, until recent times. To make this short, the last time I went on this ride there was NO more Ellen animatronic. What? No Ellen in Ellen's Energy Adventure? Okay, that was strike one. Strike two is that it is so very highly outdated. The video is outdated and it shows. It is not very current which makes it easier for me to get bored. This ride is also a whopping 45 minutes long with the actual ride time falling short. So, with a mostly outdated video and a ride that is missing animatronics, I choose to pass.  What should take it's place? I am not sure, but that is one big building! Epcot could use another quality ride. How about giving us a roller coaster in Epcot? Possibly a time traveling themed one to go with it's place in future world? Or, they could just make another really cool dark ride. Get Ellen and Bill back in for another current video and really fix up the dark ride instead of taking things out. If all else fails, how cool would a Big Hero Six or Inside Out dark ride be? They already have the meet and greets there. All in all, some sort of update needs to happen in order for me to go back on the ride. 

Number One

Stich's Great Escape

Well, this one may not be a surprise. I know many people who loathe this ride. I am one of them. For starters, this ride hurt me! They strap you in by using sensors...so make sure to sit up very straight! I was putting something in my pocket and had a painful bar pushing down on my shoulders. It was almost comical as the whole crowd of people collectively says "ow".  Nothing says fun ride by being physically hurt through it. I don't like the idea with that happening to kids either. I know many kids who would not want to be strapped into a stationary ride in the dark. Another thing about this ride is that nothing really happens. It's dark. It's loud. It get's foggy. Stitch appears, burps in your face, and it's essentially over. Come on, Disney! I want this to be turned into a dark ride. I want it to be about the GOOD stitch, not the bad one. I would love for it to be about Lilo and Stitch going to catch all of the other aliens. Much like a show they had on Disney a few years back. Stitch is my favorite character, so it pains me to hate his ride! I don't want them to get rid of stitch, just change his ride!

So, what do you think? What are your least favorite rides and what would you do to replace them?

Talk to you all soon, 

Tann

My Top Five: Epcot Ride and Attractions

Hello, all! Last week, I wrote about my top five favorite Magic Kingdom rides and attractions. Today, I will be talking about my top five favorites from the great Epcot. Let's dive right into it, shall we?

Number Five

Spaceship Earth

I was going to put Living in the Land as my number five, but it lost out by a hair to Spaceship Earth. This is due to the fact that this ride is located in the Epcot ball! A landmark that I happen to really love. The ride itself is fun with interactive elements to it. There is a lot of animatronics which is neat too. If it had a slight update, I think it would have potential to be higher on this list! 

Number Four

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

I would say that this is one of the lesser known rides at Disney. I did not even know about until my last trip there in May. It is located in the back of the Mexico plaza. It is a nice little boat ride! The story is cute and the animatronics at the end are adorable. I really enjoyed this!

Number Three

Journey into Imagination with Figment

Some people do not like this ride. I am not one of those people. I really, truly enjoy Figment. The reason some don't like it is because it used to be different. I had never went on the old ride, so I rode this ride with no background knowledge. I thought it was fun and cheery! It was a feel-good ride for me. It got me in the Disney spirit. I especially like the finale of the ride. Overall, I think it is a cute and vibrant ride! So, just because some people may not like this ride...check it out for yourself first!

Number Two

Test Track

I love Test Track so much that I almost made it my number one. I love the concept of getting to create my very own car. Once created, your car actually goes through all the tests on the ride. So, as your riding...it's as if your playing a sort of game! I always want my car to come in first place in all of the testing ares. It's so fun! Not to mention that the ride alone is worth it's number two spot. You journey through a dark indoor area. You are whipped around and your car makes sudden stops. Finally, the doors open and you speed through the race track. This is simply just an awesome, unique ride.

Number One

Soarin'

Soarin' is a ride unlike any other. It is a fully immersive ride that takes your senses on a wonderful journey! One thing that surprises me is that the chairlift really does go quite high up. If you are a little scared of actually going high up, request the back row. I believe it only goes 6 feet up. I love the fun feeling I get when we first "take off". My brain always get's tricked into feeling like I am actually soarin' through all these beautiful sights. This is a ride that I could ride one hundred times and never get bored of. The line is typically very long, but with the addition of a new theater...the wait time will probably decrease. I would get a fast pass either way, this is a must do! 

There you have it, my top five rides and attractions at Epcot. What are yours? Follow and Tweet me at @DoingTheDiz on twitter. Feel free to leave your top five in the comments too.

Are there any lesser known attractions that you love as well?

Bye, everyone!

