Oh how I'm missing Disney's Sweet Treats!

This week I am really missing those delicious treats and desserts offered in the Disney Parks.  There is nothing better than walking down Main Street USA on a hot day (which is anytime from March to October) while enjoying a sweet treat in the shape of Mickey Mouse.  Now this is a topic I'm sure I'll be missing again down the road, and when that time comes I will definitely have more to write about!

Let's break this down park by park.  First up, of course, Magic Kingdom:

My favorite thing to have while walking through the Magic Kingdom is a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar.  Wait, let me backtrack for one moment.  It is my belief that almost anything in the shape of Mickey tastes better because it is in the shape of Mickey.  Oh and the ears are the best part.  Now back to the Mickey Ice Cream Bar.  This is a classic treat.  It's a hot and humid day in the park, a colorful balloon bouquet is flying high above Main Street, and the Castle Show is in full swing.  You take that first bite into a chocolate and vanilla ear, and it is magic.

My husband prefers the Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich.  I do agree that it is amazingly delicious, especially the cookies n' cream ice cream, but I will usually still defer to the Ice Cream Bar.  Another ice cream must is from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street.  Two scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream with two chocolate pieces on top to make Mickey's ears make any adult feel like a child again.  This is a favorite treat to have while watching Wishes fireworks.

Finally, let's travel behind Cinderella's Castle.  My other must-haves while in the Magic Kingdom are a Strawberry-Banana Smoothie from Auntie Gravity's, Cake Pops from Big Top Souvenirs, and I would not be a Disney fan if I didn't mention Dole Whip at the Aloha Isle in Adventureland.  These are all so satisfying and just make the whole experience of being in the Magic Kingdom a little more magical.

Now let's talk about MGM (or Hollywood Studios - see my very first post):

I have not had as much experience indulging my sweet tooth at this park but the few things I have enjoyed were enough to make me wish I was there right now.  First was a very large, very delicious Mickey-shaped chocolate chip cookie.  We actually brought one home with us in an attempt to continue the magic.

Mickey and chocolate! Yum!

The other incredibly delectable treat enjoyed at this park was a chocolate mousse served inside an R2-D2 mug! Delicious and an amazingly awesome souvenir!


Finally, Epcot:

There were two notable sweet treats enjoyed in Epcot.  One, which I advise anyone visiting this park to try, is the crepe in France.  Yum.  The other I had the chance to try during the Food & Wine Festival last year.  It was the Frozen S'more.  This was interesting because it was frozen, so it was as refreshing as an ice cream but as delicious as a s'more.  For a hot day in Florida, that's a dynamite combo!

Now I know any treats in Downtown Disney do not require an Annual Pass, but Ghirardelli deserves an honorable mention.  Any sort of treat you get from here is most likely going to be incredible, but make sure it has chocolate somewhere in it or on it!

In conclusion, Disney's sweet treats are awesome and Mickey-shaped treats are always tastier and more magical.  What is your favorite sweet treat to eat while walking around the parks?

I'm missing the "limited-time" engagement of the season...

This week I am REALLY missing being able to experience the latest special event or limited-time engagement happening at Walt Disney World.  I am especially missing it right now because the special event is Frozen Summer at MGM (I refuse to call it Hollywood Studios)!  Oh how I would love to go to the Frozen Sing-Along, build a snowman (which this Floridian rarely gets to do!), and see the fireworks set to the amazing Frozen music.

The funny thing about Disney is that they have a way to always make you feel like you NEED to be at their current event - that you are missing a once-in-a-lifetime happening.  And to Disney's credit, they typically produce on that.  Whether it's Star Wars Weekends, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Food and Wine Festival (YUM!), Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, or Very Merry - Disney puts out great special events that leave you planning your trip for the next year almost immediately after leaving the park.

I am missing having an Annual Pass to be able to just hop in the car one weekend in June to go to Star Wars Weekends and then again in September to eat my way through the countries (literally) at the Food and Wine Festival.  Having an Annual Pass definitely gives you an advantage to be able to experience all of these great events.

So while others are building snowmen this summer with Olaf,  I'll be here dreaming of having an Annual Pass again and reminding myself to "Let it Go."

What is your favorite special event at Walt Disney World? Why?  Leave your comments below.

Until next week!

Like my Facebook page!

What I'm missing this week at Disney...

Ok, first a little background on why I decided to blog about missing Disney.  I am a Disney fanatic, been one since birth.  Grew up watching the movies, the channel, visiting the resort in Orlando, FL, dreaming of being a Disney Princess...you get the idea.  Ever since I was able to work and afford an Annual Pass, I had one and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Unfortunately, due to changes in finances, I was forced to let my pass expire.  Now this Disney-lover is just spending the days remembering and missing the many amazing places, things, food, rides, and experiences of Disney World.  Consider it my therapy!  So come reminisce with me about all things Disney...

The thing I'm missing most this week:  the Contemporary Resort.

View of Wishes fireworks from the Contemporary Resort

This place holds a special place in my heart.  I was fortunate to spend many vacations at this hotel when I was young.  I got ready for my wedding at this hotel.  Beyond my attachments, however, this hotel is just so cool! It was one of two original hotels on property, the building's design is so unique, it has a beautiful mural in the center, all of the rooms have an amazing view out of their balcony and their front door, and - oh yeah - the monorail goes through the middle! If you want to experience a true Disney atmosphere in a hotel, the Contemporary is it.  

I'm missing that distinct Contemporary smell.  The lobby has its own scent, smells like a flower mixture but can't quite put my finger on it.  Whatever it is, it's amazing.  There is also a distinct smell on the fourth floor.  I have no idea what it is - maybe a combination of Chef Mickey's food, merchandise, and kids' laughter - but again, it's amazing.  I sometimes smell (or think I smell) that scent and I'm instantly taken back to the fourth floor of the Contemporary.  

Another thing I'm missing at the Contemporary is watching the Electrical Water Pageant from the dock behind the Contemporary.  This lighted show on the water has been a Disney staple since the beginning.  Although it may be simple, it is just so magical.  The lights and the music together are so much fun and just make you feel like a kid again.  My favorite part?  Under the Sea.

I really could go on and on, I haven't even gone into character dining at Chef Mickey's (so fun), dining at the California Grill (amazing food), or the Bay Lake Tower (so beautiful).  So that's it, that is what I'm missing this week at Disney World.  What about you?  Is the Contemporary your favorite resort?  If not, which resort are you missing?

Now, I know I could still visit the Contemporary without an Annual Pass, but honestly, this is what I was missing most right now.  There are many more Disney parks experiences to be missed in the coming weeks!