Welcome to the third installment of a monthly series we post. This is a bit of a recap post. We spend a lot of time reading and watching videos about Disney World to stay up on the latest news and trends. And maybe, just because there’s some fun in it for us! We call this series, the “Best of the Disney World Internet” and this is our November 2018 recap.
Each month, as part of this post we’ll give you what we see as some of the top blog posts, YouTube videos, message board discussions, etc. that we thought were fun, informative or helpful – or all of the above!! We’ll also give you our take on what is reviewed, discussed or otherwise mentioned in the video.
Before you ask, no it isn’t possible for us to read every Disney blog out there. We’ve tried…. or at least Carla has. If you think there is relevant content out there, email us and we’ll look at it for possible inclusion in the list. And just because a site doesn’t show up one month, doesn’t mean it won’t somewhere down the road.
Okay, enough with the preamble, let’s get to this month’s Best of the Disney World Internet.
Parkeology – Abandoned Fantasia Gardens Pavilion Might Be Master Architect’s Lost Work
Passport to Dreams Old and New – Weird WDW: Eulogy For a Dancing Hippo
Why We Think You Should Read
Okay, so this is a bit of a two for one deal. We are including both of the articles on this topic because we were so intrigued and blown away by this corner of Disney World that exists and is never discussed!!!
These pavilions are definitely “hidden in plain sight”. They’re a piece of Disney World that will be gone soon for the construction of the new hotel, The Cove. That new hotel will be located near the Swan and Dolphin.
Our Take on the pavilions and the new hotel
While it is always sad to see unique areas of Disney World being dismantled and replaced, we think it is safe to say that most Disney World fans have little to no memories tied to these pavilions and therefore won’t be missing them!!!
However, the historical significance of these pavilions can’t be dismissed as they were designed by Michael Graves as part of the Swan and Dolphin project in the early 90s.
The addition of the Cove to the Swan and Dolphin should be a great addition to this resort area. However, it probably will only significantly impact Starwood Members looking to use points for a Disney World vacation. The many conventioneers that come to Disney World resorts may find it as a great to have a new option.
The Tim Tracker – What Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is Like on A Sold Out Night/Christmas at Disney World
Why We Think You Should Watch
We always have to include a Tim Tracker vlog or two! Just like the MNSSHP vlogs, watching the vlogs for the Very Merry Christmas party are one of the best ways to plan ahead for the party. We understand not wanting to be “spoiled”. Yet the party time is so short for all the amazing offerings that we find it is worth it. These videos will help you know what you want to do so you have a general plan for the evening.
Also, if you are considering attending, we think it is invaluable to watch their vlog to see if the cost of the ticket will be worth it for you and your family.
Our Take on the Very Merry Christmas Party
We will experience our first Christmas party later this December. Watching this vlog of a sold-out night is great preparation for what to expect crowd-wise. We are anticipating that the party we are attending will also be sold out.
We are all so excited for this party (even more than we were for the Halloween one) and can’t wait to experience the magic that Disney can bring to the Holidays!!
Disney Tourist Blog – Christmas Food Guide to Hollywood Studios
Disney Tourist Blog – Food Guide to Epcot Festival of Holidays
Why We Think You Should Read This
Alright, another two for one here as we look at some of the posts on holiday food options.
We always enjoy reading Tom and Sarah’s food reviews. They always give honest reviews of the offerings and we enjoy Tom’s enthusiasm towards food and can relate to Sarah’s quest to find healthier options while still indulging.
Both of these blog posts are excellent resources for any one planning a holiday trip this year, or even considering it for future years to see what kind of special snacks and meals are offered.
Our Take on the Holiday food at Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Food is a huge priority for us in our vacation planning!! With all of the special treats offered, often only at one location, we like to read these reviews to know what we want to spend our money on. It also helps us plan out our meals and use of DDP credits, if we are using the dining plan. We don’t always. Knowing where to find these items is also helpful.
Also, it helps prevent wasting precious park time hunting down treats. We always pick the few must haves and make note of where they are offered. As we pass by those restaurants/snack stands, we are sure to pop in and enjoy!
We are looking forward to many of the items at Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays. Most of all the offerings at the American Holiday Table Kitchen. We must have a little taste of the traditional favorites that represent this time of the year for us.
Many of the desserts offered at the Hollywood Studios look delicious. We’re are looking forward to trying the Eggnog Panna Cotta and the beautiful Chocolate Chestnut Cone.
Main Street Gazette – Artifacts No Longer Taken as Payment
Why We Think You Should Read This
Ryan at Main Street Gazette posts some of the most articulate and insightful articles that point out and explain the backstories and details around Disney World. This article points out some of the rich theming at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs. Nothing at Disney World is by accident – every little detail is done intentionally, and this new bar and lounge is full of details from the Indiana Jones movies on which this bar is based.
Our Take on Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
We have not had the chance yet to visit this lounge but as huge of fans of the Indiana Jones movies, it is high on our list of places we want to take in!! Articles like this that point out all of the hard work that the Disney Imagineers put into designing everything in the World are great.
We are strong believers that these details are what sets Disney World apart from almost any other theme park experience. Reading blog articles such as this help explain what may not be so obvious just viewed on its own and gives us ideas on what to look for as we go to different places around the World.
FLASHBACK OF THE MONTH
Each month we are going to highlight a favorite video that shows the good ol’ “retro” days of Disney World.
The Living Seas – Martin’s Complete Ultimate Tribute
or on YouTube, if you prefer
Why We Think You Should Watch
If you go crazy for vintage/retro Disney World like I do, you need to check out Martin’s videos IMMEDIATELY!!! This month he posted his Complete Ultimate Tribute to The Living Seas. It is an hour and a half long so it is a time investment, but worth every minute for the walk down memory lane. (Hi Mike here…this is only if you are really into Disney World history. I did not watch an hour and a half of this video.)
I distinctly remember being so excited for this new pavilion to open and then being completely awestruck by the movie, the hydrolators and the seacabs. This contributed to my interest in marine biology and my first dream job of becoming a marine biologist to work with dolphins and manatees.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, our Best of the Disney World Internet for November 2018. We hope you enjoyed it and maybe even learned something. If there was some must see content that we skipped, email us using the contact us page. We’ll take a look.
If you know anyone that you think would enjoy our Best of the Disney World Internet article, please share it on social media. Just use the social sharing buttons on this page. It helps us get the word out on some important (and sometime not so important, but fun) topics and introduces us to a new audience. We appreciate you doing it and frankly the words on this page can’t truly convey how grateful we are for each of you!