Tann

My Top Five: Magic Kingdom Attractions

I'm sitting here at home after a long day of work. All I can think of is Disney! What a fun, magical place Disney is. The opposite of what work is! I so wish I could be strolling the parks with a dole whip in hand right now. Well, maybe I can pretend I am on the rides if I write about my top five Magic Kingdom attractions!

Here we go...!

Number 5

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

I went on this ride expecting to not like it. I don't typically do any kind of coaster, but this one really opened my eyes up to them! It was so smooth. I even wanted it to go faster! This ride is special to me because it helped alleviate my fear of coasters. Going into the cave is so pretty too with the glowing gems. I love the animatronic dwarfs! The details and sounds are so immersive once in the cave that it really gives the ride a special kick. The wait times are typically long. Fast passes are recommended.

Number 4

Mickey's Philharmagic

Man, oh man. This show gets me every time. I am not a person who tears up easily. Practically never, but when I sit down to watch this wonderful 3D journey into Disney...I always find myself getting a little emotional. This show just embodies Disney with it's iconic music, characters, and overall spirit.

Not to mention...the smells and effects! It is so immersive and a must see. Perfect for all ages and a nice way to beat the heat. Another perk is the super low wait time. Ah, I just love it.

Number 3

Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion...you terrified me as a child, but I am loving you as an adult. This ride is so well-thought out and designed that it is hard not to fall in love instantly with it. Starting from the queue to the end, everything is themed to the spooky max. The pre-show is delightfully scary and fun, albeit a little cramped. Once aboard your "doom" buggy, you will enter a world of happy (and un-happy) haunts. The ride has a solid story and some of the very best effects that MK has to offer. The wait time ranges, but we found that it is pretty short at night! We walked right on. Plus, it was much spookier that way. 

Number 2

Pirates of the Caribbean 

There is something about this ride that really grabs me. The queue is breezy and themed so well. The sounds are so grasping. From the second you aboard your boat, you just know you are about to take a wonderful journey. I even love the smell of the ride. It smells like you are out at sea as you hear the faint singing of pirate songs. This ride just engages my senses and I love it for that. It is a visually stunning ride, as well. There is so much to look at, which makes it a great repeat ride. What a classic and what an adventure. The wait time varies. We usually get a fast pass at some point because we just love it so much. 

Number 1

Splash Mountain

Wooohooo, Splash Mountain! I have rode this ride countless times. From the second you sit in that log, you know you are about to journey into a new world. The world of Br'er Rabbit! This ride is both relaxing and thrilling. What a bargain! The animatronics are adorable as they sing your way through the ride. Ultimately, you end up making a BIG splash down the brier patch. I just love that stomach drop feeling and the adrenaline rush! Also, on a hot day...that splash of water is very nice! The wait times can be on the heavier side, so we always get a fast pass. Pro tip: ride this during the fireworks, the wait time is usually a walk on for us and it's STUNNING!


So there you have it. My top five at MK!

Follow and tweet me yours at @DoingTheDiz or answer below in the comments.
If you have a blog, make a post and tweet me the link. I love to talk Disney with like minded people!

Next up, top five at EPCOT!

Stay tuned,

Tann

Adulting in Disney: Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival 2016

Ah, Disney. I miss you. 

After saving and saving, we drove down to Disney a couple months ago to take a nice vacation.

The one thing I was most looking forward to was Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival.

As it turns out...it is beautiful! Their are many different kinds of flowers everywhere you turn, topiaries upon every corner, and overall gorgeous sites of nature. 

Seriously, Epcot is my happy place.

Add the flower and garden festival to the mix and I never want to leave.

But...what may be the real hero of the trip to me...was trying all the food and drink booths!

Here are a few things we tried!

 Three words: Rum. Dole. Whip. A Disney classic topped with coconut rum... need I say more?

                      A spicy hot dog with pineapple chutney and sriracha mayo? Yes, please.

Blueberry hard cider...I've been dreaming of this since I had it. It was perfection in a cup.

As you can see, the festival was a hit. With beautiful landscapes, wonderful food, and unique drinks...you just can't go wrong. Other features of the festival included concerts, unique shopping, and a butterfly house! Not to mention that all of Epcot's usual attractions were still going on as well. It's double the fun!

If you are wavering on whether or not to check out a future years flower and garden fest, I would say it's definitely an amazing experience that should be seen at least once!

That does it for this blog, one day I so hope to attend Epcot's Food and Wine Festival.

Be sure to subscribe by putting your email into the far right option. Follow me on twitter at @TayTakesOver. I would also love to see your own flower and garden festival pictures in the comments!

Until the next blog,

Taylor